The World of Lubavitch A publication of Chabad-Lubavitch, Toronto Vol. 42 No. 2 (146) TISHREI 5777 SEPTEMBER 2016 We Used to Call it a Mitzvah By Baila Olidort - New York There is no remembrance of former things . . . And I hated all my labor wherein I labored under the sun, seeing that I must leave it unto the man that shall be after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Ecclesiastes 2:18 The other day I heard someone say Chabad was “a humanitari- an Jewish organization.” I cringed. She had just come from an event promoting a “groundswell of transformative social good.” One of the stage props was a larger-than-life photo of the Rebbe. The Rebbe was being honored on a platform of social goodness. Many know his emissaries as the rabbis who run “relief centers” around the world. Who hasn’t seen photos of them wading through floodwaters, throwing out lifelines and handing out water bottles when tornadoes and tsunamis strike. Why carp? It’s true that among everything else they do, the Rebbe’s shluchim do these things too. The preponderance of goodness and kindness that Chabad has generated around the world cannot be gainsaid. It’s made Chabad a household name, and its representa- tives the go-to people for anyone who needs help anywhere in the world. Maybe it rankles because those of us who experienced the Reb- be in his lifetime feel protective of his vision, and to think Chabad a humanitarian organization seems a misunderstanding of his legacy. It’s now 22 years since the Rebbe’s passing, and as Chabad evolves its model to meet Jewish life in the 21st century, we want to ensure its integrity and prevent misconceptions about our core identity. When I was growing up in the 1960s, most of the Chasidim were Russian immigrants. (Back then we all called it “Lubavitch” after the town in Russia where the movement had begun. We called ourselves “Lubavitchers,” and the first centers that opened—in Lon- don, Melbourne, and Minnesota—were named “Lubavitch Houses.” Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters was simply “770.”) The people in our neighborhood were mostly survivors. We could see that their suffering and loss were personal to the Rebbe. When he alluded to the world that had gone up in flames, his Cha- sidim felt his pained breath. We sensed pathos in his desire to revive from the smoldering ashes. Things would get better for the Jew- ish people, he promised. He would stop at nothing so that Jews no longer hide in fear. We will be proud. We will even sing. As the second generation adapted, it lost some and gained some. But the Rebbe taught us to hold fast to our Yiddishkeit—a word that had precious resonance. He made us proud to live as Jews. He even taught us to sing about it. As Elie Wiesel said in an interview (Lubavitch International June/July 2012), the Rebbe did Chabad Lubavitch to more than anyone else to make it better for the Jews. Today we speak of social good and humanitarian causes as if they are millennial values. We are uneasy talking about things that Honour Warren Kimel aren’t politically correct, like G-d, chosenness, intermarriage, or the rituals and practices that identify us as Jews. And now, with the possibility of reaching so many so quickly—a dream come true for Plans are in full swing standing affiliation with Abraham who personified Chabad—we have to be careful not to sanitize our mission state- for the upcoming an- Chabad Lubavitch.” Rabbi the attributes of “kindness, ment. nual dinner of Chabad Grossbaum further pointed humility, and modesty,” Because for all the Rebbe’s universal appeal, it needs to be said Lubavitch. The gala cel- out that Warren’s charac- as noted in the celebrated that his agenda was to strengthen Jewish observance among Jews ebration to be held Thurs- ter traits earn him a seat Mishna. Indeed, his casual and to refine the world for all humankind through the dissemination day, November 22, 2016, amongst the disciples of disposition and unassuming of the seven Noahide Laws. In his words, our objective is “To make will honour Warren Kimel. nature are truly commend- our world a dwelling place for the Divine.” For all its success adapting to modernity and the new communi- “This event is an opportuni- able. cations, Chabad is not a New Age invention. It grows out of a long ty for the entire community Warren Kimel is CEO tradition of Jewish piety that sought to deepen our spiritual experi- to pay tribute to a most de- of Fabricland, the largest ence and elevate our existence. It spans more than two hundred serving guardian of Jewish retail chain of fabric stores years, and thousands before that, going back to Sinai. Trends will life,” said Rabbi Zalman across Canada. He has come and trends will go, but this, we believe, will remain forever. Grossbaum, Regional Di- been on the Board and Ex- On the third of Tammuz (June 12) 1994, many thought rector of Chabad Lubavitch. ecutive of UJA Federation, Chabad’s best days were behind it. But today, a different story “The honouree has taken a served as President of the unfolds. It’s a story about the Rebbe’s inventive project that hit leading role in numerous Boards of Baycrest Foun- its stride in the last two decades. It’s a story about the Rebbe’s community agencies and dation, B’nai Brith Toronto shluchim, the carriers of his vision, and the mitzvahs they do to the upcoming event will Freedom Lodge, and Beth make the world better. More holy. More G-dly. Baila Olidort is Director of Communications at Chabad- give us the opportunity to Sholom Synagogue. War- Lubavitch recognize Warren’s long Continued on page 3 Page 2 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016 The 4 Mysteries of King Solomon Three things are wondrous identified as willow branches to me, and four I do not know because of the willow’s Proverbs 30:18 tendency to grow near water Despite all the wisdom and the elongated shape of its granted to [King] Solomon... leaves (like a river). Another he was mystified by the Four A Reflection on the identifying mark of the aravah is Kinds. As it is written: “Three that willow bushes tend to grow things are wondrous to me”-- Four Species of Sukkot in close-knit groups (aravah is these are the Passover offering, related to the word achavah, matzah and maror [eaten at the “brotherhood”). Passover seder]; “and four I do So what was it about the not know”--these are the Four identity of the Four Kinds that Kinds [taken on Sukkot] so mystified King Solomon? Midrash Rabbah, Vayikra Surely “the wisest of men” was 30:14 as proficient in the ways of Torah On Sukkot, the Torah exegesis as the Talmudic sages commands us to take the “Four whose analysis is summarized Kinds”--the etrog (citron), lulav above. In any case, there are (an unopened frond of a date many cryptic passages in the palm), hadas (myrtle twig) and tradition of Torah interpretation, indeed writes, “fronds of dates,” and “rope-like.” Hence the Torah where laws are derived aravah (willow twig). identifies the Four Kinds through but the word kapot (“fronds “branch of the thick-leafed tree” from double meanings and As is often the case with a series of homiletic exegeses of”) is spelled without the letter (anaf eitz avot) is identified as the variant spellings of its words. the Torah’s commandments, the of the Hebrew words employed vav, meaning that it can also myrtle twig, whose overlapping Solomon’s dramatic declaration “Written Torah” (the Pentateuch by the verse. The clue to the be read kapat, “the frond of,” leaves grow in knots of three, regarding the etrog, lulav, or “Five Books of Moses”) identity of “the splendid fruit in the singular. In addition, the giving it the appearance of a myrtle and willow--“[Three are conveys this mitzvah in a few of a tree” lies in the word hadar word kapot also means “bound,” plaited rope. There is another wondrous to me] and four I do cryptic words, leaving it to the (“splendid”), which can also implying that we are to take a plant that meets this description- not know”--must bode a deeper “Oral Torah” (the traditional be read as ha-dar--“that which closed frond (“the heart of the -the hirduf (nerium oleander)- meaning--a meaning that relates interpretation of the Written dwells.” The etrog is unique in palm”). By these means, the -but the Talmud rejects that to the inner significance of the Torah taught by Moses and that while other fruits each have Oral Torah identifies the second possibility as inconsistent with Four Kinds taken on Sukkot. handed down through the a particular season in which they of the Four Kinds as the lulav. the rule the “[the Torah’s] ways Four Species of Man generations) to decipher their grow, the etrog “dwells in its There are many “thick- are ways of pleasantness, and The Four Kinds, says the meaning. In the Written Torah, tree all year round,” continuing leafed trees” in whose branches all its pathways are peace” (the Midrash, represent four types of the verse regarding the Four to grow and develop under a “the leaves completely cover the hirduf is a thorny and poisonous people. Kinds reads: variety of climatic conditions. stem”; but the Hebrew word avot plant). As for the lulav, the Torah (“thick”) also means “plaited” The aravot of the verse are And you shall take for Continued on page 14 yourselves ... the splendid fruit of a tree, fronds of dates, the branch of the thick-leafed tree and aravot of the river... King Solomon, the Midrash tells us, was mystified by this verse. “Who says that ‘the splendid fruit of a tree’ is the etrog?” he queried. “All fruit trees produce splendid fruit! [As for] ‘fronds of dates,’ the Torah tells us to take fronds, in the plural ... yet we take a lulav, the unopened heart of the palm. And who says that ‘the branch of the thick-leafed tree’ is the myrtle? ... And concerning the ‘aravot of The Fifty-Sixth Century the river’--all trees tend to grow near water.” In the six hundredth “in the sixth century of the all fields of secular science and tranquillity for life How, indeed, do we know that “the splendid fruit of a tree, year in the life of Noah... all sixth millennium, the gates -- in mathematics, physics, everlasting.” fronds of dates, the branch of wellsprings of the great deep of supernal wisdom will be medicine, technology The Trickle Before the the thick-leafed tree and aravot burst open, and the windows opened, as will the springs of and the social sciences -- Flood of the river” are the etrog, of heaven were opened... earthly wisdom, preparing the revolutionizing all areas of The redemption by lulav, myrtle and willow? The Genesis 7:11 world to be elevated in the human life. Moshiach is many things. Talmud, which summarizes The Zohar interprets this seventh millennium.” According to the Zohar, It is the gathering of the forty generations of the oral verse as a prediction that Indeed, the fifty-sixth this dual revolution came dispersed people of Israel to century from creation (1740- to prepare the world for the the Holy Land, the rebuilding 1840 in the secular calendar) “seventh millennium” -- the of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy ON OUR COVER was a time of great discovery era of Moshiach, when the Temple) in Jerusalem and the is no exception. Set around a bucolic and accelerated development, six “workday” millennia of re-establishment of the Temple pond we slowly make out four or both in the supernal wisdom history will culminate in an service. It is mankind’s return five male figures tightly clustered on the far side of the pond, each holding of Torah and in the earthly age “that is wholly Shabbat what may be a prayer book. Imme- wisdom of secular science. This Continued on page 14 diately Tashlich comes to mind. But was the century in which the what of the two beautifully painted The World of Lubavitch Chabad Lubavitch of Ontario ladies in the foreground? They too teachings of Chassidism were A Publication of HaRav Dovid Schochet Mrs. Fajgi Itkin have a prayer book, but it seems one Chabad-Lubavitch Spiritual Leader Chabad of Hamilton revealed and disseminated by Rabbi Z. Aaron Grossbaum is holding an infant even as a young 770 Chabad Gate Rabbi Mendel Kaplan Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov Thornhill, Ontario Executive Vice-President Chabad @ Flamingo girl playfully runs alongside them. L4J 3V9 Rabbi Vidal Bekerman Rabbi Yisroel Landa Men on one side, women on the oth- and his disciples. The inner (905) 731-7000 Chabad at York Israeli Community Services er, a shimmering pond between them www.chabad.ca Rabbi Mendel Bernstein soul of Torah, which until Chabad of Richmond Hill Rabbi Sholom Lezel in fading hours of Rosh Hashanah. Chabad of the Beaches then had been the province Editor: Rabbi Tzali Borenstein This artwork, in its lush brushwork, Rabbi Moshe Spalter Chabad of Durham Rabbi Mendel Nakkar of a select number of mystics Chabad of Barrie evocative setting and characters is a Associate Editor: Rabbi Mendel Chaikin Rabbi Avrohom E. Plotkin Chabad of Downtown beautiful pastoral that contemplates in each generation, was made Rabbi Z.A. Grossbaum Chabad of Markham Rabbi Nechemia Deitsch Rabbi Mordechai Silberberg the complexity and quiet delights of Advertising: Chabad of Midtown “The Eye of the Fish” accessible to all, imparting a Chabad of London a year about to unfold. The image is Rabbi Moshe Spalter Oil on Linen By Rosa Katzenelson Rabbi Yechezkel Deren Rabbi Yisroel Simon new depth to our understanding Chabad of Maple evocative, charming, playful and yet Typesetting: Chabad of Kingston wonderfully serious about the joys Rabbi Yoseph S. Gansburg About the author: “Rosa Katzenel- of the divine wisdom and Tamar Shuchat Education Rabbi Yitzchok Slavin of living in a Jewish world. Out of Chabad of Mississauga son’s paintings celebrate the con- infusing vitality and joy into Circulation: 8500 Rabbi Levy Gansburg Rosa Katzenelson’s passion for Yid- Rabbi Moshe S. Spalter cept of the Pintele Yid, the Jewish Subscriptions: $18 yearly Chabad Bayview York Mills our observance of the mitzvot. Administrator & Media spark ... Her broken brushwork dishkeit and making art comes flash- Rabbi Menachem Gansburg $5 per copy Chabad on the Avenue Rabbi Moshe E. Steiner lends itself to a unique form of ab- es of insights and mystery that make As these supernal Chabad of Uptown returning to the paintings over and FALL 2016 Rabbi Moshe Goldman stract realism. revelations poured forth from Chabad of Waterloo Rabbi Rafi Steiner over a pure delight “-- Curator state- Chabad of Guelph Her colors are bright and intense, We cannot take Rabbi Yitzchak Grossbaum ment by R. McBee, The Jewish Press the windows of heaven, the Camp Gan Israel Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman which give her subjects a feel- responsibility for the Russian Community Services ing of mystic joy.” -- from text by earthly wellsprings answered Kashruth of the items Rabbi Yossi Hecht Contact information: advertised in this Chabad of Aurora Rabbi Zalman Zaltzman Joshua Stulman, Hadas Gallery in kind. The same century publication. Chabad of Niagara www.rosakatzenelson.com “Mystery is at the heart of every saw an unprecedented good painting. The Eye of the Fish We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada eruption of knowledge in through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016 • Page 3

Camp Gan Israel Chabad Lubavitch to Completes Fifth Season Honour Warren Kimel

“Time flies when the growing demand and their toe into the water Continued from page 1 followed by an oversized you’re having fun,” is a enrollment which has in- to get acclimatized, for period. Beneath the “got ren and his family have your attention” zinger is a well worn cliché which creased year after year. that there is a new 12’ gi- made significant gifts to the short narrative underscor- certainly applies to Gan In fact this past summer ant slide drops one in the Community Hebrew Acad- ing the indestructible soul Israel, our overnight Gan Israel reached its “deep end,” whether you emy of Toronto, the Bay- imbedded within each per- camp in Haliburton. “It targeted capacity enroll- are ready or not. crest Hospital, and other son. “Der pintele Yid,” may city wide institutions im- sometimes lay dormant or seems like just yesterday ment for both the girls’ But, ultimately it proving the health, welfare, even buried beneath a fa- is the counsellors and education, and religious life çade of indifference, still, staff that are the “secret of our dynamic and ever the sleeping giant is prone sauce” that has earned growing community. to be awoken by fanning Gan Israel international The guest speaker will its dormant embers with a be Rabbi Yoseph Y. Jacob- dosage of Torah study or by recognition, and a stel- son, from New York, one the performance of Mitz- lar reputation. Their cre- of the most sought-after vot. All of the promotional ativity and enthusiasm Jewish personalities in the material highlight this core is truly remarkable and world today, who has the principle of faith which we unique talent to keep his have all witnessed amongst they succeed to keep the audience spellbound as peers, family, friends, or as- campers on a “high” all he successfully weaves a sociates. summer long. timely message with cut- Still, for an action ting edge humour. Bril- liant, charming, and an packed day the camp- exceptional orator, he has ers need to be well fed. touched thousands around From a spacious spotless the world with his deep, in- kitchen, and following a tuitive grasp of the human we launched this vibrant and boys’ session. creative menu, the camp condition. He has the keen ability to distil the depth of initiative,” said Rabbi So too, the growth family are served nutri- Talmudic scholarship and Yitzchak Grossbaum, was noticeable on the tious meals that satisfy highlight its relevance to camp director, “yet we ground and at the water- even the most discerning contemporary society. just completed our fifth front. Currently a sec- pallet. To round out the eve- 13 year-old musical prodigy Biana ning Biana Pinchuk a Pinchuk will perform at the event season.” Although the ond staff house is in the On numerous oc- thirteen year old musical campers attend for just throes of completion to casions the Lubavitcher prodigy has been invited to one month, the admin- accommodate the mana- Rebbe, Rabbi Schneer- enthrall the guests with a This summer over istration is busy and ac- gerial faculty who spend son, obm, underscored, musical interlude on the vi- 1200 youngsters enjoyed a tive all year long. From the entire summer on site that the camping experi- olin. The young promising meaningful summer attend- star who hails from Florida ing either the Lubavitch registration in January to together with their fami- ence is not a break from has appeared on America’s Day Camp our city wide planning, building, and ly. The six self contained the learning but rather Got talent and performed program or Gan Israel our ordering, the work goes units are spacious and a bridge. He noted that around the world. A com- recently established over- on all year long. Indeed, laden with amenities. At during the school year poser, singer and violin- night camp in Haliburton. ist, Biana wrote her first from the moment the the waterfront, over the the emphasis is on accu- Being sensitive to the finan- professional piece at the cial hardship of many fami- camp family of camp- course of the five sea- mulating knowledge and tender age of six. Having lies, both programs made ers, counsellors, and sons we have acquired a in camp the emphasis is performed at numerous provisions for campers to staff hug and say good full assortment of plea- on performance. Indeed, fund raisers, she cultivated attend on a scholarship ba- bye, the administration sure crafts that include the open expanse, the a passion for philanthropy sis. These endeavours were and has since graciously facilitated by some 300 is already planning and sail boats, surf boards, lush greenery, and casu- raised funds for numerous teenagers who were offered adding features to make kayaks, paddleboats, ca- al atmosphere, provide worthy causes. employment in a most re- the next season bigger noes, and rowboats. And the perfect setting to This year the theme of warding environment. Not- and better. No doubt the no longer do campers (or strengthen the body and our campaign is “What’s withstanding the financial the Point.” The cliché is burden, Rabbi Grossbaum predominant factor is counsellors) need to dip nurture the soul. presented in large type and noted, “we feel we get ex- cellent value by provid- ing a meaningful summer for over 1000 children and teenagers, either as camp- ers or counselors! From our flagship cen- tre in Thornhill, the Chabad Lubavitch Organization con- tinues to reach out to the en- tire Jewish community with programs that continue to ed- ucate and promote traditional values. These objectives are further augmented by some 15 satellite centres, strategi- cally established throughout the GTA and beyond. So too, there are Chabad House stu- dent centres at all major uni- versities along the southern rim of Ontario. Dinner reservations may be arranged by calling Chabad Lubavitch at 905.731.7000 ext.222 Page 4 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016

Lubavitch Day Camp Jewish Life Grows at “Goes Cruisin’” McGill University

The red PT Cruiser pulled Shabbat Dinner held this year By Rena Greenberg - laypersons in the community the student who wouldn’t up in front of a Thornhill on Friday night August 12. Montreal to learn various Jewish otherwise get involved but is home one evening in July and A delectable four course After being displaced from subjects one-on-one. Kosher interested in the learning, in Jason came barreling out of meal, cooked by the LDC their campus Chabad House Cooking, hosted by Rashi the challenge of Judaism.” the front door of the house, staff, camper performances, digs for some three years, Weiss, teaches first time cooks Dales agrees. “Rabbi Shmuly and Rashi always his face all smiles and unable spirited songs and late night hundreds of Jewish students living on campus for the first who find a haven at Chabad of year or two of university the encouraged us to learn the to contain his excitement. conversations between the subjects in Torah that most counselors and LDC families McGill University are finally basics of kosher observance. “We’re Cruisin’ ” he shouted settling back into their newly Special holiday events draw pertain to us.” The recent as he ran back inside to share was an event that will not be remodeled Chabad House. greater numbers. “Our goal,” one-on-one learning program, the news with his family. forgotten. A former row house, the 100 says Rabbi Weiss, “is to give she says, allowed students to Jason had been waiting True to its mandate, the year-old building underwent every student a positive Jewish explore topics that interested and hoping for this moment Lubavitch Day Camp con- an intensive $2.2 million reno- experience.” them as they related to their since he began attending tinues to go way beyond the vation and expansion and was Room for Learning, Room studies. “A business major Lubavitch Day Camp (LDC) norm in order to maximize finally rededicated in early for Growth could learn business Torah two summers ago. the summer experience for April 2016. The large multi purpose law, or someone can learn “We were thinking about some 700 campers. The high An historic part of the local social hall which doubles Talmudic case studies.” how to bring the phenomenal enrollment necessitates to Chabad infrastructure estab- as the Chabad House Shul, Judaism 101 or advanced Talmud classes offer Jewish Lubavitch Day Camp spirit, divide the children who age lished in 1973 to serve Jewish a beautiful café/lounge, students at McGill University, a hospitality suite and an students at all levels the which the children experi- from age 2 to 14 into seven opportunity to study. Students distinct divisions. the building took on various extensive two-level library and ence every day, home to the uses, at one time even head- study area for students, have also lead their own learning parents” explains Rabbi Shua Our core staff consists quartering all the activities of been thoughtfully outfitted groups, create their own one- Goldstein, assistant director of Yeshiva boys and girls that Chabad of Montreal until it fell to meet the students needs. on-one study sessions, and of LDC. “Parents are always are selected for their enthusi- into serious disrepair. When The commercial kitchen will regularly present on topics of telling us how excited the asm, commitment, and expe- Rabbi Shmuly Weiss of Los also be linked to a kosher study or even teach classes. children are to go to camp rience. Under the able leader- Angeles and his wife, Rashi, restaurant scheduled to open “When students participate every morning, but the par- ship of Mrs. Estee Steinmetz, a Montreal native, arrived at in September—a welcome in the classes, they are able to ents don’t get to see the LDC every detail from transpor- Chabad of McGill in 2007, the development at this downtown create their own curriculums spirit for themselves”. tation, program, lunch, and building was few years away Montreal campus that doesn’t and build their own leadership from being condemned. have a kosher meal plan. skills,” says Jesse Tepperman, “We needed to gut the in- Rebecca Dales, immediate a McGill alumnus who terior of the three-story struc- past president of Chabad at graduated three years ago but ture and expand the building to McGill’s student group, is maintains a close relationship meet our current needs,” Weiss looking forward to the new with the Weiss family and says, recalling the slow-going space and the new opportunities Chabad of McGill. process and the many setbacks it presents. “There are so many Tepperman, who majored along the way. With the help exciting programs and classes in Jewish studies with a of Mr. George Rohr, the proj- going on, and with the new double minor in education and ect’s primary benefactor, the building we are really seeing communication, looks back Rohr Jewish Center at McGill them catch on,” the Industrial fondly on his time at Chabad University now boasts a mod- Studies major continues. of McGill “an international ern and state-of-the-art facil- Catering to the Chabad house.” He explains ity conducive to the continued intellectually inclined McGill that the multicultural learning growth of Jewish student life student is an important facet of environment exposed him to on this campus. Weiss’s approach. “Students Jews from all walks of life. An International Crowd here are very serious and “It instilled in me a value that If you drop into the dining very focused on their studies. [no matter our differences] we room at Chabad of McGill By offering a challenging are all Jews and we all unite on a Friday night, you’ll be class about Judaism we reach towards a common goal.” greeted by a cacophony of Then someone donated a field trips, is carefully- ex languages. Nearly 150 students used PT Cruiser to the camp amine and evaluated for effi- from around the world are and an idea was born. ciency, execution, and value. celebrating Shabbat, speaking Every evening of the Although for the participants English, French, Hebrew, camping season a few coun- the program is a fleeting sum- Spanish, German, Russian and selors from the boys division mer experience, for Mrs. more. The students come from squeeze into the Cruiser and Steinmetz the Lubavitch Day McGill and other downtown go for a home visit with one Camp is a labour of love campuses. of the campers and their fam- which continues throughout McGill’s large inter- the year. national student body is ilies. They come equipped especially apparent among its with kosher supper for the Numerous technologi- 5,000 Jewish students, with family – pizza or hot dogs, cal initiatives have been em- roughly half from Canada and and spend an hour or two just ployed to keep parents up the rest from countries around hangin’. to date on what happened, the world. The Weisses—an Activities include play- what’s happening, and what’s American and Canadian duo, ing the children’s favorite going to happen, on a daily serve this diverse demographic games, schmoozing or even basis. This year’s initiative skillfully, interfacing with putting on Tefilin before dark. was the bus monitoring tech- students in English and French, “The Cruiser has become nology, which gave staff and and a few other languages. somewhat of an LDC mascot. parents the ability to track the Chabad’s diverse activities children’s progress as they on campus offer students Just the sight of it coming different points of entry, down the street has the chil- made their way to and from engaging an average of 500 dren weak kneed and hyper- camp each day. The minute to every week. Mitzvah McGill, a ventilating” says Mrs. Estee minute tracking of the buses program that connects students Steinmetz, the camp direc- gave much needed peace-of- with charitable pursuits tor. “A home visit from the mind especially when there around the city appeals to the Cruiser confers “star status” was a delay, traffic or bad humanitarian minded; Sinai weather. Scholars, a text-based study on that child the next day in of the 10 commandments, camp.” “We have more plans for draws the intellectual student Another special pro- constant improvements to our seeking additional learning gram designed to bring the camp,” says Mrs. Steinmetz. opportunities. parents in on the LDC fun “Stay tuned for an even better A recent innovative and inspiration is the Family season next year.” program matched students with World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016 • Page 5

Well Over 1000 Join Chabad on Campus Shabbat Dinner 1st Week Back With a mixture of ex- attending the first weeks citement and apprehen- Shabbat dinner on campus. sion, Jewish parents across The challenge of uni- Canada sent their children versity life to Jewish iden- off to university earlier this tity is also an incredible month. Echoing the High opportunity. Students are Holiday prayers, they often beginning to spread their think to themselves “Will wings in a declaration of in- he succeed, will he flunk? dependence, and when they Will she make friends, will decide – on their own – to she be alone? Most impor- embrace their Jewish iden- tantly, will the Jewish iden- tity and make choices that tity we toiled to inculcate align with it, the effects last in them remain strong, or a lifetime. will they assimilate into the Noah, a first year stu- dominant culture on cam- dent at Wilfrid Laurier Uni- pus?” versity summed it up well: The good news is that “It’s hard to be away from welcome back BBQs, Shab- home, but being at Chabad bat dinners and Torah class- feels like home”. With es organized by Chabad on Chabad’s trademark loving Campus branches at every warmth inspiring them to major university in Ontario make wise Jewish choices, are confronting this chal- the future is bright for the lenge head on, with well next generation of Cana- over 1000 Jewish students dian Jews. Welcome Back BBQ at the Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life, Waterloo Oslo’s Jews Dance in the Streets Hoping for Better Days Ahead

Mr. Chaim Hirsch (Her- city’s Chabad House, they Rabbi Wilhelm reflected mann) Kahn, one of the old- saw opportunity. The Chabad on the dramatic turn of est Jews in Oslo, rubbed his representatives would invite events: 70 years earlier, he eyes in disbelief last week. the community to celebrate noted, ships deporting Jews “I have been living here for it with all the pomp and cir- to Auschwitz left from the harbor at the Oslo Fjord that lies only a few minutes away kiddush Hashem I’ve ever supervised the koshering from the Grand Hotel. seen,” he shared. “It really of the hotel’s kitchens for “The Lubavitcher Rebbe changed the community. the occasion, and a team emphasized the importance Ever since the war, people of chefs was flown in from of being comfortable in one’s have been afraid to express New York. own skin and showing no Yiddishkeit in Oslo. Now, to Capping the drama, the fear. We took this message see Jewish people walking Wilhelms announced the to heart and displayed our the street so proud and purchase of a new property Jewish pride boldly, showing fearless . . . it’s an amazing for the Chabad House. The that we can live as Jews thing.” dedication of a Torah scroll, no matter where we are,” The event was followed a fitting introduction to the by an elegant sit-down dinner declared Rabbi Wilhelm. establishment of Oslo’s new One donor, who asked for 450 at the Grand Hotel’s ballroom, where the annual Chabad House, seemed to to remain anonymous, beckon better times for the expressed a similar Nobel Peace Prize banquet sentiment. “It was the biggest takes place. Rabbi Wilhelm city’s Jewish community. the last 70 years and never cumstance typical of Torah believed that in my lifetime dedication ceremonies in the I would witness what I saw U.S. For Oslo’s very small today.” Jewish community, the event Life experience taught was happy evidence that, the Hungarian-born Holo- thanks to the bold efforts of caust survivor to keep a low their Chabad representatives, profile. Especially in places positive change is astir. like Norway where, as is On August 30th, as locals true in many Scandinavian looked on in anticipation, countries, Jews have not the scribe filled in the last found a comfort level allow- letters of the Torah. Carried ing them open expressions under the traditional chup- of their identity. To dance pah canopy, the new Torah with a Torah in the streets of was hoisted up as 250 Jews Oslo seemed more than far- brandishing flags and -bal fetched. loons danced down Oslo’s It’s a vibe that Rabbi main street to lively Jewish Shaul and Esther Wil- music. 5:30 PM - Rides, Food & Lots of fun! helm have been working The procession marched hard to change, and when past Parliament’s Storting 8:00 PM - Live Music, Dancing & Fireworks they got word that a new To- building and ended outside rah would be donated to their the Grand Hotel, where Chabad Lubavitch Community Center Page 6 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016

Chabad Opens First Center in East Africa. as Couple Heads to Nairobi, Kenya Sternie Super never occurred had it not been for and after independence in thought moving to Sub- Rabbi Super’s previous ex- 1963—and Jewish life has Saharan Africa was very periences in Africa. As a rab- remained stable throughout. realistic. Sure, she had binical student, he spent nearly The 40th anniversary dreamed of establishing six months at the Chabad ye- of Israel’s successful and mi- Although its Jewish rabbis), it felt natural to turn a Chabad-Lubavitch outpost shivah hosted at Bentolila’s raculous rescue operation in history is old and ingrained, to Chabad of Central Africa in together with her husband, Jewish center in Kinshasa, the Entebbe, Uganda, has also the majority of Kenya’s their search for a new rabbi. Rabbi Avromy Super, and Congo. Kinshasa has become revived memories of the cru- Jews today are expatriates “We’ve had a relationship moving to some place, near the capital for all things Jewish cial role played by Kenya from Israel (which has been with Chabad in Africa for a or far, to service the area’s throughout most of this vast during the affair. At the time, involved in building Kenya’s very long time,” says Myers. Jewish population. But continent since Bentolila’s ar- Israel’s planes were unable to infrastructure for decades), the “We always got rabbinical make the roundtrip flight to United Kingdom, South Africa Uganda without a refueling students for Jewish holidays, and the United States. Many but never someone full- stop. President Jomo Kenyatta work for the United Nations or approved Israel’s request to time. We were looking for international NGOs. someone who could fulfill do so, but not without serious Ashley Myers is president repercussions; Ugandan dicta- both the religious side, but of the Nairobi Hebrew more importantly, someone tor Idi Amin directed reprisals Congregation. A British native, against Kenyan citizens and who could work to draw Jews he first came to Kenya 13 together of all backgrounds. had Kenya’s Minister of Ag- years ago to manage a popular riculture Bruce Mackenzie as- beach hotel in the coastal city There’s a wide range of Jews sassinated (Mackenzie helped of Mombasa. For the last five here in Nairobi, and we wanted convince Kenyatta to agree to years, he’s lived in Nairobi, someone who could bring us Israel’s request.) Suspicions where he’s taken an active role together.” that influential Jews in Kenyan in the city’s Jewish communal When the Supers visited, society played a role as well, life. He notes that Kenya has affirms Myers, the community in particular the hotel-owning long had a fruitful relationship was impressed. “They have Block family, led to the 1980 with Bentolila, and after the English and Hebrew language; Palestinian terrorist bombing community parted ways with they’re young and enthusiastic. of the Block-owned Norfolk its previous rabbi (who filled They fit our requirements Rabbi Avromy and Sternie Super will move to Nairobi, Kenya, this fall to lead the Nai- Hotel in Nairobi. a 17-year gap in permanent exactly.” robi Hebrew Congregation and establish Chabad-Lubavitch of Kenya. They are seen here at an elephant orphanage in Nairobi’s National Park.

Nairobi, Kenya? That seemed rival in the Congo 25 years Tanya Printed on Mount Everest like a pipe dream for the Iowa ago, and he regularly sends native—perhaps a bit too far, a rabbinical students, Jewish Yehuda Shlezinger He has already printed a survive the harsh weather little too exotic. materials and holiday aid to its A Chabad emissary took copy of the sacred book in conditions with minimal food. Until she got there. disparate Jewish communities. Judaism to new heights Antarctica, but said he had “a “You walk 18 hours a day,” Just before Passover, Super During his first stint in Africa, recently when he climbed dream that I couldn’t shake he said. “I lost 10 kilograms and her husband traveled Super spent Chanukah in Ac- Mount Everest to print a off to print ‘The Tanya’ on [22 pounds] during the trek, to Nairobi to spend the cra, Ghana; other young rab- copy of the Chabad book of Mount Everest.” so now I need to switch out holiday with the city’s Jewish bis were sent to, among other mysticism, “The Tanya,” on The hiking team bundled my entire wardrobe.” community. The 112-year-old countries, Ethiopia, Namibia the world’s highest mountain. up in thermal clothes, but His efforts paid off Nairobi Hebrew Congregation and Zambia. Meir Elfassy, 30, who Elfassy insisted on wearing when he reached the upper had reached out to co-director In all, Chabad of Central works as a “wandering traditional Hassidic dress as Everest Base Camp, where he of Chabad of Central Africa Africa reaches 17 countries. emissary,” set out on a two- Rabbi Shlomo Bentolila asking The Chabad center well, especially the black hat achieved his goal. week adventure with two associated with Chabad. “We went to the base for assistance in finding a rabbi, in Kenya will be the fifth Sherpas, 10 cans of tuna, and Bentolila had connected permanent Chabad presence in “It was so the Jews would there and asked them for matzot, a package of paper see me and know that I am electricity so we could print them with the Supers. After the Sub-Saharan Africa, excluding and a printer. Jewish,” he said. “One of the ‘The Tanya,’” he said. “They community had the chance to South Africa. Aside from “The Lubavitcher rebbe meet the couple in person over Bentolila in Kinshasa, who instructed us to print ‘The Israelis [traveling there] told agreed and helped us print the Passover, where the Supers first arrived in 1991, there are Tanya’ in every place where me that it was nice to see a book for the first time ever ran a seder for 50 people, the now centers in Abuja, Nigeria; there are Jews, even if it’s yarmulke on the mountain.” on the highest mountain on match was made. Accra, Ghana; and Luanda, only one Jew,” Elfassy said. Elfassy managed to earth.” The visit sealed the deal Angola. for the couple as well, particu- “In Nairobi, this is a union larly for Sternie (née Brook). between Chabad and the Like so many other foreigners community,” says Bentolila. who initially come to Kenya “The Supers will work within for just a short time, she dis- the community and at the same covered Nairobi to be pret- time direct Chabad of Kenya.” tier than she had thought—and “I loved Africa from the more Western, too. Come High first time that I got there,” Holiday time this year, Rabbi Rabbi Super says of his initial Avromy and Sternie Super will enthusiasm for the idea. “In be leading the Nairobi Hebrew other parts of the world, you Congregation and establishing might have rabbis chasing after the first Chabad center in East Jews trying to convince them Africa, Chabad-Lubavitch of to come to an event. What I’ve Kenya, under the auspices of found in Africa is that people Chabad of Central Africa. are looking to connect with “Once I got here, I realized their heritage; they call you. that it was an actual option,” To me, that’s incredible.” says Sternie. She was particu- Of Locals and Expats larly surprised by the amount The first Jews arrived in of Jewish children involved Kenya at the turn of the 20th in the community. “The first century, and shortly afterwards, thing I’m planning to work on the Nairobi Hebrew Congre- is creating a vibrant Hebrew gation was formed. Although school.” theirnumbers never ballooned ‘People Looking to Con- to anything substantial, Jews nect’ did play pivotal roles in Chabad emissary Meir Elfassy takes Judaism to new heights by trekking to Everest Base Camp in Hassidic garb, equipped with paper The move might not have Kenyan society—both before and a printer • “The Lubavitcher rebbe instructed us to print ‘The Tanya’ in every place where there are Jews,” he says. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016 • Page 7

A Home Coming: 500 Chabad Rabbis Convene in Russia by Baila Olidort - Moscow 1915, the fifth Lubavitcher Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel AUGUST 2016 Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom Dovber, Lazar spoke to lubavitch. When in July 1991, fresh fleeing the German army com during the conference, after the collapse of the Soviet during WWI, evacuated his reflecting on the change that Union, 150 Chabad-Lubavitch family from Lubavitch, and has transpired over the last Children of emissaries representing resettled the movement’s quarter century. Europe and Russia convened center in Rostov. “Back in 1991 when, in Russia, local Jews were For Chabad Chasidim inspired by the Rebbe, we Prison Inmates still afraid. In the annals of whose leaders, parents and met for the first conference Chabad-Lubavitch, which grandparents suffered and in Russia, Jews had yet to had been operating under the died under the stranglehold of shake off the fear that they Go Camping radar during more than seven communism, the conference in had known for so many years. brutal decades of communist Lubavitch in 2016 still rings The communist mindset still Anna Katz was at a loss. riching summer experience. persecution, it was a watershed surreal, the sense of triumph prevailed and people were June was fast approaching “The benefits of camp are moment. prompting spontaneous absolutely incredulous to see and the mother of three from many,” explains Brook. “First, Communism’s fall was outbursts of dance and song. such an open celebration of northern California didn’t it provides a much needed re- presaged by the Lubavitcher Further underscoring the Jewish identity. know what she would do with spite for the parent at home. It Rebbe who was deeply changed attitude of once “Today, after 25 years her kids all summer. After a also creates a fun and mean- invested in Russia’s Jews, fearsome authorities, Belarus’s of Chabad’s activities in the bad business decision that ingful experience for the kids, and in honor of the euphoric top brass rolled out the red FSU, the sense of fear that landed her husband in prison providing them with the op- occasion, Lubavitch News carpet for the rabbis at a has so gripped our people for in February 2014, life as she portunity to make new friends Service, now lubavitch.com, welcoming event. 70 years here has given way knew it came to an abrupt and explore essential Jewish issued a press release that was Speaking for the President to Jewish pride. Today, Jews end. Her meager income was values. It helps the entire fam- reviewed by the Rebbe and of Belarus, a government in Russia enjoy a quality of barely enough to pay for the ily have a positive Jewish ex- marked with his handwritten official reflected on the life that is often better, and basics, and financing summer perience and become more in- editorial changes before it was positive impact of Chabad safer than in many European camp for her kids was out of volved with their local Jewish released to the media. and its activities in Belarus countries.” the question. community.” A quarter of a century later, and beyond. A representative On Wednesday, the That’s when the Aleph In- The Katz children are 500 Chabad representatives for the ministry of religious yahrzeit of the Rebbe’s stitute stepped in. The Chabad among 96 others who’ve ben- organization based out of Flor- efited from summer camping ida serves the needs of Jewish experience this year thanks to prisoners and their families Aleph, and among hundreds throughout the US prison sys- that Aleph has sent to Jewish tem. In 2011, they established camps in the US and abroad the Aleph Institute Jonathan over the past five years. The Stampler Camp Fund, giving impact this experience has had children of incarcerated par- on the children and their fami- ents the chance to attend Jew- lies is immeasurable say their ish summer camp by offering families.

A tour of the city of Lubavitch, center of the Chabad movement for one and a half centuries

from former Soviet countries affairs spoke with emotion, father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, and Europe convene in Russia moved by the rabbis who came the delegation visited Almaty, once again. A homecoming to Liozna, “the place where in Kazakhstan, where they to the Rebbe’s shluchim, the the Alter Rebbe [referring prayed at his resting place. conference’s itinerary which to Rabbi Schneur Zalman as They concluded the conference began Monday in Moscow, Chabad Chasidim do] founded in Moscow before returning to takes participants on a trip Chabad Chasidism.” their respective cities. down memory lane to the cities in Russia and Belarus where Chabad was born: Liozna, Liadi, Lubavitch. generous subsidies and schol- “Camp has made Judaism “This is a day of true joy,” arships. In addition to provid- come alive for my children, said Rabbi Yitzchak Kogan, ing the funds, Aleph also helps especially for my teenage a legendary Soviet refusenik, with the logistics and planning. girl,” Katz says. “It taught her speaking from Lubavitch. “It is Last summer, when good values. When she came now 100 years since Chabad- Aleph’s family services di- home last year, she wanted to Lubavitch left this small town rector, Rabbi Shua Brook, re- dress more modestly. Now, and became a powerful force alized that the Katz children she works at the local Hebrew of Jewish life worldwide. It is had no summer plans and had School and is giving back to our great privilege as Chabad never attended a Jewish camp, others.” Chasidim to bear witness to he found donors willing to pay Among the overnight this.” for their camp tuition. Jodi and camps selected by Aleph Indeed, as Rabbi Moshe Ryan, ages thirteen and eleven are CTeen Heritage Quest, Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of respectively, flew to overnight CTeen Xtreme, Camp L’man Chabad’s educational division camps in the northeast while Achai, and CGI Poconos, who was instrumental in John, aged nine, stayed in a among others. facilitating this conference, local Jewish day camp. This To reach out to Aleph fam- noted, this would indeed be summer, all three children ily services department for the first time in 100 years that have returned to those over- someone in need, please email Lubavitch would see such a 905-731-7000 ext. 231 night camps for another en- [email protected] large gathering of Jews. In Page 8 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016 New York Father of Three Receives Kidney, Thanks to Rabbis By Faygie Levy Holt Hananya, who is my existing Chabad was a By the time most people originally from Israel but has niche Chabad at the Medical on the East Coast had fin- lived in the United States for Centers, it was made-to-order ished lunch and returned many years, was put on the for me to get involved. It was to work, Jack Hananya of National Kidney Registry in actually my witnessing people Long Island, N.Y., was in June 2014—joining nearly in my day-to-day encounters recovery in a Manhattan 100,000 others who are in who were suffering from hospital room, having just need of a kidney transplant, this disease and not being received a life-saving gift according to the National adequately helped—who thanks to two Chabad- Kidney Foundation. By were resigned to their fate of Lubavitch emissaries and a February 2015, he was on death—that drove me to start little matchmaking. dialysis several times a week. my kidney work.”

Rabbi Zalman Sandhaus, co-director of the Pardes Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Fishkill, N.Y.

There are no words to express beforehand that he should be how I feel.” back to his old self in no time. Rabbi Zalman Sand- In a show of appreciation, haus, co-director of Hananya said he is determined the Pardes Chabad Center to help others in similar situ- Jack Hananya of Long Island, N.Y., underwent a kidney transplant at Weill Cornell Medical Center after battling kidney disease for for Jewish Life in Fishkill, ations by telling them about two decades. His donor was a Chabad rabbi. Hananya, a native Israeli, stands with his three sons, from left: Yuval, Guy and Tomer. N.Y., acknowledged that he Wolf’s efforts. has long admired those who “Living with dialysis three times a week—where Hananya, 56, a married fa- During this time, he met Thanks to Wolf’s efforts have donated their kidneys to you have to sit in a machine ther of three boys, underwent Rabbi Boruch Sholom Wolf, and those of some other others. When he learned that for four hours every time—is a kidney transplant at Weill co-director of Chabad at the individuals, a donor for he himself was a match, he not pleasant. But this is the Cornell Medical Center after Medical Centers in New Hananya was found in June said: “How can I not give it if battling kidney disease for Hyde Park, N.Y. Wolf—who 2015. a guy’s life is on the line?” least of the problems. You feel nearly two decades. donated a kidney when he But complications arose, Hoping to Inspire Oth- bad, feel as if you are choking because you have too much “I was diagnosed with was 25—began searching and the surgery had to be ers kidney disease when I was for someone who would be a postponed. Nevertheless, the According to the Nation- fluid in your body,” explained 32,” Hananya said on Mon- match for Hananya. donor remained committed to al Kidney Foundation, most Hananya. “Those who come day, less than 24 hours before “It’s important when one helping the Hananya family. people with one normally forward to donate are angels. the surgery. “At that stage, it sees death, especially a slow “I think he is an angel. He functioning kidney have few They help not only one per- was just beginning, and I was miserable death, and one has waited for me for a year, and (if any) related physical is- son, but everybody—family, under treatment to maintain it, the ability to do something now we are going to go for the sues, meaning donors can go friends, everybody.” so that it wouldn’t hurt me for about it, to do something. I transplant,” said Hananya. “It on to live a normal life. Added Sandhaus: “I hope a long time. About two, two- was in a unique position to is the ultimate gift that some- The transplant surgery it serves as inspiration for and-a-half years ago, things contribute to the solution,” one can give without expect- lasted a little more than three other people to donate their got worse.” says Wolf. “And being that ing to get something back. hours. Doctors told Hananya kidney.” The Rohr Brit Milah Clinic of Russia Opens Moscow, Russia Lazar greeted a group At Marina Roscha— of visitors, board and staff Moscow’s Jewish members of Avi Chai on Community Center—men a tour of Moscow, who and women make life accompanied Mr. George changes on a daily basis as Rohr at the ribbon cutting of they discover their Jewish The Shmuel Rohr Brit Mila traditions. Clinic of Russia, named for “Today there will be Mr. Rohr’s father. five circumcisions here,” “The idea is to do what noted Rabbi Berel Lazar, we can so that the brit does the country’s chief rabbi, occur on the eighth day,” Monday afternoon. said Rabbi Lazar. Until then Remarkably, they are five circumcisions a day, on young and not-so young average—many for adults, men who, having learned not babies—is all in a day’s about the fundamentals of work at the Brit Mila Clinic, Judaism, are choosing to which now has its own have a brit mila. dedicated facilities. Board members of the Avi Chai Foundation cut the ribbon to the new clinic. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016 • Page 9

Hungarian Yeshivah Desecrated by Nazis Restored to Jewish CommunitySIMCHAT TORAH

By Rena Udkoff - Hungary adjacent rabbi’s residence HAKAFOT Hungarian-born Jewish and yeshiva were finally children may not appreciate renovated as well, reviving All are welcome to come & join the Celebration the rich background to their their role as a center of Jewish summer camp experience. An learning. New SynagogueSHMINI OpensATZERET in Moscow’s old synagogue in Mád that The remodeled building has stood empty and dilapi- pays homage to its long Sunday, October 23 Monday, October 24 dated for over seven decades, history of vibrant Jewish life Domodedovo International Airport served as their camp base this within this synagogue while Candlelighting 6:02 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. summer. Mád is a picturesque serving the needs of a new Mincha 6:05 p.m. Yizkor approx. SEPTEMBER11:30 a.m. 15, 2016 A new synagogue town 130 miles east of Buda- generation of Jews seeking Maariv 6 :50 p.m. Mincha 6:00 p.m. pest. to connect. The building also serving Jewish travelers In 1944, hundreds of lo- includes a commercial kosher Hakafot (followed by) 7:10 p.m. Candlelightingwho after pass 7:02 through p.m. Russia’s cal Jews were locked up in kitchen, guest rooms, lounge Kiddush busiest airport opened this that synagogue without bread areas and a dining hall. September. More than twenty or water for three days by Beginning July 26, dozens SIMCHAT TORAH two million passengers make German soldiers and local of Hungarian-born Jewish their way through Moscow’s militiamen. The town’s com- children once again ran Monday, October 24 Tuesday, OctoDomodedovober 25 International munity of 800 Jews, consti- through the historic hallways Airport every year. Chief tuting nearly 30% of its total of the former yeshiva. They Maariv 6:50 p.m. ShacharisRabbi of 1 0:00Russia a.m Berel. Lazar, population, was wiped out. attended Shabbat service in and the Bareli family, who Its men, women and children a synagogue with a plaque Kiddush 7:10 p.m. Hakafot sponsored11:30 the a.m . synagogue, were deported to Auschwitz. commemorating its local Hakafot 8:00 p.m. Grand Kiddushjoined the 1:00 lively p.m opening. and Built in the 1770s, the Ba- Holocaust victims and sang Torah Readingdedication12 :00of p.m. a new Torah roque style synagogue is one songs of Jewish pride that the scroll. of the oldest surviving syna- Nazis hoped to silence. gogues in the country, and Devorah Hurwitz, one of the finest surviving ex- Chabad emissary to Hungary amples of the unique Hungar- and the Director of the Alef R Sunday, October 2 Y Tuesday, October 11 ian synagogue architecture. Kids camp, says that hosting O Candlelighting 6:35 p.m. Mincha 3:15 & 4:15 p.m. Attached to the synagogue a Jewish camp on the historic Mincha 6:45 p.m. O Candlelighting 6:22 p.m. is a three-story complex that campus is particularly S Maariv 7:25 p.m. Kol Nidre 6:35 p.m. once housed the rabbi’s home important. M H Monday, October 3 Shacharis 9:00 a.m. K H Shofar approx. 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 12 Mincha 5:30 p.m. I Shachris 9:00 a.m. A Tashlich 6:00 p.m. P Yizkor 12:00 p.m. S Maariv 7:30 p.m. Mincha 4:50 p.m. Light Candles after 7:36 p.m. P Neilah 6:10 p.m. H Maariv 7:20 p.m. HIGH A Tuesday, October 4 U Shachris 9:00 a.m. R HOLIDAY N Shofar approx 11:30 a.m. Yom Tov & Shabbos Mincha 6:20 p.m. Services A Maariv 8:35 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. SERVICES H and yeshiva in Mád, where “Openly identifying as for over 150 years, hundreds Jewish is crucial for Jewish of prominent Torah scholars continuity, especially in pursued their studies in peace. Hungary where so many The Nazi Holocaust families hid their identity for SIMCHAT TORAH eliminated two-thirds of the so long,” Hurwitz explains. nearly 1 million Jews who In the decades after the lived in Hungary on the war many Jewish families HAKAFOT eve of World War II. Today, destroyed their paperwork, there are fewer than 100,000 and she has met dozens of Jews among Hungary’s 10 Jews who first discover their All are welcome to come & join the Celebration million people. With 90% Jewish identity in their 20s or SHMINI ATZERET of the Jewish residents of even older. Mád having perished in Hurwitz looked forward Sunday, October 23 Monday, October 24 the war, the synagogue, the to relocating the camp, rabbi’s house and the land previously on the shores Candlelighting 6:02 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. were appropriated by the of Lake Balaton--to what Mincha 6:05 p.m. Yizkor approx. 11:30 a.m. state in 1952. While the she calls a holy place. The synagogue building was left camp, now in its fourth year, Maariv 6 :50 p.m. Mincha 6:00 p.m. to deteriorate, the rabbi’s welcomed more than 60 Hakafot (followed by) 7:10 p.m. Candlelighting after 7:02 p.m. house was converted into campers. Kiddush apartments, which housed “With our identity as Jews residents until the early remaining such an important 1990s. subject, it’s important for us SIMCHAT TORAH Unused for 25 years, to be able to go back to a place Monday, October 24 Tuesday, October 25 the synagogue was finally that was a vital part of the restored in 2004, and Jewish-Hungarian legacy.” Maariv 6:50 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. transformed into a cultural Giving the children the center showcasing Jewish chance to connect to a place Kiddush 7:10 p.m. Hakafot 11:30 a.m. life before the war. This where Judaism was once so Hakafot 8:00 p.m. Grand Kiddush 1:00 p.m. year, through the efforts of strong, “was very meaningful Torah Reading 12:00 p.m. Lubavitch of Hungary, the for our campers.”

R Sunday, October 2 Y Tuesday, October 11 O Candlelighting 6:35 p.m. Mincha 3:15 & 4:15 p.m. Mincha 6:45 p.m. O Candlelighting 6:22 p.m. S Maariv 7:25 p.m. M Kol Nidre 6:35 p.m. H Monday, October 3 Shacharis 9:00 a.m. K H Shofar approx. 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 12 Mincha 5:30 p.m. I Shachris 9:00 a.m. A Tashlich 6:00 p.m. P Yizkor 12:00 p.m. S Maariv 7:30 p.m. Mincha 4:50 p.m. Light Candles after 7:36 p.m. P Neilah 6:10 p.m. H Maariv 7:20 p.m. HIGH A Tuesday, October 4 U Shachris 9:00 a.m. R HOLIDAY N Shofar approx 11:30 a.m. Yom Tov & Shabbos Mincha 6:20 p.m. Services A Maariv 8:35 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. SERVICES H Page 10 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016

By Rabbi Aron Moss

these days inspire need not strange expression. Why Answer: dances. come from a place of guilt. would G-d store our tears? Tell your brother this So you want to hear the Honey Can Buy Me We don’t repent for our It doesn’t seem to be of any joke: punchline? See you in shul Love sins out of fear of fire and use to keep our tears in a There was once an Eng- on Monday night... brimstone. Rather when we flask. lishman, a Japanese, an I always associated go- feel the sweetness of divine The meaning behind American and an Israeli love, when we feel how this is profound. Not al- cruising together on a luxu- My Wife refuses to ing to shul on Rosh Ha- Talk to Me shana and Yom Kippur close G-d is to us and what ways are our prayers an- ry ocean liner. In the middle with heaviness, guilt and a blessing it is to be a Jew, swered in the way we want of the voyage the captain a somber atmosphere. I this joy can melt away our them to be. Sometimes G-d announced that the ship guess that’s what I grew evil and purify us from our in His wisdom does not was sinking and they were This is a totally hy- up with. But last year I less than kosher ways. grant us our wishes at the all doomed. pothetical situation that This is why we start the time we demand them. In- As they had each paid a would never really hap- came to your services and pen. My wife is angry at found them to be happy, High Holydays by dipping stead, He stores away our fortune to be on the cruise, our challah and apple in tears and files away our the passengers were of- me. She thinks she told light, musical and joy- me to pick her up from the ous. I enjoyed that much honey. Only a Judaism in- prayers, to be taken out and fered to choose any dish fused with sweetness and answered at another time. they wanted from the ship’s train station, and I never more than my childhood showed up. She waited in experience of shul, but joy has the power to dis- We are not privy to G- kitchen as a last meal. the rain for half an hour, was wondering, is it fit- solve away our negativity, d’s timetable and we don’t They first asked the couldn’t find a taxi and ting to be so upbeat on cynicism and indifference, get His system. But every Englishman what he want- in the end had to call a days when we are seeking and make us all kosher word and every tear is ac- ed to eat. He thought for a friend because my phone forgiveness for our sins? again. Sadness and heavi- counted for, and makes moment, and then said, “I was off. I am absolutely Sorry for being direct, but ness will not cleanse our an impact. When and how would like fish and chips sure she did not ask me is what you are doing au- soul. The sweetness of be- that impact is felt by us is please.” to pick her up. Now she ing Jewish will. up to G-d. A prayer said to- They went to the Japa- won’t speak to me until I thentic or just feel good? give her an apology. Can So don’t just dip your day for someone’s health nese and asked him what he apple in honey, immerse wanted for his final meal. I apologize when I don’t Answer: may only take effect many believe I did anything There is a curious dis- yourself in joyful Judaism. years later, or it may be “Sushi please,” was his im- It’s the bee’s knees. mediate reply. wrong? cussion in Jewish law about redirected to another per- bee’s legs. son who needs that bless- When they asked the Answer: American what he would What happens if a bee’s Am I Being ing more urgently. We are I don’t usually answer leg falls off and gets stuck depositing our request, but like, he said, “A burger with such far-fetched made-up in a vat of honey? Bees are Ignored? we don’t know when it will onion rings.” scenarios. But this time I not kosher, and dislocated be withdrawn. Then they asked the Is- will make an exception. bee’s legs can’t always be In physics, the first law raeli. When we say, “I am sor- extracted from honey. So is I am feeling on a ry,” we are making a state- of thermodynamics says ment about ourselves - I am the whole vat rendered un- high from Yom Kippur. that energy can never be I was truly moved by the remorseful, I regret my ac- kosher due to the bee legs destroyed, it just changes prayers and the songs. Missing the tions, and I hope not to re- submerged in it? from one form to another. Punch line peat them. One opinion says no. But the little skeptic with- in me has one niggling There is a similar law in But an apology is not The honey is kosher and metaphysics. No prayer is just about you and your you can eat it, bee legs and question. There is some- feelings. It is about the thing very important to ever lost, no tear is ever Sorry, did you miss the all. Because one of the fas- wasted. Your request will person you hurt. You don’t cinating properties of hon- me that for many years punch line? apologize just to absolve I have been praying for, be granted, it just may be Wasn’t that annoying? ey is that bits that fall into in an unexpected form. So yourself from guilt, but honey eventually become and it has still not ma- I bet you wouldn’t be more to acknowledge that terialized. Are my tears keep praying, because ev- willing to listen to a joke you are the cause of some- honey. The bee legs dis- ery word is stored away. It solve in the honey and lose wasted? Can I believe in if you knew you would not one else’s pain, and take re- the power of prayer when will rebound back to you get to hear the end of it. sponsibility for it. their distinct identity, so when you need it most. This means that even if there is nothing non-kosher in my experience it hasn’t worked? Well, going to shul on you are completely in the left, just honey. right and really did noth- What is unique about Yom Kippur and then skip- Answer: Best Joke ping Simchas Torah is like ing wrong, even if the other honey is that it doesn’t person misinterpreted your No prayer is ignored hearing the build up to a overpower with brute force, of the Year words or actions, even if and no tear goes unnoticed. joke and missing the punch- like a fire that violently you did nothing to regret, But the response is not al- line. It makes no sense. consumes whatever it nevertheless if someone ways in the form we expect I am trying to con- touches. Honey overpowers else is hurting you need to it to be. vince my brother and his On Yom Kippur we apologize for that. with sweetness. The sweet- At the high point of family to come to shul for express our Jewishness. Only G-d knows who is ness of honey is so intense, Yom Kippur, toward the the celebrations on Sim- On Simchas Torah we cel- right and who is wrong in everything it touches gets end of the day in the Neilah chas Torah. I told him it ebrate it. your case. But we all know overwhelmed and allows prayer, we address G-d with is the best party in town On Yom Kippur we fast who is hurting. So you need itself to be swallowed up in the following plea: and so much fun. But he with humility. On Simchas to be big enough to apolo- its sweet embrace. “You who hears the insists they are “once a Torah we eat and drink with gize. This represents a deep- sound of weeping, store our year Jews” and only go to joy. But beware. If you say, “I am sorry for any pain you er approach to the High tears in Your flask, and save shul for Yom Kippur. Any Yom Kippur is the day Holy days. The introspec- tips on what I can say to felt,” it will come across as us from all cruel decrees.” our soul shines. Simchas empty words, as if she has a tion and return to G-d that This seems to be a help change his mind? Torah is the day our soul problem and you feel sorry World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016 • Page 11

By Rabbi Aron Moss

for her. You need to arouse air, like spiritual pollution. is not our real self, and not we command so much think so. This profound true feelings of empathy for These toxic emissions are our source of dignity. attention you’d think sense of connection makes her, and real regret for your the most dangerous of all. At the end of a good and there were billions of us. the Jewish nation unique part in what happened. In your home, there are purposeful life, the body That’s like a room of two among the peoples of the Just imagine her stand- two distinct brushes, a toilet may be frail and weak, but thousand people, with world. ing in the rain, drenched brush and a tooth brush. But the soul is as bright as ever, one puny guy sitting in This is the reason why and dejected, calling your you only have one mouth. having accomplished its the corner who everyone statistics cannot apply to unresponsive phone and not Flush out profanities, mission. If people have to wants to talk to (or pick the Jewish people. No Jew knowing what to do. And in and keep the air around you do some unpleasant jobs to on).... Why do we always is merely an individual. We her mind, you caused all fresh and pure. bring comfort to that body seem to be at the centre of are a collective soul, a part this. You owe her a sincere in its final years, it should history? of something bigger than apology. Hypothetically. be seen as an honour. There ourselves. We may be a tiny Answer: blip on the census, but we Dying with Dignity is no greater dignity than to Jews do strange things don’t work by the normal serve another. sometimes. One example is rules of demography. Our Foul Mouths and I am not belittling the the wide-spread practice of strength is not measured Dirty Toothbrushes pain of seeing a loved one “credit combing.” by our numbers, but by our suffer. And I am not saying Many Jews have a unity. I visit my 92 year old that the body’s deterioration habit of combing through The destiny of the mother every day in her is easy to face. I am saying the credits at the end of a Jewish people is to be a It seems that obscenity old age home, and every that a person’s dignity and foul language are movie, searching for Jewish strong voice of goodness day I look around at the comes from their soul and names. At each discovery and morality among the becoming more and seniors there and ask their moral achievements. more acceptable. Swear they beam with pride: family of nations. When we myself the same question, That is living with dignity. Look! Assistant unite with our community words are used by why does G-d leave these Death is never dignified. Gaffer...... Mo Goldstein! and commit ourselves to the politicians, sportsmen old people to die without We end our life in the Catering Consultant...... shared vision of our people, and even teachers, as if dignity? Every one of same way we started it, Beth Cohen! then we are a formidable they have become a part them needs either a dependent on the love This odd practice comes presence. Not because we of common speech. People diaper change, someone of others. Your mother from a very deep place in are one billion, but because don’t even bother to write to feed them, wash them, is blessed to spend her the Jewish psyche. Jews we are one. %#*#! any more. What is or do everything for them. final days in good care, share a spiritual bond with the Jewish view of dirty I have faith, but this thing surrounded by those who each other. If I meet a Jew language? really makes me angry. love her. That is a most anywhere in the world, Why can’t they die with dignified departure from there is an immediate Answer: dignity? this world to the next. connection, a kinship, a Foul language is sense of oneness. We are spiritually unhygienic. It is Answer: like one big family, and even closer than that. like scrubbing the toilet with It is so hard to see a your toothbrush, and then Why do Jews Read When Jews are in the loved one fade after living news, we each take it using it as a toothbrush. If a vibrant and active life. the Credits you wouldn’t do that, then personally. When Israel How we approach this is under attack, we feel you shouldn’t use the same painful stage will depend mouth for profanity that you Why do the Jewish the pain wherever we are. on our perspective. And the When a Jew wins a bronze use for words of friendship, Jewish perspective on the people seem to loom so love and prayer. Like pure large on the world stage? medal in croquet, we all end of life differs greatly share the victory. And when water flowing through rusty to modern secular thinking. The numbers don’t pipes, even words of love, add up. Here’s a nation we see a Jewish name in the To approach life and death credits, we get excited. Have a Sweet New when coming from a dirty less than 0.2% of the Year! with faith, we need to world’s population, yet Maybe other nations mouth, cannot help but make sure we have that do this too. But I don’t become stained. perspective very clear. Speech is a powerful It often happens that gift. When used correctly, foreign, secular ideas creep the spoken word can into the minds of even those build and strengthen who have faith. Usually, relationships, give comfort the way these concepts and support, sometimes infiltrate is via catch even save a life. Our words phrases and clichés. First Steeles can lift a heavy heart and they enter our vocabulary, inspire a lost soul. Words then they become a part of Dignity of prayer can reach the our mentality. Memorial heavens. Words of care can One example is “dying go even higher. with dignity.” Comfort That phrase is poison. It The words we say do originates in the movement Chapel not just disappear. They promoting euthanasia. This hover around us, forming is a phrase that deserves to Compassion the air we breathe and die. the atmosphere in which True dignity comes from 350 Steeles Avenue West we live. Holy words the soul, from living a life create an aura of holiness of goodness and holiness Thornhill Ont. L4J 1A1 - (905) 881-6003 around us. Words that and meaning. Our body is a Established 1927 are obscene, slanderous, vehicle for that mission to C.P. Saucier, Managing Funeral Director abusive or untrue foul the be achieved. But the body Page 12 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016

In this issue we interview went ahead with it and she Rabbi Mendel Nakkar of now sees better from that Chabad in Barrie eye than the other.

AS: Is the Jewish AS: Now that’s an community in Barrie a inspirational story. I significant one? know fundraising is a difficult part of the job. If MN. In the past ten any of our readers want to years or so the Jewish help, what is your contact population in Barrie has information? grown tremendously. The estimated number of Jews MN: Our website is is currently 2,500 and we www.JewishBarrie.ca. My constantly get contacted email address is Rabbi@ JewishBarrie.ca or by by Jewish families who are phone, (705) 417 1520 moving up here. Torah, send their children but help facilitate it. without a dramatic bolt to Hebrew school twice a of lightning, significant AS: It sounds like you AS: Does the Jewish week, celebrate all holidays AS: What’s in store changes occur. A family and participate in other for Rosh Hashanah and who sends their children are doing great. We look population swell in the forward to hearing more summer time? Jewish events all year long. the High Holidays? to classes or a young man These activities were not who’s been unaffiliated great news from Chabad available until now. MN: We start with a since his Bar Mitzvah starts of Barrie. MN: When I tell people MN: The Rebbe has that we run the Chabad in pre Rosh Hashana kids to put on Tefillin or a seven AS: Tell us about your fun day where children year old who exclaims taught us that we should Barrie, they say, “Cottage never be satisfied with family. will gather and participate while leaving a holiday country?” our current achievements Many people are under in workshops learning program, “‘this was the and always strive to reach the impression that the MN: In every army how the Shofar is made, best party I’ve ever been greater goals. Maimonides Jewish community of there are various ranks of baking their own Challa, to!” are the ‘achievements’ writes that any good deed, Barrie primarily consists of soldiers, each one having designing Shana Tova that encourage us the most. word, and even thought that cottagers. Perhaps that’s the their mission to accomplish. cards for the community There is another member’s we have can be the one to way it was for quite a while We are thankful to Hashem and understanding how story I’d like to tell. She tip the scale and bring about but in the past decade the for blessing us with the significant the chag is. is a mature woman who our final redemption. How full time Jewish population recent birth of a baby boy, For the holiday itself, remembers the rampant then can we be satisfied with here has increased Levy Yitzchok, to join the we have Synagogue anti Jewish attitude our past achievements? significantly. In fact Barrie ranks! services. We would like to that once existed in the is the third fastest growing be as accommodating as neighbourhood and is so AS: Have a happy, possible. Therefore there grateful we are here, she healthy, successful Rosh city in Ontario and those Hashana. numbers are reflected in the AS: Describe your are no tickets required and lights Shabbos candles Jewish population as well. most successful programs everyone is welcome to every Friday night. She and why you think they join us. recently had problems with AS: What attracts work. One of our big hits is her vision and went to see Jewish families to Barrie? the Rosh Hashana dinner a specialist. The prognosis MN: Chanukah is on the 2nd night. We was dismal and she was MN: There are many always a big hit. We have begin with the blowing informed that she will never reasons why people come a large Menorah set up of the Shofar and proceed regain her vision in one up here. Firstly, not only in downtown Barrie with with the evening prayer eye. The next Friday while is Lake Simcoe at your a candle lighting at the and a community dinner. lighting candles she prayed doorstep but forests and city hall attended by the Over a hundred people and pleaded, “Hashem, will hiking trails, clean air Mayor, city councilors, are expected to attend the I ever be able to see again? and less traffic are other representatives of the event. Please, I beg you to restore perks. If you add the MP and MPPs. We have my vision.” The next week average, unaffordable price hot latkes, sufganiot and AS: Is kosher food she returned for a follow up of a Toronto home vs. entertainment for the difficult to find? appointment. After another spacious lots with beautiful kids. Last year 200 people examination the doctor said residences only 45 minutes attended. It’s exhilarating MN: Thank G-d most that things look different away, Barrie becomes for Jews to celebrate openly common products sold by and if they operate, there is doable and practical. Add a and enthusiastically in major supermarkets bare a chance of success. They vibrant, first Barrie Chabad, public. a Kosher symbol. Shortly and it’s almost irresistible. after we came we started a AS: What are your new program where people AS: How was your personal objectives? can order Kosher poultry reception? and meat through us, and MN: The Torah teaches any other Kosher item MN: Very enthusiastic! us that the world was that are not available in The local Jewish families created for Moshiach - Barrie. We arrange delivery were looking for guidance when the world will be an to Barrie. Remember and leadership and with our abode for Hashem. Every Thornhill is only a 45 Mitzvah we perform in any minute drive away. arrival a greater sense of The recital of Kaddish is the bond which community was generated part of the globe elevates unites the generations from the immemorial immediately. us, the object, and the place AS. Can you tell us of unto eternity. It is the way we show our time- where the Mitzvah was some of your achievements less devotion to our parents and loved ones. In performed thus making the to date? the event you cannot personally observe this world closer to achieving hallowed expression of love for the duration AS: What impact has of eleven months, alternate arrangements can your arrival had? its goal. The Rebbe has sent MN: There’s a story be made through the Chabad Lubavitch Orga- out Shluchim (emissaries) about Eliyahou Hanavi: nization. You may also consider placing bronze MN: Until three years to every corner of the globe when Hashem spoke to him, name plates of your departed ones on our Me- ago, Jewish presence was to expedite this elevation He did not speak through morial Board which will insure The Observance sparse. Today one can go process. Our objective is wind or an earthquake of Yahrtzeit in perpetuity. to shul and daven with a that Barrie not only be part or fire but in a whisper. For further information call 905.731.7000 minyan on Shabbos, study of this great global mission This teaches us that even World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016 • Page 13 Shiurim & ClaSSeS at 770 Chabad Gate

 men  women  men/women Weekly Classes - Winter sChedule

sunday

8:00 am ChassidiC ThoughT Rabbi gansbuRg 10:00 am PaRshaT hashavua Rabbi sChoCheT 10:00 am LikkuTei siChos Rabbi gansbuRg 11:15 am TaLmud (moed kaTan) Rabbi sPaLTeR 6:45 Pm ChassidiC disCouRses Rabbi gansbuRg 8:30 Pm shuLChan aRuCh Rabbi Chaikin

monday

6:20 am Chassidus Rabbi a. WagneR 11:30 am The Joy of Judaism Rabbi sPaLTeR 7:45 Pm The WeekLy ToRah RevieW Rabbi gansbuRg

tuesday

11:30 am ToRah sTudies - PaRsha Rabbi gansbuRg 8:00 Pm TaLmud (ChuLin) Rabbi sPaLTeR

wednesday

11:30 am The JeWish LeaRning insTiTuTe Rabbi gansbuRg 7:30-9:00 Pm The JeWish LeaRning insTiTuTe Rabbi gansbuRg 8:30 Pm TaLmud (PesoChim) advanCed Rabbi WiLheLm

thursday

6:20 am Chassidus Rabbi a. WagneR 12:00 Pm Tanya (hebReW) Rabbi gansbuRg 8:00 Pm in dePTh PaRsha sTudy Rabbi Z.a. gRossbaum 8:15-9:15 Pm TaLmud (baiTZa) Rabbi sPaLTeR

shabbos

9:00 am Chassidus Rabbi gansbuRg 1 hR befoRe minCha Chassidus Rabbi gansbuRg daily classes

sun -Thu 9:00 Pm Rambam aLTeRnaTing mon -fRi 5:00 am ChassidiC ThoughT Rabbi yaRmush mon -fRi 6:30 am TaLmud Rabbi sChoCheT mon -fRi 7:10 am ChassidiC ThoughT Rabbi gansbuRg

mon - fRi 10am-12Pm koLLeL TifeRes Zekeinim Levi yiTZChok TaLmud, mishnah, haLaCha & Chumash - Rabbi Chaikin Page 14 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016 The Fifty-Sixth Century

Continued from page 2 is everything and everything universe, from the birth of a more science developed, is G-dliness”; it describes the star in a distant galaxy to the the more it uncovered the origins, development and inner turn of a leaf in the wind in a unity behind the diversity. to G-d and its recommitment workings of the soul of man remote forest, and that they all A hundred “elements” were to a life of goodness and and the manner in which it figure in His master plan of revealed to be composed of holiness. It is the end of finds realization and fulfillment creation and contribute to its a much smaller number of hunger, war, jealousy and through the knowledge of G-d realization. fundamental building blocks; greed; the removal of evil from and the actualization of His In earlier generations, the diverse forces were shown to the heart of man and suffering will; it expounds on man’s role concept of an all-seeing eye be but variant mutations of a from G-d’s world. It is all of in creation and how our deeds that simultaneously observes single, elementary force. Even these things because of a basic transform the very nature billions of actions thousands the differentiation between transformation that our world of reality, making it more of miles apart from each matter and energy was will undergo: the human mind receptive to G-dliness. other, and of a consciousness shown to be but an external will comprehend the divine Today, our ability to truly that is simultaneously aware distinction between two forms truth. comprehend and assimilate of innumerable events and of the same essence. Indeed, In its present state, the these truths is limited by the their effect upon each other, science is rapidly approaching world conceals the face of present state of the human were beyond the realm of the point of being able to G-d. True, the workings of mind and the world that colors reason. One could believe it demonstrate that the entirety Have a Sweet New nature bespeak the wisdom its thinking. Yet the revelation absolutely, for faith has the of existence is a singular ray Year! and majesty of the Creator, and of the inner soul of Torah was capacity to accept even the emanating from a singular the processes of history show the drizzle that heralds the most illogical of truths; but source. the hand of divine providence deluge, the trickle that marks one could not rationally relate Of course, the “windows in the affairs of man; yet these the beginnings of the great to it and envision it with the of heaven” have already this truth in mathematical are but pinpoints of light flood that will “fill the world mind’s eye. Today, when we unleashed this truth -- in equations and demonstrating penetrating the thick weave with the knowledge of G-d as can converse with ease with the language of Torah it in state-of-the-art atom of nature’s veil. Far more the waters cover the sea.” someone ten thousand miles thought and Kabbalistic smashers. pronounced is the physical Implement and Illustrator away, when we can watch a metaphor. Complementing From above and from world’s concealment of the Complementing the spacecraft landing on Mars this revelation, the scientist below, our world has been divine truth with the regularity downpour of divine wisdom and use a chip of silicon to is currently formulating primed for the Age of of its cycles, the apparent from the windows of heaven compute millions of data a Knowledge. amorality of its laws and was an upsurge of earthly second, it requires no great the brute immanence of its knowledge, which the Zohar “leap of faith” to understand being. I am, it proclaims with also considers a prologue that He who imparted such The 4 every proton of its being; I to and preparation for the potential in His creation am an existence unto myself, messianic era of knowledge. certainly possesses it Himself, absolute and independent; There are three basic ways and in a far greater measure. whatever “higher truth” there in the revolutionary advances This is but one example Mysteries of might be to existence is just in science and technology of of how modern science has that -- a “higher” truth, abstract the recent generations prepare transformed our very vision and immaterial, and quite apart the world for the coming of of reality, introducing certain from the “real” world. Moshiach: concepts into the lexicon of King Solomon But in the age of Moshiach, 1) As a tool: On the most our minds which, in earlier “knowledge and wisdom elementary level, the scientific generations, had belonged Continued from page 2 mystified the wisest of men. will increase” to the point revolution has facilitated, to exclusively to the realm of If the “splendid fruit” in that “the world will be filled an unprecedented degree, the faith. Man’s mission in life the Four Kinds represents with the knowledge of G-d dissemination of Torah. Three 3) As a revelation of consists of two basic challenges: the harmony of learning and as the waters cover the sea.” hundred years ago, a teacher G-dliness: In both examples learning and doing; or, as these accomplishment, why is this The true essence of reality could communicate directly cited above, we have seen relate to Jewish life, Torah and the fruit that “dwells in its tree will be revealed; the physical only with those who were how the “earthly wisdom” of mitzvot. The Torah is the vehicle all year round”? One would world will be experienced as within range of his voice; science serves the revelation by which we gain knowledge expect such perfection from a an expression, rather than an today, his words (and even of the supernal wisdom, of our Creator and insight into fruit maturing in tranquillity, in a climate that is singularly attuned obfuscation, of the absolute, his image) can be broadcast whether as a tool that aids its the essence of life; the mitzvot, the divine commandments, to its nature and needs; not exclusive and all-pervading to billions of people in all dissemination or as a model from one whose development reality of G-d. And when parts of the globe. In these that makes tangible and real are the means by which we build a better and holier world, is agitated by ever-shifting the world will cease to be and numerous other ways, what was previously abstract developing the physical creation conditions. And yet, time and perceived as something apart the scientific advances of the and surreal. into a “dwelling for G-d.” These again we indeed find that the from G-d, all other features of last three centuries have aided There is, however, a third two endeavors define the four greatest lives are those beset by the messianic world will fall and enabled the spread of the and more essential way in personalities represented in the travail and challenge; that the into place. Man will endeavor divine wisdom on a scale that which the eruption of the Four Kinds. most balanced personalities are only to know G-d and obey could not even be envisioned “wellsprings of the great deep” The etrog, which has both a forged by the need to deal with His will; the strife and conflict- before the “wellsprings of has prepared the world for the delicious taste and a delightful changing circumstances and to ridden existence we now know the great deep” burst open in seventh millennium. A way aroma, represents the perfect constantly adapt to new climates and environments. will be replaced with a perfect the sixth century of the sixth in which the earthly wisdom individual who both learns and achieves. The lulav, being This, to King Solomon, peace and harmony -- harmony millennium. is not only a facilitator of the was one of the great mysteries between the various drives and 2) As an analogue: On a supernal wisdom of Torah, but the branch of the date palm, produces fruit that has a taste but of life. How does vacillation forces within the human soul, deeper level, the accelerated itself a revelation of G-dliness. no aroma; this is the prototype fuel growth? Why is it that the harmony between men and development of earthly For science is discovering of the reclusive scholar who individual who enjoys a tranquil nations, and harmony between wisdom has not only brought the face of G-d. For the past grows in wisdom but shuns the existence is never as “fragrant” the Creator and His creation. the knowledge of G-d farther, three hundred years, it has world of action. The fragrant but and “delectable” as the one who This explains how faster and to more people been dissecting the veil of tasteless myrtle is the activist is battered by the vicissitudes of the supernal wisdom that -- it has also enhanced the nature to the point that the whose profusion of good deeds life? emanated from the “windows quality of our understanding veil has been becoming more consumes all his time and Pressed Leaves of heaven” in the fifty-sixth of our Creator. The scientific and more transparent, more energies. Finally, the tasteless, The lulav, too, perplexed the great mind of Solomon. Is not century served to “prepare revolution has actually revealing of the truths it both scentless willow represents the person who neither learns nor the very nature of intellectual the world to be elevated in enabled us to better appreciate embodies and conceals. discourse that it produces varied the seventh millennium.” and relate to the divine reality. To cite but one example of does, actualizing neither his intellectual potential nor his opinions and conclusions? The teachings of Chassidism many: For example: integral to capacity to improve the world. In the words of the Talmud, offer a taste of this futuristic our faith is the concept of In earlier generations, the On Sukkot, concludes the “Torah scholars sit in numerous awareness and understanding. “specific divine providence” study of the nature yielded Midrash, these “Four Kinds” groups and study the Torah. One Employing the tools of (hashgachah peratit): that a picture of a multifarious are “all bound together in one group deems a thing impure, human reason, Chassidism G-d observes our every act, universe. The world was bundle,” each an integral part of and another deems it pure; one explains to the mind of man word and thought and holds perceived as being comprised the community of G-d. group forbids a deed and another and implants in his heart the us accountable for them; that of dozens of elements The Tormented Fruit permits it; one group disqualifies In light of this, we can truth that “there is none else He is aware and concerned and driven by a number Continued on page 16 besides Him,” that “G-dliness with every event in the of distinct forces. But the understand the four things that World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016 • Page 15

BOOK REVIEW One Tip to Marriage Success By family therapist Rabbi morning” or “good night.” Apikorus or Ignoramus? Abraham Kass, MA, RSW, * When it is humanly pos- RMFT, CCHT, sible, don’t do anything your Taylor’s book. The titles of his partner objects too. chapters include Evolution, After 25 years of helping * Before you speak, consid- The Oral Tradition, Women in couples improve their marriag- er how your partner will react Judaism, and Resurrection of es, I have learned something hearing what you potentially the Dead, among many others. very important. may say. When appropriate, Though the 17 topics in this The marriage wisdom I am simply be quiet. book are organized under the about to share is very powerful. * Stay calm. headings of G-d, Torah, Jew- Not only will it dramatically * Don’t judge your partner ish Identity, and The World to upgrade the quality of your in a negative way which can Come, each chapter succinctly marriage, but it will also in- lead to anger and criticism. deals with the topic at hand crease your connection to G-d. turn your, partner will then give * Seek ways to make your in approximately 25 pages or Simply—be a “giver.” This to you. And even more impor- partner feel secure. less and can be approached in is the best thing you can do to tant, know that when you give These are just a few sam- a stand-alone fashion. Taylor’s build your marriage and make you are scoring big points with ples… and with minimal effort sources range from scientific, to sure you do not have problems. G-d. you can think of many addition- archeological, to sociological, Being a giver will immunize Only give what you can, al ways to make your partner to historical, to simply rational. your marriage in the same way and what you can live without! feel good; to make your partner He strives to give the reader an a vaccine will immunize against Never let pure selfishness get in feel you care about him or her. understanding of how, within serious illness. the way of giving. From the complex to the each of these topics, belief in The fundamentals of giving Selfishness is relationship simple, it all ends at one point: By Miri Birk Judaism can be accepted on a are basic. Always put the needs poison. Giving is relationship Be a giver and you make both Pillars of Faith: logical basis. of your partner before your G-d and your partner happy. A Reasonable Approach To Anyone with some level of tonic. own. When your partner does Giving expresses every- === The Foundations of Judaism involvement in Judaism will likewise, then it is a very sweet Rabbi Abraham Kass, MA, Pinchas Taylor find that this book addresses thing the Torah teaches (see marriage indeed. Tanya, chapter 32). The To- RSW, RMFT, CCHT, is a reg- Mosaica Press, 421 pp topics that come up quite fre- Putting your partner first istered Marriage and Family Many years ago an apikoros quently in conversation. Over rah teaches us to prioritize the does not mean enslaving your- spiritual over the material–to Therapist, Social Worker and (heretic) moved into a Jewish the last week, since reading self to your marital partner. Certified Clinical Hypnothera- town, and word of his presence elevate ourselves to that part this book, I have shared with a Don’t give what you don’t have. pist. Currently Rabbi Kass soon spread. The local Rabbi of our reality where we are all group of students a fact about If you try to give more than you operates a successful private had never met an apikoros the humane nature of kosher connected and one—over the before. Intrigued, he came to can, you will not be able to de- material world that separates practice in personal, couple slaughter that was previously liver or you will be resentful, and family therapy. the apikoros and asked him, unknown to me: and divides us. and such a gift nobody wants! Before working as a thera- “Are you really an apikoros?” “Remarkably, it has been If all of this sounds compli- “Absolutely!” the apikoros discovered that in kosher ani- For example, if you desper- cated, it isn’t. Giving is the sim- pist, Rabbi Kass was successful responded. mals, and only kosher ani- ately need some personal time plest thing anyone can do. Here educational Rabbi working for “I’m interested in your per- mals, the carotid and vertebral and your partner at the same are some examples: many years in various Yeshivas spective on a certain tractate in arteries actually merge, so time wants you to spend time * Give your partner your and Seminaries. The New York the Talmud,” the rabbi said ear- the schechita cuts off all blood with him or her, it is perfectly time. Jewish Board of Education has nestly. flow to the brain, allowing the alright to seek a balance in ac- * Give your partner your at- honored him for his dedication “I don’t study Talmud,” the animal to die immediately and cordance with your best judg- tention; listen carefully to what and excellence in Jewish edu- fellow responded. painlessly.” Ever wondered ment. he or she has to say. cation. “Oh,” said the rabbi disap- about that enigmatic claim You need to be emotion- * If your partner wants you He and his wife Golda live pointedly. “What about Mish- that the resurrection from the ally healthy, and if you give to do something, do it as soon in Thornhill, Ontario and have na, can we discuss that?” dead that will happen through up “too much” the resentment as humanly possible. been blessed with children and “I don’t do Mishnah,” said the luz bone, a small bone that you may feel could lead to * If your partner asks you to grandchildren. the apikoros. in the spine? Well, as Taylor a pushback, and this will hurt do a favor, say yes. The rabbi tried again. points out, “In 2008 researchers your partner. Such a situation * Find creative ways to For more information or to “What about the Torah? The sought to bring back a variety will not be good for you or your communicate to your partner arrange an appointment he can Bible? Rashi?” of extinct animals. . . the bulk partner. that you feel close with him or be reached at (905) 771-1087 “You don’t get it,” an- of the discussion surrounding The more you give, the her. or visit his websites at: www. swered the apikoros again. the question of whether to carry more you get. By giving, you *Acknowledge your part- AbeKass.com or www.Rabbi- “I’m an apikoros, I don’t do this out or not was not based on increase the likelihood that in ner’s importance with a “good Kass.com. that stuff.” whether or not it was possible, “My dear friend, forgive but on the ethical ramifications me,” said the rabbi. “To reject of doing so.” history, archeology, anatomy, book (and believe it will be was called something more rep- the spiritual validity of Juda- Taylor points out that bones DNA analysis, food science, engaging and informative for resentative of its actual content, ism you must first be a scholar. carry the DNA necessary for women’s studies, chemistry, most readers), I was puzzled for example, Answers to All the You’re not an apikoros. You’re rebuilding the body in the fu- ethics, and psychiatry, to name by the marketing techniques Questions You Ever Had About an ignoramus!” ture and quotes a researcher a few. And while the arguments employed. The title, Pillars of Judaism (or something of the And this is exactly where specializing in ancient DNA of the book appear to be sound Faith, implies a scholarly and sort), the prospective audience Pinchas Taylor’s new book Pil- as predicting, “If you can do and evidence-based, as some- rigorous treatment of Jewish would widen greatly. lars of Faith: A Reasonable a mammoth, you can do any- one who is not an expert in any faith that would appeal to a far That being said, Pillars Approach to the Foundations thing else that’s dead, includ- of these fields myself, it’s hard more limited audience. Fur- of Faith certainly offers the of Judaism, proves useful. It ing your grandmother.” Though for me to assess the extent to thermore, such a reader would average reader a valuable gives average readers the abil- I wouldn’t call this conclusive which they accurately represent likely be disappointed at the lens through which to view ity to feel like they have a basic evidence, it frames the concept the conclusions of any particu- sweeping attempt to cover such Judaism. The questions asked grasp in their understanding of of resurrection from the dead in lar field. The book often reads a wide range of subjects in a are those that come up regularly Judaism. It takes on the wide terms that the rational mind can like Taylor cherry-picked those such a short amount of space, in today’s Jewish world and range of modern-day chal- appreciate. studies that proved his points, rather than providing a more the answers given rest on lenges posed to belief in Juda- Yet, in reading this book despite the fact that they may thoughtful, serious treatment persuasive arguments and what ism and gives readers the tools cover-to-cover I was struck by not be the most commonly held of narrowly constrained ques- will likely be satisfying enough they need to feel confident in the sheer range of academic opinions of that particular field. tions. As someone who works for the majority of readers. forming opinions on these top- fields Taylor draws on for evi- For the scholar who is a true with skeptical college students, For those with an interest in ics in a way that is grounded dence. Now, without question- expert in any one of the fields I can assure you that aside from engaging more in their Jewish both in Torah and rationality. ing his level of expertise in any discussed in the book, I imag- those who are actively search- identity, or for those who seek If there was ever a concept that one subject, I’m not sure it’s ine the superficial treatment of ing for a deeper understanding to help others do so, Taylor’s you took issue with in Juda- possible that he (or anyone, for their area of expertise would be of spirituality, most would nev- book offers a pathway that will ism, you’ll probably find it that matter) is an expert in evo- unsatisfying. er pick up a book called Pillars give the reader valuable tools in dealt with in some capacity in lutionary biology, astrophysics, As much as I enjoyed the of Faith. However, if this book that pursuit. Page 16 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2016

Edelson to the depths of his go without Shabbat, it’s a part beautiful, it’s a divine gift. If it soul. “The competition, my of my life’s rhythm. One day was not there, you would have career, my whole life suddenly out of the seven that removes to invent it.” seemed so irrelevant, so illu- you from the everyday life. It’s sory, compared to the truth of this niggun and all it stood for.” Those next few months, The 4 Mysteries of Bernstein took Edelson as his star assistant. But when Edel- son, decided a few months King Solomon later to not to play on the Sab- bath, the famed maestro disap- Continued from page 14 by referring to the fourth kind Soul Strings Beckon, A proved. something and another as “aravot of the river.” The “Conducting on Sabbath renders it fit.” willow might not exhibit any would be your divine service,” So when the verse speaks positive qualities, but its roots Conductor Follows Bernstein told his protégé. of “fronds of dates,” we are are imbedded in the banks of “Refusing at this critical stage inclined to understand these its ancestral river and nourished By Dovid Zaklikowski the table, the Shabbat was holy of your career is professional words in their literal, plural by the waters of its heritage. When Israel Edelson, a and they would not desecrate it suicide.” sense. For if the second of It, too, is a child of Abraham, rising conductor under the by traveling by train to a meet- Edelson was unshakable. the Four Kinds connotes the Isaac and Jacob; in its veins, too, tutelage of legendary mae- ing in the city with the conduc- “Being in the industry, it is Torah scholar--the human mind course the love and awe of G-d stro Leonard Bernstein, arrived tor. Yet, when he said goodbye, like the assembly line, it works enfranchised to assimilate the that they bequeathed to all their in the Brooklyn neighborhood no one asked him where he was 24/7, no exceptions,” Edelson divine wisdom--should it not descendants. of Crown Heights, some 30 going and why. “They just said, says about conducting. Today, consist of two palm branches, Another hallmark of the years ago, he was searching whenever you want to stop by, he says he would never consid- in keeping with the plural willow is that “it grows in for a something. He found it feel free.” er a lifestyle that does not have nature of the intellect? Should brotherhood.” This alludes to in Chasidic melodies, known No Regrets the Shabbat. not their leaves be opened and a unique feature of the human as niggunim, that were sung After that first visit Edelson “Once you get to keeping spread, pointing to the various “willow”: taken alone, he might around the Shabbat table at the began frequenting the home of Shabbat, it’s a lifesaver. With- directions that the rational exhibit not a single positive home of Rabbi Yoel Kahan. Rabbi Kahan conversing in He- out it, it’s like slavery, you are examination of a concept will trait or achievement; but when Earlier this month on the take when embarked on by the gathered in a community, the 21st yahrzeit of the Lubavitch mind of man? aura of holiness that suffuses Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Men- And yet, the lulav each individual soul suddenly del Schneerson, Edelson told commanded by the Torah is a comes to light. Thus our sages his story in Wandering Souls, single, closed frond, its leaves tell us that the divine presence Wandering Candles. Produced fused to a single rod pointing rests upon a gathering of ten by Chabad of Philadelphia, in a single direction. As the individuals (the number that the show featured film clips above-quoted Talmudic passage comprises a “community”) even of Edelson’s life interspersed concludes: “Should a person then if they are not engaged in the with a live piano performance ask: How, then, might I study study of Torah or the performance in which he played the melo- Torah? But all was received of a mitzvah. This is also the dies that moved him in Rabbi from a single shepherd.” significance of the minyan (the Kahan’s home and later at the This was the second of the quorum of ten required to recite Chasidic gatherings in the Reb- two mysteries pondered by King certain prayers): ten individuals be’s court. Solomon. How do the flock gathered together represent a Rabbi Kahan, the leading of opinions and perspectives quantum leap in holiness. Ten Chasidic scholar, senior teach- of Torah relate to their “single ignorant boors make a minyan, er and mentor at the central shepherd”? How can the divine while nine pious scholars do not. Chabad-Lubavitch rabbinical wisdom be funneled through the This is what mystified King school, took a liking to Edel- multifarious world of human Solomon about the willow. How son. reason and remain the singular does ten times nothing add up to Born in Russsia where he truth of a singular G-d? something? If each on his own was educated under the com- The Plaited Twig possesses no visible expression munist system, Edelson consid- The myrtle in the Four Kinds of his innate holiness, how does ered himself for the most part represents the “deed” aspect of that change when ten of them an atheist. But he was aware of Israel Edelson conducts a chamber orchestra life--the manner in which we come together? All trees grow Jewish cantorial music “which fulfill the purpose of creation on water, mused the wisest of I did not connect to,” and the brew. At the same time Edelson in a labor camp, just constantly with the physical actions of the men; what sets the willows apart, very basics of Jewish life. was preparing for the BBC-Ru- working, even if it just mental mitzvot, thereby constructing earning them a place among the As he tells it, his awakening pert International Young Con- work,” he says. a “dwelling for G-d in the Four Kinds? Simply the fact that came at the Kahan home where ductors’ Competition in Lon- The difficulty he found physical world.” Thus, the Torah they grow close together? he first heard Chabad nigguni- don. The intense competition observing Shabbat came when identifies the myrtle by alluding Impossible Truths maround the Shabbat table. would decide his fate: would he new compositions came to him to its “plaited” appearance, given If we think of these “The niggun is the bare become the next well-known in his mind. He would try to it by the fact that its leaves grow mysteries, they are as enigmatic melody, it is the substance that maestro? memorize them so that when in clumps of three: the number and elusive as when King the melody has to it, that is the By the time Edelson left Shabbat was over he could pen “three” represents the realm Solomon pondered them thirty first element what constitutes to London, he was putting on them, at first with limited suc- of action, which is the third of centuries ago. But we usually what it is,” Edelson says, some Tefillin and studying the- ba cess. the soul’s three “garments” or don’t think of them at all--so three decades later. “The power sics of Judaism with rabbini- It was also then that he vehicles of expression (thought, of the niggun is in the melody cal students. A day before his deeply are they ingrained in started attending the gatherings speech and deed). our reality. Despite their logical itself. It reaches very deeply trip to London, Rabbi Kahan of the Rebbe, known as far- Here lies what is perhaps the into the soul. In classical music gave him a taped recording of incomprehensibility, these are brengens, at which the Rebbe’s most profound mystery of all. obvious and ever-present truths there is some logic;, the nig- Chabad niggunim. “When you How can the finite and mundane talks would alternate with Cha- in our lives. gun itself has a logic of its own. have some free time listen to physical deed “house” the divine sidic niggunim. Why do vacillation and It’s hard to describe in words.” it.” “The atmosphere envel- essence? Indeed, the plaited During that first Shabbat Once in London, Edel- oped my soul,” he recalls. “I twig that comes to mind when hardship fuel growth? How can experience, he encountered a son was preoccupied in an didn’t have any reason to feel thinking of the physical world is contradictory ideas embody new world: “All my rich previ- emotionally draining week of like I belonged there. I was not the fragrant myrtle, but the a singular truth? Why does a ous musical experiences were preparations. “Day and night I dressed differently than every- barbed and poisonous hirduf! simple physical deed elevate put at once into a different studied the difficult and previ- one else. I didn’t speak a word Yet it is the material world us to levels of holiness and perspective. None of them suc- ously unfamiliar pieces on the of the Yiddish the Rebbe spoke. where G-d elected to make His G-dliness unequaled by the ceeded in such a way to simply program. Every evening after Yet I stood there for hours, my home. It is the physical deed to most transcendent spiritual enter into the innermost part of the first and second days I was heart mesmerized, my soul in- which He imparted the ability to experience? How are a number my being, leaving me stripped told on the phone, that I was toxicated.” serve as man’s highest form of of ordinary human beings of all the external ‘shells’ and chosen to proceed to the next Slowly, deeply transformed communion with Him. Why? To magically transformed when letting me just be there, whole stage,” he recalls. By the end of by his encounter with Chabad, the wisest of men, this was one knit into a community, greatly and at one.” the week the judges announced individual, he grew in Jewish of the four phenomena to which surpassing the sum of their Mesmerized as he was, Edelson winner of the competi- observance. He forfeited a rare he could only say: “I do not individual parts? Edelson had to cut that memo- tion. and dazzling future as Bern- know it.” King Solomon couldn’t rable Shabbat experience short The following morning, no stein’s protégé, but he contin- A Brotherhood of Trees explain these mysteries; because of a scheduled meet- longer busy with preparations, The fourth of Solomon’s ing he had with Bernstein. he played the tape Rabbi Kahn ued a cordial relationship with certainly, we cannot. But we the maestro. mysteries concerns the willow, a recognize these as axiomatic to Leonard Bernstein reportedly had given him. The Rebbe’s plant with neither fragrance nor saw in Edelson his protégé, voice, singing a niggun from Edelson continued his mu- our lives, as four cornerstones sical career, mostly from be- taste, devoid of learning as well to our existence that bear the and the rising star was unsure the first Chabad Rebbe, Rab- as deeds. how to make a graceful exit on bi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, to hind the piano, and subsequent- stamp of a Creator within Why is this species counted that Friday night. He knew that the words of the Psalmist, ly recorded numerous albums whose infinite being opposites according to all those singing “Tzama lecha nafshi,” “My of Chasidic melodies. among the Four Kinds? The merge and paradoxical truths those sweet melodies around soul thirst for you…” stirred “I don’t think today I could verse itself answers that question harmoniously reside.