Chabad Lubavitch of Yourtown Dedicated to the Love and Inspiration of Soulwise the Lubavitcher Rebbe Dear Friend, You Are the Next Link in the Chain

soulwise FALL 2013 / HIGH H0LIDAYS 5774 A LITTLE NOSH FOR THE SOUL VOLUME 6 - ISSUE 1

Chabad Lubavitch of Yourtown Dedicated to the Love and Inspiration of Soulwise the Lubavitcher Rebbe Dear Friend, You are the next link in the chain. Passover is the most ancient of all rituals in the Western world. It has been passed down in an unbroken chain of tradition for over 3300 years, that’s over 100 generations! That means that every one of your ancestors, without exception, sat at a Seder and shared the meaning, the mystery and magic of Passover.

Engage all your senses in this dynamic and moving experience. The tastes, the aromas, the textures, the sounds and the sights of Jewish continuity in action all combine to achieve the meaningful events of the Seder. Take the time this year to fully engage yourself and your family in Jewish life. Feel the passion of the exodus, taste the beauty of freedom, hear the message of personal growth all brought to life at the Seder. Join us or try it at home, either way, make this the most meaningful Pesach ever. May G-d bless you and your family with a Passover filled to overflowing good health and happiness! Sincerely, Rabbi Shliach Director, Chabad Jewish Center

SOULWISE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY: Don’t miss the Rabbi’s Thursday Torah Class 7:00 pm Chabad Lubavitch of Your Town This is Jewish Thought 101. For thousands of years, the Torah has been the Rabbi Mendel Shliach, Director Jewish national treasure, and now is your chance to claim your inheritance. 239 South Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-718-7180 From Moses to David to You! www.CHabadofnow.com Join the class by calling 714-555-5523 or logging onto www.CHabadofnow.com.

Fall 2013, Volume 6, Issue 1 Printed 4 times yearly - Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall. Don’t miss the Rabbi’s Thursday Torah Class 7:00 pm EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus MANAGING EDITOR: Shira Gold This is Jewish Thought 101. For thousands of years, the Torah has been the EDITOR: Miriam Lieberman Jewish national treasure, and now is your chance to claim your inheritance. COVER ART: Marc Lumer From Moses to David to You! DISTRIBUTION: Rabbi Avraham Green CREAATTIVE DIRECTOR: Nechama Marcus Join the class by calling 714-555-5523 or logging onto www.CHabadofnow.com. DESIGN: Zalmy Berkowitz, Boaz Gabbai, Mushka Raskin PHOTOGRAPHYY:: Zalmmyy Berkowitz, wwww.Zalmyb.com

COPY EDITOR: Ita Marcus SPECIAL THANKS: Shalom Laine and wwww..tphny.com, Bill Pinkerson, Boruch Cohen, Kehot.com, Chabad.org Don’t miss the Rabbi’s Thursday Torah Class 7:00 pm WEBSITE: www.SoulWiseMagazine.com This is Jewish Thought 101. For thousands of years, the Torah has been the ©2012 by Soulwise Magazine (Over 250,000 copies printed internationally) All rights Jewish national treasure, and now is your chance to claim your inheritance. reserved, including the right to reproduce any portion of This magazine in any ffoorm, without prior written permissionffrom the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages. From Moses to David to You!

Printed in the USA Join the class by calling 714-555-5523 or logging onto www.CHabadofnow.com.

High Holidays 5774 000 Dedicated to The following is the Love and Inspiration of not a glamorous the Lubavitcher creation of an Rebbe award-winning ad You’re agency or a super- cool app from a

zalmy berkowitz photography high-tech firm, www.zalmyb.com but it’s possibly the ReadingBy Justin Jackson most powerful thing you’ll read all year. This here’s not much here. She didn’t really care about HTML, she cared he Code of Jewish Law about sharing her stories. encourages the custom of T Just words. T a pre-High Holiday visit You are still reading. to the resting place of a “Tzadik” And you’re reading them. (righteous person). The Rebbe’s Think about all the things you could commu- resting place is in New York, and We’ve become obsessed with fancy designs, nicate with a simple page like this. If you’re a today, thousands of people send pre- responsive layouts, and scripts that do magi- businessperson, you could sell something. If High Holiday letters and requests to cal things. you’re a teacher, you could teach something. be placed at the Rebbe’s “Ohel” (rest- If you’re an artist, you could show something ing place) for blessing and guidance. But the most powerful tool is still words. you’ve made. And if your words are good, For more than fifty years, the Rebbe people will read them. received hundreds of letters every day I wrote these words, and you’re reading at his office in “770” Eastern Parkway. them: that’s magical. If you’re a web designer, or a client who People of every background, occupa- is working with one, I’d like to challenge tion and level of observance would I’m in a little city in British Columbia; you’re you to think about words first. Instead of turn to the Rebbe with their spiritual probably somewhere else. I wrote this early in starting with a style guide or a Photoshop and material concerns and requests the morning, you’re reading it at a different mockup, start with words on a page. for blessing. These letters are written time. I wrote this on my laptop; you could in any language, but the tradition is be reading this on your phone, a tablet or a What do you have to say? If you don’t know, to mention your name and mother’s desktop. there’s not much use in adding all that other name (e.g. Isaac the son of Sarah). It stuff. Just start with one page, with a single is also preferable to use one’s Hebrew You and I have been able to connect because I focus. Write it and publish it, and then iter- name. Many non-Jews send emails to wrote this and you’re reading it. That’s the ate on that. Every time you’re about to add the Rebbe’s Ohel but it is customary power of words. Despite our different lo- something, ask yourself: does this help me that Gentiles use their father’s name Editor-in-chief: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus cations, devices, and time-zones we can communicate better? Will that additional when writing letters. There is no Managing Editor: Shira Gold connect here, on a simple page. styling, image, or hyperlink give my audience specific heading required and many Editor: Miriam Lieberman more understanding? If the answer’s “no,” people simply begin with “Dear cover art: Marc Lumer I wrote this in a text editor. It’s 5KB. I don’t add it. Rebbe.” Distribution: Rabbi Avraham Green didn’t need a Content Management System, Creative Director: Nechama Marcus a graphic designer, or a software developer. At its heart, web design should be about Chabad staff members are constantly Design: Zalmy Berkowitz, Boaz Gabbai, Mushka Raskin There’s not much code on this page at all, just words. Words don’t come after the design is near the Rebbe’s resting place to photography: Zalmy Berkowitz, www.Zalmyb.com simple markup for paragraphs, hierarchy, and done. Words are the beginning, the core, the assist those who come to pray. These copy editor: Ita Marcus emphasis. focus. staff members created a dedicated Special thanks: Shalom Laine and www.tphny.com, Bill email address to allow people to have Pinkerson, Boruch Cohen, Kehot.com, Chabad.org I remember teaching my daughter to code So this year, start with words. If you could their letter automatically printed Website: www.SoulWiseMagazine.com HTML when she was 8. The first thing she write an email to G-d, what would you say? and hand-carried and placed at the

©2012 by Soulwise Magazine (Over 250,000 copies printed internationally) All rights wrote was a story about a squirrel. She wasn’t Ohel. The email address is ohel@ reserved, including the right to reproduce any portion of This magazine in any form, “writing HTML”; she was sharing some- Justin Jackson is not a basketball player, or a ohelchabad.org. For more informa- without prior written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages. thing with the world. She couldn’t believe baseball player. He’s a Product Manager at a tion on this custom please visit www. that she could write a story on our home com- great Software Company. He lives in Canada ohel.com. Printed in the USA puter, and then publish it for the world to see. with his wife and 4 kids.

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 5. Then, in your own words, ask Him for everything you need in life. Be completely open and vulnerable. Express your feelings about the most important matters in your Prayer life. Prayer-speaking from your heart to G-d-is not about saying big things. It is about saying small things in big ways. It is not Pilates about saying many words; it’s about saying Here are a few exercises that can help you them with heartfelt sincerity. Don’t feel begin: that you have to begin big. Better to begin small, in digestible pieces. Slowly acclimate 1. Free up real time. Find a quiet space yourself to the experience. away from any distracting sights or sounds. Get everything else out of your mind and Small, slow steps will lead you through the release yourself, by focusing inward. Listen largest doors. This is especially true for the to yourself breathe. Close your eyes. Sing a High Holiday prayers, when the doors of song to yourself. Create the mood-an oasis. heaven are open, just waiting for our sincere call. 2. The next step is to concentrate on In Search of the Perfect your inner soul-the invisible force within Excerpt from 60 Days, A Spiritual Guide that makes you tick. Allow yourself to feel to the High Holidays, by Simon Jacobson. and speak to your deepest essence. Then re- Visit www.meaningfullife.com to order the alize that your soul is part of a much larger book. essence. That larger essence is called G-d. If you were able to speak to your essence, what Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the author of the best- you would say? selling book Toward a Meaningful Life and he heads The Meaningful Life Center (www. 3. Choose any prayer that speaks to you. meaningfullife.com) in New York. For over 14 As you recite the words, speaks to G-d with years Rabbi Jacobson headed a team of scholars the awareness that He is the essence which that memorized and transcribed entire talks sustains and energizes your soul. that the Rebbe gave during the Shabbat and holidays, as writing and tape recording are not 4. Allow the words of the prayer, formu- permitted on holy days. In this position, Rabbi lated by our prophets and sages, to open up Jacobson was privileged to work in close as- Prayeret’s be honest. Prayer is a difficult Prayer is a conversation, a dialogue between especially to express emotions to someone your deepest emotions before G-d. sociation with the Rebbe and published more thing - not just for beginners but for your heart and your soul, between your heart invisible. than 1000 of the Rebbe’s talks. L everyone. Just because some people and G-d. It is hard because it takes practice are fluent in Hebrew and have attended a and work to develop the skills necessary to Perhaps, this is why it is very important to synagogue all their lives doesn’t mean that converse from the heart. This is why prayer is choose the right synagogue for your High “Can I watch?” they know how to speak with G-d. We all are called “service of the heart.” As such, it is not Holiday prayers. equally challenged to get beyond “lip service” an intellectual experience-it is an emotional Read This I prayed in Hebrew and he and truly speak to G-d from the heart, heart experience. Typically, when we enter a synagogue in stood listening to every word. to heart. America-more often than not-we enter a Jewish Before You A Strange Education and society today have pro- bureaucracy and we feel alienated, unable to I finished one chapter and he Jewish law dictates that before beginning to grammed us to take control of things with our fit in. Yet the very reason we go to a synagogue Pray begged for more. Then he asked pray we prepare ourselves for an hour in order minds. We learn systems and rules that help on the High Holidays is that we want to feel me, “Was that one for me?” to focus on our hearts properly. us understand the universe in which we live so connected-connected to the Nation of Israel, It is proper to say before prayer, I that we can manipulate it for benefit. But we connected to our Divine soul, connected to hereby take upon myself to fulfill Prayer The chief Rabbi of Levov was If this is necessary with daily prayer, how are not taught how to express our emotions- G-d. If we arrive at a strange place, and at the the mitzva - “Love your fellow as killed in World War I. much more so when it comes to the holiday how to feel. last moment, this is not likely to happen. yourself.” This means that caring, By Shmuel Marcus prayers, especially those of Rosh Hashanah and thinking about other people His son Nochum was only eight. and Yom Kippur- which consist of hundreds Of course, we all have emotions and feelings, This means that you should not wait until is the entry-gate through which we ne day an elderly man walked into of pages of prayers! but they are our natural ones, not something the last moment to choose a synagogue. The need to pass in order to stand before the shul. Nochum started telling me the Aleph Bet he we have developed, cultivated or refined. time to find the place you belong, where you G-d. It’s our sincere love for others O remembered. If you want to pray properly and derive maxi- That’s why we can have a brilliant and evolved feel inspired, is as far in advance of the High that affords us the opportunity His one hand held a wooden mum benefit from the beautiful and powerful mind while having the emotional immaturity Holidays. to have our own personal prayers cane, the other somehow was suddenly on Only a few Holy letters and sacred memo- High Holiday services, you need to prepare of a child. accepted. my shoulder. ries would outlive communism. yourself accordingly. The second task is to become familiar with If study is exercise for the mind, prayer is exer- the High Holiday prayers. Buy or borrow the –Hayom Yom Tamuz 2 “Can you davven?” he whispered. Years later, in the old shul in Kharkov, But what exactly is prayer? And why do we cise for the heart. Machzorim (the special prayer books for the Nochum thanks me in tears. He finally saw find it so hard to pray? High Holidays) and become acquainted with “Yes.” I answered. his father pray again. This is precisely why prayer is so difficult. It the order of prayers. is extremely hard to express emotions and

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 Chabad Philosophy: Nochum Grunwald: In some way, Chabad is all about characterization. You might say that’s one of the differences between Chabad A Historical Background and others who saw Chabad’s analysis of the high holiday sefirot as sacrilegious. Chabad’s view is, as A Roundtable with Baila Olidort And then our Rebbe drew distinctions in Chazal say, Torah hi, v’lilmod ani tzarich. “It describing each one as corresponding to an- is Torah, and I need to study.” Same applies to habad-Lubavitch traces its roots back other one of the Ushpizin of Sukkot. So while this idea of scrutinizing the distinctions be- to the last decades of the 18th centu- the Rebbes were all committed to advancing tween the different Rebbes. ry with its founding by Reb Schneur Chabad Chasidism as a pathway in Divine CZalman of Liadi. Many were drawn to his Service, it is true that each one contributed But it is worth remembering that the Alter creative, spiritually empowering teachings. to this differently. You need only peruse their Rebbe tried to preserve the balance between September 4-6 With his authorship of the Tanya, Chabad’s correspondences and their writings and this holiness and analytical knowledge. It is a guideRosh Hashanah foundational source text, the Alter Rebbe becomes plainly evident. tough balance to preserve because on the one September 13-14 set an intellectually and experientially in- hand, we believe that the Jew’s first obligation YOM KIPPUR novative Chasidic movement on a trajectory The Rebbes themselves constantly referred to is to do what Torah demands. On the other that would gain momentum, attracting Jews their predecessors, but they gave themselves a hand, if you do that by rote, what then makes September 18-25 worldwide to a deepened spiritual engagement lot of liberty to chart their own path. Look at it Chabad? Chabad is, after all, an intellectual SUKKOT with Judaism. our Rebbe: on the one hand he saw himself as discipline that demands that we think ana- no more than an extension of his predecessor, lytically, and approach our avodat Hashem September 26-27 In the last issue of Lubavitch International, the Frierdiker Rebbe, and yet his works do not [Divine service] with intelligence, not blind SHEMINI ATZERET/ Rabbi Dovid Olidort, Editor at the Chabad really bear much resemblance to his father’s- observance. SIMCHAT TORAH publishing house, Kehot Publication Society in-law teachings. Compare a Sefer haSichos and Rabbi Nochem Grunwald, Editor of the of the R. Yosef Yitzchak to a Likuttei Sichos BO: How would you describe the leadership periodical Heichal HaBesht, participated in of the Rebbe. They are almost two distinct model of the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad? a discussion on the leadership and teachings worlds. TheSefer haSichos contain Chasidic of the Chabad Rebbes, and how they have stories, lore, inspirational thoughts and ru- NG: At first the Alter Rebbe saw himself only shaped Chabad-Lubavitch. Baila Olidort minations, with intermittent philosophical as a teacher. He was averse to the idea of him- moderated the roundtable. discussions delivered in free-style. The Rebbe’s self as a “charismatic” Rebbe. (This was one of Likuttei Sichos, by contrast, Baila Olidort: We generally accept the view is text-based, analytical and that each Rebbe followed his predecessor’s Talmudic in style, constructed The Rebbe reframed the focus and teachings and that they were all dedicated with argument, counter-argu- application of Chabad’s philosophy to the continuity of Chabad as a discipline ment and resolution. and ideology, interpreting its most of Divine service. And yet, each Rebbe was distinct in personality, temperament and in- If we wanted, to lay out in esoteric teachings in a way that made tellectual thrust. In some way, Chabad itself general terms the differences, them widely and personally relevant. has evolved over the generations, no doubt you might say that the Alter start here as a result of the leadership of its respective Rebbe (1745-1812) was the originator and in- the key differences between Chabad and the Rebbes. novator, the Mitteler Rebbe (1773-1827), the other Chasidic masters of his time—”Polish major expounder of Chabad and the one who Chasidim” as they are known in Chabad par- Rosh Hashanah September 4-6 But it is also true that in Chabad, we tend not dedicated himself to perpetuating Chabad as lance). The Alter Rebbe did not see himself to really engage in comparative studies of the founded by his father; the Tzemach Tzedek as the miracle worker, or the inspirational The Jewish New Year is not about popping Rebbes, their scholastic output and leadership (1789-1866), was the Rebbe who situated conduit, the one who closes the gap between champagne or dropping a large matzah ball in styles. We rather think of the Chabad Rebbes Chabad’s ideas in classical Jewish sources; heaven and earth, or even the one who acts on Manhattan. Rosh Hashanah means, “head of the in terms of their place along the continuum in his son, Reb Shmuel, the Maharash (1834- behalf of the people. year.” Just as the head controls the body, Rosh Chabad’s long history. 1882) essentially carried on his father’s style, Hashanah is seen as the potential for life, blessing introducing a quality of boldness and fearless- In his famous letter (printed in the Tanya), and sustenance for the entire year. // On Rosh Dovid Olidort: Chabad has shifted its focus ness to the Chabad character; Reb Sholom the Alter Rebbe presented himself as a teacher, Hashanah, the birthday of our great-grandparents at various points in its history, but its doctrine DovBer, the Rashab (1860-1920), was a major a mentor or a guide to bring people—obser- Adam and Eve, we renew our relationship with has not changed. It is true that in the works innovator who culled from both the Mitteler vant Jews—closer to G-d, and not a prophet. G-d. The shofar awakens our hearts and minds to of our Rebbe (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Rebbe and the Tzemach Tzedek, but also gave The famous Chasidic Master R. Shlomo make G-d's mission our mission. // Our actions Schneerson), the Rebbes are generally regard- new life to Chabad by establishing its flagship Karliner, by contrast, a contemporary of the on Rosh Hashanah set the tone for the year to ed as “one leader.” But the idea of considering yeshiva; the Frierdiker Rebbe (1880-1950) Alter Rebbe, was the ultimate charismatic come. We eat apples dipped in honey, wishing the distinctions between the Rebbes in terms carried on his father’s legacy, but in the spirit leader. But the Alter Rebbe tried to develop a for a good and sweet year, and eat new fruits of their personalities and their foci, that was of great personal sacrifice, mesirut nefesh. Chasidic system that would be independent of symbolizing new beginnings. This is reflected in something that the Frierdiker Rebbe (R. Yosef the zaddik. At the center of his system was a the words that we say during Rosh Hashanah, Yitzchak) himself observed. He described With our Rebbe, (1902-1994) the last in doctrine, and not only a doctrine, but a guide “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good their personalities as corresponding to the dif- the dynasty of Chabad Rebbes, Chabad un- book—the Tanya—so that Chabad Chasidut year.” (See "Checklist" on next page.) ferent sefirot (spiritual emanations). The Alter derwent a profound paradigm shift. The would serve as a tool for those who didn’t have Rebbe, he said, corresponded to chochma, his Rebbe reframed the focus and application of a Rebbe. son Reb Dovber, the Mitteler Rebbe, to binah, Chabad’s philosophy and ideology, interpret- and the Tzemach Tzedek, Reb Menachem ing its most esoteric teachings in a way that For more readings on Chabad visit www. Mendel, to the sefirah of daat and so forth. made them widely and personally relevant. lubavitch.com

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 (continued from previous page) holiday checklists Lulav/Palm Branch

YOM KIPPUR September 13-14 Hadasim/Myrtle Rosh Hashanah: Over 3,500 years ago, our people sinned with the Golden Aravot/Willow Calf. Moses pleaded with G-d and on the 10th day of Tishrei, ❏❏ Candle lighting, both nights G-d proclaimed, “I have forgiven.” That day has since been ❏❏ Kiddush and festive meals, both nights and named "Yom Kippur" or “Day of Atonement.” // Before Yom both days Etrog/Citron Kippur, we observe the Kapparot service by rotating a fowl or ❏❏ Apple dipped in honey, first night money over our heads, which we then give to the poor. On ❏❏ New fruit is enjoyed, second night Yom Kippur, we do not eat, drink, wash, use perfume, have ❏❏ Hear the shofar, both days marital relations or wear leather shoes. It is a custom to wear ❏❏ Visit a body of water for Tashlich, first day white, symbolic of purity. // Yom Kippur begins with Kol Nidrei, expressing our timeless commitment to G-d. // Yom Yom Kippur: The Lulav Shake etc. Kippur reveals the essence of the Jewish soul, a spark of G-d Enhancing unity, joy and spiritual health. united with its Source. The final prayer of Yom Kippur, when ❏❏ Kapparot and charity, before Yom Kippur our judgment for the coming year is sealed, is called Ne’ilah, ❏❏ Two festive meals, before the fast “closing the gate,” which culminates with the final sounding ❏❏ Yahrzeit memorial candle is lit before Yom of the shofar. Kippur (if applicable) ❏❏ Candle lighting, before sunset The Shofar, Answer The Call: persecution of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition of in mitzvot. The hadas (myrtle branch) is tasteless but ❏❏ Fast, from before sundown until after nightfall the 15th Century, when Jews were forced to convert aromatic, representing one who, though lacking in SUKKOT September 18-25 ❏❏ Yizkor memorial prayers during daytime One hundred blasts are sounded from the shofar each to Catholicism under the threat of death. Outwardly, Torah knowledge, is observant in mitzvot. The taste- services day of Rosh Hashanah. The shofar is a ram’s horn, the Jews behaved like their Spanish neighbors, but less and scentless aravah (willow branch) represents Sukkot, the season of rejoicing, means “huts,” reminiscent of ❏❏ Break the fast after the Havdalah service, the oldest and most primitive of wind instruments, in private they remained devout. Once a year they the individual who lacks in both Torah and mitzvot. the temporary shelters in which the Jewish people dwelled in marking the end of the holiday yet its call touches the innermost chords of the soul. would gather in secret, declaring Kol Nidrei to vow When we are bound together, each individual makes the desert. Also called the Festival of Ingathering, Sukkot is Its sound is simple and plaintive—a cry from the their commitment to Judaism, despite their seeming- up for that which is lacking in the others. The Four the time that the produce from the field, orchard and vineyard Sukkot: heart, like that of a lost child for its parent. It is a ly Catholic lives. Kol Nidrei was their proclamation Kinds also represent four personas within each indi- is collected. It is one of three Pilgrimage Festivals when Jews call to evaluate our actions and improve our ways. that their external behavior was not who they were. vidual: Lulav is the intellectual within, who does not would travel to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, demonstrating ❏❏ Candle lighting, first two nights The shofar historically was used to coronate kings. At allow feeling to cloud the purity of knowledge; hadas their unity. We express this unity by blessing the Four Kinds: ❏❏ Kiddush and festive meals, first two nights and Sinai, the Torah tells us, a shofar was sounded. The The Sukkah: Seven Days Under His Roof: is the emotional self, where feelings comprise the The lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), haddasim (myrtle) and first two days Prophets talk about the great shofar that will soon Sukkot is a seven-day festival. A sukkah is an out- highest ideal, even at the expense of intellect; etrog is aravot (willow). // During the seven days of Sukkot, we eat our ❏❏ Eat all meals in the sukkah herald the coming of the final redemption. door structure, where we dwell during the Festival the force that strives for balance of mind and heart, meals outdoors in the sukkah. The sukkah is the only mitzvah ❏❏ Bless the Four Kinds each day, except Shabbat of Sukkot in symbolic demonstration of our faith in while aravah is the capacity for setting aside both in- that encompasses us, symbolizing the “clouds of glory,” which ❏❏ On Hoshanah Rabbah, eat festive meal and Tashlich: Can You Hear Me Now? G-d's providence. Its roof is composed of branches. tellect and feeling in commitment to a Higher ideal. surrounded and protected the Jewish people upon leaving tap the aravot (willow branches) “Sukkah is the only mitzvah into which a person Egypt. //Hoshanah Rabbah, the last day of Sukkot, means Performed before sunset on the first day of Rosh enters with his muddy boots,” goes the Chassidic Dances with the Torah Feel the Beat; Shemini “great salvation,” and marks the end of our judgment period, Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah: Hashanah (or second day, if first occurs on Shabbat). saying. The sukkah, its walls and roofing, encom- Atzeret and Simchat Torah:: which began on Rosh Hashanah. We traditionally tap the Tashlich (“cast away") is observed. We visit any pass us entirely. The Zohar teaches that on each floor with a bundle of willow branches, and ask G-d to seal ❏❏ Candle lighting, both nights stretch of water containing live fish, and recite spe- of the seven days of Sukkot, we are joined in our All reserve disappears in the exuberant dancing of our inscription for a good year. ❏❏ Kiddush and festive meals, both nights and cial prayers. The Kabbalah teaches that water is a sign sukkah by seven spiritual Ushpizin, honored guests: Simchat Torah. Every Jew, learned and unsophisti- both days of blessing, and the "reception" of our prayers is en- Abraham, representing the divine sefira (attribute) cated, feels a natural desire to take a Torah in his ❏❏ Dance Hakafot, both nights and second day hanced by our proximity to the water. of chesed, kindness; Isaac, representing gevurah, arms and dance. Simchat Torah taps a point in the ❏❏ Yizkor memorial prayers, first day restraint; Jacob, representing tifferet, beauty and soul that defies the differences that exist between one SHEMINI ATZERET/SIMCHAT TORAH Teshuvah-Repentance: Return to Sender: Ten balance; Moses representing netzach, eternity and Jew and another. The source for this happiness is of September 26-27 Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah perseverance; Aaron, representing hod, splendor; course the Torah. Yet throughout the entire Hakafot and Yom Kippur. Joseph, representing yesod, spiritual foundation, dances, the Torah is never opened; we dance hold- Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are the culmination of and King David, representing malchut, sovereignty. ing it wrapped in its mantle. Though the Torah is the holidays of Tishrei. On Shemini Atzeret, which means Teshuvah means “return”—a return to real you. The sukkah encompasses its visitors in unison. In usually associated with disciplined study, on Simchat “the eighth day that concludes the festival,” some customarily To your inner self that was always connected to its this way, the sukkah reveals the simple and beauti- Torah we approach it differently, singing and danc- eat their meals in the sukkah. In the synagogue, we dance Source. Start with sincere regret for transgressions ful oneness of a people rooted in the oneness of their ing in a manner that bears no apparent relationship Hakafot with the Torah—processions amid singing and and the resolve to abandon those ways. You'll devel- Creator. When all of Israel dwells in a single sukkah, to understanding. We are lifted beyond the realm dancing—and pray for rains of blessing. // Simchat Torah, op a desire to come closer to G-d. The sages suggest our unity transcends our differences. of our individual identities and become the “feet of which means “rejoicing with the Torah,” is celebrated with prayer and increased performance of mitzvot, par- the Torah.” These celebrations reveal that our bond exuberant dancing. Completing the annual cycle of reading ticularly the giving of charity to the poor, which The Four Kinds: All Four One and One for All: with G-d and the Torah is unconfined by the limits the Torah, we read the final section of the Torah, after which “redeem” the soul from spiritual captivity. Performed each day of Sukkot, except for Shabbat. of intellect. Moreover, this celebration anticipates we immediately start to read it again. The rest of the year, we The unity of the Jewish people is expressed by bless- the ultimate celebrations that will accompany the approach the Torah with serious study. On Simchat Torah, Kol Nidrei: Look at our Hearts, Not our ing the Four Kinds: The etrog (citron) has both a coming of Moshiach and the advent of the Era of the we approach the Torah with joyful dance. // This holiday Clothes pleasant taste and smell, representing one who is both Redemption. May we merit it now. emphasizes that the Torah is the inheritance of every single knowledgeable in Torah and proficient in the obser- Jew. By starting to read the Torah anew, we demonstrate that The first prayer of Yom Kippur, as the sun is set- vance of mitzvot. The lulav is the branch of the date learning never ends, especially when it comes to the Torah and ting, is Kol Nidrei, the cancellation of vows. palm, whose fruit is tasty but has no scent, represent- its infinite wisdom. The significance of this prayer dates back to the ing one who is accomplished in Torah, though less so

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 (continued from previous page) holiday checklists Lulav/Palm Branch

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 Merkos - Kehot - Touch of High Holidays - 7.5x10.25 7/4/2013 12:02 PM Page 1

High Holiday Insights Take a deeper look at the A touch of The traditions of the Jewish New Year and glean a whole new perspective on ancient high Holidays customs.

Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson

The Hebrew word kapparah has a connotation of “scrubbing”—meaning that on Yom Kippur, we can scrub off our transgressions and connect with our essence.

SUKKOT: AN ENDLESS JOY JUST

The spiritual light we achieve during the High Holidays through prayer, meditation and fasting is again achieved on Sukkot, but $9.95 through joy. MSRP

What we accomplish through blowing the shofar is now accomplished From the popular by placing the schach branches on the roof of our sukkah. (The word Touch and schach has the numerical value of 100, equaling the amount of sounds blown from the shofar during Rosh Hashanah.) The seven days Feel Book Rosh Hashanah: CELEBRATING OUR POTENTIAL between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur can elevate each day of the • S E R I E S • coming year; the seven days of Sukkot elevate the coming year with joy Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of Adam and Eve. When Adam and spirituality. The cloud of incense offered in the Holy Temple on was created, his soul so irradiated his being, that all the creatures Yom Kippur is a manifestation of the “clouds of glory” that protected Also available in wanted to crown him as their creator. Adam corrected them, saying, the Jews leaving Egypt; a physical sukkah is the spiritual manifestation French & “Come, let us worship, let us bow down and kneel before G-d our of these clouds. Portuguese Maker” (The Zohar). At that moment, he actualized the universe’s potential—to become one with the Divine. Joy is not logical; it is above our comprehension. Our Sages teach, “joy breaks all boundaries.” Through joy, Sukkot gives us the power to It is only through the creation of Adam (humanity) that the separate reach our spiritual potential, by breaking our intellectual boundaries. elements of the universe can unite with one purpose. Only we have the power to elevate physicality into something spiritual. When a ram’s SHEMINI ATZERET/SIMCHAT TORAH: SIMPLY DIVINE horn is blown on Rosh Hashanah, the animal kingdom is elevated. When we make a blessing before eating an apple dipped in honey, we Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot are considered our elevate the organic kingdom. On this day, we realize the potential and engagement with G-d’s Will. Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah Gift Set! responsibility we have as human beings. constitute our wedding, the time of “Intimacy with the Divine.” A Touch of The High Holidays + A Touch of Chanukah YOM KIPPUR: THE SOUL ESSENCE A wedding brings two people together in happiness and fulfillment. + A Touch of Passover Simchat Torah means “the joy of the Torah,” because we bring joy to + A Touch of Shabbat Yom Kippur has a special power, for “whether one repents or does not the Torah when we bring her into our lives. Our soul comes from the for just $32 repent, Yom Kippur atones.” To quote Maimonides, “The essence of essence of the Divine; the Torah is the manifestation of the Divine the day atones.” Will. It is only when the soul (clothed in a body) adheres to the Torah, that the Divine Will is actualized and fulfilled. When we dance with The soul has many levels. Though it is a spiritual entity, there is a level the Torah on Simchat Torah, G-d’s essence and His Torah are reunited, that is affected by our physical transgressions. For this level of the soul, bringing purpose and fulfillment to each other. Showroom: Available online at repentance is required to reattach it to G-dliness. 291 Kingston Avenue • Brooklyn, NY 11213 Hours of operation: However, the essence of the soul is literally one with G-d and cannot be www.kehot.com

Am pm S affected by our physicality. On Yom Kippur, G-d reveals this essence Read more of the Rebbe’s High Holiday Insights at Sunday–ursday: 10:00 –7:00 p o t l i g h D e s n that is hidden throughout the year. www.chabad.org 877-4-MERKOS Friday: 10:00Am–1:00pm (Summers until 2:00pm)

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 Merkos - Kehot - Touch of High Holidays - 7.5x10.25 7/4/2013 12:02 PM Page 1

High Holiday Insights Take a deeper look at the A touch of The traditions of the Jewish New Year and glean a whole new perspective on ancient high Holidays customs.

Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson

The Hebrew word kapparah has a connotation of “scrubbing”—meaning that on Yom Kippur, we can scrub off our transgressions and connect with our essence.

SUKKOT: AN ENDLESS JOY JUST

The spiritual light we achieve during the High Holidays through prayer, meditation and fasting is again achieved on Sukkot, but $9.95 through joy. MSRP

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 But imagine any other day of the year. You On Yom Kippur, when we all become simple see a newcomer in shul, someone who’s just Jews, then everything else ceases to matter. Are you a shown up out of the blue, and you ask them, Oh, sure, if you want to be complicated you “Why did you come toshul today?” What do can point out all sorts of contradictions in my you suppose they’ll say? “Well, that’s an in- life. You can show me how I haven’t exactly teresting question.” And they’ll probably have been acting like a Jew all year. The arguments some interesting answer, some fascinating and the logic are all well and good for another story about why they were suddenly inspired time. We’ll analyze that stuff later and fix to come to shul. But you won’t hear an inter- whatever we need to fix. But at this moment, esting story about why someone showed up to the contradictions are irrelevant. All that mat- shul on Yom Kippur. ters is the simple truth. I am a Jew. Everything Complicated Jew? else I’ve done to contradict myself all year sud- ’m a complicated Jew and if you’re won- “black-and-white thinking,” “extreme,” still be a very busy thinker. Practically, what of the game, both the king and the pawn get What’s the difference between the Yom denly disappears. dering whether or not you qualify as a “one-dimensional,” or “shallow.” Perhaps, as does this mean? It means that I can spend a put away in the same wooden box. Kippur reason for suddenly showing up in I “complicated” Jew, you are too. complicated Jews we revel in our sophistica- lot of time analyzing and contemplating, and shul and the rest-of-the-year reason for sud- Ah, to be a simple Jew, to have clarity even if tion allowing us to explore the ambiguities it doesn’t make me smart. Or I can not think I always appreciate what’s happening on Yom denly showing up in shul? The difference is for a moment. So this Yom Kippur, when your While studying for his PhD in psychology, my of every issue. However, does analysis really that much and still be very intelligent. Kippur when I talk to a “one-day-a-year” Jew. that the rest of the year, I feel like I need to ex- own Jewishness needs no justification, try to father and his classmates learned how to ad- equal smart? Try it. Stand outside your synagogue on Yom plain my Jewishness. On Yom Kippur, what’s remember what that feels like. Even when minister personality tests by Luckily, Yom Kippur is the Kippur and speak to the man or woman who there to explain? you get your complicated brain back the next taking the tests themselves. one day a year that we all you’ve never seen before and ask him or day, hang on to that clarity of who One morning, the students become simple Jews. Yes, her, “What are you doing here today? you are. Are there aspects of your waited in the classroom for even us complicated Jews get What brought you here?” You’ll get a So, if you have to ponder whether life that are in conflict with or even the professor to arrive with to become simple for a day. funny look, like you just fell off of the antithetical to your identity? Nu. the results of the personality And when we become simple, moon. If they even dignify such a silly or not you are a complicated Jew, Maybe there are. So you’ll work on test they had taken. One of everything gets set straight question with a response it will be more that. But none of that changes the the students groaned, “I was again. Everything becomes of a string of questions than an answer. you have your answer right there. reality of who you are. You’re a Jew. so nervous to find out the clear. “Why am I here? Why are you here? It’s that simple. results of my personality test Where else should I be? Maybe my cal- that I almost drove my car What is it about Yom endar is wrong? It’s not Yom Kippur?” And that’s what it’s like to be a simple Jew. Shais Taub is an author and teacher on subjects into a tree.” At that moment, Kippur that makes it so of Jewish spirituality. He lives in Pittsburgh, PA. the professor walked in. It uncomplicated? Basically, I’m a Jew and I’m in shul. It’s all So, how does this clean up the past and send Contact him at [email protected] was clear that he had over- very simple. If you need to understand it, then us fresh and clean into a new year? heard the student’s comment. Kabbalisticly on Yom Kippur you’re the strange one. He looked at the nervous the fifth level of your soul, student and said, “You don’t or the fifth degree of your need to wait for any results.” individual spirituality, is re- vealed. In short, there are So, if you have to ponder 5 levels of the soul: 1) the whether or not you are a energy of holy behaviors, 2) complicated Jew, you have the energy of holy emotions, ACTIVATE your answer right there. 3) the energy of holy intellect, 4) the energy of faith A simple Jew doesn’t ponder and 5) the essence that tran- YOUR such things. Not that he’s scends all these. unintelligent. Oh sure, some simple Jews are unintelli- That’s why we pray three gent, but then again, some times a day on a normal day VITAMINS are quite bright, brilliant in order to gain access to Vitamins A, B* and C deteriorate sitting in water. even. Simple has nothing to levels one, two, and three. That’s why we keep ours stored separately in our do with intellectual prowess. On Shabbat and holidays we unique cap, so the vitamins stay fresh. There are simple Jews who are astrophysicists. Let’s analyze it. Just like being a simple Jew add a fourth prayer and we can feel level four. Twist cap to release fresh vitamins Simple Jews can be very smart. But no matter doesn’t necessarily make you unintelligent, so But only on Yom Kippur we have five prayers how smart they are, if you ask a simple Jew a too being an analytically, over-thinking Jew in a single day, which means that we get in simple question like “Are you Jewish?” they’ll doesn’t automatically make you clever. There’s touch with that fifth level, the essence of the give you a simple answer. A complicated Jew, a difference between intelligence and thought. soul that just is. We refrain from eating and on the other hand, gives you a complicated For instance, think of driving directions to the drinking, from working, and from all mun- answer. He has to qualify it with all sorts airport. Are you thinking them now? Great. dane pursuits, getting away from doing so that of disclaimers. So the answer to, “Are you Were you thinking them ten minutes ago? we can just start being. Jewish?” becomes “It depends what you mean Probably not. But did you know directions by Jewish.” But the simple Jew understands to the airport ten minutes ago? Probably yes. Hence, the angelic pure white robes, the that “Are you Jewish?” is a yes-or-no question So there’s a difference between knowing and kittel, that many are accustomed to wear. it’s and there’s no commentary needed. thinking. Just like you can know something reminiscent of simple burial shrouds, remind- and not be thinking about it, so too, you can ing us that no matter what kind of complicated Of course, this clarity makes us compli- know a lot of things and not be a big thinker. clothes we wear in this lifetime, we all go to KOSHER CERTIFIED activatedrinks.com cated Jews nervous and we dismiss it as Conversely, you can also know very little, and the grave as equals. Or like they say, at the end *Vitamins B5 and B12 High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 But imagine any other day of the year. You On Yom Kippur, when we all become simple see a newcomer in shul, someone who’s just Jews, then everything else ceases to matter. Are you a shown up out of the blue, and you ask them, Oh, sure, if you want to be complicated you “Why did you come toshul today?” What do can point out all sorts of contradictions in my you suppose they’ll say? “Well, that’s an in- life. You can show me how I haven’t exactly teresting question.” And they’ll probably have been acting like a Jew all year. The arguments some interesting answer, some fascinating and the logic are all well and good for another story about why they were suddenly inspired time. We’ll analyze that stuff later and fix to come to shul. But you won’t hear an inter- whatever we need to fix. But at this moment, esting story about why someone showed up to the contradictions are irrelevant. All that mat- shul on Yom Kippur. ters is the simple truth. I am a Jew. Everything Complicated Jew? else I’ve done to contradict myself all year sud- ’m a complicated Jew and if you’re won- “black-and-white thinking,” “extreme,” still be a very busy thinker. Practically, what of the game, both the king and the pawn get What’s the difference between the Yom denly disappears. dering whether or not you qualify as a “one-dimensional,” or “shallow.” Perhaps, as does this mean? It means that I can spend a put away in the same wooden box. Kippur reason for suddenly showing up in I “complicated” Jew, you are too. complicated Jews we revel in our sophistica- lot of time analyzing and contemplating, and shul and the rest-of-the-year reason for sud- Ah, to be a simple Jew, to have clarity even if tion allowing us to explore the ambiguities it doesn’t make me smart. Or I can not think I always appreciate what’s happening on Yom denly showing up in shul? The difference is for a moment. So this Yom Kippur, when your While studying for his PhD in psychology, my of every issue. However, does analysis really that much and still be very intelligent. Kippur when I talk to a “one-day-a-year” Jew. that the rest of the year, I feel like I need to ex- own Jewishness needs no justification, try to father and his classmates learned how to ad- equal smart? Try it. Stand outside your synagogue on Yom plain my Jewishness. On Yom Kippur, what’s remember what that feels like. Even when minister personality tests by Luckily, Yom Kippur is the Kippur and speak to the man or woman who there to explain? you get your complicated brain back the next taking the tests themselves. one day a year that we all you’ve never seen before and ask him or day, hang on to that clarity of who One morning, the students become simple Jews. Yes, her, “What are you doing here today? you are. Are there aspects of your waited in the classroom for even us complicated Jews get What brought you here?” You’ll get a So, if you have to ponder whether life that are in conflict with or even the professor to arrive with to become simple for a day. funny look, like you just fell off of the antithetical to your identity? Nu. the results of the personality And when we become simple, moon. If they even dignify such a silly or not you are a complicated Jew, Maybe there are. So you’ll work on test they had taken. One of everything gets set straight question with a response it will be more that. But none of that changes the the students groaned, “I was again. Everything becomes of a string of questions than an answer. you have your answer right there. reality of who you are. You’re a Jew. so nervous to find out the clear. “Why am I here? Why are you here? It’s that simple. results of my personality test Where else should I be? Maybe my cal- that I almost drove my car What is it about Yom endar is wrong? It’s not Yom Kippur?” And that’s what it’s like to be a simple Jew. Shais Taub is an author and teacher on subjects into a tree.” At that moment, Kippur that makes it so of Jewish spirituality. He lives in Pittsburgh, PA. the professor walked in. It uncomplicated? Basically, I’m a Jew and I’m in shul. It’s all So, how does this clean up the past and send Contact him at [email protected] was clear that he had over- very simple. If you need to understand it, then us fresh and clean into a new year? heard the student’s comment. Kabbalisticly on Yom Kippur you’re the strange one. He looked at the nervous the fifth level of your soul, student and said, “You don’t or the fifth degree of your need to wait for any results.” individual spirituality, is re- vealed. In short, there are So, if you have to ponder 5 levels of the soul: 1) the whether or not you are a energy of holy behaviors, 2) complicated Jew, you have the energy of holy emotions, ACTIVATE your answer right there. 3) the energy of holy intellect, 4) the energy of faith A simple Jew doesn’t ponder and 5) the essence that tran- YOUR such things. Not that he’s scends all these. unintelligent. Oh sure, some simple Jews are unintelli- That’s why we pray three gent, but then again, some times a day on a normal day VITAMINS are quite bright, brilliant in order to gain access to Vitamins A, B* and C deteriorate sitting in water. even. Simple has nothing to levels one, two, and three. That’s why we keep ours stored separately in our do with intellectual prowess. On Shabbat and holidays we unique cap, so the vitamins stay fresh. There are simple Jews who are astrophysicists. Let’s analyze it. Just like being a simple Jew add a fourth prayer and we can feel level four. Twist cap to release fresh vitamins Simple Jews can be very smart. But no matter doesn’t necessarily make you unintelligent, so But only on Yom Kippur we have five prayers how smart they are, if you ask a simple Jew a too being an analytically, over-thinking Jew in a single day, which means that we get in simple question like “Are you Jewish?” they’ll doesn’t automatically make you clever. There’s touch with that fifth level, the essence of the give you a simple answer. A complicated Jew, a difference between intelligence and thought. soul that just is. We refrain from eating and on the other hand, gives you a complicated For instance, think of driving directions to the drinking, from working, and from all mun- answer. He has to qualify it with all sorts airport. Are you thinking them now? Great. dane pursuits, getting away from doing so that of disclaimers. So the answer to, “Are you Were you thinking them ten minutes ago? we can just start being. Jewish?” becomes “It depends what you mean Probably not. But did you know directions by Jewish.” But the simple Jew understands to the airport ten minutes ago? Probably yes. Hence, the angelic pure white robes, the that “Are you Jewish?” is a yes-or-no question So there’s a difference between knowing and kittel, that many are accustomed to wear. it’s and there’s no commentary needed. thinking. Just like you can know something reminiscent of simple burial shrouds, remind- and not be thinking about it, so too, you can ing us that no matter what kind of complicated Of course, this clarity makes us compli- know a lot of things and not be a big thinker. clothes we wear in this lifetime, we all go to KOSHER CERTIFIED activatedrinks.com cated Jews nervous and we dismiss it as Conversely, you can also know very little, and the grave as equals. Or like they say, at the end *Vitamins B5 and B12 High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 THE 5-MINUTE of free break to How CHICKEN FINGERS

What healthy protein filled dinner can be ready in five minutes with no prep work? I found the secret that’s always a hit with my kids, and with a little fancy sauce and quick side of steamed vegetables, makes an impressive anytime dinner.

Here it is: Chicken Fingers by S’better Farms. I keep a stash of these in my freezer for unforeseen crunch times. The ingre- dients are: skinless, boneless, chicken breast seasoned with chicken flavoring mixture and breaded in rice flour, corn flour, and less than 2% of salt, ground chili, paprika, onion, garlic, spices, egg.

Cooking Instructions: Defrost chicken fingers in refrigerator or microwave. Simply remove from package and place in fryer (recommended) for 4-5 minutes. Or pre heat oven to 400 place chicken fingers on cookie sheet place them in oven for 15-20 minutes.

Microwave: Defrost chicken fingers in refrigerator or microwave. Open top of tray and place in microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. Quick side of Steamed Asparagus: Simply remove asparagus stems and wash eil Diamond’s “BadKol Nidrei” lyrics clearly indicate that itsHabits origins are in the and Queen of France when the Anti-Semites well. Boil water in a pot or pan. Drop the fresh asparagus into water for 30 performance in The Jazz Singer def- medieval period and researchers have actually in the king’s court had discovered the Kol IT’S A JEWISH MAGAZINE. OF COURSE THERE’S A FOOD PAGE. seconds and quickly remove. Serve with rice or quinoa. N initely popularized this Yom Kippur found references to Kol Nidrei in the writings Nidrei and used it against the Jews. However, prayer for my generation. In fact, this Aramaic of the Geonim. Although the exact date of the it soon became clear that Jews make “vows” prayer is so popular that people have dubbed composition and its author are still unknown, to G-d that they will dedicate an item or per- FOOD Yom Kippur Eve as “Kol Nidrei Eve.” its existence certainly dates back to the Geonic form a mitzvah. It is these vows that can be Period of 589–1038 CE. annulled, not a loan re-payment. NO MESS While technically it’s not a prayer, the Kol Nidrei ceremony sure looks like one. At twi- Perhaps, the emphasis and popularity of the kol Furthermore, Jewish Law states: Once a Jew DINNER IDEAS light on the eve of Yom Kippur, congregations nidrei amongst the masses began in late 1490’s performs a mitzvah 3 times it’s considered a America’s Only Kosher worldwide gather in the synagogue. The Ark inspired by the Spanish “Marranos,” Jews who commitment unless otherwise stated. The Corn Dog is opened and Torah scrolls are carried and were forced to convert to Christianity, yet same is true mystically regarding forming It’s a family tradition that we eat held near the cantor. The women have already who secretly maintained their original Jewish habits, as we all make an unconscious com- corndogs for dinner while mom lit candles at home and the men are wearing faith. Also Jews living beyond Spain could mitment to our repetitive behavior. It is the prepares for Shabbat. The kids sure the tallit for the Yom Kippur evening service. easily identify with the burden of living the Kol Nidrei that addresses these negative man- don’t mind, and preparation is easy Thus starts the holiest day of the year... Kol life of a Marrano in one way or another. Thus, made attachments we’ve created all year long. enough for any dad. But it wasn’t till Nidrei (all vows): the Kol Nidrei allowed the Jew to free himself recently that I went to meet America’s of “promises” he’s inadvertently made to the The cantor then chants the passage beginning only Kosher Corndog maker. S’Better “All vows, and prohibitions, and oaths, and non-Jewish culture of the time. with the words Kol Nidrei with its touching Farms is located in Los Angeles, consecrations, that we may vow, or swear, or melodic phrases, and, in varying intensities California and I was happy to see consecrate, or prohibit upon ourselves, from But can we be trusted once we declare all our from pianissimo (quiet) to fortissimo (loud), that the corn dogs are produced in a the previous Day of Atonement until this Day vows as null and void? repeats twice (for a total of three iterations) segregated area keeping them completely wheat and gluten free. of Atonement and ...Regarding all of them, we (lest a latecomer not hear them). repudiate them. All of them are undone, aban- Clearly, the vows and pledges being annulled America’s only Kosher Corn Dog can be found in your supermarket’s frozen doned, cancelled, null and void, not in force, by this ceremony are of a limited nature. The leader and the congregation then say food section. These premade frozen delights simply need to be thawed and and not in effect. Our vows are no longer Jewish law takes ones word very seriously. together three times, “May all the people of then fried. You can even microwave those meals-on-a-stick if the kids are that vows, and our prohibitions are no longer pro- According to the Code of Jewish Law, the Israel be forgiven, including all the strangers hungry. hibitions, and our oaths are no longer oaths.” Kol Nidrei declaration can invalidate only who live in their midst, for all the people are in I would recommend preparing the corn dogs in the oven or better yet, in a large vows that one undertakes on his own volition. fault.” (Numbers 15:26.) The leader then says: fryer. Step one is to defrost the corn dogs in refrigerator or microwave. Preheat Although it seems more like a legal declara- It has no effect on vows or oath imposed by “O pardon the iniquities of this people, ac- oven or fryer oil to 350oF. Step two is to gently remove corn dogs from package tion than a Psalm, this oath-clarification is someone else, a court, or a gentile. Also, the cording to Thy abundant mercy, just as Thou and place on cookie sheet or directly into the fryer. Cook for 10-15 minutes the dramatic introduction to our holy Day of invalidation of future vows takes effect only forgave this people ever since they left Egypt.” in oven or 3-4 minutes in fryer. If that’s not fast enough, you can microwave a Atonement. How did that happen? And where if someone makes the vow without having And then the leader and congregation say to- single corn dog in 1-2 minutes. did this prayer come from? And more impor- in mind his previous Kol Nidrei declaration. gether three times, “The L-rd said, ‘I pardon tantly, can you trust anything I promise you But if he makes the vow with Kol Nidrei in them according to your words.’” (Numbers My kids love dipping the corn dogs in ketchup and mustard, so be sure to this year? mind—thus being openly insincere in his 14:20). The scrolls are then returned to the ark provide some dipping options. Corn Dog’s make for the ultimate easy and fun vow—the vow is in full force.” and the Yom kippur service begins with a con- dinner for kids of all ages. The Kol Nidrei’s rich and fascinating his- gregation of “Open” people, unattached to old S’Better Farms Corn Dogs are sold at Sprouts, Winn Dixie, ShopRite, Kroger tory starts approximately 1000 years ago. In 1240 the great Rabbis found themselves de- habits and free of negative cyclical routines. and more. To find a Kosher Corn Dog near you visit sbetterfarms.com The Aramaic language used in the Kol Nidrei fending the vows of the Jews before the King

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 THE 5-MINUTE of free break to How CHICKEN FINGERS

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 details. Each day brings its detailed mitzvah This Year… If I don’t succeed the accompanied with an organized mind and or- opportunities and like the thief of Anipoli, first time, I’ll try again and again. ganized schedule. you’ll need to realize that the small details are of great importance. The last and final trait that Reb This Year… I’ll watch 7 Zushe stole from the thief is perse- what I say (no really, I will...) This Year… I’ll work very hard. verance. No one expects you to hit a homerun every time, but Reb Zushe does Psychologists often talk This Year I’ll... It’s hard work to lose weight or expect you to keep trying. 10 about the ills of self-fulfill- to start a new business, and when ing prophesies and benefits According to researcher Richard Wiseman 88% of 4 it comes to your commitment to This Year… I’ll think about of positive talk. There’s a telling tale that the being a better Jew, don’t expect others Rebbe relates in the Hayom Yom about a resi- all those who set resolutions fail to complete them. it to be any different. There is a dent of Mezibuz who had a quarrel with his rule in life that hard work pays off and even Your resolution is important, but neighbor and began shouting that he would In other words, you only have a 12% chance of the thief of Anipoli knows that. 8 be careful not to be totally focused tear his neighbor to pieces like a fish. After solely on yourself. The Baal Shem hearing those angry words the Baal Shem Tov being successful with your Jewish New Year reso- This Year… I’ll be quick and Tov once said that “A soul may descend to this told his pupils to hold one another’s hand, Ten work fast. world and live seventy or eighty years in order and to stand near him with their eyes closed. lution. So, here’s a few ideas that should help you to do someone a material favor, and certainly Suddenly the disciples saw a vision of the man The difference between success a spiritual one.” Remember those around you actually ripping his neighbor to pieces. This be in the 12% this year. 5 and failure is sometimes the may need your help and if you include others incident shows clearly that every potential difference of seconds. The thief in your goal for success, than your own chanc- has an effect - either in physical form or on Chasidic knows he needs to work fast, and if we want to es of success are much higher. a spiritual plane. So watch what you say. For Our pre-Rosh Hashanah resolution was to ask our be successful Jews we need to work fast. example, no one should ever say “I’m broke,” This Year… I’ll Get Organized rather say “I hope not be broke soon.” A Jew editors to compile a “Top 10” list of ideas gleaned This Year… I’ll be confident should never say “I’m not Kosher,” rather say and optimistic. The Baal Shem Tov, founder of “I hope to be kosher soon.” So this year, no from Hayom Yom (See end note) to help our read- tips to Chasidism, was extremely sys- matter what your personal resolution is, you’ll person for the job. There is no 9 tematic and orderly. If you want definitely notice better results from yourself ers be more effective with their Jewish New Year’s 6 one else in the world that can be a project to happen you’ll need a and from the people around you when you a better Jew for you. The Torah clear plan and a well-structured budget and word your sentences carefully. resolution. is your inheritance. Be confident and act on it. if you want to study Torah you’ll need the help you same planning and budgeting of your time Notes: 1-7 See Hayom Yom 3 Iyaar. 8 See ibid and resources. All resolutions need to be 5 Iyaar. 9 See ibid 7 Tamuz. 10 See ibid 29 You’ll be surprised that sometimes the best ideas Tishrei. on how to get ahead come directly from the com- be more petition, and the great Chasidic sage Reb Zusha of Anipoli, “Stole” a number of tips and methods on how to be better Jew based on his observations of effective The Jewish world is the town’s thief. Disclaimer: the following 7 ideas counting on Chabad... are “Stolen” from the thief of Anipoli: this year. ...and chabad is This Year… I’ll work quietly. knows this rule and with sealed lips keeps all be willing to take a little risk for the sake of his energy focused on the task at hand. our Judaism. counting on you Surely, letting your close friends and family know about your resolution This Year… I’ll be ready to place This Year… I’ll realize that 1will allow for accountability and myself in danger. the smallest detail is of great Each of the 4,000 Chabad centers is run independently with its reinforcement, but too much talk importance. financial support coming from local donors like you. Contact can have an adverse effect. Studies show that How far will you go to accomplish your Chabad center and let them know you care. Chabad is a that excessive chit chat about your plans and 2 your goals? Most people will stop 3 Science has proven that abstract tax-deductable organization and you can receive the full de- resolutions trigger a sense of accomplishment short of winning the prize as soon commitments don’t work. “The duction allowed by law. Thinking about donating real estate, within the brain while in actuality there isn’t as a minor obstacle gets in the way. Your com- mistake with the whole idea around New cars or boats? Contact your local Chabad and do your part in any. Psychologists suggest that when it comes petitor is willing to take some risk, how about Year’s resolutions is that people aren’t picking supporting the Jewish future. Make your mark on Jewish his- to New Year resolutions forming behavioral you? In today’s fast paced world we all have specific behaviors, they’re picking abstrac- tory with a meaningful gift to future generations. Leave a living habits as opposed to announcing your inten- many obstacles that prevent us from becom- tions,” says BJ Fogg from Stanford University. legacy by putting Chabad in your will and trust. See back cover tions may be the secret of the 12%. The thief ing better Jews, but like the thief, we need to The abstract idea that we want to be better for your local Chabad’s contact information. Jews must be anchored to small mitzvah

This Year… I’ll work quietly. knows this rule and with sealed lips keeps all be willing to take a little risk for the sake of his energy focused on the task at hand. our Judaism. Surely, letting your close friends and family know about your resolution This Year…I ’ll be ready to place This Year… I’ll realize that 1will allow for accountability and myself in danger. the smallest detail is of great reinforcement, but too much talk importance. can have an adverse effect. Studies show that How far will you go to accomplish that excessive chit chat about your plans and 2your goals? Most people will stop 3 Science has proven that abstract resolutions trigger a sense of accomplishment short of winning the prize as soon commitments don’t work. “The within the brain while in actuality there isn’t as a minor obstacle gets in the way. Your com- mistake with the whole idea around New any. Psychologists suggest that when it comes petitor is willing to take some risk, how about Year’s resolutions is that people aren’t picking to New Year resolutions forming behavioral you? In today’s fast paced world we all have specific behaviors, they’re picking abstrac- habits as opposed to announcing your inten- many obstacles that prevent us from becom- tions,” says BJ Fogg from Stanford University. tions may be the secret of the 12%. The thief ing better Jews, but like the thief, we need to The abstract idea that we want to be better Jews must be anchored to small mitzvah

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 n Yom Kippur of 1951 my father, book, and he could copy Rabbi Moshe Greenberg, faithfully it and return it in time O prayed all the Yom Kippur prayers. for Rosh Hashanah. All, that is, except one that is often regarded My as the most solemn of the holy day’s prayers, The engineer smuggled the Kol Nidrei. the machzor into the camp and passed it to He was twenty years old, and a prisoner in a my father. Soviet labor camp in Siberia. His crime was trying to escape from Russia. To copy it, my father built a large wooden He dreamed of leaving the country and reach- box and crawled into Father’s ing the land of Israel. But he was caught and it for a few hours each sentenced to twenty-five years of hard labor. day. There, hidden He was separated from his parents and two from view, he copied sisters. His brother was already a prisoner in the prayerbook, line by another camp for a similar “crime.” line, into a notebook. After a month, he had There were about a thousand men in my fa- copied the entire mach- ther’s camp, all laboring on the construction zor. But there was one Miss_ng of an electrical power station. About twenty page missing—the one of the prisoners were Jews. containing Kol Nidrei, the very first prayer re- As the summer drew to a close, the Jewish cited on Yom Kippur. prisoners yearned to observe the upcoming High Holidays. They knew they would lack The machzor Rabbi a shofar (ram’s horn), Torah scroll and talli- Moshe Greenberg tot (prayer shawls), but they hoped they could copied by hand in a Prayer find a machzor, a High Holiday prayerbook. labor camp in Omsk, states that he had never participated in servic- Siberia, in 1951 es as meaningful as those in prison. My father spotted a man from the “outside,” an engineer who worked for the camp on cer- My father returned the book, and autumn ar- In 1973, he visited the Lubavitcher Rebbe in tain projects. He believed the engineer might rived. The Jewish prisoners learned the dates New York and presented the machzor to him be a Jew. of the impending holidays from letters from as a gift. home, and, on the holiday, they bribed the So he waited for an opportunity to approach guards—probably with cigarettes—to allow A few months ago, I visited the Rebbe’s library the engineer. “Kenstu meer efsher helfen?” them to gather in the barrack for services. and found my father’s machzor. I looked at the (“Perhaps you can help me?”) he whispered to worn book, with its fragile pages and Hebrew the man in Yiddish. With his handwritten prayerbook, my father letters written in haste and with such respect served as chazzan (cantor) and recited each and determination. I copied it—on a copying At that time, most Russian Jews were fluent in prayer, repeated by the others in low, solemn machine. Yiddish. He saw the flicker of comprehension voices. Seven days later, they met for Kol in the engineer’s eyes. Nidrei services. But despite their efforts, none This Yom Kippur, as I lead the services at the of the worshippers could recall all of the words Chabad Jewish Center of Solon, Ohio, I will “Can you bring a machzor for me, for the Jews of that prayer from memory. have with me the copy of my father’s machzor, here?” my father asked. The engineer hesitat- with the Kol Nidrei prayer still missing. ed. Such a transaction would endanger both After nearly seven years in jail, my father, of their lives. Even so, the engineer agreed to along with many other political prisoners, was My father couldn’t recite Kol Nidrei during try. released, owing to the death of Joseph Stalin. his years in prison. This year I will ask my The only item my father took with him was congregation, and all of us, to say it for him A few days passed. “Any developments?” my his machzor. and anyone else who may not have the oppor- father asked. tunity to do so. He was reunited with his family near Moscow, “Good news and bad news,” the engineer and later married. I was an infant when, in Rabbi Zushe Greenberg is the director of the replied. He had located a machzor with dif- 1967, fifteen years after his release from Chabad Jewish Center in Solon, Ohio. His late ficulty, but it was the only machzor belonging prison, my family was allowed to immigrate father, Rabbi Moshe Greenberg, survivor of the to his girlfriend’s father, and the man was fu- to Israel. The machzor came with us. Soviet gulag, was an activist for Jewish educa- rious when his daughter asked him to give it tion under Communist rule and later directed up. Maybe she told him why she wanted it, My father, who still lives in Bnei Brak, Israel, the Chabad center in Bnei Brak, Israel. He re- maybe not. doesn’t like to recall those painful years in cently passed away at the age of 84. Siberia. But on the rare occasions that I hear My father would not relent, however. Perhaps, him tell a story from those times, he tearfully he suggested, the man would lend him the

High Holidays 5774 Winter 2013 HOLIDAY TIMES & ACTIVITIES HOLIDAY & SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSINGS ROSH HASHANAH YOM KIPPUR SHABBAT CHOL HAMOED Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013 Friday, Sept. 13, 2013 Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 Ep«¨W§C¦w x¤W£`, m¨lFr¨d K¤l«¤n Epi«¥w÷Î¡` 'd dŸ©` KExÄ .oFxM  ¦G©d mFi l¤W x¯p wi¦l§c©d§l Ep«²E¦v±e ,ei¨zF§v¦n§A Make Eruv Tavshilin** Kaparot: 0:00 am Morning Services: 0:00 am 1 Light candles at: 0:00 pm Morning Services: 0:00 am Evening Services: 0:00 pm Baruch Atah Ado-noi Elo-hei-nu Melech Say Blessings 1 & 4 Afternoon Service: 0:00 pm Shabbat ends at: 0:00 pm Ha-olam Asher Kid-sha-nu Evening Services: 0:00 pm Light Candles at: 0:00 pm Be-mitz-vo-sav Ve-tzi-vanu SHEMINI ATZERET Community Dinner: 0:00 pm Say Blessings 2 & 4 Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom Ha-zi-ka-ron. Fast Begins at: 0:00 pm & SIMCHAT TORAH Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013 Wednesday, Sept 25, 2013 Ep«¨W§C¦w x¤W£`, m¨lFr¨d K¤l«¤n Epi«¥w÷Î¡` 'd dŸ©` KExÄ Kol Nidrei Services: 0:00 pm .mi¦xªR¦M©d mFi l¤W±e zÄ©U l¤W x¯p wi¦l§c©d§l Ep«²E¦v±e, ei¨zF§v¦n§A Morning Services: 0:00 am Make Eruv Tavshilin** 2 Shofar Sounding: 0:00 am Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013 Light Candles at: 0:00 pm Baruch Atah Ado-noi Elo-hei-nu Melech Tashlich Service: 0:00 pm Morning Services: 0:00 am Say Blessings 3 & 4 Ha-olam Asher Kid-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sav Evening Services: 0:00 pm Yizkor Memorial Service: Evening Services: 0:00 pm Ve-tzi-vanu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbat Community Dinner: 0:00 pm 00:00 am Followed by Kiddush & Hakafot V’Shel Yom Ha-ki-pu-rim. Light candles* after: 0:00 pm Afternoon Service: 0:00 pm Thursday, Sept 26, 2013 Ep«¨W§C¦w x¤W£`, m¨lFr¨d K¤l«¤n Epi«¥w÷Î¡` 'd dŸ©` KExÄ Say Blessings 1 & 4 Neilah Closing Service: 0:00 pm Morning Services: 0:00 am .aFh mFi l¤W x¯p wi¦l§c©d§l Ep«²E¦v±e ,ei¨zF§v¦n§A Fast ends at: 0:00 pm 3 Yizkor Memorial Service: Baruch Atah Ado-noi Elo-hei-nu Melech Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 Followed by light refreshments Morning Services: 0:00 am 0:00 am Ha-olam Asher Ki-de-sha-nu SUKKOT Shofar Sounding: 0:00 am Evening Services: 0:00 pm Be-mitz-vo-sav Ve-tzi-vanu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom Tov. Light candles* at: 0:00 pm To purchase Sukkah Followed by Kiddush & Hakafot or a Lulav and Etrog set, Light Candles* after: 0:00 pm Say Blessing 5 please call 123-456-7890. ,m¨lFr¨d K¤l«¤n Epi«¥w÷Î¡` 'd dŸ©` KExÄ Evening Services: 0:00 pm Say Blessings 3 & 4 Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013 .d®G©d o©n±G¦l Ep«¨ri°B¦d±e Ep«¨n±I¦w±e Ep«²i¡g¤d¤W 4 SHABBAT SHUVA Make Eruv Tavshilin** Friday, Sept 27, 2013 Baruch Atah Ado-noi Elo-hei-nu Melech Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 Light Candles at: 0:00 pm Morning Services: 0:00 am Ha-olam She-heh-che-yah-nu Morning Services: 0:00 am Say Blessings 3 & 4 Followed by Kiddush & Hakafot Ve-kiye-ma-nu Ve-hi-gi-ah-nu Evening Services: 0:00 pm Evening Services: 0:00 pm Light candles* at: 0:00 pm Liz-man Ha-zeh. Shabbat ends at: 0:00 pm Say Blessing 5 Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013 Evening Services: 0:00 pm Ep«¨W§C¦w x¤W£`, m¨lFr¨d K¤l«¤n Epi«¥w÷Î¡` 'd dŸ©` KExÄ FAST OF GEDALYA Morning Services: 0:00 am .Wc¤ «Ÿw« zÄ©U l¤W x¯p wi¦l§c©d§l Ep«²E¦v±e ,ei¨zF§v¦n§A SHABBAT BEREISHIT 5 Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013 Evening Services: 0:00 pm Baruch Atah Ado-noi Elo-hei-nu Melech Saturday, Sept 28, 2013 Fast begins: 0:00 am Light Candles* after: 0:00 pm Ha-olam Asher Ki-de-sha-nu Morning Services: 0:00 am Fast ends at: 0:00 pm Say Blessings 3 & 4 Be-mitz-vo-sav Ve-tzi-vanu Evening Services: 0:00 pm Le-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbat Kodesh. Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 Shabbat ends at: 0:00 pm Light candles* at: 0:00 pm * Light only from a pre-existing flame. Say Blessing 5 ** To learn more about Eruv Tavshilin Evening Services: 0:00 pm visit www.chabad.org/2327 YOUR AD HERE!

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