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Essays on the weekly Torah portion, the holidays and Jewish thought.
Holidays Chanukah – Chanukah “R” Rated (Restricted) for Children Only Adults Must Be Accompanied by a Child CHANUKAH “R” RATED (RESTRICTED): Chanukah is a children’s holiday. The very word Chanukah derives from the Hebrew word “chinuch”… Holidays Chanukah – Chanukah: Vive Le Light It is not enough for us to realize our natural potential – symbolized by the number seven, the highest number in the natural order. Even as we light the seventh light, we observe an empty space on the menorah for an eighth light. It beckons and challenges us to beyond our nature and realize the clim Holidays Chanukah – Eight and Not Seven The very essence of Chanukah is praise and thanksgiving and not just joy. Lighting the menorah – as an expression of praise and thanksgiving – is what characterizes the holiday and not just something that we do during Chanukah. Underlying this approach is the notion that the greatest form of thanksg Holidays Chanukah – Fat Is the Culprit When the Holy Temple was recaptured by the famed Maccabees, they searched for a bottle of oil that still had the High Priest's seal. Although they were allowed to use tainted oil, they would not do so, for then they would have won the war but lost the battle. Holidays Chanukah – Greek Darkness and Chanukah Light The Rebbe explains why the Greeks did not destroy the oil but only contaminated it with the Greek “touch.” Their objective was to remove the sanctity from the Temple and all of Judaism. Holidays Chanukah – Inside and Outside In previous generations, the “outside” started at the entrance to our homes. If there was any darkness, it was not coming from within. אhe Chanukah lights that were kindled on the entrances of our homes had the positive effect of bringing some light into the “street.” Holidays Chanukah – Transforming the Rebels The objective of the lighting of the Chanukah lights goes well beyond dispelling the darkness associated with rebelliousness. Its true goal is to transform defiance into an extraordinary and unconventional positive force. Parsha Vayeishev – A Chain Reaction One cannot commit a private immoral act. Our entire universe is an organic whole, where each and every action, word and even thought reverberates throughout the universe in a chain reaction. Parsha Vayeishev – A Tale of Two Compromises Some compromises are necessary. We must do whatever can forestall a Jew’s spiritual demise. However, there is never a point when we allow the compromise to be “institutionalized.” Parsha Vayeishev – A Joseph Moment When we have a Joseph moment, subjected to pressures that take us away from our past, present and future—we should view it as an incredible opportunity to grow to unimaginable heights. Not only do we not sever the link in the chain, we become the strongest link; we add dignity, holiness and strength Parsha Vayeishev – Both Sides Are Holy Every decent person realizes that, although the results might be the same, they should always choose a positive and regal means of achieving a good end. The ends do not justify the means. Parsha Vayeishev – Early Retirement When we tackle the obstacles that surround us we liberate the sparks of holiness that is hidden within every physical object and experience. This will then lead us to the Final Redemption and eternal peace. Parsha Vayeishev – Chanukah and the Monarchy A true Jewish leader—contrary to most political and religious leaders of our time—has to put the interests of his people—even of one individual—ahead of his own personal interest and prestige. This was the hallmark of Jewish leadership throughout the ages. And this is one of the signs that we will u Parsha Vayeishev – Empty Pits and Chanukah Menoros Placed Too High Those who think that Moshiach is not real have adopted the Galus, which is likened to snakes and scorpions. And those who think Moshiach is too sublime for us have place their Chanukah Menorah beyond twenty cubits. Moshiach is sublime but he is also down-to-earth and part of our reality. We just hav Parsha Vayeishev – Go See How Your Brothers Are Doing “Don’t judge a person until you are in his place.” And don’t underestimate the value and contribution of others who appear to us to be on a much lower level. Parsha Vayeishev – Having Your Sublime Light and Eating It Too By blessing Jacob, Isaac paved the way for the forging of a Jewish nation that would receive the Divine Master Plan— the Torah—at Mount Sinai. Ultimately, it would lead to reconciliation with Esau in the Messianic Age. Parsha Vayeishev – Joseph’s Brothers The potential for negative energy is also the potential for the power to combat and neutralize that negative energy. When we see someone who seems to be a rebel, we should not fight that spirit of rebelliousness. We should rather channel it into the force of opposition to rebelliousness. Parsha Vayeishev – Keeping Our Chanukah Lights in Our Eye’s Sight Moshiach will succeed in achieving the goal of transforming the outside. Moshiach is a warrior against the influences that threaten the integrity of the Torah, Jewish people and the Land of Israel. Moshiach is more than that. He will influence every Jew to follow in the ways of G-d and indeed, he wi Parsha Vayeishev – Living in the Future The 12 tribes had an identity crisis. Were they simply a continuation of the tradition that began with Noah of making the world a civilized one, laying the ground work for the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people? Or were they actually the first generation and nucleus of the Jewish nation? Were Parsha Vayeishev – Light and More Light! This Chanukah, we ought to proclaim with every fiber of our being: No more darkness! We want light! Pure unadulterated light! We want Moshiach now!