Celebration! High Holiday Magazine 5782/2021
Adelaide p. 12
Say No to Drugs p. 25
A Sixth Dimension p. 26
Does G-d Ignore my Prayers? p. 15 T H E R E B B E ’ S M E S S A G E KING IN AMERICA
basic theme of Rosh Hashanah is that it achieves the coronation of G-d as King of Israel and of the universe, as expressed in our heartfelt prayer and Arequest: “Reign over the entire world!” Such a request implies the readiness to place oneself in a state of full conformity with the Divine sovereignty. This is the meaning of, in Hebrew terminology, Kabalat ol – “the acceptance of the yoke” of Divine sovereignty – an acceptance which finds expression in all areas of daily life. Every period and every locality has its special qualities and its particular challenges. In our time, there is a prevailing trend in many circles toward increased self-sufficiency and independence, not does not demand of a person something that is beyond his only in regards to material matters, but in ideological or her capacity. Since submission to the sovereignty of G-d matters as well; an increasing unwillingness to submit to is the essence of Rosh Hashanah (and the foundation of all the established order, to accept things before they are fully our deeds throughout the year), this is obviously applicable understood by one’s own mind, and so on. to all times and places. It is possible and incumbent upon This, it would seem, represents a challenge to the very us to achieve a full acceptance of the Divine Kingship in our concept of kabalat ol. time as well and also in the above-mentioned circumstances. Indeed, there is a special quality to our kabalat ol in WHEN A PERSON WHO DOES NOT, AS A RULE, our time and in this part of the world. When a person who has been conditioned to having limits placed on his SURRENDER HIS INDEPENDENCE AND HIS independence accepts something unquestioningly, this CONVICTIONS IS CONVINCED THAT HE MUST does not constitute a thorough and unequivocal acceptance; RECOGNIZE AND SUBMIT TO A HIGHER AUTHORITY, for such a person is accustomed to being told what to do THIS DECISION IS MADE ON A MUCH DEEPER AND and is often compelled to yield his will and modify his MORE FUNDAMENTAL LEVEL opinions. On the other hand, when a person who does not, as a rule, surrender his independence and his convictions This is particularly the case in countries that are is convinced that he must recognize and submit to a higher (relatively) young and which were established upon a authority, this decision is made on a much deeper and more foundation of self-initiative and youthful energy, and where fundamental level and yields an absolute and immutable this spirit characterizes the entire structure of personal commitment. and communal life – all of which makes it more difficult to conform to the criteria of kabalot ol. Adapted from a letter by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Notwithstanding the above, we have the dictum that G-d Schneerson, O.B.M.
2 Celebration!
HIGH HOLIDAYS 5782 / 2021 7 Getting Real G-d on the 5 Campaign Trail 19 Got the Post Yom Kippur Blues? 34 Lag B'omer at Chabad - Photos
Was Last Does G-d 9 Year a 15 Ignore my ? Failure? Prayers? The Multiculturalism Debate 25 Say No to 21 Drugs
Love, 27 Marriage and Hakafot
Celebration! Vol 21, Issue 1 | presented to you by Chabad Jewish Center Dedicated to the Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom Ber Tenenbaum, Director • Mrs. Feigel Tenenbaum, Program Director Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, OBM, If you have any questions, thoughts or comments concerning this publication, please contact us: whose boundless love and teachings are an Phone: 847-782-1800 • [email protected] • www.chabadofgurnee.com endless source of inspiration and guidance. 17684 W. Gages Lake Road, Grayslake, IL 60030
This publication contains holy content. Please treat with the appropriate respect. 3 High Holidays at CHABAD
Rosh HaShanah/Yom Kippur Services should be memorable, meaningful and deep, as well as uplifting, engaging, and — enjoyable. That’s why we’ll have lively services (together with English explanation and translation), a warm environment with friendly people — and a serious Kiddush/ lunch after services. Everyone is welcome! To reserve your seats please RSVP online at www.chabadofgurnee.com/services or call our office at (847) 782- 1800.
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LOCATION: Chabad of Gurnee, 17662 W Gages Lake Rd, Grayslake IL 60030
ROSH HASHANAH SERVICES Monday, September 6...... Candle Lighting...... 6:57pm Monday, September 6...... Evening Services...... 7:15pm Monday, September 6...... Holiday Dinner...... 7:45pm Tuesday, September 7...... Morning Service...... 9:00am Tuesday, September 7...... Torah Reading...... 10:15 am Tuesday, September 7...... Shofar Blowing...... 11:00 am Tuesday, September 7...... Kiddush...... 1:00pm Wednesday, September 8...... Morning Service...... 9:00am Wednesday, September 8...... Torah Reading...... 10:15 am Wednesday, September 8...... Shofar Blowing...... 11:00 am Wednesday, September 8...... Kiddush...... 1:00pm
YOM KIPPUR SERVICES Wednesday, September 15...... Candle Lighting...... 6:41pm Wednesday, September 15...... Kol Nidrei...... 7:00pm Thursday, September 16...... Morning Service...... 9:00am Thursday, September 16...... Torah reading...... 10:30 am Thursday, September 16...... Yizkor...... 11:30 am Thursday, September 16...... Mincha Service...... 5:30pm Thursday, September 16...... Neila Service...... 6:40pm Thursday, September 16...... Fast Ends...... 7:41pm
4 ONG-D THE Campaign TRAIL
A US PRESIDENT HAS FOUR YEARS between how Chassidic master Rebbe Schneur Zalman of Liadi elections, a congressman needs to renew his mandate (1745-1812), describes the month of Elul - the month that every two years, while dictators stay in office for as long precedes the divine coronation on Rosh Hashanah: as they can keep their generals happy (or terrified). But It is like a king who, before he enters the city, the G‑d is up for reelection every year. people of the city go out to greet him in the field. There, Every Rosh Hashanah, we crown G‑d as our king. everyone who so desires is permitted to meet him; According to the Kabbalists, without this annual coro- he receives them all with a cheerful countenance and nation (effected by our resolve to submit to the divine shows a smiling face to them all. And when he goes to sovereignty, our recitation of the “verses of kingship” the city, they follow him there. Later, however, after he included in the special prayers of the day, and our enters his royal palace, none can enter into his presence sounding of the shofar), G‑d’s “kingship” would not be except by appointment, and only special people and renewed, and the whole of creation - which derives select individuals. So, too, by analogy, the month of Elul from the divine desire to be king - would cease to exist. is when we meet G‑d in the field... (Likkutei Torah, Re’ei (We don’t usually think of kings requiring election 32b; see also Likkutei Sichot, vol II p. 632 ff.) to their office, but that’s because the word “king” is While this description bears some resemblance to a a rather imprecise translation of the Hebrew word politician running for office in a modern democracy, melech. A melech, by definition, is a sovereign whose there are, of course, some significant differences. Such kingship derives from a people’s freely chosen desire as the fact that a campaign promise by G‑d is far more to submit to his rule. A king who reigns by force or likely to be fulfilled than one that is made by your typical exploitation is not a melech but merely a moshel or office-seeker. “ruler”.) We have entered the month of Elul. The king is in How does G‑d prepare for His annual reelection? Does He just sit up there in His “palace” trusting the field; if you need something from Him, now’s the in our good sense to proclaim Him king once time to ask. again? Does He go after the vote, mingling with the Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org masses, pressing the flesh, kissing babies? Here’s By Yanki Tauber
5 ELUL AUGUST 8 – SEPTEMBER 6 HOW DO WE TAP INTO THE SPECIAL ENERGIES OF THIS MONTH?
We check our We hear the We give extra We recite mezuzahs and shofar daily. charity daily. Psalm 27 tefillin. (Besides Shabbos) (Besides Shabbos) daily.
ROSH HASHANAH COMMUNITY DINNER
Monday,Under September the 6 Stars at Chabad 17662 W. Gages Lake Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030
6:57 PM Candle Lighting 7:15 PM Evening Service 7:45 PM Holiday Dinner
Capture the spirit and tastes of Rosh Hashanah with family and friends at this memorable Rosh Hashanah community Dinner.
$18/person
6 By RSVP only: Call 847.782.1800 or online at www.chabadofgurneee.com/services CDC guidelines will be followed. HERE’S ANOTHERGetting AREA where Jewish and secular traditions. Rather, the holidaysReal are beacons of light values greatly differ: holidays. Jewish life and “secular” interspersed through the year, each one intended to life both consist of workdays and holidays. But beyond illuminate the rest of the Jewish “work year” with its the semantic relationship, Jewish holidays and secular unique shade of spiritual light and inspiration. holidays have very little in common. In short: in the business world people work in order On the secular calendar, vacation days are dispersed to be able to holiday; in the Jewish world, we holiday throughout the year to provide a respite from the in order to be able to work! drudgery of the daily work routine. In fact, many people work for their vaca‑ G‑d is more interested in our mundane tions: their job is merely a means workdays than our extra-curricular towards an end, the end being holiday antics. We can be por‑ the relaxation and enjoyment traits of piety when clad in on the day when one is not a tallit swaying to the High in the office. Granted, the Holiday prayers, braving the primary reason for work‑ elements to eat in the suk- ing is to generate income kah, or ecstatically dancing to pay the basic bills and on Simchat Torah — but is make ends meet, but it’s the this the real you? It is our holiday vacation plans which daily routine which truly provide the added incentive reflects who we are, not our to volunteer for the overtime occasional inspired outbursts shift. And unless you are a certi- of holiday holiness. fied workaholic, the office will not be on your mind when you are enjoying And G‑d so desperately wants to be your family barbeque, sunset over the Pacific, part of our real life — not just part of our or the slopes in Aspen. The office has served its pur- holiday plans. So He gives us holidays, hoping that pose; now it’s time to enjoy the reward! during these moments of inspiration we will allow Him to enter our hearts - and hoping that we won’t Jewish holidays, on the other hand, do not populate evict Him during the havdallah ceremony which the Jewish calendar to provide for relaxation and follows the holiday. vacation from Jewish everyday life. In fact, Jewish hol‑ idays are characterized by intensification in religious Will we? activity, added hours spent in the Jewish office (aka: Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org synagogue), and multitudes of seasonal rituals and By Naftali Silberberg
7 WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT ROSH HASHANAH? Rosh Hashanah is more than just a Rosh Hashanah is a time when we are compelled to sit up holiday; it is Judgment Day. That’s why the and take notice, to put the brakes on the mediocre merry- traditional greeting at this time is not “happy holiday,”or go-round and shout, “Stop the world, I want to get off!” These even“good yom tov”or “chag sameach,” but rather “shanah Days of Awe compel us to think about life, about ourselves, tovah” or, in Yiddish, “ah gut yohr” (“good year”). The heavenly about our families, relationships and our way of life. And court will be deciding our destiny and determining our fate if necessary, to do a re-think. It gives us the chance for at for the new year, so our wish for each other is that these days least an annual “compass reading” to establish our sense of of reckoning go well, and that we each be blessed with only direction so that, if necessary, we can alter our course and good things for the new year. reroute ourselves. How does the voice inside our GPS put it? “Recalculating.” Most of us do need to recalculate from And this is precisely what makes our New Year obser- time to time. vances distinctively different from those of so many oth- So if we didn’t have this once-a-year challenge and ers around the world. For Jews, New Year’s Day is joyous opportunity for personal introspection, what are the chances but sombre. No late night partying for us. No drunken we would actually sit down and do it of our own volition? revelry as the clock strikes midnight. Actually, I’ve often Probably very small indeed. Well, thank G‑d we do have wondered whether New Year’s Eve partygoers are just Rosh Hashanah. And the time for stocktaking is now. Or, as having a harmless, fun night out, or if there is some kind of the legendary Hillel put it in Ethics of the Fathers, “If not now, subconscious drowning of sorrows in drink as they mourn when then?” the passage of another year and all its unfulfilled dreams. And I’ve also often wondered what we Jews would do without In our chaotic, often mad, world we ought to appreciate Rosh Hashanah. This is the season of cheshbon hanefesh and embrace this wonderful opportunity. Honestly and (spiritual stocktaking), when we take inventory of our most truly, what would we do without Rosh Hashanah? personal, intimate moments. We reflect on the year gone I wish my readers, our community—and indeed the world—a by, our successes and our shortcomings. We consider and shanah tovah. May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life reconsider our relationships with G‑d and with other people. for a happy, healthy, peaceful, prosperous, safe, secure and We try to pinpoint our failings so that we may correct them for spiritually rewarding new year. an improved year to come. We make amends with those we may have hurt in the year gone by. We put an end to the petty grudges and faribels (grievances) of life, and look forward to Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org a better, happier, more serene and peaceful future. By Yossy Goldman But what if we didn’t have Rosh Hashanah? What if there were no season dedicated to self-appraisal and assessment? Would we create it on our own? And if not, would we ever emerge from the rut we work ourselves into over a long, hard year? I imagine that we would just continue along the same tedious treadmill of life until something drastic arrived out of the blue to jolt us from our lethargy. Without Rosh Hashanah, would we ever stop to consider whether the way we are living is the way we really want to live? Would we ever pause and become introspective enough to rethink life’s game plan? More than likely, we would just keep running the rat race and, as some wise person once observed, “In the rat race, even if you win you’re still a rat!”
8 Was last year a failure? Tell me you don’t recognize this: “Well, last year Did you not contribute to the building of a relationship? was a total fiasco, but next year will Did you not celebrate others’ happiness with them, be totally different!” “I failed at everything and mourn for your fellow’s pain? last year, but the coming year I will have an absolute Did you never smile? metamorphosis!” Did you not see the hand of G‑d guiding I’ve uttered and have heard these your steps? statements too many a time. They are so cliché, and so wrong. The attitude of “last year was bad…” is wrong, a lie. Now, hold it. I do believe people can and will change, But worse, it guarantees if only they wish to. A another “failure” for the person can change his year to come. The logic is or her life around in a simple: If you were unable second, and I dare not to see how much you mock the repentant. accomplished last year, how many blessings you The issue I take with these accumulated, what are the statements is with the first chances you will be aware half of each one: “Last year of your growth, and the was a failure. I failed last year. I positive events coming your was a loser…” way during the year to come? No, you weren’t! That is so not true! In summary: When summing up the year How can you discard a year like that? Weren’t behind us, let us accept the year for what it was: a there so many good things you did, wonderful times year of blessing for which we are grateful, of admirable you experienced, and many moments of commendable growth of which we are proud, and of mistakes and self-growth? hardships from which we grew. All in all it was a good Regardless of how many unpleasant incidents occurred year, thank G‑d. in your life in the last 12 months – whether a divorce, And G‑d willing, next year will be even better. the death of a loved one, a job loss, the pain of estranged children, or other personal challenges – there were likely still many positive moments. Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org By Levi Avtzon Did you not give charity?
9 DO-IT-YOURSELF ROSH HASHANAH vi-hi-gee-an-u liz-man ha-zeh. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has kept us alive and sustained THE SHORT LIST us and let us reach this time. ❍ Hearing the sounding of the ram's horn (shofar) on both days of Rosh Hashanah RECITING KIDDUSH ❍ Lighting candles each evening – see times below Sept 6 and 7 in the evening ❍ Eating festive meals with sweet delicacies during the night and day, which include: Before starting the Rosh Hashanah meal on both the first and second night, we sanctify the holiday Kiddush over wine or grape juice by reciting the kiddush over a cup of wine or grape Round, raisin challah bread dipped in honey juice. Apples dipped in honey (on the first night) Attention, Gentlemen! The head of a fish, pomegranates, and other foods Blessed are You, L-rd symbolizing our wishes for the coming year (on the our G‑d, King of first night) the universe, who A new fruit (on the second night) creates the fruit of ❍ Performing Tashlich, a brief prayer said at a body of fresh the vine. [Amen] water on the 1st day of Rosh Hashanah Blessed are You, ❍ Attending services in synagogue L-rd our G‑d, King Wanna be a do-it-yourself pro? Get your own Rosh Hashanah of the universe, prayer book (machzor) at http://store.kehotonline.com who has chosen us from among all nations, raised us above all tongues, and made us holy through His commandments. And You, L-rd our G‑d, have given us in love this Day of Remembrance, the festival of holy me-lech ho-olom a-sher ki-de-sha-nu assembly, a day for sounding the shofar, a holy be-mitz-vo-sov ve-tzi-vo-nu le-had-lik ner assembly, commemorating the Exodus from (On night of Sept 18 add: “shel Shabbat Vi-”) shel Egypt. For You have chosen us and sanctified us The Yom Ha-zi-karon. from among all the nations, and Your word, our Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G‑d, King King, is true and enduring forever. Blessed are You Detailed of the universe, who has sanctified us with His L-rd, King over all the earth, who sanctifies Israel commandments, and has and the Day of Remembrance. [Amen] commanded us to kindle List Glance at the festival lights, then continue: the light of the Day of Remembrance. Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the LIGHTING CANDLES universe, who has granted us life, sustained us Bo-ruch a-toh Sept 6 at 6:57 pm; Sept 7* after 7:57 pm and enabled us to reach this occasion. [Amen] *From a pre-existing flame Ado-noi E-lo- hei-nu me-lech Pour some wine from the cup to be distributed to Girls and women light candles and recite the ho-olom she- those listening, and drink at least 2 ounces of the following two blessings: he-che-ya-nu remaining wine while seated. Bo-ruch a-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu vi-kee-yi-ma-nu
10 A NEW FRUIT APPLES & HONEY Abraham’s devotion to G‑d, which has characterized His descendants ever since (Genesis 22:1–24). and On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, a "new On the first night of Rosh the shofar-blowing recalls the ram, which figures fruit," i.e., a seasonal fruit which we have not Hashanah, after eating the prominently in this story. The haftarah tells yet tasted since its season began, should be challah with honey, it is of G‑d’s eternal love for His people (Jeremiah present on the table when the holiday candles are customary to eat several 31:1–19). kindled and during the kiddush. While reciting the foods which symbolize the Shehecheyanu blessing after candle-lighting and type of year we wish to have: after the kiddush, one should have the new fruit We dip a piece of sweet apple into TASHLICH in mind. honey. Before eating it we say: On the afternoon of This fruit is eaten following the kiddush, before Ba-ruch a-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu me-lech the first day of Rosh washing for bread. Before partaking of the fruit ha-olam bo-re pri ha-etz. Hashanah, it is customary we say the following blessing: Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the to go to a body of water Ba-ruch a-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu me- universe, who creates the fruit of the tree. (ocean, river, pond, etc.) lech ha-olam bo-re pri ha-etz. and perform the Tashlich We then say: Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, ceremony, in which we who creates the fruit of the tree. Ye-hi ratzon she-ti-cha-desh alei-nu shanah ceremonially cast our sins into tovah u-m'tu-kah. the water. With this tradition we are symbolically May it be Your will to renew for us a good and evoking the verse “And You shall cast their sins ROUND CHALLAH sweet year. into the depths of the sea.” The short prayer Following the kiddush (and on the second night, for this service can be found in your machzor prayer book. the eating of the new fruit), we perform the SHOFAR ritual washing for bread, after which we say the The central observance of following blessing: Rosh Hashanah is hearing the sounding of the Ba-ruch a-tah Ad- onai, E-lo-hei-nu shofar,the ram’s horn. It me-lech ha-olam, is a Mitzvah to hear the a-sher ki-desh- Shofar on both days of the an-u be-mitz-vo-tav holiday. ve-tziv-anu al ne-til-at ya-da-yim. THE SYNAGOGUE Blessed are you, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, We spend more time than usual in the synagogue. who has sanctified us with His commandments, The holiday prayerbook—called a machzor—contains and commanded us concerning the washing of all the prayers and Torah readings for the entire the hands. day. When everyone has returned to the table, we raise Torah readings: On the first day, we read about the two loaves (traditionally, round challas are Isaac’s birth (Genesis 21:1–34). the reading is used for Rosh Hashanah) and recite the Hamotzie followed by a haftarah reading about the birth blessing: of Samuel the Prophet (I Samuel 1:1–2:10). The Ba-ruch atah A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu common theme in these readings: prayers for Melech Ha-Olam, hamotzie le-chem min children were answered, and both births took place ha-ar-etz. on Rosh Hashanah. Blessed are You, L-rd, our G‑d, King of the universe, On the second morning, we read about Abraham’s who brings forth bread from the earth. near-sacrifice of his son Isaac, a powerful display of Cut the challah, dip it in honey and have a bite.
11 Adelaide IN GRATITUDE TO THE REBBE’S, RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON, OBM, GIFT OF LOVE — WE PRESENT THE FOLLOWING STORY.
t was during my first years in Sydney when I taught a Egyptian Jews.” I raced outside to find her, but she and her half-day and worked in my father-in-law’s business the escort had disappeared. other half. On Rosh Hashanah I noticed a small group praying on A few weeks before Rosh Hashanah I received a call the shul’s perimeter; these were the Egyptian Jews. When Ifrom the president of the Jewish community in Adelaide. He the prayers ended I stood at the entrance, at the president’s was hoping I could come there for the High Holy Days, since request, wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. their community did not have a rabbi. We had four small I noticed that the small group of Jews who didn’t budge, and children, and leaving home to spend the Days of Awe in a when I asked an assistant, I was told, “These are Egyptian distant city would have been difficult. I turned down the offer. Jews who are at odds with the community; there was a Several days later I received an urgent letter dispute, and now they have nothing to do with us.” from the Lubavitcher Rebbe: “How can you turn The following day, after the prayers, instead of going them down?! This is very to the entrance, I headed straight important; it is your duty to toward the Egyptian Jews to wish go!” Apparently, they had them a good New Year. I could written to the Rebbe and told sense everyone else’s eyes were him of their predicament fixed on my back. and my refusal to go. “Is there a blind girl among At the end of the letter, the you?” I asked. Rebbe added a handwritten “Yes.” note: “During your stay, look “Where are her parents?” after the Egyptian Jews in “They don’t come to the Adelaide.” I didn’t know what synagogue.” to make of this vague instruction “Please give her my best but I would soon find out. wishes for a good year.” I arrived in Adelaide on the Monday morning the day before Rosh Hashanah and telephone in my room rang: went at once to the synagogue. “I’m the blind girl.” Before As I walked around, a woman suddenly approached and I could reply, someone grabbed the phone from her asked, “Where is the holiest place here?” I pointed to the Ark hands and hung up. in which are housed the Torah scrolls. It was very disturbing. When Thursday night, the eve The woman went out and returned with a teenaged blind of Yom Kippur, came, I was quite upset and told the cantor girl. She brought her to the Ark and left her there. The girl what had happened. “Don’t be foolish,” he answered. “Do kissed the curtain of the Ark and fell to the floor sobbing. me a favor and stay away from the Egyptian Jews; don’t make Minutes later the woman reappeared, took the girl, and left. trouble.” It was all so strange. I found the attendant and asked for Of course, I ignored his advice. I asked him to find the an explanation. “It’s ridiculous,” he snorted. “She’s one of girl’s address and phone number, and called her immediately. those Egyptian Jews who came here but avoid any connection “Is this the girl who visited the synagogue before Rosh with us. Her parents don’t come on Rosh Hashanah, so she Hashanah?” I asked. must have decided to come the day before.” “Yes. Who is speaking?” The Rebbe’s note flashed in my mind: “Look after the “Rabbi Gutnick.”
12 The line went dead. “Yes, even if you tell me to run Again and again I tried. They “I MAY NOT KNOW A LOT away from home!” would answer and hang up. “No, that won’t be necessary.” Refusing to give up, I ABOUT JUDAISM, BUT I KNOW Her parents came into the jumped into a taxi and gave THERE IS A G‑D OF THE JEWS, room and, seeing the tears, knew the girl’s address. More than she had confided in me. They half an hour later, at 11 pm, I AND I MADE UP MY MIND TO wept too: “We didn’t want her reached the house. I knocked PRAY TO HIM. … I FELL TO THE to convert; we’re Jews. But what on the door. When it opened, I FLOOR AND ASKED G‑D TO choice did we have? We had to do stuck my foot in. this for her own benefit.” “Please. Help me,” I said. “It’s SHOW ME WHAT TO DO. “ I calmed them, “With G‑d’s a long trip and I came especially to help everything will be okay.” talk with you.” Then I called the synagogue They let me in. We sat together in the living room, where administrator. Telling him briefly what was happening, I the girl joined us. I spoke with them from my heart. My asked him to come over right away. familiarity with Jewish life in Egypt helped break the ice and, “Have you lost your mind?!” he screamed, “12:30 at to some degree, I won their trust. night?! I’m in pajamas, sleeping!” When the mother went to prepare some tea, I turned to “Pajamas or not, get in your car and come over. Unless her daughter. She faced me and broke down sobbing; tears you would rather look for a new rabbi for Yom Kippur.” sprang to my eyes, as well. In a few hours we had worked out a solution for the “What is it?” I asked her. family. I promised to keep in touch and help in any way I Somewhat calmer, she began her story: could. Thank G‑d things worked out well for the girl and “We arrived here about a year ago after fleeing with other her family. Jews from Nasser. I have been blind from birth. When my • • • parents were looking for a school for the blind, the only facility around was Catholic. They registered me and, for A few years later I met privately with the Rebbe in New my part, I was very happy. Then, five months later, a priest York. Looking at me intently, with a faint trace of a smile, his who came there every week started talking to me about words were: their religion. I didn’t take anything he said seriously. A few “That ‘sign’ was not only for the girl. It was for you, too. months later, though, they told my parents that if I was to You should know that your life’s work is opening the eyes of continue there at no expense, I would have to convert. those who lack vision—in spiritual matters…. It is time for “One day I overheard my father telling my mother: ‘We you to drop everything else and devote yourself fulltime to have no choice; we have to agree to the conversion.’ I was the spiritual service of the Jewish people.” broken. “I may not know a lot about Judaism, but I know Rabbi Chaim Gutnick eventually became the Jewish Chaplain of there is a G‑d of the Jews, and I made up my mind to the Australian Army and a prominent Rabbinical figure in the pray to Him. I asked a neighbor to bring me to the Australian Jewish community and abroad. synagogue. She brought me there and, at my request, asked where the holiest place was. I fell to the floor and asked G‑d to show me what to do. Then I went back home to wait. “On Rosh Hashanah, some guests came to visit. Seeing me, they joked: ‘Betty! Some rabbi came from Sydney and all he talks about is you! How does he know you?’ When I heard this I ran to my room and cried and cried. I knew that you were the one that G‑d had sent to help me. I tried to call you after Rosh Hashanah, but my mother hung up the telephone. But I knew you would come, no matter what.” “Betty,” I asked, “will you do whatever I tell you?”
13 FORGIVENESS BEGINS
Back in elementary school, I atthought that forgivenessHome forgiveness. Many will say that asking forgiveness was a game. Every year we would review the laws from a loved one ranks as one of the most awkward of the holidays, and when it came to the laws of Yom encounters in a person's life. Kippur, the teacher would tell us that we must ask But it is the most important act of forgiveness we forgiveness of our friends before we ask G‑d to forgive can ever do. It is the most challenging, and as a us. consequence, the most rewarding. Forgiving those So I would dutifully walk over to Shimmy and say, "Do you love makes your life happier and healthier, and you forgive me?" And he would smile and say, "Sure initiates tremendous self-growth. Forgiveness benefits I forgive you! Do you forgive me?" I would the forgiver as much as it benefits the forgiven. hastily answer "Sure!" and run over It brings closure. to David and do the spiel all over There is nothing more healing in again. You forgive; I forgive. As a relationship than the balm meaningless as a handshake of forgiveness. "I am sorry, between diplomats. Mom and Dad!" "I accept As I grew older, my your apology, honey, and emotional intelligence I want you to know that grew, my self-awareness I love you regardless. I developed, and I came to will always love you and realize that forgiveness accept you." is not child's play, but In case we hurt our loved serious business, a real ones in any way throughout ego-dynamite, and that the past year, now is the time "Sorry" is not (just) a board to bring the relationship full game. circle. Not as diplomats, but with I learned that sometimes it takes more self-awareness, honesty, and with our courage to ask for forgiveness than to be whole heart. the one to grant it. In summary: Heroes are those who treat the people And I also learned that as hard as forgiveness can be in their homes with at least the same courtesy as the between acquaintances, it's still child's play compared nameless gas station owner on a lonely highway. to the guts and humility it takes to drive the two-way street (asking for and granting forgiveness) between Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org ourselves and those closest to us: our parents, our By Levi Avtzon siblings, our spouse. It hurts to walk over to the person whom you love so much, and inevitably hurt, and ask for
14 Does G-d Ignore My Prayers?
QUESTION: get His system. But every word and every tear is accounted for, and makes an impact. When and how I am on a high from Yom Kippur. I was truly moved that impact is felt by us is up to G‑d. A prayer said by the prayers and the songs. But the little skeptic today for someone’s health may take effect only within me has one niggling question. There many years later. We are depositing our is something very important to me request, but we don’t know when it that for many years I have been will be withdrawn. praying for, and it has still not materialized. Are my tears In physics, the law of wasted? Can I believe conservation of energy in the power of prayer states that energy can when, in my experience, never be destroyed, it just it hasn’t worked? changes from one form to another. There is a similar law in metaphysics. No ANSWER: prayer is ever lost; no No prayer is ignored and tear is ever wasted. no tear goes unnoticed. But Your request will be the response is not always in granted; it just may be in the form we expect it to be. an unexpected form. So keep praying, because every word is At the high point of Yom Kippur, stored away. It will rebound back to toward the end of the day in the Neilah you when you need it most. prayer, we address G‑d with the following plea: “You Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org who hears the sound of weeping, store our tears in By Aron Moss Your flask, and save us from all cruel decrees.” This seems to be a strange expression. Why would G‑d store our tears? It doesn’t seem to be of any use to keep our tears in a flask. JOSH RAPPAPOR , ESQ. The meaning behind this is profound. Not always are our prayers answered in the way we want them to ATTORNEY REPRESENTING INJURY VICTIMS be. Sometimes, in His wisdom, G‑d does not grant 847-828-4034 us our wishes at the time we demand them. Instead, [email protected] He stores away our tears and files away our prayers, Get the Compensation You Deserve. to be taken out and answered at another time. o ee ntil Recover or You. We are not privy to G‑d’s timetable, and we don’t
15 YOM KIPPUR GETTING READY SEPTEMBER 15
FORGIVENESS, CHARITY & HONEY CAKE BLESSING THE CHILDREN Yom Kippur atones for sins which are committed against Before going to shul it is customary for parents to bless their G‑d, but not for wrongdoings between man and man. It children with the Priestly Benediction: is therefore important on the day before Yom Kippur to “May G‑d bless you and guard you…May G‑d shine His apologize and seek forgiveness from friends, countenance upon you and be gracious to you…May relatives, and acquaintances to heal any G‑d turn his face toward you, and grant you peace.” ill feelings that may have arisen during the past year. At the same time, forgive Many have the custom of also saying: “May G‑d make you the misdemeanors of others against you. like Efrayim and Menashe” (for a son); or, May G‑d make you According to how you forgive others, that’s like Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah” (for a daughter). how G‑d forgives you. On the day before Yom Kippur charity is WEARING WHITES given in abundance. As we ask G‑d for charity and Many communities have the custom of wearing white kindness in judging us and granting us a good and sweet clothes on Yom Kippur, as on this day we are compared to year, we too, should act kindly toward others. angels. It is also customary not to wear gold jewelry, as gold At the morning service on the day preceding Yom Kippur is reminiscent of the sin of the Golden Calf, and on the Day there is a charming age-old Jewish custom to “bet’n of Judgment, we do not want to “remind” the “Prosecutor” lekach” or “ask for honey cake.” In in the heavenly court of our past sins. addition to the blessing for a sweet year represented by the honey’s sweetness, it is also in the hope that CANDLE LIGHTING if it was decreed that we would be on Like every Shabbat and Jewish holiday, Yom the receiving end at any time during Kippur is ushered in before sunset with candle the coming year, this should be the lighting. It is also customary to light memorial sum total of our asking. candles for the deceased before the Yom Kippur candle lighting. (For the candle lighting blessings see page 31.) INCREASING THE FEASTING On the day before Yom Kippur we eat two festive meals. One in the morning and one before the fast begins. On this day it is customary to eat challah dipped in honey and YOM KIPPUR DON’TS On Yom Kippur it is prohibited to eat or drink. Women over kreplach (small dumplings generally 12 years old and men over 13 must fast. If one is physically filled with ground meat, and then unable to fast for health reasons, he/she should consult a boiled and served in chicken soup). Rabbi. In addition, there are four other activities specifically At the second meal one should not prohibited on Yom Kippur. They are: 1) washing, 2) wearing drink intoxicating beverages. It is leather shoes, 3) engaging in marital relations, and 4) the also customary not to eat fish at this use of body lotion, creams, etc. The fast begins a bit before meal. When reciting the Grace After sunset on the evening preceding Yom Kippur and ends the Meals, one should have in mind that he may drink until the next day at about 50 minutes after sunset. (For correct onset of the fast. (For time, p. 31.) times see page 31.)
16 YOM KIPPUR
A TimeSEPTEMBER to 15 & 16 Bond WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? error we may have made. Since it is difficult to recall all of them, Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year. On this day, all of the they are listed in the prayer book in alphabetical order. With each Jewish people are united in their hearts and thoughts with our Vidui, the soul is freed and climbs higher and higher, until the heavenly Master, Al-mighty G‑d. The significance of this day is ultimate high at the N’eela service, as the Heavenly Gates begin that G‑d chose it to be His day of forgiveness. Forgiveness in to close and the soul rises to the loftiest heights of the year. the case of one person to another comes from a sense of KOL NIDREI consideration, closeness, friendship and love beyond that The sun is setting and Yom Kippur begins. Starting very softly, the person’s behavior. In the case of a child, it comes from an inner, solemn Kol Nidrei ushers in the holy day. It is sung three times, deep sense of unbounded love and being intrinsically united with each time louder than the last, as if entering a spiritual palace and one’s child. Similarly, even when we transgress G‑d’s will and coming closer to the Eternal King. Kol Nidrei, which means “all subsequently blemish our relationship, G‑d is willing to forgive vows,” nullifies the binding nature of promises in advance. One us. For He is our Father. Our essence, our Neshama (soul), is declares all future vows and promises invalid, by declaring that all G‑dly and descends from Him. Thus, G‑d’s setting aside a special vows are “absolved, remitted, cancelled, declared null and void, day for forgiveness is a manifestation of G‑d’s love for us. This not in force or in effect.” (It must be emphasized that there are is what makes it the “Holiest Day,” for on this day, G‑d reveals conditions and restrictions as to the nature of the vows affected the depth of His relationship with us. What is required of us is to by this nullification. They do not nullify vows made between one return to Him, to relate to Him, and to fulfill His wishes, which He person and another). related to us in the Torah. It is required that we recognize and admit our wrongdoings, ask for forgiveness, and resolve firmly The origin of this prayer is in medieval Spain. Jews were forced to become more loyal to G‑d: to heed His will, study His Torah at swordpoint to swear that they will abandon Judaism. It is said and accept upon ourselves one more mitzvah, through which we that on Yom Kippur they would gather together secretly, and relate to Him and fulfill His wish every day. formally cancel any such vows, past or future. They could then pray on the Sacred Day with a clear conscience. Today PRAYER BASICS no one forces us to deny Judaism. But Jews recite prayers 3 times each day. On Shabbat our spiritual weaknesses often lead and holidays an extra prayer is added, totaling four us to feel that we are restricted, tied prayers on these special days. Yom Kippur tops down, or trapped in various ways and them all with 5. therefore prevented from full self- 1. Maariv – The first prayer of Yom Kippur, it is expression as Jews. Excuses recited at night – just after the holiday begins. We begin such as, “I would like to eat with the famous Kol Nidrei prayer. kosher, but I must eat with my clients.”— or “I simply do not have the time to 2. Shacharit – The morning prayers. put on Tefillin—” are common. These 3. Musaf – The additional prayer for Shabbat and holidays. limitations are a form of a “vow,” a pledge 4. Mincha – The afternoon prayers. to the mundane, to the corporal. On Yom Kippur we express our sincerity by freeing 5. Neila – This special prayer is recited only once a year, on ourselves from our habits and resolving to Yom kippur. It is the final prayer of the day. do things differently. G‑d, in turn, assists us VIDUI in dissolving our self-imposed restrictions. Everyone rushes to be in shul as the sun sets, and Yom Kippur Whatever our apparent normal commitments is ushered in with the heartrending Kol Nidre. But the most vital and “pledges” to material and secular values, prayer—repeated ten times over the next 26 hours—is the Vidui. on Yom Kippur we are given freedom to openly In this prayer we accept responsibility for every possible human express total love and dedication to G‑d.
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18 Got the Post-Yom Kippur Blues?
QUESTION: Your soul needs that bridge too. You have emerged from the womb of Yom Kippur, your soul pure and I think I have the post-Yom Kippur blues. Every year I renewed. The negative residue from your past get all inspired by the fast, and am sure that I will be has been cleansed. Your soul is now tender and more committed to Judaism in the year ahead. But sensitive, and easily susceptible to the coldness of somehow it dissipates pretty quickly (like around the spiritual apathy and other moral germs floating in third mouthful after breaking the fast). I don’t want to the air. You need some protection. You need to be lose it again this year. Any suggestions? swaddled. You need a sukkah. The sukkah is among the only mitzvahs that ANSWER: you do with your whole being. The I know just what you need. You holy air of the sukkah completely need to be swaddled. envelops and surrounds you. It turns everything you do into A newborn baby, moments a holy act. Simply eating, after birth, is taken by a drinking and chatting is a midwife and wrapped mitzvah when it is done in a swaddling cloth. in the Divine shade of This serves to keep the sukkah. When you the newborn protected sit in a sukkah, you are and warm. Having just swaddled by sanctity. emerged from the security and nurture of the womb, Going from the highs the baby is particularly of Yom Kippur straight vulnerable and sensitive. A back into the routine of the good swaddling cloth gives the mundane world is like taking a infant a sense of protection from the newborn from her mother’s womb cold and harsh world into which it has straight out into the cold night. You emerged. just can’t do that. Sit in the sukkah. Bask in its sacred shade. Feel wrapped in its warm embrace. But swaddling doesn’t last long. You rarely see You aren’t suffering from post-Yom Kippur blues, teenagers wrapped up in a cloth with their arms you are just an unswaddled soul. The sukkah can fix behind their ears. (Though perhaps some should that. be.) Swaddling is a brief bridging stage between the safety of the womb and the hazards of real (Source: Likkutei Dibburim IV, p. 1534) life. A well wrapped baby will eventually grow to face life unwrapped. The swaddle cloth just helps Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org get them there. By Aron Moss
19 AOF Sense THE NEW YEAR Wednesday, Sept 8 5:30 PM at 17662 W. Gages Lake Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030
HEAR THE SOUNDS Listen to the sounding of the Shofar – a special once-a-year Mitzvah performed only on Rosh Hashanah.
SAVOR THE TASTES Indulge your senses as you sample the myriad sweet tastes of Rosh Hashanah. It is tradition on Rosh Hashanah to eat foods that have symbolic meaning. Join us as we explore the different cultural foods eaten on Rosh Hashanah around the world.
By RSVP only at www.chabadofgurnee.com/sounds CDC guidelines will be followed.
20 The MULTICULTURALISM Debate AN ONGOING DEBATE in many Western societies today revolves of “Jewish multiculturalism.” around the value of multiculturalism versus the importance of assimilating We sit in a sukkah in commemoration of the clouds of glory which the various groups and segments which constitute a society into a miraculously encircled the Jewish people while they traveled in the homogeneous entity. As is the case with the majority of widely debated desert. The clouds did not differentiate between one Jew and another— issues, both sides of this particular polemic bring valid points and all were equal beneficiaries of their shade and protection. We, too, sit convincing arguments to the discussion table. together in a sukkah as a symbol of our unity. We focus on that what On one hand, a society is enriched by diversity and exposure to a variety unites us—our common values, mission, and souls—rather than that of cultures, languages and value systems. Coercing elements of society which divides us. We leave behind our differences and unite behind to conform to a particular mold—no matter how splendid that mold may one flag. be—is an attempt to stifle the soul of that element, and anathema to a The Four Kinds, however, tell a different story. According to the Midrash, culture that prides itself in allowing freedom of expression. As Kabbalah the four different species represent different sorts of Jews, spanning the teaches, true beauty results from the harmonization of diverse colors spectrum from the most observant and scholarly to the simplest of our and flavors. people. Nevertheless we take the Four Kinds and hold them together, because we are one people despite the differences. But as opposed On the other hand, the smooth functionality of a nation depends largely to the sukkah, this mitzvah doesn’t attempt to achieve unity by ignoring on a united population that feels a strong kinship with one another. our differences; rather it points out the differences, embraces them and Diverse segments of a population which are constantly competing with secures our unity in spite of them. each other make for an unhealthy society. Globally, much violence and strife, and many civil wars, result from tensions between co-citizens This is because unity achieved at the expense of disregarding our unique of rivaling religions, values or ethnicities. Thus, the acculturation of a personalities and strengths is a flawed unity. It means that the unity is nation’s citizens might sound harsh and nationalistic, but is actually the very limited, limited to our shared goals and souls. Our daily lives which key to a unified society, and ultimately a stable one. are so colored by our unique personalities remain unaffected by the sukkah-style unity. The Jewish nation is also demographically diverse: Ashkenazim, Sephardim, chassidim, observant, not-so-observant, scholars, laymen, But without the type of unity advocated by the sukkah, the multicultural men, women, etc. We, too, struggle with the issue of forging a approach of the Four Kinds would not succeed. For without an underlying multicultural population into a singular nation. Sociologists attempting unifying factor, diverse people have nothing to rally around. The Four to resolve the “melting pot issue” would perhaps be well-advised to Kinds is an endeavor to build on the unity of the sukkah by injecting our individual personalities with our pervading unity; by devoting our examine the Torah’s perspective on e pluribus unum. assorted strengths, talents and natures to perpetuating the ideals that We are now ushering in the holiday of Sukkot. The two primary mitzvot of unite us; by recognizing that the different pieces of the puzzle may look this holiday are dwelling in the sukkah and the taking of the Four Kinds. dissimilar, but are all there to complete one picture. Jewish unity is one of the primary themes of this holiday, and these two mitzvot are symbolic of two approaches to Jewish unity; the sukkah champions the cause of Jewish nationalism and focuses on our nation Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org as a homogeneous unit, while the Four Kinds symbolize the importance By Levi Avtzon
21 TheSEPTEMBER Sukkah 20 – 27 WHAT? HOSHANA RABBAH Following Yom Kippur we celebrate Sukkot, the festival The seventh day of Sukkot is called Hoshana Rabba. It is of huts, and the season of our rejoicing. It is the third customary to stay awake the preceding night and recite of the Jewish festivals (the first two are Passover and the book of Deuteronomy and the Book of Psalms. In Shavuot). During the entire seven days of the festival, the morning, we circle the Bimah (the Torah reading all meals are eaten in the Sukkah,and it is otherwise platform) in the synagogue seven times while holding regarded as home. When partaking of a meal the Lulav and Esrog, reciting special prayers, called containing at least two ounces of bread or cake, we “Hoshanot.” In an ancient rite of profound mystical say the blessing “Layshev BaSukkah,” (See blessing significance, we beat five willow branches which are on page 24) thanking G‑d for granting us this mitzvah. bound together on the floor, symbolically “sweetening” G‑d’s judgment. During the day on Hoshanah Rabbah, WHY? we eat a festive meal in the Sukkah. Kiddush is not The Sukkah is reminiscent of the booths in which recited, but we begin the meal with challah dipped in the Jewish people dwelt after leaving Egypt. It also honey and delicious Kreplach, (boiled meat dumplings) reminds us of the miraculous “clouds of glory” that which symbolize the covering of severity with loving- surrounded and shielded our ancestors during their kindness. forty years of wandering on the way to the Promised Land. The Sukkah inspires us to trust that today, too, G‑d will protect us in His special way, and that is the reason we have outlived our greatest adversaries in all HOLIDAY TO DO LIST generations. On the festival of Sukkot, we remember r Candlelighting, both nights, Sept. 20 G‑d’s kindness and reaffirm our trust in His providence & 21 (see schedule on p. 31) by dwelling in a “Sukkah” — a hut of temporary construction with a roof covering of branches — for the r Kiddush and festive meals, both duration of the festival. nights & both days, Sept 20, 21 ¶ 22
A UNIQUE MITZVAH r Eat all meals in the Sukkah. Make The commandment of dwelling, eating, and spending a special blessing for eating in the time in the Sukkah is unique in that one’s entire person, while in the Sukkah, is involved in the mitzvah. The Sukkah (see page 24) mitzvah of Sukkah encompasses every part of the body. r Make a blessing on the Four Kinds It is like recieving a divine embrace. As mentioned, the each day, (see page 24) festival is celebrated for seven days. The first two days are holy days (similar to Shabbat). The following five r On Hoshanah Rabbah, eat festive days are intermediate days, known as Chol Hamoed, meals and tap the aravot (willow when travel and limited work is permitted. branches) THE FOUR KINDS SEPTEMBER 21 – 27
One of the special mitzvahs of Sukkot, which is performed everyday except Shabbat, is the “The Four Kinds” (described in detail below). We recite a blessing over them and, holding them close together, wave them to all six directions: right, left, forward (facing east), upward, downward, and back - slightly over your right shoulder (facing west) to signify that G‑d’s presence is everywhere. Like all other mitzvahs, it should be performed because it is G‑d’s will. However, like all the mitzvahs, it has its own particular significance and meaning. The most famous interpretation is that these four species represent the unity of all different kinds of Jews. What’s so powerful about this Mitzvah is; that you need all four kinds together to perform the mitzvah which illustrates to us how indispensable every Jew is.
Hadasim Esrog The myrtle twigs, are A rare citrus fruit, combines fragrant but tasteless – both a taste and a represent individuals fragrance that are enjoyed excell at good deeds by all – represents the but not in Torah study. individual who excells in Torah* study, as well as observance of mitzvahs.* Aravos The willow branches, have neither taste nor Lulav smell – represent those A palm branch, is from individuals who do not a tree that bears dates excell in either Torah which is a pleasant study or good deeds. tasting fruit, but it is odorless – represents those individuals who
are Torah scholars, but *Fragrance = Good deeds (A pleasant aroma spreads & those nearby are who do not particularly touched; likewise good deeds & Mitzvot emphasize good deeds. positively affect those around us) Good Taste = The Torah Scholar (As one internalizes what they eat; likewise one internalizes that which they have learned)
23 BLESSING ON THE SUKKAH BLESSING ON THE FOUR KINDS It is customary to wave the Four Kinds September 20-27 September 21-27 to all four points of the compass as well Every day of Sukkot, except Shabbat, During the seven days of Sukkot when upward and downward. we make a blessing over the “Four eating bread or cake in the Sukkah, Kinds.” Preferably this mitzvah is recite blessing #1. Many maintain the performed in the morning, however, 2. Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu if missed, one may do it all day until custom of eating or drinking nothing sunset. Me-lech Ho-olam A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu outside the Sukkah. When observing Here is how to do it: Take the lulav/ Be-mitvo-sov Ve-tzi-vanu Al Ne-ti-las this mitzvah for the first time this palm branch bound with the myrtle Lu-lov. season, recite blessing #3. and willow in the right hand and say blessing #2. Then pick up the esrog/ Blessed are You, L-rd, our G‑d, King citron with the left hand and hold it of the universe, who has sanctified together with the lulav/palm branch. 1. Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu us with His commandments and has When observing this mitzvah for the Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu first time this season, recite blessing #3. commanded us to hold the lulav. Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vanu Le-shev Ba-su-kkah.
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of 3. Boruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-heh- the universe, who has sanctified us with chi-ya-nu Veh-ki-ye-ma-nu Veh-hi-geh-ya-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh. His commandments, and commanded us Blessed are you, L-rd our God, King of the Universe, who has granted to sit in the Sukkah. us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
For seven days, make the sukkah your official home. Don’t panic: As long as you eat your meals there, you’re Got your okay. We also try to include anything else we would normally do in the house – like reading a book or sukkah ready? talking with a friend. The main thing is fill your Sukkah with family and Before Sukkot, construct a temporary, 3-4 walled friends, enjoy great meals, sing songs, tell stories and structure directly under the sky – no trees or overhang speak words of Torah wisdom. above. For roofing, toss on any cut, inedible vegetation that will last for seven days. Favorites are western Need help building your sukka? cedar, bamboo and corn husks (without the corn). Use Call Chabad at 847.782.1800 enough to provide more shade than sunlight. before September 12. Time-hungry? There are pre-fab sukkah kits that go up in a matter of minutes – just make sure your walls are secure and firm.
24 SAY NO TO DRUGS And All Other Artificially Induced Highs...
Rabbi Mendel Futterfas was imprisoned in a Siberian labor happiness are—to a certain extent—a subtle form of camp for the crime of assisting his coreligionists in escaping escapism. They are an escape from who we are; an attempt the USSR in the dark post-World War II days. Many of his to find happiness from without, instead of finding true fellow inmates were professionals and intellectuals from the happiness within. While we chase transient possessions in upper-crust of society, imprisoned because of the ostensible our pursuit of happiness, we imagine that the reason for our "threat" they constituted to Soviet ideology. emptiness and lack of happiness is our failure in achieving This group often wondered how Mendel maintained his our goals. Happiness and utopian bliss are certain to wash cheerful demeanor despite the sub-human conditions which over our lives once we've earned our first few million... If only pervaded the camp. When they posed the question to him, we knew that it is all an exercise in futility. I once saw a quote he instantly replied: from mega-millionaire Hollywood icon Jim Carrey, saying that he wishes that everyone had what he did—just so that they "You are all dejected because your incarceration prevents could see how meaningless it all is! you from materializing your life's goals. My goal in life is to serve G‑d. And that—I can do wherever I may be!" Happiness comes not from possessions. While one can find a certain measure of happiness in one's accomplishments, such happiness is also incomplete. For our accomplishments will never fully meet our satisfaction. Ultimate happiness is happiness with who we are, contentment with our very identity. During the High Holidays—and specifically on Yom Kippur— we connect with our innermost core, the essence of the Jewish soul which is eternally and unconditionally connected to G‑d. It is precisely because of this unconditional bond that G‑d annually grants us a full-hearted forgiveness, despite our behavior in the previous year. During Yom Kippur, however, the atmosphere is too somber and intense, and we are too involved in serious repentance, for us to savor and Aside for the damage caused to the body by illegal or other appreciate what transpires during those awesome moments. mind-altering substances and excessive consumption of It takes a few days for our incredible fortune to sink in: alcohol, as well as their potential for wreaking damage on Connection to G‑d is who we are! And because this is our relationships and careers, they also invariably disappoint very identity, absolutely nothing can alter it—attempting to those who turn to them in order to fill a void in their lives. disconnect a Jew from G‑d would be akin to attempting to In the end, they solve nothing; they only offer a temporary transform a cow into a horse! escape from melancholic feelings and/or one's sense of "Fortunate are we! How good is our portion, how pleasant is inadequacy and lack of accomplishment. Indeed, even at the our lot, and how beautiful our heritage!" moment one is experiencing an artificial high, the problems don't disappear. Even if one succeeds in momentarily So for seven days we forget about all else. We leave behind removing all worries from the conscious mind, they always our home and possessions—and all other imaginary sources lurk in the sub-conscious—never allowing the person to of happiness—and go out into a flimsy non-weatherproof find complete solace. As a wise person once said, "People hut. We sing, rejoice and say l'chaim; we're happy because imagine they can drown their troubles in drink; little do they we finally focus and what's really important in life—our own know that their troubles float..." selves!
But "escapism" isn't relegated to the world of hallucinogenics. Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org On a deeper level, most of our supposed sources of By Naftali Silberberg 25 A SIXTH DIMENSION I was at the corner of Grove and Baldwyn, just minutes I figured, what harm can come from a little foreign culture? So away from my mid-afternoon coffee, when they stopped me. I shook the fruit. And there were no fireworks, no visions of Two boys, in conservative but rumpled suits, big black hats G‑d, no glow of accomplishment. Just like I expected. shielding their faces from the sun. But later that night, there was something different. Nothing They wanted me to light a candle. big, nothing I could quite put my finger on. Just a very slight feeling of good. But not just any candle; they wanted me to light a candle for G‑d. To change the world. To bring perfection. I wondered if So the next day, I waved the branch again. I repeated the soon they’d tell me it was the key to wealth. strange syllables, and waved the fruit around. But not for world peace. Just to catch that elusive feeling. I said no. Now, I light candles every Friday night. I stopped putting milk I was searching for meaning all my life. in my chicken à la King. I read words of praise daily from a little book. To G‑d. I knew money was not the key. Even the Citi ads agreed. What changed? I needed more. Fulfillment. Career. A sense of self-worth. A group of friends. A part in Oddly enough, it hasn’t changed the changing someone’s life. And I got it things I do. I still have my career. I still all, but it wasn’t enough. have my friends. I still volunteer at the women’s shelter. But it’s more. On that day, I knew I needed more. But I was prepared to Nothing has changed. give more community service, Nothing has changed in my a more challenging job. Not 5-dimensional world. G‑d. But I’ve discovered a sixth I don’t need G‑d in my life. I dimension I never knew live in this world, not in nirvana. existed. I don’t need ritual, repetitive cultish behavior to give color to I would never have believed it if my world. I certainly didn’t need I heard it. Reading about it would a plain white tea light to replace my make no difference. Sound can be lavender-scented pillar. understood only in the context of other sounds. I needed meaning. Not until I shook a branch could I have reference for So I said no. that dimension. And not until I began doing more could I really feel its presence. Weeks later, they stopped me again. Those boys could have talked me blue in the face, but it This time, they were carrying branches and fruit. They would be meaningless on its own. I had to actually do it wanted me to wave them in the air, to shake them in all myself. directions. For G‑d. For world peace. For unity. And now I know why they stopped me. What a ridiculous way of avoiding reality.
I said no. Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org But the next day, I said yes. As told to Nechama Dina Hecht
26 26 LOVE, MARRIAGE and Hakafot Men usually don't sit over coffee talking about their mitzvot—observances instituted by the prophets and the marriages. That's why a particular conversation between sages by the authority vested in them by the Torah. For three males stuck in my mind — we were discussing the joys example, the five prayer services held on Yom Kippur and of wedded life. the taking of the Four Kinds on all but the first day of Sukkot are rabbinical institutions. "I love my wife," said Berl. "That's why I do everything she asks me to do. She says, 'Berl, please take out the garbage,' Finally, the month of Tishrei has many minhagim or customs— and right away, I take out the garbage." such as eating an apple dipped in honey on the first night of Rosh HaShanah or conducting the kaparot in the wee hours We all agreed that Berl loves his wife. of the morning on the day before Yom Kippur. The minhagim Not to be outdone, I said: "I also do everything my wife are not mandated by biblical or rabbinical law, but by asks me to do. In fact, she doesn't even have to spell force of custom: these are things that we Jews have out what she wants. It's enough that she says, initiated ourselves as ways to enhance our 'Whew! That garbage bag is sure smelling service of our Creator. up the kitchen!' for me to understand Most amazingly, the climax of the that she wants me to take out the month of Tishrei—the point at which garbage. Which I do, of course." our celebration of our bond with We all agreed that I love my wife G‑d attains the very pinnacle even more than Berl loves his. of joy—is during the hakafot But in the end it turned out of Simchat Torah, when we that Shmerl's marriage was take the Torah scrolls in our the most loving of all. Shmerl's arms and dance with them wife doesn't have to ask around the reading table in her husband to do things for the synagogue—a practice her. She doesn't even have that is neither a biblical nor a to drop hints. "I wake up in rabbinical precept, but merely the morning" Shmerl explained, a custom. "and I just know that she wants For it is with our observance of me to take out the garbage. Or buy the minhagim that we express her a diamond ring. She doesn't have the depth of our love for G‑d. to crinkle her nose or mention the ring The biblical commandments might be her cousin Sarah got for her birthday. I just compared to the explicitly expressed desires know what she wants me to do for her, and I do it." between two people bound in marriage. The rabbinical The month of Tishrei is replete with mitzvot—full of mitzvot, on which G‑d did not directly instruct us but opportunities for carrying out G‑d's will. For more than three which nevertheless constitute expressions of the divine weeks, our days are filled with praying, repenting, fasting, will, resemble the implied requests between spouses. But feasting, dancing, building a sukkah, acquiring a set of Four the minhagim represent those areas in which we intuitively Kinds or a bundle of hoshaanot, and dozens of other mitzvot, sense how we might cause G‑d pleasure. And in these lie customs and observances. our greatest joy. The observances of Tishrei fall under three general categories. There are biblical precepts that are explicitly Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org commanded in the Torah, such as sounding the shofar on By Yanki Tauber Rosh HaShanah, fasting on Yom Kippur or eating in the sukkah on Sukkot. There are also a number of rabbinical 27 SHEMINI ATZERET AND SIMCHAT TORAH SEPTEMBER 27, 28 & 29
THE EXCLUSIVE AFTER-PARTY Following the seven days of Sukkot are Shemini Atzeret Shmini Atzeret SEPTEMBER 27 & 28 and Simchas Torah, which culminate all the holidays of the month of Tishrei. The Midrash compares this holiday to an On Shemini Atzeret, many have a custom to continue to eat “intimate family party,” before the long journey into the world meals in the Sukkah, but do so without reciting the blessing for the rest of the winter. For us, as well as for G‑d Himself, of “Layshev Ba’Sukkah.” On Simchas Torah, the ninth day, we it is difficult to separate from the holiness of these festive resume eating meals indoors. days, when we feel so close to G‑d, and we are now about to engage in the mundane life of the rest of the year. So G‑d Simchat Torah asks us to “Tarry yet another day.” SEPTEMBER 28 & 29 OUR LAST STOP DANCING AND “HAKAFOT” (circling) The High Holiday celebrations in all their exciting shades On the evening and in the morning of Simchas Torah (some and forms are out of the norm. We are overwhelmed by their also do so on the preceding evening of Shemini Atzeret), powerful spirits. The Yom Tov of Shmini Atzeret and Simchas all the Torah scrolls are taken from the ark and carried in a Torah following Sukkot represent the “Quite Private Party,” parade of seven Hakafos, encircling the Bimah (the platform right before the time we move forward into the rest of the of the synagogue) singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls. year. It is the time when we internalize the past month’s Simchas Torah, which means “rejoicing with the Torah,” is inspiration; the “last stop” when we embrace and re-harness celebrated with exuberant dancing. The rest of the year, we ourselves to incorporate the holiday inspiration into the new approach the Torah with serious study. On Simchas Torah, year’s everyday life. Shemini Atzeret and Simchas Torah, like we approach, the Torah with joyful dance. This holiday all Jewish festivals and holidays are observed with kiddush, emphasizes that the Torah is the inheritance of every single festive meals, and restriction of work. Jew – scholar and simple person alike.
28 A NEVER-ENDING CYCLE ALL TOGETHER In completing the annual cycle of reading the Torah, we read The celebration of Simchat Torah again emphasizes Jewish the final section of the Torah, after which we immediately unity. While there may be great differences between one start to read the Torah again from the beginning. By starting person and another, all are equal when it comes to carrying to read the Torah anew, we demonstrate that learning never the Torah and dancing with it on Simchas Torah. The scholar ends, especially when it comes to the Torah and its infinite and the simple person, the committed and the estranged, wisdom. Children are given gifts of candy and fruit, because dance together their arms intertwined with any differences it is stated, “The commandments of the L-rd are sweeter than between them forgotten amidst this joyous celebration. honey.” A TIME FOR THE FEET Every part of the body has its mitzvah. We pray with our lips, read Torah with our eyes, light Shabbat candles and give This publication charity with our hands. We study with our brain, love G‑d has been made possible in part with our heart, and hear the shofar with our ears. Similarly, by the generosity of the every mitzvah has its day. On Simchas Torah, the feet have their day, as we march and dance with our feet, elevating and uplifting our whole body in honoring the Torah. They say on this day, the Torah itself wants to rejoice – and we provide the legs.
Simchat Torah AT CHABAD TUESDAY September 28
Evening Service 7:15 PM
Family Dinner Dance with the Torah 7:45 PM
29 On Simchat Torah we dance with our or beyond, and some minds know only feet, not with our heads. their own space that no one else can We are celebrating the Torah, know. and the Torah is something But we dance with our feet, we study with our heads. and all our feet are here But we dance with our on the same earth – feet, not with our heads. none higher and none If we would dance with DANCING lower. So now we can our heads, each one all dance as one, with would dance a different one heart, as a single dance, each in a different with Feet being. space, some with friends Now there is no loneliness, but not with others, some as only joy. lonesome souls.
One head is higher, one is lower, one Copyright and reprinted with permission of Chabad.org | By Tzvi is here on earth, the other in the clouds Freeman
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30 High Holiday Schedules & Blessings 5782 / 2021
Date Holiday/Event Blessing # Gurnee Mon Sept 6 1st Eve of Rosh Hashanah 1 & 4 * 6:57 Tues Sept 7 2nd Eve of Rosh Hashanah 1 & 4 ** 7:57 Fri Sept 10 Shabbat Candle Lighting 5 *** 6:50 Wed Sept 15 Eve Yom Kippur - Fast Begins 2 &4*** 6:41 Thu Sept 16 Fast Ends 7:41 Fri Sept 17 Shabbat Candle Llighting 5 *** 6:37 Mon Sept 20 1st Eve of Sukkot 3 & 4 * 6:32 Tues Sept 21 2nd Eve of Sukkot 3 & 4 ** 7:32 Fri Sept 24 Shabbat Candlel Lighting 5 *** 6:25 Mon Sept 27 Eve of Shemini Atzeret 3 & 4 * 6:20 Tues Sept 28 Eve of Simchat Torah 3 & 4 ** 7:19
1. Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Vi-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom Ha-zi-ko-ron. Blessed are you, L-rd our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of the Day of Remembrance.
2. Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom Ha-kipurim. Blessed are you, L-rd our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of Yom Kippur.
3. Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Vi-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom Tov. Blessed are you, L-rd our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of the Festival Day. * If lighting after the time indicated, light only from a pre-existing flame. 4. Boruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-heh- ** Do not light before the time indicated. Light only from a pre-existing chi-ya-nu Veh-ki-ye-ma-nu Veh-hi-geh-ya-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh. flame. A pre-existing flame is a flame burning continuously from the onset of the festival, such as a pilot light, gas or candle flame. | *** Do not light Blessed are you, L-rd our God, King of the Universe, who has granted us after sunset. life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion. CANDLE LIGHTING GUIDELINES 5. Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki- 1. Married women light two candles. Some women de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Sha- folow the custom of adding one candle for each bos Ko-desh. additional member of the family. Blessed are you, L-rd our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us 2. Single women and girls - even the very young, as soon by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of the as they can say the blessing - should light one candle. Holy Sabbath. For more details and instructions visit www.chabad.org/calendar/candlelighting.
31 ב״ה An inspiring story for your Shabbos table שבת פרשת במדבר, כ״ד אייר, תשע״ד DEFENDING SISRAELhabbos Parshas Bamidbar, May 24IS, 2014 HERE’S DEFENDING THE WORLD my MR. OVADIA ELI STORY Mr.C OvadiaAL EliL servedIN asG mayor T ofH Afula,E memberSH ofO Knesset,TS Deputy Minister of Defense,GENER AandL Y asOS theSI BchairmanEN HAN ofAN the Airports Authority. He was interviewed in his office at Ben Gurion Airport in December of 2010.
n the 1980’s, I was heading up IDF’s research and develophroughoutment. I wa thes 4 3years yea thatrs o ldI servedand I wasa thes n emayoraring of responsibility and duty to ensure the security of Jews everywhere. Ithe end of my career in the military. One day, I got a call from thAfula,e IDF ’Is becameChief o fvery Staf fclose, Gen toer athel Le Chabadvy, who emissarieswas A few months after this meeting — on March 17, 1992 better knoinwn the as cityMos —he vRabbia’Che tChaimzi, whi cSholomh litera lSegally me andans Rabbi — the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, with “MTShlomooshe a nSegald a H —alf .and” He I w cameas ca tolle considerd that be themcause not he wonlyas as my a very tall man. twenty-nine killed and more than 240 injured. As the Deputy good friends but as my brothers. There came a time when I, Minister of Defense, I worked to arrange a rescue team to fly Heand sa ithed to Afula me, “ Ycityoss council,i, look, I kdecidednow tha tot m presentost peo theple Rebbeyour with a age who have achieved your position leave the IDF. But from Israel to Argentina, but it took more than a day to get it I’mkey a stoki ntheg ycityou —to ac osymbolicntinue t ogolden serve key, an ind tano belegantecome box — as Coa mtokenman dofe rappreciation of the Armo forred theCo rimportantps.” contribution that his Baemissariessically, he were was amakingsking m toe touro le acity.ve my desk job — a job I held for three years — and to put my boots on again and to reBeforeturn to wethe actually field. presented the key to the Rebbe, I began serving as a member of the Knesset, and I was appointed asth e army? Or should I agree to the request of the Chief of I was very hesitant . We were expecting a baby, and I had Staff and become Commander of the Armored Corps?” retheally pDeputylanned tMinistero wind do ofwn Defense, my caree rbecoming… So I said tresponsibleo him, for “I protectionneed to th ofink Israel’s about home-front.this. I need some time to seek At first he did not respond at all. And then he gave me some advice.” an answer which lives with me until this day. He spoke Two months later — during Sukkot of 1991 — I came toin the third person but his words were meant for me. In “Advice? From whom?” visit the Rebbe in New York with my wife Ruti. We were theres hort, this is what he said: “Wforh aat dfewoes days,it ma tandter? Iwe w awerent to ahostedsk som byeb oChabaddy.” chasidim in“O ne can fulfill one’s obligation by defending the Land — It Crownso hap pHeights.ened tha Int I thehad afternoon a trip sch eofd uHoshanahled to the RabbahUnited – whichb y protecting the integrity of the Land, the integrity of States the following week, and I requested to meet with the Nation and the integrity of the Torah.” coincided with Sunday that year — the Rebbe was distributing the Rebbe. It was arranged that I should speak with the I was quite shocked. Here, the Rebbe was telling me that dollars, and I stood in line in order to hand him the ceremonial Rebbe when he was giving out his dollars for charity. The I could fulfill my obligation as a Jew by defending the lokeyng l itone thetha tcity wa sof a lAfula.ways t Thehere wexchangeas stopp Ie dhad, an dwith I go thet to Rebbe onLa nd of Israel! In other words, he was telling me to stay speak with him for a couple minutes. this occasion made a deep impression on me. in the IDF. In advance of this, I had written him a letter, so I believe Before I even managed to introduce myself, the Rebbe beganI said,off “R ethebb eground., I hope IG then-d w recalledill give mthee thRebbe’se stre ngwords,th to and I decided he knew the gist of my dilemma. When I saw him, I said: defend all three.” “Rtoeb speakbe, I k ntoo wme I’ min n greatot wo detailrthy o fabout a res ptheon stypese to m ofy lmissilesetter which to establish a permanent crew of emergency rescue forces which —the I a denemymit th ahadt I a andm n whichot that might Torah endangerobservan thet — home-front.I am not I wasT hen wouldhe add standresse atd mthee ready,direct labley, in to th flye s eoutco nond pshorterso nnotice: to rescue so righteous that you should spend your time on me. But “StrenJewsgth, ywhereverou alrea dtheyy ha vmaye. B ube,t w ifh ean disaster strengt hlike is lothiscke shouldd happen if,astonished neverthele byss, theyou vast are wknowledgeilling to he hear mshowedy ques regardingtion, then the typesin a box, it is the opposite of strength. I certainly need I wofil l munitionask.” stockpiles that our enemies had and the dangersn ot exagain.plain this to you as a general.” Hethat res maypond comeed, “O fromf cou them.rse.” I understWhenood. I hthisad memergencyy answer. rescueI said, tforcehank wasyou .organized, I called it AndI s owas I a sevenked hmoreim: “H surprisedas the tim bye c owhatme f other m eRebbe to lea vsaide to meT hen I“The aske d Rebbe’sa bless iPatrolng fo rfor m y Rescuingson. He gJewsave marounde a do thellar , World.” continued on reverse later on in the conversation: “You are responsible not just Indeed, two years later — on July 18, 1994 — there was for the well-being of the citizens living in Israel, but also for another bombing attack against the Jewish community in Buenos the well-being of all JewsAn wherever oral histor ythey proj edwellct ded iinca ttheed t oworld.” documenting tAires,he life oArgentina’sf the Rebbe, deadliestRabbi Me nterroristachem M attack. Schne etors odate,n, resulting in of righteous memory. The story is one of thousands recorded in the 900 videotaped interviews 85 killed and hundreds more injured. I was impressed by cwhatondu cheted twaso da tetelling. Pleas eme sha re— yo uthatr co mthemen ts and suggestions. [email protected] defense system in Israel is, in fact, responsible for the safety of Within a few hours a plane with the rescue force was dispatched all Jews. This was a very broad, systemic view and it fascinated and went to work extracting people from the building which me. I became convinced that he was right — that it is Israel’s the bomb had collapsed. They were able to save several Jewish
32 ב״ה An inspiring story for your Shabbos table שבת פרשת במדבר, כ״ד אייר, תשע״ד Shabbos Parshas Bamidbar, May 24, 2014 HERE’S my STORY CALLING THE SHOTS GENERAL YOSSI BEN HANAN
n the 1980’s, I was heading up IDF’s research and development. I was 43 years old and I was nearing Ithe end of my career in the military. One day, I got a call from the IDF’s Chief of Staff, General Levy, who was better known as Moshe va’Chetzi, which literally means “Moshe and a Half.” He was called that because he was a very tall man. He said to me, “Yossi, look, I know that most people your age who have achieved your position leave the IDF. But I’m asking you to continue to serve, and to become Commander of the Armored Corps.” Basically, he was asking me to leave my desk job — a job I held for three years — and to put my boots on again and to return to the field. the army? Or should I agree to the request of the Chief of lives andI w didas vaner yincredible hesitant . Wjob,e wforer ewhich expec ting a“YOU baby, a nAREd I had RESPONSIBLEStaff and bec ome CoAtmm thean dender o off t hthee A holiday,rmored CI owasrps ?present” they receivedreally p lapraisenned toand win dinternational down my ca reer… So I said to him, at the kos shel brachah ceremony, where the “I need to think about this. I need soNOTme tim JUSTe to see FORk THEAt fi rWELL-st he did not respond at all. And then he gave me recognition.some advice.” an answer which lRebbeives w idistributedth me unti lwine this fromday. Hhise scuppok toe the Going back to my visit to the Rebbe BEING OF THE CITIZENSin the third p ersonthousands but his w othatrds wpassedere m ebeforeant fo rhim. me. IIn was “Advice? From whom?” short, this is what he said: during Simchat Torah of 1991, I have to the last in line, making me the last person “What does it matter? I want to ask someLIVINGbody.” IN ISRAEL,“On eBUT can fu lfill one’s obligation by defending the Land — say it was an extraordinary experience. in the world who received wine from the It so happened that I had a trip scheduledALSO to the U nFORited THEb yWELL- protecting the Rebbe’sintegrit ycup, of t hase thisLan dwas, th ethe in tlastegr itimety of this I cannotSt adescribetes the f owhatllowi nitg wfeelseek , alikend I tore quested to meet with the Nation and the integrity of the Torah.” event took place. A few months later — on walk intothe Rtheeb bhugee. It wsynagogueas arrange dand tha tsee I s hould spBEINGeak with tOFhe ALLI JEWSwas quit e shocked. Here, the Rebbe was telling me that thousandsReb ofbe people when streaminghe was giv in,ing hanging out his d ollars for charity. The I could fulfill my othebli g27thation of a sthe a J eHebreww by de monthfending of th Adar,e long line that was always there was stopped, and I got to onto the walls, the poles and the windows, WHEREVER THEYLa nDWELLd of Israe l! In o1992ther w—or dthes, hRebbee was sufferedtelling m ea tstrokeo stay from speak with him for a couple minutes. in the IDF. as special trucks bring cool air into the hall which he never recovered. In advance of this, I had written him a letter, soIN I b THEelieve WORLD.” that is filled to maximum capacity. To see I said, “Rebbe, I hopBeyonde G-d w beingill giv ea mgreate th Torahe stre ngenius,gth to the he knew the gist of my dilemma. When I saw him, I said: defend all three.” the Rebbe“Re bencouragingbe, I know I’ mthe no singingt worth ywith of a response to my letter Rebbe was first and foremost a Jewish Then he addressed me directly, in the second person: his hand— motions, I admit t handat I theam nsilenceot tha tthat Tor afallsh o bwhenserva nhet —is Iready am n toot leader. He concerned himself with the preservation of the Jewish so righteous that you should spend your time on me. But “Strength, you already have. But when strength is locked speak. Toif, nfeeleve rthethe lelectrifyingess, you are atmosphere, willing to he aandr m ythe qu tremendousestion, then people,in a bevenox, itin is thethe mostoppo sremoteite of splacestrengt hin. I thecer tworld.ainly n Feweed are indescribableI will a sjoy.k.” All I can say is that the one who was not at thoseno twho exp ldidain asth imuchs to y oasu heas adid, ge neveneral. ”in the past one thousand this SimchatHe re sTorahponde withd, “O fthe co uRebberse.” has never experienced true yearsI u nofd eJewishrstood .history. I had m They ans wRebbe’ser. I sa icontributiond, thank you. was obvious joy in hisAn life!d so I asked him: “Has the time come for me to leave andT important,hen I asked and a b lforess ithatng f oher mwasy s oadmiredn. He g aandve m loved.e a dollar, continued on reverse
An oral history project dedicated to documenting the life of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. The story is one of thousands recorded in the 900 videotaped interviews conducted to date. Please share your comments and suggestions. [email protected]
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Celebration! HIGH HOLIDAYS 5782 / 2021
SUNDAY September 26 12:00 PM at 17662 W. Gages Lake Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030
Soup & Sliders in the Sukka Music, Inflatable Rides SOUP AND Crafts and Entertainment $10/person $36/family
Let us know you are coming at www.chabadofgurnee.com/hut SlidersIN THE SUKKAH CDC guidelines will be followed.
This magazine is dedicated in loving memory of Jacob ben Joseph Bousso & In honor of the Isacovici family
By the Azaraf Family and ATN Inc., Family