by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Apr 18, 2018
Three penniless, unscrupulous Chassidim wanted to be with their rebbe in Lublin for Rosh Hashana, so they devised a plan to raise money for the journey.
They would go to one of the Jewish villages in the area. On arrival one of the three would pose as a great scholar while the other two would announce his presence in the town, inviting anyone in need to come and ask for his blessings.
Yankel was chosen to pose as the tzadik. He was to sit in the synagogue and wait for the simple, believing “clients”. And indeed, they came in search of help for their miseries.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Apr 11, 2018
Contrary to wide agreement in the Social Sciences community that Man’s behavior is formed and directed by his surroundings and upbringing, the Torah states יצר לב אדם רע מנעוריו – the instincts in man’s heart are evil from birth. Meaning: We are all commanded to control and direct our thoughts, intentions and actions in the way HaShem has set down in the Torah, however, everyone is born with tendencies that either abet or hinder in achieving this goal, which is nevertheless achievable.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Apr 3, 2018
In parashat Bo, HaShem discloses the four stages to redemption that He will provide for the Jewish nation.
Analogous to the four stages of redemption (bring you, free you, redeem you, take you) our rabbis established the requirement of drinking four cups of wine on the seder night.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Mar 20, 2018
This week’s pre-Pesach message is a repeat of what I have sent out for the past 15 years comparing Passover in America to Pesach in Eretz Yisrael.
Nevertheless, it is always appropriate and timely. Because every year, as we draw closer to the final geula, the message becomes more challenging for contemporary religious leaders in galut who are as blind to HaShem’s personal guidance of the Jewish nation as were the 80% of the Jews who refused to leave Egypt.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Mar 14, 2018
Tractate Makot ends with an incident where Rabban Gamliel, R. Elazar ben Azariya, R. Yehoshua and R. Akiva were viewing the devastation on the Temple Mount. The first three rabbis wept while R. Akiva expressed feelings of gladness. When asked to explain, R, Akiva quoted from the prophets that after the destruction will come eternal peace to the holy city. The rabbis exclaimed, “R. Akiva you have comforted us, you have comforted us”.
I underwent a similar experience where several of my rabbinic colleagues were very agitated in the face of a particular incident. I had the opportunity to mitigate their concerns, basing my words on a chapter of the prophets.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Mar 7, 2018
We who cling to HaShem and await the final stage of our redemption all agree that the Medina, enormous as it is, is not the end game of our hopes and aspirations. It is a stage. A great one but only preparation for the future appearance of HaShem through the Mashiach and the dramatic new world we call Olam Haba.
How will HaShem proceed from here?
