This week we read Parshat Shemini, which means “eighth.” 

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On the day following the seven days of inauguration, Aaron and his sons began their service in the Sanctuary. Immediately after they began, G-ds presence came down to dwell there and the Sanctuary began its operation. 

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Two of his sons, Nadav and Avihu brought up a sacrifice at the wrong time and place and died before G-d. 

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G-d commands the laws of Kosher animals (split hooves and chewing cud for animals and fins and scales for fish) and some laws of ritual purity.

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This Shabbat  we sanctify the coming month of Iyar.The name of the month is sourced as follows: 

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Shortly after the Exodus, the thirsty Israelites reached a well of bitter water. Moses cast a tree into the water, and it miraculously became sweet. G‑d then promised that if Israel followed His ways, “the diseases I have placed on Egypt I will not place upon you, for I am G-d your Healer (אני י‑י רפאך).” The acronym for this last phrase spells out the name of the month of Iyar (אייר), thus indicating that Iyar is a propitious time for healing.

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Chabad.org

This week’s Parsha speaks about the laws of Kosher. 

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Kosher is not for our physical health but for our spiritual health. It is not for our bodies but for our souls. 

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Keeping kosher keeps our Jewish souls sensitive to things Jewish. This is clearly a mystical concept and imperceptible to our physical senses, but according to our sages it is a fact. Just as too much red meat or fatty foods are bad for your cholesterol, non-kosher foods are bad for your neshamah. 

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What defines your home as a "Jewish Home"  is the kitchen. A kosher kitchen makes a Jewish home truly Jewish. It also extends a very warm and eloquent invitation to all fellow Jews. Here you are welcome. Here it is safe to come in and eat. Make yourself at home.

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Your favorite diet may build healthy bodies, but a kosher diet builds healthy souls.

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Yossy Goldman

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Bringing the Moshiach seems like a big feat, something extremely difficult to do and this might make us feel like giving up. Something to keep in mind though, is that our generation has all the strength, power and merits of the previous generations backing us up! All this gives us the extra boost we need to put in our efforts and make the Redemption a reality. 

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The Second day of Iyar is the birthday of the Rebbe Maharash, the fourth Chabad Rebbe. He is known for his approach of “Lechatchila Ariber.” To explain: During his lifetime, he once spoke saying, “the world says, if you can’t go under, go over. But I say, in the first place, go over!” This teaches us an important lesson on how to view and overcome challenges. 

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Here is a story about his name: R’ Shmuel

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The morning of his Brit, all was ready to go.  All awaited the appearance of Rabbi Menachem Mendel, the baby’s father. But the Rebbe's door remained closed. Soon word came from the Rebbe that "The brit, G‑d willing, will be held today." But no more was said.

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Finally, late in the afternoon, the Rebbe emerged from his room and instructed that the brit commence. He said the mysterious words, "Ay... the Polotzk burial society..." 

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Another mystery was the name given to the newborn — Shmuel. No one knew of a Shmuel in the Rebbe's family. "A water-carrier from Polotzk," was the Rebbe's reply when asked who the baby was named for. 

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Among the Chassidim present at the brit were several from Polotzk, who went off to investigate. It turned out that on the day that the brit was held, two townspeople had passed away: a rich and influential resident, as well as a simple, impoverished water-carrier by the name of Shmuel. The burial society devoted its attention solely to the departed "pillar of the community"; only after his funeral, did they pay attention to the burial of the water carrier. One of the Chassidim noted that the Zohar instructs not to name a child after one who has passed away before the departed has been buried. The Rebbe had delayed the brit so that he could name his youngest child and ultimate successor after a water-carrier from Polotzk.

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