AVRAHAM OR MOSHIACH: WHO IS SUPERIOR?

“Who is greater and whose ideal is superior – Avraham or Moshiach? Is it Avraham, whose kindness and tz’daka are the catalysts that bring about the Messianic Age? Avraham is the very source and impetus for the entire process of making this world a “Dwelling Place for G-d,” which will be fully realized in the Messianic Age. Without Avraham’s initiative there would be no process. Or perhaps Moshiach is superior, because he represents the culmination of that process and the ushering in of a new world order of Divine revelation with all of its attendant benefits such as world peace.”

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THE BROTHER OF A POOR MAN

Tz’daka is one of Judaism’s very important Mitzvos. In some ways, it is the most important of them all. The Talmud states that Tz’daka alone is equal to all the other Mitzvos. Tz’daka is singularly important because it hastens the Redemption. We are taught that Israel will not be redeemed except through tz’daka.

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ELUL: T’SHUVA THROUGH TORAH STUDY

Although repentance is loftier than Torah (for which reason atonement is accomplished through repentance even with regard to blemishes in and transgressions of the commandment to learn Torah), nevertheless the “revelation” of the entire matter of repentance is specifically through Torah. Indeed, this is the central point of the month of Elul: repentance expressed through rededication to Torah study.

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A BLESSING AND A CURSE? BUT NOTHING NEGATIVE DESCENDS FROM ABOVE!

If, G-d forbid, it comes out as the opposite of a blessing, the person is plagued with doubts. But this potential outcome is forewarned by the statement, “Behold, I give…a blessing and a curse.” * With the power of hiskashrus to the Rebbe, one comes to recognize that everything that comes from Above is actually entirely good. Then, even the curses are transformed into blessings.

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DO YOURSELF A FAVOR

“But how many times do I have to help them? Haven’t I helped them enough already? I know that you go every evening to help with bedtime and cleanup, but I’m not on your level, Bassie.”

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THE VALUE OF TRUE WEALTH

All the money or other earthly possessions—and even intellectual, cultural and even spiritual possessions—do not really make you rich. Only the things that we share with others—money, knowledge, warmth etc.—are indicators of our wealth. It represents Divine wealth that has enduring value.

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