Chabad Chodesh Menachem Av 5777

Volume 28, Issue 5 Menachem Av

CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK CHABAD OF HANCOCK PARK 5777/2017

au Caay pohszd ht Nevu- that prophesized Chananya Yirmi- and yahu. Azur ben Chananya debate between a was there BCE] [430 5331 Av In Yerushalayim,3413 [457 BCE]. (Ezra 7:9) Ezra (in the week of his Yartzeit) 33:38) the Masaei in (BaMidbar recorded Yartzeit Torah, only the BCE], of (Seder Yartzeit Mitzrayim. in frogs HaDoros) of Plague receding the Flood waters (BeReishis 8:5,Rashi) above emerged Mountains (Likutei Sichos Vol. XIV: p. 147) Siyumim." make to try should minimizewe on Av Chodesh we Rosh from days nine the "In in, comes happiness" (Taanis 26B) Av "When ChodeshRosh Menachem Av 1/July 24/Monday S celebrated Jerusalem’s destruction. destruction. Jerusalem’s (Yechezkal 26) celebrated they because Nevu- Hamikdash, Babylon, by of destroyed King chadnetzar be Beis will Tzur of kingdom the the that prophesy, a said Yechezkal of destruction Tzid- of reign kiyahu,onRoshChodesh Av,the yearthe of the of year eleventh the In (Yirmiyahu 28). Hamikdash) Beis first the of destruction the before years seven around occurred (This year happened. it so that And Hashem. of name the in changed. that in falsely spoke he since be die, will Chananya said do decree also Jews the Yirmiyahu the if can Only Teshuvah false. is prophesy the but happen, would this that wished too he that explained, Yirmiyahu exiled. re- were be would who those all with along Bavel Hamikdash from turned Beis the soon from would armies vesselsstolenthe all andYisroel, Eretz leave his and chadnetzer PECIAL

, read every year on the Shabbos of Shabbos the on year every read , n hs olwr arvd in arrived followers his and

hrn HaKohen Aharon

AYS

28 [1312 2489 , M ENACHEM

Parshas

no room forargument and the Halachahis hiddenis there secrets, the its and Torah of the of parts matters all in Posek final thirty Tzfas. at away passed He [1572]. of 28/Friday 5/July Av Menachem Chasidus, 5385[1625]. in extensively cited Kabbalist, and Halachist Zuta, Alfasi and MiPano Maamaros RaMa BCE] the of [444 Yartzeit 3413 (Nechemiah 6:15). Yerushalayim, Nechemiah Menachem Av 4/July 27/Thursday visit, [1929]. historic his on Yisrael, Beis Eretz the The of courtyard HaMikdash,3829 [70]. the against Titus Menachem Av 2/July 25/Tuesday . izhk ui, h Ai Zal Ari the Luria, Yitzchak R.

Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe Lubavitcher Previous A

omne bteig operations battering commenced " . . . All Israel accepted him as the as him accepted Israel All . . . "

R. Menachem Azariah of Fano, of Azariah Menachem R.

began building a wall around wall a building began

ato o Asarah of author ,

arrived in arrived

Yartzeit -

5332 , i, in six, 5689 ד “ בס as the words of the Ari Hamikdash and many other Raichik, OB”M, often repeated Zal" (Kovetz Lubavitch, Vol. II: p. tragedies that happened on this which he heard from the Rebbe, 61) day. Sukkos 5716/1955. In Tehillim Yartzeit of R. Gedalyah Hayun, The Exodus generation we say (Psalm 126), “Hashem has head of the Yerushalayim condemned to die in the desert, done great things for these (the Kabbalists, founder and head of 2449. [1312 BCE] (Devarim 1:35; Yidden). the Kabbalists Yeshivah, Beis E-il, Taanis 26b) Hashem has done great 5510 [1750]. The Baal Shem Tov's things for us: we were joyful.” brother-in-law, R. Avraham Nevuzaradan set fire to the Beis When the Geulah will come the Gershon Kitover studied in this HaMikdash 3175 [586 BCE]. nations of the world will ask Yeshiva. “Why does Hashem do such great The Romans destroyed the Second things for the Jewish people?” Yartzeit of R. Chaim of Krasna, Beis HaMikdash, 3829 [69]. The Yidden will respond, student of the Baal Shem Tov, “Hashem was so great with us - 5553 [1793]. Moshiach born on the day of the because we were always joyful.” destruction of the Beis HaMikdash It is well known how much the Menachem Av 6/July 29/ (Yerushalmi Berachos 2:4, Eichah Chozeh did to try to bring Shabbos Chazon Rabah 1:51). Moshiach in his times.

Reb Hillel of Paritch would say in The Romans plowed the site of the M. Av 10/August 2/Wednesday the name of R. Levi Yitzchok of Beis HaMikdash to convert it into Birth of Yisachar son of Yaakov Berditchev: "Chazon" means a Roman colony, Aelia Capatolina, Avinu, 2196, and his Yartzeit, in vision; on shabbos Chazon, 71 [3831] (Taanis 26b). 2318 (Midrash Tadshe). HaShem shows every Jew a vision of the Third Beis Hamikdash". Betar, last independent outpost Beis HaMikdash destroyed by a "...Appropriate with the under Bar Kochba fell to the fire started the preceding end of the Haftarah of Shabbos Romans, 3895 [135]. (Taanis afternoon, (Taanis 29a). Chazon, "Tzion in justice will be 26b) redeemed and its returning with M. Av 11/August 3/Thursday righteousness" (Yishayahu 1:27): Edward I of England ordered the Yartzeit of R. Hillel of Paritch, Justice, 'Mishpat', is Torah (Likutei expulsion of all Jews, 5050 Chasid of the Mitteler Rebbe and Torah, Devarim) and [1290]. the Tzemach Tzedek, author of righteousness, 'Tzedakah', is all of Pelach HaRimon, Shabbos the Mitzvos, which includes the Ferdinand of Spain expelled the Nachamu 5624 [1864]. Mitzvah of Tzedakah, we should, Jews, 5066 [1492]. He never saw the Alter in these days add in the study of Rebbe but he did hear a D’var Torah and doing Mitzvos, 3,000 Jews perished in the Torah from him. Reb Hillel tried especially the Mitzvah of Chmielnicki massacres, 5408 to meet the Alter Rebbe, as he had Tzedakah." (Sicha, Shabbos [1648]. a question for him on the Tractate Chazon, Av 9, 5751a) The Rebbe Erchin (discussing the evaluation would hold a farbrengen on this Deportation of Jews from the of things for the Bais Hamikdosh). Shabbos and advised that far- Warsaw ghetto started, 5702 Every time he came to meet the brengens spreading simcha with [1942]. Alter Rebbe the Alter Rebbe wasn’t Ahavas Yisroel be held on this there. Shabbos. Yartzeit of R. Dovid Furkas, Reb Hillel decided to find student of the Baal Shem Tov, out where the Alter Rebbe Nevuchadnetzar occupied the 5532 [ 1772 ]. planned to be one time. He went First Beis HaMikdash, 3338 [423 early and hid in the room so that BCE]. Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Yitzchak, the when the Alter Rebbe would come "Chozeh" of Lublin, author of in he would be able to speak to Menachem Av 9/August 1/ Tues- Divrei Emes, 5575 [1815]. him. When the Alter Rebbe day There is a vort of the entered the room he said, “If a Fast of Tisha B'Av Chozeh’s student that my father, young man has a question on Commemorates the destruction of Rabbi Menachem Shmuel Dovid Tractate Erchin, he has to evaluate the first and second Beis

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 5 Page 2 himself.” Hearing this, Reb Hillel No Tachanun at Mincha "HaTov Ve-Ha-Meitiv" to the fainted. When he came to, the Birkas HaMazon. Alter Rebbe had already left. The Alter Rebbe settled in Liadi, Wedding of Rebbitzen Chayah It is known that Reb Hillel 5561 [1801]. Sarah, daughter of the Mitteler Paritcher was exceedingly Rebbe, with R . A h ar o n scrupulous in his performance of M. Av 15/August 7/ Monday Alexanderov of Shklov, 5586 mitzvohs throughout his life. As Tu B'Av– No Tachanun [1826]. They were the parents of the Rebbe explained - because of " . . . There were no days Rebbitzen Rivkah, the Rebbe what Reb Hillel heard from the more joyous than the Fifteenth of MaHa-RaSh's wife. R. Aharon Alter Rebbe he constantly Av and Yom HaKipurim" [Taanis, printed the first Torah Or, in evaluated and reevaluated himself 26B] Shklov. regarding his observance of the mitzvos. (Likutei Sichos Vol 22, "In connection with Tu B'Av, we M. Av 16/August 8/Tuesday pp. 171-172) should make Farbrengens The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe everywhere with great joy, to left Eretz Yisrael for the United The Alter Rebbe left Peterburg for gather, speak Divrei Torah, make States, 5629 [1929]. Liadi, after his second Siyumim, and make good imprisonment, 5561 [1801]. decisions to add in Torah, Mitzvos Menachem Av 17/August 9/Wed. and Tzedakah and all good things. Arab riots in Chevron; sixty Jews M. Av 12/August 4/Friday (Sichah, Shabbos Chazon, 5751) were murdered, among them al- Disputation between the Ramban most the entire Slonim family, and the apostate Pablo Christiani, The last of the Exodus generation who were descendents of the Mit- 5023 [1263]. stopped dying in the desert; teler Rebbe’s daughter Menuchah HaShem resumed speaking to Rochel, and the Jewish Wedding of the Alter Rebbe and Moshe Rabeinu. (Ta’anis 30b). community (including the central the Rebbitzen Sterna, 5520 Chabad Community of Eretz [1760]. Intertribal marriage permitted to Yisrael) was forced to move to post-exodus generations (Taanis Yerushalayim, 5689 [1929]. The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe 30b). The Friediker Rebbe was and Agudas Chasidei Chabad on the ship coming to the United purchased 770 Eastern Parkway, Permission was given to the tribe States, he was informed of the ri- World Lubavitch Headquarters, of Binyamin to marry into other ots and destruction in Chevron, 5700 [1940]. tribes, saving them from where he had visited just the pre- extinction (Shoftim 21:21; Ta’anis vious week. The Rebbe fell seri- M. Av 13/August 5/Shabbos 30b). ously ill from this news, on the Shabbos Nachamu ship there was a Doctor Wallach, King Hoshea restored pilgrimage a German Jew, founder of Hadas- Yartzeit of R. Nasan Shapiro of to Yerushalayim, removing road- sah Hospital, who assisted and Cracow, Kabbalist, author of blocks put by King Yeravam. cured the Rebbe. Our Rebbe at a Megaleh Amukos, 5393 [1633]. (Ta’anis 30b) farbrengen related a story that after the Friediker Rebbe got well, Yartzeit of Sir Moses Montefiore, "Wood Bringing Day", observed as Dr. Wallach went into Yechidus, outstanding philanthropist, 5645 a holiday by Jews who brought and asked for a Tikkun. The [1885]. In 1839, Sir Moses visited wood contributions to the Beis Friediker Rebbe asked him why the Chabad community in HaMikdash, the last day of cutting he needs this Tikkun and he re- Chevron (then the Chabad center wood for the Mizbeach, "The Day plied that since he was on the ship in Eretz Yisrael) at the of Breaking the Axes" (Taanis he feels responsible for the Rebbe community's invitation. He and 30b). falling ill. Hashem wouldn’t have Lady Judith were given lifetime made the Rebbe sick without a seats in the Chabad Shul. The Romans permitted the burial sure cure in sight, since the Rebbe of Jews killed at Betar in the Bar is a Nasi Yisreal, a leader of Klal Kochba rebellion, 3898 [138] Yisroel, and Klal Yisroel needs M. Av 14/August 6/Sunday (Ta’anis 30b); At that time the him, so he would not be able to be Erev Tu B'Av - Chachamim added the Brachah, sick with no cure. So, he feels re-

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 5 Page 3 sponsible and is asking a Tikkun Amshinover Rebbe’s advice and Vol. 14, pg. 371), about the from the Friediker Rebbe. follow what he says. He passed Friediker Rebbe’s involvement The Rebbe explained the away in New York and was buried trying to save R’ Aharon during lesson of this story. Many times in Teveri, next to the talmidim of WWII. (Vol. 8, pgs. 187-189) The we feel great that Hashem gave us the Maggid. The Rebbe went to Rebbe inquires from Chassidim, the Zechus to help someone in menachem ovel his son (comfort how R’ Aharon is feeling, and how need, but what we must feel is the mourner) at his home in he settled in Eretz Yisroel. (Vol. that possibly the reason for this Brooklyn. 14, pgs. 392-393) Rosh Hashanah person needing help is only to letter bentching R’ Aharon that give us the opportunity to do M. Av 20/August 12/Shabbos the Rebbe sent to him, and Chesed, as the Medrash quotes “If Yartzeit of R. Levi Yitzchak requesting a Brochah from R’ everyone were rich, with who Schneerson, father of the Rebbe, Aharon in return. would you be able to do Rav of Yeketrinislav, who passed Chessed?” So, sometimes our away in exile in Alma Ata, 5704 R. Mordechai b. Hillel, famed thoughts must be, if not for us [1944]. He had been exiled by the Talmudist, author of the maybe this person would not need Russian government for his Mordechai, perished in help. (Likutei Sichos, vol. 30, pg. activities in spreading Yiddishkeit. Nuremberg with his wife and five 67) children in the Rindfliesch Of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s last massacres, 5058 [1298]. M. Av 18/August 10/Thursday hours we have this eye-witness T h e Ner Maaravi w a s account: A friend and I were priv- M. Av 22/August 14/ Monday extinguished in the Beis ileged to serve him, passing all of Yartzeit of R. Meir of Premyshlan, HaMikdash (Megilas Taanis, Tuesday night at his bedside. We Chasidic leader, 5537 [1777]. concluding chapter). heard his lips murmur ceaselessly (See Likutei Diburim Vol. 2, 25 through his voice made no sound. Shevat 5696,1936 part 3, chapter Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Culi, author Suddenly, he stirred, opened his 3. In the English Version Vol. 2, of MeAm Loez, 5492 [1732]. He eyes and asked for water to be pgs. 205-207) The Rebbe states also edited and assembled the brought for him to wash his that known story of R’ Meir Sefarim, Mishneh LaMelech on hands. This was done, and taking Premyshlan and his comment “If a the Rambam's Mishneh Torah the water, he said: “It is time to man is bound up on high, he does [with his own explanatory get ready to cross to the other not fall below, Meir is bound up comments in brackets] and side.” These were the last words on high and that’s why he can go Perashas Derachim, of his teacher he uttered. up and down a slippery hill.” R. Yehudah Rosanes after the latter's passing. The next day, Wednesday, 20 M. Av 24/August 16/Wednesday Menachem Av, he continued to Yartzeit of R. Moshe Meisles, M. Av 19/August 11/Friday decline and his sufferings reached Chasid of the Alter Rebbe, head of Yartzeit of Shimon Sholom Kalish, a new intensity, but his lips never the Kahal of Vilna, 5609 [1840]. Rabbi Shimon of Amshinov in ceased their murmuring. One of In 1816, he moved to Eretz 5715 (1954). My father, Rabbi those present bent down near to Yisrael, and in 1823, became one Raichik, OB”M, was sent to him hoping to make something of of the heads of the Chabad Otvosk by the Amshinover Rebbe the broken phrases and the sighs. community and Kollel Chabad, in with his recommendation, Thus much he heard: “ ‘And Thy Chevron. He died at ninety and is without which he would not have footsteps were not known…’ Ay! buried in Chevron. been accepted in the Lubavitch the footsteps of Mashiach...the Yeshiva. footsteps of Mashiach…” (Days in M. Av 25/August 17/Thursday During WWII R. Shimon Chabad p. 246). The Alter Rebbe leaves Liadi on of Amshinov traveled to Vilna and Erev Shabbos Mevarchim Elul, then Shanghai. He encouraged M . Av 21/August 13/Sunday because of the advancing French the use of Japanese Visas. The Yartzeit of R. Aharon Rokeach of Army under the lead of Napolean, Rebbe Rayatz said that if Belz, Chasidic leader, 5717 and the Alter Rebbe did not want communication is cut off to the [1957]. See letters of the Previous to be under Napolean’s rule. Rebbe due to the war the Rebbe, (Vol. 5, pgs. 326-327, bochurim should seek the footnotes 329, Vol. 6, pg. 26, and

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 5 Page 4 Yartzeit of R. Yisochor Dov of which enabled him to be of great Kesherim & Ben David Inc. Zlotchov, student of the aid to all. The Lubavitcher bo- Established 1947 Mezeritcher Magid, author of Bas churim had less than everyone Diamonds, Rubies & Sapphires Eini, 5555 [1795]. else, and my father (who ran the Yeshiva) was in the Rav’s house to M. Av 26/August 18/Friday report to him almost every day The Tzemach Tzedek left about the conditions of the yeshi- Petersburg after the conference, in va, physically and spiritually. Any 5603/1843, that the Russian gov- telegrams were signed “Ashenazi- 706 S. Hill Street # 320 Los Angeles, CA 90014 ernment convened to restructure Tmimim). A story told by Rabbi Tel: 213 910-1700 the established way of Jewish edu- Chaim Bukiet, o.b.m.: One day a [email protected] cation and of the Rabbinate and member of the local Jewish com- *** other issues. This conference last- munity came to Rabbi Ashkenazi Shomer Insurance Agency ed many months. The Tzemach and said that a very distinguished Insurance Specialists Tzedek was steadfast against any rabbi had appeared in his dream Joseph Schneerson Principal & Broker change and was arrested 22 the past night and had asked why 4221 Wilshire Blvd. #222 times. At one point he was told doesn’t he take care of his chil- 323 934-8160 that his conduct was a act of in- dren. Rabbi Ashkenazi showed License #0717982 surgency against the Czar. He re- the man a picture of the Previous *** plied, “One who rebels against the Rebbe and the man recognized the Frank Revere - Lawyer king forfeits his life in this world. Rebbe as the rabbi in his dream. Revere & Wallace 355 S Grand Ave #2450 On the other hand, one who re- So Rabbi Ashkenazi explained that Los Angeles, CA 90071 bels against the kingdom of Heav- the dream meant that the man [email protected] en forfeits his soul. Which of should take care of his children - Phone: 213-943-1333 them is the most grave?!” (HaYom the Lubavitcher bochurim of the Fax: 213-403-4847 Yom, 23rd of Cheshvan) Yeshiva. Cell: 213-422-5408 *** After the conference he Melinda Dauer was asked how he could put him- M. Av 28/August 20/Sunday Psy. D., A.T.R.- B.C. - M.S.T. self in such danger, what would Moshe Rabeinu came down after Art Therapy & Coaching be with the Chassidim. The his second ascent to Har Sinai, Children & Adults Tzemach Tzedek replied, “(A) I 2448 [1313 BCE] (Bava Basra 310 892-6988 have my children, and (B) the 121A, Rashbam). [email protected] *** unity of Chassidim will keep them Law Office of until Moshiach.” (Sicha, Nissan M Av 30/August 22/Tuesday Michael E. Rubinstein 13, 5726/1966). First Day Rosh Chodesh Elul Personal Injury Attorney Auto Accidents, Yahrzeit of HaRav HaChasid R. We start saying "L’Dovid HaShem Bicycle Accidents, Slip & Falls Meir Ashkenazi, Rav of Shanghai Ori" at Shacharis and Minchah. 213-293-6075 www.rabbilawyer.com in 5714 (1954). Rabbi Ashkenazi We Come To You was sent to the Jewish community Elul 1/August 23/Wednesday *** of Shanghai to serve as Rav in the Second Day Rosh Chodesh Elul YOSEF Y. SHAGALOV 1920s by the Previous Rebbe. In Traveling Notary 1941, when the refugees of We start blowing the Shofar. Public & Home Signing Agent World War II arrived in Shang- Member: National Notary Association hai, he and his wife did every- Cell: (323) 934-7095 thing for them. Fax: (323) 934-7092 E-mail: [email protected] Many stories are told about the “For All Your Notary Needs endless dedication which he had - At Your Location” to help all the yeshiva bochurim and refugees, no matter which yeshiva or town they came from. Hashem made it that R. Ashkenazi was in Shanghai for many years,

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 5 Page 5 The Nine Days & Tishah B’Av

From Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av until after Tishah meal before the fast, sitting on a low bench. The cus- B’Av we don’t buy or make new clothes or shoes, even tom is to eat only bread and a hard boiled egg dipped to wear after Tishah B’Av. in ashes. We Bentch without a Mezuman.

We don’t do house construction or improvements, ex- We don’t say Tachnun at Minchah. At sunset we re- cept to remedy a danger; we don’t do house painting. move our leather shoes and put on non-leather shoes.

We don’t eat meat (or chicken) or drink wine (or grape Tishah B’Av juice), from Rosh Chodesh onward. On Shabbos and at Monday Night - Tuesday - Av 9/ July 31– Aug 1 a Seudas Mitzvah (Bris, Pidyon Haben) it is permitted. We take the Paroches off the Aron Kodesh. We dim the lights and read Megilas Eichah after Shemoneh After Rosh Chodesh, it’s forbidden to wash the whole Esrei. body, even in cold water. The Restrictions Swimming is forbidden. If there’s a reason for a bath Five principal restrictions apply the entire day of or shower, (I.e. a woman going to the Mikveh, a worker Tishah B’Av: eating and drinking, washing, anoint- who got dirty, or one who needs to for medical reasons) ing, wearing leather shoes and marital relations. A it’s permitted. couple should conduct themselves as they would during the Nidah period. We don’t wear fresh clothes during the Nine Days. It’s a good idea to prepare clothes to wear before Pregnant or nursing women fast; a person feeling ill Rosh Chodesh by wearing them briefly. It’s customary should consult a Rav. not to wash clothes or linens, even to be worn after Tishah B’Av. We can’t wash, even with cold water. In the morning and after using the bathroom, wash your fingers We may wash diapers and soiled baby clothes. until the knuckles. (We may wash dirt off our hands.) We can’t rinse our mouth. Oil, soap or cos- Shabbos Chazon metics on the skin are forbidden, except for medical Av 6/July 29 purposes. On Erev Shabbos Chazon, we prepare as for any other Shabbos. We may wash our face, hands, feet and head We can’t wear leather or partly leather shoes; rubber in hot water in honor of Shabbos. Those whose custom or canvas shoes are permitted. is to go to the Mikveh on Erev Shabbos may do so. We wear Shabbos clothes and observe no customs of We only study Torah that deals with the destruction mourning on Shabbos. of the Beis Hamikdash, or mourning: Megilas Eichah and its commentaries, laws of Tishah B’Av and Erev Tishah B’Av mourning in Shulchan Aruch, the tragic parts or Av 8/July 31/Monday Yirmiyahu and the third chapter of Moed Katan, etc. From midday of Erev Tishah B’Av, Monday, August 8, we may study only those parts of the Torah that deal It’s customary to sit on a chair lower than three with the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash or the laws Tefachim, (about nine inches) until after midday. of mourning: Megilas Eichah and its commentaries, the We don’t say “Good Morning” or “Hello.” (If a per- laws of Tishah V’Av and mourning in Shulchan Aruch, son who doesn’t know the law greets you, answer the tragic parts of Yirmiyahu and the third chapter of softly, so you don’t hurt his feelings.) Moed Katan, etc. We don’t say the Brochah, “She’asah Li Kol Tzarki” We study the daily portion of Rambam before midday, (the Brochah for shoes). We don’t wear Tallis or Te- and at night after the fast. fillin at Shachris, but at Minchah.

It is customary to eat before Minchah on Erev Tishah At Shachris we say Kinos after we put away the Sefer B’Av. After Minchah, we eat Seudah Mafsekes, the final Torah. After Davening, we read Eichah.

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 5 Page 6 We don’t do any work until midday. We don’t take into leather shoes, washing our face, and eating pleasure walks or smoke. something, IF we can do this and still say it with a Minyan.) Mincha is davened while wearing Tallis and Rashi Te- fillin. We say Shma and finish what was omitted at The laws of the Nine Days extend until midday of the Shacharis, then begin Mincha. Then Krias HaTorah day after Tisha B’Av, because the burning of the Beis and Haftorah. We add Nacheim and Aneinu in She- Hamikdash continued into the Tenth of Av. moneh Esrei. After Mincha we put on Rabbenu Tam Tefillin. May it be the will of Hashem that these days change to days of happiness and joy. After The Fast

After the fast, wash your hands three times, as you This is a very brief summary of the laws of Tishah would in the morning, without a Brochah. B’Av. Consult a Rav for special circumstances.

We say Kiddush Levanah (preferably after changing

The Tzemach Tzedek, who used to refer to the Rebbe (R’ Yisroel) of Ruzhin as “the holy Ruzhiner,” once related: The holy Ruzhiner would not brook any melancholy nor even bitterness - with the result that his Chassidim became playful. One Tisha B’Av they occupied themselves for a while tossing burs at each other. Then they decided to climb onto the roof of the Beis Midrash and to lower a noose over the entrance. Whoever walked in the door could then be lassoed and promptly hoisted onto the roof. The prank succeeded until, sure enough, who should walk in but their Rebbe, the Ruzhiner. From up there it was hard to tell one hat from another, and only when the tzaddik was halfway up did they identify him. When they had lowered him to the ground he exclaimed: “Master of the Universe! If your children do not observe your Yom Tov, then take it away from them!” (Sefer Haminhagim)

Chof Av Yartzeit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok - the Father of the Rebbe Reb Leivik from a Youthful Perspective

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Raskin relates: Every so often farbrengens were held on Shab- bos. Reb Leivik enjoyed these very much because I was very young then, but I vividly remember this gave him the opportunity to meet more Jews. when Reb Leivik first arrived at our home during In Chiali he and Rebbitzin Chanah had been the Nissan 5704 (1944). He was a tall man, weak only Jews and he had greatly missed Jewish com- and tired, who walked with a cane. Reb Leivik pany. and Rebbitzin Chanah stayed in a nearby apart- ment which we had rented for them. Chassidus and Gematraos

At the bris of Reb Mendel Rabinowitz’s son, my Most people were afraid to associate with Reb father served as the mohel and Reb Leivik was Leivik because contact with an ex-prisoner was the sandek. This caused him tremendous pleas- dangerous. However, my brothers and I visited ure and he expounded profound themes in Chas- him regularly and we tried to help him as much sidus at great length. Unfortunately I did not un- as possible. Every Shabbos Reb Leivik attended a derstand everything he said, as much of it was secret minyan that was held in someone’s home. based on complicated gematraos. Although I When he first arrived in Alma Ata no one knew never wrote any of his words down, I still re- how frail Reb Leivik was - until several weeks lat- member his joy and excitement as he piled up er, when he was confined to a bed.

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 5 Page 7 learned evidence for everything he said. had not heard and the Rebbetzin instructed me to remain. Later on, when I arrived home I Over the next few weeks Reb Leivik’s health deteri- discovered that a messenger from the Red Ar- orated until he could no longer leave his bed. Emi- my had been looking for me that afternoon…. nent physicians who had fled to Alma Ata from major Russian cities discovered that he was suffer- His Last Days ing from a terminal illness. Rebbitzin Chanah was After Tishah B’Av, Reb Leivik’s condition grew constantly at his side and we did whatever we steadily worse. During the last week of his life could to help. Reb Leivik, for his part, was always he became so weak that he was unable to speak so warmly appreciative of everything we did. and spent most of his time sleeping. I was not present when he passed away. However, we His Recollections of the Rebbe Rashab all attended the funeral. I was too young to That year Tishah B’Av fell on Sunday. On Shabbos, take part in the taharah, which was carried out it was my turn to help him. I found him lying in by members of the Chevrah Kadisha. Once this bed, weeping. He told me all about the trips he had procedure was finished and Reb Leivik’s body made with the Rebbe Rashab and Rabbi Avrohom had been wrapped in a shroud, Rebbetzin Garelik to various countries in order to advance the Chanah took her leave of her husband. Stand- cause of distressed Jewish communities around the ing tall and proud like a soldier, she was heard world. Reb Leivik told me exactly what roles each to ask, “Now whom am I left with?” of them had to fulfill and which ministers and rul- ers they had to meet. He also recounted how he Reb Leivik’s funeral took place on the after- had traveled to various spas with the Rebbe Rashab noon of the 20th of Av and was attended by all and he described them the datcha which the Rebbe the Jews of Alma Ata. My father recited Kad- Rashab used to visit in his pursuit of health. dish. From then on we did our best to help the Rebbetzin and for a while she came to live with I spent hours with Reb Leivik that afternoon. He us. In time she moved into her own home, but told me all about the Rebbe Rashab’s dedication to we continued to visit her and help her as often his chassidim as well as to the entire Jewish people; as we could. In exchange, as it were, she en- without any regard for his own failing health he joyed telling us stories about Reb Leivik. had traveled widely to help suffering Jews. Reb Leivik also told me about his own bitter experienc- For a number of years the Rebbe was unsure es in Chiali. Unfortunately I never wrote any of whether his father had passed away on the these stories down so I do not remember many of 20th or the 21st of Av, until my father wrote to the details. him with the exact date. After some time a headstone was set up, and his resting place can As the afternoon wore on I realized that I still had now be visited. to eat before the fast began. Yet Reb Leivik continued to talk. I asked Rebbitzin Chanah if I could leave because I needed to eat. Reb Leivik did not pay attention to the Rebbetzin when she told him this. He simply went on with his stories as if he

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 5 Page 8 CALENDAR TIMES ARE FOR LOS ANGELES

Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av Menachem Rosh Chodesh Light Candles FridayLight4: August Light Candles FridayLight July 28: Last Last Time ReadShema: To Last Time ReadShema: To Minchah (SecondMinchah Minyan): Minchah (First Minyan):Minchah Av 24/Monday 1/July Pirkei Avos 3 Chapter Pirkei AvosChapter 4 Shabbos Nachamu Shabbos Av 31 9/July Shabbos Chazon Shabbos Tuesday Midday:Tuesday Talis and and TefillinTalis and TefillinTalis Av 5 13/August Shabbos Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Ends: Monday Night Tishah B Tishah Av 29 6/July V Fast Begins: Fast ’ Fast Ends: Fast Eschanan Devarim Ma - Aug 1 ’ ariv: ’ Av

8:30 7:55 9:30 8:41 7:38 9:33 8:35 7:32 8:29 7:00 1:30 1:00

Light Candles FridayLight11: August Light Candles FridayLight18 August Elul 1/August Elul 23/Wednesday Rosh Chodesh Elul Day Elul Rosh Chodesh One 10:44 10:44 Yartzeit ofLeviYitzchok R. Last Last Time ReadShema: To Last Last Time ReadShema: To Av 30/August 22Tuesday ShabbosMevarchim Elul Rosh Chodesh DayRosh Chodesh Two August 23/Wednesday (and chalakim)15 Pirkei Avos 5 Chapter Pirkei Avos 6 Chapter Father oftheRebbe Father Chof Menachem Av Chof Menachem Av 12 20/August Av 19 27/August Shabbos Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Ends: Molad ofElul Molad Shachris: Tehillim: Re Eikev a.m. a.m. ’ eh

9:36 10:00 8:15 8:20 7:17 9:35 8:28 7:25

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

Return Service Requested Plumbing & Heating Inc. Printed By

San Wilshire Zalman Roth Shlomo Gabbai (323) 653-3538 “Always Helpful for

any Situation” Torah On The Line

5747 Melrose Avenue 323 469-5692 Fax: 323 469-3736

To Get Connected, Call: License #741375 (323) 939-TORAH (323) 939-8672 (310) 453-4774

No Computer Ever Needed Always on Call Always Free

רהקערה רוה רקיעה - Directives of the Rebbe for Menachem Av

1. Learn the halachas pertaining to the Nine Days. day properly. 2. We should add in learning Torah and giving 8. Make a farbrengen on the Fifteenth of Av, and Tzedakah. publicize what the Gemorah says that from the 3. We should learn about the building of the Beis Fifteenth of Av the night becomes longer and we Hamikdash from Sefer Yechezkel (from Chapter must add in our learning of Torah. (Since the 40 on), from the Mishnayos of Midos, and from nights were created for learning) The far- Rambam - Laws of Beis Hamikdash, also how it’s brengens should be made for men, for women, explained in Chassidus. and for children. 4. We should try to make a Siyum each of the Nine 9. We should add in our learning of Moshiach and Days, as well as Tishah B’Av and up until Av 15. Geulah, as they are in the Rambam laws of Mela- chim and in the Gemorah in Sanhedrin, and as 5. We should make the Siyum as public as possible, explained in Chassidus. We should make this even get small children involved.( I.e. Shuls, learning as public as possible. Camps etc..) 10. We must add in Ahavas Yisroel - Ahavas Chi- 6. We should connect the Siyum with giving nom. Tzedokah.

7. On the Fifth of Av, the Yartzeit of the Arizal, we should add in Torah and Tzedokah, utilizing the May it be the will of Hashem that these days change to days of happiness and joy.