JYN 10 Mivtzoyim Workbook

THE TEN MIVTZOIM

INCREASING YOUR JEWISH CONNECTION

The Ten-Point Mitzvah Campaign initiated by the Lubavitcher Rebbe focuses on fulfilling specific Mitzvot to increase your Jewish connection and inspire a greater appreciation of your Jewish heritage.

HOLY BOOKS

The whole of Judaism is an extended love story about a people and a book — about Jews and the Torah. Never has a nation loved and honoured a book more. They read it, study it, argue with it, live it. In its presence, they stood as if it were a king. On Simchat Torah, they dance with it as if it were a bride. If, G-d forbid, it falls, they fast. If a Torah is no longer fit for use, it is buried as if it were a relative that had died.

— Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

We were commanded to have a Torah… and other Jewish books, in our homes, so that we will always be able to read them without having to go elsewhere... Our ancestors were particular to establish libraries in their homes, according to what they could afford.

— Sefer Hachinuch, Mitzvah 613

Jewish Interior decor: Our Sages teach that a beautiful home is important. But what brings out the true beauty of a home are the beautiful mitzvos and the holy books found within. This is a special lesson for the woman of the house. When she ensures that her home is full of holy books, which are repositories of “the knowledge of Hashem,” everyone will know, by her example, that their content is the true life of the home.

— The Lubavitcher Rebbe: Sicha 19 Kislev 5733

Furnish your home with as many holy books as possible. At the very least, keep a Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya, and a Siddur in your home.

— Chabad.org

LESSON 1: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What Torah books do you have in your home?

2. What Torah books do you have in your bedroom?

3. What would be your top three Torah books to recommend?

4. Will your home feel more spiritual with Torah books inside it?

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JEWISH FAMILY

What is the definition of marriage? Marriage is the reunion of two halves of a soul that Hashem, the Master of souls, destined to come together.

— Zohar, vol. 1, p. 91b

The benefits brought to married life by the practice of mikvah has been recognized by experts, Jew and non-Jew alike. Ultimately, however, the mikvah’s powerful hold on the Jewish people — its promise of hope and redemption — is rooted in the Torah and flows from a belief in G-d and His perfect wisdom.

— Mrs. Rivkah Slonim

Marriage is not a business partnership; it’s not even give-and-take, but it’s give and give more. Giving is a prerequisite to genuine love.

— Esther Jungreis, The Committed Marriage, pp. 81–82

The lack of education is the biggest challenge I find with ensuring that our children marry Jewish. For 25 years, there is no Jewish education and no lifestyle reflecting one’s belief in Hashem. Then, when they are ready to get married, we say, “You must marry a Jew! That’s a red line.” The fact is, if we live Jewish, our children will marry Jewish.

— Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas

LESSON 2: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What will you do to ensure your grandchildren will be Jewish?

2. What will you do in your home to be sure it has a feel of a Jewish home?

3. What are your thoughts about dating only Jewish?

4. Why is marrying Jewish important to you?

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תיבהי תיבתכ ישפנ אנא

— Talmud Shabbat 105a

For Torah is your life and the lengthening of your days.

— Devarim 30:20

The Key to Jewish Survival

The one and only ingredient that has preserved the Jewish people throughout the millennia, under all kinds of circumstances, has been the fulfillment of the mitzvot in day-to-day life, such as the observance of Shabbat, the putting on of tefillin, and the Torah education of our children. These and all other mitzvot are already embodied in the Torah and have been observed by Jews ever since the Torah was given at Mount Sinai. Throughout the ages, the mitzvot have been observed in the same way, without change.

— Letter of The Rebbe 1973

The Manual on Life

Torah lays out the roadmap for how we can live purposeful and meaningful lives. Torah enhances the world we live in, making it a more kind and peaceful place. Torah study influences the way we think, feel, and act.

The greatness of Torah study is that it leads to action.

— Talmud, Kiddushin 40b

Torah is food for the soul, and unites us with Hashem. — Tanya ch. 5.

The Youth Torah Est. 5780 - 2020

The Youth Torah has been written by the youth and other members of our community. This Torah represents the soul, the essence and the shlichut of the Robbins Family Jewish Youth Centre.

LESSON 3: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How has Torah been a guide for you in your life?

2. How is North American law and governance based on Judeo Christian values?

3. Why is the Torah perspective objective?

4. Give an example of a way the Torah has impacted your perspective on life or the world around you.

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TZEDAKAH

— Isaiah 1:27

Rav Yochanan teaches, based on a Torah verse, that a person will become wealthy by donating a tenth of his income to tzedakah.

— Talmud Taanis 9a

As much as a benefactor helps the recipient, a recipient helps the benefactor even more.

— Midrash, Ruth Rabbah 5:9

The virtue of tzedakah is equal to all other mitzvot combined.

— Talmud, Bava Batra 9a

Don’t say, “How can I reduce my own wealth by giving it away to the poor?” Know that your wealth is not really yours; it is only a deposit given on the condition that you use it as the Depositor desires, donating a portion of it to the needy.

— Tur, Yoreh De’ah 247

We have never seen nor heard of a Jewish community that does not have a charity fund.

— Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, “Laws of Gifts to the Poor,” 9:3

MEZUZAH TZEDAKAH

1. I get more nachas from supporting Jewish youth than from watching Toronto Maple Leaf hockey games.

2. Out of all the construction projects I have been involved with, this is the one I am most proud of.

3. I get more joy from the money I give to tzedakah than from anything I can buy for myself.

— Quotes from Larry Robbins, Principal Partner, Erin Mills Development Corporation and Great Gulf Homes

People who give tzedakah when they are young and less established will be more comfortable doing so later in life. Keep a tzedakah box in your room and deposit some coins in it every weekday!

— Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas

Great is tzedakah for it hastens the redemption.

— Talmud, Bava Basra 10a

LESSON 4: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Have you given charity today?

2. When you have a job, will you give charity?

3. What if you make 20 million, how much will you give to charity?

4. Why is being charitable the right thing to do, even when it doesn’t feel good?

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SHABBAT CANDLES

TORAH JEWISH EDUCATION

“When a Jewish girl kindles a Shabbat candle, the light of this mitzvah affects her home for the entire week.”

— The Rebbe, Likkutei Sichot 15:171

Did You Know?

KOSHER

1. Shabbat candle lighting is a mitzvah for all Jewish women & girls.

2. Every person’s soul is akin to a flame.

3. Shabbat candles bring light and warmth into the home.

4. Lighting Shabbat candles brings blessing to the entire week.

5. Shabbat candles have been lit for more than 3600 years — since the time of the first Jewish women, Sarah and Rivkah

6. Shabbat candles promote harmony and peace.

7. Your mom doesn’t eat for you; she can’t bring your light into the world — get lighting!

Shabbat Candle Lighting Guide

Shabbat candles should be lit 18 minutes before sunset on Friday afternoon.

Procedure:

1. Light the candle

2. Draw your hands around the candle and towards your face. Cover your eyes with your hands.

3. Recite the blessing:

Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.

LESSON 5: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you light Shabbat candles every Friday?

2. Do you know someone who doesn’t yet?

3. What do you recommend to think about when closing your eyes in front of the candles?

4. What is the story of the Shabbat candles, what is the fire telling you today?

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TEFILLIN GET WRAPPED!

Connect to Your Creator

When we put on tefillin, we give our soul the connection it seeks and yearns for: A time to bond with Hashem.

— Chabad.org

Manage Your Mind, Handle Your Heart

Tefillin are leather boxes containing Torah verses written on parchment, which are worn next to our mind and heart, reminding us to redirect them to Hashem.

— Code of Jewish Law, O.C. 25:5

Tefillin - Protection for Israel

From where do we learn that tefillin imbues Israel with strength? For it is written: “All the nations of the earth shall see that you bear Hashem’s Name {tefillin}, and they will fear you.” (Devarim 28:10)

— Talmud Berachot 6a.

Baruch atah Ado-nai, Elo-heinu melech ha’olam, asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu l’haniach tefillin.

Blessed are You, God our Lord , King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to put on tefillin.

Sh’ma Yis-ra-eil, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, A-do-nai E-chad.

Ba-ruch sheim k’vod mal-chu-to l’o-lam va-ed.

V’a-hav-ta eit A-do-nai E-lo-he-cha

b’chawl l’va-v’cha u-v’chawl naf-sh’cha, u-v’chawl m’o-de-cha. V’ha-yu ha-d’varim ha-ei-leh, a-sher a-no-chi m’tsa-v’cha ha-yom, al l’va-ve-cha. V’shi-nan-tam

l’-va-ne-cha, v’di-bar-ta bam, b’shivt’cha b’vei-te-cha, uv-lech-t’cha va-derech, u-v’shawch-b’cha uv-ku-me-cha.

Uk-shar-tam l’ot al ya-de-cha, v’ha-yu

l’to-ta-fot bein ei-ne-cha. Uch-tav-tam al m’zu-zot bei-te-cha, u-vish-a-re-cha.

Hear, O Israel, God is our Lord, God is One. Blessed be the name of the glory of His kingdom forever and ever.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. These words which I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them thoroughly to your children, and you shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road, when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign upon your arm, and they shall be for a reminder between your eyes. You shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates.

LESSON 6: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you own a pair of Tefillin?

2. How do you think it would impact you if you put on tefillin starting today for the rest of your life?

3. Do you think it’s good for your children to see you put on tefillin every morning?

4. How much money is tefillin worth to you?

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KOSHER

We use “Kosher” to describe foods that comply with guidelines set by Jewish law regarding the production, processing, and preparation of foods.

Kosher is not a style of cooking. Italian, Chinese, and French cuisines can all be Kosher if prepared following Kosher laws.

Because modern food production is so complicated, it can be difficult to know whether many processed foods are Kosher. To avoid any missteps, always look for kosher certification labels.

Kosher is not about the health of our bodies; it is about ensuring the health of our souls.

— Abarbanel, Vayikra 11:13

Allergy Alert!

The Jewish neshama is highly sensitive to non-Kosher food. We must take all precautions to prevent our souls from having a spiritual allergic reaction.

— Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas

One day, I was sitting in the dining room with the then-head of the National Urban League, who is Jewish. And we were eating crab cakes. Suddenly the thought occurred to me, “What does this guy think of me, as the head of

World Jewish Congress and chairman of Hillel, eating treif?” So I said, “No more.”

— Edgar Bronfman, Sr., on when he began to keep Kosher

6 food blessings for 6 food items

LESSON 7: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Let’s talk about what we do for Kosher at home.

2. How hard is Kosher in North America?

3. How do Shluchim who live in towns with no Kosher do it?

4. How do I vacation in places with no Kosher?

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MEZUZAH

The Art of the Scroll

The scroll of a mezuzah feels brittle and dry to the touch. That is because the mezuzah is written on klaf—parchment that comes from the hide of a kosher animal, such as a sheep, goat or calf.

Today, most klaf is made from calves because their skin makes the finest parchment. The hides are soaked in water and then tanned in limewash for a number of days until the hairs fall off. They are then hung, re-soaked and stretched on a wooden frame to dry. Finally, they are sanded down to an even, smooth surface ready for the Sofer (Scribe) to write the mezuzah. Throughout the process, the tanner must have the specific intention of preparing the klaf for the holy purpose of writing a Torah, tefillin or a mezuzah, and does this by uttering a special prayer at the outset of the process.

Before beginning to write on the klaf, the Sofer manually scores straight lines upon which the letters are written. The writing can only be done with black, indelible ink and a specialized quill. As well, each letter must be perfectly formed and the klaf cannot have any cracks or the mezuzah will not be kosher. This has been the practice for centuries. Affixing a mezuzah on each door of our homes serves as a declaration and reminder of our

Jewish Identity, as well as a symbol of Hashem’s watchful protection.

Hashem is Watching!

On the reverse side of the scroll, the scribe writes one of Hashem’s names: י״דש. The three letters of this name form an acronym for the words רמוש לארשי תותלד, “Guardian of the doorways of Israel.”

Mezuzah Art

The mezuzah case may be made out of any material… have fun with it! It may be a Maple Leafs or a Raptors’ case or even an old iPhone case. But do not forget the most important thing of all - the mezuzah scroll - for without it, all you have is a phone case with no way to phone home.

Divine Protection

A king of flesh and blood sits inside his palace, while his servants guard him from outside. By contrast, Hashem’s servants sit inside, while Hashem guards them from the outside. — Talmud, Avodah Zarah 11a.

Divine Design

Many people think that their success comes from their good fortune. We disagree. We place a mezuzah on the doors of our home to declare that our success comes from a Divine blessing.

— Rabbeinu Bechayei, Devarim 6:9

LESSON 8: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you have a Mezuzah on your bedroom door?

2. Do you have a Mezuzah on your outside door?

3. What do you love most about the Mezuzah?

4. Did you know Hollywood’s largest gift shop has a big mezuzah on its door?

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TORAH JEWISH EDUCATION

JEWISH EDUCATION

Teach Torah to your children and speak of it when you are at home, when you are on the road, when you go to bed and when you get up.

— Devarim 6:7

Just as wearing tefillin every day is a biblical commandment incumbent on every individual regardless of his standing, whether deeply learned or simple, so, too, every person is obligated to spend a half-hour every day thinking about the Torah education of children, and to do everything in his power — and beyond his power — to inspire youth to follow the Torah’s path.

—

Hayom

Yom, 22 Tevet

LESSON 9: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Did you receive a Jewish education?

2. What is the most important part of Jewish education?

3. What did the Jewish people do in times when Jewish education was illegal?

4. How important is it to me that my children receive a Jewish education?

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LOVE YOUR FELLOW

Love your fellow like yourself — this is a great principle of the Torah.

— Vayikra 19:8; Sifra, Kedoshim 2:4

We are all actually equal and have one Father. It is on account of this common root in the One G-d that all of Israel are called “brothers”— in the full sense of the word.

— Tanya, ch. 32

All Jews are responsible for one another.

— Talmud, Sanhedrin 27b

A soul may descend into this world and live seventy or eighty years, in order to do a Jew a material favor, and certainly a spiritual one.

— Hayom Yom, 5 Iyar — the Baal Shem Tov

LESSON 10: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Can you think of someone who you can show a little more love to?

2. What would the world look like if people focused on what brings us

together and not what divides us?

3. What if there is someone you don’t love, how can you manage that and love them anyway?

4. Why do you think loving your fellow is so important?

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