1 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 16 2009 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת שמות | כ' טבת , תשס”ט | בס”ד weekly vOL. Ii | NO 12 January 16, 2009 | tevet 20, 5769 24th OF TEVES: THE HISTALKUS OF THE ALTER " To the Alter Rebbe, it did not matter if the needy individual was a chossid or not. To him, all Yidden even his opponents were equally worthy of the same assistance."

ASK THE : How Do I Explain Israel’s Actions in Gaza? Page 12

MOLLY RESNICK GETS A REPLY FROM DR. PELCOVITZ achossid eb haim H R C PAGE 9 Halevi Hurwitz

Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 Rabbi A. Osdoba: ❖ Monday to Thursday 10:30AM - 11:30AM at 390A Kingston Ave. ☎Tel. 718-604-8000 ext.37 or 718-604-0770 Sunday-Thursday 9:30 PM-11:00PM ~Friday 2:30PM-4:30 PM ☎Tel. (718) - 771-8737 Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily 10:30 to 11:30am ~ 2:00pm to 3:00pm at 788 Eastern Parkway # 210 718~604~8827 ❖ & after 8:00pm 718~756~4632 Rabbi Y. Schwei, 4:00pm to 9:00pm ❖ 718~604~8000 ext 36 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ☎ Rabbi Y. Zirkind: 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzoei Shabbos Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110 Rabbi Bluming is available Sunday - Thursday, 3 -4:00pm at 472 Malebone St. ☎ 718 - 778-1679 Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:0am -11:30am ~ Fri 10:am - 1:00 pm or 4:37 5:40 ☎ 718 -604-0770 Gut Shabbos Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm 2 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 16 2009

The Vaad Hakohol

REBBE'S STORY “When one tells a story about his Rebbe he connects to the deeds of the Rebbe” (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) Enhancing Achievement Reprinted from the book To Know Rabbi Keselman once again. With the advice of the Rebbe’s secretary, I consider marriage. I sought the and To Care a thoughtful look, he responded, ‘I Rabbi Hodakov, I wrote a second Rebbe’s advice. Instead of extending think the Rebbe is waiting for you to time. There was still no reply. But his usual blessing for this type of Published and copyright © by Sichos decide for your- a month later I question, the Rebbe responded, ‘Do in English self whether did receive the not pursue this matter at all until Rabbi Yitzchak Vorst is one of the y o u w a n t Rebbe’s answer, the end of the school year, or at least dynamic forces behind Lubavitch to continue which clearly until after the holiday of Shavuos.’ activity in Holland. He is well suited your yeshivah indicated that “The answer surprised me. I won- to the job, because precise tim- studies.’ I should return dered about the two dates which the ing and calculated scheduling are to help build I had already Rebbe had mentioned. What did he ingrained in his Dutch culture. the Dutch Jew- come to the mean by this response? He has also been the recipient of ish community. conclusion numerous “timely” responses when Wondering why “Only later did I grasp the extent that I should corresponding with the Rebbe. It is this answer had of this time frame. In Brunoy continue the obviously not a simple question of been so long (near Paris), there is a well-known course of study culture. in coming, I Lubavitch family called Kalman- I had begun at glanced at the son. Sometime after I received the Rabbi Vorst relates, “World War II yeshivah. So on date of the reply. above answer from the Rebbe, their could not sever my family’s seven- Friday morn- It was the 9th of daughter considered a trip to the generation link with the Dutch ing, I wrote the Elul, exactly two States. Her intention was two-fold; Jewish community. After the trials Rebbe of my years since that to see the Rebbe, and to inquire and tribulations of the war, my father decision. I went first reply which about a suitable match. She debated devoted himself to rebuilding Jewish out to mail the I had received whether to spend the holiday of life here, while at the same time urg- letter, only to while still study- Shavuos in Crown Heights or to set ing the youth to emigrate to Israel. discover two ing in Israel: to her departure date for the end of the When I graduated as an engineer, I days later that continue study- school year. postponed my career, choosing to a letter for me had arrived from ing for at least two years! taste deeper study. I enrolled New York, posted before the Rebbe “That young woman later became in the Lubavitcher Yeshivah in Lod, received my letter. “While I was studying in New York, my wife. It now became clear that Israel. I had another experience with the the time when I was to begin acting “The Rebbe’s reply to my question Rebbe’s ‘expertise’ in proper timing. on my future had depended upon “During the spring, I spent the was clear. He advised me to continue I was twenty-five, and my friends the departure date on her Paris-New yeshivah break in the then small studying for at least two years. The and relatives had gently hinted that York plane ticket.” town of Ashdot Yam, by the sea. I letter was dated the 9th of Elul. learned that a new harbor was being “After an inspiring year at yeshivah in built there. Considering my future, I Israel, I felt that it was time to travel inquired about possible employment to the States and see the Rebbe. at the project. My application was Shortly after my arrival, I prepared readily accepted. Having spent two myself for a private yechidus. My let- months of study at the yeshivah, I ter contained several questions and desired to seek the Rebbe’s advice requests for blessings. I also included Kol Kevudah presents and blessing before making a final a note about my father vwwg, the late decision and signing a contract. chief Rabbi of Rotterdam, reiterating Understanding Our Students’ Struggles “I wrote the Rebbe a letter, but I did a previous requests that the Rebbe On Motzei Shabbos at 9:45 p.m. not receive a response. I consulted appoint an official to fill the st th with the yeshivah’s - Rabbi urgent needs of the Dutch Jewish 21 of Teves -January 17 Shlomo Chaim Keselman, who community. To date, my father had Parshas Shemos served as a spiritual mentor to the not received a reply. students. ‘Perhaps the letter was “After responding to my personal A Live Teleconference lost in the mail,’ he suggested. I questions, the Rebbe addressed wrote again. Still no reply. I asked himself to my father’s request and Don’t miss this unique opportunity that has already inspired said: ‘I have not yet found the appro- priate person who both desires and hundreds of mechanchos nationwide. Newspaper is capable of filling this position.’ Guest speaker: Mrs. Chany Feldbrand Community At this point, the Rebbe’s eyes met Founder of Ateres & Beloved High School Mechaneches mine, and he looked at me with a 392 Kingston Avenue broad smile. Brooklyn, NY 11225 Topic: Making Tznius Come Alive [email protected] “Later, contemplating on this yechi- dus, I suspected that the Rebbe was Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights. hinting that I assume this responsi- Guest speaker: Mrs. Rivky Friedman bility. I decided to ask the Rebbe if , Rosh Hakohol Dynamic Tznius Curriculum Coordinator Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman this was his intention. The Rebbe’s Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary answer was short and to the point: Topic: Igniting the Spark of Tznius in the Elementary Years Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) ‘Continue your studies.’ All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless “Months passed, and I concentrated otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. vigorously on my studies. Eventually, Call: 646- 519- 5860 Pin#: 2213 my visa rights were nearing expiry Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond and I consulted the Rebbe again. I the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser was debating whether to return to assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. Together, we can make a difference. All advertisement designed and prepared by the CH Israel or to extend my stay in the Community Newspaper are the property of the States. All our previous teleconferences can be accessed by calling newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the Kol Halashon at 718- 906 6400 and then press 1 o 5 o12o3 consent of the publisher “I did not receive an answer. Upon January 16, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 3

The Rebbe's Sicha Parshas Shemos

A thought for the Week from Likutei Sichos Volume VI, pp. Isaiah ibid. 1-8 Chapter 2 By Rabbi YM Kagan that of any other star — all these Exodus 1:1 merit that each be called by its own Genesis 1:26 and see Rashi on These are the names of the chil­dren name, as the prophet declares, G-d Isaiah 40:26 Genesis 17:1 of Israel who came to Egypt: Reuven, “ . . . calls them all by name.” Shimon,”(1) Or HaTorah Shemos 33a; Radak on It is evident then, that name and Rashi comments: Although G-d number, though they both indicate already enumerated them by name importance, express two separate — HEAP when they were living, He enumer- almost contradictory —aspects of ates them again at their death to The HEAP Program Outreach Workers the object enumerated and named. express G-d’s love for them, for The scheduled appointments are on Number expresses that aspect com- they are compared to the stars mon to all the enumerated things. If TUESDAY, January 20 -- 9:15 AM--3:30 PM. which He brings out and brings in several items are counted together it at the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, by number and by name, as it is said is because of the common element 387 Kingston Avenue (corner Crown St.). (in Isaiah)(2) “He brings out their they all share. Items sharing no hosts by number, He calls them all Please come early -- First come, first served common factor cannot be counted by name.” together). On the other hand, name GREAT NEWS. The outreach workers will accept BOTH regular Every star has two distinct aspects. expresses that quality in which the and emergency applications. (To apply for emergency heap you There is the quality common to all item is distinct, separate and differ- must have a shut-off notice.) stars, the importance and greatness ent from another object, which is of each star as a star. This merits why each has a different name. Those families on Food Stamps with a child under 8 need not that they be mentioned by number, apply unless you pay your own heating bill. You will receive it Israel is compared to the stars because precious and important automatically. All other families must apply. Persons 60 and over things are carefully counted. Bring- Israel, too, possess the two aspects: can apply with DFTA 212-442-1000. Households on Section 8 ing out the stars “by number” shows there is the essence of the Jew, the are only eligible if they pay their own heating bill. the preciousness of all stars, but “part of G-d above”(4) possessed Please bring in the following documentation: does not express the individual by every Jew as Jew; the Al-mighty 1) Proof of income, Soc. Sec., or support letter for the past two characteristics of each particular makes this endearment known by months star. These find expression in the mentioning the sons of Jacob by 2) Rent, mortgage or tax papers name of the star. number. G-d’s enumerating the 3) Birth certificates and social security cards for family Jews by name, on the other hand, The qualities that distinguish one members expresses His love of each individual star from another, the properties pos- 4) Fuel or utility bills as a separate, distinct, unique”) soul, sessed by each star that are unique 5) Proof of Citizenship (Citizenship paper). with qualities shared by no other. to it alone, the particular influence it 6) Letter for child 18 and over that he/she is in School. exerts in the cosmos”) different from REFERENCES: Based on excerpts Thank you

Adapted from Shmais.com Mazal Tov! Yitzi & Leah Spalter - C H Shloimy & Brocha Torenheims Engagements – Kazakhstan Shmully Weissman (Jerusalem) Mendel & Shternie Gottlieb Danny Denburg (Montreal, Canada) to Chanie Hecht (Melbourne, - Southfield, MI Benzion & Faigy Treitel - C H to Mushki Unterslak (Johannesburg, Australia) South Africa) Yitzchak & Shulamit Goldstein Yaacov & Faigy Vidal – Melbourne, Australia - Houston, TX Zalmi Kurinsky (Crown Heights) Weddings to Rochie Rothman (C H) Dovber Dukes (Coral Springs, Avi & Chayaleh Hurwitz - C H Births – Girls FL) to Tzippy Jaffe (S. Paul, MN) Yossi Notik (Seattle, NY) to Dov & Rochel Herman Tzvi & Shaindy Bass - Postville, IA Shimrat Yaniv (Syracuse, NY) Dovid Tenenbaum (Crown - Toronto, Ontario Moshe & Tzippy Danzinger - C H Heights) to Chana Shifra Mendy Paris (Montreal, Canada) to Yochanan & Sterna Ivry Rabinowitz (S. Monica, CA) Shmully & Shternie Gurary - C H Sara Halberstam (Crown Heights) - Staten Island, NY Nossin & Ilana Hoen Elisha Rogalsky (Crown Heights) to Births – Twins Mendy & Chani Kaplan - Pittsburgh, AP Tanya Landa (Montreal, Canada) Shaya & Chanie Susskind – - Milan, Italy TWIN GIRLS!! - Asheville, NC Berel & Chana Malachowski - C H Yosef Romano (Montreal, Canada) Levi & Dini Kramer- to Devorah Leah Ferris (Berkeley, CA) Births – Boys Los Angeles, CA Yossi & Devorie Raitport - C H Shimmy Silver (Crown Heights) Chaim & Chanie Brand Raffi & Sarah Kats - C H Yossi & Sarie Refson - - Montreal, Canada Mount Pleasant, SC to Sara'le Winner (Brighton Beach, Shalom & Yael Pelman NY) Dovid & Yaffa Brown - Guatemala City, Guatemala Upshernish - Johannesburg, South Africa Pinchas Taylor (Plantation, FL) Berel & Dayana Rapoport Arik Kaplan - Milan, Italy to Miriam Pinsky (Far Rockaway, Shloimy & Chanie Ehrentreu - Philadelphia, PA NY) Shmully Roth – North - Crown Heights Efraim & Sarah Mina Setton - C H Miami Beach, FL

READ THE CROWN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER @ CROWNHEIGHTS.INFO 4 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 16 2009 Our Heroes

Hachossid Reb Chaim Halevi Hurwitz

1902-1999 - Chaim was impressed by his broth- There was another bakery in the Agronomics and Geology ers when they returned from city. When the owners realized that At the age of 25 he married Miss Part I after completing their studies. He Reb Moshe Avrohom’s business Shaina Pliskin of Khazan, the niece By Rabbi Michoel Seligson was growing, they of Hachossid Reb Abba Pliskin. After were fearful that it his wedding, he studied agronomics With special thanks to Rabbi Dovid might affect their and geology. He began working Hurwitz business. One day as a surveyor and land evaluator two policemen Family determining, whether the land was showed up at Reb Horav Hachossid Reb Chaim Hur- suitable for farming or building. Moshe’s bakery. witz, fondly known as Reb Chaim He chose this profession because it One was a Jew Tashkenter, was born to Hachossid enabled him to have others working who had aban- Reb Moshe Avrohom Halevi and for him and thus he was able to avoid doned Mrs. Masha Liba on Shushan Purim working on Shabbos. He would work and the other was 1902 in Suraz, Russia. Suraz, north of in small cities where his absence on a non-Jew. They Vitebsk and 40 km. from Horodok, Shabbos would not be noted. People informed Reb was a genuinely chassidishe city. in those places needed his expertise, Moshe Avrohom as well as his services in property Reb Moshe Avrohom’s father, Hacho- that he was com- disputes. He was successfully able ssid Reb Arye Leib, a descendent of peting with the to observe Shabbos by notifying the Sheloh [an acronym of Shaya big bakery. Reb everyone that from Friday to Sunday Halevi Hurwitz], lived in Horodok Moshe Avrohom he was unavailable, busy complet- and was a chossid of the Rebbe gave the police- ing the week’s work, and not to be Maharash. After he married, he man a bagel and disturbed. moved from Horodok to Suraz, an forced him to urban-rural administrative district make a brocho. This profession brought a com- in Białystok. After taking a bite, fortable income and he was able he said, “Oh! Now to continue supporting Yeshiva Chaim’s mother had an uncle, Reb I know why all the and improve its Sholom, a very G-d fearing person, people come to conditions. particular in the fulfillment of Mitz- buy from you.” vos, whose livelihood was made by Wandering Years evaluating forest wood. On one occa- After a short time For a decade, from 1930 to 1940, sion, he hired a non-Jew to drive him it was discovered had a strong desire to go to Tomchei Reb Chaim wandered; going where to his destination. When they drove that the other bakery was not fol- Tmimim but WWI broke out and his work took him and attempting past a monastery, the coach driver lowing the rules of common hygiene the yeshiva relocated from Lubavitch to escape KGB surveillance due did not make the religious hand and it was forced to close. to other cities. to his support of the underground movements, as was customary for At the age of twenty, Reb Chaim yeshivos. When Reb Chaim sus- non-Jews upon viewing the religious The Bakery would travel to various places in pected that he was being watched, he symbol the monastery prominently During young Chaim’s childhood, order to assist his father in the busi- would immediately leave the city and displayed. Reb Sholom immediately his father owned a bakery and his ness. In Moscow he met Reb Yitz- relocate to a new one. Some of these ordered the coach driver to stop mother would assist him. At fifteen chok Hurwitz, known as Reb Itche cities were Nizhny-Novgrad, Gurki and got off the wagon. The coach Chaim began working in the bakery Masmid, who would orally relay and Stara-Russia, among others driver told him that they had not to assist with parnossa. The bakery Maamorim, Chassidic discourses, yet reached their destination. Reb Although Reb Chaim arranged it so was in a small house and at the and capture the hearts of the many Sholom responded that it made no that he would not be bothered on entrance stood a table with sforim. Polishe chassidim who were later difference and paid him. Shabbos with work related problems, In another corner stood a samovar, niskarev to Lubavitch. there were exceptions. One Shabbos The coach driver saw thatR eb Sho- a hot water kettle, with hot water. a man knocked on his door and lom didn’t trust him and asked how From time to time, the workers Students of Yeshiva Tomchei would not stop knocking. Finally, Reb Sholom knew that he intended would walk over to the table and Tmimim Reb Chaim opened the door and to harm him. Reb Sholom answered, study the sforim. Reb Moshe Avro- In Moscow, Reb Chaim came in began screaming at him, “Don’t you “When a Christian does not conduct hom made an agreement with his contact with the students of Yeshiva know that at the end of the week I am himself according to his religious employees that during the course Tomchei Tmimim. Their daven- not available?! I am now busy over beliefs, it means that he does not of their work, all the workers would ing was very unique. Reb Chaim my head with plans! Please leave and fear his G-d. Therefore I knew that recite chapters of tehillim led by one recalled how he saw them davening don’t disturb me.” you meant to kill me.” The driver of the workers. and how they concentrated with confirmedR eb Sholom’s suspicions the depth of their nshama on every The man became confused and Occasionally, needy people would and told him, “I did want to kill you word. The young Chaim would say left. But on the next Shabbos he come to request bread. After he and rob you of your money.” about these students, “zei fifen oif der came again, and again Reb Chaim learned Chumash and Mishnayos velt”, referring to their disregard for screamed at him and he left. This Reb Moshe Avrohom was a devoted with them, he would give them the opinion of others or what is com- happened a number of times. Reb chossid of the Rebbe RaShaB and bread. When children came to monly considered proper behavior. Chaim feared that the man was an merited to receive his guidance the bakery, he offered free baked In Reb Chaim’s view these students informer. regarding his daily studies. In goods to any child that consented were activists who were conducting addition, he sacrificed himself in to be tested in their studies. Many Lubavitch affairs. Suspicions in Shul supporting the Yeshiva Tomchei children came to the bakery and With Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Tmimim and sent two of his sons were tested. In their merit he learned how to approaching, Reb Chaim decided to to Tomchei Tmimim in Lubavitch. cherish Lubavitch more than any- The Rebbe RaShaB blessed Reb travel to a large city where there was In those years not every student was thing else. When he realized that Moshe Avrohom with success in a big shul. He posted a notice that accepted in the yeshiva. At one point despite the troubles in Russia the his business. The bakery grew suc- for the next two weeks he would sixty students came from Latvia Tmimim remained sincere Chas- cessfully and served nearby cities be occupied and requested that no but were rejected and returned sidim, he decided that either he including Lubavitch, since Reb one should bother him. As a further home. Chassidim who sent their joined Lubavitch or he would remain Moshe Avrohom was an honest and precaution, he approached the man sons to Tomchei Tmimim would with nothing. After he settled he was G-d fearing person whose kashrus who had visited him the last few also include a reference letter from always thinking of how he could be could be relied on. shabbosim and told him that he a chassidishe in their city. of assistance to Tmimim. January 16, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 5

should not come to him for the next come to a compromise. It demanded From time to time Reb Chaim would immediately relocated the Rosh two weeks. The man agreed. Reb all of his skill. also travel to Moscow to be in the Yeshiva and the students. They went Chaim felt at peace and left for the company of Anash. For a short time out through the back window. Reb Reb Chaim worked diligently but big city. he lived in Moscow on the same Chaim placed heavy furniture at the used any excuse possible to avoid block as the Rebbe’s father, Horav front door of his apartment in order When he entered the shul, he was working on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Levi Yitzchok Schneerson. Reb to stall the KGB, and he followed surprised to see this very man, say- One Friday on Chanuka an argu- Chaim would invite the Tmimim to them out through the window. He ing Tehillim with excitement and ran to Mr. Posner’s home requesting concentration. Reb Chaim walked that he allow the students into his over to him. The man told him that home. he assumed that the reason Reb Chaim did not want to be bothered Reb Chaim returned to his home on the weekend was because he was to find the KGB knocking on his Shabbos observant. He had been door. After entering the apartment attempting to spend the Shabbos and finding nothing out of order, the with Reb Chaim. KGB agents took Reb Chaim in for interrogation. He strongly denied all In the shul, there was someone allegations that he was connected staring at Reb Chaim. This made to the yeshiva. He showed them his Reb Chaim suspect that he was an official ID adding that he was a loyal informer and he tried to avoid him. employee who served his country. On Rosh Hashana, Reb Chaim saw The interrogator was unsuccessful this man standing and davening in getting any information out of in the manner of chassidim. Reb Reb Chaim. Chaim realized that he had been mistaken and he began davening Reb Chaim did not fear the mosrim, near him. After Yom Tov, he had the informers would report him to a conversation with the man and the Russian government and from it became clear that the man was a whom he suffered. He was very care- ment broke out among the farmers his house and support their under- chossid. This individual suspected ful that no one should suspect his and escalated to the point of poten- ground yeshivos, including the that Reb Chaim was an informer involvement with the underground tial rioting. The police were helpless yeshiva in Marina Rushze and in tracking him, just as Reb Chaim yeshivos and not to bring attention and the only person able to resolve additional locations. had made the same assumption to them. Despite his best efforts, the situation was Reb Chaim. about him. The Yeshiva in Koibetshov many times he was informed on The crowd came to Reb Chaim’s and called him for interrogation. That is what it was like in those days. A yeshiva was established in Koi- house and began knocking on his He always took his talis and tefillin The fear was so great, that even two betshov, to be renamed Samara in door. Reb Chaim had just lit the with him because he was never sure religious Jews were scared to speak years to come. Reb Chaim chose Chanuka menorah and was sitting how long it would be before he came to each other suspecting that each Horav Hagaon Reb Yosef Goldberg, engrossed in thought, absorbing the home. With Hashem’s kindness he was an informer. later the in Tomchei Chanuka atmosphere. The crowd was never arrested. Tmimim of Bruneau, France, to was screaming and the police and The Chanuka Candles that Saved serve as the Rosh Yeshiva. Reb At the conclusion of one of the inter- Reb Chaim’s employees called for his Life Chaim supplied all of the yeshiva’s rogations, having received no useful him to come out, but he remained At one point Reb Chaim was sent to material needs. Most of the time, the information, the interrogator told silent in his home. work at a distance from Tashkent. students slept in his home. Reb Chaim to return to his place. This area had many farming villages After a while they looked in the He was referring to the cell where When Reb Chaim first began bring- with imperfect boundaries and window and began screaming, Reb Chaim was kept. Reb Chaim ing the students to his home, he property lines, and as a result there “Come out, we see your candles took his talis and tefillin and went was warned off by a distinguished were many property disputes. It and we know you are home”. Reb out to the street. When he passed Jew who was worried for himself. was Reb Chaim’s job to determine Chaim would not budge, although through the front door, he told the Thereafter,R eb Chaim brought the the status and ownership of the people began threatening to break guard that he had been instructed to students into his house through a disputed land. down the door. go home. The guard was surprised back window. Someone reported but because Reb Chaim spoke in Reb Chaim had a great responsibil- After Shabbos, a judge fired Reb on Reb Chaim, and he managed to such a firm and convincing manner, ity. He needed to meet with the Chaim from his job because he grab his tefillin and escape before he believed him. villagers, and try to persuade them to refused to practice when required. the KGB came for him. Reb Chaim was completely As soon as Reb Chaim left the build- undisturbed that he was The Interrogations at the KGB ing, he began to run. A while later the left without parnossa. He Threatened by government agents, KGB began searching for him. Reb said, “This is also from people informed on the yeshiva. Chaim was already gone, headed for Hashem.” He returned to After two weeks,R eb Chaim sensed a small and distant city. Tashkent where he lived that something was wrong. He for the next two years. To be continued A while later, Reb Chaim found out that a week after he left the city army recruit- ers came to his house in order to seize him and send him to the military front. Reb Chaim, removed from his position, was long gone at that point. Concluding this story, Reb Chaim said, “If they had found me, I would surely have been sent to the front. It was the Chanuka candles that saved my life.” 6 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 16 2009

A Rabbi’s Northern Adventure

From the Heights of Alaska to the Golan Heights the corner from the famous 770 headquarters in Brooklyn, I had Reprinted with special permission the base. If we had stayed, we would rabbinical organizations not had any meaningful connection by the author and Merkos L'Inyonei have messed up military protocol in New York about the mikvah prob- with the world of Chasidim. Chinuch completely! lem. Though the Pentagon was will- Their joyousT ashlich celebration on By Rabbi Yisrael Haber The chaplains at the school all smiled ing to provide funds for the mikvah’s the first day ofR osh Hashanah, and broadly when they saw their two construction, I had no one to build it their ecstatic dancing on Simchat Dashing across the deserted lot, we rookie officers in uniform for the first for me in the proper halachic fashion. Torah, were the extent of my contact were surprised to see an Air Force time. The sergeants on the school Both organizations expressed great with them. truck traveling toward us at a danger- staff saluted us with all due military enthusiasm when they heard that ous speed. Nevertheless, like every religious respect. David and I glanced at each a young, idealistic Jewish couple Jew, I had read about the work which “Where are you guys going?” the other with grins as if to say, “Would was going off to bring Yiddishkeit the Chabad organization was doing driver asked as the truck braked to you believe it? It works!” to Alaska. Sometimes, it seemed to throughout the world. It seemed a stop. His uniform belonged to the me that a few of the wouldn’t After a small graduation ceremony wherever there were Jews, a Chabad military police. Without waiting for have been so happy if they were the on Friday morning, the two of us House was being opened to bring an answer he said, “Crossing the ones who were going to Alaska in our were driven to the airport. Changing Yiddishkeit to the area. Wandering airfield is a serious infraction.” place. At any rate, they said that they planes in Atlanta, we each flew off to Jews, wherever they might be, knew would do everything they could to My heart lost a beat. I looked up in our respective destinations. they could find a good kosher meal help solve our problem. Now, several the sky, fearing that a B-52 would and a joyous Shabbat minyan at the Making plans to meet at the Jewish months later, when I passed through swoop down on us right then and nearest Lubavitch way-station. Welfare Board in New York the fol- New York on our way to America’s there. lowing week before we flew off to our northern frontier, Not only in cities and on college When we explained to him that we assignments, we wished each other a campuses throughout America, but I stopped by both places to see what were brand new chaplains trying to “Shabbat shalom,” knowing that we also in places as far away as Sydney progress had been made. To my get to a class on time, he invited us had shared a fun five days together. and Johannesburg, the organization chagrin, I received a lot of vague into the truck for a lift. Dropping We had been civilians on Monday, was working to foster Torah values answers and promises, but nothing us off at the building we needed, and by the end of the week we had and religious traditions. In that way, tachlit, as they say. he made us promise never to take turned into “officers and gentlemen.” we had something in common. After a shortcut across the landing strip Though we looked at Judaism in very Realizing that a real problem awaited all, in our own little fashion, Miriam again. different ways, we were brothers at us in mikvahless Alaska, my wife and I were trying to spread the heart. As I was to learn later in my and I left New York and headed light of Judaism also. So when Sam That day’s classes dealt with military dealings with the Rebbe, just as crosscountry. Goldberg suggested that we stop by etiquette, Air Force history, admin- Hashem is one, the Jewish people the to get something istrative programming, and more In Chicago, we stayed with relatives must always be one. to eat, I was curious to meet the two marching practice. At the end of the who couldn’t get to New York for the young rabbis who had relocated their day, we went back to the tailor and At Newark Airport in New Jersey, send off.L eaving the Windy City, we families from Brooklyn to St. Paul. picked up our waiting uniforms. my father smiled proudly when he traveled to St. Paul, Minnesota, to Maybe I could pick up some tips met his son, the Air Force captain, visit Sam and Adele Goldberg, the On Thursday morning, we were told about opening shop and learn what who was dressed head-to-toe in wonderful couple who had taken in to report to class in uniform. Bye, made Chabad so successful. freshly-pressed, Air Force blue. Miriam’s mother, then a young girl of bye civilian clothing. We woke up seventeen, after she had survived the We were greeted by Rabbis Moshe extra early to put on our insignias We drove home to Monsey for Shab- Auschwitz death camp at the end of Feller and Gershon Grossbaum and and pins in the proper manner. bat.My wife,Miriam, my brothers, the Second World War. The childless their wives. and my maternal grandparents, We had borrowed a tape measure couple had welcomed and cared for were waiting at the house to greet “Shalom aleichem,” they said, from the school to assure military the orphaned girl as if their daughter, us. Knowing it was going to be the warmly shaking my hand. accuracy down to the smallest mil- brought her to St. Paul and gave last family Shabbat for a long time, limeter. As Jewish chaplains, the her a loving home and education. “Where are your travels taking you?” Miriam and I soaked in all of the love identifying insignia on our uniform When the elderly Goldbergs heard they asked. and family nachas that we could. was the Star of David atop tablets that their “granddaughter”Miriam “To Alaska,” I answered. In a way, it was like eating a final, representing the Ten Command- was traveling across the country on “No, seriously,” they said. “Where hearty meal before a long fast, for ments.When we were finished, David the way to Alaska, they insisted we are you off to?” the following week we would be off and I complimented each other on come for a visit, and we were happy “We’re going to live in Alaska,” I to Alaska. our spiffy appearance. It seemed that to oblige. insisted. the uniforms had been especially “Are you a fisherman?”R abbi Feller Chapter 8 Little did we know that this detour tailored for us, even before the first asked. DESTINATION: ALASKA along the route wasn’t only a happy six days of Creation! I was beginning Miriam laughed. family reunion, but a key part of to look like the officer on the Air All the next week, while we were “Why are you going there?” they G-d’s great, unfathomable plan. The Force enlistment posters! Standing visiting Miriam’s parents in Brook- insisted in knowing. couple was thrilled when we showed there in my uniform and kippah, it lyn, a steady stream of brothers and “I’m going to be the rabbi in Alaska— up on their doorstep. That alone was would have made a good puzzle for sisters, uncles and aunts, cousins the ‘Chief Rabbi.’” reward enough for all the traveling first-graders—“Color the object in and secondcousins came by to bid “The Chief Rabbi of Alaska?” they we had been doing. Sam, who always this picture which doesn’t belong.” farewells and wish us luck on our said simultaneously, as if it were called me “grandson” whenever we venture. It wasn’t only a family beyond all belief. We were on our way to the chaplain had spoken on the phone, proudly reunion. Seeing people who were school when our first crisis faced introduced me to his neighbors and If these guys don’t believe it, I setting off forA laska was an unusual us.Walking in our direction were friends.Wanting to do everything he thought to myself, maybe we really oddity, something like saying good- six men in uniform. Since we still could to please us, he suggested that are getting ourselves into a mess. bye to Admiral Perry as he set off weren’t able to recognize military we eat our meals at the newly opened to conquer the North Pole. Family, “The Rebbe knows about this, of Chabad House. Though he and his insignias at a glance, we decided to friends, neighbors, former teachers, course,” one said. wife kept kosher, he doubted it was salute everyone we passed. It was well-wishers, passers-by, and even “What?” I asked. the standard we were used to, and a very surprised group of privates our postman stood on the sidewalk “TheR ebbe knows you are going to he want- ed us to feel at home. So he who were saluted by two captains to wave their good-byes as our Alaska?” I said that I didn’t think drove us over to meet the two young in passing! Chevy left Brooklyn behind. so. Chabad rabbis who had opened St. “You are going to Alaska and the “Well, I’ll eat my cap,” one of them At the beginning of the summer, long Paul’s first Lubavitch center. Rebbe doesn’t know?” They both said in a drawl. before I had set off to Alabama for Of course, I had heard of Chabad looked amazed. my course at the Air Force Chaplain It was a good thing for the Air Force and the Rebbe, but, as I mentioned, School, I had spoken to two major that we only had one more day on even though I had grown up around January 16, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 7 Parshas Hashavua

Vedibarta Bam ~ Shemos them that in Egypt a woman gave and the Egyptians respectively: The birth to 600,000 children. The mes- Jewish midwives were simply told to By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilky day that has passed and a watch of sage to his generation was, “Do not leave the girls alone, “If it be a girl the night.” According to an opinion -despair! Our forefathers in Egypt vechayah — let her live” (1:16). Pha "ואלה שמות בני in the Gemara (Berachot 3a), the thought that they were doomed to be raoh hoped that by telling them to ישראל הבאים night is divided into four watches. slaves forever and there was no hope let the girls live, it would be easier for מצרימה את יעקב Thus, one day and one watch — for redemption. Suddenly, Yocheved him to persuade them to carry out איש וביתו באו" which equals fifteen hours — are one gave birth to Moshe, who ultimately his order to kill the boys. However, “And these are thousand years in Hashem’s eyes. took out all the 600,000 enslaved he told the Egyptians “techayun,” the names of the Consequently, to Hashem, 66 years Jews from Egypt and brought them not just to let the Jewish girls live, Children of Israel, and 8 months are one hour (1000 to Sinai for the giving of the Torah — but to make sure to assimilate them who were coming to Egypt with years ÷ 15 = 66 years and 8 months). the greatest event in Jewish history. into Egyptian culture. Yaakov; each man and his household Hence, the Midrash is saying that Likewise, we should never give up came.” (1:1) the entire Egyptian bondage was TheT orah cites both decrees together hope. The salvation of G d can come for a period of sixty six years and in the same pasuk to indicate that QUESTION: After the initial state- in the wink of an eye, immediately eight months. “Every daughter you shall sustain” ment, “these are the names of the and unexpectedly.” is a decree equivalent in its harsh- מצאתי בכתבי אבי הרב שמואל פסח ז"ל) Children of Israel, who were coming Hashem had told Avraham that ness and even surpasses the decree (באגאמילסקי to Egypt,” does not the remainder of his descendants would be slaves in re¬garding the boys, “Every son the pasuk, seem superfluous? Egypt for a total of four hundred that is born you shall cast into the "ותיראן המילדת את האלקים ולא עשו years. In order to lessen the years of river.” To destroy the soul is equal כאשר דבר אליהן מלך מצרים ותחיין ANSWER: When a person marries slavery, He increased the birthrate by to the killing the body, and indeed את הילדים" and raises a family, he is considered six fold. Thus, six times the normal the head of the household. The entire even worse — for spiritual death population working for sixty six “The midwives feared G d and they family looks up to him for advice surpasses physical death. years and eight months is exactly did not do as the King of Egypt and guidance. Often, as he ages and ) " ( לקוטי שיחות ח א equal to four hundred years of spoke, and they caused the children the children mature, they take over "ותקרא שמו משה" (slavery (66 years and 8 months x 6 to live.” (1:17 the father’s position and begin to = 400 years). (QUESTION: The words “vatechay- “She called him Moshe.” (2:10 )פרדס יוסף בשם ר' מאיר יחיאל הלוי run all the family affairs. If a major move has to be made, they make the ena et hayeladim” — “and they QUESTION: Why is he called מאסטראווצא זצ"ל( decisions and take their aged parents caused the children to live” — “Moshe Rabbeinu,” while the seem extra. If they did not listen to "ובני ישראל פרו וישרצו...ותמלא .along with them Rambam is known as “Rabbeinu Pharaoh, is it not obvious that the הארץ אתם" The Torah is attesting that the Moshe”? children lived? children of Yaakov had the highest “The Children of Israel were fruit- ANSWER: Though Moshe had respect and greatest admiration for ful and increased abundantly...and ANSWER: In every hospital with a many names (see Midrash Rabbah their father. Though he was already the land became filled with them.” maternity ward, a small percentage Vayikra 1:3), the name his parents 130 years old and they were in their (1:7) of children die at birth. gave him at birth was not “Moshe.” forties, full of zest and vigor, it was QUESTION: The Midrash (Shir The Jewish midwives feared that If so, why throughout the 120 years Yaakov who led the way, with the rest Hashirim 1.15:3) relates that once, during the time of Pharaoh’s decree of his life did he keep as his official of the household following. when Rebbi, Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi, a child would die, and the mother name the name, “Moshe,” which was delivering a lecture, he noticed would accuse them of obeying he received three months after his that the congregation had become Pharaoh. Being righteous women, birth? Alternatively: Yaakov was the tzad- drowsy. In order to rouse them, he they prayed to Hashem, and through dik of his generation. His entire Indeed, he was well aware that his said: “One woman in Egypt brought their prayers they “made live” even family looked to him for leadership original name was not “Moshe.” forth six hundred thousand children those children who would have died and guidance. The final letters of the However, he retained the name so in one birth.” A disciple named Rabbi naturally at birth. words " " spell the word as not to forget the one who had )מדרש רבה שמות א, ט"ו( Yishmael, son of Rabbi Jose, said to את יעקב איש “Shabbat” ( ). Each Shabbat acted toward him with great kind- ”?him: “Who can that have been שבת ness. Whenever he was addressed "ויצו פרעה לכל עמו לאמר כל הבן the family would gather around He replied: “This wasY ocheved, the as “Moshe,” it would remind him הילוד היארה תשליכהו וכל הבת .the “tish” (table) of Yaakov Avinu mother of Moshe, who was counted of being drawn from the water by תחיון" Being in the presence of a tzaddik as equal to six hundred thousand of was a source of inspiration, helping Batya, the daughter of Pharaoh, Israel.” “Pharaoh commanded all his people them endure the difficult Egyptian and he would thank her in his heart. saying, ‘Every son that is born cast Exile. 1) Is it not disrespectful for the Thus, the term “Rabbeinu” follows him into the river, and every daugh- students to drowse off during their the word “Moshe” to indicate that The first letters of the words " ter you shall sustain [keep alive].’ ” — Rebbe’s lecture? 2) Why did Rebbi the name “Moshe” is Rabbeinu שמות בני " spell the word " " — (1:22) use this particular unbelievable story our teacher — it teaches a lesson ׁשִ בְ ָי ה ישראל הבאים “captivity.” Thus, we are cautioned to awaken them? QUESTION: Pharaoh’s sole con- to humanity on hakarat hatov, that when exiled and in foreign cern was for all the boys to be cast the recognition of kindness and captivity, we should gather around ANSWER: The episode related into the river, while the fate of the gratitude. the tzaddikim of the generation. in the Midrash may be a meta- girls did not seem to interest him. phor for a period of Jewish history. On the other hand, the Rambam is )בעל הטורים, ספר נפש יהונתן מר' יהונתן בנימין Why did he add, “Every daughter The destruction of the second Beit renowned for his scholarly works הכהן ז"ל מסעליש( you shall sustain”? Hamikdash took place in the year through which he educated many "ובני ישראל פרו וישרצו" 3828, and Rebbi was born approxi- ANSWER: The word “techayun” generations of Jews. Therefore, he is “And the Children of Israel were mately 50 years afterwards. He was means, “you shall be the actual affectionately known as R“ abbeinu fruitful, and increased abundantly.” the leader of the fourth generation source of their life.” Pharaoh ordered Moshe” — “Our teacher, Moshe Ben (1:7) after the destruction. The Roman the Egyptians to cast Jewish boys Maimon.” government oppressed the Jews bit- into the river in order to cause their QUESTION: They bore six terly and the Jews were losing hope physical death. The sameE gyptians children at each birth (Rashi). Incidentally, it is not accidental for the coming of Mashiach and the were also told by Pharaoh that Why did Hashem cause such a that the words “Moshe Rabbeinu” ultimate redemption. Rebbi noticed those children who would remain phenomenon? ( ) have the numerical value משה רבינו that while he was propagating Torah, physically alive (i.e., the girls) were of 613, since he gave us the Torah ANSWER: According to the Yalkut, the community was “falling asleep,” to be sustained by them, that is, which consists of 613 mitzvot. the Jews were enslaved in Egypt for thinking that there would never, G d assimilated and totally raised in the Also “Rabbeinu Moshe” adds up a total of one hour. This enigmatic forbid, be a Geulah — redemption Egyptian way of life — in order to to 613 because in his monumental statement is explained as follows: — and that the galut is eternal. exterminate their Jewish souls. work known as Mishneh Torah, he In Psalms (90:4) it is stated, “A thou- In an effort to distract them from This explains the difference in the expounded all of the 613 mitzvot. )ילקוט ראובני( sand years in your eyes are like the such destructive thoughts, he told command to the Jewish midwives 8 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 16 2009 Teves Yahrzeiten

This week we continue with the Yahrzeiten of people who lived in our well Horav Hachossid Reb Yisochor herself with doing Mitzvos, good shechuna. We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mention- Shlomo, she was a student in Bais and generous deeds, and offered ing them we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn from their lives, Rivka, a member in , support to the broken hearted. She lessons that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes the and merited to a special kiruv from was nifter in 2005. Yahrzeiten from the 21st through 27th of Teves. The respective resting the Rebbe. She was nifter in 1990. 27th of Teves places of the individuals noted in this column are near the holy , Mrs. Elka Eichler unless otherwise specified. Mrs. Chaya Mushka Nemotin The daughter ofR eb Shlomo Eichler The daughter of Horav he sacrificed himself to immerse in and the wife of Hachossid Reb Tzvi Men Hachossid Reb Shmuel, she a mikva filled with snow and ice. Eichler, she raised her children in 21st of Teves merited to live with and He was an emissary raising funds the ways of Torah and Chassidus. serve the Rebbe’s mother, for Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim of She was nifter in 2005. Horav Hachossid Chana in DP France, and spreading the spirit of Reb 25th of Teves Camp in Poking, Ger- Torah and Chassidus whereever Peretz Mockin many and afterwards he went. He was committed with The son of Horav Mrs. Leah Karasik in the United States. heart and soul to the Rebbe and Hachossid Reb The daughter of Horav After her suffer- was born on Shushan Purim 1902 Yehuda Leib, he Hachossid Hatomim Reb ings in WWII, she in Suraz and was nifter in 1999 (see was among the Noson Gurary, she merited committed herself Our Heroes). students of Tom- to receive blessings from entirely to cook chei Tmimim in Lubavitch in the 27th of Teves the Rebbe RaShaB, the for the children in time of the Rebbe RaShaB, and Previous Rebbe and the the was among the mekushorim to the Horav Hachossid Rebbe. She was nifter in Nursery and for Previous Rebbe and the Rebbe. He Hatomim Reb 1974 on Shabbos on her the bochurim excelled in chesed and Tzedoko, Chaim Meir way to shul. Her resting studying in 770. supporting Anash in the days of Bukiet place is in the old Bais She was mekushar persecution in Russia, and especially The son of Hacho- Hachaim in Tveria. to the Rebbe and mer- in strengthening Yeshiva Tomchei ssid Reb Avro- ited to receive special Tmimim. He was born in Shvat 1894 hom Shmuel, he Mrs. Soro Okunov kiruvim from the Rebbe. in Neville and was nifter in 1982. was among the The daughter of Horav Hacho- she was nifter in 2003. elite students of Yeshiva Tomchei ssid Reb Avrohom, she was nifter Hachossid Reb Chaim Tzvi Tmimim in Otwock and those who in 1983. Dear Readers: Lefkowitz excelled in chassidus and in Avodas Anyone who would like to have their Mrs. Soro Levin The son of Reb Moshe Aharon, he Hatfila. He served as Rosh Yeshiva relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit was involved in communal affairs, and Mashgiach in Tomchei The daughter of Hachossid Reb column should email the name, father’s and with special devotion conducted Tmimim for over fifty years, and as Moshe Chaim, from childhood she name, date of the ptira and some the Reines Shul. He was nifter in a Rav in the Oneg Shabbos Shul in was absorbed with genuine Yiras details to [email protected]. A 2005 East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was a Shomayim, and sacrificed herself picture may be included. 24th of Teves member of Vaad Rabbonei Lubavitch to raise her children. She occupied Hakloli and was mekushar to the Horav Hachossid Rebbe with his heart and soul. He Would you like to receive R e b C h a i m was born in 1919 on the 24th of Nachman Menachem Av in Otwock and was this newspaper by email Kavalsky nifter in 1998. every Thursday? The son of Hacho- ssid Reb Moshe, Women Send an Email to [email protected] with he was involved in 21st of Teves בס”ד.communal affairs the word subscribe in the subject line and was mekushar with his entire Rebbetzin Lieba Hecht heart to the Rebbe’im. Every year The daughter of Hachossid Reb he would deliver bikurim to the Boruch, and the wife of may he live Great news!!! ChabadWeekly.com Great news!!! Rebbe at the Shovuos . and be well Horav Hachossid Reb He was born in Warsaw and was Avrohom, she stood at her husband’s ‘Chabad Weekly’ is an online listing of - Full page ads, Events, nifter in 1978. side assisting him in fulfilling the Advertisements, Jobs, Sales, Housing and much more. 24th of Teves shlichus of the Previous Rebbe as a Rav, in communal affairs, and in The concept of ‘Chabad Weekly’ was taken from Craigslist, where Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb fulfillment of theR ebbe’s directives you post your information free, and re-enter your information Mordechai Leib Gorodetsky for almost sixty years. She merited to raise generations of scholars, G-d every seven days. The son of Horav Hachossid Hato- fearing children, and shluchim of mim Reb Binyomin Eliyohu, he was the Rebbe worldwide. She was nifter Advantages: among the elite students in Yeshiva in 2004. 1) Text and images are free. Tomchei Tmimim of Brooklyn and merited to special affection from the 22nd of Teves 2) Your information will stay on site for seven days. Previous Rebbe and from the Rebbe. 3) Post it yourself – with no middleman. He was nifter in the midst of his life Mrs. Rivka Dubinsky 4) Your information is neatly posted (header in center, and in 1996. The daughter of Hachossid Reb details/images to the right). 26th of Teves Boruch Benzion, she was a distin- 5) Site could be sorted in many ways, to make your search guished woman who merited to easier and faster. Horav Hachossid assist in the Rebbe’s house with 6) ‘Full page’ section, where you can upload your image or Hatomim Reb the preparation of meals. She also document to be displayed on a full page (useful for posting Chaim Halevi merited to sew the gartlech for the yers, brochures etc). Full page section is not free. Hurwitz Rebbe. She was nifter in 2002. (Tashkenter) 23rd of Teves Sponsored by: UnionApartment.com. The son of Horav Hayalda Alte Mino Tiechtel Where you will nd our accommodations Hachossid Reb comfortable and pleasant. Moshe Avrohom, The daughter of, may he live and be January 16, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 9 Tznius: "America Is Nisht Andersh”

Letters & Buttons by Mrs. M. Resnick possibly have come from those Here is Dr. Pelcovitz’s letter in reply: psychology college classes were the I would like to thank Dr. David scientific studies you cited. Studies Pelcovitz for the gracious answer I that confirmed what Torah always received to my open letter to him, knew.” published on January 2nd, issue # Dear Mrs. Resnick: 10. Dr. Pelcovitz had been asked “Please reassure our good Chas- I just read your letter and apologize for not having seen it to address the fear and trepidation sidishe Mechanchim and Mashpiim earlier. I agree completely with the vast majority of your experienced by some of our people, that they are capable of handling message. I have always found the Torah insights in the both Shluchim and Anash as a result these ‘normal traumas’ that have area of dealing with stress and suffering to be far more of recent traumatic events and after been part of the trials and tribula- profound and filled with wisdom than psychology which listening to his excellent speech tions of Jewish life since the begin- is often dry, and one-dimensional. I wrote him a letter which I am ning of time, for some of them have excerpting below: lost faith in their own skills. I also believe, however, that there are times that profes- sional help is essential and most people can benefit from “…..My appeal to you is to tell I think it is someone like yourself, a systematic professional approach to counseling when us Chassidim that to overcome with your extensive knowledge their suffering crosses into the “disorder” spectrum (e.g. fear, anxiety and even terror we and experience who knows that Ein post traumatic stress disorder). To clarify, however, I agree do not need the psychologist part Chodosh Tachas Hashemesh and completely that in the majority of cases, when people are of Dr. Pelcovitz. It is the Talmid that all the factual credible studies suffering from general life stress or tragedy and they are Chochom with the big heart, a lofty end up confirming the eternal truth having normal reactions to abnormal events - the wisdom Neshomo and compassionate char- of the Torah, can give us back the of Torah is the best medicine acter traits from which we benefitted courage to recapture the wisdom last night. of our heritage and the strength to Thanks again for your warm and wise insights. disseminate it in an unadulterated To the best of my discernment, the Good Shabbos- David Pelcovitz form to our people.” only part of your talk that could

The Buttons Saga Continues… And you thought we had let it drop! collaborative international woman’s - the famous educator and speaker She is with a group of Baalei T’shuvos Absolutely not! project and how thinks it is such a Mrs. Esther Piekarski who runs a that she meets with regularly. Here wonderful idea. Lubavitcher Seminary for girls in the war in Gaza is on their minds. We have received signs of Buttons- Tel Aviv. They are all anxious to do something life from As she is going on and on with her Florida, California, Hong for the soldiers; they are even willing and She not only does the Kong, Bulgaria, Italy, Israel to volunteer to clean out air raid . Shluchos are busy orga- Buttons Project that Argentina shelters. They all have a strong urge nizing and producing Tznius-Button we sent for the mural to do something, anything. workshops and squares for the Inter- but she buys more national Muchnick Mural project. material, trimmings Mrs. Piekarski shares with them a and décor for all the Sicha where the Rebbe emphasizes I would like to share two beautiful other girls who have Vehoyo Machanecho Kodosh - episodes. shown such interest in Hashem is with us when Tznius is At the last Kinus Hashluchim I met the Tznius workshop part of our lives, and that Hashem a small group of glamorous ladies, that she is running. neither slumbers nor sleeps - lo affluent supporters of Rabbi Tzvi yonum v’lo yishan Shomer Yisroel. After she tells them the Grunblatt, Head Shliach of Argen- Then she recommends that they do story of the discovery tina and in my enthusiasm I sent something original, that they take on of the buttons in her them back to their home country to act bekoma z’kufa – with pride and mother’s basement, with a package of Rebbe’s Buttons, dignity in Tznius so even the goyim the evolution of the trimmings and instructions. That will want to help us vanquish our excitement Mrs. Rochel (Chitrik) mural project, she tells them about was in November 2008. enemies. She ends by telling them Shemtov puts her arm around her how she found herself right next to the story of the Rebbe’s Buttons January 2009. A beach in Punta mother Mrs. Rivka Chitrik and Mrs. Rosenberg on Har Hazeisim concluding with the dedication to Del Este, one of the poshest sum- gently interrupts the avalanche of Mrs. Rivka Holtzberg HYD. mer resorts in South America. Our enthusiasm. Shluchim from that part of the world By now everyone is in tears, “Do you know who this woman are very busy active with Mivtzoim. fully committed to do theR eb- that you are talking about is?” she Rabbi and Mrs. Hirsch Chitrik are be’s wishes and she even raises asks with a mischievous look on visiting their children Rabbi Eliezer 500 shekels when one woman her face. and his wife Mrs. Rochel Shemtov, decides to buy a ‘Rebbe-Button’ Shluchim in Uruguay. “It is my mother and she is right with the proceeds going to here.” benefit our Jewish soldiers. At one of the elegant lunches in the Conrad hotel, an attractive The excitement, photo flashes, Those Rebbe’s Buttons, they blond lady from Buenos Aires is shrieks of joy went on for quite some seem to have a way of touching exuberantly sharing a ‘miraculous’ time, in the room. It is now obvious and inspiring women all over experience that she heard about to all that the Rebbe’s message of the world. May we continue to during her visit to New York. She Tznius has reached all the way to the be inspired to action by their tells how a Crown Heights woman relaxed beaches of South America. eternal message – Tznius: The during the levaye. How she told found a trove of buttons in her Essence of The Jewish Woman - to So you wonder who is running the her about Bnos Melech B’Yachad’s basement - buttons that the Rebbe usher in the final Geula. world? Crown Heights, Uruguay, decision to dedicate the mural to approved for a N’Shei Convention Argentina all converge in sunny her daughter the holy Shlucha Mrs. some 40 years ago. She continues For comments: Tznius1@verizon. Punta Del Este around the Rebbe’s Rivka Holtzberg HYD, and how how this Molly Resnick, whom net Tznius Buttons. I can’t wait to receive Mrs. Rosenberg was very moved she met at the Kinus Hashluchim’s Next week B”H we will reply to some those ‘sandy’ mural squares! and grateful. banquet gave her a Rebbe’s Buttons of the mail that has been accumulat- kit to deliver to Rabbi Grunblatt’s Now we are in Israel where Mrs. But it is Mrs. Piekarski’s next peula ing. Stay tuned. wife for a workshop, as part of a Rivka Chitrik has another daughter that really takes the cake. 10 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 16 2009

24th of Teves:

The Histalkus of The Alter Rebbe the Russian roads, etc.), Napoleon whatever they found there. burst into the room to berate his TheA lter Rebbe told his chassidim When they arrived, they saw that Part I generals for not having their battle that although Napoleon would the house was being consumed by a plans ready. reprinted from the book The Alter improve the financial and politi- blazing fire. They desperately tried to Rebbe written by Rabbi Sholom Ber cal situation for the Yidden, their When Napoleon saw someone he extinguish it and salvage something Avtzon spiritual lives would suffer. didn t recognize among them, of the house even a single piece of he shouted, You! You re a spy! wood but it burnt to the ground, Leaving He explained that the reason Napo- Immediately he ran over to Reb leaving nothing but ashes. A few years later, between 1804 and leon changed the political and social Moshe and placed his hand on Reb 1808, the Czar made additional laws in the countries he conquered Napoleon told his soldiers to offer Moshe s chest. restrictions concerning where Jews abolishing, for example, the system all the townspeople a huge sum of could live and what occupations of a master ruling over servants Napoleon assumed that if he were money if they would relinquish any they could have. These rules became and slaves was that he didn t a spy, he would be frightened and item that had once belonged to the known as the Pale of Settlement. want people to follow a Supreme that would cause his heart to beat Alter Rebbe. Authority. very rapidly. Despite the truth of the Over fifty thousand Yidden lost He also decreed that there would accusation, however, Reb Moshe their livelihood and became home- By abolishing the system of mas- be a dire punishment for anyone s heartbeat did not speed up at all less during the first phase ter/servant, people withholding such an object. The and Napoleon was thus fooled into of this decree. The second would eventually townspeople, however, were faithful believing that Reb Moshe was on phase, which was scheduled stop being subser- to the Alter Rebbe s wishes and did his side. to become effective a few vient to a human not cooperate. years later, would affect even authority, and that Later, Reb Moshe related that what For the next four months, the Alter more. would train them saved his life was applying one of Rebbe and his family were con- not to be subservi- the most basic concepts in Chas- TheA lter Rebbe personally stantly on the run, sometimes barely ent to the ultimate sidus to the situation. As the Alter traveled around Russia to escaping the speedy advance of the Authority G-d. By Rebbe writes in Tanya, G-d made a help raise funds to resettle all French army. In the beginning of accomplishing this, person in such a way that his mind these unfortunate families. Teves, the Alter Rebbe arrived in Napoleon would has the power to control his heart. the village of Piena. Since Prince Lubamirsky then proceed to By using his mind, Reb Moshe was The bitterness of that winter was and other nobleman had wipe out the practice able to have complete control over hard on the French army and caused tremendous respect for the of religion for both his heartbeat, thereby removing them to suffer tremendous losses. Alter Rebbe and felt close Jews and gentiles. Napoleon s suspicions about him. Now, at last, the Russian army was to him, the Alter Rebbe With these new Because Napoleon was the embodi- on the offensive and Napoleon s beseeched them to convince laws, Napoleon ment of evil, the Alter Rebbe didn t demoralized army was fleeing in the Czar to allow the Jews to would also succeed want to live under his rule even for a defeat. The Alter Rebbe and his settle in a different area. in removing the moment. When the retreating Rus- family could finally settle some- Negotiations with these noble- social barriers between all people, sian army informed the Alter Rebbe where temporarily until the war was men (who presented some of these and in the Jews case, between Jews that the French army was rapidly completely over. requests to the Russian Senate) were and gentiles. The ghetto walls that approaching, members of his family Safe from the enemy, the Alter Rebbe headed by the Alter Rebbe s young- once kept Yidden isolated from the and some chassidim removed every chose to stay for a while in the village est son, Reb Moshe. They came to an secular world would no longer exist. last thing from the Alter Rebbe s of Piena and immediately set out to abrupt halt a few years later, however, Since Yidden would be able to live house and they all fled the town. help the Yidden there. Amidst the in the summer of 5572 (1812) when and conduct business freely with After they had traveled approxi- great devastation that had befallen the country s relative peace was goyim, Napoleon anticipated that mately two miles out of Liadi, the Russia from the war, there were tens suddenly shattered: The French gen- many Jews would assimilate. Alter Rebbe asked the government of thousands of Jews who had been eral, Napoleon Bonaparte, invaded The Alter Rebbe also stated and it official who had been assigned to displaced and were in desperate need Russia. actually came to be that if the Yid- accompany them if he could bor- of housing, food and employment. Napoleon had already declared den helped the Czar win, he would row a carriage and fast horses. He To alleviate their plight, the Alter war on all of Europe, and in every alleviate many of these harsh decrees explained that he had to return to Rebbe sent his son Rav DovBer to country that he conquered he made out of thanks and appreciation. his house to search for any items that Krementchuk, where there was a significant changes in its laws. One might have been left behind. In the Alter Rebbe s eyes, Napoleon sizeable Jewish community, to see of his decrees, for example, was that was the epitome of tumaah. TheA lter Chassidim explain that the Alter how housing could be arranged for a nobleman could no longer rule Rebbe was so afraid that Napoleon Rebbe thought Napoleon practiced the numerous families whose homes over a serf (i.e., a servant or slave s rule would destroy the spiritual witchcraft, and if he had obtained had been destroyed. laborer). life of the Yidden, he instructed his anything that belonged to the Alter His chossid, Reb Pinchas Reizes, The local inhabitants of the lands faithful chossid Reb Moshe Meisels Rebbe, he would have used it to who was extremely wealthy, was he invaded welcomed this new to offer his services to the French help him conquer Russia, or at least given the task of finding ways and rulership. Napoleon was promising High Command. nullify the Alter Rebbe s tefillos opportunities for people to make a them a better life, and many of the against him. livelihood. Reb Moshe did not find it difficult downtrodden people assisted him to gain their trust. Being from Knowing this, the Alter Rebbe This is in addition to his petition to wholeheartedly in winning the war Vilna (which was originally a part returned to his house to make sure the government to give large areas against their own country. of Poland), a city where all the Jews Napoleon wouldn t be able to get of land to the Jews so that they could Countless tzaddikim supported supported Napoleon, and aided by hold of any of his belongings. The resettle there. The following year the Napoleon. They were correct in their his ability to speak Russian, Polish Alter Rebbe took the only things that petition was granted. reasoning that these changes would and French, he would act as if he had been overlooked an old pair of To the Alter Rebbe, it did not matter remove many of the harsh and unjust were helping the French but would slippers, a sieve, and a rolling pin if the needy individual was a chossid laws decreed against the Yidden. really be spying on Napoleon s in the attic and then set the house or not. To him, all Yidden even his army for Russia. The information on fire so that Napoleon wouldn t As a result, Napoleon had the sup- opponents were equally worthy of he gleaned from the French about get even a piece of wood from the port of the majority of the Polish Yid- the same assistance. their battle plans helped theR ussian house. den during his conquest of Poland. government immensely. He naturally assumed that the As the Alter Rebbe left from one side His Histalkus Russian Jews (who had also suffered, One day, when Reb Moshe appeared of the city, the French entered from Sadly though, the Alter Rebbe s especially under their government to be standing quietly off to the side the other. Napoleon commanded efforts to help his fellow Jews were s new restrictions) would help him waiting for the French generals to ask his soldiers to head straight for the cut short. Just ten days after arriving conquer Russia as well. him a question (about the terrain or Alter Rebbe s house and bring him Continued on the next page January 16, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 11

The Sedra Shemos and the Alter Rebbe the Rebbe requested the officer to stop the boat, and this time he did A MITZVA, NATURALLY natural world, they must be within burgh) by his Czarist captors. Once, — after eliciting from the Rebbe Nature, not outside of it. he asked the officer to stop the boat a blessing written on a piece of Reprinted from A Thought For The to permit him to recite the B’racha paper. The Rebbe then performed Week (Blessing) on the new moon. The lat- the Mitzva of Kiddush Levana By Rabbi YM Kagan Sidra Shemos is always read close to ter refused; the Rabbi told him that (sanctification of the new moon) the 24th day of the month Teves, the if he should so desire he would stop by reciting the B’racha. (The officer Sidra Shemos opens the narrative of Yarzeit, anniversary of the passing, the ship himself. The officer again was subsequently promoted to a high the Exodus from Egypt climaxed by in 1813, of Rabbi refused, rank. He lived to a ripe old age near the giving of the Torah on Mount Schneur Zalman and the ship the town Staradub and cherished Sinai. The Mitzvos that we fulfill of Liadi, founder suddenly Rabbi Schneur Zalman’s note, which after Sinai differ from the precepts of Chabad- stopped. he preserved under glass in a golden that our forefathers performed Lubavitch. Rabbi Sch- frame.) in that (a) they are G-d’s express neur Zal- commandments to us, and (b) they During his Czar- Although Rabbi Schneur Zalman man then imbue the physical with lasting sanc- ist imprisonment could have performed the Mitzva recited the tity. The material elements involved (in 1798) Rabbi when the ship was halted the first introduc- in the performance of Mitzvos (the Schneur Zalman time, he waited until the officer tory prayers leather of the TeltIlin-straps, the was often taken voluntarily (and naturally) stopped before the ram’s horn of the Shofar etc.) become from his cell in the the boat, so that even the preparation B’racha, per­manently elevated to a degree of Peter-Paul fortress to the Mitzva (the lack of movement) but not the holiness. It follows that the Mitz- and ferried across should be accom­plished by natural B’racha vos should be fulfilled by natural the Neva River to means. itself, and means, not through the agency of a be interrogated in t h e s h i p REFERENCES: Based on Likutei miracle; for in order that the Mitzvos another part of the then moved Sichos, Vol. V, p. 317 and Likutei refine, sanctify, and “spiritualize” the city (St. Peters- on. Again Dibburim Vol. IV, p. 1504.

The Alter Rebbe Napoleon s army retreated from somehow forgot there was no pre- the most well-known of them: Russia. It is believed that the Alter pared food for her to eat, leaving the in Piena, he became extremely ill and Whenever they stopped at an inn to Rebbe s passing was his final act of mother and baby in danger. Starting was nistalek a week later. warm up from the bitter cold, one of mesirus nefesh sacrificing himself a fire himself, theA lter Rebbe then the three always remained outside in During the final week before his in order to defeat Napoleon and save took some of the food that he found the carriage so that the Alter Rebbe's histalkus, the Alter Rebbe said, Russian Jewry from the spiritual in the house and prepared a nourish- body was never left alone. Whoever holds on to my klamkah destruction a Napoleonic victory ing meal for the poor woman. Only (door handle), I will do him a favor would have caused. when mother and child were taken To the bewilderment and shock of [in return] in this world and in the care of and no longer in danger did the one guarding the Alter Rebbe, Chassidim say that the Alter Rebbe next one. the Rebbe make his way back to shul he suddenly felt the carriage begin himself hinted at this by saying, At to continue his davening. to shake and then rise up in the air. The Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek certain times, tzaddikim have to Rushing out from the inn, the other explained that one of the things the give up their life in order to defeat This is the type of ahavas Yisroel two realized why it had happened. Alter Rebbe meant by this is that we tumaah, and in this generation, the the Alter Rebbe implanted in his They saw that a non-kosher animal should not only learn Chassidus, kelipah is Napoleon. chassidim. had taken cover under the wagon, we should have mesirus nefesh to In truth, mesirus nefesh for another and as soon as they shooed it away, have ahavas Yisroel for our fellow His Burial Yid was apparent throughout the the wagon descended to the ground. Jews. The Alter Rebbe himself was Since Piena was not a Jewish settle- Alter Rebbe s entire life and espe- Apparently, to keep the Alter Rebbe's moser nefesh all his life to infuse ment, the Alter Rebbe was not cially during the forty-one years of holy body from becoming impure, his chassidim with Chassidus and buried there but was taken instead his Nesius. As a true Ro eh Yisroel the wagon had miraculously risen ahavas Yisroel. to Haditch. (shepherd of the Jewish people), he into the air! Indeed we see that in his final days, always placed the well-being of the Because of the many travel restric- Arriving in Haditch, the Jewish even as the Alter Rebbe felt the Yidden before himself. tions due to the war, traveling at that community immediately gave them imminence of his histalkus, his time was extremely difficult (not to Not only did the Alter Rebbe have a large area to use as a burial site. thoughts were focused on helping mention that it was the middle of a mesirus nefesh for klal Yisroel as Shortly after burying the Alter Yidden and explaining the impor- bitterly cold winter). evidenced by his imprisonments Rebbe, a large building was built tance of helping Yidden to others. and personal suffering he also had Out of fear of spreading disease, the around his holy resting place. In fact, the final thing he wrote1 mesirus nefesh even when it came government was extremely strict To this day, thousands of Yidden emphasized that in the generations to a single Yid. about making sure people were come there to daven, knowing that before Moshiach, the main emphasis buried where they passed away and It happened one year during the in the zechus of the tzaddik, their should be the importance of doing not where their families wanted Yom Kippur davening that the Alter prayers will be accepted. mitzvos, especially the of them to be. So by taking the Alter Rebbe suddenly removed his talis tzedakah and helping out another Rebbe to Haditch, his family was With this came an end to the forty- and left the shul. Everyone waited Yid. taking quite a risk. one years of the Alter Rebbe s respectfully for him to return, not Not wanting to attract too much Nesius; years in which the Alter On Motzoei Shabbos, Parshas knowing why he left and for how attention, only three people were Rebbe devoted himself with heart Shemos, the 24th of Teves, 5573 long he would be gone. chosen to accompany his holy body. and soul for the sake of all Yidden. (1813), at the age of sixty-eight, the Meanwhile, the Alter Rebbe had They were two of his grandsons, the Notwithstanding the tremendous Alter Rebbe was nistalek. gone home to get an axe. He then (Rebbe) the Tzemach Tzedek and opposition that faced him and the At the time of the Alter Rebbe made his way to the forest where he Reb Nochum (the oldest son of the suffering he endured, he drew hun- s histalkus, the last remnants of chopped some wood, bundled it up MittelerR ebbe), and one of the local dreds of thousands of Yidden to and walked quickly to a small hut inhabitants who knew the way. Chassidus during these years. on the edge of town. 1 . The Alter Rebbe Afterwards, when (the Rebbe) the May we all merit to be connected to gave it to his grandson the Tzemach He knocked on the door and entered Tzemach Tzedek and Reb Nochum him and follow in his ways. Tzedek to keep as guidance for the to find a bed-ridden woman, frail returned to Piena, they related to the time when he would become Rebbe. and famished, holding her just-born rest of the family the many miracles In the next few chapters we will cover some infant. The hut was freezing, and in that happened to them along the of the Alter Rebbe s major contributions It begins with the words Vehanefesh to klal Yisroel. hashefeilah. their rush to get to shul, her family way. The following story is perhaps 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 16 2009

Shaalos Utshuvos in Modern Times

Excerpts from "Ask The Rabbi" at Chabad.org began working for Pharaoh even in the volunteer stage, they were How Do I Explain Israel’s they are just creating more terror- soldiers. The Hamas terrorist seeks not subjected to the subsequent Actions in Gaza? ists? The anger and fury at Israel as violence as a way of life; his aim is slavery.5 a result of bombing Gaza will only to sow war and death. For the Israeli By Aron Moss Please let me know if this helps. make more people want to join soldier, war is a necessity, and a Yours truly, Hamas. moral duty, because Israel’s citizens Question: Rabbi Menachem Posner are being attacked and innocent lives I am the only Jew in my office, so A: Feelings of frustration, anger, are being threatened. The Hamas FOOTNOTES I face a daily barrage of questions fear and rage do not make you into terrorist seeks to maximize civilian 1. Va’erah 6. about Israel’s actions in Gaza. I don’t a terrorist. A culture of death and casualties; the Israeli soldier does 2. Exodus 5:4. know who appointed me as Israel’s an education of hate does. Israel everything in his power to minimize 3. Gur Aryeh, Exodus 5:4. spokesman and I am not armed with doesn’t need to do anything to create them. 4. Rabenu Bachya, Nachmanides, Exodus 5:4. the answers. Can you help? terrorists - Islamic extremism does that - but Israel must act to destroy The Hamas terrorist fears times of 5. Cited in Chizkuni and Daas Zekeinim Answer: those who threaten its people. peace, because then he has no pur- on Exodus 5:4. At times like this, each one of us pose. The Israeli soldier dreams of a Hamas indeed has a militant becomes an ambassador for Israel. Q: time when peace will reign. Then, the wing, but it also does a lot of good. How can I be a Jew among Even if you don’t agree with every- Israel Defense Force will be made They are responsible for social non-Jews? thing Israel does, any decent person joyously redundant, as “one nation programs, educational projects By Yisroel Cotlar must stand up for Israel’s right to will not lift a sword against another and humanitarian work in Gaza. self-defense. nation, and they will no longer learn By destroying Hamas, Israel also Question: to wage war”. We can leave the military and politi- destroys all the good they do. Aren’t I'm the only Jew in my class and cal issues to the experts, but we we demonizing a group that is not struggling with the balance of retain- should all be clear on the moral all bad? ing my Jewish identity while having questions raised by this war. Let’s Why didn’t Pharaoh proper interaction with my peers. A: If a serial killer also happens to look at a few of the most commonly enslave the tribe of What's the correct approach to volunteer for his local hospital, has asked questions. Levi? being Jewish in an atmosphere of donated money to an orphanage, and By Menachem Posner non-Jews? Q: How can Israel justify killing looks after his ailing grandmother, civilians if their intent is to crush he is still a serial killer, and he and Scripture never states explicitly that Response: Hamas? the tribe of Levi was not enslaved. There's a lot to speak about, but for In Midrash Tanchuma,1 however, The death of now, let's keep it seasonal. A: Rabbi Joshua ben Levi makes this innocents is a tragic assertion. We're just coming from Chanukah, inevitability of war. and oil plays a big part in the Cha- Our hearts go out to Rashi 2 sees it as implicit from the nukah story. For that matter, it plays all those caught in the fact that Aaron was able to go and a big part in Judaism. What makes middle. The sad fact greet Moses, and they were both it so important? is that the Palestinian allowed to come and go as they people are being held please—and even meet Pharaoh. Oil is a strange substance with two hostage by Hamas. How would they be roaming so very opposite properties. On one Just as it is clear that freely if their tribe was bound in hand, it always floats to the top. Hamas is morally labor? Rather, since the Tribe of No matter how hard you try, it just culpable for any harm Levi was a priestly class, even in won't mix with other liquids. Yet, at done to Gilad Shalit, Egypt, the Egyptians allowed them the same time, when oil goes some- the Israeli hostage complete freedom. where, it goes all the way through. that they hold, so too It's this sort of saturation that makes Even back then, the tribe of Levi are they culpable for oil-based stains so tough to remove. served as the spiritual compass of the the fate of Palestinian So it both floats above and permeates Jewish people. There are a number of innocents amongst within. Go figure! explanations of how this saved them whom they hide. A from enslavement. Here are some: Our nation is like oil. On one hand, civilian who is killed we are quite different from those while being used by a A. Pharaoh was aware of the fact around us. We must treasure our terrorist as a human that he would one day be punished distinct identity, being proud to shield is a victim of for enslaving the Jewish people. He look and act like Jews do. We are the the terrorist, not the hoped that by allowing the tribe ancient tribe that never assimilated, Israeli army, who of Levi to continue to study G‑d’s that's here today just as we were does not target inno- teachings and serve Him, he would three and a half thousand years cent civilians. be spared from retribution.3 ago. And how do others view this? Q: Isn’t Israel’s response a bit the threat he represents must be B. Even Pharaoh understood the Look for yourself: Gentiles respect disproportionate? treated as such. The danger he poses need for every nation to have spiri- Jews who respect themselves--and far outweighs the concern for any tual leaders and guides and therefore are embarrassed of Jews who are If Israel’s purpose was to take A: good he may do. kept the tribe of Levi as the guard- embarrassed of themselves. revenge, then perhaps the question ians of the tradition.4 of “proportion” would apply here. Q: By using violence, how is Israel any Yet at the same time, we mix freely But Israel is waging a defensive better than its terrorist enemies? C. Jacob had told his children that among the peoples of the world. war. In war, you don’t measure your the tribe of Levi would one day You'd think a tribe like ours would That is as ridiculous as saying that response to the enemy by what they A: merit to carry the Ark of the Cove- stick to Israel and parts of Brooklyn. a woman who fights off an attacker have done to you in the past, but nant—and the rest of the traveling But that just isn't so. For the Jews is no better than her attacker. Israel rather by what needs to be done to Tabernacle—in the desert. At first, are "a light onto a nations." We are would not touch Hamas if Hamas stop them from attacking you. Israel when Pharaoh began inducing the all ambassadors of G‑d sent here would stop sending rockets and sui- must destroy Hamas’ capability to people to work, the people came as on a mission to bring holiness and cide bombers into Israel. Israel seeks continue shooting rockets at Israeli volunteers. Only later did the work goodness to all those around us. We to live in peace with its neighbors; cities. Israel’s actions are propor- become mandatory. The Levites are role models whose good deeds Hamas and its allies seek to destroy tionate to the present and future were aware of their special purpose are to rub off upon others. Israel, no matter what Israel does. threat, not just the damage done in and felt that shoulders reserved for Be the best oil you can be and you'll the past. There is a world of difference between the Ark of G‑d should not carry go far. the Hamas terrorists and the Israeli Pharaoh’s bricks. Since they never Q: Doesn’t Israel understand that January 16, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 13 Notes

Notes from the Battlefront me whatever happened to some- what’s the fight? one I didn’t care about “then,” so By Lieba Rudolph elusive. Eating is pleasurable; self-denial is I certainly don’t care about “now,” not. Hard as it is to understand, the Just this morning, I taped the picture I am ashamed to admit that I never quickly reminding myself of the real short-tern satisfaction of a bowl of printed from the Internet with the thought much about facts such as reason I got on the computer in the ice cream is harder to resist than the names and pictures of ten fallen the one I just heard on the news, that first place. long-term benefits of looking better, Israeli soldiers, each a holy martyr three hundred million children in I know too many people who subject feeling better, and living longer. who gave his life trying to extirpate the world don’t own a pair of shoes. If themselves to the great time-robber I the irredeemable enemy of Hamas. it’s the world’s problem, it’s the Jew’s And so most of us fail, some of us not so affectionately callW astebook. problem, and I am ashamed that such battle, and nearly all of us secretly Their young, beautiful faces will I fear that Facebook is destined conditions exist on my watch. envy our fat-free friends who epito- remind me of the pain of this war and to be as much a fact of life as the mize self-control as they carry the urgency to win it, so that these So I stay the course by avoiding computer itself, so now those who around water bottles and nibble on boys, along with too many others, being manipulated by one of the use it must be self-monitoring. Yes, it carrots and celery all day. Our only can be reunited with their loved can be used consolation, other than the fact these ones with Moshiach’s arrival. for good, but people never get to enjoy ice cream, right now, One little miracle would do it, just is that they are probably a little too this minute, as long as the whole world would preoccupied with themselves and is it? recognize that the miracle came their appearance for us to want to from Hashem. I w o u l d be like them even if we could. suggest that The present certainly seems like the As a soldier, I know should be too every time time and Israel has always seemed busy doing good to be preoccupied a person like the place. But victory starts with with eating and too focused on a spends five me. The best way for me to step up larger mission to be focused on what minutes or my battle to do good is to hold firm the scale says. more peer- in my soldier status, recognizing ing in on Exercise is a time to write, to learn, that it is a full-time job. Even if Facebook, he and to think—all G-dly pursuits I am forced to do “nothing,” say, or she com- that support a healthy body. Eating, in the store checkout line behind mits to do even thinking about eating, or worse, someone buying something with no something thinking about not eating, takes a lot price on it, who then has to go back nice for a of time and energy. to the aisle and get another one but Facebook there isn’t another one, just staying With the exception of Shabbos, a “friend.” pleasant and calm, even if I’m late solid breakfast and a substantial A s i m pl e for carpool, can bring Moshiach. mid-day meal is usually all I need, “hello” with lots of water along the way. And as soon as I become aware that main societal forces that would phone call or even an e-mail would And if I eat more than that, it’s okay. I’m actually doing “something,” I ask eagerly drag me back to civilian life do wonders for Jewish unity. I want to be a model soldier, not a myself if I am doing something that in America: the Internet. As if working to bring Moshiach soldier model! will bring Moshiach. I am adversarial with it, aware that it wasn’t enough, another benefit of Boruch Hashem, I feel good, not I do allow myself a few minutes to wants the most precious commodity life in the Army of Hashem is the because I’ve decided that vanity is stay up on current events—mostly I have: my time. soldier’s diet. more important than eating, but that because the state of today’s world So I look at it as a small victory We all know about the “battle” or spending more time doing good is. inspires me to work harder to reveal when I ignore AOL’s offer to show “struggle” with our weight, but the G-dliness that appears to be so

Jewish History Personality him to inherit leadership. “You don’t Let him sit in my place at the head of need all that.” Tzvi’s soul, a holy one, the table and you, my son, sit in his Hatzadik Hakodosh Reb Tzvi Ben would perfect itself, not others. place.” When he finished speaking he removed the white robe symbol- and acting like a simple man. He is In the year 1760 when the Baal Shem izing his office and placed it upon the HaBaal Shem Tov considered to be a tzaddik nistar (a Tov passed away, the Chassidic shoulders of Rabbi Dov Ber. Born: Brody, Galicia, (year ?) tzaddik who remained anonymous), Movement was at a crucial juncture, his great acts were hidden from the requiring strong, dynamic leader- Nistalek: Mezibuz, South Poland, Luxury and Charity public eye. ship. The matter of succession was 1779 Rabbi Tzvi once accompanied his in question, as the Baal Shem Tov father, the Baal Shem Tov, to the For a time, the Baal Shem Tov settled Successor to the Baal Shem Tov had left no specific instructions for house of a wealthy man in Mezibuz. in Brody, where he married the Before his passing, the Baal Shem his followers. In a move of respect The father, seeing his son’s eyes sister of a renowned scholar, Rabbi Tov told his son Tzvi, “Had I instilled and honor for the Baal Shem Tov, his widen at the costly silver orna- Avraham Gershon Kitover. A son, within you the soul of Adam HaRis- only son Rabbi Tzvi was appointed ments and expensive furnishings, Rabbi Zvi, and a daughter, Adel, hon (the first man), you would know interim leader. He served in that exclaimed: “My son, I see that you were born to the Baal Shem Tov and all of Creation. Instead, I granted capacity for one year. The disciples envy this man and his costly things his wife. Rabbi Tzvi learned Torah you a holy soul, so you don’t need had gathered for the first yahrzeit of while your father’s house is bare of from his father and his uncle Rabbi all that.” It seems that the Baal Shem the Baal Shem Tov and were seated such luxury. But believe me, my son, Gershon. His father the Baal Shem Tov was warning his son that leader- around a table with Rabbi Tzvi at even if I were to possess sufficient Tov commanded him not to seek a ship of the movement would not be their head. He had just concluded wealth to acquire these baubles, I rabbinical position and to save his his. Adam HaRishon symbolizes his Torah discourse when he rose would distribute it all to the poor.” words. His friends were never able leadership, as it says, “Let us make and said: “Today my father appeared to get a word of wisdom out of him man...and he will dominate the fish to me and informed me that the Rabbi Tzvi was buried next to his in the name of his father. of the sea, the birds of the sky, the Shechinah and Heavenly Assembly father in Mezibuz. He left behind animals, and the entire earth...” that used to be with him have gone two righteous sons, R’ Aharon of Rabbi Tzvi was a faithful emissary (Bereishit 1:26). The Baal Shem over this day to Rabbi Dov Ber; Tityov and R’ Dov of Olnov. to his father in his many missions of Tov did not wish to lower Adam therefore my son, transfer to him saving Jews in trouble. Like his father May the merit of the tzaddik Rabbi HaRishon’s soul by instilling it the leadership in the presence of the he gave away all his money to charity. Tzvi protect us all, Amen. within his own son, merely to enable Chevraya Kadisha (Holy Society). He was known for his great humility 14 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 16 2009

Financial Interest

Fiscal Fitness '09: Trim $240 From Your Home Insurance Tab By Dayana Yochim -- footing the bill on your own and Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) make it instead of filing a claim can be easier, with guides to installation and January 14, 2009 Today's tip is part the prudent way to go for several even instructor-led classes. of our Fiscal Fitness '09 series. Every to $150 per square foot) won't cut reasons. Since claims go on weekday this month, you'll get help it if you've renovated or failed to your insurance record (similar * Kick butts: Quitting smoking getting fiscally fit as we work toward account for rising building costs. to your credit report), the size is good for you in many ways, one our goal of saving $2,000 to invest For $7.95, accucoverage.com will and type of the claim can affect of which is that some insurance in three stocks! calculate your home's replacement your future premiums and even companies will trim the cost of costs. 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Making no * Check to see if you're really still adequate liability coverage, which should be a breeze. claims over a three- or five-year insuring that: If it’s been a while run as little as $250, $50, and $25 period can qualify you for a 5% since you reviewed your coverage, Many of the same strategies for a year, respectively, according to discount for each year thereafter, you may be paying top dollar to slashing auto insurance premiums Kimberly Lankford's The Insurance typically maxing out at 25% to insure no-longer-priceless stuff.Y our -- such as increasing your deductible Maze. 35%. 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When you make starting Tuesday, December 16, 2008 for the Neighbor- TRV), Allstate (NYSE: ALL), improvements, be sure to inform hood Fuel Fund (also known as) Heart Share that and Mercury General (NYSE: your insurer and see if they'll give is available for anyone who has a gas heating bill. This is MCY) all offer discounts when you a break. This is also helpful if separate from the HEAP program and you may apply for you buy two or more types of insurability is an issue. So ask if both programs. Our office will be accepting HeartShare insurance. If you insure your making a few fixes (e.g. installing a applications on Tuesdays all day and Thursdays from 10:00 car with a different company or new roof or replacing an old boiler) AM to 2:00 PM. For more info about HeartShare call have an umbrella liability policy will help. 718-778-8808 X 21 elsewhere, ask what kind of deal you can strike by giving your * Weather-proof your home: The following documents are needed to apply home insurer all your business. Punch your zip code into the search • Proof of address, lease or letter from landlord, mortgage engine at disastersafety.org for sug- 3. Cover small claims on your own bill gestions on how to shore up your and save 5% to 35%: Obviously home against the elements in your • Birth certificates or social security cards for all the you can't control the whims of locale. Adding things like storm members of the household. Mother Nature. However, if shutters and shatterproof glass and damage is done to your abode • Copy of Gas bill reinforcing your roof may earn you -- whether it’s from weather or breaks on your premiums. Moreover, • Proof of income, pay stubs, etc. All support letters and from man-made annoyances, home-improvement companies letters of income from renters must be Notarized. like letting the bathtub overflow like Home Depot (NYSE: HD) January 16, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 15 Shleimus Haaretz

Travesty of Justice Only after all this has been recorded follow suit? Jews. Since perhaps the Jews knew Part II and publicized, together with the of the massacres; and perhaps they Besides the awesome lack of self- names of those responsible — would Adapted from the Rebbe’s Talk Pub- could have stopped it — then they esteem such an inquiry shows, it it be appropriate to investigate if lished by: Sichos In English should have risked their lives to contradicts almost everything Israel Israeli soldiers could or should have For Fear of the Gentile prevent something which is accepted has been claiming in the United intervened. It must be recorded practice among the Arabs! Indeed, it Nations. A common spectacle in We are witness once again to the and taken into account that Israel has been reported that the President the United Nations is countries con- “golus mentality,” that almost would have had to quarrel with of Lebanon requested Israel not to demning Israel for actions against instinctive fear of the gentile. Israel the Lebanese President, and that interfere in the internal matters of his terrorists. Israel’s retort has always fears to name the person who gave international law forbids them to country. Yet Jews are guilty for abid- been that such condemnations are the orders to murder, and fears to intervene into purely internal mat- ing by the wishes of the President of one-sided. It is ridiculous to criticize name those who actually murdered. ters. With all these facts in mind, Lebanon. Israel for her actions against the Better, it seems, to find Jews guilty one could then consider if Jews terrorists, Israel correctly claims, of omission, than find gentiles guilty The ostensible reason Israel has should have laid their lives on the without mentioning the atrocities of com­mission. not investigated the actual killings line to prevent what happened. perpetrated by the terrorists against is that everyone already knows The irony of it is that now there is no Lack of Jewish Self-Esteem Israel. who the mur­derers are. But it is need to fear the gentile. The media elementary judicial practice that to Non-Jews are amazed at how low Yet Jews are doing just that to has already reported that it was the arrive at a true ruling, all the facts Jewish self-esteem is. After everyone themselves in the com­mission of President of Lebanon who ordered germane to the case be presented knows who the murderers are, Jews inquiry. They refuse to mention the Christian Phalangists — his and investigated. Only once they establish a commission with the the responsibil­ity of gentiles in the own men — to enter the camps and have been established — and the sole purpose of investigating Jews massacre, and instead concentrate all carry out their vengeance for years blame apportioned — is it appropri­ to see if they could have prevented their attention on the “responsibili- of atrocities by Moslem terrorists. ate to investigate a side-issue: was the killings — knowing that other ties” of Jews. There has been no outcry of protest, anyone able to prevent the mas- nations not only have no intention no cries of condemnation and calls We thought to curry favor with the sacre. Anything else is a travesty of of punishing or condemning the real for punishment. The world is curi- gentile nations by holding such justice. murderers, but rather accord them ously silent. Indeed, the reverse is an inquiry; instead, we have only respect! true. Not only are they not shunned Set the Record Straight abased our­selves — in their eyes as murderers, but they are accepted And so we find newspaper after and our own. It should be clearly understood and and feted in the capitals of the world. newspaper displaying headlines stated that Jews had absolutely no It is time to stop bowing to any and The reason is simple: the Christians reporting the latest events in the hand in the affair, and that it was all pressures brought to bear to do merely exacted revenge against the “trial” of the Jews in the Sabra and solely an internal struggle between things contrary to our own interests. Moslems, a tradition among the Shatillah massacres — and not a Christian and Moslem. It was not an Time to raise ourselves from the Arabs dating back for centuries. So word about who is really guilty. If isolated incident that just happened, “golus mentality” which produces ingrained is the idea of “an eye for Jews themselves are keeping quiet but orders were given well in advance such aberrations. Time to realize an eye” among the Arabs that it is about the real perpetrators; if Jews by the Lebanese President to his sol­ once and for all that although in considered a duty. themselves are inquiring about diers to ferret out those with whom exile, we can and must remain proud the “guilt” of other Jews; if Jews Yet the commission of inquiry — set they had accounts to settle — “an and firm in our identity. It is time to themselves are indicating that they up by Jews — con­tinues to shut its eye for an eye,” the traditional Arab start acting like Jews. (Sicha of 10 consider themselves responsible eyes to the actual perpetrators, and custom of revenge. Teves, 5743) — then why should the media not is interested only in investigating

'Are human rights for some, but not for others?' Liraz Madmony 23-year-old law will decide, life or death. knows no other reality. remember. When the park near my house was filled with happy families student from Sderot addresses the UN Mr. President, who will protect our Everyone suffers in Sderot. Fathers and children playing. When people in Geneva, Monday. right to life? My family does not and mothers are afraid to go to work, enjoyed life. Here is the text of her speech. have a bomb shelter, so we run to creating poverty. Kids are afraid to the most protected room, which is go to school. I have missed many of I still dream of peace. It will come Thank you, Mr. President. the shower. my law classes. My friends are afraid when the rulers of Gaza choose I come from Sderot, the city in Israel to visit. The streets lie empty. humanity over hate, when they stop There is one attack I will never that for eight years has been terror- firing on our children while hiding forget. We heard the siren at seven I dream of the hometown that I ized, by 10,000 rockets fired against behind their own. in the morn- us from Gaza. ing. We ran We refuse to grant As a law student, I learned - and I to the shower. victory to the ter- believe - that all human beings have The rockets rorists. We choose the right to peace and security. fell next to my to live, staying house. My little strong with our But when I see today's resolution, brother, who faith, family and I ask: Why is the United Nations was 14, went to love of country. ignoring my suffering? When the see if anyone terrorists committed these 10,000 Mr. President, needed help. violations of international human who will protect He found a man rights and humanitarian law, why our most basic whose legs were was the UN silent? human rights? My blown off, and a country is now Are human rights for some, but not woman blown trying its best, others? to pieces. and all who love The constant assault on Sderot My youngest life and desire has destroyed our ability to lead a brother is six. peace should pray normal life. The warning before each The rockets have they succeed. attack gives us only 15 seconds to been falling for Thank you, Mr. run for shelter. Fifteen seconds that eight years. He President. 16 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 16 2009

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