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This episode  dances around the age-old question, "What is Love?", the exploration begins with a universal quandary: the reason we question love's essence often stems from feelings of deficiency—either doubting the love from someone special or facing accusations of insufficient love ourselves. It suggests a poignant truth: we are most inclined to philosophize about love when its presence is questioned or feels lacking, much like no one questions the nature of a pastrami sandwich whilst enjoying one.

The narrative then divides the quest into two lanes: "Am I Loved?" and "Do I Love?", indicating that understanding love's impact on us can illuminate how we express love towards others. Love, as presented, is not an elusive sentiment detected by a mysterious heart's sensor but rather a series of tangible experiences perceived through our senses, validated by actions and expressions that signal to our brains and, consequently, to our hearts, the presence of love.

King Solomon's words in Proverbs "As water reflects a man’s face back to him, so is the heart of one man to another" is invoked to underscore that love, at its core, is a reflection, a reciprocal action that one can feel and recognize through the treatment they receive.

The episode emphasizes that love is fundamentally an action. It shifts the narrative from abstract conceptualization to practical expression, illustrating that love, akin to running or swimming, is defined by its enactment. The Hebrew word for love, "ahavah", rooted in the act of giving, encapsulates this ideology, positing that genuine love must manifest through tangible acts of kindness and care.

The discussion culminates with a divine perspective on love, referencing the commandment to love G-d, not as an emotional imposition but as a directive towards actionable love. This divine instruction echoes the broader theme: love is verified and validated through actions rather than mere feelings or declarations.

Takeaways:

1. Love as Reflection and Recognition: We seek the essence of love most acutely when its presence is in doubt. True love, however, is recognized through the actions and treatment we receive and give.
2. Love is Action, Not Just Emotion: The essence of love is captured not in abstract contemplation but in concrete actions and behaviors that convey care and affection.
3. The Divine Instruction on Love: The command to love God highlights the action-oriented nature of love, pushing us towards deeds of kindness as the true measure of love.

In essence, to question "What is Love?" is to embark on a journey from doubt to action, from introspection to expression, leading us to understand that the truest answer lies in how we act and respond to love in our lives. Love, therefore, is not just a state of being but a series of deliberate, loving actions that reflect our deepest commitments to others.

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Dive into the profound spiritual significance of Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish 'New Year for Trees.' This class unravels how this ancient day, once focused on tithing fruits as per Talmudic teachings, evolved into a powerful tool for cosmic repair, as revealed by Kabbalistic wisdom. Discover how the simple act of eating fruits during the Tu B'Shvat feast isn't just a culinary delight but a ritual of mending the rift caused by Adam and Eve's original mistake. Learn how enjoying these earthly delights reconnects us with the Divine, transforming our physical world from a barrier into a bridge to spiritual fulfillment. Join us in exploring how Tu B'Shvat is not just about fruit, but about turning our earthly pleasures into paths to divine connection and making the world a bit more like paradise with every bite.

#TuBShvat #SpiritualFeast #CosmicHealing #JewishTradition #KabbalahInsights

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This week’s sermon reflects on the resilience and unity of our community. The book 'Buried by the Times' sheds light on a past where the Holocaust's truth struggled to find its rightful place in public consciousness, hidden away in the back pages of history's draft. Yet, this story isn't just about what was buried; it's a call to unearth our collective strength and purpose.

Parshat Yitro brings the powerful symbol of the shofar, reminding us that awakening and unity are at the heart of our journey. From the echoes of the Holocaust to the triumphs of the Six-Day War, we've seen the shofar's call to action in our own times, stirring us to remember, to unite, and to act with courage and love.

As we reflect on our history, we see not just the challenges, but the incredible victories and the miracles that have shaped us. These stories teach us that it's not just about surviving; it's about thriving, about taking pride in our identity, and about moving forward with positive action.

Let's carry this spirit into every aspect of our lives, embracing our heritage with joy and a commitment to making a difference. Together, we're not just remembering the past; we're building a future filled with light, learning, and love.

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This class explores the seminal Chassidic discourse Basi LeGani, first written by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, and later expanded upon annually by his successor, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. This discourse outlines the purpose of creation: transforming the world into G‑d’s garden, a place of divine presence. It introduces the responsibility of the “Seventh Generation”—our generation—to complete this mission and usher in the final redemption. Through themes of personal transformation, divine revelation, and the power of "holy folly," we uncover the Rebbe's call to action: to bring G‑d’s presence into every aspect of the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Garden is Our World – Basi LeGani describes G‑d's desire to dwell in this physical world, not just in the heavens. Our task is to make the world a home for Him.
2. The Mission of the Seventh Generation – Like Moses, the seventh leader in his lineage, our generation—the seventh since the Alter Rebbe—is tasked with completing the divine plan.
3. Transforming Darkness into Light – The discourse emphasizes that our struggles with the “inner animal” are part of the mission; by channeling our desires toward holiness, we refine ourselves and the world.
4. Holy Folly – True service of G‑d sometimes requires acting beyond logic, just as the Tabernacle was built from shittim (wood related to shtut, folly). We must counter worldly foolishness with a deeper devotion that transcends reason.
5. A Call to Action – The Rebbe’s words demand more than study—they require us to actively bring others closer to Torah and mitzvot, ensuring that no soul is left behind in preparing the world for Moshiach.

#chabad #Rebbe #chassidic #basilegnai #lubavitch #LubavitcherRebbe #Shechinah #YudShevat

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On Yud Shevat 5711 (1951), the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi MM Schneerson, revolutionized Jewish leadership. He declared a bold vision, not merely to anticipate Moshiach in a distant future, but to actively work towards this era in our lifetime. This audacious goal was set against the backdrop of post-Holocaust Jewish reality, challenging every Jew to contribute to this ultimate redemption.

The Rebbe's approach to leadership was groundbreaking. He insisted on a partnership model, where he would guide, but each individual was responsible for their own spiritual and worldly contribution. This was exemplified in his Sunday interactions, where the simple act of giving a dollar for charity transformed recipients into 'shluchim,' agents of positive change and personal responsibility.

The essence of the Rebbe's philosophy was beautifully encapsulated in his interaction with Gabriel Erem. Rather than focusing on his own greatness, the Rebbe redirected attention to the potential within every Jew. By redefining 'tzadik' and 'rebbe,' he democratized spiritual greatness, making it accessible to all. His teachings continue to inspire a vision where personal achievement and universal perfection are inextricably linked, empowering every Jew to be a leader in their own right.

You can join Rabbi Bernath every Thursday at 9am EST for a fantastic conversation on Zoom. Just email [email protected] to get the zoom link.

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This class does a deep dive into the  psychological and mystical significance of Pharaoh’s final confrontation with Moses before the tenth plague. Throughout the first nine plagues, Pharaoh displayed a surprising level of tolerance towards Moses, despite the devastation he brought upon Egypt. But after the plague of darkness, something shifted—Pharaoh snapped and threatened Moses' life. Why was this the breaking point? Through Kabbalistic insight, we explore the Pharaoh within us all: the force that disconnects intellect from heart, numbing us to truth. Like an addict resisting recovery, Pharaoh’s descent into darkness mirrors the way we sometimes silence our own inner voice of conscience. Moses’ slap was not just an act of defiance—it was a symbolic moment marking Pharaoh’s complete spiritual collapse.

Key Takeaways:

1. Pharaoh vs. Moses as an Inner Struggle: Pharaoh represents the ego’s resistance to change, while Moses is the voice of our moral conscience.
2. Why Darkness Was the Breaking Point: The plague of darkness symbolizes the moment a person loses not only emotional awareness but also intellectual perception, making true transformation nearly impossible.
3. The Danger of Losing Sight: A person may endure emotional and even intellectual corruption, but as long as they retain a glimmer of awareness—of something greater than themselves—there is still hope.
4. The Addict’s Battle: Many struggle with self-destructive behaviors, hating yet needing their inner “Moses.” The moment they fully reject that voice, they risk losing themselves entirely.
5. Moses’ Slap as a Spiritual Statement: The slap symbolizes that Pharaoh had lost all divine presence within him. He was no longer just a cruel oppressor; he was a man who had extinguished his own soul.

This class challenges us to consider: Are we listening to our inner Moses, or are we allowing our Pharaoh to take over? And most importantly—have we reached a point of darkness where we no longer even see the battle?

#Bible #Passover #Moses 

#BibleStudy #TorahLessons #Torah #Bo #Pharaoh #moshe #Kabbalah #TorahPortion #Sermon #Rabbi #chabad 

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This lecture explores the profound parable of The Thief by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, who teaches that every soul contends with an inner thief—an inclination that robs us of our divine light. Drawing parallels between this concept and the Ten Plagues, Rabbi Bernath delves into how each plague symbolizes a distortion of the ten faculties of the soul, as described in Kabbalah. These ancient episodes of spiritual dysfunction mirror the psychological struggles we face today. Through understanding the anatomy of our soul and the symbolic meaning of the plagues, we uncover a roadmap to self-recovery and spiritual transformation.

Takeaways:

1. The Inner Thief: Recognizing the negative impulses within us is the first step to reclaiming our inner peace.
2. Plagues as Life Lessons: The Ten Plagues symbolize spiritual dysfunctions in the soul, offering timeless lessons for introspection and growth.
3. Refinement of the Soul: Each plague corresponds to a faculty of the soul—confidence, compassion, love, and others—highlighting the necessity to channel these energies positively.
4. Path to Redemption: Liberation from our "Mitzrayim" begins with honest self-awareness, confronting our inner distortions, and returning to our divine purpose.
5. The Power of Recovery: Even when the thief within seems to have consumed all, recovery and renewal are always possible.

#Kabbalah #TenPlagues #Judaism #Jewish #Egypt #Mitzrayim #InnerThief #Sprirital #JewishHistory #Bible #Exodus #Vaera #TorahPortion #Torah #TorahLessons 

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"What is Love?" Love is redefined beyond the conventional understanding of a mere emotion or a passive state of being. We emphasized that love is an obligation and a directive, as illustrated in Leviticus 19:18, which commands to "love your fellow as yourself." This idea suggests that love is not just a spontaneous feeling but an active choice and action. Before one can extend love to others, it's crucial to first develop a sense of love for oneself. This foundational self-love sets the stage for meaningful and authentic relationships with others.

We further explored the idea that the essence of love is deeply rooted in the act of giving. It posits that love begins with giving and grows through consistent, thoughtful acts of kindness and generosity. This concept challenges the popular notion of love as a feeling that happens to us, suggesting instead that love is something we actively create through our actions. The more we give, the deeper our capacity for love becomes. This principle is encapsulated in the phrase, "First comes giving, then comes love," highlighting the transformative power of giving in cultivating and sustaining love. The chapter concludes by asserting that love is not just about feelings but about the deliberate and ongoing practice of giving, which ultimately shapes and strengthens our relationships.

You can join Rabbi Bernath every Thursday at 9am EST for a fantastic conversation on Zoom. Just email [email protected] to get the zoom link.

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Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.com

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