Moshe Rabbeinu is telling us that, today – as we find ourselves standing before Hashem, about to experience the ultimate encounter with the Melech Malchei Hamlachim during the Yomim Noraim – we must know there is no Yid beyond redemption – that there is no such thing as being “hopelessly lost.” What incredible chizzuk! No matter how far one may have fallen, no matter how far one may have strayed, Hashem will be there to take him back home.
Oh, around the fire, dancing free,
Ashkenazi, Sefardi,
Chossid, Litvak, arm in arm,
Swaying together.
Women, children, taking part,
The youth, the old; yet, young at heart.
It’s thanks to you, Rabbeinu Bar Yochai,
One big family,
On Har Meron.
Does the Torah record every conversation that ever took place? Surely our Biblical ancestors spoke more than what is written in the Torah, so what is the Torah teaching us by describing this brief interaction that Yosef had while on his way to find his brothers?
Just as the salt of our Shabbos tables is used to enhance the taste of the delicacies before us, the choice of song is of utmost importance and must enhance the spiritual taste of our Shabbos tables.
His eyes glimmered like crystal and were filled with love and kindness. His smiling face was warm and radiant. His voice was pleasant and sweet. Just who was this Tzaddik, about whom so many amazing things have been said? Why exactly did everyone so greatly admire and adore him? Let’s read a few things about one of the greatest figures of Yerushalayim, a man simply called Reb Aryeh, and then maybe we’ll have a better idea.