7-29-11

My colleague in Oslo, Rabbi Shaul Wilhelm, is someone who usually isn't shy of sharing his feelings, which is why so many of us feel such a close connection to him. But this week was different.

The ruthless bloodbath perpetrated by (at least) one insanely evil individual, seems to have struck a cord, a nerve that even Shaul's big heart couldn't contain.

"As Jews in Norway, we are well integrated into society. Because we are very few in number - this naturally means that each of us have many associations with society as a whole. This terrible tragedy - one that is beyond imagination, deeply hurts each and every citizen living here. We are truly in pain, in shock and are reaching out to each of our friends, neighbours and quite honestly - to every individual."

The Midrash, in describing the world encountered by our Patriarch Abraham and his reaction to it, offers the following parable: A man is walking in the forest and comes across a clearing with a breathtakingly magnificent palace standing proudly at its center. "Wow, what an awesome palace," he thinks. Then, to his horror, he notices that the palace is on fire...Flames are raging out of control, and no one is there to battle the blaze. He begins to shout: "Who is the owner of the palace?" Surely someone built this magnificent structure. Where is he, and why would he allow his masterful handiwork to go up in flames without as much as attempting to stop it? At which time the king of the palace peers out from one of the palace windows and says: "Yes, there is an owner, it is I." "Well...Your Majesty...are you aware that the palace is burning? Aren't you going to do something about it?" To which the king answers: "I know about the fire - but I will not put it out. That's your job."

Each of us are here on this earth to be partners with G‑d to "put out the fire" - to heal the world. Our acts of goodness, our moral and ethical behavior and our observance of G‑d's will through mitzvahs are our contributions to "putting out the fire".Even a "small" good deed done in the privacy of one's has a ripple effect on the entire world. The cumulative efforts of all of the good deeds of good people throughout history will be culminated when the world is finally healed forever at the time of Redemption. At that time, Moshiach will usher in an era of world peace and loving kindness for all of G‑d's children.

Each morning I must ask myself: Am I doing my share? After all, I'm a partner.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Shalom M. Paltiel
 

	The Rebbe and the Holy Land

People often inquire about the Rebbe and his views on Israel.

Our custom has been to show a film on Tisha B'Av late afternoon related to the theme of the day - Jewish survival. The land of Israel is certainly central to that idea.

I have therefore chosen to show a film entitled: The Rebbe and the Holy Land, which highlights the Rebbe's relationship with modern day Israel, its people and its leaders.

Please mark your calendar to join us for this film on Tisha B'Av, Tuesday, August 9, at 6:30 pm. The film is 30 minutes. (Mincha services will follow the film).

May Hashem bring peace to Israel and blessings and good tidings to the entire world.

Tisha B'Av Services & Film:

Monday, August 8
8:30pm Fast Begins
8:30pm Services and reading of Eicha - Lamentations

Tuesday, August 9
7am Morning services
6:30pm Film: The Rebbe & the Holy Land
7:30pm Mincha services (with Tallis & Tefillin)
8:32pm Fast ends
 

Hoping you can help with a translation. I recently bought a new suit, and my aunt said to me something like, "Tetchadesh!" I asked her what it means and she said it is Hebrew and you say it when someone gets new clothing. So I asked her again what it means and she sort of said something like, "wear in good health," but she really didn't know exactly what it means. So what does it mean?

Answer:

You may be surprised at the true meaning of this blessing for new clothes. CONTINUE >>