contents

THE REBBE IS WITH US – IN EXILE 4 D’var Malchus

A SURVIVOR, THE CHILD OF SURVIVORS 7 Story | Ofra Badosa

‘WHAT WOULD LEVI HAVE TOLD ME TO 10 DO?’ Shlichus | Sholom Loebenstein TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH CHASSIDUS 14 Shlichus | Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz

GEULA – WHAT WE AWAIT! 18 Moshiach & Geula | Rabbi Gershon Avtzon USA 744 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11213 3409 JEWISH RENAISSANCE IN HOLLAND Tel: (718) 778 8000 Fax: (718) 778 0800 22 Shlichus | Nosson Avrohom [email protected] www.beismoshiach.org

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: WHAT’S IN A NAME? M.M. Hendel 30 Moshiach & Science | Aryeh Gotfryd, PhD ENGLISH EDITOR: Boruch Merkur [email protected] CHAIM ELBAZ AND THE REBBE’S ANGELS HEBREW EDITOR: Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan 32 Feature | Nosson Avrohom [email protected]

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d’var malchus THE REBBE IS WITH US – IN EXILE

Translated by Boruch Merkur

The reason for the Rebbe remaining Indeed, being in Egypt constitutes an incredible descent, with us in exile is so there will be the to the point that Yaakov pleaded, “Please don’t bury me in Egypt… effect of “Chazak, Chazak, bear my body out of Egypt.” Yaakov did not wish to have his V’Nis’chazek” – that Jews in the body remain buried there even for a short while. Yet 3) the body of doubled and redoubled darkness of the Yosef remained there – not in a generation of the Heels of Moshiach transient manner but – in a permanent manner, for a period should be strengthened and further that lasted generations. It is noteworthy that, simply strengthened, and again strengthened, speaking, the words “and they embalmed him (and they placed by the fact that “Yosef” with his bones, him in a coffin)” come to inform us that his body (including his including the (inner meaning of bones, flesh, etc.) would remain entirely which is his) essence – the essence (and whole (protecting it from gnats and worms). Moreover, his body being) of Yosef, as well as his flesh, etc. was placed in “a coffin,” strongly emphasizing the notion that his – is together with us in exile! burial was designed for permanence. It was only after many years that Yosef’s request, HOW ARE WE STRENGTHENED BY quandary: “take my bones out of this “AND YOSEF DIED”?! The last verse in the Book of [land],” was fulfilled. And then, As explained earlier, the B’Reishis is about the death of only his “bones” are mentioned, proclamation “Chazak, Chazak, Yosef: “And Yosef died at the age without [mention of] his flesh, V’Nis’chazek,” said upon of one hundred and ten years, etc. (whereas in Egypt “they completing each of the five books and they embalmed him and they embalmed him, etc.” – bones as of the Torah, provides strength placed him in a coffin in Egypt.” well as flesh, etc.). derived from (and applied to) the A strong difficulty arises: How It would make sense were the content of the book’s final verse are we strengthened (“Chazak, portion to end with the (said immediately prior to Chazak, V’Nis’chazek”) 1) by the penultimate verse, the oath that “Chazak, etc.”). Applying this words “Yosef died,” and 2) by the Yosef took, “The L-rd will surely principle to the Book of fact that he remained “in Egypt,” visit you and take you up from B’Reishis, however, yields a great “the nakedness of the earth”? this land [and take you] to the

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land which He promised to words of the Book of Shmos] precedes the Book of Shmos) – Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov, “And these are the names of the “The Book of the Upright…that etc., and take my bones up from Children of Yisroel who came to is, the Book of Avrohom, it.” It would be (somewhat) Egypt” – a verse that describes Yitzchok, and Yaakov (and the understood how this can be a the principal descent and exile to Tribes), who are called ‘upright’” source of strengthening, – is an account of the for it speaks about the Divine service of the assurance that the Jewish Patriarchs, as a people would eventually preparation and provider be taken out of exile and of strength for the service the bones of Yosef would of their descendants, as also be brought out. our Sages say, “The However, the final verse, deeds of the fathers are a “And Yosef died…and sign for the children.” they embalmed him and And the purpose of this they placed him in a invigoration is primarily coffin in Egypt,” has the intended for when the exact opposite effect. children would descend Namely, notwithstanding into exile. Another main the vow that “The L-rd theme of the Book of will surely visit you…and B’Reishis pertains to the take my bones up from promises G-d made to it,” in the interim what the Patriarchs (especially would take place was, in the Covenant of the “And Yosef died…and Parts) – that the Jewish they embalmed him and people will go out of exile they placed him in a and reach an even greater coffin in Egypt”! height [than they had had EQUIPPED TO WITHSTAND prior to their descent]: THE TRIBULATIONS OF “And thereafter they will EXILE go out with a great hoard of possessions.” We may assert the And as the Book of following explanation, as B’Reishis develops, the is understood also by the greater is the most simple person, “a strengthening and the five-year-old who learns power it supplies to the Scripture” and the like: Jews who would later be It is simply in exile in Egypt. At the understood (even to a end of Chumash young child) that prior to B’Reishis, Parshas the Jewish people’s exile VaYechi, a milestone is they had to be reached. Namely, it strengthened and speaks there about the properly equipped in blessing Yaakov bestows order to withstand the upon the Tribes, a tribulations of exile, blessing and drawing remaining firm in their down of influence and faith and in their Torah power to each of the study, their fulfillment of Mitzvos Egypt – a special strengthening Tribes individually and to all of and their general service of G-d. and bestowing of power is needed them as a group. Thus, it is understood that in order to proceed. Then, as we come to the before coming to [the opening Indeed, the general content of conclusion of the portion, Yosef the Book of B’Reishis (which strengthens the Jewish people

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 768 5

leader of his generation), and the We don’t have any reason to be service of the leader of our disheartened by exile; we should stand generation resembles the service of Yosef HaTzaddik in several strong and firm, withstanding the respects […] tribulations and concealments of exile. WE DON’T HAVE TO BE DISHEARTENED BY EXILE The fact is that the holy further, explicitly, and with even the power of Yosef, regarding resting place of the Rebbe Rayatz more conviction: “The L-rd will whom it is said “besides you, no (the Yosef of our generation) is surely visit you and take you up one may lift his hand or his foot together with us in exile, in the from this land [and take you] to in the entire land of Egypt.” And “lower hemisphere” (America) – the land which He promised to through exile they would reach a “and they placed him in a coffin Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov, loftier height (“and take you up”) in Egypt”! etc.” As a result, the Jewish and actually go up from Egypt The reason for the Rebbe people would not collapse under into the Land of Yisroel. Rayatz remaining with us in exile the yoke of exile. Thus, this circumstance (“and is so there will be the effect of Then, the portion concludes they placed him in a coffin in “Chazak, Chazak, V’Nis’chazek” with (the final verse), “And Yosef Egypt” [concluding the Book of – that Jews in the doubled and died…and they embalmed him B’Reishis]) gives rise to and redoubled darkness of the and they placed him in a coffin in reveals the inner intent of the generation of the Heels of Egypt,” a powerful means of subsequent verse ([the opening Moshiach should be strengthened strengthening and giving power words of the Book of Shmos] and further strengthened, and to the Jews in exile: “And these are the names of the again strengthened, by the fact In addition to the benefit of Children of Yisroel who came that “Yosef” with his bones, “The deeds of the fathers are a into Egypt”), “pertaining to the including the (inner meaning of sign for the children,” and in redemption of the Jewish people bones, which is his) essence – the addition to the promises of G-d they [i.e., “the names of the essence (and being) of Yosef, as to Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Children of Yisroel who came well as his flesh, etc. – is together Yaakov, with the promise Yosef into Egypt”] are mentioned here,” with us in exile! made to the Jewish people (“The the redemption, which comes Therefore we don’t have any L-rd will surely visit you, etc.”) – about through the descent. […] reason to be disheartened by the Jews, within the condition of If these matters are applicable exile; we should stand strong and exile itself, had something real to all generations of exile, how firm, withstanding the with them that strengthened them much more do they apply to this tribulations and concealments of and assisted them to withstand generation, the generation of the exile, which can be an obstacle to the doubled and redoubled Heels of Moshiach [at the end of the study of Torah and the darkness. the exile and the very threshold of fulfillment of Mitzvos. This redemption]. Given the descent THE PRESENCE OF YOSEF IN EXILE especially includes the service and of each successive generation approach of “the straight path That is, the presence of Yosef, (regarding the diminishment in which he guided us upon, of his wholly with them, together, in the understanding and paths…and ways” of the “Yosef” exile in Egypt. And not only in a comprehension of Torah, etc.), of our generation. Namely, the transient manner but in a manner G-d, in His great benevolence, service of disseminating Torah that was permanent and whole, has issued overt instructions to and Judaism, and spreading the with his bones and flesh, etc. – the Jewish people, etc. (in wellsprings outward, reaching “they embalmed him, etc.” and addition to the fact that a Jew even the furthest possible outer “placed him in a coffin in Egypt.” must personally strive to find limit. And in this manner we Yosef’s presence strengthened the allusions in everything with show that “his progeny is alive” Jewish people, enabling them to regard to his Divine service): and of consequence “he too is survive exile. In fact, they had the “Yosef” is the (first) name of alive.” power to rule over exile, the Rebbe Rayatz, the leader of Seifer HaSichos 5747, Shabbos following the example of and with our generation (as Yosef was the Parshas VaYechi, pg. 251 ff.

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story

something beyond superficial reality, beyond the material. I felt this deeply but I did not have the tools A SURVIVOR, with which to define it. I had a strong need to search, which was accompanied by a constant sense of unease. I come from a home that is very THE CHILD OF unobservant. My parents were both in Auschwitz and they met in the DP camps. In our home, G-d was constantly in the dock. The question of where was He when SURVIVORS their entire families were murdered, was always hovering in our home. My mother, in particular, had problems with faith and my father, By Ofra Badosa whom I so admired, did not talk about these matters. You can understand that coming from a house like this, going to a shiur and getting close to G-d was not possible. When I was 24 I was divorced and was left alone with my two children. It was a difficult time and I had so many questions. I met a girl who was starting the t’shuva process and she invited me to attend shiurim that took place in the home of Rabbi Yitzchok Ginsburgh. At these shiurim I “found myself” and felt very connected, but this did not lead me to doing t’shuva. For many years I lived here in the city but I had no connection with Chabad. It was just 14 years ago that I walked into the Chabad store to inquire about something. It was Shabbos in a shul in a with her but the way she made that Avrohom welcomed me and helped Lubavitcher community in the north statement made me want to drop me out and I began to frequent the of Israel. The davening was over everything else and listen to her. store to check mezuzos, to empty and all the ladies gathered round the Etty’s voice trembled as she pushkas, and to buy a gift table, talking, sharing, and enjoying began to speak: sometimes. Before a holiday I one another’s company. Right It’s important for me to tell you would be informed about timely before the ladies began to leave, my story in order to publicize the matters such as Kaparos before Yom someone on the side of the room miracle. I know that this is what the Kippur and matanos la ‘evyonim said, “I want to tell you my story.” Rebbe wants, which is why I’m before Purim. When I turned around I saw Etty, a doing this. I will tell you a little You know Avrohom. Each time I newcomer who had been regularly about myself so you will understand met him was a treat for me. He attending the farbrengens, shiurim, where this story begins. In my teens always has a good word to say or and the davening on Shabbos. I had I was preoccupied with the search something to teach me. He was a never had an extended conversation for meaning. I knew there had to be very significant person in my life even before I really got to know him.

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Through him I saw unconditional June 28, at two o’clock.” the Rebbe’s bracha for a recovery giving to every person; it made no “We are having a big farbrengen hinged on it and so I latched onto it difference where he came from. the night before and we will mention like Torah from Sinai. I knew that if Whenever I went in there, I felt your name and everyone will pray I learned it every day, I would be good. He never asked me questions for you. I will give you the phone cured. I was certain of this. Before and he would answer whatever I number of our rav who is the I left the store, Avrohom looked at asked and gave advice, but he never Rebbe’s shliach here. You should me and smiled and said, “You will pried. My connection with Chabad speak to him.” see that everything will be fine and if and with Avrohom was on a very low I immediately called the rabbi. you have any question or problem, simmer for years. You know how hard it is to reach the don’t hesitate to call.” Four years ago, I began bleeding. rabbi on the cell phone; it’s almost I entered the hospital that week I went to a doctor who said it was a impossible. After two rings, though, with the Chitas in my bag. It was minor problem and nothing to worry he picked up. It didn’t take long my anchor. Every day I learned the about. But I felt that his diagnosis before I began crying again as I told shiurim. At first I read it very slowly was wrong. Something inside me him what happened. He calmed me in order to understand everything it knew that I had to check this out and said he wanted to ask for a said. I remember how after the further. I went to a private clinic for bracha for me from the Rebbe. operation, my mind was so unclear tests. Today I know that this meant that he as I lay there in bed with the IV that After a week, the doctor called wrote to the Rebbe through the I didn’t even remember what day it me and said, “Mrs. Levitan, I have Igros Kodesh. was. I called Avrohom and asked good news and bad news. The bad After a few minutes he came him what I needed to learn. Day news is that you have a malignant back to the phone and said I had after day I faithfully studied the tumor. The good news is that it is nothing to worry about and that I shiurim. I read the words as though localized, has not metastasized, and had a bracha from the Rebbe. “The this was the most important thing I you have a very good chance of operation will go well and with G- read in my life and there was no treating it. You came in time, but d’s help you will recover. What you other book like it. I can’t explain it. you have to hurry.” need to do is read the Chitas every After a few days I left the It’s hard to convey the feelings day.” hospital. Some time after that I was one has after being told such news. “What?” I thought I hadn’t informed that the tumor had been It’s a feeling of someone standing heard him correctly. “What did you entirely removed and that I did not over you with an ax, about to behead say?” need radiation or chemotherapy. I you. It’s a challenge to survival at He patiently explained to me was ecstatic. I sat facing the doctor the most basic level which demands what Chitas is and about its special who had operated on me and he said you overcome all feelings of qualities. He said I should go to the that the positive results were very confusion and fear. At all costs, you store “and Avrohom will show you unusual and he had to consult with have to muster your physical and how to use it.” another doctor. I saw from the way emotional strength to rid yourself of I went to the store and Avrohom he spoke that he himself didn’t this cursed disease, to save yourself. recognized me. He gave me a believe the operation had gone so The only thing that interested me at Chitas and showed me precisely how smoothly. He picked up the phone that moment was that this horrible to do the daily study. So that I and called the best oncologist in the thing be removed from my body; I wouldn’t forget, he took a flyer country to give him the results of the didn’t care how. about the farbrengen the day of the operation. I felt as though I was I don’t even know why one of the operation and wrote all the details experiencing another sentencing. first people I called was Avrohom. on the back. I still have the paper Were those truly the results of the He picked up after a few rings and I because it’s a reminder of the big operation? Would I have to undergo said, “Hello Avrohom. I don’t miracle that happened to me. further treatment? know if you remember me. I come I was so rattled that he had to The doctor read the results of the to the store now and then.” Then I explain it to me again and again operation and I heard the senior began to cry, “They just told me that until I understood. “Don’t worry. doctor exclaim, “Tell your patient I have a tumor and I don’t know When you get into it, you’ll explain that she doesn’t need any treatment what to do...” it to others,” he reassured me. at all. She’s a healthy woman and Avrohom was practical. “When I cannot tell you how powerful everything is fine.” As soon as I is your operation?” I looked in my this learning of Chitas was for me. heard that, I felt overcome with daily planner and said, “Wednesday, Although I didn’t know what it was, feelings of joy and gratitude to

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Hashem and the Rebbe. I began shouting, “I love you, Hashem!” I feel that this is my second home, and Although the doctor had given maybe even my first home. From the his opinion, my doctor said it would be a good idea to formally approach first moment that I walked in I felt so the other doctor with my paperwork. I went to the clinic and in the much warmth and caring… There was waiting room sat a row of patients whose appearance shook me up. no criticism and no demands; the way I You could see the disease on their faces. The very thought that I am is fine. belonged to this segment of the home for me and I relish the warmth feeling terrific. I didn’t oppose population was unbearable. I of the shiurim, farbrengens and anything and simply accepted submitted the paperwork to the heart-to-heart talks. My getting whatever they told me to do. secretary along with a note from the involved in religious observance When I began reading the words doctor who had operated on me. comes from there. in the Siddur they spoke to me in a A few minutes later an older man If anyone would have told me really profound way. Each word came out of the room wearing a five years ago that I would be going opened something in my heart. white coat and a kippa and holding to shul on Shabbos and that I would Boruch Hashem, I feel this some papers. “Who is Esther?” he be keeping what I keep today, I connection every time anew. You asked. would have laughed in their faces. should know that I really love this I got up and he gave me the Through the shiurim and workshops place and all of you. I feel that this papers. “Listen closely. You are a that I attended I arrived at a place of is my second home, and maybe even healthy woman. I don’t know why peace; I have found myself. It didn’t my first home. From the first you came here. Do you see the take long to go from there to moment that I walked in I felt so people sitting here? I have to treat davening at the Chabad house. much warmth and caring. You these sick people. You are healthy! I will never forget the first time answered all my questions and you If you had this operation done in the that I went to the Chabad house for gave me the feeling that I am wanted United States, you wouldn’t even davening on Shabbos. I saw all the here. There was no criticism and no have to do any follow-up.” Those children with their mothers and the demands; the way I am is fine. words echo in my ears till today. whole scene of Shabbos with the Whenever I go for a checkup I am *** niggunim, the davening, and the scared, but then I hear the doctor’s Esther finished her story and she farbrengen. I closed my eyes and voice thundering, “You are healthy!” looked very emotional. Women knew that I had come to my place. After the operation I went to slowly began going over to her. It sounded so familiar, as though I Avrohom to tell him about the They hugged her and thank her for had been here before. Each time I miracle. He told me that I had to sharing and for the chizuk (moral returned home, all these things make a thanksgiving meal. A strength) she gave. I was very seemed odd to me, but here in the seminary for women had just opened moved by her and her story. There Chabad house everything felt right. in the Chabad house. Avrohom was so much to learn from her, so I I still didn’t know what to say in the suggested that I make the meal wrote this down. davening or when to stand and when there. Till today, the seminary is a to sit, but that didn’t stop me from Raskin's Consistently “if it grows we have it” Superior Fruit and Produce Emporium WHOLESALE & RETAIL Michal & Aaron Raskin We Deliver 335 Kingston Ave. Brooklyn NY 11213 * Tel: (718) 756-3888 756-2221 * Fax: 756-2440

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 768 9

shlichus ‘WHAT WOULD LEVI HAVE TOLD ME TO DO?’

By Sholom Loebenstein

I got to know Levi quite well, Levi had insight. I always knew I especially over the last three to could speak to Levi when I needed to. four years, whether it was by our long serious and funny I knew I could trust him. * Following conversations over the phone or from my personal visits to Tyson’s the Shloshim of Rabbi Levi Deitsch Corner over the last three years. Levi was a warm, charming, O.B.M., Beis Moshiach continues funny guy to know and to be with, and over the last three with words of inspiration about the years, while Levi was ill, so many Rebbe’s shliach to Tysons Corner, people, not only America but the whole world would fly in to spend Virginia. some time with Levi. And it wasn’t only his friends but also respected rabbis, philanthropists, As a brother (In-Law) of Levi, should only hear good things family, so on and so forth. They I am speechless; I have no words from now on till the coming days all knew that Levi was such an to say. In addition to the of Moshiach speedily in our days. important person to everyone. question, “Why does Hashem All of those who were lucky to As a fifteen-year-old bachur, I take away the best of the best know, meet, or hear of Levi always sought advice and help, people in the world?” there are would know that Levi symbolized whether it had to do with school, simply no words to describe the many things: always loving one friends, learning, general pain and anguish my family and I another, being kind to every behavior and most importantly have now that Levi is no longer individual, helping everyone no more personal matters. Let me with us. We are left with no matter who they are, always tell you Levi had insight. I always answers as to why this had to smiling, laughing, and doing knew I could speak to Levi when happen to Miriam, Chaya, Mivtzaim, always with a passion I needed to. I knew I could trust Mendel, Mirel, Zalman and all and with love for a fellow Jew. him with all my personal matters. Levi’s family and friends together You were always able to see how Levi was so-to-say my “Mashpia,” with the whole Klal Yisroel. May he loved life by his acts of who I always listened to and Hashem bless them with much kindness. Levi would always give, loved very much. strength, courage and happiness give and give with a smile on his Just two and a half months throughout their lives, they face. ago, while I was there for Tishrei,

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I spent a lot of time with Levi walking to shul, at home, etc. One thing that sticks out of my mind is that one Shabbos Levi and I went on a long walk to shul, and Levi was not feeling very well at this time. Nevertheless, he was asking me as usual all about school, my teachers, what I was learning in and out of school, and with whom I have shiurim, what I’m doing next year, what I like and what I don’t like, what I waste my time on and what I don’t waste my time on, etc. Even though it was a very serious talk, Levi still made me laugh constantly, like he always did. As always, Levi finished off by saying in his loud deep voice “Sholom Menachem Mendel! Now that you told me everything, now tell me how you’re going to improve all of that!” I always thought I knew Levi until I read all the stories, poems, speeches, about Levi and his life on the blog. As well as you think you know Levi, there is always something you don’t know about him and when you find what it is you just get even more and more This is a big loss for the whole say. I could be here for days inspired by him. Jewish community. Levi will be writing about Levi and his From sitting and reading all missed very much by everyone. shlichus, funny, serious, cool, and these wonderful and special But we pray that soon we will be loving stories. stories about Levi on the blog no dancing on the streets with Levi Levi I miss you and love you matter if it was his long time old and all our loved ones and the so much and will always take friend or shluchim around the whole Klal Yisroel with Moshiach your lessons into my hand and world, or respected elder rabbis, on the way to Eretz Yisroel, may whenever I need to make a big or men, women, and children in it be speedily in our days. decision I will think of you and Levis Chabad house who wrote. It May we all take and use Levi’s think to myself “what would Levi brings tears to my eyes to know lessons to our everyday life and have told me to do?” what a great and special bother- use them will just like Levi wants Moshiach now! in- law I have and love so dearly us to. www.rabbilevi.com and so much. There is so much more I could

ADD IN ACTS OF GOODNESS & KINDNESS TO BRING MOSHIACH NOW!

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 768 11

shlichus A WORLD UPSIDE DOWN

By Rabbi Aron Moss

I don’t understand. Why do to earth and shine her light world needs such souls more than the good die young? I have lost a there.” anything. friend who was the best person I And so they argued back and And this was G-d’s response: know. And I can think of plenty forth, each side unshakable in “Indeed, it is sad to send such of not-so-good people who are their view. Until it became cle ar an immaculate soul into such a living it up. Where is the justice? that they could not resolve the dark world. But this is My will. I Can you make any sense of this issue themselves; they needed a only created darkness so souls upside down world? Higher Authority. The case was like this one can transform the To attempt a response, darkness into light. The let me tell you a story. whole purpose of A great debate once Creation was that the raged in heaven. It was lowly world be refined by over a most beautiful and the good deeds of mortal precious new soul that G- human beings. This d had created. The angels cannot be achieved by debated what should be souls in heaven. It can done with this soul. One only be achieved through group of angels souls in bodies. And so demanded that this soul even this most perfect remain in heaven. “She is and pure soul must too pure, too holy to face descend to earth.” the ugliness of the lowly The first group of world,” they said. “Who angels, who requested for knows what will happen the soul to remain in to her in a world of heaven, was temptation and evil. This disappointed. They soul must stay with us couldn’t fathom how such here.” a spiritual being could be But the other group of expected to survive such angels said the exact a physical world. G-d opposite: “Indeed this soul glows brought before G-d Almighty. turned to them and said, “As for with a unique Divine glow. But The angels stated their arguments your request to keep this soul up for that very reason she must go before the heavenly court. G-d here, I will grant it partially. down to earth. For imagine the listened to the two opinions – the Though she must leave us and go beauty and goodness this soul can first group of angels arguing that down to earth, it will not be long bring to a dark world. What this unspoiled soul is too holy to before she will return to us. Her benefit is there in keeping such a be plunged into the lowly world, sojourn on earth will be brief. soul in heaven? Let her descend the second countering that the Such a brilliant soul will not need

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were taken away from us. But at I don’t understand. Why do the good the same time we can be grateful die young? I have lost a friend who for the very fact that they were given to us in the first place. We was the best person I know. Where is are blessed to have such beautiful souls in our lives. The world is the justice? Can you make any sense privileged to have such heavenly guests come down on earth. And of this upside down world? even if it can only be for a short while, we will take whatever we can get. long to fulfill her mission. Soon do. Every day that she is on earth In time, all souls will be she will be free to come back to is a blessing.” reunited. In the meantime, let us heaven.” *** be thankful for the gift of every G-d then turned to the second When a loved one passes day. group and asked, “Are you away, we feel we have lost Rabbi Aron Moss, a noted author and satisfied with that? Do you something precious. We are left Rabbi in Sydney Australia can be reached accept that this soul can only be with a gaping hole in our heart, at: [email protected] on earth for a limited time?” and we often wonder why they The angels replied, “Yes we

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BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 768 13

shlichus TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH CHASSIDUS

By Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz Shliach, Beit Shaan R’ Mendel Futerfas says, just as it is clear to you that a lot of mashke makes a person drunk and a lot of money makes a person crazy, it should be equally clear to you that a lot of Chassidus makes a person Chassidish. Chassidus changes reality!

In the HaYom Yom (13 Kislev) refined and Chassidic. If you saw give three examples of things that the Rebbe quotes a saying from someone who drank but is not definitely have an effect when his the Rebbe Rayatz in the name of drunk, he obviously did not drink sole intention is to teach us that the Rebbe Rashab that “Chassidus enough. When he drinks some Chassidus has an effect? I think changes the reality and reveals the more, he will become drunk. If it’s because there are some people essence.” In practical terms, the you see someone who has a lot of to whom mashke is close to their Rebbe Rashab is telling us that money and is not crazy, he heart and there are people to when we learn Chassidus it gives obviously does not really have whom money is close to their us the strength and the ability to enough money. Give him more heart. R’ Mendel comes and tells change our reality (for the good) and more and ultimately, it will them, just as it is clear to you that and to reveal the true essence of make him crazy. If you saw a lot of mashke makes a person the neshama within us. someone who learned Chassidus drunk and a lot of money makes a The mashpia R’ Mendel and he is still not Chassidish, it’s person crazy, it should be just as Futerfas a”h added: There are because he didn’t learn enough clear to you that a lot of three things in the world that yet. Give him more and more Chassidus makes a person definitely affect and change a Chassidus and ultimately he will Chassidish. Chassidus changes person: mashke makes him drunk; become eideler (more refined) and reality. money makes him crazy; and Chassidish. learning Chassidus makes him Why did R’ Mendel have to

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positive result, whether they agree Rabbi Yossi Daniel farbrenging with to have their mezuzos checked, students at the new yeshiva in Tzfas start a shiur, or begin visiting a shul, etc. Just as an example, R’ Steinberger told me about a person in his neighborhood, a lecturer in a business school whose entire life changed thanks to learning Chassidus. He first met Aharon Cohen on Chanuka four years ago. R’ Steinberger had several menorahs, a bottle of mashke, and some Chanuka brochures. He chose a multiple-story building, went up the steps, and knocked at every door. When he knocked at Mr. Cohen’s door, he could see that there was a menorah already lit inside. So he said, “Chag sameiach, I see that you already lit the menorah, so I came to say l’chaim with you in honor of Chanuka.” They sat down and began talking. R’ Steinberger told Mr. Cohen about his shul which combines t’filla and the study of Chassidus. Mr. Cohen came to try it out and liked it. He related to the Chassidic ideas and adopted a nice practice. Every Shabbos he listens to R’ Steinberger’s shiurim and then on Sunday, when he goes to teach, he starts the week’s talks with his A TRANSFORMATION, Rabbi Mendy Steinberger, students with a brief summary of all shliach in the Kinyon neighborhood the ideas he heard in shul that EVERYWHERE AND FOR Shabbos. Every Thursday he has a EVERYONE of Cholon, does tremendous work with the power of Torah and the shiur in Chassidus for the staff of At first, one might think that study of Chassidus, and he has lecturers. someone who wants to find “proof” that Chassidus is effective. R’ Steinberger is supposed to examples in the world of how Despite the fact – or is it because – give the shiur, but on the occasions Chassidus changed reality should he has a shul with 150 people who when he can’t make it, one of the look for them in yeshivos Tomchei hear shiurim and Chassidic ideas lecturers steps up and displays his T’mimim or in shuls of Anash and from him every Shabbos, he is ability at giving a Chassidus shiur. of ovdim (those who toil in prayer constantly looking for new One time, R’ Steinberger showed and self-correction). That might be audiences and more Jews to be up a little late and he saw that the correct, but what is certain is that mekarev to Chassidus. One of the shiur had begun. The dean of the even among the Rebbe’s shluchim, ways he does this is through college and some other lecturers are thousands of cases where the making house calls. were listening to an in-depth shiur essence of a regular Jews was From experience he learned that in Shaar Ha’Yichud V’Ha’Emuna revealed as a result of learning and it makes no difference what given by one of the staff members. living Chassidus. Here are some “excuse” you use to get in the door; R’ Steinberger asked in surprise, examples. in the end you will always get some “Where do you know this from?” The teacher (from Yerushalayim)

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in Beit Shaan, adds some examples LEARNING CHASSIDUS IN A CAVE of his own. R’ Reinitz had been on Ronen Amit is an interesting guy. He’s a Lubavitcher who wears a shlichus in Thailand for a year. knitted yarmulka who loves Chassidus. I met him on a plane on the Plenty of people who walked into way to the Kinus HaShluchim. He made a presentation to the the Chabad house “just for a shluchim on how to produce a professional event from beginning to coffee” were captivated by the end – concept to execution – while instilling Geula ideas throughout. teachings of Chassidus and today Ronen told me that on his journey to Chassidus he initiated a shiur are Chassidim, rabbanim, and in Chassidus that was given by Rabbi Shaul Akselrod, shliach in Givat shluchim themselves. Olga. The shiurim took place in a cave and Ronen invited friends, took For example, Rabbi Erez care of refreshments, and arranged the carpets and seating cushions so Lifschitz, shliach in Maaleh it would be comfortable. Ronen was greatly impacted by the Chassidic Adumim, gives about thirty short ideas he learned and while sharpening his skills in arranging events, he shiurim every day in Chassidus to also improved in his knowledge of Chassidus and his hiskashrus to the working men and owners of Rebbe. He arranged a bar mitzva celebration for a Russian billionaire businesses. Erez had been on an and produced a documentary film on the family’s roots in Russia to the extended trip to Thailand when he tune of half a million dollars! Ronen lives in Kfar Chaim and his home suddenly found out that his is a Chassidic lighthouse for the entire area. grandfather in Israel had died. He At a certain point, he adopted a boy from Russia who made aliya went to the Chabad house to find with the Naaleh program, without his parents. The first week following out what he ought to do. The his bar mitzva, the boy went to his adopted father and pointed at the bachurim-shluchim had him join a big picture hanging on the wall and said, “You see what kind of hat the shiur and Rabbi Nechemia Wilhelm Rebbe has? That’s the kind of hat I want.” Ronen was pleased with the gave him a Chitas as a gift. It is boy’s sentiment and he gave him money and sent him to a hat store in quite possible that R’ Wilhelm Yerushalayim. Something went wrong there (maybe there was no doesn’t even know what a picture of the Rebbe?) and the boy came back with a round hat, the tremendous change that Chitas kind worn by other Chassidic groups. Ronen sent him back to the brought about. store with a picture of the Rebbe to show the hat seller what he wanted. Erez continued his tour and one The boy chose to attend a Chabad yeshiva and eventually married day, in the middle of a canoe trip and has a Chassidic home. He writes t’fillin and mezuzos and in his somewhere in Thailand, he free time he beautifully illustrates ketubos (marriage documents) and remembered that he had a Chitas other items, which his appreciative customers pay for handsomely. with him. He took it out and began reading in the different sections. He admits that he did said he has a regular shiur with East. He came across a Chabad not understand much of it, not of Rabbi Zilberstrom in which they house, heard some ideas of the Chumash nor of the Tanya, but learn Tanya and other Chassidic Chassidus, and nothing was ever it was because of this that he was works together and have been the same again. He returned to drawn to learn more. He returned doing so for years. They recently Efrat and went to the local Chabad to the Chabad house and stayed finished the entire hemshech of house, glanced at the bookshelves there for a month. Then he went 5666. and asked R’ Nachshon, “I’d like to the yeshiva in Ramat Aviv. He the key to the Chabad house so that recently announced the opening of as soon as I finish work I can come an Evening Kollel in Maaleh A TREMENDOUS THIRST Adumim, for the study of FOR CHASSIDUS here and learn Chassidus.” He has been going every day Chassidus. And all he had done Rabbi Nissan Nachshon, shliach and uses every free moment to was walk in and ask what to do in Efrat, also has some examples of learn Chassidus, and to attend since his grandfather had died … people for whom Chassidus was shiurim and the davening. transformative: FROM BACKPACKER TO Dovid is a nice guy. He finished FOUNDER OF A NEW his army service and works for a CHITAS ON security firm in Efrat. He recently A CANOE TRIP YESHIVA went on a tour of India and the Far Rabbi Shmuel Reinitz, shliach Rabbi Shimi Goldstein, shliach in Pushkar, India, maintains that

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whenever a Jew becomes a baal Chabad house and saw two other places in India. We welcome t’shuva through a Chabad house, bachurim sitting and learning everyone as they are and the it’s only because of Chassidus. As hemshech 5666. I listened to a few learning is not only out of s’farim an example he reminds me of lines and was very excited. They but also through conversations, Nadav Cohen who went to Pushkar were learning about levels of souls sometimes into the night. Whoever eight years ago and today is a rav and angels and I said to myself: loved the Chabad houses in the himself, a mashpia and teacher of ‘See what amazing things there are East can continue in that kind of Chassidus in Ascent in Tzfas. in the world and you are busy with atmosphere here.” When Nadav Cohen first came nonsense.’ I learned more The yeshiva was opened in to the Chabad house in Pushkar, he Chassidus, listened to the videos collaboration with Rabbi Y. Y. was the exact opposite of anything of the Rebbe, and I became a Wilschansky, Rosh of the Chabad that religion and Chassidus Chassid.” Yeshiva in Tzfas, and with the staff espouses. R’ Shimi remembers that I met R’ Nadav at the Kinus of Ascent including Rabbi Yossi even when Nadav began studying HaShluchim and he had great Daniel who also came to the Rebbe Chassidus, he refused to learn the news. “We are opening a yeshiva and Chassidus at Shimi’s Chabad Rebbe’s sichos about shleimus in Tzfas for baalei t’shuva, house in India thanks to shiurim in ha’aretz because of his Leftist something new. There’s nothing Chassidus and Tanya. views. else like it in the country. Unlike Nadav and Yossi found their “Don’t show that to me now,” other yeshivos in which there are way to the Rebbe and Chassidus he asked. But days went by, and regular classes and a curriculum, through the special Chabad houses Nadav continued to delve into the which someone new to this might in the East and they have adopted study of Chassidus. “One day,” not go for, our yeshiva will be like that style for themselves, and for relates Nadav, “I walked into the the Chabad house in Pushkar and their outreach activities.

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BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 768 17

moshiach & geula GEULA: WHAT WE AWAIT!

By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon

Shabbasos Hashem” Volume 2). The Torah is eternal, and all changes Details about the Bentching: that will occur in the times of Moshiach Who will lead the Bentching? The Gemara (P’sachim 119b) are in the framework of the Torah the describes: The Holy One, blessed be He, will make a great banquet way we know it now. * Part 3 for the righteous on the day He manifests [yigmol] His love to the Dear Reader sh’yichyeh: Leviasan. As the Midrash (VaYikra seed of Isaac. In our previous article, we Rabba 13) describes: After they have eaten and discussed – briefly – the feast that There will be a great war in the drunk, the cup of Grace will be Hashem is preparing for Klal future between the Shor HaBar offered to our father Abraham, that Yisroel in the times of Moshiach. (the wild mountain ox) and the he should recite Grace, but he will We were left wondering: Leviasan (Leviathan), two very answer them, ”I cannot say Grace formidable creatures, where the because Ishmael issued from me.” What are some of the details Leviasan slaughters the Shor Then Isaac will be asked, “Take it of the feast? HaBar with its fins (S’napir). and say Grace.” “I cannot say The Location: In Gan Eden. “…..How will they be Grace,” he will reply, ”because One may ask, how can physical slaughtered? B’heimos (the Shor Esau issued from me.” Then Jacob human beings be in Gan Eden? HaBar) will, with its horns, pull will be asked: “Take it and say The Lubavitcher Rebbe, in the Leviasan down and rend it, and Grace.” “I cannot say Grace,” he sicha of 15 Av, 5743, explains the Leviasan will, with its fins, pull will reply, “because I married two Gemara (end of Gemara Taanis) B’heimos down and pierce it sisters during [both] their lifetimes, that when Moshiach comes, through…..” whereas the Torah was destined to Hashem will make a dance with 2) The fish if the female forbid them to me.” Then Moses Tzaddikim in Gan Eden. Originally Leviasan (see Rashi to B’Reishis will be asked, “Take it and say Adam and Chava were in Gan 1:21) Grace.” “I cannot say Grace, Eden. When they sinned, they were 3) Special wine known as the because I was not privileged to thrown out. Being that all impurity “Yayin HaMeshumar – The enter Eretz Yisroel either in life or will be removed in Geula, we will watched wine” (Brachos 34b) in death.” be allowed to return. 4) Fruits of Gan Eden Then Joshua will be asked: - especially from the original “Tree “Take it and say Grace.” “I cannot The Menu: of Life” (Midrash Shmos 25) say Grace,” he will reply, ”because 1) The meat of the Shor HaBar 5) The Manna from heaven I was not privileged to have a son,” slaughtered by the fins of the great (Rama MiPanu – “Maamer for it is written, “Joshua the son of

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Nun, Nun his son, Joshua his son.” words of this Torah.” This teaches be able to teach and show us the Then David will be asked: “Take it that we are commanded to fulfill all source that proves that this type of and say Grace.” “I will say Grace, the Torah’s directives forever! slaughtering is permitted. and it is fitting for me to say Some commentaries After the above, we are left with Grace,” he will reply, as it is said, (Chiddushei HaRadal) explain the a question: “I will lift up the cup of salvation, apparent contradiction by saying and call upon the name of the that being that this non-kosher What other Halachos will Lord.” slaughtering will only happen once, change when Moshiach comes? [From many commentaries it is permissible. It is the category Beis Shammai vs. Beis Hillel (Tzemach Tzedek – Ohr HaTorah that Rambam describes (Yesodei The many arguments that The Mikeitz page 682, Sichos HaTorah 9:3): “House of Shammai” (students of VaYishlach and VaYechi 5752) it “When a prophet – who has the famous sage Shammai) had seems that when the Gemara says already proven himself to be a with the “House of Hillel” David, it refers to “David Malka prophet – instructs us to violate (students of the famous sage Meshichoi” – Moshiach one of the mitzvos of the Torah or Hillel) are well known. In most Tzidkeinu.] many mitzvos, whether they be of a cases, the House of Shammai severe or light nature, for a limited would rule a lot stricter than the How big will the cup of amount of time, it is a mitzvah to House of Hillel. The reasoning was Bentching be? listen to him.” as follows: The Gemara (Yuma 76b) The Sages of the early Hillel’s approach was describes: The cup of David will generation taught as part of the characterized by the attribute of hold 221 Lug of wine! (That’s oral tradition: “If a prophet tells Chesed, kindness, while Shammai’s about 20 gallons) you to violate the precepts of the was distinguished by the attribute From the above is seems that Torah as Elijah did on Mount of G’vura, might, which tends one may eat meat – “Shor HaBar” Carmel, listen to him with regard toward severity. – that was slaughtered by fins of a to all things except the worship of G’vura has an inward thrust, as fish – “Leviasan”. This seems to false gods. This applies when his reflected in our Sages’ statement: contradict a Mishna (Chullin) that command is temporary in nature.” “Who is a gibor (mighty man)? says that one is forbidden to But this does not seem to fit One who conquers his inclination.” slaughter an animal with fins?! with the literal words of the And according to the Kabbala, the How could the righteous eat this Midrash, “New Torah,” which attribute of G’vura is identified seemingly non-kosher meat? implies that it is a new law, not an with din, judgment. A person who In truth, the Midrash itself asks application of a law that we know tends toward G’vura has this question and answers: When already. unalterable standards of truth to Moshiach comes, we will have a The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains which he personally endeavors to new Torah! (Sicha, Shavuos 5751): All laws conform and which he desires to But this statement is even more were given to Moshe at Mt. Sinai. see reflected in the world at large. puzzling, as it contradicts a Moshe gave us the tools by which This is implied by the name basic tenet of Judaism, that the we can extrapolate all the laws of Shammai, which relates to the Torah is eternal! In the words of the Oral Torah from the Written Hebrew phrase: “hasham the Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei Torah. We must use our limited orchosov,” “He evaluates his ways,” HaTorah chapter 9): human intellect – with the tools i.e., he is constantly subjecting his It is clear and explicit in the given to us – to deduct and conduct to rigorous introspection. Torah that it is [God’s] compare one law from and to each Chesed, by contrast, reflects an commandment, remaining forever other, etc. outward orientation. Others are without change, addition, or In truth, the law is that this type one’s primary concern. A person diminishment, as [Deuteronomy of slaughtering – with the fins of motivated by chesed extends 13:1] states: “All these matters Leviasan by Hashem – is himself and gives, following the which I command to you, you shall permitted, but in exile, we were path Hillel outlines, “Loving peace be careful to perform. You may not not given the mental ability to find and pursuing peace; loving the add to it or diminish from it,” and and derive the source of this law; created beings and drawing them [Deuteronomy 29:28] states: therefore it is forbidden. Moshiach close to the Torah.” This approach “What is revealed is for us and our – who will be blessed with also relates to Hillel’s name, which children forever, to carry out all the tremendous mental abilities – will is associated with the phrase

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“behilo neiro,” “When His candle [month], and the fast of the tenth there is nothing novel about it; it shined forth.” For this approach [month] will be [times of] goes without saying that any child emphasizes disseminating light, happiness and celebration and born to a Kohen is himself with the expectation that it will festivals for the House of Judah. a Kohen. effortlessly cause darkness to And they shall love truth and The answer to this, says the shrink. And as light diffuses into peace.” Rebbe, lies in the fact that Levites wider peripheries, it attracts people [The above does not include the are born as such because their and motivates them to change. fast of Yom Kippur – and soul’s spiritual source and therefore The Talmud (Eruvin 13b) according to some commentaries, their divine service – both in the describes that for three years, they the Fast of Esther – which was not Temple as well as now – is that fought that the practical Halacha designed for mourning, rather for of G’vura. So, too, with regard to should be like their own ruling. T’shuva.] Kohanim: their source is Chesed. They each had a reason for Since, in the time their argument: The House of LEVITES WILL after Moshiach’s coming, the Shammai was known to be smarter BECOME KOHANIM service prompted by G’vura will and sharper than the House of surpass that of Chesed, those who Hillel, but the House of Hillel had The Arizal writes that the today are Levites will be born into the majority. In the end, Leviim will become Kohanim. priestly families so as to attain their a heavenly voice announced that we When this is quoted in Tanya superior spiritual level. must follow the ruling of the Torah (chapter 50), the Alter Rebbe adds to always follow the majority (see the words “The Levites of today will be Kohanim in the THE “SAFEGUARDS” Talmud Brachos 36b). OF THE CHACHOMIM This will all change in the times future”. The Lubavitcher Rebbe (in of Moshiach. Our sages (Midrash his notes to Lessons In Tanya) There are many laws that were Shmuel to Avos 5:19 and others) explains: instituted to “protect” the laws of say that in the times of Moshiach, The Rebbe notes that the Alter the Torah. For example, when Rosh the Halacha will be like the house Rebbe adds the words “of today” Hashanah falls out on Shabbos, we of Shammai. This does not (“the Levites of today will become don’t blow the Shofar. The reason contradict the eternity of Halacha; the Kohanim of the future”) in is that the sages were afraid that a the reason we follow Hillel – even order to forestall the following Jew who does not know how to though Shammai was smarter – question: The Torah was given blow the Shofar, will carry his was because his opinion was in the “unto us and unto our children, Shofar to someone who can teach majority. In the times of Moshiach forever” (D’varim 29:28). Rambam him or blow for him. This person – when everyone will become comments that we learn from this would be transgressing the law that smarter and appreciate the wisdom verse that one of the foremost one is not allowed to carry an of Shammai – the opinion of the principles of the Torah is that it object for 4 cubits on Shabbos. House of Shammai will be the remains immutable (Hilchos When Moshiach comes – and majority. Yesodei HaTorah, ch. 9). How, everyone will be educated and then, can we possibly say that one sensitive to all spiritual matters – of the laws of the Torah will these “safeguards” will be annulled. FASTING IN TIMES (heaven forbid) be changed, so that (See Seifer Maamarim Meluket OF MOSHIACH the Levites become Kohanim, with Vol. 1, page 428). The Rambam writes (end of all the changes in Torah law that From the above it is clear that Hilchos Taanis): such a transformation entails? the Torah is eternal, and all “All these [commemorative] The Alter Rebbe therefore writes changes that will occur in the times fasts will be nullified in the that this does not mean that those of Moshiach are in the framework Messianic era and ultimately, they Levites born in the future will of the Torah the way we know it will be transformed into holidays become Kohanim. Rather, it means now. and days of rejoicing and that those Jews who are presently How does this fit with the celebration, as [Zechariah 8:19] Levites will be born in the future saying of our sages (Talmud 61b) states: “Thus declares the Lord of into priestly families, thereby that “All Mitzvos will be nullified in Hosts, ‘The fast of the fourth making them lawful Kohanim. the times of Moshiach”? [month], the fast of the fifth This, however, leads to another This we will explain IY”H in [month], the fast of the seventh question: If this is the case, then our next article.

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shlichus JEWISH RENAISSANCE IN HOLLAND

Interview by Nosson Avrohom Rabbi Vorst (pronounced Furst) has been on shlichus in Holland for nearly fifty years. Over the years, R’ Vorst has made an enormous change among Dutch Jewry; with many hundreds of people transforming their way of life, Jewish awareness within the Jewish community of Holland has reached an all-time high.

For the past many months, the In any case, among old-time they are against the Moslem minority Netherlands has been in the world Dutch citizens as well as among and tomorrow they will be against media, ever since the elections for many in the Jewish community, the Jewish minority.” Parliament in June in which the anti- Wilders’ popularity has soared. R’ Vorst has been working in Islam party of Geert Wilders scored From a party of one legislator, his has Holland on the Rebbe’s shlichus for its best-ever win with 24 seats. This blossomed into a movement which nearly 50 years. His father, R’ Levi party is outspokenly against Moslem has gained 24 out of 150 seats in Vorst a”h, was a prominent rabbi in immigration to their country, which Parliament. Wilders is a staunch Holland before the outbreak of has led many commentators to supporter of Israel, which he World War II and he picked up the discuss and write about the change describes as the “West’s first line of pieces immediately after the Holland has undergone. Wilders has defense in its war against Islam.” Holocaust that destroyed most of recently been discussed once more in Wilders is under heavy security in Dutch Jewry. Only two years after the media in light of his being fear that he will be murdered by becoming acquainted with accused of attacking the Moslem terrorists. Chassidus and becoming a Chassid, religion, incitement to hatred and “I don’t understand politics,” he was sent by the Rebbe to bring discrimination against Moslem Rabbi Moshe Yitzchok Vorst told Chassidus to Holland. During the immigrants. me, “but there is concern that today dozens of years since he returned to

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and their collaborators to the Dutch concentration camp in Westerberg. From there, the Germans planned on sending them to extermination camps in Germany and Poland. At the last moment their lives were saved and they were sent to Bergen Belsen. “In the book Niggun B’Yagon I describe everything that happened as I remember it, through the eyes of a child, only seven years old. The Germans decided to send us to a labor camp and not an extermination camp since my mother Tzippora Chana Hy”d had just given birth to my brother Boruch Nechemia. The war was starting to go badly for the Germans and many of them were captured by the Russians and British. So the Germans built camps in which they allowed the Jews to remain alive in the hopes that afterwards they would be able to negotiate prisoner exchanges. Miraculously, the Germans agreed that we, too, should be sent to that camp and that is how ourlivesweresaved. “My baby brother died just three weeks after he was born, though this did not change the Germans’ minds and we were sent to the camp. One famous prisoner exchange happened when the British took captive dozens of German priests living in Israel and released them in exchange for Germany freeing many Jews from Holland, he wrote and translated recent years, we have moved to a new Bergen Belsen. The American army, dozens of Jewish books and was building and the number of who had joined the war against the mekarev many to Judaism. Some of congregants continues to grow.” Germans, caused them many losses them serve today as shluchim and they began retreating from themselves in Holland. MIRACLES ESCAPING country after country in Europe. In From his residence in THE NAZIS order to erase any signs of the Amstelveen, a suburb near camps, the Germans destroyed them Amsterdam where many Jews live R’ Vorst was born in Rotterdam in 1938. His father was rav of the city and they moved us into the heart of today, including quite a few Israelis, the conflagration. R’ Vorst oversees everything going where thousands of Jews lived. World War II destroyed this beautiful “That is how we found ourselves on in Holland. in the midst of all the bombing. R’ Vorst was called upon to be the community and many Jews were sent to concentration camps and Many Jews who survived the camps rav of the Ashkenazi shul, a shul were killed by shelling from the where only a few Jews davened. In perished. Some managed to hide, to change their names and clothing. Allies. The ones who saved us were order for there to be a minyan, it was soldiers from the Red Army who necessary to ask Jews who lived in The Vorst family, together with other Jewish families, was sent by the Nazis brought us to displaced persons other areas to walk a long way. “In camps. On the trains there was no

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Chassidus is and though I had heard The officer was furious and told him to Chassidic tales, I didn’t make a come the next day with his beard in connection between them. The one who exposed me to the fact that hand, otherwise, he would be shot. My p’nimius is to be found in Chassidus was Professor Daniel Meyers, one of father was ready to be moser nefesh for the first Chabad Chassidim in Holland. I have a bit of musical this. The next day he presented himself talent and he, who was our neighbor, gave me recordings of Chabad in the officer’s room with his beard niggunim to listen to that he got from intact. Miraculously, he was left alive. New York. I listened and could feel the warmth and depth. food or water and many people died, heaps. Despite the destruction that “That was at the end of including my mother. I was too they experienced and saw with their 5719/1959. Judaism in Holland young to understand the enormity of own eyes, they did not break and they after the Holocaust was very cold, the tragedy. built the foundation of the k’hillos of without chayus and much simcha. In “As a young boy my parents are today. books we read a lot about fiery faith, engraved in my memory as symbols “The Jewish “ship” was tossed about the warmth and feeling in of eternal faith. One time, an SS about on a sea of boiling Jewish Judaism, but the Jews of Holland officer demanded that my father blood, with many Jews struggling to were very broken. I wanted to see shave his beard with a razor. My survive physically and many firmly these nice ideas in the flesh. The father fearlessly said that the Torah focused on keeping their spiritual relationship with R’ Meyers exposed forbids him from doing so. The flame lit. me to a wonderful world. That was officer was furious and told him to I’ll never forget my mother in the my first exposure. Later on my sister come the next day with his beard in women’s barracks in Bergen Belsen Shifra married Rabbi Dovid hand, otherwise, he would be shot. collecting some rotten potato peels Morosov, Hy”d. When I finished My father was ready to be moser for Pesach and arranging them on studying highway engineering in nefesh for this. The next day he the cover of a box as though they Amsterdam at the age of 23 and presented himself in the officer’s were the items on the seder plate. In looked for a yeshiva, it was only room with his beard intact. a choked-up voice she wished the natural for me to go to Kfar Chabad. Miraculously, he was left alive. My other women who had gathered “My original plan was to make father strengthened other Jews in round, “that we merit to have all the aliya. I didn’t see a future for their observance as well. proper items on the plate next year Judaism in Holland. Not long after I “In the camp we were in, many and that we go free.” That was my arrived in Eretz Yisroel, I went to Jews died nearly every day. Illnesses, mother, even in the greatest darkness learn under the mashpia, R’ Shlomo starvation and plagues were our lot she knew how to bring out light. Chaim Kesselman in the yeshiva in and they felled many. Every morning “After the war, my father led the Lud. My friends were R’ Moshe there were people responsible for k’hilla which consisted of some Slonim a”h and Benzion Lipsker a”h. removing the bodies for mass burial broken families. He encouraged I remember that I sat at a farbrengen outside the camp. My father would many of them to make aliya, as he with R’ Kesselman and, although I walk alone behind the wagon which saw no future for Jews in Holland.” didn’t understand everything since was driven by German soldiers and he spoke in Yiddish, I was drawn by would say chapter 91 of T’hillim as is his seriousness. I felt that if there is FIRST ENCOUNTER truth in the world, it is to be found in customary. Only G-d knows from WITH CHABAD where he and a few other Jews – Lubavitch. The niggunim really including R’ Uri Yehuda Cohen [an When we asked R’ Vorst how he spoke to me. I felt that these were amazing person and confidant of the came to Chabad, he enumerated two not superficial songs but they had Rebbe who carried out many secret main factors: depth, p’nimius. missions and was one of the re- “The first and main reason is a “It took me a long time to builders of Dutch Jewry after the strong attraction I had since internalize the idea of ‘Rebbe.’ At war] – derived the strength to raise childhood towards p’nimius (inner home I never heard of this concept. I up a community from the dung- depth). I did not know what remember that my father once said in a speech that on his visit to Eretz

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Rabbi Vorst at a farbrengen with shluchim in Holland

Yisroel he saw Jews called Chassidim half a year and then joining the army. asked the company for a who enable other Jews to do the Here I had learned for just two postponement of my employ but mitzvah of lulav. It made a great months and had found a job. What received no answer. I went back to R’ impression on him but in our home was I doing? Kesselman and asked him what to we did not speak about Chassidim or “Having spent two months in the do. Rebbes. yeshiva in Lud, I already knew about “In his great wisdom, he said that “I arrived at yeshiva in Teves, writing to the Rebbe. The bachurim the Rebbe thinks I should continue 5721, and in Nissan I spent the break there explained to me what a Rebbe is learning in yeshiva. Why didn’t the with my uncle in Ashdod. One day I and why he is different than any Rebbe answer? ‘Because he wants saw a sign that announced that an other rabbi I knew. I had not you to reach this decision on your American company would be received an answer to the first letter I own.’ building a port. Building highways had written earlier, perhaps now I “I agreed with his assessment and was the profession I had learned and should write about my doubts. I wrote a third time, this time saying I I went to the company’s office. An wrote and did not get an answer this was continuing in yeshiva. Two days appointment was made with the time either. I consulted with Rabbi later I received a response to my manager and he said that yes, they Kesselman. He suggested that I earlier letters in which the Rebbe said were looking for an engineer. When write again for perhaps my letter had I should continue learning in IleftIwasabitconfused.Ihad been lost. He also suggested that I yeshiva, at least another two years.” planned on learning in yeshiva for write “urgent” on it. Meanwhile I

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THE REBBE PICKS Rabbi Moshe Robinson. R’ Robinson THE BEGINNING OF THE HOLLAND FOR was moser nefesh for chadarim in JEWISH RENAISSANCE Russia and after leaving Russia, he SHLICHUS At the start of his shlichus, served as maggid shiur in the despite his deep Dutch roots, there Rabbi Vorst arrived in 770 for the Chabad yeshiva in Brunoy. were Jews who were frightened of first time on 17 Av, 1962. He had “When I had yechidus on my him. A Chabad Chassid was traveled by ship with a friend from birthday, I asked the Rebbe whether appointed to be their rav, chazzan, yeshiva, R’ Yitzchok Kagen a”h who to look into shidduchim for I was 25 and darshan – who knows what he’ll translated the HaYom Yom. years old. The Rebbe told me not to say, and what changes he will make? “I learned in yeshiva for a short think about it until the end of the “Some communal activists were while and didn’t know what to do yeshiva year or at least until after doubtful about whether my next. Should I remain in Crown Shavuos. I was surprised by the appointment was a good idea. They Heights, return to Israel, or maybe to wording, for if it was until the end of examined everything that I did under Holland. I wrote to the Rebbe and the year of learning, that would be a magnifying glass. Few Jews came did not get a reply. I wrote again and next Tishrei, so why did he mention on Shabbos but for the first day of still no response. Shavuos? Rosh HaShana there was a large “I asked R’ Chadakov why I did “After I became engaged I found crowd. People from the entire area not get a response. He said I should out that her parents had deliberated came and I had a golden opportunity write a third time and if I still did not whether to send her for shidduchim to get up and talk about the holiday. receive a response, he would go in for Shavuos or to wait until the “Nu, what does a Chassid talk and ask my question. This time the Tishrei holidays. In the end they about on Rosh HaShana before the Rebbe responded that I should decided to send her for Shavuos. t’kios? He talks about the blowing of return to Holland and spread Every word of the Rebbe is precise. the shofar and how it is explained Judaism and Chassidus. I received When she told this to me I finally according to the maamarim of the this answer on 9 Elul. I wondered understood the Rebbe’s answer. Rebbeim. In order to explain to them why the Rebbe had not responded “Despite the hardship in moving what the ‘inner voice’ that comes right away, and then it clicked. The to a foreign country, my wife agreed forth from the heart is, I used the first letter that I had gotten from the to go with me to Holland. At first I example of a son sent out of the Rebbe when I was in Israel, where worked as a teacher and in other house on a mission. Afterwards, the Rebbe told me to learn for two jobs. After about a year I received when he returns and meets with his years in yeshiva, I had received on 9 the rabbinic position in Amstelveen, father, not a word needs to be said, Elul. It was only when two complete a suburb of Amsterdam. There was a not even a cry; just an ‘inner voice.’ years had passed that the Rebbe tiny community which had Out of the corner of my eye I saw one responded about my future minyanim only on Shabbos morning. of the askanim enjoying the analogy activities. I asked various people to come and and the speech. Afterwards he told “On 28 Tishrei I had my first complete the minyan. It sometimes me that he had expelled his son from yechidus. My father had sent a letter meant an hour’s walk each way. shul because he did not behave to the Rebbe in which he asked him Every Friday I stood at the public properly and afterwards, when his to send shluchim to Holland, but he phone on the street corner and asked son returned they both hugged. I received no reply. When my father people to come and complete the understood why he enjoyed my heard that I was having yechidus, he minyan. analogy. asked me to ask why he had not “The beginning was definitely “After a short time, the leaders of received a reply, and I did so. The hard. The Ashkenazic community the community saw that I had no Rebbe looked at me with a smile and which I led was tiny but today, with plans to change their routine and that said: “I don’t have anyone fitting for the Rebbe’s brachos, it’s changed what I wanted was to breathe new life this who wants to do it …” completely. After fifteen years we into the community. I was careful “A year later, when the Rebbe built the first shul founded in the about not quoting Chabad and the sent me on shlichus to Holland, I country after the Holocaust. It was Rebbe all the time. Even if most of recalled that yechidus and realized an event that made waves not only what I said was sourced in the that back then the Rebbe had within Jewish communities but also Rebbe’s sichos, I didn’t make delineated my shlichus.” among the rest of the population of mention of it. You have to Even before he returned to the country.” Holland, a shidduch was suggested understand that the people of for him with the oldest daughter of Holland had never been exposed to

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Chabad before. Chassidus had not come there before the war and people were wary of anything new. Today it looks altogether different. “In 5726/1966, I went to the summer camp Tikvaseinu, under the auspices of the community’s youth division, for the first time. They had the practice of having a soccer game between the kids and the counselors. Although I wasn’t a counselor, I decided to join the game on the counselors’ team. Hashem helped and I was the one who scored. A nine year old standing there was amazed. When he went home he asked his father whether all rabbis are also good athletes. That boy became a Rabbi Vorst at a farbrengen with shluchim in Holland baal t’shuva and a rav himself.” man of action, he spoke to me and R’ would get the necessary government R’ Vorst has numerous stories. Uri Cohen and said we must start a permits. He received the Rebbe’s Here’s another one he recalled: Talmud Torah. bracha for the entire process (in “For a long time I would go to “He told us that in the Soviet general, R’ Meyers was known as Rotterdam to give shiurim to young Union, Chassidim were moser someone who received answers to people. On one trip I had car nefesh for the chinuch of their every question he asked). trouble. As I waited for the car to be children and though he understood “He contacted a friend who had fixed, I called the children and told the decision to avoid antagonizing fought as a partisan in World War them about the problem and asked the existing Jewish school by opening Two. That friend had a high them to start learning on their own in a Talmud Torah,this was a (spiritual) government position and he the meantime until I arrived. When I life and death matter. That very day arranged that our school would be arrived I saw them talking R’ Cohen decided to start a Talmud official, with all the necessary animatedly. One of them told me Torah. Where? In the living room of permits. We also got our first that they had had a debate and in the his house. At first there were five building. After twenty years we built end he realized for the first time that children, two of my sons, one of R’ a spacious building and at the there is a Creator of the world. I Meyers and two not from Anash. Chanukas HaBayis many realized that it was for this that I had “The beginning was hard and distinguished people were present, been delayed. That boy became a very complicated. People in the including the sister of the queen, baal t’shuva and has a frum family.” community spoke about us as though who was the guest of honor.” we had decided to make a split. R’ Vorst has in his resume dozens HISTORY MADE IN Behind my back they said that maybe of educational projects: HOLLAND: CHASSIDISHE it was time to fire me but we didn’t “In one of the early years I put CHINUCH cave in. Whoever was willing to Jewish words to songs that all Dutch listen was told about the difference children know. Another thing that I One of the main areas that R’ between chinuch al taharas did was produce a bilingual bentcher Vorst put his time and efforts into is ha’kodesh and a general education. in Hebrew and Dutch. Until then the chinuch. Together with R’ Daniel A year later another class was started bentchers were either in Dutch or in Meyers they opened a Chabad school for girls with only two students: my Hebrew and many people were in Amsterdam. daughter and R’ Meyers’ daughter. embarrassed to say they did not “One day the mashpia, R’ Mendel As time went on, other people saw know Hebrew. They took Hebrew Futerfas, came to visit. He was my the advantage in a Chassidic school bentchers but couldn’t read them.” wife’s uncle. He saw one of my and we had to find a larger location R’ Vorst published booklets on all children riding a bicycle and as he because the living room was no the Jewish holidays geared for rode, his yarmulke fell off, but he longer large enough. R’ Meyers children: didn’t stop immediately to retrieve it. worked tirelessly so that the school “Until we went on shlichus, the R’ Mendel was shaken up by this. A

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wars of the early years have died down. They learned to respect Chabad’s work and they don’t try to undermine them. That was not the case in earlier years, and there were many conflicts, some of which made their way to the Dutch Supreme Court. “There was a Jew married to a non-Jew who did not undergo kosher conversion. When their oldest son was old enough they wanted him to attend Maimon, the Jewish school, but he was not accepted. One of the laws in the school’s charter states that only those recognized as Jews by the Vaad HaRabbanim of Holland A medal awarded to Rabbi Vorst in the name of the Queen of Holland, along can attend the school and since their with a letter signed by the queen in honor of his 65th birthday. In the letter, she son wasn’t Jewish, he could not describes Rabbi Vorst as “a Jew who brought Judaism back to life in the kingdom of Holland”. attend. The father was very offended and decided to go to court. He said Torah was hidden in shuls in thick compilation of all these articles. It his son was as Jewish as his friends’ books and children had no access to was only when it was grabbed up off kids who were also Reform, and he it. I broke things down in a clear the shelves that we realized how wanted his son to get the same way. Many families drew close to necessary this project was. education as they did. His mistake Jewish life because of these booklets “When I began working as a was that the others were actually and the songs, and now a second and chazzan in the shul, I would Jews. third generation are learning them. occasionally hear someone behind “I published a booklet explaining “Another thing I published was an measkingwherewewereupto. the significance of being a Jew in abridged Siddur translated into There were old machzorim in the halacha and Judaism and why Dutch. This also came about shul and many people found it hard Reform conversions are bogus. The through my participation in the to keep up and find the place. I principal of the school was happy summer camp. Since most of the decided to do something about this. with the help I extended him and he children could not read Hebrew, they “I put my idea forth to the general gave the booklet to the lawyers and would only daven some of Shacharis committee of rabbanim in Holland the judge. The judge himself read and then the counselors would let and they welcomed it. The Rebbe the booklet and decided that the them out for a break, asking a few also encouraged me to do it. child was not Jewish according to children to stay behind to complete Although I had no prior experience Jewish law, certainly not according the minyan for Krias ha’Torah and in translating the t’fillos on such a to the Vaad HaRabbanim of Holland, Musaf. When I saw this, I decided to large scale, I took on this project and and therefore he did not belong in a make an abridged Siddur so the devoted much time to it. I arranged Jewish school. children could take part in Shacharis the Siddur in such a way that “The father was furious. He and even Musaf. whoever entered the shul, even if decided to appeal the decision in a “Children would hear about they had never opened a Siddur, higher court, where he spoke about Jewish concepts in camp but the would be able to find where the the principles of equality and justice parents did not always understand chazzan was up to.” and protested that most of the what they were talking about. For children of his Reform friends attended that school and why should three years I wrote articles for the COURT CASE Amsterdam Jewish community’s his son be excluded. Chabad’s relationship with the publication in which I explained how “His lawyers spoke eloquently Reform movement is no longer as to light Shabbos candles and how to about discrimination and what effect fraught with tension as it once was. make Kiddush, etc. A book was this could have on the child. The According to R’ Vorst, in recent years subsequently published as a school’s side was confident because each group does its own thing. The of its previous victory and did not

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invest too much energy in the appeals could have created a serious problem that he heard, but it is definitely not process. The judges, who did not and opened the door to assimilation. as widespread as it is in other understand the nuances of the case, “The end of the story is no less European countries. overturned the previous decision and fascinating. The boy grew up and a “There are many people on the few months ago I met him in said the child could attend the Amsterdam. He asked me to sign on Left and many Arabs who oppose school. This entire episode was his conversion form since in Holland Israel. They are sure peace can be covered widely in the media. There there is a regulation that whoever made but they don’t want to make was neither a newspaper nor a radio wants to convert needs the signatures peace. Many of them get their station that didn’t have opinions on of all the rabbanim in Holland. He information from the Arab media. did a true conversion and not long the matter. afterward he married a local Jew and The media displays agenda-driven “Due to my position on the Vaad they have a religious home.” pictures depicting the ‘unfortunate’ HaRabbanim, I was very involved Arabs and that’s where hatred with this. When I saw that people on HOW COULD MOSHIACH towards Israel comes from, and for the street did not understand the many of them – hatred towards case and thought we were NOT HAVE COME Jews.” discriminatory, I wrote some articles ALREADY? The Jewish revolution in Holland and gave them to a professor of As in all European countries, might be the second in size after medicine, a famous Jew, who there is a very large Moslem France, on the European continent. published them in a major newspaper population who emigrated from Arab Hundreds of baalei t’shuva have under his name. His article had a countries. They are about 6% of the changed their lives over the past great impact. I also gave an article to population and they live mainly in the many decades and many others have a senior lecturer at the university in capitol and the suburbs, and that is begun keeping more of Jewish Amsterdam that surveyed the what stirred up the controversy in the tradition. Shuls are full despite the survival of the Jewish people over recent elections. many Jews who have made aliya in 2000 years and noted the damage We asked R’ Vorst about Jewish- recent years. Aside from a few places that Reform perpetrates. This Moslem relations and he surprised in Amsterdam, the rabbanim article, like the earlier one, made a me with an unusual story: throughout the country are shluchim big commotion and people began to “There was a time that I would of the Rebbe. realize that we were right. travel to Rotterdam and give a shiur *** “The school decided to bring the and then people would consult with In accordance with the Rebbe’s case to the Supreme Court of me privately. instruction at the Kinus HaShluchim Holland. The problem is that you “One time, I saw two women in in 5752, that the work now needs to don’t get to choose your own lawyer; Arab Moroccan dress standing near be to prepare the world to welcome they choose one for you. Who did the door. I asked what brought them Moshiach, in Holland too they are they pick? A Jew who himself was to me and one of them said that she talking a lot about the Geula and the married to a non-Jew! When we was married for years and did not anticipation of Moshiach’s coming. heard that, we weren’t at all have children. Growing up in “Since the Rebbe began talking confident that we could explain to Morocco, whenever someone in her about Moshiach, the anticipation for him the seriousness of the matter. family had a problem, they would Moshiach has once again become “Before the hearings began I speak to the Jewish Chacham and get part of people’s awareness. Decades visited 770 for the Kinus a kameia (charm). ago, I was invited to speak at an event HaShluchim. When I passed by the “I asked them why they didn’t go in honor of Shavuos. I spoke about Rebbe the Rebbe asked: “You’re to their imam and they laughed at the Geula and the coming of Vorst?” And he smiled broadly. It that and asked me to write a kameia. Moshiach. Years later I met a woman was clear that the Rebbe had not I had never done so and I have no who had attended that event and she forgotten who I am and I felt that he idea how to make one. I ended up asked sadly: ‘How can it be that was empowering me for the battle I writing the verse ‘and Yaakov loved Moshiach still did not come?’ was waging. Rochel’ on a paper. They thanked “That is our work, to instill “The day of the court case there me profusely and left and I never saw emuna and anticipation in the was much tension in the air. them again.” coming of Moshiach and at the same Fortunately, the judge cited the R’ Vorst said that in the decades time to cry out to Hashem: Ad reasoning of the first judge and that he has been living in Holland he Masai? How can it be that Moshiach decided in our favor. We all breathed never encountered anti-Semitism. still did not come?” a sigh of relief. A different decision There were stories here and there

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moshiach & science

girly sounding names are several times more likely to have behavioral problems as teenagers. Also kids tagged with odd spellings of WHAT’S IN common names tend to have delayed spelling and reading skills overall. The naming game takes its toll on the parents as well. In a recent British study of 3,000 parents, one- A NAME? in-five regretted the name they chose for a child, many of whom were distressed over the unusual or oddly spelled names they’d chosen. And By Aryeh Gotfryd, PhD even those who didn’t explicitly regret their name choice admitted In honor of Seifer Shmos, literally the there were names they knew now they wished they had chosen then. Book of Names, which we start to read We can contrast all this with the sub-culture that I’ve come to soon, here are some thoughts about embrace – Chabad. Someone told me that one of his favorite pastimes names and naming. is walking into a crowd of Lubavitchers and shouting “Mendy!” “As such, the Alm-ghty’s Geula is Lily’s and Violet’s and Hanna’s and or “Mushkie!” just to see how many actually brought about through Anna’s too. In the UK for example, people turn around. His emissary, the righteous the ten most popular names In general among orthodox Jews Moshiach, with all eight names accounted for 85% of all names in (and no doubt this applies as well to attributed to him. This includes 1800, about 45% in 1900 and about most groups with conservative also ‘His name is Menachem’ in a 20% today. In the US, a more non- cultural traditions), given names are way that ‘One points with his conformist society, the total not often innovative. Sephardim finger and exclaims “Behold! popularity of the top ten given name after living relatives, Here is Menachem, our righteous names has plummeted from nearly Ashkenazim after the departed, Moshiach.’” 40% throughout the late 1800’s and Chassidim after their spiritual —Rosh Chodesh first half of the 20th Century down leaders, and all of them after Biblical Menachem Av, 5749 to a mere 9% today. personalities. What is driving this But however parochial and The question has been asked for diversification? Some cite a rise in standardized the Judaic naming over four hundred years – Would a ethnic mobility. Others point to the rituals seem to be, we don’t see Rose by any other name not smell as internet. These factors surely anywhere near the degree of naming sweet? And the answer has always contribute, but Jeane Twenge of San angst, neither on the part of the been the same, until recently that is. Diego University, author of The children nor by Scientists have noticed that Narcissism Epidemic, has another the society’s bourgeoning obsession with theory. She says we are in love with parents. individuality is spilling over into how ourselves and that we try to extend There is we name our kids. So for example that self-centeredness to our comfort, the name Rose, which was sweet children by crowning them with a security enough for four of every thousand name that’s unique or at least and American girls born a hundred years somewhat of a tweak. personal ago, today tags less than a tenth as But does it help? Do kids with many. designer names feel more special as And the same rising rarity of a result? New-fangled names don’t appellations affects not only the have clear gender distinctions and Rose’s of the world but also the research shows that boys that sport

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empowerment that comes with the do when you realize that the name synergistic with the Torah’s knowledge that you are named for a wasn’t up to you in the first place. perspective on reality. “And G-d beloved ancestor or an exemplary The process originates with said… and there was…” “Blessed is human being, even if many of your Adam, whose own name in Hebrew He who spoke and the world came peers have the same moniker. hints at “adameh la’elyon – I shall be to be…” “Blessed are You… who Besides, as my wife the teacher compared to the One Above.” brings all into existence through his tells me, not all Chaya Mushka’s are Genesis teaches that he called the Word.” In short, there is Someone called Mushkie. A class with 10 or animals by their names, i.e., their who provides information which in more of them will parse into true names, the names through turn creates reality. distinctive variants including Chaya, which they were created. There is more to the name game Chaike, Chayaleh, Mushka, Mussie, The Tanya, citing a teaching of than meets the eye. Mushkaleh, Mushkie and Chaya the medieval kabbalist Rabbi Yitzhak So far we have seen some flaws Mushka and then start tagging on Luria, teaches that everything that in modern secular trends in naming surname initials for Chaya C, Chaya exists is formed through its own children and contrasted that with D and so on. name, a specific Divine utterance Torah ways. At the same time there There is another and even greater that is unique to that particular item is an upside. Individuals really are reason why traditional Jewish in that particular time and place. special and there really are no two naming never leaves the parent (or Referring to something by its true things that are quite alike. The child) fretting over coulda-shoulda- Hebrew name, i.e., by the Divine secular yearning for individuality can woulda issues and that is: According utterance that is its life source, be seen as a positive yearning for the to tradition, Jewish parents are given reveals its true inner nature. individual’s special role in the grand a prophetic inspiration at the time of The author of the Tanya, Rabbi scheme of things, a special role that naming, whether it’s a boy at his Shneur Zalman of Liadi, in his last only he can play. This too is circumcision ceremony or a girl at a days on this world, lost sight of the synergistic with Torah. Torah reading following her birth. physical properties of objects and One might argue that all this The concept is that souls are started to relate visually to the stems from a narcissistic egotism created above together with their elements of divine speech that and that for sure is no good, but names. Parents typically think they sustained them. even here there is an upside. have some good reason for naming While few of us experience life Chassidus teaches that the human their child as they do, whether it’s that way, renowned physicist John ego, yesh ha’nivra, is rooted in the theological, genealogical, or just Archibald Wheeler once sent me a Divine Self, the yesh amiti. The plain logical. Together with that, copy of his last major article “It reason why we feel ourselves to be however, is a Divine plan that this From Bit.” In it he speaks of the truly independent beings is because soul really needs this name so indivisible wholeness beyond space we are created in the image of the the thought is “put” in and time and how it relates to this One truly independent Being. the parents’ minds. world of plurality. He posits that the Realizing this will help us on the How much key factor is the bits of information road to bittul, to personal second- that mediate the creative process, a transformation. guessing cosmic process that is somehow Then we can stop trying to invent can managed by the observer, the names we’ve never needed and you individual return to our source, the original human Code, the Torah, and find our place being. within that. And by attuning This ourselves to the divine name within, is highly we will reveal the truth in the world around us too. And on that day, Hashem will be One and His Name will be One.

(To contact, call 416 858 9868 or email [email protected])

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 768 31

feature CHAIM ELBAZ AND THE REBBE’S ANGELS

By Nosson Avrohom

“He would tell us, ‘There is a lot Rabbi Chaim Elbaz is a prominent to learn from them,’ and that is figure in national-religious circles in when the first seeds were planted of the awareness that Chabad Afula and feels a strong to connection Chassidus is a special movement. “Those seeds turned into fruit to the Rebbe and with Chabad over a decade ago, when I had the opportunity to take my family on Chassidus. shlichus for the Jewish Agency and to run the Yesod HaDas community Rabbi Chaim Elbaz, veteran Kodesh and tell him to write a letter. in Buenos Aires, and work with educator in the biggest yeshiva-high That’s a sure way to work things young people under the auspices of school in Afula, rav of the Yehuda out.” B’nei Akiva. prep school for girls, and rav of the *** “On the one hand, the idea was Maalot Nissim shul, doesn’t seem at R’ Elbaz’s initial encounter with appealing because I was taught to first glance to be connected to the Chabad was back when he was a boy value shlichus and giving. On the Rebbe MH”M or consider himself to and a student in yeshivas Kfar other hand, it was no simple matter be a Chabad Chassid. But have a HaRoeh. He was a student of the to take my family, which included a conversation with him on the subject students of Rav Neria, who was a number of small children, and leave of faith and he’ll quickly direct it to tremendous admirer of the Rebbe our familiar environment and get the Rebbe and Chassidus. You’d be and the one who brought Yud-Tes used to a new country and new surprised to hear statements from Kislev farbrengens into the yeshiva- language. him that wouldn’t put to shame even high schools. “As I was still deliberating, we old-time Chassidim. “I attended shiurim that took were guests of my mother-in-law “My outer appearance is not that place in his home. I was only fifteen who lives in Tzfas. In the evening I of a Lubavitcher,” he said to me, but I remember that he would speak went to daven Maariv in the Chabad “but inside, a fire of love burns for a lot about the Rebbe’s greatness. shul. That’s when I decided to write the Rebbe’s leadership, his ways, his Every year on Yud-Tes Kislev he to the Rebbe. I had learned about paths and mainly for his teachings,” would hold a farbrengen, during the writing to the Rebbe through the he concludes enthusiastically. One of course of which he would read a Igros Kodesh from the Segal the seminal events that caused him letter that he received from the brothers who live in Afula on to become such an ardent admirer is Rebbe.” shlichus. I won’t deny that there was a scary story that had a miraculous R’ Elbaz remembers Shabbasos an element of curiosity involved. I ending, which he experienced when when Lubavitcher bachurim would wanted to see if this really ‘works.’ in Buenos Aires twelve years ago. come to yeshiva and R’ Neria would “Hardly a day passes that I don’t “Since then, whenever someone encourage the boys to listen to what regret not having kept the answer comes to consult with me and they had to say and to learn with that I opened to. In the long detailed presents a problem or dilemma, I them. letter, the Rebbe explains the refer him to the Rebbe’s Igros advantage of shlichus and concludes

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Rabbi Chaim Elbaz in the Maalot Nissim shul with, ‘May the verse, “He “My outer appearance is not that of a commands His angels to watch over you in all your ways,” be fulfilled in Lubavitcher,” he said to me, “but inside, you.’ “I was in the clouds. I was so a fire of love burns for the Rebbe’s excited that it’s hard to describe in words. After davening I rushed back leadership, his ways, his paths and to my mother-in-law’s house and said to my wife, ‘The Rebbe wants mainly for his teachings.” us to go! We’re going!’ She didn’t understand where this sudden approach with a solid basis and not and asked for a visa for a week’s resolve came from after weeks of just a whim. You can say I fell in stay in the US, but he refused to indecision until I shared the letter love with Chabad Chassidus and the believe me and even mocked me. ‘I with her.” Rebbe. Each morning, I go to daven know you Jews. You ask for a visa From that point until he left, R’ Shacharis in the Chabad shul in my for a week and you end up staying Elbaz socialized with the Chabad city. Even though I daven Nusach in our country.’ I left the embassy community and was ecstatic. Sefard and they daven Nusach feeling embarrassed. “I often attended Tanya classes Arizal, I can’t miss a t’filla there. “The first thing I did was contact given by R’ Goldberg who came The warmth and the atmosphere in a Lubavitcher who has a radio from Migdal HaEmek. I also was the shul are special.” program with a large listening involved in conversations with the R’ Elbaz lived in Argentina for audience. I told him my story and he Segals. They opened my eyes to the three years, in the course of which publicized it but that didn’t help. I depth of Chabad Chassidus. Another he learned Spanish, got involved in decided to write to the Rebbe. person who had a great influence on the community and accomplished a “I quickly contacted Rabbi Tawil, me was R’ Chaim Sasson of Beitar lot with the youth to strengthen their a Lubavitcher in Buenos Aires, who Ilit, who I met at an educational Jewish identity. has since settled in Eretz Yisroel. I Shabbaton in Shlomi where he was “About two weeks before the end told him my story and told him I one of the speakers. Aside from the of my shlichus and my return to wanted to go to his house and write official lectures, we spoke and I Israel, I decided that I wanted to to the Rebbe. He was happy to have discovered a Chabad Chassid who is compensate my children for the me and together we wrote to the a walking encyclopedia. great difficulties they experienced, Rebbe and put the letter, at random, “We spoke for hours into the especially in the beginning. I decided into a volume of Igros Kodesh. night about belief and knowledge, to fly with them to Disneyland, the When I began reading the letter I about Geula and the identity of dream of every boy and girl. was thrilled. The Rebbe wrote that Moshiach. He explained to me in “In order to fly to the US, I had the person would see miracles and detail the basis for the faith that to get a visa so one morning I went wonders in his work, miracles above Lubavitchers have in the Rebbe as to the American embassy. When it the natural order of things. Moshiach and I found this to be an was my turn I went over the clerk “After a bracha like that I was

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sure things would work out and we much as a scratch. One of the It had to do with a bracha to would get the visas to the US. How counselors asked me to come over to someone who asked for a bracha for would it happen? We would wait the local highway superintendent health and the Rebbe advised him to and see. who wanted to talk to me. He said consult with two doctors and “Two days went by and the to me, ‘Listen here rabbi, today I encouraged him not to worry. I was Rebbe’s answer was no longer at the became convinced that you are really excited about this answer. In forefront of my mind. I was busy G-d’s children. With my own eyes I general, whenever I write I open to arranging a summer camp for boys saw how a bus fell and turned over clear answers. Of course we did as while simultaneously getting ready to and over and then everybody got out the Rebbe said and after a series of leave the country. The place we without even a scratch. It makes tests and the medical evaluation of chose to take all the boys we worked absolutely no sense.’ her condition in Israel, we left for with was a special campsite located “He said that he was the Colombia last Tishrei. My brother about 400 kilometers from Buenos superintendent of this highway for was the first to go and stay with our Aires. fifteen years and had witnessed mother. The night of Hoshana Raba “After two days packed with some serious accidents. ‘In an I took a flight to Colombia via activities, we got in our car and the accident like this there normally Madrid and of course I took along kids got on the bus and we set out. I would be several dead. Your G-d my dalet minim. had driven about 250 kilometers watched over you,’ he concluded in “My friends and family told me when I was informed by one of the amazement. that in Madrid they would throw out counselors who had been on the bus “As he was exclaiming over the the dalet minim but I insisted on that an accident had occurred. I was greatness of G-d, it clicked! Just two taking them anyway. I hoped to terribly frightened by this news. days earlier I had written to the meet a Jew who hadn’t said the “Here I’d like to mention that Rebbe that I wanted visas to the US bracha yet and I would enable him after my brother was killed in a car and the Rebbe answered that there to do so. accident, I am particularly shaken by would be miracles and wonders. I “When I arrived in Madrid, one car accidents and anything like it assumed it referred to what I was of the inspectors asked to see the brings back the terrible memories of asking about, but the Rebbe had plants I was holding and then he that time. I turned around and ‘preceded the blow with the cure’ told me to throw them out. I asked stepped on the gas. I couldn’t and had blessed the boys with him what he would think if I asked believe this was happening at the miracles and nobody was hurt. him to throw his god in the garbage. conclusion of my shlichus. “I immediately told the guys and He was very offended, and when he “When I arrived at the location this time I, too, joined in the singing saw that I wasn’t going to obey him of the accident, I quickly got out of and dancing.” he called for his supervisor, who my car and saw all the counselors *** came and angrily ordered me to coming towards me, singing and Since that miracle in 5757, R’ throw it out. dancing, ‘HaRebbi Shlita, Melech Elbaz has become an ardent “I explained to him – to the HaMoshiach, Ein Kamocha Chassid. He writes to the Rebbe extent that I could explain the dalet BaOlam, Yechi Adoneinu …,’ over about whatever comes up and minim to a non-Jew – that this is a and over. recommends that all his friends and very important Jewish practice and I “I looked around for the bus and acquaintances do the same when was not allowed to dispose of them. saw it overturned in a ditch on the they need advice and a bracha. He He listened and was convinced to side of the road. excitedly told me about a miracle his allow me to continue traveling with “‘What happened to the bus?’ I mother recently experienced. my minim. screamed. ‘Is everybody alive?’ “My mother spent a long time in “After a number of hours of “The counselors ignored my Colombia, where she underwent a wearying flight I arrived in Bogota, frantic questions, engrossed in their successful kidney transplant. When where I was supposed to take a song. we in the family realized that she flight to the city of Medellin. “‘Why are you singing?’ I must have this transplant in order to Unfortunately (or so I thought), the shrieked. survive – the doctors recommended line waiting at passport control was “That’s what you taught us,” this place where they do it with the long – so long, in fact, that I missed they chorused. maximum speed and effectiveness – my connecting flight. The next flight “It took a few minutes until they I wrote to the Rebbe. would be leaving in three hours. I got around to reassuring me that “The Rebbe’s answer was clear. was exhausted. I calmed myself with everybody was fine, without even so the thought that this was all for the

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best and called my brother to inform him of the slight change in plans and that I would be arriving three hours late. “My remaining strength dissipated in the efforts to get another ticket. I finally boarded the plane and when we landed, my brother greeted me at the terminal. ‘Chaim,’ he said, ‘it’s great that you brought the dalet minim with you. You won’t believe what a surprise is waiting for you.’ He went outside and called over a man who was standing in the corner. When the man saw me holding the dalet minim he began sobbing. “I asked him why he was crying and he told me that this was the first time in his life that he would be Rabbi Chaim Elbaz with his students doing this mitzva. He had recently become aware of his Jewishness and This is a generation that is seeking the he was trying to start living a life of Torah and mitzvos to whatever neshama, the depth and inner beauty of extent was possible. When Sukkos began he didn’t know how to order Judaism, and if we don’t succeed in a set of dalet minim where he lived, and now, here he was at just the giving it to them, they won’t end up with right time and place/ When he saw my brother, who had come to pick Torah at all. me up, he was excited to meet a Jew who wore a kippa and he got into a As we waited, we were able to Jewish. conversation with him, but he was inspire some other souls who were “I’m seeing many people in the completely overcome when he heard also waiting for a transplant. We set religious-Zionist sector interested in that I would be arriving soon and up a shiur and so all the waiting Chabad Chassidus and this is the that I had dalet minim. turned into a shlichus.” main reason. Chabad sheds light on “For the first time I saw what a *** Torah and mitzvos in a way that we Jewish neshama looks like when it is In recent years there is a never had before. A talmid can learn inspired to seek G-dliness.” tremendous interest in Chassidus poskim, Rishonim, Acharonim and R’ Elbaz realized what motivated within religious-Zionist circles. develop tremendous Torah him to insist on keeping his minim “You can’t deny this understanding but ultimately, he will in Madrid and why he hadn’t phenomenon. I’ve been complaining be lacking in the light of the listened to his friends who told him for a long time now to the roshei neshama. This is a generation that is that they would order him to throw yeshivos in our circles that there are seeking the neshama, the depth and it out. He also realized why he had many talmidim that we are not inner beauty of Judaism, and if we been delayed for three hours in servicing. We give them intellectual don’t succeed in giving it to them, Bogota. It was all in order for him to material and more intellectual they won’t end up with Torah at all. meet this man and enable him to do material and nothing comes of it, “In my soul I am a Chabad the mitzva. while Chassidus provides the depth Chassid. I learned by Rav Neria and “My mother was in the hospital of Torah. Daily, more people are that was his chinuch – that we must for two months until a donor was coming to Chassidus and aren’t just learn Chabad Chassidus. If you go found. The transplant worked out doing mitzvos out of rote behavior around the classrooms in our with open miracles. Even the but with enthusiasm, proud of being yeshiva-high school, you will see a medical team had to admit to that. picture of the Rebbe in every room.”

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 768 35

feature IN THE LINE OF FIRE

By Nosson Avraham Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry “The Carmel fire tragedy is the worst in the history of Israel”. This refers to the huge inferno that broke out on the first day of Chanukah, raged for five days, resulted in the deaths of forty-two people, destroyed hundreds of thousands of trees, and decimated thousands of acres of green fields. Here we include first-hand reports from shluchim throughout the region.

WHO BY FIRE ferociously devouring everything that the ability to contend with it and the AND WHO BY WATER stood in their path. number of people killed,” explained The gravity of the situation came Mr. Chezi Levy, spokesman for the On the morning of the first day of into even sharper focus by early Haifa Fire Department, later that Chanukah, it looked just like any afternoon as a bus filled with cadets night. other little wildfire that local fire and from a prison officers training course The bus driver only saw smoke rescue forces are often called upon to made its way to evacuate Damon and flames before him, and he veered control and extinguish. But just a few Prison, where the raging blaze was the bus to the side in an effort to turn hours later, it became obvious that threatening to engulf the area. The around, but instead he collided with a this could prove to be the biggest and bus set out from Ramle, and on the tree and was injured. The fire quickly most catastrophic fire disaster known highway between the Carmel Forest sprang forward from the grove area to Eretz Yisroel. Long months Spa Resort Hotel and Kibbutz Beit in the direction of the highway, without rain, dry trees and plant life, Oren, it suddenly became caught in a caught up with the bus, and in a and fierce southeasterly winds all whirlwind of flames. Within minutes, matter of moments, the flames joined together to magnify a bonfire the highway was transformed into ignited the fuel tank and incinerated lit by two youths in an illegal garbage one all-consuming firetrap. the bus into ashes. There was no heap located in the Druze village of “You are witnesses to the biggest chance to escape. Isfiya. Menacing flames spread at the conflagration we have ever known, “People tried to save themselves, rapid speed of nearly forty-five miles staggering in scope both regarding but they were burned alive,” said an hour, leaping over treetops and

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Rabbi Yehuda Dunin giving out jelly donuts to firemen on A Chabad House vehicle with a mobile menorah on their way to putting out another blaze activities with the firefighters near the burning remains of the bus in which forty prison guards were killed

Hadera firefighter Dudu Vanunu. out that none of the victims had any Hundreds of homes on Kibbutz Beit Two police vehicles were traveling a chance of surviving the fiery Oren were completely destroyed; tens short distance behind them and they destruction. During those moments, of thousands of residents were too drove into the firetrap. With some it had already become clear to evacuated from Beit Oren, Ein Hod, difficulty, they managed to extricate government officials, the police, the Tirat HaCarmel, Chursha, Nir themselves from the flames, and their military, and the fire department that Etzion, Megadim, Kfar Sitrin, and occupants are currently hospitalized this was a tragedy of national even Haifa’s Dania neighborhood. in serious condition, fighting for their proportion. The domestic forces in On that Shabbos and Sunday, lives. Forty-two others were not as Eretz Yisroel could not deal with the dozens of fire-fighting aircraft fortunate and perished in the inferno. situation alone. arrived from Greece, Cyprus, Several long minutes passed until The great fire continued to Bulgaria, Turkey, Spain, and Russia the rescue and ambulance crews consume thousands of acres of trees and joined the hectic efforts to managed to reach the scene. It turned and groves in the Carmel forests. extinguish the blaze. But the fire

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shortly after the conclusion of Kibbutz Beit Oren was being evacuated, Shabbos, we also spoke with Rabbi as most of its homes had already gone Dunin’s assistant, HaTamim Tanchum Rivkin, who also stayed for up in flames. We ran to the bakery, Shabbos near the front-line tactical headquarters set up by each of the ordered thousands of donuts, and relevant bodies: Magen David Adom, the Fire Department, Israel Police, headed for the region. Things were in a the Israel Defense Forces, the Jewish National Fund, the Municipality of state of total chaos. Haifa, the Israel Air Force, and an additional arm designed to apparently refused to die out. It Rosenberg, Rabbi Uri Lemberg, and coordinate joint activities. Thousands continued to run wild along the T’mimim from the local branch of of people are located in the region, western slopes of the Carmel, Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim, and the Chanukah activities not only including on Kibbutz Beit Oren. “The administered by Rabbi Menachem weren’t curtailed, they were fire is spreading from place to place, Mendel Wilschanski. They came out intensified manifold. “On Friday and it’s unknown when it will be to the field immediately with a supply afternoon and Motzaei Shabbos, we done,” said the chief fire of cold drinks, jelly donuts, and lit hundreds of menorahs, and we commissioner on Sunday morning, menorahs. The crews spread out organized Kabbalas Shabbos services three days after the blaze had broken among the rescue forces until the on Friday night.” out, testimony to its great intensity. onset of Shabbos, when another crew Rabbi Dunin talks about the lack Prime Minister Binyamin headed by HaTamim Tanchum of opposition. On the contrary, as Netanyahu accepted responsibility Rivkin, remained to spend Shabbos long as regular citizens were not for heading the forces trying to put there and arrange for davening and allowed to enter the front-line tactical out the spreading inferno. “We are Kiddush. The fire and rescue headquarters, the shluchim did it for harnessing the services of the entire commanders in the field expressed them. People understood the country to deal with the tragedy, their deep and heartfelt appreciation. tremendous value of Chabad rescue those still entrapped, and The first places to be evacuated activities during such difficult times control the fire. I spoke with the were the University of Haifa and the as a means of emotional Minister of Defense, who will prepare streets near the Carmel forest in the encouragement. “We gave out the entire Israel Defense Forces to Dania neighborhood. Since that hundreds of kippot at the site. Even assist in evacuating local residents Thursday, it has been virtually the most cynical among them, i.e., and controlling the blaze. The forces impossible to get a hold of the those in the print and electronic have operated in an exemplary regional shliach, Rabbi Yehuda media, responded to the call to put on manner with strength, dedication, Dunin. He has been working t’fillin. There was a spiritual feeling in duty, and their work is still ahead of constantly and his eyes are bleary the atmosphere. Israel Police them.” from lack of sleep, but he had been commissioner Dudu Cohen directing all his energy these days participated in the Kiddush that we towards encouraging local residents THE CARMEL CHABAD held on Friday night. He delayed his and his round-the-clock activities HOUSE IN A WIDE briefing until we finished, and then he with the rescue forces, as with the thanked us warmly. We’re talking RANGE OF ACTIVITIES members of the media who have about a tremendous kiddush As soon as word of the fire placed their crews in the courtyard of Hashem.” became known, the Carmel Chabad the evacuated university. “I’m on my There were also foreign media House itself, run by Rabbi Yehuda way to the university now,” says correspondents on the scene, Dunin, opened a command center to Rabbi Yehuda Dunin. “T’mimim showing equal amazement and plan out details on how to increase stayed there all Shabbos long and asking questions. “We couldn’t be the light of the Chanukah holiday. maintained nonstop activities.” interviewed on Shabbos, and our Rabbi Dunin realized that he can’t Jewish colleagues explained to them control all the activities by himself, FIGHTING that replies to questions would come and he joined forces with additional on Motzaei Shabbos. In praise in the shluchim from other neighborhoods FIRE WITH FIRE firefighters, it must be said that they in Haifa: R’ Ohad Antverg, R’ Yossi In a conversation that we held toiled with great determination in

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putting out the fire, despite working for many hours without sleep. Every fireman whom we approached had just one request: pray for rain. ‘A powerful rain can curb the rampaging blaze that seems to taunt the firefighters.’ In cooperation with the social services department of the Municipality of Haifa, the Chabad House cared for the evacuees, primarily students from the university dormitories, and arranged In a Magen David Adom command center accommodations with host families. Similarly, they made certain to visit comes after a fire. received instructions from the police and cheer people staying temporarily “Friday was incredibly hectic. that we must leave Tirat HaCarmel, at one of the local public schools. Portions of the Dania neighborhood due to the concern that the fire would “The fire overtook me on Thursday had been evacuated, and together reach the city’s neighborhoods. The afternoon,” Rabbi Dunin told “Beis with our activities among the defense security forces evacuated several Moshiach” as he took a look back at forces, we also took care of the thousand people to a more secure those moments when he understood evacuated students who had no place location, where we organized the magnitude of the disaster and to go. When the dormitories were Chanukah lighting ceremonies with how Chanukah campaign activities vacated, many came to us at the those residents compelled to escape were about to take on a very serious Chabad House, which was open from their homes. face. “We were at the central around the clock. We also visited “At the moment, we are on our menorah lightings at the Chorev those who had been evacuated by the way home,” said Rabbi Markowitz on Center, when we started receiving Haifa Municipality and gave them Thursday night. “We learned that the phone calls from every direction. moral support. People were still in a fire had stopped just a few yards away People were in a panic. They realized state of shock. They hadn’t fully from our house. The Chabad House that this was a serious blaze and it absorbed the intensity of the fire’s is prepared to assist according to the was quickly moving towards Haifa. destructive power and the damage it need, and it will be open to any “In the meantime, we heard that had caused. We planned to act with request for help from local residents. Kibbutz Beit Oren was being even greater fortitude and ‘shturem’ We are working in cooperation with evacuated, as most of its homes had in order to bring the light of the municipality and the security already gone up in flames. We ran to Chanukah to every single Jew.” forces, in the event that people the bakery, ordered thousands of require our assistance. We continue donuts, and headed for the region. with a great shturem to spread the Things were in a state of total chaos. THE SHLUCHIM IN TIRAT HA’CARMEL ARE EVACUATED light of Yiddishkait and the We met with many prison service Chanukah holiday, even in this officials, who were under pressure to AND GET TO WORK miserable state of affairs.” evacuate Damon Prison, where the This unbelievable inferno drove A few hours after the first fire had already reached. more than five thousand residents of conversation, Rabbi Markowitz “One of the officers excitedly told Tirat HaCarmel from their homes. At already sounded different. The police me, ‘You always pop up, I don’t a certain stage, the fire had spread in had rescued thousands of residents always know from where, but you’re the direction of the city, coming from their homes, but they would not everywhere…’ I met a woman whose within a few yards of the town’s allow them to return until Sunday home had been completely destroyed. outskirts. While this was happening, night. The feeling and the When she saw me, she said, ‘You the local shliach of the Rebbe, Melech atmosphere were similar to times of know when to come. You’re the only HaMoshiach, Rabbi Yechezkel war. ones who are there during the most Markowitz, told us about what was On Motzaei Shabbos, we caught difficult times to bring the light…’ We going on in his city during the height up with Rabbi Markowitz’s son and lifted her spirits, giving her of Chanukah campaign activities: right-hand man on shlichus, R’ Yosef encouragement based upon the well- “About three hours ago, we Yitzchak. He had just given an known saying about wealth that

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we saw numerous police and fire- I was on Chanukah campaign activities fighting units streaming in. We in the center of town, when I suddenly effectively utilized our time by lighting Chanukah candles with them received a call that the fire was rapidly and uplifting their spirits.” It was only after a long and nerve- approaching the house, and I had to wracking hour that we learned that the blaze had been put under control quickly come home and pack. Everyone at the last minute, thanks to the tireless efforts of firefighters. “We lit was in a panic. the Chanukah lights at 2:00 am as it was impossible to do so before the interview on the Voice of Israel’s vehicles were new cruising our evacuation. At 4:00 am, we had to Reshet Bet radio network, during neighborhood, announcing that we return to the Chabad House as the which he was asked to discuss all had to abandon our homes. My police suddenly advised us that the Chabad House activities and the plans shot, I turned back towards the fire had started again with full force, overall atmosphere in the city. He laid house, where we gathered a few and anyone remaining in the nearby out before us those moments of fear, things and shut off the gas. In the neighborhoods was in immediate the uncertainty, and the huge wave of midst of our hurried efforts to pack danger. Throughout this time, we activities the Chabad House was some belongings, the electricity was heard the firefighting planes circling planning to do – and was already cut off and I was forced to fumble overhead and the mobile fire doing – ever since the extent of the around in the dark to find the more department units that entered the tragedy had been made known. “My important items I wanted to take. I city.” parents’ house is the second closest drove back to the Chabad House, and On Friday morning, numerous to the forest. I was on Chanukah considered whether to remove the local residents arrived at the Chabad campaign activities in the center of Torah scrolls. Throughout the city, House in request of spiritual and town, when I suddenly received a call we could see the dreadful flames material assistance. Stores were that the fire was rapidly approaching rising to tremendous heights. The closed, people were stuck without the house, and I had to quickly come entire horizon was colored in shades infant formulas for their children, home and pack. Everyone was in a of reddish black, and all fears were and the Chabad House was the panic. justified. address for all such matters. “It all “With no alternative under the “Later that night, when we saw reminded older people who have seen circumstances, we sent the bachurim the city was turning into a ghost a thing or two in their lifetimes of back to the yeshiva in Haifa and town, I decided to send the women scenes from the Second World War headed back towards our and children to Kfar Chabad, while and other conflicts. Throughout neighborhood. When we got there, the rest of us stayed to help Friday, we sent vehicles of Chabad the sight before me was one that I’ll community members who were still activists to help evacuate residents never forget. The streets leading to trying to leave the city.” who were unable to leave on their the neighborhood were completely Before making his hasty own. Just a few hours before Shabbos crammed with outbound traffic. It departure, Rabbi Markowitz met with began, when the local authorities looked like a vast stream of refugees, the deputy police commander, a determined that it would not be and everyone was in a terrible rush. Chabad supporter, who said that he possible to spend Shabbos in the city, Since I saw that it would be was taking his Shabbos clothes with we made our plans to travel to Kfar impossible to bring my car into town, him. This statement merely Chabad.” I parked it on a side street and sped sharpened the seriousness of the By Motzaei Shabbos, the towards my parents’ home on foot. I situation. It turned out that the fire Markowitz family had already helped them collect the t’fillin and had become so large that it would returned to Tirat HaCarmel to several other items of special value, clearly continue burning on Shabbos. provide assistance to all those in and we quickly walked back to my “When we realized in the wee hours need. Rabbi Markowitz declared with car. From there, we traveled to the of that morning that even remaining resolve that not only would outreach Chabad House to continue our in the Chabad House had become too activities continue, they would even activities. dangerous, we decided to leave as intensify. We conquer darkness “On our way back, my wife called well and join our family in Kfar through light, and we must not and informed me that the police Chabad. At the entrance to the city, submit to it. “On Sunday evening, we

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are arranging a large array of activities for young people with Rabbi Tuvia Bolton. This will include rallies for children, central Chanukah lighting ceremonies, and we now will add humanitarian activities. We have called upon everyone to assist us in these efforts.”

EVACUATING YESHIVAS ‘OHR AVNER’ IN KFAR SITRIN Kfar Sitrin. The flames reached the fences. Not far from Mt. Carmel is Kfar transferred to the Shorashim that everyone had departed, I was the Sitrin, which was also evacuated, as vacation village, where staff members last one to leave Kfar Sitrin. Now, were several other settlements due to also arrived. after matters have calmed down, I am the approaching fire. This village is “It seemed all so frightening, like happy and thankful to Alm-ghty G-d home to the two hundred and fifty an atom bomb or a tornado had hit,” that everyone had been evacuated students of Yeshivas “Ohr Avner’, yeshiva counselor Rabbi Mordechai without any unnecessary panic, most of whom are immigrants from Amor told “Beis Moshiach”. “When I despite the fact that the evacuation the former Soviet Union, along with was still on my way to the yeshiva was not emotionally easy for any of another forty families of Anash staff from Zichron Yaakov, I saw the rising us. members, who do everything possible thick smoke. At first, we thought that “For the students, this virtually to bring these students and other it was a raincloud. By four o’clock in constituted being separated from youths closer to Yiddishkait and the afternoon, it was decided to their home, no less. On Friday chassidus, and to provide them with evacuate the students. The morning, the Kfar Sitrin all they require both materially and counselors began to organize the administration anticipated some real spiritually. Rabbi Michoel Dor, students according to emergency drama, as the fire approached and director-general at Kfar Sitrin, spoke procedures, arranged their luggage, even reached the village gates. They in a media interview about the and assembled in the dining hall. At called out the fire department, which evacuation of Kfar Sitrin. seven o’clock, all the buses were brought in a bulldozer to dig a canal “During the afternoon hours, already in place.” Within half an around the village. It was only as a when I saw that the fire continued to hour, the buses were filled, and once result of an actual miracle that the move forward and spread we had determined that all the wind shifted at the last moment.” unrelentingly, I checked to see students had boarded, the order went whether we had to evacuate. As a out to move. In addition, the result, I consulted with the security CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM administration contacted the parents officer of the Carmel Coast Regional By the time the Hebrew version of of the students from the former Council. He said that the fire was still this article went to press, on the fifth Soviet Union to reassure them and let far enough away, and we could stay day of Chanukah, the flames had them know where their sons were for the time being. That evening, he already been extinguished, but the now located. called to inform me that the fire was fire department continued to operate “After evacuating the children and getting closer and we should prepare on a level of high alert. During the the staff families, I returned with to evacuate. I was therefore weekend, fire-fighting planes arrived several staff members to remove the compelled to tell all the families and in Eretz Yisroel, among them the Torah scrolls. Suddenly, we were students about a quick and speedy largest in the world with a capacity of officially informed that we were less evacuation.” more than twenty-one thousand than a mile from the spreading Rabbi Dor got a number of vans gallons of water. The following inferno and now officially in the line and buses together, making certain to Sunday evening, the firefighters of the fire, and therefore, we must arrange an orderly and safe continued to battle the flames from abandon the premises. From that departure. Some of the students were the ground that had spread to various moment on, the kibbutz was declared escorted to their homes by locations. a closed area and all entry was counselors, while those without denied. After personally determining family in Eretz Yisroel were

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