Geography & Geographical Features

A historical reflection on the significance of “America” in Chabad thought, marking the 80th anniversary of the Rebbe’s arrival on US soil in 5701/1941

G-d certainly knew of the travel magazines’ “100 best locations to vacation,” of the beautiful beaches of Maui and the majestic Alps. Why, then, was the Torah given in a hot desert in middle of the summer?

Itche and Jono ride through the desert on goats. Why? Watch the video and find out . . .

Yesterday I was at a carnival. As I got on each roller coaster, I felt more alive than I had been in a while. My heart ached with joy. Life made sense. Everything fit.

It is an axiom of Jewish faith that G-d does not perform a miracle in vain. So why this 40-year transformation of the natural order, when G-d could have simply led our ancestors directly into the Promised Land?

Why did G-d marry the Jews in the desert? Could He not come up with any better place?

The desert is desolate, bare; where survival is chancy and death is a given.

As they disappear beneath the waves, we wonder whether our efforts are futile. Ten bags, twenty bags, thirty bags... It hasn't worked so far, so what's the point of continuing?

Torah brings peace to the world. More than a guide for social justice and personal morality, Torah brings harmony to nature itself making good and evil, light and darkness, serve a greater good - G-d's vast eternal plan.

It is not enough for G‑d to give us the Torah; we have to receive it.