Rabbi's Blog - Chabad of the Bay Area

What was it about the Rebbe?

Friday, April 25, 2014 - 3:54 PM

Being around Chabad you get a sense of the reverence we have for the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, OBM. He clearly inspired us along with hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of others.

He inspired me and Malky, and thousands like us, to leave the comfort and convenience of family and community and dedicate our lives to seeing to the spiritual and material well-being of our fellow Jews.

What was it about the Rebbe? How did he manage to impact such a broad spectrum of people from all walks of life? From young children to scholars, scientists, philosophers and world leaders? Jew and gentile?

This is why I'm passionate about the new JLI course we are offering. 'Paradigm Shift' will give you an opportunity to examine first hand the teachings and insights that continue to inspire so many.

I invite you to try it out, you won't be disappointed!

PS Paradigm Shift is offered in commemoration of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Rebbe's passing. In addition, a major commemorative event will be held in Houston on Wednesday, June 25th, stay tuned for details!

Passover is just the beginning

Friday, April 18, 2014 - 3:14 AM

After an uplifting first days of Passover, let us remember that Passover, in truth, is only the first step in a period of transformation.

When the Jews left Egypt they were told to immediately begin preparations for their receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai in exactly 7 weeks time.

Starting with the 2nd night of Passover, we still count the 49 days from Passover until the Holiday of Shavuot, the holiday of the Giving of the Torah. Each day represents an opportunity to refine another aspect of ourselves, our character and spirituality for the day when the Torah is given once again.

As the full verse in the Torah reads: "Let my people go, so that they may serve me."

Tribute to the Rebbe

Friday, April 11, 2014 - 1:35 PM

Today marks the birthday of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, OBM. In his honor, the US Congress has named this day, Education and Sharing Day USA.

The Rebbe once said about anyone who resolves to make today better than yesterday, and tomorrow better than today, that he is proud to call that person his disciple (Source credit: Living Each Day).

Drawing (small)

The Rebbe's impact on this -- the post-holocaust -- generation has been monumental; and his life, work and teachings continue to set the trend for the future of Judaism today.

This summer will mark 20 years since his passing in 1994. Commemorative events will be held around the world. The first of these events is the new JLI course starting this spring called, Paradigm Shift: Transformational Life Teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Check it out!

How free are you? (Part 2)

Friday, April 4, 2014 - 1:07 AM

A tree is free when it is allowed to live to its fullest potential as a tree. An animal is free when it is a permitted to live true to its potential as an animal. If we were to mix it up and provide an animal with the all the needs of a tree, or a tree with the freedom of a movement of an animal, either one would not be considered free.

Same is true for people. The true expression of our freedom is when we are able to live up to our G-d given talents and abilities.

Jewish people are endowed by G-d with a soul that has a unique spiritual and G-dly capacity, it follows then, that our true freedom includes the ability to tap into and express that part of ourselves.

Torah and Mitzvot are G-d given tools that enable us to express and maximize that spiritual capacity of our souls.