Chai Elul Sameach!
Today is Chai Elul, one of the most important and oft overlooked days in the Jewish calendar. Today both the Baal Shem Tov — the founder of Hasidism — and Reb Schneur Zalman of Liadi (aka The Alter Rebbe) — the founder of Chabad — were born, Hasidism itself as a movement was founded, and The Maharal — creator of the Golem — died. So if you find the time, toss back a l’chaim, go out to the woods, sing a niggun, and do a little dance to celebrate the lives of these great tzadikim, and their profound contributions to the world. Judaism wouldn’t have turned out to be nearly as enthralling without them.