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Parsha Curiosities: Bo
In the Biblical narrative of the 10th plague; the silence of the dogs seems deafening. Why does the Torah lavish so much attention to muzzled barking at a time of widespread death and devastation? During the course of this investigation, we reveal the unique Torah take on the close connection that people have had with dogs since the dawn of human history. Canine lovers will appreciate this fascinating class’s bark and bite, although the conclusion doesn't necessarily endorse the person-pet relationship paradigm.
The witnesses for sighting the new moon
Torah law does not accept the testimony of witnesses who are related to each other. However, with respect to the witnesses required to establish the day a new month begins – via a sighting of the 'new moon' – Rabbi Shimon is of the opinion that the testimony of relatives is admissible; in contrast to the view of the Sages (Talmud, Rosh Hashana 22b). This class will explain both positions on the matter, and the relevance to our lives. (Likutei Sichos vol. 21)
The essence of slavery is not being in control of your time. Even without a taskmaster, our sense of self-expression and self-fulfillment is imprisoned without taking control of our time. The first commandment that the Jewish nation received, was establishing the new moon, in essence putting time in our hands—the most basic premise of freedom.
After creating Adam, G-d says, “It is not good for man to be alone,” and He creates Eve as Adam’s mate. Why are human relationships so crucial and also so difficult to navigate and maintain? Fusing the wisdom of Kabbalah with the practical language of modern psychology, we explore the Divine map for relationships and the two components that are necessary to make our relationships healthy, fulfilling, and lasting.
Inside the story of Tevet 5: the victory of the sacred books
Jewish Educational Media pulls back the curtain on the fascinating saga of the violation of Lubavitch’s sacred manuscripts and books—and their ultimate triumph. From the Rebbe’s earliest public references to the theft of Chabad’s treasured library, it was clear that this was a spiritual struggle over the movement’s very soul—as embodied in its holy writings—and even over the very definition of a rebbe. (Excerpt from the complete film)
A profound presentation on the verses that segue into the very first Mitzvah we receive as a nation—the Sanctification of the Moon. Learning about our unique Jewish calendar, which incorporates a synergy balancing both the seasonal or solar calendar with the lunar or monthly method of keeping time, leads us to an understanding of why we label the months in a particular way. Yet, we seem to have abandoned this, opting instead for foreign nomenclature. Why?! Fascinating facts, incredible insights and sacred sparks are set into orbit to provide an inspiring explanation.
The witnesses for sighting the new moon
Torah law does not accept the testimony of witnesses who are related to each other. However, with respect to the witnesses required to establish the day a new month begins – via a sighting of the 'new moon' – Rabbi Shimon is of the opinion that the testimony of relatives is admissible; in contrast to the view of the Sages (Talmud, Rosh Hashana 22b). This class will explain both positions on the matter, and the relevance to our lives. (Likutei Sichos vol. 21)
The Dress Code for Exodus
The night before they left Egypt, the Children of Israel were commanded to eat matzah and bitter herbs together with the Paschal lamb "waist-belted, shoes on your feet and staff in your hand". Thus class will explore the spiritual dimension of this dress-code and its guidance for our personal exodus. (Based on the maamor V'kocho 5737)
The plague of darkness did not affect the Jewish people, as the Torah says (Exodus 10:23), "For Israel, there was light in all the places they were." Rashi differ from the Midrash as to whether this light was one of the miracles of the plague. This class explores the nature of this miracle and it’s illuminating message for our lives. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 31)
The Torah truism that G-d’s Mitzvot were designed to refine our character, and make us better people would lead us to assume that this strategy to living life appropriately would certainly be reflected in the first Mitzvah. Yet, in identifying that very commandment, this axiom seems to ring hollow. A scriptural detail leads us to an enigmatic teaching in the Zohar, whose elucidation - drawn from profound Kabbalistic insight into human consciousness - ultimately most vividly demonstrates how the first Mitzvah does indeed provide the foundational recipe to correct character building and the maximization of our personal potential!
Letters and Numbers of Torah - Bo
Three times in the Torah the word "ha-shvi-i" (the seventh) is missing a letter yud. (The first time is in this week's portion in Exodus 12:15.) When spelled this way, the word may also be read as "shavua" (oath) or "soveia" (satiated.) What is the connection between seven, swearing, and satiation, and how do they describe the process of the soul's descent into a body?
Parshah Curiosities: Bo
The plague of darkness was incredibly dense and intense for the Egyptians, while the Israelite nation enjoyed a miraculously bright and lit-up environment. This class will shed light and reveal obscure facets of this remarkable plague, and the layers of purpose it served in preparation for the Exodus.
Parsha Curiosities: Bo
In the Biblical narrative of the 10th plague; the silence of the dogs seems deafening. Why does the Torah lavish so much attention to muzzled barking at a time of widespread death and devastation? During the course of this investigation, we reveal the unique Torah take on the close connection that people have had with dogs since the dawn of human history. Canine lovers will appreciate this fascinating class’s bark and bite, although the conclusion doesn't necessarily endorse the person-pet relationship paradigm.
A profound presentation on the verses that segue into the very first Mitzvah we receive as a nation—the Sanctification of the Moon. Learning about our unique Jewish calendar, which incorporates a synergy balancing both the seasonal or solar calendar with the lunar or monthly method of keeping time, leads us to an understanding of why we label the months in a particular way. Yet, we seem to have abandoned this, opting instead for foreign nomenclature. Why?! Fascinating facts, incredible insights and sacred sparks are set into orbit to provide an inspiring explanation.
Nutrition from Shamayim
Can the New Year for Trees be a time for reflecting on the mitzvah of taking care of our health? Learn more about the meaning of Tu B’Shevat, and some of the health and healing properties of the fruits mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:8: “A land of wheat, barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of oil-yielding olives and [date] honey.”
The origin and meaning of this custom
Our proverbial New Year for Trees is celebrated by most Sephardic Jews (and more recently by many Israelis of Ashkenazi descent as well) with an elaborate fruit-centric sacred ceremony colloquially known as the “Tu B’Shevat Seder.” It’s comprised of carefully choreographed chanting of Scripture and Rabbinic texts, accompanied by an assortment of fruit and wine, which are consumed in an orderly fashion. But why invoke unique Passover verbiage for this fruitful observance? This fascinating presentation sheds light on some of the origins and profound meanings of this enigmatic Torah tradition.
In 1941, the Rebbe travelled to Marseilles, France, to obtain entry visas to the United States for himself and his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. While there, the Rebbe maintained his characteristic low profile, but at a gathering in honor of the New Year for Trees, he gave those
present a taste of things to come. (1941)
13 Shevat 5749 · January 19, 1989
“Man is a tree of the field.” The Sages of the Talmud apply this verse to the Jew. Torah is the
core of a Jew’s being, and Torah must effect his actions so that he bears good fruits — good
deeds. But when we say that a Jew must be “fruitful,” first and foremost he must reproduce
his own essence.
11 Nissan, 5744 • April 12, 1984
G‑d created plants and animals with the ability to procreate – to perpetuate themselves and reflect G‑d’s own Infinitude. Man, too, was granted the remarkable ability to reproduce, but was additionally blessed with the ability to harness and expand the infinite powers hidden within the rest of nature.
Sunday, December 18 at 4 PM ET - Hosted by American Friends of Lubavitch
Join the live broadcast of the lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah located on the Ellipse at the White House in Washington D.C. Featuring musical performances by the “Pershing's Own United States Army Band” and "The Three Cantors".
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