1 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~June 27, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת קרח | כ'ד סיון , תשס”ח | בס”ד weekly vOL. i | NO 32 June 27, 2008 | Sivan 24, 5768

H orav Hagan Hachossid Reb Yisroel Jacobson

The Rebbe then told him, “Do you know how to speak to my father? To my father you need to speak as one does during Yechidus, and say the following, ‘Rebbe, I am the shliach from your son and your Rebbetzin. They made me a shliach’. ” The Rebbe also added, “You will probably be at the Ohel the same time that I am davening here, so my davening will be with a geshmak, an ecstasy.” Pages 4-5

A Joyous Siyum TZNIUS At the Mesivta Oholei Torah is our

Summer's Challenge. Forty-three students were tested on the whole tractate of Bava Basro Take Chizuk from: Page 16 WAKE UP AND SMELL THE HERBS! Rabbi Segal Page 2 Take a stroll through Crown Heights be amazed at the variety of herbs you can find, just growing at Rabbi Gluckowsky Page 13 your feet.

B'nos Melech B'Yachad Page 13 Page 12

Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 Rabbi A. Osdoba: ❖ Monday to Thursday 10:30AM - 11:30AM at 390A Kingston Ave. ☎Tel. 718-604-8000 ext.37 or 718-604-0770 Sunday-Thursday 9:30 PM-11:00PM ~Friday 2:30PM-4:30 PM ☎Tel. (718) - 771-8737 Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily 10:30 to 11:30am ~ 2:00pm to 3:00pm at 788 Eastern Parkway # 210 718~604~8827 ❖ & after 8:00pm 718~756~4632 Rabbi Y. Schwei, 4:00pm to 9:00pm at 796 Montgomery St. ☎ 718~773~3146 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ☎ Rabbi Y. Zirkind: 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzei Shabbos Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110 Rabbi Bluming is available Sunday - Thursday, 3 -4:00pm at 472 Malebone St. ☎ 718 - 778-1679 Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:0am -11:30am ~ Fri 10:am - 1:00 pm or 8:13 9:21' ☎ 718 -604-0770 Gut Shabbos Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm 2 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~June 27, 2008 The Vaad Hakohol Tznius for Men and for Women Community Update: By Rabbi Shlomo Segal But we do not find at the time that this By Rabbi Shea Hecht a commitment to add more cameras in was the traditional custom of the entire Member of the Bais Din of Crown the neighborhood. Jewish people. A few weeks ago Commissioner Ray- Heights mond Kelly called Crown Heights’ But in our times, wearing a yarmulka He also pointed out how easy it is for Question: What community leaders together for a attained a certain strength, as the Rebbe us to be helpful: are the significant meeting. cites in his letter published in the sefer cautious steps Shaarei Halacha Hosofas Umiluim 1. Many homes have video cameras that need to be The meeting was attended by lead- pg. 26, “Addressing the issue itself, already. If every homeowner that taken by Chabad ers representing all the parts of our in which he writes that covering the already has a camera can move women and girls community. The attendees were black head is considered only a chassidus it so they can also get an angle in the wearing of and white, Jew and non Jew, business or enhanced custom--the halacha has of the street, it would be very modest garments representatives and those from the already been stated that covering the helpful. in the hot summer local non-profit organizations, as well heard is an obligation for every person days and the obli- as representatives of Project Care. who is observing Torah and Mitzvos. 2. Video cameras are cheap. They gation of tznius in This is relevant not only according are clear, precise and give good the country and The police department was represented to the poskim who hold that this is a imagery. Everyone is encouraged anything similar. by the Commissioner, Chief of the factual Halacha based on Gemoro and to put cameras around their Department, Chief of Community Answer: We find in the Talmud and in Rishonim, but also the poskim who house and get an angle of the Assistance, Chief of Detectives and Halacha that there are two principles dispute this opinion agree that in our street. Chief of Patrol. that although they are not prohibited generations, walking with an uncovered by the Torah, our sages have placed a head signifies one’s removing of himself This would be very helpful to the police The meeting special emphasis on them to the extent the yoke of Torah and Mitzvos, and this department and started with that one who transgresses them is would mark an effort on one’s part that the security of our the represen- considered trangressing the Jewish he should not be recognized as the son community. tatives of the religion. of Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov, who police depart- studies Torah and fulfills the Mitzvos, It was stressed that The two principles are: 1) Modest gar- ment giving and that it should be said about him that with the summer ments for Jewish women and girls as a report of he is, G-d forbid, not from the Jewish coming up and stated in the Mishna and the Gemoro in all the hate nation, since his walk and clothing is more kids on the Kesubot 72a that one who transgresses crimes that similar to a non-Jew.” street, we do need the custom of tznius is considered took place in a greater police trangressing “Dat Yehudit”, the prin- We derive from this that in addition the 71st and presence. ciples of Jewish religion. 2) Covering to the fact that according to Halacha 77th precincts the head of every Jew, referring to one is obligated to cover his head, this since January I once again the yarmulka, which is customary by halacha is also unique in the sense that it 1st. Each case ex pla i ned t he every Jewish male and in our days has distinguishes Jews as the chosen people was given with importance of become a symbol signifying the differ- amongst other nations. It is simply an update as to where the investigation understanding the triangle. One point ence between a Jew and a non-Jew and understood that there is no place for is holding to date. of the triangle is the Jewish community; l’hvadil between an observant Jew and one to conduct oneself in way similar one is the black community, and third one who is not yet observant. to other nations. There was a general discussion about part is the police. the rise in crime. There was a feeling In the times of the Talmud and even Likewise, the Minchas Elozor writes that the rise in crime doesn’t necessarily in the Rambam’s times, we do not yet in his sefer Divrei Torah chapt. 22, Over the past year much has been talked reflect the reality because in this age of find an emphasis on a male needing to “As our eyes see, and especially in our about improving relations between the information the word gets out almost cover his head. The Rambam in Hilchos generation regarding the principles of black and Jewish community; however, before things happen, and there is not Deot (5:6) states that Scholars conduct the Jewish religion, that one who is such talk leaves out the third part of the enough emphasis placed on importance themselves with modesty and do not lenient with them is an obvious porek triangle which is the police. We must of the truth of information that is have their head uncovered. Likewise, ohl, removes the yoke of Torah and work on better understanding between circulated. it is stated in Moreh Nevuchim (part Mitzvos of himself.” all three communities. Police need to 3. chapt. 52) that our great sages were have better understanding of people, Similar to the above-mentioned relat- We pointed out that when perpetrators cautious in not having their head and people better understanding of ing to the covering the head with a are caught, that news is not always exposed because the Shechina hovers those who need to protect us. yarmulka, which the poskim have spread as widely as the bad news. over them. In the tractate of Kidushin instituted, it is understood that this 31b, it is cited that Rav Huna, the son If we all work to do our share we will also applies to women and girls wear- One of the issues discussed was ways of of Reb Yehoshua, would not walk four have a much safer community. ing modest clothing, as stated in the deterring and catching criminals. cubic feet with his head uncovered. Mishna, Talmud and Shulchan Aruch May we be blessed with a safe that this is based on Dat Yehudit, The commissioner discussed the impor- summer. Newspaper principles of the Jewish Religion, which tance and power of video cameras. In Community differentiate between the Jewish nation fact, he told us that the killers of Russell and other nations and between an Timoshenko were apprehended with 392 Kingston Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225 observant Jew and one who is not yet the help of video camera from outside observant. a building. The commissioner gave us Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights. Therefore, in the same sense that it is Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol an established fact that one needs to one needs to be particular that the a sitting position.” Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman cover his head everywhere because Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary sleeves should cover the entire arm, this is Dat Yehudit, principles of the The Alter Rebbe wrote likewise in his Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) including the elbow. The dress should Jewish Religion, in the same sense, Shulchan Aruch [chapt.75] that the feet All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It cover the knees also while when one is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless one needs to be particular in wearing need to be covered with socks. sits. As specified in the Rebbe’s letter otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced modest clothing. without the consent of the publisher. [Shaarei Halacha Uminhag vol. 4 pg. The hair of the head also need to be Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not The size of the clothing length is 145], “In reference to the question covered. As it is known the Rebbe’s be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond already specified in the Rebbe’s letter, that many have asked regarding the opinion [Shaarei Halacha Uminhag the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. published clothing size, my opinion is known vol. 4 pg. 144] that it is preferable that All advertisement designed and prepared by the that the size which is standard for all one should wear a shaitel than a hat or in the sefer Shaarei Halacha Uminhag CHCommunity Newspaper are the property of the women and everywhere is that the a kerchief. newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the vol. 4 pg. 143 and on. It was accepted knees should be covered also while in consent of the publisher by the entire Jewish community that June 27, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 3

The Rebbe's Sicha Parshas Korach 5740

Korach’s spiritual level was very high be mentioned in their rebellion, as it Parshah can be called Korach. Sec- Editor’s note: It would be noteworthy to is stated: “Unto their assembly let my ondly, and more importantly, there is a mention that after the Sicha, Chassidim Published and copyright © by Sichos In glory not be united.” And where is his lesson here for every person. We learn began singing the nigun Vchol Karnai English name mentioned with Korach? When that while at the same time guarding R’shoim, and the Rebbe interrupted the their genealogy is recorded for the against adverse influences, we should nigun, saying, “We have just discussed There is a perplexing question about services [in the Temple] in Chronicles, endeavor to bring every Jew closer to the quality of Korach, yet in spite of this week’s Parshah. Why is it called as it is stated, ‘the sons of Eviasof, the Torah. Although externally he seems to this the nigun was selected?! Choose Parshas Korach when Korach was the son of Korach, the son of Yitzhor, the be a “Korach,” in reality that Jew can be another nigun!” one who quarreled with “Moshe who is son of Kehos, the son of Levi, the son of reached by communicating with him true, and his Torah is true?” Instead of Yisrael.’” In explaining why Yaakov is in his own idiom. We know that if we Editor’s note: It would be noteworthy to having his name perpetuated, shouldn’t not mentioned, why is the second half “train a child in his own way, when he mention that after this Sicha, Chassidim it be counted among “the names of the of Rashi’s commentary, “and where is is old he will not depart from it.” began singing the nigun V’chol Karnai wicked should rot?” The Gemara Y( oma his name mentioned...” necessary? R’shoim, and the Rebbe interrupted the 38b) comments on the names of the We shall surely be successful in our nigun, saying, “We have just discussed wicked saying, “their names should rot The reason is as follows:W hen a young task, for “none shall be banished from the quality of Korach asa Tzadik gomur, by not mentioning them.” This would child learns about Korach’s rebellion Him,” thus helping to hurry the realiza- yet in spite of this, the nigun V’chol be especially true in this case since against Moshe, he will immediately tion of the promise, “I will hurry it (the Karnai was selected?! Sing the nigun there is a commandment “Do not be ask: If Korach was such a bad person, redemption),” with the coming of our Hine Mah Tov!” like Korach and his company.” why is the Parshah named after him? righteous Moshiach. The second part of Rashi’s commentary This question is compounded by the answers this question. Rashi directs us fact that most Parshiyos are named to look at Korach as a person, thus mak- after the first word in the Parshah (e.g. ing a distinction between the person Vayeira, Vayeitze, Vayishlach etc.). In and the rebellion which bears his name. this Parshah, however, the procedure We see that Korach’s lineage goes back is changed. Instead of the first word to Yaakov and that the genealogy of his in the Parshah, Vayikach, the second descendants who serve in the Temple word, Korach, was chosen! (this includes the first, the second, and the future Temple) is traced back to The puzzle becomes more complex Yaakov through him. If Korach would when we consider the following: In be from another lineage, for example Parshas “Vayeitze” the second word, Israelites, then all his descendants “Yaakov,” is not included in the Par- would not be Levi’im. shah’s name. Why then is this week’s Parshah given the name Korach when From the above we must conclude Korach was a wicked person who that Korach was in essence good; that rebelled against Moshe? Although the the sins he committed were caused by name Korach is mentioned in the Torah, an external factor. The phrase, “even Korach is nowhere found as the name though he sins, he remains a Jew,” of the Parshah given in the Mishnah, indicates that a sin is an external thing the Gemara, or in the Bereisah. It is first to a Jew. The Rambam states that a mentioned in the works of the Geonim, Jew does not wish to sin, but that “his and then by the Rambam, and it has inclination forces him.” It is never too now become the custom of Jews to call late for a Jew to do repentance, since the name of this Parshah Korach. Why “none shall be banished from Him.” was the name Korach chosen for the name of this Parshah? We find examples of other Jews who, like Korach, sinned grievously, but were To understand the explanation we of a very lofty nature.Y erobam, the son must make a distinction between the of Nevot, was the opposite of one who individual Korach and the rebellion is “himself meritorious, and caused the of Korach. many to attain merit.”N evertheless, he is the only person of whom it is said that Due to his illustrious ancestors, G-d wished to link His name with him Korach’s spiritual level was very high. in his life, as He said to him, “Return, Korach descended from Yaakov Avinu, and I, you, and the son of Yishai will as it is stated in Chronicles (1, 6:22-23), walk in the Garden of Eden.” Similarly, “Korach the son of Yitzhor, the son of the Gemara (Sanhedrin 102b) relates Kehos, the son of Levi, the son of Yisrael the following regarding King Menashe (Yaakov).” As a child, Korach’s “breath who committed the sins of placing an was pure, without sin,” and still later he idol in the Temple and idol-worship: was one of the “bearers of the Ark.” It “After RavA shi had said an undesirable was only later in his life, when he was thing about him, he appeared to Rav forced to choose between good and evil Ashi in a dream and rebuked him. The in this world, that he sinned by rebelling reason is that since he repented, he against Moshe. However, this was not may have attained great heights, and his essence. In essence, he was the “son therefore one may not speak against of Yisrael,” and the command, “Do not him. be like Korach and his company,” came about only after he had sinned. The same concept applies to Korach. The fact that he sinned grievously has This explanation helps clarify the Rashi no reflection on the great personal level on the first verse in the Parshah. On he attained. He sinned because “his the verse “the son of Yitzhor, the son inclination forced him.” of Kehos, the son of Levi,” Rashi com- ments: “It does not mention ‘the son of We learn two things from the above. Yaakov,’ for (the latter) sought mercy First of all, we understand why the for himself that his name should not 4 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~June 27, 2008 Our Heroes

Horav Hagan Hachossid Reb Yisroel Jacobson weeks. In the beginning of Elul, while we were staying in Karantin, our four­ Kislev 3, 1895—Sivan 17, 1975 the course of the years, he received profits, but after they were reported and a half year old daughter Chaya Soro Rabbinic ordina­tion at the Yeshiva. to the government everything was became ill with scarlet fever and needed (Adapted from the Sefer Zikoron L’bnai confiscated. RebY isroel recalled in his to be hospitalized for six weeks. We Yisroel) In his autobiography, Reb Yisroel wrote, memoirs that in 1924 he began working visited her every day and left her gifts. Part I “From 1909, I did not miss spending a tirelessly to expedite his departure for When the consulate learned that our Rosh Hashana in Lubavitch with the the United States. daughter was ill, they instructed us not By Rabbi Michoel Seligson Rebbe Rashab. In 1915, when the Rebbe to enter the building for the next three Rashab moved to Rostov, WWI had In early 1925 dur­ing a meeting of months. If we violated this regulation Any attempt to review the life and broken out and therefore I was unable chassidim, it was decided that when a we would never receive a visa. accomplishments of the illustrious to visit the Rebbe”. chossid left Rus­sia he should try to bring chossid Rabbi Yisroel Jacobson can out and assist the students left behind. During the Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen best be described in the words of Reb Since Reb Yisroel in Riga, my friends bid me farewell and Yehoshua Dubrawsky, who wrote about was traveling to the we were on our way. Traveling via Berlin Rabbi Jacobson after his ptira Y[ id­dishe U.S. he accepted and Paris, we boarded the ship for the Heim issue #65]. this responsibility. U.S. in Havre, France. On the fifth of Teves, we arrived on American shores “To write a biography of Rabbi Jacobson Trip to the United at Ellis Island. The following Shabbos, or even an overview of his life, I would States I went to the shul that had invited me not take upon myself. It is impos­sible to the U.S. but it was closed. Evidently, with mere words, to describe the During a Yechidus the Shul had been “established” to bring large segments of communal life and in late Adar, the me to the U.S.” individuals in whom he blew a wind Previous Rebbe of Torah, a wind of Judaism and a advised Reb Yisroel Parnossa was difficult. Reb Yisroel wind of Chassidus. Many decades of that he should begin tried different options, and ultimately activities on behalf of the community at arranging his trip to became the Rav in a shul in Brownsville, large and the individual are so densely the United States. which was considered the Jerusalem of overgrown with generations of fruit, Until he departed, America at the time. His first Farbren- that it is difficult to be familiar with all he should serve as a gen took place on the 2nd of Nissan in the different aspects of his activities. mashpia in Homil. the Tzemach Tzedek shul on 184 Henry In his constant movement he plowed The Rebbe also Street and made a deep impression on through large territories in spreading asked if Reb Yisroel Anash. They asked where Reb Yisroel Judaism, attracting Jewish souls, return­ could travel on his lived and then began coming to his shul ing wandering souls, treating Jewish behalf to Rostov on Shabbos at Shalosh Seudos. wounds and rejuvenating downfallen on the 2nd of Nis- Jewish hearts in all corners. san for the hilulo On Motzoei Shabbos Parshas Shmini, of the Reb Rashab. Reb Yisroel helped organize a meeting Dedicated to the public and to the At the conclusion in Rabbi Simpson’s house, at which individual he led a selfless life. His name of the Yechidus, the Agudas Hatmimim was founded. was always associ­ated with “something” the Rebbe gave Reb This organization consisted of twenty and with “some­one” a mosad, a public, Rabbi Jacobson with his wife and 3 daughters Yisroel money for former students of Yeshiva Tomchei a matter of Torah, a topic of Torah and a train ticket from Tmimim in Russia residing in the U.S. chassidic life. As a result, at times he The wedding and the years of Leningrad to Moscow. He instructed The function of this organization was on three different phone conversations, hunger that upon his return he should enter to raise funds, collect “Maamod” for warming one person with a Chassidic into Yechidus again. the Rebbe’s personal needs, attempt to vort, giving a second person solid guid­ In 1920, Reb Yisroel married Reb- bring additional students from Russia ance, and with a third and a fourth at betzin Chava, the daughter of the When Reb Yisroel came for Yechidus, to the U.S. and consider the establish­ least, giving a sweet smile and a fatherly chossid Horav Yehoshua Heshel Levin. the Rebbe reviewed the Maamor that he ment of a cheder that would have the touch.” The wedding itself was a restricted affair had delivered on Shabbos and explained spirit of Yiras Shomayim. with little food. 1920 and 1921 were that it was difficult for him to say the To date, there has been no published years of hunger and the newly married Maamor because of pain in his side. The Agudas Chassidei Chabad was already article that presented in a consolidated couple also suffered hunger. That year, Rebbe then gave Reb Yisroel pidyonos in existence, having been established in format the biographical outlines of his the Rabbonim allowed people to eat and instructed him to get a pidyon from the summer of 1924 upon the Rebbe’s life, including all of his many accom­ kitniyos or beans on Pesach, something the Rebbe’s mother, the Rebbetzin directive. It was located in a factory plishments. Several books including customarily pro­hibited. In 1922 Reb Shterna Soro. The Rebbe then told owned by the popular Kramer brothers Rabbi Jacobson’s own documents were Yisroel organized a yeshiva in Homil in him, “Do you know how to speak to my who supported the Previous Rebbe’s drawn on for this article. order that the students need not travel father? To my father you need to speak efforts and activities. This organization to Lubavitch. as one does during Yechidus, and say also sent funds to the Rebbe and Yeshiva Rabbi Yisroel Jacobson was born on the following, ‘Rebbe, I am the shliach Tomchei Tmimim in Warsaw. the third of Kislev 1895 in Zurowitz On one occasion when the Previous from your son and your Rebbetzin. to Reb Yaakov Leib, a descendent of Rebbe visited the city of Lubavitch, They made me for a shliach’ ”. The Publishing a Likutei Torah the Sheloh and one of the Tzemach Reb Yisroel consulted the Rebbe about Rebbe also added, “You will prob­ably Tzedek’s chassidim. There were no a livelihood. The Rebbe advised him be at the Ohel the same time that I am As a result of Reb Yisroel’s membership melamdim in Zurowitz so the young not to open a store rather to work as davening here, so my davening will be in Agudas Chassidei Chabad, a sugges­ Yisroel studied Gemoro with the Rav a broker. This provided an income, with a geshmak, an ecstasy.” tion was made to reprint the Likutei of the ashkenazim in the city. When in addition to some assistance from Torah, the Alter Rebbe’s discourses, for he was somewhat older, a Lubavitch relatives in the United States. Reb Yisroel left Russia for Latvia with a thousand dollars. During a Farbren­ chossid convinced his father to send his family at the end of Tamuz 1925. gen on the hilulo, yahrzeit of the Alter the young boy to Lubavitch. He was When Reb Yisroel’s parents immigrated Reb Yisroel described the events. Rebbe in Reb Yisroel’s house, Reb ten-years-old when he came to the to the United States in 1923, the Russian Yis­roel urged everyone to contribute city of Lubavitch and on the 2nd of government had started persecuting “It is hard to put in words the feeling to this project. Cheshvan he entered into Yechidus Jews and tried to limit Jewish schools that in a few moments we would be with the Rebbe Rashab together with and mikvaos. The following year, Reb leaving Russia. When we arrived in Anash in the United States were encour- his father. The Rebbe Rashab referred Yisroel formed a business partnership Riga, we were told by the embassy that aged by the new mosdos and the pub- his father to the hanhola, the faculty of with his friends and they sold synthetic the authenticity of my invitation to the lishing of the Likutei Torah. the yeshiva who entered the young boy materials and purchased material from U.S. needed to be verified. This took six into Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim. Over Poland. The business brought in great June 27, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 5

Reb Yisroel then began a tireless effort was somewhat diminished. The news Chassidus Shiurim and chassidim. to bring people out of Russia. He suc­ media was present in full force to cover Farbrengens cessfully brought out a number of great the Rebbe’s arrival. As the Rebbe came In 1937 Agudas Chassidei Chabad chassidim who later served as Roshei off the ship, photographers’ flashbulbs The Rebbe also urged the chassidim decided that since Reb Yisroel had Yeshiva or Rabbonim in their respective went off, and people pushed each other to give shiurim in Chassidus. Reb served as a director of Agudas Chassidei communities. to get a glimpse of him. A motorcade Yisroel began giving a Tanya shiur and Chabad without any payment, they escorted the Rebbe to Rabbi Simpson’s occasionally a shiur in Likutei Diburim, would fund his trip to the Rebbe. Reb In Sivan 1927, when the Rebbe was house in Boro Park. the Previous Rebbe’s Sichos. He would Yisroel would bring all the pidyonos to arrested and imprisoned, chassidim go from one shul to another giving the Rebbe and report on the activities in the free world began to pursue any The Rebbe asked for Reb Yisroel. He shiurim. In his own shul, Reb Yisroel in the U.S. Reb Yisroel traveled on and all options to free the Rebbe. In the wanted to know why the crowd had not would give a shiur in Ayin Yaakov. He the 25th of Tamuz to Poland where U.S. chassidim worked with lawyers, been allowed to greet him and give him would leave his shul immediately after he stayed near the Rebbe for approxi- familiar to Lubavitch, lobbying senators shalom. He told Reb Yisroel to check if borchu and rush to the next shul where mately a month and a half. The things in Washington to pressure the Russian there was a Rabbi, Rebbe or Ben Torah a shiur was scheduled. he heard from the Rebbe during that government to release the Rebbe. The present and to immediately allow them time made such a great impression on Rebbe was finally freed and was ready in to see him. A crowd gathered and the Reb Yisroel would make Farbrengens him that many years later he was still to leave Russia for Riga. Chassidim Rebbe went onto the porch of the shul in his home on Yud Tes Kislev, Yud unable to sit down and record them. needed to raise funds so that the lack on the first floor to address them. Beis Tamuz, Simchas Torah, and other of money should not keep the Rebbe significant days and many people would Achos Tmimim – chassidus shiurim from leaving Russia. Reb Yisroel and The Rebbe stayed at 184 Brooklyn attend. This also attracted numerous for the women a small group chassidim met with the Avenue in Crown Heights in a house bochurim to Chassidus, including Kramer brothers in their factory on prepared exclusively for him. He spent Horav Meir Greenberg, who later When Reb Yisroel was in Yechidus with a wintry Friday and advised them to the month of Tishrei with the commu- became the Rav in Patterson, New the Rebbe, the Rebbe told him about immediately contribute the 4,000 dol- nity in Crown Heights. Reb Yis­roel sup- Jersey. He became a member of the the mosad Achos Tmimim in Poland lars needed. Reb Yisroel insisted that if plied the Rebbe with an Esrog mehudar. new shiur chassidus established for the and encouraged him to establish a the money was not raised that day, he After Tishrei, the Rebbe began traveling bochurim. Reb Yisroel began giving branch in New York. The function of wouldn’t leave the factory. The money to various cities and speaking for large shiurim to bochurim during the week Achos Tmimim was for girls to study was raised and the funds were sent via audiences in different shuls. Prior to and on Shabbos. Some of the bochurim Chassidus, Tanya, and Maamorim. Riga and Reb Mordechai Dubin to the the Rebbe’s return to New York, Reb felt, that the shiurim were too difficult On one occasion, the Rebbe sent the Rebbe in Russia. Yisroel would receive notice from the for them. Reb Yisroel told them that chossid Reb Moredchai Chefetz, the Rebbe’s secretary so that he could his home was open for them at any mashpia of the Achos Tmimim in Riga, Calabria Esrogim make arrangements for the Rebbe. time and that they could always come to Farbreng with the girls in the United The Rebbe fasted quite often during to talk with him. A young bochur once States. As a result of the Farbrengen, In early 1928, when Reb Yisroel went his stay in the U.S. On one occa­sion, came to Reb Yisroel’s home wearing the girls asked for an increase in their to purchase esrogim for Sukkos, he Reb Yisroel told the Rebbe, “We are an American styled hat. He felt too studies. Reb Yisroel, Reb Yochanon found that there were no Kalabria, Italy greatly aggravated that the Rebbe is not uncomfortable to come into the house. Gordon, and Reb SA Kazarnovsky esrogim available. For the upcoming eating. The Rebbe’s health is important Reb Yisroel spoke to the bochur saying received specific directives from the year, Reb Yisroel arranged that the to us.” The Rebbe responded, “I miss the Lubavitch bochurim studying in War­ food?! Yesterday I saw that you brought saw should send ten Kalabria Esrogim Mezonos which your wife baked, so I to him. In later years, Reb Yisroel would took something, to eat with milk.” The supply the Previous Rebbe and the Rebbe was consulted regard­ing the Rebbe, as well as many chassidim with bylaws of Agudas Chassidei Chabad Calabria esrogim. In 1955 Reb Yisroel and it was decided to establish branches began traveling to Italy to personally in different parts of the city and include supervise and select the esrogim. additional members.

In mid 1929, a newsflash was relayed Prior to the Rebbe’s arrival in the U.S. to chassidim in the U.S. The Previous there had been rumors and excitement Rebbe was planning a trip to the U.S. over the fact that the Rebbe might be on behalf of Russian Jewry. Reb Yisroel settling in the U.S. Over the course of recalled, “Anash in the U.S. were not his visit, the Rebbe made it clear that sophisticated enough to prepare and he would not be doing so. Regarding host such a royal visit. However we this matter, the Rebbe once said to Reb Achos Tmimim in Riga with the Rebbetzin Shterna Soro mobilized ourselves and notified all the Yisroel, “They spoke with me about differentA nash shuls about this special settling in the U.S. but I am not up that clothing are in accordance with Rebbe regarding what to learn with the visit and an awakening began. As the to it. My coming here was as a public the time and place, as long as they do girls. This increased the involvement Rebbe’s visit, came closer, it became communal figure. I have a sense and a not have a negative influence. But if a of the girls in chassidic studies and necessary to employ a full time person success in it but this is not my inyan. My person would begin wearing a Russian conduct. in the Aguch office to spread the news inyan is chassidim and chassidus.” style hat, it would seem peculiar. This and coordinate the arrangements.” comforted the bochur. In 1938, Reb Yisroel’s oldest daughter, When Reb Yisroel saw that no one Chabad Ladies Auxiliary Chaya Soro, was married to Horav appropriate for the job he committed Reb Yisroel’s shiurim and influence Shlomo Hecht. After their wedding, himself. Reb Yisroel and Reb Berel During his visit to the U.S. the Rebbe reached far and wide, beyond the with the Rebbe’s permission, they Rivkin decided that the Rebbe needed encouraged the establishment of a calculation of the community. Some traveled to Otwock where Reb Shlomo to stay in the most distinguished place Ladies Auxiliary to strengthen the felt threatened that he was trying to studied in Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim. upon his arrival and chose a hotel in observance of family purity laws. make all the bochurim into Lubavitch Reb Shlomo later became the Rebbe’s Manhattan. The Auxiliary also worked to spread chassidim. shliach in Chicago. He served there Yiddishkeit and support Lubavitch until his last day on Menachem Av Rebbe’s arrival in the U.S. mosdos. Rebbetzin Jacobson took on a In the following years, chassidim visited 1979. large role in the work of the Auxiliary the United States and Farbrenged with The Rebbe arrived on the 13th ofE lul, and it was blessed with much success. Next week: A group of Reb Yisroel’s local chassidim. Among them were September 18, 1929. A large crowd came On one occasion the members raised students travel to Otwock before WWII. Reb Yitzchok Gorowitz, also known to greet the Rebbe and stood for hours money to buy a Sefer Torah for a shul. Reb Yisroel’s activities through the mid as Reb Itche Masmid, Reb Mordechai in the pouring rain waiting for his ship Over the course of time, branches were 70’s. Chefetz and additional chassidim who to arrive. Delayed many hours, the ship established in Brownsville, the Bronx, were dispatched from Europe to raise (To be continued) arrived in the evening and the crowd Bensonhurst and Boro Park. funds for the Rebbe and warm up 6 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~June 27, 2008 Shiduchim

Matchmaking Online: Chabad Reps Give the Brides Away LUBAVITCH HEADQUAR- on a road trip across Ukraine and seriously. a mate through Chabadmatches have TERS -- (January 14, 2008) Russia to publicize the site and help access to a rabbi and cantor for their By: Rebecca Rosenthal people become more comfortable with A more informal, but highly effective ceremony. the idea of finding a spouse online. example of Chabad’s international Reprinted from Lubavitch.com Checking up on references is also part network of representatives at work is Despite the miles that separate the of the requirement for joining Brazil’s on the Shluchos Network. Created as Ukrainian, Brazilian and Floridian It’s 2008, and Jewish dating websites Ahava.com.br, but like all Chabad sites, a bulletin board where women who sites, they have much in common. Each are booming. JDate, which requires religious observance is not. run Chabad centers can exchange one was started to serve singles in their no proof of Jewish heritage, leads the ideas, many messages on the Shluchos own area, but they have all received pack with a membership of 650,000. “Non-religious Jews are 99.9% of our Network describe community members worldwide interest in their services. SawYouAtSinai has 25,000 members. users. Half are not affiliated with a seeking mates. In these situations, the Portuguese speakers from Miami, Jeru- Ohev Sholom a Washington, D.C., synagogue at all,” said Rabbi Yossi Internet comes the closest to the tried salem and Japan are members of Ahava. synagogue has gone so far as to give free Schildkraut of Beit Chabad Itaim, in and true method – word of mouth – Ukraine’s Mazeltov site has members SawYouAtSinai membership to singles, S. Paulo, Brazil. To keep Jews of all that has brought couples together for across Russia, United States and Israel, who participate in synagogue events. backgrounds from feeling intimidated generations. and will be launching a full English site In this feature Lubavitch.com put on by the site, it does not include any Jew- to accommodate the demand. its best outfit and found out what it’s ish content. Aside from mother hen watchfulness, like to find a mate through Chabad’s Chabad sites provide other, distinctly In Aventura, Chabadmatches.com shidduch – matchmaking websites. “We have more nice Torah classes, Jewish perks. In Brazil, 8-10% of the added a full time coordinator to help Jewish websites, more rabbis in more divorcees registered on Ahava have busy Chabad representatives register No longer is the matchmaker the village locations than any time in history, but Chabad conduct Jewish divorces for their community members. busybody who knew families and their the number one problem in the Jewish them, clearing Jewish legal obstacles foibles. world is singles finding a Jewish person that would hinder a new marriage. “It’s a very important part of our lives, to marry,” said Rabbi Schildkraut. Ukraine’s Mazeltov provides Jewish and a very important part of a commu- Today’s Yenta is an algorithm whirring ritual items for the couple. The tallit nity. There are so many single and lonely in a server miles away. “We don’t want people to leave our prayer shawl Roman wore during his people around,” said the site’s executive site thinking it’s not for them because marriage to Leah last week in Chabad administrator Mariana Furmanski. “Everyone is crazy for internet dating,” we put up information they weren’t of Moscow’s Marina Roscha synagogue said Rabbi Laivi Forta of Chabad of ready for.” was a gift from Mazeltov. “All that’s needed is a little dedication Aventura. “But it has to be done the from the Shluchim to register their right way.” As the head of a Brazilian Jewish Program supporter Timur Mindich, single congregants. The rest is very matchmaking program for 22 years, another Or Avner graduate now split- simple.” Around the world Chabad centers have Rabbi Schildkraut knows the dating ting time between Kiev and Israel, created websites crafted to avoid the scene cold. Many Jewish people marry has underwritten the cost of entire From her mouth to G-d’s ear to the pitfalls endemic to Internet dating. All outside of the faith, he said, not out of weddings for needy couples who met chuppah. are free, eliminating financial obstacles disaffection for Judaism, but because through Mazeltov. Floridians who find to the hunt for a spouse. All are designed they cannot find a Jewish mate. to ascertain that registered users are Needle in a Haystack will be back next week with an interview with Jewish. Linked to Chabad centers, they “So many people come to shul on Shab- ChabadMatch.com. Are you using all the tools at your disposal? return some of the personal touch and bat, but their wife is not Jewish. They concern of the old matchmaker missing couldn’t take being alone anymore. Shidduchim Group Conference Calls! Don't miss them! in newfangled sites. They gave up.” Monday June 30 10pm NY time. Young men. 712-432-1680-access 861278 New: Thursday general shidduch chat: 10pm NY time call 712-432-1680 To receive a password to register on Seven years ago, Rabbi Schildkraut’s access 861278 בס”ד Mazeltov, a site run by Chabad of singles program made the leap to the Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, users first web, and it started raining men. Online present papers to confirm their Jewish dating is less threatening to Brazilian heritage to a local rabbi. machismo than turning up at a singles Great news!!! Great news!!! event. Now men make up 40% of the ChabadWeekly.com “I get screamed at a lot by people who 2000 members, well above the 16% are not Jewish and want to register,” said of the pre-Net days. In a 2003 Jewish ‘Chabad Weekly’ is an online listing of - Full page ads, Events, Liza Goldenberg, who has been running Federation survey, matches made Advertisements, Jobs, Sales, Housing and much more. the site since its inception in February through Ahava accounted for 7% of 2006. “But there are plenty of sites that all non-conversion Jewish marriages The concept of ‘Chabad Weekly’ was taken from Craigslist, where don’t have this requirement.” in Brazil. you post your information free, and re-enter your information every seven days. After registration, Goldenberg calls Among the newest sites is Chabad of the potential user to chat. “We only Aventura, FL’s Chabadmatches.com. want people who are serious about Begun in 2007, the site utilizes the Advantages: getting married, who are normal, not Chabad worldwide network to protect 1) Text and images are free. pranksters or people looking just to its singles from misrepresentation 2) Your information will stay on site for seven days. date,” she said. and mismatches. Jewish singles get 3) Post it yourself – with no middleman. passkeys to the site through their local 4) Your information is neatly posted (header in center, and At least 40 couples met and married Chabad rabbi or by contacting the site details/images to the right). through Mazeltov in the past year. administrator directly. Users browse 5) Site could be sorted in many ways, to make your search Goldenberg suspects that the actual profiles, but they can only chat with number of marriages is higher. “People their chosen single once their rabbis easier and faster. are embarrassed to say they found a talk and concur that the two have any 6) ‘Full page’ section, where you can upload your image or husband on the Internet, so they don’t potential as a couple. document to be displayed on a full page (useful for posting tell us.” yers, brochures etc). Full page section is not free. “We don’t want people to waste time In celebration of the site’s second and emotions on someone who is totally Sponsored by: UnionApartment.com. birthday, Goldenberg, a graduate not for them,” said Rabbi Forta. So Where you will nd our accommodations of Chabad’s Or Avner school in far four couples, ranging in age from comfortable and pleasant. Dnepropetrovsk, will be embarking late twenties to mid-fifties, are dating June 27, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 7 From Shedlitz to Safety A Young Jew’s Story of Survival By Rabbi Shimon Goldman Wineberg, another member of our pearing from the city. Shocked by the be reunited with the Rebbe and our group. An outstanding Tomim, Reb victory of the Allied Forces and afraid many friends. Exerpted from the book with the Yosef served as our spiritual ambas- of possible retaliation, they slipped out author’s permission Obviously, many others shared the sador of sorts, always busy with spiritual of Shanghai and fled back to Japan. same feelings of hope and jubilation. Continued from previous issue public service. As mentioned earlier, We rejoiced openly as American tanks Though we had all lost close family and Rabbi Kramer arranged our physical rolled into the streets and the first I first met Nochum in Vilna. He trav- friends in the concentration camps, gas affairs — our passports, our visas, and American soldiers appeared. No longer eled straight from home, and arrived chambers, and mass killings, we took other necessities — but Reb Yosef would we suffer cruel treatment at the in Vilna carrying a few suitcases of solace in the fact that these atrocities busied himself with our spiritual needs. hands of the anti-Semetic Japanese. belongings. Having fled Poland with had ended. The war was over; Germany Whenever we needed to write a letter The ghetto boundaries were removed, only the clothes on our backs, we stared and her allies had surrendered. The Jew- to the Rebbe, we naturally chose Reb enabling Jews to walk through the city at Nochum in disbelief, hardly believing ish community of Shanghai rejoiced, Yosef to compose the letters on our once more. that people still used luggage in these relieved that the worst was behind behalf. Similarly, during our short chaotic times. It gave us a thrill to see a We discovered many Jews among the them. Even the economy improved. stay in Russia, it was Reb Yosef who Jew traveling like a normal person even American soldiers, mostly from the East endangered himself by speaking with Despite our longing to leave Shanghai, in wartime, complete with suitcases Side or other areas of Manhattan. Quite local Chabad Chassidim, conveying the we quickly learned that life had not yet and packages. a few soldiers spoke a fluent Yiddish, Rebbe’s message to them and offering resumed its normal course. The travel and we felt a sense of exhilaration just Though somewhat older than me, words of inspiration. Reb Yosef lent industry was in a shambles; ocean liners sitting in their company.Y israel Sappir, Nochum and I formed a close friendship his full assistance to these and other had not yet resumed operations. Our a Jew living in Shanghai, even discov- — a bond that lasted throughout our spiritual matters. only choice was to board an army vessel ered a close family relative among the wanderings in Lithuania, Japan, China, headed for the United States. Military Reb Tzvi Kotlarsky, another friend of soldiers! Naturally, we spent every spare and, eventually, the United States. After ships lacked the many amenities and mine, was among the nine bochurim moment with these friendly soldiers, the war, Reb Nochum moved to the comforts readily available on passenger fortunate enough to receive Canadian trying to glean whatever information Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, ocean liners, but we could not bear to we could about Jewish life in the United New York. He was an active communal remain in Shanghai a moment longer. States. leader and a successful businessman, a After hurried consultation, we decided kind person who always lent others a Soon we received a telegram, notify- to reserve places on the warship, eager helping hand. ing us that the American Embassy of to see the Rebbe once again. (Flying Shanghai already had our visas waiting by airplane was simply not an option. Reb Yechezkel Deren — my learning in their offices.N eedless to say, we were Tickets were exorbitant, and we could partner in yeshiva — was another close overjoyed! We went to the embassy not afford the airfare.) friend. A prolific Torah scholar and and, indeed, received visas for the G dfearing Jew, Reb Yechezkel was In the days preceding our departure, we entire yeshiva. Contrary to standard known for his refined manner, Chas- set out to arrange new sets of clothing. procedure, the American government sidic conduct, and pleasant demeanor. Back in Poland, our Chassidic dress issued a “group visa,” instead of separate After we arrived in the United States, included a long frock (kapotes) that documentation for each individual. This Reb Yechezkel married the daughter was worn even on weekdays. However, was due to the direct efforts of Senator of Rabbi Sholom Posner — one of the during our five-year stay in Shanghai, Taft and Mr. Burns. very first Chabad emissaries — and we found it physically impossible to moved to Pittsburgh. Reb Yechezkel Rabbi Sholom Posner As time progressed, we received more obtain such kapotes, particularly dur- was around the same age as me. His and more letters from America. Tzvi ing the war. Only the older bochurim visas after spending just a few weeks father, Reb Yisrael, was an Alexander Kotlarsky continued writing to us, persevered, continuing to wear their in Shanghai. Though safe and secure Chassid who lived in the village of describing all the latest developments Chassidic dress while the younger stu- in Canada, Reb Tzvi’s thoughts were Vishokov. among Chabad Chassidim and keep- dents slowly changed to short jackets. always with us. Immediately after the ing us apprised of all the latest news This bothered us greatly, particularly (This village is known among Chabad war and the resumption of the postal concerning the Rebbe. We also got since the Rebbe Rayatz had specifically Chassidim because of a respected service, Reb Tzvi began sending us letters with detailed instructions about asked, “Do not change your Shabbos or Chassid who lived there — Reb Chaim letters, describing life in theW est, and our upcoming journey to the United weekday garb.” Meir Liss. Though I never met him we deeply appreciated his letters. States. personally, I heard many stories about Now, with the conclusion of war and Renewed Efforts this great Chassid, his warm heart and One of the packages we received con- the improved economy, acquiring good deeds. Reb Chaim Meir began a With the war behind us, we redoubled tained a recording of cantorial music. kapotes suddenly became feasible Chassidus class in Vishokov, teaching our efforts toward procuring entry This was the first time we had seen such again. Obviously, we could not just local scholars the fundamentals of visas for the United States. The postal a thing. The tape was sent for Yisrael order a kapota from a tailor. Rather, Mr. Chassidus, drawing them slowly closer route between Shanghai and America David Rosenberg, a bochur with a Chanin helped us obtain the necessary to the Chassidic way of life. One of his resumed normal service, and we sent beautiful voice and an ear for music. material for our kapotas. He brought us closest disciples was Reb Yisrael — the off a flurry of letters to whomever we Yisrael David was renting a room with huge bolts of dark fabric, which we then father of my friend, Yechezkel Deren. could, asking for assistance in receiving two other bochurim — Moshe Feder gave to a local tailor along with detailed entry visas. Hopefully, we would soon and Yehoshua Bronstein — and they measurements on how to sew a kapota. One year, the rabbi of Vishokov gave the be reunited with the Rebbe. invited me to come over and hear the We even instructed him to make the customary Shabbos Hagodol sermon, tape. I could see a look of pure bliss on customary slit that is found in back of clearly outlining the laws of Pesach as Rabbi Raichik, the principal organizer Yisrael David’s face as the rich voices on Chabad kapotas. The tailor was Mr. they pertain to various kitchen utensils, of our group, did not rest until we the tape filled the room. Jewish tapes Shmueli, a Jewish master tailor who and other laws. After the sermon, the received the necessary documentation. are commonplace now, but this was a set up a tailoring business in Shanghai. congregation began discussing the In the United States, the Rashag (the new experience for us, and we enjoyed He sewed our kapotas so expertly that rabbi’s speech amongst themselves. eldest son-in-law of the Rebbe Rayatz) every song on the tape. people in America later stopped us to “The rabbi spoke about comprehensible joined forces with the famed Rabbi admire his fine tailoring! things,” an unlearned villager was heard E liezer Silver from Cincinnati, and the In a sense, our current conditions to say. “He spoke about plates, spoons pair worked incessantly on our behalf. resembled our previous escape from Knowing how much this meant to the and forks, pots and pans. Even I know They met with Senator Taft — a Senator Vilna and arrival in Kobe, Japan. Here Rebbe Rayatz, we were overjoyed to what he’s talking about. However, when with much clout in the United States too, we experienced the entire gamut receive our newly finished kapotas, and Chaim Meir learns Chassidus with Senate — and he proved helpful to of emotions that come with total we packed them in together with our Reb Yisrael, this must be true Torah our cause. Mr. Burns, the Secretary of change. Once again we felt the dizzy belongings. In a way, the new clothes — because I don’t understand a word State, also took a personal interest in rush of exhilaration that comes with were symbolic of this new period in our he says…” (I heard this story from my our case and saw to it that entry visas freedom and the escape from tyranny lives, a fresh start to life. After years of father-in-law.)) were issued for our group. and oppression. This time, however, wandering and confusion, we were now our joy and excitement reached fever entering a period of relative calm. I must also mention Reb Yosef Meanwhile, the Japanese began disap- pitch for, at long last, we would soon 8 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~June 27, 2008 Parshas Hashavua

“וידבר אל קרח...בקר וידע ה’ את אשר impressive looking person who offered לו ואת הקדוש” .Vedibarta Bam ~ Korach to teach him esoteric Torah knowledge By: Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky He replied, “Before I can agree to accept The name “Korach” conveys to us “He spoke to Korach... ‘In the morning your offer, I must consult with my the nature of his personality. It has G‑d will make known the one who is “ויקח קרח” Rebbe, the Maggid of Mezritz.” The the same letters as the Hebrew word His own and the holy one.’ ” (16:5) “Korach separated Maggid listened attentively and then “kerach” — “ice.” For an advocate of [lit., took] himself.” said, “It was very wise of you not to QUESTION: Why did Moshe push using a cold and frigid approach to (16:1) immediately agree, because the person them off until the following morning? spiritual matters and serving Hashem who approached you was from the realm QUESTION: only with logic and understanding, ANSWER: When the Jewish people of evil. Incidentally, tell me, where did According to the name “Korach” — “kerach” — is were in the wilderness their source you get the intuition to turn down such Midrash Rabbah appropriate. of food was manna from Heaven, and a seemingly valuable offer?” (18:3) Korach con­ each morning they would go out and fronted Moshe with the following Rabbi Nachum told him that when he find their daily allotment.A ccording to question: “Is it necessary to place a The two radically different approaches was a very young boy, his mother passed the Gemara (Yoma 75a) the righteous mezuzah on the doorpost of a room to Torah are illustrated by a story of away. His father remarried and his (tzaddikim) would find their manna filled with Sifrei Torah?” Moshe replied the Ba’al Shem Tov. He once told his step-mother treated him very harshly. on the doorsteps of their tents. An affirmatively, and Korach argued, students that anything a Jew sees or “Once, when I came home from cheider intermediate person (beinoni) had to “the whole Torah which contains 275 hears is not a function of mere chance, to eat lunch, my step-mother was not leave the camp to gather it, and a wicked parshiot cannot exempt the house, yet but caused by hashgachah peratit — home. On the stove were fried eggs. person (rasha) had to go some distance a mezuzah which contains only two Divine Providence — and intended as Knowing the size of the portion my and expend considerable effort to gather parshiot exempts it?!” a message for the individual. step-mother would usually give me, I his portion. took a somewhat smaller portion for Logically, Korach’s reasoning made Afterwards, the disciples went out into Therefore, Moshe told Korach and his myself. She came home while I was sense: Why should a room filled with the street and noticed a group of villag- followers that “In the morning G‑d will eating and slapped me. I asked her, Sifrei Torah require a mezuzah on the ers singing and dancing. It was a holiday make known — according to where you ‘What have I done wrong? You were outside? celebrated by chiseling out a cross from find your manna it will be obvious if not home and I took less than what you Aharon is the tzaddik or you and your ANSWER: The slogan of the early would normally have given me.’ (מהר”ם שי”ף) ”.followers Reform movement in Germany was “Her reply was ‘Alein nemt men nit’ “Yehudi beveitecha ve’adam betzeite- Alternatively, the Gemara (Berachot — ‘You do not take by yourself.’ This cha” — “Be a true Jew at home, but on 19a) says that if one sees a Torah scholar episode taught me a lesson which the outside be a person like everyone commit a transgression during the remained with me throughout my else.” Similarly, Korach said of the evening, one should not have suspicion entire life. Regardless of all my calcula- Jewish people “Kol ha’eida kulam about him during the day because it is tions, ‘Alein nemt men nit.’ ” kedoshim” — “The entire community is definite that by morning he will have holy” — “uvetocham Hashem” — “and With the word “vayikach” — “and he done teshuvah. G‑d is among them” (16:3). He meant took” — the Torah is emphasizing Korach and his people were Torah that the Jews were all holy since they all Korach’s fatal error. Though he was scholars and, in essence, great men. had G‑d “betocham” — in their hearts. a wise person, and according to all Moshe was confident that during the He asserted, thus, that it is sufficient to calculations he felt that he was right, he night they would realize their mistake be a good Jew on the “inside” without unwisely wanted to take something on and do teshuvah. Hence, their rebel- openly showing it on the outside. his own, and “alein nemt men nit.” lion against him, which in reality was a rebellion against Hashem, would “וישמע משה ויפל על פניו” Moshe vehemently disagreed and (שער בת רבים) .insisted that even if a home or individual cease the frozen water of the river and danc- is saturated with Torah, it is imperative “Moshe heard and fell on his face.” ing with it through the streets. Deeply “ואם בריאה יברא ה’ ופצתה האדמה (to also manifest one’s Torah convictions (16:4 disturbed, the disciples hastened back את פיה ובלעה אתם ואת כל אשר להם in public, to let the world know that the to the Ba’al Shem Tov and asked, “What QUESTION: Rashi comments that וירדו חיים שאלה” .home is a Jewish one with a mezuzah lesson is being conveyed to us through this was the fourth offense committed From the turn of events, it was apparent this mysterious scene?” by the Jewish people. On the previous “But if G‑d will create a new phenom- that Hashem agreed with Moshe. three occasions, Moshe was able to enon, and the earth open its mouth The Ba’al Shem Tov replied, “Water )עיטורי תורה( defend them, but now “nitrashelu and swallow them and all that is theirs, has very unusual qualities. It enables yadav” — “his hands sank down” — and they will descend alive to the pit.” a person who immerses in it to regain “ויקח קרח” since he feared that Hashem would no (16:30) his purity. However, this can be accom- “Korach separated [lit., took] himself.” longer accept his advocacy. plished only when the water is in the QUESTION: Why did Moshe wish (16:1) flowing state. When it freezes, then Why was Moshe unable to defend them such a strange death upon Korach and QUESTION: What was the nature of G‑d forbid, it can become an object at this time? his followers? the ideological dispute between Korach of avodah zarah — idolatry. Likewise, ANSWER: When the Jews sinned ANSWER: Moshe loved all the Jew- and Moshe, and what implication does Torah is compared to flowing water (see with the golden calf, Moshe came to ish people, including Korach and his it have for our times? Ta’anit 7a). Through it one can reach their defense and argued: “In reality, followers. These people were sinning the highest levels, but approaching it ANSWER: During their confronta- the Jewish people did not commit any terribly, since by quarreling with him, with coldness can make it ‘freeze’ and tion, Korach challenged Moshe about sin. The commandment, ‘You shall they were actually defying Hashem’s produce a radical spiritual decline in the requirement for a mezuzah on not have any other gods’ was said in will. Had they died immediately, they a person.” a house filled with Sifrei Torah. He singular and thus referred only to me. would have left this world without doing also asked if a tallit made entirely of Korach’s “chilly” approach deprived Consequently, only I am obligated and teshuvah, and they would thus have lost techeilet required a string of techeilet him of the warmth of Torah and ulti- not them” (Rashi, Shemot 20:2). On the their share in Olam Haba — the World in the tzitzit. Moshe responded to both mately led to his downfall. basis of this argument, Hashem forgave to Come. Therefore, he prayed that they questions affirmatively. the Jewish people. descend alive to the pit, hoping that while still alive, they would regret their “ויקח קרח” Logically, Korach appeared correct. Korach argued that “Everyone is holy” wrongdoings and do teshuvah. Moshe, however, told him, “Torah “Korach separated [lit., took] himself.” and all had heard the commandments at and mitzvot cannot be approached (16:1) Sinai (Rashi 16:3). Upon hearing these According to an opinion in the Gemara with our cold logic. A Jew must have words, Moshe became very frightened, (Sanhedrin 109b) Korach and his QUESTION: Why does the Korach kabbalat ol — complete submission to because this undermined the defense he followers do indeed have a share in episode in the Torah start with the word the will of Hashem — doing whatever presented in the case of the golden calf Olam Haba. “vayikach” — “and he took”? He commands even when human logic on behalf of the Jewish people. )מרגליות הים על מס’ סנהדרין( (זכרון ישראל) may dictate otherwise.” ANSWER: There once appeared to Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl an June 27, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 9

Vedibarta Bam ~ Pirkei Avos If the laughter is intended to relax one’s a greater expression of love? anxieties as preparation for doing a ANSWER: When Eretz Yisrael was mitzvah or studying Torah, it is proper Yiddishe nachas which the Jew enjoys in under English rule, a group of people “והמפר בריתו של אברהם אבינו” because then it is done with seriousness this world and in the world to come. decided to name a town after theK ing “One who abrogates the covenant of (Tanya, ch. 7). It is then comparable to of England. They discussed it with -an appetizer which precedes a sumptu “הוי קל לראש ונוח לתשחרת” (our father Avraham.” (3:11 the English ambassador, and after a ous meal. But if it is the main course of QUESTION: Instead of “hameifar brito “Be readily submissive to a superior and be period of time he turned down the the evening and its purpose is mockery shel Avraham Avinu” — “abrogates affable to a younger person.” (3:12) gesture. His explanation was that in and frivolity, it is to be avoided. the covenant of our father Avraham” the future disreputable people might )מראית העין להחיד”א( QUESTION: What Rabbi Yishmael — which means did not circumcise reside in the town, and their behavior says is indeed proper etiquette, but what (Bartenura), why doesn’t he simply say and reputation would be a disgrace to is the mili dechassiduta — message of In many Chassidic circles there is “she’eino mal” — “One who does not the King’s name. piety — he is teaching? a badchan — merry maker — who circumcise”? Hashem loves the Jewish people and speaks to the chatan before the wed- ANSWER: The word “lerosh” can be therefore He created them in His ANSWER: In contemporary times ding. With no stretch of the imagination interpreted in a few ways. It can mean image. If this fact would not have been there are many who advocate circumci- is he to be confused with the comedian “in the beginning” — i.e. the period revealed, it would be no disgrace to Him sion, not because of religious convic- who occupies people minds with light- of one’s youth. It can also mean “to personally if they lived a lifestyle which tions, but because of health advantages. headed “entertainment.” The difference the head,” a reference to Hashem, who is contrary to His glory. The fact that In truth, however, this is not the reason between them is vast. The badchan says is “the head” of the entire universe. It He revealed it to them and gave them that Hashem commanded Avraham to things in a somewhat humorous fashion is also an acronym for “la’asot retzon the Torah to know how He wishes them circumcise himself. Circumcision is a with the intention of making the chatan Avicha shebashamayim” ( to conduct their lives, shows the great realize the seriousness of the hour. The לעשות רצון אביך ,holy act with profound significance ) — “to perform the will of your love and faith that He has in the Jewish comedian’s endeavor, in contrast, is to שבשמים and Hashem has established it as the Father in Heaven.” people that they will always be faithful sign of the Covenant between Him destroy seriousness and earnestness, to Him and not cause a chillul Hashem and the Jewish people throughout all The word “no’ach” means “easy” and and make a mockery of everything — desecration of His Name. generations. It is a fundamental Jewish the word “tishchoret” comes from the and everyone. Such lightheadedness, )מצאתי בכתבי אבי הרב שמואל פסח ז”ל principle which stamps the Jew as a word “shachor” which means “black or which is often spiced with obscenity באגאמילסקי( servant of Hashem. dark.” Hence, it can be an allusion to and cynicism, can unfortunately lead “בנים אתם לה’ אלקיכם חביבין ישראל .old age when the shine of one’s youth to lewdness The Mishnah is talking of one who does שנתן להם כלי חמדה...שנאמר: כי לקח is dimmed and darkened, and also dark circumcise, but performs the circumci- טוב נתתי לכם, תורתי אל תעזבו” periods of a person’s life when he is sion strictly because of medical benefits. The Gemara (Ta’anit 22a) relates that confronted with trials and tribulations, Such a person is missing the entire Eliyahu pointed out to Rabbi Beroka “You are children of G‑d, beloved are sufferings, and challenges. concept and is thus abrogating the two people who were destined for the people Israel, for a precious article covenant of our father Avraham, which There is a popular saying, “You cannot Olam Haba — the World to Come. was given to them...as it is said: ‘I have is the real reason for the mitzvah. teach an old horse new tricks.” When Rabbi Beroka asked, “What do you do?” given you a good teaching; do not (people become set in their ways, it is dif- They replied, “We are comedians, and forsake my Torah.’ ” (3:14 )באר האבות( ficult for them to change. If one wants we cheer up those who are depressed. At a brit the mohel recites the berachah, QUESTION: How does His giving us to teach his children certain values, it Additionally, whenever we see two “Vitzivanu al hamilah” — “Com- the Torah show that he loves us? is best to do so while they are young. people involved in a quarrel, we strive manding us concerning circumci- The Gemara (Shabbat 21b) says that the hard to make peace between them.” ANSWER: There is a halachah known sion.” Immediately after­wards, the studies of one’s youth are more endur- as “bar metzra.” When one wants to sell father recites the berachah “Vitzivanu Since they devoted their comic talent ing, and in the Gemara (Chulin 24b) a property, the adjacent neighbors have lehachniso bivrito shel Avraham Avinu” solely to these sorts of situations, they Rabbi Chanina is quoted as saying, precedence in buying it. An exception — “And commands us to enter him acted for the sake of Heaven. “The hot water and oil that my mother to that law is the case of an owner who into the Covenant of Avraham our applied to me in my childhood stood wants to give the property as a gift to a father.” Why the seeming redundancy me in good stead in my old age.” This stranger. Even if the recipient does not of a second blessing mentioning the Incidentally, the Torah commands, is not only true in regard to his physical live nearby, he can give it to him over commandment of a brit? “Midevar sheker tirchak” — “Dis- health, but can also refer allegorically to the objection of his neighbors (see Bava tance yourself from a false word” The “Covenant ofA vraham our father” the great spiritual height he attained. Metzia 108b). (Shemot 23:7). The word “sheker” may not only mean circumcision, but When Moshe came up to heaven to false” — is an acronym“ — ( ) “שחוק וקלות ראש מרגילים את האדם ,receive the Torah, the angels objected שקר -may also refer to the Brit Bein Habeta ) — ”for “sechok, kalut rosh לערוה” ”arguing “Keep your glory on the heaven שחוק קלות rim (the Covenant Between the Divided ) — “laughter, frivolity.” Thus, we -Shab­bat 88b). Seemingly, they right) ראש Parts). At that time Hashem told “Laughter and frivolity accustom a man should distance ourselves from words of to lewdness.” (3:13) fully deserved the Torah, since by Avraham about the trials and tribula- sheker — laughter and lightheadedness. dwelling in heaven they were “bar (פתח עינים להחיד”א) tions that would confront the Jewish QUESTION: How can Rabbi Eliezer’s metzra.” Why did Hashem disregard people during their exile in Egypt and strong objection to laughter be recon- this law and give Torah to man who “חביב אדם שנברא בצלם, חבה יתירה other future exiles (Bereishit 15:12, ciled with what the Gemara (Pesachim ?dwells on earth נודעת לו, שנברא בצלם” Rashi). He promised him that never- 117a) relates that Rabbah began a Rabbi Akiva is saying that Hashem has theless, “And afterwards they will go lecture with something humorous and “Beloved is man, for he was created a special love for the Jewish people and out with great wealth” (ibid. 15:14), the students would laugh? in the image [of G‑d]; an even greater this is evident from His proclaiming providing they remain steadfast in their love is that it was made known to him ANSWER: The Gemara (Berachot that “natati lachem” — “I have given observance of Torah. that he was created in the image [of 30b) relates that when Rabbah noticed [the Torah] to you, i.e. as a matanah — G‑d].” (3:14) At the brit the father is proclaiming Abaya being excessively happy, he said gift (and a gift is given as an expression QUESTION: How does the fact that that regardless of the difficulties his to him, “It is written, A‘ nd rejoice in of love) — over the objection of the it was made known to man that he was son may encounter as a result of his trepidation’ ” (Psalms 2:11). Abaya said angels that they are “bar metzra.” created in the image of Hashem show Torah observance, he will enter him to him, “I am wearing tefillin” (which into the covenant between Hashem bears witness that Hashem’s rulership The longest running English Shiur in and Avraham and do everything pos- is upon me — Rashi). From this it is Crown Heights--26 years and still going PIRKEI AVOS SHIUR strong! sible to rear him as a Torah-true Jew. obvious that the Sages were not against For Women and Girls Ultimately, he will reap great rewards laughter; on the contrary, if one never materially and spiritually. laughs he can enter into a state of atzvut 5:30-6 PM Halachos of Tefilla with Rabbi Michoel Seligson — melancholy (Tanya ch. 1). Laughter, 6-7 PM Pirkei Avos with Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky One who physically circumcises his however, is entirely unacceptable when Different Speaker on Pirkei Avos each week. son, but fails to inculcate in him the it goes hand in hand with “kalut rosh” conviction to be a devout Jew under Congregation ANASH 770 Montgomery St. — “lightheadedness.” all circumstances, will be lacking true Use women's entrance on the side of the building. 10 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~June 27, 2008

Health Matters Guess what I found Growing around Crown Heights? By Sara Chana Silverstein, IBCLC, an herb called Plantain! Growing on and most famous used for coughs, mild bronchitis, Herbalist, Student of Homeopathy the wall near the Yeshiva gate was the for Alzheimer’s diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and urinary herb Mugwort! Right across the street disease and mem- tract infections. It is also the number I was once sitting in a class being in front of the apartment building was ory loss. The tree one herb used for mosquito bites. taught by a Master Herbalist. She was an entire pharmacy: Dandelion, two dif- itself is resistant 6. Shepherd’s Purse is famous for explaining that when she goes to treat a ferent versions of Plantain, the famous to viruses, fungi, stopping bleed- person, she looks at the herbs that grow Sheppard’s Purse, and Sweet Violet. Just insects, pollution, and even ing of all kinds, naturally around her patient’s house. walking two blocks in Crown Heights, radiation. both internally She claimed that Hashem puts the I found enough herbs to cure almost 3. Mugwort aids in digestion. It also and externally. refuah right outside the person’s home. every ailment that any typical family aids with depres- It is used for The class was thrilled and “oooed and would encounter! How exciting to find sion and eases anything from aaahed,” and I got depressed. I went up all this in our concrete jungle! tension. As an oil, superficial cuts and scrapes to inter- to the teacher after class and said, A“ ll Now I will quickly run through what it is used for nal bleeding of the stomach, lungs, your other students live in New Jersey, these herbs are commonly used for: muscle pain and kidneys, and the urinary tract. Connecticut, or Upstate New York, but stomach I live in Brooklyn. All that grows there 1. Mullein is used for respiratory 7. Sweet Violet is used to treat bron- cramping. is concrete and cars!” She put her arm infections. It chitis, and stuffy around me and said, “Sara Chana, pull tones the mucus and drippy noses. 4. Dandelion is used for anemia, blad- out your botanical book, take a walk membranes, It is also used der infections, around your neighborhood, and start reducing inflam- with eczema and constipation, looking.” mation while urinary tract hemorrhoids, stimulating fluid infections. The next day going for a walk around indigestion, irri- production and our neighborhood with one kid in table bowel syn- facilitating Did you ever imagine that such wonder- the stroller and another kid holding d r o me , l i v e r expectoration. It fully healing things grew in Crown my hand, I departed my house with problems, gall- is used in treat- Heights? It says that Hashem put the my herb book tucked under my arm. stones, and osteoporosis. Made into ing bronchitis refuah into the world before the illness. Well, well right at the corner of Empire oil, it is used topically for skin tags and asthma. It is also used externally It seems to be that Hashem put the Boulevard and Albany Avenue was an and muscle pain. as an extract tempered with olive oil refuah for ourselves and our children’s herb called Mullein-WOW! I proceeded and commonly mixed with garlic for 5. Plantain acts as ailments right in front of us! Even with up the street heading for Lubavitcher ear infections. a gentle expecto- all the concrete, Hashem has given us Yeshiva and right on Albany (between rant and soothes what we need to heal right in our own Empire and Montgomery) there were 2. Gingko Biloba is used for asthma, inflamed and sore backyard! three Gingko Biloba Trees! In front of anxiety and depression, attention membranes. It is the Yeshiva right there on the lawn was deficit disorder, cataracts, glaucoma,

B”H The RAMBAM Lifestyle Grass is GREEN in Crown Heights. If YOU WANT TO By Yaakov Bam, Nutrition and Wellness soft drinks several hours before bed Consultant time. Try herbal teas instead. Have more energy everyday! Exercise daily but keep energetic exer- The Rambam: Get rid of cholesterol, high blood pressure, constipation! cise for the earlier part of the day. Boost your immune system! “The day and night Keep a palm/notebook at your side to [together] are twenty- write down your thoughts. This way Prevent heart disease, stroke, and diabetes! four hours long. It is you will calm your mind. Breathing Discover simple, effective ways to get healthy and stay healthy! sufficient to sleep for exercises can help to calm the body a third of this, i.e. and mind as well. eight hours...” _ Call Yaakov Bam, MS Get a good mattress. Professional member of American Association _ of Nutritional Consultants. Sleep is a physical necessity. More and To be continued. more studies are showing that sleep _ @ 347.564.2874. deprivation is affecting our health - even Yaakov Bam, MS, is a member of _ Email: [email protected] to the point of making us fat. Lack of American Association of Nutritional sleep lowers levels of the hormone lep- Consultants. He focuses on guiding Crown Heights residents have been helped. tin, which can trigger over consumption and advising institutions, families and of food. The disorganized sleep hours private individuals in implementing Advice, preventive help or intervention for you & for your family. and lifestyle make insomnia a growing the RAMBAM Lifestyle. By improv- problem in our society. ing your lifestyle you Will: have more energy everyday, get rid of bad choles- Below are seven recommendations for terol, constipation, normalize blood your good night’s sleep. pressure, boost your immune system and metabolism, prevent heart disease, Health Tips for Your Good stroke, and diabetes chas v’sholom, Lifestyle etc… Yaakov can be reached at yaa- [email protected] or by phone, Stop mentally demanding work and (347)564-2874. To find out more details working on the computer, a few hours about the RAMBAM Lifestyle, please before going to bed. Our brain needs a see preceding and upcoming articles of rest before it will be ready to sleep. the Health Interest series. To register Keep regular sleep hours every day. for a free Health Lifestyle seminar, please contact Yaakov Bam. Avoid heavy meals late at night, 3-4 hours before going to sleep. Avoid caffeinated drinks— coffee, tea, June 27, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 11 Fellow Jew, Its up to you

Chassidus for the World the goodness that is already there. So they were able to take away were: (1) how do we do it? Fulfilling G-d’s will is about doing good deeds; (2) Good intentions and sincere By Moshe Nunez Shabbos and what we think about the We take every opportunity to demon- hearts must be proven by actually problems with the Land of Israel. We strate with own lives what a mentsch The benefit of refraining from doing what is wrong should know what to answer them, not is supposed to be. Our gentile friends, taking Chassi- and actually doing what is right; (3) to merely satisfy their curiosity, but neighbors, associates, and colleagues dus to the world Same sex marriages (as they have now take every opportunity to explain to will see for themselves that the Jews cannot be mea- begun to do in California) are against them of the part of Torah that applies truly know how to live. We know how sured or known G-d’s will; (4) It is wrong to say that to them: Sheva Mitzvot Bnei Noach, to be successful in our studies, busi- until we actu- any man (like Yoshka) is G-d--we must with all their ramifications, and in the nesses and jobs without lowering the ally do it. Sheva pray only to G-d. light of Chassidus. standards by always doing things the Mitzvot Bnei Torah way. These are four individuals from various Noach with all We cannot forecast or estimate what cities who in turn have influence on their ramifications must be brought to exactly the light will do when it is As we go about our daily life here in their friends, family and colleagues. the world in the light of Chassidus. The presented. The light has to simply be Brooklyn or when traveling, we must We do not understand the full effects world is not looking for someone to give brought in so that all can see and every take every opportunity to bring light that our words can have on them and them a list of do’s and don’ts. People corner of the world can be filled with to the world. People must understand should never underestimate the power need real solutions to their problems. the knowledge of H-shem. At that time that by observing the Seven Universal of bringing to them knowledge of Sheva Our mission is to bring them these we will all have true ahava, respect, and Principles, we align ourselves to G-d Mitzvot B’nei Noach. As shluchim, solutions as outlined in the Torah in appreciation for one another. Almighty and become a partner with we are doing what the Rebbe told the light of Chassidus. Him in making the world a place where us to do, and he has promised to be Let’s examine for a moment what His presence is known and revealed The essential nature of the “fountains with us especially when spreading the Chassidus brought to the world. We through everyone’s good deeds. of Chassidus” can only be expressed Wellsprings of the Baal Shem Tov to already had the written and oral Torah, when they are actually being spread On yesterday’s flight there were three the Outside. mishnayos, midrashim, with extensive to the “outside” (chutza). When these flight attendants: a gentleman who lives commentaries by our rabbis throughout When our words come from the heart, wellsprings are kept “inside”, their true in Las Vegas, a lady from Salt Lake City, the centuries. We could say the house they enter the heart. Do not be shy, nature is not expressed (On TheE ssence and another lady whose father is Jewish. was complete with all its decorations, afraid, or have any doubts that when of Chassidus, chapter XXI). With this On my connecting flight it was a Delta furnishings, and adornments. What we make these wellsprings flow to we understand that it is only when we captain who had over an hour’s worth of was missing was light so that we could the outside their true nature will be take the Baal Shem Tov’s Wellsprings questions and comments. All of these perceive and appreciate the true beauty expressed, thus taking the world to of Chassidus to the OUTSIDE, will we people know that we are the H-shem’s and potential of this house which a whole new level in which we will be able to personally witness and see chosen people, the ones called to be a H-shem made to dwell in. With the light all be able to live together with true for ourselves the amazing and powerful light to them. They look to us the same of Chassidus we can understand our understanding and peace. May we all effects that Chassidus will have on the way they will eventually look towards purpose in making His dwelling place greet Moshiach Tzidkeinu together nations. Moshiach. They know we have the with us here in the material plane. with immeasurable simcha, warmth, answers, and the world’s future lies in I see time and time again how ready and enthusiasm. our ability to fulfill our purpose which people are for us to bring them to the In other words, Chassidus brought light, is directly linked with them. Again, do you want to know the effect Torah of Truth. As I was flying to the new insights, and a proper understand- that chassidus will have on the world? West Coast yesterday, one person asked ing of what was there all along. Each and While there is not enough time to There is only one way to find out: take me what these strings (tzitzis) were. every Jew is called to be a light unto the expand or explain everything that it to the outside so its nature can be They wanted to know about kosher, nations. This means we need to reveal was discussed, the main points that expressed. Remember that each and every person has a role in the world that is indispensable. Even amongst the nations, H-shem made no waste products; there is no useless person that is just taking up space for no reason. We must turn on the light; we must show everyone we come in contact with that they too can make the world a better place, a place where all nations can dwell as part of the great human family, with Klal Israel as their Kohanim and with Moshe Rabbeinu (Moshiach) as our/ their king, under t he w i ngs of t he Shechinah. Let’s all do our part to bring Moshiach now. Fellow Jew, It’s Up To You! 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~June 27, 2008 CHJCC

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to discuss everyone’s plans, wishes, and ideal retirement plan. (Some children Financial Matters concerns. Here are some topics to tackle cost-share their parents’ premiums for and questions to ask: Medicare Supplement or Long-Term Are You Prepared For Your Parents’ Care insurance, for example. They see Will your parents’ retirement funds it as a wise investment in their parents’ Senior Years? Inflation can seriously erode money’s be adequate? Inflation and longer life future.) By Mordy Schachter, Agent purchasing power over time. Even expectancies may make retirement New York Life Insurance Company with an average inflation rate of 4%, costlier than they’ve anticipated. What about life insurance? retirees at age 60 with an income of Many people face $2,500/month will have the purchasing What supplemental funds are Do they have special requests, such as their parents’ retire- power of $1,388/month by the time available? living wills, trusts, lifetime gifts, etc.? ment and aging they’re 75 years old. In other words, without a second the standard of living will be virtually Who will manage their finances if they Where would they want to live, if thought, assuming halved in just 15 years. Many retirees cannot? Discuss long-term financial incapacitated? (Discuss nursing home that Mom and Dad today have found themselves searching plans, the location of records, and the and home health care options.) are in good financial for part-time jobs in order to keep up possibility of establishing a contingent shape and ready for with the rising cost of living. But no one power of attorney to step in and help Generally, parents and children feel the golden years. Making this assump- can work forever. And major illness can during an emergency. uncomfortable discussing these mat- tion can be a serious mistake. You and wipe out—in mere months—a nest egg ters. It’s important to do this in a way your folks may think they are adequately that took years to build. What are their estate plans? that puts both generations at ease. prepared for retirement, but how far When retirees’ savings are depleted, it One solution is to work with a group down the road have they looked? adversely affects the next generation, When and how will they distribute of professionals—such as an attorney, too—usually at the worst possible time. their property, especially if they become tax advisor and insurance agent. These With average life expectancy increas- Frequently, adult children of senior incapacitated? individuals are familiar with retirement ing, it’s not uncommon for people to live citizens are working to provide for their and estate conservation issues, and can 10-20 years (if not longer) after retiring. own households and futures. Too often, Are there any charitable endeavors or help facilitate communication while A great deal can happen in that time, they become saddled with the cost of causes they wish to contribute to? providing specific expertise. and life’s events don’t always work out supporting their parents while still as planned. Culprits such as inflation trying to meet their own household Do they have updated wills and an For more information on insurance and illness can wipe out a nest egg and expenses. It’s a tough balancing act to executor who knows their wishes? and other products that can be used undermine the financial independence try to sustain. to help you and your parents prepare of even the best-prepared retiree. Are their insurance programs adequate? for the future, please contact Mordy Plan in Advance Without adequate coverage, a single Schachter, Agent, New York Life Insur- Inflation and Illness Can Turn a Nest Start with a meeting of the generations illness could wipe out an otherwise ance Company, at (718) 915-3438. Egg into a Goose Egg June 27, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 13 TZNIUS

On External Importance socks (and a minhag in this area never way a Jew dresses. changes l’kulah because of what people Excerpts from a Shiur by Rabbi M.M. Brochos to people that are careful The Kids Have Eyes Too do - only l’chumra). Some also wear Gluckowsky, delivered in Kollel Men- about this. These Halachos apply even during the thicker stockings due to the above achem - Isru Chag Shavuos 5768. heat of summer, even within the four The Rebbe quotes the Gemorah about reason. Prepared by B'nos Melech B'Yachad walls of a bungalow. According to the Kimchis that merited that seven The Neck Zohar, what we do affects the Yiras Be the Last in on Fashion children became Kohanim Gedolim The neck and only the neck can show, no Shomaim of our kids. What kids see The Rebbe once said that in matters of because she was careful that her hair shoulder chest or back. The collarbone in the home has a lasting impression Kedusha we should be the first to jump, was covered to the extent that the is the end of the neck. Even in the back on them. like Nachshon Ben Aminadav, however, walls of her house never saw her hair. the neckline should not extend lower when it comes to fashion etc. we should The Rebbe points out how this affected When Shopping than where a necklace goes. be the last ones in (within the realms many generations to come, since the The first thing to look at when shopping of Halacha). position of Kohen Gadol is passed down From Age 3 is to check that it fits the bill of Tznius, from one generation to the next and According to the Tzemach Tzedek from before even how it looks. Beauty is Important to Women stays within the same family. the age of three, girls are responsible to Midrash: When Vashti made a seuda Pnimiyus, But Forget Not be careful about this. Even the Poskim for the women, the emphasis was placed The Rebbe writes in a letter “That Chitzonius! who disagree with the Tzemach Tzedek on the external décor, since for women which you ask about covering hair, I am The Frierdiker Rebbe or Rebbe Rashab and extend the age to slightly older girls, external beauty is more cherished than shocked by the question, particularly once said that although Chabad do so in interpreting the letter of the law food and drink. that which you ask ‘is it good enough demands Pnimiyus, we have a lot to but encourage one to start being careful to wear a sheitel that covers everything learn from the Chitzoniyus of other The Midrash relates that when Hashem about Tznius from the age of three. except for 2 fingerbreaths?’ who are you Chassidic groups. created every limb of Chava, He com- trying to fool with this?” Goyishe Fashion manded each limb “Be modest, be We Are What We Wear The Rebbe said in a Sicha to Nshei modest” since the strong tendency is Tznius Fashion The Chasam Sofer writes that Rivkah Chabad: Chazal write that Jews merited for women to want to look beautiful The Rebbe suggested toN ’shei Chabad needed to dress Yaakov in Esav’s cloth- Geulas Mitzrayim because “they did not at all costs. that they try to infiltrate into the fashion ing in order that he will be able to lie to change their names or their clothing.” designers that they should try to design Yaakov (to receive the blessings), since Only the Hands and Face Why use the negative “because they clothes that are suitable according to clothes have an influence on who we are In Hilchos Krias Shma (siman 75) the did not” instead of saying simply and in the rules of Tznius. (Esav’s clothes helped Yaakov to lie.) Alter Rebbe prohibits Davening before the positive: “In the merit of tznius the an uncovered handbreadth in any place Tight Fits Jews were redeemed from Mitzrayim”? Potifar’s wife caught hold of Yosef’s that should ordinarily be covered. Only Nowadays, clothing is designed to Answer: the merit is not that they wore clothing. The Amshinover translates a women’s face and hands which are attract not to cover. Clothing should tznius clothing, since Egyptian dress this to mean that she caught him ordinarily seen is not problematic. not be tight in a way that it reveals was Tznius. The merit was that they because of his weakness – the way he ones figure (one can change because didn’t wear even the Tznius Egyptian dressed, in Egyptian dress. Arms & Elbows of weight and pregnancy in a way that dress; they kept to traditional Jewish In Shulchan Aruch (Even Haezer People ask, why are we making such ones clothes become too tight and dress! 115) it lists one who transgresses “Das a big issue out of an inch one way or not Tznius). In the Gemara it clearly Yehudis”, (halchic modesty standard) The dress code for Beis Rivka inI srael another? We have become so low that indicates that tight clothing is not one of the scenarios mentioned is one included that skirts must be 5-7 cen- we have lost our sensitivity to the Tzniusdik. who weaves clothing in public because timeters from the floor. This caused importance of Tznius. We’ve become when she lifts her arms to weave, her No Transparency uproar. The logic behind the ruling was so blind that people no longer see the arm is uncovered. However, the Poskim One must be careful about the distance that “longer” is the fashion, the “rub- problem. write that if she wears short-sleeves it between buttons so that they shouldn’t bers” and the “Egyptian dress” of this We need to take a firm stand, without might infringe upon the much more leave an opening. Similarly, any form generation. There are Jewish clothes compromise, but in a soft, sensitive and severe transgression of “Das Moshe”. of slightly transparent material is and there are Goyishe clothes. effective manner, not to give up on what (An Isur of the Torah). forbidden. This is a message that we must make we stand for. Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Aurbach main- A Tznius Mentor clear to our Children – that there is a tained that not only the elbows should A woman should find someone that she be covered, but even more - in such a respects to ask for an opinion about Bas Melech Couture shlucha of the Rebbe in Boro Park way that the elbows can never be seen. particular questions that arise regard- and principal of Gan Israel, a 500-girl (because even one second is asur) ing Tznius. By Mrs. M. Resnick school, led the Tznius fashion workshop to the enthusiastic participation of the Hair Legs & Knees In a Sicha to N’Shei Chabad the girls. The Zohar in Parsha Nasso writes According to the Gemara, “Shoik” (the Rebbe says that Chazal attribute Geulas “uncovering ones hair causes poverty thigh) is the worst form of “Erva”. The Mitzrayim to the fact that Yidden “did Mrs. Ginsberg illustrated how different in the home, impure sprits to dwell in Pri Megadim maintains that “Shoik” not change their names or their cloth- colors and designs can alter the visual the home, causes her children not to includes the whole leg until the knee. ing.” Why use the negative that “they perception and can draw the eye away become important in their generation A skirt should extend lower than the did not” instead of the positive, i.e.: “In or towards a particular body part and and a curse upon her husband.” The knee. The Rebbe writes that ones knees the z’chus of Tznius, the Yidden were create a desired or undesired effect. Rebbe normally quotes the more posi- should be covered in a way that it stays redeemed from Mitzrayim”? For example, lettering, designs or high- tive Zohar that it brings riches, nachas covered even while sitting. Poskim lights on a T- or sweatshirt accentuate The answer is not that the z’chus was from kids and health. write that this means four inches below inappropriately, often creating an image that they wore Tzniusdike clothing the knee. of a walking billboard. In Shulchan Aruch (ibid), the Alter since Egyptian dress was Tznius. The Rebbe writes that it is forbidden to Slits z’chus was that they didn’t even wear The neshomo is the most essential daven in front of a woman’s hair that is Poskim forbid wearing a skirt that has the Tzniusdike Egyptian attire; they treasure we posses, she explained to normally covered except for sideburns a slit since it is made to attract, this kept the traditional Yiddishe manner the girls, and how we dress reflects and that of unmarried girls. applies even to a very long skirt, since of dress. how much we respect and value that once one permits it in a long skirt people treasure. And, unfortunately dressing The MagenA vraham quotes the Zohar In that spirit, Bnos Melech B’Yachad, will permit in a short skirt as well. inappropriately is as callous as flushing that is particular about even one hair under the skillful and talented hands a diamond down the drain. and writes that this is the practiced Socks of Mrs. Chana Scharf, transformed the custom. The Alter Rebbe quotes poskim who usually sedate Levi Yitzchok library In summing up, Mrs. Ginsberg said extend “Shoik” all the way down to into a showcase of Yiddishe Tzniusdike that fashion and style in the secular The Rebbe emphasized the importance the ankle and writes that one should attire, featuring mannequins, outfits, society is what Paris and Rome dictate, of wearing a sheitel since it doesn’t leave follow these poskim. Since even if it’s trimmings, accessories, and posters. but in Yiddishe fashion, the trend setter any hair uncovered, whereas a tichel or not considered “Shoik” it is the Minhag “Bas Melech Couture” was the theme is Halacha, and the master designer is hat leave hair hanging out even if it is to cover the legs with stockings or of the decor. Mrs. Shternie Ginsberg., for a very short time and gives many Continued on page 15 14 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~June 27, 2008 Shleimus Haaretz

Section One: The Obligation to Protest and descendants of those Torah giants Chapter One: 5742 (1981), before the fifth hakafah, the Olamim), the rulers — the Rabbis — who who participated in the Great Assembly Rebbe said: deal with practical Halachic rulings (for in Marienbad should publicly proclaim The Rebbe’s Request of the Rabbis this is their job) should issue a clear ruling to their students that they have a clear “Since we are all in the midst of a par- Published and copyright © by Sichos In that the entire Land of Israel belongs to ruling instructing us how to conduct ticularly auspicious time — being that English the nation of Israel.” ourselves. They should continue spread- it is Yom Tov, and especially since we ing word of this until all the Jews know An Exceptional Referendum Ruling Of are in the midst of the hakafos of Shmini Here we see the great importance that the of the ruling.” The Great Assembly Atzeres — this is an appropriate time to Rebbe attaches to the concept of a pointed totally neutralize all opposition to the ruling on this subject. But on another The Rebbe even referred to those situa- Many times the Rebbe invited the Rabbis concept of Shleimus Haaretz, in a manner occasion the Rebbe referred to a certain tions where there is nothing that can be and Torah giants who were present at Far- which will also nullify all undesirable ruling which was issued a generation ago. done except protest: brengens to make known their Halachic incidents which have taken place in the This is none other than the resolution of opinions regarding the prohibition of giv- “Since we see that we have to contend past in connection with this matter. the “Great Assembly” (5697-1937) which ing away land. For example, on the 10th with these people — it is a sign that our resolved that each and every compromise Shvat 5736 (1976), the Rebbe said: “Therefore, it would be appropriate that only concern must be to protest against made regarding the Holy Land, which was during this hakkafah (Melech Olamim), their actions which are not in accordance “When seventy-two Rabbis will make a given to us by the Holy One according to that all the Rabbis who are present and with the Torah. They are in conflict with resolution that the scheme of the nations its boundaries, is null and void. who are authorized to rule in matters of the Torah, and the ruling of the Code of should be for naught — because the Jews Jewish law, whom our Sages call “kings These are the Rebbe’s comments, on Mot- Jewish Law, Laws of the Sabbath. This have an everlasting covenant on the [rulers],” issue a clear, obligating ruling zoei Shabbos Mishpatim 5738 (1978): law states that one must take up arms on entire Land of Israel, together with the which reiterates that the entire Land of the Sabbath and not allow the enemy to whole Torah of Israel and the nation of “The explicit ruling which was issued Israel belongs to the nation of Israel. approach a border town. This law even Israel — then our actions will outweigh at the Great Assembly states that it is applies outside of Israel, because the issue the attempts by the nations of the world “And their ruling will not be expressed in unequivocally forbidden to surrender at hand has nothing to do with who the to pry the Land of Israel from us. All of a pompous manner [kochi v’otzem yodi], even the tiniest particle of land within land belongs to, or the concept of not their worthless schemes will be totally but rather with the authority of the Holy the boundaries of the Holy Land. It is antagonizing the nations; the one and quashed, so that even those who are One. This is because the authority of astonishing that people do not publicize only reason for this ruling is the danger enthusiasts of such ideas will see that their these Rabbis derived from a continuous and proclaim this ruling in the greatest to the lives of large numbers of Jews, G-d views are not consonant with reality. chain of authority dating all the way back possible way. The fact that there are those forbid.” to Moshe Rabbeinu, who was given the who wish to conceal the ramifications “In practice, what must be done now? A authority by G-d, Melech Olamim. As of this ruling by concocting contrived Regarding the effectiveness of a Rabbi’s Rabbi must be designated to stand up a result, when these Rabbis issue such a interpretations of it will be to no avail. ruling, we may take note of the Rebbe’s and expound, according to Torah, the ruling, especially at such an auspicious This ruling is like every other Jewish address of Sivan 28, 5746 (1986): sole Jewish claim to the Land of Israel. time, then the ruling of the rulers — the law, for ‘the word of G-d will certainly Afterwards, all the other seventy-one “Every Rabbi in his respective genera- Rabbis — will flow from the Melech endure.’” Rabbis will concur, and the whole world tion is a leader in that generation — like Olamim, such that it will automatically will answer, ‘Amen, Amen.’” The Rebbe concludes: a giant among knights, as the Prophet have a stark and recognizable effect on all Shmuel was in his generation or Moshe After the Rebbe finished saying these the worlds, even on the physical level, and “May it be G-d’s Will that everyone will in his. When such a Rabbi issues a ruling words, those present held a unique vote, even on the nations of the world.” look at the Code of Jewish Law, chapter of Jewish Law, it has an effect on the and more than one hundred Rabbis raised 329 (if they do not want to trust me), The Rebbe then continued: world —in such a way that the reality their hands in agreement. and they will see that the law is clear: it is of the world shall conform to the ruling “Concerning the actions which must forbidden to cede even a small piece of the Similarly, on the night of Shmini Atzeres, the Torah. be taken: During this hakafah (Melech Land of Israel to a non-Jew. The students

Parshas Korach. why Aharon was chosen. Aharon made their Ahavas Yisroel com- observing Mitzvos. This is tantamount plete, and that was the hint that they to murmuring against Me. Then this is By Hirschel Pekkar. By the miracle of Korach, no reason was saw. Ahavas Yisroel does not mean that followed by “against you,” the leaders. given (this shows the importance of giving Only after the miracle of the staff ofA ha- one has to change his attitude to please This is then the meaning of “Vayikach a reason). This hint is what “they saw.” They ron, which produced almonds overnight to his friend. It means that even when his Korach,” he took “free time” (In Hebrew, saw a piece of wood (the staff) separated indicate that Aharon was the chosen one friend has a different approach to his, he the mispar koton of the word “vayikach” from the tree, which was its source of life by Hashem to be the High Priest, did the nevertheless gives him every respect and is the same as the mispar koton of the and nourishment. It became dry and hard complaints of the Bnei Yisroel subside. help that he can.This we can learn from word “zman” – time.) to rebel against and was nevertheless able to produce fruit. the “Arba Minim” which represent Jews Moshe Rabeinu, and for that matter, when Question 1: Why was not the miracle of This hint was telling them what Aharon with different approaches in their service, one rebels against persons in an official Korach and his followers enough to stop accomplished with people, who became coming together, to elicit the blessing leadership position, like a Rabbi in the the murmurings, especially as Moshe cut off from their spiritual source of life, from above. synagogue or in a Jewish court of law, for Rabeinu said: “By this you will know namely their Jewish heritage, “dried out” example, it is similar as rebelling “against that Hashem sent me, and the man that from performing mitzvos, called “brios” Why Aharon was chosen by hinting to Me” – Hakodosh Boruch Hu, “against Me Hashem has chosen, he is Holy?” – creatures, whose only attribute was the tribe leaders instead of telling them and against you”, see above. that Hashem had created them. Aharon, directly? To indicate to them that they Question 2: What was so special about through the “oheiv es habrios”, his love are considered as chachomim, like it says, Through this aspect of “yachad kfusim”, the miracle of the staff that it could halt of a fellow Jew, brought them back to “A hint suffices for the wise”, so that they indicating Ahavas Yisroel as mentioned the murmurings of the Bnei Yisroel? Torah and Mitzvos to produce fruit, and should not feel dejected for being rejected. above, we will merit the third and ever- Question 3: Why does The Torah empha- to reveal in them their inner holiness. In This is also an aspect ofA haron, of Ahavas lasting Beis Hamikdosh, about which size “They saw, and each man took his Hebrew, “shkeidim” has the same letters Yisroel, not to embarrass. it says, “omdim tzfufim,” tight together staff.” seeing is a natural function? as ”kdoshim” – holy. Aharon also revealed –kfusim,“umishtachavim rvochim” Before this miracle, Hashem said to Moshe in them the attribute of “ahavas Yisroel” –bowing in ample space, yachad – that Question 4: Rashi says that “the almonds that through this miracle, “I will make as hinted to by Rashi with the words of each assists the friend (all Jews) with were a bunch, yachad kfusim”– together, to cease from Me the murmurings of the “yachad kfusim.” Yachad – bleiv echod ample space to fulfill his personal avodah, tight together. But if the almonds were Bnei Yisroel which they murmur against –with one heart, is a spiritual expres- the aspect of ahavah. Then, like it says, “ “kfusim” – tight together, why does you.” First from Me, then from you. About sion used for the angels, “yachad kulom Bzos yovo Aharon.” The Hebrew word Rashi have to say the word “yachad” the performance of mitzvos it says, “vchai kdusho.” Kfusim – k-ish echod, like one “bzos” is the same numerical value as – together? bohem” – you should live with them. Just man, is a physical expression. Why were “b-ahavas”—this will once again bring our as with life one cannot take a break from With one answer all the above, B.E.H., both expressions needed? Sometimes beloved Kohen Godol Aharon Hakohen, living, so also with Mitzvos--they have to will become clear. people can be davening in the same shul with Moshe Rabeinu, together with the be continual. So when does one take free –kfusim – tight together physically, but entire Jewish nation into our Holy Temple, With the miracle of the staff, Hashem time to murmur against Moshe Rabeinu? are in opposition spiritually. speedily in our days, OMEIN hinted to the heads of the tribes, the reason It must be when he is not busy with June 27, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 15 Sivan

This week we continue with theY ahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mentioning them we Chof Ches Sivan 1941 come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn lessons from their lives that we can We mark the day by a festive meal, incorporate into our own. This column includes the Yahrzeiten of the 27th of The Rescue of the Rebbe giving thanks to Hashem for saving Sivan through the 30th. The respective resting places of the individuals noted the Rebbe from the clutches of the in this column near the holy Ohel, (unless otherwise specified). and the Rebbetzin and Germans. Perhaps an even greater their Arrival in the United cause for celebration is the fact that Men was nifter in 2006. States this is the day that the Rebbe first set 27th of Sivan foot into United States. From this point Women (Adapted from the book “A day to Recall; onward, American Jewish life never be Habochur Hatomim 27th of Sivan A day to remember” ) same again. Avroom Eliezer Mrs. Cheina Avtzon Goldman, Hashem By Rabbi Sholom Ber Avtzon America had been known as “the land Yinkam Domo The daughter of Horav Hachossid that swallows its inhabitants”. The Reb Yehuda Leib, for thirty-two years “Publicizing the teachings of the Torah The son of, may he live majority of Jewish families that moved in Detroit, Michigan she sacrificed — ‘in this lower to the United States to escape the בחצי כדור התחתון and be well, Horav herself to spread Torah and Yiddishkeit, half of the hemisphere,’ begins Hachossid Hatomim persecutions of Europe were affected educated women in the laws of family in earnest.” Reb Moshe Pesach, by their new surroundings. This caused purity, and assisted people in mak- he was a pnimius, chassidishe bochur them to become lax in their observance ing Brisim, especially the Jewish The Rebbe’s daring escape from war- and was killed while being involved in of Jewish law and a loss of pride in their immigrants from Russia. She torn Europe was a miracle, worthy of its Mivtzoim. His Neshama elevated to heritage. was nifter in 1986. place in the annals of Chabad history. heaven at the entrance to his Yeshiva Our appreciation is only deepened in 1977. To eternalize his life and Mrs. Chaya Leah Chanin The Rebbe fought to turn this tide of when we learn that the Rebbe was its’ accomplishments, a camp assimilation. Due to his efforts, Torah, The daughter of Horav actually fleeing from the Germans fund to help deprived children Yiddishkeit and even the Chassidic way Hachossid Reb Shmuel (may their name be erased), who were was established. Our read- of life is flourishing in America and Nimotin, she merited actively pursuing him specifically. ers are encouraged to send throughout the world. to serve the Rebbe’s Always one step ahead of the Nazis, a contribution to one of household. Her home the miracles contin­ued even after they the following addresses: And it all began that summer day, on was always open to had made the desperate journey across Goldman Family, 820 the 28th of Sivan 5701-1941, when dispense charity, for Europe, and embarked on a boat to head Montgomery Street, the Rebbe and Rebbitzen arrived in acts of generosity, to towards America. Brooklyn NY 11213 or America. strengthen Torah and Mrs. Lipsker, 822 Mont- for Chassidishe Far- gomery Street, Brooklyn, brengens. During the NY 11213. troubling times in Russia, Horav she sacrificed herself to save Hachossid and help hundreds of people Hatomim Reb Yis- with food and medicine. She was nifter roel Abba Pliskin in 1997. The son of Horav Mrs. Idel Gil Friedman Hachossid Reb The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb Shaul, he sacrificed Shmuel, she was a Baalas Tzedoko and himself to educate baalas chesed, especially for the Rebbe’s Jewish children in mosdos. She was nifter in 2000, and Russia and served as a mashpia in Hadar her resting place is on Har Hazeisim, Hatorah. He was instructed by the Jerusalem. Rebbe to Farbreng with the bochurim Bas Melech Couture at 641.715.3800 ext. 5314010. in 770 and merited to raise a generation Mrs. Soro Kievman Continued from page 13 Note: I have been involved in various that follows the teachings of chassidus. Hashem himself. The daughter of Horav Hachossid Hato- Tznius projects since my daughter He was born in 1905 in Plisa and was mim Reb Shmuel Yitzchok Raices, she It was so rewarding to note the atten- enrolled in Bais Rivkah High School nifter in 1996. sacrificed herself to save Jewish children tiveness of the girls; their earnest seven years ago. But what I have seen 30th of Sivan in Russia. She was nifter in 2004. desire to know more, their interest and happening these past five weeks has inquiries into the minute details of the given me a great sense of hope. Horav Hachossid 29th of Sivan Halochos and the healthy discussion Hatomim Reb Sho- We have great girls who are eager to do Mrs. Hinda Golda Winter that went on way past the time allot- lom Morosow what is right even when it is difficult. ted. The girls were actually bemoaning The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb They really want the truth, the whole The son of Horav the loss, through the summer months, Aharon Moshe, she merited to be a truth and nothing but the truth. It is the Hachossid Hatomim of our weekly meetings which enrich member of the Womens Auxillary of obligation of us mothers, teachers and Reb Elchonon Dov, them with the feelings of security and the Lubavitch Yeshiva in Pittsburgh, mashpios to provide it to them in an he was among the chizuk. Indeed, our round table discus- PA.. Her children were among the first undiluted, uncompromising manner. Roshei Yeshivos of sions will be sorely missed! students in the schools there. After set- the central Yeshiva in 770. Reb Sholom It is up to us to have the courage of tling in New York she became involved But we fortified them.I n this last chizuk was a true gaon, a great scholar with a our convictions (hopefully, we have as a mother supplying the physical meeting in Crown Heights before the mind of exceptional depth and bekius, those convictions ourselves), to keep needs of the students in the yeshiva girls disperse for the summer, Bnos an expert in Torah and worldly topics, encouraging our daughters to follow and schools of Crown Heights. She was Melech B’Yachad distributed six weeks and was appointed by the Rebbe as a the rules of Halocho, and beyond, as nifter in 1996. worth of worksheets, booklets and member of the faculty of the Yeshiva befits shura rishona girls, for we are materials developed and designed by where he served as a mashpia, a maggid Dear Readers: seeing unbelievable results from all Mrs. Sarah Leah Oberlander, one of shiur and mashgiach for many years. those participating in this Summer Anyone who would like to have their the pillars and founders of the organiza- He was also a member of the Universal Challenge Contest, and I am sure that relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit column tion. Mrs. Oberlander has spearheaded Agudas Chassidei Chabad, Merkos by guiding and directing all our girls should email the name, father’s name, our monthly telephone conference L’Inyonei Chinuch, Machne Israel, in their shopping and in their way of date of the petira and some details to lectures over the last two years, which and a Lubavitch representative of in dress, they too will grow in this vital [email protected]. A picture may be are now available on CDs from the Agudas Horabonnim of the United area of Tznius, and we will will shepp included. Taharas Hamishpacha Office (718 States and Canada. He was born on much nachas from them in the present 756-5700) and via telephone recording the 4th of Shvat 1923 in Rostov and and even more in the future. 16 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~June 27, 2008

Our Mosdos

Mesivta Oholei Torah celebrates a Grand Siyum At the Mesivta Oholei Torah on Troy Avenue, a joyous Siyum took place. Forty-three students were tested on the whole tractate of Bava Basro Forty-three students were tested on the whole tractate of Bava Basro by Hagaon Horav Hachosid Reb Yisroel Friedman, the rosh yeshiva of the Oholei Torah zal.

An additional test was given a week earlier by Hagoan Reb Gavriel Tzin- ner, who tested the students on the Gemoro in his shul in Boro Park.

The students were also orally tested on 106 chapters of the Rebbe’s Maamo- rim by Rabbi Nachmon Shapiro, the mashpia in the zal Oholei Torah.

The culmination of all tests was the siyum celebration, which took place in the zal of the Mesivta, in which many parents and maggidei shiurim participated with the rosh yeshiva, Horav Zushe Wilhelm. Rabbi Yosef Paltiel was among the speakers who addressed the assembled in the praise of the yeshiva and the students for their engrossed concentration in their studies and their fruitful success.

Rebbe Story “Are you worried,” asked the officer, IDF commander: “But why my child...The Rebbe just cried” moving to a new topic, “about living as “When one tells a story about his Rebbe, the government. It was a crucial and Zurik was recently murdered during a Jew here in Brooklyn, in a non-Jewish he connects to the deeds of the Rebbe.” perilous moment, and we should have a terrorist attack, just two years after environment?” continued pressing the main cities. Zurik’s losing his brother Udi in the (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) “As a soldier you are surely aware,” latest war. It was inconceivable that one “Why didn’t Arik Sharon continue answered the Rebbe, “that during the The following is a very moving and family should deserve to bear so much going into Cairo?” the Rebbe exclaimed. time of combat there is no chance to uplifting “Yechidus” that took place anguish, losing two members in a short “He was just one hundred kilometers reflect on your fear. You must fight with an IDF commander and the Rebbe span. How could G-d have permitted from there! Excusing the decision, the with courage and sincerity, regardless regarding the death of two Israeli this? Where was He? government claims that there was insuf- of how you feel. Similarly, when I am soldiers following the Yom Kippur ficient fuel to reach there. However, Distressed at the tale of sorrow and immersed in my work, even if the war in 1973. It’s an excerpt from the this is very difficult to accept; the unable to control his tears, the Rebbe extraneous conditions are unfriendly, I new book on the Rebbe. To see more Egyptians seemed to have no shortage began to weep. He finally replied, have faith and trust in G-d, because He information about the book click: of fuel, and if Sharon, as conqueror, had “Indeed, the story you tell me is fright- alone controls what takes place here on www.inspiringageneration.com. decided to use that fuel, no one could ening and upsetting; we are tempted, earth, and is looking out for the interests Battle weary and depressed by the prevent him. when hearing such an account, to of every Jew.” constant fighting, the officer expressed question G-d and conclude that He “Have you ever flown over Cairo?” “But,” persisted the Israeli, “Why his wish that there be no more combat does not really dictate what transpires asked the Rebbe, staring inquisitively don’t you move to Israel? Your revered with enemies. Being realistic, however, in this world. We must, however, at the officer. stature and dynamic manner will and acknowledging that it was highly remember that we mortals cannot certainly influence the political and plausible that there would more con- “Yes,” the officer responded, proceed- aspire to understand the intricacies of religious scene. Aware that many people flict, he asked the Rebbe’s opinion on ing to describe with minute detail the His divine wisdom. questioned you regarding this, I have whether there would be another war, or layout of the city. “Having studied Torah all my life, at heard several different replies, but the whether perhaps the Arabs had been so “In that case,” challenged the Rebbe, seventy-three years old and still study- replies are unsatisfactory, and for me discouraged, during the Yom Kippur “Why didn’t you take the necessary ing and adding to my Torah knowledge, the question remains.” War, that they would never muster the planes, fly there, and conquer the city I feel that I have attained a level of confidence to fight again. The Rebbe answered, “Living in Israel yourself? Coming in with those planes, wisdom. Nonetheless, the extent of my and enduring the responsibilities that “At the moment,” came the reply, “the you would have easily surprised them wisdom is ridiculous when compared would come with it, my influence Arabs are merely unable to attack. and effortlessly taken control. If that to G-d’s. Therefore, we must not come on world Jewry would be restricted. However, given time to recover and had been accomplished, with Cairo to preposterous conclusions based on Inevitably, my controversial position regroup, they will surely seek opportu- in our hands for even a very short our judgment of events around us. on issues would limit my capability of nities to instigate conflict. To further period, the present situation would be Although there is much we do not com- communicating with Jews, both outside crush their forces and minimize the completely different.” prehend, often in retrospect we come of Israel, in Moscow, for example, and chance of future clashes, the army to an appreciation of the righteousness Unable to persuade the Rebbe to accept in Israel; in fact, even this conversation should have advanced to Damascus and of His decisions. Perhaps time will his position, the military officer asked would be impossible in Tel Aviv. I find Cairo when it had the chance. Although demonstrate the virtue of Udi’s and about something which had been this place the most conducive for my the government did not approve, the Zurik’s premature deaths; perchance, troubling him for a long time. In a work.” army should have continued anyway– many Jewish fatalities were avoided as devastating fashion, his close friend ignoring the lack of permission from a result of these casualties.”