SF - The Powerful Holiness of Am Yisrael

The journey is beautiful

Yaacov lived in Egypt for seventeen years (Bereishit 47:28). Rashi explains that this parashah, Vayechi, is written as a continuation of the previous parashah, Vayigash. This suggests that when Yaacov Avinu passed away, the hearts and eyes of Klal Yisrael were "closed"—symbolizing the suffering that began with his death and the subsequent enslavement in Egypt. Yet, the verse says, "Yaacov lived in Egypt". This seems paradoxical. Shouldn't the verse have said that upon Yaacov’s death, "the eyes and hearts of Klal Yisrael were blocked"? Why emphasize that Yaacov lived? Hashem had told Klal Yisrael, "You shall be to Me a special treasure above all nations" (Shemot 19:5), just as light is superior to darkness. The "seventy souls" of Israel who descended into Egypt carried with them a holiness that elevated even the seventy impure nations, bringing them closer to their spiritual roots. In this way, the holy sparks of Klal Yisrael are like light, lifting all things higher, just as light is always superior to darkness. As long as Yaacov was alive, his sanctity uplifted Klal Yisrael, enveloping them in Divine light. But with his passing, the darkness that followed revealed the profound contrast of his holiness. The suffering that began after his death marked the loss of that light, and the emptiness left behind became even more apparent. Today: When you recite the Shema Yisrael, take a moment to reflect on the power and light of your inner holiness. Just as Yaacov’s presence illuminated his family, so too does your inner sanctity shine, even in times of challenge. (Based on the commentary of the Bat Eiyan) Donate May the souls who left this world be remembered for a blessing. R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph HaRav HaGaon Rebe Mordecai ben Rav Moshe and Rebbitzen Mazel Malka bas Sara Meira Leah bas Michael Basha Elka bas Moshe HaCohen Devorah bas Moshe HaRav HaGaon Rebe Yisrael ben HaRav HaGaon Zev Wolf HaRav HaGaon Rebe Moshe ben HaRav HaGaon Yacov Moshe Fisher HaRav HaGaon Daniel Zvi ben Avraham Chanuch HaRav HaGaon BZF R' Maair Ben R' Yakutiel and Javayeer z"tl Refuah Shleimah Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta Zivia bas Raizel Tzvi ben Chana Avner Shimon ben Argamon Leah Hadassah bas Michal Chana Chava Bas Michal Chanah Nuna bas Nuna Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora Chaya Leah bas Sara Chaya Shaina Chana Bas Itcha Netanel Ilan ben Shayna Tzipora Shmuel Ben Navat Chanah Tauba bat Tzilah. Daniella bat Sarah Rise bat Faiga salantfoundation.org US 305 653 1182 Israel 058 429 8471 Visit our website Connect with us Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email

Salant Foundation | 1330 NE 172 St. | North Miami Beach, FL 33162 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

SF - The Advantage of a Positive Perspective

The journey is beautiful

"It was not you that sent me here, for Hashem made me a father to Pharaoh and the master of his entire household, and a ruler over all the land of Egypt" (Bereishit 45:8). Yoseph's brothers contemplated killing him, sold him as a slave in Egypt, and ultimately Yoseph languished in a dungeon for twelve years. Despite all these malicious acts directed against him, Yoseph always maintained a positive perspective. In the verse mentioned above, Yoseph reveals to his brothers the true reason he ended up in Egypt: Hashem sent him there to become the Egyptian leader. Yoseph endured incredible suffering at the hands of his brothers, yet he did not hold them accountable for their harsh treatment. He told them, "It was not you that sent me here, for Hashem made me a father to Pharaoh and the master of his entire household, and a ruler over all the land of Egypt." Furthermore, he instructed his brothers to bring their father, Jacob, to Egypt, assuring them that he would provide them with lodging and food. Today: When you face a difficult challenge, say, "This is also for the good!" Even if you can't immediately see the positive outcomes, strive to maintain an optimistic perspective. Envision a favorable result, and Hashem will bless you with His most powerful blessings, salvation, and comfort. Donate May the souls who left this world be remembered for a blessing. R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph HaRav HaGaon Rebe Mordecai ben Rav Moshe and Rebbitzen Mazel Malka bas Sara Meira Leah bas Michael Basha Elka bas Moshe HaCohen Devorah bas Moshe HaRav HaGaon Rebe Yisrael ben HaRav HaGaon Zev Wolf HaRav HaGaon Rebe Moshe ben HaRav HaGaon Yacov Moshe Fisher HaRav HaGaon Daniel Zvi ben Avraham Chanuch HaRav HaGaon BZF R' Maair Ben R' Yakutiel and Javayeer z"tl Refuah Shleimah Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta Zivia bas Raizel Tzvi ben Chana Avner Shimon ben Argamon Leah Hadassah bas Michal Chana Chava Bas Michal Chanah Nuna bas Nuna Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora Chaya Leah bas Sara Chaya Shaina Chana Bas Itcha Netanel Ilan ben Shayna Tzipora Shmuel Ben Navat Chanah Tauba bat Tzilah. Daniella bat Sarah Rise bat Faiga salantfoundation.org US 305 653 1182 Israel 058 429 8471 Visit our website Connect with us Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email

Salant Foundation | 1330 NE 172 St. | North Miami Beach, FL 33162 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

SF - The Secret of the Chanukah Candles

The journey is beautiful

The Arizal teaches us that the 36 candles we light during Chanukah correspond to the numerical value of the name לאה (Leah), which also equals 36. In this case, the letter ל (Lamed) is worth 30, א (Aleph) is worth 1, and ה (Hey) is worth 5. Our Sages, as mentioned in Berachos, tell us that Leah was the first person to thank Hashem! After the birth of her fourth son, she exclaimed, "This time, I thank Hashem!" The opening blessing of Hallel states: "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who sanctifies us with His commandments and commands us to recite the prayer of thankfulness." This special prayer expresses our gratitude to Hashem for the miracles of Chanukah. Notably, the last three words of this blessing are "לקרא את ההלל" (to recite the prayer of thankfulness). This phrase begins with the Hebrew letters that spell לאה. In fact, the name of the Jewish people, Yehudim, means to thank Hashem. Our gratitude to Hashem is at the very core and essence of our being! Furthermore, the pure oil of Chanukah symbolizes our pure, holy, and radiant soul. The light of our soul illuminates our lives—even in dark moments—with a brilliance that surpasses even the shining sun. Today: Take a moment to look at the flames of the Chanukah candles and thank Hashem for your pure and holy soul that brings light into your life! (Based on the teachings of the Arizal, and the Meor Einayim) Donate May the souls who left this world be remembered for a blessing. R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph HaRav HaGaon Rebe Mordecai ben Rav Moshe and Rebbitzen Mazel Malka bas Sara Meira Leah bas Michael Basha Elka bas Moshe HaCohen Devorah bas Moshe HaRav HaGaon Rebe Yisrael ben HaRav HaGaon Zev Wolf HaRav HaGaon Rebe Moshe ben HaRav HaGaon Yacov Moshe Fisher HaRav HaGaon Daniel Zvi ben Avraham Chanuch HaRav HaGaon BZF R' Maair Ben R' Yakutiel and Javayeer z"tl Refuah Shleimah Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta Zivia bas Raizel Tzvi ben Chana Avner Shimon ben Argamon Leah Hadassah bas Michal Chana Chava Bas Michal Chanah Nuna bas Nuna Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora Chaya Leah bas Sara Chaya Shaina Chana Bas Itcha Netanel Ilan ben Shayna Tzipora Shmuel Ben Navat Chanah Tauba bat Tzilah. Daniella bat Sarah Rise bat Faiga salantfoundation.org US 305 653 1182 Israel 058 429 8471 Visit our website Connect with us Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email

Salant Foundation | 1330 NE 172 St. | North Miami Beach, FL 33162 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

SF - The Hidden Light of Chanukah

The journey is beautiful

During the Festival of Chanukah, we light 36 candles. The number 36 is significant because it corresponds to the "Ohr HaGanuz," or the Hidden Light. When HaShem created the world, He illuminated the earth with a special light. After 36 hours, HaShem decided to conceal this light—the Ohr HaGanuz—for the righteous in the World to Come. This light is hidden within the Torah, which corresponds to the 36 Tractates of the Talmud. The Menorah that was kindled in the Temple revealed aspects of the Ohr HaGanuz. Likewise, the 36 Chanukah candles that Klal Yisrael lights reflect a portion of this holy light in the world. When Meshiach comes, HaShem will shine the full radiance of the Ohr HaGanuz upon the entire nation of Israel. When we light the Chanukah candles, the individual lights combine to create the sublime emanation of the Ohr HaGanuz. Imagine Aaron HaCohen lighting the Menorah and feel the holiness that elevates the souls of Klal Yisrael. As you light the Chanukah Menorah, reflect on the idea that all the Chanukah lights being kindled throughout the world come together to illuminate the world with the Hidden Light of the Ohr HaGanuz. Gaze upon the flames of the Chanukah lights and envision all of Klal Yisrael enjoying the Ohr HaGanuz. (Based on Bene Yissacher) Donate May the souls who left this world be remembered for a blessing. R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph HaRav HaGaon Rebe Mordecai ben Rav Moshe and Rebbitzen Mazel Malka bas Sara Meira Leah bas Michael Basha Elka bas Moshe HaCohen Devorah bas Moshe HaRav HaGaon Rebe Yisrael ben HaRav HaGaon Zev Wolf HaRav HaGaon Rebe Moshe ben HaRav HaGaon Yacov Moshe Fisher HaRav HaGaon Daniel Zvi ben Avraham Chanuch HaRav HaGaon BZF R' Maair Ben R' Yakutiel and Javayeer z"tl Refuah Shleimah Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta Zivia bas Raizel Tzvi ben Chana Avner Shimon ben Argamon Leah Hadassah bas Michal Chana Chava Bas Michal Chanah Nuna bas Nuna Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora Chaya Leah bas Sara Chaya Shaina Chana Bas Itcha Netanel Ilan ben Shayna Tzipora Shmuel Ben Navat Chanah Tauba bat Tzilah. Daniella bat Sarah Rise bat Faiga salantfoundation.org US 305 653 1182 Israel 058 429 8471 Visit our website Connect with us Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email

Salant Foundation | 1330 NE 172 St. | North Miami Beach, FL 33162 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice