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NOT RESTRICTED BY WORLDLY LIMITS SICHOS IN ENGLISH

ACKNOWLEDGING THE Pharaoh,” i.e., equal in power to the the relevance of these two thrusts to NATURAL ORDER VS. ruler of the entire civilized world. our present-day lives can be clarified DEFYING IT From this same narrative, we can also by analyzing our Sages’ appreciate the power of Yehudah. For interpretation[75] of the verse from The episodes related in the Torah although Yosef was the ruler of the the Megilla,[76] “So had the king are not merely historical narratives, land, Yehudah approached him established... to do the will of each but rather contain lessons which are without any hesitation, without asking person.” In the original, the latter applicable in all times and places. This permission, ignoring totally the norms phrase reads ish va’ish – lit., “this man concept surely applies to the narrative of court protocol.[73] and that,” and here our Sages perceive at the beginning of Parshas VaYigash an allusion to Mordechai and Haman. which describes how Yehudah (Judah) As we look more closely, a I.e., when Achashverosh was approached Yosef (Joseph) and said, distinction can be drawn between the preparing his feast, he desired to “Please, my master, let your servant two. Yosef’s position was granted to satisfy the desires of both of them. speak..., for you are like Pharaoh.”[70] him by Pharaoh. This implies a degree of respect for Pharaoh’s authority, i.e., There are two opinions among our Both Yehudah and Yosef represent an acknowledgement of the power of Sages regarding the success of his the entire Jewish people. The very the natural order. Yehudah, in venture: One opinion maintains that word Yehudi, Hebrew for “Jew,” is contrast, by approaching Yosef as he since Mordechai and Haman represent derived from the name Yehudah.[71] did,[74] reflects how he refused to two diametrically opposed approaches Similarly, the name Yosef is used (as in acknowledge those limits entirely. As to life, it is impossible for their the Book of T’hillim) to refer to our such, he demonstrated the true divergent wills to be satisfied people as a whole.[72] infinite power a Jew possesses, a simultaneously. A second opinion Both of these personalities power that cannot be confined by any concedes that at present it is indeed demonstrate the way in which a Jew is constraints. impossible for these two polar not restricted by the limits of the approaches to be reconciled; in the worldly environment in which we live. A CONFLICT OF INTERESTS new world-order of the Era of the This is reflected in the above narrative The difference between the Redemption, however, this will which describes Yosef as “like approaches of Yosef and Yehudah and become possible.

70. B’Reishis 44:18. “Yosef” signifies the whole House of Israel. him simply as an Egyptian viceroy. 71. See Rashi on Esther 2:5. 73. Note the comments of B’Reishis Rabba on 75. Megilla 12a. 72. In the verse, Noheg katzon Yosef (“You, Who B’Reishis, loc. cit. 76. Esther 1:8. lead Yosef like a flock”; T’hillim 80:2, and see 74. Although Yosef was in fact his brother, Rashi there), it is clear from the context that Yehudah was not aware of this and considered

4 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 To explain the analogies involved: position of power without verse,[85] “The world will be filled Achashverosh, as the Sages teach, is compromising his spiritual integrity at with the knowledge of G-d as the representative of G-d;[77] the feast all. waters cover the ocean bed.” By represents our world,[78] and in an quoting this proof text, the Rambam ultimate sense, the fulfillment of its Nevertheless, such an approach highlights the manner in which purpose,[79] the Redemption.[80] does not negate the limitations of the G-dliness will permeate the world in Mordechai represents a Jewish material world. On the contrary, at that age. To understand the simile: In approach to life, while Haman this level, although a Jew is not contrast to the creatures that live on represents the opposite, the challenges controlled by the material aspects of the dry land, the multitude of which the material world poses to his environment, he is still influenced creatures which inhabit the ocean are Jewish practice. by them. Indeed, the Torah itself not readily discernible as teaches that[83] “The law of the land independent entities. When looking FREE WILL is binding”; i.e., the fundamental at the ocean, it is the ocean as a climate of all existence is material, and According to the first of our Sages’ whole and not these particular beings a Jew’s spiritual endeavors are carried that we perceive. Similarly, in the Era interpretations, G-d’s desire to make out in this context.[84] the feast satisfy the desires of Haman of the Redemption, though the and Mordechai refers to the free material world will continue to exist, choice we are granted. To quote the its limitations will not be apparent, Rambam:[81] for it will be suffused with A Jew is not restricted G-dliness.[86] Free will is granted to all men. If one desires to turn towards the path of by the limits of the We have the potential to “live with good... the choice is his.... Man can on worldly environment the Redemption,” to experience a his own initiative... know good and foretaste of this era, at present. In this evil and do as he desires.... There is no in which we live. manner, one can “satisfy the desires of one who compels him, decrees his both Haman and Mordechai”: one can fate, or leads him to either of these live in the material world (Haman’s paths. desire), and yet appreciate the spiritual nature of material reality, Thus, at this level, we are SATISFYING BOTH realizing how in fact it is not separate confronted with a choice; material MORDECHAI AND HAMAN from G-dliness. And this realization is involvement would appear to run the ultimate expression of Mordechai’s A different perspective, however, is contrary to the study of the Torah and service. the observance of its commandments. opened up by the second of our Sages’ A Jew, however, has the potential to interpretations – that the Era of the SHABBOS AS A FORETASTE Redemption will accommodate the follow the example of Mordechai, who OF THE WORLD TO COME “would neither bend the knee nor bow two contrary thrusts of Mordechai (the down.”[82] Despite the pressures of Jew’s spiritual tasks in this world) and To clarify this idea further: The Era the material environment in which we Haman (this world as a barrier to the of the Redemption is described as “the all live, he can hold steadfast to the fulfillment of these tasks). Day which is entirely Shabbos, and rest for life everlasting.”[87] Similarly, life-tasks of the Torah and its mitzvos. The Rambam concludes his Moreover, like Yosef, he can rise to a Shabbos is described as “a microcosm discussion of that Era with the of the World to Come.”[88] And

77. Thus the Meorei Or quotes the Midrash with the phrase, “and everything is prepared for Hilchos Melachim 12:5. which states, “The name Achashverosh – this the feast.” 86. See the essay entitled “The Ultimate Good of alludes to the Holy One, blessed be He, for the 81. Mishneh Torah, Hilchos T’shuva 5:1-2. the Era of the Redemption” (reprinted in “I beginning and end [of creation] belong to Him.” 82. Esther 3:2. Await His Coming Every Day,” published by 78. Cf.: “The world...is like a wedding feast” 83. Gittin 10b. Sichos In English, 1991), where this concept is (Eruvin 54a). discussed in a slightly different context. 84. To cite the example of Yosef: Although he 79. Cf. the opening lines of Tanya, ch. 37, on functioned as the viceroy of Egypt, the gentile 87. In the original, Yom sh’kulo Shabbos.... See “the ultimate perfection of the Messianic Era....” hierarchy of that country still continued to exist. the closing words of Tamid 7:4, incorporated in 80. Cf. the sustained metaphor on man’s place Indeed, Pharaoh ruled as king. the Sabbath prayer inserted near the conclusion of the Grace after Meals (Siddur T’hillas in the world in Avos 3:16, which culminates 85. Yeshayahu 11:9; quoted in Mishneh Torah,

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 5 indeed we see a fusion of material ENJOYING THE described above. The world has already existence and spirituality on the REDEMPTION AHEAD OF been refined to the point that all Sabbath. We are commanded[89] to TIME around us we see receptive people, celebrate it with physical pleasure, yet previously unconnected with Judaism, the prevailing mood of the day is In this way one can anticipate the and now able and eager to appreciate spiritual. Redemption, and enjoy a foretaste of it and internalize its truths. It is as if the now. Indeed, the potential for “living world were asking a Jew to realize a Our Sages[90] state that a Torah with the Redemption” in this manner state of redemption within his own life. scholar is called “Shabbos.” This is far greater at present than in earlier implies that he extends the fusion of times. For all the spiritual tasks G-d Moreover, “living with the materiality and spirituality has demanded of the Jewish people Redemption” in this manner will help experienced on Shabbos into the have been completed. To borrow an make the Redemption an actual reality. ordinary weekdays, living his life in expression of the Previous Rebbe,[96] Our Sages explain[99] that, in contrast constant connection to G-dliness. “We have even polished the buttons, to the other living beings which were and are standing prepared to greet created in pairs, man was created This is the approach of Yehudah, Moshiach.” The feast of the alone. Why? – So that every individual who is not confined at all by the Redemption is prepared,[97] we are should say, “The world was created for limitations of material existence. sitting at the table together with me,” and thus appreciate that his Similarly, our Sages[91] describe a Moshiach. All that is necessary now is conduct can affect the totality of Jew, a Yehudi, as “one who denies the for each of us to open his eyes.[98] existence. Thus the coming of the worship of alien gods.” In the Redemption depends on every single original, this phrase is avoda zara (lit., And this can be seen in the world individual. Simply put, were people to “alien worship”). In an extended at large: many governments have open their eyes, as said above, the door sense, this refers not only to a person’s adopted values of freedom and would open and Moshiach would outright idolatry, but also to any[92] tolerance; regimes that have defied enter. “worship which is alien to him,” as a these values have collapsed; norms of Jew. This includes not only forbidden communication and sharing have Every individual should realize activities, but even any motivation become widespread. In contrast to the that he is capable of this, of that is not directed toward G-dly persecution and oppression our reorienting himself and making a purposes. For a Jew, then, since he is people have suffered in earlier years, determined step in the direction of “one who denies alien worship,” even the nations of the world are giving t’shuva, which means “return” – for, as his mundane and seemingly neutral Jews full permission – even active explained above, every Jew is a activities are directed to a spiritual assistance – in their observance of the Yehudi. And it is through realizing this purpose. As our Sages taught,[93] “All Torah and its mitzvos. distinctively Jewish potential, that your deeds[94] should be for the sake each of us and all of us together can of Heaven.” And it is likewise REORIENTATION AS A hasten the coming of the scion of the written,[95] “Know Him in all your CATALYST House of Yehudah, the Moshiach. ways.” At such a time, it is easier than ever May this take place in the before to follow the course of behavior immediate future.

Hashem, p. 93), which asks that we be 89. See Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Shabbos, ch. addition “your deeds in their entirety.” privileged to inherit that eternal Day. 30. 95. Mishlei 3:6. See also Mishneh Torah, 88. In the original, Mei’ein Olam HaBa, a 90. Zohar III, 29a; cf. beginning of Shabbos Hilchos Deos 3:3. phrase which appears in the z’miros sung at the 119a. 96. See Sichos Simchas Torah, 5689. Shabbos table. Cf.: “The Shabbos is a sixtieth 91. Megilla 13a. 97. See P’sachim 119b. part of the World to Come” (Brachos 57a). This 92. See Bava Basra 110a, and Rashbam there. too, like the phrase quoted in our text, alludes to 98. See the essay entitled “Open Your Eyes and “the World to Come, which is entirely Shabbos” 93. Avos 5:20. See,” in Sichos In English Vol. 50, pp. 243-248. (in the original, HaOlam HaBa, sh’kulo 94. In the original, kol maasecha. This implies 99. Sanhedrin 37a. Shabbos; in Osiyos d’Rabbi Akiva, sec. 4). not only “all of your deeds,” as above, but in

6 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 Tonight is the eve of the Tenth of Thus this date begins the process destruction. Teives, one of the four fasts instituted of destruction. It is well known that by the Rabbis in connection with the the beginning of any process contains Just as the Tenth of Teives began destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. more power than the subsequent the process leading to the Beis The Tenth of Teives possesses a stages and for this reason, there is HaMikdash’s destruction, it is also dimension which makes it more severe added power to the Tenth of Teives. appropriate that this “day of will” be than the other Rabbinical fasts, even used to hasten the coming of the Tisha B’Av.[115] For all the other fasts The connection between the Tenth Redemption. This is particularly true are postponed if they fall on Shabbos. of Teives and fasting is also reflected in since, as the Zohar explains, the Jews In contrast, were the Tenth of Teives to the very event which transpired on are on the level of tzaddikim. As such fall on Shabbos, it would be necessary that day. Since the Babylonians laid they are prepared to turn to G-d in to fast on that day, for in regard to this siege to Jerusalem, its inhabitants were t’shuva. fast it is written, “On the essence of T’shuva is an instantaneous this day....” process. For at every moment, a (According to the fixed calendar person can turn to G-d. We see an we follow at present, this is Just as the Tenth of expression of this concept in Torah impossible. When, however, the Teives began the law: If a man consecrates a woman as calendar was established through the his wife on the condition that he is testimony of witnesses,[116] it was process leading to the totally righteous, the act is valid even possible for the Tenth of Teives to fall if he was known to be utterly wicked on the Sabbath.) Beis HaMikdash’s beforehand. Why? We assume that he repented at that moment. This concept is also relevant to us destruction, it is also at present. For a fast day is, as the This process of turning to G-d in Alter Rebbe explains in Igeres appropriate that this t’shuva will speed the Redemption, for HaT’shuva, “a day of will.” Since the as the Zohar writes: Were a single obligation to fast on the Tenth of “day of will” be used tzaddik to turn to G-d in t’shuva, the Teives is stronger than on other fasts, Redemption would come. Similarly, it can be understood that the element to hasten the coming the Redemption will be hastened by of being “a day of will” is also stronger of the Redemption. the distribution of money to be given than other fasts, even than Tisha B’Av to tz’daka. which, as explained on previous And in the immediate future, we occasions, is significant because it is will proceed “with our youth and with the birthday of the Moshiach.[117] unable to go out and procure food our elders... with our sons and with The strength – both of the supplies. Although the Babylonians our daughters,” “on the clouds of obligation to fast and the positive did not enter the city on this day, they heaven” to the city of Jerusalem. There influences – of the Tenth of Teives merely camped around its wall, this will be no siege around the city’s walls. stems from the fact that it was serious enough to cause hunger. On the contrary, the city will expand commemorates the first of the The ultimate intent, however, was that and grow as will all matters associated tragedies associated with the this would motivate the Jews to with Jerusalem, including and in destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. t’shuva, and thus ward off the particular, the Beis HaMikdash, “the On this day, Nebuchadnezzar laid subsequent tragedies which Sanctuary of G-d established by Your siege to Jerusalem. culminated in the Beis HaMikdash’s hands.”

115. In other ways, Tisha B’Av is more severe. Indeed, it would have been appropriate that all 116. This practice continued for many years For on Tisha B’Av, the fast begins from the eve the fasts last for a full day. Nevertheless out of after the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. of the day, while on the Tenth of Teives and the G-d’s compassion for His people, He takes their 117. See the essay entitled “The Birthday of other Rabbinic fasts, the fast begins only in the health into consideration and limits the fasts Moshiach,” in Sichos In English Vol. 49, pp. morning. other than Tisha B’Av to the daytime hours. 116-121.

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 7 TThhee EEddiittoorr’’ss CCoorrnneerr YES, IT’S NORMAL, IT’S LOGICAL, IT’S JUDAISM BORUCH MERKUR

A friend of mine, a mashpia, wrote the following (but He wrote back: asked for anonymity if I were to reprint it): I just think it should stress more about how the only alternative I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I really enjoy the is the Rebbe. How the only real leader is the Rebbe, because only columns of Shai Gefen, but I’m not so sure that they belong in Beis Moshiach is willing to fight the wars of Hashem – and not so much Moshiach. I agree that we have to protest, but it seems that his about how the only bad guy is Sharon, the only sinner is Sharon, articles go beyond that, and really add a note of nastiness (albeit and only Sharon is wrecking the country. deserved) that I don’t believe is in tune with the message and * * * purpose of the magazine, which is: Prepare for Moshiach! Moshiach is apparently fighting the wars of Hashem on I’m not sure I’m right, but the reason I’m writing is because two separate fronts, the physical realm (the body) and the after I read his column I find myself overcome with anger and pure spiritual realm (the soul). The battle in the physical realm is hostility to the bad guys (and they really are bad), and not agonizing and brutal; Jewish lives are at stake, r”l. The optimistic and excited about doing something to bring Moshiach, strategy employed is to elevate the way Jews approach issues which is what I think the Rebbe wants. of national security, especially when it means overcoming (Not only that, but every week he has more bad stuff to say, diplomatic pressure from outside. It involves publicizing the and he really seems to enjoy saying it – something like how cats views of the Torah and the leader of our generation regarding try to kill mice but they hope there will be as many of them as the integrity of the Holy Land and the integrity of the Jewish possible.) people. Shai Gefen is an example of one who is on the Moshiach NOW! frontlines of this battle (as well as others, such as Rabbi Volpe * * * and Zushe Kohn, both of whom are featured in this week’s Though, in general, I feel I can relate to this criticism, it is issue) as he aims to articulate and apply the Rebbe Melech my impression that Shai Gefen writes largely out of pain, not HaMoshiach’s approach to this pivotal issue, an issue of malice, as the Rebbe MH”M says: when it hurts, you cry out – pikuach nefesh, which certainly brings the Redemption closer. without calculations. When we identify with the victims of The battle on the spiritual front involves lighting up the this war, we are struck by utter horror and filled with souls of our fellow Jews with the Rebbe’s mivtzaim and vengeance. If we identify an obvious felon at fault, one especially through teaching about and publicizing the directly responsible for the dire consequences, it is virtually message of imminent Redemption, bringing this message impossible to withhold from crying out in protest, especially down to earth to appeal to the man on the street. It is our when this message may inspire others and affect public challenge to make the message tangible and relevant, to take opinion, maybe start a revolution of sorts. If the whole the prophecy of the Moshe Rabbeinu of this generation – that nation, the entire Jewish people, cried out together, there “behold, Moshiach is coming!” and “immediately to would be no room for the bad guy. Redemption” – and publicize and explain it to others so that The problem is when we feel we have no outlet for the entire world opens its arms to receive Moshiach. Reb channeling our rage, when we feel the situation is out of our Chaim Yitzchok Cohen of London, England, a Moshiach control and sphere of influence. Of course, the Rebbe taught activist, is an example of one on the frontlines of this battle. us not to think that way, that our actions can truly affect the With all the self-sacrifice of a soldier at arms, and in the world and change it for the better. The actions, words, and face of apathy and adversity, R. Chaim Yitzchok succeeded in even thoughts of a single Jew can tilt the balance of the world organizing and hosting the third annual European Moshiach and bring the true and complete Redemption! Congress on Yud-Tes Kislev (see the article in this week’s To answer whether there is, nevertheless, too much issue) with the intent of inspiring others “to put Moshiach at emphasis on the negative, I responded: the centre of our lives, and do all we can towards our Remember Shai Gefen is not the exclusive spokesperson shlichus,” as R. Chaim Yitzchok put it in his speech at the of Beis Moshiach; anyone is perfectly welcome to submit their Congress. views – even weekly. I would love for you (or someone you The Congress was covered by the London-based might inspire) to express an alternative perspective and newspaper The Jewish Chronicle. The article opens with a submit it for publication. description of the Motzaei Shabbos hachnasas seifer Torah

8 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 arranged by R. Chaim Yitzchok’s shul, Beis Menachem Chabad and “Yaakov did not die” (Taanis 5b; see Likkutei Sichos vol. Community Centre: “North London...became a scene of 35, pg. 223-228), saying that they refer even to their physical jubilation. Hundreds of members of the local strictly lives. Orthodox community danced in the road or thronged at a Regarding Moshe Rabbeinu, the Rebbe MH”M writes: torch-lit procession to welcome a newly completed Sefer Concerning Moshe Rabbeinu they say, “he did not die”: Torah.” Since the quality of Moshe is the quality of truth, there can be But the article quickly shifts tone, focusing on the no death or interruption in his life, even as it is connected controversy R. Chaim Yitzchok’s successful shlichus has set off, with the physicality of the world; there remains something especially concerning the issue of Moshiach. You see, from eternal even in the physicality of the world.* the start, one who The Jewish Chronicle terms “the principal of *Footnote 60: Iyun Yaakov (on Ayin Yaakov of Sota, ibid) Britain’s official Lubavitch movement” tried to derail the suggests that the concept of “Moshe did not die” also refers to Congress. his body... Besides a slew of baseless slurs against Meshichistim and Regarding Yaakov Avinu, the Rebbe MH”M writes: an assault against the notion of identifying Moshiach, “the The intent of Rebbi Yochanan [in saying], “Yaakov did not rabbi ridiculed the idea that he [the die” is not with respect to the existence Rebbe] somehow inhabits a physical of Yaakov as he appeared to the body. ‘Is that normal? Or logical? Or Besides a slew of Egyptians, but to his true existence (also Judaism,’” he asked. of his body), for this is his existence as Yes, it’s “normal” – at least for the nasi baseless slurs against it is [established] in the Torah. [Also, ha’dor, the “extension of Moshe Rabbeinu see footnote 66 of Likkutei Sichos vol. in every generation,” whose “spiritual life Meshichistim and an 26, pg. 7] remains eternally within the physical assault against the By arming ourselves with the world in virtue of being invested within knowledge of the Rebbe MH”M’s the body of the nasi ha’dor of every notion of identifying approach to the concept of Moshiach, generation” (as it is explained in Likkutei the Torah approach to Moshiach, which Sichos vol. 26, pg. 7). Moshiach, “the rabbi was the focus of the European Moshiach Yes, it’s “logical” – that is, there is a Congress, we take the straight path to logic to it, I’m sure; just one that might ridiculed the idea that Redemption. be beyond our limited human minds. In As it appears, it is the foot soldier perhaps the most esoteric paragraph of the Rebbe somehow who is going to gain the victory of the the famous sicha of Parshas Chayei Sara inhabits a physical complete Redemption, not the principal 5752, the Rebbe MH”M alludes to a in his ivory tower. (logical) process of the gradual body. ‘Is that normal? * * * refinement of physicality from its In this week’s parsha, Parshas coarsest bodily manifestation until it Or logical? Or VaYigash, we find a pasuk that helps becomes an ephemeral, subtle body, shed light on the forces at work here in perhaps even a spiritual body, and then Judaism,’” he asked... the wars of Moshiach. In the course of returns as the “spirit of Moshiach” recounting the events before the viceroy enclothed in a body: of Egypt, Yehuda tells a lie, saying, “My Rain is also connected with the shlichus of Moshiach – master asked his servants, saying: do you have a father or from below to above (like the moon) – [as it is written] “a brother? We said to my master that we have an elderly father mist ascended from the earth.” Then specifically, “from the and a young child he had [begotten] in his later years, but his earth” (Ba’N), a soul in a body, coarse [physicality] becomes brother died...” (B’Reishis 44:19-20). Rashi explains on the [ordinary] physicality, and physicality becomes a “mist” (the words, “and his brother [Yosef] died”: “Out of fear, he uttered element of air, the most refined element), which “ascends” something false from his mouth, saying: if I tell him that he higher and higher, even higher than “the spirit of Elokim [Yosef] is alive, he will say, ‘bring him to me.’” hovered upon the waters,” “that is the spirit of Moshiach,” Evidently, there is a fear we have of validating something since it becomes resurrected in actuality as the soul of [the that is beyond us, something intangible. Even if we know the Rebbe Rayatz], as a soul in a body (and not only as he is a truth, we are liable to cover it up if it is difficult to explain or “spirit...hovering upon the waters”). prove. But we must overcome this temptation and tell the Yes, it’s “Jewish” – that is if we still define Judaism as what world that “we have merited that Hashem has chosen and the Torah defines as Judaism. The Rebbe MH”M expounds on appointed a person with free will, incomparably greater than this issue with regards to the statements of our Sages, “Moshe anyone else in the generation, to be the judge, advisor, and did not die” (Sota 13b; see Likkutei Sichos vol. 26, pg. 1-9) prophet of the generation, etc.”

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 9 FFaarrbbrreennggeenn wwiitthh RRaabbbbii GGiinnssbbeerrgg HE’LL HANG HIS CROWN ON A SIMPLE, ORDINARY NAIL BY RABBI LEVI YITZCHOK GINSBERG, MASHPIA, YESHIVAS TOMCHEI T’MIMIM – LUBAVITCH, KFAR CHABAD

Reb Mendel Futerfas, a”h, related: Geula, so we aren’t “leaving” this Moshiach Tzidkeinu!” There was once an old, learned man world), the Rebbe is establishing a We are presently within the “thirty who took care of the shul and Jewish generation of dedicated and loyal days before the holiday,” a time which life in his local town. He organized soldiers, who even if they’re relatively the Rebbe says we should utilize for the davening, gave shiurim, and looked puny compared to earlier generations, the necessary preparations for the for new congregants, and was also they go loyally on the Rebbe’s shlichus great day of Yud-Yud-Aleph Shvat, involved in public matters (such as to transform the world. They do this, Rosh HaShana for hiskashrus mikva, kashrus, Shabbos, etc.) to the not with their own abilities, but with (connection). These thirty days begin best of his ability. the strength of the Rebbe, so we have shortly after Hei Teives, when didan Then came the days of the nothing to worry about “oif vemen natzach (our side was victorious in the Communist Revolution, when the lozen mir di velt”; somebody is taking s’farim case). care of that. haskala and communist groups were Right after that victory, the Rebbe at their height, and youth from his Then R’ Mendel added, once upon announced (Sichas Parshas VaYigash town left Torah and mitzvos for the a time, everything was definitive, as 5747 – muga; Hisvaaduyos 5747 vol. 2 allure of foreign pastures. When the opposed to being “borrowed terms.” p. 203) “that we completed all the old man saw that his days were Chassidim were chassidim; roshei requisite work for the Geula, and numbered, he groaned and said, “Nu, yeshivos and rabbanim were real therefore, we must announce and the fact that I have to leave this world, chassidishe rabbanim and publicize that in our days we find that doesn’t upset me too much; after knowledgeable in all parts of Torah; ourselves in a special time (and all that’s the way things work. But mashpiim were real mashpiim and place). Only one thing remains – and what does upset me is seeing what is shluchim were really worthy of being a person must quote his teacher, as going on around me. Oif vemen lozen the Rebbe’s shluchim. my father-in-law said: All of you stand mir de velt? (who are we leaving the Today all those terms are ready for the building of the future world to?) What will happen to “borrowed terms.” The Rebbe takes a Beis HaMikdash with the coming of Judaism in the town when I’m gone?” “block of wood” and out of it he Dovid Malka Meshicha. When Reb Mendel recalled this makes a rav, mashpia, rosh yeshiva, or “It would seem that somebody can old man he began singing the tune of shliach. If the person is dedicated to come and say that this talk is “vilde “Chayalei Adoneinu” and said, “Thank fulfilling the task and mission given raid” [wild talk], talk which was never G-d, we don’t have to worry or deal him, he is far more successful than said in prior times or generations, and with the problem of ‘oif vemen lozen those whose titles were earned and why are we suddenly talking like this? mir di velt,’ for (aside from the fact justified, despite their attainments How will the world react upon that we are in the final generation of and wonderful attributes. hearing such talk?! Galus and the first generation of Indeed “Chayalei Adoneinu, “So first of all, we have to know

10 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 that we don’t have to be impressed by that when I put aside my “metzius” the world, and what they’ll say, etc. (ego) and “throw myself” into Since this is the truth according to the The king will never carrying out what I have to do Torah of truth, we have to openly remove his crown and without any calculations as to proclaim it as such. whether I’m suited to it or not or “Furthermore, the situation is place it on one of his capable or not – that the matter will such that today even the world is be accomplished. ready to accept this. You just have to servants, not even on For then the matter is carried out, come and say it openly.” one of his ministers, not because of my abilities (for in We seem insignificant, and we truth, I don’t have abilities; but even think that anything we can do won’t as great as he might someone who has great talents does change matters much, but in reality not have the ability to carry out such the exact opposite is so. Though we be. For the king’s a “inward and essential” thing), but are truly small and lowly, and indeed crown belongs only to with the infinite abilities of the Rebbe “who am I and what am I” – this is MH”M; the abilities that were given something to remember in the right the king and to no only because of the “inner intent” time and place (such as when which decided and willed that this be somebody insults me, etc.). But one else. carried out through me. That’s why I when the Rebbe “throws his life must completely nullify my “I” (my aside” and demands of his loyal Where does he put his ego) and devote myself to carrying soldiers that they be totally out what the Rebbe decided should be committed to the mission, and that crown? He’ll hang it carried out by me. they forge ahead without taking on a simple, ordinary There’s the well known analogy of anything into consideration (of the king’s crown. The king will never course, this should be done with true nail. remove his crown and place it on one ahavas Yisroel, and true chassidic of his servants, not even on one of his brotherhood, even with those who ministers, as great as he might be. For disagree), the simple soldiers dedicate themselves and everything the king’s crown belongs only to the (especially) have to put all they have to carrying out the goal the king and to no one else. considerations aside, even things Rebbe gave us! Where does he put his crown? which are true and fall into the He’ll hang it on a simple, ordinary category of “yiras Shamayim” and And it is especially because it is true that “who am I and what am I” – nail. This is because the nail has no chassidishkeit – and they must metzius of its own at all, and will never think that the crown is hung upon it because it deserves it for any 8946 W. Pico Blvd reason. In other words, when the Los Angeles, CA 90035 crown is hung on the nail, the nail www.avivrentacar.com only feels the crown. This teaches us that in order to receive the “king’s crown,” all the Owner: talents and abilities won’t help (and Yoram Cohen 310 859-9660, 323 930-9660 may cause harm!). It is only with Fax: 310 859-0116 absolute bittul (self-nullification), like the simple nail, that one can receive Fleet includes: the king’s crown. ^ Subcompact to full size and our specialty "minivans". The truth is that this is unique to ^ Centrally located in Los Angeles, the seventh generation. The earlier ^ Close to Freeways, Hollywood and Beverly Hills generations had to be (and in fact ^ Service, Value, Convenience. Get Shabbos for FREE were) “baalei madreiga” (men of spiritual stature) in order to ubhcru ubrun ubbust hjh & FREE airport pick-up sgu okugk jhanv lkn on weekly rentals accomplish anything. The rabbanim were awesome gaonim, the chassidim

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 11 were completely saturated with not send in an accounting it would be revealing the Sh’china “here on earth” chassidus and could contemplate a understood to mean that he had done with the true and complete Geula. particular topic for many hours. The nothing!) This should be accomplished by our mashpiim knew every talmid inside The Rebbe is in the lead and he making personal resolutions which out, and directed their every step. doesn’t consider retreating for even a are based on our individual task The shluchim were “baalei tzura,” moment ch”v. He “throws his life within the greater project. were amazing in their knowledge aside” for the sake of ultimate victory It is only in this way that we will and conduct. There wasn’t even a in the final battle. He demands complete – with the power of the shadow of a doubt that they would (especially in connection with Yud Rebbe – the entire puzzle and bring have any ulterior motives such as Shvat) that we be a “simple nail” and about the revelation of the Rebbe with honor for themselves which could devote ourselves totally to fulfilling the true and complete Geula affect their shlichus and their work. the final job: drawing down and immediately. Examples of such shluchim were R’ Hillel of Paritch and R’ Itche der Masmid. But in the seventh generation, the Rebbe takes us all and we are well aware of our faults which sometimes are quite marked, and he turns us into rabbanim, chassidim, shluchim, Mashpiim, directors of organizations, roshei yeshivos, etc. He gives us unlimited abilities for success. All we need do is completely devote ourselves to fulfilling the task given to us, and know that we are nothing but the “simple nail” upon which the king’s crown must hang. Hei Teives is not only the day in which “der Rebbe hut oisgefirt” (the Rebbe was victorious); it was the day in which we were instructed (and every year this instruction is renewed in a greater way) and were told that the revelation of the seventh generation had begun in a way different than anything that came before it. Therefore, immediately after “didan natzach” the Rebbe proclaimed a new era in which nothing remained except to stand ready for the future Beis HaMikdash. That’s why he said not to be impressed by the world, and to “explicitly say the true reality.” Immediately following that, the Rebbe announced the preparations for Yud Shvat (with ten days of tests and precise reports with the “threat” that regarding whoever did

12 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 SShhlleeiimmuuss HHaaAArreettzz

ARE WE OKAY? BY ALEXANDER ZUSHE KOHN

All too often, when I discuss with that produces prime ministers, defense frustrated people, has got to ask itself other religious Jews matters pertaining ministers, foreign ministers, etc., who where it has gone wrong. A to the integrity of the land of Israel, I am refer to restraint as strength, to a suicide democratically elected government of told: “True, all the Israeli politicians are mission as a peace process, to an arch- Jews that ignores reality for the sake of more or less the same – protecting a dream, that favors agreements with Jewish lives is not their number one Washington over the blood of its priority – but someone has to run the citizens, that supports the country. We can’t just not vote and let It’s time to recognize establishment of a regime bent on its the country run on cruise control!” destruction, can only be the product of Without getting into a discussion the fact that our a severely confused people. (Granted, about whether or not little Israel 2000 years of exile, with their endless wouldn’t be better off at this point with choice of leaders says trials and tribulation are to blame for a small dose of anarchy – hey, the a lot about ourselves. this – but the problem is not going to fix people would be forced to take matters itself.) into their own hands in the fight against Healthy people don’t It’s time to recognize the fact that terrorism, and they would no doubt do our choice of leaders says a lot about an exceedingly better job than our last choose unhealthy ourselves. Healthy people don’t choose few insecurity cabinets have done. Most unhealthy leaders. They don’t create, likely, run-of-the-mill civilian fighters leaders. In a healthy and they certainly don’t maintain, an would not build cages around unhealthy political climate. In a healthy themselves, but would instead, take up environment, people environment, people who would cater arms and teach our enemies a thing or who would cater to to the enemy never make it to positions two about Jihad – those who make this of leadership. argument are missing the whole point. the enemy never If we the people, time and again, Instead of scratching our heads produce “leaders” who are puppets of trying to figure out which politician is make it to positions of the U.S. at best, and outright traitors to the better of two (or more) evils, the the Jewish people at worst, then there is entire country should be asking itself leadership. obviously something very wrong with how these clowns got to their positions our methods. We cannot continue to in the first place. The real problem is walk around in a daze, mumbling, not that there’s nobody to vote for, but “Well, who else are we going to vote that Israeli society has produced the terrorist as a partner, to a Jewish for?” We’ve got to create a climate in very politicians who are now destroying settlement as a problem, to a society of which the only ones who have any her (may G-d protect us)! Any nation cold-blooded murderers as a poor and chances of getting elected to leadership

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 15 are those who are sworn to retaining that drives people bananas) about Yesha. With a foreign minister like Bibi, who every inch of the Land. We’ve got to To return to our main point:] needs enemies! Why is Bibi now calling have leaders who are not afraid to tell Anyone who knows anything about for Arafat’s expulsion rather than his foreign governments that G-d gave the the major reforms that have taken place assassination? Furthermore, why is Land to the Jewish people. in the last decade in totalitarian regimes Sharon, who supports the [By the way, to those of you who like Russia and Yugoslavia understands establishment of a Palestinian state, support the destruction of Jewish towns that it was the people themselves who considering offering Bibi the defense in Yesha – what about Tel Aviv? What brought these reforms about. Why ministry, if the latter is truly opposed to about Chaifa? Jerusalem? By what right, should Israelis not do the same now? such a state? Isn’t that like hiring if not by Divine right, do we live in any Why wait until more Jewish blood is someone to thwart your intentions? of these places? Why don’t you tell the spilled, G-d forbid? Time to wake up and smell the people the truth – that as far as you are Sharon wants a “Palestinian” state? coffee. What we need is a critical Jewish concerned, Uganda would be just fine?! (Never mind the fact that there’s no mass to rise up and wrest the reigns of Why do you babble this gibberish about such thing as a Palestinian.) Then let power from those who are abusing dismantling “the settlements in Yesha” him be the first one to move there. As them. Doubtless, this will happen if when, according to your view, Tel Aviv for the tough talk we keep hearing from things continue their present course, is nothing but a highly populated Bibi Netanyahu – it ought not impress G-d forbid. The only question is when. settlement? Tell the Jewish people what anyone. Certainly not anyone who How much more do we have to suffer you really believe! Tell them that you remembers how he capitulated at Wye; before we boil over? are sorry you were born a Jew, sorry you how he transferred Chevron to Jibril As we put away our menoros, until are occupying “Palestinian” land, sorry Rajoub; how he abandoned Jonathan next Chanuka, we would do well to that suicide Arabs are dying in the Pollard despite his promise that reflect on the story of the process of carrying out their mission, negotiations were contingent upon Chashmonaim, and their indomitable sorry that you didn’t say sorry sooner, Pollard’s release; how he told a group of spirit. Like them, we should fear neither and just... sorry! Chabad rabbanim, to whom he swore the enemies all around us, nor the If you cannot find it within in you to that he would not give away any land to enemies within. Let us proclaim do these things, then stop hocking-a- foreign authorities, that the Palestinian unequivocally: “Who is for G-d – to china-’ik (Yiddish for nonsensical babble Authority is not a foreign authority. me!” Who is for Palestine – to Uganda!

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16 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 FFaarrbbrreennggeenn wwiitthh RRaabbbbii BBoollttoonn

WHERE YEHUDA GOT THE GALL FROM BY RABBI TUVIA BOLTON, MASHPIA IN YESHIVA OHR TMIMIM OF KFAR CHABAD

This week’s section speaks of the if you can!” A half-hour later, there he perfect game. Never had such a game reuniting of Yosef and his brothers. is, teeing off on the first of eighteen been played in the history of golf; The majority of the portion is only holes, and he feels great! The wind is at eighteen holes in eighteen strokes! dialogue with very little action or his back, the sky is clear as he swings Meanwhile in heaven, the angels change of scenery. But there is much to back and...wow! What a drive! He were going wild, and their be learned here. can’t believe it as he watches the ball dissatisfaction reached G-d Himself. The joke is told about a rabbi who fly like a missile until he can’t see it “Can it be that a Jew, a rabbi yet, loved to play golf. One Yom Kippur transgresses the holiest day and gets he’s sitting in his seat in the front of the such a reward?” The voice of Hashem huge congregation listening to the thundered in reply “What reward? cantor when he suddenly gets this big Any time that a Jew What are you angels talking about? urge to go golfing (which is forbidden Reward? Ha Ha! I just gave him the on Yom Kippur for about ten reasons). or anyone works for worst punishment of all, hell on earth! He tries to dismiss the thought, to ... It’s true that he got eighteen holes- think of something else, but to no the sake of his in-one, but who is he going to tell avail; his body and his whole being is about it?” longing for the game. He knows that brother – especially a This joke doesn’t have much to do nothing will help. Without thinking with this week’s segment, but I think too much he stands up and silently child, especially a it’s a good joke. It shows that slips out the door, next to his place, Jewish child – he is sometimes kindness can be the worst which leads to his study. Closing the punishment for sinners. door behind him, he removes his given extra powers The fact that Hashem is so prayer shawl, quickly takes his wallet forgiving may, on the one hand, out of his desk drawer, slips it into his from G-d. encourage transgression, but on the pocket as he opens the backdoor and is other hand, it leaves a big door open outside. for self-improvement, and that is the The sun is shining brightly, a worst punishment for the sinner – to anymore. “Wow! Wow!” he keeps beautiful day, as he briskly walks to the become a different person; the sinner saying to himself as he jumps into his corner, takes a quick turn down the in him dies. golf cart and heads toward the hole, next block, and, still walking, not “What a drive! What a drive!” Yes, dear And now when a person does looking back, removes his yarmulke, readers it was a hole in one. And so it repent, he does it for the right reason; puts it in his pocket, puts on a pair of was on the second hole and the third not so much from fear of punishment shades and flags down a cab, “Country and the fourth, in fact it was the as from the shame of the fact that he Club Golf Course please, and step on it

18 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 repaid the infinite goodness of Hashem receive a proper Jewish education, so that you are justified in harming. The with his own evil. The result is that that they know that G-d is the King of secret, explains the Tanya, is to try to one changes not only in accordance the Universe and everything in it. And emulate Yosef, to be truly concerned with G-d’s might and awesomeness (by when a child makes a blessing, for about what G-d wants, and not so turning from evil), but also, one tries example, on even something as simple much about you want. As it says in to repay Hashem’s kindness by doing as a piece of fruit, all the angels in all the Pirkei Avos, “Make your will like His more good. upper worlds listen because it gives will.” So was Yosef’s motivation in this pleasure to the King. How much more I think that this is the meaning of week’s Torah reading. so if he does a mitzva or a good deed. the question that Yosef asks his But first let us analyze the behavior And if we take this upon ourselves we brothers immediately after he reveals of Yosef’s brother, Yehuda. In the will be given special energy and blessing his true identity to them: “Is my father beginning of this week’s reading, to succeed, much as Yehuda did. still alive?” Yehuda suddenly approaches Yosef and * * * Now, if you think about it, it makes begins to speak forcefully, and Rashi Next let us return to Yosef. To no sense. In the end of last week’s explains that Yehuda was ready for war. refresh the memory of the reader, the section (42: 27-28) it relates that only If you think of it, it is very strange. last picture the Torah gives us of the a short time earlier he asked his Where did Yehuda get the chutzpa to previous meeting of Yaakov’s sons is of brothers the same question “Is your approach Yosef without permission them throwing their brother Yosef into father all right? Is he still alive?” and and consider fighting him and his a pit full of scorpions and serpents. they answered in the affirmative! Can entire army? He was outnumbered a This week, however, the situation it be that Yosef had such a short million to one! The Midrash relates has been reversed; Yosef is now sitting memory? that even Yosef alone demonstrated on a throne as the ruler of Egypt (and I think that the reason he asked that he was stronger than Yehuda, so the rest of world) and the same again is because he wanted to say the how did Yehuda rush in to a place brothers (who do not yet recognize word “my,” “my father.” Now that he where even his brothers didn’t think of him) are at his feet and at his mercy. no longer had to hide himself from his going. But instead of unleashing upon brothers he could finally call his father The Rebbe MH”M explains that them the revenge that they well “mine,” and that is a world of Yehuda derived his courage from the deserve, Yosef does the opposite; he difference from saying “Your father.” fact that earlier he had promised his first brings them to regret their past So it is also with the service of father that he would be a guarantor for deeds and then showers kindness Hashem. All the time that G-d is in the his youngest brother, Binyamin, and upon them. books, in the heavens, in the place of any time that a Jew or anyone works This unnatural conduct is brought worship, with the rabbis, etc., we don’t for the sake of his brother – especially in the Zohar and explained in the really get very excited or concerned a child, especially a Jewish child – he is Tanya (end of the twelfth chapter) as about what He wants; it’s sort of like given extra powers from G-d. the best example of how to fulfill the saying “Your father.” Then what really The Rebbe continues that this is the mitzva of loving others as yourself. ends up interesting us is what we main obligation of our generation: to be Namely to never even think of revenge, want. Then it is very possible to hate guarantors for the children that they but rather, to do good to even those someone unnecessarily. But when we begin to really take the whole thing seriously – that Hashem really creates us, the Torah is HAPOZ WIGS really His will; the tzaddikim are BEST QUALITY Hashem’s gift to the world; the CUSTOM EUROPEAN WIGS Moshiach, who will unite all the Jews, NOW! WHILE SUPPLIES LAST will really be a human being, and he is here in every generation – then we can $550 begin to say “My father.” Only then Regular price $1200 will it really be possible to love our fellow man, even the “bad guys,” and Call (305) 672-1770 really learn from the example of Yosef. (718) 953-7209 Cell. (305) 333-5864 For more articles from Rabbi Bolton visit: www.ohrtmimim.org/torah

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 19 MMoosshhiiaacchh && GGeeuullaa

TO PUT MOSHIACH AT THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES

us that many Jews did not want to Speech of R’ Chaim Yitzchok Cohen at the third leave. These were not isolated cases, annual European Moshiach Congress for according to one explanation in Rashi, it was four out of five Jews who Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu V’Rabbeinu hiskashrus and giving himself over did not want to leave! That’s 80% of Melech HaMoshiach L’olam Va'ed. A gut entirely to the Rebbe shlita, but thinks the nation who died during the Plague yom tov and a heartfelt Shalom Aleichem that this can be done without being of Darkness! Only one fifth actually left to the very many distinguished involved in the shlichus of the hour – to Mitzrayim. According to other visitors from all over the world who bring Moshiach – misses the point! Midrashim, the numbers are even have gathered here for the 3rd This is not hiskashrus, and it is not larger: only one out of fifty wanted to European Moshiach Congress. giving oneself over to the Rebbe! leave, or even one out of five hundred. The reason we are assembled here is When it came time for the Jewish The Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach because, unfortunately we continue to people to leave Mitzrayim, Chazal tell explains in a sicha of Acharon Shel try to open our eyes and have not yet Pesach, 1962, that we are told all this succeeded. Many events continue to be held, and many events on Moshiach are ongoing this very minute. There are publications, gatherings, and so much more. But to sit and discuss, as the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach advised, to see how to bring about the revelation, has to be an ongoing event, as long as we fail to see the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach in his full glory. And therefore, we have arranged the 3rd European Congress. Let us take this time that we sit together united as one, and make resolutions to bring back each to their respective countries, to speed up the process of the revelation. And how we need it now more then ever. Someone who tries to focus on

20 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 to teach us that even if it seems to us explains (Likkutei Sichos vol. 11): Since explains what is demanded of us in that our Jewish environment is not their sin was in the very matter at hand these times, and where the Rebbe interested in leaving Exile, we – in not wanting to leave – for this MH”M describes the most effective shouldn’t let them discourage us. We reason, they were not allowed to leave, ways to bring Moshiach. And at the have to do what we have to do, and in for “a prosecutor does not defend.” But same time, we must “publicize and the end everybody will see it our way. even the greatest sinners, idol proclaim” that Moshiach is already Now among those Jews who left worshippers, could leave, simply revealed and all that remains to be Mitzrayim there were great sinners! because they wanted to leave. The done is to greet him or accept him so Micha’s idol, which appears in the Rebbe goes on to say that, in contrast that he can do his shlichus and take the book of Shoftim, came from to the Exodus from Egypt, in the final Jewish people out of Exile. Mitzrayim. Micha himself was one of Redemption, Moshiach will not leave a This especially applies to the “only the babies the Egyptians put into the single Jew in Exile. remaining service,” to receive our wall of a building, and Moshe We can learn a tremendous lesson righteous Moshiach”: Rabbeinu rescued him. This same from this for our times, especially for At the end of this 3rd European Micha took an idol with him out of Yud-Tes Kislev, Chag HaGeula. Moshiach Congress, the most Although it is true that everyone is guaranteed to leave Exile, nevertheless, the Redemption will be achieved Even if it seems to us specifically through our work in Exile, At the end of this and as the Rebbe MH”M said, we must that our Jewish do “everything in your power” to bring Third European Moshiach.We certainly must learn environment is not nigla and chassidus, daven at length, do Moshiach Congress, mitzvos b’hiddur, strengthen our ahavas interested in leaving Yisroel, and do mivtzaim, etc., the most important especially when we know (as the Exile, we shouldn’t let Rebbe MH”M said) that at any moment resolution each of us them discourage us. the Rebbe can walk in and look at his can make is to put chassidim to see where they are We have to do what standing. However, if all this takes us Moshiach at the away from the goal to bring Moshiach, we have to do, and in then even with all the righteousness in center of our lives, the world, we would have been left in the end everybody Mitzrayim (back then). and do all we can will see it our way. But when we follow the leader of towards our shlichus. the generation and want to leave the present Mitzrayim and do everything we can to make this happen, then, Mitzrayim, across the Yam Suf, had it even if, ch”v, one serves idols, he will important resolution each of us can at Mattan Torah, and throughout forty still leave Mitzrayim! make is to put Moshiach at the center years of miracles in the desert. So there is no question that we of our lives, and do all we can towards So many Jews did not leave must take on good resolutions in Torah our shlichus. In this is expressed the Mitzrayim because they did not want and mitzvos in general and in inyanei “bittul and hiskashrus to the nasi ha’dor.” to go. It doesn’t say anywhere that they Chassidus especially, and in hiskashrus The very decision that “this is my worshiped idols. It is very possible that and mivtzaim, but the main focus has side,” and I support it and identify some of them were even tzaddikim. to be the leader of the generation’s with it, might well be the final act that Their problem was that they simply goal: to bring Moshiach. tips the scales and brings about the did not want to leave. Micha, on the Moreover, this must be done both ultimate purpose of all things, the final other hand, was an idol worshipper internally and publicly: Each of us and complete revelation of the Rebbe who took an idol with him out of must personally live with Moshiach, Melech HaMoshiach shlita, Mitzrayim, but he did, in fact, want to especially by learning inyanei Moshiach immediately NOW! leave. in the weekly D’var Malchus, the sichos Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu V’Rabbeinu The Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach of 5751-5752, where the Rebbe MH”M Melech HaMoshiach L’olam Va’ed.

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 21 MMoosshhiiaacchh && GGeeuullaa

DIARY OF THE 3RD EUROPEAN MOSHIACH CONGRESS BY R’ CHAIM YITZCHOK COHEN

Thursday 17 Kislev: Every which we started some six weeks ago, At 10 pm every Thursday evening Thursday evening in Beis Moshiach in and it has proved to be very successful. we show a video of “Liros es Malkeinu” London we have a Leil Shishi program, on the weekly parsha as well as

Rabbi Bezalel Kupchik speaking at the Congress Rabbi Kalmanson speaking, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Liberow sitting together with Rabbi Gershon Zvi (Hershy) Gluck

Rabbi Kalanson dancing with the new seifer Torah Dancing outside Beis Moshiach

22 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 showing a video of Kos Shel Bracha The program is very well attended, They all join in singing Chabad and Dollars. with up to 60 people attending, niggunim. Amongst the most popular is Cholent and cake and light including many bachurim from Satmar, “Yechi Adoneinu” and “HaRebbe refreshments is served to all the Bobov, Ger, and Belz. Many chassidim MiLubavitch Melech HaMoshiach.” participants who looked forward to who learn in the local Kollel also The Leil Shishi program officially this event the whole week. participate. ends between 1 – 2 am.

Part of the very large crowd assembled to hear the Rabbi Menachem Shagalow dancing with the new Seifer Torah distinguished speakers

Rabbi Menachem Shagalow donating the new crown for the Rabbi Bezalel Kupchik dancing with the new seifer Torah seifer Torah

Rabbi Zvi Telsner writing one of the final letters Chaim Yitzchok Cohen writing the final letters in the seifer Torah in the seifer Torah

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 23 This week we were privileged to seifer Torah, including all mispallelim of V’Haya Zaracha...for 770 British have Rabbi Bezalel Kupchik farbreng Beis Moshiach and many guests. Pounds, and three people bought the with the bachurim and Yungerleit, and it At 8 pm, I finished writing the last z’chus. turned out to be a very exciting letters. It was a very emotional scene. The Hakafos started, and then the evening and many newcomers The seifer Torah was completed after rav of London, Rabbi Efriam Padwa, attended. The proceedings continued many trials and tribulations which we Head of the Kedassia Beis Din and until well after 3 am. have endured over the years. I recited Mora D’Astra arrived. We were Friday 17 Kislev: Several of the SheHechiyanu and we got ready to start mechabed him with a pasuk of Ata guest speakers arrived, including the Tahalucha to Oldhill Street. Horeisa and a Hakafos. He danced Rabbi Shalom Ber Kalmanson, Rabbi Rabbi Benzion Shagalow from Eretz outside the shul and came in to join in Reuven Matusof, and Rabbi Shneur Yisroel was in London to celebrate his the festivities. Zalman Liberow. Kabbalas Shabbos was 50th wedding anniversary and his So many Anash came in defiance of at 3:45 pm. Rabbi Naftali Tiefenbrun children, including Rabbi Menachem the ruling given several times during davened at the amud, and after the Mendel and Rabbi Moishe from Crown Shabbos that no one should come, and davening, the guests made Kiddush at 7 Heights, were present. They attended if they do, they will regret it bitterly. pm. There were over 30 guests at the the siyum seifer Torah even though they The Jewish Chronicle photographers meal, including Rabbi Yaakov Ben Ari were in the middle of their own private were there and the reporter came to from Tzfas, Rabbi Yitzchok Marela of simcha. interview me on Monday for well over Ramla. The family Weinberger came The Tahalucha was very lively with two hours. A full report appeared in from Antwerp. bachurim from the Yeshiva Gedola the Jewish Chronicle this week. After dinner, the farbrengen Kingsley Way as well as the bachurim After the Hakafos we sat down to a continued and many members of from the Mechina L’Yeshiva in seuda at about 9.30 pm and were Anash and chassidim returned to Beis Stamford Hill attending and dancing addressed by very inspiring speakers, Moshiach at around 9 pm and stayed enthusiastically as well as many locals. including Rabbi Bezalel Kupchik, until about 5 am Shabbos morning. I In total, there was approximately Rabbi Reuven Matusof, Rabbi Doniel stayed at Beis Moshiach, as it would 750 people including children taking Chaim Kahn, Rabbi Gershon Zvi have been too much for me to go home part in the Tahalucha and attending the (Hershel) Gluck, and a live broadcast and come back for Shacharis. I finally Moshiach Congress. from Eretz Yisroel from Rabbi Shalom lay down to rest at 6.20 am and was up On arrival at Oldhill Street, the Ber Wolpo. Rabbi Shalom Ber again at 7.15 am to prepare for the sifrei Torah in Beis Moshiach were Kalmanson was the keynote Kiddush after davening. taken out of the Aron Kodesh to greet speaker.Baruch Hashem, the program Shabbos morning: Shacharis started the new seifer Torah. There was joyous made a very good impression on the at 10:00 with Reuven Matusof davening singing and very lively dancing. Rabbi Stamford Hill community. Shacharis at the amud. Davening was Zalman Liberow noticed that we did The main program of the evening very spirited with Hakafos after not have a Crown for the new seifer continued until about 1 am, and then HaAderes HaEmuna. Shmuel Dan from Torah. Spontaneously Rabbi the farbrengen started and went on France davened Musaf at the amud, and Menachem Mendel Shagalow offered until 5.30 am. Once again I slept in after davening we enjoyed a special to donate one, and by hashgacha pratis, Beis Moshiach until Shacharis at 7 am. Kiddush/farbrengen. The farbrengen the silver store directly opposite to The resolutions made during the continued until Mincha and continued Beis Moshiach opened its doors to Congress was to prioritize the after Mincha until nightfall and Maariv. sort out menoros for Chanuka. establishing of a yeshiva in Beis Motzaei Shabbos Yud-Tes Kislev: Menachem asked the store owner if he Moshiach for a smicha program and to After showing the weekly video of had a kesser, and guess what – he had incorporate B’suras HaGeula and the “Lirois es Malkeinu” we proceeded to one! But it was $1700. Of course, that teaching of the Rebbe’s sichos and the house of Shimon Nemni, one of didn’t stop Menachem. He bought it maamarim. our founding baalei battim, to write the for us. He placed the crown on the Copies of Rabbi Shloma Majeski’s final letters of the seifer Torah. We seifer Torah and has dedicated it in the seifer, Likkutei Mekoros, were given out started writing the letters at 6.45 until z’chus of his parents. as a t’shura, gifts that were very 7.45, after which time we proceeded to Not finished with that, Zalman favorably received by the participants. Beis Moshiach in Oldhill Street via the Liberow auctioned the recital of Yechi Beis Moshiach UK are proposing to main thoroughfare, Upper Clapton and Menachem bought that for $1000. arrange shiurim to learn this seifer from Road. Many local dignitaries, including Zalman also auctioned the recital of cover to cover. rabbanim, came to write letters in the

24 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 MMiirraaccllee SSttoorryy THE REBBE’S LETTER ARRIVED JUST BEFORE THE CRITICAL MOMENT BY SHAI GEFEN

The Arieli family of Kiryat Malachi paperwork in which the parents gave and the family was blessed to have knows that their son Nattan was born their permission for the doctor- Nattan join their circle. solely thanks to the Rebbe’s bracha. Mrs. recommended abortion, r”l, and the When Mrs. Esther Arieli tells about Arieli tells her story. appointment Monday afternoon. But the incredible miracle in the z’chus of the Rebbe’s letter changed all her plans, Everything was ready; the the Rebbe’s letter, she relives the experience incredulously. Although eleven years have passed, she remains as emotional as ever. All she can say is, “He’s the Rebbe’s child.” * * * Mrs. Arieli was born and raised in a traditional home, and was raised with faith in the words of tzaddikim. Over the years, her family was privileged to have a string of miracles from the Rebbe MH”M. Mrs. Arieli: “Five years after our first son was born, we still didn’t have another child, although we really wanted one. We underwent many treatments and visited the best doctors. Among other things, I wrote to the Rebbe that I wanted another child, and I committed to strengthening my observance of family purity. I did not receive an answer from the Rebbe, but a year later I gave birth to a girl. Then we had another daughter - three children in all. I really wanted another son, though, and when we discovered that this was indeed going to happen, I was thrilled. But upon medical examination, the “The Rebbe’s baby,” Nattan Arieli

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 25 doctors warned me about the my observance of family purity. read the letter and said, “Beware, you’re pregnancy and pressured me to abort. I I wrote the letter, but to tell you the playing with fire. If, chalila, you do not did not agree, for I really wanted this truth, I saw no way out of my situation. do what the Rebbe said, you yourself child. The tension in the house increased day can be harmed.” Our home life was tense with the by day. Not one day was peaceful, and I An hour before we were supposed doctors exerting pressure and my didn’t know what to do with myself to go to the doctor, my husband came husband not knowing what to do. On under such terrible circumstances. My home a wreck. He showed me the letter the one hand, he understood me, but Lubavitcher friend, who helped me and told me it was from the Lubavitcher on the other hand two doctors kept write the letter, calmed me down and Rebbe, addressed to me. At first I didn’t warning us, so he tried to convince me encouraged me, saying that surely the know whether he was kidding or that the doctors knew what they were Rebbe wouldn’t let the unmentionable serious, but when I read the letter I talking about. happen. realized the miracle had arrived. I The doctors kept up the pressure, The day came. I woke up and took a fainted on the spot. and at a certain point I felt I no longer T’hillim and began reading and crying to I saw how the Rebbe sat in Brooklyn had the strength to hold out. I believed Hashem that He save me, though I was and personally watched over every Jew this story was going to have a sad sure it was hopeless. But the Rebbe did in the world. I also saw the miracle in ending. not forget me. the letter’s timing, as it arrived four Everything was ready. The date was Four hours before I had to go to the hours before it would have been too set for Monday at the end of Teives doctor, my husband went to work. late. This time my crying was tears of 5752. I felt awful about it, and couldn’t When he checked the mailbox, he saw thanks to the Rebbe who saved me, and bear the thought that this would end so an unusual envelope from abroad. especially my son. tragically. When he opened the letter, he was We checked the mezuzos and t’fillin A few days beforehand, my father, stunned. It was a personal letter from that same day and discovered that many a”h, dreamt that a tragedy had occurred the Rebbe with his signature. My mezuzos were pasul. We exchanged in our family. He woke up in the husband immediately realized this was them for kosher ones. morning and was very shaken by this no simple matter, but he thought he’d The Rebbe’s letter accompanied me dream. He rushed over to our house hide the letter from me since at this throughout the pregnancy. I didn’t part and saw that everything was alright, but point he fully agreed with the doctors. with the letter that saved my son. I kept he asked us to keep a close watch on The Rebbe addressed me as follows: thinking about what would have our oldest son. He didn’t know why I Madam Esther tichyeh suddenly burst into tears. Bracha v’Shalom! My mood plummeted. I stayed In response to your informing me indoors all day, miserable, waiting for a of your situation, Hashem will miracle from Heaven. But the days complete the days of your pregnancy passed and my appointment with the properly and easily, and you will give doctor was looming, and there was no birth to a child in the right time, miracle in sight. normally and easily. The pa”n you When all seemed lost, I reminded enclosed with your letter will be read myself that there’s a Rebbe, and I in an auspicious time at the tziyun of decided to turn to him through some the Rebbe my father-in-law... acquaintances I have in the Chabad At the end of the letter, the Rebbe neighborhood. One of them said that in added: situations such as these only the Rebbe P.S. It would be proper that you could help. check the t’fillin and the mezuzos of It was the afternoon of 11 Teives your apartment to be sure they are when I sat down to write a letter to the kosher. Rebbe, in which I said I was in my third As I said, my husband planned on month of pregnancy, and I asked the hiding the letter from me, but at work Rebbe for a bracha that I should have all there was a religious employee who the spiritual strength to withstand the was a mekurav to Chabad. When he pressure being exerted against me. At consulted with him and asked whether the same time, I resolved to strengthen he was doing the right thing, the friend Nattan Arieli

26 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 stayed in the hospital with the Rebbe’s ONE LETTER - TWO MIRACLES letter under my pillow. I felt confident In the letter Esther wrote to the Rebbe asking for a bracha, she also that with the Rebbe’s letter everything asked for a bracha for her neighbor who had lost a baby twice in the would work out just fine, as the Rebbe seventh month of pregnancy. had promised. After the doctors feared additional pregnancies, the woman conceived One day, a doctor noticed the letter and gave birth to a boy a year after the letter to the Rebbe, even though and rebuked me for my “nonsensical with her too, the doctors warned that the baby wouldn’t be normal. beliefs.” I was furious with him but I didn’t have the strength to respond. When I finally gave birth, I could see that the doctor was pale as a ghost. It turned out that the baby had made it by a hairsbreadth. The situation was critical and the baby was saved at literally the last minute. Here I had my opportunity and I said, “This letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe is what saved the baby.” This time, the doctor didn’t smirk. The baby was large and the doctors wrote in the medical file that this had been a medical miracle that nearly ended otherwise. “You received this baby as a gift,” the doctors told me, not knowing that this was a double gift. Apparently the Rebbe’s bracha for a normal birth saved me not only from an abortion but also from a complicated birth, thus saving my life and the baby’s life. We named our baby Nattan because Hashem had given him to us in a miraculous fashion. Today he’s a sweet boy who attends a religious school. He watches over the Jewish character of the house, making sure his father says Kiddush, among other things. He will soon be celebrating his eleventh birthday. Natti is well aware of being “the Rebbe’s child,” and he makes sure to remind us, as well as his friends, of this. “I don’t know how to thank the Rebbe for the enormous miracle he did The Rebbe’s letter which arrived four hours before the deadline for me,” says Mrs. Arieli. “We merited brachos from the Rebbe and we feel it’s a happened if the Rebbe’s letter had come for I had still not given birth in the great privilege. In our family, the Rebbe a few hours later. nd week. The doctors were afraid for is everything, and we continue to ask 42 for his brachos today,” she says. “I want The months flew by and the day had both me and the baby. They tried to to say just one word to the Rebbe, and arrived, but I had not yet given birth. induce labor three times, but failed. I that is THANKS!” The pregnancy was longer than usual,

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 27 SShhlliicchhuuss “HE WHO RELEASES THE PRISONERS AND REDEEMS THE HUMBLE” BY SHAI GEFEN TRANSLATED BY MICHOEL LEIB DOBRY

The special relationship and demands of the welfare of the Jewish prisoners under Rebbe MH”M for the welfare of Jewish prisoners incarceration. One of the rabbanim replied that they are “terrorists,” to is well-known. Numerous Chabad shluchim which the leader of the Jewish people worldwide deal with this important matter and gave his wondrous response that he do all they possibly can to make their prison life does not let a single Jew go to waste... As a general principle, the Rebbe easier and even to hasten their release. After categorically rejected imprisonment as reading in the Torah about Yosef HaTzaddik’s a form of punishment, arguing that nowhere does such a punishment, imprisonment and release, Beis Moshiach unfurls which deprives a person of his the story of the Rebbe’s unique connection to freedom, appear in the Torah. The Rebbe also reasoned that the idea of a Jewish prisoners, and brings thrilling and prison is to inflict punishment, and emotional stories on the special activities of not to repair a person’s actions. In one of his sichos, the Rebbe Chabad shluchim worldwide on their behalf. notes that in recent years, we see a change for the better in the conduct of numerous occasions, the Rebbe more progressive nations regarding Thousands of Jewish prisoners engaged in special activities on their the whole idea of the prison system. throughout the world know that behalf, while inquiring into every “Its purpose is not merely pain and without the shluchim of the Rebbe detail of the condition of Jewish torture, but for a particular benefit. MH”M there would no one to care prisoners all over the world. The Above all, no harm should befall the about them during their incarceration Rebbe’s relationship towards the public. But more than that, the period behind prison bars. As in so many prisoners can best be expressed in the that the prisoner is in jail should be other areas, Chabad shluchim are following words: “We have to think used to the fullest in order to bring clearly the source of inspiration, about even a single Jew, and halacha him back to the straight path and to warmth, and encouragement to all states that saving the life of even one place the truth before him in order to Jews, including those who slipped up Jew defers the entire Torah.” train him for a new life, a life based on in life and are now paying their debt The Rebbe said these words before honesty and justice, after he leaves to society. a group of visiting rabbanim from prison.” The Rebbe’s personal connection to South America. During the discussion, A crowning symbol of the Rebbe’s these prisoners is unique. On the Rebbe took an interest in the relationship was the farbrengen of Shabbos Parshas Naso 5745, which

28 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 included the participation of a group of prisoners. In one of the sichos, the Rebbe related specially to the prisoners in attendance and said, “Because of their efforts for the benefit of the prisoners, they create the possibility that even during their period of imprisonment, they can conduct themselves according to their religion. And even when this entails additional expense and effort for the prison administration, no effort is spared. Similarly, prisoners are periodically furloughed. Furthermore, when they see the prisoner’s good conduct and how he is trying to reform himself, he is placed on parole, and thus released before his sentence has been completed.” By the way, when the prisoners arrived for the farbrengen, the Rebbe asked to spread them out in the beis midrash and not to seat them in one section, so not, ch”v, to cause them dishonor. On the 21st of Kislev 5739, a rav from South Africa entered yechidus. During the yechidus, the Rebbe requested that he should try and see that all Jewish prisoners have Chanuka menoros. In preparation for Rosh HaShana 5735, the Rebbe sent a letter to the administration of the Lubavitch Youth Organization in Eretz HaKodesh. The letter was addressed to prisoners after he received numerous requests for brachos “from those who for now are in jail.” The Rebbe writes that “certainly all those who request learning texts of our holy Torah will be provided with the necessary s’farim, together with the possibility to learn from them in a spirit of calm.” As Purim 5736 approached, the Rebbe requested that mishloach manos and matanos l’evyonim be sent to Jewish prisoners and detailed how it should be done. “Since there are inmates in penitentiaries who need to fulfill the mitzvos of mishloach manos and matanos l’evyonim, and the law in many countries including the United

Issue Number 394 BEIS 29 States allows inmates to receive items give permission to the Jewish inmates getting them out. We have strong of food, but not to leave money at the to change the format and break their connections with the local police, and prison offices, it is thus possible for fast properly on Motzaei Yom Kippur.” as soon as an Israeli is arrested, they the person bringing mishloach manos Many shluchim throughout the turn to us on their own.” to a prisoner to hold a pushke in his world dedicate much time to deal with Prison conditions in Thailand are hand, and give the inmate a gift of a Jewish inmates whose prison is by no means simple. Prison meals few coins to drop in the pushke in located in their area. These activities consist of a plate of rice and muddy fulfillment of the mitzva of matanos take place in standard democratic water, which they call “soup.” This l’evyonim...” countries and even in those with represents their daily food allotment, The Rebbe continued the sicha by different governing systems. One of though prisoners are allowed to buy emphasizing that the fulfillment of the shluchim who is known for his food from the prison canteen at their these mitzvos with prisoners has been involvement with prisoners is Rabbi own expense. Most of the prisoners do sorely neglected. Nechemia Wilhelm, shliach in not have any funds, and part of Rabbi In 5739, the Rebbe MH”M sent a Bangkok, Thailand. He has succeeded Wilhelm’s activities include making general letter to “prisoners who for in securing the release of more than certain that the Jewish prisoners have now are in jail.” The Rebbe instructed one hundred prisoners since he began money. “Every few days, I send the those who are involved in prison Israeli tourists to visit the prisoners, outreach activities to distribute the and I give them money to bring to the letter to the prisoners. Even though prisoners so they will have what to eat one does not know them personally, “I intentionally send in prison. I intentionally send the the letter should be presented as a Israeli tourists inside the prison so personal letter, and it would be the Israeli tourists they can see for themselves that it is appropriate to explain its content to not a very good idea to get entangled the prisoners. inside the prison so with the local authorities...” By taking a closer look at the letter, they can see for As is known, Thailand also has a we see that it is written in a most death penalty. Have there been rescue uncustomary fashion. The Rebbe themselves that it is activities on this front as well? writes, “Especially when the We had a story with two prisoners authorities establish that [prisoners] not a very good idea who escaped from prison and were can be released much earlier than later apprehended. As a result, they supposed, and their conduct is fitting to get entangled with were sentenced to the maximum to the will of the Creator of the world punishment – the death penalty. We and its leader... their release will the local applied pressure from all over the hasten the process towards normal life authorities...” world. We even involved the Israeli in every detail.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Another feeling of concern from eventually, we succeeded in the leader of the generation for every commuting the sentence to life his shlichus in Thailand, and numerous Jewish prisoner was expressed by the imprisonment. In this instance, all of stories attributed to him have reached Rebbe in 5739 about the need to make the appeals that the two made in the far and wide. “The law in Thailand is certain that they have enough food to court system were to no avail, and extremely rigid,” Rabbi Wilhelm eat on Erev Yom Kippur. “It’s a wonder therefore, this was a clear case of explained. “Many Israelis who come how so few people worry about those saving Jewish lives. here as tourists get tangled in legal Jews who are in prison that they Do you have contact with the problems, primarily those pertaining receive their meals on Erev Yom prisoners’ families? to drugs. To the best of my Kippur in a manner that will allow knowledge, there are currently nine Absolutely. The families send them to fulfill the mitzva of increasing Jewish prisoners in Thailand, five of money and clothes to the prisoners in food and drink enough for two days whom are Israelis.” through us. We also bring them in order that they can fast easily. letters, etc. The families in Israel look Rabbi Wilhelm’s activities with Similarly, it must also be made certain upon us as the local authority, and prisoners are very diverse. His first job regarding Motzaei Yom Kippur, since have tremendous confidence in us. We is to extricate those who have become most places give food and drink in the have in our mailbag hundreds of tangled with the law. “If it is a matter middle of the day or at least before thank you messages from prisoners of a minor offense, we succeed in nightfall, that the relevant authorities who we succeeded in releasing or

30 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 assisted during their imprisonment particular story,” Rabbi Wilhelm said, would say to me, “You came here from and their families. when I asked him for some interesting Heaven. You don’t know what I was What are the regular activities that anecdotes on the subject. For him, it’s just thinking.” It turns out that these you do with prisoners? now all part of regular everyday life. visits simply saved their lives. Every Thursday, we send them What do your visits do for the * * * challos for Shabbos, and as Pesach prisoners? Evidence of Rabbi Wilhelm’s approaches, we send them matzos. First of all, this is a tool in Jewish special connection with the authorities Several times each month, I come to outreach. Despite the fact that the comes from a Jewish prisoner who make a personal visit to the prisoners. activities with prisoners are not received a royal pardon from the king. At the beginning, this was a nightmare connected to their spiritual state, this According to the rigid laws in for me, but slowly I got used to it. As is a matter of pidyon shvuyim. There Thailand, the recipient of a royal I said earlier, in addition to my visits, was an interesting story a few years pardon goes from prison directly to I send the Israeli tourists to see them, ago with a young man who I came to the airport in order to leave the which naturally gives them a breath of release after the local police had country. “In this case,” Rabbi Wilhelm life and bolsters their morale. Twice arrested him. While we were sitting in retells, “the instructions were that the each year, we can meet the prisoners the waiting area prior to his release, I prisoner can pass via the Chabad face-to-face, and we use the saw his face redden as he said to me, House to partake in a kosher l’mehadrin opportunity to put t’fillin on them. On “Rabbi, I apologize.” lunch. This particular prisoner served the other occasions, the meetings only I didn’t understand why he was fourteen years in a Thai prison, and as take place behind bars. apologizing, so he explained himself. he was traveling with me from there, * * * “Yesterday, you asked me to join a he displayed genuine excitement from Numerous stories on Rabbi minyan, and I refused, and today you the sight of the automobiles and the Wilhelm’s activities with the prisoners come to release me...” He was sunlight. That’s how cut off he was have been printed. The Israeli eventually expelled from the country, from the rest of the world. Today, this newspapers have also mentioned but until he left Thailand, he helped same prisoner is in Eretz Yisroel, frequently the involvement of the us complete many minyanim over a where he lectures on behalf of the War Chabad shliach in saving and assisting period of two months. on Drugs Authority.” Jewish prisoners. Even the official Once there was a prisoner who How do the local police relate to Israeli authorities cooperate with him, spent many years behind bars and you in lieu of your activities and since they know that he is the right wanted on numerous occasions to interest on behalf of the Jewish address. “It’s difficult to focus on a commit suicide. Every time I came, he prisoners?

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 31 Let me answer that from another angle. This entire matter has enabled MORE ON THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN me to explain the Alter Rebbe’s words THE REBBE AND JEWISH INMATES about the G-dly soul found within In a letter to one of those who is most active in prisoner outreach, the every Jew, as opposed to the nations of Rebbe wrote, “I was pleased to receive his letter. Much appreciation for the the world, whose acts of kindness are good news from his activities on behalf of our fellow Jewish brethren, all done from selfish motives. The sheyichyu, who are in prisons. With regard to mivtza mishloach Manos and police commanders always say to me matanos l’evyonim, and in the strengthening of Yiddishkeit in general, there with much admiration that every time is great merit in this, certainly among its oppressed. No need to they arrest a Jew, they are besieged elaborate...” with inquiries as to how they can get him released. However, when non- In a interesting letter sent by Rabbi Chadakov to Lubavitch Youth Jews from other countries are arrested, Organization in Eretz HaKodesh Chairman Rabbi Yisroel Leibov, he writes, “I am interested to know if they have also inquired as part of the T’fillin more than a month can go by without Campaign regarding those who are sitting in prisons.” anyone asking about them. The police Rabbi Chadakov’s commander told me about a case letter continues by taking note of the fact that since there are new and “efforts are required to where they had a foreign prisoner, different approaches in the treatment of prisoners, bring them to the who for over a month sat in jail correct path. without a single person offering to bail Therefore, for this him out. The commander took pity on very reason, those in him and called on one of the local charge must admit to residents and requested that he help the great importance him get released. The person looked at of influencing them him and said, “I don’t know him at to put on t’fillin.” all,” and he refused to post bail. I am constantly reminded of the Also on Shabbos well-known question that one of the Parshas VaYeishev Czar’s ministers asked the Alter Rebbe 5740, the Rebbe about the difference between a Jew aroused the need to and a non-Jew. The Alter Rebbe smiled help prisoners and to and declined to answer. Quite often, I bring them simcha. “And the matter is receive a clear answer on this matter. clear that there will The police commanders in Thailand be appropriate times already understand well the difference to explain to each between a Jew and a non-Jew... and every one of Have you also had contact with them at each event prisoners outside of Thailand? that they must be One of the more interesting stories b’simcha.” on this subject occurred about three years ago. An Israeli couple had a domestic quarrel during their visit to These two stories followed the same him for several hours, and would not Thailand. Eventually, the husband was path, so I decided to make the trip to relent. In the end, he gave me his arrested in India, and he notified his India. word of honor that the minute he is wife that he would not give her a I performed the ceremony on my released, he will give her the divorce. divorce, thus leaving her an aguna first night there, and on the following Before leaving, I told him, “Keep in forever. The woman called me and morning, I went to the jail to speak to mind, just as I came to you here, we’ll asked me to travel to India to try and that woman’s husband to try and come to you no matter where in the influence her husband. As Divine convince him to give her a divorce. He world you are.” This frightened him providence would have it, a Jewish was shocked when he saw me. I came and he agreed. After he was released, couple in India had requested that I with two bochurim, who would serve he returned to Eretz Yisroel, and in perform their marriage ceremony. as witnesses in the event that the fact, kept his word and divorced her. They said that if I wouldn’t come, they husband would agree to make us his In another case about a year ago, would get married in a civil ceremony. shluchim to make the get. I spoke with two police captains from Ashkelon

32 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 arrived in Thailand for a vacation. Solomon. “Without the shliach, he rabbi who had been arrested. A similar While touring in the northern Thai might not have survived,” Attorney case occurred a year ago in Barcelona, city of Chong Dau, they Tzivin noted. Spain, when an Israeli woman was unintentionally ran over two Thai A few months ago, even the major released on bail posted by the local nationals, killing them. The Israelis Israeli newspapers dealt with the shliach, Rabbi David Leiberson. In were released only after intensive tremendous help that Chabad accordance with the decision of the intervention plus our activities with provides to Jewish and Israeli local courts, Rabbi Leiberson posted the assistance of Attorney Mordechai prisoners all over the world. “Chabad bail totaling $100,000! Tzivin and the Israeli Consul, Mr. Houses, spread out to the four corners In Australia, for example, shliach Amnon Klammer. of the earth, are an inexhaustible Rabbi Yoram Ulman succeeded in * * * source of information and assistance,” securing the release to house arrest of The stories all over the world on says Mrs. Orit Shani, director of the a chareidi couple from Yerushalayim, prisoners and Chabad have already Israelis Overseas Department in an parents of little children, after the become daily occurrences. Attorney interview in a weekend edition of the magistrate accepted his testimony as a Mordechai Tzivin is among those who Ha’Aretz daily. spiritual leader. It turns out that the can bear witness to these activities. He Attorney Tzivin: “From my couple was suspected of smuggling, is involved frequently in prisoner personal experience, Chabad Houses however the charges were proved to rescue and often receives help from worldwide are the only places where be baseless accusations by a third Chabad shluchim worldwide. His Israelis overseas, including prisoners, party. impressions have also been expressed receive any significant help. Among The court’s decision to release the in numerous interviews he has given other things, they use direct influence couple was rare in nature and to the media. to help secure the release of Israeli represented a unique gesture to Rabbi One such story involved an Israeli prisoners.” Ulman. The imprisoned man told his prisoner in Bulgaria, who was Even in Russia, the Chief Rabbi, story afterwards in an interview. He suspected of credit fraud. The HaRav Berel Lazar, has provided said that for several days he ate only prisoner suffered a stroke and was assistance to prisoners who got apples due to concerns over kashrus. released under house detention to the entangled with the local law, including Australian prison officials were local Chabad shliach, Rabbi Yosef an interesting case regarding an Israeli convinced that he was making a

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 33 hunger strike. “I tried to explain it to them, but to no avail. It took several days until the Chabad rabbi in Sydney, Rabbi Yoram Ulman, could arrange kosher food for me,” he related. The couple was eventually released unconditionally. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gurewitz, shliach in Argentina, helped an Israeli paratroop officer who was about to be tried on charges that could have resulted in ten years imprisonment. Attorney Mordechai Tzivin, who travels around the world regarding these matters, speaks with great admiration about the assistance he has received from Chabad Houses on behalf of prisoners. In Paris, for example, Rabbi Mendel Azimov Rabbi Yitzchak Gansburg at activities with prisoners helped to release a young pregnant American woman. Even in Germany, arranged kosher food for him. prisoners is the Aleph Institute, he received assistance from the The story that made the most founded by Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber Chabad shliach. headlines was the case six months ago Lipsker of Bal Harbour, Florida, and *** of Ravit Shariki, a young Israeli run today by the shliach, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Katz. In Florida, where the shliach Rabbi woman, who was arrested in India for Sholom Dovber Lipsker serves, there drug possession. Her infant daughter The Aleph Institute today serves are many Jews who have been was born within the walls of an Indian approximately eight thousand Jewish privileged to be released from prison prison, and the heart-wrenching story inmates in penitentiaries throughout in the merit of his impressive gripped hundreds of thousands of America. These prisoners have a appearances in court. In an interview Israeli citizens. After she was released, variety of hardships in their daily given in India about a year ago to the she said in an interview with the Yediot lives, and the Institute tries to help Israeli daily Maariv, Attorney Tzivin Acharanot daily, “I want to thank the them in every way possible. said that “it doesn’t seem possible that people of Chabad for arranging my The Jewish inmates contact the the Chabad-Lubavitch Movement with amnesty from prison.” Institute via telephone from the its thousands of shluchim worldwide is Attorney Mordechai Tzivin also prison, or via referrals received from forced to be a country’s assisted a great deal in this case by family members. However, the main subcontractor.” This indeed arranging the amnesty. One particular source of referrals comes from the constitutes a sad testimony to the story, which was not very flattering for prison chaplains, who already know inefficiency of Israeli government prison authorities in the United States, this Chabad organization well, and channels, compared to the activities of was when Attorney Tzivin tried to give refer interested Jewish inmates the shluchim, who work with total self- an inmate a yarmulka by directly to the Institute. sacrifice for every Jew. circumventing the entire bureaucratic The Institute remains in direct This is illustrated by a most recent process. The prison warden was contact with hundreds of prisons in story from just a few weeks ago in furious with Tzivin and punished the the United States and the local Costa Rica with an Israeli youth, inmate with several days of harsh shluchim responsible for the area related to a prominent personality confinement. As a result, Attorney where the prisons are located, while who is well known to the Israeli Tzivin registered a serious complaint serving as the go-between. According public. The youth was arrested on with the Committee on Religious to Rabbi Katz, about three hundred suspicion of drug trafficking. He had Affairs near the United States visits are arranged each week between considerable difficulty conducting a Congress. shluchim and inmates. The inmates religious life while in prison, until the One of the more longstanding warmly receive the Institute’s case was brought to the attention of organizations in the United States that representatives, put on t’fillin, and ask the local Chabad shliach, who deals with the cause of Jewish to buy t’fillin for their own personal

34 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 use. The stories are indeed touching, and come closer to Yiddishkeit in the yeshiva program for inmates. Such a and the work continues unceasingly. merit of the Chabad activities that take program has recently been established It is interesting to note that one of place behind prison walls. The Aleph temporarily in Florida, though it the Rebbe’s sichos leading up to Pesach Institute also makes every effort to demands a great deal of logistical 5736 dealt with the need to make provide kosher meals for those coordination. certain that they will have all the inmates who are interested. The The Rebbe’s concern for prisoners necessary products for Pesach. “And Institute brings hot meals or portions is amazing. In a letter to one of the these preparations possess the that are frozen and double-wrapped askanim involved in prisoner outreach, strengths to affect that they will fulfill which only require microwave the Rebbe notes, “According to the their obligations in prison merely heating. Several hundred inmates are saying of our chachamim, of blessed through the preparations themselves, privileged to receive these meals, thus memory, that the deed is the main so that they will be released even removing the problem of cooking thing, the purpose of this letter of before Pesach, just as the entire people kosher food in the prison. mine, Mivtza Pesach, is to bring it into of Israel that is in prison during the In general, the Aleph Institute asks actual deed with greater force and exile.” that their activities remain discrete. greater strength. And particularly, to There are an estimated eight They fully realize that this is a most those who for now are in prisons, they thousand Jewish inmates in sensitive issue that can only benefit depend on assistance from those on penitentiaries throughout America. from silent contact. Those who are the outside to a larger extent and more The Aleph Institute relates to each one involved in these activities work out of importantly, in order to enable them to of them as a “whole world,” thus, the a sense of deep commitment to this fulfill the mitzvos of Pesach, including relationship pertains even to those shlichus, as instructed by the Rebbe the days of Chol HaMoed, to the fullest prisoners found in the most remote MH”M, to help Jewish prisoners in and out of simcha.” locations. every way possible, anytime, Dedicated to Baruch Marzel, who currently sits For their part, we see that the anywhere. under house arrest in Yerushalayim, away from his wife and nine children in Chevron, for inmates don’t forget Chabad. Many of The Aleph Institute’s most recent his self-sacrifice on behalf of shleimus ha’Aretz. them maintain contact with Chabad initiative is the establishment of a

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Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 35 SShhlleeiimmuuss HHaaAArreettzz

JUST THE REBBE MELECH HA’MOSHIACH BY RABBI SHOLOM DOV BER VOLPE

Israel was ready for “two countries for The Zionist leaders mocked the six million for two nations.” All the ministers and going like sheep to the slaughter, yet the country Knesset members yelled in righteous indignation, “Who allowed him to say with the “best army in the world” and with the that? Who does he represent?” as most advanced weapons, is made powerless in the though they don’t know that he has a good teacher who sent him a message face of terrorism. from Yerushalayim. The very idea that “it’s only talk,” is passengers board a plane with a 1 a mockery. Experience has shown that pocket knife or nail clipper, yet the The Rebbe shlita MH”M warned all such talk inevitably leads to action. the Jewish people that political prime minister himself is giving negotiations with Arabs would lead to sharpened swords to thousands of 2 Jewish blood being shed not only in suicide bombers, and opens the gates of the country for them. The Rebbe also said a number of the Holy Land, but outside of it. The times that Israel’s non-reaction to Rebbe explained that when the Arabs The son of the poet Uri Tzvi attacks causes additional murder. The see that there is a willingness to give Greenberg, z”l, defended Sharon this only way to wipe out terror is by away parts of Eretz Yisroel, they week, saying, “He doesn’t mean it reacting strongly, not with restraint intensify the terror in order to ensure seriously. He won’t actually establish a which demonstrates weakness and that our capitulation to them be Palestinian state. In the meantime he vacillation, and which causes us to complete, and so that they can get just talked about it, but did no evil.” lose our deterrence capability. everything in exchange for nothing. They don’t understand that talking They don’t retaliate against the From this Torah-true perspective, about it is destructive, because the terrorists, like by eliminating those when we see the prime minister terrorists are encouraged to keep up places from which the terrorists constantly declaring that he is in favor their murder and mayhem when the operate and replacing them with of a Palestinian state, we understand prime minister so much as talks about Jewish settlements, or by bombing the that he is putting a sword in our it. They don’t need us to take action; Muktaa. On Thursday, 23 Kislev, when murderers’ hands, and he is personally they’ll take care of that themselves. Jewish blood soaked the ground in responsible for all the attacks both in Beit Shaan and in Kenya, what and outside Eretz Yisroel. In the meantime, the Israeli interested our Leftist, Peace-loving ambassador to the U.N. followed Security men at Ben Gurion airport Prime Minister was that people go Sharon’s lead and dropped a vote. are working to ensure that no bombshell when he announced that

36 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 “We won’t let them ruin our Then the interviewer asked Olmert democracy,” shouted Sharon into the how it was possible that “life goes microphones. What he meant was, back to normal,” after horrifying How can we not be broken?! How “They can continue murdering men, attacks like this one. Have we become can we go on living in this insane way? women, and children in the streets of used to “living (or dying) like this?” How long will we have hearts of our cities, but they won’t succeed in The mayor coldly said, “What do you stone? messing around with our insane Israeli want – that we should walk around If we were a normal nation, there’d democracy, since the oilem goilem will depressed all day?” be no end to our depression and our continue voting for me despite the broken heartedness. And then, with destruction I’m responsible for.” Your honor, Mr. Olmert, tell us the truth. If your son was attacked, ch”v, our bitterness and pain, we would all The Zionist leaders ridiculed the would you be depressed all day or go out, the groom from his chamber, Six Million for going “like sheep to the not? The reason you’re not depressed the bride from her chuppa, and would slaughter,” yet here’s a strong nation is because the cries of the orphans and unleash an attack, from the midst of with (what they call) “the best army in the wounded don’t reach your ears. the world,” and with the most Even the members of your party, the advanced weapons, made to stand prime minister and his ministers, are powerless in the face of ongoing daily not depressed because the bottom line When the Arabs see terror. Instead of striking back at the is: it didn’t happen to them yet. On enemy, traitorous declarations are the other hand, their salaries continue that there is a to get paid, their drivers wait for them downstairs, and their place for the willingness to give next four years is guaranteed for them away parts of Eretz “The oilem goilem in the primaries. The fact that dozens of people were killed in one week Yisroel, they intensify will continue voting doesn’t move them. Only a mega- attack, ch”v, would make them begin the terror in order to for me despite the to worry, and even then, it wouldn’t be because of the blood that would be ensure that our destruction I’m spilled, but because of their voters’ capitulation to them responsible for.” reaction. Apparently the murder of a mother be complete, and so and her children, a grandmother and that they can get made and the other cheek is turned her grandchild, schoolchildren on towards them. their way to and from school, two teenaged brothers in Kenya, and everything in 3 thousands of devastated families are exchange for nothing. still not considered a “mega-attack” After the bus attack in Kiryat and doesn’t make them depressed, not Menachem in Yerushalayim, Mayor only the fat-cat politicians, but even Olmert was on the radio and he called the man on the street. This is because our tears and storm of emotions, on Arafat, “ish ha’damim” (man of blood, the P.L.O. collaborators along with our our enemies, and would correct what violence). But when he was asked Arafatian media, managed to instill in Rabin, Peres, and the perverted Oslo whether he thought this ish ha’damim us the idea that the weekly bloodshed Criminals did to us. should be expelled from the country, is unavoidable and it must be accepted he said, “That’s a tactical matter.” stoically. If we were a normal nation, our lives wouldn’t return to normal. We Arafat hears this, and how! He After all, even bereaved mothers, would go out to the streets and stop knows that his life is assured until fathers, wives, and husbands speak the insane process of the “Zionist 120, and the ongoing bloodshed coldly. How frightening it is to hear Authority,” until it went out to protect makes no difference. He can continue them swallow their deep pain and its people, conquered all of Eretz to orchestrate terror within Eretz speak in hollow clichés, in the foolish Yisroel forever, destroyed our enemies Yisroel and with direct contact with Israeli style of “life goes on,” and “we of the seed of Amalek, and gave us the terrorist groups. can’t let them break us.” back peace and security in our land.

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 37 4 their brothers, who after the massacre on he writes: “The very existence of a In the chareidi paper Kehillot, there in 1929, left the city and did not live Jew is the greatest provocation to which is published by those who remain in a dangerous place, and “at the goyim, not the land we live on.” belong to Degel HaTorah and which is the time, no one tried to say that terror won’t defeat us.” Menachem Begin wanted to listen distributed in the Negev, they wrote in to the opinion of the g’dolei ha’Torah the VaYishlach edition that the ones I read this with incredulity. This regarding the Camp David agreement. responsible for the massacre in reminded me of the unfortunate letter Upon the Rebbe’s instructions, Rabbi Chevron are the Jews who live there, their leader wrote on 15 Av Shlomo Yosef Zevin sent Begin a and those who preach that people 5739/1979, which called for giving pamphlet with the decision of all the should come and pray there! away land to the Arabs, that g’dolei ha’dor that it is absolutely This is what they wrote, “On explained, “for they demand what we forbidden to give away land from Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Chayei Sara, conquered from them, and if we Eretz Yisroel, and any area needed for return it to them, they agree to make our security, to the Arabs. peace; certainly there is salvation in this.” But when Begin saw the pathetic letter mentioned earlier, of the leader Even bereaved Even now, after they see the of the Kehillot, in which he wrote at bloodshed which was caused by our length about the wonderful mitzva and mothers, fathers, concessions, they continue to stick salvation the Jews would have by wives, and husbands with these sick ideas of their leader, which sound amazingly like the “daas speak coldly. How Torah” of Yossi Sarid, Shulamit Aloni, Achmad Tivi, and Azmi Bishara. He relied on this gilui frightening it is to If the massacre in Chevron was panim b’Torah she’lo hear them swallow due to provoking the Arabs, and the conclusion is that we must leave k’halacha, and the their deep pain and Chevron and do as our murderers results fill cemeteries speak in hollow demand, what should our reaction be regarding terrorist activities in and hospitals till this clichés, in the foolish Yerushalayim, Tel Aviv, Chadera, Afula, Netanya, Kfar Saba, and Beit very day. Israeli style of “life Shaan? If we ought to return land because goes on,” and “we “they demand what we captured from can’t let them break them,” then why shouldn’t we return giving away land, he relied on this the Kosel and the Old City of gilui panim b’Torah she’lo k’halacha, and us.” Yerushalayim, French Hill, Ramat the results fill cemeteries and hospitals Shlomo, Tel Tzion, as well as Beitar, till this very day. Elad and Kiryat Sefer and everything we won in the War of Independence in 5 the Jews of Chevron brought 1948? This revered leader wrote, “let us thousands of Jews to Chevron and its not forget that if we resist everyone, environs for Shabbos, which provoked The Klausenberger Rebbe, zt”l, this will cause great tension among the the murderers of Chevron so that two wrote (in G’dolei Torah al Hachzoras goyim ... and there will be a great weeks later, they murdered more than Shtachim p. 17): “If, chalila, you increase of hatred for Jews by doing so ten Jews outside the M’aras appoint a gentile judge or one who is ... and our way, the way of the Torah is HaMachpeila. Since Chevron is a not your brother in Torah and mitzvos, ... not to stand out among the dangerous place, it is forbidden al pi he will rule that you are forbidden to nations.” Torah to go there to daven, and to dwell in Eretz Yisroel, which belongs convince another Jew to do so is to to the poor Arabs who were expelled The gaon, Rabbi Mordechai convince him to do something from here, and you must bring back Savitzky, z”l, responded (ibid p. 78) by forbidden.” They went on to call upon all these Arabs and not touch anything saying, “There are those who say that the Jews of Chevron to learn from that belonged to them.” And further we are forbidden to anger the whole

38 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 world against us. My question is: in the morning the new mikva is “Shas machzirim atara l’yoshna”? What world? The world that saw 6 crowded with boys who get up for a million Jews go up in smoke and kept shiur in Toras Chaim of the Mitteler Thank G-d the terrible test that quiet? The world won’t react at all if Rebbe. entrapped many Jews in the past two we return land and then the Arabs elections was abolished and there’s no attack us, as they did on Yom Kippur You see those who are connected need to vote for a prime minister. But 1973!” to the nasi ha’dor and to chassidus, who even when voting for a party, there’s learn Torah in purity, and who are full not a single chareidi candidate who, After two years of what we’ve been of pure faith and mesirus nefesh, and experience has shown, does not fall through, they can blame the precious contrast them with those who follow into the category of “accomplice to Jews of Chevron for bloodshed, this is the path of the “gadol” who was murder.” only because they have drawn megaleh panim b’Torah sh’lo k’halacha sustenance from the “broken wells and (not just regarding shleimus ha’Aretz, You’ve tried Bibi and gotten Tivi foul water” of the one who fought the but in every single issue, as is known You’ve tried Sharon and gotten ason Rebbe MH”M and chassidus in general, to those who have looked at his (tragedy). All the so-called chareidi and who, in his stubbornness in this s’farim), and it’s very hard, but we parties were accomplices to terrible war, trampled on shleimus ha’am, have no choice but to follow the security decisions. The religious shleimus ha’Aretz and shleimus Rebbe’s order not to say “l’havdil” representatives did not say boo to the ha’Torah. This teaches us that even when speaking of two Jews. horrendous forced, chillul Shabbos by a when you see someone waving the thousand soldiers and police, which Degel HaTorah, you must remember 6 caused an unparalleled chillul Hashem. In my humble opinion, there’s nobody that Chazal say, “if he doesn’t merit, it Another person who did not learn who deserves to be called, “the most [the Torah] becomes poison for him.” a lesson is Interior Minister Eli Yishai. religious party.” On a number of occasions, he himself (Now we can understand how the was a member of delegations that met head of their kashrus office became a Therefore, the time has come to with Arabs or with President Bush that Leftist even in Torah and mitzvos, to say to Hashem: We are disgusted by agreed to outrageous concessions. the point that he has become the this crumbling state. Chassidei Chabad, Even after the terror that reigns in our leader of the, chozrim b’sh’eila, and of all types, want only the Rebbe streets, he continues to say (on the distributes tens of thousands of MH”M. Ribbono shel olam, reveal the radio), “now there’s nobody to talk to, heretical booklets each month.) glory of your majesty to us, and then but when the leadership within the you’ll see how we’ll run joyfully to I had the privilege of farbrenging P.L.O. changes, we’ll be able to sit vote for the most religious party, that with the Jews of Kfar Tapuach in the down for political negotiations.” After of Malchus Dovid v’Shlomo. Shomron, on Yud-Tes Kislev. I saw the these pretty words, is it any surprise mesirus nefesh, and heard how at five that on the bus that exploded in Kiryat Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu V’Rabbeinu Menachem there still hung the sign, Melech HaMoshiach L’olam Va’ed.

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Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 39 SShhlleeiimmuuss HHaaAArreettzz

WE ASK, WHAT PALESTINIAN STATE DOES HE MEAN? BY SHAI GEFEN

must quote the Rebbe’s shocking Where were you when five thousand were statement which he made to Sharon: wounded these past two years? Why are you “It’s not a change in the Jewish public opinion that will make a waking up now – because it hit home? difference, but the mistakes made by the Arabs and their supporters. As it TAKING AWAY when the noise from the elections dies was in the past, when such mistakes THEIR FREE WILL down, we’ll hear Sharon sing a different forced, last year [during the Six Day tune. We’ll all watch as Sharon and Israel announced, for the first time War], the pursuers of peace to Mitzna join forces in a unity at the U.N., that it accepts President ultimately agree to defend themselves, government whose goal will be to Bush’s vision of the establishment of and consequentially led to a pre- accept whatever the Americans dictate two states which will live side by side in emptive war. If only in the future it goes to them in the destructive “road map” peace and tranquility. This statement much easier and won’t, ch”v, affect a plan, which includes dismantling was made by Israel’s ambassador to the nefesh or guf, and not even any money of yishuvim. Within two years, there’ll be a U.N., Yehuda Lancry, and it was written our Jewish brethren, wherever they may Palestinian state over most of the area, up in the protocols of the U.N. be.” (12 Elul 5728) r”l. At the Knesset meeting that The Rebbe MH”M did not anticipate Whoever naively thought that followed that announcement, Sharon a change among the leaders, and he saw Sharon was all talk, is apparently and Netanyahu said Lancry spoke prophetically that only mistakes made wrong. A Palestinian state is, r”l, a without their knowledge. Yeah right. by the Arabs would effect a change. given, as far as our leaders (including Unfortunately, even Arab mistakes are Until now, not even former Foreign Netanyahu and Evette Lieberman) are not helping today. Minister Shimon Peres announced in concerned. Naturally, each one twists When the Rebbe was asked by the U.N. that he was in favor of a the truth and speaks in riddles for the Rabbi Yolles, zt”l, in yechidus about the Palestinian state. He preferred to speak purpose of appeasing the electorate, but situation, the Rebbe said, “free will only in general terms, saying he they are all intent on the same plan. supported the Bush plan to resolve the should be taken away from the leaders, Our question is: what’s the dispute. But now the cat’s out of the bag and then they’ll behave properly. In the difference between Netanyahu’s and Israel formally announced that it is meantime, they are not behaving “Autonomy Plus” and Sharon’s in favor of a Palestinian state. properly.” “Palestinian state minus,” when we all Yes, Ariel Sharon seriously plans on know where the threatened DON’T LET TERROR establishing a Palestinian state in most withdrawals lead us? INFLUENCE YOU of Yesha, including the Old City of Under the circumstances, when Cynicism is an important Yerushalayim. In less than two months, b’derech ha’teva there’s no salvation, we component in Israeli politics, especially

40 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 when it is connected to the position of a Unity government: “Jewish blood will reached rock-bottom, but he’s not politician. They are ready to do be hefker.” They gave citizens the sense interested. He was only interested when anything to win, including making use that attacks are decrees from Heaven, he feared he wouldn’t be elected as of terrorist acts. that nothing can be done about them, leader of his party. We haven’t had such On Thursday, in the midst of the and we must live with it. This is what a low character, I don’t think, since the Likud elections, a massacre took place Sharon bequeathed to the citizens: A beginning of our history. at Likud headquarters in Beit Shaan. Palestinian state is a done deal, and the Our hearts have become numbed to Sharon became nervous lest his dozens of dead this week are the plight of the terror victims, because opponent win because people would unavoidable. of Sharon’s carefully orchestrated simply be afraid to go out and vote. Sharon decided that this approach political machinations. Contrary to This was not the first terrorist incident would make it easier for him to what Sharon said, he and only he is of its kind in the past two years. There continue to survive politically. He asked responsible for this horrendous were many worse attacks than what we citizens “to bite your lips and continue situation. The policies of concessions saw at Beit Shaan, but in the course of as always.” He asked us to do this after and capitulations as the appetite for a hundreds of attacks these past two Palestinian state grows are what has years, the prime minister, upon the brought us this wave of terrorist attacks. advice of his advisors, always preferred After one of the What would happen if, chalila, one to lie low. At most he would say, of Sharon’s family members was hurt in “Restraint is strength.” Then he would attacks in a terrorist attack as Levy’s children wait for the shock to wear off so that, were? Would his reaction be the same? chalila, the responsibility for what Yerushalayim, Sharon Would Omri and Arik still continue to happened wouldn’t be placed on his sell us the idea of a Palestinian state, or doorstep. arrived at the scene would they wage a war of destruction Apparently, Sharon was right. Like against despicable murderers? Teflon, he managed to avoid becoming of destruction and After one of the attacks in the focal point of the pent-up rage of there, in front of the Yerushalayim, Sharon arrived at the the citizenry. But on Thursday, scene of destruction and there, in front everything changed. When he saw that burned out bus he of the burned out bus he asked, “What his rival might win because of this Palestinian state do they mean?” We ask, terrorist attack, he didn’t hesitate. He asked, “What what Palestinian state does he mean? went to Kirya in Tel Aviv, and there, In that same yechidus with Rabbi together with the defense minister and Palestinian state do Yolles, the Rebbe asked him what the commander of the Air Force, he they mean?” We ask, happened with those Jews who did not began angrily banging on the table and fulfill “and you shall choose life” – ordered his stunned underlings to go what Palestinian state where does the measure of fear of and vote. “Don’t allow terror to Heaven that was bequeathed to that influence you,” he shouted. “Go and does he mean? person go? vote,” he continued yelling hoarsely, “The answer is: those who love the and all the media that had come to the cruel, hate those who are upright. dramatic press conference Sharon When fear of Hashem is lacking, the convened, were sure that he was going the murder of tens of young people, fear is used to fear the goyim, and so, to announce a new security policy in explaining that “restraint is comprised they are frightened of the goy ... light of the massacre in which three of strength.” He, the compassionate Frightful things are happening there, children of his good friend, Dovid Levy, prime minister, asked that we accept especially now in Lebanon, things the were injured. the judgment lovingly. world has yet to see. They brought But when it looked like the attack It didn’t happen. It was only soldiers, set them up in their places, would affect his personal interests, he personal and pressing considerations and forbade them to go forward and got up and banged on the table saying, that got Sharon to lose his equanimity shoot until they are shot at first. And “Go vote! Don’t let terror influence on election day. That is what interested they don’t let them retreat! the prime minister at the time that you.” Arafat himself said that by entering blood of his people became the For two years, people have been Lebanon, Israel displayed its weakness cheapest commodity in Israel. This is afraid to go out in the street. Despair in that they’re there for half a year one of the greatest achievements of the has eaten away at us. Things have

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 41 already, non-stop, in their place, while security forces say that aiming missiles OUR LEADERS’ BLOOD they had the ability to conquer it at civilian planes in Eretz Yisroel, is only IS REDDER immediately. They placed soldiers in a a matter of time. Ben Gurion Airport in At the funeral of the five who were position where they can be shot at, r”l, Lud is within range of a handheld LAW killed at Beit Shaan, Knesset member and they are in fact shooting at them, missile fired from the future Palestinian Dovid Levy spoke with great pain about and they ordered them not to start – so state of Sharon’s vision. Not too many how a government that cannot protect as not to anger Washington! know that pilots have already been told its citizens, cannot be called a not to fly low over certain areas in ... when they make a mistake and “a government. year passed,” they repeat the same Israel, for fear that someone will try to mistake a third time! The same mistake bring down the plane. So what These are certainly harsh words, and the same tzaros, it’s an incredible Palestinian state are they talking about? especially when the Levy family paid the price when three of their children were thing! There’s no question that the hurt in the attack. May Hashem send worldwide terror is directly connected ... I said to begin with, this is worst them a refua shleima. But why was this to our concessions to our enemies, of all. An enemy that is given more said only when family members of and to our capitulation to the nations strength, will not seek peace because of distinguished people are hurt? How of the world. The Rebbe MH”M, it. Therefore, he merely guarantees his come, when Machlouf was killed on the prophet of the generation, clearly saw ability to win. We’re seeing this in Rechov Yaffo in Yerushalayim, or the worldwide terror that would take action! Chaimowitz was killed in Afula, our place because of concessions to Arabs. If you want proof of the cynicism of leaders were quiet? Why, Mr. Levy, can’t It was thirteen years ago when the the politicians, take a look at three news the government be called a government Rebbe prevented the establishment of items that appeared last Thursday at only when your family members are Peres’ government at the last minute. that fateful time, side by side: “Four injured? Where were you when 700 Jews In a conversation with Elimelech dead in shooting attack in Beit Shaan”; were killed and body parts were gathered Neiman, representative of Ger, the “Among the dead in Kenya, two Israeli up in bags? Where were you when Rebbe said: children”; “Matteh Sharon: Netanyahu’s another 5000 were wounded these last men are hiding ballots from the ballot- “Since the party met with two years? Why didn’t you cry out then? box.” This is what bothered Sharon and representatives of the Arabs, and held negotiations with them, and news of Yes, we know it’s not nice to talk like his people during those trying times for this to someone in his hour of sorrow, our nation! this meeting was publicized amongst the Arabs, which results in – naturally but we are in our sorrow and pain day FROM KENYA TO ARIEL and logically – Arabs all over in and day out. Each day we accompany The terrible tragedy that took place continuing their action. They harmed our dead to the cemetery to the cries of last Thursday in distant Kenya, when some of our Jewish brethren shlita and young widows, brokenhearted missiles were shot at a plane full of even came to murder, r”l. Not only in widowers, parents burying their Jews, and then Israeli tourists were the Holy Land but also in other children and young orphans burying murdered, ought to raise red flags. Two countries, and who knows whether as I their parents. Why do you wake up Israeli children and an adult were killed speak, for “don’t open your mouth, etc. only when you are hurt? in Kenya. [to the Satan], at this very moment, We do not doubt that if another few Sharon talks about establishing a something, r”l, did not happen to a Jew, ministers personally experienced the Palestinian state. That is his vision. Why for their arm is still outstretched ...” terror, ch”v, the reactions would be far different. A “Palestinian state” wouldn’t doesn’t he pay attention to missiles You’ll remember that this was said be in their vocabulary, and restraint and aimed at planes? Can’t the same thing 13 years ago! happen in Israel, ch”v? Members of the withdrawal would no longer be options. Y.S. MOVING Professional We do demolish removal Yossi Reasonable Tel: 718-467-0171 24 hour service Boxes available upon request. Cellular: 917-805-7757

42 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 NNeewwss BRIS AVROHOM: A SYMBOL FOR EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN The curtain was raised before 400 guests at the 23rd annual dinner of Bris Avrohom. * The guest of honor, Mr. William “Pat” Schuber, executive, Union County, New Jersey, home to Bris Avrohom activities, surprised the audience with a ringing declaration:

The Sheraton Hotel, not far from and bring them closer to Judaism. that at first, he didn’t understand what Newark International Airport, was Therefore, we have come here tonight – he had in common with the young adorned with a festive holiday to salute with great pleasure this bearded man standing before him. appearance on a Sunday evening last wonderful humanitarian project.” However, “Rabbi Kanelsky made me month as hundreds of guests began to THE REBBE: AN IMPORTANT understand quickly and simply that we rd both are striving towards the same arrive for the 23 annual dinner in INSTITUTION salute of the Bris Avrohom organization, objective – to help the new population based in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The program was opened with the to adapt to and integrate into the city. reading of the Rebbe’s letter to the We then became good friends, and This was indeed “an evening that annual dinner in 5749, which was a $30,000 later – our paths met...” couldn’t be missed” – a refreshing and leap year, similar to this year. Rabbi pleasurable event enjoyed by all the A RESPONSE OF LIGHT – Yosef Yitzchak Zaltsman, Director, participants. Mr. Efraim Senito, Chabad Russian Jewish Center in AGAINST TERROR President of the Board of Directors, Toronto, Canada, was honored with The next invited speaker was the explained the source for this unique reading the letter. In the letter, the evening’s guest of honor, Mr. William feeling experienced by all. “Yesterday, Rebbe establishes Bris Avrohom as “a Schuber, Executive, Union County, Shabbos Kodesh, we read in the Torah vichtiger mosad” (an important New Jersey, home to Bris Avrohom about the difference between the institution), and no one who was at the activities, and a total of 900,000 hospitality of Avrohom and the dinner was in need of an explanation as residents to whom Mr. Schuber bears hospitality of Lot. In Avrohom’s home, to why this institution is so important the responsibility of their social and the angels appeared as men, whereas at and vital to the large Jewish community economic welfare. His friendship with Lot’s home, they appeared as angels.” (bli ayin ha’ra) that left and continues to Bris Avrohom began in recent years and “From this, we can learn the leave the former Soviet Union. Current continues to thrive and grow. greatness of Avrohom Avinu, who informational data on the organization’s The guest of honor opened his demonstrated immense kindness activities reveals that more than speech with a question: “When Rabbi toward all people – and not just toward 25,000(!) Jews use its services on a Kanelsky comes and requests angels. It is usually far more difficult to personal basis, besides the hundreds of something, can anyone possibly tell him be attentive and caring to people than it thousands who have been exposed to ‘no’? The answer is ‘No!’ And I also is to angels, but not so Avrohom Avinu, educational Torah programs through think so. I cannot refuse a fine man, a who embodied the attribute of the print and electronic media. fine organization, with such fine kindness.” The assembled guests then heard activities. Therefore, when I was “The disciples of Avrohom Avinu, the Mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Mr. approached to be the guest of honor those who run the Bris Avrohom Chris Bollage, who took pride that Bris here, I could only say ‘yes,’ and with organization, are marching along that Avrohom bases its operations in his city. great pleasure.” same path. They are kind to people, are He told about his first meeting with “Let me tell you something. Since concerned about them and their Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky. He revealed the September 11 terrorist attacks, success, ensure their Jewish identity,

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 43 many people ask me, ‘What can I do to and thus, we will improve the situation how this dedication leads to practical make the situation better?’ I answer on a national level.” action. To Rabbi Kanelsky and the other them that besides supporting the “The model for social policy and rabbis, I wish you success in your work security organizations, we must conduct is ‘Bris Avrohom’. We can learn and may you continue to be an example improve social relations. To be more from the nature of their activities what to all our county’s residents.” tolerant, kinder and gentler to others, patience and love is, what caring is, and DIRECTOR-GENERAL’S REPORT Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky, accompanied by his wife, Shterna Sara – described by the master of ceremonies as “the organization’s heart and soul” – then approached the podium. “142 years ago yesterday,” he said, “the Rebbe Rashab, Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber of Lubavitch, was born. When he was four years old, he wept before his grandfather and asked why G-d does not reveal Himself before him as He did before Avrohom Avinu. His grandfather responded, ‘When a Jew at the age of ninety-nine decides to circumcise himself, he has proven worthy that G-d should reveal Himself to him.’ “Bris Avrohom has already brought 5,300 Jews into the covenant of Avrohom, most of who were closer to the age of ninety-nine than the age of “ALWAYS SAY YES” eight days. These Jews have merited to Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky, Mr. William “Pat” Schuber, Mr. Milton Gralla, Rabbi feel the Sh’china within them, to see Chaim Dov Ber Zaltsman, Bris Avrohom Director, Fairlawn Eliyahu HaNavi with the eyes of their spirit, to begin a new Jewish life on the correct path, the path of the King.” Rabbi Kanelsky then took note of additional achievements: “Ten new Jewish couples who were married according to the law of Moshe and Yisroel, an extensive increase in the Torah classes program, and double the number of students in the new cheider, Yaldei Menachem. We have only one purpose in mind: to hasten the Redemption and give nachas to the master of this institution and its commander-in-chief: the Rebbe.” He thanked all the guests, the supporters, Rabbis Boruch Levkivker and Dovid Wilensky, the members of the County Administration for (From R to L) Efraim Senito, President of the Board of Directors, R. Danny Kahane, authorizing the construction of a Guest of Honor William “Pat” Schuber receives an artistic rendition of the Holy City playground measuring 6500 square of Yerushalayim as a gift of appreciation from the dinner’s Honorary Chairman Mr. meters in diameter for the Sunday Milton Gralla, Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky. school children of Bris Avrohom in

44 BEIS MOSHIACH 8 Teives 5763 Fairlawn, the members of the Board of Directors, “Freedom of Religion Celebrations” (annual wedding ceremonies) founder Mr. Milton Gralla, mohel Rabbi Eliyahu Shain (who honored the event with his presence), R. Danny Kahane, his wife and mother, and all those who took part in activities and programs. He offered special thanks to the teaching staff of the kindergartens, the schools, the clubs, and their untiring efforts, to the dedicated and responsible office staff for their superb organization and efficiency – Mrs. Tova Bar-Chaim, Mrs. Oshra Members of Bris Avrohom’s Board of Directors Golan, and Mrs. Bella Wolfman, Mr. Center – Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky and R. Danny Kahane David Sharpe and the catering staff for the elegant meal, and last but not least, for the dinner. The film was highlighted rendition of “Hineh Ma Tov U’ma Na’im his wife, Shterna Sara, who merited to by a look at the seventeen annual Sheves Achim Gam Yachad,” and this was hear from the Rebbe that she is a full wedding ceremonies that have been exactly the feeling. Sendy performed an partner in bearing the yoke of held so far. The pictures were indeed hour’s worth of chassidic melodies and administration and work, which she worth more than thousands of words. joyous songs which totally broke proves twenty-four hours a day, 365 The happy faces of the couples and through the official atmosphere and led days a year, with her great toil and effort their families and the spiritual revival the audience into festive dancing. to bring the institution’s successful that appeared on the screen took the The program concluded in a spirit activities to fruition. audience by storm. The film was of momentum toward greater activities AS SWEET AS HONEY AND followed by an entertaining interlude of to hasten the salvation of His people THE HONEYCOMB song from HaTamim Avrohom with the True and Complete Kanelsky. Redemption. The Sunday school children of Bris Sendy Shmueli followed suit with a Avrohom in Fairlawn, under the administration of the shliach, Rabbi Chaim Dov Ber Zaltsman, now came up to the dais and burst into a joyous There he sat wiping tears of emotion. The sight of the children telling Chassidic musical performance. In song about the Jewish values that they learned in Sunday school captured his and story, they described the happiness heart. At the conclusion of the dinner, he approached Rabbi and Mrs. of learning Torah and understanding Kanelsky and said, “My children study in an Orthodox yeshiva with a very the meaning of Jewish existence. With high annual tuition – $12,000 per child. Nevertheless, I have my doubts if pure illustrative authenticity that only their teachers possess the wisdom to bestow the values of education so my children know how to bring, they children can present them as clearly and beautifully as your students from expressed the chassidic message of “As Fairlawn proved here tonight.” long as the candle burns, it is still possible to repair.” The grace and * * * sweetness that accompanied the “What touched your heart the most from this beautiful evening we performance brought tears of emotion experienced together?” I asked my friend and fellow Lubavitcher who sat to many in the hall. The musical at a nearby table. “To tell you the truth,” he answered, “what got to me the concluded with a short yet meaningful most is the fact that eight years after Gimmel Tammuz, in the presence of educational statement from each of the close to 400 people who are not Lubavitcher Chassidim, a shliach of the children as prepared by the school’s Rebbe stands up and states quite clearly and simply that the baal ha’bayis principal, Mrs. Nechama Volovik, of this great and vast organization which they have come to appreciate is which received much applause. the Rebbe, and that the whole purpose is to give him nachas. This is an The evening closed with a special exact realization of the Rebbe’s words that first and foremost, a shliach must video presentation prepared especially know that “I am Avrohom’s servant.”

Issue Number 394 BEIS MOSHIACH 45