The Torah Perspective on Safe Spaces, Trigger Words and Political Correctness

[Chabad.org] [Magazine] [Dedicate an email] Cheshvan 7, 5777 · November 8, 2016 Editor's Note: If you are American, you may be about to vote. Or perhaps you have already done so. No matter whom you voted for or what the outcome, one thing is certain: This election year has left America more fractured, angry and divided than it’s been for a long time. Especially troubling for Jewish people of every party is the degree to which anti-Semitism has made a frightening return in public discourse. But there is something we can do about it. This week’s Torah portion, Lech Lecha, speaks of the journey our forefather Abraham took from his father’s home in Charan, a most hateful place, to the Promised Land. It is a journey that we can also take towards our inner refinement: We must leave our negative desires, the bad influences of society, our habits until we reach the inner promised land of transcendence and unity. We must bring this country together, and by finding that core inner-unity we all possess, we can elevate the conversation and remind every member of our great nation that while we might strongly disagree, we are still united as one. The Lubavitcher Rebbe once shared [the following wish] with New York City Mayor David Dinkins: “In the near future, the ‘melting-pot’ [of America] will be so active that it will not be necessary to underline every time [when speaking of others] ‘They are Black,’ ‘They are White,’ ‘They are Hispanic’ etc. because they are no different. All of them are created by the same G‑d and created for the same purpose, to add to all good things around them.” The candidates would best serve their supporters by sharing with them the Rebbe’s, strong, powerful and important words: “We were all created by the same G‑d, for the same purpose.” That purpose, and our journey on earth, should be paved with acts of lovingkindness—of mitzvahs and goodness—that truly make us great. Mordechai Lightstone on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team [Post a Comment »] This Week's Features [Printable Magazine] [The Brand Name] [The first to understand the power of branding was G‑d.] By Menachem Feldman Your Questions [What is the Torah Perspective on Safe Spaces, Trigger Words and Political Correctness?] First, we need to understand an underlying philosophical difference between the Constitution and the Torah. By Yehuda Shurpin [I’m Living in a Fantasy World] I never get tired of my favorite books, TV shows and movies, and I daydream about a world filled with magical people and creatures. I wonder if I’m living more in my fantasy world than the real world. By Rosally Saltsman Video [The Power of One] In the book of Joshua, G-d declares, “I multiplied Abraham’s seed, and gave him Isaac.” Yet how can Isaac, one son, be seen as the “multiplication of seed” promised by G-d? [[Watch] Watch] (6:27) [The Story of Satan's Disguise] A chassidic tale on the source of arrogance. By Yossy Gordon [[Watch] Watch] (4:59) [Ask for a Miracle] Do you need a miracle in some area of your life? Here's why it is alright for you to ask for it--and how you can get it. By Chana Weisberg [[Watch] Watch] (2:13) Women [Three Passages to Inspire Serenity] I’ve read the Tehillim portion in English on trains, buses, in Starbucks coffee shops and anywhere necessary to stick to my commitment. By Alyssa Rachel Gross [Falling Off My Merry-Go-Round] You pulled on me while you whined and screeched your loudest. And I just couldn’t anymore. I couldn’t hold it together. By Chana Scop [Why Jewish Women Will Bring Moshiach] As human beings, we have compassion and can be empathic. We see someone in pain and want to help. But only very few righteous and holy people are at the level where they would be willing, if they could, to take away that pain and feel it themselves. By Elana Mizrahi Story ["I Felt It Was My Funeral"] The procession slowly wended its way to the main synagogue where the sage was to give his first talk. By Menachem Posner Parshah [Why a Seed Grows in Darkness] When you’re feeling distraught, what do you do to calm yourself? Do you try a new experience or do you revert to what is familiar to you? By Chana Weisberg [Haftara Companion for Lech Lecha] For an informed reading of the weekly haftarah - Isaiah 40:27-41:16 By Mendel Dubov [Lech Lecha in Depth] A condensation of the weekly Torah portion alongside select commentaries culled from the Midrash, Talmud, Chassidic masters, and the broad corpus of Jewish scholarship. Lifestyle [Easy 15-Minute Pizza Nachos] By Miriam Szokovski [Hachnasat Sefer Torah] By Chana Helen Rosenberg Jewish News [‘Houston Business Journal’ Names Young Rabbi to VIP List] At 33 years of age, Rabbi Mendy Traxler gets magazine's ‘40 Under 40’ recognition for his inspirational work with young adults, the hospitalized, and the incarcerated. By Eric Berger [Suburban Atlanta Celebrates a New Campus Honoring a Beloved Emissary] Brand-new facility is under construction in memory of Rashi Minkowicz. By Mindy Rubenstein [Campus Bistro Hits the Spot as First Kosher Restaurant in Northern Colorado] Colorado State eatery is also a boost for Fort Collins Jewish community and visitors to the area. By Carin M. Smilk, Chabad.edu [JewishKids.org] [Jewish.tv Video App] [Subscribe to The Scroll] Follow Us: [Find Us On Facebook] [Follow Us on Twitter] [RSS Feeds] Be a Part of it Enjoyed this email? Please help us continue to share the study of Torah and Jewish traditions: • [Dedicate or sponsor an email] to mark a special occasion • [Make a donation] to Chabad.org. Subscription Options: • [Subscribe to more chabad.org email lists] • [Subscription Management] • [Going on vacation?] • [Unsubscribe] Your subscribed email address is: [{EMAIL}] [Change email address]. Important Tip: To guarantee that your subscription emails continue to be delivered to you, please add [subscriptions@chabad.org] to your address book, or "whitelist" it in any filters or antispam programs you may have. © Copyright Chabad.org, all rights reserved. [Privacy Policy]