Lets Make The World Better! Together!

Matisyahu Freestyling in italy for Radio Deejay.

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Matisyahu Freestyling in italy for Radio Deejay.

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Morality
Seven Things You Can Do for America
by Mendy Hecht

September 11, 2001: Terrorists tear serenity from America’s soul. Our sense of safety and security is gone. Our towering twin symbols of superiority are gone. And over four thousand moms and dads, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, among them our finest and bravest, are gone.

We feel shock. Pain. Rage. A thirst for revenge, a ventless anguish. And maddening powerlessness.

What can we do? What direction do we take? Where do we put our passion?

We all want to take action. We all want to do something — anything — to strike back. Something real. Something powerful. Here’s seven ways to guarantee that good has the last laugh:

1. Have Faith in G-d
“In G-d We Trust” is right on the money. It’s in our courthouses, our Congress. And it’s in our blood. From George Washington to George Dubya, faith is what has made America great. Let’s keep it going. Let’s show the world what faith is all about. We need to have faith, live faith, teach our kids faith — faith in the One Indivisible G-d discovered by Abraham, father of monotheism, over 4,000 years ago. Now, today, and every day. It’s the healthiest thing we can do. And the firmest response to the destroyers of faith.

2. Don’t Lose Trust
Why do bad things happen to good people? But if we trust G-d, we trust G-d. We trust there’s a plan. Even when it hurts. Even when we don’t understand. On that dark day, September 11, 2001, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani asked for strength from G-d. President Bush expressed trust in G-d. Congress sang “G-d Bless America.” Join them. Talk to Him. Speak your mind. Open your heart. Pour out your pain. Tell Him where it hurts and why. Request serenity, courage, willpower — whatever you need. He’s always there, and He always knows what He’s doing. Even when it seems senseless. Never let go of your trust in G-d.

3. Be Humane
We all know the rule: never take life except in self-defense. It’s absolute. But every murder and massacre begins with one thought: I write the rules. Our new enemies deserve death, but they teach us a lesson about life: thought leads to action. Let’s make sure our thoughts are leading us in the right direction. There’s never been a better time to search our souls and reenergize our regard for human rights. There’s never been a better time to entrench this absolute value in society. Permanently. Because if we don’t, we’re no better than they are.

4. Build a Good Family
Your values: many came from outside you. From the media, from pop culture, from books, from teachers and friends. But Mom and Dad gave you more. They were your role models.

Now it’s your turn.

We’re not talking about traditional family values. We’re not talking about American values. We’re talking about a family with values.

We’re talking about doing the right thing. And having kids to teach to do the right thing. If you live alone or lead an alternative lifestyle, you can choose your values. But if you die alone, your lifestyle and values die with you. That’s why the family is the brick that builds society.

So take a stand. Make a statement. Make a family.

A child is forever. A family perpetuates values. Your child, and your family, perpetuates your values forever. Show your kids the right way, just like your parents and grandparents showed you. We need it now more than ever.

5. Respect the Property of Others
Almost as infuriating as the attack itself were reports of volunteers making off with victim’s wallets, looters ransacking abandoned businesses, and citizens at their worst scamming citizens at their best. September 11, 2001 turned most of us into angels. But some of us turned into animals, following our basest instincts.

It’s a blunt reminder of the choices we face every day. Snatching office supplies, or getting something for free when we know we should pay, is infinitely less outrageous than taking advantage of a donor’s patriotism via internet emergency donation scams. But it’s no less wrong. Stealing anything, no matter how small or insignificant, is just plain wrong. In the days and years ahead, let’s never forget it.

6. Be a Good Citizen
As the horrible news spread, good citizens in the thousands turned out across the city and country, doing everything they could to maintain law and order. They’re still out there. But the wave of good citizenship that overtook America did not rise from a flat sea. It built up from small things like courtesy, concern and looking in on neighbors; and larger things like community service, political activism, civic duty and speaking up for justice. It sprung from a sense of obeying the law at all times. From respect for police officers and court decisions. From taking a role in the democratic process at all levels.

Good citizenship is a 24/7 commitment. Law and order, justice and freedom are for the people… and by the people. They are everyone’s responsibility. Their future is in our hands.

Here’s where you can make the biggest difference. Get active, write, call. March. Vote. Volunteer. The greatest things happen when ordinary people like you take action.

7. Respect the value of all life
Believe it or not, animals have a big part in this. Character is measured by what you do away from people. Someone who shoots BB’s at birds for kicks, who cruelly chases cats or hunts deer with a blood lust doesn’t have an animal problem — he’s got a people problem. Someone who hunts and fishes responsibly, takes animal life humanely, and is never reduced to dismembering a live animal maintains the dignity not just of animal life, but of human life too. Respect for life that cannot fight back is the measure of respect for life that can.

* * *

You have just read the Noahide Code—the oldest set of rules known to man. Older than the Bible – older than Ancient Anything.

These laws have been the bedrock of civilization since the dawn of time.

Societies that protected them flourished. Societies that flouted them fell: historical fact.

“But can I really make a difference? Do I make a difference?” Look to New York City’s skyline for the answer: one man named Osama did that. And if one human being, just one, can do so much evil, then one human being—just one—can do equal good.

Imagine the power.

Now stop imagining. That one human being is you.

Osama wasn’t born yesterday. It takes a village to raise a child. But if the villagers are maniacs, that child is lost. And when he grows up… you get the picture.

We all live in the global village now. We all create that world of justice and good around each other. So get caught doing the right thing more often. Your one act may just be a child’s lifetime inspiration.

Pass it on.

It won’t be the same without you.

* * *

The Noahide Code is the Jewish message to the universe. For more information, contact your local branch of Chabad, the biggest Jewish outreach organization in the universe, via www.chabad.org.

Written by Total Text Writing Service www.TotalTextWriting.com. With thanks to Lang Rockhouse and Miryam E. Weisman, for your critical assistance. © 2001 Meaningfullife.com

by Tzvi Freeman

I want to tell you about the greatest discovery of the millennium. It wasn’t the printing press. It wasn’t America. It wasn’t even vaccination. The greatest discovery of the millennium happened near its very end.

It was the discovery of Planet Earth.

We were trying to get away from Planet Earth–ever since we had to leave the garden. We built temples reaching to the heavens, to transcend our earthly bounds. Cities to lock out the earth’s wildness, as though we were not a part of it. We told her she was a dark and lowly place, that we needed to escape her to reach our destiny. We ravaged her, raped her, paved her. Our dreams were dreams of overcoming Earth.

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Whereas Congress recognizes the historical tradition of ethical values and principles which are the basis of civilized society and upon which our great Nation was founded;

Whereas these ethical values and principles have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization, when they were known as the Seven Noahide Laws;

Whereas without these ethical values and principles the edifice of civilization stands in serious peril of returning to chaos;
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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

(The following is a free translation from the responsa of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, of blessed memory, concerning the matter of prayer and the Noahide.)[1]

When a Noahide prays he certainly obtains reward as we learn from the Prophet Isaiah, “My abode shall be declared a house of prayer unto all the nations of the world” (Isa. 56:7).

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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

Spiritual purpose of offering sacrifices; laws concerning the burnt offering

1. Animal sacrifices as offerings to God are seen by modern man as a cruel and primitive practice, and yet the most lofty souls who ever lived, Adam and Noah, and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and Moses and Aaron, and David and Solomon and Samuel, as well as countless thousands of other exalted spiritual beings offered animal sacrifices to the God of Israel. The truth is far from the vain imaginings of modern man, for the ancients of Israel saw high into the heavenly spiritual realms in a way that we can only regard with wonder and awe.

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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

1. There was a pious man who was quite charitable, helping all those in need. Once, he set out in a boat and a storm came and sank his boat in the sea. Rabbi Akiva witnessed the event and went to report the tragic news, but before he could tell anyone, he looked up and there was the man standing before him.

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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

1. Although the Children of Noah are not commanded to honor father and mother, they have accepted the obligation of performing this meritorious act from the beginning of time and have distinguished themselves through the ages with this righteous behavior.[1]
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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

PART ONE: Roots of the judicial system; jurisdiction of the courts; criteria for judicial decisions; standards within the court system; standards and goals for judges

1. The Children of Noah are commanded to establish courts of law that will carry out justice and maintain human righteousness and morality in accord with the Seven Universal Laws.[1] A court system that perverts justice by handing down rulings in conflict with the Seven Universal Laws is an instrument for driving God’s blessings out of the world. Anyone who fails to establish a court system, that is, who lives in a community or city in which there are no courts, and who does nothing to correct the situation, is punishable by death. One who establishes or maintains courts of law that operate contrary to the Seven Universal Laws is similarly liable.

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The Seven Noachide Laws “The future Redemption will apply not only to Israel, but to the whole world as well. In preparation for this Redemption, therefore, action needs to be taken so that the world at large will be ready for such a state. This is to be achieved through the efforts of the Jewish people to influence the nations of the world to conduct themselves in the spirit of the verse that states that G-d ‘formed the world in order that it be settled’ (Isaiah 45:18) in a civilized manner, through the observance of their seven mitzvot.”

The Seven Universal Laws

The Seven Universal Laws, also known as the Seven Noahide Laws, are the minimal observance for non-Jews. All of these laws are derived from specific passages in the Torah, which G-d gave to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. By learning from the Jews and performing the mitzvos (commandments, laws or good deeds), non-Jews have a crucial role in completing the Creation. However, Hasidic Gentiles (”Noahides”) are also encouraged to perform additional mitzvos, such as giving to charity, praying regularly, and studying Torah.

Further information about the Seven Universal Laws and the proper relationship of gentiles with the Jewish people can be found in The Path of the Righteous Gentile” by Chaim Clorfene and Rabbi Yakov Rogalsky, or click here for a online version.

The Seven Laws of Noah are the following:
Prohibition of Idolatry
Prohibition of Blasphemy
Prohibition of Murder
Prohibition of Illicit relations
Prohibition of Theft
Prohibition of Failing to establish courts of justice
Prohibition of Eating live meat

The Seven Universal Laws actually encompass numerous details and applications that are not explained here (by one opinion, 66 laws, but even these are only a very basic guide). One should also keep in mind that these laws are only the minimal observance for Hasidic Gentiles, since there are many Jewish mitzvos that we are encouraged to adopt to attain a greater level of spiritual refinement and increased blessings for ourselves and the rest of Creation.

Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

Definition and explanation; drinking blood; criteria concerning what is an animal and what constitutes a limb; spiritual elevation through proper eating

1. There is some discussion as to whether or not the prohibition of eating the limb of a living animal was originally given to Adam, the first man. One opinion states that it was included in the original commandment forbidding the eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.[1] According to this opinion, Adam, who was clearly given vegetation for food, as it is written, “And God said, Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed which is upon the face of the whole earth, and every tree upon which there is fruit of a tree bearing seed, to you these shall be for food” (Gen. 1:29), was not forbidden to eat meat, but was merely forbidden to kill animals for food. If the animal had died of itself, it was permissible as food.[2] What Noah was given, therefore, was permission to kill animals for food, but he was forbidden by God to eat the flesh of any animal while the animal was still alive.[3] According to the other opinion, Adam had received six of the Seven Universal Laws and had been forbidden to eat the flesh of an animal in any manner. Only after the Flood was the leniency of permitting animal flesh instituted.[4]

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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

Definition of theft; criteria for theft; kidnap; land conquest; rape; seduction; usury; overpricing; permissible profit margins; returning stolen objects; punishment; physical abuse; coveting another’s possessions; usurping land; withholding wages

1. Of all the categories of the Seven Universal Commandments, the prohibition against theft may be the hardest to obey. Human history and psychology are in clear agreement with the Talmudic statement, that “Man’s soul has a craving and longing for incest and robbery.”[1] But committing theft, unlike incest, is often a simple matter in which the opportunity presents itself almost constantly. Moreover, the commandment against theft includes aspects that, without thorough study, might elude a person and be thought of as acceptable behavior. Therefore, a frequent review of the laws of theft is important.

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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

Forbidden relationships; what is permissible and forbidden in relationships; consummation of marriage; divorce; seduction; homosexuality; lesbianism; prostitution; bestiality; castration

1. It is written, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cling to his wife and they shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). According to the Holy Spirit this verse comes to instruct mankind concerning forbidden relationships.[1] Rashi comments that the phrase, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother,” forbids the man to have sexual relations with the wife of his father (not his mother) even after the death of his father, when she is no longer considered a married woman. Obviously, this also includes his natural mother. The phrase, “cling to his wife,” comes to teach us that he shall have relations with his own wife and not another man’s wife. “To his wife” comes to teach us that he shall have relations with the opposite sex, not with a male. “And they shall be of one flesh” comes to exclude any animal, for an animal is not of one flesh with a man.[2]

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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

Definition of murder; abortion; self-defense; suicide; manslaughter; masturbation

1. The commandment prohibiting murder is explicitly stated to Noah by God: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for He made man in the image of God” (Gen. 9:6).

2. A Noahide who kills a human being, even a baby in the womb of its mother, receives the death penalty. This means that one who strikes a pregnant woman, thereby killing the fetus, incurs the death penalty.[1] (The act must have been done at least forty days after conception.[2] Before forty days, the act is in the category of destruction of man’s seed, and the transgressor is liable for punishment from heaven, not by a court on earth.)

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In this age of egalitarian and liberal thinking, how can Jews still promote what is to many intellectuals a shameful and vainglorious sentiment of being the chosen nation? How can Jews preach to the world that they are better than everyone else?

Understanding the concept of chosen nation as arrogant behavior on the part of the Jews is a gross misrepresentation. On the contrary: it is a humbling motif. The Jews were not merely chosen as G-d’s special people, as if the Almighty was playing favorites. They were chosen for a mission. And that mission was to spread the knowledge of the creator and His expectations of man to all nations. Thus, G-d’s choosing the Jewish people was a calling that would forever remind them that alone they are insufficient. If the Jews wanted to believe for even a moment that so long as they served G-d justly and lovingly, G-d would be satisfied, He made the purpose of their being on this earth to tell the other nations that they arc important, too. G-d is not satisfied with the contribution of the Jews alone, but desires the service and participation of all nations.

This is what being chosen means and the responsibility it entails. Can anyone think of a greater humbling device than a nation whose whole existence is dedicated to teaching the other nations that G-d loves and needs them, too?
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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

1. Blasphemy is the act of cursing the Creator. It is a deed so indescribably heinous that the Talmud, whenever referring to blasphemy, calls it by the euphemistic term “blessing God,” to avoid directly expressing the idea of cursing God, the Father of all.

2. Blasphemy is the only means by which one transgresses the Seven Universal Commandments through the faculty of speech alone.

3. Blasphemy falls into the category of revenge. When someone is harmed by a person and seeks revenge, he may shout at the person or curse him. If the harm is great, the one seeking vengeance may not be satisfied by words alone but may physically strike out at the one who harmed him. In extreme cases, the vengeful person may not be satisfied till he kills. This is between a man and his neighbor. Between man and God it is somewhat different. Man cannot kill God nor can he strike Him physically. The ultimate revenge that man can take against God is to curse Him. Therefore, blasphemy is seen as the expression of the desire to hurt God, even to erase His existence or murder Him.
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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

• Definition of idolatry

• Serving an idol; making an idol

• Convincing others to serve an idol; false prophets

• The idolatrous pillar; benefiting or profiting from idols

• Things remaining permissible despite an involvement with idolatry; idolatrous trees; nullification of idols

• Ghosts and spirits; witchcraft; divination; astrology; charmers; necromancers

PART ONE: Definition of idolatry

1. The essence of the Seven Universal Laws is the prohibition against idolatry. One who worships another deity besides the Creator denies the essence of religion and rejects the entirety of the Seven Universal Laws. But one who guards himself against idolatry demonstrates belief in God and affirms the entirety of the Seven Universal Laws.[1]
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The U.S. Congress officially recognized the Noahide Laws in legislation which was passed by both houses. Congress and the President of the United States, George Bush, indicated in Public Law 102-14, 102nd Congress, that the United States of America was founded upon the Seven Universal Laws of Noah, and that these Laws have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization. They also acknowledged that the Seven Laws of Noah are the foundation upon which civilization stands and that recent weakening of these principles threaten the fabric of civilized society, and that justified preoccupation in educating the Citizens of the United States of America and future generations is needed. For this purpose, this Public Law designated March 26, 1991 as Education Day, U.S.A.

Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

If any one concept epitomizes the knowledge of God, it is Judaism’s belief that man can achieve complete repentance. Judaism does not even find the word repentance sufficient, for repentance presupposes a natural state of sinfulness from which, in reality, there is no return. The Jewish idea is called tshuvah, return.

Christianity, for example, views man as being a hopeless victim of original sin. In that light, complete repentance is impossible. How can one return to one’s pure nature if the pure nature itself is blemished?

In truth, repentance is withheld from the sinner only by his own evil mind and deceitful heart. If he sincerely wishes to draw near to God, the gate of repentance is open to him and no hindrance exists which can prevent him from attaining his goal. On the contrary, God opens the gate of righteousness for all and, in His lovingkindness and goodness, instructs man in the good way, as it is written, “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore, He will teach sinners the way” (Ps. 25:8). And it is also written, “The Lord is nigh unto all who call upon Him in truth” (Ps. 145:18).

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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

The First Existence, God of the Universe, God’s Oneness and negation of attributing physicality to Him

1. It is the foundation of foundations of all doctrines and philosophical inquiry to know that there is a First Existence (without a beginning) and that He created all existence (brought everything forth from absolute nothingness into being). And everything that is found in the heavens or on the earth exists only because of the truth of His existence.[1]

2. And if all the creatures in creation should cease to exist, He alone would still exist and in no way would He be nullified because of their nullification. For every creation needs Him, but He, Blessed Be He, does not need any of them or all of them, and His truth is not like the truth of any one of them.[2]

Their existence is not imperative, but depends on His existence. Therefore, their existence is relative. But the First Existence is uncaused. His existence is absolute.

3. Of Him the prophet says, “The Lord God is truth” (Jer. 10:10). He alone is truth and there is no other truth like unto His truth.[3] And of Him the Torah says, “There is nothing else besides Him” (Deut. 4:35).

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April 19, 1986
By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

From earliest colonial days, Americans have always known that education is the golden key that opens the door to achievement and progress. This Administration has placed renewed emphasis on excellence in education, and already the results are encouraging. By setting high standards we challenge the young to stretch their mental muscles and strive to achieve the best that is in them. Such an education succeeds because it makes learning an adventure.

Education is like a diamond with many facets: it includes the basic mastery of numbers and letters that give us access to the treasury of human knowledge, accumulated and refined through the ages; it includes technical and vocational training as well as instruction in science, higher mathematics, and humane letters. But no true education can leave out the moral and spiritual dimensions of human life and human striving. Only education that addresses this dimension can lead to that blend of compassion, humility, and understanding that is summed up in one word: wisdom.

“Happy the man,'’ Scripture tells us, “who finds wisdom. . . . Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who come to possess her.'’

The Congress has sought to call attention to these durable values by adopting resolutions that pay tribute to the example of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a man who has dedicated his life to the search for wisdom and to guiding others along its pathways. He exemplifies the rich tradition of the Seven Noahide Laws, which have been the lodestar of the Lubavitch movement from its inception.

In recognition of Rabbi Schneerson’s noble achievements and in celebration of his 84th birthday, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 582, has designated April 20 as “Education Day, U.S.A.'’ and authorized and requested the President to issue an appropriate proclamation in observance of this event.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, April 20, 1986, as Education Day, U.S.A., and I call upon the people of the United States, and in particular our teachers and other educational leaders, to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and tenth.

Ronald Reagan

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:26 a.m., April 21, 1986]

Adam, Noah, The Patriarchs, Joseph, Moses, Times of the Holy Temple, Final Diaspora, Final Redemption

The code of Divine Law that we now know as the Seven Commandments of the Children of Noah has been with mankind since the creation of the first man, Adam. Though man is the crown of creation, he was created last. The reason that God created man last of all the creations was to serve as a perpetual lesson, symbolic of man’s choice in the world. When he is fulfilling God’s will, man sits atop everything that was created before him‑and is truly creation’s crown. But when he falls in disobedience to God, he is last and lowest of all the creatures, lower even than the gnat, which consumes throughout its life but never eliminates waste, the symbol of ultimate selfishness. Even the lowly gnat follows God’s will. Man alone has the option to transgress it.[1]

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For the past two thousand years, Christians and Moslems and every other religious group that has had the opportunity have been proselytizing to the Jews, telling them what their religious duty should be. The Jews, by contrast, have never actively sought converts to their own religion. Perhaps this is why few people realize that Judaism, too, has something to say about what should be the religious duty of the non‑Jewish peoples of the world. This site summarizes the Jewish teachings on this subject to inform and guide the Gentiles, or descendants of Noah. Jewish readers will also be interested in learning about this little‑known area of Jewish study.

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Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

Applicability of the Seven Laws, permission to observe other laws of the Torah, permission and prohibition to learn Torah; proper intention concerning performance of Seven Laws; honoring parents; charity; interbreeding animals; grafting plants; circumcision; creating religions or new religious ritual observance; having children; burial

1. With respect to God’s commandments, all of humanity is divided into two general classifications: the Children of Israel and the Children of Noah.

2. The Children of Israel are the Jews, the descendants of the Patriarch Jacob. They are commanded to fulfill the 613 Commandments of the Torah.

3. The Children of Noah comprise the seventy original nations of the world and their branches. They are commanded concerning the Seven Universal Laws, also known as the Seven Laws of the Children of Noah or the Seven Noahide Laws.[1] These Seven Universal Laws pertain to idolatry, blasphemy, murder, theft, sexual relations, eating the limb of a living animal, and establishing courts of law.

4. All Seven Universal Laws are prohibitions. Do not wonder at this. Negative commandments are of a higher order than positive commandments, and their fulfillment, which takes more effort than positive commandments, earns a greater reward.

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You were created so that you could recognize your Creator, love Him, and serve Him here on earth. But do you know Who G-d really is? The answer to this question surprises many people.
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For Hassidic gentiles to be successful in revealing G-d in His Creation and thereby bring Moshiach (the Messiah), we must be united in our efforts. However, there is not, nor can there ever be, a “national board” or single organization to be an umbrella for all Hassidic gentile groups. Each community must organize itself (with help from Jews and other Hassidic gentiles, of course), but must remain structurally independent. The one thing that must unite all Hassidic gentiles is the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s program to bring Moshiach, including many specific projects and institutions compatible with his agenda.

The Hassidic gentile movement is not an organization of which one can be a member. Hassidic gentiles make a commitment before G-d (and to their own communities, as well as to the Jewish people as a whole in accordance with the Rebbe’s vision), but there is no single organization to include all Hassidic gentiles.

Rather, we want to build many thousands of organizations, at the local, national, and international levels, to carry out myriads of social functions. These organizations must not, however, merge under any single institution. Each must function independently (as organizations), but must be united in following the Torah according to the vision of the Rebbe. “United” organizations produce mostly squabbling and political intrigue; true unity comes from independent organizations cooperating in an organic way, using their different strengths to assist, but not to control, one another.

It is vitally important that as a movement we continue to grow. There certainly should be “publicity” and an aggressive outreach program to pull Christians out of their churches and bring them to G-d’s Law. However, as a practical matter, we will grow exponentially through patient, uncompromising work in learning, teaching, building community programs–and also aggressive outreach.

His depth of wisdom, knowledge and understanding is an eternal source of spiritual and moral sustenance for all people.

His belief in, and compassion for each individual illuminates the world with loving kindness.

He continues to inspire, motivate and guide our path to the ultimate Redemption.

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1.  Whenever one has a need, be it physical (health, money, children, etc.) or spiritual (happiness, overcoming temptation, etc.), one must always pray to G-d for these things. Praying to anything (anyone?) else–or not praying at all–shows that a person relies on something other than G-d for his needs; this would be, in effect, the worship of idols. Of course, there is no guarantee G-d will give one exactly what he wants, but G-d will give what he truly needs; as limited beings, we often do not really know what is best for us. Moreover, G-d always hears and responds to our prayers; we do not necessarily know how or when.

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[52 Negative, 14 Positive]

I. No Idolatry
1) “Against entertaining the thought that there exists a deity except Hashem.” (Negative 1)
2) “Against making any graven image [& against having anyone else make one for us].” (Negative 2)
3) “Against making idols for use by others.” (Negative 3)
4) “Against making any forbidden statues [even when they are for ornamental purposes].” (Negative 4)
5) “Against bowing to any idol [& not to sacrifice nor to pour libation nor to burn incense before any idol, even where it is not the customary manner of worship to the particular idol].” (Negative 5)
6) “Against worshipping idols in any of their customary manners of worship.” (Negative 6)
7) “Against causing our children to pass [through the fire] in the worship of Molech.” (Negative 7)
8) “Against practicing Ov.” (Negative 8 )
9) “Against practicing Yiddoni.” (Negative 9)
10) “Against turning to idolatry [in word, in thought, in deed, or by any observance that may draw us to its worship].” (Negative 10)

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Genesis 9:3-4: “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with its life, which is its blood, you shall not eat.”

This commandment forbids the eating of meat that has been removed from an animal while it was still alive. For non-Jews, this means that the limbs of the animal must have stopped moving by the time the first cut is made. It also prohibits the eating of meat that still contains the blood within it.

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