Just as one must know his personal shortcomings, in order to correct them, so must he know his virtues, his positive character traits, in order to fully devote them to G-d. A Jew must know that he is shrewd and that he is “a servant of a king is a king” (even during the time of exile). * This awareness will rouse him to dedicate himself to complete the last remaining tasks to refine the world and bring the redemption.
The lesson for our time is that Moshiach, just like Moses and David, is not just a facilitator or a coordinator. Moshiach, through his dedication to G-d and His Torah, will empower all of us to build the third Temple and experience the Redemption.
ass movements have the ability to affect instant and decisive change, even when built upon lies and leading to destructive ends. Moments of clarity and epiphany can enable us to overcome then greatest darkness, even if they are never developed or expounded. But only when we fuse the two together, do we touch the purpose of existence – to make goodness and light fill the entire world.
It’s not just nowadays that you have to take the opinions of talmidim into consideration; back then too, talmidim had what to say. They “sniffed out” who was fit to be mashpia in the yeshiva, they taught a lesson to one who disparaged him, and they made sure to “sand down” one another so that, G-d forbid, no baalei yeshus (arrogant individuals) would sprout amongst the rows of Tomchei T’mimim.
After discussing problematic Internet usage, Rabbi Sternberg referred us to two mechanchim who deal with this matter, each of whom has a different approach to handling the Internet. One recommends focusing on chinuch and the other says we must block and filter. * See how an approach that utilizes both approaches in tandem is the best formula for averting problems.
During the Shiva for R’ Shimon Friedman a”h, the family heard numerous stories about the chesed he did. Beis Moshiach is pleased to present more inspiring stories about a man who devoted himself to doing chesed, a Chassid whose Ahavas Yisroel and Ahavas Hashem knew no bounds.
It was a long process that unfolded before R’ Refael Shuval changed his life and became a Chassid. Hashgacha Pratis prevented him from reaching the front line outpost on Har Dov and kept him on a base near his home where he began reaching out to soldiers. The results: three became Lubavitchers, some soldiers became part of other religious groups, and others were strengthened in their Judaism in general. * In honor of Shavuos, the holiday that marks Kabbalas ha’Torah, we had a long conversation with R’ Refael and his three Lubavitcher Mekuravim and discussed their life stories and thoughts, and the ups and downs that they experienced in their personal Kabbalas ha’Torah. * Part 2 of 2
“On Yom Tov one is supposed to spend time with his family. Why do you think I left my family and walked for hours in the pouring rain to come to your shul? It is only because “De Rebbe Lebt!”
In honor of Gimmel Tammuz, we present a collection of stories that demonstrate the Rebbe’s concern and sensitivity towards each man and woman, young and old.
In our generation there are those who don’t feel comfortable talking about Moshiach. However, this is precisely the point. It makes no difference what you feel. We have to do what the Rebbe told us to do. We carry out his wishes and this is what hiskashrus is about. * Although this interview was conducted in honor of Yud-Alef Nissan, it is highly relevant to us in our preparations for Gimmel Tammuz as well.
June 22, 2012