The Last Soviet Sofer – The Story of Dr Michael Khanin

Dr Michael Khanin

Dr Michael Khanin was the last Sofer to leave the USSR. He is also my teacher in learning about the very special profession and work of a Sofer. In this video, Dr Khanin shares with us his amazing story of how he came to be involved in Sofrut and his journey from the USSR to Israel. The viewer has the opportunity to also see him working through a variety of video clips shared in the video as well as a few individual pictures showing the quality of his beautiful writing.

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Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan – Yahrtzeit 14 Shevat – Video Interview

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan (1935-1983) was a prolific writer on Judaism and was an outstanding educator in the United States. He is most known for his outstanding works and translations in Jewish mysticism. He brought Torah to the beginner, showing us all how we can tap into the mystical side of Judaism.

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The Torah Crane – How to Teach Torah to a Non-Believer

Crane

Sadly, there are a lot of non-believers not interested in knowing what the Torah is. Many Jews – while Jewish by birth, lack the desire to want to know more about their Torah – their soul. As a result, many take offence in the presence of a Torah scholar. They feel that although they may not have studied Torah themselves, they are more qualified to speak about what the Torah is and their understanding of what God wants from us…

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Teachings of the Arizal – Love Your Fellow as Yourself Everyday

Friends

In the beginning of Shaar Hakavanot – the teachings of the Arizal regarding the intentions of should have during prayer, as codified by his main disciple Rabbi Chaim Vital, the Arizal teaches us a golden rule about prayer. While many enter a shul (or stay in their private room for prayer) and begin praying for their own selves, the Arizal teaches us a lesson which we must implement in our every day lives. Even if we aren’t striving to become the next outstanding Mekubal (kabbalist) of the generation, it is something which applies to each of us.

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The Rebbe Who Left Judaism (includes video)

George Nagel Rebbe of Yablono The Yablono Rebbe (young) at Kfar Chassidim

The following story has recently come to light. I don’t think many have heard it before and if everything about this story is true, it is most likely that only the very closest of family ever knew it having kept it a secret all these years. If indeed the story shared in the video below is true, it is certainly an amazing one and one from which we can all learn. I am presenting the facts as they are told.

Perhaps two of the greatest lessons we can learn from the story are:

  1. Even when one is on the right path doing the right thing, it is only too easy to take a turn away from it.
  2.  Even if one has lost one’s direction, and one has gone onto a path away from Judaism, it is never too late to return.

If a Rebbe can manage to get pulled off the path of Judaism – so can anyone. If a Rebbe who has distanced himself from Judaism so completely as to end up on a completely secular path – but can find his way back to a true path, then so too, can anyone.

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We Are Brothers – Achim Anachnu (Video)

Brothers

A beautiful video teaching the powerful values of Ahavat Yisrael – loving a fellow Jew as one loves oneself. We are brothers…

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Hitler’s Favourite Car… and the Granddaughter of a Chief Rabbi (Video)

Mercedes

A fascinating story to watch…

To put things into pespective (with clickable links to learn more…)

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Eli Cohen – Israeli Spy During the Six Day War (Video)

Eli Cohen Spy for Israel

On the 16th Iyar (today’s Hebrew date) – 18 May 1965, Eli Cohen, well-known spy for Israel for having infiltrated Syria, revealing to the Israeli government vital information leading to assisting Israel to win the Six Day War, was sentenced to death under “martial law” and hanged in Marjeh Square in Damascus.

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