This Shabbat marks 18 years since our Rebbe was physically taken from us. In many ways the pain is still as sharp as it was on that dark day. Yet in taking our cue from the Rebbe, we know that this day should be spent reflecting on the Rebbe’s continued powerful influence on our lives and environment. Furthermore it should be day focused on action, living the Rebbe’s instructions and guidance for making our world a G-dly place through the coming of Moshiach. Please join us as we mark this occasion in New Orleans with a Kiddush/Farbrengen at both Chabad locations on Shabbat after services.
The Chabad.org team has outdone themselves once again in preparing an extensive wing on our web network about the Rebbe – www.chabadneworleans.com/therebbe. I would like to share several blogposts from previous years on this occasion. One is entitled Defining Alive http://www.chabadneworleans.com/templates/blog/post.asp?AID=1203266&PostID=23276&p=1. The second is entitled A Tribute to the Rebbe. http://www.chabadneworleans.com/templates/blog/post.asp?AID=1203266&PostID=18039&p=1.
One of the wonderful things about technology is that it allows us to continue to be inspired by the Rebbe via the many videos that are available of his talks and interactions with people. Last I shared with you about the weekly video magazine called Living Torah. Each Saturday night we gather after Havdallah at Chabad House and Chabad Center to watch the weekly edition of Living Torah. It consists of a talk, a special moment, a personal interaction and an interview with an individual about his or her encounter with the Rebbe. It is a powerful way to kick off a week. One usually walks away uplifted and inspired. The Rebbe’s talks are always extremely relevant and the other segments are very interesting. Please join us sometime for Living Torah – each Saturday night just after Shabbat. It can also be viewed online at www.chabadneworleans.com/livingtorah.
Mazel Tov to Mery Beit Halahmi and Stephen Blitz upon their upcoming wedding this week.
Mazel Tov to Uri Odem (Rothstein) and his parents Chana and Larry, upon his Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat.
Mazel Tov to Amit and Mazi Weizman upon the birth of their daughter Tehilla.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin