When creating the world, G-d started out with His final objective in mind. Hence, the wish for a brighter future and the hope for a world of peace, harmony, and prosperity are universal. Judaism believes that this hope and vision lies at the core of creation—and of every human soul. We refer to this ultimate goal as the Geulah, the Redemption, which will be ushered in by Moshiach.
What can we do to make this future a reality? The first thing is to simply become aware of this inner desire and hope. The more aware we are of this desire, and the more clearly we see this goal, the more it will positively influence our actions—which will then make our aspirations a concrete reality.
And so, we must begin by envisioning the ultimate objective as clearly as possible, and then use that focal point to design a course of action that will guide our decisions.
The Rebbe teaches that it is not enough for us to envision and hope for Moshiach, we must also create a plan to get us there. A road map.
One of the most basic achievements that will be reached during the Messianic Era will be the spiritual purification of the environment.
In order to bring this achievement about, we must do whatever we can to purify our own environment and create a wholesome spiritual atmosphere.
We do this primarily by learning, thinking, and speaking words of Torah.
Start now in your corner and before you know it, the entire world will be purified.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Making the supernatural - our nature.
The Alter Rebbe once explained the verse: “Know what is above you” to mean "Know that everything “above" in the supernal realms, all comes “from you”—it all depends on man’s efforts."
Miracles are not necessary for Mashiach to prove himself, and in fact, in the beginning of the redemption, need not occur. However, there are many miracles that are necessary for the complete redemption. Each of these miracles is somehow a direct outcome or symptom of the changes that Mashiach will bring to the world and to man.
Ultimately, however, all of the miracles of Mashiach — as fantastic as they may be — have to start with us. We need to change the way we live our lives, and the way we see the world. When we transcend our nature and live a supernatural life, we open up the realm of supernatural possibilities.
Here are some specific examples that the Rebbe suggests for transcending our natures, and making the supernatural, our nature:
1. To constantly add and grow in our Torah study and performance of Mitzvot.
2. To appreciate the essential value of action, of mitzvot, of a Jew, and of everything in life.
3. And, perhaps most of all, to fill your life with joy—for joy breaks all barriers.
Miracles are not necessary for Mashiach to prove himself, and in fact, in the beginning of the redemption, need not occur. However, there are many miracles that are necessary for the complete redemption. Each of these miracles is somehow a direct outcome or symptom of the changes that Mashiach will bring to the world and to man.
Ultimately, however, all of the miracles of Mashiach — as fantastic as they may be — have to start with us. We need to change the way we live our lives, and the way we see the world. When we transcend our nature and live a supernatural life, we open up the realm of supernatural possibilities.
Here are some specific examples that the Rebbe suggests for transcending our natures, and making the supernatural, our nature:
1. To constantly add and grow in our Torah study and performance of Mitzvot.
2. To appreciate the essential value of action, of mitzvot, of a Jew, and of everything in life.
3. And, perhaps most of all, to fill your life with joy—for joy breaks all barriers.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Parshas Shmois - We are like stars...
The name of this week's Torah portion, identical to that of the second of the five books of Torah, is "Shemot" ("Names"). This is because this Torah portion starts off with once again mentioning the names of the tribes.
The names of the tribes have previously been mentioned numerous times in the Torah. Why are they listed here once again?
Rashi explains that this teaches us how precious the Children of Israel are to G-d, for in His eyes they are compared to the stars which He counts and calls by name time and time again.
Why are we, the Children of Israel, compared to stars?
Stars shine brightly in the night sky. By their light, a person who walks in the darkness of the night will not lose his or her way. Similarly, every Jew, man or woman, possesses enough moral and spiritual light to positively influence their peers and guide them to the proper path.
Additionally, despite the great distance between us and the stars, we are able to see them and benefit from their light.
If we utilize the strength G-d gave us, we have the ability - like stars - to illuminate not merely our immediate environment, but the entire world! Every single deed is important. One action, one word or one thought of one individual can have an influence on the entire world!
As Maimonides instructs, one should always consider that he and the entire world are being judged by G-d and that the scales of justice are even.
One mitzvah, one good deed, can tip the scale to the side of merit and bring redemption to the entire world!
The names of the tribes have previously been mentioned numerous times in the Torah. Why are they listed here once again?
Rashi explains that this teaches us how precious the Children of Israel are to G-d, for in His eyes they are compared to the stars which He counts and calls by name time and time again.
Why are we, the Children of Israel, compared to stars?
Stars shine brightly in the night sky. By their light, a person who walks in the darkness of the night will not lose his or her way. Similarly, every Jew, man or woman, possesses enough moral and spiritual light to positively influence their peers and guide them to the proper path.
Additionally, despite the great distance between us and the stars, we are able to see them and benefit from their light.
If we utilize the strength G-d gave us, we have the ability - like stars - to illuminate not merely our immediate environment, but the entire world! Every single deed is important. One action, one word or one thought of one individual can have an influence on the entire world!
As Maimonides instructs, one should always consider that he and the entire world are being judged by G-d and that the scales of justice are even.
One mitzvah, one good deed, can tip the scale to the side of merit and bring redemption to the entire world!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Deep Concentration - Learning Torah....
Shlomo HaMelach (King Solomon) writes that a person should be so occupied with his love for Torah, that one drop all affairs in order to run and learn Torah.
The Rebbe related the following story to teach us that when one delves into something deeply, he can reach a point where he does not even notice what's happening around him.
"Once, the Mozhitzer Rebbe was in need of an operation, but the doctors were afraid that in his weak state he would not be able to handle the pain. The Mozhitzer Rebbe suggested that they allow him to sing a Niggun (a chassidic song), wait until he is fully absorbed in it, and then operate on him. This way, he would not feel anything. The doctors followed his instructions, and amazingly, everything went smoothly!
Here is another story illustrating the deep concentration we can, and ought to attain.
One winter, Reb Yosef from the city of Lubavitch, traveled in a horse drawn sled on a dangerously slippery and bumpy path. The sled shook violently and swayed from side to side, eventually causing Reb Yosef to fall overboard into the snow. Unfortunately, the driver did not notice and continued on without him. And Reb Yosef? So immersed in deep concentration was he, that he felt not a thing of the freezing snow in which he was sitting. A while later, a group of Chassidim passed by and saw Reb Yosef sitting in the snow. When asked what he was doing there, he looked surprised and replied, "I am on my way to Lubavitch."
Now that's deep concentration.
The Rebbe related the following story to teach us that when one delves into something deeply, he can reach a point where he does not even notice what's happening around him.
"Once, the Mozhitzer Rebbe was in need of an operation, but the doctors were afraid that in his weak state he would not be able to handle the pain. The Mozhitzer Rebbe suggested that they allow him to sing a Niggun (a chassidic song), wait until he is fully absorbed in it, and then operate on him. This way, he would not feel anything. The doctors followed his instructions, and amazingly, everything went smoothly!
Here is another story illustrating the deep concentration we can, and ought to attain.
One winter, Reb Yosef from the city of Lubavitch, traveled in a horse drawn sled on a dangerously slippery and bumpy path. The sled shook violently and swayed from side to side, eventually causing Reb Yosef to fall overboard into the snow. Unfortunately, the driver did not notice and continued on without him. And Reb Yosef? So immersed in deep concentration was he, that he felt not a thing of the freezing snow in which he was sitting. A while later, a group of Chassidim passed by and saw Reb Yosef sitting in the snow. When asked what he was doing there, he looked surprised and replied, "I am on my way to Lubavitch."
Now that's deep concentration.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
We Can Control Our Thoughts....
A chassid once came to Rabbi DovBer, the "Maggid" of Mezeritch.
"Rebbe," he said, " When the Almighty commands us to do a certain deed or refrain from a certain act, I understand that however difficult it may be, I can do what G-d commanded because we all have free choice - to do something or not to. The same with speech, it is within my power to decide which words will leave my mouth and which will not.
"But what I find hard to understand is when the Torah forbids us to entertain thoughts that are destructive and wrong. Can a person really control his thoughts??"
"Go to my disciple, Rabbi Zev" said the Maggid, "He can answer your question."
And so the chassid made the trip through the snow-covered forests of White Russia. He arrived at Rabbi Zev's doorstep late into the night. To his happy surprise, there was a light shining through the window and he could see Rabbi Zev bent over his books.
He knocked on the door expectantly, but there was no response. He knocked louder, but there was still no response. As the night wore on, and he got colder and colder, he kept pounding on the door. But Rabbi Zev was seemingly oblivious to the banging on the door-just a few feet away-and continued to study his books.
After a while of this unusual behavior, Rabbi Zev suddenly rose from his seat, opened the door, and warmly greeted his freezing visitor. He prepared a hot glass of tea for him and inquired after the health of their Rebbe.
"Actually, our Rebbe was the one who sent me to you" the confused Chassid said, " saying that you could answer a question that I've been troubled by for some time. I simply cannot understand how it is that we are expected to really control what enters our thoughts!"
"I just gave you my answer", said Reb Zev, smiling. "Though you knocked incessantly on my door, I did not open up for you to come in. In my home, I am the boss. Whomever I wish to admit -- I allow in; and whomever I do not wish to admit -- I do not allow entry."
We are our own boss!
We have the power to control who, or what, enters our thoughts!
"Rebbe," he said, " When the Almighty commands us to do a certain deed or refrain from a certain act, I understand that however difficult it may be, I can do what G-d commanded because we all have free choice - to do something or not to. The same with speech, it is within my power to decide which words will leave my mouth and which will not.
"But what I find hard to understand is when the Torah forbids us to entertain thoughts that are destructive and wrong. Can a person really control his thoughts??"
"Go to my disciple, Rabbi Zev" said the Maggid, "He can answer your question."
And so the chassid made the trip through the snow-covered forests of White Russia. He arrived at Rabbi Zev's doorstep late into the night. To his happy surprise, there was a light shining through the window and he could see Rabbi Zev bent over his books.
He knocked on the door expectantly, but there was no response. He knocked louder, but there was still no response. As the night wore on, and he got colder and colder, he kept pounding on the door. But Rabbi Zev was seemingly oblivious to the banging on the door-just a few feet away-and continued to study his books.
After a while of this unusual behavior, Rabbi Zev suddenly rose from his seat, opened the door, and warmly greeted his freezing visitor. He prepared a hot glass of tea for him and inquired after the health of their Rebbe.
"Actually, our Rebbe was the one who sent me to you" the confused Chassid said, " saying that you could answer a question that I've been troubled by for some time. I simply cannot understand how it is that we are expected to really control what enters our thoughts!"
"I just gave you my answer", said Reb Zev, smiling. "Though you knocked incessantly on my door, I did not open up for you to come in. In my home, I am the boss. Whomever I wish to admit -- I allow in; and whomever I do not wish to admit -- I do not allow entry."
We are our own boss!
We have the power to control who, or what, enters our thoughts!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
How could it be that a prayer goes unanswered? Tzvi Freeman
Often, we find that our prayers have gone unanswered.
But can a prayer to our Father ever go unanswered?
"Aha," you may believe, "sure every prayer is answered, and sometimes the answer is 'no'."
But that's because you don't understand the secret of prayer.
Prayer is when a consciousness below breaks out of its ego and causes delight to the Consciousness Above. And when delight is brought Above, it must return below.
You may thus conclude that prayer is always answered, but perhaps only in a spiritual realm. Not always can a prayer affect the coarseness of our material world.
Yet this also cannot be, for the consciousness below did not pray for a spiritual blessing, but for a material one. The place from whence the prayer emitted, to there the blessing must return.
Rather, it must be that every prayer is answered, in our world, now, for the one who prayed and for that which he prayed.
The problem is only in the packaging -- that it is packaged in the artifacts of our coarse and dark world, so that at times we cannot see through the wrappings to discover the answer to our prayer.
But there will be a time when all of us will return to the One Above with all our hearts, and then all the concealment of this world will be shattered. The wrappings will fall away and we will see how each prayer was answered in its time. And we will hold all the blessings of all those thousands of years in our hands.
But can a prayer to our Father ever go unanswered?
"Aha," you may believe, "sure every prayer is answered, and sometimes the answer is 'no'."
But that's because you don't understand the secret of prayer.
Prayer is when a consciousness below breaks out of its ego and causes delight to the Consciousness Above. And when delight is brought Above, it must return below.
You may thus conclude that prayer is always answered, but perhaps only in a spiritual realm. Not always can a prayer affect the coarseness of our material world.
Yet this also cannot be, for the consciousness below did not pray for a spiritual blessing, but for a material one. The place from whence the prayer emitted, to there the blessing must return.
Rather, it must be that every prayer is answered, in our world, now, for the one who prayed and for that which he prayed.
The problem is only in the packaging -- that it is packaged in the artifacts of our coarse and dark world, so that at times we cannot see through the wrappings to discover the answer to our prayer.
But there will be a time when all of us will return to the One Above with all our hearts, and then all the concealment of this world will be shattered. The wrappings will fall away and we will see how each prayer was answered in its time. And we will hold all the blessings of all those thousands of years in our hands.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Jewish Birthday - the Jewish way.
One's Jewish birthday is the date upon which one was born according to the Jewish calendar. Jewish tradition regards one's Jewish birthday to be brimming with meaning and relevance.
Birth is G-d saying that the world could not go on without you. It is the day that your soul's mission had to begin.
There were already nearly six billion people on earth when you were born. Did the world really need you? Can one more soul really make a difference? Obviously, the answer is yes; otherwise G-d would not have sent your soul to this earth. The fact that you were born means there must be some unique gift that you have to offer the world that none of those other six billion people could possibly achieve.
Your birthday is an opportunity to reflect on these truths, and consequently, make the necessary resolutions. Consider: This is the day that my soul was dispatched on its mission. How is the mission going? Have I been contributing my part to the furthering of G-d's purpose to create heaven on earth? Have I been doing my bit to enhance and improve myself and my world? How much time and energy do I spend on meaningful pursuits? How much time could I add to that amount in the coming year?
The Talmud informs us that on our Jewish birthdays our mazal (good fortune) is dominant.
On one's Jewish birthday it is customary to get together with family and friends to celebrate. At the celebration one should say a prayer of thanks to G-d, give money to charity, and learn some Torah.
Birth is G-d saying that the world could not go on without you. It is the day that your soul's mission had to begin.
There were already nearly six billion people on earth when you were born. Did the world really need you? Can one more soul really make a difference? Obviously, the answer is yes; otherwise G-d would not have sent your soul to this earth. The fact that you were born means there must be some unique gift that you have to offer the world that none of those other six billion people could possibly achieve.
Your birthday is an opportunity to reflect on these truths, and consequently, make the necessary resolutions. Consider: This is the day that my soul was dispatched on its mission. How is the mission going? Have I been contributing my part to the furthering of G-d's purpose to create heaven on earth? Have I been doing my bit to enhance and improve myself and my world? How much time and energy do I spend on meaningful pursuits? How much time could I add to that amount in the coming year?
The Talmud informs us that on our Jewish birthdays our mazal (good fortune) is dominant.
On one's Jewish birthday it is customary to get together with family and friends to celebrate. At the celebration one should say a prayer of thanks to G-d, give money to charity, and learn some Torah.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
New! LIVE TeleFARBRENGEN!
B"H
Reminder! TONIGHT!!
Join Rabbi Moshe's "Live TeleFarbrengen"!
Thursday evenings - 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. L.A. time.
Participants will have an opportunity to share insights and/or ask questions.
It's easy, it's convenient, it's inspiring.
The live TeleFarbrengen call-in number is: 712-432-1438
The live TeleFarbrengen access code is: 1056496 #
We hope you'll enjoy this learning experience, with the aim of helping you to be your best self!
Rabbi Moshe Levin
Chabad of Downtown East.
Reminder! TONIGHT!!
Join Rabbi Moshe's "Live TeleFarbrengen"!
Thursday evenings - 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. L.A. time.
Participants will have an opportunity to share insights and/or ask questions.
It's easy, it's convenient, it's inspiring.
The live TeleFarbrengen call-in number is: 712-432-1438
The live TeleFarbrengen access code is: 1056496 #
We hope you'll enjoy this learning experience, with the aim of helping you to be your best self!
Rabbi Moshe Levin
Chabad of Downtown East.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Chanukah Tidbits...
"Listen to the Chanuka lights," The Previous Rebbe would say. Each one of them has a profound message.
Here are some Chanukah insights to reflect upon:
1. The Hebrew word "Chanuka" shares the same root as the word "chinuch" (education). During Chanuka we focus our attention on matters affecting the Jewish education of children. For this reason it is also traditional to give "Chanuka gelt" to children.
2. Oil, upon which the miracle of Chanuka is based, is an interesting substance. It is not required for our day-to-day existence and is never served alone as a food. It is used to add flavor and is thus associated with pleasure. Oil is a metaphor for the inner teachings of the Torah--Chassidut. Study of Chassidut adds pleasure to our observance of mitzvot. Additionally, both oil and Chassidut have the potential to illuminate. When we light a candle in a room, the contents of the room are revealed. Similarly, studying Chassidut serves to reveal not only more of our own personal potential and energy but also helps to reveal the G-dliness in the world around us.
3. "In those days at this time." These words, part of a special Chanuka prayer, hint at an amazing Jewish mystical concept. The spiritual energy that was evident during a particular event is reinstated in the world on the anniversary of that event. "At this time" we can draw on the energy of "those days." The eight days of Chanuka are an auspicious time to wage spiritual battles against evil, impurity and corruption within and without. And, with G-d's help, we will certainly be victorious, just as in those days.
Here are some Chanukah insights to reflect upon:
1. The Hebrew word "Chanuka" shares the same root as the word "chinuch" (education). During Chanuka we focus our attention on matters affecting the Jewish education of children. For this reason it is also traditional to give "Chanuka gelt" to children.
2. Oil, upon which the miracle of Chanuka is based, is an interesting substance. It is not required for our day-to-day existence and is never served alone as a food. It is used to add flavor and is thus associated with pleasure. Oil is a metaphor for the inner teachings of the Torah--Chassidut. Study of Chassidut adds pleasure to our observance of mitzvot. Additionally, both oil and Chassidut have the potential to illuminate. When we light a candle in a room, the contents of the room are revealed. Similarly, studying Chassidut serves to reveal not only more of our own personal potential and energy but also helps to reveal the G-dliness in the world around us.
3. "In those days at this time." These words, part of a special Chanuka prayer, hint at an amazing Jewish mystical concept. The spiritual energy that was evident during a particular event is reinstated in the world on the anniversary of that event. "At this time" we can draw on the energy of "those days." The eight days of Chanuka are an auspicious time to wage spiritual battles against evil, impurity and corruption within and without. And, with G-d's help, we will certainly be victorious, just as in those days.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Yud Tes Kislev!
Tomorrow, starting tonite, we celebrate Yud Tet (the 19th of) Kislev, the Chasidic "New Year." On this date the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of Chabad Chasidut, was liberated from prison in Russia.
Not merely a personal event, his redemption was an ideological victory for the revelation of the inner aspect of Torah, and a significant milestone in preparing the world for Moshiach.
Before Yud Tet Kislev, the inner, esoteric part of the Torah - the Torah's "soul," as it were - was in a concealed state. Only its outer aspect - the "body" - was revealed.
Human beings are also composed of a physical body and a spiritual soul. The soul cannot be touched or perceived by the senses, nor can the human intellect fully comprehend its essence. The soul's existence can only be determined by deduction - i.e., if the body is alive, there must a soul that is animating it.
With the redemption of Yud Tet Kislev, the Torah's "soul" became revealed and apparent. Anyone can now learn its inner wisdom, and understand it on an intellectual level.
The innovation of Yud Tet Kislev affected all Jewish individuals on a personal level as well.;making it easier for every Jew to fulfill his mission in the world.
On such an auspicious day, when the same spiritual energy that was originally present comes down into the world, it is appropriate to rededicate ourselves to ensuring that all our deeds and actions help hasten Moshiach's revelation - the underlying purpose of the spreading of Chasidut.
May everyone be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the study of Chasidut and in the Chasidic ways of conduct.
Not merely a personal event, his redemption was an ideological victory for the revelation of the inner aspect of Torah, and a significant milestone in preparing the world for Moshiach.
Before Yud Tet Kislev, the inner, esoteric part of the Torah - the Torah's "soul," as it were - was in a concealed state. Only its outer aspect - the "body" - was revealed.
Human beings are also composed of a physical body and a spiritual soul. The soul cannot be touched or perceived by the senses, nor can the human intellect fully comprehend its essence. The soul's existence can only be determined by deduction - i.e., if the body is alive, there must a soul that is animating it.
With the redemption of Yud Tet Kislev, the Torah's "soul" became revealed and apparent. Anyone can now learn its inner wisdom, and understand it on an intellectual level.
The innovation of Yud Tet Kislev affected all Jewish individuals on a personal level as well.;making it easier for every Jew to fulfill his mission in the world.
On such an auspicious day, when the same spiritual energy that was originally present comes down into the world, it is appropriate to rededicate ourselves to ensuring that all our deeds and actions help hasten Moshiach's revelation - the underlying purpose of the spreading of Chasidut.
May everyone be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the study of Chasidut and in the Chasidic ways of conduct.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Fast Day for Volunteers of Chevra Kadisha
The Chevra Kadisha, The Sacred Burial Society, have instituted an annual fast day. It was established as a form of repenting, if G-d forbid they had failed to handle the deceased body with the utmost of care.
The volunteers treat the body with gentleness, with special care and with absolute dignity. Every act of theirs is infused with reverence and honor for the deceased. They keeping the body covered whenever possible. They move the body gently and only when necessary.
This is an extraordinary concept. So much concern and attention to avoid hurting a Jewish body. So much emphasis and caution to guard against harming someone who can no longer feel.
How much more so must we be careful and sensitive when interacting with people who do have feelings. Our family, our friends, our neighbors and even total strangers deserve our vigilance and tenderness. Not because they can hurt us back, but because they are part of G-d.
If the Torah instructs us, with many intricate details, how to treat a body without a soul, without G-d's holy spark that gives it life, shouldn't we be much more cautious and careful when relating to a human being with a G-dly soul??
This is a lesson to always be a little kinder than necessary to all those around us.
The volunteers treat the body with gentleness, with special care and with absolute dignity. Every act of theirs is infused with reverence and honor for the deceased. They keeping the body covered whenever possible. They move the body gently and only when necessary.
This is an extraordinary concept. So much concern and attention to avoid hurting a Jewish body. So much emphasis and caution to guard against harming someone who can no longer feel.
How much more so must we be careful and sensitive when interacting with people who do have feelings. Our family, our friends, our neighbors and even total strangers deserve our vigilance and tenderness. Not because they can hurt us back, but because they are part of G-d.
If the Torah instructs us, with many intricate details, how to treat a body without a soul, without G-d's holy spark that gives it life, shouldn't we be much more cautious and careful when relating to a human being with a G-dly soul??
This is a lesson to always be a little kinder than necessary to all those around us.
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