1 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 18, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת בשלח | יא שבט, תשס”ח | בס”ד January 18, 2008 | Shevat 11, 5768 weekly vOL. i | NO 11

Long Before Al Gore Years before global warming became a popular issue or campaigning and awards, the Jewish People had Tu B'Shvat• The Rebbe teaches us to take G-D's world seriously, learning from nature and preserv- ing • "Though a plant continually grows upward, in contrast to animals and humans which move freely, it must remain firmly rooted in its source of nourishment, the earth," In honor of the New Year of Trees, we publish a talk of the Rebbe on page 17 and insights of 15th of Shvat on page 18

hancing Rebbetzin Chana C Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson upon a Cure courageously stood by her saintly husband and When Chaim David was his teachings in diagnosed with 'yene darkest hours of machala', the RCCS came communism to the rescue and cure • 32 Crown Heights residents Page 13 have been helped with medical costs and treatment guidance• Tzviki's Rhythm Page 6 Musings on music on page 10

Don't forget the 'shvartze kashe': Shabbos Shira customs on page 18

Beis Din of Crown Heights Candle Lighting 390A Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 Jan. 11 Lighting Jan. 18 Lighting Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily 10:30am ~ 11:30am ☎ 718~604~8827 Brooklyn 4 : 37 Brooklyn 4 : 46 at 788 Eastern Parkway #210 - 2:30pm - and after 8:00pm 718-756-4632 Yerushalayim 4:20 Yerushalayim 4 :20 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. 718~604~8000 ext 39 שופטים ד' ה' ~ ודבורה אשה 9:30pm to 11:oopm Rabbi A.. Osdoba: 718~771~8737 Rabbi y. Zirkind: 718~604~8000 ext. 39 Rabbi s. Segal: 718~360~7110 2 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 18, 2008 The Vaad Hakohol

Rabbi Segal on Benching Gomel NIGHTLIFE! Upcoming Events By Rabbi Shlomo Segal But there are poskim who write that the Thursday, Jan.17th, YUD SHEVAT, 8pm people who travel by sea and go in the The Rebbe and Me Member of the Bais Din of Crown desert need to bench Gomel only when a Guest Speaker: Rabbi Mendel Samuels Heights negative incident involving danger took place during the trip. These poskim say Motzei Shabbos, Jan.19th, 8pm Question: Does that if the trip went through peacefully Fondant Cake Decorating one who flies on without incident or danger, there is no with Mrs. Shaina Dubroff an airplane without need to bench Gomel. Monday, Jan.21st, 8pm crossing the ocean JLI class need to bench In the Sdei Chemed (Maareches 5, Instructed by Shimona Tzukernik Gomel? chapt. 38), he compromises like most of the Poskim. This is also the widespread Thursday, Jan.24th, 8pm Answer. The Tal- custom--to bench Gomel for all trips. The Transition From Singlehood To Married Life mud (Brochos Guest Speaker: Mrs.Chana Rochel Shusterman 54b): “Reb Yehuda In Shulchan Aruch (chapt. 219, verse 9) All programs are held at said in the name of Rav that four need and also in the Birchas Hanenin of the The NIGHTLIFE Lounge: to thank Hashem. One that travels by Alter Rebbe (13:17) two opinions are Rubashkin Residence sea; one who goes in a desert; one who mentioned regarding whether there is 1349 President Street was ill and recovered; and one who an obligation to bench gomel only for was in prison and was released. This is the four above-mentioned trips, or for email: [email protected] derived from the verse, ‘They will thank other situations as well? For example, check out our Blog: www.CHnightlife.wordpress.com Hashem for his generosity and wonders if he experienced a miracle like being for the people.’” This is also stated in the saved from a wall that fell on him, or Shulchan Aruch chapt. 219. saved from being hurt by an ox or a lion or from an attack by robbers etc.. The ❝ Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Alter Rebbe writes: “All these people writes that when one need to bench gomel.” travels by plane even if it is The Alter Rebbe continues: “There is over land, he needs to another opinion that only the four above- mentioned trips should bench Gomel. bench Gomel. A person The final Halacha is not to bench the finds himself in danger Gomel with Hashem’s name.”(For those from which he needs to be experiencing some other miracle) saved in 2 situations. While But the Taz (ibid, verse 7) and the Ramo being in a boat, it is (ibid, verse 10) write that the custom is impossible to live in water according the first opinion-- someone that has experienced a miracle should except for a short time, and bench Gomel with Hashem’s name. This therefore he needs the boat is also the opinion of the Alter Rebbe. to save him. . . .The same In the responses of Rabbi Moshe Fein- and even more so applies stein (Orach Chaim chapt. 29), he writes when flying in a plane that when one travels by plane even if it is over land, needs to bench Gomel. He which is worse than writes the following: “Flying in a plane traveling in a boat, because is like sailing in a boat (traveling by sea). In both situations, a person finds a person cannot live even himself in danger from which he needs one minute in the air. . to be saved. While being in a boat, it is .Therefore, there is a need to impossible to live in water except for a ❞ short time, and therefore he needs the bench Gomel. boat to save him. . . .The same and even more so applies when flying in a plane Newspaper which is worse than traveling in a boat, Community because a person cannot live even one 290 Kingston Avenue, minute in the air. . .Therefore, there is a Brooklyn, NY 11225 need to bench Gomel.” 718 771 9000 Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights. But in a letter from theR ebbe (published in Likutei Sichos vol. 12, pp. 152), the Moshe Rubashkin, Chairman Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Vice Chairman Rebbe writes that when a person is Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary traveling in a plane overseas, he surely Leyout: SimplyUnique needs to bench Gomel because he is in a All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the similar situation as someone who sails in exculive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise a boat (who needs to bench Gomel). But, attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. when one flies over land, it is doubtful since he is not in a dangerous situation Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond the cost in which he experienced a miracle like of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes in the different situations mentioned responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All adver- earlier, such as being saved from a falling tisement designed and prepared by the CHCommunity Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot wall etc. be reproduced without the consent of the publisher January 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 3 From Shedlitz to Safety

Rosh Hashana, my father joined many A Young Jew’s Story of Survival other Gerrer Chassidim and walked to the Rebbe’s home on the outskirts of Shedlitz. They did this in order to receive tion back at home. My mother eagerly the Rebbe’s blessing for the upcoming By Rabbi Shimon Goldman needed stipend. anticipated her weekly stipend; every year. This was hardly a comfortable Thursday, she waited impatiently for the walk, particularly since roaming bands Exerpted from the book with the author’s Crestfallen and embarrassed, I went to mail to come. Caught up in the excite- of Polish gentiles posed a considerable permission Yosef’s home and told him about the ment, the children sat outside the house threat to the group. Despite the danger, Continued from last week calamity. Yosef was beside himself with to watch for the mailman. When he the group had no misgivings about their anguish. Although I was a young boy, he finally did come, we children scampered yearly trek, and this arduous journey My Family could hardly forgive me for not exerting off to hand my mother the money, and underscored their great adoration for more care. The entire incident took its she quickly went to the stores to bargain the Shedlitzer Rebbe. Yakov, my older brother, experienced toll on me, and it was a few days until I with the merchants, trying to stretch much tragedy in his life. His wife, Bracha, returned to my normal self. the five zlotys for all they were worth. I met the Rebbe again many years later, was expecting a child and began labor on She was thus able to buy everything we during the Second World War. By then, Shabbos when complications suddenly The Rebbe of Shedlitz needed for the upcoming Shabbos and the Germans had already conquered arose. People quickly ran to get the doc- the following week. Poland and I joined the thousands of tors of Shedlitz, hurrying them along to Shedlitz was home to two distinguished refugees fleeing towards Russia. At one examine the patient. Meanwhile, a large Chassidic figures. The first was theR ebbe Later, when I went to learn in Warsaw, point, my group had stopped to rest in crowd of people gathered outside Yakov’s of Shedlitz — Reb Yehoshua Asher Roit- these five zlotys once caused me consid- the village of Semiatish, and it was there home, murmuring words of tehillim as blatt, a descendant of theY id Hakodosh. that I met the Rebbe again. they waited for the doctors. Since our family shared his lineage, people viewed us as an extended part of The Rebbe of Biala After evaluating her condition, the the Rebbe’s family. In fact, my paternal doctors decided that it was imperative grandfather shared the same name as The other Chassidic luminary residing for Bracha to travel immediately to the Rebbe, both being named after a in Shedlitz was Reb Yechiel Rabinowitz, nearby Warsaw, where she could get son of the Yid Hakodosh. the Rebbe of Biala. His house shared the medicines needed to save her baby. the same courtyard as the Gerrer shtibl The Halachic restrictions normally Reb Yehoshua Asher Roitblatt on 51 Dlugah Street. A large and varied associated with Shabbos are negated segment of Shedlitz Jewry adored the by life-threatening situations like these, The Jewish population of Shedlitz Rebbe — including simple merchants, and Yakov quickly summoned a wagon greatly revered the Rebbe. Local Ger- businessmen, and unlearned common to take Bracha and himself to Warsaw. rer Chassidim also showed the Rebbe folk. The BialaR ebbe held every Jew dear, Tragically, disaster struck during the tremendous respect, even the few exhibiting such genuine concern and journey, and both Bracha and her unborn Chassidim notorious for their sharp love toward everyone that the general baby passed away. tongues. The Rebbe lived on the out- population reciprocated with warm skirts of Shedlitz, near the dirt roads reverence of their own. The Chassidic Yakov later remarried and moved to War- that connected Shedlitz with Sokolov community, however, did not hold the saw, where his wife ran a grocery store — a city some thirty kilometers away. Biala Rebbe in such great esteem. in the courtyard adjoining their home. I can still remember the small, modest The store brought in considerable profit, hut the Rebbe called his home, and After the onset of war,I once witnessed providing enough income so that Yakov the perpetual swamp of bog and mud an incredible act that showed some of and his family could live comfortably. surrounding his house. The mud was My sister Chana and her fiancé wearing the the deep influence theR ebbe had on the They lived at 10 Pavva Street. thick and viscous, a slimy muck that dreaded yellow armbands in the ghetto. This is the simple Jews of Shedlitz. After the Ger- only photograph I possess of any member of my clung to our clothing and boots. family man invasion, hundreds of Nazis arrived Chana, my older sister, supported herself in our hometown and in the surrounding by selling various kinds of perfumes, erable heartache. Yosef had sent me alone I visited the Rebbe periodically and once villages. Late one night, during the week gloves, and assorted hairdressing items. to the post office, andI was trying to send brought him some of my father’s shemura between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Years later, when I became older and went the five zlotys off to my parents. I had flour so the Rebbe could bake his own of 1939, the Nazis rounded up thousands to learn in various yeshivas in Warsaw, to fill out a lengthy form specifying the matzos. On another occasion, I was in of Jews, and chased them into a large Chana often came by to visit me. My amount of money being sent, my address, the Rebbe’s home to celebrate the sheva open space adjoining the prison house hectic learning schedule did not allow the address of the recipient, and other brochos of his eldest son Reb Eliezer of Shedlitz. Though still a young boy, enough time to visit my relatives, so petty details.A s I stood there engrossed (today of Borough Park, New York). Reb I was caught up in the mad frenzy and Chana made it her business to spend in the form, a lady came by and asked me Eliezer had married the daughter of the ended up standing near my father in the time with me. Needless to say, I appreci- a quick question. I responded, turned Schinitzer Rav and later succeeded his crowded jail yard. ated these visits tremendously. (Though back to the form, and forgot about her. father-in-law. Chana became engaged during the war, However, when I finished the form and The Biala Rebbe was also among the I never learned if she actually married went to stand in line, I could not find the TheR ebbe’s neighborhood was decidedly gathered crowd. During the ensu- her intended husband. Evidently, the five zlotys anywhere. non-Jewish. Despite this, the Rebbe ing pandemonium, a group of Jewish Nazis deported them both before their maintained a study hall near his home, women from Shedlitz decided to help wedding.) I knew that Warsaw fairly teemed with where many young men blossomed under their beloved Rebbe escape. With great roguish thieves and accomplished his personal attention and guidance. The courage and self-sacrifice, the women Yosef, my other older brother, married pickpockets, and I quickly realized that Rebbe’s sons also learned there. (The managed to distract the German soldiers Dina Scheinberg of Warsaw. His father- I had just fallen prey to one of these Rebbe’s youngest son — Reb Avraham sufficiently, enabling other women to pull in-law owned a factory that manufactured criminals. “Thieves are most expert in — survived the war and lives in Kfar the Rebbe out from the crowd. I could hatboxes, shoeboxes, and other common Warsaw,” went a popular saying. “Hold Chabad, Israel. Two of his daughters also hardly believe my eyes, and felt overawed cartons. My brother stayed in Warsaw, your money tightly, even if the thieves survived the Nazi inferno. One of them, at the extent of their reverence for the learned the trade from his father-in-law, are far off in the distance.”N ow too, the Devorah, married Dovber Kievman and Rebbe. The women carted theR ebbe off and opened up a smaller factory. This new seemingly innocent woman had stolen also lives in Kfar Chabad.) and hid him in a secluded location. Their business brought in ample income, and the five zlotys intended to help feed my act of heroism saved the Rebbe from suf- Yosef began thinking how to help our poor family. I could hardly believe my My father had tremendous respect for the fering with the rest of the group in their parents with these new profits. misfortune. Worst of all, my family would Rebbe. Though he frequented one of the forced march and other ordeals. have nothing to eat for Shabbos, and I three Gerrer shtiblach in Shedlitz — a Yosef decided to mail five zlotys home still had to tell Yosef about the incident. shtibl whose worshippers were known every week. Five zlotys were a consider- I knew how hard Yosef worked for every for their fiery zealousness and quick able amount of money in those days and zloty, and how much he sacrificed to wit — he still showed great deference it certainly alleviated the sorry situa- provide our parents with this much- to the Rebbe. Every year, on the night of 4 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 18, 2008

Our Heroes

this Jew?” A miracle took place, and his The gaon and Tzadik Reb Yechezkel Rabbi Shmuel friend answered, “I suggest we let him Levinshtein, the mashgiach of the Mirrer go.” The soldiers left, and the students Yeshiva, and the Rosh Hayeshiva, the Dovid Raichik thanked Hashem for being saved from gaon Reb Chaim Shmulewitz, expressed the teeth of the sadistic Nazis. a special fondness for Reb Shmuel Dovid OBM - Part one and were imspired by his way of serving An additional episode occurred crossing Hashem and his nobel character traits. Head Shliach of California the border. Rabbi Tenenbaum recalled: Reb Shmuel Dovid would stay up late at In honor of his tenth yahrzeit on the eighth “Crossing the border was not simple. night and study. He would sleep for just of Shvat (1918-1998) During our walk a heavy snow was fall- a short time on a bench in the Yeshiva. By Rabbi Michoel Seligson ing, and we did not have warm clothing. Reb Shmuel Dovid had a bed in his room Miraculously, we did not freeze to death. but did not see a need to use it. For Reb Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Raichik was born I n addition to this, we needed to walk Shmuel Dovid, a bench was sufficient. on the 2nd of Iyar, 1918 in Mlava, Poland. under very difficult conditions. There His grandfather, Hagaon Reb Chaim was a terrible frost, thick darkness, and After nine students had received visas Shmaryhou Segal, was the dayan in the smugglers were pressuring us to allowing them into Canada, Reb Shmuel the city and his father Reb Shimon, a walk faster. At one point, Shmuel Dovid Dovid’s organizational talents in com- distinguished Amshinover Chassidim. realized that one of his shoes fell off.H e munal affairs became clear. From this At the age of 18, the Amshinover Rebbe went back to look for it and lost contact point on, Reb Shmuel Dovid became the suggested to his father that Shmuel with the group. He found his shoe but person who represented the students at ing Poland and traveling to Riga. Reb Dovid study in the Yeshiva Tomchei was alone near the border and didn’t the Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Shanghai in Shmuel Dovid merited serving the Pre- Tmimim in Otwock. The Amshinover know where to go. He was scared that all matters: receiving scholarship funds, vious Rebbe and carrying his packages Rebbe also wrote to the Previous Rebbe the border guards would catch him. He making efforts to obtain visas for the to the car. Reb Shmuel Dovid recalled and primarily on the strength of the let- began calling my name and after a while, students, researching possible ways for later that when the Rebbe left Otwock, ter, Shmuel Dovid was accepted to the the sounds got to us. I remember very traveling from Shanghai to the United it was obvious that he was very broken, yeshiva in Elul, 1936. well how we heard these calls of distress States, and more. and his expression was “terrifying” to from a distance. ‘Mendu! Mendu!’ Reb visualize. Reb Shmuel Dovid in Otwock Shmuel Dovid could not pronounce an Previously, the students knew that when L, so this is what it sounded when he a Torah personality came to the Yeshiva The escape to Vilna In Otwock, Reb Shmuel Dovid studied called ‘Mendel’. Contact between us was and there was a need to be represented with great diligence and learned Torah reestablished, and we crossed the border by one of the best students to discuss A relatively large group of the students from the great Rosh Yeshiva, Hagaon successfully. When we reached Vilna learning with the guest, Reb Shmuel from Poland had discovered, by Hash- Hachossid Reb Yehuda Eber, and the in the beginning of Shvat, we turned Dovid was the appropriate person. Now gacha Protis, an escape route. They ran mashpia the HaChossid Reb Boruch to the Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim that it was revealed to them that in addition to Vilna which was then under Latvian Friedman, HY”D. Already, at that time, was located in the Optov’s Kloyz. We to being a lamdan, a great scholar in control. Originally, entering the country Reb Shmuel Dovid was known for rejoiced over being reunited with the was easy, but shortly after the war began, his diligence in learning, scholarship other students that had already reached Nigleh of Torah and a Maskil in Chas- the border was closed. At this point, and piety. One of his friends recalled, Vilna and thanked Hashem who brought sidus, Reb Shmuel Dovid was also a groups of students and Jews from all “When Shmuel Dovid learnt a certain us to this point.” sharp and savy representative for them different circles passed through the topic in the Talmud, he would clarify it in communal affairs. Polish borders with the help of refugee in an excellent way. His way of learning On the eighth of Shvat, the Previous smugglers whom they hired. When was as he received from his teacher: ‘To Rebbe sent a letter to Vilna in which he Reb Shmuel Dovid became a very unique they already were short of money, they study all the commentaries, Rishonim wrote: “I hereby bless my distinguished communal person who worked vigor- promised to pay once they will reach and Acharonim, on the Talmudic topic students Mr. Menachem Mendel Tenen- ously to enhance the physical well-being Vilna. In most cases, they were trusted. and thereby, clarify the whole topic with baum and Mr. Shmuel Dovid Raichi, of his fellow students in the yeshiva. At They would cross the border late at night all its details.’” sheyichyu, with greetings of blessings. first, he was in charge of the money that under the cover of the darkness, when the Your arrival should be blessed with the Previous Rebbe dispatched for the moon was not shining fully. In this way, In addition, Reb Shmuel Dovid benefited your brethren, the cherished students students in Shanghai. He was a steady they hoped to evade the border guards. from the influence and closeness to the who are studying Torah with diligence guest in the homes of the Gaon and Previous Rebbe. He accelerated in Torah and preserving the time schedules and Chassid Rabbi Meir Ashkenzai, the Reb Shmuel Dovid joined one of these and Chassidus to the point that he was learning consistently.” chief Rabbi of Shanghai, and of Reb groups heading to Vilna. This was after known as uniquely pious Chossid. His Meir Shmulewitz, who were amongst the the Previous Rebbe had advised him, In the same letter, the Previous Rebbe friends remember the manner in which administrators responsible for distribut- his friend Rabbi Mendel Tenenbaum requested that they should also influence he would chazer or repeat a Maamor, a ing the money sent by the Vaad Hatzola obm, and Rabbi Gringlaz, may he live Lubavitch students from other places to Chassidic discourse. It was obvious that in the U.S. for the benefit of the students long years, to escape to Vilna. TheR ebbe immediately go to Vilna. Reb Shmuel he understood the Maamor perfectly in Shanghai. gave his blessings to each of them and Dovid rewrote the version of the Rebbe’s and delivered it in a way that made it supplied them with money to cover their letter: “Please have pity on your souls, absolutely clear. Over the course of the Rabbi Shimon Goldman, one of the stu- expenses. And indeed, in the merit of and come learn in the yeshiva in Vilna.” years, the Rebbe instructed Reb Shmuel dents in Shanghai, related, “I remember the Rebbe’s blessings, the difficult trip This letter was sent toL ubavitch students Dovid to chazer a Maamor in every city as Reb Shmuel Dovid returned to the was successful. everywhere. Many students responded to that he would visit. Yeshiva occupied with different calcula- this call, and their lives were saved from tions. It is interesting to note that Reb Already at the beginning of the trip, the jaws of the Nazi machine. Reb Shmuel Dovid was a Tomim in Shmuel Dovid did all the calculations an open miracle took place. They were the fullest sense. Physical matters were orally and remembered them without stopped by German soldiers when they Reb Shmuel Dovid’s activities in not of great significance to him. This using a pen and paper. It was clear to got on the train, and their belongings Shanghai was not because he was removed from us that Reb Shmuel Dovid was gifted were searched. The soldiers found their worldly matters. On the contrary, he with a mathematical mind in its fullest Tefillin and asked what there were.R eb In the following years, Reb Shmuel understood these things, but they were meaning.” Shmuel Dovid responded that Jews put Dovid continued learning diligently. of little importance to him. on Tefillin every day and pray in them. When the students needed to move from The Germans ordered them to put on the Vilna to Japan, Reb Shmuel Dovid joined From day to day, he merited becoming Tefillin.H owever, the bochurim were not them. After a year, the students needed closer to the Previous Rebbe and to fully dressed, and according to Halacha to move once again, this time from Japan increase in Torah and Chassidus. This were unable to. Suddenly, Reb Shmuel to Shanghai. Reb Shmuel Dovid traveled wonderful yeshiva setting was inter- Dovid took an earthenware vessel and with them and continued to be engrossed rupted with the outbreak of WWII on hit one of the German soldiers in his in his studies. In Shanghai, Reb Shmuel the 17th of Elul 5639 (1939). Four days face! The soldier asked his comrade, Dovid was revered by the Litvishe bnai later, the Previous Rebbe left Otwock “What do you suggest I should do to Torah who had escaped there as well. for Warsaw with the intention of leav- January 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 5

ued learning and oved, one that refines his midos, is to have davening with dili- the potential in actuality to bring a Yid gence. He treated closer, to love a Yid and guide him in a the nights like days smart way, and format how he can, on his and conducted own, accelerate in goodness, and how he himself with Chas- will guide his family members. HaShem sidus and personal should strengthen your health and the stringencies which health of your wife the Rabonis.” were very unique even at that time. Together with his work as a Shadar visiting other communities, Reb Shmuel The Previous Dovid would also collect money for R e b b e w r o t e Maamod which was for the use of the a letter to Reb Rebbe’s household. When he would Shmuel Dovid on discuss this project with people, he would the 17th of Sivan tell them that Maamod both in meaning 5709 (1949) that and outcome is to lift a person to a higher expresses the plea- level. Reb Shmuel Dovid always had in sure he derived mind the words from the Rebbe’s letter from Reb Shmuel to him: “The main function of a Shadar Dovid’s activities: is to collect gashmius (money) and plant “Your letter has spirituality.” reached me, and I The benefit of having a Rebbe necting them to Chassidus. From then was very pleased with your good activi- In his trips to communities of Anash in on, Reb Shmuel Dovid carried this title ties and awakening words in public and the United States, it was obvious that he Twenty years later, in 1965, Reb Shmuel and as some people point out, the name in private. Hashem shall grant you suc- was investing a lot of energy in being a Dovid traveled to Israel, and he visited for emissary in Hebrew is shadar which cess in your great and pleasing work to mashpia, providing spiritual influence, Reb Meir Shmulewitz who joyously is also an acronym of Shmuel Dovid Hashem, and you should exert yourself to to the yungeleit, young married men, greeted him and said, “Praised are you Raichik. broaden your contacts with more baalei to bring them closer to the Rebbe and Chabad Chassidim. We are flooded with batim, to find in every one of them a qual- to strengthen their Hiskashrus to the doubts, but you have belief in Tzadikim, The first time that Reb Shmuel Dovid’s ity. The main principle amongst all the Rebbe. and everything they tell you is accepted name is mentioned in the Previous main principles of a Chabad Chassidic by you without any doubt. There is no joy Rebbe’s letters as an emissary is on the as that of solving one’s doubts.” 4th of Adar 5706 (1946): “I request that you write in detail about the awakening In the remaining five years of their stay that you have accomplished in your trip, in Shanghai, Reb Shmuel Dovid would relating to the Anash and to their mar- conduct all the students’ business mat- ried children--in their development and ters. When a problem arose, they all their progress in the fear of Hashem, and knew to go to Shmuel Dovid to resolve remembering their ancestors and how all it. Shmuel Dovid was good for spiritual was done with a special closeness and matters and for physical matters. With inward awakening. In the wording of the the war ending, contacts began so that MittelerR ebbe, ‘When a person reminds the students could obtain visas to leave himself of his situation, he breaks down for the United States. Reb Shmuel Dovid and cries bitterly, and then awakens to was the person who coordinated activi- better his ways.’ ties with Reb Shmaryohu Gurary, the Previous Rebbe’s oldest son-in law, and “The Rebbe Maharash told my father the American foreign embassy. He also [the Rebbe RaShaB) in the name of his raised money for the trips and arranged father the Tzemach Tzedek, that at all the students’ travel plans. Reb Shmuel times and in all places, a person who is Dovid was so involved in every detail from the ancestry of Chassidim should that at a certain point his activities came awaken himself in his observance of under suspicion of the local government Torah and Mitzvos and in strengthening authorities, and he was arrested. the ways of Chassidim physically and spiritually.” In the end, his efforts bore fruit, and in the summer of 1946, the students, including In a letter written to the famous mashpia Reb Shmuel Dovid, arrived in the United Reb Shlomo Chaim Kesselman, the Pre- States. Their close connection with the vious Rebbe wrote: “I saw in reality the Previous Rebbe was reestablished. Reb great benefit from the trip made by my Shmuel Dovid merited having a special cherished student, Reb Shmuel Dovid, relationship with the Rebbe. Reb Shmuel one of the refugee students in Shanghai. Dovid’s acquaintances relate that in He has traveled on my missions in this addition to and beyond his hiskashrus country and Canada to visit selected to the Rebbe, there was a somewhat of a places, which includes communities not friendly relationship between the Rebbe from Anash, to awaken them to follow and Reb Shmuel Dovid. the Torah, set up Torah classes, and insure a good education is provided for Reb Shmuel Dovid appointed as emis- their children. Thank G-d, he is greatly sary of the Rebbe successful, and Hashem should help him physically and spiritually.” A short time after his arrival,R eb Shmuel Dovid was appointed by the Previous During this time Reb Shmuel Dovid mar- Rebbe as his emissary. His function was ried a daughter of the famous renowned to visit certain cities and strengthen the Reb Avli Rappaport of Lodz of the spiritual state of the local Jews, bringing prominent Rappaport family. After his them closer to Judaism and also con- marriage, Reb Shmuel Dovid contin- 6 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 18, 2008

RCCS

ages 16 to 64 have been assisted by the cies don’t provide the kind of coverage policies since then, with close to 300 The Miracles Bedford Avenue-based organization. The necessary to take the most aggressive and over a span of the past eighteen months amount spent on these 32 alone is over proactive treatment approach. With the alone. of RCCS $450,000, much of which was raised top coverages, patients can be assured By Yosef Kanofsky and Binyamin outside of the community. that they will receive the finest and Perhaps even more important than their Weiss most cutting-edge treatment, accessing financial assistance, RCCS becomes a Hershel Kohn, a former payroll business the top doctors and specialists at the powerful advocate and support resource “I can’t tell you how it tears a family apart. owner, founded Rofeh Cholim after los- best hospitals. Since these policies are for patients and families. The organiza- I saw it with my own family—my father- ing three of his friends to cancer. "When extremely expensive, RCCS helps to tion has connections to access the top in-law passed away after 3 months.” The the doctors find something,” he says, subsidize patient’s premiums, so the specialists and doctors, expediting eyes of Mendel Coen tell a deep, sad “a person’s life turns over. Everything individual can focus on their treatment appointments and getting appointments struggle that only one who has been becomes a question. Life becomes an and not how they are going to pay for with highly sought out experts in the area through it can truly understand. uncertainty.” it. “Every dollar we invest in covering a of concern. These connections have been policy helps us to leverage thousands of built up over time with much hard work Mendel is the Director of Development In the midst of this uncertainty, RCCS dollars in treatment,” Cohen relates. and cooperation. No money in the world for the RCCS, the Rofeh Cholim Chayim assumes the daunting task of providing can pay for the kind of assistance that Society, an organization dedicated to a range of support to victims of this These policies simply provide the best RCCS is able to ensure their clients. providing all the support needed for dreaded disease. chances for survival. Rabbi Yosef C. victims of the dreaded malady of our Golding, Executive Director of RCCS, “We literally see miracles every day!” times, “that disease”, as it is called. The first priority of theR CCS is insuring points to numerous, confidential patient says Mendel Cohen. that each patient has the appropriate records that attest to this. “The impact RCCS has chapters in many major medical insurance policy matching of receiving the right insurance cover- Below is a personal story of one such Jewish communities in the US, 12 in all the intensive treatment demands of age can't be overstated,” he relates. In miracle that, Baruch Hashem, a couple including Crown Heights. To date, 32 the disease. While many people have fact, says Golding, Rofeh Cholim has experienced with the help of RCCS Crown heights residents ranging from regular medical insurance, their poli- subsidized over 1,000 health insurance

the time was not the best. It was an HMO No one could help us. and take care of us. So we were relying Fighting for that limited us to certain doctors, none on them to be our resources — but they As Jews, we know that it’s Hashem Who of whom were experts in this particular couldn’t do anything for us! One doctor is in charge of everything, but He sends a Chance and cancer. Nevertheless, we researched after another gave a grim prognosis, or us shelichim, doctors, to show us the way their list and made Chancing upon several appointments, hoping that one of a Cure them would help us. Each doctor told us Rabbi Yosef Chaim Golding, as told by that they had never Mrs. Rachael Hess seen such a tumor, and since the tumor Life seemed so perfect, baruch Hashem. I was on a joint, they was newly married, my husband, Chaim felt surgery was out Dovid, was learning in kollel, and we of the question. And were looking forward to building a future without surgery, stan- with our soon-to-be-born baby. dard chemotherapy and radiation would Then I got the phone call from my not be enough. The husband: “I’m calling from the doctor’s best advice they office…” could offer us was to I knew he hadn’t been feeling great. immediately have his He’d been complaining of pain in his leg amputated and ankle that kept getting worse. Over-the- hope that the cancer counter painkillers didn’t seem to help had not yet spread much. He was very athletic, so I thought throughout his body. he must have sprained his ankle running, One of the doctors or something like that. Nothing could actually told us that have prepared me for his next words: it was not worth the “The doctor says I have cancer. The effort to amputate, constant pain in my foot is coming from as the chances of his a rare, cancerous tumor in the joint. He survival were mini- says it is malignant. And he says there is mal; why not let him nothing much we can do about it.” die in peace!

Cancer. When I thought of cancer… I visualized my young, I thought of death. I couldn’t — or strong husband with wouldn’t — understand what he was only one leg, and I saying. My dream world suddenly came visualized raising crashing down. What does he mean, my baby as a single “There is nothing much we can do”? We mother. My dream have a whole future to look forward to… of building a bayis we have a family to build! We are just ne’eman b’Yisrael was getting started! quickly turning into a nightmare. It’s dif- When I finally came to my senses, I ficult to describe the blurted out, “Let’s get a second opinion. stress we were under. Let’s find a specialist. We can’t accept We were 21 years old this diagnosis!” and felt incredibly lost and vulnerable; we Unfortunately, our health insurance at had nowhere to turn. January 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 7

turned us away altogether, because they a long, uphill battle ahead, but we would due to scar tissue from the surgery. As husband that I couldn’t afford to take just didn’t know how to deal with it. It try anything to save my husband. time went on, we hoped and prayed the time to do all that. I needed quick was so frightening; it was like saying to that we were nearing the time when we and easy meals, and often that meant a doctor, “I’m here to have a baby,” and Throughout my husband’s treatment, would be “free.” Two months before the spending more money. And if buying having him look blankly at you and say, RCCS was there for us. Everything was two-year mark, at a routine check-up, the things at a closer, more expensive store “I’m a podiatrist; I can’t help you.” paid for: the surgery, the radiation, and doctors saw something suspicious in the meant I would be able to spend more time the hospital stays. If not for RCCS, I’m area. This time, there was no hesitating. at my husband’s bedside — so be it. People ask me now how I functioned afraid to think about what might have They immediately did an MRI, which through it, and I tell them honestly that happened. But beyond their financial confirmed their suspicions; within a RCCS really helped us stay afloat. They I don’t know. We had no one to rely on, aid, there was another dimension of care month, my husband was back in the also understood that the whole family and we were so afraid. In desperation, that went above and beyond anything I hospital for surgery. was affected by the illness, and they I took action and became an expert in could have imagined. were sensitive to that. They sent our kids this disease. I did research on hospitals, This came as a total shock. I had just Chanukah presents. They were with us doctors and rare tumors. I read books It’s very hard for a family with illness to had our second daughter; we’d been every step of the way, until at last my and made phone calls. The majority of the be on the receiving end of financial aid, thinking of moving back to New York, husband’s health was restored. research I unearthed was not promising. because you feel as though you need to and now our normal, busy lives were Most sources advised amputation, and constantly monitor how things are going being overturned — again. My husband Today, bli ayin hara, my husband walks the success rate in such cases was still and ask yourself, “Do we still really need wanted to have the surgery done by Dr. around on his own two legs. He even very low. But I closed my ears to these this?” You know others need the same Brennan — he was the one we both recently played 18 holes of golf at the reports and forged on ahead. I wanted help, and that the help you receive could trusted the most — but Dr. Brennan RCCS Charity Golf Tournament. This to save my family. be detracting from theirs. But RCCS convinced us to stay in Baltimore to is not to say that the hard times are never once made us feel any anxiety. do it with the doctor there, who was completely behind us; he still suffers One name that kept popping up was a It was guilt-free giving; unconditional, very qualified. He told us to be strong. from a lot of pain and can’t walk long Dr. Brennan in Memorial Sloan- Ket- without periodic questions or probing RCCS told us not to worry about the distances. We are constantly turning tering Cancer Center. He had actually or subtle hints. insurance. They would pay for it as long down Shabbos meal invitations because performed surgery on a rare sarcoma as we needed it — and they did. he simply can’t walk that far. He takes Members of RCCS called every once in like the one in my husband’s ankle. heavy painkillers often, and they have a while to see how we were doing, and I requested an exemption from our At all times, we had the best medical their own side effects. But this is the they always asked out of genuine care insurance carrier and asked — no, care in the world, thanks to RCCS. We tradeoff we made when we decided to and concern. Never was there an ounce begged — them to allow my husband to decided that as soon as the surgery was avoid amputation. It’s a small price to of pressure. This was an incredible, much- see this specialist, but our HMO refused done, we were moving back to New York. pay for his life. needed chessed during that stressful time to allow us to go there. Sloan was not on We wanted to be close to our old medical in our lives. their network and they would not pay staff and needed more family support; we The reason I agreed to tell our story for any doctors or hospitals out of their couldn’t do it on our own. I packed up our is that my husband and I want to do The surgery was performed first, followed network. I explained to the lady from my house and belongings while my husband whatever it takes to enable RCCS to by six weeks of radiation. My husband insurance company that none of their was at the hospital, and as soon as he was help other cancer-stricken families. It is a endured unbelievable suffering, but he network doctors had ever seen such a discharged, I picked him up — our car miracle that my husband was cured; it is was very brave. We weren’t about to give tumor; she told me that their criteria was loaded with all of our things — and a miracle that RCCS exists, and we want up now that we finally had a glimmer of for doctors being familiar with various we drove up to New York. to help RCCS fund other miracles. I’m a hope. Five days after the treatment was diseases only warrants them knowing very private person and it’s completely finished, I gave birth to our first child, about a particular disease; they don’t We stayed at my father’s house until we against my nature to share my private a daughter. It was overwhelming. We have to actually have had experience eventually moved to our current home life with the public and open myself up were both laid up in bed — he from the with it. Holding back my tears, I said to in Far Rockaway, where we could be to pity and speculation. But my gratitude pain in his foot, and me from having had the woman, “After 6 weeks of research, closer to our children’s schools and a to RCCS runs so deep that I’m willing a baby. But we were overjoyed. Finally, I know more about this type of cancer frum social network. In New York, we to forgo that. If having our story in an the prognosis seemed good, and we had a than your doctors; but would you allow discovered that my husband would RCCS article or video or fund-raising lifetime ahead of us to look forward to. me to operate on your husband if he had also have to undergo chemotherapy. event will get them more money to help such a tumor?” She hung up on me and That was the harshest treatment of the others, we’re grateful. We believe in this After the treatment was over, my husband I hung up in tears. whole process. He was hospitalized over wonderful organization and we thank got a job offer in Baltimore and we left a period of seven months. He stayed in Hashem for providing them as the mes- New York to go there. Dr. Brennan found Then a miracle occurred. One of our the hospital for five to six days of treat- sengers to save our lives. And my three a new doctor for my husband, as he had friends heard about RCCS, the Rofeh ment at a time, and then came home for beautiful children all agree. to go for continual check-ups. If this type Cholim Cancer Society, and contacted a couple of days. of cancer resurfaces, it is most likely to them on our behalf. Before I knew what do so within the first two years after was happening, our insurance was But those days in-between chemo ses- The Rofeh Cholim treatment is finished. After two years switched to Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and sions were nightmares in and of them- the patient is considered to be in a more CHAYIM Society they, RCCS, were paying for the policy! selves; he got fevers and infections as a risk-free zone. Meanwhile, my husband We couldn’t believe the turn of events. result of the chemo, and suffered terribly. The Crown Heights chapter of the was very meticulous about going to It was a difficult, heart-wrenching period RCCS has a slight difference in its these checkups and exams. He was very Dr. Brennan and Sloan accepted my for all of us. I was spread completely thin. name that reflects the philosophy paranoid and fearful after having been husband as a patient. Meeting Dr. Bren- I put my two daughters in school and of the Rebbe. The change was misdiagnosed for six months before we nan was a light of security, a breath of day-care so I could devote myself to my made after Rabbi Moshe Klein in found out what he had. fresh air. Finally, we were given a bit of husband’s care. conjunction with Mendel Coen reassurance. He was confident and kind, approached the close to 40-mem- When he had begun experiencing the and although he was a busy, high-ranking Every morning, I left the house at nine, ber board of the RCCS with the mysterious symptoms, we had gone to doctor, he took the time to sit and talk dropped my kids off, went to the hospital request to change the “C” word one doctor after another.H e told them, with us. He remained with us throughout to be with my husband, and came home in the title to Chayim. The Rebbe “Something’s in my foot; I feel like I’m our ordeal. After days of intense testing, at five or six.I t was like working full-time. mentioned on several occasions walking on a rock.” He begged for an Dr. Brennan informed us that it would be Throughout all of this,R CCS was there that we shouldn’t mention this MRI, but no one agreed to do one. They possible to save my husband’s leg — and to relieve the financial strain and to boost word in order to not give any life dismissed his concerns — how could he his life. our morale. to negativity. Although it was an think he knew better than a doctor? unusual request, the board voted His approach to dealing with my hus- When a family member is sick, financial favorably, welcoming the idea Because of all this, now he was always band’s illness was revolutionary — he strain intensifies in every way, even to honor and follow the Rebbe’s on the alert, and looked forward to each felt the best course of action would be beyond the medical care costs. For words. People involved in the check-up that would assure him of a clean not to amputate, but to try to eliminate example, a normal part of housekeeping organization in Crown Heights bill of health. He often felt sensations the cancer through surgery and radiation is buying groceries and making dinner. were very grateful for the change. that worried him, but they were usually instead. It would not be easy — there was But I was so busy caring for my sick 8 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 18, 2008 YUD SH'VAT

The Beginning of the Rebbe’s Nesius (5711-1951)

By: Rabbi Michoel Seligson The next day theR ebbe called him into Rebbe how he will manage to get in to So, continued the Rebbe, it is our obli- his room and told him that he must put the Farbrengen. The Rebbe answered: gation and merit to bring the ultimate (adapted from the book “A Day To Recall in, in the very next publication, a notice “You will hold onto my gartel!” revelation of G‑dliness into the world, A Day To Remember” authored by Rabbi of retraction. since we are the seventh generation SB Avtzon and more additions) At 8:45, the Rebbe came to 770, which from the Alter Rebbe, who began the Rabbi Kazarnovsky asked the Rebbe if After the histalkus, chassidim turned was packed with chassidim, and at 9:45 dissemination of Chassidus in order to he might say something, to which the to the Rebbe, beseeching him to accept he came out to farbreng. The Rebbe bring Moshiach. Rebbe said yes. upon himself the nesius (mantle of began by saying two sichos. In the first leadership). Although the Rebbe ini- sicha, the Rebbe expressed the need of When the Rebbe finished saying the Rabbi Kazarnovsky then said: “Last tially declined (until the following Yud strengthening our bond to the Previous maamar, Reb Nemtzov stood up one last night I had a dream in which the Previous Shevat), some changes were immediately Rebbe. Then in the second sicha the time and blessed the Rebbe. TheR ebbe Rebbe came to me and said: ‘Tell my noticeable. Not only did he continue to Rebbe said, “Following the American replied: “Now please listen. TheR ebbeim son-in-law, [mentioning the Rebbe by farbreng every Shabbos Mevorchim as custom of beginning a new era with a always demanded from their chassidim name] the following [explanation]. It says he had started doing in 5702 (1942) on statement of intent, my statement is “The that they should work on their own and in the possuk, “And Hashem spoke to the instruction of the Previous Rebbe, he love of Hashem, the love of His Torah not rely on the Rebbe to accomplish Moshe [the leader of the Jewish nation], also began to farbreng on Yomim Tovim and the love of every Jew is one thing and everything for them. Therefore, now that ‘Why are you crying out to Me; speak to and other major days in the calendar. inseparable. If a Jew is lacking in one of I accept to help you in every way possible, the Jewish nation and they shall travel In addition, he began answering many these loves, it should be strengthened, don’t become complacent in your duties onward.’” Tell my son-in-law: “Why are people’s personal questions that until and through this love for every Jew, we and obligations. You must fulfill the you telling everyone that I [the Rebbe then had been answered by the Previous will go out of this bitter golus.” mission that my holy father-in-law, the Rayatz] am the Rebbe? You should speak Rebbe. Rebbe, gave you.” to the Jewish nation and they will travel Reb Avrohom Sender Nemtzov, an elder During that year, many interesting epi- and be elevated with you until the com- chassid, then stood up and said, “The Thus began the tradition of explaining sodes took place relating to the Rebbe’s ing of Moshiach Tzidkeinu.”’” sichos are very good, but chassidim want and expounding one chapter of Basi acceptance of the nesius, a few of which to hear a maamar.” Silence reigned as LeGani each year on Yud Shevat. It we will mention here. TheR ebbe then said, “Thank you for the everyone stood with baited breath. The continued for the next twenty years good tidings, and since you told me good Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson, who was the Rebbe’s expression became very serious, until Yud Shevat 5730 (1970) when the tidings, I shall give you good tidings.” mazkir (secretary) in charge of yechidus and after a few moments theR ebbe began Rebbe said a maamar on chapter twenty, with the Previous Rebbe from 5700-5710, saying his first maamar, which was based the last chapter of the hemshech of The Rebbe then showed Rabbi 1940-1950 (since the Previous Rebbe on and explained in great detail the ideas Basi LeGani. The following year, 5731 Kazarnovsky a telegram which he had came to America), had a dream. contained in the first chapter of Basi (1971), the Rebbe started the cycle anew, just received from Rabbi Herzog, the LeGani, the last maamar given out by explaining a chapter a year, beginning In his dream, the Previous Rebbe Chief Ashkenazic Rabbi in Eretz Yisroel, the Previous Rebbe. with Chapter One. appeared to him and asked, “Why are congratulating and blessing the Rebbe the spirits of chassidim depressed?” on becoming the seventh Rebbe of In the middle of the maamar, the Rebbe After the Farbrengen,R eb Yudel Chitrik Lubavitch. stopped and said, “We will now pause obm approached and told the Rebbe Rabbi Simpson answered, “Because we and say l’chaim.” Reb Nemtzov stood up told him that the Maamor was very have no one to go to!” On Wednesday, Yud Shevat 5711 (1951), in great happiness and exclaimed to all, positively accepted and Chassidim are the Rebbe went to the tzion of the The Previous Rebbe replied, “Isn’t my “Let us say the blessing of Shehechiyanu very pleased. Previous Rebbe and read many letters son-in-law [mentioning the Rebbe by that we have a Rebbe.” He then led the of request, that the Rebbe pray on their name] with you?” assembled in saying this blessing using TheR ebbe said to Rabbi Chitrik: “Give behalf. The last one to be read was the Hashem’s name. me a Brocha.” Rabbi Chitrik said: “To michtav hahiskashrus, the letter signify- Rabbi Simpson said, “But he refuses to give a Brocha, we need mashke.” ing the total bonding of a chassid to the accept the nesius upon himself.” The Rebbe then instructed that the Rebbe, which was signed by thousands niggun Beinoni be sung, followed by TheR ebbe ordered to bring mashke and of chassidim throughout the entire To this the Previous Rebbe replied, “He the Rebbe Rashab’s niggun known as when Reb Yudel said l’chaim, he contin- world. The letter declared that they are [the Rebbe] was already commanded to the Niggun Rostov. After continuing ued: “Everything that all the Rebbe’im accepting the Rebbe as their Rebbe and do so.” the maamar, the Rebbe instructed that a intended and worked to accomplish in committing themselves to energetically niggun of the Rebbe Maharash be sung, all the generations should be fulfilled At the first opportune moment, Rabbi fulfill all his directives.W hen the Rebbe followed by three niggunim of the Rebbe through the Rebbe.” Simpson told this dream to the Rebbe, began reading this letter, he broke out in the Tzemach Tzedek. who said, “I have not received such an deep sobs. TheR ebbe answered: “Omen. Lang leben instruction...” TheR ebbe then concluded the maamar zolt ir” (you should have a long life). When he returned from the Ohel, every- Immediately, Rabbi Simpson and other and tearfully related how the love of one davened Mincha, and then they ate elder chassidim went to the tzion (graves- the Rebbeim for their fellow Jew was Today, we have witnessed the fulfillment something. After Maariv it was officially ite) of the Previous Rebbe and read unlimited. TheA lter Rebbe, for example, of the Rebbe’s Brocha. Rabbi Chitrik announced that the Rebbe was going to a pidyon nefesh, requesting that the on Yom Kippur left the shul and chopped lived up till 106! farbreng at 8:00 in the shul upstairs. At instruction come. wood in order to prepare warm food for the time, the “downstairs” where the big a women in need. He then mentioned Indeed, from then on, the Rebbe never shul is located, was a big yard. an incident of extreme ahavas Yisroel of said that he did not receive such an every one of the Rebbeim. instruction. This was no surprise, as the Rebbe farbrenged throughout the year on all Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Raichik, of Cali- He explained that, as this was the last special occasions, and it was publicized fornia, would tell the following story maamar the Previous Rebbe gave us, in the newspapers that he would be every Sukkos: undoubtedly there was guidance in it to doing so. help us during these last days of golus. Rabbi Aharon Kazarnovsky was one of The suspense was whether or not the the three chassidim who placed a notice Rebbe would accept the nesius. TheR ebbe further explained: The Previ- (on the 26th of Teves) in some of the ous Rebbe’s maamar says that because most prominent Yiddish newspapers, An interesting anecdote took place prior Moshe Rabbeinu was the seventh genera- announcing that on Yud Shevat, 5711 to the Farbrengen: The distinguished tion from Avrohom Avinu, he was able to (1951), the Rebbe would accede to the Rabbi, Rabbi Ephraim Yolles was in bring down and reveal Hashem’s glory request of the chassidim and would the Rebbe’s room. When Rabbi Yolles in this world. accept the mantel of the nesius upon saw the crowd assembled, he asked the himself. January 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 9

The Previous Rebbe: a short biography in these three very different situations Adapted from “Timeless Patterns” by Sichos leadership in 5680 (1920). At that time, in Poland. There, he was confronted by indicates that this quality was of his In Engish the majority of the Chabad community challenges of a different nature.A lthough essence. Himself the epitome of mesirus - and the largest Jewish population there were no political obstacles to the nefesh, he was able to inspire others Yud Shvat (the Tenth of Shvat) is the Pre- worldwide - was located in the Soviet spread of Jewish education or practice, likewise. vious Rebbe’s yahrzeit, the anniversary Union, exposed to the full brunt of the the lack of resources presented difficul- Continually Advancing - of his passing. On the day of a tzaddik’s Communist effort to stamp out religious ties which were compounded by the and with Joy passing, “all his effort... for which he practice. fact that the leaders of the local Jewish toiled throughout his life... becomes community did not understand his The very name Yosef Yitzchak speaks revealed and radiates downward... at the For the Previous Rebbe, every day approach. volumes about the Rebbe Rayatz. time of his passing.” Accordingly, Yud presented a life-and-death struggle Shvat is an appropriate day to focus on to maintain the observance of Torah The Previous Rebbe did not allow In Hebrew, Yosef means “increase”. the message of the Previous Rebbe’s life, throughout the country. He dispatched these impediments to stand in the way The Previous Rebbe’s mesirus nefesh for every year, these same spiritual quali- rabbis and shochtim to communities of his efforts. With relentless energy, constantly impelled him to further ties are revealed on this anniversary. throughout the land, built mikvaos, he established a chain of yeshivos and commitment and increased activity. and most important - and most fiercely chadarim that enabled thousands of Moreover, the name Yosef was first given This revelation affects all of “his children, opposed by the Communist regime - he youth to devote themselves to the study in the verse, “May G-d add on (yosef) to the work of his hands,” those who “will established an extensive network of of Torah. These activities continued until me another son (ben acher).” Implicit in walk in his paths for eternity.” This is underground chadarim and yeshivos they were halted by the Nazi invasion. this verse is the ability of Yosef to trans- particularly true in regard to the yahrzeit to educate Jewish youth. (This network Together with thousands of other Jews, form a person who has hitherto been of a nasi, a leader of the Jewish people. continued to operate for decades, until the Previous Rebbe spent the High acher (“another” - estranged from his For a nasi is connected to every member the Glasnost allowed these schools to Holidays of 5700 (1939) in bomb shelters Jewish roots) into the closeness of ben (“a of his generation; as Rashi states, “The emerge into the light of day.) in Warsaw. Shortly thereafter, on the last son”). This ability was exemplified by the nasi is the entire people.” passenger ship to leave, he set out for the Previous Rebbe, who inspired countless The Previous Rebbe was arrested sev- United States. Jews to return to Jewish practice. The divine service of every man, but eral times for “counter-revolutionary” “America is No Different” particularly that of a tzaddik and nasi, is activities. At one point, he was sentenced The name Yitzchak was first given in multifaceted. Nevertheless, in consider- to death; only through international Immediately upon his arrival, he the verse, “Whoever hears will laugh ing the Previous Rebbe’s divine service as intervention and a series of miracles was announced that he had come not for (yitzchak) with me.” Joy should be radi- a whole, there is one quality that stands the sentence averted. The most difficult his personal benefit, but to prove that ated to the point that “whoever hears,” out distinctly, and which enhances the part of the Rebbe’s situation, however, “America is no different.” The spiritual even someone who does not consciously nature of all his other contributions, was the threat to his followers who joined vitality that had nurtured Jewish life in intend to hear, “will laugh with me.” namely, his unbounded mesirus nefesh him in risking their lives for these goals. Eastern Europe could be transplanted (“self sacrifice”). Whenever one of his followers was exiled to the American continent. Though its In keeping with this verse, the Previous to Siberia for teaching young children, manner of expression might change, Rebbe possessed a unique ability to The PreviousR ebbe’s mesirus nefesh was the Previous Rebbe had to shoulder the the traditional devotion to the Torah’s impart happiness to others. Even when not limited to a particular situation or responsibility of sending a replacement teachings and the observance of the he was physically broken, the atmosphere mode of expression. Despite the radically with the full knowledge of the danger mitzvos would not. around him was never one of despair. differing settings in which he lived and awaiting him. Quite the contrary, he radiated joy. the varied nature of the obstacles with Physically broken by the ravages of which he was confronted, he showed an In the Twilight Before the Night ill-health and Soviet interrogators, the Both these names share a connection unceasing commitment to the well-being Previous Rebbe could have retired to to the Redemption. The name Yosef of his fellow Jews, and to their connection The Rebbe Rayatz was forced to leave a more private life, leading his own is associated with the verse, “G-d will with their Torah heritage. Russia in 5688 (1928). For the next few small group of followers. Instead, he again (yosif) extend His hand... to take years, he established his base in Riga. revolutionized American Judaism. Every possession of the remnant of His people.” Challenging the Iron Fist Although he visited several Jewish com- single area of American Jewish life - day The joy inspired by the name Yitzchak His resolution and unbounded concern munities throughout the world during schools, kashrus, Jewish publishing, anticipates the overwhelming joy our may be seen in his responses to three this time, his energies were still primarily yeshivah study, and the beginnings of the people will experience at the Redemp- challenges that marked the three decades focused on Russia and the operation of baal teshuvah movement - was radically tion, as it is written, “Then will our during which he served as leader of the chassidic movement there. influenced by his activities. mouths be filled with laughter.” May this the Chabad chassidic movement. The take place in the immediate future. Previous Rebbe assumed the mantle of In the summer of 5693 (1933), he settled His ability to practice mesirus nefesh

Milan, Italy Argentina

Kfar Chabad, Israel 10 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 18, 2008

Musings

along with the performers who encour- When I was growing up, I had a neigh- Our buttons are polished, yet the tam- TZVIKI aged several of their “special guests”, bor named, Angel. She had Downs bourines are gathering dust... as well as the yeshiva bochurim who Syndrome. Her parents kept her locked I love to sing. In fact, the first time I attended to participate with them. up in a basement apartment. They were WE ARE READY Hashem....we are sang for the troops....yes, I really did! I elderly and left specific instructions that ready to make that final trek to the Beis was about 5 years old and performed for My eyes filled with tears as I watched Angel should always have a home. She HaMikdash Hashlishi with each and the Jewish War Veteran’s Post #18. The Tzviki and the other special folks. For was an “angel”, alright, yet she was kept every one of your precious kinderlach, organizers of the Children’s Chanuka a few moments, the joy on their faces caged, like an animal! walking upright, whole and healthy to Talent Show were very clever--each of mirrored the soaring of their neshamas. serve you with joy UNIMPEDED! the performers won a little prize... For those few minutes, they forgot their We, as a society, have come a long way, daily existences which are a struggle both since the 1950’s when Angel was born, THE TIME IS NOW!!! Anyway, as you know, venues for frum for them and for their families. but we still have a long way to go.... women who sing are few and far between. Good Shabbos! I have to settle for kvelling whenI listen There is not one family that does not Yes, there are many wonderful fundrais- to the men in my family daven for the have, or who does not know a family ers today for special folks and in fact, Dedicated with love to Ahuva Esther bas amud. experiencing these special challenges. the Rivka.... Then again,I can always go to a concert, We struggle to understand Hashem’s Rebbe told us in many sichas that “Rais- and that is what I did this past motzei cheshbonos. ing up many students”(Pirkei Avos, Shabbat. Perek Alef) means that it is the yerusha Sometimes, it is possible to accept that of each and every Jewish neshama to I attended the Shwekey concert. There each neshama returns to fulfill some spe- have a proper Yiddish chinuch. The were several developmentally disabled cial tafkid that needs to be completed. Rebbe continues that running a school young adults and children who also for only the best and the brightest is attended. I couldn’t help noticing a Yes, we know that. unacceptable! Not only must we teach particular young man, whom I will call But we are basar v’dom. We are human. our newborns, “Torah Tziva”, from the Tzviki. We try and try, and we cry too, as we cradle, but the Rebbe expects us to bring watch our kids/young adults struggle to all of Hashem’s Kinderlach to Torah and When the ushers instructed each guest to do the normal, everyday things that most to Mitzvos. hand in his ticket, Tzviki was given his to can do without missing a beat. hold, and he duly handed it in. He stood I return to the lovely music, the excite- for most of the performance, swaying Imagine, a baby too weak to cry (hypo- ment, the clapping, and I am good. I keep to the music. At times, he walked up to tonic)...how we beg Hashem to make the my mouth closed (but it is hard!). the front of the stage and waved to the baby strong enough to cry and to please percussionist who was happy to return keep his parents up at night! Music is the expression of the soul. his greeting. Music frees the neshama from all bodily Oy, the things we sometimes take for limitations. His rhythm was perfect, and he sang granted!

would provide equitable educational Policy Council, reported on the usurping school choice in all 50 states. Massive School funding for children in both public and of parental control by school officials. non-public schools, while respecting the The law in Massachusetts now provides Maurice Hedaya, of the Sephardic Voters Choice Drive liberty of schools in hiring and provision for the removal of children from their League, long-time activist on behalf of of services. home when the values taught at home the downtrodden, is reaching out to all Planned conflict with school policy. A“ child can segments of the community to support Phone calls are scheduled to be placed go to their teacher, a guidance counselor this effort. “We need to form alliances Press Release on January 23 and 24, shortly prior or a coach and say that their statement with leaders in minority communities, to major primary elections across the of belief that they made to their parents who are desperately in need of improved January 11, 2008 United States. Florida will hold theirs on has not been warmly received. The school educational opportunities,” he said. January 29; Maine on February 1; and board then says that the child can be National Committee for the Furtherance on February 5 primaries will be held in removed from the home.” Rabbi Sholem Ber Hecht, Chairman of of Jewish Education Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, the Executive Committee of NCFJE, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Dela- Larry Cirignano, of CatholicVote.org, called upon religious leaders, school 824 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY ware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, a long-time activist on behalf of family principals and concerned parents to 11213 Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, values, reported on his trial on trumped reach out to their constituencies and call New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, up charges of assault, for preventing the presidential candidates, urging spon- Contact: Israel Teitelbaum: 973-820- North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee an ACLU activist from disrupting a sorship of school choice legislation. 6121 or [email protected] and Utah. pro-marriage rally in Worcester, Mas- sachusetts. After a week long trial Ciri- Additional organizations supporting The Community Rabbi Shea Hecht, Chairman of the gnano was found not guilty by a jury of Civil Rights Act for Equal Educational leaders and Board of NCFJE, opened the meeting his peers. “We need to fight back and Opportunity include Torah Commu- school prin- by pointing out that despite the fact reclaim the right of parents to raise their nications, Americans for Tax Reform, cipals came that passage of this legislation appears own children.” Center for Equal Opportunity, Family together on to be politically impossible to achieve, Research Council and Parents for Free Tuesday, Janu- we need to do all that we can, and have Bob Schundler, brother of school choice Choice in Education. ary 8, at the faith that our Creator will do the rest. leader and former Jersey City Mayor Bret headquarters He pointed out, “In study after study, Schundler, spoke of the founding of the Further information is available at of the National wherever school choice has been tried, United States and how the Declaration of [email protected] or 973- Committee for the Furtherance of Jew- it was of great benefit to all; the children Independence and the U.S. Constitution 277-4213. ish Education (NCFJE) to address the benefited, the parents benefited and placed great stress on individual liberty. current crisis in education. After hearing so did the private and public schools... “How is it liberty when the government from a cross section of community activ- Although the challenge is great, school does not allow you to raise your own ists, it was decided to organize a massive choice has the support of many people, children? And how is it ‘pursuit of hap- “phone-in” to the leading presidential and we need to make the effort.” piness,’ when children are not graduating candidates urging them to support The high school?” He is leading the national Civil Rights Act for Equal Educational Denise Fox, of the New Jersey Family effort for legislation that would require Opportunity. This proposed legislation January 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 11 Parshas Hashavua

was a prophetess? When the Jews went out in the morning Vedibarta Bam ~ Beshalach and saw on the ground “something fine ANSWER: Eighty years before Kriat and scaly,” they did not know what it was. Yam Suf — the splitting of the Red Sea Puzzled, one said to the other, “Undoubt- — Pharaoh issued a decree to drown edly, this is something which was derived In reality, both views are correct. Even all the Jewish baby boys. At that time, through a miracle.” Therefore, they called when the Jew rises in government circles it “mann” )מן( Amram, apprehensive about being mar- which is the abbreviation and in the eyes of its leaders, he must for “ma’aseh nissim” )מעשה נסים( “�ried and having children, divorced his some always remember to maintain his identity wife, Yocheved. His daughter Miriam thing made miraculously” — and they and his unique Jewish spirituality. This implored him to remarry Yocheved and .resolved not to benefit from it was actually “Atzmut Yosef” (lit. the also prophesied that her mother would bones) — the “essence” of Yosef, and give birth to a child who would take the Moshe told them, “This is the bread the philosophy he embodied. Moshe Jewish people out of galut. Due to Mir- which Hashem has given you to eat “carried” this legacy and imparted it to iam’s insistence, he remarried Yocheved — since in the wilderness there are no Klal Yisrael. Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky at a very happy wedding celebration in means of obtaining food, without this )מצאתי בכתבי אבי הרב שמואל פסח ז”ל which Miriam and her younger brother, bread from Heaven your lives are in “ויקח משה את עצמות יוסף עמו” Aharon, danced and entertained (Sotah jeopardy. In a case of mortal danger it is באגאמילסקי( 12a). Throughout all the years Miriam permitted to benefit from a miracle.” “Moshe took the bones of Yosef with cherished the tambourine she used at the )בית יעקב( (him.” (13:19 .wedding and carried it with her “וישם את הים לחרבה ויבקעו המים” QUESTION: In the Gemara (Sotah “Hashem made the sea dry land and the When Moshe crossed the sea with the “ובני ישראל אכלו את המן ארבעים 13a) there is a dispute as to where Yosef water split.” (14:21) Jewish people, the redemption from שנה” was buried. According to one opinion Egypt reached its fruition. Experiencing he was interred in the crypt where the QUESTION: Water normally flows, and the fulfillment of her prophecy, Miriam “And the Children of Israel ate the manna Kings of Egypt are buried, and according only Hashem can alter the laws of nature joyously took out the wedding tambou- forty years.” (16:35) to another opinion he was buried in the and split the sea. The Gemara (Sotah 2a), rine and called on everyone to rejoice. Nile river. Yosef was definitely one of QUESTION: In the wilderness, all the says, that pairing two people in marriage needs of the Jewish people were provided )שמעתי מהרב מנחם מענדל שיחי’ אלפערין( .the greatest personalities of his time is as difficult as splitting the sea, and It would be logical to assume that his by Hashem. Food came from Heaven, the Gemara (Pesachim 118a) says that burial place was a national monument; and their clothing grew with them. How earning a parnasah — livelihood — is was one able to fulfill the mitzvah of “ויראו בני ישראל ויאמרו איש אל אחיו how then is it possible for such diverse as difficult as splitting the sea (Pesachim ?(tzedakah (helping those in need מן הוא כי לא ידעו מה הוא ויאמר משה ?opinions as to where he was buried אלהם הוא הלחם אשר נתן ה’ לכם .(118a ANSWER: The manna that the Jews לאכלה” ANSWER: The name “Yosef” can refer In what way is marriage, and parnasah to the Jewish people. As the Psalmist received in the wilderness tasted like the analogous to the splitting of the sea? says, “O Shepherd of Israel (Hashem), “The Children of Israel saw it, and they particular food each eater had in mind You who leads Yosef (the Jewish people) said one to another, ‘It is mann,’ for they (Yoma 75a). A poor person had never ANSWER: When the Children of Israel like a flock” (80:2). Since Yosef pro- did not know what it was. Moshe said to tasted expensive foods, so the tzedakah saw Pharaoh pursuing them into the vided for his brothers and their families them, ‘This is the bread which G‑d has of a rich person was to recommend to a wilderness, they formed a number of throughout the years of the Egyptian given you to eat.’ ” (16:15) poor person what to have in mind while plans of action. One group favored a famine, all of Jacob’s descendants who eating so that his palate would enjoy battle with theE gyptians, another group survived by Yosef’s benevolence are QUESTION: Why did they name it hitherto untasted delicacies. advised leaping into the sea, a third said called by his name (Rashi). “mann” if they were unsure what it was ? )פון אונזער אלטען אוצר, דברים( to surrender and return to Egypt, and a fourth advocated crying to Hashem for The views expressed in the Gemara ANSWER: The Gemara T( a’anit 24a) help. Nobody dreamt of the possibility can be explained as a metaphor for the relates that when the gabba’ei tzedakah “ויבא עמלק וילחם עם ישראל” that the sea would split and that they survival of the Jewish people throughout (people in charge of charity collecting) would march through valiantly on dry the galut. would see Elazar of Birta, they would run “Amalek came and fought with the Jews.” land (see Mechilta 14:13). away because he would donate every- (17:8) The issue is what is the source of strength thing he had. Once he went to the market Frequently, young people fantasize about QUESTION: How was Amalek able to of the Jewish people. What secret power to buy a wedding gift for his daughter. their most suitable match. However, attack the Jews when they were protected is “buried” within them that helps them When the gabba’ei tzedakah tried to despite their plans, they meet their from all sides with ananei hakavod — endure and survive all the persecutions avoid him, as he ran after them and asked “bashert” in a totally unanticipated way, Clouds of Glory? they encounter throughout their lengthy what cause they were collecting for. They and often one marries someone from a exile? One opinion is that it is due to told him that they were raising money distant place never originally envisioned. ANSWER: According to the Midrash the “crypt of Kings” — their political for a poor bride and groom, so he gave Similarly, in earning one’s livelihood, Tanchuma (Parshat Teitze 10), some connections to the highest officials in them all his money but one coin, with an individual may have many plans and members of the tribe of Dan worshipped government. Fortunately, often the which he bought some wheat. He put calculations, but ultimately Hashem idols which they took with them from intelligence, wisdom, and contribution the wheat in his storeroom and went to often provides him an unanticipated Egypt. The clouds cast out these people, for the betterment of the country made the Beit Midrash to learn. source of income. and thus, they were vulnerable to attack. by members of the Jewish people has Moshe instructed Yehoshua “choose When his wife came home, she asked her )שמעתי מדודי הרב ברוך הכהן ז”ל כהן מח”ס been recognized, gaining them access to anashim — strong and G‑d fearing ”?daughter, “What did your father bring קול תודה( government. In turn, these individuals people so that their merits will aid them” used their influence on behalf of their She replied, “Whatever he brought is (Rashi), and fight Amalek on behalf of brothers. in the storeroom.” They were unable to these Jews. open the door because the storeroom “ותקח מרים הנביאה אחות אהרן את was filled with wheat from corner to התף בידה” Another view claims that their source of From this we can learn a lesson of strength is the “Nile river” — a body of corner, so his daughter ran to the Beit great importance: Even when a Jew has water completely separate from the land. “Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Midrash and excitedly told him, “Come stooped, G‑d forbid, to the extent of This symbolizes that the Jewish people Aharon, took the tambourine in her see what the G‑d who loves you did.” He worshipping idols, it is incumbent even have nothing to do with the inhabitants hand.” (15:20) immediately said, “I forbid you to use it on tzaddikim to do everything possible of the country in which they dwell. Their for anything more than your bare neces- to help save him and return him to the absolute detachment and isolation from QUESTION: 1) Instead of saying “et sities.” Rashi explains that he was harsh Jewish fold. Egyptian society helped preserve their hatof” — “the tambourine” — indicating to his daughter because he realized that )לקוטי שיחות חכ”א( identity and ultimately enabled them a specific one — could it not have just the wheat had multiplied miraculously to survive the alien forces which sought said “tof” — “a tambourine”? 2) Why and it is forbidden for a person to derive their destruction. does the Torah mention here that she benefit from a miracle. 12 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 18, 2008 Human Interest

By Chana Ginsburg started to express doubts Sichoh in order to organize a program. about his own value and his But how can one distinguish between Reprinted with permission from the N’shei ability to do things well. He working hard towards a desired goal Chabad Newsletter constantly pursued unreach- versus depriving oneself of needs that Part Two able perfection and pointed are essential for maintaining a healthy, out his own faults. The wife, vibrant Shlichus life? Part 1 of this article talked about one of who initially respected her the issues that plague our generation: When someone is working hard towards husband so much and looked lack of true self worth. It mentioned the a goal, she makes choices that reflect up to him, began to lose perspective of Chassidus on this matter- who she really is and what she believes respect. I worked with the -that every Jew is precious to Hashem in, thereby increasing her vitality. When couple, and it took a few When working with young people, it is just because he exists, not because of someone is depriving herself in order sessions to help him realize that by important to show that their opinions are anything he does or doesn’t do. As such, to meet impossible expectations, she is putting himself down, he undermines significant and that you trust their ability we need to find the balance between the making choices that reflect her lack of self what he really wants to achieve; instead to make good decisions. If a teenager motivation to grow and achieve, and that respect, thereby exhausting her energy of gaining respect for being excellent, comes up with an idea that you view as deep, inner anchor that generates the and decreasing her simchas hachayim. he is disrespected for the flaws that he ridiculous, control your impulse to dis- secure feeling of being just fine the way What will the Shlucha’s community see? himself points out. miss it. Instead, lead a rational discussion we are. Following are practical ways to Will they see a woman who is struggling that helps her see the matter from other implement this: We need to love ourselves in order to to survive, carrying a heavy burden, or angles. Point out factors that she may love and be loved. We need to respect will they see a woman radiating joy and Making It Happen have overlooked. Allow her to come to ourselves in order to respect and be happiness doing the will of G-d? the right conclusions on her own. Rather What can we do to fulfill this desired respected. than rejecting the teenager for coming Are We Being Arrogant? goal? While Parenting up with such a ridiculous idea, you can I find that people often confuse healthy 1. Learn Chassidus. Chassidus nurtures, end the encounter with a statement like, Your child comes home crying because self esteem with arrogance. In order to activates and reveals the Yechidoh “That was a great discussion – you’re a other kids picked on him. You want to make sure that they maintain Chas- sheb’Nefesh, the core of the soul, which good thinker,” which leaves her with the give him advice to ensure it won’t happen sidishe standards of bitul and humil- is strong and stable, peaceful and secure. feeling that she matters and is worthy of again, but is that what he needs right ity, they promote and hold on to low It enables us to celebrate life passionately respect. now? His sense of self worth was shaken. self esteem. This causes them to be instead of just surviving life. Hold back your advice. First help him In Careers self-conscious; confined to their own Learning Chassidus is not just about understand his feelings of rejection and prisons of self. In fact, there is a crucial Sometimes people settle for jobs that surviving golus; it’s about experienc- worthlessness, and legitimize his pain. difference between low self esteem and don’t reflect what they can really achieve. ing Geuloh and enjoying life. A lady in Communicate your unconditional love bitul. Low self esteem is a psychological A client came to consult with me whether one of my Chassidus classes told me, and support through actions and words. dysfunction, while bitul is the awareness or not she should make a long-term “Our learning affects the way I talk Make sure your child’s sense of worth that who we are is an expression of our commitment to her job. After a few to my children. They listen to me dif- and comfort is restored. Only then can Maker. As such, we recognize that our short questions I realized that the pay ferently.” Another one said, “I feel my you discuss various options to solve greatness and talents come from G-d’s was almost as low as a babysitter’s and neshomoh resonating – my whole week the problem. As a parent, make sure to benevolence and are meant to be used the work itself was not that interesting is uplifted.”L et’s take our seforim out of engage your children in conversations in His service. to her. It had no future. In one session our bookshelves and make them part which help them become aware of their she fully realized how far she had gone Now Is the Time of our daily lives. Let’s delve into their feelings and put them in words. Help in not doing justice to herself, a creative illuminated depths and discover how them to connect with their own, inner Tu B’Shvat is coming up, and with it the and intelligent young woman. After relevant Chassidus is in experiencing a sense of Am Seguloh, that they’re a possibility for a new cycle of growth. connecting to her inner sense of self rich and meaningful reality. precious treasure just because they are Like a tree, we can deepen the roots of worth, she took a leap of faith and left G-d’s children. our commitment to a life filled with the her job to look for one better suited to 2. Realize and learn about the important awareness of being G-d’s treasure and In Education her abilities. She made a commitment task of being your own caretaker. Just let our branches spread wide to inspire to present herself confidently in job like a good parent provides an atmo- A student once failed to prepare for a others as well. interviews. Within a couple of days she sphere of understanding, support and test. When the test was given, he realized called me to let me know that she had a Let us join forces and run the Satan out encouragement for his child, you, too, that he was unable to write reasonable few job offers that very much matched of business for good! need to provide such care for yourself. answers, so he signed his name and her interests. One of them pays more Make sure to be attentive to your own handed in a blank paper. When the tests ••••• than double her previous salary. vulnerabilities and needs. For instance, were returned the student was surprised Mrs. Chana Ginsburg is a well known if you find yourself afraid to undertake to see the mark 12 written as his grade. When you present yourself with confi- teacher and lecturer in Kabboloh, Chas- a new project, allow yourself to ask for “What did I get 12 points for?” he asked dence and self respect, people treat you sidus and Jewish philosophy, conducting support from a person who can provide the teacher. “Neatness!” she answered. accordingly. Being in tune with you own ongoing classes in advanced Jewish learning. you with useful information as well as worth helps others see the good that is She is the designer and facilitator of a series encouragement. Find someone who In a classroom setting it is important to in you. of workshops on personal transformation. will tell you, “You can do it!” After you focus on the strengths of each student, She has been a therapist, spiritual mentor have accomplished a task or project, it’s allowing creative thinking and legitimiz- On Shlichus and personal growth counselor for over 25 okay to ask someone who cares about ing different perspectives.E ach student The yetzer hara for negative self-worth years. She currently has a practice with an you to listen and acknowledge what you has to be fully appreciated for his unique preys especially well on Shluchim and office in Brooklyn, NY and counsels couples, accomplished and tell you some words talents so that his sense of self worth can Shluchos. No matter how much one coaches individuals and also lectures of appreciation. When you find yourself remain intact. A child who is not doing does, it’s never enough. I have spoken worldwide via the telephone. resisting doing more after investing well in Chumash might have a great sense to Shluchos who felt like quitting (ch”v) yourself in a certain activity, allow of humor that can be cultivated rather because, for them, Shlichus had become Chana has recently launched an expanding yourself to take a break and engage in a than suppressed. Acknowledging his an impossible battle to win. They have website for spreading the treasures of Kab- different activity that gives you pleasure. sense of humor can provide him with the a hard time keeping up with the high boloh and Chassidus around the world, Look for that place within you that confidence to keep trying and to develop standards they set for themselves. In providing practical, transformational appreciates you just because of what you better Chumash skills. taking on the mission of Shlichus, guidance for a richer and more effective are, not because of anything you do. Working With Youth some felt that they had abandoned their life. You are welcome to join her Chassidus In Relationships individuality and personal needs. Is this classes in-person and on the phone. Respect the struggles of adolescents and what Shlichus is about? Poor self image can generate all kinds their need to process things their own Visit www.KabbalahofLife.com or call of challenges to relationships. One way. When a teenager struggles with There are times when sacrifices are (718) 756-1485 for more information. woman was drawn to her husband issues of self worth, it is much harder made for the sake of achieving a goal. because of his integrity, high morals and for her to stand up to peer pressure, For example, a Shlucha will occasionally keen ability to focus and be organized. make intelligent decisions and maintain give up her own much needed rest to However, problems arose when he healthy boundaries. help a family in need, or skip learning a January 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 13 The Rebbetzin Chana OBM

(1880-1964) He served the community for 32 years, flowed freely. had been exiled to the far-flung village of eventually assuming the position of chief Chi’ili, in the republic of Kazakhstan. In honor of her birthday on the 28th of rabbi, until 1939, when he was arrested by Arrest and Exile Teves the NKVD (a precursor of the KGB) for Rebbetzin Chana immediately resolved his activities on behalf of strengthening While the Soviet government claimed that, come what may, she would journey [Adapted from the book “Rebbetzin Chana yiddishkeit in the Soviet Union. that it allowed religious freedom, it out to that remote location to join her Schneerson” contrived ever more complex laws that husband in exile. In the spring of 1940, The Jewish community ofY ekatrinoslav made religious observance impossible. In she traveled to Moscow, and from there By Shmuel Marcus and Avraham D included many non-religious profession- 1939, after fiercely battling the authori- took a train to Chi’ili, an arduous journey Vaisfiche] als, who also held Rabbi Levi Yitzchak in ties, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak won approval of five days. She managed to take matzah, great esteem. Rebbetzin Chana, who was to bake special kosher-for-Passover wine and some cooking fat with her for Birth fluent in several languages, contributed matzah. Word of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s the upcoming holiday of Passover. At to her husband’s success and influence matzah production quickly spread, and last she arrived, and was reunited with Rebbetzin Chana was born in 1880, as a communal leader. She was an Jews from all over the Ukraine and her husband on the 28th of Tevet, in Nikolayev, W hite Russia joyously purchased the Ukraine, to Rabbi Meir Shlomo and matzah. The joy of this achievement Chi'ili Rachel Yanovsky. She was the eldest was cut short, however, by Rabbi Levi of four children: two sisters, Gittel and Yitzchak’s sudden arrest. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin Ettel, and a younger brother,Y israel Leib, Chana’s first home in Chi’ili was a single who passed away as a youth. Rabbi Meir On the 9th of Nissan, at 3:00 a.m., room in the dwelling of a crude Tatar Shlomo was chief rabbi of Nikolayev; four NKVD agents appeared at Rabbi couple who had a young child. The room indeed, the Yanovskys were known as a Levi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin Chana’s had no door, and was damp, muddy and prestigious rabbinical family of scholars home on 13 Borigodna Street. The filled with swarms of mosquitoes. They and leaders. agents conducted a search through lived in extreme poverty and discomfort, the apartment, scrutinizing all of the with no privacy. Early Years Rabbi’s letters and responsa, as well as many of his personal papers. They On the 2nd of Nissan, shortly after The Chasidim ofN ikolayev would fondly left nothing untouched. Rebbetzin Chana’s arrival, Rabbi Levi recall Chana’s scholarship as a teenager. Yitzchak woke up feeling weak. However, When a maamar (Chasidic discourse) Three hours later, the officer in charge as this was the anniversary of the passing would arrive from Lubavitch—either ordered the Rabbi to get dressed and of Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn, repeated by a Chasid who was present come with them. When Rebbetzin he wanted to honor the day by writing at the Rebbe’s discourse, or by notes Chana asked where they were taking some Chasidic thoughts. But alas, there sent to her father’s home—she would her husband, she was told that on the was neither paper nor ink to be had. meticulously and faithfully transcribe elegant and personable woman whose following day at noon the Military Police it, making it available for the eager home was a constant hub of communal Headquarters would inform her of her Deeply troubled by her husband’s pre- Chasidim. activity. She communicated especially husband’s whereabouts. The next day dicament, Rebbetzin Chana traveled well with Jewish university students, in came and went, but she was not given to the nearby city of Kazil-Orda and Bright and talented, Chana had an excel- whom she took a special interest as she any information, despite her pleas. returned with two notebooks, some lent ear for music—a quality she shared tried to draw them close to yiddishkeit. powder that could be made into ink, and with her father She frequently visited the congregants in Not knowing where her husband was a small jar to serve as an inkwell. When their homes, counseling and conversing being incarcerated or how he was faring, this ran out, she somehow managed In 1900, at the age of 20, Rebbetzin Chana with them on matters personal, academic Rebbetzin Chana began her courageous to obtain additional ink and paper for married Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson. and spiritual. campaign for his release. She was 59 her husband, despite the shortages and The great-grandson ofR abbi Menachem years old. the extreme poverty. When ink was Mendel, the “Tzemach Tzedek” (the A celebration in Yekatrinoslav not available, Rebbetzin Chana would third of Chabad-Lubavitcher Rebbes), In a false trial staged by the Soviets, secretly manufacture her own by soaking Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was a renowned On the 14th of Kislev in 1928, Reb- Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was found guilty of herbs she gathered in the fields. Paper scholar and brilliant kabbalist. Rabbi betzin Chana’s oldest son, Rabbi Men- anti-Soviet propaganda and sentenced to was so scarce that her husband wrote in Shalom DovBer Schneersohn, the fifth achem Mendel, married Rebbetzin five years of exile in the Central Asian the margins of the books that she had Lubavitcher Rebbe, had suggested the Chaya Mushka, the daughter of the then region of the Soviet Union. In Kislev of brought with her and on the small scraps match. The wedding took place on the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak 1939, some eight months after he was of paper that she managed to gather. The 13th of Sivan, in Nikolayev. Schneersohn. The wedding took place in first arrested, the NKVD summoned ability to write his Torah thoughts, she Warsaw, Poland. Rebbetzin Chana and Rebbetzin Chana to their headquarters would later observe, brought her husband Rebbetzin Chana gave birth to three her husband were unable to attend the and informed her of the sentence. They greater pleasure than the bread she would sons: Menachem Mendel, DovBer and wedding, because the Soviet government gave her a list of items her husband had serve him after days of hunger. Yisrael Aryeh Leib. had severely restricted travel outside the requested, which included a tallit, tefillin, country. Yearning to participate in her gartel, Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya. Gradually, the provisions that Rebbetzin Her eldest son, Menachem Mendel, was son’s joy, Rebbetzin Chana organized She was also informed that she would Chana had brought were depleted. The born on the 11th of Nissan 1902. On a festive celebration in her own home be allowed a few moments to bid him specter of starvation loomed. Though that day, Rabbi Shalom DovBer sent six while the wedding was taking place in farewell, before he was to be exiled. they never discussed it, pangs of hunger telegrams to the child’s father, Rabbi Warsaw. tormented them. Once, they did not taste Levi Yitzchak, each with blessings and When she was finally permitted to see a piece of bread for an entire month. various instructions. Despite the danger in organizing a public him in prison, Rebbetzin Chana was sad- gathering, and expecting only thirty dened by how weak and frail her husband Before nursing her son, Rebbetzin Chana guests, she was overwhelmed when some appeared. Fearing he would not have the would wash her hands in the ritual three hundred people bravely showed strength to survive the difficult journey, manner, and do the same for her infant. up. As someone played the violin and the Rabbi asked forgiveness of his wife, She had a yarmulke and tzitzit made Chasidic music filled the apartment, the as one does when nearing death. The for him, and took great care to raise her Jews of Yekatrinoslav celebrated with couple parted, with Rebbetzin Chana son—who would eventually become the their beloved Rabbi and Rebbetzin. returning home. seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe—in a holy environment. All who were present shared in Rebbetzin Weeks passed with no word as to her Chana’s joy, yet sensed her longing to husband’s destination. One night, at In 1907, when Rebbetzin Chana was 27 be with her eldest son at his wedding. about 1:00 a.m., a young Jewish woman years old, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak became Despite the sadness in his heart, Rabbi who worked in the post office knocked rabbi of the Ukrainian city of Yekatrino- Levi Yitzchak danced with the guests, on Rebbetzin Chana’s door. She bore a slav—known today as Dnepropetrovsk. moving them deeply. Bittersweet tears telegram stating that Rabbi Levi Yitzchak 14 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 18, 2008 Shiduchim

exclusion forced the Jews to seek within can also be explained as the atzmiyot — Vedibarta Bam ~ Marriage themselves and among themselves; the essence — of Yosef. Moshe showed poverty and ignorance of the world the people Yosef’s true nature, what he kept the Jews pious and forced them to represented and the model he had left By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky concentrate on their own culture. He for posterity to emulate. and finally a supreme ruler of a mighty feared the erroneous argument that When the Jewish people left Egyptian kingdom. Despite the vicissitudes of “Torah Judaism was viable in the closed Moshe did not attempt to discourage slavery forever, the Torah tells us that his life, Yosef himself never changed. society of Eastern Europe, but cannot the people’s pursuit of wealth. He did “Vayikach Moshe et atzmot Yosef imo” In his father’s house or in Potiphar’s, survive in the free world of democracy, not admonish them for being immersed — “Moshe took the bones of Yosef with in prison or palace, Yosef staunchly opportunity, and culture.” in materialism. On the contrary, he him” (13:19). Our Rabbis (Sotah 13a) maintained his identity and his ways wished them well in their endeavors but comment that all Israel was busy with of Torah observance. Moshe had to demonstrate — not beseeched them to never let the essence the new-found wealth from the drowned with words but with an example based of Yosef out of their minds. Hashem is Egyptians and Moshe busied himself Moshe saw his people leaving the on experience — that Torah and Yid- not envious of His children and wishes with Yosef’s remains. What connection is land of oppression, the land of the dishkeit are not meant only for the them the very best of everything. He has there between Israel’s riches and Yosef’s Goshen-ghetto, the land of the bread small shtetl Jew of Europe, not only for just one request: that they not forget Him mortal remains? Moreover, we are told of poverty and affliction. In all their poverty, not only under oppression and and His Torah. that the bodies of all Yosef’s brothers troubles they never forgot who they isolation, but equally for those blessed were taken out of Egypt. Why, then, is were. Their names were Jewish names, with material wealth, with recognition My dear Chatan and Kallah, may your only Yosef’s name singled out? their clothing was distinctive, their and honor. Yosef, he showed his people, married life be blessed with an abun- language — the Sacred Tongue. Now was the same loyal devout Jew whether dance of success. May you reach the Yosef’s career was strikingly different they were en-route to a new land —one unjustly imprisoned or at the summit of heights of royalty. But at the same time from that of his brothers. Generally, they where they would dwell in peace and power. Whether under the shadow of a may it be evident in your behavior that were always together — in warfare, in tranquility. They were loaded heavily saintly father or in a licentious Egyptian “od Yosef chai,” you are conducting your work, in traveling to Egypt, in Goshen with gold and silver. Here was a new household, Yosef never compromised his life in accordance with the essence and — while Yosef spent many years alone. temptation, one Moshe feared they standards and ideals. spirit of the righteous Yosef. The brothers lived fairly stable lives, with could not cope with properly. )הרב זלמן יצחק שי’ פויזנער עם .few ups and downs in their fortunes Homiletically, the words “atzmot Yosef” הוספות( Yosef, in contrast, was the favored son He could hear the arguments: Judaism which literally mean “the bones of Yosef,” of his father, then a slave and a convict, survived as a result of anti-Semitism;

Finding A Needle in a Haystack

By: Sarah Junik There are few opportunities for Shlichus and base their list on complementary Our children should not pick and choose Continued from last week nowadays, and going on shlichus might aspects for his/her partner. random qualities . Rather, based on their entail starting a Chabad house in a new own characteristics, they should come Your S/D should look at themselves and Sometimes a person thinks that they city. That has its own challenges and up with a possible real person. figure out what are their talents and best will change their prospective mate. They needs a certain character and talent. character traits. It will be much easier to do not realize that both will change in All this has to be discussed. When our Another contradiction is when our chil- articulate who they are looking for once the course of their marriage but not girls write they want someone who will dren look for someone very chassidish they know themselves better. They may fundamentally. If our child does not go on shlichus, do they realize all the that is totally immersed in learning not realize how good they are at solving like a particular characteristic, they will qualities that a person has to have to but who will not mind if they go out to problems, or that they are peacemakers, not be able to eradicate it. If they like a succeed? All the input they themselves movies or have all kinds of magazines great with children, or are very sensible. particular quality, they will be able to will have to give? around the house or maybe a TV in the They may belittle their own talents and enhance it. closet. take them for granted. Encourage them Do not use the phrase "going on shlichus" Make sure when you discuss with your to realize how much they have accom- for a shortcut to a certain type of bochur. S/D what they want in a mate that such It is not reasonable to expect a chas- plished and what direction they want to Spell it out. a spouse actually exist. A thought to sidishe bochur to accept that. What about take with their lives. What are their goals, ponder: “I spent my life looking for the influence on future children. One and are those goals realistic and compat- Comparable challenges will exist if one the perfect woman, and I finally found cannot change at the drop of a hat. ible with their talents? Which talents do is looking for a working bochur. If he her....but she was looking for the perfect they want to develop further. is going into his family business, that man.” I have heard girls say that they will stop Discuss the goals they have for their is one thing. If he does not have such a watching videos or going to movies Someone who wants a partner who is future, and by extension the goals they possibility, what skills does he have? Are when they are expecting. Or that they giving, sensitive, ambitious and decisive, see for the family they want to build. they compatible for the work he wishes will only watch when the husband is not will rarely find such a person. Sensitive, Both Chosson and Kallah must have to do? Does he have to get a GED? Does home. That is not reasonable.I t is not the decisive and ambitious rarely come similar goals and values for the family he have a college degree? movie alone that is the problem, it is the together. they will build IY”H. Their understand- entire atmosphere and way of thinking ing of what is meaningful to them should Again, when saying one wants a work- They may not realize how their wishes that comes into the house with it. be similar. If he wants to be a Chazzan, ing boy, there are a lot of levels. Let our contradict one another. This makes ful- and she hates Chazzonus, there might be children be specific with their needs. filling those wishes impossible because So, if she wants to be able to do that, serious issues to overcome when he is not no such combination exists. Or if it does look for a boy who is able to accept that home on Rosh Hashana for example. When your child describes their ideal exist, it is extremely rare. and realize that he will not be the most match, have them look at themselves chassidish of boys. He cannot be. If this one wants to go on shlichus and Therefore the qualities our children realistically, and have them ask them- this one wants to pursue a career, etc. choose for their spouses have to make up selves, "Would such a person want to A Needle in a Haystack is a book of advice each set of circumstances comes with a real person. Imagine a face made up by marry me?" for parents starting to look at shidduchim its baggage, and both parties must be a very skilled surgeon with the best eye written on the occasion of one of Mrs Junik’s ready to accept it. shape and nose shape and mouth, cheek- In some cases your child might choose daughters wedding.. bones etc. Just because each individual someone who is almost completely dif- If your daughter wants a boy that will feature is the "best" or the most admired Any constructive comment is welcomed ferent from the person he/she had on go on shlichus, she has to know that by the world at that time, this does not by the editor. Write to CHP5768 @ paper. This may happen because the list there will be sacrifices she will have to mean that the face will be beautiful. gmail.com or directly to the author at was not based on the realistic needs of the make. She may encounter hardships Sometimes we see in magazines people [email protected]. child but more on wishful thinking. Your —real ones, not no pizza on Motzaei who have changed their nose, and they S/D should look at their own qualities Shabbos! looked better before! January 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 15 Shleimus Haaretz

Published by Sichos In English mitzvos, and to separate himself from a person who strikes a Jew is like one who spiritual benefits, but will also strengthen sin. If he does not do so, it is only because strikes G-d in the eye, so to speak. Since their position in the world, particularly This is a synopsis of the Rebbe’s many public his evil inclination forces him to act “a king cannot exist without a people,” in the Land of Israel. addresses on the subject, translated and otherwise. the appreciation of G-d as king of the adapted by Rabbi Yosef Loebenstein. While world is dependent on His people, the Just as the Jews are G-d’s chosen people, it is but a synopsis, every effort has been Throughout the centuries, this essential Jews, and an attack against them, heaven the Land of Israel is G-d’s chosen land. made to give as accurate a representation desire has been revealed by the many forbid, is an attack against Him. It is a holy land given as an eternal of the Rebbe’s views as possible Jews -- even those who were not obser- inheritance to the entire Jewish people, vant -- who actually sacrificed their lives When such statements are made, par- those living in the land at present, and I have created this people for Myself; they to sanctify G-d’s name. ticularly when they are made in public, those presently living in the diaspora. shall relate My praise” (Isaiah 43:20). (and publicized even to the extent that Hence, no one is entitled to surrender any Surely, efforts must be made to reach they are relayed in the non-Jewish press,) portion of Eretz Yisrael to gentiles. Each and every Jew, man, woman, or out to all the members of our people they have to be corrected. We find that child, in every generation, by virtue of and develop this innate potential. Nev- when Isaiah criticized the Jews -- even Maintaining possession of this land is his very existence, expresses the praise ertheless, even before those efforts are though they were deserving of such the only path to peace. of G-d. Not only is every Jew’s soul an completed, the very existence of the criticism -- he was punished. The Bible “actual part of G-d,” so to speak, but also, Jewish people expresses the praise of relates this incident in order to “open the Succumbing to the pressure to surrender each Jew as he exists in this world, body G-d. Though they have long been “one way to repentance,” so that anyone who any part of it will only invite additional and soul, is a unique Divine creation and lamb among seventy wolves,” the Jew- makes such statements should appreciate pressure, weakening the security of the a member of “G-d’s nation.” ish nation has endured throughout the the need to correct his behavior. Jewish people and exposing them to course of history, while nations greater danger. The government inE retz Yisrael This applies to every single member of and more powerful have vanished. This Surely the above applies when a person must follow the path of peace, but also the Jewish people without distinction. is not a result of any socio-political fac- questions the Jewishness of certain must realize that the path to peace We are “one nation,” sharing a fundamen- tors, but is rather an open expression of of our brothers and sisters whom the depends on maintaining possession of tal equality regardless of our different Divine power. Torah itself defines as Jews. The Jewish every portion of the land which G-d has spiritual levels. This applies even to those people are compared to a Torah scroll. A granted us. Jews who -- at present -- do not observe In particular this applies today, only a blemish in a single letter of aT orah scroll the will of G-d as expressed in the Torah. generation after the awesomeH olocaust disqualifies the entire scroll, including May the above hasten the coming of For, as our Sages teach, “A Jew even which threatened to utterly annihilate even the Ten Commandments. Similarly, Mashiach who will lead our entire people though he sins remains Jewish.” our people. The fact that our people disqualifying a single member of our to Eretz Yisrael. Our Sages declared, “In (regardless of their spiritual level) con- people affects the people as a whole. the month of Nisan our people were Furthermore, the innate desire of every tinue to exist at present reveals G-d’s redeemed from Egypt, and in Nisan they Jew (even one who is not observant), presence within our world. The essential nature of any entity always will be redeemed by the Messiah.” because he was born of a Jewish mother seeks to express itself. Thus, the apprecia- or converted according to the Halachah, The above concepts should affect the tion of a Jew’s essential nature should The name Nisan is also related to the is to serve G-d through Torah and its manner in which we approach our fellow motivate efforts to have that nature Hebrew word Nes, meaning “miracle,” commandments, the mitzvos. Maimo- Jews. Criticizing or speaking unfavor- realized -- through the fulfillment of the which is of particular relevance in the nides writes that every Jew, even one ably about them is no less than making Torah and its commandments. present year, a “year of miracles.” May who protests to the contrary, desires to such statements against G-d Himself. we merit the most essential miracle, the be part of the Jewish people, to fulfill Zachariah (2:12) the prophet warns that This will bring the Jewish people not only coming of Mashiach, and may this take place in the immediate future. 16 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 18, 2008 Rebbes Farbrengen

to the natural expression of his soul.) their observance of the Shabbos. How- all the other sages of his time. He even Yud Shvat 5738 That is why he placed greater stress on ever, Shabbos observance should not be a surpassed Rav Chaninah who said, “If this mitzvah. prerequisite for hiring the person. Rather, Torah would be forgotten (G-d forbid), From every farbrengen, a Jew should after he has already obtained the job, he I would restore it with my Talmudic derive a new lesson which will aid One of the basic doctrines of the Baal should be approached, and it should be dissertations and methods of deriva- him in his service of Hashem. Hence, Shem Tov is that everything that occurs explained to him that maintaining a job tion.” Rav Chaninah’s method would from the Yud Shvat farbrengens of the in the world does not happen by coinci- and remaining a religious Jew do not only serve to restore the Torah if, G-d previous years, a lesson was derived. dence, but rather, as a result of Divine conflict with each other; on the contrary, forbid, it would have been forgotten. Bearing in mind that one must not allow Providence. Anything a Jew sees or hears they complement each other. Rav Chiyah’s method, however, ensured himself to be complacent with his present was shown to him by G-d for a purpose the continuation of Torah study by the (spiritual) position, but must constantly — that he should derive a lesson from it There is an additional aspect of his Jewish people, preventing the Torah from strive to elevate himself, he must now to apply to his service of G-d. Similarly, activities from which we must derive being forgotten. derive a new lesson from this Yud Shvat in the activities of the Previous Rebbe, a lesson: Many of the activities which farbrengen. there was an underlying theme which he had personally accomplished could The reason for this is obvious: The mes- permeated his activities that was clearly have been accomplished through oth- senger may be faithful and fulfill his This new lesson will not only elevate observable to all. Hence, every Jew and ers. However, in conformance with the mission in its entirety. He may catch the the Jew through its application, but it Jewess must derive a lesson from it. Talmudic dictum: “It is greater that the deer, skin it and fulfill all the other jobs will also enhance the spirit of, and add mitzvah be fulfilled by the person himself as well. However, since the messenger life to, the lessons already derived in The salient characteristic of the Previous than it be fulfilled through his employ- lacks Rav Chiyah’s understanding and previous years. Rebbe was that he always applied even ment of a messenger”, the Rebbe placed appreciation of the greatness of the Torah The reason for this farbrengen is the the most abstract and theoretical portions emphasis on directing and fulfilling as (and therefore, he cannot fully evaluate Yahrzeit of the Previous Rebbe, of of the Torah to practical deed. Although much as he could personally. He was the tragedy and loss of its being forgotten, blessed memory, the successor of the “Chabad” (the Lubavitch philosophy — personally involved in the establishment G-d forbid) his fulfillment of the mission chain of Chabad Rebbes before him. The ‘Chabad’ is an acronym for “Chochmah” of the cooperatives, and he wrote his consequently lacks the vitality and the Hebrew word for successor is “Mamaalei — wisdom, “Binah” — understanding, discourses in such a style that they would perfection that would be accomplished Makom”, literally, “one who fills the and “Daas” — knowledge) emphasizes be easily translated. He traveled around if it were done by Rav Chiyah himself. place of”. This term, like all terms used (the development of) the intellectual the country disseminating Yiddishkeit It was this reason that compelled Rav in Torah, is exact. It infers the “filling” powers, as evident from the deep content although this endangered his life. And all Chiyah to leave his students and the of a place left vacant in its entirety. In of the Chabad discourses and talks, this was in opposition to the government confines of the BeisH aMidrash to catch other words, all the undertakings of the nevertheless, the Rebbe placed great which at that time, employed aggressive the deer himself. earlier Rebbes were continued by the emphasis upon the practical deed. Even means to curb ‘subversion’. He did all As mentioned earlier, we find a similar Previous Rebbe, of blessed memory, in in Torah learning (the “intellectual” that was in his capacity, completely mode of conduct by the Previous Rebbe. their fullest measure. In addition to this, aspect of Torah as opposed to the actual disregarding personal safety and needs, He did not rely upon others. However, however, each Rebbe — in response practice of Mitzvos), he applied himself in order to ensure the fulfillment of these the lesson to be derived from the Previ- to the directive to constantly strive to to its practical aspect — the act of teach- projects in their entirety. ous Rebbe is far greater than the lesson greater heights — undertook and initi- ing it to others. This concept of personal involvement derived from Rav Chiyah. The Previous ated additional tasks to fulfill the needs This is quite evident from his tremendous (i.e., not to rely on others) is ilustrated by Rebbe personally fulfilled his mission of his generation. efforts in the publication and dissemina- an incident in the Gemara. TheT almud and not only disregarded the fulfill- The order of succession of theR ebbeim is tion of the teachings of the earlier Reb- relates the greatness of Rav Chiyah ment of personal wishes and the loss referred to as a “chain.” Just like one link bes, as well as his own teachings (which and says, “Great are the deeds of (Rav) of his time for Torah study, but also, of a chain is connected with the other, so, expound on the teachings of the earlier Chiyah.” His greatness was expressed he constantly endangered his very life! too, (the activities of) one Rebbe is con- Rebbes). He went to great lengths to in his deeds. To ensure the continuation Nevertheless, overlooking all obstacles nected with (the activities of) the other ensure that this “Torah should reach of the study of Torah in the coming and disregarding his personal safety, he Rebbeim. Hence, the new undertakings even unto ‘others,”, i.e., that it should be generations, he went out into the fields, involved himself personally, to ensure of a succeeding Rebbe were actually explained by any means possible even to trapped a deer, skinned it, prepared the the complete and unblemished success engaged in before by his predecessors. those whose approach and opinions (of skin for parchment, and wrote upon the of his mission. However, whereas the previous Rebbeim the world and of Torah) were not only parchment the five books of Chumash This is the lesson that we must learn from put their major emphasis in other areas different but also contrary to his own. and the six orders of the Mishnah. He this farbrengen: When one becomes (although they certainly emphasized the Hence, even in the intellectual part of then taught each child a particular book aware of the need to initiate a given importance of all areas of Torah and its Torah, he stressed its practical aspect of Chumash, or order of the Mishnah and project to further the cause of Yiddish- fulfillment), their successor put greater — teaching it to others. However, his had the children teach each other that keit, he should not rely on other people efforts and emphasis on this area. greatest emphasis was on action per se. portion that they were familiar with. to carry out for him. Rather,he should Immediately after assuming leadership This can be clarified by relating a story The question arises: Did Rav Chiyah rather take responsibility for it himself, in 1920, he set up Chedarim (yeshivas from the Talmud. TheT almud recounts have to go catch the deer himself and even though he may think that he can for younger students) and built mikvehs one sage asking another: “In which prepare it? Could he not have sent his be involved with more important things (ritual baths) in even the most remote Mitzvah was your father most careful?” students, or for that matter, any person at the time. corners of Russia. TheA lter Rebbe explains this question: to do it; especially since he had to leave This lesson is particularly relevant in our "It is obvious that our sages fulfilled He also devoted much time and effort to his own students behind in the Beis times when there are so many Jewish every mitzvah in its entirety. However, aid Jews in financial straits, by creating HaMidrash (the study hall) in order to sons and daughters being lost every day. there was always a specific mitzvah that jobs for them. He set up cooperatives go out and catch a deer?! We must act resolutely to counter this each sage was most careful with, and allowing people to work in their homes, Nevertheless, Rav Chiyah did not rely great threat. There is no need to elaborate upon which he placed greater emphasis. thereby enabling them to observe the on any messenger; he did it all himself. on why this is the task of the hour. Hence, the question, 'Which mitzvah did Shabbos with much greater ease even The Talmud says that this constituted you father perform most carefully?'” while under communist rule. Although Yet a person may say to himself that he the greatness of Rav Chiyah! Although this as well as all other work involving the acknowledges the importance of the The Previous Rebbe further expounds he was one of the giants of learning in his dissemination of Torah endangered his work, but he does not have any time upon this: "The Hebrew word for care- time, (in fact, he organized the “Beraisos” life, he nevertheless risked his personal — he is busy doing other important ful is 'Zahir', etymologically related supplementary laws, not included in the well-being to ensure the physical as well things. Such a person ought to consult a to the word 'Zohar', meaning 'shining Mishnah), nevertheless, in intellectual as the spiritual welfare of the Jews. competent Rabbi, for the Rabbi is certain — illumination'." achievements there were others who to have a sensitive appreciation of that Hence, the lesson to be derived from the compared with him. His outstanding Through the fulfillment of this mitzvah individual’s problem, and the problems Previous Rebbe's life's work and from this greatness was that he himself taught in which he was most careful and the of Jews today, in general, and will be able farbrengen is the emphasis on action. the children Chumash and Mishnah, subsequent revelation of his soul, all to advise him accordingly. Beginning with the dissemination of and not only did he teach them, he also Torah and Mitzvos fulfilled by this Torah — its teachings should reach even infused in them the ability to teach other person were consequently illuminated those who are in the category of “oth- students as well. and elevated. (This is so, because this ers” (as explained earlier). Suitable jobs Mitzvah was connected more directly With this deed, Rav Chiyah surpassed should be found for people to facilitate January 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 17

of trees which rise heavenward to great HaShanah, literally means “the head Barley -- Our Sages refer to barley as The Fifteenth heights. This should likewise be true of of the year.” Just as the head contains “food for animals,” i.e., the elevation of us. Though our physical growth may the life-force for the entire body, every the animal soul. Since this service is more of Shvat – New cease, we should strive to continue day which is referred to as “the head of difficult than the first, it follows it. growing intellectually and spiritually, the year” contains the life-force for the Grapes -- Grapes are used to produce wine Year for Trees never ceasing to develop. days that follow until that day is com- which “makes glad G-d and men.” memorated again. There is a question [Adapted from the Rebbe’s talks published Rooted in the Source regarding “the New Year of the Trees.” Figs -- The Torah relates that figs were by Sichos In English] Though a plant continually grows upward, On one hand, as its name implies, it is used to make the first garments worn by in contrast to animals and humans which relevant to trees and not to other types man. Afterwards, G-d gave man “leather “Is Man a Tree of the Field?” move freely, it must remain firmly rooted of produce. On the other hand, we find garments.” In regard to these leather in its source of nourishment, the earth. a unique connection between this date garments, we findR abbi Meir referring to Tu B'Shvat, “the New Year of the Trees,” As a Jew is continually growing, he too and the seven species of produce with them as “garments of light,” rather than has its own customs, which our Rabbis must remain connected to his roots, which Eretz Yisrael was blessed: wheat, “garments of leather.” This implies that associate with the phrase, “Is man a tree his Torah heritage. Most people need barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, a Jew’s service must involve spreading of the field?” Because the tree-metaphor is to spend most of their time in occupa- and dates. The first two of these species, G-dly light throughout the world. so fundamental to our divine service, we tions and concerns that are beyond the wheat and barley, are grains not fruit. celebrate the New Year of the Trees. Pomegranates -- In this context, we immediate sphere of Torah. Under these The explanation is that since the major- find the expression “filled with mitzvos circumstances, we can only flourish if A tree can be divided into three parts: ity of the species mentioned in the as a pomegranate is filled with seeds.” our faith keeps us firmly rooted to our (a) roots; (b) trunk, branches and leaves; verse are fruits, this indicates that the On one hand, each of the seeds of the Torah heritage. and (c) fruit. Though the roots of a tree primary blessing is associated with fruit. pomegranate is a separate entity. On the are not visible, they serve two vital func- Furthermore, unlike other plants, trees Nevertheless, since Tu B’Shvat conveys other hand, the separation is an integral tions: they support the tree, enabling it to not only remain alive throughout the blessing to the species of produce with part of the fruit itself. This alludes to the withstand strong winds, and they deliver year and endure its changes of climate, which Eretz Yisrael is blessed, it also concept that each mitzvah has its own most of its nourishment. The trunk, but they continue to grow. This quality has relevance to the species of wheat unique importance, but that this unique branches and leaves constitute the bulk can teach us to endeavor to see every and barley. importance is endowed by the Torah, not of the tree’s body, reflect its growth, and situation as potentially contributing by outside entities. Every Jew is an “Eretz” make the tree attractive to the onlooker - to our growth. We need to develop the Olives -- Olives are bitter. This implies but they are not its ultimate purpose. It is flexibility and the resilience that enable The lessons which we can derive from that although a Jew’s life must be char- the fruit that benefits others and contains us to respond positively to change. Tu B’Shvat are associated with the word acterized by sweetness and goodness, he the seeds which bear the species’ promise "eretz" meaning earth or land. In a spiri- As Seedlings Grow and Thrive must, in times of introspection, come to for posterity. tual sense, "eretz" is associated with the a state of bitterness when evaluating his Tu B’Shvat, like other Jewish holidays, service of “running to do the will of the These components of the tree symbolize spiritual achievements. has a special meaning for children, Creator,” —, that a person should eager aspects of our personalities. The roots who fulfill the custom of eating Tu devote himself to the fulfillment of G-d’s Bitterness (merirus in Hebrew) is also represent faith, the spiritual quality B'Shvat fruits with gusto. The connection will. This relates to every Jew as the Baal associated with Miriam. The Torah which connects man to G-d, the source between Tu B'Shvat and children brings Shem Tov explains the verse, “you shall describes her as standing on the side of his nourishment. As a person develops to mind another lesson applicable to our be a cherished land unto Me,” — every waiting to see what will happen to Moshe. spiritually, he learns to rely on his strong lives. Just as a small improvement in a Jew is a cherished land. Just like in the There is a quality of Moshe in every Jew- foundations of faith for support. seedling produces a greatly improved depths of the earth, there are gems and ish soul. Miriam stands by that quality The trunk, branches and leaves represent tree, so too, a small improvement in a jewels, so too, every Jew has gems within and helps it to develop. Furthermore, our study of Torah, observance of the child’s education can affect him through- him. Nevertheless, just as in the world at Miriam has an influence on Pharaoh, as mitzvos, and the expression of Jewish out his entire life thereafter. large, gems are not usually strewn over reflected in theT orah’s narrative. It was values in our daily conduct. These enable the face of the earth but must be dug out she who caused Pharaoh’s daughter to Our prophets use the metaphor of trees a person to develop himself and they from the depths, so too, within each Jew, care properly for Moshe. to describe the Jewish people in their ulti- generate an inner beauty which makes effort must be expended -- “I labored and mate state of fulfillment, the Era of the Dates -- Dates are referred to in the verse him attractive to others. I found” -- for these jewels to be uncov- Redemption: “In days to come, Yaakov cited above as “honey,” which refers to ered. Similarly, to reveal the spiritual The ultimate fulfillment of a person, will take root; Yisrael will blossom and P’nimiyus HaTorah, the Torah’s mystic fruits of our souls, plowing, sowing, and however, is his fruits. These are his bud and will cover the face of the earth dimensions. The study of these matters other activities are necessary. involvements - first with his own family, with fruit.” The coming of Mashiach strengthens the inner dimensions of the seeds he has planted, then also with is described similarly: “A shoot shall This is alluded to in the verse, “The earth the Jewish soul, the aspect of our being the people around him. Through his emerge from the stem of Yishai, and a which produces bread.” Needless to say, which, in truth, controls our lives. efforts to become involved with others, branch shall grow out from his roots.” the earth does not produce bread or any Dates are also associated with Devorah one tree can bring another into being. May these prophecies be fulfilled in the of the other types of produce alone. Man the Prophetess who is mentioned in the For example, a person might inspire a immediate future. is required to perform various activities, Haftorah of the previous Shabbos. For colleague to emulate his example and plowing, sowing, and the like, for the New Year of Trees she is described as judging the people establish a foundation of faith, grow in earth to yield these products. “under the date palm of Devorah” She the study of Torah and the observance Tu B'Shvat, in addition to being the New The fact that a Jew is required to perform shares a connection with the ultimate of mitzvos, and ultimately take on a role Year of the Trees, is also the fifteenth such labors is a descent, for in truth, a Redemption for through her efforts, “the in reaching out to others with sincere of the month, the day on which the Jew is an only son to G-d Himself as it land was at rest for forty years,” and forty concern. moon shines in its fullness. This is were. Therefore, he should always be is associated with the Redemption. particularly important in the month of Constant Growth together with his Father. The descent Shvat, the eleventh month of the year, a into exile is definitely out of character. Through developing a spiritual service Men and trees are linked by more than number which has unique significance This descent, however, is for the purpose that relates to all of these qualities and merely structural parallels. TheH ebrew as explained on previous occasions. of an ascent: to lift the Jew to a higher by spreading these concepts with others word describing the plant kingdom, level than before. so they can do the same, we will merit Tzomeiach, also means “growth”. On one The month of Shvat is connected with to proceed to Eretz Yisrael, to Jerusalem, hand, this name reflects a deficiency; it the yahrzeit of the Previous Rebbe and The Seven species for which Eretz and to the Beis HaMikdash. May this is given to the plant kingdom, because the maamar associated with that day Yisrael is praised parallel our spiritual take place in the immediate future. growth is one of the few signs of life that entitled, "Basi LeGani - I came into My service (Devorim 8:8) plants exhibit. On the other hand, there garden.” Herein, there is a connection to Wheat -- Wheat is described by our Sages We do not recite tachanum on 15th of is something unique about the growth “the New Year of the Tees,” for trees are as “food for humans.” Thus, it refers Shvat or in Mincha of the 14th. of plants. As opposed to animals or a fundamental element of a garden. to service involving the aspect of our humans, whose physical growth ceases It is customary on this day to eat from “The New Year of the Trees” provides beings which is human, the G-dly soul. at a particular age, plants continually the Seven species for which Eretz Yisrael us with lessons applicable in our ser- The use of the term “food” implies that grow; their life and growth are intrinsi- is praised. Where it is applicable, we also vice of G-d. Furthermore, the Hebrew this service, like actual food, must be cally related. This is particularly true make a shehecheyonu on a new fruit. phrase translated as “New Year,” Rosh assimilated into our being. 18 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 18, 2008

?(לאילנות) ”for the trees“ )ספר השיחות תש”ב ע’ 73 - לקוטי שיחות ח”ב By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky TU BESHEVAT ANSWER: The Torah commands that ע’ 522( on the yom tov of Sukkot we take a “peri ט”ו בשבט SHABBAT eitz hadar” — “a beautiful fruit of a tree” Vayikra 23:43). Our sages say this) “באחד בשבט ראש השנה לאילן כדברי refers to the etrog — the citron. People ב”ש, ב”ה אומרים בט”ו” SHIRAH • Some have the custom to feed wheat to the birds on Shabbat Shirah. spend lavishly to purchase a beautiful שבת שירה “The first day of Shevat is theN ew Year etrog in order to fulfill the mitzvah in )מגן אברהם שכ”ד, ז’ וספר תוספת שבת מר’ רפאל “ויהי ביום השביעי יצאו מן העם ללקט for the tree according to Beit Shamai. an exceptional way. The Mishnah tells ז”ל מייזליש( ולא מצאו” Beit Hillel says it is on the 15th of She- us that Tu BeShevat is the New Year for “On Shabbat some people went out to vat.” (Rosh Hashanah 2a) the tree, and by using a singular term it It is the custom of Chabad to eat kasha pick manna and they did not find any.” informs us that we should pray particu- on Shabbat Shirah. (16:27) QUESTION: The Torah states, “ki larly “la’ilan” — “for the tree” — namely ha’adam eitz hasadeh” — “Man is like the the etrog tree, which is very important )היום יום י”ז שבט( — ”QUESTION: The word “matza’u tree of the field” (Devarim 20:19). The to us. On this day, one should beseech “find” — is used in regard to finding a lost Jewish people have often been compared Hashem that He grant us a beautiful object. Since no manna was lost, should This custom is based on the pasuk: to different trees.W hat lesson can man etrog with which to perform the Torah’s not the text read, “velo hayah” — “and “Hasam gevuleich shalom cheilev chitim learn from trees? commandment. there wasn’t any”? yasbi’eich” — “He has made peace within )בני יששכר( your borders; He satiated you with the a nS w er : Trees teach us the ANSWER: Moshe told the Jews that finest of wheat” (Psalms 147:14). Thus, following: on Friday there would be a double on Shabbat Shirah, when we read that portion of manna, one for Friday, and Hashem emancipated the Jewish people 1) A tree is planted by first putting a seed one for Shabbat when no manna would from Egyptian bondage and prepared The word “ilan” ( ) — “tree” — has אילן in the ground. Afterwards, it is necessary be delivered. Datan and Aviram, the them to be in their own geographical the numerical value of 91, which is also to frequently water the ground and infamous troublemakers, thought this boundaries and also the boundaries the numerical value of ------(The א ד נ י י ה ו ה ,remove the weeds. In each and every Jew would be a good opportunity to “prove” of Torah, it is customary to eat wheat L‑rd G‑d). This emphasizes the fact that Hashem planted a Divine seed — his to the people Moshe’s dishonesty. Friday (buckwheat). the trees of the field are not the work of soul. It is man’s obligation to water it with evening they secretly distributed manna man, but that of A-mighty G‑d. Torah study and protect it by weeding in the field and invited people to come The word “beshalach” ( ) is an .out bad friends and influences בשלח (נטעי גבריאל) בשבת שירה לאכל“ with them Shabbat morning to collect acronym for the words it. The birds, upon hearing this evil ” — “On Shabbat Shirah to eat wheat A healthy tree continues to grow and (2 חטים plan, quickly ate it up. Consequently, (buckwheat).” “ ” נוהגין האשכנזים להרבות במיני פירות של אילנות grow. A healthy Jew must continuously when Datan, Aviram, and their followers grow spiritually. This is accomplished )עוללות אפרים( came out to the fields, they did not find “[On Tu BeShevat] Ashkenazi Jews are through studying Torah and performing any manna. accustomed to eat many different fruits mitzvot. from trees.” (Magen Avraham 131:16) )ר’ מאיר מפרימישלאן זצ”ל( 3) To ensure that a young tree will grow QUESTION: When one eats new fruits straight, it is tied to two supports, one which one did not eat throughout the on each side. To ensure that a young QUESTION: What is the reason for the year, one makes a berachah shehechi- child grows beautifully, the parents custom to put out food for the birds on yanu. Should it be recited before the must always be at his Erev Shabbat Shirah? berachah of “borei pri ha’eitz” or after? side and constantly supervise him. ANSWER: On Shabbat Shirah, when ANSWER: It should be recited before. we read about the manna that Hashem The reason why “shehechiyanu” precedes 4) The strength of the provided for the Jewish people, it is cus- “borei peri ha’eitz” is the following: “she- tree depends on how tomary to put out food for the birds on hechiyanu” is made when one experiences well it is rooted in the Erev Shabbat as a reward for the Kiddush joy. In reality, joy is experienced at the ground. The root of the Hashem they brought about. time one sees the new fruits on the trees Jew is his emunah. or displayed in the store, and it would )ר’ מאיר מפרימישלאן זצ”ל( be proper to make the “shehechiyanu” 5) The beauty of a tree at that time. However, it is our custom is the fruit it produces. to wait with the “shehechiyanu” till we Mitzvot and ma’asim actually eat the fruit. Therefore, since Alternatively, the Maharal of Prague tovim — good deeds the obligation to recite the berachah would instruct the teachers of young — are man’s fruits. shehechiyanu came some time ago and children to gather their students in the now, when one wants to eat the fruit, one “באחד בשבט ראש shul yard on Shabbat Shira and relate to ”,is obligated to make a “borei peri ha’eitz השנה לאילן כדברי them the story of Kriat Yam Suf — the shehechiyanu” is recited first because it“ ב”ש, ב”ה אומרים splitting of the sea. They were also to tell .is an earlier obligation בט”ו” the children that at that time Hashem )סדר ברכת הנהנין פי”א סעי’ י”ב - פמ”ג שו”ע -performed a miracle and trees with beau “On the first day of או”ח סי’ רכ”ה( tiful fruit grew in the sea (see Midrash Shevat is the New Year Rabbah 22:1). When the Jews sang the for the tree according Shirah, the birds sang and danced. The to Beit Shamai. Beit Jewish children picked fruits from the Hillel says it is on the trees and fed the birds. To commemorate 15th of Shevat.” (Rosh this event, we put out food for the birds Hashanah 2a) Erev Shabbat Shirah. QUESTION: All the different New Years The teachers would give them kasha discussed in the Mish- (buckwheat) to throw to the birds. And nah are mentioned in afterward the Maharal would bless the the plural. Why is this children and also the parents that they New Year mentioned should merit to see their children embark in the singular, “for the instead of (לאילן) ”,on Torah, marriage and good deeds. tree January 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 19 CHJCC

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Stories

later, he taught me the ma’amor, and that learning Torah. Most of the time I sat in better. It looked like he would make a “He Prayed For was the kiss. my room crying and saying Tehillim. complete recovery. Although my father’s condition was not His Father” ••••• critical, I was still very worried. I ran home. When I got there, I saw that everyone was very happy. No one knew The following stories are from the Often, whenI finished cheder for the day, One morning, when my father’s condi- where memoirs of the early years of the pre- I would run to shul to be with my father, tion had still shown no sign of improve- vious Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak who would still be standing in prayer. I ment, I got up very early. It was not yet I had been. In fact, no one even noticed Schneerson. used to wonder why it took him so long light outside. I ran to the home of Reb that I had been gone. I wanted to see my to pray, and why he was always the last Zalman. In Lubavitch, Reb Zalman father. I missed him very much. For the My father (Rabbi Sholom DovBer, the one to leave the shul. was the caretaker of the gravesite of my past two weeks I had not been allowed 5th Rebbe of Lubavitch) began learning ancestors, the Tzemach Tzedek and the to see him. Even now, they would not let with me when I was a little boy.H e tried I asked my uncle, Rav Zalman Aharon, Rebbe Maharash. This gravesite was me enter the room. to develop my mind, my strengths, and my father’s older brother, why this was known as the Ohel. I begged him to take sensitivity. He was most concerned, how- so. me there. I wanted to ask my ancestors My teacher, Reb Nissan, was at our ever, with teaching me good behavior to pray to Hashem for my father to have house. I told him in a whisper where I and good middos. He said, “The reason is because your a complete recovery. had been. He said I had done the right father cannot read quickly.” I was terribly thing. I asked him not to tell anybody When my father first taught me to recite upset to hear this. Reb Zalman was surprised to see me about my visit to the Ohel. Modeh Ani, he told me that whenever I so early in the morning. He saw how recited it, I should raise my hands, one Once when I arrived at the shul, my upset I was. Knowing that my father’s When the doctors came out of my opposite the other, and bow my head. father was all alone. He was standing condition was quite serious, he agreed father’s room, I could tell by their expres- When I grew a little older, I asked him facing the eastern wall, begging Hashem to go with me. sions that the situation was improving. why it was important to do it that way. for mercy. I could not understand why Dr. Bogorodski, who was always very My father answered, “Truthfully, the fact he needed Hashem’s mercy more than The weather was very bad.A deep snow friendly, came up to me and said, “Why that I told you to do it that way, ought to anyone else. covered the ground, and a strong wind are you so sad? Baruch Hashem, your have been enough of a reason. I’ll show almost blew me over. It was difficult to father is getting better, and in a few days, you…” Suddenly he started to cry. I felt ter- walk, and I slipped and fell many times. he will have recovered completely.” ribly upset seeing my father in tears, all Reb Zalman helped me get up. Despite My father then called his servant, Reb alone in the empty shul. I listened very these difficulties, we finally reached the I told him that I missed my father because Yosef Mordechai, who was about eighty carefully, and heard him say the words, Ohel. Even before I opened the door, I I had not been allowed to see him for years old. “Reb Yosef Mordechai,” he “Shema Yisroel.” Then he sobbed before was very upset, and began to cry. My two weeks. Dr. Bogorodski went into my asked, “how do you say Modeh Ani?” continuing the Shema, and wept even heart was pounding furiously, and I father’s room, and after a few minutes, more. was shivering so much from the a servant appeared and told me that “I say it raising one hand opposite the cold, that I could hardly say my father wanted to see me. I was very other with my head bowed,” Reb Yosef This timeI couldn’t control myself. I burst Tehillim. excited. I went into the room feeling Mordechai replied. into tears and ran to my mother.“Why very happy. does father always take longer over his Still crying, “And why do you do it that way?” asked davening than everyone else?” I asked. I began to When I drew close to my father, I was father. “Is it true that it’s because he cannot speak to my shocked to see how pale and delicate read fast, as my uncle told me?” ancestors. “My he looked. With a weak voice he asked. Reb Yosef Mordechai answered, “I don’t father is sick. He “Yosef Yitzchak! What have you been know. That’s how my father taught me My mother smiled at my ques- is a good man and doing all this time? Have you been when I was a small child.” tion. “What can I do about it?” a chossid, but he is learning? Have you been davenning with she asked. “Should I get him a confined to bed.I am a minyan?” My father turned to me and said, “You tutor who will teach him to read his only son, and he has see, he does it that way because that’s quickly? Better ask your grandmother. been teaching me “YesI have, three times a day. I have what Perhaps she will know how to explain also been learning, but I was told to it to you.” for the past year and a half. Please speak very quietly so that I wouldn’t his father taught him. And his father pray to Hashem to send him a speedy disturb you. You probably didn’t hear learned it from his father, and so it goes, I hurried off to ask my grandmother, the recovery.” me. I haven’t been allowed into your all the way back to Moshe Rabbeinu, and Rebbetzin Rivka, of sainted memory room....” even to Avraham Avinu, the first Jew. (the widow of the Rebbe Maharash). Reb Zalman gave me a candle and told There are some things which we have to When I told her what was bothering me to light it. Then he handed me some My father smiled and said, “From now do without asking why.” me, she was very reassuring. She said, special prayers to say called the “Ma’aneh on, no one will stop you from coming in “Your father is a very good man, and Loshon.” When Reb Zalman told me to to see me.” Then he asked me to bring I felt ashamed, and cried apologetically, a great chassid. Before he says a single ask my ancestors to pray that my father him a cup of milk, which the doctors said “But Father, I am still only a little boy!” word, he thinks very deeply about what should live, I became even more emo- he had to drink several times a day. it really means. Therefore, when he tional and cried out bitterly. “My holy “All of the Jewish people are small chil- davens, he spends much longer over it grandfathers! My father is sick! Please I was very happy to hear what my father dren, and when we grow up, we realize than anybody else.” beg Hashem to let him stay alive. Let said. All the worry of the last few weeks that really we are still very small.” him be healthy, and be able to teach me disappeared and I felt much better. I My grandmother’s words soothed me how to be a good Jew!” thought about everything that happened ••••• and changed the way I thought about my that day. That same morning, I had run father. Now I knew that my father was a My crying became more and more to the Ohel and wept and prayed for my Once when I was three years old, I lay in great man, and a true chossid. hysterical. Finally, Reb Zalman, who was father’s recovery, and now I was seeing a deep sleep in my bed while my father himself in tears, took me gently by the Hashem answer my prayers! was learning in the same room with his ••••• hand and led me out of the Ohel. neighbor and close friend, Rav Yaakov From then on, I could see my father every Mordechai of Poltava. Rav Yaakov was In the winter of 5651 (1891, when I was It was already sunrise when we returned day. His health continued to improve. By watching me while I slept, and he com- 10 years old), my father fell very ill and to the city. Reb Zalman walked very the end of the week, he was even allowed mented to my father, “This child has such was bedridden with a high fever. Two quickly, and I ran to catch up with him. to sit in a chair. I would spend most of pure thoughts.” This made my father months passed, and his temperature I was shaking. All I wanted to do was get the day with him, and I was very happy want to kiss me, but he decided to give me didn’t fall. The doctors forbade him to home quickly and find out how my father to help him with whatever he needed. a spiritual “chassidishe kiss” instead. For study Torah with deep concentration was. As we turned into my street, we met this reason, he composed the ma’amor because they were worried that the effort Reb Chaim Meir, the butcher. He told us Reprinted with permission of The Moshiach beginning with the words, “How great might make the fever worse. During my that he had just come from my house. The Times. are your deeds, Hashem.” Many years father’s illness, I did not spend much time doctors said that my father was getting