Stories Archive: #1451 - present (5786)

1493 (5786-44) 6 AV 5786 (July 20, 2026) (This Week)

"The Difficult Nine Days of a Chasidic Master"

During the “Nine Days” of intensified mourning for the loss of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem, Rabbi Baruch of Mezhibuzh would disappear; none of his chasidim could accompany him, see him off or know where he went.

Why This Week? TISHA B'AV [2026: Wednesday, July 22, sunset – July 23, nightfall.]

"The Holy Ari of Safed"

The Holy Ari of Safad overflowed with Torah in every form. He also was expert in the language of trees, the language of birds, and the speech of angels, and could read faces in the manner outlined in the Zohar.

Why This Week: The fifth of the Jewish month of Menachem-Av [2026: Sat. night July 18 through Sunday, July 19 is the yahrzeit of the Ari.

"The Gift of Perceiving Reincarnations"

At the end of the feast, the brothers distributed money among the poor. When the young boy's turn came, he shouted, "How dare you offer me copper coins!? Bring me gold from the treasure chest!"

Why This Week? The 22nd day of the Jewish month of Tammuz [2026: July 6] is the yahrzeit of Rebbe Shlomo of Karlin.

"The Light of the Orient"

The famous Sephardic sage, Rabbi Hayyim Ben Attar, earned a nice living through his rare specialty: embroidering clothes, particularly luxurious aristocratic garments woven with gold or silver thread.

Why This Week? The 15th of the Jewish month of Tammuz is the yahrzeit of the Ohr HaChayim Hakadosh.

"A Rebbe-in-Training"

Rabbi Yoseph-Yitzchak Schneersohn , who later became the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, was barely fifteen years old when his father and predecessor, Rabbi Shalom Dov-Ber Schneersohn, appointed him his personal secretary and initiated him into the vortex of religious, communal, political and scholarly activities that revolve around the world leader of the Chabad movement.

Why This Week? The date of this Shabbat, Tammuz 12, is the occasion of a major annual celebration, marking the miraculous release of the Rayatz from Soviet imprisonment and accompanying death sentence (and also his birth date in 1880).

"An Identical Condition"

He agreed for the rabbi to write to the Rebbe on his behalf, but insisted that he add a few words of his own at the end. These were: “Rebbe! My pains are unbearable! Please pray that I should die quickly and painlessly.”

Why This Week? Wednesday night - Thursday, Tammuz 3, is the 32nd yahrzeit of The Lubavitcher Rebbe.

1487 (5786-38) 23 Sivan 5786 (June 8, 2026)

"Morning, And G-D Will Know"

With a quaking heart, he entrusted his money to the hotel manager. "If the man wasn't honest, a half-year's work far from home would be for naught," he worried to himself.

Why This Week? The apt title of the story is a quote from this week's Torah reading, Korach [in Israel, next week outside of Israel], Num. 16:5

"Life in a Dark, Damp American Cellar".

One day in the early 1900’s on the Lower East Side of New York City, a wealthy Jewish businessman was shocked to see two fair colored, young Jewish boys covered in black soot.

Why This Week? Towards the end of the Torah Portion, Shelach -- studied and read publically this week in Israel, but not till next week outside of Israel – we learn the seriousness of the intentional violation with full knowledge of those activities forbidden to be carried out on the weekly holy Day of Rest.

"Miracles vs Bribes"

One of the wealthier homeowners didn't find favor in the eyes of the bivouacked Polish soldiers. They arrested and beat him, put him in chains and took him back to their camp to give him a 'trial' and hang him.

Why This Week? Towards the end of this week’s Torah reading, Baha’alotecha, we are told, “This man Moshe is more humble than any person on Earth."

"A Rare Power of the Ba'al Shem Tov"

"The old man replied, "Indeed, I knew the holy Ba'al Shem Tov well. But this grandson of his [Rebbe Baruch of Mezhibuz], I never heard of."

Why This Week? The festival of Shavuot - Receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai - is also the yahrzeit of the Baal Shem Tov.

1483 (5786-34) 25 Iyar 5786 (May 11, 2026)

"Fulfilling Torah's Final Commandment Magnificently" (Baal Shem Tov)

"So because you say a lot of Psalms, you think you belong among important people?" Berel understood instantly. Without saying a word, he stood up and quietly left.

Why this week? Moses transmitted 8 of the Ten Commandments to the Jewish people. King David and the Baal Shem Tov both passed away on Shavuot.

1482 (5786-33) 17 Iyar 5786 (May 4, 2026)

"A Lag B'Omer Bonfire from Heaven"

The night of Lag b’Omer. The Muslim governor commanded armed police to search with extreme vigilance for any Jew who might defy the ban, and sneak into the cemetery that contained the tomb of Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan.

Why this week? This Monday night and Tuesday is Lag b'Omer

"Rating One's Own Quality of Life"

The cancer patient turned to his old friend in Benei Brak and asked if he would accompany him to the recommended Mayo Clinic in Minnesota USA to serve as a translator.

Why this week? This is the first full week of IYAR, nicknamed “the Month of Healing,” because the Hebrew letters of its name are also an abbreviation for “I, G-D, am your healer.”

"Car Lotteries"

Our organization received a call from a family that didn’t doesn’t own a car. I explained that we don’t provide cars, but if I ever hear of a used car being given away, I would gladly try to help.

Why this week? In the Torah reading of Acharei Mot, we learn that there was a lottery in the First and the Second Holy Temple on Tom Kippur day!

"The Life of Rabbi Chaim Vital"

In the year 1569, at the young age of 26, Rabbi Chaim Vital began writing a commentary on the Zohar, the primary text of Kabbalah, according to the teachings of Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Ramak). In the following year, however, his life took a completely different direction.

Why this week? Thursday night-Friday is the Hilula / yahrzeit of Rabbi Chayim Vital

"Singing in Fifteen Languages"

The Rebbe had heard the young boys singing a song they had learned at camp, and he made it known that he wanted them to sing it at the farbrengen that evening.

Why This Week? On the seventh day of the Exodus is when the Jewish people, led by Moshe and Miriam, sang "The Song By The Sea."

1477 (5786-28) 12 Nissan 5786 (March 30, 2026)

"Trading Bread for Potatoes"

The important rabbi ran desperately, zigzagging back and forth to avoid the bullets that were flying through the air. But then he tripped and fell, and the Russian guards were on top of him.

Why this week? This Wednesday night is the beginning of the Holiday of Pesach.

1476 (5786-27) 6 Nissan 5786 (March 23, 2026)

"Invading Syria"

The Lubavitcher Rebbe presented him with a list of thirteen campuses and said, “I’ve made all the arrangements myself. Everything is taken care of. I’ve spoken to all the deans…”

Why This Week? 1) Saturday Night-Sunday, 11 Nissan, is the anniversary of the birth of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in1902. 2) Fifty-plus years later, we are again at war.

1475 (5786-26) 27 Adar 5786 (March 16, 2026)

"Wandering Widow in S. Petersburg"

The widow left the room of the Rebbe Rashab completely bewildered. “The Rebbe told me to go to the capital, but not exactly where,” she sobbed. “I don’t know anyone in St. Petersburg. Even the fare I’m unable to afford.”

Why this week? Sunday night begins the 105th yahrzeit of the Rebbe Rashab.

"Illegal Mexican Border Crossings"

After completing their mandatory 3 years in the military, many young Israelis decide to tour distant parts of the world. One of them, Naftali, grew up in a secular community between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Why This Week? The double weekly reading of Vayakhel-Pekudei starts with three verses of instruction for Shabbat observance.

"A Unique Bar-Mitzvah Bottle"

When Eduard passed away in 2011 of a sudden heart attack, Alina’s world came crashing down. Left with a toddler and a newborn, she moved to Chino Hills, California, to be closer to her mother, Rimma.

Why This Week? PURIM!

1472 (5786-23) 6 Adar 5786 (Feb.23, 2026)

"From the Depths of a Jewish Heart"

The younger Rabbi G.’s refusal to accept her as a candidate for conversion plunged the girl into deep depression, such that she had to be hospitalized. The elder Rabbi S., stirred by the depth of her feelings, went to visit her from time to time.

Why This Week? Overdue for a story of "the Rebbe."

"A Synagogue with a Soul"

When Rabbi Sar-Sholom of Belz began building his synagogue, a local gentile noble began to build a church with a high steeple directly opposite it. Plus, he also sent a message to the rebbe that he was a second Haman!

Why This Week? The weekly Torah reading, Trumah, describes in much detail the specifications and the construction of the Mishkan - the travelling sanctuary in the desert and for the several hundred first years in the Holy Land.

"Challenging the Angel of Death"

Rabbi Eliyahu-Chaim Meisels suddenly appeared in the middle of the day, wrapped in the special white kittel (long thin robe) that he only wore on Yom Kippur and, still wearing his Tallis and Tefillin, walked silently into the cemetery and lay down inside the front gate.

Why This Week? Ex. 23:26 in the Weekly Torah Reading.

"The Miraculous Eyeglasses"

Although blind, the young boy was strongly drawn to Jewish holy books. He would remove them from their shelves and lovingly caress their pages. Each book received a kiss before being put back.

Why This Week? In this week's Torah reading, Yitro, which details the 5 days before G-D declaring the Ten Commandments, in verse 19:11[+ Rashi] we learn that all the blind were cured.

"A Rebbe's Bold Answer to a Senior Priest"

Two young Jewish men stood waiting on the platform. Instinctively, Rabbi Y. Schneersohn called them into his carriage; in it he hoped to shield them from serious danger.

Why This Week? The 3rd of the Jewish month of tbe Jewish month of Sh'vat, [2026: Wednesday, January 28, 2026]

1467 (5786-18) 1 Shevat 5786 (Jan.19, 2026)

"The Painful Percentage"

The Maggid of Mezritch pressed a thick wad of rubles into his disciple's hand, Reb Zusha was greatly relieved. Now he had enough for a wedding, which would enable his wife and daughter to feel at ease.

Why This Week? Tonight starts the yahrzeit of Rebbe Zusha.

"Holy Murderers and a Crazed Jew"

He had been a normal, sensible religious Jew with a wife and family until one day he suddenly lost his mind and began screaming and thrashing about for no apparent reason.

Why This Week? The 24th of the Jewish month of Tevet [2026: Tuesday, Jan. 13] is the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shneur-Zalman, founder and first Rebbe of Chabad Chasidut.

"Mystic Teachings and a Suggestion From Heaven"

"When you called, I was still under the influence of the dream. My turbulent thoughts held me captive and I could not pick up the phone. I half dreamt and half dozed."

Why This Week? We study the first parasha-section of the second book of the Torah, Both are called Shmos in the original Hebrew, which means "Names."

"Nazi Prisoner #92740"

He was trapped with his family in the Kovno ghetto and avoided early deportation by living in a kitchen cabinet!

Why This Week? Today, The Fast Day of The Tenth of Tevet on the Jewish calendar, is the traditional occasion for the recital of the Mourners's Kaddish for the souls of the martyrs of the Holocaust whose date of death IS unknown.

"A Volunteer Paramedic's Legacy"

"Whose motorcycle is that?" he yelled out, as if there was a chance between the thousands of people in the park to find its owner.

"A Jewish Hostage's Chanukah"

"The memories are always with me, though not all of them do I try to recall," said the returned hostage. "Yet, the memory of my Chanukah miracle often comes back to me."

Why This Week? This whole week we celebrate the festival of Chanukah.

"A Great Height, Vicious Dogs, and a Spiked Stone Wall"

But Rabbi Schneur-Zalman of Liozhna was confident that the Maggid of Mezritch knew of the widow’s misery down to the last detail. After all, righteous people are not bound by the conventional ways of learning information.

Why This Week? The chasidic festival, Yud-Tes Kislev, will be celebrated from this Monday night through Wednesday.

1460 (5786-11) 11 Kislev 5786 (Dec.1, 2025)

"The Chasidic Rebbe Who Used Communism"

Shortly before World War II, the Modzitzer Rebbe was one of the first Jewish leaders to encourage his followers to flee Europe.

Why This Week? This Shabbat is the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shaul-Yedidiah Taub, the second rebbe of Modzitz.

The story will post on Wednesday

"The Need For Lofty Spiritual Experiences"

The Litvak [Lithuanian-style Jew] was ecstatic. “Shabbos with the [2nd Lubavitch] Rebbe was like spending a Shabbos in Gan Eden!”

Why This Week? Shabbat is the yahrzeit of the 2nd Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi DovBer

"The Most Outrageous Lie of All"

"It has just been decreed that you will become very rich. The wealth will come to you in an unexpected way. I bless you that you will not forget your brethren even when you are rich!”

Why This Week? In this week's Torah reading, Toldos (26:12-13):
"Isaac sowed in that region in that year and he reaped a hundred times more than he expected, for G-D had blessed him. Thus, the man prospered, and continued to prosper until he became extremely wealthy. [translation from chabad.org]

"From The Beaches of La Jolla to Brooklyn and UCLA"

“Girls I had brought close to Judaism were already married with children. But for me, nothing was working out…”

Why This Week? Matchmaking is a main topic in this week's Torah reading, Chayei Sarah, and this story features a very surprising matchmaker with a very interesting suggestion.

"A Helpful Encounter at the Master of Suffering"

The Rebbe’s responses weren’t arbitrary. As someone who witnessed both exchanges, I could sense the difference between the blessings.

WHY THIS WEEK? This Thursday, the 15th of the Jewish month of Mar-cheshvan, many hundreds will come to our holy city of Tsfat on pilgrimage to the burial spot of Rabbi Leib, Master of Suffering.

"Waiting for Enlightenment"

He met with the Seer of Lublin and related his need and the Koznitzer Maggid's advice. “Stay with me here until G-d enlightens me with how to proceed,” instructed the Seer.

WHY THIS WEEK? Childlessness is a concern in this week's Torah reading, Lech Lecha.

1454 (5786-05) 28 Tishrei 5786 (Oct 20, 2025)

"Difficult Departures"

Not a single one of the merchants and shopkeepers who had come to be with Rabbi Yitzchak-Aizik of Zhidachov for Shabbos came to him to request his blessing before parting.

WHY THIS WEEK? Yaakov Halach l'Darko ["Jacob went on his way" or, in colloquial American, "Jack Hit the Road"]

1453 (5786-04) 20 Tishrei 5786 (Oct 12, 2025)

"The Devout French-Catholic Girl at 770"

She was a devout Catholic. It was unthinkable that she would marry out. It meant eternal damnation! Her parents would never agree. Unless, Sam would convert.

Why this Week? Tomorrow night, Monday, starts the Simchat Torah festival in Israel. Outside of Israel it starts on Tuesday night

"The Etrog of the Highest Price…Twice"

A wealthy devoted follower of the Jikov Rebbe could not rest. He activated all his connections, sent urgent letters, and dispatched telegrams. Refusing to give in to the harsh decree, he worked feverishly to find an etrog for his master.

Why this week: Monday night (Oct.6) is the beginning of the Fetival of Sukkot.

"The Prayer of the Barren Tree"

They eagerly awaited the inaugural sermon of their new rabbi, anticipating strong words of inspiration. But the first Shabbat passed, yet Rabbi Yechiel of Alexander still refrained from preaching publicly.

Why this week? Wednesday night begins the holy day of Yom Kippur.