Do Positive Deeds

On the yartzeit (anniversary of the passing) of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson in 1990, the Rebbe encouraged the following: "The yahrzeit should, as is Jewish custom, be connected with deeds undertaken in memory of the departed. The Hebrew expression for this intent, l'ilui nishmat, means 'for the ascent of the soul.' Our deeds help elevate the soul of the departed. Then, the higher levels that the soul reaches, are drawn down and influence this world....Also, it is proper that gifts be given to charity in multiples of 470, the numerical equivalent of the Rebbetzin's name.

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

What are some of the customs of Tu B'Shevat?

It is customary on Tu B'Shevat to eat fruits that grow in Israel, particularly the ones for which Israel has been praised: grapes, pomegranates, olives, dates, and figs. Some also have the custom to stay awake throughout the night and study all the Biblical, Talmudic and Kabbalistic sources related to the fruits of the Land.

LEARN the Rebbe's teachings:

The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that a true connection to the Rebbe comes through studying the Rebbe's teachings. Dozens of the Rebbe's works are available in English at Jewish bookstores. Toward A Meaningful Life by Rabbi Simon Jacobson and Bringing Heaven Down to Earth by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman are excellent adaptations of the Rebbe's core teachings. Take a class at your local Chabad House, visit www .chabad.org, and, of course, continue to read L'Chaim and share it with friends.

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Make a Bride and Groom Happy

It is a mitzva (commandment) to rejoice with a bride and groom and make them happy. Many stories tell how our Sages used to go to weddings and juggle, dance, or do other things to bring joy and gladness to the new couple at their wedding. Today, people even prepare "shtick" - hats, masks, etc. to enliven the festivities. Help enliven the next wedding you attend and you'll be doing a big mitzva! As the Lubavitcher Rebbe explained, "A wedding is to be suffused with joy, and joy breaks through all boundaries and limitations, attaining the ultimate degree of expansiveness."

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Study Maimonides' Works

In 5744 (1984) the Rebbe called for the daily study of Maimonides' Mishne Torah, thereby uniting all Jews in a study encompassing the entire Torah. The Rebbe enjoined all men, women and children to participate, allowing for the study of three chapters daily, one chapter a day or Maimonides' simpler Sefer HaMitzvot. Later, the Rebbe explained that in honor of Maimonides' yartzeit we should reinforce our study of his works.
To hear pre-recorded classes in the Mishne Torah or Sefer HaMitzvot call (718) 953-6100 or your Chabad-Lubavitch center for a local number.

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Tenth of Tevet

The Tenth of Tevet, December 27 this year, is a fast day commemorating the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem which ultimately ended in the destruction of the First Holy Temple. The Rebbe advises, "Before and after prayers give charity (in addition to the regular donation), including charity for a sacred cause or institution in the Land of Israel, Eretz HaChaim - the 'Land of the Living.' "
In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Why is it customary to eat dairy foods on Chanuka?

Eating dairy foods reminds us of the miracles performed through Yehudit, daughter of Yochanan the High Priest. After serving the Syrian General Holefernes salty cheese, she plied him with wine. when we was in a drunken stupor she killed him, smuggled his head out of the enermy camp and into the city where it was hung on the wall. When the Syrian army saw this they fled.

Show Concern for Others

We should show our concern for others by providing our fellow Jews with the necessities required to celebrate the holidays of the month of Kislev with joy and happiness. Similarly, they should have the means to fulfill the custom which the Rebbes of Chabad-Lubavitch followed of giving Chanuka gelt (money) to the members of their household.(The Rebbe, 2 Kislev, 5752-1992)

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Get Together!

Get together in honor of 19 Kislev, the "New Year" of Chasidut and anniversary of the liberation of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, the first Chabad Rebbe. Start by gathering yourself (i.e. gathering your own strengths and powers for good). Use these gatherings as an opportunity to inspire others or to be inspired to add in Torah study, prayer and acts of kindness. (From a talk of the Rebbe, 16 Kislev, 5752-1991)

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Be "Charitable" on Shabbat

Charity should be given each and every day. But how is this accomplished on Shabbat, when it is forbidden to handle money? Instead of money, we can give food and drink to guests or we can make sure to speak well of another person, say an encouraging word to someone, pay someone a compliment.

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Why are three steps taken backward and forward before the silent Amida prayer?

We take three steps backward to make sure that the four cubits around us are unoccupied. We take three steps forward for numerous reasons, among them: when a servant approaches a king, he does so with short, hesitant steps to display respect; when the priest was ready to mount the altar with the sacrifice it was necessary for him to take three steps to do so.

Sing While You Pray

The prayers that we are most familiar with are the ones the congregation sings together in the synagogue or the ones we learned with a melody as children. When you take time out each day to communicate with G-d, accompany your prayers with song, which is certainly in keeping with Jewish tradition. (The Rebbe, 1992)

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Why do we say blessings on everything we eat?

When we recite a blessing we are expressing our gratitude to G-d for our sustenance. Saying a blessing transforms a commonplace activity into a holy act. Chasidic teachings explain that all food contains a G-dly spark of holiness. When we make a blessing before eating, we elevate the physical substance of the food into holiness and reunite the holy spark with its source.

Take a Tip from the Kids

Children have a unique manner of relating to G-d and they understand that the awareness of G-d has to be connected with physical entities. Thus they understand the importance of reciting blessings: thanking G-d for the food that they eat. Similarly, we see that children have a unique attraction to a mezuza, and kiss it eagerly several times a day. Also, through having a charity box (pushka) and holy Jewish texts in their rooms, they transform their room - and the entire house - to a "sanctuary in microcosm."(The Rebbe, 18 Cheshvan, 5752)

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Are there any special customs associated with traveling?

A special "Prayer for Travelers" (Tefilat HaDerech) is said upon reaching the outskirts of the city from which you are traveling. If one will be away for more than one day, the prayer is said - without using G-d's name - each subsequent day after the morning prayers.

Eat A Shabbat Meal

With Your FamilyIn 5734 (1974) the Rebbe urged families to unite through eating Shabbat meals together. Just imagine, no t.v., no computer, no texting - what a great way to enhance communication skills within your family. Try a traditional Shabbat menu, exotic recipes or even a one pot meal. The main point is to do it together as a family.

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Rejoice

In the times of the Holy Temple, special festivities were held each night of Sukkot, in celebration of a special water-drawing ceremony. Commemorating these festivities, Chabad-Lubavitch Centers throughout the world will be featuring evenings of dancing, singing and joyous gatherings. Join a celebration or organize one for yourself and friends. And, as the Rebbe suggests, make it a family affair by having the entire family participate.

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

What is the reason for making a Sukka?

One of the miracles that occurred during the Exodus from Egypt was the presence of clouds surrounding the Jews from all sides, providing protection from the elements. The sukka reminds us of this miracle. We observe the mitzva of the sukka in autumn and not in the spring when the Exodus took place, though. This is because during the spring, people might think the sukka was just a pleasant relocation for the nice weather. In autumn it is cold and rainy; it is obvious that the sukka is built to remind us of the miracle, not for our pleasure.

Teshuva

Spend time during these "Ten Days of Repentance" in sincere introspection with the knowledge that "nothing stands in the way of repentance." Our Sages taught that our transgressions are turned into merits if we repent properly. The Rebbe adds that by beginning to fulfill a commandment that one had previously neglected and encouraging others to do so, one can actually retroactively rectify any spiritual damage caused by one's neglect.

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other kedoshim of Mumbai

Tashlich

On the first day of Rosh Hashana, (this year on the second day as we do not do this on Shabbos)following the afternoon prayers, we go to a body of water - for water symbolizes kindness, preferably one with fish which have ever-open eyes - and recite the Thirteen Divine Attributes of Mercy. We then shake out our pockets or the corners of our garments, symbolically throwing our sins into the water. One who is not within walking distance of water on Rosh Hashana can fulfill this custom in the days before Yom Kippur.