I Went to China to Discover My Roots - and Found Judaism

B"H


Menachem Av 20, 5772 * August 8, 2012

======================================================================
CHABAD.ORG NEWSLETTER

* Daily Quote * Daily Thought * Comment * Question * Story * Voices *
* Essay * Parshah Summary & Overview * From The Chassidic Masters *

Web: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=002A597AA4FFB76E4894F199BFAB8B3F&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
Feedback: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=DC72B64D425D135432D582EDB8BEA49D&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
Print version: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=0E88FBE9FDBACA0AF688A6DFA7FC25A3&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
======================================================================

Editor's Note:

Dear friends,

I spent time this week combing through the newly released diaries [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=21D670BE34D302F4244D154A653049F2&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ] of the Rebbe's mother, looking for something that would serve as a window into the life of her heroic husband, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, of righteous memory, whose anniversary of passing we mark this week.

I was struck by the Rebbetzin's painful depictions of Soviet Jewry's suffocation under an oppressive regime. But I was uplifted by her descriptions of her late husband's almost superhuman defiance and triumph. In the selection featured below [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=5CBC4DC72FC72EBFBD6550EABDE6E4DB&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ] we read how Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and his sons inspired a student named Mitya Gurary to live a fully observant Jewish life, even while active in communist youth groups.

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was an erudite scholar and a deep mystic. But above all he was a selfless leader, who loved G-d and His people with every fiber of his being. He lived (and ultimately died) to ensure that Jews and Judaism survive and triumph. He simply refused to allow the Jewish spirit to be crushed. He taught, guided, shepherded and led by example.

I pray that my children and I take his lesson to heart – and action! – in today's era of plenty.

Menachem Posner,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team

P.S. We join our fellow Jews across the globe in mourning the passing of visionary philanthropist Sami Rohr [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=41D22C5FD0C22B1DB825E121B05AE41B&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 1926402 ] , of blessed memory. May G-d console his children, and may his memory be a blessing and a shining example to us all.



======================================================================

THIS WEEK'S FEATURES:

PARSHAH

A Lesson from Warren Buffett (By Lazer Gurkow)


Should you follow the herd and do what is popular, or buck the trend and do what is right for you?

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=74854A7A790764E8056F278B1004407D&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


The Battle: Then and Now (By Naftali Silberberg)


It would be foolhardy to underestimate the battle which we face daily, and we may not have the wherewithal to succeed merely on our own powers.

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=0201FFE85528E8633EFBEB15E6E9632E&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


In the Land of Because (By Yanki Tauber)


Can we rise above this tight little world of "because"? G-d wants us to rise above the narrowness of our humanity, and at the same time remain trapped within it.

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=E32852298A44D462C710BA902C72DDC0&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


Eikev in a Nutshell


Moses continues to recall the good and the bad of their 40-year sojourn, and describes a land of milk and honey and the "seven kinds."

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=24C34141F9A9752F960C1789AA5F25F5&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


20 AV

Rebbetzin Chana Remembers (By Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson)


On my way to America in 1946, I stopped in Lemberg [Lvov] for a week in order to procure some necessary documents. While there, I stayed with several other travelers. Our arrangements there were clandestine, and my identity had to remain secret.

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=5CBC4DC72FC72EBFBD6550EABDE6E4DB&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


JUDAISM 101

Guide to Putting on Tefillin (By Chabad.org Staff)


This Tefillin Wizard leads you through the daily tefillin-donning procedure. Six simple steps to elevating your arm, head and day . . .

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=5BB26A97B2D8AE15434776C2ED294497&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


Shabbat Mevarchim (By Menachem Posner)


The Shabbat before the start of a Jewish month (Rosh Chodesh) is known as Shabbat Mevarchim, "the Shabbat when we bless." On this day, we recite a special blessing for the new month and announce the date(s) of Rosh Chodesh during the synagogue service.

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=E1AE02474CA27D190080A960F55718CD&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


VIDEO

Do-It-Yourself Tallis


Simple-to-follow instructions on how to do the mitzvah of putting on a Tallis.

WATCH (4:40) >> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=FF7BF8ABC1D4D7D0C6DF0C1C401F1C77&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


Ice (By Dovid Taub and DovBer Naiditch)


A hot dog vendor and a construction worker chat about a frozen man.

WATCH (1:53) >> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=4066E3391E36BFF0F4271C35B4540F58&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


Does It Matter What I Think? (By Sara Esther Crispe)


Are we morally responsible for our thoughts? Is it just as important to think good things as it is to do and say good things?

WATCH (47:35) >> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=974826B3A5700DB6DF1C27D9A752E002&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


It's the Little Things That Count (By Chana Weisberg)


We cannot ignore the "heel" mitzvot. They must be done with the same enthusiasm as the "head" mitzvot, because ultimately they are both the wish of G-d.

WATCH (18:44) >> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=BD47E3C3F292D171EAC8F9B5E2740CA3&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


Welcome to Jewish.TV


A worldwide tour of the rich, diverse and stimulating videos, classes, animations, creations and lectures found at Jewish.tv.

WATCH (2:38) >> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=ED336B76F9BE1D004573EB9012FB0572&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


STORIES

Superior Vintage (<!-- blank -->)


When the wine was served, Rabbi Yochanan refused to taste it. His brother was surprised, as were all those present. This wine had been brought especially for him. And it came all the way from the Holy Land!

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=B31A972798008237D5A877B95558BCD5&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


Because of a Pinch of Snuff (By Tuvia Bolton)


Reb Yaakov tried not to remember, but suddenly the scene was there in his memory, clear as day. He didn't want that bum to get too close. He looked disgusting. Besides, he was in the middle of a conversation with his friends . . .

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=80DE7123A3A72AAE2C911DD194321B68&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


CONTEMPORARY LIFE

Went to China to Discover My Roots - and Found Judaism (By Sasson Goldfan)


All of a sudden I had discovered that I was a Jew, and I had no idea what that actually meant. I did know, however, that it was a big deal.

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=95F0AF33972F9B19E37168A109000439&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


Is My Date My Soulmate? (By Aron Moss)


I am seeing this guy very seriously, but one thing bothers me. How do I know if he is my soulmate? How can I be sure that he is the other half of my soul?

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=CD50A2E529B864E9E4B6600CB43ECF49&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


Missing Danny (By Chany Rosengarten)


Danny is missing. His bed is empty, and the white-on-white floral pattern of his mattress is cold. But Danny's been ignoring his bed for a long, long time. And he's ignoring me.

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=39B1BD4C1D286CD1D66DDAA203558AD9&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


Daily Reminders for Survivors of Abuse (by Yetta Krinsky)


No matter whether you were sexually violated, ridiculed, beaten, neglected, abandoned or emotionally abused, the deepest part of you remains pure, holy and healthy. You just need to remember it is there . . .

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=7DD827EB4FC1F2F061321A96868CA447&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2


Remembering a Builder of Judaism (By Joshua Runyan and Tamar Runyan)


International businessman and philanthropist Sami Rohr, whose communal heart and financial acumen funded Jewish community centers around the globe, passed away Sunday.

>> http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=83F924CA16BBFF99B26287E7009767E8&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

** Enjoyed this email? Please help us continue sharing the
study of Torah and Jewish traditions:

Dedicate or sponsor an email to mark your special occasion!
Please click here: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=36BB16C88185A7F0EC5F24F62C83F584&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

Please click here to make a donation to Chabad.org:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=001A5736C447D717003C9E63E1D79FEE&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

** Important Tip: In order to guarantee that your Chabad.org subscription
emails continue to be delivered to you, please make sure to add our
address, subscriptions@chabad.org, to your address book, or "whitelist"
it in any spam filters or spam programs you may have.

** Manage your complete subscription profile online: Subscribes,
unsubscribes, address changes, vacation holds, and more. Register here:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=46EF3E3751D0AE865194AB4E9727FDD7&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2&amp;emailpk=_350188_1826535@

** To subscribe to more Chabad.org email lists please click here:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=4F61D0E9069E8A8BDADD6BF72EA1B023&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

** To be removed from this email list please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/unsub.asp?i=5AF469836754813006064A8C6184061CB96733C15F25E0338B9057965C497558
If you would just like your email suspended and resumed at a later
date, please let us know here:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=28BC26C60BC0B5663D4E8D277199D856&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2&amp;email=yurochkadrugach.yurochka@blogger.com

** You are subscribed to the "Magazine" email list as:
yurochkadrugach.yurochka@blogger.com. If your e-mail address is changing
please send us your new email address here:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=BDE34FF2D11CF87A86379E0B5AB6D10F&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2&amp;email=yurochkadrugach.yurochka@blogger.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chabad.org
Chabad Lubavitch Media Center
770 Eastern Parkway * Brooklyn, NY * 11213
Web: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=5344FDBBF52C1204662261A33E3BEFCD&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
Feedback: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=DC72B64D425D135432D582EDB8BEA49D&amp;ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>