1 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~August 15, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת ואתחנן | יד' מנחם אב , תשס”ח | בס”ד weekly vOL. i | NO 39 August 15, 2008 | Menachem Av 14, 5768

Reb Yaakov Yehuda Hecht Rabbi Hecht would say to the Rebbe, “You know that I was your Chossid even before you became a Rebbe!” Rabbi Hecht’s dynamism, enthusiasm, and ability to under- take tremendous amounts of work in addition to his learning and regular sedorim, was clearly evident. Congregants were moved by the dynamism of this young Rabbi, his enthusiasm, liveliness, and sense of humor, and by the way he cared about people and spoke and dealt with them. Read more .... Page 4-5

CHANAS' TOUCH In her warm and loving way, Chana went all out to make everyone feel beautiful for their special moments. Be A partner in this special endeavor t to preserve Chana’s memory. Page 14

tU b'aV pAGES 10 - 11 cHOF aV pAGE 3

Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 Rabbi A. Osdoba: ❖ Monday to Thursday 10:30AM - 11:30AM at 390A Kingston Ave. ☎Tel. 718-604-8000 ext.37 or 718-604-0770 Sunday-Thursday 9:30 PM-11:00PM ~Friday 2:30PM-4:30 PM ☎Tel. (718) - 771-8737 Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily 10:30 to 11:30am ~ 2:00pm to 3:00pm at 788 Eastern Parkway # 210 718~604~8827 ❖ & after 8:00pm 718~756~4632 Rabbi Y. Schwei, 4:00pm to 9:00pm ❖ 718~604~8000 ext 36 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ☎ Rabbi Y. Zirkind: 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzei Shabbos Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110 Rabbi Bluming is available Sunday - Thursday, 3 -4:00pm at 472 Malebone St. ☎ 718 - 778-1679 Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:0am -11:30am ~ Fri 10:am - 1:00 pm or 7:35 8:36 ☎ 718 -604-0770 Gut Shabbos Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm 2 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~August 15, 2008

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Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All advertisement designed and prepared by the CHCommunity Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher August 15, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 3

The Rebbe's Sicha of Chof Menachem-Av 1982

Published and copyright © by Sichos in and Halacha in Torah are decided of a soul enclosed in a body to gain the the congregation to know “that which is English specifically in this world. In regard great distinction accruing from service permitted and that which is forbidden.” to performance of Mitzvos, it applies in this world. Thus every Jew in this In addition, R. Levi Yitzchok’s service Editor’s note: At this Farbrengen, the only in this world, for the fulfillment world has the great merit of effecting was with self-sacrifice, defying a power- children of camp Gan Yisroel of New of a mitzvah involves taking physical an elevation in the soul of those who ful government that opposed his efforts York participated as it was their annual things and making them holy. are in the world of truth, including even in spreading Judaism to the extent of tradition. The Rebbe would dedicate a the souls of the forefathers and mothers imprisoning him and later exiling him Sicha in their honor. See Sicha #3. Hence, a soul in Gan Eden compre- who are the fathers and mothers of to a remote town. Notwithstanding all hends the greatness of service in this 1. Farbrengen on a Yahrzeit every Jew. When they see that their these difficulties, he continued in his world specifically.W hen the soul was in descendants are “alive” — fulfilling activities of spreading Judaism. Our Sages said of every Jew that “I this world, enclosed in a physical body, their mission of serving their maker in was created solely to serve my Maker”. the grossness of the body necessitated The special lesson then from R. Levi this world — they receive the greatest Hence everyone must utilize the present time to truly realize the effect resulting Yitzchok’s service is the extent to which satisfaction. This satisfaction effects gathering to increase in the fulfillment from Torah and Mitzvos. But in the efforts must be made in education. This an elevation of the soul in Gan Eden, of the mission of serving G-d — and world of truth, where all things are applies to both those who young in as we see from everyday experience in with joy and a good heart. seen in their true perspective, the soul knowledge and those young in years. this world: When a person is in good immediately comprehends the effect However, all is not clear: This Farbren- spirits he can do greater things than in Talking of education, children of pre one good deed, utterance or thought gen is associated with the Yahrzeit a state of sadness. Certainly then, the Bar/Bas Mitzvah age who are present has on all the worlds. Thus the soul in (passing on of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok satisfaction a soul receives in Gan Eden at this Farbrengen should now sing “We Gan Eden has a great desire to produce Schneerson), an event which is the can produce an elevation for it. Want Moshiach Now.” They should an effect in this world, a desire which antithesis of joy. How then can such preface this with saying “l’chayim,” for grows from year to year. In the light of the above, we can under- an event each year inspire and increase “Shira” (song) is not chanted except stand how the anguish of a yahrzeit can in one’s service to G-d with joy and a “A Soul in Gan Eden realizes the desire on wine” — since wine “makes joy- bring one to an increase in Torah and good heart? only with the help of a soul enclosed ous G-d and man.” The adults will Mitzvos. The anguish of a yahrzeit is in a body” certainly join with them in singing The Alter Rebbe writes in Tanya (Ch. that this soul has been deprived of the they want Moshiach now and that the 26) that sadness has absolutely no place A soul in Gan Eden can realize this opportunity to engage in Torah and “Bais HaMikdash be built speedily in in a Jew’s service, except for certain desire only with the help of a soul Mitzvos in this physical world, and our days.” specified times when bitterness of soul enclosed in a body in this world — therefore requires the assistance of a has its function — and then only for the through a person engaging in Torah soul enclosed in a body to acquire the May it be G-d’s will that through the purpose of the true joy which follows. and Mitzvos in the merit of the soul in distinction of service in this physical concept of “through the mouths of When a person is truly anguished, Gan Eden; or when a person engages world. Hence, this anguish inspires babes and suckling’s you have ordained this anguish produces a strong desire one to increase in Torah strength” the conclusion of the verse and will to increase in all good things, and Mitzvos, since it is the be fulfilled — “to confound the enemy with joy and a good heart, greater remaining opportunity and avenger.” Then very soon all Jews than before. Hence, any event which to effect an elevation in will go to greet our righteous Moshiach is associated with bitterness (as in our the soul — by doing good and go to the Bais HaMikdash with joy case, the yahrzeit) has the ultimate deeds in the merit of the and a good heart. purpose of leading to greater joy than soul. And although the soul 3. Reb Levi Yitzchok’s self-sac- formerly. ascends every day of the rifice on behalf of education and year, it has special applica- In addition to the above, every particu- children tion on the yahrzeit when lar event has a unique service attached the ascension is infinitely The above concerning Jewish children, to it. The concept of a yahrzeit is that loftier. has particular emphasis in regard to the soul is found in the world of truth, Jewish children living behind the Iron the world which is completely good. 2. Reb Levi Yitzchok was Curtain. This is specially connected In that world, the soul is continuously the Rabbi of a large city with R. Levi Yitzchok, whose self- ascending from level to level. Eleven (or As mentioned above, the sacrifice on behalf of education and 12) months after the passing on, every common mission of all children was in that country (Russia). soul is in Gan Eden, and is constantly Jews is that each was cre- Children behind the Iron Curtain can ascending the infinite amount of levels ated to serve his Master be united with those the world over by therein. Most particularly, the reciting through Torah study and now singing a joyous tune with words of “Kaddish” on the yahrzeit every year performance of Mitzvos. in their language (Russian). For, since produces an infinitely higher ascension In addition to this general joy breaks all barriers, a joyous tune even compared to the level produced mission, there are specific breaks through all the barriers, and by the reciting of Kaddish the previous matters which are relevant unites all of them. year. to each individual Jew’s Although this unity has already been This applies to every soul. Certainly service, as the Talmud effected through the writing of aS efer then, in the case of a soul as lofty as this in Torah and Mitzvos as a result of the asks “In what was your father most Torah on behalf of Jewish children, in one, which entered Gan Eden immedi- teaching and direction he received from punctilious (in observing)?” meaning which children on both sides of the Iron ately upon departing from this world, the person whose yahrzeit it is — by that a particular mitzvah was the focal Curtain purchased letters, nevertheless, the reciting of Kaddish at the beginning learning his Torah and learning from point of his service to the extent that to hasten their and our redemption of the 11 months is similar to the recit- his conduct. Then a person’s deeds are it illuminated all other matters. In through our unity with them, we must ing of Kaddish on the yahrzeit at the the fruits of whose yahrzeit it is. addition to general Torah and Mitzvos, associate it with a joyous song — for joy conclusion of the first year. Likewise, including the dissemination of Judaism, In the light of the above, we can under- breaks through all barriers. every year sees ascension from level to there is a particular matter in which the stand the great merit and responsibility level in Gan Eden itself. main service of a soul is expressed. In Therefore the children who are present each one has to act as the “envoy” of this area Jews are divided into seven here should now sing the well-known A soul in Gan Eden, the world of this soul — knowing the great desire general categories (corresponding to song in Russian, whose meaning is truth, certainly comprehends the great this soul in Gan Eden has to receive the seven branches of the Menorah), “there is nothing besides Him” G-d’s distinction and loftiness of service in the elevations produced by a person’s or the 12 tribes, or in more detail, into is the only existence, and therefore this world. This applies to both Torah service in this world. 600,000 (corresponding to the 600,000 automatically everything is conducted study and performance of Mitzvos: The above applies to all Jews, in regards “root souls”). only according to G-d’s will. And since Although Torah is studied in Gan Eden, to the forefathers (Avrohom, Yitzchok, G-d is the essence of good, He will nevertheless, its main concept is in this In our case, R. Levi Yitzchok was the and Yaakov) and mothers (Sarah, Rivka, certainly hasten to bring the true good world, where it was given. As our Sages Rabbi of a large city which was the cen- Rochel and Leah) of the world. The for every Jew — the true and complete said: “Torah is not in Heaven,” and it ter for surrounding towns. The function forefathers and mothers are in Gan redemption through our righteous is explained in Tanya that questions of a Rabbi is to educate the people of E den, and require, as it were, the help Moshiach. 4 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~August 15, 2008 Our Heroes

Hachossid Horav Hatomim Reb Yaakov Yehuda Hecht His closeness to the Rebbe existed on a personal level, as well. Many years Part I In 1940 when the Previous Rebbe Jewish education by attendingT almud after the Rebbe assumed the mantel settled in America and the Yeshiva Torah, after school classes, a few times 1925-15th of Av 1990 of leadership, Rabbi Hecht would say Tomchei Temimim was established, the a week. The children received a few to the Rebbe, “You know that I was By: Rabbi Michoel Seligson Hecht brothers transferred from Torah hours of basic Jewish education and a your Chossid even before you became Voda’as. They were among the first little bit ofH ebrew and many attended A special thanks to Rabbi Yosef Moya of a Rebbe!” This was truly appreciated for the purpose of the NCFJE by the Rebbe and he saw Reb Yankel preparing for their as someone who was loyal to him. The Hachossid Rabbi Bar Mitzvah. connection and closeness between Yaakov Yehuda In early 1942, the Rebbe and chossid was something that Hecht was born in subject of Released grew and flourished until RebY ankel’s 1923 on the 24th Time was brought passing. of Cheshvan 5684 to the Previous to Hachossid Reb Reb Yankel started working under the Rebbe’s attention. Yehoshua and Mrs. Rebbe’s direction for Released Time, There were laws in Sarah Hecht in New together with Rabbis Yitzchak Feldman several states allow- York. Reb Yehoshua and Chaim Sochachevsky. He worked ing public school was associated with together with Dr. Lander in raising children to be dis- the Shinover Chas- funds and building up the Released missed from school sidic dynasty. Yan- Time Program. Many mechanchim, for one hour a week kel was the fourth of among others, today observant and to receive religious six sons. As a child, pious Jews, started out by attending instruction in an he attendedY eshiva Released Time classes and from there institution of their Chaim Berlin. went on to yeshiva. choosing. The cho- The Hechts were a ssid Reb Chaim Rabbi Hecht’s dynamism, enthusiasm, loving, caring, and Tzvi Konikov was and ability to undertake tremendous close-knit family. already conducting amounts of work in addition to his group of students of Yeshiva Tomchei Reb Yehoshua was a sales representa- classes for girls in Williamsburg in the regular seder of learning, was clearly Temimim in America. tive who traveled during the week. He program “Bais Soro”. When Reb Chaim evident. He became the director of later opened a dry goods store on the Mesibos Shabbos Tzvi saw how successful these were, he the Released Time Program and the Lower East Side where he worked until organized classes for boys and asked enrollment topped 15,000 children In the early 1940’s, Rabbi Hecht began his ptira. that bochurim from 770 should assist. annually. The records of ReleasedT ime to shine as a disciple of the Rebbe, At a certain point, he suggested a cam- show that on Wednesday afternoon His sons grew up in Brownsville, a and in his work as an educator and paign to include children from all over at 2 o’clock when Released Time was transplanted European shtetl, and a an organizer. He was involved in the city in these classes. Reb Chaim announced, entire schools emptied Torah community rich with Yiddish- founding the Mesibos Shabbos move- Tzvi received a letter from the RaMaSh out. Hundreds of children attended keit. The Hecht family moved to Wil- ment, a centralized organization that informing him that he was planning to these Released Time classes in the late liamsburg, and there Reb Yankel and sent out counselors and teachers on work on implementing this. 1940’s. This vital project continues to his brothers enrolled in Yeshiva Torah Shabbos afternoon to run Mesibos the present day. It is noteworthy that in Voda’as for high school and post-high Shabbos groups for children in local In Shvat of 1942, the Previous Rebbe the early years, when the Rebbe entered school studies. As people drifted away synagogues. wrote about the passage of the new law the yeshiva zal of 770 on Wednesday from old traditions, the Hecht family that allowed children to participate in The first Mesibos Shabbos gathering afternoon, he instructed that the lights remained strong and committed. Released Time classes. This program took place on Sukkos in 1941. Lubavitch in the zal should be closed. This was the had been voluntary. Now that the During the 1930’s, Rabbi Yisroel Jacob- was involved in reaching out to the time designated for Released Time and Released Time law was passed, each son was sent by the Previous Rebbe orthodox shuls in the various neighbor- all the bochurim should be on their way school district was required to allow any to begin establishing a Chassidic hoods of Brooklyn and to public school to the classes. child that requested it, to be dismissed foothold in the United States. There and yeshiva children. Rabbi Hecht was in order to attend these classes. Rebbe’s Sicha about Reb Yankel were chassidim who had come to involved in all of these efforts to spread America in the 1800’s, in the time of the teachings of Yiddishkeit, and reach The Released Time Classes were very After Reb Yankel’s ptira, the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek, and founded the out to these children. successful. Reb Yitzchak Feldman was spoke about him at a Farbrengen. “One Beis Haknesses Tzemach Tzedek, the one of the first directors, and worked of the primary activities in which Rabbi The Previous Rebbe’s son-in-law, oldest continuously existing shul in very closely with the RaMaSh, who Hecht was involved was the establish- known as the RaMaSh, saw this project Borough Park. had been appointed as the executive ment of classes of Jewish education as “Strengthening Torah and Mitzvos, director of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch for public school children. Initially, Tanya Shiur and raising a new generation of Jewish by his father-in-law. various legal questions were raised pride”. At a Farbrengen the RaMaSh One of the things that Rabbi Jacobson which caused difficulties in organizing once declared, “My father-in-law, the Relationship with the RaMaSh established was a Tanya class at Yeshiva these classes. Without being deterred, Rebbe, began with Mesibos Shabbos, Torah Voda’as and Reb Yankel‘s oldest It was at this time, that Reb Yankel, still Rabbi Hecht dedicated himself to these and in the end he will conquer the entire brother, Shlomo Zalman, was one of his a young bochur studying in yeshiva, activities and ultimately was successful world with Yiddishkeit”. prime students. Rabbi Jacobson lived began working with the RaMash, in obtaining government permission in Brownsville, so his house became Released Time Classes and received his full guidance and for this project. Through these efforts, the Lubavitch center of Brownsville. support. classes were established in hundreds of One of the first organizations that the Those students with whom he used to different locations”. Previous Rebbe established was Merkos Reb Yankel became very close to the study at Yeshiva Torah Voda’as became L’inyonei Chinuch, and one of its divi- Rebbe and was completely devoted Talks and Tales members of his household. sions was the Released Time Program, to him. Later as a Rav in a shul in East A little known fact is that the early Reb Shlomo Zalman began to learn called ‘Va’ad Marchivei Umaginei Flatbush, he would contact the Rebbe editions of Talks and Tales, under the Chassidus. Eventually he became a Hachinuch Hakosher’. Its purpose was and ask him for an idea for a drosha. editorship of Rabbi Dr. Nissan Mandel, Chossid and a beloved disciple of the to set up Released Time classes in all The Rebbe would respond immediately. initially published in mimeograph form, Previous Rebbe, and influenced his the public schools. He would start by saying to him “Nem contained stories written by Rabbi younger brothers to move in the same a pencil”- get a pencil and start taking The Jewish population in theN ew York Hecht. This was something which he direction. They studied Chassidus, down notes. The Rebbe would then area in the early 1940’s consisted of was very proud of . became disciples of Rabbi Jacobson give Reb Yankel some insights into approximately one and a half million and joined the Lubavitch movement, Parshas Hashavuah, which he would Teacher’s Guide Jews. There were some Yeshivas for just then beginning to blossom, grow, then develop into a drosha for his boys, none for girls, and the majority Once Released Time was set up, a and develop in the United States. congregants. of the Jewish children received their weekly Teacher’s Guide, written and August 15, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 5

published by Rabbi Hecht up until his Rabbis to lead them and to attract their Toys for Hospitalized children He decided to purchase a site in Upstate passing, was distributed to the teachers. children. New York to establish a girl’s summer During the Dec. 25th season in the early TheT eacher’s Guide was a weekly digest camp. In 1947, the position of Rabbi of Con- 1950’s, Reb Yankel came home upset. of stories about the parsha, halacha, gregation Yeshiva Rabbi Meir Simcha He began to speak about the various The Rebbe later referred to RabbiH echt articles about the holidays and general Hakohen, the largest congregation in organizations that collected toys for as the person who had first initiated hints for educators, that provided mate- East Flatbush, became available. Rabbi distribution in hospitals for the Dec. the idea of a girl’s sleep away summer rial for the classes. Hecht found out about the position 25th holiday. He had visited people in camping within the Lubavitch com- Smicha through a member of the congregation the hospital, and had seen that nuns munity. The Rebbe gave him a Brocho and a close friend of his father-in-law. and priests were giving out toys to to start a camp for girls. The project Reb Yankel continued his studies at the Congregants were moved by the dyna- Jewish children, and blessing them, and began with a handful of campers and Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim, complet- mism of this young Rabbi, and by his wishing them a happy holiday. To Rabbi grew by leaps and bounds. Ultimately, ing his Semicha, and received a Yorah enthusiasm, liveliness, and sense of Hecht this was an act of Shmad. the main campus came to house three Yodin from Rabbi Kastel, one of the humor. They were impressed by the way hundred children. In the late 1950’s leading Rabbonim in Lubavitch. In Along with the other activities that he he cared about people, spoke to them the Rebbe visited the camp a number 1944, on Isru Chag Sukos 5705, Reb was involved in, Rabbi Hecht devoted and dealt with them. of times, was given a tour of the camp Yankel became engaged to Miss Chava much time to anti-Shmad work. He and spoke for the campers. Lasker. They married in 1945 on the In addition to Released Time and Mesi- realized that it was equally important 15th of Shvat. bos Shabbos, Rabbi Hecht ran several to counteract the influence of the mis- In 1974, the Tiny Tots division for girls day camps during the late 1940’s and sionaries on children and adults who ages four through eight was established. His older brothers were all in chinuch early 1950’s, in Coney Island, geared were hospitalized during the holiday Years later, Teen Camp was added. and Rabbonus, and it was clear that to public school children. In this way season. The Toys for Hospitalized Chil- Through the years Camp Emunah Reb Yankel would do so as well. At he provided the proper educational dren campaign was born. Toy depots served tens of thousands of girls, this time, his father became ill and it framework in a true Torah atmosphere were set up around the city for people giving them Torah, Chassidus, Yiras was necessary for the sons to help out for these children 12 months of the to bring new toys, to be distributed in Shomayim and liveliness. their father in the business. Reb Yankel year. the various hospitals. and his brother Reb Moshe took a year Every individual child is an entire off for this project. They travelled on Shema Yisrael Radio program Local chapters of the toys project world their father’s routes, buying and selling, were set up in all boroughs of the city. In the early 1950’s Rabbi Hecht began Every individual child in the camp setting up contacts, and soon became Volunteers would gather the toys, his weekly Shema Yisrael program on was dear to Reb Yankel and was seen corporate representatives for various package them, and then distribute them Friday afternoon, a day saturated with by him as an entire world for herself. dry goods and clothing businesses. to the hospitals under the auspices such programs. Thus began his radio One Friday afternoon, Reb Yankel They did a great deal of business dur- of Chanukah Toys for Hospitalized career. He became a radio personality came to camp for Shabbos. He saw a ing the time that they were involved Children, as the program was then and an icon to thousands of Jews in the young girl crying. She told him that in saving their father’s customers and titled. This was one of the projects that New York metropolitan area. she had only one Shabbos dress and business. was truly close to Rabbi Hecht’s heart that it was in the laundry. Reb Yankel People felt that he was talking directly and that he took a very strong interest Reb Yeshoshua was in Yechidus with went with the girl to the Laundromat to them with his strong voice and per- in. Every year he would oversee the the Previous Rebbe, and mentioned that and washed her laundry. A week later, sonality, relaying important messages packaging and collection of the toys, he was disappointed that his son was when Reb Yankel returned for Shabbos, dealing with Torah and the Jewish and he made it his business to visit going to leave his business and work full he brought the girl a box tied with a community. He was noteworthy for several hospitals during the week of time in Chinuch. Reb Yehoshua said ribbon. It contained two new Shabbos his stand against missionaries and other Chanuka to distribute the toys. “Er toig zich ois far mein gesheft”- he is dresses. anti-Jewish forces very successful in pursuing my business. Anti-Shmad National Prominence The problem of assimilation, inter- By 1960, through his radio programs, marriage and Shmad was a serious leadership in the East Flatbush commu- problem in the liberal and open society nity as a Rabbi, founding member of the of America and Reb Yankel saw it as a East Flatbush Board of Rabbis, special major threat to Judaism. He began to rallies for children and the multitude devote a lot of his time to combating of programs that were sponsored by this problem. Very soon he became the NCFJE, Reb Yankel’s leadership in known in the Rabbinic community the Jewish world had grown to a great in New York as an expert in the field; extent. Reb Yankel was close to the in working against missionaries in a Rebbe and was called upon to expedite formal way, and in his ability to counsel projects and deal with important issues. and convince young Jewish men and He reached a level of importance on women not to intermarry. the national and international scene as Reb Yankel’s activities under the well, meeting with leaders in Israel and auspices of the growing National America, including mayors, governors, Committee for the Furtherance of senators, and presidents. Jewish Education came to be termed the Hashem exchanges old energy for Anti-Shmad Campaign. This campaign new energy became one of the hallmarks of Rabbi Hecht’s work during the 1950’s and It was the Rebbe’s custom for thirty The Previous Rebbe responded “Er toig Reb Yankel would make a weekly appeal 1960’s. He gave lectures, published years, to distribute a piece of matzo zich ois oichet far mein gesheft”- he is for support for the various projects. brochures, aired radio programs, and to every person who came to receive also very successful for my business. One of the special aspects of Rabbi counseled scores of people in the battle matzo from the Rebbe. One Erev Despite his success in the business Hecht’s program was that anyone who against assimilation, intermarriage and Pesach, Reb Yankel came to the Rebbe world, Rabbi Hecht involved himself sent a donation could have their name conversion. to receive matzo. The Rebbe asked completely in the world of Chinuch mentioned on the radio. This was truly how he felt. Reb Yankel said that Camp Emunah and Rabbonus. an incentive to many people. For $2 or he felt very exhausted. The Rebbe $5 they had the privilege of having their In the early 1950’s there were a number continued, “Koyaiy Hashem yachlifu Rabbi of Cong. Yeshiva Rabbi Meir name announced on air and praised for of summer camps for boys. Rabbi koach” – the ones who turn to Hashem, Simcha Hakohen their charitable act. Reb Yankel was H echt realized that there was a need they exchange with Hashem, their old During 1947-1948, several of the among the last of the original radio for summer camps for girls, as well. exhausted energy for new refreshed orthodox synagogues in the area had personalities, who remained for close to At the time there were only two girls’ energy. hired new young, American Rabbis. forty years, continuously broadcasting camps; Bais Yaakov and Camp Bnos. To be continued next week The post war generation wanted young on WEVD and other stations. 6 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~August 15, 2008 Shiduchim

A Needle in a Haystack feel? That an ordeal was finished, or So do not judge on this one first date, exhilarated, or content with how the both are unsure and either may put their By Sarah Junik I will talk in the future about meeting evening went etc. foot wrong without meaning to. Give our child's prospective mate. What The young couple is back from their each other a second chance a go out I will say now is that it is certainly Was it easy to converse, did they seem first date. again. It is good to remember though not necessary on a first date. When it to have similar tastes in music or that there are exceptions to the rule. As my daughter pointed out, (I am becomes a bit more sure that this might entertainment. I know someone who went out many actually in Florida by my daughters' be a match, then it is possible to meet Just because on the first shidduch date it many times and she always went out who had a little girl on Shabbos) it is the prospective boy or girl. was hard to converse and the conversa- twice even though she knew it was a maybe too common today to go out Do not jump on your child when he tion did not flow, it does not mean it is no after the first time. Once she broke at least 10 times or more. Therefore or she comes back, give them a few a no. It could be that both parties need her rule and only went once. So use when we say the first shidduch date it minutes to gather their thoughts, but more time to feel comfortable with your judgement. may not mean just the very first one, do discuss the date with your child the each other. but also the second and third if those Even more let us never forget that: same night if possible. It is better not to are still tentative, feeling your way kind If the boy took your daughter to a place wait for the next day. Too mush time to "...There is a Rebbe among the Jewish of dates. she did not particularly care for, don't think things over without discussing people, and he is not bound at all by the automatically write him off. Suggest She remembers when she went out things might distort the facts and make limitations of nature. A person who wishes to the shadchan that she does not like there was much more riding on every things harder to sort out. to proceed on a secure path with regard lounges for example or whatever the shidduch date. Every shidduch date to family matters should not lift his hand What should we ask? objection is so he can choose a better took her one step further and on the without asking the Rebbe ... For a Rebbe's place next time. Or even better, suggest fourth one they decided to go to the Ask your child what was their impres- utterance is an utterance and his blessing some places your daughter would like Ohel. So the second date they spoke sion of the boy or the girl. Was it an is a blessing. to go to. of serious subject and on the third they overall positive impression? What did When a person is confused or confronted discussed life goals and on the fourth they think when they first met? Did Sometimes the place he takes her to tells by fundamental life questions, he must they got engaged. their mind change after talking to them something about a boy. For example, know that the Jewish people have not a while? some girls would not mind going to a been left without succor. There is someone Today it is accepted that one may go out upscale pool hall for a shidduch date, on to ask.... three times before they say no. It may What are the positive things that she the other hand other girls would rightly Do not rely solely on your own understand- take three dates to just get comfortable liked or he liked about the other? feel that it is inapropriate and they do ing, nor on the shadchan, nor on ... These enough to speak freely. Do we chalk it Try to start with the positive, what they not want to go out with someone who are all approaches that involve doubt. And up to Yeridas hadoros? :) did enjoy or like, there will be plenty of freaquents pool halls. Keep in mind that you have a sure path with which you can The fact is shidduch dating is not for time for the negatives. it could have been a friend suggestion clarify your doubts.... Follow his directives fun, and it is not fun, therefore if we and the boy had no idea of what place and you will succeed. We can ask if they are hopeful that this know our children we can guide them he was really going to. Again the "pool (Igros Kodesh, Vol. III, p. 54)" may work out. Was anything surprising to make the decision in the least amount Hall" is only an example substitute your SichosinEnglish - Eternal Joy Vol ! to them, or unexpected. How do they of dates. own place for instead.

Financial Matters: What Is A Credit Report / Why It’s Important

Reprinted from www.dealreviews.net So, in reality you have three separate Paying late even once can really hurt credit will not change. credit reports, and in turn three sepa- your credit for a long time (stays on Your credit report and score are Length of credit history = 15% rate scores. your report for 7 years, though after a important. Very important. few months it gradually starts effecting Leave old cards open. Credit Scores Any time you apply for a credit card your score less and less). It will affect The older you credit history is, the less (or any other type of credit e.g. cell The credit score is a number from your credit score only if you are more risky you seem to be. This is jusdged by phone, car financing, home mortgage, 300-850. The higher the number, the than 30 days late, though every card the age of your oldest credit account and or sometimes even when opening a less risky you are to lenders. Your credit can be different. the average age of all your accounts. bank account) the credit card company score is based solely on your credit Note: Even if you do pay your bills on will ask one or more of the three Credit report. So you will have one score for Tip: If you have some old no annual-fee time every month, it can take up to Reporting Agencies (CRA), Equifax, each CRA. W( henever a credit card cards which you are not using, don’t a year for your credit score to go up Transunion and Experian, for your company looks into your credit report, cancel them, like that the average age substantially. (Either on a new card, or credit report and score (which is based they will either ask from one or more, of your cards will be older. after a late payment) on your credit report), in order to see if they ask from all three, they will New credit = 10% how much of a risk you pose. After all, usually consider the middle score to Amounts Owed = 30% they are giving you their money and be your score. Don’t apply too often for new credit. Never use more than 50% of your total they want to know what their chances Credit scores explained available credit. Every time you apply for a card or any are of getting it back… other type of credit (including a cell These are the main things which affect It looks risky if you are using too much Based on your report and score they phone) your score will drop. your score according to the new scoring of your available credit. It is best if you decide whether you get approved and system (FICO 08) The exact formula for use less than 20% of your available Tip: If you applied for a credit card and for how much credit (and your interest coming up with the credit score is not credit (definitely not more than 50%). got accepted, then after a few weeks rates on a loan). known, but this picture shows which So if you have a credit line of $5,000 and your score should go back up, because If the credit card company decides to things count for how much percent you make a $4,000 purchase, you will you now have more available credit. give you a credit card, they will send in of your score. The first two things are be using 80% of your credit. If you need Types of credit used = 10% to the CRA’s all the information about what you should really be focusing on, to make a large purchase which uses your account and how much credit they as they make up the biggest chunk of up most of your credit limit, consider Don’t have just one credit card. gave you. When you apply for another your score. paying the bill before the statement It is good for your credit to have a few credit card, that company will see this closes, so that it won’t show up on your cards, not just one. Or have some other credit card info on your report. credit report. type of credit as well, i.e. Installment The first time you apply for a credit card, This rule goes for each specific card, loans (like when buying a car). when the credit card company tries not just for the total available credit Tip: If you have only one card, it is very to check your report, there won’t be between all cards. possible that that specific card only anything on your report, which is why Tip: When you do decide to cancel a reports to one or two of the CRA's. getting your first card can often prove card, make sure to transfer the credit At the third CRA, you might have an to be difficult (especially in today’s Payment history = 35% to another card (in the same company) extremely low or non existent score! delicate credit market). Pay your bills on time! before canceling, so your total available August 15, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 7 From Shedlitz to Safety A Young Jew’s Story of Survival By Rabbi Shimon Goldman ent than an ordinary rabbi. Looking examines and redefines himself as indicated an intense preoccupation at him, you could see a manifestation he seeks methods of spiritual self- with G dliness, a soulful bond with the Exerpted from the book with the author’s of Lubavitch and Chassidus. I am at a improvement. The Tomim tries to Rebbe, an obsession with refinement permission loss for accurate words to describe this serve Hashem in all aspects of daily and good deeds. These were Jews of a Continued from previous issue individual and others like him, because life, in order to become ever more pious lofty spiritual plane. The third Rebbe it is nearly impossible to characterize and G dfearing — in spite of a culture in the Chabad dynasty, the Tzemach The eminent scholars were engaged in such spirituality and refinement. impervious to spirituality, or an envi- Tzedek, once instructed one of his fol- discussion, when the Rashag suddenly ronment where even the cobblestones lowers to make many more Chassidim. brought the issue up again. “Did we really The first time my friend Reb Yosef are impure. “But how does one make Chassidim?” have to leave?” he said. “Couldn’t you stay Wineberg saw Rabbi Axelrod, he was asked the Chassid in surprise. Rabbi Axelrod kept an open home in over Shabbos?” surprised to see the eminent rav with a Baltimore. The poor and needy walked large yarmulka sticking out from under “First be a Chassid yourself,” retorted “But I promised my wife!” answered the in the front door and literally helped his hat. (Gerrer Chassidim place special the Tzemach Tzedek. “When peo- rav in exasperation. themselves to whatever they could find emphasis on wearing large yarmulkas, ple see this, they too will become in the kitchen fridge. To Rabbi Axelrod, “What do you mean?” retorted the Rashag but Chabad Chassidim never adopted Chassidim.” no difference existed between host and sarcastically. “Yes, your wife wants you to this form of dress.) Having heard about guest. He took Baltimore’s perception of The same was true here. Just seeing come home — so what of it?” the unique character of the rav, Reb hachnosas orchim to new heights. these Tmimim brought an open appre- Yosef decided to ask for an explana- ciation of Chassidus and the Chassidic Hearing this, I could hardly con- tion. “Reb Avraham Elya! Why is your Reb Eliyahu Nochum Sklar, another way of life. tain myself. I gathered my courage, yarmulka sticking out from under Chassid of stature, had also learned approached the Rashag, and asked his your hat? This was never the way in Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson was another in the village of Lubavitch. In Amer- permission to say a few words. Recog- Lubavitch!” prime example of this conduct. Blessed ica, Rabbi Sklar supported himself nizing me, the Rashag introduced me with a prodigious memory, Rabbi The rav studied my friend carefully and by becoming a shochet and, later, a to the rav, and asked me to continue. “I Simpson had served as a chozer in responded: “Before I came here, people butcher, but he remained the same once heard a vort from an elderly Chas- his youth, faithfully reviewing every kept telling me about the irreligious warm Chassid as always. Proficient in sid,” I began. “In order to be a Chassid, word the Rebbe Rashab uttered dur- atmosphere prevalent in America, many Chassidic works, Rabbi Sklar a person must be ready and willing to ing his Chassidic discourses. Now, warning me that the very cobblestones loved nothing more than to spend time rebuff three sorts of demands. (The after the arrival of the Rebbe Rayatz were permeated with impurity. “A Tre- learning Chassidus. During work hours, Yiddish vernacular for this is “a chosid in America, Rabbi Simpson became ifene Medina” they called it. Hearing he looked like an ordinary butcher darf hobin dray faygen” — three figs part of the Rebbe’s secretariat. (Years this, I became frightened and thought as he sat on a stool in his small store, i.e. three rebuffs.) later, Rabbi Simpson would continue to of canceling my upcoming trip to plucking feathers from dead chickens. stand with total humility as the Ramash “The first mode of rejection should be America. However, after extended However, after closing up for the day, succeeded his predecessor and began toward himself. Whenever an indi- thought, I stumbled upon a solution. Rabbi Sklar became a different person, expounding his own ma’amorim. Eyes vidual feels an impulse to do something immersing himself once again in the “Our Sages say that the evil inclination closed, his face drawn in concentration, contrary to Torah, he must reject the waters of Chassidus. Just by watching is an expert in his field.W hen he begins every fiber of his being tense and alert impulse immediately and say to his evil him pray and study, you could tell he inciting people to sin, the yetzer starts to absorb each word of the ma’amer, inclination, ‘A fayg to you!’ Secondly, had learned in Lubavitch. with small things, minor customs Rabbi Simpson epitomized the trait of a Chassid must rebuff worldly inclina- susceptible to compromise. After he humility.) tions. He should staunchly refuse to In Rabbi Sklar, and others like him, gets the person to yield and make act in ways set by crass materialism, I saw a basic truth. They viewed the concessions, the yetzer then moves Among the many tasks carried out by and, instead, give a fayg to this kind of material world as an outer shell, a bur- on to greater things, until he leads the the secretariat, Rabbi Simpson’s respon- mentality. densome layer that concealed the true person to perform terrible misdeeds. sibilities included the arrangement of inner worth of holiness and spirituality. “The third fayg,” I continued, “should The evil inclination will never say, yechidus. Whoever desired to meet Association with physical work was be readied for one’s wife. Whenever ‘Now Rabbi Axelrod, I want you to stop with the Rebbe Rayatz first consulted necessary just to support their families, she presents a demand that is not in wearing tefillin and abandon Shabbos with Rabbi Simpson. After arranging but their main focus remained on the accordance with the advancement of altogether.’ Rather, he will first attack a specific time, RabbiS impson helped spiritual dimension — davening, learn- Torah, the husband must be able to say, my Chassidic habits and customs, Chassidim compose a pidyon nefesh ing, doing mitzvos. All their deeds were ‘A fayg to you.’” progressing onward as I concede. and, in many instances, actually entered permeated by this special aura they had with them into the Rebbe’s room. Many The Rashag brightened, nodding his imbibed in Lubavitch of old. “Knowing this, I hit upon an idea: I Chassidim feared they would not clearly head in appreciation. Later, whenever would antagonize the yetzer by wear- understand the Rebbe’s soft, broken he saw me in Crown Heights, the I was often reminded of aT orah thought ing an oversized yarmulka, one that speech, and they relied on Rabbi Simp- Rashag would call out and say: “Nu, I heard from Rabbi Tzukerman of Buf- remained noticeable even from under son to provide an accurate repetition of Goldman! What’s doing with your falo. In Pirkei Avot — the mishnayot my hat. The yetzer now has his hands the Rebbe’s holy words. faygen?” dealing with moral refinement and full, trying to get me to trade in this ethical conduct — our Sages often use yarmulka for something smaller. ‘Your I, too, had opportunity to use Rabbi Figures and Personalities the terminology, “He used to say,” fol- yarmulka is so outlandish,’ he persists. Simpson’s help. When I reached mar- lowed by a specific remark. These terse During my first years in America, I ‘American Jews don’t walk around like riageable age, many people came for- words form the essential foundation for merited to meet a handful of Chassidim that. A rav should look aristocratic and ward with various suggestions and teaching others how to become better who had learned in Tomchei Tmimim regal — not with a yarmulka peeking I resolved to ask the Rebbe’s advice. human beings. To preach and demand when the yeshiva was still in the village out under his hat. You look terribly Rabbi Simpson entered with me, lis- alone is insufficient; a living example is of Lubavitch. These distinguished sloppy!’ The yetzer pesters me continu- tened carefully to the Rebbe’s response, the best lesson of all. Thus, we interpret Chassidim radiated spiritual light; ously with these arguments — exactly and repeated the words for my benefit “He used to say,” in the following way: one could instantly detect their deep, as I had hoped all along. Obsessed with after we both left the Rebbe’s room. He — the complete being and essence essential association with Chabad. my yarmulka, the yetzer ignores all the of that particular Sage, used to say — more substantial issues, so I can learn Rabbi Simpson brought great honor Rabbi Avraham Elya Axelrod, the rav i.e., his own behavior spoke volumes and pray as I always did, without his to Lubavitch. His saintly visage and of Baltimore, was one such person. The to others, demonstrating appropriate annoying interference.” Chassidic conduct only aroused admi- purity of his face and brilliance of his conduct and raising personal standards. ration and respect. Despite his meager eyes fairly shouted, “I am a Tomim!” In other words, seeing the refined Needless to say, Reb Yosef Wineberg livelihood, Rabbi Simpson merited to It was immediately apparent that conduct of great people makes the was very excited with this novel expla- raise generations of proud Chassidim, he stood on a higher spiritual plane, strongest impression of all. nation, and later repeated this conversa- and his name became synonymous with having internalized the teachings tion often. This is the personification of Chassidic ideals. and deep philosophies of Chassidus I felt the same way whenever I saw a Tomim — someone who continually Chabad. He looked inherently differ- these elite Tmimim. Their entire being 8 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~August 15, 2008 Parshas Hashavua Vedibarta Bam ~ Vaetchanan By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky )המגיד מדובנא( Shabbat 15:3, Orach Chaim 294:1. QUESTION: The Gemara (Yevamot "ואתחנן אל ה'" "ואתם הדבקים בה' אלקיכם חיים However, on Yom Tov it is permissible, 64a) says that Hashem has a special see Magen Avraham 128:70). Since in desire to hear the prayers of the righ- כולכם היום" And I implored G“ a two-hundred-day period there are teous. Why did he forbid Moshe to offer d.” (3:23) twenty-eight Shabbatot, one hundred elaborate prayer? “But you who cling to G d, your G d, QUESTION: and seventy-two days remain, in which a you are all alive today.” (4:4) ANSWER: The Jews were ready to According to the person prays three times a day and may enter Eretz Yisrael but first Moshe had QUESTION: Since the previous Midrash Rabbah include personal requests, which totals to die in the wilderness. The Gemara pasuk states, “For every man that fol- (11:10) the word five hundred and sixteen prayers. (Berachot 54b) says that if one prays at lowed Ba’al Pe’or, Hashem destroyed “Va’etchanan” On the night of the fifteenth, after length, Hashem reciprocates with long him.” This pasuk should just have said ( ) which has the numerical value seeing the full moon, they realized life. If Hashem had let Moshe extend “but you are all alive today” without ואתחנן of five hundred and fifteen, teaches us, their sins were forgiven, and they thus his prayer, he would have merited long mentioning “hadeveikim baHashem that Moshe prayed five hundred and celebrated the fol¬lowing day. Hence, life, thus delaying the Jewish people’s Elokeichem” — “who cling to G d, fifteen prayers toH ashem to be permit- Moshe started praying from the morn- entry into Eretz Yisrael. your G d”? ted to enter Eretz Yisrael. )לקוטי בתר לקוטי בשם הרבי ר' העשיל זצ"ל( ing of the fifteenth of Av, till Minchah of ANSWER: Concerning the pasuk Why specifically five hundred and the seventh of Adar, uttering ex¬actly a Rifut tehi lisarecha” — “It will be“ "לא תספו על הדבר אשר אנכי מצוה fifteen? total of five hundred and fifteen prayers ,(health to your navel” (Proverbs 3:8 אתכם ולא תגרעו ממנו" before his passing. ANSWER: The spies returned with the Zohar (Midrash Hane’elam) says “You shall not add to the word that I that in the Shema there are two hundred "ויאמר ה' אלי רב לך אל תוסף דבר their evil report against Eretz Yisrael command you, nor shall you subtract and forty-eight words corresponding אלי עוד בדבר הזה" on the ninth of Av. Since the people from it.” (4:2) cried bitterly and refused to go toE retz to the limbs of man, and when one “G d said to me, ‘It is too much for you! Yisrael, Hashem decreed that the entire QUESTION: Not subtracting is easily reads the Shema properly, each word Do not continue to speak to Me further nation between the ages of twenty understood, but what is wrong with heals a limb. about this matter.’ ” (3:26) and sixty would die in the wilderness. adding? Actually, there are only two hundred Annually, on the ninth of Av, graves QUESTION: King Shlomo says, ANSWER: There was a person who and forty-five words in the entireS hema, were dug and the people would sleep in “Tachanunim yedaber rash ve’ashir would borrow dishes and silverware and to attain the number two hundred them. In the morning those who were ya’aneh azot” — “The poor use entreat- from his neighbor whenever he had and forty-eight, the chazan repeats the alive would climb out of the graves, ies, but the rich respond roughly” guests, and then return double the words “Hashem Elokeichem,” adding and those who had expired would be (Proverbs 18:23). The Midrash Rabbah amount he borrowed. If he took a dish, the word “emet.” Hearing it from the buried where they were. This went on (2:4) compares Moshe to the poor man he would return two. If he took two chazan is considered the equivalent of for all the years of the sojourn in the who uses entreaties and Hashem to the spoons, he would return four. The first saying it individually, and thus, every- wilderness. rich man because of his harsh response, time this happened his neighbor asked one brings health to his body through “It is too much for you! Do not continue On the fortieth year graves were dug for in amazement, “Why are you giving me the two hundred and forty-eight words to speak to Me.” the people to sleep in, but surprisingly, back more dishes than I gave you?” The of the Shema (see Shulchan Aruch, they all emerged alive. The people How does the Midrash justify describ- lender responded, “When I brought Orach Chaim 61:3). began to wonder, “Perhaps we have ing Hashem in such a way? your dishes to my house, they became The letters in the word “atem” ( ) אתם ”.miscalculated and yesterday was not pregnant and gave birth ANSWER: Jewry eagerly anticipates can be rearranged to spell the word really the ninth of Av.” Therefore, they the ultimate redemption through Once, he came to his neighbor and “emet” ( ). Hence the pasuk is אמת continued sleeping in graves on the Mashiach. He will be a descendant of told him, “Tonight, I will have very alluding to the teaching of the Zohar, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, King David, whose ancestors are Ruth prominent people at my house. Please namely “ve’atem” — by taking the word and fourteenth. When they noticed a and Boaz. Had Moshe entered Eretz be kind enough to lend me your beauti- “atem” which spells “emet” — “hadvei- full moon on the fifteenth of Av, they Yisrael, he would have brought the ful silver candelabra and I will return it kim baHashem Elokeichem” — and were certain that the ninth had already ultimate redemption and the Jewish to you tomorrow.” The neighbor quickly attaching it to the words H“ ashem passed, and obviously the punishment people would not have experienced any agreed, thinking that tomorrow he Elokeichem” (the final two words of was completed (see Bava Batra 121a). destruction or exile (Megaleh Amukot, would get back two. the last portion of the Shema), “chaim Thus, on the fifteenth of Av the Jewish see Likkutei Sichot vol. 19, p. 346). kulchem hayom” — “you are all alive “Tomorrow” passed and the neighbor people celebrated the fact that no one today” — since all your limbs will be The word “rav” ( ) is an acronym for did not come back with even the one .blessed with good health רב else would be punished for the spy the names and . In addition to candelabra. He called to ask when he בעז רות episode, and Moshe thought that it was "השמרו לכם...ועשיתם לכם פסל .the acronym, in order to spell out the could expect the candelabra returned an opportune time to pray to Hashem תמונת כל אשר צוך ה' אלקיך" -name " " in full, an additional " " and The lender sighed and said, “I feel ter ע בעז .to permit him to enter the land rible to tell you this, but when I came ,"רות" are necessary, and to spell out " " Beware for yourselves...and you make“ ז The Hebrew calendar, which is based an additional " " and " " are necessary. home with your candelabra, it suddenly yourselves a carved image, a likeness ת ו on the lunar system, normally has six These missing letters compose the word had a heart-attack and died.” of anything, as G d, your G d, has com- .(azot) "עזות" months of twenty-nine days and six Angrily, the lender said, “Whoever manded you.” (4:23) months of thirty days. From the month The Midrash was questioning the heard of such a foolish thing? You’re a of Elul (which follows Av) till the month QUESTION: The words “asher tzivecha need for the words “rav lach,” since thief! I demand the immediate return of Adar, in which Moshe passed away, Hashem” — “as G d has commanded the pasuk could have excluded them. of my property!” there are six months. Counting three of you” — can be misleading. Should not the Therefore, the Midrash explains that them as full months (thirty days) and Calmly the borrower said, “If you pasuk have said, “as G d has commanded it is alluding to Ruth and Boaz. While three as incomplete ones (twenty-nine were able to believe that your spoon you not to do”? Moshe delivered a heart rending plea days), there is a total of one hundred or dish could give birth, then you must to be allowed to enter Eretz Yisrael, ANSWER: A pessel is a lifeless image and seventy-seven days. Adding to also believe me that your candelabra Hashem’s response was with “azot,” carved into wood or stone. TheT orah thus this, sixteen days from the fif¬teenth died.” which means that the word “rav” ( ) warns us not make a pessel out of what רב to the thirtieth of the month of Av, and together with the letters of “azot” ( ) TheT orah consists of six hundred and Hashem commanded us to do, but to learn עזות seven days of the month of Adar until should serve as a message to Moshe that thirteen mitzvot. Hashem chose this Torah and perform mitzvot with warmth, Moshe’s passing, there is a total of two the ultimate redemption must come number because He knew exactly how vigor, and vitality. hundred days. through Mashiach, the descendant of much man could handle (see Avodah )ר' מנחם מענדל זצ"ל מקוצק( Zarah 3a, Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar (מעינה של תורה) .A Jew is required to pray three times Ruth and Boaz If people are permitted to add .(12:3 "אל תוסף דבר אלי עוד בדבר הזה" a day. In each prayer he may include personal requests, except on Shab- mitzvot of their own and attach holi- bat, when personal needs may not be “Do not continue to speak to Me further ness to them, ultimately they will also mentioned (see Jerusalem Talmud about this matter.” (3:26) rationalize not doing mitzvot. August 15, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 9

( " ' , ) is currently being given. The term רבינו יונה ועי תניא פי א Vedibarta Bam ~ Pirkei Avos Alternatively, the wrongdoing of the “poreik” — “casting off” — applies to Hashem” (Ezekiel 41:22). one who keeps awake at night is that he something which was already on, and "שלשה שאכלו על שלחן אחד ולא אמרו .does not get sufficient rest. One should is now being thrown off עליו דברי תורה" Prior to reciting the Grace after Meal, sleep eight hours of the day. An allusion “Three who ate at one table and did not the fingertips are rinsed. Immediately According to the Gemara (Niddah to this is “Yashanti az yanu’ach li” — “I speak words of Torah there.” (3:3) afterwards one says, “And he said to me, 30b) an oath is administered to the would be asleep, then I would be at ‘This is the table that is beforeH ashem’” soul before birth, “Be righteous and be QUESTION: In the previous Mishnah rest” (Job 3:12). The word az ( ) has not wicked.” When the soul descends אז ibid.), and then the actual Grace after) it says, “shenayim sheyosh-vim” — the numerical value of eight. Thus the Meal commences. upon this earth and dresses itself in the “two who are sitting” — in present pasuk is saying “yashanti az — I would human body, this oath is a delegation tense. Why doesn’t it say here, too, In view of the above mentioned, be asleep eight hours — yanu’ach li — I of power so that it be able to fulfill its “sheloshah she’ochlim” — “three who perhaps the intent is to indicate that would be at rest. destiny in life. Thus, the yoke ofT orah are eating”? through the Grace we will soon be ( : " , ) was already previously placed on the מאירי רמב ם דעות ד ד reciting, divrei Torah will be said at ANSWER: When two are sitting person and it is up to him to accept it. this table, and thus we will succeed in “Traveling alone on the road” is an together and not eating, they should be making it into “a table which is before allusion to the Tzaddik — righteous Therefore, the Mishnah is saying that talking about Torah subjects or at least Hashem.” person — who does not share his Torah “kol hamekabeil alav ol Torah” — talking Torah related matters.H owever, knowledge with others and refrains “whoever takes upon himself the yoke of while people are actually eating, the from guiding and encouraging others Torah, which was actually placed upon Sages forbid speaking out of concern The Hebrew word for “table” is “shul- to travel the road which leads to the him previously, i.e., if he accepts to live that a bone can, G d forbid, end up in The same Hebrew letters World to Come. a life governed by Torah, then though .(שלחן) ”chan the windpipe instead of the food pipe can be rearranged to spell “lenachash” the government puts obligations upon (מדרש שמואל) .(Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 170:1) to a serpent.” Through speak- every individual as they mature, they“ — (לנחש) When they finish eating, however, they ing words of Torah, one makes it a will be removed from him, should say some divrei Torah, bringing “shulchan” — “a table [before Hashem]” Such a Tzaddik is known in Yiddish as i.e. he will be exempt. However if he (תפארת ישראל) .sanctity to their table — and otherwise one makes it “lena- a “Tzaddik in peltz,” a righteous person is “poreik” — “casts off” — the yoke chash” — into a serpent which kills "כאילו אכלו מזבחי מתים" in a fur coat. When a group of people of Torah, which has been previously and makes our food “zivchei meitim” “As if they have eaten sacrifices to the are in a freezing room, he puts on a placed upon him, then when he comes (מלא העומר) ”.lifeless“ — dead [idols].” (3:3) fur coat to warm himself and does not of age, “notnin alav ol malchut” — “the bother to put on the heat which will yoke of government will then be put "הנעור בלילה והמהלך בדרך יחידי QUESTION: Why if they do not speak (באר האבות) ”.warm everyone. upon him ומפנה לבו לבטלה" words of Torah, is there no life in their "כל המקבל עליו עול תורה... מעבירין "רבי נחוניא בן הקנה אומר: כל sacrifice? “One who is awake at night or travels ממנו עול מלכות ועול דרך ארץ" המקבל עליו עול תורה, מעבירין ממנו alone on the road, and turns his heart ANSWER: A Jewish person is com- עול מלכות ועול דרך ארץ, וכל הפורק (to idleness.” (3:4 Whoever takes upon himself the yoke“ ממנו עול תורה, נותנין עליו עול מלכות pounded of an earthly body and a soul of Torah... the yoke of worldly cares is ועול דרך ארץ" which descended from Heaven. In our QUESTION: Is the phrase “Umefanah food there is also a spark of G dliness. libo levatalah” — “And turns his heart removed from him.” (3:5) A Jew is supposed to eat not only for to idleness” — a third unwise action or “Rabbi Nechunya ben Hakanah says: QUESTION: Why is a chatan called physical strength but also for the sake a continuation and explanation of the ‘Whoever takes upon himself the yoke up to the Torah on the Shabbat prior of Heaven, thus elevating the spark previous two scenarios? of Torah, the yoke of government and to his wedding? of G dliness. This is known as “birur the yoke of worldly cares are removed ANSWER: According to one version, hanitzutzot” (separating and elevating from him; but whoever casts off the ANSWER: One who marries accepts the text reads “vehamefaneh libo levata- the G dly sparks), and it is alluded to in yoke of Torah, the yoke of govern- the yoke of providing for his wife and lah” — “and the one who turns his heart the Torah: “Not by bread alone does ment and the yoke of worldly cares are future family. TheG emara (Kiddushin to idleness.” Thus, Rabbi Chanina is man live, but rather by everything that imposed upon him.’ ” (3:5) 29b) refers to one’s financial marital speaking of three things: emanates from the mouth of G d (the obligations as “reichayim al tza’avaro” QUESTION: Why the inconsistency G dliness within the food) does man 1) one who is awake at night, 2) one who — “a grinding millstone on his neck.” in language? Since it says about the live” (Devarim 8:3). travels alone on the road, and 3) one Calling the chatan to the Torah prior one who throws off the yoke of Torah who turns his heart to idleness. to his marriage alludes to the adage of Moreover, every soul has a mission “notnin alav ol malchut” — “the yoke our Sages “Whoever takes upon himself to accomplish during its sojourn in The more popular version is “umefaneh of government is put on him” — then in the yoke of Torah will merit that the this world. When it fails to complete libo levatalah” — “and turns his heart lieu of “kol hamikabeil alav ol Torah” — yoke of worldly cares will be removed its mission, it descends again. This to idleness.” Thus, turning the heart to “whoever takes upon himself the yoke from him.” is known as gilgul — reincarnation. idleness is a description of what is being of Torah” — it should have said “kol Sometimes sparks of a neshamah can done in two preceding scenarios of the hanotein alav ol Torah” — “whoever be reincarnated in food and the person Mishnah. In one, the person is awake puts on himself the yoke of Torah.” It is also customary to throw bags who eats lesheim shamayim — for at night and turns his heart to idleness, Also, just as he says “kol haporeik containing candy and almonds at a cha- the sake of Heaven and not just for and in the other, the person is traveling mimeno ol Torah” — “whoever casts off tan. The reason may be the following: physical satisfaction and nourishment alone on the road and turns his heart from himself the yoke of Torah” — why Almonds are the quickest to blossom of — elevates the spark. Otherwise, the to idleness. doesn’t it say about the one who accepts all fruits (see Bamidbar 17:23), Rashi) spark remains “dead” and has to again the yoke of Torah “porkin mimenu ol The wrongdoing is the following: Dur- and candies are sweet. The message to go through the gilgul process. Through malchut” — “the yoke of government ing the day one is occupied and there the chatan is that if he accepts the yoke a Jew’s saying divrei Torah at the table, is cast off from him”? are many ways to justify not studying of Torah, he will earn his living quickly the G dly spark in the food is elevated Torah. At night people normally sleep. ANSWER: The term “netinah” — “giv- and easily, and enjoy a sweet life with and otherwise it is, so to speak, “zivchei If one is awake and unable to sleep, he ing” — applies to something which his wife and family. meitim” — a death blow to the G dly should not sit idly or waste the time (מדרש חכמים בשם הבעש"ט) .spark with devarim beteilim — idle talk or involvements — but utilize the time to The longest running English Shiur in study Torah. Since his family, friends, PIRKEI AVOS SHIUR Crown Heights--26 years and still going Though it is best to literally study strong! and business associates are now asleep, For Women and Girls Torah or discuss Torah subjects at the he has no distractions and it is thus the table, the requirement to speak words 5:30-6 PM Halachos of Tefilla with Rabbi Michoel Seligson most opportune time to study Torah. of Torah at the table can be satisfied 6-7 PM Pirkei Avos with Different Speaker each week. Likewise, when one travels alone, and with the recital of the Birchat Hama- Congregation ANASH 770 Montgomery St. there is no one accompanying him to zon — Grace after Meals (see Tosafot distract him or engage him in conversa- Use women's entrance on the side of the building. Yom Tov, Magen Avraham 170:1). This tion, he has no excuse for not studying already makes it “a table which is before Torah. 10 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~August 15, 2008

Tu B'Av

mountainside, the greater the momen- One of the Two greatest Yomim Tovim tum that carries it up the next moun- tain; the further an arrow is pulled back Reprinted from Chabad.Org rebellion. When Betar fell on the 9th and the month dwindles to a close. The on the bow, the greater the force that of Av, 3893 (133 CE), Bar Kochba and TheT almud lists several joyous events rebirth of the moon, 29 or 30 nights will carry it forward when it is let fly. many thousands of Jews were killed; the which occurred on the 15th day of the after its previous birth, ushers in the This basic law of physical nature also Romans massacred the survivors of the month of Av: next month: a new climb to fullness, governs the flow of lunar time and the battle with great cruelty and would not followed by another descent to oblivion, spiritual qualities it enfolds: the lower 1) The dying of the generation of the even allow the Jews to bury their dead. followed by yet another rebirth. the descent, the loftier the ascent to Exodus ceased. Several months after When the dead of Betar were finally follow. the people of Israel were freed from brought to burial on Av 15, 3908 (148 Accordingly, the 15th of the Jewish Egyptian slavery, the incident of the CE), an additional blessing (HaTov month marks the high point of that Hence, the month of Av must indeed “Spies” demonstrated their unpre- VehaMeitiv) was added to the “Grace month’s particular contribution to possess the greatest 15th of them all. paredness for the task of conquering After Meals” in commemoration. Jewish life. For example: Nissan is the For what darker eclipse is there than the the land of Canaan and developing it month of redemption, and it was on the one preceding the full moon of Av? 6) “The day of the breaking of the ax.” as the “Holy Land.” G-d decreed that first day of Nissan that the process of When the Holy Temple stood in Jeru- The latter half ofT ammuz and the first that entire generation would die out our liberation from Egypt began; but salem, the annual cutting of firewood days of Av mark a breakdown in the very in the desert, and that their children the results of this process were fully for the altar was concluded on the 15th heart of the universe and the onset of a would enter the land in their stead manifest only on the 15th of Nissan, of Av. The event was celebrated with spiritual winter from which we have yet (as recounted in Numbers 13 and 14). with our actual exodus from Egypt. feasting and rejoicing (as is the custom to emerge. On the 17th of Tammuz in After 40 years of wandering through So it is on the 15th of Nissan that we upon the conclusion of a holy endeavor) the year 3829 from creation (69 ce), the the wilderness, the dying finally ended, celebrate the festival of Passover and and included a ceremonial breaking of lunar orbit of Jewish life swung into the and a new generation of Jews stood experience the divine gift of freedom the axes which gave the day its name. steepest decline of its 4000-year history. ready to enter the Holy Land. It was through the observances of the seder. On that day the walls of Jerusalem were the 15th of Av of the year 2487 from These events may all be worthy of Another example is the month of breached by the Roman armies; for the creation (1274 BCE). commemo- Tishrei. On the 1st of Tishrei (Rosh next three weeks, from Tammuz 17 to ration and 2) The tribes of Israel were permitted HaShanah) we crown G-d as king of Av 9 (observed to this day as “Three celebration; to intermarry. In order to ensure the the universe, rededicating the entirety Weeks” of mourning), the enemy but how do orderly division of the Holy Land of creation to the purpose for which it steadily advanced through Jerusalem, they explain between the twelve tribes of Israel, was created and evoking in G-d the invaded the Holy Temple, and, on the Rabbi restrictions had been placed on mar- desire to continue to create and sustain 9th of Av, set it aflame. The 9th of Av Shimon’s riages between members of two differ- it. But the celebration of the divine is also the date of the destruction of amazing ent tribes. A woman who had inherited coronation is eclipsed by the days of the First Temple in the year 3338 (423 statement tribal lands from her father was forbid- solemnity and awe which occupy the bce) and numerous other calamities in that “There den to marry out of her tribe, lest her first part of Tishrei, and comes out in Jewish history (see below). were no children -- members of their father’s the open in the joyous festival of Suk- greater fes- The destruction of theT emple was but tribe -- cause the transfer of land from kot, which commences on the 15th of tivals for Israel”? In what way is the 15th the physical counterpart of a deeper, one tribe to another by inheriting her the month. (Thus theT almud interprets of Av greater than Passover, the day of spiritual loss. The Holy Temple in estate (as recounted in Numbers 36). is the meaning of the verse (Psalms our Exodus from Egypt, or Shavuot, Jerusalem was the seat of G-d’s manifest This ordinance was binding on the 81:4), “Sound the shofar on the moon’s the day we received the Torah? Rabbi presence in our world -- the source generation that conquered and settled renewal, which is concealed until the Shimon even places it before his other of everything spiritual and G-dly in the Holy Land; when the restriction day of our festival.” The shofar, whose “great festival,” Yom Kippur! our lives and the focus of our efforts was lifted, on the 15th of Av, the event trumpet-like blast signifies our “corona- to implement the divine purpose in was considered a cause for celebration Lunar Time tion” of the Almighty, is sounded on creation of “making a dwelling place for and festivity. the 1st of Tishrei, the day of the moon’s To understand the significance of Av G-d in the physical world.” Its destruc- renewal; but like the moon itself, the 3) The tribe of Benjamin was permitted 15, we must first examine the workings tion marked the withdrawal of the experience remains “concealed” and to enter the community. Av 15 was also of the Jewish calendar. direct and open relationship between largely unexpressed until “the day of the day on which the tribe of Benjamin, G-d and His creation and the onset of The most basic feature of our calendar our festival” -- Sukkot, on the 15th of which had been excommunicated a state of Galut -- a hiding of the divine is that it is primarily a lunar calendar Tishrei.) for its behavior in the incident of the face, a shrouding of the true, underlying -- a calendar whose months are set in “Concubine at Givah,” was readmitted The same is true of each of the twelve reality of creation behind the mask of accordance with the phases of the moon. into the community of Israel (as related months of the Jewish year. Each month the corporeal and fragmented world we The Zohar explains that the people of in Judges 19-21; this occurred during possesses a character and quality experience today. Israel mark time with the moon because the judgeship of Othniel ben Knaz, uniquely its own, which undergoes a we are the moon of the world: like the And yet, the greater the descent, the who led the people of Israel in the years cycle of diminution and growth, con- moon, we rise and fall through the greater the ascent which springs from 2533-2573 from creation (1228-1188 cealment and expression, reaching its nights of history knowing times of it. The great darkness of the latter days BCE)). climax on the 15th of the month. growth and diminution, our moments of Tammuz and the first days of Av 4) Hosea ben Eilah opened the roads of luminous fullness alternating with The Rebound carries the seeds for an equally great to Jerusalem. Upon the division of moments of obscurity and darkness. “full moon” on the 15th of Av -- a full Therein lies the specialty of the 15th the Holy Land into two kingdoms And like the moon, our every regression moon that represents the perfect and of Av. following the death of King Solomon and defeat is but a prelude to yet another harmonious world of Moshiach in the year 2964 from creation (797 rebirth, yet another renewal. The greater an object’s plunge down a BCE), Jeroboam ben Nebat, ruler of At a certain point in its 29.5 day circuit the breakaway Northern Kingdom of the earth (the point at which it is clos- of Israel, set up roadblocks to prevent est to the sun) the moon “disappears” his citizens from making the thrice- from the nighttime sky. The night on yearly pilgrimage to the Holy Temple which the moon is first visible to the in Jerusalem, capital of the Southern earthly observer after its concealment Kingdom of Judea. These were finally marks the beginning of a new month removed more than 200 years later by on the Jewish calendar. For the next Hosea ben Eilah, the last king of the two weeks, the Jewish month grows Northern Kingdom, on Av 15, 3187 with the moon, reaching its apex on (574 BCE). its 15th night -- the night of the full 5) The dead of Betar were allowed to moon. There then follow two weeks of be buried. The fortress of Betar was decreasing moonlight, until the night the last holdout of the Bar Kochba when the moon falls completely dark August 15, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 11

Sicha 15 of Menachem Av 5740

“There were never festivals in Israel like the Yom Kippur, making great festivals of service, which are characterized by fifteenth of Av” these days. For the effect of p’nimiyus light, “the light of Torah.” This realm is haTorah is not withheld for only the not confined toT orah study alone, but Published and copyright © by Sichos in The answer is to be found within the days of Moshiach, but enlightens us can include all the Mitzvos which are English verse, “the lamp is a Mitzvah, and Torah now, enabling “the Mitzvah to be a categorized by our sages with “whoever is light, and reproofs of instruction are lamp, Torah, light; and the reproofs of studies the laws of the burnt-offering The Mishna states: “There were never the way of life.” The verse cites three instruction, a way of life.” is considered as if he himself brought festivals in Israel like the fifteenth of things in an ascending order of holiness, a burnt-offering.” Av and Yom Kippur.” One explana- The three Temples implying that there is a “way of life” tion proffered as to the uniqueness of Then, there is a third manner of service, which is even higher than “the lamp of A similar ascension can be seen in the the fifteenth of Av is that the moon the performance of Mitzvos in a manner Mitzvos” and “the light of Torah.” three Temples. The firstT emple was “a is full. Yet this does not explain why which transcends all limitations. For place fit to offer sacrifices,” possessing the fifteenth of Av is greater than the Pesach, Sukos and the 15th of Av example, the Mitzvah of Tefillin (of five aspects of holiness that were not fifteenth of Nissan — Pesach, or the which our sages declared “the entire Pesach is related to “the lamp of Mitz- present in the second Temple. Not- fifteenth of Tishrei — Sukkos. Torah is equated with Tefillin”) has vos.” For although it preceded the giv- withstanding this, the second Temple as its aim the subjugation of the mind There is a principle that each descent ing of the Torah the Jews differentiated possessed an even greater quality, the and the heart. That subjugation can occurs in order to affect an ascent; since themselves from the gentiles through transformation of darkness into light. be either limited and restricted, or every ascent is relative to its preceding Mitzvos. For in addition to the seven The secondT emple surpassed the first carried out “with all your might” — to descent, the deeper the descent, the Noachide Mitzvos which had been in regard to time as well, lasting 420 an unlimited degree. In the latter case, greater its following ascent. Because of given to Jew and gentile alike, the Jews years rather than 410. The very fact that there is a measure of eternity for its the great descent which occurs on Tisha had been given additional Mitzvos by it lasted longer demonstrates that its unlimited scope leaves it unbounded B’Av, the ascent which is actualized on Avrohom, Yitzchok, etc. Moreover, effect throughout the entire 420 years by the limitations of time. Thus, we the fifteenth of Av is very great indeed, immediately prior to the exodus, they was not only greater quantitatively but can see a parallel to the three Temples higher than even Pesach and Sukkos. were given the Mitzvos of the Pesach deeper and more powerful. Hence the in our service. offering and sanctifying the moon. verse (Chaggai 2:9) “the glory of the This requires further clarification, for Thus, in Egypt (Pesach), the Jews later Temple shall be greater than that Mitzvos, Torah, and Teshuva the levels of Pesach and Sukkos are very distinguished themselves through “the of the former” is taken as a reference high indeed. On Pesach, the Jewish These three stages can be seen as lamp of Mitzvos.” to the second Temple. And the third people were on the level of Tzaddikim. the ascending services of Mitzvos, Temple will possess yet an even greater Pesach marks the birth of the Jewish Sukkos is related to “the light of Torah,” Torah, and Teshuvah, which are actu- quality, being “the Temple of the L-rd nation; and just as “one who converts for it represents the “fullness of the ally interrelated. A Mitzvah can be established by your hands,” an eternal is considered as a child who has just moon” — the culmination of the spiri- fulfilled as a Mitzvah, an expression Temple. And its eternity will be seen not been born,” so too the Jewish people tual service connected with Yom Kip- of Torah (as explained above), while only in terms of longevity but from the were as unblemished as a newborn pur. And on Yom Kippur the second also including an element of Teshuvah. very first moments of its existence. child, beginning their service of G-d as tablets were given, connecting that day Likewise, Torah study is a Mitzvah, Tzaddikim. Sukkos follows the month with Torah. The parallel to this concept can be which is surely included in the realm of Elul and the ten days between Rosh found in our service of G-d. There are of Torah; and can also be an expression The fifteenth of Av is connected with the Hashanah and Yom Kippur — when certain aspects of our service, “the lamp of Teshuvah (note Iggeres HaTeshuvah third and highest aspect; “the reproofs G-d is “close” and “to be found.” Thus, of Mitzvos,” which are involved with where the Alter Rebbe writes that the of instruction are the way of life.” This on Sukkos, one serves G-d as a Baal the world and are, hence, limited. Every higher level of Teshuvah is connected refers to p’nimiyus haTorah — the Teshuva, a level which is even higher Mitzvah has a specific measure. Even with Torah study). Similarly, Teshuvah inner aspects of Torah — and the fear than that of a Tzaddik. How could the the Mitzvah of Torah study is limited to can be interpreted as a Mitzvah, an of G-d. This will be completely revealed fifteenth of Av ever surpass these two each person according to his level. expression of Torah, or as an approach by Moshiach; and glimpses of it are levels? of its own “way of life” — above Torah revealed to us on the fifteenth of Av and However, there are other aspects of and Mitzvos. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson (1878-1941) Rebbetzin Chana would take particular The Rebbe’s father father, Rabbi Meir Shlomo, was the to acquire the proper permits for the interest when the discussion turned to rabbi of the Russian city of Nikolaiyev. relocation. After six weeks fraught with her husband’s scholarship and piety. Adapted from Chabad.Org In 1902, their eldest son, Menachem setbacks and obstacles they were finally On the 20th of Av, her husband’s condi- Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson was Mendel, later to be known as The able to obtain the release documents. tion turned critical. Although he was no born on the 18th of Nissan in the town Lubavitcher Rebbe, was born. Immediately after Passover, his sen- longer able to speak, he still continued of Podrovnah (near Gomel) to his Rabbi Levi Yitzchak lived in Nokolaiyev tence completed, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak to murmur words of Torah or Psalms. parents, Rabbi Baruch Schneur and until 1909, when he was appointed to and Rebbetzin Chana left Chi’ili, and That evening, Rebbetzin Chana took Rebbetzin Zelda Rachel Schneerson. serve as the Rabbi of Yekatrinoslav arrived in Alma Ata. In this large city, a short rest so that she would have the His great-great grandfather was the (today, Dnepropetrovsk). In 1939 he their living conditions improved some- strength to continue caring for him; 3rd Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem was arrested by the communist regime what, and they worked more vigorously when she awoke, she found the house Mendel of Lubavitch. for his fearless stance against the Party’s to help others in need. Yet, through the filled with people. Her husband had efforts toeradicate Jewish learning and summer, the Rabbi’s illness grew worse. returned his pure soul to its Maker. practice in the Soviet Union. After more A young friend made a special trip from than a year of torture and interrogations Leningrad to Alma Ata, together with a in Stalin’s notorious prisons, he was well-known doctor. The doctor did not sentenced to exile to the interior of have a good prognosis for the Rabbi. He Russia, where he died in 1944. had no cure for his ailment. Alma Ata - Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s Rebbetzin Chana endured those Passing heartbreaking days with exceptional strength and fortitude. Despite the In 1944, as Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s se - dire conditions, she continued to wel- tence was nearing its end, his physical come into her home any depressed or condition began to deteriorate. Though broken person, attending to his or her unaware of this, a serious illness was specific needs, and providing food when spreading through his body, severely necessary. She retained her dignified weakening him. manner and grace throughout—even Meanwhile, friends in nearby Alma Ata wearing gloves and an elegant hat when resolved to secure the Rabbi’s release. receiving guests—and would converse Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s headstone in Alma In 1900, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak married They contributed thousands of rubles, with the doctors on a variety of topics, Ata Rebbetzin Chana Yanovski, whose giving of most of their wealth, in order whether worldly or spiritual in nature. 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~August 15, 2008 Shleimus Haaretz Section One: The Obligation to Protest

Summary in danger, G-d forbid. if the forbidden action took place a ter, which concerns saving great distance from him — because Jewish lives. Published and copyright © by Sichos In 3. The past is well known (e.g., Golda he is still obligated by the command, English Meir not listening to the Israeli d. The obligation not to stand “Thou shalt not stand idly by thy Military Intelligence prior to Yom idly by while your brother’s brother’s blood.” 1. The current situation inI srael is such Kippur War). blood is being spilled, applies that the duty to protest falls squarely 7. At times the situation is such that in every situation, even when 4. A ruling must be issued quickly, on the shoulders of the Rabbis. This there is nothing left to do but to one is uncertain that his protest and a Rabbi must not wait until he obligation falls upon all Rabbis who protest. This is a precise indication will have any effect.E ven if the is asked about the matter. Rather, arbitrate practical matters of Jewish that our task in this situation is to chance that protest will assist he must see to it that the law is law, and especially those Rabbis protest. is only one thousandth of a publicized everywhere — to the who have at one time expressed chance, or a fraction of that, one extent that “there will not be a single 8. The claim that protest will not affect an opinion on this issue, no matter is obligated to protest, because individual who has not heard of this the situation does not absolve any of where they are — whether in Israel this is the law in the Code of ruling.” This is because regarding the Rabbis, no matter where they are, or in the Diaspora. Jewish Law. these matters, “he who asks (rather from their obligation to publicize a 2. The ruling must be explicit and than acts) is a spiller of blood, and clear ruling because: 9. Even if the majority remain silent, definitive, being the result of the one who waits to be asked is con- and those protesting are in the a. Who knows where we would be exhaustive consultation with pres- temptible” for not having publicized minority, nevertheless, the minority if no one were to speak up. ent military authorities who have his opinion. is taken into consideration. actual firsthand knowledge about b. Regarding the mitzvah to 5. Similarly, one should publicize the 10. The Rabbis who remain silent these issues, and who express their admonish one’s fellow man, the decision of the “Great Assembly” cause the greatest damage. This opinions through purely security- Talmud says, “even one hundred of 1937 which states that “it is is analagous to the Talmudic law oriented considerations, and not times,” meaning, if one unsuc- forbidden to cede to a non-Jew, even concerning seventy Rabbinic judges political ones. cessfully gave rebuke ninety- a tiny strip of the Land of Israel.” who rule for or against a certain side, nine times, one is bound by a. In order to save the Rabbis the This should be publicised until the with one judge “abstaining.” In such Jewish law to engage in rebuke trouble of researching the issues entire Jewish people are aware of a case, Jewish Law requires the entire a hundredth time, for it could which are required for a ruling, this ruling. trial to be rendered null and void. well be that the hundredth time the Rebbe informs us that he has 6. Every Jew, regardless of where he will be decisive. 11. The Rebbe’s opinion is that were already investigated the matter, lives, is connected with every other there to be a sustained protest, car- and the conclusions are: c. The Rabbi must do his job and Jews in the rest of the world. There- ried out with the greatest intensity protest without fear, and without b. Those involved in military affairs fore, according to Jewish law, he must — as the present situation clearly considering the reaction which say that surrendering any por- protest any action taken by another demands — it would eventually may follow his ruling (such tion of the West Bank and Gaza, Jew which is not in accordance with succeed, in the near future. as being ignored); especially places untold numbers of Jews Jewish Law. Protest is required even because this is an ongoing mat-

Chana was the essence of beauty. her life’s toughest battle. Chana will will be $54,000. Chana’s Touch Everything she touched, everything forever be remembered as a Kallah We are committed to raising this she was involved in reflected her special Na’ah Va’Chassuda – a bride of beauty, Imagine a beautiful flower arrangement amount and to making this dream a touch. Whether it was her room, her grace, and modesty. – carefully selected, perfectly groomed, reality. apartment, her outfits, or her notebooks and neatly arranged in coordinating What better way to preserve Chana’s – everything was tastefully arranged We are asking for your help. Every colors. That wasC hana. memory than by extending her special and carefully coordinated to reflect dollar you give will make you a partner touch to other Kallahs in this most Think of a picture-perfect table – taste- eidelkeit, beauty, and femininity. in this special endeavor to preserve important moment of their lives. In fully set, beautifully coordinated with Chana’s memory. Every dollar you give As Chana’s friends, we all knew this. Chana’s memory, we have decided to all the right props and accessories. That will make you a partner in extending Anyone needing the perfect accessory, build and dedicate a brand new bridal was Chana. Chana’s touch to as many Kallahs as a good shopping suite at the Crown Heights mikvah. possible. opinion, or a spe- How characteristic of Chana to want cial touch to make To contribute, you may visit the newly to make a Kallah feel so special, so an outfit look just created web site: ChanasTouch.com beautiful, and so pampered on the eve right – knew they to contribute online. of her wedding. could count on Every little bit helps. Chana. In her The 3 letters ofC hana’s Hebrew name warm and loving are an acronym for the 3 special Mitz- With your support, we hope to have way, Chana went vos given to Jewish women: Challah, construction underway really soon. all out to make Family Purity, and Shabbos Candles. By incredible Hashgacha Protis, the everyone feel In dedicating this bridal suite, we will Hayom Yom of Chana’s birthday beautiful for their enable every Kallah embarking on describes that the role and duty of special moments. the Mitzvah of Family Purity for the N’shei U’bnos HaChassdim – the Chas- Her closet was first time in her life, to feel so special sidic wives and daughters – is to stand like a lending doing so. How much more beautiful in the forefront of every activity con- library, and she her Mitzvah will be when she feels so nected with the strengthening of Yid- was willing to do unique and so holy fulfilling it. dishkeit, and specifically those activities whatever it took How beautiful it will be that every connected with the strengthening of to make every girl Kallah entering the Chana (Raskin) Taharas HaMishpacha – Family Purity. feel just right and Wolvovsky Bridal Suite will feel Chana’s What better connection can Chana so beautiful. special touch of elegance and grace on have to this special Mitzvah. The challenge of her wedding day. It’s just so Chana. What better way to preserve Chana’s Chana’s illness A committee has already met with memory than by strengthening this came to her at the staff of the CH Mikvah to draw foundation of Yiddishkeit. the prime of her the plans, and the total cost for this life. Chana was With your help, Chana and her special complete renovation and addition, a Kallah and a touch will be forever remembered. together with supplying an elegant newlywed when bridal kit to every Kallah who arrives, she had to fight August 15, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 13 Tznius Shlucho Shel Adam K’Moso & The Hallmark Hall of Fame™ that the Rebbe always accompanied the By Mrs. M. Resnick gulped at the same time as we looked the thousands of recently-discovered word ‘G-d’ with ‘Almighty’ whenever at each other. Then we explained to three-decades-old “Tznius: Essence of Mrs. Henya Laine was not in town he spoke in English) them that Lubavitch is open-minded in the Jewish Woman” buttons. so the call came to me. It came from that we are very tolerant, accepting and But then I thought to myself: This Mr. Yisroel Lifshitz a consultant for Well, the idea sounds natural, but loving of Jews who do not know about encounter could have been so uncom- all things Jewish to the Hallmark wearing them might in fact not be their heritage. We try to show them the fortable even heartbreaking. What Hall of Fame (the famed card’s movie Tznius (they were originally made for beauty of Judaism. However, among our if that young girl had been an ‘open production company). He asked if I an all-women convention). own, we view “open-mindedness” as a minded’ Lubavitcher? could assist the wardrobe department defect, not a virtue. We see such people In fact, Bnos Melech Beyachad learn the ins and outs of Tznius cloth- What if she had fit the stereotype that as compromising their Jewish values approached two Rabbonim, Rabbi ing. The company was in the process these women had been programmed to Avraham Heller and Rabbi Berel Bell of producing a Chanuka special about When we were finished, Mrs. Zalmanov expect? We don’t realize how important and asked them for their position. They a Lubavitch woman widowed in her generously lent them one of her hus- our appearance and image really are agreed to share their personal ‘hergesh’ 20’s and living in Crown Heights and band’s kapotas and invited them for – not only because of how other frum on the matter and both independently they were interested in visiting the Shabbos which they seemed genuinely people perceive us but also because felt that wearing any item with lettering neighborhood and getting a feeling of excited about. I then took them for of women like these two professional whether on one’s person or on one’s how our people live and dress. a tour of the neighborhood through Jewish ladies from Hallmark’s wardrobe accessories would not really be in the Kingston Avenue to 770. department. Surprised, but eager to help, I invited spirit of Tznius. him, the wardrobe mistress and her When we entered the shul at 770, I As Lubavitchers we automatically In the meantime, many other interest- assistant (both Jewish) to join me at spotted a beautiful young lady with a represent the Rebbe, whether we live ing suggestions have been raised. Mrs. Mrs. Sarah Zalmanov’s home. Her low neckline. My stomach plunged. I in Crown Heights, Paris or Timbuktu Chassidah Mortimer a recent arrival to mother, Mrs. Rivka Chitrik, who thought to myself, please Hashem, let - Shlucho Shel Adam K’mosso. We have Crown Heights suggested that girls in lives right next door, appropriately this lady be a visitor and Lubavitch. such an Achrayus with each impression camp use the buttons as part of arts ‘n enough, was the one who recently Soon I saw her being joined by an that we make. And especially each time crafts. They should paste them, she said, found the thousands of three-decades older woman who turned out to be we step outside our Daled Amos we on the outside of a jewelry box which old “Tznius: Essence of the Jewish her mother, wearing jeans. They were have the opportunity of either making they can decorate. Her eight-year-old Woman” buttons. waving to the male counterparts of their a Kiddush Hashem or chos v’sholom, a daughter piped in with her own sugges- family who were taking pictures in front chillul Hashem. Mr. Lifshitz, the women, Mrs. Zal- tion. There should be a mirror on the of the Aron Kodesh downstairs. They manov, and I spent several hours going In a letter the Rebbe cautioned us inside of the jewelry box, she suggested, came from France and were visiting through family and wedding albums, women to make sure to present our- so that every girl can look at herself 770; many years ago the parents had weekday and Shabbos outfits, tichels selves as if there were much more to before she leaves her room to ensure received a dollar from the Rebbe and and sheitels. The women were totally us than our mere external selves. He that she look Tznius now they were taking the rest of the fascinated, mesmerized and even awed held us in such high esteem. How about family to show them the Rebbe’s 770. “From the mouths of babes….”! by our stories, by our way of life. opting to live up to it! I introduced myself and my guests One woman wondered, “How about “They chose Lubavitch,” the women from Hallmark and the mood was very gluing magnets on the backs of some of told us at a certain point, “because you cordial and jovial. And in my heart I Buttons Update! them to be displayed on fridges?” have the reputation of being the most said a big Baruch Hashem, thanking open-minded of the religious sects.” “Why don’t you distribute the buttons so Another asked, “Perhaps we can send a G-d Almighty that these people were that people can wear them?” many peo- button to every home inC rown Heights I think both Mrs. Zalmanov and I just tourists. (By the way I have noticed ple have been asking and emailing about with a letter saying that the Tznius has been a ‘dirty’ word for too long. We are set to change that and we ask Excerpt from Priest's wife. Having a wife was crucial; The Gemara and Zohar elaborate in every woman who receives a button and otherwise the High Priest could not many places that strengthening one's display it in a prominent place .This will perform his service. conduct of tznius is an infallible way to Beautiful Within be a statement that I am not afraid of be blessed with good health, sustenance, the concept of Tznius and I am proud Thanks to Sichosinenglish.com The true beauty of the Jewish woman, and much nachas - true nachas - from to display this button.” the concept of "The entire glory of the children and grandchildren. The Midrash[7] on this week's Torah king's daughter is within,"[12] i.e., the Finally, one woman called up and said, portion of Vayechi states that the concept of tznius, leads to and assists the This depends on each and every one “The value of receiving something reward for the spiritual service of Asher high-priestly office.[13]I t is achieved by of you: that you yourselves act in this directly from the Rebbe can not be is that "he shall produce [wearers of] the virtue of the service of Kabbalas Ol, manner, and see that your good friends, underestimated! I think the girls/ eight [priestly] garments." Thus Rashi, acceptance of the Divine yoke. relatives and acquaintances become women should barter a t-shirt/denim in his second comment on the verse[8] aware of the great potential that they skirt/or anything they shouldn’t be "Let him be acceptable to his brothers," When a person's conduct is based on possess [to act in a like manner], and wearing in exchange for a button…. states that "daughters of the tribe of Kabbalas Ol, in accordance with the the blessings that such behavior brings Remember it has been 15 years since Asher were beautiful and married to Shulchan Aruch - which includes the with it. anything had been handed out by the High Priests who wore eight priestly principle of tznius, then one merits Rebbe!” garments." to establish a generation of righteous Excerpt from Igros Kodesh, Vol. VIII, * The latest meeting ofS hura Rishona children: one will be blessed with p. 204 of Kollel Wives produced many touch- What is the connection between "beau- children and grandchildren who occupy ing and beautiful Hachlotos as well as tiful daughters" and High Priests. themselves with Torah and mitzvos, recommendations and suggestions for Obviously, in the present context we verily High Priests. future discussions. must say that the beauty we speak of is spiritual, something that is indeed What is meant by "children who become We are look forward to reporting more related to the High Priesthood. High Priests"? on the subject in our next column. * We congratulate Rabbi A.D. Gancz G-d says[9] of the woman, "I will make The High Priest enters the Holy of on recent family simcha and we regret a help-mate for him," i.e., a help-mate Holies which contains only the Holy that he could not participate in the Tu for man in his spiritual service. This Ark with the tablets on which the Ten B’Av event, as planned. We look forward was most apparent in the instance of Commandments are engraved. TheT en to announcing a new lecture date in the the High Priest, whose service on Yom Commandments were not inscribed near future. Kippur in the Holy of Holies required with ink, a substance distinct from that he be married and "atone for and added to parchment, but engraved Comments to Bnos Melech B’Yachad at himself, and for his 'house,' "[10] which upon the tablets - signifying an absolute [email protected] or 641.715.3800 our Sages explain[11] to mean the High unity. These High-Priestly-children ext 5314010 14 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~August 15, 2008

Rebbe Story

“Tell me, is there a Mikvah in New Zealand yet?” him back. The Rebbe wanted to speak to him. Rabbi Weinberg turned and “When one tells a story about his Rebbe he connects to the deeds of the Rebbe” (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) took a few steps back. The Rebbe asked, “Tell me, is there a mikvah in New Adapted fromwww.inspiringageneration. Yid finds himself in a particular loca- the elevator was the Rebbe. Zealand yet?” com tion, he needs to leave an impression Usually Chassidim are connected and there. Rabbi Weinberg was speechless. First One of the most devoted Chassidim loyal to their Rebbes and don’t visit oth- of all he didn’t know if there was or not, of the Previous Gerrer Rebbe, Reb They shook hands as the elevator door ers. But ‘the Rebbe’ was an exception. second he was amazed at the Rebbe’s Pinchas Menachem’s, was a wealthy opened. Rabbi Weinberg’s daughter Chassidim, even Rebbes and other great memory! He shrugged his shoulders in businessman by the name of Rabbi was standing there to meet him as he Jewish leaders, regularly visited and cor- confusion, said he didn’t know, smiled Weinberg. stepped out. The responded with him sheepishly, and continued on. well dressed Jew Forty years earlier when Rabbi Wein- and were inspired by politely tipped his A few weeks after he returned toI srael, berg was a young man just beginning in his uniquely positive hat to her and the he had the opportunity to have an business, he began to make successful views and bound- door closed. audience with the Gerrer Rebbe. One connections in New Zealand and found less love for all G-d’s of the first things he told him was of his himself spending several months of a “Do you know creations. meeting with the Rebbe. year there, farfrom his home in Israel. who that was?” This was especially she asked her “It was incredible!” he said enthusiasti- On one of his flights back to Israel, he true for Gerer Chas- brother, “That was cally to the Gerer Rebbe, “It was after stopped in New York for a visit to visit sidim whose Rebbe, the son-in-law of forty years! Forty years!! How could his daughter and her family. Reb Pinchas Men- the Lubavitcher anyone possibly remember a two achem was an enthu- In 1949 many bearded Jews even in New Rebbe, Rebbe minute conversation of forty years ago?! siastic fan and friend York or elsewhere in the United States. Yosef Yitzchak. He And how did he recognize me!?! I look of the Lubavitcher One day as he entered the elevator of visits someone here in this building completely different, and have a white Rebbe. It was common for his chassidim his daughters’ apartment a well-dressed, regularly. They say that he is a great beard. But he recognized me!! What a to visit there. Rabbi Weinberg readily bearded Jew perhaps in his early forties Talmudic scholar. You had real luck to memory!! What an eye!!” agreed. came in after him and greeted him with get a chance to meet him.” TheG errer Rebbe looked at him pierc- a cordial ‘Shalom Aleichem’. He stood in the incredibly long line, Forty years passed. Rabbi Weinberg ingly and was right to the point. and three hours and many people later They conversed as the elevator ascended. succeeded in business and in his seven he was before the Rebbe. The Rebbe “That’s what you are excited about? The young man asked “Where do you ties was surrounded by grandchildren handed him a dollar and said “Brocha That ‘the Rebbe’ has a good memory come from?” Rabbi Weinberg men- great grandchildren, still healthy and V’Hatzlacha” (blessing and success). and recognized you?!” tioned that he spent time each year in active. Rabbi Weinburg took the dollar, nod- New Zealand and the well dressed Jew The Rebbe continued: He still traveled to New Zealand on ded and continued walking, after all asked if there was a mikvah in New business and regularly made a stop on there were hundreds ofpeople still “What should impress you is that The Zealand. the way back home, to visit his daughter waiting behind him. Lubavitcher Rebbe has been worrying “My friend” Rabbi Weinberg answered, in New York. for forty years about a mikvah in New “It was worth the wait” he thought to “I go to New Zealand only to make Zealand!! You were standing before a Once, on one such stop, she suggested himself. “Those few seconds were areal business, not for mikva purposes. As far Jewwho constantly worries about every that he go to the Lubavitcher Rebbe for experience! The Gerer Rebbe will be as I know I don’t think there are even Jew!! Even non-observant ones at the dollars. This was years after the previous happy when I tell him.” any religious Jews there.” other end of the world! Rebbe was nistalek and hisson-in-law One of the Rebbe’s secretaries called The young man told him that when a that he had met forty years earlier on

Adapted from Shmais Yoel and Chaya (nee Wilhelm) Gancz - Births – Girls Shluchim to West Palm Beach, FL Mordechai & Tzirel Andrusier - Pem- Boruch and Naomi (nee Isaac-Saul) Engagements broke Pines, FL Greenberg - Crown Heights Yanky Brook (Crown Heights) to Rivky Yitzchok and Deena (nee Rapoport) Yossi & Rivki Horowitz - Crown Cohen (Monsey, NY) Dubov - Crown Heights Heights Yudi Winterfeld (Montreal, Canada) to Yossi and Rivkie (nee Kudan) Dubroff Tully & Lieba Kahan - Crown Bruchy Moskowitz (Brooklyn, NY) -Crown Heights Heights Dovid Alperovich (Toronto, Canada) to Aryeh & Chana Laskey – Los Angeles, Chezky and Chani (nee Rapoport) Gabriella Szanto (Sydney, Australia) CA Landa -Crown Heights Chaim and Dina (nee Junik) Lieber- Leibel & Chaya Rochel Lipsker - Los man - (Fort Lauderdale, FL Angeles, CA Schneur & Liba Nejar - Crown Ammi & Arielle Small - Brooklyn, Births – Boys Heights NY Yanky and Rivkah (nee Cunin) Baitel- Shmuel and Rechama Raigorodsky Dovid & Dini Sufrin - Crown man – Westwood, CA Heights Shlomo & Nechama Rothstein - Nash- Mendy & Faigy Bitton - Crown ville, TN Uriel and Shevy (nee Lew) Vigler - Heights Shluchim to Manhattan, NY Berel & Dina Bronstein - Crown Pinny & Gitty Weinman - Crown Heights Heights Yisroel & Toba Freundlich - Montreal, Canada August 15, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 15 Tammuz Yahrzeiten

This week we continue with theY ahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. the Shelo Hakodosh, and settled in the Hachossid Reb Boruch Schneur, he We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mentioning them we United States in the 1920’s where he was the Rebbe’s father, and was born come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn from their lives, lessons that we can served as a mohel and a shochet. When in 1878 on the 18th of Nissan in Podo- incorporate into our own. This column includes theY ahrzeiten from the 15th of the Previous Rebbe visited the United bronka, Russia and was nifter in exile Av through the 21st of Av. The respective resting places of the individuals noted States in 1930, Reb Dovid visited the in Alma-Ata in 1944 (See 20th of Av in this column are near the holy Ohel, unless otherwise specified. Rebbe. At the time, Reb Dovid was in this issue). Men saved through his efforts. The Rebbe looking for an appropriate chassidishe 21st of Av 15th of Av advised that this fact be inscribed on bochur for his oldest daughter and his matzeva. When Rabbi Nemes was Reb Avrohom Ziskind had been sug- Habochur Hatomim Shlomo Eliya Horav Hachossid offered the chance to leave Europe on gested. The Previous Rebbe added Hakohen Brysky Hatomim Reb one of the last ships, he refused because a handwritten line to the tenoim. In The son of, may he live and be wellH orav Yaakov Yehuda it was going to sail on Shabbos. He was 1938, his younger daughters became Hachossid Hatomim Reb Mordechai, Hecht saved by a miracle, when the ship was available for shidduchim. Wanting Meir Hakohen, he was a talmid in the later bombed by the Germans. He was chassidishe bochurim for them as The son of Horav Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim, was an extremely humble man who never well, Reb Dovid sent his daughters to Hachossid Reb a baal midos tovos and was devoted to lost his temper and was extremely Otwock, accompanied by the chossid Yehoshua, he was helping a fellow Jew with goodness and a genuine ehrlicher person. He was Reb Mordechai Chefetz who was among the first chesed. He was nifter at the young age mekushar to the Rebbe’im until his returning from his visit to the U.S.. shluchim of the Previous Rebbe in the of 25 in 1980. last day. He was nifter in 1983. He left His daughters traveled to Europe and United States and was entirely devoted grandchildren who are Shluchim. became engaged to Hachassidim Hat- Habochur Boruch to the Rebbe’im until his last day. He mimim, Reb Moshe Pinchos Katz and Sholom Adler was an eloquent speaker, served as a 18th of Av Reb Mordechai Mentlik, respectively. Rav in East Flatbush for many decades, The son of, may Horav Hachossid The Previous Rebbe once said, “Reb and was a communal figure who worked he live and be well Hatomim Reb Dovid opened the channel to bring for the public benefit. He established Horav Hatomim Moshe Goldsh- chassidishe bochurim to the United NCFJE, Mosad Shaloh, release time Reb Moshe Yeho- mid HY”D States”. Reb Dovid merited many for Jewish public school children, shua, he was nifter kiruvim from the Previous Rebbe and and directed Yeshiva Hadar Hatora, He studied in at a young age in from the Rebbe. On one occasion dur- Machon Chana and Camp Emuna. Yeshiva Tomchei 2004. ing WWII, when the Previous Rebbe Through his weekly radio programs, Tmimim Lubavitch was distressed, Reb Dovid sang his he was mekarev thousands of people in Lubavitch. He Women favorite nigun “Lomo yomru bagoyim”, to Torah and Chassidus. He was was known for his good deeds, and 17th of Av and the Previous Rebbe burst into a born in 1924 in the U.S. and was in chassidishe circles was popular joyous laughter. At the Simchos Torah Mrs. Alta Shula Schwartz nifter in 1990 S( ee this weeks’ Our as an “Oved”, who would meditate Farbrengens, the Rebbe would instruct Heroes). and daven for many hours. In later The daughter ofH orav Hachossid Hato- Reb Dovid to sing this nigun. At the years, with having a special love mim Reb Sholom Yshaya Deitsch, she 16th of Av shovuos Farbrengen in 1955, the Rebbe for Eretz Yisroel and concern was the Rebbe’s shlucha in California said, “Ten years ago, Reb Dovid sang the Horav Hachossid Hato- for his children’s chinuch, and was nifter in the midst of her life nigun ‘vchol karnei rshoim’, since the mim Reb Yechezkel he immigrated to Israel and in 1977. Machon Alta in Tzfas was nigun is here and Reb Dovid is here, the Hakohen Deren settled inC hevron, where he dedicated in her name. nigun should be sung”. A day after his was a shochet and a teacher. The son of Horav ptira, the Rebbe mentioned Reb Dovid, 20th of Av When the Previous Rebbe Hachossid Reb Yisroel at the Shabbos Eikev Farbrengen 1963, visited Chevron in 1929, Mrs. Chaya Majesky Hakohen, he was a stu- saying that he always wanted to study he relied exclusively on Reb dent in Yeshiva Tomchei Torah L’shmo and most likely was doing The daughter of the illustrious mashpia Moshe’s shechita. He was born Tmimim in Poland and that. He was nifter on Friday, the 19th in France, Horav Hachossid Hatomim in 1898 and in 1929 and was killed during WWII, and was of Av in 1963. Reb Yisroel Noach Bilinitzky, and the in the Arab pogrom in Chevron in one of the elite and youngest wife of Horav Hachossid Hatomim 1929, where he was laid to rest. Hashem Horav Hachossid students in Tomchei Tmimim in Shang- Yaakov Yehuda who served as the should avenge his blood. He left his Hatomim Reb hai. In the United States, he worked as dean of Bais Rivka in Crown Heights son, a young boy at the time, Horav Levi Bistritsky a shochet and was a baal midos tovos, for many years; Mrs. Majesky stood at Hachossid Hatomim Reb Sholom Ber a great scholar and a modest person. The son of, may he her husband’s side with great devotion Goldshmid. He resided in Pittsburgh and raised live and be well, in his work for Bais Rivka. She was the profile of Chabad of chabad there. Horav Hachossid Horav Hachossid born on the 19th of Sivan in 1923 in Born in Vishkover, Poland and was Hatomim Reb Hatom i m R eb Kremenchug, and was nifter in 1998. nifter after a lengthy illness in 1979. Zalman Zusia Yehuda Leib, he We should speedily witness “The ones who He left children and grandchildren Kleinman was an ardent mekushar and served as dwell in the dust will awaken and rejoice” who follow his teachings and are the his shliach in Israel. He was the Rav The son of Horav with all the above mentioned individuals Rebbe’s shluchim. of Chabad in Tzfas, Chief Rabbi of Hachossid Reb amongst them. Tzfas and the Golil and stood on guard 17th of Av Yaakov, he awak- against the weakening of kashrus in Dear Readers: ened many hearts Horav Hachossid Israel. He merited compiling many to Yiddishkeit and Chassidus through Anyone who would like to have their Aharon Meir sforim on the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan his paintings, which portrayed the relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit column Nemes Aruch, he loved everyone and was Chassidishe life in Europe. He was should email the name, father’s name, date beloved by all. He worked to assist a The son of Horav nifter in 1995 after an illness and left of the ptira and some details to chp5768@ fellow Jew, and was a modest person Hachossid Zev children who serve on the Rebbe’s gmail.com. A picture may be included. who rejected honors. He was born in Wolf, he was a shlichus. 1949 in New York and was nifter in the direct descendent 19th of Av midst of his life in 2002. His resting of Reb Yisroel Sal- place is in Tzfas. anter, the father of the Musar move- Reb Avrohom Wiener SUBSCRIBE ment. Reb Aharon sacrificed his life 20th of Av The son of Reb MosheT zvi, he merited GET THE PAPER to raise his children in the ways of that his children serve as Rabbonim and Horav Hagaon Torah and Mitzvos. During WWII, the IN YOUR EMAIL Shluchim. He was snifter in 1962. Horav Hachossid Government of Finland refused entry to Hamekubal Reb MAILBOX the Jews. Rabbi Nemes staged a hunger Horav Hachossid Reb Dovid Halevi Levi Yitzchok strike on behalf of 200 Jews who were Shtockhomer CHP5768@GMAIL. Schneerson trying to enter the country. He was suc- The son of Horav Hachossid Reb COM cessful and over two hundred lives were The son of Horav Yechiel Halevi, he was a descendent of 16 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~August 15, 2008

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