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It was you all along

It was you all along

Is reading a self-help book self-help? Or is it the author’s help? If we are inspired by someone to do something, are we still self-motivated? Perhaps we’re just being influenced? In his ma’amer, Ani L’Dodi, the Rebbe answers this question and sheds light on the mystery of man serving G-d. This is part five and the final installment of this series featuring the Rebbe’s ma’amer, Ani L’Dodi, 5726 (1966). Part One, Elul — Being Proactive Part Two, He Doesn’t Wake You, He Waits…

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Elul—Being Proactive

Elul—Being Proactive

Have you ever experienced difficulty feeling inspired on the High Holidays? The entire month before Rosh HaShanah, Elul is traditionally known as the time to spiritually ready ourselves for the Days of Awe. In this ma’amer, the Rebbe sets forth a clear plan to develop a relationship with G-d during Elul, so we feel ready when the High Holidays come around.   Part one of five of the ma’amer Ani L’dodi, 5726 (1966) Part Two: He Doesn’t Wake You, He Waits…

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Internalizing a Mission

Internalizing a Mission

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Moshe Rabbeinu said the book of Devorim from his own accord to the Jewish people. Our Rabbis tell us, that this book is, “mipi atzmo,” from Moshe himself. Moshe Rabbeinu internalized Hashem’s transmission so well, that the Torah he gave over was also Torah and included in the Five Books of Moses. From the second portion of the parsha, we see that Moshe Rabbeinu attributed the appointment of leader and judges to himself. However, in parshas Yisro, we see that it was Yisro’s…

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Infinity in 40 Years

Infinity in 40 Years

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The more personal the more relatable. Moshe Rabbeinu said the book of Devorim from his own accord. That is, Moshe Rabbeinu taught the Torah over from his own understanding based on how deeply integrated it had become with his mind. Accordingly, we can know why this sefer, the fifth book of the Torah, was said at the 40th year. This was complete exposure of the entirety of Torah. The way the Torah was understood by Moshe Rabbeinu caused that it should be understood by the…

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The Road to Perdition is Paved With Good Intentions, But the Opposite is Also True

The Road to Perdition is Paved With Good Intentions, But the Opposite is Also True

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In this sicha the Rebbe addresses how even the darkest points in our lives– as individuals and as a whole– have the greatest potential for good. Although the Rebbe touches on free will, it isn’t explained, I believe, because it isn’t as relevant to the discussion at hand. I. The Ba’al Shem Tov (1) teaches us that the 42 journeys of the Jewish people in the desert on the way to Eretz Yisroel have parallel in the life of every Jew. Leaving…

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The Younglings (You’re Not A Hipocryte)

The Younglings (You’re Not A Hipocryte)

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Doing good for an ulterior motive isn’t always such a bad thing… Moshe Rabbeinu reminds the Jewish people about the time they believed the scouts’ report about Eretz Yisroel. He tells them that their children, who didn’t take part in that episode would merit to enter the Land. “[Furthermore,] your young children, [about whom] you said, ‘They will be prey,’ and your children who on that day did not know good and evil, they will go there and I will give…

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But How is He Going to Make a Living?

But How is He Going to Make a Living?

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Pinchas: A Sicha Part 2 Read Part 1 here. But How is He Going to Make a living? It’s a fair question. Your shvigger asked the question about you and your wife will ask it about your future son-in-law. The simple answer is: G-d wants us to have a relationship with materialism and yet remain above it all. Now we can understand why the issue with Pe’or happened before entering the land of Israel after the first generation of Jews in the…

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Eternal Love, Ahavas Olam

Eternal Love, Ahavas Olam

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Here, the Alter Rebbe explains how to have ahavas olam, eternal love. The general definition of ahavas olam, is a love that it’s based on one’s understanding of the greatness of G-d, that is, His Creatorship, Kingship, etc. Since it is a love based on understanding, there are two (basic) ramifications: 1. It is limited, like the mind from where the love was born and the subject which was contemplated (existence). a. Subject to change, for better or for worse. 2. It is…

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Love,

Love,

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This is an explanation from the Rebbe in this week’s parsha in the sixth aliyah. The first possuk was, “Sh’ma Yisroel…”  arguably the most important possuk in the entirety of Torah, Jews, monotheism, etc. The second possuk is, “VeOhavto es Hashem Elokecho…(And you shall love Hashem, your personal G-d).” The Rashi explains that a person who serves their teacher/master out of awe does so in a stressed out way: he’ll bring whatever his teacher/master wants and departs immediately. The Rebbe explains further, adding that the…

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