This Shabbos (VaYikra) is the first Shabbos of the month of Nissan the חודש הנשיאים – month of princes. The simple reason for this title is because the first 12 days of Nissan we read about the Korbanos that the נשיא of each shevet brought in honor of the dedication of the Mishkan.
Certain foods require bishul Yisroel (cooking by a Jew)* to retain their kosher status. The manner in which many kashrus agencies adhere to this standard is by having a Torah-observant Jew turn on the oven at the beginning of the workday, thereby aiding in the cooking process, thus rendering all food cooked during that cooking cycle bishul Yisroel.
While we had been released from the hospital at eight o’clock that morning, we didn’t actually leave the children’s ward until eleven, three hours later. Throughout this time, people came to our room and stood in line to write a letter to the Rebbe in request of a bracha. An amazing story as told by the baalas ha’maaseh, Mrs. Ester Rochberger from Rishon L’Tziyon.
Just as the moon becomes full after 15 days and begins to wane thereafter, so too the Davidic dynasty, after fifteen kings had descended from Dovid, sovereignty diminished in the days of Tzidkiyahu; only a glimmer of it remained – Rabban Gamliel in Bavel and the Nasi in Eretz Yisroel. But then their reign will be renewed and continue. * From Chapter Fourteen of Rabbi Shloma Majeski’s Likkutei Mekoros, Volume 2. (Underlined text is the compiler’s emphasis.)
The Chabad community and those who cherish authentic Chassidic music recently parted with a Chassidic music pioneer, Rabbi Eliyahu Lipsker a”h. * His fascinating life story spans his childhood in Kutais, the family’s aliya to Eretz Yisroel, and the early years spent in the United States under the personal care of the Rebbe. * About his t’fillos at the Rebbe’s side and the special kiruvim, the rare recordings and the Rebbe’s guidance for success in his concerts, and about the Rebbe’s interest in every detail of his career.
Right from the beginning of its creation, the Lubavitch Hassidic movement distinguished itself by the fact that its followers were guided to apply and practice religious prescriptions in every detail of life * If the Gruzian Jews have maintained their Jewish identity and strong religious feelings and practices in spite of over 50 years of Communist propaganda and persecution, I am convinced that this is the result of the great efforts invested by Rabbi Levitin * The majority of Shochtim in England, France, Italy, the Scandinavian countries and Belgium are former students of our Yeshivot * When the Aliyah from Morocco was very high, there was a consensus of opinion by all concerned that the youth coming from our institutions in that country are the best element * This is obviously a very succinct description of our activities overseas, since otherwise it would require hundreds of pages… * What Does Lubavitch Do?
Adina looked around the full hall. In another few minutes, the Yud Shvat farbrengen would begin, and the room was filling up with Chassidim and Jews who came from all over.
At first glance it is difficult to understand how the narrative of the production of the covers of the Sanctuary, which were spun from goat hair, is relevant to us. This was strictly a onetime activity necessary for the construction of the Sanctuary in the desert. It is something that is not even applicable to the Third Holy Temple (which won’t need to be fashioned on our part at all, for “it is built and stands ready, etc.”). * These wise women devoted their talents to making G-d’s Sanctuary notwithstanding the fact that it was within their capacity to utilize their special talents for their personal concerns instead
The parsha of P’kudei concludes the book of Shmos-Exodus. In P’kudei, Moshe gives an accounting of all the materials that were contributed for the construction of the Mishkan (the portable Sanctuary in the desert).
Fifteen years have passed since the fire that suddenly started at four in the morning. While the flames burned the wooden house, nobody knew that trapped on the second floor were three bachurim who had returned from a farbrengen, and who were unable to escape. * Beis Moshiach spoke with the three Friedman brothers who were miraculously saved that night and heard about their moving encounter with the fireman who saved them
This Shabbos (VaYakhel-P’kudei) is Shabbos Mevarchim of the month of Nissan, the month of Geula. It is also the second Shabbos Chazak of the year, a Shabbos in which we receive extra strength to be successful in our upcoming Avodas Hashem. As Chassidim, in addition to preparing for Pesach, we are also preparing for 11 Nissan, the 115th birthday of our Rebbe. Every Chassid wants to add in his Avodas Hashem and his commitment to fulfilling the directives of our holy Rebbeim.
“The terrifying news about our unfortunate brethren in Russia are unequaled in the history of the Jews. Hordes of savages and wild beasts thrust themselves on Israel and his religion. Israel is made into mockery and derision by the uncouth and by the wicked; instead of freedom of thought and toleration, a horrible inquisition was levied on them, and about three million Jews are being robbed and persecuted” * The Letter
Scenario I: My son’s bar-mitzvah Kiddush was held on Shabbos afternoon. One of the local Jews (who really only shows up to shul on Yom Kippur and for social events) videotaped the speeches (unsolicited) and emailed them to us after Shabbos along with some pictures of the event that he took on the sly. May we keep them and show them around?
March 28, 2017