Kehot Publication Society

11/06/2020

Cheshvan sale - All items-store.kehotonline.com

Chof Cheshvan Sale!
Up to 40% off the Seforim of Rebbe Rashab.
Shop the full collection > https://store.kehotonline.com/products.asp?dept=827
Today through Sunday!

Meet the Rebbe Rashab:
Rabbi Sholom DovBer devoted himself to the future of the Jewish nation by involving himself in education on all levels. He founded the flagship Chabad yeshivah Tomchei Temimim, the first to incorporate Chasidic thought into its syllabus. Focused on strengthening communities in remote areas, he organized a Jewish corps which helped with the education of Jewish children and adults. A profound intellect, he was known to sit perfectly still in deep contemplation for hours on end. His written works provide the first systematic organization of Chabad thought and provide the basis of these studies in Chabad yeshivahs today. His activities strengthened Jewish awareness and secured the future for generations.

We celebrate his birth, on the 20th of Cheshvan, which is tomorrow (Shabbos).

11/06/2020

Good Shabbos world! Candle lighting times for November 6, Parshas Vayeira in NYC: Candle Lighting Friday night 4:28pm, Shabbos ends at 5:27pm.

In this week’s Torah portion, there’s a phenomenal exchange between Abraham and G-d. G-d has just informed Abraham that he intends to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. True to his character, Abraham pleads for mercy and begins brokering with G-d.

He begins his negotiations by entreating G-d to forgive the people if there are even fifty righteous people in these cities. Eventually, he presses G-d to withhold punishment if there are even ten righteous people.

In these highly populated yet morally depraved cities, where the cruelest behaviors were tolerated and encouraged, all that was necessary to prevent destruction was ten people standing true to their morals.

Ten. That’s all.

Maimonides tells us to view our world as being half meritorious and half unmeritorious. We don’t need to change the world and all its moral wrongs. All we need to do is one act of goodness to tip the scales in our favor.

Just one positive act by one individual.

And anyone of us can be that individual.

—from Shabbat DeLights > https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ESE-SHAB.S

11/05/2020

Carnival Bean Bag Can Toss Game by Hey! Play! - Walmart.com

Fresh off the Press! Avnei Chein: History of the Chein Family Dynasty

From Babylon to Present Day, this fascinating family legacy, told through stories, documents, and personal journals.

Cherished by the Leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch Movement, R. Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, wrote to a follower: “It would be most appropriate if you would transcribe what you remember from the veteran Chasidim that you had made their acquaintance, such as R. Peretz [Chein] and his son, R. Dovid Tzvi.”

Finally, after many years of research and compilation, the above directive can said to have been accomplished with this handsome volume.

A sizeable amount of the material presented here is sourced in the writings of the Lubavitcher Rebbes, although the better part is based on family memoirs. Laden with images, news clippings, and letters by the Rebbes and more, this fascinating collection of historical gems will surely keep readers delighted.

Buy now > https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=EH-AVNE

Free 2-day shipping. Buy Carnival Bean Bag Can Toss Game by Hey! Play! at Walmart.com

10/30/2020

#Lightpoints

Lightpoints is a Shabbos essential. Just ask אברהם פריד Avraham Fried.
Enjoy this delightful film by Rivkin Media.

#Lightpoints
Own it today >> https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ERE-LIGH.H

10/30/2020

Good Shabbos world! Candle lighting times for October 29, Parshas Lech Lecha in NYC: Candle Lighting Friday night 5:36pm, Shabbos ends at 6:35pm.

Follow the Tide or Swim Upstream?
In Lech Lecha, we are introduced to Abraham, the first Jew and the forefather of our people. Abraham is called Ivri, a Hebrew, and the name has stuck for his descendants.

On a simple level, he was called Ivri because geographically he came from ever hanahar, the "other side of the river." On a deeper level, he stood on the "other side" of the world in his principles and moral standing. In a dark, decadent world, he shined the light of monotheism and divine moral clarity.

G-d entrusted the Jewish people with the obligation of being "a light unto the nations" (Isaiah 42:6). It's a job description that not only is arduous, but has caused genuine envy as well as the deepest and most vile hatred. Most of humanity would rather yield to the prevailing status quo and social pressure than deviate from its accustomed behaviors.

Abraham, too, could easily have chosen to follow the norm; instead, he followed his soul. As a result, he was thrown into a burning furnace for not bowing to idols, was expelled from his home, was tested countless times, and only miraculously escaped with his life. Nevertheless, he stood tall and firm in what he knew to be the truth.

He passed on this legacy to his descendants.

We all have choices: To follow the tide or to swim upstream. To be satisfied with the status quo, or to improve our world through a higher spiritual service or a greater moral code. Throughout the centuries, Abraham's descendants have made disproportionate contributions in these areas.

Our greatest haters realized that this was our fate. They also realized that this desire to make our world a home for G-d is inherently embedded within our Jewish soul.

Within each and every one of us.

From Shabbos deLights > https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ESE-SHAB.S

Art by Michoel Muchnik available here > https://fineartamerica.com/featured/loyal-doves-michoel-muchnik.html

10/23/2020

Good Shabbos world! Candle lighting times for October 23, Parshas Noach in NYC: Candle Lighting Friday night 5:45pm, Shabbos ends at 6:43pm.

NOACH 9:23

And Shem and Yefet took the garment, and placed
it on both of their shoulders. They walked backwards, and they covered their father's nakedness; their faces were turned backwards, and they did not see their father's nakedness.

You See what You Need to See
The Baal Shem Tov taught: Flaws that you see in someone else are a reflection of your own imperfections. G-d leads us to notice these shortcomings in someone else, for our own deficiencies in that particular area would have
otherwise gone unnoticed.

This "chance discovery," says the Baal Shem Tov, is not only about helping your friend; there's something in it for you too, it brings attention to the areas in which you too could use critique and improvement.

The incident of Shem and Yefet protecting their father's honor alludes to this idea. The Torah relates that when Noach was drunk and lying naked in his tent, Shem and Yefet entered backward, so as not to see their father's nakedness, and they covered him. Now, the Torah states that Shem and Yefet faced backward, in which case they obviously couldn't see their father, who lay naked in front of them.

Nevertheless, the verse emphasizes that Shem and Yefet "did not see their father's nakedness." In other words, not only did they not see their father naked since they faced the opposite direction, they also did not "see" his nakedness and shame; all they saw was a situation that demanded their assistance.

Via the all-new Lightpoints > https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ERE-LIGH.H

10/22/2020

#Lightpoints

Lightpoints is a Shabbos essential. Just ask אברהם פריד Avraham Fried.
Enjoy this delightful film by Rivkin Media.

#Lightpoints
Own it today >> https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ERE-LIGH.H

10/18/2020

Portions of Light - Teachings from the Baal Shem Tov-store.kehotonline.com

Committing to learning regularly in 5781? Check it off each week with Portions of Light - s a little book packed with inspiring and relevant teachings from the Baal Shem Tov on Parsha and Festivals.

Featuring:
* Inspirational lessons couched in practical applications
* Thought-provoking, soul-nourishing insights
* Original Hebrew alongside resonant English translation
* Tailored for the scholar and the curious Jew
* Bite-sized, easily digestible light-filled gems

The Wellsprings of Chassidus crafted just for you! On sale now > https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=EBS-PORT See Less

Publisher: Kehot Publication Society & Chayenu Format: 6 x 9 Hardcover, 200 pages Language: English

10/16/2020

Good Shabbos world! Candle lighting times for October 16, Parshas Breishis in NYC: Candle Lighting Friday night 5:55pm, Shabbos ends at 6:53pm.

Bereish*t 2:3

וַיְבָ֤רֶךְ אֱלֹ-הִים֙ אֶת־י֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י וַיְקַדֵּ֖שׁ אֹת֑וֹ כִּ֣י ב֤וֹ שָׁבַת֙ מִכָּל־מְלַאכְתּ֔וֹ אֲשֶׁר־בָּרָ֥א אֱלֹ-הִ֖ים לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת:

G-d blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for on it He abstained from all His work that G-d created to do.

The New Perfect
On the seventh day from the start of Creation, G-d rested from his creation of the world -- "His work that G-d created to do."

What is the meaning of this phrase? Would it not have been more accurate to refer to Creation as the work "that G-d created and did"?

The Midrash explains that indeed G-d created the world "to do" -- i.e., to be perfected by humankind. In the words of the Midrash, "Anything created in the six days of Creation requires enhancement."

This perspective seems to contradict the oft-repeated teaching of our Sages that the world was entirely perfect and complete upon creation. Which one is it? Was the world perfect upon creation, or does it require further improvement -- "to do"?

These two views are not contradictory, however, when we consider the context of the verse that refers to creation as the work "that G-d created to do" -- a verse which speaks about the seventh day, Shabbos.

In the first six days of Creation, the creation met all "expectations": it was perfect and complete. When the seventh day arrived, however, and G-d sanctified that day as Shabbos, the additional holiness drawn into the world made it suddenly possible for the world to attain greater heights than it had been capable of before, rendering its initial state of perfection deficient.

Thus began the requirement for humankind "to do" -- to bring creation to its newly endowed potential, for greater potential obligates greater responsibility and accomplishment.

From the all-new Lightpoints > https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ERE-LIGH.H

Art: Beresh*t by Yoram Ranaan

10/14/2020

Lightpoints from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the weekly Torah portion-store.kehotonline.com

Start the year off right with Lightpoints: Teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the weekly Torah portion.

Lightpoints is a collection of uplifting, authentic and concise insights from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the Torah. These meticulously selected insights, many adapted here into English for the first time, were originally published individually each weekday in print and email, and enthusiastically received by thousands of people from all segments of the international Jewish community.

This collection aims to provide the English-speaking community with a taste of the Rebbe's vast contributions to Jewish scholarship. Some Lightpoints focus more on the Torah and its commentaries; others highlight the relevance of the Torah's lessons in our day and age. As their name indicates, the Lightpoints are intended to be short and easy to read, but more importantly, they are points of light to illuminate our perspective on the Torah, and direct us along the Torah's path of truth and holiness that guides our lives.

On sale now for just $26, purchase yours today > https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ERE-LIGH.H

Publisher: Kehot Publication Society & Or Hachassidus Format: 6 x 9 Hardcover, 688 Pages Language: English Lightpoints from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the weekly Torah portion

10/09/2020

Good Shabbos and Good Yom Tov! Candle lighting times for October 9 in NYC: Candle Lighting Friday night 6:06pm, Shabbos ends at 7:03pm.

Well, the best is yet ahead.

While our mission at Kehot is to disseminate the teachings of the Torah and spread the knowledge of Chasidism, the upcoming days of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are dedicated not to study--but to rejoicing with the Torah. There are no special study sessions, just a closed Torah carried aloft and animated by our dancing feet. In this everyone is equal. The scholar and the uneducated, dancing with the same rolled up Torah scroll.

"The Torah is the inheritance of every Jew."

Let us celebrate with the Torah, and the Torah will surely celebrate with us.

Here are snippets culled from our (currently out of stock) Days of Awe, Days of Joy, by Rabbi Eliyahu Friedman of Tzfat Israel.


IT'S ALL IN THE DANCING
Rabbi Shalom DovBer of Lubavitch said:

"We must deeply cherish the 48 hours of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Every minute it is possible to accumulate veritable treasure houses [of blessings], physically and spiritually.

"How? By dancing."

JOY THAT FOLLOWS SOLEMNITY
Simchat Torah comes as a result of the spiritual service of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For during all the days of the year we cause a deficiency and a blemish Above by not performing mitzvot correctly, and when on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we make up all the deficiencies, we feel the joy of a mitzvah.

WHAT DO ANGELS DO ON SIMCHAT TORAH?
The Baal Shem Tov once related to his students:

On Simchat Torah day we pray the morning services a little later, because of the hakafot and the festive meal the night before.

The supernal angels, who do not have this service, are preparing as usual to recite songs of praise to G-d. However, they cannot do this without the souls of the Jewish people, for the angels do not sing songs of praise Above until the Jews sing them below.

So while waiting, they occupy themselves with cleaning up
Gan Eden. To their surprise they come across worn-out shoes, which greatly amazes them, for they are used to finding tzitzit and tefillin, but not shoes.

So they approach the angel Michael to ask him about it. He answers that these are actually his merchandise and that they are from the dancing of the Jewish people with Torah scrolls. The Angel Michael then begins to count the shoes: "These are from Kaminka, these are from Mezritch..."

With these torn shoes the angel Michael glories over the angel Metat, who fashions crowns for his Creator from the prayers of the Jews, saying that he will make better crowns from these torn shoes.

From Days of Awe, Days of Joy > https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ef-daysadj&deptid=&parentid=&page=1&itemsperpage=10

Art: Simchat Torah in Jerusalem available here >
http://thestudioinvenice.com/product/simhat-torah-in-jerusalem/

10/06/2020

Learn Eruvin with the Alter Rebbe. On sale now for just $13!
Laws of Shabbat from the Shulchan Aruch of the Alter Rebbe, with in-depth commentary and footnotes by Rabbi Shalom Dovber Levine.
Shop now > https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HAR-SHULOHS7

10/02/2020

Good Shabbos and Good Yom Tov! Candle lighting times for October 2 in NYC: Candle Lighting Friday night 6:17pm, Shabbos ends at 7:14pm.

Your Sukkah Your Home
The requirement to "live" in sukot obligates us to "move into" it and performing as many of our day-to-day activities in it as possible. Thus, unlike other commandments, which involve only a particular limb of the body, the sukah involves the whole person. During Sukot, even mundane, weekday eating becomes a fulfillment of a commandment when performed in the sukah.

Furthermore, a home is a basic human need, secondary only to food and clothing. Besides fulfilling the need for shelter, a home is a tangible expression of our mastery over the physical world; as such, it is a vital component of the fulfillment of our Divine mission -- to make this world into G-d's home. Moreover, inasmuch as each of us is required to reveal Divinity in the world in a unique manner, as an expression of our unique Divine souls, a private home is an expression of the personal component of our Divine mission and an essential vehicle for our self-expression. Inasmuch as fulfilling this Divine imperative lies at the bedrock of our psychological makeup, the lack of a place to call home leaves us disoriented and unfocused. The sense of completeness we draw from our home is felt not only when we are in it, but even when we are outside it.

So when, during Sukot, the sukah becomes our home, our domiciliary self-completeness is invested with the holiness of the commandment of living in the sukah. This experience of living inside a Divine commandment and drawing our sense of self-completeness from it enables us to live the rest of the year "surrounded by G-d's commandments," i.e., sanctifying our entire lives, including their most mundane aspects.

Yet, paradoxically, while the sukah is given an element of permanence, it must be a temporary hut: its roof must be makeshift, and it cannot be taller than 20 cubits (9.6 m or 31.5 ft). This paradox conveys an important message: The experience of living in a temporary hut for seven days reminds us that life itself is ephemeral. The seven days of Sukot correspond to the basic human lifespan, described in the Psalms as consisting of 70 years. By recognizing life's inherent transience, we protect ourselves from losing our perspective in the illusion of permanence. We can then imbue the world with true permanence and meaning by transforming it into G-d's dwelling.

From the Kehot Chumash > https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ESE-TORA.SB

Sukkot art by Shani Levin