NNeewwss PRINTING THE IN ARAFAT’S OFFICE BY YOSEF DOV COHEN

The story began with my sudden The command center was in machine. Very straightforward but being drafted to Beit Lechem. In the Afarat’s “palace” in Beit Lechem, and after additional thought, it was free time I had I did Mivtza T’fillin that is where the offices of the found to be impractical. and distributed material designated “Authority” are, as well as a specifically for soldiers. I had gotten beautiful hotel. In other words, the I finally came up with the idea of the material a few days earlier from conditions were relatively good, but trying the Otzar770 website, which Rabbi Yitzchok Cohen, shliach in I still had no idea how to go about is run by Gidi Sharon. I contacted Alon Shevut. this. Yoel Friedman who runs the site (all this on my brief break), and he It was Yedidya, an officer in the At my first opportunity, I asked promised his help. Yoel scanned the troop I am in, who first had the idea my place of employment for a pages of Tanya as picture files, and of printing an edition of the Tanya laptop computer. They really had no even sent me a special program to in the terrorists’ territory. Yedidya is reason to give me one, but they did help me with the printing. All the a mekurav to from Gush anyway. In a conversation with files were transferred onto a CD and Katif. Seeing how the ’s Rabbi Yossi Lipkin of the Chabad sent to me. mivtzaim are done on the battlefield house in Kfar Saba, he told me that too, he jokingly said that all we the Rebbe wants the printing of A computer? I had one. The lacked was the printing of the Tanyas to be done in an orderly and Tanya on CD? I had that. Special Tanya. official way, and that I had to ask for software? I had that. All I was permission from the official missing was a printer in order to Printing the Tanya! Here in Beit organization in charge before print the pages. It was Shabbos, and Lechem in a battle zone? A real printing it. Sunday morning I would have to challenge. Definitely a project that return to my post because my break would give the Rebbe nachas, but I spoke to Rabbi Manny Wolf of was over. It seemed as though the how? Where do you begin? At first it Kehos and with R’ Erez of Rechovot situation was hopeless. seemed like the wild imaginings of a who loved the idea. Erez suggested Chabadnik in the reserves. that I do it on sheets sized A3, and As soon as Shabbos was over, I to do it with the aid of a copy spoke to the people who davened in the Beis Menachem Shul in El’ad, about finding a suitable printer. I was afraid that a simple printer couldn’t handle the quantity of a thousand pages of Tanya, plus being moved around. I questioned people, and one by one, with each negative answer, I saw the dream of printing the Tanya in the murderer’s office going kaput. Salvation came from an unexpected quarter. The rav of the community, Rabbi Daniel Grabsky had heard about the project and decided to donate his personal laser printer! Sunday morning I packed up my

Issue Number 369 BEIS MOSHIACH i 37 gear: clothing, food, computer, photographed with the newly would be donated to the mosdos printer, and scanner. On the way to printed Tanya. chinuch of the Chabad community of the Gilo junction, I got a call from El’ad. the troop’s rabbi, Rabbi Yossi I printed another five Tanyas that Kosover, who informed me that the day, six in all. After my release, I So in the lowest of places, lower chief rabbi of the I.D.F. Rabbi asked a rav what I should do with than which nothing exists, a place Yisroel Weiss, would be visiting the them (they had been printed for the in which they sit (present tense) and headquarters shortly. I was happy at refua of the baby ben Sarah Daus, plan attacks on Jews, the Tanya was the news, for then the chief rabbi the baby bas Mindel Beila printed. I am confident that the would also see the Tanya or even be Shmerling, and l’ilui nishmas my printing of the Tanya purified the air present at the printing. But after all grandparents, and in the z’chus of all there and accomplished other great the Divine providence that had those involved in the printing). It things which the Rebbe said would accompanied me until that point, I was decided that the first book be be done in the merit of printing the somehow felt that this visit wouldn’t sent to the Rebbe of course. I would Tanya. work out for some reason. keep one Tanya, and the other four There was no shortage of impediments. At the Gilo junction This Tanya was printed twenty years (less one month) after the and Beit Lechem there was a large printing of the Tanya in the terrorists’ stronghold in Lebanon, when the demonstration by Christians from Israeli army entered it in the summer of 5742. That Tanya was quickly Europe along with Arabs, led by sent to the Rebbe and at the Yud-Beis Tammuz , the Rebbe Achmad Tibi, and all the roads were praised it. It was obvious that the Rebbe had nachas from it. closed. It was only with difficulty that I managed to enter. “People like something with a shturm – here is simple evidence that they are already in Beirut. On the table is a Tanya which was printed in I finally got to the “palace” with Beirut (as it says on the title page) a few days ago. It took time to bring an armored troop carrier, and it here so that it could be placed on the table at the Yud-Beis/Yud- immediately began getting ready to Gimmel Tammuz farbrengen! print. I knew time was against me, and that at any moment I could be The reason they could print the Tanya in Beirut is because men in the released (after a month in reserves), Israeli Defense Forces paved the way and helped with the printing. or we’d leave the area. Along with the printing of the Tanya in Beirut, they held a chassidic And so on Sunday, 9 Iyar, on the farbrengen with the soldiers and said l’chaim – l’chaim to the soldiers, official letterhead of the enemy, the and l’chaim to all the Jewish people, and they learned Tanya, and first Tanya was printed in the offices davened, and gave tz’daka – in the shul and beis midrash in Beirut from of the accursed Arafat, in Beit way back when, long before there was an entity called the P.L.O., and it Lechem. will continue to exist after this entity no longer does! About two hours after finishing And there is also a Tanya here on the table that was printed in Tzur the first book, the military’s chief (whose destruction is connected with the building of Yerushalayim) and rabbi, Rabbi Weiss, came they also printed a Tanya in Tzidon, and other places, and they continue accompanied by the chief rabbi of to print the Tanya in other places in Lebanon. the central region forces, along with a retinue of other senior rabbanim. I And the purpose of this printing of the Tanya in these places, is the was able to host this honorable literal spreading of the wellsprings outward, including learning the delegation because I was already Tanya with men in the Israeli Defense Forces, in addition to putting on recognized as “a representative for t’fillin, regarding which it says, “and the nations of the world will see Jewish matters” in the “palace.” that the name of Hashem is called upon you, and they will fear you.” After touring the building (it’s *** very large), I told Rabbi Weiss about The Rebbe said this in a long and sorrowful sicha – why are we in the the printing of the Tanya which we terrorists’ cities yet we don’t properly finish off the job? This rings true had just finished, and he was very today too when we have entered the vipers’ nests, yet don’t finish off the impressed by the alacrity of job... Chabadnikim, and asked that we be

38 i BEIS MOSHIACH 20 Sivan 5762 GIMMEL TAMMUZ CONFERENCE 2002

Buoyed by last year’s inaugural goals, and work on acquiring life skills into Sunday, we’ll hone in on the success, Machon Chana is gearing up essential to the fulfillment of these unique challenges facing today’s for its second annual International goals. And it’s about creating a sense of chassidishe mothers. We’ll offer Women’s Conference, to be held in community and a support system strategies for raising chassidishe Crown Heights the week of Gimmel wherever you are – even without the children, imbued with values, Tammuz, on June 13-16. The title of presence of local family. while shielding them from insidious this year’s conference is “Ker a Velt – secular influences. And we’ll explain the Turn Over the World,” and in the spirit Tell us about some of the featured why and how of creating a “Family of Hakhel, women from all over the topics. Mission Statement,” a kind of a world will unite to discuss issues Well, in accordance with an answer “constitution” for our families which relating to family, personal avoda, and we received from the Igros Kodesh, we’ll helps us clarify and define what our communal service. be addressing ways to achieve a Jewish family’s values and goals are and thus life full of uncompromising enables us to reach them. We will In an interview, Machon Chana’s explore psychological aspects of growth conference coordinator, Tanya Dina in a workshop discussing stages of child Jacobson, outlined some of the development, and we will also hold a program’s special highlights: Our special emphasis series of workshops exploring potential What distinguishes the Machon on self-assessment challenges, solutions, goals, and Chana conference from other women’s expectations in chinuch from tiny tots to events? and goal-setting will high school. We will venture into shidduchim , as well, by investigating the Like other conferences, we conduct be particularly “after-the-chasuna” relationship with a workshops, rap sessions, new son or daughter-in-law. and shiurim and even an “all-nighter” encouraging to baalei that will inspire all Anash women, yet In our “tuning up our life skills” our special emphasis on self- t’shuva who may feel workshop series we will turn our assessment and goal-setting will be attention to improving our particularly encouraging to baalei “stuck in neutral” in balabatishkeit skills. We will discuss t’shuva who may feel “stuck in neutral” organizational topics, healthy cooking in their religious observance, as they their religious techniques, and budgeting. move beyond the initial thrill of observance. Are there any events this year that religious commitment and now find are new and completely unique to this themselves juggling davening, learning, year’s program? and outreach with the day-to-day commitment, especially when it comes demands of marriage, motherhood, to chinuch. Our keynote session, Yes. One of our innovating ideas work, and homemaking. “Moshiach Is Here, But Where Am I?” this year is to hold a panel discussion will launch us into a panel discussion by teenagers, daughters of our How have you integrated the theme alumnae, on the topic of “what we of Hakhel into this year’s conference? on “Creating a Vision for the Chassidishe Me” – ideas on how to whish our mothers would know” as In this Hakhel year, the conference integrate chassidishkeit into every aspect part of our chinuch series. offers women a forum to connect with of our personalities and, in turn, To register visit our website at each other and reconnect with the influence everyone around us. Then www.machonchana.org and register online, or Rebbe, our source of strength and we’ll focus on the responsibilities of a please, contact Chana Merkur at (718)467- guidance. Through learning and Jewish wife in sessions on shalom bayis 9422 or at [email protected]. We are waiting discussion, attendees will reassess their and taharas ha’mishpacha. And, to hear from you and to see you soon at the individual and collective spiritual beginning on Shabbos and continuing Conference!

Issue Number 369 BEIS MOSHIACH i 39 DEVORAH ELGARTEN, A”H

“Every person must know that G-d, playing at breakfast, in her unique year. through His individual Providence, gives way Devorah Leah used much each person the ability to bring G-d’s creativity in implanting fine character Despite her personal challenges supernal will from the potential state to traits in her children. due to illness, Devorah Leah always the actual. This is done through fulfilling carried out her responsibilities at the mitzvos and strengthening Judaism Outside of her home, her love and home and in the community with joy and our holy Torah at all times in every chayus, energetic vitality, was for and confidence. She was upbeat and place. All depends solely on one’s avoda.” Machon Chana. In the Jewish Home energetic, never hinting about the class she taught she started off by great pain she endured. In fact, she ( for Iyar 21) relating the HaYom Yom in practical was in the midst of writing a book terms. It was not only her knowledge about simcha, joy. Even when she st On the 21 of Iyar 5724, Devorah but her gentleness and smile that could no longer leave her home to go Doba Leah bas Yeshiya Pinchus was impressed her students to adopt a to Machon Chana, she found time to born. Her life is characterized by her chassidic lifestyle. Coming from a help and encourage neighbors in her selfless devotion as a wife, mother, suburban background, Devorah Leah apartment building. teacher, , writer, singer, could identify with her students and neighbor, and friend. the changes they were undergoing. She drew strength from learning Torah and endeavored to practice Born in Chicago, Devorah Leah is what she learned. The imminent Geula the only daughter of Ed and Joan Despite her personal motivated her actions. In her kitchen Schwartz. Pursuing a career in acting, with her list of things to do is a Devorah Leah first used her talents in challenges due to reminder to be ready for Moshiach. Yiddishkeit in the children’s video On her phone answering machine, she “Miracle Days.” Encouraged by her illness, Devorah Leah and her children enthusiastically greet shluchim, Rabbi Meir Chai and Rivka the caller: “Moshiach is coming, so Benhiyoun, Devorah Leah attended always carried out please leave your message quickly!” Bais Chana in Minnesota. After that, Devorah Leah left her teaching and her responsibilities at Devorah Leah passed away on the her business, making up her mind to home and in the second day of Shavuos, which was learn in Crown Heights. also Shabbos Kodesh. This day marks community with joy the burial of the Baal Shem Tov. who Although her given name was taught us to love Hashem His Torah Doba Leah, she added the first name and confidence. and the Jewish people. This day is also Devorah after moving to Crown the birthday and yahrtzeit of David Heights. Known as “Devorah Leah,” HaMelech. Devorah Leah was very she lived true to her name as she She inspired students to adopt new devoted in davening and inspiring adhered to and encouraged others in roles whether it be wearing a sheitel or through song. the ways of Chabad chassidus with challa baking. Her students were mesiras nefesh. She put her whole heart welcome guests in her home. May her life continue to be a and soul into everything she took on source of strength and blessing. May with an enthusiastic vitality. As coordinator of special projects we follow in her example and at Machon Chana, Devorah Leah establish our homes following the In Elul 5753, she married Rashi reached out to women across the direction of the Rebbe MH”M; may we Elgarten, who is currently an country. She coordinated the reach out to others with ahavas Yisroel administrator in Tiferes Yeshivacation program and Machon and help them reach their potentials; Menachem in Seagate, . With Chana summer program in the may we use our creative talents to her husband, Devorah Leah mountains. She labored to find further chassidus; may we face life’s established an exemplary chassidic meaningful topics and dynamic challenges with simcha, joy, and home. As a warm, involved mother speakers who would speak to today’s bitachon, trust; and may we be ready to she educated her three soldiers in women. She also edited the Gimmel greet Moshiach TODAY. . With Tanya tapes Tammuz Machon Chana journal last

40 i BEIS MOSHIACH 20 Sivan 5762 47TH ANNUAL DINNER IN TRIBUTE TO REB DOVID DEITSCH

This year’s Annual Dinner of Dovid for his many acts of helping them single individual, truly shows the Educational Institute Oholei Torah , when they needed together with greatness of Reb Dovid of how he was which was held on Isru Chag Shavuos Chassidim whose entire business came able to interact and assist thousands took on a most different outlook and about through Reb Dovid’ assistance from all different backgrounds. All this carried with it a deep meaning and and friendly advice. as he led his life in a most modest and importance, more then any of the other To see such a wide variety of people unassuming fashion. previous dinners. This year’s Dinner coming together to pay tribute to one The evening began with a was dedicated solely to Reb Dovid Shlomo ben Menachem Mendel Deitsch, who passed away earlier this year. Reb Dovid was a full fledged partner with Reb Michoel Teitelbaum, in carrying the burden of the yeshiva, which was a direct shlichus from the given to him from the Rebbe. The Historic partnership between Reb Michoel And Reb Dovid is in itself worthy of an article, and the mesirus nefesh Reb Dovid had to keep up his part was truly exemplary. As guests walked in the Mendel And Hinda Deitsch Campus on they were greeted by all of the Reb Dovid’s children and wife Sarah. Just from a brief look around the prestigious ballrooms one could see the hundreds of guests who came to pay tribute to Reb Dovid. There were business men who had the utmost respect to Reb Dovid’s straight (Right to left) Rabbi Matel Deitsch, Rabbi Yosef Rosenfled, Rabbi Yosef Deitsch, and Rabbi Yaakov Pinson forwardness and honesty as he handled with them in the business, together with older Chassidim who were lives were saved 60-70 years ago from the efforts of Reb Dovid, with his parents’ Mendel & Hinda Deitsch soup kitchens and his own connections with the authorities who he saved many from being imprisoned. There were grandchildren who were raised in a deep Chassidishe environment imbued from their zeida with young parents whose children are educated with the unique opportunities only available at Oholei Torah, coming to pay tribute to Reb David’s input that made Oholei Torah what it is today. There were workers who came to pay tribute to Reb

Issue Number 369 BEIS MOSHIACH i 41 smorgasbord and gave a chance for the Deitsch, another grandson was called yeshiva present to the Ditch’s on their guests to reminisce with each other to say a d’var torah which he prepared. behalf, but thought of the idea of each with his or her own story about He delivered a most scholarly d’var writing a seifer torah. Just like a seifer Reb Dovid. Torah intertwining the Yom tov of torah is everlasting, so to the acts of Reb The dinner guests received a most Shavuos, the parshas of the week. Meir Dovid Deitsch are everlasting. Rabbi beautiful dinner journal, which had intertwined this with his memories of Rosenfeld went on to express his deep over 600 pages of greetings from many his elter Zeida, and thanked him for gratitude to the entire Deitsch family for of Reb David’s friends, family and seeing that not only thousands of standing by Oholei Torah and a special acquaintances. talmidim would enjoy Oholei Torah but bracha to Mrs. Deitsch for her The dinner began with Reb Dovid’s also Reb David’s own family and himself outstanding support she gave Reb youngest son-in-law, Yankel Pinson, also. Dovid all the years. who was the Master of Ceremonies. In Yankel Pinson then went on to The family asked Reb Sholom Ber Yankel’s eloquent and soft spoken way, describe the unique qualities of Reb Drizin, and old friend of Reb Dovid he intrigued the crowd as the evening Dovid whether it was his mesirus who spoke about his warm memories of program began, Mr. Benjamin nefesh , business or other things, but the countless acts of chesed and tz’daka Rosenberg, was invited to open the brought out the point how Reb Dovid that Reb Dovid was imbued with his evening with HaMotzi, and this was had the unique quality to truly put entire life. followed by Rabbi Yehuda Chitrik, who himself in someone’s else’s position and A professional video presentation was honored with reading the Rebbe’s understand the other one’s needs was shown about the life of Reb Dovid Letter which he read with deep feeling Then Mr. Michael Rosenberg spoke Deitsch and his legacy - Oholei Torah. It which moved the entire crowd with the about his longtime friendship with Reb moved the crowd, and many of them Rebbe’s words. Following was the Dovid and how he considered him not were fill with pride to be part of such a Rebbe’s Kapitel which was said by Alter only as a friend, but also as a mentor. successful institution. Deitsch, a grandson of Reb Dovid’s. and Michael spoke of Reb Dovid in the As the guests left they all received a a Oholei Torah grade 6th student. Meir present, being the influence is with him Likkutei Torah which was recently even after Dovid printed by the family in red Dovid’s passed on. He was memory. truly moved in a All who attended the event noted most personal and that this was not just another year’s heartfelt manner. dinner but a most special tribute, which Rabbi Joseph they all feel privileged to continue the Rosenfeld, thought work of such a great man. what can the

42 i BEIS MOSHIACH 20 Sivan 5762