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.
Behind Enemy Lines
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A Holiday Gift from G-d
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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...
The Jewish Vaccination
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Everybody is waiting for the coronavirus vaccine, but no one wants to be the first one to try it. What was the basis for the original vaccine? And how can we immunize our children before they go out into the world?
Sorry, I can’t shake your hand!
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The coronavirus epidemic has a silver lining for Chabad rabbi and their wives – members of the opposite gender do not attempt to shake their hands. There are many Jewish customs which have side health benefits, like Mikvah. But what is the real meaning of Mikvah, and how do we fill in for the High Priest in our day?
Annulling Our Vows—for Good
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Why is the most well-remembered Jewish prayer an annulment of vows? A fascinating Midrash about Moshe, G-d, and His vows after the Golden Calf, that shed some light on the issue.