The World of Lubavitch A publication of Chabad-Lubavitch, Toronto SEPTEMBER 2014 Vol. 39 No. 2 (142) TISHREI 5775

The Sotloff Initiative

Out of the grim savagery of another brutal ex- ecution by ISIS, comes a most inspiring tale. As has been widely reported, Steve Sotloff observed some Jewish traditions and rituals during his time of cap- tivity, even while hiding the fact that he was Jewish.

When everyone was praying to Mecca he turned inconspicuously to face Jerusalem and recite the Shema. Steve even managed to fast last Yom Kip- pur by feigning illness! As noted in the very popular London Daily Mail headline “Heroic Steven Sotloff feigned illness so he could still fast for Yom Kip- pur.” Talk about a Kiddush Hashem – what a sancti- fication of G-d’s name!

If Daniel Perl reminded us, by the heroic way he died (“’My father’s Jewish, my mother’s Jew- ish, I’m Jewish,’”) of the unbreakable bond between the Jewish Neshama (soul) and Hashem (G-d), then Steve Sotloff taught us how to LIVE like a Jew, un- der any circumstance!

How courageous and how inspiring your obser- vances are, Steve, to me and the rest of your family; the Jewish people. How free and liberated you were, Steve, even while you lived your last year of life in chains. How perverted and pathetically shackled are your evil captors, even while brandishing those po- tent weapons.

To my fellow community members; together let us proclaim the “Toronto Sotloff Initiative”, where EVERY Jew in Toronto, whose health allows, fasts this Yom Kippur. Fasting on Yom Kippur is about Chabad Lubavitch to Honour being a little elevated from the mundane for one day, allowing us to fully focus on our relationship with G-d. Steven Latner Our dear brother Steven, may Hashem avenge Plans are in full swing for the Greenwin office without your blood. From our part, we will never forget you. the upcoming annual dinner of an appointment to see Steven’s Chabad Lubavitch. The gala father Mr. Albert Latner” said This Yom Kippur, as we work on our relationship celebration to be held Novem- Rabbi Z. Aaron Grossbaum. with G-d, as we resolve to be better people, it is you ber 20, 2014 will honour Steven “He offered me a Havana cigar who will serve as our guiding light! Latner. “This honour is long and although I don’t smoke, I lit overdue,” said Rabbi Zalman up and that gave me a 45 min- Grossbaum, Regional Direc- ute window of opportunity to May we quickly merit a world of redemption and tor of Chabad Lubavitch, “and explain what Chabad Lubavitch Moshiach, when we will be reunited with Daniel and will give us the opportunity to is all about.” Steve, and we will then finally merit the better world recognize the Latner family for In addition to the city wide they both so aspired to. thier long standing support of efforts of Chabad, visible to all, Best Wishes for a happy and blessed new year Chabad Lubavitch and their in- Steven and his wife Lynda, volvement in our organization. have witnessed firsthand the and an easy fast. “It all began some thirty- five years ago when I came to Continued on page 3 Page 2 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014 TORAH IN THE WINTER

Each week of the year, anoth- too, carries the name Atzeret, er of the Torah’s fifty-four parsh- for it too serves as a vehicle of iot (sections) is studied, publicly retention and absorption for the read in the synagogue, and its An Examination of the festival that precedes it. The re- lessons applied to daily living. semblance is further intensified Thus the Jew lives with the To- Cycle of Jewish Holidays by the fact that, like Shemini rah: the Five Books of Moses are Atzeret, Shavuot is also an eighth his calendar, their chapters and day of retention—a one-day fes- verses marking, defining, mold- tival which culminates a cycle of ing and inspiring the weeks and seven. Shemini Atzeret immedi- days of his year. ately follows the seven days of Simchat Torah is the day Sukkot, while Shavuot closes the on which we conclude the an- seven-week sefirah count begun nual Torah-reading cycle. On this on Passover. day, we read the Torah section The two atzerets mirror of Vezot Haberachah (Deuter- each other across the yearly onomy 33–34), and immediately But why celebrate Simchat sixth of Sivan, the day on which nual reading cycle, studying it cycle. The Jewish year is like a begin a new Torah-reading cycle Torah on Shemini Atzeret, the G d revealed Himself to us at and implementing it in our daily circle with two poles—two key with the reading of the first chap- twenty-second (and twenty- Mount Sinai and granted us the lives, is of greater significance months, Nissan and Tishrei, are ter of Genesis. third) day(s) of the month of Torah as our eternal heritage? than our original receiving of it both considered, each in its own Simchat Torah means “the Tishrei? As a rule, the festivals Indeed, we mark that date at Sinai. But this itself requires realm, to be the first and head of rejoicing of the Torah,” for the are located at points on the cal- with the festival of Shavuot—a explanation: why do we conclude the entire year. The fifteenth of Torah rejoices on this day. The endar that mark the historical festival devoted to reexperienc- and begin the Torah on Shemini Nissan is the date of the Exodus, Torah is the stuff of the Jew’s sources of their import and sig- ing the revelation at Sinai and Atzeret? Why did Moses, who and begins the seven-day festival life: his link to his Creator, his na- nificance. Passover is observed reiterating our covenant with G established the Torah-reading of Passover. Exactly six months tional mandate, the very purpose on the fifteenth ofw Nissan, the d forged by Torah. Yet our joy in cycle, not schedule it to end and later, the fifteenth of Tishrei be- of his existence. But the Jew is anniversary of our Exodus from the Torah is reserved for the fes- recommence on the festival of gins the other seven-day festival no less crucial to the Torah than Egypt on Passover; Rosh Hasha- tival of Shemini Atzeret—a date Shavuot? of the Jewish year, Sukkot. And the Torah is to the Jew: it is he nah occurs on the first of Tishrei, with no apparent historical con- Calendar Twins both of these seven-day festivals and she who devote their life to are capped by a one-day atzeret. the date of the creation of man; nection to our relationship with Actually, a closer look at its study, teaching and practice; The only break in the symmetry and so on. Accordingly, would it the Torah. Shemini Atzeret and Shavuot re- he and she who carry its wisdom is the fact that the atzeret of Suk- not have been more appropriate One might explain that our veals a striking resemblance be- and ethos to all peoples of the kot is a literal, contiguous eighth to rejoice over the Torah on the living with Torah through the an- tween the two festivals. Shavuot, earth; he and she who translate Continued on page 18 its precepts and ideals into con- crete reality. So if we rejoice in the Torah on Simchat Torah, lifting its holy scrolls into our arms and filling the synagogue with song and dance, the Torah, too, rejoices in us on this day. The Torah, too, wishes to dance, but, lacking the physical apparatus to do so, it employs the body of the Jew. On Simchat Torah, the Jew becomes the dancing feet of the Torah Why Not on Shavuot? Simchat Torah immediately Moshiach’s Donkey follows the festival of Sukkot. In- deed, the biblical name for Sim- And Moses took his wife and leaders, are not theirs but their Abraham, Moses, and rusalem. chat Torah is Shemini Atzeret, children, set them upon the don- Creator’s. They live not to real- Moshiach Seven generations later, Mo- which means “the eighth day of key, and returned to the land of ize and fulfill themselves, but to Moshiach’s donkey first ap- ses was also dispatched on a mis- retention,” for the function of this Egypt serve the divine purpose of cre- pears in the year 2084 from cre- sion by G-d: to take the Jewish festival is for us to retain and ab- Exodus 4:20 ation. ation (1677 bce), as Abraham people out of Egypt and bring sorb the attainments of the seven The prophet Zechariah de- On a deeper level, Moshiach’s heads for the “Binding of Isaac”, them to Mount Sinai, where I days of Sukkot. scribes Moshiach as “a pauper, donkey represents the essence of his tenth and greatest reiteration shall communicate to them their (Outside the land of Israel, riding on a donkey.” The sim- the messianic process: a process of his faith in G-d. “Abraham mission in life as My chosen where the festival of Shemini ple meaning of the verse is that that began with the beginning of rose early in the morning and people. So “Moses took his wife Atzeret/Simchat Torah is ob- Moshiach -- whom the Midrash time and which constitutes the readied his donkey,” the Torah and children, set them upon the served for two days, the name describes as “greater than Abra- very soul of history. In the be- relates (Genesis 22:3), and load- donkey, and set out for Egypt.” Shemini Atzeret is usually ap- ham, higher than Moses, and ginning, the Torah tells us, when ed it with supplies for the Bind- The donkey, stresses the Torah -- plied to the first day and Sim- loftier than the supernal angels” G-d created the heavens and the ing (the wood, the fire, and the the very same donkey, our sages chat Torah to the second—the (Yalkut Shimoni after Isaiah earth, when the universe was still knife) for the three-day trek from explain, that served Abraham and day on which the actual conclu- 52:13) -- is the epitome of self- empty, unformed, and shrouded Hebron to Mount Moriah in Je- that will bear Moshiach. sion and beginning of the Torah effacement. Indeed, humility is in darkness, the spirit of G-d Continued on page 16 takes place. In essence, however, the hallmark of the righteous: hovered above the emerging ex- The World of Lubavitch Chabad Lubavitch of Ontario the two days constitute a single they recognize that their tremen- istence. Says the Midrash: “’The A Publication of HaRav Dovid Schochet Rabbi Yitzchak Grossbaum festival, and the name Shemini dous talents and achievements, spirit of G-d hovered’ -- this Chabad-Lubavitch Spiritual Leader Camp Gan Israel 770 Chabad Gate Rabbi Z. Aaron Grossbaum Rabbi Yossi Hecht Atzeret applies to both its days.) and the power vested in them as is the spirit of Moshiach.” For Thornhill, Ontario Executive Vice-President Chabad of Aurora Moshiach represents the divine L4J 3V9 Rabbi Vidal Bekerman Mrs. Fajgi Itkin ON OUR COVER (905) 731-7000 Chabad at York Chabad of Hamilton spirit of creation -- the vision of www.chabad.ca Rabbi Mendel Bernstein Rabbi Mendel Kaplan Chabad of Richmond Hill Chabad @ Flamingo On our cover a painting by the perfected world that is G-d’s Editor: Dr. Yitzchok Block Rabbi Moshe Spalter Rabbi Yisroel Landa purpose in creating it and popu- Chabad @ Western Israeli Community Services Chassidic artist Michoel Associate Editor: Rabbi Tzali Borenstein Chabad of Durham Rabbi Sholom Lezel Muchnik, titled “Bringing lating it with willful, thinking Rabbi Z.A. Grossbaum Chabad of the Beaches Rabbi Mendel Chaikin Heaven Down To Earth”. and achieving beings. Advertising: Chabad on Downtown Rabbi Avrohom E. Plotkin Rabbi Moshe Spalter Chabad of Markham Moshiach’s donkey has a Rabbi Yehoshua Chanowitz Chabad of Guelph Rabbi Yeshaya Rose Typesetting: Chabad @ U. of T. Chassidic masters teach us long, prestigious history. Time Tamar Shuchat Rabbi Nechemia Deitsch Chabad of Midtown Rabbi Yisroel Simon and again it makes its appearance Chabad of Kingston that while earth may seem like Circulation: 8500 Rabbi Yechezkel Deren through the generations, surfac- Subscriptions: $18 yearly Chabad of Maple Rabbi Yitzchok Slavin a jungle, in G-d’s eyes it is a Chabad of Mississauga $5 per copy Rabbi Yoseph S. Gansburg beautiful garden that needs ing at key junctures of the mes- Education Rabbi Moshe S. Spalter sianic process. Each time we see SPRING 2014 Rabbi Levy Gansburg Administrator & Media to be cultivated. During the Chabad Bayview York Mills Rabbi Moshe E. Steiner month of Elul, it is up to a Jew it fulfilling the same function, but We cannot take Rabbi Menachem Gansburg Chabad of Uptown in a slightly different manner -- responsibility for the Chabad on the Avenue Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman to initiate a relationship with Kashruth of the items Rabbi Moshe Goldman Russian Community Services reflecting the changes our world advertised in this Chabad of Waterloo G-d in order to bring heaven publication. Rabbi Zalman Zaltzman undergoes as it develops toward Chabad of Niagara down to earth. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada its ultimate state of perfection. through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014 • Page 3

Chabad Lubavitch to Lubavitch Day Camp Enjoys Honour Record Enrollment Steven Latner Whether you are looking Close to seven hundred the campers learned rhythm apprentice they receive guid- Continued from page 1 ance and the opportunity for for kosher food in Beijing, children attended Lubavitch and different beats. Other spe- growth with respect to respon- to purchase a mezuzah for a Day Camp for the summer of cialties included; karate, art, 2014, and having stretched thin sibility and maturity. work of Chabad at the nu- friend in South Dakota, map swimming, yoga, music and all amenities and utilized every movement, Zumba and cake The CIT’s boys division merous universities where a trail of comfort (and as- conceivable space, some late decorating. were invited up to Haliburton their children often visited sistance) for your son as he comers could not be accommo- During the intensified ‘nine to spend a weekend Shabbaton the Chabad House for Friday backpacks through Asia, the dated. Children could be seen days’ of mourning the destruc- at Camp Gan Israel. In addition night Shabbat dinner. From a site brings it all to the screen to experiencing the exuberance personal perspective Rabbi of your iPhone, (or computer at the Shabbat meals, the teens Grossbaum noted, “Steven screen). engaged in numerous activities is a dear personal friend, he In the formative days of and enjoyed some of the re- has never let me down, even Chabad Lubavitch of South- gional recreational attractions. if he is travelling overseas, ern Ontario, while still in Merging both camps together he always responds when I its infancy the Latner fam- proved beneficial to both, the need him.” ily graciously put all their host camp and guests, both were at their best behavior. Indeed, after some four resources at our disposal. The annual Shabbat dinner decade of public service, This would come to include for campers and their families, Chabad Lubavitch is rec- their office staff, their trades, held towards the end of the ognized as a catalyst that suppliers, and consultants. summer attracted a capacity connects Jews with Juda- Indeed, this access and their crowd. The cuisine and Shabbat ism. From our flagship cen- expertise as land develop- delicacies were prepared with tre in Thornhill, the Chabad ers and builders facilitated love and devotion by Mrs. Es- Lubavitch Organization construction of the Chabad tee Steinmetz and the counsel- reaches out to the entire Jew- Lubavitch headquarters at The girls division of LDC enjoyed a zumba session. lors. The all night effort proved ish community with pro- 770 Chabad Gate, Thornhill. to be exceptionally successful grams that continues to edu- So too, over the years, their in the foyer, coatroom, and the tion of the holy Temple, when and managed to feed and sat- cate and promote traditional various partners and associ- orts. The boys division which the pleasure of recreational isfy even the additional unex- values. With an unrestricted ates were subtly invited to had a record enrollment of over swimming is suspended, a giant pected guests. The Friday night mandate that caters to young come on board as supporters. 200, was housed at the CHAT 18’ water slide was erected and program held at the Chabad and old alike, new initiatives During the course of Willowdale campus. Its close provided relief and the opportu- Lubavitch Community Centre was heralded in with the un- are constantly being added. some three decades the con- proximity to the Irv Chapley nity to cool off. mistakable sound of children’s Most significant of late is the nection matured and intensi- tennis courts accommodated The CIT program in LDC voices filling the hallways. embrace of technology and fied. Today, the third genera- for the specialty sport of ten- continues to gain city-wide nis which was led by Joel the recognition. Boasting over Some two hundred and fifty our informative web pres- tion, the children of Steven founder of Ten Ten Tennis. sixty young teens, this unique campers, parents, and counsel- ence on line. The cyber site: and Michael are also lend- The all-time record enroll- experience allows teenagers lors joined together to welcome chabad.ca is a virtual res- ing a helping hand to en- ment was facilitated by well to enjoy the summer months the Shabbat with prayer, song, ervoir of all things Jewish. sure the success of Chabad over 200 counselors and staff In addition to numerous es- Lubavitch. The dinner will members. Without doubt the says, holiday guidance, life- be held at the Beth Abra- success and excellent repu- cycle info, the site connects ham Yoseph Synagogue in tation of the LDC can be at- the entire Jewish world. Thornhill. tributed to the director Estee Steinmetz, who is attentive to the needs of each and every camper. Notwithstanding her many years of experience, Mrs. Steinmetz is noted to “think out of the box,” and continues to implement new initiatives and novel programs. Indeed, “with so many youngsters coming back year after year, we have no choice but to be creative,” said Estee Steinmetz. New field trips included, zip lining while acquiring the necessary and dance. The evening atmo- and tube sliding at Chicopee skills needed to become staff sphere was an excellent sam- Park, and African Lion Safari. members in the future. The pling of the prevailing LDC These excursions complement- CIT’s, an acronym for Counsel- spirit. ed the existing roster of a visit lor in Training, embrace a dual To keep the parents in- to Woodbine Indoor Park, the agenda. Their daily program formed, LDC harnessed to Metro Zoo, Chuck E Cheese, includes activities for their power of Facebook. Daily up- and of course the end of sum- own enjoyment, such as field dates and photos were posted mer trip to Canada’s Wonder- trips, art projects, and sports, which informed the parents land. For the older divisions and also includes training ses- about the upcoming activities it was Go Karting, roller skat- sions. Activities are planned and when to expect late arriv- ing, and for something different by their dynamic leaders to en- als back home. For the inside there was whirly ball, a deriva- sure maximum benefit for what scoop and for a glimpse of “be- tive of basket ball from the [dis] might be their last experience hind the scenes” the out of town comfort of bumper cars. as campers. Once a week the counsellors produced 6 Epi- For the Girls division and CIT members spend a full day sodes of Babaga News. These the Preschool, an added spe- with experienced counsellors to comical productions posted on cialty was drumming! Once learn, hands – on, what being a YouTube continue to carry over a week, under the guidance responsible and caring counsel- the camp experience well after of Daniella of Just Drum It lor entails. While serving as an the summer has come to an end. Page 4 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014

Camp Gan Israel Completes Third Season

Now after completing rector. The fresh water lake is its third season, Camp Gan Is- home to a variety of fish and rael in Haliburton has acquired this sport was also introduced the halachic distinction of this summer when the children chazaka, stability. Indeed, a went fishing with makeshift project of this magnitude would rods which were soon after not be possible without the de- replaced by with “reel, line, votion and dedication of the hooks and sinkers,” graciously two visionaries, Rabbi Zalman provide by Mr. Gary Stern. Grossbaum and his partner Mr. The amenities and facili- Sidney Spiegel. Together they ties remain a work in prog- formed the proverbial biblical ress. Currently, a sixth double alliance of Yissachar and Zevu- bunkhouse is under construc- lon. The former was blessed by tion to facilitate the projected Jacob, the third Patriarch, with enrollment of 150 campers per erudition and scholarship and session. So too, a large tract is the latter with entrepreneurial being cleared and leveled for prowess. The two entered an field sports and will honour the agreement to share the com- memory of Marty Handelman bined net gain. Zevulon, the Alev haShalom, a dear friend of On a visit to monitor the progress of camps building expansion, the Spiegel family enjoy breakfast at merchant would provide the Chabad Lubavitch who loved Gan Israel.L to R: Mark Steinfeld, Rabbis Zalman & Yitzchak Grossbaum, Sidney &Naomi Spiegel, sustenance needed so that the the great outdoors. “Once all Ashley Fienberg & Esther Grossbaum. family of Yissachar could dedi- the heavy equipment leaves the cate their lives for Torah study site, we will then focus on the world. Under the meticulous Now after our third sea- tails and contingencies. At the without worry. Each would of- landscape and the “greening” care of Goldy Grossbaum, each son, the celebrated late Satur- centre of gravity and keeping fer their best in order to realize of all the exposed terrain,” said camper was treated and perhaps day night creative smorgasbord all the systems humming while maximum results. So too, Camp Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum. pampered like a daughter. prepared by Mrs. Esther Gross- juggling and responding to di- Gan Israel, Haliburton was The daily routine was Keeping with camp tradi- baum and her daughter Bluma, verse needs, is camp director tion, the girls session included has become a staple and serves Rabbi Itchy Grossbaum. Still the “Mock Wedding” roman- tically held on the waterfront dock while the sun was setting, and for the boys it was the ever exhausting two day competi- tive called Colour War. Still, to satisfy high octane campers for the duration of four weeks, you must be privy to the “se- cret sauce” recipe. And in this regard everyone, from camper, to counselor, to visitor will at- test to the culinary skills of Manis Okounev who runs a spotless kitchen and introduces diversity even when preparing common fare. Looking after all medical concerns, from scrapes blessed by the combined stew- carefully planned with exciting and bruises, to administering as a platform for the staff to in- this monumental endeavour is a ardship of two distinct leaders, divergence almost every day. TLC when needed, is Rabbi teract with the administration work in progress, with much in that address and facilitate the The administration was attuned Yisroel D. Goldstein, a long on a weekly basis. store in order to create an oasis material and spiritual needs, the to any and all needs a camper time member of Thornhill Hat- But, ultimately an over- where youngsters will enjoy the integral components of Camp may have had. The counselors zalah, a volunteer brigade of night camp site is a virtual vil- great outdoors while they grow Gan Israel as envisioned by the were devoted and dedicated be- first responders. lage and subject to myriad de- both physically and spiritually. Rebbe of blessed memory. yond the call of duty. The spirit, Indeed, the overnight camp especially on Shabbat was tru- continues to receive high marks ly amazing, best paraphrased and copious compliments from by the traditional Shabbat lit- parents, expressing the senti- urgy, “A glimpse of the world ments of their children who at- to come, is the day of Shab- tended and brought home won- bat.” Each of the three Shab- derful memories. And why not, bat meals was a feast to behold, all the facilities are spacious replete with life lesson stories and custom built, surrounded and complemented by classic by lush foliage and towering camp songs composed over trees. The 207 acre site is locat- the course of some 50 years in ed in picturesque Haliburton, a CGI’s around the world, with village surrounded by dozens lyrics worthy of “topping the of lakes and forests. The camp- charts!” The girls, during the grounds meet up with 6000 ft month of July favoured cre- of shoreline along Basshaunt ative activities. This objective Lake. The pristine lakefront (no was facilitated by numerous motors) managed by trained options; for some it was spe- lifeguards is used not only for cialty baking, for some scrap- swimming but for all sorts of booking, still others, dance and nautical activity. In addition to drama, or sports. Naturally the the canoes, rowboats and paddle boys session, during the month boats, the camp acquired 3 sail- of August, was dominated by boats. This addition graciously competitive sports. The young- gifted by Mr. Richard Cooper, sters learned to be sensitive to introduced the art of sailing. others, be a member of a team Pre Rosh Hashana Trip to Ohel “This sport entails teamwork, effort, and how to resolve their During the month of Elul, on the eve of the new year, Jews from all over the world will be visiting the skill, maintenance, and respon- differences. holy resting place of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson,of blessed memory, the Lubavitcher Rebbe to peti- sibility, and it is these features During the month of July, tion Heaven for a blessed New Year. that we wish to promote,” said the capacity enrollment brought Pictured above (L to R) Rabbi Z Aaron Grossbaum, Alex Shnaider, Fred Waks, Dr. Jon Barret, Allan Itchy Grossbaum, Camp Di- together girls from all over the Goslan, Randy Masters, Stuart Suckonic, David Goodman, Stephen Tile. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014 • Page 5

Refurbished Mikvah Celebration Honours Leah Aiello

“Good ideas should be car- Mrs. Aiello and her crew. On edged the privilege and zechus ried out,” so goes a well worn a daily basis as the contractors to spearhead an endeavour that cliché. Indeed, this was certain- would depart, Leah and her facilitates the holiness of the ly evident at last year’s birth- crew would appear and prepare G-dly soul within each and ev- day party of Mrs. Leah Aiello. the facility as if they were to ery Jew. Mrs. Sultana Nakkar In keeping with the Rebbe’s receive and entertain dignitar- whose legendary devotion to initiative to utilize a birthday as ies. With the cost escalating family Purity spans some four a time of reflection and resolve, in tandem with the upgrades, decades, noted Leah’s resolve, Leah announced to her guests a “Crowd Funding” campaign “she didn’t just sigh Oy! but that all gifts should be in the was launched and within 24 she acted with alacrity on her form of a contribution towards hours a considerable sum was conviction. Needless to say, an a new luxurious bridal suite at raised. all embracing conviction of this the Chabad Women’s Mikvah. One year later, on Rosh nature would not be possible Soon after, the giving and car- Chodesh Elul, August 27, 2014 without the support and mir- ing nature of Mrs. Aiello infec- the ladies once again gathered rored commitment of Leah’s tiously began to snowball, both to celebrate. But this time it husband, David. In paying trib- with resources and with the was not just a few friends but a ute to his Aishet Chayal, David scope of the endeavour. Seeing grateful community. The birth- acknowledged that all the suc- the stark contrast from the new- day initiative of one individual cess he enjoys in commerce is a ly built and elegantly appointed became the embrace of many. result of reaching out to others. bridal suite to the existing décor At an exquisite birthday Bra- After a sumptuous and of the other prep rooms, Mrs. cha brunch held at the Chabad lavish meal the women enjoyed Aiello rallied the ladies to think Lubavitch Community Centre, a tour of the newly renovated big. Soon the entire Mikvah Mrs. Esther Grossbaum paid Mikvah. No doubt, as Esther was being renovated and no ef- tribute to Leah Aiello and pre- Grossbaum had noted earlier in fort or cost was spared. sented her with a limited edition her tribute, “You only get one Notwithstanding the re- set of Chabad Rebbe Coins. chance to make a first impres- positioning of fixtures which The bronze minted coins, a se- sion,” we are certain, she con- required concrete blasting, the ries of five, depicts an image of tinued, “that the well appointed Mikva continued to serve pa- the one of the Chabad leaders facility will add to the allure tron without interruption. In- on one side and an all embrac- and importance of Mikvah ob- deed, this could only be made ing one line mission statement servance and most definitely possible by the yeoman ef- on the other side. In recogni- bring divine blessings to all forts and timeless devotion of Mrs. Esther Grossbaum (r) presents Mrs. Leah Aiello with a set of tion, the honouree acknowl- who made it happen.” Chabad Rebbe Coins as a token of appreciation. GOT YIDDISHKEIT? Ad campaign Launched

During the last few years creative children’s Torah class. common objective, Chabad Chabad Lubavitch has grown Another area of visible Lubavitch has launched a se- and expanded considerably. In growth are the Chabad House ries of point ads. Each week the addition to our Thornhill flag- student centres. Today all the banner advertisement will high- ship centre on Chabad Gate, major Universities along the light a single objective. The ads the GTA is host to 15 Chabad rim of Southern Ontario are will appear weekly in the same satellite centres, strategically graced with a Chabad presence. spot, in both, The Canadian positioned in recognizable Jew- The resident rabbi and reb- Jewish News and The Jewish ish enclaves. Indeed, with the betzin create a “haimishe” at- Tribune. focus on a specific area, count- mosphere that is most inviting The succinct message can’t less families and individuals and appreciated. be missed and invites the reader have availed themselves to the The Chabad House Friday to avail himself to his nearest neighbourhood young rabbi and night dinners enjoy much popu- Chabad centre for accommoda- rebbetzin who man these posts. larity and are attended by hun- tion and assistance accordingly. The casual one on one interac- dreds of students on a weekly Naturally as we prepare for the tion, discussions, and dialog basis. The sumptuous meal is High Holidays the message has helped fan the flame of the complemented by discussions is: “Got High Holiday Seats?” soul. For some it’s the warmth and social interaction amongst Alongside the message, is an of a family Shabbat dinner, for the attendees. impressive list of the 23 Chabad 905-731-7000 ext. 231 others the dynamic holiday pro- To tie all this together branches ready and able, to be grams, and yet for others it’s the and to underscore the shared of help.

REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS CHABAD LUBAVITCH CHABAD OF MIDTOWN CHABAD LUBAVITCH CHABAD AT WESTERN OF ONTARIO ChabadMT.com OF AURORA LONDON Chabad.ca ChabadOfAurora.com ChabadWestern.org CHABAD OF YORK MILLS CHABAD OF CHABAD OF WATERLOO JEWISH RUSSIAN ChabadYorkMills.com DANFORTH-BEACHES JewishWaterloo.com COMMUNITY CENTRE ChabadDB.com JRCC.org CONGREGATION BETH YORK U ROHR CHABAD got shabbat JOSEPH LUBAVITCH CHABAD OF STUDENT CENTER DURHAM REGION CHABAD LUBAVITCH BethJosephLubavitch.com JewishU.ca OF MARKHAM JewishDurham.com ChabadMarkham.org CHABAD OF CHABAD AT THE MISSISSAUGA CHABAD NIAGARA UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO JewishNiagara.com CHABAD @ FLAMINGO JewishMississauga.org UTJews.com dinner on campus? ChabadFlamingo.com JEWISH YOUTH NETWORK UPTOWN CHABAD CHABAD AT THE JewishYouth.ca CHABAD OF UptownChabad.com UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH RICHMOND HILL JewishGuelph.org CHABAD OF MAPLE CHABAD ON CAMPUS ChabadRC.org ChabadMaple.com CHABAD LUBAVITCH CHABAD OF KINGSTON CHABAD ISRAELI CENTER OF HAMILTON ChabadStudentCentre.ca CHABAD OF DOWNTOWN JewishMcmaster.ca Here To Help ChabadIsraeli.com JewishDT.com

BRINGING THE LIGHT OF TORAH AND WARMTH OF MITZVOT TO JEWS EVERYWHERE Page 6 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014

The Weinbaum Family 1,500 Women at Chabad’s Tefillin Bank Mega Challah Bake bolized a moment to pause and their family and friends. By: Allison Solomon pray for a family member or Credit is due to the incred- It started with a call and friend, for one’s self for health, ible rebbetzins of Chabad of ended with 1500 women, happiness, success and to Southern Ontario for enabling mothers, daughters, sisters and maintain Jewish tradition. The so many to experience a night friends, in a banquet hall in women mixed and prayed and that fed the mind, body and Vaughan. The room was beau- the energy in the room grew tifully decorated as 1500 wom- and grew culminating in 1500 en sat down. But it wasn’t the women dancing around their room that people noticed, it was tables, laughing and celebrating the energy, the sense of com- life. The power and energy was munity, and the feeling of pride nothing that anyone in the room of being Jewish and participat- had ever experienced. ing in one of the mitzvahs that This is the power of Hashem commanded Jewish Chabad. This is the power of It all started some 10 years Weinbaum Tefillin Bank had women, the mitzvah of challah. 25 rebbetzins in Southern On- ago when Rabbi Grossbaum re- their first Tefillin encounter It was an uplifting night and tario who decided to hold a ceived a casual call from a dear with a Chabad volunteer as a spiritual experience, a night of Mega Challah Bake for 1,000 soul. friend. “What happens when result of the Tefillin Campaign connecting with our matriarchs, women which then grew to The power of this event someone is ready to don Tefil- launched almost 50 years ago acknowledging the past and un- 1500 women, and many others lives on in each and every one derstanding that we the Jewish turned away because of space of those 1500 women who at- lin daily, but cannot afford the by the Lubavitcher Rebbe of women of our community are constraints. This is the power tended the event. To be a part cost’” the caller inquired. Af- blessed memory in 1967. Dur- the future matriarchs. We have of Chabad leaving 1500 women of this power and energy find ter a long moment of silence, ing the trying days before the the power to lead our families feeling a strong sense of Jew- the Chabad house nearest you the caller, Mr. Jack Weinbaum Six Day War the Rebbe urge to maintain Jewish traditions ish pride, motivated to go out and continue to be part of our spoke up and graciously offered Jews the world over to em- and to ensure that our children and be better mothers, sisters, events and lead the charge laid to partner with each individual brace the mitzva of Tefillin. He continue these traditions. friends and people. down by our Jewish matriachs who would be committed to quoted the biblical verse, “And Donning an apron with So on that Shabbos 1500 Sara, Rebecca, Rachel, and embrace this fundamental the Nations will see the name Mitzva on a daily basis, but of G-d on you,” which the Tal- needed financial assistance. In- mudic sage, Rabbi Eliezer, ex- deed, the entry point for a quali- plains is a reference to Tefillin. ty pair of Tefillin can be beyond The Rebbe’s call has been the reach for some, and escalates in impetus for tens of thousands tandem with “upgrades.” After to begin observing this mitzvah some discussion the parameters on a daily basis. So too, wher- of the Teffilin Bank were estab- ever Jews gather or congregate lished and launched. you are bound to see Chabad Being cognizant of the Tal- representatives encouraging mudic dictum “A doctor for a men and boys to don Tefillin. penny is worth a penny,” and Indeed, today all Chabad Ye- may not be appreciated, the ap- shivot have an organized Te- plicant is asked to participate in fillin Campaign. Every Friday half of the cost. Naturally under afternoon, the students will special circumstances payment disperse though out the city and plans are also considered. Since visit their established clientele. its inception, over 125 individ- This could be the office towers uals have availed themselves to downtown, shops along Eglin- this most meaningful gesture. ton Avenue or industrial parks They may be a university stu- on the outskirts of the GTA. the attractive event logo, each households across Ontario had Leah. We are the future, we dent, an immigrant, or a person After offering assistance with woman found the premeasured homemade challah on their ta- have the power to continue and with a limited income. Tefillin, invariably a discussion ingredients of flour, oil, sugar, ble. It wasn’t just any challah, maintain Jewish traditions. So Indeed, most of the recipi- will follow on the merits of water, salt and yeast at their but a challah made with love let’s do it. ents of the The Jack & Chana “going solo!” station. Each ingredient sym- and filled with blessings for

When Location More Info/Register Fee Six Wednesdays beginning Chabad Lubavitch 905-731-7000 $99.00 November 5th, 2014 770 Chabad Gate [email protected] (Subsidies available) 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 pm. Thornhill, Ontario www.Chabad.ca (Men & women) (for women only) World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014 • Page 7

Friendship Circle to Introduce New Initiatives In addition to the Friend- dren while providing the family ship Circle primary program some respite and support. In- which partners teenage volun- deed, as we get ready to launch teers with children with special our 13th season we are pleased needs for a weekly home visit, to announce a few new initia- a few new ‘add-ons’ will extend tives that we will be instituting the perimeter for the new sea- for this coming year,” noted son of 2014/15. This dynamic Goldy Grossbaum, Friendship program rallies teenagers from Coordinator. across the spectrum of the en- On the agenda is sports in- tire community to volunteer on struction and teaching Aleph a regular basis to befriend and Beit. Taking it to the next level, interact with a child with spe- FC is also inaugurating the Sib cial needs. After completing a Circle Club. This program will training session, the FC coor- provide a variety of programs dinators match up the teenag- and support for siblings of spe- ers with their new found friend. cial needs children. Quite often They mentor, support, shadow, parents are busy 24/7 caring for but most importantly, ‘hang the child that needs the most out’ and chill with the chil- care, whether it be physical dren. This incredible brigade of or emotional. Yet, each child volunteers dedicate their time craves and has a need for their and extend unconditional love parent’s attention. Unfortu- Volunteer who attended the Evening of Appreciation, May 2014. Pictured in the centre of the first row to their “special friends” each nately at times the healthy child l. to r. Regional Councillor Alan Shefman, Rabbi Yitzchok Grossbaum, Regional Counsillor Michael week. Currently some 90 spe- feels somewhat neglected. So DiBiasi, Deputy Mayor Gino Rosati, Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, Esther Grossbaum, Goldy Grossbaum cial children are in the program too, at times the sibling of a and interact with approximately child with special needs feels 130 volunteers. The teens in embarrassed. They are not nec- turn, fine hone their sensitivity, essarily afforded the opportu- assume responsibility, and rec- nity to discuss these emotions ognize that they too can make with professionals or other a lasting contribution to a better children who share their pre- society. The special children, dicament. In addition to profes- often isolated as a result of re- sionals and specialists who will strictive circumstances, soon participate and lead the group become more responsive as a dialogue, host question and an- result of a new-found friend- swer sessions, the Sib Circle ship. Club will organize excursions

Chabad Waterloo Welcomes Jewish Students on Campus The annual BBQ is very popular with the students, as it offers them the opportunity to meet Rabbi Moshe and Rivky Goldman and their family, and to learn about the various ways that Chabad supports them during their years away from home. “This was our biggest turnout yet, FC volunteer Tamar Gerber filling the glass tube with gum- with nearly 200 students in attendance”, said Rabbi Goldman. balls representing the volunteers hours contributed during the “Students perceive that our love for them is unconditional, as our Rebbe guided us, and 2013/2014 year that the Judaism we present is relevant, meaningful and even fun. They respond to the Chabad approach by showing up in great numbers. We are committed to reaching every single Jewish In addition to the weekly and entertainment. student and fanning the flames of Yiddishkeit that burn in their hearts”. home visits, the Friendship “The children and volun- Chabad maintains a full time presence at all major universities across Ontario. Contact our Circle hosts a group Sunday teers cannot wait to get started office for more information or to make a referral. Circle, pre-Holiday programs for another fun filled year of and a Cooking Circle. “We are visits and activities,” said Es- always seeking new innova- ther Grossbaum who has been tive ways to cater to the chil- at the helm since its inception. R Wednesday, September 24 Y Friday, October 3 O Candlelighting 6:53 p.m. Mincha 3:15 & 4:15 p.m. Mincha 7:00 p.m. O Candlelighting 6:36 p.m. S Maariv 7:45 p.m. M Kol Nidre 6:50 p.m. H Thursday, September 25 Shacharis 9:00 a.m. K H Shofar approx. 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 4 Mincha 5:45 p.m. I Shachris 9:00 a.m. A Tashlich 6:15 p.m. P Yizkor 12:00 p.m. S Maariv 7:50 p.m. Mincha 5:00 p.m. Light Candles after 7:52 p.m. P Neilah 6:15 p.m. H Maariv 7:35 p.m. HIGH A Friday, September 26 U Shachris 9:00 a.m. R HOLIDAY N Shofar approx 11:30 a.m. Yom Tov & Shabbos Mincha 6:30 p.m. Services A Candle Lighting 6:49 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. SERVICES H Page 8 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014

CTeen Helps Make ‘Mitzvot’ Name of the Game at JCC Maccabi Events

Jewish pride was alive rated ceramic tiles sent to Is- portant that while they are play- at this year’s JCC Maccabi rael to adorn the walls of bomb ing sports, they feel that they Games, where more than shelters there. A huge success are part of something bigger 12,000 athletes and guests from in the past, it was brought back and something that ties them all around the world gathered in because of the current desire to together—their Jewish identity three U.S. cities to participate do something positive for Israe- and connection to Israel. This 9 Year Old Jewish in sports, entertainment and lis, who have spent a large part will help to ensure Jewish con- community unity. of their summer at war with tinuity today and in the future.” Though much of the energy Hamas in Gaza, spending time Athletes at each location Boy Walks Off Base- can be attributed to the athletic going in and out of local bomb felt the impact of CTeen’s pres- ball Field After Being events that took place in Boca shelters. ence. “Spending time with Told to Remove Tzitzit

By Sol Rieger be worn throughout the whole Yossi, a 9 year old boy day. He explained to the umpire from Fountain Hills, Arizona, respectfully that he’s been is making the news for a simple wearing this since he started act that he did, choosing to playing and it was never an fulfill a ‘Miztvah’ (religious issue. However, the umpire commandment), instead of wouldn’t change his mind and listening to his umpire. told Yossi that it was either Yossi, an avid baseball fan, him playing the game without and valuable team member on the ‘Tzitzit’ or he can leave the the local Little League team, game. was dropped off by his parents, Yossi then chose not to all dressed up ready to play remove his religious garment on his team. As the game was and walked off of the field. What going along, Yossi’s chance followed was a shock to his to bat the ball came up. When umpire: Yossi’s teammates all Yossi was there the umpire walked off the field in protest, noticed that Yossi was wearing ready to forfeit the game to ‘Tzitzit’. The umpire insisted protect Yossi’s religious rights. that Yossi needs to remove that After a significant ‘pow- More than 4,000 teenage boys and men donned tefillin at this year’s JCC Maccabi Games in garment saying that wearing wow’ between the coaches and Boca Raton, Fla.; Cherry Hill, N.J.; and, like this teen, in Detroit

Raton, Fla., Cherry Hill, N.J., Other projects included the organization was an awe- and Detroit, what happened off decorating sweatbands for spe- some, spiritual and fun experi- the fields and tennis courts had cial-needs athletes and making ence,” said Anthony Fodamp a significant impact on Jewish medals for wounded soldiers from Boca Raton. “We all put identity, according to partici- of the Israel Defense Forces, on tefillin as a team before the pants. who have fought so valiantly games, and I felt how it made a In the course of three days, as part of “Operation Protective difference.” a record 4,000 teenage boys Edge.” Jake Schner said he was and men donned tefillin, while For their efforts, athletes grateful for the group’s pres- many women and girls took on received special mitzvah pins ence as well. “The CTeen table the mitzvah of lighting Shab- to display among their oth- was amazing; they always had bat candles. All this and more er Maccabi pins on their ID the best energy and know how can be credited to the work badges. This year’s collec- to have fun,” he said. “Getting of CTeen (The Chabad Teen tion included categories such wrapped for tefillin was great, Network) mitzvah booths, as tzedakah, mezuzah, Shab- too.” which were coordinated with bat candles,tefillin, kashrus and the help of local Chabad emis- learning Torah. saries. “Coming at the close of a In addition to the booths difficult summer for Israelis at all three locations, CTeen and Jews around the world, the hosted the “Hangtime Room” mitzvah booths served as a bea- at the Boca Raton site, an area con of Jewish unity and encour- for athletes to relax and play aged strong Jewish identity,” games in between their com- said Chabad’s Rabbi Mendy petitions. Participants enjoyed Kotlarsky, explaining the in- “Jewish Jenga,” musical chairs credible openness teens had for and a giant ring toss with vol- various mitzvot unteer rabbinical students. Rab- “I think this is such a pleas- binical students also staffed the ant surprise,” Cindy Bergman, it can cause ‘interference or the umpire, Yossi was called mitzvah booths at the games in associate executive director of unfair advantage’. back and allowed to play, Cherry Hill and Detroit. the Jewish Community Cen- He tried explaining the ‘double uniforms’ and all. One of the most popular ac- ter in Boca Raton, said of the umpire that this garment is a (Yossi is the son of a Chabad tivities was “Tiles for Smiles,” religious garment, and that it’s Rabbi of Fountain Hills, Rabbi project. “It brings Israel home something that is supposed to Mendy Lipskier.) a project where athletes deco- to all our Jewish teens. It’s im- World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014 • Page 9

The Caribbean Islands now boasts 11 Shluchim

By Menachem Posner, Caribbean dates back nearly 60 U.S. Virgin Islands in 2005. years to 1957. They were followed by Summer came early At the time, Rabbi Yehuda Rabbi Shimon and Michal to Puerto Rico, and in the Krinsky, now the chairman Pelman, who moved to backdrop of such balmy of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, the Dominican Republic in weather, a local businessman and the late Rabbi Leibel 2008. The following year, named Chaim found himself Raskin, who went on to serve Rabbi Moshe and Simcha sitting recently around a as a Shliach in Morocco, were Nemni founded Chabad- out that the warm reception satellite welcome centers near table laden with kosher food, sent by the Rebbe to travel Lubavitch of Martinique, is largely due to the personal cruise terminals. They are also together with a dozen black- from island to island, bringing and Rabbi Moishe and Sara connections and goodwill in the midst of constructing hatted, bearded rabbis. It was Torah literature and a personal Chanowitz settled in St. fostered by the young rabbis spacious new centers that a far cry from when he first connection from the outside Maarten. who have been visiting the will host mikvahs and other landed on the U.S. territory for Jewish community to Jewish Chabad of Puerto Rico island for decades. In fact, the amenities. business back in the winter of people in Puerto Rico, Jamaica opened a satellite branch in Old Jewish prime minister of the “Having a daily minyan 1990. and the Dominican Republic. San Juan under the directorship Dutch state, Mike Eman, has was one of our early priorities,” “At that time, I was Throughout the years, of Rabbi Levi and Leah had a longstanding relationship says Chaim, who notes that he walking around the streets of young “Roving Rabbis” also Stein in 2011. In 2013, with these Chassidic men, from never missed a day of Kaddish during the respective years of mourning for both of his parents, thanks to the consistent services at Chabad of Puerto Rico. “It’s just beautiful to see people—some of whom may have become distanced from Judaism at one point or another, and others who never put on tefillin in their lives—coming every day to Chabad to pray, and whose lives were changed.” Eighty miles of blue sea to the east, Rabbi Federman says he sees similar dynamics. Federman explains that the center currently being built, which is being constructed with seed money supplied by the late philanthropist Sami Rohr family on a hilltop with a sweeping panoramic view of the ocean, will help accommodate the crowd, in addition to creating a larger home for Chabad’s activities and programs. At the same time, he says that he and his family will be living on the one-acre campus so that it retains the homey atmosphere that attracted people in the first place. The network of Chabad centers and rabbis has broadly expanded the vacation options Puerto Rico wearing a kipah hopped from island to Island— Rabbi Berel and Rikal whom he even received his own for Jews looking to unwind or other head covering. Seeing even making clandestine Pewzner moved to pair of tefillin. without relaxing their religious that I was Jewish, people would visits to Cuba. In 1999, Grand Cayman Island; While Chabad on Aruba is observances. The availability approach me with questions, Rabbi Mendel and Rochie Rabbi Boruch and Chaya still in its infancy, the Chabad of kosher food, prayer services, and I felt I needed a place to Zarchi would be the first Rozmarin set up a Chabad on centers in some of the other Torah classes—and now refer them to,” says the New Chabad couple to move full- Campus for Jewish medical islands have grown beyond even mikvahs—provides Jersey native, who divides his time to serve local Jewish students in Grenada; and anyone’s expectation. Both unprecedented opportunity for time between his Teaneck home residents and the numerous Rabbi Ahron and Chaya Puerto Rico and St. Thomas Jews to take a vacation and and his Puerto Rican business tourists who flock year-round Blasberg made Aruba their boast daily prayer services, uphold their religious standards. interests. “When I saw that I to the Caribbean’s emerald seas home in the very end of kosher catering facilities and was going to be invested here and pristine sands. December, catching the last in the long term, I recognized Beyond Puerto Rico, Rabbi few weeks of the major tourist that this was a place ripe for a Zarchi quickly became the season. Also in the area are permanent Chabad presence.” point person for Judaism in Rabbi Mendel and Rochel As the “founder” of the first the Caribbean, as communities Druk of Cancun and Chabad center in the Caribbean turned to him to facilitate Rabbi Mendel and Chaya and a key force behind certain services, as well as Goldberg of Playa Del Carmen. its growth, Chaim—who entreat the presence of “Roving “We heard that the folks requested that his full name not Rabbis” sent from the Chabad- with timeshares were still on be published—was invited to Lubavitch headquarters in the island, and we hopped on be the lead speaker at the recent Brooklyn, N.Y. In time, he a plane,” says Rabbi Blasberg, regional conference of Chabad worked with headquarters and who was born in Israel and is rabbis earlier this month, donors to bring permanent married to a native of Leeds, which was attended by Chabad Chabad couples to a growing England. “It’s really a beautiful rabbis serving the Caribbean number of islands. place to live. People have Islands, as well as two from Eleven Chabad couples been so welcoming to us. On Mexico (Cancun and Playa del now call the Caribbean home— Passover, we had 70 people at Carmen) and senior Chabad and more are on their way. our seder the first night, and the officials from New York. Joining the Zarchis, next night we had 30 guests— Rabbi Asher and Henya almost all locals.” Chabad’s involvement in the Federman moved to the Blasberg is quick to point Page 10 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014

Exceptional Anniversary gift: 450 Kids Enjoy Tel Aviv’s Luna Park He is overflowing with love.” kids to Luna Park thanks to the An official “Fun Day” at And that’s why the anni- generosity of the Chesed and Tel Aviv’s Luna Park served versary present, which allowed Achdut Mission, run by Rab- as a rather unusual anniversary 450 kids to attend a fully fund- bi Naftali Besser, a principal Chabad’s Orphans fund—a to- programs, his wife’s choice of gift for one New Yorker and her ed trip to an amusement park, at Yeshiva of Flatbush in the tal of 750 kids, more than half an anniversary present couldn’t husband. was so fitting. Brooklyn, N.Y. That group had of whom attended the event. have been more on target. “He was totally shocked,” raised funds to send a busload As for Arthur Luxenberg, “What an amazing and says Traxler, noting that Colel of children to the park for a day. who dedicated the Colel appropriate gift,” he said a few Chabad representatives texted When Randi Luxenberg Chabad soup kitchen at the days after the event. “It’s a gift with him during the day. “He heard about it, she decided to Kotel Plaza by the Western that gives back and touches so talked to one of the widows for extend the trip to all of the chil- Wall in Jerusalem and who is many.” a few minutes, and he was so dren who participate in Colel involved in many charitable grateful to be honored with this event.” In the videotaped mes- sage, Chava, a widow with sev- en children, says: “We’d like to thank you very much for this wonderful day. It’s really ex- citing for me, for my children. … As you can imagine, losing their father was very difficult, and it’s these kinds of activities Arthur and Randi Luxenberg that make life that much more fun and bearable.” Yair, a widower and the fa- “I never realized my great- ther of five children, also had est gift to him would be to give words of gratitude for the Lux- to someone else,” Randi says in enbergs. Noting that his fam- a video put together by Colel ily lives in Ashdod—a town in Chabad on the day of the anni- southern Israel that has come versary. under constant rocket fire this For the last 29 years, Randi summer from Hamas in Gaza— Luxenberg of Great Neck, N.Y., he says having a day away from has bought rather traditional the war was really important. items for her husband, Arthur, to Initially, Colel Chabad mark their anniversary—shoes, was planning to take some 50 wallets, business accessories. For their 30th anniversary, however, she decided to try A First for America’s Oldest Man something very different. By: Mindy Rubenstein who was in Roosevelt Hospital there, including earning a Ph.D. tefillin once again and also “There is no receipt, this is being treated for a fall in his in 1927. He survived two World affixed a mezuzah to the door not returnable, and no one can At 111, Alexander apartment. Imich celebrated Wars, the Holocaust and two leading into Imich’s apartment, ever take it away,” she states Imich has been officially his 111th birthday there, on years in a Russian labor camp where he has lived—these days, in a videotaped message to her verified as the oldest man in Feb. 4. He had lost both of his near the White Sea, before alone—since 1965. husband. America and the second oldest leaving for the “He was very happy to see The gift also wasn’t directly in the world. A resident of United States and me,” said Marozov, adding that geared to Arthur Luxenberg, Manhattan who lives on the starting a new life Imich was alert, and able to founding partner of the New Upper West Side, he had the there with his wife, see and walk on his own. “It York-based law firm Weitz & honor of being congratulated Wela. She passed didn’t seem like a rabbi had Luxenberg, or their family, by the New York State Senate away in 1986. ever visited him in his home which includes two daughters. last year, on his 110th birthday. Imich spent his or made any contact before. Instead, she teamed up with But recently, he received career as a chemist, I know it meant a lot to him,” Colel Chabad’s Widows and some more attention, as well as ultimately trying said the rabbi. Orphans project in Israel— some unexpected help—putting to prove to other The rabbi said the older known as Chesed Menachem on tefillin for the first time in scientists that the man simply lit up when the Mendel—to sponsor a “Fun almost 100 years, getting a neshama (soul) tefillin was wrapped and the Day” at Luna Park in Tel mezuzah for his apartment door, survives physical mezuzah hung. Aviv for hundreds of kids receiving replacements for the death. In 1995, “It was beautiful when from single-parent homes much-needed hearing aids he at the age of 92, he recited the Shema prayer, throughout the country. The had lost, and having round-the- he edited and which he knew by heart,” said outing was held on Aug. 14, the clock home attendants to help published a book Marozov. “It brought up a spark Luxenbergs’ anniversary. care for him and new people to called Incredible from deep inside him.” “I never realized my keep him company. Tales of the Other sparks ignited from greatest gift to him would be to All of this was the result Paranormal. there. On that visit, Marozov give to someone else,” Randi of a recent hospital visit by At this point, invited Beth Sarafraz—a says in the video put together Rabbi Pinny Marozov, co- he said, he has reporter from The Jewish Press, by Colel Chabad on the day director of Chabad of Coney hearing aids at the hospital, outlived all of his peers. He and based in Brooklyn—to come of the anniversary, which Island in Brooklyn, N.Y., with which made communicating his wife had no children, and along with him, and a full story incorporated videos of families his wife, Chaya. The 30-year- difficult; nevertheless, the two most of his family members on Imich was printed in the Feb. and individuals enjoying the old rabbi found out about Imich men connected. perished in Nazi concentration 28 edition. It got tremendous morning at the park. while in Seattle seeing family. He also helped Imich camps. Imich and his wife feedback. Readers learned of According to Menachem A Shabbat guest suggested that wrap tefillin. Marozov said he survived because they were his situation and hastened to Traxler, director of volunteering he pay the elderly man a visit, didn’t think Imich had put on deported to a Russian labor help: two days later, Imich for Colel Chabad, Arthur though neither of them realized tefillin since his Bar Mitzvah— camp instead of Auschwitz. had replacement hearing aids, Luxenberg “is a person who at the time quite how old he nearly 100 years ago—in The rabbi returned for home attendants to support can’t stop giving. He’s always was, recalled Marozov. Czestochowa, Poland. another visit once Imich was his recovery and many new concerned with the other On his return to New York, Born in Poland in 1903, back home. While there, visitors. person. Are they comfortable? Marozov dropped in on Imich, Imich underwent his schooling Marozov helped Imich put on Do they have enough to eat? … World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014 • Page 11

A Young Hiker’s Death Inspires Birth of Chabad of the Himalayas

The recently dedicated Torah scroll is transported by helicopter to the new Chabad center in a remote Himalayan village. Assisting a traveler far from home to don tefillin The Annapurna Circuit effort. boys and girls when they come arduous climb,” the Lifshitzes the spirit of Gur, son of Vered in Nepal is one of the most But the searches proved into their Jewish home in a say with emotion. and Yosef, of blessed memory, famous treks in the world. The futile, and the bitter news warm log cabin, and they forget Welcome to the Chabad will continue to live in the holy multi-day mountain hike is spread quickly: Gur had passed about the freezing cold and House of the Himalayas, where letters of the Torah scroll. exhausting, but exhilarating, away on Aug. 5 along the route. with huge mountains capped Local villagers had arranged a in snowy slopes, breathtaking funeral according to their rites waterfalls and climbs as high as and cremated the body. 5,000 meters above sea level. The bereaved family didn’t Hundreds of thousands even have the closure of a of tourists flock to the Jewish funeral and the comfort 200-kilometer trek each year, of a grave to visit. including many Israelis. The Not long afterwards, the village of Manang serves as an streets of Kathmandu were important destination. There, host to a curious spectacle. people spend a few days to In October, dozens of Israelis acclimate. Without the break, danced down lanes that teemed the jarring change in pressure with animals and people. At can cause high-altitude the front, a Torah scroll was sickness. joyously marched under the Twenty-two-year-old shady canopy of a chupah George—known in Hebrew suspended on poles. The Torah as Gur—was born to Israeli was carried by none other parents living in Britain. than Yosef Abboudi, Gur’s He was captivated by the father. stunning mountain views of The Abboudi family had Nepal in the summer of 2013. chosen to dedicate the Torah in Like most Jewish tourists the memory of their son, and to the area, he made sure to the scroll was welcomed to the stop at the Chabad House Chabad House in Kathmandu in Katmandu, where he was with revelry and celebration. befriended by Rabbi Chezki But Gur’s story is not yet and Chani Lifshitz, the Chabad over. The Lifshitzes had long emissaries to the Asian country. harboured a dream to found a Sunday October 12 Shortly thereafter, a frantic satellite Chabad House on the call was received at the Chabad Annapurna Circuit—a home House. It was George’s anxious for the tens of thousands of parents. It had been a number Jewish tourists who pass by of days since he had last every year. That dream became communicated, and they were a reality with the inauguration beside themselves with worry. of the Manang Chabad House Could Chabad staff help them and the arrival of Gur’s Torah. locate their son? The Torah’s trip from When initial efforts failed, Kathmandu was far from gnawing apprehension gave simple. The first leg was by way to serious concern. The chopper. The next part of the Chabad House was converted journey took place on the back into a fully staffed command of a donkey, followed by a long center; communication devices climb. At long last, on April and telephones did not stop 7, it arrived at its new home, ringing. Tourists volunteered which is frozen and covered in to form search parties, and the snow for most of the year. Nepalese police did their best to “It’s all worth it when we help with the search-and-rescue see the delight in the eyes of the Page 12 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014

Highly Acclaimed Bio of Lubavitcher Rebbe Earns Spot on Prestigious Best Seller List

life and times of a man who him by the Lubavitcher Rebbe have that recognition and when influence was felt, and continues to this very day. shluchim are sent out, they to be felt throughout the Jewish While not a member of the are sent out as a couple, with world,” said Telushkin, who Lubavitch sect himself, Rabbi both playing a vital role. The noted that two decades after Telushkin said that the Rebbe Rebbe placed a lot of emphasis Rabbi Schneerson’s death, the has had a profound effect on his on the education of Jewish Lubavitch movement continues own life. women because he knew that to grow. “The Rebbe was a big even though women have Rabbi Telushkin observed believer in using optimistic been historically focused on that Rabbi Schneerson’s language,” said Rabbi raising the family, they have an influence extended far beyond Telushkin. “He would never enormous capacity to influence the Jewish world and is the only call a hospital a ‘beit cholim’ others.” rabbi to have been honored a place for the sick, but rather The Rebbe’s greatest with a Congressional Gold a ‘beit refuah’ a place of legacy, according to Rabbi Medal, awarded posthumously healing. He never used the Telushkin, was his ability to in November 1994. The bill to word ‘deadline’ but instead bring the knowledge of G-d out honor the Lubavitcher Rebbe would talk about ‘due dates’. into the world. with the highest civilian award One word connotes death and “The Rebbe was a classical in the country was sponsored the other connotes life and I tzaddik, who was scrupulously by then Congressman Charles have start adopting this use of observant and a master of the Schumer and co-sponsored by positive language.” Talmud and while he knew the Congressmen John Lewis, Jerry Rabbi Telushkin also most difficult teachings and Lewis and Newt Gingrich. noted how as far back as the the most obscure, he remained “John Lewis was one of 1970’s the Rebbe would never very committed to the simple Martin Luther King’s closest refer to children as ‘retarded’, pure love of his fellow Jew and aides and on the day the award preferring instead the term wanted to transmit that message was presented Lewis said he ‘special’, acknowledging the throughout the world.” didn’t know of any other issue potential within every human Rabbi Telushkin observed he and Gingrich had ever being. that even 20 years after his agreed on.” The Lubavitcher Rebbe was death, the Rebbe is still as Rabbi Telushkin said also unique in his insistence that revered and as recognized as that during his research he women be well educated and he was during his life, even by discovered that President not be relegated to performing those who never knew him. New York - A new Chabad houses in 49 states and Reagan was so taken with the supporting background tasks. “They say that you can biography of the Lubavitcher over 80 countries marks the Lubavitcher Rebbe that when “The Rebbe insisted judge a tree by its fruit and Rebbe, released just in time Rebbe’s influence as unique.” he would receive letters from that the Chabad childrens’ the fruit of the Rebbe is those for the 20th yahrtzeit of the Rebbe, which went on him, the former president magazine have girls on the who are still around after all iconic leader, has been well so sale on June 10th, sold out its would take them upstairs in cover as well as boys, though these years,” explained Rabbi well received that it has made first printing before its official order to be able to reply to always in a way respecting the Telushkin. “People want to The New York Times, The Wall release date and, according to the Rebbe personally and that ideals of modesty,” said Rabbi learn more about the man who Street Journal and Reuter’s top Katherine Beitner, director of former Polish president Lech Telushkin. planted the tree that gives such ten best seller lists. publicity at Harper Collins, Walesa carries a dollar given to “He wanted the girls to sweet fruit.” Rebbe, The Life and the biography is already in its Teachings of Menachem M. fourth printing, with 55,000 Schneerson, the Most Influential copies printed to date. Rabbi in Modern History, “While we always knew we received glowing reviews had a real winner on our hands SIMCHAT TORAH from numerous publications with Rebbe, the public’s interest including The Wall Street in this remarkable leader is HAKAFOT Journal, The Huffington Post, even greater than we realized,” The Chicago Jewish Star and said Beitner. “We are thrilled New York Journal of Books. that the book has hit The New All are welcome to come & join the Celebration The 640 page book, written by York Times Bestseller List. SHMINI ATZERET Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, was Clearly the Rebbe’s message published by Harper Collins and example are as vibrant and Wednesday, October 15 Thursday, October 16 Publishers and includes a vital as ever, and people of all Candlelighting 6:16 p.m. Shacharis 1 0:00 a.m. detailed biography of Rabbi walks of life are hungry to learn Mincha 6 :20 p.m. Yizkor approx. 11:30 a.m. Schneerson’s life as well as a about them and apply them to detailed look at seven of the their lives.” Maariv 7 :10 p.m. Mincha 6:10 p.m. Rebbe’s philosophies of life. Rabbi Telushkin, a 65 Hakafot (followed by) 7:30 p.m. Candlelighting after 7:15 p.m. “I have long felt that year old author of more than Kiddush the Rebbe was one of those sixteen books, and lecturer who uncommon leaders whose lives on the Upper West Side SIMCHAT TORAH reach extended well beyond his and has been named as one of Thursday, October 16 Friday, October 17 community to most traditional the 50 most influential rabbis Jews and even those who are in America by Newsweek Maariv 7:10 p.m. Shacharis 1 0:00 a.m. non-traditional and the non- magazine, began working on Kiddush 7:30 p.m. Kiddush 11:00 a.m. Jewish world as well,” Rabbi Rebbe five years ago. Hakafot 8:30 p.m. Hakafot 12:00 p.m. Telushkin told VIN News. “I “I thought it would be think the fact that there are now fascinating to examine the Torah Reading 12:45 p.m.

R Wednesday, September 24 Y Friday, October 3 O Candlelighting 6:53 p.m. Mincha 3:15 & 4:15 p.m. Mincha 7:00 p.m. O Candlelighting 6:36 p.m. S Maariv 7:45 p.m. M Kol Nidre 6:50 p.m. H Thursday, September 25 Shacharis 9:00 a.m. K H Shofar approx. 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 4 Mincha 5:45 p.m. I Shachris 9:00 a.m. A Tashlich 6:15 p.m. P Yizkor 12:00 p.m. S Maariv 7:50 p.m. Mincha 5:00 p.m. Light Candles after 7:52 p.m. P Neilah 6:15 p.m. H Maariv 7:35 p.m. HIGH A Friday, September 26 U Shachris 9:00 a.m. R HOLIDAY N Shofar approx 11:30 a.m. Yom Tov & Shabbos Mincha 6:30 p.m. Services A Candle Lighting 6:49 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. SERVICES H World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014 • Page 13

Mumbai Celebrates Re-opening of Chabad Center

A renovated Chabad center ever. No sooner had the emotional in Mumbai, India, which was “We’re not moving into funeral and customary seven devastated in a 2008 terrorist a new building,” noted Ko- days of mourning passed did attack, will enable continued zlovsky. “We are returning to Chabad programs resume growth in Chabad activities in our original building, and we in the traumatized city, first the city, which have been ongo- will be continuing all of the ac- through rotating shifts of ing since the tragedy. tivities that took place here, and young rabbinical students Kozlovsky notes that when sors, but those familiar with Surrounded by guests hopefully, grow even more.” from abroad working out of people entered the wreckage the Mumbai community and from around the world Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg rented apartments and then of the building after the attack, charged with finding a new and more than 25 Chabad- moved to Mumbai in 2003, with the eventual arrival of the they quickly grew emotional. “I couple say they have been elec- Lubavitch emissaries from establishing a Chabad House Kozlovskys. think for people to learn about trified by the couple’s work and to serve Israeli backpackers, “We build communities,” Gabi and Rivky, and the lives presence thus far. says Kotlarsky they led here—in the place “Rabbi Kozlovsky has done of Chabad’s where they worked and lived a tremendous job,” says Kantor. response in and were taken from—it could “He’s energetic and enthusias- the weeks have a very powerful, positive tic, and he’s got the mission up- following effect on people.” permost in his mind.” the attack. Timed to coincide with the “Therefore, building’s reopening, Mum- while bai is also host to the regional reconstructing conference of more than 25 the building Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries was something in Asia, organized by Rabbi Yo- we felt was sef Chaim Kantor, who serves important, as both director of Chabad of serving the Thailand and Chabad regional Jews in director. Kantor, too, was inti- Mumbai, both mately involved with the Holtz- locals and bergs’ work, and following the foreigners, terror attack threw himself into was and the rebuilding process. continues “The ‘lamplighters’ from to be our throughout Asia, the Lubavitch- Rabbi Yisroel and Chaya Kozlovsky, with their daughter Nava. priority.” er Rebbe’s shluchim on this side Kozlovsky of the world, are going to be Asia who are in India for a international Jewish business- explains that after a year- in Mumbai to honor the work regional conference,Chabad of people and the local Indian and-a-half of living and that our colleague started, and Mumbai’s headquarters—also Jewish community. He was working together with his was so abruptly and shockingly known as Nariman House— a soft-spoken shochet, mo- wife in Mumbai, he more fully stopped,” Kantor explains. “We opened its doors once again this hel and Torah scholar; she was understands why Gabi rushed want to make a joint statement summer. an empathetic and warm host to purchase a large building for that the work here continues.” “Today, as we look to the and shlucha, always ready to his operation. While continuing ongo- future, our message is one of lend a listening ear. “There are so many pos- ing Chabad projects, many of perseverance and unshakable The Holtzbergs came to be sible complications here, bu- which were initiated by the belief in the power of light over known and loved by those they reaucratic and otherwise, that Holtzbergs, the Kozlovskys darkness,” said Rabbi Yisroel encountered, and their activi- it becomes very difficult to have worked diligently on Kozlovsky, who now co-directs ties rapidly grew. Soon, Gabi work without a permanent increasing their activities. A Chabad of Mumbai together purchased Nariman House—a base,” he says. “Now we will Jewish kindergarten will open with his wife, Chaya. large building in the Colaba have security rooms, a syna- in time for this school year, In November of 2008, neighborhood of Mumbai not gogue, offices, guest rooms, a and with the recent opening of Islamic terrorists entered the far from the iconic Gateway restaurant and a commercial Mumbai’s new diamond district Chabad House run by Rabbi to India—to serve as their full- kitchen. It will be very differ- in a different part of the city, Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg in time Chabad center. ent than running things out of they have established a satellite Mumbai, India, and murdered One of Gabi Holtzberg’s a 1,200-square-foot apartment, Chabad center in that area to them and four of their guests closest mentors and supporters but it will, Gd willing, allow us serve business travelers. in cold blood. In the immediate was Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, to grow. And it is, of course, fit- It took time before the right Have a Sweet New aftermath of the gruesome vice chairman of Merkos ting that we do this in the same couple could be found to fill Year! attack, photos of the smiling L’Inyonei Chinuch, the place as Gabi and Rivky.” the void left by their predeces- couple were transposed with educational arm of the Chabad- images of their crying 2-year- Lubavitch movement. The old son, Moishe, and the bullet- attack left a deep imprint on riddled shell of the Jewish him, and at the couple’s funeral, center the Holtzbergs had built which was televised around the in the heart of India’s largest world and drew thousands of city. mourners, Kotlarsky vowed to Steeles The official reopening also rebuild their center and their serves as the starting point for mission. Dignity the next phase of reconstruc- He explains that while Memorial tion: a $2.5 million museum to redoing the physical center be built in the apartment where was undoubtedly important, the Holtzbergs lived and on the continuing to reach out to Jews Comfort floor where most of the murders from every background— Chapel occurred. the mission the Holtzbergs The goal, say those who ultimately gave their lives were involved with ensuring for—was the central goal. Compassion Chabad’s presence in Mum- “We didn’t pause after bai, is to make certain that the this great tragedy,” recalls 350 Steeles Avenue West Holtzbergs’ work of spreading Kotlarsky. “We regrouped goodness and kindness by of- immediately and continued Thornhill Ont. L4J 1A1 - (905) 881-6003 fering Jewish programs of ev- working, never stopping. That Established 1927 ery kind to local residents and was our response to what C.P. Saucier, Managing Funeral Director visitors continues stronger than happened in Mumbai.” Page 14 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014

As world Jewry recently in his life. commemorated the 20th yahrtz- In addition to the historical eit (anniversary of passing) of corroboration of events from the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem multiple witnesses and docu- M. Schneerson, of righteous ments, and the many gaps that memory—print and electronic they have filled, JEM’s inter- media have been awash with view series also provides the content devoted to his immense very valuable element of hu- contributions to and influence man insight. You get to see how on Jewish life in the 20th cen- real people were touched in real tury and into the 21st. ways. As part of the broader re- launch of TheRebbe.org, two Tauber: My most primary Chabad.org team members have source is the more than 200 pub- crafted new works that explore Rabbi Yanki Tauber lished volumes of the Rebbe’s an area that has been less acces- works: the talks and Chassidic sible to the wider public—how discourses he edited, the many the Rebbe’s Torah scholarship New online works offer insight into the Rebbe’s scholarship By: Menachem Posner transcripts of his talks produced and philosophy were intrinsic to A talk with two authors: Rabbi Yanki Tauber and Rabbi Eli Rubin by listeners, the copious cor- his life and leadership. respondence that has been pub- Chabad.org editor Rabbi in Yekatrinoslav, his marriage be’s life and ideas, I am trying did exactly the opposite. The lished so far, and scholarly nota- Yanki Tauber recently com- to the Rebbetzin, his approach to show the reader something Rebbe actually put scientific and tions (reshimot) in his personal pleted the first section of an to faith in the face of the Holo- of the harmony that the Rebbe feminist assumptions to work in journals that came to light after upcoming monograph, The caust, his vision of America as drew from the Torah into every support of the Torah position. his passing. Rebbe’s Philosophy of Torah. a place of religious opportunity, area of life. In addition, there are my Chabad.org research writer and his focus on empowering indi- What does this have to do own memories from the more editor Rabbi Eli Rubin produced viduals, his efforts and policies Can you offer some exam- with unity? than 20 years of the Rebbe’s Scholar, Visionary and Leader: vis-à-vis Soviet Jewry, and the ples of how episodes or themes Rubin: It seems to me farbrengens (gatherings) that A Chronological Overview of responsibility Jewish people that you describe demonstrate that the reason why the Rebbe I attended, starting as a child. the Rebbe’s Life and Ideas. have to all humanity. the Rebbe’s unified perspec- was able to give scientific and Although the Rebbe was ad- Here, they discuss these new on- tive? feminist assumptions validity— dressing Jewish scholarship of a line works. Is there one theme that Tauber: The Rebbe’s ap- without altering his vision of very high caliber at these gath- you think characterizes the proach to Talmud study can be Torah in any way—is because erings, everyone was there— What is the primary mo- Rebbe’s life and ideas? described as a synthesis of the the Rebbe believed that every- men, women and children of all tive and goal behind each of Rubin: The Rebbe’s com- approach innovated by Rabbi thing in the world stems from ages and backgrounds. Toddlers these new works? munal policies and Torah schol- Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk the unified core of Torah. In On would be there sitting on their Tauber: We’ve all seen arship are both marked by his the Essence of Chassidus, fathers’ laps. Everyone absorbed many assessments of the Reb- vision of the Torah as a unified the Rebbe tells a story something on their level. Be- be’s impact on the Jewish com- blueprint that illuminates every- about his father-in-law, ginning at the age of 10 or 11, I munity and beyond as a leader thing. To my mind, what char- Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of began to retain significant ideas and a visionary, but I felt that acterizes the Rebbe’s approach Lubavitch: On one of his from the Rebbe’s talks, and that there could be more emphasis on every issue is his concern journeys, he encountered continued until 1992. on his unique approach to Torah that the light of Torah continues several people debating For the past 25 years, I have scholarship. What I set out to to illuminate lives. It is there- Torah’s view of various devoted a significant part of my do is to try and demonstrate the fore impossible to separate the theories of social gover- working life to authoring treat- underlying themes and ground- Rebbe’s Torah scholarship and nance, communism, capi- ments of the Rebbe’s teach- breaking approach that charac- philosophy from his vision and talism, etc. When they ings. To compile this work, I’ve terize the Rebbe’s prodigious leadership. asked his opinion, Rabbi drawn on the hundreds of arti- One thing that both Yanki Yosef Yitzchak said: “Be- cles I have written in the past. In output of Torah teachings. Rabbi Eli Rubin For example, the section ti- and I keep coming back to is the ing the ultimate truth and a way, this is an attempt to draw tled, The Divine and the Human theme of unity. Too often, unity with that of the Rogachover good, Torah includes all the it all together into a cohesive in Torah, discusses the Rebbe’s is devalued; it’s turned into a Gaon (Rabbi Yosef Rosen), with good aspects of all the theories.” picture of the Rebbe’s unique approach to the human-Divine cliché, or used to cover up dif- whom the Rebbe began corre- The Rebbe believed that understanding and application partnership that defines Torah. ferences and ignore them. But sponding as a teenager. even things that are clearly of Torah. On one hand is the notion that for the Rebbe, unity was the Brisk champions the un- wrong and contrary to Torah every nuance of Torah is Gd’s prism through which he saw derstanding that fine lines can must have a core of truth upon What are some of the most wisdom that cannot be altered. everything. It was his mission be drawn to differentiate laws which they stand. There are important things you hope a Yet our understanding of the to lay bare the singular essence and concepts that appear to be things that are true and good, reader will take away from written and oral Torah is very that is the true core of all the identical at the outset. On the and there are things that are dis- your work? much the cumulative product complexity and dissonance of other end of the spectrum, the tortions of truth and good. Inher- Rubin: My hope is that of thousands of years of human human experience. I can’t say I Rogachover espouses the unity ently, it is only when their own people will take these articles creativity, too. I’ve tried to show understand this; I don’t know if of Torah, teaching that a central truth is distorted that science or and run with them. They are how the Rebbe blends two seem- anyone understands it fully. But unifying theme could be found feminism can be misrepresented all footnoted, giving the reader ingly disparate axioms together the more you study the Rebbe’s in areas that appear to be com- in terms that contradict Torah. plenty of scope for further study, into a cohesive philosophy. teachings and the more you pletely unrelated. Our job is to reshuffle things so and there really is so much more study the Rebbe’s life, the more The Rebbe drew from both. that the good shines through. An on every one of these topics, and Rubin: The goal of Scholar, you see this. For example, he famously dem- article in this series is devoted so many more topics besides. So Visionary and Leader is to high- There is one talk, later ed- onstrated how seven differ- to each of these topics, and I I hope scholars and laypeople light some of the central events ited and published as an essay, ent disagreements between the don’t do all the explaining I’ve alike will be inspired to delve and ideas that together make On the Essence of Chassidus, schools of Hillel and Shamai all done here. Instead, I just try to ever deeper into the Rebbe’s him so uniquely influential, both in which the Rebbe definitively hinge upon a common, broader give a snapshot of the Rebbe’s ideas, and try to emulate some- in terms of activism and leader- explained his unique vision of disagreement—and then went approach, giving some perspec- thing of the way he lived and ship, and in terms of scholarship Chassidism and Torah. This is on to explain how each individ- tive, but by no means the whole taught. Thank Gd so many of and philosophy. The product is a text that is deeply profound, ual disagreement is unique. picture. the Rebbe’s talks and letters 28 articles, each one encapsulat- and the more you study it and have been published. Especially ing a period of the Rebbe’s life restudy it, the more you see how Rubin: Two related ex- What are some of the insightful, but woefully under- and highlighting a key idea or it illuminates the entire corpus amples come to mind. The sources that you drew on for studied, are his personal journals theme that characterizes it. of the Rebbe’s ideas and teach- first is the issue of science and your research? from the years before he became The entry covering the years ings. More than explain what Torah; the second is the issue Rubin: In addition to the Rebbe. JEM has also published 1927 to 1932, for instance—a Chassidus is, he demonstrates of feminism and Torah. Even Rebbe’s published works, in- many videos of the Rebbe’s period during which the Rebbe how it works. He selects a Torah today, these issues remain ex- cluding the many volumes of talks and personal interactions. attended the lectures of Erwin topic, analyzes it according to tremely contentious and polar- talks, correspondence and per- No one can say that there is not Schrödinger at the University of four classical forms of Torah in- izing. What usually happens in sonal journals, I owe an im- enough material. We all have a Berlin—provides an analysis of terpretation and then shows you these debates is that one person mense debt of gratitude to the lot more to learn, a lot more to how the Rebbe used the new de- what happens when Chassidism comes with one set of assump- JEM (Jewish Educational Me- think about and a lot more to do. velopments in quantum theory discovers its essence. tions and another person comes dia) “My Encounter” team for to articulate his approach to sci- In a similar way, it is very with another set of assumptions, the interviews they have con- Tauber: A better under- ence and Torah. hard to explain why the Rebbe and each declares the other’s as- ducted—and continue to con- standing of the Rebbe, of the Other topics include the is so significant. But by present- sumptions to be wrong. But the duct—with people who encoun- Torah, and how Torah is the Rebbe’s youth and upbringing ing brief overviews of the Reb- Rebbe didn’t do that; the Rebbe tered the Rebbe at various stages foundation of life. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014 • Page 15

By Rabbi Aron Moss ents to share that vision. Sukkah is a mitzvah, just because As individuals we must es- it is done in the divine shade of Heads or Tails? pouse ideals that transcend our the Sukkah. When you sit in a own selfishness, a higher purpose Sukkah, you are being swaddled that comes from a place beyond by sanctity. ing to me, right here, right now. Jewishness as a weapon against our own ego, so we can control Going from the highs of Many have tried to either Jews. our lower urges and live a life I read somewhere that Yom Kippur straight back into prove or disprove the Torah’s No, he should not be invited of meaning and soulful achieve- there is a custom to eat the head the routine of the mundane world divinity. Neither attempt will be to speak at any Jewish event. ment. of a fish on the night of Rosh is like taking a new born from her successful. G-d wants a real re- So as a new year dawns, we But yes, he is a Jew. Hashana, to symbolize that in mother’s womb straight out into lationship with each of us, which pray that we should be the head People like that can do a the coming year “we should the cold night. You just cant do means He wants us to freely and not the tail. We need it for huge amount of damage. But the be the head and not the tail.” that. Sit in the Sukkah. Bask in choose to listen to Him. To main- our world, our families, and our- biggest damage is to themselves. What does this actually mean? its sacred shade. Be enwrapped tain balance, there will always selves. Here is a Jewish soul yearning I can’t make head or tails of it... in its warm embrace. be seemingly valid arguments to connect to Jewishness, who to discredit Him and His Torah. (sorry...) You aren’t suffering from has blocked his own path. Here We can choose to buy those ar- Swaddling in the post-Yom Kippur blues, you are is someone whose primary guments, or see beyond them. Answer: just an unswaddled soul. The preoccupation, whose main Sukkah Whether we open ourselves to We face today a crisis of Sukkah can fix that. claim to fame is their Jewishness, leadership. In almost every area the Torah’s message or not is a but a tormented Jewishness. of life - familial, communal, choice that comes from within, I think I have the post Yom Rather than embrace it, he fights global and personal - there is a rather than being forced by proof Kippur blues. Every year I get it. He is an accomplice in his own gaping void at the top. Rather The Legless Frog from without. all inspired by the fast, and am than leading with vision and pur- The Torah has a message for persecution. sure that I will be more com- pose, today’s leaders are often no you. The choice is yours. You can We need to counter such at- mitted to Judaism in the year more than followers. be as unresponsive as a legless tacks on our people from one of ahead. But somehow it dissi- Do you still hold on to the Governments and commu- frog, or you can take a leap in re- our own, but we can’t take away pates pretty quick (like around belief that the Torah is divine? nal leaders aren’t building poli- sponse to your higher calling. the fact that he is a Jew. Some- the third mouthful after break- Literary experts and histori- cies based on deeply held values how that Jewish spark is still ing the fast). I don’t want to ans have compared the Bible and time tested truths, but rather alive. And any time he wants to lose it again this year. Any sug- to other writings of 3000 years shape their platforms by follow- The Anti-Jewish embrace it, we will embrace him. gestions? ago (when the Torah was sup- ing popular opinion and adopting posedly given by G-d) and Jew whatever pet issues are in fashion Answer: said that its style doesn’t fit in on the day. I Survived a Plane I know just what you need. to the literature of that time Many parents are not giv- I recently saw a “Jewish” You need to be swaddled. frame, and so must have been Crash, So What? ing their kids clear direction and professor speaking at an anti- A newborn baby, moments written much later. How can guidance, but rather take their you ignore a fact that has Israel rally with a Palestinian after birth, is taken by a midwife cues from the children them- been scientifically proven? scarf around his neck. I was and wrapped up in a swaddling selves and cave in to their every voicing my disgust to a friend What bugs me about cloth. This serves to keep the desire. Answer: of mine who knows this char- believers is you evoke G-d only Individuals are often not newborn protected and warm. Did you hear about the recent acter from his youth. Appar- when it suits you. When a plane living lives directed by core be- Having just emerged from the study on frogs? Scientists took a ently his parents had converted crashes, and I just missed the liefs and lofty ideals, but rather security and nurture of the random sample of over one hun- to Catholicism back in Europe flight because I got a flat tire follow their lower instincts and womb, the baby is particularly dred frogs and did the following and he was not circumcised or on the way to the airport, I am then develop convoluted justifi- vulnerable and sensitive. A good test: had a bar mitzvah, and is mar- supposed to see it as a miracle. cations for living a life of self- swaddling cloth gives him a They placed each frog on ried to a non-Jewish woman. As for the three hundred He claims in his speeches that indulgence. sense of protection from the cold a table, crept up behind it and people who didn’t miss the he is a Jewish son of a Holo- This is why we are so con- and harsh world out here. shouted, “Jump!” The frog flight and were killed, well, caust survivor. He may be the fused today. What should be the But swaddling doesn’t last jumped. that’s just bad luck. If G-d is son of a survivor, but can we head is nothing more than a tail. long. You rarely see teenagers Then they cut off one leg, behind everything, isn’t he Instead of ideals shaping reality, say once and for all that he is wrapped up in a cloth with their and again shouted jump. It behind the crash too? So why it’s the other way round - what- not Jewish? arms behind their ears. (Though jumped, although not as far. be impressed that he saved me? ever my reality is, I will shape perhaps some should be.) They then cut off a second Answer: my ideals to fit it. Swaddling is a brief bridging leg and told it to jump, and then I share your disgust. But Answer: The reason for this crisis in stage between the safety of the a third, each time observing that alongside my disgust, I have You make a good point. For the modern world is clear. We womb and the hazards of real the frog responded, but jumped have forgotten G-d. We have lost to marvel at such a person. He a believer, whatever happens, life. A well wrapped baby will smaller distances. our Head, our source of absolute is a vivid illustration of the bad or good, was supposed to eventually grow to face life Finally they cut off the truth. Once ultimate authority is indestructibility of the Jewish happen. Everything that comes unwrapped. The swaddle cloth fourth leg and again shouted weakened, all authority is weak- soul. our way is somehow a part of the just helps him get there. “Jump!” They were amazed to ened. find that in every case the result Here is a guy who could divine plan. Nothing is random. Your soul needs that bridge But we can turn this around. was the same. The frog did not easily identify as a non-Jew, and And that is precisely why too. You have emerged from the We can reconnect to our Head, move at all. has every reason to. His parents someone who had a close shave womb of Yom Kippur a pure the true Higher Authority. Only The conclusion: Frogs go converted to another religion, he must be thankful to G-d. and renewed soul. The negative then can we have heads that are deaf when you cut off their legs. married out, he reviles everything If you weren’t on that plane residue from your past has been not tails. It is scientifically proven. Jewish, and he sides with the because you had no plans to fly cleansed. Your soul is now Parents ought to have a clear We all come to the conclu- enemy of the Jewish people. that day, there’s nothing much picture of what they want their tender and sensitive, and easily sions that we want to believe. So why doesn’t he just for you to take personally. But family to look like, based on eter- susceptible to the coldness of When the experts find that the drop the whole Jewish thing if you had tickets for that flight nal values that are as true today spiritual apathy and other moral Torah is too advanced for its time, altogether? and missed it due to unexpected as they were for our grandpar- germs floating in the air. You they conclude it must have been Because he can’t. Being circumstances, you just had a ents. And then with love and sen- need some protection. You need written later than claimed. When Jewish can’t be dropped. It is a brush with death, and a brush of sitivity, along with firmness and to be swaddled. You need a I study Torah, I conclude that it is Jew’s deepest identity. Whether the divine hand. There must be a discipline, parents must guide Sukkah. still ahead of its time, because it you love it or hate it, it will message there for you. their children to live up to that The Sukkah is the only was written by G-d for all times always be there. No conversion A close call happens to tell standard. mitzvah that you do with your and all places. Even the parts that can change that. you that on some level, you were Leaders need to have a moral whole being. The holy air of the seem archaic and outdated, when And so in a twisted way, he destined to die. Your soul’s time vision that is immune from the Sukkah completely envelops and explained on a deeper level, have finds expression of his Jewishness is up in this world. But you have shortsighted influence of mob surrounds you. It turns everything powerful messages that I of- by being the anti-Jewish Jew. been given an extension on life, thinking, and with pragmatism you do into a holy act. Just eating ten feel are speaking directly to and resolve inspire their constitu- Yes, he is using his a new soul with a new mission. and drinking and chatting in the me. They are relevant and inspir- Page 16 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014

You can’t go back to living the sinning and being thrown out adults. A child needs the security same way you did before. Life of the Garden of Eden, G-d of seeing things in black and can never be the same, because it destroying the world with a white. Rules have to be plainly isn’t the same life, it’s a new one. flood, the Ten Plagues visited expressed, borders have to be now dead? As we were going G-d spoke to him at the burning Why some people die in on the Egyptians. Should sharply defined. Good is good through my grandfather’s bush, why we don’t wear leather tragedies and others survive, why the Torah be rated PG? and will be rewarded. Bad is bad possessions, my grandmother shoes on Yom Kippur, and why people get sick and only some re- and will be punished. Children insisted on throwing away his angels are described as being cover, why suffering visits one Answer: struggle when things are vague shoes, including brand new barefoot. The absence of shoes person and skips over another, It’s funny, all these stories you and wishy-washy. They thrive on pairs he never wore. Isn’t represents the shedding of the we do not know. But the fact mention, kids have absolutely no clarity. it better to donate them to body and identification with the that life is so fragile means that problem with them. It’s we adults We as parents need to be someone who can use them? soul. we need to be grateful for every who have the issues. We have unequivocal about what is right In the symbolic language of healthy day. And if you experi- become morally queasy. But our and wrong, and the consequences Answer: dreams, a dead person removing ence a near miss with the Angel kids need moral clarity. of choosing the right way or the A medieval mystic, Rabbi your shoes means you are soon to of Death, that is G-d telling you Adam and Eve did what wrong way. This is the most Yehuda Hachassid, warned shed your physical shell and join that you have much more good they were told not to, and they important lesson you can teach against wearing shoes that them on the other side. to do in this life, and you’ve just were punished. The generation your child. And that is the theme belonged to the departed. While You don’t want to have been given more time to do it. So of the flood was corrupt and was of the entire Torah. In a world of he didn’t share his reasoning, such a dream. So the last thing get on with it. destroyed. The Egyptians who moral equivalence, this message others have offered various you want to do is wear shoes threw Jewish babies into the Nile needs to be communicated loud fascinating explanations. Here’s belonging to a dead person. We were punished, after ignoring one and clear. Should Torah be an ingenious one. dream at night what we think warning after another, with the Your child has an inner The Talmud, in a section on about during the day. Wearing Rated PG? horrible plagues. The message moral compass, but you need to dream interpretation, lists various those shoes will cause you to is unmistakable: evil catches up help her cultivate it. Develop her dreams that signal negative think about their departed owner, with you. You can get away with sense of good and evil, and she portents. One of them is if you and that association may bring I have a 3 year old who is it for a while, but not forever. A will grow to be a morally healthy dream of a dead person coming you to dream of them coming quite bright. I try to read to three year old gets that. adult, PG (please G-d). back and removing your shoes. back to repossess their shoes. her and teach her as much as Now of course the world is Is it true you are not Such a vision, says the Talmud, You have created your own I can about stories from the not all black and white, people is bad news. It means that death nightmare. Torah, but recently it’s become are not all good or all evil, and will soon visit you. Rabbi Yehuda Hachassid increasingly difficult. It seems not every choice is between A Dead Man’s A shoe represents our suggests a simple solution: sell like every story in the Torah absolute right and wrong. Life Shoes? physical life. Just as the shoe is the shoes to a stranger, and give needs to be edited for children. is full of grey areas, nuances and our connection to the ground, so the proceeds to charity. The I find myself confused all the subtleties, and in most moral our body is the soul’s grounding stranger won’t associate the time with what I am supposed dilemmas the lines are not so allowed to keep shoes that in this world. This is why Moses shoes with the departed, and the to teach her. Adam and Eve clear-cut. But subtlety is for belonged to someone who is had to remove his shoes when poor will benefit from the sale. Moshiach’s Donkey Continued from page 2 tion inherent in all of His cre- The Midrash uses the follow- spirit. In his day, the original or- Eruvin 70b). Beginning with Abraham, Moses and ation, including -- and especially ing parable to explain the signifi- der instituted at creation still held Moses, the material began to play Moshiach -- three who employ -- the lowliest of His works, the cance of the event: sway: the physical and the spiri- a central and intimate role in our this erstwhile donkey in their material world. Once there was a king who tual were two separate, incom- life’s work. fulfillment of G-d’s will. But The Hebrew word for don- decreed: “The people of Rome patible worlds. The most Abra- But Moses marks only the the extent to which the donkey key is chamor from the word are forbidden to journey to Syr- ham could do was to harness the beginning of Torahs effect on is involved in their mission dif- chomer, material. Moshiach’s ia, and the people of Syria are physical to serve the spiritual, to the physical world. Ever since, fers. With Abraham, it carries his donkey is the material beast har- forbidden to journey to Rome.” use the donkey to carry the ac- whenever a person uses a mate- supplies; with Moses, his wife nessed, the physical directed to Likewise, when G-d created the cessories of his divine service. rial resource to perform a mitz- and children; while Moshiach is higher and loftier ends. world He decreed: “The heav- The physical remained as coarse vah -- e.g. giving money to char- described as himself riding the But humanity’s mission of ens are G-d’s, and the earth is as ever and could not directly ity, using the energy his body donkey. elevating the material entails a given to man” (Psalms 115:16). be involved in his spiritual life; extracts from his food to fuel his long and involved process, an But when He wished to give the nevertheless, Abraham took the fervor in prayer -- he “refines” The Rescinded Decree historic effort in which each gen- Torah to Israel, He rescinded His first step in wresting the material these physical objects, divest- Conventional wisdom has it eration builds upon the attain- original decree, and declared: from its inherent self-absorption ing them of their mundanity and that the spiritual is greater than ments of its predecessors. For “The lower realms may ascend to by utilizing it, albeit peripherally, selfishness. With each such act, the physical, the ethereal more the physical and the spiritual are the higher realms, and the higher to assist in his service of G-d. the physical world becomes that lofty than the material. Neverthe- worlds apart; indeed, the very realms may descend to the lower Moses, on the other hand, much holier, that much more in less, our sages have taught that nature of G-d’s creation is such realms. And I, Myself, will be- was embarking on the mission harmony with its essence and G-d created the entirety of exis- that a vast gulf divides the two, gin” -- as it is written, “And G-d that was to culminate in his re- function. Each such act brings tence, including the most lofty making them natural antagonists. descended on Mount Sinai,” and ceiving the Torah, the medium closer the day when our world spiritual worlds, because “He By nature, almost by definition, then it says, “And to Moses He by which G-d empowered man to will finally and completely shed desired a dwelling in the lower a person devoted to spiritual pur- said: ‘Go up to G-d’.” dissolve the dichotomy between the husk of coarseness that is the world.” Our physical existence suits shuns the material, while This explains the difference the higher and lower domains. source of all ignorance and strife, is the objective of everything He material life coarsens a person’s in the extent to which Abraham The Torah instructs and enables bringing on a new dawn of uni- created, the environment within soul and dulls his or her spiri- and Moses involved the material us to sanctify even the most versal peace and perfection. which His purpose in creation is tual sensitivity. Only when G-d donkey in their respective mis- mundane aspects of our lives, So Moshiach, who repre- to be realized. descended on Mount Sinai was sions. Abraham, the first Jew, to integrate our material selves sents the ultimate fulfillment of G-d desired that we refine the wall between spirit and mat- began the process of sublimat- and environment in our spiritual Torah, himself rides the donkey and elevate the material exis- ter breached. The divine reality ing the material, of realizing its goals. So Moses used the donkey of the material. For he heralds tence; that the physical reality, revealed itself within the earthly potential to express the goodness to carry his wife and children. A a world in which the material is whose concreteness and self-cen- reality; the Torah was given to and perfection of the Creator. person’s wife and children are an no longer the lower or secondary teredness obscure our inner vi- man, enabling him to sanctify the But Abraham lived before the extension of his own self -- in the element, but an utterly refined sion and distort our true priori- mundane, to express the all-per- revelation at Sinai, before G-d words of our sages, “a person’s resource, no less central and sig- ties, be redirected as a positive vading truth of G-d within, and rescinded the decree that had di- wife is like his own body” (Tal- nificant a force for good than the force in our lives; that we bring via, the material world. vided the world between higher mud, Berachot 24a) and “a child most spiritual creation. to light the goodness and perfec- and lower, between matter and is a limb of his father” (ibid., World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014 • Page 17 Shiurim & ClaSSeS at 770 Chabad Gate

 men  women  men/women Weekly Classes

sunday 6:15 am TanYa Rabbi YaRmush 8:00 am ChassidiC ThoughT Rabbi gansbuRg 10:00 am paRshaT hashavua Rabbi sChoCheT 10:00 am likkuTei siChos Rabbi gansbuRg 11:00 am Talmud (TaaniT) Rabbi sChoCheT 11:15 am Talmud (kRisus) Rabbi spalTeR 7:00 pm halaCha Rabbi sChoCheT 8:00 pm ChassidiC disCouRses Rabbi gansbuRg 8:30 pm shulChan aRuCh Rabbi Chaikin

monday 11:00 am The JoY of Judaism Rabbi spalTeR 1 hR befoRe minCha Talmud (TaaniT) Rabbi sChoCheT 7:45 pm The WeeklY ToRah RevieW Rabbi gansbuRg

tuesday 11:30 am ToRah sTudies - paRsha Rabbi gansbuRg 8:00 pm Talmud (Chulin) Rabbi spalTeR

wednesday 11:30 am The JeWish leaRning insTiTuTe Rabbi gansbuRg 1 hR befoRe minCha Talmud (TaaniT) Rabbi sChoCheT 7:30 pm The JeWish leaRning insTiTuTe Rabbi gansbuRg

thursday 12:30 pm a TasTe of Chassidus (in hebrew) Rabbi gansbuRg

shabbos ` 9:00 am Chassidus Rabbi gansbuRg 1 hR befoRe minCha ThoughTs on The paRsha Rabbi gansbuRg

daily Classes sun-Thu 9:00 pm Rambam alTeRnaTing mon-fRi 5:30 am ChassidiC ThoughT Rabbi YaRmush mon-fRi 6:30 am Talmud (sukkah) Rabbi sChoCheT mon-fRi 7:10 am ChassidiC ThoughT Rabbi gansbuRg

5775-winter schedule.indd 1 9/9/2014 5:18:31 PM Page 18 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014

secludes herself with her G-d, return”)—the one who, having Torah in the Winter agonizes over the distance she succumbed to the trials of earthly has created between them, and in life, has exploited the negativity the depth of her anguish finds the of his condition to touch the very Continued from page 2 redeeming element of her iniqui- core of his soul and stimulate its ties, the power to repair and sub- most quintessential powers. to its seven days, while Pass- Egypt, for free.” two Tablets of the Covenant, on limate her defective past. This is reflected in the align- over’s atzeret is a more distant When G-d revealed Himself which He had inscribed the Ten The private nature of teshu- ment of these two festival sys- eighth, following a count of for- to Moses in the burning bush and Commandments which encapsu- vah is demonstrated by a marked tems with the seasons of the year. ty-nine (seven times seven) days charged him with the mission of late the entirety of Torah. Upon difference between the manner The springtime festivals of Pass- that begins on the second day of taking the children of Israel out beholding Israel’s violation of in which we received the First over and Shavuot, marking the Passover. of Egypt, He expressed to him everything the Tablets stood for, and Second Tablets. On Shavuot, passage from winter to summer, This leads the talmudic sage the nature of the freedom to be Moses threw the Tablets from the entire Jewish nation gathered embody the tzaddik’s measured Rabbi Joshua ben Levi to say that bestowed upon the newborn na- his hands and broke them at the around Mount Sinai amidst a tre- progression from bud to bloom, the atzeret of the festival of Suk- tion. “This is your sign that I foot of the mountain. But out of mendous display of divine pow- from darkness and cold to light kot ought to have been fifty days have sent you,” said G-d. “When the shattered Tablets and cove- er; there was thunder and light- and warmth, from spiritual in- later, like the atzeret of Passover. you take this nation out of Egypt, nant, a second set of Tablets was ning, clouds of fire and smoke, fancy to maturity. The autumn Why, indeed, does Shemini you shall serve G-d at this moun- born—a set of Tablets contain- and the triumphant blast of the festivals of Tishrei represent the Atzeret immediately follow Suk- tain.” ing the Torah on a level that the shofar, as the Almighty commu- baal teshuvah’s return to the cold kot? Rabbi Joshua offers the fol- The purpose of the Exodus earlier set did not, and could not, nicated the Ten Commandments and gloom of winter, to uncover lowing parable in explanation: was that it should lead to Sinai. include. On the tenth of Tishrei, to all of Israel and summoned the treasures hidden therein. A king had many daughters. The freedom that G-d promised observed ever since as Yom Kip- Moses to the top of the mountain The Parable Some of them were married off to Israel was not merely freedom pur, G-d gave us the Second Tab- to receive the Tablets of the Cov- Now we might understand nearby, and some of them were from the geographical borders of lets, conveying to us a dimension enant. But when Moses received Rabbi Joshua’s parable, and how married off in faraway places. Egypt, but freedom from all con- of Torah that only the regenera- the second set of Tablets on Yom it explains the difference be- One day, they all came to visit straints and limitations, physical tive power of teshuvah (“repen- Kippur, no one was there; G-d tween the atzeret of Passover and with the king, their father. Said or psychological, external or in- tance,” lit. “return”) can evoke. instructed that it be a silent and the atzeret of Sukkot. the king: Those who are mar- ternal. Freedom from doubt, free- On the most basic level, the private affair, befitting the still, The Supernal King has many ried off nearby have the time to dom from hazard and inconsis- Torah is a set of divinely or- deep waters of teshuvah. “married daughters,” many souls go and come; but those who are tency, freedom from servitude to dained precepts, a list of dos and So Yom Kippur is hardly the who have embarked on the mis- married off afar, do not have the one’s own nature, drives and de- don’ts which outline the manner environment for manifest joy and sion and challenge of physi- time to go and come. Since they sires. Freedom which enables the in which the Creator of life de- celebration. And yet, what great- cal life. The soul comes down are all here with me, I will make soul to realize her full potential, sired that it be lived; to act ac- er joy can there be for the Jew to earth and is joined to a body one festival for them all, and I to experience her intrinsic bond cordingly is to connect to G-d as than his joy in the Torah of the in order that their union should shall rejoice with them. with her essence and source, to the instrument of His will. This Second Tablets, in the essence yield a progeny of good deeds, Thus, with the atzeret of actualize her mission and pur- was the dimension of Torah that of his eternal, all-enduring bond deeds which sanctify their mate- Passover, when we are coming pose in life. In other words, the G-d inscribed on the First Tab- with his Creator? And the nature rial environment and fulfill G-d’s from winter into summer, G-d freedom to be fully and uninhib- lets. But the Torah is much more of joy is that it refuses to confine purpose in creation by develop- says: They have the time to go itedly oneself. Such freedom is than that, as evidenced by the itself to the inner sanctum of the ing it as a dwelling for His pres- and come. But with the atzeret possible only through Torah, the fact that Torah itself provides the heart. It bursts its seams, floods ence. Hence, the depiction of the of Sukkot, since we are coming divinely authored blueprint for formula for teshuvah. the body, pours out of the throat soul’s earthly sojourn as a mar- from summer into winter, and the creation which guides and directs To rebuild a shattered rela- in song and sets the feet danc- riage. dust of the roads is difficult, and us toward the understanding and tionship, one must access that ing. Hence the festival of Sukkot, Some of the King’s daughters the byroads are difficult . . . G-d actualization of who and what we part of the relationship that was “the time of our joy,” five days are married off in a “near place.” says: They do not have the time truly are. never damaged in the first place. later on the fifteenth of Tishrei. These are the souls of the righ- to go and come; since they are all So every year, after receiv- The possibility of teshuvah Sukkot is the joy of Yom Kippur teous, who, though they descend here, I will make one festival for ing the gift of freedom on the means that even when a person come to light—the joy that the into physical life, never lose sight them all, and I shall rejoice with fifteenth of Nissan, we embark violates the divine will, G-d for- solemnity and inwardness of the of their royal origins. They deal them. on a forty-nine-day process of bid, the essence of his connection day had kept concealed. with the material, developing (Midrash Rabbah, Song of absorbing and internalizing it—a with G-d is not affected; and the For seven days the joy and refining their own physi- Songs 7:4) process which culminates in the fact that the Torah itself includes mounts. But as with the freedom cal natures and the world about What is an Atzeret? atzeret of Shavuot. For seven the precept of teshuvah means gained on Passover, the joy of te- them, but without falling prey to To better understand the sig- weeks we labor to assimilate the that Torah is the vehicle not shuvah must be absorbed and in- its adverse influences. They have nificance of Rabbi Joshua’s ques- true, inner significance of the only for the connection between ternalized. Instead of remaining left their father’s home, but never tion and the answer provided by Exodus into the forty-nine traits ourselves and G-d which is ex- a once-a-year experience, it must wander too far off. his parable, we must first exam- and sub-traits of our souls, to ma- pressed and actualized by our ob- be integrated into our nature and But the King also has daugh- ine the concept of atzeret. Why ture a circumstantial liberty into servance of its commandments, daily existence. So the seven-day ters whose marriages have led does a festival require an atzeret? a state of inherent freedom. but also for the inviolable bond festival of Sukkot is followed by them to faraway places: souls What is the difference between Thus we graduate (as Rabbi that remains forever unaffected an atzeret—a day on which our whose involvement with the ma- an atzeret that immediately fol- Joshua expresses it) from winter by our deeds. So also one who joy with the essence of Torah terial reality has taken them far lows a festival, and one that to summer. From the chill of aim- has shattered the “First Tablets” reaches its peak, and is immedi- from the royal palace; souls who comes several weeks later? lessness to the warmth of pas- dimension of his relationship ately married to the cycle of our have become deeply enmeshed The chassidic masters ex- sionate purpose; from the hard- with G-d can reach deeper into year-round lives. in the mundanity they came to plain that an atzeret is the ab- ship of struggle to the delight of Torah, to the very heart of the re- Summer and Winter redeem. sorption and internalization of achievement; from the gloom of lationship tapped by the hunger, Thus, the Passover-Shavuot There are tzaddikim and what was earlier realized and ignorance to the clear summer the longing, the recoil of teshu- orbit on the one hand, and the there are baalei teshuvah, and expressed on a more external light of wisdom and understand- vah, and rebuild it anew. Yom Kippur-Sukkot-Shemini there is also the tzaddik and the level. Atzeret is what digestion is ing. As long as we did not stray Atzeret constellation on the oth- baal teshuvah within each and to eating, what assimilation is to Then, six months later, come from the straight and true path of er, represent two dimensions of every one of us. We each have study, what conception is to mar- the festivals of Tishrei. life ordained by Torah, there was Torah and its role as the facilita- our moments and areas of per- riage. The Second Tablets no need—and no opportunity— tor of the bond between us and fect righteousness—moments Our receiving of the Torah on For life is not the unbroken to employ the power of teshu- G-d. and areas of our lives that remain Shavuot is the atzeret of our lib- progression of development and vah. This is why the First Tablets The journey from Passover forever unsullied by the evil we eration from slavery seven weeks growth that we plan it to be. In- contained only the conventional to Shavuot represents the straight must contend with. And virtu- earlier. On Passover we became stead, there are blunders, failings aspect of Torah, the connection and true path outlined by Torah: ally every person has had the ex- a free people—free of the task- and regressions. Our life as a na- with G-d achieved through the the careful climb from the igno- perience—to a greater or lesser master’s whip, free of subjuga- tion was no different: a few short fulfillment of His will, while rance and selfishness of infancy extent—of grappling with that tion to the cruelest, most debased weeks after we stood at Sinai, be- the deeper function of Torah re- to spiritual and moral maturity, evil, being tainted by it, and be- society on earth. But what is free- held our Creator, and attained the mained locked in sublime laten- the step-by-step progress of the ing challenged to surmount the dom? How is it to be digested, in- pinnacle of freedom and perfec- cy. It was the Second Tablets, the righteous individual (tzaddik) fall—only to be driven by it to ternalized and integrated into our tion, the Golden Calf was being product of our repentant response who labors for a lifetime to de- even greater heights than the per- day-to-day existence? Is it free- worshipped in the Jewish camp. to our first (and prototypical) fall velop the inherent goodness and fect self could ever attain. dom from responsibility, from But every fall also provides as a people, upon which G-d in- perfection of his soul while safe- Passover is the festival of the burden of moral choices, the momentum for a subsequent scribed the essence of Torah— guarding himself from the pit- the tzaddik, and of the tzaddik from purpose and definition to rise. The debacle of the Golden the bond between Him and us falls of a corporeal and corrupt- within us. On Passover we taste life? If such is freedom, then the Calf gave us Yom Kippur—the that transcends its laws and com- ing world. the pure, untarnished freedom of most liberated creature on earth holiest day of the year, and the mandments. On the other hand, the Sec- a newborn people. So the atzeret is . . . the slave! Indeed, this was source of an even deeper connec- Hidden and Revealed ond Tablets of Yom Kippur, and of Passover comes fifty days lat- the freedom some Jews yearned tion to Torah than the revelation And Sukkot is the celebra- their celebration and internal- er. For it is springtime; the roads for when they complained to Mo- at Sinai on Shavuot had achieved. tion of Yom Kippur. ization on Sukkot and Shemini are clear, and we have the time ses several months later, “We re- Following the revelation Teshuvah, by its very na- Atzeret, represent the triumph Continued on page 19 member the fish which we ate in at Sinai, G-d gave Moses the ture, is an introverted act: a soul of the baal teshuvah (“master of World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014 • Page 19

was on Jerry’s list, and he did Kindness is something you what was on mine.” can’t give away—it always Kindness is contagious. comes back. Being “kind” to your spouse creates goodwill and Have a sweet life; behave cooperation. When you are kindly toward your partner. kind your partner is far more likely to be, in-turn, kind to ----- you. Emotional closeness, Abe Kass, M.A., R.S.W., appreciation and love will grow R.M.F.T., a is a registered stronger and stronger with each Social Worker, registered Be Accepting act of kindness you and your Marriage and Family Therapist, partner show each other. You certified Hypnotherapist and don’t need to go to therapy to award winning educator. He Marriage is Built with partner and he or she toward effort. When you are “kind” increase your marital acts of has a clinical practice working Kindness you. The more you do, the to your spouse, and he or she kindness. You know yourself with individuals, couples, and closer and healthier your family to you, both of you will reap what you can do to make your families in Toronto, Canada. Be kind to your spouse. will be. many rewards. Kindness will husband or wife happy. Abe is the publisher of Wisdom Not a single person in the entire guarantee happiness. Kindness is essential to a Scientific self-help educational world would marry if he or she Kindness is remembered. happy marriage. If you programs. He has published 18 thought their partner would not Each act of “kindness” are not prepared to be “kind” books and hundreds of articles. treat him or her with kindness. toward your spouse creates to your spouse, you are writing He is a member of the Ontario Kindness is the fertile soil a relationship credit for you. for yourself a prescription College of Social Workers, in which affection can grow. These credits are saved-up for a failed relationship. You the Ontario and American Kindness is the foundation like dollars in a bank account. cannot replace kindness with Associations for Marriage upon which a strong and When you hurt your partner’s money, good looks, a big and Family Therapy, and the healthy family can be built. feelings—intentionally house or exotic trips. Kindness National Board for Certified Torah teaches that the world or unintentionally—these is an attitude that manifests Clinical Hypnotherapists. These was built with “kindness.” And “relationship credits” can be itself in all situations. Being memberships are a guarantee that kindness is rewarded in this used to reestablish harmony. “married” means behaving of Abe’s professional training world and the next. Kindness They stand as advocates with “kindness”—it’s just that and high ethical standards. For is kindness; whether donating mitigating your partner’s hurt basic. There are no substitutes more information or to arrange a million dollars to a yeshiva feelings, negative judgments, or for kindness. There is a saying, an appointment he can be or opening the door for an On the other hand, a thoughts to retaliate. The more “What goes around, comes reached at (905) 771-1087 or unknown stranger. Kindness is kindness deficiency is the credits you have, the easier it around.” When you give visit his web at, available 24/7 and the reward is source of marital conflicts and is to get beyond relationship “kindness,” you get “kindness.” www.AbeKass.com. immediate. What a wonderful the cause of most divorces. mistakes. Mitzvah! Anger, selfish and irresponsible Research has shown that it Marriage is a voluntary behavior, and criticism, push takes on average five positive institution; a married individual away “kindness” and lead interactions to eliminate one must continually choose to to relationship breakdown. negative one. Thus, the more stay with his or her partner. The fact that the perpetrator “relationship credits” you have, This is relationship reality of these hostile feelings and the more relationship mistakes whether we agree with it or actions feels justified makes you can survive. For example, not. When kindness is abundant no difference. Little by little, if you say good morning daily, within the relationship the lack of kindness chips away but one day forget, either choice to stay together is easy. at the very foundation of the your spouse won’t notice or Kindness ensures shalom bias relationship and everyone in just will casually mention it. and Hashem’s presence in the the family suffers. However, if you never say good home. Think back to the time morning your spouse will likely Showing kindness to your when you and your spouse were conclude you don’t care about spouse is fundamental to courting. When your husband him or her. marriage. Without “kindness” or wife was only your date, Jerry and Susan were your relationship will sour, how did he or she treat you? clients of mine (details changed G-d forbid. Fortunately, it’s With “kindness,” or otherwise? to protect privacy). Once Jerry easy to be kind. Here are Certainly your answer is, “with and Susan had extinguished some examples of everyday kindness.” I know this because their anger, they were now opportunities: otherwise you would have run ready to work in a positive -Say good morning. the other way¾you would have way on their relationship. I -Ask how he or she slept. ended your contact immediately suggested: “Make a list of kind -Make something for him never wanting to see him or her behaviors that your partner has Torah in the Winter or her to eat. again. done in the past, is currently -Help find something your doing, and could do in the Continued from page 18 spouse misplaced. You only married your future, that would make you -Check with your spouse to partner believing that the feel loved and cared for.” When make sure they have everything kindness you were shown they had finished making their to go and come. We are free come. For we are coming they need for the day (money, during the dating period, during lists, they took turns discussing to methodically make our way from summer into winter, and food, information, etc.). your courtship, would last what they had written. Then through the forty-nine steps the dust of the roads is diffi- -Call during the day to say forever. And for a fortunate I told them to exchange lists. from the revelation of Pass- cult, and the byroads are diffi- hello. few, this actually turns out to Jerry had Susan’s list and Susan over to the internalization of cult. We are journeyers along -Pickup something at the be true. Sadly, for far too many had Jerry’s. I suggested they Shavuot. It is a gradual, step- the volatile path of teshuvah, store. people, kindness slips away pick from their partner’s list by-step journey, characteristic where opportunities must be -Listen and comfort your and the relationship becomes a each day two acts of kindness of the gradual, step-by-step grasped as they come, and spouse if he or she is upset. painful struggle. But it needn’t and then do them. I explained trajectory of the tzaddik’s path lives are unmade and remade -Help your spouse with his be that way. You can easily be that these were “gifts,” given through life. in a single, explosive moment. or her tasks at home. kinder to your partner. Make a without any conditions. They But on Sukkot we cel- So we plunge directly - Speak gently and decision to be kinder and begin went home. The next time I saw ebrate our capacity for teshu- from Sukkot into the atzeret respectfully. behaving that way. Jerry and Susan in my office vah, our bond with G d em- of Simchat Torah—directly -Do favors. Being “kind” is actually they were both beaming and bodied by the Second Tablets. into the immediate internal- -Spend time together before very simple. The difficulty happy. They didn’t look like At this reunion of the daugh- ization of the Second Tablets going to sleep. is starting and not stopping. the old Jerry and Susan I had ters that are married afar with edition of Torah and its reten- There are many more But if you do, you will have a first met six weeks ago. “What their Father and King, they tion through the winters and ways, planned and unplanned, wonderful marriage with the happened,” I asked. “Simple,” have not the time to go and summers to come. to behave kindly toward your benefits far outweighing the Susan answered, “I did what Page 20 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2014

British Pop Sensation Balance Stardom with Orthodoxy

By: Chavie Liber album The Lateness of the Hour, on which Too Close first NEW YORK (JTA) – Alex appeared, was considered a Clare is really just a nice Jewish flop. boy. But Clare is embracing Sure, his hit Too Close was the commercial’s success and the seventh most popular song riding the publicity to fuel a in the United States, his music European tour. He performed in video has garnered more than the United States in November. 53 million hits on YouTube and “It was definitely a good he has mobs of teenage girls feeling to get that call that they chasing him around Europe. wanted my music,” Clare said. But at the end of the day, he still “It’s tough not to want to give likes to sit down with a nice up.” challenging page of Talmud. Clare began his career “I have to say, it’s pretty performing at bars and clubs easy being in this business and in London. For a time he dated keeping the basics of Jewish Amy Winehouse, the troubled law,” Clare told JTA in a pop star and fellow British Jew phone interview before a gig in who died of alcohol poisoning Manchester, England. “I travel last year. After Clare was picked with a full set of milk and meat up by Island Records in 2010, pots and dishes, in addition to Winehouse reportedly told having a full suitcase of tins friends she was worried Clare Emerging British pop star Alex Clare is working to balance his Orthodox religious commitments and dry kosher goods. And would reveal details about their with the demands of global celebrity. Shabbos and holidays aren’t an relationship in his songs. issue because I almost always Clare declined to discuss his Clare hooked up with Chabad the black and white garb of a which forbid touching women. go back to London or Israel or relationship with Winehouse. after studying in Jerusalem. Chasid. “I know clubs and concert find a Chabad house to stay at.” Asked about the subject While on tour, Clare relies Clare acknowledges halls are not the best place for Clare’s career got a huge matter of his songs, he replied on daily spiritual guidance to that many compare him to a nice Jewish boy, but everyone boost last summer when that they are about “deep” help maintain his religious Matisyahu but insists that his has their life choices and this is Microsoft chose Too Close for themes and that he’s working practice in a music world that mission is different, adding he mine,” he said. “It’d definitely the commercial for the latest on balancing a life of stardom provides no end of temptation. doesn’t come with the same be different if I was a Satmar version of Internet Explorer. and religious identity. He studies the Tanya, a work “shtick. I’m not trying to be a Chasid. They’d probably The 27-year-old resident of Watching Clare’s videos of Chasidic philosophy by religious symbol for anyone.” disown me.” the heavily Jewish London and hearing his raspy voice, the founder of the Chabad Clare said his team helps Clare said that he did lose a neighbourhood of Golders one wouldn’t immediately movement, and the Talmud him keep certain religious laws. record deal opportunity because Green had been dropped from assume he is a devoted member tractate Brachot. He also finds For example, his bodyguards he refused to play on Sukkot his record label five months of the tribe, but he has been an time to work on a new album, help ward off the mobs of and tour over the holidays. before the software company Orthodox Jew for about five expected this year, which he screaming teenage girls – and However, he said these are reached out to him. His 2011 years. Raised in a secular home, says will incorporate subtle there are many – so that nobody small prices to pay, and even spiritual messages. touches him, since he adheres with sacrifices made, a little “One new song I’m writing to religious laws of modesty, faith can go a long way. is sort of based off of Shir HaShirim [Song of Songs], but you would never have known unless I told you,” he said. “But my goal isn’t to have an agenda through my music. Just to be living the way I am is a message in itself.” Clare is part of a growing corps of Jewish artists whose The recital of Kaddish is the bond which religious commitments that unites the generations from the immemorial preclude performing on Friday unto eternity. It is the way we show our timeless nights, including the Moshav devotion to our parents and loved ones. In the Band, Peter Himmelman event you cannot personally observe this hal- and Dov Rosenblatt of The lowed expression of love for the duration of elev- en months, alternate arrangements can be made Wellspring. But a more apt through the Chabad Lubavitch Organization. You comparison may be Matisyahu, may also consider placing bronze name plates the reggae star and one-time of your departed ones on our Memorial Board Chabad adherent who achieved which will insure The Observance of Yahrtzeit in global success singing about perpetuity. spiritual themes while clad in For further information call 905.731.7000