1 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת אמור | ד' אייר, תשס”ח | בס”ד weekly vOL. i | NO 26 May 9, 2008 | Iyar 4, 5768

THE COHEN AND Reb Yisroel THE PRIEST Duchman Moshe Yehuda HaKo- A True Chassid with an Open Heart hen Blau got access to the “When the is with Chassidim, I can not leave him.” Vatican Library though a for- tuitous meeting with a Catho- JOIN A DAY OF LEARNING lic priest in a Jewish Library • May 11, at Oholei Menachem 667 Eastern Parkway ~ 11:00 AM Complete story on pages 4-5 Page 6 !WE HAVE COMICS TOOֱ Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, , NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 Rabbi A. Osdoba: ❖ Monday to Thursday 10:30AM - 11:30AM at 390A Kingston Ave. ☎Tel. 718-604-8000 ext.37 or 718-604-0770 Sunday-Thursday 9:30 PM-11:00PM ~Friday 2:30PM-4:30 PM ☎Tel. (718) - 771-8737 Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily 10:30 to 11:30am ~ 2:00pm to 3:00pm at 788 East- Erev Shabbos Motzei Shabbos ern Parkway # 210 718~604~8827 ❖ & after 8:00pm 718~756~4632 Rabbi Y. Schwei, 4:00pm to 9:00pm at 796 Montgomery St. ☎ 718~773~3146 7:43 8:48 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 Gut Shabbos Rabbi Y. Zirkind: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110 Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:0am -11:30am ~ Fri 10:am - 1:00 pm or ☎ 718 -604-0770 Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm 2 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008 The Vaad Hakohol Do you know what day it is? By Rabbi Shlomo Segal mitzva of Sefira is only when one knows But the Rebbe in a letter (Igros vol. cussed in the ?! clearly the precise number of the day. 17 pg. 265) to Rabbi Zevin writes, Member of Crown Otherwise, is it not Sefira at all. “Regarding the matter of which day in The Rebbe concludes (see Shaarei Heights Bais Din Sefira one finds himself, which is also halacha Uminhag pg. 151. 160) that one In the Sefer Hamoadim B’halacha of mentioned in your sefer Hamoadim needs to count the two Sefiros without Question: Rabbi S. Zevin (pg. 354), the above- B’halacha in the chapter of Sefiras a Brocho, and between the counting the mentioned is also cited as he quotes the Ho’omer, where the tshuvos of the Dvar two Sefiros, one should make a hefsek, A person is on an teshuvos Dvar Avrohom. He adds that Avrohom are quoted that one should an intermission, and do something else, airplane and has a based on this, we can answer the words not make a blessing when in doubt in order that it should not seem that he doubt about which of the Magen Avrohom (Shulchan of the Sefira day, since the counting is contradicting himself. When he will day of Sefira it is. Aruch Orach Chaim chapt. 489) that itself needs a clear knowledge of the return home and verify the definite For example, is it if one does not understand Loshon day number and therefore one should Sefira day, he can then continue count- the fifth or sixth Hakodesh (Hebrew) and he counted not make a blessing: Although this ing the following days with a Brocho. day of Sefira, and he has no one to the Sefira in Loshon Hakodesh, he is halacha is logical, the objection to ask—can he count two days because not yotzei. The Acharonim ask, “Why this thought is definite. Because even if of doubt? is this halacha different from all other we should reason that Tefilos, Hallel, andK iddush, where one this is the Halacha, Answer: is yotzei even if he didn’t understand it would seem that in the words?” many places where Many poskim write (see Tshuvos Avnei the Bais Din messen- Nezer Yoreh Deah chapt. 248) that one The explanation is as follows. In the case gers did not arrive to who cannot verify the correct Sefira of Tefila and the recital of Hallel, the notify about the new day and is confused with two days, he Mitzva is the reading only; therefore, moon – the people in is not to make the blessing and count, when reading the Tefila and the Hallel, these cities also did not although one of them is the correct he fulfills the obligation. With Sefira, fulfill Sefiras Haomer day. The reason is that as long as the counting, he needs to know clearly what forever. How is this the day’s number is not clear to him, it he is counting. possible that such a is not considered as Sefira, because the matter was not dis-

Shloshim L’Koach).” Reb Yisroel’s joy when the Rebbe Rabbi Yisroel Duchman recovered of a health situation was To write about Reb Yisroel is difficult. observed on the first Shabbos after By Satmar Rebbe passed away, why didn’t He had many positive images--his the Rebbe went home for the first time they take the Satmar Rebbe through all hiskashrus to the Rebbe, his pride as a I am dedicat- after the heart attack on ShminiA tzeres the streets of Williamsburg during the descendent of Chassidim, his Ahavas ing my article in late 1977. Not all of the Chassidim levaya?” We know that when a Tzadik Yisroel which knew no bounds, and his this week to my knew how to express their joy. Reb passes on, they carry the aron to all communal work in general, and for the uncle Reb Yis- Yisroel did. the mosdos which the Tzadik built Russian Jewry, who he loved so much, roel Duchman. in his lifetime. They were all speech- in particular. In their open and warm On Shabbos, immediately after dav- As a young teen- less because the Satmar Rebbe was house, Reb Yisroel and his wife built up ening, he took out many bottles of ager, he inspired taken directly to Monroe. Reb Yisroel sort of a tent for the guests that came mashkeh and Mezonos and began me with his Duchman told them why: “The Satmar and went, who always found a warm a spontaneous , which Tzedaka. He Rebbe said that places where they hit meal with a chassidishe story, a nice attracted many Chassidim old and would always Luvbavitcher Chassidim—don’t take vort, and a happy face. young. Hours after that, he stood on walk around with a paper and pen and me through these streets.” the bima and began dancing. put together a list for the money he Reb Yisroel was not known as a great is raising, either for a chasuna, a bar My uncle’s whole life was to be with Maskil, philosopher in Chassidus, but From then, a new nigun was added to , an apartment. He all the time Chassidim, to farbreng with Chas- this did not limit him of being a great the Shabbos table songs, “Der Rebbe iz cared for the welfare of Chassidim. He sidim. My uncle had special kiruv Chossid and mekushar to the Rebbe. gezunt”, (the Rebbe is well). once told a story that came to good use from the Rebbe. Rabbi Groner saw He was a blend of a Chossid from a Reb Yisroel merited many kiruvim to defend the Rebbe and his Chassidim. that firsthand when he went to get the past generation, a Chossid in Russia, from the Rebbe. Every Erev Pesach He was sitting in a restaurant in Wil- matzah for Chaim Grada. My uncle together with a present day Chossid, he would be the Rebbe’s emissary, to liamsburg in the 70’s, in the good old once came Simchas very “dry”, an American Chossid. He would always deliver Matzo to the Yiddish writer, “hot” days, and he was listening how and the Rebbe asked him something say that the older Chassidim had a Mr. Chaim Grada. In reward for this they were making fun of the Rebbe to the effect of “Vos Azoi Truchen?” problem that they can not acclimate mission, the Rebbe would give Reb and the Chassidim. He turned around (dry). So my uncle answered, “I went themselves to the in America. Yisroel a Matzo after Maariv on the to them and asked them, “When the the doctor, the yukel, and he told me Reb Yisroel was able to do this. On the first night of Pesach. In those moments, I’m not allowed to drink.” The Rebbe other hand, he argued that it is painful he would mention a few words to the asked him, “Who went to who, and that the young generation did not see Rebbe in Russian and this would bring Newspaper who paid who, so who’s the yukel?” Chabad of the old generation of Russia Community a wide, joyous smile to the Rebbe’s face, There are many such stories. Below is and Poland. 392 Kingston Avenue something that was very cherished by a small biography based on an article Brooklyn, NY 11225 His relationship and feeling to the Reb Yisroel. Even after Mr. Chaim that was published in for Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol Rebbe was on the level of son and father. Grada was nifter, he would receive the Shloshim: of Crown Heights. He would refer to the Rebbe as father, Matzo from the Rebbe and prided Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol When a person passes away people and he would report to the Rebbe every himself on receiving this great merit. Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman ask. “How old was he?” Reb Yisroel tiding of good news. Every problem An interesting episode relating to this Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary had many ages. On Simchas Torah, he that he encountered, he wrote to the story was that after Mr. Chaim Grada Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) was like a 20 year-old man. When he Rebbe. TheR ebbe’s pain was his pain. was nifter,R eb Yisroel came for Matzo. All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise participated in the meetings of Ezras On an occasion, when at a Farbrengen TheR ebbe commented that the person attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Achim to help the Jews in Russia, his the Rebbe coughed extensively, Reb is no longer with us. Reb Yisroel said, approach was as one who had decades Yisroel said with tears in his eyes, “It “Is that my fault?” The Rebbe smiled Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond the cost of experience. When one approached is an agony, that there is no Yid like my and gave him the Matzo. of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes him for a donation for a needy chosson, father; if my father would be in Yechidus He treasured the times that the Rebbe responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All adver- he ran from late at night until the morn- while the Rebbe was coughing, he tisement designed and prepared by the CHCommunity would daven with Chassidim. This was ing to collect the money--here he was would suggest that the Rebbe drink tea Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot Continued on page 6 be reproduced without the consent of the publisher like a “thirty year old for energy (Ben and that will help.” May 9, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 3

The Rebbe's Sicha 5750

Published and copyright © by Sichos In [The association of this mitzvah with from Me,” in the Messianic age. allude to achieving perfection among English parshas Emor is further emphasized by the categories of the Jewish people the fact that the mitzvah of counting the Chinuch, education, is not only rel- alluded to by the seven branches of This week’s Torah portion begins: “Tell Omer is related in detail in this Torah evant in the initial stages of one’s the Menorah which reflect our seven the priests, the children of Aharon, and reading.] service. On the contrary, as a person emotional qualities. During this period, relate to them...” Our Sages, noting the grows and advances from level to level, all these seven categories must be apparent redundancy of the commands, The counting of the Omer is associated he must “educate” himself to prepare to perfected until they “shine.” (Sefirah “tell” and “relate,” explain that the verse with education as emphasized by the reach the higher rung. This concept is which means “counting” also means is intended, “to charge the adults with fact that it commemorates the prepara- alluded to in the counting of the Omer “shining.”) [the education of] the children.” which: a) begins after Pesach, This concept is also related to the whose Hebrew (אייר) This provokes a question: Since the i.e., after the month of Iyar education of children is of fundamental Jews have taken spelling serves as an acronym for the importance to the future of our people a leap forward names Avraham, Yitzchok, Ya’akov, as our Sages declared, “If there are in the service of and Rochel, the four figures who have no kids, there will be no goats,” why G-d; b) counts endowed their spiritual heritage to the is the education of our children not the days with totality of the Jewish people. mentioned immediately after the giv- cardinal num- ing of the Torah? Why is its mention bers rather than This high level is also is also reflected postponed until the middle of the ordinal ones, i.e., in the expression our Sages use to Book of Vayikra, and even then, it is not rather than say, communicate the obligation to educate mentioned in the context of a matter of “Today is the our children, l’hazhir gedolim al haka- general relevance but rather in regard second day...,” tanim. L’Hazhir also means “to shine,” tion (“education”) of the Jewish people to the laws of the priesthood? “Today is the third day...” and the i.e., these efforts will add shining light to receive the Torah. The exodus from like, we say, “Today is two days to the to the entire Jewish people, both the Egypt can be considered as the “birth” These questions can be resolved within Omer,” “Today is three days...,” indicat- parents and the children and reveal of the people, and the seven weeks that an explanation of the connection ing that each day includes within it the their essential positive qualities. followed were a period of preparation as between the content of this Torah service of all the previous days and the Jews waited anxiously, counting the portion and the time of year when it is then, contributes a further dimension This is also related to the name of the days until they received the Torah. Each read. Parshas Emor is always read in the of growth itself. parshah, Emor, which can also be year, this sequence is repeated, “advanc- month of Iyar which is distinguished interpreted to mean “grant praise and ing higher in holiness,” revealing by its connection to the mitzvah of The counting of the Omer is also distinction,” as in the verse: “You have deeper dimensions of the Torah, until counting the Omer. Every day of this related to the concept of Jewish unity. granted praise and distinction to G-d ultimately, “a new Torah will emerge month is associated with this mitzvah. The “seven perfect weeks” of the Omer today.”

The Rebbe’s Dedication to all of humanity “I sat down by the table of Rabbi Eliyahu Quint, another secretary of the Rebbe, The following is an excerpt from the asked what had brought them there atmosphere. and wrote a letter detailing Angela’s new book on the Rebbe, “The Rebbe: to explore Judaism. Why were they so health. As I finished, I turned over the Inspiring a Generation” by Menachem interested? “Angela’s parents ran up to me. ‘We just note that I had received from the Rebbe Kirschenbaum. It’s an unbelievable went for a checkup, and the doctors about the girl, and I realized that it was encounter a non-Jewish girl from Brazil “The mother explained sadly, ‘My were shocked to see that the entire my very own handwriting on the other experienced with the Rebbe. For more daughter Angela. She’s only eleven, growth had disappeared.’ side! On the very same letter that I had information on the book, visit www. but the doctors have found a tumor in first written to the Rebbe about the inspiringageneration.com. her back. We hear that there is a great “Later that year I went to New York for girl, the Rebbe had torn a piece of the rabbi in Brooklyn who is known to give 12 Tammuz, the date commemorating letter and answered me. Amazingly, Mel Wacks, Founder of the Jewish- effective blessings.’ the birthday of the Previous Rebbe and the Rebbe had kept my letter all that American Hall of Fame, relates: “This his release from Russian prison. I was “She shot me a glance, a certain fear in time, waiting to hear the fate of this is the Rebbe’s greatness: he loved, and to leave for Brazil on a Monday and, her eyes. ‘We are anxious to meet this non-Jewish Brazilian girl. he inspired others to love. He cared, it was hoped, meet with the Rebbe. rabbi; perhaps he will give a blessing and he inspired others to care. He had On Sunday afternoon, I was told that that will heal our daughter.’ “When I returned to Brazil, I spoke to great faith that the Almighty would Rabbi Leibel Groner, one of the Rebbe’s Angela’s mother and said that the ‘great provide all the resources necessary to secretaries, was looking for me. rabbi’ from Brooklyn had asked about do His will, and he transmitted this ❝ her daughter. Curiously, she wanted to faith to others.” “Rabbi Groner gave me a small note know what day the Rebbe had made “We hear that there is a from the Rebbe that said: ‘Ma shlom this inquiry. To the Rebbe, outreach was not limited great rabbi in Brooklyn hayalda v’hahemshech la’ze? [How is to ignorant or alienated Jews. He spoke the girl doing and what was the result?]’ “Sunday,” I said. frequently in later years of the impor- who is known to give I immediately chided myself for not “Her eyes widened. ‘Now I know why tance of affecting all of humanity. Not having let the Rebbe know that Angela effective blessings .We are the Rebbe waited until Sunday. This only were non-Jews important to the had recovered. anxious to meet this rabbi; past Sunday was Angela’s birthday!’ Rebbe, but they too have been helped by his special powers. Rabbi Shabsei perhaps he will give a Alpirin, Director of Chabad-Lubavitch blessing that will heal of Brazil, visited the Rebbe in 1962 and never forgot the special atten- our daughter." tion to a very sick young girl. ❞ “In earlier years when I had first arrived in Brazil, the would host “I decided to write a letter to theR ebbe a lecture every Tuesday evening. Often on their behalf and ask for a blessing we had non-Jews attend. for Angela. Weeks went by after the letter had been sent to New York, and “One non-Jewish couple in particular this couple still never missed a lecture. appeared week after week. After one Finally, when I arrived at the Chabad of the lectures I approached them and House one week, I sensed a jubilant 4 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008 Our Heroes

Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Hakohen Blau - 1913 - the 3rd of Iyar, 2003 By Rabbi Michoel Seligson of Poland and Russia. eches, Miss Chaya Hena Shochat, from pruned but the roots are poisoned. an honorable family in Telz, Latvia. , on the other hand, In addition to his exceptionally steady Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Hakohen Blau The wedding, on the 13th of Shvat in contributes life to the soul. When the and deeply engrossed manner of study, was born in 1913 in Hamburg, Ger- 1941, was a private affair with a limited roots are healthy, then the branches are he was known as a great Yireh sho- many to Horav Yirmiah Hakohen and minyan. healthy, and surely, the leaves and the mayim. Hashem’s Divine Providence Mrs. Leah Blau. When he became aware fruit as well.” is wonderful, and precisely in that one of the great Musar teachers, Under the supervision of Horav Leib Mir, the gates of Chabad Chassidus Reb Yerucham Halevi Lebowitz, was Malin, one of the senior students, all The time to establish a livelihood had opened for Reb Moshe Yehuda. By the mashgiach in the Mirrer , he of them applied for visas and were arrived. As an expression of gratitude Hashgacho Protis, a member of the Tar- requested permission and the support successfully able to leave Vilna. They to Hashem for the miracles he expe- shish Chabad family asked Reb Moshe of his parents to study there. In 1932 at continued the long voyage to the Far rienced during World War II, Reb Yehuda if he wanted to buy a the age of nineteen, he left Germany for East, traveling through Vladivostok Moshe Yehuda tried to find a spiritual Mir, Poland. profession. Reb Moshe Yehuda After a short period was notified that of time, he was a relative owned stricken with hepa- a wealth of manu- titis. When the ill- scripts of the Ris- ness intensified, he honim. When he traveled to Radin reviewed them, to receive a blessing h e r e a l i z e d from the Chofetz that they were Chaim. When he rare and distin- reached Radin, he guished. Acting was disappointed upon the advice to learn that the of Gedolei Yis- Chofetz Chaim roel, he involved had left for vaca- himself in the tion. Reb Moshe huge project of Yehuda followed preparing these the Chofetz Chaim manuscripts for and was told by his publication. secretary that the Chofetz Chaim Publishing did not customar- Seforim ily give blessings in order that he The first pub- not feel any sense lished sefer was of arrogance if the that of the Ritba blessing was successful. He advised from him. Reb Moshe Yehuda agreed in Siberia, Russia to Kobe, Japan and on the Tractate Bava Basro. A university the bochur to remain there and find and then set up a in Tanya. settled in Shanghai. There, two ofR eb offered Reb Moshe Yehuda a position a way of doing a favor for the Chofetz Moshe Yehuda’s children were born. as a lecturer in their institution, but Chaim who would then feel indebted World War II Reb Moshe Yehuda was hesitant. The and give a Brocho. Acquaintance with Chabad Previous Rebbe advised him to accept The peaceful days of Torah study came the offer, but he was still concerned Brocho from the Chofetz Chaim to an end with the outbreak of World In Shanghai Reb Moshe Yehuda was that he would become “polished”, or War II. The city of Mir came under able to observe the Lubavitch students influenced by the environment. The On that day, the Chofetz Chaim needed Russian control and the students who arrived as refugees from Poland Previous Rebbe responded, “They will his grandson, and Reb Moshe Yehuda traveled to Vilna. In Vilna, they found and acquaint himself with Chassidus polish you?! You should see to it that volunteered to be the messenger. The that the Russian government intended Chabad. The relationship to Chabad you polish them.” Chofetz Chaim asked if the bochur Reb to exile anyone attempting to obtain a also became a family link when he and Moshe Yehuda had a request, and the visa. After a short period of time, they Rabbi Hodakov both married sisters Rabbi Hodakov suggested that he secretary answered that he needed a were informed that the government was and became brothers-in-law. Rabbi consult with the Rebbe’s son-in-law, Brocho for good health. The Chofetz ready to issue exit visas to any student Hodakov obtained an affidavit forR eb the RaMaSh. TheR aMaSh advised Reb Chaim responded, “Halevai”-hopefully. for two hundred American dollars. In Moshe Yehuda in 1947, enabling him Moshe Yehuda to publish the manu- Reb Moshe Yehuda trembled. He addition to the difficulty of raising what to enter the U.S. Upon his arrival, he scripts with footnotes and references, understood from this response that the was then considered such a large sum entered into Yechidus with the Previous as a scholarly work, which was not the Chofetz Chaim was refraining himself of money, the students were uncertain Rebbe. common practice at the time. On this from giving a blessing. Reb Moshe if this was an earnest offer or a scheme occasion, Reb Moshe Yehuda asked Yehuda thought that perhaps the gates to arrest students for requesting visas. In one of his manuscripts from 1950, the RaMaSh a question which had of heaven were closed for his prayers. On the other hand, to remain in Russia Reb Moshe Yehuda described what disturbed him for a long time, “Why A moment later, the Chofetz Chaim meant placing their lives in danger, attracted him to Chassidus Chabad: did the Vilna Gaon dispute the Alter inquired if there was any additional spiritually and physically. In the midst Rebbe?” The Ramash responded that request. The secretary relayed thatR eb of the debate, Reb Moshe Yehuda In Yechidus, the Previous Rebbe told the Gro had been misinformed when Moshe Yehuda wanted to grow in the suggested they turn to the “Goirel of him, “All other teachings address only he was told that the Tanya contained study of Torah. The Chofetz Chaim the Gra”, the Vilna Gaon. Since he was separate and specific needs of the statements against the Torah. Since answered, “Amen”. expert in this, he was asked to carry out individual, whereas Chabad philosophy the Gra did not go out in the street, he this Goirel. The Goirel gave them the is the remedy for the entire soul as one trusted these stories. Reb Moshe Yehuda was happy to hear verse (Shmos 19:4), “I will carry you entity. This comes about from meditat- this and was encouraged to return to on the wings of eagles and deliver you ing on the greatness of HaShem, which The Rebbe’s miracle: a Chassidish the yeshiva to become engrossed in to me.” The message was clear; they removes the individual from worldly Farbrengen his studies. He became very close to needed to leave. pleasures and thus, becomes sanctified. the Mashgiach Reb Yerucham, who This is better than the different ways An additional event that brought Reb appointed him to be responsible for Prior to their trip, Reb Moshe Yehuda of refining personal traits, because Moshe Yehuda closer to the Rebbe the students who arrived from outside married the distinguished mechan- what is the benefit if the branches are was the Rebbe’s miracle with Reb May 9, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 5

Moshe Yehuda’s niece, the daughter of carpet dealer and was not interested in eat. On Yom Kippur, he would begin for twenty years, followed by more than Horav Hachossid Dov Yehuda Shochat seforim. He asked Reb Moshe Yehuda his day at 5 A.M. in order to complete thirty years in the Avrohom and Tzvi of Toronto. A pan of hot water was if he understood Aramaic, which he his studies before Shacharis. Hirsh shul in Boro Park, where the accidentally spilled on the young child, did. The dealer took out an old scroll congregants were not Lubavitch Chas- and her life was endangered. TheR ebbe that had been in the family for many Every year he traveled to Jewish com- sidim. Reb Moshe Yehuda was loyal advised her father to make a Chassidish generations and asked if Reb Moshe munities within the United States. to the Rebbe’s directives, and without Farbrengen. When the Rebbe was told Yehuda could translate it into French. and Canada to publicize his seforim. quoting the Rebbe as the source, he that the situation was getting worse, he After studying the scroll for a short In order to develop public interest, he introduced all of the Rebbe’s directives advised the family to tell the doctors while, Reb Moshe Yehuda was in shock. would speak on subjects that kept the and Mivtzoim to his congregants. He that they were administering the wrong The manuscript was a supplement to listeners spellbound. TheR ebbe advised instructed them to appoint a or medications. The child miraculously one of the Rishonim for which he had him to speak on practical topics, so he for themselves, urged everyone recovered. When the Rebbe was asked been searching many years. began speaking about the Mivtzoim. to study the daily quota of Rambam, as how he knew that the medications were On one of his trips, the Rebbe told him, well as many additional directives from wrong, he replied modestly, “When the On another occasion, when Reb Moshe “You should relay to the people, that the Rebbe. correct medications are administered, Yehuda traveled to Montreal, he was the yud in Tefillin and Mezuzas needs it either cures the person or does not given a box of antique seforim as a gift. to be written with a certain design. In 1987, the Rebbe initiated “Shnas cause any reaction. In a situation where Reb Moshe Yehuda accepted it out Without the design, new Tefillin and Habinyan”, directing everyone to the administered medication caused a of respect, but thought to store it in Mezuzas are necessary.” The Rebbe build and expand. Reb Moshe Yehuda negative reaction, it is a sign that the Shaimos. When he opened the box, to referred to a certain city to which Reb immediately ordered an architect and medication is not the correct one.” This his joy he discovered many manuscripts Moshe Yehuda was traveling and added, began broadening the basement of his made a great impression on Reb Moshe of the Rishonim. “Probably there is sofer there. If not, shul, which resulted in the creation Yehuda; not only his niece’s recovery, bring one from outside.” Reb Moshe of a shul for the young people of his but the Rebbe’s modesty in offering a Yehuda arrived community. simple explanation for her recovery. in the city and found no reli- His wife was nifter in Kislev of 1983, Reb Moshe Yehuda began attending able sofer. He and the Rebbe agreed that Reb Moshe the Rebbe’s on Yom Tov, brought a sofer Yehuda’s daughter could move to Boro walking from East New York to 770. from N.Y. and Park, so that her father would not remain When he became elderly and weaker, announced that alone. TheR ebbe added that this should he would drive to 770 immediately the sofer would not hinder Reb Moshe Yehuda’s search after Yom Tov. check every- for a shidduch. With Kabbolas ohl, Reb one’s Tefillin Moshe Yehuda interested himself in Divine Providence in the Research and Mezuzas this matter and in a short period of time free of charge, married Mrs. Ita Onsbacher. The published Ritba manuscript was with the condi- received with great acclaim, and this tion that if the On the third of Iyar, the yahrzeit of encouraged Reb Moshe Yehuda to Tefillin were his admired brother-in-law, Horav continue. He published manuscripts found defective, Hodakov, Reb Moshe Yehuda was nifter archived in the Marcus collection and they would not exactly ten years later, at approximately other noted libraries such as that of the be sewn and the same hour. British Museum, the Oxford library, resealed. and even the Vatican Library in Rome, He left his wife, Mrs. Ita Blau of Borough to which he received entry through Mivtzoim Park; his sister, Mrs. Rivka Marmor- Divine Providence. The family pointed shtein, of London, England; his sons, out that Reb Moshe Yehuda never The same pro- Horav Menachem Meir, the founder entered the Vatican library himself cess took place of Crown Heights Hotline, and Horav but obtained copies of the manuscripts in other cities. Reuben, the founder of 770live.com, upon request. D u r i n g t he both of Crown Heights; his daughters course of many Mrs. Nechama Kastel of Crown Heights, The story was as follows: Reb Moshe years, Reb the wife of Rabbi Kasriel Kastel, director Yehuda was in one of the popular Jewish Moshe Yehuda of Lubavitch Youth Organization; Mrs. libraries, and saw a priest, confused successfully Rochel Elishevitz of Brooklyn NY, the and upset, wandering around. Reb brought sofrim wife of the Rabbi Yosef Elishevitz, the Moshe Yehuda asked the priest what he to numerous Rav of the Caucasian minyan, Ohr could do for him. The priest responded Reb Moshe Yehuda worked exhaus- Jewish communities, in addition to Hamizroch; grandchildren who are that he was researching the design of tively on his own, without secretarial, speaking publicly about the necessity following the teachings of Torah and vowels used in Sephardic manuscripts research, or financial assistance, for fifty of having kosher Tefillin and Mezuzas. Chassidus; and the numerous seforim a thousand years ago. This research years. He prepared the manuscripts and When Tefillin were found to be posul, that he brought to light. towards his doctorate would result in a published the writings of Rishonim, he would replace them at subsidized job promotion within the Vatican. Reb concealed until that time. He was prices. Yehi Zichro Boruch! May Rabbi Blau, Moshe Yehuda explained that he was an successful in publishing over forty a legendary chossid known for his expert in this field and could help, on volumes. At times, he had to follow very The Mivtza Tefillin was very beloved strong sense of discipline in his daily the condition that in return the priest obscure leads and clues to identify the by him. In his will he wrote, “One who schedule of study, complete devotion supply him with the specific manu- authentic author of a manuscript. In wants to please me (after my passing) to the compilation and publication of scripts that he was seeking. He agreed one such an instance, it took him seven should involve himself with Tefillin and the writings of the Rishonim, unknown and became the source of numerous years of research to find the answer to Mezuzas for the benefit of the public.” for centuries, and commitment to the manuscripts from the Vatican. the riddle. He requested that on his matzeva spread of Mitzvos, serve as the inspira- should be engraved, “Anyone benefiting tion to discipline oneself in all aspects Reb Moshe Yehuda experienced His study of Torah was seemingly limit- the public with Tefillin and Mezuzas of life, to utilize every spare moment in another wonderful incident of Divine less. Although he was occupied with will receive an award from heaven.” a meaningful manner, to share words of Providence in his projects. On one of research, he would designate long peri- Torah with the people in our midst, and his trips selling seforim, the driver took ods of time for shiurim in the mornings The manner in which he publicized to be committed to spreading Torah and him to the wrong address. Reb Moshe and evenings to study. In the morning, Mivtza Tefillin and Mezuza was also the Rebbe’s Mivtzoim. Yehuda thought, “Everything is by he studied for three hours, and in the used to institute the custom of Seudas We should speedily witness “The ones Divine Providence; perhaps someone evenings he would study many pages Moshiach in the shuls where he served who dwell in the dust will awaken living here is interested in purchasing a of the Tractate Brochos. Only after he as a Rav: in the Ahavas Achim Shul in and rejoice”, with Rabbi Blau among sefer.” The resident of the house was a completed his daily study would he the East New York section of Brooklyn them. 6 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008

YOM IYUN L’INYANEI MOSHIACH V’GEULA The Vaad Hakohol in conjunction with NCFJE presents a day of study on Moshiach and Geula. Exciting, world-renowned speakers will increase our simcha and confi- dence in the immediate Redemption. Please join us for all or part of the program. VAV IYAR, May 11 Malchus Shebetiferes Oholei Menachem 667 Eastern Parkway 11:00 AM Tentative Schedule 11:00 AM Rabbi Michoel Seligson 12:00 PM Rabbi Avrohom Osdoba & Rabbi Shlomo Segal 1:15 PM Rabbi Yossi Paltiel 2:30 PM Rabbi Shalom Ber Kalmanson 3:30 PM Rabbi Isser Weisberg 5:00 PM Rabbi Shlomo Majeski Brunch will be served

Continued from page 2 not leave him.” yan. As customary in Chabad, davening as a chazan, he would Reb Yisroel lived on this earth also obvious at the Farbrengens after Shacharis, Kiddush is sober up and get serious, think- for only 59 years, but he lived when Reb Yisroel would be We can definitely say thatR eb made, followed by Hakofos. ing that tomorrow morning more in those years than we seen sitting next to theR ebbe. Yisroel would count the days Reb Yisroel would make kid- he will be speaking with the can imagine. With his wife When the Rebbe distributed left to Shmini Atzeres and dush on mashkeh while the Rebbe. Rochel, she should be well, they Kos Shel Brocho from the wine Simchas Torah. Rebbe looked and smiled at built a generation of children of benching, Reb Yisroel would On Simchas Torah 5749 or These two days of boundless him. After Kiddush, he would following the ways of Torah remain until the end of the late 1988, during the Hakofos, joy by the Rebbe were also approach the Rebbe and say and Chassidus. Two of their distribution. When his family Reb Yisroel was sweating, and special days for Reb Yisroel. l’chaim. These moments were children are Shluchim, and all asked him why he did not go the Rebbe took out his hand- He would always merit a kiruv the climax of both joy and of their children are involved home as all Chassidim did kerchief and threw it to Reb from the Rebbe. On Simchas also trembling. At the meals of in Tzedoko and Hachnosas after they received theR ebbe’s Yisroel, motioning to him that Torah morning, he would be Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Orchim, with great love to help wine, he answered, “When the he should wipe his forehead. the chazan in the Rebbe’s min- Torah before the morning another fellow Jew. Rebbe is with Chassidim, I can May 9, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 7 From Shedlitz to Safety

A Young Jew’s Story of Survival our way, and we left the station with a feeling of great sadness. By Rabbi Shimon Goldman tions proceeded smoothly and the Completing Our Escape location seemed foolproof, but then, Finally we reached Vladivostok, the Exerpted from the book with the at the very last minute, the farbrengen On the scheduled date of departure, we eastern terminal of the huge Siberian author’s permission was cancelled. Apparently, they had took a train from Moscow to the eastern railway. From Vladivostok, we planned Continued from previous issue good reason to suspect that the Soviets port city of Vladivostok. The piercing to board a ship and sail to Japan, but had been tipped off about this planned Russian winter was well underway, and first the Russians had to prove their Indeed, though we saw many Chassi- “Schneersonist” meeting. all our layers of clothing could not fend jurisdiction once again. Throughout our dim in shul, we showed not the slightest off the biting winds that numbed our stay, the Russians had been genial — if flicker of recognition and dared not Though we stayed in Moscow for a bones. The train stopped at many rail- not overprotective — hosts, yet now address anyone directly. We kept quiet relatively short period of time, the way stations on the way, waiting enough they took great pains to discomfort even in the mikva. Indeed, though we constant dread we witnessed left an time for passengers to disembark and and humiliate us, all in the name of saw many Chassidim in shul, we showed indelible mark. We barely managed to try purchasing some food. We quickly law and procedure. This was not just a not the slightest flicker of recognition exchange a few words with our fellow approached a vendor and asked, “Is cursory passport check: the Russians and dared not address anyone directly. Chassidim, yet we clearly felt their there any salted fish in town?” interrogated us mercilessly and combed We kept quiet even in the mikva. Local tremendous fear and despair. Their eyes carefully through our belongings, try- Jews did not have the same tourist were full of sadness; their faces heavy “No!” came the inevitable reply. ing to find anything incriminating. protection we enjoyed; they would be “What about hot summoned for intensive interrogation if water?” The entire ordeal was a frightening they even attempted to talk to us. They experience for us. Though our guides would be forced to explain whom they “Yes!” had always acted cordial and friendly, spoke to, what they spoke about, and The same scenario deep down we feared they would what they received in return. Hoping played itself out at imprison us on the first possible oppor- to remain inconspicuous, we stood in every station. The tunity. We had heard inhuman accounts one place and began davening. hunger in Russia of Russian brutality — particularly was so strong that toward Jews — and we often wondered Soon we noticed a strange thing. As even salted fish had if the preferential treatment was really the prayers started, the Chassidim become a rarity. To a giant facade. Now, as we sat facing began walking back and forth in shul, our good fortune, our interrogators, all our earlier fears passing close by to where we stood. every train station surfaced once again. Apparently, we Realizing that this was the safest mode with grief. We also discerned their had a roaring stove with a large kettle of remained prisoners as long as we stayed of conversation, we relayed parts of our overpowering desire to escape the Iron hot water — a crucial necessity for those in Russia. message every time someone passed Curtain, especially now when they saw traveling in the height of winter. us. We swayed back and forth as our us succeed in leaving their country. The interrogators finished their ques- lips moved, pretending to be davening, Two bearded Jews belonging to the tioning and let us leave, but not before while we tried to communicate with our An elderly Jew I met — a short, emaci- Bundist movement were also on our confiscating a sefer torah scroll they fellow Chassidim. We were thus able to ated fellow who spoke eagerly about train. Though they had managed to found among the belongings of Shmuel relay the Rebbe’s message. Moshiach — personified this anticipa- obtain some sort of legal documenta- Avrohom Chanowitz. Relieved to be tion. He spoke about the Redemption tion, their trip was fraught with danger. free again, we took our parcels and ran Soon we decided to leave behind the with incredible feeling and longing. For Had any passing police officer known up the ramp to the waiting ship, but religious items we had brought from these oppressed Jews, the coming of their association with the Bundists, he our joy was short-lived. International Vilna. We knew that the President and Moshiach remained the only glimmer would have arrested them on the spot law designates certain areas of the sea other KGB agents were waiting for us of hope in their troubled lives. It was and sent them to forced exile. as “territorial waters,” and we watched to make conversation with others, or a confident expectation, coupled with worriedly as Russian boats accompa- hand our packages to the Chassidim. their growing impatience to meet the We pulled into one station just before nied the ship out to sea. According Hardly daring to make eye contact, Rebbe again. midnight when a heartrending situation to law, the Russians had full right to we pretended to forget many religious met our eyes. Small children material- board the ship and carry out whatever items in shul, scattering them strategi- During our stay, I once ventured out ized out of the darkness, stretching procedures they thought necessary. cally around various tables and benches alone to mail a card to my parents, their emaciated hands out for some of the shul. We even left them our informing them of my arrival in Mos- food. Torn by the gaunt faces of these Finally, we saw the Russian boats stop personal tefillin! “The Jews of Russia cow and our upcoming trip. Since I was children, we opened our food packages and turn back, and we breathed a sigh of are in desperate need of Kosher tefil- totally unfamiliar with the language, I and gave them some of our supplies — a relief again. Mr. Chodorov, a Polish Jew lin,” someone told us earlier. “You can’t waited outside and scanned the faces piece of bread, a can or sardines, or on the ship, got up and began dancing afford the privilege of having individual of passersby, hoping to find someone something else. joyously on the deck, celebrating his tefillin for yourselves.” with Jewish features who could help escape from Stalinist rule. Though we me locate the closest post office. Soon I The Intourist guides and KGB guards did not join in the dancing, we felt a We knew the Russian Jews would spotted a middle-aged man who looked were furious at the audacity of these similar sense of release and joy at having understand our intentions. Later, after Jewish. When I approached, it became children. How dare they show foreign- left the accursed Russians behind. the KGB agents left, the Chassidim evident that he was indeed Jewish, but ers that hungry children existed in such would undoubtedly return to claim with a very limited Yiddish vocabulary. a great country as Russia! In all the On the ship, I recalled an explanation I our “forgotten items.” This constituted In desperation, I tried speaking Polish, subsequent train stations, the guards heard regarding the verse, “And Yakov our entire encounter with the Chabad which has certain similarities to the refused to let us disembark, and chased left Be’er Sheva, and went toward Chassidim of Russia. The shul’s atmo- Russian language, and managed to the hungry children away from our Charan” (Gen. 28:10). This verse is sphere of dread filled us with sadness make myself understood. The man train. This episode left a painful mark somewhat redundant since, in the and dejection. However, we rejoiced showed me in which direction to go, on our entire group. previous Torah portion, it already says in the fact that our objective had been and I thanked him for his help. that Yakov planned to travel toward fulfilled. At another station, we met a group Charan. However, these two verses As we parted ways, the Jew turned of Jews ensconced in heavy fur coats. symbolize two types of travel. In the As one of the younger bochurim in to me and stumbled through the few Russian guards patrolling the station first instance, the individual has a our group, I was the least informed Yiddish words he knew. He said five ensured that we could not exchange single interest — escape. He does not about the ongoing efforts to meet words: “Ich Yid, tatte Chevra Kadisha a word with our brethren, but we saw worry about the final destination, or with the Chassidim. I did hear that (“I am a Jew, and my father belongs to the looks of desperation and jealousy the ensuing trip — he just wants to some older bochurim succeeded in the Burial Society”). I will never forget in their Jewish eyes as they watched us escape. In the second instance, there meeting with the Chassidim, and had this sentence. To me, it seemed to leave the Iron Curtain. We communi- is a specific destination involved and tried to organize a farbrengen in a encapsulate the sorry state of Russian cated with our eyes alone, absorbing the entire trip is aimed at reaching a clandestine location. All the prepara- Jewry. the looks of pain and despair coming certain place. 8 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008 Shiduchim

Finding A Needle in A Haystack By Sarah Junik public but not at home? Even more, is should be with what our teens write went to the army does not mean they he or even she courteous to friends and on the net. After all, the net is a bit like are not frum. Many of them learn with As mentioned last week, in Lubavitch strangers but abrupt and unfriendly an elephant: it never forgets. Things chavrusas, go to minyan, do , and many boys drink at Farbrengens; is that with family? Therefore, when looking long forgotten can resurface when least do not touch their beards. Some plan something we should worry about? for a shidduch for your child, do not expected. The proof is in the following to go to after they marry. Some We are not talking here about alcohol- be taken in by an image. Make sure snippets from the blog: even on Shlichus. ics, Chas V'Shalom. So why would we that what you get from your inquiries Google: So keep in mind that there are outstand- even ask? Well, some of us do not like are solid answers and not the usual ing and middling boys who are learning the results of drinking. We do not wish patter of "he is a wonderful boy...", "she Everyone googles everyone--this is a and outstanding and middling boys to have our husband brought home after is a great girl..." And when your child simple fact of life. Google will also bring who are working, and among those a Farbrengen, more unconscious than goes out, she should not be taken in up any comments they made on 'Only there are outstanding and middling not, and we do not wish to deal with by pretty manners put on show for the Simchas', always interesting especially if boys that went to the army. Do not take the aftereffects of a hangover. Others date; see how he behaves with waiters they make comments that go as follows, things for granted. Investigate. do not mind and do not think it is or attendants, parking valets, etc. The "OMG I am soooooooooooooooooo necessarily a bad thing if occasionally same way people will not be totally happy 4u…" The teeny bopper alert Here are some questions that you may they go overboard. So it really depends truthful on a job application, young goes off in my brain. want to ask when researching a girl: if this kind of drinking bothers your people will act in the accepted way Google Images: • What Seminary did she go to? daughter; you should look into it. Just publicly so that they may get married. • What is she doing now? make sure that there is no real drinking Some may act more frum than they are; My new personal favorite: you can • Did she go on shlichus after Sem? problem and go ‘vaiter’. some may stop trimming a beard just search their name into the images, and • What does she want to do: teach, for a shidduch, etc. We should not go ‘voila’, photos show up. Very cool. Another concern to keep in mind: work in an office, go to college, crazy checking every last thing. After A comment on the blog says: "B"H Glad shlichus etc? Some boys and girls are projecting an all sometimes from "shelo lishmo bo to know I'm not the only sick puppy • What did she do with her image. He is considered the best bocher, lishmo"--they have acted a certain way who checks out other people's Facebook summers? a baal chesed, etc. She is considered a so often they are in the habit of it. The friends and Google images people. • Is she shy or lebedik. Give exam- leader in her clique, cheerful, studious, point is if there is a particular thing you ples of what you mean. outgoing, etc. These girls and boys are ‘makpid’ on, do diligent research. I We may not be computer savvy, but the could be acting in a certain way because repeat one particular thing; let us not younger generation certainly is. I explained in the boys list of questions of their present surroundings. They go overboard and consider everything One last comment on the boys before what we are trying to achieve with a know a certain behavior is expected, particular. going on: It has become more and more particular question. I will not repeat and they provide it. But if taken out I will address questions to ask when common for some boys to go to the here what was covered before. of these situations, do they have the researching a girl, but I happened on army (Israeli for the most part) for a personal resources to be what they To Be Continued a blog about research on the net, and I year or more. Some of these boys may project or is it only an image? Is he truly think it will resonate for many who are have been distancing themselves from Any constructive comments are welcomed by studious or it is part of his image to sit in shidduchim. It is certainly something frumkeit. Some felt this was a must the editor. Write to CHP5768 @gmail.com with a sefer and he thinks of ______we did not have to deal with as recently before they entered the next stage of or directly to the author at Basmelech@ (pick your subject) while looking at as 8 years ago. I did mention here in a life and the responsibilities. Do not gmail.com the open sefer? Is she enterprising in previous article about how careful we discount these boys. Just because they

Piangi Pagliaccio! (Cry Clown) By Sarah Junik celebrate holidays, build Sukkah mensch. No weirdos, please. she is looking for someone who will together, attend brisses, bar complement her. If she is a potato latke, For those of you who do not recognize • Jewish businessman, 49, manufac- Religion not important. then applesauce will make the relation- the title, it is taken from an aria of the tures Sabbath candles, Chanukah ship so much more agreeable. That is Opera Pagliacci (Players or Clowns). • Couch potato latke in search of the candles, havdalah candles, Yahrzeit what one should be looking for. Like the The author is trying to describe how right applesauce. Let's try it for 8 candles. Seeks non-smoker. Tai Chi instructor is so fond of saying: the clown must smile on, even though days. Who knows? • I am a sensitive Jewish prince look for the ying to your yang. his heart is breaking. This shows up also • Shmuel Gabbai, 36. I take out the whom you can open your heart to, in the clown's makeup, which although Torah Saturday morning. Would share your innermost thoughts and Read through the ads and look beyond sporting a big smile has often a tear like to take you out Saturday night. deepest secrets. Confide in me. I'll the laughs. look at the message they are painted below the eye, or a diamond Please write understand your insecurities. No sending out, and think of the message shape crossing the eye which represents fatties, please we sometimes send out without real- tears as well. • Orthodox woman with get, seeks izing. Take, for example, the "rabbinical man who got get or can get get. • Jewish male, 34, very successful, The reason for this excursion into the student in the fast lane": is it not sad that Get it? smart, independent, self-made, musical world is that I got one of those Yom Kippur, Tisha B'av, etc. is used looking for girl whose father will circling emails that get forwarded • Sincere rabbinical student, 27, enjoys as a gimmick? And take the next one, hire me. around the world and eventually reap- Yom Kippur, Tisha B'av, Taanis obviously written without thinking, pear ad infinitum in your mailbox. This Esther, Tzom Gedalia, Asarah Whoever put together this list may not or he would never have worded the ad one made me laugh but also cry. B'Teves, Shiva Asar b'Tammuz. have realized how good a cross-section in such a way. Or look at the "sensitive Seeks companion for living life in they actually found. If we strip them prince" who is neither sensitive nor a The hardship of finding one's shid- the 'fast' lane. of the humor, what can we see from prince. duch is universal. It is pervasive in any these ads? country at any age and in all affiliations. • Yeshiva bochur, Torah scholar, Therefore, let us all have a thought for Mixing metaphors: if misery shared is long beard, payos. Seeks same in In the first case "Religion not impor- all those out there irrespective of age or halved then we are all in good company. woman. tant": Obviously religion is important, affiliation, whether related to us or not, The sad part is that people are pushed • Nice Jewish guy, 38. he just listed a number of religious and say a Kapitel Tehilim that they may to extremes to try and connect with No skeletons. occasions, but this is a person that will all find their Beshert without further someone, as is represented by these No baggage. not cavil at degrees of religiosity. If they gimmicks. actual personal ads from an Israeli No personality. are both looking for the same (general) newspaper, the subject of the email: things, he is willing to try. • Female graduate student, • Divorced Jewish man seeks partner studying kaballah, Zohar, to attend shul, light shabbos candles, In the case of the "Couch potato latke": exorcism of dybbuks, seeks May 9, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 9

Rabbi Berl Junik

“A Living Example” Additionally, it was my father’s to have access to the Rebbe’s holy pres- responsibility, together with Rabbi ence on many occasions. Once, one By Mrs. Nechama Itkin Eli Gross, a”h, to oversee the dis- of my brothers was feeling ill, and my tribution of lulovim and esrogim mother was quite concerned. She asked My father, Rabbi Berl Junik OB”M, was for mivtzoim on Sukkos. my father to ask the Rebbe for a bracha a modest man with an aidel demeanor. when he would go into the Rebbe’s He was a man of few words, who In the 1980’s, the Rebbe instructed room before the next Farbrengen. (My demanded the highest standards of my father to start a learning class father used to enter the Rebbe’s room himself. My father’s modus operandi for working bochurim. My father before a Farbrengen to get the becher was to work behind the scenes. In this organized the class and made and other things needed to set up manner, he was able to accomplish sure to get a dynamic teacher. the Farbrengen.) However, my father many things without anybody realizing Before each shiur, my father called chose not to do this, because he did not that he was the initiator of the project. every bochur personally to remind feel comfortable utilizing his special He took his time forming an opinion, him to come. My father attended connections and always went through but once his mind was made up, he every class and sat quietly through the regular channels when seeking stood firm in his convictions. My father the shiur. A few years ago, at my a bracha. At my father’s shiva, Rabbi was a devoted chossid, his every action Shabbos table, two of my guests Leibel Groner, sheyichye, a secretary infused with the goal of giving nachas had been former participants in of the Rebbe, reiterated this fact that ruach to the Rebbe. I would like to share my father’s shiur. They told me my father never took advantage of would prepare himself to retire. After some memories of my father’s hanhaga, that the sight of my father sitting there his unique closeness to the Rebbe for Krias Shema, he would remain sitting which has impacted my daily life. in the same classroom as them, week personal gain. quietly in his seat, reflecting. I once after week, even though he seemingly asked him what he was doing during Seder and discipline are the words “had no connection” with them, made My father was a role model for many and those few minutes, and he told me that that best describe the structure of my an everlasting impression. taught us through his living example. at that time, he was rethinking his day. father’s day. Getting up early in the His actions spoke louder than any The inyan of a daily Cheshbon Nefesh is morning for mikvah and minyan was My mother, Mrs. Fruma Junik shet- words. May he continue to watch over part of what a Chabad Chossid does. an absolute. A Yid needs to begin his ichye, a true Ezer Kinegdo to my father, us and be a gutte better on our behalf. day with the proper Ruchnius. told me the following story which May we merit to be reunited with the One summer, my father told me the illustrates my father’s integrity: Rebbe very soon with the coming of following story. The structure of the In later years, when my father was Moshiach, now! Rebbe’s Farbrengens usually followed zocheh to pour Kos Shel Bracha for My father, Rabbi Junik, was privileged a regular pattern. The Rebbe would the Rebbe at the farbrengens, my speak about the Parsha, Rashi, Zohar, father would come home very late, at and Rambam. During the course of the One Hour of Darkness around 4:00 in the morning. His hands Farbrengen, the Rebbe would impart By Rabbi global warming or not, I think we could would be stained purple from the wine. lessons and directives that he wished his learn a few things from Earth Hour. Despite the late hour that he went to chassidim to undertake. The reaction of Every so often a bed, he would be up at 6:45 the next many was that the Rebbe was speaking Current Events • ONE: If we want change we can all morning for davening. After all, what to someone else, and the instruction issue g ives me work together. If we work together did going to sleep late have to do with didn’t apply to them. When my father pause to reflect on to reach a common goal we will be not being on time for minyan? stood at farbrengens, he always felt something in our successful. like the Rebbe was speaking to him own lives. Early in the morning, when I would • TWO: We shouldn’t waste. We personally. wake up to go to school, I would usu- On March 29, at should not waste energy, food or ally see my father coming home from 8:00 pm, some businesses and homes life. Nothing is expendable. During that time, my father told me that davening. He would always take out across the world switched off their lights Everything has a purpose. there were some work-related issues that his change purse and ask me if I had for one hour, to make a statement about he didn’t know how to resolve (there • THREE: Perhaps the most impor- given Tzedaka yet that day. This con- global warming. was tension between some co-workers). tant lesson of Earth Day is on a cern continued even to my children. The Shabbos before, the Rebbe had “It’s largely symbolic,” said Monica personal level. Whenever we would come for a visit, spoken about the concept of “Yemin Echeverria, a spokeswoman for the my father would always ask if they had What if we each took one hour to try to Mikareves Usmol Docheh,” “Draw World Wildlife Federation (WWF), given tzedaka yet, and if they didn’t change to something important in our close with your right hand, and create according to the Los Angeles Times. have money, he would give them a coin personal lives? distance with your left.” My father for tzedaka. TheE arth Hour project aimed to make felt that the Rebbe was addressing his Imagine if we spent one more hour people more aware of global warming dilemma directly and giving him a with our spouse? Every night, despite the late and long and make them feel like they are work- solution. He implemented this strategy Would we see a hours my father worked, my father ing together as a team to save the health to a successful conclusion. change? would make the rounds to every bed- of our planet. TheWW F hoped that the room and make sure that each child had participants were inspired to change If we gave one Once my father undertook a posi- negel vasser by their beds. He would the light bulbs in their homes with more hour to our tive endeavor, he continued doing it quietly bring negel vasser to those compact fluorescents, which are much children? Would it make a difference? indefinitely. Immediately upon arriving of us who were too lazy too bring on more economical and efficient. in America at Ellis Island, my father Earth Day worked with one hour of our own. This quiet and steady action began putting on Tefillin with fellow darkness; perhaps we would do better made me realize the importance of this The WWF feels that the global warm- Jews. After the Rebbe came out with to try to create changes that would shed minhag. Now, I am inspired to do the ing issue is one of the most difficult Mivtza Tefillin, my father, together with some more light in our lives. same thing for my children. I visualize challenges we face, and it can only be Rabbi Peretz Feigenson, started going my father, and swallow my frustration solved if a large number of people work Rabbi Hecht, is chairman of the board on Mivtzoim every Sunday morning. at my children for not bringing negel together. of the National Committee for the Fur- Even when we were in the Catskill vasser on their own, despite numerous therance of (NCFJE), Mountains for the summer, my father reminders, and go and bring them negel When Earth Hour started in Australia, continuing the tradition of social services made sure to go on mivtzoim locally. vasser. I hope to infuse them with the over 2.2 million Sydney residents and management and outreach. He is a Rabbi He continued this practice for the rest same steady commitment that my father over 2,100 businesses turned their and activist in the Jewish community, of his life. taught me. lights off for one hour, resulting in focusing on family crisis intervention, 10.2 percent energy reduction across guiding and advising troubled youth and Similarly, my father had a shechita class Another image in my memory that I the city. their families, marriage counseling, and for bochurim that he taught steadily will always cherish is the view that I drugs and cults counseling and consulta- for over 45 years. With his keen eye I believe, as some studies today suggest, saw every night from my room. Late tions. He can be reached at rabbishea@ and steady hand, he trained hundreds that the whole global warming issue is a at night, when all was quiet, my father aol.com. of talmidim throughout the years. hoax. However, whether you believe in 10 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008

Shleimus Haaretz Concern That Leaps Over Geographic Boundaries Published and copyright © by Sichos In When (heaven forbid) there is a war in can make a difference - by working to provisions should never be sacrificed English Israel we feel involved and we do what set the record straight. Most cases do in the hope of achieving diplomatic we can to help. Today Israel is being not call for much convincing. When a success. Many readers will probably ask: “Of besieged, not militarily, but diplomati- terrorist kills a mother and a child, is what practical concern is all this to cally. She is threatened by more severe it difficult to make people understand Concessions do not breed an attitude me? There is no way that I can have an losses of territory in the conference that an outrage has occurred? When an of conciliation and peace. Instead, they effect on Israeli policy, so why should rooms than she would ever suffer on Arab government ignores its own com- communicate a stance of weakness that I become involved?” the battlefield. mitments, shouldn’t a newspaper carry is exploited by the Arabs for pressing the story? Each of us can do his bit to further and more extensive demands. There are two responses: To a large extent, this struggle is taking correct Israel’s image in the community place in the public media of the Western and country in which he lives. The Arabs have never yet taken the con- First of all, like or not, we are all countries and among their opinion- cept of peace seriously. Any lip-service involved. Every Jew is bound to every makers. These media portray theA rabs Throughout Part I of this presentation, to the ideal of peace was intended for other Jew: a threat to a Jewish com- as an oppressed people, peacefully seek- we have tried to make several points: one purpose alone: to receive whatever munity in any part of the world affects ing to regain what is rightfully theirs. they can without fighting. Jews all over the world. How much more Lies and falsifications are repeated so Saving and protecting the lives of its so is this true when the Land of Israel frequently that they become accepted as citizens is the foremost priority of any Israel has constantly operated from is involved. For every Jew, wherever he immutable truths. And this background government, how much more so when an inferiority complex, trying to find lives, possesses a portion in the Land of supports the Arabs when they sit down we are speaking of a Jewish government favor in the eyes of the other nations, Israel. And the Land of Israel possesses at the negotiating table. and Jewish life. Therefore: instead of placing her own security as a portion of every Jew, a piece of our her priority. heart and soul. This is where people in the Diaspora In the Land of Israel today, security

Update From the Shleimus Ha'Aretz Talk Show May 5, 2008 the Germans and their willing helpers, info from Elly Rodan, go to www. lending credence to the dismantling of the Ukrainians, may their names be Israeljustice.com. We urge everyone Eretz Yisroel and to the endangering By Tamar Adelstein forever blotted out! Jenny, at ten years to call the Israeli Military Attache at of the millions of precious Jews who old, was the only survivor from her the Israeli Embassy in Washington to live there and the impact on the secu- Last week’s show on May 1st (sorry warm and loving family. register a complaint. That number is rity of Jewish communities in Chutz about the date change) showcased a 202-364-5500. La’Aretz. We, therefore, condemn in number of important events, places, Listening to her tale, we find it incred- the strongest terms any inclusion of a and some of the wonderful people who ible that today’s Israeli government We also heard from our own Rafael Lubavitcher participating in President live in Eretz Yisroel and those who care would willingly fail to adequately Rabinovitz who spent Pesach with his Bush’s visit. Rather, we implore every- about it. protect the children in S’derot and its family in Eretz Yisroel and was able to one in Chabad to do whatever they can surroundings from the daily attacks by view the extensive building going on in to publicize and support the Rebbe’s We began with an absolutely brilliant Arabs in Gaza. We are outraged that the Shchem from the vantage point of Har directives for Shleimus Ha*Aretz. shiur from Rabbi Sholom Ber Kalman- Israeli government, with the full sanc- Bracha. As Rafael noted USAid signs son who noted and explained a rather tion of its Chareidi Knesset supporters, were prevalent everywhere, attesting On a high note, we had two lovely significant remark the FriedikerR ebbe continues to deliver food and fuel to the source of financial support the interviews with Mrs. Batya Medad made about the 1948 founding of the to Gaza as humanitarian relief but Arabs are getting from our tax dol- from the community of Shilo and Rabbi State of Israel. The FriedikerR ebbe said won’t make the effort to stop their terror lars. There are rarely any impediments Yisroel Haber, the Rebbe’s sh’liach the establishment of the State was like against Jews. to Arab building in YESHA, but when a from the Golan Heights. Both, once a candy. A candy is the only thing that Jew wants to build or make additions to again, proved that Eretz Yisroel is will calm down a crying child. Although Today, Jenny lives in Tel Aviv and his home or property, he faces moun- the place where HaShem’s blessings 1948 was a “ketz” for the revelation of recently testified before theK nesset on tains of red-tape and delays. For more and great light always shine forth Moshiach, the Jewish People were the hardships aging survivors face. Jenny information, go to rafvrab.blogspot. beautifully! simply not ready, what with the hor- is also still healing from the shock com or www.revava.org. rors of the Holocaust still fresh; thus, and trauma she encountered. Because At this time our website is bro- HaShem gave them a candy to soothe she gave her address, we think it would This leads us back to a point Rabbi ken. To review the show, please and calm them. But unfortunately, be a wonderful gesture of Ahavas Kalmanson focused on during his call 641-715-3486, Access Code many mistook this sweet as the Ischalta Yisroel if cards were sent to her. Her shiur--the inclusion of a Chabad rabbi 505946#. Our next show will be, G-d D’Geula and even worse, failed to address is Jenny Rosenstein, Rechov who will be accompanying President Willing, on May 13 from Noon to appreciate the treasures HaShem’s gift Nachmoni 48, #A, Tel Aviv. Please Bush on his upcoming trip to Eretz 1:30pm, and you can join us live by could bring with the recognized return mention you heard her story on the Yisroel next week. President Bush is calling 712-451-6000, Access Code to Eretz Yisroel. We highly recommend show. looking for a legacy. Unfortunately, 505946#. everyone review Rabbi Kalmanson’s the only thing he seems to believe shiur which contained many other A report from Elly Rodan, our Pidyun he can come up with is having the fascinating details about Shleimus Sh’vuim correspondent in Eretz Yisroel, distinction of fostering the creation HaAretz, Geula, and the meaning of included information on the Israeli of an Arab state in the middle of Eretz Chof Ches Nissan. government’s latest attempts to make Yisroel. Tragically, the Israeli Knesset, Yehuda and the Shomron uncomfort- including its “farfrumte” members, is YOUR AD Mrs. Jenny Rosenstein was our first able places for Jews to live. As many only too fearful, foolish, and greedy guest. She recounted her heartbreaking will have read by now, the Halamish to comply. President Bush wants his story as young child with her family brothers were sentenced today to 7 name in headlights so badly that he HERE! in the Moghilev-Podolsk ghetto dur- and 8 months jail time for the “crime” even refused a visit to the Kosel as ing the Holocaust. We all cried along of following army orders to protect being too politically sensitive. Whether with her as she recalled begging her the community of S’dei Bar from Arab or not the pressure starts with Bush parents to run away from the ghetto intruders. Please email pidionshvuim@ or the Knesset is in a certain sense where thousands of children and their yahoo.com to receive a full review irrelevant. What does have import, families were tortured and starved by of this important story. For more though, is the presence of a Lubavitcher [email protected] May 9, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 11 Parshas Hashavua

will merit the world to come,” even one ANSWER: The message of the suk- Vedibarta Bam ~ Emor who did not repent. kah is two-fold: When the Jews lived )פרדס יוסף( in Eretz Yisrael, worked the land and “וספרתם לכם ממחרת השבת” By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky prospered, there was a danger that they “ולקחתם לכם ביום הראשון פרי עץ “אמר אל הכהנים בני אהרן ואמרת would begin to think that it was their הדר כפת תמרים וענף עץ עבת וערבי And you shall count for yourselves“ אלהם” strength and wisdom that earned them נחל ושמחתם לפני ה’ אלקיכם שבעת (from the day after Yom Tov.” (23:15 their wealth. Consequently, when they ימים” -Say to the Koha“ nim, the sons of QUESTION: Why do we count Sefirah gathered their crops and their success Aharon and tell between Pesach and Shavuot? “You shall take for yourself on the first brought them into a jubilant spirit, them.” (21:1) day the fruit of a etrog tree, the branches Hashem commanded that they dwell ANSWER: The ultimate purpose of of date palms, twigs of myrtles, and in sukkot to teach them that life on this QUESTION: The leaving Egypt was to receive the Torah brook willows; and you shall rejoice earth is temporary and that there are no redundancy of the on Mount Sinai. Every Jew is required before G‑d, your G‑d, for a seven day strong “fortresses” that we can build for pasuk including to occupy himself as much as possible period.” (23:40) ourselves. The sukkah is covered with both “emor” — “say” — and “ve’amarta” with the study of Torah, but unfortu- sechach, through which one can look — “and tell” — teaches us that the nately, people waste time that could QUESTION: What is the connec- up and see the heavens, alluding to the elders should educate the minors to be used for Torah study. Counting tion between the four species and fact that our abodes are temporary and avoid things prohibited by the Torah. Sefirah before Shavuot is a preparation rejoicing? our security is dependent on Hashem The Gemara Y( evamot 114a) states for kabbalat haTorah, and emphasizes in the heaven above. that this message is found three times the importance of time, serving as a ANSWER: Regarding rejoicing with in the Torah: reminder that we should use every free the four species, the Midrash Rabbah The trials and tribulations of exile create moment for the study of Torah. 1. In the prohibition of eating blood. (30:2) offers a parable: Two people the danger that the Jews, G‑d forbid, ,came before a judge, and we do not will suffer disillusionment. Therefore )לקוטי שיחות ח”ז ע’ 280( 2. The prohibition of eating insects and know which one was victorious. If one Hashem gave the Jewish people the other swarming things. The famous Chassidic Rebbe, Rabbi of them takes a palm branch in his hand, festival of Sukkot, “So that your gen- 3. The laws of purity and defilement. Avraham Mordechai of Ger (known then we know he is the victor. So it is erations will know that I caused the as the “Imrei Emet”) once said that with B’nei Yisrael and the nations of Children of Israel to dwell in booths Why is the parents’ educational role the reason for the custom of giving a the world: The latter come and bring when I took them out of the land of emphasized in these three laws? chatan a golden watch is to teach him accusations before Hashem on Rosh Egypt — and just as I protected them ANSWER: The fact that the Torah that every minute is “wrapped in gold” Hashanah and we do not know who then and ultimately brought them to chose to emphasize the education of and should not be wasted. has won. Since the B’nei Yisrael go forth safety, so too, will I be with the Jew- minors in these three laws dismisses from the presence of Hashem bearing ish people wherever they will be and )שמעתי מהרב אליהו משה ז”ל ליס( popular myths regarding education: their palm-branches and their etrogim, ultimately bring them Mashiach and we know that they are victorious. cause them to sit in the sukkah made 1. Some people believe that you cannot from the skin of Livyatan.” (Livyatan change the conduct of a habitual Alternatively, another lesson we learn How does taking the four species prove is the largest sea creature, Hashem will transgressor. Regarding the prohibi- from Sefirah is the following: When that “we won”? make a meal from it for the righteous in tion of eating blood, however, the counting Sefirah, we recite a berachah the Hereafter [See Bava Batra 75a].) Torah says “Rak chazak levilti achol every night, yet when an entire day The MidrashR abbah (30:12) explains )ילקוט אליעזר( hadam” — “Only be steadfast in goes by and a person forgets to count, that the four species represent the not eating blood” (Devarim 12:23). he can no longer recite the berachah on four different categories of Jews, from The expression “rak chazak” is used the following days. This teaches us that the tzaddik who studies Torah and because eating blood was a common although each day is an independent performs good deeds to the Jew who is practice in those days (Rashi, ibid.). In view of the above, that Sukkot is entity, it also makes a unique contribu- on the other extreme. The unification of Consequently, by commanding celebrated for two reasons and conveys tion to all other days. Thus, the counting the four species is an allusion to the fact adults to enlighten minors regarding a two-fold message, it is understood of Sefirah before Shavuot emphasizes that all Jews, regardless of their spiritual the blood prohibition, the Torah is why the festival is known as “Chag the importance of each day and that level or quality, are strongly united accentuating that even a hardened haSukkot” — in the plural. one wasted day of Torah learning also together. In unity there is strength and transgressor can and should be “וינצו במחנה בן הישראלית ואיש .affects the future. therefore victory inculcated with Torah teachings. הישראלי” )ילקוט יצחק( 2. Some people contend that it is futile The power of peace and unity is so great They fought in the camp, the son of“ “אך בעשור לחדש השביעי הזה יום to try to teach Torah and mitzvot to that even when the Jewish people sin, the Israelite woman and an Israelite הכפרים הוא” people who are gross and unrefined. G‑d forbid, if unity prevails, Hashem man.” (24:10) Therefore, we are taught that even “But on the tenth day of this month is does not rebuke or punish them (see people devoid of human instincts, the day of atonement.” (23:27) Bereishit Rabbah 38:6). Thus, when QUESTION: The Torah intentionally to the extent of eating swarming Jews are united together with no rivalry did not mention the name of the son creatures, should be taught Torah, QUESTION: The Gemara K( etubot or animosity between them, Hashem of the Israelite woman since he was which ultimately will refine them. 103b) says that on the day when Rebbe takes pleasure in them and they experi- illegitimate. Why, however, does it (Rabbi Yehudah HaNassi) passed away, ence great joy. 3. Some people advocate teaching chil- omit the name of the “ish hayisra’eili” a voice emerged from Heaven declaring, ?”Israelite man“ — )מצאתי בכתבי אבי הרב שמואל פסח ז”ל dren only concepts which the human “Whoever was present at the demise of באגאמילסקי( mind can comprehend and they Rebbe will merit the world to come.” object to teaching matters which are ANSWER: Dissension, quarreling, and “בסכת תשבו שבעת ימים...למען ?Why such a remarkable reward especially the raising of hands are not ידעו דרתיכם כי בסכות הושבתי את -based on faith and absolute submis sion to G‑dliness. The Biblical laws acceptable in the Jewish community. בני ישראל בהוציאי אותם מארץ ANSWER: In the Gemara (Yoma concerning defilement and purity, These are among the character traits מצרים” 86b) Rebbe is of the opinion that the however, are Heavenly decrees of Eisav, of whom the patriarch Jacob day Yom Kippur itself accomplishes which are incomprehensible to the said, “Hayadayim yedei Eisav” — “The atonement even if one has not repented, “You shall dwell in booths for seven human mind and in the category hands are Eisav’s hands” (Bereishit while many others hold that only if one days...So that your generations will of “statutes” (Rambam, Hilchot 27:22), — i.e. their fame is for military repents will atonement occur for the know that I caused the Children of Israel Mikva’ot 11:12). Thus, by stressing prowess. No Jew, however, is esteemed individual. to dwell in booths when I took them out the relationship of adults and minors by the Torah when he engages in of the land of Egypt.” (23:39,42-43) regarding the laws of defilement, the fighting. Therefore the Torah does not The Midrash (20:12) equates the pass- Torah emphasizes the teaching of consider the “Israelite man” worthy of ing of the righteous to the day of Yom QUESTION: Why is the festival of matters beyond the intellect. being introduced by name. Kippur. Both are times of atonement Sukkot connected to both the time )כלי יקר( for sin. Therefore, on the day ofR ebbe’s of harvest and the Jews’ dwelling in )לקוטי שיחות ח”ב ע’ 680( demise, it was declared in Heaven in sukkot during their sojourn in the his honor that, “Whoever is present wilderness? 12 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008

Vedibarta Bam ~ Pirkei Avos spent on pleasures has been wasted. a tzaddik and Hashem listens to him to However, the return for money spent the extent that even if Hashem makes on the spiritual is everlasting. a decree, a tzaddik is able to cancel it By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky Rambam, Introduction to Mishneh (Mo’eid Kattan 16b). Torah). Rabban Gamliel succeeded his )לב אבות מהרב גדלי’ ז”ל סילווערסטאן Unfortunately, many people who are “דע מה למעלה ממך” father as Nasi. blessed with affluence spend freely on “יצר הרע” (Know what is above you.” (2:1“ personal amenities, yet plead poverty In this mishnah he is emphasizing the when it comes to spending money on “Evil Inclination.” (2:11) QUESTION: The word “mimach” — importance of having an occupation spiritual matters. The Mishnah is advis- “from you” — is extra. It should have and working. It is especially convincing ing that a person should fulfill His will QUESTION: The Gemara (Berachot just said “Know what is above”? when the one who advocates this is a as he would his own will, i.e. an equal 61a) says that the yeitzer hara — evil scion of an extremely wealthy family. amount of money should be spent on inclination — resembles a zevuv — fly. ANSWER: The Mishnah is convey- Though he was born with a “silver spoon spiritual matters as on physical ones. If What is the analogy? ing an insight of great profundity on in his mouth” and really did not have one has money to “throw over the cliff,” G‑dliness. The Maggid of Mezritch to work for a livelihood, nevertheless, one should not plead poverty when it ANSWER: All efforts to chase a fly would say, “Know that everything even he emphasizes that those who comes to spending for Hashem. away will not deter it from coming back. above — all that transpires in the engage in Torah study should also have The same is true of the yeitzer hara.A s )פון אונזער אלטען אוצר( spiritual realms — is mimach — from an occupation, since the toil in both of much as one chases it away and refuses you — dependent on your conduct. them will keep sin out of the mind. to listen to it, it continuously returns )פרדס יוסף( Each of us has the potential to influence and pesters man. the most elevated spiritual realms.” )ממעינות הנצח ליקוט ע”י ר’ אהרן סורסקי, Alternatively, a wealthy father who had “יפה תלמוד תורה עם דרך ארץ” )ביאורים לפרקי אבות( בני ברק תשל”ט( an only son whom he loved very much “It is good [to combine] the study of appointed an executor over his estate Torah with derech eretz.” (2:2) and instructed him, “When I die, give my son as much as you want from the With this thought the Maggid also QUESTION: What exactly is “derech estate, and keep the rest for yourself.” Alternatively, when the prophet Elisha explains a seemingly difficult Midrash eretz”? The greedy executor kept 95% for visited the home of the Shunamit, Rabbah (Vayikra 24:9), which says himself and gave 5% to the son. The son she told her husband, “Behold, now I on the pasuk “You shall be holy for I ANSWER: The words “derech eretz” was very upset. Unable to believe that perceive that the G‑dly man kadosh am holy” (ibid. 19:2) that “Kedushati ( ) have the numerical value of this was really his father’s intention, hu — is holy” (II Kings 4:9). According דרך ארץ lema’alah mikedushatchem” — “My five hundred and fifteen, as does the called the executor to a Din Torah. The to the Gemara (Berachot 10b) she per- prayer.” The“ — (תפלה) ”holiness is greater than yours.” word “tefillah rabbi listened carefully and ruled that ceived that he was holy because she did Mishnah is emphasizing that Torah and the executor was to give 95% to the son not notice a “zevuv” — “fly” — over his Why is it necessary for the Midrash tefillah must go hand in hand. The effort and keep only 5% for himself, explain- table. How does this prove holiness? to inform us that Hashem’s holiness is expended in both these things together ing to the executor that the father was greater than ours? Who would think on a daily basis will definitely cause one fly” — is an“ — (זבוב )”indeed a very wise man. “His words The word “zevuv otherwise? to forget about sinning. This“ — ”זה בכה וזה בכה“ were, ‘Give my son as much as you want, acronym for )צפנת פענח( and keep the rest for yourself.’ Since one is here and this one is there.” Indeed, the intent of the Midrash is you demonstrated that you want 95%, not simply to inform us of Hashem’s that must be the amount that the father The Shunamit was a hospitable person, greatness, but to relate an important wanted you to give his son.” and many would stay at her message to K’lal Yisrael. Every Jew is Incidentally, the names of our patriarch home when passing through the city of able to add to Hashem’s holiness by and matriarch Yitzchak and Rivkah The Mishnah in conveying mili Shu-neim. She would notice that when also add up to (יצחק — רבקה) conducting his life in a way which is a together d’chassiduta — words of piety — and a prominent person would come to her Kiddush Hashem — sanctification of five hundred and fifteen, as does the it is instructing that the ultimate piety home and conduct a “tish” (gathering), prayer.” A“ — (תפלה) ”Hashem. People impressed with the word “tefillah is that what you do [for] His will — i.e. some would come and some would behavior of the Jewish people ultimately reason for this may be that they are the the amount you expend for Torah not; some would listen attentively will praise Hashem. only couple in the Torah who prayed and mitzvot observance — should be while others would walk about the together (see Bereishit 25:21, Rashi). In kiretzonecha — as you would do for room. However, when Elisha came and Thus, Hashem is saying, K“ edushati fact, their only joint activity reported yourself. Since as a mortal you would conducted his “tish,” she did not see, lema’alah” — “My holiness up in in the Torah is their praying. like the maximum for your pleasures “This one here and this one there,” but heaven” is “mikedushatchem” — and amenities, suffice for yourself on all came to his table and all listened “dependent on the holiness of your less and let themajority of your financial attentively and respectfully. One who conduct on earth.” resources go for Torah and mitzvot. And is respected and revered by all, and Alternatively, the Mishnah is teaching )מאיר עיני ישרים בשם ר’ דובער זצ”ל just as to achieve your needs you will who brings about absolute unity, is -that derech eretz — business, occupa ממעזריטש( not spare any effort, likewise exert your undoubtedly a holy person. tion, and livelihood — should be in best effort for spiritual matters and be “רבן גמליאל בנו של ר’ יהודה הנשיא accordance with the laws of Torah. subdued when it comes to your material When unity and togetherness is lacking אומר, ‘יפה תלמוד תורה עם דרך )ר’ אהרן זצ”ל מקרלין( interests and desires. between man and his fellow or between ארץ’ “ זה“ man and Hashem and a situation of “עשה רצונו כרצונך” “Rabban Gamliel the son of Rabbi This one is here and“ — ”בכה וזה בכה When one conducts himself in such a Yehudah HaNasi says, ‘It is good [to “Fulfill His will as you would your own manner, he will merit that Hashem will this one is there prevails,” it is a sign combine] the study of Torah with an will.” (2:4) fulfill his will, because such a person is that the yeitzer hara is at work and occupation’ ” (2:2). unfortunately, successful. QUESTION: The word “kiretzonecha” QUESTION: Throughout, when Rab- — “as your will” — is superfluous; why ban Gamliel is quoted, his pedigree doesn’t he simply say “Do His will”? PIRKEI AVOS SHIUR is not listed. Why is his full pedigree listed here: his father’s name and that ANSWER: The message in this Mish- The longest running English Shiur in Crown Heights--26 years his father was the Nasi (leader of the nah is indeed much more profound and still going strong! generation)? than just calling on man to do the For Women and Girls will of Hashem. The money we spend 5:30-6 PM Halachos of Tefilla with Rabbi Michoel Seligson ANSWER: Rabbi Yehudah was during our lifetime can be divided into 6-7 PM Pirkei Avos Mrs. Rifky Kotlarsky appointed Nasi due to his greatness in two portions: Some goes to spiritual Torah and monetary affluence. Thanks matters such as tzedakah, mitzvot, and Different Speaker on Pirkei Avos each week. to his wealth he was able to support tuition, and the other goes for physical Congregation ANASH 770 Montgomery St. many Torah scholars, and together with necessities and personal pleasures. In Use women's entrance on the side of the building. them he compiled the Mishnah (see retrospect, we usually see that money May 9, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 13 Nissan Yahrzeits

This week we continue with theY ahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. 6th of Iyar Women By mentioning them, we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn lessons Horav Hachossid 5th of Iyar from their lives that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes Reb the Yahrzeiten of the 4th of Iyar through the11th of Iyar. Mrs. Leah Engel Yisroel Halevi Duchman The daughter of Horav HachossidR eb Horav Hacho- Men Moshe Yaakov, she distributed food ssid Hatomim The son of Horav to the needy, shared in the pain of her 5th of Iyar Reb Sholom Hachossid Hato- fellow Jews, and was concerned for Yeshaya mim Reb Schneur their welfare. She greeted everyone Horav Hachossid Deitsch Zalman, he loved with a smiling face and was liked by Hatomim Reb the Rebbe with all. She was committed to her family Michoel Lipsker The son of his whole Neshama and merited to and brought up a blessed generation Horav Hacho- a special kiruv and relationship. He who follow the Torah and teachings The son of Horav ssid Hatomim accomplished a lot for the Yidden of of Chassidus. She was mekushar to the Hachossid Reb Reb Menachem his birth place, Russia. He was nifter Rebbe and merited that her children are Chaim Tzvi, he Mendel, he was known for his self- in 1989, and his resting place is near among the Rebbe’s Shluchim. She was merited to be the sacrifice to eat only kosher food during the holy . nifter in 2005, and her resting place is first shliach of the the difficult times inW orld War II. He near the holy Ohel. Rebbe. He was sent was a sincere and honest person and 9th of Iyar to Morocco and merited to have a unique relationship 8th of Iyar founded Mosdos with the Rebbe and receive many kiru- Horav Hachossid Oholei Yosef Yitzchok for young chil- vim. He is remembered by Chassidim Hatomim Reb Mrs. Elka Chein dren, which he ran for more than two as a Geshmaker (sweet) Chossid, a Duber Junik The daughter of Horav HachossidR eb decades. He was nifter in 1985, and his baal chesed, and a baal ahavas yisroel. Yehoshua Heshel, she was nifter in resting place is near the holy Ohel. He was nifter in 1969, and his resting The son of Horav 1973, and her resting place is near the place is near the holy Ohel. Hachossid Reb holy Ohel. Naftoli, who was a shochet, Reb Mrs. Chana Fruma Sokolik Get the Crown Heights Community Paper by Email: Dovber was a descendent The daughter of Horav Hacho- Send an email with the word Subscribe to of Horabbonim Hakdoshim ssid Reb Arye Dov, she was Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of the wife of Horav Hachossid [email protected] Barditchev, Rabbi Pinchos Hatomim, Reb Benzion Koritz, and Rabbi Men- Sokolik, who was Mrs. achem of Chernobel. He Martha Stock’s father. She was mekushar to the was nifter in 1951. Rebbe and worked as a meshores Bakodesh, for 11th of Iyar the Rebbe, the Rebbetzin Mrs. Tova Liba Chana, and the entire Ashkenazi household of the Rebbe for almost fifty years. He merited The daughter of Horav Hachossid a special kiruv and was considered Reb Chaim Eliezer, she was the wife of trustworthy in the Rebbe’s personal Horav Hachossid Reb Meir who served matters. He taught many students as the Rav of Shanghai from 1925 until who studied shechita in the division afterW orld War II. Mrs. Ashkenazi was of Machne Israel, was a member of the considered the “mother” of the Jewish board of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch and refugees, including the Lubavitch Machne Israel, and merited to bring Yeshiva students, to whose needs she up a blessed generation who follow the attended during the war WW( II) years Torah and teachings of Chassidus. He of 1941 till 1947. was born on the 6th of Menachem Av Dear Readers: 1927 in Priluki, Ukraine and was nifter Those who would like to have their rela- in 2005. His resting place is near the tives mentioned in the yahrzeit column, holy Ohel. please email the name, father’s name, date of the petira and some details 14 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008 Health and money Matters

The RAMBAM Lifestyle exercise affected my blood sugar levels, Exercise!!! 40-60 minutes cardio (the and how eating right could affect the Gazelle machine) or walk six days a By Yaakov Bam, Nutrition and Wellness Mendel relates: “In the spring of 5766 disease. Since Iyar 5766, I have lost week. Consultant I thought it was futile to continue the 98.4 pounds. battle with my weight — I figured I was Drink water, herbal or green tea instead The Rambam: just destined to be heavy. I had started “The great news is that I no longer of soft drinks. weight-loss plans in the past, but never require medication for my diabetes; I “Overeating is like stuck with any of them. My doctor told manage to control it through changed Group support is priceless. poison to anyone’s me: ‘Diets don’t work. You have to adopt eating habits. I have lowered my cho- body. It is the main a healthier lifestyle.’ That Iyar I started lesterol, too.” To be continued source of all illness. to follow his advice. Most illnesses which Yaakov Bam, MS, is a member of Health Tips for Your Good Lifestyle afflict a man are caused by harmful “Just one month later I was diagnosed American Association of Nutritional foods or by his filling his belly and with diabetes. Diabetes is a genetic Consultants. He focuses on guiding and Read about health issues in magazines overeating, even healthful foods.” factor in my family, and at the age of advising institutions, families and private and books. It’s important to learn (Hilchos Deos 4:15) He adds, “The 45 my blood sugar became elevated. individuals in implementing the RAM- what you need to do to take care of consumption of a little bad food is less My vision was blurred. I was seeing BAM Lifestyle. Yaakov can be reached yourself. harmful than the consumption of a serious signs that I needed to improve at [email protected] or by phone, lot of good and healthy food.” (The my health. (347)564-2874. To find out more details To avoid going overboard when food Regimen of Health 1:1) about the RAMBAM Lifestyle, please see tempts you, try to remember that there “With the support of my wife and my preceding and upcoming articles of the will always be some left later if you want When Mendel’s brother was diagnosed Nutritional Advisor, I learned what it Health Interest series. To register for a free to come back and have more. with diabetes, he took it as a wake-up is all about: lifestyle change. It took me Health Lifestyle seminar, please contact call. some time to understand how diet and Yaakov Bam.

The Benefits of a Buy-Sell Agreement When it comes to business succession Is Your Business Really Protected? planning, it’s best to sit down with When structured and funded properly, By Mordy Schachter, ment should address three situations: experienced professionals to plot your a buy-sell agreement can accomplish Agent New York Life death, disability, and lifetime sale by strategy. You should draft a compre- several goals, including: Insurance Company an owner. hensive buy-sell agreement with the Creating a market for the stock help of an attorney, and discuss any Being in a community Setting the value of the business too tax concerns with your tax advisor. It Setting a predetermined price or valu- such a Crown Heights, low — Some owners value their busi- should be flexible enough to allow for ation method that the owners agree on I think that it would be ness too low in their buy-sell agreement future modifications with the consent to buy and sell their shares appropriate to address believing that this will reduce their of all involved parties. You’ll also want some needs and concerns of small estate tax liability. If certain criteria Providing money to fund the plan to discuss funding options with your business owners once again. Business are not met, the IRS can reject the insurance agent. Insurance can be a A buy-sell agreement benefits both owners have long relied on buy-sell business’s value for estate tax purposes. cost-effective, tax-advantaged means surviving owners and heirs. agreements to protect the financial Not only are the heirs shortchanged, of funding a buy-sell agreement. future of their business and their family. but they may end up owing the IRS Benefits to heirs: Sometimes called a “business will,” a more in estate taxes than they received Don’t delay! Now’s the time to put Free of business worries buy- sell agreement is a legal contract from the sale. together a well-thought-out plan that among business owners that states what Guaranteed fair purchase price will help guarantee the smooth transi- A Valid Buy-Sell Agreement will happen should an owner leave the tion of your business. It can benefit May avoid probate delays business due to death, disability, or a both your family and your business In order for a buy-sell agreement to be lifetime sale. The agreement obligates Benefits to surviving owners: partners. For more information on used to help determine the estate tax the remaining owners to purchase the funding buy-sell agreements with life value, the IRS has set some guidelines. Relieves concern of new and possible business interest of the owner who has insurance, and for your other business IRC Section 2703 gives the follow- unwanted partners left the business, and the departing financial product needs, please contact ing requirements for a valid buy-sell owner (or heirs) is obligated to sell. Know the purchase price beforehand Mordy Schachter, Agent, New York agreement: However, the effectiveness of a buy-sell Life Insurance Company, at (718) Retain good relations with creditors agreement depends largely on the spe- 915-3438. • It must be a bona fide business and clients through a smooth transition cific terms set forth in the agreement. arrangement. of ownership For more information, please contact If a buy-sell agreement is not properly Mordy Schachter, Agent, New York Life prepared, it may cause serious problems • It must not be a device to transfer Doing It Right Insurance Company, at 718.915.3438. for heirs and remaining owners. property to members of the dece- dent’s family for less than full and B”H The Two Biggest Mistakes to Avoid adequate consideration. Follow RAMBAM. Lose weight and win. A buy-sell agreement can be effective It is similar to comparable arms length Feel well. Look well. Stay well. only if it’s properly written. Too often, transactions. business owners overlook key areas, In addition, applicable case law has A Free Nutrition Seminar Presented by leaving survivors in a difficult situa- established several rules that must be Yaakov Bam tion. Let’s take a look at two common Nutrition and Wellness Consultant followed: mistakes you’ll want to avoid when Learn how to drafting your buy-sell agreement: The estate must be obligated to sell at Reduce risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes! death. Boost your immune system! Addressing a one-sale contingency — A Have more energy everyday! poorly conceived buy-sell agreement The agreement must have a fixed and Discover simple, effective usually addresses only one event, determined sale price, or a method for ways to get healthy and stay healthy! such as the death of an owner. This is a determining the price. limited view that may lead to problems Crown Heights • Boro Park • 5 Towns An owner cannot sell during lifetime at a later date. What would happen if without first offering it to the other Seating is limited! For exact location and an owner became disabled? What if an to reserve your seat please call owners. owner wants to retire? When would the 347.564.28.74 buyout be executed, and at what price The price must be fair and adequate and terms? A proper buy-sell agree- when the agreement is made. May 9, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 15 FELLOW JEW, IT’S UP TO YOU!

Just Tell Them the Truth the image of G-d’s mercy and loving The world also knows where to go kindness!” to find this truth. When they see a By Moshe Nunez cratic hoops for an old bill that had been frum Jew, with his hat, tzitzis, and full paid over four years ago. Nonetheless, He was so happy to finally know what beard, they know there is hope for a TheR ebbe said that I decided to take advantage that we the beard was about that I thought he better tomorrow and that there is truth if we would just were already in the Georgian capital. was going to perhaps do a cartwheel in the world of which we are living tell the goyim the Besides, if I took my son with me, it or two before he invited us to his office testimonies. truth about Eretz could be an educational experience in being that he is the County Chaplain. Israel, they would addition to some quality time together. He then asked another very good When the Rebbe’s deep eyes looked into respect the fact that With these thoughts in mind, I told my question: a person’s soul and encouraged him/ the Land of Israel son we would be waking up early for the her to put on Tefillin or light Shabbos belongs to the Jews. They know it and first minyan in order to go downtown “Please tell me where did we get off candles, something very powerful, believe it as it comes straight from the and take care of this business together track from the truth?” To be honest almost magical, would happen. It is as Torah. The issue is they see the Jews the next morning. with you for a moment I was taken by if the Rebbe could “double click” on don’t believe or at least won’t admit surprise. At the same time it was now a person’s heart and activate it for the they believe it, trying to be the big After Shachris and a hearty Pesach quite clear that this administrative service of H-shem. Every Jew has a part negotiators and politicians who are breakfast, we drove downtown. The error about a tax lean from four years of Moshe Rabbeinu in him. Everyone cutting deals left and right. TheR ebbe GPS helped us locate the county build- ago was merely a tool the Abishter was of us has a spark of Moshiach. Each of says, “Just tell them the truth!” ing which was right across the street using for us to shlep downtown to be a us must be the hands and feet of the from the courthouse, and we were light unto the Fulton County Chaplain. Rebbe, and we too can “double click” It is the same regarding teaching our fortunate to find a parking spot just When Hashem gives us the opportunity on people’s hearts, activating them to gentile friends, neighbors, and col- around the corner from the main to share the truth with others, it is not serve H-shem in truth. leagues about the Sheva Mitzvot Bnei entrance to this government building. a time to try to be politically correct or Noach--just tell them the truth! I can Upon entering this edifice, as we had to dilute Hashem’s Torah. TheR ebbe is our head. He is the com- assure you that they are ready for it. barely taken three steps away from the mand center. Direction comes from We must live the Torah of Truth in our metal detectors, a person approached So I let him have it…the truth in sincere the head which is where the Nefesh thoughts, speech, and action which will us saying, “Pardon me, but would friendship and love. “Before answering Elokis resides. qualify us to present to them the part you mind if I asked you a question?” your question, I’d like to point you to of the Torah that is relevant to them in I replied positively, and he proceeded the Talmud which explains that if a We are the Rebbe’s body. Our job is to a sincere, pure, and direct way. When to inquire, “What is the meaning of lie was pure falsity, then not even the implement what the Rebbe has taught. the truth comes from a caring and warm the beard?” He informed us that he greatest fool would believe it. This When the body of Moshiach does what heart, it will enter their hearts too. had been researching this matter for helps us understand how why the the king directs, we will see the Geula one of his sermons but could not find philosophies and religions of the world Sheleima (full and complete Redemp- Today we will speak more about Sheva a satisfying explanation of what the are quite successful in convincing the tion). However, if the head commands Mitzvah # 1: Believe in G-d, do not beard meant. masses. They mix falsity with truth and but the body does not move according worship idols. We mentioned previously can really sound convincing. Specifi- to the commands, it is dysfunctional that in order to fulfill this mitzvah, a I reminded him about how it says cally, Christianity actually has not a and does not get the tasks done (chas person must have emunah. Without in Bereishis (Genesis) that man was little, but a lot of truth in it, but it also v’shalom) that will lead up to what we the proper faith in the Creator which created in the image and likeness of contains basic elements of non-truth are all longing and dreaming for. is embodied in the phrase “na’ase the Creator. This he knew, of course. too, unfortunately. So, if I am correct, v’nishman”, a person cannot truly I asked him if he thought this meant you are asking me what might be the We have just passed the 17 anniversary believe in Hashem or accept His King- that G-d has two eyes, a nose, ears and greatest element of non-truth in this from when the Rebbe told us: ship. Without this, a person has no valid a beard. Of course, he denied such a religion that has made it deviate from reason to follow any of these Seven notion as he agreed with me that G-d the Holy Scriptures, right?” “Yes,” he “I have done whatever I can; from now Universal Precepts. When introducing a has no physical appearance, nodding answered. on, you must do whatever you can. non-Jew to a word, expression, or phrase in agreement. May it be “You probably have heard of the Seven in Lashon Hakodesh, we elevate them, Universal Precepts known as the Seven and humans, which are the highest of I then explained further, “What this G-d’s will that there will be one, two, or Noahide Laws?” He affirmed he had creation, elevate with them the sparks refers to is that man is an image of the three among you who will appreciate heard about them. “Well, the very first of of G-dliness found in animals, plants, Divine attributes of loving kindness, what needs to be done and how it needs these Divine commands to all mankind and minerals. Now let’s discuss another strength, justice, mercy, majesty, etc. to be done, and may you actually be prohibits the worship of idols. This is the aspect of Sheva Mitzvah # 1, which is These attributes in man are a reflec- successful and bring about the true and deviation from the truth: Claiming that not to attribute to G-d any bodily form tion and an image of these attributes complete Redemption. May this take a man is G-d violates this prohibition. or physicality. in G-d, and just like an image in a place immediately, in a spirit of happi- By proclaiming Jesus of Nazareth to be mirror reflects exactly what is in front ness and with gladness of heart.” G-d, even if he was a Jew, it constitutes To understand this, here is a recent of it, so too man has the image of G-d idolatry which is prohibited.” My new Pesach Chol Hamoed story: On the in his character. The challenge is that In other words the Rebbe informed friend, the Fulton Country Chaplain, first day of Chol Hamoed I went to the these attributes are all backwards in us that he’s done whatever he could accepted these words wholeheartedly bank with my wife to complete a certain mankind; just like in the image from a do; he’s told us everything we must and proceeded to invite me to speak transaction. We were informed that on mirror is backwards. What this means do, now… to a group of people he would be soon our credit report there appeared a lien is that it is man’s Divine service to organizing in Atlanta’s inner city. We for a tax bill that had not been paid to transform all these attributes from FELLOW JEW, IT’S UP TO YOU” spent another 40 minutes or so going the county some four years back. After being self-centered and egocentric to over more related questions for which making a several calls, we finally got the being outward to serve G-d and our Is not 3,320 years long enough for he took several pages of notes. right county office on the phone, and fellow creatures.” the nations to wait? We have had the we were able to verify that there was a Torah of Truth for so long, and yet My son and I proceeded to pick up our lien which had actually been paid for a I continued, “So the beard, like the the world knows so little of it. All the lien release and then walked across the long time back. However, in order to other parts of man’s body, represents answers to every life situation are in street to the courthouse to get it off the get it off the official record, we would these attributes in physical way. Specifi- the Torah. There is no other group, county court registry along with the have to take an original letter from the cally, the beard represents G-d’s loving religion, movement, or philosophy that five dollar fee. records department, then pay five dol- kindness in His Thirteen Attributes will take this light unto the world. It is lars for it to be registered by the clerk of Mercy. This is why The Creator put up to Klal Israel. Don’t be afraid, don’t This whole experience showed us in the official county record, showing the beard in such a prominent place on be shy, don’t be embarrassed. JUST clearly that the world is so ready for the it as paid in full and satisfied. man’s body, right on his face! This way TELL THEM THE TRUTH...they’re truth. They are hungry and thirsty for the first thing a person sees when greet- ready for it! what is real. They don’t want us to give At first, I found it annoying that this ing a man is G-d’s Thirteen Attributes them the politically correct answers; required going to downtown Atlanta of Mercy. Now it becomes obvious why they want real, true, and to-the-point to jump through these archaic bureau- it is prohibited for a Jew to shave off answers. 16 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008 CHJCC

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Office of Financial Empowerment tions, philanthropic partners, think • Identifying and implement- tanks, and the private sector to increase ing innovative asset-building Educating, empowering Center for Economic Opportunity as financial literacy, improve access to practices part of Mayor Bloomberg's aggressive smart financial products and services, and protecting New York- • PROTECTING efforts to fight poverty in New York and protect against fraudulent and ers with low incomes • Protecting New Yorkers with low City. deceptive practices. OFE's key initia- The Department of ConsumerA ffairs' incomes from unfair and preda- tives include: Office of Financial Empowerment OFE experiments with local govern- tory practices (OFE) is the first local government ment's unique capacity to leverage • EDUCATING initiative in the nation aimed expressly strategic partnerships, implement inno- • Launching and coordinating Go to : at educating, empowering, and protect- vative solutions, and target enforcement large-scale public awareness http://www.nyc.gov/html/ofe/html/ ing those with low incomes, so they can powers to strengthen the financial campaigns home/home.shtml build assets and make the most of their security of New Yorkers with low • Establishing a dynamic network of and: Get $, Manage $, Save $, Protect financial resources. OFE is the first incomes. OFE works with government financial education providers $, get Debit/Credit Help, Find a Class/ program to be implemented under the agencies, community-based organiza- Counselor • EMPOWERING May 9, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 17 Reflections on Sfiras Haomer

for someone who scars? How can we is to enter the world of Chochma and How can I love despite... vindicate an accuser? How can one touch earth's hidden secret, becoming nurture an abuser? refreshed and blossoming. Love for oneself imparts that emotion to your By Rivka Ehrentreu Hashem takes no notice of that persons What if the individual is close to us, children, teaching them self worth. By imperfect self. Instead, Hashem draws yet far from what we would expect or "They acted as best as they could, as a appreciating laughter you show them to that individual closer to Himself. accept? They should have made our result of their feelings and thoughts; pursue joy. By demonstrating tolerance world bright, but instead cast a shadow thus, I relieve myself of harboring any This is analogues to a mysterious attrac- you teach them to tolerate others. By of night. Perhaps they victimize because negativity towards them." tion of one person to another who might heeling yourself they learn to forgive. they were victims of improper educa- treat him unjustly and even harmfully. Your whisper can resonate within them. This call stems from a tolerant and tion, Chinuch. The recipient of affection may be Negative attitudes cannot touch them, mature movement of people who unworthy, yet the pursuer bestows If people are traumatized from an for they have been touched by truth. were deeply hurt by manipulative unflinching interest and admiration. earlier age, they might terrorize oth- They are steadfast and fast to pardon. actions which traumatized them and So too Hashem, pay's no heed to the ers in exchange. What can we do to They become independent and one scarred their creativity. It is the Nefesh hurt we can cause Him as a result of help others who do not know how to can depend on them. The child selects Habehamus which is the casualty of our imperfections. If man can learn to behave, helping them to create normal positive thoughts and proper actions, the offense. How can it be cured of it's overlook, then He who looks over us can relationships? and he or she chooses a good life over scars and become fortified and learn do the same, drawing us with love. one of strife. to pardon? Women, who were formed from man's Ahavas Yisroel is the key to Hashem's bone, are fragile and can become A child learns that what he reflects is Each soul thirsts to explore and to heart, and fuels his shaken to the bone. Men reflected in turn to him. The numerical become enlightened by new horizons. love for us. If we were formed from sand, equivalence of "Kovod" (respect) is There is a limit of inspiration that each unite, and relish thus their pains can be "Lev" (heart). When one treats a fellow soul can absorb, and a point where she that love, together erased as sand scrapes with respect, he conquers his heart. trembles from maximum exposure. he draws us near. away and covers. Can The ability to bestow praise onto others The counting up of Sefirat Haomer,"from This being the idea she learn to overlook his brings forth another's hidden qualities, the morrow of Shabbos" when barley of Torah. Mitzvahs shortcomings despite her as the world "Hallel" (Praise) also means would be offered on theA ltar, initiated are only expres- sensitivity? Our Torah "Hilah" (light). a process of drawing down lights from sions of Hashem's teaches us to overlook. People escape life for they feel life escap- the sublime world of Binah. These love for his chil- If she does so, she gathers ing them. However, given the confidence rays are intended to raise people to a dren, whereas Hashem's pure love is warmth and love into the precinct of to take on life, will allow them to focus heightened sense of sensitivity, wisdom, motivated by our own towards each her home and embodies the example and advance without the fear of the and maturity. other. of Hillel. unknown. They're vision is clear, thus Emotional intelligence is an achieve- Hashem's Mitzvahs are examples It is imperative that we provide a posi- nothing can block it. They become open ment that can penetrate the Nefesh for ways of expressing affection. For tive and peaceful environment for our to new worlds. This youthfulness brings Habehamit, but can distort the purity instance, words can raise people up. children, so that they grow in, and help out a youthful world. of their source as a result of external and They could affect recipients and help create, a proper functioning world. We Only one who believes that a planted even internal influences and changes, them develop a healthy self image. must impart honor and respect so that seed which rots in the earth will blossom such as the remnant of preceding pain. Constructive speech can build ones they not forsake the values that we into a magnificent trees, will invest in his These factors cause a lack of stability. confidence and propel him forward to endeavor to instill in them. planting. Do we believe in planting seeds However, during the cycle of Sefira, the achieve great things. Delightful words Forgiveness redeems and heals of love, of Mesiras Nefesh, of pain (such encompassing light of Hashem, shield of wisdom assist people in lightening as encouraging, overlooking...) which our souls of becoming soiled from petty their load, and load them with the The essence of Ahavas Yisroel, is the will blossom into an unconditional love constraints. These encompassing lights ability to take on life's challenges. ability to have self love and respect. It despite... cause to compose one, and elevate them When all odds stand against a person, to the point where they can appreciate his awareness of another individuals "the cardinal principle of Judaism", love for him, provides a person with namely, Ahavas Yisroel. the capacity to overcome difficulties. NIGHTLIFE! Hillel taught that all of Torah is com- Whereas without that love, he would mentary to the ethic of "Don't do to be at wits end. others what you do not want done to Upcoming Events How to pardon? yourself". Yet, one wonders why the sage would focus on the negative as opposed How can we learn to forgive and forget? Thursday May 8, 8pm to illustrating a positive discipline? How can one accept the unacceptable? It's Controversial: A Talk On Home Birthing and Vaccinations How can we be loving, when others with Mrs. Rishe Deistch and Midwife SallyMendelsohn The Tzemach Tzedek identifies the root are so hating? How can we open up to of the offense that one takes when being Sunday May 11, 8pm a person who tries to block us? How insulted by his fellow. Whereas a person Facial Structure Analysis Workshop can we not interrupt feelings toward can be aware of his or her faults, they with Mr. Mutty Weinberger someone who attempt to disrupt our remain complacent so long as the issues own functioning of life? How can we Monday May 12, 8pm remain private and personal. However, tolerate a creature who threatens our The Balancing Act: Staying In Tune with Oneself once they are exposed to the public, this creativity? How can we love a Jew who While Juggling Wife, Mother and Working Roles exposes a vulnerability that had been may block our joy? with Mrs. Simcha Azulay, Shlucha to Brazil previously concealed. Perhaps we are to pity him. Perhaps his Thursday May 15, 8:15pm An individual ought to refuse to allow bitterness stems from a bitter history. Seeing Stars: Astrology and The Kabbalah his or her fellow's shortcomings or idio- Maybe he attempts to bring others with Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe syncrasies to affect his judgement, and down, because he never was up. Could it instead disregard these factors. Then, be that he was never inspired? Can it be All programs are held at The NIGHTLIFE Lounge: Hashem will act in kind and overlook that maybe, just maybe, his wickedness Rubashkin Residence - the observers own faults. comes from his emptiness? Maybe he 1349 President Street As a blemish invalidates an offering, cuts our space because he was never email: [email protected] a blemish on ones personality can, given room to grow and delight in Blog: www.CHnightlife.wordpress.com heaven forbid, cause a rejection of that life. person by others. However, when an How can we forgive a person who is NightLife programs are a joint project of CHJCC and BYIT and imperfect Jew exhibits authentic love of so unforgiving? How can we be gentle sponsored by the CHJCC his fellow, ignoring imperfections, then to a person who is not? Who cares 18 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008 KIDS

The Story of Chocolate to show that he valued the drink more by the fact that the cacao beans were than gold. used by the Aztecs as money. For a hundred cacao beans one could buy By from above and opened the Gates of The Emperor offered this drink to his a slave. Seeing that this "money" liter- Heaven. He rained down Manna for Spanish visitor, who later reported that ally grew on trees, he decided to plant The famous Swedish botanistL innaeus, them to eat... the food of angels the it had a spicy, bitter-sweet taste, which this "money" tree in several tropical who lived about 250 years ago, devoted people ate" (Psalms 78:23- 25). he liked very much indeed. islands that he had captured: Trinidad his entire life to the world of plants. He and Haiti in Central America, and introduced a systematic order of clas- According to scientists, the original Hernando Cortes later took the Emperor the island Fernando-Po, off the coast sifying the plants of the earth (known home of the cacao tree was in the captive and, gradually, conquered of West Africa. The cacao tree was at that time). tropical forests of the Amazon region Mexico for the King of Spain. When transplanted from this island to the in Brazil, or in the Orinoco region of he returned to Spain in 1528, Cortes African continent -in four West African In 1729 he wrote the first of his 180 Venezuela. Both are great and famous brought a number of cacao beans to countries (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria books on plant life. The following year rivers in South America. Columbus, his King, and acquainted him with the and Cameroon) which, today, hold first he began his lectures on the wonders of who discovered America, had the wonderful chocolate drink. place in the cacao world trade. plants and flowers, and gave themL atin opportunity, during his 4th voyage names. These names have remained as Spain was the first country in Europe to America, to get acquainted with Cortes, who loved money more than scientific names for the various kinds where hot cacao (cocoa) became a the cacao beans, but he paid them no anything else, was greatly impressed of trees and other plants. Continued on page 19 attention. When it came to giving a scientific name The credit for discovering the cacao tree to the cacao tree which gives us the for the European world goes to another beans from which chocolate is made, SWIMMING LESSONS!! Spanish traveler, the conqueror of Linnaeus called it "Theo-broma" -which Mexico -Hernando Cortes. He arrived in Latin means "Divine Food." It seems in Mexico in the year 1519, supposedly that Linnaeus was inspired by the words with peaceful intentions to develop in Tehillim -the Psalms -which describe Would you like your children to learn how to swim trade, etc., and was received with honor the Manna which G-d fed the children before the summer? by Emperor Montezuma of the Aztecs of Israel when they wandered for 40 (the local Indians). TheE mperor was a years in the desert, till they entered the great lover of a special drink, which he Land of Israel, as follows: Hurry and register for swimming lessons! drank out of new, golden cups. Every time he emptied a cup, he threw it out, "TheA lmighty commanded the clouds Ages 7-13 Space is limited so quickly make the call to: Boys- Shmulie at 917-608-4545 FOCUS ON MOTHERS Girls- Miriam at 917-657-4353 Certified Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor. THERE ARE ALWAYS ADJUSTMENTS TO BE MADE WITH A Private lessons are available. NEW BABY, COME JOIN YOUR FRIENDS in A NEW MOM’S GROUP (FOR EVERY WOMAN THAT HAS A NEWBORN TO 1YEAR OLD INFANT WHETHER THE BABY IS HER FIRST OR TENTH) TO TALK ABOUT • THE; JOYS בס”ד THE; HOPES • • THE; FEARS • THE; FRUSTR ATIONS • AND ANYTHING ELSE ON YOUR MIND INCLUDING….. Great news!!! ChabadWeekly.com Great news!!! • YOUR BIRTH EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!! ‘Chabad Weekly’ is an online listing of - Full page ads, Events, Advertisements, Jobs, Sales, Housing and much more. WHERE: 1401 PRESIDENT STREET (BASE- MENT) The concept of ‘Chabad Weekly’ was taken from Craigslist, where WHEN: SUNDAYS FROM 7:00-8:00PM or you can post your information free, and re-enter your information 6:00-7:00 every seven days. Starting May 11, 2008 Advantages: 1) Text and images are free. GROUP FACILITATOR: ROCHEL LEVINE 2) Your information will stay on site for seven days. 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Reprinted from Chabad.org Continued From Page 18 a powder, which dissolved easily in favorite drink -at first in aristocratic hot water, creating a good, smooth circles, and later, also, generally. and tasty cocoa drink, or, by the addition of sugar - a sweet chocolate. For about 100 years Spain had a monop- However, the eating of hard choco- oly in the trade of cacao beans, thanks late only became popular about 20 to the plantations of Cortes. years later, in 1847, when an English chocolate firm, Fry and Sons (which In the meantime, however, this tasty later joined the famous "Cadbury" beverage had begun to find its way also firm) began to produce sweet, hard into other countries of Western Europe. chocolate for eating (and not only They began to plant cacao trees in their chocolate powder for drinking) from own tropical colonies where the climate ground cacao beans, mixed with the was suitable. addition of cacao butter and sugar.

The British had their own plantations in In 1875, a Swiss chocolate man- the West Indies, after having captured ufacturer developed a hard milk certain Islands from Spain (in the 1600'5) like Trinidad, Jamaica, etc.

Around the year 1700 "Chocolate- Houses" began to compete with "Coffee-Houses" in London. A cup of hot chocolate was no more a Luxury-drink only for the rich, The "Industrial Revolution" and the invention of various machines which made mass production pos- sible, made many products cheaper, and did the same for the chocolate industry,

The production of chocolate was now carried over from England to the, "New chocolate, using fresh milk. Since World" where in the year 1765, the first then various chocolate factories in chocolate factory was founded in Mas- different lands developed different sachusetts, then anE nglish colony, still kinds of chocolate -sweet, semi-sweet, called today "New England," bittersweet, with milk, without milk, with nuts, without nuts, with liqueur Since then, hot chocolate has become and without liqueur, and endless a favorite beverage also in North kinds of chocolate confections to America, satisfy every taste.

The Dutch planted cacao plantations Various Kosher chocolates are also in their colonies in the Far East, on manufactured -milchik ("dairy") the islands of the East Indies (today's chocolate with "Cholov Yisroel," Indonesia). In time Amsterdam became and pareve, so that Jewish children the chief center in Europe for the import and adults can also enjoy a piece of cacao beans, Today, about 15% of of chocolate from time to time, not the world's production of cacao beans forgetting to make a "brocho" (bless- passes through Amsterdam, Half of it is ing) thanking HaShem "by whose for their own production of chocolate, word everything came into being." and the rest is for other countries in -And, surely, the blessing- which is Europe. "food" for the Soul -is recited with no less sweetness and joy than one In the year 1828, a Dutch chocolate feels when enjoying the wonderful manufacturer, Conrad Van Houtten, taste of chocolate -which, after all, is found a method of extracting the fat only food for the body. from the ground cacao beans, and turning it into "cocao-butter." Then he The content in this page is produced by pressed out the liquid until hard pieces Chabad.org, and is copyrighted by the of cacao remained. This he ground into author and/or Chabad.org. 20 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 9, 2008 Our Mosdos Amazing Summer Program for Boys 15 and up!! YAM is pleased to open registration for our amazing summer program for boys 15 and older. The boys have an amaz- ing summer, packed with activities for their souls and bodies. The program has several components: • Morning Seder—Chassidus, Daven- ing, and Learning. Personal atten- tion is stressed in learning with great teachers including Rabbi Pinya Korf. • Work Internships in local businesses and organizations—each teen earns approximately $1000 for the summer through Youth Corps. • Great evening activities, Shabbatons, programs, and sports. The tuition is unbeatable. There is a short window for registra- • Awesome trips—A three-day camp- tion for Youth Corps—MAY 16 is the deadline. For more infor- ing trip and a memorable 10-14 day mation, please call Yosef Kanofsky at (718) 771-9000 x17. grand trip.

The Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim Organization of Crown Heights is gearing up for its annual fund-raising evening , which will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2008, the 13th of Iyar. A Chinese Auction will feature some outstanding prizes. Viewing hours are from 3:00-8:00 PM. The program will begin at 7:30 PM promptly.

Some 30 years ago, the ladies eagerly anticipated the annual Bikur Cholim garden party. Ladies met on a sunny, Spring afternoon in someone’s home or garden, to chat, to nosh and to fund-raise for this wonderful organization that helps with hospital visitations, setting up brisim and providing layettes for new mothers, as well as sending the kimpinterins to rest for a few days in the Seagate rest home. Financial assistance is also provided for doctor’s bills and medical emergencies.

In addition, anyone recuperating from an r’l, an illness, or recent hospitalization, could avail themselves of the special attention that Seagate offers. Meals for those recovering from the aforementioned challenges are cheerfully delivered to the home providing nourishment for the entire family.

In addition, recognizing that our children need to rejuvenate PROGRAM Featuring International�Mime themselves in the fine country air, the Bikur Cholim provides Entertainment�7:30pm�Sharp! camp scholarships, to qualifying familes. Auction�Viewing�3:00-8:00pm “Estrella!”� Program,�Hot�Entrees,�Prize�Drawing�8:00pm Guest�Speaker Our community has grown. A new generation of devoted RABBI�SHLOMO�YAFFE ladies are becoming more involved in the nuts and bolts of Chairlady:�Mrs.�Miriam�Friedfertig this indispensable organization. The venue for the annual, eagerly anticipated event, has changed with the times too. Chance to win an authentic An evening affair, it affords young mothers a chance to get American Girl Doll out and mingle. ADMISSION�$25.00 with paid admission! Includes�FREE�$25�Auction�Ticket This year the evening will be dedicated to the beloved and FOR�WOMEN�ONLY sorely missed, Mrs. Devora Steinmetz, former president, Due�to�the�atmosphere�of�the�evening,� who toiled for Bikur Cholim since its inception. children�will�regretfully�not�be�allowed�to�attend�the�program Please make every effort to attend to pay tribute to this For�information,�please�call�718.756.0451 outstanding woman and to offer your support to this most worthy organization: TheR ebbitzen Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights.

Purchase Auction Tickets Online at www.BikurCholimCH.com Looking forward to greeting you.