In our previous article, we discussed the Torah’s view of a Jewish King. We explained that the main role of the Jewish king is to bring the nation closer to Hashem. In the words of Rambam (Melachim 4:10): “His purpose and intent shall be to elevate the true faith and fill the world with justice, destroying the power of the wicked and waging the wars of G-d.”
The wave of terror in Paris left the Jewish community in France reeling and mourning, as they struggle to digest the new reality. * Leaders and rabbanim, led by the Rebbe’s shluchim, were the first to stand by the side of the bereaved families and all of French Jewry, providing spiritual and material support. * Exclusive: Stories of those who experienced astonishing miracles.
His appointed role as the Rebbe’s eyes and ears in Yerushalayim and the regular reports he sent covering every detail of what was going on among Chabad Chassidim in the holy city was a closely guarded secret for many decades. * His recollections in an exclusive interview with Beis Moshiach along with information culled from a number of archives following his passing, offer us a brief fascinating glimpse into the life of the mashpia, R’ Pinchos Leibush Hertzl a”h.
This week we read Parshas Bo, which describes the birth of the Jewish People as a nation on the eve of the Exodus from Egypt in the merit of the blood from the two mitzvos they were given, Korban Pesach and bris mila. To this day, bris mila is a mitzva that is still observed by many Jews, even those who are not yet fully observant in other areas. Beis Moshiach spoke to three Lubavitcher mohalim about their work and how it impacts the parents and extended families.
“Whoever notices us as we work gets exposed to some Jewish message, especially our regular customers. Hundreds of offices in the towers already know the “Chabadnikim from the windows.” They already know to expect us when we pop up from the other side of the window. We often pop inside too. They ask questions and we try to supply each of them with whatever they need.”
Why was a psychology student moved to tears after a class at the Chabad House about honoring one’s parents? What was behind the gift that was delayed for a month in the office of the Rebbe MH”M’s shliach at Arizona State University? And what did an on-line registration form with the Machon Alte Institute in Tzfas have to do with all this? An emotional story from the annual college students’ Shabbaton at Beis Chayeinu - 770.
“Speech is simultaneously the poorest and richest of all of our faculties. On one hand, Malchus or speech is represented by the metaphor of the moon, which has no light of its own. It is utterly poor. Words on their own are just scratches on a piece of paper or mere sounds created by a mechanical movement of our vocal chords. But speech also is a medium that can carry the richest ideas and sentiments and transmit them to others. Speech, like the moon which reflects radiant sunlight, can reflect profound wisdom and powerful emotions.”
“Avromi, Mendy, Levi, Dovid, are you ready?” Abba’s voice could be heard. We raced out of our rooms with our backpacks on our backs, packed with goodies. “We need to be well supplied for our outing,” I (Mendy) said, sounding responsible. “What fun! We’re finally going on the outing we were promised!” rejoiced Levi, nearly jumping to the ceiling. “Yup,” mumbled Avromi, “if Abba promised an unforgettable outing, we can be sure that is exactly what it will be!”
January 23, 2015