IMPORTANT: In Israel, we already read and studied the weekly Torah section called Chukat this past week. For those of you outside of Israel who want, here is the link to our Chukat Magazine (click here).

This week's Torah reading in Israel is Balak, while outside of Israel two portions are read, Chukat-Balak, thus enabling the Diaspora to "catch up." To emphasize the reunification, articles 4-7 are all for Balak.

Shabbat we will commemorate the liberation from Soviet prison of Rabbi Yosef-Yitzchak Schneersohn in 5687 (1927) - one of the first to permit and encourage the spreading of Jewish mystical teachings, even in foreign languages. (see our lead article)

The 3rd article is for the fifth chapter of Pirkei Avot, for those who continue to study it on Shabbat afternoons throughout the summer.