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AN END AND A BEGINNING 4 D’var Malchus

THE POWER OF THE BOOK 6 Thought | Rabbi Zvi Homnick

WRITING FOR PERPETUITY 10 Insight

THE , OUR FATHER 15 Shlichus | Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz

CHASSIDISHE CHINUCH IN SOVIET 18 USA RUSSIA 744 Eastern Parkway Memoirs | Prepared for publication by Avrohom Rainitz Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 Tel: (718) 778-8000 Fax: (718) 778-0800 IT’S ALL ABOUT LIGHT [email protected] 24 www.beismoshiach.org Chanuka | Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: M.M. Hendel ENGLISH EDITOR: MOSHIACH: WHAT WE BELIEVE Boruch Merkur HEBREW EDITOR: 25 Moshiach & Geula | Rabbi Gershon Avtzon Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan [email protected]

THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK 28 Feature | Menachem Ziegelboim Beis Moshiach (USPS 012-542) ISSN 1082- 0272 is published weekly, except Jewish holidays (only once in April and October) for $160.00 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and in all other places for $180.00 per year (45 BUILDING BRIDGES TO THE issues), by Beis Moshiach, 744 Eastern 36 REDEMPTION Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY and Profile | Nosson Avrohom additional offices. Postmaster: send address changes to Beis Moshiach 744 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Copyright 2009 by Beis Moshiach, Inc. Beis Moshiach is not responsible for the content of the advertisements. 722_Beis Moshiach 13/12/2009 9:15 PM Page 4

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Mikeitz, which focuses on the release of Yosef from prison. AN END AND Yosef serves as an analogy for the entire Jewish people. [3] For the name Yosef meaning “increase” refers to an infinite and unbounded potential for growth, A BEGINNING [4] i.e., the soul we all possess which is “an actual part of G-d from above.” [5] Moreover, the prayer Rachel Sichos In English recited when naming Yosef, [6] “May G-d add on (yosef) to me another son (ben acher),” reflects Hidden with the challenges of the last the spiritual mission of the Jewish people. moments of exile, are G-dly sparks of a Entities which have hitherto been acher (“another” - estranged truly lofty nature. Confronting these from their G-dly core) are brought challenges taps these G-dly energies close and manifest the intimacy of ben (“a son”). and brings to ketz ha’yamin, the The prison refers to the body and to material existence as a beginning of the redemption. whole. Such a setting confines the THE TRUTH OF TORAH separate entity, but rather an infinite power of the soul and denies it expression. Among people at large, there is extension and an outgrowth of spiritual existence, whatever Although G-d gave man His a difference of opinion regarding Torah, His will and wisdom, [7] the narratives of the Torah. happens in the spiritual realms is also reflected in this world. the Torah is also affected by the There are some who maintain limits of material existence, and its that all the stories of the Torah Every narrative in the Torah is a record of an actual event, but the G-dly source is not always should be considered as evident. symbolism and allegory. event is not a dry historical fact, Their intent is to teach us but rather a dynamic movement lessons in our divine service, not beginning within the sublime AN END TO LIMITATION to chronicle history. spiritual planes and having These concepts are alluded to The traditional view differs and ramifications on all levels of in the opening phrase of this states every narrative in the Torah existence. week’s Torah reading: must be considered as a true This approach expresses the Va’yehi mi’keitz shnasayim record of events which actually positive dimensions of both the yamim, “And it came to pass at the transpired. [1] views mentioned previously. end of two years time.” Chassidic thought takes a On one hand, the historical “Two years” refers to the Torah different approach, to quote a integrity of the Torah is preserved. which contains two elements, the kabbalistic expression: [2] Conversely, however, the Written Law and the Oral Law. The Torah speaks about the relevance of the Torah is not as a [8] upper realms, and alludes to the book of records, but as a spiritual As the Torah exists within the lower realms. guide, reflecting truths manifest in confines of material existence, its The intent is that the narratives the spiritual realms that should be power appears to have a ketz, an of the Torah are descriptions of applied in our divine service. end and a limit. the interrelation between Divine Nevertheless, because Yosef - attributes in the spiritual realms. INFINITY IN SHACKLES in analogy, the Jewish people - is Nevertheless, since material These concept are reflected in essentially unlimited, the ketz, the existence is not, heaven forbid, a this week’s Torah reading, Parshas restrictions of worldly existence,

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ultimately becomes “va’yehi”, a first two years - of his assumption 2. Asara Maamaros, Maamer Chakor thing of the past. of power. HaDin, sec. 3, ch. 22; Shaloh, p. Yosef leaves prison and According to the first 13b, 161a. becomes the ruler of Egypt. interpretation, mi’keitz refers to 3. Therefore the entire Jewish people In the analogue: a Jew is sent the most difficult challenges Yosef are at times referred to with the name into the world to reveal G-dliness. faced in Egypt, for it is before Yosef as Psalms 80:2 states “You lead This is the purpose of his being daybreak that the darkness Yosef as [a shepherd leads] sheep.” and eventually this purpose will be becomes most powerful. [13] See Rashi and Metzudas David to achieved. According to the second that verse. The material nature of worldly interpretation, mi’keitz refers to 4. See Toras Chayim p. 87a. existence may initially restrict the the dawning of Yosef’s 5. , ch. 2. expression of a Jew’s inner nature, redemption. but the constraints will be There is a connection between 6. Genesis 30:24. temporary. the two concepts. 7. Tanya, ch. 4. Ultimately, just as Yosef Hidden with the challenges of became the ruler of Egypt, every ketz di’smola, the last moments of 8. Torah Or 31b. Jew will become a source of exile, are G-dly sparks of a truly 9. See the gloss of Rav Avraham Ibn influence and power, showing how lofty nature. Confronting these Ezra to Numbers 13:25, infinite G-dliness can permeate challenges taps these G-dly Deuteronomy 15:1, 31:10, Psalms material existence. energies and brings to ketz 119:96. See also the gloss of the ha’yamin, the beginning of the Maharsha to Niddah 58b. MAKING THE END redemption. [14] 10. Rashi in our Torah reading. A BEGINNING The entire Jewish people are at times referred to with the name 11. Zohar, Vol. I, p. 193b. The latter concept can be Yosef. [2] 12. Zohar, Vol. I, p. 54a, c.f. the amplified by the coupling of a May the motif experienced by conclusion of the Book of Daniel. point of Hebrew grammar with a Yosef become manifest for our mystical concept. people as a whole. 13. Likkutei Dibburim, Vol. I, p. 68a, b [English trans. p. 150]. The word mi’keitz can mean For we have confronted the “at the beginning” [9] or “at the hardships of exile and we are 14. This enables us to appreciate the end”. [10] awaiting the revelation of ketz interrelation between the name Similarly, the Zohar speaks of ha’yamin, the first rays of the mi’keitz and the Torah reading which the ketz di’smola, “the left end,” redemption. follows. Even according to the interpretation that mi’keitz refers to [11] and the ketz ha’yamin, “the May this take place in the right end.” [12] the last two years of Yosef’s immediate future. imprisonment, it is still appropriate To apply these concepts to our Adapted from: , Vol. V, p. that it serve as the name of the Torah reading: 198ff, Vol. XXIII, p. 37-38 Sichos Shabbos Parshas Mikeitz, 5751 reading that deals with his The question is whether redemption. For it was the mi’keitz refers to the end - the confrontation of those challenges of final two years - of the trials and Notes: that period that brought about his tribulations Yosef suffered in 1. See the Responsa of the Rashba, redemption. Egypt, or to the beginning - the Vol. I, Responsum 413. Raskin's Consistently “if it grows we have it” Superior Fruit and Produce Emporium WHOLESALE & RETAIL Michal & We Deliver 335 Kingston Ave. Brooklyn NY 11213 * Tel: (718) 756-3888 756-2221 * Fax: 756-2440

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word got out that the Rebbe had announced that “all the doors were open” for all requests, and that any note with a request THE POWER would be taken to the resting place of the Rebbe Rayatz. Bags and bags of letters and notes poured into , even from places like OF THE BOOK Williamsburg, which was considered a stronghold of opposition. This friend of mine became the “letter carrier” for By Rabbi Zvi Homnick many of those in Lakewood who wanted to take advantage of this A ROOMFUL OF BOOKS books covering many different unique opportunity, and he traveled there almost daily during Whenever we begin to branches of the movement, I that week. When he approached approach the special day of 5 began to devour them. me to apprise me of this once-in- Teves, I always find myself going My curiosity was originally a-lifetime chance, I told him back to that time and beating fueled primarily because of a unequivocally that I was not myself up with regret. “Why?” family tradition that we are interested. Since I opposed the you ask. Well, first a little descendants of Reb Gershon man, I wasn’t going to ask for his background: Kitover, the brother-in-law and blessings. At that time, I was learning in later disciple of the Baal Shem Oy vey, what an idiot (feel free Lakewood . I shared a Tov. It only seemed right that if I to add any and all pejorative number of mutual friends with a considered myself an opponent of adjectives)!!! certain fellow student, who this movement that should have So you see, along with “Hei identified as a Chassid of Pupa, been part of my birthright, I Teves” being a time for joyous and who had one of the choicest should at least know what I was celebration of the victory of the rooms in the dormitory. It was an opposing. Little did I know the s’farim/books and the victory of oversized room, but due to its tremendous impact that my the Rebbe and the Chassidim, for elongated shape it held only three reading would have on me. me it is a personal day of beds instead of the usual four. Slowly, over time, I began to repentance. When one of those beds became become convinced that there was Ironically, my entire internal available, he invited me to move a lot more to Chassidus than is process began, as mentioned, in rather than have the perceived by those who view it with books and s’farim, and administration assign him a from the outside, or even dabble continued almost exclusively roommate. in it casually in the name of being through my own delving into This room was the unofficial broadminded. By the month of s’farim with very limited input hangout of the “Chassidic Teves, 5747, my identity as a from the various people over the underground” in Lakewood, Misnaged was pretty much years who tried to be “mekarev” during off hours from the regular limited to one school of me (not that I am any less learning schedule. Although some Chassidus: – Lubavitch grateful to them). So, although as members of this fascinating and (as well as some individual a Misnaged, I might have scoffed diverse group treated me with aspects of certain other at the “campaign” to fill one’s suspicion (“He’s just a Misnaged denominations). home with s’farim, or celebrating who is curious”), I soon found One of the Chassidic fellows the “victory” and “redemption” of myself in the middle of a whole that I became friendly with was s’farim, I can personally give new social circle. Since my very involved in Chabad, and on witness to the importance of roommate also had a massive occasion, would gently try to being surrounded by s’farim and collection of Chassidic works, soften my opposition. During the the power they have to transform including many biographies of original celebration throughout lives. Chassidic greats and historical the week following Hei Teves,

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WHAT’S IN A BOOK? This room was the unofficial hangout of The Alter Rebbe, in his introduction to Tanya, addresses the “Chassidic underground” in himself to “those who pursue righteousness and seek out G-d,” Lakewood… When he approached me to and points out the possible deficiencies in trying to find one’s apprise me of this once-in-a-lifetime way in the service of Hashem chance, I told him unequivocally that I from holy books. He begins with the general problem that the was not interested. Since I opposed the reader brings the limitations of his mind and intellect to the man, I wasn’t going to ask for his learning process, and as such, if he himself is confused and in blessings. darkness then he will have great difficulty in discerning the great according to his measure, explaining why the problems that light that is hidden away within according to what he can assess he raised earlier are not pertinent such holy works. in his heart.” in this instance by making it clear Additionally, those ethical He then goes on to explain that he is only offering advice works that are based on human why these disadvantages are not regarding those questions that intellect will not be useful to cause for concern regarding the have come up and is only everyone, since each person’s Tanya. It is written “for those addressing himself to a limited mind works differently and from our fellowship, from our audience. responds in differing ways to country and the outlying regions, However, Chassidic tradition different things. Even those who know me well and, seeking emphatically rejects such a works that are predicated my advice, have brought all their superficial reading of the text, primarily on the words of the questions to me in private and in fact insists that it was Sages in the Midrashic literature audiences. This work is a written for all Jews of that are not accessible to all, since not compendium of all the answers to generation and all the generations everybody merits the ability to all the questions that they may to come. It answers any question discern “his individual place possibly have in the future.” regarding the service of Hashem within Torah.” This is all the Apparently, the more so in matters of love and Alter Rebbe fear of Hashem in the heart and is mind, which are by definition individual in nature. The Zohar states in these matters, “each one

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intricately interwoven. However, Whoever opens a Tanya is in actual when it comes to the court battle reality entering into a private audience over the s’farim, which, as the Rebbe indicated, mirrored a (yechidus) face to face with the Alter litigious struggle Up Above, there seems to be a wide range of Rebbe. issues that came to the fore. Although the primary legal that any person will ever confront reveal p’nimius ha’Torah to the question focused on the issue of in his life, and enables those world in any given generation is the ownership of the s’farim, the people to find the answers either the all-inclusive soul of that other side also challenged themselves or through consulting generation, specifically the all- whether the Rebbe is the rightful those greater than themselves. inclusive yechida who is one with heir to the crown of Chabad To document all the G-d. The Rebbe adds that since leadership. As such, 5 Teves is statements of the Rebbeim on this each generation of Jews is both the time of the “redeeming topic and all the explanations of inclusive of all preceding and of captives” of the s’farim and an the wording of the Alter Rebbe in following generations, he is, in affirmation of the Rebbe’s nesius. his introduction is beyond the fact, the all-inclusive soul of all These would seem to be two very purview of this article. (See letter Jews, past and present. disparate and unrelated issues. of the Rebbe Rayatz, appendix to That is how the Alter Rebbe However, when we consider Kitzurim V’Haaros on Tanya, can address every Jew of every that the entire point of a Nasi is Likkutei Sichos vol. 26 Sicha 20- generation and answer his every that he empowers his mekusharim 24 Teves p. 30-39). The question question and concern, in the to actually find the righteousness that is being addressed here is: manner of a private audience they are pursuing and unite with How is it humanly possible to directed to that individual. The G-d, the connection becomes author a work that encompasses only difference between the Tanya more clear. The impact of Tanya all the spiritual issues of every and other “k’savim” of the and the teachings of all the Jew that lived or will ever live? Rebbeim is that the Tanya is the Rebbeim are felt not only when The Rebbe Rashab takes it even Written Torah of Chassidus and learning their works but when further and says that whoever the other recorded teachings of studying any aspect of Torah opens a Tanya is in actual reality the Rebbeim are the Oral Torah, from any source. Where entering into a private audience but in each instance the Rebbe previously one was unable to find (yechidus) face to face with the wrote himself into his Torah. “his individual place within Alter Rebbe. How is that While in Torah study in Torah” or the “hidden light” in possible? general, it is extremely difficult the other areas of Torah, he can The Rebbe Rashab’s parting for a person to find “his acquire the ability to do so by words before his passing were, individual place within Torah” to learning, absorbing and “Ich gei in himmel un di k’savim aid him in his “pursuit of practicing the “advice” he loz ich aich (I am going to righteousness” and “seeking out receives from the Nasi, or any of heaven and the writings I leave G-d,” the Tanya and the later the N’siim. Even someone who, for you).” The Rebbe, after a elaborations of the Rebbeim make as part of his service for Hashem lengthy critical analysis, explains it possible, through connecting to under the guidance of the Rebbe, this statement to express the idea the Rebbe himself (“those who finds himself perusing works of that just as Hashem “wrote know me well”) as he is invested questionable content and dubious Himself into the Torah” (as it into his teachings. authorship, has the “heart to were), so too “Tzaddikim are know” and “eyes to see” and similar to their Creator” and BOOK REDEMPTION “ears to hear,” to extract what is “write themselves into their good and reject what is harmful. Perhaps this will help us gain a Torah.” This is especially true of Thus, taking the books/s’farim greater appreciation for the a Nasi Chabad, since as the from their rightful place as part miraculous events of Hei Teves. Mitteler Rebbe explains in the of the collection of the Rebbe As we know, although each “Maamer Hishtat’chus,” the Rayatz, which, in a broader Jewish holiday has many Tzaddik whose function is to sense, belongs to all of the components, all of them are Chassidim, is to undermine the

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very role of the Nasi, whose mission is to unify all aspects of Hei Teves is both the time of the the Torah and the Jewish people, and reveal and make accessible “redeeming of captives” of the s’farim the path to righteousness and G- and an affirmation of the Rebbe’s dliness to each and every one of them. The spiritual idea of nesius. “books in captivity” would be either the lack of study of those down to earth. The very first primary desire be the revelation books or, on a more subtle level, work that the Rebbe authored, of Atzmus (Essence), and to such studying holy works without the , has a preface a degree, that when this implementing their teachings and page citing a letter of the Rebbe revelation does not shine forth, without an awareness of the G- Rayatz instructing every Jew - and even more so in the time of dly light in Torah. man and woman, young and old - exile when there doesn’t shine to confront the following forth even the revelation TAKING G-D question: (revelation of ‘light’) that was in OUT OF THE BOOK What have I done and what the time of the Sanctuary, he is in am I doing to alleviate the birth- a state of kasis (crushed). And he Reb Levi Yitzchok of pangs of Moshiach, and to merit asks three times a day (or more) Berditchev exclaimed in wonder the Complete Redemption that ‘and our eyes should see when over the Tanya, “How does one will come through our righteous You return to Zion with mercy,’ take such a great G-d and put Moshiach? because then there will be the Him into such a small book?” That same work ends with the revelation of G-dliness up to the The Alter Rebbe addressed saying of the Alter Rebbe revelation of Atzmus.” himself to those who “seek out recorded in In our time, it is not enough G-d” and he delivered, The first of the Tzemach Tzedek: to “pursue righteousness” and section of Tanya explains how I want nothing at all, I don’t “seek out G-d” as He is in a one brings the Sh’china into the want Your Gan Eden, I don’t book; we need to do everything in “intellectual faculties within his want Your Olam Haba...I want our power, utilizing the powers head.” nothing but You alone. given to us by the Rebbe as he Ever since then, each In the final maamer that the put himself into his Torah, to progressive generation has Rebbe edited fully before his reveal G-d Himself, Atzmus, in worked towards taking G-d out stroke in 1992 (V’Ata Tetzaveh, the world, by preparing ourselves of the book – or books – and 5741), he cites this saying of the and the world for “the Complete revealing Him in the world. In Alter Rebbe and explains that Redemption that will come our generation, the Rebbe made it through the N’siim of Chabad, all through our righteous Moshiach,” clear from day one that our the way to our generation, “every NOW! mission is to bring the Sh’china Jew is given the power that his www.MoshiachForKids.com Check it out!! Educational and Fun!!

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experts in this field, at least two of them” (response from Nissan 5733, Heichal Menachem vol. 1, p. 114). WRITING FOR Due to the enormous importance of “printed matter,” the Rebbe refrained, on principle, from giving his approbation to s’farim. One of the classic examples of the PERPETUITY Rebbe’s view on this is his reaction to a letter from Rabbi , who was launching a project to put together a new commentary on Tanach. His plan was to have a On countless occasions the Rebbe team of Torah scholars create an integrated commentary based on repeated the statement of the Tzemach accepted traditional commentaries Tzedek, “The spoken word is public, the and write it in a modern style. When he asked the Rebbe to be written word open to the whole world, a partner in this venture or alternatively, to give his approval to and the printed word – for generations the project, the Rebbe wrote in a letter, dated 2 , 5721, (Igros to come.” He explained that Kodesh, vol. 20, p. 43) explaining that this entailed great responsibility “generations to come” is at least four and if in even one place they put in generations. * A compilation of an inappropriate explanation, this would sully the entire project. instructions from the Rebbe to editors The Rebbe went on to say, “From this we understand that the and writers, presented for the Chag person in charge must be only someone who has the time and the HaS’farim, Hei Teves. leisure to devote to it, as necessary, to review every explanation from PRIVILEGE AND Rebbe writes, “Fortunate is the one end to the other and to RESPONSIBILITY person who, through his efforts, examine it thoroughly in order to words of Torah are established in do away with any veering from Since the Rebbe became Rebbe, print, which is for generations to tradition, from the straight path.” and even before that, he took a come. Especially in p’nimius The Rebbe goes on to say that it positive view towards the ha’Torah…in Yemos HaMoshiach is not possible in this situation to development of publishing in the we will be involved (primarily) with appoint a shliach or representative, frum world in general and this” (Igros Kodesh, vol. 1, p. 32). especially according to the particularly in the Chassidic sector. On the other hand, statement of the Tzemach Tzedek Throughout the years the Rebbe “Consequently, it is understood the that the printed word is for urged writers to publish their work extent of the privilege and generations to come. The Rebbe and more recently, from when the responsibility upon the publisher” concludes, “Therefore, I must Rebbe began giving out dollars for (Igros Kodesh, vol. 7, p. 217). refuse to accept this offer, negating tz’daka, we saw numerous authors In another letter, “Great is the it not only because of the and publishers from all merit of the matter in general – responsibility but also in order not backgrounds receiving the Rebbe’s surely it is not necessary to explain; to give my name to the project, bracha for their s’farim. all the more so to go on at length since putting one’s name on In the Rebbe’s letters we find for one such as yourself” (Igros something is synonymous with two opposite emphases regarding Kodesh, vol. 2, p. 214). taking a share of the responsibility, publishing: the privilege and the However, “Obviously there obviously.” responsibility. In one letter the needs to be proper critiquing from

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DON’T EXAGGERATE In the Rebbe’s letters we find two Before the index to sifrei Chassidus Chabad was printed, opposite emphases regarding Rabbi Leibel Groner asked, in a note, whether to mention in the publishing: the privilege and the introduction the statement of Chazal in Eiruvin that “before responsibility. Shlomo instituted etc. the Torah was like a basket without handles,” and to say that this index was similar, because until now, Toras HaChassidus was like a basket without handles since people couldn’t find certain topics, while now anyone can open the index and find what he’s looking for. The Rebbe answered, “Of course you cannot say that until 5726/1966, Toras HaChassidus was like a basket without handles” (Mikdash Melech p. 275).

A SEPARATE SECTION FOR STORIES OF CHASSIDIM When Mrs. Chedva Segal of N’shei U’Bnos Chabad in Eretz notes of my holy father-in-law, the THE IMPORTANCE Yisroel published the book Ateres Rebbe). OF EDITING Malchus about the Chabad Then the Rebbe wrote, “If the Regarding Mrs. Chedva Segal’s Rebbetzins, she informed the Rebbe section ‘Chassidim Mesaprim plan to publish the book Ateres that the book would also have (Chassidim relate)’ is delayed, don’t Malchus, the Rebbe wrote, “Surely stories taken from books of stories delay the printing of the book about all this is being edited along with about Chassidim. the Tzemach Tzedek for that someone else (‘for there is no one The Rebbe replied, “Perhaps in a (Mikdash Melech). judge except the one G-d’)” (Ateres separate section, so as not to mix “Special attention is needed for Malchus 5758 p. 9). that which is certain (from the any material printed together with In a letter to the hanhala of Rebbeim) with that which is not so sayings from my holy father-in-law, Tzeirei Agudas Chabad in Tel Aviv, certain” (Ateres Malchus 5758 p. the Rebbe.” (Igros Kodesh vol. 2 p. 18 Elul, 5720, “The greatest 10). 132) Regarding a book about the surprise is obvious when you send a Tzemach Tzedek, the Rebbe told draft copy here that is apparently Rabbi Avrohom Chanoch QUOTING CHAZAL the first version and of one person. Glitzenstein, “Stories told by the ACCURATELY Was it not possible to consult to Chassidim should be in a separate “Apparently, due to the lack of begin with over there and send me section at the end of the book, and sources and all the more so, not something that is closer to being only those that have a reliable examining them – which is ‘proper?’ May it be that from now source (which includes the work obviously essential prior to on there will begin to be some order ‘Beis Rebbe’). Obviously those publication – in addition to the in this.” (Mikdash Melech p. 256) recorded in the HaYom Yom should wording not being copied properly, In response to someone who be included in the main text (since they have also erred.” (Mikdash worked on the Rebbe’s sichos, “But those stories were copied from the Melech p. 256) why should it be the responsibility

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wondering about the holy words in The Rebbe wrote, “Surely all this is that letter [which would end up in being edited along with someone else the garbage]. The Rebbe replied, “In response (‘for there is no one judge except the one to your question that you saw my letter printed in a newspaper where G-d’)” there is concern that newspapers are not preserved and in this letter of one person; it is good and fitting PRECISION IN there were citations from Chazal that there be three who are suitable TRANSLATION and verses. I based myself on the – to translate from Yiddish custom of g’dolei Yisroel from our From a letter from the properly, to edit etc.” (Heichal previous country, as well as the secretariat to the editor of Bitaon Menachem vol. 1, p. 91) practice of the Rebbe, my father-in- Chabad: A response in connection with law when he was in the United “When you translate something Seifer HaMitzvos Mekutzar States, that when necessary he in halacha or Chassidus, in order to b’Yiddish, “Based on what it says, would print words of inspiration in be sure that the translation is ‘don’t be a single judge’, and newspapers and the like, even if precise, it is very important that ‘salvation is with many advisors,’ they had statements of Chazal and before printing, you have another surely you conducted yourself thus. verses. Of course, where possible scholar look it over (or discuss it In any case, another edit is always they were careful, i.e. not to write with him even before translating it), helpful, and if it is a large work you Hashem’s name as written, which someone you can rely on in this so put it out first in pamphlet form we do as well even in material that they will produce a good product (if and the like (Heichal Menachem, is printed in pamphlets and the like you have not done so until now, it vol. 1, p 104). and even in letters in the language would be good if you begin with In a response to Rabbi Yekusiel of the country, based on what it this issue).” Green in connection with his book, says in the poskim that there is Maskil L’Eisan, the Rebbe writes, holiness even in names for Hashem “… especially when it is intended WRITE SOURCES in other languages.” (Igros Kodesh for the public, and the review and From a letter to Rabbi Nachum vol. 12, p 17) approbation of a seasoned expert is Shmarya Sossonkin in connection Despite this leniency, the Rebbe in order.” (Heichal Menachem vol. with the pamphlets Avrohom Avinu, was not lenient with printed 2, p. 167) “It’s a shame that you did not brochures published by Chabad and A response in connection with include sources and editing. And he instructed, “When you print the pamphlet Yagdil Torah, the practical implication (of my such things - add (in Russian) to “Furthermore and most pointing this out) is for future preserve the issue with respect importantly, on a number of pamphlets.” (Heichal Menachem since it has verses etc.” occasions I have pointed out and vol. 1 p. 106) In connection with printing a asked and pleaded that before In a letter to Rabbi Simcha Raz, booklet with the 12 p’sukim, the publishing something that pertains “If you would note in your book … Rebbe wrote, “When it is reprinted, to the honor of Chabad, they a source for each saying and add in the appropriate place that it should find someone to proofread it aphorism, surely a sizable number needs to be properly preserved properly; otherwise, they should of your readers will be inspired to since it has etc.” (Heichal wait until a person like this is look it up inside, and become Menachem, vol. 1, p. 102) found. Obviously, the proofreader intrigued by what it says before and When a brochure on Mivtza must understand (at least after etc. (Heichal Menachem, vol. Pesach was printed and it did not superficially) what he is editing.” 2, p. 131) have the warning to preserve its (Heichal Menachem vol. 1, p. 85) sanctity, the Rebbe wrote, “Urgent “Was there a review (at least PLEASE TREAT THIS – add with a rubber stamp and the superficially) of that which is like to preserve the sanctity of the enclosed by at least two people WITH RESPECT issue (because of brachos etc.).” before it was sent to me?” (Beis Once, an American rabbi wrote (Mikdash Melech, p. 276) Moshiach issue 191 p. 13 Hebrew a letter to the Rebbe in which he To someone who sent the Rebbe side). said he saw a letter from the Rebbe some pictures made out of verses in a certain newspaper and he was and excerpts from piyutim, the

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Rebbe noted, “Perhaps it would be worthwhile adding, in the proper “I have pointed out and asked and place, ‘Preserve the sanctity of these pleaded that before publishing writings.’” (Heichal Menachem vol. 3, p. 88) something that pertains to the honor of

PUBLICIZING THE NAME Chabad, they should find someone to OF THE EDITOR proofread it properly; otherwise, they When the Rebbe received the book, Chagei Yisroel U’Moadav, should wait until a person like this is edited by Mrs. Rochel Zamir, the Rebbe wrote, “Obviously, they did a found. Obviously, the proofreader must good thing by mentioning her name understand (at least superficially) what in the book as she put in a lot more than just compiling it. And Chazal he is editing.” say that it’s a mitzva to publicize those who do a mitzva… and as for should take up more space, and the , etc. as understood from chinuch – it is extremely important reasons are obvious.” (Mikdash the ruling of Chazal that it is a on a practical level, especially as it Melech p. 278) mitzva to publicize those who do a relates to the influence of the mitzva, that the simple reason is author in her teaching matters of TO PERMIT COPYING that by doing so you have ‘the yiras Shamayim etc.” (Heichal BUT ON CONDITION jealousy of scribes increases Menachem vol. 1, p 103) wisdom.’” (From a letter to Rabbi “Regarding the request of Avrohom Chanoch Glitzenstein, PUBLISHING A BOOKLET Rabbi_____ about copying some Igros Kodesh vol. 12, p. 95) articles and stories from the AS A MEMENTO OF THE Shmuzen etc. Rely on your KINUS understanding to decide locally and ABOUT WRITING From a letter to N’shei U’Bnos if you see fit to allow it…then SUPERFICIALLY Chabad in Nachalat Har Chabad surely you will require from them “I have already said, based on and Beer Sheva: “It is worthwhile an official letter in which they will one of the principles of Chassidus publishing a booklet (even though commit that on every article and that there is no bad in the world the importance of the matter story it must say that it’s with without good, there is some value requires a book, but that will take permission from the publisher and to the superficiality which is too long) of reports, speeches, etc.” that the copyright is exclusively that characteristic of many readers of (Beis Moshiach) of the publisher.” (From a letter to newspapers. True, this is a very bad To N’shei U’Bnos Chabad in R’ B. Gorodetzky, Igros Kodesh trait, since superficiality has an New York: “It would be worthwhile vol. 7, p. 343) aspect that is even worse than lack at least… to publish a booklet that of knowledge since you oftentimes will include divrei Torah… current REGARDS FROM 770 grasp something incorrectly candle lighting times… about the and corrupt it. “Regarding what you write N’shei U’Bnos Chabad and its “On the other about material for the upcoming activities, etc. It would very proper hand, issue of the Bitaon, surely you will that it be done in a way that people in utilize the regards and that which will want to take it as a memento the was related by the guests from and to grace their book area or as a Eretz Yisroel who visited here, the gift, etc.” national Kinus of N’shei TO ENLARGE U’Bnos THE STORY SECTION Chabad, the From a letter to the editors of Yud-Tes Bitaon Chabad: “The story section Kislev

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present situation a great benefit lies within it since due to our many You need to read the article we are sins, most of what is written in speaking of another time, but as though newspapers and other printed matter would be better if they were you are merely the reader and not the not printed and publicized; The loss of not publishing there is great and writer. Guess what the conclusion of the the benefit is dubious. Yet, superficiality helps in reducing the reader will be and see if there is damage and loss and in most cases the reader only relates to it as anything to correct... The primary job of sensationalism, especially in this the editorial board is to put themselves case, and the nature of people is that the next day they look for in the reader’s place and assess how he another sensation, and the old gives way to the new.” will react to what is printed.

QUOTING FROM NON- Don’t write deep articles that “If your intention is that the KOSHER SOURCES pertain only to intellectuals and Bitaon have a wide readership and researchers. 3) Don’t write long not be limited to a very small group “In reading your books I saw, to articles, even easy ones, because the of people, take into consideration my dismay, that he quotes M. reader will first look at the length of that at least most of the articles Duber, and apparently with feelings the article and won’t even start should be suited to the nature of at of admiration. Surely his history reading it. 4) If the article must be least most of the readers in content, and views are known to you, and lengthy, you can write it in style, and length.” (from a letter to since you have acquired a installments. 5) You have to write the editors of Bitaon Chabad, reputation and people take your deep things, too, but do so in a way Mikdash Melech p. 268) view into consideration, this can that is understandable to all. 6) “Practically speaking – as I serve as a sort of hechsher etc. Increase the story section. 7) Don’t wrote before, the primary job of the when he does not deserve this at use the phrase, “Machsheves editorial board is to put themselves all.” (Heichal Menachem, vol. 1, p. Yisroel” (Jewish Thought) since in the reader’s place and assess how 97) others use this expression in an he will react to what is printed.” undesirable way. (Heichal Menachem, vol. 1, p. 88) ABOUT THOUGHT PIECES READ IT AGAIN DECIDE WHO YOU ARE In general, the Rebbe greatly “Since Hashem has granted you WRITING FOR encouraged that thought pieces be that you are a successful writer, “There needs to be a decision written in all sorts of newspapers. meaning that you have found the about who your intended audience In a letter to Rabbi Avrohom way to affect your readers, I think is and that will determine the Chanoch Glitzenstein in 5712, the you need to read the article we are specifics of the content. (Beis Rebbe wrote in the margin, “In speaking of another time, but as Moshiach issue 119) response to your letter, it is worth though you are merely the reader exerting effort to print articles in all and not the writer. Guess what the DON’T PUBLICIZE the suitable newspapers.” (Heichal conclusion of the reader will be and Menachem, vol. 2, p. 185) see if there is anything to correct, EVERYTHING The following are some and how to go about it, if the “Although in general it is instructions that the Rebbe wrote to conclusion (of the reader) requires correct, still – some details were the editorial board of Bitaon correction. And perhaps you ought put in that even though it is Chabad about how to present to include someone objective possible that everyone knows that thought pieces (from a letter without any prior opinion, in order people conduct themselves this way, printed in Mikdash Melech, p. to get a completely objective you don’t need to announce it” 268): reaction.” (Mikdash Melech, p. (cited in Beis Moshiach issue 119). 1) Have a variety of topics. 2) 258)

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shlichus

say a bracha. He told her that he didn’t need a reminder, and he took a yarmulke out of his pocket and said the bracha out loud. THE REBBE, Then he told her why he is always careful to say a bracha before he eats. “When I was a boy I was very poor, and I’m ashamed to admit OUR FATHER that I would break into houses and cars and rob them. The second time that I was caught, I was sentenced to two years in By Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz jail. I was feeling very down and Shliach, Beit Shaan just then a Chabad rabbi appeared. “When I was a boy I was very poor, and “He told me he is a shliach of the Rebbe and he suggested that I I’m ashamed to admit that I would put on t’fillin. I told him I was not in the mood. He didn’t get break into houses and cars and rob angry. He just said, ‘If it is hard for you to put t’fillin on now, them. The second time that I was there is something easy you can caught, I was sentenced to two years in do. Whenever you eat and drink, say a bracha first.’ I agreed to jail. I was feeling very down and just that and we parted. “From then on, my life then a Chabad rabbi appeared...” changed. I committed to saying a bracha before I ate and as my Shluchim attribute their shluchim his children and we mood improved, so did my success to the Rebbe. It’s not a shluchim make every effort to circumstances. I was released new innovation that we call our deserve this title and to merit the earlier than expected. I changed Rebbeim by the title “fathers” - giluyim and kochos that our my life and now, boruch Hashem, it’s an old Chassidic practice. father, the meshaleiach gives us. I own this taxi business with There’s even a Chassidic song in This week, I will tell you some dozens of taxis. And to this day, I Ukrainian that expresses this stories about kochos that the never forget to say a bracha Chassidic feeling – Chotsh mi Rebbe, our father gives the before I eat or drink.” chudi, chotsh mi chudi, nashi shluchim, his children and about batki dobri (Although we are not the fatherly relationship that the A MEETING WITH that successful, our fathers are Rebbe has with every Jew. THE VICE PRESIDENT superior, with “fathers” referring OF THE COLLEGE to our Rebbeim). Thanks to this THANKS TO ONE Rabbi Dotan Korati is the connection with our “fathers,” we MEETING IN PRISON can rejoice and be successful in director of a at the shlichus. A shlucha who participated in largest college in Israel, a school I have heard many a Kinus HaShluchim here in for administration in Rishon knowledgeable and “feeling” Israel told me the following. She L’Tziyon. R’ Dotan came a long Chassidim repeatedly stress their occasionally uses a taxi service way these past four years, from a love for the Rebbe at every near her house. On one of her Shomer HaTzair (virulently anti- opportunity, referring to the trips, the owner of the taxi stand religious) kibbutz via a Chabad Rebbe as Rabbeinu, Malkeinu, drove. Along the way, she noticed house in India, the Chabad house Tatte, etc. This relationship is that he was about to take a drink in Beit Shaan, Daas in mutual. The Rebbe calls the of water and she reminded him to Rechovot, to working fulltime in spreading the wellsprings at this

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college. He will also meet with R’ Dotan The couple wavered for a few R’ Dotan, who did all his and with Hashem’s help there will days and could not decide what learning in yeshiva after his be another date to celebrate and to do. They thought it might be wedding, caught on quickly. strengthen the connection to our better to wait a few years, until While studying in yeshiva with father, our shepherd. the child got bigger and stronger. Rabbi Yitzchok Arad, he began Perhaps they should consult with working with shliach, Rabbi Ariel WITH THE ADVICE other doctors. Mr. Batito then Goren. At the college there was a OF A DOCTOR-FRIEND remembered that in his youth he small room in the main building had learned in the Chabad school which R’ Dotan turned into a Nearly everyone in Beit Shaan in Morocco. shul. He announced that there knows Mr. Chaim Batito. He “Why don’t I ask the advice of was a shul and that everybody came from Morocco at the age of the Rebbe of Chabad?” was invited for t’fillos, 10 and has been living in Beit He flew to New York and , and shiurim. Shaan for fifty years. He worked stood on line for dollars. Finally, The room quickly became too for years in education and was he was facing the Rebbe. He small to hold all the attendees highly praised by his students and briefly told the Rebbe about his and the programs spread out to their parents. Then he worked for son and asked for the Rebbe’s other rooms and lecture halls. R’ a bank, where they also bracha. The Rebbe instructed him Arad was invited to give classes at recognized his good qualities. It to do as a doctor-friend advised. the college and the students did not take long before he was Mr. Batito returned to Israel flocked to shiurim, t’fillos, and promoted to the position of but he did not have any doctor farbrengens. manager of the bank branch in friends. Days passed and their Apparently he was doing too Beit Shaan. indecision was a constant source well, because one of the lecturers At the same time, Mr. Batito of worry. He knew a certain suddenly realized that an “illegal worked on behalf of the doctor but that doctor had no settlement” had formed under his community. He founded the main expertise in the heart and heart very nose, including shul in the Bneh Beischa operations. He couldn’t help. brainwashing, chazara b’t’shuva, neighborhood. It started in a One day, he was sitting in his and other “crimes.” His bomb shelter, but later he got office at the bank, busy with complaint reached the president sufficient donations and money paperwork, when someone of the college’s office and R’ from the city to build a beautiful entered his office and announced, Dotan was called for a talk with building over the shelter where “I came from America and I need the vice president. He had tried t’fillos, community events, a loan of a million shekels.” for a year and a half to arrange memorials, bar mitzvas etc. are Mr. Batito looked up to see an appointment with the vice held. He is the chazan and gabbai who the jokester was and saw an president but the latter was and says the divrei Torah when a old friend from twenty years always busy. speech is called for. He provides before. They had a friendly At this meeting, the vice guidance and is a real leader. conversation about the past and president asked what his 26 years ago, his wife gave present, about their families, their programming was about, who birth to their third son, who they children, and where they lived. participated, etc. At the end of named Itamar. When Itamar was Then Mr. Batito asked him what the meeting he said, “You have three and a half, the doctors brought him to the bank that day. my approval to continue your discovered a problem with his The man answered, “I am a work. I get positive feedback heart. The resulting medical cardiologist.” Mr. Batito’s heart about you and your activities. problems worsened with time skipped a beat. “Really?” he May it be with success.” until the doctors feared that if left exclaimed. R’ Dotan told his mekuravim untreated, his life would be in The doctor did not understand that 11 Teves is the “Didan danger. Mr. Batito and his wife why his friend was so astounded Natzach” of Chabad at the had to spend days at the hospital until he explained that for days he college. Like the big “Didan until finally, the doctors advised had been seeking a doctor-friend Natzach with the s’farim,” the that the child undergo a heart whose expertise was the heart. victory is being appealed… Now operation that would enable them “You are a friend and a doctor the president himself is involved. to correct the problem. and your expertise is the heart!”

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two women. We decided to combine our tour with a visit to the Rebbe. We stood on line for dollars, the men and women separate. “‘When the two women passed by the Rebbe, there were suddenly calls for Hatzalah. One of the women had fainted right after receiving a dollar from the Rebbe. The men from Hatzalah soon revived her and we returned to the hotel before going back to Israel. “‘In a free moment I went over to her and asked what had happened at the Rebbe that R’ Dotan working at the college caused her to faint. [Ed. This is He told him the whole story, ‘good news.’ Within a few days the story that was recounted in including the Rebbe’s advice, and he managed to get on their trail the article in issue 721 entitled asked his doctor-friend whether and he got all his money back. “Menora with a Hechsher.” In he would examine his son. His This incident served to cement that article, the bachur repeated doctor-friend was happy to help our friendship, which leads us to this story on Mivtza Chanuka to a out and he looked at all the the second part of the story. woman from a religious home, medical records and gave his “This diamond merchant got who had assimilated.] She told opinion about how and where to married and I was the officiating me in a trembling voice, ‘I am a do the operation. rabbi. He gave out mashke at the Holocaust survivor. With my own The operation was successful wedding which he had received eyes I saw how they took my and the child’s parents were from the Rebbe on that visit. parents and forced them on to the relaxed throughout. Itamar grew “When he turned 60 he invited train that took them to a place up in good health. dozens of friends to a modest from which they never returned. party in the yard of his home. I My mother’s final words to me was there too and I said some were screamed as the train began MIRA’LE, LIGHT to move. She said, ‘Mirale, light SHABBOS CANDLES! divrei Torah. Then he told the crowd about the bracha and Shabbos candles!’ These words R’ Motti Gal, shliach in Ramat miracle that he had merited from are my final memory of my Gan, relates: the Lubavitcher Rebbe. mother. “Thirty years ago, I met a “To the shock of everyone “‘I was standing facing the diamond merchant at the present, one of the guys got up Rebbe and the Rebbe gave me a exchange in Ramat Gan. One and said, ‘That’s nonsense to say dollar and said, ‘Mirale, light day, he came to me all shaken up that the Rebbe can disclose where Shabbos candles!’ I fainted.’” because of a sting perpetrated by swindlers are hidden. “The man from the Jewish diamond merchants, professional “There was a moment of utter Agency finished his story and all swindlers, who left him in debt silence. How dare he disparage present were swept up in the without any way to pay. The his host’s story?! Then another excitement of the Rebbe’s open swindlers disappeared without a friend, also around 60, got up ruach ha’kodesh.” trace and it seemed a lost cause. and he said, ‘I’d like to tell you We, dear children of the “I suggested that he go to who the Rebbe from Lubavitch is. Rebbe, should always remember New York and ask the Rebbe for I was a shliach for the Jewish that our father is still alive. a bracha. He followed my advice Agency and I visited many When we reciprocate to the and flew to America, where he countries in the course of my Rebbe our love and devotion, the stood on line for ‘dollars.’ He work. I got to tour the US for a Rebbe will bless us with success received the Rebbe’s bracha for few days; we were four men and in shlichus.

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memoirs

a deep impression on us as children which affects us till this day. In order to draw the reader into the atmosphere of my childhood CHASSIDISHE years, I will begin with some historical background: After the Communist Revolution in 1917, the communist regime began a war to exterminate religion. CHINUCH IN Although according to law there was freedom of religion, in actual fact, anyone who failed to follow the communist program was in serious trouble. In the 1930’s, when the SOVIET communist war on its opponents was at its height, tens of thousands of people were shot to death in the KGB cellars and hundreds of thousands of people were exiled to RUSSIA labor camps in the wilderness of Siberia at the North Pole. This was the fate that awaited anyone who dared to educate his Prepared for publication by Avrohom Rainitz children in the spirit of Judaism. For the crime of poisoning his children The war on Jewish chinuch was waged with religion, the “opiate of the masses,” he was marked as an on two fronts: “turn away from evil” enemy of the state. Since Mother Russia was concerned for the and “do good.” The former was welfare of her citizens, the law stated that his right to educate his children accomplished by avoiding, where was rescinded and the children were possible, registering children in sent to special institutions where they were “reeducated.” communist schools or, when this was The words of the prophet, “your wreckers and destroyers will emerge not an option, fighting so that they did from you,” were fulfilled in communist Russia. The Yevsektzia not go on Shabbos and Yom Tov. The (short for Jewish section), a special division of the KGB, led the war latter front, of course, meant providing against the Jewish religion. It was them with a proper chinuch. * The run by Jews who had left Judaism and the biggest tzaros came from following installment is about the war them. As we know from the writings of the Rebbe Rayatz, his arrest was a on both these fronts as related by Rabbi result of the work of the Yevsektzia and they were the ones who led the Hillel Zaltzman. war against him. The Jewish schools and yeshivos When the average person thinks Russia. Our parents’ were the Yevsektzia’s first target. of his past, he has the fewest uncompromising battle to provide us Within a short time, all religious memories of his early childhood. with an authentic chinuch and schools were closed. Public schools This is not the case, though, with prevent us from being exposed to the were opened and their curriculum those who were children in Soviet heretical communist education made was based on Marxist-Leninist

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From right to left: Hillel Zaltzman, Berel Zaltzman, Eli Mishulovin

ideology which taught utterly them, “di osiyos”-the letters, or “di heresy was instilled in every possible heretical beliefs regarding a Creator drai osiyos” – the three letters way. of the world. Parents were legally (GPU, KGB). The Chassidim Each parent had the burden of obligated to register their children in referred to the police as “a knepl” – chinuch on his shoulders. If you these schools. a button, for the buttons on their wanted your child to have a Jewish The Yevsektzia did not stop with uniforms). education, you had to sit down and that. To ensure that the children The members of the committee teach them or hire someone to do would be completely cut off from a had to report to the secret police so, with mesirus nefesh, a few times life of Torah and mitzvos and t’filla about who davened there and most a week. In those days, parents felt with a minyan, they closed all shuls. importantly, make sure that parents the importance of the Rebbe Someone who organized a minyan did not bring any children under the Rashab’s instruction that just as the would be accused of disturbing the age of 18. Whoever brought their mitzva of t’fillin every day is a peace. In many towns not one active children to shul was accused of Biblical mitzva for every man, so too shul remained, while in the big cities poisoning his children with anti- it is obligatory for every Jew to the government allowed one shul so communist values. This endangered dedicate half an hour of thought a they could show the world that in the shul because it was an excuse for day to the chinuch of his children. Russia there was freedom of the authorities to shut it down. Lubavitchers, who were educated religion. For example, before the Naturally, most people who to mesirus nefesh by the Rebbe Revolution there were 94 shuls in davened in the official shuls were Rayatz, aroused the “essence of the Minsk. After the persecutions by the elderly retirees, for they had nothing soul” and with unusual strength, communists and Nazis all that to lose. Working people, though, bravely opposed the heresy and remained was one, small, secret were afraid to go to shul since their managed to give their children a minyan. names would be put on the black list kosher education despite everything. In order to receive government and they were liable to lose their Some of them learned at home and approval, these few remaining shuls jobs. while others organized secret had to have a committee of twenty You can understand how difficult yeshivos. Those G-d fearing people people, most of whom were loyal to it was to give children a Jewish who were not Lubavitchers brought the secret police (the name of the education without a yeshiva, without their children to the secret Chabad secret police was changed several a minyan, and worst of all – having yeshivos, knowing that this would times over the years. Anash called to send them to public school where enable them to remain Jews.

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FIRST MISSION: TO HIDE For the crime of poisoning his children THE CHILDREN FROM THE NEIGHBORS with religion, he was marked as an The war for Jewish chinuch was enemy of the state. Since Mother Russia waged on two fronts: sur mei’ra and asei tov. The former was was concerned for the welfare of her accomplished by avoiding, where possible, registering children in citizens, the law stated that his right to communist schools or, when this was not an option, fighting so that educate his children was rescinded... they did not go on Shabbos and Yom Tov. At the same time, they had find out why their children did not to give their children an authentic attend school. If the parents refused Jewish education. I will tell you to register their children, it was a about these two fronts in my snowball that continued to roll until childhood. it reached the offices of the KGB, I was born in Charkov but when with all the ensuing ramifications. I was three and a half the Nazis Very few succeeded in not approached Charkov and, like sending their children to school at hundreds of Anash, we fled for all. Many parents could not maintain Samarkand in Central Asia. the fight, since they knew that if the Shortly after we arrived in rope was stretched too taut their Samarkand, my older brother and children could be forcibly removed sister became old enough for school, and sent for “reeducation” in and my parents began their many- government orphanages. A child year battle for the chinuch of their who was educated in this way was children. It was terrible. In addition completely cut off from his parents and everything Jewish. He did not to the heresy in the schools, going to Rabbi Avrohom Zaltzman, father school entailed chilul Shabbos and of R’ Hillel, listening to a broadcast stand the slightest chance of Yom Tov, co-education and of the Rebbe retaining his Judaism. associating with goyim. All this was Many Chassidim sacrificed their poison for young children and my their neighborhood and registering daughters and sent them to public father did all he could to prevent us all the children of school-age. The school to appease the authorities. Of from attending public school. Most teachers would go from courtyard to course they did not abandon their of the burden, tension and fear fell courtyard and innocently ask the daughters to their spiritual fate but on the young women whose neighbors whether there were any spent hours at home on their Jewish husbands went to work. Every knock school-aged children. When the education to minimize the damage at the door caused their hearts to neighbors knew of children of the caused to their souls in school. For skip a beat. right age, they would say so. their sons, however, the danger was The first stage in the battle was Registration for school generally greater so every effort was made to to ensure that the neighbors would took place in the summer, before the keep them out of the public school not know that there were school- following school year began. When system and in a framework of proper aged children in the house. Why did registration was over, Jewish parents chinuch. the children have to be hidden from and children alike would breathe a It’s important to note that in the the neighbors? Because, as I sigh of relief. Of course we couldn’t early years after the Revolution, the mentioned earlier, the government be seen on the street because if the communists made great efforts to had set up a centralized educational teachers would catch wind of uproot belief from the hearts of the system, and in order to promote school-aged children whose parents children. The teachers in public their ideology and reach all children, refused to register them, this school dedicated lessons to this and every principal had to register all the information would immediately be at every opportunity they inserted children in his district. The reported to the principal. their heretical ideas. In those years, principals gave the teachers the task According to law, the principal Chassidim were moser nefesh not to of going from house to house in had to go to the parents’ home and send their children to public school.

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R’ Yitzchok and R’ Michoel Mishulovin R’ Mordechai Goldschmidt (right) and R’ Yaakov Lerner (left)

However, when I was a child, existence and passed this accepted his explanation. thirty years after the Revolution, the information on to the principal of As a child, I loved art, drawing communists felt they had already the local school. My father began and music. I remember that when vanquished the believers and they receiving threats from the principal they saw my pictures in art class didn’t put as much effort into the that if he did not send me to school, they were very enthusiastic and they brainwashing. The main problems his rights as a parent would be lost, called me an artist. However, I with attending public school were since he was preventing his child preferred keeping my talents to fraternizing with goyim and chilul from receiving a communist myself rather than sharing them with Shabbos. Chassidim did all they education. There was no choice and my classmates. I had implanted could to hide their children but after I had to be registered for public within myself a deep hatred for the it was discovered that they had school. goyishe holidays, customs, and way school-aged children and they had to My father tried to minimize the of life. send them to school or face losing damage and registered me in a In music class the songs praised them, many Chassidim opted to school far from home in a Mother Russia, Father Stalin and the send their children and to try as neighborhood of goyim, in the hopes communist party. Although I knew much as possible to avoid chilul that the teachers and staff would not how to sing well, I kept quiet. The Shabbos. be familiar with Jewish law and teacher once asked me, “Zaltzman, My father tried to hide us and wouldn’t notice that I was missing how come you never sing?” Without was successful for some years. But school on Shabbos and Yom Tov. thinking I blurted out, “I don’t like after it became impossible to hide all Because of my advanced age, I your songs.” the children from the neighbors, he was registered immediately for In the second that followed my decided to send my sister to school second grade. My father spoke to thoughtless response I realized this to lessen the pressure on the boys. the teacher (Nina Semyanova was comment of mine had put me in Thanks to my sister going to school, her name) and after giving her a danger. The teacher looked at me in my father managed to hide my older nice gift he explained to her that amazement and asked, “What do brother until he was past school age until now I hadn’t attended school you mean by ‘your songs?’ Which and the danger dissipated. because I was a weak child and the songs are ‘ours’ and which songs are doctors said I should rest. For this ‘yours?’ Go over to the blackboard FAUX PAS IN reason, I had to rest two days a and sing one of your songs.” MUSIC CLASS week and so in addition to Sundays, With Hashem’s help I managed when we had off, I would not be to extricate myself from the My father also managed to hide attending school on Saturdays predicament I had brought upon me for more than two years after I either. The teacher, who was myself. We shared a courtyard with became school-aged. But when I was unaware of the sanctity of Shabbos the landlord’s son, a Jewish student nine the neighbors learned of my in the Jewish religion, naively by the name of Pinchas who loved

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listening to records of Azerbaijani go to school on Monday, after a two CALLED TO THE Rashid Baibutov. He would play his day absence, I was afraid that they PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE music loudly so I came to know would laugh at me for being absent. At the beginning of my second many of the songs. I tried to arrive earlier and to walk year in public school, my father was I walked up to the blackboard around near the school so my also able to arrange things with the and began to sing one of his songs. classmates would see me and get third grade teacher so she turned a The teacher enjoyed it so much that used to my presence. blind eye to my regular Shabbos either she completely forgot my faux I did not remove the Uzbeki absences. He hoped to leave me in pas or she believed that I was yarmulke that I wore when I entered third grade for another year since in referring to Azerbaijani music. the classroom. However, sometimes fourth grade, there were more In those days, due to the the teacher would tell me to remove teachers for additional subjects and shortage of classrooms, lessons took it. I did not try to defy her so as not my father was afraid that he place in shifts, one in the morning to cause any trouble, but I would put wouldn’t be able to arrange things and one in the afternoon. The music my hand on my head so as not to with all of them. class took place in the final hour of remain bareheaded. My father said that I was a weak the morning session and while I Occasionally there were child and would have a hard time sang, the teachers of the afternoon government medical exams at school with the pressure of fourth grade so session arrived and my teacher for vaccinations, etc. They gave the he requested that I stay in third invited them to her classroom. She injection in the arm or shoulder and grade. I remember that a took pride in her student who sang when I saw the nurse coming I was Lubavitcher heard of my father’s so nicely. terrified. How would I hide my efforts to keep me in third grade and Once they discovered my singing tzitzis? If I took it off, the entire he reacted with surprise: “Everybody ability they began asking me to class would see it and who knows wants his child to be skipped a grade perform on all sorts of holidays, what would happen. while R’ Avrohom is trying to keep such as the first of May, At the last minute, before the his son back!” international workers’ day, and the nurse got up to me, I lifted my shirt However, at the end of the year seventh of November, the day of the and hid the tzitzis under it. The my secret was discovered. The Communist Revolution. Each time I nurse, who was a Bucharian Jew, principal found out that my regular was asked, a strong battle was noticed the tzitzis and whispered to absences were connected with the waged within me. On the one hand, me in Russian, “You are a good and Jewish religion. I arrived at school I wanted to perform to be able to clever boy.” on Monday early, as usual, and demonstrate my talent and to prove After that incident I was afraid to when I entered the classroom I to them that I could perform and wear tzitzis at school. From then on noticed that the teacher hadn’t sing better than them. On the other I would wear tzitzis until I got to showed up yet. A few minute later I hand, I had a deep-seated hatred for school and before I entered the was told to go immediately to the Soviet holidays. It was my envy classroom I would go to the principal’s office. versus my hatred. bathroom, take it off, and hide it in I fearfully made my way to the In the end, I never performed for my briefcase. At the end of the day, office and was confronted by not their celebrations and I didn’t even before I left school, I went to the only the principal, but the assistant attend them. When I think about it bathroom again and put the tzitzis principal and teacher as well (my today I realize how powerful the back on. teacher had direct responsibility, by chinuch my parents gave me was. Another thing I put on in the law, for her students). The three of How much courage an 11 year old bathroom was a red tie. In those them gazed at me and the principal needed not to be drawn after his days, every child had to register for asked in a firm voice, “Tell us, gentile classmates and to hold strong Pioneers, the communist youth Zaltzman, why don’t you attend for such a long time! group. Every Pioneer received a red school on Saturday and who tie which he wore to school. Since I educated you this way?” was automatically registered for the TZITZIS AND A RED TIE I said I was weak and the doctor Pioneers, I got a tie. Every morning Remaining observant while said I should rest two days a week. I went into the bathroom, removed attending communist school Although I was a young boy I knew my tzitzis and put on, l’havdil, the demanded much creativity on my the game I was supposed to play and red tie. In the afternoon I took off part in order to hide what I was that I had to insist that my absences the tie and put on the tzitzis. doing. For example, when I would had nothing to do with the religious

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education I received at home. The principal, and the assistant principal and my teacher yelled at me and berated me for my fanaticism. They finally told me that my father had to come to the school. They said that if I had to rest two days a week, I could pick another day of the week, not Saturday. When my father appeared at school they warned him that if he prevented his son from going to school on Shabbos for religious reasons he would be in trouble. They threatened that his parental rights would be rescinded and I would be reeducated in a state school with a dormitory. My father denied responsibility for my absences on Shabbos and I also maintained that Chassidishe children in Samarkand. From left to right on top: Itche Mishulovin, it was only because of my health. Sholom Ber Garelik, Bentzion Goldschmidt After the meeting with the Bottom: Berel Vilenkin, Luzik Vilenkin, Mordechai Garelik principal, my father began to look for another school so I wouldn’t there and I would be able to be not to show up on Shabbos. have to attend this school on absent without arousing suspicion. According to the law, when a Shabbos. In the meantime, until he My father explained to the principals student is transferring to another was able to register me elsewhere, of the school I was in that he wanted school, the principal has to transfer my father asked me to hide my to transfer me to a different school all his papers to the new school, thus briefcase in school on Friday and to because my aunt lived there and she transferring the responsibility of the go to school on Shabbos without it. would care for me. child. When my father went to my He would speak to the teacher about The administration, which wasn’t previous school and said he was not making me write and be interested in problems with a child switching me to a new school, he mechalel Shabbos. who observed religious laws, was suggested that they avoid the bother But I was nervous that I would happy to get rid of me and quickly of transferring the documents and be compelled to write and I refused arranged the transfer of documents that he would take care of it. The to go to school. My father, who was to the new school. principal, who was lax in doing his afraid that they would carry out their The great distance to the new job, agreed to his idea and gave my threat, pleaded with me, “You are school was very hard for me. In father the papers. not yet bar mitzva and if you don’t those days there was no My father “forgot” to go go on Shabbos, it poses a big danger transportation to school and I had to immediately to the new school where for all of us because they can arrest walk a half an hour each way. he planned on registering me. Two me and send you to a state During the winter I had to leave weeks went by and he saw that orphanage where they will certainly early in the morning while it was still nobody took an interest in me, so he force you to write on Shabbos.” dark outside and I was very afraid. decided to wait a bit longer and see On Shabbos morning I got up But I was happy to be able to keep what would happen. When another early and, while my father and the Shabbos. few weeks went by he realized that family were still sleeping, I quietly After some months went by and nobody had information about left the house and went to my friend the new school had begun asking me where I was supposed to be going to Michoel Mishulovin. why I didn’t show up on Shabbos, school and nobody cared. My father found a new school for my father decided to try the opposite So I remained at home and my me in the non-Jewish section of the tactic – to transfer me to a school tribulations with communist schools city, more than a half hour walk close to home where the staff was were over. from the Jewish neighborhood. They Jewish, and to ask them to allow me [To be continued.] hadn’t heard about Shabbos over

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chanuka

up? Even if I trace it to its source, is it light that I see, or a light bulb, or the sun? ITS ALL Light is like the divine energy that fills the world, it’s apparent but not visible. Or like the light of the soul - “ki ner Hashem nishmas adam” - the soul of man is the ABOUT LIGHT candle of Hashem. I, for one, have never seen a soul. But like anyone else, I can tell the difference between a body that has one and By Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd one that doesn’t. And this brings us to another dimension of Chanuka - the battle Of all the special dates on the Eight expresses infinity by against Hellenism was a battle for Jewish calendar, there’s only one showing we don’t stop at one series the soul, including the soul of man that celebrates light and of course, but cycle over and over again. Eight - the neshama; the soul of the that’s Chanuka. Not that we are starts the new cycle of weeks, of universe - G-d; and the soul of our short on themes for this holiday: octaves, of oscillations. And by activities - mitzvah - “ki ner There’s the miraculous military virtue of the simple fact that eight is mitzvah v’Torah or” - a mitzvah is a victory compared to which the Six- more than seven (nature), it implies candle and the Torah is light. Day-War was blasé. There’s the the miraculous, the supernatural. The Hellenists fought against absolute commitment and epic We could have marked those the idea of mitzvah, bringing heroism of the Maccabees that eight days with eight jugs of oil, heaven down to earth, manifesting makes the raid at Entebbe look eight latkes or eight psalms for that G-dliness in the physical world. routine. There was even the matter. Why specifically lights? Of The remedy was to go flat out the archetypal culture clash between course it’s because the oil was used other way, to protect and defend Athens and Jerusalem that has for lighting the menora, but still we exactly this, the holiness of the reverberated throughout Jewish can learn some lessons from light deed, of the mitzvah, and that’s history down to this very day. itself. why we celebrate with a mitzvah But the main observance of Our sages remark that although candle. It’s the victory of light over Chanuka wasn’t hooked on any of the Chanuka lights are only a darkness. that. It’s all about light. rabbinic mitzva, its date, the 25th The Lubavitcher Rebbe refers to The lights of Chanuka of Kislev, is alluded by the fact that the deeds of Moshiach as his light. commemorate the miracle of oil, the 25th word of the Torah is “Or” His presence in the world, on the and the details are instructive too. - light. The Hebrew word “Or” too other hand, is comparable to air - The eight days reflect unity, infinity has its inner meaning. It’s it’s everywhere although you can’t and the supernatural. Think seven numerical value is 207, which spells see it. Breathing the air of and you will see why. The number “Raz,” or “secret.” Not only does Moshiach is wonderful, inspiring in seven characterizes nature. For light reveal whatever is secreted every sense of the word, but instance, in space, we have six away in the darkness, but light itself without his light, it’s not good directions (left, right, back, front, has its mysterious aspects, as any enough. up and down) around any central physicist will tell you. One of his principal deeds will point. In time too, there are seven For example, no one would be the Chanukas HaBayis, days of the weekly cycle. In music, doubt that light is physical, yet it is rededication of the Mikdash in the seven notes of the scale. very elusive. Try holding it in your Yerushalayim and when that Eight indicates unity in music, hands or weighing it on a scale. Of happens, we will see him playing for example, by completing the course we can’t smell it, taste it or the harp of eight strings in a place scale then returning to the same hear it, but the funny thing is, it’s above space, a time out of time, in note but at a higher level. The same hard to even see it. Light reveals the radiance of a divine presence applies to time. After a seven day what is there but doesn’t reveal that will shine forever. cycle we’re back to the same day we itself. When we enter a lit room are What a happy Chanuka that will started with. we looking at light or at a room lit be!

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moshiach & geula MOSHIACH: WHAT WE BELIEVE

By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon It is not only that there are many resurrection, or Moshiach appearing after passages in the Torah that speak disappearing for awhile, is an automatic turnoff. They say that about Moshiach, rather EVERY passage it sounds too similar to Christianity. in Torah speaks about Moshiach. The We therefore have to start with a disclaimer. It is not our fault differences in the passages are only that there are similar imitations whether they speak openly to our name brand. Being that Christianity was created by Jews - about Moshiach, or whether one has to and to recruit Jews - it should not be shocking that they have look in the commentaries and find the adopted some of our basic beliefs. For one to discount an idea as a connection. “Christian, non-Jewish concept” without checking Jewish sources, PART 1 OF 20 that will deal with the basic is like giving credit to a new company, without verifying that There is a well known saying, questions on the belief in they didn’t steal the patents from “75% of known facts are either a Moshiach and messianic era, an older company. not known or not facts.” This is from a completely Torah-based [To put things into especially true of belief perspective. In addition, I intend perspective: The Rambam in Moshiach (Messiah) and the to quote the sources, so that the (Maimonides) writes (Hilchos resurrection. Most of us approach reader can reference to the Melachim, chapter 12) that the the subject with preconceived original source and study it at reason the Hashem allowed the notions which lead us to his/her own pace. I welcome all idea of a “Christian Messiah” in conclusions that are not based on questions and suggestions. the first place, is so that the idea Torah tradition. In addition, there We will begin with the most of redemption should not be a are many people who are basic question: foreign idea in this world. When ashamed to ask basic questions IS THE MESSIAH A JEWISH the true Jewish redeemer will and thus their belief can only be CONCEPT? come, the nations of the world superficial. will say, “Right idea, wrong For this reason, I have taken For many people, the very man”.] it upon myself to start this series mention of Moshiach,

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There is a well known saying that “75% as follows: 1) Hashem 2) Torah of known facts are either not known or 3)Mitzvos 4) Jewish People 5) Jewish Land - Eretz Yisroel. not facts.” This is especially true of ALL of these are being withheld from their “full belief in Moshiach and the Resurrection potential” during the era of Galus - Exile. of the Dead. 1. Hashem - The Gemara says (Megilla 29a, see Rashi Parshas What does Judaism have to say NJ, took it upon himself to prove Nitzavim) that when the Jewish about “Moshiach”? the above. He has printed over 30 People are in exile, Hashem is in “The entire world was created books (Yalkut Moshiach U’Geula exile with them. In the time of the for the era of Moshiach,” asserts Al HaTorah, Kehot publications) Beis HaMikdash, the Sh’china the Talmud. (Sanhedrin 98a) This showing how literally every verse (Divine Presence) within ultimate goal preceded Creation. is connected with Moshiach. everything was revealed to all. In On the verse in B’Reishis, Our sages say, (Zohar, Part 2, the time of exile, we do not see (Chapter 1 verse 2) “Before the page 161) “Hashem looked into clearly the true reality of the creation, the spirit of Hashem the Torah and created the world.” creation. was hovering over the water,” the If every verse in the Torah is 2. Torah - Chazal say that the Baal HaTurim and other connected with Moshiach, then Torah we learn today is commentaries explain that this is every part of creation must be “nonsense” compared to the referring to the spirit connected with Moshiach! Torah that Moshiach will teach. of Moshiach. From the above, we can see There are so many secrets of the When the Rambam (in his clearly that the belief Torah which, due to exile, are commentary for Mishnayos in Moshiach is a central Jewish forced to remain hidden and will Sanhedrin, Perek Cheilek) belief. only be revealed in the times enumerates the 13 principles of of Moshiach. The Midrash ( Jewish faith, he includes - PART 2 OF 20 VaYikra Rabba) writes number 12 and 13 - the Belief that Moshiach will reveal “A New Having just established that in Moshiach and the resurrection. To r a h . ” the concept of believing In his Hilchos Melachim, 3. Mitzvos - Every child knows in Moshiach is not only a Jewish (chapter 11) the Rambam writes: that there are 613 Mitzvos thing, but a central tenet in “One who does not believe (commandments) from Hashem. Judaism, we will now address the in Moshiach, or await his arrival, Most of those Mitzvos (i.e. question of WHY is it so is a denier of the books of sacrifices, Shmita. Yovel, etc.) are important to believe in Moshiach, prophets and the five books of dependent on the presence of the to the extent that if one does not Moshe, for they are full of Jewish nation in Eretz Yisroel and believe in or await Moshiach, he references about Moshiach.” an existing Beis HaMikdash. is considered a “denier” of the The Lubavitcher Rebbe Today - in exile - we can fulfill To r a h . explains the above passage of the only about 250 of the 613 Before we continue, we must Rambam in a revolutionary way ( Mitzvos! When agree on a basic point. If Sicha Acharei 5751): It is not Moshiach comes, we will be able someone claims to care about - or only that there are many passages to fulfill all 613 properly. believe in - something, and that in the Torah that speak 4. The Jewish People - The person knows that the presence about Moshiach, rather EVERY Jewish nation is divided into of a certain individual will benefit passage in Torah speaks twelve, corresponding to the his cause, he would anticipate about Moshiach. The differences twelve tribes. Ten of the twelve that persons’ arrival. If he in the passages are only whether tribes were exiled during the doesn’t, it shows that he really they speak openly period of the Beis HaMikdash. doesn’t care about the cause. about Moshiach, or whether one They will be returned to us If one had to make a list of the has to look in the commentaries when Moshiach comes. In 5 most important things in and find the connection. addition, all the Jewish people Judaism, it would probably look One Chassid, Rabbi Dubov of that have passed away, or people

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that are living but do not know potential”. figured out what it means the that they are Jewish, will return The reader may ask, if first time it was commanded.], “ I with the coming of Moshiach. believing in Moshiach is so am Hashem your G-d...”? E. Eretz Yisroel - When important, why is it not The Rasag writes (in his Hashem promised Eretz Yisroel mentioned in the Torah? commentary of the Mitzvos) that to Avraham Avinu, he promised In fact, not only is it this is the commandment to him the land that belonged to 10 mentioned in the Torah, believe in Moshiach! Just as nations. When the Jews entered according to some commentaries, Hashem took the Jewish people the land, they only conquered 7 it was said by Hashem Himself!! out of Egypt, we must believe nations. The remaining three - We all know that on Har Sinai that He will take us out of Exile! the lands of Keini, K’nizi, and (Mt. Sinai), Hashem gave 10 I must admit that even after Kadmoni - will be given commandments. All the the above, the following point still when Moshiach comes. commandments are readily needs clarification: True, From the above it is clear that understood except one. believing in Moshiach is very anyone who asserts that Judaism What are we to take from the first important, but is it that important is dear to them, must also be commandment[the second that it should be part of the 13 anticipating Moshiach. commandment that says “I am PRINCIPLES of Jewish faith? For Moshiach will make every Hashem...” is, on the other hand, I will try to explain that in the aspect of Judaism reach its “full quite clear. I guess because we next article be”H.

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feature

Binyamin Gorodetzky and R’ . R’ Jacobson wrote his memoirs but they were THE PEOPLE edited and printed only about twenty years after he passed away. Veteran writers, editors, and researchers are approached by families who want a book OF THE published about a dear family member. They want to know how much it will cost, how it’s done, whether it’s worthwhile, whether people will be interested, and BOOK more. Often they drop the idea as soon as they hear the answer to the first question.

By Menachem Ziegelboim THE REBBE RAYATZ ENCOURAGED IT Autobiographies are sweeping the Chassidus always denigrated involvement with self, so it would market, and many Chassidim have seem that writing, and certainly publishing, one’s memoirs goes joined the trend. What motivates an against this Chassidic principle. Understandably, Chassidim only elderly Chassid to write his memoirs? began writing their memoirs when What purpose do they serve, and told to do so by the Rebbe Rayatz, who urged them to write doesn’t it contradict the Chassidic what they saw and heard. The Rebbe Rayatz himself kept principle of bittul? Is it a worthwhile a diary as a child, and he wrote what he saw and heard in his endeavor from a Chassidish, financial, father’s court. He did so with the constant encouragement of his and psychological standpoint? * father and his teachers. They gave Presented for Hei Teves – Didan him precious time, even at the expense of his learning, to write. Natzach – Chag HaS’farim. Thanks to his writing we have a wealth of stories of the history of The verse says, “This is the Chassid passed away, an article Chassidus since the time book of the history of man,” and would be written about him that preceding the revelation of the some understand this verse to gave an outline of his life. Today, Baal Shem Tov. mean that almost every person the newspapers write long pieces, When Chassidim began to can write a book of his life; you elaborating on the Chassid’s leave Russia in 1946-7, the Rebbe just have to know how to do it. personality, his middos, his Rayatz instructed some Chassidim In recent years it has become hiskashrus to the Rebbe, etc. and to write their memoirs of the much more prevalent to write descendents often try to publish it work they did in Russia, and to memoirs. Senior Chassidim write in book form. record the names of Anash and about their youth, as well as the Actually, even twenty years ago the talmidim who worked to stories of Chassidim that they there were Chassidim who wrote spread the wellsprings in various heard over the years. They also about their lives and published it places and times. publish diaries that they kept. in their lifetimes such as the On 18 Teves, 5709, the Rebbe Years ago, when an elderly pioneers R’ Meir Avtzon, R’ Rayatz wrote to R’ Benzion

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Shemtov: It is well-known that this [giving You should correspond with our approbations] is not done. On the friends Anash and the T’mimim in other hand, what the Rebbe my father- Eretz Yisroel and other places where in-law said about the importance of you can discuss this with them in writing memoirs and the benefit in writing regarding this matter, and distributing them is well known. And send it all to me. I have assigned actual deed says much - we see this in someone to arrange all the letters and actual fact. May you soon make a information that will come in (Igros blessing over the completion, and Kodesh, vol. 10, #3365). shortly thereafter have good news to On 24 Shevat, 5709, he wrote again: relay about the benefit that already I was very pleased by your good began etc. I will mention it at the decision to fulfill my request to gravesite and may you give good inspire my friends the talmidim and tidings (Heichal Menachem, p. 100). Anash to cooperate with you, and to The Rebbe often urged Chassidim to fulfill what I have imposed upon them write their memoirs. In a letter that the to write, each one, about their work in Rebbe wrote to Rabbi Chaim Mordechai supporting Torah and the learning of Perlov, author of Likkutei Sippurim, he Chassidus in the land of our birth. added a handwritten note which said: May Hashem grant them success and Obviously it is very proper to write tell them all that I bless them these stories for the purpose of materially and spiritually (ibid, printing them over time - even better, #3398). with the addition of sources (who you One of the people who wrote his heard it from, etc.). memoirs as a result of this instruction In another letter, the Rebbe wrote: was the Chassid, Rabbi Meir Gurkow About the receipt of your writing, a”h. He sent his writing to the Rebbe thank you for the pleasure it gave me Rayatz, who responded thus: upon reading them and all the more The pamphlet of memoirs which so when they will all be organized. you sent was received; thanks and In another letter, the Rebbe blessing. It is fitting and proper for concludes: all the senior talmidim to write those With blessings for good news … memories which are worth and also for writing (and in volume) remembering (ibid #3612). stories and other matters of the In another letter, the Rebbe Rayatz Rebbeim and the “early Chassidim” of wrote: each one of them – so may you I won’t deny that I often feel continue to increase, and to increase pained that Chabad Chassidim in in health and joy. every generation did not write of This shows how the Rebbe valued events and happenings which included the memoirs of Chassidim. thousands of supernatural miracles … One of the important memoirs is the Nevertheless, I greatly cherish work of Rabbi Refael Nachman Kahn their books and writings in which they called Shmuos V’Sippurim. In the explain what they heard, each one in introduction he relates that after friends his time, more than if they recounted encouraged him to print his memoirs he for us the miraculous. asked the Rebbe and was told, kedai It seems that the Rebbe MH”M was u’kedai (it is very worthwhile). referring to the aforementioned Afterwards, he was even spurred on in requests in his response to Rabbi his writing by the Rebbe, with the Eliyahu Yochanan Gurary, rav of Rebbe referring to his work by name. Cholon, when he asked the Rebbe for Still and all, there were Chassidim his approbation on his book Toldos who hesitated to publicize their Yitzchok Isaac about the outstanding memoirs, despite the public interest, so Chassid, R’ Isaac of Homil: they printed a book of their chiddushei

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history of my life, but my children GIVING A T’SHURA asked me more than once or twice The publishing of memoirs of Chassidim has been given a boost by and while I still have my strength the trend of giving out t’shuos. These t’shuos are given out at and memory I hereby fulfill their simchos, usually weddings, when the chassan and kalla or their request.” parents present a t’shura to their guests. These consist of letters from R’ Meir Avtzon also gave this our Rebbeim that were sent to the parents or the grandparents, as as a reason, “… I wrote all this well as memoirs. down after I conceded to the The souls of parents up to three generations back attend a pleading of my family who asked wedding of their descendents so it is a fitting time to publicize an me to write so that later account of their lives. Much can be learned from their behavior, way generations will know.” of life, and fine characters. He had other reasons, too, that A t’shura is usually a thin booklet and it costs much less than a are no less important: book. The size and the work that goes into its production are also far “To fulfill what it says, ‘Give less. thanks to Hashem for His kindness and wonders to mankind,’ I wrote the story of my Torah and included a brief Chassidim that he heard. life and what I lived through in autobiography at the end. This is “I once wrote to the Rebbe,” Soviet Russia in order to what Rabbi Shlomo Matusof did continued R’ Chitrik, “a story that demonstrate the kindness of in his Rishmei Biurim and Rabbi I heard from the R’ Hashem and His many wonders Shlomo Galperin in his Be’er Shmuel Gronem z”l Esterman. I which rescued me from all the Mayim Chaim. In Al Avoseinu v’al received a letter of thanks from dangers that lay in wait for me.” Yichusam written by the mohel, the Rebbe and a request that I Apparently, despite all this, the Rabbi Chaim Ozer Marinovsky it continue writing what I heard. fact that he printed a book about says, “This is not a biography in Over the course of the next few himself bothered him, and he later the usual sense of the word. A lot years, from time to time I wrote felt it necessary to clarify, “My is said about the author’s father to the Rebbe what I heard. That is intention with these stories is not … and about the rabbis of how material was collected for to publicize myself or to make Kremenchug who preceded them, Reshimos D’varim.” myself famous. My goal with this but this is not a recounting of the R’ Yisroel Jacobson, in his book is to relate how, over many childhood of the author … due to introduction, wrote: years and under a cruel the fact that beyond all his special “On 2 Cheshvan, fifty years government, Anash Chassidei qualities he was particularly great since the first time I entered into Chabad withstood it with mesirus in humility and outstanding the Rebbe Rashab’s holy chamber nefesh, not just in potential but modesty and most likely this (on 3 Cheshvan 5668), I entered also in actuality, for keeping would not be to his liking.” the Rebbe’s room and a number Torah and mitzvos. Therefore the of my memories from the past book is called Oros B’Afeila LETTERS TO THE REBBE came up. The Rebbe said on that (Lights in the Darkness), to show that even in the double and THAT WERE TURNED occasion that I should write my memoirs of the time I spent in redoubled darkness, in the exile of INTO A BOOK Lubavitch.” the wicked Soviet regime, the This seems to be the impetus, Other Chassidim had family great lights of ‘a mitzva is a as various authors have written in reasons which led them to write candle and Torah is light’ as they their introductions: their history. R’ Mordechai are illuminated by Chassidus “The Rebbe shlita suggested to Shusterman, for example, wrote Chabad, did not cease.” me a number of years ago that I briefly in the introduction to his Therefore, nearly all books of write what I heard and saw from book, “With trembling hands I fill memoirs that have been published mashpiim, Chassidim, men of the desire of my son to write, in recent years speak about the deeds,” wrote Rabbi Yehuda even briefly, the events of my life, mesirus nefesh of Chasidim Chitrik a”h in his Reshimos to serve as a remembrance...even behind the Iron Curtain. This was D’varim, where he transcribed his though who am I and what am I precisely the goal of the Rebbe memoirs and mainly the stories of and who will be interested in the Rayatz when he asked, “to write, each one, about their work in

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Stories like these inspire you to strengthen yourself in going in the ways of Hashem and to strengthen your faith. Furthermore, the inspiration the readers have will be beneficial to the soul of the one being written about.

supporting Torah and the learning of introduction to his book, Ohr Chassidi Chassidus in the land of our birth.” B’Choshech HaSovieti (Chassidic Light Within Soviet Darkness), tells of the A DISAPPEARING amazing hashgacha pratis that GENERATION motivated him to write his memoirs: “I am not a writer, nor am I the son “The present generation,” says of a writer, and according to my Shneur Zalman Berger, a writer for Beis personality and nature I would never Moshiach who does a lot of research on think of writing my memoirs. Although Chassidic history, “if we divide it in I lived through an extremely stormy and two, consists of those who lived lives of difficult life, especially in my youth mesirus nefesh and those who lived in under the communists, I am no their shadow, whether as their different than thousands of Chassidim descendents or at Chassidishe who lived through the same trials and farbrengens where the former recounted tribulations, perhaps even greater than innumerable stories. The first group is what I experienced. I surely do not dare disappearing. In recent years many to compare myself to those legendary Chassidim who were active in Russia Chassidim, men with tremendous during the most difficult years, from mesirus nefesh, who sat for years in 1920 until the escape in 1946-7 when Russian jail or were exiled to Siberia for most Chabad Chassidim left the their work in strengthening Judaism. country, have passed away. “Nevertheless, I decided to write my “Not all of these Chassidim are memoirs only because I know that this willing to share their stories. Some is what the Rebbe wants, that memoirs won’t talk about that time - they still be written. live in great fear and prefer silence. “I arrived in the United States in Many of them who have already died 1951, along with many other Jews who left children who, in addition to being had managed to survive the horrors of sad over their passing, are distressed by the Holocaust and communist the fact that they wanted to know what persecution in Russia. There were many their father or mother experienced but refugees and it wasn’t easy to settle into are left with a ‘black hole.’ a new life. In addition to the usual “Of those who are willing to talk, problems in acclimating to a new many seek to convey to the next country, language and culture, the generation the difficulties they lived greatest struggle was parnasa. I went through, as well as the good middos of through a difficult period in which I yesteryear and the values with which suffered poverty and want; it was only they were raised - being satisfied with with great effort that I managed to having little, valuing what you had, the bring home food for the family. authentic Chassidishkait of yesteryear, “So I was very surprised when, R’ the Chassidic brotherliness, and the , one of the Rebbe’s close friendships.” secretaries and editor of the Shmuzen R’ Yechezkel Brod, in the (Talks and Tales), came to my house.

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The Rebbe greatly encouraged “You are constantly crying about why the stories about Chassidic the young generation is the way it is. So personalities, and especially Chassidim. R’ Abba Pliskin heard come and tell us how it was with you. It this personally from the Rebbe in yechidus. The Rebbe complained will definitely have an effect on some of that the bachurim “lacked moisture.” When R’ Abba asked the young generation. I have no doubt what was meant by “moisture,” the Rebbe explained: about it.” “You need to tell stories of Chassidim who were He said he came from the Rebbe, Russia and how they were moser Chassidishe Yidden and I mean who had instructed him to draw nefesh to keep Shabbos and to Chassidim specifically, not some of my memories out of me. provide their children with a Rebbeim, for when you tell This sounded exceedingly strange Jewish education.” about a Rebbe one thinks that to me. As I said, I was dealing this is infinitely distant etc. but with the hardships of basic STORIES OF when you tell of Chassidim you existence and thoughts of my past CHASSIDIM AND learn from that etc. (Heichal were altogether not what I was Menachem p. 221).” focused on. The time for MEMOIRS Although R’ Mordechai memories is when you retire and The books that have been Shusterman makes it is clear that relax, not when you are working published thus far can be divided he agreed to write his memoirs hard to put food on the table. into two categories, stories about only because his children pleaded “But when the Rebbe wants it, Rebbeim and Chassidim of with him to do so, in what he you don’t ask questions. I agreed previous generations and personal wrote about Rabbi Yissochor Dov on condition that my recollections memoirs. Gorevitz, he noted the importance be anonymous. I gave myself the When Rabbi , rav of publicizing these memories name Mendel and that is how of Kiryat Gat and rosh yeshivas about a Chassidic personality like some of the stories of my youth Tomchei T’mimim there, had him. “… Just as everything is with and my wanderings throughout yechidus in Tishrei, 5737, he hashgacha pratis, so too surely is Russia were published in the asked the Rebbe whether he this important matter. Publicizing Shmuzen (afterwards they were should publicize the book of his it is a great benefit to the young translated into Hebrew and grandfather, Rabbi Shlomo generation and even the older published in Sichot LaNoar, Zalman Havlin. The Rebbe asked ones. Both of them can take an starting from the Kislev 5731 whether he was referring to example from this man who was a issue). stories about him or stories- Tamim and extremely modest in “In those days there was still memories written by him. R’ his very being.” fear of the Russians, and that is Havlin said they were stories that In “A Word From the Family” one reason I wanted to remain he wrote. in the introduction to the book anonymous and made many “Did he say who he heard Chassidim V’Anshei Maaseh factual changes. Today I feel like them from?” inquired the Rebbe. which was written about Rabbi a free man and can tell things as “Yes.” Aharon Eliezer Tzeitlin Hy”d and they were and more completely The Rebbe responded: “In his son Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel fulfill the Rebbe’s request.” general, this is a good thing. a”h, they wrote about this at R’ Brod went on to say the However, 1) find out beforehand length. “In reading this book, the reason that several others gave: – since there are already more you read the more you learn “I have another reason to write published stories from the elder about the noble images of my my memoirs. Nobody knows their Chassidim R’ Perlov and R’ grandfather and father whose final day and I want my children Refael Kahn – whether they entire lives were devoted to Torah and grandchildren to get this were printed already, 2) it would and mesirus nefesh, from when ‘inheritance’ and to know how be worthwhile to edit them since they were young boys until their Jews and Chassidim lived under it is possible that he wrote them passing, with elevated Chassidic terrible conditions in communist just for himself.” emotions.

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Miracles and wondrous stories of tzaddikim, on the other hand, bring about an elevation of the soul, an opportunity and a desire to shake off oneself a bit of the gashmius.

“This book is not merely a Many of the authors express their biographical compilation that was apprehension of inaccuracies in light of written for the family but an edifying the many years that have passed. Maybe composition from which we can learn their memories have failed them? Chassidic conduct and the proper path “This was very difficult, for I did not of hiskashrus to our Rebbeim is, with write things down soon after I heard it. utter bittul, while emphasizing the It just remained in my memory and Chassidic, inner, deep aspect that was many years have passed since I heard it, rooted in their very souls.” and who knows whether I will be able R’ Menachem Chanzin wrote to write it accurately as I heard it,” similarly in his introduction to the book wrote Rabbi Yehuda Chitrik a”h, in his Dovid Avdi (Dovid, My Servant) about introduction to Reshimos D’varim. his father, Rabbi Dovid Chanzin, “This He, like others, realized that writing book, the story of his life, practices and down their recollections wasn’t only the good deeds, as well as his the those of fulfillment of the Rebbe’s wish but a his fathers … The benefits of publishing rich spiritual-Chassidic legacy for the a book like this have already been next generation. They realized that we written in a number of books. Stories are better off having stories with like these inspire you to strengthen mistakes here and there than no stories yourself in going in the ways of at all. Hashem and to strengthen your faith What more do we need than this (including faith in tzaddikim and sharp letter from the Rebbe which clinging to them). Furthermore, the describes the necessity in printing inspiration the readers have will be s’farim in our generation: beneficial to the soul of the one being …the early Chassidim certainly did written about, but it must be accurate, not need this because their minds and as it happened, without unnecessary hearts were pure. But nowadays, due descriptions that have no purpose; on to the exigencies of the times etc. the contrary, if you add – you diminish. hearts have diminished and people are Regarding stories like these you can immersed in material matters, in the say, ‘the service of Torah is greater than physicality of everything, so that the its study’ (as would seem from the sicha sensitivity and elevation of the soul is of the Rebbe Rayatz - 2 Nissan 5701).” not apparent. Seemingly, this is difficult to correct by rational means CHASSIDISHE because the subject matter is too eidel REMINISCENCES AND NOT to grasp from the outset. Miracles and wondrous stories of tzaddikim, on the HISTORIC RESEARCH other hand, bring about an elevation My fellow authors have turned up of the soul, an opportunity and a their noses about many of the books desire to shake off oneself a bit of the that have been published, each one for gashmius etc. It also accomplishes a his reasons. “It didn’t happen quite that jolt even to the lowly soul, or one that way,” says someone who was there, is in a lowly situation as well (letter “that work was done by someone else from Motzaei Shabbos, 2 Shevat, and at another time,” says someone 5692). else. In a yechidus before R’ Refael

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO where they belong, according to instructions from PUBLISH A BOOK? the writer or family member in charge of producing the book. The pictures are sized according to their That is what many people ask when they take the importance. A typical graphic artist takes $2-3 per first step in carrying out a family decision to publish page. The price varies depending on whether the a book of memoirs. This question addresses only page also has footnotes, and if it is also necessary to part of the total cost, since the cost of printing a comb through or Photoshop the pictures, etc. book is only one expense. Before it is published there Then the graphic artist prepares the binding. This are other important stages - like writing, for example work is done, in the vast majority of cases, in the … presence of the writer or the relative. Aside from the Much depends on the writer and the type of content of the book, this is one of the most material they bring him. Some bring lots of raw important aspects of the book and a factor which material and “all” that needs to be done is to collate, will largely determine sales. Designing a cover can to write, to type it up, to edit, and prepare it for cost $100-400. publication. Some people have nothing and they When the book is finished it goes back to the want the writer to do all the work, from interviewing family for a final check to ensure that paragraphs dozens of acquaintances and relatives to researching were not mistakenly dropped and that pictures are the pertinent details. Obviously, the work is far where they are supposed to be. Only after the final greater and requires a lot of effort and time and you okay do you go to the printer and ask, “How much will pay accordingly. does it cost to print a book?” The pricing is based After the writer finishes getting it all down in on the number of pages and the thickness of the writing, the material goes back to the family for their page (color or black and white). The cost of printing opinion. Corrections and usually many additions are an average book of 280 pages of standard size is 12- then inserted into the existing work. 15 shekels per page. Then the book is brought to people who knew the You will notice that I haven’t said what it costs to man or the era and they make their comments, write the book, because that depends on the writer, which are also incorporated into the book. Only then the amount of work he has to do, his level of does it get sent to a professional proofreader/editor professionalism, and of course the nature of the (or two) to clean it up and to tighten the writing. work required of him. There’s no question that in (It’s interesting how each time the book is reviewed, the overall cost of producing the book, the main more mistakes are found. That’s just the way it expense is the writer, and for good reason. goes). Proofreading/editing can cost around 500 Many families who reach this stage make their shekels ($25-$35 per hour in the US) depending on calculations and then drop out. It’s expensive for the the proofreader/editor’s experience, professionalism, average Chassidic family who simply want to and desire for the job. publicize the important memories of a cherished Then comes the page setting stage, which is individual. Though consider that the books are sold handled by a graphic artist. He or she designs the afterwards and you regain some of the money. page layout which will be used throughout the book, It really depends on whether the book is well- using the text which is provided on disc or email. written, has good content and is nicely designed. The size of the print is determined, as is the spacing This will largely determine whether the book will sell. between the lines, between the words and the The more copies you sell, the greater the chance of margins. All this contribute a lot to the recouping your outlay and maybe even making a size/thickness of the book (which for some reason is profit. All agree, though – the writers, the editors, important to people). the publishers, the distributors – that you can’t get Then the graphic artist will insert the pictures rich off of this.

Nachman Kahn published the things.” not hundreds) of interviews under second edition of his book, “I wish to convey this message his belt. “You are constantly Shmuos V’Sippurim, the Rebbe to many Chassidim who refuse to crying about why the young encouraged him, “Sometimes one be interviewed and tell their generation is the way it is. So is inspired to yiras Shamayim memories,” says Shneur Zalman come and tell us how it was with from a story more than other Berger, who has many dozens (if you. It will definitely have an

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effect on some of the young generation. I have no doubt about A PARTIAL LIST OF BOOKS it.” TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH A good example of the impact (INCLUDING MEMOIRS OF CHABAD CHASSIDIM, that a memoir can have on the BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, AND STORIES OF CHASSIDIM) younger generation is the book From Shedlitz to Safety by Rabbi Shimon Goldman Neged HaZerem (Deep in the Deep in the Russian Night by Rabbi Aharon Chazan Russian Night in English translation) by Rabbi Aharon Chassidic Light in the Soviet Darkness by Rabbi Yechezkel Brod Chazan, which was published in The War of a Jewish Partisan by Yechiel Granatstein 1981. It was one of the first Subbota by Rabbi Eliezer (Lazer) Nannes books that showed the young Mother in Israel – the Life and Memoirs of Rebbetzin Chana generation what the mesirus Comrade by Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser nefesh of Jews in Russia was like on a daily basis. The book, which Extraordinary Chassidic Tales by Rabbi Refael Nachman Kahn was very successful and was From My Father’s Shabbos Table by Rabbi Yehuda Chitrik reprinted many times, became a The Man Who Mocked the KGB by Rabbi Mendel Levertov hit in dramatic performances too. Portrait of a Chassid by Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Gansbourg Thousands of people attended Return by Professor dozens of performances throughout Israel and the US. Till this day, many shluchim give the the young generation needs.” In other words, it is seen through book to their mekuravim, who R’ Avrohom Rainitz, who the eyes of the writer. I know that enjoy and are inspired by it. wrote and edited Chayal B’Sheirus every person or happening that I It’s not easy to check the facts HaRebbe, the memoirs of R’ Itzke write about is just a small part of when the events took place sixty Gansbourg, has another the whole. or seventy years ago,” admits perspective: “However, one can read about Rabbi Shneur Zalman Berger. “The memoirs of R’ Itzke are the event or the estimation of that “You have to start with a good mostly about his work with Tzach person from other sources, and working knowledge of the and Reshet Oholei Yosef Yitzchok then compare the two or more material; details about the era, the in Eretz Yisroel in the early years versions to get a clear picture, i.e. situation at the time, knowledge of the Rebbe’s nesius. It was not you can divest it of the of the history of Chassidim of that surprising when some people said perspective of the writers. time, geography and even the that a certain school or program “Furthermore, it often happens mentality etc. Yes, there are was described inaccurately. You that someone knows or sees Chassidim who don’t remember have to remember, though, that something and he is part of what that well, but then, we youngsters every important event had many happened and he does not know don’t always remember what took people involved. It is definitely about other details, but from place ten and twenty years ago. possible that each person saw many writers you get a full We try to do our best to ask the things from a different perspective picture and you get a completely person being interviewed and that they are all right and different view; due to the totality questions from different angles, to there is no real contradiction.” of the matter and not because of authenticate different versions, to R’ Yisroel Jacobson points this the fault or assessment of any verify things in books, and mainly out in the introduction to his given writer. When all the parts hope. memoirs, which are a fascinating are collected from all quarters “Of course, there can be documentation of his life and regarding each matter and person, errors, but memories cannot be considered highly reliable. He did then you get a different picture. preserved in a safe. Nobody is not negate the possibility of error From this we understand how free from errors. In the general but he asks that people look at the beneficial it is to everyone when picture, the stories of Chassidim big picture: each person writes the events of are full of positive nostalgia, “Writing memoirs and the his life that are connected with suffused with Chassidic love, history and estimation of people general issues and individuals.” good middos, and mesirus nefesh is, to a certain extent, one-sided. – all of this transmits values that

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sitting in his modest office in Raanana, he reveals to us his thrilling story. BUILDING R’ Michoel spent his early years in the Vatikin neighborhood in Ramat Gan. Anything that pertained to Judaism in his parents’ home was primarily symbolic, far BRIDGES from the more meaningful way of life. “My father was very learned. He taught me the trope in preparation for my bar-mitzvah, despite the fact that he walked TO THE around bare-headed and ridiculed Jews who observed Torah and mitzvos. He really loved the singing of the cantor, yet he reacted with cynicism towards pious and devout REDEMPTION Jews. In contrast, my mother was a Holocaust survivor, and she usually asked questions such as: ‘Where was G-d during the Holocaust?’ By Nosson Avrohom She possessed a very spiritual soul. Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry “At the Jewish holiday season, we all went to synagogue, perhaps a surviving element from the R’ Michoel Bukchin is baal t’shuva with education they received from their grandparents. Father even made a colorful life story. His career has Kiddush on wine and we would eat together – but nothing more than shifted from organizational psychology that. We wouldn’t observe the to family counseling in the light of holiday, much less the mitzvos; these were merely symbols that my chassidus. A fascinating personal and father liked to preserve for some reason. When my paternal professional life story. grandmother passed away, my parents had our kitchen kashered For many years now, Rabbi studies at a prominent institution in order that my grandfather, who Michoel Bukchin, a Lubavitcher in Eretz Yisroel, where he learned observed many of the more basic chassid living on the Shomron mediation and counseling for elements of Torah and mitzvos, settlement of Yitzhar, has served as individuals and couples, and he especially kashrus, could eat in our an organizational psychologist. In quickly learned that it could be home. According to family his youth, before he returned to his proven that all of the approaches tradition, my grandfather was a Jewish roots, he earned two exist in the teachings of chassidus. descendant of a Karliner chassid academic degrees in the field at the Rabbi Bukchin is known for his who composed niggunim for Rabbi renowned Columbia University in development of numerous Aharon Karliner.” New York. Since then, he has dealt administrative systems that Michoel had been educated with organizational counseling and measure levels of performance in according to the ideals of Zionism business mediation for a variety of business organizations. His most and the political vision that large companies and organizations. recent position was as the general characterized the period when the In recent years, he has decided director of a human resources modern Jewish state was to give a shlichus’dike angle to his organization in the Herzliya established. “I was born in 5712, work. Over a period of one year, Medical Center, and the offers when the state was still in the early he completed further academic keep coming. In the meantime, years of its existence, and everyone

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was surrounded by an atmosphere of Defense. Flights throughout the of mutual brotherhood and the joy United States became routine, of accomplishment.” along with meetings with authors Michoel did his military service and intellectuals with whom he in the IDF Central Command discussed and clarified his Special Forces unit, a role that psychological insight. “I arrived in included a considerable amount of the United States at the start of the potential ambushes and other high seventies. During those years, to risks. He was wounded in one of say that you came from Eretz the unit’s rigorous training Yisroel was a source of great pride exercises, after which he was and respect. I identified as an assigned to a command position. Israeli, not a Jew. I didn’t go “My character was more or less around with Jews, nor was I seen formulated in the army. I was with them. All of my friends were fiercely anti-religious, repelled by Gentiles, I felt more comfortable anything I saw as narrow-minded, with them, as an equal among primitive, or based on ancient R’ Michoel Bukchin equals.” He was angered by the preconceptions. I remember when distance other non-religious Jews my friends and I had a maintained from their Gentile conversation with a young graduate He got up from his neighbors. “During this time, my of the ‘HaRo’eh’ religious school. I place, gave me a cousin was going out with a young began to tease him about his dark-skinned man, and when I opinions and the yarmulke he wore penetrating look asked her if they were planning to on his head. He got up from his get married, she replied place, gave me a penetrating look and said, ‘It’s emphatically, ‘Of course not, he’s and said, ‘It’s impossible to explain not Jewish.’ I remember how what the color red is to someone impossible to surprised I was. I didn’t who is blind.’” understand what the problem was This statement was engraved in explain what the with the fact that he was a Gentile Michoel’s memory and was a color red is to and she was a Jew. ‘You’re both contributing factor in his decision human beings,’ I told her. ‘If you to consider the state of his someone who is would say that it was because of Judaism. the color of his skin, I could In the meantime, he took an blind.’ understand that. But Judaism? active part in the Yom Kippur War, What’s the connection?!...’” and like many Israelis during this a Holocaust survivor, her friends He spent the next ten years in a period, he made his way after his were Holocaust survivors, and luxurious apartment in Manhattan, discharge from the army to the when I thought about it, I saw enjoying all the pleasantries of life. great metropolis – New York City. people who had seen unimaginable One of his greatest joys was “I flew to the United States for the suffering yet still knew how to live solitary trips on his motorcycle, purpose of studying, working, and a life of joy. This paradox covering long distances throughout staying there permanently. I was fascinated me – what is it that ticks North America. “I would sick of Israel. I registered at the within the soul of man? In customarily stop in small towns prestigious Columbia University, addition, I had many thoughts and villages at the crossroads, go in and over a period of several years, about how the world could be a and have a chat with the local I succeeded in earning two better place to live in if only people residents on whatever subject. I degrees: one in general psychology would think logically…” enjoyed this very much. Along the and the other in organizational With two degrees under his belt, way, I saw some breathtaking views psychology.” Michoel very quickly succeeded in – just me and my motorcycle, It had been his childhood dream acquiring a name for himself. He without any radio or telephone. to go into psychology. “This was started working for large Then, I started contemplating on the profession that constantly companies. He worked for a my surroundings: thick forests occupied my interest. I wanted to lengthy period for an arms blazing with color and stunningly understand people. My mother was purchase mission with the Ministry beautiful lakes.

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Michoel’s clear and When I noticed that he didn’t mention unambiguous answer, especially his Jewishness, it gnawed away at my uttered with such Jewish pride, stunned not only the assembled heart for some reason, despite the fact group, but also Michoel himself. He felt that it wasn’t him talking, that I was very anti-religious at the rather some hidden force within him, more powerful than he was. time. When my turn came, I proudly “One evening, I happened to be sitting with some of my co-workers replied that I am a member of the at a bar, and everyone bought a Jewish People. round of drinks. When my turn came, one co-worker, a native Frenchman with noble lineage, “I began to understand that mention his Jewishness, it gnawed taunted me by saying that he there must be a Creator here who away at my heart for some reason, thought that Jews weren’t willing to did all this. It can’t be that it despite the fact that I was very buy drinks for their friends. simply came out of nothing. Time anti-religious at the time. When my Without skipping a beat, I replied after time, as I careened around a turn came, I replied that I am a that only happens if the Frenchman sharp curve on winding, member of the Jewish People. They steals the Jew’s wallet… The co- unfrequented road, I would find were perplexed by my proud and worker’s face turned beet-red with myself confronted by beautiful straightforward answer, and they anger, and he said, ‘You killed J…’ views that would literally take my tried to lower the resulting tension Instead of getting dragged into a breath away. These were moments by asking, ‘But what country did shouting match, I replied that ‘J’ when a cry of ‘Father…Father…’ you come from before you came to was a Jew, tried before a Jewish rose unbidden to my lips. It’s America?’ They assumed that I court, and sentenced to death, something that you can’t control. wasn’t aware of the meaning of despite the fact that it was the In the face of such sights of nature, what I had said. However, I was Romans who actually executed you can’t help but be extremely completely sure of what I was him. ‘You took one of history’s humbled.” saying, and I continued to describe worst criminals and turned him During those years of to them how proud I was to be a into your deity. What does that amazement and confusion, it was Jew. teach you?’ Stunned and specifically the Gentiles who “I don’t have the slightest idea bewildered, the co-worker didn’t strengthened his Jewish spark. “On how this feeling of pride engulfed respond. As amazing as it may one of my treks through North me. Yet, the fact was that I stood seem, he later became one of my America, I sat and chatted with a before a whole group of people and best friends. group of secular high school explained that each of them can go “These two incidents gave me graduates around a campfire. They back in his family history no more the feeling that I was speaking with heard that I have a foreign accent, than four hundred years, when a powerful inner strength that was but being rather courteous young their families first emigrated to the not my own. My responses were people, they didn’t ask me directly United States, whereas I was a coming from somewhere deep where I was from. Instead, they descendant of an unbroken chain within my soul. decided to have each person tell lasting three thousand two hundred “It was with these surprising about how his parents and years. Since I was also a Levi, I sentiments at the fore that Rabbi grandparents came to the United know exactly who my original Shraga Zalmanov, director of the States. With rare exception, they forefather was. Therefore, it Chabad House for Hebrew were all descendants from doesn’t make any difference what speakers in New York, stepped into European bloc countries — my country of origin is. I am a my life. He would come with a England, Germany, Sweden, and member of the Jewish People, team of bachurim to our offices to the like. When the turn came for which has wandered from Eretz offer us the opportunity of putting one of the Jewish kids in the group, Yisroel to Babylon, to Spain, to on t’fillin. Months of adamant he said that his parents came from Russia, then all over the world – refusal finally melted away in the Hungary. and my parents have now returned face of typical Chabad pleasantness “When I noticed that he didn’t home to Eretz Yisroel.” and amiability, and I was

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captivated by their charm.” Such things eventually brought Michoel to take his first steps along the path leading to the House of G-d. One day, he participated in a meeting of Israeli intellectuals, who debated the question on how to improve the government in Eretz Yisroel. “We were a small circle of ten individuals, and the statement of one member of the group really got my attention. He said that we must implement the laws of Torah, although they must be provided with certain cosmetic changes to make them logical and more acceptable for our times. I thought to myself: ‘Before they change the In the early days Torah, I first want to know what it contains.’” With the direction of one of my Michoel’s clear and unambiguous close friends, Rabbi Mordechai (Motti) Gal, who had turned to his answer, especially uttered with such Jewish roots several years earlier and had become a baal t’shuva, Jewish pride, stunned not only the Michoel went to ‘Beis Chayeinu’ assembled group, but also Michoel the very next day. He entered the front door of 770 and told the himself. He felt that it wasn’t him bachurim sitting there that he wanted to study Torah. “I came in talking, rather some hidden force as a typical motorcyclist, wearing high boots and a black leather within him, more powerful than he was. jacket. There was a bachur there to whom everyone referred me named more than five hundred years ago, code.” Chezki Markowitz. We sat down long before the advent of modern By the second time he left 770, together and started learning. He science. he was already fully committed to suggested that we should learn After that study session in 770, begin exploring Judaism in a much chassidus, but I wanted to learn he was already a totally different more serious way. However, his Gemara, explaining to him that person. He understood that daily business concerns would mysticism never really interested Judaism is not something delay matters a little, maybe a little me. In the end, we began with the superficial, and surely not too much. “It took me three years first Mishna of Tractate Sukkos, primitive. On the contrary, to make the final decision to followed by a chassidic maamer scientists have now begun to reveal choose a religious lifestyle and stop that focuses on the Mishna.” the innovation found in Torah – ‘dancing at two weddings’. The When they finished studying the and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. ones who helped me in this process maamer together, Michoel was “One week, Chezki Markowitz were specifically my non-Jewish amazed. Several years worth of invited me to spend Shabbos in friends, who prepared vegetarian university study in the area of 770. I happily accepted the meals for me whenever we got physics and Einstein’s theory of invitation, and we had the Friday together – even if I didn’t ask for relativity had been summed up by evening meal with the ‘chozer’, them. When I explained to them an eighteen year-old yeshiva Rabbi Yoel Kahan. I went around about the importance of Shabbos, bachur teaching him a chassidic with a positively wondrous feeling, they encouraged me to stop sitting maamer based on the teachings of as if I was about to reveal a hidden on the fence.” the AriZaL and kabbala written secret or break some mysterious Michoel started to be proud of

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and so intently. One co-worker, a native Frenchman, “That same day, I entered the taunted me by saying that he thought secretaries’ office and submitted a letter for the Rebbe with three that Jews weren’t willing to buy drinks requests: a) a bracha to have good and proper parnasa; b) a bracha for their friends. Without skipping a for an appropriate shidduch; c) a bracha for success in honoring my beat, I replied that only happens if the father and mother in a befitting manner, as numerous conflicts had Frenchman steals the Jew’s wallet. ‘You developed between us as a result of took one of history’s worst criminals the change I had made in my life. “I was privileged to receive and turned him into your deity. What answers to all my requests in a most amazing manner. The Rebbe does that teach you?’ delivered a sicha to the graduates of Beis Rivka, and it was the first his Judaism and his roots, and the chassid in every fiber of my body time that I could enter 770 and put constant connection with the and soul. The tremendous avoda at on earphones to hear a bachurim on the benches of 770 the Chabad House together with simultaneous Hebrew translation. led him to begin studying at Rabbi Gal strengthened me and This took place during the week of Yeshivas “” in brought me closer to the Rebbe and Parshas Korach, 5742, and the Crown Heights as a full-fledged Chabad.” Rebbe spoke about how the staff of baal t’shuva. “When I realized that Michoel had several spiritual Aharon budded and grew almonds, the absolute truth and the way to experiences during that visit in the which blooms faster than all other the best possible life was found in court of the Rebbe, Melech plants – within the short period of Torah study and mitzvah HaMoshiach, and he has kept them just three weeks. The Rebbe observance, I decided to forsake in his heart as an everlasting explained that this staff the life of pleasure and reconcile memory. “On one of my first days corresponded to the Levites in with my Judaism. I was working there, we davened Mincha with the order that they should merit to then as a senior adviser for a large Rebbe in the small zal. It was have great success. Since I belong corporation in New York, a job that extremely crowded, and I found to the tribe of Levi, I thought to required flying all over the United myself standing only three feet myself, ‘I have just received a States with high regularity and away from the Rebbe. Many of bracha for my first request: staying at luxurious hotels. Yet, I those davening were looking at the parnasa.’ gave it all up and returned to Eretz Rebbe during the minyan, watching “As a psychologist, I know that Yisroel.” his customs and mannerisms. a person hears what he wants to Michoel’s parents were alarmed Preferring the ‘lights of the baal hear, and I said to myself that this by the drastic change that had t’shuva’, I objected to this mode of could be quite interesting, taken place in their son, who had conduct and reasoned that it would especially since I already knew that gone to the United States anti- be better to do the opposite. If I the Rebbe has said how it is also religious and returned to Eretz daven well and with proper feeling, possible to receive answers through Yisroel as a baal t’shuva with a I thought, the Rebbe will help to the sichos themselves. I continued thick beard and a yarmulke on his bring my t’filla to a much higher to listen to the sicha, and since this head. “I joined Rabbi Motti Gal in spiritual level. This was no easy was a sicha for the graduates of his work at the new Chabad House task, but I restrained myself and Beis Rivka, the Rebbe then began that he founded in our city of didn’t look at the Rebbe. to elucidate on the role of the residence – Ramat Gan. Six “At the end of Mincha, several woman in the chassidic home. months later, I flew to the Rebbe, chassidim, including Rabbi Rami ‘Now I’ve just received a bracha for this time as a much more chassidic Meir (who today lives in Kfar a proper shidduch,’ I thought. I left Jew. If my first stay in the United Chabad), approached me and asked that sicha with brachos for my first States led to my becoming Torah how I had been privileged to have two requests, but not for the third. observant, on this visit I was a the Rebbe look at me so frequently I understood that I would apparently have to wait for the

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Rebbe to give me a more personal strengthening and mediating response. between couples, and helping to “As I was walking from ‘Beis solve conflicts and problems with Chayeinu’ to the Hadar Hatorah domestic harmony. His unique dormitory, one of the yeshiva approach combines what he students came towards me, a young learned with his own innovations man dressed in jeans and a funny- from the teachings of chassidus. looking hat characteristic for those “The analysis and treatment are times. He suggested that we learn divided into two. First, there is the something together, and at first I cognitive analysis that checks the considered putting him off. source and root of the problem. However, something within me This data enables the development made me agree. When I asked him of effective recommendations and what he wanted to learn, you can methods of treatment, based on the just imagine how shocked I was by diagnosed behavioral patterns. his reply: he wanted to learn the Second, it provides solutions to all Laws of Honoring Parents in types of problems, large or small, Shulchan Aruch… That wrapped severe or superficial, through a things up. The Rebbe had actually system of exercises and approaches replied to all three questions in the As a young Chabad chassid appropriate for that problem.” way that he saw fit. We sat together After several years of and began to learn the halachos in intifada broke out in full force. We involvement with organizational depth.” asked the Rebbe again if we should psychology and guidance, he began Michoel later understood that continue the process, and the investing most of his time in while it’s possible to bless someone Rebbe replied that we should. A psychology and counseling for with parnasa or a shidduch, there few months later, we wrote to the couples. He is always surprised to are clear halachos in Shulchan Rebbe that we were having see how the best advice and Aruch on the issue of honoring business problems, and the Rebbe guidance that he learns in one of one’s parents. Therefore, the said that we should enter the the counseling methods can be halachos were the best possible house. I didn’t understand what the found in the teachings of answer for him in response to his connection was, until we arrived at chassidus. When we asked for a third request. the real estate office, where we few examples, there were plenty After concluding his visit to were informed that despite the fact that he could mention. “Beis Chayeinu” and doing a little that we had paid for our house, all “We have an array of about fundraising for the new Chabad construction had been frozen. As a twenty means of treatment for House in Ramat Gan, Michoel result, they couldn’t give us the twenty common types of returned to Eretz Yisroel, got keys to the house. The Rebbe’s psychological conditions. There are married, and took up residence in answer was now crystal clear. We four types of people for each Nachlat Har Chabad. Later, in somehow forced our way into the approach, and I found them to be response to some clear answers house and moved in.” similar to the four categorizations from the Rebbe, he moved to the Rabbi Bukchin built, in the animal soul as brought in Shomron settlement of Yitzhar. established, and founded a number Tanya – fire, water, wind, and dust. “We were debating whether to live of institutions and organizations It’s amazing to prove how the in Yitzhar or Nachliel, and when with his own hands, and each of concepts and theories that we learn we wrote a letter to the Rebbe on them has proved a source of in the field today have already been the matter, the answer was ‘Do tremendous blessing. One brought in Tanya in a most orderly according to the advice of close prominent example is the girls’ fashion. There are numerous friends’. This is what brought us to school in Emanuel, an institution examples to indicate this fact. Yitzhar. that represents a continuing “One basic activity is changing “Yitzhar is the home of the miracle of its own. one’s regular habits and modes of yeshiva of Rabbi Yitzchak As mentioned, due to his vast conduct. A person can enter his Ginsburgh, and we wanted to be experience, he has decided in home, hear his wife tell him close to him. But as we started the recent years to utilize his something, and get upset over what process of buying a home, the first psychological qualifications in she says. However, by the same

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Melech HaMoshiach. When we suggested this to Rabbi Bukchin, we were surprised to receive a magnificently built response. “Let’s take, for example, an average person with a reasonable level of ethics and values who is greatly troubled over his bank overdraft. Suddenly, he notices a woman pass by and accidentally drop her purse. He picks it up and discovers that it contains a large sum of money, sufficient to cover his entire overdraft and even leave him enough to buy his children everything they’ve been requesting for a long time. “A world war takes place in this person’s heart, a war between ethics and conscience on the one hand and momentary gratification R’ Michoel Bukchin with his son on the other. In the days of Moshiach, these conflicts will not token, if he hears his friend’s wife are those for whom things never exist and a Jew will never consider tells his friend the exact same seem to get better and their failure the possibility of taking something thing, he responds differently. The to understand that these opposing that doesn’t belong to him. The fig reason is that when it comes from tendencies have to complement one tree will cry out not to pick it on his wife, it reminds him of another causes tension. In order to Shabbos. Today, if one of us errs something from his childhood and reach a happy medium, a frugal and turns on a light on Shabbos, it automatically elicits a negative person needs to practice acts of he may suffer from some inner reaction from him. We conduct an extravagance, and a compulsive anguish, but he simply will not feel exercise in opposing reactions to shopper needs to practice thrift. All how this act causes tremendous those same automatic responses – this is explained in the teachings of pain to his G-dly soul and “think before you act”. This is also chassidus and the Rambam.” separates him from his roots. In the explained in chassidus regarding Rabbi Bukchin notes that true days of Moshiach, we will feel the how every bracha demands proper awareness is the key to the long pain of the G-dly soul and there intention, ‘Know Him in all your sought change in every area and on will be a greater sense of awareness ways’. A Jew must break through every issue. “In connection with that will be placed before us at all boundaries and limitations, couples, the awareness must be times. including the boundaries and about the difference that exists “To a certain extent, all the limitations of his old way of within each of them and the unique methods developed in recent years thinking.” qualities with which each has been have come to implement this true It seems that Rabbi Bukchin can blessed.” He then concluded: “In awareness in an actual sense and to pull out a variety of examples on many instances, the wife will explain to people that acts of every subject. “If we’re talking respond in one way, and the goodness are essentially both about changing one’s habits, then husband in the exact opposite way. advisable and worthwhile. It’s there’s the problem of They have totally different amazing how science today has complementing as opposed to outlooks, intentions, and reactions become more mystical than kabbala adjusting. At times, each member on almost every issue, because each itself, and in my estimation, this is of a given couple complements the is their own unique individual.” a most exciting process of other, e.g., the husband is a miser It turns out that even in the area Redemption. The physical world while the wife is a spendthrift or of counseling and psychology, we itself explains how to live the husband take risks and the wife see clearly how the world is ready G-dliness.” is responsible, or vice versa. There for the hisgalus of the Rebbe,

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