Rabbi Benzion Milecki - Shabbat Vayishlach
Today is the Day!
A strange paradox indeed.
In spite of our unique bond with our Land - an undying love that has survived 2,000 years of separation - it was Exile that was host to many of our greatest achievements.
To cite just a few examples:
- Although we look up to all our forefathers, it was Jacob who fathered the first totally Jewish family. But unlike Abraham and Isaac before him, Jacob bore eleven of his twelve children outside Israel. And even the twelfth, Benjamin, who was born in Israel, was born "on the way".
- The Torah was given on Mt Sinai, as the Jews were journeying through the desert.
- The Talmud was written in Babylon, after the destruction of the Second Temple.
- Maimonides wrote his famous commentary on the Mishna while he was on a boat travelling into Exile and without references or resources.
What does this teach us?
In Pirkei Avot, it is summed up very well:
Do not say, "when I will be free, I will study," for perhaps you will never be free.
As Jews, this is a motto that we have lived by. For so much of our history, we were pushed from pillar to post, from one exile to another, from one source of anguish to another. And yet we have never used this as an excuse not to achieve, not to be creative.
Though, more than any other people, we have dreamed of and longed for a better world, we have not sat idly by waiting for that world to arrive.
Even today, having finally returned to Israel, we are under constant attack. Yet this hasn't prevented us from once again becoming one of the most technologically developed nations on Earth. And the amount of Jewish learning is awesome. What stark contrast to our neighbours who use "victimhood" as an excuse for their non-achievement!
It is written in the Torah that whether the Jewish People were encamped in a place for nineteen years, or whether they were encamped for even one day, they would erect the entire Mishkan (Portable Temple) - with it's courtyard, sanctum, Holy of Hoiies, Ark, Menorah, etc., etc. - an awesome task!
The Lubavitcher Rebbe once explained the powerful lesson in this: It doesn't matter how long you are in a place. Even if it's only one day. Use it to create Holiness, G-dliness, Spirituality. Use it to build a Temple to G-d!
No need to wait for a better day.
If you will it, Today is that day!
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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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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 Ilana Kersh and family on the passing of her father, Aubrey Penn, on 2 Elul / September 1st.
For full listing please visit Condolence page |
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