CONTENTSContents SOME WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT ...... 3 IMPRESSIONS OF A JOURNEY ABROAD...... 9 THE ROOT OF THE RIGHTEOUS WILL GIVE...... 16 THE LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR TEACHER AND RAV...... 22 JTHE GAON AND TZADDIK RABBI YITZCHAK KADURI ZT”L...... 24 IS THERE WATER ABOVE THE FIRMAMENT? ...... 29 THE NEED TO STUDY THE LAWS OF MODESTY ...... 30 JERUSALEM HAS LOST A JEWEL ...... 34 THE LESSON OF SELF-SACRIFICE AND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR THE FUTURE...... 36 THE HILLOULA OF RABBI HAIM PINTO ZT”L ...... 40 A TZADDIK HAS LEFT THIS WORLD THE GAON RABBI NISSIM REBIBO ZATZAL...... 46 THE PASSING OF RABBI NATHAN BOKOBZA...... 48 THE DISASTER EFFECTS OF CARELESSNESS...... 49 THE ADMOR OF SATMAR HARAV MOSHE TEITELBAUM ZT”L....50 A FEW GOLDEN RULES...... 52 DVOR TORAH IN HEBREW...... 54 UNDER AEGIS OF RABBI DAVID HANANIA PINTO CHLITA ISRAEL - ASHDOD The Pinto “OROT HAÏM OU MOSHE” REHOV HA-ADMOUR MI-BELZ 41/6 • ASHDOD • ISRAËL Associations around TEL: +972 88 856 125 • FAX: +972 88 563 851 ISRAEL - JERUSALEM the world, along with KOLLEL “OROTH HAIM OU MOSHE” KOLLEL “MISHKAN BETSALEL” Rabbi David Hanania Pinto YÉCHIVAT “NEFESH HAIM” REHOV BAYIT VAGAN 97 • JERUSALEM • ISRAEL Shlita, send you their best TEL: +972 26 433 605 • FAX: +972 26 433 570 U.S.A - CHEVRAT PINTO wishes for an exceptional new 8 MORRIS ROAD - SPRING VALLEY • NY 10977 • U.S.A TEL: 1 845 426 1276 • FAX: 1 845 426 1149 year 5767. Shana Tova! May PARIS - ORH HAÏM VÉMOSHÉ 11, RUE DU PLATEAU - 75019 PARIS • FRANCE we all be inscribed in the TEL: 01 42 08 25 40 - FAX: 01 42 08 50 85

LYON - HEVRAT PINTO Book of Life. Amen. 20 BIS, RUE DES MÛRIERS - 69100 VILLEURBANNE • FRANCE TEL: 04 78 03 89 14 - FAX: 04 78 68 68 45 Responsable de publication: Hanania SOUSSAN Mise en Page: Hanania SOUSSAN Impression: Imprimerie de Chabrol Web Site : www.hevratpinto.org 3 SOME WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT Some Words of Encour- agement for the Yamim Noraim Given at the Orot Haim OuMoshe Kollel in Ashdod - Sun- day, Elul 28, 5765

We are approaching Rosh Hashanah, which is the Day of Judgment. A person must feel, however, that each day is a miniature Rosh Hashanah (hence there is no allusion in the Torah to the fact that the first day of Tishri is the day of judg- ment, for a person must feel that Hashem is judging his actions each day), as we say in prayer: “In His goodness He re- news each day, continuously, the work of Creation.” We must feel renewed each day, as the Sages have said: “That the words of the Torah shall be new to you, as if they were given just today” (Tan- huma Yashan, Yitro 7). Thus a person must feel that each day is a new one for him, at which point he will experience a great spiritual elevation. Similarly, we feel renewed when we wear a new ar- ticle of clothing and recite Shecheyanu, for everything new opens the mind, and when the mind is more open, joy is awak- ened. Hence we should have our minds opened on Rosh Hashanah. Yet that is not the case, for instead we are seized with fear (as the Gemara states, “On Rosh Ha- shanah, the more a man bends his mind, the better it is” [Rosh Hashanah 26b]). Why is this so? It is because we haven’t broadened our minds during the entire year. However if we feel renewed each make Hashem our King. However the renewed fear on Rosh Hashanah. If we day throughout the year, then on Rosh reality is that such a person has already feel renewed each day, we will certainly Hashanah we will not be subjected to made Him his King each day through feel “Rosh Hashanah,” but it will not anxiety or fear. his prayers and 100 times a day through be a terrible sensation or a dread of the his blessings, as we recite: “Blessed are In reality, Rosh Hashanah is a day Day of Judgment. In fact we really have You, L-RD our G-d, King of the uni- of fear, since it is the Day of Judg- nothing to worry about, since the Torah verse.” True, we hear the sound of the ment. Yet if a person feels renewed in speaks of joy in reference to Rosh Ha- Shofar on Rosh Hashanah. However his Torah study, he will experience the shanah, as it is written: “Also in the day when we study Torah aloud each day, Creation each day, and he will per- of your joy, and in your festivals, and this too is like the sound of the Shofar. ceive the Holy One, blessed be He, as at the beginnings of your months, you Unfortunately, because of our many sins it is written: “Know before Whom you shall sound with the trumpets” [Num- the power of habit makes a person lose stand.” He will certainly feel something bers 10:10]. Therefore joy has a place on Rosh Hashanah, for on this day we his sensibilities, and therefore he feels on Rosh Hashanah. 3 An idea came to me concerning states that this occurred because Ahab studied Torah and knew that what he did the following passage in the Gemara: had submitted himself to Hashem. Im- was forbidden? How could he still have “Three kings and four commoners have mediately after this, there was the battle done it? no portion in the World to Come. The of Ramoth-Gilead, in which Ahab was The Sages have taught, “Manasseh three kings are Jeroboam, Ahab, and killed, though we see no indication that interpreted the Priestly Law in 55 dif- Manasseh. Rabbi Judah said: Manasseh he reverted to his previous way of life. ferent ways, corresponding to the years has a portion in it, for it is written, ‘He And what can we say about Manasseh, of his reign. Ahab [in] 85, and Jeroboam prayed to Him, and He was entreated who was foremost among the Ba’alei [in] 103” (Sanhedrin 103b). Consequent- by him and heard his supplication, and teshuvah (as the Jerusalem Talmud tells ly, how can someone interpret the Torah He returned him to Jerusalem, to his us in Sanhedrin 10:2), for the Holy One, in 85 ways and still transgress it? This kingship’ [II Chronicles 33:13]. They blessed be He, secured a portion for him is why Heaven placed Manasseh in the answered him: ‘They restored him to his under the Throne of Glory. Hashem also same category as Jeroboam the son of kingship, but not to the World to Come!’ heard his supplications, as it is written: Nabat, for one who knows his Master and ” (Sanhedrin 90a). Ahab also did te- “He prayed to Him, and He was entreat- rebels against Him is judged strictly. shuvah, as it is written: “When Ahab ed by him.” heard these words, he tore his clothes I have seen that Rav Shach cites Rashi Of Jeroboam it is written: “At that on the verse, “For G-d will judge every and placed sackcloth upon his skin and time, Jeroboam’s son Abijah became ill. fasted. He slept with the sackcloth, and deed, even everything hidden” (Eccle- Jeroboam said to his wife, ‘Get up now siastes 12:14). Here Rashi explains that he walked about slowly. The word of and disguise yourself so that people will Hashem will judge a person even for his the L-RD came to Elijah the Tishbite, not know that you are Jeroboam’s wife, unintentional sins. We also read: “The saying: ‘Have you seen that Ahab has and go to Shiloh. Ahijah the prophet School of Rabbi Yanai said, ‘This refers humbled himself before Me?’ ” (I Kings is there, the one who spoke of me as to one who gives alms to a poor person 21:27-29). becoming king over this people. … in public’ ” (Chagigah 5a). In fact when The Sages explain that Ahab re- He will tell you what will happen to Rabbi Yanai saw a man giving a penny pented completely. He summoned Je- the boy.’ Jeroboam’s wife did so. She to a poor person in public, he said to the hoshaphat, the king of Judah, and stuck arose and went to Shiloh, and arrived giver: “It would have been better if you him every day. The Gemara states, “Be- at Ahijah’s house. Now Ahijah could had not given to him.” Here was a man cause he used to benefit scholars with not see, for his eyes were dim because who gave tzeddakah, yet erred by giving his wealth, half [his sins] were forgiv- of his age. … When Ahijah heard the it in public, since he forgot that giving en” (Sanhedrin 102b). sound of her feet coming in the door, in this way is forbidden. Even for doing Thus the question becomes, how we he said: ‘Enter, wife of Jeroboam! Why that, he will have to give an accounting, a can possibly group Manasseh and Ahab do you disguise yourself? I have a harsh frightening prospect indeed. with Jeroboam the son of Nabat? Ac- message for you [which he proceeded cording to all opinions, Jeroboam has to give]: … I am bringing evil upon the A person is giving tzeddakah, yet no portion whatsoever in the World house of Jeroboam, and I will eliminate instead of simply giving it discreetly, he to Come, for it is clear that he neither all male offspring from Jeroboam.’ … makes the mistake of giving in public. submitted to Hashem nor listened to Jeroboam’s wife arose and left, and Although he did give, Hashem is going the words of the prophets: “When [Je- she came to Tirzah. As she entered the to punish him for it? This is the meaning roboam] heard the words of the man of threshold of the house, the boy died.” of the expression, “even everything hid- G-d who had called out to the altar in (I Kings 14:1-17). We have no indica- den.” It concerns someone who knows Bethel, [he] stretched out his hand from tion that Jeroboam repented, whereas that it is forbidden to give tzeddakah to upon the altar and said, ‘Seize him!’ ” (I we see self-effacement with Ahab and a poor person in public. He will there- Kings 13:4). Manasseh. Therefore how could the fore be reprimanded even if it was done Such was not the case with Ahab, Sages group all three of them in the by mistake, and G-d will demand an ac- who believed in the prophets and same category? Numerous explanations counting from him. yielded to rebuke. How can we group have been given for this. That being said, imagine what kind all three men in the category of those There is one explanation, however, of judgment there will be for sins that who have no portion in the World to that stems from the direct sense of the are done deliberately, not to mention for Come, since Ahab repented and Hash- text: The teshuvah of a person who sins that are committed out of sheer re- em accepted his teshuvah by saying, knows his Master but rebels against bellion! Thus the Holy One, blessed be “Have you seen that Ahab has humbled Him is not easily accepted. Someone He, blamed Ahab and Manasseh for their himself before Me” (see Shaarei Tes- who studied in yeshiva and received a sins even after they did teshuvah. At the huvah, Gate 1, Section 29)? We read religious education from his father, yet very start He accused them of their sins, that after his repentance, “There were falls into sin and then repents, is judged asking how they could have done such three years without war between Aram even with regards to his teshuvah. How things. True, Ahab annulled himself and and Israel” (I Kings 22:1). The Ralbag can a person do such a thing, since he repented, but it was not enough to erase 4 5 his rebellion against G-d, for he knew his and in Egypt, and serve the L-RD. If it the covenant was conditional. That is, Master and still rebelled. is evil in your eyes to serve the L-RD, there is a covenant if we fulfill Torah. That being the case, even his tes- choose today whom you will serve: The Similarly, when a man and a woman get huvah was not enough to atone for his gods that your forefathers served across married, they conclude a covenant that rebellion. Manasseh also repented, and the river, or the gods of the Amorite in is concretized by a ketubah. If they wish when Hashem gave him back his king- whose land you dwell. As for me and to get divorced, a get is made for them. ship, he took every idol and threw them my house, we will serve the L-RD.’ The The get splits man and woman apart, di- away. Nevertheless, he is still placed nation responded and said, ‘It would be vorcing them from one another. in the same category as Ahab and Je- sacrilegious for us to forsake the L-RD, The covenant that Hashem conclud- roboam the son of Nabat, their judgment to serve the gods of others’ ” (Joshua 24: ed with the Children of Israel is renewed being that they shall have no portion in 14-16). Afterwards it is written, “Joshua at each instant with every Jew who stud- the World to Come. This is the meaning made a covenant with the people on that ies Torah. In such a situation, the Holy of, “One who studied and denied [Hash- day and he set down decrees and laws One, blessed be He, cannot send the em] is the worst of all.” Naturally, this for them in Shechem” (v.25). Children of Israel away. (Even when is not dealing with someone who lost Here the book Beer Mechokek asks there is a weakening in the study of To- his senses and therefore transgressed the exactly which covenant this is referring rah, Hashem does not send the Children Torah, as the Sages have said: “A person to, for they already had a covenant with of Israel away. Instead He leaves them, does not commit a transgression unless Hashem at the giving of the Torah. The much like an abandoned wife, as it is a spirit of folly enters him” (Sotah 3a). book also questions the verse, “Samuel written: “Thus said the L-RD: Where is your mother’s bill of divorce, by which Such was not the case with the three gathered the people to the L-RD at Miz- I sent her away?” [Isaiah 50:1]. In com- kings in question, for they all retained pah. He said to the Children of Israel: menting on this verse, Radak explains their kingship. This demonstrates that ‘Thus said the L-RD, the G-d of Israel: I that the bill of divorce mentioned in they were all mentally stable, for a king brought Israel up from Egypt. I rescued the book of Jeremiah [see Jeremiah 3: cannot reign if he has gone mad, and you from the hand of Egypt and from the 8] was addressed to the Ten Tribes, sig- Hashem knows exactly who has lost his hand of all the kingdoms that oppressed naling that they would no longer have a mind. We sometimes try to excuse a per- you’ ” (I Samuel 10:17-18). He again as- king. However the bill of divorce given son of his sin by saying, “He must have sembled them at Gilgal and said to them, “And now, stand and I shall reason with to Judah corresponds to one that a hus- gone mad!” Yet this is not for us to de- band makes to send his wife away.) cide, since only Hashem can make that you before the L-RD concerning all the judgment. He knows who has gone mad righteous acts that He did for you and What can this be compared to? It is like someone who purchases a car. From and who has not. Ahab and Manasseh for your forefathers” (ibid. 12:7). Here time to time his car requires a tune-up, had not gone mad, for they could inter- too Samuel concluded a covenant with meaning that he must periodically pret the Torah in 55, even 85 ways. them, and the nature of that covenant also needs to be understood. change the oil, fill up the radiator and The book Be’er Mechokek, written wiper fluids, and do everything needed The book Beer Mechokek provides by one of the great masters of Mussar, to properly maintain it. Similarly, a cov- its own explanation. discusses the passage in Parsha Nitza- enant that Hashem concludes with man vim in which Moses tells the Children However I thought I would give a must constantly be renewed, which is of Israel, “You are standing today, all straightforward explanation: Simply what Moses told the Children of Israel: of you, before the L-RD your G-d…for put, whoever studies Torah must con- “For you to pass into the covenant of the you to pass into the covenant of the L- clude a covenant with the Holy One, L-RD your G-d.” This refers to the re- RD your G-d and into His imprecation blessed be He. In fact the evil inclina- newal of the covenant that Hashem con- that the L-RD your G-d seals with you tion is strong in a person who studies cluded with them at Horev. It was not today” (Deuteronomy 29:9-11). The au- Torah, and therefore he must daily re- a new covenant, but the renewal of the thor asks, “How is it possible for Moses new a covenant with Hashem by means first covenant they entered into. to have brought them into a covenant, of the holy Torah. When Moses con- This is what Joshua and Samuel did since they already had a covenant? Ex- cluded a covenant with the Jewish peo- as well. They warned the Children of Is- actly what covenant were they entering ple (in Parsha Nitzavim), it was to teach rael against transgressing the covenant, into on that day?” us that when there is no Torah, there is for without Torah there is idolatry. That The author also states that before no covenant: “If not for My covenant, is, if we fail to renew ourselves daily his death, Joshua assembled all the I would not have appointed days and in the study of Torah, we will arrive at tribes of Israel in Shechem and warned nights, the decrees of heaven and earth” idolatry. The evil inclination is so pow- them, “ ‘Now, fear the L-RD and serve (Jeremiah 33:25). erful that each day it can make us forget Him with wholeheartedness and truth. This means that it’s true that Hash- the covenant that Hashem concluded Remove the gods that your forefathers em concluded a covenant with them at with us on Mount Sinai. It does this by served on the other side of the river Horev (at the giving of the Torah), yet making us neglect the Torah. What hap- 4 5 pens then? We must realize that things for the night of Rosh Hashanah. We eat shanah Seder, which alludes to the will end very badly. We learn this from pomegranates, dates, lamb, and other verse: “The righteous will flourish like Jeroboam, Ahab, and Manasseh. How things. What is the meaning of these a palm tree” (Psalms 92:13). From the did they become so morally corrupt, simanim? fact that we eat these dates as a siman such that the Sages stated that they have This is what I thought: We say, “One [sign], we are telling Hashem that we no part in the World to Come? How who begins a mitzvah, he is told to com- want to bring Him satisfaction, that we did all this happen? It is quite simple: plete it.” What does it mean to begin want to become tzaddikim. Also pres- They failed to renew the covenant. Thus a mitzvah? It means that we approach ent on the table is a head of lamb. What if someone renews his covenant with Hashem and say: We want to begin a is an animal’s head doing on the table? Hashem each day, the fear of Heaven mitzvah, but we ask You to finish it for The lamb’s head is man’s way of tell- will come upon him and he will not fall us. We want to repent and do good, but ing Hashem, “Have I changed for Rosh into sin. please come and help us. Please finish it Hashanah? If so, then good. If not, I am How can a person conclude a cov- for us. Things are difficult in our time, like the head of this animal. Therefore enant with Hashem and live with Him? for we live with the evil inclination. Life please help me to change and become a man!” It is by studying Torah. One who studies is not at all easy. This morning I was at Torah lives with the Holy One, blessed Rashbi Yeshiva, and there I saw 150 As for the pomegranates we eat, be He, much like a man lives with his avrechim in a kollel who were immersed just what do they signify? The word wife. Without Torah, there certainly in Torah study and learning aloud. All of rimon (“pomegranate”) is formed by remains a vestige of a covenant, but them had families, and they could have the same letters as the world maron. A the two parties are separated from one been working to earn a living, some person eats and drinks on the night of another, with each living in a different with important jobs, others with less im- Rosh Hashanah. He eats Swiss chard, place. What good is a covenant like portant jobs. Instead they were content leeks, pumpkin, sesame seeds, apples that? on living with little, content on studying dipped in honey, and dates. He then eats a pomegranate in order to awaken Moses said to the Children of Israel: Torah day and night. At that point I said him, for on that night people are to pass The covenant that Hashem concluded to Hashem, “Look at Your children, who before Hashem like sheep (bnei maron), with you at Horev, if it is to be effective are studying Torah with enthusiasm. This certainly gives You satisfaction, and He will examine them. He does not and enduring, it must be renewed each look at appearances, but rather at the day. Otherwise things become danger- and if only for that, inscribe them for a good life and for peace!” heart. He determines if we have repent- ous. This is precisely what Joshua said: ed, what resolutions we have taken, and Serve Hashem or serve idols! What is One who begins a mitzvah is told to whether we have changed or remained idolatry? It is distancing oneself from finish it. We want to repent and begin rebellious. Hashem – be it through sports, watching a mitzvah, but You, Hashem, open our This is what the pomegranate alludes television, playing games, or any other heart – “open my heart to Your Torah” to. The Sages said that there are 613 useless pursuit of this world – that is the – open my mouth so I can speak with seeds in a pomegranate. Have you taken idolatry of our generation. You. “Open my lips” and finish the it upon yourself to fulfill the 613 mitz- mitzvah for me, for I cannot finish it. I Tomorrow night is the day of judg- vot? If so, you will pass before Hashem don’t know Your will, nor what I should ment. Do we really understand what in peace. If not, you will have simply be doing. “Who may ascend the moun- the day of judgment is about? When eaten a pomegranate without receiving tain of the L-RD?” Who knows what someone receives a court summons, he anything in return. You will have simply Hashem wants of us? I don’t know why becomes tense and worried. Although eaten a head of lamb without changing I’ve come, so how can You rebuke me we haven’t received a summons, deep anything within yourself, and you will for things that I don’t know? I beg You, inside we know what the day of judg- have simply eaten dates without aspir- ment is about. We are not like one who Hashem, please help me! I will start, but ing to anything. In that case Rosh Ha- doesn’t understand what we mean when please finish for me! shanah will have been useless for you. we say that he will be summoned to This principle applies to everything In the same way that the previous court tomorrow night. Such a person has concerning man’s relationship to his Rosh Hashanah went by without any no idea what we are talking about, and Creator. What is essential is that a per- change in you, so too will this Rosh Ha- he asks which court convenes at night. son begins, for “if he comes to purify shanah go by. On Rosh Hashanah we are To this person we say, “No, not that kind himself, help is given to him” (Avodah supposed to renew ourselves and pres- of court. Rather, Hashem will judge the Zarah 55a). I have started, but now I ent ourselves before Hashem like new entire world.” He will then begin to don’t know where to go, for I’m in a creations, like new people. What I was laugh, for he knows absolutely nothing world that is too vast for me. Because on Elul 29, I am no longer on Tishri 1. about the day of judgment. I’m blind, I don’t see the path to follow. I am different; I am no longer the same This morning I was thinking about Therefore please guide me! person who committed those deeds the simanim [signs] that we prepare We eat dates during the Rosh Ha- (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 2:4). 6 7 How can we be declared innocent to them. That being the case, why did a covenant with your forefathers on the on the day of judgment? It is by taking the Sages believe that he has no part in day I took them out of the land of Egypt, the decision to improve our relationship the World to Come? The answer is that from the house of slaves, saying, “At the with others. Showing love for people, his repentance was not complete. True, outset of the seventh year, each of you helping our friends and giving them he stopped worshipping idols, but he shall send forth his Hebrew brother….” good advice – loving one’s fellow Jew did not destroy them. He simply tossed Today you repented and did what is just – there is nothing that brings greater them outside the walls of Jerusalem, in My eyes, for every man to proclaim merit on the day of judgment. When a which was not very practical. In fact freedom for his fellow, and you sealed a person does this, Hashem will tell him: his son Amon, who succeeded him as covenant before Me in the Temple upon “Go towards a good life and peace. You king, worshipped these very same idols. which My Name is proclaimed. But then are counted as Mine!” As the tzaddik, If Manasseh’s repentance had been you reneged and desecrated My Name, the Ohev Israel of Apt, once said to a complete, why did he not completely and every man brought back his bonds- chassid who came to him for a tikkun: destroy these idols? It is like someone man and every man his bondswoman, “I have no tikkun for you. The only and who has done teshuvah, yet takes his whom you sent free on their own, and best tikkun that you have is to love your television and puts it in storage. What you subjugated them to be bondsmen fellow Jew.” does he accomplish by this? After he and bondswomen to you. Therefore, “You are standing today, all of you, dies, his son will come and put it back thus said the L-RD: You did not listen before the L-RD your G-d, the heads of in the house. to Me to proclaim freedom, every man your tribes…from the hewer of your We also see that Ahab committed for his brother and every man for his fel- wood to the drawer of your water.” The wrongdoing before he died. When he low. Behold, I proclaim you to be free term “today” refers to Rosh Hashanah. heard Micaiah the son of Imlah prophe- – the word of the L-RD – for the sword, The expression, “You are standing to- sizing his death, he had him imprisoned for pestilence…. I will return [your en- day” means that to merit standing before and given meager quantities of bread emies] to this city and they shall make Hashem in judgment, you must feel that and water until he returned safely. Ahab war against it, conquer it, and burn it great and small are the same with re- said, “If I return safely, I will kill him. in fire. I shall make the cities of Judah gards to loving your fellow Jew. As we And if what he says comes true, set him desolate, without inhabitant’ ” (Jeremi- are told, “You shall not honor the great” free.” We therefore see that Ahab doubt- ah 34:10-22). (Leviticus 19:15) and, “Small and great ed the words of the prophet, for he did Thus destruction was decreed, for alike shall you hear” (Deuteronomy 1: not believe in him as he should. they had acted in an extremely evil way. 17). Give a place to the small in your My friends, to prepare ourselves for Hashem does not tolerate people repent- mind, give them a place in your heart, the day of judgment, we must renew the ing and then returning to their previous and care for them as well. It is only in covenant with Hashem. We must take it ways, especially when they know that this way that we will merit to stand be- upon ourselves to grow in the fear of what they are doing is absolutely for- fore Hashem on Rosh Hashanah. If He Heaven and to love our fellow Jew, a bidden. This is something that is com- examines us when we possess a love for resolution that will be gladly accepted pletely unacceptable to Hashem. In fact our fellow Jew, He will say, “Proceed, by Hashem. We must firmly cling to King Solomon said, “For G-d will judge for you are righteous.” these resolutions, and they must not every deed, even everything hidden, If Hashem were to examine our tes- only stem from a fear of the judgment, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes huvah, it is very doubtful that He would for otherwise we will return to our old 12:14). want to accept it. In fact we need to re- ways once the danger has passed. Hashem will judge every deed, even pent to such a degree that Hashem, Who This is what Ahab and Manasseh did, if it is hidden from the person himself, knows all that is hidden, will declare and it is also what was done by the gen- and even if it is done by mistake, some- that we will never return to our sin, eration of Jeremiah: “All the leaders and thing that is truly frightening! This is as it is written: “We shall never again all the people who entered into the cov- because a person knows what is for- say to the work of our hands, ‘You are enant listened – that every man should bidden and permitted, since he studies our gods’ ” (Hosea 14:4; see Rambam, send forth his bondsman and every man Torah. Therefore how can he make this Hilchot Teshuvah 2:2). Who will be able his bondswoman as freemen, not to en- mistake? Why has the Torah that he to stand on the day of judgment? Who slave them further – they listened and learned not prevented him from making will be righteous before the Creator they sent them off. But they reneged af- this mistake? This is a profound accusa- (Messilat Yesharim ch. 4)? It is only by ter that and brought back the bondsmen tion. working together that we will, by this and the bondswomen whom they had May it be Hashem’s will that we all very merit, be saved (see Ohr Israel by sent forth as freemen, and they subjugat- perform a complete teshuvah. May He the gaon Rabbi Israel Salanter). ed them as bondsmen and bondswomen. transform all our inadvertent sins into We still have not resolved the dif- The world of the L-RD then came to merits, and may we all merit the com- ficulty concerning Manasseh, who re- Jeremiah from the L-RD, saying, ‘Thus plete Geula. Amen, may it be so! pented of his sins and never returned said the L-RD, the G-d of Israel: I sealed 6 7 8 9 IMPRESSIONS OF A JOURNEY ABROAD VISITING THE GRAVES OF THE TZADDIKIM IN THE UKRAINE AND MOROCCO ELUL 5765 (FROM RABBI DAVID PINTO SHLITA)

I would like to share my impressions with you as I describe the journey that I took in Elul, when I went to pray by the graves of the tzaddikim in the Ukraine with a few friends. The trip began in Paris on Tuesday, Elul 16, and after traveling through the Ukraine, it ended in Morocco with the Hilloula of the Saba Kadisha, Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, may his merit protect us all, who left this world for the celestial academy on Elul 26, 5605. Elul is called “the month of mercy Welcome from the jewish school of and forgiveness.” It is a time when a Kiev person can feel close to Hashem, more so than at any other time of the year, for it is during this month that Hashem is call upon Him, to all who call upon Him consider that before the sun shines at among us. He is like a king who spends in truth.” It is true that during these spe- full strength at noon, there first comes most of the year in his palace, but ven- cial days, Hashem is quite close to us. dawn and then sunrise. In other words, a small degree of light emerges and tures out at special times. It is then that Yet a person who calls upon Him in truth increases until sunrise, after which a his subjects have a chance to see him. will benefit from His very presence. great degree of light appears. The same However not everyone gets a chance to The verse, “You are standing today, applies to these days as well. Rosh Ha- do so, for only those who put a great ef- all of you” (Deuteronomy 29:9-11) re- shanah is like daytime, yet preceding it fort into getting past all the barriers sur- fers to Rosh Hashanah, which is called is the month of Elul, which is like dawn rounding the palace can get close to it. “today,” the day when everyone stands and sunrise, for light already begins to Similarly, “Hashem is close to all who before Hashem. To better explain this, emerge at that point because of Hash- em’s special closeness to us, a closeness we benefit from at that time. On Rosh Hashanah, we need good defenders and advocates to plead our case, for it is the day of judgment, a day in which all living beings are ex- amined. It is a judgment that none can escape. This is why we repent as best we can, increasing our prayers and giving money to tzeddakah. We also visit the graves of the tzaddikim during this time, for they have the ability to annul evil de- crees. Thus someone who improves his conduct during the month of Elul will emerge safely from the judgment and be inscribed in the book of the tzaddikim.

8 Shahrit in the Beith Midrash of Rabbi Nahman from Breslev 9 roots are still alive, the tree’s sap has the power to keep it alive, until finally new branches and buds appear. The na- tions repeatedly try to break the Jewish people and make them lose hope. How- ever they have never succeeded, for the breath of Jewish life still echoes within them, and the waters of the Torah will make them rise once again by infusing them with renewed energy. In the former Soviet Union itself, we traveled for two entire days with- out stopping other than for prayers and meals. It was a journey that was filled with words of Torah, words that encour- On the grave Rabbi Itzhak Levy from Berditshev aged everyone, especially those who needed to renew their strength. From this school, we traveled to the grave of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of The Sages say, “In death the tzad- clouded the vision of the Jewish people Berditchev Zatzal, the defender of the dikim are called alive,” for their souls, so as to prevent them from fulfilling Jewish people. It is said that Rabbi which have ascended to the abode of Torah mitzvot. Fortunately, the Jewish Levi Yitzchak once ventured outside on supernal beings, are alive and have a people were never forsaken, and it was Shabbat and saw a Jew who was smok- tremendous influence on our world. the Soviet Union that disappeared from ing. When he spoke to him to express his This is why praying by the graves of the the earth. The light that it had tried to ob- astonishment at his desecration of Shab- tzaddikim is a special segula for obtain- scure is now starting to reappear, for the bat, the man replied that although he was ing forgiveness on the day of judgment. Communists, who wanted to extinguish aware of the seriousness of his action, In fact their living souls have the ability the light of the Torah, were themselves he was unable to overcome his desire to defend every Jew. extinguished. They ended up like Ha- to smoke. When Rabbi Levi Yitzchak We began our journey in the Ukraine man, who in the end was hanged on the heard this, he spread out his hands to the by visiting a school with some 800 Jew- gallows that he had prepared for Morde- sky and said, “Master of the universe, ish children. Unfortunately, most of chai the Jew. Stalin is certainly rolling in look at how greatly Your children cling these students came from assimilated his grave because of the spiritual rebirth to the truth! This Jew could have found families, a result of the spiritual Ho- that is occurring in our time. numerous excuses for his action, but in- locaust that ravaged the former com- When a tree is pruned, it remains stead he chose to speak the truth. And munist nation. From these children we bare for a certain time. Yet because the You, Hashem – Whose seal is truth and heard stories of families with incredible valor, people who secretly preserved the embers of Judaism and engaged in Torah study and mitzvot performance despite great hardship. Today there are many organizations that have taken up the dif- ficult task of returning lost souls to the bosom of Judaism, having unselfishly launched numerous activities to that end. These children, wearing large kip- pahs on their heads, welcomed us with a powerful Baruch Haba Beshem Hash- em! The emotion we felt upon hearing this song, sung with tremendous purity, was indescribable. By their decrees, the Communists brought darkness upon Soviet Jewry, and in this way they emulated the ac- At the grave of Baal Chem tov tions of the ancient Greeks, who also 10 11 At the Synagogue of Baal Shem Tov

Who abhors falsehood – do not overlook ing, I was overcome with emotion when ended our journey in the Ukraine by the this. Save Your people Israel from exile I saw his grave. I used to constantly talk grave of the Baal HaTanya, and from by the merit of this Jew, who steadfastly to my family members and close friends there we traveled to the airport to return clings to the truth!” about this great Jewish figure, and now to Paris. It was from Paris that we set off While traveling to Berditchev, we I was fortunate enough to be standing in for Morocco, where we would attend the had stopped by the side of the road to front of his grave! We stayed to pray, Hilloula of Rabbi Haim Pinto, may his pray Mincha. It was amazing to see and afterwards we went to a mikveh. merit protect us all. From there we left for Uman, where we how we can pray in public places today Our entire journey was made possi- would find the gravesite of Rabbi Nach- without having to fear the authorities. ble by a Jew named Cesar. He celebrated man of Breslov, may his merit protect Upon arriving at his grave, we poured with me at my son’s wedding, and there us all. There too we prayed, as well as our hearts out to Hashem, and I said he presented me with a request: He was by the gravesites of all the tzaddikim of a few words of Torah to my friends. I ready to do anything I wanted, on condi- the region. Thus for two entire days we mentioned that we must ask Hashem to tion that I would go with him to visit the traveled from gravesite to gravesite and show mercy to His children and deliver graves of the tzaddikim in the Ukraine. were constantly engaged in prayer. We them. I also said that we must ask the From there we would travel to Paris tzaddik to intercede for us with Hashem, for when we are in exile the nations of the world think that they are superior to the Jewish people, and thus Hashem’s honor is profaned in the world. This is why we must ask for our exile to end as quickly as possible, so that His Name is no longer profaned in public. We then lit candles by the grave of the tzaddik, with the hope that Hashem would answer our prayers. From there we continued our journey toward the grave of the holy Baal Shem Tov. Arriving at around three in the morn- 10 11 this journey, thousands of people from around the world would be arriving, and I would have to greet and speak with all of them. After such a long journey, that would be extremely difficult. This Jew, however, claimed that our journey would bring about the Geula, and if I re- fused, he would think that I was a man of little faith. Each time that he would see me, he would remember that I pre- vented the arrival of Mashiach because I refused to go with him. Therefore how could I refuse? I asked this Jew, “If I go with you, and Mashiach still doesn’t come, how will you react?” He said, “That’s a real problem, one that I don’t have the strength to solve.” I said that I was ready to accompany him on this journey, not because it would bring about the arrival and then to Morocco for the Hilloula of his brother’s hands, even if it meant that of Mashiach, but because his sincere my ancestor. In explaining his request, he was going to make no money during faith would bring it about. As the Ram- he said that he believed that our jour- that time, and even if it meant losing bam says, “Even if he tarries, I will still money. ney would bring about the arrival of wait for him.” One of the principles of Mashiach. In spite of all the money it I thought of what was best to do in our faith is to believe in the arrival of would cost him, he said this from the this case, for it was a difficult journey Mashiach. I told him of my father Zat- bottom of his heart, with authentic Jew- that he was proposing. It was going to zal, who waited for Mashiach his entire ish devotion. I asked him what would be very uncomfortable, to the point that life with the certainty that he would happen to his business, given that he it would be extremely difficult to even come during his lifetime. Because of was going to be away for so long. He take a shower. Furthermore, during the this Jew’s utterly pure and sincere faith said that he was putting his business in Hilloula in Morocco that was to follow (not to mention that I was amazed by his

12 13 At the grave of Baal Ha Tania devotion and the fact that he was ready asked him for the time, and he said that our complete security during all the time to spend a considerable amount of his it was two in the afternoon. I told him that we were there. A great sanctification money for this goal), I agreed to join that there was still some time before of Hashem’s Name occurred when Seli- him on his journey. the evening, and that perhaps his wife chot were recited in public, and the Mo- roccan residents of the region paid great We arrived in Morocco to an at- was giving birth at that very moment, respect to the participants of the Hillou- mosphere of great enthusiasm, and meaning that his prayer was about to la. King Mohammed VI, may Hashem exalt his glory and elevate his kingdom, a man known for his kindness toward Jews, sent his representative to deliver a speech, and he spoke at great length about peace and unity. This representa- tive added that Morocco needed Jews, and that Jews should feel at home there. These were words that truly warmed the heart. The Hilloula itself took place in a spirit of holiness and purity, with the merit of the tzaddik certainly contribut- ing to this. What merit did Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal have, such that thousands of people from around the world came to pray by his grave! I thought that in this we have an indication of the resurrection of the dead. In fact the concept of the resurrection of the dead can be interpret- ed in two ways: Either literally, or by the At the grave of the Rashav fact that there are tzaddikim who, when they die, are forgotten and their graves we were eager to meet Jews from the be answered. Sami was not inclined to abandoned, yet after a few centuries United States, South America, Israel, believe me, saying that his wife’s ac- an awakening takes place and crowds Europe, and all around the world. There tual delivery date was Rosh Hashanah, gather around their grave. This is truly I heard stories of miracles that occurred which is why he felt it unlikely that his a resurrection of the dead. Since my fa- by the merit of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim prayer would be answered. ther left Morocco, there was almost no Pinto Zatzal. As it turned out, before we left for one who took care of the gravesite of the A man by the name of Sami has been the cemetery at the end of Shabbat, we Saba Kadisha, be it because they were attending the Hilloula each year, and two saw Sami singing and dancing for joy! years ago we were all praying for him to He explained that he was just told that become a father, since he and his wife his wife had given birth to a boy on had been childless despite being married Shabbat, a few hours before Elul 26. for many years. At last year’s Hilloula, Thus his prayer had been fully granted, he told me that his wife was about to for his wife gave birth to a boy, and he give birth in a few days, which is why was born before the set date. This year she did not accompany him that year. we actually saw his baby boy, whom he He told me that he was praying for his named Haim, after the tzaddik whose child to be born before Elul 26, which merit brought this miracle about. is the yahrtzeit of the tzaddik. How- The three days that we spent in Mo- ever he felt that his request would not rocco for the Hilloula were spiritually be granted, because it was already Elul uplifting, a time filled with singing and 25, which was Shabbat, meaning that his joy. The Shabbat we spent there was wife only had until the end of Shabbat to also a foretaste of the World to Come. give birth. I said to him, “Be happy with Everyone spoke of the miracles they had what you already have, for when we seen on account of the tzaddik. The Mo- ask for too much, we receive nothing!” roccan government also contributed to Nevertheless, Sami clung to his views. I the success of the Hilloula, for it ensured 12 13 zine and saw pictures of our Torah cen- ter in Ashdod. He explained he had a strange dream in the same year that my father died. In his dream, he saw my father running toward a plot of land on his Hilloula. He then asked my father if he was alive or dead, and my father told him that he was alive, since the tzaddi- kim are called alive even in death. The man then asked my father where he was running. My father replied that he was going home, and that on this plot of land a great edifice would be built, a home in which he would dwell. My father Zatzal showed him a drawing of the building, and it turned out that the edifice which we later built – construct- ed for the elevation of my father’s soul, a Torah center called Orot Haim Ou- Moshe – was exactly the way the man afraid or for some other reason. Yet now, In fact at one point he was told that he saw it in his dream! In fact we were for- all of a sudden, we have people from only had a few days to live. In his mis- tunate enough to establish, in front of around the world coming to pray by his ery, this man went to pray for his life by the local cemetery, a district that carries grave. In this we can truly see a resur- the grave of my grandfather Zatzal, and his name. It is a place that is pure and rection of the dead. when he returned, his illness began to holy, a place from which the light of the A person can be moved to tears recede, until it left his body and he was Torah spreads to the entire region. from the stories that we heard during completely cured. I told myself that coming to Mo- those three days. Some 20 years ago, a While in Morocco, a man told me rocco just to hear this story was worth man was struck with a terrible illness that he was literally moved to tears every effort. From this dream we learn that was spreading through his body. when he picked up our annual maga- just how true it is that the tzaddikim are

14 15 called alive even in death, for even be- We find that one who takes an inter- helped me during the entire Hilloula) fore we envisioned buying this plot of est in stories of the tzaddikim, it is as lost his cell phone. Although we looked land and building a kingdom of Torah on if he attended to the Celestial Chariot. for it everywhere, and despite the fact it, my father had already selected it as a This is an astonishing statement. How that numerous people were involved in dwelling place. is it possible to compare the two? The the search, it was not to be found. When The Sages say that when the Chil- answer is that the tzaddikim are Hash- we were about to leave the cemetery, the owner of the cell phone began to dren of Israel went up to the Temple, em’s representatives in this world, and scream, for he found it lying at his very they were so numerous that they stood their sole purpose is to serve Hashem in feet! How it got there is impossible to tightly squeezed. However when they the greatest possible way by annulling explain, for we looked dozens of times bent down in order to pray, they all had themselves. The tzaddikim are the foun- in the same place that he was standing. ample room. In fact no one ever said that dation of this world, and thanks to them We even dialed the cell phone’s number there wasn’t enough room in Jerusalem. we (insignificant as we are) can learn to serve Hashem in truth, not for selfish to make it ring, but without success. The same goes for Rabbi Haim Pinto’s How could it have turned up at his very reasons. Hence the tzaddikim have the mausoleum. Normally a maximum of feet? As the Torah states, the hidden merit to intercede before Hashem. Fur- 20 people can fit inside. However on the things are for Hashem our G-d! day of his Hilloula, there was close to thermore, the tzaddikim can influence On one hand, this event demonstrates 400 or 500 people there, not including the ways of Heaven, insofar as they man’s insignificance, for he can some- myself and the person in charge of open- can annul Hashem’s decrees. One who times become blind. On the other hand, ing the mausoleum. The tzaddikim tes- offends the honor of the tzaddikim is se- verely punished, for by doing so he also it demonstrates the holiness of the tzad- tify to their very nature, and they have dikim, who have the power to perform offends the honor of Heaven. no need to attract attention, for it comes miracles. May it be Hashem’s will that to them on its own. You really have to To conclude, let me describe the tre- the merit of the prayers recited by the see it to believe it. In general, people mendous miracle that occurred to a Jew graves of the tzaddikim be accounted to are afraid of venturing into an old cem- from the United States during the Hill- us and to all Israel. May these prayers etery because it is gloomy and deserted, oula. I know that many people won’t be- ascend before Hashem and have an ef- especially at night. Yet where a tzaddik lieve it, but it was actually witnessed by fect in Heaven, and may this year be one is buried, fear has no place because he thousands of people. On the evening of of blessing and good decrees! Amen. is considered to be alive, and his living the Hilloula, which took place right after spirit hovers above his grave. Shabbat, this person (who had greatly

14 15 THE ROOT OF THE RIGHTEOUS WILL GIVE

institutions. In fact he has broken a strong and tangible belief in the Cre- the power of the evil inclina- ator, and they were meticulous in ob- tion and improved the spiri- serving mitzvot. They also acted with tual condition of Jews in great piety and wholesome innocence. France. However the Satan managed to have an The Jews of influence on the vineyard of Israel, and France, who num- the enlightenment movement brought ber about 600,000 with it the false promises of secular ed- (may they increase ucation and material pursuits, fooling in number), come these innocent Jews and taking their mainly from North children away. Some 200,000 Jews Africa. These Jews were placed in schools that reeked with have always stood the spirit of the Gentiles, and thus they out for their reli- were separated from their religion and gious observance heritage. When they came to France, and righteousness they faced the grave threat of assimila- through the genera- tion among the Gentiles, whose ways I t tions, even though they they emulated, and thus many of them is writ- suffered in this exile more ten, “The were assimilated. The same occurred in than other Jews. Indeed, the root of the Israel, for the secular organizations that Ohr HaChaim HaKodesh wrote that tzaddikim [righteous] brought 700,000 Jews from Morocco we suffered more in the exile of the will give fruit” (Proverbs 12:12). The and neighboring countries to Israel “infernal west” than in any other ex- Vilna Gaon states that whoever stems gave these new immigrants a secular ile. These Jews lived with tremendous from the tzaddikim naturally gives to education that alienated them from To- righteousness and a strong belief in the others and does good for people. How- rah. Now, thank G-d, we see that many Creator. In fact in Morocco and nearby ever a tzaddik who does not stem from of them are returning to Judaism and lands, it often happened that there were this root will not naturally give, and in- their holy roots. no doctors to consult, and whenever a stead he must force himself to do so. It In his youth, our teacher the Rav member of the household became ill, is in the nature of everyone who stems learned Torah from the spiritual giants someone would go to the cemetery and from this root to give, for the verse light a candle by the grave of a tzaddik, of Israel. First and foremost, he lived states that he “will give” (i.e., it is in and that was their doctor. They all had in the yeshiva of the holy and pious his nature to do so). man, a master of Mussar in our gen- Blessed be the G-d of Israel, Who has given us life and enabled us to re- cord the great concepts and deeds of our Rav, Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita. For many years he has worked to bring the Jewish people closer to Torah, to bring the hearts of Israel back to their Father in Heaven. The majority of this work has been accom- plished in France, where he sanctified G-d’s Name and brought thousands of people to repentance. The Rav has es- tablished Torah institutions in France and throughout the world, in addition to financing and maintaining existing

16 17 eration, the saintly Rabbi Gershon Lib- man Zatzal. Rav Libman was from the great Novardok yeshiva, being one of the students of the Alter of Novardok, Rabbi Yosef Yoizel Horowitz Zatzal. Rav Libman was also among the great men of Bialystok in Poland before the Holocaust, having crossed into Poland from Russia together with the Steipler Zatzal in 5685, for they left their par- ents in Russia and exiled themselves to a place of Torah. Rav Libman was a holy flame, having dedicated himself after the Holocaust to the Jews of North Africa and instilling them with Torah and the fear of G-d. All his students were tremendously influenced by his great personality. Concerning Rav Yosef Kahaneman, the founder of the Ponevezh yeshiva in Bnei Brak and Ashdod, it is said that he would go and knock on people’s doors for yeshiva donations. Rav Kahaneman stated that because of the public’s great occurred after the well-known dispute with tzaddikim and Torah giants, in- merit in supporting Torah, he was able over teaching Mussar in Knesset Israel cluding Rabbi Shammai Zahn Zatzal to learn for half a year with the Alter of yeshiva.] Whatever he learned with and Rabbi Zev Kaufman Shlita (pres- Novardok at his yeshiva. [Note: This his Rav was infused ently the Manchester Rosh Kollel, may in his body and be- he live long), who himself learned from came like oil to his the tzaddik Rabbi Chaim Shemuel bones, all because of Lopian Zatzal. Rav Kaufman was able the merit that he was to teach the Rav a great deal, and he able to impart to the holds a great deal of affection for him. public. Clearly, this In fact Rav Kaufman enthusiastically also applies to our endorsed the Rav’s book, as he men- teacher Rabbi David tioned in a letter that he wrote during Hanania Pinto Shli- the week of Parsha Ki Tisa 5753: “To ta, who has bestowed my dear and beloved friend, who with and continues to be- great devotion makes souls, the pious stow merit upon the Rav, son of holy angels of G-d, Rabbi Jewish people. Of David Hanania Pinto…. I read his won- course Rabbi Pinto derful books on Sefer Bereshith almost learned all this from every day, and they give me great plea- his great teacher, sure. May Hashem help him to publish and thus the entire the remaining parts of Pahad David on Jewish people have the Chumash, so that many may walk benefited from his in their light.” tremendous endeav- In a letter dated Kislev 15, 5757, ors. May he merit Rav Kaufman addressed the Rav with to continue building the following words: “To my pupil, be- upon them. loved of my soul, the offspring of great Rabbi Pinto also scholars and tzaddikim, a man familiar learned Torah in the with all aspects of Torah, Rav David Sunderland yeshiva Hanania Pinto Shlita, from the holy

16 17 sar [instruction], and do not Zatzal have allowed our teacher Rab- let it loose. Guard it, for it is bi David Pinto Shlita to accomplish your life” (Proverbs 4:13): great things. These include enabling Hold on to the Mussar that hundreds of avrechim to learn Torah, you started and strengthen as well as bringing thousands of our it. Why is the word Mussar Jewish brothers back to their Father in spelled with a Kamatz? To Heaven. teach us that we must cling We know that the deeds of the fa- to the Mussar that we have thers are a sign for their children, who already learned! are drawn in the direction of their fa- Our teacher learned most thers’ deeds, as our Sages of blessed of his Torah and fear of memory have said on the verse, “My Heaven from his holy father, words…will not leave your mouth, the spiritual giant and saintly nor the mouth of your offspring” (Isa- Rav Moshe Aharon Pinto iah 59:21). As Rabbi Chaim Palache Zatzal, who continued the wrote in the introduction to his book holy dynasty of Moroccan Rachamim LeChaim, “And He shall Sages from the Pinto family. give you mercy and have mercy over Rav Moshe Aharon instilled you.” That is, whoever has mercy on his children with a true fear others testifies that he is among the of Heaven, a reverence that descendants of Abraham, and whoever was without limit. He did not does not have mercy on others testifies deviate in the slightest de- that he is not among the descendants gree from the ways of Torah of Abraham. As Rabbi Palache wrote, or pious tradition, nor from “The reason is that our father Abraham the deeds of kindness that always clung to the attribute of chesed were emblematic of the holy [lovingkindness] by showing hospital- Pinto family among their generations. ity to guests, etc. It was this attribute Jewish community of France and the that Abraham bestowed to his sons, as Pinto institutions around the world.” In fact the Rav states that as soon Rav Kaufman went on to praise the as his father approached him and Rav’s book, and then he wrote: “Al- asked, “My son, what is tachlit,” though writing is hard for me in my old his words infused him would age, nevertheless I will not refrain from a simple and strong faith, one expressing my great appreciation for without limits. The book Shir the honor of this great and holy family Yedidut cites Rabbi Haim Pinto among their generations.” Zatzal (the Rav’s grandfather) as saying, “I was shaken by the fear The Rav often mentions the words of the strong One Who overcame of his teachers and strives to walk in me.” From this expression we see their ways, especially with regards to that his fear of Heaven was not teaching Torah with enthusiasm, sanc- a simple dread, but a reverential tifying the Name of Heaven, and doing fear of G-d that stemmed from the the will of our Heavenly Father. Many attribute of Yirah. years after living in their shadow, the Rav still mentions their words in his Indeed, as the verse states, “A talks and Torah lectures to the pub- threefold cord will not be quickly lic, as well as to those close to him. broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). That Obviously, the words of our Sages of is, dwelling among great Torah blessed memory will be fulfilled in figures at the Sunderland yeshiva, him, for they said, “A person does not receiving tremendous inspira- understand his Rav’s intentions until tion from Rav Gershon Libman he reaches the age of 40.” He will also (a master of Mussar), and above fulfill the statement of the Vilna Gaon all obtaining an education from on the verse, “Take fast hold of Mus- his father Rabbi Moshe Aharon 18 19 of the Jewish people, men who have illuminated the generations with their Torah, righteousness, and ascetic way of life. The head of the Pinto dynasty was a giant among giants, a gaon among gaonim and holy of holies – Rabbi Yehoshiyahu Pinto Zatzal – the author of the commentary Meor Einayim on the book Ein Yaakov. Known as “the Rif,” he also wrote Kessef Nivchar, Kes- sef Mezukak and others. He was known around the world as a miracle worker, a man who fought for the sake of Heaven. Rabbi Yehoshiyahu Pinto’s son, Rabbi Shlomo Pinto Zatzal of Agadir, be- it is written: ‘For I have known him, the Shalhevet Mordechai organization came the father of the great because he commands his sons and his was able to distribute close to 1 million Rabbi Haim Pinto Hagadol, who in household after him, that they should shekels to the poor this past Nissan. turn fathered four sons: (1) Rabbi Yaa- keep the way of the L-RD to perform It is certain that Rav David Pinto kov Pinto Zatzal, the author of the book righteousness and justice’ [Genesis acquired this trait from his holy forefa- Mikdash Melech on the Zohar (which 18:19]. This was in order to fulfill the thers. We know that Rabbi Haim Pinto G-d willing will soon be published statement, ‘Your sons shall be instead of Essaouira, one of the Rav ancestors, along with other works from rabbis of your fathers, for they follow after was wholeheartedly involved in deeds of the Pinto family); (2) Rabbi Yosef their roots.’ ” of chesed and charity during his entire Zatzal; (3) Rabbi Avraham Zatzal; and Therefore when we see a person life. As we mentioned earlier, the Vilna (4) Rabbi Yehudah Pinto Zatzal (com- performing deeds of chesed, we can Gaon stated in his commentary on the monly known as “Rabbi Hadane”). be certain that his fathers were ba’alei book of Proverbs that whoever stems Rabbi Hadane fathered Rabbi Haim chesed who handed this attribute down from the tzaddikim naturally wants to Pinto Hakatan, who in turn fathered to him. So too with regards to our give. That is, it is in his nature to give. Rabbi Raphael Zatzal, Rabbi Meir Zat- teacher Rabbi David Pinto, who es- May Hashem’s Name be forever zal, and Rabbi Moshe Aharon Zatzal. tablished large organizations devoted praised, for He has not left Israel alone. Rabbi Moshe Aharon lived in isolation to chesed. In fact with the Rav’s help, He has placed holy people in the midst for some 40 years, rising to lofty levels in the service of G-d. He fathered the Rav Shlita and his brothers, and was laid to rest in the holy soil of Ashdod, the city where he chose to live out his final days. Opposite his grave stands the Orot Haim OuMoshe Torah center, a glorious edifice that contains a Beit Midrash, a large kollel for 80 avrechim, and a ba’alei batim kollel for about 20 individuals. There the Torah is studied from morning till night, and the words of our Sages of blessed memory are ful- filled there as well, for concerning King Hezekiah we read, “The inhabitants of Jerusalem bestowed honor upon him at his death” (2 Chronicles 32:33). Here 18 19 the Sages have said: “This teaches that “The root of the righteous will give” come true. Rabbi David Pinto has also they built a yeshiva upon his grave.” (see Yalkut Shimoni 247:947). established a yeshiva gedolah in Jeru- The book Shita Mekubetzet cites Rabbi In Ashdod the Rav has succeeded in salem, as well as a kollel for outstand- Yosef Halevi Even of Gashi as stating, increasing Torah learning and deeds of ing avrechim. His praises are sung “The honor they bestowed lies in the chesed in a marvelous way. Besides the throughout the country, for he supports fact that they built a yeshiva upon his large kollel that he founded, the Rav many yeshivot and Torah institutions in grave, the term ‘yeshiva’ referring to supports dozens of institutions both Jerusalem and Bnei Brak. May Hashem many Torah scholars, for one or two do openly and behind the scenes, and it grant him added strength to continue not constitute a yeshiva.” G-d willing, is commonly known that he funds both supporting the study of Torah. a yeshiva ketana will be opened on the talmudei Torah and yeshivot ketanot. We see that the Rav’s institutions top floor of the Orot Haim OuMoshe The tzaddik Rabbi Moshe Aharon are succeeding and growing despite center this coming Elul, and so the To- Zatzal had great merit with his sons, all the hardships they encounter each rah of the young will join the Torah of especially with regards to our teacher day. Maintaining his Torah centers and the avrechim. May their Torah ascend Rabbi David, in that they are part of a charitable institutions demands enor- to Heaven and be accepted as a pleas- prophecy that is becoming a reality in mous financial resources, as well as a ing odor to Hashem. our day. As the prophet Zechariah states, great deal of effort and self-sacrifice. In The Rav has funded all these en- “Strangers shall dwell in Ashdod, and I all his endeavors, we see that “David deavors, as well as others in Israel and will cut off the pride of the Philistines” was wise in all his ways and the L-RD was with him” (I Samuel 18:14). There are several reasons for the Rav’s suc- cess, reasons that we shall attempt to list. First of all, aside from financially supporting the study of Torah and be- ing involved to a great degree in teach- ing it himself, the Rav is also involved in a wide variety of charitable activi- ties. He devotes a great deal of his time and energy into accomplishing deeds of chesed and encouraging others to wholehearted do so as well. Hence the Torah institutions that he supports are also flourishing, as our Sages of blessed memory have said: “ ‘I shall walk in the path of charity’ – the Torah said, ‘Hashem walks only in the path of those who do charity and chesed.’ ” That is, the Torah endures only with those who engage in deeds of kindness. around the world, through the merit of (Zechariah 9:6). Here the Targum ex- Thus we see that successfully support- his holy fathers. Many people come to plains that the Jewish people – who ing Torah study depends on deeds of him for his advice and blessing, testi- never settled in Ashdod and were there- charity and chesed. fying to the fact that the merit of his fore considered as “strangers” in it – will Such were the traditions of the Rav’s fathers is with him. inhabit the city. Fortunate are we to see fathers, as the Torah scholar Rabbi Our Sages of blessed memory cite this prophecy coming true in our day! Maimon Abuchbut Zatzal wrote about Rabbi Eliezer as saying that if you We also see a prophecy from the his grandfather, Rabbi Haim Pinto Zat- see a tzaddik who is the son of righ- previous verse coming true, namely: zal: “This tzaddik, our master and Rav, teous men, he will not quickly sin, for “And a king was lost from Gaza” (v.5). the saintly Kabbalist Rabbi Haim Pinto he will realize that it is better for him That is, we all know that the leader- – may his merit stand for us and for all to overcome his evil inclination for a ship in Gaza is becoming increasingly Israel – used to perform deeds of char- short time, rather than to lose his world unstable, thank G-d, and therefore let ity and justice even in his old age, for for an hour. He can therefore escape us hope that the verse, “He dug a hole he was as full of chesed as a pomegran- the judgment of Gehinnom, as it says: and fell into the pit he made” will also ate is of seeds. He was infused with the 20 21 trait of performing deeds of kindness, dik Rabbi Yehoshiyahu Pinto Zatzal The Rav also fulfils the verse, “And and he was filled with compassion in his book Kessef Mezukak. In it he his heart was uplifted in the ways of the for the people of his town. Indeed, he cautions against relying too much on L-RD” (2 Chronicles 17:6). He does would always attend their funerals and our own efforts, but instead advocates his utmost to make the Jewish people weep for the departed” (see Pahad Da- strengthening our faith in Hashem. He meritorious, fulfilling in his person vid for details). states, “The eyes of Hashem are upon the words of Rabbi Yehoshiyahu Pinto We see that the Rav’s success also the entire Jewish people in order to Zatzal in his commentary on Parsha stems from his strong faith and con- save them from their enemies– ‘Not Bamidbar: In matters concerning the service of Hashem, mitzvot obser- fidence in Hashem. When he meets by military force and not by physical vance, and Torah learning, a person wealthy individuals who support his strength, but by My spirit, says the L- has to consider his soul’s place before institutions, he does not specifically RD of hosts’ [Zechariah 4:6] – since the Creator, as the verse states: “My ask them for donations. Instead he He is the One Who fights for them and portion is Hashem. I said that I would speaks words of Mussar and Torah with saves them.” We must therefore put an observe Your words” (Psalms 119:57). If he humbles himself before Hashem alone, his soul will not be complete, for he must humble himself before every person as well. He must not feel superi- or to them in any way, and if a mitzvah should present itself to him, he must not think, “Why should I do this?” Rather, every person should hasten to perform a mitzvah. The Rav travels from one part of the globe to another in order to support Torah institutions, virtually running to perform mitzvot. He fulfills the words of the Malbim, who explained the verse, “And Abram went…into the south” (Genesis 13:1) as meaning that he traveled with the intention of sanctifying G-d’s Name. Another teaching that applies to the Rav comes from the words of our Sages them, not relying too much on his own effort into placing our faith in Hashem, of blessed memory, who stated: “From efforts, as his father Rabbi Moshe Aha- for chesed belongs to Him and He can where do we learn that Hashem has ron Zatzal taught him. The Rav often easily save us. Thus we find that Scrip- mercy on whoever has a son that toils travels by plane from city to city and ture states, “When you go out to war in Torah? It is from the verse, ‘My son, from country to country, knocking on against your enemy” (Deuteronomy if your heart has grown wise, my heart the doors of wealthy individuals to 20:1) – not “when you go out to fight too will rejoice’ [Proverbs 23:15].” fund Torah institutions that do not even your enemy” – an allusion to the fact For years the Rav has been sup- belong to the Rav, institutions such as that Hashem can save us, for He is the porting avrechim and Torah scholars the Mir Yeshiva and others. In doing One Who fights our wars. The Jewish who learn in numerous Torah institu- so, the Rav places his complete faith in people are simply to “go out” to the tions around the world. He founded Hashem, for he is not afraid that those war that Hashem will wage. We will these centers with great effort, and he does not maintain them just because who donate to other institutions will end up defeating our enemies, though of the mitzvah to support those who stop supporting his own. our victory will come from Hashem. study Torah, but because he loves them He will arrange things such that our In fact the verse tells us, “Cast your dearly. In fact he relates to them as a enemies will fall before us and we will burden on the L-RD and He will sup- father does to his sons. This is why he port you” (Psalms 55:23). Those who be honored, as if we ourselves had at- succeeds, for he works with great self- donate to the Rav give of their own free tained this victory on our own. Thus we sacrifice to do as much as he can for will; he does not specifically ask them see that the secret of our success lies them and more! for donations. We find the same behav- in exerting minimum effort and maxi- ior described by the gaon and tzad- mum faith in Hashem. 20 21 THE LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR TEACHER AND RAV

The latest achievements of Rabbi ars in the city, having been accepted speeches is the love he expresses for David Hanania Pinto Shlita in the into the kollel only after an in-depth Torah scholars, and it is obvious to city of Ashdod have become famous. test by its directors. The voices of the see how much love and admiration he Since the Rav came to dwell in Eretz avrechim can be heard throughout the holds for them. Of course love alone Israel, our city has become a city day, voices filled with Torah and the is not enough for those who toil in that never stops, a place brimming fear of Heaven. Torah, since they need to put food on with Torah and mitzvot. Everything I remember when an important the table for their families. Therefore revolves around the luxurious Torah Torah figure entered the kollel. He the Rav also generously funds them center that stands at the entrance of was one of the most prominent Torah so they can be free to study Torah the city, an edifice that the Rav built. scholars in Jerusalem, and when he without worry. Everything is done It is a miniature Temple, serving as a heard the powerful sounds of Torah with tact and respect so as not to hurt spiritual lighthouse for the entire area. emanating from this marvelous kol- their feelings. It is also the largest and most luxuri- lel, he said with great enthusiasm, “I • From time to time the Rav holds ous synagogue in the entire city. The feel like I’m in the holy city of Jeru- special campaigns to garner financial sounds of Torah that emanate from it salem!” Indeed, this dear corner of support for Torah learning. Even to- can be heard far and wide, from sun- Ashdod is the city’s holy pearl, and day, people still remember the Torah rise until late into the night. all because of our Rav. His soul inten- celebration that he held on Israel’s • The highlight of Shabbat Kodesh tion and only wish is to spread Torah, Independence Day. Because the Rav is the three main Torah lectures that and he devotes himself entirely to that wanted to attract as many people as the Rav gives in shul. One takes end, traveling around the world for possible from the street in order to place Friday night, another following the sake of our holy Torah. hear G-d’s words, he wisely set up Shacharit, and the third at sundown. a raffle with a first prize of 10,000 • Our Rav never remains idle for Everyone eagerly listens to and ab- NIS, a second prize of 7,000 NIS, a minute, for he is always advancing. sorbs the words of the Rav, who and a third prize of 5,000 NIS. The He came to Ashdod and declared that stands on the bimah with authority, Rav invited the best rabbis and lec- a Friday kollel would be started, for showering us all with words of To- turers to the event, and they were all he knows just how lofty Torah study rah and the fear of Heaven. With his delighted to see that after a full day is on that day, and he is willing to pay captivating words, he knows just how of Torah talks and lectures, the shul to reach the hearts of his listeners, handsomely for those willing to en- was still full at 11 PM, an hour before employing lessons from our Sages of gage in it. The Rav does this because midnight! About 300 people were sit- blessed memory and delving deeply he knows just how great the power of ting in the shul at that time and listen- into the weekly parsha. What’s amaz- Torah truly is. ing to words of Torah and the fear of ing is that everyone, both young and • The Rav does not stop there, Heaven. The delight that the Rav felt old, can relate to his words. To the for every night the avrechim gather stemmed from his love of G-d and the young, the Rav describes interesting from all corners of the city to study Jewish people, a love that burns in his events from our Sages, and to the Torah in the evening kollel, where the heart like a flame. intellectuals among the audience, he sounds of Torah can be heard until the • The great kindness that the Rav provides a penetrating look into the wee hours of the morning. Because a shows to people is also legendary. parsha, asking deep questions and love for Torah burns in the heart of the He does everything with humil- providing profound answers. Rav, he is constantly seeking those ity; nothing is done for show. In his • Inside the large and luxurious who wish to study it. speeches the Rav often mentions the Torah center is a kollel where more The Rav’s love for Jews is legend- hardships faced by people who come than a hundred avrechim study Torah. ary, for they are dear to his heart. In to him for help. It is easy to see how These are the most gifted Torah schol- fact the essential aspect of the Rav’s he shares in their sorrows, listens to 22 23 their plight, and helps them as best About two weeks before Shavuot, them with chicken and meat products he can. In fact the Rav has saved en- the Rav gave a speech in which he de- in abundance. This also costs the Rav tire families from dire financial con- clared that whoever came and studied a great deal. ditions. He even gives regular dona- during the entire night would receive • The Rav has not forgotten young- tions to the needy every month, for it $50 for the holiday. The Rav com- sters and children. He established a is difficult for him to see them living mitted himself to doing this because youth club because, despite the fact in hardship. a love of G-d burns within him, and that they learn Torah in the morn- also because he wants to draw every- ing at the Talmud Torah, after school they might wander into the street and get involved in detrimental activities. Therefore after they finish learning, they go to the club and participate in various social activities, constantly playing and amusing themselves. They are protected in this way from harmful outside influences, as well as from the evil inclination. It’s no wonder that everyone comes to the Rav’s door with an in- vitation to give a lecture at their insti- tutions. They want to hear his sweet words and grow spiritually; they want to hear the words of G-d and be en- couraged. Leaders of both yeshivas and organizations devoted to ba’alei teshuva all yearn to hear the Rav speak. The Rav was once invited to speak to a group of ba’alei teshuva. When he arrived, he was stunned to find him- self in the city square surrounded by hundreds of ba’alei teshuva. He there- fore stood on a stage in the middle of the city and watered them with words of Torah, which they eagerly drank in. This occurred because people listen to someone who is infused with the fear of Heaven, and the Rav is liter- ally overflowing with a love for Torah and the fear of Heaven, for these are his goals in life. • All these activities are in addi- one to the sweet taste of Torah on this May it be G-d’s will for the Rav to tion to the various kollelim (daytime, holy night. In fact some 300 people succeed in all his endeavors. May G- nighttime, and Friday) that the Rav – avrechim and G-d-fearing ba’alei d help the Rav to sanctify His Name, maintains. We also can’t forget the batim – signed up to study on that and may he continue to lead his insti- ba’alei batim kollel, where more than night. Activities such as this also add tutions and receive nachas from his 70 pensioners come to learn for the to the Rav’s tremendous budget. entire family. Amen! entire day instead of wasting their • The Rav does all he can to time doing nothing. The expense improve the financial condition of the required to maintain these kollelim avrechim. Besides the monthly sup- comes to a small fortune. port that they receive, he also provides 22 23 THE GAON AND TZADDIK RABBI YITZCHAK KADURI ZATZAL RAV KADURI’S DAY ENDED AT 11:00 PM. HE WOULD THEN SLEEP FOR A VERY BRIEF SPELL, UNTIL THE TIME FOR RECITING TIKKUN CHATZOT ARRIVED. HE WOULD THEN ARISE LIKE A LION TO SERVE HIS CREATOR ONCE AGAIN. NOW THAT WE HAVE LOST RAV KADURI, WHAT WILL BECOME OF US?

His Birth in the Shadow of the Ben Ish Hai Born in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad over 100 years ago, our great teacher Rav Yitzchak Kaduri Zatzal entered this world in holiness and sanctity. His parents, Rabbi Ze’ev Diba and his wife Tafcha, made their living in the spice trade. Although the exact year of his birth is not known, according to his followers and only son, Rabbi David Shlita, he was born in the year 5659. From his childhood, our teacher distin- guished himself by his tremendous abilities, including a quick and penetrating mind. Nat- urally, he used these gifts only for studying Torah, and he was already a recognized To- rah scholar in his youth. As a young man, he devoted himself to learning Torah in the Beit Midrash of the Zilka Yeshiva in Baghdad, where Torah scholars would gather around Rabbi Abdallah Somech Zatzal and the Ben Ish Hai Zatzal. When Rav Kaduri was sev- enteen years old, he was already speaking before leading Torah figures in Baghdad, Rav Kaduri’s son, Rabbi David, said a circle around the Ben Ish Hai, listening who lavished him with praise. Those who that when his father was not yet ten years to everything he said. Rav Kaduri also re- knew him later admitted that his abilities old, he would go and listen to the Ben Ish ceived a personal blessing from the Ben Ish were so great and unusual for such a young Hai’s speeches. This gives us an idea of Hai (the teacher of all the exiles), a blessing man that certain Torah scholars – anticipat- Rav Kaduri’s age. that accompanied him throughout life. May ing his brilliant future in the world of Torah Rabbi David also cited his father as say- the memory of the tzaddik be blessed. – asked him to keep a low profile and not ing that on Shabbat HaGadol and Shabbat His Arrival in the Holy Land speak in public too often, lest the evil eye Shuvah, more than 10,000 people would attack him. Some of them also feared en- gather to listen to the Ben Ish Hai’s ser- In his youth, Rav Kaduri traveled to the voys of the reform movement, who targeted mon. He added that the Ben Ish Hai’s voice Holy Land twice. During his second trip in young Jewish men, particularly the gifted was so strong, everyone could hear him as 5683, he decided to live there permanent- ones, throughout Iraq and the Middle East. he spoke for hours. Rav Kaduri had lasting ly. Upon his arrival, he was drafted into Their goal was to make them stray from the memories of those glorious sermons, for the English army against his will. How- paths of Torah. he was seated with the other children in ever Hashem arranged things such that 24 25 tained close relationships with the great- It is very possible that their relationship est representatives of Sephardic Judaism. went back many years before. In fact when These were men who sat on the same the Baba Sali was 31 years old, he arrived bench in the Beit Midrash with him. In- in Eretz Israel for the first time. During the cluded among these were gaonim such as year that he remained in the Holy Land, the Rabbi Ben Tzion Atoun Zatzal (the father leading Torah figures of the generation vis- of the gaon Rabbi Atoun Shlita, the Rosh ited him to pay their respects. At the time, Yeshiva of Reshith Chochma), the gaon the Baba Sali studied Torah and Kabbalah Rabbi Salman Mutzafi Zatzal, the gaon at Porat Yosef Yeshiva in the Old City. Rabbi Ovadia Hadaya Zatzal, as well as There he became acquainted with kabbal- other great teachers of Torah and Kab- ists and great Torah figures of the genera- balah. A picture once captured the sight of tion. In fact he met the greatest kabbalist these great figures all studying Kabbalah of the time, the holy Rabbi Alfandri Zatzal, together. Beside Rabbi Attiya Zatzal, the who had a tremendous influence on him. In greatest among them, this picture shows light of this, we cannot discount the possi- the gaon Rabbi Ezra Ades (the grandfa- bility that the Baba Sali also studied Torah ther of Rav Ades Shlita, the Rosh Yeshiva with Rav Kaduri, who would later become of Kol Yaakov) sitting down and listening the greatest kabbalist of his time. attentively. It also shows the gaon Rabbi By the year 5694, Rav Kaduri was liv- Mansur ben Shimon (the father of great To- ing in the Bucharim neighborhood, built rah figures from the Ben Shimon family), not long before. He usually studied at Po- the gaon Rabbi Ben Tzion Atoun, and our rat Yosef during the week, returning home he was not sent to the front lines, for he teacher the gaon Rav Yitzhak Kaduri. May only for Shabbat. was a skilled interpreter. Upon his release all their memories be blessed. Binding and Memorizing Books from the army, Rav Kaduri studied at the At Porat Yosef Yeshiva, Rav Kaduri by Heart Shoshanim LeDavid Yeshiva, where many met the light of Israel, Rav Ovadia Yosef of his friends, especially Iraqi immigrants, Shlita. His connection to the Yosef family At the time, the Porat Yosef Yeshiva studied Kabbalah. He then continued his was so strong that Rabbi Yaakov Ovadia was the only Sephardic yeshiva of its kind studies at the Beit Midrash of Porat Yosef Zatzal (the father of Rav Ovadia Yosef) in the world. It was also unique by virtue of Yeshiva in Jerusalem’s Old City. It was celebrated the Kiddushin and marriage of the power of its Torah and the great scholars there that the greatest Torah figures of his Rav Kaduri, who in turn taught Gemara to that emerged from it. In fact it was a world- generation could be found, Torah giants led his son for an extended length of time. Rav famous center for Torah learning. Studying by Rabbi Ezra Attiya Zatzal. Rav Kaduri Kaduri’s mother was also a close friend of within its walls were hundreds of students, expanded his knowledge of the revealed Rav Ovadia Yosef’s mother. Thus long- Torah to such a point that he became a standing bonds of love and affection devel- gaon in all Torah fields. When asked about oped between the two families. a particular Sugyah or Halachah, he knew We should point out that Rav Ovadia exactly where to find it and which page it Yosef admired and respected Rav Kaduri was on. His understanding of Kabbalah so much that for many years he visited him was just as impressive, an understanding on Chol HaMoed at the Nachalat Yitzhak that he retained to his final day. Yeshiva. He did this in order to honor the Rav Kaduri studied with the Rosh Ye- head and founder of the yeshiva, the kab- shiva in the Old City during that time. He balist Rav Yitzchak Kaduri. especially studied with his Rav, the gaon and Rav Kaduri also had a great deal of af- kabbalist Rabbi Ephraim Cohen Zatzal, and fection for the great Torah figures of other his teacher the gaon Rabbi Salman Eliyahu religious communities. For years he visited Zatzal. They were among the greatest schol- the Baba Sali Zatzal at his home. In fact a ars studying Kabbalah at the Porat Yosef Ye- few years before his passing, he asked for shiva. The rabbis at the yeshiva made sure the Baba Sali’s blessings. For his part, the that students had a perfect grasp of the Tal- Baba Sali also had great respect for Rav mud and Poskim. They also ensured that Kaduri, and as a measure of this respect he students learned Kabbalah according to the would stand in his presence. It was fasci- Arizal’s method. nating to see these two great lights match- ing one another in modesty by demonstrat- His Connection to Great Torah ing respect for one another and asking for Figures blessings from each other. In the end, these It is important to note that from that two giants of Kabbalah blessed one another time on, Rav Kaduri created and main- like a single man with one heart. 24 25 ranging from 12-year-old youngsters to 100-year-old kabbalists. Everyone studied diligently, being guided by the gaon Rabbi Ezra Attiya Zatzal. At the time, the yeshiva included an excellent library that contained many rare books and manuscripts written by gaonim and tzaddikim who were unique in their own way. In the years preceding the fall of the Old City to Arab hordes, the economic situation in the country was unbearable. In order to support his family, Rav Kaduri began to work as a bookbinder. The rabbis of Porat Yosef provided him with a suitable apartment near the yeshiva, and in exchange Rav Kaduri promised to bind all the yeshiva’s books and care for the library’s collection of rare manuscripts, even making copies of them if necessary. For these extra responsibilities, the direc- tors of the yeshiva doubled the salary that Rav Kaduri was earning as a member of the kabbalist group to which he belonged. on had been destroyed. This caused him sef were rock-solid in their support of its The fact that he had to earn a living in no great anguish, for he loved them dearly. students, enabling them to maximize their way detracted from his great diligence in efforts in learning the holy Torah. Many of learning Torah. Those who knew him at the At that point Rav Kaduri returned to the the yeshiva’s students became rabbis and time noticed that he was particularly fond Bucharim neighborhood, living on Zichron spiritual leaders in other parts of the coun- of his new task, for his soul clung to sacred Yosef Street. try, which was then in the process of being books. He took great joy in providing them Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef rebuilt. Many of them also traveled over- with a respectable cover and binding, one and Beit E-L seas to become spiritual leaders elsewhere. worthy of their glorious contents. It was precisely at this time that the yeshi- Besides his bookbinding work, Rav The war of 5708 had a disastrous ef- va’s directors decided to educate a gen- Kaduri enjoyed studying rare and ancient fect on people’s lives. The country suffered eration of Torah scholars with the ability books that he discovered while working. through a time of poverty and want, as to reason and judge righteously, thereby as- In fact it was not uncommon to find him widespread shortages struck every sector suring the yeshiva of continued greatness. deeply studying a book that was brought of the economy. Immigrants from Europe Thanks to Hashem, some generous patrons to him to be rebound. Here was where his and the Middle East began to fill transit purchased a plot of land for the yeshiva in incredible memory came into play, for he camps, and the first immigrants also started Jerusalem’s Geula neighborhood. A great could recall entire volumes in his head, enrolling at the yeshiva. As if that weren’t wave of enthusiasm swept across the entire works that he could cite at any time. enough, the yeshiva’s beautiful edifice in community when the Rosh Yeshiva, the His students loved to tell of the marvels the Old City fell under Jordanian control gaon Rabbi Yehuda Tsadka Zatzal, made of his extraordinary memory, marvels that and was burned to its foundations. The ye- an appeal for funds to finance the construc- they witnessed every day. Not only did he shiva was forced to seek other premises, as tion of a beautiful edifice, a building that possess a deep understanding of the Tal- its students relocated from one synagogue would house hundreds of students. In 5716 mud, he also knew it by heart. He could to another. Everything was temporary, the construction of this new edifice was cite various rare works, such as those on including a makeshift study room in the completed, and it was inaugurated with a Kabbalah by the Acharonim. Many of these Tziofiow home within the Bucharim neigh- magnificent opening ceremony. borhood. works were ones that he only glanced at The directors of the yeshiva, the gaon during the time he lived in poverty. Eighteen months after the war, the Rabbi Yehuda Tsadka and the gaon Rabbi After a certain time, and as soon as it Rosh Yeshiva of the kabbalists, the gaon Ben Tzion Abba Shaul Zatzal, felt that it was feasible, he sold his bookbinding tools and tzaddik Rabbi Ephraim Cohen Zatzal, was absolutely necessary to include the to one of his friends (Rabbi Yechezkel Ezra passed away, leaving behind a great void. yeshiva of kabbalists in their new edi- Dori Zatzal) and devoted himself entirely Rav Kaduri was then appointed by his fice. Therefore they devoted a small Beit to studying the holy Torah. When the Jor- teachers and friends (who were well aware Midrash within the yeshiva to the study danian army later took control of the Jew- of his profound understanding of Kabbal- of Kabbalah. It was there that Rav Ka- ish quarters, a fire destroyed the yeshiva ah) as the Rosh Yeshiva of Kabbalah stu- duri studied Kabbalah and taught it to his along with all its precious books, as well dents in Porat Yosef. As such he oversaw a students and those who came to see him. as the surrounding houses. Rav Kaduri then select group of scholars. It is important to note that the yeshiva of realized that all the books he had worked At the time, the directors of Porat Yo- kabbalists did not join Porat Yosef without 26 27 reason. In fact the former was an integral part of the latter, as well as one of the rea- sons for its existence. According to Rav Mutzafi Shlita, the gaon Rabbi Ben Tzion Abba Shaul Zatzal said: “When our holy yeshiva was established before the Kotel in the Old City of Jerusalem in 5683, one of the primary goals of Rabbi Yosef Avraham Shalom Zatzal, who arrived in the Holy Land from India, was to establish a yeshiva called Oz Vehadar. This yeshiva was to be dedicated to the study of Kabbalah, and it was intended to be an integral part of Porat Yosef. As he said in a letter written in Nis- san of 5671, just before his death: ‘How much trouble have I gone to, and how much effort and money did I invest until Hashem gave me the merit to build a place of glory on Mount Zion before the walkway of the Temple and the Kotel! Hashem has given me the merit of building a Beit Midrash for Torah scholars, one that allows them to tablished. While the Ben Ish Hai was still called upon to lead the kabbalist Beit E-L study and observe the mitzvah of learning alive in 5666, a benefactor asked him Yeshiva on Rashi Street, where he served Torah day and night. They receive a yearly for some advice because he wanted to as Rav for a few years. Afterwards he was stipend that I set aside for this express pur- bring satisfaction to Hashem and hasten able to establish his own yeshiva, called pose. Therefore in the Name of Him Who the Final Redemption. The Ben Ish Hai Nachalat Yitzchak, which still exists today. dwells in Zion, which was before them, told him, “Go to Jerusalem, buy a piece and by the holiness of this place that was so of land as close as possible to the Kotel, The Death of the Rebbetzin and build a yeshiva there with at least close to them, I made them swear – those On Lag BaOmer 5749, the Rebbetzin 10 G-d-fearing Torah scholars to learn responsible for this great mitzvah – not to Sarah Kaduri, a woman who spent her close their eyes to this Beit Midrash. They Kabbalah every day. This will certainly hasten the Final Redemption. However entire life by the Rav’s side as his devoted are to fulfill the conditions specified in my wife, passed away. The Rebbetzin was will, and their goal is to strengthen the To- it should be done cleverly: First open a large yeshiva for studying the revealed known as a righteous woman, one who rah in Zion and G-d’s word in Jerusalem, in devoted her entire life to mitzvot. She took this holy place of which it is written: “My Torah, and add to it a yeshiva for learn- care of their poor and modest home, where eyes and My heart shall be there perpetual- ing Kabbalah.” Not long after the death she lived until her final day. It was there ly” [I Kings 9:3].’ This is what was said by of the Ben Ish Hai in 5669, World War that she warmly welcomed thousands of the man who established the foundations of I began and lasted several years. Only people who came to their door for bless- the yeshiva.” after it ended was this benefactor able to start and complete the construction of the ings and advice. Rabbi Ben Tzion Abba Shaul was building. He died not long afterwards. In The passing of the Rebbetzin brought very troubled when he saw that Porat 5683 the yeshiva opened its doors, and tremendous sorrow to the entire family and Yosef’s kabbalist yeshiva was being ne- I participated in the first minyan of the glected and relegated to a corner. He said, all who admired her. Thousands of people kabbalists who studied in the yeshiva. I “Who knows why we decided to build the from all around the country attended her can still clearly remember the oath that kabbalist Emet VeShalom Yeshiva and to funeral, which took place on Lag BaOmer. the benefactor asked the administra- support it as best we could? Until his dy- Her husband, the tzaddik Rav Kaduri, led tion to swear to, and this is why I force ing day, the gaon and kabbalist Rabbi the procession in the presence of leading myself to come to the yeshiva every day Yehoshua Sharabi traveled to Porat Yosef Torah figures, including great Chassidic and spend time studying there in order to Yeshiva in the Geula neighborhood from leaders, avrechim, and bnei Torah. The carry out the tzaddik’s wishes.’ ” his home in Baka. He risked his health large crowd was comprised of those who by doing this, and even when it became Such was the account given by the observed mitzvot and those who did not difficult for him to travel by foot, since great gaon Rabbi Ben Tzion Abba Shaul yet observe them, but had visited his home he was 98 years old, he took a taxi back Zatzal. This helps explain the respect and for many years. A few years after the death and forth every day. When I asked him importance that the yeshiva of kabbalists of the Rebbetzin, the wife of his youth and why he was going to all this trouble, and its leader held in the eyes of his con- mother of his children, Rav Kaduri fol- since there were several synagogues and temporaries. lowed the Gemara’s advice and the recom- yeshivot in his neighborhood, he replied: After 5730, when the Porat Yosef Ye- mendation of Kabbalah by not remaining ‘You should know that I was living in shiva discontinued its affiliation with those alone. His second wife, may she live long, Jerusalem when the yeshiva was first es- who studied Kabbalah, Rav Kaduri was was from the Ben Yehudah family. 26 27 Demonstrating Kindness to Ev- would succeed. to study the revealed Torah, learning one ery Jew Apart from this, Rav Kaduri rarely page from the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmud each day. In the morning, however, Rav Kaduri’s great fame began around spoke of politics. Only on a few occasions he reviewed a daily chapter from Chok the time that the Old City was taken. Fol- did the subject come up, such as when ru- LeIsrael. lowing the death of his teacher, the gaon mors spread that he had tacitly accepted Rabbi Ephraim Cohen Zatzal, Rav Kaduri some unworthy students to study Kab- At noon, Rav Kaduri would have became known as a kabbalist capable of balah. On another occasion he was so upset something to eat and then begin receiving performing miracles, a man whose bless- by the poverty affecting so many Jews, he visitors. Unfortunately, there was never ings bore fruit. As the years passed, the said that price increases were an extremely enough time to meet everyone who wanted demand for his blessings and amulets grew. grave issue. The public desecration of his blessing, and at 3:30 pm his assistant He usually inscribed amulets using Rashi Shabbat also caused him a great deal of had to close the front door. Thus there were script, sewing them in a special envelope. pain, forcing him to break his usual silence. always people who were waiting to receive He would also distribute bottles of olive He told his followers that opening movie the blessing of the elderly Rav, people who oil as a segula, and sometimes he would theaters on Shabbat was liable to bring nu- would once again have to wait for the gates advise people to replace a mezuzah or to merous disasters upon the Jewish people. of salvation to open. It is interesting to note verify a sacred object. Visitors to his home that Rav Kaduri never had a fixed limit would always leave with their faces beam- His Extraordinary Use of Time for learning after Arvit, and sometimes it could go on until 8:00 or 9:00 pm. Even if ing with encouragement and faith, having As Rav Kaduri’s greatest students often the Rav was tired, he would not stop learn- been infused with a fear of Heaven that said, although he was publicly known as ing, normally studying Gemara during this sprang from the Rav. Many of those who a kabbalist and miracle worker, what was time. Afterwards, people could again come urgently sought his blessings loved the fact most impressive about Rav Kaduri was that and ask him for his blessing. Rav Kaduri’s that he spoke to them in a cheerful way, for at home he never stopped studying Torah day ended at 11:00 pm. He would then he loved to smile and demonstrate kindness (this amazing fact is born out by the gaon sleep for a very brief spell, until the time to every Jew who approached him. Rabbi Benayahu Shmueli Shlita). In fact for reciting Tikkun Chatzot arrived. He Rav Kaduri gave his blessing to the Rav Kaduri completely mastered the Tal- would then arise like a lion to serve his Shas movement and worked a great deal mud, to the point of being able to pinpoint Creator once again. to strengthen it. Together with Rav Ovadia any source used by the Poskim. Yosef, he strongly encouraged the bnei To- Now that we have lost Rav Kaduri, Rabbi Benayahu Shmueli testified that what will become of us? rah movement, which in our times is one there was always an open book before Rav of the best ways to strengthen the walls of Kaduri. He studied with tremendous dili- faith, education, and Halachah. gence, and nothing but learning the holy During various elections campaigns in Torah held any interest for him. Rabbi Israel, Rav Kaduri did not spare any effort Benayahu also said that Rav Kaduri insist- despite his great age. Flying by helicopter, ed upon students in the Kabbalah yeshiva he would travel to various places through- learning Talmud and the Poskim every out Israel to address people. On such oc- morning. It was only in the afternoon that casions, supporters of the religious party he wanted students to learn Kabbalah. He could see his radiant face and receive his was able to educate a generation of kab- blessings. balists, all while being opposed to teaching As Rabbi Ovadia Yosef stressed during Kabbalah to those who were unworthy of Rav Kaduri’s funeral, the Rav always de- it, or to those who did not study properly. fended the Jewish people in his prayers. He Rav Kaduri was also very meticulous loved Jews and wanted only their good. In when it came to managing his time. At fact three months before his death, he sum- midnight he would arise to pray and study moned Rabbi Eliyahu Yishai, the Chair- without interruption until dawn. After be- man of Shas, and asked him to describe ing awake at sunrise, as recommended by the movement’s activities for Judaism and the Shulchan Aruch, he would go and rest Torah study. He also wanted to hear about a little. At 7:00 am he awoke and prayed the opening of talmidei Torah and the res- Shacharit at the Nachalat Yitzchak Yeshiva. toration of mikvaot. Rav Kaduri loved to As Shacharit progressed, individuals would hear such things, reacting to the good news gather around him, until finally at the end with utter joy. He gave a warm blessing of the service there were dozens of people to Rabbi Eliyahu Yishai, saying that he who wanted his blessing. It was easy to should continue this work and succeed in see that the Rav, out of the goodness of his increasing the study of Torah and sanctity. heart, never refused anyone. Fortunate are According to Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, Rav Ka- those who witnessed this sight! At around duri always encouraged these types of ac- 10:30 am, the Rav returned home carrying tivities, insisting that with G-d’s help they his tallit and tefillin. He would then begin 28 29 IS THERE WATER ABOVE THE FIRMAMENT? IT IS WRITTEN, “AND G-D Midrash, which was put to writing more site were thrown to the ground from the MADE THE FIRMAMENT, AND than 2,000 years ago). There it states, massive explosion. Seismic vibrations HE DIVIDED THE WATERS “The upper waters exceed the lower ones” were recorded around the world.” THAT WERE UNDER THE (Bereshith Rabba 4:5). A block of ice weighing 30,000 tons FIRMAMENT FROM THE WA- This means that there is more water in collided with our planet, and the ensuing space than there is on earth. explosion released energy equivalent to a TERS THAT WERE ABOVE THE Given the great amount of water that 12-megaton nuclear bomb (a 1-megaton FIRMAMENT. AND IT WAS SO” exists on the entire planet (the sum of all bomb having the power of 1 million tons (GENESIS 1:7). the water in the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, of TNT). If this block of ice had landed chasms, etc.), this is even more surpris- on London or New York, rather than an ing! uninhabited region of Siberia, the results Needless to say, during the thousands would have been catastrophic. Yet to their astonishment, since space of years since the giving of the Torah research has greatly progressed through Space researchers were greatly puz- until the era of modern science, astrono- the use of powerful telescopes, scientists zled by this incident, for they didn’t know mers have never accepted what the Torah have made certain discoveries. The fol- where this immense block of frozen water states concerning this subject. Although lowing was taken from the most authori- originated. Were there still huge blocks of scientists, especially astronomers, show tative reference work on space explora- ice in space? Detailed research revealed respect for the Torah, they clearly do not tion, The Cambridge Atlas of Astronomy: that the 30,000-ton block of ice that believe in the existence of water in space. “On the morning of June 30, 1908, a crashed into Siberia was most likely a If that were not enough, it turns out that huge explosion occurred in the heart of fragment from Comet Encke. the Torah is not content with just telling Siberia…. Witnesses say that they saw an us what is written in the written Torah, immense meteor in the sky for a few sec- for it has also explained the subject in onds, which then struck the earth. People detail through the oral Torah (i.e., in the standing 60 kilometers from the impact

28 29 THE NEED TO STUDY THE LAWS OF MODESTY IN OUR TIME, SINCE WE LIVE IN A DECADENT, First of all, let us recall the main Studying in order to understand MORALLY-STAGNANT reason why we study the laws of these laws, and exerting the will to WORLD IN WHICH modesty. adhere to them, are the two principle ingredients that enable a woman to INDECENCY IS PLACED The Smak (Sefer Mitzvot Katan, Mitzvah 57) counts modesty as a To- shine in all her splendor. ON A PEDESTAL, IT rah commandment. We must decent The Gemara cites Hashem as say- IS TREMENDOUSLY people, as it is written: “Your camp ing, “I created the evil inclination, DIFFICULT FOR A JEWISH shall be holy” (Deuteronomy 23: but I created the Torah as its antidote” 15) and, “Walk humbly with your (Kiddushin 30b). Now we all know WOMAN TO PROTECT HER G-d” (Micah 6:8). We must act with that studying Torah is the best way HONOR AND DIGNITY. discretion, not immodestly, in all for men to fight their evil inclination. things. Acting with discretion is not Nevertheless, although it may come simply a hiddur mitzvah (adornment as a surprise, we as women must un- In our previous issue, we spoke at of a mitzvah), nor even a chumra derstand that we have a part to play length about the importance of mod- (stringency), but an actual positive in studying Torah. We have a duty esty in terms of a woman’s conduct commandment, one of the most to study all the laws that concern us, and her clothing. Everyone is thereby important that the Torah explicitly namely the laws of kashrut, the laws obligated to act and dress in accor- states. We will be strongly encour- of niddah, and also the laws of tzniut. dance with the laws established by aged upon realizing this, for this re- Just as men must study Torah in or- our Sages. alization will be a source of spiritual der to fight their evil inclination (the In our time, since we live in a deca- enrichment and genuine satisfaction. minimum being to study some Torah dent, morally-stagnant world in which Here within our reach is a com- during the day, and the ideal being to indecency is placed on a pedestal, it mandment that allows us to acquire study it day and night), so too must is tremendously difficult for a Jew- tremendous merit. Each instant in women fight the evil inclination by ish woman to protect her honor and which a woman is dressed modestly respecting the laws of modesty, for dignity. and discreetly, she fulfills a positive women are also led astray by the Given the atmosphere of impurity Torah commandment! In this way evil inclination. By doing this, it will that fills the outside world, the evil a woman (who is liable to feel un- have no power over them, and they inclination grows more powerful in fairly treated in the completion of will save themselves from the rav- its attempts to make a Jewish woman never-ending household tasks) can ages of the crafty evil inclination. As sin. perform hundreds of mitzvot each the Gemara in Sotah states, the Torah The only way for her to maintain month and thousands per year. Here protects and rescues a person from her purity and safely escape this trap is a source of numerous intercessors the evil inclination and from sin. This – both her and her household, as well on our behalf for present and future is why it is imperative to study Hal- as her community – is to strengthen generations! All this occurs when a achah and to learn with rabbis when herself and maintain the utmost woman wears appropriate and decent we have a doubt on the appropriate- vigilance and respect for the laws of clothes each day. Can there be an ness of some clothing. Rabbi Falk modesty. This will serve as a shield, easier way of acquiring merit than Shlita notes that in general, women protecting her from constant attacks by conforming to the laws of modes- are aware of their lack of knowledge that occur each day. ty? Other than this great merit, how with regards to the laws of Shabbat Yet for a Jewish woman to do this, much more does modesty add to a and kashrut, and whenever they have she has to know the laws of modesty. woman’s grace, beauty, and dignity! a question concerning these topics, Otherwise how can she perfect her- As our Sages said, “Nothing is more they immediately go see a rabbi. On self with regards to these laws? beautiful than tzniut [modesty].” the other hand, when they have a 30 31 question concerning the “kashrut” of lems (everything from murders to Such women must first realize that some article of clothing (such as the earthquakes) are due in large part to this excuse is nothing but a vicious length of a dress), they feel that they a lack of modesty in our conduct and blow of the evil inclination, which is themselves are capable of deciding clothing. Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky trying to prevent them from growing whether it is kosher or not, someone Zatzal (known as the Steipler) said spiritually. they wouldn’t even think of doing that in his opinion, “Roads in Israel We must remember that at least when it comes to the kashrut of food are dangerous not because drivers are the evil inclination is successfully or the laws of Shabbat! worse than elsewhere, but because carrying out the mission that G-d Now doing this is a mistake, for as the behavior of those who use these gave it. What reason do we have to we said the laws of Shabbat, kashrut, roads is completely estranged from listen to it? Haven’t we a mission to and tzniut have their source in Torah. the norms of modesty, thereby driv- carry out on earth as well? ing Divine protection away.” Another error that we must com- We have to realize that nothing can pletely avoid is to think that because It is precisely this message that resist our will, meaning that “where’s Poskim are spiritually lofty and the Torah teaches us by stating, “For there’s a will, there’s a way,” espe- tzaddikim in relation to us, they are the L-RD your G-d walks in the cially when Hashem helps those who cut off from the material world and midst of your camp to rescue you and want to progress (see Shabbat 104a). completely out of sync with women’s to deliver your enemies before you. Would anyone refuse a $50 mil- issues. By making this mistake, a Therefore your camp shall be holy, lion lottery prize because they were woman will think that she is under no so that He will not see an erva [inde- afraid of “what people would say”? obligation to follow their decisions cent] thing among you and turn away On the contrary, lottery winners can in the realm of modesty (G-d forbid). from you” (Deuteronomy 23:15). barely be restrained from shouting In fact they completely understand, In one of her Torah classes, Reb- from the rooftop! Similarly, would even better than women themselves, betzin Bamberger recounted a state- anyone refuse to enter the World to a woman’s need to feel good about ment of the Chafetz Chaim based Come because of what some wretch herself. In addition to this, they also on the above verse. In his time, the might say? know what the Torah permits and for- Chafetz Chaim could foresee the hor- Obviously, a person with any bids. What the Poskim say is no less rors of the coming Holocaust, and he common sense would disregard what important than the word of Hashem, would constantly repeat: “If Hashem others might say in such a case. Yet and refusing to listen to Hashem’s hands us over to our enemies, it is be- before committing a sin, he should word automatically results in a loss cause we have pushed Him away by certainly worry about “what people of Divine protection. transgressing the prohibitions regard- would say,” and he can even imagine Now if we drive the Shechinah ing indecency.” that all the greatest Sages are behind away, how will we survive? How can Furthermore, in his famous letter him. Then at least he will have put we trivialize the word of Hashem that (published in Sefer Chafetz Chaim, this fear to good use. We should pay comes from the great figures of the p. 353), the Chafetz Chaim under- attention to what other people say, generation? How can we ignore those lines that this same lack of modesty but only with respect to fulfilling who strive to make us understand is at the origin of disease, calamities, Hashem’s will. when something is indecent to wear, wars, and misery. We must take these things to when it is abhorrent to Hashem, and In order for Hashem to protect the heart and deepen our understanding when it pushes the Shechinah away? entire Jewish people from suffering, so as not to transgress or make oth- If someone were to tell a person we have to put more effort into dem- ers transgress. In order to progress that some food was poisoned, would onstrating our love for Him. in tzniut, a Jewish woman must con- he taste it if the poison came with Finally, there are many women stantly remind herself of her innate sauce? A minimum degree of com- who really want to progress in the status as the daughter of the King, a mon sense would dictate that he area of modesty, thank G-d. Unfortu- status that she must truly feel. Ema- wouldn’t even touch it. In fact he nately, the fear of what others might nating from within her is tremen- should get as far away as possible! say halts their progress and dampens dous dignity and grace, her soul’s In addition to this, both the ma- their enthusiasm. This satanic argu- reflection of her Father’s glory, as terial and spiritual situation of the ment often attempts to thwart the it is written: “The daughter of the entire Jewish people depends on good intentions of those who want to king is all glorious within” (Psalms tzniut. In other words, all our prob- draw closer to Hashem. 45:14). 30 31 By understanding this, a woman seems hypocritical, even though they ject of strengthening the observance will realize that strengthening her really want to act in accordance with of tzniut. During this conference, observance of the laws of tzniut will Halachah. Such women think that Rebbetzin Toledano cited Rabbi only highlight her noble status. dressing in a way that is “above” Matityahu Salomon’s four golden Furthermore, it is good for women their level will make them feel un- teachings on how to fight against and to reflect upon the beneficial conse- comfortable, not really themselves. be protected from worldly influences quences of observing the laws of What good is it to dress like the ideal that slowly eat away at the holiness tzniut, both for themselves and their Jewish women, they argue, if a per- of the Jewish people. families. Observing these laws is son really isn’t? First of all, as we mentioned ear- beneficial to women themselves, for True, Rabbi Falk explains, the lier, a person needs a guide, meaning a modest woman finds greater favor intention of these women is under- a rabbi to whom he or she can consult in the eyes of her husband. Her fear standable. However their actions are whenever questions arise. A person’s of Heaven increases and her inner incorrect. In fact they are completely friends can also serve as guides in beauty shines out. erroneous. determining which actions to take. In addition to this, a woman’s Actually, any hypocrisy in this However a person must know how tzniut makes her worthy of having situation would consist of a woman to choose true friends, meaning the right kind of company to keep. These children who will become talmidei who intentionally claims to be tzad- are people from whom one can take chachamim (illustrious Torah schol- deket through her external conduct, and give advice, those who can mutu- ars). Her children will possess great though she has absolutely no inten- ally help one another and spiritually insight and be known for their good tion of truly being one. Such a wom- advance. deeds, as it is written: “Your children an will only act in this way around will be like olive shoots” (Psalms other people, pretending to be some- [NOTE: We must be careful not to 128:3; see Bamidbar Rabba 8:9). one who is good in public, while at reject people who are at a lower spiri- tual level than ourselves, for nothing The Psalmist states, “Your wife home she is the complete opposite. fuels a person’s ego more or destroys will be like a fruitful vine in the inner On the other hand, a woman who all hope of progressing. On the con- chambers of your home” (ibid.), for yearns to appear modest, according trary, we must demonstrate kindness a woman must find her place within to the norms of Halachah, must real- to everyone, to each of our brothers the home. What happens when she ize that this desire is not hypocritical and sisters (males helping males, and does? “Your children will be like ol- in any way. This applies even if she is females helping females, needless to ive shoots surrounding your table.” far from perfect. The important thing say). We must encourage and help Why are her children described as is her desire to progress, not just to them to learn what they do not know, play the role of some fictional tzad- olive shoots? It is because an olive for this is all included in the concept deket. tree never loses its leaves, not even in of “you shall love your fellow as winter. Therefore just as it is superior Furthermore, if she chooses do yourself.” Nevertheless, our closest to other trees throughout the year, so dress modestly (again, in accordance relationships should be with people too will her children be superior to with the norms of Halachah), then the at a high spiritual level in order for us other people. feeling that she is not acting like her- to progress.] self – that she is acting hypocritically What’s more is that the husband Another suggestion, which is a – will progressively fade away and of such a woman will be blessed in segula for protection from the impu- eventually disappear. all things, above and below, in chil- rity of the outside world, is the me- dren, grandchildren, and wealth. The The same applies to any woman zuzah. When passing a mezuzah, we psalm goes on to state, “Behold, in who does not really feel like pro- shouldn’t forget to kiss it and say E-L this way will the man who fears the gressing in tzniut: She should put an Sh-dai yevarech uti ushmore oti vey- L-RD be blessed: The L-RD will effort into acting and dressing with itn li rahamin (“May Hashem grant bless you from Zion, and you shall greater modesty, and then her actions me His blessing, His protection, and see the good of Jerusalem all the will change her own desires. Such a His compassion”). The fact of pon- days of your life. You shall see your woman will eventually do everything dering the danger of impurity in our children’s children and peace upon for the sake of Heaven, meaning by era, as well as praying for protection Israel” (Psalms 128:4-6). the sanctification of G-d’s Name. from such danger, in itself provides For some women, changing the On June 5, 2005, Rabbi Falk Sh- us with great protection. Therefore kind of clothes they normally wear lita hosted a conference on the sub- before returning home, or leaving 32 33 one’s home, we should not hesitate to traps that are placed before them. If their own finishing touch. Without a ask Hashem to hear our prayers and she succeeds in helping others, there woman’s will to follow the laws of make us immune to impurity. is no way to describe her splendor modesty, nothing can endure. In fact We must also adopt the policy of and reward! However if she is unable the Vilna Gaon explains that the six constantly and aggressively counter- to help others through her advice, she letters composing the word Bereshith ing the negative influences of the will at least have done everything she (the first word in the Torah) are the outside world. That is, we must wage could. initials of the six basic requirements a war against its ideas, against the No woman should say, “Let ev- for the acquisition of Torah: Bitachon erroneous way of looking at things eryone do what they think is best, (faith in G-d), Ratzon (will), Ahava from the perspective of the outside because I have my own way of dress- (love for others), Shtika (not speak- world. By doing this, tumah (impu- ing” or, “Men won’t look at me if I ing in vain), Yirah (fear of G-d), and rity) will not affect us. Our Sages dress modestly.” Such a woman is Torah (the study of Torah). explain that this principle is related like a person on a lifeboat who starts This supports our view that a to the Halachah which states that a boring a hole under his seat. The pan- woman’s desire to progress is essen- body that rejects something treif can- ic-stricken people around him will tial for her to internalize her knowl- not simultaneously absorb something ask what he’s doing, and in his “great edge and better herself in matters of treif. Thus if we act in such a way wisdom” he will say that it doesn’t tzniut. as to reject tumah (which is nothing concern them, since he’s making a This desire is also connected to other than spiritual treif) by distanc- hole under his seat, not theirs. Bitachon, for by annulling her own ing ourselves from all potential pit- Everyone on the lifeboat will then will, she will be able to fulfill Hash- falls, we will be unable to absorb or scream at him, “You fool! You’re em’s. We learn this principle in the be influenced by the impurity of this putting us all in danger. A hole under Mishnah, where it is stated: “Annul depraved, consumer-driven society your seat will cause the entire life- your will before His, so that He may and its corrupt values. boat to sink!” annul the will of others before yours” (Perkei Avoth 2:4). One last piece of advice, which Similarly, when a breach occurs in is among the most important, is that the walls of modesty, should a Jewish Since the evil inclination can also we must pray for help, just as King woman remain silent? When she sees be included in the category of “oth- David said in his psalms. Each of us a friend boring a hole in the lifeboat ers,” we may interpret this Mishnah should pray for protection from the of the Jewish people, should she say in the following way: Because of our desire to fulfill G-d’s will (i.e., impurity that reigns outside – as well nothing? to conduct ourselves with modesty), as from the pressures exerted by the Thank G-d, today we have every- evil inclination – so as not to trans- we will benefit from immense Divine thing we need to study Torah. The help in order to overcome obstacles gress or make others transgress. A famous book of Rabbi Falk Shlita, woman can also pray to be granted a that the evil inclination places before the great Posek, is studded with the us in this area. desire to progress in tzniut. words of our Sages and examples Hashem will also gladly shower Once again, this desire will only that we can all learn from. Rabbi Falk us with blessings from Heaven in be granted to a woman if she infuses makes the concept of tzniut appeal- our time, blessings such as long life herself with an understanding of ing, offering practical solutions and and success, both in the spiritual and modesty’s importance, and this she advice for all kinds of problems, as material realm. Thus by the merit can only do by studying its laws. well as words of encouragement and of tzniut, the Jewish people will be blessing. What could be better? This Other than a Jewish woman’s duty blessed with the arrival of Mashiach, to respect the laws of modesty, we is precisely what we need. our righteous redeemer. Amen. note that she must also ensure that Furthermore, classes are regularly her friends share her views, for the given to girls on this subject. Women deeds of each Jew, male or female, go to the many schools of the Jewish have an influence on the entire Jew- community of Paris and its suburbs in ish people. order to transmit this message, guid- This is why a Jewish woman must ing young women in matters of tzniut speak gently, respectfully, and pleas- and sanctifying Hashem’s Name. We antly to others as she tries to explain have everything we need, and all and encourage them to avoid the that remains is for everyone to add 32 33 JERUSALEM HAS LOST A JEWEL HIS SOUL DEPARTED AT “EHAD” IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF APRIL 26, THE GAON RABBI MOSHE HALBERSTAM ZATZAL WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL IN CRITICAL CONDITION. A FEW HOURS LATER, HE RENDERED HIS SOUL TO THE CREATOR AS HIS STUDENTS TEARFULLY RE- CITED “SHEMA ISRAEL.”

Shortly after the passing of the Sat- mar Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum Zatzal (President of the Edah HaCharedit and twelfth Rebbe in his line from the time of the Baal Shem Tov), the Charedi world lost another Torah giant, the gaon Rabbi Moshe Halberstam Zatzal, whose home was open to Jews from every reli- gious movement. Tens of thousands of people from around the world came to attend the fu- neral of Rabbi Moshe Halberstam, form- ing a procession that was infused with deep emotion. Charedi Jews were in deep mourning over the loss of Rabbi Moshe Halbers- tam, a member of the Edah HaCharedit’s Badatz (Beit Din Tzedek). His family called for an ambulance when they realized that he was having a difficult time breathing, for the gaon was in a critical state. First aid was admin- istered on the spot, and the tzaddik lost consciousness on the way to Jerusalem’s Bikur Cholim Hospital. When the ambu- Halberstam’s personal physician, tried Yeshayahu Street. Kaddish was recited at lance got there, a medical team began everything to revive him. Despite all the hospital by Rabbi David Greenwald, emergency procedures to revive him. their efforts, however, Rabbi Moshe Hal- the chairman of Hatzolah Israel, Rabbi At that point, members of the gaon’s berstam rendered his soul to the Creator Roz, and the hospital chaplain. family began to arrive at the hospital. In- as all his chassidim prayed and wept. cluded among them were his brother the Upon hearing the news, the gaon When the Soul Leaves the Rebbe Shlita, the chairman of Hatzolah Rabbi Tuvia Weiss, the Chief Rabbi Body Israel, and other great rabbis. The lead- of the Edah HaCharedit, as well as its ers of the Galicia Kollel, which Rabbi other members (including Rabbi Moshe In the hall next to the intensive care Moshe Halberstam directed, also arrived Sternbuch, Rabbi Ulman, and other chas- unit, several chassidim gathered to read when they learned the news. sidim) immediately went to the hospital. Tehillim aloud in teary voices. When The entire medical team at the hospi- The line of people stretched all the way people were told that the gaon was in his tal, including Dr. Gottlieb, Rabbi Moshe from the hospital to the Torah center on final moments, they began to recite Nish- 34 35 advice, and he spent many long hours solving family problems and educational conflicts. Simply put, he gave the best of himself to solve people’s problems. Sometimes the directors of welfare ser- vices entrusted desperate cases to him, ones that seemed hopeless. Due to his compassion and understanding, he did everything in his power to rectify every case he was presented with. After his passing, someone said: “Who can we go to now? Who will solve our problems?” Rabbi Israel Aharon Kalskin was the last person to visit him for a blessing. He asked to see Rabbi Moshe Halberstam because his son was about to become Bar Mitzvah. Rabbi Halberstam said that he wasn’t feeling very well, and he post- poned their meeting until the next day. Rabbi Kalskin said to us, “The Rav mat Kol Chai followed by Shema Israel. of the Knesset, physicians, and hospi- warmly welcomed me and my son. He Everyone cried out with tears as they tal directors did not hesitate to consult blessed the Chattan Bar Mitzvah and recited these words in unison, a sight to him. said some words of Torah. Then he gave melt the heart. It was all broadcast live my son an autographed book along with via Hakol Charedi radio. The Final Signature a warm handshake and a few words of Within a few minutes, word that the encouragement. I was told the news not Rabbi Moshe Halberstam’s chassidim long after we left his office.” gaon had passed away spread in the To- told us that his home was open to every- Rabbi Halberstam’s family told us rah world, as well as throughout Israel one. He always arranged things in such a and overseas. that when Rabbi Kalskin left their home, way that his visitors did not have to wait the Rav went to the kitchen, recited a The burial was scheduled for 3:30 in in order to see him. blessing over a glass of water, drank, and the afternoon, as police and security of- His major concern pertained to mod- then collapsed. ficials closed certain traffic routes in the ern-day education. Educational lead- area. An hour before the funeral, some ers did not hesitate to come to him for streets were opened so that leading Torah figures, including great Rebbes, could ar- rive and join the procession, which trav- eled by way of the Mount of Olives. Numerous eulogies were delivered to describe the greatness of this Torah giant, a man with unsurpassed middot, especially with regards to helping one’s fellowman. Rabbi Moshe Halberstam was a member of the Edah HaCharedit and the President of Hatzala Israel. Even as a member of the Edah HaCharedit, he welcomed and gave advice to members of all other Charedi groups without distinction. He listened to each and every person, lavishing his advice on anyone who asked, whether it concerned personal issues, family problems, or anything else. Members 34 35 THE LESSON OF SELF-SACRIFICE AND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR THE FUTURE (BY RAV WEISSMAN) IT IS WRITTEN, “AND G- D TESTED ABRAHAM” good” (Genesis 1:31), our Sages have said it is with this goal in mind that obstacles that “very good” refers to the evil inclina- are placed before him. As such he must (GENESIS 22:1). tion (Bereshith Rabba 9:7; Kohelet Rabba overcome his evil inclination and become WHAT IS A TEST, AND WHAT 3:15). greater and more closely connected to his Creator. IS ITS PURPOSE? This is difficult to understand. After all, isn’t the evil inclination wicked, rather An Additional Example than good? The explanation is the follow- In the world of sports, when a person Today the word “test” implies an ex- ing: The evil inclination was created in or- has successfully tackled every obstacle in amination, the purpose of which is to as- der to put man to the test, for it is then that his path, the media writes about him. He sess a person’s knowledge and abilities. he calls upon abilities that he didn’t even becomes popular and is judged to have For example, take someone who was know he had. By overcoming obstacles, used his physical strength to the utmost hired to fill a certain position. His em- people put these abilities to use. Such a test degree. ployer may very well say, “Since it’s my is “very good,” for a person truly becomes In the spiritual domain, a person be- responsibility to ensure that you suit this righteous when he strives to overcome. comes known when he overcomes a trial position, you’ll be working on a trial basis Hence the evil inclination helps the good and heeds G-d’s word. He then becomes at first.” inclination to blossom. an example to others so they can take the It is obvious that the Creator of the uni- In the Psalms it is written, “The L-RD same path, one that is described as sancti- verse does not resort to these kinds of tests, tests the righteous” (Psalms 11:5). Only fying Hashem’s Name. for He already knows the abilities of each a person who possesses, deep down, im- This process is called a “test.” Ac- person and has no need to evaluate them mense spiritual strength will be put to the cording to Rashi, the meaning of the word through testing. test. In this way he will put his wealth nisayon is “a miracle occurred” (ness leit- Therefore with regards to G-d, the con- of talent into action. The Creator only nossess). cept of a test has a different meaning. sends trials upon a person who possess The explanations of the Ramban and Tests are also used in the world of the strength to overcome them – strength Rashi are two parts that follows one anoth- sports. Suppose that a coach tells some- that is nestled deep within – for G-d has no er: Putting one’s abilities into practice, and one to jump over an obstacle 100 times desire to test a person who is incapable of becoming popular in the eyes of others. in a given period of time. What is being prevailing (Ramban). tested in this case is the person’s ability to The goal of Creation is to exalt and We are all familiar with the concept of maintain his tempo. In this context a test spread the Name of the Almighty. With sports, a concept that has a very positive has yet another meaning, for an obstacle this in mind, man was created in order to connotation. We may, for example, say forces the person to exert himself. By suc- emulate his Creator and sanctify His Name that the Creator gave us this concept as cessfully doing so, he will realize that he throughout the world. an analogy to use for our spiritual trials in possesses strength and abilities that he was In the world of sports, when someone’s life. The evil inclination puts an obstacle aware of. He will also progress to a greater achievements make him famous, he re- before us, and we must exert an effort in level of fitness in this way. ceives gifts from all around, for human be- order to overcome it. By doing so, we can ings admire a person who uses his abilities To summarize, we know that everyone attain the level of being called a tzaddik possesses enormous spiritual powers, and to overcome obstacles. (“righteous”). it is up to each person to put them to good In the spiritual realm, a person can mer- use. In other words, a person can only Some ask, “What benefits result from it to enter Gan Eden in the World to Come. overcome the obstacles that face him if he our spiritual powers being put to the test?” This is the reward granted to a person who exerts himself. By doing so, he advances to The answer is found in the fact that man is exerted effort to overcome obstacles and a higher spiritual level and becomes more made in the image of G-d. who continued walking in G-d’s ways. righteous. These obstacles are called tests, This means that man resembles his Now it’s clear that if we perform deeds and their goal is make us exert our spiritual Creator in certain areas, meaning in his that require no special effort, there is no powers in order to realize our potential. By ability to create, his free will, and his eter- reason for us to receive a reward. Should putting them into practice, we grow spiri- nal soul. someone who eats fruits and vegetables tually. The Master of the universe, blessed be for health reasons be rewarded for it in the The Teachings of Our Sages He, is completely self-sustaining, having World to Come? Concerning the verse, “G-d saw all no need to exert Himself. Thus a person We shall now examine the difference, that He had made, and behold it was very must strive for perfection in his being, and with regards to spiritual benefits, between 36 37 exerting and not exerting an effort in order of prophecy. That is, perhaps he simply de- Hence it was Abraham’s test, not to overcome trials. cided to follow G-d’s will. After all, could Isaac’s, for both of Hashem’s orders lay Man is Unique he have done otherwise? If so, which test with him. There was only one order for did Abraham have to overcome? Isaac: To obey G-d concerning the Akei- An angel existing in the supernal world dah. That is, he was to agree to be sac- is, in principle, greater than man, for all its First Clarification rificed. Given their tremendous spiritual actions are based entirely on good, and it Concerning the verse, “Abraham called level, it is obvious that both of them would has absolutely no desire to do wrong or the name of the place, ‘The L-RD will see’ have fulfilled Hashem’s orders. Conse- follow the evil inclination. Nevertheless, ” (Genesis 22:14), the Yalkut Shimoni quently, the test was more Abraham’s than our Sages of blessed memory tell us that states that Abraham said the following: Isaac’s. man is greater, for obstacles are placed in “Master of the universe, when You said his path, obstacles that he must constantly to me, ‘Take your only son Isaac,’ I could Second Clarification overcome. have protested by saying, ‘Just yesterday It is written, “You shall not do so to the Angels possess no free will. They can- You promised that my son would give rise L-RD your G-d, for everything that is an not choose to obey or disobey G-d’s orders, to a great people, but now You are telling abomination to the L-RD – what He hates for they were created to simply do what me to sacrifice him?’ Yet I kept quiet and – they have done to their gods. They have they are told. Hence they only do good. suppressed my fatherly emotions in order even burned their sons and daughters in the Regardless of an angel’s spiritual power, to perform Your will. In the future, when fire for their gods” (Deuteronomy 12:31). it is impossible to say that it has a good or Isaac’s offspring are under the yoke of op- Abraham lived in that era, a time when evil inclination, for it cannot choose to do pression, I beg You to remember what I it was common to see heathens offering good or evil. have done and show them mercy.” their children to their idols. Neverthe- On the other hand, man can choose to Acting in accordance with his Cre- less Abraham taught them to believe in chase away his evil inclination. That is, ator’s will was a natural and spontaneous one G-d. He taught them that Hashem instead of seeing this entity as an insur- reaction for Abraham. is entirely good and wants only good for mountable obstacle, he can decide that he In fact Abraham received two direc- His creatures. He also taught them that will overcome it. He can summon his spiri- tives from Hashem, one being incompat- sacrificing children was an abomination to the concept of having faith in the one tual powers and confront his evil inclina- ible with the other. The first was that a true G-d. Thus for Abraham to be ordered tion. He will then overcome and replace it great people would emerge from his son to sacrifice his own son was abhorrent to with the good inclination. Such a valuable Isaac. This meant that Isaac was to con- him. Doing so was liable to destroy all the conclusion stems from a decision on his tinue Abraham’s line and give rise to the spiritual foundations he had established part – from his own free will – for it cannot Jewish people. The second directive was among the heathens, who would believe arise on its own. Since he decides to act for to take Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice. that Judaism sanctioned child-sacrifice, the sake of his Creator, he becomes greater This meant that he was going to die, G-d G-d forbid. This also constituted a test for than an angel. forbid. Abraham, for was he to postpone the sac- In terms of a father’s compassion for In the book Nefesh HaChaim, several rifice of his own son in order to save the his son, Abraham should have asked G-d examples of this kind are given. They en- Jewish people, or was he simply to obey what were the reasons for such an incon- able us to see just how a person’s achieve- G-d? Here too Abraham teaches us a les- ments can strengthen the entire world, all sistency. Otherwise he should have post- poned the sacrifice because of a doubt. son: We are not to fear anything, for the due to man’s free will. He has the ability to main thing is to obey Hashem. Once we say “no” to his evil inclination and “yes” to Yet once Abraham received the order, he did not hesitate for a moment in carrying it do that, He will deal with the rest. This his good inclination. This is an ability that test is not connected to Isaac either, but belongs to a higher realm. out. He suppressed all his feelings to serve the Almighty and not ask any questions. only to our father Abraham. He was the “And G-d tested Abraham” Therein lay Abraham’s sacrifice, for he one who established the first monotheis- Since Abraham’s test was also Isaac’s, forsook his feelings for his son. tic community, which placed its faith in the one true G-d. Hence the test applied the question becomes why the Torah This is why Abraham told Hashem that solely to him. does not say, “And G-d tested Abraham just as he had suppressed his feelings in and Isaac.” Nevertheless, we realize that order to obey Him, He should suppress His We may also ask why Abraham’s act Isaac’s name is mentioned in our prayers. wrath and show mercy to his descendants, was so special, since heathens burned their It is therefore up to us to understand why measure for measure. This was the addi- own children on their altars. Isaac is not mentioned in the Torah’s ac- tional and most important element in the First Answer count of the test itself. entire test. In the world of idolatry, heathens for- It is also up to us to reflect upon why Our father Abraham taught us a beauti- sook their children when they sacrificed the order given to Abraham – the com- ful lesson by this: If we do not understand them to their idols. They offered their chil- mand to sacrifice his son – is considered the reason for a commandment, then that is dren for the benefit of their idols, not for a test. our problem. It should not, however, cause Hashem. Therefore if Abraham had sac- Perhaps Abraham only obeyed G-d be- us to postpone its fulfillment. This is where rificed his son in the same way, it would cause he was infused with a great degree all the faith of the Jewish people resides. not have been considered an offering. 36 37 Abraham was told, “Take your son, your and good. If not, let him remind himself of solutely necessary for Isaac to live and only one, whom you love” (Genesis 22:2). the day of death” (Berachot 5a). continue to love his father for that reason Thus Abraham was not ready to forsake A well-known question asks: If re- – in order to perpetuate his ways. Despite his son, given his love for him. Neverthe- membering the day of death is the ultimate all these requirements, Abraham’s love for less, he was ready to act for the sake of his weapon in the fight against the evil inclina- his Creator was even greater, which is why Creator. tion, why doesn’t a person remind himself it is described by the word akeidah (“bind- Abraham’s test consisted of not finding of it immediately, rather than using it as his ing,” i.e., sacrifice). excuses to help him forsake his own son. third resort? After the Akeidah, G-d told Abraham, Isaac was worried that his father Abra- The answer to this question is also “Now I know that you fear G-d” (Genesis ham did not have an excuse, and he will- well-known: Even the wicked know that 22:12). ingly accepted his father’s decision. He everyone dies, and this fact encourages This test served as a way to make the therefore said, “Father,” and Abraham re- them to follow their passions. Since every- whole world know just who Abraham plied, “Here I am, my son” (Genesis 22:7). one is destined to die, they reason, better was. Today everyone knows what Hashem Is there any doubt that Abraham was the to take advantage of today. Their motto is, knew at that point, namely that Abraham father and Isaac the son? “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow was a G-d-fearing man. According to Rashi, the people of that we die.” This is why a person is not to be The statement “that you fear G-d” is time were saying that Sarah gave birth to a immediately reprimanded concerning his said following the Akeidah. Yet why is it son through Abimelech. Thus Isaac could final day, for people are not always ready not made following Abraham’s fulfillment have thought that his father was influenced to face this eventuality. of the mitzvah of hospitality? On the third by this lie, G-d forbid, and therefore it Our Sages taught that we must first day following his circumcision, Abraham would have been easier for Abraham to study Torah, and only then recite Shema. stood by the door of his tent waiting to in- sacrifice him. This is why Isaac asked In this way we recall the importance of life vite people into his home. The Gaon Mo- Abraham, “Are you my father?” and Abra- and its ultimate goal, as well as the fact lana replies that chesed (lovingkindness) ham answered, “You are my son.” In other that the material world is but a means to an occurs through the natural trait of com- words, “I know that you are my beloved end, not an end in itself. passion that springs from the heart. Man’s son, my only one.” A person must finally recall the day of natural sentiments enable him to fulfill this Abraham also worried that Isaac might death, for then he will understand that his mitzvah. On the other hand, the Akeidah believe that he would forsake and sacrifice time is short. At that point he will realize required Abraham to distance himself from him. that he must quickly rectify his soul before the natural compassion that people feel for Abraham told Ishmael, “Stay here with leaving this world. others. In fact it was a tremendously cruel and inhumane thing that Abraham was be- the donkey” (Genesis 22:5), yet when is The difference is that a person who ing asked to do (Berachot, Agra). someone told to stay next to a donkey? lives by the idea, “Eat, drink, and be mer- Rashi explains that Abraham was imply- ry, for tomorrow we die” will view suicide Another explanation: In the account of ing, “You belong to a people who are like a (G-d forbid) as a way of ridding himself the Akeidah, the Torah uses the expression donkey.” Now donkeys are useful in mov- of heavy burdens. On the contrary, a per- “I know that you fear G-d” to describe ing carts, and the only language they un- son who lives by emet (faith) does not see Abraham. An angel said to him, “Do not derstand is that of the whip. Why else did material pursuits as his goal in life. He has lay your hand upon the lad, nor do any- Abraham compare Ishmael to a donkey? no burdens to bear, and he regards every thing to him” (Genesis 22:12). Here the It was in order to clearly demonstrate moment in life as being precious. Despite phrase, “nor do anything to him” seems that Isaac was his only son, for Ishmael his burdens, he is not ready to give up on redundant. Rashi explains, “Do not lay. was the son of his maidservant, a son who life. In fact much to the contrary, he is fully To slaughter [him]. He [Abraham] said resembled a donkey. Abraham therefore aware of the significance of life, and each to Him, ‘If so, I have come here in vain. demonstrated that Isaac was his beloved second holds great importance for him. I will inflict a wound on him and extract a little blood.’ He said to him, ‘Do not do the son, and in this way his love for Hashem We now understand the difference slightest thing to him.’ Do not cause him grew. between the Canaanites, who sacrificed any blemish!” Second Answer their children to idols, and Abraham, who The Gemara explains, “Rabbi Levi bar obeyed G-d during the Akeidah. For the This seems unclear, for did Abraham Hama says in the name of Rabbi Simeon former, materiality constituted life itself, really want to wound Isaac? bar Lakish: A man should always incite the and they sacrificed their children like Actually, Abraham had to obey two good inclination to fight against the evil they would kill an animal. For the latter, commandments at that point: The first was inclination, for it is written, ‘Tremble and life was something extremely precious, to sacrifice his son, and the second was not sin not’ [Psalms 4:5]. If he subdues it, well for one hour of Torah study and mitzvot to “lay your hand upon the lad.” Abraham and good. If not, let him study Torah, for performance in this world are greater than tried to find a solution that would enable it is written: ‘Reflect in your heart’ [ibid.]. all the life of the World to Come. Further- him to fulfill both. To him, Hashem’s com- If he subdues it, well and good. If not, let more, Abraham knew that Isaac was to mandments were a reality in themselves, him recite Shema, for it is written: ‘While perpetuate the service of Hashem. Thus and he felt compelled to fulfill them. As a on your bed’ [ibid]. If he subdues it, well how could he forsake his son? It was ab- result, he asked if he could extract some 38 39 blood in order to fulfill the first divine Akeidah.’ When G-d returned his soul to fice his son, for it is written: “The tzaddik commandment. Hence the Torah states, “I him, the first Isaac died and a second Isaac decrees and the Holy One executes.” G-d know that you fear G-d,” for a person who emerged after the Akeidah, a great miracle therefore addressed Abraham with a sup- tries to find a way not to forgo a divine from G-d” (Likutei Shimoni, kaf). plication so that he would not annul this commandment is definitely someone who The Akeidah stands on two pillars: The decree. Why did Hashem do this? fears Hashem. makeup of the Jewish people and their This test was necessary in order to Abraham didn’t ask G-d any ques- journey through time. build one of the most important pillars of tions, but instead he immediately obeyed The first means that our limited under- the Jewish people, namely the acceptance His commandments in order not to delay standing of G-d’s ways does not hinder our of G-d’s commandments without asking the fulfillment of a mitzvah. It was only performance of mitzvot. We continue to questions, as we see in the Akeidah. after the Akeidah that Abraham tried to perpetuate the faith of the Jewish people Just before this account, the Torah understand things (see Likutei Shimoni, in G-d. states: “And it was after these things” kaf beit). The second means that from the exam- (Genesis 22:1). Which things were these? Hashem said to Abraham, “I told you ple of the Akeidah, Jews are encouraged to Our Sages said, “Rabbi Levi stated: After to place him on the altar and then to take give of themselves. This is the basis for all Ishmael’s words to Isaac. Ishmael said to him down.” instances of Mesirut Nefesh (self-sacrifice) Isaac: ‘I am more righteous than you in good deeds, for you were circumcised at We may think that the Akeidah was in the history of the Jewish people. eight days, but I at thirteen years.’ [Isaac a test and that no sacrifice actually took The description of the Akeidah begins replied,] ‘…Were the Holy One, blessed place. This is a mistake, for a sacrifice did with the words, “Please, take your son” be He, to say to me, “Sacrifice yourself be- occur. (Genesis 22:2). fore Me,” I would obey.’ At that point G-d There is a vast difference between sac- “Please” is an expression of pleading tested Abraham” (Sanhedrin 89b). rificing an animal and sacrificing a human and supplication. Why would the Almighty The point of contention was the fol- being. An animal is made entirely of flesh express Himself in this way to Abraham? lowing: Which of them exhibited complete and blood, and sacrificing it means sac- Our Sages have said, “Imagine a king of devotion to the observance of the mitzvot? rificing its body, which is burned on the flesh and blood who has waged many bat- We see that from the time of Abraham un- altar. Such is not the case with a human tles. In his army is a valiant and powerful til today, Jews have excelled in every area, being. warrior who could defeat anyone. When a especially with regards to inheriting the A human being possesses a soul, and difficult battle presents itself to the king, land of Israel. he says to his brawny warrior, ‘Please, when he denies himself for G-d, this con- In Islam, the description of the Akeidah help me once again in this battle so that stitutes his sacrifice. is different. Muslims say that it was Ish- people will not say that you are incapable When Abraham bound Isaac on the mael, not Isaac, who was placed on the al- of leading it.’ Thus Hashem told Abraham, altar, his self-sacrifice in serving Hashem tar, meaning that his devotion was greater ‘You stood firm in the face of several tests, was revealed. This action was therefore than Isaac’s. and you survived them all. Please accept called a “sacrifice,” a description reserved this test as well, so that people will not In our time, terrorists inspired by the solely for man. think that you are incapable of overcoming Koran are ready to die as suicide bombers. Similarly for Isaac, his complete ac- it” (Likutei Shimoni, kaf). They claim that Jews must be punished for ceptance of being offered on the altar also having stolen the land of Israel, and in their “Please, Accept this Test” constituted a sacrifice on his part. Hence in minds they are continuing Ishmael’s duty our prayers we say, “When in anger…re- There were several reasons why Abra- to sacrifice himself. ham could have refused this test: member the Akeidah.” As far as we are concerned, self-sacri- Another Explanation 1. The inconsistency of being com- fice does not mean seeking revenge. manded to sacrifice his son. According to our Sages, a sacrifice lit- The Jewish people will win this spiri- erally took place during the Akeidah. 2. The resulting cessation of Judaism, tual war by always demonstrating Mesirut G-d forbid. Nefesh (i.e., complete devotion) to G-d, Rabbi Yehuda said, “From the fact that acting in holiness for Him just as our fa- Abraham laid his hand on his son, the soul 3. The requirement to forsake his only ther Abraham taught us. This message will of Isaac left him, and when the second son, whom he greatly loved. be the key to our victory. phrase was uttered – ‘Do not lay your hand Because of his great love for his son, on him’ – his soul was returned to him. At Abraham had to ascend to still greater that point Isaac stood up and said, ‘Blessed heights and express even greater love for are You, Who resurrects the dead,’ for he Hashem in order to fulfill His will. This understood that the dead would be resur- demonstrated Abraham’s phenomenal rected like this in the future. When his soul character traits. left him, the Akeidah took place, which is Since Abraham was a tzaddik, he could why we say in our prayers, ‘Remember the have prayed to annul the decree to sacri- 38 39 THE HILLOULA OF RABBI HAIM PINTO ZATZAL AT ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO ELUL 5765 (SEPTEMBER 2005)

Among the faithful followers of Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita, it has become traditional to visit the grave of Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal in Essaouira, Morocco just before Rosh Hashanah. Thus on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at Charles de Gaulle Airport, we see the regular participants getting reacquainted with one another, a completely new expe- rience for first-timers. For everyone present, the atmosphere is filled with solemn and joyous emotion at the thought of soon being able to pray by the grave of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal. Participants have come to- gether from the four corners of the earth – from Argentina, Mexico, the United States, Great Britain, France, Israel, and other countries – with the same goal in mind, and soon they will all be in the small Moroccan coastal town of Essaouira. They alive. who welcomes every participant of the have come to participate in the Hilloula of A special flight from Air Horizons Hilloula as they descend from the plane. Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, a man known The Rav is standing on the tarmac at the brings us to Essaouira, where we land around the world for his great holiness Essaouira airport, waiting below the steps shortly before 5:00 pm local time to a very and life of piety. He is also known for the leading off the airplane to greet each per- miracles he performed both in life and in warm reception. son. He is like a head of state welcoming death, for even in death a tzaddik is called In fact, it is Rabbi David Pinto himself dignitaries on an official visit, meaning that he pays great attention to each of the participants gathered here today. We must warmly thank all the Moroc- can authorities for this opportunity, begin- ning with His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. We also have to thank royal officials and members of the army and police, as well as representatives from the Province of Essaouira. We must also thank everyone whose actions, either di- rectly or indirectly, contributed to making this year’s Hilloula for Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal an unforgettable experience. Once the participants had settled into the Ryad Mogador Hotel in Essaouira, we got ready to visit the city’s Jewish cem- etery. In fact all the participants were wait- ing in the hotel’s large conference hall for 40 41 the trip to the cemetery on our first night Moroccan government, the there. Joining us was the Governor of the entire Moroccan people, and Province of Essaouira, as well as civilian everyone present. The Rav and military authorities. was clear about the essential Everyone who participated in this event role played by the royal family could see just how important it was to the and all the Moroccan authori- Moroccan authorities. During the course ties over the generations for of the evening, greetings were offered by their protection of the Jewish Mr. Patrick Alloul, whom we must thank community, which enabled it for constantly making himself available to to blossom. us in order to facilitate relations between After the customary bless- Hevrat Pinto and the Moroccan authori- ings, the Rav stated that he ties. would never forget the just and sincere words of the Gov- In his welcoming remarks, the Gover- ernor of Essaouira. The Rav nor of Essaouira stressed that the Rabbi also noted that Rosh Hashanah Haim Pinto pilgrimage testified to the this year, 5766, coincided with brotherhood, love, peace and humanity of the beginning of the Islamic the city of Essaouira, its inhabitants, and month of Ramadan. all the Moroccan people. He added that more than 2,000 years of a Jewish pres- Rabbi David Pinto then ence in Morocco is a strong witness to the went to reflect by the grave fact that Morocco is a country that is open of his ancestor, Rabbi Haim to everyone and all religions and ethnic Pinto Zatzal, accompanied by groups, for Jews had come here to spiritu- representatives of the Moroc- ally recharge themselves and pray to the can authorities. same G-d, for there is only One. hope that the Eternal would bless the land After dinner, at about 1 in The Governor expressed his hope that of Morocco, a land of tolerance, and that the morning, selichot were recited at the the Baraka (“Beracha”) of the holy and He would exalt His Majesty King Mo- cemetery. These prayers were marked by venerated Rabbi Haim Pinto of Mogador hammed VI and bless Princes Hassan special sanctity, having been recited in would rest on all the participants, and that and Moulay Rachid. The Governor also unity and being spurred on by Rabbi Da- vid Pinto. The participants then recited the their prayers would be granted for them, evoked the memory of former Kings Mo- Psalm of parnasa. their families, and their friends. Represen- hammed V and Hassan II. tatives of the Moroccan authorities hoped In response, Rabbi David Pinto Shlita During this event, hundreds of men and women assembled to invoke the merit that the participants in Essaouira would blessed King Mohammed VI, making it of the saintly Rabbi Haim Pinto in their transmit a message of peace on their be- clear that the merit of the tzaddik Rabbi prayers. Everyone asked the tzaddik to be half when they returned home. Haim Pinto Zatzal would ensure that his their advocate, their representative before Finally, the Governor expressed his prayers are answered. He then blessed the Hashem at this time, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the day of judgment. At that late hour, Rav Pinto told us that he had just returned from a four-day jour- ney to the Ukraine, where he and about 20 people (most of whom were from South America) made a pilgrimage to the tzad- dikim buried in the Ukraine. Among the graves they had visited were those of the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Maggid of Mezritch, and the Baal HaTanya of Lubavitch and his son. Thus Rabbi Pinto replenished himself with a full measure of kedusha, which he was ready to transmit to us. Rav Pinto made it clear that the graves of the tzaddikim are a fitting place to re- ceive the help of the Holy One, blessed be He. Thus the very fact of going there takes on special meaning, for just as we honor the tzaddikim during their lifetime, 40 41 so too is it fitting to honor them after they have died. Given that Hashem modifies nature to create wonders, He also gives the tzaddikim the ability to perform mir- acles. Since the Sages state that the tzad- dikim are even greater in death than in life, they are really telling us that in death the tzaddikim are even closer to Hashem, being like angels or even greater. By their merit, they intercede for us and infuse our prayers with power. The Rav asked us to transmit this ke- dusha upon returning home to our families and friends, with the hope that Mashiach will arrive in our days. Amen. He admitted that he agreed to travel to the Ukraine when his friend Cesar, who was from Argentina, had a dream ance to the good side and help the Jew- conference hall. Rabbi Albert-Avraham in which the Rav hastened the arrival of ish people. Knafo led the service, delighting us with Mashiach by going with him to visit the Rabbi David Pinto Shlita blessed each a tefillah that was recited with great emo- graves of the tzaddikim. Since we are participant, giving them a sweet gift by the tion. Those listening to him were well- all believers and children of believers, merit of his ancestor, the saintly and ven- aware of the significance of this event, the we know that nothing is impossible for erated Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal. Hilloula of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto Hashem. Therefore none of us can say After a few hours of sleep, the Friday Zatzal. that an extra mitzvah can’t swing the bal- morning prayer service began in a large We once again salute the efforts of the Moroccan authorities for having provided the greatest degree of security for this event. A local taxi driver told me that he had never seen such a deployment of po- licemen and military officers before. We especially want to thank everyone, both near and far, who were involved in the success of this visit to the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, especially Mr. Knafo, Mr. Afryat, Patrick Alloul, Mr. William Marciano, and the caterer who treated us to the finest Moroccan dishes. We also can’t ignore the work done by the staff of the Ryad Mogador Hotel in Essaouira. After the morning service, Rabbi Da- vid Pinto headed towards the mausoleum of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto. In his speech, the Rav insisted that each partici- pant should make an effort to write down all the requests they had for the tzaddik. The participants followed one another to the grave of the tzaddik of Mogador in an atmosphere of calm reflection. Some read psalms, while others prayed there or lit candles in designated places. Then at about 10 am on that Friday morning, the participants returned to the Ryad Mogador Hotel for breakfast, where they were greeted with a festival of bright colors on each table. At 10:30 am, a large number of partici- pants, about two entire busloads, had the 42 43 Let’s not forget that Mr. Melloul and his orchestra made this Hilloula even more enjoyable for all the participants. At the end of the Friday night prayers, Rabbi David Pinto gave a Torah speech in which he stressed the two gifts that Hash- em gave to the Jewish people. The first gift is the Torah, and the second is Shabbat. These two gifts are inseparable from the Jewish people, and one cannot go without the other. A person must not be enslaved to his work. He must serve Hashem as much in the study of Torah as in the performance of mitzvot, for these allow a person to better himself. The Rav took the opportunity to say that man helps the Holy One, blessed be He, the King of kings. Referring to the animal world, all things being equal, the Rav spoke about the work that ants do for their queen throughout the day, as well as what bees do for their queen and the role that she and all bees play in the construction of the hive. Does the Mishnah not say, “Do not be like servants who serve their mas- ter for the sake of receiving a reward, but rather like servants who serve their master without the intent of receiving a reward” (Perkei Avoth 1:3), as well as, “Your Em- ployer is trustworthy to pay you the reward for your labor, but know that the giving of the reward to the righteous will be in the World to Come” (ibid. 2:16)? merit to travel to the gravesite of the tzad- buy souvenirs. The Rav then used this opportunity to speak about the parsha of the week, which dik Rabbi Nissim ben Nissim, the miracle At 6:00 pm, women began lighting was Ki Tavo. While reading this parsha, worker who is buried in the mountains candles for Shabbat. After Mincha, Shir we note the strong connection between between Essaouira and Marrakech, about Hashirim was recited by the most talented a half-hour drive from the hotel. This was Hashem and the Jewish people around the liturgical singers, who took their place an opportunity for those who had never performance of mitzvot. When a person next to Rabbi David Pinto on this Shab- gone to the grave of the tzaddik (espe- no longer respects them, there are seri- bat evening. Thus besides our friend Judah cially those who did not know of him) to ous repercussions for the Jewish people. Lugassy, who is well-known by residents perform this beautiful mitzvah. They also The Rav spoke about the spirit of kedusha had the opportunity to be blessed by Mrs. of Paris and Marrakech, we had the oppor- that we were experiencing during the Hill- Pinto, may Hashem grant her a long life, tunity to hear Mr. Afryat and Elie Melloul. oula in Essaouira, especially this year. He the mother of Rabbi David Pinto and the wife of the late Rabbi Moshe Pinto Zatzal, who is buried in Ashdod. At 1:45 in the afternoon, we met up with the participants who had stayed in Essaouira and sat down for a meal of fresh sardines, salad, and royal couscous. The afternoon was devoted to prepar- ing for Shabbat, with some participants taking the opportunity to immerse them- selves in the mikveh of the Atlantic Ocean. At the same time, others went into town to 42 43 again advised everyone to focus on writing down, after Shabbat, what they wanted to ask the Almighty through the intermediary of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto, and to read these requests at the cemetery on Sat- urday night. Friday night was filled with singing and joy. In fact the large conference hall in the Ryad Mogador Hotel was infused with simcha. That night was among the most memorable experiences of the Hilloula, for in a place in Morocco where few Jews lived, we saw a Jewish community coming together in the space of one Shabbat and one Hilloula. Rabbi David Pinto encouraged all the participants to sing that evening, espe- cially Rabbi David’s favorite song (which he calls the song of Mashiach) Habibi Ya Habibi. We heard singing in Ladino from Israel, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. The out Morocco, and many sick and troubled the participants who came from South Rav travels a great deal around the world, people came asking him to pray on their America and the Spanish-speaking areas contributing in this way to the spreading behalf, prayers that resulted in deliverance of Morocco, for they arrived in large num- of Torah. He spreads emunah and encour- and success. ages those who come to him for guidance, bers to spiritually recharge themselves by We can only stand in awe at the nu- advice, or blessing. the tzaddik. merous miracles that have occurred by his Dinner continued until 11:30 pm The participants regulars described the gravesite. (which was already 1:30 am in France). life of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto to The night was short, and for the most During this memorable evening, we could the newest participants, noting that Rabbi courageous participants, Shabbat would see how Rabbi David Pinto is admired by Haim Pinto and his family moved to Ess- people around the world, since partici- aouira (formerly called Mogador) when he begin with Torah lectures at 7:00 am. pants had come to Morocco for this event was only 10 years old. His reputation as a During the prayers of Saturday morn- from the Unites States, France, Belgium, holy man of G-d quickly spread through- ing, the Rav stressed the idea that the

44 45 At the end of Shabbat, the Hilloula be- gan with the sale of mitzvot. The money collected by this event helps a large num- ber of Jews in difficult situations. It also aids various Torah institutions in numer- ous countries, for Hevrat Pinto funds not only its own Torah centers, but a good number of yeshivot and kollelim around the world. Following the activities at the Ryad Mogador Hotel on that night, the partici- pants climbed aboard buses for a trip to the cemetery. The time was just before 1:00 in the morning. curses mentioned in the weekly parsha do During this time, the Rav said that we Selichot were recited with special fer- not deal with those who fear Hashem and shouldn’t go to synagogue like a tourist vor at the cemetery, with the sounds of the remain loyal to observing mitzvot. The who visits one place after another and Shofar echoing into the night. In the mau- morning service progressed to the sound views them all in the same light, for the soleum of the tzaddik, the men preceded of magnificently sung prayers and un- danger is that he gets used to it. the women as everyone prayed and ex- der ideal conditions. Furthermore, Rabbi pressed their anxieties and aspirations. At In his speech, the Rav said that the the end of a short night’s rest, the partici- David Pinto was able to infuse everyone month of Elul is particularly favorable with special enthusiasm, which moved the pants assembled for the morning prayers, for teshuvah, and that the Torah must be with two services taking place. Breakfast hearts of all. It was almost half past noon a Jew’s life on a daily basis. He also said was served around the pool, and then ev- when the morning service ended, after that emunah ensures that obstacles in our eryone packed their suitcases to leave. For which the participants sat down for lunch. way are removed. most, the flight to Paris was scheduled for To the fine dishes being served, the partici- Referring to the tzaddik Rabbi Haim the beginning of the afternoon. A last visit pants added enthusiastic singing, with one Pinto Zatzal, Rabbi David explained that to Rabbi Haim Pinto’s mausoleum took song following the next. For those who his ancestor had the merit of studying with place on that morning, with participants were up to it, the afternoon was devoted to Eliyahu HaNavi, a fact supported by many invoking the merit of the tzaddik of Moga- Shabbat learning. For others, the afternoon eyewitness accounts. For example, Rabbi dor, may his merit protect us all. Prayer, afforded them time for a short nap. Makhlouf ben Lisha once came to the song, and the sound of the Shofar accom- Mincha was followed by Seuda She- home of Rabbi Haim Pinto to speak about panied the participants, and as the hours lishit, which was enjoyed by the pool. The problems concerning the Jewish commu- ticked down for their return, they began to selection of cakes was so vast that almost nities of Mogador. Given the seriousness feel somewhat sad that it was all coming no one could taste all the varieties being of the subject, he didn’t hesitate to visit to an end. offered. him in the middle of the night. When he The Jews who participated in this Before the prayer service began on entered Rabbi Haim Pinto’s room, how- year’s pilgrimage to the tzaddik of Moga- Saturday evening, Rabbi David Pinto ever, he saw that his face was shining. He dor, Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, had marked emphasized that we should all be ready to also saw someone else with Rabbi Pinto, an important chapter in their lives, a time fully participate in the Hilloula that would someone who looked like an angel. Rabbi that brought them to Rosh Hashanah and begin that night. During the course of Makhlouf wanted to come a little closer, Yom Kippur. the evening, the Rav evoked Psalms 130, but he was suddenly overcome by a feeling Rabbi Haim Pinto helps us in life, for which we recite between Rosh Hashanah of sheer terror, and therefore he fled. The he intercedes with Hashem on our behalf, and Yom Kippur, being connected to the next day Rabbi Pinto said to him, “Fortu- as well as for our families and the entire ten days of repentance. During this time, nate are you my son, for you had the merit Jewish people. May his merit truly protect people call upon Hashem and implore Him of seeing the face of Eliyahu HaNavi.” us all! Amen. for forgiveness. The Jewish people place Rabbi Makhlouf lived to the age of 110, their hope in G-d, for He is the One Who and he described what he saw in his prayer frees Israel from all sin. book.

44 45 A TZADDIK HAS LEFT THIS WORLD THE GAON RABBI NISSIM REBIBO ZATZAL BY RABBI DAVID HANANIA PINTO EACH TIME THAT A TZADDIK LEAVES THIS WORLD, IT IS DEPRIVED OF ONE OF ITS FOUNDATIONS, FOR IT IS SAID: “THE TZADDIK IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD” (PROVERBS 10:25). IT IS WRITTEN THAT THE WORLD ENDURES BY THE MERIT OF TORAH, AND BY THOSE WHO STUDY IT DAY AND NIGHT.

French Jewry is still in shock. It has yet to realize the great loss that it incurred with the passing of the tzaddik, our teacher Rabbi Nissim Rebibo, may his merit protect us all. He is gone forever, having left us to our sor- row. Not only was he one of the greatest Pos- kim of our generation, he also possessed such extraordinary middot that words cannot do justice to him or his deeds. Woe to us, for the world has lost a pious man and a tzaddik. Who can take his place? He left us suddenly and at a young age, giving us no chance to prepare ourselves for his passing. If he had departed in the usual way, not suddenly, then perhaps we would have been able to bear his passing. Yet now we have in- curred a great loss, one that is forcing us to reflect upon our ways. Our pain is immense who wants to grow in humility. Rabbi Nis- because we didn’t appreciate his true great- knowledge. We knew that he was born for sim Zatzal possessed the two most important ness. It is only after his death that we discov- greatness in Torah, yet he was so modest middot for achieving greatness: Diligence in ered the greatness of his holiness, his Torah, and self-effacing! In our generation, no other Torah study and humility. He possessed these his faith, and his middot. gaon and tzaddik could conceal his deeds as middot to such an extent that people were not The pain is still intense, and tears are still well as he did. aware of his greatness, for he concealed them shed over the passing of the tzaddik. Woe to Woe to us, for we have lost a spiritual fa- in his immense wisdom in order not to fall us, woe to us! Who will defend and support ther and are now helpless. Who can we rely into pride. Hence, “This is why I cry!” us in difficult times? We know that the world on today? Who can lead us in the paths of the As youngsters living 30 years ago, when- endures only by the merit of Torah. Yet to- holy Torah? ever we looked for our teacher Rabbi Nissim day, who in the world of Torah and among We know that the evil inclination at- Zatzal, we always knew where to find him. the rabbanim can take his place? tacks man with all its strength precisely Be it day or night, during holidays or not, I had the great merit of studying with when he studies Torah and kills himself for he was always in the Beit Midrash, hidden Rabbi Nissim Rebibo for a few years at the it, meaning when he is deeply immersed in behind a pile of books that he was constantly Sunderland yeshiva. He was the lion and learning Torah. We also know that it vigor- studying. He was happy with his lot, and leader of our group, and all the rabbanim ously attacks a person who desires to humble he never protested when Hashem sent him respected him and appreciated his Torah himself before the Torah and man, a person trials. In fact he never stopped learning To- 46 47 rah. When his wife the Rebbetzin fell ill, he On Wednesday, July 29, 1998, the Dayan for this trip, but I later cancelled it. I then studied with even greater diligence in order Rabbi Nissim Rebibo Zatzal, the Av Beit changed my mind and decided to leave, but for her to recover by the merit of his Torah. Din of Paris, called me with an invitation to then I cancelled it again. In the end, I flew to Hashem heard his prayers, and in His mercy a fundraiser for his kollel. I told him that I Chicago instead of New York. This happened He sent her a complete healing. was scheduled to fly to Chicago, where many because I wanted to visit Chicago, my initial Our teacher was always hidden away in people were waiting for me. However Rav destination before deciding to attend Rav the Beit Midrash. It was almost as if he never Rebibo insisted that I come, for my presence Rebibo’s fundraiser. It was then that a great wanted people to see him studying. He was could convince people to give more gener- miracle occurred. If I hadn’t cancelled my always sitting in a faraway corner so that no- ously. He asked me to accept this invitation New York-Geneva flight, I would have died, body ever knew that he was there. for the love of Torah. I thought about the fact for that flight crashed and no one survived. If One day we met during an important that I was ready to make every effort for To- I hadn’t accepted Rav Rebibo’s invitation, I event to raise funds for the kollel, and I asked rah, without limit, because I grew up in an would have traveled to Chicago as planned, him to speak in order to motivate the audi- atmosphere of Torah in my father’s home. and one month later I would have gone to ence. The Rav replied that I was the one that At a very young age, the Sefat Emet of New York. In other words, I would have been he wanted to hear. Hundreds of books could Ger was already a gaon. He wrote many on the flight that crashed. Thus by the merit be written about his life, his greatness in To- books and became the Rebbe of thousands of of Rav Nissim, my life was saved! That’s rah, his humility, and his generosity. Ger chassidim by the age of 23. He recount- why I was the real winner in this whole story, all due to having faith in Hashem and After we heard exceptional tributes from ed the following parable: Someone wanted to a love for Torah. My faith was so strong, I all the rabbanim delivering eulogies at his climb a very high mountain, but the ascent could almost touch it. This story symbolizes funeral, we understood the greatness of this was quite dangerous. For months he climbed something very important, which is that the giant among giants, a man who lived among without stop, and in the end he arrived at evil inclination – called the Angel of Death us in our generation. It was then that we real- the summit completely exhausted. What did and the Satan (Bava Batra 16a) – wanted ized that there had been a great light in our he see there? A child! He asked him, “For to void my heart and mind of faith so that midst, one that we never knew was there. months I labored with all my strength to I would forget all of Hashem’s kindnesses. climb this peak, so how did you get here?” I asked myself, “Why, when he was This is why the Torah states Bereshith (“In The child replied, “You climbed up, but I was alive, were we so blind that we didn’t even the beginning”), meaning that we are the born here.” The same applies to Torah. Some perceive his greatness?” Jewish people at the beginning and the end, people have to invest many years to acquire Now that he is gone, we realize just how a people who act through faith, for without Torah values and attain lofty heights. Others much we miss him. This is an indication that Israel there is no Bereshith. our generation was not worthy to benefit are born in a Torah environment. Such was the case with the Sefat Emet of Ger. On Sunday, Nissan 4, 5766, and the re- from his light, for we did not appreciate it. quest of Rebbetzin Rebibo, the widow of Therefore I didn’t refuse Rabbi Nissim Today some of the greatness and splen- the tzaddik Rabbi Nissim Rebibo Zatzal, we Rebibo’s offer to attend his fundraiser. I was dor of his light has begun to spread. Of him organized an evening aimed at encouraging born with Torah values, and I had grown up it is written, “They have gone to their world people to repent. This event was attended by among great Torah figures and tzaddikim. I and left us to our sorrows.” the rabbanim of France and its leaders, and At the Sunderland yeshiva, I had the told him that I would participate in this event it was held in the memory of the tzaddik, great merit of studying with Rabbi Nissim for the sake of Torah learning, and therefore may his merit protect us all. A friend of the every night between Thursday and Friday. I cancelled my trip to Chicago. tzaddik, who is alive and well, the gaon Rav Everyone loved him, and he never had a dis- Let’s think about this for a moment: Who HaRashi Shlomo Amar Shlita of Israel, came pute with anyone, for he was righteous in his was the winner in all this, Rav Rebibo or especially for the event. dealings with G-d and man. me? On that night I went to the podium and May it be Hashem’s will for Rabbi Nis- If I had gone to Chicago, I could have motivated everyone to donate generously. sim Rebibo to pray for us in Heaven, that we collected significant funds for my Torah Our aim was to collect enough funds to may repent and completely return to Hash- institutions. However since I cancelled my publish four books of Talmud and Responsa em. By the merit of his Torah and holiness, trip, I failed to collect them. On that night written by the gaon, my friend Rabbi Nissim may the Holy One, blessed be He, hasten the I spoke about Rav Rebibo’s Torah institu- Rebibo Zatzal. I also pledged to finance one coming of Mashiach. tions, and thank G-d a great deal of funds of his books. It was truly a sanctification of May it be Hashem’s will that he prays were collected. I encouraged everyone to Hashem’s Name that in a few minutes the au- for his wife the Rebbetzin, for his sons and give generously, and I gave them my bless- dience donated enough to publish the books entire family, and also for the whole commu- ing. If we look at things in this way, it was I of the tzaddik, something that had never nity. May he know in Heaven that we greatly who lost and Rav Rebibo who won. However happened before. It was truly a great won- miss him today, and may we merit seeing the the remainder of the story will show just how der. There’s no doubt that this occurred by resurrection of the dead. Amen and amen. much I won! the merit of the holy Torah that our teacher I will recount a moving incident that A month later, I began to prepare for my Rabbi Nissim Rebibo Zatzal studied day happened to me, one that will show who trip to New York. I was hesitating between and night. May the memory of the tzaddik the Dayan and tzaadik Rabbi Nissim Rebibo taking a Geneva-NY flight on Sunday with a be blessed. Zatzal really was. We will then understand return on Tuesday, or leaving on Monday and just how Hashem conducts the world and di- returning on a NY-Geneva flight on Wednes- rects our actions in the smallest detail. day night. For four days I prepared myself 46 47 THE PASSING OF RABBI NATHAN BOKOBZA FOLLOWING A DIFFICULT ILLNESS, THE GAON RABBI The funeral procession began at his of a tzaddik is too hard to bear, especially NATHAN BOKOBZA ZATZAL home in Netivot, where eulogies were de- when he passes away in his youth. He was PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF livered and Psalms recited. always doing good, never wasting a min- ute of his time. He experienced suffering 42 With a voice choked with tears, his Rav, the gaon Rav Issachar Meir, spoke: that few of us could endure, and during his illness he became a living book of Mussar “IT WAS PRECISELY DURING “Not only was he my student, he was [Rabbi Amar begins to weep at this point]. BEIN HAZMANIM THAT HE also a son to me. King David was com- He never complained! He had such faith WAS WELCOMED INTO OLAM pletely devoted to tzeddakah, to deeds of in the Almighty, and even on his sickbed kindness for poor and rich alike, doing this HABA, ALONG WITH ALL THE he looked for ways to help those around solely for the sake of pleasing his Creator. TORAH THAT WAS TAUGHT ON him!” HIS ACCOUNT. THIS IS OUR Likewise my student did not seek any hon- or for himself, but instead acted solely for His brother expressed himself as fol- KORBAN PESACH!” the good of others. He did this because he lows: wanted to please his Creator, and because “My brother Rabbi Nathan, I’m in ago- Following a Difficult Illness, the Gaon it was His will. ny! We were together for 42 years. Around Rabbi Nathan Bokobza Zatzal “I once remember telling him that the the Shabbat table your children said, ‘Dad- Passes Away at the Age of 42 yeshiva was in a difficult financial situa- dy will be with us for the Seder.’ “Who Shows Kindness to Thou- tion, and he immediately went out in search “While clothing and shoes were being sands…” of funds! When I sent him young married distributed in Netivot, Ofakim and Ashdod, couples, he was always able to provide a little girl began to cry when she didn’t re- Each year during Bein Hazmanim, the them with what they needed, whether it ceive anything. My brother, your daughter gaon Rabbi Nathan Bokobza Zatzal gave was appliances or other things. When I ran towards her and gave her clothes that classes to more than 700 avrechim at the paid him a visit a few days ago, he said to she had received. She said, ‘The main thing yeshiva. In light of this, the gaon Rabbi me: ‘Each day of my life is a miracle.’ He is that Daddy gets well.’ Your son ran to- Moshe Tsedaka Shlita (the Rosh Yeshiva of was such an optimist! However the Creator wards a little boy who wasn’t on my list, Porat Yosef) said the following during his of the universe decided otherwise, and He and he presented him with a gift. He said, eulogy for Rabbi Nathan Bokobza: gathered up his pure soul. May it be the ‘Don’t worry. Take mine!’ All that mattered “It was precisely during Bein Almighty’s will to spare us from the attri- to him was doing chesed. ‘The main thing Hazmanim that he was welcomed into bute of justice. May He judge us with the to me,’ he said, ‘is that Daddy gets well.’ ” Olam Haba, along with all the Torah that attribute of mercy, and may He keep us far Rabbi Nathan Bokobza Zatzal was laid was taught on his account. This is our Ko- from suffering. Amen.” to rest in the Netivot cemetery, not far from rban Pesach!” The gaon Rabbi Shlomo Amar said the monument of the Baba Sali Zatzal. May When the gaon’s passing was an- these words: the memory of the tzaddik be blessed. nounced, tens of thousands gathered to “G-d has given and G-d has taken away. hear the painful news, news that spread like Blessed be the Name of the Almighty for wildfire through the country. At the time of all time. Today is a difficult day. The loss his funeral, thousands of people joined the procession. Following grueling treatments, Rabbi Nathan Bokobza Zatzal succumbed to his illness at the age of 42. He passed away last Nissan, as his soul returned to his Creator on Shabbat at three in the morning. Rabbi Bokobza was initially a student of the gaon Rabbi Issachar Meir (the Rosh Yeshiva of Negev), and he later became an avrech at the kollel. After his marriage, Rabbi Bokobza founded a kol- lel in Netivot. He also committed himself to performing numerous deeds of chesed, establishing a large soup kitchen that pro- vided food for widows, orphans, and the needy. 48 49 THE DISASTER EFFECTS OF CARELESSNESS

The world was not meant to run on its own. ties will no longer be able to help him, and he Greek Empire wanted to conquer Israel, and There is a price to pay for every mistake, for will need to apply himself. it enacted terrible decrees against the Jewish each unintentional error, and for every act of Thus lazy individuals must pay a price for people to push them to abandon their faith. carelessness. their carelessness, since a failure here and a These decrees were in effect for close to 52 Take driving as an example. When we are failure there will quickly add up. years.” focused on the road, our journey will certainly Simply put, there is a price to pay for be- The Beit Chadash explains the root cause be safer. In that case, it is extremely likely that ing careless, even if a person is intelligent and as follows: “During Chanukah, the decree we will arrive at our destination safe and sound, gifted. [against Israel] focused mainly on carelessness happy and content. Carelessness is like a small, barely visible in the service of Hashem. Hence it was decreed Yet if a person makes the grave mistake worm that burrows its way into the natural abili- that this service should stop.” of drinking alcohol before driving, or if he is in ties of a person and makes them rot. Measure for Measure need of sleep, he will drive much more danger- Thus without paying attention, a gifted yet It is generally known that people find it ously. Not only will he be in danger, far worse is careless student will descend to the lowest lev- easier to perform mitzvot that occur only pe- the fact that he will endanger those around him, els. His situation is even worse than that of a riodically. Such mitzvot engender enthusiasm meaning other drivers and pedestrians. careless student with few talents, for in the end and are anxiously awaited. On the other hand, A distracted driver is liable to become a tick- he will know nothing but shame. constantly recurring mitzvot are liable to lead a ing time bomb, the results of which nobody can Carelessness in the Workplace person to perform them routinely, meaning in a foresee. We know all too well how many lives Because examples of carelessness are not less than enthusiastic way. The road from here have been lost as a result. lacking, we will not describe them at length. to carelessness is not very long. Carelessness From here we come to a simple conclusion, Suffice it to say that carelessness can be found leads to paying less attention to mitzvot. chilling though it may be: Carelessness is equal in everything from construction work (flouting Constantly recurring mitzvot, such as the to death. To be more precise, carelessness is safely regulations) to journalism (writing articles continual burnt-offerings and the lighting of the likely to lead to a decree of death. Yet before without checking facts). In the latter case, ruin- Menorah, are obviously more difficult to under- that point is reached, intermediate decrees are ing reputations stems from a desire to do wrong, take because of their repetitive nature. The very issues, decrees that are less grave. Their pur- a desire to transgress all the laws regarding same priests who demonstrated carelessness pose is to motivate a careless person to wake Lashon Hara. in this regard understood the real reason for up and learn, to grab hold of the wheel with his We also find cases of carelessness in the the decree against the Jewish people. Hence two hands and rid himself of the lethargy that banking profession. For example, some arro- they literally gave their lives for it. They deliv- has overtaken him. Otherwise the results may gant bank employees sometimes forget to re- ered their souls to death, which was enough for prove catastrophic, even fatal. Carelessness of cord deposits, while others prefer to close their the Holy One, blessed be He, to miraculously this kind applies to driving. eyes and neglect their responsibilities, for they deliver the Jewish people, saving them in a way Careless Students have no desire to demonstrate drive and initia- beyond anyone’s imagination. There are also careless students, of which tive. In this way they cause serious, sometimes Hence it was inconceivable that a tiny flask we can discern two types: There is the careless, irreparable harm to those who need their help. of oil – one barely enough to ensure a day’s yet intelligent student who learns something Just to what point do the harmful effects of care- worth of light – could last for eight days, just as once and always retains it. In general he suc- lessness go? it was inconceivable that the few could defeat ceeds in school because his natural abilities Extinguishing the Perpetual Light the many. make things easy for him. He has to be remind- During Chanukah, we light candles in re- It follows that diligent effort, one that re- ed, however, that these abilities were given to membrance of the flask of oil that lasted for quires tremendous sacrifice on our part, has him as a gift from Heaven, for he did nothing to eight days. Yet let us try to remember why the the power to annul Heavenly decrees. Thus receive them. Greeks issued their decree, one that prohibited from great darkness and spiritual ruin, a light Then there is the student who is both care- Jews from learning Torah and practicing mitzv- will suddenly emerge, one that eradicates all less and possesses few natural abilities. Such a ot. What is the source of the calamity that befell darkness. case is far more serious, for even a student who the Jewish people, and which led to the cessa- Soul Searching is careless yet intelligent will quickly realize that tion of the Temple service and the extinguishing Everyone should search his soul and care- wealth is not forever, and that one, two, or even of the Menorah’s perpetual light? What was the fully examine his life. He will then see the strong three achievements are not a measure of long- root cause of the terrible wave of Helenization connection between his deeds of carelessness term success. His teachers will soon realize that that pushed the greater part of the Jewish peo- and his troubles. Coming to this realization, he is bright, for his grades are the product of ple to lose their faith, until only Matityahu the however, requires deep thought. sheer intelligence, given that he puts absolutely son of Yochanan and his five sons remained? Enthusiasm no effort into studying. Yet when he will have Indeed, it was carelessness – simply care- The Maggid of Mezritch said, “The main to understand more and learn broader subjects lessness! satisfaction that Hashem derives from a mitz- – when he has to give meaningful explanations The Rambam writes in Iggeret Teiman, vah comes from our enthusiasm for it.” or demonstrate creative zeal – his inborn abili- “During the time of the Second Temple, the 48 49 THE ADMOR OF SATMAR HARAV MOSHE TEITELBAUM ZT”L (BY BETZALEL KAHN)

AN ENORMOUS CROWD Later he was asked to serve as the rov TOOK PART IN THE LEVAYA of Simihali, but before he set out another LAST WEEK OF THE ADMOR rov was installed. His uncle consoled him OF SATMAR HARAV MOSHE by saying he was meant to occupy a more TEITELBAUM, THE NEPHEW important post. Only many years later, when he was appointed to succeed him, OF RAV YOELISH AND THE did HaRav Moshe understand his uncle’s AUTHOR OF DERECH MOSHE. intentions. A short time later he was made the rov Moshe Teitelbaum was born in 5675 of Zenteh, Yugoslavia. For several years (1915) to HaRav Chaim Tzvi Teitelbaum, he taught Torah and Yiddishkeit, starting a the rov of Sighet and the author of Atzei yeshiva that acquired a sterling reputation. Chaim, and his mother, the daughter of The yeshiva was run by HaRav Y. Neuhaus, HaRav Sholom Eliezer Halberstam, the son the brother-in-law of HaRav Yosef Tzvi of the Divrei Chaim of Tzanz. Dushinsky. The town had two main botei knesses, one Ashkenaz and one Sfard, and One year after the outbreak of World he would divide his time between the two. War I with Hungarians fleeing in every direction, the Teitelbaums fled to Ratzpert, In 5704 (1944) on the second day of where their grandfather HaRav Sholom Shavuos the Derech Moshe and his entire kehilloh were sent to Auschwitz. Despite Eliezer Halberstam lived. Moshe’s bris was terly. When asked to explain, his father had the suffering there his emunoh was not held at his grandfather’s beis medrash on said he was not crying over his mother’s pe- weakened in the least. Instead he would of- the knees of the Admor of Belz HaRav Yis- tiroh but over the loss of the opportunity to fer chizuk and encouragement to the thou- sochor Dov, the father of the Admor HaRav fulfill the mitzvah of kibbud eim. Aharon. sands of other prisoners. Even after losing When Moshe was just 11 his father his wife and three children, Hy”d, he con- While he was a child, his father served passed away at the age of 46, followed tinued to teach Torah inside the camp until as the rov of Sighet for several years. Vari- by his mother a mere three months later. A he was miraculously saved through chasdei ous rabbonim regularly visited his father’s short time later he traveled to the home of Shomayim. home where they held involved conversa- his uncle, the Admor of Satmar and the au- On 25 Iyar 5705 (1945) he arrived at the tions on matters of Torah and halochoh. thor of Vayoel Moshe, who offered the boy displaced persons camp at Theresienstadt On one occasion when the rov of Nirba- much encouragement. One year on Succos and from there returned to Sighet, Hungary. tor, HaRav Aharon Teitelbaum, arrived for the boy went to the home of the Admor of Upon arrival he began to rebuild the ruins a visit he asked his assistant to summon Nassaud, the grandfather of HaRav Moshe of the kehilloh, appointing rabbonim and Moshe, who was sitting in cheder at the Aryeh Freund and one of Hungary’s elderly shochtim, setting up educational institu- time. When the boy arrived he was told to admorim. When he entered the room the tions and heading the beis din. During this take a look at the guest and then was imme- Admor rose to his feet. When asked why period he married the daughter of the rov of diately sent back to class. he stood up for the young bochur he re- Nirbator, HaRav Aharon Teitelbaum. Many years later, after World War II, plied, “I’ve never seen such a clean esrog In Sighet he managed to expand the ke- while HaRav Moshe was serving as the as this.” hilloh. During this period he regularly gave successor to his father in Sighet, he married As the young man matured, his uncle strident speeches against the Russians’ in- the daughter of the rov of Nirbator follow- began to search for a shidduch for him, tell- tentions to take control over Hungary, say- ing the loss of his first wife. ing one shadchan that he was the product ing that they posed a threat to Jewish educa- Over the years Moshe’s parents gave of 18 holy, pure generations and did honor tion. One day two Jewish officers from the birth to 22 children but 12 died of illness to his heritage. Therefore a fitting shidduch Russian army passed near his home. When and eight perished during the Holocaust, should be sought. In 5696 (1936) he mar- he related to them how he survived the leaving only him and his sister (who later ried the daughter of his uncle, HaRav He- concentration camps they said the Russian married the rov of Achuza in Haifa). Years noch Teitelbaum (Mayer), the rov of Kretz- government had marked him as a trouble- later he said that his father never shed a ky, who was the son-in-law of the Kedushas maker and advised him to leave as soon as tear at the various levayos for his siblings, Yom Tov. He spent the next four years in his possible. but when his own mother — the Admor’s father-in-law’s home, during which time he Taking no chances, a short time later he grandmother — passed away he wept bit- started Yeshivas Beis Dovid. sailed the US. He landed in Florida shortly 50 51 mannerisms left a strong impression on ev- erybody who came in contact with him. His thousands of Chassidim had access to him during all hours of the day and were always warmly received. He visited Eretz Yisroel on several oc- casions before becoming Admor and again in 5743 (1983) and 5754 (1994). On his last visit he met with Rabbenu Hagodol HaRav Shach zt”l. He visited Maran at Yeshivas Ponovezh and later Maran repaid his visit at his residence at Kiryat Yoel in Bnei Brak. In 5747 (1987) he contracted a serious ailment in his leg. Satmar kehillos around the world pleaded for his recovery until he eventually regained his strength. In 5758 (1998) he again became ill and suffered for the next several years. During the past few months he was hospitalized at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan and seemed to be on his way to recovery, but passed away last before Rosh Hashana 5707 (1946). A few emesh as well as numerous projects in the Tuesday evening, surrounded by his fam- days later he traveled to New York after US, going from one benefactor to another ily members and many of his talmidim and learning that his uncle was living there. to raise funds for construction. Chassidim crying out Shema Yisroel. HaRav Moshe wanted to daven in his beis Over the years he issued numerous ta- Before the levaya set out from the large medrash, but his uncle would not hear of it, konos to strengthen the community both in Satmar beis medrash in Williamsburg bitter instead naming him the Admor of Sighet, ruchniyus and gashmiyus. Meanwhile he hespeidim were delivered by his son-in-law leading other refugees from Sighet who had was appointed nosi of the Edoh Chareidis HaRav Dovid Berish Meislish, av beis din arrived in the US and set up a shul. Thus in Jerusalem, Keren Hahatzoloh, Kollel of Satmar Boro Park, his son HaRav Aha- he began to establish the Sighet kehilloh in Shomrei Hachomos and the Union of Or- ron, gavad of Kiryat Yoel, his son HaRav the US, setting up Yeshivas Atzei Chaim in thodox Rabbis of the US and Canada. As Lipa, av beis din of Kahal Derech Moshe in Boro Park. head of the latter organization he would Williamsburg, his son HaRav Zalmen Leib, For many years he led the kehilloh and take part in all of the meetings of gedo- av beis din of Satmar in Williamsburg, his served as rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Atzei lei Torah and admorim in the US and was son HaRav Sholom Eliezer, rov of the Sat- Chaim, which was named after his father. among the prominent speakers on every is- mar beis medrash on 15th Avenue in Boro He would often engage in exchanges with sue that came on the agenda. Park, and his son-in-law HaRav Chaim Ye- hoshua Halberstam, av beis din of Satmar gedolei Torah on various matters of Torah HaRav Moshe Teitelbaum’s tefillos in Monsey. and halochoh. His talmidim recall that were remarkable and his stately speech and when his uncle once asked a pressing ques- Thousands were waiting at the large tion relating to meat kashrus he was sent Satmar shul of Kiryat Yoel in Monroe when to discuss the matter with HaRav Moshe the aron arrived at about 3:00 am. There eu- Feinstein zt”l. When HaRav Feinstein later logies were given by his son-in-law HaRav met his uncle he said, “Your nephew is a Dovid Meislish, av beis din of Satmar of real gaon.” Montreal, HaRav Yisroel Chaim Menashe Friedman, dayan umoreh tzedek of Satmar About one year after his uncle, the Ad- in Williamsburg, HaRav Getzel Berkovitz, mor of Satmar and the author of Vayoel dayan umoreh tzedek in Kiryas Yoel, and Moshe, passed away in 5739 (1979) HaRav HaRav Ezriel Glick, the faithful shamash Moshe was named his successor. Known as of HaRav Yoel and HaRav Moshe for de- a talented speaker he would deliver extend- cades. ed droshos and profound shiurim on gemora At 6:00 am he was buried beside his and halochoh. He penned a multi- volume uncle in the Kiryas Yoel Cemetery. HaRav set of commentary on the Chumash called Moshe Teitelbaum zt”l is survived by his Derech Moshe and additional volumes are sons and sons-in-law, grandsons and great- currently scheduled for printing. grandsons. With his petiroh the Jewish Since his appointment he elevated the world lost one of the great admorim from Satmar community. He initiated very low the previous generations. priced building projects for Satmar Chas- sidim in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak and Beit Sh- 50 51 A FEW GOLDEN RULES FOR LIVING LONG AND STAYING HEALTHY

It’s a good idea to avoid artificial coupled with a small intake of cal- Fat that has accumulated over many sweeteners. For the most part, these cium, will cause the body to lose years must be gradually reduced. A chemical products are linked in one calcium. diet must be based on a variety of way or another to cancer, certainly The body needs to consume food products in order not to harm in animals. We are uncertain, how- a wide variety of food products. the body, and all diets must contain ever, as to their effects on human People who eliminate all fat from some fat. It is recommended to get beings. their diet cause irreparable harm a blood test from time to time and to It’s quite easy to get used to con- to the body’s organs, including the take personal risk factors into con- suming drinks without sugar. In fact heart, because the body needs fat in sideration. Also, some forms of al- our tastes can change. Bottled water order to produce hormones. When ternative medicine can increase the is not necessarily healthy or pure. the body doesn’t receive enough fat levels of calcium in the body. Medi- There are various kinds of bottled from dietary sources, it produces it cal researchers in the United States water, each with different mineral on its own. The effect of such fat is report a decrease in heart disease by contents that are usually indicated much worse than consuming vari- treating patients with age-revers- on the label. It is recommended ous kinds of fat (saturated, unsatu- ing methods including mediation, to drink water that contains low rated, polyunsaturated, etc.) from a healthy diet, medical care, and amounts of nitrates and chlorine, dietary sources. regular physical activity. and large amounts of calcium and Fasting on fruit juice is very We should decrease our expo- magnesium. Bottled water contains healthy. Such a fast involves ab- sure to the sun as much as possible. no calories, which is also benefi- staining from solid food for a lim- This will prevent premature aging cial. ited period of time. It is recom- and wrinkling of the skin. It will Taking dietary supplements mended to fast once a week (other also help to prevent certain diseases without guidance or a proper under- than a work day), and to drink a such as skin cancer. In Israel, it is standing of the subject can do more great deal of water during this time. pointless to use sunscreens with a harm than good. People who are in It is good to fast either once a week low SPF (sun protection factor). It good health and eat a varied diet do or once every 15 days, and at least is also important for people to see a dermatologist from time to time, not need dietary supplements. If a once a month. When fasting on especially people in high-risk cat- person is sick or taking medication, juice, be sure to dilute it with water. egories. This includes those with a he should ask a medical profession- Also, make sure to use juice from family history of skin cancer, those al before taking any supplements. fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s not who had burns when they were To increase the body’s absorp- healthy to fast like this for more young, and those who have warts or tion of calcium, it is better to take it than three or four days, and a fast a history of warts. We should brush in smaller, more frequent amounts lasting any longer must only be un- our teeth at least three times a day, during the course of the day than dertaken with medical supervision. as well as our gums and tongue, and to take a 1,000 mg pill once a day. We have to do things in moderation, we shouldn’t forget to floss. Visit- Salt, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and which is why “miracle diets” don’t ing the dentist once or twice a year large amounts of protein (as in a work in the long run. A sudden and is also a good idea, for the bacteria high-protein diet) limit the body’s drastic weight loss causes an un- that accumulate in the mouth can absorption of calcium and causes balance between muscle tissue and lead to heart damage and other seri- calcium levels to drop. We should water in the body. Losing weight ous conditions. eat fewer foods that contain phos- too quickly is often only tempo- phates (such as soft drinks), be- rary, resulting in a yo-yo effect that cause a large intake of phosphates, causes an even greater weight gain. 52 53 52 53 54 54