Volume 27 Issue 11

CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK OF HANCOCK PARK 5777/2017 Shevat

Chabad Chodesh Shevat 5777

S days, until his death, ( 1:3) 1:3) (Devarim death, his [2488]. until thirty days, for , Mishneh the Torah, Rabbeinu Moshe Plague oflocustsstarted. Chodesh Shevat Rosh 28/Shabbos 1/January Shevat 3. eachreading). (at Aliyos the of number rooms. different to made be should additions no However, in read be should rah 2. the Torah. to an for called be to attempt should everyone 1. following: the , suggest the I father revered my of Yartzeit the Shevat, of Tenth the for schedule detailed a about questions many the to reply “...In Sunday 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 29/Sunday 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 that it to see should congregation The To- the Aliyos enough aren’t there If Yartzeit the before Shabbos the On , Talmudist, 5639[1859].

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Yartzeit of Yartzeit the Tzemach Tzedek, the Tzemach of printing First 23/Monday 3/January Shevat ViHaaros L’). (Kitzurim Haskamah. Zusya’s R. with be it that to printthe be agreed Alter Reb- infact the Tanya; a Haskamah to the write to Rebbe Alter the by chosen people two Me- of one was the He [1800]. of 5660 Magid, student zeritcher Zahav, Menoras of thor this way a greater number of Anash will will the privilege. have Anash of number greater a In way this Minchah. third, to a second and Shachris, a lead Ma’ariv, lead of to day person one the on honor), (the divide prayers to proper It’s Yartzeit. the lead to one 4. lot. mined by deter- be should choice the alternatively, deter- as congregation; congregation, the of majority the by mined the respected of most member the be should the

The congregation should choose some- choose should congregation The R. Meshulam Zusia of Annipoli, of Zusia Meshulam R. -

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Kopust, 5597 Tanya, only oncondition Tanya, (Continued on page 6) page on (Continued

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“...It contains most of the from the years customary for all men to get an Aliya. 5556-5572 [1796-1812], most of which the (Alter) Rebbe, of blessed memory, himself saw and edited and The period of the Zekeinim ended, once a fast day. agreed to publish . .” (Letter of the Tzemach Tzedek, (Megilas Taanis) Shevat 3, 5597) “...They only managed to print the first volume, be- Shevat 9/February 5/Sunday cause as a result of informing, the government closed many Hebrew printing houses in Russia. In 5608 “Moshiach’s ” completed, in 5730 [1848], the second volume was printed in Zhitomir, [1970] at a for the twentieth Yartzeit of under the name ‘Likutei Torah’. (, Shevat the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. The previous Rebbe 3) started it in 5402 [1942], to be used to greet Moshiach. The Rebbe said a Maamar, “To Under- Shevat 4/January 31/Tuesday stand the concept of writing a Sefer Torah.”

Yartzeit of R. , Chassidic leader, Yartzeit of R. Shlomo of Lutzk, student of the Me- 5667 [1807]. zeritcher Magid, author of Dibras Shlomo, 5573 [1813]. Yartzeit of R. Avrohom of Kalisk, student of the Gaon of Vilna and the Mezeritcher Magid, colleague of the Alter Shevat 10/February 6/Monday Rebbe, author of Chesed LiAvraham. 5570 [1810]. Yud Shevat

Yartzeit of R. Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the “Baba Sali”, The Rebbe undertook the leadership of Chabad Lub- Kabbalist, 5744 [1984]. avitch Chassidus, and publicly said the first Maamar, “Basi L’Gani”, 5711 [1951]. Shevat 5/February 1/Wednesday Please see pages 1 & 6 for Special Customs of Yud Barley for the Cutting of the Omer would be planted Shevat. today, seventy days before Pesach (Menachos 85a, Tosfos “VeZorah”, Baba Metzia 106a, Tosfos “The day on which our saintly Master and Teacher, “VeKayyma”) R. Yosef Yitzchok, sixth Chabad Rebbe, departed this world. Born Tamuz 12, 5640 [1880], the Rebbe Yartzeit of R. Yehudah Leib Alter of , author of Sefas RaYaTz succeeded to the leadership in 5680 [1920] Emes, 5665 [1905]. and passed away at 7:45 AM, Shevat 10, 5710 [1950]. His resting place is in New York .”(Sefer Shevat 6/February 2/Thursday HaMinhagim) See Joseph I. , The Lubavitcher Rebbe: A Short Biography, R. Nis- Wedding of Rebbitzen Devorah Leah, daughter of the san Mindel (Kehoth, New York, 1947), Sefer HaTol- Mitteler Rebbe, and R. Yaakov Yisroel of Cherkass, son dos Admur RaYaTz, R. Avrohom Chanoch Glitzen- of R. Mordechai of Czernobyl, 5671 [1811]. stien, and Basi Legani 5711 (English) Kehoth, New York, 1990. Shevat 7/February 3/Friday Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Rivkah, the fourth Chabad Yartzeit of R. Sholom Shlomoh Schneerson, brother of Rebbitzen, wife of the Rebbe MaHaRaSh, 5674 R. Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, father of the Rebbe, 5686 [1904]. She was the daughter of R. Aharon of [1926]. In 5685 [1925] he emigrated to Eretz Yisroel Shklov (who first printed the Torah Or) and Reb- with his father in law, the well known chosid, Reb Da- bitzen Chayah Sarah, daughter of the Mitteler Reb- vid Tzvi Chein - known as the “Radatz.” Less than one be. Her parents died when she was young, and Reb- year later he passed away. He is buried in Har bitzen Sheina, the Mitteler Rebbe’s wife raised her. HaZeisim. “...When she was about eighteen she became ill and the doctor ordered her to eat immediately upon Yartzeit of R. Yisrael Charif of Stanov, student of the waking up in the morning. Since she didn’t want to , author of Tiferes Yisrael. eat before davening, she would wake extremely early and daven. When her father-in-law, the Shevat 8/February 4/Shabbos Tzemach Tzedek, found out, he told her, ‘...To bring energy into mitzvos, you must be healthy and hap- This Shabbos being the Shabbos before Yud Shevat it is py: It’s better to eat to daven, than to daven in order

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 2 to…’ and he blessed her with long life. (She lived to the teachers to give the children kasha, so that they be eighty-one).” (HaYom Yom, Shevat 10) too, could feed the birds to commemorate the Crossing of the Sea. The joyous event concluded with the Ma- First live broadcast of a Farbrengen of the Rebbe, haral coming out to bless the children.” (Sichah, Yud heard internationally through telephone hook-up, Shevat 5721) on the occasion of the twentieth year of the Nesius, “The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe apparently didn’t 5730 [1970]. observe the custom of putting out Kasha, (though he told the story), probably because the Alter Rebbe Shevat 13/February 9/Thursday (, Hilchos Shabbos, 324:8) says it isn’t correct for us to feed animals on Shabbos which aren’t Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Shterna Sarah, the fifth Cha- ours, or for which we aren’t responsible. It’s im- bad Rebbitzen, wife of the Rebbe RaShaB, mother of portant, nevertheless, to tell children the story, espe- the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, 5702[1942]. She cially since it teaches them compassion for all crea- was the daughter of R. Yosef Yitzchak, (the tures. (Note in Sefer HaSichos 5749, p. 22)]. Tzemach Tzedek’s son) and Rebbitzen Chanah, daughter of R. Yaakov Yisroel of Cherkass (the Mit- teler Rebbe’s son-in-law). She was born Teves 15, Rosh HaShanah For Trees 5620 [1860] in Lubavitch. She did much for Chas- sidim and for the , and There’s a custom to eat fruits, especially those for helped her husband in his communal work. which Eretz Yisroel is praised. (Sichah, Tu BShevat, In her last two years she was very weak. Even 5741). when bedridden, she kept her schedule of Avodas HaShem, davening three times daily at length, say- Some years the Rebbe farbrenged on Tu B’shvat. In ing Tehilim before and after davening, learning 5731 - 1971, the Rebbe came back from the and and Chasidus. On Shabbos BiShalach, She- said a Maamer and later at the farbrengen the Rebbe vat 13, 5702 [1942] before davening, she said, expressed that everyone should steal from their pri- “Today is Shabbos Shirah; we must daven different- vate time to add in learning Torah in order to conquer ly.” While davening, at ‘Nishmas’, she passed away, the world through learning Torah. her Sidur in her hand. She is buried in New York. (Sefer HaSichos 5681-87, p.13) On Shabbos Hagadol, the Rebbe said concerning the Tu B’shvat farbrengen, that he was by the ohel and Shevat 14/February 10/ Friday was “pushed” to farbreng about this Mivtza to con- quer the world through learning of Torah. Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Yehoshua Falk, author of Pnei Yehoshua, 5516 [1756]. In 5739– 1979, Tu B’shvat, at the farbrengen the Reb- be was emotional about why Moshiach didn't come Wedding of Rebbitzen Brachah, daughter of the yet. The Rebbe expressed that a searches on Sun- Mitteler Rebbe to R. Yonah of Zhitomer, 5568 day, Monday, Tuesday etc….and yidden have no more [1808]. koach to search….and Moshiach has not arrived yet…. This farbrengen was to strengthen us to push Shevat 15/February 11/Shabbos Shira away the darkness of Golus. Tu B’Shevat Yartzeit of R. Nechemiah [Berach] of Debrovna, author “On Shabbos Shirah we have the custom of eating of Divrei Nechemiah, student of the Alter Rebbe, 5612 Kasha (buckwheat)”. (HaYom Yom) [1852]. “...The Maharal of Prague would tell the “He was the son-in-law of the Alter Rebbe’s son, R. Melamdim to gather the children on Shabbos Shi- Chaim Avraham... He was a major student of the Alter rah in the courtyard of the Shul and tell them the Rebbe in Nigleh and Chasidus and was a friend of the story of Kriyas Yam Suf. The high point of the gath- Tzemach Tzedek... they would constantly be sending ering was telling the children how the birds joined each other Halachic questions and would discuss is- Moshe Rabbeinu and all Israel in song; how, while sues of Halachah (and Chassidus). crossing the sea, between walls of water on their He passed away on his birthday, at exactly sixty- right and left, the children picked berries growing four. His passing was wondrous: all that night he miraculously out of the walls and fed them to the learned and wrote Teshuvos. In the morning he lis- birds singing happily overhead. The Maharal told tened to ‘Borchu’ and ‘Kedushah’ from the Minyan

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 3 Kesherim & Ben David outside his room and passed away.” [Beis Rebbe] Inc. The beginning of the writing of a Sefer Torah in anticipation of the birth of Established 1947 the Rebbe Rashab. Diamonds, Rubies As it is known the Rivkah had a dream on Kislev 14, 5620 & Sapphires (1860), that her mother and grandfather came to her and told her to have a Sefer Torah written, and she will have a special son. The Sefer Torah was started on Shevat 15 of that year, in the room of the Tzemach Tzedek. It was finished on Cheshvan 13, 5621 in the same room. The beginning and conclusion of the writing of the Sefer Torah were done privately, according to the instructions of the Tzemach Tzedek. The Rebbe Rashab was born a week later on Cheshvan 20. 706 S. Hill Street # 320 First Siyum of the Daf HaYomi, 5691 [1931]. Los Angeles, CA 90014 Tel: 213 910-1700 Shevat 16/February 12/Sunday [email protected] Yartzeit of R. Chayim Palaggi, author of Moed LeKol Chai, and about eighty *** other Sefarim, 5628 [1868]

Yartzeit of R. Boruch Sholom, the “Rabash,” eldest son of the Tzemach Tzedek, 5629 [1869]. He was exceedingly 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 the Rebbe’s great-grandfather. Shomer The Friediker Rebbe relates: The Alter Rebbe had a great fondness for Insurance Agency my great-uncle, the Rabash. From the time when he was a tiny tot at the cheder and onwards, he would have him over to his house every day. Insurance Specialists When the Rabash was six, the Alter Rebbe began teaching him Hebrew Joseph Schneerson grammer; when he was seven, the trup. Afterwards, with the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars, the Rebbe, to- Principal & Broker gether with his household and a number of Chasidim, was forced to flee . 4221 Wilshire Blvd. #222 From that moment, and until the end of his life, he kept the Rabash al- 323 934-8160 ways at his side. The boy sat with him in his carriage and slept in his room. Sefer Hasichos 5703, pg 88-89 License #0717982 The Rebbe Maharash said to the Rebbe Rashab during a yechidus: “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, wished for himself just such a “broken heart” as the Rabash possessed, a quality he came by through his great closeness to the Alter Rebbe, and the fact that the passing of the Alter Rebbe affected him profoundly.”

Martin Fishman Shevat 17/February 13/Monday & Assoc. Inc. of Saragossa, celebrating (with its own Megilah reading) their es- INSURANCE cape from destruction, in 5188 [1428].

6300 Wilshire Blvd. Yartzeit of R. Moshe of Kituv, student of the Baal Shem Tov, 5498 [1738].

Los Angeles, CA 90048 Shevat 19/February 15/Wednesday Tel: 323 866-0830

License # 04188981 R. Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, father of the Rebbe, exiled to Cili, 5700 *** [1940].

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 4 Beis HaMikdash (Zecharia 1:7) The descendants of R. Aryeh Leib, “The Shpoler Zeyde”, gather today for a festive meal and tell the miracle that Yartzeit of R. Meir Katzenelenbogen (“MaHaRaM”) happened to him. of Padua, 5325 [1565].

Shevat 20/February 16/Thursday Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Menuchah Rachel, daughter of the Mitteler Rebbe, 5648 [1888]. After the Mit- In 1970—5730 the Rebbe made a special Farbrengen teler Rebbe’s passing she moved with her family to for all those who came for Yud Shevat, the 20th year of settle in Chevron, on the advice of her brother-in- the Rebbe’s leadership. The rebbe Farbrenged in the law, the Tzemach Tzedek, in 5605 [1845]. She was afternoon after Mincha, right before the guest had to known as a Tzadekes in Chevron. Every Kallah in leave to the airport, as a tzeischem lishalom. Chevron on the day of her wedding, would daven at the Maaras HaMachpelah and then come to the Birthday and Yartzeit of Asher son of Yaakov Avinu. Rebbitzen Menuchah Rochel for a Brachah. She lived to be ninety. The room in which she lived in “Resettlement Day”, Oliver Cromwell granted right of Chevron still stands. residence to Jews in England, 5417 [1657]. Shevat 26/February 22/Wednesday Shevat 21/February 17/Friday Yartzeit of R. Dovid b. Shmuel HaLevi, (the “TaZ”), Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Devorah Leah, half-sister of the author of Turei Zahav, on Shulchan Aruch, 5427 Tzemach Tzedek. After the passing of the Tzemach [1667]. Tzedek’s mother, Rebbitzen Devorah Leah, the “...The Alter Rebbe said that all the authors of Tzemach Tzedek’s father R. Sholom Shachne married Sefarim until the “Taz” and the “Shach”, them in- Rebbitzen Rivkah, daughter of R. Aharon of Karlin. cluded; wrote their works with Ruach HaKodesh.” (HaYom Yom, Shevat 6) Shevat 22/February 18/Shabbos “And similarly it says in Shearis Yisroel (of R. Yisroel Dov of Vilednik), Drush LiSukos, in the Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Chayah Mushka, daughter of the name of the Baal Shem Tov.” (Likutei Sichos, Vol. previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, wife of the Rebbe, 5748 12, p. 70, Note 5) [1988]. Shevat 28/February 24/Friday Decree of Caius Caligula to place idols in the Beis HaMikdash voided on his assassination, 3801 [41]. Antiochus V lifted siege of Yerushalayim, 3505 “Shimon HaTzadik heard a heavenly voice from the [165 BCE]. (Megilas Taanis) Holy of Holies, “The idolatry the enemy decreed to put in the Heichal is annulled.” (Megilas Taanis) 29 Shevat/February 25/ Shabbos Shabbos Mivorchim Chodesh Adar Yartzeit of R. Menachem Mendel of , 5619 [1859]. Adar Sunday-Monday /February 26-27 Yartzeit of R. Yehudah Leib Eiger, author of Toras Emes and Imrei Emes, 5648 [1888]. He was a Chasidic Rebbe and R. Akiva Eiger’s grandson.

Shevat 23/February 19/Sunday

All Israel gathered against the tribe of Binyamin, after the incident of Pilegesh B’Givah. (Shoftim 20:1, Me- gilas Taanis)

Shevat 24/February 20/ Monday

Zechariah HaNavi prophesied the restoration of Yerushalayim and encouraged resuming rebuilding the

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 5 Yud Shevat (continued from page 1)

5. A (Yartzeit) candle should be lit to burn 12. In the course of the day one should study throughout the twenty-four hours. If possible, the chapters of Mishnayos that begin with the let- candle should be of beeswax. ters of his name.

6. Five candles should burn during prayer ser- 13. In the course of the day one should partici- vices. pate in a Farbrengen.

7. After each Tefilah (and in the morning after the 14. In the course of the day one should set reading of Tehillim), the Shliach Tzibur should aside a time during which to tell one’s family study (or at least conclude the study of) Chapter 24 about the saintly Rebbe, and about the spiritual of Mishnayos Keilim and Chapter 7 of Mishnayos tasks at which he toiled throughout all the days Mikvot. He should then recite the begin- of his life. ning “Rabbi Chananya ben Akasha…”, followed silently by a few lines of Tanya, and D’Ra- 15. In the course of the day, people (to whom banan. this task is appropriate) should visit Shuls and Botei Midrash in their cities and cite a state- 8. After Ma’ariv, part of the Ma’amar (Basi Lega- ment of adage from the teachings of the saintly ni) that was released for the day of the demise, Rebbe. They should explain how he loved eve- should be recited from memory. If there is no one ry Jew. to do this from memory, it should be studied from the text. This should also be done after Shachris, They should make known and explain the and the Ma’amar should be concluded after Min- practice he instituted of reciting Tehillim every chah. day, studying the daily portion of with Rashi’s commentary, and, where appro- 9. Before Shacharis, a chapter of Tanya should be priate, studying the Tanya as he divided it into studied. This should also be done after Minchah. daily readings, throughout the year. If possible this should all be done in the course of a Far- 10. In the morning, before prayer, Tzedakah brengen. should be given to those institutions related to our Nasi, my revered father-in-law, of sainted memory. 16. In the course of the day, people (who are fit Donations should be made on behalf of oneself and for the task) should visit centers of observant of each member of one’s family. The same should youth, and, in a neighborly spirit, should make be done before Minchah. every endeavor to also visit centers for the young people who are not yet observant, to ex- 11. After Shacharis and the recitation of the plain to them the warm love that the saintly Ma’amar, each individual should read a Pidyon Rebbe constantly had for them. It should be Nefesh. (It goes without saying that a Gartel is explained to these people what he expected of worn during the reading). Those who had the priv- them; they should be told of the hope and trust ilege of entering (the saintly Rebbe’s study) for he placed in them, that they would ultimately Yechidus, or at least of seeing his face, should fulfill their task of strengthening the ob- (while reading the Pidyon Nefesh) picture them- servance of and disseminating the selves as standing before him. The Pidyon Nefesh study of Torah with all the energy, warmth and should then be placed between the pages of a vitality that characterize youth. Ma’amar or Kuntres, etc., of his teachings, and sent, if possible on the same day, to be read at his 17. If prevailing conditions allow, all the above graveside. should of course be continued during the days following the Yartzeit, and particularly on the following Shabbos.

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 6 May Hashem hasten the coming of our Redeemer, and then “Those who lie in the dust will awaken and sing joyful praises.”

And our Nasi among them will give us wondrous tidings, and lead us along the path leading to the House of Hashem.

[Letter of the Rebbe, Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5711]

* * * Tu B’Shevat - The New Year for Trees Shevat 15 ~ Shabbos –January 26

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 cer- tain to be precise in all its aspects, each of which is in- structive 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 everyday 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 The meaning of “delight” in this context will be- seed is within itself,” which is, to produce fruit with come clear from the distinction in regard to the seeds from which will grow trees and fruits of the same seven species of produce with which the Land of kind. Israel is praised in the Torah: “A land of wheat and Indeed, the perfection of a tree lies in its ability to pro- barley, and vine, and fig, and pomegranate, a land duce trees and fruits to all posterity. of olive oil and (date) honey.” Wheat and barley are basic foods necessary for human sustenance, To translate the above points in human terms: A hu- while the fruits of trees are both sustaining and man being must grow and develop continuously, how- nourishing as well as enjoyable and delightful. ever satisfactory the level may be at any given time. This is also indicated in the expression of our Sages, And the third point: One must strive to produce whose sayings are concise but profoundly meaningful, “fruit bearing fruits,” so that the beneficiary enjoy- Ma’alin B’Kodesh, “holiness should be kept on the as- ing these fruits should, in turn, become a “fruit cendancy.” bearing tree” like the benefactor.

Similarly in regard to the second point: A human being Needless to say, the “fruits” of which we are speak- should produce “fruits” for the benefit of many others ing here, are those which our Sages specify saying, beside himself; the kind of benefit which is coupled “The fruits of Tzaddikim (which includes every Jew with delight.

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 7 and Jewess, as it is written, “And thy people are all gree when the kernel within the fruit serves as the Tzaddikim”) are Mitzvos and Good Deeds.” forbear and seed for future trees in coming genera- tions. These are some of the basic teachings of the New Year for Trees, which have an immediate practical rele- Man too has roots, a trunk and body, and produces vance to each and every Jew, man and woman. There fruit. In many aspects there is a remarkable degree is a further allusion to this in the meaningful Jewish of similarity between man’s development, even his custom to eat on this day various kinds of tree fruits. spiritual development, and that of a tree.

And when a Jew firmly resolves to proceed from Man’s roots are his faith. A person’s faith unites strength to strength in all matters of Torah and Mitz- and binds him with Hashem, the source and well- vos, both in regard to himself and in disseminating spring of his existence. Even after the Jew grows in them in his environment, he has the assurance of real- Torah knowledge and in the performance of divine izing his fullest potential - “Like a tree planted by commandments, he still derives his life force streams of water, that bring forth its fruit in its season; through his belief in Hashem, Judaism, and Torah. its leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.” Conversely, a weakening in one’s spiritual root sys- tem of faith can have dire consequences even on an Until the time will be ripe for the fulfillment of the otherwise well developed individual. promise, “The tree of the field shall yield its fruit,” in the plain sense, meaning that even non-producing Having achieved viable roots of faith, a person fruit trees shall produce fruits. [Letter of the Rebbe, might rest on his laurels. Here the tree teaches us Shevat 5738] that it is composed predominantly of trunk, branches and leaves. Man, too, should be predomi- * * * nantly composed of , and Mitzvos. In The Fifteenth Day of Shevat, Tu B’Shevat, is “New Year spiritual terms this means that a Jew can never be for Trees.” Since the Torah likens Man to “a tree of satisfied with faith alone, for he would then be like the field” man celebrates this day as well. a tree that laid down roots but never developed a trunk, branches and leaves. Such a “tree” is no tree A tiny seedling’s germination and development into a at all, its roots are there, but nothing else. In addi- fruit producing tree is one of the most inspiring trans- tion to healthy roots a Jew must have the full com- formations in all of Hashem’s creation. First and fore- plement of trunk, branches, leaves and so on. most, comes the tree’s root system. Then comes the tree’s trunk and body as well as the branches and A Jew’s trunk, branches and leaves are the study of leaves. Finally comes the time when the tree bears Torah, the performance of Mitzvos. They should fruit. compromise the overwhelming majority of his ac- tivities. One can tell a Jew’s “age” by measuring The roots are for the most part concealed. Neverthe- his “rings,” how many of his years have been spent less, from them the tree derives its main life force. in pursuit of spiritual knowledge and substantive While the leaves also nurture it by absorbing sunlight, deeds. Just as a tree’s body grown constantly, so and so on , the roots are its mainstay; sever them and should there be constant growth in a Jew’s trunk, the tree will soon die. Furthermore, the roots enable branches and leaves, in the study of Torah, and in the tree to be firmly embedded in the earth, to with- the performance of Mitzvos. stand strong gusts of wind or other elements that 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-

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 8 Yartzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Shevat 22 ~ Shabbos - February 18

Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the wife of the Rebbe, was born on the 25th of Adar Rishon Only for some of the Yomim Tovim would they 5661 (1901) to Rebbetzin Nechama Dina, in join her parents in Riga, and from the summer of the town of Babinovitch, near Lubavitch. 1933 in Warsaw, and later on in Otvosk. Growing up in Lubavitch, in the house of her illustrious father and grandfather, the Frierdik- In Paris, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin lived in a one er Rebbe and the Rebbe Rashab, she imbibed in room apartment, which was not far from the Shuls full measure from their greatness. in which the Rebbe davened. There was only one butcher store in Paris that the Rebbe used, after On the 16th of MarCheshvan 5676 (1915), personally investigating the quality of Hashgocha as the World War battlefront approached their and Bedika. When the Rebbe found out that the area, the family left Lubavitch for the southern butcher used to kasher the meat in the store, he Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. On the second came to the store together with the Rebbetzin and of Nissan 5680 (1920), her grandfather, the asked that she be allowed to watch the koshering Rebbe Rashab, passed away and her father as- procedure. Only after the Rebbetzin indicated her sumed the leadership of Chabad. satisfaction did the Rebbe become a steady custom- er at this store. In 5684 (1924), she became engaged to the Rebbe, but because of the oppressive conditions They stayed in France until 1941, when they that prevailed, the marriage did not take place were rescued from the Nazis after months of peri- until five years later, on the fourteenth of Kislev lous wanderings. The Frierdiker Rebbe made stren- 5689 (1928) in Warsaw, Poland. uous efforts to get them out of France and bring them to the United States. They arrived in New When the Frierdiker Rebbe was arrested in York on the 28th of Sivan. 1927, her quick thinking in alerting her Cho- son, the Rebbe, to the presence of “honored For approximately a month, the Rebbe and Reb- guests” (N.K.V.D. agents) in the Frierdiker Reb- betzin lived in 770, in the room that would later be’s home, proved to be very instrumental in become the Rebbe’s Yechidus room. Afterwards discovering the prison to which her father was they moved to 346 New York Avenue, an apart- taken. She also played a key role in the efforts ment building off President Street. In 1958, they to have his death sentence removed. moved to 1304 President Street.

When the Frierdiker Rebbe was exiled to Ko- On the tenth of Shevat 5710 (1950), the Reb- stroma, it was his daughter - Rebbetzin Chaya betzin's father, the Frierdiker Rebbe was Nistalek. Mushka - he chose to accompany him there. At first, the Rebbe was firmly determined not to accept the Nesius. It was the Rebbetzin who pre- The wedding of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka vailed upon him to accept it, pointing out that it and the Rebbe was an occasion of extraordi- was unthinkable to let her father’s accomplish- nary joy for her father. After their wedding the ments of Mesiras Nefesh over thirty years deterio- Rebbe chose to live in Berlin, where they were rate for lack of continuity. until the winter of 5693 (1933), when the Na- zis came into power and they then moved to At the time of the legal proceedings to establish Paris. In all these wanderings, the Rebbetzin the ownership of the Frierdiker’s Rebbe's Library, willingly followed the Rebbe, although it in- when the Rebetzin’s deposition was sought, the de- volved leaving the holy environment of her fendant’s attorney asked her: “What is your view - parent’s home and city. to whom did the books belong, to your father or to

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 9 the Chasidim?” To this the Rebbetzin replied, “Not only did the books belong to the Chasidim, but my father belonged to the Chasidim.”

In later years, when the Rebbe frequently came home after a night of Yechidus at 3 or 4 a.m., she was always patiently and uncomplainingly awake, waiting for him. Despite the fact that she was the one who prevailed upon the Rebbe to accept the Nesius and she was the one who sacrificed the most from her personal life for this gift to Klal Yisroel in general and Chassidim in particular, nevertheless, until her last day, she remained determinedly and absolutely in the background, totally shunning any and all publicity.

In her last years, the Rebbetzin suffered considerably in her eyes. Once Rabbi Zalman Gurary asked her, “Jews from all over the world ask the Rebbe for a Brochah. Why 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 re- quested. The secretary received 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 re- plied: “She can also give blessings.

The Rebbetzin passed away on Wednesday, Parshat , 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

* * *

This Issue Is In Memory Of

יעקב בן ר׳ משה מרים בת נחמה בתי בת שבע בת יצחק אייזיק נפטרה כ“א שבט תשמ״זז נפטר כ״ב שבט תשנ״ד ר׳ אלתר מרדכי ר׳ אברהם יצחק ת.נ.צ.ב.ה ת.נ.צ.ב.ה נפטרה ר״ח שבט תשע״א נפטרה ט׳ז שבט תשע״א * ת.נ.צ.ב.ה ת.נ.צ.ב.ה Dedicated by EZ Roth

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VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 10 A Promise Is A Promise

Among the guests at the Bar of the son was hopeless. We would never have children. of Dr. R. one stood out. His refined features, glowing expression, and flowing beard marked Shaken by this diagnosis, we sought a second opin- him as a person of exceptional character. De- ion. In light of my wife's reaction to the first expert's spite the fact that he was clearly not a Chassid, bluntness, I asked the second to give any negative he listened attentively to every word of the assessment to me alone. After additional testing, this maamar recited by the Bar Mitzvah boy. From doctor came to the same conclusion as his colleague. his excitement, one might have thought him to Disregarding my request, he told my wife and I in be a close family member. great detail of the seriousness of the situation, and we returned home quite depressed. This however, was not a relative, but one of the better known teachers in a prominent local Jew- At the outset, I had confided in my Lubavitcher ish school. So successful was he at instilling a friend, who had of course suggested that I travel to love of Torah study in his pupils that every year the Rebbe. I had resisted the idea, but now, in light the majority of his class preferred to continue of the doctor's opinions, an appointment for yechi- studying through the summer rather than go to dus was made, and we set out for Crown Heights. summer camp. The secret of Rabbi K's success - the source of his ability to kindle such a love of "When we arrived at 770, we were astonished to Torah in his pupils was known to only a few. learn that our appointment was not until after mid- night. When we returned shortly before midnight, it As befits a chassidishe simcha, the formal cele- was obvious after a glance at the crowd ahead of us bration at the R's house was followed by a far- that there was no chance of getting in for several brengen. When Rabbi K. joined the group seated hours. Exhausted from our trip, we thought about around the table - which included several local simply giving up and returning to our room. Over- Shluchim, the R's being loyal members of the hearing our discussion, a man intervened. He him- Chabad community -someone asked the stranger self had traveled from Australia just to spend Shab- if he had a personal connection to the Rebbe. In- bos in Crown Heights and have yechidus. He urged fluenced by the warm Chassidishe atmosphere, us not to give up the chance for yechidus, or we Rabbi K. was soon revealing for the first time the would surely regret it later. story of a remarkable yechidus which had taken place over 30 years earlier, and which obviously His heartfelt words gave us the patience to wait. At had affected him ever since. 2:45 in the morning we finally merited to enter the Rebbe's room. We gave the Rebbe a note detailing "My wife and I married in 5720 (1960), and our situation and asking for his blessing and advice. shortly thereafter I began teaching at a Jewish The Rebbe asked for further details regarding the boys' school in the city of D. I soon became tests and treatment we had undergone. Finally he friendly with a local Lubavitcher, with whom I instructed us not to undergo any further tests In- had a in and Tanya. volving serious discomfort; we could, however, con- Over time, we developed a deep friendship, but I tinue with the other treatment if we so desired. certainly never expected it to have the long- lasting impact on my life that it was soon to Up to this point, despite our exhaustion we were have. able to concentrate calmly on the Rebbe's every word. The Rebbe's next comment, however, took me After we had been married for two years, and totally by surprise. In a tone that was part question, had not yet been blessed with children, we part statement, the Rebbe said: "Before your mar- sought expert medical advice. The first doctor riage, you were involved with another woman. You we consulted was quite definite - the situation even gave her a certain gift." Surprised, I nodded my

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 11 head in agreement. The Rebbe then asked if I had asked her for- Frank Revere giveness (mechila). I replied that I had explained to her why the match Lawyer would not work out. The Rebbe responded: "That is insufficient. You Revere & Wallace must ask her forgiveness. Then your problem will be solved." 355 S Grand Ave #2450 Los Angeles, CA 90071 I asked the Rebbe if I should speak with her myself. The Rebbe replied that I should send a representative, who should ask her in front of a [email protected] third person. How, I continued, will I know that she has truly forgiven Phone: 213-943-1333 me? The Rebbe then replied, "Tell her in my name, through the mes- Fax: 213-403-4847 senger, that if she forgives you with all her heart, I promise her that Cell: 213-422-5408 she will soon find her own partner and within a short while will mar- *** ry and have a family”. "I expressed my astonishment at these words; how could the Rebbe promise such a thing? The Rebbe responded that he meant what he Melinda Dauer said, and that a promise is a promise. Psy. D., A.T.R.- B.C. - M.S.T. Art Therapy & Coaching "I immediately set out to do as the Rebbe had instructed. The following Motzei Shabbos, two days after the yechidus, I spoke with the young Children & Adults woman's brother by phone. At first he was reluctant to believe my sto- ry, but I eventually persuaded him to speak to his sister. Amazingly, 310 892-6988 she was spending that Shabbos at his house. Telling me to wait on the [email protected] line, he promised to act as my representative, with his wife as the third person. A few moments later, he relayed to me her agreement and for- Law Office of giveness. Michael E. Rubinstein Personal Injury Attorney "The following morning we returned home. Three weeks later, in the early hours of the morning, I received a phone call notifying me that Auto Accidents, the young woman was engaged. A month later she was married. Nine Bicycle Accidents, Slip & Falls month after her engagement was announced, our first child was born." 213-293-6075 Rabbi K, continued, "During our 30 minute yechidus, the Rebbe asked me if I told my pupils stories of Tzaddikim. In my weariness I respond- www.rabbilawyer.com ed quite improperly that such stories were bitul Torah (a waste of We Come To You study time). *** "The Rebbe vigorously negated my response, pointing out that the To- rah itself contains verses that relate seemingly irrelevant details, and yet these are considered as important as any other verse. The Rebbe YOSEF Y. SHAGALOV added that through such stories I would be able to influence my stu- Traveling Notary dents even more deeply than through ordinary study, adding vitality Public & Home Signing Agent and enthusiasm to their learning. The Rebbe then asked that I teach my students the , emphasizing the importance of Member: each child being able to relate the Parsha at the Shabbos table." National Notary Association Cell: (323) 934-7095 Rabbi K. concluded: "Over the years, I have tried to be true to the Reb- Fax: (323) 934-7092 be's instructions. The Rebbe, for his part, has certainly made good on E-mail: [email protected] his blessing for success in my teaching." “For All Your Notary Needs - At Your Location”

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 12 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 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 !" (Related by Chassidim)

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 11 Page 13 Rosh Chodesh Shevat Mishpatim Va’era Parshas Shekalim Shevat 1/January 28/Shabbos Shabbos Mevarchim Adar Light Candles Friday January 27 5:00 Shevat 29/February 25 Shabbos Ends: 6:03 Light Candles Friday February 24: 5:27 Last Time To Read Shema 9:29 Tehillim: 8:15 Shachris: 10:00 Shabbos Ends: 6:30 Last Time To Read Shema: 9:16 Shevat 8 /February 4 Light Candles Friday February 3 5:07 Rosh Chodesh Adar Day 1 Shabbos Ends: 6:10 Shevat 30/February 26/Sunday Last Time To Read Shema: 9:27 It is customary for all men to get an Rosh Chodesh Adar Day 2 Aliya today since Yud Shevat is this Adar 1/February 27/Monday week

Molad of Adar Yud Shevat Sunday, February 26th Shevat 10/February 6/Monday 6:20 (9 chalakim) AM

Beshalach Tu B’Shevat - New Year for Trees Shabbos Shira Shevat 15/February 11 Light Candles Friday February 10 : 5:14 Shabbos Ends: 6:17 Last Time To Read Shema: 9:24

Yisro - Aseres Hadibros Chof Beis Shevat/ February 18 Yartzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Light Candles Friday February 17: 5:21 Shabbos Ends: 6:24 Last Time To Read Shema: 9:20

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המעשה הוא העיקר - Directives of the Rebbe for Shevat

Yud Shevat: Make 3 for Yud should be in Shul to hear the Aseres HaDibros. Shevat: Chof Beis Shevat: V’Hachei Yiten El 1. Yud Shevat 2. The Shabbos following Leibo-Through learning from her conduct, and Yud Shevat (Shabbos Shira) 3. Motzei Shabbos living in her spirit. Shira (Telegrams of the Rebbe, Shevat 10 5748- Give Tzedakah in the amount of 470, this 5752) is the numerical value of the Rebbitzin’s name. See page 1 & 5 for a complete list of customs. Shabbos Shira: See Special Days, page 2-3. Tu B’Shevat: Eat many fruits, especial- ly those special to Eretz Yisroel (Sheva Minim). This custom should be emphasized to the children. Make a Farbrengen on Tu B’Shevat. Shabbos Parshas Yisro: Children