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Rabbi Benzion Milecki - Shabbat Vayeshev, Shabbat Mevorchim, 1 Chanuka
We are currently in Melbourne celebrating the wedding of our niece Bracha Penina. I would like to share something of what I said at the reception last night which I think is relevant to all of us, but especially to Judd Sher who celebrates his Bar Mitzvah this Shabbos.
Some 10 years ago the Israeli Ambassador to Australia was a man by the name of Yehuda Avner. He was very close to former Prime Minister
Menachem Begin and had previously been his personal emissary on a
number of occasions.
On one occasion Begin sent Avner to the Lubavitcher Rebbe in an attempt to convince him of the correctness of the Camp David Accords. However, after several hours of conversation it became clear that the Rebbe was not going to be persuaded.
The Ambassador then said to the Rebbe, " I would like to ask you something that has been on my mind for a long time."
"What is a Rebbe?"
The Rebbe pointed to an unlit candle in the cupboard behind him and asked, "What is this?"
"It's a candle" replied Avner.
"No, " said the Rebbe, "it's a wick surrounded by wax". And pointing to a box of matches the Rebbe said, "it only becomes a candle when you light it."
"Ah", said Avner, "So the Rebbe is the one who lights up the soul of every Jew
and transforms him into a candle."
"No," said the Rebbe, "the Rebbe shows him the matches - it's for the Jew
to light his candle."
Every Jew has untold potential. His body is the wax and his soul is the wick, but it requires our holy Torah and the Mitzvot to truly light us up.
Boruch Hashem,we have been blessed with great Rebbes. They show us the way, inspire us and often give us a much needed boost. But it is up to us to light our own candle and assist those around us to light theirs.
Judd, your parents and teachers too have done their best to show you the way, and have every confidence that you will cause your candle to shine brightly. Mazal Tov!
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In view of the unstable state of the entire world at this time, I urge everyone to recite the following prayers, which according to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory, have the ability to steady a shaky world
At the beginning of the day, the following should be recited:
Behold I accept upon myself the positive commandment, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself."
One should say these next verses after one's prayers every day. Or if, for some reason one doesn't pray, then at least these verses should be recited:
Do not fear sudden terror, nor the destruction of the wicked when it comes. Contrive a scheme, but it will be foiled; conspire a plot, but it will not materialize, for G-d is with us. To your old age I am [with you]; to your hoary years I will sustain you; I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. Indeed, the righteous will extol Your Name; the upright will dwell securely in Your presence.
Click here for the hebrew and transliteration of these Special Prayers
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Mazal Tov to Anton & Jodi Gelbart on the birth of their first child, son David Osher, born on 11 Av / August 11th.
Please visit our Births Page for full listing |
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 30 August / 29 Av – Aron Niasoff – Shabbat Re’eh
13 September / 13 Elul - Dylan Felsher - Shabbat Ki Teitze
27 September / 27 Elul - Simon Spiro - Shabbat Nitzavim
4 October / 5 Tishrei - Binyomin Maynard - Shabbat Vayeilech
25 October / 26 Tishrei - Jacob Melamed - Shabbat Bereishit
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Mazal Tov to Rabbi Benzion & Rebbetzin Henya Milecki on the engagement of their son Levi Yitzchok to Nechama Dina Zirkind (New York).
Mazal Tov to Fred and Sylvia Ginsberg on the engagement of their son & grandson Brett to Rikki Hurvitz.
For details of all Engagements click here |
Condolences to Riva Marcuson and family on the passing of her husband, Jack, on 17 Av / August 18th.
For full listing please visit Condolence page |
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