This is an inspiring week. We are coming out of Shabbos which fell on Yud Shevat—the day that the Lubavitcher Rebbe accepted (reluctantly, after a year of persuasion) the mantle of leadership of the Chabad Lubavitch movement. His ‘bargain’ was that if the chassidim insisted he should be the leader, then they would do things his way... an ever-greater push to do more and more to fulfill G-d’s will and to bring Moshiach (the Messiah) to the world. (as a repost, check out this short video: http://www.chabad.org/multimedia/media_cdo/aid/132936/jewish/Challenge.htm)
REGARDING the weekly Torah portion! This is an amazing week. A whole portion, the portion of Yitro, added in honor of a man (Yitro) who was an idol worshiper par-excellence. He tried it all and was a high-priest of many cults. He finally figured out that there is a G-d of gods who created everything and to whom it is befitting to praise.
Also this portions recounts the giving of the 10 Commandments at Mount Sinai. Check out your local synagogue to see when the Torah is read this Shabbos (the 22nd) to ask if they mind if you come in to listen to the 10-Commandments chanted in the traditional cantillation and in Hebrew, the language with which G-d spoke and created everything!
Shavua tov—have a great week
(sorry if I’m running off at the mouth ZC... I get excited)
By no means . . . that's what these threads are for.
Thanks for the insights and the link.
Thanks for the additional information. Never be sorry for that. Some of want to learn the very things you talk about.