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CHANUKA: LIGHTING UP THE MARKET-PLACE 4 D’VAR MALCHUS / SICHOS IN ENGLISH

WILL IT HAVE ANY SUBSTANCE? 8 THE EDITOR’S CORNER / B. MERKUR

EIGHT SPARKS THAT WERE IGNITED (PART 1 OF 2) U.S.A 10 744 Eastern Parkway STORIES FOR CHANUKA Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 Tel: (718) 778-8000 Fax: (718) 778-0800 [email protected] 18 “I WILL COMBINE MY WORK IN EDUCATION www.beismoshiach.org WITH THE RABBANUS” ERETZ HA’KODESH 72915 s"cj rpf 102 /s/, CROWN HEIGHTS BEIS DIN (03) 9607-290 :iupky (03) 9607-289 :xep WHAT IS FITTING OF A CHASSID 27 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES / RABBI SHIMON NEUBORT M.M. Hendel

ENGLISH EDITOR: Boruch Merkur NO TO THE GREEKS, NO TO CONCESSIONS 30 FARBRENGEN WITH RABBI TUVIA BOLTON

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CHANUKA: LIGHTING UP THE MARKET- PLACE SICHOS IN ENGLISH

exception of the book of Esther.” It wicked king, were in power over the will remain forever like the Five entire civilized world. Nevertheless, SHABBOS PARSHAS VA’YEISHEV Books of Moshe and the halachos. the self-sacrifice of Mordechai, 25TH DAY OF KISLEV, 5750 Also, it is a mitzva to read the Esther, and the Jewish people as a 1. We find a unique phenomenon Megilla on Purim. But neither of whole, transformed the entire regarding Chanuka. The story of these factors apply to Megillas situation and brought about Chanuka is related at length in a Antiochus. There is a further salvation for the Jews. text called Megillas Antiochus. difference between the two: The Although this text is not one of the Megilla of Purim is named after There is, however, a difference in 24 books of the Bible, the halachic Esther, a righteous woman and the the manner in which the Sages authorities do refer to it, and, in heroine of the story, whereas the determined to have the holidays certain communities, it is customary Megilla of Chanuka is named after commemorated. The to read this text in public on Antiochus, a wicked gentile. commemoration of Purim centers Chanuka. This fact, however, seems around activities carried out in one’s to be an apparent contradiction. If The above difficulty can be home (the Purim feast) or in the Megillas Antiochus is not given the explained as follows: Chanuka and synagogue (the reading of the status of a book of the Bible, why is Purim represent the refinement of Megilla), i.e., these activities are set it read in public in certain the lowest levels of existence, the within a Jewish environment. communities? transformation of darkness to light. The Chanuka miracle took place at a The commemoration of The question is reinforced by a time of great spiritual darkness, Chanuka, however, centers around comparison to Purim. In many when the Greeks had entered the pirsumei nisa, publicizing the respects, Chanuka and Purim have Sanctuary. Nevertheless, despite Chanuka miracle. Thus, the equal status: Both were instituted by their desire to make the Jews “forget Chanuka candles are lit “at the the Sages, and work is permitted on Your Torah and violate the decrees entrance to the house, on the both of them, etc. In regard to the of Your will,” G-d “delivered the outside,” and must burn “until the text which records the holiday’s mighty into the hands of the weak... Tarmudites are no longer present in miracle, however, we find a drastic and the impure into the hands of the market-place.” Thus, these contrast. Megillas Esther is the pure,” and wrought the miracle candles are intended to illuminate considered one of the books of the of the Chanuka lights. the public thoroughfare and should Bible. Indeed, it is given special burn until even the last individuals importance. Our Sages relate that, Similarly, the Purim miracle are no longer present in the streets. “All the books of the prophets and occurred in a time when darkness was prevalent. Haman, the enemy of Significantly, all these terms, the holy writings will be nullified in “Tarmudites,” “market-place,” and the Messianic age with the the Jews, and Achashverosh, a

4 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 “public thoroughfare,” are all refinement accomplished through life-force is draws down for this associated with the forces of evil. Torah study. The very fact that a object. Through the light of Chanuka, person studies about a certain Torah symbolic of “the candle of mitzva subject causes the refinement of that Thus, originally, when Lashon and the light of Torah,” these forces subject in the world at large. HaKodesh was spoken, even in are transformed into good. regard to mundane matters, it b) The elevation from below to served to reveal the Divine life-force This quality represents the above: This movement involves present in each entity. Every advantage of Chanuka over Purim. lowering oneself and involving individual, regardless of his Although Purim also expresses oneself (needless to say, according spiritual level, even one who transformation, that transformation to the Torah’s guidelines) in rebelled against G-d, brought out involved the fate of the Jewish activities with gentiles and their the Divine life-force present within people and is commemorated by languages and thus, employing the world through the mere use of celebrations among the Jewish these activities and languages for Lashon HaKodesh. people themselves. In contrast, the sake of Torah and the service of Chanuka is commemorated by “Knowing G-d in all your ways.” Nevertheless, the sin of the spreading the light of the candles tower of Babel brought about a into the market place, effecting the To focus on the concept of the descent in the spiritual level of the gentiles as well. gentile languages. In the beginning of Creation, everyone spoke Lashon HaKodesh (the Holy Tongue), as the Torah states, “The entire earth was It is customary not to Chanuka is of one language.” After the construction of the tower of Babel, study Torah on commemorated by G-d “confused the speech of the Nittul... The Rebbe spreading the light of entire earth,” and from that time onward, people began to speak in Rashab, would either the candles into the different languages. play chess (or give market place, It is improper to speak about mundane matters in Lashon advice to others to effecting the gentiles, HaKodesh. If so, the question arises: During the many generations that play chess) on that as well. existed before the tower of Babel, when Lashon HaKodesh was the only night. language spoken, how was this “holy tongue” used for mundane In addition to the above concept, matters. Furthermore, this epoch world. When the people of that era to resolve the questions raised from included several generations, e.g., wanted to cut themselves off from the outset, it is necessary to explain the generation of Enosh and the their spiritual source, they the refinement of the gentiles and generation of the flood, when the prevented the possibility of the seventy languages they speak. In people were decadent idolaters. revealing the Divine life-force general, there are two approaches to How could Lashon HaKodesh be used through speech. (Hence, there is, as this service of refinement: by these individuals? mentioned above, precautions The concept can be explained as against using Lashon HaKodesh for a) The revelation from above to mundane purposes.) Thus, G-d’s below: When one’s service in the follows: Every element of existence, even the most mundane matters and “confusion of the languages of the realm of holiness is powerful, the world,” began a new order of light of holiness is drawn down to those which oppose holiness contains a spark of holiness and has service. It was no longer possible for even the lowest levels and brings speech, in and of itself, to be a about refinement. Chassidic thought its source in Lashon HaKodesh. As explained in Tanya, G-d created the positive act. Rather, effort had to be describes this concept with a made that when one descended to metaphor of a large torch which world through speech and the name of an object in Lashon HaKodesh is speak these other languages, one draws sparks to it. This effect can be intended to elevate them to compared to the process of the mechanism by which the Divine

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 5 holiness. world than that which can be the forces of holiness, is the one accomplished through Lashon who accomplishes this process of The Alter Rebbe explains the HaKodesh. refinement. difference between the letters of Lashon HaKodesh and the letters of Based on the above, we can Chanuka, in contrast, elevates other languages as follows: The understand the difference between and refines the gentiles as they exist letters of Lashon HaKodesh can be the refinement of the gentiles and “in the market-place,” i.e., on their compared to stones, which are the world at large associated with own level, before they have been creations of G-d, whereas the letters the Purim miracle and that influenced by Lashon HaKodesh. of other languages can be compared associated with Chanuka. The Nevertheless, on that level itself, to bricks, which are formed by man. Purim miracle resembles the they are transformed into holiness. By speaking these languages for a refinement of the world which was constructive purpose, and in accomplished through speaking For this reason, the Megilla of particular, using them to teach Lashon HaKodesh in regard to Chanuka is called Megillas Torah, one builds “the wall of mundane matters. Even though Antiochus. Antiochus, the wicked, Torah” with these “bricks.” Megillas Esther contains certain is the villain of the narrative. Persian words and names (including Furthermore, the narrative does not Though the above is the general become a part of the Bible, thus, rule, nevertheless, even after the reflecting how it refers to the tower of Babel and the spiritual gentiles on their own level. descent it caused, every person – Chanuka is also Nevertheless, through the service of gentiles included – shares a Chanuka, this narrative becomes connection to Lashon HaKodesh. connected with transformed to the extent that Torah Therefore, there is the potential to authorities refer to it and, in certain reveal the G-dliness invested in chinuch, education. communities, it is customary to read Creation through other languages, it on Chanuka. as well. When G-d “confused the This implies that, first languages of the world,” He also * * * included some elements of Lashon and foremost, a Greater potential for this service HaKodesh in other tongues. As an person must involve is generated on the present day example of this concept, the Sages which is: explained that certain words in the himself with the a) Shabbos Chanuka – on which Torah, like “Yegar Sahadusa” and the holiness of Shabbos is drawn “totafos,” which are found in other education of his own down into all aspects of Chanuka, languages are, in essence, words including the service of from Lashon HaKodesh. children. transforming the gentiles. Furthermore, there are other b) Shabbos VaYeishev – The commentaries that explain that opening verse of this portion states: these words are originally from the name, Achashverosh) and was “And Yaakov settled in the land of other languages. Nevertheless, they transcribed into the Persian his fathers’ sojourns, the land of have been elevated to the point chronicles, this shows how the K’naan.” This contains an allusion where they can be used in the holiness of the Megilla descended to to the two processes of refinement Torah. This principle is further the lowest levels. Nevertheless, mentioned above. “The land of his expressed in the books of the because this refinement came “from fathers’ sojourns,” refers to service prophets were foreign languages are above,” it did not effect the Persians within the realm of holiness, and used to communicate many on their own level. Thus, the name “the land of K’naan,” refers to the concepts including those on an of G-d was not included in the service of the refinement of the extremely elevated plane, e.g., Megilla, lest the Persians substitute world at large. Daniel’s prophecy of the advent of the name of one of their deities for it the Messianic era. This reveals that when translating it. 2. Based on the above, we can there is the potential to elevate these To emphasize this concept, it is understand the practices followed other languages to the realm of called Megillas Esther. This name by the Rebbeim in connection with holiness and accomplish an even indicates that Esther, symbolic of Nittul (which generally falls on or in higher level in the refinement of the proximity to the Chanuka festival).

6 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 The Rebbe Rayatz taught that it is train them in other aspects of the customary not to study Torah on observance of the festival. Indeed, that night in order not to increase Since Chanuka is our Sages stressed how women are the Divine life energy present. The connected with obligated in all aspects of the Rebbe Rayatz continued that his holidays observance since the father, the Rebbe Rashab, would “illuminating the miracle also involved a woman. either play chess (or give advice to others to play chess) on that night. public thoroughfare,” Similarly, the children should be given Chanuka gelt. This custom The lesson that can be learned it is an appropriate should be carried out at least twice from this is as follows: When a Jew throughout the holiday and if is in a situation which – because its time to devote oneself possible every day. (Needless to say, level is very low – he cannot elevate money itself should not be given on in a direct manner through studying to reaching out to Shabbos.) Torah, he should use that situation to produce a benefit in an indirect those Jewish children Similarly, since Chanuka is manner, for example, by playing who do not receive connected with “illuminating the chess, a game which is connected public thoroughfare,” it is an with the intellect. Firstly, it any Jewish education, appropriate time to devote oneself sharpens one’s intellect. Secondly, to reaching out to those Jewish playing successively can increase those who study in children who do not receive any the respect with which one is held Jewish education, who study in by gentiles. And thirdly, at times, it “public schools.” “public schools.” We must try to can produce a direct financial bring them into a program of Jewish benefit. education. In particular, efforts positive input. Hence, knowing that should be made to use the Similarly, each person in his own he could not study on Nittul, he midwinter vacation they are given to way must use Nittul in a positive planned to use the time for another involve them in a program of Torah way. Rather, than merely do constructive act. study. nothing, he should perform acts connected with wisdom, or 3. Chanuka is also connected These efforts should be connected with charity and with chinuch, education. This expanded in an effort to educate the kindness, or connected with the implies that, first and foremost, a world at large, spreading Torah and proper functioning of his home. person must involve himself with mitzvos among Jews and the seven the education of his own children, mitzvos given to Noach and his In this vein, the story was once both his sons and daughters, by descendants among the gentiles, told of a yeshiva student who wore a teaching them about the holiday and in this way, reveal how the jacket which was missing a button. and training them to observe its entire world was created only for When he was asked why he did not mitzvos. (In regard to sons, even the purpose of expressing G-d’s fix it, he replied that Nittul was those under bar mitzva age, this glory. This will be realized in the approaching and that he was putting involves lighting the Chanuka Messianic Redemption when, “the off fixing it until then. The yeshiva candles. It is not customary for earth will be filled with the student couldn’t conceive of time daughters below bas mitzva to light knowledge of G-d as the waters that would be spent without any candles. Nevertheless, it is proper to cover up the ocean bed.”

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Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 7 TThhee EEddiittoorr’’ss CCoorrnneerr WILL IT HAVE ANY SUBSTANCE? BORUCH MERKUR

It’s time I let you in on a little secret, faithful readers. For For editor only not for print [yeah right – Ed.]. an entire year now, I have been filling this column with The same point that you brought could have been brought material written five years ago (with a few exceptions, such over in a less negative, deriding way, without belittling shluchim, as “Don’t Change That Tune!” of issue 389), leaflets that who go through so much. It is very easy for you to stay in 770 were home published and distributed locally and via email. and sing “Yechi” when thinking only of the Lubavitchers around Apart for a handful of leftover articles, the series is you. Many shluchim would love to but have to constantly complete. (Part of my rationale for reprinting the material explain, etc., and it’s a very hard thing. So at least don’t be was to touch it up so that it could be published as a book, deriding; give positive stuff – it has the best effect. G-d willing, to be named The Story of Shyke Fifer and Other B’birchas Moshiach Now Secrets of the Universe.) Anonymous Some people who know me had the insight to ask how I Dear Anonymous, found the time to be so prolific, My only concern is that we seem to churning out so much material every reserve the majority of our explaining week (usually two decent-sized articles for “our own” (Lubavitchers). [See this a week). Now they know the answer. week’s interview with Rabbi Schwei, So the question that remains is: what My hope is to where Rabbi Schwei tells of a will happen to this column? continue the column, yungerman who forewarns the minyan My hope is to continue the column, of chareidim from Boro Park and albeit in a different format. In all albeit in a different Williamsburg that if he were to take likelihood the editorial will be shorter the amud for Mincha he would say and chattier, probably not focusing on format. In all “Yechi” after davening, and “to his a particular sicha, as was my custom. likelihood the surprise, no one objected, and they So what will it contain then? Will it even gave a reason: You have nothing have any substance? All I can say is: editorial will be to worry about – we’re not thank G-d for Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Lubavitchers...”] The point of my story Ginsberg. Oh, and how can I forget shorter and chattier, is that the world is not so un- Rabbi Tuvia Bolton. accepting; it is we who have to This column will tend to reflect on probably not focusing overcome our trepidation. After all, the events and ideas, rather than present whole Jewish world accepts the singing and develop them. It will be more on a particular sicha, of “Dovid Melech Yisroel Chai v’Kayam.” casual, whimsical; probably less as was my custom. Why is “Yechi” any more difficult to polished. give over? In the past I had made a call for By the way, I may print your words more interaction on the part of the anonymously. reader. But there is scanty material I receive to justify a Well I appreciate your response and time to answer. regular “Readers Writing” column. I guess I’m not the only What you said is a hundred percent valid but it’s a lot easier one who is too busy. One of the things I hope to do in this said than done, and that is what shluchim have to deal with. new-format “Editor’s Corner” (yes, I think I’ll keep the Moshiach Now name) is focus on whatever few letters I do receive. Another Anonymous is to share personal experiences and to draw some message from them, something pertinent to everyone, of course. Though I am sympathetic to the hard work and dedication – even utter self-sacrifice – of shluchim, I simply The latter two points come together nicely in the don’t agree with the premise – that it is “easier said than following email correspondence which emerged as a done.” Granted that the entire business of shlichus is criticism for sharing my experience as recorded in “Don’t difficult, I just don’t see how this message, the message of Change That Tune!” mentioned above.

8 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 Yechi, is any more difficult to impart In other words, if the majority of than any other aspect of shlichus. (My the magazine has the effect of patting experience is that the majority of none- So what will it ourselves on the back (though Rabbi observant Jews, have undeveloped Ginsberg’s articles often have a sharp notions of the foundations of their contain then? Will it edge, not to mention articles on religion; they are effectively blank shleimus ha’Aretz), the one corner slates, ready to receive any information have any substance? reserved for focusing on what still may they are given on Judaism. Why not All I can say is: thank need fixing is the editorial. give them the complete, unadulterated Chassidim have always prided truth!) Moreover, receiving Moshiach is G-d for Rabbi Levi themselves on being honest with the only remaining aspect of shlichus. So themselves. We don’t shy away from even if it is more difficult, that certainly Yitzchok Ginsberg. dealing with those areas where there is shouldn’t preclude striving to carry it room for improvement. And if there is out. Oh, and how can I the concern of being overly critical and About being negative and deriding, forget Rabbi Tuvia slipping into an Us vs. Them mentality, although I tried to keep the message as then it is important to remember that positive as I could (to the point that I Bolton. whatever we see outside is simply a had to embellish it a bit), to whatever reflection of what is within, and it is we extent that I failed I have to defer to who must work on that area we see the advice of a good friend of mine, the deficient in others. How much more so previous editor of Beis Moshiach and now shliach and when l’chatchila we see other members of Anash as an mashpia in Leeds, England, Rabbi Chaim Miller: an editorial extension of ourselves. After all, “Chassidim ein mishpacha.” is the place for constructive criticism.

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Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 9 Eiightt ttouchiing sttoriies by wriitters ffor Beiis Moshiiach,, aboutt neshamos tthatt were iigniitted.. Presentted ffor Chanuka.. * Partt 1 off 2 BY MENACHEM ZIEGELBOIM

You can see him every day sitting beach for hours. He gazed at the blue in the Chabad yeshiva in Katamon, his sea and listened to the slapping waves head leaning on his hand, his eyes which washed over him. fixed upon the volume before him. He has a short beard, and he looks like His thoughts flew hither and any other Tamim. It’s hard to believe yonder, taking him to nearly every that this bachur’s background is very possible place. He thought about far from one of Torah and mitzvos. It’s He felt as though meditation, charting pathways to even harder to believe how he made spiritual worlds, and struggling with his way to the world of Yiddishkeit and lightening had struck the storminess in his soul as though chassidus. trying to overpower it. The only thing him. A dreidel had he didn’t think about was his people, * * * his Judaism, his birthplace. He went Guy Efraim is the name of a boy landed near his feet, there in order to flee and forget who completed his three-year army on this forsaken anything having to do with the service, and who, upon his release, country where terror reigned, where took off with some friends “to clear beach in Thailand. It religious Jews sucked out government their heads” in the Far East. He money, and the top ten percent of the loaded up his backpack and went to seemed beyond country ruled the country – and in general, to get away from the chaos. see the sights, to broaden his bizarre. What was it horizons. It’s not surprising then, that he At some point he arrived in doing here in a place was emotionally cut off from anything Thailand, where he traveled about the that would remind him of home, cities and towns, trying to avoid the where there wasn’t including friends and family. Since he noise of the city. Guy loved peace and had left three and a half years before, quiet, so he rarely traveled together even one Jewish he had called his parents only a few with other Israelis. Alone, with his doctor? times. The last time he had spoken to backpack and stick, he walked them was five months before. around the little villages and became Guy arranged his legs and acquainted with whole new worlds. prepared himself for another round of He did this for three years. three months, sleeping in a ramshackle bungalow among the meditation. He focused his senses and One fine day he arrived at a rocks of the beach, eating whatever stared off into space, breathing vacation island. He remained there for came to hand. Each day he sat on the deeply. The sun had nearly set when a

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 11 strange object rolled in with the small candles from the Thai “mother” waves and landed on the sand near He continued to sit who hosted him in the bungalow. his feet. He reached out his hand for the object and examined it. and think, even When he finished his odd construction, he lit the candles. It was It was a sevivon (a dreidel) – a though darkness had a Jewish light, which illuminated the Jewish one. Not just a top, but a place and the wayward young man. A dreidel with four Hebrew letters on it! descended and a cold tourist watched him wide-eyed. He didn’t know what Guy had made, why He felt as though lightening had night breeze rippled he had lit the candles and why he was struck him. A dreidel had landed near so lost in thought. He asked Guy for his feet, on this forsaken beach in his thin shirt. an explanation, and Guy explained Thailand. It seemed beyond bizarre. that it symbolized victory. What was it doing here in a place His thoughts brought where there wasn’t even one Jewish “Whose victory?” wondered the doctor? him back to his home tourist. Guy stared at the dreidel for a long in Eretz Yisroel, to “The Jews’ victory over the time, turning it this way and that. He Romans,” said Guy in ignorance. remembered the last dreidel he had his father and seen when he was in kindergarten. He mother. Suddenly he “Oh,” muttered the tourist, remembered a menora, too. shrugging his shoulders in surprise, “I’m also from Rome.” He continued to sit and think, felt a need to call even though darkness had descended them and talk with * * * and a cold night breeze rippled his The next day, at the same time in thin shirt. He got up and went over to them. the same place, facing Chaf his bungalow. HaSevivon (Dreidel Beach) as he called it, Guy decided he had to His thoughts brought him back to “It’s Chanuka today?” he finally return home and study his own his home in Eretz Yisroel, to his father blurted out. His father didn’t religion. Maybe there was something and mother. Suddenly he felt a need understand why he was silent. to it. First, he visited the Chabad to call them and talk with them. It While he spoke, Guy removed the house for Israelis in Thailand, which had been so long since he had last is run by Rabbi Nechemia Wilhelm, done so. dreidel from his pocket. For him, this was more than enough. It went way where he first became acquainted His mother was thrilled by his beyond coincidence. He felt that with Judaism and Lubavitchers. call. “Guy! Happy Chanuka! It’s good something was guiding him, that A few months later, Guy was you’re calling now because Abba is same something he had been trying to sitting in the Chabad yeshiva in just lighting the menora.” ignore and find substitutes to replace. Katamon, taking his first steps in the Guy couldn’t speak, not even After the phone conversation, he world of Torah, trying to make up for when his father took the phone from went outside again. He took a giant all he had missed over the years. his mother and asked how he was. He banana leaf and a coconut and A year later he married, and today was simply stunned. fashioned a small menora. He got he is a chassidishe young man. Y.S. MOVING Professional We do demolish removal Yossi Reasonable Tel: 718-467-0171 24 hour service Boxes available upon request. Cellular: 917-805-7757

12 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 “AND“AND YOUYOU WILLWILL HARHARVESTVEST YOURYOUR GRAIN”GRAIN” BY YISROEL FRIEDMAN

Rabbi Kalman Druk, director of signs of stitches visible in many removed the mezuza from the front Chabad schools in Beer Sheva, places. door, he immediately noticed a flaw would spend a lot of time on in the word, “d’ganecha” in the mivtzaim. He started doing this Rabbi Druk said he wanted to phrase, “v’osafta d’ganecha” (and you while still at school at Moshav will harvest your grain). Brosh in the Negev. He devoted a significant part of this time to Rabbi Druk showed the man the Mivtza Mezuza. He checked Fortunately, like a problem and the man sighed deeply. mezuzos, and if necessary, He began to relate what had exchanged them, thus ensuring that helping hand from happened to him, and it seemed many homes had beautiful, kosher that it related directly to what had mezuzos. Above, the machine just been discovered. One night he received a phone stopped working * * * call from a woman who asked him “A few weeks ago I went out to to visit her home in Moshav Tadmor seconds later. But in the field, as I usually do, to harvest in order to check her mezuzos. those seconds I potatoes. As always, I connected the Rabbi Druk checked his schedule harvester, which has giant iron and suggested a certain day that was received deep teeth, to the pin behind the tractor. convenient for him, but the woman This is how the machine works: said it was urgent. lacerations all over When I drive the tractor, the machine behind it does the work, Rabbi Druk, who had already my body.” and the huge teeth turn the earth been witness to other urgent over, uncovering the potatoes. situations, agreed to see her that very night. The woman and her “I began driving but the machine stopped working within a few husband sat facing the rav, broken check the mezuzos first, before minutes. I got off the tractor in and worn out. The husband was hearing their story. They agreed and order to check it out and realized bandaged from head to toe with Rabbi Druk went to work. When he

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 13 that little rocks had gotten caught in “When I regained consciousness, “I came back from the hospital the teeth of the machine. I removed I was in bed in Saroka hospital. I today and felt that I had to check the stones but before I could get my didn’t understand how I had gotten the mezuzos. Now I understand how hand out, the iron teeth starting there. I looked around me and saw this could have happened. The rotating and I was caught on the my brother-in-law sitting nearby, words, “and you will harvest your wheel! Fortunately, like a helping looking at me compassionately. grain,” were pasul.” hand from Above, the machine stopped working seconds later. But “He told me later that he had * * * in those seconds I received deep wanted to discuss something with The Rachamim family was lacerations all over my body.” me, and since he knew I worked in greatly shaken up by the mezuza the field, he had gone out there. He revelation. They saw it as a G-dly The man’s eyes filled with tears. was shocked to discover me lying light, which came into their home in “I was seriously injured and I began there unconscious in a pool of order to save them from a terrible to hemorrhage. I was in the middle blood. tragedy. The entire family became of the field, far from any others, and more seriously committed to so there was nobody to hear me. I “It was a great miracle, because if he hadn’t come, I would have lain Yiddishkeit. They began participating was unable to drive the tractor to in the davening at the moshav, the road. From the distance, I could there for hours until I died from the loss of blood. At the hospital they coming regularly to the shul. The see a worker in the field, but he did father began putting on t’fillin every not hear my cries. I had no other operated on me for hours. At first they thought they had to amputate day. Naturally, all the mezuzos were choice but to walk towards my changed. A few more neshamos were house, hoping I would make it my hands, ch”v, but they were able to take veins from my leg in order to ignited in the Rachamim family at there, but apparently I fainted a few Moshav Tadmor in the Negev. minutes later. save my hands.

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14 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 BY SHNEUR ZALMAN BERGER

The Chabad community of a fascinating history book. Lubavitcher Chassid who lives in Rechovot is a dynamic one, one Rechovot. Shimshon referred him to which is constantly growing thanks At a certain stage, Reuven realized Rabbi Raynitz. to the baalei t’shuva who continue to that if he really wanted to learn join it. This is in no small part due to Tanach properly, with all its nuances, R’ Raynitz welcomed him and the Chabad house directed by Rabbi he had to learn with a religious Jew. when Reuven asked him where he Mordechai Kastel and program He got up the nerve, and when he could find a suitable class, R’ Raynitz director, Rabbi Michoel Raynitz. encountered a religious Jew he asked simply said, “Right here with me.” whether they could study Tanach Reuven Ilan is someone who fit in together. The Jew he happened to The two sat together and began nicely to the Chabad community of meet was R’ Shimshon Shoan, a studying Tanach, chapter after Rechovot. His path to Judaism and chapter, with commentaries and chassidus was via his interest in explanations. R’ Raynitz added the Tanach. Reuven is a man in his soul element to their studies, and as forties. He works in an When he increased time went on, hearts and minds drew internationally known cosmetic closer. When R’ Raynitz saw that the company and his views were always his Torah study, time was ripe, he suggested that they anti-religious. He had one “weakness” expand their partnership to include a though, and that was that he found parnasa came too. class in chassidus. Reuven agreed. Tanach very interesting. He loved That day was Yud- Shortly thereafter, Reuven opening his Tanach at home and accepted invitations for Shabbos flipping through the pages, reading Tes Kislev, his own meals at the Raynitz home. Despite it chapters of history replete with joy all, he did nothing as far as living a and sadness, blood and tears. He did personal chag life of Torah and mitzvos. not consider the Tanach as the holy Torah given at Sinai, but viewed it as ha’geula. “I kept wondering whether I should invest so much into him when

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 15 he wasn’t at all interested in keeping Reuven had kosher mezuzos and opened to were about increasing mitzvos,” says R’ Raynitz. “I finally he put t’fillin on every day. That was Torah study. He realized he had a concluded that any Jew who comes to it. For five years, Reuven kept up his mission to accomplish and he added Chabad has to be drawn close, each connection with Chabad, with additional hours to his study one according to his ability and level. Judaism being placed on the schedule. I decided to host him every Shabbos, backburner. It seemed that if he in the hopes that this would shift hadn’t been unexpectedly fired from The Rebbe’s bracha was fulfilled. something within him.” his job, he would never have joined When he increased his Torah study, the Lubavitch kollel “Ohr Zarua” in parnasa came too. His previous place Indeed, as time went on, cracks Rechovot. He was heartbroken by his of employment invited him back and began appearing in Reuven’s wall of being laid off, and he wrote to the offered him additional nice perks, all opposition. At first it was new Rebbe about it. The answer he in all, a better situation than the one mezuzos that he had put up in his he had left. That day was Yud-Tes home. Then he bought t’fillin, and Kislev, his own personal chag put them on each day. ha’geula. It wasn’t easy for him to put t’fillin He slipped into the He went back to work wearing a on daily. He was afraid of what kippa and a beard. He hung a picture people would say, how people would office, locked the of the Rebbe in his old/new office, react to the change in him. For this door, put on a tallis and he brought pamphlets about reason, he tried to put the t’fillin on Torah and mitzvos to his colleagues. and daven at home before leaving for and t’fillin, and began Soon his son, Eldad, became work. But sometimes he woke up late religious, too. At first he had and didn’t have time to put the t’fillin to daven. As he stood searched in foreign pastures, but on. When this occurred, Reuven took when he learned about the concept of the t’fillin with him to work and there in tallis and the influence the leader of the secretly put them on there. Whenever generation has on every Jew, he he davened at work, he found himself t’fillin, someone tried realized he could get that directly, a different hiding place. to open the door. At through the nasi ha’dor, the Rebbe MH”M. He didn’t need On that Thursday when he got up first he hoped the intermediaries. Father and son sat late, he took his t’fillin with him to and learned maamarim together. work. During a break he wondered person would leave, where he could put the t’fillin on, and Two years ago, Reuven decided suddenly thought of an idea – the but the person kept the time had come for him to visit the boss’ office! The boss had traveled Rebbe and to see 770 in person. “I abroad, and so his office was the on trying to get in. felt light in my soul. It was thrilling perfect place. As a senior employee in to see the Rebbe’s shtender, his chair, the company, he had the key to the He had no choice but and the lit menora. I will never forget office. the wondrous sight of the platform at to open the door... the farbrengen with hundreds of He slipped into the office, locked chassidim sitting around it and the door, put on a tallis and t’fillin, farbrenging. I felt as though I was in and began to daven. As he stood there opened to in the Igros Kodesh was to another world, and I knew that from in tallis and t’fillin, someone tried to now on, I was a Chassid.” open the door. At first he hoped the participate in shiurei Torah. Reuven person would leave, but the person did so, quickly acclimating to life in When he returned to Eretz kept on trying to get in. He had no the kollel, where he sat and learned Yisroel, he bought a sirtuk, put on a choice but to open the door. There nigleh and chassidus. Naturally this gartel, and put on his first black hat. stood the son of the boss, holding …. led to a stronger commitment to His colleagues at work looked t’fillin! observing mitzvos. askance at him, but since they respected his professionalism and The two of them stared at each Throughout these months, Reuven repeatedly asked the Rebbe expertise, they ignored his chassidic other in bewilderment. It turned out garb. that the two anti-religious men davened for a bracha for abundant and easy Shacharis and put on t’fillin every day! parnasa, but all the answers he

16 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 AALLLL TTHHAANNKKSS TTOO OONNEE TTAANNYYAA CCLLAASSSS BY SHNEUR ZALMAN BERGER

Two T’mimim stood in the doorway Tzik invited him to regularly attend the to R’ Tzik and announced, “I decided to of the Chabad house on Rechov classes and programming at the Chabad do t’shuva. I heard the classes in Atzmaut in Bat-Yam, inviting people to house. The boy agreed, and he returned chassidus and understood what you come in. “A special program is taking a few days later to another Tanya class. explained to me about mitzva place now,” they kept repeating. Dozens At the end of the class, once again he observance. I hesitated over the past of young people passing by agreed to peppered the Rabbi with his questions. months and finally concluded that I enter. They simply were curious to see must accept the yoke of mitzvos.” what the special program was about, which was actually a Tanya class. He became a regular participant in Months passed, and all the classes at the Chabad house, and When Rabbi Zimroni Tzik began his took on more and more mitzvos. lecture, the audience realized this was then one fine day, the not exactly what they expected, but After a year of serious study, they were embarrassed to get up and go. boy reappeared. He whether with organized shiurim or on his own, I asked the Rebbe whether he When the class was over, a high went over to R’ Tzik should learn in the yeshiva in Kfar school boy approached R’ Tzik and Chabad. The answer was positive, and expressed a great interest in Judaism, and announced, “I the boy transferred to the yeshiva g’dola asking many questions about emuna in Kfar Chabad. He then went on to and topics related to mitzva observance. decided to do t’shuva. k’vutza, and today runs his own Chabad Even though the boy was young, his house. questions were mature. Over the years he has had a positive When R’ Tzik asked his name, he This was the last time R’ Tzik saw the influence on his parents, brothers and introduced himself, whereupon R’ Tzik boy. sisters, and they too have become realized that he came from a well- chassidim – all thanks to one Tanya known Leftist, anti-religious family. Months passed, and then one fine class. day, the boy reappeared. He went over At the end of the conversation, R’

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 17 CCrroowwnn HHeeiigghhttss BBeeiiss DDiinn

HA’RAV HA’GAON R. AHARON YAAKOV SCHWEI, MEMBER OF THE BEIS DIN OF CROWN HEIGHTS, IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BEIS MOSHIACH “IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS I RECEIVED FROM THE REBBE, I WILL COMBINE MY WORK IN EDUCATION WITH THE RABBANUS” INTERVIEWED BY RABBI SHOLOM YAAKOV CHAZAN TRANSLATED BY MICHOEL LEIB DOBRY

Rogatchover Gaon, who was serving as Upon confirmation of the election of HaRav the rav of the chassidic community, met him and asked, “Why are you going to HaGaon R. Aharon Yaakov Schwei, shlita, as a the misnagdim? Aren’t you a member of the Crown Heights Beis Din, we asked Lubavitcher? Come to me!” That meeting was the start of a marvelous to hear from him about his plans in the rabbanus period in my father’s life. My father and his opinions on today’s more pressing matters received shimush from the Rogatchover Gaon, and merited to learn much from – from the role of the rabbanim to the proper him. The Rogatchover gave him methods in the education of children and smicha, and from my father’s stories, it was apparent that the Rogatchover publicizing the announcement of the Redemption. showed a special expression of In this comprehensive interview, we find affection towards him. irrefutable evidence of the great merit that has After two years, my father married my mother, Rebbetzin Bonya, nee come to Crown Heights with the election to the Diamond, from a prominent and beis din of so wise and knowledgeable a rav as outstanding Lubavitcher family, descendants of the Alter Rebbe. Her HaRav Schwei. maternal grandfather was the well- known chassid, R. Aharon Yaakov On behalf of our many thousands come to reach the rabbanus?” Perhaps Weiler from Krislave. Due to her of readers, please permit me to say the rav can tell us something about mother’s poor health, my mother grew mazel tov to the rav. The community himself? up in her grandfather’s home, where gave its overwhelming support to the she received an inner chassidic My father, of blessed memory, rav – a majority of 90%, which gives education that took root in the depths Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu Schwei from testimony to the great esteem and of her soul. appreciation it has for you. Dvinsk, learned for two years in Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim in After the wedding, my father, at the Thank you very much. Lubavitch, until 5676. When he instructions of the Rebbe Rayatz, returned to Dvinsk, he went to learn traveled to Finland to work with young Many people are asking with the rav of the local misnaged people in Jewish education and themselves, “Who is HaRav Schwei? community, Rabbi Meir Simcha, author outreach. For certain reasons, he was Where did he come from? How did he of the Ohr Sameiach. One day, the unable to serve officially there as a rav,

18 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 and he was appointed as a teacher, well. grandfathers before him, my father was despite the fact that, in truth, he an extremely kind and generous man. fulfilled all the rabbinical obligations. In the Rebbe Rayatz’s Igros Kodesh, Our home was open to passers-by, Recently, I came across a newspaper several letters are printed with m’shulachim, or everyday guests. clipping from 5695, which talks about instructions regarding outreach to my father’s activities. The article Jewish youth that explain the great However, the good life did not last describes the spiritual revolution that importance of reaching out to our long. In 5700, the Russians conquered my father was stirring in the Jewish brethren. Similarly, the Rebbe Estonia, and shortly thereafter, the community through his success in the instructed my father to involve himself Second World War broke out. At that establishment of a regular minyan, in the study of the laws of sh’chita and time, a government order was issued organized Jewish studies for youth, b’dika. that one member from every family must be enlisted to dig trenches and more. Among my father’s students In 5696, we moved to Norva, at that time that I recall were the around the city. Naturally, most of Estonia. An established Jewish those who enlisted were men, as this chazan R. Moshe Teleshevsky and R. community already existed there, and Yitzchak Nemes, may they live and be was extremely difficult and very my father served as a rav and teacher in dangerous work. However, my mother, sh’chita and b’dika. Like his father and of blessed memory, categorically refused to let my father carry out the order, so she enlisted in his place. She said that if, ch”v, something would happen to him, she would be left alone, and she simply would not be able to educate us at the same level that my father would. As the frontline came closer, we escaped east into the heart of Russia. When we arrived in Tashkent, along with the other Jewish refugees, it became clear that the city was already filled to capacity, and it would be impossible to stay there. We moved on until we reached the city of Wofkent near Bukhara. Due to the great hardships that he endured, my father took ill and passed away there, and my mother was left a lonely and broken widow without Jewish surroundings. In the harsh conditions that prevailed at that time, my older sister, Hinda, of blessed memory, also passed away, and my mother had to bury her daughter with her own hands… Afterwards, we moved to Bukhara. Despite all this, my mother spent these very difficult times making certain that we all had a proper Torah education. When she heard that the famed Gaon of Tchebin, HaRav Dov Berish Wiedenfeld, founder of Yeshivas Kochav Yaakov in Yerushalayim, was in the city, she came to him, crying and pleading. In the end, she succeeded in

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 19 convincing him to teach my older Marozov, R. Berel Motchkin, and wife, Rochel, nee Kalouri, may she live brother, R. Boruch Sholom, of blessed others, we influenced many bachurim and be well. I was offered a position as memory. As an expression of her who were still outside of Lubavitch. a classroom teacher and instructor at thanks and gratitude (or in place of the Bedford Avenue of the Central tuition), she would bring to the gaon’s During those years, I learned in Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim – home two buckets of water every day chavrusa with my brother, R. Isaac, of Lubavitch, and after receiving the from the center of town, and would blessed memory, and with HaRav Rebbe’s bracha, I began my job, where also clean his house. Nissan Mangel, may he have many I work to this very day. long and good years. Some time later in Bukhara, she * * * Shavuos 5712 marked my first visit met a Lubavitcher chassid, R. Eliezer During the yechidus that the rav was Mishulovin, of blessed memory, who to the Rebbe. In those years, we had the special privilege that whenever we privileged to have, was there any hint told her that there is a branch of alluding to the position of authority Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim – came from Montreal, we were able to have yechidus with the Rebbe. In the that he has now assumed, the rabbanus Lubavitch in Samarkand. This news of Crown Heights? gave a breath of life to my mother, who years that followed, the restrictions on did not rest until she sent us to the private yechiduyos made such a No. I did not hear anything hinting yeshiva. To make certain that the privilege less frequent. to my becoming a rav. authorities would not capture us, we In the many yechiduyos I was traveled one at a time. When their privileged to have, the Rebbe spoke agents came to my mother’s home and with me many times about the asked her where the children are, she importance of influencing people – said that we ran away from her… I wrote that I wanted individuals as well as larger groups. He As the youngest child, I arrived in to go out on shlichus, also took great interest in what I was Samarkand after my older brothers learning and recommended to me were already well accustomed to the and the Rebbe specific s’farim that dealt with the area. In the merit of my young age, my subject. For example, when I was eldest brother gave up his place on the answered me that learning the laws of mikvaos, the Rebbe bench where he would sleep. We since I was already in recommended to me the seifer Taharas learned in substandard conditions, but HaMayim, and said that this is a good we were happy and knew well to yeshiva – this is my seifer on mikvaos. On another occasion, appreciate every moment that we the Rebbe instructed me to review the could learn Torah and live among shlichus! Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. chassidim. It was only after two years The one time that I served in any that my mother succeeded in getting to rabbinical capacity was when I was in Samarkand, and thus the family was camp in Montreal, I was appointed the reunited once again. After several years in Montreal, I was appointed a melamed, and in camp’s rav. In that position, I had the We also continued our studies in preparation for Yud Shvat 5719, I authority to give piskei din on matters the yeshiva during the war years. Then brought all the children of my class to of issur and hetter, eruvin, etc., over in 5706, the yeshiva, along with many the Rebbe. I went into yechidus with all many years. other Lubavitcher chassidim, left the the children, and we were privileged to During the decade of 5730-5739, Soviet Union, and after much hear from the Rebbe an entire sicha when the Rebbe began his battle to hardship, established its location at the about the role of children. Since I was change the Israeli Law of Return former internment camp in Pucking, the only adult in the group, I wrote a (“Who is a Jew?”), Rabbi Chadakov put Germany, and from there to Brunoy, “hanacha” from that sicha, which was out an order that anyone ordained as a France. In 5711, in accordance with printed afterwards in Sichos Kodesh. rav or a dayan should register with the Rebbe’s instructions, we went to From then on, it became an established Agudas HaRabbanim, in order to have learn in Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim – custom that every Yud Shvat the influence on that body’s decisions. Lubavitch in Montreal. yeshiva students would come to the Since I met the necessary criteria, I Rebbe. In Montreal, we were very involved registered with Agudas HaRabbanim, in outreach activities and together with In 5721, I came to Crown Heights, and since then, I am considered an my brother, R. Isaac, R. Zalman and a few months later, I married my official rav.

20 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 I take halachic questions. I talk with him on almost every question that comes, without identifying the caller, of course, particularly since I myself usually don’t know who is asking, and I don’t ask the person to identify himself. Then, I let the student understand all the details and angles to the question and its answer. Teaching rabbinical ordination expresses itself on a variety of levels. First, a rav must know the halacha. Second, he must know how to connect the question that comes before him to its halachic source. Third, he requires the ability to render a rabbinical decision. One of the biggest problems among chassidic rabbinical students is Were there special instructions that His argument: Lubavitcher chassidim a lack of self-assurance to render a the rav received over the years from the are like a soccer team. We all have one halachic ruling. They know what the Rebbe? goal – to bring the world (kadur halacha is, but they are afraid to issue ha’aretz) to the gate (goal) of Torah and piskei din. Thank G-d that this is our I received instructions in the area of chassidus. And when does each player problem… This reminds me of the story education, most of which were on the team know when he has to get of the chassid who came to the Rebbe personal instructions pertaining to the the ball and try to make a break for the Rashab and said that he had been conduct of particular students. Others goal? When the ball comes his way! offered a job as a shochet. He knows were instructions of a more general Then he knows what his job is. “So too sh’chita, but he is afraid to accept so nature. with you,” R. Mendel told me. “When great a responsibility. The Rebbe said the ball comes to you, don’t hesitate to In 5723, the Rebbe ordered that all to him, “Who do you want them to take it.” yungeleit that are interested in going appoint as a shochet? Someone who is out on shlichus must submit a letter to But the main reason that I agreed to not afraid?… that effect to the secretariat. I wrote take upon myself the responsibility of During the last two years, since that I wanted to go out on shlichus, and the rabbanus is my plan to combine beginning my part-time work for the the Rebbe answered me that since I work in education with the rabbanus. was already in yeshiva – this is my Beis Din, several rabbinical students shlichus! The Rebbe then added a How do you combine the rabbanus have come my way. One of them has special bracha for success in the work with education? already been appointed a rav and an of education. educator in Russia, and a second is Very simple: by educating young soon to follow. Every day, one of these The truth is that when it was rabbanim. students comes to my office. I see suggested that I stand as a candidate The Rebbe expressed his desire on clearly that when they understand that for the rabbanus here, I was inclined to they will have to make halachic refuse the offer, since as a fulltime rav, numerous occasions that Lubavitcher yungeleit should be rabbanim and decisions, the learning is on a totally I will be forced to leave my position as different level. In the Rebbe Rashab’s an educator. instructors. Unfortunately, the Rebbe’s desire has not been carried out Hemshech of 5666, he explains that What tipped the scales in favor of sufficiently. There are not enough when a person learns matters that have the rabbanus? quality chassidic rabbanim. practical application, the study is something else entirely. Two things. I recalled that once, I As a result, I took upon myself to met the mashpia, R. Mendel Futerfas, teach yungeleit to become rabbanim. It is my earnest hope that within a who told me that if I am offered a Whenever I am in the office, a student brief period of time Chabad will have a particular position, I should take it. comes to me and we sit together while greater number of chassidic rabbanim.

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 21 One must remember that with chassidic parnasa. G-d. I pray that I will find the truth, rabbanim, the chassidus comes before the Rebbe’s will, and rely upon G-d the rabbanus. As the Rebbe himself Many people come with questions that He will place in my mouth the always says, “A chassidishe rav” – with totally unrelated to halacha – questions right words. the word chassidishe coming first – on hashkafa, shidduchim, etc. They have means that you don’t take a rav and questions on matters they simply can’t * * * make him into a chassid, rather you decide for themselves, so they come To be elected as rav of a take a chassid and make him into a rav… and ask the rav. Sometimes, they ask community with such wide support – the Rebbe via Igros Kodesh, but because 90% – is most unusual… What is the * * * they don’t understand the answer, they secret to the rav’s success? In recent years, in light of the come to the rav to ask him to explain Rebbe’s instructions that in particular the content of the answer. A rav must have the Oibershter’s blessing for patience – something that matters – not necessarily halachic – one There was a time that rabbanim must turn to the rabbanim, the role of is seriously needed nowadays… When the rabbanim has turned into someone comes to a rav with a something far more complex. How is question, and he has no time to hear all this expressed in the rav’s daily life? the aspects of the questioner’s One of the biggest circumstances, the questioner leaves Many people come with shalom brokenhearted and with a bad taste in bayis problems, and in most cases, they problems among his mouth. A rav must sit and listen to are accompanied by problems with all the doubts and uncertainties that parnasa. In a family blessed with a chassidic rabbinical people have. People at times don’t wait large number of children where the for an answer. They come only in order husband is unsuccessful in his efforts students is a lack of that they will be heard. Sometimes to make a living, the wife claims that self-assurance to they just need some encouragement. she needs help with the children, Even when the matter is halachic in whereas the husband counters that he render a halachic nature, after the rav listens patiently to needs to bring in parnasa. Both of them what he has to say, the answer is are right, but in the meantime, there is ruling. They know accepted by the questioner in an a lack of domestic harmony. I have entirely different manner. meetings with couples in my home, sit what the halacha is, with them for hours, clarify all the Everyone that comes to me with a nagging problems, and then try to but they are afraid to question leaves happily when he come up with solutions. receives the answer. People are usually issue piskei din. inclined to be stringent with In this area, I have plans to themselves and run to the rav with establish a committee of trained Thank G-d that this every little question. As a result, it rabbinical students to deal with is our problem... turns out that in the majority of cases difficulties in shalom bayis, and another that come before me, I rule to be committee to deal with parnasa lenient. Naturally, such rulings bring problems. There are yungeleit in very much joy and relief to the person difficult financial situations, and if could evade such questions on the asking. But even in a case when the someone can help them to organize grounds that they are not halachic in ruling calls for stringency and thus, the themselves properly, they will be able nature, and thus not within the rav’s results are less of a reason for to extricate themselves from the area of responsibility. Today, however, happiness, nevertheless, the person is problem. as you mentioned, the Rebbe gave the happy to some extent. rabbanim this authority, as well. We As mentioned earlier, quite often The Rebbe said once that when a must also give answers to these types these two problems are tied, one to the Jew comes to a rav with a question of of questions. other, and when the parnasa problem issur and hetter, he accepts the rav’s is solved, the shalom bayis problem is And where does the rav find decision happily, even when it causes automatically solved, as well. This is so answers to questions with no source in him considerable financial loss. even though that sometimes the exact halacha? However, when he has a din Torah and opposite is the case, i.e., through loses, he leaves with a feeling of anger shalom bayis comes the bracha for To tell you the truth: I rely upon against the rav – not because he lost,

22 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 but because the other person the Redemption. Children don’t who relates to the Rebbe as one who is benefited… The rav also sits in on dinei connect with something that was in the found in the heavens above will be Torah, where there are two sides… past. They are inclined to have a much helped as much as possible – but from stronger connection with things are afar, from Heaven. Whereas a person It’s true that dinei Torah are a bit happening now. Therefore, when who relates to the Rebbe as chai harder. First of all, we always try to children are taught that the Rebbe is v’kayam, who is with him here in this bring about a compromise between the chai v’kayam and is with us now – they world – he will help him all he can as two sides, and when we are successful, live with this with much greater one who is nearby. In truth, those who each side leaves satisfied. But even strength. We see clearly that those who believe that the Rebbe is chai v’kayam, when there is no choice, and there will live with Moshiach and teach children live with it, and teach it – merit far be a loser – it is still possible with a accordingly have much more success. greater reciprocation. little effort to soften the blow to the losing side. I always try after the In my opinion, anything that din Torah to speak with the loser illustrates the fact that the Rebbe and show him the sources of the is chai v’kayam adds to a person’s p’sak din and explain them to faith and is a most positive thing. him, until he understands I know that there are those who himself why the decision went oppose such an approach. I the other way. Thank G-d, most absolutely understand them, for of the time, this proves someone who merited to see the successful. Rebbe, as a king in all his glory, has great difficulty living with Not long ago, I presided over such a situation. But for a din Torah, and of course, there thousands of chassidim who were was a winner and a loser. Two not so privileged, particularly weeks later, the loser had younger people, this is another din Torah, yet he didn’t something which adds faith, hesitate to turn to me again and hiskashrus, and vitality in all ask me to rule in this second din matters that pertain to the Torah, even though he had been Rebbe. ruled against in the previous one. To tell you the truth, when I * * * see young people who never had After Gimmel Tammuz, the privilege of seeing the Rebbe differing opinions have clinging to this manner of developed regarding the conduct in order to enliven and education of children, whether kindle the flame of faith and to teach based on a longing for hiskashrus to the Rebbe, it is the past or to focus on the evident to me that we are talking present and to live with the about a correct and appropriate Rebbe’s announcement of the chassidic feeling, which is very Redemption. As an experienced exciting. educator, what is the rav’s opinion? Sometimes the argument It is obvious that even those who arises: must we encourage students to Everyone agrees that we must have adopted different methods in travel to the Rebbe after Gimmel educate children to live with the education do so with the purpose of Tammuz? Rebbe. The question is only how to do establishing hiskashrus to the Rebbe, so. Today, to our great sadness, several and they certainly have G-d’s help For my part, there is no question: years after Gimmel Tammuz, we can let towards that effort. The Rebbe once chassidim must come to 770! Even experience speak for itself. Educational said in reference to the Rebbe Rayatz though we can’t see the Rebbe, these experience proves that the best way to that he is a “guter” (good), and are the Rebbe’s Daled amos, and from teach a child to live with the Rebbe is therefore, anyone that wants to here we draw all our strength and when you place an emphasis upon the connect to him, he will accommodate vitality. We can learn this from the obligation to live with Moshiach and it. The only difference is that someone Rebbe himself. At more than forty

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 23 years of farbrengens, the Rebbe 5740-5749, the Rebbe dealt with the enough ourselves, the words don’t emphasized almost every time about subject far more than in the previous come from the heart, and thus, it is the importance of 770 as the Daled decade. From 5750, the Rebbe’s sichos difficult for them to enter someone amos of the leader of the generation – were overflowing with discussions of else’s heart… not to mention, of course, the the Redemption. All this is in marvelous expressions from the kuntres accordance with the known halachic One of the community’s yungeleit “Beis Rabbeinu Sh’B’Bavel.” principle of “increasing in matters of told me that he works with chareidim in holiness.” Boro Park and Williamsburg. They Even those who say that what daven Mincha with a minyan, and every happened on Gimmel Tammuz must In light of the Rebbe’s conduct, day someone else takes the amud. He be interpreted in its simplest sense – in there is no question that now, in 5763, would always try to avoid being the spite of sichos from the Rebbe that we must publicize the announcement chazan, because on the one hand, he indicate otherwise – they too admit of the Redemption much more than we wants to say “Yechi” after davening, but that the holiness there has not moved did in the previous decade, and much on the other hand, he was worried from its place, and the Rebbe continues more than we did last year, particularly about their reaction. Therefore, every to influence via 770. since we are now much closer to the day he would find a different excuse. Redemption! One day, he could avoid it no longer, The only reason why people can and having no alternative, he told them possibly oppose traveling to 770 is the There are those who claim that that he has one condition – that he will question of “Mi B’Rosh?” The Gemara when people publicize the say “Yechi” after davening. To his relates the story of Yeraboam ben announcement of the Redemption, surprise, no one objected, and they Navat, a Torah giant so great that all they quickly slide into the issue of even gave a reason: You have nothing the Torah scholars of his generation Moshiach’s identity, which is difficult to worry about, we’re not were considered as onionskins in to explain after Gimmel Tammuz. Lubavitchers… comparison. Nevertheless, when the question of “Mi B’Rosh?” came to the The Rebbe also touched upon this That’s the whole story. “And we forefront, this caused him to prevent concern, saying that the world is ready. were in our eyes as grasshoppers,” and the Jewish people from going up to the Therefore, when we go out to the as a result, “and so we were in their Beis HaMikdash… Also, in our case, this world, tell the truth, and mean it – the eyes.” As soon as we stop being is the real question. Getting to the message is accepted. embarrassed by the Rebbe’s words and heart of the matter, I am certain that If there are those who don’t accept clear instructions to publicize the everyone believes that what the Rebbe the Rebbe’s message, only we are to announcement of the Redemption, our said about 770 applies even today, blame. Since we don’t believe it words will automatically be accepted because it is “Beis Chayeinu,” where the without objection. revelation of the Third Beis HaMikdash will begin from. The bottom line is that their motives are undoubtedly good, but their actions are not in line with the Rebbe’s sichos, and that is a tremendous pity. What is the correct and proper manner to spread the announcement of the Redemption? As with any such question, it is enough to consider the conduct of the Rebbe in order to know the right approach. The Rebbe used every available opportunity to speak about the Redemption. We see clearly that with every passing year, the rate of sichos on the Redemption grew with much intensity. In the decade of

24 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 The opposition to the Moshiach our generation and they will begin to Rebbe’s instructions! Campaign lessens from day to day, just believe that the Rebbe is Melech as with all of the other mivtzaim. The HaMoshiach. I will conclude this topic with a Rebbe is conquering the world, and personal story. In my youth, I loved to when the Rebbe announces a particular To those who excuse their inactivity paint, and when I was in camp, I made campaign, this itself affects the world by quoting the Rebbe’s words “b’ofen Jewish paintings for the campers’ cabin so that it will be accepted. groups. After camp, R. Berel Motchkin took the paintings to the Rebbe. One of At times, it created a virtual the paintings depicted a shofar with the revolution. One of the elder chassidim Children don’t Thirteen Principles of Faith, where the here in America told me that sixty principle of “I believe in the coming of years ago, when he would enter a shul connect with the Moshiach” combined with a wearing a beard, the gabbaim would drawing of the Rebbe. R. Berel told me throw him out. The claim was that it something that was in afterwards that the Rebbe enjoyed the caused a chillul Hashem when people paintings very much. Another painting thought that Jews went around with the past. They are showed the saying of our Sages that “in beards… This was the way of things in inclined to have a the Future to Come, the eye will see those days. The biggest roshei yeshiva in nothing besides You, Elokim,” with the America during that time did not have much stronger text surrounding the outer edge. The beards. So when the Rebbe Rayatz Rebbe stood and walked around the arrived in America, he started an connection with table while reading the words. “innovation” – that even in America, a Jew can have a beard. The Rebbe things are happening A few words in conclusion. Rayatz sent shluchim to the roshei now. Therefore, when I want to thank all the residents of yeshiva and convinced them to start Crown Heights who expressed their growing beards. At first, it was children are taught confidence in me by electing me to difficult, but the Rebbe brought about serve as a member of the Beis Din. I a complete change in the world’s that the Rebbe is chai hope that I will succeed to carry out perception, and today, this is no longer the duties of this high position within the category of a “trial.” v’kayam and is with faithfully, together with my friends and This also happened when the us now – they live colleagues on the Beis Din, HaRav Rebbe announced the T’fillin HaGaon R. Avrohom Osdoba shlita and Campaign, which was opposed in all with this with much HaRav HaGaon R. Yosef Avrohom the chareidi communities. They even HaLevi Heller shlita. I hope to give only denounced it as improper and pasul, greater strength. We nachas to the Rebbe MH”M. and used every means available to blast see clearly that those I wish to take this opportunity to Lubavitch over the T’fillin Campaign. give encouragement and strength to Yet, even on this front, the Rebbe and who live with you and all those involved in the holy the chassidim had the upper hand. work of publishing the Beis Moshiach Today, those same communities have Moshiach and teach Magazine. It brings each week the light joined Chabad activities, put t’fillin on of faith, the fire of hiskashrus, and true people, and participate in “outreach.” children accordingly chassidic warmth to thousands of The same thing needs to be have much more chassidic homes throughout the world. regarding the Moshiach Campaign. It is I personally enjoy very much reading clear to us without the slightest doubt success. its wonderful articles. that we must fulfill the Rebbe’s I have not the slightest doubt that instructions on this matter without when the Rebbe MH”M will be hesitation – to publicize everything the revealed, you will stand in the first row Rebbe said about the Redemption and ha’miskabel” (in an acceptable manner), to greet him, and the Rebbe will thank Melech HaMoshiach, and there is no it must be pointed out that the Rebbe you for the wonderful work you are question that the world will accept the said to publicize b’ofen ha’miskabel, not doing and for strengthening the faith in message. With time, even they will to be silent b’ofen ha’miskabel. This is his words. Yasher ko’ach! admit that there must be a Moshiach in certainly not the way to fulfill the

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 25 BBiiooggrraapphhiiccaall SSkkeettcchheess

WHAT IS FITTING OF A CHASSID TRANSLATED BY RABBI SHIMON NEUBORT

to them for a short time and say a few From the Sichos of the Rebbe Rayatz in America words. And so, the word went out that Seifer HaSichos – Kayitz 5700 within a few minutes Grandfather would arrive. Daytime Meal of Shabbos Parshas Shlach – Part 3 When Grandfather arrived, he sat 14. [The Rebbe Rayatz continues courtyard’s large size, people began to on the platform in the place that had speaking about the travels of his father, feel squashed. The elder chassidim and been prepared in his honor, and he said: the Rebbe Rashab, in his youth]: The dignitaries of the town ascended to “In the Agada of the Sages and in the second journey took place during the Midrash we often find the expression, month of Menachem Av 5634 [to ‘As is customary in the world...,’ or the Vitebsk, along with the Rebbe expressions, ‘To what can this be Maharash, who was visiting his For a chassid it is compared?’ or, ‘It is like a king who...’; physician Prof. Bertenson for a medical ‘it is like a prince who...’; ‘it is like a consultation]. My saintly father, the fitting that he should person who was...,’ and the like. My Rebbe, related at length the whole story great-grandfather (the Alter Rebbe; see of this journey, which lasted five days: be joyful, and Torah Or, passage beginning “Chachlili from Sunday, 12 Menachem Av until Einayim,” along with the biur; also, the their return to Lubavitch in the evening moreover, that he letter by my father-in-law the Rebbe of Thursday the 16th of the month. I (Rayatz) printed at the end of Kuntres will relate here only one detail of this should appear HaAvoda) translates ahavas olam subject. [everlasting love; lit., love of the world] cheerful to others... as love which is derived from worldly On Wednesday of Parshas Eikev, matters; this means a love of G-d that which fell on [the festival of] Chamisha involves the same feelings as one has Asar B’Av, a large crowd assembled in regarding love of worldly things. This the courtyard where my saintly Grandfather’s apartment and, in the implies that in serving G-d we should grandfather the Rebbe [Maharash] was name of the entire congregation, they use expressions as they are understood lodging. The courtyard was very large, requested him to honor them by in common language. with shady trees growing there. After a coming out to the courtyard and “In common Yiddish language we short while they brought a platform reciting a chassidic maamer, as he usually from one of the shuls. As the time often say ‘This is fitting’ or ‘that is not did. Grandfather replied that in view of fitting’; ‘for this sort of person it is progressed, more and more people his poor health it was difficult for him assembled in the courtyard; despite the fitting to do this, and for another sort of to recite chassidus, but he would go out person it is fitting not to do this.’ The

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 27 expressions ‘this is fitting’ and ‘this is “For a chassid, it is not fitting if he Hirshman of Vitebsk, and the chassid, not fitting’ apply not only with regard to does not study chassidus; for a chassid, it Reb Shmuel Brin of Vitebsk [a learned doing, but also with regard to speech, is not fitting if he does not busy himself rabbi and chassidic businessman; see with regard to middos, and with regard with another’s benefit; for a chassid, it is Links in the Chassidic Legacy by this to understanding. not fitting that he should be dejected; translator, Sichos in English, 1977; pp. for a chassid, it is not fitting if he does 137-153], told me that they had been “For a person of this caliber, it is not see his own shortcomings; for a present on that occasion – 15 fitting that he should speak this way, chassid, it is not fitting that he should Menachem Av 5634 – when my saintly and for a person of different caliber it is hold himself greater than the greatest; grandfather spoke his holy words not fitting that he should speak this for a chassid, it is not fitting if he does regarding “it is fitting” and “it is not way. For example, [it is not fitting that not learn something good from another fitting.” While he spoke these words, such a person should speak] with anger, person; for a chassid, it is not fitting that his holy voice could be heard by each for ‘the words of the wise are heard with he should incite dissension, even for the and every one who stood there. Most of gentleness.’ For a person of this caliber them broke out in loud weeping. it is not fitting for him not to understand this subject; for a person of Reb Shmuel Brin expressed it to me such caliber, it is fitting that he should While he spoke these thusly: “A genuine Yom Kippur spirit understand a profound subject. prevailed. The Mishna’s description [end words, his holy voice of Taanis] was fulfilled, ‘Israel had no “For Jews in general, and chassidim festivals similar to 15 Av and Yom in particular, the concept of ‘it is fitting’ could be heard by Kippur.’” and ‘it is not fitting’ regarding spiritual matters should be assimilated equally each and every one Reb Dov Hirshman expressed it to with ‘it is fitting’ and ‘it is not fitting’ me as follows: “Those fifteen or twenty regarding material matters. who stood there. Most minutes during which the Rebbe spoke, cleansed us and laundered us. I wish it For a chassid, it is fitting that he of them broke out in could be like that on Erev Yom Kippur should study a saying of chassidus every loud weeping. after ‘Al Cheit.’ On that occasion we felt day; for a chassid, it is fitting that he what a Rebbe really is.” should busy himself with another’s benefit; for a chassid, it is fitting that he 16. Reb Dov Hirshman was a should be joyful, and moreover, that he sake of the ways of chassidus. wealthy person who owned developed should appear cheerful to others; for a real estate. His material needs were all chassid, it is fitting that he should “Jews in general, and chassidim in taken care of. He gave charity thoroughly see his own shortcomings particular, must use the worldly generously to the extent that the and the other person’s good attributes; concept of ‘it is fitting’ and ‘it is not citizens of Vitebsk understood this for a chassid, it is fitting that he should fitting’ in their avoda of serving G-d concept. He had a stout heart – very, hold even the lowest and simplest Jew (blessed be He).” very far from a dejected spirit. And if he to be better than himself; for a chassid, it When Grandfather finished reciting was so affected that he wished himself is fitting that he should learn from every these holy words he rose from his place, that the Erev Yom Kippur Mincha could person’s good middos and conduct; for a blessed the assembly, and went to his cleanse him the way those holy words chassid, it is fitting that he should act lodgings. did, then we can imagine the great with love and brotherhood, peace and impression that those holy words made. friendship. 15. The chassid, Reb Dov Ber (To be continued.)

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28 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 FFaarrbbrreennggeenn wwiitthh RRaabbbbii BBoollttoonn

NO TO THE GREEKS, NO TO CONCESSIONS BY RABBI TUVIA BOLTON, MASHPIA IN YESHIVA OHR TMIMIM OF KFAR CHABAD

Chanuka, the Festival of Lights, is One of the prime examples of this conquerors! And the whole thing probably the most observed Jewish is the manner in which they dealt caught on! Even the most assimilated holiday in the non-religious world. with the Jews and their Holy Temple. Jews (and there were a lot of them For many, many Jews in the U.S.A. They did not destroy this center of back then), got into the spirit of the the only blessing they know is the Jewish identity, as did the barbarian Jewish cause, or at least threw away one on the Chanuka candles, (with Babylonians or Romans before and their tickets to the arenas and the accompanying melody, of course: after them, rather they cleverly theaters. “Asher Kidshanu b’mitzvosav, etc.”) defiled it according to the Jewish laws of purity. The Greeks, you see, did The Greeks soon understood that Yet Chanuka is, paradoxically, one not want to raze the Holy Temple, the times were a changing and that of the most radically “orthodox” but rather that the service therein be they better start packing. They were holidays in the book. It a bit more Hellenized and less loosing battle after embarrassing commemorates a bloody war waged intense. battle, and even worse, the Jews were by the Jews against the Greeks for the going berserk! No one wanted to most obscure of religious motives, Similarly, they had no designs to listen to a good rational Greek idea and is a living testimony to Jewish exterminate the Jewish people (as the anymore! Exit the Greeks. “extremism.” evil Haman tried to do some two hundred years earlier), rather they Next act: Setting: The empty Holy Let us consider for a moment wanted to reeducate them with their Temple. what really happened on that first “superior” Greek intellect and Chanuka. Enter a garrison of victorious Jews lifestyle. swords drawn. As they realize there is Approximately 2,500 years ago In other words, the Greeks no enemy, they return them to their the Greeks, under Alexander the wanted to do pretty much what most sheaths. Great, conquered the world and ruled free thinking “normal” Jews want it for several hundred years. Shimon (the commander): Nu, we today: Liberty, Fraternity, and made it, men; we’re back in the Now, the success of Greek rule lay Equality. What was so bad about Mikdash again. Wow, the place is in not only in their superior armed that?! pretty good order, in fact looks like forces, but in their “superior” culture, Suddenly, as if from nowhere, they didn’t destroy anything. as well. Their ideas of freethinking appeared Yehuda Maccabee Dovid: Exactly the opposite, they and free living held them in the Chashmonai and his little band of throne long after Alexander the Great destroyed everything, it’s all defiled! zealots armed to the teeth, and began Here, look over here, in this died. They were as “civilized” a rebelling against the reasonable, bunch of rulers as they come. storeroom, have a look at all these civilized, and mighty Greek vials of oil. Looks perfect, doesn’t it,

30 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 all they did was move or open every workers and to either bring or make Jews were allowed to worship in the bottle, didn’t even spill a drop. Those new oil.) Temple and do all their dirty… commandments. All the Greeks Now the reader must remember wanted were a few concessions, a few Reuven: Watch your language, my that oil was not lacking, there was reforms, co-existence; certainly friend, remember where you are. plenty of impure oil, but these nothing to risk one’s life or to make a “fanatics” insisted on using only pure war over. But just a minute… Hey, I oil. Also, remember that there is no remember a law that says that if we physical difference whatsoever There are those who want to say have no other choice we can use between pure and impure oil, the that the Jews fought for defiled oil to light the menora. It is whole thing is only a detail that is not independence, and the miraculous something like the Pesach Offering, if victories were won more for political a few people are defiled they have to than religious freedom. But if this wait a month and make it up on were the case, then why does the Pesech Sheini, but if everyone is holiday center on lighting little defiled, they can all make it in the There was plenty of candles and emphasizing the lesser, right time. Same thing here, we can… oil for the lamp. “religious” miracle. (Remember also Dovid: Forget it, buddy, if we that the menora was located in a room wanted to start thinking like that we There was no real in the Temple that was accessible to wouldn’t have been crazy enough to only a few priests, almost no one take on the entire Greek army in the danger to anyone’s actually saw the miracle of the oil!) first place, would we? We are using life. The Jews were Chanuka is one of the “exile pure oil and that’s final. I’m not… holidays” begun by the Rabbis after Reuven: O.K. O.K. But meanwhile allowed to worship in the destruction of the first Temple. all that we have is unclean. It seems the Temple and do all It celebrates the victory of Jewish that we really don’t have much of a Light over Greek Darkness. choice, do we. Maybe we should… their commandments. One major difference between the One of the group: (on his knees in All the Greeks wanted Jewish and the Greek outlook on life the corner of the room, he’s been is the origin of all being. Aristotle, the rummaging: through the bottles). were a few epitome of Greek thought, believed Hey, Hey! Look here! It’s a miracle! A that there was no beginning to miracle! Thank G-d! Thank you concessions, a few Creation; the world just always Hashem! Thank you! Thank you! existed in some form or other. Just as (Everyone gathers around him. He is reforms, co-existence; space seems to be infinite, and we still on his knees looking up and certainly nothing to can’t imagine a beginning or end to weeping.) Thank you G-d! Thank the sky, so too according to Greek you! risk one’s life or to philosophy is this true of time. Shimon: What’s going on here, make a war over. Jewish thought, however, says the why is he crying, what did you find opposite: time, space, and all here? Good G-d! It’s a bottle that they existence (other than the true must have missed, it’s still sealed with existence, the existence of G-d) has a the seal of the Kohen Gadol. It really beginning, and even more, it is is a miracle! Thank G-d! First, all even written explicitly in the Torah. constantly being created anew by those months of miraculous victories, G-d. and now this… Who is mighty like The rest is history, the pure oil you, G-d! miraculously burned for eight days, Of course, no one can empirically and the Jews had their Beis prove either side of the argument, but But, to the disappointment of HaMikdash and their independence the implications of each belief are everyone, there was only one such for two hundred more years. overwhelming. bottle, enough for only one day, and they needed eight days’ worth. (That So there we have it. There was If there is a Creator then it could is how long it took to purify the plenty of oil for the lamp. There was be that He cares. It could be that no real danger to anyone’s life. The

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 31 there is a purpose to Creation. Maybe it’s fun. Without G-d to govern us, On the terrible day of the what He writes in the Torah is ch”v, anything goes. Thus, the Greeks massacre, armed Arabs came ultimate and binding and man can’t won much admiration and support streaming in from all the surrounding do whatever he wants. from the fun-loving Jews (i.e., 98%). area. After they killed all the Jews in But as much fun as it is, it still the streets, the synagogues and the If there is no Creator, however, remains darkness, and Jews don’t like shops, they began going from house man is free and alone. There are no spiritual darkness. to house looking for new sacrifices, moral laws, only natural ones: Pursue and eventually they arrived at the pleasure avoid pain. That’s the Jewish identity. Even house where Menasheh was sitting the Reform or Reconstuctionist don’t The Greeks’ philosophy was a with his friends. “Who is he?” They want to loose the name Jew, or to asked, pointing to Menasheh. “Oh, product of Greek personality. They loose their connection with G-d. loved everything natural, especially he’s one of us,” they replied, and the the human body and mind. They had The story is told about a certain murderers returned to the street and their religions, to be sure, to evoke Jew by the name of Menasheh who turned to the next house. Suddenly, the spiritual powers affecting the lived in the Israeli town of Chevron unexplainably, Menasheh ran out after world: Luck, Power, Love, Health, during the terrible massacre of 1927. them and began screaming, “No, I’m a etc. But these gods were also a part of Jew! I’m a Jew!” They killed him. nature, and were worshiped only for Each Jew has, buried deep in his the physical benefits they promised soul, a small bottle of pure, undefiled to bring to their worshipers. Thus, the Greeks won (and undefilable) oil. This oil is the Judaism, however, regards all the essence of the Jewish soul and its above as ignorance, darkness, and much admiration and purpose is to make a miraculous selfish small-mindedness. They support from the fun- light. That is what we were “chosen” taught that the denial of the existence for: to illuminate the entire Creation of the One and Only Creator and loving Jews (i.e., with the awareness of the oneness of King of the universe is the greatest G-d. imprisonment of all – to be a prisoner 98%). But as much Every Jew senses this purpose in of one’s own mind, emotions, and fun as it is, it still some way. Every Jew feels somewhere urges. down deep that he is different, that The Talmud relates that the Greek remains darkness, he is chosen. It may be that he ruler, Ptolemy, put 70 Jewish scholars misinterprets this feeling or totally into 70 separate isolated rooms and and Jews don’t like ignores it. It may take the non-Jews commanded each of them to translate around him to open his eyes and the entire Five Books of Moses into spiritual darkness. rabbis to interpret it for him, but we Greek. All 70 independently realized are promised by G-d that it will that a literal translation would spell happen to every Jew; every Jew will trouble for the Jews, and each find this pure oil and light his menora miraculously made the same ten One fateful Shabbos all the Arabs to bring blessing and light to the alterations. The first of these changes living in Chevron and it’s darkness that surrounds us. And that was in the first sentence of the Torah: surroundings turned on their Jewish is the job of Moshiach. neighbors, after living with them in instead of translating, “In the This explains, then, what beginning, created G-d the heavens harmony for years, and murdered as many of them as possible. happened on that first Chanuka and and the earth” (which could be what happens every Chanuka when misunderstood to imply that “The One of the Jews there, Menasheh, millions of Jews all over the world Beginning” created G-d, the heavens, was the black sheep of the Jewish light their menorahs. Suddenly they and the earth, ch”v), they substituted community. He would ride his feel proud and optimistic. In the “G-d created the beginning, etc.” so motorcycle through the town on the flames on the candles they can see the as not to strengthen the Greek Shabbos, cigarette between his teeth, power of the Jewish soul and the position that G-d and all the spiritual and his only friends were the local redemption of the Jewish people. powers are but a product of nature. Arabs. As for the Jewish community, all he had to say was, “ I’m as good a For more articles from Rabbi Bolton visit: The Greek way of thinking is www.ohrtmimim.org/torah darkness compared to Judaism, but Jew as they are. Who needs them.”

32 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 GGrreeaatt CChhaassssiiddiisshhee WWoommeenn

GREAT WOMEN IN THE ALTER REBBE’S FAMILY TREE BY MALKA SCHWARTZ

A report containing biographical material about Leah saw her mother take the Gemara and learn, she felt herself great women in the Alter Rebbe’s ancestral consumed with envy. She hated the family tree. * Part 2 of 2 thought of being ignorant. If only she could learn like her mother! THE ALTER REBBE’S AUNT, from the bread that was meant for Devorah Leah was extremely REBBETZIN DEVORAH LEAH her. She would explain that anyway grateful that Divine providence she was not hungry. As a result of arranged that her family live When Rochel’s daughter Devorah this she would often go hungry. nextdoor to Rabbi Noah, who taught Leah was seven or eight years old However, it was not visible to others; children Torah. Whenever she had a she was already known for her good she was always happy with her lot.7 spare moment, Devorah Leah would heart and concern for others. She sit on the balcony of her home, would help her poor neighbors with In the case of Rochel’s own sewing or mending a garment and the work in their homes and with daughter, Devorah Leah, she did not listening to Rabbi Noah. Since he the raising of their children. When attempt to teach her Torah until was teaching children, it was easy she was ten years old she was Devorah Leah would show it was for Devorah Leah to understand. She capable of running her families very important it was to her – that remembered everything that he home as if she were the mainstay of she needed to learn Torah for her taught. Quickly, Devorah Leah the home. Everyone praised the personal happiness. learned all the prayers, including “gold hands” of Devorah Leah. some translations. With time, she However, Devorah Leah was not was able to read the prayers by Devorah Leah’s father worked as aware of her mother’s intentions. She a melamed and was very poor. His herself in a siddur, as well as read thought her mother did not approve and understand Chumash. However, work did not provide enough for his of her learning Torah, and could not house. When a beggar would come what she learned from Rabbi Noah understand how her mother, who was not enough for her. It only to their house, there was not even a was so wise and learned, could agree small coin to give him. There was increased her desire for more with her father that it was learning. The more she learned the not even enough bread for the unnecessary for her to receive a members of the household to allow more she thirsted for more learning. Jewish education. She was But who would open the gates of for giving to the poor person. particularly upset as her mother was 8 Devorah Leah would rush to give such a scholar. Every time Devorah Torah to her? In her frustration, she

7 Ateres Malchus p. 187 8 Ateres Malchus p.188

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 33 became very resentful of her father’s discuss the matter thoroughly. The Devorah Leah’s father. Devorah Leah indifference toward her Torah opportunity presented itself the cherished the stories she heard from education. very next day. her mother so much that she recorded all of them in writing. One day, Devorah Leah’s mother Rochel began to explain to was deeply engrossed in learning Devorah Leah that there were two Rochel wisely considered the Gemara. Devorah Leah was in the schools of thought concerning the possibility that even though her same room busy with her sewing. education of women. Her husband, husband had come to approve of her Watching and listening to her Devorah Leah’s father, belonged to own Torah scholarship, he might mother learning brought back that the group which did not believe in not approve of his daughter also familiar feeling of envy again. Her the necessity of teaching girls Torah. being taught Torah. She, therefore, envy turned to disappointment and However, Rochel was of a different decided to wait for the right tears began to trickle down her school of thought because her father moment to tell her husband that she cheeks. In her pain she left the room followed the Rabbi Eliyahu Baal had begun teaching Devorah Leah where her mother was, and was Shem of Wurms. He later became Torah. This was very difficult for sobbing profusely as she lay face attached to the mystics and Rochel since it was against her down on her bed. kabbalists as well as a disciple of nature to keep anything from her Rabbi Yoel, the Baal Shem of husband for long. Devorah Leah Rochel left her Gemara and went also did not tell her father that she to Devorah Leah’s bedside. “Why are had begun to learn Torah with her you crying little daughter,” she mother. It was a secret that only asked her gently. Devorah Leah also mother and daughter knew. When Devorah Leah wanted to tell her did not tell her father Devorah Leah was already quite mother, “I am crying because your advanced in her studies, Rochel father let you study Torah, and here that she had begun to chose an opportune time and then I am growing up without disclosed the secret to her husband. understanding those black dots and learn Torah with her To her great and pleasant surprise, dashes in the Gemara. And all he did not say a word in objection because my own father does not mother. It was a to Devorah Leah’s Torah study. believe that girls should study secret that only Torah!” Devorah Leah, who excelled Devorah Leah made remarkable in the mitzva of honoring her mother and daughter progress in her learning and became parents, held back these words quite a scholar. She was never because she did not want to take the knew. satisfied with the knowledge she chance that the true words of her had, however, because the more she heart might be disrespectful to her learned the more questions she had. mother. Zamostch, who believed that girls It was sometime before her Rochel wanted to lighten the should be taught Torah. Devorah seventeenth birthday that Devorah burden of her only daughter, whom Leah now understood. Leah’s mother, Rochel, suddenly she loved so much. With affection passed away. She was deeply hurt by and great care for her daughter, For Rochel it was now clear to her that her daughter truly and the loss of her mother; she would Rochel gradually and gently soothed forever miss her loving care. And Devorah Leah until she felt deeply yearned to learn Torah. When they were alone in the house, with the passing of her mother, she comfortable sharing with her also lost her only teacher of Torah. mother what was weighing so Rochel took time away from her heavily on her heart. Devorah Leah own Torah learning in order to teach After her mother’s death, finally told her mother that she was her daughter on a regular basis. Devorah Leah saw that her father bothered because of her parents’ During this time she also told her was crushed and was having attitude towards her learning Torah. about memories of her childhood, difficulty making a living. Like the Rochel understood her daughter’s the conduct in her father’s home and Maharal’s wife who had preceded feelings and tried to assure her that the education she received from her her by four generations, in a time of she need not cry anymore. At the parents. She also told her about how crisis, Devorah Leah also decided to first opportunity, they would it came about that she married support her family. She began to

34 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 work as a seamstress. She worked Boruch about his attitude. She felt to leave her parents’ graves, which very hard and managed to earn that if he knew about his family were in Vitebsk. She went there enough for the family’s necessities. ancestry his attitude towards his many times to pour her heart out to All in addition to managing all of sister would change. However, he her parents. She would tell her the housework, the cooking and seemed impenetrable. It did not parents everything, as if they were looking after her ailing father. appear to her that he would be alive. Her parent’s graves became an receptive. She continued to look for integral part of her life and she Despite Devorah Leah’s heroic the right opportunity. However, that chose to live with her Aunt Freida efforts for her family, the health of time did not arrive before Rochel (her father’s sister) and Uncle her father continued to dwindle, passed away. Kaddish so she would be close to until he too soon passed away. Both them. While living with them she he and his wife were buried in the After her passing, Devorah Leah insisted that she continue to cemetery in Vitebsk. Devorah Leah attempted to forge a closer support herself by her sewing. was an orphan, bereft of both her relationship with her brother. She parents. gave him the manuscript which she had handwritten and said, “Read carefully what I have written here in Yiddish. It is everything I have She, therefore, What she learned heard from our mother, of blessed memory. She was very learned and decided to wait for from Rabbi Noah was was familiar with our family tree. I the right moment to not enough for her. It wrote down all that she told me so that others should know this, too. tell her husband that only increased her Read carefully what is written here and you will learn much.” Had she had begun desire for more Boruch heeded his sister’s request he would have discovered facts that teaching Devorah learning. The more later took him years to find out. He likely would have related differently Leah Torah. This was she learned the more to his sister and through her to the very difficult for she thirsted for more whole family. He might not have felt the need to leave Vitebsk. Instead, Rochel since it was learning. But who Boruch answered, “This is written in Yiddish, handing her back the against her nature to would open the gates manuscript, it’s good reading material for women; not for men. A keep anything from of Torah to her? man doesn’t read Yiddish story books, he studies Talmud and other her husband for long. Torah works!”9 Devorah Leah was She would have liked to have pained to see that Boruch did not continued living with and taking seem to want a connection to her. However, in a roundabout way, While she lived with her aunt care of her younger brother, Boruch, and uncle, Devorah Leah’s interest but he moved away. She had always Devorah Leah would yet have a profound influence on his life, in learning Torah did not wane. She wanted a closer relationship with hoped that one day she would find him, but Boruch had been very cold albeit after a few years and in an indirect manner. someone who would teach her more towards her. He never understood and answer her questions. her or listened to what she had to Devorah Leah’s grandfather on say. Devorah Leah was very hurt by her father’s side, Rabbi Moshe One day, her uncle and aunt told this. Her mother also did not wanted her to come with live him in her that they had a fine young man approve of his attitude towards his Minsk. However, she did not want for her to meet. Devorah Leah sister and she wanted to talk to immediately went to her parent’s

9 Memoirs III p. 209-210

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 35 graves to let them know about the proceeded to tell her that he had *They would keep the fact that she match. She asked them to give their gone to meet the Baal Shem Tov, and was studying Torah a secret. blessing only if it was the right the Baal Shem Tov told him that he match. After this Devorah Leah would find his wife in Vitebsk, that *They were to live as followers of agreed to meet the young man, she was from a fine family and she Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. who’s name was Rabbi Yosef was an orphan. Exactly Devorah *That this fact would remain a Yitzchok. Leah’s description! Devorah Leah secret until it could be revealed. now had no doubt that this was the Devorah Leah told him about her right match for her. *If they would be blessed with ancestry. She told him straight out children, they too would be raised that she wanted to follow her They went to the graves of as chassidim. mother’s side of ancestry and live Devorah Leah’s parents and according to the teachings of informed them of their engagement. *If they had a daughter, she too kabbala and chassidism. They also told Devorah Leah’s would be taught Torah. parents about the conditions they *They would put aside ten percent Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok listened to had set for their lives together: her intently, then he told Devorah of all of their earnings for charity. Leah about his own lineage. *After they married, Rabbi Yosef After they married, Rabbi Yosef Devorah Leah was very happy to Yitzchok would give her a lesson Yitzchok was appointed as rosh hear him say that he had learned two or three times a week. 10 under the guidance of a follower of yeshiva of the Vitebsk yeshiva. the Baal Shem Tov, and that he too *He would not object to her wished to follow the ways of continuing her sewing and thereby Malka Schwartz is the author of Kabbala and Chassidism. helping to support their family. publications about our Chabad Rebbetzins. Her books can be found in your local She was beginning to see the *They would share equally in all that they did relating to Torah and bookstore, or at Merkas Stam (718-773- Divine providence in their having 1120) or Judaica World ( 718-604-1020). met. Then Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok mitzvos.

10 Memoirs II p. 228

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36 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 SShhlleeiimmuuss HHaaAArreettzz

THE CARNAGE IN CHEVRON WAS FORESEEN BY SHAI GEFEN

The blood of these kedoshim who The military objected strenuously to leaving were massacred Friday night is the sign Chevron. The handwriting was on the wall. Our of Cain on the foreheads of Sharon and Ben Eliezer. It’s not just these two who leaders knew this would happen, and are are guilty. Who sat in this selfsame culpable! government that ordered the evacuation of Chevron three weeks ago? BLOOD DRIPS No. I’m not a prophet. I knew what Representatives of Shas, Mafdal, FROM THEIR HANDS would happen thanks to bitter Yisroel B’Aliya, Yahadus ha’Torah, and experience and the long, drawn-out Likud all sat by. Not one of them got up In issue #388, p. 65 (of the Hebrew experiment the Israeli government has and protested. Effy Eitam Fein didn’t section) on the left side, I wrote the been running these past many years. write a letter of resignation for the following: “We shouldn’t open our Each time they decide, with various terrible crime of leaving us unprotected. mouths to the Satan, chalila, but last excuses, to make life easier for the Nor did they protest the chillul Shabbos Friday the army left Chevron, and who Arabs, the military warns that this will at Gilad Farm (yet still they are not knows, r”l, when the next attack, cost us in human life, and each time the embarrassed to come to us and ask for chalila, will take place. The army army is right. our votes, explaining how much they warned the politicians that leaving influence things from “within”). Chevron is synonymous with future Sometimes it takes a few hours like terrorism.” in the attack at the gas station in Ariel Let us remember, that it was none three weeks ago, and sometimes it takes other than Binyamin Netanyahu who I wrote that three weeks ago, after a few days. Either way, the tragedy gave over Chevron to murderers. That the army left most of the city, thanks to always takes place. was a narrow government of the Right. Binyamin Ben Eliezer’s political Chevron was abandoned to despicable maneuverings before the primaries. The It was so clear. The military creatures with the approval of those on ink was barely dry when we learned of expressed strong opposition to this the Right, datiyim and chareidim, while the massacre of Israeli soldiers and withdrawal, “Judea first,” whose sole rabbanim and Admurim looked away, civilians as they returned from davening purpose was political. The writing was preferring money for their yeshivos and Friday night at the M’aras HaMachpeila. on the wall. Former Defense Minister chatzeiros over protecting Jewish lives In a narrow alleyway, three terrorists Ben Eliezer and P.M. Sharon knew that (including their own). Back then, too, ambushed and killed twelve men withdrawing from Chevron would nobody resigned and nobody raised a including Col. Dror Weinberg- Chevron mean death to Jews, but they preferred hue and cry (except for Minister Brigade Commander. 14 were capitulating to the Americans and Binyamin Zev Begin who resigned from wounded, some seriously. aiding Ben Eliezer in the primaries. Netanyahu’s government).

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 37 The one who orchestrated the The event which took place with the The Chevron Accords were signed evacuation at that time was Avigdor yeshiva bachurim is because Jews exactly six years ago, and all the Lieberman, then director of the P.M.’s handed over, r”l, that which protects representatives of “Torah true Judaism” office. He disdained the cries of those them b’derech ha’teva (according to were accomplices to this crime. Can the who live in Chevron who asked for his natural means). For Hashem wants elders of the generation say, “Our hands aid. The Ministers of Mafdal continued there to be “something” b’derech ha’teva, did not spill this blood?” to recline in their upholstered seats, as as the Midrash says, “a little finger” – did the religious (dati and chareidi) they showed the goyim that they would We chassidei Chabad who loyally ministers, who are gearing up now to remain denuded regarding protection follow the Rebbe’s prophecies, which explain to us how far to the right they b’derech ha’teva, and gave them the oil have been shown to be right on the are. and the “cities of refuge” and the secure mark, will continue to warn and shout cities, and told them that they relied on the truth, as told to us by the Rebbe. We The blood of those murdered drips their word, which they immediately will get up! We will cry out! We will from the hands of all those who were regretted!” protest! Now, when darkness and partners to the decision to leave confusion reign throughout the world, Chevron, even though they knew what This frightening sicha of the Rebbe and Israel is frightened and says: what would happen, as the army warned should we do? as the Midrash in the them. Yalkut Shimoni describes, we will not be shy about quoting the nasi, Moshiach, Apparently we too, the Jewish No. I’m not a and navi of the generation who quoted people, have put ourselves into an alley the Midrash, “my children, do not be of death. The problem is that we are not prophet. I knew what afraid, whatever I did, I did only for searching for the way out. would happen thanks your sakes … Humble ones, the time for WHY WAS THERE A your redemption has arrived.” MASSACRE IN CHEVRON? to bitter experience IT WOULD BE BETTER IF A Precisely twenty-seven years ago, at and the long, drawn- GENTILE GOVERNMENT a Yud-Tes Kislev farbrengen in 5736, the RULED Rebbe explained why six yeshiva out experiment the bachurim were murdered in Chevron. It seems that Sharon is the first The reasons the Rebbe enumerated did Israeli government prime minister to say, almost explicitly, not change. They speak for themselves: that everything he’s done these past two has been running years are a result of orders from … the most recent events, what America. Apparently Sharon is the first happened, r”l, with the kedoshim, these past many one to say the truth. “I will not do yeshiva boys, may Hashem avenge their anything to do away with the blood – this began with “b’mishichoi.” years. understanding between us and the For those who ought to say what daas Americans,” he explained when his Torah is, did not say daas Torah, or as government fell apart. the Gemara puts it, “kavshu p’neihem from twenty-seven years ago, sounds b’karka” (hid their faces in the ground, The frequent withdrawals from like it was said on Yud-Tes Kislev 5763, i.e., didn’t speak up), and afterwards cities throughout Yesha are orders but we know that the Rebbe is the navi this extended into the public domain or decreed from above, including the ha’dor and Moshiach, and his words are in the private domains of other Jews… withdrawal from Chevron and the plan eternal, and what he said applies called “roadmaps” which will lead to the The connection of this (the murder precisely to our times. Those rabbanim establishment of a Palestinian state, and of yeshiva bachurim) with the most who were in favor of giving away land, the uprooting of thousands of Jews from recent events is, that when they made and who were in favor of the Chevron their homes, while endangering the what they called “the interim Accords, while perverting the din and lives of us all. We enter death traps once arrangement,” which meant that they the truth, ought to get up and admit again; narrow alleyways in which we are would leave the secure borders and give they erred in a d’var halacha! Why killed day in and day out, for being the sources of oil and fortified places to haven’t we seen one rav admit his Jews. our opponents, I made a tumult about mistake in supporting the Oslo Accords it: calling upon rabbanim: make a and the Chevron Accords? In the meantime, according to the tumult! It’s the opposite of the din! news, Sharon managed to postpone the

38 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 “roadmaps” until after the elections. highly reliable. He has connections in plans, his plans for peace and political They understand. It’s yet another the highest places, including the prime order, and the plan that he has talked understanding between Sharon and minister’s office. Politicians are always at and hinted about for two years with Bush, not to exacerbate the situation in his door. nobody listening. Yehuda-Shomron until after the attack on Iraq. America is going to wipe out This week he wrote the following in “[…] this will be the time in which terrorist dictatorships in the world, but Maariv: the conditions will ripen for a political is willing to allow Saddam Hussein’s arrangement. The Americans will “[Sharon’s] speech at the Likud oversee the barter deal: “Arafat in Siamese twin to continue butchering convention this week contained a Jews. exchange for a state. The Palestinians historic sentence, ‘There is no solution will get a state, with temporary borders, It wasn’t only a very few who failed to the economic situation, except a with a deadline to complete the to understand, at least in human political one.’ This is basically what negotiations. They will get a huge aid understanding, what the Rebbe meant Shimon Peres says. Sharon admitted for package and the evacuation of isolated when he told then Minister Moshe the first time that it was a pity that time settlements, including Gush Katif. Yes, Katzav on Yud Shevat 5752: “It’s was a-wasting. The unemployed, those only Sharon can do this, swear his impossible for a Jew who believes in who were fired, the poor and the closest friends. And he’ll do it. … Believe Hashem and His Torah to, ch”v, me, he’ll surprise you all” – swore one collaborate with things like these and to of Sharon’s senior confidantes in the sign on such a thing. Otherwise, it name of the prime minister. “You don’t would be preferable that the “I will not do know what he’s capable of…” government be abolished and there not be a Jewish government. For they speak anything to do away We know what he’s capable of of these plans solely because of doing. He proved this in the past when worldwide pressure (as they themselves with the he tore down Yamit and handed over say), and if this is the case, then it understanding Chevron (as foreign minister). But in would be better if, r”l, a government of any case, we should pay attention to gentiles rules Eretz Yisroel and they between us and the what this distinguished journalist had decide what to do with Eretz Yisroel to to say. Let’s not be taken by surprise. begin with! At least then, Jews wouldn’t Americans,” he SHAME OF CHEVRON’S sign to these things.” explained when his POLICE If Sharon and his government A week before the massacre in decided that we are actually dependent government fell Chevron, the court in Yerushalayim on the kindnesses of the goyim in all apart. ruled that Boruch Marzel be expelled matters, and they have handed over from his home in Chevron for half a decision-making regarding security year. This was per the request of the matters to goyim, why then do we need police and the state attorney’s office, a government comprised of Jews here in hungry, all have no hope except in a and it was accepted without a trial, Eretz Yisroel? political solution. illegally. On second thought, if we lived “Peres has been murmuring for two If that wasn’t enough, Marzel’s under the security umbrella of the years now that Sharon can deliver the children have been arrested these past Americans, we would be far better off. goods, but “not now, only in his second months on one pretext or another, with There’s no question that what was said term.” Sharon is close now, more than the topper being when the Chevron back then is far more understandable to ever, to that second term. This past police arrested his daughter after Marzel those who didn’t know what the Rebbe week was the week of his dreams. If he was sent away from his wife and nine meant at the time. can only make it through the primaries children. and the elections in peace, if no WHAT SHARON IS unforeseen calamity takes place, Sharon His daughter was on the bus from CAPABLE OF can attain that which he has dreamed of Chevron to Kiryat Arba on her way to Ben Kaspit is a senior journalist who being: an independent prime minister, school when suddenly five police cars is very highly regarded. The strong, free of pressure from a coalition, surrounded them. The police told the information he provides is considered fear of voters or cabinet members. bus driver (who no doubt thought a Sharon will be able to carry out his big suicide bomber was on his bus) to open

Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 39 the doors. They boarded the bus and has been moser nefesh for Chevron. He dragged the girl to jail in Chevron, as if lives in intolerable conditions in the Tel she were a criminal, and not just any If we lived under the Romeida section, in a caravan that has criminal, but one who committed some absorbed hundreds of bullets these past international crime. security umbrella of two years. The police and security forces in the Americans, we The cruelty exhibited towards Chevron have plenty of time to deal Marzel perhaps explains the with the Jews of Chevron, to make would be far better debasement before the murderers. In fraudulent arrests in order to terrorize Hoshei’a 13:2 it says, “Those who the people living there. This goes on off! slaughter man, shall kiss the calves,” while complaints presented against and “all who are compassionate on the Arabs in Chevron are ignored. cruel, will end up being cruel to the Boruch Marzel’s house (with his wife compassionate.” When we make You must understand the general and nine children) is located in the concessions to murderers, and allow situation: the army left most of Chevron heart of the Jewish settlement in them to do as they please, there’s time and have allowed murderers free reign. Chevron, and it’s an easy target for for them to attack Jews who are mosrei In the moments before the army left terrorist shooting. Despite this, what nefesh, and to separate a father from his Chevron, they discovered a missile interests the police and the security wife and children for half a year illegally aimed at the Jewish settlement. forces in Chevron is how to make the and with no right to appeal. Nevertheless, upon orders of the lives of Jews miserable, particularly that politicians they had to get out. of Marzel, who for twenty years now This is what the righteous government of the State of Israel is like.

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40 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 NNeewwss

THE 10TH ANNUAL CHANUKA PARADE IN ERETZ YISROEL “TO GREET MOSHIACH”

This Chanukah the Chabad Traveling from city to city to get Israel Mitzvah Tanks are going to launch a ready “to Greet Moshiach” parade that will traverse Israel from North to South. During a three-day period they will rally together tens of thousands of children, their parents and soldiers (from Tuesday 28th of Kislev until Thursday 30th of Kislev).

Our goal is to uplift their spirits!

The work of the Hashmoneans was to preserve the Jewish religion and thereby uplift the spirits of the Jewish people who were living under the oppression of the Hellenistic Greeks.

In response to the darkness of our times the tankistim of Chabad want to give the Israeli Jewish populace a morale boost to continue going on the way to redemption and Moshiach.

(The Rebbe tells us that we are The Maccabeans of today – the standing at the threshold of Chabad Mitzvah Tanks in Eretz Yisroel redemption. There is just a little more to do.)

The present parade will cost $30,000. Would you like to join us in this effort to bring the light and joy of Chanukah to Israel?

Would you like to sponsor any portion of the three-day parade?

Please call to 718 756 1898 or send your donation to Mobile Mitzvah Centers – Israel, 820 Eastern Parkway, Scenes similar to this one will take Brooklyn, NY 11213. place in Israel on Chanukah 5763

42 BEIS MOSHIACH 24 Kislev 5763 EXCITING NEWS FOR CHABAD CHASSIDIM WORLDWIDE: CHABAD-WORLD NEWS ONLINE IN ENGLISH

A new website was launched in calendar for almost every country in In recent days, the website’s recent weeks – Chabad World, the world, names and telephone administrators completed work on its located at www.chabad.info. The numbers of Anash worldwide, and the English department. Last week, purpose of this website is to give daily Chitas, Rambam, and HaYom Internet users could already read a swift updates and information on Yom. wide variety of Chabad World news news and events in Chabad items in English. communities and families throughout the world. Shluchim, askanim, and chassidim throughout the The website, which world are cordially invited began operation just a short to update their fellow while ago, has already Lubavitchers regarding reaped tremendous praise current events in their local from Internet surfers in community, city, and Eretz Yisroel and the world country, for the benefit of at-large, particularly among the worldwide Chabad Lubavitcher chassidim who community at-large. Such live far away from Chabad updates may be sent via e- population centers. These mail to [email protected]. people are thirsty to know about what’s going on in May this new dimension Chabad worldwide. All in spreading the wellsprings news items are presented in outward bring us all one a organized and attractive step closer to the fashion. approaching revelation of the Rebbe MH”M. The website provides news services, a daily

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Issue Number 392 BEIS MOSHIACH 43