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.
Falling in Love with the Torah
F
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
Behind Enemy Lines
B
Martha Cohen survived the Holocaust and even served as a spy behind German lines. Her experience in Nazi-occupied France has an important message which is associated with the holiday of Sukkot.
A Holiday Gift from G-d
A
Each holiday, men are obligated to buy gifts for their wives to enhance their holiday joy. There is also a spiritual side: there are spiritual gifts we can give to G-d as well.
Sacrificing for Other Jews
S
Golda Meir was asked by IDF soldiers during the Yom Kippur War, “What is the point of this sacrifice?” She answered with a poignant story about the resilience of the Jewish people in the Soviet Union, and helped them see the bigger picture. On Sukkos, according to Rabbi Akiva, we celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people in the desert. Remember – whenever faced with a decision about Jewish...
Living the Lessons of Sukkos
L
Sukkos has always been one of the most beloved holidays among Chassidim. A deeper look into the details of the holiday show that each element represents another foundation of Chassidic philosophy.
THE MORE PLEASANT, THE MERRIER
T
According to the Torah, it is forbidden to add to the Mitzvos. The same applies to the Mitzvos of Sukkah and Lulav, with one exception: one can add as many Hadassim to the Lulav as he’d like. The reason for this may lie in the deeper meaning of the Hadas.
SUKKOS: AN EXTRA-STRENGTH MEASURE OF FAITH
S
There is an interesting paradox about Sukkah. On one hand, the rain must be able to get it, but on the other, it must provide sufficient shade. But if we celebrate the clouds of glory, shouldn’t we be fully protected? The answer lies in the deeper representation of rain vs. sun – trust vs. personal initiative.
Jewish Brainwashing
J
Under the inspiration of his visit to the Rebbe in 1984, Bibi Netanyahu stands in the United Nations and repeated the basic truths of the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel. The Midrash relates a story which has striking similarities, where the Jewish people successfully pushed back on their enemies claims by pointing out basic truths. The lesson – don’t be embarrassed to stick to the basics...