Rabbi Creates ‘Message in a Box’

By COLlive reporter

The Rebbe explained that the “cities of refuge” that were 6 cities in the Land of Israel designated as havens for murderers, also exist on a spiritual plane, for there also exists 6 “cities of refuge” for the spiritual “murderer.”

Specifically, the Rebbe said on Shabbos Parshat Mattot-Massei 5712 (July 19, 1952), they are the 6 “constant mitzvos” that apply to every Jew, at all times, and in all circumstances, they are readily accessible to one who seeks refuge from his faults and failings.

The 6 constant mitzvos are to believe in G-d, to avow His oneness, to renounce idolatry, to love G-d, to fear Him, and to avoid temptation to sin.

In a letter from the Rebbe, appearing for the first time in Volume II of The Letter & The Spirit (page 49), the Rebbe goes to great length to explain how each of these 6 mitzvos can only be performed completely and properly with study and depth of Chassidic teachings.

In Mineola, NY, the Shliach Rabbi Anchelle Perl has responded by creating a special hands-on ‘message in a box’, to portray these 6 mitzvos in a most uplifting fashion.

The cube box measures 8 ½” wide x 15″ high x 9 ½” long and comes complete with a Harvey Magila Dancing Rabbi. The rabbi takes the show on the road, helping the community to understand the fascinating ‘message in the box’ of the ‘cities of refuge’ we create by fulfilling these 6 constant mitzvos.

“We all really live in a box…” explains Rabbi Perl, “just look around the room you are in. It has 6 sides, the 4 directions a ceiling and a floor.”

“Just as a room provides a space for physical protection and safety, on a deeper conceptual level, we all have our six directions in life, and they correspond to the six constant mitzvos.”