1 CROWN HEIGHTS ~February 22, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת כי תשא | טז' אדר א, תשס”ח | February 22, 2008 | Adar I 16, 5768 weekly vOL. i | NO 16

Its Shabbos! Or ... Is It? Page 14

Rabbi Segal They're Back! Page 2

Happiness Comforting the grieving Rabbi Shea Hecht Page 15

Money & Happiness Page 15 Relationships: Health & Happiness Heed your wife's feelings Page 16 Page 14

DON'T MISS OUR WONDERFUL REGULAR COLUMNS Beis Din of Crown Heights CORRECTED 390A Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 Rabbi A. Osdoba: ❖ Mon to Thu: 10:30am to 11:30pm ext 37 and Sun to Motzei Shabbos 9:30pm to 11:00pm Fri 2:30pm to 4:00pm ☎ 718~771~8737 Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily at 788 Eastern Parkway # 210 718~604~8827 ❖ 10:30 to 11:30am ~ 2:00pm to 3:00pm & after 8:00pm 718~756~4632 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 Rabbi Y. Zirkind: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzei Shabbos Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:30pm to 9:00pm ☎ 718~360~7110 Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:00am to 11:30am ~ Fri 10am to 1pm 5:20 6:20 Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm Gut Shabbos 2 CROWN HEIGHTS ~February 22, 2008 The Vaad Hakohol

By Rabbi Shlomo Segal Therefore, they also write that in exercise room to host these lectures. regards to the prohibition of work on Weekly Update This will give community members a Member of Crown Heights Bais Din Shabbos, the law of shlichus does not By: Moshe Rubashkin chance to brush up on topics they are apply. The law of shlichus, which refers interested in and also relax in the most Question: to one doing a mission for another, Baruch Hashem, beautiful atmosphere. would usually obligate a person for we at the Coun- On erev Shabbos, sending a messenger to do work for Baruch Hashem, this week people came cil had a very is one permitted him in Shabbos. We find this concept in to register to vote. We are asking successful week to transmit a fax in other instances that our sages have the whole community to please come with many beau- to a place where forbidden to do all the prohibited in at their first opportunity to 387 tiful projects. We Shabbos has Torah commandments through a Kingston to register. This will empower are interviewing begun? non-Jew (Bava Metzia 71). There is a the CHJCC/Vaad HaKohol to get the some key people concept of shlichus, the responsibility best programs out there. Number one to improve our Answer for dispatching a messenger, even if the is housing, and everything else comes employment messenger is a non-Jew. afterwards.W e are living in a very tight department. We are looking to open up There is a commandment in the Torah, housing market in our neighborhood. a program in YAM every Saturday night “Do not do work,” (Shemos 20:9) Because we find that with other prohibi- There are no rentals. We must make for the young boys to have somewhere the prohibition of doing work on tions that Torah objects very strongly this voting happen in order to bring in to go and have a very positive, warm Shabbos. to, the prohibited act should not be affordable housing. I am hearing from atmosphere with lots of music and lots performed in anyway possible; there- Batia Brandel that she has a very good Prohibition of work on Shabbos on fore, the act itself is prohibited. Based feeling that there is some Section 8 the person or on the work on the concept that a messenger is an housing coming in. That’s great news. extension of the dispatcher himself, It should only happen. There is a controversy amongst the it is therefore considered that the Here are some pictures of the pool being Poskim regarding the focus of this dispatcher himself has transgressed cleaned and grouted. prohibition. One group of Poskim the prohibition. Our sages were very hold that the reason for this prohibi- stringent about using a non-Jew for a Good Shabbos. It should be a wonder- tion is because doing work disturbs a shlichus, a mission to fulfill something ful, simchadike week for everybody. person’s rest on Shabbos, which is a which is prohibited, and therefore it is clear Torah obligation [“In the seventh forbidden. of food. I feel the most important thing day you should rest”]. But there is no is that it must be open every Motzei prohibition that work can not be done But in the case of Shabbos, the prohibi- Shabbos. in some other way (not through the tion is only because it disturbs the peace person himself). This means that the of the person (and not related to the The pool is being grouted as we go to cause for prohibition is focused on the act of work). Even when he does send a press. I received hundreds of phone person, not on the action. messenger to do work for him and there calls thanking the Council for really is a relationship between the messenger making this happen. This will be a big The second group of poskim hold that and the dispatcher, this action does not accomplishment to put it all together. I the prohibition of doing work on Shab- disturb the person’s Shabbos peace, feel the programming will be a key fac- bos is focused on the general concept and therefore, there is no foundation tor. I would like to see a program from that on Shabbos there needs to be rest to forbid this. 8-4 every Sunday with swimming, exer- in the whole creation. When Torah cising, using the gym and at the same elaborates on the prohibition of work, it And now, we focus on the transmis- time, having great lectures on money is referring exclusively not to desecrate sion of a fax. At a first glance, it would matters, health, nutrition, relationships, the sacredness of the Shabbos in the not be considered a foundation for a and Chinuch for the children. There is a whole world, and therefore, there is prohibition because the person who gorgeous room being built alongside the also a prohibition that any action of is transmitting the fax is in a location work should not be done in any pos- where Shabbos has not arrived. He sible way. This is in addition to fact of does not yet have the obligation of the not disturbing the peace and rest of Shabbos rest even though he causes the person. that a process of “work” will begin in the receiving location where Shabbos The Chasam Sofer (Orach Chaim chapt. has already arrived. But as mentioned 24; Choshen Mishpat, chapt. 185) and earlier, the prohibition is not on the additional great Torah sages have the work itself but on the person that is opinion that the main purpose of the obligated to rest. He does not yet have Shabbos is that the person should rest the obligation of rest because Shabbos on Shabbos, and Torah does not object has not yet arrived. that the work should not be done. But from the Alter Rebbe’s words Newspaper (Orach Chaim chapt.243:1), it seems Community that he disputes this and explains that 392 Kingston Avenue shlichus, dispatching a messenger and Brooklyn, NY 11225 considering as the dispatcher himself Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol has done the action, is also included in But we can differentiate and say that allowed to set the alarm is because the of Crown Heights. the prohibitions of Shabbos. This means although the Alter Rebbe wrote that action of the person has already been Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol that the Alter Rebbe’s opinion is that the prohibition includes the concept done completely on Friday. Therefore, Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman Torah prohibits two concepts: 1) The not to have the act of work done (in the result of his action which is taking Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary physical act of work in any form and the sefer “Leor Haalacha” from Reb place on Shabbos is not considered a Leyout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) through whomever it is done (even a Shloma Zevin, various points of proof Torah prohibition. All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the non-Jew) and 2) The prohibition not to are cited for the Alter Rebbe’s shita), exclusive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise The same applies regarding transmit- disturb the person’s rest on Shabbos. but an action on Shabbos is considered attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent ting a fax on Friday. Since the person of the publisher. “work” only if the person who did the who is sending the fax has not yet Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be Therefore, this would mean that a per- act had, at the time, an obligation of begun Shabbos, therefore the result of liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond the cost son should be careful and refrain from observing the Shabbos. In this same of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes his action which is taking place in the sending a fax because this causes that sense, we find no prohibition to set responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All adver- location where Shabbos has already tisement designed and prepared by the CHCommunity work should be done in a place where an alarm clock on Friday to ring on arrived is not considered a prohibited Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot Shabbos has already arrived. Shabbos morning. The reason for being be reproduced without the consent of the publisher action on Shabbos. February 22, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 3 From Shedlitz to Safety

people in the area and now he began A Young Jew’s Story of Survival thinking about all his acquaintances, trying to locate a safe location for us. “I know just the person!” he said happily. By Rabbi Shimon Goldman the city center. Sensing that I planned few minutes of early warning, enough “He’s a good friend of mine who lives to join my family, the caring neighbor to get away from conspicuous areas and in a distant village. I’m sure he’ll let us Exerpted from the book with the author’s quickly dissuaded me from making try hiding for our lives. We ran out of stay in his house. Maybe we should go permission such a dangerous trip. “Don’t you dare the house, into the back garden, and there until the danger passes.” try to find them now in the middle of threw ourselves head down between Continued from last week the night,” he warned. “Stay here in the the wild weeds, growing vegetables and And so, that Friday morning — merely neighborhood and tomorrow morning bushes, trying our best to hide from a few minutes after being reunited We kept hearing alarming reports as the you can go join them.” the planes. with my family — I joined them and week progressed, describing the unim- my uncle as we left Shedlitz together, peded progress of the German army “But where should I sleep?” I protested. Soon we heard the loud noises of Ger- hoping we could find a safe haven in a as they continued conquering Poland. I was scared to stay alone in an empty man airplanes in the sky. The planes neighboring village. Realizing that an extended war was on house, and I had no other place to sleep. swooped low across the city, searching the horizon, Rabbi Kramer met with “Why don’t you go to the nearby shtibl for prey. The planes flew so low, we It was a harrowing journey. We started the yeshiva staff to discuss the grave of Skernovitch?” suggested my neigh- could hear the German pilots shrieking off on foot, live fodder for the danger- situation. Most students were not local bor. “Maybe you can find an empty with barbaric delight as they mowed ous planes patrolling the skies. Planes residents, and the yeshiva decided they corner to rest up until morning.” down scores of innocent civilians. The appeared periodically, shooting and could not assume responsibility for our stuttering machine gun fire and the bombing all around us, and we often welfare. Accordingly, they disbanded I took his advice and set out to locate loud roar of bombs mingled with the had no means of protection. Whenever the yeshiva and instructed us to return the shtibl. This was hardly as easy cries and screams of the wounded. I lay we could, we stopped and ducked to our respective homes. I packed all as finding my house: I could not see shaking in the garden, my face buried in into the wild brambles growing on my belongings and left Kalushin with anything in front of me and I was forced the moist earth, and I truly believed that the sides of the road, praying that the a heavy heart, setting out to rejoin my to rely on my sense of hearing. There I these were my last moments on earth. pilots would not notice us. Finally, after family in Shedlitz. was, a young teenager inching along in Father began saying the confessional many exhausting hours, we reached prayer recited our destination — a tiny village mostly Home Again before death. We populated by non-Jews. Though I listened quietly, cannot recall the name of the village, Normally, the roads between Kalushin repeating the I clearly remember the looks of hatred and Shedlitz provided a brief and words after him. and contempt we received from the gen- comfortable ride for motorists travel- My father also tiles as we walked into their village. ing this short distance. Now however, used this oppor- the advent of war had disrupted any tunity to rebuke My uncle’s acquaintance appeared semblance of normal traffic, and I m y y o u n g e r pleased to see us, but his modest hut was forced to ride home by horse and brother Hirshel, could in no way accommodate our wagon, bumping and rattling along the a good kid who large family. Left with no alternative, crowded roads. The hours passed as sometimes acted it was decided that my brothers and I we rode along slowly, not reaching our in a wild and would sleep in the stable. It was hardly a destination until well after nightfall. unruly manner. comfortable night: the stable was full of “You are too mis- horses, animals and hay, and the stench Total darkness blanketed Shedlitz. chievous,” father was unbearable. Hoping to protect the village from said sternly. “Now German attacks, the local authorities complete darkness, trying desperately is the time to resolve firmly not to be Shabbos passed amidst much discus- forbade the use of any lights, and I could to retain my bearings and find the disobedient in the future.” sion and argument. All the adults — my hardly see anything around me. There shtibl. Finally, I heard low sounds parents, my uncle and aunt, and our was not a lit candle or kerosene lamp to emanating from the direction of the Thank G d, the German planes soon host — stood around in various corners be seen anywhere. Fortunately, I was shtibl and managed to make my way completed their mission and left the of the house discussing our situation well acquainted with my hometown into the study hall. It was pitch black airspace above Shedlitz. None of us and hearing out all the alternatives. and it was enough to guide me home. inside the shtibl but, from the amount were harmed; no bombs had landed Some argued we should stay here in the I encountered many people on the of noise, I discerned that the study hall in our immediate vicinity. However, village; others insisted we should return streets as I walked home — the local was packed to capacity. Somehow, I the attack changed my father’s original to Shedlitz; others thought we should police were out in full force, as well as found a few inches of empty space at understanding of the German objective. travel further away. Someone even neighborhood patrols. These patrols the end of a hard wooden bench, and “There really is no difference where we suggested that the women and children included many Jewish men who joined I spent the rest of the night sitting in live,” he said to my uncle. “The Germans return to Shedlitz while the men escape. the police in guarding local streets. total darkness, waiting impatiently for are out to destroy the entire city of At the conclusion of Shabbos, we heard They wore official emblems on their the new day to dawn. Shedlitz.” My uncle agreed that the news that the Germans had already shirts, clearly identifying their associa- whole area had become a danger zone, reached Shedlitz, and the entire city tion with the patrol. As the sun cast its first rays over a and we decided to flee. was under their control. Since our frightened country, I made my way out present accommodations were simply To my surprise and confusion, my of the crowded shtibl and onto the quiet Soon we heard rumors circulating intolerable, the adults decided we would house was totally deserted. Panicking, streets. Walking quickly away from around the city claiming that the return to Shedlitz. I quickly went to one of our Jewish our neighborhood, I walked through Polish government had escaped via neighbors and asked about the where- the city until I reached my uncle’s Shedlitz, and that the German attacks We arrived in Shedlitz on erev Rosh abouts of my family. “There was a home, where I met my family again. were aimed at killing these officials. Hashana. German soldiers strutted terrible period of bombing today,” the It was a bittersweet reunion: we were I cannot say for certain whether or around the city, fooling us with a show neighbor explained. “We live here in delighted to see each other again, but not this information was true, but of friendliness and empathy. Soldiers the center of the city, and your parents the circumstances of our meeting were the frightening experience certainly stood in the streets distributing butter were afraid that more attacks are on far from joyous. impelled us to leave Shedlitz. and fresh bread to Jewish children, the way. The Germans like to bomb the smiling and chatting as if they were main sections of the city. Your family I had hardly begun talking with my It was fortunate we were staying with our best friends. Children stood in line moved out and went to live with your parents and siblings when suddenly uncle Yitzchak Meir. As I mentioned to get these treats from the “courteous uncle, Yitzchak Meir.” we heard the piercing sound of an air earlier, he worked as a shochet, and conquerors.” It would not take long raid siren, indicating that German many Jews from the surrounding before we would recognize them for This move made a good deal of sense to warplanes were fast approaching the hamlets often came to his house with a the beasts they truly were. me. Yitzchak Meir and his wife lived in city. The bombs would begin falling any chicken or a calf for my uncle to shecht. a distant neighborhood, far away from minute now, and the siren allowed us a As such, he became friendly with many To be continued 4 CROWN HEIGHTS ~February 22, 2008

Our Heroes

Rebbe initiated a campaign for funding group of people to demonstrate in front Reb Shimshon Stock OBM needy families. Immediately afterR osh of the person’s new house in another Hashana, on Tzom Gedalia, the organi- neighborhood. In honor of the completion of twelve adopted them. He raised funds for zation was created. Shimshon set up a months of mourning, 14 Adar I underprivileged families so that they The real estate companies would use table and began collecting money. And for the conclusion of the recital of could stand independently on their “block-busting” tactics. They would Kaddish for Martha (Matil) Stock own feet and not need to ask others On every occasion, Shimshon himself mail notices informing people that (Based primarily on an interview they for help. would collect money with his big their neighbor was in the process of gave to JEM) basket calling out, “We need money.” selling his house. In this way they would Chevra Simchas Shabbos v’Yom Tov Before the Rebbe came down to the convince people to sell their homes. (CSSY) [Part II] Farbrengen or before the Rebbe came Shimshon would demonstrate in front In 1977, Chevrah Simcha Shabbos into the shul for Slichos, Shimshon of their offices as well. Rabbi Michoel Seligson V’Yom Tov was organized. This was would make his rounds with his basket. A few years ago, Shimshon saw a situ- in response to the Rebbe’s Sicha on Everybody considered it a privilege to Another eventful episode: ation that had developed. People were the second day of Rosh Hashana, in throw money into the basket and did flipping houses for financial gain. This Shimshon married off two sisters from a which he stated that for Pesach there is a so gladly. In later years, regardless of caused difficulty for people who were wealthy family. When the first shidduch Maos Chitim fund and Pesach lasts for his age and failing health, he continued unable to afford the cost of a home. happened, her parents were Reform only one week. However, in the month carrying the load in a tireless way. Who Shimshon wrote an open letter to the Jews were not pleased that their daugh- of Tishrei there is Rosh Hashanah, does not remember visiting the Ohel whole community, telling them to stop ter was marrying a Chossid. The parents Yom Kippur, Sukkos, and Simchas on Yud Shvat, Erev Rosh Hashana, or this practice and to be more considerate did not want to participate in any way. Torah, and there are no funds that help Gimel Tamuz and seeing Shimshon to others. Shimshon visited their home but to no families like there are for Pesach. The there with his basket. He would often sit avail. He then proceeded to prepare through the entire On the 2nd of Adar I 1992, Pesha Leah the wedding at his own expense. In the night, hoping to col- Lapine HY”D was torn away from us. event that the parents would ultimately lect the necessary That night Shimshon drove through decide to come, he made arrangements funds. the neighborhood with a loudspeaker, for an elegant affair. calling for everyone to come out and An unforgettable demonstrate. The next morning he scene occurred Prior to the chupa, a stretch limousine went through the neighborhood again when Shimshon pulled up in front of 770. The brother and called for everyone to come to the stood on line and of the Kalla approached Shimshon and levaya. came before the said to him, “I am going to kill you for Rebbe with his bas- Connection and feeling towards the what you did to my parents.” Shimshon ket. TheR ebbe gave Rebbe remained silent. a broad smile, lifted Shimshon had immense love for the TheR ebbe was then in his room. When both his hands, and Rebbe and concern for his welfare. It the chupa took place, the Rebbe stood threw dollars into is difficult to adequately portray his up from his seat and watched the chupa. the basket. Since deep feelings for the Rebbe, but let Suddenly, Rabbi Groner, one of the then, a picture of the following two anecdotes serve as Rebbe’s secretaries, came out from the this scene decorated examples: Rebbe’s room and said to Shimshon, the basket. “Be careful how you behave at the wed- On Sukkos 5752, the Rebbe stood for During a Farbren- ding. Don’t answer back.” Two minutes seven hours, observing every person gen in 1980, when later, Rabbi Klein came out from the who walked by and benched on his the Rebbe handed Rebbe’s room and repeated the same Esrog. He waited for the last person Shimshon a bottle of message. As the Chosson and Kallah to have a chance to make the Brocho. mashkeh, he referred were walking from the chupa, the Rebbe Shimshon felt uncomfortable with this. to him as the Gabbai came out and gave them a Brocho. The He approached the Rebbe and asked Tzedakah, charity wedding went on as planned. the Rebbe to sit down. collector of Crown When the second daughter also became Heights. On Yud Alef Nissan 5751, Shimshon engaged to a Chossid, the parents’ benched the Rebbe and added, “Rebbe, Shimshon attitude did not change. we need you, take care of yourself. You related: are the only one we have. The Rebbe Today, both sisters are happily married “We began with the responded, “You also have Hashem.” and have, thank G-d, large families distribution of food Shimshon answered, “With Hashem with children already on shlichus in packages. In later I cannot talk.” prominent cities. years, this became Yehi Zichrom Boruch! May Shimshon Shimshon merited to put together difficult, and we and Martha’s memory serve as an over three hundred Shidduchim. He sent money vouch- inspiration for awakening a concern also guided couples in their marriage ers instead.” and consideration for one another, and and on many occasions, delivered Martha related: a positive feeling between the members public lectures on sholom bayis and “The Rebbe would of our community, in unity without how to preserve a marriage. He sent send a check for fifty bounds, physically and spiritually. out community-wide letters and con- dollars written in tributed articles on this and other his own handwrit- We should speedily witness “The ones practical topics to the Nshei Newsletter. ing each month.” who dwell in the dust will awaken He believed that the cause of many and rejoice” with Reb Shimshon and marital problems was the lack of a Chizuk Martha amongst them. proper parnossa. When a bochur would Hashechuna approach Shimshon for a shidduch or ••• In the 1960’s, a yungerman would confront him for people began sell- A small number of booklets containing help with marital problems, Shimshon’s ing their houses the complete collection of Shimshon popular remark was, “The four letter and moving out of Stock’s columns, The Stock Exchange word for a successful life is WORK. Go the neighborhood. are available. All proceeds go to Chevra out and get a good job!” Shimshon was very Simchas Shabbos v’YomTov. Send Shimshon looked out for families who concerned about $50 to CSSY, 593 Montgomery St., were hurt by tragedies and in a sense, the situation. He Brooklyn, NY 11225, and be sure to would come with a request the booklet. February 22, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 5

REMEMBERING SHIMSHON AND MARTHA STOCK Shimshon ben Yaakov Efraim organization. Horav Hachosid Reb Gedalia Hatomim Hakodosh Aharon Yosef Matel bas Benzion Shaffer Halberstam HY”D They opened their home for our “Min- By: Hadassah Trenk The son ofR eb Michel, he was an oved The son of yan Hakolel” (which davened a dif- Hashem and utilized every moment Horav Hachosid The void has not left us. Not a day goes ferent Nusach than theirs) when we of his time in a meaningful way. He Hatomim, Reb by without us remembering our beloved were forced to vacate our premises. distributed tzedoko to many, opened Chananya Sinai friends, Shimshon and Martha Stock. Out went their living room and dining his home to guests, and was very Dovid Shlita, Aha- Together they were a warehouse of room furniture for us, and we women engrossed in studying Torah. Born in ron Yosef merited a Simcha despite all their difficulties and davened in the kitchen. We were 1946 and nifter in 2007, his grave site is wonderful fatherly medical hardships. We are forever quot- there every morning on all Shabbosos in New York near the holy Ohel. He left k iruv from the ing them and getting Chizuk from their and Holidays. We cannot forget their children on shlichus, Oskim Btzorchei Rebbe and was brought up on the lap deeds devoted to helping the needy, Simcha in helping us in every way and Tzibur, and serving Shluchim. of the Rebbetzin Hatzidkonis Chaya downtrodden and Baalei Teshuvah. joining us. Martha’s greeting to the first Mushka. He was engrossed in his Their home, open to all, was a bastion Mispallel very early in the morning 18th of Adar – studies and involved himself with self- of Emunah, faith and overextension (before her going to dialysis), “Boker devotion and promptness in Mivtzoim. for others. Tov, Rabbi______,” with a big Horav Hachosid Hatomim Reb He was killed Al Kiddush Hashem at smile, still rings in our ears. Yehoshua Zelig Hakohen Katzman They made hundreds of Shidduchim, the young age of sixteen in 1994. His sponsored many weddings and stayed All the above is but a small glimpse of The son of Horav Hachosid Hatomim grave site is in New York near the holy close to these families for years after- a special and unique couple. Reb Moshe Zalman Hakohen, he Ohel. ward. They gave vouchers for needy learned with great depth. A Mashgiach This past Purim, the day Shimshon families from their organization, in the yeshiva in Newark, he was a cherished most, was his Levaya, and Women “Chevra Simchas Shabbos V’Yom popular Mashpia with his Chassidic three weeks later was Martha’s. Tov.” Shimshon spent many long days Farbrengens. A mekushar penimi to the 17th Adar (when already sick) at the Rebbi’s May they be Melitzei Yosherim for all of Rebbe, he was born in 1930 in Poltova Mrs. Ira Menkin Ohel collecting charity, while Martha us and help bring Moshiach soon. and nifter in 1998. His grave site is in spent hours writing receipts for the New York near the holy Ohel. The daughter of Reb Chaim Tzvi, she was nifter in 1975. Horav Hachosid Hatomim Reb Chaim Avrohom Brisky This week we continue with theY ahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. 18th of Adar By mentioning them, we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn lessons The son of Reb Mordechai Hakohen Mrs. Yehudis Butman from their lives that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes Brisky, he was a talmid in Yeshivas the Yahrzeiten of the 15th until the 23rd of Adar. Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch and was The daughter ofR eb Menachem Men- a Baal Midos Tovos. He conducted del Schneerson, she was born on Rosh Men Horav Hatomim Reb Yaakov Zeev himself with strength and was gener- Chodesh Nissan, 1909 and was nifter Rottenshtriech 15th of Adar ous in a loving, considerate way to his in 1960. Her grave site is in New York The son of Reb Meir Shlita, he was a fellow Jews. He was nifter in 1997, and near the holy Ohel. Horav Hatomim Reb Yechiel Michel person of fine midos beloved by all. his grave site is in New York near the Piekarsky He sacrificed himself for the benefit holy Ohel. 19th of Adar II The son of Horav HachosidR eb Efraim, of a fellow Jew and loved everyone Mrs. Chaya Grunia Duchman he spread the teachings of the Torah in and brought them closer to Torah. He 21st of Adar - public for tens of years with self-sacri- excelled in being a Baal Koreh and was The daughter of Horav Hachosid Reb fice. He learned in Tomchei Tmimim dedicated to the Rebbe’s matters in Habochur Hatomim Naftali Leima, she was nifter in 1978. Her in Russia. Amongst the mekushorim of preparing for Moshiach. He repeated Isser Barber grave site is in New York near the holy the Previous Rebbe and of the Rebbe, many Sichos and Maamorim for a Ohel. The son of Reb Yitzchok he was born in 1910 in Paritch and was public audience. Born in 1964 in Barber, he was very nifter in 1995. His grave site is in New New York and nifter in 2002, 23rd of Adar engrossed in his stud- York near the holy Ohel, and he left his grave site is in New York ies and was a refined Mrs. Alta Yehudis Raices children and grandchildren serving as near the holy Ohel. person, beloved by all. Rabonim and Shluchim. The daughter of Reb Moshe, she was Horav Hachosid Hato- He was nifter in 1992, nifter in 1970. Her grave site is in New Horav Hachosid Reb Mordechai mim Horav Zalman and his grave site is in York near the holy Ohel. Avrohom Yeshaya Groner Shimon Dworkin New York near the holy Ohel. He worked many years for Yeshivas The son of Reb Yeru- Anybody who is interested in having their Torah Emes in Jerusalem. He was born cham, he was the relative mentioned in the yahrzeit column, 23rd of Adar - in Jerusalem to seventh generation Av Bais Din of the please email the name, date of the petira, Yerushalmim and was nifter in 1970. Lubavitch Commu- and some details of their life to chp5768@ Horav Hachosid His grave site is on Mt. Olives in nity in Crown Heights. gmail.com. If you wish, you could attach Hatomim Reb Moshe Jerusalem Reb Zalman Shimon also a picture. Groner was dedicated to every ישיבת תומכי תמימים ליובאוויטש 16th of Adar individual in the community The son of Reb Mordechai and involved himself in that per- Avrohom Yeshaya, he was a Horav Hatomim Reb Schneur Zal- son’s concerns. He treasure house of knowledge, with 1414 President St man Levitin counseled families many stories about the Rebbe. He was The son of Reb Moshe Zalman, he with Sholom Bayis able to tell a story precisely as if he had The “Getzel Shul” was a Mashpia and Mashgiach in the issues, worked in just seen it happen. He was born on the Yeshivos Tomchei Tmimim in Russia the field of Mikvoas, 13th of Cheshvan, 1933 and was nifter Is now avail- and France for many years and left and was mekarev in 1999. His grave site is in New York able for and ברית .numerous talmidim. He spread the Yidden. He was near the holy Ohel teachings of the Torah until his last mekushar to the (some) Simchos day and merited to prepare the Rebbe’s Rebbeim. Born in Horav Hachosid Hatomim Reb father’s manuscripts for print. Nifter in 1901 in Rogotshov Yekusiel Zusman Rivkin Please contact Rabbi 1977, his grave site is in New York near and nifter in 1985, his gravesite is in Sholom Brod the holy Ohel. New York directly behind the holy The son of Reb Shmuel Menachem 718-953-5523 or Ohel. Mendel, he was born in 1912 in Klimov- 347-234-8924 17th Adar itz and was nifter in 1990. His grave site is in New York near the holy Ohel. 6 CROWN HEIGHTS ~February 22, 2008

A Full Ripe Old Age

becomes a challenge because the A Full Ripe Old Age one is still instructed to respect and explains as follows: individual is physically weakening, elderly person because of the years that the world is evolving and changing By Mindy Silver he has lived. Regardless of an elderly The verse describes the centenarian at a furious pace. Usually, the elderly person’s scholarship, old age warrants existence in the following manner: person feels safer clinging to his old Taken with permission from Di Yid- respect, for it is a period of growth and 1) as if he were dead, 2) passed away, ways, personal preferences and habits. dishe Heim renewal. 3) nullified from this world. A“ s if he Exploring new alternatives may seem were dead,” means that though he does overwhelming. “Al Tashlichainee Le’is Ziknoh Kilchlos As one ages, worldly matters frequently engage in worldly matters, his “heart Kochi Al Taazvainee” – “Do not cast decrease in value. The knowledge and of hearts” is no longer involved at that Nonetheless, with the passing of the me away in old age; when my strength judgment acquired over years of life point. As a result of having shifted his years come many consolations. Wis- diminishes, so not forsake me.” These experience help one to determine life’s focus from commerce to Torah, dom, understanding and insightfulness, ancient words, written by King David what is truly essential and eternal. This the centenarian has made a transition. yield to modesty, freedom from vanity (Tehillim 71:9), have been recited by does not mean that an elderly person “He has passed” from one spiritual and true appreciation of absolute truth generations of Jews during the Selichos necessarily withdraws from the physical level to another. Furthermore through and timeless values. The ability to men- prayers which prepare us for the new world and throws himself into matters Torah study and mitzvah observance, tor and guide the next generation with year, during the days between Rosh of the spirit only. Though he may remain the cares and concerns of the physical perceptiveness and clarity is of mutual Hashana and Yom Kippur, on Yom active and involved in daily life, he no world are “nullified”, for his mind is benefit to young and old. Kippur itself and whenever Slichos longer dedicates his “heart of hearts” to submerged in Torah.” are said during the year. This verse the pursuit of the mundane. He is able Perhaps the commentary of the Baal expresses the universal fear of aging, to participate in worldly affairs without According to the above, old age essen- Shem Tov and the Tzemach Tzedek of loosing one’s capacity to look after completely immersing himself in those tially symbolizes a positive spiritual involve the negative aspects of old oneself. Old age is a time when we affairs, so that he remains “above the experience. However, if we look into age to portray the targets of spiritual deeply sense a lack of vigor and spirit in world” at the same time. the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, rigidity and inertia. Unfortunately, old coping with life’s travails. Thoughts of we come face to face with a view of old age can be accompanied by spiritual old age inevitably bring to the forefront Supporting this assertion is the Mishna age that is quite different from what we atrophy, buy complacent following of the realization that we are totally depen- in Pirkei Avos – Ethics of our Fathers. have just learned. The Baal Shem Tov a set routine, a loss of desire to grow dent on Hashem for our existence and “And at sixty (one has reached) old age, warns of the danger of growing old and and develop spiritually, to infuse new our seeming independence, and lead to at seventy, ripe old age, at eighty, (a sign stagnating in one’s avoda, service of life and meaning in the service of introspection and repentance. of special) strength, at ninety the body Hashem. He points our that the sup- Hashem. is stooped and at one hundred it is as plicant in the Psalm, “Al Tashlichainee According to the Torah, old age is a if he were dead, passed away and gone L’ais Zikna” TheR ebbe, on the other hand, sees the most opportune time for an individual from the world(Chapter 5:22).” beneficial positive dimension of old age, to serve as a role model for others. The Is not worried that G-d will forsake him as the freedom to concentrate in the torah tells us, “Rise before old age It would appear that the mishna, in his old age; rather he is requesting spiritual, with simultaneous involve- and glorify the face of the elderly.” An however, appears to denigrate rather that his service of G-d not become old ment in the world. An elderly person elderly person possesses experience and than venerate the very old by portray- and uninspired. has learned that worldly possessions knowledge from which others can learn ing old age in uncomplimentary terns, and related matters are not of primary much. TheR ebbe explains that though “…at ninety the body is stooped… at The Tzemach Tzedek, third Rebbe of importance: rather they are ancillary one is obligated halachically to respect one hundred as if he were dead….” The Chabad, clarifies the Baal Shem Tov’s to the service of Hashem. a person who has achieved the status of Rebbe analyses this misconception in teaching by indicating that one should being “old” in his knowledge of Torah, his commentary on Pirkei Avos and find novelty and inspiration in his Let us resolve furmly to pursue wordly learning, excitement and stimulation. matters with the spiritual wisdom of Obviously, old age is not merely a matter old age. May we merit to be young and of chronology, of the physical passage enthusiastic in our service of Hashem of time. Old age is a spiritual state that and fulfill our G-d given calling in this can express itself in enervation and world with vigor and devotedness. As weakened service of Hashem. the Rebbe once put it, “No one is exempt (from the task of illuminating the world This conceptualization of aging appears around him). Not withstanding the fact to contradict the portrayal of old age in that one may be well advanced in years, Pirkei Avos as quoted above. Perhaps, there are still particulars in which he trough analyzing the impact of old age is yet young, still at the starting point on an individual, one can understand of his divine service… This depends the discrepancy. Old age is often a time solely upon his will.. And when he so of increased frailty and vulnerability. desires, G-d will grant him strength Chores once easily executed are now and success to tangibly light and elicit difficult and exhausting. Daily living joy amidst all of Israel”

GED Chassidus CLASS in YU The bochurim of Yeshiva Free GED Gedolah Oholei Torah visit Yeshiva University every preparation Thursday night to learn chassidus with students and For young men, 17 and locals. If you have a relative older or friend living in the Wash- Monday and Wednesday ington Heights area, or know nights, 7—9:30 PM a student learning there who may be interested in setting A strong focus is given to up a chavrusa, please contact Math preparation. Yosef a.s.a.p.: 347 326 3210. Please call (718) 771-9000 (Or please call to sponsor a ext 17 to register or get more week of hafotzah.) information. February 22, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 7 Shiduchim

reason for Mordechai’s behavior. But saw the inscription. Thus, she asked Vedibarta Bam ~ Marriage her question had a deeper significance. Mordechai, “perhaps we are being She asked Mordechai to explain to punished because here in Persia the her “what this was, and why this was.” Jews denied that Torah was written By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky of performing a miracle, our Sages tells She wanted to know the reason for the from both sides of the Luchot.” The us that He does not do them for no tragedy that had come upon the Jewish Jews, she reasoned, perhaps had evolved In this week’s parshah, we read about reason. (Derashot Haran see Shabbat people. What had brought it about? In a new doctrine that Torah applied only Moshe’s heroism and bravery. When he 53b). What was the purpose of this the entire history of the Jewish people in Eretz Yisrael where they lived before witnessed the people dancing around miraculous form of inscription? things had never come to such a pass! and towards which the legible side of the golden calf, he shattered theL uchos The Midrash interprets Esther’s ques- the Luchot faced. In Persia, however, — Tablets — which he had brought Just recently we celebrated the joy- tion as a fascinating play on words: she they argued, the Torah does not apply. down from heaven. In addition, we are ous Purim festival. The echoes of the was saying that perhaps the decree came Looking from our vantage point you offered a glimpse of their uniqueness. Megillah are still resounding in our about because the Jews denied that the could not read the inscription on the The Torah tells us “The Tablets were ears. We read that when the evil decree Luchot — Tablets — “mizeh umizeh Luchot, for it was not inscribed legibly inscribed on both their sides, mizeh was issued to annihilate the Jewish ketuvim” — “were inscribed on both on both sides. Thus, we are exempt from umizeh heim ketuvim — they were people Mordechai rent his clothes, their sides.” Torah observance and practice. inscribed on one side and the other” put on sackcloth and cried bitterly in Indeed this is puzzling. What did Esther (32:15). the midst of the city. When word of Dear Chatan and Kallah, let the dia- mean by this analysis of the tragic Mordechai’s behavior reached Esther, logue between Esther and Mordechai situation? Is this denial of such vast The manner in which they were she summoned Hatach, one of the be the guidepost throughout your importance to justify the threatened inscribed was testimony to their Divine king’s chamberlains, and ordered him married life. Remember in theory destruction? origin. They were inscribed through to go to Mordechai to learn “mah zeh and in practice that G‑d gave us the and through, on both sides, and miracu- ve’al mah zeh” — “what this was, and Torah which was “mizeh umizeh heim Esther comprehended that when lously they were not reversed on either why this was” (4:5). ketuvim” — “inscribed on both sides” Hashem inscribed the Luchot on both side but legible on both the front and — and it is applicable regardless of what sides, He was conveying a succinct back. This is something which is not The Midrash E( sther Rabbah 8:4) side of the world you will reside in. It and poignant message to the Jewish humanly possible. says that indeed Esther knew of the can be “read” from any vantage point people: One should never mistakenly impending doom that threatened and must always function as the pattern think that Torah applies only to those Though Hashem is definitely capable her people. Thus, she understood the for the Jewish way of life. who stood in front of the Luchot and

boy or girl has done in the intervening and know what sense he/she is imbuing years may have literally made a different Finding A Needle in a Haystack the question with. This is not always person out of them. What we hear may possible. not be applicable anymore. The subject By: Sarah Junik call a Rov and ask his advice on how to of our question may have matured approach this situation. The same is true when asking for Continued from last week beyond recognition, and what we hear information. If one is close to the person would not apply anymore. So try to get No Misstep! The Tongue is mightier The third situation is that of a person who is giving the information, they will information from people that know the than the Sword. Part II called for information. This person know what kind of “measuring scale” subject now and not years earlier. Let must be careful to be honest and careful they use. If they say someone is smart, us keep in mind as well that the period We spoke last week about the second not to speak Loshen Hora. we will know what level of smart this between High School and looking for situation for possible Loshon Hora person is telling us about because we a shidduch is a period of major change which is the case of a person who did A person asked for information will find know their opinion of who is smart in a person’s life. So if the information not initiate the shidduch but has been it a lot safer and easier to answer specific and who is not. If we do not know the you are hearing is from those years, asked for advice on whether the shid- questions rather than giving a narrative. person well, then how can we know keep an open mind. This also applies if duch should be looked into. They should be asked direct questions what they mean by “smart” or by “out- the person is out of seminary 3 or more and not vague general questions. going” or “neat” etc. A person may be years. Information from a Seminary An advisor may be sought by a family a “neat freak”, and anyone less orderly teacher may only reflect part of the that has had a shidduch suggested by First of all, one gets better information is considered “messy”. Or a person personality of the person at this time. someone they do not know well. They with direct questions, but also, a person may be above average intelligent and After all we all work on ourselves to are unsure whether they should follow asked a direct question can answer to consider someone who is just average improve. up with this suggestion, or maybe it has the point. Naturally the person giving not very smart. It is almost like talking no merit and may be ignored. The advi- the information should specify if what a different language.Y ou are using the Regarding objective questions of dubi- sor should deal only in facts. Feelings he is saying came to him/her second same sounds, but the meaning is very ous value such as, “Did the boy/girl get are not what is required at this point. hand. Certainly one should limit one- different. One could say it is like the straight A’s on their report card? One The advisor should look at the shidduch self to facts and not hearsay. Even when English language; one may say “night” can simply say I do not know, because suggestion and express an opinion only dealing in facts, what is told has to be and the other understands “Knight”. such a question has no relation to the based on facts. If the advisor thinks with constructive intent. The informa- present situation or to the character personally that they would never have tion should be given for the benefit of Many times we are called to answer of the person. I have heard of a lot of suggested such a shidduch, that has no the party requesting the information subjective questions from people whom questions of no value being asked, bearing on the situation. Their advice with no thoughts of finally being able we have never met. Sometimes we may such as if the family uses color or white has to be based on concrete reasons, to give over a piece of gossip or taking feel that if our answer is interpreted the tablecloths for Shabbos, uses plastic on on real concerns based on personally revenge on someone. wrong way, it may ruin a shidduch. In the table, or if they scrape or stack the known facts and not on second or third such a case a safe answer is “I do not dishes. Not to excuse these questions, hand information. It is generally difficult to give subjective know.” Another method is to interrupt because they do not have real merit, but information. For example, if someone the conversation with an excuse and call a possible explanation as to how they Although the advisor’s first loyalty goes asks whether a girl is pretty or slim. a Rav. Then call the person back. came about is this: to the person asking their advice, they What is pretty for one may be comely are certainly forbidden to discourage for another (beauty is in the eyes of Even when asking a teacher, principal “Traditional” families would use white a shidduch unless they have firsthand the beholder), and where one feels or Rav such a question, one should be tablecloths on Shabbos and Yom Tov. knowledge of the matter that could only a size 6 will do, another will be careful to be on the same page. A Rov More modern ones might have used cause problems, and it is proven that happy with a size 12. Giving a size may who deals with such evaluations often colored ones. Maybe, a mother felt that this matter should be of concern and is be deceptive because of body types. may be able to give a proper answer. A asking about the tablecloth would tell not just a mistaken impression. Sometimes the size 12 may look like regular person should not be asked such her the level of tradition in the family a 10, and the 10 may look like the 12. subjective questions. But if one is asking without having to ask outright. It is proper to tell the person calling The only way to give good information a teacher or a Rov that taught the boy that it is not a convenient time and ask when a subjective question is asked is or girl in high school, a number of years Similarly, when asking whether some- to be called back later. In the meantime to know the person one is talking to, have passed, and what the growing the Continued on page13 8 CROWN HEIGHTS ~February 22, 2008

Nechamas Closet In 1997 Nechama Leiter (nee Brand), the daughter of Nochum and Chana, passed away at the tender age of 32. Nechama was a caring, gifted person who was very particular in the mitzvah of tznius. She was a picture of grace and elegance, and it is in her memory that Nechama’s Closet was established. For the past ten years Nechama’s Closet has suc- cessfully helped countless kallahs and women with Sheva Brochos, Shabbos and Yom Tov clothing. We have recently started providing sheitels for kallahs and women. Hundreds of women have walked through our doors, and each woman has left our closet not only with clothing but also with her dignity. Nechama’s Closet has made a difference in many people’s lives. The pleasure that each individual experiences when she finds an outfit that she can feel beautiful wearing is indescribable. Nechama’s Closet is giving women and young brides much more than clothing itself. Every woman knows the boost in self-confidence and morale that a new outfit or sheitel can give.A t such a pivotal time in their lives, kallahs are now proud to be the center of attention at their simcha. Women are now able to attend shul or any simcha with their heads held high. Is there any greater joy than to see others happy and have their needs met? LETTER FROM GUGGIE TZIVIN kallah who’s the center of attention or On Sunday, March 2nd – Chof Hey Adar Rishon, Nechama’s a woman who has to go to a function, Closet will be having their 3rd annual auction. NIGHTLIFE! shul or work. Upcoming Events Special guest speaker: Adele Faber, the internationally Nechama’s Closet has helped so many Thursday, Feb.21st, 7:30pm acclaimed expert on communication between adults and women regain their self confidence! Mind Control: You Are What You Think children, and best selling author of “How to talk so kids will Guest Speaker: Mrs. Sara Esther Crispe listen and listen so kids will talk” will present a humorous It is written that it is a mitzvah for a and inspiring lecture. Motzei Shabbos, Feb.23rd, 8:30pm man to adorn his wife with beautiful Find Your "Essence": Mix Your Own Scented Lotion clothing. If the Torah sees it as such as Entertainment: singing sensation Yossie Rose! with Mrs. Tamar Edelstein a necessity, shouldn’t we? Monday, Feb.25th, 7:30pm This year’s auction is dedicated to the Refuah Shelaima of Without your support Nechamas Closet Out Of Touch: The Untold Story Of Shomer Negia Chana Bas Rasha Zelda, cannot continue doing their important Guest Speaker: Rabbi Asher Crispe work. www.nechamascloset.com Ora Meital Bas Bella, Ruchama Aliza Sara Chana Bas Esther Thursday, Feb.28th, 8pm Lieba, Ariel Leib Ben Nechama, and the many others in Why Is It So Difficult To Find My Beshert? It is written that when one helps a kallah need! May Hashem with his infinite mercy hear our heartfelt Is Marriage Predestined Or they are blessed not only in the world pleas and send them a Refuah immediately! Dependent On My Efforts? to come but in this world too! So too Guest Speaker: Rabbi Simon Jacobson when one helps their community! In Many of us understand the financial strain of putting a wed- the merit of these great mitzvahs, may ding together. The hall, band, photographer, and household All programs are held at The NIGHTLIFE Lounge: you be doubly blessed! items. But what of the kallah’s clothing? Rubashkin Residence - 1349 President Street Looking forward to greeting you For the past 10 years Nechamas closet has been helping email: [email protected] personally, kallahs and women receive new clothing and sheitels. Blog: www.CHnightlife.wordpress.com Guggie Many of Nechama’s Closet customers are orphans, and NightLife programs are a joint project of CHJCC and BYIT then there are those who can’t make ends meet. We all and sponsored by the CHJCC know how we feel when we don’t have something decent to wear. We’re uncomfortable and embarrassed. Imagine a February 22, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 9 Parshas Hashavua

— “Anochi Hashem Elokeichem...Lo (Devarim 3:15) says that Moshe offered Vedibarta Bam ~ Ki Tissa yiheyeh lachem.” Rashi writes that this to come up with 80 tzaddikim. He was in order to enable Moshe to speak mentioned the 70 elders and the seven in defense of B’nei Yisrael after the sin tzaddikim, as mentioned in the previ- of the golden calf: “Your command ‘You ous Midrash. When Hashem said, “However, My Sabbaths you must shall not have other gods,’ was directed “That was only 77,” Moshe replied, observe.” (31:13) to me alone” (“Elokecha...lecha” is in “Remember Avraham, Yitzchak, and QUESTION: Why is Shabbat expressed the singular). Yisrael, Your servants.” How do we in plural? explain the contradiction between the Thus, the pasuk reads “Elokav” — his two Midrashim? ANSWER: According to the Gemara G‑d, in the singular — indicating that (Shabbat 119b), two angels accompany Moshe now said, “G‑d, why are you The Alter Rebbe explained: There is a Jew on his way home from shul Friday angry with Your people? The com- discussion in the Gemara (Horayot night: one is good and the other is evil. mands of faith in G‑d and not to make 5b) whether each tribe is considered a When they enter the house and find a By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky idols were directed only to me and not “kahal” (community) or if, when the nice atmosphere prevailing and a table to the entire Jewish people. The Jews Torah uses the word “kahal,” it refers “ ...’ ... adorned with Shabbat candles, the good .never violated any command!” to the entire community of Israel כי תשא את ראש ונתנו איש כפר נפשו לה זה angel blesses the family that they should ”יתנו...מחצית השקל merit the same spiritual atmosphere ( ) The Midrash in our parshah follows פרדס יוסף When you take a census...every man“ the next Shabbat. Reluctantly, the evil shall give G‑d an atone­ment for his the opinion that the entire people are angel answers, “Amen.” “ ” considered one “kahal.” Thus, to gain זכר לאברהם ליצחק ולישראל עבדיך -soul...This they shall give...a half shekel.” (30:12-13) “Remember Avraham, Yitzchak and forgiveness for Klal Yisrael, it was suf- Thus, proper observance of one Shabbat Yisrael Your servants.” (32:13) ficient to have ten tzaddikim. QUESTION: Rashi writes that Moshe is a source of Angelic blessing to observe had difficulty understanding what another Shabbat. QUESTION: Why did Moshe men- The other Midrash follows the opinion Hashem was telling him; He therefore, tion our forefathers when he entreated ( ) that each tribe is called a “kahal.” Since Hashem on behalf of the Jewish מלא העומר showed him a fiery coin which weighed in the making of the golden calf, the a half-shekel. people? tribe of Levi did not participate, only ”ויקרא אהרן ויאמר חג לה’ מחר“ eleven tribes were in need of forgive- Why was it so difficult for Moshe to “Aharon announced, ‘Tomorrow there ANSWER: In the year 1801 the first ness. Each tribe had to find seven tzad- comprehend? will be a festival to G‑d.’ ” (32:5) Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zal- dikim and could use our forefathers, man of Liadi,known as the Alter Rebbe, QUESTION: How was it possible that the fathers of Klal Yisrael, as the other ANSWER: When Hashem spoke was imprisoned a second time for his a tzaddik like Aharon should make such three. Therefore, Moshe mentioned about the half-shekel, He called it activities on behalf of the Chassidic a declaration? 77, which is seven for each tribe and “kofer nafsho” — “atonement for the movement, and he was released on the said, “Remember Avraham, Yitzchak, soul” — for Torah violations. Moshe fifth day of Chanukah.A ( ccording to ANSWER: The golden calf was made and Yisrael, Your servants. Add to each could not comprehend how money can Hayom Yom the release was on the 3rd on the sixteenth day of Tammuz, and tribe our three ancestors and now they accomplish forgiveness for the soul. day of Chanukah.) on the seventeenth day of Tammuz each have the merit of ten tzaddikim Therefore, Hashem said to Moshe, “Zeh Moshe came down from heaven. Upon and deserve to remain alive.” yitnu” — They should give just such a A prominent Jew, Reb Nota Notkin, seeing the golden calf and the revelry, coin (a fiery coin). The giving of a coin offered to use his influence in the he broke the Tablets. The Gaon Reb Moshe Chayfitz was in itself cannot atone for a grave sin government to gain the release of the greatly impressed with the Alter Rebbe such as worshipping the golden calf. Alter Rebbe if he would agree to meet Many years later, on the seventeenth day and showed him honor and respect. He However, if one gives with warmth with three very prominent Rabbis of of Tammuz, our enemies penetrated the personally gave him a chair to sit on and and enthusiasm that stems from the the “misnagdishe” (non-Chassidic) wall which surrounded Jerusalem and instructed his wife to prepare a splendid fiery core of the Jewish soul, then a community. The Alter Rebbe agreed, went on to destroy the Beit Hamikdash. repast for their honored guest. half-shekel can truly become the cause and the first one he visited was the Therefore, the seventeenth day of Tam- of forgiveness, even for sins that affect venerable sage renowned for his Torah ( )) סיפורי חסידים muz has become a day of fasting. The the essence of the Jewish soul. knowledge, Hagaon, Reb Moshe Chay- prophet tells us, however, in the name fitz.W ithout formally greeting the Alter “ ” וביום פקדי ופקדתי עליהם חטאתם of Hashem that “the fasting which ( ” ) Rebbe, he immediately started asking לקוטי שיחות ח ג takes place in the fourth month (17 him questions, which the Alter Rebbe “When I will have to punish them for “ ....” days in Tammuz) will in the times of answered successfully. The Gaon then something else, I will take their sin into זה יתנו כל העבר על הפקדים מחצית השקל Mashiach, be converted to a day of joy “This shall they give — everyone who said, “I will now ask you a question that account.” (32:34) and festivity” (Zechariah 8:19). passes through the census — a half- I asked many scholars and no one was shekel....” (30:13) able to answer it. If you can answer it, QUESTION: Hashem is always inter- Indeed, Aharon was heart-broken over I will respect you greatly.” ested in the welfare of the Jewish QUESTION: Rashi says, “He showed what was taking place and realized that people. Why then does He not want him a kind of coin of fire, the weight of this would bring trouble to the Jewish The Midrash Rabbah (44:7) says that to forget entirely about the sin of the which was a half shekel, and He said people. However — he hinted that when Moshe prayed for the Jewish golden calf? to him, ‘Thus shall they give.’ ” Why a eventually, “tomorrow” — the 17th people, Hashem said, “When Avraham fiery coin? day of Tammuz — will become “chag prayed for Sodom, I was ready to spare ANSWER: Hashem’s statement can be laHashem” — “a festival to G‑d.” them if he came up with ten tzaddi- interpreted as an act of loving kindness ANSWER: Hashem demonstrated a ( ) kim; I will do the same now.” Moshe between Him and the Jewish people. מעינה של תורה fiery coin, to illustrate the positive and replied, “You have me, Aharon, Elazar, Hashem is saying “Uveyom pakdi — negative qualities of money. Fire has “ ’ ” Itamar, Pinchas, Yehoshua, and Kaleiv.” Should there come a time when the ויחל משה את פני ה אלקיו .both beneficial and destructive effects Hashem said, “I see only seven.” Moshe Jews will, G‑d forbid, sin again and I On the one hand, it can destroy, but “Moshe pleaded before G‑d, his G‑d.” was in a quandary and asked, “Are the will have to consider what to do, at that through the smelting of metals, it can (32:11) deceased righteous alive [in the world time — ufakadeti aleihem chatatam also unite and join together. Similarly, QUESTION: Why the emphasis, to come]”? Hashem responded in the — I will take into account the terrible money can destroy a relationship or “Elokav” — “his G‑d?” affirmative. “If so,” responded Moshe, transgression they committed with the family, or unite and help build a beauti- “Zechor le’Avraham, le’Yitzchak, calf. I will rationalize the following: Just ful family. The fiery coin was Hashem’s ANSWER: The Ten Commandments ule’Yisrael avadecha” — “Remember as when they worshipped the calf, which way to caution the Jewish people to use start with the words, “Anochi Hashem Avraham, Yitzchak and Yisrael Your was indeed a grave iniquity, I forgave money properly and reap its benefits. Elokecha...” — “I am G‑d, your G‑d....” servants, and together with them there them; likewise, even if they sin in the “Lo yiheyeh lecha” — “You shall not ( ) are ten.” future, I will forgive the Jewish people have...” (20:2-3). Since Hashem was נועם אלימלך and not destroy them, G‑d forbid!” speaking to all the Jews, He should Another Midrash on this subject ”אך את שבתתי תשמרו“ (ר’ יעקב דוד מאמשינוב זצ”ל) have expressed Himself in the plural 10 CROWN HEIGHTS ~February 22, 2008

the nosh that can’t even be called food? a request? She gives her permission. The The Nosh Syndrome Just take a look at the ingredients of the child eats it, breaks out with a mild itchy snacks and treats that are given to our rash, and life continues. Taken from Hamodia am an observant Jew also mentioned children. You will be appalled at the to me that he has recently seen many amount of food coloring, additives and To whom should we turn? The mash- Hamodia is a paper written with much Jewish children suffering from Crohn’s preservatives that make up a large por- gichim who are giving the hechsherim? yiddisher taam. We look forward to Disease. Here, too, he blamed the poor tion of what our children consume. The companies who are producing reading it, and then discussing and quality of their diet. the products? The stores that are sell- debating the many interesting topics. Monosodium glutamate, MSG, is a ing them? Perhaps it’s up to us, the The wide variety of articles, opinions No, I would not consider myself a preservative that many people stay away parents, to stop buying inappropriate and facts gives us much to chew on! health fanatic. I allow my children to from since it is known to be unhealthy. nosh, to begin discouraging it or at After doing much research on nutrition, have some nosh. But since both my son Yet when choosing a snack from the least to greatly limit it. If the demand I am grateful that you are bringing and daughter suffer from minor health grocery shelf, it’s pretty hard to find for kosher, healthier nosh was greater, various health and nutrition matters to problems, I put an enormous amount something without msg. Most garlic perhaps kosher companies would the public’s awareness. (e.g. M. Miller’s of energy into trying to ensure that my and barbecue flavored snacks contain start producing it. Recently, Landau article on monosodium glutamate). children eat healthy food. However, it MSG. Many times children miss eating came out with soy chips with a natural Perhaps it would be helpful to bring has come to a point where I feel I have a good breakfast and the first thing barbecue flavor. to the public’s attention the following no control. For davening nicely, my they end up eating is their snack and problem, which many concerned and daughter is awarded with a candy. For box drink. See the label on most box Can’t we try to limit the excess nosh in frustrated mothers like myself are sitting and behaving on the bus, the drinks--they consist of 10 percent real some way? Is there anything we can do? facing. prize is a lolly. Yesterday she came home juice. What’s the other 90 percent? If we don’t do or say anything, then who with an edible plant. In place of colorful will? The responsibility lies upon us. Baruch Hashem, much focus has sand on the bottom of plastic cup was The array of all different types of inter- recently been given to the mitzvah red, pink and white cool aid. Instead of esting, colorful and fun looking candies, Yes, I know that everything is min of v’nishmartem l’nafshosechem, the glue that is usually placed on top chocolates, bubble gum, and lollies that Hashomayim. Many people tell me especially with regard to our children. was pink taffy with a colorful lollipop sit temptingly near the cash registers that since Hashem is allowing these However the one area that is much stuck in the middle. Beautiful! But how in most grocery stores is a sight that is junk foods to be sold in our stores, it ignored is what kind of food we are could I tell her not to eat it? It wouldn’t almost impossible for a child to ignore. is obviously meant for our children to letting our children eat. For me, this be so terrible if it was only once in a And soon the kvetching begins. have access to it. Maybe. But cigarettes has become a battle in which I feel while or even once or twice a week. It’s are being sold too. Is that an excuse to virtually powerless. I recently had to not. It’s every day many times! Freeze A friend of mine has a little girl who smoke? seek medical attention for my four pops for the heat, winkies for snack, suffers from eczema and is so highly year old daughter, who was suffering punch at lunchtime, birthday parties… allergic that she needs a shadow in Of course, regardless of what we do, our from severe stomach pains. Among the list is endless. Every Friday, they order to go to school. She is often called long term health and that of our chil- other things, the doctor explained to come home with remnants of shabbos from school that her daughter is crying dren are ultimately in Hashem’s hands. me why sugar is detrimental for one’s party nosh that was distributed in the since she too would like to partake in But we have to do our part as well. May diet since that is what bad bacteria morning before lunch, including sour the birthday party with the colorful He always bless us with the greatest gift thrives on. Helping it to multiply in the sticks, jelly beans, candies, etc. nosh. She is highly sensitive to food in life – that of good health. intestines and eventually taking over all coloring. What can a mother say to such the good bacteria. In the long run, this There is nothing wrong with the many process can cause all sorts of problems birthdays that are celebrated. But when for a person. The doctor, seeing that I planning the pekelach, can’t we limit February 22, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 11 CHJCC

Call The LETTERS: El Al Reaching Out to You May Qualify for Chareidim Benefits CHJCC Dear Editor, I applaud Mr. Rubashkin for re-opening Mostly Music is proud to announce the Visit www.nyc.gov/accessnyc to screen 718~778~8808 the Oholei Torah pool. (In fact I had mehadrin audio & video channels on El your family for up to 35 City, State, and written a letter in the Open House sec- Al Israel Airlines. Many Jewish music Federal health and human service ben- CHILD/FAMILY HEALTH tion of the N'shei Newsletter a couple of fans are already enjoying the Mostly efit programs. In addition to screening, INSURANCE issues ago, asking for someone to please Music – Jewish Music channel on all you can learn about the programs, how restore it to normal use). The facilities El Al flights, and as of March 1, 2008 to apply, where to go, and even print ENTITLEMENT SERVICES were there all along -what a shmae not they will also provide a mehadrin Video filled in applications. to use them as OUR COMMUNITY channel on all El Al flights, which will Rivka Shur...... ext. 24 ACCESS NYC has three steps: CENTER. Even more than lockers, include a very interesting program, to Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 proper changing rooms and showers make your flight more enjoyable. Step 1 In the first step, you can pro- VOCATIONAL COUNSELING & are desparately needed. As far as a vide general information about your name, I think it should just be called the Additionally, El Al is considering a household to get an idea of the kinds SERVICES Crown Heights Y as it was in the past proposal to offer a Torah/Shiurim chan- of programs which might be available Rivka Shur...... ext 24 (as in Boro Park Y etc). Please inform nel to it’s passengers. “The company to you. This will take approximately 5 us public in this paper as to when it will is certainly thinking of operating a minutes. Bela Vilenkin...... ext. 23 open and as to schedules and fees. special channel for the [Chareidi] sector Step 2 In the second step, you can FOOD STAMPS on the VOD services on our planes,” enter more detailed information about Again, YASHER KOACH AND a company official told the Maariv yourself and your household. ACCESS Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 THANK YOU MR. RUBASH- newspaper. NYC will then provide more specific FAMILY SERVICES KIN!!! THIS IS SO GREATLY information about those programs that APPRECIATED!!! According to Maariv, the channel might be available to you. This will take Phyllis Mintz ...... ext. 28 S.P. will most likely include Daf Yomi approximately 20 minutes. AP ARTMENT LISTINGS Shiurim. Step 3 In the final step,A CCESS NYC Penina Metal...... ext. 21 Moshe Rubashkin Answers" can help you with the application Subscribe - get this paper by process. This will take approximately CRIME VICTIMS Thank you for your letter.W e are build- email 10 minutes. ing a brand new locker room, showers, Send an Email with "subscribe" If you do not create an account, you will Batia Brandel ...... ext. 22 and bathrooms. Everything will be to [email protected] remain anonymous the entire time. [email protected] first class. (c) 917~618~0279 Galina Pindrick...... ext. 31 718~771~9000 Lifeguards Needed FEMA For the new Fruma Junik ext. 10 Crown Heights Rec Center 718~774~3999 POOL YAM~ Youth Action Movement Yosef Kanofsky Full Lifeguard Certification Required [email protected] Many Shifts are Available for male and female lifeguards 718~774~9213 Male Lifeguards: Call (917) 608-4545 SHALOM CENTER Female Lifeguards: Call (718) 812-5033 Shimon Herz We are still looking for a name for the center Th e H E A P Program Outreach Workers will CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY come again to process Heap The NYPD is looking to recruit members from the community to join the applications at our office on CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY. This program will teach civilians about the NYPD. Classes will cover but are not limited to: Special victims, child abuse, Tuesday, February standards of proof, criminal justice, counter terrorism, domestic violence, firearm 26, 2008 simulation, tactics, and much more. Classes will be given one day a week for 14 consecutive weeks from 6 PM TO 9 PM. A NYPD Police Academy Instructor @ the Crown Heights Jewish will be teaching all classes as if you were a NYPD Recruit. This program is open Community Council, 387 to all members of the community. Space is limited and will be determined on Kingston Avenue (corner a first come, first served basis. If you chose to sign up and space runs out, you may chose to be placed on a waiting list for the next class. This is an excellent Crown St.), way to get insight into the NYPD and forge a greater community bond with the NYPD. To join, please email PO Martinos at [email protected] 9:15 AM - 3:30 or call (718) 735-0527 as soon as possible. You will need to provide your name, PM. address, and phone number. Please come early -- First Thank you, PO Martinos, 71st Precinct (“Vinnie”) come, first served 12 CROWN HEIGHTS ~February 22, 2008

The Rebbe’s Sicha: Ki Tissa 5752

18th Day Of Adar I, 5752 These three stages can be defined as: also reflected in the contrast between was followed by the second phase, the First and Second Tablets mentioned the descent, the sin and the breaking Published and copyright © by Sichos In The Torah, “the beginning of the path,” above: that the First Tablets were the of the Tablets. This in turn motivated English which preceded the world and which “work of G-d,” while the Second Tablets the Jewish people to turn to G-d in is the purpose of creation as our Sages were hewn by Moshe. It is true that teshuvah, evoking the third phase, the Parshas Ki Sissa describes concepts that commented on the word Bereishis; the First Tablets represented a higher revelation of the ThirteenA ttributes of range across a broad spectrum, from b) The creation through which the level of revelation, but the advantage Mercy and the great ascent that found one extreme to the other including the world is brought into being and given of the Second Tablets lay in that their expression in the giving of the Second giving of the First Tablets, the sin of the a chance to fulfill its purpose; c) The holiness permeated the realm of worldly Tablets and the shining of Moshe’s Golden Calf and the destruction of the Redemption, the ultimate purpose of existence. Thus the First Tablets could countenance. Tablets, Moshe’s prayers for forgive- the world’s existence. be broken, for worldly existence repre- ness, Moshe’s vision of G-d’s glory, the sents a contrast and even a conflict with The above also enables us to understand ThirteenA ttributes of Mercy, the giving These three stages are also alluded to their holiness. The Second Tablets, by the connection between the Second of the Second Tablets, and the shining in the first three letters of the Hebrew contrast, are eternal, for they represent Tablets and the shining of Moshe’s of Moshe’s face. Alef-Beis. The alef is the first letter of the fusion of holiness with material countenance. The giving of the Second the Ten Commandments and includes existence. Tablets followed the descent after the A question arises. The Torah is not a all the Ten Commandments within it. sin of the Golden Calf. Thus, they relate historical record. Hence, although these The beis is the first letter of the word This level is reflected in the ultimate to the world as it exists within its own events all occurred within chronologi- Bereishis, the beginning of the Torah’s fulfillment to be experienced by the perspective. This is reflected in the fact cal proximity to each other, we must narrative of creation (and our Sages Jewish people, the Redemption, which that they were hewn by Moshe from understand: Why does the Torah men- relate, “The world was created with a will follow the teshuvah of the Jewish stone in this world. Simultaneously, tion concepts of such extreme polarity beis”). The third letter, the gimmel is the people. And at that time, it will be they are associated with great revela- in a direct sequence? first letter of the world geulah meaning revealed how the material dimensions tion -- indeed, quantitatively, a greater “redemption.” of the world will have become fused revelation than the First Tablets. And To clarify the radical nature of the with their ultimate spiritual purpose, thus, this revelation reflects a fusion changes in sequence: The First Tablets In Kabbalistic terminology, these three how they all exist, “for the sake of the of materiality and spirituality which represent an extremely high spiritual phases can be described as: a) the Or Torah.” brought about an elevation within level, “the Tablets were the work of Ein Sof, G-d’s Infinite Light, which the physical person of Moshe himself G-d and the writing, the writing of encompassed all existence; Thus we can see how the totality of causing his face to shine. G-d.” Conversely, the breaking of this threefold sequence is contained these Tablets (because of the sin of the the tzimtzum, the process of divine in Parshas Ki Sissa. This also leads to Indeed, this revelation was so great Golden Calf), represents a most extreme self-contraction which left a “vacuum another concept, that the flow from that it was necessary for Moshe to descent. Conversely, the ThirteenA ttri- and empty space;” and one stage to another is a sequence place a veil over his face. This veil was butes of Mercy and Moshe’s vision of established by G-d. And in this process, necessary, however, only when Moshe G-d’s glory represent an extremely high the revelation of the Or Ein Sof within to reach the third stage, one must and the Jewish people were involved spiritual level. Afterwards, the giving of the vacuum created by the tzimtzum. undergo the descent represented by with worldly matters, the refinement of the Second Tablets represents a further the second stage. the world at large. When Moshe com- change, for they were different in nature All three stages of this process are municated G-d’s word to the people, from the First Tablets (the most obvi- openly expressed in our Torah reading. This gives us a different perspective he would remove this veil. ous difference being as opposed to the The First Tablets refer to the Torah regarding sin: In Chassidic thought it First Tablets which were “the work of as it transcends the world (and thus is explained that sin is, to paraphrase Moreover, even in regard to the world G-d,” the Second Tablets were hewn they begin with the letter alef). The a verse, “an awesome intrigue devised at large, this concealment is not a per- by Moshe). descent into the context of worldliness against man.” If a person’s yetzer hora manent factor. Ultimately, through the is reflected by the sin of the Golden overcomes him and makes him sin, Jews’ service in refining and elevating Despite these differences, however, Calf. And the giving of the Second this is because, from Above, the yetzer the world, they make it possible for there the fact that all of these concepts were Tablets reflect the ultimate elevation hora was prompted to bring him to this to be a revelation of G-dliness within recorded in a single sequence in a that comes after this descent. sin. The Jews, by nature, are above any the context of our worldly environment. single Torah reading indicates that they connection with sin. Nevertheless, G-d, This process will be consummated in share a connection. That connection To explain: Our Sages interpret the final however, devises “an awesome intrigue” the Era of the Redemption when “Your is reflected in the name of the Torah words of the Torah, “before the eyes in order to elevate our people to a higher Master will no longer conceal Himself reading Ki Sissa, which literally means of the children of Israel,” as referring level by having them undergo a descent and your eyes will behold your Master,” “When you lift up.” Herein, lies an obvi- to Moshe’s breaking of the Tablets beforehand. “the glory of G-d will be revealed and ous question. The sin of the Golden Calf before the eyes of the Jewish people. all flesh will see.” represents an unprecedented descent. They continue, explaining that G-d Since this descent is merely a means to The impurity which had blemished acknowledged the positive dimensions lead to a greater ascent, it is brief -- to The three phases of service mentioned the souls of the Jewish people after the of Moshe’s act and even congratulated borrow a phrase, “I abandoned you for above are reflected in our divine service sin of the Tree of Knowledge and had him for it. a fleeting moment.” The ascent which every day: We begin our day with the departed after the giving of the Torah, follows it, by contrast, is eternal. This first stage, the declaration of intent, returned after this sin. This sin is the Although the question is asked: What pattern will be expressed in the ultimate Modeh Ani, in which we thankfully source and root of all other sins, and positive purpose did breaking the Redemption. It has been preceded by an acknowledge our connection with G-d all the punishments suffered by the Tablets have? In Chassidic thought, it awesome descent, this present exile, but This declaration is then given expres- Jewish people throughout the centuries is explained that breaking the Tablets it will lead to a great and eternal ascent, sion and allowed to take form in the have a connection to this sin. If so, enabled a higher dimension of Torah to “a redemption never to be followed by morning prayers and the study session how can it have a place in the portion be revealed. Through the process of sin exile.” which follows them. which reflects the ascent of the Jewish and teshuvah, the Jews were elevated people? to a higher spiritual plane as our Sages Thus when seen in this context, the Afterwards, we proceed to the second declared, “In the place of ba’alei tes- descent is not merely for the purpose stage, the descent into worldliness, our All of the above difficulties can be huvah, completely righteous men are of an ascent, but is itself a stage of that occupation with our surrounding envi- resolved within the explanation of a unable to stand.” And this higher level ultimate ascent. Thus our Sages relate ronment through our daily business unique phenomenon that is present is reflected in an increase of Torah that the entire purpose of the sin of affairs.A t the conclusion of the day, we in Parshas Ki Sissa: G-d has imbued knowledge. Thus our Sages relate that the Golden Calf was to allow for the reach the third stage, the ingathering of the world with the following pattern: if Moshe had not destroyed the Tablets, potential of teshuvah. all the activities performed during the The beginning, the head, reflects the we would have received only the Five day. This is communicated in the final purpose and goal of the entire entity. Books of the Chumash and the Book Accordingly, we can appreciate how verse of the evening service, “Indeed, Afterwards, the middle sets in motion of Yehoshua. Only after the breaking of all three phases mentioned above are the righteous will thankfully acknowl- a process leading to the achievement the Tablets, were we granted the other part of the sequence of Ki Sissa, the edge Your name.” (Significantly, this of that purpose and then, the conclu- dimensions of Torah study. ascent of the Jewish people. The giving verse employs the same verb that is sion, where the goal is actualized and of the First Tablets reflected the first used in the phrase Modeh Ani.) And consummated. The advantage of the Second Tablets is phase, the revelation of the intent. It in a more particular sense, the person’s Continued on page 13 February 22, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 13 Shleimus Haaretz

Phases In The Israel-Arab Conflict: Autonomy & Intifada Published and copyright © by Sichos In create international pressure on Israel its territory are becoming vulnerable effective in achieving results. Even English to make concessions; these concessions, islands surrounded on all sides by mere talk of possible concessions is in turn, spur greater unrest and violent hostile armed forces. In a sudden mass harmful because it encourages terrorist In 1989, there began a series of riots and activity, which evoke even greater attack (which inE astern Europe used to activity.” strikes in Arab villages and cities in the concessions. be called a pogrom) just before Purim, “West Bank”. The Israeli government 1996, in the yeshivah building at the In the course of a visit from Moshe responded with equivocation. Instead Matters reached the point at which, Tomb of Joseph in Shechem (Nablus), Katzav, then an Israeli cabinet minister of using controlled and directed force in an attempt to save face, the Israelis fifteen soldiers were killed and sixty and now President of the country, to stop the protests, it allowed the Arabs would simply not report terrorist activi- other Jews were wounded - by arms the Rebbe advised: “You understand to continue violent and provocative ties, unless and until they were forced to which Israel had handed to the Palestin- Arabic. Ask the Arab in the street. See activity. Cars of Jewish motorists do so by the prior publicity of Western ian Autonomy’s “police force” as part of what he thinks will be the end result of passing through the “West Bank” were media. To this day, nowhere in the the “peace process”.... the peace process.” stoned by the thousand. The govern- Western media, or for that matter in the ment’s response: “Buy shatterproof Israeli media, is it properly documented Several times during the Intifada, the On the same occasion, in 1992, after windshields.” the danger that exists for Israeli cars Rebbe made public and private state- the Rebbe had exerted the full weight of traveling in Judea and Samaria. ments citing the counter-productive his influence to bring about the election As the unrest in the “West Bank” was effects of the Israeli policy. Speaking of Shamir, he declared that he would allowed to fester, there was an increase The same is true of the precarious with obvious pain, the Rebbe stated oppose Shamir’s regime with equal in international demands that Palestin- security predicament of Jewish settlers clearly that concessions would increase vigor - because in the meantime Shamir ian rights be respected. At this time, a even now, when the autonomy extends terrorist activity, rather than discourage had changed his tune, resuming where cycle began which has continued until to only a limited number of regions it. “The concessions convince theA rabs Begin had left off. the present day. Unrest and violent in the “West Bank”. As the autonomy of Israeli weakness,” he emphasized. activity on the “West Bank” is used to expands, the Jewish settlements within “They make it clear that terrorism is

Sicha Continued from page12 Needle in a haystack party such as yourself. always consult with a Rav. Continued from page7 If there is a possibility that the informa- giving himself over to G-d is reflected one scrapes the plates or stacks them. A Needle in a Haystack is a book of advice tion will be ignored or if the person in the final verse of the prayers recited It is more polite to take away the plates for parents starting to look at shidduchim in possession of this information has before retiring at night, Kri’as Shema without either stacking or scraping. The given out on the occasion of one of Mrs ulterior motives for disclosing this al hamitah, “In Your hands, I entrust next level is to stack the plates and take Junik’s daughters’ wedding. information, then he/she is not allowed my soul.” them to the kitchen. The third option is to disclose this information. Any constructive comment is welcomed to scrape the plates at the table which by the editor. Write to CHP5768 @ The above is particularly relevant in the is not polite at all. So again, a mother Because of many other issues one gmail.com or directly to the author at present generation, the last generation might have wanted to know how should never take upon oneself to make [email protected]. of the exile and the first generation of “mannered” the family is with such a such a decision on one’s own but should the Redemption. The previous gen- question. I cannot say whether these erations have completed the service of questions ever had a place in gathering refining the world and our generation is information in a more genteel past. They confronted with the task of causing the do not seem relevant nowadays. third phase of the process, the Redemp- HURRY 4 DAYS LEFT!!! tion, to actually come to fruition. There is a difficult situation when some- one knows of a serious condition that In this, we can take a lesson from the the other party was not told of, such as a SALE!! beginning of the Torah reading, the physical or mental condition or previous command to “lift up the heads” of marital status or the like. If one knows the Jewish people. Significantly, this of a shidduch where such information Complete 73 Volume Set command was addressed to Moshe. It has been withheld and he/she knows is Moshe -- and similarly, the extension the information is true first hand (or of English Artscroll Shas of Moshe that exists in every generation, if second hand the information has Full Size set : $1,700 who infuses the Jewish people with been verified), then he/she should tell the spiritual power to undergo this the interested party of this condition, Regularly priced at : $3,000 threefold process of ascent. and it is not considered Loshon Hora. Even then, the information may only be Daf Yomi Size set: $1,300 Similarly, the process of ascent is accom- relayed when the condition is serious, Regularly priced at: $2,200 plished through the spark of Moshe that one is not exaggerating the condition, exists within every individual Jew. The and there is a reasonable chance that the spark of Moshe is identified with the information will be accepted and acted power of mesirus nefesh, the willing- upon. If it is likely to be ignored, it is Hebrew Artscroll Shas ness of every Jew to give himself over prohibited to be relayed. Before going 47 volumes available to G-d. This source of commitment, ahead, though, it is advisable to ask a however, is openly revealed in souls of Rov whether this piece of information Only the leaders of the generations, and will falls into this category and whether it reach complete expression in the person is permissible to offer the information $1,000 of Mashiach. even when one was not asked. whole set not yet completed May this be revealed in the very near The first step in such a case is, of course, future and may the happiness of the to contact the first party and convince month of Adar break through all bar- them to share the information with the Contact Mendy riers and allow us to “join redemption other party. This way the information to redemption,” and proceed from the will come directly from the person in 347-276-9352 redemption of Purim to the ultimate question. Try to convince the person Redemption. May this take place in you are talking to that it will be much [email protected] the immediate future. better if they themselves raise the issue rather than having the information come to the other family from a third 14 CROWN HEIGHTS ~February 22, 2008 On Relationships

When a couple treats each other with By Dina Lebovic to find a place where Hashem means During the wedding ceremony we say dignity, even if one of them slips acci- more to him than the fulfillment this “Shehakol Bora Lechvodo.” Everything dentally and repents, their bond is not This week’s parsha teaches us about indulgence seemed to offer him. If is created for Hashem’s Kovod, includ- broken. This is what Parsha Ki Tisa the power of relationships. Not long the Teshuva is real, the individual will ing marriage. We have to be holy in all teaches us. We were temporarily insane after the Jews received the Torah, they have reached a place within himself our actions. We must always treat those and sinned by the calf and repented goofed and sinned with the golden calf. where his commitment is so strong he closest to us with the many halochos of so that the relationship that was good How could that be? Didn’t the fact that no longer wants to commit the sin he’s holiness and awareness of Hashem. between Hashem and us became even they had the best partner in the world repenting for. better. make a difference to them? How could Dovid Hamelech wrote, “Turn from they violate their vows so early in the This works only if the individual has bad and do good.” An individual must In a marriage where respect and relationship? How could they sabotage had temporary insanity and sinned do whatever it takes to produce a happy g-dliness prevail, even if one partner such a seemingly perfect union? accidentally. spouse. In Baba Metzia (59ab), Rav temporarily slips, the relationship will Helbo states, “A man must be careful TheR ebbe states that Hashem orches- The relationship between husband and end up being even stronger. So strong, with his wife’s honor because blessing trated the Yidden sinning with the wife is sacred, just like the relationship in fact, that nothing will be able to break is found in his home only because of golden calf. He wanted us to under- between the Jews and Hashem. In its bonds. his wife.” stand the power of repentance. Tractate Nida (31b), it states that one must watch out for the feelings of a wife. Yes, the Jews sinned with the calf. By Raba states, “He who hates his wife is Repentance for a sin makes it possible Even if a man tries to comfort his wife Hashem accepting our repentance, he as one who murders.” to forge a greater connection with after inflicting some insult, the pain taught us that if the marriage partner- Hashem then was possible before the will continue to hurt her. The sting the ship is right, doing what it takes if one Rashi writes that a husband must sin. Until a person sins, the person’s husband has given her will be difficult unintentionally hurts one’s spouse never insult, neglect, or hurt his wife relationship with Hashem need only be to eradicate. If a man did something enhances the relationship and makes in any way. The needs and well-being strong enough to help him stay on track. to hurt his wife, he must make amends it durable. of our spouse matter. The couple must He only needs to remind himself that rapidly. emotionally trust each other. Hashem is in the world and that he is Dina Lebovic is a mental health counselor. Chazal in Kesubin (61A) states that required to do what he needs to. Once For a marriage to work, each spouse She counsels at a reduced fee through marriage partners are there for each the individual sins, he is confronted must be focused on making each other her non-profit organization. She can others happiness, for helping each with the stark realization that as perfect count. Each spouse must respect be reached at 917-474-3233 or 718 other achieve and share mutual Torah as he thought this relationship was, it each other for who they are. By being 493-0485. goals, and for working towards spiritual wasn’t strong enough to keep him from respectful they bring Hashem into perfection. sinning. He has to look inside himself their lives.

A Special Trip to Eretz Yisroel Meir Baal HaNess and Amukah, We Sheraton and in Yerusholayim is an davened Mincha in Meron at the Kever unparalleled experience. From Friday From the notes of Mrs. Fruma Junik Plaza, a magnificent 5-star hotel, and of Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai and traveled night at the Kosel, to the Great Syna- settled into our rooms. We had a deli- There are not enough words to describe through the Galil and its history. Next, gogue, to socializing with guests from cious dinner at the hotel restaurant. our unique and wonderful trip to onward to the holy city of Tzfas. After a around the world, to the delectable Yerusholayim and the Holy Land. I First day: Tuesday. Wow! The breakfast! walking tour of the entire city, we had food, and scrumptious deserts, it was was hoping to be wined and dined on I have never seen such a variety of dinner at Ascent (Chabad of Tzfas), and a Shabbos that will remain with us for this very unusual trip, but the reality foods: the cheeses, salads, fishes, dips, had a very emotional Farbrengen with many years. surpassed all our expectations. breads and baguettes, rugelach, freshly Reb. Sara Kaplan. We arrived back at The remaining days were spent shop- squeezed orange and grapefruit juice, the hotel around midnight and were From the airport we went directly to ping, visiting with relatives, personal eggs and omelets made to order, hot happy to have a restful night. Kfar Chabad. We drove around and sightseeing, and just breathing the Holy chocolate and a variety of coffees. It is stopped at 770-- it is identical to the Thursday:A nother great breakfast, and Yerusholayim air. We joined together impossible to describe the spread. At real thing. We proceeded to the Kotel, at 9:30 we boarded an armored bus for each evening for dinner and sharing. 9 AM, we left the hotel for our day in our first emotional stop. The Kosel our trip to Kever Rochel and Chevron. Monday evening, when our bus picked Yerusholayim. We started at the Kosel Hamaravi, with its Kedushah and As always Kever Rochel is stirring us up for the ride to the airport, we were for Shacharis, then on to the Southern charm elevated us to a higher sphere. experience. The newly built fortress not ready to give up the close friend- Wall excavations. Our guide was knowl- We Davened and read our Pidyon and around the area is a stark reminder of ships, camaraderie, and achdus. edgeable and pleasant. He explained were allowed ample time for all our the fearful situation there. On to the everything clearly and in detail. He We want to thank the sponsor of this Tefilos.W e proceeded to the Sheraton Holy City of Chevron. Danny Cohen, answered all questions intelligently trip, the CHJCC and its directors, the Shaliach to Chevron, was our guide and with patience. The Moshe Rubashkin, Dr Tzvi Lang, Rabbi through the city. He explained that the old city left a lasting Plotkin for organizing this trip, which Rabbeim have said that all our Tefilos impression, and we has brought so much happiness, eleva- go through Chevron. We visited all the davened Mincha in the tion and cheerfulness to so many. We Shuls in the city and learned their back- Tzemach Tzedek Shul. would also like to thank Mrs. Phyllis grounds. We proceeded to the Hadas- We concluded with the Mintz for her phenomenal job in taking sah Hospital and heard its history, and famous Tunnel Tour us there and bring us back as one family to the Jewish Cemetery and the story and said our Tehillim and much, much, more…. of Sara Nachshon, then to the Kever of at the spot closest to Menucha Rochel. the Kodesh Kedoshim. We ended with an We were treated to din- inspiring visit at the ner at Café Rimon and Ma’aras Hamach- ended the day with a pela. We ended the delicious assortment of day with a stop at ice creams. Mini-Israel. This Wednesday: After new attraction is another delicious an entertaining and breakfast, we were off interesting sight, to Tzfas at 7AM. Our with mini replicas first stop was Tiveria. of cities, buildings, At the Kever of the and monuments in Rambam, we learned the entire country. the Rambam of the day, Avraham Avinu Shul Chevron Shabbos at the and then on to Rabi February 22, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 15 Human Interest

Rabbi Hecht, is chairman of the board of the National Committee know it was not unique or uncommon. note on the door with visiting hours for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE), continuing the Many people who feel that they were for Shiva, I thought it was strange. I tradition of social services management and outreach that began with forced to sit Shiva since they don’t heard of posting times for prayer, but his father, the Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht A’H. He is a Rabbi and activist in really “believe in it” are surprised by who posts hours for Shiva? However, the Jewish community, focusing on family crisis intervention, guiding its healing effects. after witnessing a scene in a different and advising troubled youth and their families, marriage counseling, Shiva house, it became clear to me why and drugs and cults counseling and consultations. He can be reached Jeff, another fellow I know, lost his someone would post hours. That house Rabbi Shea Hecht at [email protected]. • father a few years prior to our forming a had many people sitting Shiva in it, and friendship, and he told me the following late in the afternoon they had to beg Comforting the Grieving (Part 1) story: Before his father died, he called the visiting people to leave the Shiva him and said, “Jeff, I’m dying, but I house for 15 minutes so they can eat A few weeks ago a cousin of mine mourning of a loved one can be viewed don’t want you to mourn my death. I breakfast. passed on. He was 48 years old and in from two perspectives. One perspec- want you to celebrate.” Being that he the prime of his life. My cousin was a tive is that of the mourner. Our Sages was a traditional Jew, the son would The second part of the Shiva process is father, a grandfather, a Rosh Yeshiva were brilliant in the establishing of have sat Shiva, but he thought he was the responsibility of the consoler. There and a very accomplished person in Shiva since it’s unquestionably the being a good son by listening to his is a Talmudic dictum not to console general. He was not well for a long smartest way to deal with the death of father instead of his Rabbi. Jeff told me a person while the deceased is lying time, and his death was expected; a loved one. A mourner is in pain and that instead of sitting Shiva, he went before them. Simply said, funerals are nonetheless, he was a young man with needs comfort. When people spend a out to a bar to celebrate. The next two not a time for comfort. A person is not a living father, thank G-d, torn from us week sitting and talking about their years were very difficult for Jeff both open for consolation at that point. I have leaving so many bereaved by his death. loved one and their loss, it is a healing personally and professionally. He ended been told by many people that those I couldn’t go to Israel to pay a personal experience. Additionally, sitting with up in therapy, and after a few sessions who try to console at that point gener- Shiva call like many of my family mem- friends and family allows mourners to the therapist looked him in the eye and ally provoke anger and cause more pain. bers, and I was therefore left to resort fortify friendships and gain support said, “Jeff, there’s nothing wrong with The best thing to say at a funeral is to to a Shiva phone call. What is there to and moral strength from those who you. You simply have to mourn the acknowledge the magnitude of the loss say to a father that lost a son? Though care about them. death of your father.” Jeff got together and then give words of encouragement unfortunately, I have had to pay Shiva with some family and friends, and he such as “May G-d give you strength.” calls to parents who have lost children, Sitting Shiva is better than therapy in cried and mourned and was finally able it was the first time I had to do this for dealing with the loss of someone who to move on. Needless to say, our Rab- Within the Shiva house consolation such a close relative, and I was really at is loved. A dear friend who sat Shiva for bis that established Shiva understood can be broken down into three parts. a loss for words. Being a Rabbi for close his father told me at the Shiva house, human psychology and understood Firstly, we must provide a shoulder to to three decades, I went by the very rule “You know I’m not that religious, but that mourning is part of the healing cry on and a listening ear; secondly, of thumb that I have been preaching all Shiva and Shiva calls are very clever. process. to acknowledge a mourner’s pain by these years, which is, if you don’t know The ritual forced me to memorialize, showing sympathy and empathy; and what to say, say exactly that - “I don’t speak about and share memories of my Even though Shiva is considered thirdly, to offer encouragement and know what to say!” father, which has helped in my healing. therapeutic, we must realize that by strength. Also, there is a certain reality I faced disrespecting the needs of the family, A death in a Jewish home necessitates when speaking about my loss.” As our visit can become burdensome. The To be continued the Jewish rituals of mourning. The pleased as I was with this comment, I first time I heard of a family leaving a

taxes. They are for illustrative purposes Do Money and Happiness Go Hand-in-Hand? only and do not represent the return on By Mordechai Schachter, Agent the first step to effective money man- tives through daily money manage- a specific financial product.) New York Life Insurance Company agement. Make a wish list of what you ment. A household budget may help want for yourself and your family. Items you decrease credit card debt, build a Set Realistic Goals and Manage Your How many times have you said to your- such as a new home, new car, vacations, savings account, save for vacations, etc. Money Effectively self: If I only had a few extra thousand funding a child=s Chasunah, future A budget may help you to revise your dollars a year, all my problems would Yeshiva costs, or charitable donations spending habits, cut costs, and achieve Money is not the source of happiness. be solved? The truth is that money may appear on your list. Next, prioritize short-term goals. But when used correctly, money can usually has very little to do with your your goals by deciding what is most help you receive the most satisfaction personal level of happiness. In and of important to you. Why? Because in a For long-term objectives, your best bet out of what you earn, spend, and itself, money possesses no value. It’s world of unlimited choices, you may is to start saving a specific amount on a accumulate. When it comes to your not the money B it’s how you use it that have only limited resources. Finally, systematic basis. The more disciplined money, it makes sense to seek the advice determines its worth. It=s important put a realistic price tag on each of your you are, the better your chances. For of professionals whose job it is to help to realize that achieving your goals lies goals. For example, you may want example, to accumulate $500,000 for people realize their goals. Talk to your in your ability to see money for what it $100,000 for Yeshiva over the next 15 retirement in 30 years, you will need to insurance agent about insurance and really isCa tool, no more, no less. Just as years. Or, you may like to retire with a save about $6,000 a year, or approxi- other financial products that can help your car gets you from one destination $500,000 nest egg in 30 years. mately $500 a month. You will need to you achieve some of your goals. to another, money is a financial tool put aside nearly $2,600 a year, or $210 that, when used correctly, can help you For more information, please contact How Do You Achieve These Goals? a month, for a $100,000 college fund reach your goals. Mordechai Schachter, Agent, New York in 20 years. (These examples assume a Life Insurance Company, at (718) 915- Establish a A Wish List@ Now that you have prioritized your 6 % rate of return and do not take into 3438. goals, look to achieve short-term objec- account the effect of current income Deciding what is important to you is W a r n i n g Please be aware that although double parking is tolerated when alternate side of the street parking is in effect, IT IS NEVER ALLOWED ON A BLOCK WITH A SCHOOL! This applies on President, btw. Kingston and Brooklyn, or Montgomery btw. Schenectady and Troy, etc. Save yourself a $115 ticket! 16 CROWN HEIGHTS ~February 22, 2008 JEW, IT’S UP TO YOU

Most everyone would love to win the I recall hearing in one of Rabbi Manis Health & Happiness lottery. Not everyone is born rich or is Friedman’s lectures how it was described By Moshe Nunez through you to others. likely to inherit properties, established how a frum Jewish child will not pay businesses enterprises, or even large much attention to an adult saying, Chassidus teaches Simcha Rule # 4: Smile. Teeth are bank accounts bequeathed by their “Don’t eat that candy because it will that in the Days of not made merely to grind food. They families. Not everyone will be able rot your teeth.” However, if the same Moshiach it will be bring light and happiness to those to start their own business and grow child is told, “Don’t eat that because it’s the BODY that around you. It is a known fact that you it until they are so well established not kosher,” the kid, without hesitation, gives chayus to the use fewer facial muscles when smiling so that for the rest of their lives they will drop the candy immediately. Let’s soul. The Torah versus baring a grim, long face around will not have to worry about financial examine this for a moment. teaches us that the town. issues for themselves or their children. H-shem chose Why will even a young child put down Now let’s review the guidelines to Many will not even be able to climb the OUR BODIES not our souls. So it a scrumptious-looking and colorful obtain, strengthen and establish our corporate ladder and amass sufficient appears that the often heard cliché says, candy, just because he/she learns it’s physical health. income through salary, pension plans, “Your Health is Your Wealth” is right not kosher? At the same time, the same and stock options or even have earned on target. Another important teaching Health Rule #1: Per the Rambam, kid, as long as the treat is known to be enough money to live off of after retiring of Chassidus is that “simcha poreitz exercise daily, preferably in the morn- “kosher,” could care less if the candy from the workforce. geder” (simcha breaks through all ing, before starting the day. Do enough will cause him physical harm (i.e., rot barriers), making it the unsurpassable, exercise of your choice that will increase However, most of us have the privilege his/her teeth)? Answer: Because we unstoppable, incomparable power that your heart rate and make you perspire. and great blessing to have been born have not instilled the right value of we have at our disposal to live life. Add a little more exercise every day (at with healthy legs, arms, stomach, heart, bodily health to our children. your own pace, but always a little more). and lungs. This you cannot buy with Today’s article combines these two While early in the Chassidic movement There are a variety of exercise machines any amount of money and is the greatest ideas of Health for the Body and Hap- it was customary to mortify the body, that take up little space. If do not have wealth a person can have. piness for the Soul. Actually, without to “splinter the wood” so it would exercise equipment at home or time to health (chas v’shalom) the soul cannot I’ve always wondered why it is that burn in the service of H-shem, this is go to the gym, you still have your legs be very happy, and if the soul is not frum yidden are not known for being not the way of CHaBaD. The Rebbe and arms. Calisthenics are a great way happy by being deprived of mitzvos, focused on exercise and good nutrition. explains that we have to have mercy to get a quick power workout in just a the body cannot be completely, 100% Doesn’t the Torah give importance on our bodies, helping it be strong and few minutes. A starter routine with- healthy either. An important premise to our physical health? What should healthy. This is especially true now as out leaving your home could be: 101 here is that true happiness and health we focus on more physical health or we are entering the Geula in which the jumping jacks, 20 sit-ups, 20 push-ups, is directly related to our relationship to spirituality? importance of a healthy body must be cool-down with another 50 jumping H-shem through His Torah. In other given much greater emphasis because jacks, then stretch-out your legs and In the early days of the Chassidic words, if we are doing His will through the soul will derive its spiritual nurture arms before running to the mikvah or movement, there were those that would the mitzvos we will be happy, and we through the vehicle of the body (see jumping in the shower. Note: Open a mortify their bodies through fasting are bringing spiritual wellbeing into Sichos in English, Likkutei Sichos, Vol. window or two where you are exercising and other means for the purpose of the 248 organs and 365 sinews of our II, pp. 530-532). for more oxygen. increasing their love and fear of Heaven. physical body, adding up to the 613 Today, however, the Rebbe explains If (chas v’shalom) a person is not well mitzvos of the Torah. Health Rule #2: Do not eat poison. (see Likkutei Sichos, Vol. II, pp. 530- physically, then it doesn’t matter what Commonly ingested poisons are: Going the other direction is also true. 532) that because we are closer to the he/she has in the bank or how many refined sugars and bleached flour, food I cannot fulfill the mitzvos when I time of Mashiach’s imminent arrival, houses, buildings or businesses are colorants, food preservatives, added oils do not have a healthy body. We will there should be a greater emphasis on owned, since these cannot be enjoyed of any kind especially hydrogenated and now discuss practical steps to obtain, having “healthy bodies” as the latent due to lack of good health. partially hydrogenated, etc. strengthen, and establish both our spirituality found within the body will happiness and our health. H-shem made delicious, juicy, colorful soon be revealed. To conclude, as a keili (receiving vessel) and nutritious fruits and vegetables for to enter into this Era of Redemption Simcha Rule #1: The hidden secret to In practical terms, let’s face the fact us to eat. Eat half a melon for breakfast. where G-dliness will be revealed in being happy is to be grateful. Happi- that without a healthy body we are very Have a bowl of whole-grain organic the material world, let us take care of ness cannot be obtained with money, challenged to do any of the mitvos. cereal for a mid-morning snack. Have our health in order to be able to use our pleasure, adventure or thrill. Without sufficient strength, we cannot steamed whole rice and vegetables simcha to inspire the world around us study Torah, daven, provide for our While in Jerusalem for my son’s bar with baked fish for lunch. Have a when they see that a Jew is a complete wife, take care of our children or our mitvah almost three years ago, as we giant tossed salad for dinner with human being in body, mind, and soul. fellow, or do much of anything. sang “Day day yenu…day yenu day pineapple, grapes, or bananas for desert. We have been chosen by H-shem to be “leaders by example” to the whole ונשמרתם מאד לנפשת’כם yenu”, it hit me like a lighting bolt: Drink a lot of natural spring water all “Day day yenu” is the key to unlock day. Keep a few oranges, bananas, or world. We are the ones to demonstrate In parshas Vaeschanan (Devarim 4:15), true, sincere, unblemished SIMCHA! apples around if you get the munchies with our own personal lives how to live we are commanded to be EXTREMELY It is realizing how blessed I am and in between meals. Shabbos and Rosh life to the fullest by our thoughts (grate- CAUTIOUS FOR YOUR LIVES. So counting those blessings and being Chodesh enjoy some lean organic beef fulness), speech (sharing our simcha it appears that it is only because of the sincerely grateful that I automatically or chicken with dry red wine along with with others), and actions (taking care ‘ruach stus’ (spirit of insanity) that am filled with simcha. Gratefulness some baked Chilean sea bass, halibut, of our physical health through proper has temporary taken hold of us that fuels simcha! or salmon. Of course don’t forget fresh exercise and nutrition) which will lead we would ever do anything that would healthy salads and organic whole wheat up to the immediate and full revelation Simcha Rule # 2: Stay connected to harm our bodies, right? or organic whole spelt challah. of Moshiach NOW! The Source (H-shem) by doing every mitvah possible using the simcha you Health Rule #3: Sleep in complete got from Simcha Rule #1. As you darkness and for at least 6 – 8 hours/ do each mitzvah, your inner essence day. No night lights, hallway lights, מצות לפסח becomes stronger as it fuses your will or even street lights shinning in the ישיבת תומכי תמימים ליובאווטש .with the Will Above. This will add window exponentially to your own simcha Health Rule #4: Do not use your because you become one with H-shem’s 770 body to do any act that is contrary to will thus enabling you to see the true הנני להודיע שאפשר לקנות מצות the Torah. Our bodies are holy; they purpose in all that you do. מהחבורה של הבחורים עם כל ההידורים were chosen by H-shem to be used Simcha Rule # 3: Get someone else to exclusively to make for Him a dwelling לפרטים .increase their simcha by introducing place in the physical world נא להתקשר them to Simcha Rules #1 and #2 above. 718-953-5523 Sharing our blessings brings the great- Back to the famous cliché: “Your Health בברכת חג כשר ושמח est sense of joy and satisfaction known is your Wealth”. I believe it is true, and to mankind. This makes your simcha I want to be wealthy too, don’t you? pure and more refined as it is flowing