Chabad Inspiration
Desires Serendipity & Empowerment
Hi
Wishing you Gut Shabbos
Candle Lighting November 15 NY Metro 4:18pm
Desires Serendipity & Empowerment
Since birth we desire pleasure. From childhood food, candy, chocolates and toys to grown up sports, delicacies, wisdom, arts and music.
The dictionary defines serendipity as “the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for”. Chabad philosophy highlights the Baal Shem Tov’s teaching that even a leaf which falls off a tree and it’s journey on the ground, has cosmic purpose. Designed and personally guided by the creator.
A core Jewish value is hosting guests. While talking to G-d Abraham saw three strangers walking in the sweltering desert heat. Abraham Immediately invited them into his home, offering food and shelter. Miraculously a year later a baby boy was born to our ninety year old matriarch Sara. They named him Issac which means laughter.
Laughter. Because Judaism is about courageously facing darkness and resiliently transforming challenges into a new reality of miracles, light and laughter.
We are wired to desire pleasure. Because we are created in the image of G-d therefore we reflect our creator who desired the pleasure of creating a physical world and for us to transform it into a brightly lit home for G-d. Heaven on earth. Moshiach.
At times people unfortunately behave immorally and cruelly. Sodom and Gomorrah. But we are empowered to transform the world into a Divine beautiful garden. Filled with the sweet aroma of the plantings of our deeds of goodness and kindness. A world of universal peace and Divine awareness. A world of Moshiach.
So yes we desire pleasure. It is rooted deeply in our soul. But as we mature we discover the mystical beauty and power of desire. To actualize the Divine desired plan of creation.
During our important life mission we are blessed with “serendipities” as we unexpectedly find precious gifts, joy and celebrations which are orchestrated by the hidden hand of the creator for us to enjoy. As we say in Yiddish it's “Bashert”. Divine providence.
So when you have a craving, a desire for pleasure, think, remember and internalize it’s empowering message. You are infinitely important. The world and G-d need you to complete the purpose of the Divine desired pleasure of creation. Moshiach is ready to come now. All of history is waiting for your “laughter of Issac”. For you to transform your challenges into happiness, light and laughter. One good deed can tip the scale.
Laugh at obstacles, fears and intimidations. Courageously springboard and jump over your challenges into a new reality. A world of goodness and kindness designed by you.
Your soul was chosen by the creator for unique successful accomplishments. Meaningful and enduring happiness is when you are living as the person you were born to be. You own the power to successfully make your life the miraculous child you were born to be.
3 messages based on the teachings of the Rebbe:
1) The fifth Chabad Rebbe, the Rebbe Rashab was born on the 20th of Cheshvan 5621-1860. He defines a Chossid as a "Lamplighter". One who ignites the Divine spark in others. We must volunteer and go help our fellow wherever they may be. Light the spark of all who are in your environment. You were born to be a leader, helping others who need your fire, warmth and light.
2) Hosting guest makes you spiritually new. Following a Jewish wedding we are required to have a "new face" at each celebration during the initial seven days excluding Shabbat. Because the holiness of Shabbat itself makes every person a "new face". While hosting guest you rise to a new level of holiness and you instantly have a pure "new face".
3) As a decedent of Abraham you are endowed with Abraham's characteristics of unwavering faith and kindness. Never underestimate your precious value. Appreciate and celebrate the treasures you inherited and own. You are the child of Abraham Issac and Jacob. Sara Rivka Rochel and Leah. You are royalty.
Lchayim
Velvl
Rabbi Velvl Butman
Executive Director
Chabad Lubavitch of westchester County
Sharing the joy and meaning of Judaism unconditionally!
Email: chabadofwestchester@gmail.com