The Talmud asks, “If our Tefillin contain the Shema, praising the One G-d, what do G-d’s proverbial Tefillin contain? The Talmud’s reply (a verse from Samuel), “Mi K’amcha, K’Yisrael” Who is like Your people, O Israel?”
What we have seen from our Jewish community in the past week here in New Orleans confirms the Talmud’s statement with an exclamation point. Following the terror attack on New Year’s morning, we learned that the were several Jewish people among the wounded, including two Israelis. Within a few hours, our Chabad team was on site at the hospitals to assist. We have partnered with the Jewish Federation to ensure that our brothers and sisters are being cared for. Apartments have been set up for the families that came from Israel and stay with their wounded loved ones. Food is brought to the hospital several times a day. Streams of people from the Jewish community visit the patients and their families. Visitation rotation has been set up and the support has been amazing.
From around the community, people are reaching out to see what they can do to help. Some have offered housing, others cooking, others friendship, others medical expertise and referrals, and many are looking to contribute financially to the support effort. People are emotionally invested and are constantly inquiring as to the welfare of our injured brothers and sisters.
As mentioned, we have been coordinating with the Jewish Federation to optimize the help that is being given to our brothers and sisters in their time of need. If you would like to contribute to this effort, you can do so at www.chabadneworleans.com/
Speaking of the Talmud, what exactly is the Talmud?
This question makes people freeze. Your friend or coworker asks about the Talmud, and you’re left searching for words. You know it’s a big part of Judaism. Talmud study is practically the definition of Jewish learning. But who wrote it, what did they write, and why?
In 1240, King Louis IX put the Talmud on trial in Paris, ordered France’s rabbis to defend it against an antisemitic provocateur, and burned thousands of volumes. Antisemites still misconstrue the Talmud today. When people ask about it, what will you say?
In 2011, South Korea’s ambassador went on Israeli TV with a book named “Talmud.” “Every Korean family has at least one copy,” he said. “Mothers want to know how so many Jews became geniuses.” It turns out that an adaptation of the Talmud has gone through seventy printings in Japan and was subsequently made popular in Korea.
They’re fascinated. What about us? The Talmud is a huge part of our heritage—and it’s not just reserved for scholars. Does it contain the secret to Jewish success? Let’s learn.
I’m delighted to be leading a new course from JLI called Decoding the Talmud. It’s the crash course in Talmud for every thinking Jew.
Decoding the Talmud: Inside the Story, Substance, and Significance of the Book that Defines Judaism. You’ll get an insider’s view of what the Talmud really is, what purpose it serves, and why it matters, and you’ll taste Talmud study for yourself. The next time you get asked about the Talmud, you’ll have the knowledge for a confident, smart conversation on this truly extraordinary book.
For more information go to www.chabadneworleans.com/jli. Our six-part course begins on Wednesday, January 29.
The Metairie course option runs on Tuesdays. More information at www.jewishlouisiana.com/jli.
I hope you will join us. Try the first class with no commitment.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin
PS: Donate blood this Monday, January 13th at Chabad of Metairie, to help those injured in the Bourbon Street attack. This blood drive is being dedicated to the two Israeli patients from the attack, and a credit will go towards their medical care for every person who donates blood. To sign up: www.tbcdonors.org/donor/