Hillel, (one of the greatest sages of the Mishna), explained that the love for one's fellow man, and the stages of personal development necessary for that love to be genuine, are fundamental to Jewish observance.
The Ahavas Yisroel Campaign seeks to influence each individual, so that one's thought, speech and actions be permeated with a real concern and sensitivity for the well-being of his fellow Jew.
2. CHINUCH - Torah Education
The campaign for Torah Education intends to involve any and every Jewish child in an educational program that will teach him/her what it means to live as a Jew. Likewise, adults are encouraged to enroll in study groups and seminars commensurate with their background and knowledge.
3. DAILY TORAH STUDY - Exercise for the brain
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch Movement explained that Torah study should be fixed not only in time but also in soul, i.e., that it should be the vortex around which the entire spectrum of everyday life revolves.
Torah study is the attempt of finite man to comprehend the wisdom of an infinite G‑d.
The keeping of fixed times for Torah study allows for systematic growth and development.
For information about classes and lectures going on here in Kansas City, click here.
4. TEFILLIN - Binding our heart and soul to G‑d
The donning of Tefillin every weekday by men and boys over 13 is a great Mitzvah. The Torah describes Tefillin as a sign, a public statement of Jewish involvement. By donning Tefillin daily, (except Shabbat) an individual gives expression to his basic feeling of Jewish identity, and its importance to him.
The Tefillin are placed on the arm facing the heart, and on the head. This signifies the binding of one's emotional and intellectual powers to the service of G‑d. The straps, stretching from the arm to the hand and from the head to the legs, signify the transmission of intellectual and emotional energy to the hands and feet, symbolizing deed and action.
To purchase a pair of Tefillin or to learn how to put them on, contact Chabad House Center of Kansas City.
5. MEZUZAH - The Jewish Sign On Your Doorposts
A Mezuzah designates a house as Jewish. It also draws G‑d's presence into your home. The Mezuzah should be on the right door-post of every room in the house, including the garage doors.
The Divine name S-H-A-D-A-I on the outside of each Mezuzah, is explained by our Sages to also signify that the Al-mighty is "Guardian of the Doorways of Israel." The Mezuzah protects the home and its occupants, as well as"your going out coming in".
IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE THAT COUNTS. Your mezuzah case must have a parchment with the first two paragraphs of the Shema written by a professional scribe.
Unfortunately, many printed or improperly written Mezuzahs have flooded the public market. In addition, many Mezuzahs that were originally proper have since faded or cracked due to age or weather. It is a mitzvah to have your Mezuzah checked twice every seven years.
To have your Mezuzot checked, or to purchase new Mezuzot contact Chabad House Center of Kansas City.
6. TZEDOKOH - Giving charity every weekday
Tzedokoh, though commonly translated as charity, literally means correct or righteous. The English word `charity' implies a condescending attitude; giving even though the recipient may be undeserving. `Tzedokoh' changes that perspective. You give out of a sense of responsibility and in the realization that what YOU have is also a gift-charity from G‑d.
The Tzedokoh campaign calls for an increase in giving. Displaying a Tzedokoh Box conspicuously serves as a reminder to give OFTEN every weekday.
7. POSSESSION OF JEWISH HOLY BOOKS - An environment teaches
What you have in your home helps determine what type of home you will have.
By having Jewish Holy Books conspicuously displayed at home, you as well as your friends will be stimulated to use them. Their very presence reminds one of their contents and the importance of Jewish values.
Of course, the more books the better. However, the minimum of a Chumash (the Five Books of Moses), a Book of Psalms and a Siddur (Prayer Book) are suggested.
8. LIGHTING SHABBAT AND FESTIVAL CANDLES
Light is a subject which has stirred the imagination of poets, scientists and psychologists. Because its nature is so different from that of other material entities, it is frequently used to describe spiritual insight.
Shabbat is a day of light; a day with a different pattern and value-orientation. The lighting of the Shabbat Candles ushers in and inspires this state of awareness.
The responsibility for lighting the candles and inducing this change of perspective is the woman's. It is she who welcomes the Shabbos Queen into the home.
Young girls from the age of three are also encouraged to light their own candle, both as a means of involvement and as part of their education.
The Shabbat Candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset.
To receive a free calendar with Candle lighting times contact Chabad House Center of Kansas City.
9. KASHRUT - The Jewish Dietary Laws
Judaism has always taught that "you are what you eat."
The laws of Kashrut sanctify the mundane and elevate our daily life. Kashrut adds a very special dimension of identification with your Jewishness. One that becomes part and parcel of your very being.
The observance of Kahrut consists not only of eating Kosher foods, but also of having a Kosher kitchen. Rabbis on our staff will gladly help you learn about the laws of Kashrut, and help you make your kitchen Kosher.
Once you do that you will realize that keeping kosher is not only a way of eating but a way of life.
To have your kitchen made Kosher or for more information on Kashrus contact Chabad House Center of Kansas City.
10. TAHARAS HAMISHPOCHO - The Torah perspective on married life Marriage and sexuality are treated very carefully by the Jewish tradition.
It is no coincidence that in Torah-conscious homes the divorce rate is much lower than the national average.
Taharas Hamishpocho, the attitudes and practices for happy married life, help to develop genuine communication and love between husband and wife and bring to the world healthy, loving children.
The detailed laws of Taharas Hamishpocho and Mikvah require much explanation. Many couples of all ages have turned to observing them. Contact Chabad House Center of Kansas City for more information. You'll be suprised how enlightening this Mitzvah can be for you and your spouse.