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Community

Newspaper

הברכה את ה‘ צוה כאן צוה ה‘ את הברכה

CROWN HEIGHTS CROWN 2007 30, November ~ CROWN HEIGHTS ~ November 30, 2007 The Vaad Hakohol

Gut Yom Tov Nightlife Returns

By: Moshe Rubashkin Innovative Crown Heights Program Makes a Strong Comeback A Gut Yom Tov. A Gut Yom Tov. Tonight is Yud Tes Kislev, Chag HaChagim. As the reality of summer’s end started to make a grand comeback. the Matchmakers’ take on dating, forcing kick in, hundreds of single girls returned many to replace common misconcep- Today is our to Crown Heights fresh from vacations That’s right, girls – who said only summer tions about the Shidduch-process. birthday as the and Shlichus positions around the world. nights deserve a life? Lubavitcher Having enjoyed a fabulous summer The evening proved Nightlife’s ability nation. As Yid- interlude, they returned feeling revived, Just over a week ago, Nightlife kicked off to turn even the most drone topic into a den we are the full of amazing tales to share with their its year programming with a JLI course lively, fun, and sensational event. chosen people, friends who had stayed in “the hood”. led by course-writer Shimona Tzukernik. but as Lubavitch- T h i r t y g i r l s Nightlife offers the opportunity to spend ers, we are the They had no idea showed up to three nights a week basking in its aura chosen of the Moshe Rubashkin that their friends, the “Wisdom of learning, laughter, and, of course, a chosen and that comes w h o m t h e y f rom S i n a i ” full barista and comfy lounge pillows. with a tremendous responsibility and had considered kick-off course, With great food, chic décor, and unique duty. “doomed” to stay in aimed at pro- programming, there’s only one thing Crown Heights for viding personal about Crown Heights’ revolutionary We live here in the community of the the summer, also and intellectu- program that has changed: plenty of Rebbeim, the Nesiim, who gave us the had some fabulous ally engaging new faces. blueprint of how to conquer the world ex per iences to i n sig ht i nto through Simcha and Ahavas Yisroel. share. More than the Ten Com- Single Ladies: Save the Date! that, they were mandments. The There are over 3000 families living in surprised to learn girls have been Yud-Tes-Kislev Farbrengen! Kan Tziva. There are over 2500 students, that over the sum- delighted by the boys and girls, from all over the world mer, many of their insightful and Thursday, November 29th 8:00 pm learning in our mosdos here. The boys friends had been mind-expand- and the girls that are coming here from transformed into ing college-like Mashi Lipskar (from South Africa) will all over the world are coming to absorb wine connoisseurs, class. be speaking about the meaning of the day the ruach haChayim of the Rebbe’s holy make up artists and Krav Mega experts. – both personally and globally. Check Mosdos. Here, they will be transformed In addition to all the interesting work- Eyebrows rose, however, when Nightlife your e-mails for forthcoming details! into the future shluchim, the future shops, their friends had enjoyed a spa announced its Yud-Daled-Kislev Motzei fathers and mothers of Lubavitch. The night, some great live jazz, and lectures Shabbos event: a panel of matchmakers?! stories of Eltere Chassidim are the from acclaimed speakers: Chana Weis- The evening, dedicated to issues related compass how we must live and conduct berg, Rabbi Shlomo Jaffe, Sara Esther to dating and marriage, was entitled ourselves. They inspire us and give us Crispe, and Rabbi Shea Hecht to name direction. a few.

By looking at pictures of Reb Pinya To say the least, girls that stayed in Althaus and hearing stories of him, you Crown Heights concluded their summer saw the deep love that the Friediker feeling enlightened, inspired, and, yes, Rebbe and the Rebbe had towards him. quite culturally seasoned. He had a look of L’Chatchila Ariber in Ariber. When the hundreds of Nightlife’s summer participants told news of the When I went to the Ohel a little more program to their returning friends, the than a year ago, I met his son, Reb buzz began. Binyamin Althaus. We spent about a half an hour together talking about the early When is Nightlife going to return? years of the Rebbe, his father’s and his relationship with the Rebbe, and with the The girls wanted to know. Parents Friedeker Rebbe—How Yehidus was in at home wanted to know. Even the Continued on Page Bochurim wanted to know (they’re still begging for their own version). “Choice or Fate” and opened with an Chanukah Party! Newspaper inspiring and informative lecture by Community Luckily for everyone, the program that author Sara Karmely. Five local Shad- Wednesday December 5th 290 Kingston Avenue, has become known for its class and out- chanim then took the stage to share their Brooklyn, NY 11225 of-the-box programming has decided to 8:00 pm 718 771 9000 take, responding to the grilling questions Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol from an audience Come to this party for a truly hypnotic of Crown Heights. of over fifty (yes, 2nd night of Chanukah! This party will Moshe Rubashkin, Chairman single) girls. The feature a hypnotist, great food, music, Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Vice Chairman rare encounter was and a stunning Chanukah musical! Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary surprisingly enter- All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the exculive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise taining, with the To get on our e-mailing list contact: attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent Shadchanim sprin- [email protected] of the publisher. kling their expert or 917-373-4870 Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be advice and answers liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond the cost with memorable Hosted at the Rubashkin home. of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All adver- stories. Between tisement designed and prepared by the CHCommunity roars of laughter, NIGHTLIFE is a joint project of the Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot the girls took the CHJCC and BYIT, a division of THI be reproduced without the consent of the publisher opportunity to sponsored by the CHJCC learn more about November 30, 2007 ~ crOWN heights

from. We have had cases where a truck Letters backs up and hits a pedestrian. It creates a Our Aging Population language classes, beginners classes for members of our community. blind spot for pedestrians when crossing writing Email or using the computer to the street and other various situations. In the late ‘50’s when I came to Crown write family history, photography, art, This is not a time to forget or ignore the Heights, there was no aging population. and music are all areas of interest. Other importance of creating meaningful lives These trucks also take away desperately Directly or indirectly our Jewish people ideas of interest include authors coming for our seniors. Their experiences in life, needed parking spaces for our residents. have been affected by the ravages of The to discuss their books, or creating book their knowledge and learning should be It is up to both the Council and every Holocaust. Having grandparents was a clubs to discuss recent books. Of course, utilized. We need a SENIOR CENTER private resident to seek out the owners luxury and fortunate indeed were those lectures on health and nutrition would that is active and vital, that will meet the of these trucks and convey to them in blessed with extended families. be essential. Trips would be wonderful. varied needs of our community. Person- the strongest terms that they can no There are many exhibits in museums, ally, I would appreciate a swimming pool longer continue to do this. We have one Boruch Hashem, today our world is musical free events, botanic gardens and a gym with appropriate activities for of the most beautiful neighborhoods different, and on Simcha invitations and the list goes on and on. My husband us seniors. I also would love trips and in Brooklyn and we should not have to grandparents are listed and often great uses a walker and wheelchair, but there interesting films and lectures. Active tolerate the indifference of these few grandparents as well. Indeed, this is a are many events that he attends. I am a Senior Centers must become established individuals. We must take pride in our great z’chus; however, it carries with docent in Museum of Jewish Heritage in CROWN HEIGHTS, and your Shechuna and make it befitting for that it certain needs and responsibilities. at Battery Park and also at The Center interest and concern and involvement which the Rebbe said about it “Kan Numerous retired people are at a loss for Jewish History. Whenever there is is ESSENTIAL Tzivah Hashem Es Habracha”. when they no longer have a daily schedule an exhibit of interest, I encourage him Chana Sharfstein S. Drimmer to follow. Many had been quite absorbed to attend. These museums, the 92nd with working and family responsibilities St Y and the JCC of Manhattan have and never developed areas of interest interesting lectures and programs. They Sgt Bobbie Troise wrote: or hobbies. In these “Golden Years” of are listed in the Jewish press and Jewish Dear Editor- freedom it is essential that we continue Week. First, I would like to say it is TRULY We have a recurring problem in our to lead productive lives. I believe that it an honor not only to be profiled, but to neighborhood that creates both an is imperative that OUR COMMUNITY The Shalom Center in Crown Heights is be the first profiled, in the new Crown eyesore to our beautiful community create experiences, activities and a wonderful for many seniors in our com- Heights Community paper. and also sets the stage for potentially gathering place for our seniors. If this is munity. They have various activities such dangerous situations. One can always not your immediate concern, hopefully as exercises and games, and the meals Having met Batia Brandel is a VERY see commercial trucks parked on our in the future it will be. This might be of are always appreciated. HOWEVER, CLOSE second honor. It has been a streets and avenues overnight. By law a immediate interest for aging parents and we desperately need to accommodate PLEASURE being able to work with commercial vehicle has to be parked in relatives, so your interest and concern the needs of ALL our seniors. There and serve each and every member of the a lot overnight and not on the streets. is vital. needs to be a wider spread of activities. Crown Heigts Community. One can sometimes see as many as five There is general agreement among or six trucks parked on Kingston Ave. Medical journals discuss the importance professionals dealing with the aging I have made some WONDERFUL and other streets in the neighborhood of the aging population being engaged population that intellectual endeavors friends through the years, whom I overnight. in meaningful experiences. It would be are of great importance in keeping our treasure. I wish the paper and COM- very worthwhile to have speakers present brain activity maximized. Nutrition and MUNITY well. G-D Bless us all. It gives our area a deplorable esthetic look topics on politics and issues of interest to health information likewise is of great that looks like a commercial parking lot. seniors with follow-up discussions. There importance. The present center is filling a There are various scenarios of danger that could be debates involving senior mem- basic need but we MUST create a center are caused by these trucks. They serve as bers. Learning sessions/Divrei Torah, that has extensive activities to involve all a hiding place for a mugger to jump out

Musings

WORD UP! in are the right values from us, their word. Just like Papa did. When Papa we learned in Psych 101--the concept parents, teachers and rebbeim, who (my grandfather, whom I never knew), of “delayed gratification”. Many a time, By Penina Metal appreciate the sacred trust with which gave his word on a business deal and I would tell them that I would keep my From time to time I take the train into we have been entrusted. word to them and they would get what the city and am “treated” to a perfor- they asked for when the time was right mance by one of the folks representing I remember when I was a teenager, just for them. I knew that my kids got the the various homeless organizations. I about to graduate from high school, a message when I heard one of them telling have to use all of my self-control not neighbor asked me to baby sit for her. a sibling, “If Mommie gives her word, it to giggle, since this fellow is doing a I still had a few exams left to take and will get done!” perfect imitation of my kids. But wait! thought this would be a great way to have Who is imitating whom? It appears that some quiet time in which to study, since Many years after the fact, one of my boys my boys have learned a bit more from the kids would be asleep. laughingly related that he had heard their mivtzoyim experience than I would some of our “neighbors in the ‘hood” have expected. When one of my friends called to inform using the term, “word up”, which means me that a group of kids were making a that is the truth man! My son decided to We all know that our children are natural shook hands on it, no written contract pre-graduation get-together for the same use the term in class and soon the whole mimics. Hopefully, what they are taking was necessary.” evening, I politely thanked her for the bunch of guys was saying “word up”! invitation and informed her that I was I never thought that I did anything already committed to my baby sitting TheR ebbe always kept his “word”. When special, but this comment stayed with job. he told us that the Gulf War would end by me and became the yesod of the chinuch Purim, that is exactly what occurred. that I imparted to my children. I thought nothing of what I had done. But as I passed my mother, obm, in The Rebbe also told us that this is the You know how kids are. They don’t want the kitchen, I overheard her talking last generation of Golus and the first to be different. They want to be “with it”, on the telephone, “Do you know what generation of the Geulah. just like their peers. It’s the way of the my Penny (that’s me) did? She kept her world, isn’t it? We must teach them what CROWN HEIGHTS ~ November 30, 2007 Yud Tes Kislev

Mesiras Nefesh for Chassidus

t’s important for us to contemplate before the Heavenly court. and asked them to pray on his behalf, that Reb Menachem Nochum pray on what Yud Tes Kislev means to us. And hinting that his life was in danger. He his behalf. [This was before he had let toI try and realize what it means: that Who gave the Rebbe the right to reveal added that if it should be necessary, they his daughter know of the danger.] The the Alter Rebbe had mesirus nefesh for such secrets? Since when are simple should help his son, HaRav DovBer, who shliach arrived erev Rosh Hashanah, and Chassidus. people to be encouraged to learn such was then 18 years old. found Reb Menachem Nochum waiting lofty ideas? Surely that should only to accept his pa’n as the first one of the Everyone knows that the Rebbe was be for those who are more spiritually Then he confided to his second oldest day. He then said to the shliach that the imprisoned on 21 charges of high treason sensitive and prepared. If the Heavenly daughter, the Rebbetzin Devorah Leah, Maggid of Liozna would live, since the against the Czar. Everyone knows it was Court agreed that the Rebbe was doing that the teachings of Chassidus were in exchange had been accepted in Heaven. the plot of embittered misnagdim. something wrong, he would have to be danger. She immediately grasped his The shliach had no idea what exchange stopped, and would have to pay with meaning, and understood what the oth- he was talking about.) Not everyone knows that it did not begin his life! ers had failed to realize: that her father’s with them. life was also in danger. That night, right after the davenning on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, the She knew all too well what was at stake. Rebbe immediately began searching for Chassidus was essential to the survival Rebbetzin Devorah Leah. As soon as he of the Jewish people, and spreading found her, he began to wish her a l’shana Chassidus was essential to bringing tova, but she interrupted him, saying, Moshiach. “l’shana tova tikasaiv v’sechaseim.” Then before he could say another word, She knew she had to act. She called in she hurried away. Fearing that one word three of her father’s greatest Chassidim from him might nullify the exchange, and asked them to act as a Beis Din. But she merely said, “Father, we’ll talk later, without telling them what the situation not now.” was, or why she was calling them, she made them promise to accept her deci- On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, sion, no matter what it was. the Rebbetzin Devorah Leah became so ill, that she had to take to her bed. They refused, not knowing what she might demand, and asked to think it On Motzoei Yom Tov, she and her over. husband, HaRav Sholom Shachne, visited the Rebbe. Tearfully, she asked It started much closer to home. It For a few months, the Chassidim noticed After discussing her request for a whole only one thing of her father: “Please began with the talmidim of the Maggid that the Rebbe was under tremendous day, they returned to Rebbetzin Devorah take my young son, Menachem Mendel, themselves. strain. But no one realized how critical Leah and reluctantly accepted her ulti- raise him, and always keep him close to the situation was until Shavuos of that matum. They knew that some danger was you.” The Rebbe promised to fulfill his In his wonderful biography of the Alter year. imminent, but they did not know what. daughter’s final request. Rebbe (which ought to be required read- Evidently, she did know, and probably ing), Rabbi Sholom Ber Avtzon describes In the middle of the Shavuos fahrbren- she also had a plan. They felt they had no On the following day, Tzom Gedalia, what took place. With permission, we gen, the Rebbe suddenly cried out, choice but to accept her conditions. Rebbetzin Devorah Leah was nistalek. print the following excerpts: “Zeide, Rebbe! (referring to the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid). Arouse She told them of the serious threat to her We cannot begin to imagine how In 5552 (1792) the Rebbe began to allow Hashem’s compassion for me, for your father’s life. Although she had a husband extremely pained the Rebbe must have his talmidim to copy over his handwrit- talmidim, for all those connected to and a young son, she had resolved to give been by the tragic passing of his young ten manuscripts, which explained in a you, and for your holy teachings! Oy! her life in exchange for her father’s. As a daughter. But he knew now in addition to clear and systematic way the deepest and Oy! Gevald! Ribono shel Olum, have Beis Din, she asked them to pasken that all else, for her sake alone, he would have most effective way of serving Hashem. rachmonos upon us!” this exchange was acceptable. to continue his special and holy mission of spreading the teachings and the ways These manuscripts contained advice and Then, to everyone’s horror, he fainted. They were shocked beyond words. “No! of Chassidus, to usher in the coming of guidance which the Rebbe had given to No!” they protested. “Don’t speak so Moshiach teikiff umiyad mamash! Chassidim in yechidus over the past 20 TheR ebbetzin Shterna and other family wildly! If necessary we will give our years. The Chassidim were thrilled! Now members rushed into the Bais Midrash, lives instead!” •••••• Chassidus could be taught to practically as doctors hurried to the Rebbe’s side, everyone! attempting to revive him. His little The Rebbetzin Devorah Leah did not For us, reading such a story brings home grandson, two year old Menachem Men- accept their words. She insisted they two ideas. One: how privileged we are Surprisingly, some of the Rebbe’s own del, ran over and cried out, “Zeide! Zeide! keep their promise and allow her to give to inherit this unbelievable treasure, colleagues did not approve. Take hold of my hand. I will help you up her life as an exchange for her father’s! for which such great tzaddikim literally get up!” With great sorrow, trembling with fear, risked their lives and gave their lives to They felt that such deep and important they did as she asked. make it available for us. teachings should not be made public. Yes, At those words, the Rebbe opened his the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid had eyes. Seeing little Menachem Mendel When the Rebbe became aware of this, And secondly, one cannot help but ask, if reached out to the uneducated. But did standing over him with such a concerned he immediately sent a pidyon nefesh to they were ready to give their lives in order they mean that such profound concepts look on his innocent face, the Rebbe took Reb Menachem Nochum of Chernobyl, to spread the teachings of Chassidus, should be taught to the masses? They his hand and said, “Zeh yenachameinu pleading with him to intercede on behalf what am I prepared to do? felt that their role was just to guide and – This one will comfort us.” of his daughter. But even the prayers of encourage the less educated Jews in this great tzaddik could not remove the Good Yom Tov! L’Shana Tova their faithful observance of Torah and Throughout the following months of decree from Rebbetzin Devorah Leah b’limud ha-Chassidus u’b’darkai ha- Mitzvos. the summer, it became more and more without causing the accusation to return Chassidus Tikosaivu v’saichosaimu! obvious that something was seriously upon the Rebbe. This strong objection from the Alter wrong, but no one knew what it was. May we all be inscribed and sealed Rebbe’s own colleagues, who were (According to another version of the for a good year in the study of Chas- themselves tzaddikim, aroused a kitrug A week before Rosh Hashanah, the story, the Rebbe sent his pidyon a month sidus and the ways of Chassidus.• in shomayim. The case was brought Rebbe called in some of his talmidim earlier, on Rosh Chodesh Elul, asking November 30, 2007 ~ crOWN heights

as these questions may be, empowering us — its energy enables us Perspectives to travel on the “Derech Hamelech”. Yud Tes Kislev demands that we address a much deeper question. Besides the We can take the high road. We must. The By Sarah Balkany enlivens u. Sichos and Mamorim, studied what, where, and the how, we must study ability to go above and beyond at the and hopefully internalized, the friend- the “Who”. Who have we become as very outset is not a lofty and remote level n the journey of a Chasid’s life, be it ships formed, the laughter shared at the result of our challenges and choices reserved for a select few. On the contrary, on the express or local lane, there are farbrengens heighten our joy. of the past year. Have we just said or it is a practical applicable approach to manyI stops. These interludes in time even studied Tanya or have we lived meet the challenges of daily life. or place, major or minor pauses, do The losses, the pain experienced, chal- it? Have our standards of not detract from the journey. On the lenges overcome strengthen our resolve conduct, that we personally contrary, they influence the trip itself. to make the new leg of our journey as feel accountable to been worthwhile as the destination which we raised? A major stop is Yud Tes Kislev, the Rosh travel toward. Hashana of Chasidus. We wish each Are we inclusive in our other Good Yom Tov. The date itself Where do we hope to arrive? How do relationships, reaching out hints to its character. –a day destined for we hope to get there? What do we hope wherever and whenever revealed good. Amidst the celebration to achieve? These are critical questions we can, always keeping in and rejoicing, what chosid doesn’t take we must grapple with. mind that a Chosid creates time to reflect to review, his journey. an environment? Of course “We want Moshiach Now!” Rosh Hashana implies renewal, a new We have been demanding this most Are we careful with the beginning started on a higher notch, sincerely for far too long. “Ad Mosai” dignity of others extending with greater and deeper commitment to is on our lips and in our hearts always. them due respect? the study of Chasidus and a Chasidishe Do our actions testify to these truths? way of living. Have we been able to go above and Do we cherish and value what another May our journeys reflect the truths beyond our differences? Are we busy contributes, or is our manner one of we fought and sacrificed for. We look Memories of the past year, personal lightening the load of a fellow yid with toleration at best? forward to them being totally revealed. miracles, and unbelievable evidence the care and concern our Rebbeim have of direct Hiskashrus with the Rebbe demonstrated and taught us. Important Yes, Yud Tes Kislev with all the festivities A Gut Yom Tov! Gut Yom Tov

Continued from Page All the pictures of him and the Rebbe The story of the Alter Rebbe’s impris- the earlier days and more. to wait, and he will try to get a room for flashed through my mind. Reb Pinya onment began many years before he Two stories he told me gave me the them. In the middle of the night that looked like and was an institution by actually went to prison. It started with most Chizuk. We know from the Baal the baby of the child started crying, the himself to whoever knew him and met the debate of the Talmidei HaMaggid Shem Tov that there is a reason for father of the child went looking for some him—phenomenal. I understood by the (see article on page x) regarding the everything we see and hear; otherwise milk. He entered the dining room and brocha he was requesting what kind of Alter Rebbe’s shita of spreading the saw my grandmother and grandfather beautiful person Reb Pinya is and the inner secrets of the Tanya to the masses. sleeping on the table. They gave away wisdom he has. Together, we shall overcome this bitter their own room. Yes Bubby, today is Yud Galus. I hope this paper brings in the There was another story that struck Tes Kislev. It is your day. The mesiras light of Moshiach and brings together me. After Reb Pinya passed away, Reb nefesh of the Alter Rebbe giving birth all of us with one voice. Gut Yom Tov. Binyamin, his son, went into Yehidus to the world, Lubavitch, Chabad. It is Gut Yom Tov. with the Rebbe. Reb Binyamin spoke to very befitting that it is your day, Yud Tes the Rebbe about the possibility that he Kislev--your Mesiras Nefesh giving birth ••••• should take over his father’s place. The to our beautiful family. Baruch Hashem Rebbe smiled at him and said, “We can all your children and grandchildren and Tonight, Yud Tes Kislev, is also the speak openly. If I was to give a directive, great grandchildren and those to come, Yartzeit of my grandmother, Bubby they will listen, but they will give you will follow the mesiras nefesh that the Raza Rubashkin. I would like to thank such aggravation that you are going to Rebbeim, Neseim instilled in us. Yes, we her for instilling her values and her pick up your feet and run.” Hearing this are proud and continue the holy work of mesiras nefesh as a living example at the Ohel, the Rebbe was answering me the Zeide and the Bubby. We love you. with my grandfather, Zeide Goetzel before I went into Yehidus. Rubashkin. Being a cook in camp Gan From all your Eineclach, we wouldn’t see it or hear it. When the Yisroel with my grandfather Zeide My Yehidus with the Rebbe was on a Friediker Rebbe sent Reb Pinya Althaus Goetzel Rubashkin and Bubby Duba totally different level.R eb Binyaimin had — Moshe on Shlichus to Israel in the late 40’s, what Raskin and in Beis Rivka as well. There no idea that he was a great Shliach for me kind of brocha would you think a Shliach is a lot to write about her life about relating part of his father’s life. I say to the going on Shlichus would ask for from the how she sacrified her life community, about 25,000 people living Rebbe? To have the largest Mossad? To in Russia. Here is one here bli Ayin Hara, that we are really a have a lot of Shluchim working under short story how she lived great community with great people living him? To build many buildings, lots of together with the Zeide here. It’s Yud Tes Kislev, we should once wealth? Good kids? No, he didn’t ask as a living example for again be mekabel the beauty of being the for this. He asked that all the LOSHON her children, grandchil- chosen of the chosen through abundance HARA that was going to be sent into the dren, and generations to of love for one another and to agree to Rebbe regarding himself should not be come: disagree and still stay best friends. accepted by the Rebbe. One night, a car pulled When hearing what Reb Pinya asked, If you ask me what the beauty of a Rus- into Gan Yisroel late at I was taken to new heights. I can’t sian Chassid is, I will say his mesiras night. A young couple explain the radiant simcha I felt. It gave nefesh. Yes, he might have bawled you with a newborn child me tremendous strength to continue out in the evening, but the next morning was desperately looking working in the avodas haClal in the he would kiss you and talk to you as if for a place to sleep. My warmest way. nothing happened. grandfather told them CROWN HEIGHTS ~ November 30, 2007 Our Heroes

After this meeting,R eb Mordechai began began their commotion in Germany and Rabbi Mordechai Dubin HY”D new efforts to free the Rebbe. Towards the Jews began to escape. Many of them this end, the Rebbe received an invita- came to Riga. Reb Mordechai arranged tion to come to Riga and serve there a Kabbolas Ponim for them at the train as a Rabbi and an additional invitation station, and from there they were taken The famous Chassidic and communal is yet a greater “meshugener”! from the orthodox community in Berlin. to Jewish homes. They all received physi- leader Reb Mordechai Dubin was born Reb Mordechai continued to work and cal help and later, a job. into an honorable Chassidishe family in Reb Mordechai merited that the Previ- eventually secured the permit for the Latvia in 1889. His father Reb Zalman ous Rebbe referred to him as “The good Rebbe to leave the country. During World War II, Reb Mordechai Ber was in the wood business. Reb Mor- and generous person”. Dubin continued helping his Jewish dechai was already known in his youth Reb Mordechai traveled to Malachovke brethren. In 1941, when Russia entered for his unique devotion to people around Reb Mordechai Dubin intervenes to and brought the permit to the Rebbe, the war, everybody figured that this will him. He also attained a reputation as a free the Previous Rebbe urging that the Rebbe should leave the person who felt the pain of others, both country immediately. When he told the In 1927, the Previous Rebbe we need to travel immediately, ❝When he told the Rebbe was arrested and the Rebbe surprisingly responded, “No. placed in prison. Chas- Rebbe we need to travel Now I am not afraid. I will travel after sidim knew that the the Yomim Tovim” (Tishrei 5678-late immediately, the Rebbe only political contact 1927). that could help was the surprisingly responded, Member of Parliament, “No. Now I am not Reb Mordechai recalls the fear that Reb Mordechai Dubin. permeated his whole body. The officials afraid. I will travel after They traveled to him. who gave this permit could change their the Yomim Tovim” Reb mind, and after the Yomim Tovim means In 1927, the Latvian two months. Mordechai recalls the fear government was a left- ist government. that permeated his whole When he expressed this concern for the body. The officials who gave Rebbe, the Rebbe responded, “It will be Although Reb Morde- good; they will not nullify the permit.” this permit could change chai Dubin and Reb The time passed and immediately before Reuven Vitenberg were their mind, and after the his departure, there were again obstacles. only in the opposition The Rebbe announced that he is not Yomim Tovim means two in the parliament, their leaving without the seforim. months. ❞ power was strong. Reb Mordechai understood Reb Mordechai Dubin was instrumental mark the end of all the Baltic countries. that he could do some- in this. He was a member of the Latvian After that, Russia requested from the thing for the Rebbe. Government, which was at the time Baltic countries to assist her with army He traveled to Russia, working on business dealings with the bases, and Latvia agreed. and when he arrived in Rabbi Mordechai Dubin Russian Government. Reb Mordechai Moscow, he was greeted Dubin was successful in these endeavors In June 1940, the Russian army entered on an individual and a communal level. by the Latvian delegation. Amongst the with the Russian authorities. At one Riga and immediately dispersed the He was a very delicate, refined person. people that greeted him was a Russian point, the Russian delegate notified parliament. Nevertheless, the political He was a unique G-d fearing Jew, diplomatic delegation--precisely the the foreign Latvian delegate: “If you influence of Reb Mordechai Dubin friendly to everybody who loved to do people he needed to help influence the want the agreement, fulfill the wishes became stronger because he was the favors for people. In his young age, the KGB for the Rebbe’s benefit. of Dubin. Otherwise, there will not be leader of the Jewish community and communal leaders respected him, and any agreement.” remained the image that represents he would visit with the distinguished The work was not simple because the Latvian Jewry. Reb Mordechai Dubin baalei batim. KGB leadership in Leningrad pressured The previous Rebbe left Russia and continued his involvement with com- them not to release the Rebbe. Reb Mor- settled on a temporary basis in Riga. munal affairs for the benefit of his Jewish An example of his unique fulfillment of dechai found himself needing to work brethren, although he knew that the end Mitzvos is that he never shaved his beard with the officers who were responsible Reb Mordechai Dubin saves Jewish of the Latvian independence and that of in a time where it was very common to for everybody under them. After some lives the other Baltic countries had arrived. do so. He also was par-excellence in time, Reb Mordechai stated that, “I respecting his parents. People recall that am the shliach (emissary) of Divine It was at a time when a certain political Among his many other accomplish- when he would come home at a late hour, Providence to rescue the Rebbe”. Reb party decided to introduce a resolution ments, Reb Mordechai Dubin was also he would not ring the bell and wake up Mordechai’s facial expression while he to expel all the citizens that did not have successful in arranging the shipments his parents. Instead, he would remain said this statement and later, whenever he citizenship. Although the resolution of Esrogim that arrived from Italy. Reb outside and sleep on the doorstep of related the events that happened at that was accepted because of political and Mordechai Dubin was instrumental in the house. time can not be described in words. economic reasons not related to the Jew- releasing the Esrogim from customs. ish people in particular, many Jews who When Latvia became an independent This feeling, “I am the shliach of the were amongst the Russian refugees were As a result of the Russian control over the country, Reb Mordechai was chosen Divine Providence to rescue the Rebbe”, negatively affected by this new law. Latvians, Reb Mordechai Dubin’s posi- as a member of the national consul. As aroused him to fulfill his mission in every tion was weakened. In 1941, the Russian one of the founders of Agudas Yisroel, meeting he attended. On the day this law was to go into effect, authorities arrested Reb Mordechai and Reb Mordechai worked with dedicated thousands of Jews with their children brought him, as a prisoner, to Russia. He self-sacrifice for the public benefit. The His contact with the Previous Rebbe gathered at the center of the Riga office was being monitored by the KGB, and troubles of the Jewish people caused him started relatively later. It was in Mala- and stood there day and night, fearful of any one that spoke to him was arrested to age quickly. He felt another person’s chovke, after theR ebbe’s liberation, that their plight and waiting with fear for the immediately. suffering in a very deep way, and suffered he first met the Rebbe in person. execution of this exile law. greatly as a result. In the last days of his life, Reb Mordechai Reb Mordechai recalls that when meet- At this time, Reb Mordechai turned to was in a hospital treated by an Armenian On one occasion a person was told in a ing the Rebbe, he saw the effects of all the President Ulmonis and started a dis- doctor. Before he was nifter he requested, sarcastic way by Reb Mordechai, “You of the suffering the Rebbe had gone cussion with him. Long after midnight, that upon his passing, telegrams should are meshuge (crazy)”. In return he said to through. The Rebbe had one request Reb Mordechai walked out and declared be sent to three people: one to a Shochet Reb Mordechai, “Are you less meshuge - to leave Russia. TheR ebbe added that that the law is nullified. Thousands of in Tula, one to his sister in Moscow, and than me?! Someone that stands thirteen before leaving, he wishes to first visit his Jews were saved. one to his friend Rabbi Averbach in Riga. hours in a house full of people and father’s gravesite. He gave the doctor their addresses. doesn’t drive them away from his house Everyone remembers when the Facists November 30, 2007 ~ crOWN heights

Reb Mordechai Dubin was nifter in Mordechai?” He began to cry and eggs, nuts, and some vegetables. He went to a Din Torah. 1950 and was buried in Kvitshov. For asked me from where do I know him? I would cook the eggs before Pesach for undisclosed reasons, his body was moved responded that I saw him by the Rebbe in the whole Pesach. It is self-understood This is not the only example of his to Malachovka, which is in the outskirts Riga. It wasn’t the same Reb Mordechai that he had a supply of Matzo shmura honesty and good personal character of Moscow. Yehi Zichro boruch! whom I knew with the black beard and for Pesach, but Reb Mordechai used a traits. I remember when Reb Mordechai cylinder hat. He was already old and was very little supply of the Matzo. It was would stay in shul from sunrise until ••••• wearing a torn garment. Last Friday, they only for the Sedorim and a minimal late at night. One day he walked out of released him from prison very close to amount for other days. shul briefly and when he returned, he Rabbi Reuven Zaitshik from Moscow the onset of Shabbos. He left the prison originally met Rabbi Mordechai Dubin in ❝His preparations for the prison with a bag of personal articles Another example of his hidurim: Reb Leningrad. There he became acquainted and was stranded, standing in one place Mordechai while he was in jail was not with Reb Mordechai, and he tells his Pesach were always the entire Shabbos in order not to carry sure about a particular fast date on memories about Rabbi Dubin: extraordinary. Prior to on Shabbos. During the course of the the calender, so to be safe, he fasted night, he got sick with a cold and pneu- two days. ‘After WWII, Rabbi Mordechai Dubin Pesach, he would prepare monia. I told all this to the shochet, and lived in Moscow. His custom was to stay water for washing his he immediately moved Reb Mordechai His conduct in shul is a chapter for in the shul from early in the morning to a bigger room until he was cured. itself. In shul, he would sit by the table hour until a late at night. In the course hands for the entire Pesach. When he felt better, Reb Mordechai in the west side (Maariv) of the shul. of the day, he would give a number of The entire Pesach he did returned to the city of Kvitshov.’ On Shabbos, he would not daven with shiurim: in the morning after the morn- the Minyan. By the davening he would ing prayers, towards the evening before not use water from the ••••• hold a Tanya or say Tehillim and did Mincha, and after Maariv. faucet even for washing his not speak with anybody. Generally, he hands!❞. In his personal nature, one might think would begin davening, after the people Over time, he started a Gemoro shiur for that Reb Mordechai was a temperamen- of the minyan left the shul. On many discovered that his coat had been taken. Torah scholars. Distinguished Rabbonim tal person, but looking at it from another occasions, I would remain in shul to When Reb Mordechai realized this, he participated such as Rabbi Reuven Katz, angle, he was very quick to be placated listen to his davening. said, “It seems that the coat was taken Rabbi Alter Shulman, Rabbi Sandlar, and cease from anger. by someone that does not have a coat; Rabbi Shimon from Minsk, and more. His davening was full with feeling the weather is cold for him, and he can He loved to ask the children if they were and yearning from the depth of the not afford to buy a coat. Let him wear it In those times, every man had to be wearing a Talis Koton and if their Tzizis heart. He davened, and we cried. Even in good health, and I will buy for myself registered with the government as having were kosher. Once, while he learnt with a after many years, I can not forget his another coat.” It was very obvious that an official job. To fulfill that require- child, he became angry, and the child told davening. On the first day Pesach and this anecdote did not disturb him, but him: “Lo hakapdon melamed” (an angry on Shmini Atzeres, he would begin on the contrary, the smile on his face ❝ person can not be a teacher). The child’s davening early in order to daven Musaf he discovered that his expressed to his friends and others that words penetrated Reb Mordechai’s with the minyan avoiding complicated his heart was in agreement with his coat had been taken. When heart, and his face changed colors as halachic questions regarding Morid resolution. Reb Mordechai realized he commented, “Look from whom you Hatal and Mashiv Horuach. can learn.” this, he said, “It seems The next day, the tailor arrived and At the same table, he would also sit brought a new coat, but Reb Mordechai that the coat was taken by His main anger and gevurah was directed by the third Shabbos meal. He never refused to wear it until the tailor removed towards himself. The whole year, Reb washed for this meal, but would sit someone that does not have the threads of shatnez. Only after that, Mordechai was particularly strict with and listen intently to the Chassidishe a coat; the weather is cold he agreed to be measured to tailor the himself to not eating meat or chicken. nigunim. Towards the conclusion of coat to fit him. Within a day, the tailor for him, and he can not On Pesach this stringency was taken the meal, he would himself a sing a completed his job and delivered the coat to a greater extent. His preparations for chassidishe hishtachfus (out-pouring afford to buy a coat. Let to Reb Mordechai in shul. Pesach were always extraordinary. Prior of the heart and soul) nigun. him wear it in good health, to Pesach, he would prepare water for On a sad note, one day, while I was walk- washing his hands for the entire Pesach. The nigun would permeate everyone’s and I will buy for myself ing to the shochet Reb Garelik, I entered The entire Pesach he did not use water heart. I would go to this seuda shlishis another coat.”❞ his house and had a short conversation from the faucet even for washing his only to hear the nigun. Forty years with him. In the middle of the conversa- hands! have passed since I have last heard ment, Rabbi Dubin bought a factory tion, I heard a sigh from the kitchen. I this nigun, and it is still preserved in from Rabbi Mordechai Gurary and gave asked Reb Garelik who it was, and he His food on Pesach consisted of only my heart.” everybody a half-day job in order that told me that in the middle of the night a the public should have sufficient time person with high to spend in shul. They got paid as if they fever knocked worked a full day. He distributed the on his door, and extra money that he had left for himself he let him into to Tzedoko. the house. I got closer to this In the early days of his time in Russia, Yid and saw a his economic situation was not good. Yid with a white After he concluded his stay inK vitshow bea rd lay i ng and arrived in Moscow, he was in great on a bench and financial need. A sponsor by the name sighing. Vitkin loaned him money. I asked him where When Reb Mordechai made back the he was from He money, he traveled to Vitkin’s house to answered that return the money he borrowed in the last he was f rom half-a-year. Mr. Vitkin did not want to R iga. I asked take the money back. “I originally had in him his family mind to give the money to you, not with name, and with the intention of you returning it to me”, a weak voice, he would say. But Mr. Vitkin’s words and he answered, begging didn’t help. Mr. Vitkin was quite “ D u b i n ” . I stubborn, and the debate went on until a immediately late hour in the night. It seems that they screamed, “Reb Rabbi Mordechai Dubin zt”l with distinguished Rabbonim CROWN HEIGHTS ~ November 30, 2007 CHJCC

Call The Shalom Senior Center CHJCC SHALOM CENTER CONTINUES IT young Chazzan from the former Soviet daily nutrition. 718~778~8808 DYNAMIC PROGRAMS AS PART OF Union who entertained the overflowing CELEBRATION 8. crowd with A special thanks to Mrs. Jenya Cherny, C H I L D/FA M I LY H E A LT H Chazzanut, the program director, for her ability to INSURANCE In conjunction with the Shalom Center’s Israeli, Rus- find quality entertainment and lecturers 8th year celebrations in their new home, s i a n , a n d who everyone will enjoy and benefit Mrs Kurtz...... ext. 32 another dynamic week of programs took English songs from. ENTITLEMENT SERVICES place. together with musical If there are any seniors who would like Rivka Shur...... ext. 24 This week’s entertainment featured a accompani- to see or join the center, please feel free Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 ment. to call us at (718) 774-9213. VOCATIONAL COUNSELING & Watching the seniors during some of the Please be advised that all prepared foods SERVICES heart-rendering pieces, one could notice served in the Shalom Center are under tears flowing as they reminisced about the supervision of the Crown Heights Rivka Shur...... ext 24 another era. Beth Din. Bela Vilenkin...... ext. 23

Also, this week the seniors had a most FOOD STAMPS fascinating nutrition lecture on the topic Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 of “Better Nutrition for mature Adults”. The lecture was given by a NY State certi- FAMILY SERVICES fied Dietitian-Nutritionist who gave her Phyllis Mintz ...... ext. 28 lecture and then fielded many questions from the seniors. The questions dealt AP ARTMENT LISTINGS with serious dilemmas they encounter Penina Metal...... ext. 21 in their daily diets. The seniors were happy to receive professional answers CRIME VICTIMS which will help them to improve their Batia Brandel ...... ext. 22 [email protected] 4 inches tall, has dark brown hair, and Missing Person weighs approximately 140 pounds. She Vocational (c) 917~618~0279 has a scar between her nose and lip. If 49-year old woman, Harriet or Training Galina Pindrick...... ext. 31 you have any information regarding this Chaya, is missing. She was last woman, 718~771~9000 seenA on Thursday, November 15th at he One Stop Employment Center please con- 4:30 PM at the intersection of Kings at the CHJCC. FEMA t a c t t h e Highway and East 16th St wearing a ¾ T Shomrim Fruma Junik ext. 10 length yellowish-orange jacket with a ATTENTION EMPLOYERS! Hotline at hood, a long, black ankle-length skirt, 718~774~3999 (718) 774- and green sneakers. She stands 5 feet Post your jobs with us, and we will find 3333. • YAM~ Youth Action Movement the right match for you. Yosef Kanofsky TO ALL JOB SEEKERS: [email protected]

☛ We can help you search for a job or 718~774~9213 find better employment. SHALOM CENTER ☛We will help you create or upgrade your resume. ☛ Career counseling is also provided.

Women-- do you need help starting the Job Posting business of your dreams? We can refer Bright capable, organized, computer you to organizations for startup funding literate (Quickbooks) person needed for and mentoring. 30 – 35 hours per week. Email resume to [email protected] Come in and discuss your interests and concerns with the employment coun- The City Parks Dept is looking for a selor, Bella Vilenkin at (718)778-8808 program manager. ext. 23. Tony Avella is looking for a community Heap liaison. Babysitter needed for 2 young children in a school setting. Call 917 597 1014. he HEAP outreach program will begin in our office iy”h in the begin- P/t cook needed for 6 autistic women ningT of December. in Crown Heights. Email acuperstein@ Any one who wants to apply now can womensleague.org apply at the HEAP office located at 98 Flatbush Ave. They are open daily Inquire about these and other job 9:00am to 4:00pm. Take the 2 or 3 options. • train to Atlantic Avenue. and walk to 98 Flatbush Avenue.• November 30, 2007 ~ crOWN heights

Shleimus Ha*Aretz Late Breaking News…. On Tuesday, November 27th the Israeli Government joined “Palestinian” and other Arab leaders in Annapolis for a new round of so-called peace negotiations with President Bush and Secretary of State Rice officiating. The outcome includes a signed agreement that the two sides will hold bi-weekly meetings, starting December 12th , to begin implementing the April 30, 2003 Road Map. Any disputes will be mediated and judged by the United States. Prior to attending, PrimeM inister Ehud Olmert called on American Jews to recognize “the Israeli government’s sovereign right to negotiate anything on behalf of Israel and that Jerusalem is an Israeli issue, not a Jewish one”. In response, a series of protests were organized, including a kick-off rally in Crown Heights last Sunday in front of 770, followed by a rally on Monday in front of the Israeli Consulate in Manhattan and a major protest on Tuesday in Annapolis. A large contingent of Lubavitcher Chassidim was in attendance. Additionally, The Shleimus Ha*aretz Talk Show ran two special editions of “SavingK ’lal Yisroel From The Summit” on November 18th and during the actual summit. Prominent guests included Rabbi Sholem Ber Kalmanson who pointed out that Lubavitcher Chassidim have a special obligation to be involved in the battle for Shleimus Ha*aretz noting that the Rebbe raised the cry against “Land for Peace” more than forty years ago after the Six-DayW ar when Israeli politicians began to speak of returning the territories they had just so miraculously won. As to the argument that Shleimus Ha*aretz is a “political hot button” that might alienate others from coming closer to Yiddiskeit, another guest, Rabbi Lazarus, responded that remaining silent rather than taking a stand and saying the truth to save lives, Pikuach Nefesh, is Halacha, overriding any other considerations. Moreover, he related that the Rebbe was often opposed by others for positions he took but chose to remain firm because that was the right thing to do, especially when it came to Shleimus HaAretz. To review the special editions of The Shleimus Ha'Aretz Talk Show via phone, call 641-715-3486, Access Code 505946# or via internet: www.sanesite.org, click classes, click Shleimus HaAretz. Check out our schedule of guests on: www.luach.com and www.shmais.com Looking forward to speaking with you, Tamar and Yaffa COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? SEND THEM TO: [email protected] or CALL 718-774-0914

New Sefer Torah To Beis Hamedrash Eliyahu Nochum

This Sunday, Sefer Torah was donated by the Rimler and Langsam families to HaMedrash Eliyahu Nochum. It was written in honor of their parents, Reb Yechezkel and Mrs Esther Langsam OBM.

Photo Credit: “Binyomin Lifshitz/CrownHeights.info” 10 CROWN HEIGHTS ~ November 30, 2007 Spotlight on our Mosdos

A Cable to Jewish Life

adopted child. This created an unsatiable By Yosef Katzman desire to find her real parents (as it does Host & Executive Producer in many adopted children). A Cable to Jewish Life She tried to find some details about “HOW COULD I EVER IMAGINE IT her infancy but met a stone-wall of WOULD LEAD ME TO SOLVING silence. She couldn’t even get her hands THE GREATEST RIDDLE OF MY on her personal file at the Ministry of LIFE. I MADE SURE TO WAKE Interior. UP EARLY TO KEEP MYSELF IN TOUCH WITH WHERE I CAME And so the years passed by, and Tsila FROM -- BUT I NEVER FATH- married a sweet man from New Jersey. OMED IT WILL LEAD ME TO MY After a few years of living in Israel, they MOTHER”. left with their children and came to America, settling in sunny California.

Then, the Sunday ritu- The guest was Mr. Sampson Giat, the so, they never even bothered asking them als started. president of the Yemenite Jewish Federa- what they thought about it. tion of America, who told an amazing Tsila discovered a story that stunned her. Armed with unshakable faith in their friend in A Cable to own wisdom, those socialist ideologues Jewish Life -- a TV After nearly fifty years of silence, a story set up to “enlighten” the primitive masses program that brought of an unimaginable atrocity perpetrated and bring them up to speed. The parents, the warmth of Judaism in Israel has come to light. they concluded, were a lost cause. They to her doorstep. She were too old, already set in they’re ways. loved it. The newly-minted Israeli government The children were something else. They sent airplanes and picked up almost were put in secular schools where they One Sunday she found the entire Jewish population of Yemen were pressured into abandoning that all about kosher meat and brought them to Israel.The inno- “superstitious nonsense” of their religion -- what made it kosher? cent Yemenite Jews, who were deeply and “join the twentieth century”. What Why make it kosher? religious, were emerging from a 12th did the parents think about it? That, century-like society in Yemen. In their of course, didn’t matter. Being from a Another Sunday, she awe-struck eyes, the planes did, indeed, backward, third-world country, they learned about the looked like the embodiment of the were deemed lucky to have such wise, concept of Moshiach “wings of eagles” prophesied for them enlightened people making decisions -- what is it? Why is it? in the Bible. for them... How can it be? ...But things were far from rosy. But even so, what happened next was Yemenite Jew. From the Catalogue of photographs made by the Then, on yet another American Colony in Jerusalem between 1898 to 1914. Part of G. Eric absolutely unbelievable!! and Edith Matson Photograph Collection. Sunday dawn, she Israel wasn’t ready for the flood of heard from one rabbi newcomers. The Yemenites were put in As unthinkable as it sounds, in those hope you’re sitting down as you’re Joseph Gutnick from Australia how a “temporary” shanty-towns. The “houses”, days, when a Yemenite baby was sick and reading this story. You’re about to read blessing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe made actually huts made of tin, were freezing had to go to the hospital, the chances that aI story that will simply blow you away. him one of the wealthiest people in the cold in the winter and sweltering hot in he or she would ever come home again Tsila Levine keeps a funny schedule on world! summer. Yet many of them stayed in were only fair. Sunday mornings. the “Ma’abarot”, as the settlements were A couple of Sundays in a row expounded called, for years. Not because medicine was so primitive She wakes up at what for most Califor- the profound connection between the in those days, but because the babies nians must seem like the crack of dawn, Jewish people and the land of Israel. Now, it was absolutely obvious to some were simply kidnapped! and she does it for one purpose--to watch of the influential socialists that they a TV show. The richness of information and the knew what was good for the “primi- The healthy babies were “saved” from unique, non-judgmental approach of A tive” Yemenites much better than the their primitive parents and were given to The TV show is A Cable to Jewish Life, Cable to Jewish Life had won her heart, Yemenites knew themselves. So much well-to-do families who had no children a show meant to bring Jewishness into giving her that which no television ever the lives of Jews of all walks of life. For could. many like Tsila, to be honest, this is about the only contact they have with With it, she cried with Russian Jews as anything Jewish. they discovered their own heritage.

One particular Sunday she turned up She was stunned when she met Israel the volume of her TV and went about Francis who is a Jew, a Chassid and is her business, but within minutes she black! was standing before the TV set, shaking uncontrollably. She was transfixed by She was amazed to find out just how one Mr. Sampson Giat. incredibly liberated Jewish women were in the world of Torah... If only...if only... In all, A Cable to Jewish Life was a Tsila, who is in her fifties, was adopted fascinating, educational, welcoming as a child by a family of Polish decent friend and companion. in Kibbutz Ein Hamifratz near Haifa. When Tsila was all of 6 years old, she was Then one day it just turned her life upside made aware of the fact she was indeed an down! Yemenite Jews brought to Israel in Operation Magic Carpet Photo Credit: UJR Press service Archive November 30, 2007 ~ crOWN heights 11

media stood by, watching every move, of their own! exactly what happened and how it was the answer finally came. The chance done”. that Tsila was, indeed, Mrs. Omeysi’s A sad-faced representative of the daughter was 99.99143%. The entire hospital told the stunned parents The committee was not convinced, country was in tears, as mother and that the babies simply...died. We but the cat -- or, in this case, the baby daughter fell into each other’s arms and did everything. girl -- was out of the bag. Israeli media cried and cried. pounced on the story and aired Tsila’s And the naive Yemenite Jews simply impassioned plea for help. Newspapers They cried for 50 years. 50 years so believed those “miracle-work- carried her picture under the headlines: brutally ripped away from them by ers” who flew the eagle wings and “Help me find my mother”. “enlightened” people who just viewed went home to grieve for their dead Mrs. Omeysi “primitive”, and so they children. And the phone calls started pouring took her daughter away to be given to in. In all, over 40 Yemenite families someone else, like a puppy. Stubborn, pig-headed parents, who whose little baby girls were kidnapped ridiculously insisted on seeing the under similar circumstances (and from Hundreds of Yemenite families, robbed body were led to make-shift graves. the same hospital!) called in, hoping husband looked at her and whispered: of their own children -- or parents -- all Sorry, but it’s too late.Years later, those maybe...maybe… “Yes. This man is offering you the last watched and cried, unable to conceal the grave-sites were exhumed under the piece of the puzzle. Go for it”. hole in their hearts... watchful eyes of TV cameras and found One family, the Omeysi family, asked empty. to meet with Tsila under “friendly She turned to her children and asked: And so, on one November morning, circumstances only” as to not to raise “Do I look like this man? Does my skin Finally, the story broke. their hopes to high. And so, Tsila look like his?” But her big son simply stood by the door when a little hugged her and said: “Mother, forget Under intense public pressure, the Yemenite woman came into the about it. You’re just looking for some- reluctant government was forced to room. She walked right up to where to belong. It’s natural for adoptive construct an investigative committee to Tsila, looked into her eyes and children. Forget it”. “find out the truth behind the rumors”. said: “I gave birth to you”, and Mr. Sampson Giat, the president of The Tsila nearly fainted. “I can’t take But, of course, she wouldn’t. She couldn’t. Yemenite Jewish Federation of America, this” she told her advisors. “This And she called. was asked by the committee to search for is cruel. I can’t go through such possible kidnapped Yemenite children an emotional roller-coaster with Mr. Giat asked her to send him all her in America. forty families.” Then, seeing the papers, including her adoption papers TV coverage, Dr. Katub, a pro- which she promptly did. The papers Mr. Giat told an astounded audience the fessor of genetics in the Hebrew where sent to the committee for investi- whole story. Tsila felt sick. University offered to conduct the gation, and the answer never came. D.N.A. tests for free. Mr. Giat turned to the camera and spoke But by this time, neither Mr. Giat nor to Tsila directly: “If you know you were Now the wait started. people in California who woke up at the Mrs. Tsila Levine would have any of adopted in Israel and that your skin unG-dly hour of 6:30am to watch that it. They flew to Israel and appeared color is darker than that of your adoptive As the hours ticked by in agonizing slow- special cable TV program called A Cable before the committee personally, urging parents -- I urge you to give me a call.” ness, members of the Omeysi family kept to Jewish Life, saw the final chapter of them to help Tsila find her parents. The on calling Tsila. “Come,” they begged the story. committee, however, was disinterested: But Tsila refused to believe that she was her, “stay with Ima until the results came. “This is not a private investigation.O ur actually a living and breathing part of The tension’s tearing her apart.” Her Mrs. Tsila Levine and Mr. Sampson mandate is not to help any individual such foul conspiracy. “I just didn’t want advisors, however, suggested this was Giat sat around a table and related the find his or her real parents, but to find to believe”. She called her husband and not wise, so she didn’t. amazing tale. “I wake up every Sunday what, if anything, happened and how”. asked him shakily: “Do I look like this to watch your show” she told me. “I’m “But,” argued Mr. Giat, “if you help Mrs. man? Does my skin look like his?” Her On the fifth day, as the entire Israeli not religious, but that is my way to keep Tsila Levine find her roots, you’ll know in touch with my Jewishness.”

“How could I ever imagine it would lead me to solving the greatest riddle of my Judaism for life. I made sure to wake up early to keep myself in touch with where I came from, but I never fathomed it will lead me to Couch-potatoes my mother”. “A Cable to Jewish Life” was the first Every week, like clockwork, A Cable to Jewish Life radiates forth, reaching over forum to open its doors to us, added 8.8 million homes around the world! Mr. Giat. “You were there when no one else was willing to do it. Now, thanks to Seen on the Internet and aired over 500 cable stations plus 150 hotel and you, the flood-gates have now opened.” university cable networks, as well as 2 satellites and now on non-cable UHF “Now, thanks to A Cable to Jewish Life channels, too, A Cable to Jewish Life is seen anywhere in North America and other Yemenite families have a chance to reunite, too”. Canada, most of Central America and as far as China and even...Lebanon! A second California man ofYemenite What it does and means for its viewers is pure magic. descent who insists on anonymity has also seen the show, contacted Mr. Giat A Cable to Jewish Life gives displaced Jews all over the corners of the earth a and, as a result, found his real family in source they can relate to, learn from, and even call at their hour of need. Israel. HIS TWIN! A Cable to Jewish Life Tsila’s amazing story is but a small 383 Kingston Ave. #323 example of the incredible impact of A Brooklyn, NY 11213 Cable to Jewish Life.• 12 CROWN HEIGHTS ~ November 30, 2007 Human Interest

great eye opener for anybody who runs I Haven’t Run Into Any Bad People into him,” one woman who met up with Inman said.

Inman has already traveled through Rabbi Hecht, is chairman of the board of the National Com- The Inman’s estimate that the journey the states of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, mittee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE), will cost them $45,000 - a good part of Colorado and Kansas. Ahead are continuing the tradition of social services management and their life savings. When interviewed, Missouri, Tennessee and North Carolina, outreach that began with his father, the Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht Inman said: “It’s probably the most where he hopes to spend some time with A’H. He is a Rabbi and activist in the Jewish community, stupid thing I’ve done financially, but I his wife’s family. focusing on family crisis intervention, guiding and advising truly believe in it.” troubled youth and their families, marriage counseling, and Inman’s trip is important to us all, drugs and cults counseling and consultations. He can be While I can’t say using up your life because unfortunately, people in the USA reached at [email protected]. • savings to find good news is a financially Rabbi Shea Hecht: are fed ten to 15 hours a week of print sound plan, I could say that if I had and electronic media that highlights to use my money on something that ll of us have a secret wish. I can’t say all the difficult things that go on in this negativity in the world. With all that would discover good in the people of it’s my only dream, but being blessed world. “Unfortunately, the image they are negativity, it’s a miracle we talk to our my country, I would think it was used withA love for people, I often fantasize portraying is there’s corruption in every neighbors at all. How are we supposed for a good cause. about traveling through this country politician and there’s criminals running to trust and love the people in our and documenting the wonderful people I everywhere,” Inman said, referring to country when they are portrayed in such Since they don’t have national sponsors meet along the way. This would not only the stories that are widely portrayed a negative light? True, good stories don’t financing their travels, Inman and satisfy my need to be with great people, by news and culture outlets. He then sell papers, but we should be watching his team often rely on the kindness of but it would also fortify a cornerstone of saddled up his horse, Blackie, and began and reading more positive news. strangers for necessities. They’ll accept my philosophy that the essence of every riding from his Oregon home to North food, shelter, money or donated feed person is good. Carolina, with the goal of documenting When Inman ticked off a list of what’s for Blackie, who eats about 20 pounds life in rural America. Inman, started been bad about the trip - temperatures of feed a day. When I saw the title of an article in June 2 and is halfway through his cross- ranging from 108 degrees to freezing, the news, “Cowboy Tours Country country adventure which he nicknamed insects, water shortages, crossing Not surprisingly, hundreds of interesting to Find Good News,” I read the piece “Uncovering America by Horseback.” mountains and desert, and riding in people have greeted Inman along the with excitement, enthusiasm, and a a lightning storm - it didn’t include way and offered various kinds of help. touch of envy. I knew this was the trip “The scenery in America is changing and people. They include a deputy sheriff who drove I would have taken had I had the time I’m really proud we’re taking a snapshot 25 miles through a rain storm to bring and money. at slow motion of this time period, The best part of Inman’s trip is the dinner to the Inmans and a woman who because 20 years from now it will be positive feeling about people he’s walked gave Bill a pair of stirrups she bought as Bill Inman, 48, of Lebanon, Oregon, different,” he said. away with from this trip. In his own a Christmas present for her grandson decided to show people that there’s words, “I haven’t run into any bad before he was killed in an automobile more to America than the dismal and His wife, Brenda, also 48, drives ahead people.” accident. depressing stories on the news. He began in a pickup and horse trailer filled with his journey after growing tired of hearing water and provisions for them, their “The diversity he has unveiled is a lot of news stories about crime and war and horse, Blackie, and their three dogs. forgotten heritage in this country. It’s a

HEALTH MATTERS

Reprinted by permission from the minute panic. Make sure to schedule a blood vessels, among other things. walking an hour at 3.7 mph. Your mood Hamodia Magazine few minutes each day to do something will improve as well. nice for yourself, whether it’s a walk with By M. Miller Symptoms a friend or a child, or time alone to read Forgive. One major study found that or daydream. hat’s So Bad About Stress? Stress can cause headaches, chest pain, people who forgave others and judged shortness of breath, back pain, teeth- others favorably showed 42 % fewer Learn to say no. As time management WIsn’t stress a normal part of mod- grinding, intestinal upsets, sweating, physical or emotional symptoms of teaches, there is only so much you can ern life? Everyone has it, right? fatigue, weight gain or loss, to name stress. do in a day. Sometimes, turning down a only a few. community project may be necessary to That might be true, but it doesn’t make Cultivate friendships. A supportive allow you to stay calm with your family stress less dangerous. Its effects are It can also cause emotional problems— social network is important, especially insidious, and you may not even recog- depression, irritability, burn-out, resent- for women. You need your friends. They nize them when they hit. The headache ment, forgetfulness and inability to might be fun, but who’d have thought that’s bothering you, the forgetfulness concentrate. staying in touch with them would keep you are concerned about, might well you healthy, too? be caused by something as “simple” as These can affect behavior, resulting in stress. overeating, crying spells, social with- Listen to music. This is the ultimate drawal, problems with relationships and mood enhancer. Listen to music that Negative Effects substance abuse. makes you smile while you do dishes, exercise or travel to work. Anything Stressful situations or events affect Self-Help Tips to Manage Stress instead of getting all stressed out because you like should do it, but if you want us in a very physical way. Faced with you overcommitted yourself. the scientific explanation, “music with stress, our bodies release adrenaline, a Think positively. Believe it or not, this adagio movements of 60 beats per hormone that puts us in “flight-or-fight” is a learned skill, and studies show that Laugh. Researchers have found that minute provokes the same kind of mode, which causes a chain reaction in optimists live longer than pessimists, laughing lowers stress hormones and brainwave activity as deep relaxation the body: increased heart rate, higher suffer less from heart disease and are activates T-cells in the blood, which helps and meditation.” blood pressure, and increased stimula- 77% less likely to die from a heart attack. you fight viruses. tion of platelets (the cells that make It definitely pays to consider the glass So turn on your tape player, judge your blood clot). half full. Exercise. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, annoying neighbor favorably, take your just regular. Scientists found gentle kids out for a walk, and share a good Constant or repeated stress mode can Manage your time. You can reduce your physical workouts to be as effective in joke. It’s good for you in more ways weaken the heart muscles and damage stress level a lot just by avoiding last- reducing stress and blood pressure as than one! November 30, 2007 ~ crOWN heights 13 Parshas Vayishlach

Since Yosef was originally carried by his name, “Yosef.” This brought him to Vedibarta Bam ~ Vayeishev Leah, a common de¬nominator shared the conclusion that the brothers really by the majority of the brothers was that hated Yosef, to the extent that they would they were his brothers from the same not even mention his name. mother. Thus, they all received their flesh By: Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky of ruling over us and we did not dream from the same source. Not wanting to accuse them openly, he this, then obviously your dream was an said “a wild animal,” alluding that his ויספר אל אביו ואל אחיו ויגער בו אביו (משך חכמה) expression of your own foolish thoughts children, who are likened to different ויאמר לו מה החלום הזה אשר חלמת and of no significance!” animals, must have killed him. He (תפוחי חיים) supported his theory by the fact that הכר נא הכתנת בנך היא אם לא ויכירה לכו ונמכרנו e related the dream to his father טרף טרף ויסף“ they tore up Yosef’s“ — ” ויאמר כתנת בני היה רעה אכלתהו and brothers; His father scolded H name]” — and did not mention Yosef’s] טרף טרף ויסף him saying, ‘What is this dream that you .name when talking about him לישמעאלים וידנו אל תהי בו כי אחינו (dreamt!?’ ” (37:10 (כלי יקר - מעינה של תורה) Recognize please if this is your son’s‘ “ בשרנו הוא QUESTION: It would have been shirt.’ He recognized it and said, ‘It is the sufficient to say, “What is this dream!?” “Come, and let us sell him to the Ishma- shirt of my son; a savage beast devoured What is the reason for the apparently elites, but let not our hand be upon him; him! Yosef has surely been torn to bits!’ ”ולא זכר שר המשקים את יוסף ”superfluous words “asher chalamta for our brother, he is our flesh.” (37:27) ” (37:32-33) וישכחהו ?”that you dreamt“ — QUESTION: What is meant by the QUESTION: How did Yaakov know an ANSWER: A story is told of a man who “The butler did not remember Yosef, and words, “he is our flesh”? animal killed Yosef and not a person? came to shul one morning and told his he forgot him.” (40:23) friend that he had dreamt that he was ANSWER: According to Gemara (Nid- ANSWER: Pharaoh wanted to destroy becoming the Rebbe of a group of chas- QUESTION: If he did not remember dah 31a), there are three partners in the the Jewish people, so he ordered the sidim. His friend said to him, “You fool! him, obviously he forgot him! Why formation of man: Through Hashem, he midwives to kill all the newborn male If the chassidim would have dreamt that the two expressions of forgetting: “velo receives a soul; through the father, the children. When he reprimanded them you were becoming their Rebbe, the zachar” and “vayishkacheihu”? bones, nails, and brain; and through the for not following his orders, they replied dream would have some meaning. But כי. ,mother, the skin and flesh. that the Jewish women are unique if it was you who dreamt and not they, ANSWER: Yosef originally asked the (The Gemara (Sotah 11b תוית הנה of what significance is it?” butler to mention him to Pharaoh. The When Leah was pregnant for the seventh explains their answer to mean that the ungrateful butler, whose life was saved time, after having already given birth Jewish people are likened to “chayot” Yaakov knew very well that Yosef’s through Yosef’s interpretation, did not to six sons, she “passed judgment on — animals — Yosef to an ox, Yehudah to dreams had profound meaning, and he return the favor to Yosef. herself: ‘If this one will be a male, then a lion, Yissachar to donkey, etc., and, in was also keenly aware of his brothers’ my sister Rachel will not even be like general, the Jewish people as a whole are jealousy and hatred towards him. In an In addition, the Torah tells us that Yosef one of the maidservants’ [who had each referred to as a lioness. Just as an animal attempt to reduce their animosity, he immediately regret¬ted asking the butler given birth to two sons]” (Rashi 30:21). does not need help in giving birth, so the said to Yosef, “Of what meaning could to do him a favor. He forgot about the Miraculously, the male she carried was Jewish mothers. this dream be, asher cha¬lamta — if you butler entirely and put all his faith in transferred to Rachel, and she gave birth were the one who dreamt? Had your Hashem. Thus, each one forgot about to the female Rachel was carrying (Nid- When the brothers asked Yaakov, “Is this brothers or I dreamt that you would the other.• dah 31b, Maharsha). your son’s shirt?” it puzzled him very rule over us, then we would be worried (בניה לעתיס דרוש ח“י) much that they did not refer to him by and concerned. However, if you dreamt Likkutei Torah Adapted into English

In what may be the most important Discourses from Rabbi Schneur Zalman J. Immanuel Schochet, for example, comprehensible to anyone. The task of development in Chassidic publishing of Liadi’s Classic Torah Or (or Likkutei original translator of part IV of the ‘drawing Chassidus down to earth’ can since the translation of the Tanya in Torah, depending on the volume), is Tanya and author of Mystical Concepts hardly be said to have been completed so the 1960s, Purity Press has announced absolutely unique, and has received in Chassidism, wrote, “[The adapted long as its important texts remain inac- that the Alter Rebbe’s classics, Torah acclaim from people all over the world discourses] are extremely user-friendly. cessible to those unable to study them Or and Likkutei Torah — considered when reviewed prior to publication. They open doors to those who wish to in the original Hebrew. The adaptation the “Oral Torah of Chassidus” (Tanya Rather than translating the discourses enter the orchard of Chassidut to benefit of Torah Or and Likkutei Torah into being the “Written Torah”) — have been word for word, necessitating extensive from its vast treasures but are unable to clear and friendly English is therefore a adapted into readily accessible English footnotes and technical material—and study the original texts. [Words of the monumental step, a major leap forward for the first time since the maamarim resulting in a work still inaccessible to Living G-d] is indeed a great contribu- in the ‘dispersal of the wellsprings they contain were originally delivered many—they have been conveyed in tion to the all-important principle of abroad.’” over 200 years ago. straightforward English as though one ‘spreading of the wellsprings.’” were reviewing them at a Shabbos table Words of the Living G-d: Selected The first volume in the six-volume series, for guests without extensive background Likewise, Rabbi Zalman Posner, transla- Discourses from Rabbi Schneur Zalman containing 12 fundamental maamarim in Chassidus. tor of parts III and IV of Tanya, as well as of Liadi’s Classic Torah Or (Volume I: (discourses) — one for each weekly Kuntres Uma’ayon and other important The Book of Genesis) is available now Torah portion in the book of Bereishis Explanations and background mate- works, wrote in his foreword that those through your favorite Jewish bookstore. — has just been released. This is to rial have been seamlessly woven into responsible for this project “have earned To view a sample chapter, or if your be followed, G-d willing, throughout the appropriate places within the text, the gratitude of those who wish to study bookstore does not yet have Words of the year with volumes on Vayikra, making the profound and inspiring the classics of Chabad. We look forward the Living G-d, Vol. I, readers can visit Bamidbar, Devarim, Shmos, and the content unusually easy for even begin- to a growing number of these.” the publisher’s website www.PurityPress. Jewish holidays. ners to understand. At the same time, of com. For more information or for bulk course, the material itself remains true And Rabbi Y. H. Greenberg, translator orders—or to inquire about available In honor of Yud Tes Kislev, the “Rosh to the original discourses, and provides of On the Essence of Chassidus, noted dedication opportunities—please email HaShanah of Chassidus,” the publisher a faithful rendition even for those with in his introduction that: “In Torah Or [email protected] has prepared a maamar in English about more background who are studying them and Likkutei Torah one can find some the supremacy of good over evil. in English. of the most fundamental principles and concepts in Jewish mysticism—indeed, The style of this groundbreaking work, The forthcoming books have been some of the most profound secrets of titled Words of the Living G-d: Selected enthusiastically endorsed by some of the the Torah—laid out for the first time giants of Chassidic translation. Rabbi in Jewish history in a manner readily 14 CROWN HEIGHTS ~ November 30, 2007 Shiduchim

were three branches with many clusters he placed the cup on Pharaoh’s palm. Vedibarta Bam ~ Marriage of grapes. I dreamed that Pharaoh’s This is a dream that is characterized by cup was in my hand. I took the grapes action. A dream replete with action is a and squeezed them into the cup. Then I dream that spells life. However, in the put the cup of wine in Pharaoh’s palm.” baker’s dream there wasn’t any activity. To dream is perfectly normal. But the Yosef interpreted the dream as follows: He did not dream about baking the cakes Vayeishev question is why do some dreamers “The three branches are three days. After or placing the baskets on his head, nor realize their goals while others fail? three days Pharaoh will reinstate you to did he do anything to chase the birds By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky your position. Once again, you will place away. A dream which is not backed up The key to being a successful dreamer Pharaoh’s cup in his hand.” by action spells death and is doomed n the Torah portions around this time may be found by carefully analyzing to failure. of the year we read quite a bit about the story of the butler and baker. When the baker heard the wonderful dreams.I Yaakov dreamt of a ladder which interpretation of the butler’s dream, he The message that comes forth from this stood on the ground and reached heaven. The Torah tells us that while Yosef was decided to tell his own dream to Yosef. week’s Torah portion is a very simple and Yosef dreamt of the moon and the stars in prison, two other prisoners were also He related that he had seen three baskets pertinent one. There are many people bowing to him. Pharaoh dreamt of fat with him — the baker and butler of upon his head. In the upper basket were who dream. One dreams he would like and lean cows, and while incarcerated, Pharaoh the King of Egypt. They were all kinds of baked goods and birds ate to be a millionaire, another dreams of the butler and baker dreamt of their imprisoned because of sins committed out of the basket. When Yosef heard this being a successful lawyer or doctor, and future. ❝ dream he told him that “the three baskets a young yeshiva boy dreams of being a The key to being a are symbolic of three days. In three days great Talmid Chacham — Torah scholar successful dreamer may Pharaoh will hang you and birds will eat — etc. But, from all these dreams come be found by carefully your flesh.” nothing unless the one who dreamt of riches gets involved in a business and analyzing the story of the Isn’t it amazing that two people had works hard. The one who dreamt of butler and baker. ❞ similar dreams, each dreaming about being a lawyer or doctor goes on to law his occupation, and yet Yosef interpreted or medical school and is immersed in his one dream in a completely opposite way studies, and the one who dreamt of being against Pharaoh. One night, these two from the other. How is this possible? a Talmid Chacham dedicates himself to men each had a dream. Each one, of Why did he choose to decipher one to diligent and assiduous Toray study. course, dreamed about his own line mean life and the other to mean death? of business. The butler dreamed about A Chatan and Kallah dream of building wine, and the baker dreamed about an ideal Jewish home. Their hope is to In addition to all these dreams which baked goods. In the morning, when ❝A dream replete with raise a family which will be a source of took place yesteryear, we now stand Joseph came into the prison cell, he saw Yiddish and Chassidish nachas — O under the Chuppah with two more that something was troubling them. action is a dream that what beautiful dreams! However, you dreamers — you our dear Chatan and After he inquired, they related that spells life. ❞ cannot expect something to come from Kallah. During your courting period you they dreamt but they did not know how nothing. The realization of your dreams shared with each other dreams for your to decipher their dreams. Yosef asked requires concerted and dedicated effort future life together. And, undoubtedly, them to tell him their dreams and he If you will look closely at the story you by the two of you.• tonight you are praying for the fulfill- would see if he could help them. will see there was a marked difference ment and realization of your dreams between the two dreams. The butler and aspirations. First the butler spoke. “In my dream dreamed that he took the grapes and I saw a grapevine. On the grapevine squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and

Finding A Needle in a Haystack

By: Sarah Junik social skills to be with his future wife. makes us look well groomed without know who you are. They only relate to expending too much effort. you by the way you present yourself. Continued from last week: How to be a mench and how to have Presentation is nine-tenths of percep- t is common in every community that basic manners (I do not mean opening We do not need to change our lifestyle tion. It may not be fair, but it is true. You the girls stay at home longer, at least doors), is also part of preparing our sons (and we shouldn’t because that is not cannot control who will be asked for untilI seminary, and the boys generally for the Chuppa. Yes, we will push them who we are), but we need to be aware of references about you. Even if you give leave while still quite young to go to to learn, to daven with Kavona, to go how others will look at us and be sure a list of names, people may have their Yeshiva. It is important that we teach on mivtzoim. Me must also instill them to always present a pleasant and neat own resources and contacts you would our boys some social skills before they with enough social skills to be socially appearance. not expect. Maybe those contacts might leave the house. For some boys, these adept. see you in a different light than the one will be natural skills that are part of their We all take care of our husband’s clothes your friends see you. personality. They can charm all kind of Preparations II as a matter of course. Let us now take a people effortlessly. Great!B ut what about good careful look and make sure that Another thing we should never overlook, We are all familiar with the drill: once other boys for whom social skills do not that button is sewn on right away, his and not just at this time, is our tznius. our S/D (son/daughter) reaches a certain come as easy? Do not think your son will shirt and pants look ironed, his sirtuk Always make sure we and our families age, we try to make sure their wardrobe get by without them. (kappote) is not torn, and so on. Yes, are dressed according to halacha. We the is commensurate with the “Kallah they are little things, but they may make women are the builders of our homes maidel”/“Chosson Bochur” ideal. It does not matter if he intends to spend an impression on someone looking at - “Isha Kesheira Bunsa Beisa” - and our his life in Kollel, on shlichus, teaching, Do we realize that our own appearance your family. After all you want to portray families follow our example.• as a sofer, or even in business. In any will be under scrutiny as well? yourself in the best light. A Needle in a Haystack is a book of advice situation, social skills are very necessary, for parents starting to look at shidduchim. especially as a shliach bringing people It is now time to take a hard look at There will always be those who will say: It was written on the occasion of Mrs Junik’s closer to Yiddishkeit or fundraising for ourselves and maybe invest in that new “It is not my problem what people may daughter’s wedding. your Chabad House. shaitel or outfit we have been postpon- think!” In this respect, they are wrong. ing. Add that accessory to our wardrobe Any constructive comment is welcomed by Even a teacher has to know how to deal to give it flair. We need not incur great At this time, you are selling an image, a the editor. with parents and other staff. A sofer has expense to do this. Sometimes all we put-together, normal family who anyone to deal with customers or distributors Write to CHP5768 @gmail. need to remember is to put on a drop would love to belong to. People don’t etc. Most importantly, any man needs com or directly to the author at of lipstick before leaving the house. It November 30, 2007 ~ crOWN heights 15

Chassidic Artist Keeps it Lyrical and Spiritual

By Sara Trappler-Spielman Lubavitch enclave east of Prospect Park Muchnik took stop at the gallery. Muchnik officially the other two ichoel Muchnik’s new gallery in requires appointments, but keeps his with him, but the ground floor of hisB rooklyn, doors open for all. as he started for N.Y.,M home resembles the interior of one the exit once of the Jerusalem stone houses from one Muchnik, who grew up in Pennsylvania more, the Rebbe of his many colorful landscape paint- and embraced Chassidic life at age called him back ings. While the walls are at first close 20, has been painting since teenage. and asked if the together, you descend a few stone steps At 18, he attended the Rhode Island drawing was an and around a circular shape carved into School of Design and then went on to original. Much- the floor before entering the main gallery. the Rabbinical College of America, a nik confirmed Its rooms are small and intimate; the Chabad-Lubavitch yeshiva in Morris- that it was, and paintings compete for your attention. town, N.J., to immerse himself in Jewish the Rebbe said, studies. While there, he followed the “I can’t take an Michoel Muchnik, a Lubavitch Chassid and artist, adds some color to one of instructions of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, original. If you his paintings Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, make a print of righteous memory, to not interrupt of it, send me Museum of Art – just blocks away from his learning schedule by painting. He a copy.” the Rebbe’s office – in 1977, the Rebbe nevertheless managed to find time after told a group of French Lubavitchers who classes to pursue his craft. When he began making printed editions had just arrived in Crown Heights to of his work at the Rebbe’s suggestion, attend the exhibit. Life as Art Muchnik sent one as a gift to theR ebbe. You can’t help but wonder where Much- The Rebbe, though, suggested some Over the years, Muchnik would notify nik draws inspiration for his paintings, changes to a few of the details. Following the Rebbe about his exhibits, and when not only on a concrete, imagery level, that exchange, Muchnik continued to the artist would travel internationally, but on a spiritual level as well. Such send his art to the Rebbe for comments the Rebbe would sometimes give him imagination must have its roots from a before printing. money in that country’s currency to give deep source. to charity on his behalf. Today, the artist says that he noticed that Muchnik’s work from the 1970s was Although humble about it and not quick many of the Rebbe’s insights regarding Muchnik’s new “mosaic” style of art combines more “whimsical and playful,” he says. to elaborate on his story, Muchnik relates his art reflected elements of his own life his painting with applications of tile pieces that It had a childlike quality to it.” that the Rebbe played a big role in per- that required rearranging. he personally creates fecting his art, and soul for that matter, Later on, the work took on a more poetic, during his early days as a Lubavitcher “The picture was a reflection of myself,” The walls offer alluring and bright lyrical tone. More recently, he’s been Chassid living in Crown Heights in the explains Muchnik. “I later realized the images of Jewish life in general and of developing bas-reliefs, including the 1970s. Rebbe was suggesting changing things Chassidic life in particular; some of the grand piece gracing the entrance wall of my neshamah, or soul, picture, not available space is adorned with antique at the Jewish Children’s Museum in During his first yechidus, or private audi- just artistic corrections.” jewelry, mosaics and enchanted objects Crown Heights. ence with the Rebbe at Lubavitch World that Muchnik has collected and then Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway, In one painting, the Rebbe instructed reinvented in his art. The new gallery now offers Muchnik a Muchnik brought three samples of his Muchnik to place an image representing chance to share his work with the com- art, which he says he absentmindedly left gemilas chasodim, or good deeds, on the The artist hopes that his gallery, which munity and visitors instead of traveling on the Rebbe’s desk upon his exit. right; an image of prayer, representing opened just after the Hebrew month all over the world. Today, he focuses on avodah, or divine service, on the left; and of Tishrei at 1406 Carroll Street in larger projects, such as mural pieces for The Rebbe called him back and asked, matters reflecting Torah in the middle. Brooklyn’s Crown Heights section, Chabad centers, women’s mikvahs and “Are these for me?” remembers Muchnik, Kabbalah and Chassidic thought teach- will be a place not only for admirers to people’s homes. who answered, “If you would like.” ers that these are the proper placement purchase his art, but where “people can of such traits, with Torah in the center come and enjoy the atmosphere.” Chassidic teachings play into the creative The Rebbe examined them carefully of one’s life. process; Muchnik is often inspired by a and pointed to a small colored drawing “It can be a quiet escape from the harried particular idea or parable that he explores of a small synagogue in a Russian shtetl, Muchnik thought it “profound that these lifestyle of the city,” says Muchnik. artistically. Objects in his paintings play saying, “I will keep this one.” symbols should be in the right place,” a key role, taking on a life of their own. event in art, he says. Many tour groups visiting the Chabad- Muchnik plays extensively with the Chassidic idea of bringing G‑dliness In another instance, the Rebbe told into the physical world. Muchnik to add more depictions of Shab- bos candles in a painting that featured “Through objects, there’s the use of many women. parable,” he explains. In the Eyes of the Beholder His painting of a jug with the Tomb of Rachel inside of it, for example, symbol- After printing each painting, Muchnik izes the Land of Israel as a vessel for would put aside every 18th print – rep- blessings. resenting chai, the Hebrew word for life, which has a numerical value of 18 – for The art is “not too abstract,” he says, “but the Rebbe, a practice he continues even it has an air of mystery to it.” after theR ebbe’s 1994 passing by sending them to the Rebbe’s library. Often a work will “mean different things to different people,” he continues. “When For his part, the Rebbe showed a lot of people are drawn to art, it makes their interest early on in Muchnik’s work. soul stir. By giving them something they Muchnik’s art is all in the details. One can find many different elements of the Pesach seder as well as When Muchnik displayed some pieces haven’t yet seen in Judaism, it’s a window symbols pertaining to other Jewish holidays as part of a group show at the Brooklyn into a new aspect of Judaism.”• 16 CROWN HEIGHTS ~ November 30, 2007 Chanukah

Events Tuesday, December 4, 2007 Light After 4:29PM Every Day: TuesDay, December 4: TuesDay, December 11: Manhattan: Brooklyn: Brooklyn: Menorah Lighting at Dag Plaza Special Official Lighting Chanukah Party & Official First Avenue at East 47th Street Ceremony 5:00 PM Menorah Lighting 5:00 PM Wednesday, With Mr. Marty Markowitz, Menorah lighting followed by December 6, 2007 Brooklyn: Light After 4:28PM President of the Borough of Brook- Chanukah party: Delicious Chinese Menorah Lighting at lyn, followed by a performance by buffet, hand-made latkes, doughnuts, Grand Army Plaza Tue-Thu5:00PM Yossi Goldstein’s World Renowned children’s face painting, jazz band, (Fri 2:00 PM) (M. Shabbos 6:00PM) Children’s Choir. Chanukah broadway show. Cost: Live band, delicious reats, prizes for Also, delicious treats and prizes for $18 per person; $36 per family. Thursday, kids. kids. December 6, 2007 Light After 4:28PM Manhattan: Fire & Ice Chanukah 4:00 PM sunDay: sunDay: Featuring the Sculpting & Lighting of Manhattan: Brooklyn: Midtown Manhattan’s Ice Menorah! Friday, Ride the Chanukah Ride- a musically Chanukah Wonderland 12:30 PM Followed by a Chanukah Party & December 7, 2007 narrated horse-drawn journey back in Fun for the entire family. Celebration. Light Before 4:10PM time, into the heart of the Chanukah Petting Zoo: Llama’s, Sheep & Goats, Sculpting of Menorah 4:00-6:00 p.m. story! Music, treats and surprises at every Ducks, Chickens & Rabbits, Pony Ice Menorah Lighting at 6:00 p.m. corner! An only-in-New-York Chanukah Rides, Gigantic Moonwalk, Magic Followed by Party Celebration experience for the whole famile! $10 per Clowns & Dreidel Man, Chanukah Party Admission $15 Motzei Shabbos, seat, ride leaves every 12 minutes from Crafts & Carnival Booths Event Location: Chabad Lubavitch of December 8, 2007 3-5 pm at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza For more info call 718-724-4316 or Midtown Manhattan Light After 4:28PM 718-946-9833 Chanukah Celebration of Light! 4:00 www.ProjectNeshama.com PM Free event for families and all ages at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (First Event Location: Seabreeze Jewish Center 11 Seabreeze Ave Brooklyn, Sunday, avenue and 47th Street, across the UN). December 9, 2007 Fire juggling show, live music, and the Outdoor Menorah Lighting 5:30 PM Light After 4:28PM Spectacular Chanukah Ride- a musically *Live Music *Chassidic Dancing narrated horse-drawn journey back in *Douhgnuts time, into the heart of the Chanukah For more information call us story! Grand Menorah lighting,Hot at 718-368-1395 Monday, chocolate, donuts, Chanukah treats and Event Location: at the Holocaust Me- December 10, 2007 fun for everyone. Light After 4:28PM morial Park Corner West End Ave & Shore Blvd Brooklyn

Tuesday December 11, 2007 Light After 4:28PM

Our Bubbies and Zeides

e would like to hear the stories of that the Baal Shem Tov said “Ein mol the family did not listen to his appeals. in bed when the new shift made the your Bubbies and Zeides so we mikveh vet nit shatten” – Going into Reb Naftoli stopped arguing and ask- rounds.” W the mikveh once will not injure any- may all be inspired by their actions and ing. Everyone thought the issue had Like everything else Rabbi Junik did, Mesirus Nefesh. one. which meant that the Baal Shem been settled. Tov took it upon his own responsibil- he did not pursue a futile course, he Please submit your stories two weeks ity that no one would receive harm Just before he passed away, Rabbi did it his way. before the date of the Yahrzeit and we from going to the mikve for one tvila Naftoli Junik told his granddaughter When there is a will there is a way. will be happy to print them for all to (immersion). Nechamah Itkin: “What do you think, learn from. just because I saw arguing did not help, Die Neshama zol hoben an aliya. At first when he was in the hospital, I did not go to the mikveh? Of course I Reb Naftoli, asked his children and went! The nursing staff changes shifts grandchildren who came to visit, to at five A.M., so at four A.M. while they he fifth night of Chanukah is the take him to the mikveh. They all re- Yahrzeit of Reb Naftoli Junik zt”l were busy with paperwork and similar T fused because it would harm him. The duties, I would go out and go to the Here is a short story about him. doctors had categorically refused so mikveh. I would make sure to be back HaRav Naftoli Junik was mehader (careful) to go to mikveh every day even with his heart condition, which made it dangerous. He would say, The Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights and the CHJCC Everyone A Freilachen, Lichtigen Chanukah!