by Elisheva bas Chana HaShem Needs Every Yid Parsha Bereishis starts with the creation of the world, from light and darkness, from trees and greenery, from land animals and sea creatures, from the sun, the moon and the stars, and finally man. As HaShem decided that it was not good for man to be alone, He took a bone from the side of Adam and created a woman, and they married each other. On the seventh day HaShem stopped creating and sanctified this day as a day of rest, Shabb

by Elisheva bas Chana Torah Learning Torah learning itself is one of the 613 mitzvos of the Torah. We can see Torah learning as a means through which we know how to keep the mitzvos. It does serve this role, but that is not its only function as a mitzvah itself. Performing the mitzvos is the fulfilment of HaShem's will in action. Torah learning is a fulfilment of His will through thought and speech. At Har Sinai we accepted the Torah with the words: "Na'aseh v' Nishma" — We w

by Elisheva bas Chana Unconventional Wisdom 3 Tammuz: The Anniversary of the Passing of the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of Righteous Memory — This year, 3 Tammuz is observed... Three decades after the Rebbe's passing, his impact and influence remain stronger than ever. His teachings continue to inspire and guide us, and his insights are as novel and relevant as if they were given today.— Chabad "On the Rebbe's Yahrzeit Challenge Yourself to See Beneath the Surface, in

by Elisheva bas Chana Melaveh Malkah Everyone has at least one mitzvah that is special to them. My special mitzvah is Shabbos. There are so many aspects of Shabbos, but there is one that does not receive the attention it deserves. Melaveh Malkah, and the seudah that follows, is such a beautiful and meaningful tradition. We sit down to this special meal at a table set beautifully, with Shabbos candles and our polished silverware. Melaveh Malkah means "Escort the Queen." The Qu

by Elisheva bas Chana Shabbos Sometimes there is not enough time—like today—but there are always a few minutes to spare to write a message, especially for Shabbos. Shabbos is an important mitzvah for all of us, but it is also a mitzvah specifically associated with women: lighting the candles, and experiencing the beauty and peace that come when we enter Shabbos. A sanctuary in time, a vessel we create by keeping Shabbos holy, turning it into a dwelling place for HaShem. With

by Elisheva bas Chana Chabad, And New Beginnings It is not easy to sum up Chabad philosophy in one sentence. The acronym Chabad is "Chochmah, Binah, Daas," which translates into wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of HaShem's presence within a reality that arises from the merger of the two. To observe Torah, we do not really need Chabad. Taking into account that the entire pillar on which Judaism is built is the knowledge of HaShem, having emunah is important, but this does

by Rabbi Yechiel Spero Measure for Measure Tiferet, an Israeli seminary student, was in a quandary. Her family was travelling to America to attend an irreligious cousin's wedding. The entire trip was to be sponsored by her generous uncle. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her to visit the country. However, considering the fact that her cousins were not religious, she knew the atmosphere would not be exactly what she was used to. Yet her parents very much wanted her

by Elisheva bas Chana Shavuos The word Shavuos translates as weeks, and follows the counting of the Omer. Seven weeks of preparation for Matan Torah. Vayikra Perek 23: "You shall proclaim on this very day, a holy calling it shall be for you." Shavuos, the time of the giving of the Torah. What could be more important to the Jews and Judaism than the giving and the receiving of the Torah? Without Shavuos there would be no Torah, we would not be Jewish. There would simply be not

by Elisheva bas Chana The Shabbos of Parsha Bamidbar We were a unity at Har Sinai to receive the Torah. Achdus Yisroel is a term we use to describe why we should have Ahavas Yisroel. In essence, we are one, as a people with one neshama. The two important principles of Achdus Yisroel and Ahavas Yisroel should be common practice on Shabbos before Shavuos, to prepare for the giving of the Torah as one people. During the Sefiras HaOmer we count 49 days - 7 weeks. The Jewish peopl