We spent the past month praying and wishing one another to be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life. Mission accomplished. Now what? What are we doing with this life with which we were endowed?
During the prayer for rain we declared “L’chaim v’lo Lamavet – for life and not for death.” Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe’s father emphasized that what we are trying to say is that life is more than just the absence of death. Rather life, is meant to be purposeful, meaningful, and valuable.
Similarly, the blessing that we recite over every holiday and new Mitzvah, begins with Shehechiyunu – Who has given us life. The life that is given to us by Hashem is meant to be purposeful, meaningful, and valuable, infused with G-dly purpose, Spiritual meaning, and Divine value.
How do we discover that G-dly purpose, Spiritual meaning, and Divine value? This will be the subject of the upcoming JLI Fall 2025 course entitled, The Kabbalah of Meaning, that begins after the holidays. Over the duration of this course, we will explore what we need to pursue to discover the inherent meaningful purpose with/for which we were created.
In Louisiana everyone likes a little bit of lagniappe. This course offers CE credits for doctors and mental health professionals. To learn more about the course, which will run on six Wednesdays starting October 29, www.chabadneworleans.com/
For the Metairie course, which will run on Tuesdays, www.jewishlouisiana.
I hope that you will consider joining. Try the first class with no commitment required and see if you would like to join for the rest of the course.
I look forward to exploring this integral topic together with you.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin