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Rabbi's Blog

Thoughts and Musings by Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky

My Barnes and Noble Encounter

My Barnes and Noble Encounter

On Tuesday, June 10th, a new book by prolific author Joseph Telushkin was published titled: “Rebbe”: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History.

On that same day I stopped into Barnes and Noble to pick up my own copy. There were only two in stock, and as I was heading over to pay, a fellow by the name of Jeff approached me and asked:

"Is that Rebbe?"

"Yes" I replied.

"Just what I was looking for" Said Jeff. “I’ll take the second copy."

I was curious and intrigued by this coincidence.

Jeff explained that he was Catholic and had heard the author be interviewed earlier that day on the Dennis Prager show and found it fascinating. Now, he wanted to read the book and be inspired further.

For me, this encounter was a strong reminder of our collective Jewish mission to serve as "A Light onto the Nations”- a theme often emphasized by the Rebbe:

As Jews, we have a mandate to teach the universal “Seven Noahide Laws”. By focusing our attention on the divine image in each and every human being, as well paying attention to the commonalities amongst all people, we can more easily be reminded of our duty to share this Jewish code of universal decency and morality for all of civilization.

This new book will certainly be a source of inspiration for Jeff, as well as any Jew or Gentile in pursuit of the Rebbe’s revolutionary insights for living a truly meaningful life.

Click here to buy your copy on Amazon.

Click here to read a Review by Bellaire community member Dr. Len Zwelling

To buy tickets for upcoming Dennis Prager event click here

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky 

 

Birthday Energy

Birthday Energy

In Jewish thought, time can be compared to a spiral staircase. This becomes relevant when we discuss special occasions in time, like holidays and milestones.

This is personally relevant to me as I prepare to celebrate my 35th birthday tomorrow.

So although I’ve made that 35th climb around the spiral staircase, I know that I am not in the same place as last year, but one year higher!

Our tradition teaches that one’s birthday is loaded with extra spiritual strength and power, a day when one’s Mazal – luck is most potent.

With that in mind, I’d like to use the occasion of my birthday to bless each and every one of you that all your hearts desires should be fulfilled by G-d almighty, showering you with much health, happiness and prosperity for you and your families.

And finally, thank you for your friendship and support over the last three and a half years. Esty and I are more than delighted to be sharing our lives with each of you and we look forward to many more years of meaningful and fun learning and growth together.

Please join us for a special birthday Kiddush-lunch tomorrow, June 7 (following services) at 11:45am. I look forward to sharing a L’chaim with you.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky

 

 

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