40 years ago a new frontier was opened in the area of Torah study and knowledge. The Rebbe launched a campaign encouraging people to participate in a study cycle of the Rambam’s Mishne Torah (code of Jewish law). He suggested three options. The first was to study three chapters a day thereby completing the entire 14 volume work in just under a year. Option two was to study one chapter a day, thereby completing the cycle in close to three years. The third option was to study the daily Mitzvot corresponding to the chapters of the one year cycle – from the Rambam’s Sefer Hamitzvot.
The uniqueness of this idea was that the Rambam’s work encompassed every single area of Jewish law. By studying all of Mishne Torah once can acquire a general knowledge of all of Torah law. Furthermore this would be done together with thousands of others who followed the same study cycle, introducing an element of Jewish unity as well.
Next week we are coming to close of a cycle – and this cycle also brings together all three options, which are finishing at the same time. Three years ago several members of our community undertook to start the cycle that is now concluding. Their effort was enhanced by the weekly Chayenu publication (www.chayenu.org), which provides an English translation of the one chapter a day. As the old cycle closes and a new one begins, consider getting on board and get yourself on the road to real Torah knowledge.
We will be celebrating the end of the Rambam cycle with a Siyum this Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 PM along with a festive meal special gathering in honor of the 19th of Kislev – a day known as the Rosh Hashanah for Chassidism.
This year four local Chabad Rabbis will share insight into four areas of Torah and Jewish life that are enhanced and enlivened by the teachings of Chassidus.
1. Bringing life and depth into the purpose of the world’s existence.
2. Bringing life and depth into Torah narratives.
3. Bringing life and depth into interpersonal relationships.
4. Bringing life and depth into Mitzvot.
Please join us at the Btesh Family Chabad House for this important event.
The Olive Press Craft Workshop is part of Chabad’s Living Legacy Series, underwritten by the Goldring Family Foundation. This year the workshop is being offered at Stepping Stones Montessori, JCC Nursery, the combined Jewish communities of Lake Charles, Lafayette and Beaumont, TX, B’nei Israel – Baton Rouge, Touro Synagogue, Chabad Hebrew School, and Woldenberg Village.
Mazel Tov to Amatzia and Chaya Argentar upon their marriage this week.
Mazal Tov to the Cazabat family upon the birth and brit milah of Lavi.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin