Thursday
Nov012012
THE TRIP TO AUSTRALIA
November 1, 2012R’ Zalman arrives in Shepparton, Australia and wants to start a yeshiva. * From the life of R’ Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Serebryanski a”h.
Thursday
Nov012012
DEALING WITH HARDSHIP AND OPPOSITION ON SHLICHUS
A selection of stories about shluchim who encounter difficulties, which turn out to be the very thing that strengthens their work.
Thursday
Nov012012
POLITICAL UNITY OR UNIFORMITY?
While it’s been good to hear all the talk about uniting the religious and right-wing parties, this unity must be real, disqualifying no one and opening the door to everyone. Only this type of unity will send a clear message to the public at-large, enabling a united list of candidates to garner a considerably larger number of Knesset seats and become a decisive force in the next government.
Thursday
Nov012012
THREE-TIERED TARRYING
Sodom is the lowest point to which exile conditions can take us. And that is one of the dangers of living in exile even in its most benign forms; once we come off the “mountain” we can fall into the abyss…
Wednesday
Oct312012
MEMORIES OF LUBAVITCH
Mr. Mordechai Lazar learned for a brief period in Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim in Lubavitch. He later made aliya and was a member of Mapai (Labor Party), but his nostalgia for Lubavitch compelled him to devote a chapter in his book to the Rebbe Rashab and the yeshiva in Lubavitch. * Presented for 20 Cheshvan, the birthday of the Rebbe Rashab.
Wednesday
Oct312012
THEY WILL YEARN FOR THE DAYS OF EXILE
What did the Rebbe Rashab’s mother know about her son and how did she react to the idea of Tomchei T’mimim? * Who was the person to whom the Rebbe Rashab gave unprecedented honor? * Why did the Rebbe Rashab split wood with an aide and why did this work stop? * Presented for Chaf Cheshvan, the birthday of the Rebbe Rashab, from the reshimos of R’ Sholom Dovber Reichman.
Wednesday
Oct312012
THE REBBE’S CHAZAN
Chazan R’ Moshe Teleshevsky a”h was a familiar figure in the Rebbe’s court, considering his having been granted the privilege of holding forth in the Rebbe’s presence on numerous occasions. R’ Moshe, who passed away on Sukkos, was a model of utter bittul to the Rebbe. * Years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing him. R’ Moshe shared with me his stories and the special relationship he had with the Rebbe.
Friday
Oct262012
A CHAIN REACTION TO BRING REDEMPTION
Afterwards I began to think to myself: I do not know this lady who wrote the letter to me, nor does she know me. She has merely heard of my name, and sought advice from me, etc. If so, what is the intent of this chain letter coming to my attention?! Eventually I concluded that the purpose is to utilize this approach for the sake of holiness. * On publicizing the words of the Chida and the Radak on bringing about the redemption.
Friday
Oct262012
...SO TOO NOW THE REBBE STANDS AND SERVES
The event that transpired etc. is only [as it appears] to our physical eyes; it is only a test (one of the tests of the “birth pangs of Moshiach” that must take place prior to the coming of the Goel Tzedek, the Righteous Redeemer). The only purpose of this test is to hide and conceal the truth. * The purpose of the test, however, is in order [for us] to prevail and stand firm in the face of it. By doing so, the concealment and obscurity is pushed away and nullified, and the truth is revealed.
Wednesday
Oct242012
FEAR OF SUCCESS: THE GREATEST OBSTACLE TO OVERCOMING PSYCHOLOGICAL INERTIA
If G-d’s will determines reality, then how can I possibly fail? Doesn’t G-d want me to succeed? If everything exists only by virtue of it being the Creator’s will, then does that mean He wants me to fail?
Wednesday
Oct242012
THE DIRECT PATH
On Shabbos Parshas Balak 5751, the Rebbe once again spoke very strongly about it: “Despite the uproar associated with this matter in recent times within this year… we see how difficult it is to inculcate the awareness and the feeling that we are literally standing on the threshold of the Messianic Era, to the point that one begins to thrive on matters of Moshiach and Redemption..
Wednesday
Oct242012
THE INEXORABLE JOURNEY
A problem arises when we give up on continuing on the journey to finally reach our destination. Whether our hiatus is a result of our being intimidated by the obstacles, enticed by the glitter, or complacent with our achievements in exile, it must be overcome.
Wednesday
Oct242012
THE REBBE PERFORMS MIRACLES IN SIBERIA
He went through the usual “routine” of a Chabad Chassid in Soviet Russia – Jewish activity, arrest, exile to Siberia. But there, in the frozen tundra, he experienced great miracles. * While preparing this article about R’ Yisroel Konson, the Rebbe’s miraculous intervention was discovered.