1 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת אחרי מות | יג ניסן, תשס”ח | בס”ד weekly vOL. i | NO 24 APRIL 18, 2008 | Nissan 13, 5768

THIS YEAR IN JERUSALEM

The Tzemach Tzedek Page 9 Biyur Chometz at 770 Page 20 Shabbos Hagodol Page 17 RABBI YITZCHOK NEMES Shabbos Erev Pesach Page 9 Zmanim Page 7 Pesach Schedule Page 8 The Rebbe's Message Page 18 Vedibarta Bam Haggada Page 2 2nd Night of Pesach Farbrengen Page 22 Rabbi Shea Hecht Page 7 Bread of Faith Page 11 The First and Final Redemption Page 18 Dayenu M. Nunez Page 14 Chol Hamoed Trips Page 21 P. 4~5 Kids Pages Page 21, 24

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.39 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 at 796 Montgomery St. ☎ 718~773~3146 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 Rabbi Y. Zirkind: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzei Shabbos Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110 Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:0am -11:30am ~ Fri 10:am - 1:00 pm or 7:20 8:22 ☎ 718 -604-0770 Gut Shabbos/Gut YomTov Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm 2 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008 The Vaad Hakohol

Vedibarta Bam ~ Haggadah Gut Yom Tov. Gut Yom Tov. Gut Yom Tov. By Moshe Rubashlin I would like to thank the Crown By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky The third cup corresponds to Rachel. Heights Jewish Community Council It is filled at the conclusion of the meal, Gut Yom Tov. staff for their great work L’Kovod Yom ארבע כוסות — FOUR CUPS and we recite Birkat Hamazon (Grace Gut Yom Tov. Tov. Baruch Hashem, looking back QUESTION: Why do we drink four After Meal) over it. It was Rachel’s son Gut Yom Tov. at the last couple of months and at cups of wine at the Seder? Yosef, who supplied everyone with food the accomplishments of the Crown in Egypt. ANSWER: They correspond to the As we are cel- Heights Jewish Community Council, following: We say Hallel over the fourth cup, ebrating the I am proud to give the community a which corresponds to Leah. She was Rebbe’s birthday report of the new initiatives that have 11. The four expressions of redemp- first to thank Hashem (Berachot 7b): and approach- started recently: tion, “I shall take you out from Upon giving birth to Yehudah she ing Pesach, we under the burdens of Egypt, declared “Hapa’am odeh et Hashem” — all say L’Shana Haba B’Yerushalayim. • The Crown Heights Community I shall rescue you from their “This time I will offer praise to Hashem” The Rebbe stresses that this can happen Newspaper service, I shall redeem you with The Rec. Center now. The Rambam states that when • (של”ה) .(Bereishit 29:35) an outstretched arm, I shall take there will be the Hisgalus of Moshiach, • Nightlife you to Me for a people (Shemot QUESTION: Why are the four cups there will be an abundance of wealth. • Shalhevet 6:6-7). of wine necessarily? It should happen immediately--an • Believe it or not, The Shiduchim 12. The four times “kos” — “cup” — ANSWER: Four times the words “kos abundance of wealth in all aspects, Office is really happening in a cup of wine” — equals gashmiyus and ruchniyus. beautiful way. A slow burner that“ — (כוס יין) ”is mentioned in the conversation yayin between Yosef and the butler six hundred and twenty-four, which is is picking up a lot of heat. (Bereishit 40:11, 13). the same numerical value as the word Pesach is a Yom Tov of Freedom, • The trip to Israel Supporting community lectures freedom.” Cheirus. Simcha Poretz Geder. We •“ — (חירות) ”cheirut“ 13. The four empires who subjugated should all together, here in Kan Tziva, and events )הגש”פ מוצל מאש – בית אהרן – בפי’ פאר the Jewish people — Babylon, Planting seeds for future, great go out and embrace Cheirus with the • אהרן מר’ אברהם אהרן ז”ל פריעדמאן, טשאפ, Media-Persia, Greece, and inyanim that the Rebbe focuses on: accomplishments רוסיא, תש”ב( Rome. Ahavas Yisroel and Achdus Yisroel. As • Vaad HaKashrus being taken over ג’ מצות — Three Matzot 14. The four cups of retribution we see, there is no army in the world like by the Vaad HaKohol 100% Hashem will make the nations QUESTION: Why is it customary to the Rebbe’s army. The total dedication of the world drink in the days of take three matzot for the Seder? of the Shluchim throughout the world, These accomplishments couldn’t have Mashiach for treating the Jews making thousands and thousands of been done without the supporting staff, ANSWER: The community ofK airu- badly. sedarim across the four corners of the and I would really like to thank them for wan enquired of Rav Sherira Gaon why world. We are all connected to this helping make these beautiful programs 15. The four cups of consolation we take three matzot on the evening beautiful, golden chain, going back blossom to bring out our potential as a Hashem will give to the Jewish of Pesach, no less and no more. He to the Baal Shem Tov and continuing successful, growing community. people. replied that there is an allusion to this through the Nesiim. in the Torah: The three measures of )ירושלמי פסחים פ”י הל”א, מדרש רבה As we look around here in Kan Tziva, flour which Avraham asked Sarah to בראשית פ”ח:ה( We all have learned that the world we see close to 3000 families and grow- use for baking cakes (Bereishit 18:6), Alternatively, the four cups corre- was created for Moshiach. I would ing, bli ayin hara. We see thousands of for according to our tradition this hap- spond to the four matriarchs: Sarah, like to add that the world was created bochurim and young ladies come in to pened on Pesach. Others say that they Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah. for the Rebbe, and we are the Rebbe’s learn in the Rebbe’s Mosdos. We should are a reminder of the three “mountains Chassidim, and the Rebbe has the bless each other with a permanent The first cup corresponds to Sarah, of the world,” i.e., Avraham, Yitzchak, most beautiful army in the world. The Shalom and Achdus. who together with Avraham, con- and Yaakov. dedication and the self sacrifice. The )הגש”פ עם לקוטי טעמים ומנהגים מכ”ק verted many people and brought love to reach out and draw the people Where there is Shalom, there is אדמו”ר( them close to Hashem (Bereishit into our beautiful community. There Brocha! 12:5, Rashi). Over this cup we recite Alternatively, the reason for three isn’t a household amongst ANASH here Kiddush and say “Asher bachar banu matzot is that the Jews ate matzah for and all over the world that isn’t open Where there is Shalom, mikol am” — “Who has chosen us three different reasons: to the world and the Rebbe’s inyanim. there is Wealth! from among all nations.” Some are dressed as Shluchim; some 1) While slaving in Egypt they were The second cup corresponds to are dressed as businessmen, and some Where there is Shalom, constantly rushed to work and were Rivkah, who rose to spiritual heights, are on their own highway, but when there is Health! forced to eat matzah, due to lack of regardless of her family of idol wor- it comes to talking about the Rebbe, time to let the dough rise, as stated shippers. Over this cup we recite everyone lights up, and the conversation Where there is Shalom, in the Haggadah, “This is the bread the passage in the Haggadah about goes to 110% with everyone expressing there is Shiduchim! of affliction that our fathers ate in the the confrontation between Lavan the Rebbe’s wishes. land of Egypt.” (Rivkah’s brother) and Yaakov. Where there is Shalom, 2) Prior to leaving they were instructed Here we are in Kan Tziva, the capital there is Simcha! concerning the Pesach-offering and of the world. We wish everyone here CommunityNewspaper commanded to eat it together with a Freiliche, Kosher Yom Tov, and we When you have Simcha, matzot on the night of the 15th of thank all of the beautiful organizations you have everything. 392 Kingston Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225 Nissan. for their great efforts in making every- body happy here in Crown Heights Gut Yom Tov. Happy Birthday Rebbe. Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol 3) In the morning, upon leaving Egypt, L’Kovod Yom Tov. Happy Birthday Kan Tziva. of Crown Heights. “They baked matzot from the dough Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol that they had brought out of Egypt, for Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman they were driven from Egypt and they Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary could not delay” (Shemot 12:39). ERRATA Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) In last week's article about Rabbi Sh- )הגש”פ מוצל מאש – בית אהרן – בפי’ פאר All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the emtov we misidentified the person on אהרן מר’ אברהם אהרן ז”ל פריעדמאן, טשאפ, exclusive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise the left of Rabbi רוסיא, תש”ב( attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Shemtov,This is .Rabbi Bartfield מצות: כהן, לוי, ישראל Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond the cost Matzot: Kohen, Levi, Yisrael We are sorry for of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes the confusion. responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All adver- QUESTION: The three matzot tisement designed and prepared by the CHCommunity All Haggada Illustrations are from Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot are referred to as Kohen, Levi, and be reproduced without the consent of the publisher Continued on Page12 the Kehot Publications Haggadah. April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 3 From Shedlitz to Safety

A Young Jew’s Story of Survival mass producing false visas, passports, By Rabbi Shimon Goldman my name. My mother quickly mailed all, these Jews had the nerve to choose and other documentation. They copied the important document to Vilna and, Poland over Russia — demonstrat- the intricate seals of various govern- Exerpted from the book with the when it arrived, I hurried off to the ing their “treachery” to the Russian ments, the different stamps used by the author’s permission embassy in Kovno. The officer in charge cause! embassies, and the flowery signatures Continued from last week: The burning examined the document carefully and, of important officials. These forgeries It thus came as no surprise that many question remained: How could we obtain to my relief, issued a passport. saved many Jews. Jews feared doing anything that could the necessary visas and reach the United We Leave Vilna anger the Russians. Moreover, perhaps Once, a father of ten children came States? the Russians were waiting yet again to Schlosberg’s office, ostensibly to A few weeks remained until our sched- Realizing the difficulty of our ultimate to send those planning to leave to an demand his exit visa. Schlosberg was no uled departure from Vilna. During this objective, we temporarily abandoned entirely different destination —S iberia! fool. His trained eye quickly recognized uneasy time, the refugees argued and the notion of entering the United States, Or perhaps they would simply block our that the passport produced by the debated amongst themselves, trying focusing instead on first getting out exit and then avenge themselves with applicant was forged, as were his other to determine whether it was better to of Russia. Thus began a furious chase different methods. This fear prompted documents. Schlosberg looked up at stay on Russian soil or to try making against the clock, as we tried to secure many Jews to remain in Vilna. the quivering applicant and a queer it to Japan. Not surprisingly, many visas from any country that offered to glint came to his eyes. “Your passport is thought that these visas were another How did we — a small group of young help us. Indeed, help soon came from forged,” Schlosberg said, “but I’ll grant of the many infamous tricks used by the students — know how to decide in this an unexpected quarter — the Japanese you the visas anyway.” difficult situation?W e had, in embassy of Lithuania, also conveniently the past, received clear instruc- The hapless Jew nodded dumbly. situated in Kovno. The Japanese consul- tions from the Rebbe Rayatz ate agreed to issue transit visas for all “When you leave this office,” continued to consult with Reb Shimon the yeshiva students, on condition that Schlosberg, “go back to those who gave Kalish — the Amshinover we choose a final destination point. you this passport and tell them to do a Rebbe — in cases of doubt. Japan would merely be another stop on better job next time…” Here too, we approached the our itinerary; from there, we needed to Amshinover Rebbe with our The poor Jew grabbed the visas and travel onward. plan and the various objections fled for his life. Hearing this, we continued gathering others had raised, and asked (Others were not as lucky. I remember information about possible destinations. his opinion. The Rebbe looked the worried, drawn faces of Reb Leib Soon we heard that Vietnam — then a at us with bright, intelligent Sheinin and his family when they colony of Holland — was interested in eyes before responding. “Take arrived in Vilna. Having served as the allowing large groups of white men to the visas,” he said softly. “Take rav of Dokshitz, Reb Leib now heard settle in their country. All our problems them and leave already.” it was possible to escape via Vilna, suddenly vanished: Russia was willing Russians to delude the general public. Rabbi Kramer immediately went to and he began trying to gather the to let us leave, Japan would provide the We had all heard hair-raising stories of the respective consulates to get all our necessary visas. Reb Shmuel Levitin’s visas, and we would use Vietnam as our the lengths the Russians went to cause necessary visas. However, in order to son also came to Vilna for the same final destination point.Y et, a significant others pain and grief, and their obses- receive our exit visas, we had to appear purpose. Tragically, these and many obstacle remained. As nationals of sion to uncover the slightest disloyalty in person at a certain office. The clerk in others arrived too late and lost their Poland, we needed to show our Polish to the Communist cause. charge of distributing these visas was a chance to escape for good. Stranded passports, or the visas could not be Indeed, many Jews feared Communist Jew by the name of Schlosberg. Appar- in Vilna, Reb Leib and his family were issued. retribution so much that they aban- ently, Schlosberg had been on good later murdered by the Nazis. May G d Now that we had come so close to doned all plans to leave the country. terms with the Communists before they avenge his blood.) attaining our goal, we could not let this Suspecting the worst, the roshei yeshiva annexed Vilna, and now they rewarded Debate and argument filled our few “detail” destroy our plans. We had never of Bialystok, Kletsk, Baranovitch and his faithfulness by appointing this Jew remaining weeks in Vilna. We discussed owned passports before the war, and we others panicked, instructing their to a prestigious position — a respon- our situation constantly, analyzing now turned to the Polish embassy situ- students to remain in Vilna and not sibility that included the allotment of whether our visas were indeed real or ated in nearby Kovno. After arriving at provoke the Russians. Many others who exit visas. not. Meanwhile, as the departure date the embassy, we met with the consular could have used this method of escape Aside from Tomchei Tmimim, the neared, another problem filled our representative and petitioned his help. also vacillated. yeshiva of Mir also decided to grab minds. Where would we get the money Thankfully, the officer was amenable to The Jews had good reason to fear. this opportunity and leave Russia for needed to pay for the trip and other our request, provided we could produce Months earlier, the accursed Russians good. Reb Eliezer Portnoy, a young basic expenses? Salvation came from our birth certificates and prove that we had hung placards in Jewish neighbor- communal activist, firmly maintained faraway America. The Rebbe Rayatz were, indeed, citizens of Poland. hoods, promising to reunite Jews with that it was absolutely crucial for the and his son-in-law, the Rashag, who Some of the students did, in fact, have their families in Nazi Poland. Whoever yeshiva to leave Communist controlled had arrived in the USA in March, 1940, this important document with them, was interested in these government- territory. (Rabbi Portnoy later made it began raising money for our cause, and they were granted passports on the organized trips needed to merely to America, where he served as a rav in soliciting donations from the Joint spot. However, some other bochurim register with the Russians. Hundreds the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, Distribution Committee and other — myself included — did not have the of unsuspecting Jews lined up outside New York.) Rabbi Portnoy worked organizations. They sent the money foresight to bring our birth certificates special offices set up by the Russians, with heart and soul to get the Mir safely to Vilna and, when the funds arrived, from home. Crushed with despair, I registering their names and addresses in out of Vilna. He stayed up for days and we bought tickets for the train that quickly wrote to my mother, asking order to participate in these “humani- nights on end, instructing the Mirrer traveled from Vilna to the Far Eastern her to contact City Registry and obtain tarian” trips. bochurim, organizing passports, and Russian city of Vladivostok. This huge a birth certificate for me. Though the getting all the necessary visas. Thanks city served as the eastern terminal of These Jews were invariably Polish war was well underway, I knew that to his efforts, the entire yeshiva escaped the Trans-Siberian railway, the proud refugees whose families were stranded the offices of the Ministry were still and eventually reached America. port city off the Sea of Japan. From in Poland. By registering, the refugees functioning. Anxious and worried, Vladivostok, we hoped to board another naively believed the Russians would We acted just in time. Barely a few I returned to Vilna and prayed for a ship and sail to Japan. help them meet with their families months passed when, suddenly, the Pol- successful outcome. again. Needless to say, these hapless ish, Japanese and Vietnamese embassies The Russians only accepted American I did not have to wait long. Immediately Jews were never heard of again. In of Lithuania closed their doors. Their dollars for these tickets. Since it was ille- when she received my letter, my mother the dead of the night, the Russians only remaining consulates were off in gal to deal with, or even possess, foreign went straight to the government office descended on the Jewish neighbor- faraway Moscow, and many Jews now currency, the Russians set up a special responsible for issuing these certifi- hoods, plucking the registered Jews found themselves without the crucial booth in a certain hotel lobby, where cates, and provided them with my date from the addresses they had so care- documentation needed to save their they exchanged rubles for American of birth. The clerks checked the date in fully recorded. The Russians hoarded lives. The desperate Jews thought of an dollars. We went there, changed our the registry, found my name listed, and the “participants” onto waiting trucks ingenious plan. A group of artists and rubles, and purchased tickets. issued a birth certificate made out in and sent them all off to Siberia. After calligraphers came together and began 4 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008 Our Heroes

Reb Yitzchok Nemes (1924-2006) In honor of his yahrzeit on the tenth of to American Jews, the possibility of ness, Reb Yitzchok utilized most of his America”. The Rebbe underlined these Nissan living with the eternal values for which days and nights for Torah and Chas- words three times. On another occa- they had sacrificed their lives in their sidus, and especially for Mivtzoim to sion, when Reb Moshe Kotlarsky visited By: Rabbi Michoel A Seligson homeland. which he devoted himself money, body the shul in Columbia, South America and soul. There were occasions when where Reb Yitzchok would daven on Reb Yitzchok Nemes was a great Yireh Reb Yitzchok continued learning in the Rebbe reminded him to attend to his trips, he was shown an empty chair. Shomayim with refined midos. His Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in 770. business first and then to Mivtzoim. “This was RebY itzchok’s place,” he was entire life was an unbroken circle When the Rebbe assumed the leader- told, “and no one sits in his seat.” consisting of concern for others, being ship, he became attached to the Rebbe The Rebbe showed a great interest in the mzake horabim and involving himself with his heart and soul. details of Reb Yitzchok’s business. For Saved From an Earthquake in activities that sanctified Hashem’s example, name in countries where few Jews the Rebbe On one occasion, when Reb Yitzchok lived. This came about as a result of once was planning his trip to Nicaragua, he his stamp business, which frequently advised wrote to the Rebbe for a Brocho but did took him abroad doing business with h i m t o not receive a response. It was getting governments and private collectors. travel close to the time of departure, and there to Paris was still no answer from the Rebbe. Reb He was known for his ardent devotion where Yitzchok discussed his dilemma with to Mivtza Tefillin, in which he would there was Rabbi Hodokov, and Rabbi Hodokov participate in any weather despite a g r e a t told him that he would personally ask health limitations. He also financially market for the Rebbe. Rabbi Hodokov returned supported different Mivtzoim around stamps. from the Rebbe’s room and told Reb the globe. At times, Yitzchok that the Rebbe wanted to when Reb know all the details of the trip and the Reb Yitzchok himself was a “firebrand Yitzchok locations where he planned to stay. saved from the fire”. He was born into was short Reb Yitzchok sent in all the details and a distinguished family in Munich of cash, in a short while the Rebbe answered, and spent his childhood in Helsinki, the Rebbe “He should travel - but not now.” Reb Finland. Reb Yitzchok was still a young would Yitzchok was surprised. He had never boy when World War II broke out and loan him had such a response, but as a Chossid his parents decided to leave Europe. His money who followed the Rebbe’s directives, father, Reb Aharon, was a respected and without a he cancelled his ticket. influential businessman and devoted time limit himself to helping refugees that had for repay- On Motzoei Shabbos, Reb Yitzchok escaped to Finland. In 1941, the family ment. turned on the radio to listen to the news boarded a ship for the United States. When Reb and received a shock. There had been Yitzchok a terrible earthquake in Mangua, the Miracle During World War II began his capital city. Precisely on Friday night, business, when Reb Yitzchok had planned to stay The trip was a long and difficult one. In 1957, he married the distinguished the Rebbe gave him $200 from the in the hotel in the heart of the city, many The ship was bombed by the Germans educator and communal leader, Ms. Previous Rebbe’s fund, as a blessing. quarters of the city had been destroyed. and sunk. In a harrowing and dramatic Zelda, the daughter of the Chossid The Rebbe would ask Reb Yitzchok Tens of thousands of people were killed, rescue, passengers were picked up by Reb Moshe Zalman Kaminetsky, and what he had bought and sold, would in addition to the many wounded. After small English boats and transported together they built a Chassidishe home. encourage him to travel to different a short period of time, Reb Yitzchok to Paru, an island off the coast of Torah, greatness and many generous countries, and many times advised him decided it was time to fulfill the Rebbe’s Denmark, the location of an English deeds for the benefit of the public and to increase his trips. directive “He should travel”, and so he army base. On the night of the Pesach individuals were interwoven in this arrived in Nicaragua, traveling through Seder, they were informed that they beautiful home. Through Rabbi Hodokov, chief of a city that was unrecognizable as a result could leave and continue on to the the Rebbe’s secretariat with whom, of the damage from the devastating U.S. Their ship was scheduled to leave Stamp Dealer and the Rebbe’s Reb Yitzchok had a deep relationship, earthquake. on a Shabbos. And although the Ger- Advice he would report to the Rebbe on his man bombs posed a danger to island business trips to countries near and When he arrived at the post office, he residents, they postponed their trip Reb Yitzchok’s official business was far. He merited receiving many direc- was amazed to find it undamaged. He and refused to board. Reb Aharon said, printing and dealing in stamps. Reb tives and missions from the Rebbe. It was greeted by the executive officer who “Hashem has shown us great generosity Yitzchok was attracted to stamps col- was not only in one instance that Reb told him, “You see what happened here. until now; we only need to strengthen lecting during his stay in Paru in World Yitzchok saw miracles and experienced The stamp business is now secondary our bitochon in Hashem. We will merit War II. He didn’t attend school and Hashgacha Protis, Divine providence. on our list of priorities. As a trust- leaving without the need to board a ship had plenty of free time. He would visit The Rebbe once commented about worthy friend, I grant you permission on Shabbos.” the post office and help them stamp Reb Yitzchok, that he was “melumad to go through our whole warehouse the letters. The governor of the island bnisim”, well versed in miracles. and choose whatever you want for a After two weeks, they were able to published 5000 stamps, and the direc- minimal symbolic price.” Reb Yitzchok board another ship bound for the U.S. tor of the post office told RebY itzchok, The Baal Shem Tov of South immediately filled his suitcases with Over the course of time, it was revealed “If you have money, it is worthwhile America precious material that he never had that the earlier ship had been bombed buying these stamps. In a short time access to in the past. by the Germans with no survivors. they will be considered collector’s His activities were many and colorful. items.” Reb Yitzchok purchased one He arranged for shipments of kosher A dollar for Jewish soul in Guinea After their arrival in New York, the hundreds stamps. When he arrived food and Matzo for many Jews, and Nemes family merited to enter the in the United States, each stamp was posted mezuzas on many doors, in An additional “Baal Shemske” story Previous Rebbe’s room for Yechidus. worth $50. In later years, their value addition to visiting the Israeli consulate was told by Reb Yitzchok’s son, Reb They told the Rebbe of their experiences increased. For financial reasons, the in every country to which he traveled. Menachem Mendel, as he heard it from and miraculous rescue. The Rebbe family sold the stamps at a profit. This After his petira, one of RebY itzchok’s a jeweler, Mr. Shmuel Shachne: lifted up his holy hands and said that marked the beginning of Reb Yitzchok’s contacts recalled that he sent a letter to by Hashgacha Protis they saw revealed interest in stamps. the Rebbe about Reb Yitzchok’s activi- “I worked in jewelry in Central Amer- miracles on many occasions, in order ties, and he described Reb Yitzchok ica. One day, I saw a religious Jew in the to stress their obligation to publicize Although he dealt in stamps for busi- as the “The Baal Shem Tov of South doorway of my office. Reb Yitzchok April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 5

was a stamp dealer and in response to Moshiach and that the Chofetz Chaim a request, had come to Guinea to print prepared a full set of clothing for when stamps. Moshiach comes. Is something not in order that I prepared a suitcase of my “Reb Yitzchok said that the Rebbe had nicest clothing, with a passport and given him a dollar and told him, ‘Surely money, in order that everything should you will be in the capital city and will be ready to greet Moshiach?!’ find a Jewish soul who was born there and never left the city. Give this dollar “Reb Yitzchok kept in close contact to him.’ with Mr. Solomon for many years. He would send him Matzo for Pesach, as “Reb Yitzchok spent many days search- well as supplying the spiritual neces- ing and remained unconvinced by the sities on other occasions. One day, different business men who told him Reb Yitzchok received word that Mr. that there were no Jews in the city. Solomon was nifter and that he left a Reb Yitzchok finally discovered a Jew will to be buried in accordance with named Solomon. When Reb Yitzchok Reb Yitzchok’s directives. Reb Yitzchok entered his house, he stood still in verified that the closest Jewish cemetery shock. The house was full of idols and was in Venezuela. Arrangements were statues of all sorts, on the walls, the made immediately to transport the chests, everywhere. Some of them were body to Venezuela, financed by Mr. owned by the husband, and a large part Shachne of Belgium. On his matzeva of them belonged to his wife, a Hindu. was engraved: ‘The forgotten Yid who Reb Yitzchok invited Mr. Solomon to was not forgotten.’” his hotel room, where he told him about his mission and gave him the Rebbe’s Prophet Eliyohu’s Intervention dollar and explained to him the great merit of receiving it. To conclude with a miracle about which Reb Yitzchok said that there “For Shabbos, Reb Yitzchok invited was no explanation, other than the Mr. Solomon to share his meals in Prophet Eliyohu’s intervention. Any the hotel. For the first time in his life, funds over $10,000 need to be declared Mr. Solomon heard Kiddush, and the when entering the United States. Not He returned it to me and instructed me daughter, Mrs. Risha Greenwald, the Shabbos meal continued into the late declaring excess money can result in to leave. A while later he disappeared. wife of Reb Peretz Greenwald, Shlucha hours of the night. harsh punishment. Reb Yitzchok told To date, I have no doubt that the Rebbe in Long Beach, California. of a personal experience. “I arrived sent the prophet Eliyohu.” “A few days later, Mr. Solomon told Reb in the U.S. from Luxemburg and was Yehi Zichro Boruch! May Reb Yitzchok, Yitzchok, ‘You can now enter my home; detained by two customs agents who In his last years, Reb Yitzchok was a dedicated Chossid to the Rebbe’s I removed all the sculptures and have found bank checks worth more than ill and home bound. On Shabbos Mivtzoim, serve as the inspiration to fulfilled the verse, ‘The sculptures of $10,000. I was unaware that bank Hagodol, the tenth of Nissan 5766, concern ourselves with those in dire their G-d’s you should burn in the fire.’ checks needed to be declared. The two Reb Yitzchok’s Neshama returned to spiritual need who are yearning for When Reb Yitzchok heard these words, officers screamed at me and accused me its Creator, and the world lost a Chossid connection to Hashem, and to see the he immediately gave Mr. Solomon the of smuggling in undeclared money. No and a righteous personality. positive light in every Jew whoever he Rebbe’s picture and added, ‘I can give matter how much I tried to explain that may be, igniting in him the G-dly spark you this, since it is now appropriate I was innocent and was known for my He left his wife, Mrs. Zelda Nemes, to remain burning forever. to hang in your house.’ Mr. Solomon honesty, it was to no avail. Their next who was nifter within the year of his began observing Shabbos, putting on step was to transfer me to the customs petira; For long and healthy years, his We should speedily witness “The ones Tefillin every day, and also koshered judge. This whole experience was very sons Reb Menachem Mendel, a director who dwell in the dust will awaken and his kitchen. In addition, Reb Yitzchok unusual and unpleasant. First, I was of Tzivos Hashem in New York; Reb rejoice,” with Reb Yitzchok among instilled in Mr. Solomon the knowl- going to lose the entire sum of money. Yosef, Shliach in New Orleans, LA; his them. edge that Moshiach was on his way to Second, this would damage my cred- redeem the whole Jewish nation, and ibility and hurt my business. I asked Mr. Solomon accepted this in a very to call my wife and they agreed. I was serious and sincere way. escorted by two officers with guns, as if I was a dangerous criminal. I told my “When Reb Yitzchok left Guinea, I once wife that she should relay a message to went to visit Mr. Solomon. I met his wife the Rebbe and ask for a Brocho. who was very upset with Reb Yitzchok. She said to me, ‘You think my husband “They returned me to the room. Sud- is a great and righteous person? It is all a denly, after half-an-hour, a top official joke. I found a suitcase under the bed in entered the room, stared at me, asked which he packed a nice shirt, new pants, me my name and showed an interest a passport and American money. When in my case. After he listened intently I asked him about this, he evaded my to my story, he told me, ‘Don’t worry.’ questions but I understood. It seems He immediately called in the customs that he found another woman in the agents and told them, ‘It seems that United States, and he is planning to there was an error here. The two officers leave me and escape from here.’ again began screaming, ‘No! He knew everything!’ The official disregarded “When Reb Yitzchok was informed, their argument and asked for the report, he did not lose time and immediately which he quickly reviewed and tore to contacted Mr. Solomon, who told him, shreds. The two officers looked at him ‘You yourself told me that the Rebbe as if they wanted to kill him. He asked said that Moshiach is on his way, and them where my money was and having you told me that one needs to live with no choice, they brought in the money. 6 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008 Shiduchim

that our children may receive a Torah Many refrain from sending their chil- Vedibarta Bam ~ Marriage education. dren to a Yeshivah — Hebrew Day School — because of the high cost of By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilky the he-goat for Azazeil, which was The other category is our expenditures tuition. Nevertheless, these people have to be thrown over the cliff, and the for physical necessities and personal According to some codifiers of Jewish no problem with the high cost of camps, one offered in the Beit Hamikdash to pleasures. In retrospect, we often feel law (Even Ha’ezer 61:1, Rama), the vacations, cars, and other amenities. Hashem were to be identical in color, that money spent on pleasures has been Chatan and Kallah fast the day of height, and value. wasted. However, money spent on the their wedding since in honor of the The two he-goats, the one designated spiritual has an everlasting effect. wedding, their sins are forgiven, and This rule seems difficult to comprehend. for Hashem and the other for Azazeil, it is thus their Yom Kippur. Since this Why was it necessary to spend extra There are many people who are blessed can serve as metaphors for the above- week’s Torah reading discusses the Yom sums of money on a he-goat that would with affluence and spend freely on mentioned two categories of expense. Kippur service in detail, it is propitious be thrown over the cliff in any event? personal amenities. They seem to have to draw a lesson from Yom Kippur for One can easily understand that the no shortage of funds to beautify their Hashem, in His benevolence, has the Chatan and Kallah. he-goat for Hashem, which is offered homes, live a luxurious lifestyle, and blessed us with financial resources. in the Holy Beit Hamikdash on Yom go on vacations. Yet they plead poverty Like a loving father, He does not mind Among the services performed by the Kippur, the holiest day of the year, when it comes to spending on spiritual how much money we spend or waste Kohen Gadol was the one involving should be of the best quality possible. matters. There are many examples of on our personal pleasures. He requests, the two he-goats. One was slaughtered, But why do the Sages dictate that also such misplaced priorities, but we will however, that at least an equal amount after which its blood was sprinkled in the one going for Azazeil should be of merely cite a few. of money (and perhaps more) be spent the Holy and also the Holy of Holies. comparable value and not allow the on spiritual matters. If one has money On the other he-goat the Kohen Gadol Parents often spend huge sums of use of the least expensive and poorest for “Azazeil” — to throw over the cliff recited a confession and begged for- money for a lavish party to celebrate quality goat that can be found? — one should not plead poverty when giveness for the iniquities of the entire their son’s Bar Mitzvah. “This is a it comes to spending for Hashem. community of Israel. Afterwards, he In this rabbinic dictum our Sages are once in a lifetime event,” they tell handed it over to be led to the precipice perhaps conveying to us an important the professional party planner, “and My dear Chatan and Kallah, through- of Azazeil, a steep mountain approxi- lesson as to how an individual should we want it to be a most memorable out your married life please bear in mately eight miles away from Jerusalem. spend his money. affair.” However, they will not buy the mind the lesson of the two he-goats. There, it was pushed over the cliff, and boy a good quality pair of tefillin and The money we spend can be divided Treat G‑d no worse than you treat before it reached halfway down the suffice with the least expensive and into two categories. One goes to spiri- yourself. In return, He will reciprocate mountain, it was torn apart by the sharp sometimes, unfortunately, no tefillin at tual matters such as tzedakah — char- by showering you lavishly with the rocks and the speed of its descent. This all. Little do they realize that the party ity — to the needy, purchasing items means to meet your physical needs was an analogy to the prayers for the is short-lived, and much of the food will required for performance of Torah and desires, and grant you a happy and sins of the Jews to be discarded. end up in the garbage, while the tefillin commandments such as tefillin, Pesach healthy marriage. will unite the boy with Hashem for his According to the Gemara (Yoma 62a) and Sukkot supplies, etc., and tuition so entire lifetime.

Finding A Needle in A Haystack 11. Is he a driven, forceful, high strung,l which we all know is the worst combina- 16. Does he get along with his siblings? more than a second one; or one boys or sedate? Give examples of what tion. We all give in to anger sometimes, (subjective question) idea is rejected but accepted when you mean (subjective question). but it is good to find out what one does repackaged by a different boy, etc.W hat Explain what you mean by getting Is he sociable, or reserved? Give when they are angry. Stay and yell, is the boy’s reaction in such life situa- along: some families are a loose unit-- examples of what you mean. storm out and calm down outside, etc. tions? How gracefully does he accept everyone is friendly and close, but each Explain what you feel is excessive anger life’s “unfair hits”? This is not the same question as #8. One is an individual and independent. Some and give examples. (We are not taking may be laid back but not sedate. One families are a tight unit, very close to 22. Is he a morning person or a night here about abusive behavior Ch’V. may be a bit wild but not enterprising. one another even though geographi- owl? If you have heard rumors of such, do Before you were asking more in refer- cally apart. In one case an occasional not rely on rumors but try to find out It is sometimes hard for a night owl to ence to the world at large--whether in phone call or visit is considered fine. In the truth and speak to a mumche, a get along with a morning person; when regard to shlichus,can he fundraise? the other case it would be considered a councilor) one is up and chipper, the other only Or in regard to business, does he look distant relationship. wants to sleep, and when one is just for opportunity or does he wait for it 13. Is he neat (his room, his papers), 17. What are his hobbies? What does getting going, the other is drooping, to knock? Now, you are asking about a organized? Give examples of what he do in his spare time? so it is a valid question. personal character trait: is he the first to you mean (subjective question). jump in or does he observe what others 18. Does he go on mivtzoim? 23. Does he make friends easily? Neatness and organization might matter do first? Is he calm and contained or is greatly to some and not at all to others. 19. Is he well liked by his friends, This question might have already have he always on the edge of his seat? Again, If it is important, be specific with your neighbors, fellow students, staff, been answered by one of the previous use your own examples that will give examples. Do you want to know if he is Rabbeim? questions. you the insight you want. One can be neat in dress, orderly with his personal reserved but rise to the occasion. When 20. Does he have a sense of humor? 24. What do you consider his best belonging, with his books or files etc.? necessary, they can be sociable. Or are (subjective question) quality? (subjective question) (Some people may be sloppy at home they reserved and prefer to avoid social but greatly organized at the office.) Is he the resident clown or does he have It is helpful to hear what friends and situations that will spotlight them? the right “bon mot” at the appropriate family find admirable in a boy. 14. Is he fashion conscious (i.e., his 12. Does he have a temper or an even time? Can lighten up a conversation shirts must be a particular brand 25. What do you consider his worst temperament? Give examples with a well-said joke? Humor is also “in name, only 100% cotton ...)? Does defect? of what you mean (subjective the ear of the beholder”. What is funny he dress sloppily or neatly? Give question). for an Englishman might not be for an Some of the questions seem repeats examples of what you mean (subjec- American. and sometimes they are but repeating Everyone gets angry sometimes, but tive question). the question with different words will you wish to know if he is easily angered, 21. Is he a graceful looser? How concerned are you with his mode sometimes get you a better answer or or if he holds a grudge, and it takes ages of dress? Does he have to be neat or does We are not talking about games really. at least an expanded answer. to get him out of a “sulk”. As Pirkei Avos he have to look well-dressed? Explain It starts with games when the kids are says, there are 4 types of temperaments: Any constructive comments are welcomed your level of fashion so you can get a small and continues in school, busi- easily angered and easily appeased, slow by the editor. Write to CHP5768 @ proper answer. ness and life. Sometimes a student is to anger and slow to be appeased, slow gmail.com or directly to the author at rewarded when another should have to anger and easy to be appeased, and 15. Does he help around the house? [email protected]. been, or the learning of one is praised easily angered and slow to be appeased April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 7

not so much for the Egyptians but for of G-d. The hail was ice surrounding fire. For The Makos the Jews to prepare themselves for the the sake of the Jews, the water and fire Arov/Wild Animals By Rabbi Shea Hecht ultimate redemption and to receive made peace. In all relationships, espe- the Torah. What was the lesson of the wild animals? cially marriage, opposites must work As we enter the last Lack of boundaries leads to chaos together for a greater purpose. days of the Holi- What are the lessons of the ten day of Passover, we plagues? The wild animals left their natural Arbeh/Grasshoppers should reflect on boundaries to go among the Egyptians Dam/Blood What is the lesson of the Grasshoppers? the main theme of and harm them in order to teach us that Transcending levels the Holiday - free- What was the lesson of the blood? Warmth when we lack boundaries, it will lead to dom from slavery. and vitality destruction. The grasshoppers jumped from place As we discussed in to place to teach us that even if we’re The warmth and vitality of the blood Dever/Pestilence the Haggadah, the lead up to the actual on a spiritual low, we can jump many taught us that we must show warmth, freedom was the ten plagues. What is the lesson of the Pestilence? levels with one leap. excitement and enthusiasm when Constructive fear In fact, the Midrash points out that approaching Torah. Choshech/Darkness from the time of the first plague the Those people who had fear of G-d and Tzifardeya/Frogs What is the lesson of the Darkness? There Jews were already freed from their fear of Moses brought their animals is always hope backbreaking labor and were awaiting What was the lesson of the frogs?Obedi - under shelter when Moses told them the final redemption. Thus the Jewish ence and sacrifice to, and their animals lived to teach us The Bible tells us that even when there people felt the beginning of the Exodus that fear can be constructive and lead was thick darkness by the Egyptians, The frogs taught us to be obedient and with the commencement of the ten to good things. the Jewish homes had light. This is to sacrifice ourselves as they wherever plagues. to teach us that even in the darkest G-d sent them during the plague – into Schin/Boils moments, there is always light and The question is asked: why was it the homes, the beds and even into the What is the lesson of the boils? Effort hope. necessary for G-d to bring the plagues ovens. to free the Jews? Why didn’t G-d just Moses and Aaron each took one handful Makas Bechoros/Death of the Kinim/Lice redeem us? The simple answer is that of ashes and threw it up to the sky, and Firstborn the ten plagues were a punishment for What was the lesson of the lice? G-d runs it miraculously itself spread over the What is the lesson of the Death of the the Egyptians who oppressed the Jews the world whole of Egypt to teach us that if we put Firstborn? That we are all chosen and – as punishment was promised to our in the effort, we can have miraculous When the Egyptians saw the lice and special oppressors of all generations. Therefore, accomplishments and returns. realized that they couldn’t replicate the Jews were given the opportunity It was the firstborn of the Jews that G-d the tiny bugs, they understood that it Barad/Hail to witness the punishment. However, saved. Every Jew is called a firstborn to was G-d that was sending the plagues I would like to share with you a deeper What is the lesson of the Hail? Peace for G-d. This teaches us that every person is to help the Jews, and they said “Etzba answer which is that the plagues were a greater purpose special and precious in the eyes of G-d. Elokim Hee” – this is the finger/energy

The Seder with the ‘Vav’, it is ניסן, תשס"ח. -referring to the Mat By Rabbi Shea Hecht zah of freedom. זמנים It is fascinating to note that each The Marror - the הזמנים הם .D.S.T ובאזור ברוקלין special food that we eat at the Seder, on bitter herbs - is a Pesach night, represents both our years Times listed are for Brooklyn, N.Y. symbol of the dif- of slavery in Egypt and our eventual בדיקת חמץ יום חמישי בלילה ליל ficult life the Jews Search for Chometz Thursday April 17 8:06pm י"ג .freedom סוף זמן הביעור (שריפת יום שישי ערב שבת had in Egypt, but it Burn Chometz Friday April 18 12:55pm חמץ ואמירת יהי רצון) קודש י"ג ניסן (The first thing we use at the Seder is is dipped into a sweet (and the saying of Yehi Rotzon הדלקת נש"ק ערב שבת קודש י"ג wine; red wine is our best choice. The sauce. The sauce Candle lighting Friday, April 18 7:20pm ניסן wine itself denotes royalty and riches, itself represents the סוף זמן אכילת חמץ ערב פסח שבת קודש but the redness stands for the blood of bricks and mortars Latest time for eating Chometz Shabbos morning 10:35am בבוקר י"ד ניסן the children killed in Egypt. the Jews had to build April 19 סוף זמן הנאת חמץ וכו' ערב פסח שבת קודש Latest time for any benefit of Shabbos morning 11:45pm in Egypt – nonethe- ואמירת כל חמירא בבוקר י"ד ניסן The next thing we eat is a vegetable Chometz and second April 19 less, it is sweet. Once השניה dipped in salt water. The dipping nullification of Chometz הדלקת נרות יו"ט מוצאי שבת בכניסת again, the dipping Nightfall first night of Pesach April 19 8:25pm denotes royalty and riches, while the ועריכת הסדר ליל פסח represents royalty. (April 23) (lighting the candles and salt water represents the tears that our preparation for the seder) חצות היום והלילה ט"ו –ט"ז ניסן ancestors shed in Egypt. In the middle of Mid Day & Night April 20-21 12:55 סוף זמן קריאת שמע יום ט"ו –ט"ז ניסן the Seder, when we Latest time for shma first and April 20-21 9:25am א' ב' דפסח The Matzah is eaten next. In the second day of pesach begin our meal, it הדלקת נרות בליל ב' יום ראשון בלילה ליל לאחר beginning of the Haggadah the Matzah Candle lighting after nightfall April 20 is a custom to eat דפסח ט"ז ניסן is referred to as the Bread of second night of pesach After a hard-boiled egg 8:25pm Affliction and the Poor Man’s מוצאי יו"ט יום שני בלילה ליל י"ז dipped in salt water. Yom Tov is over April 21 8:30pm Bread because it represents our הדלקת נרות יום שישי כ' ניסן The hard egg itself is Candle lighting April 25 7:28pm ערב שביעי של פסח (years of slavery. Later on, the (shviee shel pesach a symbol of a Jew’s הדלקת נרות מוצש"ק ליל אחרון לאחר Haggadah says the original Candle lighting April 26 suffering and hard- (achron shel pesach) של פסח intention of the Jews was to After ship, but even more 8:35pm bake bread, but it turned into מוצאי יום אחרון של פסח יום ראשון כ"ב ניסן so our survival. As Pesach is over April 27 8:35pm Matzah because we leftE gypt with the vegetable in a rush - thereby denoting כזית מצה (דאורייתא) 1 אונס --- מצה בשביל כורך וכן לאפיקומן (מדרבנן)2 שליש 2/3 אונס ---- כזית at the beginning of freedom. מרור 2 שליש 2/3 אונס ---- שיעור רביעית יין עבור ד' כוסות 2.9 אונס,יש מקום להדר להשתמש 4.2 אונס - -the Seder, the dip -- שיעור כדי אכילת פרס 6 דקות. In fact, according to Kab- ping itself represents

balah there are two types of royalty, and the salt KAZAYIS MATZO (MIDEORAYSO) 1 OZ. ---- MATZO FOR KORECH AND AFIKOMEN Matzah. When Matzos in the water represents the (MIDERABONON) 2/3 OZ. --- - KAZAYIS MOROR 2/3 OZ. ------REVI’IS OF WINE 2.9 OZ. Hagaddah is spelled without tears our ancestors THOSE WHO WANT TO BE MEHADER 4.2 OZ. --- K’DEI ACHILAS PRAS 6 MINUTES. the ‘Vav’, it stands shed in Egypt. for the Matzah There’s an intriguing paradox in each symbolize freedom and touch upon appreciate the slavery without the of slavery; of the special foods we use at the Seder. the slavery. Even the commemoration freedom, nor the freedom without the when it’s Some of the foods symbolize slavery of freedom has a greater message in slavery. spelled yet touch upon freedom, and others the context of slavery. We can’t truly 8 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008

The Rebbe's Sicha 5744

Sicha: 18th Day of Nissan being unable to add water when the provided by the government are kosher wheat was being ground, the amount for Pesach, when the government forced (Story about Reb Levi Yitzchok, Rebbe’s according to the spirit of Judaism. of flour produced would be less. It was the Rabbi to give a false certification! father) On this subject I would like to relate a impossible, they said, for the govern- Published and copyright © by Sichos The result? The government directed story concerning my father, especially ment to lose thousands of rubles just so In English all flour mills in the Ukraine to give since today, the 18th of Nissan, is his the flour should be kosher for Pesach. [The following sicha was said in a free hand to Rabbi Schneerson’s birthday. My father was Chief Rabbi of Russian.] My father answered that the Constitu- “mashgichim,” and to provide them Dnepropetrovsk, one of the large cities tion allows each person to follow his with all help — although it involved Now, a few words to Jewish children in the Ukraine. The Ukraine was a grain conscience. Since his conscience does many expenses. (and Jews in general) living behind producing area, which supplied wheat the Iron Curtain, who as yet do not to a large part of Russia; and when Jews This story teaches that when one understand Yiddish. needed flour for matzos, they came to explains the situation to the govern- this place from all over glls.si S ment clearly — that a Jew’s conscience Extra blessings are extended to these obliges him to follow Torah, to eat Jews, Jews who especially need them, When the government undertook the matzos on Pesach, to observe Shab- blessings for freedom from all difficul- responsibility of supplying Jews with bos, etc., and to educate his children ties in learning Torah and observing flour for Pesach, it turned to my father in the same manner — then not only mitzvos. As we have noted in the past, (the Chief Rabbi of the area) for a will the government not prevent a Jew such difficulties have no basis even “hechsher” (Rabbinical certification from doing so, but will firmly direct the according to the Constitution of the of kashrus) that the flour is kosher police and local authorities to protect countries behind the Iron Curtain. for Pesach. My father said he would one’s rights, and to ensure that none Their Constitution guarantees per- be happy to certify the kashrus of the prevent a Jew from living according to sonal freedom to each citizen to live flour, but on the (self-understood) his conscience. and to educate his children according condition that they agree to his place- to his conscience and convictions. It ment of “mashgichim” (lit., “watchers” May it be G-d’s will that one’s personal is forbidden for anyone to intervene — persons sent by the certifying Rabbi rights and freedoms hasten the freedom and try to prevent a person from to watch that the food is prepared of mankind from the fear of war — living according to the way he wants. according to the requirements of since there will be peace in the whole not allow him to falsely certify flour Indeed, the state is obligated to pro- kashrus) to observe the grinding of the world, culminating in the ultimate as kosher for Pesach, he would not tect a citizen’s personal freedom. wheat — that it should not come into peace through King Mashiach. give his certification — and none can contact with water, etc. He would cer- Thus, every Jew may freely live force him to do anything contrary to As a preparation to this, may peace tify that the flour is kosher for Pesach, according to the Torah’s directives his conscience! and unity reign among Jews — Ahavas he said, only if the government would and customs, to pray in a synagogue, Yisrael — and may friendly relations guarantee that they would not restrict The end of the affair was that my father to observe the mitzvos of Pesach, of reign among nations, allowing mankind the “mashgichim” in their work. went to Moscow to meet the then head all other festivals, and of the whole to be free of fear. And in regard to of the government (Kalinin, or his year. According to the Constitution, In response, the government represen- Jews particularly, may they, while still deputies) to explain his position. He the police must ensure that no person tatives told my father that such an act in exile, live Jewish lives free of those told them that one may not deceive prevents a Jew from living his life was against the government. Through things which disturb their true desire Jews into thinking that the matzos (to observe Torah and mitzvos). Pesach schedule Shabbat morning (April 19): Outside the Holy Land, tonight begins Sea) and study Torah through the a second day of Yom Tov (hallowed fes- night. [Adapted from www.Chabad.org] The deadline for eating chametz is tival day) which is basically a repeat of approximately two hours before midday Sunday morning (April 27): Thursday morning (April 17th): the first. Light the festival candles from (click here for local times). Past this a pre-existing flame (as it is forbidden Yizkor, the memorial prayer for departed If you are a first-born son or the father point, no chametz is eaten until after to create a new flame onY om Tov) after parents, is recited following the reading of a first-born son under the age of the festival. nightfall. The entire Seder is repeated of the Torah during the Morning Prayer Bar Mitzvah, participate in a Siyyum Shabbat afternoon (April 19): tonight. (This time, however, there’s no service. or other mitzvah feast, in order to be midnight deadline; you can go on until absolved of the “fast of the firstborn.” Recite the “Order of the Passover Sunday afternoon: morning.) The next day, Wednesday, Offering,” recalling and reliving the Thursday night (48 hours before is the second festival day; go to the As the day wanes, spend the final Korban Pesach which was offered Passover): synagogue for the special Passover hours of Passover with “Moshiach’s in the Holy Temple at this time. prayers and Torah reading. Meal” -- a special feast in honor of the Do the ritual search for Chametz. Take Redemption. We’ve spent eight days a candle, a spoon, and a feather, and Saturday night: Monday night (April 21): celebrating the exodus from Egypt. search the house for any remaining or Light the festival candles after nightfall Tonight begin the four “interme- Now, as we leave Passover, we pray for forgotten chametz. from a pre-existing flame; click here for diate days” of Passover. Celebrate the exodus from our present exile and Friday morning (April 18): local times. the intermediate days with matzah, a brighter tomorrow. kosher-for-Passover cooking, family Burn any leftover Chametz that is not Go to the synagogue for the evening Sunday night: trips (in the newly cleaned car), and being sold, including anything that was holiday services, which include the more retelling of the Exodus story. It’s At nightfall, the Passover holiday comes found Thursday night at the Search for special addition of the Hallel prayer. still Passover, so we don’t eat, own, or to an end. Make Havdalah over your last the Chametz. The only chametz which Hold the first Passover Seder. Follow derive enjoyment from Chametz, but cup of kosher-for-Passover wine. Put should remain is the challah which will the 15 steps, recite the Haggadah, tell most activities prohibited the first and away the Passover dishes, Haggadahs, be eaten by the two Shabbat meals. The and relive the story of the Exodus, and last two days are permitted (except on and all other Passover items, locking chametz is burned before the end of the enjoy the matzah, wine, and bitter Shabbat). We also add special passages them away until next year. Then, you fifth “seasonal hour” of the morning herbs. Make sure to eat the Afikoman to our prayers: Hallel, Yaaleh Veyavo, can once again enjoy chametz food and (click here for local times.) By this time, by midnight. and Musaf. drinks, and feast on pizza, bread, beer all cabinets and areas containing cha- -- anything kosher. (Just make sure it’s metz that will be sold should be sealed.) Sunday morning (April 20): Friday evening (April 25): not chametz that was in the possession

Go to the synagogue for the Passover Tonight begin the final two festival days of a Jew during Passover.) But as you do, Friday Afternoon: prayer services (which include a special of Passover. Light candles at the speci- don’t forget the eight days of freedom Prepare for the Seder. Ready the items prayer for dew) and Torah reading. fied time, and enjoy festive meals Friday you’ve just experienced, and remember for the Seder plate, set the table, and do night, Shabbat afternoon, Saturday that throughout the year, as you enjoy Sunday night: last minute things for the Seder meal. night, and Sunday afternoon. all your leavened food, you still carry a Light Shabbat candles before sunset The Omer Count begins tonight. bit of the Matzah spirit with you! There is a custom to stay awake Friday (click here for local times). night (the night of the Splitting of the April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 9

The Tzemach Tzedek: 13th of Nissan

DovBer was accused of subversive Minister of Interior, they spoke of Rabbi achieve this through the organization The Early Years activities. His first undertaking was the Schneersohn of the city of Lubavitch of a special clandestine society known organization of a committee to defend Reprinted with permission from www. with respect and praise. The report as Techiat Hameitim (“revivers of the Rabbi DovBer. Chabad.Org) mentioned that he had acquired a large dead”). The method employed was tract of land and established there a to pay a ransom for each child to the When Rabbi DovBer passed away in Third in the line of leaders of the Cha- settlement for Jews, thereby raising officials concerned. They would return 1827, the Chassidim called upon Rabbi bad movement was Rabbi Menachem their living conditions and improving the child, at the same time reporting Menachem Mendel to accept the leader- Mendel Schneersohn, popularly known their position. It also spoke of the great to the authorities that the child in ship of the Chabad-Lubavitch move- as the “Tzemach Tzedek,” influence of the Rabbi of Lubavitch on question had died during the journey. after the title of his volumi- all the Jews living within “the pale of They would also officially inform the nous responsa. [Jewish] settlement” of the Russian community concerned of the death Empire and of the manner in which of the child. These “death certificates” Rabbi Menachem Men- he constantly tried to improve their brought great happiness to the parents. del was born on erev Rosh material living conditions. Obviously, the “dead” children had to Hashanah 5549 (1789). His be hidden for a long time (hence the mother was Devorah Leah, In 1827, the infamous Czar Nicholas I name, Techiat Hameitim Society). They daughter of the founder of instituted the “Cantonist” edict, which were then sent to cheders or Talmud Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi introduced the conscription of children Torahs far from their home towns. Shneur Zalman of Liadi for military training and service. Origi- (1745-1812). Rebbetzin nally it applied to children of the age of Third, to send special trustworthy Devorah Leah passed twelve years old and older. The Jewish people to the places where the cantonist away three days after the communities had to supply a quota of children were stationed to encourage Menachem Mendel’s third ten children per thousand (non-Jews and urge them to remain faithful to birthday, and from that day had a smaller quota and more liberal their religion and to their people. the young orphan was reared exemptions). and educated by his illustri- Apart from the huge expense it involved, ous grandfather. The children were sent away by govern- this responsible work was highly dan- ment. For many months he rejected ment officials and distributed among gerous, for it amounted to an act of The young lad’s prodigious abilities the tremendous responsibility of this the peasantry, or sent to special schools treason. Yet this underground program soon became evident. By the time he position, but finally, he reluctantly until the age of eighteen. They were then was successfully carried out and was was twelve he had written many trea- answered the call. removed to barracks for military service never betrayed. tises on matters of Halachic importance for twenty-five years. This meant that and had begun recording the Talmudic Rabbi Menachem Mendel was a prolific the children were torn from home and At the same time, Rabbi Menachem and Chassidic teachings of his grandfa- writer. His works contain a unique from cheder for the greater part of their Mendel concentrated his efforts on ther, supplementing them with his own synthesis of the “esoteric” and “exo- lives, and were subjected to treatment supporting the agricultural centers comments and explanations. teric” aspects of Torah -- Talmudic, calculated to estrange them from their in the districts of Vitebsk and Minsk. Midrashic, Kabbalistic and Chassidic own people. He dispatched Rabbi Hillel of Paritch, Rabbi Menachem Mendel’s Response, thought are harmoniously and lucidly one of the leading Chassidim, to the published in Vilna 1872. blended. He would certainly have liked No parent would willingly nothing better than to continue his yield a child for such a callous While still in his teens, he was appointed writings, edit the works of his grand- scheme, but the community by Rabbi Schneur Zalman to engage in father and father-in-law, and lead the was obliged to provide its the necessary research and reply to the tens of thousands of Chassidim who quota. This led to the appear- numerous Halachic inquiries pouring in had swelled the ranks of Lubavitch. But ance of a despicable character, from scholars in Russia and Europe. this era had its own share of problems the “catcher,” whose job was to with which Jews were confronted. catch or kidnap the children When Rabbi Menachem Mendel was and hand them over to the only eighteen years old, the manuscript Jews in Russia were barred from most government officials. Heart- of his famous Chassidic discourse, occupations and business opportuni- breaking scenes, with children “Roots of the Precept of Prayer” ties, and poverty was rampant among being torn from their mother’s (Shoresh Mitzvat HaTefillah), which he them. Deeply interested in the eco- arms, became commonplace. had tried to conceal, was discovered by nomic position of the Jewish people, The brunt of the tragedy fell his grandfather. Rabbi Shneur Zalman Rabbi Menachem Mendel advised the upon the poorer Jews, who were was so delighted with his find that he Chassidim to engage in agriculture unable to buy their children’s thereafter allotted more time for their wherever possible, and he gave financial freedom from the “catchers.” study together. aid to those who followed his advice. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Rabbi Menachem Mendel was only At that time it was the policy of the attacked the problem without twenty years old when he was appointed Russian government to make it difficult regard to the dangers involved. to take charge of most of Rabbi Shneur for Jews to settle in the villages, so Rabbi It was necessary to save as many Zalman’s communal activities. Menachem Mendel bought a large tract as possible of the children who of land near the city of Minsk on which were actually conscripted. Becomes Rebbe to settle many Jewish families. In 1844 With this in view the Rebbe he purchased another large area of land organized a special council for settlements in the district of Kherson, After the passing of Rabbi Shneur with some adjoining forests in Minsk the following three purposes: where he spent several months each Zalman in 1813, his son Rabbi DovBer Province from Prince Shzedrinov, and summer. (Rabbi Menachem Mendel’s uncle established the settlement ofS hzedrin. First, to study the position of the and father-in-law) was appointed his A council was organized to direct its individual Jewish communities, with Besides instructing the Jews there in successor. At this time Rabbi Men- affairs. a view to helping them decrease the the study of the Torah and the fear achem Mendel commenced a period of number of children they would have of G-d in accordance with Chassidic fourteen years seclusion, during which The founding of Shzedrin made a to supply. teachings, he inspired them to rise to a he devoted himself to study and prayer. deep impression on Jews and non-Jews high level of brotherly love, mutual help He emerged to play his part in public alike. In a government report from the Second, to engage in freeing those who and generally high moral conduct. life in 1826, at the time when Rabbi official of the Province of Minsk to the had been captured. It was arranged to Continued on page 10 10 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008

The Tzemach Tzedek: 13th of Nissan Continued from page 9 In 1843 the Russian Government The conference ended without the proposals would be submitted to the During the twelve years from announced that a conference was to be adoption of any of the changes proposed next session of the cabinet. 1827-1839, Rabbi Menachem Mendel held at Petersburg for the purpose of by the Maskilim. Rabbi Menachem concentrated his efforts on commu- deciding important religious problems. Mendel’s resoluteness and selflessness Several days later, one of the assistants of nal activities in the field of material It was the intention of the government, impressed all the participants and the Minsiter of the Interior announced at the instigation of enhanced his already considerable that, although Rabbi Schneersohn’s the Maskilim, to reputation. proposals concerning the economic use the conference plight of the Jews in the Provinces of The granting of “honorary citizenship” as a means to intro- Vitebsk, Mohilev and Minsk had not papers signed by Czar Nicholas was one duce into the school been accepted in full, a decree had been of the honors bestowed on Rabbi Men- system innovations promulgated forbidding the expulsion achem Mendel in 1844, in recognition which would inter- of Jews from villages and estates if of his valuable work at the Petersburg fere with traditional they were already settled there. The conference the previous year. This great procedures in Jew- precarious position of many Jews was honor bestowed on Rabbi Menachem ish education and thus legalized, and the Pale was in fact Mendel by the government made a prayer. extended. deep impression on the Jewish popula- tion throughout the Russian Empire. News of the new regulation gained A Rabbinical Com- Whenever an important problem arose by Rabbi Menachem Mendel spread mission composed concerning the Jewish community among the Jews, and hundreds of of leaders of Chassi- in White Russia, Rabbi Menachem Jewish families took advantage of the dim and Mitnagdim Mendel was consulted and asked to new development to infiltrate into the was convened to negotiate with the government. The new zone, finding ways to antedate plan how best to communal activities undertaken by their move so that it would meet the combat the threat Rabbi Menachem Mendel thus spread requirements of the law. the conference into even wider fields. posed. Rabbi Men- During the summer of 1844, several achem Mendel was He made every effort to improve the hundred families settled on the land and appointed to the economic conditions of the Jews in earned a good livelihood. Furthermore, commission. the “Pale of Settlement.” Of all the as a result of the exodus from the cities, inhabitants of Russia, only the Jews the problems of overcrowding and The first meeting were discriminated against in the mat- competition were eased. between Rabbi ter of where they could live. They were Menachem Men- allowed to settle only in certain districts Rabbi Menachem Mendel’s personal aid; the protection of Jewish children del and Rabbi Yitzchok of Volozhin, forming a belt or “pale.” Even there, they magnetism drew tens of thousands from kidnappers and their mainte- the leader of the Mitnagdim, made a were restricted to the urban areas and of chassidim from all parts of Europe nance in safety, and spiritual help for favorable impression on both of them. kept out of the rural areas. and Russia, and his thirty-eight years the cantonists. Observers remarked that the meeting as leader of the movement were a proved to the Mitnagdim that the At the conclusion of the Rabbinical colorful and flourishing period for Rabbi Menachem Mendel devoted Chassidim were Torah scholars, and conference, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Chabad. His efforts, like those of his particular attention to the require- convinced the Chassidim that the Mit- submitted a report to the Minister of predecessors, served as an inspiration ments of the Jewish conscripts in the nagdim were pious. This rapprochement the Interior on the economic situation to his successors. Russian army. He ensured that there and communal cooperation had salu- of the Jews in the Pale of Settlement, should be special representatives tary effects on the general relationship and petitioned the Government to at every place where Jewish troops between Chassidim and Mitnagdim. extend it. The reaction of the Minister were stationed, with the specific The antagonists were reunited and of the Interior was favorable, and at aim of concerning themselves with began to work together for the common the suggestion of one of his assistants, the troops’ moral conduct. These cause of traditional Judaism. he invited Rabbi Menachem Mendel, representatives were to encourage the together with two interpreters (Mr. soldiers and strengthen them from At the first meeting of the government- Feitelson and Mr. Chaikin) to come falling into the traps of conversion called conference in 1843, Rabbi Men- and see him in the capital in order to to Christianity laid for them by eager achem Mendel expressed his opinion elaborate on his proposals. The Minister missionaries. that the purpose of the conference received Rabbi Menachem Mendel could only be to encourage religious courteously and assured him that his Rabbi Menachem Mendel also worked observance among the Jews and he for the support of needy Torah schol- reiterated the indefensibility of tam- ars studying at the Yeshivahs and pering even with Jewish custom, since advanced institutes of learning. “customs are also considered Torah.” Despite threats by the chairman of the During all these years he carried on conference, a Minister of Government, his work without any interference and being placed under house arrest on from the opponents of Chassidism, numerous occasions during the four- in either the religious (“Mitnagdim”) month period of the conference of the or the so-called “enlightened” groups conference, Rabbi Menachem Mendel in Russia (“Maskilim”). During showed unswerving determination to this time also, there was no conflict oppose any proposed change of any between Chassidim and Mitnagdim. Jewish custom whatsoever. On Rabbi Menachem Mendel’s fre- quent visits to Chassidic communities “We are not summoned to legislate,” in Minsk and Vilna, the Mitnagdim he said. “We are here to clarify statutes always accorded him great honor and previously decided in the laws of the attended his chassidic and talmudic Mosaic faith. We are here to clarify too, discourses. the customs of Israel, to protect both the commandments of G-d and Jewish The Petersburg conference usage from tampering.” April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 11

Virtually the entire Seder centers on the embodies the essence of Exodus. we remained slaves in Egypt a moment Bread of Faith three matzahs on the seder plate, from longer, there would have been no people Flash of Faith the recitation of the Haggadah over the of Israel to redeem. Based on the teachings smaller half of the middle matzah, to the The matzah, as we said, expresses both of the Lubavitcher Rebbe [Thus we say in the Haggadah: “If eating of the “after matzah” (afikoman) our poverty at the time of the Exodus (Adapted from Chabad.org, Courtesy G-d had not taken our forefathers at the meal’s end. Indeed, the biblical and the haste with which the redemp- of MeaningfulLife.com) out of Egypt, we, our children, and name for Passover is “The Festival tion came about. our children’s children, would still be Matzah, the unleavened bread, is the of Matzahs,” for it is the matzah that The two are interre- enslaved to Pharaoh in Egypt...” If the most prominent item at the Passover lated: it was because redemption had not come when it did, Seder. It is the “bread of poverty” that we were impover- it could not have come at all!] symbolizes our hardship under Egyp- ished -- spiritually tian slavery. It is also the “hasty bread” In other words, we could not afford as well as materially that did not have time to rise, reminis- the luxury of an orderly, methodical -- that our redemp- cent of the nature of our redemption redemption. We simply did not have tion had to be such -- the sudden, drastic, overwhelming the time to divest ourselves of our a hasty affair. Our change that the Almighty wrought in slave mentality and pagan ways, to sages explain that our lives. At the stroke of midnight comprehend the significance of the role we had become on Passover eve, G-d instantaneously for which we were being chosen, or to so entrenched in transformed a materially and morally develop the proper emotional response the paganism and impoverished clan of slaves into a free to this unprecedented event in human depravity of Egypt people -- into the nation chosen to be history. All we had was our faith in G-d that the Exodus came His “light unto the nations” and to -- a faith that had persevered throughout at the very last pos- play the central role in His purpose of our long and harrowing exile. sible moment. Had creation. On Passover eve, G-d ignited this faith with a tremendous revelation of His might and truth, blasting our souls free of the chains that had imprisoned them in an internal slavery more nefarious than any physical bondage. It was this faith, and this faith alone, that took us out of Egypt and set us on the road to Sinai. The prophet Jeremiah describes the moment when he says: “So says G-d: I remember your youthful love, your bridal devotion, following Me out to the desert, to an unsown land.” But faith alone was not enough. Faith can move mountains, but it cannot remake the essence of man. For faith is a transcendent force, and therein lies both its power and its limitations: it can lift a person to unprecedented heights, but these remain otherworldly experi- ences, extraneous to his inner self. Faith got us out of Egypt, but it could not get Egypt out of us. To become truly and inherently free we had to change from within, by means of a gradual process of internal growth and development. So following the instant exodus of Passover, G-d embarked us on a sys- tematic regimen of self-refinement and transformation. Only at the end of a forty-nine-step process (which we re-experience each year with the 49-day Omer Count) did He enter into His covenant with us at Mount Sinai. Thus, while the “I will bring out”, “I will save”, and “I will redeem” elements of the Exodus were realized on Passover itself, the fourth element came to frui- tion seven weeks later, with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai (marked each year with the festival of Shavuot). At Sinai, G-d’s promise “I will take you to Myself as a nation” was realized, after we had internalized the faith of the Exodus, attaining an understand- ing and appreciation of our mission as G-d’s “treasured people among the nations ... a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” 12 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008 Haggadah

The man responded, “Frankly, I am שאינו יודע לשאול”“ QUESTION: Why are the names of the Vedibarta Bam Rabbis mentioned in this order? very disappointed. I expected to see One wise, and one wicked, and one Continued from page 2 a well groomed person, dressed in the ANSWER: Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi simple and one does not know how most modern style, and you are garbed Yisrael. According to Chabad, first the) Yehoshua were the teachers of Rabbi to ask.” in the old style. You do not meet my bottom matzah —Y israel — is placed Akiva. Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah is QUESTION: Why is the word “echad” expectations in any way.” then the Levi in the middle, and finally mentioned before Rabbi Akiva because — “one” — repeated before each of the .the Kohen on top he came from a prominent family and The Chafeitz Chaim looked up at him four sons? was a nasi — leader of the generation. and replied, “If anything, it is I who is Why this order and not the reverse? Rabbi Akiva is mentioned before Rabbi ANSWER: Generally, the term “echad” in accordance with the latest style and ANSWER: The three matzot in this Tarphon because the occurrence took expresses the oneness of Hashem. The you are the one who is not with the ,are an acronym place in B’nei Berak, where Rabbi Akiva Haggadah is teaching that every Jew, times.” The gentlemen arrogantly said (כהן, לוי, ישראל) order vessel.” was the Chief Rabbi (Sanhedrin 32:2). regardless of what he openly declares “Rabbi, on what grounds do you make“ — (כלי) ”of the word “keli This indicates that one is a vessel for Even though Rabbi Tarphon was also about Hashem or the Torah, still has your statement? My wardrobe is of the receiving the kedushah — holy revela- Rabbi Akiva’s teacher, Rabbi Akiva later a “spark” of “echad” — Hashem — in latest style — yours is antiquated!” The tions — of the Seder. became his colleague (Ketubot 84:2), him. Therefore, it is proper and neces- Chafeitz Chaim responded, “In the and he is therefore mentioned last. sary to spend time with him and bring Haggadah we read, ‘mitechilah’ — ‘In When one places the bottom matzah him closer to Hashem. the beginning our fathers served idols.’ )הגש”פ עם לקוטי טעמים ומנהגים( ישראל, )first and then the others on top ,This was the ancient style. However )ספר השיחות תש”ג( - the acronym formed is “ye ,(לוי, כהן Alternatively, according to the Gemara ‘ve’achshav’ — the present style — is which means to go and Alternatively, in a certain Yeshivah — (ילך) ”lech (Berachot 46b) when there are three being close to Hashem’s service. The proceed. This indicates that the Seder there was once a teacher who had a very persons reclining, the custom is that religious Jew who is serving Hashem is not only intended to make a Jew a difficult child in his class.E xasperated the senior person occupies the middle with all his heart and soul is the one vessel to receive kedushah, but also and disillusioned, he went into the position. The one next to him in rank who is truly in accordance with the that it prepares him to propel himself principal’s office and told him, “You reclines above him (or on his right), latest style.” to greater heights of kedushah, till he must take this child out of my class and the third one below him (or on his “והיא שעמדה” ultimately reaches the level of complete immediately. I can no longer deal with left). Hence, RabbiE lazar ben Azaryah, spiritual redemption. him.” After asking the teacher to sit “This is what has stood.” the head of the Jewish community, was down and relax, the principal said to )הגש”פ עם לקוטי טעמים ומנהגים וביאורים( considered the most venerable and QUESTION: Why do we raise the cup him, “Did you realize that if this child come and eat. Whoever is in need was in the middle. To his right were of wine when reciting this passage? is out of your class, you no longer have let him come and join in celebrating Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Yehoshua, a job?” The teacher, somewhat puzzled, ANSWER: Throughout history ”.the Pesach Festival the teachers of Rabbi Akiva. To his left asked, “Why? There are still another many have endeavored to cause us to were Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Tarphon, There was once a very wealthy man who fifteen children in the class besides assimilate in order to detach us from who were younger. Thus, the Haggadah was quite a miser. Very rarely did he give him.” To this the principal responded, Hashem and Torah and thus destroy is relating the order of their reclining any charity or allow a poor man into his “What I meant is the following: Think us spiritually. around Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah. house. On Pesach night his son heard of him as the only student in your class. In order to avoid intermarriage and )הגש”פ עם לקוטי טעמים ומנהגים בשם מאיר him proclaim, “Kol dichfin” — “Who- If expelling him would also mean the -assimilation our Sages instituted cer עין( ever is hungry let him come and eat.” In end of your position in our school due tain ordinances. Since wine drinking to the lack of students, would you still ”כל ימי חייך להביא לימות המשיח“ amazement he asked his father, “Mah brings people together and promotes Nishtanah?” — “Why is this night dif- “‘All the days of your life’ indicates the want him taken out?” The teacher intimacy, sharing wine with non-Jews is ferent than all other nights? — I never inclusion [literally — to bring] of the reconsidered and decided to give the prohibited, and we are not to drink any see you ask a poor man into the house. days of Mashiach.” child another chance. wine which was handled by a non-Jew Why are you making such a generous QUESTION: When something is The Haggadah is teaching parents and (Shabbat 17b). Thus, with the lifting of invitation now?” The father responded, learned from an extra word in a pasuk, educators to treat every child as if he the cup of wine we are proclaiming that “Do not worry, my son, ‘Avadim hayinu the expression is usually “lerabot” — “to were “echad” — their only one. The thanks to adhering to the law concern- leParo beMitzrayim’ — ‘We were slaves add.” Why, is the term “lehavi” — “to undivided attention and extra care usu- ing “this” — wine — i.e. the command to Pharaoh in Egypt’ — and just as bring” — used here? ally given to an only child is something not to mingle with non-Jews by drink- Pharaoh made promises but did not which every child deserves and which ing wine — we have maintained our carry them out (see Bereishit 44:18, ANSWER: The Haggadah intention- accomplishes wonders. identity and averted their every effort Rashi), I also do the same.” ally uses this expression to convey to destroy us. “מתחלה עובדי עבודה זרה היו אבותינו a very important lesson: The goal of )קול אומר קרא( )הגש”פ עם פי’ קרבן פסח מהרב גדלי’ ז”ל ועכשו קרבנו המקום לעבודתו” every Jew “kol yemei chayecha” — “all סילווערסטאן( ”מצוה עלינו לספר ביציאת מצרים“ the days of your life” — [should be] “We would still be obligated to discuss “In the beginning our fathers wor- “lehavi limot haMashiach” — “to bring The words “Vehi she’amdah” — “And the Exodus from Egypt.” shipped idols but now the Omnipresent about the days of Mashiach.” This is this is what stood” — is a continuation has brought us close to His service” QUESTION: What is the uniqueness accomplished through learning Torah to the last words of the previous phrase, QUESTION: The words “mitechi- “[And afterwards they shall leave] with (ספר השיחות תש”ג) .of this mitzvah on Pesach? Isn’t there a and doing mitzvot daily mitzvah to remember the Exodus lah” — “in the beginning” — and great wealth.” The Haggadah is saying לימות“ — ”The days of Mashiach“ from Egypt throughout the year? “ve’achshav” — “but now” — are that throughout the years we have lived ”המשיח superfluous. It should have just said our among many peoples who wanted to ANSWER: 1) The daily obligation can QUESTION: Who is the Mashiach? parents served idols and Hashem has annihilate us, and what has stood for us be fulfilled by mental remembrance brought us close to His service? has been our great wealth. Through it we and meditation, while that of the ANSWER: In the Gemara (Sanhedrin have been able to bribe money-hungry night of Pesach must be verbalized, 98b) there are four opinions regarding ANSWER: In the early 1930’s an oppressors and assure our existence. If as it is said, “You shall tell your child.” the identity of Mashiach. Some say his non-observant Jew traveling on a train this did not work, then instead of afflict- 2) Every day it is sufficient to just mention name is Shiloh ( ), others say Yinon was informed by the conductor that a ing us bodily they would suffice with שילה the Exodus, while on Pesach there must ( ), a third opinion is Chaninah ( ), famous Rabbi known as the “Chafeitz confiscating our wealth and expelling חנינה ינון be an elaborate recounting of the Exodus. and a fourth view is Menachem ( ). Chaim” was in the last car. Eager to see us from their lands. So at least we went מנחם 3) Tonight it is done in the form of The first letter of each one of these four him, the gentleman hastened to this car. unharmed and the future of our people responding to the child or someone else. names spells “Mashiach” ( ). The Chafeitz Chaim was engrossed in .was preserved משיח a sefer and did not pay any attention (הגש”פ עם לקוטי טעמים ומנהגים) Jewry eagerly awaits the revelation of to his observer. Upon lifting his eyes, the redeemer who will lead us out of “מעשה ברבי אליעזר ורבי יהושע ורבי אלעזר בן he noticed the man and asked if there galut. Not knowing definitely what his עזריה ורבי עקיבא ורבי טרפון” was any way he could help him. The “It happened that Rabbi Eliezer, Rabbi name will be, we call him “Mashiach,” gentleman apologetically said, “I only Yehoshua, Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah, an acronym of the four possible names came to see what you look like.” With (הגש”פ צוף אמרים) .Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Tarphon were for the redeemer a pleasant smile, the Chafeitz Chaim reclining [at a Seder] in B’nei Berak.” ”?questioned, “And what did you see “אחד חכם ואחד רשע ואחד תם ואחד April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 13 Parshas Hashavua

replied, “In truth, a minor does not you a Torah observer?” The president of Vedibarta Bam ~ Acharei Mot have to perform any mitzvot. The only the Temple burst into laughter, saying, reason he fulfills mitzvot is for chinuch “Why, of course not!” By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky day when he could enter the Inner- — training — to prepare for the time “This,” said the Rav with quiet tri- Sanctuary was on the special day of the when he will become Bar-Mitzvah and umph, “is the difference between the “אחרי מות שני בני obligated to perform them. Thus, I make (כלי יקר) .year — Yom Kippur two presidents, namely, the sense אהרן” Kiddush every Shabbat so that I will be of shame that was so evident in the “ושלח ביד איש עתי המדברה” After the death“ accustomed to remember not to eat the of the two sons of “And send it (the he-goat) with a desig- Orthodox President’s word’s and that Shabbat meal before reciting Kiddush. Aharon.” (16:1) nated man to the desert.” (16:21) was so utterly lacking in the reply of However, when I will be older, I hope the Reform President.” A person who QUESTION: The QUESTION: Why is the designated to fast on Yom Kippur, so there is no turns red-faced with shame when Midrash Rabbah man known as “ish iti”? reason for me to make Kiddush today confronted with his wrong-doing, (20:5) says that while I am a minor.” ANSWER: The word “iti” stems from exhibits remorse. )פון אונזער אלטען אוצר( when Iyov heard the word “eit,” which means “time.” of the death of Nadav and Avihu he The Prophet’s words are teaching us that “כי ביום הזה יכפר עליכם לטהר According to Targum Yonatan ben said, “Af lezot yecherad libi veyitar when shame is gone there is less hope אתכם” -Uziel the appointed man was desig mimkomo” — “Also for this my heart for moral regeneration, but if a person’s nated for this mission afterY om Kippur “For on this day He shall provide atone- trembles and is moved out of its place” sins cause reddening with shame, there of the previous year. Thus, he had been ment for you to cleanse.” (16:30) (Job 37:1). is hope that the person will do teshuvah chosen for a long time prior to his actual QUESTION: With regard to Hashem and Hashem will forgive him and turn What did Iyov see in the death of the service. forgiving the sins of the Jewish people, everything to “white.” children of Aharon, Nadav and Avihu, )הרב דוד שי’ הולונדער( According to the Rashbam, he was the prophet says, “If your sins will be that made him tremble? “כי ביום הזה יכפר עליכם לטהר called, “ish iti” because he had spent like scarlet (red), they will turn white אתכם” ANSWER: Alarmed by the growth of much time in the wilderness and knew as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). Why the colors the Jewish people, Pharaoh, consulted the roads. red and white? The opposite of white is “For on this day He shall provide atone- his three advisors, Bilaam, Yitro and usually considered to be black, not red. According to Chizkuni, the messenger ment for you to cleanse you.” (16:30) Iyov. Bilaam advised that Pharaoh To emphasize Hashem’s compassion, was destined to pass away before drown the Jewish children, and Yitro the prophet should have said, “If your QUESTION: In the Gemara (Yoma the next Yom Kippur. Thus, “ish iti” fled. Iyov, however, remained silent sins will be like black, through teshuvah 85b) Rabbi Akiva says that the Jews are means a person whose time to leave and did not give any advice. (See Sotah Hashem will convert lucky because “Just as a mikveh cleanses this world has arrived. 11a.) them to white”? et hatemei’im — the defiled — so By referring to him Hashem purifies the Jewish people.” According to the Gemara (Sanhedrin as “ish iti,” the Torah ANSWER: A public 52a), one of the reasons for which is emphasizing that debate was once held Since only the defiled need a mikveh Nadav and Avihu died is related to the although he knew his between a Reform — in order to become clean, the words following incident: Once, while walking life would end with Rabbi and Orthodox “et hatemei’im” — “the defiled — seem behind Moshe and Aharon, Nadav said his mission, he did not Rabbi regarding Torah superfluous? to Avihu, “When will these two old hesitate to perform and Reform Judaism. ANSWER: The way we merit purifica- people die and you and I take over the it. He happily agreed The astute Reform tion from Hashem is through teshuvah. leadership?” to give up his life in Rabbi decided that Sometimes, people who have commit- order to assure that the best defense was an Why, we might ask, was Avihu also pun- ted numerous transgressions avoid K’lal Yisrael received offense. When he was ished for Nadav’s comment? We must rectifying some of their wrongdoings, Divine atonement for called upon to make conclude that tolerating evil is equal to erroneously thinking that concern- all their sins. the first presentation doing evil. Therefore, when Iyov learned ing Judaism it is ‘all or nothing.’ For he avoided all discus- instance, they reason: “Why should “והיתה לכם לחקת about the death of Avihu, in addition sion of theology, Jewish I start putting on tefillin if I am not a עולם בחדש השביעי to Nadav, his heart trembled, out of law, etc. but instead, to shomer Shabbat?” or “Why should I eat בעשור לחדש תענו את fear that he also would be punished for everyone’s surprise, he ”?kosher if I do not put on tefillin נפשתיכם” (נחל קדומים) .having remained silent commenced by asking “And it shall be for you the president of the Rabbi Akiva with the phrase “cleanses “דבר אל אהרן אחיך ואל יבא בכל עת an eternal decree: in Orthodox synagogue, the defiled” refutes this logic. A mikveh אל הקדש” the seventh month, on “Speak to Aharon your brother he shall who was in the audience, to rise, and can purify a person from certain defile- the tenth day of the month, you shall not come at all times into the Sanctu- then asked him the following question: ments even if he will still require afflict your souls.” (16:29) ary.” (16:2) “Are you truly a Torah observer?” The additional purification from other QUESTION: Does a person who must president of the Orthodox synagogue defilements for which the time to QUESTION: The phrase “bechol eit” partake of food on Yom Kippur have to became red-faced, hemmed and hawed, immerse and become clean has not yet — “at all times” — forbids the Kohen’s make Kiddush before eating? and with a deep sigh of embarrassment arrived (see Mishnah, Berachot 3:6). constant presence in the Sanctuary, admitted that he was not. The Reform but seems to permit occasional visits. ANSWER: According to halachah Thus, Rabbi Akiva is teaching us that, Rabbi then asked the other officers of Since he was allowed to come in only on (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 618:10) just as the mikveh can purify the defiled the Orthodox synagogue to rise and he Yom Kippur, what is the reason for the a sick person who is forced to eat on [who were defiled for more than one asked them the same question. They, strange construction of this verse? Yom Kippur does not have to make defilement] even if they remain defiled too, stammered their response that Kiddush, although he is obligated to to a certain extent, so too, Hashem ANSWER: It is Satan’s mission to their Torah observance was lacking. recite berachot and Birkat Hamazon — accepts and wants our teshuvah, even if continuously induce the Jew to sin. (לקוטי שיחות חי”ז) .the Blessing after a Meal — (including The strategy of the Reform Rabbi it is done in parts The Gemara Y( oma 20a) notes that Ya’aleh Veyavo) over the food he eats. became clear when he said, “Ladies “hasatan” ( ) — “the Satan” — has -and gentleman, you see, there is no dif השטן the numerical value of 364. From this ference between my officers and their A mikveh can purify only be’ashboren we may infer that, during 364 days of if the water is gathered — (באשבורן) When the famous Torah scholar Rabbi officers: neither of them are real Torah the solar year, the Satan has permission Avraham of Sachetchav (renown for his observers, so why debate, we are both together in one place. If the water to cause trouble, but on the 365th day works “Avnei Nezer” and “Aglei Tal”) equally non-observant?” is flowing or leaking out, then it is of the year — Yom Kippur — this was five years old, his father instructed an invalid mikveh and the one who permission is revoked. Thus, the day of During all this time the late, venerable him to go home to eat something after immerses in it does not accomplish Yom Kippur, is very different from the Ponavezer Rav, Rabbi Yosef Kahana- Shacharit on Yom Kippur. When he anything. other 364 days of the year. man — sat in the audience as a curious returned to shul, his father asked him, onlooker. He asked for permission to ask The mikveh is a metaphor for the Jewish The message that Hashem conveyed to “Avremele, did you remember to make a question. He mounted the platform people: When they are united together Aharon was that he should not come Kiddush?” to which he replied, “I did and asked the president of the Reform as one, Hashem purifies them and “bechol eit” — “at all times” — any not make Kiddush.” When his father Temple to rise and he asked him, “Are forgives all their sins. ordinary day of the year. The only asked him why not, the young genius 14 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008 FELLOW JEW, IT’S UP TO YOU

Dayenu Brings Simcha for the Whole Year By Moshe Nunez gratefulness leads to simcha…simcha each of our lives in particular. As it can with the same compassion we know The empowers us to doing our shlichus with- be derived from “Kosey (cup), Kasey Abishter has for us. Most importantly, Soon we will be out limitations. Doing our shlichus will (money) and Kisey (anger)” which can gratefulness leads to simcha which is eating matza, the cause H-shem to bring the long-awaited eventually reveal who a person really the ultimate feeling and expression of bread of faith. On Geula Sheleima. As my dear friend is; there are three things that have the how thankful, appreciative, grateful, the very same night Aaron Kafka from Milan, Italy always power change a person: money, wine, and blessed we are. This bursts into the we are eating matza says: “Just do your best, let H-shem to and Chassidus. If money is not affecting unstoppable energy that has the power to get our recharge the rest…but you must do your best, a person, it simply means he hasn’t had to shatter all barriers. of emunah for the don’t forget!” Let’s take a closer look enough money yet. If wine is not affect- whole year, we will also be singing SIMCHA: The Baal Shem Tov said at the elements of this formula. ing a person, it simply means he hasn’t “Dayenu”, the song of appreciation that simcha poretz geder, simcha breaks all drunk enough wine yet. If Chassidus is brings us joy for a Yom Tov recharge of TRUTH: We must recognize the Truth barriers. What this actually means is not affecting a person, it simply means simcha to last for the entire year. in our heart completely, sincerely, and that there really are no barriers when that he hasn’t learned enough Chassidus without a shadow of a doubt. This is we are powered by simcha. You have Any time during the year when you yet. So if we are not yet completely and revealed to us in the Torah of Truth to have fuel if you want something to might not feel very b’simcha and your undeniably thankful and appreciative to where we discover H-shem’s complete move. The fuel for our body is glucose. enthusiasm about life may be a bit low, the Creator, it means that we have not and unquestionable perfection as The fuel for a Lexus is gasoline. The fuel you must remember the song Dayenu. yet had enough of His Torah of Truth explained in Chassidus. Everything for an aircraft is jet fuel. The fuel for a Appreciation and gratefulness bring in our minds and hearts which can keep H-shem created, everything He does, Jew is simcha! simcha. In this week’s article we will doubts lingering in our mind. It is about and everything that comes our way is discuss the progressive steps that will trusting in His absolute perfection--how To conclude, keep in mind that in Pes- not only for the good, but is truly good enable us to be effective shluchim to He runs the world and how He brings us sach we eat the food of faith, matza, and as it is a reflection of His Perfection. prepare the way for Moshiach. These into every life situation that we face. also sing the song of joy, Dayenu. As a This is the TRUTH, and this comes as steps are to be able to recognize the Pessach bonus, I would like to share a first factor in the equation. Being grateful is perhaps the most truth, being grateful for everything with you the following poem: valuable character trait a person can which bring us to have simcha –the GRATEFULNESS: By knowing and As you eat as much matza as you stom- possess. In gratefulness we find love, power to break through all perceived acknowledging the Truth, we now can ach can bear compassion, and simcha. Gratefulness barriers and apparent limitations. be honestly thankful, appreciative, You’ll increase your emnuah for the brings love, and it is a way to connect Nissan is the month of our freedom and grateful for everything H-shem whole year with H-shem’s great love for each of which brings about freedom not only does for us and gives us. If we are still Singing Dayenu both loud and clear us individually, for Klal Israel, for the for us the Yidden, but to the entire not grateful, it means that H-shem’s To bring an a great supply of simcha for nations, and for all creation. Grateful- world through us. Let’s now discuss the Truth has not yet become a part of us the whole year ness brings compassion in that we real- formula to follow to become effective in a real and practical way. How do we And while wearing a Yom Tov smile ize how much good we receive which is shluchim that get the job done in the make the Truth come alive…we seek from ear to ear not commensurate with what we have most expeditious way. more Torah in the light of Chassidus Share your simcha to bring Geula done, so we too are compassionate in to recognize H-shems perfection as it more near! The formula is a progression. Consider judging our fellow creatures favorably is reflected in all of His creation and in this: Truth leads to gratefulness… and will consider them and treat them

Rabbi Avrohom Ziskind (1904-1967) with the encouragement of the Satmar shochtim for extra time in the morning Rebbe – Reb Yoel, with whom he had to daven. On Shabbos Reb Avrohom Dear Editor, you noted the yahrzeit betzin Mindel to her husband Horav a close relationship and would discuss would daven for many hours. of Horav Hachossid Rav Avrohom Hachossid Reb Moshe Pinchos Katz, many topics in learning During the davening in 770, he walked Ziskind’s yahrzeit, in the paper last a member of the Lubavitch Yeshiva In the late 1940’s, as well as the early around to make sure that people were week. I would like to add some facts faculty and the gabai in the 770 shul; years of the Rebbe’s Nesius, the Rebbe not speaking during davening. If he about Reb Avrohom’s life that are and Rebbetzin Gitel to Horav Hacho- conducted Torah conversations with saw someone talking, with a smile noteworthy. ssid Reb Mordechai Mentlik, the Rosh Reb Avrohom and respected his opin- and friendly manner he would remind Yeshiva in Tomchei Tmimim 770. Reb Avrohom was born in Warsaw ion. Some of those conversations were the person not to speak. In addition, and studied in Yeshiva Tomchei The Frierdiker Rebbe was reportedly repeated during Sichos of hadronim at the request of the Frierdiker Rebbe Tmimim. Later he was advised the shadchan, and handwrote the first on Mesechtos. In one of the Sichos, the Reb Avrohom was the Baal Tefila in by the Previous Rebbe to move to line of the Tenaim. Rebbe noted an opinion expressed by 770 every Yom Kippur for Mincha. In Israel (1926-1931) where he studied Reb Avrohom and on his later years, people asked the gabai Reb Avrohom was a in Yeshivas Toras Emes in Chevron another occasion, as Reb Yochanon Gordon, to appoint a shochet and first lived and Yerusholayim and received well, at the conclusion younger and more eloquent baal tefilo, in the Bronx and then smicha from the Tepniker Rov and of the tractate Meno- but he refused. in Williamsburg. In Wil- dayanus from R. Pesach Tzvi Frank, chos, the Rebbe shared liamsburg, he met with After an injury on the job, Reb Avro- the then Av Bais Din of Yerushalayim, Reb Avrohom’s opin- a group of American hom had to stop shechting and was as well as from R Moshe Lapidus & ion, but said “Ich bin Bochurim on Shabbos, appointed the first Rosh Kollel in the R Avrohom Kook. He was also the mit eich nit maskim, chazering a Maamor and upstairs zal in 770. At the request of Reb Rav in a Shul in the Shaarei Chesed ober ich hob derech singing nigunim and Yochanon Gordon, he started the first section of Yerusholayim eretz far aiyer has- eventually the bochu- chassidus shiur for women in Crown modo” – I don’t agree In 1930, when the Previous Rebbe rim were niskarev to Heights. with your explanation, visited the United States, Reb Dovid Chabad. however I respect your On Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5727 (1967), Shtackhamer came to the Rebbe for Known to be a gaon in engrossed studious- as Reb Avrohom was preparing to daven a Brocho. The Chossid Reb Zalman Nigleh and Chassidus, ness. On another occa- in the 770 upstairs shul, with his usual Havlin who lived in Israel and was as a shochet under the supervision of sion the Rebbe mentioned ‘Ich Zuch a avoda of hachonos hatfila, his folded visiting in the U.S. suggested a shid- Rabbi JB Soleveitchik, the two would Boki”, I seek an expert, and turned to talis over his shoulder, he felt ill and duch between Reb Avrohom to one occasionally converse in Torah. When Reb Avrohom was niftar. The Rebbe instructed all the of Reb Shtackhamer’s daughters. Rabbi JB Soleveitchik’s mother was Bochurim to attend his levaya. Reb Shtackhamer was a Chassidisher Reb Avrohom was also known to be an nifter, Reb Avrohom represented the Yid from Hungary whose wife and Oved, davening and meditating for a Yehi Zichro Boruch! We should speed- Rebbe and brought a letter of consola- 3 daughters were later the heads of long period of time. The shochtim with ily witness “The ones who dwell in the tion, personally handed to Rabbi JB. the Ladies Auxiliary of Lubavitch in whom he worked knew and respected dust will awaken and rejoice” with Reb Newark NJ. In the following years, Reb Avrohom also taught Chassidus the fact that Reb Avrohom needed more Avrohom amongst them Reb Avrohom arranged the engage- in Williamsburg, and in fact gave a time to daven. He was also known to A family member ~ Crown Heights ments of two sister-in-laws; Reb- shiur Tanya in the old Satmar shtiebel trade coffee & lunch breaks with other April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 15 Shleimus Haaretz

Our Right To The Land Of Israel His own will He took it from them and For this reason, it is important to gave it to us.”’ emphasize that this connection is rooted Published and copyright © by Sichos In weeps for her dispersed children and in the Bible’s prophecies. It would not be English awaits their return. Even throughout From this perspective the entire Land of desirable to base our claim to the Land the two thousand years during which Israel - not only the coastal region, Jeru- of Israel on the Balfour Declaration or There is a fundamental argument that our people wandered from country salem, and the Galilee, but also Judea, international agreements of the present must be dealt with. At the bottom of all to country, Israel has remained the Samaria, and indeed every tiny portion century, for these agreements could be the Arab rhetoric lies one basic claim: national home of every Jew. From the of the land - is part of an organic whole, countermanded by other ones. After all, “You are intruders. This is our land.W e beginning of the exile until this day, an indivisible and sanctified unity. In how favorable is the United Nations to had been living here for centuries and no matter how far flung his current this spirit, the Kneisiyah HaGedolah of Israel today? then you decided to take it from us.” host country might be, every Jew has Agudas Yisrael, an assembly of Jewry’s turned to face the Holy Land in his foremost sages in the pre-Holocaust era, Nor is the fact that our people once Once it is established that the Jews have thrice-daily prayers. declared in 1937: lived in the land sufficient in and of a valid right to the Land of Israel, then itself to establish our claim to it today. the violence, hatred, and disregard for So central is this principle to our ‘The Holy Land, whose boundaries were If the American Indians would lodge life that has characterized the Arab faith, that Rashi, the foremost of the prescribed by the Holy One, blessed be a claim to all of America, would it be position can be judged for what it is. traditional commentators on the Torah, He, in His holy Torah, was granted to granted them? Unless that right is established, the begins his commentary by stating: the nation of Israel, the eternal people. Arabs will always claim that they have Any sacrifice of the Holy Land that was When the Bible’s prophecies serve as a valid goal: reclaiming a land that is ‘Rabbi Yitzchak said: The Torah should granted to us by G-d is of absolutely no the basis for our claim, then many other rightfully theirs. And once validity have begun with the verse, “This month validity.’ arguments are effective in reinforcing is granted to their goal, the debate shall be for you the first of the months...,” the position. But when that foundation whether all means are acceptable to for this introduces the first command- This explanation is, moreover, the is lacking, we have difficulty refuting attain it or not is one of philosophy. ment given to Israel. only rationale that cannot be refuted the gentiles’ claim: “You are robbers, by the Arabs or the Americans. They because you took by force the lands of What is our claim to the land? - G-d’s Why then does it begin with the narra- also accept the Bible and believe in the... nations.” promise in the Torah. G-d told Abra- tive of creation?... the truth of its prophecies. The Koran ham: “I have given this land to your After thousands of years of exile, our does not dispute the Jews’ right to the descendants.” For one-and-a-half So that if the nations of the world say people have returned to our land. Land of Israel. And can you conceive thousand years the Land of Israel was to Israel, “You are robbers, because you Every portion of the land over which of an American president telling his our home, and ever since then, Jews took by force the lands of the seven Jewish authority is exercised was won people that G-d’s promise to Abraham everywhere have longed to come home nations [of Canaan],” Israel will reply to in defensive wars in which G-d showed is not relevant? Indeed, the connection to their eternal heritage - to Jerusalem, them: “The entire world belongs to the overt miracles. Now when G-d grants between the land and our people is so the site of the Holy Temple; to Hebron, Holy One, blessed be He; He created it His people land in such ways, should well established that everywhere it is the burial place of Abraham, Isaac and and gave it to whomever He pleased. Of it be returned? Is it proper to spurn a referred to as “the Land of Israel.” Jacob; and to Bethlehem, where Rachel His own will He gave it to them, and of Divine gift?

The Shleimus Ha'aretz Talk Show Update time studies. The organization reclaims to Judge Jonathan Adiel in Eretz Yisroel our final show before Pesach. By Mrs. Tamar Adelstein, host undeveloped lands usually found along at 011-972-2-629-9522 or 21. To retrieve the April 4th show via Our last two shows on March 18 and the periphery of yishuvim or elsewhere On the bright side, we had a cheerful phone, dial 641-715-3486/Access April 4 featured two very important and begins the process with planting interview with Aaron Loft who works Code 505946#, or tune in via internet guests: Yisroel Danziger, a leader crops or trees followed by establishing with Rabbi Michael Kadelberg on shli- at www.sanesite.org, click classes, click in Mishmeret YESHA and Mrs. a mini-infrastructure. These “facts-on- chus at all of the Israeli festivals. Bais Shleimus HaAretz where all programs Elly Rodan, a journalist. the-ground” carry great weight in sig- Rivkah high school students R. Goldin, are archived. Our next show will be G-d nifying Jewish ownership to the Arabs Mishmeret YESHA is one of the E. Caplan, and C. Yaffe gave a perfor- Willing, on April 29 from Noon to 1:30 as well as to the Israeli government and original premier grassroots orga- mance (on tape) of an original Purim pm with a special report on the Shiloh its cohorts in the legal system. nizations that has provided rapid spoof about the demise of the peace community. response and security training for Mrs. Elly Rodan along with her hus- process was a delightful conclusion to civilians in Eretz Yisroel in addition band, Steve, operates an important to a number of other high quality internet news service that focuses pri- programs. Mr. Danziger had a wealth marily on advocating for Jews who have of information for those listening as he been wrongly jailed and/or harassed clearly outlined the “matzav” or situ- by the Israeli government for their ation that years of “peace processes” positions on security, stopping ter- have wrought for Jews in YESHA rorism, and the freedom to live in and and the rest of Eretz Yisroel. He expand YESHA. Mrs. Rodan, who accurately described how the Israeli will be joining THE SHLEIMUS government divided up the Shomron HA*ARETZ TALK SHOW as a regular and Yehuda into four designated areas correspondent, detailed the Tzivia for the Arabs with varying amounts Sariel and Halamish brothers’ cases. of autonomy and massive “gifts” of Baruch HaShem, Tzivia was released weaponry and arsenal. After hearing from prison in time for Purim, and Yisroel speak, it’s no wonder President we all hope, G-d Willing, Dani and Shimon Peres was branded “boged” or Itzik Halamish will be spared from traitor by a group of French Jews dur- serving a 10-month prison term for the ing his opening remarks in France as “crime” of following army protocol and he attempted to eulogize the slain self-defense while on a military assign- bochurim from Mercaz HaRav. ment. Everyone is asked to contact the Israeli Embassy’s military attaché in Another important project on Mish- Washington to protest their conviction meret YESHA’s agenda is land recla- and, at the very least, insist on their mation which also interfaces with its right for a sentencing delay as their vocational and agricultural training petition for clemency is considered. program-often for young adults who The Israeli Embassy can be reached at haven’t quite found their place in full- 202-364-5500. Faxes can also be sent 16 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008 April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 17 Health Interest

The RAMBAM Lifestyle These fats are usually found in foods avoiding animal fats and palm and from animals, such as meat, milk, coconut oils. By Yaakov Bam at my journey in terms of small victories cheese, and butter. They also are found that I could achieve. I used to not be able Add foods to your diet that are high in foods with palm and coconut oils. The Rambam: to control myself in front of chocolate in monounsaturated fats, such as olive Eat less of these foods. cake. When I started to work on adopt- oil, canola oil, “A wise man eats only ing a healthier lifestyle, I eliminated it Eat less Sodium one dish or two, eat- entirely until my trainer said, ‘Don’t and fish. ing only enough to deprive yourself. Take a little piece. The Eating less sodium can help lower some sustain him. This is taste is in the first couple bites.’ Eat foods containing polyunsaturated people’s blood pressure. This can help alluded to in King fats found in plants and fish.S afflower reduce the risk of heart disease. Shlomo’s statement: “My wife has also embraced this new oil and “The righteous man eats to satisfy his lifestyle, and she’s lost weight too. We Sodium is something we need in our corn oil are high in polyunsaturated soul.”(Proverbs 13:25) (Hilchos Deos started to walk twenty minutes a day, diets, but most of us eat too much of fats. 5.1) then thirty. Now, I’m up to one hour a it. Much of the sodium we eat comes day. Group support is priceless. Going Choose a diet moderate in salt and from salt we add to our food at the table Success story to meetings every week empowered and sodium. or that food companies add to their encouraged me tremendously.” foods. So, avoid adding salt to foods Maintain or improve your weight. Concerned about Laibel’s high choles- at the table. terol, his doctor recommended that he Health Tips for Your Good Eat plenty of grain products, fruits, and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Lifestyle vegetables. Eat fewer Calories He lost over 50 pounds, and gained What kills Americans most? Heart To be continued. When we eat more calories than we peace of mind. disease. It’s the No.1 cause of death need, we gain weight. Being overweight Yaakov Bam, M.S., is a member of in this country. You can lower your Laibel relates: “I had seen her father go can cause heart disease. When we eat American Association of Nutritional chances of getting heart disease. One through two heart surgeries. At 42, I fewer calories than we need, we lose Consultants. He focuses on guiding and way is to choose foods carefully. For a had my cholesterol checked, and it was weight. advising institutions, families and private healthy heart, eat: over 300. My doctor told me I have risk individuals in implementing the RAM- factors that could lead to heart trouble, Eat more Fiber BAM Lifestyle. Yaakov can be reached less fat and I need to change my eating habits to at [email protected] or by phone, less sodium improve my health. I decided to adopt Eating fiber from fruits, vegetables, and (347)564-2874. To find out more details fewer calories a healthier lifestyle. Now those risk grains may help lower your chances of about the RAMBAM Lifestyle, please see more fiber factors didn’t exist anymore. getting heart disease. preceding and upcoming articles of the Eat less Fat Health Interest series. To register for a free “When I first saw the ideal weight for Diet Tips for a Healthy Heart Health Lifestyle seminar, please contact Some fats are more likely to cause heart my height, I thought, ‘I will not be able Yaakov Bam. disease—saturated fats and trans fats. to do it.’ But my trainer told me to look Eat a diet low in saturated fat, especially

Shabbos Hagodol: The Good, Evil & Transforming the Bad By Dr. Tali Loewenthal level, the enemy becomes a friend; a response to the idea that the final True, Pharaoh and the Egyptian on the inner personal level, the Evil plague, which had been forecast by authorities were not transformed at Based on the teachings of the Rebbe Desire is transformed to good, and Moses, would mean death for the first- that point, and the tenth plague and (adapted from Chabad.org) now works energetically in service of born. We might see it as no more than then the Splitting of theS ea, destroying G-d. This is the ultimate of Teshuva a reaction to personal fear. However, the Egyptian forces, had to follow. But The approaching festival of Passover (repentance), when the error of the past the Lubavitcher Rebbe points out that the rebellion of the firstborn was a taste makes us confront issues concerning is transformed into a state of goodness it was more than that. It was a transfor- of the transformations of the future, good battling against evil, escape from and holiness. mation of the inner spiritual nature of when all darkness will be changed to enslavement by enemies, the triumph existence. Ancient Egypt represented light, and all violent evil to good. of light over darkness. There are such An example of such transformation the depths of evil, implacably opposed battles on a national level, and they also is seen in our Torah reading, Tzav to holiness, as indeed we see in the Thus we say at the end of the Passover exist within a person in the form of the (Leviticus chapters 6-8). In terms of figure of Pharaoh himself. Yet on that Seder: “Next Year in Jerusalem!” mean- struggle of the Good Desire against world history, the key initial error was Shabbat, what the Sages term a “great ing in the rebuilt Jerusalem and the the Evil Desire, and escape from the the fact that Adam and Eve ate from miracle” took place. Within Egypt itself, Temple, in the time of the Messiah, when enslavement to inner narcissism and the Tree of Knowledge. The Divine in fact the firstborn ofE gypt - meaning humanity will be united in recognition negativity. Presence had dwelt with them in the the future leaders - began a movement of goodness together, transformed. Garden of Eden, but this tragic mistake on behalf of the Jewish people. Jewish teaching recognizes that very caused it to depart. often we are engaged in such conflicts in order that we should survive. The battle This Shabbat before Passover, called is often not only on our own behalf as the Great Shabbat (Shabbat HaGadol) Jews, but a battle for civilization as a expresses the idea of transformation of whole, for the universal ideal of belief bad to good. in G-d and the ethical behavior which should result from that belief. When The ancientE gyptians had enslaved and the Bible condemns the idolatry of the tortured the Jews. When Moses came ancient Canaanites it condemns their with the Divine mission to bring the depravity: “for also their sons and Jews to freedom, working one miracle daughters they burn in fire” (Deuter- after another, Pharaoh continued to onomy 12:31). resist. Yet on the Shabbat before the Exodus, commemorated by this Shab- But is this simple victory of good over bat today, the Egyptian firstborn began evil the final goal of Jewish teaching? to side with Moses, actively attacking Chassidic thought presents a higher their own government. ideal: transformation of evil into good, of darkness into light. On the national The Sages tell us that the attack was 18 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008

Our Mosdos

Rebbe’s Pesach Message Published in the “Complete Story of guiding our daily life; pure and holy life the Jew explains their significance he young generation, both boys and girls: Passover” by Kehot eventually leads to real freedom. has not observed the Seder fittingly: the wise and the wicked (temporarily), Pesach, Matzoh and Moror. Using these the simple and the one who knows not It is said: “In every generation each The festival of Pesach calls for early symbols in their chronological order what to ask. Just as we cannot shirk our Jew should see himself as tough he and elaborate preparations to make and in accordance with the Haggadah responsibility towards our child by the personally had been liberated from the Jewish home fitting for the great explanation we may say: the Jews avoids excuse that “my child is a wise one; he Egypt.” This is to say, that the lesson festival. It is not physical preparedness Moror (bitterness of life) only through will find his own way in life, therefore of Pesach has always a timely message alone that is required of us, but also Pesach (G-d’s special care ‘passing over’ no education is necessary for him;” so for the individual Jew. The story of spiritual preparedness—for in the life and saving the Jewish homes even in we must not despair by thinking “the Pesach is the story of the special Divine of the Jew the physical and spiritual the midst of the greatest plague), and child is a wicked one; no education will Providence which alone determines the are closely linked together, especially Matzoh—then the enemies of the help him.” For, all Jewish children, boys fate of our people. What is happening in the celebration of our Sabbath and Jews will work for the benefit of the and girls, are “G-d’s children”, and it is in the out-side world need not affect us; festivals. Jews, driving them in great haste out our sacred duty to see to it that they we might be singled out for suffering, of “Mitzraim,” the place of perversion all live up to their above mentioned G-d forbid, amid general prosperity, On Pesach we celebrate the liberation and darkness, and placing them under title; and this we can achieve only and likewise singled out for safety amid of the Jewish people from Egyptian the beam of light and holiness. through a kosher Jewish education, in a general plague or catastrophe. The slavery and, together with it, the libera- full adherence to G-d’s Torah. Then story of our enslavement and liberation tion from, and negation of the ancient One other important thing we must we all will merit the realization of our of which Pesach tells us give ample Egyptian system and way of life, the remember. The celebration of the ardent hopes: “In the next year may we illustration of this. For the fate of our “abominations of Egypt.” Thus we cel- festival of freedom must be connected be free; in the next year may we be in people is determined by its adherence ebrate our physical liberation together with the commandment “You shall Jerusalem!” to G-d and His Prophets. with our spiritual freedom. Indeed, relate it to Your son.” The formation there cannot be one without the other; and existence of the Jewish home, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson This lesson is emphasized by the three there can be no real freedom without as of the Jewish people as a whole, is principal symbols of the Seder, concern- accepting the precepts of our Torah dependent upon the upbringing of the ing which our Sages said that unless

The First and Final Redemption Man’s viewing the Exodus from Egypt In practical terms, the lesson from as a continuous process will lead to daily the above is that each and every Jew is improvement in conduct as well - as entrusted by G-d with a unique mis- (Chabad.org, adapted from Likkutei they achieved the status of free people. befits a free man. sion that he, and only he, is capable of Sichos Vol. XXII pp. 258-263) This transition, however, is an ongo- accomplishing. ing experience that requires constant Both the first and the final redemption While the first night of Passover com- meditation on the concepts of slavery involve the liberation of all the Jewish memorates the redemption from exile He cannot rely on someone else to and freedom. A person’s ruminations people. Just as the Exodus encompassed in Egypt, the final day celebrates the fulfill that mission for him, for the must have a salutary effect on his daily the entire nation and resulted from future Redemption, which G-d will other individual is entrusted with his conduct. the Jews’ collective service, so will the bring about through Moshiach. own mission. future Redemption liberate all Jews This is why spiritual redemption from from exile, and it too will result from On the other hand, each person must The connection between the first and all straits and limitations that constitute our collective efforts. also realize that he is part of a collective the last redemption is also gleaned from spiritual Egyptian exile is an ongoing - the Jewish nation. His mission is thus the verse: “As in the days when you left This collective liberation and effort process, notwithstanding the fact that of vital importance not only to himself Egypt, I shall show you wonders [during came about during the Exodus as a the Jews’ physical Exodus took only but to all the Jewish people. the final Redemption].” result of the effort of each Jew, who one day. first liberated himself from his own Fulfilling his mission as an individual Our Rabbis ask: Why does the verse say spiritual exile. This is expressed by our Sages when thus helps the Jewish people fulfill “As in the days when you left Egypt,” they state: “In each and every genera- their mission as a collective whole. when the Exodus took place on one day, And so with the final liberation: the tion and on each and every day, every Ultimately, each Jew’s personal redemp- as the verse states: “Remember this day efforts of each and every Jew in redeem- man is obligated to see himself as if tion from spiritual exile leads to the on which you left Egypt.” ing himself from spiritual exile will he had gone out from Egypt on that collective redemption of all Jews from result in the collective redemption of very day.” the final exile. On the day the Jewish slaves leftE gypt all Jews from the final exile.

seder. The girls were dazzled by the danced, and played tambourines with Stock for hosting the event and to the Shalhevet array of fabrics, colors, and textures as great enthusiasm and joy. Crown Heights Jewish Community Last Wednesday, Shalhevet ran its last they sewed and decorated. There were Council for sponsoring the event. event before Pesach, a beautiful evening “Amazing. Who pays for all of this,” was interactive games and healthy nosh, attended by more than 75 girls, hosted the comment of one of the girls. Shalhevet is an organization dedicated presented very creatively. by Beis Rivka in the lunchroom at 310 to providing creative workshops and Shalhevet is looking forward to con- Crown Street. Malky Edry was the special guest. She events for young teenage girls in a tinuing its programs after Pesach.S tay treated the girls to wonderful nigunim Chassidishe atmosphere. For more The project of the night was decorat- tuned. about Pesach, Geula. Girls sang along, information, please call 953-0770 or ing pillow cases for one’s room or the A special thanks to Beis Rivka and Benji 953-2452. April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 19

Nissan Yahrzeits 18th of Nissan 20th of Nissan This week we continue with theY ahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. By mentioning them, we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn lessons Mrs. Maryasha Dubrowsky Mrs. Pesha Ziskind from their lives that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes The daughter of Horav Hachossid Hato- The daughter of Horav Hachossid the Yahrzeiten of the14th of Nissan through the 23rd of Nissan. mim Reb Zalman Menachem Mendel, Reb Dovid and wife of Reb Avrohom she had refined midos, was generous, Ziskind (see article about him in this Men Elimelech Halevi Friedberg and devoted her life with self-sacrifice issue), she was nifter in 1981, and her 15th of Nissan The son of RebS holom Halevi, he was to the benefit of her fellow Jews.S he was resting place is near the holy Ohel. a talmid in Tomchei Tmimim and for supportive of people with problems, but Horav Hachossid 21st of Nissan two years published “Tomix News”, always concealed her own pain. She was H a t o m i m R e b reporting news and events that took nifter in 1997, and her resting place is Mrs. Kayla Chitrik Dovid Arye Hako- place in 770, to satisfy the thirst of near the holy Ohel. hen Yarmush The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb Chassidim worldwide. He was nifter 19th of Nissan Aharon Tumarkin and wife of Horav The son of Horav in 2003, and his resting place is near Hachossid Reb Yehuda Chitrik, she Hachossid Reb Avro- the holy Ohel. Mrs. Yasha Liba Grossbaum sacrificed herself in raising her children hom Shlomo Hako- 22nd of Nissan The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb with a chinuch Al Taharas Hakodesh hen, he was mekushar Dovid and wife of Horav Hachossid and in establishing schools for Jewish all the years to the Previous Rebbe Horav Hachossid Reb Duber, she grew up in Russia with children in Russia. She invested much and to the Rebbe, and merited to be a Hatomim Reb Sho- self-sacrifice for Torah and Mitzvos, and energy in founding and organizing melamed of young children for almost lom Ber Gordon raised her family with the teachings of Nshei Chabad and Bais Rivka in Mon- fifty years. In the early 1940’s, Reb The son of Horav the Rebbe’im. She was nifter in 1999, treal. She was nifter in 1983, and her Dovid was a melamed in Rochester, NY. Hachossid Hatomim and her resting place is near the resting place is near the holy Ohel. In 1946, the Previous Rebbe advised Reb Yochonon Gor- holy Ohel. him to study for smicha at Yeshiva 23rd of Nissan don, he was one of Torah Vodaas. In later years he taught Mrs. Rendel Alenick the first students Mrs. Sonya Gurkov in Yeshivas Toras Emes in Boro Park. of Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in The daughter of Horav Hacho- When he reached retirement age and the United States and served ssid Reb Yitzchok Yoel, she The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb the yeshiva wanted to implement their as a shliach of the Rebbe’im pursued generosity all her Chaim Eliezer and wife of the sofer retirement policy, the Rebbe advised for up to sixty years. He was life, and her home was open Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Yaakov him to continue teaching. The yeshiva the Rav in his kehilla, gave to all. She worked for the Yosef Gurkov, she always stood at her allowed him to do so. He was born in public shiurim, and worked benefit of the individual, husband’s side in fulfilling the shlichus Menachem Av, 1921, in Williamsburg, energetically in Chinuch. as well as for the public, of the Previous Rebbe and of the Rebbe. and was nifter in 1999. His resting place In the last months of his and especially in matters She was nifter in 2002, and her resting is near the holy Ohel. life, although already ill, of Chevra Kadisha. She also place is near the Holy Ohel. Horav Hachossid Reb Moshe Yeho- he continued teaching in worked in a Crown Heights Dear Readers: shua Perlow the Bais Rivka seminary. He mosad helping educate young was born on the 24th of Iyar Jewish children, was mekarev Yid- Those who would like to have any of The son of Horav Hachossid RebY osef, 1921 in Dokshitz, Lithuania and was den to Hashem and was devoted to the their relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit he was nifter in 2000. His resting place nifter in 2001. His resting place is near Rebbe until her last day. She was nifter column, please email the name, father’s is near the holy Ohel. the holy Ohel. in 1986, and her resting place is near name, date of the ptira and some details Horav Hachossid 23rd of Nissan the holy Ohel. to [email protected]. A picture may Hatomim Reb be included. Yechezkel Halevi Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Brod Yosef Yitzchok Altein The son of Horav The son of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Hachossid Reb Reb Mordechai Dov, he studied Torah CPR Chaim Binyomin though in terrible pain, in order to Halevi, he studied with self- sacrifice fulfill Hashem’s will and merited many in Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim from brochos and kiruvim from the Rebbe. Need a CPR, AED, or First aid 1937 until 1947, as is noted in his He was nifter in 2000, and his resting autobiography. He participated in place is on Har Hamenuchos. certification for the summer? many simchas and enhanced the joy Women Just need recertification? by dancing with his fullest energy. He was born on the 25th of Nissan 1923 14th of Nissan New classes forming now for adult,child ,and in Mezibuz, Ukraine and was nifter Mrs. Freida Menya Sosonkin in 2005. His resting place is near the infant CPR with AED. Email or call Henoch at holy Ohel. The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb Efraim Shmuel and wife of Horav 347-768-4847 Horav Hachossid Hachossid Reb Osher, she involved AHA Certified instructor Reb Nissan Izik [email protected] herself in Torah shiurim, had a great Andrusier thirst for learning and was an ardent The son of Horav participant in Mivtzoim. When the Hachossid Reb Rebbe stressed Inyonei Geula and • Rafael, he was Moshiach, she committed herself to a t r ust wor t hy activities bringing the redemption. She • businessman and was nifter in 1998, and her resting place • sacrificed himself is near the holy Ohel • in Montreal to raise his children in the 15th of Nissan ways of Torah and Chassidus. He was • When walking home from the Sedorim, try not to walk nifter in 1991, and his resting place is Mrs. Chava Gitel Rapaport alone and be alert as to what is happening around you. near the holy Ohel. The daughter of Horav Hachossid • Watch young children in the streets, make sure they cross 18th of Nissan Reb Chaim Shlomo, she was nifter at the lights only and they wait for a green light. in 2001. Her resting place is near the • Do not push a carriage between two parked cars without Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb holy Ohel. making sure there is no incoming traffic 20 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008

CHJCC

far in the city in 2008. overseas and have not been vaccinated, call your regular doctor to get a measles Call The Measles is a viral respiratory disease shot. Because of the ongoing outbreaks, that spreads though direct contact with children between six months and 12 CHJCC NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT the mucus or saliva of an infected per- months should be vaccinated if they OF HEALTH ANDMENTAL son, or by airborne droplets. Most New are traveling. Older children and adults 718~778~8808 HYGIENE York City cases occur in unvaccinated need two doses of measles vaccine to people who have traveled overseas, or in CHILD/FAMILY HEALTH Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH be fully protected. New Yorkers can individuals who live overseas and visit Commissioner also call 311 for immunization clinic INSURANCE the city. Approximately 94 percent of locations. Sara Seldowitz...... ext. 32 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New York City’s young children have received a measles vaccine, providing If you are hosting family members from Tuesday, April 8, 2008 ENTITLEMENT SERVICES good protection for the population overseas, particularly from Europe (212) 788-5290 overall. While endemic measles has not and Israel, ask them to get vaccinated Rivka Shur...... ext. 24 HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADVISES NEW been seen in New York City in many before coming to the United States. This Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 YORK CITY RESIDENTS TO MAKE SURE years, the condition is still common in will help protect your family and your VOCATIONAL COUNSELING & THEY HAVE HAD MEASLES SHOTS BEFORE developing countries. In addition to community from measles. TRAVELING ABROAD Europe and Israel, measles is present About Measles SERVICES in many travel destinations, including Recent Cases in Brooklyn Tied to Japan and India. Measles is a respiratory illness that Rivka Shur...... ext 24 Outbreaks Overseas spreads though direct contact with the “Vaccinations are the safest and most Bela Vilenkin...... ext. 23 All Babies Should Be Vaccinated mucus or saliva of an infected person, effective way to protect yourself and Against Measles at Age 1 or by airborne droplets. Symptoms FOOD STAMPS others, whether you are traveling to include a fever, cough, red eyes and NEW YORK CITY – April 8, 2008 – Europe or to a developing country,” Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 runny nose. The illness typically lasts In response to several New York City said Dr. Jane R. Zucker, the Health five to six days, with a rash that starts FAMILY SERVICES measles cases tied to international Department’s Assistant Commissioner on the face and then moves down the travel, the Health Department today for Immunization. “If you’re traveling Phyllis Mintz ...... ext. 28 body to the arms and legs, including urged residents traveling abroad, to to or returning from Israel for the the palms of the hands and soles of the AP ARTMENT LISTINGS Europe and to Israel in particular, to approaching Passover holiday, be sure feet. One in three people with measles be sure they are vaccinated against you’ve had your shots.” Penina Metal...... ext. 21 develops complications such diarrhea measles. Currently, there are large How to Help Prevent Measles and pneumonia, which can lead to CRIME VICTIMS measles outbreaks in Israel and Switzer- hospitalization, and even death. The land, and outbreaks have occurred in All babies should be vaccinated for Batia Brandel ...... ext. 22 disease can be more severe for infants, other European countries, including in measles at age one, and a second dose pregnant women and people who have [email protected] the United Kingdom and Belgium. The should be given at four to six years of weakened immune systems. Health Department reminded doctors age. The measles vaccine is required for (c) 917~618~0279 in February to watch for the disease and admission to the city’s schools, colleges The Health Department investigates all Galina Pindrick...... ext. 31 promptly report suspected cases. Ten and daycare centers. cases of measles. Last year, the Depart- measles cases have been identified so ment investigated 36 suspected measles 718~771~9000 If you and your family are traveling cases, and five were confirmed. All five FEMA occurred in unvaccinated people who had traveled or lived overseas. As part Fruma Junik ...... ext. 10 of the department’s standard investiga- 718~774~3999 tion, individuals who may have come into contact with an infected person YAM~ Youth Action Movement are assessed to determine whether Yosef Kanofsky they are immune to measles. People who are not immune are referred for [email protected] appropriate care. 718~771~9000 ext 17 For more information about measles, SHALOM CENTER please visit the Health Department’s website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/ Shimon Herz doh/html/imm/immmea.shtml. 718~774~9213

IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING THE BURNING OF CHOMETZ AT 770 The 71st Police Precinct has secured fire have caused injuries in the past to the location, as always, in front of 770, a few community members and police where community members can burn officers, albeit thank G-d, not serious Chometz, the cleaning feather, and ones. ONLY authorized items. Please note Let’s make this year’s burning of the the following guidelines: chometz the safest ever! Things to be burned MUST be placed Sgt. Bobby Troise, 71 CPU into a PAPER BAG (plastic is hazardous & extinguishes the fire). A line will be formed using barriers so that commu- nity members, including children, can burn Chometz in a safe environment. Please do not throw into the fire any old mail, glass and plastic bottles with oil, plastic bags and other “none Chometz” items. Exploding bottles and high flames fueled by oil thrown into the April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 21 Kids

Chol Hamoed Trips Lyndhurst, America’s finest Gothic ings that illustrate what life was like in Fire Island :Monthly Light Keepers Lancaster, PA Revival mansion and a remarkable a lighthouse more than 100 years ago. Behind the Scenes Tour South Shore example of the Hudson River’s grand Guided tours for groups are available It is 165 miles from Brooklyn, NY Follow one of our present day Light- and historic estates. Lyndhurst has by reservation only. Admission to the (approx 3 hours driving). All the house Keepers on his rounds. This always been a place to escape the city lighthouse is $5 ($4 for seniors and Amish attractions and Orthodox top to bottowm tour takes you from and to enjoy the spectacular beauty children). Call for tour information. synagogues all year round. Info at the beacon in the lanten room of the of the Hudson River and the peaceful Palmer Avenue off Route 9. (914) http://www.800padutch.com/ lighthouse to the auxiliary generator in surroundings of the country. 631-1440. the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters. Philadelphia, PA Lyndhurst is located ½ mile south of the Rockefeller State Preserve: Route 117 East. Reservations required. Date: 3/8/08 Tappan Zee Bridge on Route 9 in Tarry- Please Touch Museum # 210 North Woodlands, meadows, wetlands and a - 11/15/08 Time: 9 am Fire Island town, NY. Lyndhurst is approximately 21st Street (215) 963-0667 http:// 24-acre lake offer a wonderful retreat LighthouseFire Island Fire Island, NY 24 miles north of midtown Manhattan www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/ and from the city. The preserve is open daily. Suffolk County Phone: (631) 661-4876 on the Hudson River. Summer hours The Franklin Institute Science Museum Parking fee. (914) 631-1470 Tickets $10 resume April 15 Mansion opens full- located in Center City Philadelphia, time for the season. Tuesday - Sunday, Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway. The trailway Smithtown, NY: Caleb Smith State Park at the intersection of 20th Street and 10 am -5pm, first tour at 10:30, last tour runs through Headless Horseman country, PreserveJericho Turnpike North Shore the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The at 4:15 p.m. Self-guided audio tours of otherwise known as Sleepy Hollow. Museum's parking garage entrance Fun for Kids 5 and up 4/23 Mad the mansion and grounds are available Various parts of the trail offer spectacular is located behind the building at the Scientist’s Lab. 4/24 Nature Craft from 10:30 am to 3:45 pm. After you Hudson River views. (914) 889-4100. intersection of 21st Street and Winter Day, Phone: (631) 265-1054 www. arrive, stop in the Museum Shop to Street. 9:30AM - 5:00PM - Sun to Sat Kingsland Point Park, Palmer Avenue nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/ Adults: pick up an audio player which will lead The Tuttleman Imax Theater Sun to off Route 9 inS leepy Hollow. A scenic 3.00 Children: 2.00 you through the mansion and grounds. Sat - 10:00AM - 6:00PM recreation area right on the Hudson Audio tours last from 45 minutes to The Long Island Game Farm River. Take a walk along the river and Manhattan, NY three hours, depending on your pace. enjoy a picnic. The Long Island Game Farm announces Adults: $12.00 Seniors: $11.00 Chil- The Tenement's Visitors Center is that it will kick off its 2008 season on dren 6-16 with Adult: $5.00 Children Croton-on-Hudson, NY located at 108 Orchard Street, between Saturday, April 19. From alligators under 6 with Adult: Free Grounds Fee: At Van Cortlandt Manor, explore the Delancey and Broome, near Delancey. to zebra and scores of animals in $5 per person in vehicle Please call stone manor house and brick ferry Visit by guided tour only http://www. between, the Long Island Game Farm (914) 631-4481 for information. house, wander through the heritage tenement.org/ suitable for children 8 Wildlife and Children’s Zoo has many gardens, and stroll down a quiet country years & older. Lengthof tour: Approxi- Sleepy Hollow, NY interactive areas where guests can road along the Croton River. With its mately 1 hour Tickets Adults: $17 touch, and unlike most zoos, actually Experience the beauty of the Hudson extraordinary collection of colonial and Students: $13 Seniors: $13 and Jewish feed the animals! During the summer River with a stroll through Kingsland federal furnishings,the manor house Heritage Museum A Living Memo- season, entertainment and educational Point Park, where visitors can also see illustrates the opulence enjoyed by its rial to the Holocaust 36 Battery Place programs are featured center stage at the historic 1883 Lighthouse at Sleepy inhabitants. Visitors can participate in (646)437-4200 Tickets: $10 adults, $7 the 500 seat amphitheater. Hollow and the Tappan Zee Bridge. many hands-on tasks. Visit April to Sep- seniors, $5 students, children 12 and Long Island Game Farm638 Chapman tember Daily (Closed Tuesday): 10am under are admitted free. Free admission Philipsburg Manor, Upper Mills: This Boulevard Manorville, NY Phone: - 5pm Last tour at 4pm Guided Tours every Wed. from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. http:// early 17th century farm was owned by (631) 878-6670 www.longislandgame- Adults $12; Seniors $10; Children 5-17 www.mjhnyc.org/museum_.htm the Philipse family and includes a fully farm.com $6 Free for children under 5 furnished Dutch-style manor house, Drive along the Hudson for 1 to 2 hours Port Jefferson: Long Island's Seaport barn and a restored gristmill, gardens, Bear Mountain State Park and you will find many interesting reception center, orientation film and Bear Mountain is open 365 days a year Port Jefferson, sometimes referred to spots to visit giftshop. . Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. Parking is $6. Cost as Long Island's Seaport, is a historic Tarrytown, NY April through December; Route 9. Admis- for the zoo and trailside museums is $1 ship-building village. Port Jefferson is Washington Irving’s Sunnyside The sion. Adults $12; Seniors $10; Children for ages 13 and over, while children 6-12 a visitor's dream, and one of the most enchanted landscape of Washington 5-17 $6 Guided Tours (914) 631-3992 are 50 cents. The park is located about picturesque of waterside villages to Irving’s much-loved Sunnyside has 50 miles north of New York City at the be found on Long Island. From its The 1883 Lighthouse at Sleepy Hollow: been charming guests for generations. intersection of the Palisades Parkway waterside location at the head of a A trip to this historic lighthouse begins One of America’s first celebrity homes and Route 9W. Rail commuters can beautiful deep water harbor to its envi- at Kingsland Point Park. Listed on the remains a delight to behold. Visit April take Metro-North to the Peekskill or able position as a busy downtown area National Register of Historic Places, to October Daily (Closed Tuesday): Garrison stations and take a taxi across in the heart of Long Island's prestigious the lighthouse offers nature and historic 10am - 5pm Last tour at 4pm Guided the river to the park. A taxi runs up to north shore. Take a tour of the historic heritage programs on a monthly basis Tours Adults $12; Seniors $10; Chil- $25 one way. homes, watch the ferry and many boats and features exhibits of logbooks and dren 5-17 $6 Free for Members and in the harbor, spend the day shopping, chronicles, photographs and furnish- Long Island, NY children under 5 visit the museum.

Keeping Busy: ing out matzo tickets each time they Distribute during the Seder whenever a At the end of the evening these tickets participate in a positive way: To make child participates in an exemplary way may be redeemed for a small prize or Activity for 3-6 year olds the cards, cut out the cards and make like reciting the 4 questions, answering treat. Looking for a way to keep the kids enough copies or let the kids draw a Pesach trivia question, or helping engaged during the Seder? Try pass- If you own a computer check out these simple pictures on unlined index cards. someone younger. websites, all have great games and crafts for kids of all ages. Keep the kids busy happy and out of your way. http://www.chabad. org/kids/default_cdo/ jewish/Kids.htm http://kosher4pass- over.com/kids.htm http://crafts.kaboose. com/holidays/pass- over/index.html 22 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008

“And it was in middle of the night..” Impressions of the Second-Night-of-Pesach Farbrengen with the Rebbe

By: Rabbi Michoel Seligson The Rebbe entered the “zal” of the revelation of Moshiach and therefore, rayim Gealtonu”. upstairs shul after a short interval. He he would participate in the dancing Over the course of more than forty was holding his Haggada, which was instead of a Farbrengen. Reb Yankel Katz of Chicago had the years, we merited many Farbrengens published in 1946 and included his merit to participate in the Previous from the Rebbe. Some of them took commentaries. On the second night of Pesach, the Rebbe’s seder in 1930 during the Previ- place during Yomim Tovim and were Rebbe Farbrenged from 12:00 A.M. ous Rebbe’s yearlong visit to the United filled with feelings of celebration; The Rebbe sat down and said, “My until 2:00 A.M. People dozed off dur- States. When the Rebbe settled in the others commemorated Chassidishe father-in-law, the Rebbe said that his ing the course of the Farbrengen. The U.S. in 1940, Reb Yankel Katz was Yomim Tovim, such as Yud-Tes-Kislev, father would begin the second seder Rebbe commented, “Since my father- invited to participate in the sedorim Yud Shvat, or Yud Aleph Nissan, and at 8:00 PM and continue until after in-law the Rebbe sat [Farbrenged], I and did so for the next ten years until overflowed with lessons and directives midnight. also need to sit [Farbreng]. Don’t blame the histalkus of the Previous Rebbe. The for the entire year. me for keeping you awake. If it disturbs Previous Rebbe appointed Reb Yankel Since a person has an obligation to anyone, on Erev Yom Kippur one asks to be the chazan, and told him to recite There were many Farbrengens over quote his Rebbe; therefore, all students, pardon for acts done innocently or the Hagadda loudly. the course of a Yom Tov. For example, mekushorim, and people connected to intentionally. Chassidim with their at the end of the second day of Succos the Rebbe need to conduct themselves unity will lead to Moshiach”. The Rebbe continued this tradition the Rebbe would wash his hands for in the same manner as the Rebbe. In and for the next twenty years, from the Farbrengen, speak Sichos relevant this case, it relates to the second seder During the Farbrengen on the second 1951 until 1970, Reb Yankel would fly to the Yom Tov, and at the conclusion, which should begin at 8:00 P.M. and night of Pesach in 1955, the Rebbe to New York for Pesach and participate distribute “Kos shel Brocho” from his end after midnight. Since this was the asked if anyone knew the niggun “Vhi in the Rebbe’s sedorim. wine and recite Birchas Hamozon and custom of my father-in-law, the Rebbe sheomdo”. Many of Anash suggested Havdala. Two more Farbrengens took and the Rebbe Rashab, it seems that different niggunim for this verse. The The Rebbe would also deliver a Chas- place during the last days of Yom Tov. this was also the custom of the previous Rebbe said that none of these was the sidic discourse during the course of the The final Farbrengen concluded with a Rebbei’m.” niggun he was referring to and began Farbrengen, which opened with the three-and-half-hour “Kos shel brocho” words of a Haggada verses. following a six-hour Farbrengen. The Farbrengens were very unusual. It was similar on Pesach. In 1951, the A small crowd was present since it was Rebbe began the custom of farbrenging one-thirty in the morning, after the after the seder on the second night of seder and four cups of wine. There were Pesach and did so for the next twenty no L’chaims, as no further food or drink years until 1970. The Rebbe would was permitted after the afikomon. The have the sedorim and Yom Tov meals Rebbe would speak with closed eyes, in the Previous Rebbe’s apartment on avoiding the sight of people sleeping. the second floor of 770. On the tenth of In addition to the local crowd, there Teves, 1971 the Previous Rebbe’s Reb- was a contingent of yungeleit and betzin, Nechama Dina was nifter and bochurim who walked in from Boro the Rebbe had all the Yom Tov meals Park to participate. at his own home. After the seder, the Rebbe went to the shul, and sat in his The Farbrengen would end at approxi- customary place for Farbrengens. mately 4:00 AM, and the Rebbe would be escorted home by a group of Chas- On different occasions, the Rebbe sidim who would sing a Pesach niggun explained the significance of the as they accompanied him. The echoes Farbrengen on the second night of of the niggun would ring across the Pesach. empty expanse of Eastern Parkway as they left 770. The Rebbe quoted the Previous Rebbe in the Hayom Yom, “At the first seder One of the Pesach nights in 1969, The Rebbe began speaking Sichos, singing the niggun. That is when my father would be brief, in order to the Rebbe was escorted home by two expounding insights on the Haggada. Chassidim learned the niggun “Vhi eat the afikoman before midnight. On bochurim who had been chosen for This was the topic upon which the sheomdo” that is sung today. It is one of the second night, he would expound this honor. Before entering his house, Rebbe would hold forth through the the ten niggunim that the Rebbe taught at length; he began the seder before 9 the Rebbe turned around and began night over the course of the next twenty over a span of ten years. p.m. and ended at about 3 or 4 in the singing the niggun “Memitzrayim Geal- years. Today, almost all of the Rebbe’s morning, dwelling on the explanations tonu”. For five minutes the Rebbe stood explanations and insights on the Hag- In 1966, during the second night of of the Haggada. there and encouraged the bochurim to gada are based on those Farbrengens. Pesach Farbrengen, the Rebbe intro- sing along. duced a new format to explain the In 1951, after the Rebbe concluded At the conclusion of the Farbrengen, Haggada. He asked a list of questions on the second seder he said, “My father- Recalling these unique Farbrengens the Rebbe announced “L’shana Haboa selected verses of the Hagadda and with in-law, the Rebbe said that the niggun (on the second night of Pesach), one Byerusholayim”. one explanation answered them all. “E-li Ato” is a segula pnimi, a special feels privileged to have been present potential, for the revelation of Eliyohu. when the Rebbe sat with Chassidim The Rebbe’s fiftieth birthday was in Farbrengens would begin at 1:30 A.M Therefore, the song should be sung now and chose to fulfill the mitzva with 1952 on Yud Alef Nissan. That Pesach with a request from the Rebbe to sing with joy and dancing.” Chassidim began them of “Discussing through the night the Rebbe Farbrenged after the seder a niggun. The Rebbe cited the writings dancing with great enthusiasm. the exodus from Egypt”. The words on both nights. of the Arizal that one needs to say the of the Zohar express perfectly what it Haggada loudly, with joy and therefore, The Rebbe then escorted his mother, was like for all those who were there, The next year in 1953, bochurim and the niggun should be loud and joyously the Rebbetzin Chana to her home. “Ano umalko blchodohi”, me and the anash expected a Farbrengen on the sung. When he returned, he encouraged the king alone. first night of Pesach as well. The Rebbe dancing and then joined in for a period On other occasions, the Rebbe would told Reb Berel Junik, who merited to May we merit experiencing this in a of time. The crowd continued dancing encourage Reb Yaakov Katz, the chazan serve the Rebbe and his household for physical sense, with the Rebbe this after the Rebbe left. at the seder, to begin a niggun in a forty years, that this was a night for the upcoming Pesach in 5768. joyous manner, on the words “Memitz- April 18, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 23

A Strange Seder the horse and prepared to spend the the rubble heap came the moaning and of the seder, sharing the matzot, wine night in this lonely spot, far from the occasional wild cries that had brought and vegetables with the people. He comforts of Rabbi Baruch’s court. The them here. told them the beautiful stories of the By Gershon Kranzler storm became increasingly strong. Exodus from Egypt as they had never Quickly now, disregarding all danger to (Chabad.org) heard them before. The winds howled and the very earth themselves, they made their way down It was shortly before Passover. The court seemed to shake and rumble under to the remnant of the settlement. His stories, examples and inspiring of Rabbi Baruch was quickly filling with the onslaught of the elements. Sud- thoughts made them forget all their Ignoring the lifeless bodies of men, his faithful disciples and admirers who denly, there was a terrifying roar in pains, worries and loss. At dawn they all women and children beneath the walls, came from afar to spend the holiday of the distance. The ground shook, and went to sleep as well as they could, in a crumbled roofs and tree trunks, they Passover with their beloved Rebbe. the horse tore itself loose and ran away more festive mood somehow than they directed all their efforts to helping in terror. had even known in happier times. Rabbi Baruch himself was restless. The those whom they found alive, pinned house was perfectly ready. He himself “We must follow him and catch him, or under heavy objects, dazed, blinded, or The day of Yom Tov and the second had spent weeks not only clearing away else we shall have to spend the Yom Tov seriously wounded. seder passed almost as peacefully, the outer chametz, leaven, in every here in this terrible wilderness!” The although the wounded began to get Their weariness seemed to have van- nook and cranny of the home, but coachman shouted. He took the wagon, restless again, as if the daylight made ished, and they did not feel their own searching within himself too for the lamp and whip and Rabbi Baruch put them forget the magic of Rabbi Baruch’s scratches and wounds as they went from “leaven” of possible sin or wrongdoing the small bundles of seder provisions beautiful and inspiring stories and person to person, wiping away blood in his soul. in his coat pockets, and they set out to prayers. and tearing their clothes into strips to find the horse. But something else was amiss, he stop the bleeding. Suddenly, they heard voices from a could feel it, though he was cheered The storm did not let up.S now, ice and distance. The huddled group watched The coachman managed to make a fire. by the arrival of his good friends and howling winds made their attempt to for several hours until finally a group They melted snow for hot water, and followers. follow the horse ever more difficult, of rescuers made the dangerous climb their bottle of whiskey helped to dull until they were ready to give up and down the steep edge. As the coachman There was hardly a minute when he the people’s pain. They quickly realized turn back to the wagon. But that, too, had suspected, in the wake of the storm did not have to greet one or another of that the place had been occupied by now seemed impossible. an earthquake had dislodged some of his chasidim who had come from afar, yishuvniks, Jewish settlers who lived the old coal mine walls on which the leaving their families behind to be with Suddenly, the coachman pointed in here far from a town, at the edge of small settlement was built. him at the seder. For the seder nights the direction in which the horse had the forest. were a thrilling experience of learning run. A small light seemed visible from The rescuers had come from a nearby Those who were able to speak believed for Rabbi Baruch’s followers. afar, shaking wildly to and fro. And village after finding the terrified horse the rabbi and the coachman were angels then there was more wild rumbling running wild. They had discovered the Suddenly, only two nights before sent to them by G-d in their hour of underground, and the light was gone. catastrophe, and brought everything Passover, the call came to him to leave need. To Rabbi Baruch it seemed as if he had necessary to help the survivors. the security and peace of his home and heard human voices crying. “We are human beings like you, but it go forth on a mission. With the help of strong ropes attached was surely the hand of the Almighty And even though it came from the far to makeshift hoists, the rescuers lifted Somewhere, near or far, he had some- who led us here,” Rabbi Baruch told distance and was only a thin sound, it the wounded on stretchers. Wagons thing to accomplish. And there was no them. He kept on speaking in his kind seemed more terrible than any cries he were waiting above to take them away. stopping Rabbi Baruch. His family and voice, calming the terrified people who had ever heard. But, to the surprise of the rescuers, all chassidim knew that there was no use were searching about for their loved said they would prefer to wait with in trying to argue with him. The next “We must go there to see what hap- ones. Rabbi Baruch until the Yom Tov was morning Rabbi Baruch rose early and pened,” he said. Despite the protests Morning dawned by the time they had over and then follow him to his town. packed wine, matzot and other neces- of the coachman, who was frightened finished administering first aid. They sities for the seder. by the unusual events and worn out Only the seriously wounded, at Rabbi had found twelve adults and several by the struggle against the elements, Baruch’s request, agreed to be taken He set out on a journey into the children still alive. they pushed through the snow, step away at once. unknown while his stunned and dis- by step. Suddenly they heard the cry Slowly, laboriously, they took them appointed chassidim sadly watched Thus it was that on the first day of Chol again, stronger than before and still all into the cellar of one of the houses him depart. Hamoed, the intermediate days of the terrifying. that had miraculously remained almost holiday, a group of wagons pulled up in Somehow, they hoped, and Rabbi intact, and bedded them down on “Faster, faster,” urged Rabbi Baruch. front of Rabbi Baruch’s court. There the Baruch hoped with them, that his whatever clothes, rags or covers they “Someone over there needs our help.” chassidim were waiting patiently, pray- mission would be a brief one that would could find. ing and enjoying the holiday quietly, allow him to return in time for the first After a long and painful struggle over It was almost evening when it occurred hoping for the speedy return of their seder. every inch of the way, they finally to Rabbi Baruch and the coachman beloved Rebbe. came close enough to see that a whole But the day passed. The wind was that this was the seder night. Trying piece of ground seemed broken off as Although they knew that whenever strong, and snow kept piling up on the to help the unfortunate victims of the if by a giant’s hand and thrown into Rabbi Baruch went on one of his mis- road as the coach covered mile after catastrophe, they had not had time to the depths. “There must have been a sions it was because an urgent situation mile of slippery road. As they travelled think of anything else. quake in the mines that end below the needed his personal attention, the story eastward, the horse itself chose the way forest.” This time even the coachman But now they hurriedly set up the they heard from the survivors was even when they came to a crossroads. heard the voice, full of horror, that came most primitive seder one can imag- stranger than they had anticipated. When night fell, a house was nowhere in from the depth. ine. Together everyone prayed with To all of the chassidim it seemed indeed sight. The weather became unbearable; Rabbi Baruch, who said the evening “We must try to get down there, regard- a miracle that Rabbi Baruch had been ice and snow lashed at horse and men. prayers word for word so that the poor less of the risk.” nearby when the earthquake occurred Rabbi Baruch, immersed in thought yishuvniks could follow him. Then the and had noticed the light and the voices and prayer, did not feel a thing. In vain the coachman pointed out the small packages of Passover provisions from afar. impossibility of climbing down the from the deep coat pockets of the Rabbi But finally the coachman turned to steep, jagged edge. Sliding, rolling took their place on the table which The stories of the unusual seder nights him and said, “I am afraid, Rebbe, we from rock to rock, clinging desperately had been set up on a large rock in the in the cellar were a source of great sat- cannot go on. We’ll have to stay here in to roots of trees that were broken off cellar. isfaction and a partial reward for their the midst of the forest. The icy winds like matches, they scrambled down own disappointment at having to spend and snow are too strong, and my horse The small, dim wagon lamp provided the incline. the Yom Tov without their Rebbe. cannot hold out much longer. Let’s try light. But the genuine brightness of that to spend the remainder of the night What they saw made them shudder. unforgettable seder flowed from Rabbi Now the rest of Passover was filled here.” The quake had crushed a small settle- Baruch. Although he had not rested a with joy and happy celebration, even ment of several houses that now lay on minute during the past thirty six hours, more than usual, at the court of Rabbi Rabbi Baruch and the coachman bed- the ground all split apart, with walls, he did not feel his weariness. Baruch where every Yom Tov was an ded down in the wagon as best they roofs and beams sticking out at crazy unforgettable experience. could. They threw a heavy blanket over All night he went through the ritual angles. Worst of all, from the midst of 24 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 18, 2008

"A happy (or joyful) heart is good medi- down. what should I say?" He knelt before Her Majesty, she placed cine" (Proverbs 17:22) "That's a great honor," I said. "Why would "Remember that question the son asks the her sword on one shoulder and then on the Some Pesach humor in the form of a story! you turn it down?" father on the first night of Pesach? ... Can other, and motioned for Hy to speak. During one of my many trips to London, "Because during the ceremony you have you say that in Hebrew?" Out came "Ma nishtana ha leila hazeh." I became friends with a very wealthy, yet to say something in Latin," he said. "And "Of course," he said. "Ma nishtana ha very modest, Jewish chap named Hyman I don't wish to bother studying Latin just leila hazeh. Thank you, old sport, I shall The queen turned to her husband Prince Goldfarb. On one visit, Hy told me that for that." become a knight." Philip and said, "Why is this knight differ- because of his large donations to chari- "So say something in Hebrew. The queen At the ceremony Hy waited his turn while ent from all the other knights?" tiesTH through - KIDS the Magazineyears, the queen Pesach wanted 5767 wouldn't- final know 2/14/2007 the difference." 2:20 AM Pageseveral 26 of the other honorees went before to knight him, but he was going to turn it "Brilliant," Hy complimented me, "but the queen. Finally they called his name.

It’s a1 warm, Whoops!2 18 dry day Got distracted and Just Just for Fun Phew! took your eye off the perfect weather to You made it, and harvest the wheat! Go backgrain. 1 space ! You just in time too! kernels groundinto fine,3 Happy & Kosher thin flour! 17 Passover! the Here Go forward Left the Matzot in Start 2 spaces the oven too long. They’re all burnt! Some of the flour Go back 2 steps became damp– it’s The Game Oh no! 4

Start againChametz! 16 The Matzot

Oh no! folded over as you were slidinginto the them oven. Go back 4 steps

Mayim Shelanu fresh, spring water

that’s sat for 5

Pour in

12 hours.

15

close!

4000°F oven. Don’t get too Carefully carry the

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Check your Check

time!!

6

wooden pole. wooden

14

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the the

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It’s just before Passover, but there is NO MATZAH! 7

Go back 4 steps 4 back Go 13

up the oven! oven! the up Follow the steps of this game to make hand-made Shmurah Matzah for

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Forgot to heat to Forgot the Seder. All it takes is 18 minutes for dough to become Chametz, so out the dough. the out

make sure you finish the game in 18 minutes or less! rolled you before

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8

Objective: chametz! How to Play:

circle.

12

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make the Matzah the make

Finish the game in round thin, Roll the dice.

roller.

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• Dice have doesn’t roller gets to start. 11

Tore the dough the Tore • Game pieces (you can hole- the sure Make Take it in turns to roll use lego, coins, candy, 10 the dice and follow the just make sure it’s numbered boxes Kosher for Passover!) around the circle For ALL Ages until the end.

Night Night Night Night Night RIDDLES Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night All these boxes Night Night Night Night Night spell out common Night Night Night Night Night Pass Passover phrases. Night Night Night NIGHT Night H IJKLMNO AFIKHIDOMAN Night Night Night Night Night Can you figure Night Night Night Night Night Time them out? Night Night Night Night Night

Night Night Night Night Night

Riddles : “Why is this Night different from all other nights?”, “Four Sons”, “Water”, “Passover Time”, “Hidden Afikoman”, “ Splitting of the Red Sea” Red the of Splitting “ Afikoman”, “Hidden Time”, “Passover “Water”, Sons”, “Four nights?”, other all from different Night this is “Why :

Answers: Back cover Zoom-Out cover Back ) Pyramid Pyramid ) picture center ( Flour Pharoah, Frog, Matzah, Feather, ) right from (Cloclwise

26 :