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Month: September 2023

Are Noahides Allowed to Sit in the Sukkah?

Are Noahides Allowed to Sit in the Sukkah?

The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is a significant Jewish festival that signifies the support of the Divine Providence. Among the last prophets, Zechariah’s prophecies often revolve around the era of Moshiach and the events that will happen in the festival of Sukkot.

This prophecy is brought in Zechariah 14:16-17: “Then everyone who is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King… and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.” Traditionally, the Feast of Tabernacles is a Jewish festival. However, the prophecy says that in the Messianic era, all nations will bring burnt offerings to the Third Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Presently, Noahides individuals are not obliged to observe the commandment of dwelling in the Sukkah. This festival is not a religious obligation for them, as they are prohibited from creating a new religion apart from the Seven Noahide Laws. Although nowadays non-Jews are not bound by this commandment, should they choose to sit in the Sukkah for the sake of reward, they may do so, but not as a religious commandant. (The divine code chapter 3:3)

The prophecy of Zachariah says that nations that have repented from their past ways will converge on Jerusalem each year during Sukkot to worship G-d and partake in the celebration of this holiday. Those nations that heed this call and come to Jerusalem will be blessed with abundant rainfall, ensuring the fertility of their crops. Conversely, those who neglect this order will experience a lack of rain, impacting their fields.

In this vision of the future, nations put aside their conflicts to unite in worship and celebration of the holiday of Sukkot. It brings a future of global peace, unity, and spiritual harmony, this can only be realized under the guidance of King Moshiach. At its core, this prophecy is setting the stage for huge revelations of the coming redemption.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

Rosh Hashanah- Returning to the Source of Creation

Rosh Hashanah- Returning to the Source of Creation

This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe. This time, the topic is about Rosh Hashana, starting this Friday evening.

Rosh Hashanah- Returning to the Source of Creation

In Rosh Hashanah, all the life energy of the entire universe undergoes a big reset and renewal, a new light that has never been before in the world, comes down after Israel blows on the shofar. On this day, God completed all the acts of Genesis, for six days. On the sixth day, creation was completed with the creation of the first man, and that day was Rosh Hashanah. Just as the human head activates the entire body, so on Rosh Hashanah everything that will happen during the year is determined.
It is also the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. Right after their creation on the first Rosh Hashanah, they were commanded to observe six laws. These are the six laws that Adam was commanded:

Idolatry: Not to worship idols.

Blasphemy: This law prohibits dishonoring the name of G-d.

Murder: Not taking human life.

Theft: Not stealing another person’s property.

Adultery and incest: To avoid immoral behavior.

The establishment of a legal system.

The seventh law was given to Noah after the flood: Not eating the flesh of a living animal.

In other words, the seven laws include:

  1. Knowledge of the Oneness of G-d. To learn about the infinite divine unity of G-d
  2. To worship and respect G-d’s holy name.
  3. Respect the sanctity of human life.
  4. Respect the rules of the traditional family and live according to them.
  5. Respect others’ property.
  6. Respect all creatures.
  7. Establish a judicial system

Noahides are not allowed to observe Shabbat or Jewish holidays in the same halachic manner as Jews do. However, it is permitted for Gentiles to recite psalms, which apparently, could be beneficial in Rosh Hashanah.

The story of Adam primarily focuses on his role as the first human being in the Garden of Eden and right in the beginning he was given six out of seven commandments (Adam was not permitted to eat the flesh of animals). The purpose is to create a dwelling place for G-d. This is the role of our generation, to complete this mission and bring about redemption and the revelation of Moshiach by fulfilling the 7 Noahide laws.

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Mazal tov! New Mikveh in Tokyo and Kyoto

Mazal tov! New Mikveh in Tokyo and Kyoto

We have amazing news to share with you. Baruch Hashem, we are building two Mikvehs: one in Tokyo and one in Kyoto.

Mikveh in Tokyo

The Mikveh in Tokyo is located right next door to the Chabad House, in our spacious, exquisite Japanese garden. The Mikveh will be designed as a beautiful Japanese onsen.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Lag Baomer. This was a very moving and joyous event.

Tokyo Mikveh: digging the pit 3 meters deep.
Building the iron frame for the Mikveh. This is necessary for the strength of the concrete.
Rabbi Binyomin and Rabbi Motti Grumach check the iron frame.
The wooden frame is built to hold the cement down once it’s poured into the steel frame.

Right after Rosh Hashana we will do the concrete for the Mikveh.

Join us in this incredible project to finalize this beautiful Mikveh in Tokyo. This Mikveh will serve the local Jewish community and the many tourists that come to Japan. Take part in this great mitzvah!

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Mikveh in Kyoto

The Mikveh in Kyoto is located 15 minutes from Chabad Kyoto on a sprawling 1500 sqr. meter property. It is the first-ever mikveh built in Kyoto. The Mikveh will be ready please G-d on Chanuka this year.

Recently we bought a property to build the mikveh in Kyoto.
Every day the construction staff are working hard to clear the land in preparation for the digging.
Rabbi Motti Grumach affixed a menorah on the new property.

Join us in building the FIRST mikveh in Kyoto by contributing. Your partnership is important for Yiddishkeit in Kyoto and the surrounding cities.
The cost of the construction of the Mikveh in Kyoto is $360,000.

This Mikveh will surely bring much light and holiness to all of Japan and many revealed blessings to every person who participates.

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The upcoming Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana.

The upcoming Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana.

This is an article by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe. This time, we will discuss the upcoming Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana.

Why No Parties Are Celebrated on Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holidays (Sept. 16-17) . It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, and a day of judgment and coronation of G‑d as king. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the universe undergoes a kind of reset, where the energy of life is reduced to a minimal state. Mankind and all creatures in the world are judged by Heaven on this day. This is why we don’t celebrate this holiday with extroverted parties. When there is judgment, it’s a time of fear. However, there is a joyous aspect on that holiday, as this is a time of accepting the kingship of Hashem.

Rosh Hashanah is a profound and significant moment in which the universe and time itself are renewed. It’s a time for introspection and the coronation of the king of kings. It encourages individuals to let go of their ego and open up to the coronation associated with this holiday.

This day marks the beginning of the High Holy Days. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and self-renewal. It’s a time when a new cycle of creation and renewal begins. On this holiday, the entire year’s abundance is given to the whole creation and each creature as well. The renewed individual bond of our soul happens with the king’s coronation.

A key subject associated with Rosh Hashanah is to “make yourself small.” This means humbling oneself and recognizing that there is something greater and more significant than one’s own ego or desires. By doing so, one can open up to the unlimited and connect with G-d. The Zohar says: Make yourself big, and you can’t contain anything; make yourself small, and you can contain the unlimited.

For every Noahide, man, and woman, this day has a huge significance. Therefore, making proactive decisions regarding adding to the observance of the 7 commandments could benefit the entire year.

Ki Tavo- curses and blessings

Ki Tavo- curses and blessings

This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe. This time, it is about Parashat Ki Tavo.

Ki Tavo- curses and blessings

In our Torah portion, we find the “curses and blessings”. Each curse is associated with a specific action that goes against G-d’s command. On the other hand, there are many blessings when we fulfill G-d’s will. In these verses, also many Noahide laws are expressed.

Idol worship: Condemning the creation and worship of idols or images. Such actions are considered an abomination as they stray from the belief in one G-d.

Not to steal: Moving a neighbor’s landmark would unjustly change property boundaries. It relates to the prohibition of stealing land. The prohibition against stealing land applies to all individuals. This prohibition is even more severe in the land of Israel where stealing land from Jews is subject to harsh punishment according to Torah law. The land of Israel holds a special place as the Promised Land, given by G-d to the Israelites. This land is a divine inheritance and a sacred place.

Establishing courts of justice. Avoiding distorting justice and fair judgment for vulnerable individuals.

In each case, the curse is directed at actions that undermine the principles of justice that are integral to a moral and just society.

Adultery: Engaging in incestuous relationships, specifically with one’s father’s wife.

Engaging in bestiality, lying with animals.

Committing incest with sisters, from the mother’s side.

These acts represent various forms of sexual misconduct, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy and appropriate relationships within families and communities.

Only by following the 7 Noahide laws can ensure the path of righteousness and the significance of living in accordance with G-d’s laws and making vessels to accept the blessings of Hashem. Following the Noahide Code is all about opening ourselves up to blessings. Just as a vessel must be clean and well-prepared to hold precious liquid, this way we attract blessings into our lives. This way, we can harness the infinite impact of the Noahide laws to shape a brighter future for humanity and bring about the redemption.