The World of Lubavitch

A publication of Chabad-Lubavitch, Toronto SEPTEMBER 2013 VOL. 38 , NO. 2 (140 ) TISHREI 5774 The Jewish Accountant As we approach the close of the old year and the onset of the new, every serious-thinking individual makes an audit of the past year, upon which to base his resolutions for the year to come. In order that the audit should be accurate and the right resolutions be made, one must be careful not to overstate one’s virtues and achievements. It is no less important, however, not to exaggerate one’s deficiencies and failings. For feelings of despondency—not to mention despair, G-d forbid— are one of greatest hindrances in a person’s endeavor to better him/herself. Unfortunately, it is possible that, even if one does not exaggerate one’s faults, an honest accounting will show the negative side of one’s spiritual and moral balance scale as quite formidable—perhaps, even, outweighing one’s positive side. But also in such a case, a person has no cause for despair. For (in addition to the deep regret over the past and the firm resolve for future change which the audit should elicit) one must always remember that everything good and holy is eternal and indestructible—as these stem from the soul, the spark of G-dliness within man—while negative deeds are only temporary, and can be rectified and eradicated through true and proper teshuvah (repentance). The appreciation of the above truth should call forth in every individual, regardless of what his stocktaking of the previous year shows, a feeling of encouragement and hope for the future—knowing that only one’s good deeds are eternal, and have illuminated one’s own life, that of one’s family, and of all Israel (for “all Jews are accountable for each other,” bound to each other as a single entity). From this it is also obvious that even if one sees signs of a general decline—that humanity, as a Chabad Lubavitch to Honour whole, is not getting any wiser or more virtuous— in truth, the good in the world grows greater and Cary Green more powerful every year, every day, and every moment. For each moment’s good deeds are added “You can run but you cannot adage justly reflects the to the accumulating good in the world. hide,” would best explain the personality and congeniality of So even if the not-good seems to be prevailing, evolution of getting Cary Green our honouree. this can only be temporary. Ultimately, the good to accede and be recognized as Indeed, ever since his activism shall gain the upper hand and the negative shall be the Chabad Lubavitch honouree days as a student some thirty-five at this year’s annual dinner. years ago Cary has followed the utterly nullified. For the Creator and Ruler of the When making the announcement, growth of Chabad Lubavitch universe has decreed that, ultimately, all will Rabbi Grossbaum attributed to across the GTA and beyond. do teshuvah, and that He will accept their teshuvah, the unassuming home builder, the Whether it was JSU projects, so that “none shall be forsaken.” Talmudic passage; “One who is Soviet Jewry, Israel, Chabad pleasing to his fellow men, is Lubavitch was always close by. Freely translated excerpt from a public letter pleasing to G-d.” Cary embodies As a concerned and caring a dual sensitivity to both his fellow individual, Cary aligns himself written by the Rebbe in the closing days of the man and his responsibility as a with the youthful optimism and Jewish year 5716 (September 1956) conscientious Jew. Hence this This year`s Honouree Cary Green Continued on page 5 2 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013

Yanki Tauber that possibility as inconsistent Three things are wondrous to me, with the rule the “[the Torah’s] and four I do not know The Four Species ways are ways of pleasantness, Proverbs 30:18 and all its pathways are peace” Despite all the wisdom granted (the hirduf is a thorny and to Solomon... he was mystified poisonous plant). by the Four Kinds. As it is written: The aravot of the verse are “Three things are wondrous to The Four Mysteries of identified as willow branches me”—these are the Passover because of the willow’s tendency offering, matzah and maror [eaten King Solomon to grow near water and the at the Passover seder]; “and four elongated shape of its leaves (like I do not know”—these are the a river). Another identifying mark Four Kinds [taken on Sukkot] of the aravah is that willow Midrash Rabbah, Vayikra 30:14 bushes tend to grow in close-knit On Sukkot, the Torah commands groups (aravah is related to the us to take the “Four Kinds”— word achavah, “brotherhood”). the etrog(citron), lulav (unopened Surely King Solomon, the wisest frond of a date palm) of men, was as proficient in the hadas (myrtle twig) and ways of Torah exegesis as the aravah (willow twig). Talmudic sages whose analysis is As is often the case, the “Written which dwells.” The etrog is letter vav, meaning that it can also stem”; but the Hebrew summarized above. In any case, Torah” (the Pentateuch or “Five unique in that while other fruits be read kapat, “the frond of,” in word avot (“thick”) also means there are many cryptic passages Books of Moses”) conveys the each have a particular season in the singular. In addition, the word “plated” and “ropelike.” Hence the in the Torah where laws are commandment in a few cryptic which they grow, the etrog kapot also means “bound,” “branch of the thick-leafed tree” derived from double meanings words, leaving it to the “Oral “dwells in its tree all year round,” implying that we are to take a (anaf eitz avot) is identified as the and variant spellings of its words. Torah” (the traditional continuing to grow and develop closed frond (“the heart of the myrtle twig, whose overlapping Solomon’s dramatic declaration interpretation of the Written Torah under a variety of climatic palm”). Thus the Oral Torah leaves grow in knots of three, regarding the etrog, lulav, myrtle taught by Moses and handed conditions. identifies the second of the Four giving it the appearance of a and willow—”[Three are down through the generations) to As for the lulav, the Torah Kinds as the lulav. plaited rope. There is another wondrous to me] and four I do decipher the meaning implicit indeed writes, “fronds of dates,” There are many “thick-leafed plant that meets this not know”—must bode a deeper within the Written Torah’s but the word kapot, (“fronds trees” in whose branches “the description—the hirduf (nerium meaning—a meaning that relates instruction. In the Written Torah, of”) is spelled without the leaves completely cover the oleander)—but the Talmud rejects Continued on pg.14 the verse regarding the Four Kinds reads: And you shall take for yourselves... the splendid fruit of a tree, fronds of dates, the branch of a thick-leafed tree and aravot of the river… King Solomon, the Midrash tells us, was mystified by this verse. “Who says that ‘the splendid fruit of a tree’ is the etrog?” he queried. “All fruit trees produce splendid Cholent • G-d How Long?Psalms 90:13 fruit! [As for] ‘the fronds of The story is told of a simple, water in pain. What was taking so some eighteen hours: Good, he’d head throbbed in pain, his throat dates,’ the Torah tells us to take unlettered Jew who kept a tavern long? Haven’t we prayed enough? sniffed approvingly, but give it burned with suppressed tears. fronds, in the plural... yet we take on a distant crossroads many Still the service stretched on. another few hours, and ahhhh... But whenever he felt that he a lulav, the unopened heart of the days’ journey from the nearest Suddenly, as the cantor reached A few hours of aching feet and a simply could not hold out a palm. And who says that ‘the Jewish community. One year, he a particularly stirring passage, the hollow stomach are a small price moment longer, he thought of his branch of a thick-leafed tree’ is decided to make the trip to the entire congregation burst into to pay considering what was cholent, envisioning what was the myrtle? ... And concerning the Jewish town for Rosh tears. “Why is everyone weeping?” developing in that pot with each happening to that piece of meat ‘aravot of the river’—all trees HaShanah. wondered the tavernkeeper. Then passing minute. at that very moment: the steady tend to grow near water.” When he entered the shul on it dawned on him. Of course! Obviously, that’s what his crisping on the outside, the How, indeed, do we know that Rosh HaShanah morning, it was They, too, are hungry. They, too, fellow worshippers are thinking, softening on the inside, the “the splendid fruit of a tree, already packed with worshippers are thinking of the elusive meal as well. They, too, have cholents blending of flavors with the fronds of dates, the branch of a and the service was well and endless service. With a new simmering on their stovetops. No potatoes, beans, kishkeh and thick-leafed tree and aravot of the underway. Scarcely knowing surge of self-pity he gave vent to wonder they’ve stopped crying. spices in the pot. Every minute river” are the etrog, lulav, myrtle which way to hold the prayer his anguish; a new wail joined the Let the service go on, he consoled longer, he kept telling himself, is and willow? The Talmud, which book, he draped his tallit over his others as he, too, bawled his heart himself, the longer the better. another minute on the fire for my summarizes forty generations of head and took an inconspicuous out. And on the service went. His cholent. the oral tradition of Torah place against the back wall. But after a while the weeping let stomach felt like raw leather, his An hour later, the cantor launched interpretation, identifies the “Four Hours passed. Hunger was up, finally quieting to a sprinkling knees grew weak with hunger, his into another exceptionally moving Kinds” through a series of beginning to gnaw at his insides, of exceptionally pious worshippers. Continued on pg. 14 homiletic exegeses of the Hebrew but impassioned sounds of Our hungry tavernkeeper’s hopes Chabad Lubavitch of Ontario words employed by the verse. The World of Lubavitch prayer around him showed no soared, but the prayers went on. A Publication of HaRav Dovid Schochet Rabbi Yitzchak Grossbaum The clue to the identity of “the Spiritual Leader Camp Gan Israel signs of abating. Visions of the And on. Why have they stopped Chabad-Lubavitch splendid fruit of a tree” lies in the 770 Chabad Gate Rabbi Z. Aaron Grossbaum Rabbi Yossi Hecht sumptuous holiday meal awaiting crying? he wondered. Are they no Thornhill, Ontario Executive Vice-President Chabad of Aurora word hadar (“splendid”), which L4J 3V9 Rabbi Vidal Bekerman Mrs. Fajgi Itkin him at his lodgings made his eyes longer hungry? Chabad at York can also be read as ha-dar—”that (905) 731-7000 Chabad of Hamilton Then he remembered the www.chabad.ca Rabbi Mendel Bernstein Rabbi Mendel Kaplan Chabad of Richmond Hill Chabad @ Flamingo cholent. What a cholent he had Editor: Dr. Yitzchok Block Rabbi Moshe Spalter Rabbi Yisroel Landa ON OUR COVER Chabad @ Western Israeli Community Services waiting for him! Everything else Associate Editor: Rabbi Tzali Borenstein “Dancing with The Torah” by Chabad of Durham Rabbi Sholom Lezel his wife had prepared for the Rabbi Z.A. Grossbaum Chabad of the Beaches artist Israel Rubenstein. Simchas Rabbi Mendel Chaikin holiday meal paled in comparison Advertising: Chabad on Downtown Rabbi Avrohom E. Plotkin Torah which is one of the most Rabbi Moshe Spalter Chabad of Markham Rabbi Efraim Chanowitz joyous days on the Jewish to that cholent. He distinctly Chabad of Guelph Rabbi Yeshya Rose Typesetting: Chabad @ U. of T. calendar, celebrates the remembered the juicy chunk of Adler Graphics Rabbi Nechemia Deitsch Chabad of Midtown Rabbi Yisroel Simon completion of the reading of the Chabad of Kingston meat she had put into the cholent Circulation: 8500 Rabbi Yechezkel Deren yearly cycle of the Torah and Subscriptions: $18 yearly Chabad of Maple Rabbi Yitzchok Slavin pot when she set it on the fire the Chabad of Mississauga beginning once again from the $5 per copy Rabbi Yoseph S. Gansburg previous afternoon. And our Education Rabbi Moshe S. Spalter beginning. Dancing is done with FALL 2012 Rabbi Levy Gansburg Administrator & Media the Torah closed and wrapped tavernkeeper knew one thing Chabad Bayview York Mills Rabbi Moshe E. Steiner rather than open to be read to about cholent: the longer it cooks, We cannot take Rabbi Menachem Gansburg Chabad of Uptown responsibility for the Chabad on the Avenue Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman tell us that even non-scholars the more sumptuous it is. He’d Kashruth of the items Rabbi Moshe Goldman Russian Community Services advertised in this Chabad of Waterloo who might not know to read from glanced under the lid on his way publication. Rabbi Zalman Zaltzman Chabad of Niagara the Torah are also part of the to shul this morning, when the celebration. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada cholent had already been going for through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Page 3

Rabbi Dr. Jacob Camp Gan Israel Immanuel Schochet Completes Second Season

Passes away at 77 Still in its infancy, Camp Gan Israel, the recently established Scholar, Philosopher, Teacher overnight camp of Chabad Lubavitch is receiving high marks also taught Medical Ethics at the and copious compliments from School of Medicine at the parents expressing the sentiments University of Toronto. He served of their children who attended and as a board member of the Chabad brought home wonderful Lubavitch Organization where his memories. And why not, all the insight, counsel and opinion were facilities are spacious and custom highly valued. built, surrounded by lush foliage Born in Switzerland, where he and towering trees. The 207 acre spent his formative years, Rabbi site is located in picturesque Schochet gravitated to Chabad Haliburton, a village surrounded by dozens of lakes and forests. The when he moved to North This year`s dedicated CGI Staff with Mr. Sidney Spiegel and campgrounds meet up with 6000 America. There he attended the Rabbi Grossbaum Chabad Central Yeshiva Tomchei ft of shoreline along Basshaunt was ‘Shtetel Day’ when the Still, to satisfy high octane Temimim in New York. Lake. The pristine lakefront (no camp grounds were transferred campers for the duration of four After graduating yeshiva in motors) managed by trained to a farm setting where the girls weeks, you must be privy to the 1958, the Lubavitcher Rebbe lifeguards is used not only for Rabbi Dr. Jacob Immanuel learned firsthand about farm life, “secret sauce” recipe. And in this encouraged his academic swimming but for all sorts of Schochet, a highly regarded regard everyone, from camper, to interests. He studied at the scholar, an authority on Jewish counselor, to visitor will attest to University of Windsor, McMaster philosophy, law and mysticism, the culinary skills of Manis University and University of passed away Shabbos 20 Av Okounev who runs a spotless Waterloo, where he focused on (July 27), after battling a long kitchen and introduces diversity Logic, Epistemology, Ethics, and illness. He was 77. even when preparing common Philosophy of Religion, eventually Although Rabbi Schochet had fare. Looking after all medical earning a Master’s of Philosophy concerns, from scrapes and an illustrious career, he was and a PhD in philosophy. His bruises, to administering TLC always available to lecture, lead Master’s thesis at McMaster when needed, is Rabbi Yisroel D. a Shabbaton, or retreat, and University was on The Treatment Goldstein, a long time member of graciously participate at Chabad of Anthropomorphism in Targum Thornhill Hatzalah, a volunteer Lubavitch functions whenever he Onkelos (1966), and presented brigade of first responders. was in town, said Rabbi Zalman his PhD thesis (University of Now after our second season, Grossbaum. “In fact, upon my Waterloo, 1974) on The the celebrated late Saturday night arrival in Toronto, forty years Psychological System of creative smorgasbord prepared ago, I received instruction from Maimonides. by Mrs. Esther Grossbaum has the Rebbe that all printed matter Rabbi Schochet used his become a staple and serves as a should be edited before formidable knowledge to draw platform for the staff to interact publication, and Rabbi Schochet CGI Girl campers bringing in the Shabbos young Jews away from the snare with the administration, on a never hesitated to reviewing my of Christian missionaries in the boating activities and excellent drawing maple syrup, bailing hay, weekly basis. writing.” Notwithstanding his 1970s and 80s. He wrote fishing. It also serves as an escape and how to preserve herbs. But ultimately an overnight commitment to academia, he numerous books and essays on port for (sanctioned) runaways. Indeed there is nothing as potent camp site is a virtual village and connected seamlessly with the timely and timeless matters The administration was attuned as overnight camping to bring out subject to myriad details and scholar and common man on the related to Judaism, and he was to any and all special needs a street. While he was soft spoken, widely sought out as a lecturer camper may have had. The and had an accommodating and an authority on classical counselors were devoted and demeanour, he never backed Jewish sources and their dedicated beyond the call of duty. down from fighting a battle for application to contemporary The spirit, especially on Shabbat the ‘sake of Heaven.’ Jewish issues. was truly amazing, best Rabbi Schochet served as He is survived by his wife paraphrased by the traditional spiritual leader of the Kielcer Rebbetzin Jettie Schochet and their Shabbat liturgy, “A glimps of the Congregation on Batrhurst St. for children Mrs. Oryah Vogel, world to come, is the day of 36 years, and then at Wilmington, Delaware; Rabbi Shabbat.” Each of the three Congregation Beth Joseph Yitzchok Schochet, London, Shabbat meals was a feast to Lubavitch since 1996. He was England; Mrs. Sharonne Zippel, Salt behold, replete with life lesson Professor of Philosophy at stories and complemented by Lake City, Utah; R’ Yisroel Humber College for 25 years, and classic camp songs composed over Schochet, Los Angeles, California; the course of some 50 years with and his grandchildren. lyrics worthy of “topping the His is also survived by his siblings: charts!” Mrs. Schulamith Bechhofer, New The campers formed teams and PERSONAL, York; Rabbi Dovid Schochet, engaged competitively in À group of Happy CGI Girl Campers MARITAL & FAMILY Toronto; Mrs. Ruth Averbuch, numerous field sports. The COUNSELLING Crown Heights; Rabbi Yosef Daniel season’s ‘all stars’ were later Abraham Kass, B.A., M.A. Schochet, Toronto; Rabbi Ezra acknowledged with trophies. the best of each child. The contingencies. At the centre of gravity and keeping all the Clinical member of the Ontario & Schochet, Los Angeles; Mrs.Batya Naturally the boys session, during youngsters learn to be sensitive to American Associations for Wagner, Toronto; Rabbi Gershon others, be a member of a team systems humming while juggling the month of August, was and responding to diverse needs, Marriage and Family Therapy Elisha Schochet, Toronto; Rabbi dominated by competitive sports, effort, and learn to resolve their differences. During the month of is camp director Rabbi Yitzchak (905) 771-1087 Meir Ovadia Schochet, Miami; the girls, during the month of July Grossbaum. Still this monumental July, the capacity enrollment Telephone Enquiries Welcome. Mrs. Amina Newman, Long Beach, favoured collective activities. This endeavour is a work in progress, Affordable Fees. CA. objective was facilitated by brought together girls from all over with much in store in order to Strictly Confidential. Rabbi Schochet was laid to rest numerous options; for some it was the world. Under the meticulous create an oasis where youngster Let me help. in Toronto Sunday, 21 Av (July 28), specialty baking, for others care of Goldy Grossbaum, each will enjoy the great outdoors camper was treated and perhaps while they grow both physically Offices in Thornhill, Ont. at the Lambton Mills Cemetery on scrapbooking, still others, dance Royal York Road in Toronto. and drama, or sports. Then there pampered like a daughter. and spiritually. Page 4 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013

Lubavitch Day Camp Enjoys City Hall Sukkah Record Enrollment Tradition Continues Well over Six hundred children attended Lubavitch Day Camp for Once again, this year, downtown cooperation of The Municipality of the summer of 2013, and having Jews will have access to the City Metropolitan Toronto, were stretched thin all amenities and Hall Sukkah, during the intermediate granted permission to construct a utilized every conceivable space, days of the Sukkot holiday. large Sukkah right in front some late comers could not be of the old City Hall at Bay accommodated. Children could be & Queen St. This provided seen in the foyer, coatroom, and “a home away from home” the hallways. Even the parking lot for all business people, at the Lubavitch Centre was taxed shoppers and tourist from to the limit with a horseshoe of all over the world to large trailers parked for the conveniently observe the summer to accommodate the girls Mitzvah of Sukkah. division. The Netivot Hatorah The Sukkah is equipped school building was the hub for the The Pre-school division shooting, Laser Tag, Rock with a Lulov and Esrog as boys division. Backing on to a embraced the Spark Program and Climbing and Zip Lining, are well. Large decorative community park provided ample participated in speech, gross and offered exclusively for the CIT instruction guides posted on space for field sports. So too, fine motor skills training which group. Activities that are During the festival of Sukkot we the walls aid patrons to perform the under the auspices of Ten Ten will give Lubavitch Day Camp planned by their dynamic leaders are instructed to leave the comforts Mitzvah and recite the proper Sports, the boys fine honed their campers a head start when they ensure their maximum of our home and “move into the prayers. tennis skills. enter school. enjoyment for what might be Sukkah”. This week long Mitzvah During the intermediate days of The all-time record enrollment The CIT program in Lubavitch their last experience as campers. is most noticeable when we eat all Sukkot our Sukkah mobile will be was facilitated by some 200 Day Camp continues to gain city- Once a week the CIT members our meals in the counselors and staff members. wide recognition. Boasting over spend a full day with makeshift hut. “Still, we don’t intend to become sixty young teens, this unique experienced counsellors to learn, Spending time under complacent,” said Estee camp experience allows teenagers hands-on, what being a the open sky serves Steinmetz, camp director. “The to enjoy the summer months responsible and caring to remind us of the Rebbe taught us that throughout while acquiring the necessary counsellor entails. miraculous 40 years The CIT’s boys division were our ancestors invited up to Haliburton to spend sojourned through a weekend Shabbaton at Camp the desert, after the Gan Israel. In addition to exodus from Egypt, experiencing the exuberance at under the watchful the Shabbat meals, the teens eye of G-d. engaged in numerous activities This Yom Tov and enjoyed some of the regional continues to gain popularity with “making the rounds” to schools, recreational attractions. Merging more and more families erecting their shopping plazas and parks to invite both camps together proved own Sukkah. Yet for people working the public to observe the special beneficial to both, the host camp in the downtown core the Mitzvot associated with Sukkot. and the guest, both were at their intermediate days (Chol Hamoed) The sign on the mobile says it all, best behavior. posed a problem. That is until “A Sukkah on wheels for people The annual Shabbat Dinner, Chabad Lubavitch, with the on the go.” held on the last weekend for the entire LDC family, was a grand finale for a most successful life one must constantly strive for skills needed to become a camp summer. The Friday night Fireworks, Music and better, especially when it comes staff members in the future. program held at the Chabad to educating the youth.” CIT’s, an acronym for Lubavitch community Centre Dancing at Lubavitch The season began with a heat Counsellor In Training, have a was heralded in with the wave and at the onset of the three double track program. The unmistakable sound of The days of Sukkot weeks of mourning the program includes activities for children’s voices filling the are described in the destruction of the holy Temple the campers own enjoyment, hallways. Two hundred and fifty Torah as days of joy. in Jerusalem. During the such as field trips, art projects, campers, parents, and During Biblical intensified ‘nine days’ period and stimulating activities. It also counsellors joined together to times there was a when the pleasure of recreational includes training sessions, welcome the Shabbat with unique celebration swimming is suspended, a giant guidance as counsellor assistants, prayer, song, and dance. The all week, which was 18’ water slide was erected and and opportunity for growth in Friday evening atmosphere was called “Simchat provided relief and the responsibility and maturity. The a fair sampling of the prevailing Bais Hashoaiva”. opportunity to cool off. field trips, such as Paintball LDC spirit. The Talmud details It’s hard to say what the the incredible highlight of the evening was. It events that took place in the as one could in the Diaspora might have been the beautiful choir Temple courtyard. Amongst the when the skies were illuminated performed by our very own girls narrative is a passage that tells us with “flying colours”. Indeed, the division. Maybe it was the that the skies were bright as a result program was very well received humorous skit that the boys of the torches, which were lit. So by the hundreds who stationed division presented. Was it possibly too, the Talmud relates that one of themselves in the Lubavitch the delicious food prepared by the sages would juggle torches, all parking lot to watch a camp caterer, Mendel Levitansky in celebration of the Sukkot magnificent fireworks show or the beautiful décor prepared by Mitzvot. presented by Victory Fireworks. our very own art staff. Was it the It is now a twenty five year This year, the celebration will be welcoming staff members, the tradition that Chabad Lubavitch held on Sunday, September 22, undeniably beautiful and uplifting hosts an evening during Sukkot the first day of Chol Hamoed atmosphere, or the heartwarming dedicated to song and joy. In beginning at 5:30 p.m. This camper testimonials given by Mika addition to live music, Bounce program, offered by Chabad Cohen and Daniel Palchik. Whatever Castle rides, cotton candy, hot Lubavitch and Tzivos Hashem may have been the best part for all dogs and hamburgers will be sold. Canada at no charge, will provide those families who joined together Many years ago, we introduced genuine entertainment for the in song and spirit, we are sure to another dimension to the festivities entire family while keeping in the see them back next year! and got as close to the “real thing” spirit of Yom Tov. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Page 5

My First Visit to the Ohel By Mark Mietkiewicz how ready you think you are, throughout the day. That was In 2007, I had the honour of nothing can prepare you for your followed by special tefillos and the joining members of Toronto first visit. quiet reading of my own private Anash who for decades have For me it was the letters! A sea note. As is the custom, I tore up travelled each summer to the of papers engulfing the Rebbe’s the note and let the fragments fall Ohel, the resting place of the and the Previous Rebbe’s graves. on top of the Rebbe’s grave. Lubavitcher Rebbe and the Each one written from the soul – And now, as we approach Rosh Frierdiker Rebbe. This year, I am and often with the tears – of Hashanah, I look back on that proud to say that I celebrated my someone searching for guidance, special three-day trip in Tamuz. fifth visit. assistance, consolation. And I hope that the wishes Over the years, some things I spent the next 45 minutes or written on all those thousands of have changed: the air conditioning so finishing the book of Tehilim bits of paper will be answered is more robust and the which I had been reading during the coming year. accommodations have seen a marked improvement. (Still no need to feel threatened, Hilton). Unfortunately, other changes have left a lasting void: our beloved Toronto Group portrait in front of 770 Rabbi Hochler, a”h, a regular Lubavitch World Headquarters visitor to the Ohel, is no longer with us. three days than most veteran where we were but then I noticed Some things, though, never travelers would see in a month. that the group was getting up and change: good friends and great We drove off out from Toronto edging outside. Before I knew learning, amazing spirit (and on a beautiful Thursday, Rabbi what was happening, we were spirits!), and the moving Spalter, Rabbi Shlomo Hochler davening outdoors under a introspection which accompanies and three others. Our primary beautiful sunset , at the Rebbe’s the highpoint of the weekend: destination actually wasn’t Ohel, IN THE MIDDLE OF A pouring out your soul as you Brooklyn but the Rebbe’s Ohel, CEMETARY! stand in a holy place. his resting place, in Queens. I am open to new experiences Back in 2007 when I was just a You knew that this was no but I had no idea this was in newbie to the Ohel, I tried to typical drive to New York when store. However, I must say that capture the sounds, sights and the two rabbis listened to CD’s after the shock wore off in the The author (left) reciting tehillim at the Ohel senses of that first-time and discussed the finer points of first few minutes, it really was experience. You can read those chazzanus for several hundred quite lovely, moving and dare I reminiscences below. If you have kilometres. We arrived in at the say, spiritual. been a member of the Toronto Ohel complex, dark and early, at The Friday night meal was yet group, I invite you to think about about 4 a.m. but despite the hour, another highlight of the trip. It Cary Green Honouree Cont. from pg. 1 what your own first time was like. the visitors’ centre was humming lasted over three hours 9:30-12:30 And more importantly, if you with regulars and other guests and it was non-stop food the vibrancy of Chabad Lubavitch, stories about our struggles and have never taken advantage of also converging in this tiny Jewish (plentiful salads, fish, soup and evident by the ever growing triumphs. visiting the Ohel as part of the enclave for Shabbes. We davened chicken), an incredible amount of cornucopia of programs under its This year the battle cry for the Toronto contingent, I invite you a very late Maariv and turned in liquid refreshments, which my administration. This would include annual campaign is, “Our to join us as we create new for the night. friend and neighbour, Yossi the Friendship Circle, a novel Products are Guaranteed for memories in July 2014. The Ohel is located in a modest Reinitz, made sure I was initiative that strives to integrate Life,” and draws attention to the I have been fortunate to have but very well kept community in consuming, great Chasidic stories children with special needs. So growth, vibrancy, and resilience had a relationship with Chabad- the Cambria Heights from Rabbis Spalter, Ganzburg too, the recreational camps which inherent in all Chabad Lubavitch Lubavitch for almost 15 years and neighbourhood of Queens. After and others, and hilarious stories, provide a meaningful summer endeavours. Now after four with Rabbi Moshe Spalter for just the Rebbe’s passing, Lubavitchers particularly, from Rabbi Hochler. experience for over 1,000 decades of community service as long. But despite Rabbi bought several small bungalows I went to bed around 1:30 and youngsters. All this in addition to the indelible contribution of Spalter’s regular encouragement to house the steady stream of got up for 8:30. There’s a the network of satellite centres Chabad Lubavitch on Jewish life (and persuasion and cajoling), I guests. Let’s just say, it ain’t the Lubavitch tradition to recite the across the GTA, and the Chabad throughout the GTA and beyond had never made the trek to Crown Hilton – although it does serve the entire book of Tehilim on the Houses at all universities along the is evident to all. Naturally this is Heights and Lubavitch World purpose. (I later found out that I Shabbos prior to every Rosh rim of Southern Ontario. testament to the conviction, Headquarters. actually was being housed in the Chodesh which we did since the Yet, notwithstanding the time teachings, and vision of the Until this summer. lap of luxury, since I was sharing month of Menachem-Av was only constraints imposed by business, Rebbe, of blessed memory. He Just before the annual trip of a room with only one other days away. These people are so Cary strongly believes in living life courageously taught, expounded, Torontonians to New York in late guest.) fast that when they were done with balance. Hence he finds the and encouraged his disciples, to July, Rabbi Spalter tried once When I awoke four hours later Tehilim by 10:15, I was only one- time and enjoys participating in reach to all Jews indiscriminately, again, and for lack of any excuse to a bright, sunny day, I blearily third finished. At that point, Rabbi numerous community causes. because each and everyone has that I could muster up, I agreed. glanced out my window, over a Spalter continued his class until The social consciousness steeped an indestructible holy soul. I wasn’t disappointed. It turned chain link fence, for my first view 11:00 when it was time to start in the family psyche has been To spearhead the campaign, two out to be unforgettable weekend of where I actually was. Shacharis. embraced by Cary in an equal dear friends of the honouree and with more stimulation packed into There were graves everywhere! We finally made kiddush at 1:30 measure. His “can do” attitude, of Chabad, Steven Latner and I should have realized. But still! and the meal (the same as the dating back to campus activism Moshe Ronen have graciously Friday was a whirlwind of previous night except with has not diminished and continues elected to serve as chairmen. sights and smells. Shopping and cholent) once again lasted a full to find expression in worthy Both are veteran stalwarts of eating in Boro Park. Eating and three hours. Then, more learning, causes, regardless of their Chabad Lubavitch for over three shopping in Crown Heights. Visits Minchah in the cemetary, Shalosh popularity. decades. They are being ably to the Chabad bookstore and the Seudos Maariv and Havdalah. Notable of all his communal assisted by a long standing highly entertaining and And then... formal preparations endeavours is his current role to committee that is headed by Joey Yirmi Cohen educational Jewish Children’s nurture and sustain the Harold Tanenbaum, Special Gifts Chair. Broker/Financial Advisor for the visit to the Rebbe’s grave. Museum. But the highlight of the Green Jewish Theatre Company “Chabad Lubavitch enjoys the Business & Life Insurance We are told to start by writing a day was unquestionably being located at the Toronto Centre for admiration of the entire community Disability/Critical Illness note detailing your wishes for the able to daven mincha in the the Arts. The theatre takes pride and has a loyal support base which Employee Benefit Plans most important people in your makes our work a labour of love,” Investments/Rrsps & Resps Rebbe’s office. Another life. There was also a communal in presenting creative and artistic Tax Savings unforgettable moment. sheet on behalf of the community performances by veteran actors said Joey Tanenbaum. The dinner After that it was back to Queens who need help. and up and coming talent steeped will be held November 21, 2013 at Bus: 905.760.8770 to get ready for Shabbos. The in nostalgia, culture, and a thought the Beth Abraham Yoseph Fax: 905.889.4995 Then, you take off your leather [email protected] Toronto contingent of 56 shoes and put on slippers (a sign provoking messages. The Harold Synagogue. Tickets for the Gala celebration are $540 and available 37 Whitney Place converged in the Ohel’s shul of respect) and you approach the Green Jewish Theatre Company Thornhill, Ont. where Rabbi Spalter taught a class Rebbe’s gravesite. This is the embraces and celebrates the at the Chabad Lubavitch office. L4J 6V9 until Kabalat Shabbat. I expected moment that the entire trip has Jewish story – stories about our Your participation is greatly we would continue praying been leading toward but no matter history, stories about our beliefs, appreciated. Page 6 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013

A Dollar For Warren Buffett

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has completed the acquisition of Israel’s Iscar Metalworking toolmaking company for $2 billion, after acquiring 80 percent of the company in 2006. “Israel is a great place to invest because of its people,” the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Three Days of Jewish said in an interview with Boaz Bismuth of Israel Hayom, Israel’s most widely read Studies for Imprisoned newspaper. “There is no other place in the world where you find people Women with these qualities, as well as with the motivation and the ability to focus that you see at Iscar,” he said. Following the interview which took place in Omaha, Nebraska, Bismuth presented the man ranked as one of the world’s Billionaire Warren Buffett on front cover of Israel Hayom wealthiest and most charitable people with a single U.S. dollar Buffett took the dollar and As they were departing, Buffet bill. responded, “You know, if I take jokingly handed his wallet “Chabad members asked me this dollar with me to Israel, to Eitan Wertheimer, Iscar’s to give him a dollar blessed by you’ll see how I will turn it into chairman, to pose with it. the Lubavitcher Rebbe. I gave ten dollars in Israel.” “You can keep it,” Buffett told it to him at the end of the When Bismuth told him that Earlier this summer, volunteers traveled to the Coleman Federal him. “There is already nothing interview,” the Israeli journalist the dollar was blessed, Buffett Prison Camp near Orlando, Fla., for their first time working with in it. You took $2 billion from said. The photograph of them said, “This will bring me luck? female inmates. me after taking $4 billion several appeared on the front page of OK, I will keep the Rebbe’s years ago. Now, all I have left Thursday’s Israel Hayom. dollar.” is the Rebbe’s dollar.” For Jews in prison, went to Coleman Federal Prison incarceration can keep them Camp near Orlando, Fla., for their isolated from their family and their first time teaching female faith. But thanks to inmates. Rabbi Thanks Ping Pong Star the Aleph Institute, a Chabad The three-day sessions included Florida-based non-profit, they and a full-day program—8:30 a.m. to Estee Ackerman, the 11-year- their loved ones receive some 3:30 p.m.—of interactive old table tennis star who was much-needed help from an classroom-style learning. The recently disqualified from the organization that has been volunteers also divided the national finals when she refused providing assistance for more women into smaller focus to play on Friday evening, was than three decades. groups, each concentrating on a praised by a Chabad rabbi. In fact, the institute’s Yeshiva in prepared course subject by the Rabbi Anchelle Perl, Director of Prison program recently expanded teacher. Chabad of Mineola in Long to include a visit for the first time Katz said of the experience: “I’ve Island, NY, and an old family to female prisoners, said gained as much as the inmates friend, stopped by the Ackerman Rabbi Aaron Lipskar, executive have, if not more.” residence to shared an intriguing director of the institute. She alluded to preconceptions lesson from his hand-made The program spans three days regarding inmates and prison Passover ‘generational chain.’ of interactive classroom-style culture in general, and noted that Rabbi Perl began by lauding the work. Yeshiva volunteers work they can often be misguided. Kiddush Hashem (glorification of with inmates in small groups or “Some of the women were G-d’s name) she created by on a one-on-one basis to provide doctors, and lawyers—educated stating, “my Judaism and introspection using the Torah. women with tears running down observance of Shabbat is more Inmates learn how to live as a Jew their faces in gratitude for myself important than ping pong.” despite their surroundings. and my colleagues taking the time He said that the statement The program covers many to spend the day with them,” she reminded many that they are topics, including Jewish law, said. members of the Jewish people, ethics, explanatory prayer Chaplain Yolanda Garcia works who are links in “a chain that services, kosher dietary laws, there, and called the Yeshiva started over 3,000 years ago and faith and reason, and Kabbalah. program “awesome.” will make it to the finish line with Daily afternoon lectures focus on “I think the women felt a sense the coming of Moshiach.” Rabbi Anchelle Perl, Director of Chabad of Mineola, LI, the idea of personal responsibility, of womanhood being around Pointing to his generational presents Estee Ackerman with a hand-made self-control and the skills for Jewish female representatives,” she chain made of key rings, Perl Passover Generational Chain. accepting authority. said. “I actually received a ‘thank said: “It is now 3,300 years since The idea is to help channel the you’ card from them. It taught them we received that freedom in inmate’s energies in a positive how to get along with each other Egypt at Passover. “132 people have sat Seder night shoulders of 132 people, begging manner, which could improve a and pray with each other.” If we imagine the average age after Seder night, year after year, us not to disappoint them.” sense of personal responsibility, Garcia welcomed the of having a child to be about 25 and with every fiber of their heart He added that “today we must explained the rabbi. opportunity for the program to years of age, there are four and soul have made sure that this make sure that the younger Earlier this summer, program return to the prison camp. Rabbi generations each century. That treasure would become mine and generation, the 134th link in this volunteers Rebbetzin Chanie Lipskar responded that the group means there is a total of 132 yours. Today’s generation are holy chain, learn of their sacred Lipskar, Judy Adouth, will absolutely come back to people stretching from our the 133rd link in this holy chain, Torah responsibilities and to pass Leah Lipskar and Rochel Katz female prisons. forefathers in Egypt to us today. standing strong on the vertical on our legacy to number 135.” World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Page 7

Evelyn Kozak, World’s Oldest Jewish Person, Dies at 113

Chava Rivka (Evelyn) Kozak, Kozak said that one of the reported to have been the oldest miracles in her life was surviving Jew in the world, passed away the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. on June 11 at the age of 113, with “When you left for work,” she her family attributing her said in an interview to WQED on longevity to a blessing by the occasion of her 110th the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, birthday, “you did not know who Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak was going to be at home when A Note to Melinda Gates Schneersohn, of righteous you got home; almost every memory. house had a death. I had [the flu], What did 11- “I know G-d is with me,” and my parents thought I was a year-old Mendel Kozak said to The Jewish goner and they would pray to Bluming write to Chronicle in Pittsburgh on her G-d I survived, while strong men, the wife of one of 110th birthday, referring to what soldiers were dying.” the richest and she called miraculous events in She said her father had the most her life. “He has saved me many greatest influence on her. “I philanthropic times.” learned everything from my Evelyn Kozak people in the Kozak was born in New York father—to be strictly honest, (Photo: Alex Gorokhov) world. on Aug. 14, 1899, which also truthful and to help others. His Melinda Gates, made her the world’s seventh- whole life was devoted to helping co-founder of oldest person, according to the those who needed help.” passed away in 1957, when she the largest Gerontology Research Group, an Kozak married in 1921 and was 58. transparently organization of physicians, eventually had five children. In At the boarding home, she operated private scientists and engineers who 1929 she again became ill. At that looked after the older residents, foundation in the validate supercentenarians— time, the sixth Lubavitcher making sure they had enough to world, was people who are 110 or older. Rebbe had arrived on the shores eat and remained in good health. given a spiritual Her parents, Isaac and Katie of America to encourage Jewish “When she was almost 90 years road map for Jacobson, were Chabad- observance, raise funds for Jews old,” said Weisberger, “she was Lubavitch Chassidim and under Soviet rule and determine cooking and cleaning for the living based on Rabbi Zalman Bluming, his son Mendel struggled to maintain an if the United States was was a elderly, although it was not her the teachings of and Melinda Gates the Lubavitcher observant home for their nine suitable place for Lubavitch World responsibility.” Rebbe. children. At the time, with no Headquarters. “She didn’t like speaking badly It happened while she was at University of Durham & Chapel Jewish schools or even a The elder Jacobson was part of about people,” added Weisberger. Duke University in Durham, Hill that serves the Jewish semblance of the infrastructure a select group of people who “She only liked when you spoke North Carolina, to deliver the students and faculty at the of Jewish life that exists today, escorted the Rebbe from his boat good about people.” 2013 Commencement Speech University. that was a real challenge. and gave his car to transport the “I didn’t strive just to keep living,” for more than 5,000 students at Speaking with Gates, wife Particularly difficult for Rebbe to a residence in New York. Kozak told the Pittsburgh Tribune- the university’s Wallace-Wade of Bill Gates, Chairman of observant Jews, said Kozak, was It was during that trip that Kozak’s Review, “but I guess I lived the Stadium. Microsoft and one of the keeping Shabbat. At the turn of father asked the Rebbe for a right kind of life, [where] I was “You can change the way you richest and most philanthropic the 20th century in America, blessing for his ill daughter, and never jealous or envious. Money think about other people. You people in the world, Rabbi everyone worked long hours, he was said to have blessed her was never a big part of my life.” can choose to see their Bluming shared the Rebbe’s even on Saturdays. Those who with health and longevity. That is Kozak died on the third day of humanity first,” Gates told vision on the responsibility of could not or did not often lost why, said her granddaughter the Jewish month of Tammuz, students of her alma mater wealth and called on every their jobs. Many Jews, like Brucha Weisberger, “we always the anniversary of the passing of about the choice they have to individual to become an Kozak’s father, chose self- credited that blessing with her the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. impact the larger community. ambassador of good. employment. Isaac Jacobson long life.” Schneerson, of righteous The Shliach then worked as a peddler, and later In the late 1940s, Kozak moved memory. “It is extremely presented her with opened a factory that constructed to Miami, Fla., with her second significant for the family,” the book “Towards a cardboard boxes to hold hats. husband Mo, and together they Weisberger said, “that she passed Meaningful Life - Her father also established managed a large home that was away on that day. It feels like it The Wisdom of the the Chabad synagogue in made into a boarding house. He was all from Heaven.” Rebbe Menachem Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Mendel Schneerson,” Around 1907, the family moved which gives Jews to the Flatbush neighborhood of and non-Jews alike Brooklyn, N.Y. At the time, Jews fresh perspectives on were not so welcome in Kozak’s every aspect of their particular neighborhood. lives. “Yet there was one neighbor,” It came with a she recalled, “who liked us and dedication written by would bring over food. The Bluming’s 11-year- food—which, of course, was old son Mendel: “In not kosher and we could not awe of the tidal eat—we would have to figure out wave of goodness how to dispose of it without Mendel Bluming writing his note to you have created, I insulting the neighbor.” Melinda Gates share with you the Kozak did not complete her inspired writings of education past the eighth grade, “We are finally creating the the great leader of the Jewish yet she was an avid reader, and tools to turn the world into a world. May you go from her parents could always find her neighborhood. You can light up strength to strength.” in the attic with a book. She a network of 7 billion people “She was very humble,” remembered numerous historic with long-lasting and highly- Rabbi Bluming said about the events, included the sinking of motivating human connections.” reaction of Gates, who is the Titanic in 1912, the Great After the speech, she Roman Catholic. “She was Depression of the 1930s and encountered Rabbi Zalman thankful for the book and was when the Brooklyn Bridge “was Zalman and Yehudis Bluming, sincerely appreciative for the called one of the Seven Wonders co-directors of Chabad at the note by Mendel”. of the World.” Page 8 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013

Religious Activity Makes Rabbi Target in Dagestan Rabbi Ovadia Isakov, 40, emerged from his car outside his home at 1:00 a.m. in Derbent, when he was shot by an unknown man who escaped the scene. Makhachkala, Dagestan’s capital, was identified as the city where the Boston bombers’ Chabad Float Wins parents were located during their sons’ terrorist attack on the Award at Kentucky Boston Marathon last April. Isakov sustained several Derby Parade gunshot wounds including an exit wound in the chest and was taken to the Derbent central city hospital in grave condition. Hours later, a chartered emergency rescue plane arranged by Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar in tandem with Israel’s international Rabbi Ovadia Isakov with his family in Dagestan unit of Zaka emergency services airlifted Isakov to Israel where he before in 2007, when vandals courageously dedicated his life to is being treated at Beilinson entered their home while they serving Jews and humanity in a Hospital in Petakh Tikvah. were present. dangerous region. “The surgeons have reported In a statement issued “We should never take for that they have succeeded to stop by Ramazan Abdulatipov, acting granted the selfless dedication the bleeding and that Rabbi president of Dagestan, that shluchim [emissaries] Isakov is now in satisfactory “extremists and terrorists who do exercise every day in their commitment to serving Jewish Rabbi Chaim Litvin, at the Kentucky Derby Parade condition. His appearance has not want a happy, normal life for improved, and he is fully us all,” are to blame for the people, especially when that by Mordechai Lightstone Before the parade, guests conscious, engaging in attack. “Only ignorant people, entails the kinds of sacrifices that More than 1.5 million tourists viewed the float which was on conversation with the rabbinical enemies of Dagestan, are able to Rabbi Isakov and his family have and locals flooded the streets of display along with 100 other students who have come to do this. Dagestan is outraged,” made in choosing to fulfill the Louisville for the annual entries, and had the opportunity spend Shabbos at his side. The he wrote in a statement. noble calling of serving as Chabad Kentucky Derby Festival. Most to pledge their own acts of Isakov family extends heartfelt Much of the tensions concern representatives.” famous for its eponymous horse goodness. Rabbi Chaim Litvin, thanks for all the prayers for internal Islamic conflicts Only one week and two days after race, the two-week festival one of three Chabad-Lubavitch Ovadia’s recovery.” between traditional Sufi groups he was shot and critically features a bevy of events, emissaries to Kentucky, says they “Police authorities continue their advocating secular government wounded Rabbi Isakov was including Thunder Over collected some 500 pledges. search for the gunman, and the and Salafist teachers promoting released from the hospital. He Louisville, the largest fireworks Ross Lerner, a Louisville native, investigation of this crime is Sharia law in Dagestan. offered his thanks today to the show in North America, and the helped Litvin construct the float. underway.” Rabbi Lazar urged law many people who acted on his Pegasus float parade, the oldest The pair contacted Mac Sawyers, Police authorities suspect anti- enforcement agencies to “take all behalf and prayed for his of the festival’s events. Ross’s business partner for a Semitism was the motive of the legitimate actions to eliminate the recovery. This year, the Pegasus Parade lead. Sawyer told them about a shooting attack on the Chabad- jihadist underworld.” In an Aug. 5 interview, Isakov featured a float built by Chabad mobile home that had been sitting Lubavitch representative in “The attack on the rabbi, as well thanked the communities and of Kentucky. Playing on the on his farm for the past 20 years Dagestan, a predominantly as the previous attacks on individuals throughout the world year’s theme, “Now That’s that they were free to use. Muslim province of Russia. Muslim figures, have pursued the for their assistance. “There is no Entertainment,” Chabad’s entry The mobile home was collected, According to the Russian goal of destabilizing all of society doubt,” he said, “that my promoted random acts of the top demolished and the trailer Investigative Committee, it was and undermining the noble pillars recovery is in the merit of the goodness and kindness under converted into the base of the float. the rabbi’s religious activity that upon which our country’s unity many who stood beside me, and the title “Extreme Global “It amazes me that over the made him a target of extremists. has been built for centuries,” I want to thank each and every Makeover.” After parading down course of two months,” Lerner Isakov and his family made their Rabbi Lazar said. one of them personally. For Louisville’s central drag to an says, “two guys were able to home in Dagestan nine years ago, At Chabad-Lubavitch World myself and on behalf of my wife, estimated crowd of some build a float that went head-to- to serve the city’s local Jewish Headquarters in New York, Chaya Miriam, and my four 270,000 spectators, the float head with floats designed by population (approximately 5,000) Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky asked that children, I want to thank them for won the People’s Choice award major companies built with ten with a host of Jewish educational the international community pray their concern and their assistance, and ranked fifth in the judges’ times the budget, and actually and social service activities. He for the recovery of the Chabad and for their comforting words vote. win.” and his family were targets once representative who has to us in person and by phone.” Steeles Memorial Dignity Chapel Comfort Compassion 350 Steeles Avenue West Thornhill, Ont. L4J 1A1 • (905) 881-6003 Established 1927 C.P. SAUCIER, Managing Funeral Director World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Page 9

Trip Puts Ex-Soldiers on a High

had planted roadside bombs, and as the unarmored bus drove past two massive explosions caused major damage to the vehicle. The bus continued to drive several hundred meters until it broke down. Immediately the terrorists approached the bus, throwing live grenades and shooting firearms into the spirited dance while singing “Am crowd of passengers trying to Yisrael Chai,” and “Moshiach, flee. Moshiach, Moshiach.” SUE'S Andre raced to the scene and The packed Shabbat morning began to fire at the terrorists. service was led by Cantor Ari THORNHILL FRUIT MARKET LTD. Despite taking a bullet himself, Klein and the Neshama Acapella Ziv Shilon and Nati Hatzkor enjoying the streets he continued to pursue the Group. Many of the soldiers 7241 Bathurst Street of Manhattan during their 10 days of therapy enemy and killed four terrorists. were given an aliyah, and 905-731-2132/3 Ten civilians were killed in the spontaneous hakafot broke out • attack, and dozens were after each one. Quality Fruit & Captain Ziv Shilon, a platoon Lubavitch Youth Organization in wounded. Andre was hit in the Vegetables commander in Givati Brigade of Israel. spine five times and paralyzed The group also visited the • H the Israel Defense Forces, was Joining them at the reception from the waist down. He Ohel (resting place of the Fresh Cut Flowers severely injured 6 months ago was the Israel’s military attache received the highest medal of Lubavitcher Rebbe) where they and Potted Plants when a roadside bomb planted in the U.S., Major honor from the IDF. were able to pray for strength • by Hamas terrorists exploded General Yaacov Ayish who When Andre finished his and guidance in their future A VERY HAPPY HEALTHY during a routine patrol. Doctors cancelled his appointments in account, everyone joined in a endeavours. NEW YEAR ! had to amputate one of his Washington so that he can spend arms and the other is totally time with these brave heroes. crushed. Nati Hatzkor, who had his leg Shilon and 9 other severely blown off from a missile right wounded soldiers and victims before Operation Cast Lead, of terror were in New York for mentioned this week that words 10 days of therapy and fun on cannot describe the pain and a trip sponsored by Chabad agony that he experiences on a Israel Center of the Upper East daily basis. Side, under Rabbi Uriel He uses medical marijuana for and Shevy Vigler. his pain and he joked, “I don’t The project is called “Belev know if I am on a high from the Echad” (with one heart) and marijuana or from this incredible regularly organizes trouble and Belev Echad trip.” However, worry-free trips to the United every day he makes sure to smile States for severely wounded and be happy because if there is IDF soldiers and victims of one day that he is sad and upset terror. that day is a victory for the Speaking this week at a terrorists who did this to him. welcome reception honoring 10 Friday night, 500 community severely wounded IDF soldiers members attended a at the Chabad Israel Center, magnificently catered Shabbat Shilon said: “My greatest wish meal, and heard the soldiers’ is to be able to return to the heart-wrenching yet miraculous IDF and to continue protecting and inspiring stories. Am Yisrael.” Andre Peck, one of the The soldiers are accompanied soldiers, shared his story. Andre by Rabbi Menachem Kutner of was one of the border guards Chabad Terror Victims Project who rushed to the scene of the who deals with these soldiers December 2001 bus attack en Sunday, September 22 year round in Israel and route from Bnei Brak to Rabbi Yossi Swerdlov of the Emmanuel. Palestinian terrorists

Motorcycling on the open highways is a treat for these soldiers as part of Belev Echadès programs Page 10 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013

AS. What prompted the insight on the upcoming Jewish decision to establish a Chabad Holiday. In short, they have a House at the University of blast. Guelph? AS. How has the Rebbe SC: The demand for a Chabad impacted you in your decision on campus became obvious a to be Chabad emissaries and couple of years ago when the move to Guelph? number of Jewish students SC: The very fact that we live attending started rising rapidly. in Guelph and care about people Guelph is simply becoming a we’ve never met before…that’s hub for Jewish students from all the Rebbe. He taught us to Toronto, Thornhill and other love and care for each and cities across Canada. every individual across the entire AS. How long have you been world. We have made the there? Tell us a little about decision, along with thousands your family. How do you and of other Chabad followers, to Nechama share the In this Issue we interview devote our lives to helping responsibilities of running a by Ahava Spillman others and being there for them Chabad House. Rabbi Shua Chanowitz of the University of Guelph in any way we can. This is all SC: Our very first program because of the Rebbe. He felt was just about a year ago, when Maryland. University students SC: There is Hillel on campus university. We make it easy for the global responsibility and we started off with a frosh were my first friends. and a community Shul with them. They just send us an passed that on to all of his week welcome BBQ. We knew AS. Those of us who live in about 60 Jewish families. email and we bring one over, Chassidim. we were off to a good start Yiddishkite-rich Thornhill or AS. How did you set up hang it for them, and then of AS. Are there High Holiday when 60 students joined us at Toronto take Kosher ‘shop”? ie How did you notify course have a little lechaim to activities planned or do most our very first event. conveniences for granted. students of your presence? celebrate the special Mitzvah. students return home? Every Chabad couple knows SC: Is it possible to find SC: One of the most powerful It’s a lot of fun and their gentile SC: This year’s calendar is a that when they decide to move kosher food? Bread? Wine? In things about Chabad is our roommates are always little tricky because Rosh to a community or campus as Guelph? network. When one Chabad fascinated. Hashana falls on the first day of shluchim, they will be sharing It’s always fun to see people’s Shliach hears that a student AS. Do you have Shabbos classes. So it’s pretty split: some all the responsibilities and tasks. reaction when I tell them where from his community is going to meals? will celebrate at home, while This is even more so with I live. They vary from “Say university, the first thing he SC: Friday Night Dinners are others don’t want to miss “Chabad on campus” couples. what? Where’s that?!” to “Wow, does is messages the Shliach at the biggest draw for students. classes and will be in Guelph. Take, for example, Shabbat my father was the rabbi at the that U to say “Hey bro, Michelle Although Friday Night is ‘party We’ll be hosting everything dinners. My wife cooks. I Shul there 27 years ago!” is coming next year. Take good night’ at university, students like students need for the High prepare how the table will be We’ve got the typical grocery care of her, and oh yeah- she is to make it to a Shabbat Dinner Holidays, from services in our run. Then I help her in the stores to shop for dry goods, the best babysitter when you and “turn their Friday Night into home to Shofar blowing on kitchen and she listens to me but no meat or dairy products. need one!’ Rabbi Shmuli Shabbat”. Students know that campus, from holiday meals to practice my parshah thought. We were under the impression Nachlas from CYN runs an every Friday Night at 7:30, a hot spread for the Yom We set the table together and that all our Kosher wine would incredible high school program Chabad has a scrumptious Kippur break fast. laugh at the fact that we have have to be purchased on our and he directs all his students to homemade dinner awaiting them AS. Do you find it no idea if we should be setting trips to Toronto but lo and their respective Chabad Rabbis with lots of friends to see and extraordinary that students for 15 or 50! behold one Friday afternoon a once they graduate high school. to meet. Our motto is: “Come who are in class all day want In our minds we know that student walked in Social networking also helps get when you can, leave when you to come to you and learn in everything is joint responsibility with…Manishewitz! Yup, the the word out. Facebook is such want.” the little spare time they when it comes to programming, Kosher aisle, plus a box of a great way to keep people AS. How many came at the have left? classes, events, or just being matzah. updated with what’s going on beginning? How many come SC: It’s always impressive there for students, but everyone AS. How many Jewish as well as keeping us connected now? when students want to learn, should know that behind every students attend Guelph? How with students. SC: I’ve been to many Chabad especially considering the Chabad Rabbi there is an many are actively involved in AS. How do you attract houses and have relatives and society we live in and the values amazing never-tiring rebbetzin, Yiddishkeit? students to Chabad? friends that have been active it holds. But we also try to who is really the one that makes SC: We guesstimate there are SC: We are the home away Chabad Rabbis for years. So of make it easy for them by everything succeed! about 1000 Jews currently from home for every Jewish course I knew exactly what, offering topics they are And of course our two little enrolled in the university, and student. I think the biggest when, and how everything was interested in, hosting classes in boys, Mendel and Yudi ages 2 the numbers rise significantly attraction is our warmth and going to happen. Or maybe not! our home where they feel so and 1, help us out in a big way! every year. Students (and most sincere interest in each and I’ll never forget the first Friday comfortable and welcomed, and Aside from making messes and of us grownups too) like to be every student. When kids walk Night. Three students walked of course the delicious lots of noise, they provide live actively involved in anything fun in, they know they are wanted, through the door and then…no refreshments always help make entertainment for everyone and and enjoyable. And that’s the key welcomed, appreciated and more! I was like “Hey, this is classes popular. are always the centre. Students to our programming- turning cared for. We are there for not supposed to be happening. I AS. How are you marketing love coming just to be able to their Judaism into something them for whatever they may mean, why isn’t there at least your services? see them! they would want to be need and that’s irresistible. tens of students coming to SC:Social networking is the AS. Where did you grow up? associated with and proud of. AS. Tell us about your Shabbat Dinner?!” I took a best way to advertise and let SC: Believe it or not, I was AS. Do other Jewish Mezuza lending bank. deep breath and realized that it’s people know what we have to actually born on campus where organizations exist at SC: Many Jewish students not the quantity, but the quality offer. We plan on expanding my parents were Chabad Guelph? Are there many understand the importance of of connecting to each and every our marketing by advertising on Shluchim in College Park, shuls? having a Mezuza, even in student. It was a great start and the school radio and newspaper. thank G-d it has only gotten If you drive to Guelph any time R Wednesday, September 4 Y Friday, September 13 greater. Over the course of the soon, look out for our big signs semester, our numbers grew just off the highway. Oh- and Candlelighting 7:29 p.m. Mincha 3:15 & 4:15 p.m. O and we’ve multiplied to over 30 next stop, please do come visit; Mincha 7:35 p.m. O Candlelighting 7:12 p.m. students for some Shabboses! our house is the one with the S Maariv 8:25 p.m. Kol Nidre 7:25 p.m. M We expect to just keep getting giant Menora on the front lawn. busier with each semester. H Thursday, September 5 AS. Running a Chabad AS. Tell us about a House must be costly. What’s Shacharis 9:00 a.m. successful program you run K Saturday, September 14 your biggest expense? H Shofar approx. 11:30 a.m. at Guelph and why you think SC: Shabbat dinners and holiday Mincha 6:15 p.m. I Shachris 9:00 a.m. it works? programs are our biggest A Tashlich 6:45 p.m. Yizkor 12:00 p.m. P SC: We have a monthly Girls expense. S Maariv 8:25 p.m. Mincha 5:45 p.m. Club. It’s a time that’s “just for AS. How do you generate Light Candles after 8:28 p.m. P Neilah 7:00 p.m. the girls’, and they love it income? H Maariv 8:10 p.m. because they can relax and be SC: All of our income is HIGH A Friday, September 6 U themselves. They spend quality through fundraising. Many Shachris 9:00 a.m. R bonding time with friends, meet parents and community HOLIDAY N Shofar approx 11:30 a.m. Yom Tov & Shabbos new girls and do a craft or members in Guelph really care A Mincha 7:15 p.m. Services activity that’s always so for Jewish continuity. They SERVICES Shacharis 10:00 a.m. innovative, creative, and fun. understand that the years spent H They go home with something in university are a vital and they’ve made along with some Continued on pg. 14 World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Page 11 Page 12 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013

By Rabbi Aron Moss

Tradition, Modernity, Not so with honey. Honey vying for control over your mind. Apples and Honey does not decompose. In fact, the And it is not a quiet confrontation. ancients used it as a preservative. Since you are expecting another Why do we eat apples and Jars of honey were found in the child, I’ll give you a metaphor that the more intense the distractions, that we would rather forget, honey on Rosh Hashanah? I pyramids in Egypt, unspoiled you will very soon relate to. the more effective the prayer must made us who we are today. We know it is supposed to after thousands of years. Honey The family dynamic changes be: your soul is being fed, and are where we are now because symbolize a sweet new year, never goes bad. dramatically when a second child your body is getting nervous. that is exactly where G-d wants but there are plenty of other Apples represent the modern is born. Upon the arrival of a Don’t give the body the attention us to be. Our entire past was a sweet foods we could eat. I world, the here and now, that newborn, the older sibling often it seeks. Rather gently tell it that lead up to this moment. G-d imagine in times gone by that fleeting moment in time we call feels the need to compete for their now is not the time; you are brought you here for a reason. was the only sweet food that the present. It is fresh today, stale parents’ attention. When the feeding your soul, and there will So the four species are waved was readily available. But these tomorrow. Honey on the other mother feeds her baby, the toddler be plenty of time to feed the body around, to recognise that G-d is days we have much more hand represents tradition, a force gets jealous. He will start making later. everywhere, in the good and the choice, so why do we still dip that is unchanging and constant, noise or playing up, anything to Then you are not only nurturing bad, in the ups and the downs, apples in honey? timeless and stable. grab his mother’s attention. the soul, but also training the body in the uncertain future and the Answer: Jewish spirituality is a delicate This is an opportunity for the to submit to a higher cause. turbulent past. And in the middle The biggest question Judaism marriage of these two forces. parents to educate the older Feeding the baby and educating of all that is you. You are doing faces today is how to respond to For our spiritual life to be sibling. Gently reassure him that he the toddler - that’s Jewish prayer. the waving. Because G-d will be modernity. How can Judaism dynamic and alive, it must isn’t forgotten, he is still loved as there for you in all you do, if appeal to a new generation? What change and keep up with the before, but now he has a little There’s a Branch only you let Him in. times. But to have substance and sister, and that means learning to will ignite the Jewish soul in the Right Near You 21st century? Does Judaism need meaning, it has to present a truth share his parents’ attention. Did Man Create G-d? an update, or should we try to go that is above change, that is Right now the baby needs to be Someone asked me why we back in time and recreate the lost timeless. fed. When that is finished, he will wave the Lulav in six At my University a group of world of Jewish life that existed The true way to achieve this get all the attention he needs. directions - right, left, students from all faiths and in times gone by? balance is by not making up new After laying down the law, any forward, up, down, backward. religions, including Jewish, There are two common traditions, but rather finding new further disturbances from the I didn’t really know how to Christian, Muslim, Hindus, answers, the traditionalist and the depth in the old traditions. The toddler must simply be ignored; answer. Is there a simple way Buddhists meet weekly to modernist. laws and rituals of Judaism are you can’t reward bad behavior and to explain this? discuss many subjects. A The traditionalist says that as compelling and inspiring give in to negative attention- Answer: recurring question often whatever was done in the past is today as they ever were. But their seeking. Just as the newborn needs The four species that we bless comes up: “Did man create right, and anything new is evil. message needs to be to be fed in order to grow, the on Sukkos correspond to the four G-d or did G-d create Man?” What was good for our great- communicated in a way that toddler needs to be disciplined in letters in G-d’s Hebrew name. What would you have to say grandparents is good for us too. speaks to today’s world. order to develop as a person. Waving them in all six directions on that? We need to go back to the good Maintain the beliefs and rituals The same conflict is played out signifies our faith that G-d is Answer: old days. Modernity can go jump. of our grandparents, but bring when we pray. We each have everywhere. Specifically, we are Imagine a new colour. Not a Then there is the modernist. to them a new vitality, by within our selves an innocent baby saying that on every level, at new combination of existing The priests of progress say that exploring deeper reasons and and an undisciplined toddler. Our every stage of life, in all that colours, or a shade of another whatever is old is out, and explanations that talk to our spiritual side, the divine soul, is as happens to us, G-d is there. colour, but an entirely original whatever is new is in. We are not generation. You don’t need to pure and innocent as a newborn. Right and left represent colour that does not resemble our grandparents, and we are not change our traditions to make Our human, physical side - our Chesed and Gevurah, the power any other. living in their world. We need to them relevant. All you need to do body with its desires - is of love and the power of You can’t. It has never been update Judaism to fit into the is dig deeper into their meaning. instinctive and unrefined like a discipline. G-d, like a parent, done. It is beyond the human latest fads, the newest of new- In the infinite well of Judaism toddler; not necessarily evil, but can be loving and can also be capability to conceptualise age ideas, the most recent cutting you will find the message for uncultivated. strict. Sometimes G-d’s light anything that has no basis in edge worldview. This view claims today. We spend much of our day shines on us and we feel close reality. All human creativity is that Judaism needs to move with The apple alone will go rotten eating, sleeping and living in the to Him, other times He seems the result of taking existing ideas the times. fast, as will every spiritual fad material world, looking after the distant, we feel left in the dark and rearranging them, using In truth, they are both wrong. not based on truth. Dip your needs of our toddler, the body. and have to find our own way ingredients that are already Traditionalism won’t work, apple in the honey of our eternal Prayer is the time when we turn through. Whether we receive present and making a new because it doesn’t deal with the tradition, and it will be preserved our attention exclusively to our G-d’s closeness and love, or combination. There is nothing unique challenges and blessings forever. baby, the soul. Whether we are whether He gives us space to completely new under the sun. that we face today. Modernism conscious of it or not, our soul grow on our own, it is all Human invention is the won’t work either, because it has Hard to Pray feels nurtured and at peace when coming from G-d. He knows mimicking and harnessing of no roots, no eternal truths, it is we pray. The soul is nourished by exactly what we need, and nature. That’s why airplanes are I have a lot of trouble fickle and flimsy, superficial and the words, soothed by the that’s what we get. modeled on birds, with wings praying. I sit in synagogue empty. songs and comforted by the Up and down symbolize the and tails, and cars are built like and as soon as I start to read There is as third approach, one mystical rhythms of prayer. highs and lows of life. When horses, on all fours with two the words, my mind wanders. that I believe is the authentic But as we feed our inner baby we feel we are on top of the eyes at the front and exhaust Even when I read the English Jewish approach. This is the through prayer, the toddler within world, we need to remember coming out the back. If you I find it hard to focus. I apples dipped in honey approach. feels threatened. “You’re getting that G-d enabled us to get there. look at every human invention, suddenly start thinking about Not traditionalism, not all spiritual, but what about When we feel down in the you will find that nothing is work issues or what’s for modernism, but applehoneyism. me?!”, the body asks. We are then dumps, we need to have faith absolutely original. dinner, anything but the Both apples and honey are sweet bombarded with distracting that G-d is with us there. There Even in the world of fantasy, prayers. Am I wasting my time foods. This they have in common. thoughts - I’m hungry, I’m tired, is no success without help, and human imagination can only trying to pray? But where they differ is in their someone owes me money, I have there is no failure without hope. invent characters that shelf life. An apple goes bad very Answer: to water the garden - whatever the Forward and backward stand somewhat resemble real quickly. Even after a few Prayer can be a confronting body can come up with to get our for the future and the past. We creatures. The most outlandish minutes left exposed, a slice of experience. And that is exactly attention off our soul and back don’t know what tomorrow aliens from the weirdest science apple will go brown and soft, and what it is supposed to be. Prayer down to earth. And so we struggle holds, but we have faith that fiction stories are no more than soon be inedible. Leave an apple is an inner battle waged between to concentrate on the prayers with G-d will guide us through overgrown frogmen or human in a fruit basket for a few weeks, two distinct sides of your the barrage of diversions being whatever lies ahead. And as for lizards with big ears. The and it will shrivel up and become personality. Your spiritual thrown at us. the past, all that has happened to scariest space monster looks mushy and rotten. Apples need to self and your physical self, your This doesn’t mean you aren’t us is a part of the plan. All our strikingly similar to a giant be eaten fresh. body and your soul, are each praying properly. On the contrary, past experiences, even those lobster. The wildest imaginations World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Page 13

By Rabbi Aron Moss

have never been able to dream after death. While you are alive, ascertain that they will only be up an entirely original being. to donate an organ that you can removed after absolute death and Even fictional characters are live without, like a kidney, or parts be used only to save lives. In based on real life. that will replenish themselves, like many countries there is no such This is a life and death question. based on my own subjective This was also true of the gods bone marrow or blood, in order option as yet. So as long as this We need higher wisdom to guide opinion and feelings. Thank G-d of ancient mythology. The to save or vastly improve another is the case, we don’t consent to us. I wouldn’t want to have to we have the Torah to give us Babylonian, Mesopotamian, life is one of the greatest acts you the removal of organs after death. decide what is right and wrong clarity in these ultimate issues. Egyptian, Greek and Roman could do. deities were all merely In theory, the same should apply exaggerated humans or to donating organs after death. Cont. from pg. 16 personifications of forces of Being that saving lives overrides Helen Thomas Told Me... nature. It is easy to see how almost any other moral concern, “We are not the friends of Israel. they were man-made, a the opportunity to do so after our They only exist because of each I not only went home; I went We are the children of Israel. We combination of mortal man’s death should be not only other; it is G d-given.” He said to 100 homes. were away for a few hundred fears and hopes and fantasies. acceptable but even obligatory. those words caused him to ask I have traveled to and spoken years in Egypt, or a thousand All ancient gods, like all human So for example, though the me to speak. He said those words at more than 100 Chabad years in Persia, or Spain, or North inventions, were creative Torah commands us to be buried needed to be heard at Yale Houses throughout the world. America . . . we were away for depictions of familiar realities. whole, this command would step University by all the professors From the Chabad Houses of a few years in Auschwitz. But we The only exception to this is aside for the greater command to assembled. Sydney and Melbourne to those are still the Children of Israel. the G-d of the Torah. G-d is save lives. Hashgachah pratit. Helen in Manchester and Liverpool, “Israel and the Children of Israel unlike any creature. But in practice, consenting to Thomas said, “Go home,” and I from Boca to Boston to Bellaire, are one. It doesn’t matter where A being that is infinite, above have your organs removed after did. After being a Conservative from Fairfield to Flamingo to or when you are born and live, the limits of time and space, death presents some heavy rabbi for over 20 years, I traveled the Friendship Circle of or what language you who can create something out problems. Livingston, New speak; we are always the of absolute nothingness has no It is forbidden to tamper with a Jersey, I have been Children of Israel. We and parallel anywhere. G-d is the corpse in any way unless it is in inspired and I have, Israel exist because of only being that is indescribable order to directly save a life. But each other; it is G d- thank G d, inspired and incomparable, unequalled when you sign a consent form to given. The Jew walking others as well. Each and unlimited. He is not made have your organs removed, not on the street in New time I tell my story, I up of parts, not a combination all of those organs will necessarily York, whether or not he offer my conclusions of characteristics, not a be used for an even knows or cares about how to fight magnified version of some other immediate transplant. They may about Israel, is alive anti-Semitism. I tell being. He is totally and utterly be used for research, or stored my audiences that the away, or even discarded if not because of Israel, and original. way to fight anti- needed. Jewish law only allows Israel exists because of No human could have come Jewish is by doing up with that. Just as we can’t organ donation if it can be him.” Jewish. Do Torah. Do invent a new colour that doesn’t ensured that the organs will Two days later, I was Mitzvot. Do Shabbat. exist already, we can’t invent a indeed be used to save lives. on CNN’s “Reliable Do kosher. I know new being that has no basis in But there is a much more Sources” with Howard With Rabbis Shemtov and Grossbaum this is what the Rebbe our reality. So the fact we are serious concern. To be usable in Kurtz. I can’t remember would have wanted me to say. aware of an absolutely original a transplant, most organs have to what he asked me, but I know home to my roots. And so did my Hashgachah pratit has taken being means we didn’t make be removed while the heart is still the answer was that the Children family. Last year my son Adam Him, He made us. beating. But Jewish law maintains of Israel and the Land of Israel me from the White House to studied at Chabad’s Mayanot We can’t create G-d. But we that if the heart is still beating, the are one, and that is what Helen over 100 Chabad Houses. There can discover Him. Beyond the person is still alive. The moment Thomas and those who want to Yeshiva in Jerusalem, and this year are 4,900 more to visit; each one frontiers of our perceived reality of death is defined as when the delegitimize Israel are denying. he is studying at the Chabad brings me closer to home. lies not an army of giant heart stops. So to remove Two months later I drove Rabbinical College of America in David Nesenoff is an lobsters, but a being that created organs from a brain dead patient across the United States with my Morristown, New Jersey. On independent filmmaker, blogger us with love and purpose. while the heart is still beating is son, interviewing everyone from Sukkot he built sukkahs in and publisher. In the 1990s, he When we have the humility to tantamount to murder. Jackie Mason to the Grand Guatemala with the Chabad counseled youths who had recognize our limits, we can While the medical and legal Dragon of the KKK for a Merkos Shlichus program. On committed bias crimes, and perceive the unlimited. world has accepted brain death documentary film about anti- Pesach he delivered matzahs and worked as a consultant to the as a new definition of death, the Semitism and hatred. (The film conducted a Seder for Jews U.S. Department Justice. Organ Donation and vast majority of experts in Jewish later premiered at the Simon deep inside Cuba. In June 2010 a video he made law have not. To tamper with the My daughter Shira is a student Sanctity of Life Wiesenthal Center Museum of went viral; the video showed definition of death is to start on a Tolerance.) in Crown Heights at the Machon Helen Thomas, the so-called I am filling out my driver’s path that can lead to major ethical Upon returning home, I was Chana Women’s Institute for “dean” of the White House problems. license forms and have a asked to be the keynote speaker Jewish Studies, and, G d willing, media corp, making anti-semitic Imagine a case where 89 year question: What is the Jewish at Yale University’s inaugural she will be studying at a Chabad statements. In the aftermath old patient X is partially brain dead view of organ donation? I have symposium on global anti- seminary in Montreal next year. Thomas was forced to resign heard here are issues with it. and, according to the doctors, Semitism. Before I spoke, the An accomplished dancer, she her job, and Nesenoff received But I thought saving a life is certainly going to die. Patient Y chairman of the symposium, now teaches dance to the over 25,000 pieces of hate mail, the greatest thing one can do. in the next bed, aged thirty Professor Charles Asher Small, daughters of Chabad emissaries including death threats. He can So what’s the story? five, urgently needs a heart paused to explain to the audience over the Internet. My wife and I be contacted at Answer: transplant. Why not pronounce X of professors from all over the are very proud of our children. [email protected] Judaism holds life as being dead now rather than risk losing sacred. For this reason, donating both patients? It may sound world why I was the keynote an organ to save a life is the reasonable, but it is taking one life speaker. highest act of virtue one can do. to save another. For those who He explained that he never But sometimes, precisely because see life as sacred, this is watches television, but one day life is sacred, organ donation is unconscionable. he was visiting his parents, and problematic. Some countries offer an option they happened to have on CNN’s Jewish law distinguishes to give consent to organs being Reliable Sources. He heard me between donating organs during removed on condition that a rabbi say that “the Children of Israel your lifetime and organ donation is consulted beforehand, who will and the Land of Israel are one. Page 14 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013

The Four Species Cont. from page 2 experience? How are a number to the inner significance of the Pressed Leaves Yet it is the material world where them thirty centuries ago. But we Four Kinds taken on Sukkot. G-d elected to make His home. It usually don’t think of them at of ordinary human beings The lulav, too, gave King is the physical deed to which He all—so deeply are they ingrained magically transformed when knit Solomon pause. Is not the very Four Species of Man imparted the ability to serve as in our reality. Despite their logical into a community, greatly nature of intellectual discourse The Four Kinds, says the man’s highest form of incomprehensibility, these are surpassing the sum of their that it produces varied opinions Midrash, correspond to four communion with Him. Why? To obvious and ever-present truths individual parts? and conclusions? In the words of types of people. the wisest of men, this was one in our lives. King Solomon couldn’t explain the Talmud, “Torah scholars sit Man’s mission in life consists of the four phenomena to which Why do vacillation and hardship these mysteries; certainly, we in numerous groups and study the of two basic challenges: learning he could only say: “I do not fuel growth? How can cannot. But we recognize these Torah. One group deems a thing and doing. The Torah is the know.” contradictory ideas embody a as axiomatic to our lives, as four impure, and another deems it vehicle by which we gain singular truth? Why does a simple cornerstones to our existence that pure; one group forbids a deed knowledge of our Creator and physical deed elevate us to levels bear the stamp of a Creator within and another permits it; one group A Brotherhood of insight into the essence of life; the of holiness and G-dliness whose infinite being opposites disqualifies something and Trees mitzvot, the divine unequaled by the most merge and paradoxical truths another renders it fit.” The fourth of Solomon’s commandments, are the means transcendent spiritual harmoniously reside. by which we build a better and So when the verse speaks of mysteries concerns the willow, a holier world, developing the “fronds of dates,” we are inclined plant with neither fragrance nor Continued from pg. 2 physical creation into a “home for to understand these words in their taste, devoid of learning as well Cholent G-d.” These two endeavors literal, plural sense. For if the as deeds. piece. As his tremulous voice But Chassidic teaching explains that define the four personalities second of the Four Kinds Why is this specimen counted painted the awesome scene of this is but the most external face represented in the “Four Kinds.” connotes the Torah scholar, the among the “Four Kinds”? The divine judgment unfolding in the of exile; on a deeper level, the The etrog, which has both a human mind enfranchised to verse itself answers that question heavens, the entire shul broke purpose of galut is to galvanize the delicious taste and a delightful assimilate the divine wisdom, by referring to the fourth kind as down weeping once again. At Jewish soul and unearth its greatest aroma, represents the perfect should it not consist of two palm “aravot of the river.” The willow this point, the dam burst in this resources, and to redeem the “sparks individual who both learns and branches, in keeping with the might not exhibit any positive simple Jew’s heart, for he well of holiness” buried in the farthest achieves. The lulav, being the plural nature of the intellect? qualities, but its roots are understood what was on his reaches of the material world. In branch of the date palm, produces Should not their leaves be opened imbedded in the banks of its fellow worshippers’ minds. this sense, galut is a cholent - the fruit that has a taste but no aroma; and spread, pointing to the various ancestral river and nourished by “Enough is enough!” he sobbed. longer it cooks, the better it gets. this is the portrait of the reclusive directions that the rational the waters of its heritage. It, too, “Never mind the cholent! It’s The more painful the galut, the scholar who grows in wisdom examination of a concept will take is a child of Abraham, Isaac and been cooking long enough! I’m more challenging its trials, the but shuns the world of action. when embarked on by the mind? Jacob; in its veins, too, course hungry! I want to go home...!” lowlier the elements it confronts us The fragrant but tasteless myrtle And yet, the lulav commanded by the love and awe of G-d that they The Dividends of Exile with - the greater its rewards. is the activist whose profusion of the Torah is a single, closed bequeathed to all their Galut is the state of physical exile Every additional minute good deeds consumes all his time frond, its leaves fused to a single descendants. and spiritual displacement in which of galut represents deeper and and energies. Finally, the rod pointing in a single direction. Another hallmark of the willow we find ourselves since the vaster reserves of faith actualized, tasteless, scentless willow As the above-quoted Talmudic is that “it grows in brotherhood.” destruction of the Holy Temple and more “sparks of holiness” represents the person who neither passage concludes: “Should a This alludes to a unique feature the dispersion of the people of redeemed, and greater realization of learns nor does, actualizing person then ask: How, then, of the human “willow”: taken Israel more than nineteen centuries the divine purpose in creation. neither his intellectual potential might I study Torah? But all was alone, he might exhibit not a single ago. On the most basic But there comes a point at which nor his capacity to improve the received from a single shepherd.” positive trait or achievement; but level,galut is the result of a series every Jew must cry out from the world. On Sukkot, concludes the This was the second of the two when gathered in a community, of national and individual failings - very depths of his being: “Enough Midrash, these “Four Kinds” are mysteries pondered by King the aura of holiness that suffuses as we say in the mussaf prayer for already! The cholent has been “all bound together in one Solomon. How do the flock of each individual soul suddenly the festivals, “Because of our sins, cooking long enough! We want to bundle,” each an integral part of opinions and perspectives of comes to light. Thus our sages we were exiled from our land.” come home!” the community of G-d. Torah relate to their “single tell us that the divine presence shepherd”? How can the divine rests upon a gathering of ten The Tormented Fruit wisdom be funneled through the individuals (the number that Spotlight Continued from page 10 In light of this, we can multifarious world of human comprises a “community”), even understand the four things that reason and remain the singular if they are not engaged in the crucial time to be proactive in you a well deserved donation, mystified the wisest of men. truth of a singular G-d? study of Torah or the that. to where should they send it? If the “splendid fruit” in the Four performance of a mitzvah. This AS. It’s commendable that SC:Thank you! Our Website is you have decided to devote www.jewishguelph.com . Or Kinds represents the harmony of The Plaited Twig is also the significance of your time and energy to you can mail a check to: learning and accomplishment, The third of the Four Kinds the minyan (the quorum of ten spreading Yiddishkeit to kids Chabad of Guelph, 81 College why is this the fruit that “dwells represents the “deed” aspect of required to recite certain prayers): ten individuals gathered together you have not yet met. Kol Ave. W. Guelph ON N1G 1S2. in its tree all year round”? One life, the manner in which we fulfill Ha’kavod!. If any of our AS: Shana Tova and continued represent a quantum leap in would expect such perfection the purpose of creation with the readers would like to send success in the coming years! from a fruit maturing in physical actions of the mitzvot, holiness. Ten ignorant boors make tranquillity, in a climate that is thereby constructing a “dwelling a minyan, while nine pious singularly attuned to its nature and for G-d in the physical world.” scholars do not. needs; not from one whose Thus, the Torah identifies the This is what mystified King Jewels for Gems development is agitated by ever- myrtle by alluding to its “plaited” Solomon about the willow. How If you have jewelry you no shifting conditions. And yet, time appearance, given it by the fact does ten times nothing add up to something? If each on his own longer wear or enjoy, and again we find that the that its leaves grow in clumps of Why sell your jewelry for greatest lives are those beset by three: the number “three” possesses no visible expression travail and challenge, that the represents the realm of action, of his innate holiness, how does a fraction of its value? most balanced personalities are which is the third of the soul’s that change when ten of them Why not consider donating it? forged by the need to deal with three “garments” or vehicles of come together? All trees grow on changing circumstances and to expression (thought, speech and water, mused the wisest of men; The Friendship Circle constantly adapt to new climates deed). what sets the willows apart, earning them a place among the catering to children with special needs and environments. Here lies what is perhaps the is the recipient of this initiative. This, to King Solomon, was one most profound mystery of all. Four Kinds”? Simply the fact that This is a “win win” offer worthy of consideration. of the greatest mysteries of life. How can the finite and mundane they grow close together? We will have the jewelry we receive appraised by two recognized appraisers and issue a tax deductible How does vacillation fuel growth? physical deed “house” the divine Axiomatic receipt for the real value. Why is it that the individual who essence? Indeed, the plaited twig Impossibilities For more information or to make arrangements enjoys a tranquil existence is not that comes to mind when thinking for an appraisal, please call If we think of these mysteries, nearly as “fragrant” and of the physical world is not the Chabad Lubavitch of Southern Ontario fragrant myrtle, but the barbed they are as enigmatic and elusive “delectable” as the one who is The Friendship Circle 905.731.7000 ex 235 battered by the vicissitudes of life? and poisonous hirduf! as when King Solomon pondered World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Page 15

attention, and physical attraction There are children and teens that human beings. The true measure are common sources of tension hit, insult, curse, and scream at of a person’s spiritual amongst brothers and sisters. their parents. They break walls, accomplishment is how they Any one of these reasons can doors, and terrorize the family. mesh with close family members. easily cause a child or teen to Behavior such as this is wrong If you are kind, considerate, and dislike a brother or sister. Children and inexcusable. Parents that fair, likely you are loved. If not, Anger and Children are immature and are ruled by allow this to continue encourage it’s time to take a look in your their selfish feelings. You cannot their children to be angry, spiritual mirror and find a way to Many people who become child loses the ability to trust control the feelings of your aggressive, disrespectful, and to improve the way you treat others, angry do not realize how themselves and others. Children children, but you can make sure solve problems by hurting others. especially your children. In time, destructive their anger is to those subjected to excessive and they behave toward each other Children need to learn respectful they will be adults and have present during an anger chronic anger will become with respect and civility. behavior in all situations, and with authority. Treat them now, as you explosion, and how the negative insecure, mistrustful, anxious, Parents should not tolerate a all people. This essential lesson would like them to treat you when effects linger on afterwards. In depressed, and perhaps angry child criticizing, hitting, shaming, begins at home. Parents need to you are in your old age. this one way, projecting anger is with themselves (believing they bullying, or teasing a brother or teach their children to behave If you are having difficulties worse than firing a gun. When a are bad). Their unhappy childhood sister. Many people, now as toward all family members, and staying calm with your children, gun is fired, only one person is will make it difficult to grow-up adults, suffer from having been especially themselves, with despite your best intentions and injured. However, when anger is and become a happy and injured in childhood by an respect, civility, and courtesy. efforts, get help. Find a mentor, fired (expressed), it injures the successful adult. aggressive sibling. With proper Teaching this lesson is not take a parenting class, or find a one who pulled the trigger (the A “mother” and “father,” to a parental supervision this could, optional, but a necessary parental caring and qualified professional person getting angry), the person young child represent all people. and should, have been avoided. responsibility, just like the counselor. Don’t unintentionally who is the target (the recipient How a mother behaves teaches There are many effective ways requirement to provide food, injure your children. Your children of anger), and anyone else the child what “women” are like, to stop a child’s angry and shelter, clothing, education, and need your love and giving it to present (typically other family and how a father behaves teaches aggressive behavior. The “how medical care. them is the best way to ensure members). Anger is destructive; the child what “men” are like. A to” is available from many If, in spite of your best that they will grow to become it is like a bullet that shoots in sources such as book stores, the intentions and efforts, you are healthy and happy adults that will many directions at the same time. library, or directly from unable to teach your son or in turn will give you abundant This is especially true when educational and mental health daughter to behave respectfully, nachas. children are exposed to anger. specialists skilled in teaching you should engage the services ——— Because they are by nature effective parenting techniques. of a caring mental health Rabbi Avrohom Kass, M.A., impressionable and cannot easily The kinship and love between professional that has experience R.S.W., R.M.F.T., is a registered defend themselves, they are siblings is likely the longest lasting teaching parents how to Social Worker, Marriage and particularly vulnerable to being relationship that a person will effectively discipline children. Family Therapist, and Certified injured when repeatedly exposed ever have. It is important that you Most children don’t hit, call Clinical Hypnotherapist. He is a to anger. Children look to their By do whatever is in your power to names, or explode with rage at former award winning melamid parents for nurturing and Abraham Kass, make sure the relationships their parents. Those that do, must from United Lubavitcher Yeshiva protection. When parents get M.A., R.S.W., between your children are be taught how to behave and Oholei Torah Yeshiva in angry with children, besides positive. When parents make respectfully. This is an essential Brooklyn, New York. As well, he injuring them, they become respect and cooperation the part of parenting. Many children, was one of the original organizers confused. They wonder, how “mother” and “father” are more standard, even if during a certain like many adults, need to learn of the weekly 770 messibas can the one I love now hurt me? than just close relationships for a period of youth a child does not how to control their anger. After Shabbos in Crown Heights. His Parents are human. The goal young child; rather, they like a brother or sister, with all the self-sacrifice and hard past writing has included should be to stay calm with represent all relationships. If a maturity, a meaningful work of raising your child, you editorship of the Tizvos Hashem children—not get angry. But if parent is angry, cruel, or vengeful, relationship can eventually want to know the end-product Newsletter, regular columnist in you occasionally slip, even a child comes to believe that all develop. However, if there was will be a decent man or woman, the Neshei Chabad Newsletter, though it’s not the “goal,” your people are like that. When he or anger, aggression, or abuse not a monster who goes on in life and contributor to countless other children will survive. Apologize, she has grown into adulthood, it between siblings they are likely hurting and abusing. Chabad publications. Rabbi Kass make amends, and move-on. will be difficult for him or her to to remain estranged from each The family is the place where has authored 18 educational Children are resilient. What they attain, and maintain, a trusting other for life. Many adults are good character traits are learned, books. He has a busy counselling likely won’t survive is aggressive and intimate relationship with fortunate to have a deep and practiced, and expressed. Torah practice in Toronto, Canada and repeated anger. another person. On the other caring relationship with a brother teaches, “Whoever is pleasing to helping individuals, couples, and Don’t get angry at your children hand, if a parent is kind, patient, or sister. This beautiful his fellow humans is pleasing to families find personal and Children are to be educated, not and understanding, the child will relationship begins in childhood, G-d. Whoever is not pleasing to relationship peace. He is available emotionally traumatized by anger. grow to an adult that naturally and often with the deliberate help his fellow humans is not pleasing for private consultation 905 771- Repeatedly getting angry with trusts, is kind, and can of parents. to G-d.” 1087. Visit his web sites your son or daughter, regardless successfully form healthy and Children that express anger This teaching relates to us the AbeKass.com and of the reason, will eventually loving relationships with other importance of considerate and GoSmartLife.com for more destroy their natural self- at parents, what parents people. ethical behavior toward other details. confidence and trust. A child who It is understandable that should do about it. exposed to strong doses of anger occasionally parents get angry will have a difficult time growing with their children. However, the into a healthy and productive goal is not to do so. Children are adult. Some adults, in spite of resilient and can endure SIMCHAT TORAH having been exposed to anger as occasional anger, especially if it a child, are happy and emotionally is buffered with an abundance of healthy. However, parents should love, care, and warmth. HAKAFOT not rely on miracles. If you want When children injured by anger your children to feel good about become parents, they run the risk All are welcome to come & join the Celebration themselves as children and as of doing to their own children that adults, stay calm and don’t get which was done to them. As SHMINI ATZERET angry. Educate your children, adults, they mimic what they have guide your children, negotiate learned and may now oppress Wednesday, September 25 Thursday, September 26 with your children, discipline their own children with anger. Candlelighting 6:50 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. your children, but don’t control This is why there is a tendency Mincha 7:00 p.m. Yizkor approx. 11:30 a.m. them with anger and fear. for “angry families” to create Children place their trust in more angry and dysfunctional Maariv 7:45 p.m. Mincha 6:50 p.m. those that love and care for them. families. Human nature is such Kiddush 8:00 p.m. Candlelighting after 7:49 p.m. When a primary caretaker that the problems of one Hakafot 9:00 p.m. (mother, father, grandparent, generation are then passed on to teacher, or older sibling) gets the next generation. When anger SIMCHAT TORAH angry with them, the child in a family ceases, future interprets the anger as a rejection generations are freed from the Thursday, September 26 Friday, September 27 and betrayal. The child becomes pain and damage caused by anger. Maariv 7:45 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. confused trying to understand Stop anger between siblings why the one they love, and Anger between siblings can Kiddush 8:00 p.m. Kiddush 11:00 a.m. supposedly loves them, is now cause physical and emotional Hakafot 9:00 p.m. Hakafot 12:30 p.m. inflicting pain. Eventually, with injuries. Birth order, intelligence, Torah Reading 1:30 p.m. repeated exposure to anger, the seniority, unequal parental Page 16 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2013

to ask a question. Helen Thomas, “Home!” Sitting at the computer in my dean of the White House Press “Where’s home?” I asked. son’s room with the soccer ball Corps, was one of them. “Poland and Germany.” wallpaper and the little desk, I After the president’s briefing, we Back home to Poland and was overwhelmed. I thought that had an hour before the Jewish Germany. I wish I could go back this would be a good time for heritage celebration. We thought to the shtetlach and shtieblach of some hashgachah pratit. Then the Poland. My grandparents’ town we would leave the grounds of phone rang. It was Ari Fleischer, of Drobnin, where on a Friday former president Bush’s White the White House for a little walk. evening the smell of challah no As we headed for the gate, I House press secretary. He doubt permeated the town, and advised me that I should have a noticed Helen Thomas walking candles twinkled in the window toward us. Our paths were about definitive message. It was of every home. I wish I could go important that I know what to cross. I gave my son and his back. But not one shtetl, not one Helen Thomas Told message I wanted to deliver to friend a quick rundown: She’s one candle, not one Jew is there. The anti-Semites erased them. the world. of the most famous reporters in My son came home from school, the world, and had been covering We went back to New York Me To Go Home with the video. I called a writer and I told him that Ari Fleischer the White House since the times had called. My son said, “I know; By David Nesenoff answered. (It is a proud parental of Eisenhower and Kennedy. She from The Jewish Week and told him what happened, and he said I told him to call you.” (Who is It was early May 2010, and I moment when our children learn was the only member of the this kid?) sat at my desk in my office at two words: “No story.” I had the power of a white lie.) The press to have a designated seat suffered anti-Semitism on the My son said, “You can speak to home staring at my computer White House media office was of her own—front row, center, White House lawn, and now I anyone in the world; who do you screen. I had been a Conservative kind enough to provide press in the White House briefing room. experienced secular Jewish want me to call for advice to find rabbi for 20 years, but we all have credentials for Adam, his friend She was a journalist for 60 years, apathy in New York. out what our message is?” I our moment, or moments, when Daniel Landau and me. and I was a journalist for 60 I wanted to post the video thought for a moment and said we evaluate life and ponder our I took time out from my busy seconds; I figured it was time we immediately on my website. But one name. Sure enough, within purpose, when we ask ourselves schedule of contemplating my life, met. So we stopped her and even if you are a billionaire CEO minutes, my son handed me the those big questions: What do I and drove down with the two exchanged pleasantries. Although with private jets and thousands phone to speak with Elie Wiesel. really want to do? What is teenagers of employees, you need to hire a As per Ari’s counsel, I asked, important to me? What will I 15-year-old to figure out how to “Professor Wiesel, what is my accomplish in my future? While put something on a website. message for the world?” He said we are contemplating these deep (Those who can afford it can hire that he had read in the newspaper thoughts, we may even begin to a 12-year-old.) I needed my son that I attend services at Chabad each morning, and he suggested think that we are figuring it out. to post the video, and that I should find out what the At those moments, it is so unfortunately he was tied up with Rebbe would have wanted me to difficult to remember that the final exams and driver’s ed. An story has already been say. entire week went by, and the I couldn’t figure out what I was written . . . video remained in my camera. The Land of Israel was on my more confused and amazed Hashgachah pratit, divine about: that Elie Wiesel was mind. My wife, Nancy, and I had providence. Something happened advising me to find out what the recently returned from there, and that week in the Middle East that deceased Lubavitcher Rebbe I cried on the plane. I’m too brought Israel into the spotlight. would have me say, or that I was embarrassed to give the details, On May 31, 2010, Israeli soldiers now in a surreal world where Elie but whenever I leave, I cry. boarded a flotilla of boats that Wiesel was reading about which I decided that I wanted to do were bent on defying the security minyan I attend over his morning something for Israel. I would blockade of the Gaza Strip. The coffee. make small video snippets of “peace activists” on one of the I called my local Chabad rabbi, Jews talking about Israel. I would boats beat the Israelis with metal Chaim Grossbaum, and told him ask, “Any comments on Israel?” rods and attacked them with that Elie Wiesel had advised me and they would say how much knives. Several of the activists to find out what the Rebbe would they like the spirituality, or the were shot during the want me to say. “Okay, let’s find falafel, or the archeology, or the confrontation. out,” he said without any beaches. I would put the short The whole world was against hesitation. pro-Israel comments on my Israel. Helen Thomas stood in the We called Rabbi Abraham White House, inches in front of website, and presto, everyone Shemtov, a renowned individual the president, before the entire would watch. All the ills and ill- who knew the Rebbe, has great international press corps, and knowledge of the Rebbe’s wills would be readjusted. said, “It was a deliberate At the time I was using my teachings, and also has terrific massacre by Israel against peace insight into world politics and website, RabbiLIVE.com, to activists on the high seas.” broadcast prayer services for media. We asked him what he That night my son had some thought the Rebbe’s message American Jewish soldiers in time. We posted the video at Afghanistan, Iraq, and on aircraft would be in this situation. around 2 a.m. Friday morning. “If you have a friend and you carriers . . . and also for some We forwarded it to some people, don’t see him for a little while, very lazy Jews in Boca Raton, including Jewish blogger Jeff he is still your friend. But if you Florida. I figured this would be to celebrate Jewish Heritage Month my cameras were in the White Dunetz, publisher of the blog “Yid don’t see him for 50 years, you the best place to post my Israel with the president. Maybe this House, I had my small Flip video With Lid.” My son left for the can’t be sure if he is still your falafel videos. I would push that would be a good place to find a camera on me, and I started weekend on a teenage friend,” Rabbi Shemtov said. “But magic “viral video” button on my group of Jews to ask my “Any filming. She looked directly into Shabbaton. if your child goes away for a little keyboard and help Israel’s public comments on Israel?” question and the lens and gave some rather After Shabbat I turned on the while, he is still your child; and if relations in the world. put a spotlight on my precious gracious advice about journalism: computer to see if anyone had your child goes away for months Meanwhile, my teenage son, homeland. “You’ll always keep people looked at the video. There were or even years, he is still your Adam Natan, was up in his room, On May 27, 2010, I stood in the informed and you’ll always keep over 700,000 views. By Sunday child. And if, G d forbid, you also busy. (We named him Adam White House briefing room with learning.” it went viral, into the millions. don’t see your child for 50 years, At a time when the events of the Natan because he was the first male my cell, calling, very specifically, I was waiting until later in the he is still your child. flotilla fueled the foggy views of on my wife’s side in 90 years.) He anyone and everyone I knew, day to shoot my Israel question Continued on pg. 13 anti-Israel and anti-Semitic has a website of his own for bragging, “You’ll never guess at the guests of the Jewish teenagers to learn about and discuss people, my video cleared the air. where I am!” Suddenly, I saw celebration, but something made Helen Thomas was forced to resign Jewish topics. He is quite a MY ZAIDY'S former president Bill Clinton walk me fire one round a little early. in shame, and her co-author and remarkable young man—he went “Any comments on Israel?” by. Everyone ran to the door as agents dropped her. She was Hashgachah pratit, divine 441PIZZA Clark Ave. - FALAFEL W. to Washington by himself and he passed. He greeted us swiftly banished from the White House; her providence. The ultimate Creator (Spring Farm Plaza) Thornhill streamed the entire AIPAC as he moved along, and I turned name was removed from the front- conference live on his website. to the person next to me and said, of this story, and all stories, (905) 731-3029 placed in my camera the video row seat and from various awards That May, Adam called up the “That’s Bill Clinton!” The man throughout the country. We Deliver vcuy vbavbavcuy White House and requested to snippet that would aid Israel and said, “I know. I’m Joe Biden.” change my life. “Tell them to get Every media outlet in the world attend the President’s Chanukah We attended President Obama’s the hell out of Palestine,” she said. converged on me, the good, the celebration the following first press conference in 10 If I was in a back alley in New bad and the ugly. I received December. (He somehow knows months, in the East Room of the York and a skinhead said that to thousands of threatening hate e ktrah ckj how to contact the right people.) White House. The topic was the me, we would probably rumble. mails as well. Law enforcement They asked him if he was oil leak in the Gulf. The three of But we were at the White House, and private agencies got involved. MY ZAIDY'S PIZZA confused. “Are you sure you us had brilliant questions prepared she was 89 years old, and, if Everyone wanted to know about mean the Chanukah celebration, to ask if called upon, but alas, no you’ve seen my photo, I’m the the guy behind the camera; my & BAKERY and not the upcoming Jewish such luck. The big room was skinhead. The whole thing was inbox was flooded with the entire 9340 Bathurst St. @ Rutherford heritage celebration?” packed with seasoned reporters very confusing. So I decided to international press corps asking (Longo’s Plaza) Thornhill be a journalist, and I asked her, “Oh, the upcoming Jewish from all over the world, and only for an interview. “Where should they go?” (905) 832-4800 heritage celebration,” he a handful were given the honor