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contents

HODU LA’HASHEM: CHABAD IN HODU 4 (INDIA) Shlichus | Avrohom Rainitz

THE KINUS IN 770 12 Special Report | Yitzchok Wagshul

CHASSIDUS IN HIS BLOOD 18 9-10 Kislev

SMASHING ATOMS ON THE WAY TO 22 GEULA Moshiach & Science | Yaacov Moshe Moses and Rabbi Y. Lebovic

OHEIV YISROEL USA 26 Feature 744 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 Tel: (718) 778-8000 Fax: (718) 778-0800 [email protected] ‘THIS IS FOR THE CHILDREN TO BE www.beismoshiach.org 35 BORN’ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Miracle Story | Nosson Avrohom M.M. Hendel ENGLISH EDITOR: WITH FRIENDS LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS Boruch Merkur 39 HEBREW EDITOR: ENEMIES? Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan Shleimus HaAretz | Raanan S. Isseroff [email protected] TURNING CHALLENGES INTO 40 Beis Moshiach (USPS 012-542) ISSN 1082- SUCCESSES 0272 is published weekly, except Jewish Shlichus | Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz holidays (only once in April and October) for $160.00 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and in all other places for $180.00 per year (45 issues), by Beis Moshiach, 744 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY and additional offices. Postmaster: send address changes to Beis Moshiach 744 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Copyright 2009 by Beis Moshiach, Inc. Beis Moshiach is not responsible for the content of the advertisements. 719_Beis Moshiach 23/11/2009 4:38 AM Page 4

shlichus HODU LAHASHEM: CHABAD IN HODU (INDIA)

Interview by Avrohom Rainitz It’s a year since the terror attack on the Chabad house in Bombay and we interviewed the “father of the Shluchim in India,” Rabbi Betzalel Kupchik.* He spoke about being cautious while simultaneously having bitachon, about the difficulties of chinuch, about the people they are reaching, and about publicizing the B’suras HaGeula. * Part 1

A year has passed since the money in business, but he has Establishment. Ditto for other Rebbe’s shluchim to Bombay, devoted his life to the Rebbe’s things he has done in his life. Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, work. He doesn’t pay attention to together with four other guests, Those who know him say that censure. That’s an advantage he were murdered in the Chabad he’s not a mere soldier but a has, as well as his “problem.” To house, may Hashem avenge their commando, the kind who will lead him, protocol is just a blood. Since then, shlichus in India the way and break the wall that recommendation. In his kingdom has expanded despite the warnings stands in the way with his head. in India you will see him walking about additional attacks on Chabad Others will follow him on a path around with his tzitzis over his houses in India, may Hashem that is already paved. He was one shirt, due to the intense heat and protect them. of the first shluchim in India and because he is displaying his Jewish I sat down for a long talk with the man who has remained there pride. Many shluchim in India copy Rabbi Betzalel Kupchik, the under such difficult circumstances him in this. Rebbe’s shliach to Poona, India. In for fourteen years! Now, a year after the attack in general, schmoozing with R’ This was exhibited with the Bombay, he discusses what has Kupchik is an experience, since founding of Matteh Moshiach in been going on the past year: he’s a character. He’s sharp and Eretz Yisroel, when he paved the How do you sum up the work quick and if he was so inclined he way at a time when he had to stand of the shluchim in India this past could probably make quite a lot of up to old-timers and the year?

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near future we hope to have He’s not a mere soldier but a twenty. commando, the kind who will lead the In addition, activities have been stepped up at the existing Chabad way and break the wall that stands in houses, both in quality and in quantity. Many shiurim and the way with his head. To him, protocol programs have been dedicated in the memory of the Holtzbergs, and is just a recommendation. tourists – who are our main target – want to express their Shortly after the tragedy we was to increase our activities in identification with the shluchim held a press conference in Kfar India. We resolved to double the who were murdered al kiddush Chabad with the participation of number of Chabad houses there. Hashem. They are participating some of the shluchim to India. One Over the past year, three new more in programs. of our resolutions – in accordance Chabad houses have opened and if There have been warnings of with what the Rebbe said to do G-d forbid we remain in galus, we late to tourists in India which under similar circumstances, such hope to open even more. At the single out the danger to Chabad as the massacre of bachurim in the time of the attack there were ten houses. How do you deal with the vocational school in Kfar Chabad – Chabad houses in India and in the threats?

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On Chol HaMoed Sukkos a As long as we demonstrated our trust in police chief came to my house with Hashem, the tourists didn’t take the three policemen. The chief said he was the commander of the police travel warnings seriously. When they station that serves the precinct that includes the Chabad house and that see that the place has become a fortress, the police commander of Poona wanted to talk to me. The city of it makes them nervous. Poona has seven and a half million people so the police commander Over the past year we were children to our Sunday school but has the same security visited several times by after the security warnings the responsibilities as the Israeli representatives of the Israeli children stopped coming. They Minister of Police. establishment with reports of terror were afraid. I did not know what they threats. They asked us to increase However, once the police of wanted from me. I told him that we security around the Chabad house. Poona decided to take were in the middle of a holiday and Back at the press conference we responsibility for defending the I could not attend a meeting. He held after the attack in Bombay, we Chabad house and they turned our was afraid to tell his superior that I announced our decision to put house into a fortified place, some did not want to meet with him and money into fortifying the Chabad tourists are now afraid to come. he asked me to speak to him by houses in India, but it entails a lot As long as we demonstrated our phone. The commander was very of money which we have not been trust in Hashem, the tourists didn’t polite and he said he wanted to able to raise. take the travel warnings seriously. meet with me over a cup of tea to Some Knesset members When they see that the place has discuss a number of issues. I told suggested that the State allocate become a fortress, it makes them him that in general I could not money to support Chabad houses nervous. On the other hand, the drink tea outside of my home and that work with Israelis abroad. children of that family came back that day, because of Sukkos, I That’s right, but in the to the Sunday school. You can’t couldn’t even drink water at his meantime, they aren’t giving win them all … place. He accepted what I said and anything. They just come with The warnings began a number asked when we would meet. I told suggestions and recommendations. of days before Rosh HaShana. On him I’d be available in two hours. I told the representative that if the Erev Rosh HaShana they called me I sat down immediately to write State of Israel sent them to us out from IDF Radio to hear my to the Rebbe about the impeding of genuine concern for Israeli reaction. I told them that on Rosh meeting and since I didn’t know tourists, they should be so good as HaShana we blow the shofar thirty precisely what we would be talking to fund our security. extra times in order to confuse the about, I simply asked that all go “You don’t go to the Satan, but here the Satan is trying well. Two hours later the police ambassador in Bombay with to confuse us and prevent Israeli chief came to take me to the suggestions about how to fortify tourists from coming to the Chabad meeting. He is responsible for an the embassy; you buy him the house and hearing the shofar. area the size of greater Tel Aviv and equipment! Chabad houses in India Recently, the Israeli Foreign yet it was interesting to see the invest large sums of money into Intelligence branch of the Shin Bet respect he showed the citywide Israeli tourists and you can help has warned of an atomic attack commander and his nervousness defray the costs,” I told him. from Iran. Is the Israeli before entering the office. Aside from the security angle government recommending that The commander welcomed me there are also spiritual concerns. Israeli citizens abandon the and inquired about the holiday we Many tourists won’t go to a country? I concluded by saying, were celebrating. After telling him Chabad house if it’s not “You don’t need to frighten people. the name of the holiday in English, adequately secured. Shouldn’t All tourists can come to the he looked up information about it. more money be invested in this? Chabad house without fear.” Then he said, “We called you here It’s true that some people stay You said that the Indian police since we have serious warnings away from the Chabad houses took responsibility to secure the about a terrorist attack on the because of the warnings. There is a Chabad house. How did that Chabad house in Poona.” family here that used to send their happen? He showed me a text message

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R’ Betzalel Kupchik with a group of soldiers standing guard at the Chabad house

intercepted by the Indian intelligence services that showed On Rosh HaShana we blow the shofar that the same group that had thirty extra times in order to confuse the perpetrated the attack on the Chabad house in Bombay was Satan, but here the Satan is trying to planning an attack in Poona. On his cell phone screen I could read confuse us and prevent Israeli tourists the text message with the address of the Chabad house. I was very from coming to the Chabad house and shaken. “We want to protect you,” he hearing the shofar. said. approach and he said he believed main road that passes near the I thought of the many brachos likewise. He told me that soon two Chabad house and soldiers with we had received from the Rebbe policemen would be guarding my automatic rifles manned the posts. and said confidently, “We believe house but two days after that, after Near the Chabad house there in one G-d and trust that He will the Indian holiday season was over, are always two trucks full of protect us. In our Torah (T’hillim, he would assign more people to soldiers from the special anti-terror specifically) it says, ‘If G-d does protect the Chabad house. unit and in the courtyard there are not protect a city, the watchman When he said “more people” I another fifteen soldiers. It’s a real does his job in vain.’ If G-d does had no idea what he had in mind. fortress. not help, the entire Indian army Two days later, a few trucks full of What do you think is can’t help. But we are sure that He policemen stopped near the motivating the police commander will help and you will do your part, Chabad house. Close to sixty to invest so many resources into too. I rely on you that you will do policemen spread out in the area of protecting the Chabad house? everything you can.” the Chabad house! They put up I see it as a clear connection to He was very satisfied with my roadblocks on both sides of the Yemos HaMoshiach. In every

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guarding the Chabad house don’t Two days later, a few trucks full of know why we have deserved this policemen stopped near the Chabad massive protection. They are convinced that I personally must be house. Close to sixty policemen spread very important to the Indian government and every time I leave out in the area of the Chabad house! … the Chabad house they stand silently and salute. One of the newspapers in Pushkar A few weeks ago I travelled to Australia, and I told the soldiers to reported that Chabad is getting greater let the car that came to pick me up protection than the prime minister of to stop near the Chabad house. A few minutes later their India. commanding officer came and asked me whether I wanted a normal country, how would they all he can to protect the Chabad police escort to the airport. treat foreigners who are the cause house and if it comes to that, he Is it scary to live under such a of terror threats? We can assume said, “We will die for you.” I palpable threat? that they would tell them to leave responded, “Don’t worry. We It’s the fortress they constructed the country. As someone familiar won’t die. They – the terrorists – around the Chabad house that with Indian leadership, it would will die!” made the threat palpable and make sense for them to do just If you look at this the way the frightened off some of the tourists. that. Rebbe wants us to, we come to the We also began to get a bit nervous, Furthermore, the Indian papers conclusion that this is the so my wife wrote to the Rebbe. The publicized recently that the terror beginning of the fulfillment of the Rebbe’s answer was in volume 4 of in Bombay caused tremendous prophecy, “and kings will be your Igros Kodesh, page 368, and it damage to Indian tourism. In caretakers.” dispelled any fears: recent months there was a drop of Is the Chabad house also Through spreading Torah in hundreds of thousands of tourists taking part in maintaining general and spreading Toras as compared to the same months security? HaChassidus in particular, the year before. If you take into As I said, our protection is fully through which darkness is account that every tourist brings at at the expense of the Indian police. transformed into light, then just least $1000 into the country, we The police commander asked us to as in the redeeming in peace of are talking about losses of millions also contribute towards the Dovid’s soul because many, of dollars. protection of the Chabad house, including Avshalom’s men, were And rather than throw us out, whether by installing a massive with me – so too, each one will they have brought sixty policemen electronic gate, building up the wall redeem his soul in peace through to protect us. This entails tying up around the Chabad house, or by the many, the angels who protect the resources of elite forces and setting up an advanced camera a person, the Good Inclination costs a fortune, and it’s all at their surveillance system and a backup and the Evil Inclination, being expense. I heard that one of the to the electrical system. with him, for with the newspapers in Pushkar reported I told him that we have no aforementioned the Good that Chabad is getting greater money for such projects but I Inclination overpowers the Evil protection than the prime minister would be visiting the United States Inclination and sweetens of India. soon and I hoped to raise the judgment and then the Evil Recently, the police commander money. Inclination reverts and becomes a himself visited the Chabad house. What do you think of all the guardian of the fruit. He walked into all the rooms, went new security measures? Then the Rebbe brings the up on the roof, and instructed the I told my wife that it’s definitely Targum on T’hillim that explains soldiers who accompanied him to helpful against the thieves. the words “because the many” not add police to positions that The security hullabaloo makes as referring to the many who were overlook the Chabad house. At the us uncomfortable, but we try to with him but to the many tzaros end of his tour he promised to do ignore it. The numerous soldiers that happened and still “he was redeemed in peace.”

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THEIR GOING ON SHLICHUS WAS DELAYED From the diary of Mrs. Rochel Kupchik “…in short, my burden is mainly at night. That is when I wrack my brains with a tough question: what do I prepare tomorrow? Don’t think this is simple. The guests need to enjoy themselves and there needs to be a variety of food. Also, don’t forget the limitations — there is no pre-checked salad and no meat. We have to be frugal with the mayonnaise and pasta – because when it runs out we can’t Roadblocks at the entrance to the street near the Chabad house immediately make an order from the grocery (there actually is a grocery store here that takes care of our orders, but they mostly bring us water). So the meals have to be based on natural products such as beans, flour and more beans, but believe me, there is a bracha and the meals turn out exceptionally well each and every time (even though yesterday the rice did not work out well and stuck together in clumps and I was embarrassed to serve Ashkenazi “rice cereal” like that. Afterwards I had a good laugh with Mendy and Yehudis, since in the end the people even asked for more). Another roadblock near the Chabad house What should I make? Make falafel. In order to prepare it all the were all in schools. How did they Lebanon. My wife was going to be kids stood and kneaded pitot on the pick up and leave a community, a teacher in one of the schools in special round rug for kneading drop everything and go on the area and that would give us a ch’pati. After several tries we shlichus? financial base, and I would devote managed to make pitot with pockets R’ Kupchik smiled and said, myself to outreach. and we were thrilled. “We actually went on shlichus right Since we got married in Adar, The Kupchiks have been in after we got married. It’s just that my wife could not get a job at that Poona (off and on) for fourteen for various reasons it was delayed a point in the school year and we years. Betzalel and his wife did not few years and in the meantime we decided to wait with our plan until go to India as a young couple like had ten children …” the following school year. My wife most shluchim. They already had What do you mean? was offered a job running the ten children and were well When we got married, we dormitory at Beis Chana “for just ensconced in the Chabad decided to go on shlichus shortly half a year” and that fit in perfectly community in Tzfas. R’ Kupchik afterwards. Our plan was to go on with our plan. held administrative positions in shlichus to Kiryat Shmoneh, a I wanted the Rebbe to guide me schools and Mrs. Kupchik was a border city that was under constant and I wrote that I was taught to well-known teacher. The children bombardment from southern nullify my own desires and do the

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Two years went by in which I “We actually went on shlichus right served as educational director of after we got married. It’s just that for Beis Levi Yitzchok. We had a superior staff and I felt various reasons it was delayed a few superfluous. One of the more talented teachers was Rabbi years and in the meantime we had ten Eliyahu Friedman a”h. Every few days he would come to me with children…” new ideas about how to advance the talmidim. We were on good Rebbe’s will and therefore, I had to the twenty children of the year terms and one time I said to him, no agenda and I was waiting for before. “What am I doing here? You are the Rebbe to tell me what to do. I Following my registration doing great and I’m just sitting in waited and waited but did not success, the members of the the Menahel’s seat.” receive a response. hanhala asked me to continue in He was surprised to hear me On Chol HaMoed Pesach, the my position. I wanted to go on say this and he answered candidly, wife of Rabbi Shmuel Frumer shlichus so I refused, but they “Since you were hired as called us and mentioned that her asked that I at least write to the educational director, I have loved husband, who, due to a certain Rebbe. I wrote and the Rebbe’s working here because when I come “heavenly occurrence,” the Rebbe answer was, “This pertains to the with new ideas you promote them. described in a letter as having askanei Anash in Eretz Yisroel.” You are a Menahel who wants “facial luminescence,” was Back then, there were main what’s best for the students and for currently by the Rebbe. I thought it three askanim: R’ Shlomo this reason it’s important that you would be a good idea to take Maidanchik, R’ Moshe Slonim, and continue here.” advantage of his special quality and R’ Zushe Wilyamowsky. I met with It was only years later that I I asked him to convey my letter to them in Kfar Chabad and told them realized that there is something the Rebbe and to ask for a of my plans to go on shlichus to that cannot be defined but response. R’ Frumer did as I asked Kiryat Shmoneh and the request of sometimes, the very fact that you and within a short time the Rebbe Beis Levi Yitzchok that I stay and are in a certain position gets the responded, “I will mention it at the run the mosad. people under you to work better. gravesite.” R’ Moshe said it was a good In any case, I was feeling a bit On Motzaei Shvii shel Pesach, I idea to go on shlichus to Kiryat down and I decided to go to the got a call from R’ Rami Antian a”h. Shmoneh and I could get monetary Rebbe. I went in for a “general He was the Menahel Gashmi of grants for working there, since it yechidus” in the small zal and after Beis Levi Yitzchok and he said that was a development town. R’ the Rebbe said a sicha I gave the they were stuck without a Menahel Shlomo also said it was possible to Rebbe fifteen pages in which I for the second half of the year and obtain money for various detailed everything that had been he wanted me to take the job “just programs. Only R’ Zushe sat going on with me. After a day or till the end of the year.” I thought quietly. After the other two finished two I was surprised to receive word that perhaps this is what the Rebbe speaking he asked them, “Are you from the secretaries that the Rebbe meant in his bracha, “I will guaranteeing a certain amount of had responded. mention it at the gravesite,” and I money?” About whether to continue at accepted. When they both said they were Beis Levi Yitzchok or to look for In those years, Beis Levi merely presenting ideas but they something else, the Rebbe crossed Yitzchok was a special program for could not guarantee anything, R’ out all the other ideas. He also boys from the all over the North of Zushe turned to me and said crossed out the word “whether” the country Many non-Lubavitcher firmly, “The Rebbe did not tell you and added “obviously,” so a new boys learned there. Shortly after I to ‘consult with askanei Anash.’ sentence was formed which said: took the job is when registration Rather, he said, ‘this pertains to Obviously to continue at Beis for the following year began. Since askanei Anash.’ If they don’t take Levi Yitzchok. I considered this a shlichus, I put responsibility, it does not pertain to I had asked what to do about in a lot of work and I was able to them and it doesn’t pertain to you my low spirits and the Rebbe register fifty children as compared either, for now.” wrote: Do not listen to the counsel of the old, foolish king

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(i.e. the Evil Inclination). When school’s financial deficit, he would one. For various reasons that had the Evil Inclination entices you to drop the idea of closing it down. I nothing to do with me, that idea think about your state of mind, said I had no idea what it involved did not work out. and in detail, tell him that you and asked him to tell me how much In the following years I did are a Tamim and not a chakran money we were talking about. It different jobs at Chabad mosdos (philosopher) and in general, you turned out I had to take such as Reshet Oholei Yosef have no time for this. Because responsibility for $5000 a month. Yitzchok, Agudas Chassidei your personal role in the world is I asked for time to think about Chabad and Matteh Moshiach. to do the will of the Creator it. In the meantime, I remembered From the diary of Mrs. Rochel through Torah and mitzvos and what the Rebbe said, “obviously to Kupchik: not through philosophical inquiry continue at Beis Levi Yitzchok,” Betzalel still did not return to and intellectual acrobatics. and thought this might be what the India but he made sure to send us At the end of the letter I had Rebbe was referring to. Another your package with the mother of a asked for a “bracha that I fulfill the thought disturbed me: How can tourist who is staying with us now. will of the Rebbe and his they close a school named for the You cannot imagine how excited we instructions with constant joy.” Rebbe’s father? were. The package was opened with The Rebbe crossed out the word I wrote to the Rebbe and was shouts of anticipation like in the bracha and the letter ‘shin’ and the told to consult with knowledgeable stories …. Nosh! new sentence read: You will fulfill friends. In addition to the taste of candy the will of the Rebbe and his At the same time, in the Shnas that we don’t see here; there is also instructions by being constantly HaBinyan I opened a Chabad the taste of SuperChabad — the happy. house at Rosh Pina. I thought of taste of our Tzfas, of life so far When I got this answer I did moving there. I presented my away that we miss so much. And not understand why the Rebbe question to R’ Yosef Yitzchok the warm, pleasant taste of added the words “obviously,” since Wilschansky, R’ Shlomo Raskin, unforgettable friends when we see even without it, it was clear that I and R’ Shlomo Zalman Levkivker, we have not been forgotten. should continue at Beis Levi and they said that I should take Today is Friday. It’s nice to think Yitzchok. It was only years later responsibility for the finances. I of the Friday routine in Tzfas; last that I understood. was able to keep the school going minute shopping at the grocery. It was 5749 when the yeshiva for a few more years until as a Knocking at the neighbor’s (your?) ran into serious financial result of events not entirely under door to ask for yet another thing difficulties and R’ Leibel Kaplan my control, much of the staff left, that was forgotten for our Shabbos decided to close the mesivta. As the followed by a drop in registration. preparations. Silence begins to educational director, I felt bad for In 5751 the school closed. descend on the city. Children in the students who would lose a We were still a relatively young white shirts (aside from the warm and supportive environment couple with five children and we Kupchiks who got theirs dirty and I asked R’ Kaplan what would considered going back to our already), are returning from the happen with these dozens of original idea of going on shlichus. mikva, and then there are the smells students who would not be At precisely that time, hordes of of Shabbos food – and compare accepted in other schools. Where Israelis began traveling to that to what we have here. I miss would they go? Thailand. There was no permanent Tzfas… R’ Kaplan said that if I was Chabad house there and I thought [To be continued be”H] willing to take responsibility for the it would be a good idea to open

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special report

Seven-seventy never looked so good. Here it was, just a few short THE KINUS hours after Shabbos, and a near- miraculous transformation had been wrought on the famous shul: like a movie set, it had been changed from synagogue and beis IN 770 midrash into elegant catering hall in little more than the blink of an eye. Fabric tapestries extended down to the floor—where no walls By Yitzchok Wagshul were available, they hung from wooden frames erected for the 719_Beis Moshiach 23/11/2009 4:39 AM Page 13

purpose—creating the illusion of world like a black-tie event at some Carlebach acknowledged his fine wallpaper in a vast space expensive venue. Eighty-nine presence and led everyone in skillfully reshaped for the evening. circular dining tables, each wishing him good health and long For tonight only, one entered 770 bedecked in a white tablecloth, years, and that, before long, he by a single doorway, which, once graced by a glowing candle and merit to resume his responsibilities traversed, proved the portal into a laid with maroon linen napkins and for the Rebbe. glittering evening of inspiration. A beautiful silverware, filled the The M.C. then introduced “the “wallpapered” hallway, bordered by space from the eastern wall clear to rav of our sh’chuna, member of the potted trees on one side and the back. Only the Aron HaKodesh Beis Din of Crown Heights, HaRav volunteers manning laptops for was unchanged. HaGaon Rav Yaakov Schwei.” registration purposes on the other, And that was appropriate, for Rabbi Carlebach related the well- opened onto the surreal sight of what was going on in the Rebbe’s known story of the Noda what one knew to be the zal of shul tonight? Something spiritual B’Yehuda, who, upon his 770, but which looked for all the indeed, something holy: it was appointment as rav in a certain nothing less than the annual European town, was subjected to a Melaveh Malka banquet in “test” by some haughty scholars. conjunction with the International They contrived a shaala calculated Kinus HaShluchim—the to stump the rav, and when the International Convention of Noda B’Yehuda answered less than Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries. perfectly, they tried to embarrass Gathered in Crown Heights for the him. But the rav noted, “It must be Kinus, some 450-500 shluchim that this shaala is not halacha filled 770 Motzaei Shabbos Chayei l’maaseh,” that is, not a bona fide Sarah to revel in each other’s halachic query applicable to a real successes and to hear speakers person’s situation. The reason, from all corners of the earth share explained the Noda B’Yehuda, is reports from the field. that when a person asks a rav a After an hour or so of bona fide shaala, the rav is granted networking, the program began at saayata d’Shmaya—heavenly around 9:30. Master of assistance—to arrive at the correct Ceremonies Rabbi Yossi Carlebach, answer. This is not necessarily the shliach in New Brunswick, New case, he continued, if the supposed Jersey, introduced the Rebbe’s shaala is merely a test and has no chazzan, Rabbi Moshe Teleshevsky, practical relevance. The fact that to lead the assembled in the the answer he gave turned out to Rebbe’s kapitel. This was followed be incorrect could only mean that by three brief videos of the Rebbe: the shaala was not real. Rabbi discussing the concept of shlichus Carlebach said that Rav Schwei, and Parshas Chayei Sarah; meeting who makes himself available to with g’virim (financial supporters); answer shaalos from shluchim and on the balcony at the rear of worldwide at all hours, is likewise 770. In one of the clips, a donor guided by Divine assistance, as he told the Rebbe that he is a saw from the way the rav supporter of Lubavitch, to which accurately foresaw all the Rebbe replied that he does not contingencies in a recent shaala approve of that expression. The asked by Rabbi Carlebach. Rebbe said he would prefer for the Rabbi Schwei, for his part, man to view himself as being welcomed the assembled shluchim supported by virtue of his and blessed them with success in affiliation with Lubavitch. their work. He pointed out that the The Rebbe’s secretary, Rabbi Rebbe often cites the seifer Lekach Shalom Mendel Simpson had been Tov, by Rav Yosef Engel, where it is scheduled to speak, but for health explained that there are three levels reasons was unable to do so. Rabbi to the concept of shlichus—acting

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 719 13 719_Beis Moshiach 23/11/2009 4:39 AM Page 14

as agent for another. The first is “We all know the power of the accomplishments span the globe?” where the principal, the Rebbe to help shluchim.” He he wondered. The only fitting meshaleiach, is able to fulfill his related that he had once received a blessing is that first delivered by obligation by having a required directive from the Rebbe to open a Moshe Rabbeinu: “May the task performed through the agent; center in the Ramot neighborhood pleasantness of Hashem our G-d the agent is acting on behalf of the of Jerusalem, to cater to the be upon us, and establish for us principal. In the second, it is as spiritual needs of Jews who had the work of our hands.” though the agent acts as an emigrated from Russia. Years At this point in the proceedings, extension of the principal; since passed without this coming to a musical interlude was provided the agent has the principal’s fruition, until eventually, someone by the Kapelye Choir of Crown authority, whatever he does is reminded him of it and asked Heights, led by Rabbi Zalman imputed to the principal. The third whether it had ever been Niggun. Their music was so level is where the agent is viewed implemented. Deciding the time inspiring—particularly the march as identical with the principal: the had come to take action, Rabbi for Rosh Chodesh Kislev—that principal himself is, as it were, Kogan asked his brother-in-law, spontaneous dancing erupted, with embodied in the person of his Rabbi Dovid Rabinowitz, to shluchim forming a line, hands on agent; shlucho shel adam kemoso investigate the matter. Rabbi each others’ shoulders, and mamash. Rabinowitz reported back that snaking between the tables. This third level is illustrated by there were already three shuls One can easily understand that the Biblical incident of Eliezer, operating in the area, and what an event like this, involving the Avrohom’s servant, whom Avrohom was more, the proposed site for the procurement of space; artfully and sent to find a suitable wife for religious center was unsuitable. with great imagination modifying Yitzchok. When Eliezer spoke to Instead, he planned to construct that space as described above; and the household of Besuel, Rivka’s the center elsewhere. serving an elegant dinner for father, he introduced himself with Six months later, Rabbi numerous participants (the caterer the simple statement, “I am a Rabinowitz excitedly contacted reports preparing 450 meals), is an servant of Avrohom.” He did not Rabbi Kogan, marveling at the expensive proposition. Yet, say, “My name is Eliezer and I am power of the Rebbe. His incredibly, at this point in the a servant of Avrohom”; his service conscience had been bothering him evening came the first of several to Avrohom was his whole identity. over the fact that the religious raffles: at least seventy thousand Likewise, his mission was more center had not been established in dollars was distributed to fortunate important to him than his personal the location specified by the Rebbe. participants to help with the needs: when offered food after his It seemed that, for a long time, expenses of travel and their general journey, he replied, “I will not eat Rabbi Rabinowitz had been trying activities. After all, it is not only until I have delivered my message.” unsuccessfully to sell a certain the organizers who face a Nothing else mattered. business, and eventually he tremendous expense – for their The point, of course, is that the resolved, “If the business is sold, part, all the shluchim who traveled Rebbe’s shluchim are identified I’ll make the religious center in from far and wide to participate in with the Rebbe himself, and if they Ramot [as the Rebbe wished].” the kinus suffered a financial are in a place, and acting in a That very day, he exclaimed, a setback. place, it is the same as though the person contacted him and Names were drawn throughout Rebbe himself were in that place purchased the business! Rabbi the evening awarding either $1,000 and taking those actions. Rabbi Kogan ended by inviting everyone or $500 to no fewer than 120 Schwei wished the shluchim to the opening of the brand new winners. All this was thanks to the success with the main shlichus of religious center—in Ramot. He generosity of a steadfast pillar of all, to bring Moshiach, concluding, then blessed the shluchim with support for the shluchim, Rabbi “Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu Birchas Kohanim, the priestly Shalom Ber Drizin sh’yichyeh. V’Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach blessing. Additionally, ten 53-volume sets of L’olam Va’ed.” The chief rabbi of Kiryat Likkutei Sichos (Parshiyos) were The next speaker was one of the Shmuel, Rabbi Avrohom Blachson, awarded as a gift of the Chanin Rebbe’s shluchim in Moscow (and was in attendance, and came to the family sh’yichyu. And—yes, there’s internationally), Rabbi Yitzchok microphone to deliver his blessing. more!—at the end of the evening, HaKohen Kogan. Rabbi Kogan “What kind of blessing can I the participants received valuable shared a personal anecdote, saying, possibly give such a group, whose souvenirs: an electronic photo

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frame preloaded with 30 megabytes of pictures of the Rebbe, and a seifer of commentaries on the Rebbe’s kapitel. May all shluchim, and all of us generally, enjoy such expansiveness in their work (our work, really), always! Rabbi Naftali Estulin, shliach in Los Angeles, CA, spoke next. Rabbi Carlebach introduced him with the reminiscence that, decades ago, as a young bachur in 770, he witnessed a group of shluchim from California waiting outside the Rebbe’s room. The Rebbe looked them over and asked one thing: “Where is Estulin?” The shliach commented on the fact that this year is 5770, which, he said, is “a beautiful year,” for which the Jewish world has been waiting for generations. The goal of a person’s life is to have a son; that son grows up and his goal, too, is to have a son; and so on throughout the passage of time. But what, asked Rabbi Estulin, is the purpose of those sons—why is that the goal? It must be, that at the end of the chain, that last son is the one who embodies the goal of all prior generations: that is none other than Melech HaMoshiach. And that, he said, is that Crown Heights would empty concluding with inspiring favorites the Rebbe. out, yet the very opposite is true: like Yechi and Shluchei Adoneinu. The Rebbe should have been not only is 770 more crowded Rabbi Drizin referred to the completely revealed as Moshiach today than at that time, but the fact that Eliezer, Avrohom’s 18 years ago, and yet, we all wait. neighborhood itself is packed. servant, faithfully fulfilled his This is a terrible thing, for each Rabbi Estulin then took the mission despite his own personal moment that continues to pass opportunity to voice his interests. The philanthropist without the arrival of Moshiach is appreciation, on behalf of quoted the saying of our Rabbis one more moment in which G-d, everyone, to Rabbi Mendel Hendel, that “He who prays on behalf of and He too, the Torah teaches, is who organized the event and so his fellow is answered first,” as in exile with us, in the sense that much more, and to his financial illustrated by Yitzchok and Rivka, He must allow the forces of backers, particularly Rabbi Drizin. each of whom prayed for the other. unholiness to exist. We must all be Appropriately enough, Rabbi He then urged everyone to say a pained by such a situation. Drizin himself spoke next. He was heartfelt l’chaim for the complete On the other hand, pointed out preceded by another musical and immediate exoneration of Reb the rabbi, it is wonderful to note interlude, this time a choir Shalom Mordechai HaLevi (ben the vibrancy and energy of the performance by the children of Rivka) Rubashkin. Rebbe’s own neighborhood, Crown shluchim. The children entered to Almost exactly one year ago, a Heights. The Previous Rebbe said, Napoleon’s march, and impressed few short days after the kinus last “America is no different.” After the assembly with their formal year, the horrifying news rocketed Gimmel Tammuz, some predicted uniforms and harmonious singing, around the world that the Rebbe’s

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The Rebbe’s shluchim in front of 770

shluchim in Mumbai, Rabbi Gavriel “do all that is within your power” letter in this Torah can do so by and Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg, does not necessarily refer only to visiting the website, with several of their Chabad House new activities, but can also mean shulastorah.com. guests, had been martyred in a that we must strengthen and Rabbi Dovid Lider, shliach in terrorist attack. Honoring their improve our existing activities. Melbourne, Australia, then spoke, memory, the evening’s keynote Reflecting on this, he said, he urging that the attendees not leave speaker was the Head Shliach to resolved that he could not come the kinus without taking counsel India, Rabbi Betzalel Kupchik. He without a gift for the Rebbe, so he amongst themselves as to how, noted that there has never before “did all within his power” and indeed, to translate all the inspiring in history been a time when Jews somehow succeeded in purchasing stories into practical action: how to have been so spread around the a new mitzvah tank to be added to further the goal of spreading the world on a permanent basis, those that currently serve the Jews word about Moshiach. actually residing (as opposed to of Israel. It would be in front of Rabbi Eliyahu Dovid Borenstein merely passing through) in far- 770 for all to see on the following of Bologna, Italy, spoke on the flung places. This is a blessing day. topic of bittul: a chassid must from Hashem, we are taught. In It was inspiring to hear young know that all his successes come the wake of the terrorist attack, Moishie Friedman, son of the Mill from the Rebbe. there had been talk of leaving the Basin (Brooklyn), NY shliach Rabbi Shalom DovBer Wolpo of area, but instead, related Rabbi Yehuda Friedman, speak next. He Israel, known for his dedication to Kupchik, the shluchim recalled the noted that he was not yet born the cause of shleimus ha’Aretz, Rebbe’s advice, after a similar when the Rebbe announced the delivered his remarks on that incident in Kfar Chabad, to Moshiach campaign, and for him, theme, elaborating on the current strengthen and increase activities. that is all he ever knew. It comes situation and the effort to improve Therefore, he announced, it was naturally to him, as he never knew things. resolved to double the number of any other way: the world is ready The evening concluded with a Chabad Houses in India, and new for Moshiach, and to him, shlichus video presentation depicting the shluchim will be taking up means helping people realize that. growth and spread of shlichus residence there. Someone in the Rabbi Carlebach announced around the world. The shluchim audience called for the shluchim that, with the Shloshim then danced Yechi, after which they from India to stand, and at that, approaching, a seifer Torah would merited to hear a siyum ha’Shas by perhaps eight or ten people got up be written in memory of Alta Shula the shliach Rabbi Moshe to great applause. Swerdlov, young daughter of the Antizadeh, followed by bentching A surprise was next announced shluchim Rabbi Yossi and Hindel and a group discussion of how, in by Rabbi Moshe Reuven Asman, Swerdlov of Israel, who was fact, to best translate everything the Rebbe’s shliach in Kiev. He tragically killed in a bus accident. into action. said that the Rebbe’s exhortation to Anyone wishing to purchase a

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9-10 kislev

Shaarei Orah is the Alef-Beis of Toras HaChassidus. CHASSIDUS (HaYom Yom for 15 Adar II) ROSH B’NEI YISROEL The story about the Mitteler Rebbe is known, that one does not answer a question in yechidus IN HIS about rectification (for sins) until that matter, in subtle form, is found within oneself. (Igros Kodesh vol. 6, p 251)

BLOOD NO PICTURE OF THE MITTELER REBBE And to note, there is a picture What new thing did the Mitteler Rebbe of every one of the Chabad leaders with which it is easy to imagine accomplish in Chevron? What their likeness in one’s mind, starting with the picture of the connection is there between him and Alter Rebbe … until Nasi Doreinu – except for the Mitteler Rebbe, the Rashbi and Moshe Rabbeinu? Why did Baal HaGeula. We have no picture of him. he want to conclude the shidduch … In continuation to what was quickly? Why is there no picture of him? mentioned earlier about the statement of Chazal, “You should * This and more in this compilation see the one who made the statement as though he is standing taken from the Rebbe’s sichos and facing you,” that regarding the Mitteler Rebbe (we have no picture letters; presented for 9-10 Kislev which of him) – the matter is accomplished by delving into his marks the Mitteler Rebbe’s birthday, teachings (ana nafshi k’savis yahrtzait and Chag HaGeula. yehavis – I have written myself into the writings) to the point of intellectual seeing. CHIDDUSHIM IN THE completes the days of the (Sicha 10 Kislev 5744, p. 539, 547) CITY OF OUR FATHERS tzaddikim, etc.” We see this with Moshe Rabbeinu and the Mitteler The Mitteler Rebbe was the first SILENCING THE MIND Rebbe. of the Chabad Admurim to buy (Sicha Motzaei Shabbos VaYeitzei 5738) When the Mitteler Rebbe said land in Chevron. The Baal Shem Chassidus there was absolute Tov, the Maggid, and the Alter silence and yet he would say, “Sha, Rebbe did not do so. It was a TARGETED AUDIENCE sha!” chiddush of the Mitteler Rebbe. The Mitteler Rebbe wrote for (HaYom Yom 4 Adar II) (Sicha VaYeitzei, 9 Kislev 5729) each category of Chassidim — for maskilim and for ovdim in addition REVIEWING CHASSIDUS COMPLETE YEARS to Shaar Ha’Yichud and Shaarei Orah, which are of a general nature The custom of Chassidim in the 9 Kislev is both the birthday and and written for all Chassidim. time of the Mitteler Rebbe is the yahrtzait of the Mitteler Rebbe. Shaar Ha’Yichud is the key (or known, as the Rebbe my father-in- Chazal say, “Hashem sits and index) of Toras HaChassidus. law related, that he would instruct

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them to tarry in all the places on His efforts went so far that the way home from Lubavitch and when necessary he would print review Chassidus. [long maamarim] in installments … (Igros Kodesh vol. 6, p. 132) as we see maamarim with a lot of sections; from the beginning to the LAG B’OMER middle and certainly to the end you have to cross “the breadth of the For the Mitteler Rebbe, Lag river!” B’Omer was one of the outstanding (Sicha leil 4 Sukkos 5749) holidays. They would go out to the field and although he did not wash his hands, he would drink mashke, CONCENTRATE which was forbidden to him for ON THE CONTENT health reasons. On this day the The Rebbe, my father-in-law, chassidim saw many miracles. Most told me that the Mitteler Rebbe did of the miracles had to do with not want people to analyze the children and throughout the year exact wording in his writings etc. they would look forward to Lag The Mitteler Rebbe’s … The relevance of this story to B’Omer. seifer Toras Chaim me (which is why the Rebbe, my (HaYom Yom 18 Iyar) father-in-law told it to me) is THE BLESSINGS understood – since I must also “RECHOVOS HA’NAHAR” AND CURSES request that they not analyze the exact wording etc. Just concentrate The Mitteler Rebbe’s special The Alter Rebbe would read on the content based on the cited inyan in Chassidus Chabad was from the Torah. One time, he was sources etc. “rechovos ha’nahar” (the breadth not in Liozna on Shabbos Parshas (Sicha Naso 5743 p. 1594) of the river) of bina, as we see in Savo and the Mitteler Rebbe – who his maamarim that they are was still a child before his bar extensive and expound on the mitzva – heard the reading from BE AN ONION explanation, as is expressed in the someone else. His anguish at There is the story about the numerous maamarim that were hearing the curses of the rebuke so Chassid of the Mitteler Rebbe who printed by him. affected him that (weeks later) the complained that reviewing the (Sicha leil 4 of Sukkos 5743 p. 199) Alter Rebbe was doubtful about his maamarim he heard in Lubavitch fasting (on Yom Kippur). When wherever he traveled through on HIS BIRTH they asked the Mitteler Rebbe his way home (as was customary in about this – after all, this parsha is those days, in deference to the The idea of g’milus chesed is read every year — he said, “When Mitteler Rebbe’s instructions) emphasized in connection with the my father reads it, no curses are elicited feelings of arrogance, and Mitteler Rebbe, as we know from heard.” this truly bothered him. the story that when the Alter Rebbe (Sicha Savo 5745 p. 2950) The Mitteler Rebbe said, asked the Maggid for a bracha for “Become an onion but review a son, the Maggid told him (in a Chassidus!” play on words in the verse of CONSIDERATION FOR The Rebbeim were precise with T’hillim), “ba’meh yizakeh naar – THEIR POCKETS their words. The reason he used es orcho” – that through fulfilling We find that the Mitteler Rebbe the word onion is that it is the mitzva of hosting guests he will made an effort to publish his something sharp and just a small merit a son. maamarim in consideration of the amount of it positively affects the The Maggid told the Alter hardships of the time, so that even entire dish, to the point that even Rebbe (in a play on words in the someone who could not pay more something that ordinarily gives off verse of T’hillim), “ba’meh yizakeh than a few coins at a time could a bad taste, the sharpness turns it naar – es orcho” – that through buy a maamer. Therefore, he did into a good taste (as we find in fulfilling the mitzva of hosting not print a lot at once but little by halacha). guests he will merit a son. little “so as not to burden the (Sicha leil 1 of Sukkos 5745) purchasers all at once.” (Sicha 4 Kislev 5744 p.558)

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 719 19 719_Beis Moshiach 23/11/2009 4:39 AM Page 20

we need to work on our davening The custom of Chassidim in the time of — that it should be with such the Mitteler Rebbe is known, that he exertion that our physical bodies sweat. would instruct them to tarry in all the (Sicha 10 Kislev 5748)

places on the way home from Lubavitch YEARNING and review Chassidus. FOR CHASSIDUS The story is known about the Mitteler Rebbe, who succeeded the holy torch did not complete saying “FEW AND BAD” Alter Rebbe after the latter’s the word chayim until...” In the time of the Mitteler passing, and from this we Rebbe it was a situation of “few (Sicha Lag B’Omer 5745 p. 1999) understand how great he was even and bad,” in regards to himself and during the Alter Rebbe’s lifetime, in regards to the state of Jewry in CHASSIDUS that he would make efforts and do his time: IN HIS BLOOD things to get the Alter Rebbe to say Regarding himself- the number The Mitteler Rebbe’s entire a maamer Chassidus. of years of his nesius were few essence and life was Chassidus. (Sicha 15 Shevat 5745 p. 1163) compared to the years of the Alter Chassidim often repeat what the Rebbe and Tzemach Tzedek’s Tzemach Tzedek said about the “RECHOVOS HA’NAHAR – nesius. Mitteler Rebbe (his father-in-law), Regarding the state of Jewry – L’CHAT’CHILLA” that if they cut his finger, we know the poor material We see the inyan of “rechovos Chassidus would come out. circumstances of the Chassidim ha’nahar with the Mitteler Rebbe Obviously this day (10 Kislev) who lived at that time, and even before the Geula of 10 Kislev, should be connected with learning obviously this also affected the and to the contrary, most of his his teachings which he learned and Mitteler Rebbe. maamarim were said before the worked on throughout his life, and Geula of 10 Kislev (which was in (Sicha leil 4 Sukkos 5745) particularly in a way of “expanding the second-to-last year of his life). upon it.” (Sicha VaYeitzei 10 Kislev 5746) THE HISTALKUS (Sicha leil 10 Kislev 5745) It says in the Zohar that on the THE FASTER, day he passed away, Rashbi said AVODAS HA’T’FILLA that he would reveal “holy words THE BETTER The story is known about the that were not revealed until then,” Baal HaGeula (which the Rebbe, The Mitteler Rebbe had a and “the holy torch did not my father-in-law related) that number of shidduch offers and he complete saying the word chayim during davening he would not said that he wanted the shidduch until...” We find the same with the move in the slightest and at the that would be concluded the Mitteler Rebbe, as it’s brought in same time, from the exertion in his quickest since he could not wait; he the introduction to Toras Chayim davening, sweat dripped from his wanted to hear his father’s wedding that [immediately prior to his shtraimel. maamarim already. passing] “he began expounding From this we learn how much (Sicha VaYishlach 5714) ancient, wondrous things” and “the Y.S. MOVING

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science & geula

threats, lawsuits were filed, and over a billion TV viewers watched the great switch-on fiasco. But what has happened since? SMASHING The project was supposed to answer lofty questions such as: Do other spatial dimensions exist; what is dark energy really; and what gives matter its mass? The cost so ATOMS ON far is $10 billion, and at 27 kilometers long, it is the largest machine in the world. In fact, it took eight years just to move the magnet coils from Finland to THE WAY TO Switzerland. “The quality control has been draconian,” stated Lyn Evans, LHC project leader. And the thing broke! Come on, what’s next, and does this fiasco GEULA prove, as you said, that only G-d creates something from nothing (the LHC was supposed to reveal the Higgs boson, ‘the G-d particle,’ By Yaacov Moshe Moses and Rabbi Yeheskel Lebovic that is thought to be the means by which the universe got its mass from nothing? The Large Hadron Collider, under the A: Dear reader, Yes it’s true that what some Swiss countryside at Cern, is a 17 mile consider to be a modern-day version of the ‘Tower of Babel’ circular race track for subatomic seemed to have collapsed on particles. It’s the world’s biggest physics September 19, 2008, but don’t think science has given up. After a experiment and it’s finally set to go year recuperating, they are now back in business. after 60 countries have contributed 10 Rabbi Yossi Engel, the Chabad Rav of Adelaide, Australia believes billion dollars and 15 years of work by “The experiment must go on. These questions must be asked! 10,000 scientists. But what is it all And all of this is very good for about? * Part 2 of 2 proving that scientific answers are consistent with Torah. Truth is Truth, ‘Emes is Emes,’ and the Q: Dear Yaacov, causing us all to be sucked down a progress of knowledge only helps Not so long ago (Chabad ‘black hole,’ prove the ‘Big Bang’ the world realize that soon Times, Nov/Dec, 2008) you wrote theory, or reinforce the theory of Moshiach will be fully revealed. As about what has been described as MIT’s Frank Wilczek, that creation the Rambam states (Hilchos “the most ambitious experiment of “comes from nothing”? Melachim 12:5), ‘The sole all time” (New Scientist, Aug. That big atom smasher, the preoccupation of the whole world 30/Sept. 5, 2008), then you told Large Hadron Collider (LHC), will be to know G-d. The Israelites us the thing broke. Is there any buried 100 meters beneath the Alps will be great sages: they will know more to say about the “Big Bang at CERN, near Geneva, sure things that are presently concealed, Machine” that was supposed to brought a lot of attention. I heard and will achieve knowledge of their either bring the apocalypse by that physicists received death Creator to the utmost capacity of

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human beings,’ as it is said, ‘The earth shall be full of the knowledge “The experiment must go on. These of G-d as the waters cover the sea’ questions must be asked! And all of this (Isaiah 11:9).” Rabbi Engel also observes that is very good for proving that scientific the money spent was not, as I asserted in my previous article, answers are consistent with Torah. wasted, and my view that all of the effort and money could have been Truth is Truth, ‘Emes is Emes,’ and the saved if only these scientists had read the Alter Rebbe’s Tanya, progress of knowledge only helps the where Chassidus clearly world realize that soon Moshiach will demonstrates from Torah truths that creation was indeed be fully revealed.” ‘something from nothing,’ is too simplistic. Scientists need their above absolute zero – the LHC is faith in Judaism is that G-d created proof, says Rabbi Engel. Upon the coldest ring in the universe. the universe ex nihilo, yesh me- reflection, I humbly agree, and The problem is that to get ayin, something out of nothing — therefore will now be more than particles traveling at such speeds a concept which the ancient willing to describe what is next for into a ring requires steering so philosophers (Plato, Aristotle, etc.) the LHC. Also, with Rabbi Yeheskel precise that it can only be provided could not accept. In addition, one Lebovic’s permission, I will quote by intense magnetic fields created of the primary doctrines stressed in what he has written on the subject by super-conducting magnets and Tanya and Chassidus is that of of continuous creation. these operate without loss of power continuous creation: G-d is Rabbi Lebovic is the spiritual only when chilled below a critical constantly renewing and sustaining leader, Rav, and mainstay, along temperature near absolute zero, the original process of Creation. with his wife, Rebbetzin Pearl cooled by liquid helium. Also, the The original six days are Lebovic, of Congregation Ahavath more energetic the particles, the nonetheless special in that they Zion of Maplewood, New Jersey, more powerful the magnets need to were at the very inception of the and I have often enjoyed and been be. Generating the extra-strong process, and Shabbos accordingly enlightened by his articles that magnetic fields means cooling the is not a day during which there is a appear in the Beis Moshiach coils down to 1.9 Kelvin (about - total cessation of the divine magazine. 271 degrees Celsius). sustaining power but a day during But now on to what is planned And here is the rub. At such which that sustaining power is of a next for the world’s largest cold temperatures, liquid helium different quantitative and machine: To review, physicists were becomes a superfluid and can slip qualitative dimension. indeed euphoric when the LHC through microscopic cracks. To The alternate way of explaining finally whirred into action, repair cracks, the entire LHC has creation is, of course, positing that rewinding creation, so to speak, to be warmed back up to room after the moment (or six days) of within a second of the original big temperature. Imagine their Creation, the world stands bang; but after only nine days of electricity bill! existentially in an independent operation, an electrical fault blew a Now finally after all this manner. This belief of continuous, hole into the helium enclosure, anticipation, it looks like the sustained creation has support in releasing 6 tons of gas into the research program is ready to roll in several Torah sources, as quoted giant tunnel and causing $21 earnest. ibid. This doctrine has another million in estimated damages. The I would like to conclude with doctrine as a corollary: if Creation project then temporarily halted. what seems to me to be the clearest is constant, affecting thereby every The goal for the LHC is to and most concise view that I have detail of Creation, the Jewish belief accelerate counter-rotating beams ever read of what Chassidus has to in detailed Hashgacha Pratis of protons to nearly the speed of say about continuous creation, from (Divine providence) must likewise light and smash them head-on 600 the writings of Rabbi Yeheskel affect every detail of Creation. million times a second. The most Lebovic of Maplewood, New Jersey: Although the Rebbe mentions distinctive feature, however, is the One of the cardinal principles of (Likkutei Sichos, vol.8, p. 283) that temperature. At 1.9 Kelvin – just

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the first doctrine does not attempting to bring esoteric His Existence vs. ours, it can be necessarily force the second one elements within the realm of reason added that this definition results in (otherwise, all the great Sages who and understanding. We find this yet another parallel between His hold that Hashgacha Pratis affects expressed in HaYom Yom (entry for and our existence. For, according only man, would have to disagree Cheshvan 19), where it states that to the view of continuous Creation, with continuous Creation — not one innovation of the Alter Rebbe we, too, are in a state of “nimtza likely, for continuous Creation is and his Chabad system was “to b’metzius bilti nimtza,” as it were. based on strong Torah sources), attain a level reaching beyond We do exist, but just barely: by there are various statements intellect, and (nonetheless, virtue of the fragility and instability throughout Chassidus which do, somehow) grasp this itself of our existential state going ipso facto, link the two: once intellectually.” What therefore through the process of constant, detailed Hashgacha Pratis is could have been the reason as to alternating creative energy accepted as a tenet of faith, based why G-d opted for continuous necessary to sustain the existence on various other criteria, it only Creation? of any and all created entities, our makes sense to link it to In Tanya (Igeres HaKodesh, state of existence is thoroughly continuous Creation. #20, p. 260) the Alter Rebbe unstable (more like the view of To prove continuous Creation, writes about the reason why G-d is modern physics vs. Newtonian the Alter Rebbe (Shaar Yichud the only One possessing the ability physics). This sustaining of V’Emuna, ch. 2) employs the to create yesh m’ayin (ex nihilo). existence is compared (Shaar reasoning of Kal v’Chomer: If the G-d’s Existence is in and of Yichud V’Emuna, ch. 1-3) to splitting of the Sea of Reeds Himself, with absolutely no sunlight requiring constant required to be sustained preceding cause for His state of connection to its source, the sun, throughout that night by a “mighty existence, He is therefore the only short of which it disappears into easterly wind” (Shmos 14:21) One capable to bring about existing nothingness. Thus, in this vein, we which kept the water in an upright entities who, likewise: (a) have too are “nimtza b’metzius bilti position, how much more so must absolutely no preceding source for nimtza.” This can serve as a Creation constantly be sustained, their physical components — save reason, amongst others, for G-d lest, without it, creation reverts the G-dly power that brings it forth having chosen the path of back to its original “state” of non- out of nothing, and (b) feel that continuous Creation, i.e., to offer existence (in the same way that the their state of existence is in and of us yet another area of similitude to waters of the Sea of Reeds reverted themselves, having the feeling of Him (see Eikeiv Hemshech 5672, to their original position as soon as “no strings attached” (although end of ch. 49). the wind ceased to blow). This recognizing intellectually that they Continuous creation and logical argument can be are dependent on a preceding, Hashgacha Pratis also have an questioned, for G-d does not creative cause). This implies that important corollary in terms of function within, and is not limited G-d, in His Kindness and desire to attitude to life’s vicissitudes, as by, nature and reason, and “there impart to us, wants to give us the mentioned in Tanya (Igeres is no impossibility (“nimna”) opportunity to possess certain HaKodesh 11, p. 445 in English within His realm of operation” areas of similitude to Him, as He translation): “And when man will (Rashba and others). Couldn’t He created man “in His Image.” contemplate with the profundity of have generated Creation without We find yet another area of his understanding, and will imagine having to sustain and recreate it similitude to G-d that we possess. in his mind his coming into constantly (see HaTamim III, The Rambam and others state that existence ex nihilo — truly every p.151)? G-d’s Existence, being so vastly moment, how can he possibly think The Rebbe states that indeed, superior and different than our that he ever suffered, or had any G-d could have created it in such a concept of existence, can only be afflictions related to ‘children, life, manner, but He opted for spoken of as “nimtza b’metzius bilti and sustenance,’ or whatever other continuous Creation. The question nimtza.” Existing as an Entity — worldly suffering.” that would then remain is why, not existing in the sense that we Depressed states of mind are then, did G-d opt this way? While understand existence. Although the often initiated, and certainly many statements made in Kabbala reason for referring to G-d’s exacerbated, by the lack of and Chassidus are accepted at face- existence in such a manner is to acceptance of one’s lot. This is value, we do see throughout underscore the vast gulf of especially so if there are, in Chassidus Chabad an emphasis on difference between the nature of addition, elements of self-

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recrimination (guilt) and regrets over past courses of action, in Depressed states of mind are often which case the person lives with initiated, and certainly exacerbated, by even stronger regrets and greater lack of acceptance. the lack of acceptance of one’s lot. The Chassidic antidote spelled out here lies in the integrated apply to every part of Creation in G-dliness, is the only being capable recognition of G-d’s Kindness in: this physical world: (a) all of fully appreciating the great gifts (a) continually sustaining our physical matter emerged out of that the Creator has bestowed upon existence, before which all else total nothingness, with absolutely us — by virtue of his capacity for pales into insignificance, and (b) no preceding cause and source of intellectual recognition, short of directing every step of ours their physical state, and (b) they which the cleaving falls short. through detailed Hashgacha Pratis. all possess instability of existence, Feelings and excitement have Through such recognition, man is according to the doctrine of prominent places in Chassidus able to be in touch with the continuous Creation. Wherein, when preceded by, and working in constantly renewed present moment then, lays the advantage of man, tandem with, intellectual grasp. and the blessings and opportunities and especially the Jew, in this This is what the Alter Rebbe it holds, rather than being dragged framework? The answer, perhaps, instituted with Chabad. This is by regrets of the past (once lies in this line of Tanya (English why, indeed, Chassidus serves as T’shuva is done, it’s time to move translation): “without the precursor and preparation for on), or worries about the future. comprehension, there is no Moshiach, in whose days “the investing, or grasp or cleaving.” knowledge of G-d will fill the The two areas of similitude to Man, and especially the Jew world, as the waters cover the sea,” G-d mentioned above obviously endowed with a special G-dly soul speedily in our days. receptive to deeper recognition of Make a “Mivtzah Kashrus” in your own computer! Introducing JNET-The world wide web without the world wide worryTM While The Internet can be a helpful tool for business, experts that will solve your problems fast. education and personal use it can also be a potentially Most important, you can now get the JNET Advantage for dangerous one. only a bit more than non-filtered on line providers. That's why J Net was created. If you're ready for the world wide web without the world wide Using exclusive multi-tiered intelligent filtration, the J Net worry, you're ready for JNet. portal is probably the most effective consumer resource for DIAL UP DSL Unlimited Access 24 Tech Support eliminating material not conducive to our needs. 4 Profiles per More than virtually foolproof, J .NET is also easy - both to Account Web Mail install and use. Plus its available in both dialup and high Call us toll free at 1-866-866-JNET (5638) speed DSL and backed by highly trained customer service (mention code “770” for special ANASH Rate) www.MoshiachForKids.com Check it out!! Educational and Fun!!

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feature OHEIV YISROEL

A compilation of stories and sichos from the Rebbeim about Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev — presented 200 years after his passing 5570-5770.

MECHUTANIM stood outside near the sukka and The Mitteler Rebbe put on his The tzaddik, Rabbi Levi listened to what was being said, outer coat, took his walking stick, Yitzchok of Berditchev was one of and heard them talking about and went to see R’ Levi Yitzchok. the Maggid of Mezritch’s close students of the Maggid. He anxiously entered the tzaddik’s talmidim and a friend of the Alter When they spoke about the room and immediately saw that his Rebbe. tzaddik from Berditchev, the fears were well-founded. As soon at The Alter Rebbe and R’ Levi Tzemach Tzedek said, “Our the tzaddik saw him, his face Yitzchok were very close and later mechutan,” and Rabash (his oldest grimaced in a look of surprise and they became related by marriage son) repeated an aphorism of R’ dissatisfaction and he began twice. The first connection was Levi Yitzchok on the explanation of speaking without a greeting to him with the grandson of R’ Levi Chazal that Sukkos is “the first day and without concealing his Yitzchok, the son of R’ Meir, who of the accounting of sins.” annoyance, as though speaking to married the daughter of the (13 Tishrei 5719) the crowd around him and not to Mitteler Rebbe, granddaughter of the guest. the Alter Rebbe. Thousands HEAVENLY JEALOUSY “Can such great and wondrous attended this wedding and for wisdom be revealed? It is forbidden The kalla and her family arrived to speak of the secrets of the s’firos many years it was referred to as in Zhlobin a few days before the “the big wedding in Zhlobin.” before someone who did not see wedding, led by the Alter Rebbe the face of our master, the holy A second connection was with and his son, later to be the Mitteler R’ Yekusiel Zalman son of R’ Yosef Baal Shem Tov.” He pointed at the Rebbe. R’ Levi Yitzchok and the guest. “And he expounds on it Bunem, the son-in-law of R’ Levi chassan’s family arrived on the eve Yitzchok, also with a daughter of openly and in public!” of the wedding. The Mitteler Rebbe left the the Mitteler Rebbe. The wedding The Alter Rebbe told the took place in Liadi in 5568. room in great haste and returned to Mitteler Rebbe to go and welcome his father. his mechutan at his host’s house. “Father, the tzaddik’s OUR MECHUTAN His frightened son said, “But you annoyance still stands. I am The Rebbe Rayatz related in the know how the tzaddik is annoyed afraid.” name of his teacher, Rashbatz: with me because I say a lot of The Alter Rebbe understood The Tzemach Tzedek once was Chassidus publicly. I’m afraid to that it was important to resolve this farbrenging in the sukka with his approach him myself.” before the wedding and he quickly sons and with senior Chassidim. “Go, my son, and don’t be went with his son to R’ Levi Three of the younger Chassidim afraid,” replied the Alter Rebbe. Yitzchok to straighten things out.

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The gravesite of BRIEF BIO: DEFENDER OF ISRAEL Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, one of the special disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch, is known as the “Defender of Israel.” He was born in 5500/1740 to R’ Meir and Sarah Sasha in the town Hoskov. Upon his birth, the Baal Shem Tov rejoiced and informed his holy disciples, “A great soul has descended to the world who will speak favorably for the Jews in the future.” (Eser Oros 2:1) Satan opposed the descent of this soul and said, “When this neshama goes down, my power will end and I will have no control, because he will bring the entire world back in repentance.” Hashem consoled him, “This neshama will be a rav and will be burdened by the communal needs and be persecuted by antagonists.” In his youth R’ Levi Yitzchok was known as the genius from Lavretov (in Poland). In his teens he married the daughter of R’ Yisroel Peretz of Lavretov (in Poland) who managed the property of the squire in that town. Lavretov was known at the time as a town of sages. He joined them and learned with them. In addition to his learning, he hosted people in his home and served them himself and prepared their beds. The two great men met and At the suggestion of his mentor, R’ Shmelke Horowitz (later of warmly greeted one another. Nikolsburg), he went to see the Maggid of Mezritch and discovered “Why are you so upset with my a new world. He became utterly devoted to the Maggid and adopted son Berel?” asked the Alter Rebbe. the approach and teachings of Chassidus. Thus he is, in fact, only R’ Levi Yitzchok replied, “You five generations removed from receiving the Torah on Har Sinai from know that it is not me who forbids, Hashem Himself. He was the student of the Maggid of Mezritch, this but our teacher, the Maggid, who received the tradition from the Baal Shem Tov, who in turn who said not to speak Chassidus in received the tradition from the prophet Achiya HaShiloni, who was public unless the person saw the counted among those who were in the exodus from Egypt (see face of the holy Baal Shem Tov. Rambam’s introduction to the Mishna Torah), and who learned and How can your son say deep received the Torah from Moshe Rabbeinu, who in turn received it thoughts on atik and arich; aren’t from G-d Himself. (Toldos K’dushas Levi Munkacz 2:8) these ideas too lofty?” His parents opposed the Chassidic movement and when they The Alter Rebbe thought and found out that their son had joined the Chassidim they sat Shiva. then said, “My son Berel only says After his father-in-law lost his money, he had to fill R’ Shmelke’s what he heard from me, and I saw place as rabbi in Ritchvol but due to persecution by the Misnagdim the Baal Shem Tov.” he fled on Hoshana Raba to the Maggid of Kozhnitz. “In a vision or in real life?” In 5525, he became rav in Zelichov, but due to persecution by the “In real life.” Misnagdim, he took the position of rav and rosh mesivta in Pinsk in R’ Levi Yitzchok’s face cleared. 5531. There, too, he did not find peace. The Misnagdim declared “If so, let the son of the mechutan war on him; they attacked his house and robbed him. say divrei Elokim chayim.” When he was 45 in 5545, on the 45th day of the Omer, he The Mitteler Rebbe found arrived in Berditchev and was adorned with both the crown of Torah himself in a bind. He had followed and the crown of Chassidus. the conversation of the two great After the suffering he endured in so many places over so many men and he was happy that things years, R’ Levi Yitzchok finally found peace in Berditchev. His had been smoothed over between passion and d’veikus in Hashem reached new heights. He was “on his father and R’ Levi Yitzchok, but fire” — extremely emotional, and constantly cleaving to Hashem. He now the tzaddik had assigned him called out frequently to Hashem, addressing Him as Der Barimdiger a most difficult task — to say (the Merciful One). Sometimes he conversed with Hashem as one Chassidus in front of both of them. speaks with a friend, turning to Him with requests, complaints and He had a big problem. He knew that when he said Chassidus, his

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mind poured forth in abundance He was a passionate believer in the without stop. Thought followed thought and chiddush followed inherent goodness of human beings chiddush, but he needed peace and quiet for this. How would he say and always found a way to give Chassidus in front of R’ Levi Yitzchok when it was known that another Jew the benefit of the doubt. when R’ Levi Yitzchok heard chiddushei Torah he would lose demands — never for himself, neither for his material nor even his himself in intense excitement? spiritual needs, but for the Jewish people whom he loved and for The Mitteler Rebbe mustered whom he was ready to sacrifice his body and soul and all that was his courage and said to R’ Levi holy to him. Yitzchok, “You know that I need People were astounded by the intensity of his emotion, his quiet when I say Chassidus.” teachings and his ecstatic prayer. One biographer writes, “When he The tzaddik nodded to indicate davened, he did so with fear and trembling. He could not stand in that he understood and having no one spot, because of his fear, and when someone left him on one choice, the Mitteler Rebbe began to side of the room, he found him later on the other side. The hair of say deep Chassidic thoughts. The all who were present as he davened stood on end and their hearts two tzaddikim sat there and melted, and all the crookedness of their hearts were straightened out listened closely. with the sound of his voice.” The Mitteler Rebbe delved Rabbi Levi Yitzchok wrote the popular work K’dushas Levi, a deeply and was disengaged from classic collection of Chassidic thoughts arranged according to the his surroundings as he climbed to weekly Torah portions. It includes a commentary on Avos, and an spiritual heights. R’ Levi Yitzchok appendix containing a number of anecdotes that reflect his saintly heard him recite secrets of the life and his role as attorney for the defense of the Jewish people. secrets and knew with his ruach He became famous primarily for his Ahavas Yisroel and being a ha’kodesh that their source was in Meilitz Yasher – a defender of the Jewish people, even the sinners the first luchos on the level before among them. Chassidic literature has many stories about situations they were broken. in which he found some positive points even among sinners. He was The spirit of the Berditchever a passionate believer in the inherent goodness of human beings and burned with the flames of holiness always found a way to give another Jew the benefit of the doubt. until he could not restrain himself. The Tzemach Tzedek would say that from all the advocacy and Quickly, he got up and covered the merits he said on behalf of the people of Israel, there was created in Mitteler Rebbe’s face with a tallis. Heaven Above a unique heichal (chamber or palace) known as the “The heavenly Ofanim and Seraphs Heichal HaZ’chus, the “Palace of Merit,” that is called “Levi shouldn’t envy you. Watch out and Yitzchok ben Sarah Sasha.” When a Jew prays and says T’hillim and take care of an evil eye.” asks for mercy from the Creator, May His Name be Blessed, in the “Mechutan,” he said, turning to merit of Our Master “Levi Yitzchak ben Sarah Sasha,” that palace the Alter Rebbe. “Even the great and chamber is opened and the Jew is saved from any impending Tanna, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai tragedy. did not attain such a lofty source – With every word he expressed his great love for Hashem and His how did your son?” children. He bonded with Hashem and His people with such a The Alter Rebbe sat lost in powerful unity that he found no difference between Yisroel and G-d. thought. It was apparent that his In every single Jew, even the lowest among them, he saw G-dliness. holy spirit was in other worlds, but With every word that a Jew uttered, he heard the voice of G-d. then he said, “When this son was Even when wearing a tallis and adorned with t’fillin he did not born I intended on calling him hesitate to talk about mundane matters with any Jew because he Hamnuna for Rav Hamnuna Sava, believed that even the earthly things a Jew talks about, contains the who was on the level of nunei yama spirit of G-d. and whose source is from alma R’ Levi Yitzchok taught us what Ahavas Torah and Ahavas d’iskasya. This name fit the level of Mitzvos are. Many stories are related about his enthusiasm while my son’s soul, but by order of the Maggid who appeared to me in a dream, I named him Dovber. You

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should know, though, that my son attained such lofty hidden In every single Jew, even the lowest teachings because the root of his neshama is alongside that of Rav among them, he saw G-dliness. With Hamnuna Sava.” every word that a Jew uttered, he HONOR OF THE TORAH heard the voice of G-d. Word spread about the meeting between the three mechutanim and many people went to the house to reciting a bracha, even a “routine” bracha that is said daily, or when see them. Their conversation had doing a mitzva. For example, the story is told how after Yom Kippur ended but when they got up to he could barely wait to do the mitzva of lulav and esrog. The time leave the room, a problem arose. dragged on and the first night of Sukkos “he was up all night, As they stood in the threshold, roaring like a lion and dancing and rejoicing, anticipating the taking R’ Levi Yitzchok deferred to the of the lulav and esrog in the morning.” Mitteler Rebbe. “I heard Chassidus One time, after being up all night, the moment it was dawn he from you,” he said humbly, and ran with such excitement to take his minim from a glass-fronted asked him to go first. The Mitteler closet, that he put his hand through the glass and didn’t even realize Rebbe stepped back in awe before it. his father and R’ Levi Yitzchok. He conducted himself with utter simplicity. He ate little and did They each sought to honor the not drink wine because of mourning for Yerushalayim. On the other other and no solution was in sight. hand, he opposed afflictions that some people inflicted on The Chassidim were forced to themselves, calling this “the incitement of the Evil Inclination to break the wall so the three of them weaken the mind to prevent him from serving Hashem.” could walk out together. He lived frugally on weekdays, but for Shabbos he tried to The Chassidim learned a provide amply. He also instructed regarding the poor that they memorable lesson about honor for should eat frugally on weekdays so as to have for Shabbos. “The Torah and Chassidus. holiness of Shabbos is so great,” he would say, “that a person can connect to the loftiest levels of holiness. On Shabbos, a person returns to his source.” WHEN ARE THE GATES Every Shabbos he would teach Chassidic ideas and would linger OF HEAVEN OPEN? over the third Shabbos meal. It was hard for him to part from the The Chassidim wanted to make holy day. the wedding as early as possible on He passed away on 25 Tishrei, 5570/1810 and was buried in Friday morning. The one who Berditchev. In their great esteem for him, no rav was appointed to raised the issue was the badchan at succeed him. The great people who led the community were called the wedding, the Chassid R’ dayan and mora horaa. Shmuel Munkes: the two tzaddikim spent a long time on their davening. How would they be able He will think that we act as the R’ Shmuel was clever and he to dance and rejoice if the chuppa Misnagdim do, starting and ending knew that this wasn’t just a simple would not take place until the the prayer in the appointed time. Is answer. Now he wanted to hear afternoon when the two tzaddikim this the manner of prayer, to be what R’ Levi Yitzchok had to say. finished davening? limited in time? The mechutan How would he describe the level of R’ Shmuel knocked at the Alter davens for hours, becoming so the Alter Rebbe? Rebbe’s door and as soon as he absorbed in his prayers and He went to home of the wealthy walked in he saw that the Rebbe impassioned that he rises above the R’ Pinchas Reizes, where he had already finished davening and limitations of time and place!” expected to see R’ Levi Yitzchok was learning. He was happy to see The Alter Rebbe smiled and immersed in davening. To his this, but was very surprised and said, “I daven while the gates of surprise, he saw the tzaddik exclaimed, “Rebbe, you have t’filla are open. I am afraid to miss walking about his room lost in already finished davening – what this opportunity. But my mechutan thought, preparing for Shacharis. will the mechutan say about this? is a great tzaddik and he can daven “Mechutan,” he cried out in whenever he wants.” surprise, “The time of davening is

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the mechutan about it, just as the The Alter Rebbe looked at him, smiled Angel Michoel is completely and said, “Mechutan, mechutan, you removed from any connection to this lowly level of sin, so too my don’t have to dance over every ‘Kadosh’ mechutan. There is no difference between them.” you hear from the angels…” The Chassid repeated this to R’ Levi Yitzchok and the tzaddik established and immutable. In a in any way to that of Yaakov replied with absolute humility, few moments, this auspicious time Avinu?” “Mighty is the spiritual level of my will soon be over. Even the mechutan. He can see all and hear mechutan from Liozna finished WHAT THE MECHUTAN all and yet contain this within him davening already, while you haven’t KNOWS in silence and powerful restraint. even begun!” However, I have not yet attained R’ Levi Yitzchok said During the wedding R’ Levi this lofty level. I hear something apologetically, “What can I do? Yitzchok sat in his place and and cannot contain it within me.” I’m not on the level of my greeted the crowds who came to The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Levi mechutan. My mechutan is holy ask for his brachos. Then he Yitzchok, and the tzaddik, R’ and pure and is always ready to stopped and it looked as though he Mottel of Chernobyl linked arms daven without extra preparation, was listening to something in the and danced. The tzaddikim danced whereas I need a long time until I distance. All looked at him in and the crowd of Chassidim am ready to stand before G-d and wonder. rejoiced. pray.” Suddenly, he stood up and (All the wedding stories are based on Otzar joined the dancing Chassidim in a Sippurei Chabad vol. 15 and in the sources cited display of unbridled joy, his face there) L’CHAIM MECHUTAN! shining with a holy light. The Alter After the chuppa, the Chassidim Rebbe looked at him, smiled and RABBI LEVI YITZCHOK sat down to eat the meal, which said, “Mechutan, mechutan, you IS MENTIONED IN THE began on Friday and continued into don’t have to dance over every ALTER REBBE’S S’FARIM Shabbos morning. At the head of ‘Kadosh’ you hear from the angels the table sat the two tzaddikim with …” In the Tanya there is a letter the chassan between them. The The Chassidim were which begins with the words, eyes of thousands of Chassidim dumbstruck. They had been given a “What he wrote to his mechutan, were glued to the eastern wall glimpse of the tremendous spiritual HaRav HaGaon HaMefursam Ish when the Alter Rebbe leaned over level of the tzaddik of Berditchev HaElokim Kadosh our Master Levi to R’ Levi Yitzchok with a cup of and a fragment of the lofty Yitzchok, head of the rabbinical vodka. revelations that he was privy to, court in Berditchev, to console him “L’chaim, mechutan! Hashem which only his good friend from on the death of his son, HaRav should help us materially and the time they had sat together in HaChassid Meir.” spiritually.” the holy fellowship of the Maggid “Gashmius before ruchnius?” could know. WHEN IS IT wondered R’ Levi Yitzchok. The Alter Rebbe sensed their PERMISSIBLE TO WRITE “Indeed. We see this with amazement and, since the channels ON ROSH HASHANA Yaakov Avinu, who said, ‘And give of giluyim had been opened, he me bread to eat and clothes to said, “The level of the mechutan in AND YOM KIPPUR? wear,’ and only afterwards did he this world is like the level of the “ … like the aphorism of R’ Levi say, ‘will Hashem be for me as a Angel Michoel in the upper Yitzchok of Berditchev that since G-d.’ We see, then, that gashmius worlds.” writing is forbidden on Rosh precedes ruchnius.” One of the distinguished HaShana and Yom Kippur, it can R’ Levi Yitzchok looked Chassidim who was standing only be done if the writing is for unconvinced. “Do you compare the nearby indicated that he did not the good – since that is pikuach gashmius of Yaakov to ours?” understand the comparison. The nefesh. Therefore, it must be a The Alter Rebbe smiled and Alter Rebbe added this explanation, k’siva va’chasima tova. said, “Does our ruchnius compare “When a Jew does a sin and tells “The preparation for this k’siva

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va’chasima tova begins today. said K’dusha in Gan Eden and “By preparing, with ‘an R’ Levi Yitzchok jumped right arousal from below,’ during in.” these forty days, we elicit an The Rebbe MH”M ‘arousal from Above,’ that there concluded, “Since the Rebbe will be a k’siva va’chasima tova related this, he surely in the book of the righteous for guaranteed that this won’t immediate good life.” happen to him. The Rebbe will (Sicha yom Hei, Parshas Eikev, 20 Av surely bring Moshiach.” 5714) Then the Rebbe elaborated on the difference between the THE DECREE IN other tzaddikim and the Rebbe, THE TIME OF RABBI based on how Chassidus LEVI YITZCHOK explains the difference between the mesirus nefesh of Rabbi At the Simchas Torah Akiva and the mesirus nefesh of farbrengen, 5686/1925, one of Avrohom Avinu. the people present said to the (Sicha Yisro 5710) Rebbe Rayatz: “L’chaim Rebbe, bless my son that Hashem enable him to WITH THEM IN repent.” THEIR PROXIMITY The Rebbe responded, “I will At the Yud Shevat farbrengen tell you a story. The rav of in 1953, the Rebbe related: Berditchev told his disciples not “The rav and tzaddik of to wear a kazirak (hat with a Berditchev once said that if he you were compelled to do so, you brim) because there was once a was faced with a choice, to be shouldn’t be happy about it.’ decree by Czar Nikolai that only alone in Gan Eden or to be in “Thus,” concluded the Rebbe hats with a brim may be worn. Gehinom with other Jews, he Rayatz to the man who asked for “It is known that when great would pick Gehinom, the main his bracha, “one should not have men referred to Czar Nikolai they thing being to be together with simcha from being on the wrong said ‘may his memory and name be other Jews.” path. May Hashem make it good erased,’ for his intention was to The Rebbe explained: for you in gashmius, but it should extinguish the fire within Jews and “That is the nature of a pain you that you are this way.” to cause them harm. shepherd in Israel. His entire being “What did the Jews at the time is his role as shepherd in Israel, to do? When they went outside they WHY DID R’ LEVI the point that he does not care wore a hat with a brim and hid YITZCHOK JUMP INTO even about Gan Eden. His sole their shtraimlach (round fur hats), GAN EDEN? concern is being with other Jews, and when they reached a place since that is his mission. The Rebbe MH”M related: where they were no longer fearful, “From this we understand about “The Rebbe Rayatz, when in they wore the shtraimlach. the spiritual elevations of the Rebbe Riga, said about R’ Levi Yitzchok “So too in Berditchev, when the baal ha’hilula, that if the aliyos did of Berditchev that before he passed decree was promulgated they wore not pertain to us too, the Rebbe away he said, ‘There were hats with a brim. would forgo his aliyos in order to tzaddikim who before they passed “R’ Levi Yitzchok once met a remain with his flock. The Rebbe away promised not to enter Gan Chassid wearing a hat with a brim does not go up without us; he takes Eden until they brought about the and he seemed happy about it. R’ us with him in his aliyos.” Levi Yitzchok said to him, ‘how coming of Moshiach, but in the end they were fooled and they were come in the middle of the rebuke it ENTICEMENTS says, ‘Because you did not serve bribed by “the candies” … but I Hashem your G-d with joy?’ To tell will not let them fool me.’ VS. PUNISHMENTS us that even if you veer from the “But in the end, said the Rebbe “The well-known aphorism of right path, heaven forbid, because Rayatz, they fooled him too. They the rav and tzaddik, Rabbi Levi

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put the enticements of this world in HASHEM ENTICED HIM front of man and you wrote about Regarding what is mentioned in the sichos about Rabbi Levi Gehinom in Reishis Chochma…” Yitzchok’s swearing that he would not enter Gan Eden until Hashem (Sicha Chol HaMoed Sukkos 5711) redeems the Jewish people from galus, the following story is told: Shortly after the Defender of Israel, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok, passed THE CHICKEN THAT away, the tzaddikim and Chassidic greats decided they must remind JUMPED OUT OF RABBI him of his promise. Before he died he swore that he would not rest LEVI YITZCHOK’S in his grave and would not agree to enter Gan Eden to sit with the tzaddikim and enjoy the rays of the Sh’china until he brought HANDS Moshiach. However, apparently Hashem Himself had enticed him to The Rebbe related in a sicha: enter Gan Eden, and there he enjoyed the rays of the Sh’china and “In a book of stories that they forgot about the Jewish people suffering and in captivity. They would sent me recently, a Chassid writes send him a shliach to remind him of his oath and surely he would do about something that happened what he could to hasten the Geula. when he was at the Rebbe Rashab The question was who would be the shliach. They held a lottery during a farbrengen and the saying and it fell on the Chozeh. He accepted this mission and began of a maamer. There was a large preparing for his demise so as to meet with R’ Levi Yitzchok. crowd and a lot of pushing and as When his talmid, the Yid HaKadosh of P’shis’cha, found out a result, the table at which the about this, he said that in his opinion it wasn’t proper for the Rebbe was seated broke. In order Chozeh to leave this world, for then the group of tzaddikim who not to disturb the Rebbe, who sat hastened the Geula would be disbanded and “a threefold rope does with eyes closed as he said the not quickly break” [referring to the Chozeh’s efforts along with Reb maamer, they quietly removed the Mendel of Rimanov and the Koznitzer Maggid]. The Yid HaKadosh boards of the table, some from here decided that he himself would be the shliach to forfeit his life and and some from there, out the carry out this mission. door.” The Chozeh of Lublin accepted this and within a short time the The Rebbe continued with a Yid HaKadosh passed away at a young age on Chol HaMoed smile, “When the Rebbe Rashab Sukkos, 5574/1814. finished the maamer and opened A frightening thing happened that Erev Sukkos. The Koznitzer his eyes he saw that the table was Maggid did not feel well and the Chassidim gathered in the beis gone. He asked, ‘Where is the midrash to pray for him. The Maggid called for his son, R’ Moshe table?’ Elyakim Beraioi and said: “When they told him what “A few moments ago, the tzaddik R’ Levi Yitzchok appeared to happened, he said, ‘I will tell you a me and I asked him why he did not keep his promise to hasten the story about R’ Levi Yitzchok of Geula. I also asked him whether it was worth trying to force the time Berditchev. When R’ Levi Yitzchok and hasten the end of galus. studied sh’chita, after he finished “He responded, ‘You will be with us shortly and up Above you learning – in accordance with his will see everything that goes on with eyes of clarity. When your eyes manner of learning, his being a are not obscured as in Olam HaZeh, you will see that what seemed scholar – and was ordained, he had bad to you in that world for Klal Yisroel appears in the World of to shecht a chicken. They brought Truth as something very good. Therefore, it is forbidden under any him a chicken and he began to circumstances to try to force the end, because it is very possible that recite the bracha. by forcing the good, something worse will happen. Hashem is the “‘As he said the bracha, source of mercy and He tolerates the suffering of the Sh’china and especially since this was the first the suffering of the Jewish people, and the tzaddikim must also join time he was saying this bracha, he and tolerate the great suffering along with Him.’” was in a state of d’veikus and it (Based on HaChozeh M’Lublin by Y. Alfasi, Kodesh Hillulim) took a long time.’” The Rebbe laughed. “‘And in the meantime, the chicken escaped. Yitzchok of Berditchev: Gehinom), while putting the “‘When he finished the bracha “Master of the Universe; if you enticements of this world into the and opened his eyes, he asked — had placed Olam Haba and Gan book Reishis Chochma, surely no Where is the chicken?’” Eden before man (and l’havdil Jew would sin. But now that you

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The Rebbe drew a lesson who preceded him, that they from this story about Torah once announced to the people study, that out of great in the beis midrash that the d’veikus in learning a person is main thing isn’t the inyan of liable to forget about taking “Father, father save me” but action, “and in the meantime the “cry.” the body and animal soul can There are two ideas here: fly away. And then he is 1) the cry itself, 2) the content aroused from his d’veikus and of the cry. The main thing is begins to cry out — Where is the cry itself; the content is the chicken? secondary. When it comes to “True, they demand content, not all are equal, but d’veikus of him in the study of as far as the cry itself, that p’nimius ha’Torah and nigleh pertains to every Jew. Every of Torah. He has to learn the Jew cries out “with an inner halachos and the kavanos and voice that can be heard” or during the act he also needs “with an inner voice that d’veikus, but at the same time cannot be heard,” but within you have to work on the body his soul – he cries out. That is and soul.” the inyan of the t’kios and this (Sicha 18 Tishrei, Sukkos 5713) is accepted up Above. Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of THERE IS WHAT TO Berditchev explains this with a parable of a child who wants REJOICE ABOUT an apple and his father does They tell about R’ Levi not want to give him one. The Yitzchok of Berditchev that child quickly says a bracha and one time someone came to then the father must give him about the inyan of simcha which him in the morning while he was the apple. pertains to each one of us, that saying the morning brachos and That’s when the father does not each of us has what to be happy saw him dancing in great joy. This want to give it; all the more so about: was quite surprising – why was he when the father does want to give it When a Jew contemplates “how rejoicing before davening? and is merely withholding it in beautiful is our inheritance” that He asked the Berditchever, who order to test the child’s wisdom, every single Jew possesses, that he told him that when he got up to the then he certainly gives in to the has the loftiest thing which he bracha, “sh’lo asani goy” (who did child. Up Above, Hashem wants to inherits without any effort at all, not make me a goy), he give, as it says, “More than the calf then surely he has what to rejoice contemplated his fortune. Since he wants to nurse etc.,” and we find about. was reciting “sh’lo asani goy” that this concerning Hashem, “You (Sicha Behar-B’Chukosai 5713; Seifer meant it could have been otherwise HaSichos Toras Sholom p. 10; Igros Kodesh vol. 5, yearn for the handiwork of Your … and for this, he danced in great p. 176) hands,” that Hashem wants us to joy. serve Him. There is no need for lengthy PARABLE OF (Sicha Rosh HaShana 5716) meditation; one needs to simply listen to the meaning of the words, RABBI LEVI YITZCHOK what could have occurred and what We learn in the Mishna about AN AMAZING actually occurred, that they gave Rosh HaShana that “the mitzva of THING LIKE THIS him the greatest gift without any the day is shofar.” There is an “ … and as was emphasized toil whatsoever! When he analogy from the Baal Shem Tov regarding the Tanya – about which acknowledged his good fortune he about the shofar that it is like the the tzaddik R’ Levi Yitzchok of did not need to wait until he cry of a child, “Father, Father, save Berditchev said that it’s an amazing davened but had an immediate me.” thing that they took Hashem and cause for rejoicing. The Rebbe, my father-in-law, put Him into a little book, which The Rebbe learned from this related in the name of our Rebbeim was given to all Israel so as to

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reach even the simplest of the IT IS KNOWN AND doesn’t know about (along these simple.” FAMOUS IN ALL THE lines, the explanation of the (Sicha VaYeishev, 19 Kislev 5716) WORLDS THAT R’ LEVI wording “din v’cheshbon” in the Mishna), that when a person states YITZCHOK Z”L WAS AN ANNOUNCING a judgment on someone else, he is OHEIV YISROEL also stating a judgment on himself. HIS RELEASE In the maamer that the Rebbe So the judgment of the tzaddik of The Alter Rebbe wrote to his said on the second day of Rosh Berditchev about these descriptions friend, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok about HaShana, 5743, he mentioned the in Yeshaya is also a judgment about his release from jail: Defender of Israel: his own teachings and parables.” “As I read in T’hillim the verse, “Although the wording that is ‘He redeemed my soul in peace’ … used there (in the mashal and the MASHAL OF I left in peace.” nimshal), as they are simply THE GARMENT The Rebbe began the maamer of understood, is not speaking in 19 Kislev, 5731, with the following praise of Israel, since it says in the “We can explain the special words: maamer there that this mashal is quality of seeing the Mikdash of “‘He redeemed my soul in peace from the gaon and Chassid R’ Levi the future when Shabbos Chazon from battles against me, for with Yitzchok of Berditchev z”l, and it is falls on Tisha B’Av, with the words many they were against me.’ well known in all the worlds that R’ of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of (T’hillim 55) It is known what the Levi Yitzchok was an Oheiv Yisroel Berditchev who brings a mashal to Alter Rebbe wrote to the gaon and and a Defender of every single Jew, explain why the future Mikdash is Chassid, R’ Levi Yitzchok of inclining every one of them to the shown to every person from a Berditchev, that when I read ‘He side of merit and in a way of distance. This is what he says: redeemed my soul in peace’ I left in l’chat’chilla aribber … - “‘A mashal … of a father who peace, [granted] from Hashem of “Therefore, when he quotes in has a dear son and he makes him peace. From this we understand the maamer this mashal of R’ Levi an expensive garment to wear and that the idea of peace in his Yitzchok, obviously all the terms since the son isn’t careful, it tears. redemption was essential.” and expressions used there are The father makes another In the sicha of 19 Kislev, 5719, positive. This is his approach and expensive garment and he tears the Rebbe says: way regarding the Jewish people, as that too. What did the father do? “On the verse, ‘He redeemed we know from R’ Levi Yitzchok’s He made a third garment and did my soul in peace’ – this is also the explanation of the verses in the not give it to him but put it away usual beginning of a number of 19 beginning of the book of Yeshaya, for safekeeping and occasionally Kislev maamarim – Chazal relate where there are descriptions of the shows it to him and says — See, if that Hashem said, ‘whoever is Jewish people that are seemingly you behave properly you will be involved in Torah and acts of [negative] and the tzaddik R’ Levi given this garment to wear. In this kindness and prays with the Yitzchok explains that these way he is accustomed to go in the congregation, I consider it as descriptions are in praise of the right way until he knows that this though he redeemed Me and My Jewish people (as is evident also has become second nature to him. children from among the nations of from the fact that these Then he will give him the garment the world,’ which is the inyan of descriptions were said in the book to wear, because he is not afraid the future Geula through Moshiach of Yeshaya, and Yeshaya is the that he will return to his destructive Tzidkeinu. prophet of salvation, as is indicated ways since it became habitual. “Since the Alter Rebbe writes in by his name which stems from the “‘This is the inyan of Shabbos a letter to R’ Levi Yitzchok of root yeshua). Not only that but Chazon from the root meaning a Berditchev about his Geula, ‘when they are the highest praises and vision, that each Jew is shown the I read the verse in T’hillim, “He there are none like them. future Mikdash from a distance.’ redeemed my soul in peace” … I “One can say that based on the “The purpose in showing the left in peace,’ the meaning is that well known explanation of the future Mikdash is to accustom the the redemption of 19 Kislev also statement by the Sages that a Jewish people.” pertains to the future Geula.” (Shabbos Chazon Likkutei Sichos person receives his punishment in vol. 39, p. 9) ways he knows about and ways he

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miracle story

without experiencing the privilege The Rebbe set his penetrating gaze of having children. Then, in 5750, after eight years of childless upon us, handed us another dollar, marriage, they merited to receive the Rebbe’s bracha for children. It and said: was not until this past Gimmel Cheshvan, nearly twenty years later, that the Rebbe’s prophecy THIS IS FOR was fulfilled and they were blessed with the birth of their son. “The whole world is happy,” Rabbi Marciano told Beis Moshiach in a voice choking with tears. THE CHILDREN “You caught me in the middle of checking around for an events hall large enough to accommodate all those who will come to participate in the bris,” he said TO BE BORN with great emotion. “I see chassidim around me wishing each other ‘Mazel tov’. This is not my simcha alone; it is the simcha of By Nosson Avrohom the many chassidim I have come to Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry know over the past thirty years, since I had the privilege of “When the first announcement of the becoming acquainted with the magical world of Chabad long-awaited miracle came, all the chassidus.” Rabbi Marciano is a very inner sadness and pain that had filled important figure in the Krayot, particularly due to the wide array us for all those long years transformed of charitable activities he is into tremendous joy. When I saw the involved in throughout the day. “The story begins in 5744,” happiness of all the chassidim around begins Rabbi Marciano. “I asked the Rebbe for a bracha to have us, I understood how great this miracle children, since several years had passed since we got married and really was…” * R’ Dovid Marciano we still hadn’t merited to become parents. The Rebbe blessed us with speaks with much emotion to Beis ‘Bracha v’hatzlacha’ or ‘B’suros Moshiach about his personal story and tovos’, but there was no mention of the subject of children. This the bracha that was fulfilled after scenario continued to repeat itself. When I came to the Rebbe the next twenty-eight years. time in 5748 – and on a number of occasions after that – every time I The following story that took like wildfire throughout the asked the Rebbe for a bracha, he place with R’ Dovid and Chaya Chabad communities in northern gave me (or us) words of Phoebe Marciano, a well-known Eretz Yisroel and beyond. encouragement and bracha, but Chabad couple in Kiryat Shmuel, The story began twenty-eight never a specific blessing for recently made shockwaves in the long years ago (!) when the couple children. Days, weeks, and years Krayot region. The story spread married. They went many years passed. We waited and waited, but

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nothing happened. TZ’DAKA WITH HIS OWN HANDS “We visited prominent doctors and underwent a variety of fertility — an excerpt from an article on R’ Dovid Marciano treatments, filled with promise and publicized on the Internet — hope, but in the end, we were filled He remembers the day when the explosion took place as if it with nothing but sadness. All of happened only yesterday. Dovid Marciano, resident of the Krayot, lost our friends and acquaintances had both of his hands during a powerful explosion at the “Refael” factory of been privileged to have children, the Ministry of Defense. Almost twenty years have passed since an while we had to settle for our explosion in an experimental project claimed the life of his closest deep-rooted faith, but even that friend. was gradually dimming and Marciano is an IDF wounded in action who has borne the harsh melting away. proof for many years already, yet he demonstrates an immeasurable “In Cheshvan 5750, I decided degree of self-sacrifice and devotion to his surroundings. This week, I to travel to the Rebbe and state met Dovid Marciano, today a Chabad chassid, at the grain packaging clearly that I want a bracha for factory that oversees the preparation of twenty thousand food packages children. The many miracle stories for “Eshel Chabad Welfare Programs”. about the Rebbe defying the In this large logistical center created to supervise the packaging and powers of nature and blessing Jews distribution of tens of thousands of food packages sent all over the with children against the medical country, we saw him climbing on cartons, giving orders, and arranging diagnoses were not lost on us. We to ship the merchandise from one manufacturer to another, sometimes wanted a clear bracha as well. with the assistance of the special metal “This took place not long after devices connected to each of his arms. I had suffered a very serious injury Marciano reveals a rare sense of during my work with the defense humor when we asked him about his industry. My body was so severely daily activities in the shadow of his weakened that it led to the eventual artificial limbs. Yet, this is not the amputation of both of my hands. reason why he is here. “I have a Nevertheless, I was determined to message to give over,” he says. “I am make the trip. ‘If not now, when?’ here only to show a personal example to I continually reminded myself, up each and every one of us. These are until the moment that I boarded difficult days of crisis for all of us. the airplane. Nevertheless, each of us has the “At nine o’clock on the morning possibility of achieving great things. If I can stand here today without of Erev Shabbos Parshas VaYeira, I my hands and help Jews to make their festive Yomtov meals, so too can stood at the entrance to ‘Beis we all. Everyone has something to contribute, and the Jewish People Chayeinu’. However, I was very have always provided help to the weak and destitute. Each individual surprised and perplexed to see has something to give in order that we can all have a happy holiday.” 770, which I always remembered In recent years, Marciano has been investing all of his time in from previous visits as being filled welfare activities throughout the region where he lives – Haifa and the to the brim with chassidim, almost Krayot. He works on a regular basis with the municipal welfare totally empty. When I inquired departments, and they provide him with lists of families eligible for about this unusual phenomenon, I assistance. “The man has become the address for hundreds of families was told that the Rebbe davens at from all over the region, as he gives support regularly to families at home. (NOTE: That particular each holiday,” said one municipal representative. “We have only praise week, the Rebbe traveled home on for this man, who only recently received the ‘Krayot Citation of Tuesday and remained there until Honor’.” Friday afternoon, something he “We are here only in order to enable people to celebrate the holidays customarily did during several with smiles on their faces,” says Rabbi Zalman Wolf. “The spirit of weeks at the beginning of 5750.) volunteerism that surrounds everyone is tremendous. In recent weeks, “With some apprehension, I laid off workers from the hi-tech industry have joined the ranks of our walked in the direction of the volunteers to help the families of their colleagues. Everyone comes and Rebbe’s house on President Street, does this with a full heart, and Dovid Marciano is the best example.” but I was just in time to see the avreichim with the Vaad

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certain to get us in first. If the Rebbe makes a promise, the “My wife and I stood first in bracha will surely be fulfilled. There is line for dollars, and when our time came, I told the Rebbe that we no doubt that this trial was most needed a bracha for children. The Rebbe gave us a dollar and blessed difficult to bear, but the great joy we are us with ‘Bracha v’hatzlacha’. I don’t know where I got up the feeling now surpasses it. nerve, but I said to the Rebbe that I want a bracha for children HaMesader closing the doors of the merit of the special attention I because we still have not been the already crowded house. I received from the Rebbe. I felt that privileged to have any. The Rebbe refused to give up and knocked the Rebbe knew about my situation looked at us with clear and sharply on the door until it opened. and was there with me. penetrating eyes, gave us another Noticing my handicap, the “Sunday came, the day that we dollar and said: ‘This is for the avreichim apparently had pity on planned to ask the Rebbe for a children to be born!’ I left the me and let me come in. Filled with bracha. I knew that I couldn’t Rebbe with a feeling of joy I had awe, I stood near the steps that the stand in line for so many hours never felt before. I knew that if the Rebbe would descend from his due to my injury, and I asked Rebbe gave such a clear bracha, it room on the upper floor. When the Rabbi Binyomin Klein if he could would surely be fulfilled. Rebbe came down the steps, he do something to help me. He “I returned home to Kiryat gave me a gesture of understood the situation and he Shmuel, filled with faith that we encouragement and a soothing promised to help me to be among would merit to have children. I look of compassion. the first people in line. He asked neither thought nor imagined in “I was privileged to daven in me to knock on the window of the my wildest dreams that so many the Rebbe’s minyan, and I secretaries’ office immediately after more years would pass until the experienced a wonderful feeling in davening, and he would make bracha would be fulfilled, yet I

R’ Dovid Marciano (R) with Rabbi Yeshayahu Hertzel at a event for the Chabad yeshiva in the Krayot

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knew in my heart that when the around us, I understood how great Gimmel Cheshvan, when our son Rebbe makes a promise, it will be this miracle really was. While I still was born, I understood the realized. I read numerous stories haven’t fully digested the meaning behind the dream. The about Jews who only decades later magnitude of the miracle, it’s clear Rebbe had given us a long period were able to see the proof of the that what the Rebbe says, goes. of time to be tested, and he didn’t Rebbe’s great vision and insight. I There’s no other way to explain it. let me get in the line. However, firmly believed that a similar story “On the 25th of Tishrei at just at the very end, I was would happen to me, and I strove midnight, I had laid down to go to privileged to receive cake ‘with to increase in acts of chesed and sleep when I saw the Rebbe in a chocolate’ – I was blessed with my mivtzaim activities in order that I dream for the first time in my life. first-born son after a period of should be a proper vessel to receive In my dream, I found myself twenty years. My conclusion is that the bracha. standing at the distribution of one should always daven and hope, “Ten months ago, I approached ‘lekach’. I was standing off to the and if the Rebbe makes a promise, Rabbi Shmuel Fromer from the side, while chassidim and other the bracha will surely be fulfilled. Krayot, with whom I had a deep prominent individuals passed by There is no doubt that this trial personal connection. Twenty-five for the privilege of receiving was most difficult to bear, but the years ago, he held Torah classes in ‘lekach’. great joy we are feeling now my home over a period of three At a certain point, I asked to surpasses it.” consecutive years, and many Jews join the line, and the Rebbe gave *** came closer to Yiddishkait and me a look, as if to say, ‘Get back Throughout the interview, R’ chassidus in the merit of these to where you were’, so that’s just Dovid spoke with great emotion. shiurim. I proceeded to pour out what I did. Longingly, I watched “It is taking us some time to get my heart to him. In all honesty, I all the people passing and receiving our feet back on the ground. We had already begun to get a bit warm and loving attention from the still haven’t completely absorbed skeptical. It had been twenty years Rebbe, while I stood alone on the the fact that we have become since 5750, twenty-eight years side. At the end of the distribution, parents after twenty-eight years of since we got married, and we had the Rebbe turned around and marriage. G-d willing, we are now already been to so many doctors. almost walked out, while I tried preparing for a bris. In the Who knows? Maybe when the with some embarrassment to get meantime, we have been receiving Rebbe gave us his bracha, he was into the path to approach the telephone messages from all over referring to something in the more Rebbe. The Rebbe noticed me, and the world, including from news spiritual realm… Rabbi Fromer this time his face shone. He called reporters, acquaintances, and encouraged me not to give up me over to him and brought me a chassidim who wanted to give us hope. ‘Look, Dovid, if the Rebbe whole carton of honey cake. When their blessing. Many of them have gave a bracha, it’s bound to I took it into my hands, I saw that already promised that they will happen,’ he assured me. the cake was covered in participate in the bris celebration.” “When the first announcement chocolate… The Rebbe smiled of the long-awaited miracle came, again and then disappeared… (This translation is dedicated to Mrs. Ester Nechama Dina Hoffman of all the inner sadness and pain that “I awoke from the dream totally Nachlat Har Chabad and Yaakov had filled us for all those long drenched in cold sweat. I was Menachem Mendel Dobry of Tzfas, who years was transformed into shaking and I had a difficult time also celebrated their respective tremendous joy. When I saw the getting back to sleep. birthdays on Gimmel Cheshvan.) happiness of all the chassidim “A week and a half later, on Raskin's Consistently “if it grows we have it” Superior Fruit and Produce Emporium WHOLESALE & RETAIL Michal & Aaron Raskin We Deliver 335 Kingston Ave. Brooklyn NY 11213 * Tel: (718) 756-3888 756-2221 * Fax: 756-2440

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don’t utter a peep of protest. Are we any better than the silent American Jews of the pre- Holocaust era? Perhaps we are WITH FRIENDS afraid to alienate this or that person in the government in the US or in Israel. That’s fine, but in that case, at least attack the policies! But no, we hear only LIKE THIS, silence. Now I am not a steady reader of your paper, so I may have missed such commentary. But I, for one, am sick of Israel putting itself into WHO NEEDS a militarily indefensible corner and then demanding that we Jews around the world support its outrageous acts of sheer irresponsibility. ENEMIES? It looks like Israel is becoming another Hungary, the government simply negotiating, as Kastener did, to save “A Favored Few” Letter sent to a prominent Jewish newspaper. against what it considers to be an imminent destruction (G-d November 5, 2009 the subject of taking Israel’s Forbid), as it is clear that nothing Dear Rabbi G, government to task for the positive for Israel or its people I find it commendable that you irresponsible policies that have put comes out of each instance of are speaking out to defend Israel’s the Jews of Israel and elsewhere in sitting down for talks. honor. In your letter from the terrible danger. What is relevant for your editor this week you expound in It appears to be taboo for an readers is the obvious fact that the depth on the subject. American Jew to speak against places that are being rocket I must point out, however, that Israel. It’s okay to ask, “Why attacked and given away are ALL while you spoke out against all the didn’t Jews speak up against religious areas. “popular” bashers of Israel that the Hitler?” In retrospect, we see how One certainly doesn’t see Israel Jewish community normally bad that was. But let’s use the same giving away Tel Aviv or Haifa… protests, you left out a glaring logic to analyze the dangerous Wishing you all the very best, problem: Israel’s own responsibility position Israel is in today. Raanan S. Isseroff for terror attacks against it. In a “military moment,” this Administrator On page 7, when discussing the could all turn around! Yet Israel The Shtetl Foundation 7000 missiles fired at Israel and a does nothing and American Jews www.shtetlfoundation.org wave of suicide bombers etc, you write, “There was hardly a sound of protest emanating from the UN I think it is high time that everyone or, for that matter, from any of the great centers of morality and stopped tiptoeing around the subject of human conscience scattered around the world...” taking Israel’s government to task for The discerning reader fails to the irresponsible policies that have put find included in your list of “who is silent” Israel itself! the Jews of Israel and elsewhere in I think it is high time that everyone stopped tiptoeing around terrible danger.

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Sheim Lubavitch. Here in Beit Shaan we also experienced great difficulties when TURNING it came to making a Simchas Beis HaShoeiva. The municipality makes a similar event and even other religious groups suddenly mixed in and wanted to have input as to how CHALLENGES it was carried out. This was in addition to the large costs of making an event like this. But in the end, the Chabad house’s event continues to grow. INTO When certain “friends” anticipated that 70 people would participate, 400 people attended the first year, 600 the next year, and nearly 1000 the next. SUCCESSES Now, even the mayor knows that if he wants to meet the people of Beit Shaan, he has to attend our event. By Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz Shliach, Beit Shaan THE RABBI VERSUS THE LADY In life, the test begins when difficulties The battles are often protracted but the one who is persistent, wins. set in. Learning the horaos in the At one of the kibbutzim near Beit Shaan there is a covert and lengthy Rebbe’s sichos is easy, but implementing battle taking place concerning the character of the shul. This is not a them is another story. religious kibbutz but it has a large shack that has served as a shul for DANCING covert and overt war that took seventy years now. It had been IN THE STREET place in his city when he acted on abandoned and instead of davening, the Rebbe’s horaa. As they did other activities were done there. The Rebbe said that the Simchas every year, Lubavitchers organized Lately, there has been a demand for Beis HaShoeiva should reach the a Simchas Beis HaShoeiva in the a shul again. street, “until the street dances.” center of the religious-Chassidic One of the veteran members of Many shluchim organize a Simchas section of Petach Tikva called the kibbutz, whose father a”h was a Beis HaShoeiva event in their city. Kiryat HaBaal Shem Tov. As soon member of the old minyan, has Unfortunately, in the past three as they did, the protests and adopted and preserves the shul, but years, certain rabbanim and warnings against it began. she has demands regarding its askanim in Israel said not to have The Chassidim, loyal to the reopening. When a bar mitzva takes these events because the boundaries Rebbe and his directives, place, she wants all the uncles and of tznius are breached. guaranteed that the event would aunts to be allowed to dance with Nevertheless, we Chassidim of the conform with the laws of tznius and Sifrei Torah around the bima where Rebbe have to do all we can so that they even got the approval and the the bar mitzva boy is standing. “the street dances,” obviously while signature of the rav of the Another demand is that since the making sure to not compromise Chassidishe community, a Tzanzer women’s section (the rear of the tznius. Chassid. Many people participated building) is crowded, the room A shliach in Petach Tikva, R’ in the event, which turned out to be should be divided down the length Eliezer Weisfiche, told me about the a Kiddush Hashem and a Kiddush with a mechitza, with one side for

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men and one side for women. homemade knives under the beds. I heard about this from a They were not allowing anyone in member of the kibbutz who until the search was completed. Of occasionally visits our Chabad course, the dancing stopped. house and is getting more involved Searchers came in to conduct a in religious observance. He is thorough search of the entire wing. slowly but surely succeeding in They took everything apart. getting the atmosphere at that shul As soon as they were done, the to change. He convinced the simcha reached the skies. They woman that they have to consult didn’t stop singing for a good, long with another rav about the time. It was only after R’ Teichtel “customs” she wants instituted. inserted into the verses of the song, “Pick any rabbi you want from “Ana Hashem hoshi’a na” that “the this area and we’ll ask him.” She walls of Shaata Prison should fall,” picked a rabbi from one of the that they all joined in to the singing religious kibbutzim, who came to of “Yechi” and allowed us to hear the two sides and paskened as continue to the next wing. follows: The mixed dancing is Rabbi Dovid Teichtel forbidden. As for dividing the shul CREATIVE SOLUTIONS down the length, there must be a R’ Noam Bar Tov, shliach and mechitza or at least the fence of the arranges this is R’ Dovid Teichtel, rav of yishuv Balforia in the Jezreel bima must be extended the length who was a prison chaplain for many Valley, related: of the shul, but if that’s not years. He led us from wing to wing, It’s hard for us to get people possible, it’s not the end of the speaking words of encouragement involved and I constantly have to world. to the prisoners and leading the think of creative ways of getting “You see?” she said. “The rav dancing. people to show up to t’fillos and said it’s allowed, but when it comes Surprisingly, although each shiurim. Even the minyan at the to the dancing I don’t intend on year I visit the prison thinking that shul has its ups and downs. Our listening to him.” I will cheer up the inmates, I end moshav is not big — it has 60 So my friend has to try and up leaving with the feeling that families. When one member of the convince each family celebrating a they cheered me up. As soon as minyan died, we no longer had a bar mitzva to listen to the rav and they see the Chassidim with the minyan. It was miraculous that not to the woman. Boruch Hashem, Torah entering the wing, they someone else decided to join on a they are heading in the right burst into song, actually roars, of regular basis. direction. simcha until all the neighboring wings join in. The love with which There’s a guy who is pessimistic they embrace and dance with the by nature who told me many times SHAATA PRISON Torah is indescribable. It’s as already, “Give up, there’s no Chazal say “according to the though they have nothing in the chance we’ll have a minyan here.” pain is the reward.” Additionally, world other than joy with the holy But I keep trying and boruch we often see that the harder it is to To r a h . Hashem, there is always a minyan. carry something out, the greater the In the prison there are minimum We had a minyan every morning on success. During Simchas Torah we security wards and tougher, closed Sukkos and now the people want to saw this. wards. The greatest simcha is in the continue with it. We shluchim held hakafos in highest security ward called “the X Before every shiur or several places and boruch Hashem, ward.” There are inmates there who farbrengen, I have to make personal it was a great simcha in each are forbidden from leaving their cell phone calls and hope people will location. The biggest simcha of all and they sing the loudest. They hug show up. My daughter decided to was in the hardest place, the Shaata the Torah with all their might and make a Tzivos Hashem club and Prison, which is considered quite find it hard to be separated from it. she learned how to run a creative tough. For years now, shluchim in Last year, we went to a certain club, combining Jewish and Beit Shaan go there on Motzaei wing where the wardens told us Chassidic ideas in the program. Simchas Torah for “hakafos that there was a lockdown because Every program requires effort. shniyos.” The one who devotedly they had found dangerous

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CHALLENGING t’shuva from Chabad yeshivos best for him, as long as there is COMMUNITY opened another shul with a Chabad kosher food etc.). On the staff is an atmosphere at the other end of Arab employee who feeds the A friend, who is a shliach on a town. It goes to show how great a children. She announces at the yishuv that is not at all religious, demand there is for a Chassidishe beginning of the meal that they told me that he is not even allowed davening. There are more won’t start eating until Shneur says to advertise a shiur or farbrengen farbrengens, more shiurim, and a bracha! because they will throw him out more and more people who spread Another Lubavitcher family, with (and sad to say, there is more than Chassidus and are hastening the a teenaged special needs daughter, one yishuv like this in Israel). But Geula. sends her to foster families in B’nei don’t think he sits idle; on the Brak every Shabbos. One Litvishe contrary. He does things one-on- family said that ever since they one without advertising; checking a SPECIAL CHILDREN began hosting the Lubavitcher girl, mezuza here, offering a drasha for When the Geula comes there they have accommodated her level a bar mitzva there. He makes a won’t be sickness and limitations, of kashrus and even buy chicken house call, has a chavrusa, etc. but for the meantime, in the final with Rav Landau’s hashgacha. Throughout Sukkos the shliach moments of galus, there are Despite all the sorrow and pain was very busy. He visited people in numerous families with children in these stories, there is a touching their sukkos and invited many who are not well. unity among these families. They people to his sukka. New R’ Y.L., a shliach in Eretz take in children for brief stints in friendships were made and old Yisroel, is a father to a special order to help one another and they friendships were strengthened with needs child. He told me how he and offer support and advice. R’ dozens of people. The day is not far his wife manage to put the “Alef” Yekusiel Farkash, who was the was off when he will be able to invite all into “gola” and how they deal with guest speaker at the Shabbos in of them to one big farbrengen or the challenges of galus while Maalot, saw with his own eyes how for a communal Shabbos meal. This simultaneously doing their shlichus. friendships were made between a has happened at other similar “It took us a few years until we long-term special needs family and yishuvim after some years of realized how complicated our lives young parents whose special needs reaching out. would be because of our special child was just born. R’ Farkash saw needs child, but with time, we have how over the course of one learned to live with it, to be EVERYONE ENDS UP Shabbos, the young parents visibly b’simcha, and to be able to advise, AT THE CHABAD HOUSE relaxed, as they found in their new- help, and support others with found role models the strength to For many years now, all the similar problems. go on. They left after this Shabbos schools go to the Chabad house to “A few months ago, the completely different than the way have their Chumash party. A few department of Agudas Chassidei they arrived. years ago, a certain religious group Chabad that helps special needs “It was worth the entire arrived in Hod HaSharon and children (run by R’ Menachem Shabbos just for this family,” announced to the schools that they Mendel Blinitzky) organized a enthused R’ Farkash. also make Chumash celebrations. group of about 200 families of The organization Ezer MiTziyon Some of the schools went to them Anash with special needs children has been a part of many support but most came back to the Chabad for a Shabbos together in the Galil. meetings for families like this in house. The stories we heard did not make many communities, but when they The Chabad preschool has also for easy listening, but we saw how saw what’s happening among experienced ups and downs, nevertheless, Chassidim and Chabad families they expressed competition and imitators, but the shluchim are able to bring the their amazement and said it was parents have voted with their feet ‘Alufo shel olam’ into the tzaros of beyond anything they saw and the preschool that began four galus.” previously. In Chabad, said their years ago with 12 children now has One of the fathers said that his representative, we see how achdus 35 children and a long waiting list special needs son, seven year old is the essence of the community Even the Chabad shul in Hod Shneur, attends a special school and not just something that is there HaSharon has been imitated. After which is not religious (there are because of a shared problem. its ten years of existence, a few instructions from the Rebbe which dozen mekuravim and baalei say to send such a child wherever is

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