Positive Mitzvah 96: Impurity of a Dead Animal
Leviticus 11:8 "And their carcasses you shall not touch"

Contact with the dead body of an animal that was not ritually slaughtered makes one impure.

---

One of the most unforgettable talks I ever heard from the Rebbe was the time he spoke to the handicapped Israeli soldiers. Make that, "the special Israeli soldiers".

Each and every person is given all he needs to accomplish his mission in this world. But each of us have different missions, and therefore need different powers to accomplish them. But none of us have an easier time than any other. Therefore, if you there is a human being who appears deficient or "handicapped", know that in truth that person must have other, unseen compensatory powers that others do not have.

Do not call him "handicapped"-- call him "special".

*

An Israeli soldier lost his two legs when a Syrian land mine exploded beneath his jeep. His mother came to him in the hospital and cried. His father sat silent. Generals and leaders came and made their speeches to him proclaiming him a hero and one to be proud of. There was no condolence. The people still avoided him in the street. The Rebbe shook his hand, looked him straight in the eye and said, "Thank you." The "thank you" is still carrying him.

From: Bringing Heaven Down to Earth by Tzvi Freeman - tzvif@aol.com