1 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~July 11, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת בלק | ח' תמוז , תשס”ח | בס”ד weekly vOL. i | NO 34 July 11, 2008 | Tammuz 8, 5768 Yud Beis Tam m u z

Sicha Yud Beis Tammuz Page 2 The Liberation of the Frierdike Rebbe Page 12 Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Page 13

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Sicha Yud-Beis Tammuz 5738

Communicating Freedom to the World - A Lesson for an Introvert and Extrovert Published and copyright © by Sichos In Protis is much more evident.) The Previ- of the word Zahir (which can be trans- perform these two seemingly contradic- English ous Rebbe was freed in a manner in which lated as “shining” as well as “careful”), tory services simultaneously? at first only he and a small number of his the Tov interprets the quote, The liberation of the Previous Rebbe is This question can be answered using the immediate associates were informed. “Through which mitzvah did the light of celebrated on Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel explanation of a passage in the Sifri. The Then, a day later the world at large your father’s soul shine forth.” Though Tammuz. Each of these dates is con- Sifri explains that even though generally including-the non-Jews received notice a person fulfills all the Mitzvos, there is nected with certain unique facets of that the emotions of love and fear are contra- of his liberation. one Mitzvah which is more personally liberation. The night between the two dictory, the fear and the love of G-d, since tied to him, which reveals more openly (the time of this ) is related The above-mentioned events commu- they are both mitzvos, do not negate, but the light of his soul. to both days and serves as a bridge of nicate a three-fold lesson. One lesson rather complement each other. connection, combining the separate emanates from the events of Yud-Beis In many cases, people of this category Furthermore, the intent of the Sifri is not elements into one unified entity. Tammuz, a second from those of Yud- are willing to journey across the ocean to explain that at different times a Jew Gimmel Tammuz, and a third from the (even at a danger to their person) in order On Yud-Beis Tammuz the Previous may experience both love and fear of G-d, night in between, which connects and to increase their profits and thereby help Rebbe came to register as a prisoner but rather to explain that during every unifies the two days. Furthermore, these fulfill their mission of Tzedakah in the at the Russian government offices in moment of his existence, he is obligated lessons are relevant to the totality of the world. Their activities in the world of Kostrama, his city of exile. At that time, to love and to fear, and that he has the Jewish people, as the Previous Rebbe Torah and Tzedakah remove their mer- he was notified that the order had been potential to fulfill that obligation. himself wrote in the well-known letter chandise from the category of business received from the higher authorities explaining the significance of Yud-Beis and material concerns and transform That potential exists because the Jew to grant him total freedom. However, Tammuz. them into objects of mitzvos, necessities has made a commitment to the service since there was a considerable amount for the mitzvos of Tzedakah and Gemilus of G-d which transcends his personal of paperwork and bureaucracy involved The lesson ofY ud-Beis Tammuz centers Chassadim. self. As long as his frame of reference is in obtaining an official statement of his around an individual’s need for freedom. his personal self, then love and fear are release (also, a number of the government The lesson derived from Yud-Gimmel Though both of these categories of contradictory and cannot exist simulta- offices were closed that day), it was not Tammuz is that even after an individual service are valuable, the sign of a Jew’s neously. However, once he transcends until the next day, Yud-Gimmel Tammuz, has been liberated from all disturbing total fulfillment is his accomplishment the entire realm of self-concern, when that a public document proclaiming his influences (as happened on Yud-Beis of both with equal effectiveness and he acts out of feelings of total commit- freedom could be granted. Tammuz), rather than isolate himself equal enthusiasm. He is fulfilled when ment to G-dliness, then love and fear from the world, he must realize that his not only does he have the qualities of The difference between Yud-Beis and have importance only because they are personal liberation was only a beginning. Issachar (Torah study, self-perfection), Yud-Gimmel Tammuz was that Yud-Beis G-d’s Mitzvos, and since they are G-d’s He is not truly liberated until the secular but he is equally accomplished in the Tammuz marked the Rebbe’s liberation mitzvos, he fulfills them both simultane- world and the non-Jewish powers that sphere of Zebulun (relating G-dliness as an individual. Although a small group ously. Similarly, the service of personal control it, also become aware that they to the world around him by working of closely-knit associates shared in a development and likewise the service cannot limit or restrain a Jew’s freedom. towards refinement and elevation of his celebration of the Rebbe’s release, the of spreading Torah and mitzvos are The events of Yud-Gimmel Tammuz environment). celebration was basically of an individual both G-d’s commandments. When an teach the necessity of communicating nature. On the other hand, Yud-Gimmel The above represents the lesson of the individual is ready to commit himself to freedom to the World. The case of the Tammuz signified the world’s (even the night between Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel G-d’s service beyond the limits of his self Previous Rebbe serves as an example. non-Jewish world’s) recognition and Tammuz. That night teaches that both concern, he realizes within himself the He was able to influence the Russian acknowledgement in a public manner services must be coupled together and potential for both types of service. authorities to the point where they also of that freedom. carried out with equal intensity. aided and assisted his cause of spreading Both of these categories of services These two events are connected. Given Yiddishkeit. However, that requirement is, at least are required by the Torah. Therefore, the principle (stated by Rashi in the superficially, difficult if not impossible it follows that they apply to every Jew. The night between Yud-Beis and Yud- very beginning of his commentary on to be carried out. How can we demand Every Jew (even “those who are Jews by Gimmel Tammuz which joins the two the Torah) that “the world is created from an individual an activity which is name alone”) has the obligation (and together reveals the following concept: for the sake of the Jewish people,” and beyond his nature? If he is self-concerned, possesses the potential to fulfill that It is possible for an individual to be active the Talmud’s statement, “The world how can he be required to be equally obligation) to serve G-d with an equal in his personal service to G-d (the point is contained within the heart of each motivated towards working with oth- drive and motivation in the area of of Yud-Beis Tammuz) and likewise individual,” it follows logically that an ers: If he is an extrovert, how can he be personal refinement and likewise in the devote his energies to influencing others event concerning the life of a Jew is also asked to focus so seriously on himself? realm of reaching out to communicate (the lesson of Yud-Gimmel Tammuz). reflected in the world at large. Furthermore, how can he be asked to Yiddishkeit to another Jew. However, though he performs both This principle is revealed openly in the services, one service might command events of Yud-Beis Yud-Gimmel Tam- his interest and attention, and the other On the Derech – Harnessing the Power muz. (Since those events concerned a be performed without genuine feeling, Tzaddik and a Nasi, the Hashgachah and only out of the necessity of fulfilling of Expression his obligation. By Yonason Gordon have already, or soon benefit, from the teachings of the Rebbe? These two approaches are reflected in In a letter the Rebbe very thoroughly Newspaper Torah and Mitzvos: there are those whose Community explains the difference between sup- Rabbi several years main occupation is in the spreading of pressing sin (iskafia) and transforming back answered a person who was tested 392 Kingston Avenue Torah and Mitzvos. They also study sin to merit (is’hapcha). The Rebbe with the same material I had previously Brooklyn, NY 11225 Torah and perform Mitzvos themselves; explains, the latter is especially relevant been. Aside from studying the Agadot Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol however, their most intense involvement to Baalei Teshuvah (I Will Write It In of Chazal (Ein Ya’akov, Midrash, of Crown Heights. focuses on communicating the value of Their Hearts, Vol. 4, P. 46). Tanchuma, etc…) the advice was to Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol Yiddishkeit to others. Likewise, there are dream of the coming of Mashiach; Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman those whose energies focus more on their Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary While attending Yeshiva University, to picture it clearly in ones mind. In personal growth and self-fulfillment. The Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) prior to becoming Lubavitch, I often a recent lecture, Rabbi Ginsburgh awareness of the importance of Ahavas All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It frequented the TV room late at night. developed this further. As I interpreted Yisrael motivates them to teach others is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless Two, Three, Four in the morning, I lessons from his class (please email me otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced as well. Nevertheless, their attention and without the consent of the publisher. would watch pretty much whatever to receive a copy of the original when their drive are basically self-oriented. Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not was on (mostly science fiction related). available), the two most important be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond The Talmud records the question, “B’mai Sharing this experience where two lessons to convey to a child is that 1) the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. hava avoch zahir tefai?”--literally trans- other fellows, both people who I later We are living in a time where we need All advertisement designed and prepared by the lated as, “In the performance of which found out came from Lubavitch homes. to simply “open our eyes” to experience CHCommunity Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the Mitzvah was your father most careful?” Out of a 1,000 students at YU, what the wonder, and, 2) To recognize that However, playing on the double meaning are the odds that three of them would the Rebbe, Rosh Bnei Yisroel, leads and consent of the publisher Continued on page 3 July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 3

The Rebbe's Sicha Parshas Balak 5738

Bilaam’s Prophecies about the Redemption--A Lesson forbecause, Us as he states in his treatise on prophecy, a prophecy for good must Published and copyright © by Sichos In which might prevent the Messianic Similarly, if nowadays we serve G-d be fulfilled. A promise from G-d, e.g., English redemption. Likewise, the service in such a fashion, with joy, ignoring G-d’s promise to Jacob, is subject to a of a Jew must center on breaking all obstacles, G-d will surely respond person’s behavior. If the behavior is not 1. Parshas Balak and the 12th of down all the barriers to his complete by hastening the redemption, speedily virtuous, the fulfillment on the promise Tamuz performance of Torah and Mitzvos. in our days. may be withheld, but a prophecy for Those barriers include any obstacles good must be fulfilled. The Alter Rebbe commented, “You which prevent him as an individual 2. TheP rophecy of Bilaam concern- have to live with the times — adapt the from increasing his involvement in ing Mashiach Also, when explaining Bilaam’s proph- events of the present to the teachings Torah and Mitzvos, as well as those ecy, the Rambam explains that the first of the Torah portion of the week.” This influences in the world which hold him The prophecy of Bilaam concerning half of each phrase refers to David, the week’s portion, Parshas Balak, is high- back from spreading Torah and Mitzvos Mashiach mentioned above is quoted first Mashiach (anointed, redeemer) lighted by the prophecies of Bilaam, to others. at great detail in the Yad HaChazakah. of the Jewish people, and the second including his prophecy concerning the The Rambam cites Bilaam’s prophecy half to Mashiach (the final anointed Messianic redemption. This prophecy The lesson is particularly relevant after as an explicit reference of the Torah to redeemer). The mention of the activities is particularly applicable to our times, Yud-Beis Tammuz. We should follow Moshiach. He cites another reference, of King David serve a valuable purpose. when according to all the signs given in the example set by the Previous Rebbe, the verse “then the L-rd, your G-d, As explained in the text, Mashiach’s the Tractate of Sotah, we are approach- that all our actions should be with a will return your captivity,” but brings activities will parallel David’s in many ing the Messianic redemption. renewed vigor, notwithstanding any the prophecy of Bilaam as an added ways. Demonstrating that in David’s barriers or obstacles that there might reinforcement. Indeed, the prophecy time there existed a parallel to the Bilaam’s prophecies abound in bless- be. of Bilaam is a more useful proof, activities that Mashiach will perform ings. However, in order that those conveying not only the mere fact of facilitates the acceptance and belief in blessings be internalized and received When the Jew’s service is carried out in Mashiach’s coming, but also details of the concept of Mashiach on the part in the proper fashion, the receiver of such a manner (and particularly when the different stages involved (as elabo- of a Jew. The knowledge that similar those blessings, the Jewish people, one’s dedication is accompanied by rated on in detail in the farbrengen of events occurred in the past makes it must respond with service to G-d. sincere joy in fulfilling that service), Yud-Beis Tammuz). easier for him to believe they can (and Furthermore, that service must be in then G-d’s promise to “turn the curse will) occur in the future. By mentioning a manner which would emulate G-d’s into a blessing” will be fulfilled. Bilaam In the Yad HaChazakah the Rambam David in the first half of the prophecy, blessings. sought to curse the Jewish people, emphasizes that the reference to the Rambam generates a strengthening yet G-d reversed his intention and Mashiach was a prophecy of Bilaam’s. and intensification of the Jew’s faith in G-d’s blessing includes the nullification summoned forth powerful blessings. He stresses the concept of prophecy Mashiach. of all obstacles, barriers and blocks

On the Derech Today if I see something unpleasant two other Lubavitchers mentioned, Rabbi Ginsburgh calls this approach (immodest, immoral, etc…), my natural a person inclined to Chassidus, and being an “open” individual. Not open Continued From Page 2 inclination (as with many), is to sharply especially the teachings of the Rebbe, in the sense that we don’t recognize the directs us to this goal. push it off. In time, I realized these is looking for more out of life. influences that are out there. Rather, experiences never completely left me. that nothing threatens us, and to the The first point is described as the experi- Yes, they were suppressed and shoved When this creative drive is suppressed, contrary, we have the potential to ence of the letter Alef entering “exile” into some unconscious realm. But at then other aspects of the world around transform any experience. Ulitimately, (golus) to transform it to “redemp- times, especially in dreams, they would us may seem more interesting. Movies, “doing good” (asei tov) is much more tion” (geulah). This Alef, aside from manifest. Video Games, Internet, etc… are their powerful than turning away from representing the “one” G-d (Alufo Shel way of calling out for help. evil (sur meirah). Material that is Olam), also represents the experience To try and get them to stop censored or banned can receive even of wonder (Keter). these activities, to suppress more attention that what it did previ- this urge, is one level. Midas ously. Much more potent, however, is The second is recognition that we are Chassidus seems to teach that to simply replace that material with part of . The Rebbe is the we should rather harness the something better. To transform rather head of the generation, and dutifully, “great strength of the ox” for than suppress. we are following his directives. good. For other source material to this Transforming Darkness into Light Unite and Conquer approach, as it relates to the purifying of the Parah Adumah (mentioned in Given the great potential that we have In our generation, we have Parshas Chukas), please visit: www. in this generation, why is it that children the ability to confront our sichosinenglish.org/books/likkutei- lack Jewish excitement, and even, chos experiences head on, and sichot-9/39.htm (adapted from Sichos v’sholom, involve themselves in secular unite the mundane with an Shabbos Parshas Chukas, 5710, Shab- activities? experience of G-dliness and bos Parshas Chukas-Balak, 5712). wonder. Personally speaking, As the Rebbe explained at length in the when I see something unfold Although I am no expert, if someone aforementioned letter, Chassidus favors in the news, I try and write an would like to contact me, I to help the opinion that we can transform our essay connecting this topic to advice on actualizing the above wher- experiences into good. To suppress Chassidus. I then send it off to ever I can. My email is ysgordon@ and push away untoward influences selected media outlets, and gmail.com (for boys and men). Emails is one level. But midas haChassidus, Eventually, I learned to confront these sometimes, the person or organization from women and girls will be forwarded especially relevant for Baalei Teshuva, imageries and fancies head on. With a responsible for the story genuinely likes on to my wife, Hila. is to completely transform. little bit of effort, and a lot of emunah, the essay. Most recently, it was from a we can all learn to see the good. person who was being interviewed by Yonason Gordon has been involved Throughout my spiritual journey,I had major media outlets worldwide. This in the Jewish writing and publishing all sorts of disturbing thoughts occur Creative Expression is the power of Chassidus. What child fields for over seven years. For those to me. When I would write, and later wouldn’t be excited by having their interested in helping promote the call Rabbi Ginsburgh, I would always Children sense inhibition. Life is not, essay, artwork, music, or other form teachings of Rabbi Ginsburgh in the receive a very simple answer. Confu- as western culture believes, a fight of creative expression, recognized as NY area (through time and funding), sion, it seemed, came from a lack of between good and evil. There is only something of great importance? please email Yonason at ysgordon@ clarity. If we had vision and purpose good. And if we need more good, then gmail.com. (points 1) and 2) mentioned above), we just need to shine the light a little Open Personality then all else would fade away. more intensely. Like myself and those 4 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~July 11, 2008 Our Heroes

Horav Hachossid, Dr. Nissan Mindel would receive a U. S. visa and from there travel to England. Seeing the destruc- 2nd of Nissan 1912- 12th of Tamuz Necha Nemtzov and went into business could not take the position without his tion in Warsaw, Dr. Mindel contacted 1999 with his father-in-law in England. wife’s consent and she was against his his cousin and instructed him to leave accepting this offer, since Poland was Adapted from an interview with Dr. Otwock immediately. Upon his arrival Rebbe’s Secretary considered a death trap. Dr. Mindel Mindel at the U.S. consulate, Dr. Mindel was himself did not have a keen interest told that American visas were no longer Dr. Mindel was highly recommended to in the position. He decided to make By: Rabbi Michoel Seligson being issued and to contact the English the Previous Rebbe by Rabbi Hodokov. extreme demands and cause Rabbi Consulate. The Rebbe made inquiries regarding Hodokov to lose interest in employing Horav Hachossid, Dr. Nissan Mindel Reb Nissan’s background and his him. was born in 1912 on the 2nd of Nis- World War II education. Reb Nissan came to Riga san, in Riga, Latvia, to Horav Yaakov when the war broke out and Rabbi Rabbi Hodokov called a third time Yitzchok and Mrs. Bunya Mindel. At In 1940 during Chanuka, Dr. Mindel Hodokov suggested that Reb Nissan offering Dr. Mindel the position. the age of fifteen, he was studying in met Rabbi Hodokov who briefed him should teach the senior grade at Yeshiva It would be on a trial basis, for one the Yeshiva Torah Im Derech Eretz about the Rebbe and the events during or two months, at a good which combined Torah studies and the beginning of WWII. He shared rate of pay. Mrs. Mindel secular subjects, and was under the confidential information, that the suggested that since the direction of Horav Chaim Mordechai Rebbe had come to Riga and stayed in Rebbe was insistent and her Hodokov. The curriculum was based a sanitarium, and asked that Dr. Mindel husband had never visited on the teachings of Horav Shimshon should assist in obtaining the necessary Poland, perhaps Dr. Mindel Rafael Hirsch and encouraged the older documents from Washington and the could stay in Poland for a students to continue their studies in consulate in Riga, to enable the Rebbe short while, which would the university and at the same time to to leave Riga for the U.S. help with parnossa and stay connected to Torah, Mitzvos and she would await him in Yiras Shomayim. Dr. Mindel recalled. “When WWII England. broke out, the Rebbe was passing Contact with through Warsaw and bombs fell all Dr. Mindel agreed and around him. The Nazis were looking for traveled to Otwock prior After the Previous Rebbe’s release from the Rebbe. He was in hiding and every to Rosh Hashana. This visit prison in 1927 on the 13th Tamuz, evening had to change locations. At one was extended until Pesach, the Rebbe left Russia for Riga. Reb point, Nazi government officials came when he planned to leave Nissan began attending the Rebbe’s with documents that authorized the for England. On Purim, he . The first time he came Rebbe to be relocated, but the Rebbe’s was invited by the Rebbe’s to a Farbrengen, there was a big crowd family members refused to believe that family for the Purim meal, and Reb Nissan hung on to a door to they were authenctic. When it became although the Rebbe him- see the Rebbe. The Rebbe’s face and evident that these documents were self was in a sanitarium. image remained with Reb Nissan and really issued by the U.S. government, After Pesach, the Rashag, deeply impressed him. the family let the Nazis escort them the Previous Rebbe’s son- safely to the train. in-law, requested that Dr. That same year, Reb Nissan’s brother Mindel extend his stay for needed to travel from Riga to Argentina Torah Im Derech Eretz, which he did How is it that the Nazis wanted to help an additional six months. Dr. Mindel and his uncle, Hachossid Reb Avrohom for a number of months. the Jews? At that point, the Nazis did not relayed this message to his wife, who Nemtzov, later Reb Nissan’s father- wish the United States to enter the war, agreed to continue to wait in England in-law, instructed him to enter into Reb Hodokov told Dr. Mindel that the and therefore fulfilled their requests for him to return. Dr. Mindel remained Yechidus with the Previous Rebbe, Rebbe wanted chassidishe stories to regarding the Previous Rebbe. in Otwock until Rosh Chodesh Elul Reb Nissan accompanied his brother be translated into English. The Rebbe 1939. into the Yechidus. In later years, Reb chose Dr. Mindel for this task because The great efforts to obtain visas to the Nissan recalled, “ThisY echidus was the though many professionals were able to U.S. for the Previous Rebbe proved suc- At that time, Dr. Mindel was interested primary reason that I became closer to translate from Yiddish or Hebrew into cessful. The Rashag told Dr.M indel that in studying , but did not realize its the Rebbe.” Russian, few were able to translate into the consulate staffers were so impressed unique significance. He studied with English. Reb Hodokov immediately with him that they had asked if he was the mazkir of the Rebbe, Hachossid Reb Avrohom Sender Nemtzov, a lumi- began giving material to Dr. Mindel available to work for them. When Dr. Reb Yechzekel [Chatsha] Feigin, may nous personality, was accepted by the and the first story he translated was Mindel shared this anecdote with his Hashem avenge his blood. He also Rebbe Rashab as a student in Yeshiva about the famous Chossid of the Alter family, he said, “The Rashag was care- studied and lived in Yeshiva Tomchei in Lubavitch and Rebbe, Reb Gavriel Nose Chen. ful not to share this comment with me Tmimim, and most of his work related later became one of the elite students until after a certain amount of time had to the yeshiva. He was responsible for that the Rebbetzin Shterna Soro would Dr. Mindel was visiting with his parents elapsed, in order that I not quit my job yeshiva matters and published the turn to with shaalos in halacha. His last in Latvia when he received a phone call and work for the consulate.” yeshiva news, which included the Yechidus with the Previous Rebbe was from Rabbi Hodokov. During the call publication “Yeshiva Shel Mato”. The in Paris. He traveled from Manchester, there was a lapse of a few moments in The only way to get to England from yeshiva had a great effect on him and England for the Yechidus and arrived the conversation and it was clear that Riga was to join a group traveling to the after WWII he felt deep agony at its late. The Rebbe had already left his Rabbi Hodokov was speaking with the U.S.. Dr. Mindel’s plan was to eventu- loss. room and spent the long Yechidus with Rebbe on his side of the call. As a result ally return to England to join his wife. Reb Sender outside the room, and at of this conversation, Rabbi Hodokov Therefore, he made papers for himself At the end of 1939, the Hecht brothers, the conclusion said, “Reb Sender, you and Dr. Mindel met. The Previous and obtained a visitors visa to the U.S.. Rabbi Shlomo Zalman and, may he live searched for the truth, you have found Rebbe was looking for a secretary and He was also working to obtain a visa for and be well Rabbi Avrohom Hecht, who the truth, and you lived the truth.” Rabbi Hodokov asked Dr. Mindel if he Rabbi Hodokov. were studying in Otwock, received was available. Dr. Mindel asked where notice from the United States Consul- Pursuing his education the Rebbe resided, and was told that In addition, he worked to obtain visas ate to pack their bags and leave for the the Rebbe was back in Otwock. Dr. for Horav Mordechai Dubin and Horav U.S. Dr. Mindel told them that he too In 1930, Reb Nissan traveled to Eng- Mindel responded, “I am sorry, but I Shimon Yitzchok Vitenberg, well needed to leave for England since his land, where he completed and received am not interested.” known personalities and members of visa would expire in two weeks time. Bachelor and Masters Degrees from the Latvian Parliament. The end of He went into Yechidus with the Rebbe the University of Manchester. He A short time passed and another call the story was a sad one. Rabbi Dubin and asked for the Rebbe’s permission later received his Doctorate in Semitic came from Rabbi Hodokov, requesting did not want to leave because of his to leave immediately. The Rebbe gave languages from another meeting. At this meeting, Dr. sense of responsibility to the Yidden in his consent and blessing and Dr. Mindel in New York. In 1937, he married Miss Mindel told Rabbi Hodokov that he Riga. Every morning they would line traveled from Otwock to Riga where he July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 5

up, waiting to receive assistance with English translation of the Tanya. First copy of the printed English Tanya People”, “Rabbi Schneur Zalman”, “The their requests. Eventually he was exiled and the Sputnik Philosophy of Chabad”, Lubavitcher to Siberia by the Bolsheviks and was In 1942, the Previous Rebbe requested Rebbe’s Memoirs”, “My Prayer”, “The nifter there. The same thing happened that Dr. Mindel should try to locate the “In 1958 when I brought the first copy of Storyteller” and numerous others. with the chossid Reb Shimon Yitzchok manuscripts and belongings that he had the printed English Tanya and handed Vitenberg. He refused to leave the city, left behind in Poland. At the time of it to the Rebbe, the Rebbe was visibly On 1951, the Rebbe assumed since he was involved in helping Yid- his departure from Poland, a Latvian moved. After a moment’s composure, the leadership of Chabad, becoming den with their requests. He was killed delegate offered to hide the Rebbe’s the Rebbe said to the effect (in con- the seventh Rebbe of Chabad. After during WWII, may Hashem avenge belongings in a special place and the densed version): ‘The world is going Dr. Mindel’s ptira, an article in the his blood. Rebbe agreed. Regrettably, the silver agog today because of the successful partially described Dr. and other possessions were destroyed in Russian launching of the Sputnik. What Mindel’s responsibilities as the Rebbe’s Of his entire family, only two of Dr. the bombings, though the manuscripts the world should truly be excited about secretary, as he continued his work for Mindel’s brothers and a sister survived were rescued and saved. The Previous today is the publication of this sefer the Lubavitcher Rebbe’im. the war. Rebbe gave the manuscripts to Dr. which had been a closed book to the Mindel for one entire evening in order Western world. Now it has been opened The Rebbe’s Secretary Flight from Riga to Sweden to have them converted to microfilm. for the whole world along with hafatzat hama’ayanot Chutzah’. “The title ‘The Rebbe’s secretary’ does There were a total of eleven people in Dr. Mindel recalled his emotions on not at all describe Dr. Mindel’s task. the Previous Rebbe’s group leaving that evening. “When I received the The translation of Tanya brought me yet This was not a technical administrative Riga for the United States via Sweden: manuscripts and saw the precious closer to the inside world of Chassidus position, as one would first think. Dr. The Rebbe and his Rebbetzin; the treasure I could not sleep the entire and although I did not consider myself Mindel would enter the Rebbe’s room Rebbe’s mother, Rebbetzin Shterna night. Among the manuscripts, were a Chossid Chabad at the time, it made on a steady basis. He merited receiving Soro; the Rebbe’s attendant, Mrs. writings of the RaMaSh, containing a deep impression on me. This was Torah and guidance from the great Mania Rosan; the Rashag, his wife and maftechos or indices, of many Chas- reflected in my other works such as the leader. His official position was to write son; Rabbi Hodokov and his wife; the booklet “The Ten Com- the Rebbe’s responses to the thousands secretary Reb Chaim Lieberman and mandments”. The Rebbe of people who sent letters and anxiously Dr. Mindel. The trip to Sweden was by would review the mate- waited for the Rebbe’s guidance and air, as there were no ships sailing from rial that was prepared for personal response. The replies that the Riga to Sweden. The small plane held publishing and would Rebbe dictated to Dr. Mindel consisted only eighteen seats. The passengers note his comments. of letters in great depth on topics of had almost no luggage except for hand Torah and Avodas Hashem. Two times luggage and the manuscripts which the From 1940 through a week, Dr. Mindel would enter the Rebbe himself carried. There were seats 1944, I worked in two Rebbe’s room to receive dictation for available, and the Rebbe instructed that different sets of mosdos. an average of approximately fifty letters, they be given to another seven Yidden, One was the Yeshiva which were rich in content, quality and and thereby save their lives. Tomc hei Tm i m i m quantity. under the direction of Upon their arrival in Stockholm, the Rashag, and the At one point when Dr. Mindel discussed they traveled to the Gottesberg port second were the mos- the Rebbe’s correspondence, he said, where they boarded the Drottingholm dos Merkos L’inyonei ‘Every letter is a book in its own right.’ for the U.S. In Sweden, the Rashag Chinuch, Machne Israel People from all corners of the world organized the papers on everyone’s and Agudas Chassidei turned to the Rebbe for all manner of behalf. Dr. Mindel was classified as Chabad. After a short requests. This included giants in Torah, the “transport helper for the Rebbe’s period of time, I left the science and ordinary Yidden who wrote family” and he was given a six month yeshiva position. to the Rebbe in their respective lan- visitors visa. When he arrived in the guages. The responses would be written U.S., he assumed that after six months Talks and Tales either in Hebrew, Yiddish, English or he would return to England. Ultimately, Russian. Every letter and punctuation he remained in the U.S. and renewed Off the Boat (with Life Vest) In 1942 during Chanuka, mark was edited by the Rebbe and every his visa every six months. the Yiddish “Talks and word was a full world.” sidus sforim, which were published Tales” referred to as “The Shmuessen” Arrival in the U.S. in the following years. The maftechos was published. I was appointed to “Letters and Spirit” opened up a new world for me. They write and edit this publication. When On the 9th of Adar II in 1940, Dr. helped me study different topics in I asked Rabbi Hodokov ‘Where will I In the late 1980’s the Rebbe instructed Mindel arrived with the Previous Chassidus. After I had transferred the find the time for this?’ Rabbi Hodokov Dr. Mindel to categorize all of the Rebbe and his entourage in New York. manuscripts to microfilm,I sat up every answered, ‘You will only be the editor’. English letters. Dr. Mindel organized The next day he was called in by the night and studied the maftechos and I ended up doing all the work. thousands of letters and prepared them Rebbe and asked if he was comfort- this contributed to my understanding for print. In 1998, the first volume of able, since Dr. Mindel’s room in the of chassidus Chabad.” Among the different articles, the one “LettersA nd Spirit”, consisting of 560 Greystone Hotel where the Rebbe and I found of special interest was “The pages of letters, was published. This his family was staying, functioned as an Preparing to translate the Tanya Nature of the Wonderland” since book includes the Rebbe’s letters on office during the daytime and at night this expressed the Emuna and Divine the topics of the Perplexed, the Holy became his bedroom. The Rebbe also Dr. Mindel continued to speak about providence in a unique manner. Over Land, the Family, and the Lubavitcher inquired about his meals. He told the his work. “At that time I received a the course of time, the English “Talks Derech. The Rebbe’s letters shed light Rebbe that he had not managed to set powerful lesson regarding the value and Tales” began to be published. The and offer guidance on their respective up everything for himself. The Rebbe of time. I worked eighteen hours a day Rebbe would review each of these topics, as if leading a person by the hand continued, “A young man needs to eat until I had headaches from the intense booklets and would add comments out of darkness and confusion. at least one warm meal every day.” The concentration and lack of sleep. After and corrections. Rabbi Hodokov would Rebbe also asked after Dr. Mindel’s I had studied the maftechos for a sig- proofread the Yiddish issue of the In his introduction to the book, Dr. brother. nificant amount of time,I felt that I was “Shmuessen”.” Mindel wrote an in-depth analysis of the ready to begin translating the Tanya. I Rebbe’s accomplishments, described The Previous Rebbe instructed Dr. asked the Previous Rebbe’s son-in-law, Classic Chabad Works in English the Rebbe’s impact on Yidden and Mindel to translate the Tanya into the RaMaSh, if he was willing to help non-Jews, in particular, and the world, English. The Previous Rebbe’s, son-in- me with this project and he agreed. A prolific author, Dr.M indel wrote “The in general, and shared his experiences law, the Ramash, arrived in the United However, I did not want to bother him Complete Story of Tishrei”, “The Com- with the Rebbe and his work on the States in 1941, on the 28th of Sivan. He too much. The translation of the Tanya plete Festival Series”, “The Command- Rebbe’s correspondence. too urged Dr. Mindel to work on an was completed in 1960-1961. ments”, “The Tanya” (translation), “Our Continued on Page 11 6 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~July 11, 2008 Shiduchim

is spoken about those marriages that There is absolutely no need for you A Needle in a Haystack do not have problems, as this state of to apologize for failing to take upon By Sarah Junik affairs - [i.e.,] lack of problems, yourself these resolutions, for this is etc. - is considered the norm. something that affects you far more In previous issues we have been than any other person in the world. exploring our first and second That marriage is important steps in a shidduch search: (and indeed, necessary) is Merely, it is regretful and painful when explicitly stated in the Torah one sees that you have the ability to • How to start (Bereishis 2:18) and is observed effect a change in your future in a good • Deciding on a list of pri- in actuality as well. We observe and positive direction, and you do orities with your Chosson this from the fact that those not grab this opportunity with both bocher or Kallah meidel who do not marry - an old hands. • Sorting through the bachelor or an elderly maiden names and deciding on I also understand that it is hard to - are generally viewed with who to research rationally understand how your reso- derision. • Doing the research lution would have this effect on both • Alternative methods of When you will contemplate above-mentioned points. However, finding matches. your past, you will surely see upon due reflection, we clearly see how how you were saved from we understand but little of this world Here is a diagram that may help many travails in an almost with our intellect; concerning most of you visualize your project.. If supernatural manner. To the the things that we do, we must rely on you have been following the contrary [of your opinion]: this G-d. (Igros Kodesh, Vol. VII, p. 188) articles it is self explanatory. manner of reflection - if it be When you discuss with your kids the Let me start the following topic but truthful - will strengthen topic of shidduchim, make sure that with a short anecdote: your bitachon, your sense of they know what is involved in marriage. trust [in G-d]. A shadchan once suggested For girls for example, they are not just a shidduch to a family. He In contradistinction to what getting a husband they have to take told them the boy’s name and you write - up until now you care of, but eventually they will have which yeshiva he learned at. have not tried hard with babies that will demand their time and The family called the Rosh regard to shidduchim. You attention. The example was brought Yeshiva, asked about this name have merely endeavored to of a girl who was fine in her marriage and made additional research demonstrate ([not only to until she became pregnant and then calls. The parents were satisfied others but] to yourself as well) she panicked. We have to prepare our with the reports so dates were that you possess the ability to kids for what is entailed in a marriage. arranged and the shidduch make a good impression. No matter how perfect the match is, went forward. The couple got there will be disagreements. There will found out that one of the references (a However, whenever it came close to engaged and the shadchan who sug- be adjustments on both sides, not only neighbor) was consistently giving bad a decision and finalization of a shid- gested the name was invited to the making sure the cap is on the toothpaste references. They changed the reference duch, you disengaged yourself (in simcha. Imagine his surprise when kind of adjustment. You will have to let and the very next suggestion became a order to remain unencumbered, so he came to the L’Chaim and saw the your partner know if you disappear for Mazal Tov. In another case the so called that you would not have to shoulder Chosson was not the boy he had sug- the whole day. You will have to keep friend went on vacation and then the responsibility).” (Igros Kodesh, Vol. gested but another boy with the same your spouse in mind when you make shidduch went through. So keep that in XXII, p. 330) name learning at the same Yeshiva! So plans. Both girls and boys should know mind when you give your references. you see, there are no mistakes in shid- Another letter that may help us when something of finances. How to juggle duchim, only Hashgacha Protis! Before going to the topic of dating talking to our kids is: a paycheck and make it last. Prioritize let me tell you of a few other impor- expenses etc. Understanding that credit We agonize and debate and daven and I acknowledge the receipt of your letter tant points that were brought up at cards eventually need to be paid and pull our hair out in the parsha of shid- dated July 27, in which you describe ’s Gimmel Tammuz should not be used as personal banks. duchim. Let us remember and keep your standing with regard to Judaism. Conference. Boys might find it surprising that they at the forefront of our minds that just You also add that you hesitate to take have to help in the house, that they as when we had our children we were If your child considers herself not ready, upon yourself a firm resolution, since might have to go shopping for food one of three partners (Hashem, our (and you believe that she is mature and you don’t know what the future holds or household items. Mostly our kids husband and ourselves) similarly now responsible enough) do not leave it in store. are used to what they see at home, we still have our Partner the Aibishter alone and wait until she decides she is I would like to emphasize here, as I have but if their father only occasionally who is directing everything. Do all you ready. Do not get into an acrimonious already done in my letter of the third of takes out the garbage, or rarely helps can to succeed in finding a shidduch for discussion, but do encourage her to Tammuz, that it is well known that to a around the house, they should know your children but do not go overboard. think on it and try to convince her logi- certain extent a person’s future lies in that their wife might have grown up Do not go crazy with the research want- cally to see herself as mature and ready his own hands. This is especially true with a different perception, her father ing to know what color ink the family as you do. Let some time pass and then with regard to you. helped Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov writes with :). But do your due diligence bring up the subject again. for example and she will expect that and cover all important points as we As I have previously written to you, if Because nowadays our youth is aware of from her husband. In fact young men have previously discussed. you emphatically and truly resolve to a lot more than they were just a couple in Kollel are told that they should help conduct a Jewish home, observe family I attended a lecture at Machon Chana of decades ago, they might be afraid of their wives around the house. Naturally purity, [maintain] a kosher kitchen, on Shidduchim this Sunday and Mrs. getting married because of stories they this is not a carte blanche to have your observe Shabbos, and [emphatically Labkovsky gave a very good suggestion, have heard from friends or family cases husband miss davening with a minyan and truly resolve] that it simply cannot when you give out people’s names for they have read about. The Rebbe tells us or miss learning time. Another thing be otherwise, then this itself will hasten references, make sure those people in Eternal Joy (Vol. 1): “You write that we might want to tell our boys is to your finding your destined mate. will actually give you good references. you have heard from many people who help shlep things. I have seen plenty It may seem obvious, but even in this say that after marriage many problems This will also obtain the result that of times how the wife is holding the one should never assume. Have a and difficulties arise. your future mate will be one who will baby and three bags and her husband is friend call your references and ask for also keep all the above, or at least you walking along with a sefer in his hand The fact of the matter is that these information. This way you will be sure will be able to convince him to do so. talking on his phone. It is also helpful problems and difficulties do not apply the information is positive. There are Your vacillation regarding this matter, to tell our young man that they should to a large percentage of marriages; a number of stories around about bad however, serves to weaken the above suggest to their wives to buy something on the contrary, they only occur in references. In one case a family could points, both [with regard to] the shid- new for Yom Tov. an extremely small percentage (and not understand why all the shidduchim duch itself, as well as that the shidduch even according to R. Meir, one is not To be continued that had been offered fell through come to pass with an individual who apprehensive about a minority of a one after the other. Until they finally will meet these criteria. minority). It is only that nothing at all July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 7 From Shedlitz to Safety A Young Jew’s Story of Survival By Rabbi Shimon Goldman second floor, together with several the Simpson brothers, Yisrael Gordon, of Chumash — like one of the Jews administrative offices. The Rashag had Sholom Chaskind, and many others. leaving ancient Egypt. “Who is that?” I Exerpted from the book with the author’s his office there. Other offices belonged (Some students, like Eliyahu Chaim whispered to a friend sitting nearby. permission to Nissan Gordon, Reb Moshe Pinchas Carlebach, slept in the dormitory and Continued from previous issue Katz, Shmuel Eizik Popack, and our old learned in 770 anyway.) Nosson Gurary “That’s Reb Michoel Dworkin,” he friends — Yosef Wineberg and Tzvi and Uri Ben-Shachar of Eretz Yisrael answered reverentially. The yeshiva building stood on the Kotlarsky. The yeshiva’s accountant, also learned in 770, along with many corner of Bedford and Dean. It was a Mr. Kriger, also had an office on the others. Michoel Dworkin! I immediately grand building, with a large spire that second floor. Some dormitory rooms recognized his name from the printed rose above its four floors.Y ears earlier, — including my bedroom — were also Though all the students made a special talks of the Rebbe Rayatz. After spend- far off in Shanghai, we had already on the same floor. The third floor of the effort to help us, two bochurim were par- ing some time incarcerated in Soviet heard about the new and beautiful building served as a large playing area ticularly involved in our adjustment to prison, the Rebbe Rayatz was sentenced building Tomchei Tmimim owned in for the yeshiva’s younger students. Jewish life in New York. These two were to years of exile in Kostrama. (This, New York. The building had served as Moshe Groner and Yechiel Ziskind. The too, was quickly reversed.) In his headquarters for the Democratic Party, The yeshiva’s huge basement housed the pair took us to see Williamsburg and talks, the Rebbe describes how he sent which later sold the building to Tom- kitchen and dining room. Every Shab- Borough Park. These neighborhoods Reb Michoel Dworkin ahead of him chei Tmimim. The yeshiva renovated bos, when the students ate together, look totally different today, but, even at to Kostrama, charging him with the the building, remodeled its rooms for it was heart-warming to see how the that time, many Jews were moving into mission of preparing the village for the yeshiva use, and opened their doors American bochurim all tried to squeeze these areas. The Rebbe ofK lausenberg Rebbe’s spiritual needs. Later, when wide to serve American Jewry. Some- together and sit close to us. Eager to had just relocated to Williamsburg and the Rebbe’s sentence was commuted, one even sent us a newspaper article hear about our past, the bochurim Yechiel Ziskind took us one day to see Reb Michoel danced joyously through that described the opening of the new pressed us for details regarding our the Klausenberger beis medrash. the streets, loudly singing “Nyet nyet yeshiva building. The yeshiva hosted nikavo” (“There is none besides G a series of gatherings for the occasion. We arrived just as the Rebbe d”). Respected rabbinical figures came to began his morning prayers. address the crowd; famous chazonim The Rebbe prayed aloud, Now that I knew the identity of this and Jewish singers gave mini-concerts. gesturing with fervor and distinguished figure, I paid careful Now, with our arrival in New York, we enthusiasm, clapping his attention to Reb Michoel, quickly were finally able to see the grandeur of hands and waving his fists in realizing that this was a Chassid of this graceful building. the air. The scene was an eye- extraordinary stature. Though Reb opener for me. I had never Michoel was neither a rav nor a , We received a royal welcome, and I can seen such open exuberance Chassidus permeated every fiber of his truly say that seeing these friends again in the courts of Gur, and being and he personified the essence was one of the most moving moments certainly not in Lubavitch. of a Chassid. I often spent time with of my life. The bochurim had already Rather, I was familiar with him. When people inquired after arranged rooms for us in the dormitory. a quiet davening, one that his health, Reb Michoel invariably Officially for out-of-town students, focused on inner introspec- responded: “What can a mortal man the dormitory now accommodated tion and meditation. feel anyway?” a new class of students — homeless refugees. We also ate our meals with (Seeing the Klausenberger Back in Russia, Reb Michoel ran a the bochurim. Rebbe pray this way brought successful business. Now, after living to mind a Chassidic anecdote in Israel for a few years, Reb Michoel I slept in the same room as Leibel and I read once. An elderly Chas- decided to move to New York and live Zalman Posner, two brothers who lived sid once noticed a young man near the Rebbe. Reb Michoel did not in Pittsburgh and learned in Tomchei screaming and carrying on have family ties to keep him in Israel so Tmimim. My new friends went out of as he prayed. “Young man,” he packed his belongings and arrived, their way to welcome me and oblige said the Chassid, “have you unannounced, in New York. He became Reb Michoel Dworkin my every need. They and all the other tried speaking nicely?”) a steady guest at the home of Reb American bochurim truly made us feel Yochanan Gordon (my future father- part of the student family. It must have A tzaddik of stature such as in-law). Reb Yochanan’s wife went out experiences. We told them stories been difficult for them to helpE uropean the Klausenberger Rebbe certainly of her way to accommodate this special about life back home in Poland; about foreigners adapt to American standards, understood his actions, and his prayers guest, preparing for him the foods he the outbreak of war; about our escape but they did everything with a smile were undoubtedly permeated with real regularly ate in Russia — black bread, to Vilna; and about our years in Japan and a pleasant attitude.W ith their help, devotion. However, we were unaccus- borsht, and other dishes. Reb Michoel and Shanghai. Besides for their interest I slowly became accustomed to the tomed to this mode of prayer. greatly appreciated her efforts. Aside in our past, the American bochurim American way of life and the learning from the Gordons, Reb Berel Chaskind yearned to hear the many Chabad schedule at Tomchei Tmimim. One year, the Klausenberger Rebbe also hosted Reb Michoel in his home. melodies we knew. Most of these were visited the Rebbe Rayatz in Crown still unfamiliar to them, and we spent The yeshiva was well organized. Older Heights. As they parted ways, the Both these Chassidim — Yochanan hours teaching niggunim we had heard bochurim learned in the zal, a large Klausenberger expressed his hope for Gordon and Berel Chaskind — lived over the years. hall on the first floor. Three classrooms a brighter future. “The Jewish nation on Eastern Parkway. Reb Berel lived in adjoined the zal, where the students should be blessed with many salva- an apartment building directly across The yeshiva’s building on Bedford and heard classes from leading Torah tions,” he said with feeling. 770, while Reb Yochanan lived at 682 Dean did not house the entire yeshiva. scholars. (To the best of my recollec- Eastern Parkway, a block away from Many older students learned on the tion, Rabbis Ushpal, Garfinkel and Replied the Rebbe Rayatz: “We need 770. One Shabbos morning, Monia, ground floor of the Rebbe’s home at 770 Kastel taught in these classrooms. In but a single salvation — but a true, the Rebbe Rayatz’s nurse, arrived at Eastern Parkway (universally known those days, Tomchei Tmimim did not eternal one.” 770 and went directly to the Rebbe’s as “770.”) Every morning, one could have an “official” rosh yeshiva who room. Monia helped the Rebbe with see a large group of yeshiva bochurim lectured for the entire student body. Reb Michoel Dworkin the medicines and injections he needed walking from Bedford and Dean to Rabbi Mentlick, our rosh yeshiva, on a daily basis, and she made sure to Eastern Parkway. We joined this group taught a single class. Years later, after One day, as I sat studying in 770, a be in the Rebbe’s home early every of bochurim, returning to the yeshiva 1947, Rabbi Mentlick began following Biblical apparition walked into the morning. building only to eat and sleep. the widespread custom among other study hall. He had a long beard, with a roshei yeshiva, and he, too, began giving knapsack on his back and light colored Among the bochurim learning in 770 a weekly shiur for the entire yeshiva.) sandals on his feet. He looked as though were local boys who did not need to he had just stepped out of the pages A few more classrooms stood on the sleep in the dormitory. These included 8 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~July 11, 2008 Parshas Hashavua

ישראל" always looks upon other people with an Vedibarta Bam ~ Balak evil eye. Consequently, your blessings are “How goodly are your tents, O Yaa- By: Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky of absolutely no value because when you kov, your dwelling places, O Israel.” harlotry among the Jews. (bless you do not mean it. When you bless (24:5 "וירא בלק" is an acronym someone and the blessing later seems to (בלעם)The word Bilaam “And Balak saw.” QUESTION: Rashi comments that be fulfilled, it is definitely not thanks to .בלק, לבן, עמלק, מצרים for (22:2) Bilaam was amazed when “he saw that you, but because mevorach — the person )פאר אהרן בהגש"פ בית אהרן( the openings [of their tents] were not QUESTION: The happens to be already blessed. lined up one with the other.” Why did "אולי אוכל נכה בו ואגרשנו מן הארץ names of the three ?”Knowing your viciousness and animos- he focus on their “openings“ כי ידעתי את אשר תברך מברך ואשר parshiot, Korach, ity towards people, I am confident that תאר יואר" Chukat and Balak AS N WER: The Midrash Rabbah your curses are sincere and come from each contain the “Perhaps I will be able to strike them and (Song of Songs 5:2) says that Hashem the bottom of your heart. Therefore,I will letter " ". Of what drive them away from the land, for I know urges the Jewish people to do teshuvah, not waste my time asking you to bless ק significance is the fact that inK orah the that whomever you bless is blessed and saying: “Pitchu li petach kechuda me, but curse the Jews since those who in Chukat whomever you curse is cursed.” (22:6) shel machat ve’Ani potei’ach lachem ,(קרח) is at the beginning you curse, undoubtedly, ‘yuar’ — ‘will ק and in Balak petachim shetiheyu agalot nichnasot ,(חקת) it is in the middle QUESTION: 1) Since Balak hated and be cursed.’ ” bo” — “Make a small opening like ?(בלק) it is at the end )מצאתי בכתבי אבי הרב שמואל פסח ז"ל feared the Jewish people, why did he that of the head of a needle and I will באגאמילסקי( ANSWER: The letter " " is the first letter only ask for the ability to chase them open for you an opening through which ק of the word kedushah — holiness. The away, not to annihilate them? caravans can enter.” In other words, the "לא אוכל לעבר את פי ה' אלקי לעשות kufs at the beginning, middle and end Jew merely has to begin the teshuvah קטנה או גדולה." Balak wanted Bilaam to curse the (2 represent past, present and future. Jewish people; why did he mention his “I cannot transgress the word of G d, process and Hashem will help him to Korach’s attachment to holiness was power of blessing? my G d, to do anything small or great.” attain the most lofty goals. Thus, the a thing of the past. His geneology is (22:18) “openings” that Jews have to make and 3) Grammatically it should read “yevu- traced to Yaakov. When one is defiled Hashem’s reciprocal “opening” are not will be blessed” in QUESTION: If he could not do a small“ — (יבורך) ”rach he is detached from holiness. Through comparable. thing, obviously he could not do a great (יואר) ”future tense, the same as “yuar being sprinkled with the ashes of the — “will be cursed”? one. He should have said the reverse, “I Therefore, in praise and envy Bilaam red heifer he now becomes cleansed cannot do a great or even a small thing said, “You Jews are so lucky; your of his defilement and thus regains his ANSWER: According to the Gemara against G d”? opening and Hashem’s opening are not sanctity. Balak’s attachment to holiness (Sanhedrin 105a) Bilaam was originally ‘lined up’ — identical — to each other. was a matter of the future. Among his Lavan, the brother of Rivkah. Before she ANSWER: The various names of You only have to put in a little effort and future would be his granddaughter left home to marry Yitzchak, he blessed Hashem represent attributes that He Hashem opens for you the vast gates Ruth, who was the ancestor to King her, “Our sister, may you come to be reveals to the Jewish people. The four- of teshuvah. If your G d loves you so David and Mashiach. thousands of myriads, and may your lettered Tetragramatton expresses His much, how can my cursing possibly (אלקים) offspring inherit the gate of its foes” mercy, and the name Elokim (שמן הטוב בשם ר' שמעלקא ז"ל טויבענפעלד) have an effect?” (Bereishit 24:60). indicates severity and judgment (see )ר' ברוך זצ"ל ממעזיבוז( "וירא בלק בן צפור את כל אשר עשה Bereishit 1:1, Rashi). The name “Keil” -Consequently, Bilaam said to Balak, “See ישראל לאמרי...ובלק בן צפור מלך "מה טבו אהליך יעקב משכנתיך is a sign of kindness, as it is stated (א-ל) ing the great na-tion that has emerged למואב בעת ההוא" ישראל" -Chessed Keil kol hayom” — “The kind“ “And Balak saw all that Israel had done from your sister, I know you are a great ness of G d is all day long” (Psalms 52:3). “How goodly are your tents, O Yaa- to the Amorite...And Balak was king of prophet, and whoever you bless is defi- ”.of the four-lettered kov, your dwelling places, O Israel י-ה ,The two letters Moav at that time.” (22:2,4) nitely mevorach — blessed. Thus, there name, as a separate name, are a sign (24:5) is no question that I will not be able QUESTION: Why isn’t he referred to of ‘gevurah’ — severity (see Shemot to wipe them out because you have QUESTION: Why do we open our daily as “king” in the first pasuk? 17:16). already blessed them to de-stroy their prayers with words of the vile Bilaam, ANSWER: Balak was not actually the foes. Hence, all I am asking of you is to Thus, in order to curse the Jewish people, uttered in an attempt to annihilate the king of Moav, but rather an exceptional place a curse upon them so that I may at Bilaam endeavored to evoke the wrath Jewish people? (In fact, some omit it and — ”of Hashem by pronouncing the name start from “Va’ani berov chasdecha חתם) ”.Jew-hater who only “saw” what the least drive them from the land .(Elokim” and the name “Kah,” the first see Responsa Maharshal 64“ (סופר Jews did to the Amorites. He refused to understand that the Jews only acted two letters of Hashem’s four-lettered ANSWER: Inherent humility and "ועתה לך ארה לי את העם הזה...כי in self-defense against the Amorites, name. insecurity usually inhibits a person ידעתי את אשר תברך מברך ואשר who, for no reason, declared war against The Gemara (Sanhedrin 105b) explains from thinking highly of or praising his תאר יואר" the Jews. “So now, I beseech you, come and curse the pasuk, “G d put davar — a thing — in own endeavors and accomplishments. Balak began to agitate among the people this people for me... for I know whomever Bilaam’s mouth” (23:5) to mean either Very often he needs the assurance of an of Moav and make them afraid of the you bless is blessed and whomever you that He stationed an angel who controlled outsider to be convinced that his decision “Jewish peril.” Because of his intense curse is cursed.” (22:6) his mouth, or that He fastened a hook, or action was correct. anti-Semitism, the people of Moav then as it were, to Bilaam’s jaw, so that he was QUESTION: 1) Since Balak knew A popular adage states: “A stranger for decided to make him king. prevented from cursing the Jews. Thus, Bilaam’s blessing power, why didn’t a while sees for a mile.” Particularly one when Bilaam attempted to pronounce the )ר' חיים ז"ל סאלאווייטשיק( he simply ask that he bless him to be who is familiar with “both sides of the name “Elokim,” the hook permitted him victorious over the Jews? 2) Why regard- fence” is in the best position to honestly "וישלח מלאכים אל בלעם בן בעור only to say the first two letters, “Keil.” .ing cursing did he say “yuar” — in the appraise one’s virtues פתורה" Further, when he wanted to say only the “He sent messengers to Bilaam son of future tense — “will be cursed” — while of the four lettered Bilaam the non-Jewish prophet had a (י-ה)first two letters Be’or to Pethor.” (22:5) regarding blessing he said “mevorach” — name, his mouth was forced to complete profound insight of the secular world. “is [already] blessed” and not “yevurach” QUESTION: What is the significance the Tetragrammaton. When he took a close look at the Jewish — “will be blessed”? of the name “Bilaam”? people, he was stunned and flabbergasted When Balak’s messengers invited Bilaam ANSWER: For a blessing to be meaning- at their beauty. Knowing keenly the ANSWER: According to Targum to come to curse the Jewish people, he ful, it must be given with good intentions shortcomings and faults of the gentile Yonatan ben Uziel (31:8) Bilaam was told them that he was not in control of and a kind heart. To give a blessing one world, he involuntarily proclaimed, “How notorious for four attempts to destroy his powers and it would be impossible must be devoid of jealousy and ill will. goodly are your tents, O Yaakov.” the Jewish people. 1) He was Lavan for him to do “anything small” — i.e. to Therefore, the Kohanim were selected the Aramean, who wanted to destroy say only two letters of the four-lettered In order to dispel any doubts that we to bless the Jewish people since they are our forefather Yaakov. 2) He advised name — or to do “anything great” — i.e. may have about our convictions of G the descendants of Aharon, who was the Pharaoh to torture the Jews in Egypt. to pronounce the name “Elokim” in its dliness and Judaism, we proclaim these quintessential lover of his fellow man. 3) He incited the wicked Amalek to entirety. words at the very beginning of prayers. We thus recall that even the great gentile )בית יעקב ר' יעקב הכהן ז"ל טראב – מסלתון declare war against the Jews. 4) Upon Balak said to Bilaam, “I have known you prophet, Bilaam, attested to the beauty ראב"ד ביירות בשם ברכת טוב( Balak’s invitation, he came to curse the for quite some time as a vicious person .and superiority of our religion "מה טבו אהליך יעקב משכנתיך Jews, and he advised Balak to encourage without one iota of kindness, one who July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 9

approach of mili dechassiduta — words lifestyle. Others have the opposite Vedibarta Bam ~ Pirkei Avos of piety — obligates teachers to accept temperament, and they are very slow a more encompassing task. at becoming inspired and even when ,we should use anger infrequently, and they finally decide to alter their ways "שלי שלך, ושלך שלך, חסיד. שלי שלי, They should see themselves as being only if it is clearly called for. their resolution is short-lived and fades ושלך שלי, רשע" responsible for their students’ concep- (נוצר חסד) .quickly )מדרש שמואל — רבינו יונה( What is mine is yours, and what is‘ tual development. This necessitates a yours is yours,’ is a Chassid. ‘What is "ארבע מדות בנותני צדקה... יתן careful appreciation of their capacities "קשה לכעוס ונוח לרצות חסיד, נוח mine is mine, and what is yours is mine’ ויתנו אחרים, חסיד. לא יתן ולא יתנו and conscientious efforts to offset לכעוס וקשה לרצות רשע" is a rasha.” (5:10) אחרים, רשע" Hard to anger and easy to pacify is a their weaknesses and accentuate their“ QUESTION: What does the Chassid Chassid; easily angered and hard to strengths. “There are four types amongst those mean with “shelach, shelach” — “yours pacify — wicked.” (5:11) who give charity ... he gives and others When a teacher sees that a student is is yours” — and what does the rasha should give, is a Chassid. That he should QUESTION: Instead of “leiratzot” quick to grasp, he must keep observ- mean with “shelach sheli” — “yours not give and that others should not give, — “to pacify” — which is the active ing to determine the student’s pow- is mine”? is a rasha.” (5:13) form of the verb, it should have said ers of retention. If the student is by ANSWER: A person of refined charac- “leheiratzot,” which means “to be nature quick to forget, the teacher must QUESTION: 1) A Chassid is one ter always shows thanks and apprecia- pacified”? emphasize the importance of repeatedly who goes beyond the call of duty (see tion and never holds a grudge. A gross reviewing the subject matter. Niddah17a, Tosafot). Why does one ANSWER: “Leheiratzot,” means “to person is unappreciative and does not who merely gives while encouraging be pacified” — by others.W hen people If he sees that a student is by nature slow reciprocate a favor. The philosophy of others to give earn this title? 2) Why speak to him and calm him, he is easily to grasp the material being taught, the a Chassid is “What is mine is yours,” is the person who neither gives nor pacified. teacher should not give up and direct and he gives and helps indiscriminately allows others to give counted among his attention to other students. It is even to those of whom he could say, TheM ishnah is listing as the quality of the four givers? possible that the student is also slow to “What is yours is yours” — they refuse the Chassid that even when with much forget, and then “his loss is overridden ANSWER: Often, when tzedakah is to part with their money to help anyone, difficulty he becomes angry, he does by his gain.” being collected for an important cause, including him — the present day giver not wait leheiratzot — to be pacified a person may give above his means in — when he was once in need. by others; rather he is noach leiratzot When a teacher has a student who is order to encourage others to give gener- — he pacifies himself and promptly quick to grasp and slow to forget and On the other hand, the one who lives ously. Since he is only required to give takes the initiative to make overtures therefore succeeds in his studies, the with the attitude that “What is mine according to his means, but gives more, for reconciliation. teacher should not become overly proud is mine” and refused to help anyone, he is called a “Chassid” because he is and seek credit for himself. even a person of whom he can say The wicked person, on the other hand, doing lifnim mishurat hadin — beyond “What is yours is mine,” i.e. at one time easily becomes angry, and even when Instead, he should realize that the the strict requirements of the law. I benefited from your benevolence — is he comes to his senses and realizes student has been given “cheilek tov” — Unfortunately, at times the reverse is that he was wrong and overreacted, “a good portion” — and he should be (ברכת אבות) .a rasha — wicked the case. A wealthy man gives much he is not pacified and takes no action thankful to Hashem for meriting to be less than he can, and as a result others .to make amends. Only much later does able to nurture this potential "ארבע מדות בדעות: נוח לכעוס ונוח give less than they are able to, some he half-heartedly show some signs of לרצות..." Even if the student is slow to grasp and even giving nothing at all. Thus, the rich “There are four types of temperaments: pacification. quick to forget, the teacher should not man who is “giving” but not according Easily angered and easily pacified....” despair. Although such a student has to his means is called a rasha due to the (5:11) been given a bad portion, this merely results of his conduct. The mili d’chasiduta of our Mishnah QUESTION: In each of the four reflects his natural tendencies.E veryone is that proneness to anger is not an cases, the person’s nature is to be easily has the potential to apply himself and inborn or incorrigible character trait. angered or hard to anger. Why doesn’t through much effort overcome natural Alternatively, according to halachah Otherwise, the Mishnah would not it also list another category — the one disabilities and succeed in his studies. one who possesses two hundred zuz judge, calling one pious and another Talmudic currency equivalent to) )ביאורים לפרקי אבות( ?who never becomes angry wicked. dollars) may not take any charity. But ANSWER: The Mishnah is enumerat- Often when a youngster bursts forth should he lack one dinar (Talmudic ing different temperaments in people. with a ferocious display of temper, a Alternatively, this Mishnah can also be currency equivalent to a twenty-five To never become angry is not human; relative will comment, “He has his explained as referring to call to wake up cent piece) of the two hundred zuz, he only an angel can have such a quality. father’s (or un¬cle’s, or grandfather’s) and do Teshuvah. may accept a single gift of charity even Even Moshe, about whom the Torah temper,” meaning that the readiness to There are those who are apt to hear in the amount of thousands of dollars. testifies that he was more humble than anger is inborn, and it must remain part the wake-up call to do Teshuvah. They The Gemara (Sotah 21b) says that one any person on the face of the earth of him. Our Mishnah differs. A child quickly become aroused, but the excite- who gives a poor man a dinar to bring (Bamidbar 12:3), once became angry. may be influenced to display outbursts ment wears off just as quickly and they his possessions to the total of two When he saw that the women of Midian of temper because he lives with an adult are back to their own ways. hundred zuz so that he will be prevented were spared, the Torah says, “Moshe who reacts with rage, until it seems Some people do not get inspired very from taking any more charity is called a was angry with the commanders of something biologically inherited. Such quickly, and it takes a long time to “rasha arum” — “cunning rogue.” the army” (for allowing their troops to a tem¬perament is likely to persist, but convince them. However, once they spare the women who were known to TheM ishnah is talking of such a person with the discipline of wisdom he can make a decision to change, they are very have participated in adulterous activi- who gives but gives a small amount so gradually free himself from it until his firm about it, and it is very difficult for ties with the Jews) (Bamidbar 31:14). that “lo yitein” — he will no longer have heart changes into something new. any one to convince them to go back to to give charity to this poor person — .their old patterns )מגן אבות ועי' Ethics of Sinai, מר' אוירווינג ז"ל Moreover, there are instances when “velo yitnu acheirim” — nor will others בונים( being a zealot and expressing anger The most worthy group are those who be required to give to him, and therefore is a virtue and when reacting with quickly become aroused to do Teshuvah .he is both a giver of charity and a rasha "ארבע מדות בתלמידים..." complacency is a fault, particularly )ילקוט הגרשוני בשם מהר"ש אלגזי ז"ל( There are four types of students....” and stick steadfastly to their new Torah“ when one observes a chillul Hashem (5:12) — desecration of Hashem’s Name. As the Torah relates, when Pinchas QUESTION: What is the point of this saw rampant immorality in the Jewish teaching? Seemingly, it is an obvious The longest running English Shiur in PIRKEI AVOS SHIUR Crown Heights--26 years and still going community, he laudably showed anger observation which any teacher could strong! and acted zealously. make. Moreover, what connection does For Women and Girls it share with Pirkei Avot, which teaches Often, in dealing with children, it is 5:30-6 PM Halachos of Tefilla with Rabbi Michoel Seligson pious conduct? wise to make at least a pretense of being 6-7 PM Pirkei Avos with Rabbi Michoel Seligson angry. The expression of impatience, ANSWER: Generally, we think of a Congregation ANASH 770 Montgomery St. annoyance or rage has its place. The teacher as a person who imparts knowl- Use women's entrance on the side of the building. important thing is that, like a Chassid, edge. TheM ishnah informs us that the 10 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~July 11, 2008

Matters of Interest

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exercise while minimizing the risks. tions, families and private individuals in The RAMBAM Lifestyle And even a few minutes a day of stress implementing the RAMBAM Lifestyle. By management can make a profound improving your lifestyle you Will: have more By Yaakov Bam, Nutrition and Wellness ence. By doing this we will be able to difference in your well-being. energy everyday, get rid of bad cholesterol, Consultant fulfill the Mitzvah of Ushmartem as constipation, normalize blood pressure, Rambam lifestyle empowers the person Nafshosehem properly and prevent/ boost your immune system and metabolism, and is based on Behirah Chofshit reverse any sickness. prevent heart disease, stroke, and diabetes Feel well. Look (freedom of choice) and personal chas vsholom, etc… Yaakov can be reached Today medical science discovered that accountability (Heshbon Hanefesh). By we l l . St ay at [email protected] or by phone, simple choices about lifestyle (diet improving Your Lifestyle you Will feel (347)564-2874. To find out more details well. included) can have a very powerful better, lose weight, and gain health. about the RAMBAM Lifestyle, please see The Rambam: affect on health and well-being of To be continued preceding and upcoming articles of the people. It has been proven throw the “I can guarantee that Health Interest series. To register for a free medicine research that changes in life- Yaakov Bam, MS, is a member of American anyone who accustoms himself to Health Lifestyle seminar, please contact style (diet included) can often reverse Association of Nutritional Consultants. He these ways which we have discussed Yaakov Bam. the severe diseases: heart disease, focuses on guiding and advising institu- בס”ד will not become sick throughout his diabetes, high blood pressure, high whole life, and will never need to take cholesterol, arthritis, eder mahalah, any medicines. His body will be perfect etc… and healthy for his entire life....” Great news!!! ChabadWeekly.com Great news!!! Every one who is looking to improve Feel well. Look well. Stay well. health and prevent illness, has vsholom, ‘Chabad Weekly’ is an online listing of - Full page ads, Events, How a Change Lifestyle Can Help should design, with a help of profes- Protect and improve Your Health and sional, a customized lifestyle program Advertisements, Jobs, Sales, Housing and much more. quality of Your Life? including a personalized nutritionally balanced meals plan, stress manage- The concept of ‘Chabad Weekly’ was taken from Craigslist, where Many people think of an invention in ment techniques, moderate exercise, medicine as only being a new drug, a you post your information free, and re-enter your information and social support. new surgical method, etc… There is every seven days. people’s saying that everything new is There is a range changes you can make, well forgotten old thing. based on your personal situation. Advantages: You have to remember: It takes more We have been given a Mitzvah: Ushmar- 1) Text and images are free. effort to reverse disease than to do tem as Nafshesham. Sages of Talmud 2) Your information will stay on site for seven days. prevention. and Rambam in his Mishneh Torah 3) Post it yourself – with no middleman. explained how to fulfill this Mitzvah You have to decide how much change 4) Your information is neatly posted (header in center, and properly. All thou nature changed we you want to make and how much details/images to the right). still have to obey to Rambam’s advise change you need to make. Mitzvah 5) Site could be sorted in many ways, to make your search as emphasized in Sichah of the Rebbe gereres mitzvah (one step at the time) on 15 Shevat 5748. “Rambam says one -- the healthy your lifestyle is, the more easier and faster. must follow Torah’s instructions such wellness you’ll experience. 6) ‘Full page’ section, where you can upload your image or as the laws about health in his Mishneh document to be displayed on a full page (useful for posting You have a variety of choices in how Torah Hilhos Deos and he promises much improvement in your meals yers, brochures etc). Full page section is not free. whoever observes will be healthy plan you can do, how much physical throughout his entire life.” and stress management to do, how to Sponsored by: UnionApartment.com. We have to take Rambam’s advise build and improve your social support. Where you will nd our accommodations thou the prizm of [and apply it to] Even 30 minutes of walking everyday comfortable and pleasant. today’s nutritional and medical sci- provides benefits of more demanding July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 11

Chaya Mirel in Palestine and was on her way there He was a tall, imposing figure with envelope in his hand. He asked for me with her mother, Roza, her oldest an iron will. Yet his first-born daugh- by name and handed it to me. I couldn’t By Penina Metal daughter, Chaya Mirel and the baby, ter melted his resistance, and he did imagine what sort of document/letter Sora Rifkah. indeed change his clothing to suit her it contained. She was the first-born and by all wishes. accounts quite brilliant. Hashem had other plans, however. It was a yartzeit notice (for the 9th of An insurrection occurred. Travel to Identical twin boys were born in Amer- Tammuz) for little Chaya Mirel from In the early 1900’s, her father, Choni Palestine was impossible. ica and then to the heartbreak of the Tzach. (“Papa”), had preceded his family to parents, Chaya Mirel passed away, r’l, the shores of America to find a better Ita would never fulfill her dream of I felt a pang for this little girl that my at the tender age of 7 due to a cerebral life for the family he left behind in making Aliya. mother never knew, yet for whom;she hemorrhage. Europe. As with so many landsmen, lovingly insured that “Chay Merele She ended up in America after all. he would send for his family when he One can only imagine the impact that (as she referred to her) would never be found a livelihood to properly support The day after the family arrived, Papa this tragedy had on the parents. forgotten. With my father, obm, long them and a decent place in which to set out to find a suitable home for the gone, Kaddish would now be recited A few years later another little girl was house them. family, but Chaya Mirel refused to go for her annually through the Tzach born, and she was named, Raizel Mirel, with him. Organization. Yet his wife, Ita (“Mama”), had other in memory of her grandmother, Roza ideas. “Dos is nisht mine sheine Tatte” (This and “the sister,” Chaya Mirel. Now it is up to me to remember that is not my handsome father!). Papa was there once lived a little girl named A secretary to Theodore Herzl, and This little one was my mother, obm. dressed in his work clothes. She insisted Chaya Mirel. therefore, a fervent Zionist, she had that her father change into proper attire A few weeks ago, a young man every intention of “settling the land,” May the Geula come immediately! before setting out. approached the front desk with an

HERO consisted of Dr. Mindel, Rabbi Shlomo a legendary Chossid committed to times their only spiritual nourishment, Continued From Page 5 Cunin, head shliach of California, and the Previous Rebbe and to the Rebbe, and who merited to relay the Rebbe’s Rabbi Sholom Ber Levine, head librar- an aristocratic individual who was messages in many languages; serve Rubber stamp ian of the Rebbe’s library. Dr. Mindel, blessed with talents, who was the first as the inspiration to use one’s talents “Consequently, I made so bold as to fluent in Russian, was chosen for this to write in English numerous books and be sincerely devoted to sharing suggest that, in the case of certain mission in order to communicate with on Chabad Chassidus, command- and spreading Torah and Chassidus outgoing mail there might be a way to the Russian authorities. Prior to their ments, holidays, philosophy, history, to Yidden who are unaware of its light save the Rebbe some time. I referred, by departure, the Rebbe gave Dr. Mindel Jewish historical fiction and children’s and contribution, and thus enhance way of example, to so-called standard a sum of money on behalf of the entire literature, enabling thousands of Yidden their lives and those of their families letters such as Rosh Hashana greetings, group to distribute for Tzedoko in Rus- to understand Torah and Chassidus for generations. responses to requests for the Rebbe’s sia. When the Rebbe handed the money in an intellectual manner, and who We should speedily witness “The ones blessing on happy family events, such to Dr. Mindel, he said, “Since you are was the author of the Talks and Tales who dwell in the dust will awaken as Bar Mitzva, marriage, birthdays, and the oldest, at least in years, so it will be that allowed young Jewish children and rejoice” with Horav Hachosid Dr. others, all of which together, though not given to you”. They left on the 20th of worldwide, to receive what was some- Mindel among them. part of my job, could number several Teves and returned to the United States thousand in the course of a year. Now, on the 5th of Shvat. if the Rebbe would permit to have such In a very interesting manner, Dr. Min- letters “signed” by a rubber stamp, a del concludes the interview about his universally accepted practice, it would life and his accomplishments. certainly save the Rebbe considerable precious time. Divine Providence With due acknowledgment of his “Now, after fifty years - whenI look back secretary’s thoughtfulness, the Rebbe at the beginning of the era when my politely rejected the idea out of hand, first connection or relationship began adding an explanation which, presum- with Chabad – I realize that over the ably, should have occurred to me in the course of years prior to WWII and in first place. I should have known that the years of wandering during the war, Please Join anything that smacked of “subterfuge” the Divine providence led me by the would be repugnant to the Rebbe. That hand and continued so, until I worked BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT goes without saying. The explanation in the service of our holy Rebbe’im for the Rebbe gave me was simple: “How fifty years. ‘Rabos machshovos blev ish MARTY MARKOWITZ can I send prayerful wishes to a person v’atzas Hashem hi tokum’, Many are For the in such an artificial manner, and how the thoughts in the heart of the man, would anyone feel receiving from his but it is the counsel of Hashem that SUMMER 2008 RESPECT LAUNCH Rebbe good wishes in a letter that is endures.” signed with a rubber stamp?” So that Let’s champion the RESPECT message by wearing Dr. Mindel was born on the 2nd of was the end of that.” the free RESPECT shirts and wristbands, that will be Nissan, the hilulo of the Rebbe Rashab, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch for Non- and was nifter on the 12 day of Tamuz, given out at the launch. Jews the birthday and liberation day of the Previous Rebbe, to whom he was In 1986, Dr. Mindel was working on a TUESDAY, JULY 15th – NOON totally committed and was a devoted book relating to the Seven Noachide secretary, and who entrusted him with laws, entitled “Kitzur Shulchan Aruch BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL multi-functional tasks relating to his for non-Jews”. This publication was 209 JORALEMON STREET various mosdos. intended for non-Jews to study for BROOKLYN, NY themselves, and to publicize among Reb Nissan left his daughter, Mrs. their friends. Freida Schapiro of Crown Heights, the RSVP – 718-802-4488 wife of HoRav Hachossid Mission to Russia Reb Sholom Ber Schapiro, and grand- In 1988, the Rebbe Rashab’s library children serving as shluchim and was discovered intact in Moscow. A mechanchim following the teachings delegation of chassidim was sent by of Torah and Chassidus. the Rebbe to Russia in order to gain Yehi Zichro Boruch! May Dr. Mindel, the release of this library. The group 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~July 11, 2008 Yud Beis Tammuz

The Liberation of the Frierdiker Rebbe The clerk then led him to the officer in Part I room, where the Rebbe had remained he saw that there was another arrested charge of placing the prisoners in their (From the Book A day to Recall, A day To the entire time. occupant, his face contorted with fear cells and left the room. The Frierdiker Remember by Rabbi SB Avtzon) and apprehension. Rebbe fiercely demanded that his Tefil- “You are under arrest,” Nachmanson “This day is not only a personal redemp- lin be returned to him. Taken aback by informed him grimly. “We will now ask A few minutes later, after driving through tion. It is a redemption for everyone who the Rebbe’s obvious dedication to his you a few questions...” the quiet streets of the cities, the van is a Jew.” relig­ion and his spirited tone, the officer The Rebbe replied: “You will not arrest stopped. The doors were flung open, and (Letter of the Frierdiker Rebbe 12-13 begrudgingly agreed and had his bag me under false pretenses. Everyone the passengers ordered to alight. They Tammuz, 1928) brought in to him. knows who I am, and what I do. I am not had arrived at the infamous Spalerno. The Arrest hiding. I live in one of the largest cities in Through a maze of long halls the Rebbe The agents approached the sentry at the the country. I have an active synagogue, went, this time escorted by a guard. Real- Tuesday night, Tes-Vav (the fifteenth of) door of the mas­sive jail. To their shock, and I give Chassidic discourses every izing that the guard will not allow him Sivan began as any other Tuesday night he refused to allow them entry! Shabbos and Yom Tov.” to put on his Tefillin, the Rebbe quietly in the home of the Rebbe. Jews from all The Rebbe continued, “Being barbarians, After a heated discussion, the prison took them out and began winding them walks of life streamed into his apart- you pay no heed to my family’s entreaties. guard allowed them in. Once inside the around his arm as he followed the guard ment, seeking his help in both spiritual I therefore demand the right to request, gloomy halls of the jail, Nachmanson’s up the metal stairway. and material matters. Yechidus ended in front of my family, that I be given the civilized demeanor disappeared. He that night at eleven-thirty. The Rebbe The guard walked briskly and purpose- right to pray with Tefillin. I also want swaggered over to the desk where the then davened Maariv. After midnight, fully. Sensing that the Rebbe was lagging my family to be able to bring me Kosher “admissions” clerk stood. “Now you will at twelve-fifteen, the Rebbe finally sat behind, he turned around and saw the food while I am incarcerated.” understand where you are,” he said cru- down to eat dinner. Rebbe attempting to place his Tefillin Nachmanson, assured the Rebbe, with elly to the Rebbe, as he handed over the Shel Rosh over his fore­head. Incensed, It was a half hour later, before the Rebbe a surprisingly polite smile: “You will Rebbe’s papers to the officer in charge. the prison guard roughly pushed the had finished his meal, that the family be allowed to pray, as we are only going The Rebbe was told to go directly to the Rebbe, causing the Rebbe to fall down heard the doorbell ring, loudly and to ask a few questions and then let you interrogation room, located at the other the entire flight of steps. insistently in the quiet house. go.” side of the huge complex. Through a dark Slowly, painfully, the Rebbe got to his Before anyone could answer, the door While they were waiting for the van hall, the Rebbe walked alone, his way feet. Thank G‑d, no bones appeared to was flung open, and two men1 walked in that would transport the Rebbe to the illuminated by the faint light of small be broken, but the metal on his belt had purposefully and deliberately, fol­lowed dreaded Spalerka Prison, the Rebbe’s candles ensconced on the black walls. cut into the skin on his stomach, and he by a group of policemen. “We are emissar- mother, Rebbetzin Shterna Sara, sud- Every ten feet, a soldier stood expression- was bleeding. ies of the G.P.U.: Who is Schneerson, and denly entered the room. less, with a cocked gun in his right hand where is he?,” one of them snapped. and an unsheathed sword in his left. With difficulty, the Rebbe followed Seeing the unexpected and most unwel- “I do not know which Schneerson you the guard into a small office. While the come visitors, her eyes widened in fear This entire experience was designed to are looking for,” the Rebbe replied warden looked through his belongings, and she cried, “What’s happening? Why instill fear into every prisoner’s heart and calmly. “But I imagine if you barge into the Rebbe continued to place his Tefillin are they here? Are they trying to ensnare cause him to lose his composure. By the someone’s apartment, accompanied by Shel Rosh on his head and recited the even innocent people, who only work time the person arrived in the interroga- the superintendent of the building, you Shema. for the betterment of others?! No, my tion room, he would be so shaken that he are aware of who lives there. So why shout precious son — you cannot leave! I will would talk and before realizing it, give He was halfway through the Shemone and make a commotion?” go in your stead...” them the information they wanted. Esrei, when the warden looked up and The Rebbe continued, much to the Turning to Nachmanson, the elderly saw the Rebbe swaying in prayer. Grab- amazement of the G.P.U. agents, “Now, Inadvertently, the Rebbe passed the Rebbetzin pleaded, “Please! Take me bing hold of the Tefillin, the warden if you are trying to intimidate me, I will room in which he was to enter to begin and don’t disturb my son, my only child yanked hard. Fear­ing that the Tefillin inform you now that I never feared you, his questioning and instead turned into whose whole life is dedicated to helping straps would tear, the Rebbe allowed him nor will I ever be afraid of you. You may a brightly lit, deserted hallway. Realizing others. Are you sen­tencing even blame- to remove the Tefillin from his head. search my apartment if you wish, but the how his wrong turn could only have been less people?!” super will show you around as I would directed by Hashem’s hand, the Rebbe The Rebbe pointed out that according The Rebbetzin continued to cry, this time like to finish my meal. seized the opportunity to regroup his to the law, he was allowed to petition addressing her departed husband and his “Evidently, there is some mistake with thoughts. He sat down and resolved not officials regarding a specific request. predecessors: “My dear husband! Your your being here, and I advise you to leave to lose his composure, or allow him­self He then proceeded to send letters to the only child they are taking away, your us alone, until the matter has been clari- to be intimidated by the officers. chief prosecutor, the head warden of the son who sel fied, especially since a Schneerson is not prison, and the arresting agent, Nach­ good. With Mesirus Nefesh, he follows Getting up from his seat, the Rebbe one to run away,” the Rebbe added. manson, demanding that his Tefillin be your instructions. Bandits, murderers, proceeded confi­dently into the assigned returned. The Rebbe had spoken calmly, in mea- entered our home. Holy ancestors! They room. sured tones, clearly unafraid of the are trying to extinguish your candle He was ready to be questioned. At six in the morning, the Rebbe was intruders. For a moment, it appeared as which you have lit so painstakingly, over taken to his cell. Five hours and fifteen Directed to a table, a clerk began asking if his words had struck a chord inside the the years. I will not allow them to take minutes had passed since they first the Rebbe ques­tions. The questionnaire ruthless officers, and they were silent, not my son...” entered his home, five hours of threats, was extensive, asking him to provide his knowing how to reply or respond to the Nachmanson was overcome. Turning tension and pain. identity, residence, profession, ideology Rebbe’s words. to the Rebbe, he said, “Please take her and associates. The cell he was assigned to was on the aside and calm her down! I did not want It was Comrade Nachmanson, the sixth floor, room 160.A lthough originally to agitate her — we were deliberately The Rebbe refused to answer most of the descendent of a Chas­sid of the Rebbe meant to house only one prisoner, the quiet, so as not to awaken her. Now, will questions. “Those who escorted me here Maharash, who was the first to speak. Rebbe was now the fourth occupant of you comfort her?” know who I am, and there is no need for “Do as you wish,” he said scornfully, the room. They received the Rebbe with me to identify myself. But if they won’t “But we will proceed with our search The Frierdiker Rebbe took his grieving great respect and huddled together more share that intelligence with you, I will of your home, as we were ordered to by mother, his wife and children into an closely giving the Rebbe more space. give you the basic informa­tion about the G.P.U.. We, for one, are not afraid of enjoining room. He seized the opportu­ myself.” Turning to the guard who had accompa- anyone — even those with connections nity to give them instructions as to whom The Rebbe then proceeded to answer just nied him to his cell and to the supervising to foreign governments.” they should contact in their attempts to his name and his address. He ended, “I officer, the Rebbe demanded his Tefillin procure his freedom. Nachmanson turned and marched out of study Torah, and I keep the Mitz­vos, and be brought to him. He also requested that the room, the soldiers at his heels. The van had arrived in the meantime, and I have no political affiliations.” a doctor look at his wound. One officer After a thorough search of the Rebbe’s the Rebbe was escorted to the waiting After putting a line through the blank replied: “You will wait until next week entire residence, which took an hour and vehicle, accompanied by his family and lines of the unan­swered questions, ensur- Monday to see a doctor, and as for your half, Nachmanson returned to the dining the guards. He then gave to one of the ing that no false answer be placed there, Tefillin, you can forget about it — you guards a big bag containing his Tallis the Rebbe signed his name and was given will not get them back!” 1Their names were Lulav and Nachmanson; both and Tefillin with additional religious and a number: He was now Prisoner 26818. The Rebbe answered, “If that’s the case, of them Jewish and from relig­ious and chassidishe personal belongings. Entering the van Continued on Page 13 backgrounds. July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 13

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn son to be its executive director. It was to function and thrive, preserving and there in the hamlet of Lubavitch in even spreading the teachings of Torah (1880-1950) 6th Rebbe of Chabad- Yitzchak’s responsibilities included pre-soviet White Russia that Rabbi and Chassidism to this very day. When Lubavitch administrating the many civic and Yosef Yitzchok trained the army of the the all-powerful communist regime communal activities in which the faithful torchbearers who, under the began to crumble in the closing years (Reprinted with permission from Chabad. Rebbe was involved. The young Rabbi impossible conditions of the decades of the ‘80s, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak’s org) Yosef Yitzchak, in full-length chassidic to come, would literally give their lives network of children’s schools, outreach garb, was a familiar figure in the receiv- to keep the flame of Jewish life ablaze centers, and supply lines of kosher food Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, ing rooms of the government officials, throughout the Soviet Union. and religious services simply moved the sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, ministers, and nobles of Moscow and out of cellars and attics into emptied was one of the most remarkable Jewish Petersburg. In 5655 (1895) the young Upon his father’s passing in 1920, Communist Party buildings. personalities of the twentieth century. rabbi participated in the great confer- Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak assumed the In his seventy years, he encountered ence of religious and lay leaders in leadership of Russian Jewry just as Upon arriving in New York after his every conceivable challenge to Jewish Kovno and again in the following year Communism’s all-out war on Jewish life rescue from Nazi-occupied Warsaw in life: the persecutions and pogroms of in Vilna. At times soft-spoken and with was moving into high gear. His fight to 1940, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak took on a Czarist Russia, Communism’s war on words coming from the heart, at times preserve Judaism was characterized by no less formidable challenge: the frigid Judaism, and melting-pot America’s audacious and threatening, but always his all-consuming mesirat nefesh - an spiritual atmosphere of the Western apathy and scorn toward the Torah fearless and determined, he demanded unequivocally selfless devotion to the world. There was no telling Rabbi and its precepts. The Rebbe was unique the repeal of anti-Jewish decrees, the physical and spiritual needs of a fel- Yosef Yitzchak that his was a losing in that he not only experienced these stopping of pogroms and the cessation low Jew and unshakable faith in what battle; from his wheelchair, he rallied chapters in Jewish history -- as did of the government’s program of forced he stood for. He dispatched teachers the Jewish young of America under the many of his generation -- but that, as a “enlightenment” of traditional Jewish and rabbis to the farthest reaches of cry that “America is no different,” that leader of his people, he actually faced life. the Soviet Empire, establishing a vast also in this bastion of materialism the them down, often single-handedly, and underground network of schools, timeless truths of Torah can take root prevailed. On Elul 13, 5657 (1897) at the age mikvaos, and lifelines of material and and flourish. He established yeshivas of seventeen, Yosef Yitzchak married spiritual support. Stalin’s henchmen and day schools, a publishing house for Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak was the only Nechamah Dina, daughter of Rabbi did everything in their power to stop Jewish books, a social service organiza- son of Rabbi Sholom DovBer, the fifth Abraham Schneersohn and grand- him. In 1927 he was arrested, beaten, tion and community support networks Rebbe of Chabad, whose devotion daughter of the Tzemach Tzedek, the sentenced to death and exiled, but he throughout the country. By the time to the child’s education is lovingly third Chabad Rebbe. During the week’s stood his ground, and by force of inter- of his passing in 1950 he had laid the chronicled in Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak’s celebrations that followed the wedding national pressure, he was finally allowed foundation for the global renaissance voluminous writings. While still in his ceremony, Rabbi Sholom Dovber to leave the country. But in leaving the of Torah-true and chassidic-flavored teens, the young Yosef Yitzchak served announced the founding of Tomchei boundaries of the Soviet Union he left Jewish life, heralded by his son-in-law as the right hand of his father. As the Tmimim, the Lubavitch Yeshivah, his emissaries and their infrastructure and successor, Rabbi Menachem M. personal secretary of the Rebbe, Yosef and the following year appointed his of Jewish life behind; these continued Schneerson.

The Liberation countries and corresponding with trai- Continued From Page 12 tors and others the government deemed GREAT SUCCESS! well, let these prisoners be my witness: “undesirables.” I am declaring a hunger strike! Until I In reply, the Rebbe countered: “Legally, receive my Tefillin,I will not eat or drink one is allowed to teach one’s children anything.” as was explicitly declared by Karlinko — the chief prosecutor of the Soviet The Rebbe then arose to pray in a loud Union. So who am I to lis­ten to, him or voice, chanting a soulful Chabad prayer you?! Bringing money into the country melody. He stood without Tallis and can only be beneficial to the State; and Tefillin — in the dark cell in Spalerno — thirdly, there was nothing illegal about with an old Chabad melody on his lips. my correspondence with others.” The other prisoners listened silently With that, the Rebbe reiterated his and attentively to the Rebbe’s prayer request that he be given his Tefillin and melody. The Rebbe then delivered back. to them a Torah discourse. There eyes Nachmanson, the second arresting which were darkened by the fear of death officer, now walked into the room to join were suddenly alight with the radiance the interrogation team. After many hours of Torah. of questioning, as the interrogation was The Interrogation winding down, Lulav stammering barked in anger: “B-B-But You will be shot to It was 48 hours later at 10:00 Thursday death in the next 24 hours!” night — after two days of not eating or The Rebbe replied, “Hashem will help.” drinking — that a guard entered the The next day, Friday in the afternoon, an cell. He was to bring the Rebbe to be officer brought the Rebbe his precious interrogated. Tefillin and Seforim. As soon as he entered the interrogation office, the Rebbe stated calmly, “This is The first battle in the prison had been the first time I walked into a room, and fought, and the Rebbe emerged the no one stood up for me.” victor. Irritated, one of the officer shouted, Now that his hunger strike was over, the “Don’t you realize where you are?” Rebbe requested that food, prepared by The Rebbe replied, “Surely; this is a place his family, be brought to him. A little while where no Mezuzah is required, just like later, the guard brought the basket of food a bathroom or stable...” to the Rebbe. The Challah was intact; no one had broken them open to see if there The chief interrogator didn’t know how was anything inside. Taking this as a sign to respond to that statement. Instead that the warden’s attitude towards the he began to list the Rebbe’s long his­ Rebbe had improved, the guard began to tory of “criminal activity”: Opening treat the Rebbe with more respect. Chedarim, collecting money from other 14 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~July 11, 2008 Shleimus Haaretz

Strongly, Publicly, and Everywhere study the weekly Torah portion every If the Rebbe makes incumbent upon Published and copyright © by Sichos In their rulings: Shabbos, including those portions that all Rabbis the obligation to protest in English discuss the boundaries of the land of this regard, then this obligation is twice “If we ask even an unworldly Rabbi Israel. And there are those amongst as great for those who have already There Should Not Remain a Single whether, according to Jewish Law, them who read the newspapers and are expressed their opinion on this or Individual Anywhe Who is Unaware the government should fund yeshivas, aware of the situation in the world. similar issues. As the Rebbe said: of the Ruling he will answer, “Of course!” And if we would further ask him if we may “How is it possible that during the three “Any Rabbi who has expressed his • The Task of the Rabbis publicize this in his name, he would days they were together, they discussed opinion on this or similar issues — in • Since They Are Ordained Rabbis — answer that it is unnecessary, since he the most important things, things which case he cannot excuse himself himself is going to do just that. that are undeniably important, even from issuing a ruling in this matter — Certainly the Issue Affects Them to the making good resolutions; yet, about should certainly consider all that we Core of their Souls “The same applies — and all the more a situation that concerns the veritable have said and issue a definitive Halachic so — with regard to the Rabbinical After a Rabbi rules unequivocally on life and death of scores of Jews, G-d ruling concerning whether or not it is ruling concerning the unassailable right this matter, he must not wait until he is forbid, nothing is said, and no one even permitted to abandon parts of Judea and of the Jewish people to the Holy Land. asked about it; rather, he himself should complains?! And then they publish the Samaria. For here, we are dealing not We should publicize this ruling such widely publicize the ruling. This is what minutes of the meeting including all the only with the prohibition of allowing that there should not even be one single the first Lubavitcher Rebbe writes in good resolutions they made (and they non-Jews to settle the land, but also with person who will not know about it!” his Code of Jewish Law, that “someone really are good resolutions), without immediate danger of loss of lives.” who asks [whether he should transgress In the same address, the Rebbe told the even mentioning a single, solitary word The Rebbe continues: the Shabbos in order to save a life] is a Rabbis that “only when they conduct about the unassailable right of the Jew- shedder of blood,” since he could be sav- themselves in this fashion are they ish people to the Land of Israel.” “It is obvious that all the above is not ing a life during the time it takes to ask doing their jobs properly.” meant to demean the Rabbis’ honor. In The Rebbe further said at the same the question; “and the one who waits to fact, they don’t need my urging in this When the Rebbe heard about a certain address that just as the conduct of be asked is contemptible,” inasmuch as matter, inasmuch as they are ordained conference involving observant Jews, Mordechai in the time of Achashverosh he should have taken the initiative, and Rabbis, and certainly are familiar with in which the agenda did not include a and Joseph in the time of Pharaoh (both publicized that it is permitted. this law and shall conduct themselves Rabbinical ruling regarding the unas- of whom held positions of power under accordingly. Particularly since this is a On Shabbos Vayakhel-Pekudei 5740 sailable right of the Jewish people to non-Jewish regimes), so must be the matter of life and death for numerous (1980), the Rebbe pointed out that there the Holy Land, he asked: conduct now of the Rabbis, whom our Jews, it must profoundly concern each are certain issues concerning which sages call “rulers,” meaning that they “Dozens of Jews gather together, every and every Rabbi. Therefore, they don’t Rabbis find no difficulty in publicizing must not be afraid of anything.... one of whom is observant, and they need anyone to prompt them about it

UPDATE FROM THE GIMMEL TAMMUZ SHLEIMUS HA*ARETZ TALK SHOW 4 Tammuz /July 7, 2008 to being silent even when it is Jews who mother who lost her entire family when who were not able to join the groups By Tamar Adelstein, host are harming not only themselves but Kuntar murdered them on a terrorist going on the American or European THE ENTIRE JEWISH PEOPLE mission masterminded by Abu Abbas trips. A one-week trip to the Golan is If you haven’t already listened to the (and, thereby, forcing the Divine Pres- on April 22, 1979 posted a letter to the planned for this week but funds need show via phone retrieval – 641-715-3486, ence- which follows the Jews wherever Washington Post in 2003 after Abbas’ to be raised so everyone can come. It Access Code 505946# (the website is they are – into Golus) is a violation capture. It is vitally important that costs $550 per girl. still down), we really hope you’ll do so of Shluchan Orech, Rabbi Lazaros everyone read it to understand why we after reading this review. Hey, everybody, these kids need it and called on all of us to do everything in must all mount a protest against Kuntar’s deserve it—their mesiras nefesh in Rabbi Yaakov Lazaros, guest lecturer our power to bring down the Olmert release. It can be read on IMRA - Inde- staying put in S’derot is keeping one for our learning segment, made a government. pendent Media Review and Analysis more border in Eretz Yisroel intact and poignant connection between Moshe Website: www.imra.org.il. Can anyone disagree with Rabbi protecting the rest of us! If you can’t Rabbeinu’s lengthy request to the king Lazaros’ that “the next day” should In addition, police officer,E liyahu give $550, then how about each block in of Edom to pass through his territory not be “back business as ususal”… Shachar, was also killed by Kuntar Crown Hts. or a group of friends getting on the way to Eretz Yisroel and today’s during the attack and his family has together where everyone chips in $10 current situation in our homeland. We also spoke with D’ror Vanunu who is filed an injunction to stop his release. or more to raise the sum. You can call Moshe says “and the Egyptians dealt the head of the Gush Katif Committee To lodge your protest with the Israeli Mrs. Marinovsky at 972.52.604.1836 ill with us and with our fathers, the which is devoted to advocating for the government, call the Israeli Embassy in to contribute. Avos. Rashi’s explains “that the Avos rights of the former Gush Katif resi- Washington at 202-364-5500. are aggrieved in their graves when evil dents, obtaining housing and services We still need volunteers to help us plan befalls Israel”. for them, and, finally, working to ensure I received a call this week from Mrs. the Kinus Torah for Shleimus HaAretz. Gush Katif won’t be forgotten. Chanie Marinovsky from K’far Chabad The best submissions of Chiddushei Just as they were grieving throughout who heads the Achoteinu program for Torah will receive a monetary prize and Golus Mitzrayim, so too do they grieve The latest crisis expellees face is the high school Israeli girls. many entries will be featured in a special at the trials and tribulations our fellow upcoming eviction of several com- on-line and booklet edition. To volun- Yidden face from terror attacks like munities from their temporary homes A special request has come in from teer, please call me at 718-774-0914 or the one that happened last week in as the government’s contract with the the Pizem family who are shluchim in email me at [email protected]. Yerushalayim, r”l. Perhaps even more kibbutzim who leased the land for their S’derot to raise funds for a group of girls so do our Forefathers grieve at the caravillas will expire on, of all dates, travesty of Jewish politicians, leaders, the third anniversary of the Disengage- and so-called rabbis who determine ment! In addition to listening to our their obligation whether or not to interview with D’ror, you can learn respond or how to do so when these more by reading his website: www. things happen, r”l, on the whim or will Katifund.org. of Gentiles and the media. Finally, we reviewed the imminent Adhering to the Rebbe’s plea that Rab- prisoner exchange voted on by the bonim uphold their holy obligation “to Israeli Cabinet and approved by the effectively and broadly publicize the Knesset to release child killer/terrorist ruling that we may not stand idly by Samir Kuntar in return for the bodies our brothers’ blood; that remain Can of IDF solidiers Goldwasser and Regev anyone disagree with Rabbi Lazaros’ and for information on MIA Ron Arad. that “the next day” should not be “back Smadar Haran Kaiser, the widow and July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 15 Tammuz Yahrzeit

This week we continue with theY ahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. children. She was a Baalas Tzedoko Mrs. Rivka Wolberg We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mentioning them we whose home was open to guests, was The daughter of Horav Hachossid come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn lessons from their lives that we can the unifying factor on her block, and Hatomim Reb Sholom Ber Laine, she incorporate into our own. This column includes theY ahrzeiten from the 9th of made everyone feel as if they were her was involved in chinuch with a special Tamuz through the 15th of Tamuz. The respective resting places of the individuals best friend. She made sheva brochos devotion and brought Yidden closer to noted in this column near the holy , (unless otherwise specified). and parties for kallahs, and took care Yiddishkeit and to the Rebbe. Many of young women in Crown Heights The son of Horav Hacho- people were hosted in her home, and Men without family. She was devoted to ssid Hatomim Reb Avro- were received cordially, in particular, 10th of Tamuz the Rebbe, to whom she brought many hom Yaakov Halevi, he out-of-town guests who came to the people, and her resting place is near Horav Hachossid Hato- loved peace, loved others Rebbe. She was nifter in the midst of those on whom she was mashpia. She mim Reb Yisroel and was beloved by all. her life in 1995. left children and grandchildren who Drizin He was mekushar to the follow in her footsteps and are Shluchim We should speedily witness, “The ones Rebbe, and glorified the name of The son of Horav Hacho- and Mechanchim. She was nifter in the who dwell in the dust will awaken and Chabad and influenced others by serv- ssid Hatomim Reb Avro- midst of her life in 1993. rejoice,” with all the above-mentioned ing as a role model to many people. He hom, he was mekushar individuals amongst them. devoted himself to the education of 13 Tamuz with his heart and soul to the Rebbe. students in different parts of the world. Dear Readers: He was among the first activists in Mrs. Chaya Ita Blesofsky He was born in 1949 on the 16th of Uforatzto, spreading Torah and Chas- Anyone who would like to have their Shvat in Paris and was nifter in the The daughter of Horav Hachossid sidus permeated with Emuna. He was relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit column midst of life in 2005. Reb Moshe, she was the wife of Horav a great Baal Tzedoko. He was born on should email the name, father’s name, date Hachossid Hatomim Reb Schneur Erev Pesach 1938 in Mintovka, Russia 15th Tamuz of the ptira and some details to chp5768@ Zalman. She was nifter in 1991. and was nifter in 2004. gmail.com. A picture may be included. Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb 15th Tamuz 12 Tamuz Michoel Davidson Horav Hachossid Dr. The son of Horav Hachossid RebA vro- The YAM summer program is in full swing, complet- Mindel hom, he was mekushar to the Rebbe YAM ing its second week. This Shabbos, the boys are going to and involved himself in the mitvzoim The son of Horav Cherry Hill, NJ for Shabbos. Next week's highlight will be a three day campaigns with an enormous energy. Hachossid Reb Yaakov trip through Boston to Maine for whitewater rafting. Stay tuned for more He was nifter in 2005. Yitzchok, he dedicated updates and pictures. his life and his unique Women talents to sacred matters 9th of Tamuz over the course of sixty years. He mer- ited to serve as the mazkir, the secretary, Mrs. Freida Laine of the Previous Rebbe who included The daughter of Horav him in his entourage in 1940 trip to Hachossid Reb Alter Eliezer the United States, and then served as Rokeach, a descendent of the personal mazkir of the Rebbe. the Belzer Rebbe Sar He accomplished a great deal Sholom and of Horav much in the spreading of Chas- Hakodosh Reb Naftoli sidus, was a member of Kehot of Rupshitz, she was Publications editors board, the wife of Horav compiled, wrote numerous Hachossid Hatomim books over the course of Reb Sholom Ber. fifty years and merited After the sufferings to receive the Rebbe’s of World War II, she guidance and comments. left Europe for Israel He was chief secretary of and was among the first Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch families sent by the Previ- and was a member of the ous Rebbe to found Kfar boards of Machne Israel and Chabad. She established a Vaad Agudas Chassidei Chabad. chassidishe home, and her children and He was born in 1912 on Bais Nissan grand-children follow the teachings of in Latvia and was nifter in 1999. (See chassidus. She was nifter in 2000, and our Heroes) her resting place is on Har Hazeisim. 13th Tamuz Mrs. Baila Raksin Horav Hachossid Hato- The daughter of Horav Hachossid mim Reb Moshe Hatomim Reb Yitzchok Scheinfeld, Binyomin Kaplan her treasure was fear of Hashem. She The son of Horav Hacho- conducted her life with emuna, bito- ssid Hatomim Reb Arye chon and hiskashrus to the Rebbe. She Leib, he was educated was a loving mother who was dedicated and studied Torah amid persecution, to the chinuch of her Children and a poverty, and with self-sacrifice in the devoted teacher in . She most difficult times in Soviet Russia. was nifter in an accident in the midst He worked in Rabbonus and communal of her life in 2003. affairs and worked to support himself 10th of Tamuz as well. He spread Torah and all his life he was mekushar to the Previous Rebbe Mrs. Miriam Lakein and the Rebbe. He was born in 1918 on The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb the 3rd day of Sivan in Karilov, White Reuben, she was the wife of, may he Russia, and was nifter in 2005. live and be well Horav Hachossid Reb 14th Tamuz Shlomo and was a woman of great yiras shomayim who was the stronghold Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb of her family and was devoted to her Leima Halevi Levitin 16 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~July 11, 2008

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The Rebbe’s brows knitted, and his deep Rebbe Story blue eyes grayed into sadness. Softly, he “When one tells a story about his Rebbe he said, “Yesh k’nireh anoshim hazekukim NIGHTLIFE! connects to the deeds of the Rebbe” l’kobayim” -- There are evidently people Upcoming Events who need crutches.” (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) Thursday July 10, 8pm A long and pregnant pause followed. 'The Law of Attraction' [Adapted from www.inspiringagenera- Perhaps his secret threads of perception How can one steer clear of attracting undesirable life-patterns? tion.com] and communication were tracking Discover the power of your magnetism and its 'Law of Attraction!' Mr. Yehuda Avner, a veteran Israeli my thoughts, for what he said next with Mr. Mutty Weinberger, LMSW diplomat, served as an aid and adviser answered my unspoken question. Sunday July 13, 8 - 10pm to four Israeli Prime ministers (Golda Raising his palm in a gesture of reas- NIGHTLIFE goes Swimming! Meir, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem surance, and with an encouraging smile Exclusive to young single ladies, ages 18+ Begin, and Shimon Peres) and as the he said, “Let me tell you what I try to At the newly renovated community pool ambassador to Ireland and to Australia. do. Imagine you’re looking at a candle. Location: Oholei Torah, 667 Eastern Pkwy Here is a clip of an article he wrote in the What you are really seeing is a mere 10pm and on! Jerusalem Post in 2005, describing the lump of wax with a thread down its Back at The Nightlife Lounge visits he made to the Rebbe with Rabin middle. So when do the thread and wax Dinner, Music, Dancing, Games, Hang out with friends and Menachem Begin in 1977, just become a candle? Or, in other words, after he visited with Former President Monday July 14, 8pm when do they fulfill the purpose for Jimmy Carter: Transforming Darkness Into Light which they were created? When you put As we approach The Three Weeks of Mourning, And now relaxing, he made a tent of a flame to the thread, then the candle gain new perspective on dealing with difficulties and pain his slender fingers, fixed me with his becomes a candle.” both personally and globally eyes, and said with a surprisingly sweet As he was speaking, a rhythmic cadence with Mrs. Sara Esther Crispe smile, “How come you visit us so often crept into his voice in the manner of a and appear to be so close to us, yet you Thursday, July 17, 8pm Talmudist poring over his text, so that never became a Lubavitcher? Why?” Bonfire, Kumsitz, & BBQ Night!!! what he said next came out as a chant: Being held at 1301 President street, btwn Bklyn & NY Aves I sat back stunned at the directness of “The wax is the body, and the wick the the question. It was true. This probably soul. Ignite the soul with the fire of NIGHTLIFE Summer 2008 Sneak-peek: was my third or fourth meeting with the Torah, and a person will then fulfill Fun & Recreation - Bonfire, Kumsitz, & BBQ Nights Rebbe. Over the years I had become the purpose for which he or she was 17th Tammuz Break-Fast Dinner - Comedy Night - More Swimming! a sort of unofficial liaison between created. And that is what I try to do – to Holistic Spa Night - Hilarious Pantomime - Tisha B'Av Eicha & Video various Israeli prime ministers and the ignite the soul of our people with the Open Mic - and much more! Lubavitch court. fire of Torah.” Speakers: Chanale Canterman - Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe - Rabbi Korn Swallowing thickly, I muttered, M“ aybe A buzzer had been sounding periodi- Dena Gorkin - Malka Touger - and more! it is because I have met so many people cally, indicating that others were await- All programs are held at The NIGHTLIFE Lounge: who ascribe to the Rebbe powers ing their audience. So I rose and took Rubashkin Residence - 1349 President Street which the Rebbe does not ascribe to my leave, pausing at the door to ask, email: [email protected] himself.” “My candle – has the Rebbe lit it?” Blog: www.CHnightlife.wordpress.com Even as I spoke, I realized I had pre- “No,” he said, clasping my hand. “I have NightLife programs are a joint project of CHJCC and BYIT and sponsored by the CHJCC sumed too much. I could hear my voice given you the match. Only you can light trailing away. your candle.”