ב"ה
A Lesson for Husbands Everywhere
When the match was proposed between the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad Lubavitch, and Shterna, the daughter of one of the wealthiest Jews of his day, the Alter Rebbe set a tough precondition: His dowry was to be used to help settle poor Jews on the land, and help them earn
a livelihood.
The Plague of Frogs (Tzefardea)
Learn why this second plague hit Pharaoh hardest, and how these green creatures became an example of true commitment—inspiring famous people centuries later! See how they unwittingly enforced border control between Ancient Ethiopia and Egypt, and discover Kermit’s crazy ancestors from long ago, as you learn about the extra-ordinary intelligence these amphibious animals displayed. Plus, you’ll be astounded by their incredible super-natural antics as they tormented our Egyptian slave masters as only possessed frogs can! This fascinating class concludes with a deep ethical and spiritual message that we can all take to heart.
A Lesson for Husbands Everywhere
When the match was proposed between the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad Lubavitch, and Shterna, the daughter of one of the wealthiest Jews of his day, the Alter Rebbe set a tough precondition: His dowry was to be used to help settle poor Jews on the land, and help them earn
a livelihood.
In our first class, we lay the groundwork by understanding the lenses we will use to understand the book about which Akiva declared that “the world was never as worthy as the day the Song of Songs was given to Israel.” A woman in search of her love, a cryptic response, furniture shopping, and then suddenly the tables turn, he is searching for her, but she is hiding, and finally the wedding, a locked door, an anxious midnight search, and much more, let’s dive in.
Learn the true art of effective communication
When G-d instructed Moses to go down to Egypt and speak to Pharaoh, Moses protested that he was unfit for the task due to his speech impediment. G-d responded that He would grant Moses the ability to speak and, furthermore, Aaron would act as his spokesperson. Strangely, before Moses approaches Pharaoh he again posits the very same argument only to receive the very same answer! This class will explain the subtle but critical difference between the two scenarios and in so doing will offer a valuable lesson in the art of effective communication.
The Twelve Steps: Lesson 3, "Bechol Dor"
The third passage is “In every generation one must look upon himself as if he personally had gone out of Egypt.” This enigmatic quote from the Talmud is about observing the Passover Seder and seems to be a far cry from an overarching principle of Judaism. Yet as the layers are peeled away and the deeper meaning and relevance of our Exodus from Egypt is revealed, this Rabbinic teaching emerges as the most magnificent and meaningful description of dynamic Jewish life imaginable! Discover how its profound mystical message of transcending personal constraints richly encapsulates the essence of Yiddishkeit!
The Plague of Blood (‘Dam’)
This class pierces the veil shrouding the mystery around the first of the proverbial 10 Plagues. Discover the full story of the Nile River miraculously running red. Was it just a temporary chemical discoloration or did the water become actual plasma? What was the purpose, who was affected, and finally how did the magicians have water to turn into blood? Finally, why is this relevant in our day and age?
The witnesses for sighting the new moon
Torah law does not accept the testimony of witnesses who are related to each other. However, with respect to the witnesses required to establish the day a new month begins – via a sighting of the 'new moon' – Rabbi Shimon is of the opinion that the testimony of relatives is admissible; in contrast to the view of the Sages (Talmud, Rosh Hashana 22b). This class will explain both positions on the matter, and the relevance to our lives. (Likutei Sichos vol. 21)
The Dress Code for Exodus
The night before they left Egypt, the Children of Israel were commanded to eat matzah and bitter herbs together with the Paschal lamb "waist-belted, shoes on your feet and staff in your hand". Thus class will explore the spiritual dimension of this dress-code and its guidance for our personal exodus. (Based on the maamor V'kocho 5737)
The plague of darkness did not affect the Jewish people, as the Torah says (Exodus 10:23), "For Israel, there was light in all the places they were." Rashi differ from the Midrash as to whether this light was one of the miracles of the plague. This class explores the nature of this miracle and it’s illuminating message for our lives. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 31)
The Torah truism that G-d’s Mitzvot were designed to refine our character, and make us better people would lead us to assume that this strategy to living life appropriately would certainly be reflected in the first Mitzvah. Yet, in identifying that very commandment, this axiom seems to ring hollow. A scriptural detail leads us to an enigmatic teaching in the Zohar, whose elucidation - drawn from profound Kabbalistic insight into human consciousness - ultimately most vividly demonstrates how the first Mitzvah does indeed provide the foundational recipe to correct character building and the maximization of our personal potential!
Letters and Numbers of Torah - Bo
Three times in the Torah the word "ha-shvi-i" (the seventh) is missing a letter yud. (The first time is in this week's portion in Exodus 12:15.) When spelled this way, the word may also be read as "shavua" (oath) or "soveia" (satiated.) What is the connection between seven, swearing, and satiation, and how do they describe the process of the soul's descent into a body?
Parshah Curiosities: Bo
The plague of darkness was incredibly dense and intense for the Egyptians, while the Israelite nation enjoyed a miraculously bright and lit-up environment. This class will shed light and reveal obscure facets of this remarkable plague, and the layers of purpose it served in preparation for the Exodus.
Parsha Curiosities: Bo
In the Biblical narrative of the 10th plague; the silence of the dogs seems deafening. Why does the Torah lavish so much attention to muzzled barking at a time of widespread death and devastation? During the course of this investigation, we reveal the unique Torah take on the close connection that people have had with dogs since the dawn of human history. Canine lovers will appreciate this fascinating class’s bark and bite, although the conclusion doesn't necessarily endorse the person-pet relationship paradigm.
A profound presentation on the verses that segue into the very first Mitzvah we receive as a nation—the Sanctification of the Moon. Learning about our unique Jewish calendar, which incorporates a synergy balancing both the seasonal or solar calendar with the lunar or monthly method of keeping time, leads us to an understanding of why we label the months in a particular way. Yet, we seem to have abandoned this, opting instead for foreign nomenclature. Why?! Fascinating facts, incredible insights and sacred sparks are set into orbit to provide an inspiring explanation.
11 Nissan, 5744 • April 12, 1984
G‑d created plants and animals with the ability to procreate – to perpetuate themselves and reflect G‑d’s own Infinitude. Man, too, was granted the remarkable ability to reproduce, but was additionally blessed with the ability to harness and expand the infinite powers hidden within the rest of nature.
13 Shevat 5749 · January 19, 1989
“Man is a tree of the field.” The Sages of the Talmud apply this verse to the Jew. Torah is the
core of a Jew’s being, and Torah must effect his actions so that he bears good fruits — good
deeds. But when we say that a Jew must be “fruitful,” first and foremost he must reproduce
his own essence.
Nutrition from Shamayim
Can the New Year for Trees be a time for reflecting on the mitzvah of taking care of our health? Learn more about the meaning of Tu B’Shevat, and some of the health and healing properties of the fruits mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:8: “A land of wheat, barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of oil-yielding olives and [date] honey.”
In 1941, the Rebbe travelled to Marseilles, France, to obtain entry visas to the United States for himself and his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. While there, the Rebbe maintained his characteristic low profile, but at a gathering in honor of the New Year for Trees, he gave those
present a taste of things to come. (1941)
The origin and meaning of this custom
Our proverbial New Year for Trees is celebrated by most Sephardic Jews (and more recently by many Israelis of Ashkenazi descent as well) with an elaborate fruit-centric sacred ceremony colloquially known as the “Tu B’Shevat Seder.” It’s comprised of carefully choreographed chanting of Scripture and Rabbinic texts, accompanied by an assortment of fruit and wine, which are consumed in an orderly fashion. But why invoke unique Passover verbiage for this fruitful observance? This fascinating presentation sheds light on some of the origins and profound meanings of this enigmatic Torah tradition.
Hosted by American Friends of Lubavitch - December 25, 2024
Join the live broadcast of the lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah located on the Ellipse at the White House in Washington D.C. Featuring Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and a musical performances by The National Menorah Orc
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