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SHLUCHIM GOING HOME 4 Shlichus | Menachem Ziegelboim

THE REBBE’S RECOVERY AND 14 ITS SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE Rosh Chodesh Kislev | Yitzchok Wagshul

THE SHLUCHIM ARRIVE AT 770 20 Shlichus | Yaakov Shmuelevitz

THE BATTLE CONTINUES 24 Feature | Avrohom Ber

TISHREI IN YEHUDA AND SHOMRON USA 31 (AND PRAGUE) 744 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 Perspective | Aliza Karp Tel: (718) 778-8000 Fax: (718) 778-0800 [email protected] THE MARRIAGE OF THE AVOS AND THE www.beismoshiach.org 35 KINUS HA’SHLUCHIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Thought | Rabbi Yosef Karasik M.M. Hendel ENGLISH EDITOR: BEARING FRUIT IN KARMEI TZUR Boruch Merkur 38 Shlichus | Nosson Avrohom HEBREW EDITOR: Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan [email protected]

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shlichus

R’ Nechemia Schmerling is one of the most interesting SHLUCHIM among the Israeli shluchim. His “kingdom” is relatively modest in Kfar Yona, between Netanya and Tul Karem, a quiet place out of the public GOING HOME eye, but the size of the place is not a reflection on the shliach who works there. Shortly before boarding By Menachem Ziegelboim his plane, I schmoozed with R’ Schmerling about shlichus and shluchim. Despite the late We caught Rabbi Nechemia Schmerling hour he was in fine form. He never flinched at the tough as he was about to board the plane for questions I posed, though he occasionally paused to think his trip to the Kinus HaShluchim. The things through before shliach in Kfar Yona granted us a responding. Perhaps this interview can serve as a fascinating interview about shlichus, catalyst for discussion about hot topics pertaining to the challenges shluchim face, and the communities and life on shlichus, in Eretz Yisroel shluchim’s perspective of Anash in and the world at large. Chabad communities.

You’re in the final stages of important for you to go every year?” year the global network meets to preparations for the trip to the I told him, “Just as you travel to discuss various topics and resolve Kinus HaShluchim. all sorts of exhibits and conventions issues etc. As a shliach, I try to juggle all of in your field, I also travel to the Furthermore, the Kinus my many obligations. Time annual gathering of those in my HaShluchim is something very dear constraints are a big problem for me. profession, namely the shluchim, to the Rebbe and in years past, the I teach every morning in the public where we meet, work out issues and Rebbe even paid some of the cost of school system and that ties me share information with one another.” the tickets. The Rebbe wants the down. I have a weddings for I told him that every month I get shluchim near him. If the mekuravim scheduled both phone calls from my fellow shluchim commander calls for his soldiers, if a immediately before the trip and right around the world in which we father calls for his children, what’s when I get back so the timing is inform each other of the progress of the question? You have to show up! critical. I don’t have the luxury of a Jews who came from those locations What does a shliach get out of vacation. to Kfar Yona or the other way the Kinus HaShluchim beyond What does the trip to the Kinus round, and we try not to lose whatever he learns at the HaShluchim do for you? anybody and to keep in touch with workshops and connecting with I recently sat with the chief them. To illustrate, I recently other shluchim? accountant at one of the big received a phone call from the It’s hard to explain. Even if you companies here in Israel and when I shliach in Peru, Rabbi Blumenfeld, travel to the Rebbe several other mentioned my upcoming trip he about a certain person. Then I got a times during the year, this is the trip said, “I hold a senior position here call from a shliach in Toronto about that you long for. You think about it and the world is mine and yet it has someone from his city who had long before it happens and prepare been ten years since I’ve been in the come to Kfar Yona and he asked me for it even before Tishrei. As it United States. Why is it so to keep in touch with him. So once a approaches you get excited. It’s not

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that you anticipate any surprises. A at a spoke about You know the schedule ahead of time and as the years go by you salmon that swim from place to place, don’t necessarily attend every workshop – as wonderfully until one day they instinctively begin organized as the program is. What really draws us? I don’t know. You swimming towards a particular feel like you’ve returned home. A mashpia at a farbrengen spoke destination. They exhaust themselves about salmon that swim from place fighting against the current, they leap to place, until one day they instinctively begin swimming over waterfalls and escape from the nets towards a particular destination. They exhaust themselves fighting of fishermen until they finally end up in against the current, they leap over waterfalls and escape from the nets a quiet area somewhere in the of fishermen until they finally end up in a quiet area somewhere in the mountains, where they lay eggs and bring mountains, where they lay eggs and forth a new generation… That’s 770. bring forth a new generation… That’s 770. born and they feel an inner urge to within the four cubits of the Rebbe. What motivates them to swim return to their source. Each of us have the big moments we against the current the entire way? Each of us was “born” in 770, were zocheh to, whether before or Apparently this is where they were

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concerns aside. Be with the Rebbe. You’ve come to 770 and yet you remain True, all of us go with a hole in immersed in the material concerns you our pocket and we return to our place of shlichus with the same have all year?! In order to return home, worries and problems, but things work out eventually. You see it you need to disengage from everything happen. Every shliach is a witness to and be home. 770 is home! big miracles in his work. THE GIFT after 3 Tamuz, the moments that they said to the Rebbe, “Those who shaped us into who we are. And that did not have the merit to come, A SHLIACH BRINGS is where we yearn to return. It’s our should have the merit to come,” the Is there a difference between a source. There is no rational Rebbe replied, “One who did have shliach who goes to the Rebbe and explanation for this attraction but the merit to come, should merit to a Chassid who goes to the Rebbe? when you get there, you suddenly come …” I came across a sicha of the feel removed from the rest of the One thing that I find grating is Rebbe in which he describes a world, like someone who has come when I walk in to the Kinus and see Chassidishe balabus who is worn out to his rightful place. shluchim exchanging addresses for all the days of the week because of I remember the first time I went fundraising purposes. You’ve come his involvement in the mundane to 770. It was a Shabbos morning, to 770 and yet you remain immersed world of work. Comes Shabbos and Parshas Nitzavim-VaYeilech in the material concerns you have all you want to rest, but the opposite 5742/1982. I walked in at seven in year?! In order to return home, you happens. The weariness and the morning and learned Chassidus need to disengage from everything tiredness is what the entire Shabbos and then davened Shacharis and and be home. 770 is home! A shliach is about. The Shabbos isn’t a Musaf. Then I found myself a spot needs to show up at 770 early in the Shabbos and the davening isn’t a for the farbrengen. This was morning and sit and learn Chassidus davening and five minutes after the followed by Mincha. I left 770 a few before davening – something he isn’t davening is over he has already minutes before sunset and ran to eat necessarily able to do while on disappeared. something. This was the first time I shlichus on a daily basis – and Then the Rebbe says, a was leaving 770 after an entire Shacharis needs to be a Shacharis! If Chassidishe balabus who acts this Shabbos and suddenly, what do you he’s attending the Kinus program, way is the utter opposite of what the know … There are streets and cars wonderful; if he has some free time, congregation expects of him. Since and traffic lights. When I was in 770 he should be spending it in 770. he is busy all week, they expect to all day I completely forgot all about Before leaving for Eretz Yisroel see a “Chassidishe balabus” on the outside world. you may have to go to some stores Shabbos who knows, after all he has This feeling recurs. When you go to buy treats for the kids; you may been through throughout the week, to 770 you are removed from need to visit some people and renew to value his time, value Shabbos, and everything else and arrive at the some ties from the past; you may value t’filla. source. have to set aside time to take care of A shliach who goes to the Rebbe errands, but your primary wish arrives exhausted. The worries he ARRIVING AT 770, should be to remain in 770. We need has to contend with all year deplete his energies. In 770 there are NOT FOR FUNDRAISING to make commitments regarding learning, Nigleh and Chassidus, to balabatim who expect to see a You speak about 770 – the simply sit and learn; to be there in shliach in all his Chassidic glory. source for going out on shlichus – order to replenish our spiritual They say “shalom aleichem” and as lifting the shliach above the supplies. Those who come and are expect to see something different, physical world. Then he has to busy with other things, well, I don’t more elevated. The shliach needs to return to his city, not to a Chabad understand what they’re taking be a role model even when he is community but to places where home with them. among his fellow Chassidim who did sometimes there isn’t a Chabad Every shliach needs a few days a not merit to go out on shlichus. minyan (or any minyan). How do year to disengage. When you go to Furthermore, every shliach who you do it? the Kinus HaShluchim, you are goes to 770 has spent the previous They say that one time, when going to the Rebbe, so set material two or three weeks telling people he

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is going to 770 and convincing people to write to the Rebbe. He goes to 770 loaded with neshamos that he will connect to the Rebbe. When he stands there in 770 with all those letters he’s not there just for himself; he didn’t come to speak about himself or his family, but on behalf of a large crowd of people who pinned their hopes on him. They sent their “nefesh, ruach, neshama” to connect with the Rebbe. In a sense he is there to report? Much more than that! The shliach is saying: “Rebbe, you sent me, I went, and now I am bringing you my bikkurim.” In 770 I was friendly with someone named Ed “the Coach.” We would sit and talk. He learned a bit about Judaism and was familiar with the idea of the Mikdash and the Kohen Gadol. He decided to bring the Rebbe bikkurim. He told me that he grew big zucchinis in his backyard. When the time came, he looked for the biggest, nicest one to bring to the Rebbe. He picked it and took it into his house. It was a real whopper. He put it on the table in the kitchen, excited about bringing it to the Rebbe. His family members weren’t too happy with his connection to the Rebbe and someone ruined the vegetable. He was so broken by this; all the work he had put into it. He Since he is busy all week, they expect to went back out to the yard to look for another zucchini and found one that see a “Chassidishe balabus” on Shabbos was even nicer and bigger. He was who knows, after all he has been thrilled. It’s the same idea. The Rebbe through throughout the week, to value puts a lot into us shluchim. All year he provides for us. You write to the his time, value Shabbos, and value Rebbe and open to amazing answers. You see constant miracles. t’filla. The Kinus HaShluchim is a time to return to the Rebbe because the bikkurim that you bring him. One year I brought along some guys whole point of the Kinus is to give I have a brother-in-law in Crown from Kfar Yona with sirtuks and the Rebbe nachas and to present the Heights who wants me to have at hats, Lubavitchers in every way. Rebbe with your true least one meal with him during the He asked where they were on accomplishments, with all the Kinus and he always urges me to shlichus and I said they were Anash bring along some other shluchim. from Kfar Yona. What?! So many

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Poilisher. You’re telling me that just like there were shtiblach and shtetlach full of Jews in Poland, you have that too. Great, so you have a nice parnasa and some position of authority.” There are shluchim who go somewhere, get together some balabatim and start a k’hilla, fight with two of them and hug the three who support them. Terrific. If someone approaches shlichus that way, he has a serious problem. I remember that I wrote “Yechi” in an ad and some Lubavitchers asked me why I needed to write that. I told them that it was more necessary for myself than for others. As long as I identify with it and feel it, and it appears on my ads and I’m not embarrassed by it, that’s a sign that something is still burning. There was a Kinus HaShluchim in Eretz Yisroel right after . Of course people were tumelling about what we should do next, how to carry on. It was decided that each shliach would do I write “Yechi” in my ads more for as he saw fit for the outside but within Lubavitcher communities the myself than for others. As long as I same, uncompromising, unchanging message that the Rebbe is Moshiach identify with it and feel it, and it would be promoted. That was the hachlata of that Kinus and as far as I appears on my ads and I’m not know, it hasn’t changed since then. What we see, though, is that embarrassed by it, that’s a sign that many k’hillos, as well as many something is still burning. shluchim, ignore that hachlata we made. When you start putting on the brakes internally, that’s a problem. sirtuks in Kfar Yona? Yes, they are it’s not justified – that many True, over time the novelty fades, the gift we shluchim bring to the shluchim are operating out of a but as long as you live with the idea Rebbe. sense of inertia. They are working, and stick to it, then even if you want being mekarev people, but not to take a break from the messages, really progressing. NO WEAKENING IN THE the people around you won’t let you. At one of the recent Kinus WORK OF SHLICHUS If you live Moshiach and talk HaShluchim I walked into the hall in about Moshiach all the time, then I want to discuss shlichus with and saw an American the people around you won’t let you you. There were years, like at the bachur who had spent time in Kfar slide even when you feel weak and beginning of the 90’s, when there Yona. I said hello and asked him tired. was “on fire” for shlichus. There what he was up to these days. He Once a week I have a shiur at was an enthusiasm generated by said, “I have a k’hilla. I have five o’clock in the afternoon. I often the Rebbe’s new sichos. Today balabatim.” show up very tired but I have to some get the feeling – and maybe I told him, “You’re talking like a walk in like someone who waited for

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this all week. But sometimes when you are just too exhausted to fake it, If you live Moshiach and talk about the businessman who is waiting for Moshiach all the time, then the people you in order to get chizuk, inspires you with his enthusiasm. He tells around you won’t let you slide even you again and again, “Moshiach has to come!” and “the main thing is when you feel weak and tired. that Moshiach should come,” and even if you were tired you can’t – a very demanding schedule, 2) I showed up. When people returned remain apathetic. think it helps my image at the yishuv from the Rebbe in Tishrei, there was Isn’t the tiredness that I’m in uniform, 3) Whenever I no debate whether the post-Tishrei understandable? There aren’t new meet guys from Reserves they ask gathering would be here or there sichos to get us excited and you why I don’t show up. They miss me since we all sat together. don’t necessarily feel that someone and say that it’s not the same since I Today – whatever the reason may is demanding an accounting … bring them a lot of Yiddishkait. be – reality is such that we don’t get (Agitated) Of course you have to I put the letter into the Igros all of Anash together in one place. give an accounting. The Rebbe Kodesh and the three letters that No wonder there is a feeling of demands a very precise accounting. appeared on the two pages dealt laxity. It’s hard to mobilize all of I had an argument with a shliach with chinuch, Talmud Torah, and Anash for anything. in Kfar Yona. During Tishrei some “How come you think you have to The shluchim spoke about questions came up and we had to leave the young children without making some regional kinusim so ask the Rebbe what to do. I told him chinuch.” It was obvious that the that all Chabad Chassidim would that I don’t write to the Rebbe in Rebbe decided I shouldn’t have a gather together to experience the Tishrei because as far as I’m break and that I should remain on feeling of being part of an “elite concerned, the Rebbe is chai shlichus. I don’t have the strength? combat unit.” Unfortunately, this v’kayam as before and the Rebbe The Rebbe says there’s strength! hasn’t happened. asked us not to write in Tishrei. His There was a problem, though, I don’t think you find a laxity response was that now we have since I had told the Reserves that I among the [Israeli] shluchim. They other means to write to the Rebbe would be coming and now the work very hard and handle many (Igros Kodesh) and so it’s a Rebbe was saying not to go. This problems and they keep on going different story. could make a chilul Hashem. And despite the hardships. The tiredness After Tishrei I wrote to the how was I going to get out of it you referred to in your question Rebbe about some timely issues. The anyway? I realized that my plans pertains to Anash. letter that I opened to in the Igros were “taavos” and the Rebbe wanted Maybe the time has come to Kodesh began, “After a very long something else. The question was send shluchim to Chabad break your letter was received.” how to get out of it. communities. That’s when I realized that you are A few days later I got a phone Definitely. I want to tell you supposed to write to the Rebbe and I call. “I am calling from Army something. In our k’hilla we have resolved to write to the Rebbe much Communications. Your order is someone who became frum with more. cancelled.” If the Rebbe decides that mesirus nefesh. He went through The Rebbe doesn’t just require a you don’t need to be there, then you very tough challenges and overcame din v’cheshbon; he’s running don’t need to be there. them. Today he is a full-fledged everything. I’ll give you an example. As for your question – I Chassid. One Shabbos he had to be I haven’t done Army Reserve duty in discussed just that with a few in a different city and all week he a few years. Then I got an order for shluchim at a Kinus HaShluchim a was busy worrying about how he Reserves for the week after the few years ago. Not about the would get to the Chabad shul in that Kinus HaShluchim. To tell you the shluchim, because most of them are city because it was quite a distance truth, I really wanted to go on hard-working, but we were talking away. After Shabbos he came home Reserve duty. I wrote to the Rebbe about the laxity among Anash. Anash and told me, “I managed to make it about it and explained myself with have stopped getting together, much to the Chabad minyan. I sat down three reasons: 1) I want a break. In to our dismay. Before 3 Tammuz, with some of the guys and by the the morning I teach and in the when the Rebbe said to make a end of the davening I had mastered afternoon I’m with the k’hilla and in Siyum HaRambam, everybody all the secrets of the stock the evening I’m at the

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exchange.” the book, but to R’ Hecht it was early years (I think 5713), the Rebbe important that the first page with the talks about the idea of an army TO CONSTANTLY sicha say, “Message from the which has three components: REMEMBER THAT WE Lubavitcher Rebbe.” It was out of kabbalas ol, time, and form. We all the question for him to distribute a remember the concept of kabbalas ARE SHLUCHIM OF THE book at his dinner that didn’t say ol. As for the concepts of time and MESHALEIACH that. form - if you can keep them, you are What is the core issue that A shliach has to know that a soldier; and if not, you take pride shluchim have to deal with today? whatever he says and does, people in it for nothing. To constantly remember that they know that he is conveying the Last summer a boy from Kfar are shluchim of the meshaleiach. message of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Yona married a girl from the Every successful shliach has big Doesn’t that make for a very Shomron and he asked me to be the temptations. When you are stressful life? officiating rabbi at the wedding. He acquainted with people and Yes, but so what? It requires that said that the rav of his mechutanim’s organizations you can be lured by all we be constantly alert and ready for k’hilla would also be attending. sorts of deals and all kinds of honor action. It’s our battlefield and like a The day of the wedding he called and awards, appointments as a soldier on the front, we have to be to remind me to be there. I arrived council member or religious council, constantly vigilant. on time and began running the etc. You can construct all sorts of show. As often happens, they wanted The question a shliach has to ask plans based on the facts at hand and to daven Mincha, which threw himself is this: Are you getting then suddenly the Rebbe comes and everything off schedule, but I involved because you are a shliach of turns things upside down and you exerted no small effort to urge them the Rebbe? If there is any other have to change your line of thought. to do everything on time. The reason, however trivial, you should A person could be insulted by you or chuppa did indeed take place before stay away. someone might want attention and sunset as it was supposed to. I remember how at the beginning you have to be there for them. Afterwards, the rav asked me, “Are of my year on K’vutza a few of us There’s no end to it. You can get up you a Chabadnik?” When I said yes, bachurim were sitting in 770 and in the morning and think all is in he told me, “This is the first time talking. It was the middle of the order and then things turn topsy- that I’m meeting a Chabadnik who night and it was dark in the big zal turvy – there’s a funeral, some sticks to the timetable.” when someone walked in and accident happens or an incident that All the peculiar ideas that you offered a paying job to whoever demands a change in your entire hear from so many people about wanted it. We agreed, of course. He schedule. Things are always “Chabad time” are awful. If took us to the office of Rabbi JJ happening and you have to deal with someone wants to build his shlichus Hecht on Eastern Parkway. them. that way, he should consult with the R’ Hecht was making a dinner meshaleiach. When the Rebbe talks the following night for his mosdos. LIKE BEING IN about the concept of an army he is In honor of the dinner he had THE ARMY NOT ON also referring to the discipline of printed a journal with an embossed being on time and sticking to a silver binding that had the names of “CHABAD TIME” schedule. all the donors. It was a very Can anyone be a shliach? The Chassid, R’ Itche Masmid expensive book. On the first page Every Chassid, whose neshama H”yd was an extraordinary person was a sicha of the Rebbe but for the Rebbe chose to be a Chabad but whenever he sat down to some reason they had forgotten to Chassid can, in principle, be a farbreng with R’ Zalman Moshe write that it was a sicha of the shliach. However, just as in the army HaYitzchaki, a sharp-tongued Rebbe. there are very clear rules about how Chassid, R’ Zalman Moshe would R’ Hecht had rubber stamps a soldier earns the title of soldier; lace into him and say that all his made and we sat there the rest of the the same is true for a shliach. A avoda was nothing but yeshus etc. night stamping the books with the person who goes to war without The Chassidim knew that each time missing information. It didn’t always training; someone who goes to fight the two of them farbrenged, it would come out perfectly straight and the with someone else’s uniform – he be lively. blue ink of the stamp didn’t look might look like a soldier but he One time, R’ Itche went to a city very nice against the black print of won’t be successful. on a mission of the Rebbe Rayatz In “Basi L’Gani” of one of the and everybody turned out for the

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have the same kind of mesirus nefesh for someone amongst ourselves. Why is it easier to go to Australia and be mekarev someone than to work things out with someone amongst us? That’s a tough question. I once read a parable from the mashpia, R’ Mendel Wechter, about two generals whose men were positioned against one another in battle. One day, one of the generals decided he can’t stand it anymore and he ordered his soldiers to retreat in the middle of the night. The other general, who didn’t know about this, got up in the morning and began shooting as usual. That’s what he was used to doing and he didn’t check to see if anything had changed. Even after 3 Tammuz we continue to be mekarev the entire R’ Zalman Moshe explained, “When I world. We are a few steps above the world and we need to lift the world go to a regular farbrengen with Itche, up. This is relatively easy work. The the two of us farbreng together. Itche is really hard work is to be mekarev those amongst us. So for some being Itche and I give him a hard time. people it’s easier to be mekarev those who are far away but to fight But today, when he was in the role of on the inside because that’s what they’re used to. shliach of the Rebbe, I could not disturb But the real front changed. Today, it’s within us. True, it’s not him. A shliach of the Rebbe is easy because the ego gets in the way. something else.” It requires concessions. It requires changing one’s usual way of looking farbrengen. R’ Itche spoke and do. However, this sometimes clashes at things. spoke while R’ Zalman Moshe didn’t with another shliach in the area and If our way of talking was proper utter a word. Afterwards they asked causes him harm. “No,” they say. “I and the love was there, it would look him why he had kept quiet and R’ don’t think it causes harm.” In your altogether different. We could bring Zalman Moshe explained, “When I opinion it doesn’t cause harm but the Rebbe’s message and prepare the go to a regular farbrengen with when someone tells you that it world for Geula in a big way. Itche, the two of us farbreng causes harm and interferes with together. Itche is being Itche and I what he’s doing then there is reason AT THE KINUS give him a hard time. But today, to listen to him. HA’SHLUCHIM 5753 when he was in the role of shliach of You sound upset. No doubt you remember the the Rebbe, I could not disturb him. I am convinced that within Kinus HaShluchim 5753. A shliach of the Rebbe is something Lubavitch k’hillos there is such great I taught a class in Netanya and else.” polarity because people are not for an entire lesson I described that There are all kinds of chevra sensitive to one another. We would Kinus and the moments with the going on shlichus and they claim all travel to the ends of the world to Rebbe. The banquet when the Rebbe that the Rebbe supports what they be mekarev someone but we don’t came out on the porch to the

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he until that time? Why was he wondering about this now? The Rebbe answers that R’ Yochonon was so busy bringing talmidim to the beis midrash that he didn’t have time to think about this. It was only now, before he died, that he thought about it. The truth is that I don’t have time to deal with questions of where we were then and where we are now. The work on shlichus is so demanding that there is no time for this. The Rebbe told the shluchim to prepare the world and to convey the message of Geula. That is the only shlichus. How is this being carried out? After the Holocaust the Rebbe extricated us from the mud and set up the system of shluchim and we began to gallop towards Geula. One fine day, some horses decided that the wagon driver was no longer After the Holocaust the Rebbe sitting on his seat and they stopped moving. But the wagon kept going extricated us from the mud and set up and banged them from behind. People want to hear about Geula, the system of shluchim and we began to to believe and hope. People talk about Geula all over. The topic gallop towards Geula. One fine day, comes up on its own. I think that if Chabad was united in its message of some horses decided that the wagon Geula, the wagon would long since driver was no longer sitting on his seat have reached the goal. The successes of all the big and they stopped moving. But the battles in history lay in their ability to maneuver, their resources, and wagon kept going and banged them the ability of the generals who led the armies. Whenever a commander from behind. or army got stuck in a way of thinking, it ended up losing. Those shluchim and suddenly all the tables Those were unforgettable who are connected to the Rebbe, and chairs lost their importance. tremendous giluyim. write to the Rebbe, and live with the Rabbi Kotlarsky proclaimed Yechi 17 years have passed since Rebbe – the Rebbe sees to it that and afterwards, all the shluchim then. Where were we then and they don’t get stuck. If you decide went past the Rebbe. where are we today? What that “we must carry on the Rebbe’s You saw that despite his health, changed? legacy” and make up your own rules the Rebbe found it necessary to be In the Gemara it tells of Rabbi and guidelines, refusing to hear of with us and we, the shluchim, Yochonon ben Zakkai who cried another way – you will find yourself reciprocated that feeling. It was a before he died, “I don’t know which spinning your tires. moment when we truly felt, “I and path they will lead me on [to Gan How do we know what is the the king alone.” Like children with Eden or Gehinom].” The Rebbe right approach with hafatza of their father, hugging one another. asks, in one of his sichos, where was

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Moshiach? I don’t think anyone has a When I go to buy milk and bread, the monopoly on the Rebbe’s view. If I cashier asks me, “Do you need anything go somewhere where I know that people will be upset with certain else?” and I say, “Yes, Moshiach.” proclamations, I don’t say them and it doesn’t contradict my belief. There step on them even though his the King will desire your beauty – are places where I will read out loud opinion was completely different then Melech HaMoshiach will raise the quotes about Moshiach and than theirs. When people feel that up the beauty of the aptitude of your Geula that Tzach puts out, but I you give them space and you speak deeds; for He is your Master and won’t make proclamations. That to them with respect, they end up prostrate yourself before Him – and doesn’t mean that people don’t accepting what you say. no harm will come to you for He know my view. They all know my If you had the microphone at will cover you with His shade.” view. the Kinus HaShluchim, what We go to the Kinus HaShluchim Our Chabad house is on the would the shliach of little Kfar from all over the world. Each of us second floor above a supermarket. Yona say to his fellow shluchim? has to be in the category of “Listen When I go downstairs after davening In T’hillim 45:11-12 it says, daughter and observe and incline to buy milk and bread, the cashier “Listen daughter and observe and your ear” – to do the true will of the asks me, “Do you need anything incline your ear; and forget your Rebbe, to listen to the Rebbe’s else?” and I say, “Yes, Moshiach.” It people and your father’s house. So sichos and horaos, to live with the may sound less fiery but you can’t that the King will desire your beauty, inyan of the Rebbe. “And forget your ignore it. Wherever you bring in the for He is your Master and prostrate people and your father’s house” – chayus and enthusiasm for Geula, yourself before Him.” The Metzudas go out of all limitations that those around you will feel it and Dovid says, “Listen daughter is said surround you. that’s what is important. to every congregation. Listen and The real message we need to take The Rebbe wrote to the shluchim observe with the understanding of with us when we go to the Rebbe is in Morocco, when they first started the heart and incline your ear to – “So that the King will desire your out, to give respect to the local hear everything Melech HaMoshiach beauty” – i.e. that the Rebbe should , not to offend anyone, to be commands you; and forget your have nachas from us and desire us careful to uphold the customs there, people – i.e. don’t be in the counsel for the “beauty of the aptitude of etc. You can see how the Rebbe of those who are drawn after Gog to our deeds.” I think that this is the conducted himself with all kinds of fight Melech HaMoshiach. So that desire of every single shliach. people, how he was careful not to

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BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 717 13 717:Beis Moshiach 09/11/2009 6:12 AM Page 14

rosh chodesh kislev THE REBBES RECOVERY AND ITS SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

By Yitzchok Wagshul

the spiritual role of a Rebbe as Rosh Based in part on a conversation with B’nei Yisroel, the leader—the very Rabbi Nachman Schapiro Head “head”—of the Jewish people. What happens to a Rebbe is far from “even Mashpia of the Beis Midrash Oholei the minutest events”: it is nothing less than an act of G-d, orchestrated Torah and member of Vaad L’Hafatzas by Divine Providence because of its spiritual symbolism and relevance to Sichos. the Jewish people and the entirety of creation. Kislev: a month of miracles; a recovering from two massive heart Thus, for example—as everyone month of hiskashrus. Which chassid attacks r”l suffered on Shmini surely knows—Yud-Tes Kislev is not doesn’t get goose bumps just Atzeres, 5738 (1977), was finally merely the day the Alter Rebbe was thinking about it? There is Tes well enough to return to his home released from prison in the year Kislev, birthday and yahrtzait of the on President Street. 1798. At the heart of the matter, his Mitteler Rebbe; Yud Kislev, when the very imprisonment had nothing to Mitteler Rebbe was miraculously WHY CELEBRATE do with the treason he had been absurdly accused of; it was, in released from false imprisonment in CHASSIDISHER YOMIM Czarist Russia; Yud-Dalet Kislev, actuality, the earthly manifestation of wedding anniversary of the Rebbe TOVIM? the spiritual forces that sought to and Rebbetzin; Yud-Tes Kislev, the Other than Chanukah, of course, suppress the revelation of Chassidus. chassidishe “holiday of holidays” none of these events involved open The Alter Rebbe’s miraculous known as the Rosh Hashanah of miracles. There was no splitting of vindication and release on Yud-Tes Chassidus; and finally, ending the the sea, no oil burning for eight and Chaf Kislev was nothing short month and bringing us right into days. But we celebrate these days as of the earthly expression of the Teives, Chanukah—the Holiday of holidays of sorts all the same. Why? Heavenly victory of good over evil, Light. In more recent years, we have The reason is simple: we believe in clearing the way for the open even been starting off the month hashgacha pratis, the unceasing revelation of Chassidus and, through with an occasion to celebrate: Rosh providence of the Living G-d, Who that, the ultimate arrival of Chodesh Kislev marks the date when personally oversees even the Moshiach. Clearly an occasion the Rebbe, having remained in 770 minutest events, and we also realize worthy of celebration as a major

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chassidic holiday. likewise still stood. The Rebbe The same is true of our drew a parallel to the Previous Rebbe’s return home on Rosh Rebbe’s health, noting that Chodesh Kislev, 1977. G-d is although the Previous Rebbe still alive, so to speak, no less had been so ill that doctors so in 1977 than in 1798, or, had despaired of his life r”l, he for that matter, at the splitting nevertheless lived another of the sea, or today. And a eighteen years and, in that Rebbe is no less Rosh B’nei time, accomplished Yisroel today than at any other disproportionately more than time. Let us prepare for the ever before. There are thus upcoming occasion of Rosh times, the Rebbe concluded, Chodesh Kislev by reflecting when even if doctors advise on the spiritual significance of rest, one must nevertheless do the Rebbe’s recovery, and the just the opposite: one must be miraculous manner in which it misgaber—strengthen unfolded, in our own oneself—and accomplish generation, right before our much more than previously. very eyes. Rabbi Mordechai Mentlik z”l, Rosh in 770, THE REBBE pointed out at the farbrengen PREPARED US FOR of the chassidim on Simchas Torah 5738, that at that Yud- WHAT WAS TO COME Gimmel Tishrei farbrengen, the Looking back to the last Rebbe spoke about matters— farbrengen before the Rebbe’s such as keren ha’shana, the heart attack—the farbrengen annual tz’daka drive—which of Yud-Gimmel Tishrei of that he usually discussed on year, 5738—we can see that Simchas Torah. Obviously, the the Rebbe was preparing us Rebbe knew what was coming. for what was to come. The Rebbe discussed a letter of the SHMINI ATZERES Previous Rebbe, written a day after Yom Kippur, in which the That Chol HaMoed was Previous Rebbe makes a very special. Although he had “specific request” (bakasha never done so before, the pratis) that on the coming Rebbe would turn around to Sukkos, and especially on face the congregation before Shmini Atzeres and Simchas each t’filla and would clap to Torah, there be great simcha, the dancing of the assembled. rejoicing. The Rebbe pointed Shmini Atzeres, 5738, out that since that letter of the began as usual. The shul was Previous Rebbe had been packed tight; people were even printed and publicized, it clinging to beams. Around followed that it was still in 9:30, the Rebbe entered and a effect: that is, that specific hush fell over the crowd. Then request—for joy on the a niggun began, and the Rebbe upcoming Sukkos, Shmini encouraged the singing with Atzeres, and Simchas Torah— vigorous arm movements. For was still in full force. some reason, the auction and Furthermore, the Rebbe recital of the p’sukim of Atta continued, all the blessings Hareisa were concluded much that the Previous Rebbe tied to more rapidly than usual; some the fulfillment of this request speculated that this was

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To the tune of zol shoin zain di Geula THE REBBE INSISTS ON SIMCHA (“the redemption should come After leaving the Sukka, the Rebbe instructed his secretaries to already”), the Chassidim sang, der announce that everyone should Rebbe zol gezunt zain (“the Rebbe rejoice in the simchas Yom Tov, and to conduct the remaining hakafos should be well”) and der Rebbe is with great joy. This directive was carried out, with Chassidim gezunt (“the Rebbe is well”). The dancing throughout the night despite their anxiety. After singing was so loud it could be heard in Shacharis, another announcement was made in the name of the the Rebbe’s office upstairs, and the Rebbe, to the effect that people Rebbe told Rabbi Groner to tell should go on Tahalucha as usual and spread the joy of Yom Tov to everyone it made a marked Jews in other neighborhoods. Furthermore, Maariv and hakafos improvement in how he felt. should be conducted with a shturem—a “storm” of joy. Anyone because the Rebbe had hardly had immediately summoned. Pending who wanted to help the Rebbe time to eat that afternoon, nor to their arrival, the Rebbe was cared recover should rejoice, and the sleep the previous night. When for by the chassid Dr. Avrohom Chassidim should organize a hakafos began, the Rebbe was Seligson, the Rebbe’s personal farbrengen before Maariv and honored with the first hakafa, as physician, and whatever medical hakafos, and “visualize that the one was customary, which he danced personnel were in shul at the time. who usually sits on the chair is not with his brother-in-law, the Rashag The Rebbe maintained firm missing.” (Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary, of control at all times. He insisted that blessed memory). The second and hakafos be completed inside 770, “AND WHAT IF THERE third hakafos likewise went as so the congregation returned and usual, with the Rebbe watching quickly conducted the remaining ARE NO HOSPITALS?” from his platform, clapping and circuits. The Rebbe had always had Already on that first night, the swinging his arms in great joy. Yet the last hakafa as well as the first, doctors determined that the Rebbe the Rebbe’s movements were and this year he refused to deviate had suffered a major heart attack somewhat slower than normal. from that custom. The Rebbe made r”l. Despite their repeated urging, Suddenly, during the fourth his way down from his platform however, the Rebbe adamantly hakafa, while again swinging his and began the hakafa with the refused to go to a hospital. “What arms to the dancing, the Rebbe Rashag. After a few turns, the would one do if one were in a place stopped and turned white. He asked Rashag pretended to be tired and where there are no hospitals?” he Rabbi Groner to bring his chair, the hakafa came to a close. The asked. “Whatever would be done and the Rebbe had to sit down. Rebbe then went up to his office, then, should be done now.” This was immediately noticed by where he closed the door and did Rabbanim, too, urged the Rebbe to all, and the hakafa was brought to a not emerge for several minutes. The go, and even considered rendering close. People became panicked over Rebbetzin arrived soon after. a halachic ruling that the Rebbe the Rebbe’s condition, and shouts The doctors insisted the Rebbe was obligated to do so. They were were heard to clear the shul so the remain inside, but he declined this preempted by the Rebbe’s request Rebbe could have fresh air. Within advice and went out to his sukka that if that was, in fact, their moments, 770 had emptied out. instead, saying he needed to make decision, they shouldn’t tell him, People clustered on the sidewalk Kiddush for the Rebbetzin. In the because then he would have to anxiously discussing the situation Sukka, a bottle of grape juice had comply, although there was no and saying T’hillim for the Rebbe’s been set out, but the Rebbe stated, need. At 2:00 a.m. on the morning health. “Kiddush is made on wine, not of Shmini Atzeres, the doctors Needless to say, specialists were grape juice.” actually withdrew from the case and

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left, saying they could not take “DER REBBE responsibility for the Rebbe’s IS GEZUNT!” actions. The mazkirus—the Rebbe’s As the Rebbe had requested, the secretariat—arranged for all the hakafos of Simchas Torah were equipment normally found in a conducted in 770 with a shturem. hospital intensive care unit to be One niggun predominated: to the installed in 770. At 5:00 a.m., the tune of zol shoin zain di Geula (“the Rebbe suffered a second attack redemption should come already”), even more severe than the first— the Chassidim sang, der Rebbe zol some thought the end had come gezunt zain (“the Rebbe should be r”l—but still insisted on remaining well”) and der Rebbe is gezunt (“the in 770. Dr. Seligson told the Rebbe is well”). The singing was so rabbanim that in his medical loud it could be heard in the Rebbe’s opinion, it would benefit the Rebbe office upstairs, and the Rebbe told to stay. Rabbi Groner to tell everyone it This opinion was seconded by made a marked improvement in how Dr. Ira Weiss, a renowned he felt. cardiologist who came immediately The Rebbe also told Rabbi from his home in Chicago as soon Groner to say that on the next as he learned he was needed. Dr. day—Simchas Torah itself—the Weiss gave several reasons for this, dancing should be with an even and added that he knew from his bigger shturem. Additionally, the own experience that when patients Rebbe elaborated on the thought followed the Rebbe’s advice, they about the vacuum according to were sure to recover. Dr. Weiss chassidus. Rabbi Groner was asked selflessly stayed in New York until to obtain mareh mekomos from he could be replaced by other Rabbi Yoel Kahan and to repeat it at physicians, notably Drs. Levi Lev the evening farbrengen. Reb Yoel and Lawrence Resnick. Even after This picture is from Hoshana Rabba would also expound on the concept. his return to Chicago, Dr. Weiss 5738, a few hours before the heart The gist of the matter was that it is flew back to the Rebbe‘s side attack on Shmini Atzeres precisely through tzimtzum— whenever needed. time, the Rebbe agreed contraction or concealment of G-dly manifestation—that revelation “WHAT DRAWS BLOOD immediately. As blood was being drawn, the becomes possible. The Rebbe said FROM THE VEINS—THE Rebbe asked, “What draws blood that although “the one who sits in NEEDLE OR THE from the veins—the needle or the the chair” will be absent from the VACUUM? ” vacuum?” The doctor said it was farbrengen, this should not interfere with simchas Yom Tov. This void One of the doctors asked the the vacuum, and the Rebbe remarked that this had come to his itself will bring all goodness from Rebbe if he could administer an Heaven. injection to ease the pain, but the attention before. An individual had Rebbe declined, saying there was no described himself to the Rebbe as need. Later, someone told the empty and unfit for anything, but THE SICHA HEARD doctor that by asking permission, the Rebbe told him the opposite AROUND THE WORLD was true. Since an empty vessel he had guaranteed a negative The Rebbe sent some of his draws into itself with added force, answer, since on Yom Tov it is Havdala wine to be distributed at this person was a vessel for all types forbidden to get an injection unless the farbrengen as kos shel bracha. of good and holiness. The Rebbe the doctor expressly orders it. Then, after Maariv and Havdala, the asked the doctor to repeat this Therefore, the doctor returned to Rebbe—to everyone’s great surprise thought to everyone else because the Rebbe and said he was ordering and delight—delivered a short sicha the Rebbe was unable to deliver a the Rebbe to have the injection on by means of a microphone in his Shmini Atzeres drasha in person. the grounds that the pain is office. He noted that, whereas endangering the Rebbe’s life. This ordinarily he would have addressed

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only those present at the farbrengen, it was a concrete sign that the Rebbe years went on and the spiritual battle the circumstances resulted in his was returning to full health. On the over the revelation of Chassidus was sicha being broadcast around the final day of Chanukah, the Rebbe related by our Rebbeim, that the world since it was now after Yom washed before Mincha and inner meaning of Yud-Tes Kislev Tov in many locations. The doctors distributed kos shel bracha, which he supplanted the more superficial permitted the Rebbe to speak for five had not been able to do in person rationale as the main reason for minutes, but in fact, the Rebbe went after Simchas Torah. That celebrating. It was, in fact, not until on for twenty-two minutes. farbrengen was termed the Rebbe’s 5662 (1901) that the Rebbe Rashab seudas hodaa. Every year since that revealed that Yud-Tes Kislev is the BUSINESS AS USUAL time, chassidim have celebrated “Rosh Hashanah” of Chassidus. Rosh Chodesh Kislev with joy and Likewise, when the chassidim On the day after Yom Tov, a gratitude for the Rebbe’s recovery. rejoiced at the Rebbe’s return home Thursday, the mazkirus announced in 1977, they were grateful for one in the Rebbe’s name that his health thing: they had their Rebbe back! was improving and people should THE YUD-TES KISLEV But as the years unfolded, hindsight not stop writing to him. The Rebbe’s OF OUR GENERATION has shown us more of the story. doctors advised against this, but the It certainly makes sense for us to Rebbe was determined, noting that celebrate the Rebbe’s recovery, there were people who needed his expressing our gratitude each year EDITING LIKKUTEI help. The Rebbe also accepted on the day the Rebbe was well SICHOS AFTER 5738 people for yechidus that night— enough to go home. But—in Rabbi Schapiro was involved in orchim going back home after keeping with what was stated at the preparing the Rebbe’s sichos for Shabbos. What’s more, the Rebbe beginning of this article—is there publication, first in pamphlet form edited the brief sicha he had anything more to it than that? Was and eventually in the bound volumes delivered Motzaei Yom Tov, and it there, in other words, some spiritual of . Each week, was distributed in time for Shabbos. dynamic being played out through another sicha pamphlet—a likkut— After that Shabbos, the Rebbe again the Rebbe’s illness and recovery? would be released for Shabbos. delivered a sicha—this time We are not able to fathom the full Today, many people don’t realize extending the twenty minutes depth of Hashem’s intent, of course, that the Rebbe was not always in the authorized by the doctors to almost but mashpiim tell us that Rosh practice of editing these; in later a full hour. Every week thereafter for Chodesh Kislev is indeed highly years, the Rebbe would edit them a period of several months, the significant. Rabbi Nachman regularly. In fact, prior to the events Rebbe would deliver a sicha on Schapiro Head Mashpia of the Beis surrounding the Rebbe’s illness in Motzaei Shabbos, which he would Midrash Oholei Torah and member 5738 (1977), the Rebbe had never edit for distribution in time for the of Vaad L’Hafatzas Sichos, draws a made it a routine to edit the following Shabbos. parallel between Rosh Chodesh likkutim. The first time the Rebbe Kislev and Yud-Tes Kislev: did so was in 5719 (1958), in honor THE REBBE In 1798, when the events of Yud- of his thirtieth wedding anniversary. RETURNS HOME Tes Kislev took place, chassidim That continued for two years, then rejoiced ecstatically, turning stopped. In 5723 (1962), the Rebbe Finally, on Thursday, Rosh somersaults in the streets. What again edited likkutim, this time in Chodesh Kislev, the Rebbe left 770 were they actually celebrating? We honor of the 150th anniversary of at around 6:00 p.m. and went home may very safely assume that they the Alter Rebbe’s yahrtzait. But then to his house on President Street— were celebrating the one thing that too, the editing stopped after only where he had not been since Erev seemed, at the time, the overriding two years. Shmini Atzeres. Although the event of the day: the Alter Rebbe This on again–off again style was Rebbe’s full routine—e.g., was now free from his not due to any feeling on the farbrenging downstairs on Shabbos imprisonment—they had their Rebbe’s part that editing the afternoons, or coming down for Rebbe back! It was only with the likkutim was not worthwhile. On the T’hillim on Shabbos Mevarchim— passage of time that it became contrary, during one of the was phased in gradually over almost discernible that the Alter Rebbe’s of 5732 (1971–1972), a year, the chassidim celebrated the teachings were more plentiful and the Rebbe spoke about his essential Rebbe’s return home on Rosh more elaborately explained after role, and one of the things he Chodesh Kislev with great joy, since Yud-Tes Kislev. It was only as the mentioned in that connection was

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the editing of Likkutei Sichos. The Rebbe’s personal editing of the We should thank Hashem this Rosh sichos represented a particularly lofty Chodesh Kislev—not just for the revelation of holiness. Still, for reasons known only to him, the Rebbe’s physical recovery, but also for Rebbe did not make a practice of it. In 5736 and 5737, the Rebbe our meriting the additional giluyim had edited sichos, and Rabbi Schapiro remembers that he and his (revelations) it heralded, giluyim colleagues at Vaad L’Hafatzas Sichos were sure the Rebbe would not connected with the Rebbe’s stated main continue for an unprecedented third purpose—to bring Moshiach now. year—especially after his health problems at the beginning of 5738. connected with Moshiach likewise our times that the main As the Shabbos of Parshas Noach increased after that year. For accomplishments of our Rebbe approached, they prepared the example, it was in 5741 that the intensified after his illness and weekly likkut as usual but did not Rebbe established , recovery associated with Rosh even submit it to the Rebbe (partly whose primary function is to hasten Chodesh Kislev, 5738. We should because they did not wish to burden the redemption through the demand, bear this important point in mind as him just over a week or so after his “We Want Moshiach Now!” And the we celebrate this auspicious day and heart attacks). How shocked they year after that, the Rebbe revealed thank Hashem this Rosh Chodesh were to receive a request from the that the Hebrew letters that signify Kislev—not just for the Rebbe’s Rebbe’s office for the weekly likkut each year are also roshei teivos, an physical recovery, but also for our for editing! That began a third abbreviation for a phrase that has meriting the additional giluyim straight year of sichos edited by the relevance to Moshiach and signifies (revelations) it heralded, giluyim Rebbe, constituting a chazaka, an something about that year—for connected with the Rebbe’s stated established practice. example, with regards to the year main purpose—to bring Moshiach 5770, represented by the letters tav, now. INCREASE IN THE REBBE’S shin, and ayin, one may say that it After all, it is the vacuum that ACTIVITIES GENERALLY stands for Tehei Shnas Oz (“may it draws in the substance, and if there The increase in the Rebbe’s be a year of strength”). appears to be a vacuum now, after activities after 5738 was not limited In sum, then, the years following Gimmel Tammuz (although, to be to Likkutei Sichos. There were more 5738 saw a marked increase in the sure, “the one who sits on the chair farbrengens after that, and more Rebbe’s activities and in new is not missing”) it is because, for —including the new revelations. Just as the main spiritual reasons, that itself is what practice of editing a maamer for spreading of Chassidus took place will bring about the substance: the virtually every special day. after the Alter Rebbe’s imprisonment revelation of Moshiach. There was an increase in new and release on Yud-Tes and Chaf Note: Much of the historical portions of this Kislev, so too can we recognize in article have been drawn from the pamphlet, “The shluchim after 5738. Matters Story of Rosh Chodesh Kislev.” Make a “Mivtzah Kashrus” in your own computer! Introducing JNET-The world wide web without the world wide worryTM While The Internet can be a helpful tool for business, education your problems fast. and personal use it can also be a potentially dangerous one. Most important, you can now get the JNET Advantage for only a That's why J Net was created. bit more than non-filtered on line providers. Using exclusive multi-tiered intelligent filtration, the J Net portal is If you're ready for the world wide web without the world wide probably the most effective consumer resource for eliminating worry, you're ready for JNet. material not conducive to our needs. DIAL UP DSL Unlimited Access 24 Tech Support More than virtually foolproof, J .NET is also easy - both to install 4 Profiles per Account Web Mail and use. Plus its available in both dialup and high speed DSL and Call us toll free at 1-866-866-JNET (5638) backed by highly trained customer service experts that will solve (mention code “770” for special ANASH Rate)

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shlichus

All the longings and expectations of the entire year are concentrated on this Shabbos. All the memories that THE SHLUCHIM a shliach has stored away, all the Tishreis that he had with the Rebbe, his K’vutza year [if Israeli], the yechiduyos he had, the farbrengens, the kos shel bracha, the dollars for ARRIVE AT 770 tz’daka, the t’fillos with the Rebbe, all are emotionally recalled in the days prior to the trip.

By Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz HERGESHIM Shliach, Beit Shaan As we get closer to the date of the flight there are some parts of the Thousands of shluchim are making t’filla that remind me that I’ll be going to the Rebbe soon. There is their final preparations for the trip to the part in the Shabbos morning davening, “I rejoiced when they said the Kinus HaShluchim. For many of to me we are going to the house of Hashem,” where in addition to the them, this is their only visit of the year simple meaning, the thought immediately comes to me that “Beis to the Rebbe and the source of their Hashem,” where G-dliness is strength for the rest of the year. revealed, also refers to 770. “Our feet stood in Your gates of Yerushalayim” – soon our feet will stand in 770, facing the paroches on the Aron Kodesh, where the Rebbe davened and farbrenged. It’s thrilling. Sometimes a little prayer wells up in your heart during the davening. “Ask for the welfare of Yerushalayim” – what’s new in 770? “May there be peace in Your strongholds, harmony in Your palaces.” “On behalf of my brothers and friends... on behalf of the house of Hashem, our G-d, I seek good for you” – I ask, on behalf of thousands of shluchim, my brothers and friends, and on behalf of the thousands of T’mimim and Anash who are here physically or in spirit, in 770, the house of Hashem, may there be peace! May it be good! True In light of the upcoming Kinus stories. good, the best possible good. The HaShluchim, I want to share the I will preface this by saying that greatest good is for the Rebbe to feelings that a shliach experiences on for many shluchim this trip to the come already. And even before that his way to 770 for his annual visit to Kinus HaShluchim, Shabbos happens, that we be united, that we the Rebbe MH”M with his fellow Mevarchim Kislev, is the only trip have success in our shlichus, that we shluchim, and of course, some they make each year to the Rebbe. be connected to the Rebbe, and most

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importantly that Lubavitch be as the Rebbe wishes. As he knew it would be, the office was closed. Just then, one of the cleaning THE SHLIACH BROKE THROUGH THE WALLS ladies came out of the building to empty OF THE EMBASSY a bucket. He asked to be allowed inside. Rabbi Yehoshua Adot, shliach in moshava Binyamina, wanted to fly to “But there is nobody there,” she said, the Rebbe after the passing of the Rebbetzin on Chaf-beis Shevat, looking at him oddly. “It doesn’t matter, 1988. Like thousands of other I have to go in,” he insisted. Chassidim, he wanted to be with the Rebbe and offer words of consolation. consulate, but by the time he arrived territory and soliciting a donation He looked at his passport and it was 10:15, fifteen minutes after from his supporter. discovered that it and his visa had closing. The high walls, the locked The Israeli shliach called his expired. He needed to renew his iron doors, and the American mashpia, who recommended that he passport at the Interior Ministry and mentality did not allow anyone to ask permission of the local shliach. then get a new visa at the American even dream of entering. But his He did so and the local shliach said consulate. It was Thursday night mashpia had told him to go that yes, it could adversely affect his and on Fridays, government offices l’chat’chilla aribber so he had to try. own fundraising. are closed and the consulate would He struck up a conversation with The Israeli shliach turned around be open only until ten. But his only one of the security guards. “Where and drove the five hours back, chance to get to the Rebbe before were you in the army?” feeling disappointed. the end of Shiva would be to get “In the parachutists, troop 890,” When he got to the place where everything arranged the next day, he said. he was staying in Crown Heights, he regardless. “What?! I was also in 890!” was told that someone from Israel His mashpia told him to go Great. Now they were friends. had called for him. The shliach l’chat’chilla aribber and even if the The door suddenly opened and returned the call and the person told Interior Ministry was closed to go the guard pushed him inside. He him that he wanted to pay all the and extend his passport. Preferably was nearly the only one there. He costs to complete the Chabad house. at the main office, which was located went over to a clerk and explained This entailed hundreds of thousands in Tel Aviv at that time. the urgency of the situation and of shekels! It was quite apparent to The next morning R’ Adot went within two minutes he had a lifetime the shliach that he was seeing his to Tel Aviv and as he knew it would visa. reward for ensuring that a fellow be, the office was closed. Just then, shliach wouldn’t lose out. one of the cleaning ladies came out HE DID NOT RETURN of the building to empty a bucket. EMPTY-HANDED I’LL GIVE TEN TIMES He asked to be allowed inside. A few years ago a shliach from THAT AMOUNT “But there is nobody there,” she Eretz Yisroel went to the Kinus A fellow shliach who wants to said, looking at him oddly. HaShluchim. The Kinus was not the remain anonymous told me the “It doesn’t matter, I have to go sole purpose of his trip. He was in following story: in,” he insisted. the middle of building a Chabad “I was there at the Kinus Then she remembered that house and he needed $100,000. He HaShluchim, 5753, which was an actually, there was someone there. It planned to visit some wealthy extraordinary Kinus. The banquet was the director, who had come in American Jews to ask for their help. took place in the big zal in 770. The to take care of some work. R’ Adot One day he headed out to see a Rebbe was in his room and we went to him and explained his well-known philanthropist. The five hoped that he would make an situation and the importance of the hour drive gave him plenty of time appearance on the porch outside his flight and wonder of wonders, the to think, and he began to wonder. room. director extended his passport for Maybe the shliach in that city would The happy news was relayed that thirty days. be upset that he was entering his the Rebbe would be joining the R’ Adot then rushed to the

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since she wasn’t feeling well. She “If the Rebbe gave it to you for a was pregnant, he explained. daughter, you have a daughter. Try and The truth is that it sounded bizarre to me, because as far as we remember,” I said. knew the woman was over 50. When we left the house it suddenly struck me. Aha! I told Yisroel David the shluchim. Two minutes later the Oirechman, shliach to Kiryat story of the dollar that the Rebbe curtain was opened and thousands Mochkin, “a woman from the center had given “for the daughter.” A few of shluchim sprang up and began to of the country came to see the months later she had a daughter, sing Yechi, accompanied for several Rebbe. She and her husband were who they named Simcha. moments by the Rebbe’s suppliers of Judaica and I knew encouragement. It was unbounded them well. They were mekuravim of simcha. Some of those present were the Chabad house. They had five BRINGING JEWS certain that this was the hisgalus. children, the youngest of whom was TO THE REBBE When the curtain was closed the killed in the war in Lebanon. One of the interesting parts of atmosphere still crackled with The woman stood on line to get the Kinus is that shluchim bring excitement. The emcee of the Kinus, a dollar from the Rebbe. When it mekuravim along with them to 770. Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky addressed was her turn she asked the Rebbe They bring them to see the Rebbe the Rebbe and concluded by for dollars for her four children. The and to feel the atmosphere of the exclaiming , “Yechi Adoneinu Rebbe gave her four dollars and headquarters which beams light and Moreinu V’Rabbeinu, Melech said, “This is for the first son, this is warmth to the world. HaMoshiach L’olam Va’ed.” for the second son, this is for the Two years ago, a high ranking Slowly, things settled down. The third son and this is for the fourth officer in the Israeli Navy, clad in his tables and chairs were rearranged son.” Then he gave her another white dress uniform, accompanying and everybody went back to their dollar and said, “And this is for your R’ Mendy Offen, who works with places. I sat next to an American, daughter.” soldiers in the IDF and the senior apparently a donor brought by one My friend Zohar Eisenberg and I chain of command. The officer of the shluchim. We got into a were eating at “Ess ’n Bentch,” addressed the Israeli shluchim and discussion about the giluyim we had when the woman walked in and emotionally described how he was just experienced. I mentioned that excitedly told us the Rebbe had given tremendously impressed by Chabad during the Kinus the Rebbe had her a dollar for a daughter. “But I in general and 770 in particular. He given out hundreds of thousands of don’t have a daughter,” she said. thanked the Rebbe for his unique dollars and each shliach had received “If the Rebbe gave it to you for a contribution to the IDF and Am a check for over $1000 to cover the daughter, you have a daughter. Try Yisroel. expenses of the trip. and remember,” I said. Three years ago, the shluchim This American fellow wanted to “I don’t have a daughter!” noticed that the shliach from know the exact amount of my check “Maybe from the other side?” Givatayim, R’ Yosef Bekerman, because he wanted give my Chabad “I promise you that I don’t have brought the mayor with him in order house ten times that figure. Then a daughter,” she nearly cried. to get the Rebbe’s bracha. The and there he gave me a check for “The Rebbe does not make mayor davened that he would get a over $10,000. mistakes,” my friend assured her. “If more senior position. Shortly The following year I located him he said it’s for your daughter, then afterwards, he was elected chairman in the hopes of getting another you have a daughter.” of the Jewish National Fund, a donation, but he said, “When the The woman went to consult with respected and much sought after Rebbe gives, I’ll give ten times that one of the Rebbe’s secretaries, who position. amount.” said that if she had a married son, These are a few examples out of Nu, we’re waiting for that too. then her daughter-in-law was like a many. The main point is that every daughter. I didn’t see it that way. Jew who visits 770 – Beis Chayeinu THE REBBE SAID A few months went by. I was on – Beis Moshiach, is guaranteed to be “DAUGHTER” AND HE my way from the Krayot to Kfar more connected to the Rebbe, more Chabad with my friend R’ Yisroel connected to the Chabad house, and MEANT DAUGHTER David and we stopped in to visit this thus closer to Torah, mitzvos and “On one of my trips to the family. The husband greeted us Chassidus. Rebbe,” said Rabbi Moshe warmly and said his wife was resting

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feature THE BATTLE CONTINUES

By Avrohom Ber When Brownsville was abandoned and ruined, all anticipated that the nearby Crown Heights would soon share the same fate. However, Lubavitch remained as a stronghold in Crown Heights and when thousands of guests arrive in Tishrei they see a vibrant Jewish neighborhood which prevailed where Harlem, the Bronx, Brownsville and East Flatbush could not. * Part 4

PLANNED EXPANSION to young couples who wanted to provide living quarters for hundreds of young couples who were looking Even after the houses were settle in the neighborhood and for small, inexpensive apartments. bought with great effort, the couldn’t afford to buy a home. In Two, these buildings were owned by corporation had two main this way Jewish settlement in the private people who made most of problems. In many cases they had neighborhood continued to expand. their profit by taking in tenants who to renovate the homes, especially They bought on streets where were receiving government support. those which were not fit for previously they hadn’t had a The landlords received a lot of habitation. Then, of course, they foothold and businesses were money from the government. These had to achieve the goal of opened with the help of the tenants turned the buildings into populating the houses with families, corporation. Many houses were jungles and crime-ridden lairs that but not all of the interested parties filled with Lubavitcher tenants. endangered the security and quality could afford to pay even the of life of everybody in the relatively low price. A SISTER-CORPORATION neighborhood. The corporation dealt with both The toughest places to conquer In order to deal with this these problems. After they emptied were the apartment buildings difficult problem, a sister- the houses of undesirable tenants, situated on corners, which had corporation was founded which, they renovated them and sold them dozens of apartments. It was over the years, bought these at 30-40% less than market value. crucial to buy these buildings for buildings. Their efforts bore fruit In addition to the sharply two reasons. One, they would and nearly forty big buildings, discounted prices, aid was offered

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them to settle in Crown Heights and strengthen the community. It was in the 80’s that the corporation first achieved this, through contacts with organizations that operated in the US to absorb the Jews who were coming from Russia. Many Russian families were attracted by the cheap apartments and the Chabad chesed T organizations that helped them acclimate. Everybody benefited, “ with the neighborhood strengthened w and the immigrants living in nice apartments and in a nice Jewish fa neighborhood. in IMPROVING THE T EXISTING AREAS After years of fighting to buy g every building and expand the neighborhood, the corporation began to improve and develop the existing areas. The Jewish residents were spread out over several streets and the goal became to introduce improvements into the expanded Jewish neighborhood, to renovate the existing buildings, and even to build new buildings for the first time since 1940. In the heart of the Jewish neighborhood, in the square formed containing 2500 apartments, were kollel to rent a nice apartment. by Montgomery, Crown, Albany, purchased. R’ Zalman Deitsch, R’ Through this program alone, the and Troy, there was an empty and Shimshon Stock, and R’ Yitzchok committee brought in tens of overgrown lot. Lubavitchers Gurevitch played important roles in thousands of dollars every month to remember it as the place where the founding this corporation. subsidize the rent. Chassid R’ Dovid Okonuv was After years of work, government murdered in 1979. In the southern subsidies were received to renovate BRINGING RUSSIAN part of the lot dozens of homes these buildings and they were made JEWS TO CROWN were constructed by the into comfortable apartments. Their Community Council, which eased first goal was to get as many young HEIGHTS the demand for homes and lowered couples and families who couldn’t In one of the sichos the Rebbe the prices. At one point there was afford to buy private homes as they spoke sadly about how small a an unsuccessful attempt by the could. percentage of the many Jews who members of the Council to open a The arrangement with the were leaving Russia at that time (in hotel in the northern part of the lot, government was that each family the 70’s) were settling in Crown which was bought from a hospital. paid one week’s salary to live there Heights. The Rebbe noted the fact In later years, R’ Mendel Drizin for a month and the owner received that in Crown Heights there were bought it and built a beautiful the remainder of the rent money many Russian speaking Jews who condo complex there. from the government. This enabled would be able to help the new low-income families and those in immigrants and could encourage

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immersed and continued on home.” “There isn’t even time to look at the A few weeks later, on Shabbos note... He sits and looks at the four Parshas Shmini 5735/1975, the Rebbe said a very sharp sicha about walls of his house and counts the flies Crown Heights. People who were present at the farbrengen said that on the wall. Take out the note that was they had never heard the Rebbe scream like that ever before. written to you and look at what it says “It was terrible. Throughout the sicha I was clutching at my heart,” there!” the Rebbe exclaimed at the said one man who was there. In his farbrengen. diary, R’ Moshe Chaim Levin writes about that farbrengen, “On Shabbos DEVELOPING time were new immigrants and there was a moiradike sicha about the sh’chuna.” CONNECTIONS therefore unable to vote so the Jews were able to win by a slim majority After the Rebbe began speaking One of the important jobs of the and to put their man in office. In about the lack of action on the part Council was to develop connections subsequent elections, following of Anash, he went on to speak about with government figures. R’ Nachum efforts by black leaders, the area was the mikva he had visited a few Pinson was appointed to this redistricted and the blacks won a Shabbasos earlier: position, by means of which large majority. Regarding the mikva – about a sums of money came in for mosdos year and a half ago I wrote a note in the neighborhood, starting with about fixing up the mikva here, community development and THE MIKVA NEAR 770 near 770. I was there a few days founding businesses as well as aid There is no question that one of ago and you literally cannot go for the schools and social welfare for the most painful topics for the Rebbe there! The mikva is cold, dirty and the needy. was the mikvaos in Crown Heights. one can slip. One beneficiary of the After the white-flight the mikvaos The responsibility is government funding was the soup were abandoned and neglected to everybody’s! One can slip and it’s a kitchen that opened in the Young the point that they were not usable. miracle that boruch Hashem Israel, where 150 elderly people ate The Rebbe demanded that these nothing happened. You can buy a every day. These were people who mikvaos be renovated so that men mat and put it on the floor so were unable to leave the and women would not have to travel people don’t break their heads neighborhood and who lived in to other neighborhoods or “break there, but nobody did anything Crown Heights without any real their heads” as the Rebbe put it in about it. source of support. The place also one sicha. … About a year and a half ago served as a social center for these R’ Yosef Reitzes relates: I wrote a note about fixing the unfortunate people. “As a bachur we waited one mikva. Nothing moved! You were These government connections Shabbos, when there was no told and I wrote about it and yet also procured over a million dollars farbrengen, to escort the Rebbe it’s like nothing happened. There to buy new windows and doors. home. The Rebbe came out at about isn’t even time to look at the note. In elections that took place in two and began walking towards He sits at home, finishes eating Brooklyn, R’ Yisroel Rosenfeld won Brooklyn Avenue, and we followed and drinking, and then even reads a seat on the city council. His at some distance. When the Rebbe the newspaper and finishes it and victory came after a lot of work, got to the corner of Brooklyn he he has nothing to do. He sits and most of it on the part of members of suddenly turned right and began looks at the four walls of his house the Community Council, and by way crossing Eastern Parkway. We were and counts the flies on the wall. of a brilliant political stunt wondering where the Rebbe could be Take out the note that was written gerrymandering the voting districts going until we saw him enter the to you and look at what it says in Crown Heights. This division Kerestirer mikva at 711 Eastern there! isolated the Jewish area from the Parkway, near the corner of Some say they already thought section where the blacks Brooklyn. It was a mikva that about it and decided to do predominated. Many of the blacks belonged to a Chassidic group that something too, but actually doing – living in the neighborhood at that had left Crown Heights. The Rebbe someone else should take action.

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What about you? A mikva like this is an embarrassment! I got two reasons from them. One said that since there are mikvaos near their homes, it isn’t necessary to renovate this one. I also knew that there are mikvaos in other places and I still wrote that they should fix this mikva, since it’s the mikva closest to 770 and the Rebbe, my father- in-law lived here and he would daven and learn here and he would draw down hashpaos and brachos and kochos makifim and kochos p`nimiyim and they themselves benefit from his brachos till this day. A Jew wants to come here and daven here or learn in 770 or even to speak “idle talk” in 770 - everybody has a connection to 770 The Rebbe’s approach to the topic was - and when he goes to the closest mikva he sees that it’s cold and sharp and painful to a frightening dirty and you can slip and it’s only a miracle that nothing happens extent. Matters reached the point that there. And this is despite the fact that from 1940-1950 this is where the Rebbe did something quite unusual the Rebbe, my father-in-law lived and people would go to the nearest for the construction of the mikva. The mikva. Rebbe sold 770! Another person gave me a completely balabatishe answer and them and can take from them THE HEAVENLY wrote me three options. 1) If we according to my request, but it is SALE OF 770 want to do something like that it forbidden for me to give them Several years after the episode has to be done a certain way and money because if I give it to them, regarding the mikva for men ended, will cost thousands of dollars. 2) it will be wasted … a new saga began. This time it was Something else can be done which The Rebbe demanded that the about the mikva for women. In must be done in such-and-such a mikvaos should reflect well on the 5740, it was finally decided that a manner but it will cost less. 3) Do sh’chuna that they are in, while at new mikva would be built for it another way and it will cost less. the same time demanding the women in Crown Heights. In a rash He wrote me that there isn’t even greatest haste. In a response from move, one of the askanim tore down money for this. What a disgrace! 5741 about plans to build a new the building around the old mikva When I saw this I shuddered and mikva, the Rebbe wrote: before the new one was built and realized that there isn’t even Certainly it will be beautiful as then he neglected the work and the anybody to go to the table with. far as the furnishings, walls etc. construction of the new mikva was They couldn’t buy a mat or some (in this t--oo it should be delayed for over two years. The kind of rug because it costs such- magnificent compared to all women of Crown Heights had no and-such and I know that even for mikvaos in the city). Furthermore choice but to use a mikva in a that there isn’t any money. and most important is the utmost building under construction. Some I could give them money. People haste (in the construction etc.) and women of the community were badly who give me money are not from the merit of the many helps. the neighborhood and they give me injured due to various pitfalls in the for other things and I can guide

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give him tens of thousands of The printing machines had been dollars payment for his efforts so consumed by the fire so that parts of the that he finishes the mikva in three weeks and nobody in Lubavitch metal had melted into one large block, but should give him any advice at all. The Rebbe’s approach to the the thousands of copies of the weekly likut topic was sharp and painful to a frightening extent. Matters reached that were on the machines were the point that the Rebbe did something quite unusual for the miraculously untouched. The large flames construction of the mikva, a step that had managed to melt the metal did that he hinted at in the notes where he said it was according to Shulchan not consume the Rebbe’s sichos. Aruch. The Rebbe sold 770! Late at night, Wednesday night place. according to Shulchan Aruch even of Parshas Shmos, 5743, a In 5742, the askanim wrote to regarding a shul and even when mysterious fire broke out in the the Rebbe that they didn’t have there is another shul – it is highly printing area of the Vaad L’Hafotzas money to build the new mikva and questionable as to how they tore it Sichos, which was located on the they suggested (as it seems from the down to begin with, 3) in a upper floors of the office building response) to appoint someone to situation where it is permissible to 788, above the shul and big beis fundraise for it. The pointed answer tear it down (which was not at all midrash of the Rebbe MH”M. (The from the Rebbe said: the case here) – there must be “to shocking story began a few weeks In all of New York and the like build it speedily by day and by earlier, with an unusual instruction they have built and are building night” (the wording of the from the Rebbe to hurry up and mikvaos and most of this is done Shulchan Aruch). print volume twenty of Likkutei by women activists who raise the With my own eyes I have seen Sichos). needed money themselves and it’s that aside from a few days they are After midnight a passerby noticed amazing that after over a year of not doing any construction, neither the flames coming out of the involvement in this they don’t by night nor by day. May Hashem printing shop. More than ten fire know about this and how the have mercy on us all amongst Klal trucks careened through the streets women do this. The way of finding Yisroel. We conclude with the that led to the scene of the fire and someone to fundraise the money positive. they doused the building with water for them hasn’t been successful Following this, on Erev Shabbos in an attempt to put out the fire, but thus far. Parshas VaYechi, the Rebbe wrote by the time they got the huge fire On Thursday night, 12 even more sharply: under control, it had destroyed all Cheshvan, 5743, the Rebbe wrote a The p’sak din is known that it the printing machines and scathing response to the askanim of is permissible and worthwhile to everything there turned to ashes. the sh’chuna in connection with this: sell a shul for the purpose of the The members of the Vaad rushed The shocking incident, and mikva. They promised me that to enter the shop even before the what makes it more shocking is there would be a completed mikva heavy smoke dispersed in order to that nobody paid any attention to in the middle of the summer, and see what could be salvaged. They it, they destroyed (with public then before Rosh HaShana and were relieved to see that the fire had money and with haste) the only then for Sukkos, and then in two been stopped near the offices, which women’s mikva in the entire or three weeks. contained hundreds of copies of the community of Lubavitch and which On 14 Teives I was at the mikva new Likkutei Sichos, in addition to is visited by Lubavitcher women and in another three weeks it won’t vital archives. from a number of countries – two be completed either. The big surprise was in the years ago! If they are really interested in center of the printing shop. The Since they are apparently not the welfare of the beis midrash – it printing machines had been “aware” of this, I hereby is for its benefit that they sell it consumed by the fire so that parts of announce: 1) There is no mikva in and give the money to someone the metal had melted into one large its place as of now, here 2) who is not from Lubavitch – and block, but the thousands of copies of the weekly likut that were on the

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machines were miraculously untouched. The large flames that had managed to melt the metal did not consume the Rebbe’s sichos. A few days before the big fire that caused such heavy damage, a small fire broke out under the farbrengen bima where the Rebbe sat. Bachurim who were there at the time put it out. Nobody could understand how a fire had broken out under the bima. There was no rational reason for it. On Shabbos Parshas Shmos, in the middle of the farbrengen, the Rebbe revealed what lay behind the recent events. The Rebbe began The offices above 770 the day after the fire. speaking about the mikva that was not yet built: There is something about which I have been screaming more than 101 times. For three years and more I have been speaking about building a mikva and meetings have been held and they discuss it again and again but they still haven’t actually finished building the mikva. Of all the times I was at the mikva, I did not see any of the people in charge even one time. I was there on a number of days and at different times of the day, early, The zal in 770 as they extinguished the fire. The benches were covered with late, at the beginning of the day – plastic to protect them from the water that poured down from the upper stories. at least, at the beginning of my day which is before noon - and only it made no difference. saved and so I sold it. one time did I meet one of the Then a similar incident took They do me a favor and write people in charge. And that was place with a second woman and it down what I say and they extol the within the past two weeks and so made no difference. Even when it talk, but when it comes to actually probably he showed himself since happened with a third woman it doing something, it has no effect. he wanted to ensure that I made no difference. What is the purpose in talking if wouldn’t speak about it at the Then a small fire broke out they don’t take action? There’s talk farbrengen. suddenly. Nobody knows how it and questions about what was said, However, I spoke about it at the began and there is no rational they analyze it and explanations farbrengen time and again and they reason for it. Nevertheless, it made are given etc. but it doesn’t get make a written record of what was no difference. translated into action. said at the farbrengen, and they Then a big fire broke out which The shock this engendered is hear what needs to be done – but everybody is talking about. This indescribable. That Friday a secret everybody thinks that I’m not fire was also miraculous – there is sale of the beis midrash of 770 was talking about him but about no reason for why it began. carried out. In the morning, the someone else … Nevertheless, it made no Rebbe gave the secretaries an entire After all this did not help, difference. page of instructions regarding the something negative happened to I saw there was no other sale of the beis midrash that same one of the ladies and nevertheless, choice and the building had to be day. Some of the details still cannot

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has an impact on the entire world. Rumor has it that the Rebbetzin said This is apparent in the Rebbe’s war that three things made the Rebbe’s hair for the physical character of the neighborhood as described above, turn white: the sh’chuna, Mihu Yehudi, and also in his war for the spiritual character of the neighborhood when and the state of the T’mimim. people tried to impose their will on the community in ways that went be publicized. and quality of life of the Jews who against halacha. Then too, you saw The Rebbe said that the sale lived there has still not ended. When the Rebbe screaming about things should be carried out according to we read or hear about another happening in Moshiach’s capitol in halacha by Rabbi Zalman Shimon incident in which a black attacks a Lubavitch in New York. Dworkin a”h, the rav of the Jew in Crown Heights, we must In 5740, R’ Shmuel Yitzchok sh’chuna. It is known that the Rebbe think only about how we could have Reitzes returned from a wedding in inquired afterwards regarding a prevented this. London and he told the Rebbe that number of the details connected with White-flight from Crown Heights the Lubavitcher mosdos there were Rav Dworkin’s role in the matter. did not only affect Crown Heights. growing tremendously. The Rebbe Due to the great haste in which Think about how Judaism would sighed and asked him why this the sale was done there wasn’t time look today if at the beginning of wasn’t the case in Crown Heights. for the buyer to obtain the cash “U’faratzta,” the tanks and When he asked the Rebbe what necessary to meet the named price. mivtzaim, all those hundreds of needed to be done, the Rebbe said, The Rebbe told the secretaries to gift thousands of Jews, would have been “We need to delay the Torah reading the buyer money so he could around Lubavitch. Dozens of [i.e. in order to get people to do officially buy it that same day. bachurim who lived in the sh’chuna something].” The Rebbe was willing The buyer was a non- in the early years found their way to to delay the Torah reading in order Lubavitcher, as per the Rebbe’s Lubavitch – how many more would to save the sh’chuna. orders. The Rebbe told the gabboim have joined Lubavitch if the Jews Rumor has it that the Rebbetzin that from then on, any significant hadn’t fled? How many fights that said that three things made the change in the building had to be were not l’sheim Shamayim might Rebbe’s hair turn white: the done with permission of the new have been prevented if the main sh’chuna, Mihu Yehudi, and the owner. Since the gabboim did not center for G’dolei Yisroel was in the state of the T’mimim. know who the buyer was, said the proximity of the Nasi HaDor? How Tuvia Fertel writes in his book Rebbe, no changes should be made. many more Jews would have become about cities in exile that were called The Rebbe sold the beis midrash, baalei t’shuva? “Yerushalayim,” that Brownsville, a Beis Chayeinu, which every Chassid The Rebbe’s war for the Jewish neighborhood with numerous yearns for, so that the women of “sh’chuna of the Nasi HaDor” as he shuls and battei midrash, flourished Crown Heights would have a mikva. called it, continues till this day. In until the Jews left. It was also called It has only been in recent years certain areas of Crown Heights there “Yerushalayim of America.” When that Chassidim have realized what are blocks with a few Chassidim and Brownsville was destroyed, all hashgacha pratis there was in the many blacks. Till today the T’mimim assumed that nearby Crown Heights sale of the shul. The act of sale continue to help out with minyanim would soon share the same fate. proved that the Rebbe was the only in shuls that need them so that However today, when thousands of balabus over 770 and this addressed another shul should not be closed. guests arrive in Tishrei they see a one of the primary claims in the On the other hand, children are Jewish neighborhood which court case about Beis Chayeinu. growing up in Crown Heights today prevailed, “since the Beis seeing mostly Jews as they walk to HaMikdash was destroyed … CONCLUSION - school, and having no idea that at Lubavitch is our Yerushalayim of BUT NOT THE END the beginning of the Rebbe’s nesius America.” There is no question that there were maybe three Chassidishe Crown Heights deserves the title. It Although in more recent years balabatim who owned homes in the is the only Jewish neighborhood that the Rebbe did not address the topic area. prevailed during white-flight, while with such sharpness, the Rebbe’s The sh’chuna is dear to the all the others - Harlem, the Bronx, war for the character of the Rebbe’s heart. The Rebbe said that Brownsville and East Flatbush – neighborhood and for the security whatever happens in Crown Heights could not.

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perspective TISHREI IN YEHUDA AND SHOMRON (AND PRAGUE)

By Aliza Karp

When I told Rochie Serebryanski that I had been in letters are amazing. This particular Shabbos morning, Hevron for Yom Kippur she asked that I speak about it at my two eldest granddaughters came to ask me a the upcoming N’shei Chabad Rosh Chodesh gathering in question. My husband and I had just started a letter. We Crown Heights. I said I would be happy to… why not? completed the first paragraph, where the Rebbe By the time Rosh Chodesh came along, the evening generally says he received a letter on such and such a was dedicated to a member of our community whom we date but does not always begin to address any specific lost to a terrible sickness – Aviva bas Avraham Palgi - topic. So we finished the introductory paragraph and I and to surviving mourners Mrs. Edith Block, on the loss looked up and asked the girls what they wanted. They of her dear daughter Devorah Nechama bas Avraham wanted me to take them to 770. Hmmm. I explained Neuwirth, and Mrs. Miryam Swerdlow on the loss of her that Bubby does not like crowds, and this week would be precious granddaughter Alta Shula bas Yosef Yitzchok Swerdlov. After sharing my experiences with the women in Beit Lubavitch Bat Ayin: Challah on the table in attendance I decided to make the speech into an article, the foreground and Jewish towns in the distance on dedicated to our departed and our mourners. the porch of Beit Lubavitch Bat Ayin. Thank you Rochie for inviting me here this evening and thank you everyone for giving me this opportunity to share with you my experiences this past Tishrei. I would like to mention that I know that Aviva, whom we just lost, and the surviving mourners Edith Bloch and Miriam Swerdlov have in common that they all love(d) and support(ed) Eretz Yisroel. Miryam Swerdlov in particular is a regular visitor to Hevron. Ad Masai, Hashem… Ad Masai?! It is our job now to hasten the revelation of Moshiach. With that in mind, I will strive to connect my presentation to the teachings of the Rebbe. As many of you know, I am very involved with Hevron. I work for the Shliach in Hevron, Rabbi Danny Cohen. I would love to experience all our Yomin Tovim in Hevron, but if I would - I wouldn’t be here in Crown Heights to get my work done … so I go occasionally. This year was the first time I was in Hevron during Tishrei. Since I want to connect my story as much as possible to the Rebbe – I am going to begin with a story that actually happened on Chaf Beis Shvat. It was a number of years ago when my daughter Rivka Greenwald was in Crown Heights with her daughters for the Kinus. They are on Shlichus in Duluth, MN. Shabbos morning my husband and I learn Igros Kodesh. We have a volume and we go page by page. The

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granddaughter, Simcha Rochel, to just spent Rosh HaShana in Prague Hevron for Yom Kippur. It was the with Simcha Rochel’s friends from first of her three fasts before her Bas Online School, Chaya and Bassie Mitzvah… and again - we got front Barash, daughters of the Shluchim row seats. Actually, every seat in the in Prague. Shlichus in Minnesota, Maara is a front row seat, even if Prague and Hevron are all different you are standing. We have it on – what they share is what they have video… the Rebbe telling supporters in common with Chabad Houses of Hevron that all our prayers gather around the world - challenges that and ascend through Hevron. Can’t can only be met by Shluchim get closer than that. dedicated to Am Yisroel and I want to take this opportunity to connected to the Rebbe. mention – there is now internet The Shabbos before Yom Kippur access to prayers in Hevron. Chabad we spent in Yitzhar. How many of of Hevron has a website where you you have heard of Yitzhar? It is in Chabad of Hevron: A creative touch to the way the soldiers laid down their push a button that leads you to a the Shomron, not far from Sh’chem, rifles on the floor when they came to place to put in your information. where Yosef HaTzaddik is buried. It their Pre Yom Kippur program Then you press the send button and is a magnificent setting. your very soon the prayer will be I don’t want to knock Hevron, very crowded upstairs in 770 said in Hevron… at the Maara, at but it is a big city. Dirty, noisy. because it is Chaf Beis Shvat. And Menucha Rochel or both… your Yeah, it’s dirty. The government Bubby had to make a big salad choice. The website is doesn’t let the Jews clean up the because of all the guests because it is chabadhebron.com (Reminder: it is piles of garbage because we are not Chaf Beis Shvat. And Bubby is tired. traditional to give Tz’daka when allowed to touch Arab property and My husband was shocked at my asking for a Bracha, so, for your the garbage belongs to the Arabs. answer but I could not be convinced convenience, there is a place to click One time Chabad of Hevron got to change my mind. We went back to make donations.) permission to clean up a certain area to learning the letter that had been Our Yom Kippur preparations that had rats, and they had to bring interrupted. The very next sentence began the week before on in bulldozers. But the hard part was was one I had never seen before and Wednesday night. Danny’s wife getting the permission. have not seen since. It read: “It is Batsheva was making a pre-Yom Back to my story… In contrast to important to be a good influence on Kippur event for girl soldiers. Hevron the big city, Yitzhar is a your grandchildren.” Simcha Rochel and I attended. community of a few hundred I closed the book. Apologized to Batsheva first taught the girls how to families on a hilltop with views in all my husband. Got dressed and took make a scrumptious chocolate directions. It is about 35 miles from the girls to 770. It was packed. I dessert and then she taught them the coast, but at sunset you see the figured there might be some places about T’shuva. I must admit that sun reflecting off the Mediterranean at the back, so we went to the third Simcha Rochel and I did not leave with the silhouette of Tel Aviv in Shul. We got there just as everyone the event with deep thoughts of front of it. The air in Yitzhar is fresh stood up together. Instead of T’shuva (nor did we have deep and crisp and the people are standing with them we mounted the thoughts about chocolate) but we exclusively the kind who are now empty seats and scurried to the did come away feeling a dedicated to Eretz Yisroel, Ahavas back porch. A few moments after we strengthening of Ahavas Yisroel Yisroel and Toras Yisroel. got there, two women in the front between us and the soldiers we had Recently a Chabad House has row got up to leave. It was as if they just met. A pre-Bas Mitzvah girl and been set up in Yitzhar by Danny were holding the spot for us. The her Bubby mingling with teenage Cohen’s brother Eli Eitan together glass partition did not reach to the girls with little or no background in with the founder of outpost Mitzpeh bottom. My granddaughters could Judaism – and feeling connected. It Yitzhar, Itzik Sandroi and his see the entire downstairs 770 and may not make sense, but it was very partner in pioneering, famous for the space under the glass gave them real. being the first soldier to sit in jail in plenty of air to breath. It was We were also feeling a sense of the days before the Disengagement, amazing - we got front row seats! awe at how the Rebbe thinks of Yossi Pilant. Their Chabad House This past Tishrei I took my eldest every Jew in every place, including will bring Chassidus to the people female soldiers in Hevron. We had and the soldiers in Yitzhar and the

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surrounding areas. Because they Meir and Miriam Rhodes have put the Maara. now had a Chabad House they were down roots. Literally, tree roots. I At the same time, tents were able to sell me Machzorim. That picked a fig from their tree. It was being put up on the grassy areas meant I did not have to drive delicious. And I learned a new leading up the Maara. In Crown through congested traffic in Halacha. I knew that you did not Heights the guests come inside. In Yerushalayim in search of them. Plus have to take Truma and Maaser if Hevron, the homes are small and I have the pleasure of knowing my you eat the produce where it grows. few. Luckily the presence of soldiers Machzor is from Yitzhar. And by the Meir taught me that the ruling is makes it safe to sleep outdoors and way – the Chabad House of Yitzhar that once the produce passes a the weather makes it a pleasure to is actually a caravan. But it is still a Mezuzah, you need to take Truma do so. Some people slept on Chabad House. and Maaser. mattresses even without tents. And The first nice thing about Yom So the Rhodes’ fed us - us and a some even without mattresses. Kippur in Eretz Yisroel started the variety of young people whom the Simcha Rochel and I had our last night before, i.e. Motzaei Shabbos. Rhodes’ have a tendency to attract meal in our own accommodations They changed the clocks! It meant to the warmth of their lovely home and we lit candles. On the way to we only had to fast until six o’clock that the youth like to refer to as the Maara we passed the Avraham and a few minutes. (Very soon after Camp Rhodes – also known as Beis Avinu Shul. This Shul had been nightfall, Baruch Marzel made sure Lubavitch Bat Ayin. totally destroyed and desecrated by there were tables of cake and orange We got back to Hevron and I the Arabs in the years before 1967 juice, enough for the crowds who wanted to check my email in the and is now a completely new Shul. had Davened at the Maara. And for caravan that Chabad of Hevron uses It’s very nice. I am sure you all the soldiers - who to my surprise for office space. As I was leaving, in know the story that happened were also fasting - he arranged for a came Yossi Nachshon and our friend hundreds of years ago, when there restaurant-on-wheels to go around Golan. They covered the small space were only 9 men in Hevron for Yom to where the soldiers were stationed. with mattresses and put out Negel Kippur and a tenth man walked into The restaurant-on-wheels was Vasser Keilim. They told me that Shul just before Kol Nidrei. When sponsored by Chabad of Hevron – between Musaf and Mincha on Yom the men of Hevron wanted to take thanks to Aryeh Wuensch of Miami.) Kippur it will be too hot to walk him home to feed him after the fast Erev Yom Kippur we needed a back and forth to and from Kiryat he mysteriously disappeared only to place to eat. This time we went to Arba while fasting, so they are reappear in a dream of one of the Bat Ayin. How many people have preparing places to rest for the men men later that night. The mysterious heard of Bat Ayin? Many of you who will be walking to Hevron to guest said he was Avraham Avinu probably know this is where the take part in the Chabad Minyan at and had come to complete the Minyan. Since then the Shul has been called the Avraham Avinu Shul. When we walked by on our way to the Maara it was packed to overflowing and there were rows of chairs outside two of the exterior walls that had windows. When we arrived at the Maara there were many people coming, and even more already inside. Almost all the women were dressed in white, flowing skirts. The girls with their long dark hair and the women with white scarves. There was something very graceful and surreal about how

In the back right hand corner a soldier holds the Sefer Torah brought to the Kollel building in Hevron by Rabbi Kogan and members of his congregation in Moscow.

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mentioning Avraham, Yitzchok and The Kollels represent one of the ways Yaakov and their presence in the Chabad of Hevron is striving to awaken Maara is very comforting. I wish I could tell you that our those who slumber in Hevron. Davening was on such a level that Moshiach came and aroused those they looked. It filled the Maara with who is not Jewish has an who slumber in Hevron… but alas. a feeling of purity and hope. organization that sends packages to The prayers in 770, at the Kotel, in There were Minyanim soldiers in Eretz Yisroel and we took Maaras HaMachpella and all the everywhere: On the plaza outside, in some packages to deliver. The Shuls around the world have not yet the hallway, in the room where a soldiers loved the baseball hats and broken the shell of Galus. Kollel learns, the room of Yaakov, other ‘guy’ things in the sack. We Today was the second of the room of Avraham and the main added a compact Segula L’Shmira MarCheshvan. Almost one hundred hall. During Yom Kippur day, Ulam according to the Rebbes guidelines, years ago, on this date, in Hevron, Yitzchok, which is open to Jews only plus some chocolate and delivered it the Rebbe Rashab established a ten days a year, was also open… and with a cold Coca Cola. One of the Yeshiva. Seven years ago on this day packed to capacity. soldiers we delivered the packages to Chabad of Hevron opened a Kollel. When we got to the main hall it had told us that he had never been Due to the onset of World War One, was full, and women were beginning to Hevron before his army service the Rebbe Rashab’s Yeshiva was to stand near the entrance. I always and what he found wonderful about open in Hevron for a few short years figure there are at least two seats Hevron was Shabbos. In Haifa, after which it was forced to move to vacant near the far side (as per the where he lived, he had seen Jews in Yerushalayim. Against all odds, Chaf Beis Shvat story), so we Yarmulkas from time to time so he Chabad of Hevron received squished through and found ‘our’ thought he knew a little about his permission to open their Kollel and two seats on the far side near the heritage. But in Hevron, he said, you – in a city where even putting up a back. can feel in the air when it is Mezuzah has caused a ruckus by There is a hallway behind the Shabbos… that is the feeling we had Peace Now and the media – they main hall with windows connecting on Yom Kippur… you could feel it have not only maintained the the two areas. From our location we was Yom Kippur. afternoon Kollel but have now could hear our Minyan and the The next morning we had a opened a second one in the evening. Minyan behind us which we heard Chabad Minyan at the Maara. Most When Sara and Boruch with more volume and clarity. It was of the men walked from nearby Nachshon were amongst the first to confusing at first, but very beautiful. Kiryat Arba. Because Chabad begins re-settle Hevron, the Rebbe sent a The Minyan behind us had a lot of later than other Minyanim we letter to Boruch telling him that his singing. Beautiful tunes, very usually start outdoors and move learning and Davening in Hevron sincere, very emotional, very moving inside when someone else is together with his friends will and very inspiring. finished. That was the plan, but constitute the spiritual conquering of When our Minyan ended and we somehow we were able to start Hevron which will bring about the walked back to our room. It was a indoors right away. I was relieved. conquest of Hevron in the physical. warm night. Small groups of people Outside, the women would have Not only has Boruch designated were gathered outdoors. Windows been in the sun. The Minyan started Chabad of Hevron to be considered were open. I would also like to say on time. Shliach Rabbi Menachem his friends according to the letter that hearts were also open. That was Porter did a wonderful job from the Rebbe, but his son Rabbi the feeling. The pervading conducting the service. Yosef Nachshon is instrumental in atmosphere was one where no one It is not easy to follow Yom the learning and administration of was a stranger. We could hear the Kippur Davening. It is lengthy and the Kollels. sounds of Davening, learning and unfamiliar. But when Davening in The Kollels represent one of the lively discussions that were to Maaras HaMachpella, so close to ways Chabad of Hevron is striving to continue through the night. Jewish our fathers and mothers, Hashem’s awaken those who slumber in Hevron was unmistakably ensconced favorite children, the mood of the Hevron – and all our loved ones in Yom Kippur. relationship of Hashem to Am whom we long to see again in Simcha Rochel had brought Yisroel strongly reflects the happiness and in good health. May it packages with her all the way from relationship of children and parents. be with Moshiach NOW! Duluth to give to soldiers. A woman We begin every prayer by

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thought THE MARRIAGE OF THE AVOS AND THE KINUS HASHLUCHIM

By Rabbi Yosef Karasik District Rav Bat Chefer – Emek Chefer

Avos and Imahos, being only ten What is the advantage in the shliach years apart. They both were born to who works as far away as possible? * goyim who did not believe in one G- d and both underwent a process of Which shidduch is more successful, one change in which they came to believe in one G-d. In their actions, in which the couple are similar or one too, they were on the same page – both were hospitable and both in which their differences complement taught others about G-d, “Avrohom converted the men and Sarah the one another? * A fascinating look at the women.” parsha from the perspective of Chazal, Yitzchok and Rivka were quite different from one another: Kabbala and Chabad Chassidus Their family background could not have been more dissimilar - presented in honor of the Kinus Yitzchok was born to Avrohom and Sarah, righteous people who HaShluchim and the sidra that deals believed in one G-d and served Hashem, while Rivka was the with the shidduchim of the Avos. daughter of the wicked Besuel and the brother of the wicked Lavan. SIMILAR OR Let us look at the marriages of Yitzchok was born in Eretz Yisroel, COMPLEMENTARY Avrohom and Sarah and of Yitzchok where he lived his whole life, while and Rivka and see how they differ: Rivka was born in Ur Kasdim, an People often wonder, which is Avrohom and Sarah were more impure land. There was a large age preferable – when a couple are or less similar: gap of 37 years between them. similar, having a common Their family background was When the couple wed, their spiritual background and upbringing, or similar, as they were related. levels were quite disproportionate. when the couple are unalike and Avrohom was Sarah’s uncle. She Yitzchok was already on a high their differences complement and was the daughter of Haran, spiritual level – he was circumcised complete each other? Which sort of Avrohom’s brother. They were both and had been brought, at the Akeida, shidduch will be more long-lasting born and raised in Ur Kasdim. They as a sacrifice to Hashem. Rivka lived and harmonious? were closer in age than the other outside Eretz Yisroel “as a rose

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out.‘ 2) Moshe Rabbeinu when he “The marriage of Yitzchok and Rivka is asked that the earth open its mouth a general matter that rises above all and swallow Korach. 3) Shlomo HaMelech when he asked that a fire else, as it represents the general descend on the altar in the Beis HaMikdash.” connection between Above and below, Of the three, Eliezer’s prayer was greater than the rest because they the general idea of Torah and mitzvos, were answered only after they completed their prayer while he was and the connection between the answered even before he finished. neshama and the body.” This is surprising, for Eliezer was a Canaanite servant who lived before the Giving of the Torah, while among the thorns.” Yitzchok and Rivka (and was not Moshe and Shlomo were righteous From their first encounter, when mentioned about Avrohom and Jews who lived after the Giving of Rivka saw Yitzchok for the first Sarah) as it says (24:67), “And he the Torah. How could the prayer of time, she sensed his holiness and took Rivka and she was his wife and a servant be loftier than that of our lowered herself from the camel and he loved her.” greatest teacher and prophet and bowed to him, an act that 2 - After the passing of Sarah, greater than the prayer of the wisest symbolized her awe and emphasized Avrohom remarried Hagar-K’tura of all men and the one who built the the distance between their spiritual and had six more children, and even Mikdash? levels. Even many years later, when in Sarah’s lifetime he had a The answer is that Eliezer’s she felt uncomfortable in her concubine, Hagar, who bore him a prayer was for a shidduch for pregnancy “and the children fought son. Yitzchok, on the other hand, Yitzchok, and his marriage was the within her,” she consulted with did not marry another wife after the loftiest of all, therefore he was Sheim rather than her husband passing of Rivka and did not have a extremely successful. because apparently there remained a concubine. distance of levels between them. 3 - The story of the marriage of Yitzchok and Rivka is told in the A SYMBOL FOR THE SPIRITUAL LEVELS Torah at great length and it is THE MARRIAGE OF OF AVROHOM AND written twice. Chazal say “Nicer is KLAL YISROEL the talk of the servants of the Avos YITZCHOK In Chassidus it explains that the than the Torah of the children, for shidduch of Yitzchok and Rivka is a It would seem that a bond this parsha of Eliezer is repeated in symbol for the marriage of Klal between someone on a high spiritual the Torah while many important Yisroel, as well as for the avoda of a level and someone on a lower aspects of Torah were only hinted Jew in the world. The Rebbe says, spiritual level, would be more at.” “The marriage of Yitzchok and suitable for the shidduch of 4 - Among all the prayers that Rivka is a general matter that rises Avrohom than for Yitzchok. After were prayed over the generations, above all else, as it represents the all, Avrohom’s spiritual level was the Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai singles out general connection between Above midda of chesed, which is all about the prayer of Eliezer for the and below, the general idea of Torah drawing the lowly close, while shidduch of Yitzchok as an and mitzvos, and the connection Yitzchok’s spiritual level was the outstanding prayer that was between the neshama and the body.” midda of din and g’vura, which is accepted very quickly. In other words, Yitzchok about giving each person in Thus says Rashbi (B’Reishis represents the level of the G-dly soul accordance with his spiritual level, Raba, 60, 4): “Three people had (mah) and Rivka represents the level no less and no more. their prayers and requests of of the body of a Jew (ban), and the Yet despite the differences in Hashem answered immediately: 1) connection between Yitzchok and background and level of Yitzchok Eliezer the servant of Avrohom when Rivka embodies all the avoda of a and Rivka, the Torah says wonderful he went to find a shidduch for Jew in the world, to unite the things in praise of this shidduch: Yitzchok, as it says, ‘And it physical and the spiritual. 1-The term “ahava” (love) happened before he finished The starting point and the totality between man and wife is used for speaking and behold, Rivka came of the avoda of a Jew in the world

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are embodied in this marriage, and mountaintops there is snow while Jewish life, where he has the job of because this was so crucial, the below those very mountains it is hot, making a “shidduch” between the prayer for this shidduch was to the point that near the equator – holiness of the shul and beis midrash answered right away. in the center of Africa - on the peak and the secular environment far This can be understood with an of Mt. Kilimanjaro, there is snow from Judaism and belief in G-d. analogy from nature which sounds year-round, whereas in the valley at Sometimes, in the avoda of paradoxical – two extremes, its feet it’s extremely hot. shlichus, fears and difficulties arise. although they are the most distant, This can be used as a mashal to We find ourselves in a double and have the strongest connection, as in the idea that the end is wedged to redoubled darkness of the end of the kabbalistic saying, “The the beginning and the beginning to galus; how can we succeed in fixing beginning is wedged in the end and the end. If you go far enough you the world? the end in the beginning.” connect with the origin. Our parsha comes to teach us It’s like the heat of the sun. So too the shidduch and the that Avrohom sent Eliezer out of the Generally speaking, the more distant joining of two opposites, Yitzchok country and it was there that he was one gets from the sun, the less heat and Rivka, created a highly successful in his prayer and his there is. Nonetheless, the surface of successful and complete connection, mission of combining opposites. the earth is much hotter than outer just as the connection between the With his prayer he accomplished space is, even closer to the sun. spiritual world of the neshama and more than even Moshe Rabbeinu Also, when you compare the the physical world of the body and Shlomo HaMelech. temperatures on mountaintops to creates the most successful bond. We mustn’t be fazed by the the temperatures in the valleys difficulties of galus and the below, you discover an amazing THE SHABBOS OF THE challenges of shlichus because when thing. The higher the mountain and KINUS HA’SHLUCHIM a Jew davens to Hashem, he is the closer it is to the sun, the lower immediately answered. All that is the temperature. On the highest The Rebbe assigned a holy needed is the effort of uttering his shlichus to every prayer, and then immediately and Jew, to be even before he finishes the prayer, "The quickest way to reveal Moshiach is by learning the Torah sources mekarev our he will merit tremendous success in about Moshiach & redemption" t"ab,wv grumnu ghrz, p"a brothers and his shlichus of being mekarev Radio Moshiach & Redemption sisters to our everybody in his environment to 1620-1640 AM around Crown Heights & Boro Park Father in heaven & 1710 AM in parts of Brooklyn 24/6 Hashem and hastening the Geula. worldwide live broadcast: www.RadioMoshiach.org and to bring the Geula. This Shabbos, SHLICHUS thousands of IN DISTANT PLACES shluchim will The Rebbe once said that there is gather to be an advantage in shlichus in the most strengthened in distant places, whether distant their avoda of spiritually, in terms of the absolute shlichus. lack of Jewish and Chassidic life The avoda of there, or physically distant from any shlichus consists Jewish communities. of uniting Sometimes, the most successful opposites. A influence is in the most distant Chassid who lives places. In the merit of the avoda of in the rarified shlichus all over the world and the atmosphere of tremendous achdus of the Kinus Tomchei HaShluchim, may we merit “and T’mimim and gather us together from the four Please contribute generously to our 100,000 fundraising campaign who spent his life corners of the world to our land,” For donations or dedications make checks payable to: doing Torah and with the true and complete Geula, "Radio Moshiach & Redemption" mitzvos is sent now. 383 Kingston Ave. #94, Brooklyn, NY 11213 718 756-4530 Tel/Fax 363-1652 Email: [email protected] “abroad” to a Source: Hisvaaduyos 20 Cheshvan sgu okugk jhanv lkn ubhcru ubrun ubbust hjh place far from 5742 and more

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shlichus

The pastoral settlement of Karmei Tzur is located a few miles south of Gush Etzion Junction, half BEARING way to the Jewish settlement of Chevron. Established on Rosh Chodesh Kislev, 5745, it is considered one of the region’s newer settlements. Its first residents were FRUIT IN graduates of Yeshivat Har Etzion in Elon Shvut, and they were later joined by other families, among them a group of Jewish immigrants from Peru. As with most settlements KARMEI TZUR in Gush Etzion, the chosen name for this settlement was derived from Torah sources – the ancient Beit Tzur, the remnants of which are By Nosson Avrohom located nearby. Beit Tzur is Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry mentioned in the Book of Yehoshua and played a significant role in the wars of the Maccabees against the He grew up in a traditional family in Greeks. The settlement of Karmei Tzur is Belgium, came to know there the not located in a particularly sympathetic area. Reaching the shliach of the Rebbe, Melech settlement requires passing by several rather hostile Arab villages, HaMoshiach, and in a moment of inner and the route has seen its fair share of serious terrorist attacks that have awakening on Simchas Torah, decided claimed the lives of numerous Jews. While Karmei Tzur is not a to make a complete turnaround in his particularly large settlement, with a population of about one hundred life. After studying at the prestigious and twenty families, it is still quite inspiring to see the communal “Lev” Institute, he established his home solidarity, unity, and brotherhood reigning among the residents, most and went out on shlichus to the Karmei of whom are students of the former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Tzur settlement, located among hostile Mordechai Eliyahu. The settlement’s economic state is average; many of Arab villages in the Shomron, where he the male residents work as educators, merchants, physicians, spreads chassidus and the Redemption computer experts, and economists. The Torah aspect of life has not been among religious families, seeing pushed into a corner, and the brachos and deriving nachas in all that settlement supports and runs a unique kollel that emphasizes the he does. The story of the fascinating study of the Beis HaMikdash, a learning institution that has shlichus of Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld from contributed much to the local spiritual framework. Karmei Tzur. We came to this dynamic settlement last month to survey the

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vigorous and exemplary activities of the shliach, Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld, who has been working tirelessly and with great devotion on the premises for the last five years. We began our tour in the Tzur Shalom neighborhood, founded in memory of one of the settlement’s residents, Dr. Shmuel Gillis (may G- d avenge his blood), a senior member of the medical staff of Hadassah Hospital who was murdered by terrorists on his way to the settlement in 5761. The neighborhood is located on the settlement’s western slopes with a view of Wadi Rashrash, and on especially clear days, you can even see the Tel Aviv area. We quickly learned that Rabbi Rosenfeld is privileged to have growing cooperation from residents, who look most favorably upon his devotion towards spreading the light of chassidus on the settlement. “There are two main levels of activity in which we operate and invest much effort,” said Rabbi Rosenfeld, his characteristic joyful spirit shining through his every word. “First, there is a variety of classes in the Rebbe’s maamarim and sichos, farbrengens on Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld bringing Yom Tov cheer to IDF soldiers auspicious days with guest speakers, deep Torah discussions with local RABBI LASKER: THE When I asked him to explain how residents, and special classes for the TIME HAS COME FOR everything crystallized and from Peruvian immigrants with Rabbi YOU TO TAKE A where his endless motivation stems, Daniel Ariel. he took me on a journey back to his “Second, there are regular DECISIVE STEP younger days in Brussels. activities with hundreds of Israel While Rabbi Rosenfeld has been Rabbi Rosenfeld was born into a Defense Forces soldiers on guard engaged in official and continuous traditional family, whose stress on duty and at army bases in the operations on the Karmei Tzur adhering to Jewish values did not vicinity of the settlement. It is settlement for five years already, it interfere with their enjoyment of the impossible to describe the seems that the fire of shlichus began freedoms that life in Belgium had to tremendous emotion that fills me to burn within him long before then. offer. “In our home, we kept Torah every time I surprise a soldier at It was this that drove him to make and mitzvos as ‘traditional’ Jews did some remote outpost in the middle the critical decision to leave the – what they knew, they did, and of the night, or bring a little joy and warm and pleasant community life in what they didn’t know, they didn’t excitement to a lone soldier out on Beitar Illit and invest all his strength, try to find out. Yet, it was very patrol in the mountain ranges by energy, and material goods in the important to my parents to send me reminding him that today is Purim field of shlichus , the spreading of to learn in the Jewish day school in or Chanukah… This is a living the wellsprings of chassidus, and the Brussels, where the city’s Chabad example of the mutual responsibility announcement of the Redemption. shliach, Rabbi Shimon Lasker, of the Jewish People.”

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taught Talmud and Tanach. Even as fledged chassid in every respect, identical to 770 in New York down a young boy, I had much affection including my outer wardrobe. This to the smallest detail. In my dream, for him, and I was most impressed strong inner feeling that there was someone else in front of by his loving and giving nature accompanied me all the years since me for ‘yechidus’, and then I towards every Jew, which warmed my early youth also took on a more approached the Rebbe and asked my heart. noticeable and external dimension. him a question – the nature of which “At my request, we began “It was during the month of was unclear to me – and returned to learning Gemara together, and later Tishrei, and I was celebrating my place near the doorway, as I he also taught me the ins and outs of Simchas Torah in the Chabad prepared to leave the Rebbe’s room. Talmudic study. We learned many House. As all the other chassidim, Suddenly, the Rebbe called my sichos of the Rebbe, and the Rabbi Lasker drank a proper name, gave me a piece of ‘mezonos’, teachings of chassidus in general, quantity of ‘mashke’, and then he and asked that I make a bracha and and I also learned from him the approached me and said firmly, eat. I did as the Rebbe requested, modes of chassidic conduct. He was ‘Dovid! The time has come for you and then I was surprised when the a model to be emulated for the to take a decisive step and close Rebbe took my hand and asked me pleasantness of his ways and the matters. You know what a Rebbe is, to sing a niggun. When I gathered uniqueness of his personal and you know what chassidus is. my wits about me, I began to sing attributes, and we really connected Let’s go!’ the niggun ‘V’Samachta spiritually. My parents knew about “While he surprised me with his B’Chagecha’ with great fervor. The this and didn’t interfere, and I found directness, I answered him readily. Rebbe instructed me to dance, and my visits to his Chabad House in the Under the effect of a ‘L’chaim’ or he even danced with me… When I city increasing in frequency and two of my own, I replied that I have finished, I left the ‘yechidus’, and I duration, as I become more and already decided to stop ‘dancing at met Rabbi Lasker standing nearby as more involved, becoming an integral two weddings’. I stated that right I came out… part of the surroundings. I’ll never after Simchas Torah, I would begin “I awoke from my sleep totally forget the first time I entered the to adhere to all Chabad customs and covered in cold sweat. It took me Chabad House in the middle of a modes of dress. several minutes to realize I really chassidic farbrengen, listening to all “The next day, when the effects wasn’t in 770, rather in my bed at the participants singing ‘Tzama of the mashke had worn off, I found the dormitory in the ‘Lev’ Institute Lecha Nafshi’ with great fervor. myself in a state of tremendous of Yerushalayim… The dream “In 5750, when I grew up a bit uncertainty. I remembered my seemed so real; it was obvious this and became a young man, I spent promise, but I wasn’t totally sure was not a case of ‘dreams speak considerable time at the Chabad that I could - or even wanted to - lies’. I realized that there was a House in Antwerp, under the implement it in practical terms. A message here that the Rebbe wanted directorship of Rabbi Shabtai powerful war was waging in my to give me. Slavaticki, who had a great influence mind. From that morning on, I decided upon me. The sweetness of his smile “I went around for a whole week that I would be connected to the and the clarity of his words left a like a caged lion. I was constantly Rebbe. I wrote the Rebbe a letter of powerful impression, and it was engulfed by nagging questions: How hiskashrus, and that week I bought a there that my appearance as a would I live my life? What type of fedora and suit. chassid began to take shape. While I family do I want to raise? How do I still didn’t dress in chassidic garb, want to educate my children? A SHLICHUS ON my inner essence was already week later, I no longer had any A SILVER PLATTER connected to the Rebbe with every doubts regarding the future of my fiber of my soul. life. Even when I tell this story After his marriage to his wife “I traveled from Antwerp to Eretz today, I get chills up and down my Chana (nee Katorza) in 5753, the Yisroel, and enrolled at the ‘Lev’ spine. couple took up residence in Beitar Institute in Yerushalayim, where I “On one of my first nights back Illit, where the fire of shlichus and wanted to learn a trade that would in Yerushalayim, I dreamed that I the desire to fulfill the Rebbe’s will help me support a family, G-d was in ‘Beis Chayeinu’ and was was kindled. Rabbi Rosenfeld started willing. going in for ‘yechidus’ with the by helping the previous shliach on “A visit to Brussels to see my Rebbe. The amazing thing was that the Karmei Tzur settlement, Rabbi parents turned my life around. I though I had never been to the Yitzchak Cohen. “Rabbi Cohen returned to Eretz Yisroel as a full- Rebbe before, the dream was clearly made the first serious efforts on the

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settlement, and I assisted him in his continual activities. “Five years ago, Chaf-Zayin Adar came out on Shabbos, and I found myself sitting in shul filled with gloomy thoughts. So many years have passed since that dreadful day, and what have I been doing to hasten the hisgalus? “These feelings disturbed me very much and gave me no respite. What would happen if the Rebbe would come at this very moment and ask me, ‘What did you do to hasten the Redemption?’ What would I say to him? I would face him with shame and embarrassment. I would undoubtedly run and hide out of Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld with his Daled Minim at the intersection fear from the question. I spent that House, which merely has to give classes with the shliach on the entire Shabbos deeply troubled and periodic reminders of their subject of faith and Jewish outlook. in a genuine state of apprehension. importance. As with many religious Zionist “Yet, in a truly amazing manner, On Sunday, when we conducted settlements throughout Yehuda and G-d joined the good thought to this interview, we found Rabbi Shomron, there is also a tremendous practical action. On Motzaei Rosenfeld meticulously preparing the thirst on this settlement to learn the Shabbos, I received a phone call regular shiurim that he teaches teachings of chassidus. “This is a from Rabbi Cohen, who informed during the week on a variety of very serious population, educated in me that he was planning on leaving subjects. There’s a class on giving and showing care for all Jews. the settlement to take up a new Sunday, and a class on the Rebbe’s The residents agreed to come out shlichus on the settlement of Karnei sichos in connection with the weekly and live on a desolate strip of land Shomron, and then asked me if I Torah portion on Wednesday. An and make it blossom, despite all the was interested in replacing him. I additional class in chassidus is given hidden dangers involved in the was so stunned I could hardly speak. by Rabbi Daniel Ariel for the new process. You can feel the pioneer I was in total shock. The Rebbe immigrants from Peru. spirit of the people dwelling in Tzion perceived my feelings and gave me a All the classes take place in the leading the way. There is no doubt place of shlichus on a silver platter. special kollel in operation on the that the expulsion from Gush Katif This was clearly an offer that I settlement for the study of the Beis and the northern Shomron caused a couldn’t refuse. Naturally, I HaMikdash and the Redemption, deep chasm and aroused certain consulted with my mashpia and my with which the shliach has developed fundamental questions about the wife, and they happily gave their an excellent connection. “Recently, ideology on which they had been blessing. Thus, we set out on a new during the Three Weeks, we raised. They are looking for a path of shlichus.” organized a joint lecture with Rabbi purpose and a sense of meaning to Makover on the subject of the Beis their lives, and they find this in LOOKING FOR THE HaMikdash. In many of our chassidus. INNER MEANING OF LIFE activities, they see eye to eye with us “Chassidus provides the AFTER THE EXPULSION on the importance of the concept, seasoning that gives a new and and it’s a great pleasure to work inspirational light in the mitzvos, The main avoda of shlichus in with them in a spirit of and they happily accept it and ask Karmei Tzur is classes in chassidus. cooperation.” for more. On every auspicious day This is a very religious yishuv, where In addition to the general shiurim on the chassidic calendar, we bring all its residents observe Torah and in which certain local residents mashpiim, rabbanim, and lecturers mitzvos. Thus, there is no need for participate regularly each week to bring spiritual strength to the t’fillin and mezuzah activities, as without fail, there are also some grateful residents. Recently, we everyone does these things on their special “one-on-one” chavrusa brought Rabbi Moshe Feller from own without the help of the Chabad

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appreciation, and this spurred an AN ANSWER OF MONEY FROM HEAVEN increase in participation in our During the years of his shlichus, Rabbi Rosenfeld saw the Rebbe Torah classes.” closely accompanying him and providing his blissful assistance in Rabbi Rosenfeld customarily lists everything that he did. “In every action, great and small, we see clearly the names of all those who how the Rebbe helps us beyond all measure and limitation.” participate in a farbrengen or a “One year right before Purim, I was faced with a serious budgetary shiur, and then he places the list in a crisis. I tried to raise the necessary funds, but I failed to reach the volume of “Igros Kodesh”. “One of amount required to cover even a portion of our most vital expenses. I the emotional high points of the year wasn’t sure of what to do now, and I was worried about the many is the farbrengen I hold on my soldiers and local residents waiting impatiently for our activities. I was birthday, which takes place shortly beside myself. before I travel to 770 for the “I sat down and put it all in writing, and then placed the letter International Shluchim Conference. between the pages of a volume of ‘Igros Kodesh’. I didn’t open the Naturally, I make a big farbrengen volume with any particular kavana. I imagined that the Rebbe would on the yishuv and give all ‘give it to me over the head’ or calm me down, but what I asked for participants the opportunity to write was some real help, and not just words of encouragement. That down their personal requests, which evening, when I had already forgotten about the whole thing, I pulled I will bring to the Rebbe. It is most out of my pocket the lottery ticket that I had recently bought and then exciting every time I see how went over to the local lottery stand to see if my number had hit. It took seriously people relate to this matter, me a little while to absorb the fact that I had actually won – not first just like lifelong chassidim with pure prize, but an amount that was exactly enough for me to continue our and tremendous faith in the power activities…” of the Rebbe. It’s amazing to see how many of them write not just about their personal concerns, but Minnesota, and he was most the United States and found the also for the sake of the entire Jewish impressed by what he saw. In turn, time to visit a remote settlement and People.” the residents were equally impressed support its people. Many of the [Continued next week iy”H] that he had come all the way from residents expressed their deep LIVE SHIURIM 0NLINE cwwv Anywhere, Anytime ! j,ww, INYONEI GEULA unahj dtukv gbhbh & MOSHIACH rncwwo RAMBAM ckeuyh ahgurho SHIURIM IN LIKUTEI eusa ahju, SICHOS KODESH

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42 26 MarCheshvan 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH