In a historic ceremony, the shliach, R’ Binyamin Edery, was recently appointed as Chief Rabbi of Japan. In an exclusive interview with Beis Moshiach he tells of the behind the scenes dramas related to the appointment and tells of action on behalf of farmers after the tsunami, about battles to bring Jewish people to Jewish burial, and outreach to inmates, both Jewish and not Jewish
Now begins a new stage in the ongoing avoda of Yosef, extending to future generations – “And Yosef saw Efraim’s children of the third generation.”
Regrettably, many of the politicians in Eretz Yisroel fail to understand the difference between an Israeli and a Jew. Again and again, we hear about the efforts to redefine who is a Jew according to the national definition of a citizen of the state of Israel. The fulfillment of Torah and mitzvos is no longer the formula for belonging to the Jewish People; instead it’s the fervent devotion to the nuances of Israeli culture.
11 Nissan / April 1, 1882. Hungary Mrs. Solymosi raced through the streets of Tiszaeszlár, a Hungarian village. She was frantically looking for her daughter, Eszter, who had disappeared.
R’ Boruch Mordechai Lifschitz, as Mordechai in his day, did not bend nor bow to the communists. In Adar seventy-five years ago, he was arrested by the communists, interrogated harshly and exiled for three years. * Even after being released he continued working in various cities as a mohel and shochet. * He recently passed away at the age of 97. * The life of the man of mesirus nefesh known as R’ Mottel der Shochet.
The Torah commences this week’s parsha with the following description of the purification process for the person who has contracted tzaraas, an enigmatic skin disease (commonly confused with leprosy): “This will be the law of the Metzora; on the day of his purification. He should be brought to the Kohen-priest. The Kohen should go forth to the outside of the camp; the Kohen shall look, and behold! – the tzaraas had been healed from the Metzora…”
About the Chassid, R’ Avrohom Levik Slavin, a Chassidishe rav and shliach of the Rebbe Rashab to Kulashi and Kutais in Georgia. He was moser nefesh to spread Judaism among Georgian Jews until he was arrested and sent to a labor camp, his whereabouts unknown. He did not merit Jewish burial but his yahrtzait was established by the Rebbe Rayatz. This article is based on the book “Arba’ah Chassidim” by Shneur Berger.
When Hashem asked Moshe to take the Jewish people out of exile, Moshe responds, “Please send your other messenger.” Rashi explains that he is referring to Moshiach. At first glance, it is puzzling: We all know that Hashem knows best. Why would Moshe argue with Hashem’s decision?
By default, the sun emanates light. The circumstances through which the light is blocked are all external obstacles – whether they be natural or man-made. As long as there is some obstacle between me and the sun, the light will never shine on me. I definitely want to let more light into my life. Who doesn’t? So, if I want to let more light into my life – more meaning, more spirituality, more goodness – then the question I have to ask myself is: What’s blocking the light? The light is certainly shining, but something is stopping it from getting to me. If I can figure out what the blockage is, then I can remove it and allow the light to shine through.
Twin sisters, shluchos from the day they were born, have ended up with one in Hodu-India and one in Kush-Ethiopia, and not just for Purim! * Shlichus stories of Chaya Mushka Sudry and Devorah Leah Chaviv, of the Gromach family of Beit Dagan. * Shlichus which entails going completely out of that which is familiar and comfortable, in order to transform the world.
On Erev Pesach in Lubavitch there was a feeling of satisfaction and joy that grew out from the great hopes that Moshiach was finally coming, the Beis HaMikdash would be rebuilt and the Korban Pesach brought. * A compilation of stories about the Rebbe Rashab and Pesach, to mark Beis Nissan, the Yom Hilula of the Rebbe Rashab and the upcoming holiday.
October 20, 2015