1 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 30, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת במדבר | כה' אייר, תשס”ח | בס”ד weekly vOL. i | NO 29 May 23, 2008 | Iyar 25, 5768

N'shei Ubnos 53rd International Convention

Iyar 24 - Iyar 27, 5768 May 29 - June 1, 2008

the 's melamed

Reb Schneur Zalman Sholom Nekeva? Segal Page 2 Vilenkin Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, , 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 at 796 Montgomery St. ☎ 718~773~3146 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ☎ Rabbi Y. Zirkind: 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzei Shabbos Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110 Rabbi 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 ☎ 718 8:01 9:09 -604-0770 Gut Shabbos Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm

2 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 30, 2008 The Vaad Hakohol Sholom Zochors (chapt. 69), which also serves as the s''xc source of the Ramo]. N'shei Ubnos Chabad By Rabbi Shlomo Segal Question: Member of 53rd International Convention Crown Heights Why don’t we also commemorate the Bais Din birth of a girl? Iyar 24- Iyar 27, 5768 This question is also asked in the sefer May 29- June 1, 2008 Why do we Dogul Mervovo on the make a Sholom (ibid.). Shabbos, Iyar 26, 5768- May 31, 2008 Zochor on Fri- Answer: Shalosh Seudos Program Guest Speaker day night? Oholei Menachem Rabbi Yosef Y. Jacobson, 667 Eastern Parkway Crown Heights, NY The commentary Taz, Turei Zahav (on 4:00 pm 5:00 pm promptly Why don’t we SA, ibid.), brings another reason for Mrs. Miryam Swerdlov, Russian Representative: also commemo- this meal. It is based on the Medrash Crown Heights Sima Vernick rate the birth of a girl? (Parshas Emor chapt. 27): Reb Levi Is chairing the session said it is a parable of a king who decreed Representative: If a child was born early on Fri- Musical entertainment by Aliza Geiger that all the guests should not see him Bais Rivkah High School girls Crown Heights, NY day evening, when is the Sholom until they visit with the queen first. The Zochor? same is with Hashem--one should not Question: bring a sacrifice until Shabbos passes, Sunday, Iyar 27, 5768, June 1, 2008 which means seven days, because seven Why do we make a Sholom Zochor on Main Session: Guest Speakers: days cannot be without a Shabbos, 4:00 pm Registration Friday night? 770 Beis Moshiach (Downstairs) We Have It, Let’s Share It and a Bris milah does not take place See it on 770 Live Rabbi Aron Ginsberg Answer: until a Shabbos passes. This means Telephone Conference Line: Rabbi Shimon Waronker that Shabbos prepares the child for the 712-580-0600 Access: 979084# Crown Heights, NY (English principal The MagenA vrohom (Shulchan Aruch, featured in New York Times) Bris; therefore, we make a meal on the Mrs. Gitty Rappoport, Yoreh Deah chapt. 265:12) writes, “It Crown Heights,NY Bnos Chabad Representative: Shabbos prior to the Bris. is chairing the session. Miss Fruma Wilshansky is customary to make a meal on Friday Crown Heights, NY evening after a boy was born, and people The same thought is also found in the Message from the Lubavitcher Rebbe Coordinator of curricular activities visit the house to taste something. This Zohar (vol. 2 pg. 49), “Mila is similar M"HM at Bais Rivkah High School Video Presentation is considered a Seudas Mitzva.” to a sacrifice of an animal: this one Rabbi Yosef Wineberg, [child] is from eight days and so is this Crown Heights, NY The source is in the Tractate BavaK amo Participants of the Convention will have the one [sacrifice] at eight days as it says, Zechus to go into the room of the Rebbe MH"M. (80a): “Rav, Shmuel, and Rav Asi came “From the eighth and on, he will be Suggested donation: $15 to the Sholom Zochor called “Yeshua accepted. How is he accepted? It is when sgu okugk jhanv lkn ubhcru ubrun ubbust hjh Haben,” and others say, “lbei Yeshua one Shabbos passes. When one Shabbos Haben.” Rashi explains “Yeshua Haben” was appropriately fulfilled, it is then means the festive meal that is made for accepted as a pleasing offering.” the redemption of the son--yeshua means redemption. The commentary This means that the child is ready and Tosfos quotes Rabenu Tam that it is accepted for the Bris, after a Shabbos referring to the son who was saved has passed over. Therefore we make this from his mother’s womb; therefore the meal, which is valid only for a boy. word “yeshua” is used, and they would Question: customarily make a meal. 3. If a child was born early on Fri- From this we understand that the Sho- day evening, when is the Sholom lom Zochor meal would be a thanksgiv- Zochor? ing to Hashem that the child arrived safely. Answer: The timing for this meal is not discussed The Pri Megadim (Orach Chaim in the , Rashi or Tosfos. But in chapt. 444, 47:9) writes that there are the Shulchan Aruch it states that the those who make the meal on that same meal takes place on Friday evening, and evening. This is in order to fulfill the the reason for this is because everyone opinion of the Trumas Hadeshen (ibid.) is found at home on that evening. [See that this meal is to thank Hashem the responses of the Trumas Hadeshen that the boy was born safe and sound; therefore the meal is made as early after Newspaper the birth, as possible. Community There is an additional reason mentioned in the Drasha (there). Visiting the 392 Kingston Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225 newborn baby at a Sholom Zochor is Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights. because the child is sad that he forgot the which he studied in his , Rosh HakoholDr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, ChairmanRabbi Plotkin, Secretary mother’s womb (see Talmud Niddah 30b). Therefore, we make a Bris on the Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) eighth day, after the commemorating All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless seven days of mourning. It is cited in otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. sforim that this is the reason we eat chickpeas at a Sholom Zochor, because Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond we are coming to comfort the child for the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser the loss of his Torah, and chickpeas is assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. a food for mourners. In our days, it is All advertisement designed and prepared by the CHCommunity Newspaper are the property of the customary to eat “arbes”. newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher May 30, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 3

The Rebbe's Sicha

Sidra Bamidbar denominator” and basic building-block the conduct of the family goes . . . so of the nation. The answer was clear: goes the entire Jewish nation. This (Reprinted from “A Thought For The The Al-mighty of course did not need The people were to be counted “by approach stands in stark contrast to the Week” by Rabbi YM Kagan) a count; He knew the number of the their families and their fathers’ homes.” attitude so prevalent today that each Jewish nation. His command to count The basic unit was . . . the family. person must “do his own thing,” and Sidra Bamidbar opens with the Al- them was to proclaim to the world Though the objective of the census seek their own creative ful­fillment.W e mighty’s command to Moshe to count the preciousness and endearment of was to ascertain the number in each are faced with the tragic phenomenon of the number of the Jewish people. . tribe, this total was to be arrived at husbands and wives leaving each other, from the prior count of the families. not for reasons of incompatibility but The purpose of counting an object Taking the census of a nation can be The paint is emphasized further on, merely to be free of the give-and-take is usually to set it apart from others. done in different ways. The people can “and they declared their pedigrees of the family unit, to be free to develop Counting Israel distinguishes them be counted one by one individually, by their families and by their fathers’ their own individual personality, to from other peoples, but the Jews at and the total ascer­tained. Alterna- houses.” “look out for `Number One’ — the that time were alone and separate in tively, each tribe could be counted as self. The error is enormous. Man is but the desert, not inter­mixed or mingled a separate entity, and then the twelve The lesson for us is obvious. The Jewish half a body — and even less — unless with other nations. What purpose separate totals added. Other approaches nation is built and founded upon the and until he takes a wife, and to­gether would did serve? It served to indicate are also possible, depending on which family. As the family is “counted,” as they form the family unit, the basis of the preciousness of Israel in G-d’s eyes. unit is regarded as the “lowest common the people Israel.

Rebbe Stories www.inspiringageneration.com “Definitely!” French, it will have a very great effect on the girl.” I received a letter from the mother and When one tells a story about his Rebbe he Rabbi Klein Relates: father of a Jewish girl from France. connects to the deeds of the Rebbe” Menachem Begin listened to the Reb- They describe how their daughter “The former Prime Minister of Israel be’s request and accepted upon himself (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) wants to get married to a non-Jew. Menachem Begin visited the Rebbe to do the Shlichus. TheR ebbe gave him They wrote in the letter that they tried many times prior the girl’s address and her phone number to do everything Can I ask you to do a favor to becoming Prime in France. He told Begin that he wants in their power Minister. I remem- to pay for all of the expenses he incurs for me? to stop the mar- ber towards the from traveling there. riage, but nothing “The following encounter is a very end of one of his helped. So, the unique and special Shlichus that The private audiences Prime Minister Begin traveled to parents are now Rebbe sent former prime Minster of The Rebbe asked France and met with the girl. He spoke asking me for my Israel Menachem Begin to save the life him: with his whole heart what his thoughts help to see what I of Jewish girl in France. The encoun- were and why it’s so important to marry can do. ter was related by Rabbi Binyomin “Can I ask you to do a Jew. After much discussion she made Klein from the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s a favor for me?” “I think,” said the the decision to end her relationship, and secretariat. To learn more about the Rebbe, “that a person like you, with the broke off her wedding. Today the girl Prime Minister Begin replied; Rebbe visit standing that you have, should speak to lives in , is married and has her. Especially because you also speak a beautiful family.

IYAR YAHRZEITEN Chassidus. He was nifter in 1993. Women This week we continue with theY ahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. 1st of Sivan 29th of Iyar By mentioning them, we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn lessons from their lives that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes Horav Hachossid Mrs. Rivka Chrin the Yahrzeiten of the 27th of Iyar through the 1st of Sivan. Reb Sholom Ber The daughter of Horav HachossidR eb Torah and Mitzvos. He was nifter in Hakohen Chaim Yosef, she was nifter in 1997. Her Men 2002, and his resting place is near the Eichorn resting place is near the holy . I27th of Iyar holy Ohel. The son of Horav 1st of Sivan Horav Hachossid Hatomim 29th of Iyar Hachossid Reb Reb Nechemia Altein Gershon, he mer- Mrs. Chaya Musia Garfinkel Horav Hachossid ited to serve as a The son of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb house bochur to the Previous Rebbe Hatomim Reb Yisroel The daughter of Horav HachossidR eb Levi Yitzchok until the histalkus, 1950. Meir, he was a tomim, Osher Garfinkel, “Reb Osher Niko- Freidin He was among the founders of “Keren sincere, in his deeds layev”, and the wife of Horav Hachossid Yisroel Arye Leib”; his home was always and conduct and was The son of Horav Hatomim Reb Yosef Shmuel, she was open to guests, and he assisted Reb mekushar to the Yehuda Leib, he nifter in 1976. Her resting place is near Moshe Yaroslavsky in the Hachnosas Rebbe. His rest- served as the the holy Ohel. Orchim project during the month of ing place is near photographer in Tishrei. He served as a Baal Tefila by the Dear Readers: the holy Ohel. 770 who took Previous Rebbe and by the Rebbe on pictures of the Those who would like to have their rela- Shabbos and Yom Tov and was popular Horav Hacho- Rebbe, particularly during the tives mentioned in the yahrzeit column, for his sweet Chabad style davening. ssid Reb Yeho- month of Tishrei. He merited many please email the name, father’s name, He studied every day for many hours shua Korik kiruvim from the Rebbe. Upon his date of the petira and some details to until the evening. After he said Birchas return to Israel after Tishrei,R eb Levi [email protected]. A picture may be The son of Horav Kohanim, he would tell people that he Yitzchok would show slides of his included. Hachossid Reb had them in mind for blessings. He was footage to public audiences in various Isser, he sacrificed his life to be born in 1929 in Lubmal, Poland and cities and contribute to the spread of mechanech his children in the ways of was nifter in 1998. Call Shiduchim Initiative for personal attention. We allways call back! Email us at: [email protected] 4 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 30, 2008 Our Heroes

Horav Hachossid Reb Schneur Zalman Vilenkin would frequently come to the house to borrow sforim that he needed. (1878- 23rd of Iyar 1963) What did the Rebbe learn Reb Zalman? Reb Zalman and his family lived in On one occasion, when the Rebbe was poverty, but he was always happy with Many people, non-Lubavitch Chassi- By Rabbi Michoel Seligson distributing Mashkeh at a his share. If he was ever upset, it was dim and those from remote areas, would the Rebbe said, “Regarding the person because he was unable to travel to see attend the shiur. This brought about a Reb Schneur Zalman Vilenkin was with whom to send the mashkeh, there the Rebbe. strong enthusiasm from other shuls, born on the 2nd of Sivan in 1878 in is someone here I am indebted to and requests came for Reb Zalman to Podobronka, Russia, just a month and because he is the son of my melamed, Reb Zalman sacrificed himself to give a shiur in their shul, as well. When half after the birth, and in the same city with whom I studied Mikro, Mishna prevent his children from attending the R eb Zalman did so, a large contingent as Horav Hachossid Hamekubel Reb and Gemoro for many years.” He was government schools which mandated of his original shiur members would Levi Yitzchok, the Rebbe’s father. Reb Sholom Eliyohu, Reb Zalman’s Shabbos attendance. Although busy accompany him. He was very respected son. earning a parnossa, Reb Zalman dedi- by the people in Yekatrinoslav. Every Reb Zalman grew up with Reb Levi cated time during the days and evenings, Motzoei Shabbos there was a melave Yitzchok. They studied together in When a great-grandson was born into including Shabbos, and taught them malka in his house with more than the Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue and stories from the twenty people in attendance. Reb quickly developed a shared reputation Tanach, Medrash Zalman would relay a shiur in Likutei for diligence in their lessons and for a n d G e m o r o Torah for the assembled. Occasionally, their genius and talents. When Reb Zal- including stories of when special guests would arrive, such man was called up by the Russian Army, Tzadikim. Reb Zal- as Reb Michoel Dworkin or other chas- the Rebbe RaShaB blessed him and the man did not allow sidim, they would Farbreng and make army did not draft him. In 1900, Reb his children to play an appeal for the Rebbe or for Zalman married and moved to his wife’s with the neighbors’ . city, Brian, where he was taught by his children, in order father-in-law to become a shochet. not to learn their Reb once came to When Reb Levi Yitzchok became the ways. raise money for the . Aware of Rav of Yekatrinoslav in 1909, he made the esteem in which Reb Zalman was changes in the spiritual life of the city. Yeshiva Tomchei held, he asked that he assist him with Hearing that his old friend had became Tmimim opened the project. At the time, Reb Zalman a shochet and knowing him to be a G-d up an underground suffered from kidney stones, causing fearing individual, he offered him the branch in Yeka- him great pain. He told Reb Nissan position of shochet. Reb Zalman wel- trinoslav in 1929, that he would gladly participate but comed the opportunity to move from after the yeshivos in was unable to because of his condition. a small city where it was difficult to live Nevel and Kharkov Reb Nissan responded, “Since I am an a Jewish lifestyle. He accepted the offer were closed by the emissary from the Rebbe, therefore I and lived in Yekatrinoslav for thirty-two government. Forty bless you, with the of the Rebbe, years until war between Germany and students studied in that the kidney stones should leave.” Russia broke out in 1941. the yeshiva, which Reb Zalman recalled that the stones met in the woman’s disappeared that night. The next morn- When Reb Zalman came to Yekatrino- section of a shul. ing he was able to assist Reb Nissan slav, he was unable to step into his new Reb Zalman and with his appeal. position. Reb Levik suggested that additional families Reb Zalman teach his oldest son, then of Anash greeted Reb Zalman later told numerous stories the Schapiro family in 1977 and the seven years old and later to become the the students and invited them to about Reb Levi Yitzchok. Reb Levik Rebbe was told that the baby was named Rebbe, and his two younger sons, until their homes. Reb Meir Itkin and Reb once entered Yechidus with the Rebbe afterR eb Zalman, he said, “He was my the position of shochet would become Michoel Teitelbaum, later the founder Rashab, and the Rebbe asked about melamed. He was a great Yid. The child available. Reb Zalman accepted the of Yeshiva , were two of his shiurim in Chassidus. Reb Levik should grow up to resemble him.” teaching position and as he later said, the students. answered that he gave a shiur on the did not regret it for a moment. series of Chassidic discourses of the Unique Yid After 120, when there is nothing to year 5666 (1906). The Rebbe asked Reb Zalman becomes a melamed do, one reviews Mishnayos. where he was up to. Reb Levik said Reb Zalman was a unique Yid, even he was at page two. The Rebbe asked in comparison to other noteworthy Reb Zalman taught the children in There was a shul across from Reb how long the shiur had been meeting. Chassidic figures. Reb Zalman stood his own home. Reb Zalman recalled Zalman’s house called the shul of the Reb Levik answered that it was two out as a person of midas hoemes, an in later years that as a child the Rebbe butchers. Reb Zalman spent his spare months. The Rebbe was puzzled and individual of extreme truthfulness, and was engrossed in his studies. He was time studying there. The concept of asked, “What can one say on the first in his Chassidishkeit and hiskashrus to an inward person and generally did not utilizing time to study Torah was page that will take two months?!” Reb the Rebbe. If anyone who would speak not mingle and socialize with the other alien to him. Every moment was filled Levik began to mention his various badly of another, he would interrupt children. The Rebbe once asked Reb with learning. Reb Zalman knew the comments on the Maamor, and the the conversation and describe the Zalman a question that was so strong six sections of Mishnayos by heart. Rebbe RaShaB said, “When I wrote positive qualities of that person. He and sharp that he became confused, In his last years, unable to read, he the Maamor, I did not think of all these was an excellent teacher with a clear particularly since it was being asked would study the Mishnayos by heart, comments, but they are true.” mind and a wonderful way of explaining by such a young child. The Rebbe, an saying that after 120 at a time when concepts. In addition to his knowledge outstanding student, studied separately there is nothing to do, one reviews On another occasion, Reb Levik of all aspects of Torah, he was a Gaon with Reb Zalman. Reb Zalman had a Mishnayos. He was also orally versed in explained a Rashi in the light of Kab- in Midos Tovos and had a good heart total of thirteen students, elite local many Chassidic discourses and would balah. One of the assembled asked Reb and a refined soul. children. One of the children was Reb often review them in public. When a Levik, “Does the Rav think that this is Nochum Goldshmid, later known new Maamor would arrive from the what Rashi had in mind when he wrote His oldest daughter, Mrs. Dina Vilen- as a chossid of great depth who was Previous Rebbe, he would teach it in the commentary?” Reb Levik answered, kin-Dubrowsky, was born in 1912 an expert in clarifying concepts and public. Reb Zalman usually davened “I don’t know, but Rashi wrote his and as a child, had kidney problems. thought in Chassidic philosophy. The in the shul near his house and would commentary with Ruach Hakodesh, Her condition was extremely serious, Rebbe later told Reb Zalman, “You can also deliver a shiur in Ein Yaakov for so surely this explanation is included and the doctors did not know how to take pride in your students, who today the congregants. He was an eloquent in the Rashi.” treat her. Reb Zalman traveled to the are found all over the world.” speaker, and everybody, including Reb RaShaB who blessed her with a simple folk, understood his shiurim. On the 14th of in 1929, the refua shlaima and a long life. A short What did the Rebbe learn from Reb Reb Zalman had a large Sforim library Rebbe’s wedding took place in Warsaw. while later the illness miraculously Zalman? in his house, and as a bochur, the Rebbe The Rebbe’s parents were unable to disappeared. May 30, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 5

attend, since they could not leave and included a request regarding their On Motzoei Shabbos, the Rebbe called this year, and may he live and be well, Russia. Reb Zalman remembered that dire situation. in Rabbi Schapiro and gave him pieces her husband, Hachossid Reb Lipe, the in Yekatrinoslav, Reb Levik wrote a of Matzo, instructing, “Give this to Rav in the Ahavas Achim shul, the telegram to his son, the chosson, of When Reb Zalman entered into Yechi- Reb Zalman. If he cannot eat it like Empire Shtiebel in Crown Heights; approximately one hundred words. The dus with the Rebbe, neither the Rebbe this [because it is hard], he can dip it in his two sons, Hachossid Reb Yosef and tablecloth covering the table where he nor Reb Zalman would sit. The Yechi- water, and Matzo is a food of remedy.” Hachossid Reb Sholom Eliyohu; and wrote the letter was soaked in tears. dus continued for a long time, and TheR ebbe’s face became serious, and he may they live and be well; grandchil- TheR ebbe’s wedding was celebrated by both of them remained standing. Reb added, “He should have a good week.” dren and great-grandchildren who are his parents in their house. Reb Zalman Zalman later regretted that because of On Lag B’omer Reb Zalman’s condition the Rebbe’s shluchim in locations near participated. In middle of the dancing, him the Rebbe stood for more than a took a turn for the worse. The Rebbe and far, worldwide. he jumped onto the table and began half-an-hour. was told that the physicians had advised dancing. “I had the privilege,” he called that Reb Zalman needed a nurse to Yehi Zichro Boruch! May Reb Zalman, out, “the great privilege that my student Over the course of the years in Cleve- attend him. The Rebbe paid the costs a legendary chossid known for his sense has become the son-in-law to the king, land, Reb Zalman would occasion- of employing the nurse. On Thursday of devotion who in his practice as a the Rebbe!” ally give a shiur in which was night, the 23rd of Iyar, Hachossid Reb shochet supplied kosher meat to the attended by Anash and students of Schneur Zalman Vilenkin was nifter. Yidden of his city and hosted Yidden in Reb Zalman leftR ussia for Paris at the the Telshe Yeshiva. More frequently, his house, physically nourishing them, end of Tamuz in 1947, together with his son-in-law, Horav Schapiro would The levaya took place on Friday after- and as a melamed, devoted many years his daughter and son-in-law, Horav deliver the chassidus shiur. noon. The Rebbe participated and to the Torah education of his students Hagaon Reb Lipe Schapiro. A branch carried the Aron, an exceptional custom providing spiritual nourishment for of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim was In 1957, the Rebbe referred the family to for the Rebbe, and traveled to the Bais generations to come, and merited that opened, as in Poking, and Reb Zalman a contact who would assist in obtaining HaChaim. The Rebbe told the family one of his students became Rebbe, and the necessary papers for Reb Zalman’s that he wanted to pay for the burial plot. move to New York. Regarding Reb Since the family also needed to partici- Zalman, the Rebbe said to relay to this pate, they should give one dollar. contact: “I learned from him, and I still remember the pages of the Gemoro The next Shabbos at the Farbrengen, the that we learned.” In 1959, Reb Zalman Rebbe said that when a person is buried successfully moved to New York. Reb on Friday afternoon, he is spared from Zalman continued giving shiurim in chibut hakever, a harsh punishment Likutei Torah for Anash in Crown that the nifter goes through after the Heights. petira.

During the second Yechidus with the When it came time to place the matzeva, Rebbe, the Rebbe asked Reb Zalman the Rebbe participated in a third of the to sit. Reb Zalman said that he really expenses. TheR ebbe gave instructions didn’t want to but because of his health for a large matzeva, not shiny or glossy, he was obliged to. TheR ebbe then said, without drawn lines or artwork. When “It does not matter. Approximately the wording for the Matzeva was shown fifty years ago, we sat together at one to the Rebbe he commented: “Why Gemoro. We can also sit together now.” does it not mention that he studied with again became a melamed. In his spare without self-esteem or pride expressed The Yechidus continued for forty-five Jewish children. I can testify to this.” time he studied on his own in shul or his sense of humility in front of him, a minutes. Reb , a member of the at home. The Rebbe worked to obtain bitul of chossid to Rebbe; serve as the Chevra Kadisha, entered the Rebbe’s a visa for his melamed. Reb Zalman inspiration to commit ourselves to the When Reb Zalman entered the Rebbe’s room and was instructed to inscribe on received the papers allowing him entry needs of our fellow-Jews, spiritually and , the Rebbe would rise the Matzeva, “He learned with students to the U.S. in 1948. physically, and to acknowledge that we slightly from his seat out of his respect and merited that the Rebbe HoRaMaM have a zechus and a responsibility to for his melamed and would wait until [the Rebbe’s name abbreviated] studied After the histalkus of the Previous fulfill our mission, and eventually see Reb Zalman sat down. This also hap- by him.” His resting place is near the Rebbe on Yud Shvat 1950, Chassidim the fruit of our deeds in full bloom. pened when the Reb Zalman needed to holy Ohel. were shocked and did not what to do. leave in the middle of the Farbrengen. After the shiva Reb Zalman partici- We should speedily witness, “The ones There were times that theR ebbe would Reb Zalman was survived by his wife, pated in a general Pidyon written to the who dwell in the dust will awaken and give Reb Zalman a piece of his cake Mrs. Vilenkin; his daughter, Mrs. Dina Rebbe, as well as writing a personal rejoice,” with Reb Zalman among at the Farbrengen and sometimes a Vilenkin-Dubrowsky and her husband pidyon, in which he committed himself them. drink. Hachosid Reb Meir; his daughter, Mrs. completely to the Rebbe. Whenever a Chana Schapiro, who was nifter inA dar new Sicha or Maamor from the Rebbe On one occasion, Reb Zalman was arrived in Paris, Reb Zalman would say assisted by a group of people who lifted with excitement, “Hashem has, with his him over a table. He was very upset that generosity, had pity on us and given us so many people needed to be bothered our Rebbe.” and exert themselves on his behalf. Arrival in the U.S. On Friday, the 16th of Iyar, 1963, Reb Zalman did not feel well. Dr. Seligson In 1953 his health improved, and Reb visited him and informed the family Zalman was able to travel to the United that Reb Zalman had suffered a stroke States. He received the Rebbe’s consent that had affected his entire right side. and blessing for the trip. Accompanied Reb Zalman requested that his grand- by his oldest daughter and her husband, son, Horav Sholom Ber Schapiro, ask Reb Meir and Mrs. Dina Dubrowsky, he the Rebbe for a brocho. The Rebbe arrived in the U.S. Upon their arrival, responded, “It should be a Freilichen they were instructed by immigration Shabbos.” The family understood that authorities to remain in New York for the situation did not look good. On three days until their flight to Cleveland, Friday night, when the Rebbe entered Ohio. Reb Zalman used this occasion the shul for Kabolas Shabbos, he met to enter into Yechidus with the Rebbe. Dr. Seligson and discussed Reb Zal- At the time two of his sons were still in man’s condition with him. Russia. He constantly yearned for them 6 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 30, 2008 Shiduchim

Let us be more accepting, less fastidious to that which is best for him or her.” Finding A Needle in A Haystack now, so we do not have do it later. Look )Igros Kodesh, Vol. V, p. 269( By Sarah Junik In the book, “Don’t Judge a Book by its for compatibility, shared goals, solid Cover”, a story is brought down about character traits and health. Hair color, Another important point: Continued from last week the search for a Chazzan by the town nationality, money and weight are not of Brisk. The leaders of the community essentials. “It is patently obvious that with regard Do we tell our kids about the names came to Rabbi Chaim Soloveichik to a shidduch it is the young man’s that are suggested? with the names of the finalists: one of For the past few months we have looked and young woman’s task (to make the them had yirat shamaim; another was at all kind of questions: questions to ask decision; how to go about making the Personally, I do not believe they need a big lamdan; another had wonderful our kids, questions to ask a shadchan, decision; what to do [after having made to hear every name we are looking midos, and so on and so forth. Rabbi questions to ask ourselves, questions the decision, etc.]).” into. In the case of a boy, if we believe a Soloveichik listened to all of them and to ask people for references . (From a handwritten response of the prospect is interesting enough after the then asked one question: “Which one Rebbe)[2] preliminary information, then we might knows how to sing?” All this was to give you an idea, a But let’s keep in mind that: pass on the information to our son if reference point, a map. You know the he insists on being kept in the loop. I Sometimes in the search we get dis- destination, where you want to go--what “... It is obvious that with regard to a personally prefer not to say anything tracted. We forget what the important are the important things for you. I hope shidduch, a child should not decide until it becomes much more of a real middos are. We get lost, asking ques- I made it clear that we should emphasize on his own, without one of the parents possibility and less of a probability. tions that do not matter, and we get the important points, the essential being on the scene....” sidetracked by minor annoyances. qualities, and not the fluff. )Igros Kodesh, Vol. XXIII, p. 113( With girls I prefer not say anything until Let us stay focused and let us not I have done all the research and believe procrastinate. In “Eternal Joy”, a sefer anyone who is One last thought that we should it is a definite possibility as far as us looking into shidduchim should have, memorize: parents are concerned, and it is then up I have spoken to some older singles the Rebbe writes: “Marriage is the most important event to my daughters. My reasoning is that and others who married at a later age in the life of a man or woman; it leaves girls are easily hurt, and if they hear how than usual. They all said how at the end “Surely, it need not be stressed that an indelible imprint on one’s entire many times a name comes up and either there were so many things that they though, on one hand, before one makes life. Such a decision requires consider- gets rejected by us or by the other side, had thought were indispensible, but a final decision regarding a shidduch it able thought and cannot be done in they might get feelings of insecurity. as time went on, they did not seem so is essential to give the matter long and haste.” These feelings may come from either important. Ultimately, their partner hard thought, nonetheless, it is also )Igros Kodesh, Vol. IV, p. 272( the possible rejection or the feeling that only had one or maybe two of the important to know that one cannot their parents are too picky and no one requirements they originally thought be one hundred percent guaranteed To be continued will get through their vetting. Those are they could not live without. Why do in advance. my reasons for not wanting to mention we have to wait until our kids are older, Any constructive comments are welcomed by We are to rely on G-d, Who conducts everything that comes up to either my until they almost despair of finding the editor. Write to CHP5768 @gmail.com the world as a whole, as well as the girls or boys. Ultimately, it is a decision their mate? Let us strip the require- or directly to the author at Basmelech@ microcosmic world of each and every the individual parent should make. ments to the bare minimum right now. gmail.com person; surely, He will lead the person

Summer Challenge Contest is off to a Pearly Start We are pleased to report that 47 girls registered last week from all the three By Molly Resnick neighborhood schools, but the numbers Is there anything more gratifying are expected to increase judging by the than being able to see the outpouring interest the contest has generated. of heavenly blessings overtly, b’poal Once the Crown Heights Community mamash? Newspaper printed news of the contest, Ever since an anonymous donor (I it became the buzz. Everywhere I went honestly do not know who he is) on Shabbos it was the topic of conversa- decided to offer Bnos Melech Beyahad tion. It was the talk at the tables at the $1,800.00 in prizes for a Summer garden Bris I attended with everyone Challenge contest to raise the standard offering ideas and suggestions and even of the Tznius in our Crown Heights gentle admonitions for not publicizing community, the initiative has been it sufficiently. showered with abundant blessings It was also the subject of conversation from above. at a Pirkei Avos shiur, and I was asked All the schools were so thrilled by to elaborate on it for the attendees. the project that they requested that The outpouring of gratitude and offers we allow those girls who missed last of ideas and help were so touching. It week’s registration deadline to have a is obvious that the project is not only ‘Pesach Sheni’ opportunity to register being welcomed but embraced raven- for next week’s joint orientation/chi- ously by everyone. zuk meeting this coming Wednesday, The check list of ‘hachlatos’ the girls May 28th at the Levi Yitzhak Library can take upon themselves is being pub- on Kingston Avenue. lished in this issue, and every ten points One of our members, Mrs. Ella Ler- accumulated will entitle a participant to man, in an effort to generate enthu- one raffle ticket for the grand prizes of siasm among the girls, decided to two trips to Israel. Bonus raffle tickets donate a magnificent double strand, will be awarded to girls who undertake pastel colored, genuine pearl bracelet more challenges. to every girl who attended the first The contest will continue through the Chizuk meeting. Needless to say the summer and accompany the girls to young participants were bowled over the various summer camps and trips by the generous gift. She also did a they plan to attend as counselors or superb job of launching the project in campers. Logistics are being planned Bais Rivka High School, propitiously as we write. on my husband’s (Yaakov Lieber ben Gamliel Leib) 4th yahrzeit. We welcome any ideas, suggestions and of course, help in any form. May 30, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 7

A Shidduch Conference Call Not all engagements come solely waiting to see the results. In any case, from others in the group, naturally. it is wonderful that a dialogue was initi- “Im ein ani li mi li? U’kesheani leatzmi mo ani? Veim lo achshav Mrs Bernath explains how one of her ated, and we are all working together eimasai?” daughters got engaged through a call throughout the far-flung worldwide with a perfect stranger. She had written Lubavitch community. By Sarah Junik After I wrote this article, Mrs Bernath in the N’shei Journal an article about expressed her concern that people read- educations years earlier and got a call As a hishtadlus, there is no doubt that Everyone is familiar with the above ing this will believe that just giving to from someone interested in it. During the call worked. One girl got engaged saying in Pirkei Avos: If I am not for a fund will do the trick. Although the the conversation, it was mentioned the next morning! Naturally, not result- myself, who will be for me? And if I Rebbe mentions it 7 times in “Eternal that she was looking for a shidduch ing directly from the callJ. am only for myself, what am I? And Joy”, it is not enough. As Rivkah Leah for her daughter, and the lady told her if not now, when? (Translation from Bernath describes it: “Make a list; she knew a boy who might be a good Since the call, some suggestions have Kehot Publication Society edition of buy clothes; the husband takes on an match. They finished the conversation already been made on how to improve Pirkei Avot) additional learning seder; the mother about education and hung up, but the the calls. It has been suggested that a takes on an additional davening per day lady remembered she had not given hard copy of the profiles be emailed A group of ladies in Chicago have taken forever; the child does his or her part by Mrs Bernath the name of the boy, so so that the emails presented by the this and brought it Lemaaseh. taking on something ; the father gives she called her back with the informa- contacts be spelled out, eliminating 18cents a day to a pushka for a kallah tion. The shidduch came to fruition, errors. More suggestions are coming Mrs. Bernath met an acquaintance, Mrs fund; the mother adds other special and they are B”H happily married. in all the time. Bergovoi, while grocery shopping--what tehillims; the father runs to put up a One never knows where the shidduch could be more mundane! But Hakdosh chupa for someone they don’t even will come from. All we need to do is A new call is scheduled for Monday Baruch Hu runs the world, and that is know; the mother sends a cake to a L the hishtadlus, and the Aybishter will June 2nd at 9 PM Chicago time (10 PM how a seemingly commonplace meeting ‘Chaim, then she adds a special prayer bring it about. NY time). Anyone who is interested was the start of a growing and expand- at candle-lighting for shudduchim for in listening is welcome to call in. This ing venture. others; parents work on their shalom The newest project of the Chicago Shid- call’s subject will be boys. If you wish bayis, and money is put aside for the duchim group is a shidduch conference to hear the previous call, dial the same A friend of Mrs Bernath had recently wedding they are hoping to make; call. The idea grew out of brainstorming number and id. to listen. If you are part passed away, and she wanted to start Any opportunity to help a kallah is on a method to expand the activities of of a group and wish to present a profile, a gemach l’ylui nishmash, to give her taken (i.e. addressing invitations, the group. A website was suggested as write to [email protected], friend an Aliyah. Mrs. Bergovoi wished making hospitality bags, housing out- the group had the funding for it, but and they will get in touch with you; to start a fund for Kallahs. Through of-towners, just about anything); the another idea took precedence. Why present your profile with no name. that meeting, both wishes became mother writes a list of 3 things she is not make a conference call with other a reality: a G’mach was started with grateful for every day. This is hard work, shidduchim groups in other cities to The last call lasted ½ hour. Everyone the seed money the friend’s husband and if you are not out of breath yet, then expand the pool of girls and boys and said they would agree to a longer call, donated, and a fund was started to you are not working hard enough. Add have more chances? The conference so this time more time may be allotted. help Kallahs. to all this, the phone calls, the checking call itself would not entail an expense, Suggestions are welcome; email them into names, the thinking and ponder- and there were ladies in the group who to the above email address. This is how the Chicago, Ill. Shidduch ing. Make sure you visit the graves of knew how to set it all up. One member group started. Mothers who had only your relatives to request intervention. of the group, Mrs Bergovoy, went to known each other slightly became con- If someone says they are working hard the N’shei convention in Vermont to To join, call 712 432 1680; nected thorough the group. More and and not succeeding, don’t believe them. touch base with other groups in other more mothers joined, and what started If someone says they didn’t work hard Id number 861278#, May cities and set up the foundation for the as a group of individuals is now, 2 ½ and succeeded, don’t believe them first call. 19th at 10PM NY time. years later, a close-knit group. In addi- either. There is a custom in the group tion to Mrs. Bergovoy and Mrs. Bernath to give each mother a heartfelt brochos Call 712 432 1284; Id 861278# to hear B”H, the trip to the convention was who started the group, Mrs. Emanuel on the hebrew birthday. My son-in-law the tape of the last call. successful. She organized the telecon- deals with emails, and Mrs Zimmerman is just like the brocha Mrs. Bergovoy ference and did a lot of the work that does the writing. Everyone puts in all gave me.” Im ein ani li mi li? - If I do not look and made it a success. The first Shidduch the effort they can and more to help work to find my child's shidduch who teleconference call was held on Monday Kallos in any way . Shortly after the group started, three will? night, May 19th. 9 groups participated, mothers had the zechus to see their and 10 profiles of girls were proposed. U’kesheani leatzmi mo ani? If I keep to The group discusses profiles in a tznius- daughters married, and B”H the group’s Cities that participated were L.A; myself and don't network, if I do not dicke way, giving a description without success has been steady. The group has Detroit, MI.; Ann Harbor, MI.; Reno, try to help others in the same situation, identifying characteristics and allowing been very successful with their G’mach NV; Baltimore, MD.; New Haven, CT. who will help me? interested parties to call the contact as well--3000 tablecloths have been lent Morristown, NJ. and naturally Chicago, person directly. The group also invites out and bucketfuls of flowers. Some Veim lo achshav eimasai?” And if I don't ILL. the coordinators. speakers and listens to lectures on of the ladies in the group had the idea do it now, when? various topics connected to shiduchim. to raise money to get a custom made The call was done very professionally. Rabbi Bukiet learns with the ladies chuppa. They raised the funds and had Just as one never knows through whom After an initial introduction, the dif- the original letters that comprise the the chuppa made. It has been used 19 the shidduch will come, we also do ferent cities were called to give their “Eternal Joy” volumes. The group finds times already. The G’mach and the not know what is enough hishtadlus; profile. Everyone muted their phone tremendous inspiration in the Rebbe’s chuppa give the opportunity for more therefore, every little bit counts.E very so as not to disturb the other attendees letters. As they learn the letters, they chessed as well. When the chuppa is effort we put in, every call made, every with extraneous noise. The profile was see how the Rebbe advises over and used, the husbands go to deliver it and tefila davened, and even every shidduch given in a clear voice. No clearly identi- over to give to a Kallah fund when one hold the chuppa at the wedding. When that does not work out, brings us all fying characteristics were given, and a is in the parsha of shidduchim, and the the flowers are rented, the ladies go and that little bit closer to marrying off our contact phone number and email were ladies encourage everyone to give to set them up. Everything is a hishtadlus children. May we all see only Simchas given at the beginning and end of every a Kallah fund, as that is a sure way to to help marry off their children. in our families, and may we all have call. It was suggested to the groups to bring results. The group believes very only nachas from our children and give a story or short anecdote to bring strongly that giving to a Kallah fund A byproduct of the group is the beauti- grandchildren. the personality profile alive for the lis- will definitely help you find a match ful friendship among the mothers in teners. All interested parties could join for yourself or your child. Give to any the group. Every engagement is like into the call to listen to the profiles.A ll fund you wish to, but in the words a personal simcha; everyone rejoices kinds of profiles were given--some from of Mrs. Bernath: “It’s got to hurt!” It together. Bridal showers, Shabbos FFB or BT backgrounds, some more should show a real effort on your part Kallahs, Shabbos dinner right before modern, some even previously married. so the Aybishter will reward you Midah the wedding and Sheva Brochos are The phone calls flew in the next few Keneged Midah. made for one another, and the joy at the days between cities, and everyone is wedding is truly shared and heartfelt. 8 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 30, 2008 From Shedlitz to Safety

A Young Jew’s Story of Survival ugly man lashed out at us at every opportunity. He could not bear seeing Though it was certainly easier to obtain windows with dark paper so that no and write out prescriptions. a tall and handsome German Jew with kosher food in Shanghai, we now light could escape. During Tishrei, two of the students blonde hair. Whenever such a person faced a different problem regarding We lived for a while longer in the served as chazonim for the High Holy passed, the officer almost went out of his our bread. Worms — hordes of them, clubhouse, and thereafter moved to Days. These were Avraham Yitzchak mind with hatred. Any time he wanted carving comfortable homes in our a different location — the Hongkou Garfinkel and Yosef Borenstein, both to punish a Jew, this short Japanese bread — caused our newest difficulty. District, a neighborhood northeast of talented singers with melodious voices. officer would climb up on a chair and It was a miniscule problem compared Shanghai proper. Hongkou was easily In fact, the pair served as our chazonim slap us in the face. to the general suffering caused by the accessible, near the converging point back home in Poland, then during ongoing war, but we dealt with this issue Despite ghetto constraints, we lived of the Huangpu River and the Suzhou our temporary stay in Vilna, now in on a daily basis, which made it all the almost normal lives. We had food, we Creek, and became known as the “door Shanghai, and later also in New York. more frustrating. The Torah prohibits had where to sleep, and we continued to the sea.” Our new district had a Both were originally from Poland, and the consumption of even the tiniest learning in our new quarters. Many larger Chinese population and smaller they davened with the familiar tunes creatures, and we faced a real dilemma Jews operated stores and businesses, stores, quite unlike the Western impro- sung in synagogues around Poland. every time we sat down to eat a meal. In including a plethora of Jewish tailors. visations we had seen in the American the end, we were forced to crumble our Though our new neighborhood was Most importantly, our lives were in no Commission. We had a large room for bread into the tiniest pieces, to ensure strictly Chinese, many Jews still man- danger. The Hongkou district remained ourselves, which we used as a study we could remove every last worm. aged to find homes, set up businesses, populated by many Jews, so that the This ridiculous situation caused such and attend shul. Our yeshiva was usual crowd on the street looked similar heartache that a special mashgiach located on Werd Street, near a large to any other Jewish community. was hired to sift flour in local bakeries, shul frequented by Ashkenazi Jews. Our yeshiva continued as usual. The few checking and rechecking the flour to We often visited the shul between boys who ran the yeshiva were among remove every last worm. study schedules, hoping we could those fortunate enough to receive meet with Mr. Brochshtat — an A host of kindhearted Jews did all they Canadian visas, and the responsibility English-speaking Jew from Germany could to ease our stay in Shanghai. now fell on Reb Shmuel Dovid Raichik. who understood the news broadcasts, Rabbi Ashkenazi and his wife really did He consulted regularly with Rabbi and kept us abreast of all the latest everything possible for us, and I remem- Ashkenazi and other leading , developments. ber how Rebbetzin Ashkenazi would ensuring that the yeshiva would remain stand for hours in the kitchen, baking Behind Ghetto Walls open and operational. This was not an food for our farbrengens. Sometimes easy feat. The yeshiva incurred many We lived in Shanghai for five long she cooked a special kind of fish with expenses, and new problems cropped up years. During this time, the Canadian brown skin, a species we had never seen every day, but Rabbi Raichik persevered government issued a limited amount or tasted before. Rebbetzin Ashkenazi and succeeded. of entry visas, allowing some refugees had a primitive kitchen, with old cook- into Canada. The Vaad — (I need not describe the greatness of ing utensils and an ancient stove, but she the Rescue Organization in America, Rabbi Raichik. His name is a byword in baked away for us nonetheless. distributed these visas among many many homes, due to his steadfast deter- Another fellow by the name of Brilovsky Doctor Seligson yeshivos, allotting the visas according mination in spreading the wellsprings of took it upon himself to help us find hall and a lunchroom. After learning to the number and age of the students. Torah and Chassidus wherever possible. decent clothing. Brilovsky was far from Chassidus and davening, the monitors Tomchei Tmimim of Shanghai received I will just relate a personal experience wealthy, but nothing gave him more cleared the tables and set up the food. nine of these visas. As such, nine of the with this remarkable individual: pleasure than helping yeshiva students After the meals, the monitors cleaned older boys left Shanghai after a few After his arrival in America, Rabbi find comfortable clothing and shoes. the eating area again and we resumed months and traveled to Canada. They Raichik became an emissary of the our studies on the same tables. Unlike were thus spared the many ordeals and Reb Boruch Stein was another helpful Rebbe — traveling to various American our poorly prepared food in Japan, tribulations we were destined to face figure. Before any auspicious day — be cities, where he taught Chassidus and we now had our very own cook who in Shanghai. it Yud-Tes Kislev, the twelfth of Tam- raised money for the Rebbe’s worthy prepared tasty meals for us. muz, or any other Chassidic festival After the murderous attack on Pearl causes. Rabbi Raichik once arrived in — Reb Boruch went to the community Dr. Avraham Seligson, a pious Jew Harbor, the Japanese marched into Buffalo and lodged in exactly the same board and organized a special meal for and expert doctor, lived in the same Shanghai and took control of the home where I stayed at the time. Reb us. Thanks to his efforts, we were able courtyard as the yeshiva. Though still city. Shanghai now lost its unique Dovid Eidelman, another Chassid, was to celebrate these days in the proper a bochur, Dr. Seligson was a unique international status and, though it there with me, and we were more than spirit. True, Rabbi Ashkenazi had individual who had earned a respected remained part of China, it became, in pleased to let Rabbi Raichik share the organized such farbrengens before, but reputation. Today it is very common to effect, a Japanese city. One of the first same room with us. That night, we went now — after our arrival —R eb Boruch meet religious doctors, but in those days “innovations” of the Japanese was to to sleep as usual, expecting our guest arranged these festive meals in a more it was almost impossible to find expe- turn our neighborhood into a ghetto, to follow suit. elaborate manner. rienced doctors who were G dfearing trapping many German Jews into Hours later, I suddenly awoke to a Jews. Dr. Seligson was an anomaly, and clearly defined quarters. I still do not On the morning of December 7, 1941, strange noise. I peered at the clock: people respected him for fastidiously know the exact rationale behind this Japanese submarines and carrier-based it was three o’clock in the morning. observing halacha while continuing to move, but it probably stemmed from the planes attacked the American fleet Rabbi Raichik was pacing the room, practice medicine. His daily behavior fact that Japan and Germany were close stationed in the Hawaiian island of his face fiery red, his eyes closed in was a tremendous sanctification of G allies. Whatever the reason, our semi- Pearl Harbor. The horrific aftermath — concentration. I could hear him repeat- d’s Name. comfortable lives changed yet again. approximately 3000 military personnel ing, Ribono Shel Olam, Ribono Shel The larger Sephardi community and killed or wounded, and many military Dr. Seligson’s reputation grew when Olam — “Master of the World! Master the many Russian Jews living outside craft destroyed — became known a large number of refugees became of the World!” With a sense of awe, of the Hongkou quarter were still free simply as “Pearl Harbor.” This incident severely ill with dysentery. Preferring I suddenly realized that he was still to walk around as they pleased. Only marked Japan’s entry into the war, on to use the services of a religious Jew, saying the opening words of Krias the German Jews were targeted and the side of Germany, and the entrance of people flocked to the yeshiva’s court- Shema Al HaMittah, the bedtime Shma confined to the ghetto, prisoners once the United States on the Allied side. yard to be examined by the doctor. recited before retiring at night! We had again. Thankfully, our lives were not Besides, it was common knowledge always learned that this prayer was a The wrath of the United States turned threatened. that his expertise far surpassed that most appropriate time for personal against Japan, and the Chinese authori- of the other doctors. Dr. Seligson Those living in the ghetto were restricted introspection, but I never witnessed ties quickly imposed strict regulations, davened with us every day and, even to certain boundaries; whoever dared self-reflection to such a degree. Need- prohibiting the show of light after dusk, as he prayed, scores of patients came leave without authorization faced heavy less to say, I clamped my eyes firmly to ensure that Shanghai remained into the shul, to wait patiently until he fines and stiff punishment.A Japanese closed and continued listening, until I enshrouded in darkness. Some of our could see them. After the prayers, Dr. officer was appointed to oversee the drifted back to sleep.) farbrengens were conducted under Seligson would attend to their needs ghetto. Short and ill-tempered, this such conditions, and we covered our May 30, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 9

thought was, ‘What about my daughter? other to live on, and we said once we Can We Learn From Disaster? Who’ll take care of her if I die?’” she got out, we’d live a good life and care for By Rabbi just two days before the quake, after said. each other. Now we have a new start.” traveling around the country for six When major catas- months and unsuccessfully trying his They whispered to each other. They Though there were surely many big trophes occur and hand at different small businesses. He talked of their 14-year-old daughter. and small acts of courage during the thousands of people and his wife rarely spoke while he was They recalled their life together, the earthquake, the cyclone and their die, like during away. He spent the Chinese New Year, shape of it before and the shape of it to aftermath, what moved me about this the recent cyclone China’s most important family holiday, come, all the changes they would make story is that the couple who had given in Myanmar and away from home and by himself. This in their lives and in their relationship if up hope on their marriage was given a the earthquake in lack of communication caused a major they ever got out alive. second chance to build it up. China, hopefully it causes us to take rift in their marriage, and the couple a step back and take stock of our lives. drifted apart. “I want you to make it out,” Mr. Wang The question, “Can we learn from said. “We have a child, and I want you disaster?” must be answered with a Here in New York, though we only Ms. Li was raising their daughter, Xinyi, to raise her.” resounding “yes!” We can be grateful lived through the catastrophes in long 14, on her own. that we didn’t live through the life- distance through news stories, we were The couple had to take turns breath- altering trauma, yet learn its lessons staggered by the number of the dead, “My husband doesn’t have a stable life,” ing. While one took a deep breath, nonetheless: Take a look at our pri- the devastation and the overwhelming Ms. Li said. “He goes wherever he can the other held their breath. They were orities and see if there’s anything that destruction. With so many fatalities we get a job. I told him, ‘Why don’t you now not only worried about each other, needs to be modified. can’t help but feel grateful that we are have a rest? Stay away from business. but forced to focus on each other’s alive and that we weren’t subjected to Just try and enjoy life for a while.’” breathing so they both could breath And then, we don’t have to wait for the horrors that the people of these two and live. disaster. We can change it. countries were Now that Mr. Wang was finally home Rabbi Hecht, is chairman of the board after all those months, the couple was sit- Ms. Li encouraged her husband when of the National Committee for the Fur- Out of the chaos of the earthquake ting at home relaxing trying to rebuild he was losing hope and told him he had therance of Jewish Education (NCFJE), in China, the story of rekindled love their relationship. Then the earthquake to remember their daughter and the continuing the tradition of social services and a marriage reborn moved me. It’s came, burying them together under the future that awaited them when they management and outreach. He is a Rabbi a tale that touched the lives of three rubble of the dormitory building. were rescued. and activist in the Jewish community, people - a father, a mother and a 14 year focusing on family crisis intervention, old daughter. While they were stuck under the rubble Faced with the reality of death, Mr. guiding and advising troubled youth and the couple was faced with a grim real- Wang realized he had his priorities their families, marriage counseling, and Wang Zhijun and Li Wanzhi were ity. They were pinned together under wrong all along. He said that he would drugs and cults counseling and consulta- pulled from the rubble of their collapsed the rubble, a slab of stone above them spend more time at home. He wanted tions. He can be reached at rabbishea@ six-story workers’ dormitory in Shifang, threatening to fall if they moved. to settle down and see more of their aol.com. China 28 hours after last Monday’s daughter. earthquake. “In our minds, everything was clear,” Ms. Li recalled. “We were buried in the rubble. “The only thing we had was each other,” Mr. Wang, 40, had returned home As a woman, as a mother, my first Mr. Wang said. “We encouraged each GET IT BY EMAIL NATURAL FIRST AID KIT FOR THE SUMMER [email protected] By Sara Chana Silverstein, IBCLC, the healing begins. The bug bite should is great for sun burns, muscle aches guidance of a professional. If stitches Herbalist stop itching and will heal quickly. Green and stiff necks.Y ou can liberally apply are needed, I would take Arnica under clay paste is also wonderful for kitchen this oil after a nasty sunburn (but do my tongue on the way to getting those Hey you, working so hard to pack for burns: apply as above, and you will be not go out in the sun directly after you stitches! 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It is also very helpful if you tial Oils - These oils are wonderful as the Summer”! Besides your rubbing Arnica 30c - This is a homeopathic wake up with a stiff neck. The best a bug repellent! You can purchase a alcohol, band-aids, and thermometer, remedy that is placed under the tongue quality oil is from Woodland Essences little water spritz bottle. Fill the bottle you should bring a little box filled with for falls and bumps. When you use at (315) 845-1515. up with water and add 20 drops each your natural first aid kit. I will quickly any homeopathic remedy put a few of all three of these oils. You can then introduce you to a few wonderful items pellets under the tongue and let it Yunnan Paiyado powder- (Wow, great spray it on you or your children’s clothes to help you treat bug bites, cuts and dissolve slowly. (It is best if you refrain name!) This is a superb Chinese powder all day long as needed or around your bruises. These natural items are safe from eating 15 minutes before and 15 mix. It will almost instantly stop a cut bungalow. You can also burn these oils and easy to use. You can also teach your minutes after the remedy, but this is not from bleeding. Two summers ago I was in a diffuser (your health food store children who are going away to summer necessary in an emergency). Ordinarily, in my bungalow, and a lady sliced her can order one for you to bring to your camp or traveling on their own how to this remedy is given every 3 hours as finger opening a tuna fish can. She had bungalow). Most health food stores use these items. needed for pain in about 3 doses, but if been in her bungalow for almost one carry pure essential oils. If they do not it is a true emergency, the remedy can hour trying to stop her bleeding finger have these in stock, ask them to order Green Clay - This has to be one of my be given every 15 minutes until you and was on her way to the doctor when them for you. most favorite healing tools. French seek out medical attention.A rnica can she stopped at my bungalow first. I put green clay is pure clay from the earth. be purchased in Parve form from the some of this powder over the cut as she There is so much more to learn but my Green clay is fabulous for bug bites. Mix homeopathic pharmacist Moshe Alt- was on the phone deciding who was time has run out. Start with these items one teaspoon of green clay in a cup with man at 347-414-2875 or Chana Bongart going to take care of her children while this summer, and you will be amazed at just a few drops of water to form a paste. 718-756-4389. The companies you find she was at the doctor, and by the end of how much you can help yourself, your Paint over the bug bite with the paste in your local store contain dairy; Mr. the phone call, her finger had stopped kids, and your neighbors heal. Have a and let the paste dry. If the bite is very Altman’s are Parve! bleeding. It works like magic. It also safe and productive summer, and happy sore, you can paint over the existing helps promote healing of the wound. If healing! green clay 2-4 times (letting the clay St. Johns Wart Oil - I just love this oil; you suspect a wound needs stitches, do dry in between) or every hour until it is wonderful and soothing. The oil not apply this powder unless under the 10 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 30, 2008 Parshas Hashavua

“איש איש למטה איש ראש לבית His people with peace; through Torah אבתיו הוא” Vedibarta Bam ~ Bamidbar they will have a blessing of peace and By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky not peace necessitated by crisis.” “A man of every tribe each the head with one desire.” A prerequisite for ”.of his father’s household he shall be )הרב מאיר ז”ל שאפירא מלובלין( .receiving the Torah was shalom “וידבר ה’ אל משה במדבר סיני” (1:4) “שאו את ראש כל עדת בני ישראל” )פנים יפות( And G‑d spoke to“ Moshe in the Wil- “Take a census of the entire assembly QUESTION: Doesn’t the word “hu” derness of Sinai.” of the Children of Israel.” (1:2) — “he shall be” — seem extra? (1:1) The Gemara (Zevachim 116b) relates QUESTION: Bamidbar is known as ANSWER: Several Chassidic Rebbes that, when Hashem gave the Torah to QUESTION: “Sefer Hapekudim” — “The Book of were once sitting together around a the Jewish people, His mighty voice Why did Hashem Numbers” — because in it a census of table. Each one of them related a Torah was heard throughout the entire world give the Torah in a the Jewish people is taken twice. Why thought in the name of his holy father. and all the kings were gripped with wilderness? were the Jewish people counted? The greatest Rebbe of the group was fear. They gathered around the prophet the son of a simple baker, and when his ANSWER: Since the wilderness is Bilaam and asked, “What is the mean- ANSWER: When non-kosher food turn came he said, “My father the baker essentially ownerless, no one can claim ing of this mighty roar? Perhaps there is gets mixed with kosher food there are taught me that fresh bread is better and it. By this choice of location, Hashem another flood coming to the world!” various laws regarding its nullification healthier than stale bread.” was hinting to us that the Torah belongs so that the kosher food becomes permit- Bilaam replied that Hashem had a valu- equally to everyone. ted again. Sometimes it is sufficient The thought behind his words was able treasure which he had safeguarded merely for the kosher food to be a that, while it is nice to have promi- for 974 generations before creation majority (bitul berov) and in other cases nent parents, it is more important and was now giving it to His children, QUESTION: Why, however, was the the minority becomes nullified in a for each individual to have his own as stated in the verse “G‑d will give Torah given not only in an ownerless majority which is 60 times larger (bitul achievements. might (Torah) to His nation” (Psalms place, but in a desolate place, “a dry and beshishim). However, there is a Rab- 29:11). When Moshe is instructed to take a weary land without water” (Psalms, binic ruling that “Davar shebeminyan census of the Jewish people, he is told 63:2) — a place without clothing, food Immediately, they all responded afilu be’elef lo batul” — a thing which to take a group of prominent men with and water? “G‑d will bless His is sold by individual him, each one the head of his family — nation with peace,” count is considered ANSWER: The Jewish people left not simply because of his parents but (ibid.). so significant that it Egypt and went to a wilderness, an because “hu” — “he shall be” — on cannot become nul- uncultivated land, for the purpose of Why did the nations his own merit. lified regardless of )עוללות אפרים - פון אונזער אלטען אוצר( receiving the Torah. They did not know of the world think the quantity of the how they would manage. In the wilder- another flood was “אלה הפקדים אשר פקד משה ואהרן... food with which it is ness they obtained the manna in the coming? ויהיו כל פקודי בני ישראל...כל יצא mixed. (See Mishnah merit of Moshe, the pillar of the clouds, צבא...ויהיו כל הפקדים שש מאות -The prophet, speak- Orlah 3:6,7 and Beit which miraculously protected them אלף ושלשת אלפים וחמש מאות (.ing of the miracu- zah 3b cleaned and altered their clothing to וחמשים” ,lous events of the days of Mashiach size, in the merit of Aharon, and water Hashem knew very well that the Jewish states that “the wolf will dwell together “These are the countings that Moshe in the merit of Miriam (Ta’anit 9a). people’s sojourn in the wilderness was with the lamb” (Isaiah 11:6). This also and Aharon counted... These were all temporary. They would continue to This serves as a moral lesson for us; one occurred in Noach’s Ark; what is unique the countings of the Children of Israel... Eretz Yisrael and, years later, would be must study Torah and rely entirely on about the days of Mashiach? everyone who goes out to war...All dispersed to all corners of the world. Hashem. He will then provide all that their countings were six hundred and In Noach’s time the whole world was in Eventually, Jews would be a small is needed materially and spiritually. three thousand, five hundred and fifty.” danger of destruction. In such circum- minority in some communities. By (-46 4 1:4) )לקוטי שיחות ח”ב( stances there is no time for fighting, and counting each Jew, Hashem designated enemies naturally become allies and him as a “valued entity” and thus, QUESTION: Why does each pasuk Alternatively, a person whose spiritual struggle together for survi­val. In the regardless, of how greatly outnumbered mention the “count­ings?” landscape is a “wilderness” can be days of Mashiach there will be universal the Jewish people might be, they would ANSWER: These pesukim discuss elevated and refined through Torah prosperity and peace. Unfortunately, in retain their identity and never be three reasons for counting the Jews: until he is comparable to a flourishing tranquil times, people often find time assimilated, G‑d forbid. The first pasuk speaks of Moshe (1 (חידושי הרי”ם, ועי’ לקוטי שיחות ח”ב) .to quarrel (ר’ נפתלי זצ”ל מראפשיץ) .oasis and Aharon doing the counting. Each “שאו את ראש כל עדת בני ישראל” The word “bamidbar” ( ) can be The prophet therefore foretells the Jew had the opportunity to personally במדבר read as two words “bam dabeir” (- miracle that will occur in the days of “Take a census of the entire assembly ,come with his “half shekel” to Moshe ּבָמ ) — “in them you should talk.” This Mashiach, when everyone will have all of the Children of Israel.” (1:2) the greatest of the prophets, and his דַ בֵ ר idea appears also in the Gemara (Yoma they need in an abundance. Even then QUESTION: Rashi comments that holy brother Aharon. It was a privilege 19b) as commentary on the words there will be absolute peace, and the Hashem always counts the Jewish to mention their names to these tzad- “Vedibarta bam,” “Speak of them,” i.e. wolf and lamb will live together. people because of His love for them. dikim, who would look upon them with of Torah — and not devarim beteilim, Concerning the preparations for receiv- their holy eyes and pray to Hashem on What lesson can we learn from the (פרדס יוסף החדש) .idle or forbidden talk ing the Torah, it is stated, “Vayichan their behalf. counting of the Jewish people? sham Yisrael neged hahar” — “And “וידבר ה’ אל משה במדבר סיני” 2) If not for the sin of the spies, the “And G‑d spoke to Moshe in the Wil- Israel encamped there opposite the ANSWER: There are different levels Jewish people would have immediately derness of Sinai.” (1:1) mountain” (Shemot 19:2). Rashi of observance among the Jews. Some entered Eretz Yisrael. Their entry would explains that the word “Vayichan,” are strictly observant while others, QUESTION: Sinai was a part of the have involved fighting the inhabitants in singular, teaches us that the great unfortunately, do not follow Torah wilderness in which the Jews sojourned and conquering the land. Consequently, multitude encamped as a single person precepts. A person may belittle the for forty years. Why does it say “Bemi- it was necessary to take count of “every- with a single desire. worth of another, less observant Jew, dbar Sinai” — “In the Wilderness of one who goes out to war,” to determine saying: “Er is a gornisht” — “He is a Sinai” — and not just “Sinai?” Upon witnessing such unity, the nations how many Jews were eligible to join nothing!” of the world came to Bilaam fearing the army. ANSWER: The words “Midbar Sinai” another flood and wondering if the Jews When Hashem commanded Moshe to ( ) have the numerical value 3) Originally a family consisting of had united out of fear. Bilaam told them, count the Jewish people, He instructed מדבר סיני of 376, which is the same as the word seventy souls descended to Egypt, and “What you are witnessing is true unity. him to count each Jew as “one,” no more ”shalom” ( ). When the Jews arrived after only two hundred and ten years a G‑d is giving them the Torah, which and no less. Hashem’s message was that שלום at Sinai to receive the Torah we are told large and powerful nation emerged: “All will be their source of strength and the Jewish people are His children; each that, “Vayichan sham Yisrael” — “And their countings were six hundred and which will unite them with common one is equally beloved and possesses a Israel encamped there” (Shemot 19:2). three thousand, five hundred and fifty.” goals of study and observance.” spark of G‑dliness, his neshamah. Thus, Rashi writes that the word “Vayichan” The miraculous growth of the Jewish no one should be discounted. is in the singular to teach us that the Upon hearing this, the nations people demonstrated Hashem’s great )לקוטי שיחות ח”ב ע’ 684( (רמב”ן) .Jewish people were “like one person exclaimed, “We realize G‑d will bless love for them May 30, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 11

Vedibarta Bam ~ Pirkei Avos any way from fulfilling the command difficult question and told her to come of Hashem. into his study. There he )מצאתי בכתבי אבי הרב שמואל פסח ז”ל sion were enti­tled to reward. Due to “עשרה דורות מאדם ועד נח...שכל looked into some sefarim and then באגאמילסקי( their wickedness, however, even their הדורות היו מכעיסין ובאין...עשרה asked her what she had prepared during “עשרה דברים נבראו בערב שבת בין good deeds did not have favorable דורות מנח ועד אברהם...שכל הדורות the past three days. After she replied, he השמשות” spiritual consequences, but instead gave היו מכעיסין ובאין, עד שבא אברהם again thought for a short time and told increased vigor to klipot — spiritual “Ten things were created on Erev Shabbat אבינו וקבל שכר כלם” her that for the main dish she should “There were ten generations from forces of evil, and thus, they did not at twilight.” (5:6) make what she made three days ago, and Adam to Noach...For all those genera- receive reward (see Shulchan Aruch QUESTION: What message is implied for the side dishes she should make an tions repeatedly angered Him...There Harav, Talmud Torah 4:3, Tanya, 39). by the fact that so many things were item similar to one served two nights were ten generations from Noach to When Avraham came along and sought created necessarily at the time of ago and an item similar to one served Avraham...For all those generations Hashem’s mercy even for the wicked twilight? the previous night. The rabbi then gave repeatedly angered him, until Avraham Sodomites, he ele­vated all the previous her his blessing for success, and she left our father came and received the reward generations, too, and received all their ANSWER: A Jew may not do any work very relieved and happily. of them all.” (5:2) reward. on Shabbat eve at twilight because he The rabbi’s wife happened to be observ- QUESTION: 1) If “All those generations does not know precisely if it is still The Generation of the Deluge on the ing the entire scene, and after the young repeatedly angered Him,” which reward daytime or night. If it is still day, work other hand, did not do any good for girl left, she said to her husband, “I do was due to them that Avraham received? is permissible, and if it is night it is which reward was due to them, and even not understand you. As rabbi of the 2) Why did only Avraham receive forbidden. To Hashem, however, there if they did, Noach did not pray on their community don’t you have better and the reward of the ten generations that are no doubts, and He knows the last behalf or make any endeavor to elevate more important things to do than help- preceded him and not Noach? moment of day precisely and the exact them. Thus, even if they were due any ing this foolish girl plan a menu?!” moment when night commences. reward, he would not have been entitled ANSWER: Dor Hamabul — the The rabbi said to her, “You do not (לקוטי שיחות ח”ג ע’ to it. (755 Generation of the Deluge and Dor The mili dechassiduta — message understand what happened. This simple Haflagah — the Generation of Disper- of piety — is to value every moment girl is very sincere, and she knows that “עשרה נסיונות” sion (which built the Tower of Babel) at one’s disposal. Hashem used the “With ten tests.” (5:3) whenever there is a difficult question — both sinned and angered Hashem. final moment of in the kitchen she is sent to ask me. Never­theless, their punishments dif- the sixth day of Therefore, now that she had a question fered. The Generation of the Deluge creation to create which pertained to kitchen matters, she was blotted out of existence (Bereishit numerous things came to me. If I would have laughed 7:23), and the Generation of Dispersion and thus enhanced it off, which perhaps I should have was only dispersed over the face of the creation in its because of its foolishness, she might whole earth (ibid. 11:8). In addition, the totality. Similarly, decide to take all questions that may Generation of the Dispersion according a person should arise in the future very lightly, and when to all opinions, definitely has no share employ every there will be a really difficult question, in the world to come (Sanhedrin 107b); moment granted she will also not come to ask.” however, regarding the Genera­tion of him to improve Deluge there is an opinion in the Zohar himself and have a This rabbi was a chacham and therefore (I:69a) that they do have a share in the positive influence he did not rush to answer. An unwise world to come. Why the distinction? on those around person might have answered imme- diately so that she would have been ביאורים לפרקי) .him made aware of her stupidity, and as a (אבות -Hashem’s way of punishment is com mensurate with the crime. Regarding consequence she would the Generation of the Dispersion the have been lost forever. (עי’ מדרש שמואל בשם הר”מ אלמושנינו ז”ל) -Torah says, “The whole world was one The famous Chas language and of common pur­pose” sidic Rebbe Rabbi “האומר שלי שלי, ושלך שלך, זו מדה QUESTION: Regarding the tenth (ibid. 11:1). Thus, in regard to inter- Avraham Mordechai of Ger (known בינונית, ויש אומרים זו מדת סדום” test — the Akeidah — the binding of human relationships their behavior as the “Imrei Emet”) once said that Yitzchak as an offering — the Midrash “He who says: ‘What is mine is mine was exemplary, but their sin was that the reason for the custom of giving a Rabbah (Bereishit 56:8) says, “He and what is yours is yours’ — this is they wanted to go up to heaven and chatan a golden watch is to teach him stretched forth his hand to take the an average characteristic; and some say declare war against Hashem. On the that every minute is “wrapped in gold” knife while the tears streamed from his this is the characteristic of the people other hand, the people of the Genera- and should not be wasted. eyes — yet, even so, his heart rejoiced of Sodom.” (5:10) )שמעתי מאבי חורגי הרב אליהו משה ז”ל ליס( tion of the Deluge did not make any to obey the will of his Creator.” QUESTION: Why such diverse “חכם...ואינו נבהל להשיב” .endeavor to revolt against Hashem They were corrupt and lacking in opinions? Avraham’s crying seems to cast a doubt “A wise man...He does not rush to their inter-human relationships to the on his sincerity and eagerness to fulfill answer.” (5:7) ANSWER: Some people have a “pet extent that “The earth became full Hashem’s will. Wouldn’t it have been charity” and neglect the others. When with robbery” (ibid. 6:13), and it was QUESTION: What wisdom does this better if he had not even shed one they are approached for help they be­cause of this that their destruction show? tear? respond, “sheli sheli, veshelach shelach” was decreed (ibid., Rashi). Through cor- ANSWER: There was a simple Jewish — “I devote all my contributions to ruption in inter-human relationships, ANSWER: Many wonder how it is girl who worked in a Jewish home. It was my favorite charity and you should do they distorted the laws which Hashem possible for a father to bring his beloved her duty to help out in the kitchen and the same with yours.” This approach conveyed to humanity in this world, and only child as an offering to Hashem. prepare dinner for the family. Once she is not so praiseworthy because a truly and thus, their punishment was greater Ignorantly, they conclude that Avraham was in a dilemma: She could not figure benevolent person should help every in this world. And since the sin of the lost all his paternal instincts and that out what to prepare for dinner. Sud- cause. Generation of Dispersion was more of therefore he was not exhibiting any denly it dawned on her that her mistress a spiritual na­ture, namely, concerning particular greatness. Unfortunately, some people are “yeish would send her periodically to ask the their relationship with Hashem, their omrim” — “sayers.” Whenever they are rabbi she’eilot — questions — so she punishment was more stringent in the To dispel this error, the Midrash tells us approached for a charitable cause, they would approach the rabbi and seek his spiritual realm — Olam Haba — and that when he stretched forth his hand excuse themselves saying, “I have my help with her problem. lenient in the physical world — Olam to take the knife, tears streamed from own charities,” while in reality they do Hazeh. his eyes. He was a genuine father who When she arrived at the rabbi’s house, not give at all. Such people are practic- loved his child dearly and was filled he noticed that she was distressed and ing “midat Sodom” — the ways of the For living in harmony and dealing with compassion for him. Nevertheless, inquired as to what was troubling her. people of Sodom. )דורש לפרקים( uprightly with their neighbors, the he did not permit his fatherly instincts When she told him, he became very people of the generation of disper- and love for his child to prevent him in serious and told her that this was a 12 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 30, 2008 Matters of Interest

The RAMBAM Lifestyle

By Yaakov Bam, Eli relates: “When my doctor suggested lifestyle from my nutritional advisor. too fast. that losing weight and watching my diet Nutrition and Wellness Consultant will make a big difference, I decided to The changes in my life since I adopted a If you fall down, remember that it’s a adopt a healthier lifestyle. healthier lifestyle are beyond words. If The Rambam: “Over- temporary set back. Just get up and you really want to lose weight, feel bet- eating is like poison keep going. “It’s still a mystery to me how I ate ter and look better, choose a healthier to anyone’s body. It myself up from 170 at our wedding to lifestyle!” is the main source of To be continued a grand total of 235 pounds. When my all illness. Most ill- doctor suggested that losing weight Health Tips for Your Good Lifestyle Yaakov Bam, MS, is a member of nesses which afflict and watching my diet will dramati- American Association of Nutritional a man are caused by cally improve my health conditions, I Feast with your eyes, not your stomach. Consultants. He focuses on guiding and harmful foods or by his filling his decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle. I Look over the whole array of food to see advising institutions, families and private belly and overeating, even healthful lost 55 pounds, and I feel great! what’s offered before you decide what individuals in implementing the RAM- foods.” (Hilchos Deos 4:15) He adds, to put on your plate. It’s like being in a BAM Lifestyle. Yaakov can be reached “The consumption of a little bad food “I think one of the biggest reasons for store and not picking up the first jacket at [email protected] or by phone, is less harmful than the consumption my success is that I plan my daily menu. you see. There might be better choices (347)564-2874. To find out more details of a lot of good and healthy food.” (The It helps me to make healthier food later on. about the RAMBAM Lifestyle, please see Regimen of Health 1:1) choices. Plus, I drink lots of water and preceding and upcoming articles of the walk at least half an hour every day. And Do portion control. Health Interest series. To register for a free The weight just crept up onE li. But when the most important reason: I participate Health Lifestyle seminar, please contact he made healthier lifestyle changes he every week in support group meetings Start out by making small changes in Yaakov Bam. lost 55 pounds! and learn how to implement a healthier your life. Don’t try to change too much FINANCIAL MATTERS generally the younger you are, the lower ably want to find a card that offers Feathering a Nest of Your Own the premium will be. Two of the basic worldwide acceptance, no annual fee, types of life insurance are whole life and a low interest rate. If you don’t have By Mordy Schachter, group health plan. If not, it’s essential and term life. Whole life is permanent any credit history or if it’s poor, there’s to obtain some type of individual health Agent New York Life insurance — it’s yours for as long as you still an alternative. Some banks offer insurance. Insurance Company continue to pay the premiums. a “secured credit card,” which is an Major Medical Plans typically offer arrangement where you deposit funds Building Your Finan- The premiums are fixed and the policy a fee-for-coverage arrangement for a in an account that are then used as cial Foundation cannot be canceled by the insurer if range of services including physicians’ your credit limit. Of course, the key to you continue to pay premiums. Over Moving out of your costs, medical tests, hospital fees, etc. building good credit is to spend within the long-term, the policy accumulates parents’ house and having a go of it on With some plans, you may go to a your means. It’s usually a good idea to cash values. This cash value may be your own can be a shock to the system. doctor of your own choice and your pay the bill when it comes, and not run borrowed* against to help meet your After decades of living in the comfort insurer reimburses you a predetermined up a balance. financial needs. Term insurance can of family, you’re suddenly faced with percentage of cost. Most plans have provide affordable coverage over a Looking to the Long-Term — Building the harsh realities of life — bill, bills, predetermined period of time a strong financial foundation means bills. How does one deal with these — 5 years, 10 years, etc. It is planning for the long haul. If your newfound responsibilities? You can pure protection and does not employer offers a 401(k) or similar plan start by building a sound financial build cash value. One type is you’ll certainly want to take advantage foundation. Acting discerningly on not necessarily “better” than of this convenient, tax-deferred retire- these matters could make the difference the other, and you may find ment plan. IRAs and annuities are some between making it on your own, or, that a mixture of the two may options to consider that will help build moving back with the folks. Choose best suit your needs. your nest egg. The key to realizing your wisely... financial dreams is starting now while Building Credit — If you plan Banking — Shop around. You shouldn’t you have a long-time horizon. To learn on buying a home, starting a necessarily stick with your current bank more about how life insurance and business, or doing anything just because you’ve been with them a other financial products can help you in the future that requires long time. You may want to open both meet your long term financial goals, borrowed money, you’ll defi- a savings account to earn interest, and please contact Mordy Schachter, Agent, deductibles, which is the amount of nitely want to start building a credit a checking account for paying the bills. New York Life Insurance Company, at money you must pay out-of-pocket history now. Getting a credit card and It’s important to compare interest rates, (718) 915-3438. before the insurer begins paying for paying it off faithfully is a good way to but you also should be wary of charges some of the expenses. start. Many banks and organizations *Loans against your policy accrue for services (banks commonly charge offerV ISA and MasterCard with lots of interest at the current rate and decrease customers for ATM use, check writing, Health Maintenance Organizations bells and whistles attached — product the cash value and death benefit of the etc.). Some banks allow you to “link” (HMOs) have become a popular option discounts, airline mileage, etc. — but outstanding loan and interest. your accounts to reduce fees. Many because of their minimal out-of-pocket don’t overlook the basics. You’ll prob- local newspapers run a “scorecard” cost. Generally, members must visit of bank rates, which can be helpful. only doctors affiliated with the HMO; Although deposits up to $100,000 are however, your co-payment could be federally insured, you’ll still want to as low as $10-$15 per visit. When choose a financially strong institution. evaluating different plans it’s important If possible, have your employer “direct to consider what services are covered, deposit” your paychecks into your bank. and the co-payments and deductibles It’s a great convenience. that are involved. Health Insurance — With medical Life Insurance — If you think it’s just costs spiraling upward, having sufficient for “older people,” think again. If you health insurance is a necessity. If you’re have debt from your early days, you job hunting, you should take a serious may want to consider having some life look at the medical benefits offered insurance to help cover it, in the event by prospective employers. If you’re of premature death. It may be a good fortunate, your employer will offer a idea to purchase a policy now, because May 30, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 13 Shleimus Haaretz

The Yom Kippur War (part I) Published and copyright © by Sichos In the cabinet remained unwilling. In her be. When the Israeli army succeeded never be won to the Israeli side. The English autobiography, Golda Meir admits that in turning the tables and launching a Americans? They would have been she and her advisors had intelligence counterattack against Syria andE gypt, overjoyed if Syria was conquered. Syria In the months leading to Yom Kippur, reports of an impending attack. Nev- they met immediate success. They had openly identified with theR ussians, 1973, Israeli intelligence had gathered ertheless, they refrained from calling reconquered large portions of the Golan and America wanted nothing more than reports of an Arab troop build-up and up the reserves so that the world would and proceeded toward Damascus. to have her power restricted. the possibility of war. To combat such see that Israel was not an aggressor. Although they were only short miles forces, they warned, Israel was not able Allowing herself to be attacked would away from the Syrian capital, and there True, at the outset, America would rely on her standing army, and had clearly demonstrate Israel’s peaceful was no substantial opposition in front have protested. In order to appease to call up her reserves. Nevertheless, intent to the Americans and encourage of them, they suddenly halted their the Arabs, it would have had to make each time the Prime Minister and the them to support her with arms. advance. Instead of conquering the a gesture. But everyone would have cabinet were alerted, the warnings were Syrian capital, the Israeli army simply realized that it was merely a gesture. rejected. “There is no need,” explained The argument is so absurd that it is diffi- sat still. Israel could have gone about dealing Golda Meir, “to sow panic among the cult to write it down in a manner which with her own security needs without populace.” makes any sense at all, but that is what Because they did not advance, the Syr- any interference. happened. Because of the government’s ians had time to regroup their artillery, In the days before the war, and even on desire that Israel appear as a peace- and inflict losses on the Israelis. But True, such a campaign would have the day the war broke out, the cabinet loving nation, a fierce war which cost that was not the most severe loss the caused losses. But there have been met, and the nation’s military leaders over two-and-a-half thousand Jewish Israelis suffered. The war ended shortly Israeli losses due to Syrian forces demanded that the reserves be called lives ensued. A large proportion of those afterwards. Had Damascus been con- ever since and the danger of greater up, for the Arabs were obviously prepar- casualties took place in the first days, quered, Syria would have been defused losses still persists. Without a Syrian ing for war. They explained that the when Israel’s lack of preparation left as a power for decades. Instead, after presence would the Lebanon front call-up itself might prevent the war. For her open to Arab attack. And because the war, she emerged as Israeli’s most have ever developed? When a person if the Arabs saw that Israel was ready, of the Arab advances during those first belligerent foe. has a malignant disease he does what they might hesitate before launching days, Israel was forced to fight from is necessary to deal with the problem. an attack.A t the very least, the call-up compromised positions later on. Why didn’t Israel seize this opportu- An operation may be painful, but it is would place the Israelis in a position nity? Because her diplomats overruled preferable to allowing the malignancy to repulse the attack, and launch an Nor was this the end of the Israeli her generals. The diplomats were afraid to spread. The faster action is taken, immediate counterattack. willingness to sacrifice her security of world opinion. But whose opinion? the better. because of what a few politicians Not that of the Communist bloc. They Despite the army’s urgent insistence, imagined international opinion to had sided with the Arabs and could UPDATE FROM THE SHLEIMUS HA*ARETZ TALK SHOW you’re talking about. Stress that you are an American citizen By Tamar Adelstein, host about the Pollard case as well as to read but court refused to let Meirchik whose support for the Israeli military is ’s April 16th special coverage appear before Sanhedrin. Laufer is an based on its protection of Jews. Say that Last week’s Shleimus HaAretz Talk of the subject. orthodox sheitl-wearing woman. you also plan to discuss this case with Show, which preceded President Bush’s your member of Congress who decides visit to Eretz Yisroel, focused on the Also featured on the show was corre- The Shvut Ami outpost was again on U.S. military aid to Israel. outstanding effort our fellow Jews are spondent Mrs. Elly Rodan who reported evicted early May 18. making there to build up and expand on the latest Pidyon Sh’vuiim cases and For a schedule of our shows which Elly and her husband Steve ask that existing communities in YESHA. We’re sent me this update yesterday: generally run every other week, go to everyone call the Israeli Embassy sorry that our website is currently Chabad.info or Luach.com. 1. The Negohot family, Yehudit and in Washington-- 202-364-5500 and down, but listeners can still review the Natan Ben David, who were served ask to speak to the Military Attaché. Our next show is going to be on June show via phone, dial: 641-715-3486, with a closed military zone order by Express your outrage that the Israel 2, Yom Yerushalayim, from Noon to Access Code: 505946#. the army erev Pesach and evicted from Army abandoned its fighters for pro- 2pm. We have some very special guests day, so be בס”דTruly impressive is the story Mrs. their home, have been served with a tecting Jews. Don’t argue. The Military lined up for this important Daniella Weiss told us about the work military order for the destruction of Attaché’s office knows exactly what sure to join us. she’s done as mayor in developing the the house. The civil administration small city of Kedumim in the Shomron issued the order last Thursday to happen Great news!!! ChabadWeekly.com Great news!!! as well as her new project with the within seven days -- this week [chas “outpost” Sh’vut Ami, located near veshalom]. ‘Chabad Weekly’ is an online listing of - Full page ads, Events, Kedumim. 2. The Halamish brothers are due to Advertisements, Jobs, Sales, Housing and much more. What I really want to share with readers, begin their sentence on Thursday, May though, are her comments about the 20. They have appealed to the Supreme The concept of ‘Chabad Weekly’ was taken from Craigslist, where teenagers and young adults she meets Court for another hearing. Decision you can post your information free, and re-enter your information who volunteer their time and effort pending. every seven days. in places like Sh’vut Ami. Daniella 3. A 29 year-old woman, Rivka Meir- spoke glowingly about their mesiras chik, has been held in the Neve Tirza jail nefesh and love for Eretz Yisroel and Advantages: since April 2nd after she was arrested at Yiddishkeit, and how the kids simply 1) Text and images are free. the Shvut Ami outpost. Police charged blossom even more so through their 2) Your information will stay on site for seven days. her with resisting arrest and assaulting involvement. If there are any young a police officer. She said she was beaten 3) Post it yourself – with no middleman. people ages 16 and up who would like by police. She has been held until the 4) Your information is neatly posted (title in center, and to find ways in Eretz Yisroel where end of judicial proceedings because she details/images to the right). they can lend a helping hand, give me refuses to recognize the authority of the 5) Site could be sorted in many ways, to make your search a call, and we’ll see what we can come court. [Same prosecutor Shir Laufer up with. easier and faster. as with Tzvia Sariel]. Attorney Aviad 6) ‘Full page’ section, where you can upload your image or We also interviewed Schmuel Sackett, Visoly will appeal to the District Court document to be displayed on a full page (useful for posting who is co-director of Manhigut Yehudit on Tuesday for her immediate release yers, brochures etc). Full page section is not free. with Moshe Feiglin. Schmuel and on the grounds that non-recognition Moshe recently visited Jonathan Pollard of the court is not a legitimate reason at his Butner, North Carolina prison. to detain her until the end of proceed- Sponsored by: UnionApartment.com. We strongly encourage everyone to ings. Sanhedrin summoned judge and Where you will nd our accommodations listen carefully to Schmuel’s remarks prosecutor to a hearing with Meirchik comfortable and pleasant. 14 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 30, 2008 May 30, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 15 Health Matters

if everyone with a stroke called 911 at symptoms included in FAST. It missed Know the Warning Signs of Stroke the onset of symptoms and were taken some stroke patients, especially those What would you do if you suddenly 700,000 people have a new or recurrent to a hospital prepared to treat them, with bleeding in the brain, because the became dizzy and had trouble seeing? stroke each year, the American Stroke 50 percent of stroke patients would acronym doesn’t include headache. Watch and wait? Call 911? Association reports. receive IV tPA, rather than the present Still, she thinks it may be a better way national average of around 2 percent,” to educate the public. Most Americans don’t act on warning Eighty percent of strokes are caused by noted Dr. James C. Grotta, professor signs of stroke, including sudden a clot that obstructs blood flow to the “It may miss a few, but it’s easier to and chairman of the Department of dizziness or loss of balance or coor- brain — a so-called ischemic stroke. remember, and maybe that is more Neurology at the University of Texas dination and loss of vision in one Another type, hemorrhagic stroke, can important and we need to study that,” Medical School and director of the or both eyes. Yet experts say early occur when a vessel ruptures and bleeds Kleindorfer said. stroke program at Memorial Hermann treatment could avoid devastating into the surrounding brain. Hospital, in Houston. “FAST” means “face, arms, speech, consequences, including death and Some people experience a “mini-stroke,” time” in the following way:If you disability. There are many reasons why pos- called a transient ischemic attack, when suspect someone is having a stroke, ask sible stroke victims don’t seek medical A study presented at a recent Ameri- blood flow to the brain is temporarily them to smile raise both arms and keep attention. can Stroke Association meeting blocked, and these individuals are at them up repeat a simple sentence after found more than half of people greater risk of having a future stroke. In Often people simply don’t recognize you, such as “The sky is blue” experiencing stroke symptoms don’t a study, of those who reported symp- the symptoms, explained Dr. Dawn Instead of “time”, the 4th test is seek treatment. toms but had no confirmed diagnosis Kleindorfer, an assistant professor of “tongue”. Ask the person to stick it of stroke or mini-stroke, more than neurology and stroke researcher at the out. The tongue should be straight and “What it really tells us is that whether half — 51.4 percent — did not seek University of Cincinnati. “It’s not that not at an angle. or not it was stroke, they should have medical care. they’re afraid, they just don’t recognize If the person can’t respond to any of gotten it checked out, because it it as an emergency,” she said. these commands, call your emergency could have been a stroke,” said study It isn’t known how many of them actu- number. lead author Virginia J. Howard, an ally experienced a stroke. Still, their The American Stroke Association epidemiologist at the University of failure to seek care is very worrisome, teaches the public to watch for these Getting that message to the public is, Alabama-Birmingham. “And when because tissue plasminogen activator warnings signs: of course, another challenge. in doubt,” she added, “they should (tPA), a clot-busting drug given to Sudden numbness or weakness of the Another mnemonic is STR. Doctors say talk to their doctor or seek some people who’ve had ischemic stroke, face, arm or leg, especially on one side a bystander can recognize a stroke by guidance — even if they just talk to is most effective when administered of the body.Sudden confusion, trouble asking three simple questions: their doctor over the telephone.” within three hours of the onset of stroke speaking or understanding.Sudden symptoms. S *Ask the individual to SMILE. Stroke is the nation’s third leading trouble seeing in one or both eyes.Sud- killer, claiming the lives of more than “It has been estimated — and figures den trouble walking, dizziness, loss of T *Ask the person to TALK --to SPEAK 150,000 Americans each year. About from our center support this — that balance or coordination.Sudden, severe A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) headache with no known cause. (i.e. . . It is sunny out today.) But in a study in the journal Stroke, R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH apbk stn o,rn fh, ab Kleindorfer and her colleagues ARMS.If he or she has trouble with o RCCS u examined whether a simple acro- ANY ONE of these tasks, call 9-1-1 CROWN HEIGHTS CHAPTER nym, FAST — meaning “face, immediately and describe the symp- Invites you to a arms, speech, time” — might be toms to the dispatcher. better at capturing stroke patients MEN’S and WOMEN’S Remember FAST or STR but call help than the typical list of symptoms. at the first sign of a stroke! HEALTH AWARENESS SEMINAR Within the populations studied, of every age more than 88 percent of patients had Excerpts from an article and comments on WHAT EVERYONE� MUST KNOW Yeshiva World News Tuesday CHAIRMAN “DO ALL YOU CAN TO BRING June 3, 2008 Arik Raskin MOSHIACH!” iuhx asj atr crg “HOW TO GET THE MOST Light Refreshments • Sushi OUT OF YOUR DOCTOR’S VISIT” This Sunday JUNE 1, 2008… 7:30P.M. Donald A. Bergman M.D. Program Dr. of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Thyroid, Pituitary Disease... 8:00–9:30P.M. SHARP One Million Jews “DEFYING THE ODDS” Marisa Harris Ma., M.Ed will be in Manhattan RAZAG Hall Cancer Survivor/Consultant 739 East New York Avenue INTRODUCING Where will you be….?! KEYNOTE SPEAKER We need your help… MISSION E AD “PREVENTION THROUGH NUTRITION” RE SHMEN F REFRE TS to help Jewish men to put on Tefilin. HT USHI LIG S M.D., P.C. PARKING Mitchell Gaynor LET Founder and President of Gaynor Integrative Oncology VA Let not one Jew leave the Parade that did not “TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF – THE ANNUAL PHYSICAL” put on Tefilin for the security of Eretz Israel. Eli N. Rosen M.D. Devoted Physician in Crown Heights Calling on all Chabad Anash in the Greater Question and Answer session New York & New Jersey area to bring � Tefilin and Shabbos Candles. For more information please call: Bella Rubashkin 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Director of RCCS Health Awareness Seminars 718.604.7892 (5th Ave. bet 57th St. and 79th St.) This evening is dedicated to all our RCCS patients and all those in need of a vnhka vtupr Directions from Crown Heights Kingston Avenue Subway #4 Because of transit repair, on Sunday the #4 is the local line. The parade stops are #4 to 59th, walk one block to Fifth Ave. COME AND BRING SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT! Local stops of #6 are 68th or 77th, walk one block to Fifth Ave. 16 CROWN HEIGHTS ~May 30, 2008 Mosdos

Beth Rivka principal Mrs. Teichtel Beth Rivka’s Best Tour Israel with Achos Hatmimim went further, commenting that Achos HaTmimim has had a, “very positive By Melissa Goodman a great, positive thing to do. It makes like they’re growing. People feel good effect. It makes it popular, and an in the girls feel good about themselves, about personal growth.” thing to do, to be involved in positive Fourteen of Crown Heights’s most activities. It changed the atmosphere promising Beth Rivka students and ambience of the school.” toured Eretz Israel last week. They were part of the fourth annual Achos Students and staff concur that although HaTmimim spring trip to Eretz Israel, the external motivation of a trip to which is the capstone of the Achos Eretz Israel draws people to the pro- HaTmimim extracurricular program. gram, what has made the program Contingents from Beth Rivka in so successful and so transformative Montreal, plus Lubavitch girls from is the way it puts life into perspective Chicago, Florida and California, for the girls. Aidela Zirkind, an Achos joined the Crown Heights students HaTmimim alumna, runs the program for nine days of extensive sightseeing at Beth Rivka. She says, “It totally put and Chassidishe education coordi- my life into focus and perspective, by nated by Mrs. Chana Marinovsky. working for a higher cause. It brought an enthusiasm for life, and for being a The trip to Eretz Israel was the rec- Lubavitch Chasid.” ognition for the students’ year of participation in the voluntary Achos Eleventh grader Bracha Kravitsky says, HaTmimim personal growth pro- “If you look at the ripple effect it has to gram. Each student who excelled was kids’ families and to other schools, the eligible to have her name entered into far reaching effect is amazing.” Achos a lottery.A ccording to the program’s HaTmimim has been so successful in participants and Beth Rivka principal promoting positive, Chassidishe values Mrs. Teichtel, the prospect of win- that Lubavitch schools in Toronto, ning a trip to Eretz Israel is the initial Montreal, California, and Chicago fuel that drives many of the 348 have adopted its model. The program participating Beth Rivka students is not without a price tag, though. Beth to take part in Achos HaTmimim. Rivka and parents pay for the program’s During the year, students track their yearly operations, but they do not have progress, and at the end of the year money in their budget to fund the Eretz the students with the most points are Israel trip. Mrs. Teichtel fundraises eligible for the raffle. extensively, on her own, to cover the cost of the trip. She says, “The biggest The purpose ofA chosh Atimimim is pressure is raising money.” to provide a way for students to grow as Jews and as community members. Raising funds for the $27,000 trip is no The participants track their growth small undertaking, but its benefits are on two checklists, one daily, and immeasurable. Trip madricha Fruma one that operates on a three-week Wilchanski says, “It’s an amazing trip cycle. The daily list encourages the so it lends a certain enthusiasm. It’s girls to establish positive habits feeling part of a club. It’s positive peer including: daily davening, dressing pressure.” The participants all report modestly, and watching only Jewish that every mitzvah they take on leads media. The students work on a list to another, and with their increased of fourteen goals every three weeks, observance, the Eretz Israel trip is which include: davening, chesed, especially powerful. If you would like to Chassidishe behavior, outreach, donate to Achos HaTmimim, you may and cheshbon hanefesh. A central send checks to: Beth Rivka, 310 Crown component of Achos HaTmimim is Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11225, ATTN: its peer-mentoring program, in which Achos HaTmimim /Mrs.Teichtel. every underclassman is paired with a twelfth-grade mentor. Melissa Goodman is a student at the Institute in Jerusalem, In addition to personal growth, Achos and a contributor to “The Jewish HaTmimim stresses learning. “Lunch Advocate.” and Learns,” the weekly “Five Minute Focus,” and the premium points awarded for learning maimarim moti- vate students to go above and beyond in their Jewish learning. Some girls take the initiative to do additional things, like reading Tehillim. Some students, like eleventh grader Kiki Halpern, have flourished as learn- ers through the program. Halpern attends the weekly sicha shiur, as well as the “Nosh and Nigun” classes.

Mrs. Goldie Gansbourg, a Beth Rivka teacher, chaperoned the trip to Israel for the fourth time this year. She says, “I believe in the idea of Achos HaTmimim. I believe it’s