@LKQBKQP

OUR PORTION, OUR LOT, OUR  HERITAGE D’var Malchus

THREE MIRACLE STORIES  Stories | Nosson Avrohom

REBBI GAVE HONOR TO THE WEALTHY  [CONT.] Insight | Yisroel Yehuda

A REBBE: PIETY, EDUCATION, AND  FIERY DEVOTION Yechidus

USA I SAID ‘NO WAY’ TO THE TIBETAN 744 Eastern Parkway  Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 MASTER Tel: (718) 778-8000 Profile | Nosson Avrohom Fax: (718) 778-0800 [email protected] www.beismoshiach.org WHAT DO THE PROFESSORS SAY?  EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: [CONT.] M.M. Hendel Science & Geula | Prof. Shimon Silman ENGLISH EDITOR: Boruch Merkur THE TRACTOR CONTINUES TO ROLL [email protected] Shleimus HaAretz | Shai Gefen HEBREW EDITOR:  Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan [email protected]

Beis Moshiach (USPS 012-542) ISSN 1082- SO FAR YET SO CLOSE 0272 is published weekly, except Jewish  Shlichus | Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz holidays (only once in April and October) for $140.00 in the USA and in all other places for $150.00 per year (45 issues), by Beis Moshiach, 744 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Periodicals postage paid at FUNDRAISING IN THE ERA OF Brooklyn, NY and additional offices.  Postmaster: send address changes to Beis MOSHIACH [CONT.] Moshiach 744 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, Shlichus | Raanan Isserof NY 11213-3409. Copyright 2008 by Beis Moshiach, Inc. Beis Moshiach is not responsible for the A CHABAD RAV, NO ‘ORDINARY’ RAV content of the advertisements.  Insight | Interview by Nosson Avrohom A¤S>OJJ>I@ERP OUR PORTION, OUR LOT, OUR HERITAGE

Translated and adapted by Dovid Yisroel Ber Kaufmann

This week’s Torah reading The mitzva of inheritance is listed last contains the laws of inheritance. in Maimonides’s book of Maimonides, in his list of the six hundred thirteen commandments, commandments. This indicates that places this as the last positive mitzva. This parallels a reference the laws of inheritance complete the to the inheritance which occurs in the last Mishneh in the last of the laws of the Torah. The laws of six Orders. (Uktsin 3:12 begins: “Rabbi Joshua ben Levi said, ”The inheritance will only be fully Holy One, blessed be He, will at a applicable in the times of Moshiach, future time cause all the righteous to inherit three hundred and ten which completes the purpose of giving worlds [and he quotes Proverbs 8:21].”) The commentators the Torah. There are three methods of explain that the six Orders of the Mishnayos end this way because dividing the land – by tribal size, by that Mishneh speaks about the ultimate reward for learning Torah lot, by inheritance. Dividing by tribal and observing mitzvos. Similarly, size resembles a sale, where there is a Maimonides concludes the listing of the six hundred thirteen rational basis for the exchange; commandments with the mitzva of inheritance because completion, assigning land by lot resembles a gift, or perfection, of the mitzvos is connected with inheritance, as will where the apparently random selection be explained. In general, something comes reveals a deeper, non-rational last because it completes and relationship; dividing by inheritance culminates all that comes before. Just as the first object in a series reveals unity of being, a oneness comes first because it is the most fundamental element, the between the generations. These three foundation and source for all that follows, so that which comes last methods correspond to three parts of concludes and perfects all that came before. In our case, the first the morning Ashreinu prayer and the positive mitzva is to know that G-d three stages of Jewish history. exists. This is the source for all other mitzvos and the most

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  important principle. By the same token, the law of Moshiach goes deeper: Moshiach is the culmination inheritance comes last because with the observance of of Jewish history. Inheritance is the culmination of that mitzva, Torah – and thus Creation – is complete. Jewish law. Moshiach’s ultimate purpose is to The mitzva of inheritance is the final fulfillment of the facilitate and enforce Jewish law. Inheritance, the Torah’s purpose. last law, cannot be truly implemented until the pre- Now, we know that Revelation occurred for the conditions – associated with Moshiach – have been sake of Redemption: G-d gave the Torah, so that the truly met. Only after Moshiach successfully brings Jewish people, through their Torah-study and mitzva- the Redemption, will the Jewish people inherit the observance, could bring Moshiach. With and through land. Moshiach comes universal recognition of G-dliness. Now, the laws of inheritance were instituted in Thus, if there is one mitzva that culminates and conjunction with the division of the land. During the concludes the entire order and process, that mitzva discussion of how the Jewish people are to divide the must obviously have a connection to Moshiach and land of Israel, a problem arose. Z’lafchad, from the Redemption. tribe of Menashe, had died without sons. His On the simplest level, the law of inheritance daughters came to Moses and asked, “Why should comes last because it is the last stage of Redemption. our father’s name be removed from his family because he did not have a son? Give us a portion of land along Moshiach is the culmination of Jewish with our father’s brothers.” In response, G-d told Moses to history. Inheritance is the culmination instruct the Jewish people of Jewish law. Moshiach’s ultimate concerning the laws of inheritance. purpose is to facilitate and enforce Ultimately, the Jewish people would live in the land of Israel, Jewish law. Inheritance, the last law, where all the mitzvos could be observed fully and completely. cannot be truly implemented until the The land itself had to be divided among the tribes and their pre-conditions – associated with families. As a natural Moshiach – have been truly met. Only consequence, the Torah had to establish the laws of inheritance. after Moshiach successfully brings the But inheritance was only one of three ways by which land was Redemption, will the Jewish people acquired. Based on the description of the division and the response to inherit the land. the daughters of Z’lafchad, we learn that three methods The final verification of Moshiach is gathering in the determined possession: inheritance, the size of the exiles. Moshiach’s conclusive act will be to bring the tribe or family and the drawing of lots. On the Jewish people back to Israel. (After that, the rest of simplest or lowest level, there was a logical division the world will automatically recognize G-d’s to the land: the larger the tribe, the greater the area sovereignty, and G-dliness will fill the world as the it received. There was also a division that went waters cover the ocean bed.) Obviously, the people beyond logic and depended on a more fundamental cannot take possession of their land – they cannot relationship: the portions were chosen by lot, inherit it – until they once again dwell on and occupy indicating a basic connection between that part of it. When the Jewish people return to the land of the land and that particular family. This connection Israel, only then will the law of inheritance become had nothing to do with size or other rational finally and fully operative. Since bringing the Jewish considerations. It was an internal connection that people back to the land of Israel is the last thing could only be revealed in a non-rational, apparently Moshiach must do, the law of inheritance will be the random manner. last mitzva to be fully and properly observed. However, both of these methods involved However, the connection between inheritance and transferring the property from one owner to another.

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& In this, they resemble a sale and a gift, respectively. heritage.” The first phrase, “how good is our That is, a sale occurs when the buyer pays the price portion,” corresponds to the logical division of the for the item. Here, there is a logical exchange of land of Israel; our “portion” we receive according to value, initiated by the buyer’s efforts. This our efforts, the work we put into Torah and mitzvos. corresponds to the division according to the size of The second phrase, “how pleasant our lot,” refers to the population. We can rationally evaluate the worth the deeper relationship. We cannot earn “our lot” of the exchange. through our labors; G-d apportions it to us simply A gift is apparently arbitrary, given without a because He chooses to do so. Distribution by lot is logical reason. The giver simply has a desire to only apparently random; lots are actually assigned bestow something on another person. A gift thus according to G-d’s Will. depends on the will of the giver. This corresponds to The last phrase, “how beautiful our heritage,” choosing a portion by lot: the apparent randomness indicates that the Jewish people are united with the of the selection indicates a deeper, more fundamental essence of G-d. As the Zohar expresses it, Israel and relationship than logic allows. the Holy One, blessed be He, are entirely one entity. Still, in both cases, there is a transmission, either Moshiach makes this third level manifest. from seller to buyer or from giver to receiver. These three concepts are connected with the three Whoever initiates the exchange, there are two general periods of Jewish history. The first stage, separate beings involved; whatever the nature of the before the giving of the Torah, corresponds to connection, each participant stands apart from the division by logic, “how good is our portion.” The other. The third method, that of inheritance, is holiness and relationship with G-d came as a result different. Here, the inheritor stands in place of, and of the personal efforts of the Patriarchs and their thus is unified with, the owner. In order for an heir descendants. The second stage, beginning with the to take possession, no transfer is necessary. Rather, giving of the Torah, corresponds to G-d’s choosing succession is automatic and inherent, because the the Jewish people, simply as a matter of the Divine heir simply manifests the essence, the true nature of Will. “How pleasant our lot.” the one from whom he inherits. Inheritance indicates The third stage will occur with the complete a unity of being, a oneness between the generations. fulfillment of the Torah and mitzvos. Then, “how Interestingly, this distinction is recognized in the beautiful our heritage.” The third stage is the period morning prayer service. In reference to the Torah of Moshiach and Redemption, when we will truly and the relationship of the Jewish people with G-d, inherit the land, and the unity of the Jewish people the following is recited: “How good is our portion, with the Essence of G-d will be truly revealed. how pleasant our lot, and how beautiful our (Based on Likkutei Sichos 28, pp. 174-181)

ahru, texprx texprx ahru, z Express service z z Fully Computerized nnujac vnars z

331 Kingston Ave. (2nd Flr) Brooklyn NY 11213

Get your tickets within minutes! (718) 493-1111 ej t, vfryhx akl c,ul nxpr seu,! nxpr c,ul akl vfryhx t, ej Fax: (718) 493-4444

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  PQLOFBP THREE MIRACLE STORIES

By Nosson Avrohom

Her husband, R’ Yitzchok They’ve been on shlichus in Milan for 42 Belinov is a model of a Chassidic years now and have done much to Rav of an earlier generation. Throughout my visit in their home, I promote and strengthen Judaism there. saw him bent over a Gemara, getting up from time to time to Rebbetzin Belinov is known for her retrieve a volume of one of the commentaries from his vast library. shiurim and lectures, while Rabbi He is not a man of words, but a man of Torah study. The study of Belinov supervises the kashrus of many Torah is his life. Just hearing a brief products that are exported from Milan synopsis of his life story made things abundantly clear, as he is the son of to the rest of the Jewish world. * The R’ Shmuel Dovid Belinov, who was a shochet in France and known as a following are three miracle stories great Chassid and Torah scholar. During my visit, the couple gave related by Esther Belinov. me the grand tour of the beautiful shul Beis HaLevi, which they built with much effort over many years. I won’t readily forget my visit to to a summer camp that was “We saw many incidents of the Belinovs of Milan. The special organized by the shluchim in Milan. Hashgacha Pratis and many miracles atmosphere was due to the warmth By the time camp was over, she in establishing the shul,” testifies and soulfulness of the lady of the knew that she wanted to lead her life Reb. Belinov. In this shul, many house, Esther Belinov. She had to by Chassidic values. When she was Jews of different backgrounds within leave in the middle of our offered the job of a preschool Sephardic Jewry come not only to conversation in order to bring some teacher in Milan, and her mother daven but to benefit from the food she had prepared for a woman and brother wanted her to attend wisdom of Rabbi Belinov. in the community who had been seminary in Eretz Yisroel, she asked They have spent the last forty hospitalized. the Rebbe. The answer was to listen two years in Milan as shluchim of In Rebbetzin Belinov’s childhood to her mother and brother. the Rebbe, and in that period, they in Zurich, she loved hearing stories That year she went to have accomplished a great deal in of the Baal Shem Tov and his Yerushalayim and attended Bais strengthening and fortifying disciples, which she heard from her Yaakov seminary. She did not hide Judaism. Reb. Belinov is known for teacher, Rabbi Avrohom Yehuda her love for the Rebbe and Chabad, her special lectures and classes, and Dzaloshinsky, who was in close which led to quite a few run-ins with Rabbi Belinov works, amongst his contact with the Rebbe. the administration of the school, other activities, in providing kosher When she was 14, her father especially when they discovered that supervision for many products passed away and three years later she frequently went to visit Kfar exported from Milan to the entire she was sent by Rabbi Dzaloshinsky Chabad. Jewish world.

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& It wasn’t easy to get them to Reb. Belinov told me to my surprise, shluchos, “Don’t give up hope, even agree to an interview. “I am not a as I was on my way out. “Many if you don’t see immediate results!” man of words,” Rabbi Belinov people don’t always know to open * * * insisted repeatedly as he pleaded their eyes and discern the amazing The first significant incident with me to leave them alone. events of Divine Providence that where I merited to see the Rebbe’s However, I couldn’t very well leave occur. Today, from the vantage Divine vision in a tangible way took without anything to show for my point of my advanced age, I am able place two years after we arrived on time, so I did manage to extract to see things from a long-distance shlichus in Milan. My husband was from them three amazing miracle perspective, seeing not only the in Milan already before our wedding stories that they experienced over beginning of the story but also the which took place in the middle of their years of shlichus. end,” she proclaims. She also added 5726/1966. I also had a connection “There are many more stories,” a request to all the shluchim and with the city as two years previously,

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  I had attended a summer camp In those days, it wasn’t operation without a bracha from the organized by Rabbi and Rebbetzin commonplace to just ring up the Rebbe. Garelik, who were also our secretaries’ office on the phone, as it It wasn’t easy. On one hand matchmakers. became later. So, we wrote a letter stood the professional opinion of the The story I would like to to the Rebbe, knowing that we doctor, on the other, the belief of a recount, happened in 5728/1968. would have to wait days or weeks Chassid, a shlucha of the Rebbe, One day, I began to feel pains in my for a response. A week passed that such a situation requires the stomach. Initially, I preferred to without any answer, and meanwhile Rebbe’s blessings. think of it as not particularly the pains would come and go, but I Another few days passed until serious, and assumed they would remained firm – without an answer the Rebbe’s written response pass with time. However, when that from the Rebbe, I would not agree arrived: to consult with another two didn’t happen, and the pains became to an operation. expert doctors. The Rebbe more frequent and intense, I went When a full week passed and the concluded the letter with blessings for an exam. doctor hadn’t heard from us one for proper health. Exhilaration and The doctor that examined me way or the other, he picked up the joy replaced the feelings of fear and was the world renowned doctor Dr. phone himself. To tell the truth, it dread of the unknown, which had Montal, a Jew who was not was quite a surprise to hear the filled me for the previous two weeks. observant. After a series of tests and doctor himself calling to inquire how We rushed to carry out the Rebbe’s x-rays, he informed me that based I was doing. When I explained to instructions. We found two on the results, it was clear without a him that I still hadn’t received a reputable doctors in the field and shadow of a doubt that I had a response from the Rebbe, he nearly made appointments to be checked tumor in my stomach. The medical blew his top. by them. Despite the many years diagnosis terrified me. I was a “What does that mean that you that have passed since then, I find it young woman, and to hear such a haven’t received an answer from hard to keep my emotions in check diagnosis… I was completely your Rebbe? I’m a doctor and I’m as I recall those days. thrown. The only glimmer of light in telling you that every day that passes We entered the office of the first the doctor’s prognosis was that the in which you delay the operation to doctor and I told him the whole tumor was not malignant, but it was remove the tumor, you’re putting story. He agreed to administer the large enough that I needed to have your life in danger!” necessary tests. I was in great an immediate operation before other However, I stuck to my position. suspense as I awaited the results. I complications set in. I agreed to come into his clinic for was totally shocked when he looked The situation was both sudden another visit, but only for an exam. I at the results and said with his and terrifying, but we still managed made it as clear as possible to him hands spread apart in question that to shock him when we informed him that without an answer from the he has no idea what I came to see solemnly that although we did not Rebbe, there was nothing to discuss him for, as he sees no sign of any doubt his diagnosis and regarding an operation. growth. He was sure that we were recommendations, we have a Rebbe, After carrying out additional playing some sort of prank. the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and we tests, he approached me with a very We left the doctor’s office in would act only upon his grave look on his face and shock, not yet having absorbed the instructions. We explained to him announced, “If last week the tumor extent of the miracle that the Rebbe that we would forward the results of was the size of a Clementine, now it had wrought with his blessing. the tests and his recommendation to is the size of an orange. You are When we left the office of the the Rebbe’s secretaries in New York, taking your life in your hands.” He second doctor, who also could not and we would do whatever the asked to be absolved of all medical understand why we came to him, we Rebbe told us. responsibility if anything happened finally realized that the Rebbe had He gave us a pitying look, and to me. To him, at this rate, I was completely removed the tumor and we promised to keep him informed endangering my life. the illness. of the answer. Before we left his Looking back, I don’t know from I could not assimilate the office, he called out to me – perhaps where I drew the emotional strength awesomeness of the miracle. It was to make me realize just how serious to stand up to an eminent doctor simply mind-boggling. For two my condition was – “You need to and tell him the way it was. To me, weeks I had walked around with the remember that you are in great it was clear as day that there was no feeling that I had a tumor and am danger.” way I was going to undergo an about to undergo an operation, and

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& after the bracha from the Rebbe, it disappear,” he exclaimed in absolute about my situation when there were disappeared. I returned to the first amazement. Until this very day, he other people in the room? I didn’t doctor, Dr. Montal, and I told him refuses to believe me that it was the have many options and I entered the entire succession of events. Rebbe’s bracha, and nothing else, Gan Eden HaElyon with everybody He looked at me as if I was which eliminated the growth… else for the general-yechidus, hallucinating, and he repeated all the * * * something new to all of us. tests. After he looked at the films The second story that I wish to I first wrote another letter in and test results, he said that he also share can be of great benefit to which I detailed why the shlichus in doesn’t see anything. “It’s many young shluchim, or anyone Milan did not suit me. I wrote that impossible for such a tumor to involved in public works for that there was a Jewish woman who left matter, who don’t always see results her gentile boyfriend and I tried to in the short term, or get be mekarev her but whatever I did After carrying out appreciation from those around was unsuccessful. I also had a them. neighbor whom I tried to influence. additional tests, There was an incident that took I invited her to Shabbos meals and place in Milan that I took very much shiurim but nothing helped. I was he approached me to heart. This incident was the straw frustrated. that broke the camel’s back and I During this yechidus, each with a very grave decided I wanted to leave Milan and person put his page of requests on look on his face go on shlichus somewhere else, or the table. The Rebbe looked through move to a large Chabad community the papers and then suddenly said and announced, where I could be more influential. that whoever is in a particular place I wrote a long letter to the Rebbe should remain there. The Rebbe “If last week the and explained my feelings. I wrote explained that a person being in a from my heart, with lots of tears. I certain place has a purpose and tumor was the size wrote that I feel that I am ineffective nothing happens without reason. in Milan, and perhaps I could do When I heard that, I didn’t know of a Clementine, more elsewhere. In addition, it was a what to think. The Rebbe was now it is the size pity that I was needlessly answering me clearly. I could think endangering my children’s chinuch and want what I wanted but of an orange. You by remaining in Milan. apparently, my place was in Milan. I sent the letter and felt I simply I returned to Milan with mixed are taking your could not go on. Days passed and I feelings. On the one hand, I didn’t received no response. I was beside want to remain in Milan. On the life in your myself. I decided that if I did not other hand, the Rebbe said that receive an answer, I was going to go whoever is in a particular place has hands.” He asked to the Rebbe, have yechidus, and a reason for being there. I to be absolved of explain my feelings to the Rebbe. understood what the Rebbe meant a In Tishrei 5739 I went to the few weeks later. all medical Rebbe with my children. I explained On the phone was a woman who to the secretaries that I had an introduced herself as Claudia Levy. responsibility if important reason to see the Rebbe She said she was a kalla and she and could not be pushed off. They invited me to celebrate her shidduch anything gave me an appointment for eleven with her. o’clock at night. When I arrived at “Who are you?” I asked, and she happened to me. that time I was disappointed to see laughed and said, “You don’t know To him, at this that it was a general-yechidus, the me but I know you. Two years ago, first of its kind in which groups of you were with your family outside rate, I was people were addressed by the Rebbe. the city and you visited a little Another twelve people went in with synagogue that was turned into a endangering my me. museum. I saw how you all behaved I was so disappointed. How and your refinement, and my life. would I speak to the Rebbe in detail curiosity about you led me to

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  research Judaism. reason, I became concerned. I knew daughter and had been preoccupied “That’s how I met Rabbi Shmuel that the Rebbe’s view is that one with the upcoming birth. When I Rodal, shliach in Milan. I went to should keep the fact of pregnancy a saw this new fact, I reminded myself classes and programs and continued secret, especially in the first months. of everything that had happened at learning, as per his advice, at When I tried to tentatively raise the the time, and I felt much calmer. I Machon Chana in Crown Heights. issue, I realized that there was no entered the hall feeling quite calm, Today I am a Lubavitcher Chassid point to any further discussion as and after my speech, I announced to and I’m about to marry a they would not accept my views. the crowd that I had a gift for the Lubavitcher bachur. It all began They had decided to hold the event, “woman of honor.” when I saw you…” no matter what! Suddenly, I was informed that When I heard this, I couldn’t So I decided that in addition to the woman had not been able to help but be moved. The Rebbe’s the Jewish and Chassidic content come as she was not feeling well, words came to mind. Here I had that I would incorporate into my but she was being represented by been writing that I was unsuccessful speech, I would take one of the her mother and mother-in-law. I in Milan, and the Rebbe said that if letters that the Rebbe had sent me asked the mother what was her you’re in a particular place, there’s a during one of my pregnancies, make pregnant daughter’s name, and she reason for it. True, we don’t always a photocopy and give it to the told me, “Rivka.” When I inquired see the immediate fruits of our woman in question to serve as a as to her own name, she answered, efforts, but we have a principle that segula for protection in the coming “Esther.” It took me a few seconds our work will not return empty- months. Naturally, I have a number to put it all together, but when it handed. We will never know the of such letters, so I looked for the finally dawned on me, I was depth and power of our shlichus, one that was best preserved and thus stunned. particularly since a man’s emissary the most legible and I headed over You see, my name is Esther, and is like himself. to the nearby store to make a copy. this letter arrived two days before When she told me where she had When I got to the store, I took the birth of my daughter, who is met me, I remembered that trip. It another glance at the letter and named Rivka. It turns out that the was when we found out about a tensed up. This was a letter I had Rebbe doesn’t just send off letters concert taking place at that shul and received from the Rebbe for a that happen to arrive years late, and I told my husband we should go pregnancy that did not make it to it was no coincidence that I had there since we might meet Jews that term… I copied the letter, but I was specifically chosen this letter. we could have an influence on. feeling torn inside. I did not feel Apparently, as far back as twenty During the concert, the hall was comfortable that it was this eight years ago, this letter was silent, so we couldn’t speak to particular letter that I was about to intended to reach this particular anyone. We considered that outing a pass on to this woman as a segula. woman. failure but two years later we were Who knows – maybe this was a sign Reb. Belinov concluded the informed that we were mistaken. from Above? telling of this story in an emotional The third story, which is really I didn’t have much time to think tone, “When the whole story became amazing, took place on one of the about the matter as I was supposed clear to me, I asked for the floor to days of Chanuka 5763. One to head straight to the hall from the address the women again and I evening, I received a phone call from store. On my way to the gathering, I recounted the whole chain of events a group of non-Lubavitcher women noticed another interesting thing behind the letter that I was holding who asked that I come to speak that I hadn’t noticed before. This in my hand. The two mothers were words of Torah on timely matters, in letter from the Rebbe, written for especially affected by the story. I honor of a celebration that they were the pregnancy that did not carry to told them that in light of everything holding. They informed me that they term, had arrived two years late(!), I was confident that she would have had already made all the necessary two days before the birth of my first an easy and proper birth in good preparations. When I inquired as to daughter, Sheina Rivka! I realized health. the nature of the celebration, they this based on the date of the Italian “A few months after the told me that one of the women had postmark as compared to the date at gathering, on Purim day, she gave become pregnant after many long the top of the letter. birth to triplets, two girls and a boy, years of waiting, and they wanted to Back then, I hadn’t paid it much named Esther, Mordechai, and express thanksgiving to Hashem. notice. I had received the letter two Chana.” When I heard that this was the days before giving birth to my oldest

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& QEBOOB??B¤PIIBQQBOP NOT TO LET THE MEANING OF THE K’SUBA GET LOST IN TRANSLATION

From the t’shura printed in honor of the wedding of Shmuel Simpson and Golda Chasdan sh’y

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  FKPFDEQ REBBI GAVE HONOR TO THE WEALTHY

By Yisroel Yehuda

he asked how much he should give. To be “As rich as Korach,” means to be R’ Shmuel, who was somewhat extraordinarily wealthy. Many people inebriated, responded loudly, “You’re a fool [petoch in Russian].” want to be rich. How does Chassidus The Rebbe asked, “What did your son ask?” R’ Shmuel told him. look at wealth? How did Chassidim The Rebbe said, “Yes, of course he should give! treat the wealthy? What “symptoms” R’ Shmuel asked how much and the Rebbe said: Like the numerical did wealthy Chassidim “suffer” from value of the word petoch. and why did Rebbi give honor to the Then differences of opinion arose as to how to spell the word, wealthy? * Part 2 of 2. with a Tes or a Tav. Speaking of arrogance, when the Bolsheviks ruled Russia, they took [Continued from last issue] partial to them because of their all the money away from the wealthy position. To their credit, the wealthy and left them penniless. A sad joke PROBLEMS OF Chassidim accepted this rebuke with went around that the Bolsheviks THE WEALTHY kabbalas ol. only took away the “wealth,” but Chassidim were successful in “A rich man answers arrogantly,” they left the arrogance. taking the “despised thing,” money, it says, and this characteristic In 5619 there was a family and using it for the Rebbe’s attached itself – even if only in a simcha held by the prosperous inyanim. Wealthy Lubavitchers, small measure – to those wealthy Goldetz family in Shtzedrin. As was being Chassidim and baalei avoda, Chassidim. Their manner of talking customary then, there was a were for the most part charitable and conduct bespoke their affluence. farbrengen held in honor of the and generous. They certainly did not They had a particular inn in simcha. The main speaker was the take credit and didn’t express an Lubavitch where they stayed. mashpia in Shtzedrin, R’ Yisroel opinion about things they knew However, before the Rebbe they all Moshe, who was known for his nothing about. stood in trepidation, though gifted tongue. He strongly censured Nevertheless, rich Chassidim occasionally, they acted as the rich the men in the wealthy family for were suspect by the mashpiim of do, even before the Rebbe. being lax in having set times for being too emotionally involved in One year, on Simchas Torah in Torah study and not coming on time their businesses or other outside Rostov at the Rebbe Rashab, the to study Chassidus and to interests, as well as having apathy – wealthy R’ Shmuel Gurary and his Chassidishe farbrengens. even if only on a very subtle level – son Nosson were present. R’ The men apologized and said it for the ways of Chassidus and Shmuel donated a large sum and his was because they were preoccupied avodas ha’chassidus. The mashpiim son, who was still a young bachur, with business but the mashpia did always kept on eye on them and put wanted to make a donation too. He not let up and spoke a lot on the the wealthy Chassidim in their place whispered to his father that he also verse, “and Hashem will bless you in for every little thing, without being wanted to make a contribution and

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& all that you do,” and “the blessing of up with the fire of Chassidus. wealth and honor before You.” Hashem is what makes you Sometimes it happened R’ Michoel the melamed did not wealthy.” His words made an inadvertently. mean to disparage R’ Shlomo for he impact on the crowd and he The Chassid, R’ Shlomo was thinking of himself and was concluded, “Why do you need to Monaszohn was one of the dissatisfied with his level in avoda. help Hashem? Better you should Chassidim of the Mitteler Rebbe. He However, what he said made a deep help yourselves!” was a g’vir the son of a g’vir and impression on R’ Shlomo, who went In the history of Chabad much is educated and guided by the hastily to Lubavitch, had yechidus said about “dealing with the Chassidim from the time of the Alter with the Mitteler Rebbe and became problem of wealth,” so that when Rebbe. After yechidus he would a different man. the Rebbe Rayatz wants to describe farbreng with the Chassidim and The Rebbe Rayatz writes of how the success of a particular join the yechidus dance, as was to deal with the arrogance of the Chassidishe activity he sometimes customary. But when it came to wealthy or those inflated with their notes that a certain rich man was Chassidishe warmth, he was still one own brilliance in Torah: influenced by it. An example of this of the Chassidim described as It can happen that the wealthy is a story about how the Rebbe “Chassidishe balabatim.” man of the town known as R’ Maharash once farbrenged at the R’ Shlomo, like other men in Yaakov Nagid [philanthropist] even Simchas Beis HaShoeiva. It was a Shklov, would daven with when not in his presence, goes to short farbrengen. One of the guests enthusiasm, join the groups of attend a Chassidishe farbrengen and was a businessman from Polotsk, by Chassidim and farbreng as is the Chassid Mottel the Beggar who the name of Chaim Nemesov who customary among Chassidim. One supports himself by collecting was well-to-do. He left ripped to time, during a certain farbrengen, R’ money for “bread for the poor,” shreds by that farbrengen. Michoel the lame melamed burst “clothes for the naked,” and “bikkur In another place it says that at a into fearful crying. He hit himself on cholim” says to him: Yankel, come Yud-Tes Kislev farbrengen the Rebbe the heart and head and said: Master here, and he seats himself near him. Rashab spoke about wealthy men. of the universe, have mercy on me Or when the rav’s son-in-law, “That night the Rebbe spoke about and help me feel the same pleasured the brilliant young R’ Eliezer rich men and they all took off their excitement while praying “illuminate Mechadesh [originator of Torah monishkes and manzhaten our eyes with Your Torah and make insights] of Shklov comes into the [fashionable clothing items of that our hearts cleave to Your mitzvos, beis midrash with a group of period] and threw them to the side.” and unify our hearts to love and fear Chassidim and the main speaker is The Chassidim themselves Your name,” with the same Shlomo the Chassidishe melamed, worked on their fellow wealthy pleasured excitement that Shlomo Shlomo der Geller, or even Leybe Chassidim in order to “warm” them Monaszohn has when he says “the Tzeites, and they announce with exaggerated gaiety, “Make place for Leizer’ke Mechadesh.” Such an invitation provides a general blow to the haughtiness of spirit that comes of wealth or the arrogance that comes of Torah knowledge. The Rebbe Rayatz then goes on to say that following this “general blow” it is necessary to deal with the specific issues and that is where he goes into the explanation of the “good and bad in wealth,” which was quoted earlier. The Rebbe MH”M told, in the name of the Rebbe Rayatz, about the wealthy Chassid, R’ Shmuel Michoel Treinin, who had connections with royal ministers and was generally a very orderly person

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  by nature. He was also a mara could help in this matter. on the main street (which was called sh’chora (of a gloomy disposition) They had to pass the main street Nyevski Profekt), how about closing and therefore he was particular that of Petersburg. R’ Michoel Bliner your buttons? his clothes be properly buttoned, walked in Petersburg in the same R’ Michoel’s response was, each button in its proper buttonhole way that he walked in Lubavitch… “Gevald R’ Shmuel Michoel, is that [this was before zippers on the And he hadn’t davened yet and had what you’re into?” fronts of pants – Ed.]. just finished doing what it says in One time R’ Michoel Bliner Shulchan Aruch regarding FINAL CONCLUSION (Michoel der Alter) went to see him preparations for davening and so his – BE RICH! in order to try to help out a bachur fly buttons weren’t closed properly. who had to be released from the R’ Shmuel Michoel said to him In Parshas Truma 5752 the army so he could study Torah. He with some trepidation, since he was Rebbe declares: needed R’ Shmuel Michoel to go afraid that he might “give it to him.” “First of all, we learn from this with him to one of the nobles who “R’ Michoel! Since we are walking that Hashem paskens in His holy

THE REBBE MAHARASH’S WEALTH The Rebbe related: years, was especially precious. This was even though it There is the story told by the Rebbe, my father-in- was worth hardly anything. (Toras Menachem 5716 law, about his grandfather, the Rebbe Maharash. The vol. 2, p. 60) Rebbe Maharash, even when the Nasi, was involved in At the Purim farbrengen 5728 the Rebbe described business on the stock exchange in Petersburg. He the special conduct of the Rebbe Maharash. “The remained in Lubavitch and from there he would send Rebbe Maharash’s conduct was extremely ostentatious. telegrams to his representatives in Petersburg to All his utensils were made of gold and since his inform them which shares to buy and which to sell for activities were in the capitol city of Petersburg and he him. would act like a baal ha’bayis in In those days there wasn’t a government affairs (as we know radio from which you could get “Fool, fool,” said several stories in this regard), he information about the stock had two gold watches and as was exchange and decide which stocks my grandfather. customary in those days, he wore to sell or to buy based on them in his vest, one on the right information received half an hour “Why was gold and one on the left and they had ago. Even when newspapers gold chains. arrived in Lubavitch, they were old created in the The Rebbe smoked cigarettes in papers from years before, and in world, for me and a gold holder, his snuff was in a those days, the papers probably golden snuff box, his eating didn’t have news about the market. you? For goyim, utensils were of gold, his coach Nevertheless, the Rebbe Maharash was decorated with gold, his would send word to Petersburg l’havdil? The clothing were magnificent and every day about how to handle his even his walking stick had a gold business affairs. world was created knob on top. That is how the Rebbe When my grandfather returned Maharash, throughout his nesius for him!” to his town and related these (and before that too, and it aspects of the conduct of the continued until he passed away) was very wealthy, Rebbe Maharash, he was asked by one of his listeners: according to the standards of those days, someone What was this for? Is gold something necessary that who possessed a great deal of money, stocks, and one cannot live without? Better that the Rebbe gave it everything else. all to tz’daka and he would suffice with bread and Nevertheless, the Rebbe Maharash said that the five measured water as Jews do in galus! coins that a certain melamed in town gave, who was “Fool, fool,” said my grandfather. “Why was gold only able to give fifty coins a year for maamud created in the world, for me and you? For goyim, (support of the Rebbe’s household) or once in several l’havdil? The world was created for him!”

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& Torah, the Torah that is eternal for Yaakov Horowitz is a pashuter Yid, all generations and places, that every but he was given a Chassidishe “My holy father single Jew is first and foremost education. He grew up and was connected to gold. Simply put, that educated among Chassidim, he said to me: Yaakov every Jew must be rich, spiritually spent his youth in a Chassidishe beis and materially – literally wealthy! midrash, he heard a Chassidishe Horowitz is a “From this we have the story and saw a Chassidishe instruction that a Jew ought to try davening, he heard a Chassidishe pashuter Yid, but and become actually rich in all chapter of T’hillim – all this made he was given a matters, starting with spiritual an impression on him that one must wealth – a person is wealthy only in have Chassidic deference and Chassidishe knowledge – being wealthy in Torah obedience.” and mitzvos, and also in material A few days later, letters from Mr. education... – all wealth so that he can fulfill Torah Kahanowitz and the Chassid R’ A. and mitzvos with peace of mind and L. of Borisov came. this made an peace of body.” “Mr. Kahanowitz was a rich man The Rebbe even referred to the who was Chassidicly educated. As impression on him nature of wealth regarding Yemos soon as he received the letter he that one must HaMoshiach. In the sicha of took care of R’ A. L. of Borisov, Acharei-K’doshim 5751, the Rebbe moving him to a good apartment have Chassidic calms down the rich who are and providing him with a grocery worried that all their wealth won’t store and in addition he offered to deference and be worth anything in the Days of buy a forest in partnership with him. Moshiach. The Rebbe explains that The Chassid R’ A. L. of Borisov said obedience.” Geula includes all matters of galus that Mr. Kahanowitz loaned him in a way that elevates them to a state 200 rubles and an additional 170 blessing of Hashem makes you of Geula, and therefore, the rich rubles for two months’ rent. He put wealthy,’ He accepted the world at have nothing to worry about Geula. 1200 rubles worth of merchandise face value, and was therefore totally in the store and he even offered to immersed in business. HE DIDN’T KNOW HIS include him in the forest he bought. “The first time, six years ago, he WEALTH CAME FROM “The Chassid R’ A. L. wondered came to me to ask for business how Mr. Kahanowitz knew of his advice. I gave him my opinion and HASHEM’S BLESSING plight and why he came to his aid censured him severely for not being In 5658, the Rebbe Rashab with such generosity of spirit. He particular about davening with a received two letters on the same day hopes to pay Mr. Kahanowitz back minyan on weekdays and for not from Chassidim who were down to the last penny but he learning an hour every day. balabatim, by the names of R’ S.B. wonders about it all since he only “Two or three years went by and of Vitebsk and R’ A. L. Cohen of met him two or three times in he changed. He davened in a Borisov, whose businesses were Lubavitch. He recounted that the Chassidishe minyan, he regularly doing badly. The Rebbe told his son, Chassid Rashbam said, “Better a heard a maamer, he had set times to the Rebbe Rayatz, to write R’ Chassidic neighbor than a brother a learn, became close with the Yaakov Horowitz to help R’ S.B. of Misnaged,” and indeed, A. L.’s Chassidim, he farbrenged Vitebsk and to tell Yosef Kahanowitz relative, the wealthy P. of Minsk, did occasionally with the mashpia of the to help R’ A. L. of Borisov. not respond to his request for a loan minyan, and from one time to the A week later, a letter came from of several hundred rubles, while Mr. next he absorbed more and more of R’ Yaakov Horowitz, saying that he Kahanowitz was kind to him in a the Chassidic way until he became a followed the Rebbe’s instructions dignified way and in a generous vessel, ready to carry out the avoda about helping R’ S.B. of Vitebsk. fashion.” of genuine, Chassidishe Ahavas The Rebbe Rayatz described that Regarding this the Rebbe Rashab Yisroel.” moment, “The holy face of my said to his son, “Yosef Kahanowitz Sources: Otzar Sippurei Chabad, Binyan Adei father lit up upon reading the letters is someone who received a Ad, Shmuos V’Sippurim, Igros Kodesh, HaRebbe Mesaper, Hiskashrus, B’Tzel HaChochma, D’var he received from R’ Yaakov Chassidic education, a proper young Malchus 5751-2 Horowitz. man, who davened, made a blessing “My holy father said to me: on food, but didn’t know that ‘the

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  VB@EFARP A REBBE: PIETY, EDUCATION, AND FIERY DEVOTION

Q: If the British Mandate had The following encounter took place not been in Israel, would he have August 27, 1959/27 Menachem Av chosen Israel? R: I don’t believe so; you do 5719. Addressing a group of Hillel not have the possibilities there that you have in the United States. directors, the Rebbe discusses the early Q: Did the entire Lubavitcher movement come to the U.S. at one history of Chabad in America as well as time, or did they come as individuals? the importance of mysticism in Chasidic R: Lubavitcher congregations prayer and liturgy. were established in the U.S. over fifty years ago. They invited my father in-law (the Previous Rebbe: If I remember correctly, the British Mandate was in full Lubavitcher Rebbe) as a political when we met last time it was power. If you have a certain rescue from Poland, which was discussed that everyone must amount of energy and it is your under German occupation. The always be going mei’chayil al intention to use it to a maximum Chassidim in the U.S. intervened chayil (from strength to strength). of efficiency, you must apply it through the State Department. As a year has elapsed in between, where it can be used to maximum They explained to the State probably every one of us is more efficiency. Department the advantages of efficient. I would like to hear Q: Do you mean that there are having his leadership here in the besoros tovos (good news) about more Jewish people here that will U.S., and through the American your achievements. be helped by your ideals? Embassy in Berlin they were Question: “Chayil” also means R: There is more possibility to successful in having him leave and a soldier of war. Is there any help more people in Brooklyn than come to the United States. But, I connection to going from “strength in Tel Aviv. believe, that even had there been a to strength”? Q: Is that why you chose choice between the two million R: Yes, a solder is forced to go Brooklyn, and not some other city, Jews in the U.S. or the hundred to war; he must go higher even like Chicago? thousand in Israel, where they had against his will. R: The real reason is because already established yeshivos and Q: Why didn’t the Lubavitcher my father-in-law wanted a place Yiddishkait (Judaism), he would movement choose to go to Israel where he could influence a great have chosen the harder field to instead of the U.S.? number of students. And this can work with and not the most R: The Lubavitcher movement be done more easily in Brooklyn convenient. There was more came to the U.S. in 1940, when than in Baltimore or Chicago. challenge here in Brooklyn.

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& Q: Lubavitch is systematic, and was going down. In Israel, it was looked down upon by all three the neo-Orthodox in Israel do not going up, and in Europe it was at groups. have some of the frustrations of the same level more or less. When Q: Please state your attitude the Jews in galus (exile). my father-in-law first heard that about d’vekut (Divine ecstasy). R: It has no connection with the Chassidim were trying to bring R: Do you have a specific being Orthodox or systematic. It him to the U.S., his first thought question in mind? deals with choosing a spot where was that this is a place where his Q: No. I wanted to hear the you have no help or choosing a energies can best be applied. Neo- Lubavitcher interpretation. spot where you can rest twelve or Orthodoxy is trying to fight R: Every human being, by his fifteen hours a day. It doesn’t assimilation while it is still only a connection with G-d Almighty, has depend upon the ideal but whether seed, as it is much easier to no limitation to his possibilities, the human being is seeking an easy annihilate something when it is because he has in his store not way out or seeking to accomplish beginning than after it is fully only his own energy but an open something, and in a certain period grown. channel to receive additional of time. My father-in-law always Q: Are you not concerned with energy from above. To have this sought something that was difficult assimilation? channel open is called “d’vekut.” to perform, that no one wanted to R: That is our prime interest. You can be a very long distance do voluntarily, and began by doing Twenty years ago there were three from the powerhouse and you can something revolutionary. reasons for assimilation: 1) escape become closer and closer to In 1940, Orthodoxy in the U.S. … 3) rescue. Now assimilation is entering the powerhouse itself. And you can become a part of the Being we call G-d Almighty. That is the maximum of d’vekut. It does not mean that the soul parts from the guf (body), because the body is also a creation. It becomes not only closer and closer, but it becomes forlorn in Divinity. And yet, soon after that, he can eat his seudat Shabbat (Sabbath meal) and go to his business after Havdala (close of Shabbat) – it is not like nirvana. In d’vekut you have no existence in yourself, but you are a part of G-d that is permeating all your being with His divinity. It is not in a hidden form, but it is functioning in your body just as your heart, leg, etc., are functioning. It must permeate not only your actions but your understanding and intelligence. Performing a mitzva is the action itself – like putting the t’fillin (phylacteries) on your head – you can put it on your head and at the same time think about business or politics. That is called machshovot zarot – your thoughts are in another world. You can think about the perush ha’milim (meaning of the words) itself but it touches your

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  some common point because it was The terminology of these two kinds Thus the saying of started by a Jew. Shabbtai Zvi also of Kabbala is p’nimiut and was a scholar not only in Kabbala chitzonius (true and false the Baal Shem Tov but in halacha, but after a few Kabbala): the body and the years he deviated from the right neshama (soul). that every day derech (path). It became something Q: How do you start with your before his prayer that was not only deviant but just students? Should I begin to talk to the opposite of Judaism. them about hitlahavut or just do he was afraid that Chassidism and Kabbala are the mitzvot? called in the Zohar p’nimiut R: Now is such an era that you he may not come (inward). That includes that there must choose with every individual must be something chitzonius his own approach. If you can take out of this activity (outward). Kabbala is not him with hitlahavut or d’vekut, do something that you can dissect and it that way. But the main thing is alive. throw away one thing, because if the actual mitzva and you can you accept one part if it is a choose your own approach. If you understanding only and goes no necessity that you accept the other estimate your congregation or deeper. If you say the blessing with part. When someone comes to a audience that it can be approached hitlahavut (enthusiasm), then it conclusion against halacha, he is more effectively by explaining not only touches your deviating. If you are logical, you hitlahavut, then choose this way. understanding but your feelings must come to the conclusion that The mistake is if he begins with also. If this hitlahavut goes deeper Kabbala and Chassidism must one thing and then goes no and much more, then it can bring exist; because without them there further. If he begins with maaseh him to a state of ecstasy till he is something missing. The same (actual mitzva), then he has the forgets the environment around thing if you accept Kabbala and most essential part of it, and if the him. That is, it permeates all your negate halacha, you are negating audience goes to sleep you have faculties. something that is a part, and you achieved the essential. But if you A mitzva can be performed are negating the basis on which begin with d’vekut or hitlahavut limited and no more, but if you you are standing. and then they go to sleep, they will perform it to a maximum, then it The Vilna Gaon did not negate not know about the most brings you to ecstasy and even the Kabbala, because he had his own important part: maaseh b’poel movement of your head and group and he learned Kabbala. In (actual doing). involuntary movements are also his opinion, it was something not Q: I came across a great under the impact of this mitzva. to be learned with a large group, amount of children who expressed Thus the saying of the Baal Shem but to be taught to only a select bitterness against their parents. Tov (founder of Chassidism) that group, as the others are not able to Can you suggest an approach to every day before his prayer he was grasp Kabbala and must be turn this bitterness into love? afraid that he may not come out of satisfied with halacha. But there R: Although there is no general this activity alive. must be a select group above them remedy that will apply to each Q: Shabbtai Zvi and his that learns Kabbala. individual, nevertheless there is followers used mystical Kabbala to Shabbtai Zvi negated halacha. one common point. In growing up break away from halacha (Jewish In the time of Shabbtai Zvi there he must encounter difficulties and law), as they considered Kabbala was a group of Catholic priests obstacles in his way – the world is the true procedure for themselves. that translated Kabbalistic changing, his body is changing, Perhaps this way may be the reason manuscripts and studied Kabbala. and this presents obstacles to him. the [18th century scholar] Vilna But this is not considered Jewish He needs someone for a scapegoat, Gaon objected to Chassidic Kabbala, as the Catholics did not ashma. The only person who has teachings? put on t’fillin. It is just like been with him all his life is his R: As for comparing the someone in Sorbonne, Brooklyn parent, and if he has no strength of movement of Shabbtai Zvi to the College, or some other university character to say to himself that he Chassidic movement – every who can learn Kabbala without must overcome these obstacles – movement that is started by putting on t’fillin. For true Kabbala even if it is connected with the someone of the Jewish people has cannot be separated from halacha. biggest event in his life – then he

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& must find someone to put the Q: Is it ideals and not heredity orphan from the third year of his finger on. His road is not easy to that decides the leadership? life, and the Alter Rebbe took care go on. He must choose his father R: Only ideals. Only someone of his education personally. Thus, and mother to blame, because he who has the aptitude in a certain he had more chances to receive knows his teacher only one or two direction. If you have a father who this education than even the sons years and he experienced these all of his life has consecrated of the Mitteler (Second difficulties before that. If he can himself toward certain ideals so Lubavitcher) Rebbe. put his finger on his mother or that it permeates his very This is the answer for an father, he has a perfect excuse. existence, it must also permeate his intellectual. If you are a Chassid Explain to your audience the wife and children. If he is you must accept a more spiritual real reason they choose their permeated by a certain idea, the explanation: Rebayus (leadership) parents for their accusations, but first subjects to be impressed by it is not motivated by something do not stress this point too hard. will be his son or his daughter. If accidental or monetary but by Tomorrow or the day after the subject is Torah or Kabbala, something above us. The son of tomorrow they will be less bitter. the son is more adaptable than the the Mezritcher Maggid (successor Do not expect them to stand up on daughter. (Aside to the only woman to the Baal Shem Tov) was his the first day and say “ashamnu (I present: “You will excuse me for successor for only five years. After have sinned).” saying this, as it is not my idea.”) that, he was niftar (passed away). Q: How is it that I saw that the The reason for the leadership is It is not dependent upon leadership of Lubavitch was not because he was his son, but something physical, but something transmitted through a daughter not because he has a maximum of spiritual and Divine. through a son? piety, education, and hitlahavut; he I wish you a k’siva va’chasima R: You probably mean after the received it from his father and his tova (Happy New Year), and next son of the Alter Rebbe. He had two environment and thus has a bigger year I will ask you more forcefully sons but they begged the son-in- chance. The Tzemach Tzedek about your achievements. law to take over the leadership. (third Lubavitcher Rebbe) was an Q: In kamus or eichus (quality or quantity)? R: You know that Einstein said that kamus always transfers into THE FATHER eichus (mass into energy). There is By Boruch Merkur an interesting quotation in Midrash He sits, stooped over, trembling Rabba that if there had been one His eyes covered, closed to the world, Jew missing of the six hundred Wife and children. thousand at Sinai, G-d would not He is a son now, he listens have given the Torah. Not a Jew He can barely utter a word; like Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses) but A syllable, a consonant even the Jew that had a pesel Mika Sets him off, lunging forward, soaring (idol) in his tent – had he been He grips the edge of the table missing, the Torah would not have His feet anchor in the ground. been given. Nine Moses cannot make a minyan (quorum of ten Father, father… Jewish men) to say a k’dusha, even though there would be a They take leave of him, his children tremendous power of quality. But They run out to play. if you have ten in quantity, you can He smiles and nods and pulls his tallis lower. say k’dusha. Similarly, the Midrash says that in giving the Torah you He is a son again and has no words must have six hundred thousand. He claws at the earth until there is nothing left of him That is the best proof that quantity The tears rain down from between his fingers and quality have a transformation And he smiles with the faith of a farmer from one into the other. Source: From Strength to Strength: Who knows his seeds will take root and grow. The Lubavitcher Rebbe Shlita Talks to Hillel Directors

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  MOLCFIB I SAID ‘NO WAY’ TO THE TIBETAN MASTER

By Nosson Avrohom Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry

the thrilling world of Chabad in Rabbi Dror Pirus is involved today in the Far East, all the answers that education, when he spends much of his he is privileged to receive from the Rebbe through Igros Kodesh time helping children progress through deal with education. As a result, he has not ch”v forsaken his the use of the Kung Fu martial arts talents, rather he has utilized them as a means of providing approach he learned in Israel and the assistance to children in need of various forms of educational Orient. During his stay in the Far East, improvement. “We see the fact he came to recognize his Creator when that the world is ready for the Redemption in all areas of he rejected the offer made by the concentration,” Rabbi Pirus says decisively. “The approach today “religious” elder in the Tibetan in the area of healing has changed, and we now see a clear teachings. Since then, he has slowly but process of bringing in more modern and natural healing surely made his way to the teachings of methods. The world of healing Chabad chassidus, but not before a today understands that there is a clear connection between the soul great miracle that saved his life… and the body; they are not separate entities. There has been great development among Rabbi Dror Pirus of Tzfas writing to the Rebbe via Igros everyone. People are looking for primarily devotes his time and Kodesh. Periodically, Rabbi Pirus spirituality.” energy to education, with a maintains his involvement in Dror Pirus spent his childhood significant portion of that time physiotherapy, primarily with years living in Bat Yam. He set aside for children who need people suffering from chiropractic classifies the traditions of his help in their scholastic progress. problems. “You clearly see G-d’s home as “make kiddush and run,” Rabbi Pirus draws on his hand in connection with bodily i.e., on the one hand, making knowledge of Kung Fu martial healing,” says Rabbi Pirus. “You kiddush on Friday night, while on arts he studied for years, as well can do the same treatment on two the other hand, desecrating the as the ancient Tibetan method of different people, yet it will work sanctity of Shabbos a few minutes healing to locate the point of for one, but not for the other.” later. As with most Israelis, the difficulty and trouble, but mainly Rabbi Pirus testifies to the fact Pirus family showed respect for his success come in virtue of that from the moment he entered the tenets of Judaism, but not

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& much more than that. “I always arts – if you know how to searching a bit, I found that it thought that I was a good Jew, dislocate a shoulder, as a teacher, was possible to learn this and I didn’t have to do things to you have to know how to put it approach from reputable Tibetan prove my Judaism. Everyone back in place. My efforts proved teachers living in exile in conducted themselves in this successful, and I began to treat Dramsalla, India. manner, and I didn’t feel the people according to this “One fine day, I packed my need to look for anything. approach, achieving much success bags and I went to Dramsalla. “At a relatively young age, I in the field. As a result, I decided This was not the tourist season, began to learn a method of to go the whole route, and what I and there were virtually no martial arts called Ling-Shu, a was lacking was knowledge of Westerners in the city. When I form of Kung Fu. I invested many certain breathing techniques. arrived, I bonded quickly with the days and weeks, and became When I asked my teacher in Eretz locals, who told me about two completely involved in the Yisroel to teach them to me, he teachers in the field, only one of subject. Later, when I grew older, said that this is something that he whom was in the city at the time. I participated in self-defense can’t teach. For that purpose, I That particular teacher sat in a competitions and tournaments, would have to travel to Tibet or monastery on the side of a and won several prizes. India to learn from more serious mountain. The locals warned me “After a period of intensive and experienced instructors. that he didn’t like the idea of training, I received a teaching “Tibet was out of the question teaching this approach to others, certificate in martial arts. Upon due to the difficulty in getting and he even rejected native completing my military service, I there. The Chinese make Tibetans. I would not be deterred. studied computer programming problems for foreigners who want “I discovered that he was a while also learning healing to come to Tibet and integrate very high figure on the ladder of approaches connected to martial with the local populace. After the Tibetan religion, and I decided to do everything possible in order that he would teach me. When I finally came to him, he asked me what I wanted. I told him what I had learned so far and now I wanted to continue my studies with him. He looked at me for a long time and was silent. Suddenly, he said that he’s not ready to do that. I would not relent. I said to myself that if I have come this far, I will urge him until he agrees. When he asked me where I was from, I replied that I was from Israel and I belong to the Jewish People. After lengthy efforts to convince him, he told me that he is prepared to teach me the entire methodology, on the condition that I remain with him for three years and also learn the idol worship aspect. “Ask me today – I haven’t the slightest idea what led me to tell him that I have to think about it. Apparently, the Jewish spark within me was kindled, just as I also found it appropriate to point

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  out to him that I belonged to the to stay.” “When I arrived in Thailand Jewish People. The uncertain Dror remained via China, I came to the local “Indeed, I did think about it at the Chabad House for several Chabad House and saw a sign for a very long time. Here was a weeks in the company of his from a group of Jews from Hong golden opportunity to learn shluchim friends. In the Kong asking Israeli tourists to something that no other meantime, two more Israeli help make daily minyanim in Westerner had ever studied, and youths coming closer to exchange for assistance in when I would leave there, I could Yiddishkait joined the group, and covering their lodging and airline be a great master. Yet, despite all the three of them represented the expenses. that, something within me was place’s growing saplings. The “I saw that the people around rejecting the whole idea. After I young shluchim were later me didn’t understand what a told him that I have to consider replaced by Rabbi Shimshon ‘minyan’ was. I decided to gather the offer, I left the hermit and Goldstein, who also contributed together a few of them and travel went down the mountain. Upon much to Dror’s spiritual there. The physical conditions completing my descent, I saw to development. were indeed excellent, but this my great surprise a pair of Yet, together with his also marked the first time that I Chabadnikim. I was in shock. tremendous progress in coming noticed the clear difference How did they happen to land on closer to the values and traditions between the Chabad approach me? It turns out that they were of his forefathers, he had and the Sephardic approach. The looking for a store that sells difficulty accepting the concepts rabbi there was constantly talking computers, and I felt that I had of “chai v’kayam” and “Yechi about Gan Eden and Gehinom, an obligation to point them in the Adoneinu,” which appeared to whereas at the Chabad House, right direction. The two young him as somewhat detached from they managed to instill much men were Rabbi Dror Shaul and reality. Today, as he looks back within me on mitzva fulfillment Rabbi Mendy Crombie (today the on that period, he explains his without threats. After a period of Rebbe’s shliach in Sri Lanka). initial reaction as due to his private seclusion, I participated in “They were most pleasant, and Sephardic background and the another seminar in Hong Kong, after I gave them some fact that he didn’t want to be where I received answers to many assistance, we went our separate drawn into the movement that his of my questions on Judaism. I ways. A few days later, I saw a two friends had joined. One day, added something new each day, Hebrew notice written with the Dror decided that if he had come as I began putting on t’fillin and words ‘A Healing Breath of Fresh all this way to the East, he had to keeping Shabbos. Air According to Kabbala.’ I was learn something – and he traveled “Together with this, I did not overwhelmed. That is exactly to China. abandon my desire to learn what I wanted to learn from the “There’s a place in China various martial arts breathing Tibetan monk. Let’s see what where you can learn a specific techniques in China, and I Judaism has to say on the subject. form of martial arts, and I discovered that it could be done If at first I thought that these decided to learn it before I without the need to deal with the ultra-Orthodox came to India to returned to Eretz Yisroel, so I idol worship aspect. Yet, before bother us and to get a few drug wouldn’t come back ‘empty- arriving in China, I recalled that addicts to repent, now I honestly handed.’ However, it was also the Rambam wrote that it is asked myself: How I can really clear to me that when I returned forbidden even to enter a city that ask to learn Tibetan wisdom to Eretz Yisroel, my entire practices idol worship. I decided before checking out Jewish perception of Judaism, due to the to call Rabbi Dror Shaul in India, wisdom? I decided to attend the Chabadnikim – would totally and when I asked him if it was Torah class conducted by Rabbi change. I now understood that permissible to enter that Dror Shaul. The gathering was there was truth in Judaism. All of monastery even if it contained no highlighted by the singing of the many questions that I had in elements of idol worship, he Chabad niggunim, and I felt good order to determine the depth of replied with an emphatic ‘No.’ about myself – far better than that truth had been solved, one by His opinion had an effect upon what I felt with the Tibetan one. Yet, together with this, me, and I decided to pass up on wisdom. I sensed that I had something within me didn’t want the opportunity, traveling instead something here, and so I decided to be dragged in completely. to Japan, where I worked for a

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& while in the sale of jewelry to discovery, and we traveled sprout after that miracle.” earn some money so I could together to the shliach, R. Gaoni After that revealed miracle, continue my journey. Despite the Maatuf, who was in Japan at the Dror Pirus decided to return to fact that I wasn’t located in the time. We learned a great deal and Eretz Yisroel, leaving everything best place for such commercial I became much stronger in my behind to start a deep and intense ventures, I succeeded in selling faith. Nevertheless, I apparently look into the true meaning of life. more than any of my fellow still didn’t want to appear too When he arrived in Eretz merchants. I would sit a whole Torah observant, and even while I Yisroel, he had a serious internal day and recite T’hillim, and I felt was committed inwardly, I conflict over which yeshiva to my proximity to G-dliness. remained outwardly as I did at attend. On the one hand, he felt a “The sales manager was very the beginning of my trek towards strong and deep connection to impressed by this, but he first coming closer to G-d. Chabad teachings, particularly in wanted to be certain that I wasn’t “While in Thailand, I the area of Ahavas Yisroel, and to selling anything besides jewelry. experienced a great miracle that the personage of the Rebbe. On It didn’t seem logical to him. proved to be ‘the final blow’ in the other hand, however, he However, it was all too apparent the t’shuva process. I was apparently still needed to go that when G-d wants something, traveling with a heavy motorcycle through the meat grinder a little anything is possible, and I felt the at a speed exceeding seventy-five more in order to have the help of Heaven with me. He miles per hour, without a helmet. privilege of coming to Lubavitch, became very excited by his When I saw the end of the and thus he found himself going highway, I made a sudden stop to Torah classes conducted by a and jetted forward for a Lithuanian-brand rabbi. Dror I was traveling considerable distance. As I was would not agree to remove the flying in mid-air, it was clear to kippa he had received from the with a heavy me that my life in this world was shluchim in the Far East with the coming to an end. words “Yechi Adoneinu,” motorcycle at a “The only thought I had at although the rabbi would always speed exceeding that moment as I flipped out of make him turn it inside out… control, ‘What will G-d stand to “That rabbi would rebuke me seventy-five miles benefit if I die now just as I’m all the time about Chabad and starting to come back to my their strange ways and customs, per hour, without Jewish roots?’ After the final but since I knew them from up tumble, I lay on the ground for close, I deemed his charges as a helmet. When I several long minutes, then got up totally baseless. I thought to slowly, and discovered to my myself: It is simply impossible saw the end of the great astonishment, and the that those Chabadnikim who had highway, I made a astonishment of my companion helped me so warmly and so who was traveling right behind generously, and who were sudden stop and me, apart from a few minor stringent in all matters, great and scratches, I had escaped without small, could be any less religious jetted forward for injury. This was an incredible than this rabbi. miracle. My friend looked at me “In the meantime, the two a considerable totally thunderstruck, and young men who had been with me managed only to mutter, ‘It’s just in Dramsalla had also become distance. As I was like on television.’ No one could baalei t’shuva, and they came to flying in mid-air, believe that I came out alive after learn at the Chabad yeshiva in such an experience. I only Ramat Aviv, headed by Rabbi it was clear to me recently found out that the young Yosef Ginsburgh. Every once in a man who rode on the motorcycle while, I would go over to the that my life in this behind me had become a baal yeshiva and visit them, present t’shuva. I hadn’t the slightest them with the questions that the world was coming doubt that the seeds of closeness Lithuanian rabbi asked me, and to an end. to G-d and His Torah began to then go back with their

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  responses. One day, they told me, leader to the Jewish People in this neighborhood children. He didn’t ‘Write to the Rebbe.’ I already generation. Naturally, I stopped want to hear anything from knew all about ‘Igros Kodesh’ and attending the classes with the anyone until he wrote to the gave much respect to the whole Lithuanian rabbi and began Rebbe. In his letter, the Rebbe concept, and so I agreed. In the studying in Ramat Aviv, which proposed a change of venue. He letter that I wrote to the Rebbe, I designed my path in chassidic life did so, and went to study in the got a bit bold and made some and developed my feeling for the Migdal Ohr School in Migdal rather unpleasant and disparaging Rebbe’s shlichus. Since then, the HaEmek. Another boy who comments about Chabad. ‘Igros Kodesh’ never leaves my rebelled against everyone and “The answer that I received side. Any time that I am worried refused to accept anyone’s positively gripped me to my seat. that I or those around me are authority agreed when I The Rebbe wrote a stern letter to faced with a serious problem or suggested that he write to the those who dared to speak question, I write to the Rebbe, Rebbe. He received an answer slanderously against Chabad and I also do so in connection from the Rebbe that he should chassidus and even the general with my work in education and learn Chitas every day, and I chassidic teachings, as revealed healing. quickly went and bought him a by the holy Baal Shem Tov. The “There are endless miracles Chitas. A few days ago, I had an Rebbe wrote to the addressee that and wondrous occurrences. I opportunity to speak with the he should tell the person who is have long since come to the boy’s school principal, who told speaking against chassidus to conclusion that the problem is me that the boy’s mother said stop immediately or it might with us. People accept the Rebbe that he never goes anywhere reach the point of lashon ha’ra. and the whole subject of without his Chitas, arousing At the end of the letter, the Rebbe Moshiach in the simplest sense, much admiration from his peers.” refers the person to several sichos as they see more miracles and The Rebbe’s influence is so and maamarim, writing that if he wonders – it’s just that we don’t tremendous, and we can utilize it learns them, all the doubts and know how to advance the with greater fortitude in order to questions will disappear. concept. There was a boy in hasten the Redemption and to “After that answer, I Tzfas who was broken by his spread the announcement of the understood that there is only one failure to bond well with other Redemption in every location.

Only 1 minute from 770 ^ High Style Hotel in a small format ^ Fancy Studio Apartments @ Kitchen with all the latest technology appliances: Fridge, Microwave, Toaster 9 9 1 1 7 7 - - 6 6 9 9 1 1 - - 5 5 2 2 1 1 2 2 @ Breakfast, drinks in fridge all day 7 7 1 1 8 8 - - 4 4 7 7 3 3 - - 5 5 9 9 3 3 7 7 @ Broadband Internet @ FREE calls & video Linen & Towels changed Fancy Bath & Shower with plenty KKIINNGGSSTTOONN HHOOTTEELL of Shampoo & Soap Make a “Mivtzah Kashrus” in your own computer! Introducing JNET-The world wide web without the world wide worryTM While The Internet can be a helpful tool for business, education Most important, you can now get the JNET Advantage for only and personal use it can also be a potentially dangerous one. a bit more than non-filtered on line providers. That's why J Net was created. If you're ready for the world wide web without the world wide Using exclusive multi-tiered intelligent filtration, the J Net portal worry, you're ready for JNet. is probably the most effective consumer resource for eliminating DIAL UP DSL Unlimited Access 24 Tech Support material not conducive to our needs. More than virtually foolproof, J .NET is also easy - both to 4 Profiles per Account Web Mail install and use. Plus its available in both dialup and high speed Call us toll free at 1-866-866-JNET (5638) DSL and backed by highly trained customer service experts that will solve your problems fast. (mention code “770” for special ANASH Rate)

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& P@FBK@B DDBRI> WHAT DO THE PROFESSORS SAY?

By Prof. Shimon Silman, RYAL Institute and Touro College

their ideas. One of my own Part 2 – Challenging Scientific physics professors, who was lecturing in Quantum Mechanics, Authority related that it was said that Neils Bohr, one of the originators of In Part 1 (Beis Moshiach commented, “It is the way of Quantum theory, was successful #647) we began to analyze the ‘scientists’ in our time that it’s in doing this because as a obstinacy and close-mindedness impossible [for them] to approach graduate student he spent a lot of of scientists when it comes to a discussion on such matters time riding his motorcycle instead discussing creation or even without bringing proofs that of going to lectures so he was not intelligent design. We found that professor so-and-so also thinks biased by the opinions of the a prominent theoretical the same way.” 1 older scientific generation. physicist, Professor Lee Smolin, The sociology of science, But “there is no scientist, not also complains about this close- Smolin writes, “refers to the even Newton or Einstein, who mindedness in the scientific influence that older, established was not wrong on a substantial community (albeit for a scientists have over the careers of number of issues they had strong different reason, his bias being younger scientists. We scientists views about.”3 in favor of one theory over feel uncomfortable talking about Smolin devotes an entire alternative theories). In his it because it forces us to confront chapter to discussing independent recent book The Trouble with the possibility that the thinkers whom he calls “seers, Physics he offers a rare insight organization of science may not who can see through unjustified into the inner workings of the be entirely objective and but universally held assumptions scientific community, the rational.”2 and ask new questions.”4 “sociology of science,” as he Many people are afraid to Thus, it is usually the greatest calls it. challenge the authority of of the scientists who repeatedly Now, in Part 2, we challenge scientists. They are in awe of emphasize how much we don’t scientific authority. We are not scientists and feel that the know and how much we must challenging good, honest science scientists must know what they continue to doubt our scientific here, but rather, the position of are talking about. Of course, conclusions. Albert Einstein and authority that scientists have many scientists claim this Richard Feynman were famous assumed for themselves. authority for themselves. But in for this. Feynman once said, “To fact this is one of the greatest make progress in understanding, SCIENCE OF impediments to the progress of we must remain modest and allow that we do not know. Nothing is ARROGANCE science itself. The history of science is full of accounts of certain or proved beyond all The Rebbe MH”M once wrote a revolutionary ideas first being doubt.” Again, addressing the lengthy argument against introduced by young scholars scientists, he said, “You have to something allegedly based on who challenged the authority of permit the possibility that you do “pure science,” after which he the scientific establishment and not have it exactly right ... This

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  freedom to doubt is an important supercomputers (I worked with He writes the following: matter in the sciences ... I feel a them for a while) and with all the “‘You have set all the responsibility to proclaim the relevant data available, scientists boundaries of the earth; summer value of this freedom ... I want to cannot predict the weather and winter – You made them. demand this freedom for future accurately. One scientist involved Remember this, O adversary who generations.” in the global warming controversy has taunted G-d, and the lowly Scientists are free to said, “To think that we can nation which has disgraced Your investigate the entire universe – predict what will happen 10 years name.’6 These verses express a and in fact must investigate it – from now when we can’t predict triumphant response to those but at the same time they must the weather 10 days from now, is nations that taunt G-dliness. they understand that there are utter nonsense” are the enemies of G-d and are limitations on their methods and (In the early morning hours of referred to as the lowly nation on their conclusions. Not August 8, 2007, a sudden, which has disgraced His name by everything is equally accessible to unpredicted tornado hit Brooklyn, their saying that G-d has scientific investigation. New York, several miles from my abandoned the earth and the Investigations into distant space home with 135 mile per hour world is following a natural order or into the distant past are not as winds, emphasizing the point we only ... everything is running by conclusive as an experiment done are making in a most frightful itself following the laws of nature. in a laboratory. And where there way. It was totally unexpected “So to counter this taunting is more ignorance than and unforeseen. There was no by the nations, this verse is stated information or where one tornado warning and no tornado as a proof and a very powerful extrapolates he cannot draw a watch. We have also seen the demonstration. By saying. valid conclusion. He may only reverse. Several years ago they ‘summer and winter You made make a conjecture and say, “It predicted a major snow storm in them,’ it’s saying that from the might be like this.” New York – “ the storm of the character of summer and winter But, as Smolin writes, “They century” – and the city was ready there is a strong proof for the seem to be confident enough of to shut down. As it turned out, creation of the world from the truth of the conjecture to there wasn’t even enough snow to nothingness, and its being present it as fact.”5 And again, cover the ground; just a few sustained in a supernatural way. “When it comes to defending flakes.) This is because all the scientists their belief in these unproved Yet they say with great have become weary in their conjectures…[they] often note certainty that this is how the attempt to understand the cause that something is ‘generally universe began and that is what of the intense heat in the summer believed’ …or that ‘no sensible happened in the first few seconds, and the extreme cold in the person doubts that its true.’ They minutes and millennia, etc. Don’t winter since, according to the seem to feel that appeal to they realize that this can only be science of Astronomy, the shift in consensus within their community called science fiction? the angle of the sun relative to is equivalent to rational Indeed, we see that the the earth has no effect on this. argument.” inability of scientists to predict The small size of the sphere of There is a certain humility that the weather implies the absurdity the earth relative to the sphere of a scientist must have. When dark of their trying to describe the the heavens is, for example, like a matter was first introduced into beginning of the universe. But the grain of mustard in a large hall. discussions on cosmology, the implication is even more far As the sun changes its angle in cover of Scientific American read, reaching. It actually forces them the sphere of the heaven, what “New observations have smashed to accept the existence of the effect could its heat have on the the old view of our universe.” But Creator and acknowledge his atmosphere of the earth to make you were so sure of your old view continuous involvement in it so hot in the summer, or to of the universe. And now you are running the world. This is reduce the heat in the winter so sure of your new view... explained by the Alter Rebbe, when it goes lower in the heaven, I often wonder about the fact Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, etc. Rather, this shows that this that even with the most the first Rebbe of Chabad, in a effect is a novelty, a creation sophisticated scientific theories discourse based on a couple of from nothing, beyond the ways of and the most advanced verses from T’hillim (the Psalms). nature.”7

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& Yet we say that they must investigate the paths of the stars wrong...” investigate the entire universe. We and constellations and he doesn’t say this based on a statement of do it, then the admonishment of MISSING THE BOAT the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach. A the prophet Isaiah, “And he refuses Global warming. It’s the most famous Jewish professor of to look at the work of G-d,” controversial scientific topic of Microbiology was working for applies to him. public interest today. Everyone NASA looking for life in space, But one should not be awed by agrees that climate change is especially Mars, when he became “the scientists.” One should not taking place but the question is to a Baal T’shuva (an observant accept their conclusions based what extent is it caused by human Jew). He asked the Rebbe MH”M solely on their authority, but activity. Maybe it’s just part of a if he could continue to look for rather, examine them critically for natural cycle. life on Mars or perhaps this was the scientists are subject to the So we ask a basic, against Judaism. The Rebbe same laws of reasoning and logic fundamental question: Climate MH”M told him that he should that everybody else is. As Richard change is happening right before look for life on Mars and if he Feynman said, “If they say to you our eyes. How can scientists be doesn’t find it there to look science has shown such and such, so sure about how the universe somewhere else in space and if he you might ask, ‘How does science started “so long ago and so far still doesn’t find it to continue show it – how did the scientists away” while the events of the looking elsewhere. Why? Because find out – how, what, where?’... origin of the universe were not there is no reason to put a And you have as much right as observed, yet they cannot limitation on G-d by assuming anyone else, upon hearing about determine the cause of climate that He could only create life in the experiments…to judge change where all the phenomena one place. whether a reusable conclusion has are readily available for us to Furthermore, the Talmud says been arrived at ... The experts observe? Again, it is Science of that if one has the ability to who are leading you may be Ignorance. For the record, we are not taking any position on global warming and climate change. But we deplore the fact that here too, as in the case of evolution and other issues, the scientists who challenge the prevalent view are suppressed and their views are not given fair consideration. As Smolin writes, “we professors tend almost reflexively to reward those who agree with us and penalize those who disagree ... Intellectual fads are far too important, and people who ignore them have dicey academic careers.”8 Now, in discussing climate change itself, most of the focus is on carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas. But another gas, methane, has a much stronger greenhouse effect. One kilogram of methane warms the earth 23 times more than a kilogram of carbon dioxide. What we will now present is Prof. Shimon Silman the very instructive story of the

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  research which is, after all, a writes, “It appeared that the One should not be human activity and as such it is monkeys’ brains were a lot more not perfect. Our point is, adaptable than the research awed by “the however, that no challenge can be community’s.”) brought from scientific research, How much methane were the scientists.” One an inherently flawed human green plants producing; how activity, against the Torah, the much would it contribute to should not accept perfect word of G-d. climate change? The amount of The story of the research on methane produced by a leaf or a their conclusions methane was reported by the plant was actually very small, but based solely on researchers, Frank Keppler and the cumulative effect over the Thomas Rockmann, in Scientific whole earth would be very great. their authority, American9. They begin their “We knew, of course, that report by asking, “What do you extrapolating global estimates but rather, do as a scientist when you from a limited sample of discover something that clearly laboratory measurements was examine them contradicts the textbooks?” The open to error,” they wrote, but accepted view was that only they still came up with a very critically for the anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that large number: “Between 60 scientists are thrive without oxygen) produce million and 240 million metric methane. They discovered, tons of methane come from plants subject to the however, that all green plants also every year – this constitutes 10 to produce methane. Now they had 40 percent of annual global same laws of to try to convince the scientific emissions.” establishment of this fact. After Keppler and Rockmann reasoning and “Difficult as this discovery had first published their findings in been for us to accept,” they write, 2006, Paul J. Crutzen, a Nobel logic that “trying to convince our scientific prize winner, and his colleagues everybody else is. peers and the public was almost reexamined measurements made impossible.” in 1998 of air samples from the (This unwillingness of the Venezuelan savanna and discovery of the sources of the established scientific community concluded that up to 60 million methane that is introduced into to accept new ideas is a major metric tons of methane could be the atmosphere. It is instructive part of the problem we are released from vegetation in these for us in that it illustrates certain discussing. Michael Merzenich regions, supporting Keppler and deficiencies in the activity of was a pioneering researcher in Rockmann’s results. Crutzen said scientific research: neuroplasticity, the ability of the that “looking back to 1998, we 1) Accepted scientific theory, brain to reorganize itself. He did could have made the discovery, taught in textbooks as fact may experiments with monkeys in but accepting the general wisdom simply be wrong. which the parts of their brains that methane can only be 2) Scientists who believe in a that normally controlled certain produced under anaerobic particular theory are reluctant to actions were disabled. The conditions, we missed the boat.” consider evidence that contradicts monkeys’ brains were able to that theory. “rewire” themselves and assign SMOLIN’S SLOGANS 3) Errors of extrapolation are control of these actions to other In the last pages of his book, common. (See explanation of parts of their brains. Based on Smolin concludes his analysis of extrapolation later in this this he concluded that adult the scientific community with the section.) human brains could also rewire following admonition to his fellow 4) Even the greatest scientific themselves. But he had great scientists and to the general authorities – the Nobel Prize difficulty getting his colleagues in public. winners – can be wrong. the research community to accept To his fellow scientists: “If you These problems exist even in this. In reporting on this, the are someone whose first reaction honest and careful scientific psychiatrist, Dr. Jeffery Schwartz when challenged on your

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& scientific beliefs is ‘What does X experts who are leading you may science, according to the way it think?’ or ‘How can you say be wrong.” defines itself, is not absolute…11 that? Everybody good knows Our conclusion from all this Yechi HaMelech HaMoshiach! that…’ then you are in danger of can be expressed by the following For the 36th yartzeit of HaRav Moshe no longer being a scientist. You excerpt from a letter that the DovBer Silman, 17 Tammuz, 5768 are paid good money to do your Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach once NOTES: job, and that means you have a wrote to an engineer: responsibility to make a careful “In total contrast to this is our 1 Igros Kodesh vol. 23, p.129 and independent evaluation of holy Torah. Being the wisdom of 2 Smolin, p. 267 everything you and your the True Existence – G-d – it is colleagues believe. If you cannot necessarily absolute. It is absolute 3 Smolin, p.275. He mentions also, John give a precise defense of your truth – both in its basic von Neumann, one of the greatest beliefs and commitments, statements and in the ‘principles mathematicians of the 20th century, consistent with the evidence, if of the Torah’ that direct the who, in 1932 published a proof that there could be no hidden variables in you let other people do your manner in which the basic quantum theory, a proof was widely thinking for you (even if they are statements are discussed [the quoted for three decades. But the proof senior and powerful), then you rules of reasoning]. Since this is was wrong as later demonstrated by the are not living up to your ethical the wisdom of the Creator of the quantum theorist, David Bohm. obligations as a member of a entire universe, which includes 4 scientific community. man, it follows that all its Smolin, Chapter 18. And to the general public: conclusions compel man to act in 5 Smolin, p. 277 “Don’t believe most of what you accordance with those 6 hear. When a scientist claims to conclusions and in no other Tehillim 74, 17-18 have done something important, manner at all. 7 The Siddur with Ma’amorim, p. 605 ask to see the evidence. Evaluate “This is one of the points that, 8 it as strictly as you would an as an engineer, should be Smolin, p. 265 investment. Give it as much embedded in your mind – that it 9 “Can plants Cause Global Warming?” scrutiny as a house you would is impossible to raise any in Scientific American, Feb. 2007, pp. buy or a school you would send question whatever based on 52-57 your children to.”10 science against the Torah since 10 Smolin, pp. 353-354 Or, as Feynman said, “The the Torah is absolute truth, and 11 Igros Kodesh vol. 6, p. 146 Y.S. MOVING Professional Yossi Reasonable Tel: 718-467-0171 24 hour service Boxes available upon request. Cellular: 917-805-7757

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  PEIBFJRPEE>¤>OBQW

Arabs are that the Rebbe referred to them as terrorists. When they see Israel’s weakness, they immediately perpetrate attacks THE and atrocities in the heart of Jerusalem. The question is whether anyone is going to learn the lesson. The answer seems to be TRACTOR no. If after the Gush Katif expulsion they didn’t get it, what is the likelihood that they’ll get it now? The Arabs are loudly saying CONTINUES that they are defeating us and Israel is weaker than ever. The stalemate over the release of our captives and the uneasy quiet only serve to illustrate what state Israel TO ROLL is really in.

By Shai Gefen THOSE WHO ARE MERCIFUL TOWARDS THE TRACTOR from Jerusalem and divide it. THE CRUEL If we did not understand this TERRORIST ATTACK Policemen, in the two recent after the expulsion from Gush PARABLE attacks in the center of Jerusalem, Katif, Heaven is showing us the did not kill the terrorists. The The tractor terrorist attack, in significance of that withdrawal: terrorist, in both massacres, the heart of Yerushalayim, should how the residents of Jerusalem remained alive and continued be setting off warning bells. Today will live if, G-d forbid, Olmert’s killing until “citizens in orange” it is quite clear that the Old City wishes are carried out. did something about it. is a powder keg liable to explode The tractor represents the In the most recent attack, the at any second. Ever since Olmert government of Israel, which races soldier who killed the terrorist released the safety catch on the forward towards the unknown and (getting on the tractor to do so!) issue of the division of Jerusalem, strikes its citizens with the was one of the boys who fought in that keg is a ticking bomb. From agreements it makes. In order to Kfar Darom, as a result of which the time the Israeli government stop it, the nation’s wisdom is the IDF did not want to draft allowed the Arab population in the needed, the courage of the him. Old City to expand but did not average citizen who knows how to The explanation for this allow Jews to settle there, it was stop it. What we need to do is phenomenon is based on a obvious that this was in the wake up and go out to the streets maamer Chazal which states, works. and cry out so that this bloody “Whoever has mercy on the cruel, The tractor attack, coming government will be unable to will ultimately be cruel towards after the massacre in Merkaz trample us all and drag us down the merciful.” Security forces that HaRav four months ago, just to the abyss. were busy day and night fighting made it all clearer. In one of the Those who did not understand settlers and being cruel towards Rebbe’s sichos about how serious the talks about the the merciful ultimately had mercy Yerushalayim, he said that division of Jerusalem are can see on the cruel. Hashem does not wait until the it in these two terrifying attacks. You can’t train people to wage Jews wake up; He lets them know The talks themselves, said the war and simultaneously use that what’s what. What happened last Rebbe, lead to danger, to the training against the settlers and week is a lesson in what lies point that Jews are murdered, r”l. against the Arab enemy. You can’t behind the decision to withdraw We see how daring the Jerusalem

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& REMOVING THE SHAME OF KFAR MAIMON It’s been three years since the Kfar Maimon scandal, when tens of thousands gathered and planned on marching on Gush Katif to halt the destruction there. The end of the story, as we know, was that the Yesha Council caved in, thus enabling the expulsion to take place smoothly as rabbanim befriended those doing the expelling and informed everyone that they were all going home. In the fight over Amona, they managed to remove some of the shame of Kfar Maimon as the youth put up a brave fight. In a letter the Rebbe wrote on 24 Shevat 5741, he says: If this protest was nonstop and extremely sharp, as the occasion warrants, it would ultimately have it both ways. standing. The government hasn’t succeed, and in the near future. The trait of cruelty, like that of yet located the law that enables It may not be pleasant or popular mercy, can only be used one way. them to destroy it. At the home of and they will scream that we are Someone who has mercy on those the terrorist who perpetrated the extremists; it’s definitely not “we will who are cruel will automatically tractor attack, they were able to win with love,” but this is the way be cruel to the merciful. Will get them to bring the mourner’s we have a chance to keep millions of anyone in the government and in tent indoors; wow, what an Jews out of danger and we won’t be the army do a cheshbon ha’nefesh accomplishment for the State of forced to experience another cruel in light of the signs we keep on Israel. expulsion done with “sensitivity and getting? Somehow, in Gush Katif, the determination.” Israeli government was able to The fight to save Eretz Yisroel THE TERRORIST’S destroy thousands of homes with has to be determined and without HOME VERSUS THE the permission of the Supreme sensitivity. If we only dig in our Court and with the approval of all HOMES OF JEWS heels now, we will be able to make legal authorities. up for the shame of Kfar Maimon. The home of the terrorist, who The laws of S’dom and Amora Let us hope that we have learned murdered eight yeshiva bachurim made more sense. the lessons of the past. in Merkaz HaRav, remains

Raskin's Consistently “if it grows we have it” Superior Fruit and Produce Emporium WHOLESALE & RETAIL Michal & Aaron Raskin We Deliver 335 Kingston Ave. Brooklyn NY 11213 * Tel: (718) 756-3888 756-2221 * Fax: 756-2440

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  PEIF@ERP

years ago and as we arranged things with the shliach, Rabbi Nechemia Schmerling, I focused on opening preschools. What can I tell you, it’s not easy. I experienced a SO FAR, YET lot of “crushing.” For nearly a year we tried to get a building or a permit from the local council to open a preschool, but were turned down. We tried to exert all our SO CLOSE influence but nothing helped. We finally decided to go l’chat’chilla By Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz, Shliach, Beit Shaan aribber and we had amazing brachos from the Rebbe in the Igros In “V’Ata Tetzaveh,” the Rebbe’s Rebbe for Tishrei, and returned to Kodesh. We began advertising in last maamer, to date, which was continue her shlichus in Ofakim. Kfar Yona that a Chabad preschool edited, the Rebbe explains that the As soon as she could, she told would open for the coming school fact that Jews are in galus causes her third grade students how year. “crushing,” which leads to the wonderful it was to be with the Parents came and registered revelation of the “light-source” with Rebbe for Tishrei. “It was their children. They asked where an increase in light and strength, to incredible! What chayus. We saw the school would be and we said, be strengthened in the service of the Rebbe!” she said. with Hashem’s help, it will be okay. Hashem with joy and goodness of A girl asked, “How could you We thought of getting a caravan or heart. see the Rebbe in New York when I maybe renting an apartment, but When on shlichus of the Rebbe, always hear, here in Ofakim, that there were difficulties with that too. each shliach in his city, there is the the shlichus is so successful because We finally found an apartment but aspect of “crushed,” and we see the Rebbe in Ofakim?” it needed a lot of renovations to consequently there is more “light- This demonstrates that we can make it suitable for a preschool. source,” more stories about see the Rebbe in 770, or anywhere After we signed a contract with shluchim and their children who when you are on his shlichus. When the landlord, I suddenly realized achieve an incredible hiskashrus to we adults live that way, it will be what a big and complicated the Rebbe, his teachings and to transmitted, naturally, to the situation I had gotten myself into. It shlichus. children. was a week and a half before school Rabbi Hershkowitz went on to was supposed to begin and we had IS THE REBBE IN NEW say: to complete the renovations, buy equipment, inform the parents, get YORK OR IN OFAKIM? One day, I visited one of the Chabad preschools and I overheard permits, and other complicated and I was at a Kinus Sh’Kulo a conversation among the children. expensive details. Anyone who Moshiach sponsored by the Matteh They were discussing whether the administers a school knows how Moshiach in Eretz Yisroel, which Rebbe is really chai v’kayam. Then I hard, expensive, and complicated it was attended by hundreds of heard my five-year-old say to his is. Chassidim and shluchim. They friends: What’s the question? My At a certain point I felt that with came from all over the country to father went to the Rebbe several my own kochos there was no way I learn how to better internalize and times recently, so of course the could go on. Throughout my years disseminate the B’suras HaGeula. Rebbe is alive. in yeshiva we learned all kinds of Rabbi Yisroel Hershkowitz, shliach things but we didn’t learn how to in Ofakim, told a number of stories THE MORE “CRUSHED” open a preschool. I felt very about life on shlichus. stressed and worried. Like any good Seminary girls from Kfar THE MORE “LIGHT” Chassid I sat down and wrote to the Chabad go to the Chabad girls’ Sometimes, only after enduring Rebbe. school in Ofakim for a few months, the “crushing” do you see the We got enormous brachos from as shluchos, to help teach. One girl “light.” Rabbi Levi Solomon, the Rebbe and the main thing is started her shlichus at the beginning shliach in Kfar Yona related: that the brachos were fulfilled in a of the year, in Elul, went to the We arrived to Kfar Yona four

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& miraculous way. We worked on the This demonstrates that we pityingly. renovations day and night, the best shouldn’t be fazed by difficulties. If I went over to my unfortunate kind of equipment was purchased, you persist, you succeed. friend who wondered what the rabbi and the school year began very could tell him already at a time like successfully. AFTER A FIRE… that. I shook his hand warmly and A year went by and Rabbi said: We have a saying that after a It seems that’s how things work, Schmerling and I decided that we fire you become rich. He gave me a “from the straits I called to G-d, He had to open another preschool. By small smile and we parted. answered me in the expanse.” First this time, the head of the city He got back on his feet (maybe there’s the “straits” and then the council couldn’t ignore our with the help of the insurance), “expanse.” presence and success. He told us bought a new, big house and since I have already related, in this that if we had twenty children then, whenever we meet he shakes column, that I also had a difficult registered for the new preschool, he my hand, smiles and says: You financial situation and I wrote to would provide a building. should know that at that terrible the Rebbe about it and ended with, We had only fifteen children moment, when my house had “I don’t know from where my help registered. We wrote to the Rebbe burned down, you were the only will come.” The Rebbe answered, again and opened to an answer in one who gave me hope. You told “It says [from where] there in the Igros Kodesh that you have to me something about wealth and T’hillim.” From that point on, I saw learn even from a thief, who you know what? It really real improvement (though it continues to try until he succeeds. happened! wouldn’t hurt to have some more We renewed our efforts at (By the way, his name is Sharon improvements!) in the Chabad registering children and were able Raviv. Readers are invited to think house’s financial situation. to present a list of twenty children quickly – what is the gematria of The Rebbeim say that after a to the head of the council, who these two words? Hint: the number fire, one gets wealthy. When you provided us with a building. He is etched into the main door of Beis know this and truly believe it, it found it hard to believe that we had Moshiach-770.) becomes easier. I recently heard registered so many children and on that there was a fire in Beit Shaan the first day of school he came to and that the home of a friend of RUNNING ON AN visit and see for himself. mine had gone up in flames. I went EMPTY GAS TANK… Since then, our registration and immediately and saw the fire truck success continue to grow and with A fellow shliach told me that at a finishing its job. The home owner Hashem’s help we are planning on certain point he was in a financial paced near his house as curious opening a third preschool. pickle. He wanted to go to a certain onlookers shook their heads friend in order to take the money from his pushka but he didn’t even The landlord paced near his house have the money for gas to get there. which had gone up in flames. That is real “crushing.” He finally got enough money for gas that would get him to the home of the donor. He hoped to buy more gas with money he would get from the pushka. He got several hundred sh’kalim from the pushka but there was a surprise in store for him. The man asked him to wait because on the second floor he had an envelope for him. The shliach gratefully took the envelope which contained 25,000 shekel in new notes. He made his return trip with a full tank as well as a heart full of joy and thanks to Hashem.

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  PEIF@ERP

account and you give the fundraiser some measure of control over buying his own materials (or else he will drive your secretary nuts with FUNDRAISING constant demands for funds), one has to resist the driving urge to drain that account and essentially end whatever work he is doing. As a separate account, he will IN THE ERA have no control over or access to your main accounts anyways. Plus, you as the director are always keeping tabs on what he is bringing in and can demand accounting at OF MOSHIACH any time as you have the statements coming to you as well as to him. Since you are paying him out of By Raanan Isseroff your own account, so he will not be tempted to pull from this account for what he personally needs. In There are many theories shluchim bring fact, it is best to sit down each week or month and go over the statements about why this hasn’t happened in the to correct any misunderstandings last 10 years of their mosad. Whatever about what is deposited or withdrawn and for why. the reasons, if a Beis Chabad wants to If anything, this gives the fundraiser a measuring stick of grow, someone must be aggressively positive progress and since he knows you are looking at his progress as plugging away for money. * Part 2 well as what he spends, so he will be extra careful to try and impress you [Continued from last week] money and are needed right now, with what he knows you will see on USING THE not next week to bring in more the statement. money. So money somehow must be DEVELOPMENT diverted for our valiant fighter for PAYING BY COMMISSION ACCOUNT TO PAY FOR funding to continue to operate. THOUGHTS THE FUNDRAISERS Use the bank account like this: A final word about people who BUDGET Leave a minimum of $400 in the account at all times. Have an work for commission. Mr. Pay-by- A frequent Painful subject is how arrangement where either he pays commission has rent to pay, children to fund the necessaries for the you a check each week or month of to feed and yeshivas to pay. Unless fundraiser. Letter head, envelopes, all money over this $400 or else you he has been in the business for years stamps, travel expenses, extra staff funnel off money and leave $400 at and loves your theme and mainly he needs (such as telemarketers and all times. loves you (and trusts you to be the like), etc., all needs to somehow For a mosad desperate for honest and up front with him) he be paid for. money, it is best to leave control of will not stay very long. Usually, cash flow in a mosad is the money in this account with the This type of person is best used “straight-in and straight-out”! So fundraiser or you will have NO as a “Door To Door” program, money our fundraiser brings in is fundraising activity going on to be which is overseen by the main going straight to the mosad. Great! able to bring that little bit more in! fundraiser. Many of them are quite But how is he supposed to pay Now, it is a “little bit more.” After a talented and if they love you, can for sundries that he needs to make year, it will be a LOT more. pull in quite a bit of money. But, it money. Stamps, letter head, printer So when you establish such an means that you have to give back to cartridges, staples, envelopes all cost them in terms of covering travel

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& expenses from what they pull in, that amount back to you in the first you only stand to gain! trusting them to take from what they year of his being there and doubles collect (less bother for you) and that amount in his second year (to ENSURING SUCCESS – giving them perks like a cell phone, pay for his budget) and by the third MAKING A CONTRACT a desk, business cards, picture on year, he is paying for himself, his your website, an important title and budget and your salary! All the while The lack of a contract is a most a personal phone extension. he is promoting you, your mosad, painful subject that has been the makes friends for your Beis Chabad, cause of terrible fights disturbing the essential love we each have for each PAYING A SALARY builds your image and respect for what you are doing (as he has to other. So many Gemara’s are How do we pay our fundraiser at constantly explain and embellish devoted to the subject of writing least a normal 30 to 35 thousand your mission to solicit money from down contracts and monetary dollars a year salary when we cannot donors) and builds a general good- agreements. For some reason, even pay rent or for teachers?! will in your community. (perhaps due to the great love and A great question. The best way to approach this, is trust Anash have for each other) we The difference between paying as a business proposition. Go to dream that we are patur (exempt) for a teacher and paying for a your biggest funders. Tell them that from all the takanos of making a fundraiser is that the teacher is a you have a plan to make their money contract. Hence the terrible distrust money-drain while the fundraiser is make even more money for your that directors of Bata Chabad have your big investor and promoter. He mosad. Givers like this are usually for fundraisers and vice-versa. finds and encourages people to business-minded people and will Money is a very sensitive issue. invest money in your operation. You appreciate your concern for making Each possible problem and detail have a choice to pay the teacher and must be discussed and written down the fundraiser, the fundraiser must and signed in agreement by both come first! Ay! The teacher comes parties. In the contract should be from bigger Geza and is even related CORRECTION included details of how to to you, so you take from him to pay We deeply regret that the renegotiate in the event of a dispute for her and then he leaves. Then pages of Part 1 of this article or some area that needs to be because he is gone, she will leave as were not properly arranged. renegotiated. Details should include well. who will be the Rav or Beis Din that So what do you have? will handle the dispute. This is one of the great mysteries money and relieving their burden. As well, should be included what and secrets of fundraising. Your plan is for them to pay for happens at the end of the contract With a fundraiser you only stand the fundraiser for one year. time until the new contract is to gain. They will just love the plan! negotiated. The period for rehiring / Whatever you are paying him, Perhaps ask them to agree to pay renegotiating should be included as you will get back much more. The this out weekly or bi-weekly straight well and how the person will be paid first three months are not easy, but to the fundraiser, perhaps even until the new contract is finalized, so as someone once said: “When you putting your person on their payroll that nobody feels they are being go to get married, you don’t have 10 as their employee. Why not? taken advantage of. As well, should kids at once!” It is the same with I suggested this idea to a board be included a clause that allows the paying a salary. Thirty Five thousand member of one mosad whom I am mosad 30 days to find a new person dollars a year means that over 52 close with. The answer of course in the event that the fundraiser weeks you pay out roughly $675 per always was: “How can we think of should leave and that he will train week or $100 a day. hiring someone extra when we the new person. Or think of it this way: Instead of cannot even pay present salaries?” Contract will specify time of putting together $3000 a week, you Recently, after four years of employment. How the fundraiser instead put down $675 a week for hocking, a member of their board will be paid. How much and how someone who in the beginning will agreed to pay for a fundraiser for often and in what form. (Cash or only be able to help reduce your one year and they finally hired check) I am suggesting that he be weekly budget, but eventually will someone whom they are happy with! paid once a week. Most mosdos are help you to reduce your personal Your Beis Chabad is a business! not solvent and it is easier to pay a efforts in making this goal. You And when it comes to fundraising, guy $650 one week than be stuck fundraise for him and he fundraises paying $1300 the next week. As

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  well, there must not be any clause in printed. More time. Thought has to the Beis Chabad and doing hafatza, the contract that stipulates that he go into designing an approach. This so he cannot be expected to raise the will only be paid on condition that then is reflected in your website, money you obligated him to raise. money comes in that week. (In other theme, logo and literature. One Which brings us to a necessary words, “buddy, you are paying for cannot expect instant money from next section: your own salary.”) This is not fair even the best in the field. and takes advantage of a bad Give the guy a respectable title USING YOUR SECRETARY situation (your own!) on his back. It such as “Director of Development.” / MERKAZ SHLIACH / is not his fault that your fundraising In the contract, give him a desk, efforts are not efficient! It will take a phone, business cards, a cell phone SHLUCHA AS YOUR him weeks, perhaps months to (invaluable). FUNDRAISING PERSON organize your donors and to create a Spell out details of his access and This can a positive experience or basis that he can fundraise with! use of the bank account. Define lead you into pitfalls depending how To do a mailing seems simple, whom he may not fundraise from. I you look at it. If someone is but try doing a mailing with no would give him a list of people strapped and needs for the moment mailing list! (A topic for another whom you are close with to stay to get a mailing out or to do a article) away from as part of the contract. dinner and is between fundraisers, I was recently given a list of 600 Spell out monetary goals (I would so why not? names by a 10-year-old mosad to advise you to make it only the It is great experience for the amount of his salary). Spell out bachur or bachura and you get the program goals. Which ones or how work done. If you plan for this to be Your Beis Chabad many. Or simply say: “Will develop your long-term answer to your new fundraising programs.” Do not fundraising woes, you are is a business! ask that Pushkas be a program goal. shortchanging yourself. They will This is a time consuming job by begin programs, develop And when it itself and he will spend this valuable relationships, start projects and then time on a project that will waste his leave. Leaving YOU to guess what comes to money making time and bring in they were doing and to lose out on fundraising, you relatively little money. Better to give what could have developed from him the job of getting someone else what they started. Those who they only stand to to do it. Pushkas go out and it is at developed giving relationships with least 3 months until they bring back will be upset at you that their gain! money. You must have at least a favorite person left and leave you thousand out to pay one salary, etc. looking unorganized. Big time drain as will be discussed in Use these people under the create a mailing form. The list was a later chapter please G-d. guidance of a fundraiser. This is the in the form of labels from their last Cell Phone - A cell phone makes best way. They gain the valuable mailing which (to their credit) they your man a walking business! He experience they will need for their typed laboriously for weeks by hand must have one. future Chabad House and you get a one by one. Define: Website access, approval lot of grunt work done at a saving. It took me half a day to convert of designs and slogans, give him Secretaries are great for mailings, that list into a useable spreadsheet. freedom to use your tax number and donation maintenance, website However, I know computers and stationary to write thank-you’s and updates, and dinners and that is lists inside out. When I started out, pledge letters and in fact any other about it! (Let’s hear it for the it would have taken me 3 days!! letter he can think of to raise you secretaries!) You need them for I know another Shliach who money! Define travel expenses and other more necessary things. subsists on door-to-door work and how he will be reimbursed. Define a But hard-core fundraising? has no propaganda besides what he limit to door-to-door work if you Forget it! primitively created on a Xerox feel he must do this. Define if you These are all half solutions that machine! (In two languages) want him to be your personal YOU lose out on administratively. Creating outreach material with a secretary. Obviously, if he is playing When a donor joins your board theme and a message and pictures your secretary, answering the and is faced with an inexperienced takes time. Then it needs to be phones, running errands managing (albeit enthusiastic) young person

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& who is “here today and gone getting larger donations. The next organization. tomorrow,” he is not impressed that was an expert in getting grants. The This is ONLY an honor if the you have the commons sense needed third was an expert in doing dinners, place has its act together and is to raise that million dollars you are but nothing else. The first was a going places. If it is completely bothering him about for your school $100,000 a year proposition ($2000 unorganized, the person may stay on or shul! / week). The second was in the the board, but be embarrassed to One organization I worked for $40,000 range and the third was invite his friends to join up with him. needed a fundraiser. The best! I about 30 to $35,000 a year. It is crucial that your board feel called the personnel departments of These three people I could confident in your mission, leadership the biggest, ritziest, fanciest present to our board and know that abilities and ability to carry out your Orthodox Jewish organizations in they would be impressed with real goals. New York City and found us three professionals. This is important with Raanan Isseroff is Operations Manager / prize people. a board, as it is a very big honor for Administrator for the Shtetl Foundation. One was an expert of experts in someone to be invited to serve on [email protected] doing million dollar dinners and in the board of a charitable www.MoshiachForKids.com Check it out!! Educational and Fun!!

HECHT’SHECHT’S TRAVEL EEsstthheerr’’ss PPaarrttyy GGrriillll TRAVEL 463 Albany Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-735-4343 1503 Union Street Brooklyn N.Y.11213 CATERING ON OR OFF THE PREMISES S. HECHT & Y.HECHT CORPORATE ACCOUNTS WELCOME. (718) 773-1193 or 963-1072 SHLUCHIM; SPECIAL RATES FOR FAX (718) 963-3440 SHABBATONS & PARTIES

B.H COME SEE

OUR BRAND NEW LUXURIOUS EFFICIENCY ACCOMMODATIONS SUSHI BAR RECOMMENDED OPEN FOR IN HOUSE DINING TAKE OUT & CATERING FOR THE UPSCALE GUEST VISITING CROWN HEIGHTS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE WITH VERY DISCRIMINATING TASTE BEIS DIN CROWN HEIGHTS

FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL (718) 774-0088 FREE DELIVERY TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  FKPFDEQ A CHABAD RAV, NO ‘ORDINARY’ RAV

Interview by Nosson Avrohom

then, Rabbi Dov Akselrod worked in The concept of “Chabad rabbanim” has settlements in the Sharon together expanded over the years. If in the not so with some T’mimim under the auspices of the Mobile Mitzva distant past, Chabad rabbanim were Tanks. When they once came to spend a rabbanim of Chassidishe k’hillos, in Shabbos in Yinov, one of the elders of the yishuv, R’ Daniel Zachut, a recent years there has been a quiet Tunisian émigré, like most of the members of the yishuv, asked them revolution. More and more Chassidishe to help find a rav for the community. young men are being appointed to Rabbi Akselrod took their request seriously and since he knew me and important positions as rabbanim of knew I had finished studying rabbanus, he made me the offer. I cities, yishuvim, neighborhoods, and went to visit the yishuv and got to meet some of the people. I liked the even of k’hillos that are not necessarily place. That was in 5751. I went to visit Chassidic. * Beis Moshiach spoke with a few more times until I became three Lubavitcher rabbanim who serve engaged. Then I went to the Rebbe and received his bracha to go on as rabbis of yishuvim and moshavim in shlichus. I officially began serving as rav of the moshav in the middle of the north and south of Eretz Yisroel, 5752. Before I began working in and discussed their work, the rabbanus at the moshav, I consulted with one of the older Chabad difficulties they have to contend with, rabbanim. He advised me that since and the challenges they face. * Part 1 the moshav was comprised of Sephardim, I shouldn’t emphasize the fact that I am a Chassid, because There was one point they all secret to their success. that could interfere with my work. agreed upon – that the world today Tell us about how it was when So two weeks before I went there, I is ready for Geula. All sorts of you started out. learned how to lein in Nusach Sfard. people accept the Rebbe as Rabbi Avrohom: When I Getting settled wasn’t easy. As a Moshiach. “Our role is just to finished learning on K’vutza, I bachur educated in Tomchei explain and publicize it.” All three returned to Eretz Yisroel and went Tmimim, it took me time to also point to the fact that they are to learn at the Machon L’Hachshoras understand how Sephardic Jews shluchim as well as rabbanim as the Rabbanim in Yerushalayim. Back regard a rav. They want a leader

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& One day of Chol HaMoed Pesach As soon as we settled in, we PANELISTS 5752, when we visited my father-in- began doing programs for Yomim RABBI YOSEF CHAIM ROSENBLATT law, Rabbi Yeshaya Hertzel, who Tovim and providing shiurim for Rav of the District Council of the was the rav of Kfar Tavor and the men and women. Even before the Lower Galil and Yishuv Givat Lower Galil at the time, he told me residents themselves got to know Avnei there was a new yishuv being one another, we were the ones who RABBI TZEMACH AVROHOM established in the area and maybe we organized social activities. I Rav of Yishuv Yinov in the should live there as shluchim. remember that one entire shiur Sharon When we went there in order to revolved around the shock of a lady RABBI SHLOMO LIFSH form our impression of the place who had come to the yishuv from Rav of Yishuv Kfar Achim near and the people, we saw a new yishuv kibbutz Mizra and saw the Kiryat Malachi with about twenty families. The “Hichonu L’Bias HaMoshiach” sign. infrastructure was still not That was a great opportunity to talk completed and the roads were about Moshiach from a broad, who is involved in everything. Men patchy. We decided it was a good Jewish, historical perspective and who could have been my grandfather shlichus option. from current events based on the complained to me about why I didn’t We wrote to the Rebbe. This was Rebbe’s sichos and the prophecy of lead them and get more involved in after 27 Adar and the Rebbe nodded the B’suras HaGeula. their lives. To them, a rav is not just as a sign of consent and so we went. There are various communal a rabbi but also a shochet and The first challenge was the yishuv’s yishuvim whose connection to chazan, the one in charge of absorption committee. We didn’t Judaism is very tenuous. Since no memorials for the deceased and one attempt to hide anything; we openly religious people ever go there, they who speaks words of chizuk. They said that we came in order to spread never developed the atmosphere that asked that I get more involved in Judaism. attracted religious people. One of interpersonal matters as well. They Without my father-in-law’s these yishuvim is Givat Avnei, where weren’t exactly looking for someone advance work in the Lower Galil we began working. The fact that the expert in Hilchos Shabbos who and the great love that the people shul now has 250 people present on knew how to give deep shiurim. had for him, there was no way I a Shabbos night is not something Rabbi Rosenblatt: We arrived in could have been accepted. The only you take for granted when the Givat Avnei at the end of 5752. We request the members of the yishuv is not religious! had gotten married the year before committee had was that we On Rosh HaShana 5753, our and lived in Tzfas. We planned on shouldn’t turn Givat Avnei into first year there, only a few traditional going on shlichus at the end of that Yavniel (a city considered by many and religious families remained year. The question was “where?” as the home of a Chassidic cult). there. Most of them went to visit relatives. I decided to ensure that there would be a minyan so we Getting settled could hear the shofar with a minyan. I found four men who would wasn’t easy. As a definitely show up at shul who had remained at the yishuv. I brought bachur educated five bachurim from the yeshiva in Lud so we would have a minyan plus in Tomchei another bachur who learned with me Tmimim, it took in yeshiva. Erev Rosh HaShana the davening me time to was fine and very moving, but the next day one of the men did not understand how show up. As the minutes ticked by and he did not arrive, I went and Sephardic Jews knocked at his door. I thought he had gone to sleep late and needed to regard a rav... be woken up. When I saw that nobody answered, I knocked louder Rabbi Tzemach Avrohom

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  Chassidim who had certain obstacles That was a great in their path but it was nothing to be opportunity to talk fazed about because in the end, the Chassidim have the upper hand, about Moshiach didan natzach. What was amazing was that from a broad although the previous rav had stopped carrying out his job, he did perspective and not agree to relinquish his official position and therefore I worked for a from current while without formal recognition. events based on On 5 Teives (didan natzach), this rav finally conceded to have his the Rebbe’s sichos name officially removed from the position, which paved the way for and the B’suras my official appointment. What are the challenges you Rabbi Yosef Chaim Rosenblatt HaGeula. face? Rabbi Avrohom: A challenge is until he came to the door. gabbai of the shul in the neighboring something that passes; you deal with How taken aback I was when he yishuv of Kfar Achim and the it and move on. For example, when I told me that he would not be position of rav was vacant since the arrived as rav of the moshav, it was coming. When I asked him why, he previous rav had left. I agreed to obvious to me that on Simchas said, “For me, it’s not Rosh check it out and I went to the Torah you make Kiddush before the HaShana.” moshav and liked it very much. hakafos and you dance with I wondered what had happened At the end of the year we faced a unbridled joy. I discovered that they and then he explained that there is a dilemma. Should I take the job as a make Kiddush after the davening piyut that Sephardim sing at the fulltime position or only on a part- when everybody is already hungry beginning of the Rosh HaShana time basis. I met with Rabbi Moshe and they hurry up the hakafos. Every davening, and since we hadn’t said it Kotlarksy from New York. He hakafa went around once and it was the night before, he did not consider suggested that I be a shliach in all over within a short time. the day Rosh HaShana. Europe. At the same time, I didn’t As a bachur coming from 770, it Of course I did not allow him to know whether I should leave my was hard for me to accept this. It stay home and I took him with me position at the yeshiva. was a corruption of the way I had to shul, but this incident taught me I wrote all this down and put it been taught that Simchas Torah is how that it can be complicated for a into a volume of Igros Kodesh. The supposed to be. It took me time to Lubavitcher to be the rav of a answer I opened to was in volume 4, change things and I had to do it Sephardic community. You need to p. 271: with baby steps. The absolutely know how to lead and maneuver May you add in courage to be a wrong thing to do is to go without offending others. proper vessel and channel to fulfill someplace and try and change Rabbi Lifsh: My appointment as the shlichus of the Rebbe, my people’s customs. rav in Kfar Achim was in 5758. father-in-law which is to spread the In order to succeed in a rabbinic Until then, I had lived in Nachalat light of Torah and the luminary of position when the entire k’hilla is of Har Chabad and was the mashpia in Torah, which is Toras another background, you must have Achei HaT’mimim, which was in HaChassidus, in the place and bittul to Elokus and not attempt Kfar Chabad at the time. On country where you are now, and coercion. You have to do things Shabbasos I would walk to one of then certainly all will be insightfully, slowly, and with long- the shuls in Kiryat Malachi in order successful, with outstanding range goals. The biggest challenge is to “make gatherings on Shabbos.” I success. to transform the moshav into a would give shiurim and was happy There were additional amazing Chassidishe place where people to become friends with the details to this marvelous response. conduct themselves according to congregants. The letter was dated 10 Iyar, my Chassidic standards. One time, one of the men came birthday, and in the beginning of the [To be continued be”H] over to me and said that he was the letter, the Rebbe wrote about

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !&