THE RABBI SHOLOM B. GORDON MEMORIAL TORAH SCROLL DEDICATION

Sunday, April 6, 2008 Rosh Chodesh Nissan, 5768 Encino, California TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ...... 2 A Word from the Dedicators ...... 4 The last time I saw my father ...... 5 A True Chossid ...... 14 A brief Biography ...... 17 Ninth of Adar – A New Era for America ...... 26 The Shoe on the Altar ...... 29 The Reward of the Feet ...... 32 The Heart of the Wise Man is to his Right ...... 35 The Call From Gan Eden ...... 38 Texts show that Jews do believe in the hereafter ...... 41 Torah Education: the inheritance of all Jews ...... 44 INTRODUCTION This booklet contains a collection of articles about my father, as well as a fascinating collection of articles and essays written by my father ob’m for “Di Yiddishe Heim” – a periodical published by the Chabad women’s organization, at that time. On behalf of my mother, Rebbitzen Miriam Gordon and on behalf of the entire Gordon Family the world over, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks and profound appreciation to our dear friends, Mark and Amy Kestenbaum and Family. You have partnered with me in the conception of this project. You have walked with me – hand in hand – up to the finish line. Together we had the privilege of generating substantial bonus support for the outlying centers under the banner of Chabad of the Valley. Thank you. I am also privileged to extend my profound appreciation and blessings to the five special families who have bravely and generously dedicated “The Five Books of Moses;”The Finder Family, The Leibowitz Family, The Fischer Family, The Brown Family as well as my dear anonymous friend. Thank you. I extend my blessings and thanks to all of our other generous dedicators, whether you dedicated a “special section” in the Torah, a Sedra, a verse or even a letter. To all of you I say: I am certain that my illustrious father, Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, of blessed memory, will be a “guta beter” – a wonderful intercessor for you and for all of your loved ones, for a Chag HaPesach Kasher V’Sameach and for the fulfillment of all of n conjunction with the Torah Dedication Ceremony for my father, Rabbi your hearts’ desires for good, with abundance in health, nachas and sustenance. an eternal – זכרון נצח Sholom B. Gordon kWz, we are publishing this booklet as a tribute – commemorating his seventh Yahrzeit upcoming on Achron Shel May we merit to see the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu, and may we see the והקיצו ורננו שוכני עפר והוא בתוכם אכי"ר I Pesach, just a few weeks away. The number seven has very special significance in fulfillment of the prophecy . All Sevens are“– כל השביעין חביבין :Jewish life as our Sages of blessed memory taught special and unique.” RABBI JOSHUA B. GORDON First and foremost, my father was a Chasid of The Lubavitcher Rebbe. Above all Rosh Chodesh Nissan, 5768 other considerations, his immense dedication, his lifelong endeavors in promoting April 6, 2008 Jewish awareness and growth as defined by the Rebbe, his down-to-earth Ahavas Encino, California Yisroel – was his calling card and the very essence of his being. He was privileged to be an emissary of the Rebbe – together with my mother ‘hj,a –for more than sixty years.

2 3 A WORD FROM THE DEDICATORS THE LAST TIME I SAW MY FATHER, Mark & Amy Kestenbaum RABBI SHOLOM B. GORDON KWZ by Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon

y family has a longstanding relationship with not only Rabbi Joshua The last time I had the honor and privilege of seeing my father, Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, but also his beloved father, Rabbi Sholom Gordon, ob’m. Gordon, ob’m, was the weekend of Shabbos Parshas Mishpatim in the year 5761 MShortly before my Bar Mitzvah, my father, Emil Kestenbaum ob’m, asked (2001), some six weeks before he passed away on Achron Shel Pesach. The follow- Rabbi Joshua Gordon if there was any way that his father might be able to join us ing are some of my reflections from that momentous and revealing weekend that shall here in Los Angeles for the celebration. forever remain etched in my memory… Although he was extremely busy with his own congregation in Maplewood, New Jersey, the elder Rabbi Gordon enthusiastically told his son, “If my participation will t’s Thursday night and I’m on the Newark Beth Israel Hospital where somehow help advance your work on behalf of the Valley Jewish community, I’m plane traveling from Los Angeles he had served as the Jewish Chaplain there!” He did indeed participate, and we were all richly blessed by his presence. Ito the East Coast – a trip I’ve now for some 40 years. We arrived at the taken many times over the past ten or hospital early that morning, after Amy and I are very excited to sponsor this special Torah, and to spearhead the so months, ever since I’d gotten “the campaign for broad-based community participation in Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon’s call” informing me that my father had honor. The proceeds of this effort will be allocated to help grow and further devel- been displaying signs of a possible op the outlying centers of Chabad of the Valley, including its newest centers in serious illness whose diagnosis could Canyon Country and Porter Ranch. not be fully determined without immediate surgery. My thoughts go In its outreach to the furthest corners of the greater Valley area, Chabad is once back to those anxious days when the again a visionary organization, pioneering new trails and developing new Chabad matter first came to light. It had been communities, just as Rabbi Joshua Gordon did when he brought Chabad to Encino just before Pesach of the year 2000. in 1973. This Torah will be made available on a rotating as-needed basis to these The doctors were pressing for the trail-blazing centers. operation to take place as soon as possible, but, true to form, my father We are proud that this endeavor exemplifies the spirit of Rabbi Sholom Gordon’s refused to have anything begin until motto: “If I can help, I’m there!” after Yom Tov. From the Sedarim to Davening of course. My father first Seudas HaMoshiach, he celebrated did his usual hospital rounds, as if he Mark & Amy Kestenbaum that entire Yom Tov as if there had didn’t have a care in the world. He been no looming issue at all; business went from room to room, bringing as usual. cheer and comfort to many people. He I recall how I had flown in after put on Tefilin with a number of Yom Tov to be with him for the patients, visitors and doctors. At surgery which was to take place in the about 11:00am, he presented himself

4 5 to the admissions nurse. Well known “the greater the indication that things others – joined us in the recovery this.” Even at this most critical junc- and deeply beloved and respected by are going well.” A short surgery would, room. I distinctly recall how Dr. Brief ture, my father did not lose his sense all the staff at Beth Israel, he was G-d forbid, suggest that the disease turned to my father and said very soft- of humor. treated like a VIP every step of the was inoperable. ly: “Sholom, I am so very sorry. If there At that moment, a stark silence way. Unfortunately, to our great dismay, is anything I can do – anything at all came over the recovery chamber. No I still shudder in awe as I remem- it was a very brief surgery. – to help you through these trying one moved. No one spoke. And then, ber how, later that day, during a I was with my mother, Rebbitzen days, please ask it of me. I am here for with tears streaming down his cheeks, private moment, my father called me Miriam Gordon whj,a as well as my you.” Dr. Brief said, to his bedside and said: “I must have a sister, Yocheved whj,a when Dr. Brief My father “Of course I serious conversation with you.” emerged from the Operating Room. looked up, and will put on He then proceeded to give me He shook his head as his eyes welled in a very calm Tefilin, my instructions on how he wished for up with tears. “I am sorry. I am just so, and measured dear friend, things to proceed in the event, G-d so sorry.” These were the words that tone of voice, Sholom” And forbid, something went wrong during came out of his mouth as he struggled said to Dr. with the tears the surgery. He spoke in very specific with his emotions. We didn’t have to Brief, “As far as continuing to terms about matters relating to his be medical experts to recognize that my health is flow, we per- funeral service as well as some details we were facing the worst. The tumor concerned, I formed the regarding his burial arrangements. My was inoperable. Yes, they would try have put my mitzvah. natural reaction was to dismiss the son here in These are need for any such talk as I I STILL SHUDDER IN AWE AS charge of my the recollec- optimistically assured him that the medical treat- tions now pas - I REMEMBER HOW, DURING surgery would go well and he would ment. Please sing through A PRIVATE MOMENT, MY live on for many years. My protests talk to him. my mind as I FATHER CALLED ME TO HIS notwithstanding, I absorbed his words However, if travel through very carefully. (When the time did BEDSIDE AND SAID: “I MUST you really the skies at indeed come, these instructions would HAVE A SERIOUS want to do 35,000 feet. be carried out faithfully and CONVERSATION WITH YOU.” something to It’s almost a meticulously.) help me, I have Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, ob’m, and his wife, year now since hj,a My memory is triggered to how, chemo-therapy, perhaps radiation, but been asking Rebbetzin Miriam Gordon ‘ those events prior to the operation, we met with there was little hope for success. How you for about twenty-five years to put and I am headed to Maplewood, New the surgeon, Dr. Donald Brief, Chief long did he have? Five months? Six on Tefilin. You have consistently Jersey, to once again spend some qual- Surgeon of Newark Beth Israel. He months? A year at best? declined. If you are serious and truly ity time with my father and to be of and my father had been very good Before we went in to see my father, wish to help me, I will ask my son to assistance in these difficult times. friends and professional colleagues for we were determined to be strong for put on the Tefilin with you in my I am also looking forward to visit- many years. Dr. Brief counseled us to his sake. The entire medical team – merit.” He then added with a twinkle ing my father’s Shul, Congregation hope for a long drawn out surgery. including his gastroenterologist, Dr. in his eye, “Even though he is from Ahavath Zion of Maplewood, to set “The longer the procedure,” he said, Belsky, the surgeon Dr. Brief and California, I bet he knows how to do my eyes on a new Sefer Torah that

6 7 had recently been added to the shul’s concessions as possible to his illness. I state of anxious anticipation. “I’ve “What is this place?” I ask. “What Aron HaKodesh… spend a few quality moments with my been waiting for you,” he says. “There are we doing here?” Just weeks earlier, I had learned of mother, relax and freshen up a bit as I is much we need to take care of before Looking at me as if I’d asked the my father’s great distress at having await my father’s arrival. When he Shabbos… Come quickly!” strangest of questions, my father discovered that the congregation’s last returns home, we visit for some time. Being unable to walk without replies, “Why to visit Mr. Katz, of kosher Torah scroll was deemed posul, He appears tired and weak, but his substantial assistance, I help him to course.” Knowing enough by now to to the point of being beyond repair. the car. As I get behind the wheel, he not utter a word in protest, I help my This development seemed to affect “IF YOU REALLY WANT TO informs me that we are headed to S. father – practically carry him – up a him even more adversely than his HELP ME, I HAVE BEEN Barnabas Hospital, location of his steep flight of concrete steps to access deteriorating physical condition – ASKING YOU FOR ABOUT second round of chaplaincy visits for the main entrance of the house. especially given that the congregation TWENTY-FIVE YEARS TO PUT the day. Knowing that S. Barnabas is a The door is opened by an Asian did not have the wherewithal for the ON TEFILIN… IFYOUWOULD good 25 minutes away, I respectfully nurse. She welcomes my father with acquisition of a new Torah. Upon LIKE TO HELP ME, PLEASE PUT question how we would wing the trip an aura of familiarity and excuses sharing this with a dear friend in our ON TEFILIN IN MY MERIT.” with an hour and a half left on the herself to summon Mr. Katz. An Encino, California, community, Mrs. elderly man, well into his nineties, Esther Cohen, she immediately spirit and energy level are remarkable. enters the room with the help of a undertook to generously fund the I can’t help but smile to myself as I walker and the ever-present nurse. My purchase of a used (but instantly reflect upon the words of my children father greets the elderly gentlemen available) Torah to be contributed to and nephews, his grandchildren, warmly and introduces me as his son Ahavath Zion in my father’s merit. who’d been looking after him on a from California. He then takes a All of this had happened within a rotating basis; their constant Mezuzah out of a bag and explains to short matter of weeks. I am now look- complaints that they simply can’t keep Mr. Katz that he remembered to bring ing forward to not only seeing this up with him. From where does he him the new Mezuzah as promised. I special Torah, but also snapping some draw such energy and resiliency? am given the honor of helping Mr. pictures of it to bring back to Esther Sheer force of will and determination! Katz affix the Mezuzah. Cohen so that she could reap the When my father finally lays down “How much do I owe you?”

nachas of her great mitzvah. for a nap, I quickly borrow my moth- A patient lights the first candle of the Chanukah inquires Mr. Katz. My flight touches down in early er’s car and, with camera in hand, head season with Rabbi Sholom Gordon, chaplain of “Twenty-five dollars,” my father morning. By the time I complete my over to the Shul. As I gaze at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center replies. With great difficulty, Mr. Katz visit to the Ohel and arrive in Torah and begin to snap the photo- clock before Shabbos. My father writes out the check. Wishing him a Maplewood, my father is already well graphs, I find myself overwhelmed by seems unimpressed by the question Good Shabbos, we take leave of the into his daily routine of visiting a powerful wave of emotion washing and encourages me to drive on. I press Katz residence, almost running down patients at Newark Beth Israel over me. the accelerator a little harder. the steep flight of stairs, ever aware of Hospital. Beyond allowing us to hire a By the time I return to the house, While en route, my father instructs the soon setting sun. driver – a wonderful young man it’s about an hour and a half before me to park the car in front of a stately Knowing that one simply cannot named Reuven – to assist him, my candle lighting time. I am surprised to residence located along on the main get a nice kosher Mezuzah for under father had obviously made as few find my father waiting for me in a road. $35, I say to my father, “If you can get

8 9 kosher Mezuzahs for $25, I’ll take a me in Yiddish. (My parents raised us you Jewish or not?” The man quickly stances, my father would gladly have dozen…. Or better yet, I think I’ll in the Yiddish language. For me, as explains that he never knew that he spent many an hour explaining to the take a hundred.” well as my six brothers and sisters, it was a Jew until his mother recently man all about Tefilin, he knows that My father smiles as he explains was our first language.) revealed this bit of news to him. She present circumstances require a quick that while Mr. Katz is surely not short In each room we visit, I explain to had been hidden during the Second close to the deal. “Es iz nisht da kein of money, his age and his old fash- the patients and visitors that “The World War in the home of a tzeit; ye tzu nisht?” (No time. Yes or ioned mindset would preclude his Rabbi is here to visit and bless them” Christian family in Europe; a life- no?) understanding that a Mezuzah can and that I am his assistant. “Gib zei ah saving mechanism to avoid the Nazi I liberally translate, “The Rabbi cost that much nowadays. “So I pay slaughter. It was toward the end of her says that I should explain to you that $35 for the Mezuzah and sell it to him …“I KNOW I DON’THAVE life that she felt that her son needed to it is something Jews do. Are you in?’ for $25,” he says. “Nu, at least he now MUCH LONGER. I KNOW know the truth; that he is, in fact, a The man responds, “Well, I’m not has a kosher Mezuzah!” THAT I AM ABOUT TO CLOSE Jew. sure what it is but if this is what Jews We continue to negotiate the traffic THE DOOR… I DON’T WANT do, yes, count me in!” up the scenic yet dangerously winding TO CLOSE THE DOOR LIKE A Hearing the magic road known as South Orange Avenue. words, I quickly put on FOOL. I NEED EVERY We have about another 20 minutes Tefilin with him for the MITZVAH I CAN GET.” before we’d arrive at S. Barnabas. first time in his life. “What’s the plan?” I ask my father as I “Another Karkafta,” my weather the curves in the road - my Challah, (give them a Challah)” he father exclaims, quoting right foot daring to lean yet a bit heav- whispers to me as we wrap up one the Talmudic expression ier on the accelerator. visit. “Leig Tefilin mit em, (put on used to describe ‘the “The plan is we give Challahs to Tefilin with him)” he instructs me head of a Jew’ that had the women and girls, we put on Tefilin when we enter the room of a man he never before had the with the men, and we get in and out as knows to be Jewish. I do this quickly, privilege of donning soon as possible.” he explains succinct- ever aware of the ticking clock. Tefilin. ly. “Freg em tzi er iz a Yid (ask him if (From left to right) The auther of this article Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon at his We make a beeline for wedding, with his father Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, ob’m, and his grandfather When we arrive at the hospital, he’s Jewish)” my father advises when Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson, ob’m the parking lot. Approx- there is less than an hour to Shabbos. we visit one gentleman of whose imately 15 minutes until Calculating that the ride back could status he’s unsure. “Nu,” said my father, “oib azoi, darf candle light time. It’s really late. take up to 30 minutes, I’m figuring we “Are you Jewish?” I ask. The man er legen Tefilin. (If so, he must put on Despite the lateness of the hour – a have maybe 20-25 minutes at our responds, “It’s a long story.” Tefilin)” phenomenon I know would normally disposal at the hospital. “Ich hob nisht kein tzeit far lange “The Rabbi says that, as a full- cause my father great anxiety and Looking over at my father, I can tell maises, (I don’t have time for long fledged Jew, you need to put on the distress – on this day, I sense a partic- that the walk up Mr. Katz’s stairs had stories)” my father conveys. Tefilin. May I guide you in this ularly relaxed and focused energy taken its toll. He seems weak and can “The Rabbi is in a great hurry,” I process?” I ask him. about him; tired and frail, to be sure, barely speak. As we sprint from room explain. “The Sabbath is almost upon “What are Tefilin?” the man asks. yet somehow contented and peaceful. to room, he calls out instructions to us so we’ll need the short story; are While, under normal circum- Once again speeding through the

10 11 curves along South Orange, I turn to – racing against the clock before We spent a beautiful Shabbos May he be a “guta beter” for my my father and inquire, “May I ask you Shabbos. together that Parshas Mishpatim – an mother and for all of us. May we all a question?” “The first type opens the door like entire story in itself. On Sunday merit to behold the fulfillment of his “Sure. What is it?” a fool, so that as soon as he enters the morning, I kissed my father goodbye most fervent wish; the coming of “Why must you run like this? Why and got back on the plane to the West Moshiach Tzidkainu! Amen. did you need to climb all of those MY WIFE, DEBORAH Coast. stairs to Mr. Katz’s house? I could GORDON, PERHAPS PUT IT Some six weeks after, my father Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon and his wife Deborah have gone for you. Why must you BEST WHEN SHE SAID: returned his lofty soul to his creator. and their family have merited to be Shluchim of the Rebbe in Encino, California for the past 35 exhaust yourself running to the hospi- “DURING THIS AMAZING Achron Shel Pesach, 5761 – 2001, years. On Sunday, Rosh Chodesh Nissan, April tal? Two hospitals in one day, no less! LAST YEAR OF HIS LIFE, HE nearly seven years ago. 6th, IY’H, the community will be dedicating a Why don’t you rest a little more and MADE EVERYONE FALL IN My wife, Deborah Gordon, new Sefer Torah in conjunction with the upcom- save your vital strength? We’re all LOVE WITH HIM, ALL OVER perhaps put it best when she said: ing 7th Yahrzeit of his father, Rabbi Sholom B. worried about you. You need to AGAIN.” “During this amazing last year of his Gordon, ob’m. Yehi zichro boruch! conserve your energy. Tomorrow is life, he made everyone fall in love with another day. Please take it slower and room, everyone present knows that he him, all over again.” rest more….” is a fool… The second type of fool My father looks at me with pierc- opens the door in a normal manner. ing eyes and says, “Allow me to He appears to be intelligent and right- explain: minded, but then he begins speaking. “I’ve told you many times of the As soon as he opens his mouth, it great teacher and mentor of my youth, becomes clear that he is a fool, no Reb Shmuel Levitin…” question about it... The third type, My father had come to America however, opens the door like a from the shtetel in 1934, at the tender normal, stable person, and even speaks age of 13. He arrived on these shores like a wise and well-grounded person, before the Rebbe or even the Previous but on the way out, when he closes the Rebbe. His main teacher, or Mashpia, door, he slams it shut – like a fool!’ in the ways and teachings of Chabad- And it’s at that point that it becomes Lubavitch – its values and its culture clear to all that he is a fool; a fool of – was a giant by the name of Reb fools, as a matter of fact.” Shmuel Levitin, of blessed memory. My father concludes, “I know I My father would always refer to him don’t have much longer. I know that I as “a kluger yid” – a man of great intel- am about to close the door… ligence and wit. “Yehoshua Binyomin,” he says to “Reb Shmuel would teach us about me, addressing me as always by my Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, ob’m and his wife Miriam, may she live and be well, flanked by their children (from left to right): the ‘three types of fools’,” he shared full Hebrew name, “I don’t want to Menachem Mendel, London, England; Yosef Yitzchak, Melbourne, Australia; Yehoshua Binyamin, Encino, California; Yocheved Baitelman, Crown Heights, New York; Chana Friedman, S. Paul, Minnesota; Bluma Rivkin, New Orleans, with me during this speeding car ride close the door like a fool. ” Louisiana; Fruma Ita Posner, Birmingham, Alabama.

12 13 RABBI SHOLOM B. GORDON OB’M arrived in the United States on the 9th his many congregants. In the period of of Adar 5700 (1940), Rabbi Sholom time after the Rebbe had taken over A True Chossid Ber Gordon was one of the first the leadership of the Chabad This article was culled from a series of obituaries regarding Rabbi Gordon published in various Chabad periodicals students in the new Yeshivas Tomchei Lubavitch movement, members of the Tmimim founded by the Rebbe Shul’s board tried to convince Rabbi he Lubavitch community was (Chassidic mentor) Rabbi Yisroel immediately upon his arrival to this Gordon to use a microphone on saddened upon hearing of the Jacobson, ob’m. During this period, he country. Shabbos. They decided to meet with Tpassing of Rabbi Sholom disseminated the teachings of In 5702 (1942), Rabbi Gordon the Rebbe, figuring the Rebbe was an Dov Ber Gordon, of blessed memory, Chassidus within the Yeshiva. He was sent by the previous Rebbe, to expert when it came to engineering, on the last day of Pesach, 2001. Newark, New Jersey to establish and would surely agree to their Rabbi Gordon was born on 24 Iyar Yeshivas Achei Tmimim Lubavitch, request. 5681 (June 1, 1921) in Doksyzc where he remained for three years. When they presented their (Poland/Russia) to his father Reb After marrying his wife Miriam, request, the Rebbe said: There are Yochanan Gordon, of blessed memo- daughter of the illustrious Chasid, various categories of people, those ry, and was named after the Rebbe Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson on the 15th “Rashab” – the fifth Chabad Rebbe, of Sivan 5705 (1945), the couple was HE EXCELLED IN CHASSIDIC Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber Schneerson. sent as emissaries of the Rebbe to CONDUCT, AND DID NOT Among Rabbi Sholom Ber Gordon’s Springfield, Mass. to pioneer Yeshivas ALLOW THE PERMISSIVE teachers in Doksyzc were Chassidim Achei Tmimim there. Rabbi Sholom SPIRIT OF THE TIME TO of the Rebbe “Maharash” – the fourth and Miriam Gordon remained there AFFECT HIM Chabad Rebbe. until 5708 (1948), when the Rebbe In his youth Rabbi Sholom Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon ob’m extending grandfatherly sent him back to Newark to run the who understand electricity but are not blessings at the wedding of his granddaughter Faigy Gordon merited to meet the previous Herzog, as the proud parents - his son Rabbi Joshua B. Yeshiva there. Rabbi Sholom Ber’s experts in the laws of Shabbos; those Lubavitcher Rebbe. His father Reb Gordon and his wife Deborah - look on. lofty character and his Chassidic who are expert in the laws of Shabbos Yochanan traveled to the previous excelled in Chassidic conduct, and did humility came to the fore in those but don’t understand electricity; those Rebbe and took his sons, Sholom Ber not allow the permissive spirit of the years. His concern for the young who are expert in both, and those who and Nissan along. The second time time to affect him. It is said that he students’ physical needs was well don’t understand either. I am an the previous Rebbe saw them, he told was the only Yeshiva student who known. expert in both and you don’t under- his secretary, Reb Yechezkel Feigen, didn’t trim his beard at a time when Rabbi Gordon also served as a stand either, and I say it is forbidden, “Zei zenen doch fun di alte this was considered an act of great Rabbi of one of the larger congrega- by Halacha, to use a microphone on Chassidim” (they are from my “old” Mesiras Nefesh – self sacrifice. He tions in Newark, Congregation Shabbos. Chassidim). served as an outstanding example of a Ahavath Zion, which was housed in a Rabbi Gordon lived in Newark The Gordon family immigrated to serious Chassid, thus drawing dozens beautiful physical structure, which in until 5727 (1967). Many Jews decided the United States in 1934. Rabbi of young students to the teachings its prime seated some 1,200 people. to move away due to the racial tension Sholom Ber attended Yeshivas Torah and practices of Chassidus. In addition to running the so prevalent at the time. After the VaDaa s, while continuing his When the previous Lubavitcher Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Newark, Shul was burned down by an arsonist, Chassidic education with the Mashpia Rebbe, Rabbi Joseph I. Schneersohn Rabbi Gordon was utterly devoted to Rabbi Gordon moved to Maplewood

14 15 where he became the Rabbi of the When Rabbi Sholom Gordon was RABBI SHOLOM B. GORDON OB’M new Congregation Ahavath Zion, diagnosed with a very difficult illness, where he disseminated Torah until his he carried on with his holy work and A Brief Biography final days. continued to teach his many adult by Rabbi Chaim Dalfin Rabbi Sholom Ber Gordon also Reprinted from the book Who’s Who in Lubavitch served as the hospital chaplain for some forty years in two area hospitals, Rabbi Sholom Ber Gordon married Miriam Simpson. They had seven children. He Newark Beth Israel Hospital and S. was related to Reb Avraham Pariz and to Reb Chatsha Feigin. His eldest son, Barnabas Hospital in Livingston. He Yehoshua Binyomin, is director of Chabad of the Valley in Southern California. His regularly visited and comforted the son Yosef Yitzchak is an educator in Melbourne, Australia. His son Menachem patients there. Rabbi Gordon was Mendel is mashpia in London Lubavitcher yeshiva. His daughter Chana and her especially devoted to the Tefillin husband, Rabbi Manis Friedman, are shluchim in S. Paul, Minnesota. His daughter campaign initiated by the Rebbe in Bluma and her husband, Rabbi Zelig Rivkin, are shluchim in New Orleans, 1967. Over the years, he was privi- Louisiana. His youngest daughter Fruma Ita and her husband Rabbi Yosef Posner, leged to don the Tefillin with many are shluchim in Birmingham, Alabama. His oldest daughter, Yocheved Baitelman, thousands of Jewish men and boys of has four children on shlichus in California and Canada. Her home in Crown all ages. Heights, Brooklyn serves as headquarters for her family whenever they come to “770.” Rabbi Gordon kept his distance from publicity and wherever he went Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon reciving “Wine of Blessing” from The Lubavicher Rebbe. he served as a role model for a true YICHUS tion of G-d’s Name), in Doksyzc in Chassid and Shliach of the Rebbe. He classes despite his weakness and Rabbi Sholom Ber Gordon was 1941-42. taught classes to thousands of Chabad suffering. In this period of time, his born the 24th of Iyar 5681 (1921) in Rabbi Gordon’s father, Reb girls over the years in the Bais Rivka devotion to the ideal and teachings of the city of Doksyzc, which today is Yochanon Gordon, the famous Chassidus and to the Rebbe was fully part of Russia. From 1918 to 1938, it Lubavitcher chasid and gabbai of “770” RABBI GORDON KEPT HIS revealed. was part of Poland. Doksyzc was a from 1947-1969, was a shochet (ritual DISTANCE FROM PUBLICITY Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon is Chasidic shtetel. Four out of five shuls slaughterer), in Doksyzc. His mater- WHEREVER HE WENT HE survived by his wife, Rebbitzen were nusach Arizal. Only one was nal grandfather was Reb Nissan SERVED AS A ROLE MODEL Miriam Gordon, by his sons and nusach Ashkenaz. The Litvisher Rav Klibanov. His mother was Zisa whose FOR A TRUE CHASSID AND daughters, his grandchildren, and was Rabbi Galinkin who made his uncle was Reb Gershon Feigin, who SHLIACH OF THE REBBE great-grandchildren, who are way to America in 1938 and became a was also Reb Chatsha Feigin’s uncle disbursed throughout the world and rabbi in Worcester, MA. The Rav of and the father-in-law of Reb Avraham School system in Crown Heights, at many of them serve as emissaries of the Lubavitcher community in Pariz. Reb Gershon Feigin’s sister, great personal sacrifice, often becom- the Rebbe the world over. May his Doksyzc was the prominent Bluma, married Reb Chatsha ing exhausted from the weekly memory be a blessing to all. Lubavitcher chasid Rabbi Laibl Himmelstein, later to be a mashgiach commute. Shainin who was said to be the Benuni in Tomchei Temimim in Lubav itch. prototype of the Ta n y a . He passed on Reb Chatsha Himmelstein made the Al Kiddush Hashem (in the sanctifica- shidduchim for Reb Yochanon and

16 17 Reb Avraham Paris. Since Reb cousin, Reb Chatsha Feigin, who was the Previous Rebbe in Europe was in Pam, the former Rosh Yeshiva of Chatsha Himmelstein was mashgiach the Rebbe’s secretary, introduced the Warsaw in Elul of 5694 (1934), Torah Vodaas. He was also a student in yeshica and knew the bochurim two youngsters to the Rebbe as Reb before he went to America with his of Rabbi Moshe Dovber Rivkin and well, he was able to pair them up with Yochanon’s children. Reb Yochanon mother, brothers and sister. Rabbi Shlomo Heiman. the proper women – his nieces. has already left for America. Rabbi Yisrael Gordon, Rabbi Rabbi Gordon’s paternal Sholom Ber’s youngest brother, told 1ST SHLIACH TO NEW JERSEY grandfather was Reb Yisrael me that in 1940 while the Previous In 1942 the Previous Rebbe sent who married Esther Alpert. Rebbe was visiting Lakewood for Rabbi Gordon to Newark, New Reb Yisrael was a chasid of the Pesach, he sang Chasidishe niggunim Jersey to open a Lubavitcher Yesh iva Rebbe Maharash. When he along with the adults. It made a good Ketana (elementary day school). He visited his son Yochonon in impression on the Previous Rebbe. was there for three years until the 15th Tomchei Temimim in The Rebbe commented, “Dos iz mein of Sivan of 5705 (1945), when he Lubavitch, he would first go to youngster chasid” (this is my youngest the tzion (gravesite) of the chasid). RABBI GORDON WAS A Rebbe Maharash. He was crit- HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN FOR icized for this because the AMERICA MORE THAN 40 YEARS. HE Rebbe Rashab was function- In 1934, at the age of 13, Rabbi VISITED THESE INSTITU- ing as Rebbe and other Gordon together with his mother, TIONS DAILY AND PUT ON Chasidim felt he should first sister and brothers moved to the TEFILLIN WITH LITERALLY visit the Rebbe Rashab. United States. His father had immi- THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. His son Yochanon, under grated to the United States in the influence of his mentors THE GORDON FAMILY IN DOKSYZC, POLAND, CIRCA 1932 (From right Chanuka 5692, 1931. married Miriam Simpson, daughter of to left) Rabbi Solom B. Gordon ob’m, his mother Zisa, his younger and friends, respectfully asked brother Yisroel, his older brother Nissan ob’m, and his sister Esther. He studied in Yeshivas Torah Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson, Yech idu s his father why he first visited Vodaas from 1934 till the 9th of Adar Gabbai of the Rebbe. After his the Rebbe Maharash’s tzion. He The second time was in Gluboka Sheini, 5700 (1940), when the marriage, the Rebbe instructed him to responded, “Voz zol ich ton az mein in 1934. Gluboka was a town near Previous Rebbe arrived in America move to Springfield, MA and open a hartz tzit mir dorten” (what should I Doksyzc. When the Previous Rebbe and the very next day, the 10th of Adar, yeshiva day school there. He was in do that my heart draws me there). came there, he recited several Chasidic opened the first Lubavitcher yeshiva Springfield for three years and in Rabbi Gordon’s childhood discourses such as Az Yiboka in America. It was held in what later 1948 returned to Newark, taking a melamed (teacher) was Reb Epfraim KaShachar, etc. Reb Chatsha forgot became known as Rabbi Bukiet’s shul position as Rabbi of Congregation “der melamed” who was a chasid of the that he already introduced his rela- in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Rabbi Ahavath Zion. At the time, Newark Rebbe Maharash. tives to the Rebbe and introduced Gordon transferred to the newly had many Jews and Ahavath Zion was Rabbi Gordon saw the Previous them again. The Rebbe said to Reb founded Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim one of the largest shuls in Newark Rebbe three times in Europe. The first Chatsha, “Ich ken doch zei; zei zeinen Lubavitch. He was among the first ten with seating for 1,200 people, class- time was in 1932 when the Rebbe was alte Chasidim” (I know them; they are students of the Yeshiva. It’s interesting rooms for Talmud Torah programs, in Postov. His brother Nissan and he old Chasidim [of mine]!) to note that one of his Rebbeim in and a social hall. came to Postov where their mother’s The third time Rabbi Gordon saw Yeshivas Torah Vodaas was HaRav (I asked Reb Yisrael Gordon, Reb

18 19 Sholom Ber’s brother, why the and he told them not to. There were CONGREGATIONAL RABBI one half hour mishnayos. He taught Previous Rebbe sent his brother away exceptions, but as a general rule, his Rabbi Gordon had the difficulty of after shacharis and before mincha. He from Newark to Springfield. He told policy was wherever your shlichus is, bringing halachic yiddishkeit to tradi- taught the entire Shisha Sidrei Mishna me that apparently the Previous that’s where you remain.) tional Jews, many of whom did not (six volumes of the Mishna), includ- Rebbe had a policy for not keeping his In 1966 during the riots in various observe Shabbos, etc. He inculcated ing the most difficult mishnayos such emissaries in one city longer than 2-3 cities across the United States, there his congregants with the basics of as Ohelos and Kilayim, 7-8 times years. For example, Rabbi Moshe were also riots in Newark. This Shulchan Aruch (code of Jewsh Law), during his 54 years as rabbi of Yitzchak Hecht was first in Worcester included burning the large Ahavath and yiras shamayim (fear of Heaven). Ahavath Zion. Additionally, he taught and was later sent to New Haven. Zion shul that took up a square block. For example, his brother Reb Yisrael the entire Ein Yackov many times. On Rabbi Hershel Fogelman was first in Many Sifrei Torah were burnt. The noticed that some of his congregants Shabbos, during the long summer Buffalo and was later sent to Ahavath Zion board of members washed their hands before Mincha. days, he taught for one hour Pirke Worcester. Possibly, Reb Yisrael were forced to vacate Newark and When asked why they did that, they Avos and another hour Chasidus explained, the Previous Rebbe didn’t bought a building in Maplewood. It said they didn’t really know why before mincha. During Shalosh want the institution created by the was in this shul that Rabbi Gordon except that they saw their rabbi do it, Suedas, he always explained one of the shaliach to be identified as “his” – the remained rabbi until his very last day, and if it was important for him, it was Rebbe’s sichos. Achron Shel Pesach, 5761 (2001). important for them! Rabbi Gordon was a Chaplain for Rabbi Gordon would immerse RABBI NOSSON SHERMAN, more than 40 years in Beth Israel himself in a mikva (ritual bath) each EDITOR OF THE ARTSCROLL Medical Center in Newark and in S. morning. Because this was essential to PUBLISHING, STUDIED IN Barnabas Medical Center in his life, he had a men’s mikva built in RABBI GORDON’S TALMUD Livingston, New Jersey. He visited his home. Until the very last days of TORAH. HERECEIVEDHIS these institutions daily and put on his life he went to the mikva daily. FOUNDATION IN TORAH Tefillin with literally thousands of Even during the last year of his life, KNOWLEDGE FROM RABBI Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, Medical Center chaplain, puts up a mezuzah at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center people. On Sukkos he would use two- when his physical condition was GORDON Looking on are Lester M. Bornstein (center), executive three Esrogim because he had painful, he would ask his various director of the Medical Center, and Arthur B. Cohen, associate director. hundreds of people making a blessing attendants to help him go to the Reb Sholom Ber’s brother, Yisrael, on his Esrog causing it to become mikva. He would say to his grandchil- relates that he had met many people shaliach’s institution; it was a excessively brown. This rendered it dren who helped him around the of great stature but had never met Lubavitch institution. If the shaliach invalid according to Jewish law. house, “zorg zich nisht, di bobe vet nit anyone like his brother, a human would stay there for a longer period of After becoming Rabbi of Ahavath visen,” (don’t worry, your grandmother being in who chasidus, yiras shamay- time, he and the people associated Zion in 1948 he was not able to come won’t know). His wife didn’t want im, and lamdanus (Torah scholar- with the institution would feel it was to Brooklyn for Yom Tov. Until then, him to go each morning because just ship), all functioned as one harmo- their institution. To avoid this, he kept his job as director of a day school going up and down the mikva ladder nious whole. on rotating the shluchim. Our Rebbe, allowed him to come for Sukkos, was extremely painful for him. He was a chasid because of his seemingly has a different approach. Shavous, etc. to the Previous Rebbe. He taught 3-4 classes a day in his extraordinary connection to the He was asked numerous times by (From 1948 till 2001 he was never shul. Before shacharis, from 6-7am he Previous Rebbe and the Rebbe, imple- shluchim about leaving their posts away from his shul for Yom Tov). taught one half hour Chasidus and menting each activity they suggested.

20 21 Additionally, he never ate food that message. There was no talking in his PASSING was an indulgence. If one asked him shul. He would give a sermon every Rabbi Gordon passed away on what he had just eaten, he would not Shabbos that was no longer than eight Achron Shel Pesach, the 23rd of Nissan, know. Whatever his wife Miriam minutes. It included a brief comment 5761 (2001). He was one month shy served was fine. on the parsha, a personal message to a of his 80th birthday. He is interred in congregant, and a the Lubavitch cemetery and lies on the quick, witty remark. left hand side of the rebbeim, in the 4th He was a lamdan;a place, first row. He left a wife, 7 chil- Torah scholar because dren, and a numerous grandchildren, he was a baki in shas many who are shluchim of the Rebbe (he mastered the throughout the world. entire Talmud). He Rabbi Gordon’s goal in life was to also knew much hasten the Geulah Shlaima (the ulti- Chasidus, and Jewish mate redemption). He is certainly and Chabad history. doing his utmost in the higher worlds. Because he was a real Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon ob’m presiding over the His passing on Achron Shel Pesach wedding of one of his grandchildren. chasid and a reminds us of the Baal Shem Tov’s Lamdonisher yid, he to study in the Lubavitcher yeshiva. teaching concerning the specialty of Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, ob’m (right), and his father, Reb Yochanon Gordon, ob’m (far right), look on as his father-in-law Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson, ob’m, congratulates was called upon by Rabbi Hershel Shusterman, the the new groom - his first son-in-law - Rabbi Avrohom Moshe (Avi) Baitelman, many organizations to late Rav if the Bnei Rueven shul in ob’m. His future son-in-law, Rabbi Manis Friedman 'hjha, is standing by (top left). HIS PASSING ON ACHRON speak. He was also a Chicago, was inspired to study SHEL PESACH REMINDS US He exemplified yiras shamayim, as Chabad history teacher at Bais Rivka chasidus and become a chasid through OF THE BAAL SHEM TOV’S mentioned earlier, his mesiras nefesh Girls seminary in Crown Heights, Reb Sholom Ber’s personal conduct TEACHING CONCERNING THE of going to the mikva under the duress Brooklyn. He traveled weekly for and chasidus shiurim. Rabbi Gordon SPECIALTY OF ACHRON SHEL of physical pain. Additionally, the way many years to educate the young and Rabbi Shusterman were students he stood at the bima during the repe- future Jewish leaders. at Yeshivas Torah Vodaas in the late PESACH – “ON THIS DAY THE tition of shmoneh esreh and answered Rabbi Gordon influenced many 1930’s. RADIANCE OF THE LIGHT OF out loud, “boruch hu uboruch shmo.” people to lead a more Torah-obser- Rabbi Nosson Sherman, the editor MOSHIACH SHINES OPENLY.” Was laudable. He did this because he vant life. Those who were already of the Artscroll publishing company, wanted each and every shul member frum were helped to become studied in Rabbi Gordon’s Talmud Achron shel Pesach – “On this day the to follow suit. When he heard talking Chasidim. Some of the more known Torah. He received his foundation in radiance of the light of Mashiach shines during the chazan’s repetition of the personalities who Rabbi Gordon Torah knowledge from Rabbi Gordon. openly.” (HaYom Yom – 22 Nissan). amida he wouldn’t scream at them; inspired include: nor would he say, “sha, sha.” He just HaRav HaGaon Rabbi Yehuda turned around and looked at those Kalman Marlow, the late Rav of the talking while he said out loud boruch Lubavitcher Crown Heights commu- hu uboruch shemo. They got the nity was influenced by Rabbi Gordon

22 23 Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, ob’m (center), his father Reb Yochanon Gordon, ob’m (right), and his brother-in-law Rabbi Shimon Goldman 'hjha (left) Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, ob’m, and his father Reb Yochanon Gordon, ob’m, relaxing in the Catskills.

Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, ob’m (center), his father-in-law Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson (left) his brother Nissan Gordon (right), and his sister Esther Goldman ‘hj,a (far right)

Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, ob’m (center), his older brother Nissan ob’m (right), and his younger brother Yisroel 'hjha (left)

Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, ob’m (sitting second from left) and his wife Miriam (near the bride), Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon, ob’m (center) and his wife Miriam 'hj,a (seated second from right), flanked by some of their at the marriage of their oldest daughter Yocheved to Rabbi Avrohom Moshe (Avi) Baitelman, ob’m children, grandchildren and great-grandchild at the wedding of one of their grandchildren in 1995.

24 25 NINTH OF ADAR Rabbi Joseph Isaac Schneersohn gWhz, ideal of making Torah education in arrived at the shores of America, on America a reality. It was from this A New Era for America the last passenger boat to cross the group, which gradually grew, that the by Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon Atlantic during the Second World Rebbe drafted the first pioneers for Reprinted from an Article written for the Yiddishe Heim 5725-1965 War. building yeshivah day schools all over Looking back now, we can realize America. ur sages teach us that when Chassidic tradition, that the last stop how critical was the situation at that G-d divided the waters into in the two-thousand-year-long jour- moment for the future of Torah and Oupper and lower waters, ney of the Torah will be in America, Yiddishkeit in the world. The Torah separated by the firmament, the lower where the final era which will make centers in Eastern Europe were all waters cried, “We, too, want to be near the world ready for the coming of desolated by the destructive hand of the Master.” In compensation, they Moshiach will be completed. And, the Nazi army. American Jewry, which were used for many holy purposes — therefore, this hemisphere, where the was destined to become the power on the altar during the festival of Sof Maaseh, the final conclusion of the house of world Jewry, was spiritually Succos, when water was poured daily, task is taking place, looms large even unprepared for that task. Although with all sacrifices in the form of salt, in the Machshovo Techiloh, in the orig- the steady rise of Nazism in Europe for a mikvah, for washing the hands in inal blue print of the Torah. had awakened American Jewry from the morning and before bread, and as its assimilationist dreams, and even a thirst-quenching liquid, with a THEREISNOQUESTIONINMY though those familiar with the prob- MIND THAT THE FUTURE lem of Jewish education knew that blessing recited before and after The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, drinking. (See Tikunei Zohar 5: Rashi HISTORIAN WILL RECORD only a day school education can raise Rabbi Joseph Isaac Schneersohn gWhz Lev. 2, 13, Likutei Diburim P. 1192.) THAT DAY AS THE NINTH DAY conscientious Jews, no one had the One would imagine that the same OF ADAR II, 5700 vision and daring to bring this fact When I arrived at the first commu- cry must have come from the earth, before the Jewish community. nity I was assigned to , I had difficulty when it was shaped into a globe Just as it is difficult for the human As the Rebbe was brought down in finding quarters for the group of containing an Eastern and Western eye to pinpoint the exact moment of from the boat on a wheel chair, due to children that I had succeeded in Hemisphere. The lower half of the sunrise, because its rays and its light his ill health, his first statement to the assembling within a few days. I used a globe, the Western Hemisphere, must precede it, so is it difficult for the thousands assembled to greet him was Rabbi’s private study as my classroom, have cried bitterly when it realized layman to fix the date when Torah that he had not come to America until a synagogue made its Succah that Mount Sinai, where the Torah arrived in the Western Hemisphere, merely to save his life. His mission available to us. This sufficed for the will be given, Mount Moriah, where particularly since it occurred in our was to make America a “Makom summer weather, but when the rains the Beth Hamikdosh will be built, own time. To ra h ” an abode for Torah. Within a came I had to look for new quarters. and all the places mentioned in the However, there is no question in few days, the first ten boys were Today, the majority of observant Torah, will be located in the Eastern my mind that the future historian will assembled for the founding of the first young people in that community are Hemisphere. record that day as the ninth day of Chassidic Yeshiva in this hemisphere. the former students or Ushpizin — The answer to this cry must have Adar II, 5700. It was on that day that As one of those ten boys, I can testify Succah guests — of the Yeshiva which come in the form of that oral the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, that all of us were imbued with this I founded then.

26 27 After establishing this Yeshiva, I the standards of Jewish learning and THE SHOE ON THE ALTAR was ordered to another community. observance in America must remain by Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon There I did my canvassing by accom- inferior to what they were in Europe. Reprinted from an Article written for Di Yiddishe Heim 5725-1965 panying a baker on his delivery route, He utilized every occasion to empha- and as he was selling his Kemach – size that Torah and Mitzvos are as number of years ago the the Greeks triumphantly entered the bread, I was offering to nourish the obligatory in America as they were in whole civilized world was Temple (at the time of the temporary customers’, and other children with shocked when a world leader victory) she ascended the altar and THE FREEDOM WE ENJOY IN A Torah. Within the first day I had of a certain G-dless state pounded his pounded with her shoe on the assembled ten students. THIS BLESSED LAND GIVES US shoe on the table at the United Mizbeiach saying, “You hungry wolf, Again, my temporary quarters were UNPRECEDENTED Nations Assembly. in the dining room of a kind family, OPPORTUNITIES TO SPREAD More recently we read that this was WHO BUT OUR HOLY SAGES which permitted me the use of their THEIR OBSERVANCE. one of his fatal errors for which he COULD HAVE SO VIVIDLY home as a school. I was sustained in was removed by his “comrades.” DESCRIBED FOR US THE this struggle for Torah by a letter from Eastern Europe; even more, the free- King Solomon in his book Koheles PSYCHOLOGY OF THE PERSON the Rebbe where he wrote that the Kol dom we enjoy in this blessed land told us long ago “there is nothing new WHO IS WILLING TO TRADE To ra h , the Torah sounds, emanating gives us unprecedented opportunities under the sun.” this also applies to HIS TORAH AND MITZVOS from the innocent mouths of these to spread their observance. Another shoe-banging. FOR A PAIR OF SHOES children, is echoing through the heav- field on which the Rebbe concentrated In our history we find a similar . ens. was that of providing literature for case of someone who tried to prove a These were the seeds of the day young people Al Taharas Hakodesh. point and gain fame by banging with a how long will you consume the wealth school movement which has revolu- This work in all the above shoe, but gained instead only ever- of Israel and not stand by to help tionized Jewish life in America. mentioned fields has been expanded, lasting infamy. them in their trouble.” When the While still in the Yeshivah in during the last fifteen years of the The Volume of Sukkah in the Sages heard about this, they deprived Brooklyn, we were encouraged to present Rebbe’s leadership to a global Talmud concludes with a very colorful the entire Bilgah family of their ring organize Mesibos Shabbos parties for scale, reaching every continent and story relating to the period of and locker, to which every priestly children who were not fortunate almost every country. Thus we are Chanukah and the heroic struggle of division was entitled. The Talmud enough to be raised in Shabbos- bringing closer the day of “V’heshiv our people against the Greeks and then goes on to ask “if a girl became an observing homes. Some of these little Lev Avos El Banim V’Lev Banim El their henchmen the Jewish Hellenists. apostate and abused the altar, why children are today outstanding Avosam,” in turning the hearts of our The story contains lessons for us should we punish the entire family on Talmidei Chachamim. children today to their forefathers today concerning the influence of the account of her sin? “Yea,” said Abaya, All this was part of the Rebbe’s Avraham, Yitzchok and Yaakov, and home environment on a child and “because people say what a child frontal assault on the prevailing thereby speeding the day of the Geula other related subjects. speaks in the street it has heard either notion that “America iz andersh,” that Shlema Bimhera Beyameinu. Our Rabbis taught: It once from its father or mother.” happened that a daughter of the What strikes us first is the nerve, Priestly division or family of Bilgah the “chutzpah” and the hypocrisy of became an apostate and was married this “pseudo-patriot.” This woman to an officer of the Greek King. When who sold her birthright of Yiddishkeit

28 29 and Kehunah, for the “lentils” of the birthright for the dollar? And the study of Torah. Needy Jewish chil- The education and upbringing of a fancy shoes which the Greek officer historic answer of every Jewish father dren, who according to our sages are Jewish child must be based on this presented to her, she who has brought and mother always was, “I want to the best raw material for Torah premise, that the Tallis and Tefillin are calamities upon her people by her raise my child as a faithful son of our Scholarship, have been lost to Torah, never to be forgotten, they are more own wicked deeds, becomes incensed eternal people.” because someone has chosen an extra important than the light shoes, that on seeing the altar, realizing that her Persecution and suffering have pair of shoes in the closet rather than brethren are still ready to sacrifice for affected the Jew physically and materi- a Yeshivah education for a Jewish JEWS IN ALL GENERATIONS, their faith. She wraps herself in a ally, but his spirit remained firm and child. IN THEIR PERSONAL LIVES mantle of “love for her people,” she his values remained intact. As usual a Chassidic story brings AND IN THE EDUCATION stamps and kicks with her shoes Only among certain groups and in out this point most vividly. When the OF THEIR CHILDREN, KNEW protesting alleged Divine injustice to certain periods did the surroundings Chabad founder Reb Shneur Zalman HOW TO CHOOSE her people. overcome the inner resistance of the z.t.l., was arrested by the Czarist offi- BETWEEN ETERNAL VALUES Who but our holy sages could have Jew and the partial surrender of the cers, his final word was to notify his AND PASSING LUXURIES, so vividly described for us the parents, totally crippled and paralyzed closest friend Reb Levi Yitzchok of BETWEEN THE TORAH psychology of the person who is will- the character of the children. Berditchev, z.t.l. When the AND THE SHOES. ing to trade his Torah and Mitzvos for It is perhaps these situations which Berditchever heard about the arrest, a pair of shoes. the prophet Amos has in mind when he inquired whether Reb Shneur the Torah heritage is more important Our sages stress, however, that this Zalman seemed disturbed. The emis- than the dollar. It must inculcate him harmful weed in the garden of our sary replied that he was only outward- with the conviction that the Altar and people was a result of certain flaws in ly disturbed but inwardly he was calm. the Beis Hamikdosh do not consume her upbringing and misconceptions in “What gave you that impression?” Jewish wealth in vain; on the contrary, her environment. asked the Rabbi. “Oh,” replied the they assure the survival of our people Jews in all generations, in their emissary, “I noticed that he forgot his despite the shoe-bangers of our own personal lives and in the education of pantofel (his light shoes), but not his days, Bizman Hazeh, as well as those their children, knew how to choose Tallis and Tefillin.” of other days, Bayomim Haheim. between eternal values and passing luxuries, between the Torah and the shoes. Every Jewish father at the Pidyon Haben of his first-born son is given the ultimatum: “which would you he laments those “who sell the right- rather have, your first-born son or the eous for silver and the needy for a pair five dollars?” Would you rather raise of shoes.” Children who could have your son with an awareness that he is grown up to be the most righteous one of the people whom the Almighty and scholarly people were abandoned describes as “My first-born son Israel,” to the myth that they will earn a few or do you want him to sell his more dollars if they abandon their

30 31 THE REWARD OF THE FEET around the Shul table and enjoying a surgery to prevent deterioration of his shtikele Ein Yaakov; he works with the general condition. The children in by Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon Reprinted from an Article written for Di Yiddishe Heim 5728-1968 horse and lives with the Torah. turn asked me to relate the news to As the years went by, age, hard their father. The organs of the human body which horse back to the stable. The horse work and a diabetic condition caught Because of my deep personal attach- perform the mitzvah truly become a was a special attraction for the up with David B. He had to retire and ment to this simple but pure soul, I vehicle for the Supreme Will, as for Hebrew School children, who would give up his hard work. But he would told the children that I could not carry example . . . the feet, which carry a play with him and examine him on not give up his synagogue attendance. out this mission without asking for person towards the performance of a their way to and from Hebrew Despite the pleas of his family to sleep the advice and blessing of the Rebbe tWyhka mitzvah. (Tanya Ch. 23) School. later and avoid strain so as not to . I wrote an emotional letter to ou took a man off a horse and I calmly replied to the irate aggravate his poor blood circulation the Rebbe tWyhka emphasizing the put him near the Torah,” was member, “Some people stand near the and weak heart, David B. walked to man’s years of ,hrja arsnv ,hc ,nfav the angry reaction of one of torah and belong with the horses; the Shul morning and night seven ,hcrgu — steady attendance at the Y days a week. He humbly took his Shul. An immediate reply came from the members. The president of our others make a living with a horse’s synagogue, on my recommendation, help but they really belong next to the place in the back and avoided the the Rebbe tWyhka recommending that had appointed David B. as the new Torah.” He did not comprehend what petty arguments in which older another specialist be called in who will Gabbai, to succeed the man who I was driving at, so I told him about an people usually get involved. make a different diagnosis and find passed away after having held the incident that had recently happened About four years ago he started circulation. position for about twenty years. to me. At the funeral of a certain rich suffering severe pains in one of his When the children asked for Superficially, the criticism was correct. man, the president of another syna- feet. His family doctor recommended permission to bring in a specialist, the David B. had made his living, since his gogue told me that the deceased had a specialist, who found that his foot hospital objected on the grounds that arrival in this country about fifty years been honored every year with holding had no circulation and recommended he was a service patient and could not ago, with the help of a horse and a Scroll of the Holy torah on the Bima amputation. He entered a hospital as a be permitted private doctors unless wagon; first as a fruit peddler, and during Kol Nidrei Services; he had service patient, went through a series his status was changed. later as a junk collector. In fact, the usually donated $100 to the shul. of tests, and the specialist’s diagnosis worshippers of our Shul knew his However, when I asked his son in was approved. The specialist and the horse well, since it was always parked which Jewish organizations the hospital staff gave their unani- by the synagogue during week-day deceased had been a member, he mous decision to the children services, morning and night. David B. replied: “My father was too busy visit- and recommended would pick up his horse at the stable, ing all the race tracks to bother with immediate park him near the shul, join us for the religion and charity.” Obviously, even study of Mishnayos, daven with the when this man was standing with the minyan, and then go out for the day’s Torah he could not forget the horses. work. On his way back from work, he David B., on the other hand, spends would again stop by, daven Minchah, the best part of his day around his take part in the Ein Yaakov class, horse waiting impatiently for the daven Maariv, and then bring his moment when he will be sitting

32 33 Furthermore, they saw no benefit of the family to the Rebbe tWyhka and THE HEART OF THE WISE MAN in re-evaluating this case. The chil- received an answer with certain guid- dren were caught in the middle ance. IS TO HIS RIGHT

between my insistence on another A few years passed and the old by Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon specialist and the hospital staff ’s insis- condition returned again the circula- Reprinted from an Article written for Di Yiddishe Heim 5730-1970 tence on immediate surgery. Two tion was gone from the leg and again weeks passed, and the children were amputation was being considered. t is told among Chassidim that him unable to give careful, “scheming” just about ready to surrender when I David B. was hospitalized. From his during the imprisonment of the answers to their questions. received a call on a Sunday afternoon hospital bed he spoke to the children Alter Rebbe z.t.l. for alleged anti- When the Alter Rebbe entered the in my presence, and said that he had I government activities, the false hearing chamber, however, and neared lived a full life, was not in his eighties, “SOMEPEOPLESTANDNEAR informers who were the Rebbe’s the collapsible part of the floor he and was ready to part with this world. THE TORAH AND BELONG enemies warned the Czarist Senators suddenly veered and made a sharp If, however, he should live, he hopes to WITH THE HORSES; OTHERS that he was a very shrewd schemer. turn to the right. The confused sena- be able to walk again to Shul on his MAKE A LIVING WITH A The Senators therefore decided to tors who had pushed the button asked own feet. The daughter wrote to the interrogate the Alter Rebbe in a hear- him why he had made that sharp turn HORSE’SHELPBUTTHEY Rebbe tWyhka and again the unbeliev- to the right, and whether he had been REALLY BELONG NEXT TO able occurred. His circulation given any information about the secret THE TORAH.” returned. He was released from the I CAN TESTIFY, FROM DAILY trap. The Alter Rebbe replied that he hospital, he recuperated and returned PERSONAL CONTACT WITH had no previous knowledge, but that from the children. They had been to the Synagogue. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE, THAT as he neared the center of the room, called by the resident doctor and told Last spring, on a certain Friday THE LANDING ON THE MOON there suddenly came into his mind that circulation had suddenly been re- morning in Nisan, he died of a heart HAS, AS THE REBBE SHLITA King Solomon’s statement ofj ck discovered in the leg. The specialist attack. When we buried him a few HAS SAID, SERVED TO ubhnhk — the heart of the wise man is who originally examined him called it hours before Shabbos candle lighting, STRENGTHEN THE FAITH OF to the right. The Alter Rebbe took it unbelievable. After a few weeks he was I felt the pain of having to part with THE AVERAGE PERSON. as a hint from Heaven and made a discharged. this wonderful Jew. At the same time I right turn immediately. It wasn’t long and David B. marveled at the power of the prayers ing chamber for which they devised a This story came to my mind when I returned to the Synagogue. The only of Tzadikim, and the reward for dedi- special floor, the center of which saw the confused reactions in some change was that on weekdays one of cating one’s feet to the fulfillment of collapsed at the push of a concealed religious circles to the recent successful the worshippers would provide him the Supreme Will. button. They planned on pushing the moon landing, reactions which includ- with transportation. His daughter May his memory be blessed. button when the Rebbe reached the ed suggestions of prayer changes and wrote a letter expressing the gratitude middle of the room, causing him to reinterpretations of the verse: “The stumble and become confused. They heavens belong unto G-d and the earth hoped that losing his physical balance He has given to man.” There was a would also cause the Alter Rebbe to similar reaction when the Russians sent lose his mental composure, and make the first Sputnick into space.

34 35 It seems that the foundations of station I have created thirty legions of Tanya (part 5 chapter 6): “When one constituted the first crossing of the Emunah — faith — on which these stars; each legion contains thirty meditates on the greatness of barrier that until then separated heav- religious circles stand are so collapsi- routes, each route thirty cohorts; each Hashem’s works in creation, on the en from earth. It was that landing in ble that every time modern technolo- cohort has thirty camps and in each many worlds and all their hosts, and the heavens that was man’s first and gy pushes a button, they go into a camp I have suspended three hundred after that contemplates and realizes greatest triumph in “space.” dizzy spell and like the Chazan after how they are all insignificant in “Koreim,” need outside help to regain comparison with one minor detail of a IT SEEMS THAT THE their equilibrium. mitzvah such as Tefillin which stems FOUNDATIONS OF EMUNAH I can testify, from daily personal from the very depths of Heavenly — FAITH - ON WHICH THESE contact with hundreds of people, that wisdom and causes all the worlds to RELIGIOUS CIRCLES STAND the landing on the moon has, as the ascend and receive a new flow of life, ARESOCOLLAPSIBLETHAT Rebbe Shlita has said, served to or Heaven forbid, the reverse can be EVERY TIME MODERN strengthen the faith of the average caused through the neglect of one TECHNOLOGY PUSHES A person. It is only among the provincial detail of a mitzvah, then he will find BUTTON, THEY GO INTO A and small-minded, the kind of people joy and happiness in the observance of DIZZY SPELL. who were depicted in the early issues Torah and mitzvos.” of Hakriah Vehakdusha (a According to the Medrash, it was May we merit seeing the moment Lubavitcher publication of the 1940s the giving of the Torah which broke when “The glory of Hashem will be sponsored by the previous Rebbe of the boundary which separated heaven revealed and all flesh will behold that blessed memory) as so overwhelmed Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, from earth, and it was Moses’ ascent the L-rd speaks” speedily in our day. and awed by the size of the Brooklyn The Alter Rebbe kWmz, to heaven to receive the Tablets that Bridge that they concluded that the and sixty five thousand stars. All these culture that produced it must be supe- I have created for thy sake and you rior to the culture that produced the claim that I have forsaken and forgot- intangibles of l’havdil, Torah morality, ten you.” that the moon landing and similar To those overcome by these spells scientific triumphs have caused a of weakness and inferiority, we bring sense of inferiority and retreat in the message of the Alter Rebbe that matters of the spirit. the “heart of the wise one is to his Our sages and prophets foresaw the right,” for there he beholds vnnur wv ihnh possibility of the emergence of such an khj vag wv ihnh — The right hand of attitude among our people in certain the L-rd is exalted, the right hand of moments of weakness, when they said the L-rd does valiantly. It is from this in the Talmud (Berochoth 32b) “The Right Hand that we received a Torah Holy One blessed be He says to the whose infinity transcends all the plan- Jewish People: I have created twelve ets and the entire universe. stations in the heavens, and for each The Alter Rebbe also tells us in

36 37 THE CALL FROM GAN EDEN professor at a prominent university. A brother Yaakov with plans to kill him. daughter was married to a successful The angels started flogging Esau, and by Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon Reprinted from an Article written for Di Yiddishe Heim 5731-1971 businessman. when he tried to shield himself by He saved his highest praise for his telling them that he was Abraham’s . H. made a poor impression on an episode that took place when he older daughter, who observed Taharas grandson, they replied that it didn’t me the first time I met him was about eleven years old. He was Hamishpacha and married a Shomer matter and they continued flogging Sduring the Shabbos I spent in returning with his father on a Friday Shabbos, the son of a prominent him. Then he told them that he was my shul on a trial basis about twenty afternoon from a job for a Poretz orthodox family in our community. the son of Yitzchok., and they still two years ago. He chanted the (feudal lord) whose estate was located He said that his daughter was like continued to flog him. Only when he Kabolas Shabbos and Maariv services a number of miles from their shtetl. Noah — righteous by the standards said that he was Yaakov’s brother did and made a mess of the prayers with They lost their way, and his father of his generation. He quietly confided they spare him. I drew a parallel to his his horrible mistakes. When he noticed that the sun was setting. He in me that his son-in-law is not well situation, and told him bluntly, concluded the davening and made the announced that they are remaining on physically and not very successful “When you will have to face your rounds for the traditional congratula- this spot until after Shabbos so as not financially. When I questioned him Maker and you will seek protection in tions and good Shabbos greetings, I to violate the prohibition of walking further about the education of his the fact that your son is a “macher” in noticed that he was dressed more beyond the Tchum Shabbos, the grandchildren, whether they were the State Department, it will not shabbily than the other worshippers limits set by the Torah for the attending a Yeshiva Day School, he shield you. If your will continue to and generally made the impression of Shabbos. This experience of a twenty- replied that his daughter works as a an unpolished and primitive man. five hour period of fear and hunger in secretary in the Public School system THIS EXPERIENCE OF A However, when I got to know him defense of the sanctity of the Shabbos and his son-in-law insists that you can TWENTY-FIVE HOUR PERIOD better, I realized that I had violated galvanized his determination to raise observant children without a OFFEARANDHUNGERIN the injunction of our sages in Pirkei remain a Shomer Shabbos and Torah Yeshiva education. When I met his DEFENSE OF THE SANCTITY Ovos, “Look not at the cask but at observant Jew under all circum- grandson Yitzchok, a boy of twelve, I OF THE SHABBOS what it contains.” stances. was very impressed by his intelligence GALVANIZED HIS S. H. told me how he had arrived His deep faith and commitment to and gentle appearance which reflected DETERMINATION TO REMAIN in America at the age of fifteen and Torah expressed itself most vividly on his mother’s observance of Taharas battled heroically to remain a Shomer Simchas Torah, when he danced wild- Hasmishpocho, but I found his Torah A SHOMER SHABBOS AND Shabbos, despite continuous firings ly (yelling Kibtzu Malachim — gath- knowledge very inadequate. TORAH OBSERVANT JEW and abuses. In the shop where he er round, ye angels), and ignored the On the second Simchas Torah of UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES finally survived he was called the urgings of the officers to conclude the my tenure in the Synagogue, when all Subotnik, a Russian term for a hakofos and go home. the members left after Musaf, S. H. seek shelter in the position of your seventh-day Adventist. When he used As I became better acquainted with invited me to stop at his house where other son as a professor, it will not to change his clothes at the place of him, I learned more about his chil- we could continue our celebration of shield you either. Only if you will work, the other workingmen would dren, of whom he spoke with tremen- Simchas Torah. I accepted the invita- present evidence of a grandson a Ben pull his tzitzis and mock his obser- dous pride. One son served as a Labor tion, and after a few drinks, told him Torah will you be spared.” vance in every way possible. Attache for the State Department in the Midrash about the angels who I am not familiar with the negotia- He attributed his inner strength to South America. Another son was a met Esau when he was pursuing his tions that followed my statement; I

38 39 only know that about a month later of his father. A few days ago when he THURSDAY THE RABBI SPEAKS OUT the boy’s father came to me and asked came to visit his mother he bashfully me to start preparing his son for a told me about a dream he had on the Yeshivah examination. Yitzchok night following the day he completed Texts show that Jews adapted himself very well to Rashi his Kaddish. In his dream the tele- do believe in the hereafter and Gemora and was accepted in a phone rang and when he answered he by Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon Yeshivah high school in New York. heard his father’s voice, and he asked, Reprinted from “Jewish News” 5751-1991 On the day he started learning in the “Daddy, where are you calling from?”, Yeshivah his grandfather S. H. died of to which his father replied in a cheer- a heart attack. In my eulogy I spoke of was recently approached by a name. The minister told her that he the zchus (merit) that was his to live THE FACT THAT YOUR SON IS teenager who serves as a volunteer meets the rabbi often when he visits to see a grandson going to Yeshivah. A “MACHER” IN THE STATE Iat S. Barnabas Medical Center in his congregants and, offering my In the twenty years since that fate- DEPARTMENT, IT WILL NOT Livingston. The young woman asked name, suggested that she discuss the me if my name is Rabbi Gordon, to subject of Jewish belief in a hereafter ful day Yitzchok became a Talmid SHIELD YOU... ONLY IF YOU which I replied in the affirmative. with me. Chacham — a Torah scholar. He also WILL PRESENT EVIDENCE OF She then told me that she was As she was about to identify the became a prominent physician, who is A GRANDSON A BEN TORAH Jewish and had been confirmed. name of her congregation where she involved in advance medical research. WILL YOU BE SPARED. He married a fine religious girl and However, the previous Sunday she received her religious education, I they send their children to Yeshivas. ful voice, “where would you think I am had gone to church with a gentile girl- explained that I am not interested in Whenever he visited his parents for a calling from, from Gan-Eden of friend. There, the minister spoke getting involved in a conflict with any Yom Tov, he would stop at my house, course,” and hung up. about the importance of the belief in a particular congregation or its rabbi. I regardless of distance or weather, and Tears filled my eyes as I admired hereafter in general, and reward and could only tell her that the Mishna, wordlessly express his appreciation for the simple faith and pure innocence of punishment in particular. which is the nucleus of the Talmud in what I have done for him. this young professional. I only added, After the service, she went over to the last chapter of Sanhedrin, states Last summer his father passed “Too bad he hung up; otherwise you the minister and complimented him briefly (and the Talmud quotes more away. Yitzchok, in addition to saying could have spoken to your grandfa- for the fine service. She told him, than a dozen sources in the Bible) that the Kaddish, dedicated a number of ther S. H. on the same line.” however, that we Jews do not believe the belief in the immortality of the special Torah sessions to the memory in a hereafter. When he questioned soul and the ultimate resurrection of where she got this impression, she told the body in the latter part of the him that this is what she was taught in messianic period are cardinal princi- her Sunday school, and her parents ples of our religion. also accepted it as fact. I also told her that the Rambam The minister asked her whether (Maimonides), in his code, in the laws she knew any other rabbis. She replied of repentance (chapter 8), clearly that she comes across a rabbi who spells out that the ultimate reward for regularly visits the Jewish patients at our good deeds is mainly in the here- S. Barnabas, but was not sure of his after. As part of his commentary in

40 41 the Mishna, in the last chapter of whole nation crazy and was using higher power and judgment. Perhaps Sanhedrin, he counts the belief in the them as a tool to destroy the world. (I these statements would be considered resurrection of the dead as one of the could now add that in our days we comic if they did not lead to such trag- 13 major principles of our faith. have a similar but miniature example ic results. The young woman seemed to be in the madman of Iraq.) Why, then, A clear rejection of this thesis is baffled by my mention of the messian- can we not believe that a Jewish spiri- best expressed in the following ic period with regard to Judaism and tual giant will lead our people to the passage of our morning prayers inquired whether it is a belief in the right path and through them straight- according to the Sephardi rite, “The appearance of a person or refers to a en out the world? preeminence of man over beast is certain era when our world will Regarding the wider problem of naught, for all is vanity. Except the become a better one. I answered her the general impression that the Jewish pure soul which is destined to give an by quoting from Maimonides’ Code religion does not believe in a hereafter, accounting before the throne of Your (the laws of Kings, chapter 11) that I came across a passage in an interview glory.” the messiah will be a human being printed in the latest issue of Hadassah Let us remember that the denial of who studies Torah and observes the Magazine (February 1991) with an a hereafter by people who claim to remembrance of all deeds comes commandments as they are stated in anti-Semitic spokesperson of the speak in the name of our faith is not before You and You examine the deeds the Bible and are interpreted in the Pamyat movement in Russia. He first only misleading young innocent souls, of all of them.” Talmud. He will influence all Israel to declared that Judaism rejects the belief but it is also creating a rationale for According to the Zohar, matza on follow the Torah and correct any in the immortality of the soul, and the destruction of our people, Heaven Passover is called the food of faith. Let weaknesses in Torah observance. then goes on to say. “The origin of forbid. us all be blessed with a happy and Only then might he be the true atheism is Judaism . . . We do not Let us rededicate ourselves to the kosher Passover that will solidify our messiah. If he succeeds in overcoming consider Judaism to be a religion.” clear message expressed in our Rosh faith. all of Israel’s enemies, rebuilds the Beit At the same time, I came across an Hashana Musaf prayers: Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon is the Hamikdash (the Holy Temple) and article by Tzvi Kolitz in the Yiddish “Happy is the man who does not religious leader of Ahavath Zion in gathers all Jews to Israel, he is defi- Algemeiner Journal of Feb. 15 where forget You and the human who holds Maplewood. He has served as chap- nitely the true messiah. He will then he quotes the infamous Nazi theoreti- fast to You. For those who seek You lain of Newark Beth Israel Medical go on to bring the nations of the world cian, Alfred Rosenberg, who prepared will not stumble forever, nor will Center for 30 years and S. Barnabas around to serve the one Almighty. the philosophical poison that crippled anyone who places his trust in You be Medical Center in Livingston for 25 When she expressed her skepti- the German mind and almost put to shame eternally. For the years. cism whether one human being could destroyed our people. accomplish such things, I replied by He states that since Jews do not quoting a message the previous believe in the immortality of the soul, Lubavitcher Rebbe, offered in the they are therefore people without summer of 1941. souls. The Rebbe pleaded for Jews to And since they do not believe in open their eyes and see how a crazy reward and punishment, they are able paperhanger (Hitler) had driven a to commit any crime without facing a

42 43 cheder and I used to hear the children First, we cover the entire weekly RIDAY THE ABBI PEAKS UT F R S O reciting the passage, ‘The Torah which Torah portion with Rashi’s commen- Moshe commanded us is an inheri- tary, beginning Sunday mornings Torah Education: tance for the community of Jacob.’ I from 7 to 8. Then, we continue the inheritance of all Jews never heard them say the community Sunday through Wednesday with a of Yanai. You concentrated on your class that starts about 45 minutes by Rabbi Sholom B. Gordon own children and immediate circle, before sunset until Minha. Between Reprinted from “Jewish News” 5752-1992 and you never took an interest in Minha and Ma’ariv services on those people like me, who, because of my days, for about 30 minutes, we study n the first High Holiday Day Rabbi Yanai invited him for dinner, parents’ poverty and ignorance, never Ein Yakaov, a collection of the ethical prayer that the cantor chants, on and during the meal the rabbi started received a Torah education.” teachings and stories of the Talmud. the first day of Rosh Hashana, he discussing deeper talmudic subjects, I Rabbi Yanai apologized to the man On Thursday, we study Talmud for an pleads, “My Creator, grant me the but he noticed that his guest knew and took it upon himself to dissemi- hour, beginning 45 minutes before understanding how to transmit my nothing about them. So he switched nate Torah knowledge among the less sunset with an interruption for inheritance.” the discussion to subjects of the fortunate. Mincha services. He is obviously referring to the Mishna that are more concise and less In our daily Amida before we pray Every morning, Monday through biblical phrase, “The Torah which complicated. for health, living and forgiveness, we Friday, we study Mishna from 6:25 to Moshe commanded us is an inheri- The guest could not keep up with pray for wisdom and a return to our 6:55. On Monday nights, we conduct tance for the community of Jacob” — him in that area either. The rabbi then Torah. It is, therefore, no wonder that a class in Tanya, the major Chabad meaning, the Jewish people. We are began talking about biblical passages, on Rosh Hashana, which literally text, from 8 to 9. On the Sabbath and praying for the wisdom to transmit and again, there was no response. translated means the head of the year, holidays, we precede the morning and this inheritance to the next generation He finally asked him to lead in the we should pray for the understanding afternoon services with a minimum of in general, and in particular, to our grace after meal, but the guest said that our minds and the minds of our an hour session in Hasidic philosophy own children and grandchildren. that he did not know the prayers. children should be dedicated to trans- relating to the Torah portion of the In the first chapter of the Sh’ma, Rabbi Yanai was so upset by his mitting and receiving the glorious week. All who live within walking where it states “and you shall teach guest’s ignorance that he said to him, heritage of our Torah and faith. distance are welcome to attend. them diligently to your children,” “I will lead and you repeat after me.” In the spirit of these thoughts, we Let us hope that the bright light of Rashi insists that this commandment Instead of the traditional blessing, he would like to emphasize that the Torah will drive away the spiritual and is not limited to physical children, for said, “a dog ate Yanai’s bread.” The Torah classes that we conduct in economic darkness of our time, that that is covered in the second chapter guest grabbed the rabbi’s jacket and Congregation Ahavath Zion in we will live to see the dawn of the of Sh’ma. Rather, it refers to the disci- screamed, “Give me back my inheri- Maplewood three times daily in complete redemption through the ples or pupils for whom the true tance which you stole!” conjunction with the three daily serv- Moshiach, and we should be blessed teacher is a spiritual father. The rabbi seemed puzzled and ices are open to all men and women in with a happy and healthy New Year. This idea is clarified in a midrash said, “I fed you and you are accusing the community. about a sage, Rabbi Yanai, who met a me of stealing your inheritance.” stranger who impressed him by his The man replied, “I never attended appearance as a talmudic scholar. a cheder, but many times I passed a

44 45 Thank You TO OUR DEDICATORS

TORAH MA TOVU ______Mark & Amy Kestenbaum ______Joe & Joana Breckner BOOK OF BERESHIS HAMALACH ______Gary & Rochelle Finder ______Dr. Bob Leibowitz BOOK OF SHEMOS CROWN & YAD ______The Leibowitz Family ______Dr. Bob Leibowitz BOOK OF VAYIKRA SHEMA 1 ______Anonymous ______The Peskin Family BOOK OF BAMIDBAR SHEMA 2 ______The Fischer Family ______Andrew & Harriet Zucker BOOK OF DEVARIM SHEMA 3 ______Derek & Lynette Brown ______Anonymous ASRES HADIBROS CHAZAK OF BREISHIS ______The Suman Family Marcel______& Elaine Hochauser MANNA CHAZAK OF SHMOS ______Daniel & Vardit Aharonoff ______Dr. Bat Sheva Gruber ARON CHAZAK OF VAYIKRA ______The Teichman Family ______Zvi & Betty Ryzman SHIRAS HAYAM CHAZAK OF BAMIDBAR ______Jose & Esther Liberman ______Esther Cohen SHIRAS ALEE B’AIR CHAZAK OF DEVARIM ______Jayne Shapiro ______Paul & Judy Cohen

We extend our blessings and thanks to all of our other generous dedicators, who dedicated a “special section” in the Torah, a Sedra, a verse or a letter.