Thursday
Mar212013
THE B’DIKAS CHAMETZ OF CHASSIDIM
InsightA fascinating look at Pesach based on the Midrash, Kabbala, and Chassidus Chabad
Entries in Pesach (22)
Thursday
Mar212013
PESACH: FROM IMPRISONMENT TO FREEDOM
In issue 872 there was an article about the Kublanov family and their suffering in the Soviet Union. R’ Krepel Kublanov passed away shortly before Pesach one year ago. He was one of the old-time Chassidim in B’nei Brak who suffered for years in labor camps in Russia. * A number of years ago, he told me his life’s story. The following is about Pesach behind the Iron Curtain.
Thursday
Mar212013
AT THE REBBE’S SEDER TABLE
“To see the seder of a Jew” – that is how the Rebbe himself referred to the rare privilege that bachurim in 770 merited in the first twenty years of the nesius. * Four rabbanim and mashpiim, who saw the Rebbe’s seder as bachurim, describe those unforgettable moments. * From a special video presentation that was made in honor of the Shabbos Achdus for talmidei HaYeshivos by Atah – 770.
Wednesday
Mar132013
THE PESACH CLEANING THAT BROUGHT GOOD NEWS
Buried deep within the closet behind all the antiques was an old box. When we opened it, we found to our horror that this innocent-looking chest was filled with a collection of … * As Jewish homes are beginning the process of cleaning in preparation for the holiday of Pesach, one of the shluchim in Europe gives us a first-hand account of a thrilling story in connection with these preparations, resulting in a miraculous personal salvation.
Wednesday
Jan162013
THE ESSENTIAL, REBELLIOUS JEW
The rebellious Jew may also go so far as to deny his or her identity as a Jew. However, no matter how many times one may try to deny his or her essence it cannot change that essence. A Jew remains a Jew notwithstanding strident protests. Thus, every time someone denies his or her essential identity it constitutes a new violation.
Wednesday
Nov212012
FIGHTING AND WINNING THE WAR AT ALL COSTS
Why Remember Yetzias Mitzrayim in the times of Moshiach? * Being that the reason behind the Mitzva is to reinforce our belief in Hashem, it would seem superfluous to have this Mitzva in the times of Moshiach.
Friday
Nov092012
WHERE CAN THERE BE A GREATER REVELATION OF ELIYAHU HA’NAVI?!
Is it possible for there to be a greater and loftier revelation of Eliyahu HaNavi than in the room where the Rebbe conducted s’darim for Pesach throughout the period of a decade?!
Wednesday
May162012
HIDDEN BLESSINGS
Many Chassidic masters have attempted to interpret the “curses” as blessings. These ingenious and “creative” interpretations were not just exercises in mental gymnastics, but, rather, a sincere attempt to reveal the existence of powerful positive energy that we know lies beneath the surface. And when we discover that hidden dimension and reveal it, it helps to actualize the positive energy itself. With this introduction we will attempt to discover, in this week’s parsha, the hidden positive meaning behind what is, arguably, the most horrific curse…
Friday
Apr062012
‘WHAT DOES PESACH HAVE TO DO WITH ME? I AM ALREADY FREE!’
It is possible that someone could argue: But it’s good for me in exile! Thanks to G-d’s kindness, I live in America, and I am able to study Torah and do Mitzvos in peace. So why should I scream and cry out – he argues – about going out of exile?! * To our great dismay, it is not merely hypothetical that someone could maintain such a misguided line of reasoning…
Tuesday
Apr032012
PESACH Q&A: WHY DO WE RECLINE ON THE SEDER NIGHT?
Most of the obstacles are actually self-generated. Whether it is a propensity toward anger, self-aggrandizement, lethargy, or uncontrollable temptations and addictions, the negativity I generate from within and project outwards form barriers that block the light, or make me unable to appreciate it when it is there. On a deeper, more existential level, the obstacle that blocks the light is, ironically, me.
Monday
Apr022012
THE FIVE SONS OF THE SEDER IN DHARAMKOT
Most of the participants at the s’darim at Chabad houses in India fall into the category of the “Fifth Son” whom the Rebbe said must also be brought to the table. * The “Fifth Son” comes in many guises – as a Wise Son, a Wicked Son, a Simple Son, and One Who Does Not Know How to Ask. And there is the fifth son within the category of Fifth Son who doesn’t even show up and ends up making a Seder for himself. * Rabbi Dror Moshe Shaul, the Rebbe’s shliach to Dharamkot, Dharamsala, together with his family and the bachurim Eliyahu Sebbag and Mendy Taib, tell about five special people.
Monday
Apr022012
THE PESACH FAQ’S REVISITED
That child-like innocence that hasn’t yet been tainted by our intellectual nature may be lying dormant. We must do something drastic, unorthodox and unconventional to awaken it.
Monday
Apr022012
PESACH: AN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
What attitude should we have towards the children’s cleaning and preparing for Pesach? What do we need to be careful about when it comes to Chol HaMoed trips? How can we strengthen the family during Yom Tov? What sort of atmosphere should we be aiming to achieve in the home during Yom Tov?