B''H
Hamantaschen and vodka, costumes and gifts- are all around the corner!
This Thursday night and Friday we celebrate Purim.
One of the coolest holidays around, Purim is simply the bomb. And when
looking deeper into the story of Purim, behind all the fun we find the
deepest of secrets and lessons for life unraveled in front of our
eyes...
In 'Megillat Esther' ('The Book of Esther'-named after the heroine of
our story) we find G-d's Name mentioned...Not once! Out of all 24
books of "Tanach"-this is the only book without mention.
Also, throughout the story of Purim; from Esther's ascension to the
throne, to Haman's attempt to annul the Jewish People, and the
eventual victory of the Jews, we don't see anything OPENLY unnatural
or miraculous occurring! What's so special and unique about the story
of Purim?
Chassidus explains that this is precisely the special quality and
lesson of Purim.
In our day to day lives in 2008, life seems pretty natural. True,
interesting events occur in the world, and the Jewish People
especially seem to strive on interesting occurrences, but we've always
been lucky: take the 6-day war for instance! And throughout our own
personal journeys in life, random events have occurred and will occur,
sometimes dramatic twists and turns in every direction-yet we make it
through.
Through seemingly natural events, the Jewish People annulled the
decree against their lives and arose victorious over their evil
enemies; G-d's Name never mentioned once: a lucky victory!
But the lesson 'Megillat Esther' is teaching us, is that in our world
and in our lives,
G-d is Directing everything. Just like in Purim, when the Jews somehow
arose victorious over impending doom, G-d, concealed and through
nature, saved us. Today as well, if we look deeper into the world's
events and into our own life's story,
we can find the story of Purim-G-d's Guidance of events for our
benefit. "Esther" comes from the hebrew word "Hester"- which means
"Hidden". "Megillah" comes from the word "Me-galeh" which means
"reveal." We have to realize G-d's Presence, Even if We don't openly
see Him, and reveal that which is hidden. He's there Behind us all the
way, for each of us in our own personal life, and for our people as a
whole. How have we made it this far?
WHICH brings us to one more very powerful lesson we can learn from the
Purim Story. After King Achashveirosh (say that 10-times fast :)
issued a decree for our people's destruction something strange
occurred. Mordechai, our leader at the time, was very powerful and had
influence in the King's court. What did he do immediately after he
heard the decree issued?
He put on sackcloth and ashes and began to fast! I mean, Come on, use
some connections here or something!
Esther, Achashveirosh's beloved Queen, had to approach the king to
find a way to save the fate of her People, even though it meant
risking her very life (1 never approached the King unless called
upon). SO what did Esther do to prepare for her visit to the inner
chamber of the King? Did she call in the finest makeup artists and
perfumers of her city 'Shushan'? Nope, Esther fasted for 3 days! It
seems that's not the smartest way to gain favor in a King's eyes!
(editor's note: I apologize if models and others disagree with me on
this one).
What were Esther and Mordechai thinking?
Esther, Mordechai, and the entire Jewish people (who also fasted and
prayed), realized that King Achashveirosh wasn't the one in charge of
their fate: it was G-d. Esther and Mordechai used practical means to
win as well, but their intention throughout was entirely in placing
their trust in G-d. And that's why we won. That's why Esther found
favor in the King's eyes and the Jewish People ended up in joyful
victory and we have Purim today. This holiday means so much for it
shows us that forever in our world, amongst the nations, G-d Is in
Control and Behind us.
Through our own trusting in G-d in our daily lives; realizing that our
boss at work isn't in total control of our fate, not even good ol'
Barack Obama! Rather, G-d Runs the show. We must do all we can in the
realms of nature, but ultimately, like the Jews of Purim, we must
place our complete trust, hope and commitment, in our G-d- and then
we'll be assured of victory.
Moshiach Now!
Happy Purim!!!
-Daniel
Thurs.-'Fast of Esther'-commemorating the fast of the Jews to annul
the evil decree.
Thurs. Night-Hear the Megillah reading. Then Get ready to party hardy,
all night, celebrating our people's victory!!
Friday-We have 4 Mitzvot (commandments) to do:
1) Eat a big meal in honor of Purim ;)
2) Give 2 foods in a package to 1 person ("Mishloach Manot")
3) Give charity to 2 poor people.
4) Hear the Megillah read.
Oh, AND #5: Be Joyful!!
(visit Chabad.org for info on Purim and to find the nearest Purim activities!)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
What's so great about Children?
B"H
The love the Lubavitcher Rebbe had for children was legendary. In his
eyes the holiest members of the Jewish people were our youth. Whenever
a young boy or girl waved to the Rebbe, his face would light up
immediately and return the wave.
The Rebbe spoke and wrote countless times about the power of a child's
simple prayer or thought, emphasizing the importance of every Jewish
child's action-more important than the most venerable Rabbi could hope
to achieve.
What is it about children that we love so much? Sure they're cute, and
ask funny questions, grinning from ear to ear without their 2 front
teeth.
But if we look a little bit deeper, what essential value do young
children have compared to their elders? Why should children be valued
more than a teenager or adult in any way? Shouldn't it be the
opposite, considering the fact that the older a person gets, the more
he has worked on himself to realize what is truly meaningful &
worthwhile in life? A child has never really faced the world or
thought about what is truly important...
The Rebbe explains that a father loves a son naturally, and his young
son loves his father by his very nature too. Why? Because that's just
the way it is. The son comes from his father's essence (as explained
in the Chassidic works) and both feel an essential bond for that very
reason.
What happens though when the son grows older? Both the son and his
father begin to feel love for each other based on reason and
understanding also. I love my father because he does so much for me
and really cares, and there's even a commandment in the Torah to
respect my parents. I love my son because he's so warm and smart, with
a great smile and he treats his sister so nicely. Of course each loves
one another intrinsically still for no reason at all, but now this
love is more hidden by the love based on reason.
The source for this relationship between father and son, Kabbalah
explains, stems from G-d's Intrinsic Love for the Jewish People. "You
are children to the L-rd your G-d." (Devarim 14:1) When Yisrael was
a youth did I Love him, and from Egypt I called forth my child."
(Hoshea 11:1) "The children I have raised and exalted." (Yeshayahu
1:2) These are a few of the many places in scripture where we see this
loving relationship expressed. Sure we have to serve G-d through
prayer and Torah study, meditating upon His Blessed Greatness which is
beyond our wildest imaginations, growing continuously in our efforts
to reach closer to our King.
But the simple, intrinsic bond between father and son, rooted in that
of G-d and His People, must be forever cherished.
Shabbat Shalom
-Daniel
The love the Lubavitcher Rebbe had for children was legendary. In his
eyes the holiest members of the Jewish people were our youth. Whenever
a young boy or girl waved to the Rebbe, his face would light up
immediately and return the wave.
The Rebbe spoke and wrote countless times about the power of a child's
simple prayer or thought, emphasizing the importance of every Jewish
child's action-more important than the most venerable Rabbi could hope
to achieve.
What is it about children that we love so much? Sure they're cute, and
ask funny questions, grinning from ear to ear without their 2 front
teeth.
But if we look a little bit deeper, what essential value do young
children have compared to their elders? Why should children be valued
more than a teenager or adult in any way? Shouldn't it be the
opposite, considering the fact that the older a person gets, the more
he has worked on himself to realize what is truly meaningful &
worthwhile in life? A child has never really faced the world or
thought about what is truly important...
The Rebbe explains that a father loves a son naturally, and his young
son loves his father by his very nature too. Why? Because that's just
the way it is. The son comes from his father's essence (as explained
in the Chassidic works) and both feel an essential bond for that very
reason.
What happens though when the son grows older? Both the son and his
father begin to feel love for each other based on reason and
understanding also. I love my father because he does so much for me
and really cares, and there's even a commandment in the Torah to
respect my parents. I love my son because he's so warm and smart, with
a great smile and he treats his sister so nicely. Of course each loves
one another intrinsically still for no reason at all, but now this
love is more hidden by the love based on reason.
The source for this relationship between father and son, Kabbalah
explains, stems from G-d's Intrinsic Love for the Jewish People. "You
are children to the L-rd your G-d." (Devarim 14:1) When Yisrael was
a youth did I Love him, and from Egypt I called forth my child."
(Hoshea 11:1) "The children I have raised and exalted." (Yeshayahu
1:2) These are a few of the many places in scripture where we see this
loving relationship expressed. Sure we have to serve G-d through
prayer and Torah study, meditating upon His Blessed Greatness which is
beyond our wildest imaginations, growing continuously in our efforts
to reach closer to our King.
But the simple, intrinsic bond between father and son, rooted in that
of G-d and His People, must be forever cherished.
Shabbat Shalom
-Daniel
Friday, February 15, 2008
How to Stop the Mighty Ego
B"H
"I was here 1st!" "I don't think he knows what he's talking about
anyways." "I don't have time for this." "I can't believe he swerved in
my lane!"
Many words like these are spoken or at least thought of almost every
day by each one of us. We all know how very hard it is to leave room
for another person. Why are we like this? Why do we feel annoyed with
others when our "space" is entered? Whenever our ego or outlook is
threatened?
Interestingly, Chassidic Philosophy addresses this issue, explaining
that there is an extremely deep source for these egocentric feelings:
G-d Himself.
Before the world was created; before any angels or spiritual worlds
existed, there was only One Being and Existence: G-d. As Kabbalah &
Chassidus explain, G-d and His "Infinite Light" (expression) Filled
all. There was none other Besides for Him. Purely Infinite, without
room for any other existence.
Then something unbelievable occurred: G-d Decided to Contract (Hide)
His Infinite Light (called "tzimtzum" in Kabbalah), making possible
room for another existence. Spiritual worlds ensued, followed by the
physical reality we see today, concluded finally with man and woman,
created in the Image of G-d, placed here on our earth.
Since we are all created in the Image of G-d, Chassidus explains, we
humans have (so to speak) the same feelings as G-d Does: Each of us
feels in a way, that we are infinite. I am all that exists. Oh, but
you exist too? You're only a detail in me. How do you better help me?
In imagination, there are people who feel that they don't end. Adam
the first man had everything he could have ever wanted in the Garden
of Eden. Only 1 thing was off limits! But Adam felt infinite...
True this is my nature; but G-d Created me this way; I'm in His Image!
So how can I be expected to limit myself and make room for others?
Because G-d Did just that. By "Contracting" His Infinite Light, G-d
Gave us a lesson and the ability to do the same.
We are able to, and need to, contract our egos and make room for
others around us. This is the Only chance at having a true
relationship with another person; a friend or colleague, a spouse or
family member. To be silent once in a while. To sit and listen
attentively to another.
This also applies to our relationship with G-d; To curb our egos and
realize there's someone Greater than ourselves, Greater than our
little world, who is Speaking to us all the time, but we just never
took a minute to stop and listen. To stop and think for a moment: why
am I here and what's this amazing world for?
Like our forefather Avraham of old, let's sit alone in nature: near
the constant beating of the ocean waves under the setting sun, or
anywhere away from school, the computer or TV, and gaze out at G-d's
amazing creation for a second. It can be while lighting candles before
Shabbat or during prayer, or even under your covers before falling
asleep: Let's be silent for a moment. take a second out of our busy
day and just wonder: What am I here for and what's this all about?
I wasn't always here. I was created. Why?
By placing ourselves to the side a bit and opening our hearts to G-d
and to those around us, may we merit everlasting Peace and Joy with
the Final Redemption with Moshiach Now.
Shabbat Shalom
-daniel
If you want to see a short and touching video of kindness:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKbsSj_TB_E
"I was here 1st!" "I don't think he knows what he's talking about
anyways." "I don't have time for this." "I can't believe he swerved in
my lane!"
Many words like these are spoken or at least thought of almost every
day by each one of us. We all know how very hard it is to leave room
for another person. Why are we like this? Why do we feel annoyed with
others when our "space" is entered? Whenever our ego or outlook is
threatened?
Interestingly, Chassidic Philosophy addresses this issue, explaining
that there is an extremely deep source for these egocentric feelings:
G-d Himself.
Before the world was created; before any angels or spiritual worlds
existed, there was only One Being and Existence: G-d. As Kabbalah &
Chassidus explain, G-d and His "Infinite Light" (expression) Filled
all. There was none other Besides for Him. Purely Infinite, without
room for any other existence.
Then something unbelievable occurred: G-d Decided to Contract (Hide)
His Infinite Light (called "tzimtzum" in Kabbalah), making possible
room for another existence. Spiritual worlds ensued, followed by the
physical reality we see today, concluded finally with man and woman,
created in the Image of G-d, placed here on our earth.
Since we are all created in the Image of G-d, Chassidus explains, we
humans have (so to speak) the same feelings as G-d Does: Each of us
feels in a way, that we are infinite. I am all that exists. Oh, but
you exist too? You're only a detail in me. How do you better help me?
In imagination, there are people who feel that they don't end. Adam
the first man had everything he could have ever wanted in the Garden
of Eden. Only 1 thing was off limits! But Adam felt infinite...
True this is my nature; but G-d Created me this way; I'm in His Image!
So how can I be expected to limit myself and make room for others?
Because G-d Did just that. By "Contracting" His Infinite Light, G-d
Gave us a lesson and the ability to do the same.
We are able to, and need to, contract our egos and make room for
others around us. This is the Only chance at having a true
relationship with another person; a friend or colleague, a spouse or
family member. To be silent once in a while. To sit and listen
attentively to another.
This also applies to our relationship with G-d; To curb our egos and
realize there's someone Greater than ourselves, Greater than our
little world, who is Speaking to us all the time, but we just never
took a minute to stop and listen. To stop and think for a moment: why
am I here and what's this amazing world for?
Like our forefather Avraham of old, let's sit alone in nature: near
the constant beating of the ocean waves under the setting sun, or
anywhere away from school, the computer or TV, and gaze out at G-d's
amazing creation for a second. It can be while lighting candles before
Shabbat or during prayer, or even under your covers before falling
asleep: Let's be silent for a moment. take a second out of our busy
day and just wonder: What am I here for and what's this all about?
I wasn't always here. I was created. Why?
By placing ourselves to the side a bit and opening our hearts to G-d
and to those around us, may we merit everlasting Peace and Joy with
the Final Redemption with Moshiach Now.
Shabbat Shalom
-daniel
If you want to see a short and touching video of kindness:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
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