Shabbat Parshat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim

C a n Y o u A ffo rd to O wn a B a nk Living with the Whether you have hundreds of dollars to spare or hundreds of thousands of dollars, you should consider opening up a bank. You might actually even be a financial institution already! No, this is no "get rich quick" scheme, nor does it have anything to R eb b e do with the state of the economy, past or present. It's just a Adapted from the works of the Rebbe, little lesson in understanding whose money it all is anyway. Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson A philosopher once approached Rabbi Gamliel and asked the rabbi if the commandment to give charity is not contrary to This week we read two Torah portions, Acharei and Kedoshim. human nature. "Isn't it only natural for one to be afraid that by The portion Acharei begins with the words, "And G-d spoke to giving charity one will become poorer?" queried the philosopher. Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron." Nadav and "On the contrary," replied the erudite rabbi. And, in age-old Avihu, both of whom were truly righteous men, were consumed Jewish fashion, he began to answer the question with a question by a great fire. Why did they deserve such a harsh punishment? of his own. "If someone asked you for a loan, would you give it The Midrash offers some reasons why Nadav and Avihu died: to him?" They entered the Holy of Holies without permission; they "Well, that all depends on whether I knew the person or who performed their service without wearing the required priestly was guaranteeing the loan," he answered. garments; they were not married and thus had no offspring. But "And if," continued Rabbi Gamliel, "the loan was guaranteed what was so terrible about these infractions that it brought about by the head of the government, would you agree?" their premature deaths? "Most certainly," was the reply. Studying the cause of Nadav's and Avihu's passing, we find a "By giving charity, we are merely extending a loan guaranteed common element in each infraction. Chasidic philosophy explains by G-d. In Proverbs it says, 'One who gives generously to the that Aaron's sons died precisely because of their high spiritual poor is extending a loan to G-d, Who will pay back everything stature. Nadav and Avihu possessed an overwhelming love of G- that is owed.' G-d repays money to the giver in this world, and d, which ultimately blinded them to their true purpose. Their puts the reward on deposit for the World to Come. If G-d has deaths were caused by their good intentions which ran counter guaranteed the money, who can possibly be more trustworthy to G-d's intent in creating the world. Aaron's sons' desire to than Him? So, why should anyone fear that he will become merge with G-dliness was incompatible with human existence. poorer by giving charity?" Their souls so longed to be one with G-d that they could no Rabbi Moses Maimonides, in his laws dealing with giving "gifts longer remain in their physical bodies, and the two men died. to the poor," states unequivocally, "No one ever became poor On the one hand, this attests to Nadav and Avihu's high from giving charity." In fact we ought to thank G-d for putting spiritual accomplishments. But on the other hand, their behavior His trust in us! He could have given someone else a sizeable was considered sinful because man was not created solely to fulfil his spiritual yearnings. G-d created man for the purpose of income/ inheritance/lucrative business deal. But He trusted us making the world holy through the performance of the Torah's with the money, fully expecting us to "loan" it out appropriately. commandments. For, in reality, all of our money is not really ours. It belongs to G-d gave us the responsibility to refine the world, purifying it the One Above who runs that Big Bank in the Sky. He gives it to and enabling physical matter to become a receptacle for holiness. us so that we can help others with it. G-d desires a "dwelling place below," not for us to follow only A Sage was once asked why G-d made some people rich and spiritual pursuits and disdain this world. Nadav and Avihu's other people poor and then commanded us to give charity. excess in the realm of the spiritual, to the exclusion of the Wouldn't it have been easier to give everyone his needs, thereby physical, was their downfall. bypassing the "middle-man?" This is why the verse reads, "...when they had come near The Sage answered that the giver actually receives more than before G-d, and they died." Their death was not the result of the recipient. He is being given the opportunity to help another their actions, but rather, the essence of their sin. Aaron's sons person, which is more valuable than money. drew so close to G-d that physical existence was impossible. Charity is not just a loan, though, it is also an investment, as Entering the Holy of Holies without permission was therefore the following story illustrates. Rabbi Akiva felt that, though the symbolic of ascending too high; performing the service while wealthy Rabbi Tarfon gave charity generously, it was not being improperly clothed shows an unwillingness to "clothe" according to his means. "Would you like me to invest some oneself in mitzvot (commandments), that are called the garments money in real estate for you?" Rabbi Akiva asked Rabbi Tarfon. of the soul. Nadav and Avihu wanted to take the "short cut" to G- Rabbi Tarfon was delighted to have Rabbi Akiva take care of d, without having to trouble themselves with the obstacles posed the business transaction and gave him 4,000 gold coins toward by the physical world. this end. Rabbi Akiva took the money and immediately Likewise, the fact that neither Nadav nor Avihu married and distributed it amongst the poor of a certain town. had children showed their refusal to lead a natural, physical Later, when Rabbi Tarfon asked how his real estate was doing, existence. Such a path to G-dliness was too cumbersome for Rabbi Akiva brought him to the small town that had been them. However, this is not what G-d wants from us. rejuvenated thanks to the 4,000 gold coins. Rather than being We learn a valuable lesson from their death: Although there upset, Rabbi Tarfon was delighted and touched. "You are my are certain times when we feel a strong desire and longing for G- master and teacher, you are wiser than I," he said to Rabbi dliness and we experience a great spiritual uplift, we must carry Akiva. those feelings into our daily lives and translate them into tangible Distributing charity is investing in real estate: You're helping actions. This is the purpose for which we have been created - to buy your-self a "home" in the World-to-Come. transform our physical surroundings into a dwelling place for the Divine Presence.

L‘C ha im W eek ly N ewsletter

Lubavitch. One day, while in Lubavitch, Reb Yosef was greatly surprised to meet Solomon. Solomon had resigned from his job with the Count, and had now come to Lubavitch to study and be near Reb Dov Ber. Reb Yosef lived in Beshenkovitch. He was no ordinary man. He Reb Dov Ber had an interesting announcement for Reb Yosef: "I knew the Talmud virtually by heart and earned the greatest respect am appointing you as rabbi of the synagogue on Market Street. You from the scholars of his town. no longer need to be a wagon-driver. My father appeared to me last On a visit to Rebbe Shneur Zalman in 1804, he was advised, night and told me that Yosef of Beshenkovitch has fulfilled his amongst other things: "For the benefit of your soul it is better for purpose. you to be a wagon-driver than a rabbi." Years passed by. In 1814 Reb Yosef was offered the Rabbinate in the town of Lieple. Reb Yosef recalled Reb Shneur Zalman's words some ten years earlier! "It is better for you to be a wagon-driver T ho u ghts T ha t C o u nt than a rabbi." He realized that now was the time to fulfill the (Klei Yakar) Rebbe's advice. He refused the offer. Do not follow the ways of Egypt where you once lived, nor But, how could he become, of all things, a wagon driver now at of Canaan, where I will be bringing you. Do not follow any the age of seventy? Eventually he mustered up enough courage and of their customs (Lev. 18:3) went to the local wagon station. "Yes, rabbi," asked the drivers, "where would you like to travel?" This verse is not exhorting us concerning transgressions; those are "I have not come to travel but to learn to become a wagon- detailed later. Rather, it is informing us concerning the actions and driver," he answered softly. The wagon drivers could not believe deeds which are permitted; they must be performed in a different their ears. That night Reb Yosef came home dirty and bruised. He manner from the non-Jewish people in Egypt and Canaan. Even our found his wife in tears. She had heard of her husband's visit. eating and sleeping should be done in a Jewish way. Reb Yosef explained the Rebbe's instructions. She told him, "If the Rebbe told you this, you mustn't delay even a day. Tomorrow I will (Siftei Emet) sell my jewelry and you will be able to buy a wagon." You shall be holy because I am Holy (Lev. 19:2) A year passed and Reb Yosef was used to his new lifestyle. One evening he stopped over at a Jewish inn. The director introduced him to Solomon Gamitzki, a friend and employee of the Batchaikov The Midrash explains that these verses were said during the Count. Gamitzki agreed to travel with Reb Yosef. "Hakhel" years when all of the Jews were assembled together in Reb Yosef said, "tomorrow morning, G-d willing, we will make our Jerusalem. The fact that these words were said in public teaches us way. that even in the street, so to speak, one should be holy and not be "What time?" asked the visitor. ashamed of one's Jewishness. "After praying," was Reb Yosef's reply. "At what time?" retorted Gamitzki. "To me it makes no difference (Divrei Shaarei-Chaim) whether you pray or not, I need to know when we will travel, to know when to wake up, wash, and eat." "...And pray," concluded Reb Yosef. You shall not stand [idly] by the blood of your neighbor "That I leave for you," said Gamitzki. (Lev. 19:16) When Gamitzki realized Reb Yosef would not leave until 10:00 am, he ordered another coach for 5:00 am. In addition to a command concerning someone in physical danger, Gamitzki went to sleep for the night. Shortly after midnight, he this verse is also an instruction for spiritual rescue. If one sees a Jew awoke bewildered. Someone was crying. He opened his door and who is in danger of spiritual "drowning," it is forbidden to just stand saw Reb Yosef sitting on his floor, reading by candlelight and crying. there and watch. You must do all you can to help him. And, if you He was reciting the special midnight prayers. say, "Who am I to go out and save a soul?" the very fact that you Reb Yosef's crying went deep into his heart. He began recalling his are aware that the other person needs help and is in danger is proof youth, his father, his teacher, the wife and children he had left when that you have the ability to save him. he became non-religious. His entire past opened up before his eyes. When the night came to its end, Solomon watched Reb Yosef pray, with great devotion. He started to cry. At 5:00, the innkeeper (Likutei Sichot) came to Solomon and told him that his coach was ready. But Solomon had decided to travel with Reb Yosef. Hours went by. Reb You shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am G-d (Lev. Yosef was still praying. Solomon, overcome with anguish, went to 19:18) the innkeeper, borrowed his talit and tefilin, and prayed, too. Out of his deep remorse, Solomon became sick. For several days, Love of a fellow Jew is even greater than love of G-d. He who loves he hovered between life and death. The count sent his own doctor, a Jew loves the one whom G-d loves, as it is written, "'I love you,' but the doctor gave up hope. says the L-rd." To love that which the beloved loves is even greater Reb Yosef remained at Solomon's bedside, guiding him and than loving the beloved himself. helping him in his decision to return to his family and Judaism. Eventually, Solomon was strong enough to leave the inn and Reb (Rabbi Shneur Zalman of ) Yosef went home. Reb Yosef planned a visit to the Rebbe, Reb Dov Ber, who had succeeded his father, Reb Shneur Zalman, after his passing. He traveled together with other Chasidim to the city of

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L‘Chaim contains sacred writing, please do not deface or discard. Acknowledgements to Lubavitch Youth Organisation, USA If you would like to dedicate an issue for a Simcha or a Yahrtzeit please call the office. L‘C ha im W eek ly N ewsletter T H IS SH A B B A T N E X T SH A B B A T

SHABBAT PARSHAT ACHREI MOT-KEDOSHIM SHABBAT PARSHAT EMOR

Friday, 5 May œ 7 Iyar Friday, 12 May œ 14 Iyar Candle lighting...... 4:50 pm Candle lighting...... 4:44 pm Mincha ...... 5:15 pm Mincha ...... 5:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat...... 6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat...... 6:30 pm

Shabbat, 6 May œ 8 Iyar Shabbat, 13 May œ 15 Iyar Shiur in Chassidic Thought ...... 8:30 am Shiur in Chassidic Thought ...... 8:30 am Shacharit ...... 9:30 am Shacharit...... 9:30 am

Shiur in Practical Halacha ...... 4:15pm Shiur in Practical Halacha ...... 4:15pm Mincha followed by Seuda Shlishit...... 4:45pm Mincha followed by Seuda Shlishit ...... 4:45pm Maariv and Shabbat ends ...... 5:50 pm Maariv and Shabbat ends ...... 5:44 pm

YAHRTZEITS MORNING AND EVENING MINYANIM Wishing you all long life. Our weekday Minyanim are growing from week to week, and we Ernie Ford Brother Louis Henry Ford 8 Iyar thank all those who have recently committed to a specific day etc.

Jonathan Rabinovitz Mother Chava bas Zeev 10 Iyar However, they are still not strong enough. We still have many spots Hedley Gordon Father Yisroel ben Avraham 11 Iyar on our roster waiting to be filled, please approach the Rabbi or Steven Bedil Mother Esther bas Tavi 10 Iyar Chanoch to fill another spot.

KIDDUSH JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST We have recently begun serving a delicious healthy breakfast after The Kiddush this week is sponsored by Simon and Pandora Shacharit each morning. Our breakfast ranges from cereal, toast, Grabinar on the occasion of the naming of their daughter. eggs, espresso coffee, yoghurts, fresh vegetables and more.

Attention Ladies and Girls All welcome, come to the Minyan, feed your soul and then hang around to feed your body. We are delighted to announce that Rochel Gelman is back again for the next few months. She will be providing fun and educational programmes for our girls and one on one learning for both Ladies SHABBAT MEVARCHIM LUNCH and Girls. 27 MAY 2006

Rochel is available for one on one learning on Mondays, Tuesdays Please join us for our monthly Shabbat Mevarchim lunch on Sunday and Thursdays after school and during the day for ladies. So if you 27 May. The lunch this month is kindly sponsored by Tony and are interesting in learning to read Hebrew, understand your prayers Robin Mitchell. or anything you want, call Rochel at the office or 0433 572 430. There are ten time slots available of either 40 mins or 1 hour.

We encourage you to use this opportunity as doing so will be BEIT MENACHEM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING extremely valuable for yourselves and the community at large. The Annual General Meeting of members of Beit Menachem Congregation will take place on Sunday, 7 May 2006 at 97 Killeaton Street, St Ives at 8:00pm.

MINCHA THIS SUNDAY @ 5:05 PM Followed by Maariv.

YOUTH/CHILDREN SERVICES FRIDAY NIGHT Pre-school 7:00 œ 7:30 pm Chaya Israel/Gila Zeff LEFT CHEDER CLASSROOM Years K-4 Years 5-6 (Girls only) 7:15 œ 7:30 pm Chanoch Sufrin FRONT PORCH Bat Mitzvah Girls 7:15 œ 7:30 pm Sharon Sinclair THE RABBI‘S OFFICE High School Boys 6:45 œ 7:30 pm Bochurim œ Shmuli & Levi RIGHT CLASSROOM

SHABBAT MORNING Pre-school 11:30am œ 12:00pm Sharon Sinclair THE RABBI‘S OFFICE Years K-2 11:00am œ 12:00pm Rivka, Dani & Sandi RIGHT CLASSROOM

L‘C ha im W eek ly N ewsletter by Marc Wilson

Into the Circle

The music is joyous, and the exuberant dance home, a moment's greeting at two weddings the torn, the fallen away, the otherwise is itself the gift of life. and a bar mitzvah, and that is about it. rejected and dejected. It does not cost a penny, just the hopefulness that rejoicing and My mentor and friend Reb Leib Groner caught Reb Leib is also one of that handful that gave exuberance can restore ones soul. up with me recently at his granddaughter's me validation during hard times. Do not think wedding. Broad smile across his face, he for a moment, however, that the validation And, I further realize that never once through nonetheless chided me, "I haven't seen much was all warm fuzzies. He is an expert all my dalliances in the various "liberal" of your writing lately." practitioner of tough love. With insight and denominations of Judaism have I ever been so consultation with the Rebbe - which in itself eagerly invited into the circle. It then comes to So, I countered with a wisenheimer retort. touched me for the magnitude of his concern - me more clearly than ever that the saintly "Maybe you haven't been looking in the right he chided and cajoled me to take challenging Rebbe and Reb Leib, Rabbi Yossi, their places." steps that became the turning point for my Rebbetzins, their colleagues and disciples, may personal and professional restoration. well be "orthoprax" - unwaveringly meticulous in their traditional practices - but not by any Besting me with his quick wit and an means "orthodox." For they are the least advantage of at least 50 I.Q. points, he shot My veneration for Reb Leib and his son has an additional dimension. They are intensely narrow, most worldly and unconditionally back, "Maybe that's because you haven't been inclusive in the basic doctrine of their faith: writing about the right things!" orthodox Jews, black hats, caftans, untrimmed beards, all the accoutrements. I, on the other "The circle has room for everyone. Let me pull hand, am fallen-away orthodox, still greatly you into the circle and galvanize the strength You might not know who Reb Leib Groner is. respectful of its pious way of life and still you never knew was yours. The music is For forty years, he was the private secretary, closely aligned with its theology, but no longer joyous, and the exuberant dance is itself the personal aide and intimate confidant of the strictly observant of all of its nuances and gift of life." Grand Rabbi of Lubavitch ("Lubavitcher demands. Father and son are well aware of Rebbe"), spiritual leader of the world's most that. Reb Leib, thank you for giving me life by influential Chasidic community and Jewish drawing me into your circle. Your charge has outreach program. To know of Reb Leib's Yet, their warmth is genuine, their acceptance been fulfilled: I know that at least for once I worldly wisdom is to realize that he must have written about the right thing. speed-read the New York Times, Wall Street is non-judgmental and unconditional, their Journal and 17 other periodicals each day, in welcome is enthusiastic, never a proselytizing addition to his daily devotion to intense prayer, word toward their way of life, just to be an communal needs, and the study of Torah, honourable person and to conduct my dealings with integrity. mysticism and Chasidic philosophy. LEARNING LADIES AND GIRLS Attention Ladies and Girls These emotions rushed forth fresh and new I came to know Reb Leib through his son, Yossi, the Lubavitch emissary to the Carolinas, just a day ago at Rabbi Yossi's daughter's wedding. I pop my head into the pre- We are delighted to announce we have been a man (nearly) as gifted as his father and able to secure the services of Rochel Gellman mother. He is my Jewish exemplar, teacher, ceremony reception, and with a flick of Rabbis Groner - junior-and-senior's hands, I am again for the next few months. confessor, and one of a scant handful of She will be here again to provide fun and compassionate people who stood by me and beckoned to a seat at the head table. An hour later, I am standing on the sidelines watching educational programmes for our girls and to validated my humanity during the hardest provide one on one learning for both Ladies times in my life. the exuberant Chasidic dancing, and in a moment, Reb Leib is yanking me by the arm, and Girls. pulling me into the dizzying circle, tightly Rochel is available Mondays, Tuesdays & I have spent numerous Sabbaths and Holy gripping my hand as this man twenty years my Thursdays during the day and after school Days enjoying the hospitality of Rabbi Yossi senior nearly lifts me off my feet in response hours. So if you are interesting in reading and his brilliant, quick-witted wife, Rebbetzin to the tumultuous music. Hebrew, or learning a Sicha or a chapter of Mariashi. I have watched intently as their ten or anything at all please call the office children have grown to adolescence and and speak to Rochel, or contact Yehoshua adulthood, and prayerfully as their son, please The meaning of that yank is unmistakable: Israel through the office. God, surmounted a nearly devastating "Not words, but passion draws you to our We hope everyone will help us support this leukemia and bone marrow transplant. circle. No one is a wallflower when we rejoice." programme. We have 10 time slots of either 40 mins or 1 hour to fill (at $25 or $35 / hour respectively). I have spent relatively little personal time with As I realize that Reb Leib is tugging at me, not Doing so will enable us to continue this into Reb Leib. I catch myself as I write these at one of the attending dignitaries or Chasidic the future, which is extremely important for words, because on the clock the time has been rabbis or well-heeled donors, the yank takes our girls and a very valuable resource for the relatively meager, but all the encounters have on one more meaning: The circle is especially ladies of the community as well. been intensely personal: two Sabbaths in his intended for the least among us - the tattered,

A person need not worry about what will become of his business activities when Moshiach comes. On the contrary, he can rest assured that all the activities that he carried out according to the Torah's guidelines - even those that are not directly associated with the Torah and its mitzvot (commandments) - are of value. However, this also points to the importance of a person keeping the fundamental purpose of his business activity in mind, and making sure that his efforts are directed to revealing G-d's honor. (The Lubavitcher Rebbe, 13 Iyar, 5751)

(Torah Or)