PARSHA - Vayeishev (Yosef's life parrallels life of a Jew

This week's Torah portion, Vayeishev, chronicles Joseph's trials and tribulations from the time he left his father's house and was sold into slavery until his appointment to the position of second in command of the entire Egypt.

Joseph's life closely parallels the life of every Jew.

Joseph began his life by enjoying the comfort of his father's household. Not only did Jacob make him the famous coat of many colors, but he learned Torah with him day and night. This period was Joseph's happiest, both spiritually and physically.

This is analogous to the Jewish soul before coming into the body. It exists on the highest plane, enjoying the proximity of only holiness and G-dly light.

Then Joseph was sold as a slave and his situation continued to deteriorate until he was a prisoner in Pharaoh's jail. Spiritually as well, plucked from the tent of learning Torah, Joseph was dropped directly into the most corrupt civilization of his era.

This symbolizes the soul's dramatic descent into this world. No longer can it bask in G-d's glory--the soul finds itself trapped in a physical body. It must endure the temptations to which the body is drawn, and overcome all sorts of trials.

Yet Joseph triumphed and attained an even higher position than he had enjoyed while in his father's house. Joseph was victorious spiritually as well, for despite his elevation to high office Joseph retained his purity and goodness.

Joseph turned his descent to Egypt into triumph and ascent.

This then is the purpose of the soul's journey down into this world. And our task is to subjugate the Evil Inclination and conduct our lives according to the dictates of Torah.

Overcoming the obstacles which try to prevent us from doing mitzvot enables us to attain greater spirituality than would have been possible had the soul remained above.

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

Friday, December 11th, is the first night of Chanukah! We light the menorah before lighting the Shabbat candles. (The Friday night Chanukah candles must burn for at least 1½ hours—so you may need more oil or larger candles). On Saturday night, we light the menorah after dark, after the Havdallah ceremony.

Shabbat Shalom and Chanuka Sameach!

What you are needed for.....

A once-wealthy chassid who had lost his entire fortune came to see Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. "If G-d has chosen to afflict me with poverty," he wept, "I accept the Divine judgment. But how can I be reconciled with the fact that I cannot repay my debts? That I am unable to meet the dowry I promised for my daughter's upcoming marriage? Never have I reneged on my commitments. Why is the Almighty doing this to me? Why is He causing me such terrible humiliation?"

"Rebbe!" cried the chassid, "I must repay my debts! I must give what I have promised for my daughter!"

Rabbi Schneur Zalman sat with his head in his arms in a state of meditative attachment to G-d. In this manner he listened to the chassid's tearful pleas. After a long pause, Rabbi Schneur Zalman lifted his head and said with great feeling: "You speak of all that you need. But you say nothing of what you are are needed for."

The Rebbe's words pierced the innermost point of the chassid's heart, and he fell in a dead faint. He was then carried out of the Rebbe's room, water was poured over him, and he was finally revived. When he opened his eyes he didn't say anything to anyone. He simply applied himself to the study of Torah and the service of prayer with renewed life and with much devotion, diligence and joy.

Several weeks later Rabbi Schneur Zalman summoned the once-wealthy chassid, blessed him with success, and told him to return to his home and business. In time, the chassid regained his wealth, made good on his debts and promises, married off his daughters, and resumed his philanthropy on an even more generous level than before.

Yud-Tes Kislev. Podo b'sholom nafshi....He has redeemed my soul in peace.

In the Letter that the Alter Rebbe wrote upon his release from prison, it states: “As I was reading in the Book of Tehillim (Psalms) the verse “He has redeemed my soul in peace,” before I began the next verse I went out (of prison) in peace. I will conclude with peace from the L-rd of peace.”

This letter clearly indicates the great stress laid on peace in association with his liberation.

The purpose of a soul’s descent into this world is to “make peace in the world”. A Jew’s environment, through his G-dly service, should be permeated with the concept of “I am the L-rd your G-d.” Before the creation of the world, G-d was still G-d. But the idea that creations should recognize and know of G-d’s wonders existed only ‘in potential.’ To exist in actuality, the world, and a soul’s descent below, was needed.

The liberation was such that “He has redeemed my soul in peace". The idea of peace is associated with the concept of spreading Judaism and Torah.

Therefore, it is now an auspicious time to receive added strength in the service of spreading Torah and Judaism. The beginning of this service is the study of Torah. When a Jew learns Torah for its own sake it effects peace in the hosts Above and the hosts below. This includes the idea of making peace between the spiritual and the physical aspects of the world; and in man, between his G-dly and animal souls. It also embraces the concept of Ahavas Yisrael, love of a fellow Jew - to make peace between a man and his fellow.

YUD TES KISLEV

Today is the historic day of Yud Tet Kislev, the 19th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, when the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of Chabad was released from prison by the Czarist government. It was more than a personal triumph. For, in regaining his personal freedom on that day, as well as the freedom to continue his teachings and work, he gained a victory for the whole Chasidic movement which had been threatened with suppression and extinction.

The Alter Rebbe was the chief target of attack for he was the chief exponent of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov [who had founded the Chasidic movement about a half a century earlier] and his Redemption brought salvation to our people as a whole.

The Baal Shem Tov taught us -- and the Alter Rebbe expounded on it at length -- that the Jew is essentially, by his very nature, incorruptible and inseparable from G-d; that "no Jew is either able or willing to detach himself from G-dliness."

The Baal Shem Tov introduced a new relationship between Jew and Jew, based on the inner meaning of "Have we not all one Father?" (as interpreted by the Alter Rebbe).

Rabbi Shneur Zalman received the good news about his freedom when he was reading the daily portion of Psalms and specifically the verse: "[G-d] has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle against me, for many were with me."

Everybody is in need of a personal liberation from all the difficulties and hindrances encountered in daily life which hamper the attainment of our goals--both material and spiritual.

Our Sages emphasize that the personal redemption of every Jew, is directly linked with the dissemination of the Torah, acts of benevolence and prayer.

Let us take advantage of this auspicious day for making good resolutions in spreading Judaism and Torah. Just as the Alter Rebbe was completely exonerated and victorious, so too today in each person’s fight against his personal exile, and against the darkness of the general exile, will we be victorious!

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.