PARSHA - Vayishlach "Im Lovon garti v'taryag mitzvos shomarti"

This week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach, relates Jacob’s statement that, “I have sojourned - garti - with Laban.”

The great commentator Rashi notes that the word garti has the numerical equivalent of 613. Thus, by using the word garti, Jacob implied that, “Though I visited with the wicked Laban, I have observed the 613 Mitzvot (commandments).”

“Sojourned” implies that Jacob lived as a stranger with his father-in-law. All aspects of Laban, all the physical objects of oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants and handmaids, were to Jacob no more than garti - something alien, something strange, transitory. They were not his true self.

Where did Jacob feel his true self? Where did he feel at home and not like a stranger? - When he was involved in studying Torah and performing Mitzvot.

His true home was when he was engaged in serving G-d.

The Maggid of Mezeritch, (whose yohrtzeit is this coming Sunday, on the 19^th of Kislev) when asked why his home was furnished so sparsely said, “At home, it is different.” A person’s home must contain all the amenities of life. However, when we travel, when we are on the road, it is not so important that our temporary dwelling be furnished beautifully, after all, it is just a journey.” And for him, his life was just a transition.

While still in exile we are “on the road”; like strangers on a temporary visit, a journey, heading toward the eternal world of truth.

We are not yet in our true home. As expressed in Jacob’s message to Esau: “garti - I am only a sojourner.”

In the Days of Moshiach, we will finally be at “home,” engaged in our real task of serving G-d. May it happen immediately!

Candle lighting time for L.A. is 4:25 pm.

Celebrating the 19th of Kislev.

The Baal Shem Tov writes that he was once granted a spiritual vision of Mashiach. Unabashed, he asked him: “When are you coming?” Mashiach answered him: “When the wellsprings of your teachings spread outward.”

Two generations later, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of Chabad Chassidism, was imprisoned by the Czarist authorities.

While in prison, Rabbi Shneur Zalman had a vision of the Baal Shem Tov and asked him: What was the real reason for his imprisonment?

The Baal Shem Tov told him that there were spiritual factors involved. Rabbi Shneur Zalman had been spreading Chassidic teachings without restraint, and this had aroused negative forces in the spiritual realms. “The world was not ready,” these forces claimed, “for such a great revelation.” And therefore, Rabbi Shneur Zalman was imprisoned.

“If I’m released, should I change my approach?” Rabbi Shneur Zalman asked.

“No,” the Baal Shem Tov answered. “If you are released, that will be a sign that your approach has been vindicated.”

On the Hebrew date of Yud-Tet Kislev, the nineteenth day of the month of Kislev, Rabbi Shneur Zalman was released from prison. That date is thus celebrated as a festival. For on it was granted the potential for the wellsprings of the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings to be spread outward and prepare the world for Mashiach’s coming.

The Perpetual Struggle - Tanya.

In his Tanya, The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, describes a perpetual struggle between the spiritual and the material in man and in creation.

Within the human being, this conflict takes the form of a battle between the "animal soul" and the "G-dly soul." The animal soul is our physical self -- the drive to be and exist, the instinct for self-preservation, self-fulfillment and self-enhancement. The G-dly soul is the source of our spirituality -- our drive for self-transcendence, our yearning to escape the confines of our material existence and connect to the infinite and the eternal. Life is the war between these two opposing drives: every act we do, every word we utter, even every thought we think, is an outcome of this inner struggle, representing the victory of one of the two selves vying to express itself and further its aims via the body and faculties which they share.

The Tanya charts a program for life to achieve the dethroning of the material self from its natural station as the prime motivator of everything we do, and establish our spiritual self in its place; to transform our every deed from an act of self-perpetuation to an act of self-transcendence. For example, to sanctify our eating by eating for the purpose of utilizing the energy we derive from our food to serve G-d. In this way, the act of eating becomes a holy act -- an act that expresses the exclusivity of the Divine.

"The foundation and root of the entire Torah is to raise and exalt the soul over the body."

14th Kislev. Wedding of Rebbe & Rebetzin

Today is the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, it marks the wedding anniversary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and the Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka- daughter of the Previous Rebbe. Their wedding took place, amidst much rejoicing, in Warsaw, Poland. However, the Rebbe's parents, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson were not in attendance, as the Russian government did not permit them to travel to Poland for their eldest son's wedding. They, however, prepared a celebration and wedding feast in their town of Dniepropetrovsk, which was attended by many in the Jewish community. Their celebration lasted until the wee hours of the morning.

Our Sages taught of the importance of "Shalom Bayit" - peace and harmony in one's marriage. Thus, we are enjoined to be of the disciples of Aaron, for he loved peace and pursued peace, bringing peace between husband and wife.

In the Rebbe's personal correspondence, the greatness of Shalom Bayit is emphasized, as well as practical advice on how to achieve a peaceful, harmonious relationship.

In one letter, the Rebbe writes that the Torah teaches, and Chasidut emphasizes, that a person is created with a right eye and a left eye. The right eye teaches that one must always look at another Jew - and obviously and most importantly, one's spouse - with a good eye, to see what is best and nicest in him or her.

May we very soon merit the ultimate wedding of G-d and the Jewish people, and with it of course the ultimate peace and harmony, with the revelation of Moshiach. NOW!

Listen to a "child's" cry! (Story of A.Rebbe& Mitteler Rebbe)

Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (known as the "Alter Rebbe,") was deeply engrossed in study. His intense concentration was legendary. But something caused him to suddenly stop his learning.

It sounded like a crying infant.

He closed the holy book he was studying, and rushed to calm the newborn—his grandson.

All the while, the child's father – the Alter Rebbe's son, himself a future Rebbe – was utterly immersed in learning, oblivious to the cries.

Later that day the Rebbe had a talk with his son.

"No matter how involved one is in an endeavor," the Rebbe coached, "however lofty it may be, one must never fail to hear and respond to the cry of a child in need."
The Lubavitcher Rebbe would add that this principle applies to the call of a child in knowledge as much as it does to a child in years.

Preoccupation with all things grand and noble must not preclude the needs of those less fortunate.

Life is such that we inevitably become preoccupied with things small and large, sometimes to the point that we fail to hear the call of our very own children, let alone someone else's.

Whether we are busy with matters local or global, spiritual or mundane, life-shattering or otherwise, those suffering children, in years, in knowledge, or in opportunity, rely on us to have them in mind.

It's up to us to sharpen our senses, to tune our ears, so that we hear the tear-filled eyes and heart of a child calling out in need.

PARSHA - Vayaitzei (Climbing ladder, rung by rung)

What's the best way to get to heaven?

In this week's Parshah, Vayeitzei, we read the story of Yaakov's (Jacob's) dream and the famous ladder with its feet on the ground and head in the heavens. "And behold the angels of G-d were ascending and descending on it."

Do angels need a ladder?!?

In climbing heavenward one does not need wings. No dramatic leaps and bounds. There is a ladder! A spiritual route clearly mapped out for us; a route that needs to be traversed step-by-step, one rung at a time. The pathway to Heaven is gradual, methodical and manageable.

Sometimes when climbing a spiritual journey we may get overwhelmed. We feel we are not ready to make that giant leap. However, we are taught that the correct and most successful method of achieving our Jewish objectives is the slow and steady approach. Gradual, step-by-step, yet consistent. Then, through constant growth, slowly but surely we become more committed, fulfilled and happy.

If two people are on a ladder, one at the top and one on the bottom, who is higher? It depends in which direction each is headed. If the fellow on top is going down, but the guy on the bottom is going up, then conceptually, the one on the bottom is actually higher.

As long as we are going up on the ladder of religious life, as long as we are moving in the right direction, we will, please G-d, succeed in climbing the heavenly heights.

Candle lighting time for L.A. is 4:26 pm

Shabbat Shalom!

PARSHA - Vayaitzei (Ladder connecting earth and heaven.)

The dream of the ladder in our Parshah this week, Vayeitzei, is something that has captivated people's imaginations for thousands of years. Jacob, the ancestor of the Jewish people, was on a journey going far away from home. The sun set, he lay down and slept, dreaming of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven.

The Zohar tells us that the ladder in Jacob's dream represents prayer. Like the ladder, prayer reaches from earth to heaven. It is the means for every one of us to connect with G-d.

The prayer service has different sections, different stages, similar to the rungs of a ladder. During the service the person is climbing higher and higher, reaching ever closer to G-d. The highest stage is the Amidah prayer, in which we stand in the immediate presence of G-d, and speak directly to Him.

The angels going up the ladder in Jacob's dream represent the words of prayer. The words coming from our mouths and our hearts rise up to G-d.

The angels coming down the ladder are the messengers from G-d carrying Divine blessing to the person who is praying, to his or her family, to the Jewish people and the entire world.

After having the dream of the ladder Jacob established the bond between his own personal material success, and G-d/holiness.

Jacob said to G-d, "...of whatever You give me, I will give a tenth to You". By giving a proportion of his income to charity, Jacob was ensuring that all his wealth was tinged with holiness. Thus two worlds were joined: the material and the holy - like earth and heaven.

To join earth and heaven has been a vital factor in the preservation of the Jewish ideal.

Candle lighting time for LA is 4:26

Tes (9th) Kislev - Mitteler Rebbe

Today is the ninth of Kislev, it marks the birthday and, 54 years later, the passing, of Rabbi Dov Ber of Lubavitch, the second Chabad Rebbe, known as the Mitteler Rebbe.

About the Mitteler Rebbe it was said that he was so immersed in Chasidut that "if his finger would have been cut, it would have bled Chasidut instead of blood!"

When the Mitteler Rebbe was arrested by the Czarist government on slanderous charges (and was later released on the 10th of Kislev - a day after his birthday), even the government doctor, who was a prominent specialist, acknowledged that Chasidut was the Mitteler Rebbe's very essence and life.

The doctor told the Russian authorities that they must allow the Mitteler Rebbe to give talks on Chasidut to his Chasidim, explaining, "Just as you provide food for prisoners to ensure their existence, so too, must you allow him to teach Chasidut, for his very life depends on it."

The Mitteler Rebbe was not only concerned about the spiritual life of his fellow Jews; he worked to better their situation materially, as well.

It is important to celebrate the ninth, and tenth, of Kislev (tomorrow, the day of his release) - in a fitting manner. It is a time of great significance and we should celebrate with gatherings that will foster brotherhood and lead to good resolutions.

May we utilize this auspicious occasion by increasing in our performance of the three basic modes of Divine service; Torah Study, Prayer and Acts of Kindness. Thereby speeding up the coming of the true and complete Redemption.

PARSHA - Toldos

In this week's Parsha, Toldot, we read about the famous twins in history, Jacob and Esau. As any child can tell you, Jacob was the "good" one and Esau was the "bad" one, and the two brothers never got along with each other.

But the Torah is not a history book; Torah means "teaching," it contains eternal lessons that are always relevant and have a direct impact on our daily lives.

Jacob and Esau represent two ways of looking at the world, two different life styles that man is forced to choose between. Esau's attitude was "carpe diem" - seize the day, with no thought for tomorrow. Jacob, by contrast, lived a more elevated existence, recognizing life's spiritual dimension.

According to Chasidic philosophy, every Jew is made up of two souls: an animal soul and a G-dly soul. Like Jacob and Esau, they too never get along, and are in constant conflict.

The animal soul is interested only in the physical; like an animal that walks on four legs, its head is focused downward rather than up at the sky. The only thing that matters is the here and now. The G-dly soul, however, looks upward. Why am I here? What's the real purpose of my life?

As we learn from this week's Torah reading, the true birthright belongs to Jacob, and our function as Jews is to elevate the world by imbuing it with G-dliness. The battle will always be there, but it's a battle we can win by choosing wisely.

Candle lighting time for L.A. is 4:29 pm

Importance of 'Amen'

The Hebrew word "amen" means truthfulness, credence or belief. When we hear another reciting a blessing we respond with "amen"; thus affirming that we believe that which has just been said.

Tears fell from the angel, the officer of the Inner Chamber as he showed Rabbi Yishmael, the High Priest, what is in store for the Jews, the holy nation.

"He took me by the hand", relates Rabbi Yishmael, "and brought me into a chamber within chambers; a hidden place within hidden places, where many records were stored. He showed me written documents. In them were written all forms of troubles.

I asked him, "For whom are these troubles?"

He replied, "They are for Israel."

"And will they be able to withstand them?"

And he said, "Come tomorrow and I will show you troubles even beyond these."

So the next day he brought me within those chambers hidden within hidden chambers, and he showed me troubles even beyond those I had seen before. And I said to him, "My glorious one! Has Israel sinned so?"

And he replied to me, "Know that every day new decrees are formed against them, each day harsher than the day before. But the people of Israel gather in their synagogues and places of study and they respond, 'Amen! Yehay shmay rabba...'. And when they do this, then we do not permit these decrees to leave the inner chambers and to take effect."

STORY - Reb Zushe...

Reb Zusha had gone to visit his rebbe, the holy tzadik Reb Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezritch. Before departing for home Reb Zusha mentioned to The Maggid that he needed to marry off his daughter. His rebbe immediately gave him a sum of three hundred rubles.

Reb Zusha was greatly relieved. For now his wife and daughter would be at ease.

On his trip home Reb Zusha passed through a Jewish village where he heard the sound of bitter weeping coming from a poor widow. The poor woman was about to marry off her daughter and on the way to the chupa lost her entire dowry, three hundred rubles! The wedding was now called off because the groom and his family refused to go on without the dowry.

Reb Zusha walked up to her and said, "I think I have found your money!. Can you tell me wht it looked like?"

"Why yes," she replied. "The money was in a packet of two fifties, and ten twenties, and was tied with a red string."

"Yes, that's exactly what I found!" replied Reb Zusha. "I will go to my inn and bring your money back."

Reb Zusha ran to the inn and changed his money for the denominations the widow had described and tied it with a red string. Meanwhile with great excitement the preparations for the wedding continued. As Reb Zusha presented the widow with the money, he said, "I am keeping one twenty ruble note as my reward"

"What!" screamed the widow. "How can you rob a poor widow of twenty rubles!

"This money is mine as a reward for my troubles!" said Reb Zusha.

After much yelling and screaming from everyone around, the case was brought to the local Rabbi. The Rabbi ruled: "Reb Zusha must give the widow back the twenty rubles."

But still, Reb Zusha refused to give up the money. One young man then quickly extracted the bill from Reb Zusha's pocket and they threw him out of the village.

Months later the village rabbi happened to encounter The Maggid of Mezritch and related to him this incident with his disciple, Reb Zusha.

The Maggid turned to the rabbi, "You must go to Reb Zusha and beg forgiveness. That money did not belong to the widow. I myself gave it to Reb Zusha to marry off his own child! He demanded twenty rubles because he wanted to avoid honor at any cost. He wanted this great mitzva to be completely pure."

PARSHA - Chayei Sara (We'll be redeemed immediately)

This week's Torah portion, Chayei Sara, recounts the very first marriage match in the Torah.

Avraham sent Eliezer, his faithful servant, to his relatives in Mesopotamia, where Eliezer was destined to meet Rikva, Yitzchak's intended.

Rashi explains that Eliezer's actual journey was miraculous.

"I have come today," Eliezer declared to Rikva's father and brother, Betuel and Lavan. "Today I set out, and today I arrived," comments Rashi. Eliezer reached his destination -- a journey of 17 days -- on the very day he embarked.

Why was it necessary for G-d to make a special miracle for Eliezer?

Rivka, the Matriarch of the Jewish people, is described in the Midrash as "a rose among the thorns." Righteous and pure, Rivka lived the first few years of her life surrounded by "thorns" namely, Betuel and Lavan.

On the day she turned three, Abraham sensed that the proper time had arrived to free the rose from its prickly environment.

Eliezer was then dispatched without delay, and a miracle was wrought so that Rikva would not have to spend even one extra moment in an improper atmosphere.

"I have come today!" he declared. "Destiny cannot wait! Today I have come, for I must bring her back with me at once!"

From Eliezer's journey we learn that when the moment for Redemption arrives, it cannot be delayed for even one second. And if need be, miracles will be wrought to ensure that the Redemption occurs at exactly the proper time.

We must therefore not be disheartened by the length of our present Exile, for the Final Redemption with Moshiach will take place immediately, without delay, at the proper time, speedily in our days! Amen.

Candle lighting time for L.A. is 4:33 pm

Shabbat Shalom!