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WHY THE EMPHASIS ON G-D’S CHARIOT? 3 G-D HIMSELF WAS REVEALED! (CONT.) D’var Malchus | Vol. 37, pg. 79-84

SHLUCHIM TO THE FRONTLINE TOWN 7 OF S’DEROT Special Report

A DAILY DOSE OF MOSHIACH 10 Moshiach &

THE ON THE PRINCIPLES OF 14 FAITH: A ‘SHULCHAN ARUCH’ OF EMUNA Feature | Avrohom Rainitz

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[Continued from last issue] In light of the above, the words of the Radak – that the Chariot of Yechezkel was revealed at the Giving WHY THE of the – also require explanation. Since the revelation of (the glory) of G-d [Himself] is far greater [than the revelation of His Chariot, why is the focus specifically EMPHASIS ON on the revelation of the Chariot, which is dramatically inferior?] Indeed, what good is the light of a candle in broad daylight? G-D’S CHARIOT? Another matter that requires elaboration is the very law that “we conclude with ‘The Chariot,’” for “We don’t expound…about the Chariot (even) for an individual, G-D HIMSELF unless he is a wise person with an understanding mind.”28 For this reason, “It is customary in some places that a great and wise person WAS REVEALED! reads this Haftora.29 The support for this practice is [the Mishna], ‘and not about the Chariot unless he is a wise Likkutei Sichos Vol. 23, pg. 18-25 person with an understanding Translated by Boruch Merkur mind.’”30 In fact, [in contrast with the opinion of Rebbi Yehuda] the other position stated in the Mishna31is that we don’t conclude with the Chariot “lest one come to inquire and probe deeply into it.”32 The Tosafos Yom Tov33 explains, “It appears to me that the reason why we don’t worry (about whether one comes to probe) is that in either of the two possible scenarios the concern is dismissed. Namely, if the person is wise, he is aware that these matters are not [readily] comprehended by [even] intelligent people, and that silence is [therefore] preferable to speech. If, however, he is not [a wise person], then ‘he who silences a fool is considered a wise man’34 – that is, he will surely silence his foolishness, knowing that he is not capable of answering any question [posed to him on the matter].” However, even according to this explanation, clarification is required. What is the benefit in reading about this matter to the congregation? The intent of reading [from the Tanach in public] is not only for the sake of elite individuals whom G-d has graced with understanding, [in our case] those who understand the Chariot, but for every single individual present in synagogue who hears the [Torah] reading and the Haftora, the majority of whom are not at the level of “a wise person with an understanding mind, etc.,” not at the level of understanding the Account of the Chariot.

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& Therefore, we must say that the Chariot of Yechezkel the level of his prophecy and comprehension [of Supernal possesses a unique quality that underscores the matters] exceeded that of Yechezkel. innovation of the Giving of the Torah (for which reason This distinction [stating the preeminence of the Chariot was revealed at the time of the Giving of the Yeshayahu in prophecy] is underscored by the very fact Torah). To that extent, this Haftora “resembles the event” that Yechezkel enumerates all details regarding the insofar as it expresses the general innovation of the Giving Chariot whereas Yeshayahu mainly emphasizes seeing the of the Torah (even more so than the prophecy of the King Himself (and not the details of the Chariot), Chariot of Yeshayahu). And the Chariot of Yechezkel’s paralleling the simple difference between the way a city unique quality (being that it “resembles the event” of the person and a village person relate to seeing the king, as Giving of the Torah) is comprehensible to every single follows: Upon seeing the king, a city person, since he was Jew.35 (However, the details of the matters related in the raised in the royal palace, has some grasp of the king’s Chariot of Yechezkel are so esoteric that they are greatness. Therefore, to him, the sight of (all the details incomprehensible to regular people, for “the profundity of related to) the king’s chariot and the like does not add to the Account of the Chariot… is well beyond the reach of the king’s mystique and his reverence for the king. the intellect of the masses.”36) Rather, just seeing the king himself has this affect on him. 2. We may assert the following explanation for the The village person, on the other hand, who has no matter: knowledge and comprehension of the greatness of the The Gemara37 distinguishes the vision of the Chariot king, when he beholds the spectacle of his greatness and as seen by Yeshayahu from that of Yechezkel as follows: his royal grandeur, he is inspired to a heightened “All that Yechezkel saw, Yeshayahu saw [i.e., Yeshayahu appreciation of the king’s greatness (notwithstanding the fact that even then he has no comprehension of the essential Upon seeing the king, a city person, since he was quality of the king’s greatness).42 The same is true when this raised in the royal palace, has some grasp of the distinction is applied to Yeshayahu and Yechezkel. The prophecy of king’s greatness. Therefore, to him, the sight of Yeshayahu, “the greatest of the prophets,” is akin to the city person’s (all the details related to) the king’s chariot and appreciation of the greatness of the the like does not add to the king’s mystique and king. Thus, the greatness of the King’s Chariot bears no significance his reverence for the king... to Yeshayahu. Whereas Yechezkel, although his main vision was of the Chariot [and not the King], this simply refrained from enumerating the details of his vision brought him to attain some knowledge of and vision. The reason for this omission is illustrated with the reverence for the greatness of the King Himself. following analogy]. Yechezkel is like a village person who [To be continued be”H] saw the king; Yeshayahu is like a city person who saw the king.” NOTES: According to a simple reading of this Gemara, the 28 Mishna Chagiga 11b; Rambam’s Laws of the Foundations difference between them is not in what they saw per se, of the Torah Ch. 2, end. but in what they related. That is, [in contrast to Yechezkel] Yeshayahu “did not bother to elaborate on 29 Chak Yaakov ibid, siman katan 3. everything, for he was a prince who grew up in a palace, 30 The Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 494:5 and a city person who sees the king is not overwhelmed and bewildered, and he does not bother to relate [all the 31 Mishna Megilla 25a, end (and in Mishnayos, Ch. 4, end). details].”38 But from the very fact that Yeshayahu is 32 Rabbeinu Akiva Bartenura on this Mishna, ibid. See also described as a “city person” – for he was a prince who Rambam in his Commentary on the Mishnayos, ibid. grew up in a palace – and Yechezkel is described as a “village person” – whose place is not the king’s palace39 33 On Mishna Megilla ibid. – it is understood that the prophecy of Yeshayahu is 34 Mishlei 17:28 superior and more complete,40 as our Sages said, Yeshayahu is called, “the greatest of the prophets,”41 and 35 See the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 284:11: The one reading the Haftora should not begin until

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  the person rolling the Torah scroll has completed his task in 38 Commentary of on Chagiga ibid. order that also that person will be able to understand and listen to it [i.e., so his attention will not be diverted from the 39 To note what is mentioned in the commentary of Tosafos Haftora while being preoccupied with the Torah scroll], for it on the words, “Village Person,” Chagiga ibid. is incumbent upon everyone to listed to the Haftora just as one 40 listens to the reading of the Torah portion … In fact, there are See Moreh Nevuchim Part 3, Ch. 6, end, and the those who have the custom … not to rely on hearing [the commentaries there. Haftora] alone, rather, they read the Haftora themselves 41 That is, in comparison to the other prophets, excluding [concurrently in a low voice], etc. Moshe. See Likkutei Sichos Vol. 9, pg. 204, Footnote 7. 36 Wording of Rambam in the introduction to Moreh 42 Along the lines of what it says in Ch. 42 (61a) in the Nevuchim Part 3 . note. 37 Chagiga 13b.

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and their roles at this particular time. * * * When driving to S’derot, about twenty minutes southwest of the city SHLUCHIM of Ashqelon, there comes a point on the major highway with a simple, but chillingly foretelling sign. S’derot to the left, and Gaza to the right. Beit Hanoun, the Arab city where much TO THE of the shelling comes from, is about a ten-minute distance by car from S’derot! The Gush Katif turnoff sign, which is no longer there, was a screaming road sign itself indicating FRONTLINE how we got to this point. What’s going on there today is the actualization of what the Rebbe warned. In short, the government has still not taken any actions to TOWN OF sever the problem from the root. And as the Pizams note, when the problem is not addressed at the root, periods of quiet are possible, but they are followed by an even more S’DEROT intense and deadly confrontation. There is a lot of money pouring in from well-meaning philanthropists The Qassam rockets raining the face of adversity has always been who want to give the residents a down on the southern Israeli town to stay the course, increase in respite, and get-away. And residents of S’derot have been both deadly spirituality and not to run away. Of are clamoring to go. Last week, and traumatizing. For seven years course, this takes help. And this is some 13,000 grasped the chance to there’s been an ebb and flow, but the perhaps the biggest challenge of the get away on respite, albeit past year in particular has brought Pizam brothers – Rav Moshe Zev temporary. If only, though, the an unparalleled intensity – and the and Rav Chananel – and their money would be as free-flowing for past ten days, an almost unbearable families, shluchim on the front lines the fortifications needed to stay in situation. In just over a week, of S’derot. S’derot – a Chitas for every home, hundreds of rockets have crashed Baruch Hashem, we were able to more jamboree programs for the directly into homes, cars, schools speak with shluchim Moshe Ze’ev children who are frequently seeing and community centers, and r”l, and Sima Pizam about the situation their parents angered, frustrated and have caused two deaths, dozens of in tears, and a kosher mezuza at injuries ranging from critical to every Jewish home and business in mild, fires, property damage and the town… many cases of shock victims! Some * * * 5,000 of the town’s once 25,000 residents have left permanently and When Sima Pizam and her many others are pondering their fate husband, R. Moshe Ze’ev, received a as stores and factories go belly-up blessing from the Rebbe MH”M to and confusion is the order in the take upon themselves the S’derot day. shlichus exactly 20 years ago, the In the heart of all this, are two town, as Sima says, was a quiet families, shluchim, who desert. Things were dramatically know that the Rebbe’s position in quiet, simple and peaceful, in fact. Rav Moshe Zev Pizam At its peak, the town had some

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  25,000 residents. Now there are problem intensifying and the to fear, to increase the ruchniut. about 20,000. Around seven years government failing to take needed Last Shabbos we had a Bar ago, the problem of Qassam rockets steps, how do you convince people Mitzva in the shul. The family began to surface, but at the time it to stay? wanted to go outside of the town but was seen as just a nuisance. Over Sima: If we are strong and the my husband told them to make it the years, however, the rockets government sees that we won’t here and that’s what they did. They became stronger, better built and leave, they will know that they will brought their family members from aimed, and the situation became have to do the work to protect us. If different parts of the country to increasingly dangerous. “These now we leave, and the Arabs see the city S’derot and it was a very, very happy are not regular Qassams,” Sima empty, they are very happy that they event. After every Shabbos davening says. Instead of mostly landing in were victorious. we provide a Shabbat meal and we open fields, they are now striking Beis Moshiach: Yes, but the want to be able to expand this to homes and buildings and habited government remains far from bring more and more people. targets with more precision and showing true commitment for the Beis Moshiach: Do you have bigger warheads. Altogether, some security and safety of the any hope that you really can 3,200 rockets have been fired from residents... influence the government to act as Gaza to S’derot and neighboring Sima: We tell the residents to it should? communities. Entire worlds (Jewish fortify the town through ruchniut. Sima: A lot of people ask us if souls) were snuffed out in the We have given every home a Seifer they should go on vacation or stay. course of the attacks and only T’hillim, and we are asking help to We say, those who need to go – but through the miracles and mercy of provide each home with a Chitas and only for a respite – should go. And G-d were the numbers defiant of all a kosher mezuza. We also want to those who are stronger should stay. I the terrorist’s odds. Like many S’derot residents, the Pizams receive many invitations to We tell the residents to fortify the town through also leave or take respite. but they are all declined. “We tell people to ruchniut. We have given every home a Seifer stay,” says Sima, “why should we T’hillim, and we are asking help to provide each leave?!” * * * home with a Chitas and a kosher mezuza. Their Beit Chabad, about a five- minute walk from their home, is built strong and barring a direct hit, expand the Jamboree program. very much hope for the end of this – ch”v, is relatively safe and able to (Anyone who can help is asked to that we will be strong and successful house events in spite of the war. contact Rav Moshe Ze’ev at 050- and that slowly the government will Last Shabbos, there were three 8757709 or the Beit Chabad at 08- understand that we want a quiet minyanim. Like many homes in 6613770) place, that this is our right. S’derot, their private home has a Beis Moshiach: You’ve We go out and participate in “secure room” on the bottom floor, recounted some of your own protests. If we sit and are quiet, it’s but the family avoids the upper personal harrowing accounts of horrible. floor, sleeping on mattresses on the near-misses from rockets that have Beis Moshiach: You talked lower floor. Not exactly comfortable, struck near both your home and about the miracles… to say the least, but “It’s a war!” the Beit Chabad. How do you Sima: There are many. A bachur When they go about their daily actually cope with the noise and who has been close with our Chabad errands and work, there is the very house shaking? house since he was a child was out sometimes a siren known as the Sima: When this happens, we all shopping. Just seconds after he got “Red Dawn” alert, which gives some fear. After that we get a new out of his car to go into the store, a 20 seconds warning of an incoming strength. I feel a special strength rocket directly hit and destroyed his rocket. The problem is that this from the Rebbe. A soldier doesn’t car. system does not always function. break away from the army. I write to Recently we went to Ashqelon to That was the case with the last two the Rebbe every time a Qassam falls, seek more help for the needy fatalities and pray for rachamim that people families we assist. We want to Beis Moshiach: With the don’t get hurt. We get answers not expand the program, as things are

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& even harder now. natural way). The army knows While we were gone, one fell what to do but the government right outside the Beis Chabad and won’t let them. But there is no the big miracle is that we weren’t ometz as long as they say, “What there. Yes, I walk on foot will the goyim say!” everywhere – I have no choice. Beis Moshiach: So there is but I always carry a Chitas, a currently not the option of D’var Malchus, and I ask the derech ha’teva? Rebbe for a blessing all the time. Rav Moshe Ze’ev: The answer Beis Moshiach: HaRav is simple. We’re already here seven Pizam, are there specific answers years with this. With all the you’ve received from the Rebbe problems we’ve had here – 3,200 lately? The car that received the direct hit or more rockets falling here – R. Moshe Ze’ev: We have a some ten died, r”l. With autos campaign to kosher the mezuzot. doctor at Ashqelon this morning and many more perish, to our sorrow, The people don’t have money to fix I came back in a taxi with another yet no one says they won’t go out on them or buy new ones, but the woman with two children and the road. Rebbe always talked about the suitcases. She said to me: “For a This is a story full of miracles protection given by a kosher week I wasn’t in S’derot. I visited without end, and the Rebbe always mezuza. Unfortunately, there aren’t relatives but wanted to come back said not to leave. In Crown Heights, many kosher mezuzot here and in home to S’derot. Now, I heard when people started moving out, the most entrances to buildings there someone was killed by a rocket and I Rebbe strongly urged them to stay, aren’t any. We try to tell (well- want to keep driving (past S’derot) and now baruch Hashem, Crown wishing donors) that it’s better to to Netivot.” Heights is a flourishing community. give the house a mezuza than to take There are people who come and Also in , after the terror the residents away to a hotel for a go – all the time. It’s a balagan. A attack on the school that massacred couple of days. And from there we very bad situation. We do what we students and their teacher, people can go on to other levels. That’s the can. We need a lot of help. wanted to leave, and the Rebbe send key to a lot of other things. Bachurim could go house to house if shluchim instead to strengthen the The Rebbe recently wrote about a we had the mezuzot... community. kosher mikveh. We’re about half way *** The Rebbe says not to leave, and to raising the money we need to Beis Moshiach: What really are if we can help the people in build a Chabad mikveh near the the options? gashmius it would make it easier for existing one, which is not b’seder. Rav Moshe Ze’ev: There are them to stay. Those who live in Tel Our main work now is to keep basically two. The Rebbe said this is Aviv and other communities should people from leaving, to give them the time for Moshiach, so we wait come to S’derot to do their shopping happiness, especially the children every day. The other, is according to and help the businesses here! who are seeing their parents crying, the natural order, but in that case Beis Moshiach: You are busy sad, and in hysteria. the government has to do real work. strengthening others. How are you Beis Moshiach: You are trying What we saw in past years is that the holding up yourselves through all to get people to stay, but that must government really does nothing to this? be difficult, especially on days like stop the problem from the root. Rav Moshe Ze’ev: We know the today when there was the horrible Even if things get quiet, it comes Rebbe is with us all the time and news… back harder... harder. There is gives us the ko’ach. That’s all. That’s R. Moshe Ze’ev: I went to the something to fix the problem (in a the only thing.

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8 SIVAN: THE TIMES AND SIGNS OF THE REDEMPTION – REVELATION OF THE WISDOMS OF THE WORLD AS A A DAILY DOSE OF PREPARATION FOR THE REDEMPTION In relation to the pasuk, “In the six hundredth year of the life of Noach, etc., all the fountains of the great deep were broken (and the windows of the heavens were MOSHIACH & opened),” the Zohar teaches that “beginning with the six hundredth year in the sixth millennium, the gates of wisdom Above and the fountains of wisdom below will be opened, and the GEULA: 8-21 world will be corrected in order that it may enter the seventh millennium (the days of Moshiach), etc.” “Wisdom Above” refers to the wisdom of Torah, and “wisdom SIVAN below” – the wisdoms of the world, and as we actually see, there has been Selected daily pearls of wisdom from the Rebbe in these times an additional revelation in the wisdom of Torah, the inner MH”M on Moshiach and Geula. teachings of Torah, and in the wisdoms of the world – all in order Collected and arranged by Rabbi Pinchas Maman that the world will be corrected so Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry that it may enter the seventh millennium.” (Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 6, Parshas Noach)

9 SIVAN: INVOLVEMENT IN TORAH IN THE FUTURE TO COME WILL BE TO CREATE GREATER SPIRITUAL UNIFICATION In the days of Moshiach, after the completion of the avoda of birurim, removing the evil from the good, “the involvement in Torah and mitzvos will not be in order to elevate the holy sparks, rather to create more sublime yichudim (spiritual unification)…and everything will be through the inner teachings of Torah by fulfilling mitzvos with supreme devotions…the inner meaning to the mitzvos and their hidden reasons” (Tanya, Igeres HaKodesh 26). (Kuntres “Torah Chadasha M’Iti Teitzei” 5751)

10 SIVAN: THERE WILL BE NO FORGETTING THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAWS OF ISSUR AND HETTER IN THE FUTURE TO COME “How is it possible that there will be no need to know the laws of issur and hetter (the forbidden and the permissible) in the days of Moshiach…for how will they slaughter the sacrifices and even meat for common usage if they don’t know the laws of drusa, chalada, and shehiya (pressing, passing, and pausing), which

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& render the sh’chita unfit, and regarding a defect in the in Chutz LaAretz, we don’t say Tachanun during these knife? Will a person be born who by his very nature days [through the 12th of Sivan], this is a proof that the will slaughter without shehiya and drusa, and will a matter exists even since the destruction of the Beis knife be created and remain forever without defect? HaMikdash and in Chutz LaAretz. (Tanya, Igeres HaKodesh 26) This also teaches us in man’s service to his Maker “Even then they will have to know the laws of issur and regarding the possibility and ability provided during these hetter, pure and impure” (ibid.), “but that which is days to fulfill what was not done and to complete that revealed will be known to every Jew with basic knowledge which was lacking for whatever reason on the day of without forgetfulness, and there will be no need to be Mattan Torah. Furthermore, “everyone admits that on involved with it.” Atzeres, ba’inan nami lachem” (there must also be ‘to (Kuntres “Torah Chadasha M’Iti Teitzei” 5751) you’)” – all this must be drawn down into this world, and even into matters of the body and its joy. 11 SIVAN: BRINGING MOSHIACH TZIDKEINU THROUGH THE (correspondence, Sivan 12, 5721) STUDY OF PIRKEI AVOS EVERY SHABBOS OF THE SUMMER And how is this avoda (of bringing Moshiach 13 SIVAN: THE GREAT RABBINICAL COURT Tzidkeinu in actual deed) expressed? This is also quite In the Future to Come, the Great Rabbinical Court will simple: be greater than all the rabbinical courts in all previous In the increase of Torah and mitzvos, in the study of generations in wisdom and in number, since in the Future to Come, “all Jews will be great chachamim.” Even when a person is still emotionally outside of It is true all the more so that the rosh , the av beis din, and the the realm of the Redemption (since he has yet to nasi standing in place of Moshe leave his inner exile), nevertheless, he rises to the Rabbeinu – Melech HaMoshiach – will be highly esteemed wise men, state of Redemption through on more than all the rabbinical court leaders of generations past, including matters of Moshiach and Redemption, and begins even Moshe Rabbeinu, since Moshiach will also teach Torah to the to live with matters of Moshiach and Redemption, Tanaim, the Amoraim, etc., and stemming from a sense of knowledge, recognition, Moshe Rabbeinu. (Kuntres “Torah Chadasha M’Iti Teitzei” 5751) and feeling that “Behold he is coming.” 14 SIVAN: THE SANHEDRIN IN THE FUTURE WILL RETURN TO TIBERIAS Torah – the revealed and inner teachings of Torah and “You shall place judges and officers in all your gates” stringent observance of mitzva fulfillment. – the fulfillment of this mitzva will be at the True and This especially includes the prevailing matter of the Complete Redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu, as is hour – the fulfillment of the custom (as the Alter Rebbe written, “And I will restore your judges as at first and your writes in his ) to say and learn Pirkei Avos (after the counselors as in the beginning,” and in particular, Mincha prayer) on Shabbosim between Pesach and according to the ruling of the Rambam (Hilchos Shavuos, and on all the Shabbosim of the summer. Sanhedrin 14:2) that “it is an accepted tradition that (the (Shabbos Parshas Shmini 5751) Sanhedrin) will return first to Teverya, and from there it will be removed to the place of the Mikdash.” 12 SIVAN – FINAL DAY FOR OFFERING THE SHAVUOS SACRIFICES: IT’S POSSIBLE TO COMPLETE THE AVODA UNTIL (Shabbos Parshas R’ei 5751) THE 12TH OF SIVAN EVEN AFTER THE BEIS HA’MIKDASH HAS 15 SIVAN: THE TIMES AND SIGNS OF THE REDEMPTION – BEEN DESTROYED PROPHECY WILL RETURN TO ISRAEL As we stand at the conclusion of Atzeres, the Time of The Rambam writes in Igeres Teiman that in a certain the Giving of our Torah, and it is known that until and year, “prophecy will return to Israel,” and there can be no including the 12th of Sivan, the sacrifices of the holiday doubt that the return of prophecy is a preface to of Shavuos may be offered, and according to the Moshiach, as is said, “And your sons and daughters will instruction of the Alter Rebbe in his siddur that even now

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  prophesize.” what is written about Moshiach being from the seed of Indeed, “He has revealed His secret to His servants, Shlomo (Yeshayahu 2:2), “And all the nations will throng the prophets,” they are the prophets of our generation (as to him” – the fact that all of them will be drawn to him is the Baal Shem Tov, of blessed memory, unlike any other because all of them will be drawn to G-dliness. in previous times…the marvelous wonders and miracles (Kuntres Tes Kislev 5752) that he and his disciple, the Maggid, nishmaso Eden, would see from one end of the earth to the other…for the 18 SIVAN: N’VIIM AND K’SUVIM WILL BE NULLIFIED – THE light created on the first day was revealed before them INTERPRETATION OF THE MITZVOS WILL NOT (Seifer HaChakira L’HaTzemach Tzedek, Mitzvas Eidus) It is understood from the words of our Sages, of – to the point of “ a prophet from among you, etc., like blessed memory, brought to halacha in the seifer of the me” (his existence as the extension of Moshe in every Rambam (, end of Hilchos Megilla) that generation), and they are “your judges and your advisors” “all the Books of the Prophets and all the K’suvim will be of our generation. nullified in the days of Moshiach (except for Megillas (Shabbos Parshas Shoftim 5751) Ester),” however, “the halachos of the Oral Torah are never nullified” as “the Five Books of Moses.” 16 SIVAN: THE TIMES AND SIGNS OF THE REDEMPTION – In other words, in the eternity of Torah – “it is clear THE EXISTENCE OF THE NASI IN THIS GENERATION and explicit in Torah that it is a mitzva that stands forever, The Rambam discusses at length in Seifer HaMada with no change, no detraction, and no addition, etc.” that “among the fundamental principles of the faith is to (Rambam, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah, beg. of Ch. 9) – know that G-d visits people in prophetic visions,” and including “halachos of the Oral Torah,” the interpretation about the mitzva to listen to a prophet (Hilchos Yesodei of the mitzvos through which we know the way to fulfill HaTorah, Chapter 7). the mitzvos of the Torah. Therefore, we must also know the halacha in these (Kuntres on “Halachos of the Oral Torah shall never be nullified” 5752) times even before the Redemption that there exists a revelation of prophecy (in Moshiach even prior to the 19 SIVAN: MOSHIACH COMES WHEN OUR MIND IS DIVERTED Redemption), similar to the advent of the ultimate – THROUGH CONTEMPLATION UPON THE SUBJECT OF revelation of prophecy after the Redemption. MOSHIACH AND REDEMPTION (Furthermore, “a prophet who is declared by another Even though our Sages, of blessed memory, have said prophet to be a prophet – as we find in connection with (Sanhedrin 97a) that Moshiach comes “at a moment of the leader of the generation and as continued in the diversion,” this is not a contradiction ch”v to thought and generation that follows through his students, etc. – is contemplation in a manner of “knowledge” (“connecting presumed to be a prophet and requires no investigation”) his knowledge with a very firm and strong connection and and we must immediately obey him even “before he to place it firmly in his mind”) in matters of Moshiach and performs a sign.” Indeed, “it is forbidden to have doubts the Redemption, and above all, thought and about him and question whether his prophecy is not true contemplation on the knowledge and recognition that we and it is forbidden to test him too much, etc., they will are already standing at the very entrance to the days of believe and know that G-d is in their midst, and they Moshiach, “Behold he is coming,” since all the appointed shall neither doubt nor question him, etc. (ibid., 10:5), times have already passed, and they have already done as is said (D’varim 6:16), ‘You shall not test Hashem, t’shuva, and all matters of avoda have been totally your G-d…for G-d is in their midst.’” completed. (Shabbos Parshas Shoftim 5751) This is because “diversion” (hesech ha’daas) refers to that which is “higher than knowledge” (Tanya, Igeres 17 SIVAN: ALL THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD WILL COME TO HaKodesh 105b), i.e., after this concept penetrates his MOSHIACH IN THE FUTURE TO COME knowledge (through thought and contemplation, etc.), he It is known (Seifer HaMaamarim 5704) that all the reaches a level (of hesech ha’daas) that is higher than nations were subservient to Shlomo (for there was peace knowledge. and tranquility in his days), as they were nullified to the (Shabbos Parshas Balak 5751) revelation of G-d’s Infinite Light that radiated through him. 20 SIVAN: THE BEST ADVICE TO LIVE WITH THE DAYS OF By the same token, people came to him from all the MOSHIACH – TORAH STUDY ON THE SUBJECT OF MOSHIACH nations to hear his wisdom (Melachim I 5). AND REDEMPTION The real reason that they came to him was because Despite the recent “uproar” after seeing the miracles they were drawn towards G-dliness, and according to

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& that bear witness that this is “the year when Melech these times, and even the first period of the days of HaMoshiach will be revealed,” we see that it is difficult Moshiach (prior to the Resurrection of the Dead) (“es kumt ahn shver”) to instill recognition and the feeling when the fulfillment of Torah and mitzvos will be at that we are literally standing on the verge of the days of its ultimate and most complete level, from the point of Moshiach, to the point of “living” with matters of view of worldly limitations, practical halacha must be Moshiach and Redemption… according to one opinion, while the second opinion is The advice for this…is through Torah study on merely in the spiritual realm. In these times, halacha matters of Moshiach and Redemption, for Torah (G-d’s is according to the school of Hillel, while the opinion wisdom, which transcends the world) possesses the of the school of Shammai is in the spiritual realm. strength to change human nature. Even when a person is And in the days of Moshiach, halacha will be still emotionally outside of the realm of the Redemption according to the school of Shammai, and the opinion (since he has yet to leave his inner exile), nevertheless, he of the school of Hillel will be in the spiritual realm. rises to the state of Redemption through Torah study on However, after the time of “Today to do them, matters of Moshiach and Redemption, and begins to live tomorrow to receive their reward,” in the World of with matters of Moshiach and Redemption, stemming Revival, when mitzvos will be nullified in the Future from a sense of knowledge, recognition, and feeling that to Come, when the limitation of a command to man is “Behold he is coming.” nullified, and there remains only their true concept as (Shabbos Parshas Balak 5751) the Will of G-d, the halachos of Torah…that are never nullified – halacha will be as the House of Hillel and 21 SIVAN: HALACHA TODAY IS ACCORDING TO BEIS HILLEL – the House of Shammai simultaneously, since the Will HALACHA WILL BE ACCORDING TO BEIS SHAMMAI IN THE of G-d will be revealed in the world as it is in His DAYS OF MOSHIACH – AFTER T’CHIYAS HA’MEISIM, AS BOTH Blessed and All-Powerful Essence. OF THEM TOGETHER (Kuntres on “Halachos of the Oral Torah shall never be nullified” 5752) In the times of “Today to do them,” which includes ADD IN ACTS Esther’s Party OF GOODNESS Esther’s Party & KINDNESS GGrriillll TO BRING 463 Albany Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-735- MOSHIACH NOW! 4343 CATERING ON OR OFF THE PREMISES CORPORATE COME SEE ACCOUNTS HECHT’SHECHT’S OUR BRAND NEW WELCOME. SUSHI BAR TRATRAVELVEL SHLUCHIM; OPEN FOR IN HOUSE DINING 1503 Union Street TAKE OUT & CATERING Brooklyn N.Y.11213 SPECIAL RATES S. HECHT & Y.HECHT FOR SHABBATONSUNDER &THE PARTIESSUPERVISION OF THE BEIS DIN CROWN HEIGHTS (718) 773-1193 or 963-1072 FAX (718) 963-3440 FREE DELIVERY TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  CB>QROB THE REBBE ON THE PRINCIPLES OF FAITH: A ‘SHULCHAN ARUCH’ OF EMUNA

By Avrohom Rainitz

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& Rabbi Chaim Miller coined his newly released Menachem,” said R’ Gutnick, “my goal was to make it easy for anyone who wanted to learn the Rebbe’s book a “Shulchan Aruch” of Emuna. The new teachings. My initial target audience was those English readers who find publication by , 446 pages in it hard to study the Rebbe’s sichos in Yiddish and Lashon Ha’Kodesh. length, is the first in a series on the Principles of Then we had the translated into Spanish, and now it’s Faith of the Rambam. It contains an anthology of time for Hebrew speakers to enjoy this wonderful anthology of sichos commentaries from the , , and thoughts of the Rebbe on the Torah.” Rishonim and Acharonim and an elucidation AN ARRAY OF AGES AND culled from the Rebbe’s teachings. It follows the BACKGROUNDS That which unites the Chumash popular Toras Menachem Chumash – Gutnick series and the new series on the Thirteen Principles of Faith of the Rambam is that both are formatted edition, which presents the Rebbe’s revolutionary in the same style. The style suits people of all ages and backgrounds explication of Rashi. so that anyone who picks up one of the books, whether he or she has a Four years have passed since the adjacent room sat some men at yeshiva background or not, and no first volume of the Gutnick edition computers with the most up-to-date matter their age, can expect an of the Chumash was published by search engines for Torah literature, enlightening and enjoyable read. Kol Menachem. In the interim, Kol including the ability to search The Gutnick Chumash contains Menachem has published the Five through all sefarim that contain the the text of the Chumash along with Books of the Torah as well as the Rebbe’s teachings. Targum and Rashi. The text is Haftorahs, and just recently As we sat down together in the translated into English. In the published the first in a series on the editor’s office, I saw galleys of middle of the page are Classic Thirteen Principles of Faith. In just another book that will be published Questions of the Torah a few weeks the first printing has shortly, a Gutnick edition of the Commentators and a summary of been sold out. Chumash in Hebrew. Soon those their answers. On the bottom of the I was interested to hear details who read Ivrit will be able to enjoy page is the Toras Menachem about the new book and I met with the first in this amazing series of commentary, the highlight and the director of Kol Menachem, Chumashim. purpose of the Gutnick Chumashim. Rabbi Meir Gutnick and the editor “When I started Kol It consists of a compilation of the in chief, Rabbi Chaim Miller. In an Rebbe’s sichos in

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  which the Rebbe analyzes the comments of the classic commentators quoted earlier and arrives at conclusions and wondrous innovative ideas. There was an enormous number of sichos from which the explanations are taken, over 1000 sichos, and R’ Miller explained on what basis he decided which sichos to include. “It wasn’t possible to include all the Rebbe’s sichos, especially when we also wanted to include a summary of the classic commentators. We decided to incorporate the explanations of the commentators together with the Rebbe’s sichos, and we chose those sichos in which the Rebbe referred to the questions posed by the classic commentators. “The two sections work in tandem, because right after reading the classic questions, the reader sees the Rebbe’s explanation, which analyzes the explanations of the commentators and presents a new approach in the study of Rashi. “This approach was pioneered by the Tzemech Tzedek in , which is constructed in the same way. First he cites the explanations of the commentators, and then he presents the teachings of Chassidus which reveal the depth and the soul of what the commentators say. In this way, someone who is not yet familiar with the teachings of Chasidus is first drawn into the discussion through sources that he feels at home with.” To R’ Gutnick, it is important to reach the widest possible audience. “I saw a letter from the Rebbe to an author of books who wrote a halachic work in English. The Rebbe instructed him to add footnotes in Lashon Ha’Kodesh in the margins, with pilpulim and references to other sefarim, so that the book would appeal to simple

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& people who would learn the book in education, but in journalistic arrangement of the material is well- English, as well as to scholars who English. This would preserve the organized into easily understandable would focus on the notes.” respect such a work deserves, while lessons following a logical sequence This is why, in addition to the being accessible to all.” of issues and concepts implicit in the Toras Menachem commentary, there Another feature of the basic principles, to present a user- are side bars called “Sparks of Chumashim is the sidebar called friendly text from which both scholar Chassidus” which contain thoughts “The Last Word,” which appears and layman will benefit greatly. from the Rebbe’s sichos on Rashi’s every few pages. These contain “The insertion of invaluable commentary based on Toras lessons that the Rebbe derives from insights from Chassidic sources, and Ha’Chassidus. ideas in the parsha that can be in particular from the vast treasure R’ Gutnick explained these boxes applied to daily life. These boxes of the teachings of the Lubavitcher are suitable even for intended for show that Torah is relevant in all Rebbe...provide a truly original work those who are not religious, and are times and for all people. which casts new light and tasting Chassidus for the first time. understanding unto this all- The concepts are translated into UNIVERSAL APPEAL important subject-matter. easy-to-understand English, so that “I congratulate ‘Kol Menachem – When I asked about feedback even people without a background The Gutnick Library of Jewish they’ve recieved, R’ Gutnick took in Chassidus can have access to “the Classics’ for providing this out a bunch of papers with dozens wine of Torah.” intellectually, spiritually and of comments that he has received “We presented the sichos,” said physically beautiful volume, and via e-mail. In recent weeks, he has R’ Miller, “in a journalistic English, look forward to the joy of subsequent been flooded with enthusiastic understandable to all ages. I heard installments.” feedback about the new book on the from R’ Heschel Greenberg, that Rabbi Gutnick pointed out that Thirteen Principles of Faith. Even when he worked on translating ‘On the reactions from rabbonim deal before the book arrived in the the Essence of Chassidus’ into primarily with the content and stores, dozens of copies were sent to English, the Rebbe told him not to presentation. The reactions of the Torah scholars, rabbis and shluchim, use academic language which is general public, understandably, in order to hear their opinion of it. understood only by professors and address other aspects of the series. The enthusiastic reactions show those on a high level of secular Most of the non-Chabad public is that the new series addresses the unfamiliar with the Rebbe’s sichos very topics that need strengthening on Rashi’s commentary. As he says, these days, i.e. the principles of our “After the first volume of the faith, as explained in Chassidus. Chumash was published, people Rabbi J. Immanuel Schochet, called me from Flatbush, and after noted scholar and author in telling me how much they enjoyed Toronto, wrote: the Rebbe’s explanations, they asked “I am very impressed by Rabbi when this work of the Rebbe on Chaim Miller’s anthology-analysis of Chumash was found. They were Rambam’s Principles of the Faith – astounded to hear that the Rebbe Principles VIII-IX. Evidently a lot of delivered hundreds of sichos since thought, and immense effort and 1965 on Rashi’s commentary.” labor, went into producing this In the letters that Kol Menachem illuminating work. The scholarship has received, you can see letters is profound and thorough, yet the from famous professors in addition “It goes without saying,” said R’ Miller, “that all the profits go directly to expanding Kol Menachem and towards publishing new books. The ones who benefit from the sales of the books Rabbi Chaim Miller, editor of the series are the potential readers of future publications.”

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  to letters from children and yeshiva bachurim. Each one is enthused about something else. The children are happy about being able to say a Dvar Torah at the Shabbos table without much effort. Professors, who specialize in commentaries on the Chumash, have been impressed by the Rebbe’s approach. Shluchim write that after members of their congregations bought the Chumash and read the sichos, they are interested in learning the sicha in its entirety in the Likutei Sichos. Rabbi Sholom Moshe Paltiel, shliach in Port Washington, New York wrote: “The Gutnick Chumash is the perfect text for a successful Chumash class. It offers an engaging text to the participants while allowing the instructor to The Kol Menachem team working on finding and editing sichos expound much deeper on the subject matter by reviewing the the son took a sicha out of his and he commented that at a family Sicha from the source. This formula pocket and said to his surprised get-together the previous Shabbos, has proven very successful for us. father, “Now I can tell you that for one of the speakers said just the Above all, there is no need for many the past two years I have been same idea … hours of preparation. With the help learning the Rebbe’s sichos and I’m L. Young, a Jew with no Torah of this Chumash we have established on the way to becoming a Chabad background, expressed his thanks in a successful, vibrant weekly Shiur.” Chassid. I hope that now, after you a letter that he sent: R’ Gutnick said that he recently yourself began enjoying the Rebbe’s “As one of many who do not heard from R’ Mendel Shagalov sichos, that you will understand why have a day school background and about an acquaintance of his who I am doing what I’m doing.” therefore struggle when learning learned in a Chabad yeshiva, but There are other reactions like the Hebrew texts and the Rebbe’s after he married someone from a one from Ehud Barak, former Prime commentaries on them it is with Litvishe family, he dropped out of Minister, who participated in the great appreciation that this project Chabad and even became a sharp bar mitzva of a friend and when he was undertaken.” critic. His son found him looking asked one of the speakers where he Leah Glogauer wrote: into the Rebbe’s commentary on got his original ideas from and was “What can one really say about Chumash and he asked his father told they came from the Gutnick having a Chumash with our beloved what he was learning. The man said Chumash, he bought one too. Rebbe’s sichos and our lifeblood our someone had given him the Sometimes, it’s the feedback that Torah so beautifully laid out in these Chumash as a gift and it had a very doesn’t come back to the editor that volumes… I shall cherish these interesting commentary. tells us how widespread the seforim always… Just the feel of the “Could you tell us a Dvar Torah Chumash is. On Zev Brenner’s leathery covers and the beautiful from it on Shabbos?” asked the son. popular radio program in New paper on which these immortal The father said perhaps… He had York, Dov Shurin briefly words and thoughts are printed, one to think about it. summarizes the news from Israel. cannot but love to read, to learn and The next Shabbos, the father Before he begins, he very often to live the Rebbe’s way.” took the Chumash and read one of repeats ideas from the new Rabbi Miller said that when he the Rebbe’s explanations at the Chumash. On one program, visited a doctor in Flatbush, a local Shabbos table. When he finished, Brenner was excited by what he said resident without a beard, the doctor

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& inquired as to his profession. When “If we included a translation of 15 years, when they were able to he heard that his patient was the Rashi, it would take up a lot of recoup their editing costs.” editor of the Gutnick Chumash he space on the page and we would “It goes without saying,” said R’ said, “Really. I wast just reading last have to put in fewer sichos of the Miller, “that all the profits go week a comment of the Rebbe how Rebbe. Since the main point of this directly to expanding Kol the bikurim represent the soul and Chumash is the Rebbe’s sichos, we Menachem and towards publishing the basket, the body. What a opted to include another sicha and new books. The ones who benefit fascinating insight!” another idea from the Rebbe, rather from the sales of the books are the At Eichler’s bookstore in than an English translation of Rashi potential readers of future Flatbush, hundreds of the sets were (which is available in other publications.” sold even though most of the people Chumashim). R’ Gutnick said that when the living in Flatbush are not “Furthermore, when we edited series is available in Hebrew, the Chassidim. The biggest surprise is the Chumash, we took into account cost of living for those in Eretz in the bookstores in Lakewood, that ultimately, we would be Yisrael will be taken into account capitol of the Litvishe world in the publishing the entire Chumash with and the price will be adjusted US, where many sets of the the Haftorahs in one volume, which accordingly. Chumashim have been sold. is called the Synagogue Edition. This is a volume of 1600 pages! If UNFAMILIAR SICHOS we included a translation of Rashi, CONSTRAINTS OF SPACE The editors did not just use the book would be too big and we As with all good things, along those sichos that appear in Likutei would be unable to bind it as one with the compliments there is also Sichos, which can be found volume.” criticism, not about the wonderful relatively easily, but they found “In the future, however, we plan editing but about some technical sichos which are only in unedited to release a dedicated Rashi details like there being no English manuscripts. These sichos have no Chumash.” translation of Rashi. R’ Miller table of contents or index of topics The price for the Chumashim is agrees that a translation of Rashi is and I asked R’ Miller how he $99 for the small set and $125 for necessary, but he explained that in located sichos spread out over the large set. English seforim in the current edition it wasn’t possible twenty volumes. America generally cost between to include it. “Until last year, the work was eighteen and thirty dollars so the really difficult. I created my own price is reasonable, especially for search engine and that’s how I was volumes with such a beautiful able to search through these sefarim binding. too. For the rest of the Rebbe’s “We wanted to market the books sefarim I used the terrific resource at an even lower price,” said R’ Otzar770.com. Gutnick, “but the enormous sums “Last year all the Kehot sefarim of money invested in years of were scanned into the virtual library editing did not enable us to do so. of Otzar Ha’Chochma, which made Other publishers, like Artscroll, our searches much easier to dropped their prices only after 10-

When he finished, the son took a sicha out of his pocket and said to his surprised father, “For the past two years I have been learning the Rebbe’s sichos and I’m on the way to becoming a Chabad Chassid. I hope that now, after you yourself began enjoying the Rebbe’s sichos, that you will Rabbi Meir Gutnick, director of Kol Menachem understand why I am doing what I’m doing.”

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  conduct. Of course, it still entails a THE NEW SERIES: A sichos and maamorim deal with the lot of work. SHULCHAN ARUCH OF 13 Principles of Faith of the “Doing it this way enabled us to EMUNA Rambam, whether directly or get to sichos that deal with very indirectly. We also discovered that interesting topics but were never As mentioned at the beginning of although this is one of the most made available to those who study this article, a new book, this time on important topics, there is relatively the Rebbe’s teachings. For example, the Thirteen Principles of Faith, was little written on it. That is why we in the new book on the Thirteen recently released by Kol Menachem. decided to concentrate on the Principles, there’s an entire sicha It deals with the Rambam’s 8th Principles of Faith.” from Acharon shel Pesach 5737 Principle, about the obligation to Shluchim and lecturers with about well-known disputes such as believe that the Torah is Divine, and whom R’ Gutnick and R’ Miller the dispute between Rashi and the 9th Principle, the obligation to spoke to, said that their choice of Rabeinu Tam about the order of the believe that the Torah we have is topic is excellent. Even among the parshiyos in tefillin. eternal and will never be changed. chareidim, they said, there are many “If you think about it for a “After we saw the outstanding Jews who are not knowledgeable in moment, the dispute is mystifying success of the Chumash,” said R’ this area. There aren’t books that since this is a daily mitzva that every Gutnick, “we thought of publishing explain the Principles in depth. This man has been doing since the Torah additional sefarim that bring the ignorance comes from the simple was given. In other words, instead Rebbe’s teachings to the broader fact that Jewish schools do not have of arguing, just open the tefillin of public. We looked for a topic that a curriculum for the teaching of the the previous generation and see would interest people, on the one Principles of Faith. what order they’re in. The Rebbe hand, and one that is broadly After developing an outline for offers an explanation that centers on addressed in the Rebbe’s sichos, on the general structure of the series there being a dispute since the time the other hand. and publishing the first volume, R’ of Moshe.’” “We discovered that dozens of Miller thinks that the new series will based on the Rebbe’s sichos, every You can see how important these principles are, topic connects with Moshiach and Geula. A large portion of the sichos said R’ Miller, since an entire book on two brought in connection with the ninth principles was published, based on the Rebbe’s principle, about the eternality of Torah, deals substantively with sichos! Geula, starting with a discussion about “mitzvos being nullified L’Asid Lavo,” continuing with the status of be a “Shulchan Aruch of Emuna.” the principles taught in the book. In holidays, the Prophets and Writings, “Those who want to understand order to make it easier for those who and changes in halacha to the view Jewish beliefs in detail, will be able learn the book as a series of lessons, of Beis Shamai. to learn it in the new series.” at the end of each lesson are In the sichos about belief in the Since this is a fundamental topic, summaries of the points made in the coming of Moshiach, the Rebbe and knowing that shluchim, schools, lesson. often mentions that although and yeshivos will use the book for a The book begins with letters Chabad does not say the Thirteen series of classes on faith, the book from the Rebbe that were written in Principles daily after shacharis (since was structured as a series of lessons. English in which the Rebbe explains it is not in the category of prayer), First the Rambam’s Principle is the belief that the Torah was given all are required to believe in them. quoted with a translation into from Heaven with proofs as to the You can see how important these English. veracity of the Torah. Since many principles are, said R’ Miller, since Like in the Chumash series, the doubts about the truth of Torah stem an entire book on two principles was various commentators are quoted from the supposed contradiction published, based on the Rebbe’s and the Rebbe’s sichos present the between science and Torah, at the sichos! special dimension of Chassidus. end of the book there is an appendix Now that the first book in the “The sichos in this book are deeper with the Rebbe’s view about this. new series is out, the team at Kol than the sichos in the Chumash Another interesting feature is a Menachem is working on since, after all, this is about the historical note that explains the subsequent volumes which will deal fundamentals of our faith,” said R’ background to the Rambam’s with issues such as the Coming of Miller. writing of the Thirteen Principles of Moshiach and the Resurrection of In this new series there are also Faith. the Dead. This will lead to a “Sparks of Chassidus” and “The revolution in the study of Toras Last Word,” along with a new TORAH AND GEULA Ha’Geula which is the straight path feature called “A Living Example” Although the first volume in the to the revelation and coming of with stories from the lives of Torah new series is about the truth and Moshiach, may he come speedily! and Chassidic greats that illustrate eternality of Torah, when a book is

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mouth, a long line of soldiers and civilians had formed who wanted me to put t’fillin on with them. I saw that what I had seen as obstacles was only a test, and that I had to follow the Rebbe’s instructions.

IN HIS MEMORY MIVTZA Rabbi Dovid Morosov of Kfar Chabad was killed in battle about a month after the Six Day War. On his final day he put t’fillin on with his fellow soldiers. It was Friday, 29 T’FILLIN: Sivan 5727, somewhere near the Suez Canal, when he gathered his fellow soldiers, kibbutzniks and moshavniks who had never davened, and convinced them all to put on t’fillin. They agreed, and did so, one 40 YEARS – after the other. Shabbos morning, he went on a sortie and did not return alive. Enemy fire killed him. When the members of his unit came to console 40 STORIES his widow, they told her that they had decided to continue putting on By Shneur Zalman Berger t’fillin in memory of her husband (may Hashem avenge his blood).

At the Kosel, under fire on the frontlines, in NEAR THE REMNANT OF Miami and on a flight to Siberia, on a train in OUR BEIS HA’MIKDASH R’ Ben-Tzion Grossman of Israel and in a university, at the Central Bus Migdal HaEmek, tells us of the first Station and Beirut Airport, on a flight to the Mivtza T’fillin at the Kosel: After the re-conquering of the Rebbe and facing a volcano in Italy. * Miracles, , he and R’ Moshe Aharon Wilhelm and another person, tried to stories of neshamos, and missions from the Rebbe. get over to the Kosel even though entrance was still forbidden. The * 40 stories about mivtza t’fillin for 40 years since three yearned to get to the Makom HaMikdash but could go no further. the Rebbe launched Mivtza T’fillin. * Part 1 of 2 When they finally managed to get to the Kosel, they took some pairs of IT SOUNDED DAUNTING! took guts. I thought to myself, t’fillin from soldiers who were there, R’ Dovid Lesselbaum of Kfar “How will I ask a Jew to do this?” A and began putting t’fillin on with the Chabad relates: day went by and then I decided to many soldiers in the area. During the Six Day War, I heard take the plunge and do what the “We began putting t’fillin on with that the Rebbe said to put t’fillin on Rebbe wanted without asking the soldiers. The soldiers were Jews. I didn’t know all the details questions. moved by having conquered the about it, just that I had to do it I went to a club that was packed Kosel and they were eager to pray. because the Rebbe said so. Today, it with soldiers and put t’fillin on the Many soldiers stood in line to put on is taken for granted, but back then it table. Before I could open my t’fillin. We read the Shma with them

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& Our hearts went out to this poor youth whose Jewish soul called out to him to conduct himself as a Jew and to put t’fillin on secretly, while his mother, tragically, worked to convert people to Christianity.

DESPITE THE DOCTOR’S PROGNOSIS For many years, R’ Yitzchok Glitzenstein (may he have a refua shleima) put t’fillin on with people at the Kosel. He has many stories to tell. Here are two miracles he witnessed: “My wife a”h was sick and the doctors said she needed an operation. I wrote to the Rebbe and the Rebbe told me to speak to a certain doctor in Yerushalayim and get his opinion and do as he said. This doctor said to operate and that’s what we did. “After the operation, my son asked the doctor about her condition and the doctor said that if her body is strong, she would remain alive only another three months. I and immediately went on to the next “Certainly,” we told him. “On immediately wrote to the Rebbe and soldier. Sukkos and Chol HaMoed we don’t asked for a bracha. That week, R’ “The next morning, we came put on t’fillin, but today is Erev Gershon Henich Cohen went to the with our own t’fillin and put them Sukkos and it’s a mitzva to put on Rebbe and I asked him to mention on with the soldiers until the late t’fillin.” my wife for a bracha when he had a afternoon hours. Thus, we “Even though it’s not morning?” yechidus with the Rebbe. When he endangered ourselves every day, the boy continued to ask, as though did so, the Rebbe said, ‘R’ Yitzchok arriving at the Kosel through not quite believing them. puts t’fillin on with Jews at the roundabout routes. That was the “It’s definitely a mitzva all day, Kosel, and she will recover.’ first time that an improvised t’fillin until the sun sets,” we answered, “Indeed, my wife lived another stand was set up near the Kosel.” and took out a pair of t’fillin. 18 years, despite the doctor’s A moment before he rolled up his prognostication.” DON’T TELL MY MOTHER sleeve, he asked in a whisper with a penetrating look, “You’ve got to Tukmak, Ukraine, Erev Sukkos NOT A PROMISE promise me one thing, that you 5764. don’t tell my mother that I came R’ Glitzenstein relates the second The T’mimim-shluchim were here to put on t’fillin.” miracle: busy building the sukka when a 15- Of course we promised, but we “I asked someone at the Kosel to year-old suddenly burst in. Shmuel asked him why he was nervous put on t’fillin and he said he would Brod described what happened next, about his mother finding out. do so only if I promised him that he in his diary: “Although my mother is Jewish,” he would have children. I told him, “Am I allowed to put t’fillin on said, “she is an active missionary. ‘Promise you?! I can only hope and now?” he asked in a near whisper Woe to me if she finds out that I wish for you that if you put on while glancing around as though to went to put t’fillin on with t’fillin, you will be blessed with what ensure that nobody would see him. Chassidim.” you need.’ The man put on the

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  t’fillin and before he left I YOU HAVE TO CONVINCE on business. He would visit New encouraged him to put on t’fillin THEM IT WON’T HURT York and had the privilege of having daily. yechidus with the Rebbe, where he For nearly 20 years, R’ Yaakov “A year later the man came back heard wondrous things which Elishevitz a”h stood at his post at and he asked me whether I eventually came true. He later told the t’fillin stand at the Kosel. One remembered him. He reminded me two fascinating stories concerning time, he was invited by a friend to of his request of the previous year. Mivtza T’fillin: visit and relax. R’ Yaakov responded, He happily informed me that he had “A friend of mine who is not a “If only I could do so. All day I run had a son. Chassid asked me why the Rebbe about the Kosel plaza, from morning “I was happy to hear this and I chose the mitzva of t’fillin and not a until sunset, and put t’fillin on said, ‘So you will certainly continue more universal mitzva, like kashrus. people. Many of them don’t know to put on t’fillin.’ He smiled in At a later point that same year, I had what t’fillin are and are afraid to put agreement and shook my hand and yechidus and I asked the Rebbe why them on. I need to persuade them left.” he had chosen Mivtza T’fillin. that it’s not an injection and it won’t “The Rebbe told me that he had hurt. two reasons. First, it says in the A REQUEST IN RHYME “Many of them did not put on tractate Rosh HaShana that if a Jew R’ Moshe Weber a”h was very t’fillin for twenty or even thirty puts on t’fillin on his head even one active at the t’fillin stand at the years. Many of them don’t know time, he is no longer in the category Kosel. For years he stood there, day how to say a bracha or to read. They called karkafta (lit. a skull, i.e., a after day, convincing people in his forgot how to put them on and are skull that has never worn t’fillin). unique manner to put on t’fillin. He embarrassed. They have all sorts of would also take t’fillin with him wherever he went, and when he took taxis he would tell the driver in All day I run about the Kosel plaza, from morning rhyme, “Tani’ach al tazni’ach, until sunset, and put t’fillin on people. Many of tihiyeh nahag monit matzli’ach, v’tavi et Moshiach” (put on t’fillin them don’t know what t’fillin are and are afraid and be a successful driver and bring Moshiach). He would adjust his to put them on. I need to persuade them that it’s rhymes according to the profession of the person he was talking to. not an injection and it won’t hurt.

excuses, ‘I already put them on IN ADDITION TO Second, when a Jew in Miami sees today, I have t’fillin at home, I’ll T’FILLIN pictures of Jews at the Kosel come tomorrow, I have no time, wrapped in t’fillin, it makes him R’ Weber was mekarev numerous etc.’ The Russian Jews have another want to do it himself. Jews to their Father in heaven and excuse, ‘They circumcised me “In 5734/1974, an old client of inspired them to become baalei already and more.’ mine from the US called me. Many t’shuva. He was never satisfied with “My fellow Chassidim and I put years before, he had done business just putting t’fillin on with them; he t’fillin on hundreds of Jews in England and he had used my always conversed with them, asking throughout the day, from seven in services as an accountant. He had them, “Where are you from?” Then the morning until sunset. It’s called moved to Miami and opened a he would give the person the address Mivtza T’fillin. business there. His new head of the of the in his city as “In the evening, when I go home accounting department wanted to well as a note, telling him: “Give this on two busses, I’m exhausted and consult with me. He asked whether I to the director of the Chabad house my feet refuse to move. Now tell could come to Miami for a business and send him my regards.” me,” he says to his friend, “how meeting. He would often invite people to could I possibly visit you?” his house with his characteristic “I agreed to go and a few weeks warmth. “I would be greatly honored later I flew to Miami. When my if you came to my house.” From that SEVEN YEARS LATER client came to my hotel room, he point on, it was a short road to a full R’ Ben-Tzion Rader is an English saw me wrapped in tallis and t’fillin. life of Torah and mitzvos. businessman who travels the world At our meeting with his accountant,

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& he said he had seen me wrapped in a this Shabbos. prayer shawl with something strange “The Rebbe went on to say: on my head. When this Jew sees how important it “The accountant smiled and said, was to you that he should not miss ‘Surely, you put on t’fillin,’ and he even one day of putting on t’fillin, he added, ‘I haven’t put on t’fillin since will view this mitzva as particularly my bar mitzva, fifty years ago, but I important. recently saw a picture of Jews at the “I immediately put in prodigious Western Wall wrapped in t’fillin and effort to carry out this mission. That I wished I could put t’fillin on too.’ very day the t’fillin reached their “The Rebbe’s words from seven destination. When I returned to years earlier echoed in my mind, Detroit six weeks later, I met with ‘When a Jew in Miami sees pictures the man again. He told me that he of Jews at the Kosel wrapped in was putting the t’fillin on every day. t’fillin, it makes him want to do it He said: I consider this important himself.’” only because you bothered to make sure that I got them the next day. GET THE T’FILLIN TO “That was just what the Rebbe HIM TODAY! had said…” R’ Ben-Tzion Rader’s second R’ Yisroel Leibov, director of Tzach, story: putting t’fillin on someone near HAND-WASHING STAND “At the end of the summer the Kosel After the Six Day War, R’ 5735/1975, I flew to Detroit for a Shlomo Kupchik a”h set up a t’fillin business meeting. I got into a in another six weeks. At that time, I stand in the center of Kiryat Ata conversation with a Jew about would be happy to bring him t’fillin. where he put t’fillin on with religion and this person peppered “In the evening I took a flight to passersby. Some religious Jews once me with questions about t’fillin. He New York and slept in Crown approached him to mock him, asked why do t’fillin have to be Heights. The next day, Thursday saying: How do you put t’fillin on square – maybe round would be morning, I went and davened in the with people whose bodies aren’t nicer? Why are they black? And so Rebbe’s . Afterwards, I gave clean? Maybe they just touched on. At the end of the conversation I in a note to the Rebbe describing parts of their body that require found out that he hadn’t put on what had happened in Detroit. I washing afterwards or maybe they t’fillin in twenty years. mentioned that I had promised relieved themselves without washing “I suggested that he put on t’fillin to the owner of the pastry their hands? t’fillin and he said he owned a pastry shop. R’ Shlomo answered them with a shop and worked all night. If I “Shortly before Mincha I big smile, “The truth is that you’re wanted to put t’fillin on with him, I returned to 770, where a surprise right, but I am busy with putting on had to come at 6:30 in the morning awaited me. I was told that the t’fillin. I can’t do two things at once. to his place of work. Rebbe’s secretary was looking for Please set up a stand next to me “Despite the early hour, I showed me because I had an answer from where you can wash the hands of all up there and was surprised when he the Rebbe, which was: Do you think the people who put t’fillin on with put on the t’fillin and said the Shma it is right that a Jew who put t’fillin me!” like a pro. Seeing my surprise, he on yesterday for the first time in told me that he wanted to put them twenty years, should wait another six AT TEL AVIV’S CENTRAL on every day but he did not have weeks until you buy him t’fillin that BUS STATION t’fillin and it wasn’t high on his list he can put on again? Buy the t’fillin R’ Zalman Levin of Kfar Chabad of priorities. ‘But if someone gave today and if you can arrange to send manned a t’fillin stand for many me t’fillin as a gift, I would be happy him the t’fillin today so he can still years in the old Central Bus Station to put them on every day,’ he said put them on today, good. If not, go of Tel Aviv. He was mekarev many with a smile. back to Detroit yourself, today, and Jews by putting t’fillin on with them. “I told him I was returning to give him the t’fillin so he can put He once related: England via New York and that I them on in time. Do this even if you A bearded soldier (an unusual was planning on returning to Detroit won’t be able to be with your family

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  sight) passed the Central Bus amazement, “Kol ha’kavod!” I asked from the Rebbe’s kos shel bracha Station every day at a certain time. I him what had happened and by way and distributed coins for protection asked him several times to put on of answering me, he took out an and for tz’daka. I didn’t drink it t’fillin, but he refused. After a while I article from a newspaper and asked right away. I left it for the next day. no longer asked him, but I smiled at me to read it. The article told the “This morning I woke up, put on him and he smiled back. This went story of a baal t’shuva who had t’fillin as the Chabadnikim suggested, on for some time. become an outstanding scholar. put the coin in tz’daka, and drank One day, after we had become He had gotten started at the l’chaim with the Rebbe’s mashke. “old acquaintances,” I said to him, Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv, What can I tell you? It’s unbelievable “Maybe you will put on t’fillin?” He where he had been asked to put on but the pain in my leg went away and answered, “You know what? Okay, t’fillin. He refused until he finally I’ve asked for help so I can get out of for you.” gave in. From then on, he began to bed. I am confident that I will be able He was a former kibbutz member get involved in Judaism. He resolved to walk again. Please write my who had never put on t’fillin. He to plumb the depths of Judaism and thanks to the Rebbe. He’s amazing, was moved by the experience and went to a yeshiva. This was the incredible. He not only cheered me from then on, he came over to me article and it had a picture of him. up, he healed my leg.” regularly to put on t’fillin. One day, The man who showed me the he disappeared. Two years went by article exclaimed, “See the power of THANKS TO and a young man approached me putting on t’fillin one time! It STUBBORNNESS and gave me a hearty “shalom transforms Jews into baalei t’shuva!” R’ Notke Berkahan a”h, shliach in Latvia, related: “Buy the t’fillin today and if you can arrange to During the Peace in Galilee War, I went with some other Chassidim send him the t’fillin today so he can still put them on Mivtza T’fillin among the soldiers on the frontlines. We arrived at a on today, good. If not, go back to Detroit yourself, base where the general response was nice but the commander adamantly today, and give him the t’fillin so he can put them refused to put on t’fillin. After pleading with him, he finally agreed on in time. Do this even if you won’t be able to be and he said, “You should know that with your family this Shabbos.” I’m not a believer in all this, and I’m doing it only because you insist.” Some years later, the commander aleichem.” He said that this story had changed contacted me and invited me to visit I looked at him and although he his attitude towards Mivtza T’fillin his kibbutz. I took along brochures seemed familiar, I couldn’t figure in particular and towards Chabad and went to visit him. During our out who he was. It was the soldier and the Rebbe in general. meeting, when he realized that I had who had become a baal t’shuva no intentions of being persuaded by because he put t’fillin on with me. him to his view of religion, he INJURED IN THE WAR expressed his surprise that I During the Yom Kippur War the bothered to come. HE BECAME AN Rebbe told his Chassidim to go to all I told him that we had certain ADMIRER the fronts in order to put t’fillin on things in common. We both believed Another story from R’ Zalman: with the soldiers who defended Am in a Creator of the world and we I observed that a chareidi Jew Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel. Some both did mitzvos. who passed by my stand every day Chassidim went to a hospital in Beer He yelled, “I do mitzvos?!” was pointedly ignoring me. I tried to Sheva and a few days later, they I told him, “You help Jews, you greet him several times but he did received a letter from a soldier they do acts of kindness, and you defend not respond. I was very surprised. I had visited: the Jewish people.” wondered what he had against the “I am seriously wounded and I This affected him greatly and Mivtza. have terrible pain in my leg. since then we had a close connection One day, he came over to me in Yesterday, people from Chabad and he began to get more involved in a friendly manner and said in visited me. They brought mashke Torah and Chassidus.

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& The sky blackened from the smoke and soot, and the earth became pockmarked from the shells and bullets. The fields burned with violent flames and everything was in confusion. Suddenly, I heard the immigrant say emotionally in Yiddish, “Dear Father, you know I am the sole survivor of my family; my entire family was wiped out in the Holocaust. Now I have a wife and a year-old daughter named Bracha’le at home. I ask You: The blood that was spilled until now wasn’t enough? If something happens to me, who will raise her? Who will watch over the remnant of the family that was annihilated?” Then he turned to me and said, “Zushe, where are your boxes?” R’ Berke Chein putting t’fillin on with General Yona Efrat referring to my t’fillin. Around me everything was going up in flames, WHAT CAN I DO? on with people.” but I told him to take the t’fillin out Although Mivtza T’fillin began in Once he received the Rebbe’s of my backpack and put them on. 1967, there were times when seal of approval to put t’fillin on with He began to put them on and in Chassidim put t’fillin on with people people, he did so every day. In those the meantime three tanks of ours, to on the street or bus even before that. years he taught in Lud, and during our left, began to move. Overhead Every Lag B’Omer, Chassidim went recess he went to Ramle, where he flew one of our planes. The to Miron, and there were those who put t’fillin on with drivers in Egged’s immigrant was rattled and he asked, put t’fillin on with Jews who came to central bus station. “Are they ours or theirs?” I calmed the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon bar They say that nobody managed him and promised him they were Yochai. to refuse him. He gave the drivers ours. “There’s nothing to fear, we R’ Boruch Pariz started Mivtza no rest until everyone put t’fillin on are going on the offensive now.” T’fillin long before it officially began, with him. When he finished with the t’fillin, despite the protests of his friends before I managed to put them away, who did not understand how putting ZUSHE, WHERE ARE dozens of soldiers suddenly crowded t’fillin on one time fit with the YOUR BOXES? around. They had come out of their foxholes and surrounded me, approach of Chabad (Chochma, R’ Zushe Gross, who fought in begging me to allow them at least to Bina, Daas). the Six Day War, relates: kiss the t’fillin. That’s when our Around 5720/1950, R’ Pariz On the day the war broke out, I large scale attack in the area began. wrote to the Rebbe that he wanted to was with other soldiers near Kibbutz be mekarev Jews to their Father in Nachal Oz and we dug foxholes heaven but he was encountering short distances from each other. It OLD FRIENDS difficulties: “I am not a lecturer, so I was very tense, especially after we During the Peace in Galilee War, cannot make speeches to a crowd. I were ordered to open fire as soon as a mitzva tank made its way to Rosh am not a singer, so I cannot sing we saw the enemy soldiers 400 HaNikra, which served as a and teach . I don’t meters away. departure point for soldiers going have money, so I can’t support these Together with me in the foxhole north to the border. The Chabad things. I am asking the Rebbe what I was a new immigrant from Siberia, a crew began putting on t’fillin with can do to bring Jews back to their simple Jew who barely knew Ivrit. the soldiers before they went to Father in heaven.” The shelling began and shells fell in battle. Most of the soldiers stood in The Rebbe answered, “Put t’fillin the barn and fields of the kibbutz. line in order to put on t’fillin, and

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  Mivtza T’fillin at the airport in Beirut

realized that he knew some of them He began to put them on and in the meantime from the time he worked with a three tanks of ours, to our left, began to move. trucking company called HaTavor. They didn’t recognize him because Overhead flew one of our planes. The immigrant of the change in his appearance, his beard and clothing. R’ Yaakov didn’t was rattled and he asked, “Are they ours or tell them who he was but began telling them about the trucking theirs?” I calmed him and promised him they company and what had taken place there. were ours. “There’s nothing to fear, we are going They couldn’t understand how on the offensive now.” this bearded religious fellow knew what went on at HaTavor. When R’ Yaakov finally told him who he was, only one small group gathered on movement] they happily put on t’fillin. the side and did not approach. R’ Yaakov was experienced and “That was the first time I put on R’ Yaakov Eshet, one of the wasn’t fazed by them. He himself t’fillin,” whispered one of them to R’ tankistim, called over to them but was from a kibbutz and had become Yaakov, with tears in his eyes. they replied, “We are kibbutznikim a baal t’shuva, and he knew the from HaShomer HaTzair! [a kibbutznikim’s feelings about t’fillin. [To be continued be”H] virulently anti-religious kibbutz While talking to them, he

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An even more principled claim appeared earlier in the article (ibid., p. 8), arguing that we should not come out publicly with any statements contradicting or opposing the values of Zionism and the medina. The suggestion was that this (seemingly) stood in contrast to OUR REBBEIM the Rebbe’s instructions, as expressed in an answer to one of the Chabad rabbanim, who had requested permission to hold a public debate on these issues. The ON ZIONISM content of the Rebbe’s answer (as quoted by the author of the article, who emphasized that he was relying upon memory alone): “Minimal AND THE involvement in this is praiseworthy.” MINIMIZING THE ARGUMENT The author of that article failed MEDINA to reveal (apparently because he didn’t know) the exact reason why By Rabbi Yaakov HaLevi Horowitz that instruction was given, and I am Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry honored to use this forum and reveal to the readers the background to this instruction with all the relevant What was the Rebbe’s response when he was details. Once all these details have been revealed, the aforementioned asked to exert his influence on R. Uriel Zimmer to claim will surely prove no longer stop writing articles against Zionism? valid. The instruction was received by Rabbi Yosef Hecht shlita, Chief This article is being written in an explaining the viewpoint of our Rabbi of Eilat, and I was privileged aura of great concern, as we are Rebbeim regarding the medina and (a few years ago) to hear the faced with the rapidly growing on the question of whether its background directly from him, and tendency as of late to show Chabad existence denotes “is’chalta wrote everything down immediately in the world as “liberal,” “open,” d’Geula” (the beginning of the thereafter. Many years ago, as a and “agreeable.” While the Rebbe’s Redemption), and suggesting (ibid., result of all the differing opinions approach is to be pleasant and p. 9) that the seifer does not that were aroused in his shul over tolerant with everyone, nevertheless, properly represent the Rebbe’s reciting a “Mi Sh’Beirach” for the we must remember above all that approach on the subject. The main medina, Rabbi Hecht considered the this cannot be at the expense of the charge leveled, though, was that idea of holding a public discussion holy principles for which the Rebbe “even if the information presented in on the subject, one that would fought for years. the seifer is correct and completely naturally prove to be quite In Issue #1231 of the Kfar in line with the Rebbe’s teachings, it tempestuous, with additional Chabad Magazine, there appeared was not appropriate to publicize it, questions in connection with how to an article in connection with Rabbi just as no normal person would relate to the medina and Zionism in Sholom Dovber HaLevi Wolpo’s publicize in the New York Times general, military induction seifer Between Light and Darkness what is stated at the end of Chapter (including for yeshiva students and (which was translated and serialized 1 of Tanya regarding the souls of the women), etc. He asked the Rebbe in Beis Moshiach), discussing and nations of the world, etc.” whether to hold this debate

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  symposium, and merited to receive be victorious and proving ‘who’s in publicized his thought-provoking the following answer: “Minimal charge,’ etc., and not necessarily in articles in numerous periodicals argument in this is praiseworthy.” search of the truth.” In Igros Kodesh, throughout the Jewish world. He (It is appropriate to note that the Vol. 20, p. 217, the Rebbe sums up was privileged to have many private words of this “Mi Sh’Beirach” were his approach: “In most cases, the audiences with the Rebbe, where he apparently written as a source of one who prevails comes out losing.”) instructed him to increase in his inspiration for the religious Zionist However, as mentioned above, anti-Zionist writings, despite the fact community by Rabbi Isaac Herzog the Rebbe did not write “Minimal that he was already known for his and the author Shai Agnon (see the involvement in this is praiseworthy,” very close connection to the Rebbe, book Chief Rabbinate of Israel – 70 because the truth is that the Rebbe even serving as his secretary (a Years, Heichal Shlomo, Yerushalayim does not believe that involvement in recognized Lubavitcher), and despite 5762, p. 823, note 38), and this matter should be minimized. For his strong desire to stop writing on “merited” to receive Ben-Gurion’s as we know, the Rebbe’s instructions such subjects. He pleaded before the permission. (In contrast, this same to various public figures (writers and Rebbe to let him move on (“I’m not Ben-Gurion refused to give approval those capable of writing) were a Satmar,” he said), but to no avail. to their proposal that Chapter 126 of specifically to do the opposite of The Rebbe “nudged” him to keep T’hillim (“Shir HaMaalos B’Shuv “minimal involvement.” writing more and more. On one Hashem”) serve as the state’s Furthermore, the Rebbe himself occasion (at a yechidus on the 23rd national anthem, preferring instead related to this subject on many of Shvat 5718), the Rebbe told him “HaTikva.” Thus, the “Mi occasions, not just in letters written that many chareidi public figures Sh’Beirach” liturgy merited (privately) to various people, but and Knesset Members from a acceptance, but “Shir HaMaalos” also openly in sichos delivered leading chareidi political party had did not.)) publicly before a large audience. The requested that the Rebbe get Rabbi Furthermore, we must be precise Rebbe displayed before everyone his Zimmer to stop writing (perhaps a in the words of the Rebbe, who approach in support of involvement bit reminiscent of what happened in wrote, “Minimal argument … is in this matter, and he personally the aforementioned issue of Kfar praiseworthy” (and not “Minimal fulfilled as he demanded, and as Chabad Magazine?), but the Rebbe involvement in this is mentioned above, he did so, said that for this very reason, he praiseworthy”). This is because the speaking publicly and sharply on the must increase in his writings. Rebbe only negated arguments on subject on many occasions. In that yechidus, Rabbi Zimmer this subject, as the argument will also told the Rebbe that he serve no purpose. As is known, MUCH INVOLVEMENT understood that Chabad askanim in people who come to argue have clear The Rebbe issued instructions to Eretz Yisroel resented how he had and firm opinions, and are people who wrote articles for public publicized things that the Rebbe had determined to prove how right he is consumption to publicize these told him in the previous yechidus on and how the other person is so matters. Among them is Rabbi this subject (the askanim apparently wrong, stemming from a sense of Chaim Yehuda Peldi, of blessed reasoned that certain things are most self-haughtiness and a need to be memory, who was asked by the appropriate to relate in the privacy victorious, which serves no practical Rebbe to make a public campaign, of yechidus, but publicizing them in use (and that can naturally produce including the publicity of articles in the papers can cause harm to undesirable consequences), and the papers on these matters with Chabad’s image, and perhaps even therefore, the Rebbe didn’t want proper explanations. (This was done jeopardize the government funding it that. completely at the Rebbe’s initiative – is trying to obtain. Sound familiar?). (Regarding the Rebbe’s overall “an arousal from Above” – without The Rebbe’s response: Not only do I view on arguments, see Igros any “arousal” from Rabbi Peldi, as is approve of such publicity, I am Kodesh, Vol. 20, p. 162: “We see retold as length in the Kfar Chabad giving explicit instructions to clearly that most of the time, there is Magazine, Issue #1012.) publicize them. (See Rabbi no avoiding the fact that an However, what is even more Zimmer’s letter on this subject, argument arouses the attribute of important and relevant to our among many others publicized in the polemics that removes any concern a discussion pertains to Rabbi Uriel t’shura distributed at the Blau person has for himself and even for Zimmer, a talented author known wedding, Teverya, Elul 5765, p. 63). his Maker ch”v.” In Igros Kodesh, for his zealous position regarding We thus find that there is no Vol. 27, p. 49, “It arouses a need to Zionism and the medina who room for making a comparison

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& between explaining this subject in a the protest is not accepted as it elucidated from a variety of different befitting manner and placing an ad should be, even though my hope is angles in Wolpo’s seifer, designed in the New York Times regarding that it makes an impression in any for Torah scholars and other gentiles. The Rebbe approved of case, and who stands in the secret of prominent people. It includes a most explaining the matter in an orderly G-d to know the results? It is pertinent and encompassing fashion, even in the papers, whereas further understood that this is no analysis, explaining various putting some stupid ad in the New exemption for protesting again and dimensions to this issue, responding York Times or going out into the again, and particularly according to to relevant questions asked by the streets with a cheap publicity what has been said and explained general public, and bringing the campaign would obviously be many times about the seriousness of sources that serve as the basis for inappropriate. the subject and the damage [from each answer. There can be no doubt calling our current situation by the that this is an appropriate and MERIT OF THE MANY name is’chalta d’Geula], etc., etc...” scholarly text, perfectly in line with (When the Rebbe wrote about the expressed desire of the Rebbe. Furthermore, what if a person “what has been said and explained It is understood that all this is on should claim that the individuals many times about the seriousness of the condition that the material mentioned above were apparently the subject and the damage” included in this seifer and the very lofty souls (perhaps they were regarding the definition of the general impression it conveys chosen for this very purpose from present-day situation by the name represents the exact viewpoint of the the Chamber of Protest beneath the is’chalta d’Geula, he was referring Rebbe, and anyone who believes Throne of Glory), and therefore, to several matters he had explained otherwise is invited to point this out they have the obligation to protest, on various occasions which stem to the author (who requested this directly from this phenomenon, e.g., himself in the preface to his seifer, the fact that this leads to leniencies and who will surely respond to “Not only do I approve in the fulfillment of Torah and relevant arguments addressed to him mitzvos, delays the True with all due consideration). The of such publicity, I am Redemption, bloodshed and loss of aforementioned relates only to the life among the Jewish People, etc., as comparison of the writing of a giving explicit instruct- is explained in many of the Rebbe’s legitimate seifer on this subject and ions to publicize them.” holy sichos and letters (see relevant the printing of a tasteless appendices in Likkutei Sichos and advertisement in the New York Igros Kodesh).) Times, and to the main question of but simple people such as ourselves: Thus, we learn that according to whether it’s proper to be involved Who are we to get involved in such the viewpoint of the Rebbe, each and with explaining the Rebbe’s critical debates as the question of every one of us has the privilege and approach on this issue with an Zionism and is’chalta d’Geula? The the ability (even the obligation) to orderly and relevant piece of writing Rebbe provides the answer. protest such a matter of principle, in the ways of pleasantness and in In a response to someone who and he promises us the help of an acceptable fashion. printed an article rejecting the Heaven in our protest. Furthermore, The Rebbe relates to this subject notion that the founding of the state even if those listening to the protest in a clear, unambiguous, and of Israel represents is’chalta aren’t interested in adopting a uncompromising fashion. However, d’Geula, the Rebbe writes (Igros proper Torah approach to this issue this does not mean that every time Kodesh, Iyar 19, 5730), “It seems right now, nevertheless, this doesn’t we meet with a Jew from the that I have already expressed much exempt us from protesting again and national Zionist camp or someone pleasure and satisfaction from the again. For this very purpose, the who presently does not observe article that he printed on the painful Rebbe was prepared to “quarrel” Torah and mitzvos we have to “give and frightful error of calling this and not be “pleasant” with it to him over the head” on the issue bitter and manifold dark exile by the politicians and the leaders of the of modern Zionism. Nevertheless, name ‘Is’chalta d’Geula.’ This has chareidi parties (and possibly place when the issue does come up and been said many times, particularly the government funding these people when people want to know the when we see the results from this, arranged for Chabad in serious Rebbe’s position and opinion on this etc., and the merit of the many will jeopardy?), as long as the outcry matter, we must state it in the assist all those who protest against reached them, one way or the other. clearest possible manner, without this. And it is understood that there This is especially true when the compromise. is no room for a downcast spirit that subject has been clarified and

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  CB>QROB

final preparations for the conquest of tiny Israel and the annihilation of all its inhabitants, G-d forbid. On that day, Lag B’Omer 5727, the world once again saw who is worthy of the title of “leader of the Jews.”

2 “Red Sheet,” I repeat, “Red Sheet!” This was the code for war THE SIX which was broadcast throughout the entire IDF communications network to the soldiers on all fronts, north, south and the border between Israeli and Jordanian-held territories. It was as DAY WAR if an electric shock hit not only the armed forces, but all of the millions of Jews throughout the country. The powerful tank engines rumbled as they began to roll. PROPHECY Camouflage netting was rolled up, armored half-tracks joined up with By Menachem Ziegelboim the tanks and started making their way towards the enemy tanks. Fighter jets took off at high speed The IDF high staff focused on limiting the to confront the enemy in enemy airspace. The consensus was that casualties and allowing only the least possible this was a fight to the finish against the forces of the enemy, to try to amount of territory to fall into the hands of the crush them and impress upon them enemy. Even the greatest optimists concluded that the Jewish people would not go as sheep to the slaughter. without a shadow of a doubt that something On the 26th of Iyar, at 8 o’clock in the morning, the IDF terrible was about to transpire. * At this difficult spokesman announced: Since the early morning hours intense battles time, the clear voice of the leader of the are underway on the southern front between the Egyptian air and tank generation was heard to say that there was forces, which have begun moving nothing to fear, and he prophesied the miraculous towards Israel, and our forces that have gone out to stop them. Israeli victory. * Forty years since the prophecy of Air Force fighter jets went out to meet the Egyptian jets and air victory. battles have ensued.” The fear that had built up over 1 salvation of the Jewish people in the previous weeks among the Israeli population spiked On Lag B’Omer 5727 (1967), a Eretz Yisroel began to be publicized. This was at a time when dramattically. A speech to the momentous event occurred. On nation given by then Prime that day, the tidings of the the enemies of Israel, the armies of four countries, were making the Minister, Levi Eshkol, which was

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& confused and inarticulate, only which was repeated time and again, sessions dealt with how to limit the added to the terror. In his words, to conquer Eretz Yisroel and drive damage, to try to see to it that as he said, “During these days, which its Jewish inhabitants into the sea! few soldiers as possible would be are likely to be days of a cruel and The great trepidation was not killed and the least amount of land bloody struggle, the distinction exclusive to the residents of the conquered. Even the greatest between the frontlines and the Holy Land; all Jews, the world optimists concluded without a rearguard have been blurred. At over, held their collective breath. shadow of a doubt that something this time, the entire nation is part Even the great superpower of the terrible was about to take place. of the military and the entire United States instructed all their Many Israelis with the means country is a battlefield. Each and citizens to leave the region in order and opportunity, escaped to foreign every one of us must at all times to save their lives. Everyone, countries to save their own skins. see himself as responsible for the literally everyone, was certain that The scope of the mass exodus can defense of Israel.” the worst would come to pass. be gleaned from a headline that Not one citizen was under any The President of Egypt appeared at the time in one of the illusions. A difficult war had begun. repeatedly issued challenges to major newspapers, “The last one to Who could know what the outcome Israel. He signed treaties with leave should not forget to turn out would be? other Arab nations to join in all-out the lights in the airport.” That * * * war on the part of the Moslem headline encapsulates the Let’s take a step back to the world against tiny Israel. The tremendous panic that gripped the early days of the month of Iyar, enemies of Israel laid an almost population in Eretz Yisroel. 5727. hermetic siege on the country, and Fear, tension and deep concern struck terror in the hearts of all 3 Israelis. Only somebody who was shrouded the citizens of Israel. All At this difficult time, the clear here at that time can even begin to the Arab armies banded together and pure voice of the leader of the describe what it was like. with an openly proclaimed intent, generation rang forth, “Don’t The IDF high staff planning

The Rebbe addressing the parade on Lag B’Omer 5727/1967 leave!” The Rebbe guaranteed to all merited to be amongst multitudes parade, the Rebbe spoke before the that miracles and wonders would of Jews in Eretz HaKodesh, upon thousands of children and their occur for the Jewish people and which the eyes of Hashem are parents. In a powerful voice, clear that there was no cause for fear or constant. Certainly, and surely, and firm, the Rebbe began with the concern. The Rebbe’s position “He will not slumber nor sleep, lessons every Jewish child can learn seemed completely out of touch the Protector of Yisroel.” Hashem from the life of the holy Tanna, with the reality of the situation, but will protect them and all B’nei Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. In his he repeated his message Yisroel shlita, from now and address, the Rebbe proclaimed as a emphatically time and again. forevermore. certain pledge that the Protector of In most cases, the Rebbe He who awaits good tidings, of Yisroel will not slumber nor sleep, addressed himself to individuals seen and revealed good, seen and and that the difficult situation who asked for guidance. This is revealed soon. facing the Jewish people would what he said to a family from The telegram was so starkly conclude with a great victory, with Brooklyn who requested a blessing diverse in tone from the political miracles and wonders. for their relatives in Eretz Yisroel, and military forecasts that all of the The Rebbe addressed himself to “I do not approve of the media outlets treated it like a hot the children and said with great exaggerations and fear mongering scoop. emotion, “Your brothers and sisters at all. Hashem should protect them Even after the outbreak of war, in Eretz HaKodesh are now in a amongst all of our brethren of the as the Arabs boasted of their situation where Hashem is House of Israel shlita, wherever “victories” and the Israeli radio shielding them, and He sends His they are, and especially in the place maintained military silence, it was blessing, success and salvation, in an increased measure. This is in order that they go out – and they The consensus was that this was a fight to the will go out – of the current situation with success and a great finish against the forces of the enemy, to try to victory, with miracles and wonders.” crush them and impress upon them that the The Rebbe added that the children have the power to assist Jewish people would not go as sheep to the the Jewish people in this difficult time: slaughter. A great opportunity has been given to you, to help them by where ‘the eyes of Hashem, your the Rebbe who was the voice of learning an additional verse of G-d, are upon it constantly.’” calm assuring everyone that the Torah, and by performing another To parents, who asked if their actual situation was not as and another additional mitzva. son learning in Eretz Yisroel should portrayed in the world media. Do not waste any chance to do hurry to return to the US, the The first time that the Rebbe this. You should also be involved Rebbe answered, “Obviously, do addressed the issue in a public in the mitzva of, ‘And you should not be afraid and do not frighten forum, in a loud and firm voice love your fellow Jew as yourself,’ him or yourselves, and it will be before a crowd of thousands was by influencing your friends, fulfilled, ‘And I will give peace in on Lag B’Omer, ten days before family and relatives, to assist as the land, etc.” war broke out. On that day, there much as possible in promoting Despite this, the terrifying was the traditional parade held on Torah and mitzvos. As Rabbi situation and the bleak forecasts in Eastern Parkway in honor of Shimon Bar Yochai said, this the Israeli and foreign media did Rashbi. Tens of thousands of saves a Jew in any place that he not allow for calm. Even in Kfar Jewish children marched in a public may be from any hardships that Chabad, the atmosphere was sanctification of Hashem’s name. he may encounter. This will also extremely tense. Unexpectedly, a They stopped on the main bring him blessings of Hashem in special telegram from the Rebbe thoroughfare opposite 770 and an increased measure, along with arrived in Kfar Chabad, saying: waited to hear words of greeting salvation and success. And it will The vaad of Kfar Chabad and from the Rebbe. be fulfilled the verse that we read the Rav at their head shlita, As usual for the Lag B’Omer in yesterday’s Torah reading,

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& “And you will dwell securely in was certain that this would infuse Rabbi H. had indeed sent a copy, your land,” to wit, that the Jews the people with faith and to which he inquired by what in Eretz HaKodesh will live in confidence, as well as calm the means. They told him that it was security. “And I will give Shalom tremendous fear somewhat. sent by mail. (lit. peace) in the land,” that is to How did the recording of the Rabbi Wineberg was not say that Hashem (Who is called Rebbe’s speech actually make its satisfied. He knew that the mail “Shalom”) will be our G-d, and way overseas to Israel? It turns out would only arrive after many long the G-d of all Jews wherever they that the unique merit fell into the days. “This is an important matter are. hands of the Chassid, Rabbi Yosef of life and death,” he responded. The Rebbe’s words were said Wineberg. One evening, he and his “With the situation so tense, with great intensity and confidence. wife attended a wedding in a fancy something immediate needs to be From the tone and content of the New York hotel. In the middle of done so that the Rebbe’s words statement, it was clear that this was the wedding, as the band played reach Eretz Yisroel, as quickly as not a wish nor a prayer, but an and the waiters began serving, possible.” unambiguous guarantee! Rabbi Wineberg stood up and said Deciding to act, he took a copy to his wife, “I can’t sit here with of the tape, and together with his 4 the situation in Eretz Yisroel as son, he drove to the airport. He tense as it is. I need to find out if tried to find someone traveling In those days, the technological anybody sent the Rebbe’s message immediately to take it along, but means to transmit the Rebbe’s to Eretz Yisroel.” with the situation being so words live to Eretz Yisroel did not Rabbi Wineberg set off for 770. dangerous people weren’t flying yet exist. Clearly, it was necessary When he arrived there, he inquired and all regular flights were to convey the Rebbe’s statement to if the Rebbe’s sicha had been sent canceled. Despite this, there were a the residents of Israel. Everybody to the Holy Land. He was told that few volunteers traveling to help out the war effort in an attempt to save the land. Among those was Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik (son of Rabbi J. B. Soloveitchik), and Rabbi Wineberg asked him to deliver the tape to Eretz Yisroel. “What is it?” he inquired. Rabbi Wineberg responded, “It is good news for the residents of Eretz Yisroel! You are delivering the good tidings of victory for Israel.” The tape made its way to the hands of Chabad Chassidim in Yerushalayim. The Chassidim arranged a special gathering in the Chabad shul in in Yerushalayim to listen to the tape. The hundreds present heard the clear and powerful voice of the Rebbe declaring that Hashem is protecting them, with the promise of a great and imminent victory. The tremendous excitement that gripped the entire congregation is beyond description. The gaon, Reb Chaim Shmuelevitz, the rosh yeshiva of the famous Mirrer Yediot Acharonot reporting about the Rebbe’s message of victory Yeshiva, who heard what the Rebbe days before war broke out

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  said, was reputed to have said that it revived him. “I do not approve of the exaggerations and fear Clearly, the Chassidim could not keep the good news to mongering at all. Hashem should protect them themselves. They had to find a way amongst all of our brethren of the House of Israel to get the message out to the whole country. A press release was sent shlita, wherever they are, and especially in the out to all the newspapers that, “A special emissary of the Rebbe place where ‘the eyes of Hashem, your G-d, are arrived yesterday with a tape of the Rebbe’s statement.” upon it constantly.’” Shortly afterward, the tape was played on Israeli radio, and many only emerged unharmed, but the order to pray and offer thanks to thousands were finally able to hear IDF managed to take a great deal Hashem. an optimistic message containing of territory from the enemy: Gaza, Less than a month later, a huge words of calm and reassurance, the Golan Heights, the entire Sinai gathering of thanksgiving was held along with the amazing guarantee Desert up to the Suez Canal, and in one of the main plazas in of a great salvation. many holy sites including the Old Yerushalayim, attended by all of the City of Yerushalayim, Chevron, Torah leaders in Yerushalayim of 5 Kever Rochel, among others. the time. Rabbi Yosef Wineberg The elevated spirits and came as an emissary of the Rebbe The unbelievable came to pass, inspiration that gripped Jews of all and was received with great and the Six Day War, as it later walks of life in Eretz Yisroel had excitement. After all, it was his came to be known, went down in not been felt for generations. Many initiative that had lifted some of the history as a miraculous salvation of Jews came closer to Torah and fear and trepidation by bringing the the Jewish people in Eretz Yisroel. mitzvos. Tens of thousands flooded Rebbe’s uplifting message said on a The stunning victory, which had no the holy sites, which had been day of great salvations – Lag parallel in the history of modern inaccessible for many years, in B’Omer. warfare, became a fact. Israel, not

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do mivtzaim in Rechovot on Shabbos. R’ Yaakov was amazed at the sight of those young bachurim who faced the people in shul and imparted to them words of emuna and chizuk. Rochel: “It fit with my father’s goals, i.e. chareidi youth with pride in being in Hashem’s army. He was especially impressed by their proud Jewish appearance – wearing their tzitzis out, having peios and a beard. Because of this encounter, he arranged a delegation of A WOMAN distinguished members of the Sephardic community, along with a minyan of Torah scholars, to visit Tomchei T’mimim in Lud for Shabbos. OUT OF THE “My father sent my two older brothers, Yosef and Binyamin, who were bar mitzva at the time. They listened closely to the shiurim of R’ Meilich Kaplan and R’ Shlomo LEGENDS Greenwald. They were very excited by the spirit of enthusiasm in the By Ofra Badusa yeshiva. By the end of Shabbos they were convinced that this is where they wanted to be. My mother’s fear of Heaven permeated “From that point on, there was a natural connection between our everything she did. She lived everything family and Chabad, considering that she taught us, which enabled us to adopt for generations our family followed the customs of the Arizal. In any her ways. Even during periods of great case, we had been operating much the same as a Chabad House for tests, she preserved her spiritual, refined years.” R’ Yaakov went to 770 for the heights, and this served as a guiding first time for Yud-Tes Kislev. He entered 770 in the middle of the light for us. * Profile of Rabbanit and the Rebbe stopped Chaviva Mizrachi a”h a year after her talking and looked in the direction of the door. Everybody turned to look passing. * Part 2 of 2 and see who had arrived and after a pause, the farbrengen continued. R’ Yaakov had several private [Continued from last issue] the Rebbe Rayatz at the train station audiences with the Rebbe, each of in Rechovot. The Rebbe waited there CONNECTION TO them lasting half an hour. The for ten minutes for the next train. Rebbe inquired about his sons, who LUBAVITCH Almost thirty years later, that brief corresponded with him over the The Mizrachi family’s connection connection became a significant years until they came to see him. to Lubavitch began back in 1929, connection, when R’ Zushe Rabbanit Chaviva also went to the when R’ Yaakov was one of the Wilmovsky a”h (“the Partisan”) Rebbe, for 5748. When heads of the community who greeted arrived with a group of bachurim to

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  the Rebbe gave out dollars, she the girls’ table on Shabbos could be father found her a wonderful asked that Moshiach be revealed heard at the men’s table, it was shidduch and the chuppa took place already and the Rebbe smiled, enough for my father to say, ‘A-t-z-i- at the rabbonut of Rechovot. Who answered amen, and blessed her. l-u-t’ (refinement), and it was quiet went around with her at the The Rebbe asked her to go to the once again. chuppa? My mother, since her office, where they would give her “My mother’s yiras Shamayim is mother could not bear to do so.” $30, which she could distribute in hard to describe in words. It At the Mizrachi home, they her city of Rechovot. permeated everything she did. She fulfilled Torah and mitzvos with Ruth: “Our home constantly lived whatever she taught us, which unusual chayus. Rabbanit Chaviva lived and breathed the Rebbe. My enabled us to adopt her ways. Even educated the children in this way brothers learned in Tomchei during challenging times, she from a very young age. She was a T’mimim, and were in touch with preserved her spiritual, refined level. role model, in her behavior. The the Rebbe by letter, and went to see This served as a guiding light for k’dusha she instilled in the home him whenever they could.” us.” was expressed in the smallest details Can you give us an example of of life, yet she displayed infinite TZNIUS AND YIRAS her yiras Shamayim? strength. SHAMAYIM Rochel: “We saw the depths of her faith and yiras Shamayim during Chaviva and Yaakov led their HER GRANDCHILDREN the Yom Kippur War. Her son, my TALK ABOUT HER home firmly on the pillars of brother Dovid, went straight from modesty and fear of Heaven. They the prayers of this holiest of days to After R’ Yaakov passed away, required their children to behave as the frontlines. Although he wasn’t Ruth, who had married not long royalty does, and high spiritual called up, he couldn’t bear the before that, moved with her husband standards prevailed. Rabbanit thought of remaining at home while Efraim and their baby daughter, Chaviva zealously watched over her the Jewish people were in danger. Michal, to live with Savta Chaviva. children so they wouldn’t be caught “We didn’t hear from him for a Ruth and Efraim and their 14 by the winds of modernity that blew month, until my father went up children lived in the same house as through the streets. north every day to look for him. the grandmother, three generations On the one hand, she was soft Every evening he would return with of unity and love. and loving; on the other hand, she tales of horror of the sights he saw. Chaviva was a second mother to was strong and a leader. She was a My mother was terrified that Dovid her grandchildren. I sat with Michal, woman with very clear principles fell into Syrian captivity. When my Ruth’s oldest daughter, so she could and consequently, her chinuch was father finally brought home the tell me her memories of her beloved very “organized.” tragic news that my brother had grandmother. The rest of the family Rochel: “When we played in the been burnt to death in a tank, my went about their business, but the yard, she would sit in the entrance mother raised her hands towards moment the stories began to flow, to make sure we wouldn’t go out Heaven and said, ‘Fortunate is he they gathered around me and joined and play with other children who that he merited to die for the in. were not being raised as we were. holiness of the land! His place is in All of them had memories of her Tznius was a subject dear to her the upper Gan Eden. I brought 16 – the oldest ones, who are married heart. When she was asked by the souls into the world. I don’t have to already with children of their own, Bais Yaakov school whether she was give an accounting for this soul.’ and the youngest, currently in happy that her daughters attended “We were stunned by her elementary school. Chaviva’s spirit this school, she answered strength. My brother was survived in the home was obvious, especially unhesitatingly, ‘No, unfortunately, I by his young wife and two little in the hearts of all the family am disappointed because in our children. Already in the week of members. home we are particular about having Shiva, my father promised to find “Savta raised us just like her sleeves down to the hands, while you her another husband when the year children. She put so much into us allow three-quarter length sleeves.’ of mourning was over. For this year, and into our chinuch. Every “Tznius was demanded of us not she lived with my parents, and my morning she would wake us up at only with regard to our clothing but mother was absolutely devoted to 6:45, make sure we washed our also in how we conducted ourselves. her. hands, davened and said Birkat My father would not tolerate loud “When the year was up, my HaMazon. She would get us ready voices or boisterous laughter. When and at 7:30 we were ready, like on

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& parade, the girls with their braids, us, helped us with our homework, greatness. each with their sandwich. We went did laundry, and of course she hung Ruth: “In her passing, the off to school as she sang in the it the length of the courtyard. We strength of my mother’s character background. could never measure up to her was revealed in a powerful way. On “The house was full of her standard of folding the laundry; it Friday of Chol HaMoed Pesach presence. She had her seat in the could easily have passed military 5762, she began to feel weakness entrance to the kitchen, and from inspection. and a tingling sensation in her legs. there, she supervised the entire “Savta often told us how they Within a few hours, her condition house. Whoever saw her was used to have to do everything had deteriorated and she was immediately assigned a job. themselves. There were no washing paralyzed up till her chest. We had Sometimes, we hid so as not to be machines or freezers. If she wanted to bring her Shabbos candles to her recruited, but if she didn’t see one of to cook meat for Saba, he had to bed. The change was so quick that it us for a while, she would call out, slaughter the chicken in the yard. was odd for us to think of her as ‘Devorah Leah, where are you?’ She What drove her crazy was how, someone who was disabled. didn’t understand our need for rest despite all our modern-day “On Motzaei Shabbos, we went and always asked us in amazement, conveniences, people were still lazy.” to the hospital and were told that ‘What – is it Shabbos morning she had experienced a spinal clot now?!’ THE PASSING OF THE and they kept her there a few days “One of her favorite pastimes RIGHTEOUS for observation. On Shvii shel was sitting with us in the yard. She Pesach, the nurse went to her room would seat us on small, plastic chairs Because of Chaviva’s yiras and saw her sitting in bed and Shamayim and strong faith, many drinking cup after cup. Four cups of wine! As a woman who had had My mother raised her hands towards Heaven and several heart attacks, alcohol wasn’t exactly recommended by her said, “Fortunate is he that he merited to die for doctors! When the nurse yelled at her, she smiled and said, ‘This is the the holiness of the land! His place is in the upper Seudat Moshiach and you can only gain health and redemption from it. Gan Eden. I brought 16 souls into the world. I There’s nothing to worry about.’ “She underwent four years of don’t have to give an accounting for this soul.” hospitalization and suffering, which she accepted with emuna and love. and peel oranges for us. Sometimes, people would come for her blessing, Even during the most difficult she would take out a large wicker whether before an important court periods, she didn’t stop praising tray and would check green beans or case, or if someone was sick. A man Hashem. Nothing changed. In okra on it. As she did so, she sang from the community who didn’t certain ways, she even became songs for us and told us stories. have children would come to paint stronger. Those were magical childhood our house every year in exchange for “During one of her moments for us. her bracha. hospitalizations, I saw in her file that “Savta Chaviva had tremendous At a certain point, he decided it said she did not communicate. life experience. Relatives and friends that he wanted to get her guarantee When I asked what this meant, they would call her from all over the that he would have children. Before told me that whenever they asked country and the world in order to very long, he and his wife were her how she was, she answered, get her advice about chinuch and blessed with triplets! This is just one ‘Everything is fine, thank G-d.’ I raising children, her homemade story out of many that can be told. came and begged her to at least tell remedies that always worked, and The amazing thing is that she them how she felt, but she insisted, even for how to get out tough stains. concealed all the great things she ‘Everything is fine. Whoever thinks “She was a diligent and did, with her modesty and her daily otherwise has a problem.’” organized person, in a way that’s routine. Outsiders could have On Monday, 22 Teives 5766, difficult to describe. Her work mistaken her for a simple woman; Ruth’s son called her in order to find around the house was never done. only someone who was close to her out when she was coming home. She cooked, washed dishes, bathed could understand and see her After quizzing him a bit, she realized

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  that her mother was the one who “From Monday afternoon until she continued to bless me and then wanted to know. Something told her Tuesday morning, they all stood in Efraim, and everybody stood that she had to hurry home. line in order to receive my mother’s around and cried. After speaking to Ruth: “When I got there, I went blessing. She found the right words a doctor, we decided there was no to see how she was doing and she for each person. These were reason to take her to the hospital. told me that she was fine. She moments when ruach ha’kodesh “Along with all the strong asked me to sit down, eat, and rested upon her. The house was emotions that we felt, we also relax. When I was done, I went over completely enveloped in an sensed her mighty emuna in the to her again and she asked me to atmosphere of achdus and elevation. Creator. She was literally bound to call her siblings and all my siblings, “Throughout the week, people Him in the process of her leaving so they could come and say continued coming to see her. On this world. There was so much goodbye. Friday, she said to me in surprise, holiness in the house in those days, “I tried to find out whether she ‘I’m so ashamed. I didn’t think they that all felt that Moshiach could had had a dream or had gotten would really all come. I put them come at any moment.” some kind of instructions from out, with all the children and babies, Slowly, the guests dispersed and Above. She said she hadn’t. I to come all this way!’” the house was quiet once again. It wandered around the house for On Wednesday, Ruth went to was a peculiar situation, in which fifteen minutes without doing Yerushalayim with her husband. At we all waited, but nothing anything. I wanted to get out of this eight in the evening, she got a happened. The next morning, Ruth bizarre, and even frightening, task hysterical phone call from her said gaily to Chaviva, “See! The Evil that I had been given. children. They told her, “Savta says Inclination is playing games with “She called me again and told it’s over and she is just waiting for us. You are destined for eternal me, in a quiet voice, ‘Ruth, there life!” She herself was amazed that are two ways of parting from the Chaviva was still alive. world. The way that I am On the one hand, she “She lived for another month suggesting is that you inform and a half, with ups and downs. On everyone and this way we get to was soft and loving; on Purim, she participated in our meet and see one another, bless one Purim seuda and the next day she another, and have a good feeling of the other hand, she was lost consciousness and passed away achdus and love. So that when it strong and a leader. five days later. We were all there [i.e., her passing] happens, it will with her except for one brother, be accepted with joy and nachas, who could not make it from outside since this is the way of the world. you.” They immediately headed for the country. “‘I am already sated with life and Rechovot. Throughout the trip they “The funeral took place the full with nachas; I enjoyed them, I were in touch with the house until, same day. Our parting from her was ate, I loved. I bless you that you at a certain point, Chaviva asked to just as she envisioned it, with unity, have as pleasurable and complete a speak with Ruth. love, and beauty. We were all life as I have had. If you do not Ruth: “I was afraid to speak to prepared for it.” choose this way, it will happen her since I didn’t know what state Two weeks after Chaviva’s suddenly and then you will have to she was in. I heard her weak voice passing, a friend of the family came inform everybody of the unpleasant on the line, ‘Ruth, I’m waiting for to visit who hadn’t been in the news. How will you feel then? you. I so much want to say shalom house for twenty years. He stood in Which do you prefer?’ and thank you for all you’ve done the entrance to the courtyard and “I didn’t need more than that. I for me.’ She didn’t stop blessing us, couldn’t utter a word, he was so immediately called everybody, and and she said at least if it happened amazed. After a few minutes he within fifteen minutes, they began before we arrived, she would know said, ‘Od Yaakov Chai.’ Everything to show up. It was a most unique that she blessed my husband and here continues just as it did when goodbye party. They all came, and me personally. I could hear her Yaakov Mizrachi lived here.” I’m talking about hundreds of voice weakening. That is how the Mizrachi family people – uncles and aunts, brothers “I called all my siblings and feels today. In many ways, Savta and sisters, nieces and nephews, when we arrived in Rechovot, the Chaviva is still with them. Some of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, house was full of people. I ran them even claim to hear her calling great-great-grandchildren. straight to her and hugged her and them occasionally...

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rallies, and they can be sure that they will get the information they need. There are shluchim who know about the power of unity, who have even perfected the approach. I recently got an envelope from the Chabad house in Poona, India. The shliach, Rabbi Betzalel Kupchik, sent THE SECRET me a list of all the people who visited his Chabad house who came from the Beit Shaan area. Obviously, with a list like that, we can keep up a connection with mekuravim, and the POWER results will soon follow be”H.

CHABAD IS A WORLDWIDE OF THE MOVEMENT The following is a story that I heard from Rabbi Menashe Altheus, shliach in Kiryat Tivon. A woman called him about her pressing SHLUCHIM problem. Her daughter was in India and in another two weeks she would By Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz, Shliach Beit Shaan be in Thailand for a week on her way to Japan. She wanted to send her daughter a bundle of clothes that The shluchim are like one big family, and every weighed ten kilograms (22 lbs.). Did shliach knows that he has a highly reliable the Chabad house in Kiryat Tivon know how she could do that? network of intelligence throughout the country At first R’ Altheus thought of telling her that a Chabad house is and the world to enable him to find out whatever not a post office, but on second thought he pondered the teaching of he needs to know. * A few stories from the lives of the Baal Shem Tov – that a soul might come down here for seventy shluchim that illustrate the unity among or eighty years in order to do a favor shluchim. for another Jew. He said to the woman, “I would be happy to help you but I don’t know how. Perhaps THE LARGEST his met someone who said he was a you could leave your phone number INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM mekubal and wrote kameos from and if I think of something, I’ll give you a call.” IN THE WORLD Beit Shaan. Was he really a mekubal? R’ Altheus hung up and received A few weeks ago I got a phone Of course, both callers were another phone call, this one from his call from a shliach in the US. He provided with the information they brother in Cholon. After speaking wanted information about the needed. briefly, his brother in Cholon called parents of a member of a kibbutz as Now, with preparations for Lag his brother-in-law, Rabbi Nechemia to whether they had converted B’Omer underway, shluchim consult Wilhelm, shliach in Thailand, and it halachically or not. with one another regarding turned out that one of the shluchim Last week, I got a call from the performers and shows for their from Thailand, Rabbi Eliezer north of the country. A mekurav of

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  Ashkenazi, was in Eretz Yisroel that day. He was returning to Thailand in two days and he could take the package. R’ Altheus called the woman back and gave her R’ Ashkenazi’s phone number and two days later the package was on its way to her daughter, to the amazement and delight of her parents. Till this day the parents don’t stop thanking him and expressing their amazement about the incredible organization and connections within Chabad. They are in touch with what is going on at the Chabad houses in Kiryat Tivon and the Beit Shaan valley.

DEALING WITH CROOKS Sometimes unity among shluchim is needed to see the prayer that is said each day fulfilled, “save us…from an evil occurrence…” As is well-known, every Chabad house has the money. And whenever you like, included in the weekly mailing that a hidden magnet (whose source, come and take cases of fruit from went to all Chabad houses. A week apparently, is the main magnet my orchards.” later, everybody knew about the guy located in 770) which attracts all I wrote down the phone and my plan. sorts of eccentrics and characters. In numbers, gave him fifty shekel and A few weeks went by and I got a our years of experience, we know waited for the money in the mail. phone call from a family in Migdal that it sometimes goes beyond When a week went by, I called the HaEmek. “We knew the rogue. He eccentrics and mental cases to numbers but the people who comes here from time to time, each outright crooks who try to take answered never heard of Moshe time with another story. Things advantage of the shluchim’s largesse. Shochet. It was a fraud and I had disappear from the house after each One day, about twenty years ago, been fooled. visit. He’s here tonight.” a man about 50 years of age entered I spoke to some fellow shluchim I immediately went to Migdal the Chabad house with a fascinating and discovered that this guy had HaEmek and surprised “Mr. tale: “I am Moshe Shochet, a farmer found an easy way to make money, Shochet” with harsh words for all from Petach Tikva. I regularly and he was doing it all over. After his misdeeds and under pressure he donate boxes of fruits and vegetables consulting with some of the victims, returned my fifty shekels. He also to yeshivos and to the needy. I’m an I decided to trap him. I sent a letter stopped bothering his host family. old friend of Chabad. I knew R’ “to all directors of Chabad houses in That’s how, with the cooperation of Moshe Segal, who served in Etzel Eretz Yisroel,” saying, “If a person the shluchim, we got rid of a serial and his son, R’ Yeshavam from Kfar like this and thus comes and tells pest. Chabad, etc. etc. you a story like this, please be “I came to visit Yitzchok Lish, careful and inform me as soon as manager of a motor factory Beit RETURNING THE possible.” Shaan, but I see that I have lost my STOLEN GOODS I made dozens of copies wallet and I have no money to get according to the number of Chabad On another occasion I found out back home. Could you lend me fifty houses there were at the time, and about another fraud. He would go to shekel? Here’s my phone number thanks to the generosity of Merkaz different Chabad houses, buy some and the number of my daughter, and Tzeirei Chabad, the page was pairs of t’fillin worth thousands of as soon as I get home, I’ll mail you shekels, and pay with postdated

 1FS>K #'1 +-1&' !& checks with a fraudulent name and any money, of course, and they Chabad is always punctual; they are an address in Beit Shaan. All his warned him that for his own good, always ready on time and arrive checks bounced, one after the other, he had better cease and desist… wherever they’re supposed to be, while he went and sold the t’fillin Till this day, I haven’t heard any punctually. and pocketed the money. further complaints about him. The truth is, it’s just the When several shluchim told me opposite! There’s never any money. about this, and it was clear he was a IN CONCLUSION There’s never enough manpower. clever swindler, one of the victims And there are always delays. The world says Chabad has three decided he would repay him in kind. Nevertheless, with the kochos and important qualities, and it is thanks He called the thief and asked to buy blessings of the Rebbe, we are to these qualities that Chabad is some t’fillin. They arranged to meet successful despite our shortcomings. successful: 1) Chabad always has at the Megiddo junction. The victim On this optimistic note, we can lots of money for their work, 2) brought along tough helpers and hope that all Chabad Chassidim do Chabad always has enough when the thief showed up, they all that they can to bring Moshiach manpower to organize and divested him of all the goods he Tzidkeinu now! implement their activities, and 3) wanted to sell. They didn’t give him Y.S. MOVING Professional Yossi Reasonable Tel: 718-467-0171 24 hour service Boxes available upon request. Cellular: 917-805-7757

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