Saturday, December 03, 2005

LESSONS IN TANYA: Sunday, December 4, 2005

B"H

Kislev 3, 5766 * December 4, 2005

===============================
L E S S O N S I N T A N Y A
===============================

Today's Lesson:

Kuntres Acharon
(Middle of Essay Four)
----------------------

To perform a mitzvah that cannot be delegated to another, one forgoes Torah study, (14) even [the study of] maaseh merkavah, [the sublime Kabbalistic mysteries of the celestial "Chariot"], (15) and beyond question one forgoes prayer, which is the state of intellect and intellectually-generated awe and love.

The reason is, as we have noted; [i.e., in order to extract and refine the sparks by means of the practical mitzvot, this being the purpose of creation.]

In addition, indeed, the standing of the practical mitzvot and their study, far transcends the standing of intellect, meaning intellectually-generated awe and love.

[The mitzvot requiring action are superior - in their performance and in the study of their laws - not only because they fulfill the ultimate purpose of creation through the extraction of the sparks, but also because they bond the soul with G-d.]

For though the verse declares, (16) "and to cleave to Him," i.e., through [cleaving to] His attributes (middot), (17) still, one does not cleave to the essence [mahut] of the Supernal attributes but only to [the externality of] their existence [metziut], as it is written, (18) "I am dust and ashes."

[When one acts in a kindly manner, for example, he cleaves to the Supernal Sefirah of Chesed - and the Sefirot are wholly one with G-d.

["I am dust and ashes," was stated by Abraham with regard to the glimmer of his soul that illuminated his body, in comparing it to its source - an irradiation of Supernal Kindness, as explained above at length in Epistle XV, in the name of the Maggid of Mezritch.

Abraham experienced such an intense degree of love (deriving from the attribute of Chesed) toward G-d, that he was a "chariot", a vehicle humbly waiting to be steered by the hands of its Driver. (19)

Nevertheless, he declared that his measure of love for G-d was but "dust and ashes" relative to the Supernal attribute of Chesed.

To appreciate the analogy:

A tree, originally composed of the four elements of Fire, Air, Water and Earth, is burned.

Losing its first three elements in smoke, it is reduced to its fourth element, mere ashes. Yet, though these ashes and the tree itself are of the same element, the ashes can hardly be compared to the original tree that was "beautiful to behold and good to eat." (19a)

So, too, the attribute of kindness and love that Abraham possessed while his soul was in his body, cannot be compared to the attribute of Kindness which is one of the Supernal Sefirot.

It is thus to be seen that one does not cleave to the essence of the Supernal attributes but only to their external state, their state of mere existence.]

This is all the more true with regard to the [infinite] Ein Sof-light, for no thought can apprehend Him in His radiance or the diffusion of the life-force issuing from Him.

One can only grasp His existence, that He gives life to all, but not His essence.

This applies even to the supernal beings, of [whose praise] it is written, (20) "Holy, holy, holy is the L-rd of Hosts."

[The above phrase is uttered by the Seraphim, angels of the World of Beriah.

They perceive that even as G-d descends to relate to created beings so that He is called the "L-rd of Hosts," He is kadosh ("holy"), a term which implies that He is separate from them.]

Only emanated "effects" can conceive their "cause", according to the order recounted in Etz Chayim, concerning the investment of the visages [partzufim].

[The spiritual beings of the World of Atzilut are each an "effect" (alul) brought about by a "cause" (ilah) in the levels higher than themselves.

These beings vest themselves in each other in turn, and at each level are able to comprehend the antecedent "cause" that is vested within them.

Etz Chayim explains how the "visages" of the Supernal Sefirot of Atzilut vest themselves in each other. Each "effect" is able to comprehend its "cause" - the "visage" that is garbed within it.]

This is not the case with created beings, even with souls of Atzilut.

[Though the souls of Atzilut are Divinity, still, since they have become sundered from the vessels of the Ten Sefirot (as explained above in Epistle XX) (21), they are termed "created beings" and are unable to apprehend the essence of G-dliness.]

Thus it is written regarding Moses, (22) "You will see My hinderpart" [an external manifestation (23) of the mere existence (metziut) of Divinity, but not the essence (mahut).

Thus, through the vision of his soul alone, as the soul gazes upon G-d without the benefit of mitzvot, even Moses could apprehend no more than externality, not essence.

Footnotes:

14. Moed Katan 9a.
15. Yechezkel 1.
16. Devarim 11:22.
17. Cf. Sotah 14a et al.
18. Bereishit 18:27.
19. Bereishit Rabbah 47:6; Tanya, ch. 23.
19a Bereishit 2:9.
20. Yeshayahu 6:3.
21. Vol. IV in the present series, p. 376.
22. Shmot 33:22.
23. Note of the Rebbe: "Examine Iggeret HaKodesh, Epistle 19
[above]."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chanukah is just around the corner!

Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:

http://www.Chanukah.org

Tip: Join a public menorah lighting or Chanukah event in your area too!

http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=103839

Send Chanukah Greeting Cards to friends and family:

http://www.chabad.org/225487

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

© Copyright
Kehot Publication Society
770 Eastern Parkway / Brooklyn, New York 11213
(718) 774-4000 / FAX (718) 774-2718
http://www.kehotonline.com

Brought to you by Chabad.org

To listen to an audio version of today's lesson, please click one of the following links:

MP3: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&tDate=12/04/2005&format=m3u
Real: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&tDate=12/04/2005&format=rm

To view this lesson online with Hebrew text and formatting plus many features, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp

For more daily Torah study, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

** Enjoyed this email? Please help us continue sharing the
study of Torah and Jewish traditions:

Dedicate or sponsor an email to mark your special occasion!
Please click here: http://www.chabad.org/dedications

Please click here to make a donation to Chabad.org:
http://www.chabad.org/donate

** To subscribe to more Chabad.org email lists please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/subscribe

** To be removed from this email list please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/unsub.asp?UserID=268334,13,261645,0,217
If you would just like your email suspended and resumed at a later
date, please let us know here:
http://www.chabad.org/go.asp?p=vacation_request&email=moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com

** You are subscribed as: moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com. If your e-mail address is changing
please send us your new email address here:
http://www.chabad.org/go.asp?p=address_change&email=moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chabad.org
Part of the Chabad Online Network

A division of Chabad Lubavitch Media Center
770 Eastern Parkway * Brooklyn, NY * 11213
Web: http://www.chabad.org
Feedback: http://www.chabad.org/tools/feedback.asp

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"TODAY'S DAY": Sunday, December 4, 2005

B"H

Kislev 3, 5766 * December 4, 2005

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S D A Y"
=======================

Tuesday, Kislev 3 5704

Torah lessons: Chumash: Vayeitsei, Shlishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 18-22.
Tanya: To perform a (p. 603)...see my hinderpart..."
(p. 605).

One difference between the ways of the Baal Shem Tov and of the Maggid was that the Baal Shem Tov went on all sorts of journeys, while the Maggid stayed home.

Moreover, when the Maggid was Rebbe, Chassidus was already widely known, even in distant places, because of the extensive journeys of the Holy Society. Many average laymen had thus become devoted to Chassidus and used to make pilgrimages to Mezritch.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chanukah is just around the corner!

Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:

http://www.Chanukah.org

Tip: Join a public menorah lighting or Chanukah event in your area too!

http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=103839

Send Chanukah Greeting Cards to friends and family:

http://www.chabad.org/225487

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867

© Copyright
Kehot Publication Society
770 Eastern Parkway / Brooklyn, New York 11213
(718) 774-4000 / FAX (718) 774-2718
http://www.kehotonline.com

Brought to you by Chabad.org

To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp

For more daily Torah study, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

** Enjoyed this email? Please help us continue sharing the
study of Torah and Jewish traditions:

Dedicate or sponsor an email to mark your special occasion!
Please click here: http://www.chabad.org/dedications

Please click here to make a donation to Chabad.org:
http://www.chabad.org/donate

** To subscribe to more Chabad.org email lists please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/subscribe

** To be removed from this email list please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/unsub.asp?UserID=268334,21,261645,0,217
If you would just like your email suspended and resumed at a later
date, please let us know here:
http://www.chabad.org/go.asp?p=vacation_request&email=moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com

** You are subscribed as: moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com. If your e-mail address is changing
please send us your new email address here:
http://www.chabad.org/go.asp?p=address_change&email=moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chabad.org
Part of the Chabad Online Network

A division of Chabad Lubavitch Media Center
770 Eastern Parkway * Brooklyn, NY * 11213
Web: http://www.chabad.org
Feedback: http://www.chabad.org/tools/feedback.asp

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

DAILY MITZVAH (Maimonides): Sunday, December 4, 2005

B"H

Kislev 3, 5766 * December 4, 2005

==================================================
D A I L Y M I T Z V A H (M A I M O N I D E S )
==================================================

Today's Mitzvot (Day 93 of 339):

Negative Mitzvot 161, 162; Positive Mitzvah 38;
Negative Mitzvot 160, 158, 159
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Introduction to Mitzvot 158-162:

The Special Laws which apply to the Marriage of a Priest.

HaShem declared that the Priests have unique and special laws
because of their task of representing the Jewish people through
service in the Beit HaMikdash.

The Torah instructs us how they must carry out their service,
and how they must conduct their family lives. They are given
specific Mitzvot instructing them whom they are permitted or
forbidden to marry.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Negative Mitzvah 161: The High Priest is forbidden to marry
a widow

-Leviticus 21:14. "A widow...these shall he not marry"

The Torah charges the High Priest - Kohen Gadol - with many
special responsibilities which only he can fulfill.

Therefore, he is also given special Mitzvot that apply only to
him. He even wears special clothing in addition to those clothes
worn by the regular priests.

This Negative Mitzvah adds a prohibition specifically for the High
Priest. It tells us that he may not marry a widow - a woman whose
husband has passed away.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Negative Mitzvah 162: A High Priest is forbidden to live with
a widow even if he does not marry her with
the required ceremony

-Leviticus 21:15 "Neither shall he profane his seed among his people"

When a Jewish person wants to get married, a special wedding ceremony
must be held. Afterwards, the couple is considered man and wife.

The previous Negative Mitzvah (161) cautions a High Priest not to
choose a widow as his wife and then marry her.

This Negative Mitzvah warns the High Priest not to live with a widow
even without the marriage ceremony.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Positive Mitzvah 38: Marriage of a High Priest

-Leviticus 21:13 "He must marry a maiden"

The High Priest position was very special.

He was the only one ever allowed to enter the Holy of Holies.

Therefore, the Torah established special guidelines for everything
he does.

Regarding his marriage, the Torah commands that his bride may not
have been previously married.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Negative Mitzvah 160: A Priest is forbidden to marry a divorced
woman

-Leviticus 21:7 "Neither shall they take a woman divorced by her
husband"

A priest is not permitted to marry a woman who has been previously
divorced.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Negative Mitzvah 158: A Priest may not marry an immoral woman

-Leviticus 21:7 "They shall not take a wife that is immoral
or profaned"

The Torah tells us that both men and women must act in a modest
and moral manner.

This Negative Mitzvah forbids the priest from marrying a woman
who does not behave in a modest manner. Such a woman is not suitable
to be the wife of someone who serves in the Beit HaMikdash.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Negative Mitzvah 159: A Priest is forbidden to marry a "Chalalah"

-Leviticus 21:7. "They shall not take a wife that is immoral
or profaned"

When a priest shows weakness of character and marries a woman whom
the Torah commands him not to, that woman and her children are
called "Chalalim." A priest is not permitted to marry a woman who
is a Chalalah.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chanukah is just around the corner!

Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:

http://www.Chanukah.org

Tip: Join a public menorah lighting or Chanukah event in your area too!

http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=103839

Send Chanukah Greeting Cards to friends and family:

http://www.chabad.org/225487

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Brought to you by Chabad.org

To listen to an audio version of today's lesson, please click one of the following links:

MP3: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=seferhamitzvot&tDate=12/04/2005&format=m3u
Real: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=seferhamitzvot&tDate=12/04/2005&format=rm

To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/seferHamitzvos.asp

For more daily Torah study, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

** Enjoyed this email? Please help us continue sharing the
study of Torah and Jewish traditions:

Dedicate or sponsor an email to mark your special occasion!
Please click here: http://www.chabad.org/dedications

Please click here to make a donation to Chabad.org:
http://www.chabad.org/donate

** To subscribe to more Chabad.org email lists please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/subscribe

** To be removed from this email list please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/unsub.asp?UserID=268334,15,261645,0,217
If you would just like your email suspended and resumed at a later
date, please let us know here:
http://www.chabad.org/go.asp?p=vacation_request&email=moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com

** You are subscribed as: moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com. If your e-mail address is changing
please send us your new email address here:
http://www.chabad.org/go.asp?p=address_change&email=moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chabad.org
Part of the Chabad Online Network

A division of Chabad Lubavitch Media Center
770 Eastern Parkway * Brooklyn, NY * 11213
Web: http://www.chabad.org
Feedback: http://www.chabad.org/tools/feedback.asp

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

TODAY IN JUDAISM: Sunday, December 4, 2005

B"H

Kislev 3, 5766 * December 4, 2005

=================================
T O D A Y I N J U D A I S M
=================================

* Laws * Customs * Jewish History * Daily Quote * Daily Study *

Today is: Sunday, Kislev 3, 5766

===========
Daily Quote
===========

Between coldness and heresy stands an extremely thin wall. For it is written: "G-d is a consuming fire"--G-dliness is a blazing flame

- Rabbi Sholom DovBer of Lubavitch

===========
Daily Study
===========

Chitas and Rambam for today:

Chumash: Vayeitzei, 1st Portion Bereishit 28:10-28:22 with Rashi
• English Text:
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/rashi/default.asp?tDate=12/4/2005&src=ds

Tehillim: Chapters 18 - 22
• Hebrew text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tehillim.asp?tDate=12/4/2005&Lang=HEB
• English text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tehillim.asp?tDate=12/4/2005

Tanya: Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
• Lesson in Tanya:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tDate=12/4/2005
• RealAudio:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&tDate=12/4/2005&format=rm
• Windows Media:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&tDate=12/4/2005&format=m3u

Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvos:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/seferHamitzvos.asp?tDate=12/4/2005
• 1 Chapter: Chovel uMazzik Chap. 6
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/rambam.asp?tDate=12/4/2005&rambamChapters=1
• 3 Chapters: Issurey Bi'ah Chap. 18, 19, 20
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/rambam.asp?tDate=12/4/2005&rambamChapters=3

Hayom Yom:
• English Text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp?tDate=12/4/2005

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chanukah is just around the corner!

Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:

http://www.Chanukah.org

Tip: Join a public menorah lighting or Chanukah event in your area too!

http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=103839

Send Chanukah Greeting Cards to friends and family:

http://www.chabad.org/225487

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Check out our other Calendar Tools:

Candle Lighting anywhere: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=6226
Zmanim - Halachic Times: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=143790
Jewish/Civil Date Converter: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=6225
Jewish Birthday Calculator: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=6228
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Calculator: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=6227
Yahrtzeit Calculator: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=6229

Copyright © Chabad.org, 2005

For more Torah study and inspiring articles, please visit:
http://www.chabad.org/magazine

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

** Enjoyed this email? Please help us continue sharing the
study of Torah and Jewish traditions:

Dedicate or sponsor an email to mark your special occasion!
Please click here: http://www.chabad.org/dedications

Please click here to make a donation to Chabad.org:
http://www.chabad.org/donate

** To subscribe to more Chabad.org email lists please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/subscribe

** To be removed from this email list please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/unsub.asp?UserID=268334,52,261645,0,217
If you would just like your email suspended and resumed at a later
date, please let us know here:
http://www.chabad.org/go.asp?p=vacation_request&email=moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com

** You are subscribed as: moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com. If your e-mail address is changing
please send us your new email address here:
http://www.chabad.org/go.asp?p=address_change&email=moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chabad.org
Part of the Chabad Online Network

A division of Chabad Lubavitch Media Center
770 Eastern Parkway * Brooklyn, NY * 11213
Web: http://www.chabad.org
Feedback: http://www.chabad.org/tools/feedback.asp

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Related Posts with Thumbnails