THE REVELATION OF G-DLINESS IN THE WORLD, IN NISSAN
From Chapter Six of Rabbi Shloma Majeski’s Likkutei Mekoros
From Chapter Six of Rabbi Shloma Majeski’s Likkutei Mekoros
This Shabbos, Shabbos Parshas Shmini, we read Parshas Para, a section from Parshas Chukas that speaks about the purification process of the Jewish people who became impure. This parsha was read during Temple times in advance of Rosh Chodesh Nissan to remind those people who had become spiritually defiled through contact with the dead, and therefore unable to offer the Pesach-Offering, to become purified through the water containing the ashes of the Para Aduma in preparation for the upcoming holiday.
Every week, R’ Nadav Cohen, author of GPS for the Soul, has people gather for Hakhel gatherings via teleconference. He hosts a popular speaker, mashpia or interesting Chassidic personality. * These gatherings make a great impact on the listeners and many of them report changes they made in their lives. * How did this original idea start? How great is its impact? What does R’ Nadav recommend you do in this Shnas Hakhel to carry out the Rebbe’s wishes
Admit it; you have never heard of a family, parents and four children (today six), who go off on shlichus to a forsaken hole in the wall in southern Mexico on the border of Guatemala. This is precisely what R’ Oren and Einat Raz did when they went on shlichus to S. Cristobol to prepare another part of the world to greet Moshiach
The attribute of simcha, which is something we all want, is accessible. The fact that a Jew feels that it’s hard is an indication that he is on the wrong track, because true simcha is an expression of an inner truth and understanding, traits that are congenital to us. Still, we see that sadness and depression undermine the functioning of thousands of talented and intelligent people and drains the joie-de-vivre out of many others. Why is it so hard for us to attain simcha? * An interview with R’ Shloma Majesky, menahel of Machon Chana, and author of the book, “The Chassidic Approach to Joy.” * Part 2 of 2
Shuls always held a central place within Jewish communities, whether in European countries, African countries, the Middle East, ancient Babylon or modern New York. Not for naught were shuls called miniature sanctuaries, for in shuls, the Jewish people found consolation when there was no place to encounter the Creator face to face and offer sacrifices. This is the reason why shuls are looked upon with respect and their holiness is treasured
The Rebbe has often taught that all the concepts in one Parsha are intrinsically related. Even though there may sometimes seem to be more of a connection between the beginning of the Parsha to the end of the previous Parsha, or from the end of the current Parsha to the beginning of the next Parsha, nonetheless, whichever ideas are included in one Parsha must be deeply connected, no matter how disparate those concepts may seem.
One of the most important days of the year is Rosh Chodesh (the first day of the month of) Nissan which is the subject of the beginning of this week’s parsha. In most years this parsha is read after Passover. This year, because an extra leap year month has been added, this parsha is read the Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh Nissan. The confluence of events (reading the parsha discussing the events of Rosh Chodesh Nissan in close proximity to that day) compels us to reflect on the importance of this day.
“Hurry, hurry!” the Nazi guards urged on the unfortunate Jews. It was hours already that all the Jews of the town, men, women and children, had been walking in the freezing cold to some unknown destination.