Chanukah Rally

From Living Torah (Volume 56, Episode 224)

Children’s rally at 770 on the last night of Chanukah, 1987.

Also in this Episode:
* Minority Rules
* What Comes First: The Money or the Pledge?
* Making Aliyah: a Multifaceted Decision

Exile + 1 = Redemption

From Living Torah (Volume 56, Episode 223)

Hebrew, the Holy Tongue, is utterly precise. In Hebrew, “Exile” is called “Golah.” But this very word also hints the path to redemption. By inserting the letter Alef, the word “Golah — Exile” becomes “Geulah — Redemption.”

The Talmud states: What does “Alef” indicate? “Alufo Shel Olam — the Ruler of the world.” Alef is the first letter and number, the start of everything. Likewise, G-d preceded all existence, and He is the source of all time and space.

When one draws the Alef, G-d, into every aspect of life, he lives in a state of redemption, because his mundane life is infused with G-dliness. He thereby liberates himself, and influences those around him to achieve the same. And when many “personal redemptions” are achieved, then, as in Jewish law, “the majority rules” — redemption is brought to the entire world.

Also in this Episode:
* Nigun “Daled Bavos”
* A Rabbinic Tradition
* Not Quite What the Doctor Ordered

The Meaning of Love

From Living Torah (Volume 56, Episode 222)

Mrs. Chana Sharfstein recalls one of her first private audiences with the Rebbe, as a young woman in her early twenties, when the Rebbe asked her about her prospects for marriage.

Also in this Episode:
* Second Impressions
* Nigun “Samach T’Samach”
* Crown Heights Memories

Twilight

From Living Torah (Volume 56, Episode 221)

Now that we stand two weeks before Chanukah, it is time to raise some points as to the nature of the Chanukah campaign:

The Chanukah Menorah is kindled at twilight. “Twilight” represents a dual state: on the one hand, there is darkness; but at the same time, the sun is still fully there, albeit obstructed.

The Chanukah campaign must reach those Jews who are in a state of spiritual twilight. Like the sun at twilight, G-d’s Divine light may not be readily visible upon them, but in truth, it is fully present, for just like the sun always shines, the Jew’s heart remains ever-awake to G-d, Torah and Mitzvos.

The same is true for Jews living in their “twilight years.” Their health and physical condition is no longer robust; many are forced into nursing facilities, leaving behind active, vigorous lives. And certainly for Jews who are in prison… For them, the Chanukah campaign is needed even more.

Also in this Episode:
* Farbrengen
* Protecting the Beauty of the Jewish Woman
* Not Quite What the Doctor Ordered