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Parsha Curiosities: Bo
In the Biblical narrative of the 10th plague; the silence of the dogs seems deafening. Why does the Torah lavish so much attention to muzzled barking at a time of widespread death and devastation? During the course of this investigation, we reveal the unique Torah take on the close connection that people have had with dogs since the dawn of human history. Canine lovers will appreciate this fascinating class’s bark and bite, although the conclusion doesn't necessarily endorse the person-pet relationship paradigm.
The witnesses for sighting the new moon
Torah law does not accept the testimony of witnesses who are related to each other. However, with respect to the witnesses required to establish the day a new month begins – via a sighting of the 'new moon' – Rabbi Shimon is of the opinion that the testimony of relatives is admissible; in contrast to the view of the Sages (Talmud, Rosh Hashana 22b). This class will explain both positions on the matter, and the relevance to our lives. (Likutei Sichos vol. 21)
The essence of slavery is not being in control of your time. Even without a taskmaster, our sense of self-expression and self-fulfillment is imprisoned without taking control of our time. The first commandment that the Jewish nation received, was establishing the new moon, in essence putting time in our hands—the most basic premise of freedom.
After creating Adam, G-d says, “It is not good for man to be alone,” and He creates Eve as Adam’s mate. Why are human relationships so crucial and also so difficult to navigate and maintain? Fusing the wisdom of Kabbalah with the practical language of modern psychology, we explore the Divine map for relationships and the two components that are necessary to make our relationships healthy, fulfilling, and lasting.
The essence of slavery is not being in control of your time. Even without a taskmaster, our sense of self-expression and self-fulfillment is imprisoned without taking control of our time. The first commandment that the Jewish nation received, was establishing the new moon, in essence putting time in our hands—the most basic premise of freedom.
Only after a week of eating the manna in the desert did the Jewish people give it a name. Why did they wait that long? In answering this question, this class will explain the deeper connection between manna and the Sabbath, inasmuch that the Jewish people were first introduced to the observance of Shabbat in relation to the way in which they were to partake of the manna. (Likutei Sichos vol. 31)
Life Lessons from Parshat Beshalach
Shortly after leaving Egypt, the children of Israel found themselves in an impossible situation, stuck between the sea in front of them and the Egyptian army chasing them from behind. The proper response contains a powerful lesson in surmounting seemingly impossible challenges.
Letters and Numbers of Torah - Beshalach
After fighting a war with the nation of Amalek, Moses says (Exodus 17:16) “There is a hand on the throne of G-d [swearing] that there shall be a war of G-d against Amalek from generation to generation.” In this verse, G-d's four-letter name is missing the letters vav and hei. What is the connection between the completion of G-d's name and the defeat of Amalek?
Two essential lessons from the Exodus for every Jew:
Pharaoh, the mightiest king in the world, ruthlessly oppressed the Jewish People. Yet his behavior completely reversed, and, instead of afflicting the Jews, “Pharaoh sent the people away...”.
Then the Torah relates: “G-d did not lead the Jews through the Land of the Philistines… lest they see war, reconsider, and return to Egypt.” G-d does not command us to follow a path in which we cannot succeed. “G-d prepares the steps of man” – when G-d leads a person to a certain place, and, through the teachings of the Torah, gives him a mission to accomplish, this, itself, proves that he has all the capabilities he needs to succeed.
The Israelites were exiled in Egypt and forced to engage in slave labor, yet, when their redemption finally came, there were some who didn’t want to leave exile! Life became easy as soon as the slave-labor ceased, so they began complaining, “Why do we need to search for Torah and Judaism in the desert, and follow a wild individual like Moses? We have a competent king, culture and wisdom – let’s remain. But G-d sent a warning through Moses, that Pharaoh will “banish them from his land.” A Jew isn’t given a choice in the matter.
Nutrition from Shamayim
Can the New Year for Trees be a time for reflecting on the mitzvah of taking care of our health? Learn more about the meaning of Tu B’Shevat, and some of the health and healing properties of the fruits mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:8: “A land of wheat, barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of oil-yielding olives and [date] honey.”
The origin and meaning of this custom
Our proverbial New Year for Trees is celebrated by most Sephardic Jews (and more recently by many Israelis of Ashkenazi descent as well) with an elaborate fruit-centric sacred ceremony colloquially known as the “Tu B’Shevat Seder.” It’s comprised of carefully choreographed chanting of Scripture and Rabbinic texts, accompanied by an assortment of fruit and wine, which are consumed in an orderly fashion. But why invoke unique Passover verbiage for this fruitful observance? This fascinating presentation sheds light on some of the origins and profound meanings of this enigmatic Torah tradition.
In 1941, the Rebbe travelled to Marseilles, France, to obtain entry visas to the United States for himself and his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. While there, the Rebbe maintained his characteristic low profile, but at a gathering in honor of the New Year for Trees, he gave those
present a taste of things to come. (1941)
13 Shevat 5749 · January 19, 1989
“Man is a tree of the field.” The Sages of the Talmud apply this verse to the Jew. Torah is the
core of a Jew’s being, and Torah must effect his actions so that he bears good fruits — good
deeds. But when we say that a Jew must be “fruitful,” first and foremost he must reproduce
his own essence.
11 Nissan, 5744 • April 12, 1984
G‑d created plants and animals with the ability to procreate – to perpetuate themselves and reflect G‑d’s own Infinitude. Man, too, was granted the remarkable ability to reproduce, but was additionally blessed with the ability to harness and expand the infinite powers hidden within the rest of nature.
Sunday, December 18 at 4 PM ET - Hosted by American Friends of Lubavitch
Join the live broadcast of the lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah located on the Ellipse at the White House in Washington D.C. Featuring musical performances by the “Pershing's Own United States Army Band” and "The Three Cantors".
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