Monday, March 15, 2010

Question

Why are all 4 questions which lead us into the story of Pesach food related ????
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, March 14, 2010

16 of 613

There are 16 official Mitzvos in Parshas Vayikra
The first is how to bring a Korban Olah - which goes up completely on the fire for Hashem.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Fw: חיוך מהשמים A Sm ile From Heaven

Enjoy

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com


From: Martin Brill <mordb@msn.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 18:55:52 -0500
To: undisclosed-recipients:;<Invalid address>
Subject: FW: חיוך מ השמים A Sm ile From H eaven


 

From: mordb@msn.com
Subject: FW: חיוך מהשמים A Smile From Heaven
Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 18:54:20 -0500


 

 




 
 One in a million shot ... A smile from Heaven...

cid:E4759F4938FD4D0DB7E0F033F5D23CB8@HomePC
Send this smile to someone today!!!
 
 
 
 






Monday, March 8, 2010

6 Days of Work

The Torah uses a unique expression - for 6 days work will be done & the Shabos is holy a day of total rest all who doing certain forms of work are to be put to death.

Work will be done - is explained because Hashem runs the world.
We have to realize that it is all up to Him. We need to do some efforts with the realization that we cannot accomplish anything without His constant input.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Mitzva 114

Of the 613 is this week.

Beis Din may not put someone to death on Shabos.
This is part of the Kovod / honor for this great day that everyone should rest.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, March 5, 2010

Fw: Saved from 100 troubles

Enjoy

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com


From: Rochel Eisner <penpaperwriting@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 08:24:17 -0800 (PST)
To: Moshe Eisner<meisner@sakar.com>; Rabbi Goldberger<rabbig@sakar.com>
Subject: Saved from 100 troubles

I'm attached the document.  Have a good Shabbos.

All the Best,
Rochel Eisner
Creative Director
Chief Copywriter
 
Pen & Paper Writing
(732) 771-7378

Question

Why did Moshe Rabeinu wear a mask every day & we only have that option on Purim ?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, March 4, 2010

13 Ways

We learn this week the 13 attributes of Hashems mercy. We have a Mitzva to emulate Hashems ways.
Thus we need to focus on 13 ways in which we can help others on a regular basis.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Choosing

We have the free will to choose to make excuses or to figure out how to pick up the pieces & make the best out of it.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Power of Crumbs

The Maharal explains that the root of the word Purim is from perurin which means crumbs.

Haman claimed the Jews were like crumbs and they should be discarded.
The Jews however reJewvinated themselves. They strengthened themselves & united to combine all the Jews to form a united front of Purim for Hashem !!
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Saturday, February 27, 2010

The Best Day

For saying
I'm sorry
Is Purim.
We need to make peace & get together.
That is one of the great reasons for Shlach Monos.

The one who says it first gets more reward & more Heavenly assistance.

Have a happy Purim.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Purim Treat

We know the Mazel of this month is. Dagim - fish.

Why is dag spelled with a daled & then a gimel the reverse of the order in the aleph beis ?

Because they live in the water which has things in reverse.

That's why on Purim we see how things are upside down.

Enjoy

Please keep us in mind with your Purim contribution to our cause at
Yeshiva Fund
Box 82
S. I. ,
N. Y. 10309
Thank you
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Preparing for Purim

Working on humility is one of the greatest keys of preparation.
We need to learn to love each other more , which requires that vital ingredient humility.

With humility we can learn to appreciate & admire each others qualities more. Each person is greater than us in some ways.

With giving shalach monos we generate love , unity & bond more so that we all become worthy to receive Hashems Torah & merit His miracles once again.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, February 22, 2010

Fw: Hi

There are lessons for all

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com


From: yaakov simon <yaakovsimon18@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:43:31 -0800 (PST)
To: <rabbig@sakar.com>
Subject: Re: Hi

"Good morning, and thank you for joining me. Many of you in this room are my friends. Many of you in this room know me.

Many of you have cheered for me or you've worked with me or you've supported me.

"Now every one of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each of you, simply and directly, I am

deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in.

"I know people want to find out how I could be so selfish and so foolish. People want to know how I could have done

these things to my wife Elin and to my children. And while I have always tried to be a private person, there are some

things I want to say.

"Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. As Elin pointed out to me, my

real apology to her will not come in the form of words; it will come from my behaviour over time. We have a lot to

discuss; however, what we say to each other will remain between the two of us.

"I am also aware of the pain my behaviour has caused to those of you in this room. I have let you down, and I have

let down my fans. For many of you, especially my friends, my behaviour has been a personal disappointment.

"To those of you who work for me, I have let you down personally and professionally. My behavior has caused considerable worry to my business partners.

"To everyone involved in my foundation, including my staff, board of directors, sponsors, and most importantly, the

young students we reach, our work is more important than ever.

"Thirteen years ago, my dad and I envisioned helping young people achieve their dreams through education. This

work remains unchanged and will continue to grow.

"From the Learning Center students in Southern California to the Earl Woods scholars in Washington, D.C., millions of kids have changed their lives, and I am dedicated to making sure that continues.

"But still, I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you. I have made you question who I am and how I could have done

the things I did. I am embarrassed that I have put you in this position. For all that I have done, I am so sorry.

"I have a lot to atone for, but there is one issue I really want to discuss. Some people have speculated that Elin

somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night. It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that.

"Elin never hit me that night or any other night. There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage,

ever. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame.

"The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior. I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What

I did is not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame.

"I stopped living by the core values that I was taught to believe in. I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced

myself that normal rules didn't apply. I never thought about who I was hurting.

"Instead, I thought only about myself. I ran straight through the boundaries that a married couple should live by. I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations

around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn't have to go far to find them.

"I was wrong. I was foolish. I don't get to play by different rules. The same boundaries that apply to everyone

apply to me. I brought this shame on myself. I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife's family, my friends, my

foundation, and kids all around the world who admired me.

"I've had a lot of time to think about what I've done. My failures have made me look at myself in a way I never

wanted to before. It's now up to me to make amends, and that starts by never repeating the mistakes I've made. It's

up to me to start living a life of integrity.

"I once heard, and I believe it's true, it's not what you achieve in life that matters; it's what you overcome.

"Achievements on the golf course are only part of setting an example. Character and decency are what really count.

"Parents used to point to me as a role model for their kids. I owe all those families a special apology. I want to say to them that I am truly sorry.

"It's hard to admit that I need help, but I do. For 45 days from the end of December to early February,

I was in inpatient therapy receiving guidance for the issues I'm facing. I have a long way to go. But I've taken my first

steps in the right direction.

"As I proceed, I understand people have questions. I understand the press wants to ask me for the details and

the times I was unfaithful. I understand people want to know whether Elin and I will remain together. Please know

that as far as I'm concerned, every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me.

"These are issues between a husband and a wife.

"Some people have made up things that never happened. They said I used performance-enhancing drugs. This is completely

and utterly false. Some have written things about my family. Despite the damage I have done, I still believe

it is right to shield my family from the public spotlight.

"They did not do these things; I did.

"I have always tried to maintain a private space for my wife and children. They have been kept separate from my

sponsors, my commercial endorsements.

"When my children were born, we only released photographs so that the paparazzi could not chase them.

However, my behavior doesn't make it right for the media to follow my two-and-a-half-year-old

daughter to school and report the school's location.

"They staked out my wife and they pursued my mum. Whatever my wrongdoings, for the sake of my family, please leave my

wife and kids alone.

"I recognise I have brought this on myself, and I know above all I am the one who needs to change. I owe it to my

family to become a better person. I owe it to those closest to me to become a better man. That's where my focus will

be.

"I have a lot of work to do, and I intend to dedicate myself to doing it. Part of following this path for me is

Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age.

"People probably don't realize it, but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood until I

drifted away from it in recent years. Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy

and pointless search for security.

"It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously I lost track of what I was taught.

"As I move forward, I will continue to receive help because I've learned that's how people really do change. Starting

tomorrow, I will leave for more treatment and more therapy.

"I would like to thank my friends at Accenture and the players in the field this week for understanding why I'm

making these remarks today.

"In therapy I've learned the importance of looking at my spiritual life and keeping in balance with my professional

life. I need to regain my balance and be centered so I can save the things that are most important to me, my marriage

and my children.

"That also means relying on others for help. I've learned to seek support from my peers in therapy, and I hope

someday to return that support to others who are seeking help. I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don't

know when that day will be.

"I don't rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the

game.

"In recent weeks I have received many thousands of e-mails, letters and phone calls from people expressing

good wishes. To everyone who has reached out to me and my family, thank you. Your encouragement means the world to

Elin and me.

"I want to thank the PGA Tour, Commissioner (Tim) Finchem, and the players for their patience and understanding while

I work on my private life. I look forward to seeing my fellow players on the course.

"Finally, there are many people in this room, and there are many people at home who believed in me. Today I want to ask

for your help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again.

"Thank you."



From: Rabbi Goldberger <rabbig@sakar.com>
To: Yaakov Simon <yaakovsimon18@yahoo.com>
Sent: Mon, February 22, 2010 10:31:53 AM
Subject: Hi

  How are you ?

  If possible please send me a copy of Tiger Woods 13 minute confession speech that he said over the radio on friday.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Missing ?

Why is Moshe Rabeinu name missing from the Parsha this week ?

One answer is it was his humility at work.
Humility leads to Greatness. !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

7 of 613

There are 7 official Mitzvos in Parshas Tezaveh.

1 - the Menorah

3 - for special garments for Kohanim
1- to eat of certain Korbonos
2 - to bring the right incense & not the wrong kinds

We learn how every aspect of our lives can be a Mitzva service to Hashem.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, February 15, 2010

Taking or Giving

Why does it say
They should take for Me Teruma ?

It should say - they should GIVE to Me ?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, February 14, 2010

3 of 613

There are official Mitzvos in Parshas Teruma
1- To build the Bais Hamikdosh

2- To always keep the carrying poles in the Aron to show that we should always have the Torah with us.
3 - Always keep special loaves of food on the Shulchan to show that we should merit Parnosah from Hashem.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Fw: Purim

Time to get ready. Enjoy

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Glanz <y.glanz@verizon.net>
Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:52:24
To: Rabbi Goldberger<rabbig@sakar.com>
Subject: Purim

I don't know if Rebbe can open a Powerpoint, but here it is based on a
lesson Rebbe presented last year- attached

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Time to Rejoice

The Ibn Ezra explains that when farmers would see an abundance of snow they would rejoice with the awareness that the crops would be great & abundant that coming season. Thank Hashem
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, February 8, 2010

Presentation

From we do we learn that it does matter how we present a Torah Topic ?

See the first verse in Mishpotim & the Rashi.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Key to Success

A summary of the key to success is in the Parsha this week chap. 24 verse 7.

The way to remember the two words is to realize they apply to us always 24/7.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

5 Rains

We need to thank Hashem for the snow which is equal to 5 rains !

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, February 1, 2010

First Two

The first 2 of the 6 constant Mitzvos are in Parshas Yisro :

1- To believe in Hashem

2- To know that there are no other gods- Hashem created everything. He is the Only One.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, January 31, 2010

10 Commandments

Why isn't the Mitzva to Love every Jew one of the 10 ?


Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, January 29, 2010

Hishtadlus

What is the best form of Hishtadlus ( efforts ) ?


To think you have none ---
It is in Hashems hands. We need His help every step of the way.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Fw: DotCom

Great Message

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com


From: Zvi Goldberger <zvig@bhphoto.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:14:58 -0500
To: rabbig@sakar.com<rabbig@sakar.com>; MILAN<thedane@013.net>; goldberger<mindwellness@gmail.com>
Subject: FW: DotCom

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Amy Frank
Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 3:00 PM
To: Ruth Perl; Violeta Pinkhasova; Myriam Goldberger; Alice Grinman; Dina Ehrlich; Shaindy Holtzberg; Sharon Gelbstein; Esther Weinstock; Rachel Weiss; Sheila Tepper
Subject: DotCom

 

WoW 

 

Dear Rabbi,
Why does the Jewish religion seem to fuss over insignificant details? How much matza do we have to eat, which spoon did I use for milk and which for meat, what is the right way to tie my shoelaces?  It seems to me that this misses the bigger picture by focusing on tiny trivia. Is this nitpicking what Jews call spirituality? I actually already sent you this question over a week ago and didn't receive a reply. Could it be that you have finally been asked a question that you can't answer?!

Signed, Rob

 Dear Rob,
 I never claimed to have all the answers.  There are many questions that are beyond me. But it happens to be that I sent a reply the same day despite the fact that I've been away from home on a rigorous speaking tour in the USA.  The fact that you didn't receive it is itself the answer to your question. You see, I sent you a reply, but I wrote your email address leaving out the "dot" before the "com". I figured that you should still receive the email, because after all, it is only one little dot missing.
 I mean come on; it's not as if I wrote the wrong name or something drastic like that!  Would anyone be so nitpicky as to differentiate between “yahoocom" and "
yahoo.com"?  No, it's not ridiculous.  Because the dot is not just a dot.  It represents something.  That dot has meaning far beyond the pixels on the screen that form it. To me it may seem insignificant, but that is simply due to my ignorance of the ways of the web. All I know is that with the dot, the message gets to the right destination; without it, the message is lost to oblivion.
Torah observance and mitzvah fulfillment contain a world of symbolism.  And every dot counts. When the mitzvot are performed with precision, a spiritual vibration is emailed throughout the universe, all the way to G-d's inbox. If you want to understand the symbolism of the dot, study cyber tech. If you want to understand the symbolism of Judaism, study Torah.

Yours always,

LB

Thank for the Snow

Why does the word for snow - Sheleg - have a Gematria of 333 ?

The white color of snow is considered the strongest shade of white. This color is a composite of 3 primary colors , thus it is a strong form of 3 !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

3 Similar

What is the common denominator between 3 Parshiyos that have similar names -

Vayishlach

Beshalach &

Shelach ?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, January 25, 2010

Why the Name ?

Beshalach - when he sent them out.
Did Paroh send them out willingly ?

Wasn't he forced by Hashem to do so ?
The Midrash explains that he gets some credit because he did at the end , decide to escort them a bit.

For that the Torah honors him & he was rewarded.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Always Together

Which 3 plagues were always together ?

Lice
Boils
& Darkness.
The third of each group of
Detzach , adash , beachav.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, January 22, 2010

3 thoughts for Tonight

Its great to eat the Shabos meal without having to share it with a thousand locusts , its great to have lights on & best of all it is super to be alive. !

Boruch Hashem
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Do It Now

For a source for doing every Mitzva as soon as possible - see 12:17. ! Rashi.

Don't delay.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Question

There are only 3 Makos in this weeks Parsha.

Why then does Rebbi Yehuda give a Simon for all of the Makos say that the last 4 Makkos are grouped together ??
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Special 16

Which 16 verses of this weeks Parsha are so significant that they are contained in the Tefilin we wear daily ?

The last 16.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Food for Thought

Why do we mention the redemption from Egypt in the Kiddush for Shabos ?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

3 categories of Miracles

The plagues are divided into 3 groups

1 - to teach about Hashem in general

2- about His power in the midst of the world
&
3 - that there is none like Him in the entire Universe.

These lessons correspond to the 3 parts of mentioning Hashem in our regular blessings.
Hashem , Elokeinu & Melech Haolom.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Amazing Miracles

What is the message ?

All the water turned into blood !

Millions

of frogs come to attack !

Billions of lice creeping all over.

Why were these the first 3 plagues ?
To teach that the water & earth were all Created & controlled by the Creator who is always in complete control !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, January 11, 2010

Your Potential

Where does it say that each of us can be as righteous as Moshe Rabeinu ?

Rambam , teshuva 5:2.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Gratitude is Greater

The first 3 plagues were not brought directly through Moshe because he had special gratitude to the water & to the earth.

This is a reminder for us this week to focus on gratitude - we can start with the ground & the sink !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Always Singing

When Dovid hamelech had to flee for his life he was weeping & singing. !
Why ?

The Medrash explains
He was weeping
because he realized that he had upset his Heavenly Father.
He was singing because he realized that Hashem was allowing him to atone with exile & that he would be reinstated.
Boruch Hashem
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Time to Sing

Why do some chapters of Tehilim begin with
A Song of Dovid
While others are in reverse
Dovids Song ?

When Dovid was on a higher level it says Dovids song , when he had to build up to a higher level he would begin with the Song.

This is a great guide for us to utilize to also sing Tehilim to strive to climb from one level to another.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Related Words

Shaim - a name

Shom - the name defines what is there.

Shma - to listen by being there

Shomer - a guard who is responsible to be there.

Shemesh - the Sun is always there providing energy for all.
Shamosh - an assistant who is always there.
Som - to put something there

Simcha - to appreciate & rejoice with what's there.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, January 4, 2010

Great Names

These are the names -
We realize that we can learn many great lessons from these great names.

Some examples -

Reuven - reminds us that Hashem is always watching & observing us all the time.
Shimon - Hashem is always listening to every word we say.

Leivi - Hashem keeps us company

Yehuda - we need to keep on thanking Hashem.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Gift of Snow

Why is the hebrew word for snow - sheleg - a combination of 3 letters each one on of the 3 family. ?

Shin - 300

Lamid - 30

Gimel - 3.
???

To teach us the essence of snow is the combination of small snowflakes that are layered together in threes.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Daily Hope

Which 3 word verse teaches us the Mitzva to always hope & pray for Hashems help ?


49:18
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Which first ?

When a person sees his grandchildren for example , should he kiss them first & then hug them or do the reverse ?

We see from the Parsha what Yaakov Avinu did first !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Good to Sing

We say daily in the second Halleluko after Ashrei that it is good to sing to Hashem for many reasons - including for the snow !

Rav Miller explains that the snow is a special gift
- like 5 rains.
It waters the soil gradually & thoroughly.
Like wool
White to repel the suns rays

& fluffy to insulate the soil like a blanket in the winter which eventually melts to water the soil.
Boruch Hashem
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Best Way

To look ahead is by
Looking back in time to message of the Chanuka lights. !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

The Best Way

To look ahead is by
Looking back in time to message of the Chanuka lights. !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Connecting Chanuka

To the Parsha.

Why were there 7 cows in Parohs dream ?

Why were there 7 years of famine ?

Why are there 7 days in every week ?

To remind us Who is in control - Hashem the Creator & controller of all.
Which day of the week is most significant ?

Shabos. The day which teaches us the purpose of life - to serve Hashem.
Thus one day out of every 7 , the minority is the one to overcome & guide us to understanding the majority - the Message of Chanuka !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, December 13, 2009

More Important

Which is more important the candles for Chanuka or for Shabos ?

The Rambam says

Shabos !
Why ?
Because its for Sholom Bayis.

Why is that so special ?

He says the entire Torah was given to us to promote peace !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Happy Chanuka to You

Why do we have a Mitzva to light a Menorah if we are not allowed to benefit from the Light ?

The message is there is more to light than the ability to see by it !

The message is that there are many deeper , profound , life - changing messages. !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, December 11, 2009

Thanking & Praising

The theme of Chanuka is to keep on thinking of all the great benefits we need to always thank Hashem for.

Thus it pays to study Brochos 10 a where we learn of 5 worlds that we pass through & the obligation to sing praises to Hashem for them.

1- 9 months of miracles in the womb
2- after birth seeing the stars Hashem made for us !

3- the miracle of 2 fountains of milk mothers have when they need them.

4 - Hashem saves us from enemies

5 - the final day of life which is the transition to the World to Come of eternal roads.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Reason

Why are the Shabos candles considered more significant than the Chanuka Lights ?

They help promote peace which is the primary purpose of the whole Torah.

But why does that override the Chanuka lights which reminds us that Hashem saves us even with miracles ?

Promoting peace is a means of helping people ourselves thus we are emulating Hashems ways !

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Word # 25

Do you know which word is the twenty - fifth word in the Torah & what that is a hint to ?

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Secret of Secrets

What was the master key to Yoseif Hatzadiks super success ?

Rashi says it in 4 hebrew words. !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, December 4, 2009

Fw: 10 Steps For Positioning Tefillin....Plus Ones With Background Images

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com


From: avi frenkel <avifrenkel@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Dec 2009 19:05:08 -0800 (PST)
To: <rabbiG@sakar.com>; Avi Frenkel<avifrenkel@yahoo.com>
Subject: 10 Steps For Positioning Tefillin....Plus Ones With Background Images

Hi Rabbi Goldberger,
 
Attached, I have included in this email the original Document with the changes implemented....
 
Plus, I took the liberty of adding Four different background pictures of Tefillin. You can choose to go with either of the four, or just simply go with the one without any background, if you think that adding the pictures makes it too noisy and takes away from the content...
 
It's your call..
 
Print out all five pages and see for yourself...
 
 
 
Avi
 
 

Thursday, December 3, 2009

New Program

Boruch Hashem we started Sefer Tehilim on Kol Haloshon
At 718 906 6400
You are welcome to join us.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

3 Weapons

Rashi explains that Yaakov utilized 3 methods

Gift Giving

Prayer &

Battle preparations.

These corrfespond to

The 3 pillars of the universe
Torah , Avoda & Chesed.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Fw: Fwd: Anguish

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com


From: Jerry Gross <livealittlelongerleague@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Dec 2009 19:11:34 -0500
To: undisclosed-recipients:;<Invalid address>
Subject: Fwd: Anguish


Somebody forwarded this to me. It could be applied to other addictions as well.
 

Along the lines of your project ......



Dear Rabbi Dr. Twerski:

I realize I may be out of order, but I am in such great anguish.

A year ago my husband, a fine talmid chacham, was operated on for lung
cancer caused by cigarette smoking. Recently it recurred, and the
doctors are not giving him much time. Only a miracle can save him, and
I pray for him every day at the Kotel.

I had pleaded with him for years to stop smoking, but to no avail.
Now, unless Hashem grants us a miracle, I must face the bitter reality
that I will be left with nine children to care for without a source of
parnassah.

What do I have to look forward to? A full page ad signed by the
gedolim, "Rachmanim bnei rachmanim. Come to the rescue of the widow of
a talmid chacham and his nine yesomim, whose father died an untimely
death"? Am I to send out letters soliciting help? Why should we expect
others to be rachmanim on nine yesomim when their father was not a
rachman on them? If he didn't have enough rachmonus on them to give up
smoking, why should strangers care? I love my husband dearly, but as
much as I love him, that's how angry I am at him for what he did to
us.

Advertisement:

The gedolim who will sign the appeal for me – why didn't they use
their authority to make him stop smoking? What could they have done?
They could have said, "Because you are committing the terrible sin of
suicide and leaving your family destitute, you will not have an
aliyah, you will not be permited to daven for the amud, you will not
get a hakafah, and you will be pasul as a witness, unless you stop
smoking." I think he would have listened. They might even say that
anyone who dies from a self-inflicted disease will be treated
according to the halacha of suicide.

I appeal to the gedolim. You be the rachmanim. You can prevent women
from becoming widows and children from becoming yesomim. Your signing
an urgent appeal for me and my children will be too little and too
late. I need a husband, and my children need a father.

To other wives whose husbands are smoking, don't just sit there. You
have a responsibility to protect your children. Protest to your
rabbonim that they should do everything in their power to prevent such
tragedies, and they should know that if they are lax in doing so, they
must share the responsibility for the tragedy that befalls wives and
children.
But let's not forget, that the husband's friends should be rachmanim also.
They have much more influence than anyone else, even Rabbonim and spouses.
 
It's time we all showed more Ahavas Yisroel.

Code 613

Why is it that the hint for keeping the 613 Mitzvos is in the word Garti which means to live ?

To teach us to live in the 613 Mitzvos , not just to visit them periodically.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, November 27, 2009

When to Speak

What is the connection between one who speaks out of turn & a guest who invites another guest without permission ?

Mishlei 18:13
Explains

One who speaks before paying attention it is foolish & shameful.


?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Lessons from an Ocean Liner

The Medroshim bring 4 lessons for how to excel in studying Torah that we learn from a boat -

- In order to excel one should at times go far away to study.

- Go to other Rebbi s also to study.
- In different places you may discover great Torah treasures

- there is a concept that Torah insights maybe limited in some places but abundant in other places.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, November 23, 2009

Time to Prepare

Why did Yaakov seem to take a detour ?

His parents told him to go get married but he went to study Torah first. ?

One explanation is because the Talmud says - study Torah & then get married. Thus he was listening to them by preparing for marriage with his studies.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Avoid Lazy Bread

Do not eat idle bread - Mishlei 31 :27.

What is that ?

The Vilna Gaon explains
If it is not prepared properly !

This is compared to Torah Study. If one only learns superficially with laziness. One must toil to plumb the depth of his learning with clarity.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, November 20, 2009

Do you Know ?

Where does it say that Shabos was a great gift that Hashem gave the Jewish nation ?

Shabos Daf 10b
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Running to Mitzvos

Why would Yaakov be running out of the womb to go learn Torah if he was learning with an angel while in the womb ?

One answer is in order that it be more of his toil & effort. !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Engagement Gifts

Why did Eliezer give Rivka

A golden nose ring that weighed a half Shekel
And 2 gold bracelets weighing a total of 10 shekel. ?


Rashi & others ( 24:22 ) explain that the two bracelets remind us of the purpose of our hands to fulfill the 10 commandments.

The half Shekel reminds us that the gold jewelry is only external we need to back it up with the inner beauty of devotion to Hashems Torah & Mitzvos.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, November 16, 2009

The Only Way

Hashem created the evil inclination & He created the Torah as the only antidote.

Kidushin 30b

This stops us in our tracks.
There is no other way
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Power of Prayer

Why is Prayer compared to a pitchfork ?

A pitchfork is used to turn the produce around from place to place , so too , we commit to turn ourselves around so that Hashem will turn His decisions , measure for measure.

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Power of Prayer

Why is Prayer compared to a pitchfork ?

A pitchfork is used to turn the produce around from place to place , so too , we commit to turn ourselves around so that Hashem will turn His decisions , measure for measure.

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, November 13, 2009

The Marriage Test

What is the goal we should strive for in becoming the ideal marriage partner ??

If a spouse asks for one item consider all possible relevant needs and do them all !!

Where do we see this in the parsha ?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Name Insights

Rashi explains 3 meanings for Sarahs name Yiskoh.

* She views things with Holiness

* People see her uniqueness. &

* She becomes a leader.

The Dorash Moshe explains that 3 things usually happen when two people meet.
1 - they assess each other

2 - there is a thought decision of who will listen to whom.

Thus the 3 meanings are linked together
1 - Sarah saw the positive qualities of all

2 - people would sense that & think Wow she is great
3 - they would treat her as their leader.

This is from our book Eye Openers. If you would like a copy , please e mail us your address. Also available in stores or from Feldheim pub.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

An answer

One answer is the word
Gratitude !


We have a Mitzva to give the first fruits as an expression of gratitude.

So too don't cook meat in its mothers milk because the milk keeps the babies alive. It shows ingratitude to use the milk to cook the meat.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Food Connections

Why does the Torah connect the law to bring your first fruits to the Beis Hamigdosh with the prohibition to avoid cooking meat & milk ( Shmos 23:19). ?


Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, November 9, 2009

Special Fruits

Which fruits may only be eaten by Kohanim & only in Yerusholayim ?

The first fruits - Bikurim.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Do you know ?

Is honey considered a food or a liquid ?

Tosfos explains that it is only a liquid after it is separated from the wax honeycomb.
While it is connected it has the status of a solid food.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, November 6, 2009

4 words

Which 4 words do we learn from Avraham avinu that can change our day , every day ?


Say less & do More !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Water Connection

Why is Eretz Yisroel surrounded by 7 seas & 4 rivers ?

Water represents Torah & Eretz Yisroel is the center for Torah thus they are linked together !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Source of S. Y. C.

We learn from Hashem who keeps mourning over the destruction of the Holy Beis Hamigdosh & our exile.

Why ?

Because in all of our sufferring He joins us.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, October 30, 2009

When to listen as you S. Y. C.

The Talmud asks - should one always listen to the advice of a spouse ?

The answer has 3 parts -

* for household matters - surely !

* for wordly matters some say yes , some say no.

* for Heavenly Matters - he may know better & they may need to ask a Rav.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Best Way to S. Y. C.

Is to
Listen

To your Spouse.

If instead you just keep interrupting them with suggestions of solutions , you may be trying to show that you are smart but do you Show You Care about them ?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

The name Rochel

In connection with remembering Rochel Imeiunu we urge you to review the Rashi in Shir Hashirim chap. 6 verse 6.
If you know someone with the name Rochel please show them the Rashi which why such a name which also means a sheep , is used.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, October 26, 2009

Secret of Prosperity for S. Y. C.

Honor your wife & you will become wealthy.

Bava Metzia 59a.

You don't need to tell this to your boss but you now have the secret you can begin today.

Ask yourself - what can I do within the next hour to show that I care about my spouse & their needs. ? And then do it !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, October 25, 2009

First assignment for S. Y. C.

Thanks for those who joined. This is our first homework.


To say over this lesson to 2 people.
That Noachs 3 son s names are symbolic of the 3 pillars of the world -
Torah - shaim - shom - we need to be there. Focus on concentrating on one Torah lesson daily with the thought that this study is the greatest Mitzva because it is Hashems word & it brings us closer to Him.

Chom - Cham - we need to be into our Prayers with warmth. Get into it.

Pray for entity 5 times throughout the day with warmth.

Yefes- yofos - smile a pleasant smile at your spouse & show that you care about them.

Thank you all for caring.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

S. Y. C.

We would like to begin an

S. Y. C. Club with those of you who would like to join
The objective is to focus on developing ourselves to
Show you care
To serve Hashem & fulfill Torah & Mitzvos properly.

For more info please contact us.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Honey on Shabos

Is one allowed to scoop honey out of a beehive on Shabos ?


It depends if the honey is in the combs it is forbidden because it is similar to pulling a fruit off of a tree.

If the honey is loose it is permissible.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Friday, October 23, 2009

With a Good Eye

R. Akiva holds that when a person sells something he sells with a good eye - with a generous attitude.

This approach fits with his opinion in Brochos 60b where he teaches that a person should always say - all that Hashem does is for good.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Thursday, October 22, 2009

3 Names

Noach has 3 sons named -

Shaim , Chom & Yefes.

What is the significance of the names he chose ?

These are 3 great principles we need to focus on daily in order to serve Hashem.

1- to be there - focus fully on what you are doing

2 - get warmed up & enthusiastic about it !

3 - beautify the Mitvos in Hashems honor.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Two Results

Two sons of Noach covered their Father.
One was rewarded with the Mitzva of tzitzis , whereas the other gets the honor of burial.

Why 2 forms of reward for the same action ?

Dosent Hashem use the system of Measure for Measure ?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Mon-day insight

Today may not be monday , the word Monn - day however can remind us of the Mann Hashem provided for us in the Midbar for 40 years.

There was a fellow who would pay all of his bills on mon - day to remind himself that Hashem is our Provider.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, October 19, 2009

What comes first ?

Before you teach others how to do something right , first improve yourself in that matter.

60b.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Rosh Chodesh lesson

The Chazon Ish writes in Letter # 60.

Even one minute of study should be precious to you as many hours !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Fw: Three Lives (about Victor Frankl)

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com


From: "Rabbi Goldberger" <rabbig@sakar.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:10:33 +0000
To: David<david@kerengroup.com>
Subject: Re: Three Lives (about Victor Frankl)

Wow. Special

Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com


From: David <david@kerengroup.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:52:03 +0200
To: omind<omind@hotmail.com>
Subject: Three Lives (about Victor Frankl)



This is a bit long so print it out – but READ IT.  You will be moved, surprised and very glad you did.  David

 


   

Three Lives 

I want to share with you a story tonight. It is a story about a Jewish girl who became an opera singer, performing in front of Adolf Hitler, about a world renowned Jewish spiritual master and a world-famous psychiatrist – and how their three lives converged. It was a strange phenomenon. The famed professor Victor Frankl, author of the perennial best-seller Man's Search for Meaning and founder of Logotherapy, would send each year a check to Chabad of Vienna before the High Holidays. Nobody in the Chabad center or in the larger Jewish community could understand why. Here was a man who was not affiliated in any fashion with the Jewish community of Vienna . He did not even attend synagogue even on Yom Kippur. He was married to a very religious Catholic woman. He is not even buried in the Jewish cemetery in Vienna . Yet, he would not miss a single year of sending a contribution to Chabad before Yom Kippur.

The enigma was answered only in 1992.

I Am the First Emissary

Margareta Chajes walked into the office of my colleague, Rabbi Jacob Biederman, the ambassador of Chabad to Austria . Rabbi Biederman built the magnificent "Lauder Campus" in Vienna creating a Jewish renaissance in Austria , the country which gave birth to the greatest monster in Jewish and human history, Adolf Hitler yemach shemo. Margareta, an 85 year old woman, was dressed very classy, and looked youthful and energetic. She told Rabbi Biederman: "I know you think you are the first shliach, you are the first emissary, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Vienna ; but that is not the case. I have served as the first ambassador of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to the city, many years before you." 

You see, in the 1930's Margareta was a young Jewish opera singer in Vienna . She even performed at the Saltzburg Opera Festival in 1939 in the presence of Hitler himself. She escaped to the US , but lost her family in the Holocaust. Years later, she paid a visit to the Lubavitcher Rebbe who, she said, became like a father figure to her.

From the Chassidim to the Opera

She began to relate her story. Margareta's maiden family name was Hager; she was an heir to the famed Chassidic Hager family, producing the Rebbe's and leaders of the Vishnitz Chassidic group. 

As a young girl, she left home. The lifestyle and belief system of her parents did not inspire her. She traveled to the cultural center of the world, Vienna , where Margareta Hager, a granddaughter of the Vishnitzer Chassidic Rebbes, became an opera singer. Margareta performed during the 1930's in the Salzburger Festspiele (pronounced: Fest Shpile) -- The Salzburg Festival -- a prominent festival of music and drama, held each summer within the Austrian town of Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

On 12 March 1938, German troops marched into Salzburg began to The Anschluss – the annexation of Austria by Germany – was now complete, and Nazi ideology immediately affect the Salzburg Festival. All Jewish artists were banned, the leading Jewish conductors and composers were "deleted." Yet Margareta Chajes was still performing. For the Festspiele in August 1939, Hitler himself made an appearance at two Mozart operas. He did not know that one of the young women singing so majestically was a young Jewess, a scion of a Chassidic family, Margareta Chajes. Shortly thereafter, the general management made a surprise announcement that the Festival would terminate on 31 August, a week ahead of the scheduled finale on 8 September. The reason was, supposedly, that the Vienna Philharmonic was required to perform at the Nuremberg Party Convention. But the Germans were brilliant liars. The true reason became apparent on 1 September when the German army invaded Poland and unleashed the Second World War – exactly 70 years ago -- which exterminated a third of our people, including much of Margareta's family. On the very night after her performance at the Salzburg Festspiele, close friends smuggled her out of Germany to Italy . From there she managed to embark on the last boat to the US before the war broke out just a few days later. Margareta settled in Detroit , where she married a fine Jewish young man with the family name Chajes (a grandson of one of the most famous 19th century Polish Rabbis and Talmudic commentator, the Maharatz Chayos, and they gave birth to a beautiful daughter. 

Forward the tape recorder of history. It is now many years after the war. Jews were rebuilding their lives and their careers. The rabbis were rebuilding their communities. But one rabbi was thinking of not just of his own community. You see, the daughter of Margareta married a prominent Jewish doctor, who was honored by the dinner of a Chabad institution in the US and his mother-in-law, Margareta, acquired an audience with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

"I walked into the Rebbe's room," related Margareta to Rabbi Biederman, "I cannot explain why, but suddenly, for the first time since the Holocaust, I felt that I could cry. I – like so many other survivors who have lost entire families -- never cried before. We knew that if we would start crying, we might never stop, or that in order to survive we can't express our emotions. But at that moment, it was a though the dam obstructing my inner waterfall of tears was removed. I began sobbing like a baby. I shared with the Rebbe my entire story: Innocent childhood; leaving home; becoming a star in Vienna ; performing in front of Hitler; escaping to the US ; learning of the death of my closest kin.

The Rebbe listened. But he not only listened with his ears. Hr listened with his eyes, with his heart, with his soul, and he took it all in. I shared everything and he absorbed everything. That night I felt like I was given a second father. I felt that the Rebbe adopted me as his daughter.

Two Requests

At the end of my meeting with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, I expressed my strong desire to go back and visit Vienna . The Rebbe requested from me that before I make the trip, I visit him again. A short while later, en route to Vienna , I visited the Rebbe. He asked me for a favor: to visit two people during my stay in the city. The first was Viennese Chief Rabbi Akiva Eisenberg, and give him regards from the Rebbe (the Rebbe said that his secretary would give me the details and literature to give to Rabbi Eisenberg). The second person he wanted me to visit I would have to look up myself. The Rebbe said that he was a professor at the University of Vienna and his name was Dr. Victor Frankl.

You Will Prevail

"Send Dr. Frankl my regards," the Lubavitcher Rebbe said to me, "and tell him in my name that he should not give up. He must remain strong and continue his work with vigor and passion. If he continues to remain strong, he will prevail."

Using the German dialect, so Margareta would understand, the Rebbe spoke for a long time about the messages he wished to convey to Dr. Frankl. Close to forty years later she did not recall all of the details, but the primary point was that Frankl should never give up and he should keep on working to achieve his goals with unflinching courage and determination.

I didn't understand a word the Rebbe said. Who was Dr. Frankl? Why was the Rebbe sending him this message?  Why through me? I did not have an answer to any of these questions, but I obeyed.

Margareta traveled to Vienna . Her visit with Rabbi Eisenberg was simple. Meeting Victor Frankl proved far more difficult. When she arrived at the University they informed her that the professor has not shown up in two weeks. There was thus no way she can meet him. After a few failed attempts to locate him at the University, Margareta gave up.

Yet feeling guilty not to fulfill the Rebbe's request, she decided to violate Austrian manners. She looked up the professor's private home address, traveled there and knocked at the door.

A woman opened the door. "May I see Herr Frankl please?"

Yes, please wait." "I saw a room filled with crosses," Margareta continues her tale. "It was obvious that this was a Christian home. I thought to myself, that this must be a mistake; this can't be the person whom the Lubavitcher Rebbe wanted me to encourage." You see, in 1947 Frankl married his second wife -- a very devout Catholic, Eleonore Katharina Schwindt. Victor Frankl showed up a few moments later, and after ascertaining that he was the professor at the University, she said she had regards for him. "He was extremely impatient, and frankly looked quite uninterested. It felt very awkward." "I have regards from Rabbi Schneerson in Brooklyn , New York ," Margareta told him. "Rabbi Schneerson asked me to tell you in his name that you must not give up. You ought remain strong and continue your work with unflinching determination and you will prevail".

"Do not fall into despair. March on with confidence," Rabbi Schneerson said, "and I promise, you will achieve great success." Suddenly, the uninterested professor broke down. He began sobbing like a baby. He could not calm down. I did not understand what was going on. I just saw him weeping uncontrollably.

"Wow," Dr. Frankl told me. "This Rabbi from Brooklyn knew exactly when to send you here." He could not thank her enough. "So you see Rabbi Biederman?" Margareta completed her tale. "I have been an emissary of the Rebbe to Vienna many years before you came around."

Forever Grateful

Rabbi Biederman was intrigued. Victor Frankl was now 87 years of age, and was an international celebrity. He had written 32 books which were translated into 30 languages. His book "Man's Search for Meaning" has been deemed by the Library of Congress as being one of the ten most influential books of the 20th century. What was the secret behind the Rebbe's message to Victor Frankl?

"I called him immediately," Biederman recalls. "Do you remember Margarete Chajes?" Rabbi Biederman asked Dr. Frankl. "No," the professor responds. Well, he can be forgiven. More than 40 years had gone by. "Do you remember a regards she gave you from Rabbi Schneerson in Brooklyn ?" Rabbi Biederman asked the professor. Suddenly, a change in his voice. Dr. Frankl melted like butter in a frying pan. "Of course I remember. I will never forget it. My gratitude to Rabbi Schneerson is eternal." And Victor Frankl began to unveil the "rest of the story," which captures one of the greatest debates of the last 100 years, encapsulates the essence of Jewishness and reveals to us the secret of Kol Nidrei.

In the Camps

Victor Frankl was born in 1905 – three years after the Lubavitcher Rebbe -- in Vienna . The young Frankl studied neurology and psychiatry and in 1923 became part of the inner circle of one of the most famous Jews of the time, Dr. Sigmund Freud, the "Father of Psychoanalysis" who lived and practiced in Vienna .

The "Final Solution" did not skip over the Frankl family (7). Victor's mother and father were murdered in Auschwitz ; his first Jewish wife, pregnant, was murdered in Bergen Belsen. All of his siblings and relatives were exterminated. Professor Frankl was a lone survivor (he had one sister who immigrated to Australia before the war.) He returned to Vienna where he taught neurology and psychiatry at the University of Vienna .

The Great Debate

Already before the war, and even more so during his three years in the Nazi death camps, Victor Frankl developed ideas which differed radically from Freud. Yet the entire faculty of his department at the University consisted of staunch Freudian scholars. Academically they hunted down Victor Frankl calling his ideas "pseudo-science," and the joke of the century.

You see, friends, this was no small debate. These two Jews were debating the very meaning of human identity and Victor Frankl had been advocating a view extremely alien to the then-dominant Freudian outlook. In a word: A human being has a SOUL, what we Jews call a Neshamah.

Freud, like most medical schools, emphasized the idea that all things come down to physiology. The human mind and heart could be best understood as a "side effect" of brain mechanisms.  Humans are like machines, responding to stimuli from within or from without, a completely physical, predictable and godless machine, albeit a very complicated machine, creating psychotics, neurotics, and of course psychiatrists. [The difference? The neurotic build castles in the air; the psychotic lives in them, and the psychiatrist? – he collects the rent from both.] 

Victor Frankl disagreed. He felt that Freud and his chevrah reduced the human being to a mere mechanical creature depriving him or her of his true essence. "If Freud were in the concentration camps," Frankl wrote, "he would have changed his position." Beyond the basic natural drives and instincts of people, he would have encountered the human "capacity for self-transcendence." "Man is that being who invented the gas chambers of Auschwitz ; however, he is also that being who entered those chambers upright, with the Shema Yisrael on his lips." "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: The last of the human freedoms — to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." Of course, there are many things about our life we have no control over. But there is a dimension of the human self – the essence of human identity -- which nothing and nobody can control. It is transcendent by its very "nature" – free, uninhibited, wholesome and deeply spiritual, never defined by life's circumstances and limitations, but rather free to define them, to define their meaning and message.

A person – he taught -- was not a son of his past, but the father of his future.

Derision

But in the University in the 40's and 50's they defined Frankl's ideas as fanatic religiosity, raising up all the old, unscientific notions of conscience, religion and guilt. It was unpopular for students to attend his courses.

"The situation was horrible," Frankl told Rabbi Biederman. "Rabiner Biederman!" Frankl said. He then added these shocking words: "I could survive the German death camps, but I could not survive the horrific derision of my colleagues at the university who would not stop taunting me and undermining my every iota of progress." "The pressure against me was so severe, that I decided to give up. It was simply too much to bear emotionally. I was drained, exhausted, depressed. I fell into a melancholy. I was watching all of my life-work fade away right before my eyes. One day, sitting at home, I began drafting my resignation papers for my University job. In the battle between Freud and Frankl – Freud would be triumphant. Soul-less-ness would prove more powerful than soul-full-ness."

Hope

"And then suddenly, as I am sitting in my home, depressed, defected, feeling down, in walks a beautiful woman. She gives me regards from a Chassidic master, Rabbi Schneerson from Brooklyn , New York . His message? 'Don't dare to give up. Don't dare to despair. If you will continue your work with absolute determination, you will prevail.' I could not believe my ears.  Somebody in Brooklyn , no less a Chassidic Rebbe, knew about my predicament? And what is more – he cared about my predicament? And what is more – he sent someone to locate me in Vienna to shower me with courage and inspiration? I began to sob. I cried uncontrollably. I was so moved. I felt like a transformed man. That is exactly what I needed to hear. Someone believed in me, in my work, in my contributions, in my ideas about the infinite transcendence and potential of the human person and in my ability to prevail."

"That very moment I knew that I would not surrender. I tore up my resignation papers. New vitality was blown into me. I was confident, secure, and motivated." "Indeed," Victor continues, "his words came true. A few months later, I was given a chair at the University."  And a short while later, Frankl's magnum opus "Man's Search for Meaning" was translated into English. It became not only an ongoing bestseller to this very day, but has been deemed as one of the 10 most influential books of the 20th century. The professor's career began to soar. The once-scoffed-at professor became one of the most celebrated psychiatrists of a generation. "Man's Search for Meaning" has been translated into 28 languages and has sold over 10 million copies during his life time. Frankl became a guest lecturer at 209 universities on all five continents, held 29 honorary doctorates from universities around the world, and received 19 national and international awards and medals for his work in psychotherapy.

His brand of therapy inspired thousands of other books, seminars, workshops, new-age and spiritual groups, which have all been based on Frankl's ideas of the unique ability of the human to choose its path discover meaning in every experience. From Scot Peck's "Road Less Traveled" to Steven Covey's Seven Habits, and hundreds of other bestsellers during the last 30 years, all of them were students of Victor Frankl's perspectives.

Victor Frankl concluded his story to Rabbi Beiderman in these words:

"איך וועל אים אייביק דאנקבאר זיין"

"I will forever be grateful to him," to the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

 I Love Chabad

Not knowing who he was talking too, Frankl added: "A number of years ago Chabad established itself here in Vienna . I became a supporter. You too should support it. They are the best…" Rabbi Biederman finally understood why he was getting a check in the mail before each Yom Kippur. Their conversation was over.

Tefilin Each Day

But the story is not over. In 2003, Dr. Shimon Cown, an Lubavitch Australian expert on Frankl, went to visit his non-Jewish widow, Elenor, in Vienna . She took out a pair of tefilin and showed it to him. "My late husband would put these on each and every day," she said to him. Then she took out a pair of tzitzis he made for himself to wear. At night in bed, Victor would recite the book of Tehilim (Psalms). You get it? On Yom Kippur nobody saw him in shul, but a day of tefilin he did not miss. When they asked in interviews whether he believed in G-d, he would usually not give a direct answer. But a day of tefilin he would not miss! What a Jew!

The Soldier

In 1973, an Israeli soldier lay in the hospital, depressed and dejected, saying that he feels like committing suicide. You see, he lost both his legs during the Yom Kippur war. He felt that without legs his future was hopeless. One day, his doctor walked into the room. The soldier was sitting upright, and looked relaxed and happy. The doctor looked at him, and saw that his eyes regained that passionate gaze. What happened? The doctor asked. The soldier pointed to his night table. He has just finished reading "Man's Search for Meaning" and the stories about how certain Jews behaved in the death camps. He learnt of the capacity of the human being to choose to turn adversity into triumph by discovering the meaning in his life's experiences. "This transformed me," the soldier said.

One Message

This, friends, was the potential the Rebbe saw when he decided to send Margareta on a mission to Vienna . Imagine: One single message from a man in Brooklyn who cared literally transformed tens of millions of lives! And what was the message? Don't despair. You will prevail. Because the Lubavitcher Rebbe was determined to get out to the world this message: we really do have a soul; the soul is the deepest and most real part of us; and that we will never be fully alive if we don't access our souls. What is a soul? A soul is our inner identity, our raison d'être. The soul of music is the composer's vision that energizes and gives life to the notes played in a musical composition. The actual notes are like the body expressing the vision and feeling of the soul within them. Each soul is the expression of G-d's intention and vision in creating that particular being. The soul is the very fabric of our being—as conceived by G-d's vision in wanting us to exist. Each of us is a unique musical note in a grand cosmic composition. It is incumbent upon us to discover our soul—our higher calling—and play its unique music.

 

 





Friday, October 16, 2009

Who's Who

If a person goes to a place where he may see forbidden sights when he has an alternate route - - he is considered wicked.

If he has no choice but to go there & he does his best to avoid seeing that which is improper -- he is considered righteous.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
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Thursday, October 15, 2009

A lazy person

Pardachas - is a person who does nothing but loaf around.

The origon of the word is
Pura - the bed
Duchtei - that's his place.
That is his attitude , the way he sees himself.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Law of the land

What is the reason why the law of the land is law ?


Rashbam explains that it is based on the fact that all those who live in a country accept upon themselves willingly to abide by the laws of that government.

Siman - this is on Daf 54b. When we reverse nun daled , we get din.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Did you know ?

If some wild animal or wild person was about to pounce on your friends things to destroy them & you are able to block it , what Mitzva would obligate you to do so ?

The Rashbam on 53 a says it would be hashovas aveida.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
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Monday, October 12, 2009

Daf 52. Insight

What is the definition of a Segula treasure on this Daf ?

One opinion says a Sefer Torah , the other says - a fruit tree
What is the parallel between the two ?

Each time we study Torah it is like enjoying a delicious fruit of one of Hashems fruit trees
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com