Shabbat Parshat Re’eh | 27 Av 5773, 3 August 2013

The Laws of Conservation

The Laws of Conservation form the foundation of modern physics and Living with the cosmology; without knowing them, much of our current technology and engineering wouldn’t exist. Research, both theoretical and practical, starts from applying, analyzing and understanding these basic laws. From them flow the theories that shape science’s insights into the universe. One of the most basic is the conservation of energy: It states that the This week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, speaks about a master’s total amount of energy in an isolated system remains constant. Or, obligation to bestow gifts upon his servant when the latter’s years of energy cannot be created or destroyed. (Einstein showed the relationship servitude are complete. “You shall furnish him liberally from your between mass and energy, in the famous formula from his special theory flocks, and of your threshing-floor, and of your wine press,” the of relativity E=MC2. This law also became known as the conservation of Torah states. mass and energy. Maimonides classifies this obligation as falling under the category There are other laws of conservation in physics, such as the of charity - the gifts are in addition to the regular wages the master is conservation of angular momentum - useful when calculating the orbits required to pay. and movements of planets and stars, but also of billiard balls and pool. Every facet of the Torah contains stores of wisdom for us to apply There ’s the conservation of electric charge, meaning, obviously, that to our lives. The above verses are symbolic of the relationship there will be just as many positively charged ions as negatively charged between any two parties not on equal footing: The one on the higher ones.

level is always obligated to share his wealth and blessings with those Some of the conservation laws seem esoteric, and apply to sub-atomic

who are less fortunate. particles: the conservation of color charge, for instance.

The terms “master” and “servant” may also be applied, in the There aren’t very many of these laws of conservation. There don’t need

spiritual sense, to the relationship between teacher and pupil. We see to be. Physicists use what they have. But they all share a central, critical

that this is not merely symbolic, as a student is required to serve his characteristic: what exists, once it exists within a closed system, cannot be

teacher in the same way a servant must attend his master. And a destr oyed. Energy/mass can be converted, changed; so too with angular teacher’s task is to instruct the pupil until the student grasps the momentum or electric charge. But they continue to be, to impact the concept on his own. physical world. But what about concepts which are far beyond the ability of the In the same way, Chasidic philosophy teaches us, there’s a student to comprehend, wisdom beyond the pupil’s understanding? Conservation of Spirituality. Every holy act - and everything a human The commandment to bestow gifts above and beyond what is being does generates holiness - continues to exist, even after the physical required applies here as well. A good teacher must ensure that his cause ceases. student acquires an appreciation of the deeper and more esoteric Yes, the physical object disintegrates - the lulav branch, for instance, knowledge, in addition to the basic requirements of the syllabus. The the ram’s horn, etc. - all “return to dust.” teacher is obligated to share whatever knowledge he possesses with But the spiritual force invested in a physical object - the spiritual force the student, who possesses less. resulting from the performance of a mitzva (commandment), from study This principle also applies to the relationship between Jews who of Torah, from thoughts about the nature of G-dliness, that lead to love of are more knowledgeable about Torah and those who are just G-d and awe of G-d - these are everlasting and endure. beginning to learn about their heritage. It is not sufficient to impart But what of a negative act - a thought, word, or deed that is prohibited only those Jewish concepts which are viewed as fundamental - the by Jewish law? Well, the “Law of Conservation of Spirituality” applies to awesome depth and scope of Judaism must be shared as well. the negative as well. Our every misdeed remains existent in the spiritual A basic principle in Judaism is that G-d behaves towards man realm. according to man’s actions, measure for measure. When we share our However, when it comes to rectifying the negative, the law of wealth and bestow extra charity - both physical and spiritual - upon conservation applies as well. The act and its ramifications can never cease our fellow man, G-d responds in kind, granting us an abundance of to exist, but they can be transformed into positive energy. His blessings. The process of transformation, reformation, reshaping, is called For we are all G-d’s servants, and He is the ultimate Master. The teshuva. Teshuva is typically translated as “repentance.” But more 6,000 years of creation parallel the six years of servitude a servant accurately, it means “return,” a return to the source or essence of what must work; the seventh year parallels the freedom and redemption something truly is. In this case, it refers to a person returning to his/her which follow - the Messianic Era and the Final Redemption. true spiritual and holy essence, to his/her G-dly soul. By increasing our love for our fellow Jew and demonstrating that This time of year, the 30 days before the High Holidays, are specially love with concrete actions, G-d will surely bestow an even greater set aside as days of teshuva, of returning to our true selves. Tapping into measure of His infinite goodness upon us than ever before, with the the energy of these days can give us insight into own personal worlds coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days. and into the universe. Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

percent humidity. It’s too hot for anything during the hundreds of times I stopped to

but a t-shirt. That is what I told myself. untangle my tzitzis, I was reminded of the Slice of Life But too hot or not, it is still a 613. Whatzis with the Tzitzis commandment, and I knew it. And I knew So where’re your tzitzis, Zalman Velvel? From a speech by Zalman Velvel at the annual that commandments are givens, Here, I’m wearing them. I replaced the first dinner of of Southwest Florida commandments are laws. Commandments pair with special tzitzis made for the Israel Tonight I am going to discuss a question are not invitations to debate with the Defense Forces, given to me by my brother. that haunted me, day and night, for almost Almighty. They are composed of an ultra-light mesh two weeks. It’s a question I took home Yes, it’s too hot in South Florida. True, material, so there is less sweating. about six months ago, after my first speech but the tzitzis question had me walking Do they serve their purpose? Do they promoting my first book, “King of around, muttering to myself, day and make me more observant? Well, yes and Shabbos.” When it came time to deliver night for two weeks. What was I muttering no. How’s that for an answer? Yes, they that speech, I stood in front of an audience about? I was wondering: “Who am I to remind me of our 613 commandments, but of Jewish people, my people, our people, a stand up and say anything, to anyone, no, even with the reminders, I still break people known for our stubbornness and about anything Jewish, and me without some of them. And then I start to feel skepticism, traits that have been amplified tzitzis?” guilty - another Jewish trait developed by thousands of years of pain and So two weeks after the book speech, I’m over thousands of years - but I don’t think persecution. I explained how returning to standing inside my closet, looking at this that was what G-d had in mind when he our traditions made me feel proud to be lonely pair of tzitzis laying on one of my created the commandment. Okay, let’s ask

Jewish and more fulfilled as a human shelves. I bought it five years ago in Israel, the true litmus test question - does my life being, and by implication, their returning during a religious frenzy, and vowed to feel better with or without tzitzis? to our Jewish traditions would do the same wear it when I returned to the States. But Well, and this is the surprising part, I for them. when I hit the blazing Florida heat, the actually like wearing tzitzis now, even

When I was finished, the strongest vow was forgotten... until that tzitzis with the heat and untangling, the reaction in clearly the most interested question. I took the tzitzis off the shelf, shvitzing, even with the guilt. Why? member of the audience was, “So where unfolded it, took off my t-shirt, put on the Because sometimes,I don’t know if I can are your tzitzis?” tzitzis, and then placed my t-shirt over it. I say this, sometimes I get this ... this feeling And that is tonight’s question. “So where looked down and there were four groups ... that G-d is watching us, you and me, are your tzitzis, Zalman Velvel?” A bold of fringes sticking out. I thought, “Hey, and He’s smiling, because at least we’re question, isn’t it? My inquisitor could see that’s not so bad.” Then I went outside. trying to be better. I mean, isn’t that why that I had a beard. I also had a yarmulke. Within seconds, rivers of sweat poured we’re here tonight, isn’t that why we come But he knew that Jewish men were also out of me. I charged back into the air- to Chabad? Aren’t we trying to be better? obligated to put on a four cornered conditioned house shvitzing like Abraham I would like you to think about that garment with fringes on each corner, called fleeing from Sodom and Gemorah. Just as I question on your way home: Are we trying tzitzis. Yes, the name is funny, but the was about to tear off my tzitzis, I heard this to be better? If you take it with you. question remained, where oh where were voice shout, “Hypocrite, hypocrite.” No, it But before you go, please congratulate my tzitzis? Not on me, that was for sure. wasn’t my wife. My wife is kinder than yourselves for coming tonight. You’ve How could he tell? that. This was a voice from inside my soul been a warm and generous audience for Tzitzis and its fringes are worn as a daily and it repeated the word over and over Chabad, and you deserve a hand. Come reminder to follow the 613 until my response was: “Okay, okay, on, give yourselves a hand. And let me commandments. You see, most Jews who already! I’ll keep it on.” leave you, also, with a short and wear this garment put it inside their shirt Well, the fringes did become a daily memorable blessing: May the L-rd bless with the four fringes hanging out. But reminder because they got caught in you and watch over you - and let me add - inside or outside, I didn’t believe tzitzis everything. Dozens of times each day, they with or without tzitzis. were designed to be worn where I live, in got tangled on a chair, or wrapped up and Zalman Velvel is the author of “King of

South Florida, because we have eight knotted in my belt, or tied up around my Shabbos,” a compilation of original short months of summer, with 95 degrees and 95 cell phone, or in my car keys. So it’s true, stories.

NEW CHABAD CHESED GROUP: WELCOMING YOUR PARTICIPATION Thank you so much to all of you who have already offered to participate. To those of you who haven’t had a chance to respond and would like to participate, we look forward to hearing from you.

Rabbi Akiva said that, “To love your fellow as yourself,” is a great basic principle of the Torah. What better way to express this

principle than by assisting someone in need?

Are you able to help in any of the following: • Visiting people in hospitals, nursing homes or at home? • Making, delivering or buying a kosher meal for people in need in the community e.g. bereavement, illness, new baby, moving home? • Hosting a kosher Shabbat meal for new people that have moved into or visitors to the community?

Please contact us if you would like to participate. All help is appreciated. We welcome the participation of female and male volunteers. Certainly how we care for those in need is a measure of the quality of a community. Looking forward to hearing from you. Caren Kruger and Robin Mitchell, Coordinators

Weekly Message Insight From Rabbi Nochum Schapiro The New Month

Challenges This Shabbat we bless the month of What is the purpose of life is of course a question that is asked frequently in any Elul. theology. One of the responses given in Chasidic discourse is one word: Nisyonos, In Elul we prepare for the upcoming which means challenges. High Holidays by blowing the shofar each morning, having our mezuzot and Why? tefilin checked to make sure they are Because when we are challenged it can bring out the best in us. We reach very still fit, being more careful about deep inside ourselves to uncover powers we didn’t even know we had. We also tap keeping kosher and saying special into an energy source that is even beyond us, embedded in the actual challenge selichot (penitential prayers) toward the itself. (This is a deep mystical idea that needs further elaboration on another end of the month. occasion.) Why do we do all of this in the month of Elul? Can’t it wait until we’re closer That is why in this week’s Torah portion it says “for Hashem challenges you to to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur - know if you love him with all your heart and all your soul,” Deuteronomy 13:4. most of us “work” better under pressure What does it mean to know? Doesn’t Hashem know everything? But rather it anyway? means so that you should know i.e. to draw out and to connect with this deep These questions can be answered with feeling you have in yourself that has not surfaced. a beautiful parable told by Rabbi Shneur We all see in life as in sport that having a competitor or adversary brings out very Zalman of (the founder of the deep powers. Athletes can vouch for this and so can all the Jews throughout history Chabad-Lubavitch Movement: who have been challenged in their faith and who have given everything, even their “Once each year, a very mighty king very lives for their faith in Hashem e.g. Daniel Pearl. leaves his palace, his guards, his finery, and goes out in the field to meet with These challenges and tests can take on many forms: his subjects. At that time, they do not • there is the challenge of faith when life doesn’t make sense or when we need to wait in long lines, go through see good things happen to bad people; security checks, be announced • there is the challenge of temptation; ceremoniously. They can speak with • the challenge of doing what seems to be impossible as did Abraham; him without hesitation. When the king • the challenge of lack of health or finance; returns to his palace, his subjects will • lastly even the challenge of good fortune to see if we attribute the once again have to go through all kinds blessings to G-d and do we do more good because of our blessings. of protocol to meet with him. So, of course, his subjects make the most of the So if we realise this, we won’t try to find an easy life as there really is no such thing! opportunity. You can have a happy and meaningful life, but not an easy one as that is not why “During the month of Elul, G-d is “in we are here. the field.” We don’t need to go through We may however have a choice - we can challenge ourselves, that is choose our all kinds of red tape to reach Him. We challenge, or we can be tested by Hashem when life throws us “curveballs” which need only come out to meet Him, as it are much more difficult. were, with a humble heart, and He will listen to us. He will accept our So next time you think things are going swimmingly take on a new challenge. repentance and consider our requests Maybe take on a new Torah class or stretch yourself with the charity you give, most carefully. The king will soon be in giving tzedokah until it hurts. Volunteer regularly, help someone in a difficult and the field. Make sure not to miss this meaningful way. Start getting up at 6:30am to make the Minyan. opportunity.” And I am sure you can come up with your own methods to challenge yourself And may we imminently merit the era spiritually. You will thus bring out the best in yourself and maybe keep away a few when G-d will continuously be “in the of life’s “curveballs.” field” the Messianic Era when “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of G-d Shabbat Shalom. like the waters cover the ocean.”

Moshiach Matters In the days of Moshiach the Divine light will be utterly revealed in the heart of every individual, and in every heart there will be a constant and visible fear of G-d; as it is written, “They shall go into the caves of the rocks and into the tunnels of the earth, for fear of G-d....” The body too will change. It will be like the body of Adam before the sin of the Tree of Knowledge, clean of any evil. As the Midrash states, “His heel threw a shadow on the orb of the sun.” That is to say, his body was nullified to the Divine Will even more than was the inanimate sun. (Derech Chayim, p. 25)

NEWS AND SHMOOZE SHABBAT SCHEDULE Friday, 2 August 2013 – 26 Av 5773 FRIDAY NIGHT KIDDUSH Candle Lighting 4:54 pm Kiddush will be recited by Ari Kellerman. Mincha 5:15 pm Early ‘Young Families’ Service 5:45 pm SHABBAT MEVARCHIM LUNCHEON Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv 6:30 pm This week’s Shabbat Mevarchim Luncheon honours Motty Children Service 6:45 pm Herzog and Shmueli Coleman our Bochurim-Shluchim for the

past year who have completed their time with us and are Shabbat, 3 August 2013 – 27 Av 5773 leaving this week. In addition, we are celebrating the Smicha – Parshat Reeh Rabbinic Ordination of Rabbi Yossi Schapiro. Shabbat Mevarchim Elul (Molad: Tue, 10:02 (1 chelek) PM) Tehillim 8:00 am The luncheon is kindly sponsored by the following familes: Shiur on Chassidic Thought 8:30 am • Tony and Robin Mitchell in honour of the auspicious Morning Service 9:30 am month of Elul; Robin’s upcoming birthday; Robin and Children Service 11:00 am Tony’s upcoming wedding anniversary this month; the Kiddush following the service. great contribution of the Bochurim-Shluchim.

Shiur by Rabbi Zalman Kastel 4:00 pm • David and Rene Zwi in honour of David’s upcoming Mincha – followed by Seuda Shlishit 4:45 pm birthday; and wonderful work of the Bochurim-Shluchim. Insights into Pirkei Avot chapter 6

Maariv (Shabbat ends) • Calvin and Janis Stein in honour of their daughter-in-law Followed by ‘Living Torah’ multimedia presentation, featuring a Miri Stein’s upcoming birthday; and the Bochurim- discourse of the Rebbe. Shluchim.

Special thank you to the Ladies Guild ladies who are on YAHRTZEITS ‘Kiddush Duty’ this week: Marlene Baskin, Robin Mitchell, Wishing those commemorating Yahrtzeits, long life. Maxine Baxmayer, and Michelle Meltzer. Clive Baskin 30 Av Thank you to David Shaw for the delicious Cholent he makes Sandra Eichholz every single week! Father - Refoel ben Zelig HaKohen If you would like to sponsor a Kiddush or Luncheon please Ivor Den 30 Av contact Caron Kruger on 0439 462 577, [email protected]. Mother - Shaina bat Yisroel Mervyn Rom 1 Elul LONG LIFE Father - Yaakov ben Chaim We wish long life to Lynda Kaplan whose father Sam Katz OBM Criag Talberg 2 Elul passed away this week. Mother - Leah bat Aryeh Leib The funeral took place on Friday, 2 August, and a special Minyan Eric Sandelowsky 3 Elul will take place on Motzei Shabbat, 3 August, 7:00 pm at the home Father of David Katz, 163 Dover Road, Dover Heights and on Sunday, 4 August, 7:00 pm at the home of Lynda Kaplan, 9 Briar Street, MAZAL TOVS St Ives. Happy Birthday to… Joshua Ross 27 Av SPONSORSHIP Yuval Avrahami 29 Av If you are celebrating a Simcha or commemorating a family Yoel Joseph 1 Elul Yahrzeit or if you are just feeling generous, please consider Eleanor Fine 1 Elul contacting Chanoch Sufrin about sponsoring one of the items Gina Fink 3 Elul on our dream list.

Happy Anniversary to… MEMORIAL BOARD Simon & Carron Foster 28 Av We have a special Memorial Board in our Shule to remember Clive & Marlene Baskin 30 Av the memory of a loved one. The light on the Memorial Board is

lit each year during the month of the Yahrtzeit. Happy Bar/Bat Mitzvah Anniversary to… Rabbi Moshe Angyalfi If you would like to honour a loved one on the Memorial Yuval Avrahami Board, please contact Chanoch Sufrin in the office. Rivkah Corna

Jacob Flax Derek Posniak Jonathan Posniak Josh Ross

LEARNING OPPORTUNITES UPCOMING

TALMUD STUDY GROUP Friday, 9 August 2013 – 3 Elul 5773 Delve into the depths of the Talmud. Text-based Sundays, Candle Lighting 4:59 pm study with Rabbi Nochum Schapiro. 9:15 am Mincha 5:15 pm Early ‘Youg Families’ Service 5:45 pm HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv 6:30 pm Learn to read in the language of Moses in just 6 Monday, Children Service 6:45 pm weeks! Be ready for the High Holidays... become a 8:00 pm pro and show your friends how you can follow the Shabbat, 10 August 2013 – 4 Elul 5773 services. Parshat Shoftim Led by Chanoch H Sufrin. Shiur on Chassidic Thought 8:30 am Morning Service 9:30 am STUDY GROUP Children Service 11:00 am Join us as we discuss the second biggest question in Mondays, Kiddush following the service. theology “What is Our Purpose on Earth?” 8:15 pm At the home of Yehoshua & Tzivia Israel Shiur by Rabbi Zalman Kastel 4:00 pm 20 Yarrabung Road, St Ives Mincha – followed by Seuda Shlishit 4:45 pm Insights into Pirkei Avot chapter 1 CURIOUS TALES OF THE TALMUD Maariv (Shabbat ends) 6:00 pm Everyone loves a good story. Knowing this, the Tuesday, Followed by ‘Living Torah’ multimedia presentation, featuring a sages of the Talmud used stories to encode 8:00 pm discourse of the Rebbe. messages about life that are far too deep and profound to communicate directly. WEEKDAY SERVICES

WISE WORDS & WHISKY Sunday/Public Holidays Relax with a whisky and indulge in Chassidic Wednesdays, Shacharit 8:15 am thought and practical lessons from the weekly 8:00 pm Mincha and Maariv 5:00 pm

Parshah with Rabbi Moshe Angyalfi. Monday-Friday Shacharit 6:30 am CHASSIDIC THOUGHT Maariv 7:30 pm Soar through the celestial realms with in-depth Shabbat, learning of the classical texts of Chassidic 8:30 am HIGH HOLIDAYS philosophy and explore the foundations of Chassidic thought. As the High Holidays approach we urge all families who have Led by Rabbi Nochum Schapiro. not yet finalised their Beit Menachem Membership to do so at their earliest convenience. INSIGHTS WITH RABBI ZALMAN The privilege of having named seats in Shule over the High Join Rabbi Zalman Kastel every Shabbat afternoon Shabbat, Holidays is only to members who have either paid their for a unique angle at the weekly Torah portion. 4:00 pm membership in full; paying it off in instalments; or have come to a financial agreement with the Shule. CHAYENU Chayenu is a weekly Torah publication (in Hebrew & English) If you want to discuss your membership fees please call Reuel focused on the daily study cycles of Chumash (with Rashi), Rambam, Kofsky on 0418 654 935 or Tony Mitchell on 0419 441 748. Tanya and more.

Now available on your iPhone or iPad. Also available in print, contact SEATING & TICKETS Rabbi Schapiro for details. www.chayenu.org Seating allocation has begun based on previous years format. While we understand that the Shule configuration has changed LIVING TORAH we are doing our utmost to accommodate everyone A weekly video magazine featuring the Rebbe’s application of Torah comfortably. to timely events and issues. We will be hanging a draft seating plan in the Shule foyer in Shown every Motzei Shabbat in Shule following the evening service. the next week or so, and invite people to request changes A NEW app is now available, which boasts the current Living Torah based on availability. program , as well as over 2,000 videos. www.livingtorah.org If you have a specific request, ie to sit by a table; not by a table; TORAH CAFE back or front; etc. please contact Chanoch Sufrin in the office Torah Café uses the Internet to provide the global Jewish community on 02 9488 9548 or [email protected]. with video lectures, lessons and presentations by world-class Torah scholars and experts in their fields. As an interactive learning environment, the ratings, comments and feedbacks of our viewers ACCOMMODATION shape the face of Torah Café. We invite you to tune in and check out If you require or you know someone who may be interested in our weekly features, subscribe to follow your favourite scholars and staying over at Chabad over the High Holidays, please contact delve into channels of your interest. www.TorahCafe.com us. We are running a High Holiday special at the moment for $79 per room, per night. Torah Café is a Division of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute.

Ganeinu Long Day Care and Preschool meets all new national quality standards

Ganeinu in St Ives has achieved outstanding results in a recent rating and assessment against the new Government national quality standards for childcare.

The NSW Department of Education and Communities has undertaken a rigorous assessment againt the Natianl Qaulity Standard for Early Chilhood Education and Care and School age care.

The National quality framework aims to raise quality and drive continuous improvement and consistency in services across the country.

Areas of intense and assessment include hundreds of sub- catergories within the following seven primary areas.

Ecuational program and practice, childrens health and safety, physical environment, staffing arrangements, relationships with children, collaborative partnerships with families and communities, and leadership and service management.

No minor adjustments were recommended for the centre.

Opened in 2009, Ganeinu is every child’s home away from home. Catering for children 0-5, Ganeinu opened an independent preschool programme in 2013 with a strong emphasis on school readiness.

Providing excellence in education and quality care in a warm Jewish environment, ganeinu is a perfect option for working mums.

The spacious, yet homely centre is open from eight till five thirty and provides fresh kosher meals daily.

Ganeinu is open during school holidays and provides Government rebates for childcare.

Ganeinu director, Rebbetzin Fruma Schapiro said “our results are a testimony to our dedicated team of qualified and experienced staff members.

At ganeinu we pride ourselves in the knowledge that every child is loved and nurtured. All of our children are extremely happy, and every childs individual developmental needs are catered to. We are truly an extensions of home for our children.”

For more information/bookings contact [email protected] or contact Fruma on 02 9440 0853.

dangerous. The only alternative was prison. Then, out of the blue,

It Happened Once came a telegram for Dr. Friedman from the Kaiser of Prussia. The brief cable stated that by the grace of His Royal Highness, the From all over Europe, thousands of Jews used to come to visit King of Prussia, Dr. Pesach Friedman had been appointed Consular Reb Yisroel, the holy Rabbi of Ruzhin. For little Pesach, the orphan Agent in Tzefat for the government of Prussia, with full authority to who had been taken in by the Rebbe’s family, it was an amazing issue passports, visas, and any other such papers to citizens of sight which he never became accustomed to - so many people with Prussia. so many kinds of troubles - each with his own hopes for a better Dr. Friedman was silent for a long while, as he read and reread future. the telegram. Then, he remembered the words of his Rebbe, as if “The Rebbe is a holy man,” he was told. “All these people come they had just been spoken, “There you will save many lives.” to him for a blessing. When he gives it, he can see what will happen Hastily, he called a meeting of the communal leaders. to them many years from now.” “Gentlemen,” he announced, holding up the telegram, “here is One day the Rebbe called Pesach aside and told him, “A time will the answer to our troubles. By this document I have been given the come when you will have to go away. You will study medicine and right to issue passports to citizens of Prussia. Do you realize what become a doctor. Then you shall go to the Holy Land. There is your this means? No longer will the Turks have power over us. If any place. And there you will save many lives.” Pesach burst into tears. young men are threatened, let them come to me. I’ll issue them a “Must I leave, Rebbe?” he cried. Prussian passport that will save them! With these papers they’ll “Don’t be upset,” the Rebbe said. “My thoughts will always be become citizens of Prussia, and won’t have to serve in the Turkish with you.” army!” And so it was that Pesach grew up and became a doctor - taking And so, the words of Reb Yisroel of Ruzhin came true over and the family name of his beloved Rebbe, Friedman - and settling in over again! Israel in the town of Tzefat in the Galilee. One day a regal carriage stopped in front of his house, and an important looking man stepped out. “I am looking for Dr. Friedman,” he announced. Thoughts that Count When Dr. Friedman came to the door he was told, “The Princess See! This day I place before you a blessing (Deut. 11:26) of Prussia is visiting Tzefat and she is extremely ill. One minute she The blessing in this verse does not refer to anything specific; is burning with fever, the next moment she is shivering with cold. rather, it is a comprehensive statement which includes all the You must come at once. Her father, the Kaiser, is anxious that you blessings G-d confers on every Jew. First and foremost, therefore, it come at once.” refers to the ultimate blessing of all - the complete Redemption Dr. Friedman hurried to the princess’s bedside. He examined her through Moshiach. By using the emphatic “See!” the Torah stresses and diagnosed malaria. “Take this medicine for three days. If we that the Messianic Redemption is not something theoretical or are fortunate, the disease has been caught in time for a cure.” academic, but rather something that will be evident with our eyes Three days later the princess’s fever broke and it could be seen of flesh - and this very day! that she was on her way to recovery. After three weeks Dr. (The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Shabbat Parshat Re’eh, 5751) Friedman was summoned again. “The Princess will be resuming her trip, however she still feels weak and has begged that you come That you remember the day you left Egypt all the days of your with her.” life (Deut. 16:3) Dr. Friedman explained, “Your Highness, it is difficult for me to “To include the days of Moshiach,” our Sages commented, fulfill your request. As a Jew I must pray three times a day with ten meaning that even in the Messianic era we will still remember the men, and I may eat only kosher food. The trip to Jerusalem is a long Exodus and express gratitude for it. Literally, however, their words one.” can be translated “To bring the days of Moshiach,” teaching that The Kaiser replied, “Spare no expense. Bring along ten men and every single day of our lives must be imbued with the singular whatever food you require. Only come.” objective of bringing about the Messianic era. Dr. Friedman joined the traveling party for the long, arduous (Sichot Kodesh, Chayei Sara, 5752) journey. When he finally returned home, his wife asked, “Did they reward you for saving the life of the princess?” Observe the month of spring, and keep the Passover to the L-rd “Not really, but they said the Kaiser would be in my debt. True, it your G-d (Deut. 16:1) was very difficult, but for me it is enough that I saved her life.” The Egyptians believed in the supremacy of natural law and Many months passed and no more was heard from the princess worshiped man’s ability to influence the world through science. G- or her father. The land of Israel was beset by problems and the d therefore took the Jewish people out of Egypt in the springtime, interesting episode of the princess was forgotten as everyone was when the workings of nature are most evident, to demonstrate that consumed with a different worry - the safety of their children. The nature is only a tool in His hands and has no intrinsic power of its government of Turkey, which then ruled the Holy Land, was own. demanding that young Jewish men serve in its army. Not only was (From a letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, 11 Nissan, 5725) it impossible to observe the Torah in the army, it was also highly

ArtScroll Gutnick What Page? PARSHAH 998 1198 HAFTORAH 1199 1475 Dedicated to Please respect others by remaining quiet throughout the Torah reading. Rabbi Yossi Schapiro Published weekly by Congregation Beit Menachem 27 College Crescent (PO Box 7), St Ives NSW 2075 on receiving his Smicha – Rabbinic Ordination Tel 02 9488 9548  Fax 02 9488 8142 [email protected]  www.ChabadHouse.org.au/Shule Mazal Tov! PLEASE DO NOT TAKE HOME THE ‘L’CHAIM’ ON SHABBAT.