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HOW COULD G-D DESTROY THE HOLY  TEMPLE? D’var Malchus | Likkutei Sichos Vol. 29, pg. 9-17

A DAILY DOSE OF MOSHIACH  Moshiach & Geula

MY REB MENDEL  Chassid | Rabbi Hillel Zaltzman

THE ZEALOT  Thought | Rabbi Yosef Karasik

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1. We have already discussed many times1 that from the very first Torah portion, B’Reishis, all the way until the Seventeenth of Tammuz, HOW “We conclude the Torah reading with [a Haftora of] the same subject matter as the portions – coupling like with like. But from then on [the Haftora goes] according to the time COULD G-D [of the year] and the event [that took place at that time]” (as stated in Tur2). Nevertheless, since all matters of the Torah are extremely exact, it is DESTROY understood that the Haftoros throughout the period beginning on the Seventeenth of Tammuz (namely, the Haftora of “The Words of Yermiyahu,” read with the portion THE HOLY Pinchas (or Mattos), and etc.,3 “The Vision” (Chazon), with the portion D’varim4), which are established “according to the time,” also have a connection with the Torah portions TEMPLE? read on the Shabbasos throughout that period (“of the same subject Likkutei Sichos Vol. 29, pg. 9-17 matter as the portions, etc.”), though Translated by Boruch Merkur they are mainly “according to the time and the event.”5 This connection is particularly emphasized on Shabbos Chazon. Insofar as this Shabbos (according to Jewish custom, which “is Torah”) is named after the Haftora – Shabbos Chazon – it is understood that this [name/Haftora] expresses the significance of the (entire) Shabbos. 2. Among the concepts that are common to both “Chazon Yeshayahu”6 (“The Vision of Yeshayahu”) and the Torah portion (D’varim) are: The prophecy of the Haftora “Chazon Yeshayahu” is comprised of words of rebuke to the Jewish people. Nevertheless, the Haftora concludes and is sealed with the concept of redemption: “I will restore your judges, etc. Tziyon shall be redeemed through justice and its penitents through righteousness.”7 Similarly, we find that the Torah portion D’varim begins with “words of rebuke,”8 yet it concludes and is sealed with the concept of the entry of the Jewish people into the Land of Israel: “You shall not fear them, for it is G-d, your L-rd, Who will wage war for you.”9 Since “Everything goes according to the seal,”10 it is understood that although the subject matter of the Haftora is “Retribution,”11 and of the Three Weeks of Retribution, the Haftora of Chazon is the most severe,12

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& nevertheless, the main point it expresses (the conclusion entry beginning with the words, “Rosh Chodesh”; and see and seal) is the concept of redemption: “Tziyon shall be Rambam Laws of Prayer 13:19. redeemed through justice and its penitents through 3 Read during the Three Weeks of Retribution. righteousness.” Since the Haftora comes as the completion and the 4 So too with regard to the Seven Weeks of Consolation. 13 conclusion of the portion in Torah, it comes out that 5 See Likkutei Sichos Vol. 9 ibid in particular, as well as the the conclusion and the bottom line of the portion is the footnotes there. concept of redemption. 6 The above discussion sheds light on the fact that in Yeshayahu 1:1 ff. Likkutei Torah, which contains discourses arranged by 7 Ibid 26-27. the Tzemach Tzedek “according to the order of the Torah 8 portions, etc.,”14 there is only one discourse15 for the See Sifri, Targum Unkelus, Targum Yonasan, and the Torah portion D’varim. Namely, the discourse on the commentary of Rashi on the beginning of the Torah portion verse, “Tziyon shall be redeemed through justice and its D’varim. penitents through righteousness.” (There is no discourse 9 3:22. 16 on a verse from the Torah portion itself. ) We may infer 10 (as a possibility) that this is because this [verse in the Brachos 12a Haftora] comprises the meaning of the Torah portion. 11 Tosafos on Megilla ibid, Tur Shulchan Aruch ibid – from Notwithstanding the fact that this concept (that the the P’sikta. In Rambam ibid, “with words of rebuke.” main point of the Torah portion is expressed in the However, according to the opinion of Rambam it is a different Haftora, and the conclusion of the Haftora [in order, unlike that described in Tur Shulchan Aruch. particular]) is applicable to all the Torah portions, we 12 See Tosafos ibid, end, etc. – see Footnote 11 in the don’t find other instances among the other portions original. whereby the discourse in Likkutei Torah (on a Torah 13 portion) is focussed solely on a verse of the Haftora,17 To note the meaning of the term “Haftora” – entry in and the conclusion of the Haftora in particular. Encyclopedia Talmudis, beg. See there that there were those who called it “Eshlamta” (completion), insofar as it is the We may propose that the reason why this applies completion of the Torah reading. specifically to our Torah portion is because the concept of exile and redemption is uniquely underscored here, as will 14 Wording of the title page of Likkutei Torah, edited by the be discussed. Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek. [To be continued be”H] 15 on a verse from the Torah portion or the Haftora. Even the second discourse there comes as a continuation to the NOTES: discourse that begins, “Tziyon shall be redeemed through 1 See Likkutei Sichos Vol. 9, pg. 61, where it is elucidated; justice.” Likkutei Sichos Vol. 18, pg. 342, among others. 16 See Footnote 15 in the original. 2 Orach Chayim 428 (in the name of the P’sikta). Similarly in 17 See Footnote 16 in the original. Shulchan Aruch 428:8; Tosafos on Meseches Megilla 31b,

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20 TAMMUZ: THIS IS NO ORDINARY PLACE Regarding the location of the A DAILY Beis HaMikdash, it is said (B’Reishis 28:17): “How awesome is this place!” and Unkelus translates: This is no ordinary place. DOSE OF The world is “an ordinary place,” as created in the Ten Utterances, which are called “worldly matters.” However, the place of the Beis MOSHIACH HaMikdash is not an “ordinary place,” as in all “the Ten Utterances,” it is written, “And Elokim said,” whereas in the place of the Beis HaMikdash, there was a & GEULA: revelation of the name Havaya: “Indeed, there is Havaya in this place” (ibid., verse 16). 20-26 TAMMUZ (sicha from the Rebbe shlita) 21 TAMMUZ: THE FUTURE BEIS Selected daily pearls of wisdom from the HA’MIKDASH WILL ALSO BE BUILT OUT OF IRON Rebbe MH”M on Moshiach and Geula. The First and Second Beis HaMikdash were destroyed Collected and arranged by Rabbi Pinchas Maman through iron, and therefore, iron is Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry negated in the Beis HaMikdash. However, in the Future Beis HaMikdash, an eternal house with no connection to destruction, there is no relevance to any concern from the corresponding concept of iron, since in the Future to Come, the corresponding concept of iron will be nullified. Thus, its construction can and must be with iron as well, in order to emphasize the elevation and wholeness in the transformation of the iron that destroyed the Beis HaMikdash into the iron in the building of the Beis HaMikdash.

(Shabbos Parshas VaYechi 5752)

22 TAMMUZ: ONE LARGE BEIS HA’MIKDASH In the Future to Come, the Beis HaMikdash will be as large as Yerushalayim in this world, since in the rebuilt Yerushalayim in the Future to Come, all the places of all the shuls that were in this world will be appended to the Beis HaMikdash” (Chiddushei Agadta, Megilla 29a). The connecting of the shuls from throughout the world’s nations (“small sanctuary”) to the Future Beis

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& HaMikdash will be in accordance with the varying The building of the Beis HaMikdash down below degrees among them. will be through man, and within this sanctuary there The special shuls that have an advantage over other will descend and be manifest the spiritual sanctuary shuls…will have precedence in its connection to the Above. Beis HaMikdash, being literally connected to the Beis Alternatively, the physical sanctuary will descend HaMikdash (touching and attached to it with no from Heaven, but the doors and the gates that sank obstacle between them), and thereby all other shuls into the earth, made by the hands of man, will rise and throughout the world’s nations will be connected to be revealed and be erected in their place. Indeed, the the Beis HaMikdash. one who erects the doors is considered as if he built it. (Kuntres Beis Rabbeinu Sh’B’Bavel 5752) Accordingly, we find that the future construction will require both concepts – the concept of “the 23 TAMMUZ: WHO WILL BUILD THE THIRD BEIS building of the Holy One, Blessed Be He” and that it HA’MIKDASH? [A] – DIFFERING OPINIONS will be made by man, Melech HaMoshiach. There is the known opinion of the Zohar (Vol. I, (Likkutei Sichos, Shabbos Chazon 5751) 28:1) that the Third Beis HaMikdash will be built by G-d, “the building of the Holy One, Blessed Be He.” 25 TAMMUZ: THE THIRD BEIS HA’MIKDASH WILL BE Similarly, Rashi writes (Sukka 41:1) “The Future BROUGHT DOWN FROM ABOVE WITH ITS FOUNDATION Mikdash for which we await, elaborately built, will be STONE revealed and come from Heaven, as is said, ‘The May it be G-d’s will that through the avoda to fulfill “You shall place judges, etc., in all your gates” in a manner of “I Its construction can and must be with shall restore your judges, etc.,” this shall be fulfilled in actual deed – in iron as well, in order to emphasize the “your gates” in Eretz Yisroel, and elevation and wholeness in the “in your gates” of the Third Beis HaMikdash, for “its gates sank into transformation of the iron that the earth.” The children of Israel shall destroyed the Beis HaMikdash into the construct this building anew through their avoda, and together iron in the building of the Beis with this, the Beis HaMikdash itself (which is elaborately built Above) HaMikdash. descends below from Above, together with the Holy of Holies sanctuary, Hashem, which Your hands have and the Foundation Stone (Even HaSh’siya), from founded.’” which the whole world is founded. On the other hand, however, we have found in [the (Shabbos Parshas Shoftim 5751) sayings of] our Sages, of blessed memory (Talmud Yerushalmi, Megilla 1:11), that the Beis HaMikdash 26 TAMMUZ: THE THIRD BEIS HA’MIKDASH – THE TIME will be built by the Jewish People. Similarly, Rambam FOR ITS REVELATION IS ALSO AT NIGHT rules (Hilchos Melachim, Ch. 11) that Moshiach will Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, Chief Rabbi of Eretz build the Beis HaMikdash. Yisroel: In relation to the Beis HaMikdash, we don’t The reason is apparently simple, for the building of have to wait until they build it (according to the the Beis HaMikdash is a positive commandment – as opinion of the Rambam that Moshiach “builds the is written, “And they shall make Me a sanctuary” – and Mikdash”). a mitzva is something that is incumbent upon the This is because the Future Mikdash, for which we Jewish People. are waiting, will be revealed and will come from 24 TAMMUZ: WHO WILL BUILD THE THIRD BEIS Heaven elaborately built (according to the opinion of HA’MIKDASH? [B] – MEDIATING BETWEEN THE TWO Rashi and Tosafos). OPINIONS The Rebbe shlita: And therefore, it can be revealed We therefore can find numerous commonalities and come even at night, now mamash. between these opinions: (yechidus, 6 MarCheshvan 5752)

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  @E>PPFA MY REB MENDEL

every detail was vital in these secret I asked: Are you R’ Mendel? He said he messages. As he approached R’ was and he asked: Are you the son of Mendel’s house, he looked carefully all around and when he saw a car Avremel Zaltzman? I said that I was, sitting in front of the house across the street with a man at the wheel, and we both greeted one another. I he assumed R’ Mendel was being watched. couldn’t hold back my tears and I He decided not to go directly to R’ Mendel but to walk around the noticed that R’ Mendel’s eyes were also neighborhood a bit to ascertain moist with tears. * Rabbi Hillel whether R’ Mendel’s house was indeed under surveillance. After Zaltzman remembers the mashpia R’ walking round and round, he became certain that R’ Mendel was Mendel Futerfas. being watched. He didn’t know what to do. He finally decided that It was recently the twelfth mesirus nefesh was boundless. he had to enter, if only to inform R’ yahrtzait of the Chassid and baal When his wife asked him why his Mendel that he was being watched. mesirus nefesh, Reb Mendel concern extended to all large When he entered R’ Mendel’s Futerfas a”h, on 4 Tamuz, and I families (preference was given to apartment, he found him preparing would like to share my memories of families with children) except for his breakfast. R’ Mendel was very this dear Chassid. His entire life own, he answered: If you want, I nervous since my brother-in-law was consisted of mesirus nefesh for will send you and the children out, supposed to come at eight in the every member of Anash and other but I cannot leave Russia until the morning and because of the detours Jews as well, and even under harsh last of the Chassidim leave. he had taken, he had come late. interrogation, he never denied his And that is what R’ Mendel did. “Where were you? I was very association and connection to our He sent out his family and he worried about you.” Rebbeim. remained in the lion’s den until his My brother-in-law, who did not I will begin with a few anecdotes luck ran out and he was caught by want to tell him his suspicions about R’ Mendel’s mesirus nefesh the police. immediately, tried to avoid during the great flight of Anash Those in charge of the smuggling answering, but R’ Mendel from Russia in 1946-7 and about in Lemberg were greatly helped by understood. “Why are you avoiding his period of imprisonment. the children of Anash. Since the answering me? Did you see them However, this chapter will deal with askanim lived in separate following me?” my first encounter with R’ Mendel apartments, in order not to arouse My brother-in-law nodded his after he was released from prison suspicion, they used children as head yes. R’ Mendel thought for a and the years following that, when couriers to transmit secret messages moment and said, “Listen Leibke, as he went to Samarkand and settled to each other. My brother-in-law, R’ long as we’re free, we must continue there, as per the Rebbe’s Aryeh Leib Demichovsky, was just our work. When they arrest us, we instructions, until he left Russia. past his bar mitzva when he won’t have a choice, but now we R’ Mendel was one of the leading conveyed a message to R’ Mendel. must use every moment.” figures who organized the great Before leaving, he memorized his Despite the worrisome flight of Anash from Soviet Russia message until he was sure he would information that he had just via the border city of Lemberg. His not forget a single detail of it, for received, and knowing that if he was

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& caught his life was in danger, R’ Mendel was as cool as could be and this amazed my brother-in-law. He invited my brother-in-law to join him for breakfast and even managed to joke around a bit. “Look Leibke, I put the potatoes in the pan, added a little oil, and out came this calf…”

IF I WAS OUTSIDE OF RUSSIA AND THE REBBE IN RUSSIA, I WOULD TRAVEL TO SEE HIM R’ Mendel was caught by the police shortly thereafter and thrown into jail. Before he was arrested he managed to send a message to Anash which said not to worry since he would take all responsibility upon himself. He also said that if they arrested other askanim, they could say that he organized everything. In the difficult interrogations R’ Mendel endured, the interrogators tried to extract information about Anash, being well aware that R’ Mendel knew all the details. R’ Mendel, however, insisted he knew nothing. Unlike certain others who avoided declaring that they belonged to Lubavitch, since this was a crime in itself, R’ Mendel did not want to be disassociated for even a moment and he proudly declared that he was a Chassid of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. In his defense, R’ Mendel said that his goal in attempting to escape was solely to be able to see the Rebbe. I have nothing against Russia, he said, and the proof is: If the Rebbe was in Russia and I was in another country, I would yearn to visit Russia to the same extent that I now yearn to leave Russia. He added that all the Chassidim who were caught in the final attempt to leave were not guilty, for he was the one who convinced them to leave Russia in order to meet with the Rebbe. R’ Mendel didn’t speak much

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  about the interrogations and about screams, they suddenly heard a prisoners told him that there had the brutal methods the interrogators gunshot and then absolutely silence. been a man by the name of Yona used in order to extract You can well imagine what went Kogan (the Chassid R’ Yona Cohen) incriminating information from him through the minds of those waiting and since he didn’t eat anything, he about other Chassidim. However, to be interrogated. had died after a short time. R’ from the following story we can When the interrogators realized Mendel realized that because of the imagine how hard it was for R’ they would not be able to break R’ Siberian cold you had to eat Mendel when he was in the clutches Mendel’s spirit with beatings and something warm in order to survive, of the KGB. physical tortures, they tried and he resolved that just as putting Years after his release, when R’ psychological tactics on him: You on t’fillin is a daily obligation, so too Mendel was in Samarkand, there realize that after everything you’ve he needed to obtain a hot meal every were hard times once again, and I, done you deserve the death penalty. day in order to fulfill the mitzva of who was already involved in But if you agree to cooperate with “and you shall protect your souls” community work, expressed my us, we will reduce your punishment and remain alive. fears to him that if another wicked to 25 years and you will stay alive. He set aside a slice of bread from person like Stalin arose, who knows R’ Mendel responded: You know every portion of bread that he was what would be? that I believe in G-d and I have no given and obtained an iron box. R’ Mendel told me: You really doubt that if G-d wants me to die, Every day he cooked the bread want to know what will be? They’ll then even if you release me now, I mixed with water and that was the arrest you, interrogate you, and beat could be in a car accident and die. hot “dish” he had daily. When he you murderously until your blood On the other hand, if G-d wants me obtained vegetable oil, then he had a veritable feast. During the winter he would take snow and melt it. Even I have nothing against Russia, he said, when he was very tired when he came back from a day of hard labor, and the proof is: If the Rebbe was in he made sure to prepare a hot dish. This helped him survive the Russia and I was in another country, I hardships of Siberia. R’ Mendel knew that Anash were would yearn to visit Russia to the same very worried about him, and he tried extent that I now yearn to leave Russia. to get out the word that he was alive. My brother-in-law, R’ Aryeh Leib Demichovsky, related that one sprays the walls… to live, you will be unable to kill me. time a gentile came to his father’s I was terrified by this horrifying (my father-in-law, R’ Efraim description and I asked him: R’ NU FUTERFAS, YOU’RE Demichovsky) slaughterhouse and Mendel, is that what they did to A LUCKY MAN! said to him, as though imparting a you? secret: “I just came from Siberia R’ Mendel avoided answering me After going through all the and there was a Jewish man there and said: Don’t ask what they did to interrogations and being sentenced with us by the name of Mendel me. I’m telling you what they do. to death, R’ Mendel was transferred Mendelovitz (Mendel son of On one of the rare occasions that from place to place. One of the Mendel). He is a distinguished man R’ Mendel spoke about those interrogators who was passing by and everybody loves him. We interrogations, he said that before snarled: Nu, Futerfas, you’re a lucky arranged a special place for him to the interrogation they sat in a large man! pray and we all tried not to disturb waiting room, full of people accused R’ Mendel didn’t know what he him while he prayed. of crimes. The waiting room was meant and only afterwards did he “When he heard that I was about near the interrogation room so that find out that before his sentence was to be released, he asked me: If you those waiting would hear the carried out, a telegram came from see a Jew who looks like me, with a bloodcurdling screams and would be Stalin that said that those who had beard and an obvious Jewish terrified before they even entered the not been killed yet should be given appearance, tell him my name and room themselves. 25 years instead. ask him to convey that I am well Often, after they heard cries and When R’ Mendel arrived in the and that I am hopeful that I will be labor camp in Siberia, the gentile

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& released too, and they should not jail. He is like an orphan. See how worry.” thin he is. Leave him alone! “If you want, I will Thus, even with the walls of the But R’ Zushe, who was elderly Soviet camp, R’ Mendel made sure and strong-willed, wasn’t impressed send you and the to uplift the spirits of the Chabad by R’ Mendel and told him to stop children out, but I Chassidim who remained in Russia. interfering with his work. Throughout my childhood and cannot leave KNOWING HIM FROM youth, R’ Mendel was a symbol of a A YOUNG AGE genuine Chassid and a baal mesirus Russia until the nefesh to me and my friends. We, My acquaintance with R’ Mendel who grew up in Samarkand after last of the began when I was a child, during the war, without the presence of the World War II, when I learned with great Chassidim who filled the city Chassidim leave.” R’ Zushe Der Shamash (the during the war, received our Jewish, Sexton). I remember an incident Chassidic education through the a lot and emphasize his mesirus from that period: R’ Zushe was stories that we heard from our nefesh. known for his severe demeanor and elders about the holy Rebbeim and All those Chassidim, giants of the his students greatly feared him. The about Chassidim, such as R’ Asher spirit, left Russia during the great great composer Rabbi Yom Tov Batumer (Sossonkin), R’ Nissan flight of 1946-7. R’ Mendel was one Ehrlich a”h, who was in Samarkand Der Geller (Neminov), R’ Yona of the few left behind in Russia and at that time, composed a song that Cohen, and of course, R’ Mendel he spent many years in jail. We depicted the lives of Chassidim Futerfas. always hoped that one day he would there, and he mentioned R’ Zushe We heard vivid descriptions of R’ be released and we would be able to the Melamed, who stood like a Mendel’s lengthy and sweet prayer, meet him face to face. general and whose students about his Chassidim aphorisms, and trembled before him. about his wondrous acts of chesed. R’ BERKE AND It once happened that I did It is interesting to note that R’ R’ MOSHE DEBATE something displeasing to him and he Chaim Dovber (Berke) Chein, who hit me. Then R’ Mendel showed up was himself a giant of a Chassidic After Anash left Russia and and I looked at him like an angel personality, spoke a great deal about following the great wave of arrests from heaven who might rescue me other Chassidim, and since he had of those who were caught in the last from the melamed’s belt. R’ Mendel heard a lot about R’ Mendel, whom attempt to flee, the Chassidim who began yelling at him: What do you he knew personally, he would tell us remained in Russia were extremely want from the boy? His father is in fearful. The emotional breakdown that followed the war and the vacuum that was created after all the Chassidic figures disappeared from the scene, contributed towards a feeling of great distress. We were young children, pre-bar mitzva, but the older bachurim began to get a taste of mesirus nefesh to preserve their Lubavitch appearance. Their beards began to grow in, giving them a distinctively Chassidic look and literally putting their lives in danger. Since it was out of the question to remove their beards, they tried to hide it with a scarf and when they were questioned about the scarf, they would say they suffered from a My brother-in-law, R’ Aryeh Leib My father-in-law, R’ Efraim toothache. Demichovsky Demichovsky The passing years didn’t treat us

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  well. Black clouds began to cover was called Chaburas Ahavas Yisroel Stalin’s time, I planned a trip into the skies of Russia. The dictator (Chai). the depths of Russia on behalf of the Stalin, may his name be erased, In later years, when R’ Moshe community. I planned on visiting a came up with the infamous Doctors’ saw in the holy Sh’lah about how few cities including Chernovitz, of Plot. Jewish doctors who served as great it is to bring merit to the course, where R’ Mendel lived after personal doctors of government many, he changed the name to he was released from jail in 1956. officials were thrown into jail and Chaburas Mizakei HaRabbim Before I left, I spoke a lot with R’ arrests of Jews throughout the (Chamah). Moshe about R’ Mendel. He told me Soviet Union became routine. We began with underground what he knew about R’ Mendel’s Reliable rumors told of 40,000 activities with the encouragement of mesirus nefesh and he also told me barracks that were prepared in R’ Moshe. We started a gemach about his cleverness. I wondered Siberia to absorb the millions of fund to aid the needy, and tried to whether I could tell R’ Mendel all Jews whom Stalin planned on be mekarev those Jews who went off the details about our underground expelling after arranging a show trial the derech. work in Samarkand, which in those of the doctors accused of plotting to Throughout all our secret work years had grown quite large. kill the heads of the government. we were witness to an ongoing People’s fear of those who had For a long period of time we lived in debate between R’ Moshe and R’ spent time in the KGB’s lair was so daily, palpable fear. Berke Chein, who hid in Samarkand great that we could never know In that bleak time it was a at that time, and was one of the what happened to that person “over serious offense for people to remnants of the previous generation there.” Did the KGB agents manage congregate, and under these of spiritual giants. In his to recruit them? I consulted with my circumstances it was impossible to farbrengens, R’ Berke stressed that father a”h and my brother-in-law R’ dream about a yeshiva or minyan. A before working with others, you had Eliyahu Mishulovin a”h and both private melamed would come to our to invest energy and efforts in avoda rejected my concern out of hand. house a few times a week for an with yourself. Only afterwards could R’ Moshe Nisselevitz was also hour a day, but not at a set time so you influence others. firm in his opinion: G-d forbid to that the neighbors wouldn’t notice R’ Moshe opined that if we suspect R’ Mendel. We heard how anything unusual. delayed the work with others until he conducted himself during the It was impossible to go to shul to we were ready, it could be too late. interrogations, taking all the blame, daven and Anash tried to arrange The other person is not at fault etc. We decided to tell him secret minyanim in private homes, at because we are not ready, he everything and to consult with him first only on holidays and then on heatedly maintained. regarding certain things, without Shabbos Mevarchim too. Since we In 5719/1959, with the concealing anything. did not have a Torah, the sidra was reduction in the level of fear of [To be continued be”H] read from a Chumash, just in order to give us young boys an idea of what communal prayer was like. After the unexpected death of the tyrant Stalin, Khrushchev, who took over, revealed the horrifying details of what Stalin planned to do. The doctors were released and many people arrested in the great wave of arrests in 1937-8 and in 1950-1, were released too. In the meantime, we had grown up and had become bachurim. R’ Moshe Nisselevitz once called me over and told me that he planned on founding an organization that would give us more energy and chayus to work in spreading Judaism and Chassidus. At first, this organization R’ Berke Chein R’ Moshe Nisselevitz

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

who fight against religious zealots, can also be divided into opposite categories: Some oppose religious zealotry THE ZEALOT for good reasons. In their opinion, acts of religious zealotry cause a By Rabbi Yosef Karasik, Rav district Bat Chefer-Emek Chefer desecration of G-d’s name, distances people from the Torah, and takes away from the Torah’s Pinchas was a young man who took honor and from the honor of Torah scholars. They consider the proper matters into his own hands. What approach to be mekarev Jews to be one of pleasantness. motivated him to risk his life when so However, there are people who, upon encountering zealots for many people, including heads of tribes Hashem and His Torah, fight against them; they simply cannot and the Elders, did nothing to stop stand seeing someone who takes the Zimri? * A discussion about different Torah to heart to such a degree. They are bothered by genuine men types of zealotry and those who oppose of truth. When the zealot directs criticism against them, they respond it. * A fascinating look at the parsha of violently with a war that comes solely from the Evil Inclination and the week from the perspective of the from lack of honor for the Torah and those who follow in its holy Midrash, Kabbala, and Chabad ways. Chassidus. Discussions about zealotry have stirred up the Jewish people since the beginning of time until this very ZEALOTRY FOR THE wicked person degrading the Torah, day: SAKE OF HEAVEN VS. he rises up against him in a holy Does shouting and cursing to SELF-SERVING war in order to subdue him. In protest Shabbos desecrators and extreme instances, he kills him for those who desecrate the Torah come ZEALOTRY the sake of Heaven, in order to save from pure zealotry for Hashem and Sometimes, two opposite forces him from continuing his sinful His Torah, or is it an outlet and – such as true love from the depths ways. We see this with Pinchas, excuse to insult people? Does of one’s heart and vicious hatred – who, when he saw the terrible thing religious zealotry increase the honor bring about the same practical that Zimri ben Salu did, killed him of Heaven and add soldiers for result. The difference between them in an act motivated by religious Hashem and His Torah, or does it is only in the motivation of the act. zealotry. Pinchas’ love and fear of push people away? For example, a knife can serve a Hashem compelled him to put his Let us examine the types of doctor when he needs to amputate a life aside and to fight those who zealots and those who oppose them limb in order to save a life. A knife desecrated the honor of Heaven. in order to establish when their acts can also be used to maim and kill. Some, on the other hand, use are pure and good and when they Although the results are similar, religious zealotry in order to hurt are invalid and bad. In instances there is an obvious, extreme others, to insult them and to shed where the Torah view is to act with difference between them. blood, doing so because they take zealousness, how can we explain to Religious fanaticism, fighting for pleasure in hurting others, and not and convince those who fight the Torah and taking revenge on the because of any desire to increase zealotry that this is the proper way? wicked, can originate in one of two the honor of Heaven. They enjoy We will look at Pinchas’ zealotry opposing sources. One person shaming others but hide their and that of Moshiach, with which fights with all his might for the sake cruelty in a guise of holiness. he will conquer and save the world. of Torah, and when he sees a The other side of the coin, those

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  PINCHAS AND HIS was not genuine. They thought that animals! ZEALOTRY Pinchas had desecrated the name of This is how the tribes interpreted Hashem. This group was composed Pinchas’ zealousness in killing Zimri, the Nasi of the tribe of of two categories of individuals. Zimri, saying it stemmed from his Shimon, took a gentile woman and The sinners who lived with cruel nature which was inherited Pinchas, in his zealousness, Midyanite women opposed Pinchas from his ancestors who enjoyed opposed him with mesirus nefesh for selfish reasons. They identified killing, and not from zealousness and killed him. At first glance, you with Zimri, who took a gentile for the sake of Heaven. can get the wrong impression about woman, and they feared that they In fact, they went further and both Pinchas and Zimri: too would be killed. However, they said that the nature of a cruel Zimri was a tzaddik who led his presented their opposition in the person is such that he particularly tribe of Shimon and provided for guise of concern for the honor of hates compassionate people. The their needs. His love for them was Heaven, supporting it with religious kinder the person, the greater his so strong that when his tribe told reasons. hatred for them. They interpreted him that they were going to die The truth is that love for Torah the killing of Zimri as an expression because of the gentile women they was not their motivation. Their lust, of Pinchas’ hatred for someone who had taken, he felt compassion for anger, and personal vendetta was known as a good man, a loyal them. Despite his stature, he against Pinchas is what spurred leader who was good to his himself took a Midyanite woman, them on. Moshe did not respond to tribesmen. Kozbi bas Tzur (under the their complaints and many of them impression that a child born to a were killed by the court for their Jewish father and a non-Jewish “PINCHAS SON OF sins. Their rectification was not mother would be Jewish) and he ELOZOR SON OF through explanations and asked Moshe, “If you say it is intellectual proofs, because the Evil AHARON” forbidden to marry a Midyanite Inclination burned within them. Hashem “examined kidneys and woman, why are you married to The rest of the Jewish people, the heart,” and He testifies in His one, the daughter of Yisro?” (In those who disparaged Pinchas, did Torah that they were wrong about addition to which, Moshe served as not have personal reasons for doing Pinchas and about Zimri: Pinchas a Kohen, and a Kohen cannot so. They were not from the tribe of “the son of Elozor the son of marry even a convert.) Shimon and were not sinners. Their Aharon” is a man with wonderful The one who opposed Zimri was anger against Pinchas came from character traits. He is the grandson not a famous person – it wasn’t pure motivations – the honor of of Aharon, who “loves peace and Moshe and not one of the 70 Moshe and the other Torah scholars pursues peace.” Pinchas is all Elders, nor one of the N’siim. It and leaders. kindness and mercy, love of was Pinchas, who was himself They maintained that Pinchas Hashem and love of people! He is descended from a Midyanite woman disparaged the leaders, for how not cruel and does not rejoice at (because his father Elozor married could one so young know the suffering. He takes no pleasure in the sister of Tzippora, Moshe’s halacha about killing a Jew who has striking anyone. His only motivation wife, one of the daughters of Yisro relations with a non-Jew, when the is the honor of Heaven – the Midyanite). He did not engage “man of G-d,” Moshe Rabbeinu, zealousness for Hashem! in discussion and debate; he simply did not tell them this halacha? By taking a spear and killing killed Zimri! Thus, they thought Pinchas’ act was Zimri, Pinchas vanquished the Many Jews thought that Zimri not motivated by love for Hashem. plague. (The Zohar explains that was on a higher level than Pinchas. They examined Pinchas’ lineage Pinchas took the letter Mem from They considered Zimri to be a and discovered that his grandfather, the word “mavess” (death) and loving leader and Pinchas to be a his mother’s father, fattened cows added to it the strength of Yitzchok young fanatic. and slaughtered them for idols. The Avinu, whose name is numerically act of fattening them indicates a equivalent to “rach,” 208, to form “THE TRIBES cruel nature. Although at first the word “romach,” a spear. By DISPARAGED HIM” glance it seems as though he fed taking the letter Mem from Most of the Jewish people them in abundance out of love for “mavess,” the Angel of Death had opposed the murder of Zimri, the animals, his real intention was no power to kill, and the plague saying that Pinchas’ zealousness to ultimately kill the fattened ceased.)

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& Furthermore, by killing Zimri, was wrong (“who permitted the MOSHIACH’S Pinchas rectified Zimri himself, as daughter of Yisro to you?” he ZEALOUSNESS the Noam Elimelech writes, “‘And asked). Zimri had 24,000 guards The greatest zealot for Hashem he took a romach (spear)’ means from his tribe. So what motivated and His Torah is Moshiach. that Pinchas took the 248 limbs Pinchas to endanger both his Rambam (Laws of Kings, 11:4) (the gematria of “romach”) of spiritual and physical lives? By says that Moshiach will “compel all Zimri and rectified them and killing Zimri he stood to be Israel to follow it [the Torah] and infused them with life,” because disqualified for the service of the strengthen its breaches and fight the “the power of the holiness of Kehuna, and killing a Jewish man wars of Hashem.” This is the Aharon HaKohen can be mekarev who has relations with a non-Jew is ultimate in religious zealotry – all souls and return them to not one of the three sins for which Moshiach will compel all Jews. holiness. (By being moser nefesh, we are commanded to sacrifice our How will Moshiach accomplish he fulfilled all 248 mitzvos, which is lives! this? What are his weapons? We hinted at in the phrase, “and he The answer is that Pinchas did learn what they are from the Rebbe’s took a spear,” for “spear” equals not think it through, weighing the behavior on countless occasions. He 248, the number of positive mitzvos pros and cons, material and compelled people to do mitzvos – in –Tiferes Shlomo, Balak.) spiritual. He saw one thing before ways of pleasantness, as in the Whereas Zimri, the leader of the him – following an explicit prophecy of Zecharia (11:7) that Tribe of Shimon, instead of serving instruction from Moshe. He Hashem, the Shepherd has two sticks and two ways of conducting Himself: “the stick of chovlim,” i.e., Moshiach will “compel all Israel to with power and with punishments, and “the stick of noam,” i.e., follow it [the Torah] and strengthen its pleasantness, as the Ohr HaChayim HaKadosh, whose yahrtzait is 15 breaches and fight the wars of Tamuz, says (D’varim 11:22): “to reprove with pleasantness, words of Hashem.” This is the ultimate in love and affection, to turn the heart religious zealotry – Moshiach will of man to straighten the crookedness of the heart.” compel all Jews. This is what the Rebbe taught all his shluchim and disciples worldwide: to compel the world to believe in Hashem and to compel as an example of holiness and nullified himself to what the leader the Jewish people to go in the ways purity, guiding his tribe not to take of the Jewish people had said and of Torah with the warmth of Midyanite women, succumbed to ignored everything else. Since he simcha. his Evil Inclination and sinned. He had heard directly from Moshe that The approach of Musar is to was impudent to Moshe and he fell “one who has relations with a non- compel people to do mitzvos with into the depths of darkness of the Jew, zealots kill him,” he stuck to it threats and with descriptions of the impurity of Midyan. (In Kabbala it at all costs, even though he could punishments of Gehinom, but the is explained that the source of his have been a source of mockery to approach of Chassidus is to inspire soul was a reincarnation of all, and even though by doing so he people to do mitzvos with simcha. Sh’chem, the son of Chamor, who endangered his life. He rushed to The Rebbe, the “Pinchas” of the kidnapped Dina.) carry out the instruction with generation, guides all members of mesirus nefesh, without considering the generation to the proper whether it was worth his while to do ONE MAN SAVED AN zealousness of Moshiach, to so. The main thing was to do what ENTIRE NATION! conquer the world and illuminate it his Rebbe said! with the light of holiness and Torah A lone individual did something This one deed by an individual with the stick of pleasantness, kiruv with no backing by any spiritual gave great nachas to Hashem and and love, with the complete figure and he opposed someone saved the nation! who was a Nasi. Zimri had proved Redemption, may it be now! with halachic reasoning that Moshe Sources: Likkutei Sichos vol. 8 among others

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  MOLCFIB

Kook 16 in Tel Aviv, continued in Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim in Lud, in Rishon L’Tziyon with R’ Shaul Brook a”h, and in Kfar Chabad. He spent his year on K’vutza between TEL AVIV Pesach 5729 and Pesach 5730 and received smicha for rabbanus from Rabbi Yisroel Yitzchok Piekarski, rosh yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim- 770. After he married, R’ Chaim was appointed mashgiach in the mesivta REVIVAL of Tomchei T’mimim in Lud. Two years after that, he was offered a position in the yeshiva ketana, which By Menachem Ziegelboim was called charifta back then. After the Rebbe instructed him to find out whether it entailed any hasagas g’vul As a child, he watched the Chassidim in (encroachment), R’ Ashkenazi the Chabad shul in Tel Aviv, and received the Rebbe’s bracha. During a yechidus that his wife observed their davening, their avoda, had, in which the Rebbe spoke about the role in yeshiva, the Rebbe smiled and their farbrengens suffused with old- and said: Your husband has smicha for rabbanus… When he heard time Chassidishkait. His grandfather about this, R’ Ashkenazi said he was afraid that one day he would have to was a rav, his father was a rav, and he serve as rav. saw all this as he got up to speak when R’ Chaim Ashkenazi served as mashgiach for twenty years and he himself became rav a few months guided thousands of talmidim in Torah and Chassidishe behavior. In ago. * An interview with Rabbi Chaim recent years, he has been mashpia in Tomchei T’mimim in Ohr Yehuda. A Ashkenazi, rav of the Chabad few months ago, when his father passed away, he took over his community in Tel Aviv and a frequent father’s position as rav of the contributor to Beis Moshiach. Chabad community in Tel Aviv. You are serving as rav of the community you were born into… I sat with Rabbi Chaim Rabbi Chaim Ashkenazi was born Yes. I grew up in this Ashkenazi in his home, in a cool in Tel Aviv sixty years ago. His community. room full of s’farim, with an old- father was Rabbi Moshe a”h, the rav Surely you have memories of fashioned ceiling fan whirring. R’ of the Chabad community in Tel your childhood in the community… Ashkenazi is a fascinating person. Aviv for 47 years, and a member of I was raised in the Chassidishe He knows how to talk and how to the hanhala of Agudas Chassidei atmosphere. The community was listen in silence. He uses these Chabad. His mother was Rebbetzin focused on the shul on Rechov thoughtful moments of silence a lot Devorah a”h, daughter of Rabbi Nachalat Binyamin. The community when asked interviewed about his Eliezer Karasik a”h who was also wasn’t just the center for Chabad in position of rav in Tel Aviv. rav of the Chabad community in Tel Tel Aviv, but for the entire country, “I recently accepted this position Aviv and one of the people who set as Chabad was small at the time. and I’m still learning,” he explained, Chabad in Eretz Yisroel on its feet. The shul was another world, one unlike many others who know it all R’ Chaim learned in a Chabad that breathed Chassidishkait. as soon as they start. Talmud Torah on Rechov HaRav

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& Everything took place at the shul the time would go to shul. Even a younger than them. One time, my - the farbrengens, the shiurim - or at working person would go before father was walking in the street with the homes of Anash. They were Mincha and stay and learn. There the cake, on his way to one of the always looking for a special occasion were always reasons to stay. pastry shops, when he met R’ Moshe or other reasons to go to shul. As a boy I heard a story from my and R’ Nachum. Whoever had some free time went to mother that illustrates what the “Moshe, what are you holding shul and sat and learned. It’s what atmosphere was like back then. In there?” united the entire community. They those early days, when making a “Cake,” he answered. farbrenged and davened together, livelihood was so very difficult, my “Ah, great! We have mashke and learned Chassidus and Nigleh, grandmother would bake cakes and you have cake, and that’s a reason to fought, made up - it all took place in sell them to the stores. My father farbreng,” they said. They went into shul. brought them to the stores to sell the shul with him and farbrenged for Was the emphasis on Shabbos them, and that’s how they supported hours. and Yom Tovim? themselves. That was the atmosphere in those Not necessarily, although the My father was a friend of the days. atmosphere on Shabbos was Chassidim, R’ Moshe Dubinsky, R’ The focal point of Chassidic life obviously, a lot more lively, Nachum Goldschmidt, and R’ Pinye was, of course, the farbrengens on throughout the week, whoever had Altheus, even though he was Shabbos, which I’ll never forget. I

The topics of conversation were not about politics but about stories of Chassidim, living with the Rebbe, living with Moshiach...

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  was a boy and a boy did not sit near farbreng on other occasions, my Simchas Torah was the highlight the farbrengen table. Back then, grandmother and mother would ask: of the entire year. This was the time children did not get near the table, What happened? It’s not Shabbos that they farbrenged in my not only in the physical sense but Chazon today!” grandfather’s house (and before also in the spiritual sense. Children At these farbrengens, there that, in the home of R’ Shmuel knew that their place was not near wasn’t food as there is today. There Zalmanov), until late at night. the table but around it. (In general, was herring and a little cake, Afterwards, they would go on in those days, there wasn’t much of mashke, and water from the faucet. Tahalucha to shul. They would an emphasis on children There was no soda. I remember the somersault and dance along the way participating in farbrengens. The first time they brought bottles of and stop traffic. Sometimes, they Rebbe is the one who emphasized seltzer. There was a lot of grabbing would take drivers out of their cars the importance of this.) and then they got rid of it. Soda at a and dance with them. Nevertheless, I would try to farbrengen?! That’s how they arrived at the stand behind the benches and listen. At a certain point, they began shul, very late at night, and would I was always on the alert to go and bringing cups of tea from the big begin davening Maariv and Ata bring mashke or the chulent from urn in the Gerrer shtibel on the Horeisa. By this time, people in the the home of R’ Moshe Yaroslavsky second floor. The first few times, other shuls had finished their or someone else. they got rid of the cups of tea. hakafos and their Yom Tov meal, Rabbi Moshe Gurary and my That’s the way it was at farbrengens, and they would come to watch grandfather, Rav Eliezer Karasik, without tea and without special hakafos at the Chabad shul. The were the main speakers. Before them drinks. However, over the years, shul was packed, with people standing on the windows and in every corner. And what a sight it When we stayed a long time to farbreng was! There was real joy and they on other occasions, my grandmother danced and danced and danced. There had said a lot of l’chaim and and mother would ask: What there was what to hear from them. There was no violence, not even happened? It’s not Shabbos Chazon verbal violence against anyone, G-d today!” forbid. On the contrary, it brought out more of their p’nimius, as was always the case with Chassidim in was R’ Zalman Moshe HaYitzchaki, little by little, there was tea, spritz those days. but I don’t remember him. There bottles of seltzer, no more than that. Even the taking of mashke was was also the niggunim part of the People sat to farbreng in order to done in a special way. There were farbrengen, which was led by R’ listen, not to eat. Chassidim who drank on Simchas Nachum Goldschmidt and R’ Pinye Despite the lack of refreshments Torah night, like R’ Ben-Tzion Altheus, both of whom were and despite the length of the Weingruber a”h, and there were wonderful baalei menagnim. When farbrengens, Anash didn’t leave in Chassidim who drank mashke in the they sang, it was silent and all were the middle of a farbrengen. daytime (and they never switched under their spell. They had their Someone who had to go home times!), like R’ Yudel Shmotkin a”h favorite niggunim, which were called snuck out so people wouldn’t notice. and R’ Nissan Eber a”h. It wasn’t “R’ Nachum’s Niggun” and “R’ First he would send one of his drinking for the sake of drinking, Pinye’s Niggun.” children out with his tallis without ch”v, but a genuine Chassidic Farbrengens took place nearly people noticing, and then he would expression of simcha. every Shabbos and lasted until go out to the bathroom, supposedly, In general, Tel Aviv was different Mincha. After Mincha there was a and go home. in those days. It was a different review of a maamer Chassidus. They If they caught him in the act, boy planet than the one we are familiar didn’t always go home Shabbos would he get it! When he returned with now. Tel Aviv was secular then afternoon. On Shabbos Chazon, for for Mincha, he would look but the secularism wasn’t in the example, they farbrenged all day. So uncomfortably around him and try streets; it was in the homes or on the when we stayed a long time to to be inconspicuous. beach. The streets were quiet and

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& there were few privately owned cars gave R’ Karasik a strong injection, the city, and nobody wanted to live (especially during the time of but it didn’t help. Towards morning, there. Later on, the Ramat Aviv austerity, when every car had to be R’ Karasik passed away. Out of the neighborhood was built there, which idle one day a week). Secularism entire extended family, only his today is an exclusive area north of was quiet intellectual-heresy, and eleven-year-old grandson Chaim was Tel Aviv, where there is a beautiful not something externally visible. present, almost as if Divine Chabad community led by Rabbi * * * Providence was indicating that he Yossi Ginsburgh. The Chabad community in Tel would one day take the mantle of In any case, when my father Aviv was led by Rav Eliezer Karasik, leadership. arrived, the school was shrinking who was also one of the main The Rebbe said the rabbinic and he held on to it with his teeth, Chabad askanim in Eretz Yisroel. position should be passed on to his so to say, for a long time, on his On Friday night, 5 Nissan son-in-law, Rabbi Moshe Ashkenazi. own account. At a certain point, he 5720/1960, R’ Karasik had the When your father accepted the left his work in the diamond Shabbos meal at home, in the course rabbanus, did he institute exchange and became a melamed. of which he sang many Chassidishe changes? The same with the shul. My niggunim. When my father took on the father and Rabbi Sholom Dovber After the Shabbos meal, he told position, the community was Butman strengthened the his grandson, Chaim Ashkenazi beginning to disintegrate. The young community with all their might. (who lived in his house from the age generation left Tel Aviv and scattered More than once, people said: Let’s of 11, when his father sent him from to Kfar Chabad, B’nei Brak, Ramat close up shop. What are we hanging Brazil in order to learn in Eretz Gan and Petach Tikva. They said on to the shul for? Its fate is sealed. Yisroel), “Now you have vacation they had nothing to do in Tel Aviv. But my father refused. R’ Sholom and we can learn Gemara together.” In those days, the Rebbe said that a Dovber Butman, the mashpia of the After finishing Shnayim Mikra Chabad neighborhood should be shul, tended it with endless devotion V’Echad Targum, he went to bed. built in Tel Aviv, but Anash didn’t from both the material and spiritual He had a heart attack in the middle internalize the message. aspects. As time passed, the benches of the night. They began to look into it, but began to fill up again. Rabbi Boaz A doctor who lived in the the area that the municipality agreed Segal was one of the first of the neighborhood was called and he to set aside was in the dunes near “young guard” of the worshippers in Tel Boruch, far from the center of the shul. Baruch Hashem, in recent years new faces have been appearing of people who have become baalei t’shuva thanks to the shluchim who are all over the city. Some come regularly and some come occasionally, but we hope that the shul will experience a revival. My father did not make a revolution per se; he was not the type, but he preserved what he had. It would not have taken much for the shul with its beautiful past to be closed for good, but my father, in his quiet way, with his incredible patience, preserved what there was. What happened to the community under your father’s leadership? Three generations of rabbanim: Rabbi Eliezer Karasik (sitting), The shul was like a nature with his son-in-law, Rabbi Moshe preserve of authentic Chassidishkait. Ashkenazi and grandchildren Every Shabbos there were t’fillos (from left to right), R’ Mordechai, and farbrengens. Whoever came to R’ Notke a”h, R’ Chaim the Chabad shul could not stop help but remember the farbrengens that

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  took place every Shabbos. Today as well, we look for a reason to farbreng and we always find one. Sometimes the farbrengen goes late into the night. We speak about Chassidus, tell Chassidishe stories, stories of the Rebbeim. It’s a taanug (spiritual pleasure). People say they haven’t found another corner of Tel Aviv like this one. There’s no doubt that the place is saturated. The topics of conversation were not about politics but about stories of Chassidim, living with the Rebbe, living with Moshiach, and all this thanks to my father, who made efforts to preserve the character of the shul. My father was always particular about sitting until the end of the farbrengen, even though it lasted Installing Rabbi Chaim Ashkenazi as rav many hours and it was hard for him. of the Nachalat Binyamin Shul in Tel Aviv In his later years, when he couldn’t sit for many hours, the “On a number of occasions, my saying, “I am like Abba.” Who am I grandchildren bought him a father said he wanted someone from to fill the place of my father and reclining chair which they brought to the family to continue the rabbinic grandfather? Who am I that I the women’s section. Since women tradition in the community,” said R’ should serve as rav in a place which also sat at the farbrengen until late, Chaim. In the final years, R’ Chaim was the birthplace of Chabad in my father would wait until they left stayed with his father every Shabbos. Eretz Yisroel? But this is what my and then he would go to the “My father said to me, ‘You started father wanted. women’s section, where he rested and you are fitting, so continue.’” Your father instructed you? until Mincha. When you got up to speak when My father tried not to tell us * * * you accepted the position, you what to do so we wouldn’t probably saw before your eyes, transgress in Kibbud Av. He would After R’ Moshe Ashkenazi passed your father and grandfather, your always phrase it as a suggestion and away on 23 Teives of this year, his predecessors, and those illustrious never gave orders. Sometimes, when son R’ Chaim was appointed rav of Chassidic figures and the vibrant he would tell us something, he the community. Under the present Chassidic life of the past… would hurry and call us up conditions, it was not an Yes, it was very emotional as well afterwards and emphasize that it was appointment that brought him honor as very surprising. Who am I to take only a suggestion and not an and acclaim, but R’ Chaim on this position? I feel like a little instruction. Ashkenazi is fulfilling his father’s boy putting on his father’s big shoes, [To be continued be”H] wish: taking his hat and umbrella and

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 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& JLPEF>@E DDBRI> YOU CAN’T IGNORE THE FACTS

By Rabbi Shlomo Halpern Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry

changed or perhaps it’s the I’d like to make a practical suggestion: magazine that has changed – is an Gather together all of the Rebbe’s important subject for discussion, but not in this forum. answers and responses known to us in As a result of this decision, while I apparently “lost out” on several connection with the subject of Moshiach articles, interviews, and reports that have created a storm in the Chabad and the Redemption – from “both world, nevertheless, it doesn’t appear to me that we’re talking sides,” every answer publicized in the about too heavy a price. In any past (prior to Gimmel Tammuz 5754) or event, when there was something really important, there was always with proven credibility, without ignoring someone who brought the matter to my attention, thus enabling me to a single instruction, sicha, or action, respond whenever the need arose. It is specifically for this reason and bring them to light without that I was stunned to see the heading of an article publicized in commentary. Who is prepared to the aforementioned periodical, “accept the challenge”? entitled “A Chassid Does Not Hide From Uncomfortable Instructions.” This appeared to me as if it should Permit me to begin with then, I have stopped reading the be the title to an article in the Beis something of a personal confession: weekly magazine that defines itself Moshiach Magazine, and therefore, I Something changed within me since today as “the weekly magazine for began to read it eagerly. Then, I Gimmel Tammuz 5754, and before Chabad chassidim in Eretz came to the paragraph where the our devoted readers move on to the HaKodesh.” What the reasons are author establishes, “It is essential to next article, I have to explain: Since for this – whether it was me who have a direct and proper approach

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& when we’re talking about the words G-d forbid, if we should ignore this 5752, the Rebbe replied, “It was of the Rebbe. We are chassidim, and instruction, and G-d willing, we will received, many thanks. It is the most precious thing to us is to discuss it at some point. However, in enclosed with this [note] to be go in the direction of the Rebbe’s order that we should not find published and exchanged for a holy viewpoint. We do not have ourselves merely repeating the words bound one – and thank you in positions dictated to us in advance. of others, we will bring here a few advance. May it be with success If we reach the conclusion that it is more instructions, which even this and for good tidings.” the will of the Rebbe that we should person surely is not trying to ignore. (NOTE: We’re talking about the do such and such, this must be our (They appeared in this very same publishing of a seifer publicized and outlook and our aspiration.” The magazine more than thirteen years distributed even in non-Chabad author continues by expressing his ago.) Furthermore, the fact that circles, publicity in every respect, astonishment: “How is it possible since then “they totally ignore a and see the type of positive and that in a public discussion among complete series of answers and encouragement-filled response Rabbi chassidim, they totally ignore a instructions” is certainly not “simply Wolpo received!) complete series of answers and because it contradicts the position If the answer to Rabbi Wolpo is instructions simply because it that someone holds.” Let’s attempt to be categorized as a response to a contradicts the position that here to correct this distortion. private individual, there are dozens someone holds, as if they’re saying, Rabbi Shalom Dovber HaLevi of positive answers that groups of ‘Don’t confuse me with facts.’” Wolpo – yes, the one from the Chabad women and Anash members I was beside myself with joy, as farbrengen at the start of 5745, throughout the world received in this represented the very reason why which became one of the response to reports of the signing of Beis Moshiach was founded. Are we foundations of the “chassidic petitions on kabbalas ha’malchus now no longer needed? outlook” – brought into the Rebbe (acceptance of the Rebbe’s In fact, the author had chosen to MH”M unbound pages from his sovereignty) – and they are definitely make his readers aware of one seifer Yechi HaMelech HaMoshiach, along the lines of general particular instruction that had been to which the Rebbe referred even instructions. personally brought to his attention. then. On the 19th of MarCheshvan Chabad women were privileged

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  to receive the most encouraging second one, and after a bit more just accept it according to its simple answers about their activities for perusing, took the second slip (the meaning? The Rebbe didn’t want kabbalas ha’malchus, etc. In the negative one), placed it on the side, Rabbi Brod to respond in the media preparations for their kinus, during and again gave the first slip to the on the subject of publicizing the the kinus itself, and even afterwards, secretary with the instructions, identity of Melech HaMoshiach, and they merited to have the Rebbe “Give them the response” (as even explained the reason why. MH”M issue clear answers and mentioned above). What’s so hard to understand? Did references, including on the matter the Rebbe instruct him to take action of acceptance of the Rebbe’s WHO DID THE REBBE against the publicity, as he does sovereignty as Melech HaMoshiach. INSTRUCT NOT TO now? In this article, we are focusing only While we have no need for upon instructions, and therefore, we SPEAK ABOUT “inferior” explanations, in any event, will mention here just the Rebbe MOSHIACH? anyone who happens to hear this MH”M’s instruction to the Chabad As we have promised, we are not person being interviewed in the women of London: “And surely ignoring other instructions, and for media or appear at various functions they will be in touch with N’shei the benefit of our readers who don’t (except for his articles – as no one Chabad here to know about their graze in strange pastures, we will disputes his flair for writing – celebration here recently” – the bring the instruction received and prepared lectures and Torah classes, celebration where they accepted and publicized by R. Menachem Mendel or anywhere else where he is allowed signed on kabbalas ha’malchus! HaLevi Brod. In brief, the story goes to prepare his words, as is known As mentioned earlier, there are so as follows: with others in the field) in many answers of this type, a small One day leading up to Yud Shvat connection with the identity of quote from one of them causes a 5753, Rabbi Brod was invited to Melech HaMoshiach, exposed in the tremendous injustice in presenting appear on a television program and content of what he says and the the case. Nevertheless, we will rely respond to the activities of a group manner in which he presents them, upon the readers to find those of Chabad women who were will readily understand, even within answers that have been publicized in approaching passers-by and getting his limited intellect, the instructions the past, including recently in Beis them to sign petitions for the of “And he should also continue in Moshiach and elsewhere. Here, we acceptance of the sovereignty of the the future.” We must feel only deep will bring only one such answer. Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach. At regret that this distinguished writer There were differences of first, Rabbi Brod refused to appear, didn’t obey this order, and instead opinions within the N’shei Chabad but when he understood that the commented on the subject of the Organization in Yerushalayim report was already an established publicity over Melech HaMoshiach’s regarding making a kinus with the fact, he decided to come on the identity. Perhaps this was his objective of kabbalas ha’malchus program and explain how students intention when he said that it is through signatures, etc. A proposal and chassidim perceived their rabbi forbidden to ignore instructions, was made that the two sides submit to be Melech HaMoshiach, as is even when they are “uncomfortable.” their arguments to the Rebbe known and taught throughout the It indeed makes you most together on two separate slips of Talmud and by Torah giants in every uncomfortable to know that you are paper. generation. Regarding Rabbi Brod’s prevented from responding on such When these two slips were initial decision not to make any a “burning” issue. It’s even less brought before the Rebbe, he took comments, the Rebbe issued a comfortable to understand that you the first one, which included the response: “And he should also violated this instruction on more proposal of collecting signatures, continue [as such] in the future.” than a few occasions, and not just in and responded, “And it should be As matters progressed and Rabbi 5753, when you were “carried in a good and an auspicious hour. Brod appeared to give his prepared away” by your approach, but even to I will mention it at the Tziyon.” explanation, the Rebbe wrote, this day. In any event, yasher ko’ach Afterwards, the Rebbe perused the “Doesn’t he understand that when for publicizing the Rebbe’s answers. second slip (which included the he starts to speak, they will make We’ll remember and remind anyone argument that the petition proposal him continue even more?” who is being stifled on the subject of can drive people away) for a few I don’t understand what Melech HaMoshiach’s identity. seconds. He then asked for the first commentary we have to build However, to claim that from now slip again, placed it on top of the around this answer. Why don’t we on, this answer obligates all those

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& dozens of people who received did he approve them and encourage should we be expected to give instructions, answers, and approval the singing and proclaiming of serious consideration to any reaction on publicizing the identity of Melech “Yechi,” as we noted? Isn’t it the made the day after Gimmel Tammuz HaMoshiach – that’s already a very height of audacity to suggest that 5754? I was very close then to the long path that contradicts everything things were done against the Rebbe author of the aforementioned article, that we know, since answers to MH”M’s will for a period of over a and everyone knew what his mood private individuals do not obligate year with his knowledge and and emotional state was when he the general public. However, approval? What are we coming to? wrote it. It can alter the simplest something that is done publicly, as Did the Chabad rabbanim – in understanding, which is based on in our discussion, such as Crown Heights, in Eretz Yisroel, and what we have seen and with the full encouraging the singing of “Yechi” the world at-large – who established knowledge of the Rebbe. before thousands of people, (leading up to Yud Shvat 5753) that If Rabbi Brod would really believe including media representatives from it is the desire of the Rebbe that what he writes, then he and all the all over the world – this is what is people proclaim “Yechi Adoneinu,” “philosophers,” headed by the relevant to all of us. do so without knowing the Rebbe’s “chozer,” the editor of his magazine, opinion on the matter? How much and almost all the Chabad rabbanim more distortion can we endure? should immediately resign from their positions. This is because we’re not talking about “being carried away” Answers to private individuals do not here, but publicizing an opinion, which according to them, is against obligate the general public. However, the Rebbe’s viewpoint. How can it be something that is done publicly, as in that someone who failed so badly should be allowed to continue at his our discussion, such as encouraging the post, and he should be the one to “correct” that which he distorted? singing of “Yechi” before thousands of This is far worse than Mr. Olmert’s claim that he must remain in office, people, including media representatives because he mistakenly trusted the army chief of staff. And who did you from all over the world – this is what is trust? relevant to all of us. However, everyone knows the truth – the publicity on the identity of the Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach IF YOU REALLY WERE All the expressions of faith was made with the knowledge, “CARRIED AWAY” – THEN publicized everywhere – including approval, and encouragement of the on the front page of the Kfar Rebbe himself. Anyone who claims RESIGN! Chabad Magazine, numerous otherwise is, at the very least, To pursue this point further, it is maamarim, etc., when one of its rejecting the facts, or worse, impossible not to relate to the leading advocates was none other distorting them. As for anyone who impudent claim regarding the than the “chozer” himself, was all claims that there is a need to change question, “Why weren’t we stringent this contrary to the Rebbe’s course after Gimmel Tammuz, it’s in holding the line back in 5753?” opinion? How is it even possible to not within my power to determine as if to say, “We got carried away make such a claim, and to put it in what he can say, but why does he then, and crossed certain red lines writing no less? have to distort the words and that should not have been crossed.” There are those who attribute opinions of the Rebbe MH”M? Let First of all, if you got carried away this to the fact that even the “chozer” him simply say that since the and regret it, then who gave you the admitted that “we made a mistake,” circumstances have changed, he now authority to speak in the name of and here the child asks the question: is of the opinion that we have to act “all of us”? Getting to the heart of If the Rebbe MH”M says sichos, differently. Are his arguments so the matter, I was happy to hear give instructions, etc., in a manner flawed that he has to distort the where the Rebbe was during the that everyone, even someone meant facts? time “we got carried away.” Did he to give them over and publicize actually oppose all these activities, or them, understands in a certain way,

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  LET’S BE HONEST When the Rebbe MH”M nullifies the Getting back to what we discussed at the beginning, when I whole concept of “Chabad spokesman,” saw the title “A Chassid Does Not Hide From Uncomfortable you must publicize this so that everyone Instructions,” I thought to myself: How can there possibly be will know that when you say something, instructions that someone finds you are merely stating your own uncomfortable? Are we all not obligated by every instruction, and personal views. do them joyfully? How can any instruction be considered person in charge of the opinions of every answer publicized in the past “uncomfortable”? Then I “Chabad Chassidim in Eretz (prior to Gimmel Tammuz 5754) or understood: Even if there are HaKodesh” (and the time will come with proven credibility, without instructions that you obviously don’t to respond to several more ignoring a single instruction, sicha, carry out for a variety of reasons, it omissions from that letter). Thus, or action, and bring them to light is forbidden to hide this fact, in when the Rebbe MH”M nullifies the without commentary. Who is order that at least others will know whole concept of “Chabad prepared to “accept the challenge”? that what you say is in contradiction spokesman,” you must publicize this The main thing is that we should to an explicit instruction, and they so that everyone will know that all fulfill the instructions of the won’t make the same mistake. when you say something, you are Rebbe MH”M down to the letter, Therefore, when you publicize in merely stating your own personal and carry out the only remaining the weekly magazine, which the views. shlichus – preparing ourselves and Rebbe removed (in his letter for its the world to greet Moshiach 500th issue, winter 5752) from its Tzidkeinu with the proclamation title the words “Weekly Magazine PRACTICAL ADVICE encouraged by the Rebbe MH”M for Chabad Chassidim in Eretz In conclusion, I’d like to make a himself: HaKodesh,” you must publicize this practical suggestion: Gather together Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu so that everyone will know the type all of the Rebbe’s answers and V’Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach of “establishment” you write for, and responses known to us in connection L’olam Va’ed! they won’t erroneously think the with the subject of Moshiach and the Rebbe considered you to be the Redemption – from “both sides,”

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& PQLOV LEADER OF ALL THE NATIONS

By Nosson Avrohom

displayed in Moslem neighborhoods This is the story of a double miracle throughout France. The project cost that the Rebbe did among non-Jews who tens of thousands of Euros, but this was not a deterrent. committed to observing the Seven R’ Turgeman feels that the work with non-Jews to convince them to Noachide Laws and to publicize them to commit to the Seven Noachide Laws is extremely important, and he their friends. decided to do even more to publicize the universal code of morality. He Hundreds of people take part “I’d like to preface the story with constructed an impressive website each year in the Yud-Alef Nissan a few words about one of the most which includes numerous miracle farbrengen that Moshiach activists interesting shluchim in France, stories of the Rebbe. He invites around Paris organize, led by Rabbi Rabbi Dovid Turgeman. He is the those who commit to keeping the Dovid Turgeman. Last year, the date shliach in Aubervilliers in northern Seven Noachide Laws to ask the of the Rebbe’s birthday fell out at a Paris, but his activities affect all of Rebbe for counsel and a blessing. time when French schools were on France. He just doesn’t relax when it The following story began one vacation, which increased the comes to spreading Judaism and the day three years ago, when R’ number of participants. Besuras HaGeula, spending days Turgeman read an email from a Last year, there was an and nights being mekarev Jews from gentile who lives in Bordeaux by the interesting guest speaker, a French all backgrounds to their religion in name of Pascal. Pascal said he was gentile from Bordeaux. He was general and the Rebbe in particular. married for many years but still did holding a little girl and he said about During his years on shlichus, R’ not have children. He and his wife her, “She belongs to the Rebbe of Turgeman has been the catalyst in yearned for children and had spent Lubavitch!” the transformation of many Jews to plenty of money and had visited top The crowd was amazed, Chassidim. If you are there in 770 doctors in their quest. They had especially since the residents of when he brings a group of tried various medical approaches but materialistic Bordeaux are typically mekuravim, you will surely get a all to no avail. very distant from matters of glimpse of the depths of emuna and When Pascal concluded that the spirituality and faith. After hearing hiskashrus that he has implanted medical world was unable to help the man’s fascinating story, the within them. them, neither modern Western crowd danced around the room to In recent years, in accordance medicine nor alternative medicine, “Yechi” for quite some time. with the Rebbe’s sichos to work with he sought help through other Rabbi Sholom Bar Sheshes of the non-Jewish nations of the world, avenues. He went to all sorts of Kfar Chabad was at the farbrengen R’ Turgeman designed billboards in mystics and idol worshippers who and he relates the story. Arabic with the message of the made promises to no avail. Although he was disappointed time and time * * * Seven Noachide Laws, and had then

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& again, he searched for any possibly observing the Seven Noachide Laws Yet, he was later to relate, in his useful lead on the Internet. and spreading them among his heart of hearts he did not completely One day, he stumbled upon R’ friends. R’ Turgeman assured him, believe that the blessing of some Turgeman’s Seven Noachide Laws “If you do what I ask, I am positive man would resolve his problem when website. What attracted him to this that the Rebbe will bless you. When the doctors all said he should forget site over others was the fact that he the miracle takes place, take a video about having a child of his own. He could ask for blessings. In his email of you and your child and send it to kept his doubts to himself but his he described his plight and quoted me.” reservations did not prevent him the pessimistic views of the doctors. Pascal was taken aback by what from zealously observing the R’ Turgeman called him up and R’ Turgeman had to say. He had Noachide Laws. explained to him about the Rebbe, never met someone so self-assured – Months passed and the doctors how all blessings in the world are not in the world of mysticism nor in confirmed that his wife was channeled through him, and not only the medical world. He was expecting a child. She subsequently for members of the Jewish nation. impressed, and he agreed to commit gave birth to a healthy girl in a He promised to put Pascal’s request to observing the Seven Noachide natural birth with no complications. in a volume of the Rebbe’s letters on Laws, which he heard about for the Pascal knew unequivocally who was one condition – that he commit to first time from R’ Turgeman. to thank for the birth of his daughter. A few hours after the birth, he ran home and called R’ Turgeman. He shouted the news, “We had a girl and it’s all thanks to the Rebbe and to you for telling us about him!” A month later he carried out the second part of his promise and made videotapes of himself and his daughter with his wife standing behind him as he excitedly related the chain of events that led to the blessing and the birth of his child. R’ Turgeman smiled as he watched the video when he noticed a huge picture of the Rebbe hanging on the wall behind the threesome. Pascal had bought it in a Judaica store. “I want to warmly thank the Lubavitcher Rebbe and Rabbi Turgeman, who connected me to him. We continue to disseminate the Seven Noachide Laws and tell everybody about the miracle.” But the story does not end here. The non-Jew took his obligation to publicize the Laws seriously. Whenever he met people he told his story and asked people to commit to the Seven Noachide Laws. One evening, a couple from Switzerland came to visit them whom they hadn’t seen in a long time. After they exchanged friendly greetings, Pascal told his Swiss friend about the miracle of his daughter who was born thanks to

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  the blessing of a famous Jewish rabbi, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. He also explained what he had heard about the Geula. The Swiss friend and his wife were taken aback by the faith of their friends. They did not remember them as big believers and there they were telling them a miracle story. On their way home, the couple discussed their friends’ radical change, finding it very bizarre that they had begun to believe in a rabbi. Two weeks went by and one afternoon, the Swiss woman had a severe heart attack. Her husband immediately called an ambulance and during the ride to the hospital she had another heart attack, worse than the first one. The doctors, who worked to save her life, told the Rabbi Dovid Turgeman davening in 770 terrified husband that he should prepare for the worst. “It is highly unlikely that she will survive,” they said. Hearing the doctors’ dire predictions, he despaired until he remembered what his friend had told him, as strange as it seemed. He figured it couldn’t hurt to call him, so he ran to his car from where he called his French friend. His friend told him that there was one way to obtain the Rebbe’s bracha. “Commit to observing the Seven Noachide Laws and spread this among your friends and when the miracle occurs, publicize it.” It was word for word what he had heard from R’ Turgeman. The Swiss fellow agreed to the conditions, “the main thing is that she recovers!” he said tearfully. After hanging up, he wondered, The baby born thanks to the Rebbe’s blessing “What happened to me that I’ve begun believing in rabbis?” But between hope and despair. wife is better!” since he had promised, he kept his A week later she began to awake They also bought a large picture commitment and began to talk about and recover. Another two weeks of the Rebbe and hung it up in their the Laws to those who came to visit later she was released from the living room. “When people come in him. hospital. The Swiss man called his and ask me who it is, we tell them A few days went by in which his French friend again and exultantly about the big miracle that the rabbi wife lay there unconscious, hanging exclaimed, “The Lubavitcher Rebbe of the Jews did for us.” between life and death, and he hung did a miracle for me too and my

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& CB>QROB REUNION AND RE-JEW-VENATION IN ERETZ YISROEL

By S. Cohen

Reuniting. Seeing old faces of reconnection and reunion. When Chaya Gross of Yerushalayim, the remote past. It’s healing a bond Rabbi Manis Friedman arrived in “because that teacher is the one which had been severed – and Eretz Yisroel, many of the early who’s changed the course of your sometimes even lost. But all at once alumnae of Bais Chana of Minnesota life. For me, Rabbi Friedman was my that vision of the past returns, and – from as far back as thirty years very first teacher in Yiddishkait, and those lost sparks come to life once ago – were reconnected and it will always stay that way in my again. We are reconnected. reunited with their ‘first sparks’ in mind. Every time I see him, I feel Reunited. Reborn. Rejuvenated. Yiddishkait. Old memories. New this great sense of gratitude that my That dormant layer of our selves perspectives. Renewed commitment. life was moved in this direction. He comes out of hibernation. Old Those lost sparks came back to life was a messenger of the Rebbe, and memories. New perspectives. again. he helped point me in the direction Renewed commitment. “Your first teacher always holds a of Yiddishkait, the Rebbe, and This past June was a time of special place in your heart,” began Hashem.” Yet how did this change of course actually begin? “I first came to Bais Chana twenty nine years ago in December 1980,” Chaya continued. “It was pretty amazing how I got there. I flew to Washington, D.C. for the winter convention of the Jewish Students Network, and Rabbi Friedman was one of the guest speakers. However, I missed it! When I got together with my friends after the class, they did not stop talking about it, so I contacted the Chabad House to find out how I could speak with him. They told me he was on his way back to Minnesota, but if I wanted they would sponsor a ticket to Minnesota to learn in Bais Chana for two days. I said ‘well, if you really mean it, then so do I,’ and I was on the next

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  plane. I ended up staying nearly two “new wings.” On top of the terrific whole weeks, which changed the “On top of the classes we had, the healing, course of my life.” mountain air of Tzfas did me Twenty-nine years later, Chaya terrific classes we wonders. Now I have to actually do recently opened up the first English- the ‘avoda’ we learned.” Speaking Chabad Center for Women had, the healing, I also heard all of those classes in Jerusalem. Chaya believes that mountain air of both in Yerushalayim and then in when the alumnae joined his classes, Tzfas. I knew just what she meant. it was reverting back to a special Tzfas did me “Rabbi Friedman’s classes are a moment of truth. journey to the deepest part of Danya Boksenboim of Tzfas felt wonders. Now I ourselves,” she continued. “I was similar. changed by his classes because I felt “When I joined Rabbi have to actually do it gave me real tools to dealing with Friedman’s classes in Tzfas, it was the dichotomy of the body and the like returning home to a beautiful the ‘avoda’ we soul. Also, I felt this added sense of memory that was a ‘frozen moment learned.” pride in being Jewish in a really in time.’ I sat there and felt I was internal way. The lesson that sticks healed just by listening to those most in my mind is the Tanya shiur classes and seeing my first teacher.” for life from those classes. The he gave. My love for Hashem was In 1985, Danya was the famous experience left me feeling I had reaffirmed when he taught us in singer Diana Marcovitz. She sang in heard the word of G-d. Through Tanya that Hashem breathed into us Canada, New York, and Los this, I made a decision right then a Neshama and it was coming from Angeles, and produced several and there to keep Torah and His essential breath and therefore we albums, but Yiddishkait was just not Mitzvos.” have a piece of the Creator in us. on the agenda. Batya Zisk of Yerushalayim first This was an important message for “When my father died, I still had met Rabbi Friedman at a p’gisha in me. It’s one thing to see the Creator no interest in religion, but my Crown Heights in the late 1990’s in nature or in Divine Providence, brother dragged me to the and a year later at another p’gisha. but knowing that I have this ‘piece Conservative synagogue while he She was brought up in Northern of the Creator’ in me, I feel was saying Kaddish. I became more California and became observant in tremendous dedication and closeness interested and wanted to know Boston. to my Creator. It’s a completely more. At the same time, I received “Just from speaking to Rabbi different perspective than when I the new Bob Dylan album, and I Friedman at those two p’gishas in was growing up, where being Jewish noticed he thanked some “Rabbi Crown Heights I came to live in was more of an external, social kind Manis Friedman” on it. I wanted to Crown Heights, and my life moved of dimension. I did not have access know who this Rabbi was, and why in the direction it is moving today. to a deeper understanding of the Bob was thanking him. From the Rabbi Friedman’s insights have soul, and the world was a more Shul experience, I came to the guided me and will continue to keep superficial place for me to be living Chabad House and they told me lots me for a lifetime. I still live by that in. I questioned my purpose. Now I of things in Yiddishkait. They guidance.” am given an ability to see my role in suggested I go learn more in Today, Batya is a high school this world on a deeper level. Because Minnesota with this Rabbi Friedman teacher in Yerushalayim. She came I have a neshama, which is a piece who I remembered from Dylan’s to nearly every one of Rabbi of G-d, I am no longer just a album. I was on the next plane.” Friedman’s classes in Yerushalayim passenger in the car; now I am in Twenty-two years ago, the match and traveled especially to Tzfas for the driver’s seat, as far as my ‘avoda’ caught fire. the rest of them. is concerned. I have a responsibility “Seated among forty five women “My cup is just so full,” she told as a Jewish person and I want to use in the room, I was able to feel as me as Shabbos in Tzfas was over my potential to its maximum.” though he was talking to me directly and we had to return to I did not interrupt her when she and all of my questions on Yerushalayim. “Coming to all of his was talking, but I certainly could Yiddishkait were answered. I did not classes in Yerushalayim in the have. I had a lot to add on. I also even need to speak with him ‘one- weekday moved me up a few rungs grew up missing this understanding on-one’; I got everything I needed on the spiritual ladder, and by the about our link with Hashem. And I time Shabbos arrived, I literally felt

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& grew up religious! Once I began learning Tanya, it was which the individual defined his socio-economic, moving into a different reality in Yiddishkait. The political, educational and residential parameters, but it dryness in Avodas Hashem was replaced with vibrant never defined the very essence of one’s being. “You” enthusiasm, optimism and introspection at many levels were your outer being, the titles and status by which and in different realms. society defined you. So, if you ‘made it’ on American I first encountered this ‘different reality’ in 1979, standards you were a valuable being in the world. If you when I was in one of the colleges of City University. The ‘didn’t make it,’ well you might as well ‘get going.’ Who elevators were packed to capacity. I made my way up to needed you, anyhow? And why were you here? By the my class on the thirteenth floor, and noticed signs in the same token, if you stopped ‘making it,’ and the Wheel of stairwell about an ‘encounter,’ a p’gisha, in Crown Fortune turned, then it was time to pass away, since Heights. The topic was “Femininity,” the exact topic of your purpose had terminated. This approach always left my term paper in my 18th Century English Literature many unanswered questions. What about all those senior course. I went. As I expected, I was the only one to citizens living unproductive lives and even wasting show up in religious looking clothes. As I expected, society’s time, money and energies. Didn’t G-d realize many odd things happened that Friday evening when their usefulness had terminated? What about the poor, two journalists were snapping pictures, even though it the homeless, the disabled, and the chronically ill? How was already Shabbos. But as I did not expect, it was the did this American dream support the view that G-d beginning of a process for me as well, even though I was created the world with wisdom? not secular. I was invited to learn in Minnesota, but did That tape rearranged the cards and I learned that not end up going. At the time, one of the most important statements in discussion of I bought Rabbi Friedman’s Creation of the world is that book and tapes. “G-d created one man.” It was About fifteen years later, not a mass production when I was already married network. Every soul, which and living in Yerushalayim, I comes into a body, is found a calendar pasted on to handpicked because that soul my front door with a tiny needs to be created. It has a advertisement “Kol Divine mission in this world. HaChassidus” and a telephone And as long as that soul number. What was this? I remains in a body, its Divine called up and it was the mission has not been telephone line of recorded completed, even if we do not tapes. When I pressed Rabbi Manis Friedman teaching a class grasp it. That explained “English,” and then “Tanya,” it poverty, illness, and was all of Rabbi Friedman’s daily Tanya tapes. It all disabilities. As he explained, came back to me. I remembered that p’gisha in 1979, “Judaism which is not G-d-centered is just another the powerful speech on “Femininity,” and an individual religion.” For me religion was no longer a backdrop; it is talk about learning Chassidus, which left a deep impact G-d-centered. And to think that this rearrangement all on me. I remembered what I had learned in the tapes began by a sign in the college. and the book. For the next seven years, I listened every There were many other kinds of “signs” in the life of single day to those tapes on the telephone as I washed Ruchoma.* Today, Ruchoma lives in Eretz Yisroel with the dishes and folded laundry. It gave me “chayus,” her husband, children and grandchildren, and hearing better davening, more emuna, insights on sadness and those classes in Tzfas was also a special moment for her. joy, and much more. Finally, I called this place “It’s a special moment when you reunite with the “Minnesota” to tell Rabbi Friedman he had been memories of how you took your first ‘baby steps’ in teaching me Tanya for the past seven years over the Yiddishkait,” she told me. “Joining that Shabbos telephone. That discussion led to another few experience brought back that turning point in my life, discussions. A few years later I got to Minnesota for how it all started, and where I was at then.” classes, and I was sorry I didn’t come nineteen years For Ruchoma, it all started in India in the mid earlier. I felt I had struck gold. 1970’s. She left California and landed in Southern My understanding of what I then called ‘religiosity’ India, where she sincerely wanted to learn how to went through a deep overhaul with every class and tape I meditate. At first it was exotic and different. But as time heard, and especially the tape “Why Am I Here.” For passed, she spent too much time in solitude and me, religion was some kind of sociological framework by meditation, and she was receiving messages in her

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  meditation to fast. At that point she also as Bais Chana. (Girls came and the two Shabbosim in Yerushalayim took a room in a pump house (a went all summer, and during the and Tzfas, but I did not get to speak little hut of one room with a motor winter break from college.) Besides with them. About three hundred that pumps the water for the rice attending classes there, the girls also women showed up at the lecture in paddies). For eight months she lived there in the mansion. For most, the Bais Malka Hall in Yerushalayim. fasted on and off and hardly slept at it was their first time living as Jews. They came from everywhere, and night. She would meditate by the “I walked in there looking as anywhere. Different ages. Different flame of a candle and one night, out though I had just arrived from India. stages. Different stripes, and of sheer desperation and weakness, They told me I would not sleep in different types. It was a mixed bag she collapsed. She heard someone the dormitory, but in Rabbi of many colors. A number line with knocking on the door and she was Friedman’s house. His wife was so many digits along the continuum. brought to a hospital in Bangalore. good to me. I felt so honored to see But it was a reunion. Of The nurses were all Christian nuns how they went out of their way for memories and musings. Of ideas and one told her, “but you’re Jewish, me. That first Shabbos, Rabbi and impressions. Of our own past, don’t you know you have the truth.” Bergstein spent four straight hours and our own present. Of our She stayed there for one month until teaching me Chassidus; I had been present, and our unknown future, one of her American friends called seven years into that cult and he though the link seems tenuous. her parents in Minnesota to send her tried to give me as much as I could It was a moment of reuniting. a ticket to come home. The nuns take. Seeing old faces of the remote past. would not release her from the “Then I started learning Tanya Healing a bond which had been hospital because they were afraid she with Rabbi Friedman and I felt in a severed – and even lost. And all at once, that vision of the past returned, and those lost sparks came What about the poor, the homeless, the to life again. And it was a re-JEW-venation. disabled, and the chronically ill? How Learning Tanya. Learning about ourselves. About Hashem. About our did this American dream support the place in the world. About the essence of doing Mitzvos. How view that G-d created the world with kavana in davening is like the wings wisdom? of a bird. Why Torah is compared to water. Why being needed is more important than being loved. Why it’s would wander off again. They drove very deep place that every word of important for us to say T’hillim. her from the hospital to the airport Tanya was true. It was the words of Why we are here in the first place. and put her on the plane. Tanya that helped me make steps in For many, that dormant layer of When she arrived in Minnesota, t’shuva. Chassidus itself changed the self came out of hibernation. The she received her first “sign” from me. It refined me. But it was also the logistics of daily life don’t enable it. Above. At the airport in Minnesota, people. I met the most wonderful This was a chance to ignite those there was a sign “Welcome Bais women and that also made a sparks all over again, and watch Chana Girls – Minnesota, difference.” them catch fire. And rise. Slowly, yet Lubavitch.” Her parents took her to But that was not the end of the consistently. Like the bird with its a doctor who happened to be an story. Ruchoma continued to work wings. Like a soul returning to its Orthodox Jew. He suggested she in Bais Chana, and in 1980, she Maker. A fire of gratitude to Him. check out Lubavitch. That was the even got married in the Bais Chana For shaping our lives. For bringing second “sign.” Meditating, while mansion. us to the fire in the first place. sitting on the floor, she noticed the “The Chuppa was in Bais Chana, Old memories. New perspectives. newspaper write-up on Bais Chana and the dinner was at one of the Renewed commitment. of St. Paul. That was the third halls of a nearby shul. And here I am Re-JEW-venation. “sign.” in Eretz Yisroel thirty one years after *Name changed for anonymity The next morning she drove to that first Shabbos in Minnesota.” St. Paul. It was the twentieth day of Old memories. New perspectives. **If you would like your own story Av in 1976. The stone lined mansion Renewed commitment. Many other published, please email: also served as a Chabad House and ‘old timers’ joined the classes and [email protected]

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& PEIBFJRPEE>¤>OBQW ONLY IN ISRAEL

By Shai Gefen

all this is mistaken. Tzipi Livni Anybody with any sense predicted in already announced that what advance exactly what would transpire occurred in Gaza will not stop the government from working towards after the Disengagement, except that it two states for two nations. Meanwhile, they have already got happened faster and was far worse than three states for two nations. The Rebbe MH”M warned they anticipated. However, if you think repeatedly that the accords Israel signs with the Arabs are not worth that the Israeli leadership has learned the paper they are written on. anything from recent events, you Throughout the years, the government, with the help of the couldn’t be more wrong. The politicians propagandist media, tried to paint a false picture of a regime in Gaza have already announced that events in that was working for peace, but were hampered by a small Gaza will not stop them from working peripheral group trying to stir up a war. towards a two-state solution. In the Now, it has all blown up in their meantime, the Arabs already got two faces. Hamas received a clear majority in the last elections and states of their own. rose to power through official means. That disclosed the lie they tried to feed the Israeli public for THE NEW MIDDLE EAST mistake, they are already trying to years. Only last week, Hamas has A new day has dawned upon the deflect any blame, but nothing can demonstrated its absolute control on land of Israel. On the very day that ever succeed in covering up their the ground, not only in the ballot Shimon Peres was chosen as the crime. box. new President of Israel, violence Everybody warned exactly what The Hamas takeover has helped broke out in Gaza. Hamas took full would happen, but it came to pass a explode another myth. Any place control of the area. lot faster than they anticipated. from where we have run away and Less than two years after the Hamas, which has officially taken handed over to terrorists has expulsion and destruction of over all of Gaza, got its hands on all invariably turned into a dangerous settlements in the Gaza Strip, we of the weapons that Olmert recently hornet’s nest. That is what now have, five minutes away from gave to Abu Mazen to help bolster happened in Lebanon, which has Ashkelon, a miniature Iran. This is his regime. According to all become “Hizballastan” from where not something that we can blame on appearances, events in Gaza will they fired rockets and missiles that Ahmadenijad or the Neturei Karta. repeat themselves in the West Bank reached as far as Hadera, and so This was carried out by the Israeli in the not so distant future, G-d too, Gaza has turned into government, which brought the forbid. “Hamasstan.” Instead of using these danger to our doorsteps. Although Whoever thinks that the leaders facts to show the world just how they refuse to acknowledge their in Israel have learned anything from dangerous and bloodthirsty the

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  Arabs are, the government leadership insists on repeating the same deadly mistakes. Once again, they will try to sell us some agreement or another, in order to promote their ideal of a Palestinian state (G-d forbid). It is at a time like this that we must publicize the words of the Rebbe, which are now becoming clearer than ever before, warning of the dangers that a Palestinian state represents for Jews in Eretz Yisroel. Will they stop in time? Millions of Jews were exposed to the Rebbe’s message over the past of missiles. our noses, and they continued to few months, thanks to the bus In a country like ours, not only spill our blood, with our own campaign, “A Palestinian State does the man responsible not face leaders calling the victims “sacrifices endangers Israel.” The campaign the consequences of his actions, but of peace.” needs the support of every Chassid, he is actually rewarded for his Today, we all have enough who should realize that the publicity failures. Barak is appointed to be experience and we can all see the helps awaken the interest of the Defense Minister! Anybody who results. However, that doesn’t stop public and makes them realize the needed any additional signs that the the criminals in power. Now, they true danger that they are bringing state is falling apart just got as clear are talking about strengthening the down on our heads under the guise a sign as you could wish for. armed forces of Abu Mazen, when of peace accords. they haven’t even been able to free Time and again, Hashem sends STOP THE BLEEDING Gilad Shalit, who is being held us signs, and more than just signs, about five minutes away from Israel Since Hamas has taken over in order that we wake up to the proper for a full year. And yet the Gaza, we keep hearing a new refrain realization that we may not give news headlines proclaim, “PM from the government talking heads away any territory that we received Olmert has not ruled out providing about a “new opportunity for as a Divine gift. military materiel, including armored peace.” Olmert even went so far as vehicles and protective vests, to the to say that we haven’t had such an Fatah forces loyal to Abu Mazen in BARAK IS BACK amazing opportunity in the last 40 Yehuda and the Shomron.” As if nothing happened, and as if years! Once again, they are bringing Apparently, someone forgot to we never had a second Lebanon up the possibility of establishing a mention that a few months ago, War here this past summer, Ehud Palestinian state on the West Bank, Olmert sent weapons to Abu Mazen Barak, was just appointed to the but this time they are telling us that in order to bolster his presidency position of Defense Minister. This is this is an opportunity that should against the Hamas parliamentary the man most responsible for the not be passed up. majority, and now those very recent war in Lebanon and the It may sound crazy to you and weapons have fallen into the hands terrible bloodshed we have endured me, but this is what is going on of Hamas. since the breakdown of talks with before our very eyes, and everyone Arafat. either goes along with the program In order to prove that he keeps or remains silent. We have been PLUG THE LEAK his promises, he ordered the playing out this same farce for the The current situation is withdrawal from Lebanon. Through last fourteen years, since the described in amazing fashion in a that cowardly act he brought the accursed days of Oslo. The idea that sicha of the Rebbe, said on Shabbos Hizballa up to the border fence and we will “domesticate” the good wild Parshas Ki Sisa 5739/1979 in gave them the power to arm and animals and that they will control regards to the Camp David Accords: strengthen their forces – all of the bad ones and tend to our This case is similar to a dam, which led to the war of the past security, has not worked for even a whose function is to seal off the summer, when the entire northern single day. Arafat, may his name be flow of water, which has a crack in area of Israel was under the threat erased, played us for fools under it. The solution is not to beautify

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& line will be written, also in large Apparently, someone forgot to mention letters, “Autonomy.” When you ask them what autonomy is, they that a few months ago, Olmert sent answer that they haven’t yet decided. The main thing is that weapons to Abu Mazen in order to they signed an agreement that bolster his presidency against the there will be autonomy, despite the fact they have yet to decide what Hamas parliamentary majority, and this autonomy is all about! now those very weapons have fallen into ONGOING SHAME the hands of Hamas. Out of the blue, the Israeli newspaper of record remembered to inform their readership in the form the crack and make it round or join forces! of a shocking article about the square, but to seal it off. So too in Israel will give them oil and the current situation of the expellees our matter: There is a crack that is US will give them armaments and from Gush Katif. There were no allowing the “waters of iniquity” even more money than they give outright falsehoods in the article, to push forth. But instead of the Jews, because they argue it is but it was far from accurate in sealing the leak, they write that only fair and just, because there describing their far more horrific from now on this hole will no are only three million Jews [in situation than that portrayed in the longer be known as a “crack” but Israel], and the Egyptians number already hair-raising article. instead we will call it “peace.” thirty million. Even the Jews Two years have passed since the And they do all this despite the themselves argue that it is fair and crime and there is a government fact that the crack continues to just to give the Arabs more than and media conspiracy of silence to grow, which leads to the “waters them, especially as it is such a try to make the public forget the of iniquity” pouring through the poor country and the Jews are far historic crime that will hound us in crack, and they themselves are on more economically developed. perpetuity. Within our cities and the other side of the dam. Ai, how could they say such communities, there are thousands of Rashi in his commentary on the things if it is endangering their tragic victims whose lives and verse, “And Moav said to the very own lives? That is why they dreams were shattered, many of elders of Midyan,” raises the scream, “Be quiet!” “Don’t make a whom will never fully recover. The question, “Haven’t they always tumult!” “Don’t try to save Jews!” scariest thing is the artificial silence hated each other?” And Rashi The main thing is to proclaim of a cover-up. answers that, “out of their fear of “Mazel Tov,” and on the crack in The Jewish nation must wake up Yisroel, they made peace between the wall of defense that protects us and realize that help for the themselves.” Even though they are from our enemies, they will hang a expellees, whether material or at war with each other, when it big sign with big bright letters that emotional/spiritual, is the obligation comes to hatred of Jews, they all says “Shalom/Peace.” Under that of our time. Perhaps that may be the only thing we can and are obligated DR. ( ZVI ) HARVEY LANG to do for them, while also protesting the heinous and callous behavior of Chiropractor a government that robbed and 783 Montgomery Street pillaged them and their homes Chiropractic Applied Kinesiology without coming through with the - Nutrition - promised reparations and Infants - Children - Adults resettlement. We can’t rest in the Headache, Back & Neck Pain, etc. face of such extreme injustice, Learning Disability, T.M.J. (JAW), Dislexia, Chronic especially when those rabbis and Ear Aches, Scoliosis, Allergy, Neural Organization public figures who should be speaking out are sitting comfortably (718) 773-1121 By Appointment in their own homes.

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  MOLCFIB A CHASSID AND MATHEMATICIAN

By Eli Shneuri

York. The school had a good When he studied in university, he was reputation for both its limudei torn between the outlook of Torah and kodesh and secular studies departments, and Shimon quickly l’havdil, the outlook of science. He acclimated to yeshiva life. “Science and faith can be in remained confused about this until he conflict with one another if you don’t have Chassidus,” says Prof. came to Chabad and began to realize Silman. “It is only through Chabad Chassidus that you can understand that there is no need to pick one over that there is no contradiction the other, that within science one can between them. The atmosphere at Y.U. was one in which people see the truth of Torah. * An interview argued over what was right, kodesh or chol (the holy or the secular). with Professor Shimon Silman, founder There were various views. One view maintained that kodesh was correct of the Rabbi Yisroel Aryeh Leib and chol was only to be used for purposes of making a living. Research Institute on Moshiach and the “Others said the opposite – that Sciences. science is real and serious and the holy needs to be interpreted in a way that doesn’t contradict it. This Those who frequent 770 know Eliezer Silman, was a friend of debate was very interesting to me, Rabbi Shimon Silman. Shabbos HaRav Feinstein going back to their but I did not have the knowledge to after Shabbos, year after year, he is days in Russia where the two determine which view was correct.” the one who proclaims “Yechi” from families lived together in the town of the bima after the Torah reading of Uzda in the suburbs of Minsk. The SHABBOS T’SHUVA 5726 Shacharis in the Rebbe’s minyan. friendship between the families WITH THE REBBE MH”M What many do not know is that this continued when they came to Chassid who proclaims “Yechi” with America. While at Y.U., Shimon heard his simple faith is a professor of math at “My friend, the son of a family friends talking about a trip to the Touro College. friend, my beloved and Lubavitcher Rebbe MH”M in Prof. Silman was born in cherished…,” is what HaRav Moshe Crown Heights and he decided to Minnesota. His father, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein once wrote to Rav Moshe join them. The first time he went to DovBer Silman, was a personal DovBer Silman. spend an entire Shabbos was friend of the renowned posek After Reb Shimon completed his Shabbos T’shuva, Vav Tishrei 5726. HaRav Moshe Feinstein z”l and studies at the local day school, his The Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach was received rabbinic ordination from father wanted him to attend Yeshiva the shliach tzibbur, because it was him. His grandfather, HaRav Yakov University’s high school in New the first yahrtzait of his mother,

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& R’ Shimon Silman

Rebbetzin Chana z”l. and was unable to hear the Rebbe “When I arrived early in the MH”M davening. morning, 770 was mostly empty, “When my host, an old chassid, aside from a few individuals heard what had happened, he said scattered about here and there. to me, ‘You have to push, you have Then I noticed a small group of to push!’ and he gave me a good people standing packed tightly shove to demonstrate. around the bima. It took time until I “Sometime later, my roommate realized that they were trying to get and I took a picture of the Rebbe as close as possible to the bima in MH”M and hung it on the wall of order to hear the Rebbe MH”M our room in yeshiva. It was an davening. As the shul filled up, I expression of our great esteem for was gradually pushed to the outside the Rebbe. The picture had an impact on us and it happened more than once, that just looking at it Left: HaRav Moshe DovBer Silman with his sons, Shimon (head just stopped us from wasting time. above the table) and Yakov Eliezer “I attended the Purim farbrengen

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  that year. Until then, I was used to seeing men and boys drinking on After I explained the issues of atomic Purim until they became drunk, acting wild and rejoicing. At the structure that were involved, I marveled Rebbe MH”M’s farbrengen I got a different perspective. I saw at the complexity of it and blurted out, thousands of people standing in “You know there are people who think their places with great seriousness, and listening to the Rebbe MH”M. that all of this just evolved!” “I went to more and more of the Rebbe’s farbrengens even though I ha’kodesh (with no secular studies) to recognize G-dliness from within still identified as a Litvak. I think and he tried to persuade his father. the world itself, and not only within Rabbi Soloveitchik would have been “At that time, Jews were moving Torah. There are the spiritual and pleased with my going and when I out en masse because of the influx physical worlds and the amazing told my father that I wanted to go of lower class gentiles into Jewish thing is that we can recognize the to the Rebbe for Rosh HaShana he neighborhoods. This affected Creator from within the physical was also pleased.” Minnesota too and the Jews in my world.” father’s neighborhood were leaving. BLENDING SCIENCE We were among the few Jews left. A FASCINATING AND TORAH With no minyan for the t’fillos, my SHABBOS WITH REB father’s shul closed. Then my father Reb Shimon’s father wanted him REUVEN DUNIN to continue at Y.U. after high said, ‘Being a rabbi today is no school. Shimon, however, wanted to simple thing. You need to look into In his third year of college, attend a yeshiva al taharas other possibilities. Even the Shimon transferred to the Technion Lubavitcher Rebbe MH”M studied in Haifa, where he studied physics in university.’” and mathematics. In Haifa he met 1ST ENCOUNTER WITH Shimon decided to ask the the special Chassidic personality, THE REBBE MH”M Rebbe MH”M himself. He wrote a Reb Reuven Dunin a”h, who visited letter in which he detailed his the Technion occasionally to talk to On Sukkos, 5727, I stayed at thoughts and those of his father. the students and invited students for the home of Rabbi Moshe But the Rebbe did not respond and Shabbos meals. Horowitz a”h (the former Shimon entered the University of “After the meal he would learn Bostoner Rebbe) on President St. Minnesota to study physics. sichos of the Rebbe MH”M with us. with some friends from YU. One “Once again I encountered the At that time, Reb Reuven operated a day of Chol HaMoed, as I walked supposed contradiction between tractor during the week and by the down President Street, I was Torah and science. It was there that time Shabbos came around, he was amazed to see the following sight: I began developing a unique exhausted. One time, after the meal, A Chassidic-looking man got outlook on faith and science that he began to read a sicha as usual, out of a car, opened the back developed fully years later. but he started to doze off. I began door and stood there looking at “I was once sitting in the physics to read a few words in order to me as though he meant for me to library at the university, writing up wake him up. After doing this a few enter the car. I didn’t know him a lab experiment, when a gentile times, he finally said ‘Shimon, and I was nervous about the student sitting nearby asked me to continue,’ and fell asleep. whole scene. I thought of turning explain the theory behind the “The truth is, I had no problem around and walking away when experiment. After I explained the with learning Gemara, Poskim, and the door of a house opened and I issues of atomic structure that were other Nigleh subjects, but I had not saw the Rebbe MH”M come out, involved, I marveled at the managed to understand a word of walk down the steps and walk complexity of it and blurted out, Chassidus. At that point, when I had quickly towards the car – walking ‘You know there are people who no choice, my mind suddenly right past me as he gave me a think that all of this just evolved!’ opened up and I understood the penetrating look. This was my “I laughed and the gentile sicha and was even able to explain it first encounter with the Rebbe student also laughed. At that to the others. I was thrilled that I Melech HaMoshiach. moment I realized that it’s possible was finally able to understand what

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& the Rebbe MH”M said, on my own. wrote to him and to which he had in 1978, Prof. Silman once again That is when I discovered that I too responded. Why was he asking? I asked the Rebbe MH”M whether to could understand Chassidus.” said, “No, in Minnesota,” which he continue in mathematics or to Reuven Dunin’s sincerity made a wrote down on our letter. continue learning in kollel. The great impression on Shimon. It was Afterwards, the Rebbe MH”M Rebbe MH”M instructed him to ask all the more impressive since Reb showered us with brachos. the advice of friends and gave a Reuven lived in a small apartment “In the HaYom Yom it says that bracha on whatever Shimon would under very crowded conditions... the first yechidus of a Chassid with decide. “I returned to Minnesota and his Rebbe is according to the Shimon did not know with began to learn Chassidus. I essence of the Chassid, and the which friends to consult, those in regularly visited the Chabad House, Rebbe sets out his avoda for him. I university or those in kollel. He was where we had a shiur in Chassidus thought a lot about what the Rebbe sure that each would offer his in which we focused mainly on the Melech HaMoshiach had told us, recommendation in accordance with Rebbe Rayatz’s maamarim. again and again, and tried to what he himself was doing. “Shortly afterward, I actually “In the end, I consulted with a began teaching Chassidus on my friend in Minnesota, an Iranian Jew own. As part of the curriculum of with whom I learned Chassidus. I the University of Minnesota, I felt that he was the friend that I taught a course on Talmud and needed to speak to. He advised me included selections from Tanya and to return to university and to Chassidus.” complete my degree so I wouldn’t lose out on the years of study I had 3:40 IN THE MORNING invested. I went back to university and continued my study of In 1973, Shimon married a advanced mathematics. young lady from Minnesota who “Throughout this period of living had also studied in Litvishe schools in Minnesota, we went to the Rebbe – Yavneh in Cleveland – and had Melech HaMoshiach many times. come to Lubavitch. After their On the spot, we’d decide to travel to wedding, Shimon studied and the Rebbe MH”M for a special day taught mathematics at the on the Chassidic calendar. We University of Minnesota. Several loaded all our stuff in the car and months later, he went to the Rebbe drove for a few days until we MH”M and had a yechidus (private reached Crown Heights.” audience) along with his wife. “It was Motzaei Zos Chanuka at 3:40 a.m. I thought the Rebbe AN INSTITUTE AND Prof. Silman’s grandfather, Melech HaMoshiach would ask me MOSHIACH & SCIENCE Rabbi Yaakov Eliezer Silman what I was learning in Chassidus. CONFERENCES WITH But instead he asked, ‘What is your THE REBBE MH”M’S profession?’ understand it. But it was only a “For a moment I was confused, BLESSINGS while later that I actually but then I responded, ‘I am a At some point during the mid- understood it. teaching assistant in mathematics at 80’s, Prof. Silman learned of the life “Throughout this time, I jumped the university.’ and mathematical works of the from the world of mathematics to “The Rebbe MH”M looked Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach’s the world of Torah and back again. I straight at me. But his eyes brother, Rabbi Yisroel Aryeh Leib. was between two worlds that appeared to be focusing on a distant “The very fact that such a person seemingly opposed one another. For location, or on the distant future. existed,” Prof. Silman explains, “a a while we lived in New York and I He asked, ‘Where, here in New member of the Rebbe MH”M’s learned in the Lubavitch kollel. Over York?’ family who devoted his time to the the years I also taught Jewish “I was completely confused. The intense study of Chassidus while subjects and worked in computers.” Rebbe MH”M knew that I taught in being a mathematician of such a At another crossroads in his life, Minnesota from the letters that I high caliber, reassured me that my

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  quest for the unification of Torah and science was attainable. Just looking at his mathematical paper put my mind at ease.” “In Cheshvan 5752 I was sitting in the Chabad house in Minnesota and learning Likkutei Sichos. I noticed a letter from the Rebbe MH”M to a man who referred to himself as a secular Jew. The Rebbe MH”M said there is no such thing as a secular Jew because every Jew is holy. However, some Jews’ professions are in the secular world and some Jews are occupied with holy work, like Yisachar and Z’vulun, but the secular is ‘chulin al taharas ha’kodesh’ (secular done in a holy manner for a holy purpose). “The letter was dated 13 Iyar 5732, the 20th yahrtzait of Rabbi Yisroel Aryeh Leib. I thought, the Putting t’fillin on with Dr. Lawrence Lasher, Rebbe MH”M’s brother’s 40th project manager of Pioneer 10 at NASA yahrtzait is coming up later this year and it would be nice to do something to mark the day. I had the topic of Moshiach and Science, asked him to translate it from the idea of holding a gathering on and chulin al taharas ha’kodesh, and German and to publish it and said to emphasize the connection he would pay for it. Prof. HE NODDED TO ME between them.” Rosenbloom did the work and “I worked with Rabbi Moshe published it in The Journal of One day in 5753, I was Feller, the head shliach in Approximation Theory. When he learning the sicha (Parshas Minnesota, to organize the event attended our conference, he told of BaMidbar, 5751) in which the which was titled ‘The Role of his connection to the Rebbe MH”M Rebbe MH”M says that when Science in the Era of Moshiach.’ It and about this story. Moshiach comes, “everyone will took place on 13 Iyar 5752 and “Another Lubavitcher chassid say ‘Shalom aleichem’ to him.” I Professor Pesach (Paul) Rosenbloom and mathematician, Dr. Tzvi Saks decided that at my next a”h, a Lubavitcher chassid and a a”h who worked in topology (an opportunity to walk past the world renowned mathematician was abstract mathematical field), also Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach, I the main speaker. spoke at the gathering. He explained would do this. “Professor Rosenbloom had a the connection between Torah and On the night of 27 Tishrei very close relationship with the science and the lack of a 5754, I had this opportunity. Rebbe MH”M. Every year on Yud contradiction when it is explained There was a yechidus klalis and it Alef Nissan he came to the Rebbe according to Chassidus. He also was the only time to date, after 27 MH”M and presented mathematical spoke about his unique research on Adar 5752, that the Rebbe research that he had done in honor the concept of infinity in MH”M gave out dollars. of the Rebbe MH”M’s birthday, mathematics and Chassidus. I approached the Rebbe which was also Rosenbloom’s “All in all, the gathering was a MH”M with great awe and birthday. great success and we were surprised greeted him with, “Sholom “In 5735, the Rebbe MH”M by how many people attended. And aleichem Melech HaMoshiach!” gave Prof. Rosenbloom a the audience was in a very joyful The Rebbe Melech mathematical treatise that his mood.” HaMoshiach nodded his head to brother had written which had not At the end of 5752, Prof. Silman me. been published. The Rebbe MH”M and his family moved to Crown

 2>JJRW #'1 +-1&' !& Branover has also been a frequent participant. The RYAL Institute has also held Moshiach and Science conferences in various places around the world. Regarding one such conference in Israel, Prof. Silman relates the following: “One day, I opened a volume of Igros Kodesh, where I read the following letter: Surely you participated in the international convention on matters of research. When I read this, I didn’t understand what it referred to since I was not aware of any such conferences. However, the next morning I got a phone call from Rabbi Zimroni Tzik who proposed that we organize a convention of scientists and professors in Tel Aviv University on the topic of Geula and Prof. Silman conversing with Professor Alvin Radkowsky (d. 2002), science. a pioneer nuclear scientist, who developed a design for a nuclear reactor that can only be used for peaceful purposes “The convention took place on Rosh Chodesh Shevat, 5756, and Heights. which would organize these annual Prof. Yirmiyahu Branover, Rabbi “When Rabbi Yisroel Aryeh conferences and publish on Yitzchok Ginsburgh, Rabbi Shmuel Leib’s yahrtzait came up in 5753, I Moshiach and Science. I wrote to Chefer, Rabbi Zimroni Tzik, and I wondered whether to do another the Rebbe MH”M suggesting the delivered lectures. The lecture hall event. The previous event had idea and proposing the name ‘Rabbi was full. Many of the participants, marked the 40th yahrtzait, a Yisroel Aryeh Leib Research which included university professors milestone. But should we do an Institute on Moshiach and the and students, signed a document of annual event? Sciences.’” Kabbalas HaMalchus. Thanks to this “In addition, I was new to the The conference was more convention, many people became neighborhood and I didn’t know successful than anticipated and more involved in the Rebbe Melech how to arrange a conference in Prof. Silman was satisfied. Later HaMoshiach’s teachings and on Crown Heights. I asked the Rebbe that day he was informed that the matters of Moshiach and Geula.” Melech HaMoshiach whether to go Rebbe had given his consent and When I asked Prof. Silman ahead with it, and even if not, blessing to the new organization he when he began proclaiming “Yechi” whether to publish the lectures from wanted to found, and every year in 770, he said, “In the period after the previous gathering. I received a since, the RYAL Institute has held a Gimmel Tammuz I noticed that positive answer to both questions. Moshiach and Science conference they stopped saying ‘Yechi’ from “Prof. Rosenbloom suggested on 13 Iyar, Rabbi Yisroel Aryeh the bima after the Torah reading, so that I ask Prof. Yakov Reich to help Leib’s yahrtzait. Some prominent I decided to do it myself. The main me and together we organized the participants have been Professor thing is that we see the Rebbe second gathering. We decided it Alvin Radkowsky, who designed the Melech HaMoshiach revealed right would take place over two days. We nuclear powered submarines and now and the whole world will call invited Dr. Naftali Berg a”h, a aircraft carriers, etc., for the U.S. out together, ‘Yechi Adoneinu Lubavitcher who headed the Navy and had more recently Moreinu V’Rabbeinu Melech Advanced Technology Office of the designed a nuclear reactor that HaMoshiach L’olam Va’ed.!’” Army Research Laboratory of the cannot be used to make weapons, This article is dedicated to the memory of Pentagon. and Dr. Lawrence Lasher, NASA HaRav Moshe DovBer ben HaRav Yakov Eliezer Silman z”l whose yahrtzait is 17 “On the morning of the event I project manager for the Pioneer 10 Tammuz. had the idea to establish an institute project. Professor Yirmiyahu

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB