A. I’m usually not in the know about these kinds of things, I’m not at all connected in that kind of way, but it so happens that circumstances brought about that I had a conversation with him back in 2005 … Read the rest
...A. Interesting question actually. Here’s some background for those who might not be familiar: The famous Kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria, best known as the “Arizal” composed three Kabbalistic songs for each of the Shabbos meals. “Azameir B’Shvachin” is for Friday … Read the rest
...A. Some people, mostly Chassidim (not only Chabad) and descendants of Chassidim, observe an additional Passover restriction of Gebrokts – not making Matzah wet. It comes from a remote concern that perhaps some of the Matzah wasn’t fully baked and … Read the rest
...A. The Lubavitcher Rebbe wore the same black fedora hat and long black suit-coat (Kapote) as customary by the Chabad-Lubavitch Chassidim, only that the Rebbe wore it all week, while most Chassidim only dressed like that on Shabbos.… Read the rest
...A. No. The Rebbe and his wife shared a last name before they got married in 1929. They were actually cousins, sharing a common great-great grandfather, the 3rd Rebbe of Lubavitch (also named Menachem Mendel) also known as the Tzemach … Read the rest
...A. I didn’t. But storytelling and parables are important Chassidic (and generally Jewish) traditions, so it was a big part of our learning experience.… Read the rest
...A. There’s a cycle of tractates, usually an eight-year rotation. Most Yeshivas study the 3 Bavas: Bava Kamma (damages) Bava Metziah (monetary disputes & doubts) and Bava Basra (real-estate, property disputes, zoning and inheritance). Also commonly learned are marital tractates … Read the rest
...A. www.JewishWoman.org is a great website with lots of material. The Rebbe often spoke about the unique advantages of feminine spirituality and strongly encouraged the empowerment of women and their vital involvement in Jewish life. One aspect of this was … Read the rest
...A. Mushky Galperin (now Bendet) helped me with the reason for the Chabad custom being different. “Shel” is Hebrew for “of”. When it comes to Shabbat candles, it is Shabbat that is the main celebration and the candles are a … Read the rest
...A. (1) “Where there’s Coca-Cola, you’ll find Chabad Lubavitch”. The Rebbe encouraged and inspired his chassidim to take up posts, wherever Jews may be, even in difficult or faraway places. In many far-flung places or small Jewish communities, Chabad may … Read the rest
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