Yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
, Today marks 13 years since the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
I use the word "passing" because I cannot find another. However in the case of a Tzaddik who has no sense of ego or self, and whose entire life is one of devotion and love for G-d and his fellow human beings, the absence of a physical body does not entail a true passing on from this world. On the contrary, the Holy Zohar teaches us that when a Tzaddik passes on, he is to be found in this world MORE than when he was alive. No longer under the constraints of a physical body, yet still deeply caring for his people whose concerns he always put before his own, the Rebbe is now able to give us unlimited strength and vitality.
The Rebbe's manifesto was to reach out to all Jews, and indeed to non-Jews, to bring them closer to G-d and His Torah. Nevertheless, while empowering us while he was alive, and
infinitely more so since his passing, he always emphasised that he could
not do the job for us. "I can show you the match, but you must light the candle," he once said to Israeli Ambassador Yehuda Avner.
Today, Gimmel Tammuz, is a day to rededicate ourselves to the Rebbe's life mission of making this world a "Dwelling Place for G-d". This, the Rebbe taught us, is achieved through realizing the infinite potential for good that exists within us, within others and within the world. It is a challenge to which we must all rise. Shortly before his passing the Rebbe said, "I have done everything that I could, now you must do everything you can, to bring Moshiach down to the world".
On this holy day:
May G-d grant us the strength to rise above the pettiness that fills so much of our lives. May our days be filled with thoughts, words and actions of true and everlasting significance. May we be blessed with the clarity of vision to see that anything of true value that we receive from life is in direct proportion to what we give.
May Hashem bless you all,
Rabbi Benzion and Henya Milecki
P.S. To help us on our mission, and to gain some appreciation of who the
Rebbe is, what he achieved and what he wants us to achieve, please
click here. This link will take you to a timeline of his life. |
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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 Jonathan & Claudia Brock on the birth of daughter Leah (Lia Jade) on 3 Tevet / Dec-30th.
Mazal Tov to Ben & Eve Friedman on the birth of grand-daughter Yemima Chana in Canada. Mazal Tov to parents Rabbi Daniel & Batya Friedman.
Mazal Tov to Mark & Pam Braham and Sol & Hannah Simons on the birth of great grand-daughter Nechama Bracha Kirschenbaum on 23 Kislev / Dec 20th. Mazal Tov to parents Pessa & Mordy.
Mazal Tov to Errol & Cynthia Weinberg on the birth of grandson Noah Tuvia on 22 Kislev / Dec 19th. Mazal Tov to parents Alan & Lara Weinberg.
Please visit our Births Page for full listing |
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7 February - Joshua Saacks
Shabbat Beshalach - 13 Shevat
28 March - Eli Harkham
Shabbat Vayikra - 3 Nisan
18 April - Oscar Gross
Shabbat Shmini - 24 Nisan
Barmitzvah Archives click here
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Mazal Tov to David Diamond & Janine Smith who will marry on January 11th. Dovi will be called to the Torah on Shabbat Vayechi (Jan-10)
Mazal Tov to the Holzman family on the forthcoming Wedding of Jodi to Russel Tabak.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Yossi Friedman & Chana Raizel Leuchter who will marry on January 27th.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Benzion & Rebbetzin Henya Milecki on the marriage of their son Levi Yitzchok & Nechama Dina Zirkind in New York.
Mazal Tov to Hodda Lopis on the marriage of her grandson Ricky Lopis & Jemma Lenn.
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Condolences to Sylvia Dushansky, Bertha & Harold Milner and Felix & Yvonne Sher on the tragic passing of their grandson, nephew and son, Greg Sher, in Afghanistan on January 4th.
For full listing please visit Condolence page
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