Volume 27, Issue 3

CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK CHABAD OF HANCOCK PARK 5776/2016 Sivan

Chabad Chodesh Sivan 5776—Shnas Hakhel

As far as others, just as we need to make sure sure make to need we as just others, as far As their level. at children, and women, men, everyone, to accessible is Maamar This ParshasYisro. Or, More Chasidus. Torah in HaShelishi' 'BaChodesh Maamar the in learn to on, Chodesh Rosh Torah from specifically, in Maamarim Matan Torah and about Matan (86a) Shabbos of Maseches Sugya for the Nigleh, instance, in Whether Torah. the receive to holiday, desire of the added Matan is which through of Torah, parts greatness the the those explain that of Torah especially, and laws including Torah. the studying through Particularly, for is preparation Torah main the Matan Obviously . . . " Aruch 494:20) Shulchan Rebbe's Alter Sidur, Rebbe's (Alter Korbanos. Shavuos the bringing for allowed days seven the Tashlumin, Chag, Yimei Sheva Isru and Shavuos, Sheloshes Erev Hagbalah, HaMeyuchas, Yimei Yom by followed Chodesh, Rosh is first the because Sivan, of days twelve first the Tachnun say don't We Chodesh Sivan Rosh 7/Tuesday 1/June Sivan S [1876]. 5636, Hornestiepel, of DovBer Mordechai R. of R. grandmother Czerkass, of of Yisroel wife Yaakov Rebbe, Mitteler the of daughter of Yartzeit b. Kalonymus R. Yehudah, B’Av. by wesay onTisha "Mi Mayim" Kinah Roshi the Yitein in commemorated [1096], the the of Massacre for [1313 2448 heart, BCE]. (Shemos 19:1, Rashi) one the with as person, Sinai Har one at camped the has People Jewish The preparation the especially so everyone of scale, holiday, 5748)Sivan, sure the broad needs for holiday." a on make needs appropriate physical drink must spiritual and the food we has holiday, everyone PECIAL

(Sichah, Shabbos Mevarchim Mevarchim Shabbos (Sichah,

D

ebte Dvrh Leah Devorah Rebbitzen AYS es f Worms of Jews

IN

S

IVAN 4856 ,

, [1937]. 5697 Elazar, Minchas of author authority, Muncacz of Yartzeit nation", holy (Shemos 19:5 a and Kohanim of kingdom Jewish a . . . treasure the a me to be will "You told people, HaShem 19:3). (Shemos Rabeinu Moshe HaMeyuchas Yom 8/Wednesday 2/June Sivan Calendar Chassidic Stories about Shavuos Shavuos Laws & Customs Special Days Inside thisInside issue:

Caii Rbe n Halachic and Rebbe Chasidic ,

. hi Eaa Saia of Shapira Elazar Chaim R. - 6), [1313 2448 BCE].

sedd a Sinai Har ascended

11 ד 7 5 1 “

בס

"The Gaon, R. Chaim Elazar Sivan 5/June 11/Shabbos Shapira of Muncacz, author of Erev Shavuos The Mezeritcher Magid accepted Minchas Elazar, was extremely the position of leader of the close with the previous The Jewish people made the Chasidim, a year after the Baal Lubavitcher Rebbe . . . and met commitment: "Naaseh V’Nishma", Shem Tov's passing, 5521 [1761]. with him for extended discussions, "We will do, and we will listen". and they would go for walks (Shemos 24:7-8, Rashi) Sivan 8/June 14/Tuesday together . . . " (N’siei Chabad UBnei Isru Chag Doram) Moshe Rabeinu built a Mizbeach and twelve monuments for the " . . . On the day after Shavuos, it's Sivan 3/June 9/Thursday twelve tribes, at the foot of Har forbidden to fast by law, [and not First day of the Sh’loshes Yimei Sinai. (Shemos 24:4, Rashi) merely by custom], since in the Hagbalah. HaShem told Moshe time of the Beis HaMikdash, it was Rabeinu to have three days of Sivan 6/June 12/Sunday the "Day of the Sacrificing," . . . preparation for Matan Torah. First Day of Shavuos they would bring the Olos Reiyah (Shemos 19:11, Rashi). [Pilgrimage Korbanos], which they HaShem gave the Torah, 2448 couldn't bring on Yom Tov itself: Moshe Rabeinu returned to Har [1313 BCE]. since they have no use for eating Sinai to report the public " ... Shavuos is an opportune time on Yom Tov we don't desecrate declaration of the Jewish people to to achieve everything in improving Yom Tov for them, since we can accept the Torah (Shemos 19:8, Torah study, and Avodah marked bring them after Yom Tov, because Rashi). by fear of HaShem, and to strive in Shavuos has seven days to make up Teshuvah about Torah study, the Korbanos. Massacre of the Jews of Mayence, without interference from the 4856 [1096], commemorated in accusing Satan, just like the time of Even now after the Beis the Kinah "Mi Yitein Roshi Mayim" Shofar-blowing, and Yom Kipur HaMikdash was destroyed, fasting by R. Kalonymus b. Yehudah, we " (HaYom Yom, Sivan 4) and eulogizing are not say on Tisha B’Av. permitted..." (Alter Rebbe's The Tzemach Tzedek became the Moshe Rabeinu was saved, drawn Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, third Lubavitcher Rebbe [publicly], from the water, three months after Hilchos Pesach, 494:19) 5589 [1829]. his birth, 2368 [1393 BCE]. (Sotah " . . . It was announced that 12b) Wedding of Rebbetzin Devorah the "Tzemach Tzedek", accepted Leah, daughter of the Rebbe the leadership . . . and that in a few Yartzeit of our holy Master and MaHaRaSh, with R. Moshe Aryeh minutes the Rebbe would come Teacher, Rabbi Yisroel b. Eliezer, Leib Ginzburg, 5632 [1872]. into Shul and say Chasidus . . . The the Baal Shem Tov, 5520 [1760]. Rebbe appeared dressed in white He was sixty-one. Sivan 9/June 15/Wednesday clothes, that he had inherited from Yartzeit of R. Moshe Rivkes, author the Alter Rebbe. He sat down at the Yartzeit of R. Avrohom Mordechai of Be'er HaGolah on Shulchan Bimah and began to say the Alter of Ger, author of Imrei Emes, Aruch, 5432 [1672]. Maamar, "Al Shloshah Devarim 5708 [1948]. HaOlam Omed" (Sichos, 5698, Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Chaim Sofer, p.285) Sivan 7/June 13/Monday author of Kaf HaChayim, Sefardic Second Day of Shavuos Halachic authority, 5699 [1939]. “...When people took haircuts on the three days before Shavuos, my Moshe Rabeinu went up to Har Sivan 10/June 16/Thursday father (the Rebbe Rashab) wasn’t Sinai to receive the Luchos. The Tzemach Tzedek made a pleased.” [Hayom Yom, Sivan 3] (Shemos 32:1, Rashi) Shidduch between his grandchildren, the Rebbe Rashab Sivan 4/June 10/Friday Yartzeit of Dovid HaMelech, 2924 and the Rebbitzin Shterna Sara, the HaShem told the Jewish people to [837 BCE]. (Shabbos 30a, daughter of his son, R’ Yosef sanctify themselves for Matan Yerushalmi, Chagiga 2:3) (Likutei Yitzchok of Orsht. When R’ Yosef Torah. Moshe Rabeinu wrote the Sichos Vol. 8, Shavuos, note 8) Yitzchok asked his father, if Torah, from Bereishis until the Yartzeit of the Navi Hoshea ben possibly the chosin won’t be fit for Aseres HaDibros. (Shemos 24:4, Beeri. his daughter when he grows up, Rashi)

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 Page 2 the Tzemach Tzedek answered, removed anti-Jewish forces; once a Sivan 20/June 26/Sunday “He’ll be even greater than Yom Tov. (Megilas Taanis, 3) Declared a fast day by Rabeinu you.” (At this time the Rebbe Tam, to commemorate the Blois Rashab was 4 1/2 years old.) This Yartzeit of R. Shmuel Betzalel martyrs of 4931 [1171]; in 5410 took place in the year 5625 (RaSh-BaTz) Sheftel, a great chasid [1650] declared a fast day in the (1865). of the Tzemach Tzedek, Rebbe Polish communities to MaHaRaSh, and RaShaB, 5665 commemorate the 5408-09 [1648 Wedding of Rebbitzen Sheina, [1905]. The RaShaB chose him to -49] Chmeilnitzki massacres. youngest daughter of the previous teach his son, the previous [Magen Avraham: 580] Lubavitcher Rebbe, with R. Lubavitcher Rebbe. The previous The Rebbe said a Sicha: The Menachem Mendel Hornstein, Rebbe wrote: "I must very much Magen Avraham writes that the grandson of the Rebbe MaHaRaSh, thank my teacher the RaShBaTz for Polish Communities fast on the 5692 [1932], in Landvarov, Po- giving me a foundation in 20th of Sivan. Nevertheless, the land. Chasidus; he prepared me to Chabad Rabbeim did not fast. Even receive my father's direction in the during the time that the Friediker Sivan 11/June 17/Friday ways and study of Chasidus". In Rebbe lived in Poland he did not Wedding of the Rashag - R’ 1900 the Rebbe RaShaB appointed fast… In addition concerning the Shmaryahu Gurary, to Rebbetzin him Mashpiah of Yeshivah Country of Poland it’s known that Chana - eldest daughter of the Tomchei Tmimim in Lubavitch. when the first Jews came to live Friediker Rebbe. 5681 (1921) there, they were told that Poland Rostov. Beginning of imprisonment of the comes from two Hebrew words - previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, in Poi Lin - Here you are going to rest Sivan 12/June 18/Shabbos Leningrad, 5687 [1927]. He was overnight. That is the reason it’s Last day of the Sheva Yimei released on Tamuz 12. called Poland. Lina (resting) is at Tashlumim, seven days allowed to night, the darkness of Golus is bring the Shavuos Korbanos. The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe compared to night. That means moved from Warsaw to Otwock, that we live in this place only to Yartzeit of R. David Pardo of 5695 [1935]. rest during Golus but we need to Sarajevo, author of Chasdei David, leave from this place - to the true on the Tosefta, and Maskil LiDavid, Sivan 16/June 22/Wednesday place that every Jew is supposed to on Rashi, 5552 [1792]. Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Fraide, be - in Eretz Yisroel with the com- daughter of the Alter Rebbe, 5573 plete Redemption. But, on the Yartzeit of R. Menachem Mendel [1813]. She was renowned for her other hand when we are resting of Bar, student of the Baal Shem broad knowledge of Chasidus, and during Golus, Hashem needs to Tov, 5525, [1765]. the Alter Rebbe would say make sure that it’s a peaceful and Maamarim for her. When the calm rest. This is our lesson in Sivan 13/June 19/Sunday Mitteler Rebbe wanted to clarify Avodas Hashem. That everything a Wedding of R. Levi Yitzchok and something in Chasidus, he would Jew sees or hears has to guide him Rebbitzen Chanah, parents of the ask the Rebbitzen to ask the Alter in serving Hashem. The first thing Lubavitcher Rebbe, 5660 [1900]. Rebbe. She is buried next to the we must remember is that Golus is Alter Rebbe. (Beis Rebbe) darkness and night - we are only Sivan 14/June 20/Monday resting over. This is not the true Wedding of R. Menachem Mendel, Sivan 17/June 23/Thursday place a Jew needs to be. We need son of the Rebbe MaHaRaSh, 5642 Noach's Teivah came to rest on Mt. to utilize the place that we are [1882]. Ararat, 1656 [2105 BCE]. resting in for goodness and Kedu- (Bereishis 8:4, Rashi) sha. We need to use the calm and Sivan 15/June 21/Tuesday peace of our rest to learn Torah, do Birth, in 2195, and Yartzeit, in The Chashmonaim captured Mitzvos and serve Hashem… 2314 (or 2324) of Yehudah, son Migdal Tzur; once a Yom Tov. (Shabbos Parshas Behaloscha - of Yaakov Avinu. (Midrash (Megilas Taanis, 3) 19th of Sivan, 5751/1991) Tadshe) Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim was Yartzeit of R. Aharon of Karlin, closed by the Russian authorities. The Chashmonaim captured Beit Chasidic leader, author of Beis Police removed the students, and Shean and Emek Yizrael, and Aharon, 5632 [1872]. locked and sealed the building. The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, then

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 Page 3 the Menahel, instructed that a Yartzeit of R. David Mireles, revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, window be removed and a author of Korban HaEidah on in founding the central stairway be made through the Talmud Yeru-shalmi, 5522 institutions, Machne Yisroel, window into the building, studies [1762]. Kehot, and Merkos L'inyonei resumed. 5662 [1902]. Chinuch". [Sichah, Sivan 28, 5749] Sivan 26/ July 2/Shabbos Sivan 22/June 28/Tuesday Shabbos Mevarchim Tammuz Sivan 29/July 5/Tuesday End of the month of food given to Miriam went out of confinement; those who complained about the Yartzeit of R. Yonasan ben Uziel, the Jewish people waited seven Mon in the desert, 2449 [1312 student of Hillel, author of Targum days in her honor, 2449 [1312 BCE] (Bamidbar 11:20). to Kesuvim. BCE], (Taanis 29a).

Miriam was afflicted with R. Akiva imprisoned by the Moshe Rabeinu sent the twelve Tzora’as, and confined for seven Romans, 3892 [132]. (Sefer spies to scout Eretz Yisrael, 2449 days, 2449 [1312 BCE]. (Bamidbar HaMinhagim of MaHaRaM of [1312 BCE]. (Seder Olam, 8) 12:15) (Taanis 29a) Rotenburg) Sivan 30/July 6/Wednesday Sivan 23/June 29/Wednesday Yartzeit of R. Chananiah b. Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Day One Yeravam ben Navat stopped the Tradyon of the Ten Martyrs killed Jews from bringing Bikurim to by the Romans, (Avodah Zarah Yartzeit of R. Moshe Najra, student Yerushalayim; once a fast day. 17b), commemorated in the Kinah of the Ari Zal, author of Lekach (Megilas Taanis 3) "Eileh Ezkera" we say on Yom Tov, commentary on Rashi, 5341 Kipur, and "Arzei HaLevanon" we [1580]. Mordechai issued a royal decree say on Tisha B’Av. (Megilas for Jews to defend themselves from Taanis). Once a fast day. (Shulchan Yartzeit of R. Nachman of attack, 3404 [357 BCE]. (Esther Aruch, Orach Chaim 580:2) Horodonk, student of the Baal 8:11) Shem Tov, 5566 [1766]. Second expulsion from France, Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Pollak of 5082 [1332]. Yartzeit of R. Shlomo Kluger, Lublin, outstanding Talmudist of Talmudist and Halachic authority, his age, 5285 [1525]. Sivan 28/July 4/Monday 5529 [1869]. The Lubavitcher Rebbe and the Sivan 25/July 1/Friday Rebbitzen reached America, Tammuz 1/July 7/Thursday Geviha b. Pesisa won the case escaping the European Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Day Two brought before Alexander the Occupation, 5701 [1941]. Great by the Yishmoeilim and At 10:30 AM, several of the Samaritans. He proved Eretz elder Chasidim met the SS Surpa Yisroel belonged exclusively to the Pinta at New York Harbor. The Jews. Egypt complained that the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe told Jews robbed them at Yetzias them, "I appoint you as my Mitzrayim; Geviha proved the Jews representatives to greet my son-in- took only a fraction of the wages law. Let me tell you who he is: He due them. (Megilas Taanis 3) says Tikun Chatzos every night. He is expert in and knows by heart the Yartzeit of R. Shimon b. Gamliel, R. Talmud Bavli, as well as being Yishmael b. Elishah, and R. proficient in the RaN, RoSh, and Chananiah Segan HaKohanim, of RiF. He is expert in the Talmud the Ten Martyrs killed by the Yerushalmi, in the Rambam, in Romans, commemorated in the Likutei Torah with all the Tzemach Kinah "Eileh Ezkera" we say on Tzedek's references. Go and greet Yom Kipur, and "Arzei HaLevanon" him." we say on Tisha B’Av. (Megilas " . . . On this day began a Taanis) Once a fast day, (Shulchan new initiative in strengthening Aruch, Orach Chaim 580:2) and spreading Torah and Yiddishkeit and Chasidus, by my

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 Page 4 Shavuos Laws and Customs Motzei Shabbos ~ Monday / June 12 - 13

We don’t say Tachnun from the first of Since Yom Tov begins on Motzei Sivan through the twelfth: The first day Shabbos we have to make Havdalah is Rosh Chodesh, followed by Yom in Kiddush. HaMeyuchas, Shloshes Y’mei Hagbalah, Erev Shavuos, Shavuos, Isru Chag, and “YaKNeHaZ” is an easy way to re- the seven days for bringing the Shavuos member the order: Korbanos. Yayen (wine) 'Borei Pri Hagofen' We usually take haircuts and trim our Kiddush - 'Mekadesh Yisrael V'Haz- nails on Erev Shavuos, since this year Er- manim’ ev Shavuos is on Shabbos we do it on Ner - 'Borei Meorei Ha'eish' (Look at Friday - Erev Shabbos. Men go to the the candles when you say this one but Mikveh. not at your fingers) Havdalah - 'Hamavdil Bein Kodesh We daven Ma’ariv later than usual the L'kodesh' first night, so that the forty-nine days of Z’man - ‘Shehechiyanu’ the Omer will be complete. Ma’ariv be- gins with Shir HaMa’alos. Follow the instructions in the Siddur.

We say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Re- On the first night of Shavuos it is cus- galim, (see Siddur) with V’Todiyeinu, as tomary to stay up all night and say the Havdalah. (If you forget it, don’t re- Tikun Leil Shavuos, learn Torah and peat Shemoneh Esrei; just don’t do any go to the Mikveh before dawn. If work permitted on Yom Tov, until you you’re up all night, wash Netilas say: “Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh Yadayim and say Birchos HaShachar. L’Kodesh.”) [Igros Kodesh of the Rebbe, 3:409]

A women who does not daven Ma’ariv It isn’t our custom to read Akdamus must say, “Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh Kriyas HaTorah in the Siddur. L’Kodesh,” before lighting candles, or do- ing any work permitted on Yom Tov, or The Rebbe said that everyone, before preparing for the Yom Tov meal. even very young children, should be in Shul for the reading of the No preparations for the meal or the first Aseres HaDibros. day of Yom Tov may be done before can- dle-lighting time We must rejoice on Yom Tov:

Candle-lighting for the First night of Sha- Men drink an extra cup of wine (in ad- vuos is from a pre-existing flame. We say dition to Kiddush) and everyone “Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov” and should eat meat. “Shehechiyanu”. It’s customary to eat dairy foods the

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 Page 5 Kesherim & Ben David Inc. first day of Shavuos. Rinse out your mouth and wait Established 1947 one hour before eating the meat meal. (Six hours after hard cheese.) Diamonds, Rubies & Sapphires

It’s not our custom to publicly read Megilas Rus.

USING A STOVE ON YOM TOV Though we may not start a new fire on Yom Tov, (I.e. strike a match) we may light from an existing fire. We may add fuel to an existing fire to burn stronger or last 706 S. Hill Street # 320 longer. Los Angeles, CA 90014

If a GAS range is on, we may make the fire higher if Tel: 213 910-1700 needed. Generally, it’s forbidden to make the fire [email protected] smaller. It’s a good idea to leave two flames on the *** stove, one smaller and one higher. Shomer Gas stoves or ovens with electronic ignitions CAN’T be Insurance Agency lit on Yom Tov. On Yom Tov many ELECTRIC stoves Insurance Specialists may NOT be made hotter. Set the burners before Yom Joseph Schneerson Tov. Principal & Broker Always remember: 4221 Wilshire Blvd. #222 SAFETY FIRST! 323 934-8160 Exercise caution near a hot stove. License #0717982 Though we may wash dishes on Yom Tov, it is prohibit- *** ed to use a dish cloth, steel wool or sponge. We MAY Martin Fishman use a plastic or nylon scouring pad - but they have to & Assoc. Inc. be made of a loose weave - that they don’t trap water. INSURANCE Although one may cook on Yom Tov, and wash dishes, 6300 Wilshire Blvd. one may not prepare on the first day of Yom Tov for the Los Angeles, CA 90048 Second day. This includes - cooking, washing the dish- es, setting the table etc. When you are cooking on the Tel: 323 866-0830 first day, for the first day, and you want to add extra License # 04188981 for the second day - a Shailah has to be asked. *** (See Shulchan Aruch, Ohr HaChaim, Laws of Yom Tov chapter 503) Frank Revere Lawyer Revere & Wallace Yom Tov is over Monday Night, May 25th. Regular Hav- dallah is said without besomim or a candle. 355 S Grand Ave #2450 Los Angeles, CA 90071 May we all merit To accept the [email protected] Torah Phone: 213-943-1333 Fax: 213-403-4847 B’Simcha UB’Penimius Cell: 213-422-5408

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 Page 6 Chassidic Stories about Shavuos

On Erev Shavuos the Alter Rebbe would say Chassi- The Rebbe Maharash told the Rebbe Rashab. “I dus. The Tzemach Tzedek said that in 5557 was not always someone who cried. I had no rea- (1797) many Chassidim came for Yom Tov. son to cry. I was the youngest, and I did well on my tests. On the Eve of Shavuos the Alter Rebbe taught: “Sanctify them today and tomorrow they shall Once, on the night of Shavuos I went to say “Gut cleanse their garments.” (Shemos 19:10) Yom Tov” to my great-uncle, R. Chaim Avraham, the Alter Rebbe’s son. I saw him with his hands “Sanctify them today and tomorrow” is from covering his face, tears running down his cheeks. above, but “they shall cleanse their garments” they must do for themselves. I asked him why he was crying on Yom Tov. He said he once heard a Torah from the Alter Rebbe: The Tzemach Tzedek explained: “Sanctify them” “Count from the day after Shabbos (Pesach).” The was said by Hashem to Moshe. The extension of “day beyond Shabbos” should be counted. Moshe is in every generation. They (the Moshe of Through it you count fifty days to be enlightened to each generation) can sanctify the “today” and the see the fiftieth gate (of wisdom). We count only “tomorrow”; but for this there must be, “..and they forty-nine days, but one who counts properly can shall cleanse their garments,” the garments of be enlightened by the fiftieth gate.” thought, speech and deed. This must be done by each person.” (Hayom Yom, 5 Sivan) He said, “I don’t see the fiftieth gate.”

R. Menachem Nachum (the Mittler Rebbe’s son) The Maharash said, “Reb Chaim Avraham was sev- told R. Zalman Aharon (the Rebbe Rashab’s broth- enty seven, totally removed from worldly matters, er) that some of the Chassidim said they needed and cried that by him there was no revelation of nothing more to be said; they now had enough to the fiftieth gate. This touched me.” work with. (Sichos 5704, p. 125)

Chassidim asked the Rebbe Rayatz if cleansing *** means with tears. He said it meant one’s thoughts should be clean. In Liozna, before he became Rebbe, the Mittler Rebbe taught the younger Chasidim. He would “You can’t compare the cleansing of the three gar- Farbreng with them on the first night of Shavuos. ments. In actions, we shouldn’t do something bad; He repeated Torah from the Alter Rebbe and ex- in speech we refrain from Lashon Hara, etc; but by plained it; how Moshe Rabeinu prepared Bnei Yis- thought, not only shouldn’t we think bad thoughts, roel for the revelation of the Torah from Rosh Cho- but we must think words of Torah and Tefillah.” desh Sivan. After all the preparations Hashem was (Shavuos, 5697, Sefer Hasichos p. 243) at Har Sinai first, before the Jews arrived.

*** A Chassid, Reb Zusel, heard this. He had a great The Rebbe Rashab said he had a manuscript from power of visualization and was very emotional. He the Mitteler Rebbe in which he guarantees that an- fainted and remained in that state for seven or yone who stays up the first night of Shavuos will eight hours. Upon waking he was very weak, but merit the crown of Torah. And he was a Posek. begged his friends to take him to Shul to hear the Alter Rebbe read the Torah. When the Alter Rebbe The Rebbe Rashab stood up and said, “Listen all began the Aseres Hadibros, Reb Zusel became ani- Jews, Shavuos at night you must be awake.” mated and said it injected him with new life. (Toras Shalom p. 3) (Sefer Hasichos 5704)

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 Page 7 The Seudah of Shavuos, in addition to being for The Alter Rebbe said, “Business people go to fairs for the Simcha of Yom Tov, is also the Seudah of a two days and buy a lot of merchandise. Before they Mitzvah. It is similar to the celebration for a travel home it is important to pack it very well, and it child beginning to learn Kometz-Alef. The takes a long time to pack for the road. Seudah of Shavuos is for Kabolas HaTorah and Mitzvos. On Shavuos everyone receives something good from the revelation. Hashem brought 600,000 Jewish males of mili- tary service age, as well as the women, children It takes time to pack it well so it will not get lost when and the elderly (about 2.5 million people), into we become distracted with daily life. (Shavuos 5698, His “Cheder.” p. 286)

They heard the Aseres Hadibros directly from *** Him “Anochi,” the first word of the Aseres Had- ibros, begins Kometz Alef; thus Shavuos is a With the approach of Shavuos, 5700 (1940), my Simcha and a Seudas Mitzvah. (Sefer Hasichos revered father-in-law, the Rebbe (Rayatz), wrote a let- 5703, pp. 143-144) ter addressed to the yeshivah students, which included the following passage: *** Shavuos is a time of Divine favor. G-d confuses the This story was told by the Tzemach Tzedek and Prosecuting Angel who accuses the Jewish people, just given over from one Rebbe to another. At the as he confuses him at the time of the Sounding of the time it happened (in 5656) the Tzemach Tzedek Shofar on Rosh HaShanah and on the Holy Day, the was six. The Alter Rebbe called the Seudah of Fast of Yom Kippur. (Sichah of Shavuos, 5710 (1950) Shavuos “the Zayde’s Seudah” (Shavuos is the Hayom Yom Sivan 4) Baal Shem Tov’s Yartzeit). During the meal he would call out “Boruch Haba” -and Chassidim *** knew the Baal Shem Tov was present. At certain times, the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek said Once the Alter Rebbe didn’t say “Baruch Haba.” tehillim extensively. For instance, the Tzemach Tzedek There were three elder Chassidim who knew said tehillim at length during the early morning hours, the Baal Shem Tov and one began to tell a story especially on "market days." about him. The Alter Rebbe said the Baal Shem Tov was busy in the higher Gan Eden, in Me- The Rebbe explained this custom to his son, the Rebbe sivta D’Kedusha Brich Hu. Maharash, saying that he wanted to "participate" with those who go to the market early, with the shoemak- Later, the Alter Rebbe said, “Boruch Haba.” ers, the tailors, the butchers: all those who say tehillim (Sefer Hasichos 5705, p. 107-108) early in the morning.

*** Later, the Rebbe Maharash explained to the Rebbe Rashab that the inner yearning, that desire to feel and The custom of the Rebbeim was to say Torah at take part, was a characteristic that only a Rebbe could the meal on Shavuos, and to tell a story about feel. And a Rebbe is one who walks in the higher the Baal Shem Tov. (Sefer HaSichos 5702, p. realms as if he is walking in his house. (Igros Ko- 140) desh of the Previous Rebbe, vol. 8, p. 491)

*** ***

The Tzemach Tzedek asked the Alter Rebbe, Rebbetzen Chaya Mushka, the wife of the Tzemach “Why do we celebrate Shavuos for seven days?” Tzedek, said copious amounts of tehillim. However, (We don’t say Tachnun until Sivan 12) for some reason, she made many errors in her recita- tion, saying the words wrong.

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 Page 8 Once, she asked Yehudah Leib, her son, "After all lous system governing everything he did. He start- of these years, why can't I say tehillim by heart?" ed to “say Torah,” and all of the disciples felt a tre- mendous G-dly delight. They would sing at the ta- Yehudah Leib replied that every time she said ble and when they saw the happy mood of the Baal tehillim, she made new mistakes. Shem Tov, they were even more pleased, filled with a sense of gratitude and happiness for G-d’s favor The Rebbetzen related this discussion to her hus- to them, granting them the privilege of being band, the Tzemach Tzedek, and asked if she should among the disciples of the saintly Baal Shem Tov… cease saying tehillim because of this. It occurred to some of them that it was so delight- The Rebbe told the Rebbetzen that she should con- ful, without the crowd of simple people who had tinue. It was, he said, very important for her to say no idea what the Master was saying. Why, they tehillim, and once he even asked her to say tehillim thought, does he show such affection for them, on his behalf. pouring from his cup into theirs, even giving his cup to one of them? Afterwards the Tzemach Tzedek told Yehudah Leib to ask forgiveness from the Rebbetzen. -- Toras The Baal Shem Tov’s expression changed. He be- Shalom, p. 81 came serious, immersed in thought and began. “Peace, peace, to the far and the near.” Our sages *** say, “Where the penitent stand, perfect saints can- Shavuos is the Yartzeit of Dovid not.” Stressing perfect saints. He explained that there are two paths in G-d’s service, the Tzadik’s Hamelech and the Ba’al Shem Tov. In and the Baal Teshuvah’s. The service of simple peo- honor of them we present the following ple is similar to the penitent’s the simple person’s stories about the Ba’al Shem tov and the humility is like the penitent remorse and resolve. power of Tehillim. When the Baal Shem Tov finished, they resumed singing. Those who had questioned the Master’s One summer Shabbos, between 1753 and 1755 -- affection for simple people realized he was aware when the circle of disciples included brilliant and of their thoughts. He equating the qualities of the renowned men like the Mezeritcher Magid and the simple, with the superiority of the penitent over the Rav of Polnoe—an incident occurred that thor- Tzadik was obviously addressed to them. oughly perplexed the disciples. He was still in deep Dveikus. When they finished Many guests came for that Shabbos, farmers, arti- singing, he opened his eyes, intently examining sans, cobblers, tailors, vintners, gardeners, stock- each disciple. He told them to place their hands on men and small merchants. At the Friday evening the shoulders of their neighbors, so the disciples meal the Baal Shem Tov showed extraordinary af- sitting around the table would be joined. The Baal fection for them. He poured from his Kiddush into Shem Tov sat at the head. the cup of one, to another he gave his own Kiddush cup to say Kiddush; he gave from the loaves of his He told them to sing, and after the songs he told HaMotzei to several, to others he gave of the meat them to shut their eyes. He placed his right hand and fish of his portion. He showed other gestures on the shoulders of the disciples to his right and his of friendship and regard for them leaving his disci- left. The circle was closed. ples puzzled. Suddenly they heard songs, melodies, with moving The guests knew that they couldn’t attend the Sec- pleas, touching the very soul. One voice saying, ond Meal, reserved for the inner group of disciples. “Ribono Shel Olam.” And said a verse of Tehilim, They assembled in the Baal Shem Tov’s Shul, and “The sayings of G-d are pure sayings….” Another said Tehilim. sang “Ai, Ribono Shel Olam.” And another the verse, “Test me G-d, prove me, purify my heart.” A When the Baal Shem Tov sat at the Second Meal, third with a spontaneous cry in Yiddish – “Tatte he arranged the disciples in order, in the meticu- Hartziger, Be gracious to me; I trust in You and I

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 Page 9 shelter in the shadow of Your wings.” A fourth voice: “Ay Gevald, Ziss- er Foter in Himel” “Tairer Tatte, A bird has a home, a swallow a nest.”

The disciples, hearing these songs of Tehilim, trembled. Their eyes were Melinda Dauer shut but tears came down their cheeks. The songs shattered their hearts. Psy. D., A.T.R.- B.C. - M.S.T. Each wished for G-d to help him to serve Him in this manner. Art Therapy & Coaching

The Baal Shem Tov removed his hands from the shoulders of the disci- Children & Adults ples and they no longer heard the songs and Tehilim. He told them to 310 892-6988 open their eyes and to sing other songs. [email protected] “When I heard the song of Tehilim,” the Mezeritcher Magid later told *** the Alter Rebbe, “my soul spilled forth. I felt such Ahavah BiTaanugim that I had never felt. My boots were soaked with perspiration and tears Do you want to order Tefillin of Teshuvah from the inwardness and depths of the heart.” for your son’s Bar Mitzvah? Rabbi Braude The Baal Shem Tov stopped singing; a hush fell over the group. He sat in deep Dveikus for a prolonged time, then looked up and said, “ The songs Sofer Stam you heard were the songs of the simple Jews saying Tehilim with sincer- 323 938-1006 ity, from the recesses of the heart and with simple faith. *** “Now, think carefully on this. We are only the ‘edge of truth, ‘ for the Law Office of body is not truth, only the soul is truth and it is only part of the essence Michael E. Rubinstein and so is called the ‘edge of truth.’ Still, we recognize truth and feel truth and are affected deeply by truth. Consider then, how G-d Who is Personal Injury Attorney perfect Truth, regards the Tehilim of these simple people.” Auto Accidents, (This story is found in the back of Tehillim Ohel Yosef Yitzchok) Bicycle Accidents, Slip & Falls In a farbrengen in 5579 (1819), the Tzemach Tzedek related the follow- 213-293-6075 ing about how the Baal Shem Tov once lit candles made from ice. By way of introduction, it should be noted that the gematria of light ("ohr") www.rabbilawyer.com is 207, the same as that of secrets ("roz") and that one who knows "inner We Come To You secrets" has the power to "illuminate." *** Chassidim know how fond the Besht was of light. The Tzemach Tzedek YOSEF Y. SHAGALOV related that the Baal Shem Tov once visited one of his students. Traveling Notary When the Besht came in, he said, "By Yidden there must be light. My Public & Home Signing job is to illuminate Yidden." However, only one candle was to be found Agent in the house. Member: National Notary Association The Besht then instructed his student to do the following: "Take icicles from the roof and light them." Cell: (323) 934-7095 Fax: (323) 934-7092 E-mail: [email protected] The student complied and the icicles actually began burning! “For All Your Notary Needs The Besht then sang niggunim with great joy and intensity, the same - At Your Location” kind of intensity that could light up icicles.

The Rebbe Rashab said that "Today there is darkness and cold.” Grandfa- ther revealed the burning fire within each Jew. Wherever Yidden are found, they will be illuminated by the light of Torah.

-- Sefer HaSichos 5700 (1940), p.176

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 Page 10 CALENDAR TIMES ARE FOR LOS ANGELES (Shel Yom Yom Shehechiyanu)(Shel Tov and Yom Shehechiyanu)(Shel Tov and from pre from a Light Candles Friday June Candles FridayLight 10: June Last Last Time ReadShema: To Last to ReadShema: Last Time to ReadShema: Last Time Sivan13/Monday 7/June ShevaTashlumim Yimei Sivan 6/June 12/Sunday Sivan 6/June Sivan 1/June 7/Tuesday Sivan 1/June Light Candles June17: Second DaySecond Shavuos Rosh Chodesh SivanRosh Chodesh Pirkei Avos 6 Chapter Pirkei Avos 1 Chapter Mincha /Farbrengen: Mincha - Light Candles After: Light First Day Shavuos existing flame after: existing flame Sivan 12/June Sivan18 12/June Aseres Hadibros: Aseres Alos HaShachar: Alos 11Sivan 5/June Last DayLast ofthe Yom TovYom Ends: Shabbos Shabbos Ends: Erev Shavuos Light Candles Light Shacharis: Bamidbar Shachris: Yizkor: Naso

11:45 10:15 9:17 4:04 8:50 9:16 7:46 9:17 8:51 7:48 8:50 7:00 12:00 10:15 8:50

This Shabbos, the Shabbos Gim-of mel all it iscustomaryfor Tammuz, Shabbos Mevarchim Shabbos Tammuz Light Candles Friday June Candles FridayLight 24: June Tammuz 1/June 7/Thursday 1/June Tammuz Sivan 30/July 6/Wednesday Light Candles FridayLight July 1: Light Candles FridayLight July 8: Last Last Time ReadShema: To Last Time ReadShema: To Last Last Time ReadShema: To Rosh Chodesh DayRosh Chodesh Two Rosh Chodesh DayRosh Chodesh One Tuesday/July 2016 5, Pirkei Avos 3 Chapter Pirkei Avos 2 Chapter Pirkei Avos 4 Chapter men getan Aliya. to 12:28 (1 Molad ofTammuz Molad Sivan 19/June Sivan25 19/June Tammuz 3/July Tammuz 9 Sivan 26/July 2 Shabbos Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Shabbos Ends: Behaalotecha

chelek Shachris: Tehillim: Korach Shlach ) AM

9:23 8:52 7:49 7:53 9:21 10:00 8:15 7:50 9:19 8:53 7:50

CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK CHABAD OF HANCOCK PA RK 356 N. La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90036

Return Service Requested EZ Roth Plumbing Printed By & Heating

San Wilshire Inc. Shlomo Gabbai (323) 653-3538 Zalman Roth

Torah On The Line “Always Helpful for any Situation” 5747 Melrose Avenue To Get Connected, Call: 323 469-5692 (323) 939-TORAH Fax: 323 (323) 939-8672 469-3736 (310) 453-4774 License #741375 No Computer Ever Needed Always on Call Always Free

 As a preparation for Shavuos beginning  We must also strengthen our learning of Shabbos Mevarchim Sivan we must add in CHITAS and Rambam. (Shavuos was a time learning Torah, both Nigleh and Chasidus, the Rebbe stressed the importance of learn- especially those parts which are connected ing Torah, and the daily portions of Chitas to Ma’atan Torah. This applies to men, and Rambam.) women and children, each person on his or These directives should continue through the her level. Yimei Tashlumim of Shavuos  Everyone should add in the giving of Tzed- akah

 Gatherings should be made to prepare our- selves for Shavuos.  We must make sure that everyone has what Reminder: they need for Yom Tov. As we receive the Torah,  On Erev Shabbos we give extra Tzedokah for please be certain your Shabbos & the two days of Shavuos. children are signed up in  Tikun Leil Shavuos should be said, and we Tzivos Hashem, and that must make sure that others do the same. each member of your  Men, women and children (even babies) family has a letter in the should be in Shul for Aseres Hadibros. Sefer Torah.  Our resolution for Shavuos must be that we designate time and add time in our learning by ourselves and also with others.