Bernard S. Antin's Blog – December 2008 Archive (4)

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LETTING THE LIGHT IN

Holidays all connect to historic events yet the annual observance is intended to convey lessons for annual review and inspiration. If limited to a mere commemoration of a historical event then celebration would be limited to an official solemn ceremony and family barbecues.



What does Hanukkah come to teach? The Talmud (Shabbat 21b) state the the sages “{E]stablished and made these days [of Hanukkah] as a holidays dedicated to praise and thanksgiving” According to the Chofetz Chaim… Continue

Added by Bernard S. Antin on December 25, 2008 at 7:47pm — 1 Comment

THE BIG PICTURE, THE REALLY BIG PICTURE

The Torah is not merely a list of commandments or a review of the nation’s early history. The scripture’s message transcends time like its D-vine author. Therefore there is a message relevant to each age and location.



Bereshith Chapter 38 relates the story of Yehudah and Tamar follows the sale of Yossef and its immediate aftermath in Chapter 37. The Midrash Bereshith Rabbah 85:1 offers an overview, a sort of “our story so far” recap;



The Tribes were involved in selling… Continue

Added by Bernard S. Antin on December 18, 2008 at 4:30am — No Comments

NEVER LEAVE HOME EVEN WHEN YOU ARE AWAY

Yaakov left his parents’ home because Esaiv had vowed vengeance against his brother(see Bereshith 27:41) for the perceived usurpation of their father’s blessing Now as he was about to return home Yaakov sent messengers to Esaiv with the message “ . . . [S]o says your servant Yaakov I dwelt (garti) with Lavan and delayed till now (ata) ” (Bereshith 32:5)



Yaakov called Esaiv his master and described himself as his servant which the Baal Haturim ZT’L ZY’A understands using this language… Continue

Added by Bernard S. Antin on December 11, 2008 at 5:40am — No Comments

AWAY FROM DARKNESS TO THE LIGHT

There is no way of escaping last week’s horrors in Mumbai, India. Ten individuals wrought massive destruction in a city of 18,000,000. Major Hotels and restaurants were attacked and close to 180 people were murdered with many more injured. How a small force could disrupt such a populous city is a question for another day. One of the planned targets was the local Chabad house. The Chabad House was the address for all things Jewish. The Chabad House served the local ancient Jewish community as… Continue

Added by Bernard S. Antin on December 4, 2008 at 4:55am — No Comments

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