ב"ה Shevat 9, 5781 - Friday, January 22, 2021

Candle Lighting: 4:29 pm Shabbat Ends: 5:37 pm EXPRESS בא PORTION BO ⬢

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YASHER KOACH TO Torah Classes Rabbi Manis Friedman and Dr. Syd Miller for an incredibly inspiring event. In case you missed it, visit themtc.com/thrive for a replay.  Sunday morning, 8:30-9:15, The ’s Hadronim. The Rebbe’s novel expositions of the concluding text of a tractate of the Talmud *Advanced.  THE MD CHERNACK TORAH CLASS Sunday morning, 10:15 –11:00, On the weekly Parsha, geared for both the novice and the more advanced student.  Monday thru Thursday morning at 6:15, and Friday at 8:30, a more , advanced class on Chassidus related THE 10TH OF SHVAT to the Parsha and Holidays. This is followed by a chassidic story. This Shabbat is the yartzeit of the Previous  Monday thru Thursday 8:00-8:30 am, Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, Talmud who passed away on Shabbat morning, the  Friday at 6:30 am, Parsha Class. 10th of Shvat, in 1950. My Garden"), signifying his formal  Tuesday 11:00am, a class for acceptance of the leadership of the Chabad- women, held until now in the home In 1951, at a gathering of Chassidim marking Lubavitch movement. of Debbie Cons.

the first anniversary of the passing of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, the late Rebbe's In the decades that followed, the Rebbe son-in-law, Rabbi Menachem Mendel revolutionized, inspired and guided the post- Schneerson, delivered a Chassidic discourse Holocaust transformation of the Jewish Join a live class on zoom. (maamar) entitled Basi LeGani ("I Came into people that continues to this day.⬢ VISIT THEMTC.COM/ZOOM

2 MOSAIC EXPRESS

ALIYAH SUMMARY

warning him to never appear in his presence again, “for on the day that you see my face, THIS WEEK’S CLASS you shall die!” Moses agreed, but not before he delivered a final message that G-d relayed to him at that moment. G-d told ALL OR NOTHING General Overview: In this week’s reading, IN HONOUR OF YUD SHVAT Moses that he would visit one more plague Bo, the last three plagues—Locust, Darkness, upon Egypt, after which Pharaoh will actually This class addresses an and Death of the Firstborn—are inflicted drive the Israelites from his land. empowering message upon the Egyptians. Moses commands the Parenthetically, at that time G-d also related to the 71st anniversary of the Israelites concerning the Paschal offering and instructed Moses to ask the Israelites to Rebbe’s assumption of leadership. the laws of the Seder. After the final plague, borrow from their Egyptian neighbors jewels, View this class at themtc.com/tapestry Pharaoh unconditionally releases the silver and gold. The Israelites complied, and Israelites from his land. the Egyptians readily lent out their valuables.

First Aliyah: Plague Eight: At G-d’s behest, Fourth Aliyah: Moses delivered G-d’s Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and warning to Pharaoh: “At midnight, I will go PARENTING POST delivered a warning: “How long will you out in the midst of Egypt. Every firstborn in refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn people go, so that they can worship Me!” of Pharaoh who sits on his throne to the By Sarah Chana Radcliffe

They informed Pharaoh that if he does not firstborn of the slave woman . . .” G-d then allow the Israelites to go, Egypt will be gave the Israelites their first mitzvah, that of Parents have to correct their children, attacked by a plague of locusts. After Moses determining the New Moon (Rosh Chodesh) showing them right from wrong, but... and Aaron left, Pharaoh’s servants begged each month and establishing a lunar Negative feedback (a.k.a. correction, criticism, him to allow the Israelites to leave. “Don’t calendar. G-d also told Moses to instruct the complaint) does more than teach a child right you yet know that Egypt is lost?” they argued. Israelites to designate a lamb for the Paschal from wrong; it also makes him feel bad. The Pharaoh called back Moses and Aaron, and offering. The Israelites were to sacrifice this more negative feedback he receives, the worse offered to allow the Israelites to leave— lamb and consume it, together with matzah he tends to feel - about himself and you. When provided that they leave behind their children and bitter herbs, on the eve of the fifteenth criticism is given frequently throughout the day, as security. Moses and Aaron refused the of Nissan. The blood of the lamb was to be a child can actually come to hate himself (and offer, and Pharaoh stubbornly refused to smeared on the lintels and doorposts of the you). It's a high cost to pay for learning to make allow the Israelites to go. Israelite residences, and all inside those one's bed or put one's dish in the sink. There are homes would be spared when G-d far better ways to educate a child.⬢ Second Aliyah: Moses stretched out his descended to smite the Egyptian firstborn. G- hands, and swarms of locusts swept down on d also instructed that for all future Yes, you CAN be turned off by your own Egypt. They consumed absolutely every blade generations this day would signal the child... of grass, and all the crops. Pharaoh beginning of the seven-day holiday of beseeched Moses to pray to G-d for the Passover, during which no leaven may be When one of your kids really rubs you the wrong removal of the locusts, promising to then eaten or possessed. way, you may find yourself being less than release the Israelites. Moses prayed, and no affectionate to her. Then you may find yourself sooner had a wind carried the locusts back to Fifth Aliyah: Moses gathered the feeling guilty for the way you treat her and feel the Red Sea than Pharaoh changed his mind Israelite elders and conveyed to them G-d’s about her. Remember that it is completely yet again. Plague Nine: A frightful darkness instructions. natural to not be drawn to certain people - descended upon Egypt. For days, the entire including your own child. Remember too, that nation was incapacitated by the debilitating Sixth Aliyah: Plague Ten: At the stroke YOU will feel better when you can find a way to pitch darkness. “But for all the children of of midnight, G-d slew all the Egyptian be gentle and positive with your most Israel, there was light in their dwellings.” firstborn. No Egyptian home was spared, and challenging youngster. Keep working on it; both Egypt erupted in a great outcry. Pharaoh she and you need to hear words of praise and Third Aliyah: Pharaoh summoned Moses awoke and raced to Moses, and begged him appreciation, so give them to yourSELF as well again, offering to release the Israelites if they to take the Israelites and leave. The as to your youngster.⬢ leave behind their cattle. Moses refused the (Continued on page 4) condition. Pharaoh sent Moses away, MOSAIC EXPRESS 3

TU B’SHVAT

Tu B’Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar— celebrated this year on Thursday, February 28—is the day that marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees. This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.

Legally, the “new year” for trees relates to the various tithes that are separated from produce grown in the Holy Land. These tithes differ from year to year in the seven- year shemittah cycle; the point at which a budding fruit is considered to belong to the next year of the cycle is the 15th of She- vat.

We mark the day of Tu B’Shevat by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pom- egranates, olives and dates. On this day we remember that “man is a tree of the field” (Deuteronomy 20:19), and reflect on the lessons we can derive from our botani- cal analogue.⬢

(Continued from Aliya Summaries page 3) Egyptians pressured the Israelites to leave as soon as possible, and the Israelites complied. Equipped with all the valuables they had borrowed from the Egyptians, and provisions for the way—dough that was baked before having time to rise—the Israelites left Egypt at midday of the fifteenth of Nissan. This section concludes with some more rules that pertain to the Paschal offering.

Seventh Aliyah: G-d gave the Israelites several mitzvot: 1) All male Israelite firstborn were henceforth sanctified to G-d. 2) Eat matzah on Passover. 3) Recount the story of the Exodus at the Passover Seder. 4) Bring all male firstborn of kosher animals as sacrifices. 5) Redeem all male firstborn donkeys for a sheep—which is given to a kohen (priest). 6) Don tefillin on the head and arm. ⬢

4 MOSAIC EXPRESS

Excerpt from “It’s Us Against Us, But You Can Change The World.”

By , Chabad.org

….Exactly 40 years ago, when the Rebbe spoke about “the peaceful transference of government.” The circumstances were certainly different—in many ways, the opposite of all that shakes our world in these times. Nevertheless, some of the lines from that talk could have been spoken yesterday.

Such as the very first words:

In a democracy such as the U.S.A., an orderly transference of government is effected through the electoral process. The choice made by the people in the polling booths decides who will occupy the highest office in the land — the Presidency; thereby ensuring a smooth and peaceful transition from one administration to the next.

Yet a disturbing trend has been evident in past elections.…

Jimmy Carter, the incumbent Democrat president, had just suffered a crushing defeat. What was to become known as the Reagan era had just begun.

In matters of foreign policy, the Rebbe had been highly critical of Carter. A naive observer, listening to the Rebbe’s harsh criticism of Carter’s Middle East policy and particularly his attitude towards Israel could have easily seen Carter almost as the Rebbe’s nemesis.

Yet now the Rebbe continued by admonishing those who were “rubbing salt into the wound” of the defeated president. Yes, we know he made serious errors. But… push for the establishment of a federal proposal. Three days later, he signed a There were instances in the past four years, Department of Education. Until then, education proclamation declaring the Rebbe’s birthday which, but for the endeavors of the was subsumed within the rubric of the “Education Day, USA” for posterity. President, could easily have led to war. Not Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. only did he thus save millions of Americans But now, as Carter was about to leave office, from the horrors of such a consequence, but The mechanisms, machinations, and agenda the Rebbe emphasized that his gratitude for the in all probability the rest of the world. And behind this move and the Rebbe’s part in it are outgoing president’s good achievements “is in for this, he deserves our thanks and documented on pages 159-166 of Phillip no way to be construed as a retraction” of the gratitude. Wexler’s eye-opening book, Social Vision—the sharp criticism he had offered regarding other Lubavitcher Rebbe’s transformative paradigm policy decisions. Disagreement and partnership, Beyond that, over the past four years, the Rebbe for the world. On the 14th of April, 1978, Carter criticism and gratitude—the Rebbe was had cultivated a warm relationship with Jimmy endorsed the Department of Education saying—can be held together. Actually, they Carter, vocally encouraging and supporting his (Continued on page 6) MOSAIC EXPRESS 5

PARSHA INSIGHTS

DOSE OF INSPIRATION By Yanki Tauber, Chabad.org

By Tzvi Freeman, Chabad.org What's puzzling is that the name "Bo" means "Come" and the Torah reading is so named after A PRIVATE GARDEN the phrase "come to Pharaoh" in its opening verse. A strange name indeed for the Parshah “I have come to My garden, My sister, My Once upon a time there was a small village in which the long-awaited Yetziat Mitzrayim bride.” —Song of Songs nestled in a valley in the shadow of a mountain ("Going Out of Egypt," or "Exodus" in the Greek) haunted by an evil giant. Each morning the A private garden is a special space to of the Israelites finally takes place. people in the village would wake up and start enjoy, to be yourself, to share with an to run for their lives. But no matter how far they (The names of the Torah's 54 Parshahs always intimate companion. ran, the terrifying figure still loomed above their derive from a word or phrase in the Parshah's heads, glowering and threatening. In a private garden, every bush, every opening words. But it also always works out flower, and every rock is placed with that this name expresses the theme and central One day, a wise and courageous man came to delicate purpose. Nothing is superfluous, significance of the Parshah. So it's certainly the village. Instead of running away, he started everything is designed for the enjoyment puzzling that the Parshah in which we finally climbing up the mountain. The people were and delight of the garden’s owner. get away from Pharaoh should be named afraid, but they trusted in him and followed "Come [to Pharaoh]"...) A private garden demands vigilance, labor, him. He led them to the very feet of the giant, and maintenance—more than home or a opened a secret door in the monster's big toe, But sometimes the only way to get out is to took them up a winding passageway to its field of produce. come deeper in. The Zohar explains that the belly, and showed them how the thing works: Divine command "Come to Pharaoh" was an Yet this coarse world of three dimensions, the pulleys that move the thundering arms, the invitation to enter into the very essence of grasped with our visceral senses, noise machine that produces the terrifying Pharaoh. "G d brought Moses into a chamber manipulated by our flesh hands, this is the yells. Then he yanked a few wires out of their within a chamber, to the... supernal and mighty world G d calls His private garden. casings, and the whole thing disintegrated to serpent from which many levels evolve..." dust. Because in each creation of our world, G d As long as we view it from the outside, the evil finds delight. Each one He has placed The puzzling thing is that by the time we get to giant on the mountain will remain big, bad and carefully and designed with divine purpose. the Torah reading of Bo (Exodus 10-13), we've terrifying — no matter how far we run. But as In each, His deepest wisdom, greatness, spent the first nine chapters of the Book of soon as we subject it to the light of inner might, beauty, and majesty can be found. Exodus trying to get away from Pharaoh. "Let knowledge, the whole thing disintegrates to My people go!" Moses repeatedly demands dust.⬢ And because through our labor of Torah, from the Egyptian sovereign in the name of G d; mitzvahs, and good deeds, His essence and each time he's rebuffed, only to be sent back being will be known in this place and in with another "Let My people go" message from AND FINALLY... every creature of this place, more than in G d and another Divine promise that His people any spiritual world. will, indeed, be able to go in the end. A few puns make me numb.

For we are His bride, and this, His private But math puns make me number.⬢ garden.⬢

(Continued from page 5) toss out the cellulose wrapping and find the juice inside. Everyone and everything has must be held together. something valuable to offer. With what glue? With the superglue of Work with those G d has given you to work wisdom. As the founder of Chabad, Rabbi with. Even if you don’t believe they’re the best Schneur Zalman of , explained, wisdom for the job. is the power by which the good is discerned from the bad, so that each thing finds its It’s not a waste of time. It’s saving the world. part in the cosmic symphony. You’re bringing harmony between its parts, revealing the underlying oneness and beauty of Whoever you meet, wherever life takes you, our universe.⬢ 6 MOSAIC EXPRESS ב“ה

For this week’s episode ערב שבת פרשת בא, ט׳ שבט, תשפ״א ISSUE of Living Torah, 419 Erev Shabbat Parshat Bo, January 22, 2021 visit 70years.com HERE’S my STORY DON’T JUST SIT THERE - Generously THINK SOMETHING! sponsored by the MRS. CHANA POPACK

his story concerns the Previous “I want you to give me your word,” my TRebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak father told the man, “that if you see the , who led the Chabad Rebbe, you will tell him that I don’t want Movement from 1920 to 1950, my children to go to a non-Jewish school. passing away on the 10th day of I want them to remain Jews.” the Hebrew month of Shevat, 5710. The man promised, and they shook His yahrzeit is commemorated this hands on it. And, indeed, he did what Shabbat. my father asked because a short while I was born in Moscow, Russia, later my father received a message from during the Soviet era, when to be the Rebbe. How he managed to send it I a Torah observant Jew was a big don’t know, but the message said that my challenge. Nevertheless, my parents father was to go to the authorities and tell — Mordechai Dov and Chaya Sarah them that he wants to leave Russia. Teleshevsky — persevered. My father went into a panic, because When the time was nearing for me he thought that if he did such a thing, to attend kindergarten, my father he would end up on the next train to wouldn’t even entertain the notion Siberia. But when the Rebbe says to do that I should be enrolled in a non- something, a chasid must put aside his Jewish school. Of course, there were fears. So my father marched into the no Jewish school of any kind; they had government office and said: “I want to been outlawed. But attending a Communist government leave Russia.” school meant violating Shabbat, and G-d forbid I should “What? Are you crazy?” was the response. “Go home!” do such a thing. Yet, how many times, week after week, could I be absent on Shabbat pretending to be sick? How My father was greatly relieved that the official said “home” many times before the school authorities caught on, and and not “Siberia,” but he was still facing the same dilemma my parents were penalized for practicing Judaism? — what to do about my education. Not knowing what to do, my father wanted to contact the He found another man willing to take a message to the Rebbe, but all mail was censored, and any suspicion of Rebbe but the answer was the same: “Go to the authorities dissent from government policies could land him in Siberia. and tell them you want to leave Russia.” So, instead, my father found someone who was fleeing the country and asked him to contact the Rebbe in Latvia. My father went again and kept going until — on the seventh (During that time, in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the try — he was finally given exit papers! When he got them, Rebbe was living in Riga after being released from Soviet he didn’t even want to go home — he just sent word for prison for the crime of promoting Torah observance, and it my mother to come directly to the train station with my was possible to reach him there.) brother and me.

continued on reverse

Marking 70 years from the anniversary of the Rebbe’s leadership, each week, JEM will be focusing on one event, idea or personality in the Rebbe’s life.

[email protected] | myencounterblog.com | © Copyright, Jewish Educational Media, 2021 continued from reverse Now, I have to say that women have more trust and faith in I believe that because my father had sent us to Riga on the G-d than men. My proof is my mother, who — the first time Rebbe’s instructions, the Rebbe would not rest until he got that she heard what the Rebbe said — immediately packed us out of there safely. I feel that I owe him my life, and there two suitcases so that she would be ready to go. Therefore, has been nothing that the Rebbe asked me to do after that as soon as she got the news, she grabbed us and the which I would not do. suitcases, leaving everything else behind, and rushed out. We stayed as a family in Finland until 1946, when the Rebbe In 1932, after we arrived in Riga, my father attended the helped bring us to New York, where he had relocated his Rebbe’s at which the Rebbe spoke about the headquarters. Once we were in the US, the Rebbe helped power of thought. This talk is printed on the first page of me find a marriage match. He sent me to teach in a small the Likutei Dibburim, where it quotes the Rebbe saying: school in Buffalo, New York, and when I met my husband “Thought has an effect … It makes a practical difference. Aaron there, the Rebbe encouraged me to marry him. Just thinking about someone in a positive and deep way — After a while, we were appointed as the Rebbe’s emissaries, this alone is doing something.” serving in various locations in New York and Massachusetts. Hearing this, my father asked the Rebbe, “And what does Ultimately, we ended up in Philadelphia, where we did the person who is being thought about receive from this?” outreach work, and my husband ran a Jewish school until his untimely passing in 1977. During our three decades “He benefits tremendously,” the Rebbe responded. of service, we were both equally devoted to the Rebbe — Then he paused, and after a while added, “Where were you we would not move one inch without his knowledge and last Sukkot?” My father understood that the Rebbe had approval. And this has served us in good stead. been thinking about him back then, and that these thoughts ______brought us out of Russia. Mrs. Chana Popack and her late husband Rabbi Aaron Popack, served as Chabad emissaries for three decades, from 1948 to 1977, At first both my brother and I were enrolled in Jewish the majority of that time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was schools in Riga, but there came a time when the Rebbe sent interviewed in April of 2012. my father to Finland, where the Jewish community needed his skills as a cantor and shochet. However, after we arrived there, we discovered that there were no suitable schools for us kids, so my father asked the Rebbe what to do. “Send them back to Riga,” was the Rebbe’s answer, and we had to This week in…. return there to live with people who agreed to take us in. לע“נ ר‘ ישראל יעקב וזוגתו מרת קריינא ע“ה לאקשין .Fortunately, our grandparents were in Riga also While we were still attending school in Riga, one night I had a dream in which I heard somebody — who I later > 5746 - 1986, shortly after arriving at 770 in the came to believe must have been the Rebbe — speaking to morning, the Rebbe emerged from his office holding me and telling me that my papers were expiring and I had several packs of fresh dollar bills. His secretary, Rabbi to go home. After I had this dream three nights in a row, I Groner, announced that the Rebbe would be handing realized that it was important and I told my grandparents out dollars for them to be given to charity. News of about it. They said that it was time for me and my brother the unique opportunity traveled quickly, leading to leave. So we boarded a train for Estonia and then a ship men, women and children from communities around for Finland, surprising our parents when we appeared on New York to rush to 770. Entire schools showed up their doorstep. so the students could receive a dollar and spend a The next week — this was in July of 1941 — Hitler invaded moment with the Rebbe. After three hours, Rabbi Riga and my grandparents, along with 60,000 other Jews Groner stopped the line and the Rebbe prepared to who lived there, were murdered by the Nazis. depart for his weekly visit to the resting place of the Previous Rebbe. Exactly two months later, on the Rebbe’s 84th birthday, the Rebbe began to provide Happy anniversary Chaim and Necha Lerner. this special opportunity every Sunday, continuing

54 Years! until 1992. 11 Shevat Love and gratitude from While we have done our utmost to authenticate your children and grandchildren these stories, they reflect the listener’s recollection and interpretation of the Rebbe’s words.

Supported by members of לע״נ ר׳ חיים בן ר׳ יוסף ע״ה צימענד בקשר עם יום הולדתו ז׳ שבט תשפ״א לע״נ ר׳ ישעי׳ בן ר׳ צבי הירש ע״ה גאנזברג בקשר עם יום הולדתו ח״י שבט תשפ״א ואתה תצוה… להעלות נר תמיד ת׳נ׳צ׳ב׳ה

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LA SIDRA DE LA SEMAINE

CHABBAT PARCHAT BO 23 JANVIER 2021 10 CHEVAT 5781

VIVRE AVEC LA PARACHA

BO Les Enfants d’Israël reçoivent le LA SATIÉTÉ commandement de consacrer tous les Les trois dernières plaies accablent l’Égypte : Le Baal Hatourim explique que lorsqu’est omis premiers-nés et de célébrer chaque année une armée de sauterelles dévorent les le Youd, le mot « Chevii » est transformé en « l’anniversaire de l’Exode, en se débarrassant cultures et la végétation ; une obscurité Sovéa » (mêmes lettres hébraïques) qui de tout le levain en leur possession pendant épaisse, palpable enveloppe le pays et tous signifie « rassasié ». Quelle en est la sept jours et de raconter leur rédemption à les premiers-nés de l’Égypte sont tués aux signification ? leurs enfants. Ils sont également enjoints de coups de minuit, le 15 du mois de Nissan. mettre les tefilines sur le bras et la tête, en La Talmud nous explique qu’avant qu’un D.ieu ordonne la première Mitsva au Peuple souvenir de l’Exode et de leur engagement à enfant ne naisse, D.ieu requiert de son âme d’Israël : celle d’établir un calendrier basé sur D.ieu. qu’elle fasse un serment. L’âme s’engage à « le renouvellement de la lune. Les Hébreux être juste et non impie ». LE VOYAGE DE L’ÂME sont également enjoints d’apporter une « Certaines questions évidentes se soulèvent offrande pascale » à D.ieu : un agneau ou un A trois reprises, dans la Torah, le mot « immédiatement. Combien de nous se chevreau doit être abattu et son sang aspergé Hachevii », « le septième » est écrit avec une souviennent-ils de ce serment ? Et si l’on ne sur les jambages ou les linteaux de chaque lettre en moins : un Youd. La première fois, se le rappelle pas, à quoi sert ce serment ? demeure des Hébreux, pour que D.ieu « passe c’est dans notre Paracha, dans le verset par-dessus » ces foyers quand Il viendra tuer interdisant de consommer du ‘Hamets, du pain LE CHEMINEMENT DE L’ÂME les premiers-nés égyptiens. La viande rôtie de et des produits contenant du levain, à Pessa’h. l’offrande sera consommée en cette nuit avec La Torah interdit ici à « quiconque de manger Le Tséma’h Tsédèk explique l’objectif de ce la Matsa (pain non levé) et les herbes amères. du levain, depuis le premier jour jusqu’au serment. Le mot hébreu pour « serment » : « septième jour… » Chevoua » possède les mêmes lettres que « La mort des premiers-nés finit par briser la Sovéa », « rassasié » et que « Chéva », « sept résistance du Pharaon et il renvoie La seconde occurrence se rencontre dans un ». Ces mots qui sont en corrélation décrivent littéralement les Enfants d’Israël de sa terre. verset concernant le Chabbat : « Le peuple se le cheminement de l’âme. L’âme fait un Ils doivent s’en aller dans une telle hâte que reposa le septième jour ». serment et cela la rassasie, lui donne leur pâte n’a pas le temps de lever et les l’aptitude et la force de surmonter toutes les La troisième fois qu’un Youd vient à manquer seules provisions qu’ils emportent sont ce difficultés qu’elle rencontrera durant sa vie concerne une référence aux Fêtes solennelles pain non levé. Avant de partir, ils demandent dans le corps. Elle pourra, grâce à cette force, de Tichri, où il est statué : « Vous ferez retentir à leurs voisins égyptiens de leur remettre de purifier le corps et les sept attributs négatifs le son du Choffar le septième mois. » l’or, de l’argent et des vêtements, réalisant provoqués par l’âme animale. ainsi la promesse faite à Avraham que ses Pourquoi ces trois mots sont-ils dépourvus de Ce concept peut également s’appliquer ici : les descendants quitteraient l’Egypte avec de la lettre Youd ? grandes richesses. trois endroits où le Youd manque dans le mot

MOSAIC EXPRESS 9

LE RECIT DE LA SEMAINE ma femme et mes enfants. Je signalai que ma femme était présente à cette réunion et il dit : « Oui, je sais, elle est assise avec les femmes dans la galerie en-haut ».

Bien entendu, j’étais de plus en plus étonné : que se passait-il ici ? Qui s’était moqué de mon anonymat si précieux ? Les liens entre le consulat et le Rabbi étaient-ils si étroits qu’on m’avait tendu un piège ? J’étais absolument paniqué, ne sachant qu’en déduire. Durant près de 20 ans, dans les années 60 et eux avait informé le Rabbi de ma présence : il 70, j’ai été mandaté à New York où j’occupais faut bien comprendre que j’occupais un poste Le Rabbi continuait : « Comment ressentez-vous une position importante dans le Mossad, les très sensible et que je veillais toujours à garder votre judaïsme ? ». Je supposai qu’il me posait services de renseignements israéliens. C’était, un profil bas, personne n’était supposé la question car je n’avais pas une apparence je crois, en 1967 qu’un de mes collègues du connaître mon identité ou même l’endroit où je juive évidente, ce qui était une des raisons pour Consulat israélien m’invita à rejoindre une me trouvais. Mais tous mes camarades lesquelles j’avais été sélectionné pour ce job délégation qui allait participer aux célébrations affirmèrent qu’ils n’avaient absolument pas peu conventionnel. Mais je me sentais juif de de Sim’hat Torah à Brooklyn, chez le Rabbi de révélé ma fonction ou ma présence à qui que toutes les fibres de mon être et c’est ce que je Loubavitch. Je fus surpris par cette idée, ne ce soit. répondis au Rabbi. Puis il me demanda sachant absolument pas à quoi m’attendre ; je comment se passaient mes voyages dans le demandai si je pouvais emmener mon épouse, - Je suis content de vous voir ici, me salua le monde en tant que Juif. Je répondis qu’aux on me répondit que oui. Rabbi, en yiddish. États-Unis, je veillai toujours à envoyer mes enfants à l’école juive et que je tenais toujours - Comment le Rabbi sait-il que je parle le Quand nous sommes arrivés devant la à manger cachère : quand mon travail me yiddish ? lui répondis-je, de plus en plus synagogue du , les danses mettait dans des positions délicates, je surpris. avec la Torah n’avaient pas encore commencé prétendais être végétarien pour éviter de (les ‘Hassidim plus jeunes étaient partis dans Avec le recul, je réalise qu’il ne convenait pas consommer des aliments non-cachères. les synagogues des environs pour y apporter la de parler ainsi au Rabbi mais apparemment joie, danser et prononcer quelques J’ignore combien de temps ce dialogue a cela ne le choqua pas et il continua de me enseignements du Rabbi). En attendant leur continué mais il me sembla certainement sourire et de déverser sur moi ses bénédictions retour pour ainsi dire, le Rabbi dirigeait une beaucoup plus long qu’il ne le fut en vérité. pour que j’ai du succès dans mon travail, que je réunion ‘hassidique pour les plus anciens. J’avais l’impression d’être là depuis une demi- sois en bonne santé et que je gagne L’endroit semblait bien trop petit pour la foule heure mais ce ne fut sans doute pas plus que correctement ma vie : « Veillez à vous-même et qui continuait à entrer mais apparemment, quelques minutes. Je me sentais vaguement soyez attentif ! Votre travail est très important notre délégation était attendue et nos sièges mal à l’aise de faire attendre ainsi toute pour le Peuple juif ! » continua-t-il. étaient réservés. l’assemblée et je me permis de le signaler au En tant que membre du Mossad, je me suis Rabbi : « Cela fait longtemps que nous parlons, On nous mena dans cette grande synagogue où presque senti en danger ! Je ne comprenais les gens attendent… ». C’était encore l’émotion était palpable, on chantait tandis que pas ce qui se passait ! D’habitude, c’était moi audacieux de ma part - qui étais-je pour dicter le Rabbi tapait des mains. qui devais semer la surprise et la panique, avec au Rabbi son emploi du temps ? Mais il ne semblait pas impressionné et prenait tout son Soudain, un ‘Hassid s’approcha de moi : « Le des actions d’éclat, rapides et précises - temps pour me parler. Rabbi veut vous parler ! ». surtout d’ailleurs parmi les ennemis d’Israël. J’étais donc convaincu que mes collègues A la fin, il me donna un morceau du traditionnel J’étais très surpris : le Rabbi ? À moi ? m’avaient menti et avaient informé le Rabbi : gâteau au miel et me bénit encore une fois pour Comment le Rabbi savait-il d’ailleurs qui après tout, eux aussi étaient des experts en que je connaisse le succès dans ma mission, j’étais ? espionnage et savaient travestir la vérité sans que je reste fort et en bonne santé. Pour moi, broncher : j’allais m’occuper d’eux plus tard et c’était très important car j’avais plusieurs fois - C’est sans doute une erreur ! leur faire comprendre qu’ils avaient des été blessé dans le cadre de mon travail. comptes à me rendre pour leur légèreté ! Telle fut ma réaction mais l’homme insista que Alors que je me frayais un chemin vers ma le Rabbi voulait me parler à moi Puis le Rabbi me posa des questions sur ma place, les gens me demandèrent des petits personnellement. famille, mes parents, ma sœur (Comment le morceaux du gâteau et, quand j’arrivai vers mes Rabbi savait-il que j’avais une sœur ?) puis sur Je demandai à mes collègues lequel d’entre (Suite a la page 12)

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(Continued from page 9) depuis Rabbi Chnéor Zalman, fondateur du Rabbi. Peu de temps après le départ de ce « Chevii » évoquent les trois étapes du mouvement ‘Habad-Loubavitch. Nous devons monde de Rabbi Yossef Its’hak, en 1950, Rav cheminement de l’âme. faire venir la Che’hina, la révélation de Gurary demanda à Rav Hecht de l’aider à l’Essence Divine, dans ce monde, par ramasser de l’argent pour la Yechiva Durant les Fêtes solennelles du septième l’observance de la Torah et des Mitsvot. Loubavitch. Lors d’un voyage à Chicago pour mois, nous nous engageons à nouveau à Moché, le septième dirigeant du Peuple juif lever des fonds, Rav Gurary rencontra un servir D.ieu. Cela est équivalent à prêter un après Avraham, nous apporta la rédemption philanthrope qui le rejeta en lui disant : « Je serment. d’Égypte. Ainsi, nous aussi, la septième connaissais Rabbi Yossef Its’hak. Pourquoi Le Chabbat, le septième jour de chaque génération, serons-nous les témoins de la donnerai-je de l’argent maintenant qu’il nous semaine, nous sommes rassasiés de la Rédemption Ultime par notre Juste Machia’h. a quittés ? » Désemparé, Rav Gurary appela le nourriture spirituelle du Chabbat et nous Rabbi (Mena’hem Mendel) pour lui demander UNE HISTOIRE prenons de la force pour surmonter les conseil. Le Rabbi répondit : « Dis-lui que le difficultés qui peuvent survenir dans la Rav Yaakov J. Hecht, de mémoire bénie, Rabbi précédent et moi sommes une âme semaine qui vient. raconta cette histoire. dans des corps séparés. »⬢

Durant les sept jours de Pessa’h, nous devons Rav Shmaryahou Gurary était le gendre aîné nous purger de l’arrogance, symbolisée par le de Rabbi Yossef Its’hak et le beau-frère du ‘Hamèts, le levain.

Notre serment, c’est-à-dire le fait que nous soyons rassasiés, nous permet de transformer ces sept attributs négatifs en qualités et donc de sortir de notre exil personnel. LE COIN DE LA HALACHA LE 10 CHEVAT

Rabbi Yossef Yits’hak Schneersohn était le sixième Rabbi de Loubavitch. Il quitta ce QU’EST-CE QUE TOU BICHEVAT ? monde le Youd (10) Chevat, un Chabbat, le septième jour de la Paracha Bo. La lettre Jeudi 28 janvier 2021, c’est Tou Bichevat, On aura soin de prélever les différentes Youd, qui a la forme d’une flamme, représente le Roch Hachana - nouvel an des arbres. dîmes (Terouma et Maassère) sur les fruits provenant d’Israël. la Nechama, « la flamme de D.ieu ». On ne récite pas la prière de Ta’hanoun (supplications). La Torah compare l’homme à un arbre des Ainsi, l’absence du Youd dans le mot « champs : lui aussi est supposé produire des Hachevii », présent dans cette Paracha, fait Mercredi soir 27 janvier et jeudi 28 janvier, fruits, c’est-à-dire des Mitsvot, des bonnes allusion au fait que la Nechama est montée on consomme de nombreux fruits, en actions. De même que le fruit peut produire au Ciel. particulier ceux qui représentent la fierté des arbres qui produiront des fruits etc., de de la Terre Sainte, qui sont cités dans le même nos Mitsvot entraînent d’autres Le Zohar suggère que le « travail » d’un Rabbi verset de la Torah : « blé, orge, olive, Mitsvot, encouragent d’autres Juifs à ou de chaque chef spirituel est de « rassasier datte, raisin, figue et grenade ». On assumer leur judaïsme, à retrouver leurs » sa génération de Emèt, de vérité, c’est-à- s’efforcera également de manger des racines et à s’enraciner dans un sol riche dire d’une véritable foi en D.ieu, Sa Torah et caroubes ainsi que des fruits nouveaux que d’étude de la Torah et de pratique des Ses Mitsvot. C’est la raison pour laquelle, de l’on n’a pas encore consommés cette Mitsvot. C’est ainsi que le Peuple juif se sa place dans les Cieux, Rabbi Yossef Its’hak année. On veillera à réciter les perpétue, se développe et produira d’autres continue à rassasier ses disciples et le monde bénédictions adéquates avant et après fruits. en général, car « il a laissé la vie pour tous les manger. On profitera de cette belle vivants ». En fait, il est encore plus présent occasion pour tenir des réunions joyeuses A Tou Bichevat, nous mangeons des fruits, dans ce monde qu’auparavant. et productives sur le plan des bonnes nous « produisons » des fruits, nous résolutions - dans le respect des règles plantons des graines de bonnes actions.⬢ Dans son dernier discours écrit, Rabbi Yossef sanitaires. Its’hak nous parle de la nature de notre mission, en tant que septième génération MOSAIC EXPRESS 11

EDITORIAL

TOUJOURS NOUVEAU 10 CHEVAT

Et si l’on parlait, une fois n’est pas sous le simple nom de « Rabbi » indiquait ETINCELLES DE MACHIAH coutume, d’une « histoire ancienne » ? la voie à suivre. S’adressant à chacun, il Cela se passait en 5711 – 1951, il y a confia une « mission » qui ne devait plus soixante-dix ans. Dans ce monde si proche s’interrompre : aller à la rencontre de L’OBSCURITÉ ET LA LUMIÈRE encore des horreurs de la guerre, la l’autre, partager le judaïsme avec lui, A l’époque du Tséma’h Tsédèk, le troisième communauté juive cherchait partout les donner accès à la tradition juive à celui Rabbi de Loubavitch, le gouvernement russe chemins de sa reconstruction. Le que les circonstances en avaient privé, imposa la conscription trois fois dans une précédent Rabbi de Loubavitch, Rabbi faire progresser chacun, et le monde avec même année. C’est ainsi que des milliers de Yossef Its’hak Schneersohn, avait quitté lui, jusqu’à l’accomplissement ultime : la jeunes Juifs, souvent déjà mariés, furent ce monde le 10 Chevat de l’année Délivrance. Cette mission est celle qui contraints d’aller combattre au loin dans précédente. Dès son arrivée aux Etats- continue de conduire l’effort de tous. Elle l’armée du tsar, étant pourtant leur Unis, dix ans plus tôt, il avait posé les commença il y a à présent soixante-dix oppresseur. principes de son action, en avait jeté les ans. bases. Il y avait tant à faire. Son décès Certains ‘hassidim dirent alors devant le Soixante-dix ans, est-ce, pour une telle avait bouleversé chacun : qu’allait-il Tséma’h Tsédèk : « Quel terrible décret... Cela entreprise, l’âge du repos, le temps mérité arriver ? L’œuvre pourrait-elle continuer ne fait aucun doute : nous sommes arrivés au d’une certaine sérénité ou d’un retrait sans son inspirateur ? Un an était donc temps de Machia’h ! » quelconque de l’impétuosité de l’action ? passé et rien ni personne ne pourrait En aucun cas. Car ce qui est vivant ne peut décrire cette période et cette longue Le Tséma’h Tsédèk répondit : « Quand le jamais que grandir et se développer. C’est incertitude. Le 10 Chevat 1951 arriva alors Machia’h viendra, c’est une grande lumière même là sans doute le trait marquant de la et tous surent que le gendre du précédent qui apparaîtra, une lumière merveilleuse. Qui vie. Alors que soixante-dix ans se sont Rabbi, Rabbi Mena’hem Mendel sait quelle obscurité il doit y avoir avant une écoulés depuis la prise de fonction du Schneerson, acceptait de prendre la telle lumière ! »⬢ Rabbi, que soixante-dix ans d’initiatives fonction de Rabbi de Loubavitch. Ce jour- ont profondément fait évoluer le judaïsme là, un nouveau temps commença, comme mondial, le 10 Chevat est le jour privilégié une nouvelle naissance. où, prenant pleinement en charge la tâche Ce n’est décidément pas le terme d’ancien qui nous incombe, nous en concrétisons qui convient pour qualifier cette histoire. tous les possibles, jusqu’au cœur : Dès sa première prise publique de parole, l’avènement des temps messianiques.⬢ celui que tous allaient bientôt connaître

(Continuer de la page 10) mon insistance pour connaître la vérité, je fus personne d’autre ne le remarquait ? Pourquoi camarades, il ne me restait plus que quelques obligé de reconnaître qu’il était impossible de seulement le Rabbi ? miettes… comprendre comment le Rabbi connaissait tous ces détails sur ma vie et en connaissait Je gardai ces questions lancinantes longtemps Ce qui me préoccupait vraiment, c’était de sûrement encore davantage que ce qu’il à l’esprit jusqu’à ce que, des années plus tard, parvenir à déterminer qui m’avait trahi : « m’avait révélé. Étais-je donc transparent ? Cela je rencontre un ‘Hassid qui me répondit tout Lequel d’entre vous a tout raconté au Rabbi ? ». posait problème pour la suite de ma mission ! simplement : « C’est cela, un Rabbi ! ».⬢ Ils étaient aussi interloqués que moi. Malgré Or, si vraiment j’étais si transparent, pourquoi

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