Hillel, (one of the greatest sages of the Mishna), explained, that the
love for ones fellow man, and the stages of personal development
necessary for that love to be genuine are fundamental to Jewish
observance.
The Ahavas Yisroel Campaign seeks to influence each individual, so that
one's thought, speech and actions be permeated with a real concern and
sensitivity for the well-being of his fellow Jew.
The campaign for Torah Education wants to involve any and every Jewish
child in an educational program that will teach him/her what it means to
live as a Jew. Likewise, adults are encouraged to enroll in study groups
and seminars commensurate with their background and knowledge.
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch
Movement explained, that Torah study should be fixed not only in time,
but also in soul, i.e., that it should be the vortex around which the
entire spectrum of everyday life revolves.
Torah study is the attempt of finite man to comprehend the wisdom of an
infinite G-d. The keeping of fixed times for Torah study allows for
systematic growth and development.
TEFILLIN - The donning of Tefillin, every
weekday, by men and boys over 13.
The Torah describes Tefillin as a sign, a public statement of Jewish
involvement. By donning Tefillin daily, an individual gives expression
to his basic feeling of Jewish identity, and its importance to him.
The Tefillin are placed on the arm facing the heart, and on the head.
This signifies the binding of one's emotional and intellectual powers to
the service of G-d. The straps, stretching from the arm to the hand and
from the head to the legs, signify the transmission of intellectual and
emotional energy to the hands and feet, symbolizing deed and action.
A Mezuzoh designates a house, or room as Jewish. It is a clear sign of
the nature of the environment. The Mezuzoh should be on the right
door-post of every room. The Divine name S-H-A-D-A-I on the outside of
each Mezuzoh, is explained by our Sages to also signify that the
Al-mighty is "Guardian of the Doorways of Israel." The Mezuzoh protects
the home and its occupants.
In a Mezuzoh, IT'S WHAT'S ON THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS. You have to have a
parchment with the first two paragraphs of the Shema written by a
professional scribe.
Unfortunately, many printed or improperly written Mezuzohs flooded the
public market.
In addition, many Mezuzohs that were originally proper have since faded
or cracked due to age or weather. A competent authority should be
contacted to check all your Mezuzohs.
Tzedokoh, though commonly translated as charity, literally means correct
or righteous.
The English word `charity' implies a condescending attitude; giving even
though the recipient may be undeserving. `Tzedokoh' changes that
perspective.
You give out of a sense of responsibility and in the realization that
what YOU have is also a gift-charity from G-d.
The Tzedokoh campaign calls for an increase in giving.
Displaying a Tzedokoh Box conspicuously serves as a reminder to give
OFTEN every weekday.
An environment teaches. What you have in your home helps determine what
type of home you will have.
By having Jewish Holy Books conspicuously displayed at home, you as well
as your friends, will be stimulated to use them. Their very presence
reminds one of their contents and the importance of Jewish values.
Of course, the more books the better. However, the minimum of a Chumash
(the Five Books of Moses), a Book of Psalms and a Siddur (Prayer Book)
are suggested.
LIGHTING SHABBOS AND FESTIVAL CANDLES
Light is a subject which has stirred the imagination of poets,
scientists and psychologists. Because its nature is so different from
other material entities, it is frequently used to describe spiritual
insight.
Shabbos is a day of light; a day with a different pattern and
value-orientation.
The lighting of the Shabbos Candles, ushers and inspires in this state
of awareness.
The responsibility for lighting the candles and inducing this change of
perspective is the woman's. It is she who welcomes the Shabbos Queen
into the home.
Young girls from the age of three are also encouraged to light their own
candle, both as a means of involvement and as part of their education.
The Shabbos Candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset.
Eating Kosher food serves to bring home, on a very basic and fundamental
level, and identification with one's Jewishness.
As long as Jewish involvement is limited to prayer, study, or even
specific ritual acts, there is no proof that it has permeated one's
self.
When you eat differently, your Judaism is not just metaphysical, but a
part and parcel of your very being.
The observance of Kashrus consists of eating only Kosher foods at home
or away from home. It also entails not eating dairy and meat foods
together, and maintaining separate dishes, cutlery, and utensils for
meat and dairy.
Marriage and sexuality are treated very carefully by the Jewish
tradition.
It is no coincidence that in Torah-conscious homes the divorce rate is
much lower than the national average.
Taharas Hamishpocho, the attitudes and practices for happy married life
help to develop genuine communication and love between husband and wife
and bring to the world healthy, loving children.
The detailed laws of Taharas Hamishpocho require much explanation. Many
couples of all ages have turned to observing Taharas Hamishpocho.
Contact Bais Chana for more information.
