Rabbi Judah ben Bezalel Lowe, known as the Maharal of Prague was famous among Jews and non-Jews alike. He was a mystic who was revered for his holiness and Torah scholarship, as well as his proficiency in mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Eventually, word of his greatness reached the ears of Emperor Rudolph II.
The Emperor invited the Maharal to his castle on February 23, 1592. There they conversed for one and a half hours, and developed a mutual respect for each other.
Rabbi Judah Lowe made use of his excellent connections with the Emperor, often intervening on behalf of his community when it was threatened by anti-Semitic attacks or oppression.
Mitzvah (mits-va): An instruction in life from the Giver of Life.
A stroke of brilliance arising from the innermost will of the Creator of all things, left for you to perform on the stage of His world.
A connection point in time, at which Heaven meets Earth, Earth meets Heaven, and the two embrace.
An instance, left in your hands, for the true reality to be exposed, as what would otherwise be a trivial object—a dollar bill, a candle, a braided loaf of bread, a black leather strap—is suddenly revealed as a divine instrument.
An opportunity to make the transient eternal in a moment—you, your body, and the artifacts of your world.