Rabbi's Blog - Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho

Divine Overdose

Friday, March 25, 2022 - 7:56 AM

The world order seems to be changing in front of our eyes. War that seemed unfathomable in the twenty-first century is today’s reality. The global economy of yesterday may not be tomorrow’s economy. The morals and values that we consider sacred are being shockingly tested.

Purim has just passed and Passover is around the corner. Here again, our mind starts racing. What is the meaning of Pesach and true freedom? How can I internalize it into my life?

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This week’s parsha, Shmini, tells of the tragic death of two of Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu. The Torah states that they died because “each of them took his censer, and put fire in it, and put incense on it, and offered strange fire before G-d, which H… Read More »

Shedding Costumes

Friday, March 18, 2022 - 7:28 AM

Over 150 people gathered together at the Chabad Jewish Center to celebrate Purim yesterday. The energy was electric, with some people showing up for the first time in two years. Many donned costumes, hiding their identity – at least on the outside.

Yesterday, we celebrated with delicious food, dancing, and song. Most importantly, we celebrated by listening to the Megillah and by giving gifts to the needy.

Today is Shushan Purim. Purim is a unique holiday. It is observed in most of the world on the 14^th of Adar. In Jerusalem, and in other qualifying walled cities, Purim is observed a day later on the 15^th of Adar.

We like to feel connected to the international capital of the Jewish people. The Code of Jewish Law instructs that &ndas… Read More »

Heart of Stone

Friday, March 11, 2022 - 7:30 AM

The world watches in horror as Ukraine is attacked. The civilian casualties keep growing and we wonder how can we put an end to this unfathomable situation?

Of course, we can all help in some way – by contributing, by praying and by assisting.

The unbearable loss of life and suffering makes one wonder how heartless one must be to continue unjustified and unexplained brutalities.

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This week’s Torah reading includes Parshat Zachor, the mitzvah to remember what Amalek did to the Jewish people. Amalek attacked the Jewish people after the Exodus from Egypt.

The key characteristic of Amalek, that led to her heinous crimes, was stone cold indifference. Despite the great miracles the Jews had experienced, Amalek shrugged her… Read More »

Home Sweet Home

Friday, March 4, 2022 - 6:25 AM

s the situation in Ukraine worsens, many of our fellow Jews find themselves displaced and without a home. The dire circumstances are literally unfathomable. We pray for a swift and peaceful resolution immediately.

Chabad has been at the forefront of helping our fellow Jews – and non-Jews – during these very pressing and daunting times. Shelter, food, evacuation and temporary relocation. These are just a drop in the bucket of what Chabad – the dominant force of Judaism in the former Soviet Union – has been engaged in around the clock.

I can’t imagine the crushing feeling of those who have lost their homes, or been forced to leave their homes with just the shirt on their back.

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An old Yiddi… Read More »