The World of Lubavitch A publication of -Lubavitch, SEPTEMBER 2017 Vol. 43 No. 2 (148) TISHREI 5778 Words, Wickedness, and Charlottesville By Shlomo Yaffe In classic Judaic philosophy, worldly existence is divided into four strata: The inanimate, the growing (vegetative), the liv- ing (animal life) and the speaking (human). It seems curious that we do not describe the human as “thinker” or “engineer” or by any other quality that humans exclusively possess. The answer seems to be that the true potential of humanity, for good or evil, lies in the capacity for speech. The individual human can accomplish but little. All the accomplishments and disasters wrought by humanity are by virtue of communication. The accomplishment of the first farmer or shepherd lay in inspir- ing a group of people to work together to create nutrition and raiment in a new way that one person thought of. This was through words, through communication. All of hu- man power has always been an expression of a plurality united and directed by words. Abraham and Sarah taught monotheis- tic decency by words. Pharaoh enslaved the people of by words of fear and prejudice directed at the Egyptians. Beliefs promulgated by words held peoples in the thrall of autocracy, and beliefs expressed in words convinced yet others to throw off those chains. The fate of the Armenians in 1915-17 was woven of words— in hate-filled sermons and telegraphed instructions. The power of Hitler was in his words that convinced German people to join together in utter evil. It was words over radio that set in mo- tion the Rwandan massacre. Yet, it was the power of Churchill’s words that inspired the British people, against all odds, to turn back the German menace. It was words that caused Jews in the United States—in the depths of the Great Depression—to give of their often meager resources to the American Joint Distribution Committee and many other charities, thereby saving untold numbers in Europe. It is words that have created every charitable endeavor in human history. It is words that have led to equality of human rights that we enjoy in so much of the world. It is words uniting citizens to action that have enabled these United States to be a source of so much benefit to humanity. And now, it is words spread at the speed of light in a world where we each have more power to be heard than ever before— that threaten to tear us apart. Words of hate like those chanted by neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, Va., that not only inspire deeds of violence and even murder, but which create an increasingly fragmented archipelago of identities. A world where smaller and smaller groups live in ever- shrinking echo chambers where we only hear ourselves and those just like us. It has been suggested that the solution is that Chabad Lubavitch to we talk to each other, but we often do, and end up screaming at the other for being an other. Something more is needed. The Lubavitcher — Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—once counseled the members of a newly Honour Al Mintz formed ruling coalition in the Israeli Knesset who sought his Plans are in full swing bution, which only heightened with Chabad Lubavitch goes advice. He suggested that they ought not to begin by pushing for for the upcoming annual din- an awareness of the needs and back 60 years when he elected legislation that was most expressive of their views vis a vis the ner of Chabad Lubavitch. The opportunity to improve Jew- to send his firstborn Harley, opposition. gala celebration to be held ish life in the community and to a little fledgling shul on Rather, they ought to find matters that needed rectification in Wednesday, November 22, in Israel. Al’s relationship Edinburgh Drive for Talmud Israeli society that all sides could agree upon and thereby create an atmosphere of trust, cooperation and mutual respect. This is 2017, will honour Al Mintz. Torah classes. A few years not just advice for politicians. “This event is an opportunity later with the arrival of Rabbi There is so much that needs repair in our world, so many for the entire community to Grossbaum to spearhead the initiatives that can help us. We ought to identify them, starting pay tribute to a most deserv- Chabad Lubavitch Organiza- at the most local level, speak to each other across divides about ing humanitarian,” said Rabbi tion, the relationship was fur- them, and then act together to make them real in our neighbor- Zalman Grossbaum, Regional ther enhanced and has subse- hoods. Director of Chabad Lubavitch. quently rolled over to the next This also applies to online communities, where much good “As a chartered accountant for generation as well. can be done in very creative ways. over 60 years Al guided, and This year the campaign It is words that will create shared deeds of goodness and assisted many war torn im- theme is, “We Uncover Hid- kindness that in turn will create more shared words, which will migrants to navigate the com- den Value.” The message drive out the words of division, which will enable the world to plexities of business adminis- highlights the work of Chabad prevail over evil. tration and compliance with as elucidated by the Baal Shem The key is to look for goals that we agree need accomplish- the Revenue Canada Agency. Tov. He declared, “Just as the ing and can be attained without giving up on one’s core beliefs. wisest minds cannot grasp As Proverbs says (18:21 as per Ibn Ezra): “Death and Life Naturally, Tezedaka alloca- are in the hands of the tongue, and one eats the fruits of that tions was also a common sub- which [the type of words] we [choose to] love.” ject for discussion and distri- Continued on page 3 Page 2 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 The Prayer of Hannah A Prayer For a Child of what is asked of us on Rosh Hashanah appear to The Haftorah (the section be contradictory – mutually from the Prophets), which is exclusive. The statement in read on the first day of Rosh the Kabbalistic work Tikunei Hashanah, concerns Hannah. A Woman Teaches us Zohar sharpens the paradox, She has been childless until saying that those who pray by prayer, she stirred divine How to Pray on Rosh Hashanah for “food, mercy and gave birth to a son sustenance, forgiveness and of great stature, the prophet life” are like hounds that cry Samuel. “Give!” because they think The Portion of the Torah only of themselves and show read on each Shabbat and no concern with the Devine Yom Tov has an intrinsic Presence. Yet our Sages connection with the time it is have incorporated these very read. The Hannah narrative supplications for material is intrinsically connected to needs into the liturgy because the day of Rosh Hashanah: Rosh Hashanah is a propitious Hannah conceived on that norms of prayer, which call service. for personal growth in the time for such petitions to be day. But beyond that fact, for simple and brief petitions. realm of spirit. fulfilled. Hence, our kavana, there is a more timeless Eli believes that her petition The Paradox of Rosh Paradoxically: the devotional intention of connection, which can serve to G-d is inappropriately Hashanah Rosh Hashanah is the time our prayers, should include as a guide to each Jew in the self-assertive, standing as of, as it were, “crowning” our own needs. It is, however, experience of Rosh Hashanah. she is before G-d and in the Rosh Hashanah, on the one the almighty as our King, a no contradiction to be at the Since her prayer at Shiloh “House of G-d”. Hannah hand, is the time when Man’s motif that recurs throughout same time permeated with brought her a son, from her apologetically explains that material and spiritual needs the liturgy. It is a time when the humbling sense of self- prayer experience we can she is not “intoxicated” in are examined. Regarding this Man is in a state of total self- nullification. glean guidance for our own sincere personal supplication, day it is written in Psalms, nullification, to the point that efforts to evoke divine mercy but is in fact experiencing an “For it is a chok for Israel, one is totally oblivious to their Rosh Hashanah Prayer through prayer. “outpouring of soul”. a Judgment for the G-d Of personal desires and submits, and Prayer During The Year We must therefore, This dialogue between Jacob.” The Word “chok” can without reservation, to the first deal with the puzzling Hannah and Eli provides us be understood as an allotment. divine will. It is this self- This seeming response of Eli the high priest, with a proper mode of prayer, This refers to the divinely nullification, which elicits contradiction becomes who sees her lips moving and offers us insight into the ordained allotment of material acceptance of the coronation apparent not only in the Rosh silently. Concluding that she is prayers, which comprise the needs - for life, for children, from the divine King. Continued on page 18 intoxicated, he scolds her for Rosh Hashanah liturgical for economic gain, and also These two aspects coming into the sanctuary in such a state. Hannah humbly responds that she is childless and that she has come to appeal to G-d to bless her with a child.

Eli’s Error

The question arises: how can Eli be so wrong about Hannah; how can he be oblivious to the intensity of her prayer? And assuming he is, why is it necessary to record this event and to thus Cholent disparage Eli? Moreover, why By Yanki Tauber was well underway. Scarcely cholent. What a cholent he ing for some eighteen hours; does Eli, believing her to be knowing which way to hold had waiting for him! Every- good, he’d sniffed approv- intoxicated, not scold her until The story is told of a sim- the prayerbook, he draped his thing else his wife had pre- ingly, but give it another few after she finishes? ple, unlettered Jew who kept a tallit over his head and took an pared for the holiday meal hours, and ahhhh . . . A few tavern on a distant crossroads inconspicuous place against paled in comparison to that hours of aching feet and a hol- The Decorum of Prayer many weeks’ journey from the the back wall. cholent. He distinctly remem- low stomach are a small price nearest Jewish community, Hours passed. Hunger bered the juicy chunk of meat to pay considering what was These questions force who one year decided to make was beginning to gnaw at his she had put into the cholent developing under that lid with us to conclude that Eli the trip to the Jewish town for insides, but the impassioned when she set it on the fire the each passing minute. does not suspect that Rosh Hashanah. sounds of prayer around him previous afternoon. And our Obviously, that’s what his Hannah is intoxicated in When he entered the shul showed no signs of abating. tavern keeper knew one thing fellow worshippers are think- the conventional sense. The on Rosh Hashanah morning, Visions of the sumptuous hol- about cholent: the longer it ing, as well. They, too, have unusual length of her prayers it was already packed with iday meal awaiting him at his cooks, the more sumptuous a cholent simmering on their is not in keeping with the worshippers and the service lodgings made his eyes wa- your cholent. He’d looked stovetop. No wonder they’ve ter in pain. What was taking under the lid on his way to stopped crying. Let the ser- so long? Haven’t we prayed shul this morning, when the enough? Still the service cholent had already been go- Continued on page 18 stretched on. The World of Lubavitch Chabad Lubavitch of Ontario King David is author of Suddenly, as the cantor ON OUR COVER reached a particularly stirring A Publication of HaRav Dovid Schochet Rabbi Chanoch Rosenfeld the beautiful, poetic book of Chabad-Lubavitch Spiritual Leader Chabad of Hamilton passage, the entire congre- 770 Chabad Gate Rabbi Z. Aaron Grossbaum Rabbi Mendel Kaplan Psalms. Executive Vice-President In this biblical volume, gation burst into tears. Why Thornhill, Ontario Chabad @ Flamingo L4J 3V9 Rabbi Vidal Bekerman Rabbi Yisroel Landa is everyone weeping? won- Chabad at York which contains 150 liturgi- (905) 731-7000 Israeli Community Services cal prayers, supplications dered the tavern keeper. Then www.chabad.ca Rabbi Mendel Bernstein Rabbi Sholom Lezel Chabad of Richmond Hill Chabad of the Beaches and songs, the author pours it dawned on him. Of course! Editor: Rabbi Tzali Borenstein Rabbi Moshe Spalter Chabad of Durham Rabbi Mendel Nakkar out his heart and soul to the They, too, are hungry. They, Chabad of Barrie creator. Associate Editor: Rabbi Mendel Chaikin Rabbi Avrohom E. Plotkin too, are thinking of the elu- Chabad of Downtown It has been a tradition for sive meal and endless service. Rabbi Z.A. Grossbaum Chabad of Markham Rabbi Nechemia Deitsch Rabbi Mordechai Silberberg Advertising: Chabad of Midtown millennia that when a Jew With a new surge of self-pity Chabad of London Rabbi Moshe Spalter Rabbi Yechezkel Deren Rabbi Yisroel Simon finds themselves in a time of he gave vent to his anguish; a Chabad of Maple Typesetting: Chabad of Kingston need, one reads the Psalms of new wail joined the others as Rabbi Yoseph S. Gansburg Tamar Shuchat Education Rabbi Yitzchok Slavin King David, to gain strength, he, too, bawled his heart out. Chabad of Mississauga Circulation: 5500 Rabbi Levy Gansburg encouragement and trust in But after a while the weep- Chabad Bayview York Mills Rabbi Moshe S. Spalter Subscriptions: $10 yearly Administrator & Media G-d. Many read the Psalms ing let up, finally quieting to a Rabbi Menachem Gansburg regularly – finishing the en- $5 per copy Chabad on the Avenue Rabbi Moshe E. Steiner sprinkling of exceptionally pi- Chabad of Uptown tire 150 chapters each month. FALL 2017 Rabbi Moshe Goldman ous worshippers. Our hungry Chabad of Waterloo Rabbi Rafi Steiner This painting by Yoram Chabad of Guelph We cannot take Rabbi Yitzchak Grossbaum tavern keeper’s hopes soared, Camp Gan Israel Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman Raanan captures the tran- responsibility for the Russian Community Services King David scendence and eternal nature but the prayers went on. And Kashruth of the items Rabbi Yossi Hecht on. Why have they stopped advertised in this Chabad of Aurora Rabbi Zalman Zaltzman publication. Chabad of Niagara By acclaimed artist of King David as expressed Rabbi Mendel Grossbaum Yoram Raanan in Psalms crying? He wondered. Are Chabad of Newmarket they no longer hungry? Then he remembered the World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 • Page 3

Chabad Lubavitch to Honour Al Mintz Continued from page 1 the vast natural resources that G-d has embedded in the ground, so, too, no one can assess the treasures that lie hidden within each Jew. He then added, “My objec- tive is to uncover the latent propensity within each per- son so that they may realize their potential in a maxi- mum measure.” This objec- tive finds expression in its vast network of programs under the administration of Chabad Lubavitch. From the flagship cen- tre in Thornhill, Chabad Lubavitch continues to service the entire Jewish community with programs that educate and promote traditional values. These objectives are further aug- mented by some 15 satellite centres, strategically estab- lished throughout the GTA Justin Lesnick of Justin’s No Frills presents a check for $4500.00 for and beyond. Most recently another “outpost” has been the Chabad Terror Victims Project to Rabbi Mendel Kaplan of Chabad established in the neigh- bouring village of New- @ Flamingo. The donation came at the culmination of a successful cam- market. So too, there are paign which a percentage of Kosher sales at the store donated to the charity. student cen- tres at all major universities along the southern rim of Ontario. This summer over 1200 youngsters enjoyed a meaningful summer attend- ing either the Lubavitch Day Camp the city wide program or Gan Israel the overnight camp in Halibur- ton. Being sensitive to the financial hardship of many families, both programs made provisions for camp- ers to attend on a scholar- ship basis. These endeav- ours were facilitated by some 300 teenagers who were offered employment in a most rewarding envi- ronment. Notwithstanding the financial burden, Rab- bi Grossbaum noted, “we feel we excellent value by providing a meaningful summer for over 1000 chil- dren and teenagers, either as campers or counselors! Chabad Lubavitch is For the first time in its 106 year history, Wilfrid Laurier University will begin proud to be honouring Al Mintz for his work in the offering fresh kosher meals on campus. Following the successful example set Jewish community and for his commitment to pass on by Chabad of Guelph, university chefs will have supervised access to the kosher the importance of giving kitchen at the Chabad House, and the meals prepared there will be sold on cam- back to the community in order to safeguard future pus. This obviously makes a huge difference in the lives of Jewish students, en- generations, M’dor L’dor. Dinner reservations may be abling them to easily remain faithful to their heritage even when away from home. arranged by calling Chabad Pictured: Chef Nick, Chef Dennis, and Rabbi Moshe Goldman. Lubavitch at 905.731.7000 ext.222 Page 4 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017

Camp Gan Israel in Pictures World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 • Page 5

LDC in Pictures Page 6 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017

Lubavitch Day Camp

Boys Division

Preschool Division

Girls Division World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 • Page 7 Emerging From the Flood Waters: True Kindness by Chava Leiba Sneider- My Muslim neighbors a few to get rid of the mess, save what man - Houston, TX doors down were here a few we can, try to prevent mold in SEPTEMBER 3, 2017 minutes after the flood cutting the houses.” Exhausted from a long out my sheet rock. We’re com- More than the work they day’s work helping Harvey sur- ing together as a community in actually contribute, Seth ob- vivors begin to clean up their incredible ways.” serves, is the message this wrecked homes, some 150 col- The Jewish community sends to Harvey survivors. lege students from campuses is pulling its weight. Sunday “When someone needs help we across the country met at Aishel saw a relief effort mobilized by don’t care how difficult it is to people in distress. tense life-saving missions, the House Chabad center in Hous- Chabad on Campus made up of get there, we’ll be there. So if Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff has two friends rescued over 100 ton Sunday evening. Getting hundreds of college students some students put in more time been coordinating Chabad ac- people in the Meyerland and to know each other, exchang- from seven universities, as far traveling than they will have on tivities on the ground in Hous- Bellaire areas. ing notes on their volunteer ac- as Boulder, Colorado, and Kan- the ground, the message they ton, where the state’s 11 Chabad Dr. Jorge Raichman, a local tivities and kicking back after sas, Missouri, helping residents are sending is that ‘we stand centers have now all turned Jewish doctor, was stuck in his hours of “hard labor,” the stu- with a painstaking recovery. with Houston, we stand with their resources and efforts to- car for 20 hours without food. dents want to send a message of Coordinated in conjunction Chabad at Rice.’ And any of us ward providing rescue and re- Victor Grinshtein and Daniel love and support for Houston’s with Chabad of Rice Universi- would do the same for them.” lief to survivors. “We have an Cotlar, who belong to Chabad residents. ty, the students were dispatched First Responders ‘army’ of over 500 volunteers of Houston, rowed through As the city begins to emerge to community homes to help It will be some time before clocking 1000’s of hours, to try floodwaters for several hours from the flood waters, residents people clean up. According to survivors can process events of to reach everyone who needed before reaching him. face a daunting clean-up. Some Rabbi Shmuly Slonim, as soon the past week. But for people will find more damage and loss as word went out, groups from whose lives were in peril, like than they had expected and the other campus Chabad centers Nancy Reingold, the gratitude experience is bound to take volunteered. “Word spread will be there to mitigate the difficult aftermath. Nancy was used to floods. The torrential downpours following Hurri- cane Harvey would come and go quickly, the Houston resi- dent thought. As the water level rose in her house, she grabbed some food and went upstairs to wait out the hurricane. But the water level kept rising. Alone, she grew concerned. This was beginning to look different from the other floods she’s weathered. “This is life- threatening,” she realized. She called her closest relative: her son in London. He called a friend who called another friend. Menuchi Cagan, a former London resi- dent who now lives in Hous- an emotional toll on even the quickly and everyone wanted ton, was out of town when she Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff, left, co-director of Chabad of Uptown, hands containers of baby hardiest. Softening the blow to join.” Students traveled received the call. But recog- formula to a father in Houston. Chabad-Lubavitch Texas Regional Headquarters has are the hands that are reaching as much as 16 hours to get to nizing the danger, she quickly been coordinating rescue and relief efforts since the start of Hurricane Harvey. out from across the country in Houston, where they delivered forwarded a plea for help to the a dramatic volunteer effort that food supplies and participated Chabad Harvey Relief What- many say has been bringing out in clean-up. sapp group. Within hours Nan- to be saved from rising waters,” Multiply that by 500 vol- the best in people. “There’s no better use of cy was rescued by Tomer Bens- he says. The efforts are compre- unteers coordinated by Chabad, Esty Zaklikofsky is the my time today then to go out hushan and his friend Moshiko, hensive. After numerous life- plus all the others including Chabad representative to Bel- and help people in this city,” both former IDF soldiers who saving rescue missions, Chabad state, city, religious and social has been helping place families organizations, and there’s no in shelters and providing evac- overstating the scope of this ef- uees with warm kosher meals. fort. When danger and damage “The entire city went into such as unleashed by Harvey ‘how can we help?’ mode,” take so many by surprise, sur- says Basya Benshushan, vival often hinges on the good- Tomer’s wife. Through his ness of people like the Bens- work as an engineer, Tomer’s hushans and Moshiko. friend Moshiko had access to International Network a Vietnamese military vehicle Once the immediate danger that was parked 45 minutes of the flood subsided and the away at George Bush Interna- storm’s peak passed, Chabad tional Airport. But the rainfall moved fast, providing aid for was so heavy they couldn’t see some of the tens of thousands the roads. Risking their lives, displaced persons. “Many of they plodded through, “relying our community members were on Waze, intuition, and G-d.” stranded in shelters or hotels,” people trapped in precarious says Rabbi Mendy Feigenson situations. of Sugarland. “We had to evac- They reached the water- uate our Chabad house.” logged army truck. Moshiko Chabad Headquarters used his mechanical expertise worked with local emissaries and after three hours of intense to address the affected areas’ work, they managed to jump- needs in an organized efficient, In Bellaire, Texas, where many homes were devastated and all were impacted by floods from Hurricane Harvey, children were given a start the engine and get the and comprehensive manner. much-needed break, while their parents dealt with storm logistics, at a pop-up school at The Shul of Bellaire. truck up and running so they “We are lucky to have a vast could start rescuing stranded network of leaders who are on laire, one of the hardest hit ar- said Seth Kimmel, a junior are part of the Chabad commu- people. Basya coordinated their site in so many of these areas” eas of Houston. Speaking on studying mechanical engineer- nity in Houston. rescue efforts from her flooded says Rabbi Mendy Sharfstein, Facebook this past Friday in ing at Rice University, Sunday. On record as the worst di- home. “I kept getting calls from who led the central crisis man- a Shabbat message from her Seth recently got involved with saster in Texas history, Hur- mothers and grandchildren. We agement team from his office in flooded house, the young moth- Chabad on his campus. A trans- ricane Harvey, the tropical tried to get help for everyone New York where a relief web- er had this to say: “This past fer student, Seth was new to the cyclone that made landfall on who reached out to us.” With site was launched and social week has been so surreal, chal- city but determined to roll up August 25, dumped more than the coastguard maxed out, there media accounts were dedicated lenging, and overwhelming. I his sleeves. “Everyone here has a trillion gallons of rain in the were people who had been to the relief activities. “It’s been almost can’t remember what to play their part.” greater Houston area, putting treading water in their homes amazing to see how quickly life was like before Harvey hit. Chabad of Rice connected an entire major city under wa- for days, waiting for help. each Chabad emissary stepped Despite all the terror and ex- Seth and his friends to com- ter with a death toll now at 50. At one rescue site, Tomer up to the plate.” haustion, one thing is crystal munity members in Houston More than 200,000 people have didn’t have the equipment Using Chabad’s social me- clear: there is no leadership cri- who could use the help, “but sought emergency FEMA as- needed to transport an 85-year- dia platforms, calls for volun- sis. Every single person in this wouldn’t be comfortable ask- sistance; 32,000 have been old dialysis patient who was teers went out, a supply bank city has picked themselves up ing.” The efforts snowballed. evacuated to shelters around stuck with his wife and two was put together, and host by their bootstraps and reached Students have gone visiting the state. The National Guard dogs. “Within hours of post- families were identified. Those out to help people of all back- homes, packing up anything --all 14,000 troops have been ing on Facebook, a medic was in need could fill out forms to grounds. We’ve witnessed how that is salvageable and throw- activated to handle rescue there,” says Basya. “Thank have volunteers help them re- many people have been coming ing out damaged and water- missions--not nearly enough to G-d, they safely made it to shel- together for the relief efforts. logged furniture. “We’re here help the staggering number of ter.” During those days of in- Continued on page 8 Page 8 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017

Emerging From the Flood Waters: True Kindness Continued from page 7 “The Meyerland area always media coverage: “We knew we gets the brunt of bad weather, could have the biggest impact if pair their homes from the hur- but the severity of this storm we banded together.” With the ricane’s damage or find a tem- was totally unprecedented and help from Chabad on Campus, porary place to sleep. Offers of reached Bellaire as well.” the relief efforts got another help from all over the country With 11 Chabad branches shot in the arm. came in, some in monetary in the Greater Metro Area of Leah Sherman from Mem- forms and others through vol- Houston, each coordinated a phis Tennessee is grateful to unteering. different aspect of the relief ef- be where she can “tangibly Chabad campus rabbi and reb- leges in time for the first day of Post-disaster, food is hard fort: treasurer, community liai- contribute to the recovery after to come by, especially kosher betzin and the students. classes. son, media spokesperson, sup- such a massive disaster.” A se- The student volunteers will “It warms my heart that we food. Aishel House, an orga- plies, public information and nior studying bioengineering, nization that provides meal also dedicate Monday, Labor have such a nationwide strong other sectors. Says Rabbi Yossi she has been acting as the group Day, to the cleanup, before re- Jewish community nationwide, accommodations to Jewish pa- Zaklikofsky who coordinated leader and liaison between the tients and their families at Tex- turning to their respective col- that students are willing to give as Medical Center, was enlisted up their time to help people to help provide kosher food for they’ve never met.” Students evacuees. Their commercial are coming this way to help kitchen and professional staff people they’ll never see again. prepared meals for over 1000 It’s true kindness. “Definitely hungry, desperate people. “I bringing out the best of a lot of can’t tell you how much we ap- people, near and far.” preciated the delivery,” writes With the worst danger be- Rachel Goodman on Facebook. hind them, everyone now, says At the Lazaroff Chabad Basya, “is in massive rebuild Center, community members mode.” Basya used her mar- arrived to help prepare meals. keting skills to create a video When they ran low on ko- for Harvey relief. Her husband sher ingredients, Rabbi Dovid has put together a team of 6 Goldtsein of Houston, arranged construction workers from his for a fresh supply which arrived business to help citizens recov- Thursday evening. er homes from the destruction. “The center of the Jew- “Destruction, loss, and sad- ish community got hit hard,” ness are all around us,” finishes says Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky Basya, her voice choked up of Bellaire, Texas, whose own with tears, “People lost every- house was flooded wall-to-wall. thing. At the same time, though, His family moved to their sec- there is an incredible amount of ond floor to wait out the storm. A volunteer at Aishel House at the Texas Medical Center in Houston prepares kosher food for flood victims. With stores that typically carry kosher-food items under water, staples and supplies are not available. giving. It feels like a miracle.” I Just Became a Bar Mitzvah at Age 70 on Top of the Rockies Rabbinical students Men- emphatically: “Then you are back to me. my head as the scroll boxes, my mother on the phone and del Teifenbrun, left, and Men- Jewish.” “You can be bar mitzvahed or , were put into place. introduced her to Mendy, who del Liberow, right, celebrated At that moment, I knew I here, now, today in the park,” Before I knew it, I was reciting explained that now she had a the Jewish milestone of Chris- had to talk to these young men, they said. prayers in Hebrew and recall- son who was a proper Jew— topher (Bienbrech) Bonebrake sent by Chabad of Southern I couldn’t believe it! I had ing the words my zayda had well almost, without the years this week in Telluride, Colo. Colorado to perform mitzvahs never been asked or offered used at . The world of study and practice. We soon I Just Became a Bar Mitz- with Jews in the area. I made the opportunity. My beautiful seemed to melt away for a mo- parted, and I promised to stay vah at Age 70 on Top of the a hasty U-turn in the street and mother had expressed regrets ment as I gained confidence in in touch and come to see them Rockies quickly parked my car. They to me on several occasions at reciting the words. Soon we in New York after returning By Christopher (Bienbrech) were standing on the curb not having raised my brother, were holding hands, singing to my home near Washington, Bonebrake | August 16, 2017 watching me as I walked across sister and me in the tradition and dancing in the town park, D.C. Let me tell you a little story. the street. We shook hands, and of her Jewish ancestors. But taking no notice of the people And there I was. Standing It was a cloudless day on Mon- I was introduced to Mendel and that was many years ago; she’s walking by. in the bright light of day having day in Telluride, Colo., a small Mendy. I wanted to know more 90 and I’m 70—two lifetimes I remember Mendy teach- just had a bar mitzvah at 9,000 Western town high in the Rocky about them, so I suggested that nearly gone with so much that ing me about a Divine spark feet with two Jewish men I had Mountains filled with forests we walk into the park a bit and has happened over the years. and my relationship to G d. met minutes earlier. I called my and rivers. This is my eighth sit down for a talk. Again they offered, and Then, as quickly as it hap- dearest Uncle Saul in Florida year visiting my son Matthew I told them the story of I couldn’t say no. I noticed a pened, I was hugging Mendel and told him that I just become in Telluride, and I have made my Jewish grandparents and striking black bag with Hebrew and Mendy, and saying “sha- a bar mitzvah in the town park. many friends there over the how they had crossed Europe letters etched in gold. It was lom” over and over again. I With his usual sense of wit, he years. I was on my way into in the early 1900s to escape quickly opened. A yarmulke thought: Am I crazy? Is this said the next knock on my door town to run a few errands— the pogroms of Belarus and appeared and was placed on really happening? I quickly got would be the mohel. mail some postcards home, Lithuania. They settled in the have lunch with a friend and do East End of London, and made some shopping at the market. a life for themselves and their Telluride is full of tourists four daughters in the Jewish this time of year. As I passed community. Their homes were the busy town park, I saw two bombed and destroyed dur- young men in the crowd. Their ing the Nazi blitz of 1940, but appearance was very distinc- they survived. My father was tive, and I immediately rec- an American sailor stationed in ognized them as Jewish men. London. He met my mother and Neatly groomed with beards, her family, and after the war, he they were wearing handsome sponsored their journey and black suits and broad-brimmed settlement in America. hats. Without hesitation, I Then Mendy asked me the called out the window: “Sha- most poignant question: “Did lom, my brothers, shalom!” you celebrate your bar mitz- I came to a stop in the street vah?” as one of them quickly ap- No, I had not had a bar proached my car. mitzvah ceremony when I was Without hesitation, we younger. My father’s family clasped hands. The first words were American Methodists, and from his mouth were: “Are you everyone seemed to get along Jewish?” nicely without much talk of re- I replied: “No, but my ligion. And what would a 10- or mother is.” 12-year-old boy know about He asked: “Is your grand- such things? But talking with Rabbinical students Mendel Teifenbrun, left, and Mendel Liberow, right, celebrated the Jewish milestone mother Jewish?” these rabbinical students, a host I said: “Yes.” And he said of memories came flooding of Christopher (Bienbrech) Bonebrake this week in Telluride, Colo. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 • Page 9

Wilderness Rabbi Leads Teens from Rugged Yosemite Trails to Pacific High Seas By Menachem Posner | me where you are. And mentor at a high school in As a writer for Chabad. who’s with you? Melbourne, Australia. At one org, I’ve interviewed res- A: We are between point, we took the boys out cue workers choppering Alamosa and Blanca, Colo. to a bush and I observed the around Nepal, student rab- I am with 31 students and most wonderful thing: Boys bis traversing the Ama- five staff members, all who were not academically zon jungle and Chabad- of whom participated in well off and may have Lubavitch emissaries bat- YOA as students. We just even gotten made fun of by tling rising floodwaters up on climbed Blanca Peak. It their peers blossomed into the Rockies. took us two days to reach leaders. Suddenly, boys who Yet one of the hardest the top. When we got there, had been lagging behind people to reach was Rabbi we learned Torah and had became very productive, and a . We then hiked everyone else was benefiting

ways they would have never gives you an intense feeling have considered. of rest. Once a week, we allow ourselves to stay up Q: Have there been late and sleep in past 5 a.m. times that you have feared Of course, we dress up in for the boys’ lives? our Shabbat suits and eat ca- A: First of all, the staff tered food that we get shipped and I are heavily trained up from Miami. A big part for all kinds of emergency of this program is learning responses. I am an EMT, wil- how to be true to ourselves, derness EMT; have trained in no matter where we are and search and rescue; and volun- what circumstances we may teer for Hatzalah in Miami, be in. among other things. Among Q: Do the kids grow in Rabbi Michoel Harari, right, founded and directs Camp Yeshiva Outdoor Adventure, which takes high school boys deep our staff members this year their Yiddishkeit? into the wilderness for weeks at a time. (Photo: Camp YOA) we have EMTs and a former A: They grow in all areas. medic with the special forces In this program, you know in the Israeli Army. We gen- the people with you as well down to a lake for morning from their leadership. erally make sure that our Michoel Harari. staff is trained in CPR and as your own siblings. We had An accomplished educa- prayers and hiked another 14 Later on, I taught Jew- kids who were classmates but ish teens in Dnepropetrovsk, wilderness first aid as well. tor in Miami, the 35-year-old more miles to where we are We also have an intense told us that they did not know is founder and director of now. Ukraine, and I saw the same each other as well as they did thing when we took our stu- period of training before Camp Yeshiva Outdoor Ad- Our students come from camp. In fact, we spend 10 after four days of camp. The venture (YOA), which takes all over: New York, Florida, dents on a two-week camp- entire environment is one of ing trip in Romania. months researching and pre- high school boys deep into California. Over the years, paring so that we are ready growing and advancing; it the wilderness for weeks at we’ve been to British Co- Once I saw the beauty of uplifts everyone. young people being trans- for the challenges that come a time. In an interview that lumbia near Alaska, up in our way. All possible contin- They’re outside of their spanned nearly a month Maine, to Yellowstone and formed by living out in na- gency plans are also laid out. comfort zone on many lev- (he typically sees his phone Yosemite, and every state ture, it was something I have Yet nothing can be script- els—growing, exploring and once a week and often loses and national park that comes done every year. This is the ed, and weather is a factor. changing. They signed up for service even in those rare to mind. Last year, we even 11th year that we have been We once had a blizzard in that. instances), we discussed the went out to sea on the Pacific running Camp YOA, and we Wyoming in July that cov- That’s what inspires me inspiration and grit that goes for four weeks. see the same dynamic play it- ered our trail, and there was as well—knowing that we into creating life-changing Q: Sounds like the ad- self out with boys from many no way for us to see the path are changing lives. This is summer. venture of a lifetime. What different backgrounds. back. also what motivates my wife Q: I know that you’re inspired you to do this? Q: Are you selective Through dead reckoning to put up with my absenc- busy out there, so why A: As an older yeshi- about who goes out with (and Divine help), we came es—knowing that I am off don’t you begin by telling vah student, I served as a you? What do you do if out of it, but we were covered helping real people improve there is a boy who cannot in snow for two days. One in real ways. hack it? kid (who is an athlete and a A: We do a lot of leader) told me that until that research, but we are not moment, he had always felt selective in the traditional like a big shot. But out in the sense. We don’t really look at wilderness covered in snow, academic accomplishment, for the first time in his life, physical abilities or even he felt insignificant. It was a leadership qualities. Instead, defining moment for him. we look for people who are sincerely open to growing Q: What is Shabbat like and stretching themselves in camp? How do you cre- beyond what they think ate a Jewish atmosphere possible. We look at the when you are so far away attitude, heart and mind. from synagogues and fam- We’ve had strong kids who ily? fail and weaker ones who did A: We try to get a roof the program. over our heads for Shabbat. Being out in the back But even when we are out country together—often re- in the back country, it’s lying on each other for our different. When you work so As part of the program, the boys hike, swim, climb, steer, row, rappel, pray and very lives—we grow into an hard all week and lead such celebrate Shabbat. (Photo: Camp YOA) incredibly close unit, and the a rigorous routine, the very boys are open to changing in fact that you are not working Page 10 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017

Rabbinical Student’s Vision Yields 300 Pairs of Glasses for Kids in Nigeria By Faygie Levy Holt were sitting around and not al humanitarian projects the Hundreds of Nigerian being used,” he continues. Uzans have undertaken since children have their first pair “They, in turn, called their establishing their Chabad of eyeglasses, thanks in part friends. We got more glasses House in 2013. Among oth- to a rabbinical student, a than I was able to bring for er projects are programs for replies: “We’re not sure people don’t even know they eyeglasses that trip!” children with special needs, because in many villages, might need glasses.” store and Chabad of Nigeria. That’s when the vital helping local orphanages For years, Mendy Stern- work of Rabbi Israel and and developing technology bach would visit the Cohen’s Haya Uzan, co-directors of classes for local residents. Fashion Optical branch on Chabad of Nigeria, came The Uzans also opened Seventh Avenue in the Chel- into play. Living in the most a brand-new mikvah this sea neighborhood of Man- populous country in Africa— past March in the capital city of Abuja. Uzan estimates that they donated a total of 300 pairs of glasses and plan to give away more thanks to the partnership with Cohen’s Fashion Optical, which con- tinues to collect used eye- glasses from other outlets as well. As for how many more they may need, the rabbi

Mendy Sternbach with Agnes Olaor, the director of a local orphanage where children got their eyes tested. (Photo: Chabad of Nigeria) hattan each Friday to wish and also where an estimated employees a good Shab- 71 percent of residents live bat and put tefillin on with on less than $1 a day and some of the staff. 92 percent on less than $2 a One Friday, he men- day—they knew there was a tioned that he was going to definite need for the glasses. Nigeria to help with Jewish The couple contacted programming for an upcom- some organizations they ing holiday. had worked with before, in- “The store manager said cluding a local school and that he had a big box of used orphanage, and found they glasses and asked if I had would welcome the gift of any use for them in Nigeria,” improved sight for their says Sternbach. “Realizing youngsters. To make sure the the potential, we discussed kids got what they needed, some of the practical aspects explains Rabbi Uzan, doc- of glasses, like getting the tors from the College of children checked by an oph- Medicine at the University thalmologist and how to best of Lagos—Nigeria’s largest fit used glasses on them. city—came to test their eye- “Then I called my friends sight. and family asking them for The eyeglass-distribu- their old pairs of glasses that tion program is one of sever-

Sukkos Warmth in Igloo Sukkah

Rabbi Dovid Pinson, Shliach in Edmonton, Alberta, shakes the Lu- lav in his igloo sukkah, bringing the warmth of Sukkos into the cold. Although many of us enjoy wonderful weather around the world during Sukkos, harsh weather brings inches of snow upon Edmonton, making it difficult to stay outdoors 905-731-7000 ext. 231 for long. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 • Page 11

A Cry up to Heaven is Answered in Rural Denmark By Mendel Danow and Levi here, that He cares.” Gd, as well how Gd watches Loewenthal He stopped and looked at over everyone, connecting it It was Wednesday us. “And then I see an unknown to the mitzvah of . He afternoon, and we had just number calling,” he told us in then said he wanted to put up finished meeting with several wonder. “Someone called Men- a mezuzah on his door. Jews in the city of Aarhus. del is on the phone. He is calling Before we left, he told Previously, we had been from Chabad, and he wants to us that he had a Jewish Survivor driving around Denmark, come over and say hello. There Danish friend called Casper, visiting communities was no clearer sign for me. This a philosopher, and he had without any Jewish presence was Gd’s way of reaching out a feeling that he would be Moshe Holtzberg whatsoever. We helped people to me, of telling me He is here very interested in meeting us. strengthen their personal with me in this struggle.” Chanan called him to invite him connections with by We spoke with him at over, but he couldn’t make it. putting on tefillin with them, length, comforting him. We en- Instead, we made plans to meet Pledges to Return hanging on their couraged him to be more joy- the next day. doors and speaking with them ous, to focus on the positive, When we arrived at about Yiddishkeit. to try and see all the good and Casper’s apartment in the to Mumbai city center, he started off by telling us a bit about his background. He informed us “I want to ask you some- Mumbai,” he told Moshe to a that his grandfather had been thing from all my heart… round of applause. very involved in the Jewish please continue to remember Chabad’s representative community in Copenhagen; my parents.” to Mumbai, Rabbi Israel Ko- he had even started the Jewish The appeal to ’s zlovsky, was reached at the school there. Casper himself Prime Minister Narendra had no affiliation with Judaism, Chabad House in Mumbai. “I although he was very interested Modi by 11 year-old Moshe look forward to the day when in Kabbalah and the likes since Holtzberg was heartrend- Moshe comes to India and he was a philosopher. ing. On his first official visit continues the great work his We spoke to him about to Israel, PM Modi met with parents did here.” different topics in Judaism, Moshe, who was left or- Moshe was just a tod- and he was very attentive. One phaned at age three when his of the topics that came up, of dler when terrorists stormed course, was tefillin, which he parents were murdered by Is- , the Chabad had never heard about before. lamic terrorists in his home in house in Mumbai where the When he heard what it signifies, Mumbai. Holtzbergs were headquar- the power it holds and what a special mitzvah it is, he was more than happy to put them on. So we put tefillin on Casper for the first time in his life. Chanan, right, puts on tefillin for the first time in many years with the assis- “Casper, this is your bar tance of rabbinical student Mendel Danow. mitzvah!” we exclaimed. He was so overjoyed that he started dancing with us At that point, we felt beauty that Gd has given him right there in the middle of we had met the Jews within in his life. Then we offered to his apartment. We made a reach and had completed put tefillin on him. heartfelt l’chaim for his bar what we had set out to do. “I haven’t put on tefillin in mitzvah at the age of 47 on a We contemplated whether or years,” he said. regular Thursday morning. not to return to Copenhagen, the capital city, and assist the Chabad emissaries there. As we were driving along the streets, unsure how to con- tinue, we looked over our list of Jewish names and noticed Indian Prime Minister Modi hugs Moshe Holtzberg as his grandparents and Israeli that there was one person we Prime Minister Netanyahu look on still hadn’t contacted—some- one who lived two hours from where we were. We weren’t sure if we should call him since “My parents lived in tered, and took the occupants he was so far away. However, Mumbai, and they helped ev- hostage. They later killed his every Jew counts, and we di- ery person—Jewish and non- parents, Rabbi Gavriel No- aled the number. Jewish alike,” Moshe said in ach and Rivkah, as well as six His name was Chanan, and his prepared remarks. “Their he lived in Aalborg. “We’re other tourists. Rivkah was six house was open to everyone.” months pregnant at the time. from Chabad,” we told him. Moshe, his grandparents “Would you like us to come The attack on Nariman House over, and we can discuss Juda- Rabbi Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg, and his former was one in a series of five co- ism for a bit?” ordinated attacks that killed “Chabad?” he asked with Caspar, right, celebrates his bar mitzvah after putting on tefillin for the first nanny Sandra Samuels met a pause. Then he said, “Please, time, at age 47, with rabbinical student Levi Loewenthal. Modi and Israeli prime min- 166 people. come over.” He sounded ex- ister Bibi Netanyahu on July Moshe was saved by cited. 5th, in Jerusalem. Samuels, who heard his cries So we drove up north and He became very emotional We spoke to him about the “I live in , but I al- as she was hiding downstairs. arrived at Chanan’s house as as we helped put them on; he importance of a mezuzah, and She grabbed him and fled he was in middle of eating sup- started crying. he immediately wanted to put ways remember my con- per. He felt bad that he couldn’t Afterwards, we explained nection to Nariman House,” the scene. When Moshe later one up on his door. So we did. moved to Israel to live with offer us anything to eat, aside the purpose of our visit to He very much enjoyed our Moshe said. When he gets from fruit. We assured him that Denmark, and how hundreds of visit, and after we left sent us older, he said, he plans to live his grandparents, she moved it was OK and sat down. Chabad students visit thousands a warm email expressing his in Mumbai and “be the direc- there as well and received ‘No Clearer Sign’ of Jews in all parts of the world. thanks, as well as an inquiry as honorary citizenship for her As we were talking, he How this effort was initiated by tor of our Chabad House with to where he could purchase a G-d’s help. This is my house, heroism. started to open up to us, saying, the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem pair of tefillin. Weare right now “I was married to a non-Jewish M. Schneerson, of righteous a house of goodness.” Today, Moshe lives with woman, and we had two girls. memory—many years earlier in the middle of buying him a Prime Minister Modi ex- his grandparents in northern Recently, I divorced her.” He and continues ever so strongly pair in New York and sending Israel, where Samuels often them over to Denmark. tended a warm, open invita- sighed heavily, pained. “Un- today. We spoke about the tion to young Moshe. “If you visits them on the weekends. fortunately, she has custody of Rebbe’s care and love for every Later that day, he posted on social media: “Today I became would like to come stay in Modi’s trip marks the first the girls. I’m not allowed to Jew, no matter where he may visit to Israel by an Indian have any contact with my own be or his affiliation to Judaism. Bar Mitzvah—an adult Jew.” Mumbai, you are most wel- daughters. We also encouraged him to From there, we come. You and your family prime minister, and commem- “This morning,” he said, write a letter to the Rebbe, and continued on the members. You can come any- orates 25 years of diplomatic “I was at work and feeling par- send it to the to get the Rebbe’s shlichus throughout time and go anywhere.” relations between the two ticularly low and upset by my Rebbe’s blessing and help in Denmark, touched by the Prime Minister Netanyahu countries. Modi was accom- state. So I spoke to Gd. I told his troubles. Gladly, he took the inner spark that lies within the promised to make it a joint panied by Israeli Prime Min- Him how hard this is for me, email address from us to send depths of every Jew and the how lonely I feel, and I asked his letter. special connections we formed trip. “Prime Minister Modi ister Bibi Netanyahu for the Him to please show me His We stayed for a while longer, with our fellow Jews in such invited me to come to India, majority of his three-day long presence, to show me that He is discussing belief and trust in forsaken places. and you will come with me to tour. Page 12 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017

By Rabbi Aron Moss

us to number our days, so that spiritual haven. And we don’t searching. The two things that of man and woman. In this we may acquire a heart of wis- wear leather shoes. We are not can cause you to lose your bodily union, the man gives Countdown to Save dom.” (Psalms 90:12) taming any animals today. We soulmate are spiritual decline, and the woman receives. Only We have entered the last are singing with the angels. or lack of real effort. And the this way can new life be cre- Your Life week of the Jewish year. Next By the end of Yom two things that will most help ated, a child conceived. That week is Rosh Hashanah. A Kippur, your body may you find your soulmate are child is an actual manifesta- We Jews are funny. The year gone by, another one be tired, but your soul is self-improvement, and deter- tion of the unity of the parents. new year is the most solemn about to arrive. The clock is refreshed. You will be ready mined effort. Man and woman have literally day of the year. No fire- ticking away. We have far to to put your leather shoes back Sit around and nothing become one flesh. crackers or all night parties, go, and precious little time on, and begin again your task will happen. But as long as The physical world is a just praying. Where’s the to get there. Maybe now is a of taming the animal. Because you are out there, and as long mirror image of the spiritual fun? Shouldn’t new years be good time to start taking life a your mission is not to be an as you are working on your- world, and the workings of the a reason to party, and not be little seriously... angel, but to be a good human self, you will find him. soul are reflected by the work- so serious? being, by refining your own ings of the body. Just as physi- inner animal and revealing cal intimacy is the union of Answer: your unique soul. No one else bodies, the wedding ceremony Your question was an- Cool Nidrei? can fill your shoes. A Lopsided Wedding is an act of spiritual intimacy, swered for me by the traffic Ceremony? uniting souls. And so in this light on the corner. act of spiritual union the man, New York is famous for its Can I Miss My Soul- expressing the male power of swarms of pedestrians cross- (from Batya age 8) mate? I am getting married in bestowal, gives the ring to the ing the street, often ignoring Why do we wear tennis two months from now, and woman, the feminine receiver, the lights and oblivious to shoes or crocs on Yom last night we had a meeting making them one. oncoming cars. Not only will Kippur? It used to be a A friend and I have been with the rabbi who will be An exchange of rings people start crossing when the luxury to wear leather shoes going back and forth in re- conducting the ceremony. doesn’t create unity, just as lights are already flashing red, in the olden days, but today gards to dating. She is in Something came up which an exchange of seed for egg but even when the red hand it’s not such a big deal to no rush to get married, but I am quite uncomfortable would not produce a child. stops flashing and sternly wear leather, and anyway feels pressured to “get out with: the issue of only the Only when the groom gives warns them to stop, they will non-leather shoes are just as there” lest she miss out on groom giving the bride a the ring and the bride receives start dashing across en masse, comfortable, and quite cool. her soulmate. I say what will ring, and not vice versa. it, then this singular act of his blocking traffic and risking So why can’t we just wear be will be, and if it is meant This essentially represents giving and her receiving pro- their own lives. leather shoes? to happen then it will. Can to me that I am being pur- duces oneness. Any attempt So the City of New York one’s soulmate be “stolen” if chased. The idea that there to alter that process would be, came up with a new antidote Answer: they don’t act in haste? is a problem with the bride quite literally, counterproduc- to kamikaze crossers. At cer- Shoes are what connect us also giving the groom a ring tive. tain busy intersections when to the earth. And so footwear Answer: seems absurd to me. Surely We can’t play around with the light starts to flash red, represent what life on earth is It is most certainly pos- I have as much say in the the facts of life. The spiritual at the same time a number is all about. Sometimes we can sible to miss out on your soul- agreement to be married as life has facts too. May you displayed right next to the red wear leather shoes, sometimes mate. my husband-to-be? and your partner be blessed light, counting down the sec- we shouldn’t. The Talmud discusses cer- I know I am allowed to with true oneness, and from onds that remain before the Leather is animal skin tain times of the year when give the ring after the cer- that oneness may many little cars will get their green light. that has been processed and Jewish law does not allow emony. However, I want to ones come. The crossers now know ex- refined. A coarse piece of weddings to take place. One exchange rings during the actly how long they have to rawhide is stretched and of them is during a festival, ceremony. Gender equality .make a dash. boiled, treated and purified, like Pesach, as we do not want is a very important issue to Why Can’t My Hus- It seems to work. Ten- to make a final product to mix celebrations together. me. I am a highly educated band TELL ME He’ll sion is built by this dramatic that is smooth to touch and However the Talmud says woman, and I also value count down. You feel as if comfortable to wear. that while you can’t perform a my Jewish identity, but I be Late? you are passing over the track The human being is like an wedding during a festival, you am quite upset about this. of a grand prix just before animal in many ways. We eat can make shidduch - a match I would like to hear your My husband just doesn’t the starter shoots the gun, or and drink, and spend a lot of between prospective mates opinion... seem to get it. He came home walking the streets of Spain time worrying about our own with a view to get married. over an hour late last night moments before the bulls are survival. Our soul’s mission The reasoning the Talmud Answer: without so much as calling about to be released. If you on earth is to take the animal gives is that while a wedding I fully understand your to tell me that he won’t be see you have three seconds to within us and tame it, to can wait until after the festival, concern. Many couples have on time. This is the fifth time cross a wide street, you may smooth out the rough edges of if you delay making a match asked me the same question. he has done this and we are think twice before making a our personality, to transform someone else may beat you to Coming from a modern per- only married three months! suicidal dash. This system is our leather into shoes. your soulmate. spective, it does seem a little It may seem petty but it up- now standard in many cities We do this work every day But how can one person lopsided for the man to give sets me greatly. I don’t want around the world. of the year, except one. take a soulmate destined for the ring exclusively. But I be- him to see me as a nagging The funny thing is, this One day a year we someone else? lieve when you understand the wife. What should I do? system is not so different to withdraw from the physical Through raising your soul meaning of the ring giving, the usual way traffic signals world and retreat into a world to a higher level. you may feel differently. Answer: work. You always get a warn- of pure soul. Because while If you work on yourself, The chuppah is an exact There is something you ing when the light flashes red. the human being may be improve your character and spiritual operation to join your need to know about men. The difference is, here you similar to an animal, we are refine yourself to a new spiri- souls together. It is not just a They are loners. Being in a know exactly how long you also similar to angels. We tual plane, then your soulmate ceremony celebrating your al- relationship is unnatural to have. Every second is ac- each have a deeply spiritual changes. A new improved ready existing relationship, it them. They do not automati- counted for. side, a side that is pure and soul gets a new improved is a life-changing event that cally think about how their How different would we holy. It can sometimes get soulmate. creates a new relationship. actions affect someone else. live our lives if we knew ex- lost beneath our animal side. And who will be that new Before the chuppah you are The default emotional state of actly how long we have? How So one day a year we shed improved soulmate? Someone two souls. After the chuppah, a man is loneliness. much more urgently would our animal-like exterior and whose original soulmate has you are one. Still two individ- This is not true of women. we rush to do good if we become angelic, connecting either fallen to a lower spiri- uals, with two minds and two A woman has an innate sense could actually see the seconds to our soul and letting its light tual level and doesn’t deserve hearts, but a united soul. of relationship, of connection ticking away? How much less shine. them anymore, or is dithering We can understand how to others. A woman naturally time would we waste on fool- That day is Yom around, wondering if they are two souls can become one by shares of herself and bonds ishness if we could see that Kippur. Adults do not eat or ready to get married... observing how two bodies can with others, a man does not. every moment is numbered? drink, and we do no physical This teaches us an amaz- become one. The act of repro- She is a relationship being, he Moses said it like this: “Teach work. We escape for a day to a ing principle in soulmate duction is the physical union is a lonely being. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 • Page 13

By Rabbi Aron Moss

Of course, it is a huge gen- municate his lateness to you. free choice to do whatever we side of a dying man who eralisation to say that all men Help him understand that he want, and He invested Him- told me that he wants to be There is a better way to are loners and all women are is no longer alone, and show self in us, allowing Himself to cremated to show solidarity show solidarity with our dear connectors. Generalisations him how beautiful the world be impacted by our actions. with all the victims of the brothers and sisters lost in the are never accurate. But to say is when shared with someone So when the Torah says Nazis that were burned. I death camps. Have a tradition- generalisations are never ac- else. that G-d will get angry if we know it is an emotional ar- al Jewish funeral, be buried in curate is itself a generalisa- Give it time. You can’t do wrong, that is the most gument, but how can I ex- the community cemetery, and tion, and thus not accurate cure existential loneliness beautiful statement of love. plain him that the opposite have inscribed on your grave either. overnight. But if you per- G-d is saying, “You matter to is true? a dedication to victims of the So let’s generalise: Man’s severe, with gentleness and me. Your actions touch me. I Holocaust. Thus you will be natural state is to be single. love, he will open up that have invested myself in you. Answer: permanently honouring their Woman’s natural state is to be lonely place inside him and The sentiment is sincere memory, and in some symbol- in a couple. let you in. Then you can share This relationship is real.” and I am sure coming from a ic way giving them what they There is a solid base for your lives in your own Garden good place. But it is a big mis- truly wished for, a dignified of Eden, and never be lonely We only get upset at peo- this theory. It stretches all the take. Jewish burial. way back to the beginning of again. ple who matter to us. When time, to the first man and the your husband gets annoyed first woman, Adam and Eve. at you, take it as his way of If we could ask the vic- While their bodies were Adam was created alone. saying you matter to him. You tims their opinion on this, destroyed, their holy souls His original state was that of Do You EVER Get matter to G-d too. they would scream NO, don’t were untouched. They died, a bachelor. But Eve was cre- Angry? honour me by being cremated. but their Jewishness lives on ated from Adam. She was They would have wanted to in us. We honour them by liv- never single. Eve by her very Does Cremation have a proper Jewish burial. ing Jewishly in our lifetime, nature was a relationship be- It was the Nazis who chose and by being buried Jewishly ing, because she was created I’ve had a question for Honour Holocaust cremation, not the victims. By in our death. a while now and no one has with her partner next to her. Victims? voluntarily opting for crema- You have the choice when She had an inborn sense of been able to give me a satis- tion you are not perpetuating they did not. If you want to do interconnectedness, she in- fying answer. I want to know the victims wishes, but rather something for them, choose tuitively knew that we are not why it sometimes seems that I need an urgent answer. the nefarious wishes of their the option that they would alone in this world, that our we depict G-d as a tantrum- I am right now by the bed- evil murderers. have chosen. actions impact others and that ing little child. For example, we must be sensitive to those many times in the Torah it around us. This was innate to says that we should not say s"xc her psyche, for she was never or do something that is for- alone. bidden since that will make But all this was new to G-d very angry. What am I Adam. He had to learn what a supposed to make of that? relationship means, and how How can I respect a G-d who to be aware of another, for at his core he was a lonely be- is on the edge of blowing up ing. if we don’t follow what He Adam is the essential says? man, and Eve the essential woman. And so until today Answer: women are relationship be- Imagine being married to ings and men are lonely be- a man who never gets angry. ings. Not that all women are Ever. About anything. You in- good at relationships, and not sult him and he shrugs. You that all men are hopeless her- are rude to him and he is nice mits. Rather, women are more back to you. You give atten- likely to know how to bond tion to others and he isn’t the with others, and men are more least bit jealous. likely to need to learn how to Would that be a wonderful connect. So your husband has no marriage? idea why you are upset when Well, on one level, yes, it he comes home late. He may would be fantastic. No ten- be thinking, “Why can’t she sion, no issues, no arguments occupy herself until I get or fights or silent treatment. there? Is she so insecure that But in truth, it wouldn’t she can’t look after herself for be good at all. It wouldn’t be an extra hour or so?” What he a relationship. If he never gets doesn’t yet understand is that upset at you, it means that you while he is a loner, you are don’t really matter to him. If a connector. You don’t need nothing you do moves him, it him to be physically with you means he doesn’t care enough all the time, but emotionally, to be impacted by you. he must be with you all the Being in a relationship time. If he would just call to means affecting each other. say he is late, you will not be For better or for worse, your feel alone, because he showed heart is intertwined with that he cares, he has bonded someone else’s. If you aren’t with you. Eve’s mission was to help getting a reaction, then you Adam come out of his isola- aren’t connecting. You may tion and learn how to con- be married, but you are really SUNday, october 8, 2017 nect. You need to do this too. alone. 8:00pm-10:00pm | 770 chabad Gate Explain to your husband that G-d created the world it is not his lateness that up- so He could have a relation- a project of chabad Lubavitch, Lubavitch sets you, it is that he wasn’t ship with us. He made a huge considerate enough to com- gamble, creating humans with Page 14 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017

Celebrate Your Differences

Question: My wife it becomes the partner’s ant interactions—actions to perform the greatest operates a successful pri- does many things that irri- privilege to support these devoid of criticism, an- mitzvah of Ahavat Yis- vate practice in personal, tate me. For example, she goals in every possible ger, or judgment. For roel (love for another) couple and family thera- never seems to be ready way. example: Talk about top- specifically with your py. on time, she gets very A selfless attitude ics that are of interest to husband or wife. Why? emotional, or she insists brings with it not only both of you, spend time Because no one else is Before working as a on long conversations be- peace and harmony, but together working on val- in the unique position therapist, Rabbi Kass fore we go to sleep. I find also creates feelings of ued project, or take turns to help, comfort, or love was successful educa- this all very irritating. being loved and cared for sharing meaningful feel- him or her as you are. tional Rabbi working for Sometimes we even fight ings and future goals. The Torah teaches us a many years in various about all of this. This is Doing so will make both universal lesson: “Who is Yeshivas and Seminar- not what I want from my of you feel good being a happy person. The one ies. The New York Jewish partner. I don’t see a way together and will cre- that is happy with their Board of Education has out! Help? ate an atmosphere in the portion in life.” Your honored him for his dedi- Sincerely, home of genuine peace greatest portion in life cation and excellence in Desperate for a solu- and harmony. When you is your husband or wife. Jewish education. tion and your wife emote ac- When you are “happy”— ceptance and apprecia- you celebrate— how He and his wife Golda Answer: Marital rela- tion, soon your feelings your partner is special. live in Thornhill, Ontario tionships blossom when of “desperation” will be and have been blessed a husband and wife not transformed to feelings === with children and grand- only tolerate, but actually by your partner. When of being “loved.” children. celebrate the differences you both take a position A person’s relation- Rabbi Kass, MA, For more information between each other. Peo- of acceptance with each ship with G‑d includes RSW, RMFT, CCHT, is a or to arrange an appoint- ple need different things other, you will both feel how he or she relates registered Marriage and ment he can be reached in life. Beyond the basics, as if you are receiving to others. This applies Family Therapist, So- at (905) 771-1087 or visit some people need extra daily gifts of love. This in particular to how we cial Worker and Certified his websites at: www. portions of respect, oth- will then generate affec- treat our marital partner. Clinical Hypnotherapist. AbeKass.com or www. ers; affection, while some tion and friendship. You have an opportunity Currently Rabbi Kass RabbiKass.com. people cherish autonomy I would suggest to and independence, etc. “Desperate” that you Celebrating differences lower your expectations ב”ה provides the opportunity of what you want from for each individual within your spouse as much as DEAD SEA SCROLLS # MASADA # MAIMONIDES # # CHASSIDISM # PUBLIC MENORAHS the relationship to secure, possible. Be honest with without conflict, what he yourself. A relationship or she wants or needs. has certain basic require- Cooperating with ments that cannot be your partner in his or compromised. The fol- her efforts to attain his lowing are some useful or her unique physical, strategies to help you emotional, mental, and achieve an accepting atti- spiritual goals creates a tude toward your partner: relationship imbued with 1. Understand that genuine acceptance that you and your partner are lead to feelings of being unique—and that this is understood, appreciated, a good thing. If you had and loved. Individual married someone exactly goals certainly must be like yourself you would reasonable, ethical and have very quickly be- not injure anyone. If come bored. they meet this standard, 2. Nobody is perfect. Not your spouse, nor you. As you want to be accept- ed, quirks and eccentrici- GREAT DEBATES ties included—so does JEWISH HISTORY your spouse. If you “ac- cept” your partner, you increase the likelihood that he or she will in turn “accept” you. 3. By learning to adapt to your partner’s special ways of doing things you GREAT DEBATES WHEN MORE INFO/ REGISTER become a better person. JEWISH HISTORY Six Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (Women only) A new six-week course by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute 905-731-7000 7:30–9:30 p.m. (Men & women) myjli.com You learn humility, pa- Beginning November 1st, 2017 tience, and how to love Six fascinating eras in Jewish history, teeming with gripping narrative, intellectual tension, and fierce debate about the most LOCATION FEE unconditionally. All val- foundational Jewish beliefs. Chabad Lubavitch Morning class for women $70.00 An extraordinary new series that challenges everything we think, 770 Chabad Gate Evening class $100.00 Have a Sweet New ued character traits and Thornhill, Ontario. L4J 3V9 Year! necessary ingredients for everything we know, and everything we believe about Judaism. a healthy and happy life. Strive to create pleas- World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 • Page 15

AS. How long have FS. I feel it would be you been involved with indiscreet to give detailed the Chabad Mikvah? accounts of the enormous FS. I started working in changes I have witnessed, the Mikvah after I moved as women commit them- to Thornhill in 1989. Since selves to this extraordinary then I have worked at the mitzva. There are so many south Mikvah at Edinburgh, stories about wives who alternating between the two were unsuccessfully try- throughout the years. For ing to conceive and after the past seven years I have consulting the Lubavitcher been working at the Chabad Rebbe and taking on the Mikvah, 770 Chabad Gate. mitzvah of Taharat Mish- pacha, miraculously, ba- AS. Whenever a new bies were born. One day Orthodox shul is being while shopping in Sobeys, built, the mikvah is al- a young mother pushing a ways an integral part of double stroller came run- the plan. Why? By: Ahava Spilman ning up to me grinning. FS. Most Jews consider In this issue we interview Mrs. Frumey Shubov, “Hi” she exclaimed, “re- their synagogue central to long time Mikvah Hostess at Chabad Lubavitch in Thornhill member me?” I had no idea their religious life style. who she was. “Look at my The Jewish law states that family purity. mikvah revolve around a FS. Not at all. Unre- beautiful babies! Thank constructing a mikvah takes woman and her relation- stricted accessibility can you. They are because of precedence over building a AS. Does anyone else ship with Hashem. After lead to over indulgence. you.” Sometimes you just synagogue. In fact, a group accompany the bride? immersion she returns back This constant familiarity get way more credit than of Jewish families living FS. The laws of fam- to the state of purity that is a direct cause of marital you deserve, and of course together only attain the sta- ily purity are often passed surrounded Adam and Eve strife. Getting married is I replied “Mazel Tov”. tus of community after they down from generation to at the beginning of creation easy but staying married AS. Are tours avail- have created a mikvah so generation. Young women, when they were naked but is definitely more difficult. able and If women are in- it an essential component although unobservant in unashamed. Our laws of family purity terested in learning more, in conducting day to day other areas, like keeping create a never ending hon- whom can they contact? business. A mikvah is also kosher or Shabbat are often AS. I once explained to eymoon and your friend FS. Tours and informa- used for utensils, pots and taught the laws of Mikvah a gentile sexologist the ba- was insightful enough to tion are certainly available by mothers and grandmoth- sic laws of family purity. appreciate its significance. and for more information, pans, as well welcoming a contact our Mikvah Di- convert into the fold. ers. This is especially true His comment was, “bril- in the Sephardic commu- liant!” Does this surprise AS. Share a moving or rector Saltana Nakkar at 905.886.3419 AS. Can you outline nity where many family you? funny story briefly to us what the members insist on sharing “laws of mikvah” entail? the moment with the bride. FS. The concept of They bring food, throw R Wednesday, September 20 Y Friday, September 29 family purity, Taharat Ha- candies, hoot and holler, O Candlelighting 6:59 p.m. Mincha 3:15 & 4:15 p.m. mishpacha, is fundamental sing and dance and make it Mincha 7:05 p.m. O Candlelighting 6:43 p.m. to a deeper understanding a memorable celebration. S Maariv 7:50 p.m. Kol Nidre 7:00 p.m. of Jewish marriage. Jew- M ish law forbids a husband AS. Privacy is impor- H Thursday, September 21 to approach his wife during tant to the goers. How is Shacharis 9:00 a.m. specific times of the month. this maintained? K Saturday, September 30 Throughout this time, hus- FS. Mikvahs are al- H Shofar approx. 11:30 a.m. band and wife are expected ways situated in an incon- Mincha 5:30 p.m. I Shachris 9:00 a.m. to act toward each other spicuous part of the shul. A Tashlich 6:00 p.m. P Yizkor 12:00 p.m. with respect and affection Although there is always a S Maariv 7:55 p.m. Mincha 5:00 p.m. but without any physical light over the mikvah door Light Candles after 7:58 p.m. P Neilah 6:30 p.m. expression of love. At the and always a lit path to the H Maariv 7:42 p.m. end of this restrictive pe- parking lot, it still maintains Friday, September 22 U an unobtrusive presence. HIGH riod, the woman immerses A Shachris 9:00 a.m. herself in a body of water, Members of the synagogue R Yom Tov & Shabbos are aware of its location HOLIDAY N Shofar approx 11:30 a.m. a mikvah, and recites a Mincha 6:40 p.m. Services special blessing. In a most and generally avoid tread- A Shacharis 10:00 a.m. ing nearby during mikvah Candlelighting 6:56 p.m. profound symbolic manner, SERVICES Kabalat Shabbat 7:40 p.m. the husband and wife are hours. Waiting husbands H acknowledging that their are careful to avoid inter- relationship is sanctified acting with women leav- and pure. ing the “spa” and tradition- ally women return home as AS How many women quickly as possible. visit the 770 mikvah each SIMCHAT TORAH month? AS. When women are FS. About 240 ladies waiting, what do they dis- use the 770 Mikvah each cuss? HAKAFOT month and G-d willing the FS. Oh my!! When numbers will increase as women are together they more couples realize how discuss anything and ev- All are welcome to come & join the Celebration these laws can enhance erything but I have discov- their marriage. ered that conversations in SHMINI ATZERET the waiting room are more AS. How do you make subdued. They speak qui- Wednesday, October 11 Thursday, October 12 a bride’s first visit spe- etly and discreetly sharing Candlelighting 6:22 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. cial? the day’s events or a newly FS. Brides are treated discovered recipe, but still Mincha 6:25 p.m. Yizkor approx. 11:30 a.m. with special care. First there is an aura of holiness Maariv 7 :10 p.m. Mincha 6:15 p.m. that permeates even the they can book an appoint- Hakafot (followed by) 7:30 p.m. Candlelighting after 7:21 p.m. ment so they don’t have waiting room. to wait . Also we have a Kiddush beautiful suite for brides to AS. Why is this a spiri- use. We try to pamper them tually uplifting experi- SIMCHAT TORAH with extra attention, hoping ence for women? they will have a wonderful FS. It should be up- Thursday, October 5 Friday, October 17 experience and continue to lifting. This is the most visit us after the marriage. profound example (also a Maariv 7:15 p.m. Shacharis 10:00 a.m. Also we present each with Sukkah but much less dra- Kiddush 7:35 p.m. Hakafot 11:30 a.m. a Kallah basket that con- matic) where a person is tains beauty and body prod- completed surrounded by Hakafot 8:15 p.m. Torah Reading 12:15 p.m. ucts as well as a book about the mitzvah. The laws of Grand Kiddush 1:00 p.m. Page 16 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 Shiurim & ClaSSeS at 770 Chabad Gate

 men  women  men/women Weekly Classes - Winter sChedule

sunday

8:00 am ChassidiC ThoughT Rabbi gansbuRg 10:00 am PaRshaT hashavua Rabbi sChoCheT 10:00 am Rabbi gansbuRg 11:15 am TaLmud (moed kaTan) Rabbi sPaLTeR 6:45 Pm ChassidiC disCouRses Rabbi gansbuRg 8:30 Pm shuLChan aRuCh Rabbi Chaikin monday 11:30 am The Joy of Judaism Rabbi sPaLTeR 7:45 Pm The WeekLy ToRah RevieW Rabbi gansbuRg tuesday

11:30 am ToRah sTudies - PaRsha Rabbi gansbuRg 8:00 Pm TaLmud (ChuLin) Rabbi sPaLTeR 8:30 Pm haLaCha advanCed Rabbi e. sChoCheT wednesday

12:00 Pm The JeWish LeaRning insTiTuTe Rabbi gansbuRg 7:30-9:00 Pm The JeWish LeaRning insTiTuTe Rabbi gansbuRg 8:30 Pm TaLmud (PesoChim) advanCed Rabbi WiLheLm

thursday

6:20 am Chassidus Rabbi a. WagneR 12:00 Pm (hebReW) Rabbi gansbuRg 8:00 Pm in dePTh PaRsha sTudy Rabbi Z.a. gRossbaum 8:15-9:15 Pm TaLmud (baiTZa) Rabbi sPaLTeR shabbos

9:00 am Chassidus Rabbi gansbuRg 9:00 am Chassidus Rabbi WiLheLm 1 hR befoRe minCha Chassidus Rabbi gansbuRg 1 hR befoRe minCha haLaCha Rabbi sPaLTeR daily classes sun -Thu 9:00 Pm Rambam aLTeRnaTing mon -fRi 5:00 am ChassidiC ThoughT Rabbi yaRmush mon -fRi 6:30 am TaLmud Rabbi sChoCheT mon -fRi 7:10 am ChassidiC ThoughT Rabbi gansbuRg

mon - fRi 10am-12Pm TifeRes Zekeinim Levi yiTZChok TaLmud, mishnah, haLaCha & Chumash - Rabbi Chaikin World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 • Page 17 Are Solar Eclipses Proof of G-d?

By Eric Metaxas Pub- quickly discovered the di- similar. It certainly did. ets in our solar system have diameter beach ball as far lished August 20, 2017 ameter of the sun. It is pre- My calculations yielded no moons or many moons down the beach as neces- On Monday August 21 cisely 864,576 miles. The 389.121. And there it was. (Jupiter has 60) of incred- sary — until it appeared something happened in diameter of the moon was I stared at the numbers, ibly varying sizes. So this precisely the same size North America that should listed at 2,159 miles. I then amazed. Was the correla- sort of thing doesn’t happen from our perspective as the startle — or at least per- looked up the distance from tion in these ratios mere co- anywhere else in our solar tiny BB. Keep in mind our plex — anyone who gives Earth to the sun, which var- incidence? system. But our planet has beach ball is six-feet in di- it any thought. I am refer- ies slightly, but is generally Of course what this just one moon that happens ameter while a normal large ring to the full solar eclipse given as 93 million miles. all meant was simply that to be just the right size and beach ball is less than two you may have seen. To be And then I found the dis- these immemorially ancient just the right distance from feet in diameter. Our friend clear, thinking about what tance from Earth to the and vast objects, though as Earth. would have to hike 400 feet happened has little to do moon. That varies slightly different in size as a single I found the precision before the giant beach ball with the sheer visceral ex- too, so the average is given BB and a super gigantic necessary for all of this and the tiny BB matched perience of being amazed as 239,000 miles. beach ball — one that was unbelievable. The more I up in size. That’s about the by it, as we must be. Before Armed with these four over six feet in diameter — thought about it, the more I distance from home plate thinking about it, we should figures, I did some simple would from our perspective knew that there was no way to the centerfield fence in perhaps first simply goggle math. I divided the sun’s here on Earth seem almost this could be a mere coin- most major league baseball at it, at the monumen- stadiums. tal majesty of these So can the sun’s monstrously large and moon’s diam- heavenly orbs, both eters — and distanc- of which we typi- es from Earth — be cally take mostly for merely coinciden- granted. tally matched up this Is it not remark- perfectly? Every- able that these ever- thing about it makes present objects — that seem ridiculous. though separated by But of course you nearly one hundred can decide for your- million miles — self. should once in a very Three thousand great while perform years ago a man in this curiously perfect Israel wrote: “The dance? But to what heavens declare the end? glory of God; the But what might skies proclaim the make us start to think work of his hands.” a bit about this event That man didn’t have a telescope or a Brit- is that this celestial tanica, but he saw pas de deux is being something many of performed only for us today still do not us. Anywhere but see. He saw a God here on this planet on behind it all. It may that Monday, the view be true that seeing a of these two objects Grand Designer be- was nothing special. hind these breath-tak- It is only what we see ing events requires from our terrestrial what we call a leap vantage point that is of faith; but it may special. It’s almost also be true that see- as though what we ing mere coincidence must marvel at was behind them requires artfully arranged spe- an even greater leap cifically for our ben- of faith. In my mind, efit. Which brings us much greater. But, to the curious and startling diameter (864,576) by the precisely the same size. So cidence. It seemed almost you may be the judge. part of the story. moon’s (2,159) and got if they ever just happened planned. In fact, it seemed Eric Metaxas is the au- About fifteen years ago 400.452. If my strange to align in the sky, they utterly planned, as all things thor of several bestselling an odd idea popped into my hunch was correct, dividing would match up perfectly. of such precision must be. books, including “Bonhoef- head. Google was just a the distance from the Earth Not almost perfectly. But To bring this closer to fer” and “Amazing Grace.” gurgling infant. But I hap- to the sun (93,000,000) by perfectly, and bizarrely so. home, imagine holding His latest book is “If You pened to have a sturdy Brit- the distance from the Earth What might be the odds a BB twelve inches from Can Keep It: The Forgotten tanica nearby and I pulled to the moon (239,000) of this just happening ran- our face and then asking a Promise of American Lib- out a dusty volume and should give me something domly? Almost all the plan- friend to carry the six-foot erty” Steeles Dignity Memorial Chapel Comfort Compassion 350 Steeles Avenue West Thornhill Ont. L4J 1A1 - (905) 881-6003 Established 1927 C.P. Saucier, Managing Funeral Director Page 18 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017

The Prayer of Hannah Cholent

Continued from page 2 still be posed: the prayers of Holies”, there should be no Continued from page 2 spiritual function and design. Hashanah liturgy, but in the the Rosh Hashanah liturgy outer distractions; the sole And when we utilize some- were fixed by our Sages for concern should be profound vice go on, he consoled him- thing to serve the Creator, we daily Amidah, the prayer said self, the longer the better. three times each day, recited all Jews, regardless of their awareness of actually being penetrate its shell of mundan- level and status; and among “before G-d” It is then wholly And on the service ity, revealing and realizing its as “one who stands before the went. His stomach felt like divine essence. king” in such self-abnegation them are surely some whose inappropriate to ask for pleas for both material and material matters and personal raw leather, his knees grew It is to this end that we that making the slightest weak with hunger, his head have been scattered across untoward gesture would be spiritual acquisitions are not needs, even so heartfelt a plea throbbed in pain, his throat solely motivated by a desire to as “Give your maidservant a the six continents—so that we deemed an act of sacrilege. burned with suppressed tears. may come in contact with the Yet, in the twelve intermediate fulfill G-d’s will, but to some child.” In addition, Hannah But whenever he felt that he sparks of holiness which await benedictions, the Sages have degree from anxiety over their prayed “at length” in a state simply could not hold out a redemption in every corner ordained supplications for our own needs. They pray with of spiritual “intoxication”, moment longer, he thought of of the globe. So that a print- most mundane needs. the basic hope that G-d will impelled by desires which, in his cholent, envisioning what ing press in Boston should This question can fulfill their mortal needs from Eli’s view, were essentially was happening to that piece of print a work of Torah learn- be resolved, however, by His “full and generous hand.” self-centered. Eli believed meat at that very moment: the ing on paper manufactured distinguishing between the Indeed, the commandment to that Hannah’s desire to have a steady crisping on the outside, by a Pennsylvania mill from prayers of the High Holy Days pray is, in essence, that one child was so powerful that she the softening on the inside, a tree which grew in Oregon. and those of the entire year. ask for one’s personal needs, was not adequately mindful of the blending of flavors with So that a forest clearing in Po- During the course of the year, as is obvious in the blessings where she stood “before G-d.” the potatoes, beans, kishke land should serve as the site subsequent to the coronation of the silent prayer, each To these words of Eli, and spices in the pot. Every for a traveling Jew’s prayers, Rosh Hashanah, G-d the King, being an explicit request for Hannah replied, “I poured minute longer, he kept telling and that a scientific theory de- is metaphorically speaking, fulfillment of a specific need. out my soul before G-d.” Her himself, is another minute on veloped in a British university conducting the everyday This is, in fact, the unique and prayer for a child was not an the fire for my cholent. should aid a Jew in his appre- affairs of His state. An hour later, the can- ciation of the divine wisdom surpassing effect of prayer that expression of “intoxication” tor launched into another ex- However, Rosh through prayer the sick person and selfish obsession. On the inherent in the natural world. Hashanah marks the onset of ceptionally moving piece. As And the holier the spark, G-d’s sovereignty, when the is cured, and the needed rain contrary, it was an outpouring his tremulous voice painted the deeper it lies buried. The Jews must crown G-d as King actually does fall. of the innermost aspect of her the awesome scene of divine Kabbalistic masters employ by submitting to His authority. soul, specifically related to judgment unfolding in the the analogy of a collapsed At that time He is exalted and Hunger for Holiness her “standing before G-d.” heavens, the entire shul broke wall—the highest stones are transcendent, above guiding It is thus clear why down weeping once again. the ones which fall the farthest. the world, as it were, and This enigma can concurrent with her plea At this point, the dam burst By the same token, when G d greater and more profound be resolved by bearing in Hannah vowed that if “You in this simple Jew’s heart, for invested His will in His cre- self-nullification is required. mind the Baal Shem Tov’s will give Your maidservant he well understood what was ation, He caused its loftiest el- Therefore this problem is interpretation of the verse, a child, then “I will give him on his fellow worshippers’ ements to descend to the most specifically linked to Rosh “Hungry and thirsty, their over to G-d for all the days minds. “Enough is enough!” distant and spiritually desolate Hashanah: how can Man be in soul prayerfully yearns within of his life.” His entire life he sobbed. “Never mind the corners of the earth. Hence such a state of total humility them”. He explains that the would not be for personal cholent! It’s been cooking our galut—our exile from the and yet pray to the King for hunger and the thirst of the endeavor, but from yearning long enough! I’m hungry! I Holy Land, our subjugation his personal needs? body for food or drink are to serve G-d, a drive, which want to go home . . . !” to alien governments and cul- rooted in the fact that “the she experienced within the Jewish history is a cho- tures, the cessation of G d’s lent. Crowning the King soul prayerfully yearns.” The innermost realm of her soul. open and direct involvement soul desires to refine the spark This, then, is the in our lives, and our seeming abandonment to chance and The explanation of of sanctity within food and spiritual implication for The Talmud states that fate. All this is a “descent for the above problem is that drink which is specifically every Jew from the Rosh “the people of Israel were the sake of ascent,” a mission the prayer of a Jew for one’s granted to that person and Hashanah prayer: If only exiled amongst the nations to the most forsaken points needs on Rosh Hashanah is which “he must set right.” In the inner essence of a Jew is only so that converts may be of earth—spiritually as well not due to a quest for personal other words, although a Jew dedicated to G-d that is not added to them.” On the most as geographically—to extract gain, nor great material experiences physiological sufficient. This essence must basic level, this is a reference the exceptionally lofty sparks possessions, or even lofty hunger, the true “hunger” is emerge and manifest itself to those non-Jews who, in the they contain. spiritual qualities. One’s the longing of the soul for the in day to day material life. centuries of our dispersion, Thus, the more painful the striving is totally derived from sparks of sanctity in the food, Thus, when a Jew prays on have come in contact with the galut, the more challenging its the endeavor to fulfill the which are uniquely related to Rosh Hashanah, beseeching Jewish people and decided to trials, the lowlier the elements spiritual service of “Coronate him. G-d for his material needs or convert to Judaism. But chas- it confronts us with—the Me as king over you.” Although prayers even spiritual needs, the “high sidic teaching explains that greater its rewards. Every ad- The prayerful plea on Rosh Hashanah; that G-d priest Eli” within his soul the Talmud is also referring to ditional minute of galut repre- of “Reign upon the world grant material and spiritual contends: “How long will you the many other “souls” which sents more sparks of holiness we have transformed and el- redeemed, and its every fur- in Thy Glory,” that G-d’s needs, may appear to result be drunken?” At this time of evated in the course of our ex- majesty should be manifestly from selfish personal desire G-d’s coronation, it is utterly ther descent brings a deeper ile—the “sparks of holiness” dimension of the divine pur- perceived in the world, is for “children, health and inappropriate to think of contained within the physical pose to fruition. actualized by means of a economic prosperity,” worldly matters and personal creation. But there comes a point Jew’s concerning oneself nevertheless, within even a needs. The great Kabbalist Rabbi at which every Jew must cry specifically with worldly simple Jew, the inner force Notwithstanding Isaac Luria (the “Ari”) taught out from the very depths of his matters and transforming behind the prayer is the this, a Jew must still ask for that every created entity has being: “Enough already! The them into an abode for His “outpouring of soul”; the these needs, for indeed it is a spark of G dliness within cholent has been cooking long Divine Presence. hunger and yearning of the this very challenge, which it, a pinpoint of divinity that enough! We want to come The material world spirit to fulfill G-d’s will for evokes the reply from the constitutes its soul—i.e., its home!” at large contains “sparks of “the creation of an abode for “Hannah” within each Jew. sanctity.” Each individual Him in mundane world.” Even someone who, on the Jew is charged with refining This, therefore, is the conscious level, is only and uplifting those sparks reason that the most intense aware of his personal needs uniquely designated to him/ feelings are experienced has within him the essential her, these being their specific specifically during the prayers yearning for “I poured out my “share” and responsibility for ones personal needs: the soul before G-d.” This is the as their spiritual endeavor. inner motivation of these true desire of he essence of Therefore, the Jew prays for prayers is the soul’s basic drive the soul, which is “bound and G-d’s material blessing, for to fulfill the divine purpose united with You.” joined in only in this way can they of creation, transforming the oneness with G-d. accomplish G-d’s “Reign world into an abode for the Just as Hannah’s The recital of Kaddish is the bond which upon the whole world” in Almighty. response totally resolved unites the generations from the immemorial relation to the specific spiritual To return to our Eli’s challenge and caused unto eternity. It is the way we show our time- mission assigned to him/her. original question, we may him to offer his own blessing less devotion to our parents and loved ones. In Thus, a Jew’s conclude that the haftorah and assurance that “the G-d the event you cannot personally observe this self-awareness does not of Hannah, describing her of Israel will grant the plea hallowed expression of love for the duration compromise the purity of heartfelt prayer and Eli’s that you have pleaded of of eleven months, alternate arrangements can his Rosh Hashanah prayers, challenge, “how long will you Him,” similarly, G-d will be made through the Chabad Lubavitch Orga- for she pleads with the sole be drunken,” was designated fulfill every Jew’s request nization. You may also consider placing bronze intention of fulfilling G-d’s for the day of Rosh Hashanah for a good and sweet year, name plates of your departed ones on our Me- Will. in order to underscore this even in the most literal sense, morial Board which will insure The Observance spiritual concept. for “children, health and of Yahrtzeit in perpetuity. Individual Needs Eli’s argument was economic sustenance,” and For further information call 905.731.7000 that while one stands “before all of them in a generous and The question can G-d… before the Holy of abundant manner. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017 • Page 19

The educational project is “All you need to do business The Missionary Mogul just one part of Leviev’s recent in America is a good name, and discovery of America. After banks will lend you all the money Continued from page 20 too. He said: ‘Just tell me what irreligious Jewish communities 9/11, he and a partner bought the you need,” Leviev told me with you’re interested in — oil? Gas? of the former Soviet Union. JP Morgan building near ground enthusiasm. Tourism? What can I do for you?’ Modernity comports with zero at a bargain price (a reported Israel is a society in which the instincts of a tiger and the “I asked him, ‘How can I Leviev’s personal style, which $100 million), converting it successful people are rarely moxi of a panther.” invest in a country that doesn’t is, in its outward aspect, Chabad- into luxury condominiums and praised. But I encountered very There’s no need to cry for like Jews?’ Heydar got very upset lite. He once made headlines clearing a very handsome profit. little criticism of Leviev there, De Beers, which still controls a when I said that. He began telling by closing his upscale mall in It made him a believer in New even from members of the Jewish major share of the world’s uncut me how many Jewish friends he Ramat Aviv — a bastion of York. WASP business establishment. diamonds. But the syndicate no had and how much the Jews had WASP Israel — on the Sabbath, “Every building is half a “He’s still an outsider,” one high- longer sets the worldwide market contributed to his culture and the and officially his businesses are billion dollars,” he told me. “All powered Tel Aviv lawyer told me. value of diamonds or decides country and so on. closed on Saturday. But abroad, you need is a global perspective. “We don’t know anything about who can manufacture and sell “ ‘But you’re closing down some of the businesses Leviev I knew New York would come his personal life. But from what them. the Jewish school,’ I told him. owns an interest in work seven back.” anyone can tell, he’s clean. You Neither can Leviev. But he ‘I’ve come to ask you to allow days a week, and his American Jacques Zimmerman, who read about him in the business has become the world’s largest it to remain open. Right now 7-Elevens sell nonkosher food. handles communications for pages of the newspaper, not the cutter and polisher of diamonds the Jews of Baku are gathered Leviev himself strictly observes Africa Israel, told me: “Lev’s gossip columns.” and one of its major sources of in the synagogue, awaiting your the Sabbath, but he has been natural tendency, his home court, One of Leviev’s greatest rough diamonds — the gelem he answer.’ ” known to interrupt his weekday is Israel and . But he is admirers is Eitan Raff, chairman dreamed of. Leviev paused at this point prayers for important phone constantly looking to expand.” of Israel’s Bank Leumi, from On a shelf in Leviev’s Ramat in the story. Dramatic tales of calls. The engine for this growth which Leviev bought Africa Gan office sits a framed photo of peril and salvation are part of the Unlike many Chabad men, is Africa Israel. The company Israel in 1996. The sale was . Leviev describes Chabad oral tradition. Leviev is clean-shaven, wears is publicly traded on the Tel controversial at the time. “He was him as a “true friend.” The “Heydar consulted his stylish business suits open at the Aviv Stock Exchange and a Russian,” Raff says. “We didn’t offices of many Israeli business advisers,” Leviev said. “Then collar and sometimes lounges handles Leviev’s businesses, not know him or anything about him. magnates feature photographic he returned to me and said: ‘The We thought he might be some trophies, grab-and-grin shots school can remain open. All kind of oligarch. I hired two or with (in ascending order of right?’ three investigators to check him importance) the prime minister “I told him: ‘Well, there’s out. He came up clean.” of Israel, the president of the another problem. The Jewish There were a number of United States, Bill Clinton and institutions here are in bad foreign suitors for Africa Israel, A-list Hollywood stars. Leviev shape. Can you arrange for me to but after fighting broke out in has a different collection. Aside acquire a plot of land to rebuild?’ Jerusalem between Israeli and from the Lubavitcher rebbe “ ‘Yes,’ said Heydar. ‘Is that Palestinian gunmen, they became and Vladimir Putin, there are all?’ skittish and withdrew, leaving photos taken with the leaders “ ‘Not quite. I’d appreciate it Leviev as the sole bidder. The of Azerbaijan, Armenia and if you would personally open the asking price was $400 million, Kazakhstan, for which he serves school next year. That way there and Bank Leumi had to sell; as honorary consul in Israel. will be no misunderstandings it had been ordered by a court (“Yes, I saw ‘Borat’ ” Leviev about what the government’s to divest itself of nonfinancial told me wearily. “Yes, I thought position is.’ holdings, including Africa Israel, it was funny. But silly.”) Leviev’s “Heydar said: ‘I’ll do that. by a certain date. Leviev had the picture gallery reflects his status Are you satisfied now?’ bank over a barrel. “What would as the president of the Federation “I told him: ‘Just one last you say to $330?” Leviev asked thing, sir. Those journalists in Raff. of Jewish Communities in “No, it’s worth four, that’s the former Soviet Union, an your outer office? Would you mind announcing our agreement the fair price,” Raff said. organization he has led since Leviev stuck out his hand, 1998. Nobody knows exactly to them?’ ” After Aliyev’s press diamond-business style. “Four,” how many Jews live in the former he said. Soviet Union, but estimates conference, Leviev remembers returning triumphantly to the “He acted with great probity,” range from 400,000 to upward of Raff says. “He didn’t try to take one million. Leviev leads them synagogue to deliver the good news. Shortly thereafter, Aliyev advantage or squeeze. His word with his checkbook. is his bond,” he says. “Look, I’m “When it comes to died and was succeeded by his son, with whom Leviev is on a kibbutznik. Leviev and I aren’t contributing to the Jewish people, from the same world at all. But I Lev Leviev is in a class by friendly terms. “And did you invest after consider him a friend, and I think himself,” says Natan Sharansky, he’s an example of what the head the former Soviet dissident and that?” I asked. Leviev smiled. “No,” he of a public company should be.” former Israeli deputy prime Leviev has thus far steered minster. “I know a lot of rich said. “Azerbaijan has so many natural resources they don’t need clear of Israeli politics. That people who give money. But my investment. But I told them doesn’t mean he lacks influence, Leviev is on a completely that they would get a blessing however. He meets from time to different level. He’s building from God.” in jeans, and his small black including privately held diamond time with the nation’s leaders, entire communities.” Leviev insists that he skullcap is barely visible. He interests. Leviev personally owns mostly to discuss the economy. More than this, he is a maintains a strict division is also something of a feminist. about 75 percent of Africa Israel, He owns Israel’s Russian- power broker and intercessor between his community Leviev’s two eldest daughters which was valued, in mid-July, at language television station, on behalf of beleaguered Jews leadership and his business have been brought into the approximately $5 billion. which reaches about 15 percent throughout the former U.S.S.R. dealings. Perhaps this is so, business as senior executives. According to Zimmerman, of the population. The first time Take, for instance, the case of the but the republics of the former Zvia, a mother of four who Africa Israel has made a I spoke to Leviev, he denied that Jewish private schools in Baku, Soviet Union are not famous for runs international marketing “strategic decision” to think big. he had any personal political Azerbaijan. Three years ago the their transparency. At any rate, and mall businesses for her “The work involved in large and aspirations. Three days later, he government, concerned about the business depends to a large extent father, is frequently mentioned small projects is about the same, wasn’t so sure. “Would I like to influence of neighboring Iran and on personal and political access. in the Israeli press as a potential so why not do big projects?” be prime minister?” he mused. “I the spread of local madrassas, “A big part of our analytical value successor. Leviev is proud to In Moscow, Africa Israel is might. When I turn 60.” decided to close all the private depends on the perception that have raised his nine children in currently building a million- That’s nine years off. At schools in the country. This, we can get anything approved B’nai B’rack, Tel Aviv’s ultra- square-foot mall as well as Leviev’s pace, nine years is a of course, included the Jewish in Russia,” says Jacques Orthodox suburb, but he is another 750,000-square-foot mall lot of time — time enough to school in Baku, Azerbaijan’s Zimmerman, the vice president planning to move to an estate in that is entirely underground. It is make his way into the Forbes capital. The community elders for communications of Africa Saviyon, the equivalent of going the lead partner in a consortium “starting 10,” time to complete petitioned the government, but to Israel, Leviev’s international from Borough Park to Scarsdale. that is building the subway in Tel the Chabadization of Soviet no avail. holding and investment company. A few years ago, concerned Aviv. Africa Israel is active in Jewry and time, perhaps, to make This perception has been Bukharan Jewish immigrants China, India, the Philippines and a run at becoming Israel’s first “They even tried to get American strengthened by public displays in New York reported to Leviev Latin America as well. Russian-Bukharan-mohel-mogul Jewish organizations to of affection between Putin and that their children were being “We’re worldwide, but our prime minister. intervene,” Leviev recalled. “But Leviev. In 2000, the Russian corrupted by the public schools emphasis is moving more and the Jewish organizations couldn’t president was the guest of of Queens. “The kids were more to the United States,” do a thing.” He smiled thinly. honor at the opening of the going out with Pakistanis, Puerto Zimmerman says. “In the last six He has a generally low opinion Jewish Community Center in Ricans, all sorts of people,” I was months, we’ve bought into more of American Jewish activists, the Marina Roscha district of told by one of Leviev’s intimates. than a billion dollars’ worth of especially his fellow billionaires. Moscow, which Leviev played Leviev would have been equally projects in Manhattan, and that’s And so Leviev decided to a major role in building. It was horrified to learn that the going to grow.” ride to the rescue. He flew to a gesture widely interpreted as a Bukharan Jews of Queens were Africa Israel’s American Baku on his private plane, parked sign of good will not only toward hooking up with descendants of holdings include not only at the airport and went straight to Russia’s Jews but toward Leviev the Mayflower. the former New York Times the synagogue. himself. In response, Leviev donated Building but also a half-share of “The Jews were all gathered Putin also took Leviev’s the money for a private school in the Apthorp apartment building there,” he recounted in what is side in a dispute over the post Elmhurst. He picks up the tuition on the Upper West Side and the obviously a favorite story. “I told of of Russia, backing tab for the entire student body — Clock Tower on Madison Avenue, them to wait while I talked to Leviev’s candidate, about 800 kids at an estimated 1,700 Fina gas stations around the president.” At the time, that for the position. The Kremlin’s $18,000 a pop. Leviev regards the country and development was Heydar Aliyev. “There were endorsement of Lazar was a final this as a pilot project. His goal, I projects in , San journalists in his outer office. confirmation that Leviev had was told by his assistant, Shlomi Francisco, Miami and Phoenix. Everyone was excited to see achieved a typically audacious Peles, is to make a free Orthodox Recently the company announced me there, because they thought and improbable victory — Jewish education available to it will be opening a giant Hard Have a Sweet New I had come to invest money in putting Chabad in effective every Jewish child in United Rock amusement park in Myrtle the country. Heydar thought so, control of the assimilated, mostly States. Beach, S.C. Year! Page 20 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2017

Kiryat Malachi. was strictly regulated by De me by saying: “Fear. I grew up Avner Leviev enrolled his Beers, a company founded in in fear.” son in a Chabad yeshiva. It was the 19th century to mine its Tashkent is a Muslim city, a match that didn’t take. “I’m first shaft of diamond-bearing and although there wasn’t much not a born yeshiva scholar,” kimberlite. In 1930, De Beers overt anti-Jewish violence, there Leviev admits. In Tashkent he established a cartel that over was a climate of mistrust. “Many had finished 10th grade. He left the next few decades came to times I was beaten up in school,” the yeshiva after a few months, dominate diamond mining in he recalls. But his biggest ending his formal education. If the Soviet Union, Africa and the fear was of the Communist Leviev regrets this, he doesn’t rest of the world. It regulated government. show it. “I just wanted to make the market through a system “As a boy, they used to money,” he told me. of “sightholders,” handpicked make us stand at attention and The Missionary Through a family friend, producers of rough diamonds and salute the statue of Lenin,” he Leviev found work as an dealers of finished diamonds, who told me. “I’d curse him and the apprentice diamond cutter. It were allowed to buy quantities other Communists under my was industry practice not to of unfinished diamonds at fixed breath. They sent my grandfather Mogul teach anyone all 11 steps of prices, via De Beers. to Siberia. They wouldn’t let us the diamond-cutting trade, but When Leviev started out, keep the Sabbath — we had to Leviev paid his fellow workers there were about 100 sightholders go to school on Saturdays. Just to show him every facet of the around the world. They came to being Jewish was dangerous.” Excerpted from an article Gates, whom he says he hopes to process. By the time he finished London several times a year and, Still, he saw business By Zev Chafets in The New eventually join in what he calls, an undistinguished stint in the at syndicate headquarters, were potential in Russia. He spoke York Times in 2007 in Russian-accented Hebrew, rabbinical corps of the army, he offered diamonds on a take-it- the language, knew the local was ready to go into business for or-leave-it basis. Those who left customs. His father, sensing himself. it too often were decertified, and danger, begged Leviev not to go. “I never doubted that I would new sightholders were selected. So Leviev traveled to , get rich,” Leviev told me. “I knew Small diamond cutters and to the headquarters of the from the time I was 6 that I was merchants like Leviev couldn’t Lubavitcher rebbe, for a second destined to be a millionaire. I’d afford to buy from sightholders. opinion. go with my father to shops, and They were allowed to buy rough It is a meeting that has while he was talking business, diamonds from “secondary become folklore, both in Chabad my eyes automatically counted dealers” who managed to get and in the diamond industry. the merchandise.” their hands on small, smuggled Leviev tells the story with Leviev chose a tough quantities. It was a limiting obvious relish: “I spoke to the industry. “The diamond business arrangement, and Leviev didn’t rebbe in Hebrew. I asked him, is usually a family business,” says like limitations. He applied to Should I go or not? He answered a Tel Aviv diamond merchant. become a De Beers sightholder. me in a kind of antique Russian. “People accumulate wealth “There was resistance to He said: ‘Go. Go to Russia and slowly, over generations. When him at first,” recalls the Tel Aviv do business, but don’t forget to Leviev started out, all he had was diamond merchant, who knew help the Jews. Remember your an amazing amount of ambition Leviev at the time. “A lot of family tradition.’ and the ability to understand the people thought he was uncouth, stone. Understanding the stone not really civilized. This wasn’t This was more than good advice. — that was the key.” anti-Semitism. Most of the people The rebbe’s blessing gave Leviev When Lev Leviev’s first “the world’s starting 10.” The headquarters of Leviev’s who rejected him were European the keys to the Chabad network son, Shalom, was born in 1978, Leviev admires not only U.S. diamond company, LLD Jews themselves. Leviev was in the former Soviet Union at a Leviev decided to circumcise Gates’s wealth but also his USA, is located at the mouth of an outsider, a Bukharan. But he very dangerous time. the baby himself. He was only activist style of philanthropy. the Manhattan diamond district, was so industrious, so ambitious, Officially, Leviev was 22 years old. He had never “A lot of very rich men wait too on the corner of 47th Street such a good businessman, that invited by the Soviet minister studied the art of circumcision long to give their money away,” and Fifth Avenue. To get up to eventually they had no choice. of energy in 1989, which was and never performed one. But he told me. “Warren Buffett, his office, you need to be both They had to accept him.” exploring ways of ending the he had seen it done. His father, for example. He’s in his 70s photographed and fingerprinted Soon Leviev became a rising De Beers grip on the country’s Avner, had been an underground now, and he should have started by a very high tech security star in the De Beers syndicate. diamonds. “When I got there, mohel in Tashkent, the capital earlier. But Bill Gates is a young system. He brought his extended family Gorbachev was still in power, of Uzbek Republic, at a time man, and he’s already giving to People who handle gems are into his business, leveraged their but you could sense that things when performing any Jewish help the world. That’s the right cautious and security-conscious, resources and prospered. But he were coming apart,” Leviev says. ritual act could get you in trouble way to do it.” and Leviev is no exception. chafed under the control of the “Everything was unsettled, and I with the Soviet authorities. The Leviev, who is 51, is a family had been in Israel for legendary philanthropist, too eight years. There were plenty — he refuses to say how much of trained ritual mohelim in Tel he gives away each year, but he Aviv. But Leviev regarded the did not dispute an estimate of act of circumcising his own son $50 million. He does not share as both a religious duty and the Gates’s universalist outlook, fulfillment of a family tradition. however. Leviev is a tribal “I knew what I was doing,” leader, a benefactor of Jewish he told me when I spoke to him causes, particularly in the recently at his office in Yahud, former Soviet Union, where he a suburb of Tel Aviv. “I was a underwrites Jewish day schools, diamond cutter, after all. It’s not synagogues, orphanages, social all that different.” He extended centers and soup kitchens for his hands, palms down, for my more than 500 communities. inspection and smiled. “I’ve got To make this vast philanthropic steady hands.” enterprise run, Leviev subsidizes In the years since he an army of some 10,000 Jewish introduced his son into functionaries from Ukraine to Israel’s blood covenant with Azerbaijan, including 300 . the almighty, Lev Leviev has Most of the 300 rabbis are performed more than a thousand Chabadniks, adherents of the ritual circumcisions — many Brooklyn-based Hasidic group on the sons of employees in his Chabad — fundamentalist, ever-expanding business empire. missionizing, worldly and In those years, Leviev has gone centered on the personality and from impoverished immigrant to teachings of the late Menachem the man who broke the De Beers Mendel Schneerson, the international diamond cartel. His Lubavitcher rebbe. In Israel, companies build vast shopping it has supported right-wing malls, housing projects, highways Greater Israel candidates. Lev and railways throughout Israel, Leviev’s loyalty to Chabad is Lev Leviev with Russia’s chief rabbi Berel Lazar affix a Mezuzah at the opening of the largest Shopping Mall in Moscow the former Soviet Union and unquestioning. “The rebbe is my Western Europe. He owns role model, and my values are his everything from diamond mines values,” he says. Perhaps for that reason, many of syndicate. felt the fear again.” in Angola to a string of 7-Elevens Lev Leviev arrived in his closest associates are relatives In the late ’80s, Leviev saw There were other risks, too. in Texas. More recently he has Israel as a teenager in 1971, or longtime friends, most of them an opportunity. De Beers had To do business with the Russians, been buying up iconic American at a time when Moshe Dayan, also Bukharan Jews. Paul Raps, encountered antitrust problems Leviev had to give up his position properties, including the former hero of the Six Day War, was the general manager of LLD in the United States. In South as a De Beers sightholder. This New York Times Building in the legendary embodiment of USA, has known Leviev since Africa, the apartheid government shook the international diamond Manhattan for a reported $525 the Israeli WASP (Well-born/ they were both young diamond that had worked with De Beers business. million. Ashkenazi/Secular/Paratrooper). merchants in Ramat Gan. “One was losing political power. At “It was unbelievable,” says Lev Leviev is probably Immigrants were classified by day we were sitting there, just the same time, the Soviet Union, the Tel Aviv merchant. “He was Israel’s richest man. Forbes their potential to attain this chatting, and suddenly Leviev whose leaders had long had a breaking the rules, going after ranks him 210th among the ideal. The Leviev family — said to me: ‘You know what we mutually profitable partnership the source. When he succeeded world’s wealthiest people, with unconnected, uneducated, not need? We need to get our hands with De Beers, was nearing in Russia, and then in Angola, an estimated personal net worth even real Russians but Bukharan on the gelem.’ Uncut diamonds. I collapse. others saw it and were suddenly of $4.1 billion. (People close to Jews, primitives from the steppes thought he was kidding. Nobody Leviev has a complicated emboldened. That’s how Leviev Leviev put that figure closer to $8 of Central Asia — were classified could find uncut diamonds back relationship with his former cracked the De Beers cartel. With billion.) However much Leviev as “bad material” and dispatched then.” homeland. In our first meeting, has, he is hungry for more. by government authorities to the Before Leviev’s epiphany, when I asked him about his Continued on page 19 His business role model is Bill dusty “development town” of the world’s diamond market boyhood memories, he surprised