Volume 26, Issue 3

CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK OF HANCOCK PARK 5775/2015 Sivan

Chabad Chodesh Sivan 5775

As far as others, just as we need to make sure sure make to need we as just others, as far As their level. at children, and women, men, everyone, to accessible is Maamar This ParshasYisro. Or, More Chasidus. Torah in HaShelishi' 'BaChodesh Maamar the in learn to on, Chodesh Rosh Torah from specifically, in Matan Torah and about Matan (86a) Shabbos of Maseches Sugya for the Nigleh, instance, in Whether Torah. the receive to holiday, desire of the added Matan is which through of Torah, parts greatness the the those explain that of Torah especially, and laws including Torah. the studying through Particularly, for is preparation Torah main the Matan Obviously . . . " Aruch 494:20) Shulchan 's Alter Sidur, Rebbe's (Alter Korbanos. Shavuos the bringing for allowed days seven the Tashlumin, Chag, Yimei Sheva Isru and Shavuos, Sheloshes Erev Hagbalah, HaMeyuchas, Yimei Yom by followed Chodesh, Rosh is first the because Sivan, of days twelve first the Tachnun say don't We Chodesh Sivan Rosh 19/Tuesday 1/May Sivan S [1876]. 5636, Hornestiepel, of DovBer Mordechai R. of R. grandmother Czerkass, of of Yisroel wife Yaakov Rebbe, Mitteler the of daughter of Yartzeit b. Kalonymus R. Yehudah, B’Av. by wesay onTisha "Mi Mayim" Kinah Roshi the Yitein in commemorated [1096], the the of Massacre for [1313 2448 heart, BCE]. (Shemos 19:1, Rashi) one the with as person, Sinai Har one at camped the has People Jewish The preparation the especially so everyone of scale, holiday, 5748)Sivan, sure the broad needs for holiday." a on make needs appropriate physical drink must spiritual and the food we has holiday, everyone PECIAL

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"The Gaon, R. Chaim Elazar Sivan 5/May 23/Shabbos Shapira of Muncacz, author of Erev Shavuos The Mezeritcher Magid accepted Minchas Elazar, was extremely the position of leader of the close with the previous The Jewish people made the Chasidim, a year after the Baal Lubavitcher Rebbe . . . and met commitment: "Naaseh V’Nishma", Shem Tov's passing, 5521 [1761]. with him for extended discussions, "We will do, and we will listen". and they would go for walks (Shemos 24:7-8, Rashi) Sivan 8/May 26/Tuesday together . . . " (N’siei Chabad UBnei Isru Chag Doram) Moshe Rabeinu built a Mizbeach and twelve monuments for the " . . . On the day after Shavuos, it's Sivan 3/May 21/Thursday twelve tribes, at the foot of Har forbidden to fast by law, [and not First day of the Sh’loshes Yimei Sinai. (Shemos 24:4, Rashi) merely by custom], since in the Hagbalah. HaShem told Moshe time of the Beis HaMikdash, it was Rabeinu to have three days of Sivan 6/May 24/Sunday the "Day of the Sacrificing," . . . preparation for Matan Torah. First Day of Shavuos they would bring the Olos Reiyah (Shemos 19:11, Rashi). [Pilgrimage Korbanos], which they HaShem gave the Torah, 2448 couldn't bring on Yom Tov itself: Moshe Rabeinu returned to Har [1313 BCE]. since they have no use for eating Sinai to report the public " ... Shavuos is an opportune time on Yom Tov we don't desecrate declaration of the Jewish people to to achieve everything in improving Yom Tov for them, since we can accept the Torah (Shemos 19:8, Torah study, and Avodah marked bring them after Yom Tov, because Rashi). by fear of HaShem, and to strive in Shavuos has seven days to make up Teshuvah about Torah study, the Korbanos. Massacre of the Jews of Mayence, without interference from the 4856 [1096], commemorated in accusing Satan, just like the time of Even now after the Beis the Kinah "Mi Yitein Roshi Mayim" Shofar-blowing, and Yom Kipur HaMikdash was destroyed, fasting by R. Kalonymus b. Yehudah, we " (, Sivan 4) and eulogizing are not say on Tisha B’Av. permitted..." (Alter Rebbe's The Tzemach Tzedek became the Moshe Rabeinu was saved, drawn Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, third Lubavitcher Rebbe [publicly], from the water, three months after Hilchos Pesach, 494:19) 5589 [1829]. his birth, 2368 [1393 BCE]. (Sotah " . . . It was announced that 12b) Wedding of Rebbetzin Devorah the "Tzemach Tzedek", accepted Leah, daughter of the Rebbe the leadership . . . and that in a few Yartzeit of our holy Master and MaHaRaSh, with R. Moshe Aryeh minutes the Rebbe would come Teacher, Rabbi Yisroel b. Eliezer, Leib Ginzburg, 5632 [1872]. into Shul and say Chasidus . . . The the Baal Shem Tov, 5520 [1760]. Rebbe appeared dressed in white He was sixty-one. Sivan 9/May 27/Wednesday clothes, that he had inherited from Yartzeit of R. Moshe Rivkes, author the Alter Rebbe. He sat down at the Yartzeit of R. Avrohom Mordechai of Be'er HaGolah on Shulchan Bimah and began to say the Alter of Ger, author of Imrei Emes, Aruch, 5432 [1672]. Maamar, "Al Shloshah Devarim 5708 [1948]. HaOlam Omed" (Hatomim vol 3 Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Chaim Sofer, pg 22/23) Sivan 7/May 25/Monday author of Kaf HaChayim, Sefardic Second Day of Shavuos Halachic authority, 5699 [1939]. “...When people took haircuts on the three days before Shavuos, my Moshe Rabeinu went up to Har Sivan 10/May 28/Thursday father (the Rebbe Rashab) wasn’t Sinai to receive the Luchos. The Tzemach Tzedek made a pleased.” [Hayom Yom, Sivan 3] (Shemos 32:1, Rashi) Shidduch between his grandchildren, the Rebbe Rashab Sivan 4/May 22/Friday Yartzeit of Dovid HaMelech, 2924 and the Rebbitzin Shterna Sara, the HaShem told the Jewish people to [837 BCE]. (Shabbos 30a, daughter of his son, R’ Yosef sanctify themselves for Matan Yerushalmi, Chagiga 2:3) (Likutei Yitzchok of Orsht. When R’ Yosef Torah. Moshe Rabeinu wrote the Sichos Vol. 8, Shavuos, note 8) Yitzchok asked his father, if Torah, from Bereishis until the Yartzeit of the Navi Hoshea ben possibly the chosin won’t be fit for Aseres HaDibros. (Shemos 24:4, Beeri. his daughter when he grows up, Rashi)

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 Page 2 the Tzemach Tzedek answered, removed anti-Jewish forces; once a Sivan 20/June 7/Sunday “He’ll be even greater than Yom Tov. (Megilas Taanis, 3) Declared a fast day by Rabeinu you.” (At this time the Rebbe Tam, to commemorate the Blois Rashab was 4 1/2 years old.) This Yartzeit of R. Shmuel Betzalel martyrs of 4931 [1171]; in 5410 took place in the year 5625 (RaSh-BaTz) Sheftel, a great chasid [1650] declared a fast day in the (1865). of the Tzemach Tzedek, Rebbe Polish communities to MaHaRaSh, and RaShaB, 5665 commemorate the 5408-09 [1648 Wedding of Rebbitzen Sheina, [1905]. The RaShaB chose him to -49] Chmeilnitzki massacres. youngest daughter of the previous teach his son, the previous [Magen Avraham: 580] Lubavitcher Rebbe, with R. Lubavitcher Rebbe. The previous The Rebbe said a Sicha: The Menachem Mendel Hornstein, Rebbe wrote: "I must very much Magen Avraham writes that the grandson of the Rebbe MaHaRaSh, thank my teacher the RaShBaTz for Polish Communities fast on the 5692 [1932], in Landvarov, Po- giving me a foundation in 20th of Sivan. Nevertheless, the land. Chasidus; he prepared me to Chabad Rabbeim did not fast. Even receive my father's direction in the during the time that the Friediker Sivan 11/May 29/Friday ways and study of Chasidus". In Rebbe lived in Poland he did not Wedding of the Rashag - R’ 1900 the Rebbe RaShaB appointed fast… In addition concerning the Shmaryahu Gurary, to Rebbetzin him Mashpiah of Yeshivah Country of Poland it’s known that Chana - eldest daughter of the in Lubavitch. when the first Jews came to live Friediker Rebbe. 5681 (1921) there, they were told that Poland Rostov. Beginning of imprisonment of the comes from two Hebrew words - previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, in Poi Lin - Here you are going to rest Sivan 12/May 30/Shabbos Leningrad, 5687 [1927]. He was overnight. That is the reason it’s Last day of the Sheva Yimei released on Tamuz 12. called Poland. Lina (resting) is at Tashlumim, seven days allowed to night, the darkness of Golus is bring the Shavuos Korbanos. The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe compared to night. That means moved from Warsaw to Otwock, that we live in this place only to Yartzeit of R. David Pardo of 5695 [1935]. rest during Golus but we need to Sarajevo, author of Chasdei David, leave from this place - to the true on the Tosefta, and Maskil LiDavid, Sivan 16/June 3/Wednesday place that every Jew is supposed to on Rashi, 5552 [1792]. Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Fraide, be - in Eretz Yisroel with the com- daughter of the Alter Rebbe, 5573 plete Redemption. But, on the Yartzeit of R. Menachem Mendel [1813]. She was renowned for her other hand when we are resting of Bar, student of the Baal Shem broad knowledge of Chasidus, and during Golus, Hashem needs to Tov, 5525, [1765]. the Alter Rebbe would say make sure that it’s a peaceful and Maamarim for her. When the calm rest. This is our lesson in Sivan 13/May 31/Sunday Mitteler Rebbe wanted to clarify Avodas Hashem. That everything a Wedding of R. Levi Yitzchok and something in Chasidus, he would Jew sees or hears has to guide him Rebbitzen Chanah, parents of the ask the Rebbitzen to ask the Alter in serving Hashem. The first thing Lubavitcher Rebbe, 5660 [1900]. Rebbe. She is buried next to the we must remember is that Golus is Alter Rebbe. (Beis Rebbe) darkness and night - we are only Sivan 14/June 1/Monday resting over. This is not the true Wedding of R. Menachem Mendel, Sivan 17/June 4/Thursday place a Jew needs to be. We need son of the Rebbe MaHaRaSh, 5642 Noach's Teivah came to rest on Mt. to utilize the place that we are [1882]. Ararat, 1656 [2105 BCE]. resting in for goodness and Kedu- (Bereishis 8:4, Rashi) sha. We need to use the calm and Sivan 15/June 2/Tuesday peace of our rest to learn Torah, do Birth, in 2195, and Yartzeit, in The Chashmonaim captured Mitzvos and serve Hashem… 2314 (or 2324) of Yehudah, son Migdal Tzur; once a Yom Tov. (Shabbos Parshas Behaloscha - of Yaakov Avinu. (Midrash (Megilas Taanis, 3) 19th of Sivan, 5751/1991) Tadshe) Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim was Yartzeit of R. Aharon of Karlin, closed by the Russian authorities. The Chashmonaim captured Beit Chasidic leader, author of Beis Police removed the students, and Shean and Emek Yizrael, and Aharon, 5632 [1872]. locked and sealed the building. The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, then

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 Page 3 the Menahel, instructed that a Yartzeit of R. David Mireles, revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, window be removed and a author of Korban HaEidah on in founding the central stairway be made through the Yeru-shalmi, 5522 institutions, Machne Yisroel, window into the building, studies [1762]. Kehot, and Merkos L'inyonei resumed. 5662 [1902]. Chinuch". [Sichah, Sivan 28, 5749] Sivan 26/June 13/Shabbos Sivan 22/June 9/Tuesday Shabbos Mevarchim Tammuz Sivan 29/June 16/Tuesday End of the month of food given to Miriam went out of confinement; those who complained about the Yartzeit of R. Yonasan ben Uziel, the Jewish people waited seven Mon in the desert, 2449 [1312 student of Hillel, author of Targum days in her honor, 2449 [1312 BCE] (Bamidbar 11:20). to Kesuvim. BCE], (Taanis 29a).

Miriam was afflicted with R. Akiva imprisoned by the Moshe Rabeinu sent the twelve Tzora’as, and confined for seven Romans, 3892 [132]. (Sefer spies to scout Eretz Yisrael, 2449 days, 2449 [1312 BCE]. (Bamidbar HaMinhagim of MaHaRaM of [1312 BCE]. (Seder Olam, 8) 12:15) (Taanis 29a) Rotenburg) Sivan 30/June 17/Wednesday Sivan 23/June 10/Wednesday Yartzeit of R. Chananiah b. Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Day One Yeravam ben Navat stopped the Tradyon of the Ten Martyrs killed Jews from bringing Bikurim to by the Romans, (Avodah Zarah Yartzeit of R. Moshe Najra, student Yerushalayim; once a fast day. 17b), commemorated in the Kinah of the Ari Zal, author of Lekach (Megilas Taanis 3) "Eileh Ezkera" we say on Yom Tov, commentary on Rashi, 5341 Kipur, and "Arzei HaLevanon" we [1580]. Mordechai issued a royal decree say on Tisha B’Av. (Megilas for Jews to defend themselves from Taanis). Once a fast day. (Shulchan Yartzeit of R. Nachman of attack, 3404 [357 BCE]. (Esther Aruch, Orach Chaim 580:2) Horodonk, student of the Baal 8:11) Shem Tov, 5566 [1766]. Second expulsion from France, Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Pollak of 5082 [1332]. Yartzeit of R. Shlomo Kluger, Lublin, outstanding Talmudist of Talmudist and Halachic authority, his age, 5285 [1525]. Sivan 28/June 15/Monday 5529 [1869]. The Lubavitcher Rebbe and the Sivan 25/June 12/Friday Rebbitzen reached America, Tammuz 1/June 18/Thursday Geviha b. Pesisa won the case escaping the European Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Day Two brought before Alexander the Occupation, 5701 [1941]. Great by the Yishmoeilim and At 10:30 AM, several of the Samaritans. He proved Eretz elder Chasidim met the SS Surpa Yisroel belonged exclusively to the Pinta at New York Harbor. The Jews. Egypt complained that the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe told Jews robbed them at Yetzias them, "I appoint you as my Mitzrayim; Geviha proved the Jews representatives to greet my son-in- took only a fraction of the wages law. Let me tell you who he is: He due them. (Megilas Taanis 3) says Tikun Chatzos every night. He is expert in and knows by heart the Yartzeit of R. Shimon b. Gamliel, R. Talmud Bavli, as well as being Yishmael b. Elishah, and R. proficient in the RaN, RoSh, and Chananiah Segan HaKohanim, of RiF. He is expert in the Talmud the Ten Martyrs killed by the Yerushalmi, in the Rambam, in Romans, commemorated in the Likutei Torah with all the Tzemach Kinah "Eileh Ezkera" we say on Tzedek's references. Go and greet Yom Kipur, and "Arzei HaLevanon" him." we say on Tisha B’Av. (Megilas " . . . On this day began a Taanis) Once a fast day, (Shulchan new initiative in strengthening Aruch, Orach Chaim 580:2) and spreading Torah and Yiddishkeit and Chasidus, by my

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 Page 4 Shavuos Laws and Customs Motzei Shabbos ~ Monday / May 23 - 25

We don’t say Tachnun from the first of Sivan “YaKNeHaZ” is an easy way to remember through the twelfth: The first day is Rosh Cho- the order: desh, followed by Yom HaMeyuchas, Shloshes Y’mei Hagbalah, Erev Shavuos, Shavuos, Isru Yayen (wine) 'Borei Pri Hagofen' Chag, and the seven days for bringing the Sha- Kiddush - 'Mekadesh Yisrael V'Hazmanim’ vuos Korbanos. Ner - 'Borei Meorei Ha'eish' (Look at the candles when you say this one but not at We usually take haircuts and trim our nails on your fingers) Erev Shavuos, since this year Erev Shavuos is on Havdalah - 'Hamavdil Bein Kodesh L'kodesh' Shabbos we do it on Friday - Erev Shabbos. Men Z’man - ‘Shehechiyanu’ go to the Mikveh. Follow the instructions in the Siddur. We daven Ma’ariv later than usual the first night, so that the forty-nine days of the Omer On the first night of Shavuos it is customary will be complete. Ma’ariv begins with Shir to stay up all night and say Tikun Leil Sha- HaMa’alos. vuos, learn Torah and go to the Mikveh be- fore dawn. If you’re up all night, wash We say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regalim, Netilas Yadayim and say Birchos HaSha- (see Siddur) with V’Todiyeinu, as the Havdalah. char. [Igros Kodesh of the Rebbe, 3:409] (If you forget it, don’t repeat Shemoneh Esrei; just don’t do any work permitted on Yom Tov, It isn’t our custom to read Akdamus Kriyas until you say: “Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh HaTorah in the Siddur. L’Kodesh.”) The Rebbe said that everyone, even very A women who does not daven Ma’ariv must say, young children, should be in Shul for the “Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh L’Kodesh,” be- reading of the Aseres HaDibros. fore lighting candles, or doing any work per- mitted on Yom Tov, or before preparing for the We must rejoice on Yom Tov: Yom Tov meal. Men drink an extra cup of wine (in addi- No preparations for the meal or the first day of tion to Kiddush) and everyone should eat Yom Tov may be done before 8:37 pm. meat.

Candle-lighting for the First night of Shavuos is It’s customary to eat dairy foods the first after 8:37 p.m., from a pre-existing flame. We day of Shavuos. Rinse out your mouth and say “. . Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov” and wait one hour before eating the meat meal. “Shehechiyanu”. (Six hours after hard cheese.)

Since Yom Tov begins on Motzei Shabbos we It’s not our custom to publicly read Megilas have to make Havdalah in Kiddush. Rus.

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 Page 5

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VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 Page 6 Chassidic Stories about Shavuos

On Erev Shavuos the Alter Rebbe would say Chassi- The Rebbe Maharash told the Rebbe Rashab. “I dus. The Tzemach Tzedek said that in 5557 was not always someone who cried. I had no rea- (1797) many Chassidim came for Yom Tov. son to cry. I was the youngest, and I did well on my tests. On the Eve of Shavuos the Alter Rebbe taught: “Sanctify them today and tomorrow they shall Once, on the night of Shavuos I went to say “Gut cleanse their garments.” (Shemos 19:10) Yom Tov” to my great-uncle, R. Chaim Avraham, the Alter Rebbe’s son. I saw him with his hands “Sanctify them today and tomorrow” is from covering his face, tears running down his cheeks. above, but “they shall cleanse their garments” they must do for themselves. I asked him why he was crying on Yom Tov. He said he once heard a Torah from the Alter Rebbe: The Tzemach Tzedek explained: “Sanctify them” “Count from the day after Shabbos (Pesach).” The was said by Hashem to Moshe. The extension of “day beyond Shabbos” should be counted. Moshe is in every generation. They (the Moshe of Through it you count fifty days to be enlightened to each generation) can sanctify the “today” and the see the fiftieth gate (of wisdom). We count only “tomorrow”; but for this there must be, “..and they forty-nine days, but one who counts properly can shall cleanse their garments,” the garments of be enlightened by the fiftieth gate.” thought, speech and deed. This must be done by each person.” (Hayom Yom, 5 Sivan) He said, “I don’t see the fiftieth gate.”

R. Menachem Nachum (the Mittler Rebbe’s son) The Maharash said, “Reb Chaim Avraham was sev- told R. Zalman Aharon (the Rebbe Rashab’s broth- enty seven, totally removed from worldly matters, er) that some of the Chassidim said they needed and cried that by him there was no revelation of nothing more to be said; they now had enough to the fiftieth gate. This touched me.” work with. (Sichos 5704, p. 125)

Chassidim asked the Rebbe Rayatz if cleansing *** means with tears. He said it meant one’s thoughts should be clean. In Liozna, before he became Rebbe, the Mittler Rebbe taught the younger Chasidim. He would “You can’t compare the cleansing of the three gar- Farbreng with them on the first night of Shavuos. ments. In actions, we shouldn’t do something bad; He repeated Torah from the Alter Rebbe and ex- in speech we refrain from Lashon Hara, etc; but by plained it; how Moshe Rabeinu prepared Bnei Yis- thought, not only shouldn’t we think bad thoughts, roel for the revelation of the Torah from Rosh Cho- but we must think words of Torah and Tefillah.” desh Sivan. After all the preparations Hashem was (Shavuos, 5697, Sefer Hasichos p. 243) at Har Sinai first, before the Jews arrived.

*** A Chassid, Reb Zusel, heard this. He had a great The Rebbe Rashab said he had a manuscript from power of visualization and was very emotional. He the Mitteler Rebbe in which he guarantees that an- fainted and remained in that state for seven or yone who stays up the first night of Shavuos will eight hours. Upon waking he was very weak, but merit the crown of Torah. And he was a Posek. begged his friends to take him to Shul to hear the Alter Rebbe read the Torah. When the Alter Rebbe The Rebbe Rashab stood up and said, “Listen all began the Aseres Hadibros, Reb Zusel became ani- Jews, Shavuos at night you must be awake.” mated and said it injected him with new life. (Toras Shalom p. 3) (Sefer Hasichos 5704)

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 Page 7 The Seudah of Shavuos, in addition to being for The Alter Rebbe said, “Business people go to fairs for the Simcha of Yom Tov, is also the Seudah of a two days and buy a lot of merchandise. Before they Mitzvah. It is similar to the celebration for a travel home it is important to pack it very well, and it child beginning to learn Kometz-Alef. The takes a long time to pack for the road. Seudah of Shavuos is for Kabolas HaTorah and Mitzvos. On Shavuos everyone receives something good from the revelation. Hashem brought 600,000 Jewish males of mili- tary service age, as well as the women, children It takes time to pack it well so it will not get lost when and the elderly (about 2.5 million people), into we become distracted with daily life. (Shavuos 5698, His “Cheder.” p. 286)

They heard the Aseres Hadibros directly from *** Him “Anochi,” the first word of the Aseres Had- ibros, begins Kometz Alef; thus Shavuos is a With the approach of Shavuos, 5700 (1940), my Simcha and a Seudas Mitzvah. (Sefer Hasichos revered father-in-law, the Rebbe (Rayatz), wrote a let- 5703, pp. 143-144) ter addressed to the yeshivah students, which included the following passage: *** Shavuos is a time of Divine favor. G-d confuses the This story was told by the Tzemach Tzedek and Prosecuting Angel who accuses the Jewish people, just given over from one Rebbe to another. At the as he confuses him at the time of the Sounding of the time it happened (in 5656) the Tzemach Tzedek Shofar on Rosh HaShanah and on the Holy Day, the was six. The Alter Rebbe called the Seudah of Fast of Yom Kippur. (Sichah of Shavuos, 5710 (1950) Shavuos “the Zayde’s Seudah” (Shavuos is the Hayom Yom Sivan 4) Baal Shem Tov’s Yartzeit). During the meal he would call out “Boruch Haba” -and Chassidim *** knew the Baal Shem Tov was present. At certain times, the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek said Once the Alter Rebbe didn’t say “Baruch Haba.” tehillim extensively. For instance, the Tzemach Tzedek There were three elder Chassidim who knew said tehillim at length during the early morning hours, the Baal Shem Tov and one began to tell a story especially on "market days." about him. The Alter Rebbe said the Baal Shem Tov was busy in the higher Gan Eden, in Me- The Rebbe explained this custom to his son, the Rebbe sivta D’Kedusha Brich Hu. Maharash, saying that he wanted to "participate" with those who go to the market early, with the shoemak- Later, the Alter Rebbe said, “Boruch Haba.” ers, the tailors, the butchers: all those who say tehillim (Sefer Hasichos 5705, p. 107-108) early in the morning.

*** Later, the Rebbe Maharash explained to the Rebbe Rashab that the inner yearning, that desire to feel and The custom of the Rebbeim was to say Torah at take part, was a characteristic that only a Rebbe could the meal on Shavuos, and to tell a story about feel. And a Rebbe is one who walks in the higher the Baal Shem Tov. (Sefer HaSichos 5702, p. realms as if he is walking in his house. (Igros Ko- 140) desh of the Previous Rebbe, vol. 8, p. 491)

*** ***

The Tzemach Tzedek asked the Alter Rebbe, Rebbetzen Chaya Mushka, the wife of the Tzemach “Why do we celebrate Shavuos for seven days?” Tzedek, said copious amounts of tehillim. However, (We don’t say Tachnun until Sivan 12) for some reason, she made many errors in her recita- tion, saying the words wrong.

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 Page 8 Once, she asked Yehudah Leib, her son, "After all lous system governing everything he did. He start- of these years, why can't I say tehillim by heart?" ed to “say Torah,” and all of the disciples felt a tre- mendous G-dly delight. They would sing at the ta- Yehudah Leib replied that every time she said ble and when they saw the happy mood of the Baal tehillim, she made new mistakes. Shem Tov, they were even more pleased, filled with a sense of gratitude and happiness for G-d’s favor The Rebbetzen related this discussion to her hus- to them, granting them the privilege of being band, the Tzemach Tzedek, and asked if she should among the disciples of the saintly Baal Shem Tov… cease saying tehillim because of this. It occurred to some of them that it was so delight- The Rebbe told the Rebbetzen that she should con- ful, without the crowd of simple people who had tinue. It was, he said, very important for her to say no idea what the Master was saying. Why, they tehillim, and once he even asked her to say tehillim thought, does he show such affection for them, on his behalf. pouring from his cup into theirs, even giving his cup to one of them? Afterwards the Tzemach Tzedek told Yehudah Leib to ask forgiveness from the Rebbetzen. -- Toras The Baal Shem Tov’s expression changed. He be- Shalom, p. 81 came serious, immersed in thought and began. “Peace, peace, to the far and the near.” Our sages *** say, “Where the penitent stand, perfect saints can- Shavuos is the Yartzeit of Dovid not.” Stressing perfect saints. He explained that there are two paths in G-d’s service, the Tzadik’s Hamelech and the Ba’al Shem Tov. In and the Baal Teshuvah’s. The service of simple peo- honor of them we present the following ple is similar to the penitent’s the simple person’s stories about the Ba’al Shem tov and the humility is like the penitent remorse and resolve. power of Tehillim. When the Baal Shem Tov finished, they resumed singing. Those who had questioned the Master’s One summer Shabbos, between 1753 and 1755 -- affection for simple people realized he was aware when the circle of disciples included brilliant and of their thoughts. He equating the qualities of the renowned men like the Mezeritcher Magid and the simple, with the superiority of the penitent over the Rav of Polnoe—an incident occurred that thor- Tzadik was obviously addressed to them. oughly perplexed the disciples. He was still in deep Dveikus. When they finished Many guests came for that Shabbos, farmers, arti- singing, he opened his eyes, intently examining sans, cobblers, tailors, vintners, gardeners, stock- each disciple. He told them to place their hands on men and small merchants. At the Friday evening the shoulders of their neighbors, so the disciples meal the Baal Shem Tov showed extraordinary af- sitting around the table would be joined. The Baal fection for them. He poured from his Kiddush into Shem Tov sat at the head. the cup of one, to another he gave his own Kiddush cup to say Kiddush; he gave from the loaves of his He told them to sing, and after the songs he told HaMotzei to several, to others he gave of the meat them to shut their eyes. He placed his right hand and fish of his portion. He showed other gestures on the shoulders of the disciples to his right and his of friendship and regard for them leaving his disci- left. The circle was closed. ples puzzled. Suddenly they heard songs, melodies, with moving The guests knew that they couldn’t attend the Sec- pleas, touching the very soul. One voice saying, ond Meal, reserved for the inner group of disciples. “Ribono Shel Olam.” And said a verse of Tehilim, They assembled in the Baal Shem Tov’s Shul, and “The sayings of G-d are pure sayings….” Another said Tehilim. sang “Ai, Ribono Shel Olam.” And another the verse, “Test me G-d, prove me, purify my heart.” A When the Baal Shem Tov sat at the Second Meal, third with a spontaneous cry in Yiddish – “Tatte he arranged the disciples in order, in the meticu- Hartziger, Be gracious to me; I trust in You and I

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 Page 9 shelter in the shadow of Your wings.” A fourth voice: “Ay Gevald, Ziss- er Foter in Himel” “Tairer Tatte, A bird has a home, a swallow a nest.” Frank Revere Lawyer The disciples, hearing these songs of Tehilim, trembled. Their eyes were Revere & Wallace shut but tears came down their cheeks. The songs shattered their hearts. Each wished for G-d to help him to serve Him in this manner. 355 S Grand Ave #2450 Los Angeles, CA 90071 The Baal Shem Tov removed his hands from the shoulders of the disci- ples and they no longer heard the songs and Tehilim. He told them to [email protected] open their eyes and to sing other songs. Phone: 213-943-1333 Fax: 213-403-4847 “When I heard the song of Tehilim,” the Mezeritcher Magid later told Cell: 213-422-5408 the Alter Rebbe, “my soul spilled forth. I felt such Ahavah BiTaanugim *** that I had never felt. My boots were soaked with perspiration and tears of Teshuvah from the inwardness and depths of the heart.”

The Baal Shem Tov stopped singing; a hush fell over the group. He sat in deep Dveikus for a prolonged time, then looked up and said, “ The songs Melinda Dauer you heard were the songs of the simple Jews saying Tehilim with sincer- Psy. D., A.T.R.- B.C. - ity, from the recesses of the heart and with simple faith. M.S.T. Art Therapy & Coaching “Now, think carefully on this. We are only the ‘edge of truth, ‘ for the Children & Adults body is not truth, only the soul is truth and it is only part of the essence and so is called the ‘edge of truth.’ Still, we recognize truth and feel 310 892-6988 truth and are affected deeply by truth. Consider then, how G-d Who is perfect Truth, regards the Tehilim of these simple people.” [email protected] (This story is found in the back of Tehillim Yosef Yitzchok) ***

In a in 5579 (1819), the Tzemach Tzedek related the follow- Do you want to order Tefillin ing about how the Baal Shem Tov once lit candles made from ice. By for your son’s Bar Mitzvah? way of introduction, it should be noted that the gematria of light ("ohr") Rabbi Braude is 207, the same as that of secrets ("roz") and that one who knows "inner secrets" has the power to "illuminate." Sofer Stam

Chassidim know how fond the Besht was of light. The Tzemach Tzedek 323 938-1006 related that the Baal Shem Tov once visited one of his students. ***

When the Besht came in, he said, "By Yidden there must be light. My job is to illuminate Yidden." However, only one candle was to be found Law Office of in the house. Michael E. Rubinstein The Besht then instructed his student to do the following: "Take icicles Personal Injury Attorney from the roof and light them." Auto Accidents, The student complied and the icicles actually began burning! Bicycle Accidents, Slip & Falls The Besht then sang niggunim with great joy and intensity, the same 213-293-6075 kind of intensity that could light up icicles. www.mrubinsteinlaw.com The Rebbe Rashab said that "Today there is darkness and cold.” Grandfa- ther revealed the burning fire within each Jew. Wherever Yidden are We Come To You found, they will be illuminated by the light of Torah. ***

-- Sefer HaSichos 5700 (1940), p.176

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 Page 10 CALENDAR TIMES ARE FOR LOS ANGELES (Shel Yom Yom Shehechiyanu)(Shel Tov and Yom Shehechiyanu)(Shel Tov and from pre from a Light Candles FridayLight May 22: Last Last Time ReadShema: To Last to ReadShema: Last Time to ReadShema: Last Time Sivan 5/May 23/Shabbos Sivan 1/May 19/Tuesday ShevaTashlumim Yimei Sivan 7/May 25/Monday Sivan 6/May 24/Sunday Second DaySecond Shavuos Rosh Chodesh SivanRosh Chodesh Light Candles MayLight 29: Pirkei Avos6 Chapter Pirkei Avos1 Chapter Mincha /Farbrengen: Mincha - Light Candles After: Light First DayFirst Shavuos existing flame after: existing flame Aseres Hadibros: Aseres Sivan 12/May 30 Alos HaShachar: Alos Last DayLast ofthe Sivan 5/May 23 Yom TovYom Ends: Shabbos Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Ends: Erev Shavuos Light Candles Light Shacharis: Bamidbar Shachris: Yizkor: Naso

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This Shabbos, theShabbos, Shabbos This Gim- of mel all it iscustomaryfor Tammuz, Shabbos MevarchimShabbos Tammuz Sivan 30/June Sivan17/Wednesday 30/June Tammuz 1/June 18/Thursday 1/June Tammuz Light Candles Friday June Candles FridayLight 12: June Light Candles Friday June Candles FridayLight 19: June Light Candles Friday June Candles FridayLight 5: June Last Last Time ReadShema: To Last Time ReadShema: To Last Last Time ReadShema: To Rosh Chodesh DayRosh Chodesh Two Rosh Chodesh DayRosh Chodesh One Wednesday/17 June Pirkei Avos3 Chapter Pirkei Avos2 Chapter Pirkei Avos4 Chapter 2:55 (6 Tammuz 3/June 20 3/June Tammuz men getan Aliya. to Molad ofTammuz Molad Sivan 26/June Sivan13 26/June Sivan 19/June Sivan6 19/June Shabbos Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Shabbos Ends: Behaalotecha

chalakim Shachris: Tehillim: Korach Shlach ) AM

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 As a preparation for Shavuos beginning  We must also strengthen our learning of Shabbos Mevarchim Sivan we must add in and Rambam. (Shavuos was a time learning Torah, both Nigleh and Chasidus, the Rebbe stressed the importance of learn- especially those parts which are connected ing Torah, and the daily portions of Chitas to Ma’atan Torah. This applies to men, and Rambam.) women and children, each person on his or These directives should continue through the her level. Yimei Tashlumim of Shavuos  Everyone should add in the giving of Tzed- akah

 Gatherings should be made to prepare our- selves for Shavuos.  We must make sure that everyone has what Reminder: they need for Yom Tov. As we receive the Torah,  On Erev Shabbos we give extra Tzedokah for please be certain your Shabbos & the two days of Shavuos. children are signed up in  Tikun Leil Shavuos should be said, and we , and that must make sure that others do the same. each member of your  Men, women and children (even babies) family has a letter in the should be in Shul for Aseres Hadibros. Sefer Torah.  Our resolution for Shavuos must be that we designate time and add time in our learning by ourselves and also with others.