TRANSFORMING THE SERPENT

In the Egyptian exile there was no alternative other than to nullify or crush the opposition, which was accomplished by the Plagues against Egypt. In that case there was no choice, as it were, but to use severe force. But apart from that scenario, where possible, we strive to confront opposition specifically with pleasant and peaceful means. * From Chapter Seven of Rabbi Shloma Majeski’s Likkutei Mekoros (Underlined text is the compiler’s emphasis.)

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TO BE RICH

Wealthy people and wealth were not highly regarded in the world of Chassidus, even though there were great Chassidim who were very rich and gave much tz’daka. * What was the difference of opinion between the Rebbe and the Kapitchnitzer Rebbe about wealth? How did the Rebbe explain the fact that “Rebbi would honor the rich,” and why did scarcely any Chassidim raise their hand when the Rebbe offered wealth to whoever asked for it? * Insights about wealth and wealthy people presented for Parshas Truma.

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ANASH-SHLICHUS: Refael Becher

“The market is flooded with books for kids but I noted a dismaying absence of children’s books that convey messages about the Geula.”

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REVIVING JEWISH LIFE IN ETHIOPIA

A young couple that never thought of going on shlichus in Africa, found themselves running a seder in Addis Ababa, the capitol of Ethiopia. After Yom Tov, the couple returned to Eretz Yisroel. Sometime later they ended up opening a permanent Chabad house in Addis Ababa. * Shlichus in a backward country where everything becomes a major challenge.

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HAVE WE FORGOTTEN THE MESSAGE?

The story is told of someone who wanted to make a movie about Moshe Rabbeinu. Everything was ready, the scenery, the photographers, etc. but the central figure with his majestic appearance and a long beard, was still lacking. The producer went to Mea Sh’arim and after looking around, found an older person who met all his requirements. He was tall, had a striking demeanor, and most importantly, he had a long, white beard.

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DIAMONDS FOR DAILY LIFE

Beis Moshiach interviews Mrs. Chaya Shuchat, author of the newly released book, “A Diamond a Day,” an adaptation of HaYom Yom for children.

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THE TEMPLE “SUBSTITUTES”

The Torah is, first and foremost, a Book that directs our lives. The Torah contains a total of 613 commandments. One of the commands in this week’s parsha is particularly relevant as we approach the final days of Galus: “Make for Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell in them.

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THE REBBE’S TRUTH IS ABSOLUTE

There is no such thing as a half-truth by the Rebbe. * The Rebbe seeks one person in the world who really wants the Geula. This is what the Rebbe demands of us and he gives us the kochos for it too. * An inspiring speech given by R’ Zushe Silberstein, shliach in Montreal, at Heichal Beis Menachem in Kfar Chabad.

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RIDDLE IN ENGLISH

Hello everyone. My name is Levi and I live in Crown Heights. My story begins with an English lesson and it happened about twenty years ago. Note, in order to make the story more readable, I wrote it as though I’m telling it as it happened:

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