Pleasure Souls & Lions 11 Iyar 5781
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Candle Lighting April 23 - 11 Iyar Metro New York 7:23pm
Pleasure Souls & Lions
The Tzemach Tzedek, the 3rd Lubavitch Rebbe, spoke to a group of Cantonist Jewish soldiers in Petersburg in the 1800s. The Contanist were Jewish Russian soldiers who were mercilessly kidnapped from their parents during their childhood and cruelly forced to join the Russian army for up to 25 years.
The Tzemach Tzedek spoke to the Cantonist soldiers about faith and the love that our loving Father in Heaven has for every Jew. About our sacred prayer of Shma Yisroel. Our declaration of faith in the one G-d of Israel.
Moshe -Moses- said to the Jewish people: Here O Israel the Lord is our G-d the Lord is One. But to whom -asked the Tzemach Tzedek- are we, the Jewish people saying: “Here O Israel”?
The Tzemach Tzedek explained: We are talking to our soul which is called Yisroel. G-d breathed our soul into each of us, our soul is a part of G-d. Like the air one blows out of the mouth, which was originally part of the heart. We say to our soul: Here O Israel! We inspire our soul to focus and recognize that all of existence is part of the oneness and unity of G-d!
Our soul is the Shechina. The Divine presence in our world. G-d desires to dwell in our souls. We continue by saying V’ohavto! You should love G-d. Come closer. Just as when we love a delicious food, we bring the food close to us. So too should we come closer to our beloved G-d who loves each of us unconditionally.
We continue “Vedibarto Bom” Torah study and education. We recognize that Torah study gives us a personal loving relationship with G-d. We continue with the Mitzvah of Teffilin. Because all of Torah is equated to Teffilin. Each commandment enables us to come closer and connect with G-d.
We conclude with the Mitzvah of a Mezuzah on our doors. Because our home is where we keep our cherished valuables. We put a Mezuzah on the doors of our home. We proudly declare that all our precious belongings which are hidden in our home, belong to our Father in Heaven. To the One G-d of Israel.
G-d loves you! He wants to be close to you! He wants a real relationship with you. You are blessed and fortunate that our loving Father in Heaven desires to be with you. He cherishes you. Open your door and you will enjoy His loving embrace and His unconditional love for you!
3 messages based on the teachings of the Rebbe:
1) The 14th of Iyar is the 2nd Passover. Pesach Sheini. A Jew who was unable to bring the sacrifice and celebrate the first Passover, was given a second chance a month later. Even if he was impure as a result of his own doing. It is never too late! You can always fix the situation! Never give up hope! Even our negative past can be used as a springboard to launch a happy new beginning!
2) The Rebbe taught an inspirational lesson from the name of his brother Rabbi Yisroel Arye Leib who passed away the 13th of Iyar 1952. Jacob was named Yisroel when he defeated the angel. You can defeat all obstacles. Arye is Hebrew for lion. You have the spiritual power to be strong like a lion. Leib is the Yiddish translation for lion. You can use your lion strength even in a hidden “translation”. Even in “concealed” challenging situations.
3) The prophet Malachi says: "For you (Israel) shall be a land of desire, says the L-rd of Hosts. Just as the greatest scientists will never discover the limits of the enormous natural resources which the A-lmighty has sunk into the earth, neither will anyone ever find the limits of the great treasures which lie within you! You have unlimited potential! You can achieve it all! Celebrate your true abilities, talents. Enjoy unlimited happiness!
Lchayim
Rabbi Velvl Butman
Executive Director
Chabad Lubavitch of Westchrster County
Sharing the joy and the meaning of Judaism unconditionally!
Email: Chabadofwestchester@gmail.com
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