Midnightrabbi wants us to make a “music 4 youth” Unity concert, with special guests T.B.A.

Rabbi Goldsmith is once again hosting youth music concerts to promote a music revolution on-line and beyond bringing us good self esteem among Israeli youth and anglo students in Israel. Past performers include Lazer LLoyd, Ari Lesser, Yosef Dainel, Hamakor, Yosef Karduner, Shtar, Boruch Vidal,  Avraham Pilcer,  Az Yashir, , Hello Sid, Sam Fisher and other young enthusiastic top class musicians.

The Unity of the Bands was so successful, it is returning again for the new school year at a new alcohol-free club for youth The Bet Shemesh Educational Center. Rabbi Goldsmith spoke on Israel National Radio’s The Beat about how music can positively influence young adults to change for the better.

INR: So tell us who you are and how you became the Midnight Rabbi

Rabbi Goldsmith: I grew up in London and have been in Eretz Yisrael for ten years. I’ve seen from being in a few different yeshivas like Ohr Somayach the importance of music -  especially me being a baal teshuvah and being involved in London in the music industry. My family, Harvey Goldsmith and my father Martin Goldsmith put on big events. I would see the effect of the music industry had on the youth. I wanted to be a famous rock singer at one point when I was a teenager. I won a “battle of the bands” in London. I’m still close to those guys because music has a bonding effect.

INR: What was the name of your old band?

Rabbi Goldsmith: Common Ground. It was about unity even in that world. But now the boys are coming to yeshiva not just for music but for spiritual reasons. So it can be a spiritually defined purpose. The music has the power to combine the physical with the spiritual. I see that with the bochurim [yeshiva students]. It brings out their self esteem and togetherness.

INR: What were your father’s big events?

Rabbi Goldstein: He helped do Live Aid. There’s an interesting hashkacha pratis [Divine guidance] story about someone else who’s been helping - Jeff Pulver. My dad arranged to get him into the Led Zepplin reunion concert at Royal Albert Hall. Personally, I don’t listen to their music and don’t think their a good influence on the kids at all. Jeff Pulver likes them very much, and he’s a good guy, so the hashkacha pratis is that even from such a place, he ended up contributing a decent amount of money to the studio the boys have been using.

It has a drum kit, piano, amps speaker system and even rebbes have been using it to speak their drashas on. Even though the kids are unfortunatley drawn to this type of music, especially the rap world, when they come with the right intentions, and inspiration, they elevate this type of music. It’s an amazing thing and that what it was at Unity of the Bands.

INR: So why do they call you the Midnight Rabbi?

Rabbi Goldsmith: A few years back I was walking around the street late at night and was surprised to see how many young people were out there. I was learning full time and was learning very shtark [to appear to be religious]. I thought there needs to be something done in the kiruv world late at night. So I asked my wife and she agreed that I should pursue this. The first yeshiva was Netzach, where they called me the X-Box Rebbe because I used to see them where they used to play the video games late at night. Then it ended up Ner Yaakov which offered me an even later position, so they called me the Midnight Rabbi. So it came from the boys themselves. The idea was for me to come late at night.

I remember this one student, his first month or so in yeshiva, he used to come back drunk out of his face. Last year at an end-of-the year party, he told me he thought maybe he was having hallucinations because every night he would find this rabbi that he could sit and talk with about deeper things. And every morning he would wake up — well not really in the morning, maybe in the afternoon — and he would say, “Did I meet a rabbi last night? I can’t remember.” It made a deep impression on him and the whole year we had a good connection.

INR: Do you actually like rap and rock?

Rabbi Goldsmith: For me personally, I don’t think any of this music is ideal. I don’t listen to it in my own house. But my strength is from my past because I can bridge these gaps when I talk to them. At this point that’s where they’re at. I’m more just a stepping stone. I can’t be the end result. It’s about elevating the sparks with real content and the musicians themselves being real Role models for a honest true future!

INR: When is your next event?

Rabbi Goldsmith: hoping with your help to begin 5774, 2013-14 with some new shows and some new surprise guests T.B.A. like Ari Lesser

So happy to get ready for 2014 with Ari this year in top form  

And  Elyon 

We have posted our latest music on elyonsong and hope u all get inspired and sing inspired!

We have also included our latest videos and hope to be coming out with a new album asap. See below some of our favourite lyrics that have inspired us all!

Elyon- Eliezer Kosoy soul-ful sounds and teacher! Appreciates  Yonason Hill for all his great talent and soul  

And HaMakor for the second time thank G-d We Are So Excited To Have Hosted 3 of the Solomon Bros and now a fourth ofThe Talented Solomon Brothers, Yosef, formerly of the Moshav band, At Our Midnightrabbi Mystic Music Hour With The Fortunate Ones! Their Talent Is Beyond Words And Take A Glimpse At The Best Jewish Music Brothers Around. We all Loved It Beyond Talent,  Thank G-D! We Hope To Bring The Whole Band and brothers Here Soon With A Rockin’ Midnightrabbi Concert For More Fortunate Ones! Bs’d! The pics are here <-

And Yosef Karduner for the really fortunate ones ! <- click here for more on this great musician! And click yosef-karduner-live-midnightrabbi-mystic-music-hanukah-bet-shemesh-with-yeshivat-ashreinu for more audio of the live concet and blog with vids other acts inc. yosef-karduner-live-midnightrabbi-mystic-music-chanukah!<- click here and here<- for pics!

And Shtar performed here for us, Shtar means a commitment and sincere real talent , you got that!As we all struggle on, looking forward to hosting Shtar again @Bet Shemesh Educational Center for the fortunate ones at yeshivat Ashreinu , for the Midnightrabbi mystic music hour SHtark , nice movie Shtar glasses guys as the Shtar rises up!

 Happy times ahead,

And Lazer Lloyd,

 

 

We are so excited to have hosted Lazer Lloyd and one of the talented Solomon brothers, Sruli, at our Midnightrabbi Mystic Music hour with the Fortunate ones!

And new on our shores please G-d, Introducing The Artist Formerly Known As … Now Nissim Baruch BLACK!

 

Eli played miracle-music and Unbelievable!

DOWNLOAD MY NEW MIXTAPE “MIRACLE MUSIC” TODAY!!! TOTALLY FREE!!!

Includes my new single “UNBELIEVABLE” and many more amazing songs.

Miracle Music, by NISSIM

Boruch Samuel Bovi Vidal

R.I.p to all of the fallen soldiers of Israel, and all the other victims of terror we are thankful for the sacrafice you have given.

I hope you guys are in a better place.. A meaningful memorial day.

 

MidnighterRabbi congratulates Boruch Vidal on your army service and looks forward to hear good news from everything you do with blessings and more music success:)

 

INR: These concerts are for 16-19 and more year olds?

Rabbi Goldsmith: Yes. They do a good a job, they did a lot of the groundwork this age group in the past. My goal was to get these guys to run their own events and make them independent. We’ll see from U Muse, which stands for Youth 4 Music, that the youth themselves have the power to lift up all their friends and family. I don’t see that style of music as the goal, but it’s definitely a big step for the world to get to a more spiritual place. The lyrics represent a more positive message.

INR: Do you have any final words about your projects?

Rabbi Goldsmith: I appreciate your interest. Really what you’ve done for the boy’s self esteem, it will help them for the rest of their lives. You have a big mitzvah.

And it’s time wake up and begin the new year with some new shows…!!!!ASAP contact Eli  umuse613@gmail.com Send us the sponsors and advertisements so we can get moving right now Midnightrabbi inspiresd

The Public Annual Report of the year 2011/2 @Jaffainstitute.org be kind!

This advert is posting to a highly successful magazine in the new week and is just one tiny example of how much good free P.R. theJaffainstitute gets in a professional positive way!

Also i would like you to understand that my approach, which is encouraged by Jeff Pulver a top Internet Mogul and my father, is a long term social media plan which is the next stage for large scale fundraising… (This can all be googled for the impact of all this work is obvious etc…)

This includes the sending of Seasonal messages/Email to over 3500 contacts I collected over years of networking has been great P.R. and led to many donations! thank G-d!!! keep them coming!

On facebook i have- many Friends (4541 currently) which on a daily level grows and receives updates on the Jaffainstitute and our fund-raising projects which our turning into donations…This includes 3 types of groups and fan pages increasing daily in support and interest! Which also require daily interactions and instant on site maintenance with personal contact. There is also the cheer-leader approach which the social media work of the office in Jaffa gains with daily likes and sharing info etc…

And more and more viewers on many YouTube sites all are promoting the
Jaffainstitute etc… Name:midnightrabbi Views: 42,573 Total Upload Age:31 Joined:Jan 31, 2009 Last Visit Date:1 day ago Subscribers: 69
Name:eli goldsmith: Style:World Age:31 Views: 30,410
Joined:Jun 2, 2010 Last Visit Date:23 hours ago Subscribers: 26
There is also general networking which while strengthening other
people sites we receive more traffic to our sites and donations etc…
Also a daily twitter site which is tweeting throughout the day which
has a -Reach to 24,155 people with 17 daily supporters!
With growing support http://justcoz.org/midnightrabbi
Also all the introductions to our cause with people throughout the
world with programs like Skype reaching to new supporters from Japan,
Italy, to France to L.A. etc…

The Media Exposure we gain from my work and blog’s!

Group Bar Mitzvah Celebration for Underprivileged Youth http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx and Post just in! Rapper Shyne Speaks to Underprivileged Bar Mitzvah Kids Moshe Levi, also known by his hip-hop name Shyne, spoke to a group of underprivileged bar mitzvah students on Monday. A group of 15 students took part in agroup bar mitzvah celebration organized by the Bet Shemesh Educational Center and the Jaffa Institute. Shyne was a hardcore rap musician who spend almost ten years in an American prison until moving to Israel. He spoke to the students about his journey to becoming a Torah observant yeshiva student. Rabbi Eli Goldsmith (<-click here for more) who co-organized the event stated, “sadly, many of the studentsat the Bet Shemesh Educational Center simply cannot afford to celebrate this special occasion because of their families’ financial hardship.” Donations enabled thestudents to tour the Western wall in Jerusalem and receive a set of teffilin and tallit.

THE BLOG approach!!! Recently, my best friend from London/Berlin Jonathan Freedman was sent this new Blog which drew his interest and support which can draw together all that I’m doing. He is planning on making an event in London which is being organised with Simon Winters help! The blog  was advised by my very successful Guru-media, brother-in-law in Bet Shemesh, Daniel Treisman who offers to donate a Sefer Torah (when we need) and with time can be very helpful source…The “Midnightrabbi Inspires’ Blog has over 18,000 viewers   http://midnightabbi1eligoldsmith.wordpress.com/ http://midnightrabbi1eligoldsmith.wordpress.com/

We have a daily inspiration blog that keeps people actively tuned into our updates!http://midnightabbi1eligoldsmith.wordpress.com/inspirations-for-today/ Below is a response to the message Chezky Portowiz kindly forwarded, to go ahead with their SEO advice needs backing with money i don’t have, my blog has built over 18000 viewers free of charge all being asked to donate to the jaffainstitute ,  like Midnightrabbi inspires -mazel-tov-1-year-of-inspirational-posts/

If we want more, then we need to pay more as stated below, otherwise i will keep doing as I am, building a following with no budget thanks and with B’sd, see below for their expensive one off proposal…

Hi Eli , Thank you for your interest in AuroIN SEO. Q: Cost. Re: Below are some of the recommendations I have for you: 1. Small, medium or large… No matter what size your business is, I can prepare a custom cost for you. For customized cost, I need the list of targeted keyword phrases and how soon you want to be on the 1st page of Google search? 2. Our cost starts from $1500, check “Business Builder” package and deliverable @ www.auroin.com/seo-pricing and http://www.auroin.com/business-builder-deliverables 3.I suggest you to start with our most popular plan “Market Maker”.

Summary of work in the Jaffainstitute and future plans to be very successful bs’d…

The 2^nd year of work here had been filled with insights into a mosdot/institution that is a true role model for the world at large…

Getting to know the largeness of the projects here and the people behind them has been truly inspirational.

The 1^st commitment here has been P.R. and fundraising where we have a full list below of the blog’s made for the Jaffainstitute and the donations given!

The Jaffa Institute Inaugural Tennis Tournament 12′

30 August 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  thanks to Martin Goldsmith after the-jaffa-institute-inaugural-tennis-tournament-11/ See below for some of the after …  http://www.jaffainstitute.org/online-donations-to-the-jaffa-institute , write in comments eli’s friends. [youtube=http://www.yo …

-The Jaffa Institute charity tennis tournament April 22nd 2012 David Lloyd club London!

29 April 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  thanks to Martin Goldsmith after the-jaffa-institute-inaugural-tennis-tournament-11 and the Jaffa Institute charity tennis tournament Sunday April 22nd, 2012 David Lloyd …

-Please Help The Jaffa Institute to host a Pesach Seder for 500 impoverished Ethiopian immigrants in the Bet Shemesh Educational Center!

1 March 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  and the Jaffa Institute! this coming Passover, the Jaffa Institute is hosting a Pesach Seder for 500 impoverished …

-Update- book now The Jaffa Institute Inaugural Tennis Tournament 11′

7 September 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  site http://www.jaffainstitute.org/online-donations-to-the-jaffa-institute , write in comments eli’s friends. [youtube=http://www.youtube. …

-ANNUAL GALA DINNER 2012 – the Jaffa Institute!

7 November 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  30 YEARS OF SERVICE On January 9th 2012, the Jaffa Institute will be hosting its Annual Gala Dinner. This year the Institute …

-The Jaffa Institute – Newsletter – Welcoming 2012!

29 November 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  New Year and the start of the 2011/12 academic year, the Jaffa Institute has witnessed the opening of a newAfter-SchoolActivityCenter – Bet …

-Thanks to the kind organizers The Jaffa Institute Inaugural Tennis Tournament 11′

24 November 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  thanks to Martin Goldsmith after the-jaffa-institute-inaugural-tennis-tournament-11/ We raised a few 1000$ with top …

-Exciting as Tonight was the ANNUAL GALA DINNER 2012 – the Jaffa Institute!

8 January 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  on January 9th 2012, was the Jaffa Institute will be hosting its Annual Gala Dinner. This year the Institute … impoverished children and families living in Tel Aviv – Jaffa.  Took place at the prestigiousAvenueConvention Center inAirportCity …

-The Jaffa Institute charity tennis tournament Sunday April 22nd @ David Lloyd in Finchley

16 April 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  here for the thank you blog and highlights of the Jaffa Institute charity tennis tournament April 22nd 2012 David Lloyd …  April 2012 Thanks for joining us for the JI/GE (Jaffa Institute/Grief Encounter) Men’s doubles tennis tournament. We hope…

-U muse a great cause the Jaffa Institute May 2011 Newsletter

29 May 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  May 2011 Make A Donation be like someone who gave to the Jaffa Institute & donated 5000$ 2 http://www.jaffainstitute.org/online-donations-to-the-jaffa-institute please donate generously and write eli friends’ like …

-Inspiring stories from the Jaffainstitute.org! “Yuri”!

22 February 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…   http://www.jaffainstitute.org/online-donations-to-the-jaffa-institute write in comments eli’s friend’s. And join our new blogs with …

20 November 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

… dsmith.wordpress.com/2011/11/07/annual-gala-dinner-2012-the-jaffa-institute/ share and like ! Come visit our special program. בוקר …

-Inspiring stories from the Jaffainstitute.org! “Dina!”

26 February 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  below http://www.jaffainstitute.org/online-donations-to-the-jaffa-institute write in comments eli’s friends … And join our new blogs with some …

-Good day, is a Shavuos day, live inspired and spread the unity!

6 June 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  , this is great time to live inspired… u 2 !!! Think Jaffa Institute, Think Tikun Olam (repairing the world) and Tzedakah (justice and …

-Good Shabbos and getting ready to thank this Chanukah!

15 December 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  be kind so today of all days be filled with Kindness Jaffa Institute and JIM = Jaffa Institute & Midnightrabbi eli goldsmith The Ethiopian students …

-Helping the Holocaust Survivors of Tel Aviv-Jaffa

19 April 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  the Holocaust Survivors of Tel Aviv-Jaffa There is a shocking reality in Israel today. Among the 208,000 …  a quarter is living under the poverty line. In the Jaffa Institute’s service area alone,it is estimated that over 4,000 of the …

27 February 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  Below Http://Www.Jaffainstitute.Org/Online-Donations-To-The-Jaffa-Institute Write In Comments Eli’s Friends … And join our new blogs with some …

-The Public Annual Report of the year 2011/2 @Jaffainstitute.org be kind!

22 May 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  fanpage helping-the-holocaust-survivors-of-tel-aviv-jaffa/Memorial Day for Beautyful Israel’s Fallen Soldiers – Today We owe them …  site http://www.jaffainstitute.org/online-donations-to-the-jaffa-institute , write in comments eli’s friends. “The Bet Shemesh Residential …

-Chanukah somayach summary!

22 December 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires

…  you can light us up too! PayPal style Hello JIM = Jaffa Institute & Midnightrabbi eli goldsmith This email confirms that you donated…

- WORD FROM FOUNDER the Jaffa Institute!

6 May 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires!

…  Dear Friends, The Jaffa Institute is now entering its 30th year of serving the children of some of …  May 1982 with three programs which served 50 children, the Jaffa Institute now runs 35 different programs and activities which assist over …

-Donate 2012$ for a great new year, or even better 5772$ for a truly blessed year!

3 October 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires!

…  me 057 317 5856 Donate generously online-donations-to-the-jaffa-institute leave in comments “eli”! GMAR CHATIMAH TOVAH!!! May …

-Inspiring stories from the Jaffainstitute.org! “TATIANA!”

23 February 2012 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires!

…  below http://www.jaffainstitute.org/online-donations-to-the-jaffa-institute write in comments eli’s friends … And join our new blogs with some …

-Happy New Year from the Jaffa Institute & Eli Goldsmith

25 September 2011 by midnightrabbi on midnightrabbi inspires!

…  you for the friendship and support you have given to the Jaffa Institute in 5771. You have brought smiles to the faces of many needy …

The 2nd commitment was to make events inLondonwhile introducing the Jaffainstitute to 100′s of family and friends throughout myself funded trip through-outEngland. There has been two trips made in the past year and three Jaffainstitute events, including a tea made by my mother raising 300sterling/ 1800shekels

Also while in England was introduced to a huge potential fund raising plan from my family, which we can if gaining the status of National Charity, will benefit greatly from. http://www.fundraising-initiatives.org/en/

The 3rd commitment was to make a Bar Mitzvah for the students here in

Bet Shemesh Educational Center,Israel, here’s a sample of a blog! Without video etc…

 –> Please click here -> for the program you already help build last year and will help build for this year <- 

A Glimpse at our Coordinated Program for the Educational Enrichment of Students at the Bet Shemesh Educational Center

 And

Please check out the jaffainstitute.org/about which was founded in 1982 and orchestrated it’s merger with the Bet Shemesh Educational and Residential Center in 1986. Thanks to martin-goldsmith for this post and see our great cause a-short-tribute-to-a-great-cause-bet-shemesh-educational-center!

Appreciate your concern and support!
Donate generously after reading our site http://www.jaffainstitute.org/online-donations-to-the-jaffa-institute , write in comments eli’s friends.

“The Bet Shemesh Residential Center has played an indispensable role in the growth of our students and their  noteworthy scholastic achievements”

-Daniel Vaknim

Mayor of the city of Bet Shemesh

The Bet Shemesh Educational and Residential Center

 

The Bet Shemesh Educational and Residential Center came under the care of the Jaffa Institute in 1986 and operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Education.  The Center is a junior and senior high boarding school for boys, dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children.  Founded with only the barest of essentials for its first sixteen students, the campus is now fully equipped with newly furnished classrooms, modern computer facilities, a beautiful synagogue, and a science and technology center. Having since been established as an autonomous U.S. 501(c)(3) organization, the Center now enrolls 350 children from some of the most destitute areas in the country.   

With the overall objective of improving the lives of as many children as possible by offering them the highest level of education, the Center supplies its students with a warm and loving environment, while providing comprehensive Jewish religious and secular education.

The academic curriculum at the Center is designed to fill gaps in students’ education and effectively prepare them for high school matriculation examinations. The program has proven extremely successful, with an above-national average of students passing matriculation exams. The Bet Shemesh Center’s high academic standards were officially recognized when it was awarded the prestigious National Education Prize from the Ministry of Education in 1995 and again in 2004.

Students’ Background

Our students come from poverty-stricken areas, such as Bet Shemesh and Jaffa, where social and economic hardships make “normal” family life difficult if not impossible to achieve.  As the students begin their studies in the seventh grade at age 12, and complete them in the twelfth grade at age 18, they are vulnerable to the social pressures that normally arise during adolescence.

Students are selected to come to Bet Shemesh through referrals by social workers from all over the country.  A prospective student is typically identified by the school social worker as “at risk of dropping out of school” or as a “marginal student who, due to social and family pressures, is unlikely to succeed.”

Prior to their enrollment, many of the students at the Educational Center have not succeeded in their studies on the elementary school level, due to learning disabilities, emotional stress from growing up under the most difficult family and neighborhood situations, or from lack of encouragement from their parents. Through years of elementary education, due to the large classes in most schools of up to 40 children per class, many of our students have not learned basic skills that are expected of junior high students. Many have developed large gaps in their studies as compared to other students of their age. Although the students that attend the Enrichment Center are in grades 7 through 9, some have serious reading problems in Hebrew – their native language. Others do not know how to compose a proper sentence, or to build a paragraph or essay. Many have great difficulties reading English, even though they began studying English in 3^rd grade.

Failure has bred more failure and the students have little if any self-confidence, nor do they believe that they have the ability to do well at school. After so many years of discouragement they have given up on themselves. Given the proper teaching methods, together with emotional support and encouragement, these same children could reach much higher levels of achievement.

The Enrichment Center Program: Pinpointing and Solving the Problem

The goal of the Enrichment Center is to break the cycle of failure and to help the students close the gaps in their education. This Center, which provides students with many essential tools to help them improve their studies, is called an “enrichment” center rather than a learning center, in order to emphasize the progress that we set as a goal for the students that participate.

The Enrichment Center offers three tracks of learning:

1. Learning Strategies – To counter the despair many students feel upon encountering difficult words and composition structure, students are taught to identify key words and to properly compose sentences. These strategies have improved grades by from 20-30% to 70-80%!
2. English Language Skills- Many students enter the 7^th grade with a very low level of English reading and comprehension skills, with parents who have little or no knowledge of this central language. These students are closely guided in small groups of 3 or 4 in order to close the gaps and help them feel comfortable with the English language.
3. Overall Enrichment – When subject matter is geared to the achievement level of the average student, weaker students often fell overwhelmed, while the stronger students are bored. By teaching the students in small groups, stronger students rediscover excitement of learning new material.

Some of our Ethiopian students are in great need of help to close gaps in their basic Hebrew language studies. The teacher enriches their vocabulary and language skills.

On the junior high level, 60 students participate in the Enrichment Center. Some students study for 5 hours in the Center each week, while most of the participants study 2 to 3 hours each week. The groups are usually 3 or 4 students in size.

In addition to the teachers, a coordinator interfaces with the students’ families, arranges schedules for the students and teachers, and deals with problems that arise. Each month the teachers prepare progress reports on each child that are reviewed with the coordinator and with the general teacher.

The Bet Shemesh Educational and Residential Center Staff

Many students under our care doubted whether they would complete high school, and whether they “had it in them” to persevere with their studies and pursue a career. The teaching staff at the Center is an integral part in restoring a student’s self esteem. At present, the ratio of students to teachers at the Bet Shemesh Educational and Residential Center is 3:1. The teaching staff is committed to supporting the full academic and social potential of each student.

Every member of our staff understands that if he or she is not able to help a student solve his problems and overcome his difficulties, no one else will.  The relationships that develop between staff and students extend far beyond the classroom or the period spent at the Center. Years after graduation, former students continue to visit and remain in contact with the staff.

For more great pictures of a summary of the last few years please ->click here <-

Mazel Tov, 1 year of Inspirational Posts!

http://midnightrabbi1eligoldsmith.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/the-torah-jews-internet-gathering-asifa/ This blog has topped the charts how ironic lol , moshaich now and good yom tov pontov lol

2 great blog’s and over 18000 views all in one year you can make a difference and Inspire!

midnightrabbi inspires!

JUST ANOTHER Top10.COM SITE

But not just another cause for you to support (<-click here to see how!?!)

Wake up! An Almost Nuclear Iran!		645
PRAY for my daughter !		349
Tribute to the real Midnight Tzaddick/Rabbi Rav Avrohom Yeshaya German zt”l		346
Matisyahu means a gift from Hashem ! Happy New year – Chanukah!		248
Tiferes Yonoson Moshe a New spirit arises in Jerusalem!		197
Guard our souls, the last and hardest threat to overcome!		119
Tiferes tours, the Best Way! Personal and Unique!		79
Happy July 4th- the Rebbe’s independance!		75
Poetry corner please contribute!		71
beloved Rebi, Reb Nosson Tzvi Finkel זצ”ל, Rosh Yeshiva of MIR		66
The Message of the saving our children with Dreidels and The Kaliver Rebbetzin a”h		61

Top 10 from midnightrabbi inspires

Inspirational blog;s that will make a difference!

Getting ready for Lag B’Omer 2012! Meron and the whole world lights up on Lag B’Omer!		557
Lechaim &asap Seriously, WAKE UP already!		457
BigMike Gondelman – making a difference everyday!		448
A dedication blog 2 Leibby Kletzky & strengthen in Faith – David Dome		374
Inspirations for Everyday! <-click=> here for Today’s!		322
Yosef KARDUNER a man whose beyond the world of music!		299
The real tribute to Alex Clare – He’s Really Doing it!		244
Love story is a comfort- True TuBav Inspiration!		239
Introducing the artist formerly known as … now Nissim Baruch BLACK!		207
Elyon- Eliezer Kosoy Soul-ful sounds and Teacher!		161

Group Bar Mitzvah Celebration for Underprivileged Youth

For this years 2013 -> 2013-bar-mitzvah-celebrations-is-in-your-hands!

Inspirations For Everyday! <-Click=> Here For Today’s! Check out our website version on the 2012-bar-mitzvah-celebrations<-

 posted -> Group Bar Mitzvah Celebration for Underprivileged Youth

We were honored to have invited you to support the celebration of 15 of our youngsters who reached their Bar Mitzvah milestone this year.
The ceremony took place in the new dining room at The Bet Shemesh Educational Center on Rosh Hodesh Iyar, 23.4.12.

We were honored to have invited you to support the celebration of 15 of our youngsters who reached their Bar Mitzvah milestone this year.
The ceremony took place in the new dining room at The Bet Shemesh Educational Center on Rosh Hodesh Iyar, 23.4.12.

Becoming Bar Mitzvah is often the most significant event in a teenage boy’s life. It marks the important boundary between childhood and adulthood and is generally a time for great joy as well as reflection. Sadly, many of the students at the Bet Shemesh Educational Center simply cannot afford to celebrate this special occasion because of their families’ financial hardship.This year, the Bet Shemesh Educational Center seeks to fulfill the dreams of its Bar Mitzvah boys.

The parents were over joyed at the opportunity we gave them with your kind donations.  After completing an educational course about the significance of becoming Bar Mitzvah, each of the boys was given a set of teffilin, and a tallit, as well as a small gift (brand new watches) in honor of the momentous event. They also had the opportunity to celebrate their special day with their families and friends, they were all treated to a luxuriously catered meal and taken on an exciting field trip to the Kotel and old city for various tours, pizza and more.

For more info click here<-.This meaningful day of growth and celebration will be unforgettable for our students! If you would like to help a Bar Mitzvah boy receive a truly special Bar Mitzvah celebration for the new year of students, please click here (and mention eli in comments) or contact Eli umuse613@gmail.com or phone 0573175856/ 00972573175856

Your participation gave us great pleasure
Eli Goldsmith and Dr. David J. Portowicz

Post just in!

Rapper Shyne Speaks to Underprivileged Bar Mitzvah Kids

Moshe Levi, also known by his hip-hop name Shyne, spoke to a group of underprivileged bar mitzvah students on Monday. A group of 15 students took part in agroup bar mitzvah celebration organized by the Bet Shemesh Educational Center and the Jaffa Institute. Shyne was a hardcore rap musician who spend almost ten years in an American prison until moving to Israel. He spoke to the students about his journey to becoming a Torah observant yeshiva student.

Rabbi Eli Goldsmith (<-click here for more) who co-organized the event stated, “sadly, many of the studentsat the Bet Shemesh Educational Center simply cannot afford to celebrate this special occasion because of their families’ financial hardship.” Donations enabled thestudents to tour the Western wall in Jerusalem and receive a set of teffilin and tallit.

Getting ready for Passover/Pesach 2013/5773

Reblogged from midnightrabbi inspires:

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In less that two weeks will be the holiday of Pesach (Passover) "just trying to wake you up or scare you lol", celebrating the Exodus from Egypt. Please see below all the laws (in comments) that you need to know in order to Prepare Your House for Pesach 5773 (Based on the Halachic Rulings of Rabbi Shlomo Gissinger Shlita, Rav in Lakewood NJ) and please be kind and donate.

Read more… 3,369 more words

This coming Passover, (don’t you passover), the Jaffa Institute is hosting a Pesach Seder for 500 impoverished Ethiopian immigrants in the Bet Shemesh Educational Center’s beautiful new dining hall. For many of these families, this will be the first Seder of their lives; an experience never to be forgotten. Jews in Egypt were not only enslaved physically but also spiritually. At that time, they were at their lowest spiritual level. Their physical liberation from Egypt also freed them from their spiritual limitations. As a result, the Jewish people were able to attain great spiritual heights through the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.

Join Us: @Www.Jaffainstitute.Org And Donate Generously After Reading above Http://Www.Jaffainstitute.Org/Online-Donations-To-The-Jaffa-Institute Write In Comments Eli’s Friends …

And join our new blogs with some creative contribution to help us all be inspired !  http://midnightabbi1eligoldsmith.wordpress.com/ Even newer http://midnightrabbi1eligoldsmith.wordpress.com/ Please send an email with your blog post - umuse613@gmail.com

e.g. for your inspirational stories, band music, vids, poems, news, views, umuse…

Please feel free to contact Eli Goldsmith Israel 00972-57-317-5856 Email - umuse613@gmail.com This link is almost the main stage for all the important sites we recommend you to see http://t.co/0whRPzX Heres the laws for Getting ready -for-passoverpesach-20125772 Preparing Your House for Pesach 5772 Based on the Halachic Rulings of Rabbi Shlomo Gissinger Shlita, Rav in Lakewood NJ Cleaning for Pesach Pesach is the Celebration of Freedom. Unfortunately, for too many women the preparation for this holiday is anything but freedom; it is a real-life nightmare. Cleaning…cleaning…and…more…cleaning. The average housewife does 75% more cleaning than is required according to the Halacha. Spring cleaning should be done after Pesach!!! As the prohibition of chametz on Pesach is very serious, the Shulchan Aruch: The Code of Jewish Law, and later Halachic opinions (the Chafetz Chaim in Shaar Hatziyon OC 442:52), commend the practice of holy Jews who proudly uphold various stringencies that have been passed down from generation to generation in regards to Pesach. Nevertheless, some of the excessive cleaning practices adopted by many people today are not an actual continuation of these holy practices. Furthermore, one is not permitted to perform stringencies when they infringe upon and undermine basic Torah obligations. Women are obligated in all the mitzvos of the Seder, as men are. They also have a mitzvah of enjoying the holiday (Simchas Yom Tov). How can these mitzvos be accomplished when women are totally washed out, exhausted and too tense from the excessive cleaning to even maintain a conversation! We must maintain our priorities! Introduction: The obligation to search for, and destroy Chametz, applies to Chametz which is the size of one complete k’zayis or more. A k’zayis is approximately the volume of one ounce. A standard whisky cup holds one ounce. There is a more stringent Halachic opinion that chametz which is even less than a k’zayis is problematic unless it is rendered unfit for human consumption. In consideration of that opinion, it is recommended, not required (where applicable) to apply a soap based water solution* to the chametz, thus rendering it inedible. Please note: Do not confuse this Halacha with the more stringent prohibition of consuming even a crumb of chametz. Items & Places That Do Not Need To Be Cleaned For Pesach The following items need not be cleaned for Pesach: Windows, walls, carpets, ceilings, doors and doorknobs. Neither do linens, bedspreads, curtains, towels, and fresh dish towels. For those who sell their chametz; all pots, pans, dishes, flatware, appliances (e.g. mixer, grinder, toaster, microwave etc) and toys, which are being stored away for Pesach, do not require cleaning. The closet/room where chametz and/or chametz utensils are being locked up does not need to be cleaned for Pesach. Rather, merely take a quick assessment of the approximate amount/value of chametz present there, so that it may be properly listed among items being sold as chametz. Items & Places That Do Need To Be Cleaned For Pesach Clothing: The cleaning of clothing can be divided into the following categories: 1. Pockets of adult clothing that never contained chametz – do not need to be checked at all. 2. Pockets of adult clothing, which during the year may have occasionally contained chametz, and which will be worn on Pesach – should be emptied of food and crumbs. Alternatively, if one resolves not to put any food in pockets during Pesach – then the pockets need only to be frisked for either edible crumbs of chametz (not little crumbs mixed with lint and dust), or a “considerable amount” of chametz. 3. Pockets of children’s clothing, which will be worn on Pesach – should be emptied of food and crumbs. 4. Pockets of other clothing, which will not be worn on Pesach – need only to be frisked for either edible crumbs of chametz (not little crumbs mixed with lint and dust), or a “considerable amount” of chametz. 5. Pockets of other clothing which will not to be worn on Pesach, and which are being locked up and sold along with the chametz – do not need to be checked at all. Should one decide on Pesach to wear clothing on Pesach whose pockets may have contained chametz, and whose pockets were not thoroughly cleaned – then extreme care must be taken not to put any food into the pockets. Note: A “considerable amount” means a k’zayis, which as stated earlier is approximately the volume of one ounce. Toys: The cleaning of toys can be divided into the following categories: 1. Toys which will be used on Pesach, and which may contain a “considerable amount” of chametz – must be cleaned. 2. Toys which will be used on Pesach, and which usually do not contain a “considerable amount” of chametz, but rather have small particles of dirty chametz stuck to them – may be used as-is on Pesach. 3. Toys which will be used on Pesach, and which usually do not contain a “considerable amount” of chametz but have small particles of chametz stuck to them that appear to be in edible condition – although according to the majority of Halachic opinions the toys may be used as-is, care must be taken not to place these toys on areas where food is placed (e.g. tables, countertops etc.). Furthermore, according to the more stringent Halachic opinion stated earlier (in the introduction), the small particlesfood should be rendered inedible. This may be accomplished in the following manner: Toys which are waterproof – may be soaked (in a tub) in an soap based water solution* for a short time and then rinsed. This will render the food inedible. The toys may be dried and used as-is. Toys which cannot be immersed in water – can either be wiped down with a sponge moistened with an soap based water solution*, or if that is not possible, the chametz particles should be physically removed. 4. Toys which will not be used on Pesach, and which are being locked up and sold along with the chametz – do not need to be cleaned at all. Seforim/Books: Since the only crumbs that might be present in Seforim or books are less than a k’zayis, they do not have to be cleaned. However, care must be taken not to place them on areas where food is being placed (e.g. tables, countertops etc). Nevertheless, to avoid any problems, seforim or books which commonly have crumbs in them (e.g. benchers etc) should be cleaned or sealed away with the chametz. Preparing the Kitchen Refrigerator/Freezer: Should be washed with a soap based water solution* and may then be used without lining the shelves with paper/aluminum foil etc. Range top: Clean thoroughly then light flames for ten minutes. Cover the area between the burners with aluminum foil. Note: The drip rings/pans need only be cleaned not koshered. Oven – Self Cleaning: Set the self clean at highest setting for one hour. It is preferable that you then wash the inside of the door with a soap based water solution*. Oven – Non Self Cleaning: Apply acid solution (e.g. Easy Off), rinse, then light for one hour at the highest setting. It is preferable that you then wash the inside of the door with a soap based water solution*. Microwave: Clean thoroughly (especially around fan area) then don’t use for twenty four hours. Boil water in the microwave for several minutes so that it will fill with vapor. Since the validity of kashering plastic for Pesach is questionable, use only when Pesach food is covered (e.g. in a plastic bag). Sink: Clean thoroughly then don’t use with very hot water (i.e. Too hot to touch with ones bare hand) for twenty four hours and then perform Iruy (i.e. pour boiling water) on entire surface including the spout. Counter tops: Clean thoroughly with a soap based water solution (or something stronger e.g. Fantastik, Ammonia/water solution, etc then either cover with aluminum foil etc. or perform Iruy (even on Formica) and use as is. However if you are using the Iruy method, care should be taken not to place Hot Pesach food directly (i.e. without dish or container) on counter. Pantry and Cabinets: Clean thoroughly with soap based water solution* and then use as is (i.e. without lining with paper etc.) Kitchen/Dining Room Table: Clean thoroughly with soap based water solution*. It is preferable to also cover the table. Kitchen/Dining Room Chairs: Clean chairs well with soap based water solution*. Food and Non-Food Products Introduction: There are three prohibitions relating to Chametz on Pesach: 1) Consumption, 2) Deriving Benefit (e.g. feeding a pet chametz), 3) Ownership. These prohibitions only apply to chametz which is edible and/or has the ability to sour (leaven) other dough. However, chametz which is inedible, and is has lost its power to sour (leaven) other dough, although it may not be ingested, it may be owned and even used. Thus, the following products (whose chametz ingredients are inedible, and have lost their ability to sour (leaven) other dough) may be used on Pesach without any Kosher for Pesach labels: All cosmetics; e.g. creams, ointments, powders, nail polish, lipstick, blush, eye shadow, deodorants, hair spray, shampoos, perfumes etc… Note: When not using a new lipstick check old one for crumbs. All cleaning agents; e.g. soaps both solid and liquid, dish washing soap, laundry detergent, waxes, polishes etc. All paper goods, plastic ware, aluminum foil etc. Have a Kosher & Meaningful Pesach This document was sent to http://www.HalachaForToday.com by a reader. It is for learning purposes only, as for Halacha L’Ma’aseh a Rav must be consulted

Massacre in Toulouse and revenge with Kindness!

Massacre in Toulouse

Adar 29, 5772 • March 23, 201

A Heartfelt Plea from Mrs. Chava (Eva) Sandler of Toulouse

My heart is broken. I am unable to speak. There are no ways for me to be able to express the great and all-consuming pain resulting from the murder of my dear husband Rabbi Jonathan and our sons, Aryeh and Gavriel, and of Miriam Monsonego, daughter of the dedicated principal of Ozar Hatorah and his wife, Rabbi Yaakov and Mrs. Monsonego.

May no one ever have to endure such pain and suffering.

Because so many of you, my cherished brothers and sisters in France and around the world, are asking what you can do on my behalf, on behalf of my daughter Liora and on behalf of the souls of my dear husband and children, I feel that, difficult though it may be, it is incumbent upon me to answer your entreaties.

My husband’s life was dedicated to teaching Torah. We moved back to the country of his birth to help young people learn about the beauty of Torah. He was truly a good man, loving, giving, and selfless. He was sensitive to all of G‑d’s creatures, always searching for ways to reveal the goodness in others.

He and I raised Aryeh and Gavriel to live the ways of Torah. Who would have known how short would be their time on this Earth, how short would be the time I would be with them as their mother?

I don’t know how I and my husband’s parents and sister will find the consolation and strength to carry on, but I know that the ways of G‑d are good, and He will reveal the path and give us the strength to continue. I know that their holy souls will remain with us forever, and I know that very soon the time will come when we will be together again with the coming of Moshiach.

I wholeheartedly believe in the words of the verse: “The L-ord has given, and the L-ord has taken away; blessed be the Name of the L-ord.” I thank the Almighty for the privilege, short though it was, of raising my children together with my husband. Now the Almighty wants them back with Him.

To all those who wish to bring consolation to our family and contentment to the souls of the departed: Let’s continue their lives on this Earth.

Parents, please kiss your children. Tell them how much you love them, and how dear it is to your heart that they be living examples of our Torah, imbued with the fear of Heaven and with love of their fellow man.

Please increase your study of Torah, whether on your own or with your family and friends. Help others who may find study difficult to achieve alone.

Please bring more light into the world by kindling the Sabbath candles this and every Friday night. (Please do so a bit earlier than the published times as a way to add holiness to our world.)

The holiday of Passover is approaching. Please invite another person into your homes so that all have a place at a Seder and do kindness here (<=click here) to celebrate the holiday of our freedom.

Along with our tearful remembrance of our trials in Egypt so many years ago, we still tell over how “in each and every generation, they have stood against us to destroy us.” We all will announce in a loud and clear voice: “G‑d saves us from their hands.”

The spirit of the Jewish people can never be extinguished; its connection with Torah and its commandments can never be destroyed.

May it be G‑d’s will that from this moment on, we will all only know happiness.

I send my heartfelt condolences to the Monsonego family for the loss of their daughter Miriam, and I pray for the speedy recovery of Aharon ben Leah, who was injured in the attack.

Thank you for your support and love.

Happy new month and new beginnings!

Deep thoughts on the time we are entering click here to listen<=!

Please be kind with the new month coming and we are meant only to increase in happiness:) Everyone loves the Seder night so click here for some tips<=

Hayom Yom 12 Tammuz

Birthday of the Rebbe, R. Yosef Yitzchak, in 5640 (1880).

On this day, in 5687 (1927), he received the good tidings that he was freed from the exile imposed upon him after his arrest and imprisonment for his efforts in strengthening Torah and Judaism.

From a letter of the Rebbe (R. Yosef Yitzchak): During the forthcoming two Days of Liberation 12 and 13 Tamuz, Chassidim are to farbreng, for material and spiritual good and blessing, as instituted by our first father, the Alter Rebbe (may the memory of this holy tzadik be a blessing for life in the Hereafter; his soul rests in the hidden exalted heights; may his merit protect us). During this farbrengen chassidim are to talk to one another in a spirit of brotherhood about strengthening fixed times for Torah study. I send them my blessing that G-d favor them in body and spirit.

When it is Chof Zayin Adar (27th Adar) and is a day of importance signifcance in Chabad and us all.  Also being that these are the days of creation with the 6th day being this Shabbos! A good Shabbos to us all , a day of renewal for the new year of Kings!
20 years ago,on Gimmel Shvat, a month and a half before Chof-Zayin Adar, the Rebbe shared this story and these thoughts with his chassidim after Minchah. As we read this, we should each learn a personal lesson about what we can do for the Rebbe.

The Previous Rebbe’s doctor was puzzled. The terrible hardships which the Rebbe had lived through during his imprisonment in Communist Russia had left his body partially paralyzed. It was very hard for him to talk and people had to struggle to understand him. “It seems,” his doctor said, “that more than most others, the Rebbe should not have had to suffer this difficulty. He is a leader and a teacher. He should have been granted the power to speak clearly so he could fulfill his mission with greater ease.”

Moshe Rabbeinu, the first Jewish leader, also spoke with difficulty. When HaShem instructed him to speak to Pharaoh he protested: “But how can I? I have a speech defect.” HaShem reassured Moshe that his brother Aharon would serve as his spokesman. The Previous Rebbe did not have someone else to be his spokesman. Despite his handicap, he spoke, taught, guided and led the people with determination and courage.

Some of us may think that the Previous Rebbe should have felt sorry for himself. Someone else might have resented this extra burden. But not the Previous Rebbe! He was a shining example of one who serves HaShem with happiness and who spreads happiness to others.

When we study Torah, we use our power of speech. We should study Torah – and especially the Previous Rebbe’s teachings – in a way which would make up for the difficulty of speech that he experienced. We should read the words of Torah loudly and clearly and explain their meaning so others will readily understand.

Most important, we should do this with joy and happiness, in the spirit of the Previous Rebbe. (Adapted from the Sicha of the Third of Shvat, 5752)

One of the many customs at the Seder is to fill a cup of wine, after the meal, which we call ‘Kos shel Eliyahu” – “The Cup of Elijah.” We open the door to let Elijah into our home and recite a special prayer asking G-d to protect us from all our enemies.

What is the reason that Elijah the prophet plays such a prominent role at the Seder?

At the Seder we celebrate our first redemption – the Exodus from Egypt. At the Seder we also pray for the ultimate redemption with the coming of Moshiach. The prophet Elijah is the one who will inform us of Moshiach’s arrival and the final redemption. This gesture of filling a cup of wine in his honor and opening the door for him represents our hope and desire for the ultimate redemption.

Also, the Torah calls the Seder night “Leil Shimurim” – “a night of safeguarding”. On this night, G-d watches over the people of Israel. Opening the door expresses that we are not afraid, for G-d is watching over us.

Another reason is that at every Bris (circumcision) there is a special chair placed for Elijah the prophet. Elijah is G-d’s witness that we perform the mitzvah of circumcision properly. The Passover sacrifice was prohibited to be eaten by any male who was not circumcised. Thus, we find a connection between the mitzvah of circumcision and Passover. As a result, just like at a circumcision, we also invite Elijah to our Seder.

In this week’s Torah portion, Vayikra, the Torah instructs, “Every offering you shall season with salt.”

Why, do we dip the challah or bread in salt after reciting the Hamotzi blessing?

Our rabbis teach us that the Jewish home should be a sanctuary for the service of G-d. The food we eat should be viewed as a sacrifice to G-d, because the energy and strength we derive from the food should be used for serving G-d.

As a result, just like a sacrifice in the Holy Temple, had to be seasoned with salt, so too, we dip the bread, upon which we make the blessing, in salt.

Why, at the Seder, when we recite the blessing over the matzah and perform the mitzvah of eating matzah, we do not dip the matzah in salt as we would do other times at the beginning of the meal?

When we perform the mitzvah of eating matzah it is important to have the genuine taste of matzah in our mouth. If we would add salt, we would not be performing the mitzvah properly, because the taste would not be one hundred percent matzah, as there would also be the taste of salt, in addition to the taste of matzah.

Moshiach NOW!!! by the way my name is Eliyahu!

Great Chassidic/Hassidic sayings that inspire!

NOT A TRACE
On the day before Passover, Rabbi Levi Yitzhak, while walking through the marketplace, met several Gentiles who were known to be smuggling goods across the border.
‘Do you have any smuggled silk’ he asked them.
‘We do’, they answered.
‘How many yards to you have’, he continued.
‘Don’t worry Rabbi,’ said the smuggler. ‘We have as much as you need.’
He left them and soon met a Jew.
‘Do you have any Hametz’, he asked.

‘Hametz?’ asked the astonished Jew. ‘Heaven forbid that a Jew should have Hametz after the sixth hour on Erev Pessach!’
Soon he met a second Jew and again asked, ‘Do you have any Hametz?’
‘What did you ask, Rabbi’, answered the distraught man. ‘Hametz at this time!” Am I not still a Jew?’
Rabbi Levi Yitzhak lifted his eyes toward Heaven and said ‘Master of the World, look down from Heaven and see how Your people Israel tremble at Your word and hasten to fulfill Your commandments. The Russian Tzar is a mighty and fearsome ruler who has many generals and guards and prisons to enforce his decrees. And he commands thousands of soldiers to protect the border to see that no merchandise is brought across it unlawfully. Nevertheless, daily they smuggle in all manner of merchandise and fear not to see it openly in the market. But You, O Lord, Who have no generals or guards or prisons, have simply written in Your Torah ‘There shall no leavened bread be seen with thee.’ And on Erev Pessach, long before the evening comes, there is not a trace of Hametz to be found among all of the people of Israel’.

The Ba’al Shem Tov, Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer Ba’al Shem Tov (the ‘Master of the Good Name’) was born in Podolia in 1700 and was known to be of humble origins. He was a synagogue sexton and an assistant teacher who spent several years in solitude and meditation. He became a ‘ba’al shem’ or miracle-worker, curing people with amulets and charms. The main tenets of his beliefs are known, but he left no written works apart from a few letters and several of his sayings that were noted by his disciples.

The Ba’al Shem Tov established contact with the ascetic kabbalists of his day. He guided the kabbalists away from seclusion to inclusion and leadership of the community. This was the new type of ‘tzadik’, or righteous leader. According to Hasidic belief, the tzadik is the foundation of the world, and could hasten salvation through his mentoring actions. The tzadik had an attachment to God, and acted as an intermediary between God and the people, bearing a responsibility for their spiritual well-being.

The basic assumption of Hasidism is that ‘there is no place empty of Him’. God is everywhere, divinity exists in everything. The central role of the tzadik is to release all of the divine elements that exist in the material world. Joy is a fundamental tenet of Hasidic teaching.

The Ba’al Shem Tov believed that his teachings could serve as a guide to the people and bring Redemption closer. He had a mystical vision on Rosh Hashana in 1747, in which he saw his soul ascending to heaven. He described the dream to his brother-in-law in a letter, in which he stated that the Messiah would come when the Ba’al Shem Tov’s teachings became widespread. He was not sure what path to take to achieve this goal, but when the Ba’al Shem Tov died in 1760, his teachings were well-known.

Rabbi Dov Baer, also known as ‘The Maggid’, the great Maggid of Hasidism, transferred the movement’s center from Podolia to Volhynia, and sent out emissaries to spread Hasidic teachings in Galicia, White Russia, Lithuania and central Poland.

Prayer was regarded as a central link to the upper spheres, and considered more important than religious study. The Hasidic movement also initiated prayers according to the Sephardi prayerbook, which had been adapted by Rabbi Isaac Luria in Tzfat. It was different than the established Ashkenazi version used by Polish Jews. The importance of kavanah – inner devotion- was stressed, including cries, movement and fervor during worship.

On the Sabbath, the Se’udah Shlishit (the third meal eaten on the Sabbath) was when the Rebbe would generally preach, tell stories about the tzadikim, and chant Hasidic melodies. It became customary to travel to the Rebbe on holidays and Sabbaths. Eventually, they designed their own special ceremony. The ‘Melaveh Malkah’, was a fourth meal where every word and story uttered by the Rebbe was treated with the utmost significance.

Some Hasidim made their way to the Holy Land, but many communities continued to grow in Poland, Belorus and Lithuania. Rabbi Shneour Zalman of Liadi was a great talmudic scholar who eventually formed his own school of Hasidic thought, known as Chabad, which is the Hebrew acronym for wisdom, understanding and knowledge.

From its inception, opposition to Hasidism began in Vilna, which was known as the ‘Jerusalem’ of Lithuania. Rabbi Elijah, the Gaon (genius) of Vilna banned contact with the Hasidim, and had them excommunicated. He opposed the Hasidic notion of the tzadik as idol-worshipping, and their beliefs as arrogant and valueless. The conflict between the Gaon of Vilna and the Hasidim continued for many years and even served as a pretext for the establishment of the great yeshivot (academies of Talmudic study) throughout the region.

To this day, large numbers of Jewish visitors continue to visit various sites of Hasidic interest in the Ukraine. Among the famous sites are: Uman, the burial place of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, and Gadyach location of the tomb of Shneur Zalman, the Alter Rebbe and founder of the Lubavitch Hasidic movement.

Famous Hasidic Quotations:

Ba’al Shem Tov:
“My teaching is based on three kinds of love: love of God, love of Torah and love of humanity.”
“Why do we say “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob?” This is to teach you that Isaac and Jacob did not merely mimic the tradition of Abraham. Each encountered God in their own unique way.”
Rabbi Nachman ben Simcha of Bratslav:
“The world is a very narrow bridge. They key to crossing is to not be afraid.” “When you are about to leave Egypt-any Egypt-do not stop to think: how will I earn a living out there? One who stops to make provisions for the way will never get out of Egypt.”
“No matter where I go, it is always to Israel”.
“There are men who suffer terrible distress and are unable to tell what they feel in their hearts and they go their way and suffer and suffer. But if they meet one with a laughing face, he can revive them with his joy. And to revive a man is no slight thing.”
“He who is able to write a book and does not, it is as one who has lost a child”.

The Lubliner Rabbi:
“Better an insincere peace than a sincere quarrel”.

The Belzer Rabbi:
“Let a person do good deeds with the same zeal that an evil person does bad ones.”
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson:
“ In a sense, we have all wandered away from our true selves. Birth is the beginning of our soul’s journey, sent off from its divine source to live in an unnatural state, a land of materialism. Throughout our lives, therefore, we crave to be reunited with our real selves. We search for our soul, for the G-dly spark within ourselves. We long to reconnect with our source”.

From Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk:
“The Rabbi once asked Jacob of Radzyman: ‘What is the purpose of man’s creation” Jacob replied: “Man was created in order to perfect his soul”. The Kotsker shouted: “Jacob! Is this what we were taught in Przysucha?” “Man was created in order to increase God’s glory!”
“Where is God’s dwelling? God dwells wherever man lets Him in.”
“The prohibition against idolatry includes the prohibition against making idols out of the mitzvot. We should never imagine that the chief purpose of a mitzvah is its outer form; rather it is the inward meaning.”
Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Pzhysh:
“The sins which people commit-those are not their great crimes. Temptation is powerful, and strength is slight! The great crime is that people can turn at any moment and they do not do so.”

The Maggid of Mezrich:
“ We learn three things from a child:
1) Keep yourself busy.
2) You don’t need a reason to be happy.
3) If you want something cry and cry until you get it.”
Miscellaneous Hasidic sayings:
• Work for peace within your family, then within your street, and then within your community.
• It’s easier to abandon evil traits today than tomorrow.
• Three times the Torah asks us to love: twice in Leviticus we are commanded to love human beings: then in Deuteronomy our love is directed to the Holy One. Only after we have learned to love people can we come to love the Holy One. “
• People can see their reflection in water only when they bend down close to it; and the human heart too, must lean down to the heart of another so that it many see itself reflected there within.
• A rebbe was asked: “What purpose do atheists serve in this world?” He responded: “God created atheists so that people would not rely on God to help the poor or say that the poor and all those who suffer will receive their ultimate reward in the world to come.” (The doubt created by atheists encourages all Jews to conclude that when it comes to the less fortunate, we cannot rely on God’s help or future justice in the afterlife – we must help those in need today with our own hands.E.N.)
• Fools believe that the money which they have lying in their coffers is theirs, while the money they give away to charity is theirs no longer. Actually, quite the reverse is true. Only those possessions which are given away for sacred purposes remain one’s property, but those possessions which a man greedily amasses for himself are not his at all. Such gains will not remain with him for longer than a fleeting moment.
(For further information on the Yeshiva Movement, see Lithuania section.)

“He who completely believes Jewish folk tales is a fool;
he who completely dismisses them is an even greater fool.”

TO TELL THE STORY
In the days of the Ba’al Shem Tov, whenever a catastrophe threatened the Jewish people, the great master would go into a secret place in a nearby forest. There he would chant a prayer according to a special melody while standing under a densely branched tree he had known from the time both he and the tree were young. Thus the catastrophe would be averted.
Two generations hence, when enemies again rose up against the House of Israel, the Ba’al Shem Tov’s grandson, a famous Rabbi in his own right, would go into the same forest and say: “I cannot find the tree where my grandfather once prayed. But I know the right prayer and the proper melody.” And once again the Jews were saved.
The grandson’s grandson, another renowned scholar, moved too far from the forest to be able to visit whenever there was a need for divine intervention. Moreover, the words to the prayer his grandfather had once recited were now lost. Nevertheless, when the Jews were in mortal peril, he would hum the Ba’al Shem Tov’s melody. And this too was sufficient to avert the disaster.
In our days, the words to the prayer are forgotten, the melody is lost, and even if the forest still existed we could never again locate the exact spot where the Ba’al Shem Tov once stood under the densely branched tree. Yet we will continue to tell and retell the story of the forest, the melody and the ancient prayer. And this too will be sufficient.

ILLUSION & REALITY
One of the Besht’s (Ba’al Shem Tov) essential parables tells the following tale:
The king built a castle which he surrounded with concentric barriers, made up of high walls, each more formidable than the previous. Then he issued the following statement: Anyone who is able to find me will become my most trusted advisor, and elevated to the position of assistant to the King.
The first group of those who attempted to reach the King were scared off by fierce guards and wild animals that threatened them when they began to approach the castle. The second group was able to overcome their fear, but were offered lavish riches when they reached the second wall. They too succumbed, and went no further.
Only the King’s son, who loved him so much, whose only desire was to see his father’s face, kept going. But, finally he too, was overwhelmed by the obstacles. He cried out: Father please help me! In a moment, all the walls disappeared, and the King was standing right next to him.
Moral: All obstacles in life are an illusion; God is right in front of you if you truly seek him.
ENDLESS LOVE
A father complained to the Ba’al Shem Tov that his son had forsaken God. ‘Rabbi, what shall I do’, he asked.
‘Love him more than ever’.

HOW GOD FEELS
A little boy went out to play hide-and-seek with his friends. He went out to hide, but all of his friends left and he found himself alone. He ran crying to his grandfather and told him what happened. His grandfather started crying, too. He told his gransdson: ’That is exactly how God feels. Because He too is hiding, and no-one is looking for him.”

INNOVATION & TRADITION
A newly appointed Hasidic Rabbi was challenged by his Hasidim for innovations he was introducing. They complained that he was violating the tradition that had been passed down to him by his father, the previous Rebbe. The young Rebbe replied: ’By introducing my new ideas, I am being loyal to the tradition of my father. He was an original human being who followed the dictates of his heart and so am I.”

NOT A TRACE
On the day before Passover, Rabbi Levi Yitzhak, while walking through the marketplace, met several Gentiles who were known to be smuggling goods across the border.
‘Do you have any smuggled silk’ he asked them.
‘We do’, they answered.
‘How many yards to you have’, he continued.
‘Don’t worry Rabbi,’ said the smuggler. ‘We have as much as you need.’
He left them and soon met a Jew.
‘Do you have any Hametz’, he asked.

‘Hametz?’ asked the astonished Jew. ‘Heaven forbid that a Jew should have Hametz after the sixth hour on Erev Pessach!’
Soon he met a second Jew and again asked, ‘Do you have any Hametz?’
‘What did you ask, Rabbi’, answered the distraught man. ‘Hametz at this time!” Am I not still a Jew?’
Rabbi Levi Yitzhak lifted his eyes toward Heaven and said ‘Master of the World, look down from Heaven and see how Your people Israel tremble at Your word and hasten to fulfill Your commandments. The Russian Tzar is a mighty and fearsome ruler who has many generals and guards and prisons to enforce his decrees. And he commands thousands of soldiers to protect the border to see that no merchandise is brought across it unlawfully. Nevertheless, daily they smuggle in all manner of merchandise and fear not to see it openly in the market. But You, O Lord, Who have no generals or guards or prisons, have simply written in Your Torah ‘There shall no leavened bread be seen with thee.’ And on Erev Pessach, long before the evening comes, there is not a trace of Hametz to be found among all of the people of Israel’.

THE ULTIMATE QUESTION
Reb Zusya of Hanipol once said: When I reach the seat of judgement, I am not afraid that I will be asked: ‘Zusya why were you not like Moses, why were you not like Rabbi Akiva?’ I am afraid that I will be asked: ’Zusya! Why were you not Zusya!!!’

THE FORGOTTEN ART
There once was a king who so loved music, he hired musicians who shared his passion for music to play each morning before him. And the king delighted in hearing their music.
When the musicians died, their sons sought to take their places. But, alas, they had neither mastered the art of their fathers nor had they kept their instruments in proper condition. Worse still, the sons no longer loved the king as did their fathers but set their eyes only upon the reward, blindly following their fathers’ custom of arriving early each morning at the palace to perform. But the harsh sounds that emerged were so offensive to the ear, that after a time the king no longer listened to their music.
Still, there were among the sons of the old musicians, those who were determined to correct the situation. They set about the difficult task of relearning the forgotten art. Before coming to the king, they would now first try to tune their instruments, and in so doing would often arrive late. Upon entering the king’s court and hearing the racket of the other musicians who were already present, they sought out an obscure corner for themselves where they could play undisturbed in accordance with their ability. They gathered each morning to perform, remaining long after the other musicians had departed so that they might improve their skill. Long before leaving their homes for the palace each morning they continued to struggle with their poor instruments.
The king was aware of their efforts and it was good in his eyes. For even though they did not play with the same talent as their fathers, still they strove, within their limits, to once more bring joy to the king. Thus was their music received by the king with favour.

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Now that’s a merry Chanukah for us all, lighting us up!

Yakov Jacobson was doing pre-Chanukah mivzoim in Laguna Beach,
 CA, when he happened upon a familiar character who -
 he was surprised to find out - 
is a Jew! 
The man had never put on tefilin before, a 'Karkafta,' 
and Yakov helped him do the mitzvah for the first time in his life.
CHABAD is so great thanks to great leaders and chassidim!

Met this guy in the RAP - 
Rav Avson cool yeshivah in the holy city of the Jerusalem,
great souls come there! 

Midnightrabbi inspires Happy Chanukah to Ethiopian students waiting 4 Bar Mitzvah! Donate now!

 We all got to get prepared for the light ahead!!! Like it share it and taste it !

Channukah/Hanukah/Hannukah-Chanukah Inspired!