[Aneinu] Please Daven

The Steinhardt/Ray family is asking people to daven for Shalom Daniel ben Leah (Daniel Ray), as he is going through some complications right now.

TODAY THE 18TH OF TEVET IS THE YORTZEIT OF THE BNEI YISSASCHAR

NICE BIOGRAPHY AND DIVAR TORAHS FROM RabbiShimon.com A STORY FROM CHABAD.ORG AND A DIVAR TORAH FROM CHABAD.ORG

CHABAD.ORG TIMELINE The life and times of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi By Eli Rubin

THIS IS A NICE DIVAR TORAH FOR YOUR SHABBOS TABLE FOR THE ALTER REBBE 200TH YORTZEIT

THE BAIS HAVAAD THE DAF IN HALACHA SHABBOS DF 83 TEVILAS KEILIM

Q:RAV GREENWALD ASKS HOW DO YOU AVOID THE PROBLEM OF TOIVELING AN ELECTRIC DEVICE THAT WILL BREAK WHEN YOU TOIVEL IT? A:HE SAYS YOU SHOULD BREAK IT AND THEN TAKE IT TO A JEW TO FIX.OR SOME POSKIM SAY BY PLUGING IT IN IT IS NO LONGER A KLI.

OU TORAH Becoming Great By Shira Smiles

CLICK HERE FOR SHIRA SMILES SHIUR AND SOURCE SHEETS ON PARSHAS SHEMOT

[Aneinu] Tefillos Needed for Rav Brevda

Please daven for Rav Shlomo Leib ben Miriam, Rav Brevda who is in need of a refuah sheleimah. He was rushed to the hospital on Erev Shabbos and is in serious condition.

JM Sunday with Mattes Weingast 12/30/12 ARCHIVE

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Z REPORT LIVE Show #140 ARCHIVE

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YWN Serious Injuries in Herzliya Mall Fire

UPDATE 21:04 IL Officials in Ichilov Hospital report a 40-year-old male who was in cardiac arrest at the scene of the mall fire earlier this evening has died of his injuries. Two other victims, both female, remain in serious/critical condition. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Kumzing 2 DVD IS AT KESHER STAM

THIS IS A SPECIAL DVD B/C THE CROWD OF YESHIVA BOCHRIM SING ALONG WITH THE SINGERS.CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNT.

[Aneinu] Please Daven

Please have Elazar Yeshaya Ben Rivka Leiba in mind in your tefilos. He is the grandfather of Chaya Leah Carlsen and is in critical condition.

OU TORAH Rav Hirsch on Vayechi By Michael Gutmann

CLICK HERE FOR HIRSCHIAN THOUGHT ON PARSHAS VAYECHI.

NSN The OU Presents: The Jewish Reaction with Rabbi Yaakov Glasser 12/20/2012 ARCHIVE

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NSN The Book of Life with Charlie Harary 12/20/12 ARCHIVE

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DAF SUGYA WITH RABBI ELEFANT SHABBOS DAF 74 BORER AND TOICHEN

Q:HOW SHOULD YOU SET YOUR TABLE ON SHABBOS AND WHY SHOULD YOU PUT YOUR SEFARIM AWAY RIGHT AFTER YOU USE THEM IN SHUL? A:RABBI ELEFANT BRINGS THE POSKIM WHO SAY WHEN GETTING SILVERWARE FOR YOUR TABLE MAKE SURE THEY ARE IN SEPARATE COMARTMENTS AND NOT MIXED TOGETHER IN THE DRAWER.IF YOU PUT YOUR SEFARIM AWAY RIGHT AFTER USING THEM IN SHUL YOU AVOID THE BORER PROBLEM OF A PILE.FOR HOW TO PUT PLATES IN YOUR DISHWASHER AND MORE ON BORER PLUS 2 SHIURS ON TOICHEN CLICK HERE.(8 SHIURS ALL TOGETHER)

[aneinu] From Israel: 5 Yr old boy needs kidney transplant

A five year old boy from Jerusalem is on dialysis and needs a kidney donor, blood group O. His older sister aged 7 had a kidney transplant a year ago, and his younger brother aged 3 received a kidney last month. I am a middle-aged Anglo Olah Chadasha and I am a donor to a 48 yr old mother of 6 - 1.5 years ago now B"H. It is one of my proudest accomplishments and greatest mitzvah. Please contact me for more information Many thanks! Tizki lemizvot! -------------------------------------------- Marci Rapp MarSea Modest Swim & Gymwear Cover what you want...in style! www.MarSeaModest.com marci@bezeqint.net 050-424-8359 Thornhill>Katamon, July22/08 SAVE A LIFE! DONATE A KIDNEY in Israel - I did - contact me for more information. --

THE BAIS HAVAAD THE DAF IN HALACHA SHABBOS DAF 80 ZECHER LECHURBAN

(HASHGACA PRATIS THIS DAF WAS LEARNED ASARA BTAVAS) RAV DAVID GROSSMAN BRINGS THE S"A WHO SAYS IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE BAIS HAMIKDASH YOU SHOUD TAKE OFF AN AMA AL AMAH(WHICH IS A SQUARE) OF PLASTER BY THE WALL NEAR YOUR DOOR.FOR THE REST OF THE SHIUR LIKE HOW RENTERS OR NON JEWS DEAL WITH THIS CLICK HERE?

JI AND JMR Shlomo Simcha & Nafshenu Orchestra Release: NAFSHENU FUSION + Audio Sampler

This album, arranged by Attila Fias and David Kerzner, is a fusion of the soulful Carlebach songs, the heartfelt work of Nafshenu’s (Toronto) musicians, and the powerful voice of Shlomo Simcha. Also featured on the album are the sweet voices of Gabi Shull and David Kerzner who add color and texture to the vocal arrangement. Reb Shlomo CARLEBACH was known throughout the world for his simplistic, yet heartfelt melodies that spoke to people of all ages, genders, and religious levels. Still today, his music touches those of all sects of Judaism. Shlomo Simcha is known across the globe not only for his vocal talent and ability to uplift his audience, but also for his interpretation and delivery of Reb Shlomo Carlebach compositions. NAFSHENU is a musical performing group in Toronto known for its eclectic style and lively yet tasteful spirit. Nafshenu has been performing for decades for weddings and concerts to audiences of all types and has succeeded in touching the souls of people from the entire Jewish spectrum. Each musician brings forth his own unique style, creating a beautiful tapestry of harmony and emotion that is the NAFSHENU sound.

Large Type Tehillim / Psalms Full Size - White Leather

WHERE YOU LOOKING FOR A NICE CHANUKA GIFT but could not find one.How about The ArtScroll Large-Type Tehilim:White Leather Edition It's Really Something to See! Here are King David's timeless words, in a format that's easy on the eyes. Newly designed and typeset, these books feature extra large and clear type on neat and uncluttered pages. Includes complete Hebrew text together with the famed, bestselling ArtScroll translation, instructions, and abridged commentary.click here for a sample.

The Rav Thinking Aloud on the Parsha Sefer Shemos: Transcripts of Shiurim from Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik

ITS HARD TO BELIEVE CHAZAK OF BERASHIS IS THIS WEEK GET YOUR The Rav Thinking Aloud on the Parsha Sefer Shemos: Transcripts of Shiurim from Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik FOR NEXT WEEK AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE.

Koren Talmud Bavli, Vol.3: Tractate Shabbat, Part 2 (English and Hebrew Edition)STARTS TODAY

SO GO TO TOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE TODAY AND GET IT TODAY.

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5773~ PARSHAS VAYIGASH ~Arvus; Co-Signers & Guarantors

This week's parsha begins with a dialogue between Yehuda and Yosef regarding pardoning Binyomin. It is actually a continuation of the dialogue that began at the end of last week's parsha where Yosef said that he wouldn't punish anyone other than the criminal himself, to which Yehuda replied "[take me instead] because I told my father that I would take personal responsibility for him." One can ask what logic there is in Yehuda's response, if Yosef already said that he wouldn't punish anyone other than the criminal. The Be'er Yosef explains that there is a rule in the laws of guardians which teaches that one who accepts responsibility for an animal is obligated to ensure that not only does the animal not get damaged, but that it also does not damage others. As such, we see that a guardian's responsibility extends to third parties, as well. Therefore, Yehuda was correct in asserting that he is liable for Binyomin and it was reasonable to punish him instead of Binyomin since he was his guardian. This week's journal will focus on the concept of arev - guarantor, which according to the Tur is derived from our passuk.(AUDIO HERE) PRINT VERSION HERE

NAALEH.COM Royal Revelation Parshat Vayigash 5773 By SHIRA SMILES

In this class (Shiur) Mrs. Shira smile discusses Parshat Vayigash and Yosef's surprising revelation to his brothers Available online in streaming video, and for download in mp3 and mp4(Ipod video) formats

YU TORAH 135 Vayigash Reproach & Rapprochement By SHIRA SMILES

Courtesy of Feivel Smiles and 613.org

NAALEH.COM Parshat Vayigash: Dual Flames 5770 By Mrs. Shira Smiles

In this shiur (Torah class) on Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the medrash on the Pasuk that says that Yaakov sent Yehuda ahead to Egypt, and examines the differences between Yehuda and Yosef. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.

RABBI WEIN ON PARSHAS VAYIGASH

The apparent hero and victor in the epic narrative of the saga of Yosef and his brothers that reaches its culmination in this week’s parsha is certainly Yosef. His dreams and ambitions are fulfilled. His brothers and father have bowed down before him as the prophecy of his dreams indicated. He takes no further revenge against his brothers. He houses them and Yaakov in security and prosperity in the land of Goshen and is assiduous in caring for all of their needs.

RABBI WEIN DEFINING ONE’S SELF

Individuals, societies and nations are always pursuing the elusive goal of self-definition. God’s question to Adam “Where are you?” can easily be interpreted as also being the question of “Who are you?”

RABBI SHLOMO CARLEBACH ON Parashat vayigash תשע"ג

How Can I Ever Return? For how can I go up to my father (Bereishis 44:34) What happened when Yehuda stood before Yosef? He mamesh knew that this was the end for him. He saw that he had lost his share in the Coming World, because if Binyamin had to stay in Egypt, he could not go back to Ya’akov. How could he return to his father without Binyamin? He might as well commit suicide – he had absolutely nothing more to do in this world. And suddenly he realized, “Gevalt, for my whole life, from the beginning until now, everything I’ve done was wrong…” So what did he do?

CHASSIDIC PEARLS ON THE PARSHA BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS VAYIGASH

"And the men are shepherds, for they've always been herdsmen" (Bereishit 46:32). Yosef (Joseph), when describing his brothers to Pharaoh, tells him that they are "shepherds, for they've always been herdsmen." This passage seems redundant indeed, for if we know that the sons of Yaakov (Jacob) are shepherds, why must we also learn that they're herdsman as well; isn't one term synonymous to the other? Also, why did so many of our most important ancestors and national leaders – Avraham (Abraham), Yitzchak (Isaac), Yaakov (Jacob), Yaakov's sons, Moshe (Moses), Shmuel HaNavi (Samuel the Prophet), and Dovid HaMelech (King David) – choose to be shepherds?

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT VAYIGASH PART 2:THE SHEPHERD-PHILOSOPHER

Shepherding is a lifestyle that allows for reflection and inner contemplation. The labor is not intensive. Unlike farming, one does not need to immerse all of one's energies in physical matters. At the same time, the shepherd remains in constant contact with the real world. His reflections are sound, based on life experiences. He does not delve in artificial philosophies detached from reality. For this reason, our forefathers, the great thinkers of their time, worked as shepherds.

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT VAYIGASH PART 1

Translated and abridged by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Vayigash Out of Jacob's twelve sons, it appears that Joseph was the first to die. 'Joseph died, and [then] his brothers and all that generation' (Ex. 1:6). Why was Joseph's life shorter than that of his brothers? The Sages explained the reason for Joseph's early demise was due to his public office. When one assumes a position of authority, 'his days and years are shortened' (Berachot 55a). Yet this hardly seems fair. Why should those who dedicate their lives to public affairs be punished with fewer years?

RABBI LAZER BRODY BONUS #2 MY HERO:REBBI NATAN OF BRESLEV

One of my favorite anecdotes from the Gemara (see Yevamot 96b) tells about Rebbe Elazar delivering a halachic discourse in one of the halls of study. His teacher and spiritual guide Rebbe Yochanan became extremely angry when he heard that Rebbe Elazar was repeating intricate elaborations on fine points of religious law without citing that he learned them all from Rebbe Yochanan. Two other of Rebbe Yochanan’s greatest pupils, Rebbe Ami and Rebbe Asi, tried to mollify their teacher; instead, they further incensed him. Finally, Rebbe Yaacov Bar Idi, another of Rebbe Yochanan’s leading pupils, approached Rebbe Yochanan and quoted a passage from Chapter 11 in the Book of Joshua that says, “As Hashem has commanded His servant Moses, thus Moses has commanded Joshua; Joshua has thus done, and has not neglected a single thing that Hashem commanded Moses.” Rebbe Yaacov Bar Idi then asked Rebbe Yochanan, “Does Joshua say everything in the name of Moses? No! Joshua speaks and everyone knows that he speaks the teaching of Moses. Likewise, your pupil Rebbe Elazar speaks, and everyone knows that he speaks your teachings!” Rebbe Yochanan nodded, for Rebbe Elazar’s words truly mollified him.

RABBI LAZER BRODY BONUS #1 YOUR TOOLBOX

From this moment on, you'll never be jealous of a another person again. Sounds impossible, doesn't it? No, it's really very simple. All you have to know about is your toolbox, and as a gift to you, I'm going to tell you all about it. You're “toolbox” is your own unique set of talents and aptitudes that no one else on earth has. The Creator created you unique. You have your own special individual task to accomplish and mission to perform on this earth. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here. How can we make such a claim? That's simple too – nothing was created without a reason. Every creation is critical to the proper functioning of the universe.

NSN JM Sunday with Mattes Weingast 12/23/2012 ARCHIVE

CLICK HERE FOR ASARA BTAVAS EDITION

[Aneinu] Please Daven

Please daven for Yechiel Wulf ben Blima Raitzeh a young father and husband of a former Chicagoan.

OU TORAH Twelve Tribes: Model of Diversity By Shira Smiles

CLICK HERE FOR SHIRA SMILES SHIUR AND SOURCE SHEETS ON PARSHAS VAYECHI

[chicago-aneinu] An Urgent Call To The Community To Save A Life!

An Urgent Call To The Community To Save A Life! Rebecca Salame, is in urgent need of our help. She is a single mother with late stage Lymphoma. If she doesn't get a bone marrow transplant in 3-6 months, then there will be nothing left for her to do. Her physicians tell her that there is a higher probability of finding a match with a Sephardic Jew. I invite you to urge everyone to embrace this opportunity for pikuach nefesh. Rebecca's transplant team and main local oncologist are at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Here is what you can do! Log onto the Be The Match website. Order your free cheeck swabbing kit. This will not hurt! Your results will be recorded in Be The Match's database. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has a dedicated person on staff who tracks these results. If a match is found, they will immediately be contacted. If one of us is a possible donor, here is some information about giving blood for stem cells. Read the letter from Rebecca here: Read the letter from Rebecca here

[Aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Today

Please daven for Ashira Yehudit bat Miriam Ester, a Chicagoan, who is undergoing major surgery, today, Friday 12/21.

Schottenstein Talmud Yerushalmi -English Edition [#27] - Tractate Moed Katan IS HERE

MIRTZ HASHEM THERE WILL BE A SIYUM ON YERUSHALMI MOED KATAN ON THE 2ND OF ADAR FEBRUARY 12 2013 FOR ASHER ZEILG BEN SHMUEL(ZADIE POLSKI) ON HIS 10 YORTZEIT.

MISHPACHA ISSUE 439 6 TEVES DECEMBER 19 2012

AS MENTIONED ON THE Z REPORT LIVE THIS WEEK GO TO YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE TO BUY THIS WEEK MISHPACHA MAGAZINE B/C A FREE COPY OF SHLOMO SIMCHA NAFSHEINU FUSION IS INSIDE

RABBI SHLOMO CARLEBACH Parashat Miketz תשע"ג

How Fast the Tables Turn See, I have placed you in charge of all the land of Egypt (Bereishis 41:41) Imagine a person God forbid becomes bankrupt, and they are down in the dumps, living in darkness. How long does it take for them to become the richest man in the world? It doesn’t happen over night, it takes a long time. But you know what is Yosef Hatzadik all about? Yosef Hatzadik shows us how it can happen in one second.

Nachum Segal Hosts Rabbi Hanoch Teller Live at JM in the AM

Nachum welcomed renowned author, lecturer, and teacher Rabbi Hanoch Teller to the studio this morning for an in-depth look at Rabbi Teller's books, projects, family life, and more. Nachum opened the phone lines so listeners could call in with questions, comments, and stories to share with Rabbi Teller and each other. "Rabbi Hanoch Teller is an author, lecturer, and producer who popularized the Jewish literary genre of true, contemporary stories to convey inspirational and ethical themes. Author of 28 books, Rabbi Teller is also a tour guide in Jerusalem, Israel." Click the link to listen.

Avraham Fried - The Decade Collection

YOU MIGHT THINK YOU HAVE TO GO TO ISRAEL FOR THIS BUT YOU DONT HAVE TO B/C YOU CAN ORDER IT HERE ON BRESLEV.CO.IL FOR 37% OFF.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Now

Please daven for Rochel Leah bat Rivka Eidel, niece of an Aneinu member, who is in surgery right now.

AVRAHAM FRIED GREATEST HITS

YOU MIGHT THINK YOU HAVE TO GO TO ISRAEL TO GET THIS BUT BRESLEV.CO.IL HAS IT.SO ORDER IT HERE FOR 36% OFF.

DAF SUGYA WITH RABBI ELEFANT SHABBOS DAF 69 SHABBOS IN THE NORTH POLE

RABBI ELEFANT BRINGS THE TIFERES YISRAEL WHO SAYS SOMEONE WENT TO THE NORTH POLE WHERE THERE IS NIGHT WITH NO SUN OR SUN BUT NO NIGHT AT ALL.HOW DOES THIS PERSON KEEP SHABBOS WHEN THERE IS NO SHEKIA?HE SHOULD COUNT SIX DAYS AND THE 7TH DAY IS HIS SHABBOS LIKE OUR GEMARA.RAV SHTERNBAUCH SAYS A JEW SHOULD NOT LIVE IN TNHE NORTH POLE TO AVOID SHABBOS TEFFILA AND ZIMAN KRIAS SHEMA PROBLEMS B/C THERE IS NO CIUV KRIAS SHEMA OR SHABBOS HERE.DOES SOMEONE WHO HAD SHABBOS IN EUROPE ALREADY HAVE TO KEEP SHABBOS AGAIN IN AMERICA WHERE ITS STILL SHABBOS.OR IF 2 PEOPLE ARRIVED IN THE NORTH POLE 1 FROM ERETZ YISRAEL AND 1 FROM AMERICA DO THEY KEEP DIFFERENT SHABBOSES CLICK HERE?

Z REPORT LIVE! SHOW #139

DOWNLOAD FROM ITUNES HERE.On today's Z Report LIVE we have a truly AMAZING show. The World Premiere of the debut single from Shaya Ilowitz, US Debut of music from Moshe Laufer's new album Mitoich Haneshama 3, a brand new single from Itzik & Avishai Eshel and music off the Remastered Michoel Streicher Soild English Collection album. Shlomo Simcha will phone in to talk to us about the new album Nafshenu Fusion which will be in this weeks edition of the Mishpacha magazine as a joint venture with Project Inspire and in stores next week which features Shlomo Simcha & Nafsheinu Orchestra Toronto. We also have new music from Yonatan Razel, Aaron Razel, Yisroel Werdyger, Shloime Gertner, Benny Friedman, Psachya and more PLUS some concert information. So tell everyone to tune in from 12-2 ET to NachumSegal.com and be sure not to miss it. Please donate to the JM in the AM Hurricane Recovery Campaign By clicking HERE NEW Listen local numbers for The West Coast in LA 323 503 4451 & England UK +442070970974

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5773~ PARSHAS MIKEITZ ~CIRUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

(BY RAV GREENWALD) The Haftarah of Miketz speaks of the great divine wisdom that Shlomo Hamelech was bestowed with, upon requesting a knowing heart from Hashem, in order to judge his people fairly. The Navi goes on to relate the famous incident of the two women who came before him with a child, both claiming to be his biological mother, whereupon Shlomo Hamelech ordered the child divided in half. The real mother was then discovered when she objected and preferred that the child stay alive in her rival's hands. The Bnei Yisroel then greatly admired Shlomo when they saw that he was blessed with divine wisdom.(AUDIO VERSION) PRINT VERSION

RABBI WEIN ON PARSHAS MIKETZ

The main point in this week's parsha is that Yosef recognizes his brothers while they don't recognize him. The obvious reason for this is that Yosef, pursuing the fulfillment of his heavenly dreams, is looking for his brothers, while they, the brothers themselves, are not partners with Yosef in the dreams and therefore they cannot imagine that they are bowing before Yosef. There are dreams that are private, personal, and many times impossible to share with others. However, sometimes there are dreams that are so transcendent and affect generations and nations that they must be shared with others. Yosef's dreams are of this very nature. The brothers misinterpreted Yosef's words as being an attempt to rule over them and control them. The dreams however truly implied that Yosef would save Yaakov and his family in a time of hunger and crisis. Yosef wished that his dreams would be shared by his brothers as well. The brothers, who saw those dreams as being malevolent, did not want any part in their fulfillment or accomplishment. On the other hand, Yaakov does share in Yosef's dreams and though he reprimands Yosef for his attitude towards his brothers, he guards the message of the dreams and is somehow certain that they will be fulfilled. Someone who does not share in the dream will find it difficult to identify with the dreamer or even to recognize affinity with him. Yosef who wishes his dreams to be their dreams immediately recognizes his brothers. The brothers, who as yet do not share Yosef's dreams, cannot really recognize him or identify with him. The Jewish people over the ages have dreamt many dreams. Some of them were private dreams. As such, they did not really have a lasting effect. However, there were grand, national, and even universal dreams that were part of Jewish tradition and society. These dreams included the return to the Land of Israel, establishing a just and moral Jewish society based on Torah values, and a general commitment to further civilization and improve human society. The test of the Jewish continuity and loyalty was whether the individual Jew shared in these great dreams. Those who did not eventually could no longer recognize their own brothers. Because of this, these Jews eventually became negative forces in Jewish society and in world society as well.

RABBI WEIN ON CHANUKA

Timing is everything. This is true in financial matters, personal choices, national decisions, as well as in historical events. Nevertheless, we are able to see that the present is not necessarily the past and that options and opinions that are currently relevant and popular once held no sway. Our ancestors the Hasmoneans engaged in the same type of struggles, physical as well as spiritual, that challenge us today. Surrounded by enemies meant to destroy the Jewish state and faith, and beset by a substantial amount of internal enemies willing to become Greeks, the Hasmoneans fought both enemies strongly and successfully. But they were fortunate that in the second century before the Common Era there were no NGOs, EUs, no media bias and a plethora of do-gooders. The Hasmoneans would undoubtedly have been accused of war crimes, aggression, and of becoming occupiers of the land that in truth belonged to them. However, their timing was impeccable. By current day standards, there could never be a Chanuka holiday. This is not to say that hypocrisy and double dealing did not exist in the days of the Hasmoneans. Human nature has not changed significantly since Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden. However, with the development of civilization, technology and the wide dissemination of information – both true and false- we must agree that the implementation of hypocrisy and false and unfair judgment has reached a new high in our time. And unfortunately, our small state and great people are the primary victims of this new, exalted perfidy.

NAALEH.COM SHIRA SMILES ON PARSHAS MIKETZ & Chanukah: Inspired Introspection 5771

In this Torah shiur (class) on Parshat Miketz, Mrs. Shira Smiles connects the episode of the brothers in Egypt with Yosef, with the topic of Chanukah. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.

NAALEH.COM SHIRA SMILES ON CHANUKA PART 3: Light of Clarity

In this Torah shiur (class) on Chanukah, Mrs. Shira Smiles raises the question of why, in Al HaNissim, we give thanks to Hashem for wars. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.

NAALEH.COM SHIRA SMILES ON CHANUKA PART 2 : Wonders of War

In this shiur (Torah class) on Chanukah, Mrs. Shira Smiles raises the question of what is so unique and special about the miracle of Chanukah? Additionally, why are we thanking G-d for the war in the prayer of Al Hanissim? This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.

NAALEH.COM SHIRA SMILES ON CHANUKA PART 1: Affectionate Light

In this shiur (Torah class) on Chanukah, Mrs. Shira Smiles raises a number of questions about the holiday. Firstly, why is the miracle of the oil the main focus, instead of the miraculous military victory? Secondly, what is the significance of 'zot Chanukah', the last day of Chanukah. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.

CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS MIKETZ

We saw his deep anguish when he pleaded with us and we didn't heed; that is why this trouble has come to us (Bereishit 42:21). The language of the above passage seems strange. The Torah says that the trouble has "come to" the brothers, as if it were describing a visitor. We would have expected the Torah to use terminology such as the trouble has "befallen" or "come upon" the brothers. Since every single letter and every single word of the Torah are absolute and eternal truth, we have to ask ourselves what the intrinsic message the Torah is conveying by saying that the trouble has "come to" the brothers. Rebbe Nachman of Breslev explains (Likutei Moharan I:54.2), that Hashem initiates the events of a person's life on three different levels - thought, speech, and deed - taking into consideration each person's particular situation at that given time. These events – namely, everything that happens to a person – are all hints designed to bring that person closer to Hashem. For that reason, one must think in depth in order to comprehend these messages from Hashem. Rebbe Nachman is simply teaching us that everything that happens to us in life, from the most significant events to the tiniest mundane detail, are all personal memos from Hashem designed to enhance our relationship with Him. Yosef's (Joseph's) brothers knew that their incarceration in Egypt wasn't the result of any recent crime. Their three days of isolation in prison severed them from contact with the outside world and from their daily routine, thus serving as an opportunity for serious self-evaluation and soul searching. The incarceration was Hashem's way of saying, "Please stop, for I have freed you temporarily of all other responsibilities. Take advantage of your stint in jail to ask yourselves what you did to deserve this." By virtue of this golden opportunity that Hashem gave them, even though it was embellished in a seemingly terrible predicament, the brothers were able to contemplate Hashem's message and ultimately reach the right conclusion so that they could correct what needed correcting.

THE REBBE ON CHANUKA PART 2 MAKING THE DARKNESS GLOW

On Chanukah, the Previous Rebbe would tell his chassidim,[1] "We must listen carefully to what the candles are saying." In fact, the message of the Chanukah lights affects the entire scope of our service of G-d throughout the year, for "a mitzvah is a lamp and Torah is light."[2] Though every mitzvah is a lamp which lights up the darkness of our material world, this illumination is more manifest in those mitzvos which are associated with visible light. The spiritual implications of the Chanukah lights are reflected in the halachic details that regulate the performance of the mitzvah. For a start, the Chanukah lights should be kindled after sunset and must burn into the night.[3] Furthermore, they should be placed "at the outside of the entrance to one's home,"[4] which shows that they are primarily intended to illuminate the public domain rather than one's own home.

THE REBBE ON CHANUKA PART 1 UNCONDITIONAL RESISTANCE

Chanuka, 5716 (1955) Chanuka recalls the rededication of the Holy Temple which had been defiled by the heathen rulers of the Holy Land and their assimilationist collaborators. The miracle of Chanuka was brought about by the self-sacrificing resistance begun by the Hasmoneans despite the overwhelming odds against them. In applying the lessons of Chanuka to today, insofar as the daily life of the Jewish individual and community is concerned -- and this, after all, is the purpose of all of our festivals -- several aspects are especially noteworthy. Firstly, that even so holy a place as the Holy Temple can be defiled under certain circumstances, though outwardly remaining intact.