Volume 21, Issue 11

CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK OF HANCOCK PARK 5771/2011 Shevat

Chabad Chodesh Shevat 5771

S days, until his death, (Devarim 1:3) 1:3) (Devarim death, his [2488]. until thirty days, for , Mishneh the Torah, Rabbeinu Moshe Plague oflocustsstarted. Chodesh Shevat Rosh 6/Thursday 1/January Shevat of the congregation, as determined by the ma- the by determined as congregation, the of member respected most the be should Maftir 3. Aliyos (at eachreading). of number the to made be should additions no However, rooms. different in read be should 2. to theTorah. Aliyah an for called be to attempt should one *1. be, Isuggestthefollowing: the Shevat, father of revered my of Yartzeit Tenth the for schedule tailed de- a about questions many the to reply “...In Friday Night Yud Shevat an- day aholiday”(Megilas Taanis). she that made and They died. home Yanai that nounced went released master They “Your them.” said, jail and the to keeper it sent and died he His when ring Teachers”... signet their his off took Shalamin wife righteous over mourn will they me, over rejoices Israel if that so Sages these kill die, I “If keeper, jail the told and of the[763690 Chachamim, BCE]. opponent Yanai, Alexander King of Death 7/Friday 2/January Shevat Shick” of Yartzeit 5358 Italy, Genoa, [1598]. from expelled PECIAL

“...Yanai arrested seventy Elders of Israel of Elders seventy arrested “...Yanai The congregation should see to it that the that it to see should congregation The Torah the Aliyos enough aren‟t there If every- Yartzeit the before Shabbos the On , Talmudist, 5639[1859].

R. Moshe Shick, “the MaHaRaM MaHaRaM “the Shick, Moshe R.

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hr f eoa Zhv suet f h Me- the of student Zahav, Menoras of thor of Yartzeit Tzedek, the Tzemach of printing First 8/Shabbos 3/January Shevat ViHaaros L‟). (Kitzurim Haskamah. Zusya‟s R. with be it that conditionon only Tanya, the print to agreed be Alter Reb- infact the Tanya; a Haskamah to the write to Alter the by chosen people two of one was He [1800]. 5660 Magid, zeritcher be of the candleshould beeswax. twenty the throughout *5. of number greater a way Anash willhave theprivilege. this In Minchah. third, a and Shachris, lead It‟s to second a Ma‟ariv, Yartzeit. of lead to person day one honor), (the divide to the proper on prayers the lead 4. the alternatively, congregation; choice shouldbedetermined bylot. the of jority ..t otis ot f h Maai from Maamarim the of most contains “...It

(atet cnl sol b lt o burn to lit be should candle (Yartzeit) A to someone choose should congregation The R. Meshulam Zusia of Annipoli, of Zusia Meshulam R. the

Alter Rebbe‟s Rebbe‟s Alter

Kopust, 5597 [1837].

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the years 5556-5572 [1796-1812], most of which the 5402 [1942], to be used to greet Moshiach. The (Alter) Rebbe, of blessed memory, himself saw and ed- Rebbe said a Maamar, “To Understand the concept ited and agreed to publish . .” (Letter of the Tzemach of writing a Sefer Torah.” Tzedek, Shevat 3, 5597) “...They only managed to print the first volume, be- Yartzeit of R. Shlomo of Lutzk, student of the Me- cause as a result of informing, the government closed zeritcher Magid, author of Dibras Shlomo, 5573 many Hebrew printing houses in Russia. In 5608 [1813]. [1848], the second volume was printed in Zhitomir, under the name „Likutei Torah‟. (, Shevat Shevat 10/January 15/Shabbos 3) Yud Shevat Shabbos Shira Shevat 4/January 9/Sunday Yartzeit of R. , Chassidic leader, “The day on which our saintly Master and Teacher, 5667 [1807]. R. Yosef Yitzchok, sixth Chabad Rebbe, departed this world. Born Tamuz 12, 5640 [1880], the Rebbe Yartzeit of R. Avrohom of Kalisk, student of the Gaon of RaYaTz succeeded to the leadership in 5680 [1920] Vilna and the Mezeritcher Magid, colleague of the Alter and passed away at 7:45 AM, Shevat 10, 5710 Rebbe, author of Chesed LiAvraham. 5570 [1810]. [1950]. His resting place is in New York .”(Sefer HaMinhagim) See Joseph I. , Yartzeit of R. Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the “Baba Sali”, The Lubavitcher Rebbe: A Short Biography, R. Nis- Kabbalist, 5744 [1984]. san Mindel (Kehoth, New York, 1947), Sefer HaTol- dos Admur RaYaTz, R. Avrohom Chanoch Glitzen- Shevat 5/January 10/Monday stien, and Basi Legani 5711 (English) Kehoth, New Barley for the Cutting of the Omer would be planted York, 1990. today, seventy days before Pesach (Menachos 85a, Tosfos “VeZorah”, Baba Metzia 106a, Tosfos The Rebbe undertook the leadership of Chabad Lub- “VeKayyma”) avitch Chassidus, and publicly said the first Maamar, “Basi L‟Gani”, 5711 [1951]. Yartzeit of R. Yehudah Leib Alter of , author of Sefas Emes, 5665 [1905]. Please see pages 1 & 6 for Special Customs of Yud Shevat. Shevat 6/January 11/Tuesday Wedding of Rebbitzen Devorah Leah, daughter of the Shabbos Shira Mitteler Rebbe, and R. Yaakov Yisroel of Cherkass, son “On Shabbos Shirah we have the custom of eating of R. Mordechai of Czernobyl, 5671 [1811]. Kasha (buckwheat)”. (HaYom Yom) “...The Maharal of Prague would tell the Shevat 7/January 12/Wednesday Melamdim to gather the children on Shabbos Shi- Yartzeit of R. Sholom Shlomoh Schneerson, brother of rah in the courtyard of the Shul and tell them the R. Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, father of the Rebbe, 5686 story of Kriyas Yam Suf. The high point of the gath- [1926]. In 5685 [1925] he emigrated to Eretz Yisroel ering was telling the children how the birds joined with his father in law, the well known chosid, Reb Da- Moshe Rabbeinu and all Israel in song; how, while vid Tzvi Chein - known as the “Radatz.” Less than one crossing the sea, between walls of water on their year later he passed away. He is buried in Har right and left, the children picked berries growing HaZeisim. miraculously out of the walls and fed them to the birds singing happily overhead. The Maharal told Yartzeit of R. Yisrael Charif of Stanov, student of the the teachers to give the children kasha, so that they , author of Tiferes Yisrael. too, could feed the birds to commemorate the Crossing of the Sea. The joyous event concluded Shevat 8/January 13/Thursday with the Maharal coming out to bless the children.” The period of the Zekeinim ended, once a fast day. (Sichah, Yud Shevat 5721) (Megilas Taanis) “The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe apparently did- n‟t observe the custom of putting out Kasha, Shevat 9/January 14/Friday (though he told the story), probably because the “Moshiach‟s Sefer Torah” completed, in 5730 [1970] Alter Rebbe (, Hilchos Shabbos, at a for the twentieth Yartzeit of the previ- 324:8) says it isn‟t correct for us to feed animals on ous Lubavitcher Rebbe. The previous Rebbe started it in Shabbos which aren‟t ours, or for which we aren‟t

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 2 responsible. It‟s important, nevertheless, to tell chil- Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Yehoshua Falk, author of Pnei dren the story, especially since it teaches them com- Yehoshua, 5516 [1756]. passion for all creatures. (Note in Sefer HaSichos 5749, p. 22)]. Wedding of Rebbitzen Brachah, daughter of the Mit- teler Rebbe to R. Yonah of Zhitomer, 5568 [1808]. Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Rivkah, the fourth Chabad Rebbitzen, wife of the Rebbe MaHaRaSh, 5674 Shevat 15/January 20/Thursday [1904]. She was the daughter of R. Aharon of Tu B‟Shevat Shklov (who first printed the Torah Or) and Reb- bitzen Chayah Sarah, daughter of the Mitteler Reb- No Tachnun be. Her parents died when she was young, and Reb- bitzen Sheina, the Mitteler Rebbe‟s wife raised her. Rosh HaShanah For Trees “...When she was about eighteen she became ill There‟s a custom to eat fruits, especially those for and the doctor ordered her to eat immediately upon which Eretz Yisroel is praised. (Sichah, Tu BiShevat, waking up in the morning. Since she didn‟t want to 5741). eat before davening, she would wake extremely early and daven. When her father-in-law, the Yartzeit of R. Nechemiah [Berach] of Debrovna, author Tzemach Tzedek, found out, he told her, „...To bring of Divrei Nechemiah, student of the Alter Rebbe, 5612 energy into mitzvos, you must be healthy and hap- [1852]. py: It‟s better to eat to daven, than to daven in order “He was the son-in-law of the Alter Rebbe‟s son, R. to…‟ and he blessed her with long life. (She lived to Chaim Avraham... He was a major student of the Alter be eighty-one).” (HaYom Yom, Shevat 10) Rebbe in Nigleh and Chasidus and was a friend of the Tzemach Tzedek... they would constantly be sending First live broadcast of a Farbrengen of the Rebbe, each other Halachic questions and would discuss is- heard internationally through telephone hook-up, sues of Halachah (and Chassidus). on the occasion of the twentieth year of the Nesius, He passed away on his birthday, at exactly sixty- 5730 [1970]. four. His passing was wondrous: all that night he learned and wrote Teshuvos. In the morning he lis- Shevat 13/January 18/Tuesday tened to „Borchu‟ and „Kedushah‟ from the Minyan Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Shterna Sarah, the fifth Cha- outside his room and passed away.” [Beis Rebbe] bad Rebbitzen, wife of the Rebbe RaShaB, mother of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, 5702[1942]. She The beginning of the writing of a Sefer Torah in antic- was the daughter of R. Yosef Yitzchak, (the ipation of the birth of the Rebbe Rashab. Tzemach Tzedek‟s son) and Rebbitzen Chanah, As it is known the Rivkah had a dream on daughter of R. Yaakov Yisroel of Cherkass (the Mit- Kislev 14, 5620 (1860), that her mother and grand- teler Rebbe‟s son-in-law). She was born Teves 15, father came to her and told her to have a Sefer Torah 5620 [1860] in Lubavitch. She did much for Chas- written, and she will have a special son. sidim and for the , and The Sefer Torah was started on Shevat 15 of that helped her husband in his communal work. year, in the room of the Tzemach Tzedek. It was fin- In her last two years she was very weak. Even ished on Cheshvan 13, 5621 in the same room. The when bedridden, she kept her schedule of Avodas beginning and conclusion of the writing of the Sefer HaShem, davening three times daily at length, say- Torah were done privately, according to the instruc- ing Tehilim before and after davening, learning tions of the Tzemach Tzedek. The Rebbe Rashab was and Chasidus. On Shabbos BiShalach, She- born a week later on Cheshvan 20. vat 13, 5702 [1942] before davening, she said, “Today is Shabbos Shirah; we must daven different- First Siyum of the Daf HaYomi, 5691 [1931]. ly.” While davening, at „Nishmas‟, she passed away, her Sidur in her hand. She is buried in New York. Shevat 16/January 21/Friday (Sefer HaSichos 5681-87, p.13) Yartzeit of R. Chayim Palaggi, author of Moed LeKol Chai, and about eighty other Sefarim, 5628 [1868] Shevat 14/January 19/Wednesday Erev Tu B‟Shevat Yartzeit of R. Boruch Sholom, the “Rabash,” eldest son of the Tzemach Tzedek, 5629 [1869]. He was exceed- No Tachnun at Mincha ingly humble and didn‟t wish to be a Rebbe even after his fathers‟ passing. He was the only son of the Tzemach Tzedek who didn‟t become a Rebbe. He was VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 3

Kesherim & Ben David Inc. the Rebbe‟s great-grandfather. Established 1947 The Friediker Rebbe relates: The Alter Rebbe had a great fondness for Diamonds, Rubies & Sapphires my great-uncle, the Rabash. From the time when he was a tiny tot at the David Kesherim cheder and onwards, he would have him over to his house every day. When the Rabash was six, the Alter Rebbe began teaching him Hebrew 706 S. Hill Street # 320 grammer; when he was seven, the trup. Los Angeles, CA 90014 Afterwards, with the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars, the Rebbe, to- Tel: 213 622-6006 gether with his household and a number of Chasidim, was forced to flee Pager: 213 506-6000 . Fax: 213 622-6007 From that moment, and until the end of his life, he kept the Rabash al- - - - ways at his side. The boy sat with him in his carriage and slept in his room. Sefer Hasichos 5703, pg 88-89 Shomer Insurance Agency The Rebbe Maharash said to the Rebbe Rashab during a yechidus: Insurance Specialists “I was not given to tears, nor had I anything to weep about…but my brother, the Rabash, was the opposite. My father, the Tzemach Tzedek, Joseph Schneerson wished for himself just such a “broken heart” as the Rabash possessed, a Principal & Broker quality he came by through his great closeness to the Alter Rebbe, and the fact that the passing of the Alter Rebbe affected hm profoundly.” 7461 Beverly Blvd. #306 323 934-8160 Shevat 17/January 22/Shabbos Fax: 323 934-8170 Purim of Saragossa, celebrating (with its own Megilah reading) their es- License #0717982 cape from destruction, in 5188 [1428]. - - - Martin Fishman & Assoc. Inc. Yartzeit of R. Moshe of Kituv, student of the Baal Shem Tov, 5498 [1738]. INSURANCE Shevat 19/January 24/Monday 6300 Wilshire Blvd. R. Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, father of the Rebbe, exiled to Cili, 5700 Los Angeles, CA 90048 [1940].

Tel: 323 866-0830 The descendants of R. Aryeh Leib, “The Shpoler Zeyde”, gather today for a Fax: 323 866-0838 festive meal and tell the miracle that happened to him. License # 04188981 Shevat 20/January 25/Tuesday - - - Birthday and Yartzeit of Asher son of Yaakov Avinu.

Frank Revere Lawyer “Resettlement Day”, Oliver Cromwell granted right of residence to Jews in Revere & Wallace England, 5417 [1657].

900 Wilshire Blvd. #730 Shevat 21/January 26/Wednesday Los Angeles, CA 90017 Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Devorah Leah, half-sister of the Tzemach Tzedek. Af- ter the passing of the Tzemach Tzedek‟s mother, Rebbitzen Devorah Leah, 213 239-9900 * 310 553-9200 the Tzemach Tzedek‟s father R. Sholom Shachne married Rebbitzen Rivkah, Fax: 213 239-9911 daughter of R. Aharon of Karlin.

*** Shevat 22/January 27/Thursday Melinda Dauer, Psy. D., Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Chayah Mushka, daughter of the previous Lubavitch- A.T.R.-B.C. er Rebbe, wife of the Rebbe, 5748 [1988]. Art Therapy & Coaching Children & Adults Decree of Caius Caligula to place idols in the Beis HaMikdash voided on his assassination, 3801 [41]. “Shimon HaTzadik heard a heavenly voice from 310 892-6988 the Holy of Holies, “The idolatry the enemy decreed to put in the Heichal is [email protected] annulled.” (Megilas Taanis) “Find more joy in your life!” Yartzeit of R. Menachem Mendel of , 5619 [1859].

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 4

Yartzeit of R. Yehudah Leib Eiger, author of Toras Emes and Imrei Long Term Care Specialists Emes, 5648 [1888]. He was a Chasidic Rebbe and R. Akiva Eiger‟s Insurance Services, Inc. grandson. Blue Cross of California Authorized Agent Shevat 23/January 28/Friday All Israel gathered against the tribe of Binyamin, after the incident Phillip Grossman of Pilegesh B‟Givah. (Shoftim 20:1, Megilas Taanis) License #OBO1071

Shevat 24/January 29/Shabbos 800 400-9949 323 936-6310 Shabbos Mevarchim Adar 1 310 657-0723 PO Box 76936, Los Angeles, CA 90076 Zechariah HaNavi prophesied the restoration of Yerushalayim and encouraged resuming rebuilding the Beis HaMikdash *** (Zecharia 1:7) Do you want to order for your son‟s Bar ? Yartzeit of R. Meir Katzenelenbogen (“MaHaRaM”) of Padua, 5325 [1565]. Rabbi Braude ~ Sofer Stam 323 938-1006 Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Menuchah Rachel, daughter of the Mitteler Rebbe, 5648 [1888]. After the Mitteler Rebbe‟s passing she *** moved with her family to settle in Chevron, on the advice of her brother-in-law, the Tzemach Tzedek, in 5605 [1845]. She was Martin Fishman & Associates, Inc. known as a Tzadekes in Chevron. Every Kallah in Chevron on the INSURANCE day of her wedding, would daven at the Maaras HaMachpelah and then come to the Rebbitzen Menuchah Rochel for a Brachah. 6300 Wilshire Blvd. She lived to be ninety. The room in which she lived in Chevron Los Angeles, CA 90048 still stands. Tel: 323 866-0830 Fax: 323 866-0838 Shevat 26/January 31/Monday License # 04188981 Yartzeit of R. Dovid b. Shmuel HaLevi, (the “TaZ”), author of Tu- rei Zahav, on Shulchan Aruch, 5427 [1667]. *** “...The Alter Rebbe said that all the authors of Sefarim until the “Taz” and the “Shach”, them included; wrote their works with Ruach HaKodesh.” (HaYom Yom, Shevat 6) לע“נ And similarly it says in Shearis Yisroel (of R. Yisroel Dov of“ הרה“ח הרה“ת ”.Vilednik), Drush LiSukos, in the name of the Baal Shem Tov ר‘ מנחם שמואל דוד ]שד“ר[ (Likutei Sichos, Vol. 12, p. 70, Note 5)

בן הרב שמעון הלוי Shevat 28/February 2/Wednesday רייטשיק .[Antiochus V lifted siege of Yerushalayim, 3505 [165 BCE (Megilas Taanis) נפטר ח‘ שבט תשנ“ח ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.

Rosh Chodesh Adar 1 Friday & Shabbos/February 4 & 5

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 5 Yud Shevat (continued from page 1)

*6. Five candles should burn during prayer services. the daily portion of Chumash with Rashi‟s commen- tary, and, where appropriate, studying the Tanya as 7. After each Tefilah (and in the morning after the read- he divided it into daily readings, throughout the year. ing of Tehillim), the Shliach Tzibur should study (or at If possible this should all be done in the course of a least conclude the study of) Chapter 24 of Mishnayos Kei- Farbrengen. lim and Chapter 7 of Mishnayos Mikvot. He should then recite the beginning “Rabbi Chananya ben 16. In the course of the day, people (who are fit for Akasha…”, followed silently by a few lines of Tanya, and the task) should visit centers of observant youth, and, Kaddish D‟Rabanan. in a neighborly spirit, should make every endeavor to also visit centers for the young people who are not yet 8. After Ma‟ariv, part of the Ma‟amar (Basi Legani) that observant, to explain to them the warm love that the was released for the day of the demise, should be recited saintly Rebbe constantly had for them. It should be from memory. If there is no one to do this from memory, explained to these people what he expected of them; it should be studied from the text. This should also be they should be told of the hope and trust he placed in done after Shachris, and the Ma‟amar should be conclud- them, that they would ultimately fulfill their task of ed after Minchah. strengthening the observance of and dissemi- nating the study of Torah with all the energy, warmth 9. Before Shacharis, a chapter of Tanya should be stud- and vitality that characterize youth. ied. This should also be done after Minchah. 17. If prevailing conditions allow, all the above *10. In the morning, before prayer, Tzedakah should be should of course be continued during the days fol- given to those institutions related to our Nasi, my revered lowing the Yartzeit, and particularly on the following father-in-law, of sainted memory. Donations should be Shabbos. made on behalf of oneself and of each member of one‟s family. The same should be done before Minchah. May Hashem hasten the coming of our Redeemer, and then “Those who lie in the dust will awaken and *11. After Shacharis and the recitation of the Ma‟amar, sing joyful praises.” each individual should read a Pidyon Nefesh. (It goes without saying that a Gartel is worn during the reading). And our Nasi among them will give us wondrous tid- Those who had the privilege of entering (the saintly Reb- ings, and lead us along the path leading to the House be‟s study) for Yechidus, or at least of seeing his face, of Hashem. should (while reading the Pidyon Nefesh) picture them- selves as standing before him. The Pidyon Nefesh should [Letter of the Rebbe, Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5711] then be placed between the pages of a Ma‟amar or Kun- tres, etc., of his teachings, and sent, if possible on the same *Since this year Yud Shevat falls out on Shabbos: day, to be read at his graveside.

12. In the course of the day one should study chapters of 1 The Aliyah is on Shabbos, Yud Shevat. Mishnayos that begin with the letters of his name. 2 A Yartzeit candle is lit at home Erev Shabbos, Erev 13. In the course of the day one should participate in a Yud Shevat, before lighting Shabbos candles. Farbrengen. 3 The candle‟s by the Amud should also be lit Erev 14. In the course of the day one should set aside a time Shabbos. during which to tell one‟s family about the saintly Rebbe, and about the spiritual tasks at which he toiled through- 4 We give extra Tzedokah, Erev Shabbos, to support out all the days of his life. the Rebbe’s institutions. 5 A Pidyon is written on Erev Shabbos. 15. In the course of the day, people (to whom this task is appropriate) should visit Shuls and Botei Midrash in their 6 One should go to the on Friday or Sunday. cities and cite a statement of adage from the teachings of the saintly Rebbe. They should explain how he loved eve- 7 If one is unable to give Tzedokah, or write the ry . They should make known and explain the prac- Pidyon Erev Shabbos, it may be done after tice he instituted of reciting Tehillim every day, studying Shabbos.

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 6 Tu B‟Shevat - The New Year for Trees Shevat 15 ~ Thursday ~ January 20

The central and focal point of this month is the New Year for Trees, which brings to mind the well known Biblical analogy, “Man is like a tree”; an analogy that embraces many aspects, general and particular. Since this analogy is given by the Torah, Toras Emes, it is certain to be precise in all its aspects, each of which is instructive in a general or particular way, for every one of us, man and woman.

For such is the purpose of every detail of the Torah, (meaning, instruction) to induce everyone to reflect on it and derive practical instruction from it in every- day life.

Accordingly, I will refer to some general points of the said analogy.

To begin with, the essence of a living tree is, above all, that it grows; its growth being the sign of its living.

The purpose of a tree is to be - in the words of the To- rah - “A fruit tree bearing fruit after its kind, whose seed is within itself,” which is, to produce fruit with seeds from which will grow trees and fruits of the necessary for human sustenance, while the fruits of same kind. trees are both sustaining and nourishing as well as Indeed, the perfection of a tree lies in its ability to pro- enjoyable and delightful. duce trees and fruits to all posterity.

And the third point: One must strive to produce To translate the above points in human terms: A hu- “fruit bearing fruits,” so that the beneficiary enjoy- man being must grow and develop continuously, ing these fruits should, in turn, become a “fruit however satisfactory the level may be at any given bearing tree” like the benefactor. time. This is also indicated in the expression of our

Sages, whose sayings are concise but profoundly Needless to say, the “fruits” of which we are speak- meaningful, Ma‟alin B‟Kodesh, “holiness should be ing here, are those which our Sages specify saying, kept on the ascendancy.” “The fruits of Tzaddikim (which includes every Jew

and Jewess, as it is written, “And thy people are all Similarly in regard to the second point: A human be- Tzaddikim”) are Mitzvos and Good Deeds.” ing should produce “fruits” for the benefit of many others beside himself; the kind of benefit which is cou- These are some of the basic teachings of the New pled with delight. Year for Trees, which have an immediate practical

relevance to each and every Jew, man and woman. The meaning of “delight” in this context will become There is a further allusion to this in the meaningful clear from the distinction in regard to the seven spe- Jewish custom to eat on this day various kinds of cies of produce with which the is tree fruits. praised in the Torah: “A land of wheat and barley, and vine, and fig, and pomegranate, a land of olive oil And when a Jew firmly resolves to proceed from and (date) honey.” Wheat and barley are basic foods strength to strength in all matters of Torah and

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 7 Mitzvos, both in regard to himself and in disseminat- ing them in his environment, he has the assurance of Man‟s roots are his faith. A person‟s faith unites realizing his fullest potential - “Like a tree planted by and binds him with Hashem, the source and well- streams of water, that bring forth its fruit in its season; spring of his existence. Even after the Jew grows in its leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does Torah knowledge and in the performance of divine shall prosper.” commandments, he still derives his life force through his belief in Hashem, Judaism, and Torah. Until the time will be ripe for the fulfillment of the promise, “The tree of the field shall yield its fruit,” in Conversely, a weakening in one‟s spiritual root sys- the plain sense, meaning that even non-producing tem of faith can have dire consequences even on an fruit trees shall produce fruits. otherwise well developed individual.

[Letter of the Rebbe, Shevat 5738] Having achieved viable roots of faith, a person might rest on his laurels. Here the tree teaches us * * * that it is composed predominantly of trunk, branches and leaves. Man, too, should be predomi- The Fifteenth Day of Shevat, Tu B‟Shevat, is “New Year nantly composed of , and Mitzvos. In for Trees.” Since the Torah likens Man to “a tree of spiritual terms this means that a Jew can never be the field” man celebrates this day as well. satisfied with faith alone, for he would then be like a tree that laid down roots but never developed a A tiny seedling‟s germination and development into a trunk, branches and leaves. Such a “tree” is no tree fruit producing tree is one of the most inspiring trans- at all, its roots are there, but nothing else. In addi- formations in all of Hashem‟s creation. First and fore- tion to healthy roots a Jew must have the full com- most, comes the tree‟s root system. Then comes the plement of trunk, branches, leaves and so on. tree‟s trunk and body as well as the branches and leaves. Finally comes the time when the tree bears A Jew‟s trunk, branches and leaves are the study of fruit. Torah, the performance of Mitzvos. They should compromise the overwhelming majority of his ac- The roots are for the most part concealed. Neverthe- tivities. One can tell a Jew‟s “age” by measuring less, from them the tree derives its main life force. his “rings,” how many of his years have been spent While the leaves also nurture it by absorbing sunlight, in pursuit of spiritual knowledge and substantive and so on , the roots are its mainstay; sever them and deeds. Just as a tree‟s body grown constantly, so the tree will soon die. Furthermore, the roots enable should there be constant growth in a Jew‟s trunk, the tree to be firmly embedded in the earth, to with- branches and leaves, in the study of Torah, and in stand strong gusts of wind or other elements that the performance of Mitzvos. would uproot it. Yet as laudable as all these things are, man attains The trunk and body of the tree, including the leaves, his state of wholeness only when, like a tree, he constitute the overwhelming majority of the actual bears fruit, affecting his friends and neighbors in mass of the tree. This part of the tree is generally in a such a manner that they too fulfill the purpose of constant state of growth, with thicker trunk and their creation. By doing so he bears an endless boughs, additional leaves, and so on. Furthermore, the yield of fruit, generation after generation. age of the tree may be ascertained from its trunk and body, especially from its annual rings. The physical (Likutei Sichos, Vol. VI, pp. 308-309) predominance of the trunk and body of the tree not- withstanding, the tree attains a state of completion on- ly when it bears fruit. This is so to an even greater de- gree when the kernel within the fruit serves as the for- bear and seed for future trees in coming generations.

Man too has roots, a trunk and body, and produces fruit. In many aspects there is a remarkable degree of similarity between man‟s development, even his spir- itual development, and that of a tree.

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 8 Yartzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Shevat 22 ~ Thursday ~ January 27

Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the wife of the Rebbe, er store in Paris that the Rebbe used, after personally in- was born on the 25th of Adar Rishon 5661 (1901) to vestigating the quality of Hashgocha and Bedika. When Rebbetzin Nechama Dina, in the town of Babinovitch, the Rebbe found out that the butcher used to kasher the near Lubavitch. Growing up in Lubavitch, in the meat in the store, he came to the store together with the house of her illustrious father and grandfather, the Rebbetzin and asked that she be allowed to watch the ko- Frierdiker Rebbe and the Rebbe Rashab, she imbibed shering procedure. Only after the Rebbetzin indicated her in full measure from their greatness. satisfaction did the Rebbe become a steady customer at this store. On the 16th of MarCheshvan 5676 (1915), as the World War battlefront approached their area, the They stayed in France until 1941, when they were family left Lubavitch for the southern Russian city of rescued from the Nazis after months of perilous wander- Rostov-on-Don. On the second of Nissan 5680 ings. The Frierdiker Rebbe made strenuous efforts to get (1920), her grandfather, the Rebbe Rashab, passed them out of France and bring them to the United States. away and her father assumed the leadership of Cha- They arrived in New York on the 28th of Sivan. bad. For approximately a month, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin In 5684 (1924), she became engaged to the Reb- lived in 770, in the room that would later become the be, but because of the oppressive conditions that pre- Rebbe‟s Yechidus room. Afterwards they moved to 346 vailed, the marriage did not take place until five years New York Avenue, an apartment building off President later, on the fourteenth of Kislev 5689 (1928) in Street. In 1958, they moved to 1304 President Street. Warsaw, Poland. On the tenth of Shevat 5710 (1950), the Rebbetzin's When the Frierdiker Rebbe was arrested in 1927, father, the Frierdiker Rebbe was Nistalek. At first, the her quick thinking in alerting her Choson, the Rebbe, Rebbe was firmly determined not to accept the Nesius. It to the presence of “honored guests” (N.K.V.D. agents) was the Rebbetzin who prevailed upon him to accept it, in the Frierdiker Rebbe‟s home, proved to be very in- pointing out that it was unthinkable to let her father‟s strumental in discovering the prison to which her fa- accomplishments of Mesiras Nefesh over thirty years de- ther was taken. She also played a key role in the ef- teriorate for lack of continuity. forts to have his death sentence removed. At the time of the legal proceedings to establish the When the Frierdiker Rebbe was exiled to Kostro- ownership of the Frierdiker‟s Rebbe's Library, when the ma, it was his daughter - Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka - Rebetzin‟s deposition was sought, the defendant‟s attor- he chose to accompany him there. ney asked her: “What is your view - to whom did the books belong, to your father or to the Chasidim?” To this The wedding of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka and the the Rebbetzin replied, “Not only did the books belong to Rebbe was an occasion of extraordinary joy for her the Chasidim, but my father belonged to the Chasidim.” father. After their wedding the Rebbe chose to live in Berlin, where they were until the winter of 5693 In later years, when the Rebbe frequently came home (1933), when the Nazis came into power and they after a night of Yechidus at 3 or 4 a.m., she was always then moved to Paris. In all these wanderings, the Reb- patiently and uncomplainingly awake, waiting for him. betzin willingly followed the Rebbe, although it in- Despite the fact that she was the one who prevailed upon volved leaving the holy environment of her parent‟s the Rebbe to accept the Nesius and she was the one who home and city. sacrificed the most from her personal life for this gift to Klal Yisroel in general and Chassidim in particular, nev- Only for some of the Yomim Tovim would they ertheless, until her last day, she remained determinedly join her parents in Riga, and from the summer of and absolutely in the background, totally shunning any 1933 in Warsaw, and later on in Otvosk. and all publicity.

In Paris, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin lived in a one In her last years, the Rebbetzin suffered considerably room apartment, which was not far from the Shuls in in her eyes. Once Rabbi Zalman Gurary asked her, “Jews which the Rebbe davened. There was only one butch- from all over the world ask the Rebbe for a Brochah. Why

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 9 do you hold yourself back from asking for one?” Her simple answer was: “It is important for me not to cause him pain.”

Once, on the occasion of her birthday, the Lubavitch Women‟s Organization sent her a bouquet of flowers. The women had sent, together with the bouquet, a list of names for whom blessings were requested. The secretary re- ceived the bouquet and passed on the letter to the Rebbe, who observed that the letter was addressed to his wife and asked his secretary to give it to her. Taken aback, the secretary explained that it had appended to it a list of names of people requesting Brochos. To this the Rebbe replied: “She can also give blessings.

The Rebbetzin passed away on Wednesday, Parshat Mishpatim, 22nd of Shevat 5748 (1988). She was interred next to her grandmother, Rebbetzin Shterna Sarah, and her mother, Rebbetzin Nechama Dina, and opposite the Ohel. Adapted from The by Rabbi Yosef Kolodny and Yimei Chabad

R. Chananiah Sinai David Halberstam, who was in- the Rebbetzin. And this is the story she told: volved in helping out in the Rebbe‟s household, told this about the Rebbetzin, at a Farbrengen, on the occa- “I work in the New York Public Library, and the Rebbet- sion of her Yartzeit: zin used to visit there sometimes. I didn‟t have any chil- dren for close to ten years, and as a Holocaust survivor, I “..I was once driving the Rebbetzin someplace; we got was very upset. I once heard about the Rebbe, and I stuck in traffic, and I had to take a detour. At a stop- came to Brooklyn to see him and ask for a Brochah. The light, we saw a family on the street; the father (as it Rebbe said he would give me a blessing for children, but turned out, a Russian Jew) was yelling at some people only if I accepted upon myself something - anything - in taking furniture out of the house. connection with Yiddishkeit. I asked the Rebbe what he The Rebbetzin asked me to stop and find out what hap- would want me to accept, and he said Shabbos candles. pened. Evidently, they had been unable to pay their rent for a few months, and now were being evicted. I Two years went by and nothing happened. drove on. Once, the Rebbetzin came to the library, and presented The Rebbetzin said, “My father told me that from eve- her library card, with the name Schneerson on it. I asked rything we see, we must learn something; go back if she had any connection with Rabbi Schneerson of there.” Brooklyn, and she said she was his wife. I told her I was upset with her husband, and told her the whole story The Rebbetzin got out of the car and went over to the about the Brochah, and how I still had no children. She family. She found out how much money was involved answered, “I also have no children.” I started to cry, and - apparently, more than eight thousand dollars. She say that I‟d gone through the Holocaust, and there was no wrote out a check for that amount, and handed it to the remnant of my family, etc.. landlord. When the landlord received the check he called the bank to verify that the check was good, be- The Rebbetzin asked me exactly what the Rebbe told me cause he didn‟t believe a stranger would give away that to do. I said, “To light Shabbos candles.” The Rebbetzin amount of money. She then took out all the money in then asked, “Nu, and did you light?” “Yes,” I said, “I‟ve her wallet gave it to the movers, and asked him to been lighting for two years.” She asked, “when do you please bring the furniture back in. Before the family light?” “Every Friday night, when my husband gets could say anything, she got into the car and told me to home from work.” drive away as quickly as possible. This was a fraction of the acts of kindness the Rebbet- Then the Rebbetzin explained to me, at length, what zin did, always in a very quiet way.” Shabbos is, and how we have to light Shabbos candles at the right time. A month later I was pregnant. “...When the Rebbe would Farbreng on a special occa- sion, the Rebbetzin would Farbreng with several ladies, After I was blessed with a son, I got in touch with the who were her regular guests. Rebbetzin, so that I could thank her. It was because of On one occasion the Rebbetzin told me that if the ladies her the Brochah worked; if she had not helped me, I came, they should not stay later than 9:30. When they would have continued to light incorrectly, at the wrong left, a lady arrived, somebody I didn‟t know. The Reb- time. betzin received her warmly and spoke with her for a long time. When they finished, she asked me to give And we set a time today, that I could come to her at her the lady a ride home to Manhattan. house.

On the way, I asked her what her connection was with

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 10 Traveling To Moscow – 1927 In honor of Yud Shevat we are now printing excerpts of a diary written by the Friediker Rebbe over 80 years ago regarding those activities which brought about his arrest and later his libera- tion at that time. (Printing in Sefer HaSichos 5687 (1927).

11 Adar 1 – Free Translation – Part 1 This sleeping com- partment is modem The Rebbe Rayatz went to Moscow to meet with and spacious with a members of the Joint Distribution Committee chair, a table, and a and other organizations to present to them his lamp. Also, when work and his budget (40, 000 for the coming the train ·is running six months.) it feels smoother than most cars. I ... As always this time I also traveled with the decided to write express coach (horse-drawn wagon) which down the Maamar takes 6-8 minutes from my house to the station of Atah Tetzaveh and it's a 3-4 minutes from the wagon to the which was said this sleeping cars of the train. [Then] it is only 2-3 past Shabbos. In Moscow I can complete it, so it can minutes before the train leaves. It‟s not pleasant be copied and sent out to the people who were there to wait in the station or on the platform for for Shabbos. For two hours I was busy writing. In there are the people with seven eyes who walk the midst (of writing) I heard knocking on the door, around the length of the platform and they look but I ignored it, I didn't need to be interrupted by at everyone who is going on the train. As al- the conductor on his rounds. There was a knock on ways, I am traveling with one of my daughters the door again after half an hour. The conductor to the train. This time it is my daughter Shaina. entered and another man was standing by the door When we came to the train there were about - the man who had been standing near the train as I four more minutes before departure. Most pas- boarded. The conductor told me that from the time sengers were already aboard and only the strag- the train left Leningrad this person demanded that glers were left. My daughter entered the com- he should see your ticket, which I did not wish to partment with me and for three minutes we show him. This man displayed his credentials when spoke. She told me that the person who stood the head conductor came to check the tickets of all next to the train as we entered made an unfa- the passengers. At that point the head conductor vorable impression on her. He gazed very was required to show all the tickets and among strongly. She requested that I call from Moscow them was yours. This man wrote something in his when I arrive and tell her that the old man's book and returned to his compartment. After a health is good. From the summer of 1926 on, I while he came to me and requested that I tell you heard that the Yevsektsia is demanding to send that a passenger wishes to come and speak to you. I my family away from Leningrad. The GPU made said that most probably you would be sleeping by inquiries about my family to the neighbors, but now but when we were passing the lounge, we my neighbor, Mr. Garin, said I was a good could see that there was a light in your room - so he neighbor. Mrs. Marduchovitch (the mother of demanded that I should knock on your door. When Mr. Sharoff from the next apartment), told me I did there was no answer. Later he had me knock in the name of her son, that he had been asked again, more strongly, and tell you that someone to watch (and report) anyone who looks suspi- wanted to come in and visit you. cious. The GPU is watching me and is trying to trap me. I am careful to avoid being in the street I respond to all this that I am unaccustomed to or the station for any extra time… greeting visitors on a train; it is, after all very late,

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 11 and I wish to go to sleep. And I asked the conduc- (self sacrifice) actually, not only in potential." I fell tor to awaken me at 6:00 a.m. asleep and dreamt that I saw a vision of my father dressed in Yom Tov clothes, sitting next to the table Thoughts came to my mind - the different things in his room between the two windows on the west- which the Yevseks· were doing to squash religion ern wall. There is a candelabra in the middle of the - closing Mikvahs, arresting , shochtim, room with many candles burning, and 2 more can- melamdim, libeling Orthodox Jews. During the dles on the table. The sefer of "Pri Etz Chaim” was last six years in the cities where the non-Jews open. My father put a red silk handkerchief over were running things the officials ignore the Shuls the page in the sixth chapter about Mordechai and and Mikvahs. In cities and towns where there are Esther. He looked at me with a very serious gaze Jews in charge it is they who are persecuting the and asked me, "Why are you crying? When Adar Orthodox Jews. comes you have to add in joy! And if your work will become a very stressful, heavy load for you, I Now, from thinking of these things I get de- warned you that you should be moser nefesh (self- pressed and I remember the holy words which sacrificing) for the strengthening of Torah and Yid- my father told me three weeks before his passing dishkeit and you need actual mesirus nefesh (seif- (Adar 1920), about the new government and sacrifice), not only potential." about the three heads of the government. He said that over Russia there are very· heavy clouds for I awoke and looked at the clock which read 3:00 22 years at least. Then he quoted the Alter Rebbe, then returned to sleep. At six, the conductor woke who said that a government which suppresses me and I was more relaxed and peaceful. I arose, Yiddishkeit and annuls the learning of Torah washed and dressed myself and prepared to daven. must be destroyed - so it was for the last years of After davening I continued writing the maamor. Czar Nicolai. But for years they had been op- There was about an hour left until the train was pressing Yiddishkeit and Torah - so a war came due to arrive in Moscow. But the conductor came and Czar Nicolai, together with his ministers and and said that because we were stopped on the way advisors, was broken. But at the end the Aibishter and ten people were arrested, the train would not will break those who wish to destroy Judaism - arrive for another full half hour, also said that the until then we will have to withstand their cruelty person from last night wished to speak with me. So and their libel. The Rashab said of the three lead- I asked that he wait for a minute or so until I ers of the communists that L[enin1 will die of de- straightened out the room, then he could come in. pression. T[rotsky] - he will be driven out and they will get rid of him. S[talin] will go according The man introduced himself as Mark Semyonovich to the pattern of the day and - if it will be neces- Bashkovy, the chairman of the City Counsel of Che- sary he will decorated himself with (military) labinsk and a member of the national GPU, and he medals." asked, "Who are you?"

When I heard these words in 1920 I was trem- "I am Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn. I am a Jew," I bling. "Must we suffer for 22 years? Isn't it replied. What made me curious about him was that enough that we suffered for the past seven he wore a hat in my compartment. years?" My whole body shook when I realized that we would have to go through at least anoth- "All Jews are Jews, but what is your title?" er 15 years - and I started to cry. In my thoughts I pictured the scene of the 8 Adar, 1920 in the "Yes, all Jews are Jews. This is a title which he can- morning, when my father, the Rebbe Rashab, said not pass or change. All the other titles, if we do an- those words to me. My father finished off by say- ything wrong we can lose the title, but a Jew even ing, "Yosef Yitzchok, for spreading Torah with though, he sins is still a Jew. That pinteleh Yid Yiras Shomayim (fear of heaven) and strengthen- stands forever. Only there are different levels of ing Yiddishkeit you should have mesirus nefesh Jews - there is someone who loves his people, loves

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 12 the scholars and honors the Torah and treasures Steree Voskia. The drive declares, "Gut!" every mitzvah and custom. There are some who are actually prepared to be self-sacrificing for The driver answers in ! We are traveling on any mitzvah. This is the effect of the pinteleh a small side street, and after a few moments pass yid. But to reveal it depends mostly on the type he says to me, again in Yiddish, "How are you? So of education and the different way of his life- many years have passed since I have seen you!" style." At this point the conductor announces And he goes on, "I am Yaakov Lipshutz, I was born that in a few minutes we will be arriving in in the city of V. My father used to go to Lubavitch - Moscow. he learned between Mincha and Maariv with Reb Velvel Gittel.” Bashkovy says, "I was born in Arsha and I want to meet you and get better acquainted. I'd like to (This was one of the melamdim which I know, he come and visit you in Moscow, if possible, and if is now very old and living in Horodok in the home not, when you will be in Leningrad I'll come and of his son, R. Shraga Melamud. He and his son are visit you at home, for my father and grandfather among those who receive support from the funds were all Lubavitcher Chassidim. The name of which I administer, the Rebbe recalls.) the Lubavitcher Rebbe was always on their lips. My grandfathers always used to walk to Lubav- "Until the military draft came I was in business. I itch (100 years ago). Tell me, in which hotel became lax in putting on Tefillin and in eating on- you are staying? ly Kosher as well as chillul Shabbos, and when my draft number came up (it was a high one, and I "In Steree Voskia," I answered. assumed I wouldn't be drafted), I became worse. When the war came I was one of the first to be He finished off, "Thank you, be well and be suc- mobilized. My father told me to go to the Rebbe in cessful.” Lubavitch for a Brocha. So I arrived there in Elul, 1914, only a month after the war broke out. Dur- The train is delayed by 35 minutes. I am still un- ing Yechidus the Rebbe [Rashab] instructed me to der the influence of this meeting with the Chair- be careful to keep from eating treif, to put on Tefil- man of the City of Chelabinsk who is a member lin every weekday and accept upon myself to keep of the GPU - the same GPU which casts fear on Shabbos. The Rebbe said that when one breaks the the entire nation. Whether a simple person or a Shabbos on the battlefield, it is not considered as government official, all are afraid of him. And desecrating Shabbos. The one who desecrates is he is one of them! He alone stems from Chassi- one who does it of his own free will. When you dim!! And his grandparents went to Lubavitch fulfill these three things then Hashem Yisborach on foot over 100 years ago!! This meeting is not will help you - that no bullet will touch you and just coincidental - for even a straw which turns you will return home in good health. over in the middle of the marketplace, is by hashgacha protis, as the Baal Shem Tov For one full year I was on the front lines, bullets taught… This strengthened my understanding were on all sides but I was never hurt. Then I was that all the evil against the Jews is perpetrated given a two month leave. Before I returned to the by the Yevsektsia - the Jewish department of the front again I went to Lubavitch. When I came to GPU. the station in Rudnia I saw the Rebbe was there, leaving on a trip. I went with him on the train and I am thinking deeply and walking slowly as I received another brocha. When the war ended and leave the train station and a porter carries my the new government began, I chose a livelihood packages. I usually take an express wagon but where I would be able to keep Shabbos and keep most of them have already left the station. One kosher and. I can daven every day. My wife and I wagon drivers asks, ''to the hotel?" I pay off the are Shomer Shabbos, we have a kosher home and porter, climb on the wagon and tell him Hotel we educate our children in the Jewish way. I live in

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 13 a nice home, for in my business I am considered please to hurry up for we were traveling already well off. I have three rooms. Rebbe, I can give you half an hour from the train to the hotel and time is one big room room and my wife can cook for very important. We arrived at the hotel and he you! Rebbe, why should you stay in a hotel where would not accept any money from me. I wanted to they search you with seven eyes?” speak with him when I got off the wagon, but he simply said be well, whipped the horses and de- I thanked him for his suggestion and said. "I took parted… pleasure in hearing your story. If you will keep what the Rebbe told you, his brochos will certain- To Be Continued... ly continue to protect you.” And I asked him A Promise Is A Promise

Among the guests at the Bar Mitzvah of the son "My wife and I married in 5720 (1960), and of Dr. R. one stood out. His refined features, shortly thereafter I began teaching at a Jewish glowing expression, and flowing beard marked boys' school in the city of D. I soon became friend- him as a person of exceptional character. De- ly with a local Lubavitcher, with whom I had a spite the fact that he was clearly not a Chassid, in and Tanya. Over time, we de- he listened attentively to every word of the veloped a deep friendship, but I certainly never ex- maamar recited by the Bar Mitzvah boy. From pected it to have the long-lasting impact on my life his excitement, one might have thought him to that it was soon to have. be a close family member. After we had been married for two years, and had This however, was not a relative, but one of the not yet been blessed with children, we sought ex- better known teachers in a prominent local pert medical advice. The first doctor we consulted Jewish school. So successful was he at instilling was quite definite - the situation was hopeless. We a love of Torah study in his pupils that every would never have children. year the majority of his class preferred to con- tinue studying through the summer rather than Shaken by this diagnosis, we sought a second opin- go to summer camp. The secret of Rabbi K's ion. In light of my wife's reaction to the first ex- success - the source of his ability to kindle such pert's bluntness, I asked the second to give any a love of Torah in his pupils was known to only negative assessment to me alone. After additional a few. testing, this doctor came to the same conclusion as his colleague. Disregarding my request, he told my As befits a chassidishe simcha, the formal cele- wife and I in great detail of the seriousness of the bration at the R's house was followed by a far- situation, and we returned home quite depressed. brengen. When Rabbi K. joined the group seat- ed around the table - which included several At the outset, I had confided in my Lubavitcher local Shluchim, the R's being loyal members of friend, who had of course suggested that I travel to the Chabad community -someone asked the the Rebbe. I had resisted the idea, but now, in light stranger if he had a personal connection to the of the doctor's opinions, an appointment for yechi- Rebbe. Influenced by the warm Chassidishe at- dus was made, and we set out for Crown Heights. mosphere, Rabbi K. was soon revealing for the first time the story of a remarkable yechidus "When we arrived at 770, we were astonished to which had taken place over 30 years earlier, learn that our appointment was not until after and which obviously had affected him ever midnight. When we returned shortly before mid- since. night, it was obvious after a glance at the crowd

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 14 ahead of us that there was no chance of getting how could the Rebbe promise such a thing? The in for several hours. Exhausted from our trip, Rebbe responded that he meant what he said, and we thought about simply giving up and return- that a promise is a promise. ing to our room. Overhearing our discussion, a man intervened. He himself had traveled from "I immediately set out to do as the Rebbe had in- Australia just to spend Shabbos in Crown structed. The following Motzei Shabbos, two days Heights and have yechidus. He urged us not to after the yechidus, I spoke with the young woman's give up the chance for yechidus, or we would brother by phone. At first he was reluctant to be- surely regret it later. lieve my story, but I eventually persuaded him to speak to his sister. Amazingly, she was spending His heartfelt words gave us the patience to that Shabbos at his house. Telling me to wait on wait. At 2:45 in the morning we finally merited the line, he promised to act as my representative, to enter the Rebbe's room. We gave the Rebbe a with his wife as the third person. A few moments note detailing our situation and asking for his later, he relayed to me her agreement and for- blessing and advice. The Rebbe asked for fur- giveness. ther details regarding the tests and treatment we had undergone. Finally he instructed us not "The following morning we returned home. Three to undergo any further tests Involving serious weeks later, in the early hours of the morning, I discomfort; we could, however, continue with received a phone call notifying me that the young the other treatment if we so desired. woman was engaged. A month later she was mar- ried. Nine month after her engagement was an- Up to this point, despite our exhaustion we nounced, our first child was born." were able to concentrate calmly on the Rebbe's every word. The Rebbe's next comment, how- Rabbi K, continued, "During our 30 minute yechi- ever, took me totally by surprise. In a tone that dus, the Rebbe asked me if I told my pupils stories was part question, part statement, the Rebbe of Tzaddikim. In my weariness I responded quite said: "Before your marriage, you were involved improperly that such stories were bitul Torah (a with another woman. You even gave her a cer- waste of study time). tain gift." Surprised, I nodded my head in agreement. The Rebbe then asked if I had asked "The Rebbe vigorously negated my response, point- her forgiveness (mechila). I replied that I had ing out that the Torah itself contains verses that explained to her why the match would not relate seemingly irrelevant details, and yet these work out. The Rebbe responded: "That is insuf- are considered as important as any other verse. ficient. You must ask her forgiveness. Then The Rebbe added that through such stories I would your problem will be solved." be able to influence my students even more deeply than through ordinary study, adding vitality and I asked the Rebbe if I should speak with her enthusiasm to their learning. The Rebbe then asked myself. The Rebbe replied that I should send a that I teach my students the weekly Torah portion, representative, who should ask her in front of a emphasizing the importance of each child being third person. How, I continued, will I know able to relate the Parsha at the Shabbos table." that she has truly forgiven me? The Rebbe then replied, "Tell her in my name, through the mes- Rabbi K. concluded: "Over the years, I have tried to senger, that if she forgives you with all her be true to the Rebbe's instructions. The Rebbe, for heart, I promise her that she will soon find her his part, has certainly made good on his blessing own partner and within a short while will mar- for success in my teaching." ry and have a family”. "I expressed my astonishment at these words;

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 15 Chassidic Perspectives on Tzaddikim Selected by Rabbi A. E. Friedman

PURE THOUGHTS FROM BELOW TO ABOVE, AND FROM ABOVE TO The Rebbe Maharash once said: When one re- BELOW flects on a saintly Tzaddik who is in the World The Rebbe RaShaB said that when the soul of a of Truth, this thought is distilled and purified Tzaddik is clothed in a body, and wishes to do an- until it reaches the abstract world of thought other Jew a favor, he begins from below to above, and cleaves to the walls of that Tzaddik's heav- from the body to the level of nefesh; subsequently, enly abode. In turn, a radiance from the soul of to the level of ruach, neshamah, chaya, and finally the Tzaddik illuminates the thinker, and this yechida. (These are the five levels of soul, from assists him in both spiritual and material mat- lowest to highest). ters. (Hatamim volume 3, p.26) By contrast, when the soul of a Tzaddik above (in THE MAKKIF OF A TZADDIK the World of Truth) wishes to do a favor for an- If a person has had the privilege of seeing a other Jew, he begins from above - from the level of Tzaddik, and particularly if he has had the yechida, subsequently to chaya, and only then to privilege of speaking with him, this transcen- the neshama, ruach and nefesh. The effect of this is dental experience (makkif) has the power to to cause the affected soul to burst into tears. (Sefer effect salvation for that person and his family. Hashichos 5696 p. 557) (lgros Kodesh of the Rayatz, vol. 2, p. 1~4) PURE VISION ABOUT TZADDIKIM Once some Chalav akum - milk acquired without There are two types of Tzaddikim. One type is Jewish supervision, which the Shulchari Aruch completely withdrawn from the world. He sees forbids us to drink was placed by mistake in front and experiences the world as it is in its root, at of the Rabbi (Reb Nochum of Chernobyl). He did the lofty level of Atzilus. Accordingly, he has no not even see the milk! attachment to matters of this world. Later on, he explained the words of the Mishnah There is another type of Tzaddik. He does have (Avodah Zara 2:6), which defines chalav akum as a relationship with the world, in the sense that "milk milked by a non-Jew, when a Jew does not he sees all of material creation as G-dliness. oversee it," as follows: "Milk milked by a non-Jew When he eats, for example, he experiences only is not seen by a Jew" (or, "is overlooked by a Jew.") G-dly delight. (Ma'amarim 5666, p.557)

The Baal Shem Tov was of the second type. He A SIMPLE EXPLANATION was not withdrawn from the world. On the The Rebbe RaShaB had a chassid who was a great contrary - he lived within the world, and here philanthropist, but a very unlearned person. Once, he experienced Gdliness. this chassid asked the Rebbe RaShaB: What is a Tzaddik, and please don't answer me in terms of According to this, we can easily understand the the world of Atzilus. Give me a simple explana- Baal Shem Tov's statement that he could have tion." soared aloft on a whirlwind at the time of his passing, like Eliyahu the Prophet, but wished The Rebbe smiled and said: "A Tzaddik is one who, instead to fulfill the verse: “you are from the during regular weekday davening, experiences a dust, and to the dust you will return." (Bereishis greater arousal to repentance than you do during 3:19). (Toras Shalom p. 51) Ne'ilah of Yom Kippur!" (Related by Chassidim)

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11 Page 16 Rosh Chodesh Shevat Chof Beis Shevat Shevat 1/January 6/Thursday Yartzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Shevat 22/January 27/Thursday Bo Shevat 3/January 8 Light Candles Friday January 7: 4:41 Mishpatim Shabbos Ends: 5:44 Shabbos Mevarchim Adar 1 Last Time To Read Shema: 9:29 Shevat 24/January 29 Light Candles Friday January 28: 5:01 Tehillim: 8:15 Beshalach Shachris: 10:15 Shabbos Shira Shabbos Ends: 6:04 Yud Shevat Last Time To Read Shema: 9:29 Shevat 10/January 15 Light Candles Friday January 14: 4:48 Shabbos Ends: 5:51 Rosh Chodesh Adar 1 ~ Day 1 Last Time To Read Shema: 9:30 Friday/Shevat 30/February 4 See Customs for Yud Shevat Pages 1 & 6 Terumah Rosh Chodesh Adar 1 ~ Day 2 Tu B’Shevat - New Year for Trees Adar 1/February 5 Shevat 15/January 20/Thursday Light Candles Friday February 4: 5:08 No Tachnun Shabbos Ends: 6:11 Last Time To Read Shema: 9:27

Yisro - Aseres Hadibros Shevat 17/January 22 Molad of Adar 1 Light Candles Friday January 21: 4:54 Thursday Shabbos Ends: 5:57 11:16 am + 6 Chalakim Last Time To Read Shema: 9:30

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המעשה הוא העיקר - Directives of the Rebbe for Shevat

Yud Shevat: See page 1 & 6 for a com- Give Tzedakah in the amount of 470, this plete list of customs. Especially the differences, is the numerical value of the Rebbitzin’s name. being that Yud Shevat fall out on Shabbos! Shabbos Shira: See Special Days, page Yud Shevat Farbrengen 2-3. Sunday, Jan 16 Tu B’Shevat: Eat many fruits, especially 8:00 pm those special to Eretz Yisroel (Sheva Minim). For men - In shul This custom should be emphasized to the children. Guest speaker - Make a Farbrengen on Tu B’Shevat. Rabbi Leibel Altein Shabbos Parshas Yisro: Children should founder of Heichal Menachem be in Shul to hear the Aseres HaDibros. New York Chof Beis Shevat: V’Hachei Yiten El Leibo-Through learning from her conduct, and living in her spirit.