Pearls of the Parshah:
"And the pit was empty; there was no water in it."
There was no water in it, but there were snakes and scorpions. (Talmud)
The mind and heart are never empty. If there is no life-nourishing "water," there are "snakes and scorpions."
(Chassidic Masters)
Today in Jewish History:
On 19 Kislev, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi -- the founder of Chabad -- was released from Czarist prison, where he was held for 53 days on charges that his teachings threatened the imperial authority of the Czar.
Learn more: https://t.co/RaB1jy9kg6
Joke of the Week: The rabbi was upset about the lack of charity his congregants were giving. He prayed the rich should give more to the poor.
“And has your prayer been answered?” asked his wife.
“Half of it was,” replied the rabbi. “The poor are willing to accept the money.”
When one hears an uncomplimentary report about another Jew... he should be deeply pained... If what they are saying about the individual is true, then he is defective; and if it is not true, then the talebearer is in an unhealthy situation.