1 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 30 2009 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת נא | ה' שבט , תשס”ט | בס”ד weekly vOL. Ii | NO 14 January 30, 2009 | Shevat 5, 5769 YUD SHEVAT THE BEGINNING OF THE REBBE'S NESIUS PAGE 10 WHAT IS A REBBE? PAGE 11 YUD SHEVAT CUSTOMS PAGE 11 RABBI YOSEF YITZCHOK SHNEERSON PAGE 12 GOAL OF MIVTZOIM PAGE 12

A MIXER OR A MIKVEH? Page 6

BORUCH...MATIR ASURIM OUR DAVENING HAS BORNE Hagaon Hachossid Horav FRUIT! SHOLOM RUBASHKIN WAS RELEASED ON BAIL. Chaim Meir Bukiet

Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 Rabbi A. Osdoba: ❖ Monday to Thursday 10:30AM - 11:30AM at 390A Kingston Ave. ☎Tel. 718-604-8000 ext.37 or 718-604-0770 Sunday-Thursday 9:30 PM-11:00PM ~Friday 2:30PM-4:30 PM ☎Tel. (718) - 771-8737 Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily 10:30 to 11:30am ~ 2:00pm to 3:00pm at 788 Eastern Parkway # 210 718~604~8827 ❖ & after 8:00pm 718~756~4632 Rabbi Y. Schwei, 4:00pm to 9:00pm ❖ 718~604~8000 ext 36 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ☎ Rabbi Y. Zirkind: 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzoei Shabbos Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110 Rabbi Bluming is available Sunday - Thursday, 3 -4:00pm at 472 Malebone St. ☎ 718 - 778-1679 Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:0am -11:30am ~ Fri 10:am - 1:00 pm or 4:54 5:56 ☎ 718 -604-0770 Gut Shabbos Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm 2 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 30 2009

The Vaad Hakohol

REBBE'S STORY “When one tells a story about his Rebbe he connects to the deeds of the Rebbe” Enhancing Achievement (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) Reprinted from the book “I consider it my pleasure and duty to “Though I was not inclined to accept to countries hostile to Israel. Despite To Know and To Care - Volume 1 help others benefit from an associa- the invitation, I saw this as a further Poland’s heavy financial loss, one Published and copyright © by Sichos tion with the Rebbe, just as I have step in enhancing the impact of the could almost see the Rebbe’s direc- in English benefited in both my business and Rebbe’s influence on ‘a person who tive at work as Mr. Walesa agreed to will benefit the Jewish people,’ and one concession after another. “For the past twenty-odd I agreed. Mr. Walesa told me he years, since I had first met “Later, I accompanied him on a visit wanted to express the regret of the the Rebbe, my life can be to the Diaspora Museum, where I Polish people for their inexcusable described as a pocket full pointed out the picture of the Rebbe behavior towards the Jews during of miracles,” says Mr. David which is displayed there. “Is this my World War II. Chase, one of America’s fore- Rebbe?” Mr. Walesa asked bowing most businessmen. “And I “As a Holocaust survivor myself, his head in reverence. Mr. Walesa’s don’t mean only in my busi- I insisted that his statement be response was striking. He was clearly ness endeavors. To the con- forthright, without minimizing the impressed and moved by the Rebbe’s trary, the greatest miracle issue or covering it up with bland intense gaze. He actually lowered of them may have been my diplomatic wording. his head as if acknowledging his ability to appreciate the mes- leadership. “Mr. Walesa surprised the Israeli sage that the Rebbe conveys. government with his non-evasive “In many other instances, I have My relationship with the statement of regret on behalf of been privileged to bring the Rebbe’s Rebbe has given me and many the Polish people. Subsequently, message to people who might other- others a sensitivity to matters former Prime Minister Shamir was wise not have been exposed to them. which are beyond ordinary very demanding in several points, The best way we can reciprocate for mortal understanding. For including a change in the pro-Arab the good which the Rebbe showers this reason, over the years, approach that had been advocated upon us is to express his teachings, I have committed myself to by Poland’s previous Communist ideals, and principles in our daily advancing the Rebbe’s work leaders and a cessation of arms sales lives.” in many areas and to different people. “The Rebbe’s directives are so far-reaching and never ending. private life. My activities bring me The Rebbe himself once described in contact with many public figures his ‘insatiable appetite’ for ongoing around the world, and I do not hesi- Jewish activity. Perhaps it is the tate to share my experiences with the Rebbe’s total lack of self-concern Rebbe and with his directives with and constant devotion to the welfare Jews and non-Jews. of others that has motivated me to “I often visit my native land, Poland, regard my Lubavitch activity as a where I have business interests. cherished labor of love. Prior to one trip to Poland, I visited “Once, at the annual meeting of the New York and asked for the Rebbe’s Machne Israel Development Fund, I blessing. The Rebbe handed me told the Rebbe how pleased I was to an additional dollar, saying: “Give be one of the soldiers in his army. this to a person in Poland who will benefit the Jewish people.” “You are not merely a soldier,” the Rebbe replied. “You are my “Due to my business endeavors, I general.” have various contacts in the Polish government, and I contemplated “Some time later, when I came to who would be the proper recipient of receive a dollar on Sunday, I received the Rebbe’s dollar. One day I found a promotion; the Rebbe told me, “I myself aboard a domestic flight regard you as a five-star general.” with the newly elected President Lech Walesa. I had several contacts with Mr. Walesa in the past, and Newspaper it occurred to me that I would not Community be able to find a better person to whom to give the Rebbe’s dollar. I 392 Kingston Avenue approached him, handed him the Brooklyn, NY 11225 dollar, and conveyed the Rebbe’s [email protected] message. Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights. “Mr. Walesa looked at me thought- fully. “I sincerely hope I will be Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman able to live up to your Rebbe’s Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary expectation.” Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) “After this encounter, my acquain- All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless tance with Mr. Walesa grew and otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. we became quite friendly. Some time later, Mr. Walesa personally Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond invited me to accompany him on the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser his upcoming visit to Israel. This assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All advertisement designed and prepared by the CH trip was a major breakthrough in Community Newspaper are the property of the relations between the two countries, newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the and he felt that my inclusion in his consent of the publisher delegation would be helpful. January 30, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 3

The Rebbe's Sicha Parshas Bo

A thought for the Week him he asked “what is in your hand?” people towards Tefillin were not as Elisha replied “wings of a dove.” warm as the Mitzva deserved!(2) how one acts is all that matters. Elisha than opened his hand, and Reprinted from A thought For the REFERENCES: Based on Likutei the Tefillin had miraculously been Week Torah declares that the ideal is unity. Sichos Vol. VI pp. 279-281 changed to doves’ wings! Because he By Rabbi YM Kagan Man must strive for the perfection did not have the moral strength to Exodus 13:16 that can be achieved only when head, say that they were Tefillin (though TEFFILLIN: heart and hand function together in Shabbos 120a this would have meant certain INSTRUMENT FOR harmony, in accordance with the death) it is apparent to the sages of UNITY Al-mighty’s wishes. the Talmud that the feelings of the The Sedra closes with: A“ nd it shall This critically important inner be as a sign upon your hand and as harmony is expressed in the Mitzva Tefillin between your eyes, for with of Tefillin. Tefillin on the arm near a strong hand G-d brought us out of HEAP the heart, with Tefillin on the head, Egypt.”( 1) together fulfill the precept. Ideas, The HEAP Program Outreach Workers A cardinal concept of Judaism is emotions and actions are to be The scheduled appointments are on unity; first of course is Hashem harmonious, the heart’s feelings and TUESDAY, February 3 -- 9:15 AM--3:30 PM. Echod — one G-d, and one Torah. the mind’s understanding and the at the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, Then there is the ideal of an inner actions of the hand consonant with 387 Kingston Avenue (corner Crown St.). unity and harmony within every each other. What is more, the very person. There is an outlook that act of putting onT efillin itself gives Please come early -- First come, first served encourages indulging the body an infusion of spiritual strength to freely, completely ignoring the soul. the wearer, enabling him to live a GREAT NEWS. The outreach workers will accept BOTH regular Another view is that the body should Torah-life with harmony of head, and emergency applications. (To apply for emergency heap you be mortified to benefit the soul. Juda- hand and heart. must have a shut-off notice.) ism teaches that the purpose of the TEFILLIN — IN THOSE Those families on Food Stamps with a child under 8 need not soul is to guide the healthy body in DAYS apply unless you pay your own heating bill. You will receive it accordance with Torah; there must automatically. All other families must apply. Persons 60 and over be a unity of body and soul. It was at a time that wearing Tefil- can apply with DFTA 212-442-1000. Households on Section 8 lin was punishable by death by Narrowing the focus down to the are only eligible if they pay their own heating bill. the foreign rulers of Israel. The “life of the soul” in particular, again Talmud complains that the level of Please bring in the following documentation: we find different opinions concern- self-sacrifice for the Mitzva was not 1) Proof of income, Soc. Sec., or support letter for the past two ing the dominant principle of man’s high enough — as demonstrated by months life and moral decisions: Some say “Elisha of the Wings” who earned 2) Rent, mortgage or tax papers that man should be guided by the his nickname as follows: He was 3) Birth certificates and social security cards for family dictates of his intelligence, rational once walking in the street wearing members and objective logic. Others feel he Tefillin, when an officer spotted him 4) Fuel or utility bills should be guided by his heart and and chased him. Elisha took off his 5) Proof of Citizenship (Citizenship paper). emotions. Another group is impa- head-Tefillin and held them in his 6) Letter for child 18 and over that he/she is in School. tient with ideas and feelings, insist- hand. When the officer overtook Thank you ing that the crucial factor is action;

Adapted from Shmais.com Mazal Tov! - Asuncion, Paraguay Dovid Chaim & Racheli wood, CA) Moshe Menachem & Shulamis Engagements Gurovich - Crown Heights Levinson – Crown Heights Tzvi Yehuda Balbin (Melbourne, AU) Weddings Yosef & Raizel Schapiro to Leah Moss (Sydney, Australia) Shloimeh & Rivki Nathanson Shmuly Goldberg (CH) to Dina - Crown Heights - Melbourne, Australia Shlomo Frosberg (Lomita, CA) to Bryski (North Hollywood, CA) Devorah Leah Hauck (L A, CA) Shmuel & Chanie Pevzner Bar Mitzvah Shmuly Kirsh (Crown Heights) to - Crown Heights Dovi Herman - Valley Village, CA Eli Goldstein (CH/Dnepr, Ukraine) Chanie Minsky (Crown Heights) to Lea Tonkonog (Ukraine) Gedalya & Bassie Shemtov Menachem Mendel Liberow Sholom Schochet (Toronto, Ont.) - Crown Heights - Manchester, UK Yehoshua Zelig Rivkin (Carmiel, to Goldie Engel (Denver, CO) Israel) to Muki Simpson (CH) Yossi & Sara Touger - Monsey, NY Births – Boys Yechiel Yosef Schanowitz (Chicago, Saadia & Devora Yanni Yisroel & Sara Bernath IL) to Sheina Schildkraut (S. Paulo, - Crown Heights - Montreal, Canada Brazil) Refoel & Etti Huisman Births – Girls Shomie Schechter (C H) to Hindy - Crown Heights Eli & Nechama Backman Chazanow (Manalapan, NJ) – College Park, MD Michoel & Zelda Lerner Arele Teleshevsky (Melbourne, - Crown Heights Levi & Miri Feigelstock Australia) to Mushka Hecht (Brent-

READ THE CROWN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER @ CROWNHEIGHTS.INFO 4 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 30 2009 Our Heroes

Hagaon Hachossid Horav Chaim Meir Bukiet

1919-27th of Teves 1998 Concern for His Parents know what was happening at the manner in which you act now?!” We borders [of Poland and Russia] he left immediately thereafter. While in yeshiva Reb Chaim Meir Part I would not tell the students to flee A few weeks later my father saw an ad By Rabbi Michoel Seligson toward the bor- for another gathering in a different ders. My mother location. After his previous experi- Special thanks to Reb Dovid asked me to stay. ence he didn’t know if he should go. Zaklikowski I did not want to We finally decided to go and this Hagaon Hachossid Horav Chaim leave my parents time the meeting was composed of Meir Bukiet was born on the 24th alone and not observant Jews. We sat down and of Menachem Av 1919 in Wislica, knowing if the let- they asked my father’s name, and Poland, the only child of Horav ter was accurate, he responded ‘Chaim Meir Bukiet’. Hachossid Reb Avrohom Shmuel I stayed. After a Hearing the name, one particular and Mrs. Rochel Bukiet. while I received individual related the following. ‘I a telegram that The Previous Rebbe established was with your parents as we entered they were wait- many small chadorim across the the train to the concentration camp. ing for me in the Poland, including one in Chmielnik, I remember I helped your father onto yeshiva, to leave the town where Chaim Meir was the train, as he was an older man. As I for Vilna accord- raised. One morning while passing was helping him, he said ‘A dank G-t ing to the Rebbe’s the cheder Chaim Meir’s mother az Chaim Meir iz nisht do’, ‘Thank instructions. I heard the Kol Torah and thought it G-d that Chaim Meir is not here.’ I decided to go and would be a proper place for her son remember seeing my father’s face packed a few small to learn. The young Chaim Meir shine as he heard those words, and things. My father learned there for a few years until a big weight [of sorrow] was lifted and I left, headed his father sent him to Tomchei from his shoulders.” towards Russia. Tmimim in Warsaw, having first My ailing mother In an interview with the Kfar Chabad inquired about the yeshiva. Chaim was unable to join weekly, Reb Chaim Meir described Meir grew to be a brilliant and suc- us. his ordeal during WWII. In general, cessful student. the torture and humiliation that the Chaim Meir was a diligent student L e a v i n g h i s Warsaw Jews endured during the first as well. Once asked what his hobbies Family days of the war was horrifying. were as a young child he answered, “I “It was snowing liked to learn what I understood.” suffered from very bad headaches for strongly that night. By the time we Searching for the Previous a number of weeks. He visited the left the town my father realized that Rebbe Chaim Meir continued to learn in doctor in his town and was advised he couldn’t make it and told me that I “The Germans would persecute the Lubavitch Yeshiva as he became to get more sleep at night. He never should go on by myself. It was Purim families. For example, they would older and as the yeshiva moved from told his parents, knowing that this Katan and on the way we met a few kidnap the husbands and send them Warsaw to Otwock, Poland, where would cause them concern and he people. Together we experienced away to work in factories for the he was among the elite students. At didn’t want to worry them. great miracles as we passed by the German war effort. One night they the age of seventeen he wrote a Torah German soldiers. I arrived in Warsaw arrested any Jewish woman that discussion printed in Hatomim, a Living in Poland was not necessarily on Friday and stayed with a relative they found on the Warsaw streets. magazine published under the direc- comfortable for Jews. Reb Chaim who was a great scholar. His whole There were many acts of brutality torship of the Previous Rebbe. Meir responded to the question family was there and there was no against the Jews, collectively and of whether he experienced anti- In later years, one of his grandsons place for me to put down my head individually. Semitism in Poland, with a personal asked Reb Chaim Meir about the and sleep. After Shabbos I left his experience. “I will share something The Previous Rebbe was then in Torah article written at such a young house and began wandering.” that happened to me when I was a Warsaw. When he heard that the age. Reb Chaim Meir recalled. “I bochur in yeshiva. I was once stand- Reb Zalman Bukiet, the Rebbe’s Germans were searching for him, wrote an essay on the Rambam and ing in the courtyard of the yeshiva shliach in Boca Raton, Florida he hid in the home of Reb Hirshel someone passed it around the study next to a tree, davening with deep recalled. “My father’s mother was Gurary. hall. It reached the hands of the concentration. Out of the blue a rock not comfortable separating from Rosh Yeshiva, the Gaon and Chossid A messenger came with the news landed on my head. I turned around her only child and she did not take Rabbi Yehuda Eber, who was also that they were looking for the Rebbe. and there was a Polish boy standing it well that he left. So great was her one of the editors of Hatomim. He The message was relayed to the there. I remember how they once pain that she wrote a letter to the asked me if he could publish it and Rebbe, including the information surrounded the yeshiva and tried Rebbe after my father left Chmielnik I agreed.” that contacts had been established to break in. There were many other stating, ‘Why did you take away my with people in the United States to TheR osh Yeshiva Reb Yehuda Eber such occurrences.” only son?’ When my father came to rescue the Rebbe. TheR ebbe advised would deliver a deep and analytical New York, someone told him about that if a messenger came they should shiur and immediately after the Previous Rebbe’s Instruction to the letter and he took it to heart.H e allow him into the Rebbe’s room. It conclusion of the shiur Reb Chaim Leave Poland always felt bad that he had left his was Shabbos, a knock on the door Meir would review the shiur for the As WWII approached, Reb Chaim parents never to see them again. was heard, and Reb Hirshel Gurary other students. Meir returned home in order that In 1986 my father saw an ad publiciz- got up to open the door. Representa- his parents not worry about him. He The students who were together ing a gathering of the members of tives of the U.S. were at the door. received a letter from a dear friend of with him in the famous Lubavitch the Chmielnik Jewish community. Right then German agents came to his, Reb Menachem Zev Greenglas, Yeshiva in Otwock, Poland attested My father decided to go hoping to the house as well. When they saw stating that the Previous Rebbe had to how he would stay up throughout meet anyone who had information the American representatives the instructed all the students to leave the night learning with his study about his parents. He asked me to Germans left. Poland and head for Vilna, then partners. Rabbi Moshe Baitch, who accompany him. We went and to under Latvian control. When I came to Warsaw the Previ- was a student in the yeshiva, once my father’s astonishment, they were ous Rebbe was still there. In order related that he remembered how Reb Chaim Meir spoke about those eating non-kosher food. We sat down to pass from Warsaw into Russia, Reb Chaim Meir and Reb Shmuel days. “When I got the letter I showed and my father was asked to speak. one needed to cross the Buk River Dovid Raichik used to learn together it to my mother. She went to a Rabbi He noted how they all had the merit to the side under Russian control. with great enthusiasm late into the in the neighboring community. The to be saved from the war and added Rumor had it that the Russians were night. Rabbi said that if the Rebbe would in astonishment, “And this is the arresting all Polish citizens who January 30, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 5

crossed into Russia and were send- We crossed the border and eventu- following evening. Boruch Ber Lebowitz. During WWII ing them to Siberia. We continued ally came to Brisk where a Jewish students from many different back- That evening there was a full moon. on our way having been directed by woman, hearing that I was a student grounds, such as the grandchildren Until now we had been walking the Previous Rebbe. of Tomchei Tmimim, immediately of Horav Boruch Kamenitz and in a desolate and abandoned area. invited me to her home. The family of the Chofetz Chaim, studied in We reached the boundary between We approached a village and the Gelstein was a prosperous one that Tomchei Tmimim. the German occupied territory in guide warned us to keep quiet owned a shoe and galoshes factory Poland and Russia, around midnight. lest we awaken the dogs and alert Hachossid Horav Reb Mordechai which they later sold for a good The river which was entirely frozen the border guards. That is how we Bryski remembered Reb Chaim price. was the only way across. Suddenly entered the central street Meir in Vilna. we heard screaming and we became in the village. Suddenly “The studies in the yeshiva inV ilna very fearful. We also could not locate it began raining and the continued in the Chabad Uptuv the guide who was supposed to lead guide pulled out a towel Shul which had a kitchen on the us across the border. Finally, a group and a stick and smoothed lower floor. The dormitory was in of people, all equally lost in the night, out the footsteps that we the women’s section. The dormitory gathered and decided to continue had left in the dirt. After made life easier, especially for the together without the guide. this risky but successful Tmimim who became ill. A number ordeal, the guide thanked We went through a cemetery into a of diseases were circulating in Vilna Hashem because our safe small village, having no idea where and many Tmimim were bed-ridden. passage, according to all we were. We knocked on the door of Reb Chaim Meir, who was always logic, should not have a non-Jew, who came out to us but engrossed in his studies, stood out succeeded. did not allow us in. He informed as an exceptionally generous person us that we were already in Russian Visas were obtained in and devoted himself to each of the territory and we calmed down. He a remarkable way from students who needed assistance.” gave us directions and warned us not the Japanese consul in to be caught by the police. Russia, the illustrious and Japan righteous Mr. Chiune Hachossid Horav Reb Mordechai Upon reaching the city of Ishishuk Sugihara Bryski recalled. we eventually found the house of the Rav, also the town’s shochet, and Vilna “Many Tmimim went from Vilna he gave us directions. We smuggled to Japan. There was an American Reb Avraham Shmuel Bukiet Reb Cham Meir contin- ourselves into the train station, were consulate in Russia but not in Vilna. ued. “We finally reached able to purchase food and drink on Obtaining an affidavit for entry into When I entered their home, to Vilna and felt comfortable enough to the journey, and arrived in the city the United States was very difficult. my surprise I found Horav Arye breathe freely. We knew that prior to of Slonim. The students would request a visa Leib Kramer and Horav Shloma WWII there was a Lubavitch yeshiva for a ten-day stay in Japan in order It was night and all the streets were Hochler, two of my friends from in Vilna, founded by Hachossid to receive an affidavit, and when dark. After some searching we were Warsaw who were also en-route Horav Yitzchok Duber Ushpal, the visas came they would apply to successful in finding a shul, where to to Vilna. The Gelstein’s hachnosas later to become a Rosh Yeshiva in extend their stay.” our joy we found chassidim sitting orchim remains in my memory until the Lubavitch Yeshiva in Brooklyn. and Farbrenging in honor of Purim this very day. The hosting of three This encouraged many students to Horav Chanowitz recalled. “The Koton. What a delight. students was a great risk but they cross the border into Vilna. In total, students came in groups to Japan. did not take that into consideration there were thirty-nine students who Although the community was At that Farbrengen, someone recalled and sacrificed themselves to host us. managed to get through to Vilna.” Ashkenazic, the American Joint the Rebbe RaShaB’s Purim Farbren- I recall how Mrs. Gelstein told us, Distribution Committee worked gen in 1917. When the communists Horav Hachossid Reb Gershon Cha- ‘Children, feel at home’. there and we knew that without took over Russia there were people nowitz, one of the students in Vilna, their assistance we would not be who said that it wouldn’t last long. After a short stay, we decided to recalled the yeshiva in Vilna. “The able to remain. The community of TheR ebbe RaShaB then said, ‘When move although we did not know Previous Rebbe sent the chossid about thirty families supported and they persecute a Jewish body [the where to go. Our host supplied us Horav Yehoshua Eizik Baruch to be sustained the thousands of refugees. Jewish nation], Hashem does not with food for the trip, as well as a mashpia in the yeshiva. When he Most of the refugees were yeshiva have patience and does not remain some money to give to individuals came to Vilna he told us that he felt students primarily from chassidic silent, but when they begin with him in Vilna, which we sewed into our obligated to constantly repeat the families, who stood out with the [Hashem alone], he is patient.’ garments. message of the Previous Rebbe to Ahavas Yisroel that they displayed to chassidim in Poland. ‘I am not leav- We came to an agreement with all. Lubavitch chassidim had a sepa- Visit from a Russian General dur- ing. It is not an ocean that divides but smugglers who took people across rate building which also contained ing the Seder [rather one that] connects. Emuna the border from Russia to Latvia. the yeshiva. TheA mshinover Rebbe From Slonim we walked along and hiskashrus are as they were, and They wanted me to shave my beard lived on the top floor. The Previ- the Russian border to Vilna. Prior Hashem should help that we should in order not to raise the suspicions ous Rebbe had already instructed to my escape from Poland, I had meet at the arrival of Moshiach.’ of the border guards. I objected and Lubavitch chassidim in Vilna to turn corresponded with a student in eventually they agreed that I didn’t The mashpia Horav Baruch had to the Amshinover Rebbe when they Gluboka. When I reached his village have to. We designated a late hour such a genuine belief in the Previous had questions or needed guidance I thought to myself, a Lubavitch shul of the night for the escape. Rebbe’s words, that two days before and to follow his advice. is not worse than anywhere else, and Rosh Hashana he blessed us that we decided to sleep there. A Russian At night we entered the forest and When war between the United should be with the Rebbe on Rosh general lived in the building that met the smuggler. He led us to the States and Japan broke out in 1941, Hashana. When we asked him how housed the shul but we had nowhere middle of the forest where he handed the Japanese moved the Jewish that was possible he responded, else to go. We remained in the village us over to a non-Jewish woman who refugees to Shanghai. Among the ‘How a telegraph and telephone for Pesach and held the sedorim in was to guide us the rest of the way. As refugees who came to Shanghai was works you do understand?!’ the house of a chossid. TheR ussian soon as she saw us, she told us ‘You Reb Chaim Meir who continued general heard the sounds of the should pray that we are successful The Gaon Horav Chaim Ozer, the his tradition of physically helping seder, entered the house and began because it is a dangerous risk.’ Rav of Vilna, who was also in charge people, as well as sitting and learning crying. It turned out that he was a of the Vaad Hayeshivos, organized with great diligence and daven- It was Pesach Sheni when we came Jew. Indeed, when a person needs to places to house the students who ing with avoda, according to the out of the forest and already day- fulfill a mission,H ashem sends him came to Vilna. tradition of Chabad chassidim to light. We saw people walking in the to the right place. meditate and concentrate on every distance. Fearing that they might One of the maggidei shiurim in detail of the tefila.” Arriving in Brisk & Unexpected shoot at us, we went back into the the yeshiva was Horav Zalman, a Friends forest and remained there until the nephew of the famous Gaon Horav To be continued 6 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 30 2009

A Rabbi’s Northern Adventure

From the Heights of Alaska to the Golan Heights a holy awe, I carefully dressed into my blue slacks, blue shirt, blue jacket, Reprinted with special permission talking about was the mikvah which I had requested such an arrange- blue tie, and blue hat. In my new Air by the author and Merkos L'Inyonei I had requested! ment, and I was happy to see that Force uniform, I felt more like a New Chinuch my request had been fulfilled. The “I need a mikvah, not a mixer,” I York City policeman than a rabbi. house was also directly across the By Rabbi Yisrael Haber said. But no, this wasn’t New York; this street from the building where my was Alaska, and I was an officer in The mountain tops were frosted with “What’s a mikvah?” he asked. office was located. That was also a the Air Force. snow, and in many places the snow good deal, I thought, anticipating With so many important people extended far under the peaks. As the heavy winds and snowstorms “Is it Purim today?” Miriam joked, around, I didn’t have time to explain. we came closer to our destination, which would come. gazing at me from the doorway. After the welcoming ceremony, we wondered if Anchorage could As evening began set- “Very funny,” I said. be covered with snow in the tling over America’s beginning of September. “You look great.” largest state, we Neither of us had taken our shlepped our perish- “You really think so? It isn’t too winter jackets on the plane. able food to the cha- tight?” Our worries subsided when pel freezer for storage “Mottel the tailor couldn’t have fit we circled over the Gulf until our furniture and you better.” of Alaska’s Cook Inlet as household appliances the pilot prepared to land. arrived by moving Satisfied that I passed the test, I Down below was a snow-free, van. rolled up my sleeve to put on tefil- normal, honest-to-goodness lin. That morning’s prayer came The temperature was city. deep from the heart, and I took the in the mid-fifties as occasion to ask that G-d help me There were tall buildings, Miriam and I walked succeed in this strange and foreign highways, automobiles, ships along the base, enjoy- location. in the harbor—and not one ing each other’s igloo in sight! For people like company. Miriam stood at attention and myself who had a lot of wild saluted as I walked out the door We had done it. We notions about Alaska, the on my way to my first day of work. had arrived. pilot informed us that there “Good luck,” she said. “And remem- was no longer a single igloo in Smiles graced our ber, I’m proud of you.” all of the State of Alaska. faces. What a wonder- Chaplain Clay Kennedy, a Baptist She must have read my mind, because ful wife I had for following me to This was it. We had made it. We chaplain, and his wife, Monica, walking to the chaplain’s office I had this faraway corner. What a patient, were here. Alaska here we come. drove us through Anchorage to some second doubts. loving woman, I thought. What a We fastened our seat belts for land- Elmendorf Air Force Base which was helper and friend. Who else would “Hey Yisrael, do you realize that you ing, swooped low over the water located three miles from the center have taken off with me on such a are the only kippah wearing Jew in and touched-down smoothly on of the city. Anchorage, home of half preposterous adventure? And what a distance of two-thousand miles?” the airstrip that jutted out into the the state’s population and scenically a crazy husband I have, she must I thought. The reflection caused me inlet leading to the terminal of the set between the Cook Inlet and the have been thinking. But I could see a shudder of loneliness. Anchorage International Airport. Chugach Mountain Range, boasted in her eyes that she was happy. She two universities, luxury hotels, a new On the base of thirty-five thousand A crowd of people were waiting to was proud of me and proud of herself. museum, and several large shopping servicemen, there were nine Prot- greet us at the modern terminal After all, she was the wife ofA laska’s malls—in other words, we hadn’t left estant chaplains, three Catholic building. The welcomers included Chief Rabbi! civilization. chaplains, and myself. Out of that the Mayor of Anchorage; the Attor- But much more than that, we were group, I figured I might be able to ney General; my new boss, Chaplain “You look surprised,” the Baptist together, and that made this strange, work up a bridge game, but I might Colonel Luther Gabrielsen and his chaplain said. beautiful new place feel like home. not be seeing a minyan for an awful wife, Dee; several other Protestant “I had no idea the city would be so Even if our dream house was on an long time. But if my wife was proud chaplains and their wives; military modern,” I answered. “I figured we’d Air Force base. Even if our furniture of me, that was a sign that what I was officials from Elmendorf Air Force be met at the airport by a dog team was still on the way. Even if we were doing was right. Base; and Jewish community leaders and sled.” further away from our families than from Anchorage. I straightened my gait as I headed for we had ever been in our lives. After “In some places in Alaska, that may the chapel a short walk away. Prac- They had all come out to meet our long journey, we were closer happen, but Anchorage is a modern ticing the military greeting which I Alaska’s one-and-only rabbi. One together, united in life, helping one city just like any other. We even learned in my course, I walked into woman who greeted us on behalf another along the wonderful and have two daily newspapers, three the building, determined to be not of the Jewish personnel stationed mysterious pathways of the Master television channels, and ten radio only a rabbi, but a first-class officer as at Elmendorf and the nearby Army of Heaven and Earth. stations.” well. Walking as erect and military- base, Fort Richardson, briefed us like as I could, I strode confidently by saying, “There are Jews here who I asked him where the famous Chapter 10 through the office as if I had been don’t observe the laws of Judaism, Anchorage mountains were. ROSH HASHANAH there a dozen times before. and they want to make certain that “When the clouds lift and the sun Istayed awake most of my first no one else does either. However, I knocked on the door of Colonel comes out, I’ll take you on a tour night in Alaska thinking about my my family and I are very happy that Gabrielsen’s office, about to meet outside the base, and you’ll see them new position and all of the things you have both arrived and we hope the head chaplain on the base. in all of their glory.” I wanted to accomplish. Whatever to learn many things from you.” services and innovations I could “Come in,” a voice said. He drove us to the quarters which It was during the proceedings that provide to the Jews of Alaska, it would be our home for the next three Opening the door, I stood at atten- a military quartermaster came up would all have to be my doing, from years. We were thrilled to discover tion and saluted. to me to ask if I wanted a Westing- the idea stage to the execution of the a two story house with three bed- house or General Electric mixer. project. I was no longer an assistant “Chaplain Haber is reporting for rooms and a very large basement. As I mentioned, an order had been principal with a well-oiled Jewish duty, sir.” sent from the Pentagon to provide The house was a short, five-minute framework around me; up here in There, I had said it. The immortal Chaplain Yisrael Haber with a mixer walk from the chapel where Jewish the woods I was the whole team— words were out. upon his arrival in Anchorage. It was services were held. That would center, quarterback, running back, only when I looked at the official facilitate getting to shul on Shabbat tackle and split end. History had been made. requisition form that he showed me when traveling is forbidden. When morning arrived, with almost did I realize that the “mixer” he was January 30, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 7 Parshas Hashavua

Vedibarta Bam ~ BO otah — this request for the children does not know you.” Disappointed to participate — atem mevakshim and hurt, he told the doorman to tell By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilky passed since you left Egypt. I know — is something which you want, and his master, “I advise him to make a the people better than you do. I do which Hashem never asked for.” will immediately, because he does "ויפן ויצא מעם not doubt your sincerity in wanting ”.not have much time left to live פרעה" to take them to serve Hashem, but When Pharaoh saw that regardless “And he turned I urge you stop your campaign of his consent to send the males he Petrified, the brother rushed to the his back and left because, mi vami haholchim — was plagued with locusts, he real- door and asked in alarm, “How can Pharaoh.” (10:6) which ones are going?! None of these ized that Hashem was not satisfied, you make such a statement? My people are interested in leaving because He wanted the children’s doctor proclaimed me in excellent QUESTION: Egypt to go seek a new way of life.” participation. Therefore, he quickly health!” The immigrant brother Why concerning called Moshe and Aharon and told looked his brother in the eyes and locusts, the eighth plague, does the Moshe smiled and replied, “You them, “Now I have not only sinned said, “The city in which we grew up Torah tell us that Moshe left imme- are greatly mistaken. Just open the against G d, but also against you, as brothers was very small and poor. diately after giving the warning? doors and give them freedom, and I because I accused you falsely.” The townspeople were unable to assure you that young and old, men afford a full-time physician. I studied )שו"ת תירוש ויצהר סי' קי"ט( ANSWER: Moshe always came to and women will eagerly run to serve Pharaoh as Hashem’s messenger to first-aid and administered their "ויהי חשך אפלה בכל ארץ מצרים ”.Hashem medical needs. From my experience שלשת ימים" .inform him of the coming plague I learned that when a patient can no "ויעל הארבה על כל ארץ מצרים וינח Moshe thought that Pharaoh was ,And there was a thick darkness in all longer ‘recognize’ his own brother“ בכל גבול מצרים" ,an extremely stubborn man and therefore, he always pleaded with of Egypt for three days.” (10:22) his situation is extremely serious and “The locusts went up over the entire him to relent and listen to Hashem he has little time left to live.” land of Egypt and rested in all the QUESTION: Rashi explains that about letting the people go. borders of Egypt.” (10:14) during the first three days of dark- Some aspects of the plague of dark- Before the plague of locusts, Hashem ness, no one was able to see anyone ness are unfortunately prevalent in QUESTION: Why does the Torah said to Moshe, “Go to Pharaoh and else. During the succeeding days, contemporary times. Sadly, there repeat, “all the borders of Egypt” warn him, for I have hardened his the darkness was so thick that if an may be Jews enveloped in darkness after it already says that the locusts heart” (10:1). Moshe now realized Egyptian was sitting, he was unable who do not recognize fellow Jews “went up over the entire land of that it was not Pharaoh’s stubborn- to stand up, and if he was standing, as their brothers and deserve to be Egypt”? ness, but Hashem causing him not to he was unable to sit down. helped materially and spiritually. listen. Thus, there was no purpose in ANSWER: The Jews ofE gypt lived Such conduct endangers the conti- Every plague lasted seven days his pleading with Pharaoh to let the in the city of Goshen and were not nuity of the Jewish community. (except the plague of the firstborn). people go. Therefore, after delivering affected by any of the plagues. The Why did the plague of darkness last Hopefully, like the Jews of Egypt we, the message of the coming plague of locusts were meant to destroy all veg- only six days? too, will merit, “For all the Children locusts, he immediately turned his etation not previously destroyed by of Israel, there was light in their the hail. Knowing that very shortly ANSWER: When the Jews left (שער בת רבים ) .back and left dwellings.” Everyone will see the the Jewish people would be leaving Egypt and traveled in the desert, true light and do the utmost for his "ויאמר אליהם לכו עבדו את ה' אלקיכם Egypt, Hashem sent the locusts. clouds of glory accompanied them. .brother — his fellow Jew מי ומי ההלכים: ויאמר משה בנערינו They coveredE gypt from border to During the day the clouds would )מיוסד על אשכול ענבים - פרדס יוסף( ובזקנינו נלך" border — including Goshen — in clear a path in the desert, and at "כשלחו כלה גרש יגרש אתכם מזה" .And he said to them, ‘Go and serve order to ensure that the Egyptians night a pillar of fire lit up the camp“ G d your G d; Which ones are going?’ would have no benefit from the pro- When the Egyptians pursued the “When he lets you go, he will drive you Moshe said, ‘With our young and .duce of the Jewish fields in Goshen Jews, the Torah says, “There was a out from here altogether.” (11:1) [cloud of darkness [for the Egyptians )שער בת רבים( (with our old shall we go.’ ” (10:8-9 and the night was illuminated [for QUESTION: Why did Hashem tell "וימהר פרעה לקרא למשה ולאהרן QUESTION: Moshe’s request to the Jews through a pillar of fire]” Moshe that Pharaoh would drive the ויאמר חטאתי לה' אלקיכם ולכם" Pharaoh was very explicit: “Let my (14:20). Thus,H ashem reserved the Jews out? people go!” Why now, after having “And Pharaoh called for Moshe and remaining seventh day of darkness endured seven plagues, did Pharaoh ANSWER: Hashem told Avraham, Aharon in haste and said, ‘I have to punish the Egyptians when they ask, “Which ones are going?” “Your children will be enslaved in sinned against G d and against you.’ chased after the Jewish people. a strange land for 400 years and )מדרש רבה שמות י"ד, ג'( (ANSWER: The words, “mi vami ” (10:16 afterwards leave with great wealth” haholchim” ( ) have the Bereishit 15:13-14). The Jewish) "ויהי חשך אפלה בכל ארץ מצרים QUESTION: Why did Pharaoh then מי ומי ההלכים numerical value of 216, the same people slaved for many years under שלשת ימים לא ראו איש את אחיו" confess that he also sinned against as “Kaleiv uBin Nun” ( ). .Moshe and Aharon, in contrast to Pharaoh without any compensa¬tion כלב ובן נון Pharaoh was telling Moshe, “I know “There was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt his confession after the plague of As the time for their departure was your ultimate plan is to bring the for three days. One did not see his hail, “I have sinned this time; G d is arriving, Hashem instructed Moshe Jews to Eretz Yisrael, but you should own brother.” (10:22-23) righteous” (9:27)? to tell the Jewish people to borrow know that you are wasting your QUESTION: Since they were unable gold and silver from the Egyptians. time, because they will all die in the ANSWER: Moshe told Pharaoh to see anything; why is there an Eventually, they would keep this as wilderness and only Kalev and Bin to release the Jews in order for emphasis on not seeing one’s own payment for 400 years of work and Nun (Yehoshua) will live to reach them to worship Hashem. Pharaoh brother? as a fulfillment of the promise of Eretz Yisrael.” inquired, “Which ones are going?” great wealth. Moshe responded, “We will go with ANSWER: Many years ago a man Moshe replied, “Binareinu uvizkei- our young and with our old, with emigrated from a small town in Rus- Moshe hesitated since it resembled neinu neileich” — “Do not worry, all our sons and with our daughters.” sia to the United States. His business trickery. “After all,” he argued, “they those who are now under 20 or over Pharaoh became enraged and chased enterprises were blessed with success did not complete their servitude, 60 will also survive the wilderness them out, saying, “Not so, let the men and he became very wealthy. A few and thus, are not entitled to such and come to Eretz Yisrael.” ”.go now, ki otah atem mevakshim — years later, his brother arrived, found wealth )בעל הטורים( for this you are seeking.” One may his way to the successful brother’s Hashem explained to Moshe, question, why was it necessary for house, and presented himself to “According to halachah, when one Alternatively, Pharaoh, slowly but Pharaoh to add the words, “ki otah the doorman as the brother of his hires a worker and fires him in the surely, began to realize that fighting atem mevakshim” — “for this you master. The doorman directed him middle of the day, he is obligated to Moshe was a lost cause. Instead of are seeking”? to the waiting area and afterwards pay him for the full time. Similarly, being stubborn and refusing to let came back with a message that his Pharaoh accused Moshe and Aha- Pharaoh will drive out the Jewish the Jewish people go, he decided to master had no brother. He sent back ron of unjustly seeking to take the people in the middle of their period use reverse psychology. Pharaoh said a number of signs hoping that his children on a pilgrimage to serve of service. Therefore, they are right- to Moshe, “I am your friend who brother would recognize him. Again Hashem: “Undoubt¬edly, your G fully entitled to be paid for 400 years would not want to see you as an the doorman came back: “Sorry, my (חנוכת התורה) ”.d only wants the adults. However, of serving Egypt outcast or a failure. Many years have master says he has no brother and 8 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 30 2009

Shevat Yahrzeiten

This week we continue with the Yahrzeiten of people who lived in our in Mlava, Poland and was nifter in Tiferes Bochurim in Morristown shechuna. We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mention- 1998. New Jersey for more than twenty ing them we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn from their lives, years, successfully raised many 9th of Shvat lessons that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes the students and was beloved by all. He Yahrzeiten from the 6th through 11th of Shvat. The respective resting Horav Hachossid was born on the 6th of Elul 1950 places of the individuals noted in this column are near the holy Ohel, Reb Aharon and was nifter in the midst of his unless otherwise specified. Hakohen Klein life in 1995. The son of Horav for approximately eighty years and Men R eb Y it z c hok many great chassidim benefitted Women 6th of Shvat Hakohen, he from his advice. His home was 6th of Shvat implemented the open to all and he excelled in acts of Horav Hachossid purchase and the generosity and kindness, sacrificed Mrs. Brocho Nemes Hatomim Reb broadening of the 770 Shul, as well himself for the Jews in Russia, and The daughter ofH orav M o s h e Z e v as establishing a mitzva mobile in in an unusual manner supported Hachossid Reb Yaroslavsky 1963 in which he would put on the students of Tomchei Tmimim Nochum Meir, she The son of Horav Tefillin with people. He was contributing money to enable them sacrificed herself Hachossid Reb born on the 19th of Sivan to leave Russia. He was also a pri- for the fulfillment Aharon, he founded 1916 in Vienna and was mary activist in the shechuna and of mitzvos and was the Tishrei Eshel in Crown Heights, nifter in 1998. participated in a shiur until his last nifter in 1987. hosting and feeding thousands of day, especially the shiur on the guests who visited the Rebbe during Reb Chaim Halevi 8th of Shvat chassidic discourses of Torah Ohr the month of Tishrei. He maintained Kanner and Likutei Torah. He merited it for 23 years and merited many The son ofR eb Yitzchok M r s . D o b a seeing children, grandchildren and kiruvim from the Rebbe. Reb Moshe Halevi, he was mekushar Plotkin great-grandchildren serving as the also conducted the network of the to the Rebbe and was a The daughter ofH orav Rebbe’s Shluchim worldwide. He Talmud Toras Chadrei Torah Ohr talented person who was Avrohom Yisroel, she was born on the 17th of Sivan 1906 in Israel for 30 years. He was born nifter in the midst of his life was nifter in 1998. in Beshenkowitz and was nifter in in 1915 in Barditchov and was nifter in 2000. 2004. 11th of Shvat in 1994. His resting place is on Har 10th of Shvat Hazeisim. 8th of Shvat Mrs. Vita Pinson, Reb Yisroel Yitzchok Greenstein Horav Hachossid Horav Hachossid She was the wife of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Hatomim Reb The son of Reb Menachem, he was Reb Yechezkel from Kfar Chabad Chaikel Chanin Shmuel Dovid among the steady members of the and was nifter in 2008. Maple Street Shul and was nifter The son of Horav Halevi Raichik in 2007. *Dear Readers: Hachossid Reb The son of Horav Schneur Zalman Hachossid Shimon 11th of Shvat Anyone who would like to have their Yitzchok, he was Halevi, he was a relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit a descendent of shliach of the Pre- Horav Hachossid column should email the name, father’s chassidim of the city Beshenkow- vious Rebbe and the Rebbe for Hatomim Reb name, date of the ptira and some itz. He studied in Yeshiva Tomchei more than fifty years in California Yosef Yitzchok details to [email protected]. A Tmimim in Lubavitch, and worked where he planted Chabad. He was Lipsker picture may be included. with selfless devotion for the benefit appointed by the Rebbe as a member The son of Horav of the yeshiva in Samarkand, Poking, of the universal Agudas Chassidei Hachossid Reb Brunoy, Kfar Chabad and Brooklyn. Chabad and Machne Israel. He Yaakov, he was a He was a unique communal activist was born on the 2nd of Iyar 1918 mashpia and educator in Yeshiva בס”ד

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Resnick community leaders this task? Why Lubavitch has always been a pioneer have the word Chabad or Lubavitch must all of Lubavitch be aware and of dissemination. TheR ebbe was the remotely connected to it. For those of us who use the Internet, involved? first to use the airwaves as a medium and that probably means everyone “Hamodia” has a permanent Mash- for his Farbrengens even while he who is reading this article (since the Yidden have always had to answer giach on premises; the “N’Shei strongly opposed us watching or Crown Heights Community News- to the world. The phrase “Dah Mah Newsletter” has a guidingR abbinical bringing in any Goyishe program- letter currently does not appear in Lehoshiv…” - Know what to reply…, board, as did the “Yiddishe Heim”. ming into our homes. hard-copy format), I present the fol- has been part of our PR Lexicon Should our news sites, from which lowing question: What is the “news from the time of the Mishna. In the 1960’s the Rebbe contributed we obtain all our vital information, that’s fit to print” on our Lubavitch thousands of dollars towards keep- be any different? Both Mrs. Sara Esther Crispe, editor news sites: Shmais, COL and Crown ing the Satmar periodical, “Der Yid” of the Womens’ page on chabad.org Reporting the news does not give Heights.info and Shturem? afloat so as to maintain a kosher and Mrs. Baila Olidort of Lubavitch. one license to publicize any and means of transmitting news and I raise this question in the wake of com have offered and found ways to every story. Even the First amend- information to the Jewish public and a story that has been making a lot have the wrong addressed. ment which guarantees freedom of prevent good Frume Yidden from of waves on some of the above sites speech and of the press in America But it would seem to me that the best resorting to Goyishe newspapers. about the uncomplimentary manner has certain restrictions. For example, manner of tackling such a situation is So the dissemination of information in which Lubavitch women were one may not cry ‘fire’ in a crowded to have our supporters and admirers can be perfectly Kosher. described on a prominent secular theatre, nor can one publicize the go out for redress and restitution. media outlet. (I must complement However, “can be Kosher” doesn’t departure of ships during time of Their independent positions provide those same Lubavitch sites for doing mean “always Kosher.” war. our cause with a far better view and their utmost to cover the un-Tznius presentation. A Rov, and Shliach in California told The New York Times has as its attire of those portrayed in the me that the Rebbe always required motto A“ ll the News that’s Fit to picture). that material first be checked by a Print” emblazoned on its mast- I ask: What merit was there in Rov or a Mashpia before going to head. L’havdil, could we not ask bringing this story to our people? print. our news sites to start consulting Why do we have to know that it Rabbonim and Mashpiim so that I would like to recommend that our happened altogether? Why do our they can proudly emblazon above Lubavitch news sites voluntarily people have to be introduced to the their own virtual mastheads, “All undertake the responsibility of going name of a program they are better the News that’s Fit for Lubavitch under the aegis of some regulatory off remaining ignorant of?W hat do Cyberspace”? rabbinic or mashpiadike board, so we gain by knowing that there is a that in the future they are not lulled Comments & Questions:Tznius1@ story about a Lubavitch woman who into covering a story whose sole verizon.net is set to enter a (nonexistent) levirate marriage? What is the use of having our youth exposed to derogatory For example, when Chabad of East remarks that a secular outlet made Hampton (the renowned summer Shidduchim for easy reference of your friends about the way our women look? playground of the American rich and and contacts. What was the purpose of publicizing famous), was encountering zoning They in turn can send on or show the entire episode? Tzores because of Shabbos services Profile or Resume? your profile to others with possible from irate brotherly neighbors, it When I raised this issue with a By Sarah Junik matches without compromising your was the support of the non-Jewish renowned Mechanech, he asked me, privacy as you did not disclose your Martha Stewart that tipped the Shidduchim are such a maze that we “Since when do we care what Goy- name and address. scales in our favor. will grasp any idea that might make ishe outlets think of us? Would we the process easier. If a promising match is found then also bring up questions of ‘Emunah’ Journalist Jonathan Marks, a great you can send a full resume which or the lack thereof that are raised friend of Lubavitch just came out in Our lives are so busy B"H, between would have the family data such as in their programs and then answer defense of our honor, on our current bringing up our kids, working, how many siblings, the schools and them in public, in full view of our subject, in a very eloquent way in mivtzoim, learning, chessed etc that camps attended and/or shlichus, Kohol and youth?” “The Jewish Week”: even if we did not reach the dreaded references etc. senior moment stage, we cannot It seems to me that unless there is “I remember the photo of Rivka keep everything in mind. If you attend a shidduch group a positive, redeeming value to the Holtzberg, the Chabad woman who meeting or if you want someone to information non-Jewish outlets was murdered in Mumbai. She wore The shidduhim solution to this is the present your child to such a group disseminate we have no reason to a wig, like the ones mocked (on the "profile". What is a profile? a profile is indispensable. share it with our holy audience. program).” She was attractive….all A profile is a short description of our the more attractive for the dignity Send one to all your relatives so they Some people may argue that we young man or woman, that describes she exuded precisely because of her are reminded that you are looking need to defend out honor and can the essentials without giving a name. wig and modest style of dress.” for your son or daughter and what only do so if we know that we were The profile lets people know the exactly you are looking for. insulted in the first place; that these So why allow this subject into our age, the height, family background ‘popular’ outlets need to hear our homes when our friends and admir- i.e. FFB, BT, etc. the level one is at, A profile is perfect for these days people express their dissatisfaction ers are so capable of responding for Chassidish, relaxed, modern and a where we do not want the names with such an unfair portrayal. us? description of the characteristic of of our children to float around as a the young man or woman such as conversation piece until we get them And yet, I find this answer far short During the recent war in Gaza kind and giving, very involved in .... married on the other hand we do of convincing. and the murders in Mumbai, all of quiet and eidel, ambitious, go getter want people to remember that we our Lubavitch news sites served as First, as one Crown Heights Rov etc. Last but not least a description of have a wonderful son or daughter wonderful sieves, bringing us many pointed out to me, Lubavitch’s mis- what one is looking for such as only just brimming with qualities and anecdotes of the emergence of the sion is generally Torah, Mitzvos and shlichus, yiras shamayim, tznius, waiting to get married to that right Pintale Yid and Kiddush Hashem Chinuch, not protests. outgoing, organized etc. one. stories. In a sense they served as Second, in those cases where protest ‘airwaves- sterilizers’ and brought in At the end write in a contact name So c'mon everyone, take paper and is called for – the same Mechanech only Kosher material which, together and phone number and or email pen or laptop and desktop and let pointed out that in some cases a with our youth, we could watch and address. us see those profiles! A( nd yes that tarnished image of Lubavitch might kvell over with tears and pride. means you too mother or boys!!!) What you have accomplished with a prevent us from bringing people It should therefore be clear that I am profile is to describe your child and [email protected] closer to Yiddishkeit – could we not not attacking our media as a medium. what you are looking for on paper assign a community leader or several Shidduchim101.blogspot.com 10 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 30 2009

YUD SHVAT

The story of the Beginning of the Rebbe’s Nesius (5711-1951) Reprinted from the book “a day to chassidim and would accept the prior to the Farbrengen: The dis- The Rebbe further explained: The recall a day to remember” mantel of the nesius upon himself. tinguished Rabbi, Rabbi Ephraim Previous Rebbe’s maamar says that Yolles was in the Rebbe’s room. because Moshe Rabbeinu was the By Rabbi Sholom Ber Avtzon with- The next day the Rebbe called him When Rabbi Yolles saw the crowd seventh generation from Avrohom more additions into his room and told him that he assembled, he asked the Rebbe Avinu, he was able to bring down must put in, in the very next publica- After the histalkus, chassidim turned how he will manage to get in to the and reveal Hashem’s glory in this tion, a notice of retraction. to the Rebbe, beseeching him to Farbrengen. The Rebbe answered: world. accept upon himself the nesius Rabbi Kazarnovsky asked the Rebbe “You will hold unto my gartel”! So, continued the Rebbe, it is our (mantle of leadership). Although the if he might say something, to which At 8:45, the Rebbe came to 770, obligation and merit to bring the Rebbe initially declined (until the the Rebbe said yes. which was packed with chassidim, ultimate revelation of G‑dliness following Yud Shevat), some changes Rabbi Kazarnovsky then said: “Last and at 9:45 he came out to farbreng. into the world, since we are the were immediately noticeable. Not night I had a dream in which the The Rebbe began by saying two seventh generation from the Alter only did he continue to farbreng Previous Rebbe came to me and said: sichos. In the first sicha, the Rebbe Rebbe, who began the dissemina- every Shabbos Mevorchim as he ‘Tell my son-in-law, [mentioning expressed the need of strengthening tion of Chassidus in order to bring had started doing in 5702 (1942) the Rebbe by name] the following our bond to the Previous Rebbe. Moshiach. on the instruction of the Previous [explanation]. It says in the possuk, Then in the second sicha theR ebbe Rebbe, he also began to farbreng on When the Rebbe finished saying “And Hashem spoke to Moshe [the said, “Following the American Yomim Tovim and other major days the maamar, Reb Nemtzov stood leader of the Jewish nation], ‘Why custom of beginning a new era with in the calendar. In addition, he began up one last time, and blessed the are you crying out to Me; speak to a statement of intent, my statement answering many people’s personal Rebbe. The Rebbe replied: “Now the Jewish nation and they shall is “The love of Hashem, the love of questions that until then had been please listen. The Rebbeim always travel onward.’” Tell my son-in-law: His Torah and the love of every Jew answered by the Previous Rebbe. demanded from their chassidim that “Why are you telling everyone that is one thing and inseparable. If a Jew they should work on their own and During that year, many interesting I [the Rebbe Rayatz] am the Rebbe? is lacking in one of these loves, it not rely on the Rebbe to accomplish episodes took place relating to the You should speak to the Jewish should be strengthened, and through everything for them. Rebbe’s acceptance of the nesius, a nation and they will travel and be this love for every Jew, we will go out few of which we will mention here. elevated with you until the coming of this bitter golus. “Therefore, now that I accept to of Moshiach Tzidkeinu.”’” help you in every way possible, don’t Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson, who was Reb Avrohom Sender Nemtzov, an become complacent in your duties the mazkir (secretary) in charge of The Rebbe then said, “Thank you elder chassid, then stood up and and obligations. You must fulfill the yechidus with the Previous Rebbe for the good tidings, and since you said, “The sichos are very good but mission that my holy father-in-law, from hwwa,-aww, 1940-1950 (since told me good tidings, I shall give you chassidim want to hear a maamar.” the Rebbe, gave you.” the Previous Rebbe came to Amer- good tidings.” Silence reigned as everyone stood ica), had a dream. with baited breath. The Rebbe’s Thus began the tradition of explain- The Rebbe then showed Rabbi expression became very serious and ing and expounding one chapter of In his dream, the Previous Rebbe Kazarnovsky a telegram which after a few moments began saying Basi LeGani a year on Yud Shevat. appeared to him and asked, he had just received from Rabbi his first maamar, which was based It continued for the next twenty “Why are the spirits of chassidim Herzog, the Chief Ashkenazic Rabbi on and explained in great detail the years until Yud Shevat 5730 (1970), depressed?” in Eretz Yisroel, congratulating and ideas contained in the first chapter of when the Rebbe said a maamar on blessing the Rebbe on becoming the Rabbi Simpson answered, “Because Basi LeGani, the last maamar given chapter twenty, the last chapter seventh Rebbe of Lubavitch. we have no one to go to!” out by the Previous Rebbe. of the hemshech of Basi LeGani. On Wednesday, Yud Shevat 5711 The following year, 5731 (1971), The Previous Rebbe replied, “Isn’t In the middle of the maamar, the (1951), the Rebbe went to the tzion the Rebbe started the cycle anew, my son-in-law [mentioning the Rebbe stopped and said, “We will of the Previous Rebbe and read explaining a chapter a year, begin- Rebbe by name] with you?” now pause and say l’chaim.” Reb many letters of request, that the ning with Chapter One. Nemtzov stood up in great happiness Rabbi Simpson said, “But he refuses Rebbe pray on their behalf. The and exclaimed to all, “Let us say After the Farbrengen, Reb Yudel to accept the nesius upon himself.” last one to be read was the michtav the blessing of Shehechiyanu that Chitrik obm approached and told hahiskashrus, the letter signifying To this the Previous Rebbe replied, we have a Rebbe.” He then led the the Rebbe told him that the Maamor the total bonding of a chassid to “He [the Rebbe] was already com- assembled in saying this blessing was very positively accepted and the Rebbe, which was signed by manded to do so.” using Hashem’s name. Chassidim are very pleased. thousands of chassidim throughout At the first opportune moment, the entire world. The letter declared TheR ebbe then instructed that the Rabbi Simpson told this dream to that they are accepting the Rebbe niggun Beinoni be sung, followed The Rebbe said to Rabbi Chitrik: the Rebbe, who said, “I have not as their Rebbe and committing by the Rebbe Rashab’s niggun “Give me a Brocha”. Rabbi Chitrik received such an instruction...” themselves to energetically fulfill known as the Niggun Rostov. After said: To give a Brocha, we need all his directives. When the Rebbe continuing the maamar, the Rebbe Immediately, Rabbi Simpson and mashke. began reading this letter, he broke instructed that a niggun of the other elder chassidim went to the out in deep sobs. Rebbe Maharash be sung, followed tzion (gravesite) of the Previous by three niggunim of the Rebbe the Rebbe and read a pidyon nefesh, When he returned from the Ohel, TheR ebbe ordered to bring mashke Tzemach Tzedek. requesting that the instruction everyone davened Mincha, and then and when Reb Yudel said lchaim, he come. they ate something. After Maariv it TheR ebbe then concluded the maa- continued: “Everything that all the was officially announced that the mar and tearfully related how the Rebbe’im intended and worked to Indeed, from then on, the Rebbe Rebbe was going to farbreng at 8:00 love of the Rebbeim for their fellow accomplish in all the generations, never said that he did not receive in the shul upstairs. At the time, the Jew was unlimited. TheA lter Rebbe, should be fulfilled through the such an instruction. “downstairs” where the big shul is for example, on Yom Kippur left the Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Raichik, of located, was a big yard. shul and chopped wood in order to The Rebbe answered: Omen. Lang California, would tell the following prepare warm food for a women in This was no surprise, as the Rebbe leben zolt ir (you should have a long story every Sukkos: need. He then mentioned an incident farbrenged throughout the year life). of extreme ahavas Yisroel of every Rabbi Aharon Kazarnovsky was one on all special occasions, and it was one of the Rebbeim. By now, we have witnessed the of the three chassidim who placed publicized in the newspapers that fulfillment of the Rebbe’s Brocha. a notice (on the 26th of Teves) in he would be doing so. He explained that, as this was the last Rabbi Chitrik lived up till 106! some of the most prominent Yiddish maamar the Previous Rebbe gave us, The suspense was whether or not the newspapers, announcing that on undoubtedly there was guidance in Rebbe would accept the nesius. Yud Shevat, 5711 (1951), the Rebbe it to help us during these last days would accede to the request of the An interesting anecdote took place of golus. January 30, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 11

What is a Rebbe lofty character, prophetic ability, There are several types of nesi’im: nurtured their chassidim in both the miracle-worker, etc., etc. those who supply their constituents “internal” and the “encompassing” The Head with “internalized” nurture,4 and qualities of their souls; in Torah, These qualities are further magnified those whose nurture is of a more divine service and good deeds; in Reprinted from Chabad.Org when viewed in the light of Chassidic “encompassing” nature.5 This is spirit and in body. Thus, their bond teaching, which explains what is true Editor’s note: further divisible into the particulars with those connected with them was The following is a free self-sacrifice, trueT orah genius, and of whether they impart the teaching in all 613 limbs and organs of their translation of a letter written by the so on. Rebbe several months after the passing of the “revealed” part of Torah, its souls and bodies. And yet, none of this addresses the mystical secrets, or both; whether of his father-in-law and predecessor, Each and every one of us must know- primary quality of the Rebbe--a they offer guidance in the service Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of -that is, dwell upon and implant the quality which is not only primary in of G-d and the ways of Chassidism; Lubavitch. The letter was printed as an awareness in his or her mind--that essence, but which is most important whether they draw down material introduction to a booklet of maamarim the Rebbe is our nassi and head: that to us, his chassidim and followers, provision; and so on. (discourses of Chassidic teaching) by he is the source and channel for all namely: the fact that he is a nassi, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, and is dated There are also nesi’im who are chan- our material and spiritual needs, and particularly a Chabad nassi. “Tammuz 3, 5710.”1 nels in several of these areas, or even and that it is through our bond with Many seek and propose to explain A nassi, broadly defined, is a “head in all of them. him (and he has already instructed the qualities and greatness of Cha- of the multitudes of Israel.”3 He us in his letters how and by what Such was the nature of the leadership bad Rebbes in general, and, in par- is their “head” and “mind,” their means this is achieved) that we are of the nesi’im of Chabad, from the ticular, the Rebbe of our generation, source of life and vitality. Through bound and united with our source, Alter Rebbe6 to, and including, my father-in-law, hareini kaparat their attachment to him, they are and the source of our source, up my father-in-law, who embraced mishkavo,2 in various areas: as a bound and united with their source to our ultimate source on high. all these categories and areas: they man of self-sacrifice, Torah genius, on high.

Yud Shvat Customs four hours. If possible, the candle Rebbe’s study] for yechidus, or at for the young people who are not should be of beeswax.[673] least of seeing his face, should - while yet observant - in order to explain to Directives and customs advised by reading the pidyon nefesh - picture them the warm love that the saintly the Rebbe regarding the Yahrzeit: Five candles[674] should burn dur- themselves as standing before him. Rebbe constantly had for them. It ing the prayer services. Adapted from Sefer Haminhagim The pidyon nefesh should then be should be explained to these people (Published by Sichos In English) After each prayer service (and in the placed between the pages of a maa- what he expected of them; they morning, [this means] after the read- mar or kuntreis, etc., of his teachings, should be told of the hope and the By the grace of G-d ing of Tehillim), the sheliach tzibbur and sent, if possible on the same day, trust that he placed in them - that Rosh Chodesh Shvat, 5711 should study (or at least conclude674 to be read at his graveside. they would ultimately fulfill their the study of) ch. 24 of Mishnayos task of strengthening the observance Brooklyn, N.Y. In the course of the day one should Keilim and ch. 7 of Mishnayos of Judaism and disseminating the study chapters of Mishnayos that To Anash, to the students of Tom- Mikvaos. He should then recite the study of Torah with all the energy, begin with the letters of his name. chei Temimim, and to those who mishnah beginning “Rabbi Chanan- warmth and vitality that character- have a bond or a relationship with yah ben Akashya...,” followed silently In the course of the day one should ize youth. my revered father-in-law the saintly by a few lines of Tanya,[675] and participate in a farbrengen. If prevailing conditions allow, all Rebbe, of blessed memory: Kaddish deRabbanan. In the course of the above should of course be con- G-d bless you all. After Maariv, part the day one should tinued during the days following of the maamar set aside a time the yahrzeit, and particularly on the Greeting and blessings: (Basi LeGani) during which to following Shabbos. In reply to the many questions that that was released tell one’s family May G-d hasten the coming of our have been asked about a detailed for the day of the about the saintly Redeemer, and then “those who schedule for the Tenth of Shvat, the demise should Rebbe, and about repose in the dust will awaken and yahrzeit of my revered father-in-law, be recited from the spiritual tasks sing joyful praises.” And our Nasi the Rebbe, I would hereby suggest memory. If there at which he toiled among them will give us wondrous the following: is no one to do throughout all the tidings, and lead us along the path this from mem- days of his life. On the Shabbos before the yahrzeit that leads up to the House of G-d. ory, it should be [each chassid] should attempt to be In the course of studied from the [Signed: Rebbe’s name] called for an aliyah to the Torah. the day, people text. This should (to whom this (a) Miscellaneous: If there are not enough aliyos the also be done after task is appropri- Torah should be read [a number of Shacharis, and the “I once heard from my revered ate) should visit times] in different rooms.H owever, maamar should be father-in-law, the Rebbe, that before synagogues and no additions[672] should be made concluded after Minchah. visiting a resting place or ohel [i.e., houses of study in their cities and to the number of aliyos [at each the structure built over or around the Before Shacharis, a chapter of Tanya cite a statement or an adage drawn reading]. grave of a tzaddik] it is customary not should be studied. This should also from the teachings of the saintly to eat, but one drinks something.” The congregation should see to it be done after Minchah. Rebbe. They should explain how he that the Maftir should be the most loved every Jew. [Furthermore,] they It is the custom of the Rebbe Shlita In the morning, before prayer, respected congregant, as determined should make known and explain the to make an appeal for Keren Torah charity should be given to those by the majority; alternatively, the practice that he instituted of reciting (“the Torah Fund”) at the farbrengen institutions that are related to our choice should be determined by Tehillim every day, studying the of Yud Shvat. Nasi, my revered father-in-law, of lot. daily portion of Chumash with the sainted memory. Donations should (b) Yud Shvat 5711: commentary of Rashi, and, where The congregation should choose be made on behalf of oneself and appropriate, studying the Tanya On the tenth of Shvat, 5711 (1951), someone to lead the prayers on the on behalf of each member of one’s as he divided it into daily readings in a favorable and auspicious hour, day of the yahrzeit. It is proper to family. The same should be done throughout the year. If possible this the Rebbe Shlita undertook the divide [the honor, choosing] one per- before Minchah. should all be done in the course of leadership [of the Chabad-Lubavitch son to lead Maariv, a second to lead After Shacharis and the recitation a farbrengen. chassidic movement]. Shacharis, and a third - Minchah. In of the maamar, each individual this way a greater number of Anash In the course of the day, people On this day, [the first anniversary of should read a pidyon nefesh. (It goes will have the privilege. (who are fit for the task) should visit the passing of his revered father-in- without saying that a gartl is worn centers of observant youth - and, law, the Rebbe Rayatz,] the Rebbe A [yahrzeit] candle should be lit that during the reading.) Those who had in a neighborly spirit, should make Shlita publicly delivered the first will burn throughout the twenty- the privilege of entering [the saintly every endeavor to also visit centers maamar, Basi LeGani. 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 30 2009

Yud Shevat : A Day of Two Rebbes

The 10th day of the Jewish month of Yitzchok Schneerson who passed the first floor synagogue, at which Upon arriving in New York after his Shevat (“Yud Shevat” in Hebrew) is away in 1950, on Shabbat morning, he formally accepted the leadership rescue from Nazi-occupied Warsaw a most significant date on the Chas- Shevat 10, in his apartment on the of Chabad. with a historic maamar in 1940, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak took sidic calendar. 2nd floor. Exactly one year later, (discourse). on a no less formidable challenge: Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneer- the frigid spiritual atmosphere of It is the yahrtzeit of the sixth See the story of the beginning of the son held the historic farbrengen in the western world. There was no Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Rebbe’s Nesius (5711/1951) telling Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak that his was a losing battle; from his Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson (1880-1950) wheelchair, he rallied the Jewish young of America under the cry that 6th Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch ried Nechamah Dina, daughter of leave the country. But in leaving the “America is no different,” that also Rabbi Abraham Schneersohn and boundaries of the Soviet Union he in this bastion of materialism the A Brief Overview granddaughter of the Tzemach left his emissaries and their infra- timeless truths of Torah can take Tzedek, the third Chabad rebbe. structure of Jewish life behind; these Reprinted from Chabad.org root and flourish. He established During the week’s celebrations that continued to function and thrive, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneer- yeshivas and day schools, a publish- followed the wedding ceremony, preserving and even spreading the son, the sixth Rebbe of Chabad- ing house for Jewish books, a social Rabbi Sholom Dovber announced teachings of Torah and chassidism to Lubavitch, was one of service organization and community this very day. When the all-powerful the most remarkable support networks throughout the communist regime began to crumble Jewish personalities of country. By the time of his passing in the closing years of the ‘80s, the twentieth century. in 1950 he had laid the foundation Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak’s network of In his seventy years, for the global renaissance of Torah- children’s schools, outreach centers, he encountered every true and chassidic-flavored Jewish and supply lines of kosher food and conceivable chal- life, heralded by his son-in-law and religious services simply moved out lenge to Jewish life: successor, Rabbi Menachem M. of cellars and attics into emptied the persecutions and Schneerson. Communist Party buildings. pogroms of Czarist Russia, Communism’s war on Judaism, and Goal of Mivztoim: Ultimate melting-pot Ameri- redemption ca’s apathy and scorn By Rabbi Michoel Seligson therefore, gave to the Jews two toward the Torah and Mitzvos. The same is true for all the its precepts. TheR ebbe In one of the Farbrengens on Shab- exiles. The mizvos are the vessels for was unique in that he bos Parshas Bo 19771, the Rebbe the Geula. not only experienced spoke an unusually emotional Sicha these chapters in Jew- in which he gave an insight into the TheR ebbe continues: When a fire is ish history -- as did ultimate goal of the Mivtzoim. The burning a person will escape from many of his generation Rebbe was explaining a Rashi on the the blaze and grab anything that he -- but that, as a leader Parsha2. Rashi explains why Hashem can to save from the fire. He might of his people, he actu- instructed the Jews to fulfill two not grab the clothing he needs, he ally faced them down, mitzvos prior to leaving Mitzrayim will grab a tie and put it on in order often single-handedly, (Egypt). Rashi quotes Reb Masya to save it from the fire. the founding of Tomchei Tmimim, and prevailed. Ben Charosh. Prior to redeeming the Lubavitch yeshivah, and the Why is this so? Because when a the Jews from Egypt, Hashem saw Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak was the only following year appointed his son person finds himself in an emer- that they were bare of Mitzvos, son of Rabbi Sholom DovBer, the to be its executive director. It was gency moment, he does not make and were not ready to leave Egypt. fifthR ebbe of Chabad, whose devo- there, in the hamlet of Lubavitch in any calculations or think logically. Hashem therefore gave them the tion to the child’s education is pre-soviet White Russia, that Rabbi He grabs a tie and puts it on even Mitzvos of bris mila (circumcision) lovingly chronicled in Rabbi Yosef Yosef Yitzchok trained the army though he dosen’t even have a shirt and Pesach. Yitzchak’s voluminous writings.1 of the faithful torchbearers who, on. When a fire is burning, G-d While still in his teens, the young under the impossible conditions of TheR ebbe asks the question, Why forbid, there is no time and patience Yosef Yitzchak he served as the the decades to come, would literally must Rashi cite who was the one that for Cheshbonos (calculations). Once right hand of his father. As the per- give their lives to keep the flame of said this comment? What would be he has this one garment on him, this sonal secretary of the Rebbe, Yosef Jewish life ablaze throughout the lacking if Rashi would only mention will eventually guide him to don all Yitzchak’s responsibilities included Soviet Union. the above mentioned thought and his garments. administrating the many civic and omit the source of the comment. Upon his father’s passing in 1920 The same is with Mivtzoim.W e meet communal activities in which the Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak assumed the TheR ebbe explains that when a Jew a person on a train or bus, although Rebbe was involved. The young leadership of Russian Jewry just as asks a question about the unusually we know that in a short time the Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, in full-length Communism’s all-out war on Jew- long Golus, Rashi teaches a child person will be getting off, don’t leave chassidic garb, was a familiar figure ish life was moving into high gear. the answer. The answer for that is him bare of Mitzvos, the garments in the receiving rooms of the govern- His fight to preserve Judaism was relayed to us by the sage Reb Masya of the soul. “Throw something on ment officials, ministers, and nobles characterized by his all-consuming the son of Charosh. Who was Reb him” a “tie” or any other garment. of Moscow and Petersburg. In 5655 mesirat nefesh - an unequivocally Masya Ben Charosh? Reb Masya Grab the occasion and talk with him (1895) the young rabbi participated selfless devotion to the physical Ben Charosh lived in the Golus of about a specific Mitzva!E ventually, in the great conference of religious and spiritual needs of a fellow Jew Rome, a time of great oppression. this one Mitzva will bring another and lay leaders in Kovno, and again and unshakable faith in what he His students approached and asked Mitzva. And this will prepare Klal in the following year in Vilna. At stood for. He dispatched teachers him, “It is already stated in the Yisroel for the Geula. times soft-spoken and with words and rabbis to the farthest reaches Talmud that all deadlines for the coming from the heart, at times We should all merit, that the Rebbe of the Soviet Empire, establishing Golus are over ! So why are we still audacious and threatening, but should lead us, very speedily, to a vast underground network of in such a bitter Golus ?!” always fearless and determined, he our holy land “together with the schools, mikvaos, and lifelines of demanded the repeal of anti-Jewish Reb Masya Ben Charosh responded Mivtzoim and Neshek in our hands” material and spiritual support. decrees, the stopping of pogroms and to his students, “Look at the first Bkorov Mamash. Stalin’s henchmen did everything the cessation of the government’s exile, Mitzrayim. The deadline for in their power to stop him. In 1927 program of forced “enlightenment” redemption had arrived but they he was arrested, beaten, sentenced of traditional Jewish life. were bare of Mitzvos. Hashem to death and exiled; but he stood his On Elul 13, 5657 (1897), at the age ground, and by force of international 1 Sicha of Shabbos Bo 5737 of seventeen, Yosef Yitzchak mar- pressure he was finally allowed to 2 Shmos 12, 6 January 30, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 13

Shaalos Utshuvos in Modern Times Who made up the way we sing the Torah? From Chabad.org By Baruch S. Davidson much of the insight provided by the he buys me things because he loves making meals and trying new foods. Question: tunes affects aspects of our souls that me and wants to make me happy. It This can be something both fun and are beyond our understanding and is not that I don't like nice things, financially wise. You will end up Is it important that the Torah be conscious perception.7 Nonethe- but with today's economic situation spending more time together (as it read in the traditional melody? Who less, some of the implications of I just don't think it is practical to will include preparation and cleanup made up these melodies anyway? the specific tunes on some verses spend like this. He tells me I worry time as well as the time spent eating) Response: are elucidated in the Kabbalah and too much, yet I feel he is not being and it will be both healthier and less Chassidic teachings. responsible. Any advice? expensive. The actualT orah scroll contains only letters. The printed editions, known So the next time you're in the syna- Concerned Newlywed If you take a good look at the extrava- as Chumashim, commonly contain gogue, tune in to the chords that gances in your lives and where the Dear Concerned Newlywed, not only the vowel markings, but have influenced the soul of our money is being spent, there are often also cantillation marks. Each mark nation ever since we were married It sounds like there are a few dif- much less expensive alternatives. signifies a different melodic phrase to the Torah at Sinai.8 ferent dynamics going on here. Instead of taking a week-long vaca- with which to chant a word or group Leaving aside the current financial tion go away for day trips. Instead of Yours truly, of words. In Hebrew, these marks situation for a moment, it appears hotels, look into swapping homes or are called ta'amim—from the word Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson that for whatever reason he feels that staying in places with kitchenettes so ta'am, meaning taste—or in Yiddish, spending money, both on himself you can bring food along and even FOOTNOTES the trop. and on you, is something he should do some cooking. 1. Some accredit these as well to Mosaic be doing. Perhaps he is concerned The trop is an integral part of reading You say you are recently married. times. Others attribute the symbols to the that if he doesn't keep a certain the Torah and has historical, mysti- More important than anything else, Men of the Great Assembly (2nd Temple standard that you will be angry or cal, as well as practical relevance. remind your husband both directly Era). upset. Maybe he sees that his friends and indirectly that you didn't marry 2. See Pardes, Gate 28 (Moses Cordevero, are always buying things for their History: him for his money, and you do not 16th century Kabbalist). Some historians wives and he either doesn't want The use of the cantillation marks in love him for the things he buys you. opine that the ta'mim were introduced by you to be jealous or he is trying to current use dates to at least the 9th- While he may know this intellectu- King Solomon (based on Talmud Eruvin keep up with them. Or perhaps this 10th century CE. This was the era ally, emotionally he might feel that 21b) or Ezra, but this is not so according is simply the lifestyle that he enjoys. of the Masoretes, meticulous scribes he has a standard he needs or wants to the Zohar. But if so, it doesn't sound like he can in Tiberias, Jerusalem and Babylon to keep. He wants to take care of you 3. For this reason, the Talmud (Nedarim afford it! who worked to establish a precise and make you feel secure and maybe common text, vowelization and 37b) quotes one opinion that the ta'amim Often people buy things to make he feels that by providing for you cantillation for the Tanakh.1 The have the Halachic status of Mosaic Law. themselves feel better. Shopping can materially he is accomplishing this. tradition of the ta'amim by which (The issue at hand there is whether the rules give someone a feeling of control, Remind him that what you need is the Torah is to be sung, however, of payment for the teaching of the ta'amim of newness in their lives, of being for him to be healthy and happy, not is as old as the Torah itself. It was would fall under the same category as the able to create the kind of image that for him to buy things for you. taught to Moses together with the teaching of the actual Torah or not.) they want to have. If his shopping 4. Ritva to Yoma 52a, and others. If over time you see that there is no vowels, as it is integral to the correct is related to insecurities, the best 5. Nedarim ibid. and elsewhere. way for the two of you together to understanding of the Torah.2 3 It is thing you can do is to try to reassure 6. See Likutei Torah, Shir Hashirim 1:3. bring your (or his) spending under only that the system of notation may him and make him feel secure, so 7. Igros Kodesh, vol. 4, pp. 386-387. control, you may want to consider have been developed later (and this that he will not resort to shopping 8. The ta'amim for the reading of the proph- seeking the advice of a financial plan- is also debated). Nonetheless, at one as an outlet. Try to be conscious of ets (such as when reading the Haphtarah), ner or even a therapist. Spending can point in history, some of the details how you talk about material things. as well as the trop used for the High Holi- unfortunately become an addiction, of the ta'mim were forgotten by much Sometimes we are not even aware of day readings, differ from the ta'amim used in which case professional help is of the Jewish community, and Ezra what we mention. Perhaps you talk for the standard Torah reading, though needed to curb it. the Scribe reintroduced them4. about how beautiful a particular they follow the same principles and use huge home is or what you would do There is a beautiful tradition that Function: the same marks. This is to the exception for a certain pair of earrings or outfit. under the chupah, under the mar- In addition to the pronunciation and of Job, Psalms, and Proverbs which have a Often we make these comments riage canopy, that a man empties emphasis guidance that the ta'amim set of notes, symbols, and patterns of their with no real intention of ever having his pockets and a woman removes provide, which affects the meaning own. You will also find wide variations such things, but more as passing all her jewelry. The reason for this and tense of the word, the ta'amim in the melodies and modalities from one comments. But if your husband hears tradition is to show that the bride also provides information on the community to the next, as these were you talk about things he can't afford, is not marrying this man for his syntactical structure of the text. In adapted to the local musical modes. Thus he could be feeling pressured that he material wealth, for anything that he addition, it often provides commen- an Iraqi Torah reading will sound quite is not providing for you in the way has in his pockets. She is marrying tary and insight to the text itself, by different than a Polish reading, although that you would like. him for who he is on the inside. And musically highlighting noteworthy both adhere to the same principles and likewise, he is not marrying her for follow a the same set of ta'amim. If his money spending is not really ideas. Some of these insights have her jewels or her riches or anything unhealthy but more impractical in been elucidated throughout the external. He is marrying her for who today's market, then think about generations. Nehemiah 8:8, where Husband Won't Stick she is, not what she wears. So make ways you can help your overall we read how the Torah was read sure that this is a message that stays To A Budget spending lessen. Look at the things and taught before the Jewish people, in your marriage and becomes your Dear Rachel, you do in your relationship and concludes, "…and they explained foundation. where the money is spent. One big the reading to them." TheT almud5 I am very newly married and now money pit often is eating out. Going May you be blessed in your marriage comments that this expression refers that we are sharing a bank account, I to a nice restaurant can be romantic, and lives to have an abundance of to the additional understanding see for the first time that my husband a little get away, relaxing…yet it can wealth, in the spiritual, emotional which the ta'amim provide. is really spending more money than also be quite expensive. If you see and material sense, and may you he should be. He freelances so his Some point out that the Hebrew word that he spends a lot of money taking always know how to use it wisely! income is certainly not consistent, used for these melodies, ta'amim, you to dinner, try to create another but he buys things as if he has endless means "taste" or "sense,"6 indicating experience that is just as enjoyable Rachel resources. I always thought he could that the ta'amim bring out the flavor and less expensive. Surprise him afford his more lavish lifestyle but of the passage. The implication is and cook a nice dinner for the two now I see that his credit card debt is that reading words without correct of you or make a picnic. Pack him mounting and I am worried that it inflection and melody is like eating great lunches (and for yourself as could get out of control. He spends a tasteless meal. well) when you go out for the day a lot of money on me which I neither so that you don't stop to pick up The Chassidic masters write that want nor need but he always says food. You can suggest taking turns 14 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 30 2009 Notes

Perseverance I’m not seriously addicted to shopping a way of keeping me on my toes. they’d miss me, that I mattered to by any stretch of the imagination, but What I know at this point in my life them—isn’t that what everyone By Lieba Rudolph it’s a habit whose time has passed. is that I definitely wouldn’t care for wants? Apparently not, judging from The question I ask myself is, “if And I’m another year older, which is a it, if people said that I was a great the way so many people in the world Moshiach were to come right now, wonderful thing. dresser, or how live their lives. would I be happy with what I was As I am quick to good I looked Lucky us. We have the Rebbe’s doing?” tell people who for my age. guidance that actually keeps our ask how I’m What I’m doing, of course, is as That being life purpose on track, so that every doing, middle much subjective as objective. For the case, this day we are blessed to be alive can age is not as bad example, if Moshiach were to come year I’ll try to actually accomplish something real as I thought it and find me shopping in Filene’s spend less time and eternal. would be. Maybe Basement, I could justify being in front of the it’s because some The Rebbe teaches us that the best there by saying that a Jewish woman mirror. Would of the things way to matter to others is to think always needs to dress appropriately, I care if people I’ve been try- about others, to view them with and besides, they’re going out of said they loved ing to absorb all loving eyes and do for them with a business so everything’s on sale. Or my challah or these years have generous heart. To see that we really would I be faced with the fact that my cholent? actually sunk are all one…wait, I think I want to I had gone AWOL because I don’t Only because in. Or maybe add having more ahavas yisroel as need anything at Filene’s? I think it would mean it’s because I a birthday hachlata. This may be my birthday hachlata should be no that they were have seen too harder to measure, but it is all that more recreational shopping. guests in my many friends matters in the end. And the Rebbe house and the This could be harder than previ- leave this world has assured us all that the end will food reflected ous birthday hachlatas. One year I before they soon change, that the unpleasant the warmth took on to always wear a seat belt, even got to options of either old age or the t h e y w e r e another year I decided to give daily dream about middle age. obituary page will be gone with the shown. tzedaka. coming of Moshiach. The later pages of the book of life So although I’m not planning to How can it be that not doing some- turn quicker, and I’ve always kept In the meantime, I’ll stay on my spend more time in the kitchen, thing can be harder than doing a running commentary of what I toes, not so I will matter to people I hope I don’t spend less time in something? I guess that’s like trying thought people would say about me just in case I leave before he comes, the kitchen, since food is such an to say to the alcoholic that it’s not if mine were to close. but also so I know that I am doing expression of love. But what I would that hard not to drink —just don’t everything I can to make sure he It’s a bit morbid, I know, but it has really want is for people to say that drink! comes now!

Jewish History Personality hovered over the study hall. One day Shalom came upon Rabbi The Kabbalist Rabbi Shalom Sharabi - The Rashash Gedalia weeping over an open volume, begging and imploring Born: Shar’ab, Yemen, 1720 One time on a business expedition extensive knowledge. Instead, he God to illuminate his mind. It was Shalom found himself in a very presented himself as a simple Jew and Nistalek: Jerusalem, Eretz Yisrael, impossible to ignore such a pitiful dangerous situation, and vowed found employment as the shamash 10th of Shvat 1777 sight. Later that night, when the that if God saved him, he would (sexton) of the study hall. study hall was empty, Shalom wrote Rabbi Shalom Sharaby was born move to the Holy Land. Indeed, It was a wonderful opportunity to the answer on a small piece of paper in the city of Sharab, where his learn without being and left it between the pages ofR abbi superior intellectual gifts were evi- observed. As a regu- Gedalia’s book. dent at an early age. Unfortunately, lar presence in the the premature death of his father The next morning the study hall was Talmud-Torah, no prevented him from remaining in in an uproar. The problem that had one paid any atten- Talmud-Torah, as the young orphan appeared so difficult and complex tion to Shalom, who was now the sole support of his had been solved in a clear and logi- kept his eyes and family. Shalom became a traveling cal manner. Everyone was curious ears open to every merchant and sold his wares from where the wonderful explanation word. Thus he grad- door to door. This left him with only had come from, but it remained a ually increased his his evenings free to pursue his one great mystery. The strange phenom- knowledge until he true love: the study of Torah. He enon repeated itself several times. far surpassed every- would often remain in the study hall Whenever a difficult question was one else. But his till the wee hours of the morning raised in the evening, its answer was greatness remained before going home to catch a few found in Rabbi Gedalia’s book the a secret known only hours of sleep. next morning. A thorough investiga- to him. God came to his aid, and he left his tion was conducted, but the head of But Shalom’s thirst for Torah friends and family and embarked One day a question came up in the the Yeshivah could not determine knowledge was insatiable. Despite on the long journey through the Yeshivah that no one could answer. where the answers were coming his achievements, he still felt as if Middle East. On his way he stayed For days the Kabbalists consulted from. something were missing. It was in India, Baghdad and Damascus. their heavy tomes, but could not then that he discovered the esoteric The riddle was solved in a totally There he left a strong impression on come up with a satisfactory explana- realm of Torah - the Kabbalah and unexpected manner, when Rabbi the Rabbis. tion. Rabbi Gedalia became almost its mysteries - as developed by the Gedalia’s young daughter Chana obsessed with the problem, and was sages of Yemen. Enthusiastically he Shalom’s joy knew no bounds when happened to mention that she had very perturbed by his inability to plunged into the study of the higher he finally arrived at theY eshiva of the noticed the Yemenite shamash solve it. worlds and the Torah’s secrets, and Kaabbalists “Beit El” in Jerusalem, flipping through the pages of one distinguished himself in this realm headed by the famous Kabbalist R’ Shalom had been listening to their of her father’s books. In fact, she as well. But the young Rabbi Shalom Rabbi Gedalia Chiyun. His soul deliberations and knew the answer. had noticed him doing so on several insisted on working for a living, and longed to join the other students of But not wishing to reveal himself, occasions. The next time an unre- continued to peddle his notions as the inner aspects of Torah, but he he remained silent. As the days solved question was raised in the before. had no wish to reveal his already progressed, it was as if a dark cloud study hall the Rabbi made believe he Continued on page 15 January 30, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 15 Shleimus Haaretz

has exacted a terrible toll. The Jewish An Analysis of the Camp David Peace Process people have had to mourn for their 1. The Halacha finest sons lost in battle over the past Adapted from Sichos by the Rebbe an Israeli commission of inquiry was years. How much longer must we live published by:Sichos In English instituted to investigate the killings The Camp David accords, which so in con­stant fear of war, unceasingly in the Lebanese refuge camps, the many Jews hoped would bring the Publisher’s Foreword vigilant of our very lives? All Jews Rebbe pointed out that since its sole peace so long awaited, are in reality the desperately yearn for peace, for a time The body of the Jewish people — an purpose was to determine Jewish guilt exact opposite. They constitute a grave when guns will not be necessary for indivisible and sanctified unity — has in the matter, instead of determining danger to the secu­rity of Eretz Yisroel, our very survival. suffered a grievous blow: one limb who were the perpetrators and who and on the grounds of pikuach nefesh has cut off another. Every respon- issued the orders, this was a travesty Halachah forbids the sur­render of any And so, when several years ago the sible remaining limb is now left to do of justice. territory necessary for secu­rity. prospect of peace suddenly seemed a its lonely grief work, to ponder the little less impossible, Jews world-wide The following synopses of some of the When it is a city close to the border, pent-up currents of mutual intoler- began to hope and pray — maybe we Rebbe’s addresses on the above sub- then, even if they want to come only ance that ultimately erupted with the would finally be able to live in peace. jects were published at their respective for the purpose of [taking] straw tragic assassination of Prime Minister The visit of President Sadat ofE gypt to times by the undersigned publisher, and stubble, we desecrate the Shab- Yitzchak Rabin. Jerusalem opened up new, undreamed who trusts that they have done justice bos because of them; for [if we do of, vistas. Were the Arabs really ready At the same time, while lamenting and to their author. We have chosen to not prevent their coming] they may to abandon their unceasing hostility deploring this divisive and unsanctified reprint them now, because at a time conquer the city, and from there the and recognize our title to our land? deed, no thinking man will want to when some individuals on all sides are [rest of the] land will be easy for them lose sight of the basic issue that under- being distracted by mutual and collec- to conquer. Shulchan Aruch, Orach Thus was born the Camp David peace lies the current ideological contest: tive accusations that are unprofitable, Chaim 329:6 process. The three major characters: whether or not territory should be unloving and unjust, the voice of the An American President who needed The whole earth belongs to the Holy surrendered in exchange for promises Torah perspective should be clearly peace and stability in the Middle One, Blessed be He; He created it and of peace. For at the present critical heard. East region, a Jewish Prime Min­ister gave it to whom He pleased. Of His moment in its history, the Land of who desperately wanted peace for his Sichos in English own will He gave it to them, and of His Israel — an indivisible and sanctified people and country, and an Egyptian own will He took if from them and gave unity — is tottering under a series of An Analysis of the Camp David Peace President who wanted...what? Genuine it to us. Rashi, Bereishis 1:1 grievous blows, and vital limbs are Process peace? Or a political means of obtain- being irreversibly cut off. “Rabbi Yitzchak said: The Torah ing that which he could not win in Since the Six Day War in 1967, the [whose main object is to teach com- battle? It doesn’t really matter, thought In literally hundreds of public addresses Rebbe has unceasingly reiter­ated his mandments] should have commenced Jews. Peace is peace; and any peace is delivered since the Six Day War in opposition to surrendering any of the from the verse (Shmos 12:2) ‘This better than no peace. 1967, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi liberated territories. Most recently, month shall be unto you the first of Menachem M. Schneerson, explained the Rebbe has time and again warned But is it? The very word, peace, triggers the months,’ which is the first com- why none of the liberated territories of the grave danger the Camp David deep emotions; and of all peoples, mandment given to Israel. Why then of the Land of Israel should be sur- accords pose to the security of Eretz Jews, who have suffered so long and so does it commence with [the account rendered. Time and again he warned of Yisroel. much, yearn most for it. But because of] Bereishis? Because [of the concept the grave danger that the Camp David we long for it so des­perately, we can This publication is a synopsis of the expressed in the text] ‘He declared to accords pose to its security. With the easily be blinded to reality. To put Rebbe’s many public addresses on His people the power of His works beginning of Operation Peace for the it bluntly, the Camp David accords the sub­ject, translated and adapted [i.e. He gave an account of the work Galilee in 1982, the Rebbe called for do not spell peace, not even a small by Rabbi Yosef Loebenstein. While it of Creation] in order to give them the the campaign to be carried through to step towards it. This agreement is an is but a synop­sis, every effort has been heritage of the nations.’ For should its logical conclusion — the complete unmiti­gated disaster for Eretz Yisroel, made to give as accurate a representa- the nations of the world say to Israel, elimination of the terrorist threat to and has placed over three million Jews tion of the Rebbe’s views as possible. ‘You are robbers, because you took by Jewish lives. And soon after, when in greater jeopardy than before. force the lands of the seven nations [of Canaan,]’ Israel will reply to them ‘The Such a statement is not made lightly. The Rashash and Reb Gershon of Kitov (brother- whole earth belongs to the Holy One, But this is a matter which concerns in-law of the Baal Shem Tov). The Blessed be He; He created it and gave the security of millions of Jews, and Continued from page 14 Chido (Rabbi Chaim Yosef David it to whom He pleased. Of His own we cannot afford to close our eyes was going home for the evening but Azulai) describes The Rashash as will He gave it to them, and of His own and hope for the best. The Camp hid in a closet. Indeed, to his utter a holy man who knew all the books will He took it from them and gave it David accords and their results must shock, he observed the shamash of kabbalah he was studying, orally, to us’” (Rashi, Berei­shis 1:1). be examined closely, logically, and consulting the holy tomes and and was using all the kavanot written unclouded by emotion. Above all, we secreting a piece of paper between For more than thirty years now Eretz by the Ari. must see what Halachah, Jewish law, the pages of his prayer book. Yisroel has been in the hands of its has to say. Jews gov­ern their lives by the In his study of Kabbalah, the Rashash rightful owners, the Jewish people. The next morning the head of the Torah, and first and foremost we must would only study the Zohar, the And even while exiled from our land Yeshivah insisted on seating Rabbi look to the Torah for direction. writings of the Ari and his student we retained our ownership, an eternal Shalom Sharaby at his right hand Rabbi Chaim Vital. He would not heritage from the eternal G‑d to His Before analyzing the Camp David side, and revealed to all the great study books written by other stu- eternal peo­ple. No power on earth accords, let us first see exactly what mystery. In fact, he later appointed dents of the Ari or any other early could change that. are its terms. Eretz Yisroel will sur- him his heir and successor, despite or late kabbalists. render the majority of the Sinai (in his young age of only 27. Chana TheA rab people have, in recent years, three phases, the first two already the daughter of Rabbi Gedalia Rabbi Shalom Sharaby wrote a been at war with the Jewish people, completed). This encompasses a) the Chayun became his wife. Rabbi siddur called Siddur HaRashash, seeking to wrest possession of the land land, b) the oilfields, c) the advanced air Shalom Sharabi ‘s greatness was thus a kabbalistic prayer book based from us. They accuse us of robbery, fields, d) evacuation of all Jewish settle­ revealed to everyone in Jerusalem, mainly on the teachings of the Ari of taking the land by force from the ments. In addition, the ‘Palestinians’ and many stories are told about his HaKadosh. The introduction to his ‘Palestinians.’ The text quoted above will be given some form of autonomy. wisdom. For 30 years he served as siddur is called Rechovot HaNahar. is pe­culiarly apt for our times, is it not? In return, Egypt extends recognition head of the Beit El Yeshivah, until This prayer book is still used today For we are not robbers. The land has to the Jews of Eretz Yisroel and signs a passing away. During these 30 years by kabbalists for prayer. always been Eretz Yisroel. Palestine is a peace treaty, officially ending the state he also succeeded in protecting the foreign name, imposed upon it by oth- The Rashash was buried at Har of war which has existed over the past Jews of Yerushalayim from their ers. To us it has always been the Holy HaZeitim (Mount Olives). He made years. This, briefly, constitutes the main Moslem neighbors. Land, given by G‑d to His people. a promise before his death that point of the Camp David accords. We Some of Reb Shalom’s main students whoever will visit his gravesite and Can There be Peace? proceed now to the analysis. were The Chido, Reb Yom-Tov will pray with a pure heart, his prayer Elgazy, Reb Chaim De La Roza will not go unanswered. But while we may be determined to (To be continued) keep that which is ours, constant war 16 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 30 2009

Financial Interest

Teach Kids the Value of Money money to school. total family income or the size of the mortgage, but they should know With a little extra money at their From Kiplinger.com chases are still beyond the child's what pressures are on the budget. disposal, kids in the elementary comprehension. Here's how to encourage financial grades become serious shoppers. A few cautions about including kids responsibility and what you can Giving an allowance probably doesn't Help them learn to compare quality in family financial affairs: First, don't expect of your children. make sense at this age because chil- and prices of similar items. Allow expect them to shoulder the weight dren's concept of time isn't developed them to make small choices on their of a financial crisis. Second, don't A family money-management plan enough to grasp the idea of receiving own, such as gifts for friends or toys make them feel guilty about costing with any hope of success will have a regular income. Besides, you know for themselves. As they mature, give you money. If financial setbacks to include the kids -- which is easier what they'd spend it on. them more say in buying clothes for make cutting some expenditures said than done. You can teach your school and play, pointing out why necessary, deciding where to trim 4-year-old to close the front door, but Nevertheless, there are a few specific one purchase may be a better buy the family budget can be an educa- you can't expect him to understand money-related exercises that can than another because of quality, tional exercise. that you don't want to pay for air- benefit a preschooler.A s your child appropriateness or price. This will conditioning the whole neighbor- learns to count, you can demonstrate equip them for making intelligent Saving. hood. A teenager, on the other hand, the relationship between pennies choices. Children also should learn to save should understand that and more. and nickels, then dimes and quar- money on their own -- starting in ters. Also, children like to play store Allowing kids to do their own shop- Lessons in financial responsibility elementary school. The simplest way with play money. It's a good way for ping means you have to expect some must take into account a child's age is for you to open savings accounts them to learn the role of money. mistakes -- a cheap toy that breaks and level of maturity, but there are in their names. For an account in the first day, or too much candy, general guidelines you can follow. Situations that don't seem to be the name of a very young child, you or clothes that don't fit. Let your connected with money at all may can make deposits and withdrawals • child make mistakes like that. Then Teach Kids the Value of on the child's behalf. Children who do your best Money have reached the age of "competence" Here's how to encourage finan- to make it -- a subjective standard that depends cial responsibility and what you a learning on state law -- can open and manage can expect of your children. experience, their own accounts. not simply • Allowance: When and How an occasion Some banks charge stiff service fees Much? to say, "I told for small accounts but may make Start at an appropriate age so you so." an exception for minors' accounts. kids can start learning how to If not, the service fees can be high handle money. Family enough not only to wipe out the financial • Using Money to Reward or interest earned each month but discussions. also to eat into the principal. That's Punish Includ- Cash as an incentive should a valuable lesson to learn, but not i n g o l d e r only be used in small amounts one that most young children are elementary- in select circumstances. ready for. school kids in • a few family The Young Americans Bank offers Ways to Give Money to be the most important influences. If financial discussions is a good way savings accounts, checking accounts, Children preschoolers are encouraged to share Custodial accounts and trusts to demonstrate the kinds of choices even credit cards and loans, to things, to take care of their toys and are ways to transfer cash to your adults face. For example, the cost of customers under age 21. Parents pick up after themselves, their sense kids. a family vacation depends largely on of children younger than 18 must of responsibility will be reflected where you go. Would the kids rather become joint owners of the accounts. Your attitude toward money -- the in the attitudes they develop about spend one week at the beach or two For your child to withdraw money way you handle it and discuss it money. Psychologists generally weeks in the mountains? Teenagers from the account, both of you have -- makes an impression on your chil- agree that a person's attitude toward should participate regularly in fam- to agree to it, or you can sign a dren just as surely as your attitude money is really an extension of ily financial discussions. They still release allowing your child to make toward other personal matters. attitudes toward other things. needn't know every detail, such as withdrawals on his or her own. If you speak longingly of the neigh- Thus, if children feel secure at home bor's new car or television set, if and are given freedom to explore you spend impulsively, if you often their environment within reasonable quarrel about money with your limits, then they are off on the right spouse, the children will notice. Your foot where money is concerned, behavior reveals the place money has too. in your life. It's unrealistic to expect your children to develop an attitude Good money habits for kids toward money that's more mature Allowance. than your own. Most kids are ready for a regular So what can you do to encourage allowance when they start school. financial responsibility in children A weekly schedule is probably best. of various ages, and how much can The amount depends on what you you expect of a child? expect the child to buy. If he or she has to pay for lunch and bus fare, What preschoolers can learn then the allowance must be bigger about money than if you paid those expenses Three- and 4-year-olds aren't too yourself. young to start learning about money. Either way, kids need free money, to At least they can be shown that spend or save as they see fit.H anding money is something you exchange out exact change for lunch doesn't for something else. You might want teach children much if they merely to give your child a few coins to convey the money from your hands spend on a piece of penny candy or to the hands of a cafeteria cashier. fruit at the store. This will demon- Deciding what to do with an extra strate the use of money, even though dollar each week is a more valuable the relative merits of different pur- experience than just carting lunch January 30, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 17

To the Point of Self Sacrifice” “To speak with him would be useless. for directions could only stare at The man has a cruel and malicious the strange apparition confidently heart, and I have already severed all striding the corridors of the inte- Told by the Lubavitcher Rebbe personally responsible for many of contact with this vile creature many rior ministry. Soon he located the Courtesy of MeaningfulLife.com the devastating pogroms which were years ago. But there is one thing I can minister’s office at the far end of a “arranged” for the Jews of Russia in do for you. Because of my status as commanding hallway on the fourth Reprinted from Chabad.org those years. Stalin’s mentor, I have been granted floor of the building. It was during Rabbi Yosef Yitz- Living in Petersburg was an elderly a permanent entry pass into the chok’s younger years, when the As Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok walked scholar, a former teacher and mentor offices of the interior ministry. I need Czarist regime still ruled the Rus- toward the office, the door opened not explain to you sian Empire. A new decree against and Stalin himself walked out and the consequences, the Jewish community was in the closed the door behind him. The for both of us, if works, aimed at forcing changes Rebbe’s son and the interior minister you are found out. in the structure of the rabbinate passed within a few feet of each But I have come to and Jewish education. Rabbi Sho- other. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok made respect you and lom DovBer (the fifth Lubavitcher straight for the office, opened the what you stand Rebbe) dispatched his son, Rabbi door, and walked in. for, and I have Yosef Yitzchok, to the Russian decided to help After a quick search, Rabbi Yosef capital of Petersburg to prevent the you.” Yitzchok located the documents decree from being enacted. When pertaining to the decree in Stalin’s Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok asked how When Rabbi Yosef desk. On the desk sat two ink stamps, long he was to stay in Petersburg, Yitzchok pre- bearing the words ‘APPROVED’ his father replied, “to the point of sented the pass at or ‘REJECTED’ above the minis- self-sacrifice.” the interior min- ter’s signature and seal. Quickly, istry, the guard Upon his arrival in Petersburg, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok stamped the on duty was stu- Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok learned that proposed decree ‘REJECTED’ and pefied: few were the decree had already reached the of the Interior Minister. Rabbi Yosef inserted the papers into a pile of the cabinet-level ministers granted desk of Stalin, the interior minister of Yitzchok succeeded in befriending vetoed documents which sat in a tray such a privilege, and here stands a Russia and arguably the most power- this man, who was greatly impressed on the desk. He then left the room, young chassid, complete with beard, ful man in the Russian Empire. The by the scope and depth of the young closed the door behind him, and sidelocks, chassidic garb and Yid- ruling Czar’s intelligence (or lack chossid’s knowledge. For many an walked out of the building. dish accent, at a time when to even thereof) made him a virtual rubber evening the two would sit and talk reside in Petersburg was forbidden stamp for whichever minister the in the old man’s study. to Jews. But the pass was in order, prevailing political climate favored; One day, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok told so he waved him through. at the that particular time, His High- his new friend the purpose of his stay ness was led by the nose by Interior Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok entered the in Petersburg and pleaded with him Minister Stalin, a heartless tyrant building and proceeded to look for to assist him in reaching the Interior and rabid Anti-Semite who was Stalin’s office. Those whom he asked Minister. The old scholar replied: Swimming is great low impact exercise! Come to the Rec-Center! January 2009-

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