ב"ה
Here's how it works. Let's say that your friend Chaim is experiencing
financial difficulties. So you put your arm around his shoulder and say: "Chaim!
May G-d grant you the money that you need!" By saying these words
sincerely, with warmth and love and joy, you've blessed him. You've
rotter-rootered that clogged supply line, opening up the flow. Just like that?
Just like that.
Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 Torah Reading for Week of September 2-8, 2001 
Gratitude and fruit, awareness versus acknowledgement, priorities over percentages, and the polarity of reward and rebuke.
His long mane took some getting used to. He refused to wear a
ponytail or hat so I couldn't hide his growing mass of curls. As I strolled
around town with my hippie, everyone commented on my beautiful girl.
Then it was haircut time. I squeezed my eyes shut, half expecting the same cries I heard at his bris, which seems like it was just yesterday. But when I looked up, he was grinning.
Thursday, September 6 is Elul 18 on the Jewish calendar -- the birthday, in
1648, of the founder of
Chassidism, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. It is also the day on which the
founder of Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, was born, in 1745. On the occasion of this auspicious double birthday, we bring you a series of articles on the life and teachings of these two great luminaries, including the Baal Shem Tov's own account of his childhood and youth, an overview of Rabbi Schneur Zalman's philosophy, a look at the spiritual significance of birthdays, a rant by a Chassidic feminist, and much more... Also: thirty-six aphorisms of the Baal Shem Tov and twenty-eight teachings from Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi
He was full of gratitude to the wagon driver, but his gratitude did not keep
him warm. After a few minutes huddled between the barrels he was abruptly
reminded that he was still freezing to death, and not being able to move didn't
help any.That was when he noticed a small spigot sticking out of one of the barrels. |
 The Parshah in a Nutshell
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