When One World Trade Center was built, a discussion arose about the appropriate materials. What was the Tower of Babylon made of? What is the spiritual lesson?
Are You Made of Stone or Brick?
A
If You Judge – Judge Favorably
I
Reish Lakish and Rabbi Yochanan had different takes on Noach’s righteousness. What does their background tell us about their interpretation? Should we be a Reish Lakish or Rabbi Yochanan?
Absentee Ballots Don’t Count
A
In America, every person has the right to vote, even if they cannot make it to the polls on elections day. Israel gives no such accommodation. What about Judaism? Can you be a “Jewish Absentee”?
THE THREEFOLD JOY AFTER THE REAL TEST
T
Why is the celebration of Sukkos and Simchas Torah greater than the joy of Pesach and Shavuos? The Rebbe’s deeper look into the Midrash on the issue will shed light on the true reason.
United with G-d and Each Other
U
When Prime Minister Begin assumed him post, he held an open house to meet all of the citizens of the country. Pretty quickly, however, his security detail brought it to an end. Sukkos is G-d’s open house. But Shmini Atzeres is exclusive.
BE A SIMCHAT TORAH JEW
B
American Jews choose Yom Kippur, and Russian Jews choose Simchas Torah. Who is right? The answer lies in a story of the Rebbe, and the differences in the behavior of King Saul and King David.
WHY DO WE SAY L’CHAIM ON SIMCHAS TORAH?
W
There is a unique element to the celebration of Simchas Torah; unlike other major Jewish holidays, it’s a completely man-made celebration. What does that tell us?
Falling in Love with the Torah
F
Dancing with our articles of faith is a uniquely Jewish custom. Why indeed do we dance with something which, for the most part, obligates us? The answer lies in the Jewish DNA.
MAKING OTHERS HAPPY
M
When a young girl requested a pareve ice cream recipe, the Rebbe saw it as a legitimate avenue to strengthen her Judaism. One of the customs of the pilgrims to Jerusalem would be to bring their Maaser, and recite a special prayer of thanks in the Temple. One of the verses they would recite was essentially, “I was joyful and I brought joy to others.” The key is: bring them joy, on their level.
The Israelite’s “Motorcade” in the desert
T
The Jewish people have been led by single leaders and by pairs. But in the desert, they were led by a trio, Moshe, Aharon and Miriam. Aharon, and his special contribution to the Israelites in the desert, has a unique connection to Sukkot