Rabbi's Blog - Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho

You and You

Friday, July 31, 2026 - 7:27 AM

I often marvel at how the most ancient of languages is so simple, yet so complex. Our English language does not distinguish between the singular and plural of “you.” But in Hebrew, as in other languages, the distinction lies large. In fact, one of the greatest challenges facing English speakers who are trying to learn Hebrew is adjusting to the male/female and singular/plural aspects.

Addressing “you” versus “all of you,” can mean a world of difference.

One such instance is in this week’s parsha, Eikev. Last week’s parsha Va’etchanan contained the first paragraph of the Shema and the second paragraph of Shema appears in this week’s parsha.

Interestingly, the first pa… Read More »

Doubly Good

Friday, July 24, 2026 - 8:02 AM

A Jew in Soviet Russia is sent to Siberia for practicing his faith.

He receives a letter from his wife, saying that the ox has died and there is no way to plow the field to plant the potatoes. He sends a letter back to her, warning her not to go near the field, let alone plow it, because that’s where all the guns and ammunition are hidden.

The next day, a truck full of soldiers shows up at her home and they begin digging desperately, turning over the entire field. After a day of digging – and finding nothing, they leave. She writes to her husband in Siberia to update him.

He replies this time, “Now, you can plant the potatoes!”

Welcome to Soviet censorship and a smart Jew.

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The Talmud tells a story of Rabbi Ak… Read More »

A Loving Touch

Friday, July 17, 2026 - 7:14 AM

Tonight we will drink wine. Tonight we will eat meat. It’s Shabbat.

But, earlier this week, we abstained from eating meat and drinking wine. That’s because we are in middle of the Nine Days, the saddest time in the Jewish calendar.

We mourn the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, the Holy Temple, in Jerusalem. Nearly two thousand years later, Jews still abstain from comforts during the days leading up to Tisha B’Av.

Together with our deep and enduring grief over the loss of our sacred Sanctuary, we face forward and wish each other, “May these days be transformed into days of gladness and joy.” This is based on a verse in Zechariah (8:19), which states that the fast days, “Shall be for the house of Judah… Read More »

Verbal Billboards

Friday, July 10, 2026 - 9:21 AM

Have you ever made a promise that you haven’t kept? Probably, you figure, no one remembers anymore about my pledge, so I’m not hurting anyone if I don’t fulfill it.

The holy Baal Shem Tov once heard a disciple of his angrily tell a colleague, “I will tear you apart like a fish.” It was in the heat of the moment and the argument was not severe or lasting. Nonetheless, the founder of the Chassidic movement asked his students to gather in a circle holding hands. He instructed them to close their eyes. Once he joined the circle by placing his hands on the students next to him – all the participants shouted in alarm. They were appalled at the sight they saw. The vision they were witness to was their col… Read More »

Celebrating 250 Years!

Friday, July 3, 2026 - 10:28 AM

by Rabbi Yankie Denburg, Chabad of Coral Springe, Florida

In August of 1790, George Washington sailed into Newport, Rhode Island.

The backstory to that trip is fascinating. The Constitution had already been accepted by the other twelve states, but Rhode Island resisted joining the Union. Many there feared that this new federal government would swallow up their small state and their independence.

Washington wanted all thirteen states together. He wanted the new country to begin with unanimous consent, not only with a majority. He promised Rhode Island that if they ratified the Constitution, he would personally come for an official visit.

Waiting in Newport was a small Jewish community.

For them, this was not just a presidential visit. T… Read More »