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contents

‘ENOUGH EXILE!’ IS A LEGITIMATE 4 COMPLAINT D’var Malchus MY DEAR FRIEND LEVI 6 Shloshim | Chaim Leib Hildeshaim

AND THEN THE LAUGHED 10 Feature | Nosson Avrohom

A BRACHA FROM SKY-HIGH 16 Miracle Story | Nosson Avrohom

FLYING SNAKES 20 Moshiach & Science | Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd USA 744 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 TO CATCH A BIG FISH Tel: (718) 778-8000 Fax: (718) 778-0800 22 Story | Nosson Avrohom [email protected] www.beismoshiach.org

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: GEULA - WHAT WE AWAIT! M.M. Hendel 26 Moshiach & Geula | Rabbi Gershon Avtzon ENGLISH EDITOR: Boruch Merkur [email protected] OF STORIES AND STORYBOOKS HEBREW EDITOR: Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan 28 Insight | M. Liebson [email protected]

Beis Moshiach (USPS 012-542) ISSN 1082- WIKILEAKS AND THE REBBEIM 0272 is published weekly, except Jewish 34 Feature | Rabbi Naftali Estulin 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 issues), by Beis Moshiach, 744 Eastern THE POWER OF PRAYER Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. 36 Shlichus | Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY and additional offices. Postmaster: send address changes to Beis Moshiach 744 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. 11TH EUROPEAN MOSHIACH CONGRESS Copyright 2010 by Beis Moshiach, Inc. News Beis Moshiach is not responsible for the 39 content of the advertisements. 767_Beis Moshiach 06/12/2010 9:05 AM Page 4

d’var malchus ‘ENOUGH EXILE!’ IS A OUT AGE LEGITIMATE COMPLAINT

Translated by Boruch Merkur

THE CLAIM FOR A GOOD, LONG LIFE How can it be that a person sits considered here. What matters is This week’s portion and torments Jews for several nothing other than that the relates the complaint of Yaakov hours, speaking about this and redemption should already be Avinu: “Few…have been the days that, and then all of a sudden here in actuality, in a manner of of the years of my life, and they starts screaming “Dalai galus! “achishena (I shall hasten it)” have not attained the days of the (Enough with exile!)” And he and “achishena sh’b’achishena”! years of the life of my fathers” asks that they too scream “Ad What about the fact that there (for Yaakov lived only to the age masai?!” – insofar as Friday has are Jews sitting here at the of 147; he did not merit the already passed, many hours of and sleeping – longevity of his father, Yitzchok, Shabbos have gone by, and now it nestled, sleeping on “clouds of who lived to 180). is Shabbos in the afternoon, after heaven”? When they wake up From Yaakov’s concern about several hours of speaking here, from their sleep they’ll open their longevity we learn that it is within and still [Moshiach] has not eyes and see that all of a sudden the power of every Jew to ask for come! they find themselves in a good, long life. And when a Jew They argue: Why is it Yerushalayim the Holy City. If makes this claim, certainly it will necessary to remind them of the they wonder how they got there, have an impact - and so it shall suffering of exile on Shabbos? tell them. And after they wash be! And in so doing he is in effect their hands [upon waking from How much more so is it within coming with complaints against their sleep] tell them which the power of a Jew to demand G-d Himself (as it were) and blessings to say [for the advent of that the redemption should finally voicing his opinion to G-d! We the Messianic redemption] come, for “All of the predicated want to live with G-d peacefully according to ! dates [for the advent of the and not to start up with Him! What about the fact that there redemption] have passed and the Especially since G-d knows are those who have difficulties? matter is only dependent upon what He’s supposed to do and He May they be well! - but let that repentance.” Indeed, the leader of knows what it says in the Gemara take place before the redemption the generation has ruled that all - that “All of the predicated dates unfolds. Because surely then Jews have already repented – have passed and the matter is Eliyahu HaNavi will have mercy “immediately to repentance” – only dependent upon upon such a person, seeing that and now there must already be repentance.” He even knows that he can’t sleep, bothered from his “immediately to redemption.” the leader of the generation has quandary - and Eliyahu will Thus, we cry out [with the ruled that Jews have already resolve it. legitimate complaint] “Ad masai! repented. Therefore, how could it The main thing, however, is: (Until when?!)” be that this big shot gets up and Jews, get out of exile! demands the redemption?! [The Rebbe paused for a WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO REMIND moment, smiled, and said] ME ABOUT THE SUFFERING OF EXILE NOTHING ELSE MATTERS OTHER THAN GEULA “L’chaim, l’chaim u’l’v’racha [and – ON SHABBOS? motioned with his holy hand]. There are those who argue: The answer to their complaints From the address of Shabbos is that no calculations can be Parshas Shmos 5746, bilti muga

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shloshim MY DEAR FRIEND LEVI

By Rabbi Chaim Leib Hildeshaim

that you were doing this at such a To mark the Shloshim of Rabbi Levi young age! We were farbrenging Deitsch O.B.M. – the Rebbe’s Shliach with someone so much older than us. You really taught me what it to Tysons Corner, Virginia, Beis means to farbreng with someone, the good feeling that is gained from Moshiach presents a series of doing so, by becoming much closer with the other person, and greatly memories and essays dealing with enhancing the relationship. Later, on the way back home to Crown “and the living shall take it to Heights - either on the train or heart.” With the pain still raw in our when we took a taxi - you spoke of the geshmak that we had just hearts, and still unable to stem the experienced and how you wish we could do this much more often. This flow of our tears we shout out to was just the beginning of Levi acting as a shliach! Hashem AD MASAI?! * Part 1 of 2 This was something that you enjoyed so much and what you told It’s very hard for me to write different childhood memories, me many times that it was the most about my dear longtime friend, Levi. among them special moments and enjoyable part of being on shlichus: I don’t know where to begin, so I encounters in 770... farbrenging and becoming friends would like to focus on our There’s another memory that with new people, and through that friendship, as this will be a reminder springs to mind, a memory of one being mekarev them, and how that to myself as well as to others, on the of the so many people that felt so is the best job in the world! importance of staying close. close to you, Levi! After the levaya was over, most of the chaverim just A TRUE CHAVER - WHO FRIENDSHIP stood there crying and simply MADE SURE WE ALWAYS couldn’t leave. I noticed Ami, a guy Levi and I grew up together: our STAYED CLOSE from your mivtzaim route standing birthdays were celebrated just a and crying with everyone else, and it 1. When my younger brothers week apart, we were classmates brought back vivid memories. were born, you came to the Shalom throughout our years of schooling, Although we didn’t regularly go on Zochors, although it required staring from preschool, we spent mivtzaim together, you used to special effort. You had to arrange many summers together - thousands schlep me along to farbreng with for an older bachur friend (which of hours of friendship and Ami in his Manhattan apartment a you had no shortage of!) to walk conversations. number of times. It’s hard to believe you over, since your father had a Levi loved reminiscing about weekly shiur at your house. It meant

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so much to me that you were celebrating with us. 2. As a bachur, Levi was on shlichus in Migdal HaEmek, and I was on shlichus in . Shortly after we arrived, and we were separated from each other for so long, not seeing each other on a regular basis (as we did since we were in preschool in east Flatbush by Reb Michel’s shul), Levi started calling me regularly, and nudging me: “Nu, when are you coming to Migdal for Shabbos?” Sure enough, I soon went to Migdal for Shabbos, and Levi welcomed me like only Levi knew how. He gave me a grand tour of the and the city, and he introduced me to all his new friends – which was the whole yeshiva! I will never forget the Friday night Shabbos meal with the whole yeshiva, where Levi rocked the house like only Levi could do, with tremendous chayus and niggunim, including “The niggun” that he 3. At my engagement L’chaim spend two quality days together. We would sing every Friday night. He and at my in 770 before went out together to Washington got everyone involved in singing it, my chassuna, Levi was there to DC, we visited the neighboring to the point that the bachurim called bring happiness and joy on my Chabad Houses, and we spent hours it Levi’s Niggun! In fact, this past special day. He made sure to say just farbrenging together. Friday, I was listing to a CD of lots of L’chaim and really helped Whenever Levi was in Toronto, niggunim that his late father, Reb bring a tremendous chayus into the where two of his siblings are Zalmen A”H had put together. One farbrengen that lasted for many shluchim, even if he was there for a of the songs he calls “Levi’s hours. short time - coming in and out for a Niggun,” and mentions that this is Before my chassuna, which was family simcha - he always made it a an old niggun that the bachurim held out of town, Levi insisted that point on his schedule that we should from Migdal HaEmek would sing he should be the one to take me to get together. when they came over to the Deitsch the airport. My other siblings 5. Levi made sure to always stay family during Tishrei. Indeed, this assured him: “Don’t worry, we are in touch. He never missed to call was the niggun that Levi would going to do it. We B”H have a big me on my birthday, even when he always sing and get everyone to sing family, someone will be available to was sick, r”l, he still called and gave along with him! take him.” He said: “don’t even all of his brachos. Last year, he On Shabbos day, he took me to think of letting someone else take called a day late and he started eat at the home of Rabbi Hendel, you - I am going to do it!” and so it apologizing for being a day late. I the esteemed Rav of the community, was. told him that he didn’t have to call with whom Levi had already 4. Shortly after Levi moved on altogether, and how delighted I am established a very friendly shlichus to Virginia, he started that he is calling me at all; he relationship. On Motzaei Shabbos calling and nudging: “Nu, when are certainly didn’t have to apologize! we both went out together, and Levi you coming to visit with the family? He just brushed it off by saying: “a walked me to the bus station. Before We have to get together, you have to gutte chaver darf men rufen (a good I even left the city, Levi was already see my place!” After a number of friend - you have to call)”. asking and demanding that I come such calls I made the eleven hour 6. After Levi sadly become ill, I back to visit again soon. drive from Toronto to Virginia to would call him very often. At one

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point he told me that I should from holding back my tears and missed ill as well. now on call him or text him on his the exit on the highway. Meanwhile, 2. Shortly after I moved to cell phone, since that is the best way the entire time Levi was talking and Toronto on shlichus, I did an to get hold of him. If he was unable telling me everything he was going unveiling for a person whose son to talk at the moment, he would call through and how it will all be fine. ‘happened’ to live near Tyson’s me back as soon as he had a He said that no one else in his Corner. I told him that I have a very chance. After he sadly was not able community knows about it, how he close friend that lives not too far, to see properly, and it was hard for managed to hide it from everyone, and that they should get together. him to call, he would send me a text and he is continuing with his He gave me all of his contact info by just typing a few letters, telling shlichus like nothing is going on, so and I forwarded it on to Levi. B”H me that that was the sign that I all the activities with all the people they connected very well. The son should call him now that he wants involved wont be affected at all! became involved in the Chabad to talk. I have saved on my cell Again and again, he told me how it activities there; he put his kids in phone many of these texts and it will all be fine. I was sitting and Levi’s Hebrew School, and become will be an everlasting reminder how listening, and instead of giving a supporter of Chabad of Tyson’s much he loved to farbreng together chizuk, I was getting chizuk from Corner! On one of my trips to and how important it is to call a Levi. This happened almost every Tyson’s Corner, Levi wanted to go chaver. time we spoke - he was giving out to the same coffee shop where chizuk and lebedikait, uplifting all of he first met this person. He wanted A BIG MAAMIN - WHO us. This is something that I heard to tell me where they sat, to tell me GAVE MUCH CHIZUK from many people that went to visit everything they talked about when Levi and from those that called him; they just met, and how the family As mentioned above, after Levi he was the one always giving got connected with their Chabad sadly become ill, we spoke very chizuk! We then went out together House. He was so thankful for that often. I never asked him about his and had a good time together, by connection that I made for him, just illness. Whatever he said, he said, I just farbrenging together, which was a simple gesture on my part, yet he didn’t ask more. Levi’s favorite thing to do. kept on thanking me, and About two and a half years ago, mentioned this a number of times his brother Nechemia, may he live when we spoke over the next few and be well, made a bris and Levi LEVI WAS ALWAYS THANKFUL years. came in for the bris to be the 3. After Levi was, lo aleinu, sandek. We arranged it that if he Just to share a few small sitting Shiva for his father, I would come in (he didn’t know examples: travelled to be menchaem avel him. until the last second if he would be 1. When Levi was in NY to He later made a special call to thank able to come at all), I would pick undergo some treatment, two close me for coming in and how much it him up from the airport and we classmates and myself came by to meant to him. He would tell me all would spend the day together. visit him on Sunday night. The plan the time about all the guests he had We hugged each other as soon as was to go in for a short visit, since I that came to visit him, and all the we got into the car, and Levi started had already visited over Shabbos, people that would call him, and how to talk: “Let me tell you everything and I had to drive back to Toronto, much it meant to him. He would from the beginning. After Tishrei I and most importantly he had a often tell me: “Please tell everyone was in pain. I thought it was doctor appointment on Monday that if they come, they should not because of working hard on Tishrei, morning. But Levi just didn’t let us come for two hours and leave. If schlepping the sukkah, etc. When go… he said a few more minutes… they come, they should come for a the pains didn’t go away, I went to a another story, and another story.... full day!” doctor. I was told I have a few until it was light outside! He then 4. Once, after a farbrengen for months left to live… But the doctors sent me an email thanking me for my birthday (after Levi was not have no right to say that, I am fine, the “all-nighter” and how much he well) and after I had a few L’chaims, I feel fine! It will be fine…” appreciated it, and how much it I called Levi’s cellphone. It was And with the chayus and meant for him. After that incident, around 3 AM, and I left this long strength that only Levi had, with his we started learning a sicha on the message with some brachos. I don’t loud laughs, he went on and on phone together with a few remember exactly what I said, but being his regular self. classmates, something that was he called me the next day thanking I tried (a bit unsuccessfully) done on and off before Levi became me, saying how happy it made him

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how they talk so highly about our Again and again, he told me how it will chaver: “It’s unbelievable, you must all be fine. I was sitting and listening, get it and listen to it!” The same nachas was heard in and instead of giving chizuk, I was his voice when he was describing so many of our friends and their getting chizuk from Levi. This happened success in business. He did it with such sincere happiness, as he would almost every time we spoke - he was go on and on in describing their giving chizuk and lebedikait, uplifting successes. all of us... DEAR LEVI, THANKS FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP! feel and how he saved the message through making the phone calls on No one will ever be able to take to listen to again and again, and their behalf, having other chaverim your place as a true friend, the one how he wished that I did it more call, and making follow-up calls who always put a smile on my face. often. once they were at their new job; There is no one else that I spent so Levi was a truly devoted and caring much time talking on the phone with, on such a regular basis. No LEVIS BIG HEART friend! Also, there are many people that one was ever as concerned about Levi was a very giving person are married today, thanks for Levi’s every detail of my personal and from a very young age. There are input in making their shidduch shlichus life as you were! many examples, but just to share a (directly or indirectly). Levi started Levi, you taught me a big lesson few: this even when he was still a young in life. Pick up the phone and call a 1. As a child, he would bring lots bachur, caring about others and chaver, a long-lost classmate. Keep of cake to school to share with us. their futures, assisting his mother in in touch. You showed me how much He would say that he has to know this important work. it meant to you, and how much it how it tastes, as his mother - may means to everyone - to have the she live and be well - needs to get feeling that someone is thinking of some feedback, as she was in the BEING HAPPY IN them! midst of working on the Lubavitch OTHERS’ SUCCESS Dear Levi, I never told you this, ‘Spice & Spirit’ cookbook, and Levi was very proud of the but thanks to your living example, I needs to know if she should include hatzlacha of his siblings and friends had started calling more chaverim that particular recipe. on shlichus. Levi would describe over these last few years, to wish 2. Levi shared with me on a with tremendous nachas and joy them happy birthday, or just to stay number of occasions that he had about their Chabad Houses, their hello. I hope that this trend will only helped out various shluchim breitkait, the stories that happened catch on to more and more people. financially, simply loaning large to them etc. Surely, in the z’chus of your amounts of money. Some were our A few times Levi told me over incredible Ahavas Yisroel that is now classmates; others were older and over again about our serving as an example and shluchim, who despite the great age classmate’s new ; inspiration to so many people, it will difference were Levi’s friends. At how I must go and check it out – bring all the necessary brachos to all times, I would ask him about his “it’s worth the drive in from your loved ones-to your dear wife connection to that particular shliach Toronto!” He would describe how it Miriam, a true Eishes Chayil, to that he just gave such a big loan to. looks – “it’s an old mansion, it has your taiere kinderlach, to your Levi would always say: “if the big windows, its impressive doors, mother and to all your siblings; and Rebbe’s shliach needs help, and I it’s just beautiful ...I can’t describe may we be zocheh very soon to be can help, I will do whatever I can.” it (although he did a great job in all together and farbreng by the And he did! doing so); you must go check it ultimate farbrengen that we’re all 3. A number of our classmates out!” yearning to attend - with the Rebbe and friends are on shlichus or have He listened to a CD from a in Yerushalayim - may it be NOW! jobs, thanks for Levi putting in a dinner that was produced by good word for them. Whether it was another chaver on shlichus. He said

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feature AND THEN THE REBBE LAUGHED

By Nosson Avrohom The Chassid, Rabbi Yerachmiel Alperowitz, served as a teacher for decades in Litvishe circles and was greatly respected by them. When hostile misnagdim tried to get him fired he turned to the Rebbe.

“I saw how the Rebbe sits in elementary school teacher for EDUCATION MISSION Brooklyn and runs the school in the decades, since 5713, in one of the Rabbi Alperowitz began teaching Chinuch Atzmai system where I Chinch Atzmai schools (a system in 5709, three years before he got worked in B’nei Brak.” That is how founded in 1953 by the Moetzes married. R’ Zushe Wilyamovsky, Rabbi Yerachmiel Alperowitz began G’dolei Ha’Torah, to serve as an known as “the Partisan,” is the one his story. He is one of the senior alternate school system for religious who drew him into the field. That Lubavitcher Chassidim in children in ) in the center of year many Jews came from Russia Yerushalayim and an outstanding B’nei Brak. Usually lauded by the and he put together a yeshiva in Lud educator who taught thousands of local and national administration where he promised to take care of students with the bracha of the and gratefully thanked by the their material needs while R’ Rebbe Rayatz. satisfied parents, he suddenly found Alperowitz was assigned to provide It was the late 1980’s and hatred himself in the eye of a storm. A band for their spiritual needs. towards the teachings of the Baal of quarrel mongers who took control “I remember it as though it was Shem Tov in general and Chabad of the school decided to fire him. today,” says R’ Alperowitz. “Zushe Chassidus and the Lubavitcher Why? The only reason was because called me and said, ‘You will teach Rebbe in particular was being he was a Lubavitcher Chassid, their the children and I will take care of spewed forth from a certain sworn enemy. all the material needs.’ This personality in B’nei Brak. The long “The truth must be said – they arrangement worked until 5712, years of peace between Chassidim were a small group. But despite when I got married and moved to and non-Chassidim were over and being few in number they used B’nei Brak. replaced with enmity. intimidation to impose their views “When I wrote to the Rebbe R’ Alperowitz worked as an on others.” Rayatz in 5709 about my

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involvement in chinuch and that I “He asked to test the children in test the students, the principal, thought I was suited to this work, he my presence and I was happy to let Rabbi Grossbard of Yerushalayim, wrote me a long and encouraging him do so. He asked them questions would come into my class and note response. He told me: be successful in Chumash and was very excited by lovingly, “This is a Chabad school … in establishing good students who the knowledge they displayed. On ” On the wall, of course, were are successful in their studies and in the spot he offered me a job in the pictures of all the Rebbeim and there fear of Heaven. Chinuch Atzmai school in the center was a Chabad atmosphere in the “Unfortunately, the letter was of B’nei Brak, near my home. He classroom as the Rebbe had stolen from me. I tried my best to said he was sent by the members of instructed me. get it back, albeit unsuccessfully. the administration led by the I remember one time when R’ The Rebbe’s words, however, still principal, Rabbi Koretz, a Karliner Grossbard stood near the door of accompany me till this day in every Chassid, to offer me this position. I my classroom, wanting to hear what aspect of the education of Jewish did not answer him immediately I was teaching. I didn’t know he was children. since a Chassid first asks the standing there but afterwards at a “After I got married I looked for Rebbe.” teachers’ meeting he related what he a teaching job. I knew that with this heard. I had explained to the bracha from the Rebbe, this was my “YOU ARE A CHASSID; children the idea of “the earth will mission in life. YOU NEED TO GO TO be filled with knowledge of G-d” “Not long after my wedding I according to the Chassidic went to the Neve Achiezer CHABAD!” understanding that no place is neighborhood on the edge of B’nei At this time I received another devoid of G-d. Brak. I walked into the main shul teaching offer from a school in Kfar One of the boys asked how this there and asked the people of the Saba that was run by Rabbi Moshe was possible when we don’t see G-d neighborhood whether there was a Aharon Zilberstrom. He asked me to and I answered him with a Chassidic school for their children. They join his staff. I sent a letter to the analogy of a blind person who looked at me in astonishment and Rebbe with the two offers and asked attends a wedding where the tables said that there was no school was the Rebbe to tell me which to pick. are laden with delicious food, meat because they had no teacher. This It is interesting that in the and fish, wine and desserts. When was a period of time when things interim I met the Chazon Ish (Rabbi someone tells the blind man about weren’t as organized as they are Avrohom Yeshaya Karelitz 1878- all the food, he dismisses it and says: today. It’s not like today where there 1953, leader of religious Jewry in ‘I don’t believe you. There is no food are schools in every neighborhood Israel who lived in B’nei Brak). I like that here.’ The children and there was no law at the time didn’t live far from him. I asked him immediately said it’s because he about school attendance. When I his opinion. He knew me well and doesn’t see it; that’s why he doesn’t heard this, I offered to be the we spoke on occasion. He said, “You believe it. But the food is really teacher. are a Chassid and they are making there. So too in our situation, I went “They agreed and every morning you an offer from Chabad – you on to say. We are limited and cannot I would go to the shul, the children should go to Chabad.” see G-dliness. It’s above us, like the would convene, and I would teach Some days later the Rebbe blind man who doesn’t see the food; them. This went on for a long time. answered as follows: wherever you but does that mean the food isn’t Since they had no money to give me, are, be a Chassid who creates an there? I had to look for additional work to environment. The hint was clear. R’ Grossbard was standing there support my family. The Rebbe wanted me to accept the and listening the entire time and in “One day, R’ Tzvi Kogan came offer from the Chinuch Atzmai the teachers’ room he was very to observe me at the shul. He was School in B’nei Brak. complimentary. “By Alperowitz it’s sent by the Torah of I began teaching there at the alive,” he exclaimed. Before me I Chinuch Atzmai, which was located beginning of the 5714/1953 school could see the Rebbe Rayatz’s bracha. opposite my home. He got straight year. With Hashem’s help I was very From the Rebbe I had the to the point and said he had heard a successful. The parents were happy shlichus to make every place Chabad lot about me, and the students who and the administration was happy. I and so when the Rebbe announced came from me to his Talmud Torah felt that the success wasn’t due to the Mezuza campaign, I tried to knew how to read better than the my talents or abilities. Whenever the implement it. I told R’ Grossbard, rest, and their yiras Shamayim (fear central administration of Chinuch “It’s been many years since the of Heaven) was apparent. Atzmai would come to the school to mezuzos in the school were checked,

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GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN had a group in his yeshiva from Tunisia, he wanted CHASSIDIM AND NON-CHASSIDIM me to take educational responsibility for them and be For many years, R’ Alperowitz lived near the their madrich. That group had some tough kids. I Chazon Ish in B’nei Brak and he says categorically heard that they had even hit their previous madrich. that throughout all those years there was no hatred Until that point, my experience was only in teaching between Chassidim and non-Chassidim; on the small children and this meant dealing with youths contrary, they got along: seventeen years old and older. Nevertheless, I agreed One time, as I passed near his house, I met R’ to take on the task on a trial basis. Shneur Zalman Garelik, the rav of Kfar Chabad, I decided to start with the basics. I asked for a together with Rav Zislin. I went over to them and closed room where I could teach them, which was no before I said a word, R’ Garelik asked me what I was difficulty in Ponovezh. I told the boys that I wanted to doing there. I was impudent and I asked him, “What reveal secrets to them that they would not hear am I doing here? What are you doing here?!” They anywhere else. What were those secrets? I took out a said they had come to ask a halachic question. and began teaching them that every neshama that comes down to the world has two forces, a G-dly *** soul and an animalistic soul and there is a constant The Chazon Ish would take walks in the streets of battle between them as to which will be in control. B’nei Brak. One time we met and he asked me They were excited by this. They had never heard whether I could take care of something for him with anything like it. I followed this up with other the rav of Kfar Chabad. Of course, I immediately fundamentals of Chassidus and they were fascinated. agreed and I asked what he wanted me to do. He said Within two weeks it was obvious that they had it had to do with the mitzva of eiruv. Since I wasn’t undergone a radical change. knowledgeable in the subject, I couldn’t undertake the One morning R’ Kahaneman met me and said, shlichus on one foot there in the street. We went up to “Yerachmiel, what is this I heard?” I was frightened. his apartment and he wrote his halachic response and Then he went on to say, “I heard that you are then explained to me why he held what he held. teaching Tanya.” The moment I heard this I was sure The next time I was in Kfar Chabad, I went to R’ I was fired. I tried to defend myself. “And so what? Garelik and told him that I had something for him They changed their behavior and are good and they from the Chazon Ish. I saw that he was pleased, stopped hitting one another and they began learning apparently he had been waiting for this, and he and davening!” He looked at me and smiled. “It’s blessed me with a hearty yasher ko’ach. good, it’s good!” he said twice in Yiddish. *** He told me that the administration had noticed the Another similar example is something that great change in these boys and they wanted to know happened with the Ponovezher Rav, Rabbi where it came from. One of the cooks told them that Kahaneman. In my early years of teaching, after I got she heard from the children that I was teaching them married, Rav Kahaneman met me and said he had Tanya. heard a lot about me and my teaching and since he

if they were ever checked at all. The He agreed to have them checked pointed out that I had the right to a Rebbe says to check the mezuzos.” and quite a few were pasul; there smaller class size. I said every child At first he tried to get out of it by were even cases without any is a diamond and I wouldn’t give up saying it cost a lot of money to have mezuzos at all. Back then less any of them as long as there were no sixty mezuzos checked, but I urged attention was paid to the mitzva of complaints. They were very him to do it. Then he said he would mezuza until the Rebbe focused impressed. be traveling on a fundraising trip attention on it. Soon everyone saw Things continued in this way soon and when he returned he that the Rebbe was justified. until the late 80’s. would set aside money for it. I I enjoyed my work and boruch explained that he should do it the Hashem the administration was BATTLING other way around, first check the pleased too. Inspectors from the THE MISNAGDIM mezuzos and then travel, and thanks Education Ministry once came and to doing it this way he would be when they saw that I had 36 In 5749 the troubles began. A successful. students in my classroom, they group of Litvishe parents decided to

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take control of the school and turn it ed into the type of school they wanted. d be And they were successful. Within I that group there was one person ch. whose sole preoccupation was hing hatred for Chabad and the Rebbe. I s knew that I would be the first to be reed hurt by this course of action, which of course turned out to be true. a A few days before the start of as no that school year, some parents from ted to the Litvishe parent committee came to me and they were nice enough to out a inform me that I was going to be ma fired. I asked why, and there was no G-dly answer. ant One of them was honest enough ol. and he said, “Because you are a ard Lubavitcher.” There was tremendous hatred for Chabad at the time. It was One morning R’ Kahaneman met me ated. really terrible. All the stories about Chassidim and Misnagdim from the and said, “Yerachmiel, what is this I early years of the movement came to d, life. The administration decided to heard?” I was frightened. Then he ned. fire all the Chassidic teachers in the went on to say, “I heard that you are school, with me on the top of the sure list. teaching Tanya.” The moment I heard at? I told these people that I was hey doing a good job and if a letter this I was sure I was fired. ning announcing my dismissal came I s would figure out how to handle it. just that a decision was made he went on to say, “My son will be The principal of the school, who because of the age issue and we in your class. We heard a lot about ed the knew me, was unwilling to capitulate want to truly thank you for all the you and we are thrilled.” I decided now to their tactics and to send me a years that you taught here.” to tell him about being fired. that letter firing me. They weren’t I was in a whirlwind of emotion. “What?! You were dismissed?” hem deterred. They decided to find a new As soon as I got home I sent the he shouted. “Listen, tomorrow I principal to replace him. One day, letter of dismissal to the Rebbe and have to fly to Europe on business. the new principal called me in and wrote all the details of the goings-on Before I go, I will travel to gave me a letter of dismissal. The and about the group of Yerushalayim early in the morning in letter thanked me for all the years I troublemakers. order to meet with R’ Grossbard and worked for them and said they had A few days later R’ Groner called talk to him.” decided to take on younger teachers, me and said that the Rebbe saw the I was skeptical. “What can you which is why they were firing me. letter and his reply was: You will do against the entire The principal looked at me and I remain there and much success. administration?” But he was at him and I saw that he was After such a clear declaration I adamant. embarrassed. I was unwilling to give knew that I would continue teaching “You will see what I can do,” he up on the work that I loved and saw there as always. The days passed said, and went on his way. as my shlichus and I said to him, “If and I didn’t tell anyone about the Just two days passed and R’ there are complaints from the Rebbe’s answer. A week later I met Neuman, the supervisor of the parents, I would understand; but someone whose roots are Vizhnitz Talmud Torah approached me and there is no genuine reason here.” and whose son was supposed to be said, “R’ Alperowitz, I heard that “That’s right,” he said. “There in my class. He was happy to see me they fired you. You should know that are no complaints against you. You and said, “Are you Rabbi Alperowitz nobody has the right to fire you. You are an outstanding teacher and it’s the teacher?” When I said that I was will stay with us. We will fire them.”

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BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES *** R’ Yerachmiel Alperowitz was born in Moscow in R’ Alperowitz met the Rebbe MH”M for the first 5689/1929. His father, R’ Chaim Moshe learned in time in 5738/1977. Tomchei T’mimim in Lubavitch and was with “I was very afraid of flying. I would dream the Rebbe Rashab in 1920 when he passed away. constantly of the Rebbe and see 770, hear the sichos After the Rebbe’s passing, R’ Chaim Moshe assisted and yearn to see him, but was afraid to get on a plane. the Rebbe Rayatz for a year. One night I dreamt that the Rebbe came to me and “The Rebbe Rayatz lived on the top floor and my said: ‘Now, while awake!’ father lived on the bottom floor. The ceiling was made “I woke up immediately. At first I did not of wood and my father would hear the Rebbe pacing understand what the Rebbe meant but that lasted only night after night. My father would speak wistfully a few hours. Rabbi Ozer Alperowitz from the Lachish about that year and I learned that he, too, did not Tours travel agency came and told me, ‘I brought you sleep at night. a ticket to the Rebbe.’ I was stunned and moved for “I saw the Rebbe Rayatz for the last time in just that night the Rebbe had told me, ‘Now, while Warsaw before we set sail for Eretz Yisroel in awake.’ I felt that the Rebbe had arranged the ticket 5695/1935. I was a boy of six and a half. The Rebbe for me. wanted to give my father a room when we arrived in “I boarded the plane and thought in a panic, Warsaw, but my father refused and said he would find ‘Hashem, there are 400 people on this plane. If they a place to stay with an uncle, Sholom Kroll who lived are all wicked, I am one of them. If they are all in that city. The Rebbe Rayatz tried several times to righteous, I am one of them. If they are all crazy, I am ask my father to take a room but my father did not one of them, so how come I am the only one who is want to be a burden to him. Life wasn’t easy then. scared?’ “Before we left Warsaw after a short stay there, “I strengthened my faith and the flight was yechidus was arranged for us. I remember how my uneventful. My son, Yekusiel arranged a place for me father prepared us for this special encounter. He at the Vav Tishrei farbrengen. guided us: ‘In the Rebbe’s room you can’t say a word. “What can I tell you? I saw everything I had seen We are going to see the king, the Nasi HaDor. When in my dreams. Nothing was new to me. we leave the room we do not turn our backs on the “While in New York I told my son that the Rebbe.’ atmosphere was hard on me and I missed the air of “The entire family went in and the Rebbe Eretz Yisroel. He suggested that I write to the Rebbe welcomed us with great joy. Then he looked at each and that is what I did. I gave my note to R’ Binyamin one of us and gave his blessing. My mother cried Klein and he came out with a response that the Rebbe bitterly and asked the Rebbe for a bracha that we said it would be fine. From then on, the feeling cross the sea safely and all remain Chassidim. The changed. When I was in 770 I felt uplifted as though I Rebbe gave his blessing. I was a child and don’t was in Eretz Yisroel. When I stuck my head out of remember the brachos precisely, but they reassured 770, I felt that I was out of Eretz Yisroel. That was my mother. Then we all left, except for my father who my first trip.” remained there for two entire hours.”

At that moment I felt how the Rebbe in turn: “And why did you come?” tried to get me fired again. I received was sitting in New York and running and entered my classroom to teach. I the decision about my dismissal the Talmud Torah. The Rebbe knew that the parents were happy; when I was at the Rebbe in New decided I would stay and so I would the Litvishe roshei yeshivos would York and was staying with my son stay, regardless of the letter of meet me and say, “We know that Menachem. One day, the phone dismissal. you are a Chassid and nevertheless, rang in my son’s house and the On the first day of school I we insist that our children learn with caller asked to speak to me. I didn’t arrived as usual. The member of the you.” I ignored the quarrel mongers imagine that they would bother to parents’ committee who was and continued doing my job as find out where I was staying and responsible for firing me asked me though nothing had happened. how to reach me. The person said why I had come. He enjoyed firing The saga did not end that year. his name and informed me that what off verbal digs and jabs. I asked him The following year the same people they did not succeed in doing the

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year before, they would succeed with I told him that I had received a this year and the decision had been phone call in New York telling me irst made to fire me. “Rabbi Alperowitz,” that I was fired. He dismissed this he said arrogantly, “we took a new with a wave of his hand and said he principal and there is nothing to had a brother who was an educator chos come back to.” in Kfar Chabad, Rabbi Moshe plane. I told R’ Groner and asked him Rosenfeld, and he had nothing nd to inform the Rebbe. Afterwards, he against Chabad. told me that he repeated the entire story to the Rebbe and the Rebbe CHASSIDIM d only simply laughed and said, “With COME OUT ON TOP chish increased success.” t you I realized that they thought I was Rabbi Alperowitz continued for fired but there was someone above teaching at this school and future le them who decided I was going to rabbanim and roshei yeshivos ket stay. After the bracha and my imbibed from him a love for Torah, staying on the previous time, I knew derech eretz (manners, proper that this time, too, a miracle would conduct), and uncompromising hey happen and I would retain my job. Chassidic faith. On the first day upon my return Throughout this interview, R’ , I am to Eretz Yisroel, I got a phone call Alperowitz was careful to stress that o is from the new principal who told me these were a few fools and that over he had been looking for me for a Rabbi Yerachmiel Alperowitz the years he got along very well with at an upsheren long time. He asked me to come to everybody, but what wows him each r me his office because he had a matter to time anew is how though the Rebbe he wanted to work together with me discuss with me. I knew that he was so far away, he was clearly in and that he had heard only good seen wanted to give me a letter of charge of what went on in the things about me. I listened and dismissal. Since the school was Chinuch Atzmai school. “I hope that chuckled. He looked at me and located opposite my home, I went even before this interview is realized I did not believe him. He of right away. He began telling me that published, we see the hisgalus of asked me, “Why are you laughing?” ebbe Melech HaMoshiach.” amin Rebbe Only 1 minute from 770 ^ High Style Hotel in a small format ^ Fancy Studio Apartments @ ough I Kitchen with all the latest technology appliances: Fridge, Microwave, Toaster @ 9 9 1 1 7 7 - - 6 6 9 9 1 1 - - 5 5 2 2 1 1 2 2 of Breakfast, drinks in fridge all day @ 7 1 8 - 4 7 3 - 5 9 3 7 was Broadband Internet 7 1 8 - 4 7 3 - 5 9 3 7 @ FREE calls & video Linen & Towels changed

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miracle story A BRACHA FROM SKY-HIGH

By Nosson Avrohom Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry

Irena found herself becoming more Roman’s approach to took a excited with each passing moment. very significant turn when he saw the The latent faith in her heart finally had a chance to express itself, and power of the Rebbe’s bracha with his she gradually began to come closer to Yiddishkait and started own eyes. Since he returned with his conducting a lifestyle based on mitzvah observance. Later, she family from Kiev, there isn’t a single even transferred her three children person at his workplace who hasn’t to Chabad educational institutions in Ashdod and began participating heard his story. “Everyone raised their in Torah classes and other Chabad House events until she had become eyebrows in amazement,” he said with a a full-fledged Lubavitcher. To her great regret, however, strong tone of excitement. Yet another her husband refused to take part in amazing Igros Kodesh story. her kiruv process. While he appreciated and showed much respect for her new way of life, he One of the more interesting total atheism. continued to live his life as he had families that I have met in my For three years after their in the past. work is the Grinbergschitzky emigration to Eretz Yisroel, this His approach to Judaism took a family living in Ashdod. The status quo continued, until Irena very significant turn when he saw couple emigrated to Eretz Yisroel somehow came to a lecture by the power of the Rebbe’s bracha from the Ukraine ten years ago. Mrs. Ester Segal, a Chabad woman with his own eyes. Irena was The husband, Roman, is a native who told about the miracle that led determined that I should hear the Ukrainian, while his wife Irena to the birth of her five children. story directly from her husband, so Rina originates from Moldova. Mrs. Segal explained to those I waited until the evening, when he Before they came to Eretz in attendance about the unique finished his job as a computer HaKodesh, their level of opportunity available today in technician. Roman happily agreed understanding and knowledge of writing to the Rebbe, Melech to tell his story – since he returned Judaism was virtually non-existent, HaMoshiach, via Igros Kodesh, with his family from Kiev, there as they had been raised according and the tremendous wonders and isn’t a single person at his to educational values based on miracles that occur as a result.

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visas were only valid as of tomorrow. I didn’t understand what she wanted, and I asked her to be specific. She proceeded to explain that my visa and my wife’s were in proper order, but the children’s visas showed tomorrow’s date as the day they would take effect. “Even after hearing her explanation, I still didn’t understand the trouble we were in. I had difficulty grasping the significance of what she was telling me. Then she stated bluntly that the children cannot board the flight! She suggested that we arrange tickets for the flight scheduled for the following day… “I was stunned and very upset. What was the big deal? We were workplace who hasn’t heard it. wife, and our three children. We scheduled to leave Eretz Yisroel at “Everyone raised their eyebrows in counted down the days toward the four in the afternoon, arriving in amazement,” he said, the upcoming flight with ever- Kiev at nine o’clock at night. undercurrent of excitement in his increasing eagerness. Even the Three hours later, it would already voice evidencing that the family waiting in Kiev for our be the following day, and at least tumultuous miracle he had arrival was very excited. Everyone two of those hours would have experienced was still quite fresh in was ready for the visit, with a elapsed by the time we would be his mind. “People can’t believe that scheduled tour throughout the ready to step onto Ukrainian soil. such a thing could have possibly country of my childhood. It was all So what’s the problem? happened.” well planned out with a special file “I still failed to realize the folder. seriousness of our situation. “When the day finally came, we THE CHILDREN CAN’T Sympathetically, she explained that arrived at the airport three hours BOARD THE FLIGHT! it didn’t depend upon her, and that before the scheduled flight. We Ukrainian law did not allow her to “Ten years after our emigration waited most impatiently for the let the children board the plane. to Eretz Yisroel, we decided to Ukrainian airline counter to open. ‘Go to the travel agent who sold make a trip to the Ukraine. The When it finally did open, we were you the tickets, and ask them to flight was scheduled right before glad to be the first ones standing postpone the flight until our eldest daughter’s bas-mitzvah. in line. I went up to the clerk and tomorrow,’ she proposed. It was Being a very orderly person, we submitted the family’s passports, only at this moment that I started making preparations and she began to check them managed to understand the several weeks in advance and carefully, one by one, as she surprising and unpleasant reality arranged everything. We made looked back at her computer facing us. appointments at the Ukrainian screen. “I had bought the tickets at a Embassy in Israel, and I arranged “I was completely calm. I knew special bargain price, and they visas for all the children. I checked that I had made all the necessary were non-refundable. I knew that my wife’s entry visa to make preparations. By nature, I am a if we didn’t board the flight, it certain that it was still valid. When very organized person and I had meant that all the money spent all these details were finalized and made certain that everything had would go down the drain. For the the passports/visas were in my been prepared down to the last next fifteen minutes, I stood by the hand, I requested vacation from detail, as it should be. Then, like a check-in counter and pleaded with work and bought airline tickets at bolt out of the blue, I heard the the clerk, trying to find someone special low prices for myself, my clerk asking me why the children’s who might be able to help us.

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Other passengers had already Ukrainian Embassy in Israel,’ he home. As I was approaching the begun to gather in line behind us, said over the phone. ‘They have counter, I saw facing me a tall man moving around uncomfortably. sole responsibility for entry visas.’ wearing a tie and an elegant suit. The clerk referred me to her He also added that it would be a He appeared to be an official of supervisor in the hope that she waste of time to try and get on this some kind. Near him stood his could be of some assistance. The flight, as the local Ukrainian police wife and another man who was supervisor asked me again for the would escort us on to the same apparently his personal assistant. I passports, and once she checked plane back to Eretz Yisroel. looked at them with growing them, she too determined that the “My wife is a believer, a regular interest, but I didn’t have the children absolutely could not board Chabad chassid, and she asked our slightest idea who they might be. the flight. ‘Go to the travel agent eldest daughter to go and pray to “Suddenly, one of the clerks and buy tickets for tomorrow,’ she G-d from the depths of her heart, approached them, and I saw that said. ‘If you get on this flight, I and she was certain that her she spoke to them and then have no doubt that they’ll put you prayers would be answered. In the pointed at me. They looked at her back on the same plane, taking off meantime, she proceeded to do and then back at me, and I realized one hour later back to Israel,’ she what she always does in moments that she was apparently telling stated with the utmost certainty. of difficulty or confusion. She them about our predicament. I “I would not relent, and I asked called Rabbi Menachem Yaakov went up to them, still not knowing her to try and find me a solution, Rainitz from Lod, told him who they were, and I asked if they adding that this was a vacation everything that was happening, could help us. We had planned this that had been planned for several and she asked him to write to the trip for weeks, the children were weeks. ‘I took time off from work, Lubavitcher Rebbe in request of a crying, and we were literally my family in Kiev is already bracha. She even made a good devastated over the whole waiting, and the children are all resolution that when we arrived in situation. excited about this trip. There must Kiev, we would make a one “In the meantime, my wife and be something creative that you can hundred dollar donation to the children had come back into the do.’ The clerk simply shook her local Chabad yeshiva. terminal. The man looked at them head and wrung her hands. Still, “For my part, I am a realist, and then conferred with his she made an effort by picking up and I had already given up. There assistant for a few moments. When the phone and speaking with a was no hope. The conversation he finished, we heard his assistant senior official of the airline with the customs official had made calling the Ukrainian Embassy in company, explaining our situation. it quite clear to me that the Tel Aviv and informing the consul But the official simply repeated situation was simply irreversible. to come to Lod Airport as quickly what we had already heard before as possible with all the necessary – it would be impossible to allow AMBASSADOR seals. the children to board this flight. SUMMONED “‘There are three children here “The children soon began to with open visas, effective only from understand that things had taken a THE CONSUL tomorrow. Their flight leaves in bad turn, and they started to cry. “My eyes began to well with another two hours. Get here right Their disappointment was tears, as I felt an indescribable away,’ he ordered him. ‘Don’t indescribable. Weeks of anxious sense of disappointment. Where leave the terminal until you are anticipation, preparations, and would I be able to get such a large certain that the entire family plans – all gone for nothing. The sum of money again to buy more boards the flight.’ When I heard children joined me in pleading for airline tickets? Thoughts were these words, I was completely the clerk to do something, but she running through my mind about bewildered and confused. Too really wasn’t the person to ask. how I would ever make up for all many drastic things were taking She agreed to give me the phone the children’s’ anguish. My wife place in such a short period of number of a young man named and children were not near me, as time. I came to the airport happy Nikolai, who worked for the they had left the terminal to go call over our trip, then all the customs house in Kiev. But when Rabbi Rainitz and daven. excitement vanished in an instant, we explained to him our situation, “Choking back the tears in my and now things seemed to be his reply was similar to everyone throat, I went back to the check-in working out. Only then did I else’s. ‘The only people who can counter to gather the luggage I realize that this elegantly dressed help you are the officials with the had left there and prepared to head man was none other than the

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Ukrainian ambassador to Eretz Yisroel! ‘Go to the travel agent and buy tickets The emotion of the moment for tomorrow,’ she said. ‘If you get on overwhelmed us all. this flight, I have no doubt that they’ll THE SITUATION put you back on the same plane, taking WAS REVERSED “About half an hour later, my off one hour later back to Israel.’ wife’s mobile phone rang. It was Rabbi Rainitz. When my wife asks Kindnesses with his flesh eyes, to complete the process with all him to write a letter for her, she there is simply no basis for deliberate speed. In fact, the usually gets back to him within sadness. On the contrary, he consul arrived about an hour thirty minutes in order to hear the must increase in joy, and as the before the scheduled take-off and answer, but with all the fast- Laws of Purim and the portion of dealt with us most cordially. He moving events, she had forgotten Orach Chaim in Shulchan Aruch took our passports, pulled out his to call him and ask what the conclude, ‘the good-hearted is official seals, stamped the Rebbe’s answer was. As a result, always festive’, and especially passports one by one, and then Rabbi Rainitz decided to place the since even now, Divine quickly gave them to the clerk to call himself. Providence has bestowed him hasten our check-in, as time was “You have nothing to worry with a fine portion, the education running out before the flight was about,” he said with complete of the Jewish People, for which due to leave. It was only when the confidence, naturally without you have no more holy and clerk promised him that the flight knowing about the newest pleasant avoda than that, causing would not leave until we boarded development. “You’ll see that tremendous pleasure Above, it is that he shook all our hands, and I everything will turn out for the thereby understood that this is thanked him profusely. best, ‘v’nahafochu’ (and it was also the reward for the person “When we were finally seated reversed), and you’ll board the who causes this pleasure. on the flight, we had some time to flight… The Rebbe gave a bracha, And may it be G-d’s Will that think about what had happened. I and that’s the way it will be,” he the days of this month – when came to the conclusion that there explained. these words of mine will be was a G-dly Power that caused “My wife was so stunned that received – from the segula of this everything. she was absolutely speechless. Her month – will be turned into joy “From a logical standpoint, this voice was choked. Without and celebration. simply couldn’t have happened. knowing it, he had precisely And the substance of the How many ‘coincidences’ could summed up the events of the concept of ‘it will be reversed’ is there be already to arrange for the moment.. ‘The situation was that even matters that do not ambassador to take the same flight reversed’, in its simplest sense. appear good in a revealed sense as we did and then agree to do this The unbelievable was actually can be transformed by the days of personal favor for us? He was the happening. this month into joy and only person who could have The Rebbe’s answer appears in celebration apparent to the summoned the consul to come Vol. 14, pg. 440: physical eye, [and] they shall with the official seals at such short “…and his matter has already have this effect in his notice, something that could not been explained in numerous aforementioned matters.” be done according to the accepted places, and among them the holy “The Rebbe not only wrote that rules and regulations. In addition, Tanya, that the concept of there would be a reversal, he there’s the fact that the airline sadness in whatever form, simply didn’t understand why we company agreed to hold up the whether in spiritual or material were in state of melancholy. Once flight until we had all boarded… matters, is nothing more than the again we were all standing and “For the first time in my life, I advice of the [evil] inclination, crying, but this time it was due to saw the power of a tzaddik. Until and as is explained there at joy and optimism. then, I hadn’t believed in such length, and in particular in “As per his instructions, the things. While I had much respect relation to him, who even saw ambassador’s assistant remained revealed miracles and G-d’s with us in order to get the consul [Continued on page 21]

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 767 19 767_Beis Moshiach 06/12/2010 9:05 AM Page 20

moshiach & science

As we wriggled down the serpentine path of history, and made our way to the woodlands of southeast Asia, we discovered that FLYING there seems to be a loophole in the divine decree, a loophole that allows some snakes, at least, to reverse the curse and even more. Not to walk – but to fly, or glide to be more SNAKES precise. The premiere example is one called The Paradise Tree Snake (Chrysopelia paradisi), a creature By Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd that can leap from a branch and glide up to 80 feet to the next tree. Until recently, no one really understood how a wingless, cylindrical creature like a snake could fly so well, but Jake Socha, a biophysicist from Virginia Tech has painstakingly worked out the aerodynamics in detail. The key factors are (a) that it flattens its body fully mimicking a wing shape, (b) it glides at a slight angle to the air flow it creates, and (c) it keeps its head still for steering, its body slithering for lift, and its tail flapping for propulsion. Chassidus teaches us to look for a life lesson in everything. It also highlights kabbalistic teachings about how events in the world are influenced by the Torah times, such as the weekly Torah portion and special days on the Jewish calendar. What can we learn from flying snakes and from the fact that the Life was simpler back then. forbidden fruit and we have been research was publicized during the Peace. Love. Joy. Health. paying the price ever since. week of Yud-Tes Kislev, the Rosh Prosperity. All the things we hope Some say the whole story is HaShana of Chassidus? for down the road, we already had basically literature. Some call it a The first thing to note is that then, back in the garden. moralistic allegory. To me, it’s fact, nothing is impossible. No one would At that point, however, the two- not fiction, although it’s a great read ever expect that a snake would fly legged snake came to visit. No, not and deeply symbolic too. More than but does the Paradise Tree Snake the door-to-door home renovation divinely inspired, I believe it’s G-d’s care? Not one bit. The Creator says salesman, although their ilk also truth. In any case, the story goes - jump and the creature goes and does includes slicksters who entice Adam shifted the blame to Eve it with no hesitation whatsoever. vulnerable populations to buy into and she shifted it to the snake. As Many times we feel that a things that aren’t good for them. We the ultimate instigator, that critter mitzvah is an impossible mandate. are talking about the granddaddy of got cut down to size, literally. Legs We have statistics to prove it – most them all, the scheming and seductive gone, lick the dust. Game over, all people don’t do mitzvos so how can primordial serpent who tricked our you get to do is slither. And that’s I? We cite nature – I’m not made original ancestress into eating the the end of it. Or so we thought. for this lifestyle. We even blame evil

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itself – how can I be good when the 50 feet up, it looks like certain death What better time to learn from a world is so bad, when I am so bad? for a wriggly reptile like me. But my snake, in Hebrew a nachash. The Along comes the Paradise Tree fall creates a breeze and when I word nachash and Moshiach both Snake and says, “Ha! The statistics angle myself just right, the breeze have a gematria or numerical are just as loaded against me as they lifts me up. equivalent of 358. Indeed Moshiach are against you. You Jews comprise “Third, you have to keep your is the ultimate antidote for original about 0.2% of people on the planet. head still while you keep your body sin, as perpetrated by the original The five known flying snake species moving. In other words stay focused nachash. are also about 0.2% of the 3000 on the fly. I’m fixated on my Chanukah has another known species of snake. destination the whole time I slither connection to Moshiach and that is “You say it is against your nature through the air creating the illusion the lettering on the dreidel, Nun, to soar with Torah and mitzvos? of a wing, and flap my tail to propel Gimmel, Hei, Shin, an acronym for What about me? I have no wings, in myself forward.” nes gadol haya sham – a big miracle fact no appendages at all and still I Yud-Tes Kislev marks the happened there. These four letters fly! You at least have a head to study liberation of the founder of Chabad too add up to 358, the value of and hands to do mitzvos. from prison and the consequent Moshiach. “You say that evil holds you back, expansion of his teachings and Finally it is also a specific act of but look at me. I am evil incarnate, influence. Like Chanukah that Divine Providence that this creature but that doesn’t stop me from doing follows it, Yud-Tes Kislev carries a is referred to as the Paradise Tree what I’m told. message of transforming darkness to Snake. I don’t know the “So stop with the excuses and light. taxonomist’s reason for calling it learn the a-b-c’s of self- Indeed both holidays focus on that, but for me the lesson is clear. transcendence and personal Moshiach as a central theme. Through the bittul of the Snake, the transformation from me. The first Moshiach himself is said to have told sin of the Tree is atoned, and we thing is to flatten out. This is the the that his coming return to Paradise. notion of bittul, self-nullification and will be heralded by expansive Then life will be simple once humility. I too used to be a terrible teaching and promotion of Chassidic again. Peace. Love. Joy. Health. egotist, in fact much bigger than thought and that is what Yud-Tes Prosperity. you, as everyone knows. If you want Kislev is all about. Chanukah is a And no nasty snakes, just the to elevate yourself, you have to rid universal celebration of the antidote, Moshiach, may he come yourself of this quality. rededication of the Temple in speedily now. “Second, no matter how bad , an act which we will once (To contact, visit www.arniegotfryd.com things seem, look for the positive more relive with the imminent or call (416) 858-9868) aspect. When I leap off a tree from coming of Moshiach.

[Continued from page 19] at the city’s central Chabad amazement. None other than the synagogue. The tour throughout consul himself in all his glory had for my wife and the path she had the country also included the holy come to Lod Airport to take care taken, I felt no connection to this gravesites of several tzaddikim. of us… For the first time in my lifestyle. Now, my opinions had This time, Roman wasn’t there just life, I felt and experienced for changed completely.” to accompany his family or as a myself the fact that there are G-dly * passive observer, as he personally Powers that run the world. I have The Grinbergschitzky family recited chapters of T’hillim. no doubt that the Rebbe performed remained in Kiev for two weeks. “We told this story to chassidim a great miracle for us.” Their visit included regular prayers in Kiev, and they responded with

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BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 767 21 767_Beis Moshiach 06/12/2010 9:05 AM Page 22

story TO CATCH A BIG FISH

By Nosson Avrohom

created all this? A day after “Didan Natzach” the Rebbe When his daughter, Devorah, began becoming religious, he greatly said an astounding sicha in which he respected her decision and new way asked Chassidim to write letters that of life which was so different from the way he had raised her. should be sent to the secretariat. The The following special story, a “Baal Shem’ske mofes” (a miracle Rebbe said he would take them to the worthy of the Baal Shem Tov) has been kept by the family for nearly gravesite of the Rebbe Rayatz. As for twenty years. Now, after receiving permission from her father to those who lived far away, the Rebbe publicize it, Devorah shares it with asked them to place their letters at the us. gravesites of tzaddikim where they SURPRISING lived. People knew this was an INSTRUCTION The story began after the judges auspicious time for requests... ruled in the Rebbe’s favor that the s’farim are not the private Mrs. Devorah Hasofer is known it for k’dusha (holiness). possession of any individual but to many people for being a gifted She has a heart-stopping story belong to Agudas Chassidei Chabad. singer and songwriter. She made about an event she experienced with The Chassidim of Crown Heights aliya with her family in 1998 and her father, after the Rebbe’s and around the world rejoiced. The lives in the Chabad community of surprising instruction given at the following day, the Rebbe delivered Rechovot, a result of a series of farbrengen on the 6th of Teves, an astounding sicha in which he amazing answers from the Rebbe via 5747, a day after the victory in the asked Chassidim to write letters and Igros Kodesh. court case regarding the s’farim. send them to the secretariat, Other clear answers, no less Her father is a man with a strong promising to bring them to the amazing, led her to realize a dream Jewish identity and Jewish pride. gravesite of the Rebbe Rayatz. As for and to develop her musical career. Although he was not religiously those who lived far away, the Rebbe She appears often at Chabad events observant and did not study Torah, it asked them to bring their letters to for women at Chabad houses, at was always important to him that his the gravesites of Tzaddikim where gatherings, and in Eretz children marry Jews. He told his they lived. Yisroel and around the world. The children that in his youth he had People knew that this was an eis world of music is not unfamiliar to once gazed at the sky and the ratzon (auspicious time) for requests her. Before becoming religious she constellations and asked himself and that they shouldn’t miss this studied music and now she is using Avrohom Avinu’s question: Who golden opportunity. Chassidim,

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everybody can write whatever they take advantage of this special want (without shame) for it is in opportunity. It wasn’t every day that the manner of writing to Hashem the Rebbe made announcements like through the Nasi HaDor. this, and so specifically, too. We also They can do likewise in all understood that the Rebbe other places where there is a considered this very important. cemetery where a great person is Without losing a moment we buried, a tzaddik and spiritual gathered our children and told them leader, as is known that all what the Rebbe said. We gave them cemeteries are connected with one paper and pen and they began to another and all of them together write. It was moving to see what are connected with the M’eras faith and t’mimus (wholehearted HaMachpella via tunnels (as is faith, simplicity) they put into their explained in s’farim). letters. … May this activity increase in “We were taken aback to see how young and old, wrote letters and told the wholeness of Yisroel, as is seriously the children took it and those outside Chabad to do the emphasized also at the end of the how they asked for brachos for same. They say that that day, when daily portion of Chumash, “Yaakov things we hadn’t thought they had the Rebbe went to the , there and all his descendants with him,” even considered. To our amazement were over ten sacks of letters that he “his sons and grandsons with him, they did not ask only for those took in his car! his daughters and granddaughters things that children yearn for, but Before we get to the special and all his descendants,” and as also for serious matters. Hasofer story, it would be continued in the following verses “Many other people came to our appropriate to quote some excerpts (in the daily portion of the next house and were in and out all day. from that unusual sicha: day), “and all the soul(s) of the They were in addition to our … All those who, for whatever house of Yaakov … seventy.” relatives, friends, and acquaintances. reason, did not yet give tz’daka, We explained to each of them what along with their name and their the Rebbe said and told them that mother’s name (in connection to DOZENS OF MEKURAVIM they would surely see later on how what was said earlier) – should WRITE TO THE REBBE what they asked for had worked out hasten to give a certain amount to Like many Chassidim, Rabbi in the best possible way. Most of the tz’daka (for in this matter the Mordechai (Motty) Hasofer people wrote letters in a spirit of amount makes no difference, just returned home all excited. It was respect and awe. We spent time with the act of participating in giving easy to get his wife caught up in his the few cynics too. We decided to tz’daka, including doing so enthusiasm. It was obvious to them, devote this day to writing letters. ‘If graciously) and to include their as it was to all Chassidim, especially it won’t help, it certainly won’t hurt,’ name and their mother’s name, as with the tone in which the sicha was we told them. soon as possible, before my going said, that this was an auspicious “By the end of that day our table tomorrow, bli neder, to the time. They both decided to speak was piled high with letters, but I was gravesite of the Rebbe my father- with all their relatives and tremendously bothered by the fact in-law, in order to mention them at acquaintances so they too would that my father was the only one we the gravesite. write to the Rebbe and ask for had not convinced to write to the It would be worthwhile for brachos. Rebbe. We tried, we begged, we them to give the notes separately “We lived in Sydney,” said Mrs. explained, but he didn’t want to. All and the money for tz’daka Hasofer. “We had exchanged homes the approaches that had helped with separately (at the same time but in with our good friends, the Lieders. the other skeptics and cynics were to different envelopes) to save the They were living in our home in no avail with him. It just seemed bother of separating the notes from Melbourne and we were in their bizarre to him and he saw no need the money, for there will surely be home in Sydney. Their large home to be a part of it. many in quantity and all the more was located across from “In order to understand his so in quality. and the shul. stubborn opposition, I will tell you a To add, since it will not be “When my husband came from little about his personal odyssey possible to read all the notes, but shul and told me about what the which led him to the brink between only to leave them at the gravesite, Rebbe said, we realized we had to secular and religious life.”

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THE STORY responded as he usually did: ‘If there done for decades. OF PETER DYCE is a G-d, where was He during the “I was disappointed. I wanted Holocaust that happened to our him to ask for loftier, more serious “My father emigrated from pre- people?’ But after a few moments, matters, but that is what he wanted war Europe as a child together with before I fell asleep, he kissed me and and I respected this just as he had his parents, and so they were spared said: ‘G-d should watch over you.’ respected my wishes although he the horrors of the Holocaust. My It’s like the Alter Rebbe says, a Jew had raised me otherwise. We grandfather was the one who cannot and does not want to be included this letter with the others convinced his wife to leave Europe disconnected from Judaism. on the big pile that had collected.” since he realized the fascists were “One of the years that we visited taking over and this meant the Jews Crown Heights for a family simcha, were in big trouble. He was unable A TRIP AT MIDNIGHT he decided to go to 770 on Erev to convince the rest of his extended TO THE CEMETERY Shabbos. He returned from there family. They thought it was an ugly moved to tears. For many hours he Towards midnight, when the last wave of anti-Semitism that would spoke in wonderment about the guest had left our house, my pass. Most of them perished at the special bond he saw between the husband and his brother Nachi hands of the Nazis. My Rebbe and the Chassidim, a bond (Menachem) went to the cemetery grandparents felt terrible about this the likes of which he had never seen in Sydney to put the bundle of and this feeling was passed along to or heard about before between a letters on the gravesite of Rabbi their son, my father. leader and his followers. My father Asher Abramson who was a great “They had some Jewish tradition has a warm spot in his heart for the Chassid, an Av Beis Din, and a but were not religious. They were in Rebbe, despite everything.” greatly admired rabbinic figure. He contact with many Jews as well as also officiated at our wedding. with Jewish organizations in “The trip to the cemetery was Australia. THE REQUEST: A GOOD scary. It was very dark but with the “They were very successful in DAY’S FISHING help of a powerful flashlight they business and became well-to-do. “I’m going back to that day, to located the grave and after a They sent my father to a Christian the day we convinced people to write heartfelt prayer that all the requests school. He was educated within the to the Rebbe and to take advantage be accepted favorably by Hashem gentile culture. The fact that his of the eis ratzon. Whatever we tried and be fulfilled, they placed the parents were wealthy led to his to tell my father and whatever we letters there and left for home. association with those in the upper did to convince him, failed. He “At about six in the morning, class and distanced him further from adamantly refused. I, who already while everybody was sleeping, his Jewish heritage. Whenever the knew the significance of “Rebbe” especially after the exhausting topic of Judaism and faith in G-d and what it means to follow his previous day, we suddenly heard came up in their house you would instructions, was no less determined. knocks at the door. We woke up in a hear the refrain: ‘But where was G-d In the end, after much time, when fright. We couldn’t imagine who it in the Holocaust?’ He couldn’t the sun had already begun to set, we could be. It wasn’t even our house understand it. Intellectually, he arrived at a compromise in that he and who would be knocking so early grasped that G-d is compassionate would tell me what he wanted to in the morning? Was this an and merciful and takes care of His request and I would write it for him. emergency? people. As much as he tried to “He was all smiles and I was very “My husband and I raced to the understand the existing reality, he excited that my father, despite his front door and to our great surprise, could not arrive at satisfactory views, would write a letter to G-d it was my father standing there. He answers. He wasn’t anti as much as (as the Rebbe put it in the sicha: ‘he was the last person we would have he was hurt. writes to Hashem through the Nasi expected at that hour. He is a “In any case, my father had a HaDor’). rational and very well mannered strong Jewish identity and he loved “‘Dear G-d,’ he dictated. person. Even if something bad had people. ‘Tomorrow, at four in the morning I happened, he would not have “An interesting incident that I am going fishing and I want to be reacted in this way. From the remember from when I was a child more successful than ever.’ peephole I could see he was is when I asked him if he believes in “One of my father’s big hobbies emotionally overwrought and we what I heard that G-d is good and is fishing. Till today, despite his age, quickly opened the door. does good. He instinctively he goes fishing every week as he has “The three of us sat down at the

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kitchen table and waited curiously for him to say something. After he relaxed a little, he looked at me and said, ‘I will tell you something astounding that if I hadn’t experienced it myself, I would not believe that things like this could happen.’”

DO YOU HAVE A DIRECT LINE TO G-D? “As you know, I left with my friend to go fishing as I do every week. As always, I sat on one side and my friend Richard sat on the other side and we both set out to now after two hours their boat was “When we finished talking we catch our fish for the week. On the full and they decided to return to went with him to his boat and saw way out to sea, we saw a large shore. lots of fish (which were all kosher!), Italian boat with a large crew and “On the way back they saw the and we took some for Shabbos. My nets out on the water and we waved Italian boat approaching them father gave out the rest of the fish to at them. When we found a spot to rapidly. At first they were nervous his friends and he told them all stop our boat and begin fishing, and tried to avoid it, but the other about the fantastical experience he something amazing happened. I boat was much quicker and caught had while fishing. caught a big, fat fish, the likes of up with them. When they were in “A few Shabbasos later, he told which I had never caught before. My hearing distance, the Italian captain us that he saw Lubavitcher children friend caught nothing. This shouted: ‘How did you manage to talking amongst themselves. They happened time and again. I cast my catch so many fish? Do you have a were pointing at him and saying, rod into the water and shortly direct line to G-d? We have been ‘There’s the man who could have thereafter pulled out a fat fish, while trying to catch some fish for a few asked for anything and all he asked my friend caught nothing! hours now and barely caught for was to be able to catch fish …’” “At first we just laughed and anything. We are going back to *** joked around, but when more time shore with nothing to show for This is the story Mrs. Devorah passed and Richard still had yet to ourselves.’ Hasofer told. She concludes it by catch a single fish, something told “My father looked at Richard and saying, “We are in the final moments me this wasn’t luck. told us that he was suddenly of galus and this is an auspicious “Richard began to get annoyed. overcome with an inner fear that he time.” She said she was in a store His ego was bruised. We decided to was unaccustomed to. He was and one of the ladies there blessed switch places and amazingly, I suddenly struck by the thought that her and she returned the blessing, brought up fish after fish, big ones, there is a G-d in the world and he including a blessing for the while Richard’s luck did not change. realized his amazing success was imminent Geula and Moshiach now. At some point I connected this to connected with the letter he had The other woman asked, “Are you the request I had made the night written the day before. At first he Lubavitch?” before.” had tried dismissing the thought and She responded, “Do only “My father related this and was laughing it off, but now he was Lubavitchers want the Geula? We all still dumbfounded by the turn of trembling. believe in it!” This is an opportunity events. He wasn’t sure it was “He had been going fishing for given to us, this generation, to put because of the bracha. He told his forty years and had never had such our focus on the importance of our friend about it and his friend success. This feeling was in response task of realizing the brachos of thought that he was merely trying to to the voices within him that tried to Geula as something real and for assuage him for his bad luck. They cool him off to the enormity of the right now. “I pray that by usually spend four of five hours at miracle. publicizing this story it will hasten sea or even more, to have time to “My father brought a lot of fish the immediate hisgalus of the Rebbe catch enough fish for the week, but to Richard to appease him. Melech HaMoshiach.”

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 767 25 767_Beis Moshiach 06/12/2010 9:05 AM Page 26

moshiach & geula

encourages, and is conducive to, Torah and Mitzvos.] The above description by the GEULA - Rambam is describing the beginning – the first era - of Yemos HaMoshiach. Chazal say (Gemara Brachos) “Lo nisnavu chachamim elah l’yemos HaMoshiach aval Olam WHAT WE Habah, ayin lo raa Elokim zulasecha” - The sages only “had visions” of Yemos HaMoshiach, but Olam Habah - the second era - only Hashem knows what will be! In the AWAIT! era of Olam Habah, the world will get a completely new look.

What is the difference between Yemos HaMoshiach and Olam Part 2 Habah? By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon There is actually a famous argument between Rambam and Dear Reader sh’yichyeh: Ramban: Before we begin to describe the Rambam holds that while in details of Yemos HaMoshiach, it is Yemos HaMoshiach, we will be in very important that we get the physical bodies, all the miracles of Halachic description. It was written Moshiach – like the resurrection of by the Rambam (Hilchos Melachim the dead etc. – will be in the era of Chapter 12): Olam Habah, when all souls will 1. One should not entertain the leave their constricting, limited notion that in the Era of Moshiach bodies and enjoy eternal bliss in Gan an element of the natural order will Eden. be nullified, or that there will be any Ramban holds - and this is the innovation in the work of creation. opinion that the Rebbe follows - that Rather, the world will continue even in Olam Habah we will be in according to its pattern. this physical world, as the entire 2. Our Sages taught: [Brachos purpose of creation was (Midrash 34b] “There will be no difference Parshas Naso) “To make a dwelling between the current age and the Era place for Hashem in this physical of Moshiach except [our world”. In Olam Habah, the [Yeshayahu 11:9], “For the world complete truth of creation - that the emancipation from] subjugation to will be filled with the knowledge of the [gentile] kingdoms.” Jewish people are one with Hashem, G-d as the waters cover the ocean and that the world is consistently 3. In that Era there will be bed.” neither famine nor war, neither envy being created by Hashem - will be One may ask, why is the revealed to all. Many miracles will nor competition, for good things will Rambam so descriptive about the flow in abundance and all the take place in that era. atmosphere in the world when We now have to address the delights will be as freely available as Moshiach comes? Isn’t the Rambam dust. The occupation of the entire following question: a codifier of Jewish law? According to the accepted world will be solely to know G-d. The Rebbe explains (Hadran The Jews will therefore be great opinion (Ramban), that in Olam 5746, chapter 10) that knowing the Habah we will be living in this sages and know the hidden matters, atmosphere of Yemos HaMoshiach and will attain an understanding of physical world, will we be eating is part of believing in Moshiach! We and drinking? their Creator to the [full] extent of must believe that the world will human potential; as it is written Chazal write (Brachos, 17a) “In reach a point that its atmosphere Olam Habah there will be no eating

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and drinking, no jealousy and pierce it through…” own divine energy, to the extent that competition etc., rather the One may be able to answer Chazal say that in Olam Habah, the Tzaddikim (the entire Jewish people simply, that the meal will take place Neshama will be sustained by the are referred to as tzaddikim - see in the era of Yemos HaMoshiach, spirituality of the body! Sanhedrin Perek Chelek) while in Olam Habah, we won’t be If, indeed, we will not need food will be sitting with crowns and eating at all. However in Likkutei to live, why will there be a meal in enjoying the Sh’china.” Torah (from the Alter Rebbe, Olam Habah? From this Gemara, it would seem Parshas Tzav), it seems that the feast The Baal Shem Tov said (Kesser obvious that there will be no eating will take place in Olam Habah. Shem Tov, 194) that in reality, and drinking in Olam Habah. But The Lubavitcher Rebbe (Igros eating is a spiritual exercise. There this seemingly contradicts other Kodesh Volume 2, page 65, in are many lofty spiritual sparks in our Gemaras (P’sachim 119b and Bava footnote 26) gives a fascinating food that get elevated when we eat Basra 74b) that clearly state that explanation: food, especially if we do so l’sheim Hashem will make a feast for There will be a physical feast, but Shamayim. That is the real purpose Tzaddikim in the times of Geula. the eating of Olam Habah will be for of eating. It is just that in exile, we The Midrash (VaYikra, 13) a different purpose than the eating would not be inspired to eat if it was actually describes the following: in the time of Exile. just a spiritual activity, so Hashem There will be a great war in the Why does one eat? We eat to live created us with a material need and future between the Shor HaBar (the and exist. Without food, we would physical desire to eat. wild mountain ox) and the Leviasan not be able to survive. Our physical The eating and feasting in Olam (Leviathan). body can’t be sustained by spiritual Habah will be entirely for a different “…How will they be slaughtered? energy, so we need to eat physical purpose than why we eat today. It Beheimos (the Shor HaBar) will, food, which produces physical will be an entirely spiritual activity. with its horns, pull Leviasan down energy. But in Olam Habah, when I am sure that many of you want and rend it, and Leviasan will, with our body will be refined and some more details of this feast. We its fins, pull Beheimos down and elevated, it will be sustained from its will elaborate in our next article. EEsstthheerr’’ss PPaarrttyy GGrriillll 463 Albany Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-735-4343 CATERING ON OR OFF THE PREMISES CORPORATE ACCOUNTS WELCOME. SHLUCHIM; SPECIAL RATES FOR SAVE MONEY SHABBATONS & PARTIES COME SEE TODAY!! OUR BRAND NEW SUSHI BAR Get a FREE analysis on your credit Card Processing! OPEN FOR IN HOUSE DINING Call Today 888-468-3256 x 2770 TAKE OUT & CATERING Better rates guaranteed – If we can’t save you money we will pay you $100 For a limited time – get your CC Terminal or software set up absolutely FREE UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE It’s a matter of ONE minute and ONE fax. BEIS DIN CROWN HEIGHTS

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BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 767 27 767_Beis Moshiach 06/12/2010 9:05 AM Page 28

insight OF STORIES AND STORYBOOKS

Compiled by M. Liebson

“Hearing a story from the Rebbe was publication in his unique style. Thus, thousands of stories were printed in the Written Torah to us,” said the Alter the series of Likkutei Dibburim and his Seifer HaSichos and in Rebbe. The Rebbe Rayatz and the Rebbe thousands of printed letters. Today too, more and more stories that he MH”M attributed great importance to wrote are being discovered – memories of his childhood or stories the memoirs of Chassidim. They asked that he heard from his parents and that they be written and encouraged grandparents, from the elders of his generation or from the Chassidim of publishing them. * The following is a that time.

small compilation of quotes from the THE FEET OF CHASSIDIM Rebbeim about the importance given to In the sicha of the second night of Chol HaMoed Sukkos, writing stories and memoirs. * 5707/1946, the Rebbe Rayatz related: Presented for Hei Teves, which marks In the summer of 5646/1886, my father [the Rebbe Rashab] the victory of the s’farim. traveled and he left me under the supervision of the melamed We know that in their youth, from his bar mitzva he would write (teacher) R’ Nissan. R’ Nissan told most of our Rebbeim wrote dozens, down whatever he heard from his me many stories from our Rebbeim or even hundreds, of stories that father, the Tzemach Tzedek, as well and when my father returned, he they heard from their parents or as stories that he heard from older was grateful to R’ Nissan for the Chassidim from the previous family members, especially his uncle stories he told me. When I became generation, about the chain of R’ Chaim Avrohom, the son of the older my father told me: “You need Chassidus and the earlier Rebbeim. Alter Rebbe, and from elder to be grateful to R’ Nissan. He put The Rebbe Maharash said (on Chassidim (Likkutei Dibburim). you on your feet. The feet of the Motzaei Shabbos after the bar The Rebbe Rayatz was unique in Chassidim are stories, and that rises mitzva of his son, later to become that he did not only relate stories to the head.” the Rebbe Rashab), that starting publicly but he even wrote them for On another occasion my father

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father reminds me and tells me to from him, most of which I review several times so I remember remember till today (HaTamim, 5th them (Seifer HaMaamarim 5711). volume). My grandmother, Rebbetzin YEARNING Rivka was an able transmitter of oral TO HEAR STORIES tradition and each of her stories was precise, including when and from In every free moment on whom she heard it. And she would weekdays, and especially on give a broad description of the Shabbos, I run to my teacher, R’ storyteller and the time period of the Yekusiel the melamed. Because of event and the story itself. Every day, his nice stories, I remained bonded when I came home from school, I to him with great love, and I asked would go and visit her and ask for a the other students which stories he story. My visits to my grandmother told them while I had been away continued throughout the years until from Lubavitch. I boasted that I, her passing. Her stories take a too, had heard many stories from my special place in my journal and in father and I remembered them my memories. (Seifer HaMaamarim accurately, and since they asked me 5711) I told them a few stories. Every melamed I learned with told me that through stories one The talmidim told the melamed and from whom I heard stories of draws down the essence of the soul. R’ Yekusiel about the stories I told my holy ancestors, the fathers of The essence of the soul is concealed them and one Shabbos, when I went Chassidus and of Chassidim, I held and only a glimmer of the neshama to him and he was sitting there in high esteem, and above all I held that comes down below is revealed. wearing his yarmulke and without my teacher R’ Nissan in highest Serving Hashem makes that spiritual his jacket, drinking tea after an regard. His orderly and clear stories radiance shine and also causes a afternoon nap, he told me to tell him enabled me not only to absorb the tremendous elevation in the soul up the stories I heard from my father. contents with all the details, but also above. The illumination of the (ibid) inspired me with a desire to review neshama is good for the essence of the stories in thought and speech the soul because through the work THE SOURCES and in accordance with my childish of illuminating the soul here, by … Every week after candle- understanding to delve into the fulfilling Torah and mitzvos, the lighting I would go to my moral lesson or the idea exemplified World of Atzilus is envious of the grandmother [Rebbetzin Rivka] and in each story (ibid). World of Asiya; the lights of Atzilus she would read from her big book Throughout all the days with my and the essence of the soul are and tell me nice stories … The father, for six weeks, he told me jealous of the illumination of the stories of my grandmother and of stories that he saw by his father, soul down below. Through stories, my teacher R’ Yekusiel aroused in grandfather Maharash and by his the essence of the soul is revealed. me a longing to hear stories. Since I father-in-law, grandfather R’ Yosef MY FATHER TESTS ME saw that my father respected the Yitzchok, both when he was in The Rebbe Rashab told his son guest who lived with us in the room Lubavitch and in the few days he to write down the stories he told him next to mine, and his luminous spent in Ovrutch, and of his conduct and even tested him on this. The countenance was very apparent to until his bar mitzva and from his bar Rebbe Rayatz relates: me and I had already gotten over my mitzva and onwards. From every 14 Menachem Av, 5701/1941, fear of the distinguished Chassidim single story he drew a moral lesson marked fifty years from the day my who I had seen in Charkov during in fear of heaven and behaving with father told me to start writing down the days we spent there on our way proper middos (character traits). the stories he told me (see HaYom back from Yalta – I got up my (Seifer HaSichos, kayitz 5700) Yom for 14 Av). courage to ask the honored guest to My father tests me occasionally tell me Chassidic stories. For the WRITING A JOURNAL to see whether I remember the seven weeks that Rashdam [Reb stories he told me in Yalta and for One time I complained to my Shmuel Dovber of Parisov] stayed in teacher R’ Nissan that I forget the the most part I remember them our house, I heard many stories accurately. The points I forget my stories I hear. He advised me to

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write down everything I heard with a me that Chassidic stories provide content has great depth lying within. name, number and date. I listened to general improvement that makes a (Igros Kodesh Rebbe Rayatz vol. 6 his advice and all my free time from person into a baal middos (man of p. 280) my studies I used for writing. My good character) and a servant of You need to learn how to tell a handwriting at the time was hard to Hashem. My father went on at great Chassidic story. Everything must be decipher and I myself had to work length in explaining this… Stories of told in the proper order. The story hard to figure out what I wrote. The Tzaddikim are the improvement; should not be “prettied” up with innocent obedience to my teacher R’ korbanos (sacrifices) are a matter of explanations of the storyteller Nissan’s advice, despite the heavy slaughtering, slaughtering one’s evil (Likkutei Dibburim). burden it put on me, led to my inclination, iskafia – forcing oneself A Chassidic story ought to lead having written quite a few stories (Likkutei Dibburim). to an opening of the mind and the and incidents that later on my father When Chassidim in general, and straightening out of the crookedness explained to me. (Seifer Chabad Chassidim in particular, tell of the heart. This is why the book of HaMaamarim 5709) their own stories – whether in their B’Reishis, which is mostly stories, is The practice of R’ Pinchas the homes or at farbrengens – their called “The Book of the Straight,” melamed is that every day after narratives are illuminated in turn by for the holy stories straighten out learning, he would tell a certain the stories and practices of their the heart and mind so they are story of the Admurim or the Rebbeim and elder Chassidim. Their receptive to receiving the Torah and Chassidim from those printed in homes are then more radiant and avoda (ibid). story books or recounted from one more refined (Seifer HaMaamarim person to another. This story hour 5701). THE PURPOSE AND was very precious to us all and we About the stories that we heard ADVANTAGE OF A STORY often fought with one another about in school, we children had to review where we would stand or sit, for them amongst ourselves under our The Alter Rebbe said, “The each of us wanted to stand next to teacher’s supervision. Typically, stories told at Chassidic farbrengens our teacher. After a contemplative wanting to show that we remember are the dew of resurrection that silence, R’ Pinchas would describe and understand what our teacher instill vitality in haskala and avoda” the one who related the story, told us, we raised our voices to out- (ibid). whether one of the Admurim or one shout one another and there was The Alter Rebbe would often say: of the elder Chassidim, and with such a racket that our teachers “Hearing Torah from the Rebbe [the broad verbal strokes he would would sit and be moved by our Maggid of Mezritch] was to us, the describe the place and time in which shouting (ibid). Oral Torah. Hearing a story from the story took place. (Shmuos our master was, to us, the Written V’Sippurim vol. 3) Torah.” (Igros Kodesh Rebbe Rayatz HOW SHOULD A vol. 4 p. 65) CHASSIDIC STORY LOOK? The Rebbe Rashab once said, “A A STORY IS A The Rebbe Rashab once said: Chassidic story illuminates and FOUNDATION You need to know how to tell a warms a Chassidic home.” (Likkutei When we take walks my father Chassidic story so that the story is Dibburim) uses this time to tell me stories and vivid. Furthermore, you need to “The Chassidic process of memories about my grandfather, the know how to listen to a story, “Exodus from Egypt” includes Tzemach Tzedek’s appearance, because from hearing, an entire “hagada”, that is, telling Chassidic stories from him and stories he picture forms in the mind of the stories and internalizing them heard from his mother. From day to listener as though he is living deeply. We need to know that every day I am getting better acquainted through the incident (Likkutei story is a life lesson. Every story with the life and ways of conduct in Dibburim). must lead to a good character trait learning Chassidus, learning Nigleh, The story of a tzaddik or of a and inner vitality in beautifying and the ways of avoda, and my Chassid ought to be told with great mitzvos and lead to feeling the journal is enriched daily with more precision. An excerpt from a story pleasant ways of Toras of my written pages… For my also ought to be told in an orderly HaChassidus” ( 26 Av). father, every story is “foundational.” way and as it happened. This is (Seifer HaMaamarim 5709) regardless of the content of the A WONDROUS SEGULA My father educated me with story. Even a story that seems at first It is related in the name of the inner values in my youth, and told glance to be devoid of meaningful

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Rebbe Maharash: They say that when you tell a story of the Baal Shem Tov on Motzaei Shabbos, it is a segula (good portent) for parnasa (livelihood). In this there are three exclusions: 1) not only stories of the Baal Shem Tov but of all Tzaddikim, 2) not only on Motzaei Shabbos but at any time, 3) it is a segula not only for parnasa but for everything – children, health and livelihood, which include within them all matters of this world for good and blessing (quoted in the introduction to Shmuos V’Sippurim).

FARBRENGEN STORIES The true “service of Torah” is a education is stories told at home to writing down stories and memories: Chassidic farbrengen, because at a one’s wife and children on Shabbos It is known how greatly our holy farbrengen – when it is held as it and Yom Tov. He should say what Rebbeim valued … stories of was by the senior Chassidim in every he heard from the Chassidic Tzaddikim and Chassidim. The generation – they relate stories of melamed who experienced it or from sicha of the Rebbe my father-in-law Tzaddikim and Chassidim with the his father who experienced it, or that is known, that the book of B’Reishis moral lesson to be learned. They the father and teacher heard it from precedes all the other books of the explain what ought to be learned their parents and teachers as a Torah even though most of it from them, and people are infused tradition passed down through the consists of stories of Tzaddikim and with inspiration according to the generations. (Seifer HaMaamarim the books that follow deal with the content of the stories. And to a 5710) commandments. (Igros Kodesh vol. certain degree this comes to actual 5 p. 327) practice in avoiding bad and doing CHASSIDIC SENTIMENT In a letter from 22 Adar, 5723, good. It is for this reason that our OUGHT TO DEMAND IT the Rebbe writes to the editors of holy Rebbeim, leaders of Chabad Bitaon Chabad: “The story section and the famous Tzaddikim, leaders It would be very dear to me if should take up a large part of the of Chassidus in general, cherished everyone of Anash and the T’mimim publication for obvious reasons.” Chassidic farbrengens and telling would write what they remembered In a letter to R’ Shneur Zalman stories. (Igros Kodesh vol. 6 p. 75) from what they saw by their parents Bespalov, the Rebbe writes: “I was and grandparents – the Chassidim, given your letter which contains CHABAD CUSTOM from their conduct in general and stories about R’ Hillel of Paritch. from the holidays in particular, that By Chabad Chassidim, in How good it would be if you would each one write down as he is write these memories and memories addition to niggunim, the stories capable, and if he errs between one imbued their behavior with great of Chassidic history and of letter and another it’s not terrible… Chassidus, which you surely wealth. By elder Chabad Chassidim, An order or even an outside arousal telling a story that they heard 45 remember, in general – you surely cannot be given regarding this, but heard many in your home and in years before … meant to relive it Chassidic sentiment ought to again, aside from the preciousness Lubavitch etc. And surely you also demand it of itself. Great benefit will remember the names of who you and the importance of the story accrue – for him it will be the best itself, it placed them back in the heard them from and their reliability. musar work, and it will have a great It is known how greatly the Rebbe situation of Chassidim and effect on the children, on the family, Chassidus of that time (Seifer my father-in-law cherished giving and the environment. over an idea or story in all its details, HaMaamarim 5711). The Rebbe MH”M also put a The start of an orderly Chassidic even those details which seem great emphasis on the importance of extraneous, such as what the

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conditions were and who was present etc. (Igros Kodesh vol. 9 p. You need to learn how to tell a 271) Chassidic story. Everything must be told THE CALL OF THE HOUR in the proper order. The story should not Over the years, the Rebbe told be “prettied” up with explanations of many elder Chassidim to write their memoirs and the stories they heard. the storyteller. Many books of stories and memoirs were printed. The following are books. R’ Shneur Zalman Duchman, other locations where it is possible to some of the Rebbe’s comments author of L’Shema Ozen, was also discuss this matter with them in about these books: asked by the Rebbe to do the same, writing, and send it all to me, and I R’ Chaim Mordechai Perlow, and in the additions printed at the have appointed someone to arrange editor of Likkutei Sippurim, says in end of the new edition of the book all the letters and information that the introduction to the book that in (in 5750), a number of interesting will come in on this topic.” (Igros the year 5722, the Rebbe urged him episodes are recounted in Kodesh vol. 10 p. 62-3) to write the stories he heard in his connection to this. On 24 Shevat of that year, he youth and he received constant R’ Yehuda Chitrik, author of the wrote to him: “I was very pleased by encouragement to do so. When he series called Reshimos D’varim – your good decision to fulfill my finally published the book in 5725, four volumes – tells of what inspired request to urge our friends the he gave a copy to the Rebbe before it him to write his memoirs. He once T’mimim and Anash…to join you was bound. At the Yud Shevat wrote to the Rebbe a story that he and through you to carry out what I farbrengen of that year, the Rebbe heard from the in have placed upon them, to write of said that he had just received the Lubavitch, R’ Shmuel Gronem their work in strengthening Torah pages of the book of stories of R’ Esterman. The Rebbe thanked him and the study of Chassidus in the Perlow and he publicly repeated one and asked him to continue writing land of our birth.” (ibid p. 92) of the stories. what he heard. This went on for a The Rebbe was involved in giving R’ Folye (Refael) Kahn, who put few years. From time to time he these stories to the Rebbe Rayatz, out three volumes of books called would write to the Rebbe stories that and in 5706, in the introduction to Shmuos V’Sippurim and publicized he heard, until a lot of material was Seifer HaSichos Toras Sholom, he other stories, tells in his book collected out of which he printed his wrote, “As per the desire of the Lubavitch V’Chayaleha that when he books. In the Rebbe’s letters to him Rebbe my father-in-law for some told the Rebbe about plans for a it mentions the following: “The time, to gather information about book, that it would include a delivery was delayed and I just the elder Chassidim, the mashpiim description of Lubavitch, the received your notes of stories of etc.” yeshiva, the talmidim, etc. the Rebbe Tzaddikim, and surely you will You also see this a lot in his said: Every description and true continue and many thanks in letters: story of Lubavitch is obviously good advance.” “Surely you will continue “What will finally be with your and the call of the hour. writing your memoirs.” writing up the holy talks that you When he had yechidus before know and remember and “accepted” Pesach 5732/1972, the Rebbe told stories (with citations of their him: Sometimes people are inspired THE HISTORY OF CHASSIDIM AND source)?” (9 Tammuz, 5708) to fear of heaven from a story more “Thank you especially for the than from other things. When he THEIR STORIES story of the Rebbe Maharash … and asked whether he should print The Rebbe Rayatz begged his I told it to the Rebbe my father-in- Shmuos V’Sippurim, the Rebbe said: Chassidim who left Russia to write law in your name and he enjoyed it.” k’dai, k’dai (it is worthwhile). In the their memoirs. R’ Benzion Shemtov (4 Sivan, 5708) yechidus he had after Pesach worked a lot on his fellow Chassidim “It is surprising that you stopped 5737/1977, the Rebbe asked him in this area, and on 18 Teves, 5709, writing stories and holy talks that again to print stories and to the Rebbe wrote him: “you should you remember.” (10 Adar, 5709) distribute them far and wide. enter into correspondence in my “And therefore be so good as to He writes about the above name with our friends, Anash and send from your memories,” “surely incidents in the introduction to his the T’mimim in Eretz Yisroel and you will continue sending your

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writings frequently,” “it’s surprising well as in his instruction to write his that you stopped writing your approbation, to the book of stories memoirs,” “thank you for the over the book of chiddushei Torah. writings that you continue to write,” Two days later it was Rosh (these excerpts were compiled from Chodesh and R’ Isaac was invited to vol. 24 p. 556-560). the Rosh Chodesh meal. R’ Yisroel The Rebbe himself would tell said divrei Torah and before the stories at farbrengens along with Birkas HaMazon he said: their lessons. These stories were It was surprising to the collected in special booklets and are Lithuanian gaon that I first spoke also on tape. Additionally, he about stories of Tzaddikim and only continued to emphasize the need for afterwards about chiddushei Torah, stories of Chassidim themselves, as and that the approbation for the he told R’ Abba Pliskin in yechidus: stories was given before the “You must tell stories of approbation for the chiddushei Chassidic Jews, by which I mean Torah. This question is an old one specifically Chassidim and not his left. and the holy Rashi, who was an Rebbeim. When you tell a story Among the guests then in Ruzhin incredible genius in the Revealed about a Rebbe one can think that the was one of the great rabbanim in and Hidden parts of Torah, asks this distance is incomparable, unlike Bukovina, famous as a big scholar on the first verse in B’Reishis – the when you tell of Chassidim that you and one of the close Chassidim of Torah should have begun with the learn from this etc. (Heichal the Ruzhiner tzaddik. He brought commandment “this month is to Menachem vol. 3 p. 221) his scholarly manuscript along for R’ you” – why did it start with Yisroel’s approbation. There was B’Reishis? Because “Hashem was STORIES TAKE also a Chassid who had spent some relating His might,” i.e. the soul of years collecting stories of Tzaddikim PRECEDENCE OVER all acts of creation, in every time and and Chassidim, and he, too, brought at every moment. CHIDDUSHEI TORAH his manuscript for R’ Yisroel’s My grandfather, the holy We will conclude with a story approbation. Maggid, had a tradition from the that the Rebbe Rayatz wrote in a These two Chassidim stood on holy Baal Shem Tov about how to letter dated 20 Cheshvan, the reception line, the rabbi and the see the neshama in every physical 5702/1941: Chassid with their manuscripts. The body. You understand? We are The Tzemach Tzedek wanted to aide took their manuscripts and read following the same order that send the genuine gaon, the well- some selections from the rabbi’s Hashem did in His Torah, first with known Chassid, R’ Yitzchok Isaac work and then some stories from the the book of B’Reishis – stories of Epstein of Homil to the holy R’ other work. Tzaddikim, as it says in the Midrash Yisroel of Ruzhin regarding a R’ Yisroel sat in d’veikus (a – with whom did G-d consult? With communal matter. spiritually transcendent state) and the souls of Tzaddikim. And only R’ Isaac, being educated in the then began to talk about how great it then do we go on to the book of ways of Chabad, was very interested is to recount tales of Tzaddikim and Shmos – with the mitzva of “this in knowing the ways and conduct of the tremendous impression this month is for you.” the Ruzhiner Chassidim in general makes in the chambers of Tzaddikim The two authors are Chassidim, and the ways of the Rebbe in in Gan Eden. Then he spoke about men of stature, and both particular, and he applied his broad chiddushei Torah on the topics that manuscripts contain wondrous mind and heart to every detail. had been read to him. Then he told chiddushim. In the chiddushei Torah By R’ Yisroel Ruzhiner the his aide to write approbations for the author reveals his tremendous custom was, as typical of Poilisher both books. scholarship and the straight thinking Chassidim, that when he received R’ Isaac noted how R’ Yisroel that he innovated in the holy Torah. people – praven zich, and when he addressed the two individuals and In the stories of Tzaddikim it tells of read kvittlech (notes with requests), marveled at the depth and style of the mighty chiddushim of Hashem there would be an elder Chassid what R’ Yisroel said in response to that He innovated in the world. So (called a mekurav) that would act as the rabbi’s chiddushei Torah. He that is why I gave precedence to the a mediator standing on the Rebbe’s was puzzled by why R’ Yisroel had book of stories of Tzaddikim over right and the first gabbai standing to given precedence in his comments as the book of chiddushei Torah.

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 767 33 767_Beis Moshiach 06/12/2010 9:05 AM Page 34

feature WIKILEAKS AND THE CHABAD REBBEIM

By Rabbi Naftali Estulin Shliach of the Rebbe in Los Angeles

If that was so with all Chabad Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who leaders, then all the more so with the has recently devoted much of her time to Rebbe MH”M, for his role as Moshiach is “to rectify the world applying pressure to Israel is now with the Kingdom of G-d,” and in this capacity he was certainly given compelled to work round the clock in the ability to make “order” in the world. Certainly, since the Rebbe order to put out the diplomatic fires that took on the Chabad nesius, he has influenced nations around the world. are raging across the world. * Since the Most of these matters remained year 5750 – as the Rebbe told us in his hidden from us and only on rare occasions were they revealed such as sichos – we have been given the abilities on Purim 5713/1953 when the Rebbe orchestrated Stalin’s death. to hear, see and understand – we merely So too on Rosh Hashana 5743/1982 when the Rebbe mentioned that the need to open our eyes and see. Tzemach Tzedek made “order” in Petersburg and shortly thereafter TO LOOK AT THE Shortly thereafter, one of these Brezhnev, General Secretary of the LIGHTS, OPEN OUR askanim had yechidus with the Communist party, died (in EYES, AND THANK Rebbe and he asked: Why wasn’t November 1982). A year later, on Chabad involved in this? HASHEM Rosh Hashana 5744/1943 the Rebbe The Rebbe reacted in surprise: I said the same thing and his Many years ago, religious wasn’t involved?! I said a maamar in successor, Yuri Andropov died askanim in New York found out the middle of the week! (February 1984). about the government’s plan to pass It’s an accepted fact that Chabad That is how it went for forty a law that could adversely affect leaders influence world events and as years, from 5710-5750 (1950- religious matters. I think it had to the Rebbe Rayatz once said about 1990). In 5750 the Rebbe spoke a do with . The askanim the Tzemach Tzedek that when he lot about how after forty years convened meetings, made was in Lubavitch he made “order“ in “Hashem gave you a heart to know appointments, exerted pressure, and Petersburg, the capitol of Russia in and eyes to see and ears to hear,” ultimately the idea was shelved. those days. and it is possible to also see those

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things which were hidden until now. exchanges. This was exposed last Indeed, from that point on week through WikiLeaks and shows upheavals took place in the world at how foolish he is for inviting the a rapid pace and the Rebbe spoke at pressure. length about them. For example, the Last week, starting with Friday Rebbe said in the sicha of Shabbos Yud-Tes Kislev, we see how Obama parshas Mishpatim 5752 that all the and Clinton are sustaining blow after activities taking place in the world in blow. It began with an actual blow recent years in order to bring about that Obama got on the face for world peace, were a result of the which he needed twelve stitches. But activities of Melech Ha’Moshiach the bigger blow began at the who is in New York and is preparing beginning of this week when the world to greet Moshiach. WikiLeaks publicized hundreds of For forty years this was hidden, thousands of documents that throw a “and Hashem did not give you a monkey wrench into all of American heart to understand and eyes to see diplomacy. Clinton, who devoted and ears to hear,” but all that was pressured Israel regarding many hours of her time lately to “until this day,” until 5750. Since settlements, for example, but those exerting pressure on Israel, has had 5750 – said the Rebbe – we have were just words. As the Rebbe often to work around the clock in the been given the ability to hear, to see, said in his sichos that the Americans attempt to put out the many and understand. We just need to did so just to be able to tell the diplomatic fires that are burning all open our eyes and see. Saudis that they pressured Israel. over the world. But the Obama-Clinton team are The Italian prime minister called WHY AM I REFERRING exerting unprecedented pressure and the leaking of these documents the TO THIS NOW? are causing Israel tremendous harm. 9/11 of diplomacy and the one who Of course, PM Netanyahu is to has to deal with the mess is Hillary American governments have blame for the situation. He brought Clinton. come and gone over the decades. the pressure on to himself when he We need to open our eyes and There were those that were better for announced to the Americans understand that all these world Israel and those that were less so, but immediately after the elections that events are being conducted by the we have never had the likes of Barak he was no longer interested in Rebbe MH”M on the way to the true Obama and Hillary Clinton. Nearly controlling Yehuda-Shomron and and complete Geula when there will all the American governments that he was prepared for territory be no more secrets.

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shlichus THE POWER OF PRAYER

By Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz Shliach, Beit Shaan With the power of prayer one can attain “bittul atzmi” (negation of self) and the bonding of the neshama in Elokus. He continues till this day and He began attending t’fillos and FEAR IN THE draws many other Jews closer to shiurim. He was a sensitive young MIDDLE OF DAVENING t’filla, to serving Hashem, and the man and at nearly every class he had The following story took place in ways of Chassidus. something to contribute of his Beit Shaan: thoughts and experiences. He Tziyon (a pseudonym) came to especially took to Chassidic prayer. BOWING DURING A the Chabad house wearing a He learned to prepare for davening WEEKDAY MORNING lambskin coat, a backpack, holding a and to daven at length and he shepherd’s staff in one hand and a DAVENING occasionally related what new thing reed flute in the other hand. The The following story happened in he learned with each prayer. odor of sheep wafted through the a Chabad house in India. A young One day he said he wanted to building and perfectly suited his man walked in, a tourist with a ask a question that had bothered unusual appearance. He introduced backpack, and he wanted to daven. him for a long time. He said that it himself as coming from Beit Shaan The shliach realized that the man happened to him more than once and working as a shepherd in the was taking his first steps in t’filla while praying that as he focused on mountains of the Galilee. He spoke and he gave him a T’hillas Hashem the idea of Hashem standing above about periods of time that he lived in Siddur with instructions in the him and opposite him, he was caves and experimented with drugs. margins of every page and told him suddenly seized by a great fear. He Prayer and mitzvos were not part of to start with Modeh Ani. literally saw with his mind’s eye how his life. The shliach went to another the Sh’china (Divine Presence) I actually liked Tziyon and I room and the young man began hovered near him and he didn’t called my young children to come praying with all his heart. An hour know what to do when this and see a real shepherd. He played later the shliach returned to see happened. He asked me whether I his flute for them and let them touch where he was up to and to his also felt this frightening holiness the lambs’ wool, which was amazement he saw that the man was sometimes … It wasn’t pleasant for reminiscent of the story they had lying on the ground (belly down) me to admit that I still did not attain learned in school about Rivka with arms and legs spread out and such high levels but I reassured him dressing Yaakov in the garments of reading the Shmoneh Esrei. The that it was all right and he shouldn’t Eisav. Tziyon enjoyed the friendly shliach retreated. He didn’t know be afraid. Hashem was truly welcome, something he did not just what to do under the standing over him but he could receive elsewhere. He promised to circumstances. He left the room and continue praying. visit again. the man continued davening.

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100 people (from that kibbutz and a nearby kibbutz) heard the shofar that Rosh Hashanah. The place was full and more men and women listened outside to the t’fillos and shofar. They were all satisfied with the new shul but the happiest one of all was that member of the kibbutz who davened with a minyan and whose prayer was answered.

PRAYER AT THE KOSEL Rabbi Yosef Halperin and Rabbi Shmuel Weiss run the Chabad t’fillin stand at the Kosel plaza. Every day they meet hundreds of people who come to pray, to put on t’fillin in this holy place, the remnant of our Mikdash where the Sh’china still resides. Because of a prayer, The Chabad t’fillin stand at the Kosel sometimes exceedingly short, people are inspired to t’shuva, they are Some time later the man finished on this holy day. Since there is no moved, and sometimes they make davening and sat down. The shliach minyan and no shul on his kibbutz, significant changes in their lives. asked him why he had been lying on R’ Roi suggested that he and his wife R’ Halperin relates: the floor and the man did not go somewhere for Rosh HaShana Someone came over to the t’fillin understand the question. He showed where there is a shul. He said he stand, stood there for a minute and the shliach that at the beginning of would have to ask his wife. watched our work in amazement. Shmoneh Esrei it says to bend the His wife wasn’t excited by the He came over to me and said, “You knees at “boruch,” to bow at “ata,” idea. “It’s enough that you are away see me? You see that I am a and to straighten up at “Hashem,” from home all day on Yom Kippur. religious Jew. My son learns in a so he had bent and bowed and Now you want to go away for Rosh yeshiva in Brooklyn and it’s all continued reciting the entire Hashanah?” He made his peace with thanks to Mivtza T’fillin of a young Shmoneh Esrei this way until he this and said, “It’s a shame that you bachur in New York. came to the word “b’sheim” in don’t understand the importance of “I was not religious. I had an Tachanun, “… ka’yom va’yikra t’filla on Rosh Hashanah. If you office and a successful business. b’sheim Hashem v’sham ne’emar,” knew how important it is, you would One Friday a Lubavitcher yeshiva and that is when he got up! agree.” bachur came into my office and Rosh Hashanah was approaching wanted to put on t’fillin with me. He THE PRAYER FOR and he was getting progressively came every Friday until I suggested – why put your t’fillin on with me? PRAYER WITH A MINYAN more pained and he prayed for a miracle so he could daven with a Take money and buy me t’fillin so Rabbi Roi Tor, shliach to the minyan on Rosh Hashanah. I’ll have my own. He continued kibbutzim in Emek Beit Shaan: Then a group of people on the coming every Friday and he taught In Elul 5769 I was sitting and kibbutz suddenly asked R’ Roi to me something new – another prayer, learning with someone from the arrange a minyan on the kibbutz for a d’var Torah, a Halacha etc. kibbutzim. The topic was Rosh Rosh Hashanah. R’ Roi got some “I began attending shul (at first I Hashanah, the blowing of the shofar people together led by Rabbi Sholom showed up on Shabbos with t’fillin) and the Rosh Hashanah prayers in Blau of Beit Shaan. They brought a and then we registered our children light of Chassidus. He understood Torah with them, Siddurim, food for in yeshiva and our entire home the special quality of the first day of two days and arranged a place to became observant. It is all thanks to the year and the significance of the daven, a place where they could stay, a short prayer with a young bachur coronation of Hashem, and he etc. and voila, there was a shul. Over with a pair of t’fillin. dearly wanted to be part of a minyan

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PRIESTS PUT to him to come over but he did not “We have been in touch. We ON T’FILLIN want to. I went over to him and speak nearly every week by asked him whether he would put on telephone. He told me that he left R’ Shmuel Weiss (whose t’fillin. We got into a brief friendly his job at the church (he retired at expertise is working with English conversation in the course of which age 70) and tries to do mitzvos to speaking people at the Kosel) I asked him when he last put on the best of his knowledge. He came relates: t’fillin. He said he hadn’t put them back to the Kosel two years ago. I Yesterday a group of priests came on in a long time. I began putting didn’t recognize him. An older man to the Kosel. Their tour guide was them on him and continued to talk approached me and said loudly, Jewish and as part of the tour he to him and listen. Within a few “You don’t recognize me? I’m stopped at the t’fillin stand and minutes he corrected himself and Hershel!” He showed me that he had asked all the priests to wait a few said that he had never put on t’fillin. come with a group of retirees and all minutes while he put on t’fillin! After I removed the t’fillin he told of them wanted to see “Hershel’s As I helped him I glanced over at me his story: friend” who stands at the Kosel the priests and saw that two of them “When I was one year old my plaza and puts t’fillin on with Jews. looked Jewish. I quietly asked the parents were able to flee Europe and guide whether it was possible that we arrived in the United States. On there were two Jews in his group THANKS TO ONE DAY Rosh Hashanah my father went to and he said it was impossible for WITHOUT T’FILLIN shul but there stood a guard who they were all Christian priests. But I asked for a ticket. I was at a wedding in Kfar saw Jewish faces. I went over to one “What ticket?” asked my puzzled Chabad – concluded R’ Weiss – of them and asked, “Are you father. when suddenly a Lubavitcher came Jewish?” “The guard explained that only over to me and said hello. I “I am not Jewish,” he said, “but those who bought a ticket could recognized the voice but not the face my mother is Jewish and this is my enter the shul. My father was so with the beard. “I don’t know if you younger brother.” Of course the offended that he decided that he remember me, but three years ago brothers were given a brief would never go back to shul and he we had a short conversation near explanation about their Jewish dropped all Jewish observance. My your t’fillin stand.” identity (the younger one heard for parents so distanced themselves He reminded me that three years the first time in his life what t’fillin from Jewish practice that they earlier he spent time learning in the are; the other one had once seen registered me in a school for priests Jewish quarter of the Old City. He them) and both rolled up their and that is what I’ve been all my life. sometimes put on t’fillin. One day, sleeves and joined the Jewish people. I am a priest in the US. he came to the stand a few minutes Thanks to their guide. “We continued talking and I told after sunset and said he hadn’t put him that he is 100% Jewish. I on t’fillin yet. ANOTHER PRIEST WHO explained that the name Hershel “You told me it was too late but I PUT ON T’FILLIN (Yiddish for deer) signifies that he could make a good resolution that from that day on I would never Four years ago, on Rosh needs to make speedy progress (like forget to put on t’fillin every Chodesh Kislev – continued R’ a deer) in the direction of Judaism morning. I listened to you and from Weiss – I noticed an older man and he ought to change careers. He then on I never missed a day. I left standing at a distance from the sighed and we parted ways as he the school I was in and went to t’fillin stand and watching us. He pondered his past, present and T’mimim and I am engaged to a looked somewhat Jewish. I motioned future. Lubavitcher girl.”

[Continued from page 39] litvishe (!) organisations. “We must those participating in the Congress wake up” urged Rabbi Kalmanson. and everyone was strengthened and the crowd advertisments one after The crowd was mesmerised by his encouraged in anticipation of the other which were printed in the words. redemption and complete realisation Jewish Press with headlines like The farbengen continued until of the prophecy that Henei “Open your eyes” or “Saying good Shacharis on Sunday morning. Moshiach Bo! bye to Golus, Ad Matai”, all of these Many resolutions were made by all advertisements were signed by

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art books which were sponsored by the official art institutes in Holland 11TH EUROPEAN costing up to 50,000 Euro for the production. In the book (except for his work) there was articles about MOSHIACH CONGRESS his life as a believer and how it is possible to write to the Rebbe today and receive answers through the Igros Kodesh. “The message is” Shabbos was ushered in with a participating in the farbrengen. said R’ Weinberger, “everyone can joyous Kabbolas Shabbos, the Other distinguished speakers and must do all that they can to singing of Yechi at Lecha Dodi left included Rabbi Chaim Sasson. bring Moshiach into the world”. no one in their seats as everyone Mincha was followed by Seder At this point, the emcee invited joined the circle of dancing.After Nigunim and a chazoro of a Mamar the guest speaker of the evening, the Kabbolas Shabbos, over 100 people by Rabbi Zalman Liberow who Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Rabbi sat down for a sumptuous Seudas shared words of inspiration and Moishe Reuven Asman to address Shabbos and Chassidishe thanks to Hashem Yisborach, the Congress. Rabbi Asman started Farbrengen. Rabbi Zushe during the speech while mentioning by saying that he is rededicating Silberstein Shliach in Montreal his son Avraham Dovid A”H, he himself to ship to Israel the four related stories from the Rebbe emotionally choked up with tears new Mitzvah Tanks which he MHM about the importance of begging Hashem that we should see promised at the Kinus HaShluchim, working together B’Achdus and the his son again in the Geula Shleima recently held in 770. He revealed Nachas the Rebbe derives from it. NOW! that one of the Tanks is actually Rabbi Eli Dovid Borenstein sponsored from his own pocket and chazzered the Hayom Yom which MOTZOEI SHABBOS - he urged everyone to help Rabbi was peppered with GRAND BANQUET AND Nachshon with the Tanks in Israel. questions,vertlach and some very Rabbi Asman spoke about the interesting answers to the delight of MELAVE MALKA letter he received from the Rebbe the assembled. The Seuda The tables were laden with MHM for his Chasuna which was continued well in to the early delicacies as over 200 people sat before the end of the “Iron Curtain” morning developing into a down for the last major event of the and how the Rebbe was involved in Chassidishe Farbrengen led by congress. the date of his Chasuna which was Rabbi Zushe Posner from Lud, Rabbi Chaim Yitzchok Cohen set for Yud-Tes Kislev. Eretz Yisroel. formally opened the event and Rabbi Zushe Silberstein related introduced Rabbi Reuven Flamer the amazing story of his Shlichus to from ChabadLife.TV based in NYC, SHABBOS DAY - CHOF Russia in 1987 and related about as the evening’s emcee. the mesiras nefesh the Chassidim KISLEV, CHAG HAGEULA Then followed the recital of the had then to build Mikvaos. He Seder Chassidus commenced at Tehillim of the Rebbe MH”M urged the audience to be inspired 8am before the davening started and Shlita’s Kappitel. Rabbi Chaim from these actions to have Mesiras the tables were already prepared and Shmuel Menachem Mendel Nefesh in each one of their daily set up for the farbrengen after Liberow, from Beis Moshaich UK., activities. davening. Even before the Seder the father of Rabbi Zalman The formal part of the evening Chassidus, each guest learnt his Liberow, was called to lead the ended with Rabbi Sholom Ber own Maamar followed by a very Tehillim. Kalmanson, Head Shliach of the lively Davening. Many continued The emcee then called the Rebbe MH”M in Cincinatti,Ohio way into the afternoon.. representative from Belgium, a and Executive Vice President of The Seudas Shabbos and famous artist and designer, R’ Chabad in Cincinatti. “The Rebbe Farbrengen was led once again by Daniel Von Weinberger. R’ wants us to prepare the world for Rabbi Zushe Posner, with Rabbi’s Weinberger spoke about the Moshiach. If we won’t do it he will Dovid Nachshon, Borenstein, revolution his work is causing in the find someone else”. Silberstein and the guests from world of art by promoting the To prove this point he shows to France Rabbi Pinchas Pashteur and concept of G-d and the Rebbe Rabbi David Turgeman. Actively MH”M. He presented to the crowd [Continued on page 38]

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departed. Only by recalling how the Alm-ghty asks every person, “where SPREADING are you? Have you yet done what you must do?” was the Alter Rebbe revived, allowing his soul to remain in his body, for by this point in time the THE WELLSPRINGS Alter Rebbe had by no means completed his life’s work. In fact, the release of the Alter abbi chaim Rebbe, which we celebrate on the hen, menahel, OF MOSHIACH 19th and 20th of the month of Kislev, ch uk at the marks the beginning of the stage of european his leadership in which he renewed ngress, his commitments to “spreading the OUTWARD wellsprings of chassidus outwards,” and thereby preparing the world for the imminent coming of Moshiach and the true and complete Speech by Rabbi Chaim Yitzchok Cohen, menahel, Beis Moshiach UK Redemption. at the 11th Annual European Moshiach Congress, London UK And as the Rebbe Rayatz writes: “At the present time, when the world When the Alter Rebbe was sitting The Rebbe answered, “When a trembles, when all the world in a Russian prison, arrested on person is at the age of such and such, shudders with the birth pangs of slanderous reports of treason, he was for example,” saying the precise age Moshiach, for G-d has set fire to the interviewed by a Russian minister of the Minister, “the Alm-ghty asks walls of the Exile..., it is the duty of who was learned in Jewish matters him, ‘where are you?’ Do you know every Jew – man and woman, old and an expert on the entire Bible. for what purpose you were created in and young – to ask himself: What One of the questions he posed to the the world? Are you aware of what have I done, and what am I now Alter Rebbe was concerning the you must do and have you taken doing to alleviate the birth pangs of meaning of the verse in B’Reishis, account of what you have done thus Moshiach and to merit the complete “And G-d called to Adam and said, far?” Redemption, which will come ‘where are you?’” Although the release of the Alter through our righteous Moshiach?” “Did the Alm-ghty not know Rebbe was a day of great joy and When the Alter Rebbe left prison where Adam was,” asked the celebration for world Jewry, the on Yud-Tes Kislev, he wrote about his Minister, “that He had to ask, ‘where Rebbe Rayatz explains that the Alter release to his colleagues, the holy are you?’” Rebbe himself was celebrating even tzaddikim, R’ Levi Yitzchok of The Alter Rebbe answered before he was released from prison. Berditchev and R’ Boruch of according to the commentary of In fact, the incarceration itself was Mezhibuzh “Hashem has done Rashi: “G-d knew very well where the cause of the Alter Rebbe’s great wonders and made Himself great in Adam was, of course, but He joy, having merited sitting in prison the land. He has made wondrous and nevertheless asked, “Where are and having self-sacrifice for the great His glorious and holy Name, you?” in order to enter into a teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and which was exalted and sanctified conversation with him without the Mezritcher Maggid, the founders publicly, especially in the eyes of all startling him [thereby giving Adam a of chassidus. For it was in opposition the ministers and each nation in chance to ask forgiveness for having to chassidus that slanderous reports every country of the king, so that eaten of the fruit of the Tree of were issued, leading to the Alter even in their eyes the matter is Knowledge]. But if G-d had suddenly Rebbe’s arrest. His pleasure was tremendously wondrous. Indeed, they come upon him to punish him, he completely unbridled and have announced that certainly ‘this is would have been too bewildered to overwhelming to the extent that he from G-d - it is wondrous in our respond.” was literally on the verge of soul eyes.’” The Minister said: “What Rashi expiration (k’los ha’nefesh). In other words, the Alter Rebbe says I know myself. I would like, If it wasn’t for his conversation connected his release from jail with however, to hear an explanation from with the Minister, the soul of the the effect and impact on the ministers the Rebbe.” Alter Rebbe would have surely and nations, who also recognized that

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this was from Hashem, influencing The Rebbe explains: This statement them to the extent that even their does not mean to indicate that behaviour would be proper and in spreading the wellsprings is a segula accordance with Hashem’s in whose merit Moshiach comes. As commandments. the Rambam says, every deed or The Rebbe MH”M asks (Likkutei word or thought of Torah andmitzvos Sichos, Vol. 25, p. 186): This idea, tips the scale to bring the Geula. that even the non-Jews recognized What is it about spreading the the miracle and that it influenced wellspring of chassidus that brings their behaviour, as important and Moshiach? Spreading chassidusis wonderful as it is - what value does it itself the beginning of the Geula. have relative to the geula and the The fact that when Moshiach revelation of pnimiyus ha’Torah? comes there will be no hunger, no Through pnimiyus ha’Torah, the war, no hatred and competition, and innermost part of the neshama was goodness will be bountiful is not the revealed - the “spreading of the essence of Geula, but the results of wellsprings outward” - which leads to Geula. Because of Geula, we’ll have “k’asi mar“ (Moshiach’s coming)!? granted to spread chassidus in order all these good things, both This question is especially to save the life of the “prince,” it was b’gashmius and b’ruchnius. The significant because it involves g’dolei enough to give a drop, and that’s all, essence of Geula is, rather, “the as did the Baal Shem Tov and the Yisroel, who were great in pnimiyus BEIS MOSHIACH revelation39 of the Ohr Ein Sof Boruch ha’Torah, who had an understanding Maggid. It should not be in the way Hu in this physical world,” as it says: of the geula and its import. of Chabad, which is a far greater “The glory of Hashem will be Concerning the amazing chiddush it “waste” of the treasures. Up Above revealed and all flesh together will see brought about Above and below in there was reason to claim that this that the mouth of Hashem has this world, and throughout the entire “waste” was not necessary then in spoken”; “And the earth will be full seider hishtalshelus, who cares about order to save the Jewish people, but with the knowledge of Hashem as the impact it had on gentile ministers was only for the sake of granting a water covers the sea.” and nations? foretaste of Geula, for which the Since Hashem is the ultimate in Whoever has tasted of the world may not have been ready. truth and goodness, beyond all teachings of the Rebbeim is aware This was the quarrel Above and limitations, when He is revealed, that the entire episode of the below. This is what the Alter Rebbe utter goodness will be experienced as imprisonment and release of the Alter gave his life for b’gashmius and a matter of course. Rebbe on Yud-Tes Kislev is much b’ruchnius, suffering greatly - to the What are “your wellsprings”? more than a local story, much more point of the sufferings of death. Chag What is the point of the teachings of than relevant to only one isolated HaGeula (Yud-Tes Kislev), Rosh the Baal Shem Tov? The point of all group of people - it is a fundamental HaShana L’Chassidus, when, as it of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov event that affects all the Jewish says in T’hillim, “He redeemed my is that “everything is Elokus, and people, and contributes to the soul in peace and I left in peace, the Elokus is everything.” When the bringing of Moshiach. G-d of peace,” was not only a wellsprings of chassidus spread forth, The imprisonment was only a personal release and geula of a when the world recognizes and feels mirror-effect of a judgment up private individual, or even of an ish that everything is Elokus, which is Above, which dealt with the question klali. This day was the confirmation “the revelation of the Ohr Ein Sof as to whether it was permissible and that the decision had been rendered Boruch Hu in this physical world” - necessary to continue spreading the Above (and therefore below, as well) this stage of existence is not asegula wellsprings of chassidus, especially in giving both permission and ability to to bring the Geula; this stage of a way of chochma, bina, daas. Up spread the wellsprings of chassidus existence is the Geula. Above there was a complaint: The outward, in the way of Chabad. The reason the Baal Shem Tov world was not yet ready for As Moshiach promised the Baal himself did not usher in the era of chassidus. It is forbidden to grind the Shem Tov: when his wellsprings Moshiach in his time was not because “crown jewel” if its true value is not would spread outward, he would the wellsprings were not completely appreciated, if its preciousness will be come. revealed then, but because they still wasted. Why is it the spreading of the hadn’t reached and penetrated the Even if permission was already wellsprings that brings Moshiach? “outside.” There was a “revelation of

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the Ohr Ein Sof Boruch Hu,” but it physicality of this lowest world. And Hashem’s hashgacha in general, but still hadn’t fully penetrated this in our generation this revelation in the way that chassidus explains physical world. When the teachings continued to penetrate more and Hashem’s oneness in Shaar of the Baal Shem Tov fill all of the more deeply as time passed, further HaYichud V’HaEmuna. chutza, all of this physical world, so completing the plan of making for Although according to some that it is saturated with Elokus - this Hashem a “dira ba’tachtonim,” so opinions, gentiles were not is actually the true and complete that even within the lowest of the low, commanded to refrain from shituf Redemption. the cry of “ein od milvado“ and (believing in more than one G-d), This was also the primary reason “everything is Elokus and Elokus is their knowledge of the oneness of for the founding of Chassidus everything,” bursts forth. Hashem (as it is explained in Chabad. Chabad was not founded This is why Geula is connected chassidus) contributes a great deal because of the importance of intellect not only with the Jewish people but both in regard to their personal for its own sake. On the contrary, with the entire world becoming conduct and in their interaction with Chabad chassidus explains how it is refined and redeemed. In the Jews. Therefore, we should work to impossible for true hiskashrus to redemption from Mitzrayim, Hashem ensure that everybody recognize “that Hashem to be based on intellect. wanted the Egyptians to know “that I He alone is emes.” Even non-Jews After all, intellect can err. But even if am G-d.” It wasn’t enough to should know that nature and its laws the intellect would be absolutely vanquish Mitzrayim; the Egyptians are nothing and have no existence unerring, it would still be limited. had to recognize G-d. And “as in the independent of Elokus, so that even And hence, hiskashrus to Hashem days of your going forth from Egypt, within the lowest of the low, and would, therefore, also be limited, I will show you wonders,” the final specifically from it, G-d’s oneness ch’v, according to the seichel of each Redemption also entails the entire bursts forth in the clearest way. person. (The teachings of the Baal world being redeemed. Geula is not This goal is achieved through Shem Tov are not intellectually based; only for the “lost ones in the land of what Hashem commanded in the they speak specifically in terms of Ashur and the outcasts in the land of Torah and what He conveyed to us faith, without intellectual Egypt,” but even for Ashur and Egypt through Moshe Rabbeinu. A most understanding). themselves. important part of our job is to bring The revelation of the Ohr Ein Sof When we left Mitzrayim, the all nations of the world to the Boruch Hu in this world must be Egyptians came to know Hashem by awareness of the greatness and the brought down into seichel in Chabad being broken by the plagues. But in rule of the Rebbe MH”M. chassidus, because as long as the our time, they will see and Presumably, this includes revelation does not penetrate the acknowledge that “the glory of inspiring them to ask for the Geula intellect, it remains “up Above” in the Hashem will be revealed, and all flesh and to proclaim “Yechi,” because seventh heaven, on the level of emuna will see that the mouth of Hashem although “crowning the king” is (which is above the world), without has spoken.” “And the earth will be connected with Jewish souls, our penetrating the physical world. The full of the knowledge of Hashem like greatness is especially expressed by seichel is the highest level of this the waters cover the sea.” bringing along the entire world in physical world, therefore the This is why, the Rebbe MH”M doing likewise. When Adam crowned beginning of the path of bringing the shlita explains, it was particularly Hashem as king, it was necessary for wellsprings outward is by having important to the Alter Rebbe that all of Creation to accept Hashem’s them penetrate the seichel. Drawing even the nations and ministers rule. the revelation of the Ohr Ein Sof recognize that hisgeula came from It is clear that we have a mission Boruch Hu down from the seventh Hashem, and that their realization of to disseminate the “belief in Hashem heaven (to the sixth heaven) opened it impact their conduct, and this is and in Moshe, His servant” - i.e., the the pathway, granting permission to what he stressed in the letter he wrote Rebbe MH”M - along with the Sheva continue this further, throughout the to other tzaddikim about his geula. Mitzvos Bnei Noach. This resolution seven generations of our Rebbeim. This is because an important to influence the entire world should The goal is reached in our component of the Alter Rebbe’s hasten the fulfilment of the promise generation, the seventh generation, release from jail was that the of Geula with the revelation of the “to draw down the Sh’china,” not wellsprings would begin to reach the Rebbe MH”M! only from “heaven to heaven,” but outside, so that even the nations and Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu “from the heaven to earth,” the literal ministers of the nations of the world V’Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach “revelation of Ohr Ein Sof Boruch Hu recognize the greatness of Hashem L’olam Va’ed! in this physical world,” within the and the oneness of Hashem - not just

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