ב"ה
A Lesson for Husbands Everywhere
When the match was proposed between the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad Lubavitch, and Shterna, the daughter of one of the wealthiest Jews of his day, the Alter Rebbe set a tough precondition: His dowry was to be used to help settle poor Jews on the land, and help them earn
a livelihood.
The Plague of Frogs (Tzefardea)
Learn why this second plague hit Pharaoh hardest, and how these green creatures became an example of true commitment—inspiring famous people centuries later! See how they unwittingly enforced border control between Ancient Ethiopia and Egypt, and discover Kermit’s crazy ancestors from long ago, as you learn about the extra-ordinary intelligence these amphibious animals displayed. Plus, you’ll be astounded by their incredible super-natural antics as they tormented our Egyptian slave masters as only possessed frogs can! This fascinating class concludes with a deep ethical and spiritual message that we can all take to heart.
In our first class, we lay the groundwork by understanding the lenses we will use to understand the book about which Akiva declared that “the world was never as worthy as the day the Song of Songs was given to Israel.” A woman in search of her love, a cryptic response, furniture shopping, and then suddenly the tables turn, he is searching for her, but she is hiding, and finally the wedding, a locked door, an anxious midnight search, and much more, let’s dive in.
A journey of discovery and healing from the ruins of the Third Reich
The son of a decorated German officer, Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger was forced at a young age to confront his father’s unbroken allegiance to the Nazis. His journey ultimately led him to convert to Judaism and serve in the Israel Defense Forces. (Filmed at Chabad of the Upper East Side, NYC)
The Plague of Blood (‘Dam’)
This class pierces the veil shrouding the mystery around the first of the proverbial 10 Plagues. Discover the full story of the Nile River miraculously running red. Was it just a temporary chemical discoloration or did the water become actual plasma? What was the purpose, who was affected, and finally how did the magicians have water to turn into blood? Finally, why is this relevant in our day and age?
Learn the true art of effective communication
When G-d instructed Moses to go down to Egypt and speak to Pharaoh, Moses protested that he was unfit for the task due to his speech impediment. G-d responded that He would grant Moses the ability to speak and, furthermore, Aaron would act as his spokesperson. Strangely, before Moses approaches Pharaoh he again posits the very same argument only to receive the very same answer! This class will explain the subtle but critical difference between the two scenarios and in so doing will offer a valuable lesson in the art of effective communication.
Personalizing the Exodus is a critical component of living life Jewishly, because it means allowing our soul to soar and frees our spirit. Viewing the entire schematic of the ancient Egyptian slavery, suffering and redemption process through mystical teachings, opens us to a new worldview; allowing us to see our terrestrial reality from an entirely different perspective. Deep Kabbalistic insight into creation, existence and purpose narrates the singular goal of our exilic odyssey, which also replicates itself in our own personal experiences and ultimately teaches us to see pain, discomfort and difficulty as a segue to greater growth!
Parsha Va'eira
The Torah tells us (Exodus 7:7) "Moses was 80 years old... when he spoke to Pharaoh." The number 80 is represented in Hebrew by the letter "pei" which hints to the word "peh" meaning "mouth." It was at this age that Moses confronted Pharaoh--the letters of whose name spell "peh rah" or "mouth of evil."
Parshah Curiosities: Va'eira
Twice in the narrative we find Moses protesting and resisting G-d’s mission to tell Pharaoh to let the Jews go due to his difficulty to speak and sealed mouth. What was the remedy to this speech impediment, and why was he challenged this way in his role to be a powerful communicator?
Parsha Curiosities: Va'eira
A brief introduction about Moses’ first sermon (authored by G-d Himself!) – the language of its delivery and how the assembled would have understood it – takes a remarkable turn, segueing into mysterious language legends regarding the literary and spoken communication of our enslaved Hebrew ancestors. Peeling away layer after layer, we are introduced to remarkable communication codes that set us apart, despite the absence of unique national markings in ancient Egypt.
The Plague of Frogs (Tzefardea)
Learn why this second plague hit Pharaoh hardest, and how these green creatures became an example of true commitment—inspiring famous people centuries later! See how they unwittingly enforced border control between Ancient Ethiopia and Egypt, and discover Kermit’s crazy ancestors from long ago, as you learn about the extra-ordinary intelligence these amphibious animals displayed. Plus, you’ll be astounded by their incredible super-natural antics as they tormented our Egyptian slave masters as only possessed frogs can! This fascinating class concludes with a deep ethical and spiritual message that we can all take to heart.
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.
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.
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.”
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)
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.
Hosted by American Friends of Lubavitch - December 25, 2024
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 Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and a musical performances by The National Menorah Orc
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