by Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov, Jax., FL
Unable to afford a first rate tailor, a young peasant employed the services of a substandard craftsman to sew him an outfit for his impending wedding. One glimpse at the dismal result brought tears to the young man’s eyes.
“How do you expect me to wear a coat with the right sleeve four inches shorter than the left,” cried the distraught groom.
“It’s not that big a deal,” replied the tailor. “Just pull-in your right arm a bit.”
“And what about the pants,” demanded the shaken groom. “The left leg is six inches longer than the right!”
“You’re being overly fussy,” retorted the poor-excuse-for-a-tailor. “All you need to do is bend your right knee slightly and it will be alright.” And so it went. Every problem with the bungled workmanship was corrected with another modification in the wearer’s posture.
At the wedding, the assembled gasped in shock as the sorry looking groom hobbled down the aisle; his figure contorted so as to fit the suit. “What a disfigured young man,” noted some of the guests. “Oy, Ah Rachmunis!” sighed others, “he’s Eppes a cripple.”
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By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jax, Fl.
Congratulating a friend whose son and daughter had gotten married within a month of each other, a woman asked, “So tell me, what kind of man did your daughter marry?”
“Oh, he’s wonderful,” gushed the mother. “He lets her sleep in, wants her to go to a spa regularly and insists on taking her out to dinner every night.”
“That’s nice,” said her friend.
“And how do you like your son’s new wife?”
The mother sighed. “I’m not so happy about that situation,” she said. “His wife gets up late, spends all her time at the salon and always wants to have dinner in a restaurant.”
“Say a little and do much” – Avot 1:15
CrownHeights.info and the Avner Institute would like to present a letter composed by the Rebbe and sent to a Rabbi in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, England. The Rebbe expresses great interest and concern in the Jewish Community of Mumbai. Special thanks to the Nissan Mindel Archives. To learn more about the Rebbe visit: PortraitOfALeader.org
By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jax, Fl.
Sitting on a fence is a man who sees no sense in fighting
Sitting on a fence is a man who sees no sense at all
Sitting on a fence is a man who strokes his twenty beards
Sitting on a fence is a man who drinks real ale
But the real problem with this man
Is he says he can’t when he can
He’d rather not get his hands dirty
He’ll still be there when he’s thirty
I told myself to keep my mouth shut
But I still end up saying if and but
I lied to myself right from the start
And I’ve just worked out that I’m falling apart
Sitting on a fence is a man who looks up to his guardian
Sitting on a fence is a man who swings from poll to poll
Sitting on a fence is a man who sees both sides of both sides
Sitting on a fence is a man who looks down on opinion
Rebbe, why didn't Chabad establish its headquarters in Israel? Are you not concerned with assimilation? These questions feature in a private audience between the Rebbe and the Directors of the Hillel Foundation, in August 1959. To learn more about the Rebbe visit: portraitofaleader.org
By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jax, Fl.
A junior partner of an established law firm called an urgent staff meeting. “I have good news and bad news,” he said with a wry grin on his face. “Which do you want first?” The staff groaned and agreed that they’d better get the bad news first.
“Okay,” said the junior partner, “Let me give it to you straight. We will be down-sizing. Half of you won’t have a job tomorrow. The rest of you will be allowed to stay, but only if you are willing to take a substantial reduction in salary.”
There was a long stillness as the staff stood horrified in shock. Finally, a voice pierced the deafening silence: “So what’s the good news?” “Oh! Good that you remembered,” said the beaming boss: “Congratulations are in order; today I have become a full partner.
Those of us, on the lowlier spectrum of humanity, can take some solace in the fact that no one is perfect, not even our renowned Biblical ancestors. Even the celebrated patriarch Avraham, perhaps the greatest human to walk the earth, was not without fault. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
The Dynamics of Prayer, a deep and provocative video lecture on the purpose and function of Tefillah delivered by the eminent Rabbi Dr. J. Immanuel Schochet was recently released. The lecture, which is brought to you by Torah Café, JLI’s new online learning destination, is the first installment in a series of five that will be launched on the website over the course of the next few weeks.
by Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jax, Fl.
Like it or not, we are each engaged in a battle against our own set of mean genes. They are wily opponents too. Masters of the visceral, they control through satisfaction, pain, and pleasure.
(Dr.'s Terry Burnham and Jay Phelan, Mean Genes)
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Destroy man's desire to sin, our sages tell us, and you would destroy the world.
Not that anyone needs to sin. But one who lacks the desire to sin is not a citizen of this world. And without citizens, who will effect lasting change? (Tzvi Freeman)
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As a child, Reb Herschel of Krakow was once scolded by his father for not arising early for prayer service. “I can't help it,” complained the boy. “It's that yetzer hara of mine. It keeps telling me to turn over and go back to sleep.”
”But Heschele,“ countered the father, ”don't you see? The yetzer hara is just doing his job. The yetzer hara is an angel created by G-d with the assignment to divert people from observing His will. You ought to be smart enough to do as he does, not as he says. Next time the yetzer hara entices you to stay in bed, tell yourself: 'Aha! He's at it again! – He's up bright and early fulfilling his duty. I too have a mission; I must get out of bed quickly to get on with my task as well.'“
”Oh father,“ retorted the child with a twinkle in his eye, ”you make it sound so simple. But since when does the yetzer hara have to contend with a yetzer hara that tries to stop him of his assignment? Perhaps that’s why he is so efficient. I, on the other hand . . ."
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Leaving the Rebbe after Tishrei was both sad and uplifting. Sad because the visitor would no longer savor the holiness of the Rebbe’s presence; uplifting because the Rebbe’s presence would follow the visitor forever after.
The Avner Institute is happy to present the following encounter that took place with Rabbi Reuven Dunin O.B.M., who shared a unique relationship with the Rebbe. It was 1973; the holidays over, Rabbi Dunim was preparing to return to the Holy Land. Quietly he took notes of his conversation after leaving the Rebbe’s room. To learn more about the Rebbe Visit: portraitofaleader.org
By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov - Jax, Florida
Illustration Photo.
You’re sitting on a plane buckled-up in your seat, the plane is pushing back. You’re ready to relax – read a book, close your eyes and catch up on some badly needed sleep — but there’s one more piece of business to be taken care-of before you can kick back; the airline safety demonstration. This, you know, is when the flight attendant gets up to do her/his little buckle-vest-mask ditty.
Over Shabbos there was lots of talk regarding the quote from Rabbi Elyashiv, in the Israeli media, regarding his recommendation of not wearing Crocs because “they are too comfortable.” Others wouldn’t wear them simply because they look silly, but CrownHeights.info spoke with Crown Heights Rabbonim to see what they think, and the majority contested.
The Rebbe says:
1. The Torah says, “Seek Hashem when He is found”. The Talmud tells us that this verse specifically refers to the first ten days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, beginning with Rosh Hashanah (the first of Tishrei), and concluding with Yom Kippur (the tenth of Tishrei). These ten days are “Days of Repentance”.
2. During these ten days of repentance our Rabbis implemented the addition of Psalm 130 into the daily morning prayers. After the “Verses of Praise” and before the blessings preceding the Shema we say:
“A song of ascents, from the depths I call out to you Hashem. My L-rd, hearken to my voice; let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas. G-d, if You were to preserve iniquities, my L-rd, who could survive? But forgiveness is with You, that You may be feared. I hope in the L-rd; my soul hopes, and I long for His word. My soul yearns for the L-rd more than night watchmen waiting for the morning, wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the L-rd, for with the L-rd there is kindness; with Him there is abounding deliverance. And He will redeem Israel from all its iniquities”.
1. The Torah says, “Seek Hashem when He is found”. The Talmud tells us that this verse specifically refers to the first ten days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, beginning with Rosh Hashanah (the first of Tishrei), and concluding with Yom Kippur (the tenth of Tishrei). These ten days are “Days of Repentance”.
2. During these ten days of repentance our Rabbis implemented the addition of Psalm 130 into the daily morning prayers. After the “Verses of Praise” and before the blessings preceding the Shema we say:
“A song of ascents, from the depths I call out to you Hashem. My L-rd, hearken to my voice; let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas. G-d, if You were to preserve iniquities, my L-rd, who could survive? But forgiveness is with You, that You may be feared. I hope in the L-rd; my soul hopes, and I long for His word. My soul yearns for the L-rd more than night watchmen waiting for the morning, wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the L-rd, for with the L-rd there is kindness; with Him there is abounding deliverance. And He will redeem Israel from all its iniquities”.
The fast end at 7:26pm (in NYC), for the Zmanim in your area visit Chabad.org
Today is a fast day mourning the assassination of the Jewish royal Gedaliah ben Achikam, governor of the Land of Israel for a short period following the destruction of the First Temple.
Gedaliah's killing spelled the end of the small remnant of a Jewish community that remained in the Holy Land after the destruction, which fled to Egypt. (According to many opinions, the assassination of Gedaliah actually occurred on Rosh Hashanah, but the commemoration of the event is postponed to the day after the festival; when the day after Rosh Hashanah is a Shabbat the fast is postponed to Tishrei 4.)
Today is a fast day mourning the assassination of the Jewish royal Gedaliah ben Achikam, governor of the Land of Israel for a short period following the destruction of the First Temple.
Gedaliah's killing spelled the end of the small remnant of a Jewish community that remained in the Holy Land after the destruction, which fled to Egypt. (According to many opinions, the assassination of Gedaliah actually occurred on Rosh Hashanah, but the commemoration of the event is postponed to the day after the festival; when the day after Rosh Hashanah is a Shabbat the fast is postponed to Tishrei 4.)
Illustration Photo.
Appearing in this months issue of the OK Kosher's Kosher Spirit Magazine is a Halachic question “is it permissible to have an alcoholic drink from a clean glass at a bar/lounge?”
Rabbi Hanoka responds:
First, we have to look at the question from a halachic perspective. Is cold liquid in a non-kosher vessel permissible? The simple answer is that one is allowed to use a clean non-kosher vessel for cold liquids on a temporary basis, as long as one does not have the liquid sitting in the vessel for 24 hours (the time it takes for kovush – pickling). Halacha requires all non-kosher vessels to be cleaned before use. One can rely on the fact that a reputable establishment keeps all items clean to comply with health regulations.
By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jax, FL.
One day when walking across a bridge, I encountered a man who was about to jump off. So I ran over and said “Stop! Don't do that!”
“Why not,” he asked. “Well, there's so much to live for.” I replied.”Like what,“ he asked.
”Well...are you Jewish,“ I asked. “I’m Jewish,” He said. “Me too, I replied.
“Are you Orthodox or Reform?” He said “Orthodox.” I said, “Me too. Are you Charedi or Modern?” He said “Charedi.” I said, “Me too!
“Are you Litfish or Chassidish? ”He said “Litfish.” I said, “Wow! Me too.”
Are you Litfish Yerushalmi or Litfish Bnei-Braker?” He said “Litfish Yerushalmi.“ I said ”Me too!
“Are you Litfish Yerushalmi Mussarnik, or are you Litfish Yerushalmi Brisker?“ He said ”Litfish Yerushalmi Mussarnik“ I said, ”Imagine that! Me too!
“Are you Litfish Yerushalmi Mussarnik Slobodker, or Litfish Yerushalmi Mussarnik Kelmer?“ He said ”Litfish Yerushalmi Mussarnik Slobodker!"Apikores (heretic) that you are!” I shouted, and proceeded to push him off the bridge.
By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jax, Florida.
Strolling in the park one day, a woman stumbled upon a precious stone. Before she could place the gleaming object into in her bag, she was approached by a vagabond seeking alms. Nothing the woman was willing to give him seemed to satisfy the needy stranger. The kind woman finally turned to the poor man in dismay: “What do you want?” What will make you happy? The beggar pointed to the diamond in her hand: “That’s what I want.”
With little hesitation or ado the woman placed the diamond into his hand: “Here,” she said “It’s all yours.” After a generous exchange of farewells, they were both on their way.
Sometime later, the beggar shows up at the woman’s door. “What can I do for you,” asked the woman, as she answered the door?
I have come to return the diamond said the man: “It’s not what I want.”
“What then do you want’” asked the perplexed woman.
The Rebbe says:
1. Before the festival of Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and the festival of Shavuos (the giving of the Torah) we read the “Tochachah” (the consequences or curses enumerated in the Torah for rejecting G-d’s word). The “Tochachah” before the festival of Shavuos is found in Parshas Bechukosai, and the “Tochachah” before the festival of Rosh Hashanah is found in Parshas Ki Savo (this week’s Torah portion).
2. The Rebbe explains the reason for reading the “Tochahah”:
Our Sages tell us that the “Tochachah” is actually not a punishment; it is a purification and cleansing process. In other words, hearing the Torah enumerating the harsh consequences for disobeying G-d’s word is a sobering experience where we shake off all our “dirt”.
1. Before the festival of Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and the festival of Shavuos (the giving of the Torah) we read the “Tochachah” (the consequences or curses enumerated in the Torah for rejecting G-d’s word). The “Tochachah” before the festival of Shavuos is found in Parshas Bechukosai, and the “Tochachah” before the festival of Rosh Hashanah is found in Parshas Ki Savo (this week’s Torah portion).
2. The Rebbe explains the reason for reading the “Tochahah”:
Our Sages tell us that the “Tochachah” is actually not a punishment; it is a purification and cleansing process. In other words, hearing the Torah enumerating the harsh consequences for disobeying G-d’s word is a sobering experience where we shake off all our “dirt”.
CrownHeights.info the Avner Institute is pleased to present an insightful letter of the Rebbe, discussing the nature of the respective souls of Jews and non-Jews. (Special thanks to Rabbi Schapiro and The Nissan Mindel Archives for the letter.) To learn more about the Rebbe Visit: www.portraitofaleader.org
By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov, Jax, Florida
A man was once accused of a serious crime. The evidence was so incriminating that a guilty verdict was all but inevitable. “Your only hope,” advised his lawyer “is to enter a plea of insanity; but you must remember to act crazy in court.”The man followed his lawyer’s counsel and put on a great act. He made the strangest sounds as he twitched his head and thrashed his hands. So well had he performed, that the case was soon dismissed.
To his utter dismay, when the lawyer came to collect his fee, the man resumed his ridiculous gig; strange motions and all. He soon realized that he had become the butt of his own ploy – his expert advice had come back to bite him.
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After a long day of disasters and mishaps, due to inattentiveness and neglect, the exhausted victim could take it no more. “Why,” he cried in exasperation, “Do things that happen to morons keep happening to me?!”
The Rebbe says:
1. At the end of this week’s Torah portion the Torah tells us of the commandment to remember what the nation of Amalek did to us. The Torah reads, “Remember what Amalek did to you on the road, on your way out of Egypt. That he met you on the way and cut off those lagging to your rear, when you were tired and exhausted; he did not fear G-d. Therefore... you must obliterate the memory of Amalek from under the heavens. Do not forget”.
When we analyze these words of the Torah we will see that there are three elements here. Firstly there is the commandment to remember what Amalek did to us. Secondly there is the commandment not to forget what Amalek did to us. And thirdly, there is the commandment to wipe out Amalek.
2. The Rebbe shows how important this is:
1. At the end of this week’s Torah portion the Torah tells us of the commandment to remember what the nation of Amalek did to us. The Torah reads, “Remember what Amalek did to you on the road, on your way out of Egypt. That he met you on the way and cut off those lagging to your rear, when you were tired and exhausted; he did not fear G-d. Therefore... you must obliterate the memory of Amalek from under the heavens. Do not forget”.
When we analyze these words of the Torah we will see that there are three elements here. Firstly there is the commandment to remember what Amalek did to us. Secondly there is the commandment not to forget what Amalek did to us. And thirdly, there is the commandment to wipe out Amalek.
2. The Rebbe shows how important this is:
On 4 July 1976, Israel Defense Forces saved the lives of 104 Jews hostages held by terrorists at Entebbe Airport, Uganda. The Avner Institute is pleased to present a wonderful letter sent by the Rebbe to a Chabad supporter in Cleveland, Ohio, in which the Rebbe explains the lessons to be learnt from the miraculous victory of Operation Entebbe. To learn more about the Rebbe visit: portraitofaleader.org
By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jax, FL
David Goldberg runs into somebody in the street who looks like his old friend Jack.
“Jack,” he says, “Is that you?! You've put on a bit of weight and your hair has turned gray. You seem a few inches shorter than I recall and your cheeks are puffy. Plus, you're walking differently and even sound different. Jack, what's happened to you?”
“I'm not Jack,” replies the gentleman, half amused half repulsed.
“Wow!” says David, “you son of a gun, you even changed your name.”
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