There are 4 special Mitzvot that we observe on Purim:
# 1 - Listening to the Megillah.
To relive the miraculous events of Purim, we listen to the reading of the Megillah - the Scroll of Esther - twice. Once on Purim eve and the second time, on Purim day.
To properly fulfill this mitzvah, it is crucial to hear every single word of the Megillah reading. At certain points in the reading where Haman's name is mentioned, it is customary to twirl graggers (Purim noisemakers) to "eradicate" his evil name.
#2 - Giving to the Needy (Matanot La'evyonim).
Concern for the needy is a year-round responsibility; but on Purim it is a special mitzvah to remember the poor.
We give charity to at least two, (but preferably more) needy individuals on Purim day.
The mitzvah is best fulfilled by giving directly to the needy. If, however, we cannot find poor people, then we can place at least two coins into a charity box. As with the other mitzvahs of Purim, even small children should fulfill this mitzvah.
# 3 - Sending Food Portions to Friends (Mishloach Manot)
On Purim we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends.
On Purim day, we send a gift of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods (e.g., pastry, fruit, beverage), to at least one friend. Men should send to men and women to women. It is preferable that the gifts are delivered via a third party. (Children, in addition to sending their own gifts of food to their friends, make enthusiastic messengers.)
#4 - Eat, Drink and be Merry
Purim should be celebrated with a special festive meal on Purim Day, at which family and friends gather together to rejoice in the Purim spirit. It is a mitzvah to drink wine at this meal.
Tomorrow is the Fast of Esther, it commemorates the day that the Jews fasted and prayed to G-d for His help.
It is also the day that we give Machatzit Hashekel (half a shekel) to commemorate the silver, half shekel, Jews gave in the Beit Hamikdash.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
PURIM - They "established and accepted" the Torah...
On the sixth day of Sivan, the entire nation of Israel assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai. There, G-d chose us as His people and we committed ourselves to observe the laws of life as outlined in His Torah.
The Talmud points out, however, that nearly one thousand years were to pass before our covenant with G-d was sealed. It was with the events of Purim, that our acceptance of the Torah was established upon an unshakable foundation.
At Sinai, we had no choice. Faced with such an awesome revelation of the Divine truth, one could hardly doubt or disagree. In effect, we were forced to accept the Torah; overwhelmed and completely enveloped by the Divine reality, we could not think of choosing anything else but commiting ourselves to our Divinely ordained mission and role.
But, a thousand years later during the events of Purim, we, the Jewish nation, reaffirmed this commitment under entirely different conditions. The Divine Presence did not hover over us, compelling us to recognize its truth. On the contrary, the Divine Face was entirely hidden. Hence, the name of G-d is not even mentioned once in the entire Megilla, the book of Esther. We were able to accept the Divine Law without any hint of coercion for Above. As stated in the words of the Book of Esther, the Jews, "established and accepted" - meaning, says the Talmud, that they established as valid and incontestable that which they had accepted earlier at Sinai.
We were on our own, our commitment to G-d deriving wholly from within, from an inner choice to cleave to Him. And thus, our acceptance was complete.
The Talmud points out, however, that nearly one thousand years were to pass before our covenant with G-d was sealed. It was with the events of Purim, that our acceptance of the Torah was established upon an unshakable foundation.
At Sinai, we had no choice. Faced with such an awesome revelation of the Divine truth, one could hardly doubt or disagree. In effect, we were forced to accept the Torah; overwhelmed and completely enveloped by the Divine reality, we could not think of choosing anything else but commiting ourselves to our Divinely ordained mission and role.
But, a thousand years later during the events of Purim, we, the Jewish nation, reaffirmed this commitment under entirely different conditions. The Divine Presence did not hover over us, compelling us to recognize its truth. On the contrary, the Divine Face was entirely hidden. Hence, the name of G-d is not even mentioned once in the entire Megilla, the book of Esther. We were able to accept the Divine Law without any hint of coercion for Above. As stated in the words of the Book of Esther, the Jews, "established and accepted" - meaning, says the Talmud, that they established as valid and incontestable that which they had accepted earlier at Sinai.
We were on our own, our commitment to G-d deriving wholly from within, from an inner choice to cleave to Him. And thus, our acceptance was complete.
Monday, February 22, 2010
PURIM - Mordechai didnot bow down
Haman had the king agree that all the people in the empire should worship him. However, Mordechai refused to comply.
Mordechai saw Haman approaching. Everyone else knelt to prostrate himself before Haman, but Mordechai stood upright. As Haman approached, his eyes met Mordechai's. He saw someone with the resolute gaze of one who knows what he stands for and chooses whom he stands with.
At that moment, Haman decided that he would try to rid the kingdom of Mordechai and his people.
Now, why didn't Mordechai bow down to Haman? Mordechai was a realistic person. He could have foreseen the consequences of his refusal. Why was he willing to risk everything - not only his own life and position, but that of the entire Jewish people?
So WHAT IF Haman was asking to be worshiped like a god. Big deal. Bow down to him and move on. It definitely doesn't make sense to give up one's life - and risk those of one's entire people - not to bow down.
But that's the point. There are some things that are above making sense. And some rules that may never be broken.
Acknowledging G-d and refusing to acknowledge any other power are the two most fundamental of these rules. Mordechai saw bowing down to Haman as a challenge to the fundamental core of his existence.
Would he bow down to Haman and thus show his acceptance of the Persian empire as the most powerful force in his life? Or would he defy Haman's decree and incur his wrath, but demonstrate his connection to G-d?
For Mordechai, it wasn't a question. Mordechai didn't separate his faith from his life. He lived what he believed in; he believed in what he lived.
And the entire Jewish people stood behind him. Even when a decree issued calling for every Jew to be executed, they did not try to hide their Jewishness. On the contrary, they intensified their adherence to the Torah and its commandments.
In the end, Haman was killed. And instead of the Jews being slain by their enemies, they defeated all those who rose against them.
It's G-d's world. And when Mordechai and the Jewish people affirmed that, they were successful.
Mordechai saw Haman approaching. Everyone else knelt to prostrate himself before Haman, but Mordechai stood upright. As Haman approached, his eyes met Mordechai's. He saw someone with the resolute gaze of one who knows what he stands for and chooses whom he stands with.
At that moment, Haman decided that he would try to rid the kingdom of Mordechai and his people.
Now, why didn't Mordechai bow down to Haman? Mordechai was a realistic person. He could have foreseen the consequences of his refusal. Why was he willing to risk everything - not only his own life and position, but that of the entire Jewish people?
So WHAT IF Haman was asking to be worshiped like a god. Big deal. Bow down to him and move on. It definitely doesn't make sense to give up one's life - and risk those of one's entire people - not to bow down.
But that's the point. There are some things that are above making sense. And some rules that may never be broken.
Acknowledging G-d and refusing to acknowledge any other power are the two most fundamental of these rules. Mordechai saw bowing down to Haman as a challenge to the fundamental core of his existence.
Would he bow down to Haman and thus show his acceptance of the Persian empire as the most powerful force in his life? Or would he defy Haman's decree and incur his wrath, but demonstrate his connection to G-d?
For Mordechai, it wasn't a question. Mordechai didn't separate his faith from his life. He lived what he believed in; he believed in what he lived.
And the entire Jewish people stood behind him. Even when a decree issued calling for every Jew to be executed, they did not try to hide their Jewishness. On the contrary, they intensified their adherence to the Torah and its commandments.
In the end, Haman was killed. And instead of the Jews being slain by their enemies, they defeated all those who rose against them.
It's G-d's world. And when Mordechai and the Jewish people affirmed that, they were successful.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
PARSHA - TERUMA
This week's Torah reading, Parashat Teruma, contains G-d's command and promise, "Make for Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell among them".
The Sanctuary is a place where His presence is openly visible. No concealment.
Interestingly enough in the verse it is written that G-d says, ".....I will dwell among them." in the plural form. Meaning, I will dwell within each and every individual man or woman!
When G-d caused His presence to dwell in the midst of our people as a whole, He also invested Himself within the midst of every individual. Every person's heart became a sanctuary in microcosm.
The Sanctuary accompanied the Jewish people in their journey through the desert. Wherever they camped, G-d's presence accompanied them.
Similarly this applies with regards to every person as he goes through his journeys in life and to our people as a whole as they journey through time. G'd's presence accompanies us. As we proceed from one setting to another, His presence journeys with us.
The windows in the Temple were slanted outward. The Rabbis explain that was so that the Temple's light would radiate outwards, influencing the world outside.
The same is with the G-dly light that is present within each and everyone of us. The intent in making a person "a sanctuary in microcosm" is so that we should share and shine the light outwards and influence our environment.
The Sanctuary is a place where His presence is openly visible. No concealment.
Interestingly enough in the verse it is written that G-d says, ".....I will dwell among them." in the plural form. Meaning, I will dwell within each and every individual man or woman!
When G-d caused His presence to dwell in the midst of our people as a whole, He also invested Himself within the midst of every individual. Every person's heart became a sanctuary in microcosm.
The Sanctuary accompanied the Jewish people in their journey through the desert. Wherever they camped, G-d's presence accompanied them.
Similarly this applies with regards to every person as he goes through his journeys in life and to our people as a whole as they journey through time. G'd's presence accompanies us. As we proceed from one setting to another, His presence journeys with us.
The windows in the Temple were slanted outward. The Rabbis explain that was so that the Temple's light would radiate outwards, influencing the world outside.
The same is with the G-dly light that is present within each and everyone of us. The intent in making a person "a sanctuary in microcosm" is so that we should share and shine the light outwards and influence our environment.
ADAR - Auspicious month.
We are presently in the Jewish month of Adar, in which we celebrate Purim. It says in the Talmud - "When the month of Adar enters, we increase in joy."
There are many joyous dates on the Jewish calendar, why does Purim affect the entire month, causing it to be auspicious and joyous?
Haman pinpointed the moment when the Jews were at their lowest point – historically as well as calendar-wise – to implement his nefarious plan...
Historically - the Jews did not have The Holy Temple. And their spiritual status was affected.
And calendar-wise - this was the month when Moses died. The demise of Moses, the head of the Jewish Nation, was surely a metaphor he believed, for the demise of the entire nation.
But his plan did not succeed.
We all have ups and downs, as is also true with our nation, both spiritually and materially, but our very identity, the fact that we are G-d's chosen nation, is never affected.
Our perpetual relationship with G-d may even be more evident when we are exiled and downtrodden due to our sins, and G-d still interferes on our behalf, as is demonstrated by the Purim miracle.
This phenomenon shows the durability of our relationship; the ability of our essential identity to survive no matter our external state.
The month of Adar, the month which Haman understood to be the most inauspicious month for the Jews, is the happiest month of the year—the month when we bear in mind that "inauspicious" has absolutely no bearing on our relationship with G-d.
There are many joyous dates on the Jewish calendar, why does Purim affect the entire month, causing it to be auspicious and joyous?
Haman pinpointed the moment when the Jews were at their lowest point – historically as well as calendar-wise – to implement his nefarious plan...
Historically - the Jews did not have The Holy Temple. And their spiritual status was affected.
And calendar-wise - this was the month when Moses died. The demise of Moses, the head of the Jewish Nation, was surely a metaphor he believed, for the demise of the entire nation.
But his plan did not succeed.
We all have ups and downs, as is also true with our nation, both spiritually and materially, but our very identity, the fact that we are G-d's chosen nation, is never affected.
Our perpetual relationship with G-d may even be more evident when we are exiled and downtrodden due to our sins, and G-d still interferes on our behalf, as is demonstrated by the Purim miracle.
This phenomenon shows the durability of our relationship; the ability of our essential identity to survive no matter our external state.
The month of Adar, the month which Haman understood to be the most inauspicious month for the Jews, is the happiest month of the year—the month when we bear in mind that "inauspicious" has absolutely no bearing on our relationship with G-d.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Hayom Yom: 2 Adar I
"...Avoda does not imply - as some think, altogether erroneously - that one must pulverize mountains and shatter boulders, turn the world upside down. The absolute truth is that any avoda, any act, whatever it may be, is perfectly satisfactory when performed with true kavana, intent: A b'racha pronounced with kavana; a word of davening as it should be, with a prepared heart and an awareness of "before Whom you stand"; a passage in Chumash said with an awareness that it is the word of G-d; a verse of Tehillim; a beneficent trait of character expressed in befriending another with affection and love."
Friday, February 12, 2010
PARSHA - Mishpotim
Our Rabbis teach us that the commandments that G-d asks us to do He Himself fulfills them as well.
This week's Torah portion, Mishpatim, has many commandments. We will take one of those commandments and see how G-d fulfills it. The mitzvah of "lending money to a person in need".
When we give someone a loan, it seems as if we are giving away something for nothing. That person is not giving us anything back immediately for the money we gave him, but of course, we expect to get it back one day. We trust him.
How does G-d fulfill this commandment?
Well, just like a person lends another some money, G-d "lends" each and every soul the special strength and ability to fulfill G-d's will.
As with a loan, the soul gets its strength "for free." But G-d expects that, in return, our soul will pay back the loan by using this strength to fulfill His (G-d's) will.
When we lend money, we do not tell the borrower how to use that money. It becomes his, and he can use it for whatever he wants. When G-d gives us a "loan," it also becomes ours. We can use the strength and power He gives our soul, for anything we choose. We hopefully will do our best to make the right choices though.
We must show G-d that we are worthy of this loan, and "pay it back" by using the strength He gives us - to fulfill His will.
Candle lighting time in Los Angeles is 5:16 pm
This week's Torah portion, Mishpatim, has many commandments. We will take one of those commandments and see how G-d fulfills it. The mitzvah of "lending money to a person in need".
When we give someone a loan, it seems as if we are giving away something for nothing. That person is not giving us anything back immediately for the money we gave him, but of course, we expect to get it back one day. We trust him.
How does G-d fulfill this commandment?
Well, just like a person lends another some money, G-d "lends" each and every soul the special strength and ability to fulfill G-d's will.
As with a loan, the soul gets its strength "for free." But G-d expects that, in return, our soul will pay back the loan by using this strength to fulfill His (G-d's) will.
When we lend money, we do not tell the borrower how to use that money. It becomes his, and he can use it for whatever he wants. When G-d gives us a "loan," it also becomes ours. We can use the strength and power He gives our soul, for anything we choose. We hopefully will do our best to make the right choices though.
We must show G-d that we are worthy of this loan, and "pay it back" by using the strength He gives us - to fulfill His will.
Candle lighting time in Los Angeles is 5:16 pm
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Be Happy!
The Baal shem tov said, that joy leads one to the greatest heights, it is a foundation for all Mitzvot.
A person will always be happy if he realizes and is aware that everything is Hashgocho Protis, meaning, that everything that happens comes as a direct result of G-d's Will. Everything that happens to us, even difficulties and undesirable events, are controlled by Hashem. And we must trust that there is a good reason for everything in our life.
When we are sad or depressed, our energy is drained, we are weak and it is possible that the evil inclination will overpower us.(chsv)
Experiences that appear negative, undesirable, are really disguised good and it is only a test for us.
G-d is testing us to see how committed we are to the Torah and Mitzvos.
Chassidus gives a deeper explanation for the purpose of these tests and challenges.
It explains that the word, "test" - Nisayon, comes from the word "l'nasos", which means - "to test", and it also means "to raise high".
The tests and challenges we face are intended to enable us to reach a higher spiritual level.
G-d chose to allow us to reach a higher spiritual level thru tests and challenges.
When we realize that there is G-dliness contained in these challenging experiences it helps us become aware that they are in essence hidden good.
When we realize and believe that everything is really good then that will cause us to be truly happy.
Wishing you all a very joyous day!
A person will always be happy if he realizes and is aware that everything is Hashgocho Protis, meaning, that everything that happens comes as a direct result of G-d's Will. Everything that happens to us, even difficulties and undesirable events, are controlled by Hashem. And we must trust that there is a good reason for everything in our life.
When we are sad or depressed, our energy is drained, we are weak and it is possible that the evil inclination will overpower us.(chsv)
Experiences that appear negative, undesirable, are really disguised good and it is only a test for us.
G-d is testing us to see how committed we are to the Torah and Mitzvos.
Chassidus gives a deeper explanation for the purpose of these tests and challenges.
It explains that the word, "test" - Nisayon, comes from the word "l'nasos", which means - "to test", and it also means "to raise high".
The tests and challenges we face are intended to enable us to reach a higher spiritual level.
G-d chose to allow us to reach a higher spiritual level thru tests and challenges.
When we realize that there is G-dliness contained in these challenging experiences it helps us become aware that they are in essence hidden good.
When we realize and believe that everything is really good then that will cause us to be truly happy.
Wishing you all a very joyous day!
Monday, February 8, 2010
The power of Tehillim
If you've ever felt that in addition to your daily prayers, you find that reading Psalms helps you feel close to G-d and you'd like to say them every day, here is a small guide to help you.
Psalms is certainly a powerful book.
The Midrash tells us that when King David compiled the Psalms, he had in mind himself, every Jew, and every circumstance. No matter who you are and what the situation, the words of the Psalms speak the words of your heart and are heard on high.
If you only knew - The 3rd Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek said - the power of verses of Tehillim and their effect in the highest Heavens, you would recite them constantly. Know that the chapters of Tehillim shatter allbarriers, they ascend higher and still higher with no interference.
In the standard books of Psalms, the 150 chapters are grouped into seven portions, so that they can be completed every week, and into thirty portions, so that they can be completed every Jewish month. Some people recite Psalms according to the weekly cycle, while others follow the monthly cycle.
If you are considering starting to say Psalms daily, start with the monthly cycle. With the monthly cycle, you'll be committing to an average of five chapters a day.
The Rebbe requested that in all synagogues, Psalms be recited according to monthly cycle after the morning prayers and this custom is applicable to everyone.
He would suggest this as a conduit through which blessings enter into virtually all areas of life, ranging from health and wealth to spiritual wellbeing and harmony.
Psalms is certainly a powerful book.
The Midrash tells us that when King David compiled the Psalms, he had in mind himself, every Jew, and every circumstance. No matter who you are and what the situation, the words of the Psalms speak the words of your heart and are heard on high.
If you only knew - The 3rd Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek said - the power of verses of Tehillim and their effect in the highest Heavens, you would recite them constantly. Know that the chapters of Tehillim shatter allbarriers, they ascend higher and still higher with no interference.
In the standard books of Psalms, the 150 chapters are grouped into seven portions, so that they can be completed every week, and into thirty portions, so that they can be completed every Jewish month. Some people recite Psalms according to the weekly cycle, while others follow the monthly cycle.
If you are considering starting to say Psalms daily, start with the monthly cycle. With the monthly cycle, you'll be committing to an average of five chapters a day.
The Rebbe requested that in all synagogues, Psalms be recited according to monthly cycle after the morning prayers and this custom is applicable to everyone.
He would suggest this as a conduit through which blessings enter into virtually all areas of life, ranging from health and wealth to spiritual wellbeing and harmony.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Yisro - 22 Shvat, Rebetzin Chaya Mushka...
In this week's Parasha, Parashat Yisro, G-d gives the Torah to the Jewish People on Mount Sinai.
Standing at the foot of Mount Sinai in readiness to receive the Torah, the Jewish people proclaimed that they would first observe all its commandments and then attempt to understand them. We declared first "we will do" and then "we will understand."
Some people maintain that they will begin to observe mitzvot when they understand them.
The irrationality of this attitude may be understood from the example of the body. The body requires a daily intake of food and air. No amount of thinking, speaking or studying about food and nutrition can substitute for actual consumption.
Obviously the correct and healthy approach is not to study nutrition and then practice them, but the reverse. And while the person is eating and drinking -- though he may not fully understand the process involved -- he is strengthened.
The same applies to the soul. At Mount Sinai G-d informed us that the "air" and "food" vital to our spiritual existence are HisTorah and mitzvot.
Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson.
She was the daughter of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, and wife of the Rebbe.
The Rebbetzin exerted a powerful influence on Chabad-Lubavitch, but remained outside of the limelight.
An intelligent and educated wise woman, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka carried the mantle of her exalted position in a most humble and unpretentious way.
Yet despite her extraordinary role – as unknown as it was to the public – and her regal upbringing and bearing, it seems that she always found common ground with those who came to her and helped each one feel comfortable and heard.
In the days and months following her passing, the Rebbe spoke frequently on the theme, "And the living shall take to heart"—how the passing of a person close to oneself should prompt one to positive action, in the form of lessons derived from that person's life and G-dly deeds undertaken to perpetuate his or her memory, then the death itself becomes a form of life.
Therefore, for her sake and in memory of her soul we should increase and make good resolutions in the areas of Prayer, Torah Study and Tzedaka/good deeds.
Candle lighting time for LA is 5:09
Standing at the foot of Mount Sinai in readiness to receive the Torah, the Jewish people proclaimed that they would first observe all its commandments and then attempt to understand them. We declared first "we will do" and then "we will understand."
Some people maintain that they will begin to observe mitzvot when they understand them.
The irrationality of this attitude may be understood from the example of the body. The body requires a daily intake of food and air. No amount of thinking, speaking or studying about food and nutrition can substitute for actual consumption.
Obviously the correct and healthy approach is not to study nutrition and then practice them, but the reverse. And while the person is eating and drinking -- though he may not fully understand the process involved -- he is strengthened.
The same applies to the soul. At Mount Sinai G-d informed us that the "air" and "food" vital to our spiritual existence are HisTorah and mitzvot.
Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson.
She was the daughter of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, and wife of the Rebbe.
The Rebbetzin exerted a powerful influence on Chabad-Lubavitch, but remained outside of the limelight.
An intelligent and educated wise woman, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka carried the mantle of her exalted position in a most humble and unpretentious way.
Yet despite her extraordinary role – as unknown as it was to the public – and her regal upbringing and bearing, it seems that she always found common ground with those who came to her and helped each one feel comfortable and heard.
In the days and months following her passing, the Rebbe spoke frequently on the theme, "And the living shall take to heart"—how the passing of a person close to oneself should prompt one to positive action, in the form of lessons derived from that person's life and G-dly deeds undertaken to perpetuate his or her memory, then the death itself becomes a form of life.
Therefore, for her sake and in memory of her soul we should increase and make good resolutions in the areas of Prayer, Torah Study and Tzedaka/good deeds.
Candle lighting time for LA is 5:09
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Parshas Yisro - when Heavens and Earth joined....
In this Parsha - G-d gives us the Torah.
Before the giving of the Torah, the spiritual status of the world could be described by the verse, "The heavens are the heavens of G-d, but the earth He gave to man." The heavens, the spiritual realms, were self-contained, meaning, they had no influence on the material realm. And mankind, living as we do in the earthly realm, had no way of tapping into the spiritual.
At the giving of the Torah, all this changed. G-d allowed for communication between these two realms. As it is written: "And G-d descended on Mt. Sinai." G-d made Himself accessible to mankind. It is also written: "And Moses ascended unto G-d," meaning, we were given the opportunity to elevate ourselves and our surrounding environment and provide it with spiritual content.
Sinai is not a one-time event, or only a story of history but rather the establishment of a channel that continues to enable man and G-d to relate to each other and has relevance to our lives today.
The Torah contains teachings that brings G-d within reach of our understanding. When a person studies a law from the Talmud, he is understanding G-d's essence. And thus the Torah gives us an opportunity to relate to G-d thru our minds. And through performing His Mitzvot, also our deeds can be brought into connection with Him.
Before the giving of the Torah, the spiritual status of the world could be described by the verse, "The heavens are the heavens of G-d, but the earth He gave to man." The heavens, the spiritual realms, were self-contained, meaning, they had no influence on the material realm. And mankind, living as we do in the earthly realm, had no way of tapping into the spiritual.
At the giving of the Torah, all this changed. G-d allowed for communication between these two realms. As it is written: "And G-d descended on Mt. Sinai." G-d made Himself accessible to mankind. It is also written: "And Moses ascended unto G-d," meaning, we were given the opportunity to elevate ourselves and our surrounding environment and provide it with spiritual content.
Sinai is not a one-time event, or only a story of history but rather the establishment of a channel that continues to enable man and G-d to relate to each other and has relevance to our lives today.
The Torah contains teachings that brings G-d within reach of our understanding. When a person studies a law from the Talmud, he is understanding G-d's essence. And thus the Torah gives us an opportunity to relate to G-d thru our minds. And through performing His Mitzvot, also our deeds can be brought into connection with Him.
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