Do Something for Israel
Dear all,
After several trips, we are finally back in LA. It feels like we’ve been out of touch forever. Now that we’re back, here are a few things we’d like to invite you for:
a) BBQ, Wed. night. As we do whenever we’re in town during the summer, we’ll be having a BBQ this Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Chabad House backyard. Nothing big or fancy; just a chance for whoever’s in town to get together and hang out for a bit. This week: Special video presentation about our spiritual connection to the Holy Land.
b) Prayer Vigil for Israel. As you’ll read about below, Jewish tradition believes very strongly in the impact of our prayers. As I told a friend this week: we’ve got tilim (missiles) and they’ve got tilim. What they don’t have is Tehilim (Psalms) and Tefillin.We’ll get together to recite a few Psalms and share some heartfelt prayers for the wellbeing of our brethren under attack and in captivity. Friday, July 21 at 7:30 pm. At the Chabad House.
c) Shabat Dinner this Week. Regardless of what is going on in the world, we always have Shabbat. If you’re in town, join us this Friday nihgt for Shabbat services and a very special summertime Shabbat dinner. Among other things, after four years of almost perfect attendance we’ll be saying goodbye to Jared Leshin, who’s heading off to a job in South Korea. This is his last Shabbat here for a while, so don’t miss it.Friday, July 21Prayers for Israel followed by services: 7:30 pm.Candle Lighting: 7:44 pmDinner: 8:30 pmIf you’re not in LA, please check www.chabad.org for a Shabbat dinner near you.
d) Newsletter and Calendar – It’s that time of year. We’re about to mail out our yearly newsletter and Jewish Art Calendar. If you think we may not have your current home mailing address—or better yet, if you’re not sure that we do—please send it to us so that we can update our records and keep you connected. Thanks!
Thought for the Week – What can we do about what’s going on in Israel?
Over the last several days, it has been difficult to concentrate on day to day activities. I am sure that many of you are like me, checking the news websites every few minutes for an update on what’s happening in Israel, anxiously skimming the news and hoping that it will take a turn for the good. All of us are worried about the safety of friends and family in the IDF and in towns and cities in Northern Israel that have come under attack.
(Some Israeli news sites in English to keep you up to date: www.ynetnews.com www.jpost.com www.israelnationalnews.com )
Some of us have ways that we can help. We can use political contacts to improve the political climate in which Israel is operating. We can advocate Israel's position in the media, and to friends and acquaintances. We can support Israel financially. Some of us can actually go to Israel and be directly involved. Those are all good things to do.
NOTE: If you’re in LA, there’s a big solidarity rally planned for Sunday, July 23 at 4:00 pm in front of the Jewish Federation building on Wilshire. If you’re looking for info on rallies elsewhere, check www.standwithuscampus.com.
But after all is said and done, the available options often leave us with a sense of inadequacy, with the feeling that much more needs to be done.
As Jews, we must know that we are not helpless! Jewish tradition teaches that we are all connected. That everything that one of us does, affects in a very real way our brothers and sisters throughout the entire world. And that the Mitzvahs and good deeds that we do can have a very meaningful impact.
In this time of crisis, we must stand with our brothers and sisters. We must set aside any political consideration, and realize that even if there is little that we can do to physically aid the IDF in its mission to ensure the safety of the people that dwell in Israel, there is much that we can do spiritually.
Here are a few suggestions for Mitzvahs you can do. Please visit www.chabadoncampus.org/crisis to learn more.
1. Prayer
3000 years ago the Jews were led by one of their greatest leaders – King David. This great king was the first to have Jerusalem as his capital, and he united the people of Israel under his rule leading them to great heights, both materially and spiritually.
King David wrote poems and songs to G-d. His holy words have reverberated for the Jewish people throughout the ages. For every voice, be it joyful, triumphant, sad, plaintive, desperate, beseeching or anything else, there is a Psalm in which it is perfectly expressed. For the people of Israel, the book of Psalms (Tehillim) has become the book of prayers we turn to in times of need.
Our sages have explained the power of the reciting of Tehillim. These holy prayers can literally pierce the heavens, ascending to the very throne of G-d, and causing one’s prayers to be heard.
The Rebbe taught that three chapters of Tehillim, in particular, have a strong effect on the safety of the Jewish people. They are Psalms 20, 22 and 69. An index of all the chapters of Tehillim can be found here - http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=6242 .
Please take a few moments to visit this webpage, and read chapters 20, 22 and 69 either in Hebrew, or English.
2. Mezuzah
A Mezuzah is the mark of Hashem (G-d) on every Jewish home. According to our tradition, the Mezuzah acts as a symbol of G-d’s protection on our home.
Written inside the Mezuzah are two sections from the Torah which detail our basic beliefs, and our basic obligations to G-d. These two paragraphs comprise the Shema, one of Judaism’s most foundational prayers.
On the back of the Mezuzah, there are three letters, which spell one of the names of G-d. But, they also stand for Shomer Daltot Yisrael – Guardian of the Doors of Israel. A valid Mezuzah protects the Jewish people and their homes.
During the 1970’s, there was a terrible terrorist attack in the northern border town of Ma’alot. Tens of Jewish children were cruelly murdered in their school. At the time, the Rebbe advised that the school check its Mezuzot, and a number were found not to be Kosher. It was exactly the same number as the number of children that were murdered. The Rebbe explained that the Mezuzah is like a helmet. When a soldier goes into battle, his helmet protects him from the random attacks of his enemies. So it is with the mezuzah.
If you don't yet have a mezuzah, get one now! Subsidized Mezuzahs for students to put in their dorm rooms—or even Mezuzahs for free with a fully-refundable deposit—are available from the Chabad House. Contact Chabad@usc.edu for more details.
If you already do have one, it may be time to have it checked to ensure that the words on the parchment have not faded.
3. Tefillin
"And all the nations of the earth will see that the name of G-d is read upon you, and they will fear you." (Deuteronomy 28)
Rabbi Eliezer the Great taught: this refers to the Tefillin that are placed on the head.
In May 1967, the entire Jewish world was gripped by fear of an impending Holocaust in Israel, as 7 Arab nations pledged to "finished Hitler's job." The Lubavitcher Rebbe spoke boldly about an upcoming Jewish victory that would amaze the entire world. The Rebbe cited the above Talmudic statement. The Tefillin, which is the symbol of G-d that is placed on the head and arm of every Jewish male, so that "the name of G-d is read upon you," has an amazing affect. It causes that "the nations of the world will see...and fear you." The Rebbe said that the most effective way that Jews could assist the people of Israel in their life and death struggle was through putting on Tefillin daily. Since all Jews are interconnected, the Tefillin of a Jew in America aids the Israeli soldiers halfway across the world, so that their enemies fear them.
The people of Israel need our help. We are all doing whatever we can to try to somehow make a difference. One way we can do so is by putting on Tefillin. Tefillin is the spiritual weapon that G-d gave us, to help our soldiers fight our enemies. Let us use this weapon.
If you are already putting on Tefillin every day, you can help others put on Tefillin.
If you do not currently put on Tefillin, now’s a good time to give it a try. You can resolve to begin putting them on every day. It is only a five minute Mitzvah, but it has a lot of meaning. (There is a special fund that can help you get your very own pair of Tefillin. Contact Rabbi Dov at Chabad@usc.edu for info.)
Or you can resolve to do it for a month, or for a week, or once or twice a week.
To learn more about Tefillin click on http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=102436
4. Shabbat Candles
Every week, we mark the day of Divine rest – the Shabbat. According to our tradition, this day is ushered in by Jewish women, who light candles in honor of the holy time. The Zohar teaches us that the light of the Shabbat candles brings actual light in the form of peace to the entire world.
In 1973, the Rebbe initiated a call to all Jewish women, even those who were not married, to begin lighting Shabbat candles. The Rebbe emphasized the need for light in the world to combat the spiritual darkness that was so commonly experienced. The Rebbe also pointed out that the acronym for Nerot Shabbat Kodesh (the candles of the holy Shabbat) spelled the Hebrew word NeSHeK, which means ammunition. This indicates clearly that the Shabbat candles can serve as spiritual weapons in the war against darkness and evil. What better time to employ this spiritual ammunition?!
Jewish women, please be sure to light Shabbat candles this Friday. You can find the appropriate time for anywhere in the world by visiting www.chabad.org.
One last recommendation: Since you may have some extra time now during summer vacation, why not take some of that time to study a bit about your heritage. You don’t have to go anywhere. All you need is a phone. Visit www.jnet.org to find out how you can get a phone “study buddy” wherever you may be.
Let us hope to soon hear news of peace in the Holy Land of Israel and throughout the entire world.
An early Shabbat Shalom,
Dov and Runya Wagner
After several trips, we are finally back in LA. It feels like we’ve been out of touch forever. Now that we’re back, here are a few things we’d like to invite you for:
a) BBQ, Wed. night. As we do whenever we’re in town during the summer, we’ll be having a BBQ this Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Chabad House backyard. Nothing big or fancy; just a chance for whoever’s in town to get together and hang out for a bit. This week: Special video presentation about our spiritual connection to the Holy Land.
b) Prayer Vigil for Israel. As you’ll read about below, Jewish tradition believes very strongly in the impact of our prayers. As I told a friend this week: we’ve got tilim (missiles) and they’ve got tilim. What they don’t have is Tehilim (Psalms) and Tefillin.We’ll get together to recite a few Psalms and share some heartfelt prayers for the wellbeing of our brethren under attack and in captivity. Friday, July 21 at 7:30 pm. At the Chabad House.
c) Shabat Dinner this Week. Regardless of what is going on in the world, we always have Shabbat. If you’re in town, join us this Friday nihgt for Shabbat services and a very special summertime Shabbat dinner. Among other things, after four years of almost perfect attendance we’ll be saying goodbye to Jared Leshin, who’s heading off to a job in South Korea. This is his last Shabbat here for a while, so don’t miss it.Friday, July 21Prayers for Israel followed by services: 7:30 pm.Candle Lighting: 7:44 pmDinner: 8:30 pmIf you’re not in LA, please check www.chabad.org for a Shabbat dinner near you.
d) Newsletter and Calendar – It’s that time of year. We’re about to mail out our yearly newsletter and Jewish Art Calendar. If you think we may not have your current home mailing address—or better yet, if you’re not sure that we do—please send it to us so that we can update our records and keep you connected. Thanks!
Thought for the Week – What can we do about what’s going on in Israel?
Over the last several days, it has been difficult to concentrate on day to day activities. I am sure that many of you are like me, checking the news websites every few minutes for an update on what’s happening in Israel, anxiously skimming the news and hoping that it will take a turn for the good. All of us are worried about the safety of friends and family in the IDF and in towns and cities in Northern Israel that have come under attack.
(Some Israeli news sites in English to keep you up to date: www.ynetnews.com www.jpost.com www.israelnationalnews.com )
Some of us have ways that we can help. We can use political contacts to improve the political climate in which Israel is operating. We can advocate Israel's position in the media, and to friends and acquaintances. We can support Israel financially. Some of us can actually go to Israel and be directly involved. Those are all good things to do.
NOTE: If you’re in LA, there’s a big solidarity rally planned for Sunday, July 23 at 4:00 pm in front of the Jewish Federation building on Wilshire. If you’re looking for info on rallies elsewhere, check www.standwithuscampus.com.
But after all is said and done, the available options often leave us with a sense of inadequacy, with the feeling that much more needs to be done.
As Jews, we must know that we are not helpless! Jewish tradition teaches that we are all connected. That everything that one of us does, affects in a very real way our brothers and sisters throughout the entire world. And that the Mitzvahs and good deeds that we do can have a very meaningful impact.
In this time of crisis, we must stand with our brothers and sisters. We must set aside any political consideration, and realize that even if there is little that we can do to physically aid the IDF in its mission to ensure the safety of the people that dwell in Israel, there is much that we can do spiritually.
Here are a few suggestions for Mitzvahs you can do. Please visit www.chabadoncampus.org/crisis to learn more.
1. Prayer
3000 years ago the Jews were led by one of their greatest leaders – King David. This great king was the first to have Jerusalem as his capital, and he united the people of Israel under his rule leading them to great heights, both materially and spiritually.
King David wrote poems and songs to G-d. His holy words have reverberated for the Jewish people throughout the ages. For every voice, be it joyful, triumphant, sad, plaintive, desperate, beseeching or anything else, there is a Psalm in which it is perfectly expressed. For the people of Israel, the book of Psalms (Tehillim) has become the book of prayers we turn to in times of need.
Our sages have explained the power of the reciting of Tehillim. These holy prayers can literally pierce the heavens, ascending to the very throne of G-d, and causing one’s prayers to be heard.
The Rebbe taught that three chapters of Tehillim, in particular, have a strong effect on the safety of the Jewish people. They are Psalms 20, 22 and 69. An index of all the chapters of Tehillim can be found here - http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=6242 .
Please take a few moments to visit this webpage, and read chapters 20, 22 and 69 either in Hebrew, or English.
2. Mezuzah
A Mezuzah is the mark of Hashem (G-d) on every Jewish home. According to our tradition, the Mezuzah acts as a symbol of G-d’s protection on our home.
Written inside the Mezuzah are two sections from the Torah which detail our basic beliefs, and our basic obligations to G-d. These two paragraphs comprise the Shema, one of Judaism’s most foundational prayers.
On the back of the Mezuzah, there are three letters, which spell one of the names of G-d. But, they also stand for Shomer Daltot Yisrael – Guardian of the Doors of Israel. A valid Mezuzah protects the Jewish people and their homes.
During the 1970’s, there was a terrible terrorist attack in the northern border town of Ma’alot. Tens of Jewish children were cruelly murdered in their school. At the time, the Rebbe advised that the school check its Mezuzot, and a number were found not to be Kosher. It was exactly the same number as the number of children that were murdered. The Rebbe explained that the Mezuzah is like a helmet. When a soldier goes into battle, his helmet protects him from the random attacks of his enemies. So it is with the mezuzah.
If you don't yet have a mezuzah, get one now! Subsidized Mezuzahs for students to put in their dorm rooms—or even Mezuzahs for free with a fully-refundable deposit—are available from the Chabad House. Contact Chabad@usc.edu for more details.
If you already do have one, it may be time to have it checked to ensure that the words on the parchment have not faded.
3. Tefillin
"And all the nations of the earth will see that the name of G-d is read upon you, and they will fear you." (Deuteronomy 28)
Rabbi Eliezer the Great taught: this refers to the Tefillin that are placed on the head.
In May 1967, the entire Jewish world was gripped by fear of an impending Holocaust in Israel, as 7 Arab nations pledged to "finished Hitler's job." The Lubavitcher Rebbe spoke boldly about an upcoming Jewish victory that would amaze the entire world. The Rebbe cited the above Talmudic statement. The Tefillin, which is the symbol of G-d that is placed on the head and arm of every Jewish male, so that "the name of G-d is read upon you," has an amazing affect. It causes that "the nations of the world will see...and fear you." The Rebbe said that the most effective way that Jews could assist the people of Israel in their life and death struggle was through putting on Tefillin daily. Since all Jews are interconnected, the Tefillin of a Jew in America aids the Israeli soldiers halfway across the world, so that their enemies fear them.
The people of Israel need our help. We are all doing whatever we can to try to somehow make a difference. One way we can do so is by putting on Tefillin. Tefillin is the spiritual weapon that G-d gave us, to help our soldiers fight our enemies. Let us use this weapon.
If you are already putting on Tefillin every day, you can help others put on Tefillin.
If you do not currently put on Tefillin, now’s a good time to give it a try. You can resolve to begin putting them on every day. It is only a five minute Mitzvah, but it has a lot of meaning. (There is a special fund that can help you get your very own pair of Tefillin. Contact Rabbi Dov at Chabad@usc.edu for info.)
Or you can resolve to do it for a month, or for a week, or once or twice a week.
To learn more about Tefillin click on http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=102436
4. Shabbat Candles
Every week, we mark the day of Divine rest – the Shabbat. According to our tradition, this day is ushered in by Jewish women, who light candles in honor of the holy time. The Zohar teaches us that the light of the Shabbat candles brings actual light in the form of peace to the entire world.
In 1973, the Rebbe initiated a call to all Jewish women, even those who were not married, to begin lighting Shabbat candles. The Rebbe emphasized the need for light in the world to combat the spiritual darkness that was so commonly experienced. The Rebbe also pointed out that the acronym for Nerot Shabbat Kodesh (the candles of the holy Shabbat) spelled the Hebrew word NeSHeK, which means ammunition. This indicates clearly that the Shabbat candles can serve as spiritual weapons in the war against darkness and evil. What better time to employ this spiritual ammunition?!
Jewish women, please be sure to light Shabbat candles this Friday. You can find the appropriate time for anywhere in the world by visiting www.chabad.org.
One last recommendation: Since you may have some extra time now during summer vacation, why not take some of that time to study a bit about your heritage. You don’t have to go anywhere. All you need is a phone. Visit www.jnet.org to find out how you can get a phone “study buddy” wherever you may be.
Let us hope to soon hear news of peace in the Holy Land of Israel and throughout the entire world.
An early Shabbat Shalom,
Dov and Runya Wagner
posted by Rabbi Dov | 11:22 AM
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