B”H Erev Shabbos Vayechi, 17th of , 5781; January 1st, 2021 777

closely to the drunk. Reb Yudel was a The Volper highly esteemed scholar. He was a close student of the , and When the Alter ( Shneur merited a seat of honor in the study hall. Zalman, founder of Chasidism) At first he thought his ears were deceiv- remained in after Rabbi Men- ing him, but then his amazement contin- achem Mendel of Horodok/ went ued to grow. He realized that drunkard to Israel, the Rebbe began to spread his was an outstanding scholar, conversant teachings over the vastness of Russia, in all aspects of the Torah. Reb Yudel sending rays of the light of Chasidic stood there and listened until the drunk- philosophy to every city and town. At ard let forth a snore and nearly fell first he had very few chasidim, and the asleep. Reb Yudel shook him by the chasidic movement was quite limited in Yechiel Offner, yoffner.com shoulder. "Tell me, dear brother," he said scope, but day by day its light was re- in his ear, "where did you get all this vealed and people came to to One day the Volper arrived in Liozna in from?" investigate for themselves. White Russia, where he went to the local The Volper cocked an eye at him, and Here is the story of one who became an study hall. The Alter Rebbe was there Yudel suddenly saw the mysterious spar- exceptional advocate of the Alter Rebbe: with his Chasidim and outstanding stu- kle in his eyes. It scared him a bit and he dents, and he was saying a deep Chasidic edged away. "Ah, ah... You want to He had shabby clothes and a persistent smell of vodka about him. He was tall discourse. The Volper sat in a corner, know where I got this from?" Reb and skinny, and had prominent cheek- and in a rare moment of seriousness and Yudel nodded his head silently. He was lucidity, he rested his head on his hands too shocked to utter a word. bones, but his most distinguished feature and listened closely to the Rebbe's teach- was the sparkle in his eyes. Very few "N-n-no!" whispered the drunk. "I can't people knew him. He was known as the ings. Nobody paid him any attention at tell you now. But if you want Torah such Volper; nobody knew his first name. all. as this, go to Liozna where you will find The few who did know him also knew When the Alter Rebbe had concluded, he peace for your soul." left the study hall and went home. The that the Volper was a prodigious Torah Reb Yudel reeled backward in dismay. Volper also left the study hall, backpack scholar who used to be a student of He knew very well who was in Liozna, the of Mezritch. He had shared a on his shoulders, to continue his wander- for he was one of the greatest opponents bench with the great Chasidic luminar- ings. Before leaving though, he hic- of Chasidism and its proponents. Yet the cupped loudly and proclaimed with a ies, such as Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Ber- drunkard's words entered his heart, and a peculiar smile, maybe one of pain or ditchev, Rabbi Zushe of Anipol and his fierce battle was waged therein. "If this brother Rabbi , longing, "Ah, we all ate from one bowl, drunk knows so much, what does the and even with the youngest of the group, but he got all the gedichte (the thick por- Rebbe himself know?!" he wondered. A tion of the soup)." Rabbi Shneur Zalman of . Together few days passed until he resolved to they had absorbed Torah and Chasidic Word got around, until the Alter Rebbe travel to Liozna to hear Torah from the teachings from the great Maggid. was told what had been said. "That was Alter Rebbe. He knew he had a lot to The Volper however, had unique quali- the Volper," the Rebbe said. "If I knew learn. ties which set him apart from the others. he was here, I would have tried to get Continued on page 3 him to stay with us so that he wouldn't After the Maggid finished speaking, the wander anymore." other students would go over to the Volper to hear him repeat the Maggid's The Volper continued his wanderings. Shabbat Times teachings. When he spoke, everything Eventually he arrived in Vilna, a large Candle Lighting Motzei Shabbat was clear and his audience would be city full of Torah scholars. Nobody paid completely overcome. him any attention. He entered a hostel 21:4 7145 where he got a warm meal. Then he re- Tel Aviv 2144 7145 Nobody knew what led to the Volper's downfall. At some point, he began drink- moved a bottle of vodka from his worn Haifa 21:7 7144 satchel and poured himself a big glass. ing excessively. He even began to fre- Beer Sheva 2144 7144 quent bars. He did not speak about him- The scholarly drunkard settled down in New York 214: 7144 self. Wherever he went on his wander- his place and went to sleep by the warm ings, his mouth would spew forth pearls oven, while mumbling secrets of Torah. of Torah and wisdom, even the deepest He quoted from works of Kabala and Chabad of Israel Rabbi Joseph I. Aronov secrets of Torah. The more he drank, the concepts from the innermost teachings of Published by M.L.S. (03) 3731777 more the "secrets came out," the secrets Torah, and every so often he burst into Editor: Aharon Schmidt of Torah. People who did not understand drunken laughter. [email protected] him mocked him. Reb Yudel stood nearby and listened Please guard the sanctity of this publication We Don’t Belong In Exile a certain perspective, the G‑dly energy how Joseph tells his brothers that ultimate- contained within them is greater than that ly G‑d will take the Jews out of Egypt. This week’s Torah reading begins: manifest in situations where holiness is “And Jacob lived in the Land of Egypt.” openly revealed. Why is Joseph the one to communicate this The Baal HaTurim, one of the foremost message? Because his spiritual level trans- Torah commentaries, explains that Jacob Emulating Jacob’s Example cended the exile. Yes, he descended to spent his best years in the land of Egypt.” Egypt and was even enslaved there. But How can the G‑dliness within these enti- these external events did not change his To explain: Throughout his life, Jacob was ties be tapped? By emulating Jacob’s ex- inner makeup. Inside, he was a king and beset by problems and difficulties. In ample. Jacob saw no difference between because he was a king inside, ultimately, Egypt, he was able to live in wealth and life in Egypt and life in Eretz Yisrael. Cer- his external circumstances changed to re- prosperity and spend his final years shar- tainly, the externals were not the same. flect this inner core. ing his wisdom with his sons. These were Here he lived amid affluence and security, obviously the best years of his life. and there he struggled with perverse foes. This was the message Joseph communicat- In one place, the land was holy, and in the ed to his brethren: “You will live many Light Over Darkness other, it was corrupt. years in Egypt and you will ultimately be enslaved, but that will not define who you One might, however, ask: Why were the But internally, he saw no change. In both are. Egypt is a land of limitations and you best years of Jacob’s life spent in Egypt? places, his life was characterized by an possess a Divine potential that transcends Egypt is a depraved land, a place of spir- unchanging and uninterrupted commitment all limitations. Eventually, that potential itual darkness. Why was it that Jacob to Torah. Even in Egypt, this was the focus will surface and you will be redeemed.” found fulfillment there rather than in Eretz of his existence. Despite the decadence of Yisrael , our holy land? Couldn’t G‑d have Egyptian society, he and his descendants This is a message not only for the Jews of structured it otherwise? remained focused on the spiritual. Joseph’s generation, but also for the Jews of all time. A Jew does not belong in exile, The commentaries explain that this reflects Through these efforts, he was able to tap for he possesses a soul that is an actual part a motif suggested by the . On the the latent spiritual potential that is present of G‑d. As he realizes this potential and verse: “I saw an advantage to light over within Egypt, enabling the higher quality expresses it in his conduct, it surfaces and darkness,” the Zohar explains that it is of light to surface. And by doing so, he influences the external environment, caus- through darkness that it is possible to attain generated the potential for the exodus from ing redemption to be a tangible reality. the higher quality of light. Egypt, when his descendants would pro- ceed from exile to redemption. Adapted from the teachings of the Rebbe; The existence of every entity in the world adapted from Keeping in Touch, Sichos in is maintained by G‑dly life-energy. Even A King Inside and Out English; From our Sages and Moshiach those objects which appear to be spiritually Now! reprinted from LchaimWeekly.org - empty possess G‑dly sparks. Indeed, from Similarly, the closing passages describe LYO / NYC

Learning Torah Properly Which I took out of the hand of the is the antidote to this pitfall. The Alter Rebbe held a number of de- Emorite with my sword and with my bow (the Rebbe Rayatz) bates with the Torah scholars of Lithua- (Gen. 48:22) nia over the validity of Chassidus. On these occasions he would discuss con- cepts in halacha (generally the halachot of As notes, the sword and bow Jacob And Israel stretched out his right hand Birkat HaNehenin), and would conclude was referring to were his "wisdom" and and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was with a spiritual lesson. "prayer," for allegorically, the Emorite is the younger (Gen. 48:14) identified with the Evil Inclination. This At the second debate, which took place in battle takes place in every Jew's soul. The Because Ephraim was younger, Jacob Minsk, everyone recognized his outstand- Emorite, from the Hebrew word meaning placed his stronger hand upon his head to ing genius, and it deeply impacted the speech, becomes powerful when we bless him. For young children always Torah scholars. At the conclusion of that speak inappropriately or entertain extra- require more attention, supervision and debate, he taught a lesson from the Mish- neous thoughts. The way to conquer him encouragement than older people. na: "Whoever drinks water out of thirst is with "wisdom" and "prayer," uttering (Techiyat Yisrael) should say the blessing, shehakol nihyah words of Torah and praying to G-d. bidevaro." (the Alter Rebbe, Torah ) He explained that water symbolizes To- And let my name be named on them, and rah, and the test of whether one is truly

the name of my fathers Abraham and learning Torah properly is whether he

Isaac (Gen. 48:16) recognizes that everything (shehakol) is And when he saw that the resting place being created by the word of HaShem was good...he bent his shoulder to bear (nihyah bidevaro). Among those present (Gen. 49:15) Jacob was afraid that the younger genera- tion (especially Joseph's children, who were many diligent students who would were born and bred in Egypt and accus- learn for eighteen to twenty-one hours Issachar recognized that although leisure tomed to the wealth of the royal palace) every day. When they heard this expla- is good and pleasant, it can also be dan- would assimilate among their Egyptian nation, scores of them were attracted to gerous. In times of peace and tranquility neighbors. To prevent this, he insisted becoming disciples of the Alter Rebbe. the Evil Inclination intensifies its efforts that his grandchildren keep their original to lead a person astray, which can lead to The Rebbe Rayatz, reprinted from The Jewish names. Changing one's name is disaster. Issachar therefore "bent his Weekly by Merkaz Anash, on the first step toward assimilation. shoulder to bear" the yoke of Torah, for -line at TheWeeklyFarbrengen.com (Imrei Chein) The Alter Rebbe’s Niggunim

When the Alter Rebbe returned from his that arouse feelings, but niggunei Chabad The Best Years first visit with the Maggid of Mezritch, originate from feelings. This is why many people asked him what new thing when a chassid is davening (and meditat- When the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, the did he learn in Mezritch. One of his re- ing) properly, he will often burst forth in a Tzemach Tzedek, was a child, he learned plies was, “I leaned three things… the chassidishe melody. a commentary on the verse that the 17 third being the power of neginah (song).” One of the reasons that most Chabad years Jacob lived in Egypt were the best Indeed, before going to Mezritch the Alter niggunim were composed without words years of his life. Surprised, he went to his Rebbe was an accomplished composer was that they originated from the inner- grandfather, the Alter Rebbe, to find out and singer. We know this from the fact most feelings of the heart. Because the how it was possible that the years spent that when he first settled in Vitebsk after emotion that evoked the melody is higher in such a spiritually corrupt and abomi- his marriage, he was often asked to sing at than words, its expression cannot be ex- nable land could have been Jacob's best. weddings. In order to fulfill the mitzvah pressed in words. The Alter Rebbe replied: Before Jacob of gladdening the hearts of the groom and The Alter Rebbe is credited for compos- descended into Egypt, he sent an emis- bride he agreed, and those who heard him sary to establish yeshivot and places of were enthralled by his neginah. However, ing 10 niggunim. The eight that are known to us are the following: learning. Whenever and wherever a Jew only after he became a chassid did he tru- learns Torah, he cleaves to G-d and ly comprehend its power. Arba Bavos (or, as it is commonly re- achieves a true and meaningful life. Fur- Many songs inspire people. But a Chabad ferred to, “The Alter Rebbe’s Niggun”); thermore, precisely because Egypt was niggun expresses an outpouring of feeling Avinu Malkeinu; Ka’ayol Ta’arog; Likras such an abominable place, the holiness in an extremely powerful way. The pow- Shabbos; Keili Atah; B’nei Heicholo; and spirituality Jacob attained there er of a niggun can be seen from that Lecha Dodi; Tzena U’Rena. shone that much brighter against the dark and evil background of his surroundings. which the Alter Rebbe once said, “the We are uncertain as to what the last two word is the expression of the mind and niggunim are, but we know that they were (the Rebbe) neginah is the expression of the soul.” composed without words. For this reason, after the already accom- (Editor: It is also said that the following plished scholars, Reb Pinchas Reizes and niggunim were composed by the Alter Reb Moshe Vilenker became his chassi- Rebbe: Niggun Yashon, Niggun Davei- dim, the Alter Rebbe sent them to Reb kut Rosh HaShana and Kol Dodi Dofek. The Volper Moshe Zalman, the shliach tzibur (prayer There are also additional niggunim where- leader) for the High Holidays, to learn in the whole niggun or a portion might neginah in davening. have been composed by the Alter Rebbe.) continued from page 1 The noted chassid Reb Reprinted from The Alter Rebbe by Rabbi Like other great Torah scholars, Reb said, “one who has a chush (sense) in Sholom DovBer Avtzon. Rabbi Avtzon is neginah has a deeper chush in Chassidus.” Yudel finally arrived in Liozna, where he a veteran educator and the author of nu- became an outstanding chasid of the Al- Niggunei Chabad are distinctively differ- merous books on the Rebbeim and their ter Rebbe, and a great scholar in Chasid- ent from other songs. There are many chassidim. He is available to farbreng in ism. beautiful and moving songs and melodies your community and can be contacted at [email protected] The Rebbe eventually sent him to Lie- pelei in order to serve as rabbi of the city and to bring the light of Chasidism to the people living there. This coming Friday, the 24th of Tevet, is the yahrzeit of the Alter Rebbe. Attaining the Ultimate Goal Source: Edited and supplemented by Yerachmiel Tilles from the post on The relates that Jacob wished to reveal the end of the exile to his children be- LChaimWeekly.org (#899) of the original fore his passing but it was concealed from him. "Gather together and I will tell you article by Menachem Ziegelboim in Beis what will happen to you at the end of days." (Gen. 49:1) The literal meaning, however, Moshiach Magazine. is that Jacob wished to "reveal, i.e., manifest and bring about, the end." Rabbi Tilles of Tsfat is a co-founder of In this context there is an important moral for every Jew. We are to follow in the foot- ASCENT. His email list for stories is in steps of Jacob, and wish and pray for the manifestation of the ultimate end - the final its 24th year. To join the list a/o his Redemption. WhatsApp group for Saturday night Au- dio, Video and Zoom stories, go to As- Seeking and contemplating this will, of itself, assist our service of G-d, inspiring us to centOfSafed.com or WhatsApp +972-526 attain our ultimate goal of Moshiach. -770-137. (Likutei Sichot of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Vol. 20) Question: It is hard to stay emotionally Haditch balanced. I work in sales. If I make a sale I feel great. If I don’t, I come home feeling Since the passing of the Alter Rebbe down. It is the same way with everything. on the 24th of Tevet, 5573 (1812), When things are going well, I feel good; when Haditch has become a spiritual things are not, I feel bad. How can I achieve lighthouse to the world, drawing some kind of emotional medium? thousands to pray at the holy resting place () of the Alter Rebbe, Answer: Emotions result from external or Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. availed to guests. internal stimuli. When the stimuli is not too unusual we are able to control our emotional Close to two decades ago, in 5758 Several years later, in 5764 (2004), response. When the stimuli is extreme and (1998), Rabbi Moshe Deitsch, a special committee was established unexpected, our response is hard to control. founder and director of the Chasdei to develop the area surrounding the We can cry, laugh, yell or become depressed. Yosef organization, purchased a Ohel and prepare the groundwork to Often, we base our success, failure and wor- small structure only several dozens accommodate large groups of thiness on the outcome of our efforts. As a of yards away from the Ohel. He visitors to Haditch. One by one, new result, our emotional response is heavily in- renovated the dilapidated structure buildings sprouted up around the vested in the outcome. If a sale equates to into comfortable lodgings that he Ohel, providing comfort and relief success and worthiness, the salesman feels to the thousands who make the happy. If a lack of a sale equates to failure, pilgrimage. Cooking Tip of the Week defeat and worthlessness the salesman feels dejected, frustrated and even angry. This is Today, individuals and organized Cheese Latkes are not only a an unhealthy internal stimuli. tours can visit Haditch any time of Chanukah treat, but great for the year and enjoy excellent The Rebbe Rayatz teaches that when a person Melave Malka all winter long. accommodations and delicious is angry he should not speak for at least 30 Beat four eggs with one package meals on mere hours’ notice. minutes. Extreme emotions are like a tempo- of Tuv Taam cheese (approx 240 rary “insanity”, so to speak; they make it hard g); mix in 3 tbls sugar (I use su- Lodgings in Haditch range from to think objectively. In such a case, can we carlife, you can use less); vanilla hostel-style rooms to comfortable really expect to attain emotional balance by extract (according to taste); 3 tbls hotel rooms for couples and families telling ourselves that all is from Hashem and butter, oil or margarine; a dash of to luxury VIP rooms. There are also all is good? It is like trying to run on one leg. salt and ½ c flour (can be gluten delicious catered meals with free; I use spelt). Mix together. superior kashrus certification and a Consider the following technique. Rather Instead of frying in oil I use round wide variety of services including than focus on the outcome of your efforts, cooking baking papers in my fry- transportation to and from the focus on taking the necessary steps to achieve ing pan. airport, etc. your goal. If your experience tells you it is

necessary to make 20 calls to clients each day, Alizah Hochstead, Adapted from arh-uk.com - Website a successful day is achieving this goal. If you [email protected] of the Ohel of the Alter Rebbe did not make the 20 calls, do not criticize yourself, but simply consider what you can do differently tomorrow to accomplish your goal. Halacha Corner – Wedding Expenses from Ma’aser The steps are in our control. The outcome is up to Hashem. In all areas of life, i.e. work, Ma’aser money (money said aside to be used for tzedakah) can be used parenting, marriage, community - our focus is for other mitzvos, not only for tzedakah, as long as they are not obligatory on taking the right steps; doing the best we mitzvos. A person may not use ma’aser to support their young children, can. Focusing on the outcome creates stress, as one is obligated to support them. These days, when it is common for resulting in emotional imbalance. When our older children to be supported by their parents until they marry, one may emotions are regulated it is easier to internal- not use ma’aser money for their support either. ize the truth that all is from Hashem and all is However, to marry off one’s children, one may use ma’aser money, but good. And, the more we habituate ourselves only under the following conditions: a) if they don’t have sufficient funds to seeing life from this perspective, the easier of chulin, non-ma’aser, money; b) if when they made the commitment to it will be to maintain emotional equilibrium the mechutanim to pay for the wedding expenses they had in mind to use even when confronted with extreme, unex- ma’aser money; and c) if the ma’aser money is not used for luxury pected and unusual situations. items, things that are frivolous and unnecessary, but for expenses needed Aharon Schmidt, marriage, family & individ- to make a wedding in a kosher and beautiful—but reasonable—manner. ual counseling. For appointments or to share Yosef Yeshaya Braun, member of the Badatz of Crown Heights, One a question contact: Munute Halacha, #200, crownheightsconnect.com [email protected]