Hayom Yom 25 Tishrei - Ten Melodies Whose Composition Is Ascribed To The Alter Rebbe. The Daily Hayom Yom With Rabbi Yosef Katzman podcast

7:04

הפטורה: וְאַרְבָּעָה אֲנָשִׁים [On Shabbos Parshas Metzora ], the haftarah begins Ve’arbaah anashim (II Melachim 7:3-20 ). בְּמִנְחָה: עֲבָדִים הָיִינוּ [On Shabbos HaGadol, after] Minchah, [we read part of the Haggadah, from] Avadim hayinu [until lechaper al kol avonoseinu ]. מִזְּמַן יְצִיאַת מִצְרַיִם נִקְרְאוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל צִבְאוֹת ה Ever since the time of the Exodus from Egypt, the Jewish people have been called Tzivos HaShem, “G‑d’s army.” הַהֶפְרֵשׁ בֵּין עֲבָדִים — שֶׁנִּקְרְאוּ כֵן בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל — וּצְבָאוֹת הוּא The Jewish people are [also] called servants. The difference between servants and an army [can be explained as follows]: עֶבֶד עוֹשֶׂה עֲבוֹדַת רַבּוֹ — וּבָזֶה כַּמָּה דַּרְגוֹת A servant performs work for his master on various levels — נוֹקֵב מַרְגָּלִיּוֹת, עוֹשֶׂה שְׁאָר מְלָאכוֹת, עוֹשֶׂה מְלָאכוֹת פְּשׁוּטוֹת one pierces pearls, one works in other crafts, another carries out unskilled tasks. וְיֵשׁ בָּזֶה יְגִיעָה וְעָמָל רַב, אֲבָל אֵין זֶה עִנְיָן שֶׁל מְסִירַת נֶפֶשׁ These involve considerable labor and effort, but no element of self-sacrifice. צָבָא הֵם עֲבָדִים שֶׁעוֹבְדִים בִּיגִיעָה רַבָּה וְעָמָל וּבִמְסִירַת נֶפֶשׁ An army, by contrast, is comprised of subjects who expend toil and exertion and self-sacrifice, הֵן בְּמִלְחֶמֶת הֲגָנָה וְהֵן בְּמִלְחֶמֶת תְּנוּפָה whether in a defensive war or an offensive one. וְעוֹמְדִים עַל מִשְׁמַרְתָּם בְּתַכְלִית הַתּוֹקֶף מִבְּלִי הִתְפָּעֵל מֵהַמְּנַגֵּד וְשׂוֹנֵא [Soldiers] discharge their duties with utter resoluteness, unperturbed by their opponents and enemies. וַעֲבוֹדָתָם זוֹ אֵינָהּ עִנְיָן שֶׁל הֲשָּׂגָה, כִּי הֵם מִתְנַהֲגִים עַל פִּי הוֹרָאַת מַצְבִּיאָם Their service does not depend on [their] understanding, for they follow the orders of their commanders. וְהִנֵּה נִשְׁמוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּמִצְרַיִם הָיוּ בְּתַכְלִית הַשִּׁפְלוּת בְּעִינּוּיִם קָשִׁים וּמָרִים In Egypt, the souls of the Jewish people were on the lowest of levels, [due to] the harsh and bitter afflictions. וְעִם זֶה לֹא שִׁנּוּ שְׁמָם וּלְשׁוֹנָם וּלְבוּשֵׁיהֶם Nevertheless, they did not change their names, language, or dress. וְעָמְדוּ עַל מִשְׁמַרְתָּם בְּתַכְלִית הַחוֹזֶק On the contrary, they held their ground with the utmost tenacity, כִּי יָדְעוּ שֶׁהַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא הִבְטִיחַ לִגְאוֹל אוֹתָם for they knew that G‑d had promised to redeem them. וְהַמִּתְנַהֵג כָּזֶה בְּמַצָּב זֶה הוּא מִצְּבָא ה A person who conducts himself thus in a similar situation is a member of G‑d’s army. דְּה' עוֹזְרוֹ בְּדֶרֶךְ מִלְמַעְלָה מִן הַטֶּבַע בַּטֶבַע G‑d helps him in a way that transcends nature, but [that is vested] within nature. Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 11 Nissan - On one’s birthday bring to mind..... 2:23

1 day ago2:23

2:23

בְּיוֹם הַהוּלֶּדֶת On one’s birthday עַל הָאָדָם לְהִתְבּוֹדֵד one should spend some time in seclusion, וּלְהַעֲלוֹת זִכְרוֹנוֹתָיו וּלְהִתְבּוֹנֵן בָּהֶם bringing to mind recollections from the past and pondering over them. וְהַצְּרִיכִים תִּקּוּן וּתְשׁוּבָה יָשׁוּב וִיתַקְּנֵם As to those [of his bygone actions] that call for rectification or repentance, one should repent and rectify them. Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 10 Nissan - The campaign of family purity laws saves lives 3:06

3 days ago3:06

3:06

בִּדְבַר הַתַּעֲמוּלָה בְּעִנְיַן טַהֲרַת הַמִּשְׁפָּחָה בְּמוֹשָׁבוֹ Regarding efforts [to increase the observance of] taharas hamishpachah in your locale, יִתְבּוֹנֵן בָּזֶה contemplate on this: אִילּוּ יְצוּיָּר, אֲשֶׁר ה' אִנָּה לְיָדוֹ לְהַצִּיל מוֹשַׁב יְהוּדִים מִכִּלָּיוֹן, רַחֲמָנָא לִצְלַן If G‑d enabled you to save an entire Jewish community from destruction, הִנֵּה בֶּטַח הָיָה מוֹסֵר נַפְשׁוֹ עַל זֶה you would certainly be willing to sacrifice your life to do so. וְהָיָה מְהַלֵּל וּמְשַׁבֵּחַ אֶת הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרֵךְ, עַל גּוֹדֶל הַחֶסֶד לְזַכּוֹתוֹ בִּזְכוּת גָּדוֹל כָּזֶה Moreover, you would praise and laud Him for His kindness in granting you this great merit. כֵּן וְיוֹתֵר מִכֵּן הִיא תַּעֲמוּלָה זוֹ Now, such a merit, and even greater than that, is accrued by popularizing the laws of family purity. שֶׁהִיא הַצָּלַת נְפָשׁוֹת מַמָּשׁ This actually saves lives. Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 9 Nissan - Jewish wealth is not houses and money 1:59

4 days ago1:59

1:59

נִיט הַייזעֶר אוּן געֶלְד אִיז דעֶר אִידִישׁעֶר רַייכְטוּם Jewish wealth is not houses and money. דעֶר אִידִישׁעֶר אֵייבִּיקעֶר רַייכְטוּם אִיז Jewish wealth, which is eternal, is אַז מעֶן אִיז אִידעֶן וואָס הִיטעֶן אָפּ תּוֹרָה אוּן מִצְוֹת the observance of Torah and mitzvos, אוּן מְ'בְּרֵיינגְט אוֹיף דעֶר וועֶלְט קִינְדעֶר אוּן אֵיינִיקְלאַך and bringing children and grandchildren into the world וואָס הִיטעֶן אָפּ תּוֹרָה אוּן מִצְוֹת who will observe the Torah and its mitzvos . Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 8 Nissan - Every soul has its own personal Divine service 2:29

4 days ago2:29

2:29

כָּל נְשָׁמָה יֵשׁ לָהּ עֲבוֹדָה פְּרָטִית בְּמוֹחִין וּמִדּוֹת כְּפִי טִבְעָהּ וְעִנְיָנָהּ Every soul has its own [designated] Divine service in the realm of intellect and emotion, each according to its nature and disposition. וּכְתִיב מֵאוֹיְבַי תְּחַכְּמֵנִי It is written, “Make me wise from my enemies” — מֵהַהֲטָיוֹת הָרָעוֹת שֶׁמַּרְגִּישׁ בְּמִדּוֹתָיו הַטִּבְעִיּוֹת that is, from the negative leanings that a person senses in his own undeveloped character traits, מִזֶּה מִתְחַכֵּם וְיוֹדֵעַ אֵיךְ לְכַלְכֵּל תִּקּוּן מִדּוֹתָיו he can gain wisdom and know how to tackle his tasks of self-refinement, וְשִׁעְבּוּד הַכֹּחוֹת שֶׁלּוֹ בַּעֲבוֹדַת הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרֵךְ and how to harness his personal strengths to G‑d’s service. Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 7 Nissan - Family names of the first Rebbeiim 4:25

6 days ago4:25

4:25

נוּסַח וַיְהִי בִּנְסוֹעַ: וְכִרְצוֹן כָּל עַמְּךָ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל In the passage [Al Hakol… recited after ] Vayehi binso’a haaron [when the Torah is taken out on Shabbos and Yom-Tov ], the wording is vechirtzon kol amcha beis Yisrael. כִּנּוּי מִשְׁפָּחָה שֶׁל רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן: בָּרוּכאָווִיטְשׁ The Alter Rebbe’s family name was Baruchovitch; כִּנּוּי מִשְׁפָּחָה שֶׁל בְּנוֹ אַדְמוּ"ר הָאֶמְצָעִי: שְׁנֵיאוּרִי the family name of his son, the Mitteler Rebbe, was Shneuri; כִּנּוּי מִשְׁפָּחָה שֶׁל הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶק: שְׁנֵיאוֹרְסאָהְן the family name of the Tzemach Tzedek was Schneerson. Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 6 Nissan - Work in a structured and determined way 1:59

6 days ago1:59

1:59

הַנִּסָּיוֹן הֶרְאָה Experience has shown אֲשֶׁר כְּשֶׁמְּמַעְטִים בַּחֲקִירוֹת that when one limits his speculation [about what to do] וְעוֹבְדִים בְּסֵדֶר וּבְתוֹקֶף and works instead in a structured and determined way, עַל פִּי הַנְּעִימוּת שֶׁל תּוֹרָה [but simultaneously] according to the Torah’s pleasant ways — יָמִין מְקָרֶבֶת וּשְׂמֹאל דּוֹחָה “the right hand draws near, while the left hand parries” — אֲזַי פּוֹעֲלִים בְּוַדַּאי he will certainly have an effect [on others]. וּבִּפְרָט בָּעִנְיָנִים הָעִיקָּרִים מֵעִקְּרֵי הַדָּת This is particularly true with regard to [communicating] the fundamental principles of our faith. Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 5 Nissan - A person enhances the honor of his place 5:48

7 days ago5:48

5:48

בִּרְצֵה דְּבִרְכַּת הַמָּזוֹן [A grammatical point:] In the paragraph beginning Retzeh in the Grace after Meals, אוֹמְרִים “בַּעַל הַיְשׁוּעוֹת" - בֵּית דְּגוּשָׁה, “וּבַעַל הַנֶּחָמוֹת" - בֵּית רְפוּיָה the letter beis in the phrase baal hayeshuos has a dagesh, whereas the same letter in the following phrase (u’vaal hanechamos) does not have a dagesh. אַאַזְמוּ"ר אָמַר בְּמַאֲמַר רז"ל לֹא מְקוֹמוֹ שֶׁל אָדָם מְכַבְּדוֹ אֶלָּא אָדָם מְכַבֵּד אֶת מְקוֹמוֹ The Sages teach: “It is not a person’s place that enhances his honor [kavod]; it is the person that enhances the honor of his place.” On this teaching my revered grandfather, the Rebbe [Maharash], commented: כָּבוֹד יֵשׁ בּוֹ שְׁנֵי פֵּרוּשִׁים “There are two ways to understand the word kavod: לָשׁוֹן כַּבְדָא כְּמַאֲמַר רז"ל כָּבֵד לֵב פַּרְעֹה נַעֲשָׂה לִבּוֹ כְּכָבֵד “Its three root-letters spell kaved, which means a liver. The same word appears in the phrase, kaved lev Par’oh, where it means that ‘Pharaoh’s heart has become stubborn’ (lit., ‘heavy’). In the interpretation of the Sages, ‘His heart, [which ought to be warmly responsive to spirituality,] has become [spiritually insensitive,] like a liver.’ וְלָשׁוֹן כָּבוֹד, גִּלּוּי אוֹר מַקִּיף נַעֲלָה “The other meaning of kavod is ‘honor,’ which [in Kabbalistic terms] signifies the revelation of a transcendent light from a lofty Divine source. וְזֶהוּ: לֹא מְקוֹמוֹ שֶׁל אָדָם מְכַבְּדוֹ כְּלוֹמַר מְקָרְרוֹ “Considering these two meanings, the above teaching of the Sages can be perceived [on a non-literal, mystical level,] as intimating the following message: A person’s place, his environment, [should] not [weigh him down and] cool his ardor; אֶלָּא אָדָם מְכַבֵּד אֶת מְקוֹמוֹ, שֶׁנִּיתַּן לוֹ‏ כֹּחַ וְעוֹז לְהָאִיר אֶת מְקוֹמוֹ בְּאוֹר תּוֹרָה וַעֲבוֹדָה rather, every individual has the power to illuminate his environment with the light of the Torah and Divine service. כְּשֵׁם דְּבִיְרִידַת הַנְּשָׁמָה בַּגּוּף מַשְׁבִּיעִים אוֹתוֹ תְּהֵא צַדִּיק “[And indeed,] before every soul descends into the body, an oath is administered to it: ‘Be righteous!’ דִּשְׁבוּעָה זוֹ הוּא עִנְיַן הַשּׂוֹבַע בְּכֹחוֹת נַעֲלִים שֶׁתּוּכַל לְהַשְׁלִים כַּוָּנַת יְרִידָתָהּ [Now, the root of the verb mashbi’im (‘an oath is administered’) is virtually identical with the root of the verb masbi’im (‘one causes [him] to be sated’).] By this oath, the soul is fully empowered to fulfill the purpose of its descent. הִנֵּה כֵּן הוּא בְּכָל אָדָם וְאָדָם בַּמָּקוֹם שֶׁהוּא “And the same is true of every individual, wherever he may be.” Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 4 Nissan - Divine service of a businessman 3:29

8 days ago3:29

3:29

עֲבוֹדַת בַּעֲלֵי עֲסָקִים מִתְחַלֶּקֶת לִשְׁנֵי סְעִיפִים עִקָּרִים For a businessman, Divine service comprises two main components: א) הָעֲבוֹדָה עִם עַצְמוֹ (a) Divine service relating to himself: בְּעֵת עָסְקוֹ מַמָּשׁ בְּשָׁעָה הַפְּנוּיָה, בְּיָשְׁבוֹ בַּחֲנוּת וְכַדּוֹמֶה During free time in the midst of his activities, such as while sitting in his store, יִלְמוֹד מִשְׁנָה מִשְׁנָיוֹת פֶּרֶק תַּנְיָא he should study a passage of the Mishnah or a chapter of Tanya. וִיהִי לוֹ אֵיזֶה דִּבְרֵי תּוֹרָה, כְּמוֹ חוּמָשׁ מִשְׁנָיוֹת תַּנְיָא, שֶׁיִּהְיֶה בָּקִי בָּהֶם בְּעַל פֶּה He should know certain Torah teachings by heart, such as extracts from Chumash, Mishnayos, Tehillim, or Tanya, לְמַעַן שֶׁיּוּכַל לַחֲזוֹר עֲלֵיהֶם בְּהָלְכוֹ בָּרְחוֹב, בַּשּׁוּק וְכַדּוֹמֶה so that he can review them while walking in the street, the marketplace and the like. ב) הָעֲבוֹדָה עִם זוּלָתוֹ (b) Divine service relating to others: בְּעֵת הַדִּבּוּר בְּעִנְיָנֵי עֵסֶק While talking business, יְסַבֵּב הַדִּבּוּר לְסַפֵּר אֵיזֶה סִפּוּר תּוֹכְנִי he should deftly divert the course of the conversation so that he can relate a story with a message. וְלִמְצוֹא עִלָּה וְסִבָּה לְעוֹרֵר עַל דְּבַר לִמּוּד וְכַיּוֹצֵא בָזֶה Likewise, he should find some pretext or reason to encourage his friend to study, or the like. Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 3 Nissan - Torah study schedule of the Rebbe Rashab 3:38

9 days ago3:38

3:38

מִשִּׁעוּרֵי אַאַמוּ"ר The daily study schedule of my revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], included בְּכָל יוֹם פַּרְשָׁה חוּמָשׁ עִם פֵּרוּשׁ רַשִׁ"י the daily passage of Chumash with the commentary of Rashi; אֲמִירַת תַּנַ"ךְ בְּעַל פֶּה: קאַפִּיטְל אֶחָד מִתּוֹרָה וְכֵן מִנְּבִיאִים וְכֵן מִכְּתוּבִים reciting the Tanach by heart — one chapter from the Torah, from the Prophets, and from the Writings; פֶּרֶק אֶחָד מִשְׁנָיוֹת one chapter of Mishnah; שִׁעוּר גְּמָרָא לְעִיּוּנֵי בּ' דַפִּים לְשָׁבוּעַ a session of in-depth Gemara study, covering two folios a week; שִׁעוּר לְמִיגְרַס ג' דַפִּים לְיוֹם a review of three [Talmudic] folios per day; שִׁעוּר בִּירוּשַׁלְמִי a study of the Talmud Yerushalmi; גַּם שִׁעוּר — לֹא בְּ‏כָל יוֹם — בְּפּוֹסְקִים and a study session — though not every day — in the works of the halachic authorities. בְּמֶשֶׁךְ הַשָּׁנָה הָיָה מְסַיֵּם כָּל הַמִּדְרָשׁ רַבָּה In the course of the year he would also study the entire Midrash Rabbah. לֹוֶה בַּסִּדְרוֹת הָאֲרוּכּוֹת וּפוֹרֵעַ בַּקְּצָרוֹת In weeks in which the text [of the Midrash ] was extensive, he would “borrow” time, and would repay it in the weeks whose text was shorter. Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 2 Nissan - First and last Maamar of the Rebbe Rashab 8:38

10 days ago8:38

8:38

הִלּוּלָא שֶׁל כְּבוֹד קְדֻשַּׁת אַאַמוּ"ר The hillula (yahrzeit) of my revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab]. נִסְתַּלֵּק אוֹר לְיוֹם א' בּ' נִיסָן שְׁנַת תר"ף בְּראָסְטאָב. וְשָׁם מְנוּחָתוֹ כָּבוֹד He passed away on Saturday night, 2 Nissan, 5680 (1920) in Rostov, and there he was brought to rest. מַאֲמָר הָרִאשׁוֹן אֲשֶׁר אֲמָרוֹ בָּרַבִּים, אַחֲרֵי הִסְתַּלְקוּת אָבִיו His first public maamar after the passing of his father [the Rebbe Maharash] בְּיוֹם הַשֵּׁנִי דְחַג הַסּוּכּוֹת תרמ"ג was delivered on the second day of Sukkos, 5643 (1882). וּמַתְחִיל כֶּתֶר יִתְּנוּ לְךָ כו It begins with the words, Keser yitnu lecha (“They will give You a crown”). מַאֲמָר — בָּרַבִּים — הָאַחֲרוֹן בִּהְיוֹתוֹ בְּעָלְמָא דֵין The last maamar he delivered publicly while he was in this world בִּסְעוּדַּת פּוּרִים תר"ף was at the festive meal of Purim, 5680 (1920). וּמַתְחִיל רֵאשִׁית גּוֹיִם עֲמָלֵק גוֹ' קֵץ שָׂם לַחֹשֶׁךְ It begins with the words, Reishis goyim Amalek…, Ketz sam lachoshech (“Amalek is the first of the nations…”; “[G‑d] has set an end to darkness”). Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 1 Nissan - Reciting the Nasi and the Yehi Ratzon prayer 6:30

11 days ago6:30

6:30

כָּל הַחֹדֶשׁ אֵין אוֹמְרִים תַּחֲנוּן Tachanun is omitted throughout this month . אַחַר אֲמִירַת הַנָּשִׂיא אוֹמְרִים יְהִי רָצוֹן הַנִּדְפָּס בְּסִדּוּר תּוֹרָה אוֹר After reciting the [passages recounting the offerings] of the Nesi'im we add the prayer beginning Yehi ratzon, as printed in the Siddur Torah Or. וְגַם כֹּהֲנִים וּלְוִיִּם אוֹמְרִים אוֹתוֹ Kohanim and levi’im should also recite it. אַאַמוּ"ר צִיוָּה לְגִיסוֹ הָרַב מֹשֶׁה האָרעֶנְשׁטֵיין הַכֹּהֵן My revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], instructed his brother-in-law, R. Moshe Hornstein HaKohen לֵאמֹר הַיְּהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁאַחַר הַנָּשִׂיא to recite the Yehi ratzon after the offering of each of the Nesi’im. וְאָמַר לוֹ כִּי אֲפִילוּ כֹּהֵן וְלֵוִי צָרִיךְ לְאָמְרוֹ He told him that even a kohen and a levi should recite this prayer, כִּי זֶה שַׁיָּךְ לָעִבּוּר because [souls are sometimes] impregnated [by other souls]. Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions and follow-up: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 29-30 Adar - 1) Response to the toast of LeChayim 2) Transforming physical into spiritual - 30 Adar 1 - What am I doing in this world? 13:45

13 days ago13:45

13:45

Hayom Yom 29 Adar 1 - Two responses to the toast of LeChayim הפטורה: וַיִכְרוֹת יְהוֹיָדַע גו The haftarah [for the Shabbos of Parshas Shekalim ] begins Vayichros Yehoyada (II Melachim 11:17-12:17 ) וּמוֹסִיפִים פָּסוּק רִאשׁוֹן וְאַחֲרוֹן שֶׁל הַפְטוֹרַת מָחָר חֹדֶשׁ At its conclusion, the maftir adds the first and last verses of the haftarah beginning Vayomer lo...machar chodesh (I Shmuel 20:18-42 ). מְבָרְכִים רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ אֲדָר שֵׁנִי [On the Shabbos preceding Rosh Chodesh,] we bless the new month, Adar II. אֲמִירַת כָּל הַתְּהִלִּים בְּהַשְׁכָּמָה. יוֹם הִתְוַעֲדוּת [It is our custom] to recite the entire Book of Tehillim early in the morning and to hold a farbrengen on that day. בַּאֲמִירַת לְחַיִּים יֵשׁ שְׁתֵּי נוּסְחָאוֹת There are two common responses to the traditional toast of LeChayim (lit., “To life!”): א) לְחַיִּים טוֹבִים וּלְשָׁלוֹם (a) LeChayim tovim u’leshalom (“For a good life and for peace”). וְטַעַם הַבְּרָכָה The explanation for this blessing is לִהְיוֹת כִּי בִּשְׁתִיַּת הַיַּיִן הַנִּזְכֶּרֶת בַּפַּעַם הָרִאשׁוֹנָה בַּתּוֹרָה הָיוּ תּוֹצָאוֹת לֹא טוֹבִים that the Torah’s first mention of drinking wine involved negative consequences. וַיָּחֶל נֹחַ גו', וְעֵץ הַדַּעַת גֶּפֶן הָיָה [the Torah says] “And Noach began….” [Similarly, according to one view,] the Tree of Knowledge [which was the subject of Adam’s sin] was a grapevine. וְלָכֵן מְבָרְכִים שֶׁיַּיִן זֶה יִהְיֶה לְחַיִּים טוֹבִים Hence, [when a person drinks,] we bless him that this wine should lead to a good life. בּ) הָרַב הַמַּגִּיד מִמּעֶזְרִיטְשׁ הָיָה עוֹנֶה לְחַיִּים וְלִבְרָכָה (b) The Maggid of Mezritch would respond LeChayim veliverachah (“For life and for blessing”) . פַּעַם בְּהִתְוַעֲדוּת שֶׁהָיָה נוֹכֵחַ רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן Once, at a farbrengen attended by the Alter Rebbe, עָנָה רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן: לְחַיִּים וְלִבְרָכָה [a chassid said LeChayim, and] the Alter Rebbe responded LeChayim veliverachah. אַחֲרֵי הַהִתְוַעֲדוּת שׂוֹחֲחוּ הַחֲסִידִים בְּטַעַם נוּסַח זֶה, שֶׁשָּׁמְעֻהוּ אָז פַּעַם הָרִאשׁוֹנָה After the farbrengen, the chassidim discussed the possible reasons for this version, which they had just heard for the first time. אֶחָד הַחֲסִידִים אָמַר One of the chassidim commented אֲשֶׁר לִהְיוֹת כִּי נִכְנַס יַיִן יָצָא סוֹד that since “when wine enters, secrets emerge” וּבַעֲבוֹדָה הוּא הִתְגַּלּוּת הַמִּדּוֹת which in terms of one’s labors of self-refinement signifies the revelation of one’s spiritual emotions לָכֵן זְקוּקִים לִבְרָכָה one stands in need of a blessing [that this endeavor should succeed]. וְהַנּוּסַח הוּא “לְחַיִּים וְלִבְרָכָה" — אוֹתִיוֹת לֵב-רַכָּה Moreover, [that chassid continued,] the wording of the blessing is “for life and for blessing” — LeChayim veliverachah, because in the Holy Tongue, the word liverachah (לברכה) shares the same letters as lev rakah (לב רכה), and this spelling suggests “a heart that is soft.” [I.e., chassidim wish each other life, and a heart that is sensitive and responsive to spiritual stimuli.] הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶק אָמַר עַל זֶה The Tzemach Tzedek commented on this: דאָס קעֶן זאָגעֶן אַ חָסִיד, וואָס האָט געֶדאַוועֶנט אוּן געֶטאָן אִין עֲבוֹדָה דְרַייסִיג יאָהְר “Such words could come only from a chassid who had davened [as a Chabad chassid should] and toiled in avodah for thirty years.” Hayom Yom 29 Adar 2 - Transforming the physical into the spiritual בְּאַחַת הַהִתְוַעֲדוּת אָמַר אַאַמוּ"ר My revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], once said at a farbrengen: הקב"ה בָּרָא אֶת הָעוֹלָם וְכָל הַדְּבָרִים הַגַּשְׁמִיִּים מֵאַיִן לְיֵשׁ “G‑d created the world and all physical entities as something out of nothing. אוּן אִידעֶן דאַרפעֶן מאַכעֶן מִיֵּשׁ לְאַיִן The task of Jews is to make something into nothing, פוּן דִי גַּשְׁמִיוּת מאַכעֶן רוּחָנִיוּת transforming the physical into the spiritual. דִי עֲבוֹדָה מאַכן פוּן גַּשְׁמִיוּת רוּחָנִיוּת “The avodah of turning physicality into spirituality, אוּן דעֶם גַּשְׁמִי מאַכעֶן אַ כְּלִי פאַר רוּחָנִיוּת and transforming a material entity into a vessel for the spirit, דאָס אִיז אַ חוֹבַת גַּבְרָא is the personal duty of every Jew; אִין דעֶם אִיז מְחוּיָב כָּל אֶחָד וְאֶחָד בִּפְרָט each and every individual is obligated to undertake it.” Hayom Yom 30 Adar 1 - What am I doing in this world? אַאַמוּ"ר אָמַר My revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], once said: אַ חָסִיד מאַכט אַ סְבִיבָה “A chassid creates an environment. אוֹיבּ נִיט, דאַרְף עֶר גוּט אַ טאַפּ טאָן בּאַ זִיך אִין פּעֶקְל If not, he must carefully check through his own knapsack; וואָס טוּט זִיך מִיט אִיהְם אַלֵיין he must examine his own spiritual state. אוּן דאָס אַלֵיין וואָס עֶר מאַכְט נִיט קֵיין סְבִיבָה The very fact that he is not creating an environment דאַרף אִיהְם צוּבְּרעֶכעֶן וִוי אַ קִינעֶלעֶ (קֵיסָם) should crush him like a mere splinter. אוּן עֶר דאַרף פְרעֶגעֶן בַּא זִיך אַלֵיין He should ask himself: וואָס טוּ אִיך אוֹיף דעֶר וועֶלט ‘What am I doing in this world?’" Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions, information and to support, please write to: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 28 Adar - 1) Shema before Retiring at Night 2) - Tuition deposit by a Bris 8:15

13 days ago8:15

8:15

Hayom Yom 28 Adar 1 - Shema Prayer before Retiring at Night בִּקְרִיאַת שְׁמַע שֶׁעַל הַמִּטָּה In the Prayer before Retiring at Night, רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם הֲרֵינִי מוֹחֵל וְכֵן לַמְּנַצֵּחַ גו' בְּבוֹא the passage beginning Ribono shel Olam… and the psalm beginning Lamenatzeiach… bevo… אֵין אוֹמְרִים בְּשַׁבָּת וְיוֹם טוֹב are omitted on Shabbos and festivals. אֲבָל צָרִיךְ לוֹמַר בִּשְׁאָר יָמִים שֶׁאֵין אוֹמְרִים בָּהֶם תַּחֲנוּן They should, however, be recited on the other [semi-festive] days on which Tachanun is not recited. "בְּסִיּוּם הג' פַּרְשִׁיוֹת אוֹמְרִים תֵּיבַת “אֱמֶת At the end of the three paragraphs [of the Shema recited before retiring], one says the word emes. יַעְלְזוּ חֲסִידִים - פַּעַם אַחַת, הִנֵּה מִטָּתוֹ - ג' פְּעָמִים, יְבָרֶכְךָ - ג' פְּעָמִים One then says the verse Yaalzu chassidim once, the verse beginning Hinei mitaso three times, and [the three-part Priestly Blessing that begins with] Yevarechecha three times. בְּתִקּוּן חֲצוֹת אֵין אוֹמְרִים לַמְּנַצֵּחַ גוֹ' בְּבוֹא בְּיָמִים שֶׁאֵין אוֹמְרִים בָּהֶם תַּחֲנוּן When reciting Tikkun Chatzos, 4 the psalm beginning Lamenatzeiach… bevo… is omitted on the days on which Tachanun is not recited. Hayom Yom 28 Adar 2 - Advance tuition deposit by a Bris הָרַחֲמָן דִּבְרִית מִילָה - אוֹמְרִים [The six stanzas beginning] HaRachaman are recited [at the Grace after Meals] following a circumcision. (מִשִּׂיחָה בִּסְעוּדַּת בְּרִית מִילָה) [The Rebbe Rayatz] said the following at a festive meal celebrating a circumcision: בִּבְרִית מִילָה אוֹמְרִים “At a bris, the wording of the blessing offered by those present is: כְּשֵׁם שֶׁנִּכְנַס לַבְּרִית כֵּן יִכָּנֵס לְתוֹרָה וּלְחוּפָּה וּלְמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים ‘Just as he has entered the Covenant, so may he enter into Torah [study], into marriage, and into good deeds.’ וְנוֹהֲגִים אֶצְלֵנוּ [He then added:] “Our custom is אַז מעֶן גִיט דְּמֵי קְדִימָה אַז דעֶר אִינְגעֶל זאָל לעֶרנעֶן to make a deposit [toward the child’s future tuition fees] — so that he should become a Torah scholar.” (וְנָתַן כְּבוֹד קְדוּשַּׁת אַדְמוּ"ר שְׁלִיטָ"א סְכוּם מְסוּיָּם בְּאָמְרוֹ) [The Rebbe Rayatz]then took out a certain sum of money and said: דאָס אִיז פאַר דעֶר יְשִׁיבָה “This is for the yeshivah.” Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English For questions, information and to support, please write to: cablejew@gmail.com…

1
Hayom Yom 27 Adar 1 - Deviating right or left are both false paths Hayom Yom 27 Adar 2 - Enter before G‑d by actual practice down below 11:10

14 days ago11:10