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THE ETERNAL HOUSE OF YAAKOV  [CONT.] D’var Malchus | Vol. 15, pg. 231-242

A DAILY DOSE OF MOSHIACH  Moshiach & Geula

EMOTIONS OR INTELLECT?  Thought | Rabbi Yosef Karasik

YAAKOV AVINU DID NOT DIE; HE  LITERALLY LIVES IN A BODY Moshiach & Geula | Rabbi Sholom Dovber HaLevi Wolpo USA 744 Eastern Parkway ‘BINYAMIN, WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 Tel: (718) 778-8000  THE CLASSES?’ Fax: (718) 778-0800 Feature | Shai Gefen [email protected] www.beismoshiach.org

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regular fear, such as fear of punishment, or even a lofty degree of fear. Rather, it is necessary to have perfect fear (lest he THE ETERNAL misconstrue the Supernal Will), which brings to the perfect conclusion regarding the law, the law in its ultimate truth. 7. The above sheds light on HOUSE OF another matter: The order of the verses “Ata Horeisa” recited prior to the Hakafos concludes with “for out of Tziyon shall the come forth, and the word of G-d from YAAKOV Yerushalayim.” The fact that we say only this part of the verse from Yeshayahu (and Micha), and not Likkutei Sichos Vol. 15, pg. 231-242 the entire verse, can be explained Translated by Boruch Merkur in a simple manner. Namely, only this part of the verse, its content, is [Continued from last issue] relevant to (these verse recited prior to) Hakafos. It However,52 all the above pertains to the is, however, at first glance, not understood why we comprehension of Torah which is not connected with include the word “for,” connecting the latter part of the determination of practical law. To attain this level the verse with the unmentioned (as it is irrelevant) of Torah study, the level of “Tziyon” suffices; there is former part of the verse, serving as its rationale. no need to reach the level of “Yerushalayim.”53 We must say that (the function of providing the But in order to approach “(‘the word of G-d’ – reason, accomplished by) the word “for” in the verses that is) halacha (law),” the level of “Tziyon” is not of “Ata Horeisa” is connected (not to the beginning of enough54; one must be complete in fear – “the word this verse, in Yeshayahu (and Micha), but) to the of G-d55 from Yerushalayim.” As it is explained in preceding verse in the series of verses of “Ata Hemshech 5666,56 ruling a law according to the Horeisa,” “Your kingdom is a kingdom of all times, ultimate truth is only accomplished through the and Your ruling is in every generation.”58 attainment of perfect fear, concern lest he rule not in (The fact that, in its source in Yeshayahu (and accordance with the Supernal Will, or even the Micha), “out of Tziyon shall the Torah come forth” opposite, G-d forbid, of the Supernal Will. functions as the reason for the former part of the (Even when we are speaking about the analysis of verse there (which at first glance is not the concept of a subtle textual detail, or “merely” about the “Your kingdom is a kingdom, etc.”) is not a innovations of a diligent scholar, since we are contradiction, because we find in many instances that speaking about something that “was said to Moshe from the same reason several outcomes are from Sinai,” about the Supernal Will, there is no derived.59) difference whether the Supernal Will is that it should We must still say, however, that since the single be a Biblical Law or a Rabbinical Law.57 He simply concept, “out of Tziyon shall the Torah come forth, fears that his ruling regarding a practical matter at etc.,” is a reason for two things, the two must have hand (on whose guidance a Jew will act) will be the something in common (in their significance, as will be opposite of the Supernal Will, G-d forbid.) discussed). Indeed, this fear brings out in him greater and [To be continued, be”H] stronger fortitude in delving into the Torah, to the NOTES: extent that he determines the law in accordance with 52 the ultimate truth. To note that this [level, i.e., “Tziyon”] also exists at a This then is the significance of the notion that “the lofty level – “I am merely a sign” (the level of “Tziyon”), the term Rashbi used to describe himself. Although this word of G-d from Yerushalayim” refers to perfect spiritual height is on account of his profound self- fear: In order to determine the law in accordance with effacement, for he didn’t perceive himself at all as being the ultimate truth, it is not enough to suffice with an independent entity (Hemshech 5666, pg. 159, among

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& and the determination of Torah law, as follows. The self-nullification Even when we are speaking about the associated with Torah study is primarily (the nullification of the analysis of a subtle textual detail, or intellect’s self concept) in order that one’s intellect understands and unites “merely” about the innovations of a with the intellect of the Torah. Whereas, in order to determine the diligent scholar, since we are speaking law, one nullifies his intellect entirely, utterly surrendering his ego, at which about something that “was said to point he perceives the Supernal Will, which transcends intellect. See at Moshe from Sinai,” about the Supernal length in the citations of Footnote 33. Will, there is no difference whether the 55 See Footnote 55 in the original. Supernal Will is that it should be a 56 Pg. 406 and pg. 420 ff. 57 For a “simple slave” (see maamer Biblical Law or a Rabbinical Law. beginning with the words “Mikneh rav” of 5666, and the subsequent there) discerns no others), we find a case that surpasses that, etc. – see variation regarding the relative merit of the various Footnote 52 in the original. Mitzvos. The fact that in the case of doubt one must be 53 See Footnote 53 in the original. stringent regarding Biblical Law and one may be lenient regarding Rabbinical Law (and other such distinctions) is 54 In accordance with the distinction between Torah and not on account of a preference for Mitzvos but [simply] Mitzvos. (See Yahel Ohr ibid pg. 575 in the note “See because this distinction is the Supernal Will. comparable cases, etc.”) See all of this topic discussed in 58 Likkutei Sichos Vol. 16, pg. 436 (Section 4) and pg. 440, T’hillim 145:13. among others. 59 See Footnote 59 in the original. In the context of Torah itself [this distinction also exists]. Namely, the difference between Torah study (in general)

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chassidus is a good thing, etc. – in fact, it is comparable to pearls – nevertheless, one doesn’t chase after pearls. It’s enough for him that his A DAILY garments (thought, speech, and action of the 613 mitzvos of the Torah) are complete, and he also has jewels. But he is not lacking if he doesn’t have “pearls”! DOSE OF We must know this is a din in Shulchan Aruch – that there is an obligation to study the inner teachings of Torah (as all parts of the Torah). Moreover, due to the MOSHIACH darkness [in the period] of the footsteps of Moshiach, we need the study of chassidus in order that the garments will be complete. This notion (not to chase after “pearls”) & GEULA: had its place in the previous generations. Now, however, when “Behold 13- [the Redemption] is standing behind our wall,” we must stand ready “to go to the chuppa” with the King of all Selected daily pearls of wisdom from the kings, the Holy One, Blessed Be He. Thus, how can one not chase after Rebbe MH”M on Moshiach and Geula. pearls? Collected and arranged by Rabbi Pinchas Maman (Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 20, from pg. 171) Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry 15 KISLEV: DON’T MAKE CONDITIONS 13 KISLEV: ACTION FOR REDEMPTION – PUBLIC STUDY ON At a Sunday dollars distribution, MOSHIACH AND THE REDEMPTION the tzaddik Rabbi Mordechai Cheshin shlita, rav of Kasho, said to the Rebbe: At the Yud-Tes Kislev As I have come for the purpose of action, surely they farbrengen twenty-five years ago, the Rebbe blessed me will arouse and publicize in every location that in order to that our activities will continue to grow until the coming bring about the revelation and coming of the Moshiach of the Goel Tzedek (the Righteous Redeemer). In fact, immediately, it is incumbent upon every Jew – men, twenty-five years have passed until now, and the activities women, and children – to increase in the study of Torah, continue to grow more and more all the time. (and particularly) the subject of Moshiach and the The Rebbe: But where is the “Goel Tzedek”? Redemption. The rav of Kasho: He will surely come. It is all the better when the study will be public (in a The Rebbe: It is already written in the siddur that he minyan), for in addition to the quality of “ten who sit will surely come, however, I’m asking when will he come? together and are involved in Torah, the Sh’china dwells The rav of Kasho: “Today – if you will listen to his voice.” among them,” there is the unique quality in relation to The Rebbe: G-d should help. Why do you have to heartfelt excitement and joy, through which there is a make a condition? When G-d makes a condition, that’s growing sense of longing and anticipation for the coming G-d’s business. But a Jew doesn’t need to make of Moshiach. conditions. (sicha, Shabbos Tazria-Metzora 5751) May it be today mamash, very soon! (15 Kislev 5751) 14 KISLEV – THE REBBE MH”M AND THE REBBETZIN’S WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: FOR A CHUPPA WITH G-D, YOU 16 KISLEV: THE ORDER OF MOSHIACH’S ACTIVITIES ALSO NEED PEARLS “And if a king shall arise from the House of There are those who claim that while it is true that

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& revealed specifically in the latter Why do you have to make a condition? generations: Since the darkness of the exile When G-d makes a condition, that’s continues to grow (see Tractate G-d’s business. But a Jew doesn’t need Sota 49 on how each passing day is more cursed, etc.), there is a need to make conditions. for a more lofty illumination to enable us to overcome the darkness. Dovid…and he will fight the wars of G-d…and build Therefore, the soul of Torah was the Mikdash in its place” (Rambam, Hilchos Melachim, revealed, which arouses and uncovers the deep and Chapter 11) hidden powers of the soul. In general, the wars of G-d include the war against Since we are already at the end of the time of exile, Amalek, and only after the destruction of the seed of when we must prepare ourselves for the Future Amalek and a state of tranquility will the Beis HaMikdash Redemption, and the preparation must bear a be built. resemblance to what we are preparing for – there can Similarly, we find regarding the First Beis HaMikdash, be a “semblance” and “taste” of the future revelation, which was not built until they attained rest from the according to the writings of the Arizal (and brought in surrounding nations in the days of Dovid and Shlomo. halacha in the Magen Avraham and the Shulchan (Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 16, pg. 304) Aruch of the Alter Rebbe – baal ha’geula v’ha’simcha) that on Erev Shabbos, one should taste from the 17 KISLEV: THE SIGNS AND TIMES OF THE REDEMPTION – Shabbos food (“those who savor it merit eternal life”). THE ACTIONS OF MELECH HA’MOSHIACH (Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 20, from pg. 171) Since we are now in “di hechste tzait” (the most auspicious time) for the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu – 19 KISLEV – ROSH HASHANAH AND MATTAN TORAH OF “Behold [Melech HaMoshiach] is coming” – we already CHASSIDUS – CHAG HA’GEULA OF THE ALTER REBBE: YUD- see (a resemblance and) a commencement of the activity TES KISLEV – THE DAY THE REVELATION OF THE TORAH OF of Melech HaMoshiach upon the nations, “And he will MOSHIACH BEGAN judge among the nations and reprove many peoples, and The unique quality of the Rosh Hashanah and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, etc.” Mattan Torah of the teachings of chassidus, Chag Thus, G-d places in the hearts of the kings of the HaChagim – when the revelation of the teachings of world’s nations (“heart of kings and ministers in the hand Moshiach was revealed, “the secret of its reasons and of G-d”) to decide and proclaim together regarding the its hidden mysteries” (’s commentary, Shir state and circumstances of “And they shall beat their HaShirim 1:2) – “when [a new] Torah shall emanate swords into plowshares.” from Me” (Yeshayahu 51:4) is far greater than the (sicha, Shabbos Parshas Mishpatim 5752) revelation at Mattan Torah, as in the saying of our Sages, of blessed memory (Koheles Rabba 11:8), “The 18 KISLEV: THE REVELATION OF THE TEACHINGS OF Torah of the present era is nothingness compared to CHASSIDUS – OVERCOMING THE DARKNESS OF THE EXILE the Torah [to be studied] in the Era of the AND EXPERIENCING THE FUTURE TO COME Redemption.” Among the explanations why chassidus was (sicha, Shabbos Parshas VaYishlach 5752)

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  QELRDEQ

Imahos. Rochel is described in the verse as “beautiful of appearance and beautiful of form.” According to kabbala, this refers not (only) to EMOTIONS OR external beauty but (also) to inner beauty of wisdom. She was an intelligent woman who evaluated everything with her mind. The beauty was intellectual beauty. Her INTELLECT? avodas Hashem was primarily through understanding and By Rabbi Yosef Karasik, District Rav Bat Chefer – Emek Chefer intellectual grasp with chochma, bina, and daas (which is why Yaakov gave her signs that represent How was it that Yaakov succeeded with intellectual ideas). Leah is described in the verse as all his children and how is this having “tender eyes,” because she connected with his marriage to Leah cried a lot. This represents a person whose primary trait is their and Rochel? * The proper relationship emotional capacity. The person cries a lot (or rejoices) and their avodas between parents and children – Hashem is mainly with feeling. Yaakov was a man of intellect intellect or emotions? * A fascinating and therefore he was involved in Torah study. For fourteen years he look at the parsha from the perspective learned Torah in the yeshiva of Ever. of Chazal, Kabbala, and He is the epitome of the intellectual and the verse describes him as, Chassidus. “Yaakov, the wholehearted man who sat in tents.” Yaakov is so greatly associated with Torah that forever THE MAIN EMPHASIS – With someone else there might be an after Torah is called, “the inheritance EMOTIONS OR intellectual connection and we may of the community of Yaakov.” INTELLECT? have fascinating conversations, but Therefore, when Yaakov chose a one doesn’t feel close to them. wife from among Lavan’s daughters, What is more important in Which is the preferred shidduch? human relations, between husband he preferred Rochel over Leah In relations between parents and because an intellectual man is drawn and wife, between parents and children, should the parents children – feelings of love in the towards intellect. Although he ended emphasize their love for their up marrying both Leah and Rochel, heart or understanding and children, an emotional connection, intellectual agreement? What is the his main connection was with or be friends with their children, Rochel. decisive factor when choosing a wife emphasizing intellectual – an emotional connection or communication? intellectual communication? “AND HE TOOK LEAH” Naturally, if we could combine ROCHEL AND LEAH – Lavan was also a man of intellect the two together, both the intellect (though unlike Yaakov who used his and the emotions, that would be INTELLECT AND mind for Torah study, Lavan used best, but they don’t always co-exist. EMOTION his mind for trickery). He esteemed Sometimes, we find that we have an In the s’farim of the disciples of Rochel, the woman of wisdom and emotional connection with someone the Baal Shem Tov there is a unique disdained the emotional Leah. This but not an intellectual connection. approach to this topic, which is why he fooled Yaakov and gave We cannot have a deep conversation examines the family ties between him Leah, whom he had less regard yet we have great love for them. Yaakov Avinu and his wives, the for.

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& Since everything that takes place from emotions of the heart. contrast to Avrohom and Yitzchok, in the world is directed from Heaven is that “his bed was complete” – all and not by chance, the fact that THE SIGNS ROCHEL his children grew up to be Yaakov married both Rochel and GAVE LEAH tzaddikim, even the children of the Leah was meant to be. Hashem maidservants. His success was wanted Yaakov to forge both an Yaakov was afraid that Lavan derived from the fact that his family intellectual and an emotional would trick him and put another life was comprised of both emotion connection, for being the father of woman under the chuppa instead of and intellect. In first place was the Jewish nation, the foundation Rochel (and because the bride wears emotion (Leah) but intellect needed both intellect and emotion. a veil and the chuppa takes place at (Rochel) was always present, and Yaakov married Leah first, night, he would not be able to that is why his success in raising his forging an emotional connection discern the fraud). This is why he children was complete. first, and then married Rochel and secretly gave Rochel signs that she forged an intellectual connection. would tell him, so that he would know it was Rochel and not EMOTION AND This is because although a family INTELLECT IN AVODAS needs both, the main connection is someone else. one of love, not of intellect. When Rochel saw that her father HASHEM We see in the results that there is was taking Leah to Yaakov, in order The same paradigm that exists an advantage to the emotional for her sister not to be embarrassed between husband and wife and component, for Leah gave birth to she gave her the signs that Yaakov parents and children exists between half the tribes, six sons and one had given to her. From this we see us and Hashem. Perfection in avodas daughter, while Rochel had only two that even the emotional component, Hashem includes both the mind and out of the twelve tribes. In other which is the connection between the heart: words, the practical output of the Yaakov and Leah, is based on a Service of the heart is primarily intellectual is less than what results foundation of intellect. in prayer, when a Jew pours out his Yaakov’s great success, in Hashem wanted Yaakov to forge both an intellectual and an emotional connection, for being the father of the Jewish nation, the foundation needed both intellect and emotion.

Rochel is conceding first marriage rights to her sister (Art by Yossi Rosenstein)

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  heart to Hashem in love and fear of interdependent. You merit perfection instead of Leah). Him. Service of the mind is in Torah only through t’filla (just as primarily through Torah study, in we ask “and enlighten our eyes with EMOTION AND which a person endeavors to Your Torah and give understanding INTELLECT IN THE understand the Torah. We need both in our heart, etc., to study and factors for a complete connection teach”). Learning Torah without FUTURE with Hashem - emotion and humility is not desirable. Torah must Intellect and emotion don’t intellect, prayer and Torah study. be studied lishma (for its own sake), always work in tandem. It happens Service of the heart is primarily for the sake of Heaven, and this is that a person can intellectually in prayer, when a Jew pours out his achieved through the humbling of understand that something is good heart to Hashem in love and fear of the heart in prayer. but nevertheless, he is not attracted Him. Service of the mind is 3. At first, Yaakov thought he to it. Conversely, a person can know primarily through Torah study, in should begin with Torah (Rochel), that something is dangerous or bad which a person endeavors to but Hashem brought it about that he and be emotionally attracted to it understand the Torah. We need both married Leah, because the way we anyway. factors for a complete connection start our day is with the study of The inner battle between man’s with Hashem - emotion and Chassidus and t’filla, in order to inclinations, whether in serving intellect, prayer and Torah study. arouse our love and fear of G-d. Hashem or in his mundane affairs, (Yaakov and Rochel correspond This in turn opens up the mind so it is constantly going on. Don’t we see to two aspects of intellect, chochma can connect to Hashem in Torah people who do things that are and bina, the Written Torah and the study. forbidden or disgusting or Oral Torah, which represent man The main motivator for doing dangerous for body and/or soul, and woman. Just as a woman good deeds comes from inspiration people who know, good and well, receives from her husband, similarly while davening, as we see that Leah that it is bad for them? the Oral Torah is based on the had six children. And not only that, In Yemos HaMoshiach, every Written Torah. The name Rochel but Chazal say that even the two Jew will achieve his personal alludes to the ewe, whose wool is children that Rochel had were in the shleimus (perfection) and intellect shorn, just as laws are “shorn” from merit that she gave the signs to and emotion will work hand in the Oral Torah. The signs that Leah. Through prayer, one achieves hand. They won’t be in opposition Yaakov gave Rochel are as the verses higher levels in avodas Hashem. but will complement one another. describe, “make signposts for 4. Just as Rochel revealed the Whatever the intellect understands yourself,” “make signs for the Torah signs to Leah and that is how as good will automatically elicit a so that it will not be forgotten and Yaakov came to marry Leah, so too positive feeling in the heart, and vice won’t be exchanged.” All the signs in avodas Hashem, one cannot serve versa. are from the Oral Torah, from the with love and fear (Leah) without It starts with Moshiach himself aspect of Rochel, where all the oral the Torah (Rochel) directing us as to who will be intellectually and traditions are found.) the proper love and fear. You cannot emotionally perfect, and all the From the story of Yaakov and his achieve success in prayer without Jewish people will achieve shleimus wives we learn several lessons in Torah because Torah teaches us in their avodas Hashem with every Jew’s service of Hashem: what to pray for and that the prayer intellectual understanding and grasp 1. Just as Yaakov’s success in should not be selfishly motivated but in chochma, bina, and daas and that all his children were tzaddikim for the sake of Heaven. within the middos (the emotions). was because in his home there was The Arizal says: From here we In the Beis HaMikdash there will both emotion and intellect (Leah see a great secret in avodas be an altar on which sacrifices will and Rochel), our success in avodas Hashem (in the secret of supernal be brought which will draw down Hashem is when our avoda is with unifications): When a Jew the middos of k’dusha to the Jewish both our heart and mind, i.e., loving (Yaakov) wants to pray (Leah) but people. From the Holy Ark and the to do mitzvos and understanding he still cannot speak since he still Luchos in the Holy of Holies will be intellectually how great it is to fulfill does not know how to pray, then drawn the intellect of k’dusha to the mitzvos. the Torah (Rochel) itself has mercy Jewish people, which will be perfect 2. You cannot learn Torah on him and gives him signs and and work in unison. May we merit completely (Yaakov and Rochel) ways to pray, and she herself (the the true and complete Redemption without prayer (Leah), because Torah) speaks with Hashem (as with the revelation of our king Torah and prayer are Rochel herself spoke with Yaakov Moshiach now!

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& JLPEF>@E DDBRI> YAAKOV AVINU DID NOT DIE; HE LITERALLY LIVES IN A BODY

By Rabbi Sholom Dovber HaLevi Wolpo Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry In response to requests by our readers, we now present the next segment from “V’Torah Yevakshu MiPihu,” Rabbi Sholom Dovber HaLevi Wolpo’s seifer on the Rebbe’s teachings regarding Chabad chassidus, its approach to emuna, and its various customs.

For those who have difficulty explained in the Maharsha’s therefore, they embalmed, accepting strange things of this Chiddushei Agados that in eulogized, and buried him.” By type – namely, the fact that there Rashi’s opinion, the meaning here the same token, the Alshich writes are tzaddikim who live in the is that Yaakov Avinu “literally did on Parshas VaYechi that Yaakov physical sense, even after they not die, even in body.” Avinu was “as someone in a faint appear before our eyes to be in Furthermore, the Rif’s that the powers of the soul and the exact opposite state – asking commentary to Ein Yaakov on the the spirit of his neshama still to find a source for all this in the aforementioned Gemara states: essentially clung to him.” Torah, the subject is actually “The power of the soul remained See also at the end of one of stated explicitly in the sayings of in Yaakov Avinu’s body, and the the Rebbe shlita’s letters our Sages, of blessed memory. soul was not separated from the (Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 4, pg. We find in the Gemara (Taanis body…his soul was still 1261), where he writes that at no 5b): “Rabbi Yochanan says, connected to his body, and the time did there cease within Yaakov Avinu did not die,” and fact that he was buried and Yaakov Avinu the connection Rashi comments that the fact that eulogized is because the powers between the soul and the body. they embalmed and buried him of movement were nullified; he Similarly, in Vol. 6, pg. 414, note was because “they thought that gathered his legs into the bed and 3, the Rebbe adds that according he was dead…it appeared to them expired like a man who has to Rashi’s commentary on the that he was dead, but he was fainted… they didn’t know that Torah, even the sons of Yaakov actually alive.” It is further his soul was still within him, and did not think that he had died;

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  Rabbi Nachman invited him to “‘And he kissed him,’ but it would be come to his house, Rabbi Achai replied that until the Resurrection improper to so with anyone else of the Dead, he has no permission to rise, and proved it deceased, because the dead are from the pasuk. brimming with impurity…(and he did See there the Maharsha’s Chiddushei Agados explaining not kiss anyone) except Yaakov that Rabbi Nachman saw how Rabbi Achai bar Yoshiya had because he was alive, rather he was bones, flesh, and a soul, and therefore, he asked him why he called dormita – as someone sleeping doesn’t get up. Rabbi Achai replied that “even though all three and dozing.” parts exist, there is a need for an opening from G-d, who has the they knew that he was alive. stating that “Emes L’Yaakov” key of the Resurrection in His Nevertheless, they wept and (truth to Yaakov) is comprised of hand.” eulogized him since their the same letters as “Yaakov Lo It should be noted that Rabbi connection to him had been Meis” (Yaakov did not die), i.e., Nachman was the student of severed (as in Rashi’s this represents the simple truth. Shmuel (as in general, Rabbi commentary, B’Reishis 50:3 – (See also Likkutei Sichos, Vol. Nachman refers to Nachman bar that his passing ceased the bracha 26, the first sicha on Parshas Yaakov), and thus he was from that came through him). Shmos, and the sichos from Yud the second generation of the Rashi also comments on the Shvat 5726, Chaf Menachem Av Amoraim, whereas Rabbi Achai previous pasuk that the 5731, and Shabbos Parshas was from the beis of the embalming was “(merely) a VaYechi 5751.) Tanna, Rabbi Yishmoel (whose matter of mixing spices [and not 16. WE HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS words appear in the Mechilta). the full embalming process].” SAGES OF THE MISHNA AND THE Therefore, about two hundred There is also noted the GEMARA WHO LIVED EVEN AFTER years had passed since the explanation on how Yosef kissed THEIR HISTALKUS histalkus of Rabbi Achai until that Yaakov after he had already meeting. We have seen throughout the “expired,” since Yosef knew that It is also related in the how many tzaddikim had Yaakov really had not died. Gemara (Bava Metzia 84b) about an eternal connection between Furthermore, as the Ohr Rabbi Eliezer, son of Rabbi their body and their soul. For HaChayim writes (VaYechi 50:1): Shimon, who asked his wife not example, it is related in the “‘And he kissed him,’ but it to give him over for burial, but to Gemara (Shabbos 152b) that would be improper to so with leave him in his room in the loft Rabbi Achai bar Yoshiya, who had anyone else deceased, because the after his death. So while he already been buried decades dead are brimming with remained complete in body, he earlier, rebuked people who dug impurity…(and he did not kiss would speak with his wife, and in the earth near his grave, and anyone) except Yaakov because people would come to him for Rabbi Nachman came to him, he was alive, rather he was halachic litigation as they stood spoke with him, even felt him, called dormita – as someone behind the door as they presented and saw that he had not decayed. sleeping and dozing.” their arguments, and a voice When Rabbi Nachman asked him Thus, we see from all this that would be heard from within the about this, Rabbi Achai brought when they said Yaakov Avinu did room: “This person is innocent the pasuk (Mishlei 14:30): not die, it was not merely in the and that person is liable.” “Jealousy is the rot of the bones,” spiritual sense, rather quite Afterwards, when the Sages and commented, “Anyone who simply in the physical sense. learned that he was dead, they has jealousy in his heart, his Consider what is written in the said that it was not respectful to bones rot; anyone who does not seifer Toras Levi Yitzchok on the leave him in this fashion, and have jealousy in his heart, his aforementioned Gemara, where they brought him for burial in his he brings a marvelous allusion, bones do not rot.” Thus, when

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& come every Friday night to make Kiddush in his home. In addition, it is written in Seifer Chassidim (Remez 1129, as brought in Gilayon HaShas): “And Rabbeinu HaKadosh (Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi) would appear in the attractive clothes that he would wear on Shabbos, not shrouds, to make known that he was still in his vigor and exempted others in their obligation to make Kiddush… as someone alive wearing clothes, just as he wore during his lifetime.” See also in the Gemara the reason why he eventually stopped coming to make Kiddush. (This proves further that even though he continued on his own as a soul within a body, nevertheless, due to some seemingly insignificant reason, he stopped appearing to them.) There is also the well-known discussion among the Acharonim on how Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi was able to fulfill the obligation of others in making Kiddush, when he was a soul in the World of Truth and “among the dead who are free.” In general, the explanation is that since he came to his home in the manner of a soul within a body, he was obligated at that moment in the observance of the mitzvos. (See Gilyonei HaShas, Rabbi Yosef Engel, on the aforementioned Art by Gustave Dore (“Jacob Goeth Into Egypt”) Art by Gustave Dore Gemara, and in Bris Olam and father’s cave at Mt. Meron. (See Furthermore, we find in Makor Chesed on the other such stories in the Gemara, Tractate Kesuvos (103a) that aforementioned Seifer Bava Basra 58a.) Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi would Chassidim.) Y.S. MOVING Professional Yossi Reasonable Tel: 718-467-0171 24 hour service Boxes available upon request. Cellular: 917-805-7757

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  CB>QROB ‘BINYAMIN, WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE TANYA CLASSES?’

By Shai Gefen Rabbi Binyamin Zilberstrom, in Toras Emes in Yerushalayim, has been spreading the wellsprings for about forty years now. Hundreds of shiurim on Tanya and Chassidus in Yerushalayim and neighboring places have taken place thanks to him, as well as the enormous development in the awareness of Toras Chabad among many types of people. * Interview with R’ Zilberstrom for Yud-Tes Kislev.

It’s a few days before the melukatim in Likkutei Torah. The learning instilled a love for Chag HaGeula, Yud-Tes Kislev, mashpia, R’ Hillel Rabinowitz, Chassidus in us, along with the the day which marks the made learning Tanya and Likkutei obligation and privilege to spread vindication of the spreading of Torah pleasurable. In those days, it to all segments of the chareidi the wellsprings outward. How Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Reichman world. did you begin your work of was the mashpia of the yeshiva, The Rebbe Rashab started spreading Chassidus? and Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Leib Yeshivas Toras Emes for the I first became acquainted with Shapiro was the rosh yeshiva. purpose of spreading Chassidus in Chassidus as a bachur when I I still remember my chavrusa Eretz Yisroel. It was the smelting learned in Toras Emes in for Likkutei Torah, R’ Mendel furnace from whence the 5726/1966, over forty years ago. Hershkop. We learned every wellsprings emerged. Baruch Back then, as bachurim, we got a morning at 5:45. The yeshiva was Hashem, till this day, Toras Emes geshmak in Chassidus after we still in the old building at the end is a lighthouse of Chassidus for began learning the maamarim of Rechov Meah Shearim. This the entire area.

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& What else do you remember the devotion that it deserves, as Yisroel where they learned from your early days in Toras well as with joy and great Chassidus. The Rebbe Rayatz Emes? energy, as required for the related that already in 5663 One of the things that I beginning of the new building (1903) his father told him that remember is 5727/1967, when (literally and also spiritually). the time had come to bring the the Rebbe sent talmidim-shluchim Nothing at all should be light of Chassidus down into the to Toras Emes. In a telegram that diminished in this, even if there Holy Land, even though the the Rebbe sent R’ Efraim Wolf will be or there are complaints yeshiva was first founded in 5672 a”h, the menahel of Yeshivas and grievances to someone. This (1912). The Rebbe Rashab Tomchei T’mimim, he wrote: It is is for their good in this world wanted Toras Emes to be in the my great request that the and the next. spirit of Tomchei T’mimim and he hanhala of Tomchei T’mimim The Rebbe went on to write chose a group of outstanding should select a minyan of regarding the talmidim-shluchim bachurim from Yeshivas Tomchei talmidim to go learn, at the who went there as the Rebbe’s T’mimim to go to Chevron, where beginning of the summer z’man, shliach, and the Rebbe asked the the yeshiva was founded. in Toras Emes as my emissaries, hanhala to inform him of their The bachurim arrived in Eretz for the purpose of expanding it. names so he could mention them Yisroel on 25 Cheshvan 5672 and This telegram preceded a for a special bracha. on Sunday, the 28th of Cheshvan, special shlichus from the Rebbe This answer demonstrates how they arrived in Chevron. The when Rabbi J.J. Hecht a”h came the Rebbe saw Toras Emes as the Rebbe Rashab wanted them to to our yeshiva to farbreng with us. smelting pot of the spreading of learn in the place that he had paid The Rebbe gave him mashke from Chassidus and the foundation of for. the farbrengen of Parshas the T’mimim, so that Chassidus With the outbreak of World K’doshim, which was a would spread in an unlimited way War I, they had to return to continuation of the farbrengen of in Yerushalayim and the Russia, but the Rebbe Rashab Acharon shel Pesach. surrounding areas, and from there asked that they get the yeshiva Till this day, I remember R’ to all lands. going again and the yeshiva Hecht at the farbrengen, telling Was the founding of Toras moved to Yerushalayim. In us, “Kinderlach, with the Rebbe Emes in Yerushalayim connected Yerushalayim it moved from you don’t play around!” and this to spreading Chassidus? neighborhood to neighborhood, sentence is engraved in us. When Toras Emes was the first like Givat Shaul, the Bucharian I look back at what happened in Chassidishe yeshiva in Eretz neighborhood, and Rechov Meah 5727 with the first shluchim that the Rebbe sent to the yeshiva, it was the first time that the Rebbe sent shluchim to Toras Emes. This was the start of the revolution in spreading the wellsprings, and we saw much good develop from it. In general, the answer that R’ Hecht got regarding Toras Emes (an answer that was recently publicized) shows how important it was to the Rebbe that Toras Emes expand. The Rebbe wrote to him what points he should convey at the farbrengen: Every one of the aforementioned should do all he can to solidify and expand Toras Emes with kabbalas ol to the Rebbe, my father-in-law (the balabus of Toras Emes) and with

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  Shearim. Later on, the Rebbe enthusiasm… Everyone felt in his kabbalas ol to the meshaleiach, to asked them to move into new soul that a momentous thing was spread Chassidus. The T’mimim quarters. happening within the Jewish know that the Rebbe is the In 5734/1974, after much people, a cornerstone was laid balabus of the mosad and it is effort, they moved to a new upon which would be built a with this ko’ach that everything is building on Rechov Yirmiyahu. mighty edifice, Toras Emes, upon accomplished. Till this day, Toras Emes keeps up whose flag would be emblazoned I must mention the menahel, a connection with Chevron and its Torah study and service of the Rabbi Yehoshua Yuzevitz, who outlying areas whether by giving heart [i.e., prayer]adorned with keeps the mosad going with shiurim to yeshivos in the area or good middos and illuminated with mesirus nefesh, as well as the by doing mivtzaim on a weekly brotherly love and loving friends. mashpiim, each of whom is a basis. Indeed, Toras Emes, dugma chaya (role model) of * * * throughout its wanderings, mesirus nefesh for spreading One of the amazing especially after the Rebbe sent the Chassidus and the Besuras descriptions of the Rebbe Rayatz first shluchim there in 5727, is on HaGeula: Rabbi Avrohom Boruch about the Rebbe Rashab’s the frontlines of the revolution of Pevsner, Rabbi Chaim Sholom accompanying the shluchim to spreading Chassidus in Deitsch, who is also the Rosh Toras Emes, shows how much this Yerushalayim and beyond. The Kollel of Tzemach Tzedek, Rabbi meant to him. I refer to a letter to walls of Toras Emes are suffused Yosef Segal, Rabbi Y.Y. Offen, Rabbi Zalman Havlin in which the with endless pages of Chassidus, Rabbi Zalman Notik, and Rabbi , shiurei Chassidus, Yosef Tzvi Tzirkus. and Chassidishe t’fillos. Let’s go back to the early In most recent years especially, years, when the work first “Baruch Hashem, Toras Emes has blossomed in a began. way that one can see the Rebbe’s One of the things that showed there is a Jew like bracha to the yeshiva, as well as me my personal direction in how the brachos of the Rebbe Rayatz to spread the wellsprings was R’ Mendel who and the Rebbe Rashab. Toras when I wrote to the Rebbe about Emes is not just a yeshiva ketana something when I was learning in doesn’t let us (high school) and a yeshiva g’dola yeshiva. The Rebbe responded sleep.” (beis midrash/zal), but also two that I should be a dugma chaya Talmudei Torah, a preschool and a and influence my friends. It was superb Machon Smicha. back then that I was told to start Rebbe Rayatz wrote: As mentioned, Toras Emes is being mashpia and to spread the 13 years have passed since that not just a yeshiva but also a wellsprings. luminous day, a day of blessing cornerstone for spreading I have mentioned that the first with which you, and the group of Chassidus throughout shluchim that the Rebbe sent to talmidim who were picked to Yerushalayim and the area. Toras Emes made a revolution, travel with you to Eretz Yisroel, Talmidim of the yeshiva go out and this was one of the things established the vineyard, Toras every week and give over forty that made a tremendous impact Emes. As though it is alive, right shiurim on Tanya in various on me and infused renewed before my eyes, I can see the yeshivos! There is also a phone energy into spreading the awesome sight of the Nasi, the system in the yeshiva on which wellsprings. I remember the Rebbe, my father, accompanying the bachurim give private shiurim shluchim who came in you, the group traveling to the in Chassidus. The T’mimim go 5730/1970: R’ Moshe Perman Holy Land … Everyone believed out every Shabbos to gather and R’ Kalman Druk, traveling to with perfect faith, and his heart people to hear words of Chassidus all kinds of yeshivos to give was confident with the kindness of in dozens of shuls, and make classes in Tanya. Likewise, many the Supernal G-d, that from Mesibos Shabbos for about 3000 bachurim and married men came Chevron would go forth Torah chareidi children in various to the yeshiva to the farbrengens T’mima and in Yerushalayim the neighborhoods in Yerushalayim. we made. community of Chassidim would be This work is done because the One of the biggest successes of ignited and enflamed with T’mimim go with absolute that time was the shiurim on

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& the deeper significance of Yud-Tes Kislev. As for your question, the one who got me involved in Tanya classes was R’ Mendel who simply gave me no rest. He pushed me into it and told me that in order to make sure that we could go on and the mashpiim would be able to give shiurim in Tanya, money was needed. I remember that R’ Mendel spoke to me about a certain mashpia, telling me that he had seven children and if he was given money, he would be able to devote himself to Tanya shiurim with peace of mind, and if not, he would not be able to give them. R’ Mendel made it clear that in order to expand the shiurim, more and more money had to be raised so that a series of Tanya given by Rabbi Yosef Segal involved in Toras HaChassidus. It shiurim could be provided and the in various yeshivos which greatly was at that time that the seeds teachers could be paid. pleased the Rebbe. were planted for all the work that It was amazing to see R’ Later on, I went to Tomchei we continued later on in Mendel’s mesirus nefesh to spread T’mimim in . I was spreading Chassidus and shiurim Chassidus. I would get a phone there when the mashpia, R’ in Tanya. call from him at six in the Shlomo Chaim Kesselman a”h How did you officially get morning and he would say, was still there. He urged us to involved in building the far- “Binyamin, what’s doing with the give shiurim in Tanya all over. reaching network of Tanya Tanya shiurim?” When the mashpia, R’ Mendel classes that exists today? My wife didn’t know what he Futerfas a”h came to take over as Before I respond I want to tell wanted and I told her, “Baruch mashpia in the yeshiva, he told me you a story that I remember in Hashem, there is a Jew like R’ to give classes in Tanya. connection with Yud-Tes Kislev Mendel who doesn’t let us sleep.” I would go once a week to from R’ Avrohom Pariz. When I At that time we greatly expanded Yerushalayim and give shiurim in learned in Toras Emes he would the classes. We had over one Yeshivas Tchebin and in Yeshivas come every week from his home hundred shiurim going every Kol Torah. I gave the shiur to the in Petach Tikva to say Chassidus. week! bachurim of Kol Torah in the He would schlep on old busses One time, R’ Mendel took me Tolna shul. I remember that at the and did so because the Rebbe told aside and told me that when he end of one of the shiurim with the him to go to Toras Emes. was in the labor camps in Russia, bachurim, which ended at four in I remember that he came on he worked extremely hard. “We the morning, we all danced Yud-Tes Kislev and during the dug hole after hole, but from time together on Rechov HaPisga. preparation time for the to time, Hashem had mercy on us At other times I traveled to farbrengen, he sat in a side room and we would find gold dust, and Midreshet Noam in Pardes Chana and learned sichos. I sat near him that made up for all our anguish.” and to the Nachalim yeshiva, as and he said to me, “You know, So too, said R’ Mendel, when well as to other yeshiva high Yud-Tes Kislev is a Yom Tov.” fundraising, it’s not easy work. schools. There was also a time When he said this, you saw and It’s hard labor, but sometimes you when I gave a Tanya shiur in felt that it was, indeed, a Yom find a bit of gold dust. It is thanks Yeshiva Ohr Yisroel in Petach Tov. This line stayed with me and to R’ Mendel that I got involved Tikva and many people became gave me the ability to understand in this work and that I had the

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  kochos to continue. learning Chassidus in certain neshama so that it can withstand At the beginning we would yeshivos had to be done secretly. all the challenges to faith and make large farbrengens and would Do you remember that era? middos. bring special Chassidim, old men Sure. There were times that if The religious communities also from Russia, baalei mesirus a bachur was caught learning feel that as the darkness nefesh – such as R’ Berke Chein, Chassidus, he would be expelled intensifies, they need additional R’ Simcha Gorodetzky, and R’ from yeshiva and we had to strength. There is a great interest, Nachum Trebnik – and they temporarily stop the shiur until a thirst, today, the likes of which would make a profound impact. things quieted down. It was we haven’t seen before. Once Some people told us that just definitely very difficult. Today, it’s upon a time, people thought that looking at these Chassidim more open and there is less Chabad Chassidus was a “luxury,” strengthened them in their study opposition. but today, the masses feel that it of Chassidus. One of the things that has is necessary. Later on, when there were encouraged the spreading of Second, learning Chassidus is pictures available of the Rebbe Chassidus in Yerushalayim and in order to prepare for the from farbrengens, we would have reinvigorated the learning of imminent coming of Moshiach. Chassidus is the Heichal The closer we get to “the earth Menachem library. It was started will be filled with knowledge of by my friend, Rav Y.Y. Havlin, Hashem,” the more we need to The main reason and it broke through all the prepare ourselves to know to learn Tanya is limitations that existed in regard Hashem. This is done through to the spreading of Chassidus. Toras HaChassidus. not for haskala Today there are bachurim and Things have accelerated today married men who are not as can be seen in an amazing (intellectual Lubavitch, who learn Chassidus answer that my friend, Rabbi on a regular basis. Hundreds of Sholom Dovber Wolpo received understanding) bachurim are tested on Tanya and from the Rebbe on Chassidus within the framework 5751. The Rebbe wrote to him: but for avoda, to of shiurim that are given by the Surely you review Chassidus in instill good organization of R’ Yisroel Lipsker public. Indeed, the time is and R’ Menachem Weiss. There is auspicious, Yemos HaMoshiach. middos and fear also a kollel Chassidus in the In this answer, the Rebbe Bucharim neighborhood and every reveals, for the first time, the of Heaven within day there’s time to learn greatness of the era we are in. We Chassidus with dozens of men are in a new era of Yemos the talmidim. participating. It is literally the HaMoshiach, and learning revelation of Yemos HaMoshiach. Chassidus must be in the broadest How do you explain this manner possible. As the Rebbe farbrengens and bring the phenomenon of the spread of says, the preparation is by photographer, Levi Yitzchok Chassidus and that Tanya is learning Chassidus and learning Frieden, to show the pictures he learned among all sorts of inyanei Geula and Moshiach as had taken during Tishrei. This people? they appear in Chassidus. So the was mekarev many people to the The Rebbe explains that the responsibility today is far greater. Rebbe. revelation of Chassidus has two I’d like to mention ATaH, For over 30 years we have reasons. First, the darkness in the which is headed by Rabbi organized Tanya classes and world increased and we need Menachem Perlstein, who helps all today, baruch Hashem, many more strength to withstand the the Tanya classes. The work that people are involved in organizing trials of galus. The Tzemach the central ATaH organization shiurim in Yerushalayim and in Tzedek says that the word does is just incredible, and it’s all yeshivos on an unbelievable scale. “Tanya” consists of the same about spreading the wellsprings as We saw fulfilled, “those who sow letters as the word “eisan” the Rebbe wants. We thank them with tears will reap with joy.” (strength), for it reveals the for all the help they provide. There were times that strength of the inner part of the You spoke about a great thirst

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& Toras Emes and learning Likkutei Sichos. I was curious, so I went over to ask them how they had gotten to the yeshiva. They said they had been exposed to the Rebbe’s teachings and so they had set aside time in their schedule to regularly learn the Rebbe’s teachings here in yeshiva. Another time, I was on a flight and I got up to do mivtzaim. I met two Gerrer Chassidim who told me: Kol ha’kavod to you for doing mivtzaim, for actually doing what we are learning. I saw that they were learning chapter 16 of Tanya from Shiurim B’Seifer HaTanya. You feel that all the efforts were not for nothing and Chassidus is seeping in everywhere as the Rebbe promised. for Chassidus. Tell us more mashpiim led by R’ Mendel Do people ask you why you about that. Wechter. There is a week of Yimei bother reaching out to the frum Look at the hundreds of Iyun in Toras HaChassidus that world when there’s a whole shiurim and the big farbrengens; takes place annually, which is well world out there? at the great interest expressed on attended. I once saw a I’ve heard that line more than the part of those who come to distinguished rav in the library once and it’s the wrong attitude. these shiurim that are given by who belongs to the Eida There are hundreds of thousands mashpiim in Yerushalayim, the HaChareidis. After he left, I asked of people in the frum world who large crowds that come to him what he thought of it. are ready to accept Chassidus and farbrengens in Toras Emes; the He said, “What’s the question? we know what nachas the Rebbe large numbers of people who visit Here is where we feel the Rebbe!” has from spreading Chassidus Heichal Menachem. These are people who, in the among these groups. The Rebbe I was standing with R’ Naftoli past, had no place to slake their was very pleased with the libraries Roth one day, in the entrance to thirst, their interest in Chassidus. and Tanya classes in frum the library, and we saw a large I must mention the unforgettable communities. group of bachurim from a Litvishe mashpia, R’ Moshe Weber, who Someone once asked me this yeshiva coming to learn spread Chassidus in Yerushalayim. question and then, when Rabbi Chassidus. He said to me, the He once showed me a letter that Shlomo Zalman Auerbach’s Rebbe has much nachas from this. the Rebbe Rayatz wrote to him in funeral took place and was Nobody asks these bachurim why 1946 that the main reason to attended by hundreds of they come and who they are. learn Tanya is not for haskala thousands of people, he came Many people visit without (intellectual understanding) but over to me and said: You’re right. anybody asking them any for avoda, to instill good middos You have to put a lot into the questions. One simply wants to and fear of Heaven within the chareidim too. learn something; another wants to talmidim. While on this topic, I should hear a Chassidishe niggun. Today, * * * mention R’ Gershon Henoch there is much to choose from, in I will tell you some interesting Cohen a”h. His Judaica store on order to be able to taste from stories that I experienced recently. Rechov Meah Shearim was a Toras HaChassidus. One day I met two men whose place from which he spread As I mentioned, there are large dress indicated that they were not Chassidus. When he passed by for farbrengens and shiurim from of Anash. Both were sitting in kos shel bracha, the Rebbe would

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  say to him: your store spreads the roshei yeshiva of Yeshivas Goldberg took out a gartel from wellsprings outward. Even in Chevron, was also in the hotel. He his pocket and said: I am a difficult times, when tensions leafed through the volume and got Chabadnik. regarding Lubavitch ran high, his to the maamer, “Titen Emes The delegation got up and left store was the place where you L’Yaakov.” in disappointment. I wrote to the could hear a vort about When my father returned to Rebbe about this and said I Chassidus, something from the the lobby he asked him, “Nu, thought it had something to do Rebbe about belief in the coming what is the truth of Yaakov?” My with his visit to the library. A day of Moshiach, etc. father said that in order to and a half later I got a phone call Once, R’ Gershon Henoch was understand it, you have to learn. from the Rebbe’s secretary who in yechidus at a time when the Rav Chevroni said okay, so my told me that my news gave the broadcasts of the Rebbe had father asked him when was a good Rebbe nachas and that I should begun. He told the Rebbe that time for him. Rav Chevroni said continue to relate good news. they also came from Toldos that Shalosh seudos was the Since the Rebbe’s Besuras Aharon to the broadcasts and the appropriate time. He came at that HaGeula, when the Rebbe said Rebbe wanted to know what they time and they sat and learned we need to prepare the world to thought of it in Toldos Aharon. Chassidus together for over an greet Moshiach, how is this I know that in addition to hour. message conveyed in the Rav Chevroni was a genius and Chassidus shiurim? he asked tough questions. My The Geula is a reality, whether Once upon a time, father answered one of the we want it to be, or not. Reality questions and about another cries out and proves, now more people thought question he said he had to think than ever, how close we are to the about it. In the end, my father hisgalus of Moshiach. This is why that Chabad told him: If you learn Chassidus, talking about inyanei Geula and you will be a genius in this too. Moshiach and Chassidus is Chassidus was a Right after Shabbos, my father accepted when, not that long ago, wrote a report to the Rebbe about it threw up a barrier. As the “luxury,” but his learning Chassidus with Rav Rebbe said, you have to talk about today, the masses Chevroni. The Rebbe’s response it in a way that will make people was: thank you for the good news. receptive, especially when feel that it is Another story that shows how speaking to a chareidi crowd. important being in touch with The Rebbe Rayatz said that necessary. rabbanim is to the Rebbe took Chassidus gives light and warmth place when the library opened. and this is the manner in which Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg we ought to convey the message. organizing many shiurim, you (a Litvishe rav and posek and the In 5733 the Rebbe said that today are in touch with rabbanim of son-in-law of Rabbi Shlomo everybody has to be mashpia. If all groups. Zalman Auerbach) went to the you know Alef, teach your friend One of the things that the library to try out the Torah CD- Alef; if you know beis, then teach Rebbe wanted was keeping in Rom on the computer. Someone what you already know. Today we touch with rabbanim of all came over to me and told me to don’t need to be big mashpiim in groups. I will tell you a story with suggest that he watch a video of order to influence others. The my father. Forty years ago he was the Rebbe at a farbrengen. Rebbe says that everybody must in a hotel in Netanya, where he I asked him if he’d like to see teach what they know, the main sat and learned Hemshech 5666. it and he said yes. Rav Goldberg thing being to convey what you It was Erev Shabbos. In those asked whether the Rebbe had know in the right way and with an days, Hemshech 5666 was still notes when he spoke and I said he inner chayus. only available in photocopy. did not. Two days later there was The secret to success in My father forgot the volume in a gathering against Chabad and a teaching Chassidus is to convey it the lobby and went to his room to delegation of Misnagdim went to in true friendship and to give the get ready for Shabbos. Rabbi Rav Goldberg to get him involved. mushpa (the one on the receiving Moshe Chevroni, one of the What I heard was that Rav end) the feeling that he is really

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& B’Omer and Shavuos and the Rebbe wrote to him: It is not possible that you were alone, for surely there are Jews around you who, with a Chassidic saying and with Chassidic guidance, would accept it, and you can influence your environment. If a Jew is mashpia on another Jew and spreads Chassidus, he is no longer alone. Another thing, part of preparing for the Rebbe’s hisgalus is increasing the love among Chassidim, respecting one another, for this is the recipe to succeed in all aspects of hafatza. There is nothing greater and more powerful than achdus among Anash which is the real preparation for Moshiach. When the Alter Rebbe your brother. I heard from R’ be ready to listen to everything. announced in Shklov, “Taste it Peretz Mochkin that there is a How do you think the [i.e., Chassidus] and see that G-d Chassidishe thought about Lavan “ordinary” Lubavitcher can is good,” in the tune that he used, who said to Yaakov: “Why did you spread Chassidus? dozens of men followed him to steal my gods?” In other words, Many Lubavitchers can do this learn from him. Today, the Rebbe Lavan is upset because you tell and if people would just try, they is announcing the same thing and him that his leader is nothing. would experience great success. it is attracting thousands of Don’t take away what he believes. Each of us needs to make shiurim people to Chassidus. Let nobody We have to give the truth, giving and do mivtzaim in his area. think it is because of their people what they lack. As soon as I saw a letter that the Rebbe abilities. The Rebbe turned over we attack, a wall goes up and the writes to the mashpia, R’ Saadia worlds for this, in order to bring person is not willing to listen. If Lieberov. R’ Saadia wrote to the the Geula even sooner and in a he feels you respect him, he will Rebbe that he was alone on Lag manner of kindness and mercy.

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#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  MOLCFIB ‘BUT IF YOU STILL WANT TO FLY...’

By Nosson Avrohom

Many people owe their Judaism to The story of how a Yemenite family him because of this school. became mekuravim and Chassidim of My father continued to run and expand the school and then he Chabad and the Rebbe. handed it over to others to run, as he continued to wield the heavy burden of leading the community. R’ Shmuel Ta’izi has filled REMINISCENCES At a later point we moved to various roles since he married, all My brothers and I were born in Lud, though not before my father with great success. He was the resort town of Gadera, which received the Rebbe’s bracha. In principal of the Ohr Simcha school absorbed many immigrants from Lud, my father founded a shul, in Kfar Chabad, founder of Yemen. Those days in the moshava which is open till today. In that Yeshivas T’mimei Nachaliel in the were wonderful. Thinking about shul, they daven Nusach Arizal, yishuv Nachaliel with the Rebbe’s them makes me feel nostalgic. The which is similar to the traditional bracha, and principal in a Talmud Jews from Yemen were big yerei Yemenite nusach. Torah in Lud. He also served as a Shamayim and were known for Before we moved to Lud, I went member of the city council in Mevo their t’mimus, religious sincerity. to learn, as did my brothers, in Modiin, where he began council The Yemenite aliya turned the Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim in Lud. meetings with a D’var Malchus and secular moshava into a place of When I moved there, my older turned them into Chassidishe shuls and battei midrash, a place of brother Dovid was already a maggid farbrengens. purity and Jewish warmth. My shiur for Chassidus and I learned R’ Ta’izi is an enthusiastic sweet childhood memories are of from him. educator of the old and good stories of faith and d’veikus to our school. His work in chinuch began traditions. A ROSH YESHIVA in Lud, with a bracha from the My father, the mekubal Rabbi Rebbe that he received in yechidus. Zecharia, was the rav of the VISITS OUR HOME I thought that, due to his community and the one who When my brothers were old extensive resume in communal founded the local Chinuch Atzmai enough, my father checked out the work, especially in chinuch, his school in the town. The first available yeshivos. He looked into name would appear regularly in months of the new Talmud Torah the Chabad yeshiva Tomchei various places, but it doesn’t. He entailed forgoing our comfort T’mimim in Lu and quickly decided doesn’t run to participate in insofar as we used one of the rooms that this was the yeshiva for his educational panels. He’s not of our house as a classroom. sons. The approach of Chabad interested in the publicity, but In retrospect, my father’s action Chassidus, which embodies Ahavas prefers to invest all his time and took no small amount of courage. Yisroel and Ahavas HaTorah, was energy into daily educational The moshava already had a school, also my father’s approach. He was, endeavors. a secular school. When my father therefore, very excited when he I was recently able to arrange to saw that Yemenite families were visited, overjoyed to educate his speak with R’ Ta’izi about the starting to send their children there, children with these values. Rebbe and Chabad. he quickly founded this school. From the time that my oldest

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& brother went to the yeshiva in Lud, and many went to Chabad yeshivos. faces of my friends in Gadera when my father began to take an interest That’s why the yeshiva in Pardes in I came home wearing a cap. Many in Chassidus and the Rebbe. He Lud was called “Yeshiva L’Olei of them asked me, “Why are you started learning Tanya and other Russia v’Teiman.” wearing that? It’s not wintertime Chassidic works. My father, who was a big now?” I can recall a scene from my mekubal, was able to discern the childhood. One time, my brother unique approach of Chabad.. My I FELT THE REBBE Dovid did not go back to yeshiva in father drew the entire family into WAS TALKING TO ME Lud, and the rosh yeshiva, Rav Chabad. I remember that when I Leizer Horowitz, went with the was still a young boy I would talk The first time I saw the Rebbe yeshiva’s driver, Rav Losh, to about when I grew up and how I was in 5735 after the Yom Kippur Gadera on Friday afternoon, to visit would also go to learn in the War ended. A few months earlier, him. When they arrived at twelve Chabad yeshiva, where they trained our brother-in-law, Rabbi Yeshaya noon, they found my parents sitting you in fine behavior and genuine Weiss, was killed in a horrific car and learning together, as was their love for Hashem. accident on the way from custom every day, after finishing In my youth in Gadera, my Yerushalayim to Kfar Chabad. their Shabbos preparations. My parents did not let me be friends Other Chassidim, including the rav parents were surprised that they with everyone. Secular influences of Kfar Chabad, Rabbi Shneur had left everything to come and could be felt even within the Zalman Garelik, were killed too. visit their student. Yemenite community, which was While my friends went on K’vutza In his neshama, my father was a for the most part chareidi. They that year, I remained in Eretz Chassid who did “u’faratzta” and were afraid I would be influenced Yisroel in order to help the family enabled many to do mitzvos. No by the atmosphere. I consoled recover from this terrible blow. wonder then, that when he learned myself that soon I would be able to Tishrei with the Rebbe was Chassidus he felt a natural affinity go and learn in a place where I thrilling. I had yechidus at the end for it. could be friends with everyone, of the month and I asked the Rebbe It is also not surprising that without exception, and learn with whether I should remain in the US Yemenites and Chabad Chassidus them without hesitation. or return to Eretz Yisroel in order hit it off so well, with many My brother’s shiurim in to help my sister and her orphaned Yemenites becoming mekuravim of Chassidus were fascinating. They children. The Rebbe told me that he Chabad. Even back in Yemen they made a strong impression on a thought I should return to Eretz were very connected to the young boy like me. Yisroel and work in the yeshiva in kabbalistic approach. It was only In those days, most of the Lud. There I could help my sister natural that they connected with bachurim wore caps. I’ll never and continuing to learn. Chabad Chassidus in Eretz Yisroel forget the look of surprise on the At the end of the yechidus, the Rebbe blessed me with the words, “and he should ask Hashem for all his needs and he will be answered.” I remember that line clearly, as though I just heard it. This was the first time that I was seeing the Rebbe alone and I was terrified. My knees were trembling even after the yechidus was over. I returned to Eretz Yisroel, worked in the yeshiva in Lud, and later started an organization in memory of my brother-in-law, called Ner Yeshaya. I wrote to the Rebbe that I had plans for big projects under the auspices of this organization, but some of those plans were not working out for various reasons. Days passed and I did not receive a

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  building the mikva there. Before I left Colombia he gave me his business card and said that we would be the first to know of the arrival of Moshiach, and the moment Moshiach comes I should let him know so he could get ready. I tried to call him to find out what was going on Colombia but could not get through. I was quite surprised by this. Yaakov has a brother by the name of Chaim who is hard of hearing. I once asked him: You are well-to-do, why don’t you buy a hearing aid? He answered me: Those things that I need to hear, I make the effort to hear, as for other things, better that I don’t hear them. I tried to call the brother but I couldn’t reach him either. I was really astonished because in the past, while on shlichus in Colombia, reply. In the meantime, I went to are the minority here, will feel whenever I needed them I could 770. How surprised I was when, in similar in the face of the Jewish reach them by phone. I understood one of the farbrengens, the Rebbe majority.” this to be Divine providence and said that clearly the main thing is After I successfully concluded that I should not fly to Colombia. action but one should not skimp on my work in Colombia, I returned to I called the Colombian airlines positive thoughts. Rather’ he should Eretz Yisroel. I soon missed the and cancelled my flight and present them to three people, and Jews of the community and wanted ordered a ticket to Israel instead. surely there was no need to be to visit them. The community there When I walked into my house back aggravated about them. I felt that was warm and staying there was a in Eretz Yisroel, they told me that the Rebbe was talking to me and special pleasure. Before my flight I on the news they reported that a answering my letter. was in 770 and I had a yechidus in plane from New York to Colombia which I asked the Rebbe whether I - the plane I was supposed to be on THE REBBE SAVED should return to Colombia. - exploded in the air under MY LIFE The Rebbe said: The security suspicious circumstances and all and political situation in South the passengers perished. The Rebbe A few years after I married I America and Central America is saved my life! went on shlichus to Colombia for a known, but if you still want to go, * * * while. We built a mikva together call a friend [in Colombia] When I asked R’ Ta’izi about with the local community and with beforehand and ask whether a trip this period we Chabad Chassidim the help of Rabbi Sholom Maatuf of is worthwhile. are going through, he responded Lud. In the city of Barranquilla, Since I had worked there and with confidence: “One thing I can there was a Jewish school that was was familiar with the political wish and ask for is that we, all the run by the Jewish Agency. The situation, I wasn’t concerned about Jewish people from all over the spiritual state of the school was so it. I left the yechidus, at first not world, meet as soon as possible in bad that when I asked the Jewish realizing that if the Rebbe answered Yerushalayim, at the Beis Agency shliach who ran the school me like that, that a trip was out of HaMikdash, with the true why Arabs attended the school, he the question. Redemption. We are already said, “The Jewish people always felt In the Jewish community of promised that the yeshua will come themselves to be the persecuted Barranquilla lived a wonderful soon.” minority. I want to create a person by the name of Yaakov situation in which the Arabs, who Mizrachi who helped a lot in

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& C>O?OBKDBK

Sheva Mitzvos B’nei Noach and I agreed to speak. 200 of the top students were called into the library. When I HIGHLIGHTS went there, a week ago, there was a policeman who is always there, 2 vice principals, a social studies teacher, a whole delegation. They all welcomed me and thanked me FROM THE for coming. There were eight of them and they said they want to introduce me to the principal. Eight men. What’s the principals’ name, I asked. Mrs. Dury. WORDS OF As we walked to her office, I thought, I just shook eight hands. I’m the kindhearted Jew who is coming to explain… She will stretch her hand out to welcome CHASSIDIM me and I’ll stand with my hands like this (behind my back) and it won’t be a good opening… So I go to her office and she Highlights from speeches delivered at stands up from her desk and she the Kinus Motzaei Shabbos banquet walks up to me and says, “Rabbi Carlebach, it’s a pleasure to meet and Rosh Chodesh Kislev farbrengen in you!” with her hands behind her back! 770. I said, Mrs. Dury, it’s a pleasure to meet you too. Can I ask you one question? Who told to a trauma center and baruch you not to shake my hand? Hashem, he is okay. The Mrs. Dury said, “Rabbi, I community was really shook up come from Brooklyn. I was raised about it. in an Orthodox family. My Several weeks earlier, eight nephew went to your Chabad high school children from one of house and here are his two the public high schools, in children (showing me a picture on Howell, NJ (a high school of her desk). 2400 students) got into a truck, I’m about to introduce you to drove to Lakewood and pelted the first Orthodox Jew in the New people with eggs and bottles. The Hampshire State legislature, a police arrested them. The high state that has only 10 frum school leadership was shocked families. He is the youngest because these were excellent member of the New Hampshire students and members of the State legislature – Jason-Yehoshua leadership of the high school. Bedrick, and probably the highest The staff decided to educate ranking American official who RABBI YOSEF CARLEBACH, SHLIACH AT the children about the Jewish wears 2 pairs of t’fillin every day, RUTGER’S, NEW JERSEY: people. They contacted our wears a black hat, and proudly to ask me, an A few weeks ago, a beloved has a beard. He is the first New “authentic Chassidic Jew”, to melamed in the city of Lakewood Hampshire State legislator who come and speak to the students. It was brutally beaten by someone will only shake hands with men! with a baseball bat. He was taken was a chance to speak about the

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  Moshe Bleich who found me when I while and consulted with the rabbis I didn’t win was in college and helped guide me at the yeshiva and finally decided in the direction I was going. “I can that because of the effect I might be despite the fact honestly say I wouldn’t be Jewish able to have, I would give it a shot. that I didn’t shake today if it weren’t for Chabad.” I Most people didn’t think I’d be mean that literally. elected. I spent the summer in hands with My nickname on campus was yeshiva while all the other candidates Super-Jew. I started the Jewish spent the summer campaigning. I women. I won fraternity, we started the Friends of had about a month to campaign and Israel club. I was the guy who was I couldn’t campaign at all the Friday because of the fact very active in Hillel, who got active night and Saturday events, which is in Chabad, who brought all his when most of the events take place. I that I didn’t shake friends to Chabad events, who was couldn’t campaign at the restaurants hands with giving up pork and shellfish, who and I couldn’t shake hands with was deciding whether he was going women, which made going door to women. to walk to the rabbi’s house on door a little uncomfortable… But I Shabbos, who brought people on the decided that if I was going to do it, I Birthright trip, and then… was going to do it the right way. The rabbi found out that the The Salem Women’s club, a person who was president of Chabad feminist organization, heard there on campus, has a mother who had a was a candidate that wouldn’t shake non-kosher conversion. It was very hands with women and they were devastating for the rabbi and it took quite upset about this. I sent them a him a while to break it to me. He letter and explained my position. had to do it very gently. He decided I was advised to shave my beard to break it to me on our trip to because people generally do not vote Israel. for people with beards. I was asked I wore a yarmulke the entire time whether I could trim it and I said, in Israel and by the end of the trip I I’m sorry, I’m not touching the was wearing tzitzis, and he broke it beard. I was asked whether I could to me over several days, moving me make an exception and shake from being unsure to realizing that I women’s hands (as some Jews do), was not halachically Jewish. and I said, if I begin compromising I was at a crossroads in my life. on my faith, on my principles, what MR. JASON-YEHOSHUA BEDRICK FIRST It’s one thing to become a baal will I compromise when I get up into EXPRESSED HIS AWE OF THE t’shuva. You do that by taking steps the State house? I’m not SHLUCHIM WHO ARE WILLING TO LIVE [in religious observance], but here, I compromising here. I can A LIFE OF MESIRUS NEFESH OUT OF needed to make a conscious decision compromise on policy but not on AHAVAS YISROEL: that every Friday night, for the rest principle. “Shluchim often don’t know of my life, I will keep Shabbos. By Believe it or not, the women’s where their next dollar is coming the end of the trip I decided I’m not club respected this. The vice from and they have large families, just a Jew in Israel but I’m a Jew in president wrote in the newspaper tuition and summer expenses, and America too. Six month later I that she was supporting me and all they don’t want to charge for their finished my degree and went to her friends were supporting me. Out events because they don’t want to yeshiva. of 40,000 people who live in my turn anyone away. Shluchim are On to my election. I had run district, I won by six votes! willing to live a life of uncertainty, once before, as an Independent, just I was a rather obscure candidate. trusting in Hashem, trusting in the to raise the issue of school choice, a I was 23 years old at the time and Rebbe that he will give them the vital issue for the future of America most people in the district did not ko’ach to do what they need to do. and for the frum, Jewish community. know who I was. Because of the It amazes me and gives me the While in yeshiva I got a phone call women’s club, I became infamous strength to do what I have to do. from one of the state representatives, and because they respected my In particular, I thank Rabbi asking me to run. I dodged this for a position, I won. This means that I

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& didn’t win despite the fact that I two and derech eretz kadma l’Torah your eyes, so that your brain and didn’t shake hands with women. I (good manners, proper behavior, heart are then ready for you to get won because of the fact that I didn’t precede Torah). This is also the out of bed. shake hands with women. reason why every tractate of Gemara During the question and answer I find this is the case with begins on daf Beis (page 2). session I asked, have you ever seen a Chabad houses. Chabad houses do The Rebbe replied to the boy (I person like me (yarmulke and beard) not bring in students and families think he said he heard this from his complaining about this problem? despite their beards and hat. People father), saying that the number 9 is She said no. wonder how Chabad is so successful special. The letters of the word I said it’s because when an despite the 18th century look. They “emes” (truth) add up to the number Orthodox Jew wakes up in the assume it’s their successful events or 9 (Alef, Mem, Tav 1+40+400=9). morning, before getting out of bed tasty challa… But that’s not the That is why all multiples of 9 add up he says a 12 word sentence – reason. to 9 (ex. 2x9=18 and 1+8=9, Modeh ani… It’s because Chabad does not 3x9=27 and 2+7=9). compromise and the students see All numbers look different except that. They see it’s the emes, that the 6 and 9, which resemble each when the Chabad rabbi tells them other, one right-side-up and one something, he means it. This is what upside-down, because truth and brings people in and we cannot falsehood are opposites. The letters compromise. of the word “sheker” (falsehood) add The Rebbe said never to up to the number 6 (Shin, Kuf, compromise. I thank you for all you Reish 300+200+100=6). are willing to do, your mesirus The head of the 9, of the truthful nefesh, your ahavas Yisroel. In your person, is up; he learns and davens. merit, in our merit, we should see The head of the 6 is down because Moshiach tonight! his head is immersed in gashmius. Since three times establishes a chazaka, and the Torah starts with The head of the 9, the letter Beis, start counting from of the truthful the letter Beis by threes and you see an amazing thing. Beis plus Gimmel person, is up; he plus Dalet, 2+3+4 =9. Hei plus Vav plus Zayin, 5+6+7 =18 and RABBI MOSHE ZEV PIZEM, SHLIACH IN learns and davens. 1+8=9. Continue in this way until SDEROT IMPARTS A PRACTICAL AND the end of the Alef, Beis and you will POIGNANT LESSON FROM HIS LIFE ON The head of the 6 see that every three letters adds up SHLICHUS: to 9 which is emes. is down because Incredibly, if you start from the People wonder how it is possible his head is letter Alef and count by threes, every for us Jews to go about their daily three letters add up to the number 6, lives and activities while constantly immersed in which is “sheker.” awaiting the coming of Moshiach; Parenthetically, the Hebrew word they seem mutually exclusive. For gashmius. for the number 9 is “teisha” and the when I am involved in work, etc., letters of “teisha,” Tav plus Shin how can I be thinking about Geula? plus Ayin, add up to 770! In Sderot we understand how to RABBI SHOLOM BER SHAPIRO: do this, because in Sderot, under the During recess my grandfather DR. FELDMAN: daily barrage of deadly missiles, we overheard a conversation in which I was at a lecture and the speaker go about our daily lives and activities one child asked the Rebbe why the was talking about people who get but as we do, we are constantly Torah starts with the letter beis and out of bed too quickly in the aware that at any moment there can not an Alef. The Rebbe shrugged morning and faint. They came up be a Red Alert. Yes, you can do both and did not reply and the child said, with an idea to prevent a person simultaneously. my father told me that beis is bracha from fainting, which is to wait 12 and also because beis is the number seconds in bed, from when you open

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  CB>QROB PRINTING THE TANYA IN LEBANON

By Shneur Zalman Berger

The Rebbe gave special instructions for the printing of the Tanya in Lebanon. * In honor of Yud-Tes Kislev, when we start learning Tanya again from the beginning, we present the story of the printing of the Tanya in Lebanon in the years 5739/1978 and 5742/1982.

In one of the sichos the Rebbe be printed in their locale, for this said: “There was a special effort is a merit and a benefit for them. made to unite all the Jewish It is a special segula for the city people, wherever they are, through where this work is printed, a p’nimius ha’Torah, printing the segula which will help the settling Tanya in every location in the and development of this city.” world where our brethren, the The printing of the first Tanya Jewish people, are to be found … in Lebanon did not take place even at the ends of the world … during the first Lebanon war, but There is an advantage to printing a few years before that, at the world, starting with the capitol over saying Chassidus … beginning of 5739. A year prior, cities of the big countries and especially when the printing is in 5738, the Rebbe announced then also in small settlements in being done with the aid and that the Tanya should be printed out-of-the-way places. There were participation of the local all over the world. Until this places where nobody expected to residents, who participate campaign, a total of 81 editions of print the Tanya, such as the Arab physically and monetarily in the Tanya had been printed since countries, where there were no printing the Tanya, for then they the first one, in the life of the shluchim, as it was obviously feel a special connection towards Alter Rebbe. dangerous to do so. the Tanya. Great is the merit that Chassidim began printing the However, Rabbi Yosef befell them too that the Tanya will Tanya in all countries around the Gerlitzky, shliach in Eretz Yisroel,

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& thought otherwise. He decided do and you should hurry and do meantime, they received additional that since there was a sizable it, as quickly as possible. instructions. The Rebbe told them Jewish community in Lebanon, the to make sure that the printing Tanya had to be printed there. He “A VERY PROPER took place on Lebanese land. He sought the protection of the THING” also said that the printing should Lebanese Christian Militia in be done in the city and not within southern Lebanon, who ruled over As soon as he received the an army camp, it made no parts of the country. answer, R’ Gerlitzky and Rabbi difference whether in northern or R’ Gerlitzky asked the Rebbe Leibel Schildkraut began southern Lebanon. and the very next day he received arranging it with the leaders of The Rebbe also said that they a reply: It is a very proper thing to the Lebanese Militia. In the should mark this printing as the

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  120th edition of Tanya, and to “We told him that the Rebbe immersed in our work when I add the city and country on the asked for the Tanya to be printed suddenly noticed an IDF officer front page. The final thing the and we were sure that this would with the rank of a second Rebbe said was: When will the help the entire area. The truth is lieutenant near me. It turns out printing take place? that from the outset he found it that he was the leader of the Only two days went by and the exceedingly odd and he even said, brigade stationed in the area. He secretaries were calling with the ‘Are you crazy? You’re looking for was shocked to see us. ‘What are question: when will the printing in trouble?’ But he gave in and said, you doing here?’ I answered him Lebanon take place? ‘Kol ha’kavod to Chabad.’ Once in jest, ‘Don’t you know the Their contacts with Lebanese we had all the permits, we began Chabadnikim? They’re crazy and Militia stalled and no progress organizing for the trip to they go any place the Rebbe tells was made. The leadership Lebanon.” them to go.’ maintained that due to tensions in The trip was planned for “The brigade leader did not the area, it would be difficult for Sunday, 7 Tishrei 5739/1978. At understand. ‘Why did you come them to allow entry into Lebanon the last minute, two additional here without arranging it with us and they had to wait. The message instructions from the Rebbe were ahead of time?’ I told him that was conveyed to the Rebbe, who sent: 1) to print on the first page there had been arrangements said that if there was no other of the Tanya the words: “printed made with the IDF, but option they could also have it in Lebanon” in Lashon apparently, there was a lack of HaKodesh, Arabic, and English. communication at some point. He This instruction came when all the was not happy about our being “You cannot blocks had been prepared and there without security and he they had to rush, at the last asked us to leave immediately, imagine what minute, to find an Arab to write while promising us that the next “printed in Lebanon” in Arabic, 2) morning we could return with pleasure you to learn from the fresh galleys of guards that he would arrange for Tanya with those who us. Indeed, the next day, we caused the participated. returned with protection. The people who took part in “Once again the electricity was Rebbe,” said one this complicated task were: R’ on and off, causing many delays. of the secretaries Gerlitzky, R’ Schildkraut, R’ In the end, we had no choice and Yehuda Leib Popack, R’ Yaakov we called a car from Kfar Chabad to R’ Gerlitzky. Reitzes. Those who printed it to bring us a generator so we were: R’ Meir Yechiel of Tzfas and could operate the printing press R’ Pinchas Trebnik of Kfar independently. printed by an Arab (Palestinian or Chabad. They were escorted by “The army officers were Lebanese Moslem), for it is Colonel Yoram Mizrachi, amazed by the quick solution we permissible for Torah to be commander of the IDF forces in had found. They said that printed by a non-Jew. southern Lebanon. obtaining a generator in the army It was obvious that the Rebbe R’ Pinchas Trebnik told Beis was a complicated logistical task, wanted the Tanya to be printed in Moshiach about their adventures: while here, within a few hours, we Lebanon and the sooner, the “We went via Metulla towards had solved our problem. ‘There is better. the village of Klia in the Marj- nothing that stands in the way of Ayun region a few kilometers from one’s will,’ said one of the APPROVED BY THE the Israeli-Lebanese border. The officers.” CHIEF OF STAFF printing took place in a local When they finished printing, R’ school building. We relied on the Reitzes learned with the soldiers The Lebanese Militia finally fact that the Christians in from the fresh galleys. Copies of allowed them entry into Lebanon Lebanon were pro-Israel. the new Tanya were given to and set a date. They also needed “The printing wasn’t an easy Colonel Yoram Mizrachi for him approval from the Chief of Staff, job since the electricity was to distribute to the senior Motta Gur. R’ Gerlitzky described frequently cut. We tried to print it commanders in the army, led by his meeting with the Chief of as quickly as possible. We were the Chief of Staff. Staff:

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& out on 15 Sivan 5742. Israeli armed forces entered Lebanon with the declared intention of cleaning out the PLO, who were shooting Katyushas at northern Israeli cities. A few days later, Rabbi Leibel Kaplan wrote to the Rebbe and asked whether to print the Tanya in Lebanon. The answer was brief: go to Lebanon and print it. As soon as the answer was received, askanei Chabad in Tzfas began petitioning army commanders in order to get From right to left: Rabbi Raskin, Rabbi Popack, Rabbi Goldberg permission to enter Lebanon. with the destruction of Beirut in the background Again it was apparent that the Rebbe found the printing of the THE TANYA FROM obvious that on this Erev Yom Tanya in Lebanon to be very LEBANON GIVEN Kippur, the Rebbe was unusually important. Even before they had TO THE REBBE happy. gotten permission, they had already received additional The night of the eve of Yom instructions from the Rebbe’s Kippur the men returned to Eretz THE LEBANESE LIST GROWS secretaries: Yisroel with the galleys. Two 1. Not to print the Tanya in volumes were bound and these In the subsequent editions of just one city but in several places. were sent to the airport, where Tanya that were printed over the 2. To print only in those places they were given to one of the years, the following list appears: where Jews lived or once lived. passengers who was taking a 173. Tzor (Tyre), Lebanon, (They understood this answer to flight from Tel Aviv to New York. Sivan 5742 include those places where IDF They arranged for someone to be 174. Tzidon (Sidon), Lebanon, soldiers stayed, even for a short at Kennedy Airport to pick up the Sivan 5742 time.) Tanyas and bring them to 770. 175. Beirut, Lebanon, Sivan 3. The number of copies The goal was for the s’farim to 5742 printed was immaterial; the main arrive before Yom Kippur and this 176. Lebanese Valley, Lebanon, thing was to do it. entailed a race against the clock. Tamuz 5742 4. To print it in large cities. On the morning of Erev Yom 177. Hasbaya, Lebanon, 5742 These instructions spurred Kippur, before Kaparos, the 178. Nabatiye, Lebanon, 5742. them on and after a brief Rebbe asked the secretaries about 179. Beaufort Castle, Lebanon consultation, they decided to leave the printing of the Tanya in 5742 that day, Thursday, 26 Sivan, for Lebanon. They told him that the This is just the beginning of the border, to make the attempt to s’farim were on their way to New the list of printings of Tanya that cross it. On R’ Ben-Tziyon Cohen York and should be arriving in the were printed in the summer of of Tzfas’ Mitzva Tank went some afternoon. 5742 and the Lebanese list goes Lubavitchers, a printing press, The Tanyas arrived before on. and a professional copying Mincha. When the Rebbe received This list testifies to the project machine. The Chabad tank began them, he smiled broadly and took of printing the Tanya in Lebanon to make its way towards the one of the copies down to that Anash carried out as per the border. Mincha. Rebbe’s instructions, despite the As expected, soldiers stationed “You cannot imagine what fact that in those days there were over the border did not allow pleasure you caused the Rebbe,” serious battles in Lebanon them to cross. Even efforts made said one of the secretaries to R’ between IDF soldiers and PLO via telephone to commanders who Gerlitzky. The Rebbe leafed terrorists. admired Chabad did not help through the pages and it was The Peace in Galilee War broke

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  them. As evening fell, the call to the secretaries to inform finally decided that R’ Tzeitlin disappointed men returned to them that the first edition had would return to Tzfas to get Tzfas. been successfully printed in Tyre. another generator so they could It was late at night when Rabbi Encouraged by their success, continue printing in the morning. Eliezer Tzeitlin tossed and turned the organizers went back, on That night, the Mitzva Tank in bed. He felt that they had to Motzaei Shabbos, to the northern was parked in the yard of the carry out the Rebbe’s instructions command to get permission to military government of Sidon. immediately and that there was no enter Lebanon once again. The Although it was relatively well- such thing as “no permission” for officer, who had signed the protected, the sounds of shooting the Rebbe’s soldiers. They had to permit, gave them a permanent could be heard throughout the get permission! entry permit and said, “Why come night. R’ Ben-Tzion describes that He went to the northern army here each time?” The astonished terrifying night: base near Tzfas and was Lubavitchers were thrilled. Part of “During the day we weren’t immediately received by the the difficulty was resolved once that afraid since we were busy northern commander who and for all. printing and with various immediately approved their entry The next day, Sunday, 29 problems that cropped up. At to Lebanon. The duty officer of Sivan 5742, the Mitzva Tank that night, in a vehicle in the heart of the northern command informed had become a mobile printing the battle scene, there was plenty him that at four in the morning a press went to Lebanon again. of time to think about the military jeep would be waiting for situation and where we were. The them, which would escort them all freezing cold did not let us sleep. day until they finished their work. Thoughts that we were within Then it would escort them back to Lebanon in the middle of a war, Israeli territory. without defense, frightened me. Early Friday morning the “The army commander ordered Chabad Mitzva Tank left for us not to leave the vehicle all Lebanon. night so that they would not err and think we were terrorists. Just CHABAD PUBLISHING, a few nights earlier, some TYRE BRANCH terrorists had approached them and they had opened fire.” The printing in Tyre began at A permanent pass made out Early in the morning, R’ six in the morning, near an Israeli to Rav Avrohom Goldberg for Tzeitlin returned with a generator. entry into Lebanon army base. A sign was hung on He came in his private car but just the Mitzva Tank which said: twenty kilometers from Sidon he “Chabad Publishing, Tyre Their destination this time was ran into serious car trouble. After Branch.” The printing took a few Sidon. With no electricity in large much trouble, the long-awaited hours and while it was going on, parts of Lebanon due to the generator finally arrived in the the Lubavitchers were busy with shelling, the printing was done afternoon. The Chabad printing mivtza t’fillin. R’ Ben-Tzion with a generator that they had press of Sidon began to operate describes what happened: brought with them. once again and on Tuesday “Many soldiers gathered The area was very dangerous. morning they finished the job. around us, curious about what we Bloody battles took place around They began to quickly arrange for were doing and why. We explained them, but the activists focused on their next stop. it to them and took the their holy work in their desire to When the Mitzva Tank was opportunity to put t’fillin on with please the Rebbe. After a few about to leave, a civilian car them. Many were willing and we hours of printing, the generator suddenly stopped and three had a lot of work to do. When the died. A military generator, which Lubavitchers from Tzfas emerged: printing job was done, we learned was gotten from somewhere, did R’ Avrohom Goldberg, R’ Yehuda Tanya with the soldiers from the not work properly. Efforts were Leib Popack, and R’ Shlomo fresh galleys.” made to obtain another generator Raskin, along with Tamim Shia They barely made it back to but precious hours were wasted Segal. They came with new Tzfas before Shabbos. One of without their obtaining one. They instructions from the Rebbe: them managed to get in a phone

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& R’ Shlomo Raskin: “After getting the requisite permits, we continued towards Beirut. We arrived at the forward base of operations of the IDF in the city. Just 100 meters away was the terrorists’ stronghold. “We left the vehicles near a one-story business center so that the building would conceal us from the terrorists. The printing began immediately. As it went on, we tried to get in a nap but the cold seeped into our bones and the shooting that could be heard A branch of Otzar HaChassidim-Kehos in an Arab school in the village of Klia from nearby, disturbed our sleep. “We napped intermittently 1. To give an entire Tanya, “We suddenly experienced a throughout the night. Despite our even before it was bound, to Jews puncture in a tire in my car and exhaustion we felt we had to in the area or soldiers who were had to stop on the side while the continue our holy work. I had to there for long periods of time. entire convoy continued past us. drive my vehicle the entire day 2. To print a Tanya within Nobody paid attention to the fact and I decided to drink black Beirut. What constituted “within” that we were left behind. coffee. Since we didn’t know how Beirut? What halacha calls Beirut “It was nighttime and there we much time this trip of ours would in the laws of divorce and were in hostile territory. I don’t take, we had not taken along documents. have to tell you how terrified we sufficient food. The physical 3. If possible, to print the were. It was pitch black. I conditions we endured were Tanya near the president’s palace changed the tire with my sense of reminiscent of the stories of the in Beirut, but only if the palace touch alone. We were afraid of a soldiers who returned from the was within Beirut proper, and if it scenario that was all too likely – second Lebanon war who were wasn’t, then not to print it. an armed terrorist suddenly not given sufficient food and 4. To print the title pages with emerging from the trees and equipment. the name of the place and branch, shooting. Where would we run? “When we finished the and to execute the printing of “We quickly finished changing printing, we had to give the local these pages in the place where the the tire and left. When we got to Jews a copy of Tanya, even though Tanya itself was printed. the edge of Sidon, we turned to it was not yet bound. We had to 5. Not to stay in a place of the army camp to find out where fold the sheets, cut and arrange danger. our friends were. By wonderful them, so they could be used. After When I spoke with R’ Shlomo Divine providence, they were we had prepared a few complete Raskin, he still clearly about to leave the area.” Tanyas, we gave them to soldiers remembered that difficult trip to in the area.” print the Tanya: FACING THE “I went to Lebanon in my car TERRORISTS A FARBRENGEN with R’ Goldberg and R’ Popack. We waited at the border for hours They tried to locate the WITH PARATROOPERS for a military convoy that we presidential palace in Beirut, but They returned to Tzfas before could join. The highways in after a protracted inquiry they Shabbos and heard that the Rebbe Lebanon were pitted from the discovered that the palace was had said to bind some volumes of shelling which is why the convoy situated in a suburb of Beirut and Tanya and to go back to Lebanon moved very slowly. Being aware of not in the city itself. Under these and learn from these s’farim with the danger, we traveled closely circumstances, they were not to the local Jews! The galleys were with the convoy, intending to join print the Tanya, but the Chassidim sent to Chaifa, where they our friends who were in the printed a sicha there in order to arranged with the manager of the middle of the printing job. purify the place. bookbinding place that his

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  workers would bind them quickly clouds to rise up that obscured had brought with us. I don’t know and return them as soon as our vision. The road was deeply how many understood our possible. pockmarked and we had to drive Hebrew, but they were very Sunday night, two groups of slowly so as not to fall in, but we moved. Some of them cried and Chassidim headed out for eventually did fall in and the car we too, were very moved.” Lebanon. One group was going to was damaged. One of the military It was only at this point, after continue printing in additional jeeps stopped and a soldier tried fulfilling their mission, that R’ locations and the other group was to help us but after a while he Raskin could turn his attention going to learn a chapter of Tanya continued on his way. towards fixing his car so he could with the Jews of Beirut. “As a result, lots of motor oil return to Eretz Yisroel. A local R’ Raskin was with the second leaked out and we had to find Jew got an Arab to tow the car to group and he tells of his some more oil. The situation was: his garage. To R’ Raskin’s horror, experiences on the way to the we were on a dirt road somewhere he discovered that he had entered Jews of Beirut: in Lebanon which was crawling a hostile Moslem neighborhood, “In our group were R’ Kaplan, with terrorists. We didn’t know the area that they had R’ Shmuel Frumer, and R’ the roads at all. circumvented every time they Goldberg. Before we left, we “An Arab youth who passed by approached it. He was terrified. spoke by phone to a Jew in Beirut in his car did us a favor and took On the sides of the road were whom we met while we printed two of us to his village, but armed terrorists. “We didn’t know the Tanya. We told him to wait for nobody had oil for us. We had no where to hide. We tried not to us in the IDF command post in choice but to return to the car and remain close to the windows so Beirut with some other Jews, wait for another military vehicle. we would not stand out. Baruch members of the community, so we We tied our car to the military car Hashem, we made it home safely.” could learn Tanya with them. We that pulled us to the nearest IDF agreed on a time, but on the way, base. THE REBBE’S all our plans went awry. “We left the car behind and RARE REFERENCE “It was a difficult trip. We continued in a military vehicle to traveled to Beirut as part of a the IDF command post in Beirut. The team of printers was convoy of military jeeps. They We didn’t know whether after all surprised and pleased when they traveled on a dirt road that was the delays the local Jews would found out that the Rebbe had paved especially for the army. still be waiting for us. When we come down to the 13 Tamuz Traveling on this road caused dust arrived, they told us that the farbrengen with the Tanya that people had given up and gone was printed in Lebanon. During home. the farbrengen, the Rebbe said the TO PRINT THE TANYA “We spent the night in the IDF must conquer Beirut, especially when they were already IN SYRIA? HEAVEN American College building that served the paratroopers who were there (a fact that was not yet FORBID about to conquer Beirut. There known to the Israeli public): Although the Rebbe wanted was an air of uncertainty The public likes to hear the Tanya printed in every place regarding the military plan and “exciting news.” There is simple where Jews are to be found, the paratroopers we met were proof that they are already in including Arab countries like extremely tense. We decided to Beirut. On the table is a Tanya Egypt, Tunisia, and Lebanon, the farbreng with them in order to that was printed in Beirut (as it Rebbe did not want the Tanya boost their morale. is says on the title page) a few printed in Syria. “The main speaker was R’ days ago. There was time to It was 5739 when some Frumer and he knew how to speak bring the Tanya here so that it shluchim in Eretz Yisroel were their language. The soldiers who could be on the table during the willing to take the risk of gathered round him sat riveted Yud-beis-Yud-Gimmel Tamuz entering Syria with their foreign until morning. farbrengen! passports. They asked the Rebbe “The next day we met with the They were able to print the and the answer was: Chas Jews of Beirut and fulfilled the Tanya in Beirut because the v’chalila to think in this Rebbe’s instruction. R’ Frumer members of the IDF made the direction, given the danger. learned from the new Tanyas we preparations and helped them print it! [ …]

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& Likewise, here on the table is a Tanya that was printed in Tyre (whose destruction is connected with the rebuilding of Yerushalayim) and they also printed the Tanya in Sidon, etc., and continue to print the Tanya in other places in Lebanon. Of course, printing the Tanya in these places is the spreading of the wellsprings outward, including learning Tanya with members of the IDF. The project did not end in a week. For a long period of time, groups of Chassidim went in and out of Lebanon, especially people from Tzfas, where they printed the Tanya in 14 cities and towns. Rabbi Avrohom Goldberg printing the Tanya in Beirut Sources: Hisvaaduyos 5743 vol. 3; Beis Moshiach; Kfar Chabad; and interviews.

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#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  @E>PPFA FROM RUSSIA TO MOROCCO ON THE REBBE’S SHLICHUS

By Shneur Zalman Berger Motzaei Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh Kislev. The shluchim had convened for the Kinus HaShluchim when they heard the sad news that Rabbi Shlomo Matusof, one of the Rebbe’s first shluchim, had passed away at the age of 91. Rabbi Matusof was born in Russia and suffered under the communist regime until he was able to escape after World War II. He abandoned his plans when the Rebbe asked him to go to Morocco to revive Judaism there. * Biography of a Chassid and shliach of the Rebbe. * Part 1

A SHIDDUCH WITH THE mitzvos under the shadow of Despite being forbidden to teach communist oppression. Torah to children, R’ Shlomo was GUIDANCE AND BRACHA sent to learn in an underground OF THE REBBE RASHAB He was born on Yom Kippur 5677 (1916) in Vitebsk in yeshiva, even though at that time Rabbi Shlomo Matusof’s life of Belorussia. His parents were Rav there was a public trial going on mesirus nefesh did not begin when Yitzchok Isaac and Beila, who were against chadarim in Vitebsk. he went out on shlichus. As a child both Chabad Chassidim. R’ Shlomo also learned with he was forged in a smelting pot of R’ Shlomo was a year old when private teachers, including Rabbi mesirus nefesh for Torah and the Communist Revolution began. Shlomo Mintz, a very elderly

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& Chassid of the Tzemach Tzedek. R’ Shlomo later told that when he learned with him, he studied many chapters of Mishnayos by heart and was spurred on to do so with cash prizes. He also learned with R’ Hillel Beliner, the son of the famous Chassid, R’ Michoel Beliner. When R’ Shlomo was ten, an underground Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim opened in his town and he began to learn there. For two years he learned in the yeshiva in Vitebsk which was run by the menahel, Rav Avrohom (Maiyor) Drizin and the rosh yeshiva, Rav Yehuda Eber. His magidei shiur were Rav Avrohom Brainen and Rav Gavriel Kagen. R’ Shlomo’s wanderings among underground yeshivos throughout Russia began in Iyar 5689/1929 when he was only twelve and a half years old. At first he traveled with some friends to the yeshiva in ^ Mohilev. Due to persecution they ^ had to change the location where they learned each week. They learned in a shul and a private home and so on. The shiurim took place with closed windows, and they posted a guard to warn them of trouble. The conditions under which they learned in Mohilev were very harsh. That is why, after only a year, the talmidim dispersed. R’ Shlomo returned to Vitebsk, where he learned in a yeshiva with only thirty talmidim because of the ongoing persecution and constant fear. What strengthened the young boys and kept them going was the farbrengens. They would sit with the mashpia or with someone from the staff of the yeshiva and on the table would be a bottle of mashke and some farbaisen. They sang niggunim, said l’chaim, and the mashpiim encouraged the T’mimim to continue learning diligently and growing in the ways of Chassidus, despite the obstacles. One of the farbrengens ended in

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  tragedy. It was Purim 5691/1931 five-day trip. R’ Shlomo managed to get a when the T’mimim in Vitebsk The pressure from the certificate to Eretz Yisroel, which wanted to farbreng in the home of government was less intense in was obtained on his behalf by his Rav Dovber (Berel) Yaffe, who was a Georgia and the learning conditions brothers in Yeshivas HaRav Kook. big help to the yeshiva. Although were better. While in Kutais, R’ They also sent him a ticket with Rav Yaffe knew the danger involved, Shlomo tried smuggling across the which to sail by ship. These two he invited the boys to his home for border, but the attempt failed and he items were prior conditions to the purpose of encouraging them. was arrested along with other obtaining an exit permit from the The noise generated by the talmidim as well as some Soviet government. However, to his farbrengen brought the neighbors to distinguished Chabad Chassidim. disappointment, he was refused an contact the authorities. Rav Yaffe R’ Shlomo was the youngest exit visa. was arrested first and then Rav prisoner in the group, being only 16. He was arrested a second time in Brainen. The secret police then He sat in jail for three months and Elul 1935 when the NKVD began a arrested other people who worked was then sent on his way. The older wave of arrests. The top “wanted on behalf of the yeshiva, such as prisoners remained in jail and were man” was R’ Avrohom Maiyor- Rabbi Elya Perr and his son-in-law, sent to Siberia. Drizin, the menahel of Yeshivos Rabbi Boruch Shafrin. The yeshiva Tomchei T’mimim in the Soviet IN MALCHOVKA Union. They were unable to arrest him but seven Chassidim were In the coming months, R’ arrested, including R’ Shlomo, Rav Shlomo remained in Kutais and They were Chaim Elozor Garelik and his son R’ suffered from hunger until he went Mendel, Rav Yaakov Moskolik, transferred to a to the yeshiva in Malchovka in a Rabbi Meir Avtzon, Rav Yitzchok suburb of Moscow, where the Goldin, and Rabbi Abba Levin. cell for prisoners spiritual situation was good. At this The prisoners were taken to the yeshiva were: Rabbi Shmuel Levitin, who were already Lubyanka police station in Moscow. Rabbi Nissan Nemenov, Rabbi Each of them was placed in a Shlomo Chaim Kesselman, Rabbi sentenced to exile. separate cell so that they would not Avrohom Maiyor, Rabbi Shmuel prepare their testimony together. Levin, etc. It was here that The seven were tortured by the R’ Shlomo described the yeshiva NKVD interrogators, who the seven reunited like this: demanded information about who “The two mashpiim, Rav Nissan organized the chadarim and after many Nemenov and Rav Shlomo Chaim yeshivos, who taught, and which Kesselman, learned the Hemshechim months. parents sent their children to these of the Rebbe Rashab with us on a schools. The Chassidim did not regular basis. All the great volunteer information and at the end Chassidim and Anash participated in was closed and R’ Shlomo sat at of the interrogations they were farbrengens… From time to time we home and continued learning on his transferred to the Butirka prison, would review maamarim by heart, own. where they awaited sentencing. even long ones, in the presence of A few months later, formal the great Chassidim who lived in charges were filed against them, FIRST ARREST Malchovka. accusing them of belonging to the AT AGE 16 “There was a bit of a connection (R’ Avrohom Maiyor) Drizin with the Rebbe Rayatz who was in After a waiting period that Organization. The indictment was Warsaw. Occasionally we would get dragged on for months, the hanhala read to each one separately: maamarim as well as personal of Tomchei T’mimim informed R’ “The accused organized learning letters. I also merited this. Thanks to Shlomo that he could go to the for boys and youth called cheider Hashem, for us it was a time of yeshiva in Kutais, Georgia. R’ and yeshiva in Malchovka, which is growth and being firmly established Shlomo did not hesitate, and near Moscow. Their studies took on a Chassidic footing. A pity it although he was only 15, he took a place in homes of counter- lasted only two years.” train on his own to distant Georgia. revolutionaries. They recruited Despite a failed escape attempt, Despite the tremendous difficulty, he young men who were on the managed to daven with t’fillin on the the desire to leave Russia only grew.

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& intellectual level that they could serve as teachers and Turkistan. R’ Yaakov Moskolik and R’ Abba Levin and I they were taught so they could serve as teachers. They were sent to a small village, 35 kilometers from taught Talmud and the various commandments of the Chimkent, by the name of Halkina.” religion. This little village had one street. He was forbidden “The accused spoke disparagingly of the Soviets with from leaving the village and every ten days he had to their students, explaining that the Soviets are against all sign in at the NKVD office. Fortunately, he was not religions and especially against Judaism, and therefore forced to do hard labor. In order to support himself, he every Jew must flee abroad, particularly to Palestine. got permission to go to a nearby town, where he worked They also taught that Jews should leave their official as a bookbinder. places of work so as not to be dependent on Life in the village was harsh. Abba Levin’s wife joined communists. They convinced their students to skip him while R’ Shlomo lived in one room with R’ Yaakov school all week, especially on Saturday when labor is Moskolik (Zhuravitzer). The latter was a distinguished forbidden…” Chassid and a symbol of mesirus nefesh. He made a In the indictment that was six pages long, the phrase deep impression on R’ Shlomo as R’ Shlomo related: “anti-Soviet” is mentioned dozens of times for the “We had set times for learning Torah and we learned purpose of bolstering the at every opportunity. We were ultimate charge: Amendment sent the necessary s’farim and 58, betraying the Motherland. we also acquired some in After reading the Chimkent (a nearby city). indictments it was decided that Among my experiences in this all of them would be exiled to period of exile, I must make Kazakhstan for three years. special mention of the They were transferred to a cell enormous impact on me by R’ for prisoners who were already Yaakov z”l. His outstanding sentenced to exile. It was here traits were his good nature and that the seven reunited after simcha. His good nature many months. They realized literally burst forth from him. that the evil ones had been “If there were no Jews unable to catch the important around to influence, he had an Chassidim who lived in influence on the goyim. I saw Malchovka and only the seven him console and encourage of them had been caught. goyim in their tragedies. They would come to him to be EXILE IN A VILLAGE blessed and he would WITH ONE STREET encourage them. We lived in one room the entire time and he R’ Shlomo described his trip would talk to me a lot and tell from Moscow to Kazakhstan in R’ Shlomo, Elul 1935 in a photograph Chassidishe stories, all with his his memoirs: taken by the NKVD shining face, may his memory “After Tishrei they took us be for a blessing.” to the prisoners’ train and Of course, mitzva returned our t’fillin, which had been taken from all of us, observance was no simple matter in a place like that, but as well as other belongings. We also received food R’ Shlomo continued to fulfill mitzvos and learn Torah, packages from our families and thus we were “wealthy” even if it entailed real mesirus nefesh. Although he men with luggage. They transferred us from station to constantly tried to hide his deeds so that he would not station like dangerous prisoners. At every important stop be caught again, he was arrested yet again, without they walked us to the local jail. That is how we spent a warning and for no apparent reason. R’ Yaakov was also month or more. arrested. They were accused of continuing to work “We arrived in Tashkent, the capitol of Uzbekistan against the Soviet government while serving out their and there we spent a few days in jail. Then we arrived in sentence. Alma Ata, the capitol of Kazakhstan and from there we After a month in jail in Chimkent, they were went to Chimkent, a city in Kazakhstan. That was the sentenced to ten years of exile and forced labor. R’ last stop. The Gareliks were sent to live in Chimkent, Shlomo said his guess is that the sudden harsher and R’ Yitzchok Goldin and R’ Meir Avtzon were sent to

#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  sentence was passed because of the appointment of Yazhov as commander of the NKVD at that time. He decided to open the files of prisoners and to impose the harshest possible punishments. Among these were R’ Shlomo and R’ Yankel. A few days after their sentence was announced, R’ Shlomo and R’ Yaakov were separated and nobody knows what became of R’ Yaakov. Over the years there were guesses as to his fate. Some said he was taken out to be killed, while others said he died in the labor camp. R’ Shlomo figured that because of his health, he died within a short time in a labor camp.

I DID NOT STUMBLE! Yud-Tes Kislev farbrengen in Casablanca. From right to left: Rabbi Eidelman, Rabbi Binyamin Gorodetzky, Rabbi Matusof. Rabbi Gorodetzky gave five francs to each R’ Shlomo was transferred to a student as the Rebbe told him to do. room where prisoners were placed before being sent to labor camps. To In his memoirs, he writes at Nazis. his surprise, he met the Chassid, R’ length and in detail, giving examples Lazer Nanes (“Subbota”) who was about how he managed to avoid arrested in Rostov and was also sent RABBI NEMENOV’S desecrating the Shabbos and RIGHT HAND to exile. These two Chassidim were holidays. sent to the Volga-Lag labor camp, After a while he was transferred When the ten years were up, in where they lived in one barrack to another camp and on Chol 1943, R’ Shlomo was released and together. HaMoed Pesach 1940 he was told then drafted into the Red Army, Their hard labor consisted of that he would be transferred again to which was fighting valiantly against preparing tracts of land for train Kazakhstan and would not need to the Germans. Since he was a tracks. Despite the danger, R’ be in a camp or to work. It was his released political prisoner, the Shlomo refused to desecrate the father who pulled strings and it was government did not want to use him Shabbos, not even rabbinic laws. He finally decided that he would be and he was sent to work in coal paid for this by being sent to solitary transferred to an “open” exile mines in the Turkistan area. confinement or given other without hard labor. After four days, as Shabbos punishments, but he remained After a difficult trip he arrived in approached, he realized that once strong. Kazakhstan and from there was sent again he would have to fight to “Hashem knows that I kept to nearby Turkistan, where he felt observe Shabbos. He decided to take Shabbos and Yomim Tovim very alone since there were no other a dangerous step and desert. He throughout my stay in the prisons Jews at all. It was first a year later, bribed an official at the nearby train and forced labor camps, and I did when the Nazis (may their names be station and took a train to another not stumble, Heaven forbid, not in a erased) invaded the Soviet Union, city and from there he went to biblical law or a rabbinic law, until I that Jewish refugees began to show Tashkent, having heard that many was released after nearly two and a up, and life was a bit easier for him. Chassidim had sought refuge there half years,” is what R’ Shlomo wrote This joy was mixed with great from the war. in his memoirs. sorrow when he heard the news that R’ Shlomo was thrilled to meet “How and what and what price I the refugees brought with them his fellow Chassidim again, whom he paid for this is too difficult to write, about the annihilation of the Jewish hadn’t seen for years. He integrated because every Shabbos and holiday people. He ultimately found out that into the Chabad community and was is another story, and most are many of his own family, including even appointed to teach Torah to the different from one another.” his parents, had been killed by the children of Anash. At a certain point,

 )FPIBS #'1 +-1&' !& he went with R’ Nissan Nemenov to yeshiva. He brought R’ Shlomo with at the end of World War II, leaving Samarkand. That was in the summer him to help fundraise and hide the the Soviet Union via Lvov. After he of 1944 when the yeshiva in money. He also provided the and a few others escaped, the rest of Samarkand grew and they felt it bachurim with food and clothing. the Chassidim dared to try it too. At needed a special mashpia to devote (His work in Samarkand was the end of the winter of 5708, R’ himself to the talmidim. described at length in this magazine Shlomo arrived in France and for R’ Nissan was brought from in the memoirs of his good friend, R’ two years he was a maggid shiur in Tashkent and he became the main Chaikel Chanin.) Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim in mashpia of the yeshiva while also R’ Shlomo was one of the first Brunoy. taking responsibility for running the Chassidim to dare cross the border [To be continued, G-d willing.]

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#'1 +-1&' !& 'PPRB  8TH EUROPEAN MOSHIACH CONGRESS TO BE HELD IN BEIS MOSHIACH, LONDON ON 19 KISLEV

The Beis Moshiach - Beis Menachem Chabad the Rebbe’s Shliach in Cincinnati, Ohio who has been communities of London UK are eagerly awaiting its an extremely popular Keynote Speaker starting from annual European Moshiach Congress which coincides the 1st Moshiach Congress, eight years ago. He will with a grand Yud-Tes Kislev Farbrengen celebration at again move the assembled with his words of Chassidus Beis Menachem. Many and inspiration, presented in a practical and often hundreds of people are expected to pack Beis warm humorous fashion. Menachem’s expansive hall, where they will celebrate The Farbrengen is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM the Chassidic Yom Tov marking the release of the Alter on Thursday evening Yud-Tes Kislev (November 29). Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of , from prison A celebratory Seuda and L’chaim will be served. Men and the Birthday of Chabad Chassidim. and women are welcome to attend the Farbrengen free Members of Chabad Lubavitch communities from of charge. many countries including Belgium, France, Hungary, On Motzaei Shabbos, there will be a Melaveh Italy, United States and Eretz HaKodesh will be Malka held at the Golders Green branch of Beis joining Anash in the UK for this festive and joyous Moshiach UK and will star Special Guest Entertainer event. Many are expected to travel the long distance and Singer Yoni Shlomo. to join in the festivities. Chaim Yitzchok Cohen, Founder and Menahel of Beis Moshiach UK, will address the assembled and welcome the many participants from all walks of Jewish life. He will introduce the Guest Speakers, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Gafni, Rabbi Hershel Gluck, Professor Shlomo Kalish, Rabbi Dovid Partouche and Keynote Speaker Rabbi Shalom Ber Kalmanson,

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