Shabbos Breishis: Success Goals & Motivation
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Success Goals & Motivation
Hi
Wishing Gut Shabbos. Shabbat Shalom
Candle Lighting October 16 - 28 Tishrei NY Metro 5:52pm
You want success! This is good and healthy. It gives you drive and motivation. But how do you know if your going in the right direction?
Jews have been traveling for 3300 hundred years. Our story is filled with journeys. When our father Jacob ran for safety from his brother Esav, the Torah tells us: “V’yaakov Holach Le’darko“. Jacob Went On His Way!
These three words which are announced on Shabbos Breishis, are the essence of our mission and journey in life.
Our father Jacob has two names. The first one Jacob, was given to him when he was born. Because he was holding the foot of his wicked twin brother at birth. His second name Yisroel - Israel, was given to him when he successfully fought the angel and was victorious.
Sometimes the Torah calls the Jewish people the sons of “Jacob” and sometimes we are called the sons of “Israel“.
In life there are times when we must be “Israel”. We must fight holy spiritual challenges. To focus in our prayers and Torah study environments and to be victorious when we are engaged in our spiritual service of our Father In Heaven.
Sometimes we need to be “Jacob”. To fight in our physical worldly or buisness environment. Against forces who threaten to assimilate us and corrupt our Jewish identity and our Jewish morals and values.
Starting from Rosh Hashanah the Jewish people live for an entire month in an atmosphere of holidays. A time of spiritual transcendents and holiness.
Then, after Simchat Torah, we are told to go back and engage the physical world with all of it’s challenges, temptations and trappings.
It is for this reason that we announce on the first Shabbos after Simchas Torah: “Jacob Went On His Way“.
We are inspired by our father Jacob. To take control of "wickedness". To go out into the darkness of a cold world and transform it into a warm and brightly lit home for our loving Father in Heaven.
When we have clear set goals, then our journey is successful. The clarity of a vision, of a goal, motivates each of us to travel our personal life journey with great success.
Our sages teach us: “Who is a smart person? The one who sees what will be born”. When we have a goal and a clear vision of what will be “born” from our actions, then we are assured that we chose smartly and our journey will be successful.
May you be blessed to launch your new journey on this first “Journey” Shabbos of the new year, with enthusiasm and motivation!
The Rebbe expresses this in the short Yiddish statement: The way a Jew sets the tone on Shabbos Breishis, so goes the whole year!
Travel safe: You are on your way to your successful journey!
3 messages based on the teachings of the Rebbe:
1) You are empowered to have a successful journey for the new year. The light, wisdom and warmth of Shabbos Breishis illuminates and warms the entire new year. Take advantage and maximize the power of Shabbos Breishis. This idea gives you enthusiasm and vitality.
2) The primary purpose of life is not to sanctify the heavens. It is primarily to sanctify the physical world. To infuse the cold world with the warmth and love of Torah and it’s holy commandments. Transforming the world into a royal beautiful garden.
3) During the month of Tishrei: Rosh Hashonoh Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchas Torah, we fill our suitcases with “goods and Jewish riches”. Then we each “travel” our personal journey back home. There, we unpack our “suitcases”. We bring the happiness, message and enthusiasm of Tishrei into every moment of the new year.
Lchayim
Velvl
Rabbi Velvl Butman
Executive Director
Chabad Lubavitch of Westchester County
Sharing the joy and meaning of Judaism unconditionally!
Email: Chabadofwestchester@gmail.com
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