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Even a little light can dispel a world of darkness. Therefore, every Mitzvah which a Jew performs dispel the negative aspects of his nature and the forces which stand in the way from living his life to the fullest capacity.
The Jerusalem Talmud states: “If the Holy Temple is not rebuilt in your lifetime, it's as though it were destroyed in your lifetime.” We must do whatever we can to bring Moshiach with the same urgency as those who witnessed the destruction of the Holy Temple before their eyes.
The Rebbe joins the funeral of Yoseph Nimoitin. Whilst living in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Yoseph helped the Rebbe’s parents after the Rebbe's father was imprisoned and exiled there by the Communists for spreading Judaism.
From an excerpt of a letter from the Rebbe- “When one lives with enthusiasm and true joy, one will feel inspired and empowered to accomplish things that would otherwise be unattainable”.
Happiness doesn't come from indulging in yourself and your needs. If you are focused on your needs, you will only see what you don't have yet. Instead, focus on all the blessings that G-d has given you and you will find reasons to be grateful.
In an address on Lag Baomer, 1987 the Rebbe says: Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, whom we are celebrating today, states in the Mishna that wherever the Jews are exiled, G-D is exiled together with them. Knowing this gives us the strength to do what we must with joy.
The Zohar writes: when someone smiles and expresses joy in this world, G-D in turn smiles at him from above, bestowing upon him blessings and circumstances which will further his joy.
Reb Levik's Niggun
During a Farbrengen on 20th Av, the Rebbe enthusiastically encourages the Chasidim to sing a lively Niggun that was a favorite of the Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneersohn.
The Holy Temple was destroyed because of "sinat chinam" — baseless hatred in the Jewish community. As we approach the 9th of Av, we should extend unconditional love and kindness to our fellow, thereby removing the cause of our painful exile.
Whilst we must always endeavor to think big and achieve accomplishments with global effects, never lose sight of the importance of a single individual achieving small actions. Little by little, you can make a difference. - From a letter of the Rebbe, 5 Teves 5736
The Rebbe wrote to someone facing hardships in a certain area of their life: "...when one finds extraordinary difficulties or obstacles, this in itself is often a sign that the thing desired is very worthwhile." -excerpt of a letter dated 20 Cheshvan, 1964.
The Rebbe wrote to chess grandmaster Samuel Reshevsky in 1984 "... the most gratifying point is that you continue to display a Kiddush Hashem [sanctifying G-d's name], insisting upon your right not to play on the holy Shabbat, and that your stance was recognized and accepted."
An individual facing complicated surgery to repair a medical issue in his leg visited the Rebbe. The Rebbe responded: the doctors aren't in charge; G-d is in charge and he gives the doctors the power to heal. May you share good news.
The Rebbe writes about the previous Chabad Rebbe, "Like all true shepherds of theJewish people, who continue to care for their flock also after returning to Heaven, the Rebbe continues to take a personal interest in each and everyone who connect with his sacred work,
The Rebbe leaves after the conclusion of morning prayers on the day before Yom Kippur, 1975. Following prayers on this day, the Rebbe would stand for hours and distribute the Lekach honey cake, wishing thousands of people blessings for a good and sweet new year.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe on thanksgiving
America's foundation was laid down by its original settlers: Immediately after arriving in this country, they proclaimed a holiday of thanksgiving to G-d for bringing them to a secure land and saving them from religious oppression. This
Before a Rabbi traveled to Israel to speak at a convention the Rebbe advised him: deliver a fiery speech but make sure it is a holy fire. It shouldn’t burn everyone, but rather make them stronger.
The 1991 “Miss Israel” winner visits the Rebbe.
The Rebbe: “Torah says: ‘Beauty is false.’ But the verse continues: ‘A G-d-fearing woman is to be praised.’
"When a person finds himself in a situation where the light of day has given way to gloom and darkness, one must not despair, G-D forbid. On the contrary, it is necessary to fortify oneself with complete trust in G-D, the Essence of goodness, and take heart in the firm belief
In a letter dated 18 Shevat, 1965 the Rebbe writes: "Even the most basic precepts of ethics and morality cannot be left to the intuitive resources of human beings but rather, must be based on the Supreme Authority of the Creator of the world and mankind".
The Rambam writes: "One should always consider himself, as well as the whole world, as in a state of equal balance so that through one additional good deed, he tips the scale in favor both for himself, as well as for the whole world”.
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year when the highest level of our soul is in a revealed state. We must therefore use the following days to draw down this level of holiness into the mundane, regular days of the year.
A young man once asked the Rebbe for a blessing to find his soulmate. The Rebbe blessed him and added with a smile: “Don't forget to send me an invitation to your wedding”.
The JEM team mourns the passing of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, the educational arm of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.
We will always remember Rabbi Kotlarsky’s steadfast support and enthusiastic encouragement of our special mission of
The Banner Of G-D
The Israeli's victory in the Six Day War was nothing short of miraculous. The Rebbe's prophecy with the initiation of the Teffillin campaign truly brought fear upon the enemies of Israel. Watch the fulll film on youtube:
The Rebbe often quoted our sages who write: "He who possesses 100, desires 200, and he who possesses 200, desires 400." Ambition often grows with success. The Rebbe encouraged his followers to apply this to their spiritual work as well.
Maimonides teaches that prior to Moshiach’s arrival, there will be much negativity in the world in need of refinement. Take the darkness as a sign of what’s coming; it is a precursor to light.
G-D Will Deliver Us
In the thick of the six day war, the Israelis and all Jews worldwide were fearful and panicked for the future of the Land of Israel. It was the Rebbe who inspired a nation, reassuring with absolute confidence that with G-D’s help, Israel will be victorious.
Today, the 28th of Sivan, is the day the Rebbe and his wife the Rebbetzin reached the shores of the United States after being rescued from Nazi-occupied Europe. the Hebrew letters for 28 are כח which also spell out the word meaning strength. This day gives us the strength to
Rebuilding The Destruction
If we were eyewitnesses at the time of the destruction of the holy Temple, our daily approach to living in exile, explains the Rebbe, would be vastly different.
"G-D is always ready and willing to bestow His blessings but it is necessary to create ‘channels and vessels’ to receive them. These are made through…conduct in accordance with His will, namely, in accordance with the Torah and Mitzvot." -excerpt from a letter dated 27 Sivan,
The Rebbe on Attempted Assassination
After President Reagan was shot and wounded by a would-be assassin in 1981, the Rebbe spoke about the societal shortcomings that had allowed this horrific event to take place.
🦅 🇺🇸 What Does Thanksgiving Tell Us About America?
Immediately after arriving in the country, the founding fathers proclaimed a holiday of thanksgiving to God for bringing them to safety and security.
This celebration set a precedent for a primal belief in God.
“G-d will redeem Zion and build the cities of Judah, and they will dwell there and posses it. The descendants of His servants will inherit it and those who love His name will establish themselves there.” (Psalms 69:36, 37)
The Rebbe on how to handle a US Secretary of State
In November of 1989, Israel’s Cabinet Secretary Elyakim Rubinstein explains how difficult it is to hold out against the pressures by US Secretary of State James Baker.
In a notable departure from his patient disposition, the
Motzei Yom Kippur
At the conclusion of the service of Yom Kippur, the Rebbe leads the Chassidim in an explosion of exuberant singing as they look ahead to the joyous holiday of Sukkot.
The Rebbe holds a unique Torah Scroll known as the Shapiro brothers Torah. This was used by the Schapiro brothers during their years of imprisonment in Czarist Russia for printing Torah and Chassidic books in the Slavita publishing house. They exhibited great self-sacrifice for
Every businessman should take to heart that in every place and circumstance our mission remains to generate holiness in the mundane. Even a simple glass of water can be elevated with the recitation of a blessing before drinking.
With the knowledge that they possess a G-Dly soul and that G-D is constantly present with them, children will feel empowered to overcome temptation and do the right thing.
Tu B'Av Greetings
Recounting the custom from notable Chassidic Rabbis, an individual relates to the Rebbe that beginning on the 15th of Av, a month and a half before Rosh Hashana, one can begin to wish others a good New Year.
Avoid Hypocrisy
Any attempt to hide one’s Jewish identity from the outside world is futile; the gentiles know we are different. Such is clearly portrayed through the Purim story.
A terrible attack on the Jewish people, in the midst of days of celebration.
How should we respond?
50 years ago, Israel was attacked in the Yom Kippur War of 1973.
Three days after the war began, the Rebbe held an annual gathering on the anniversary of the passing of his
For what purpose did G-D scatter and separate the Jewish nation around the world? As agents of G-D in every country, we now have the opportunity to spread G-D’s message worldwide. (An excerpt from the Rebbe’s talk on 27th Tishrei, 5745).
A candidate for congress asked the Rebbe for a blessing for a stronger America. The Rebbe answered "Not only a stronger America but a united America. They're called the United States—that means that the population of America should become more united."
From an excerpt of a letter, the Rebbe writes: Our sages tell us that saving just one soul is akin to saving the entire world, therefore love for one's fellow Jew can be expressed even through extending kindness to one single individual.
To requests for guidance in practical matters the Rebbe would often respond by quoting the verse in Proverbs: "help comes with multitude of advice", and direct them to seek advice from qualified people they were familiar with.
A businessperson should take time from every day to forget about all the typical worries and instead study Torah. Setting aside time each day to study with peace of mind will not only benefit one's spiritual life, but it will benefit one's work as well...
With Israel Under Attack, Where Can We Turn To?
Chapter 121 of Psalms illuminates our belief in the infinite strength of the Al-mighty, whose protection over His chosen People and His holiest land never ceases for a moment, even under the greatest threat!
"Insofar as a Jew is concerned, a vacation can be taken from secular studies and secular things, but not in matters of Judaism. On the contrary, when one has much more time available and less distractions from other matters, it is necessary to increase the time devoted to Jewish
"The month of Elul is compared to the scene of a king who is passing through the field on his way to the palace. There, anyone who so desires may come to greet him. He receives them warmly and with a smiling countenance”.
Time To Refocus
In response to the Arabs' desecration of the Temple Mount, the Rebbe offers a solution to Mr Gershon Solomon: to increase in Jewish observance and practice throughout the Land of Israel
The Rebbe would distribute specimens of the Four Kinds to representatives from communities around the world visiting to celebrate Sukkos with the rebbe.
Yud Beis Tammuz Niggun
"As the ""Yud Beis Tammuz Niggun"" is sung, chassidim wish the Rebbe ""L'chaim"" as they celebrate the anniversary of the liberation of the Previous Rebbe from Soviet imprisonment."
G-D Believes In Israel
In 1989 the then Israeli ambassador Mr Uri Savir, speaks with the Rebbe and asks for blessings of success and safety for Israel. The Rebbe shares his perspective on Israel's peace tactics.
A young student once wrote to the Rebbe that he does not have any money and therefore cannot give charity. The Rebbe explained in response that charity is not limited to money. One can donate their time or expertise and this spiritual support is just as beneficial as physical