1 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 23 2009 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת וארא | כז' טבת ,שבת מברכים תשס”ט | בס”ד weekly vOL. Ii | NO 13 January 23, 2009 | tevet 27, 5769

THE REBBETZIN CHANA OBM (1880-1964) IN HONOR OF HER BIRTHDAY ON THE 28 OF TEVES

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FIRST CONFERENCE, CHICAGO, ILL PAGE 9

A PICTORIAL OF OUR SOLDIERS ON THE FRONT Hachossid Reb Chaim PAGE 11 Halevi Hurwitz Part 2 LINES

Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 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 ❖ 718~604~8000 ext 36 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ☎ Rabbi Y. Zirkind: 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzoei 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 4:45 5:48 ☎ 718 -604-0770 Gut Shabbos Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm 2 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 23 2009

The Vaad Hakohol

REBBE'S STORY “When one tells a story about his he connects to the deeds of the Rebbe” (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) Enhancing Achievement The Rebbe and low the Rebbe’s directive, I could not us again. This was just a short time Bernhard recalls one of numerous Rabbi Bernhard, hide my disappointment. I felt the before a scheduled historic meeting occasions when the Rebbe assisted Rabbi of the Oxford In need to discuss the matter further in Europe with U.S. Secretary of him with regard to his family. “Once, Johannesburg, South Africa. with the Rebbe before my return State, Henry Kissinger, which the during yechidus, I mentioned that to South Africa, and I hesitantly South African government regarded one of my daughters who had been Reprinted from the book To Know and requested to be allowed another as vital to the country’s future. an excellent student was becoming To Care Vol. 1 yechidus. I was grateful when the lax and falling behind in her studies. “After welcoming us, the Prime Rebbe agreed to see me again on The Rebbe listened attentively and Published and copyright © by Sichos Minister lost no time in expressing Sunday, for I knew this was most said, ‘This is not laziness. She has a In English his desire: ‘I would like to know unusual. particular medical problem’, which “Making a total commitment to a what the Gentleman in New York he named. ‘Your wife should take Lubavitch way of life was an ongo- “That Shabbos, theR ebbe granted me has to say now.’ This was just one of her to a specialist, who will find and ing process for me,” explains Rabbi extraordinary measures of attention many indications that innumerable treat the condition.’ Nachman Meir Bernhard, Rabbi of and encouragement. I appreciated and Gentiles have drawn great the prestigious Oxford Synagogue in this very much, and the first thing I comfort from the Rebbe’s repeated “After the yechidus, I immedi- Johannesburg, South Africa. “Before said when I went into his study on reassurances that all will be well in ately phoned my wife. She took our I left America for South Africa, it Sunday was a word of thanks for the South Africa - and that there is no daughter to see a specialist, who was the Rebbe who, in a long first expression of closeness (Keiruv). need to fear, panic or flee. arrived at the same diagnosis, and Yechidus in 1964, convinced me prescribed effective treatment.” “ ‘Expressing closeness is a two-way On a more personal note, Rabbi that I had a responsibility to return street,’ the Rebbe replied. to the Rabbinate, although I had inclinations to the contrary, and he “ ‘Must I too show closeness to the encouraged me to accept my present Rebbe?!’ I asked in wonder. The Rebbtzin Chana OBM Rabbinic position. “ ‘Yes!’ (1880-1964) In honor of her birthday on “After ten more years of community “ ‘What does the Rebbe mean? I the 28th of Teves and Yisrael Aryeh Leib. service, I began to consider leaving have already agreed to accept the the Rabbinate again. For many years, Her eldest son, Menachem Mendel, Rebbe’s advice. I am staying in South Adapted from the book “Rebbetzin I had been longing to settle inE retz was born on the 11th of Nissan 1902. Africa.’ Chana Schneerson” by Shmuel Yisrael, and I felt that the time had Marcus and Avraham D Vaisfiche On that day, Rabbi Shalom DovBer come to make this dream a reality. I “ ‘Yes,’ said the Rebbe, ‘but your sent six telegrams to the child’s father, Birth began making plans and scheduled decision should not be made with Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, each with bless- a pilot trip in search of a suitable the resignation of one who has reluc- Rebbetzin Chana was born in 1880, ings and various instructions. position and housing. I was involved tantly accepted a decree. Rather, on the 28th of Tevet, in Nikolayev, Before nursing her son, Rebbetzin enough in Lubavitch by that time it should come happily and good- Ukraine, to Rabbi Meir Shlomo and Chana would wash her hands in the to know that I should consult the heartedly!’ Rachel Yanovsky. She was the eldest ritual manner, and do the same for her Rebbe before making any binding of four children: two sisters, Gittel “Although I didn’t move to Eretz infant. She had a yarmulke and decisions. So, after my visit toE retz and Ettel, and a younger brother, Yis- Yisrael, over the years the Rebbe made for him, and took great care to Yisrael, I flew to New York before rael Leib, who passed away as a youth. spoke to me on several occasions raise her son—who would eventually returning to South Africa. Rabbi Meir Shlomo was chief rabbi about issues concerning the Holy become the seventh Lubavitcher of Nikolayev; indeed, the Yanovskys “It was the summer of 1974, and this Land. Once he told me of a conversa- Rebbe—in a holy environment. was my second yechidus with the tion he had with the then Minister were known as a prestigious rabbini- Rebbe. At great length, the Rebbe of Defense of Israel. TheR ebbe had cal family of scholars and leaders. In 1907, when Rebbetzin Chana was 27 years old, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak explained why I could accomplish asked him what plan or strategy Early Years much more by continuing to serve the government had for the next became rabbi of the Ukrainian city the South African Jewish community, ten years. The Chasidim of Nikolayev would of Yekatrinoslav—known today ‘Don’t you think that I too would like fondly recall Chana’s scholarship as Dnepropetrovsk. He served the “The Minister answered, ‘G-d will as a teenager. When a maamar community for 32 years, eventually to be there (in Eretz Yisrael), close help.’ (Chasidic discourse) would arrive assuming the position of chief rabbi, to the Kedushah (holiness)? But we have responsibilities.’ “ ‘What’s going on here?’ the Rebbe from Lubavitch—either repeated until 1939, when he was arrested said. ‘I am asking you like a layman by a Chasid who was present at the by the NKVD (a precursor of the “Though I obviously said I would fol- Rebbe’s discourse, or by notes sent KGB) for his activities on behalf (i.e., from a worldly perspective), and you are answering me like a Rebbe!’ to her father’s home—she would of strengthening yiddishkeit in the He then grew very serious and said, meticulously and faithfully tran- Soviet Union. it, making it available for the Newspaper ‘The truth is, they have no plan!’ The Jewish community ofY ekatrino- Community eager Chasidim. “The Rebbe has also expressed his slav included many non-religious Bright and talented, Chana had an professionals, who also held Rabbi 392 Kingston Avenue opinion on South Africa’s internal Brooklyn, NY 11225 policies. On more than one occa- excellent ear for music—a quality Levi Yitzchak in great esteem. Reb- [email protected] sion, he spoke of the need for the she shared with her father betzin Chana, who was fluent in several languages, contributed to Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol government to replace the apartheid In 1900, at the age of 20, Rebbetzin her husband’s success and influence of Crown Heights. regulations with a system of justice Chana married Rabbi Levi Yitzchak as a communal leader. She was an Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol and equity. Upon the Rebbe’s direc- Schneerson. The great-grandson elegant and personable woman Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman tive, Rabbi Lipskar, the head shliach of Rabbi Menachem Mendel, the Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary whose home was a constant hub of in South Africa, and I once visited “Tzemach Tzedek” (the third of Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) communal activity. She communi- the former Prime Minister, John -Lubavitcher ), Rabbi All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It cated especially well with Jewish is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless Vorster, and encouraged him in his Levi Yitzchak was a renowned scholar university students, in whom she otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced very cautious pioneering attempts to and brilliant kabbalist. Rabbi Sha- without the consent of the publisher. took a special interest as she tried to modify these policies, conveying the lom DovBer Schneersohn, the fifth Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not draw them close to yiddishkeit. She Rebbe’s prophetic words that South Lubavitcher Rebbe, had suggested be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond frequently visited the congregants in the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser Africa had a bright future. the match. The wedding took place their homes, counseling and convers- assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. on the 13th of Sivan, in Nikolayev. All advertisement designed and prepared by the CH “Some months later, we received ing with them on matters personal, Community Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the notice from government officials that Rebbetzin Chana gave birth to three academic and spiritual. consent of the publisher the Prime Minister requested to see sons: Menachem Mendel, DovBer January 23, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 3

The Rebbe's Sicha Parshas Vo’eira

A thought for the Week From A thought for the Week In the area of Avoda, service of G-d, they ponder profound axioms of By Rabbi YM Kagan OBM philosophy encompassing the entire shidduchim101.blogspot.com . In the field of communal THE LOWLY TASKS affairs they attempt to show how all On the rod that Moses used in humanity’s ills could be remedied by bringing down the plagues upon application of the principles of jus- Read the articles, ask questions, the Egyptians were carved the tice. In the arena of worldly affairs, names of the six mother of our their sermons eloquently explain make comments .... people, the twelve tribes, the ten the need for global democracy; plagues — and the Great Name of they comment on nuclear warfare G-d. The noble and lofty ideas and and they stress the need for summit ideals represented by the matriarchs meetings of the world’s leaders. and the tribes of Israel are “worthy The “simple” matters of Shabbos laws companions” for G-d’s Name on and Shabbos observance, keeping Moses’ rod. But the lowly tasks of Kosher, laws of marital life, or the bringing frogs, lice and boils upon HEAP details of Brachos (bles­sings to be the Egyptians seem an incongru- made over food), do not befit their The HEAP Program Outreach Workers ous “match” with the Al-mighty’s exalted status. Such “lowly tasks” The scheduled appointments are on ineffable Name — until we call to are best left to the Shamash (the mind the principle of Hashgacha TUESDAY, January 27 -- 9:15 AM--3:30 PM. synagogue warden), or at best to Pratiss, G-d’s particular providence at the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, the Assistant Rabbi; for the duty of and watchfullness over every detail 387 Kingston Avenue (corner Crown St.). a great rabbi is to address himself of the universe. G-d is not concerned exclusively to matters of global Please come early -- First come, first served only with lofty generali­ties, with nature, to attract attention with the world as a whole, or an entire startling new statements and to GREAT NEWS. The outreach workers will accept BOTH regular Species as a whole, but also with make front-page news. and emergency applications. (To apply for emergency heap you “lowly matters,” (such as punishing must have a shut-off notice.) the Egyptians) and with the smallest Let these content themselves details. with emulating their Creator! If the Those families on Food Stamps with a child under 8 need not Al-mighty interests Himself and apply unless you pay your own heating bill. You will receive it watches over even the smallest detail automatically. All other families must apply. Persons 60 and over Some individuals feel that their of the universe, if bringing lice and can apply with DFTA 212-442-1000. Households on Section 8 purpose in life is to revolutionize hail upon the Egyptians is not too are only eligible if they pay their own heating bill. the world, to revamp society. It “lowly” a task to be associated with Please bring in the following documentation: is not worthwhile to devote their G-d’s Great Name —then he too 1) Proof of income, Soc. Sec., or support letter for the past two superior talents to correcting “small should give attention to the smallest months matters.” detail. It is pre­cisely in the “simple 2) Rent, mortgage or tax papers tasks,” teaching the Torah-laws In particular, there are some Rab- 3) Birth certificates and social security cards for family pertaining to day-to-day living, binical leaders who declare that their members that G-d’s Kingly Presence finds attention is devoted exclusively to 4) Fuel or utility bills expression. matters of great import. In Torah- 5) Proof of Citizenship (Citizenship paper). study they explore only the most REFERENCES: Based on Likutei 6) Letter for child 18 and over that he/she is in School. esoteric and abstruse dis­cussions. Sichos Vol. VI, p. 305 Thank you

Levi & Nechama Shemtov Adapted from Shmais.com Mazal Tov! – Washington, DC Engagements to Esther Greenberg (Long Branch, - Crown Heights Dovid & Basya Wolkenfeld NJ) - Crown Heights Yisroel Bisk (Toronto, Ontario) to Shimon & Chanie Gratzman Baila Rochel Tenenbaum (Irvine, Weddings - Crown Heights Births – Girls CA) Levi Karp (Crown Heights) to Nadiv & Toby Kehaty Avremel & Zeldie Brashevitzky Rafi Chayo A( rgentina) to Devorah Chanele Sperlin (Montreal, CA) - Crown Heights – Doral, FL Leah Dinerman (Crown Heights) Eliyahu Stiefel (Montreal, CA) to Yossi & Shoshana Laufer Yossi & Dalia Kulek - Shmuel Levy (Strassbourg, France) Sara Leah Cohen (Pittsburgh, AP ) - Warwick RI West Hartford CT to Chayale Benamou (North Miami Yossi Witkes (Crown Heights) Mendel & Esther Lifshitz Sreuvi & Rivky Lazarus - Beach, FL) Chaya Lever (Sydney, Australia) - Boise, ID Pretoria, South Africa Berel Majesky (Crown Heights) to Levi & Leah Neubort Benny & Miriam Silberstein Chani Procel (Melbourne, AU) Births – Boys - Fair Lawn, NJ - Crown Heights Benny & Leeor Eliron Dovie Mizrachi (Los Angeles, CA)

READ THE CROWN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER @ CROWNHEIGHTS.INFO 4 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 23 2009 Our Heroes

Hachossid Reb Chaim Halevi Hurwitz Part II drink, Reb Chaim continued hosting the Jewish refugees and assisting 1902-1999 Tov, an informer reported on all saved from the KGB. them with documents. who attended the shul including By Rabbi Michoel Seligson As a result of the widespread hunger Reb Chaim. Once again he needed Helping War Refugees in the city, disease spread and many M a n y o f t h e With special thanks to Rabbi Dovid people became ill and died. People war refugees Hurwitz were literally dying in the streets. who arrived in The doctors in the hospitals would An Eventful Yud Tes Kislev Tashkent had dif- dump the seriously ill patients into Farbrengen ficulties settling the street in order that they not pass AfterR eb Chaim experienced a rash there because their illness to others. It became of incidents with an informer who they lacked offi- a necessity to bury the many Jews constantly reported him to the KGB, cial documents. who were among the fatalities. Reb things began to calm down. Reb Chaim and Chaim together with Hachossid Reb his wife devoted A few months later, during a Yud Osher Sussonkin and Hachossid Reb themselves to the Tes Kislev Farbrengen, Reb Chaim Aharon Yosef Belinitsky dedicated refugees. Every met this individual who pretended themselves to this sad task. day Reb Chaim to be a friend of chassidim. Reb would go to the Reb Chaim worked as a painter Chaim recognized him, and began train station to and manufactured soap to support screaming, “Thief! What do you find Jews who had himself, as well as the refugees and want from the pure children? Why arrived, helpless the . For three months the does it bother you if children study with nowhere to yeshiva did not have a dormitory for Torah?” The informer was shocked. turn, and would fifty students.R eb Chaim took them He did know that the chassidim were bring them back into his house and made them feel at aware of his activities against them. to the house. The home. Reb Chaim once came home The chassidim present told Reb first stop for the to fetch a certain document. One of Chaim, “How can you speak to him refugees in Tash- the bochurim, who did not know like this? He will certainly report kent was Reb him asked, “What are you doing you.” But Reb Chaim continued, Chaim’s home. here?” The other bochurim rebuked “I am not afraid! I am registered him. “He is the owner of this house as an employee.” Reb Chaim was Reb Chaim and !” The bochur immediately asked shortly thereafter called in for inter- his wife also forgiveness from Reb Chaim, to rogation. He displayed his employee forged papers for which Reb Chaim said, “I am happy certificate and was released. the refugees. Mrs. that you are protecting my house to escape. This time he headed for Hurwitz was particularly expert in from robbers.” Correspondence with the Previ- Tashkent. this area. She would forge citizen- ous Rebbe ship papers for refugees giving them Mrs. Shaina Hurwitz was an excep- Over the course of the years, Reb Reb Chaim’s Home in Tashkent rights according to the laws of the tional woman who worked hard to Chaim would correspond with the Acting upon the Previous Rebbe’s government. help the refugees. She became weak Previous Rebbe and would send the instructions, Reb Chaim purchased from hunger but continued assisting One day Reb Chaim was walking letters, written in code, to someone a relatively large house of two floors the refugees. In 1944 she contracted with some of these papers and was else’s address. The PreviousR ebbe’s in Tashkent, to include a study an illness and never recovered. caught by the KGB. They took him responses were written similarly. hall and a mikva for the Chabad to the station and asked if he had any The Previous Rebbe’s secretary, refugees. Mrs. Chava Hurwitz additional forged documents. He Reb Yechezkel Faigin, once wrote A shidduch was suggested for Reb In this part of the country everyone answered that he did. Reb Chaim “How are the brothers?” referring to Chaim. Miss Chava Zaslovsky had a ditch or a small reservoir of suggested that he return to his house chassidim. He signed the letter “In was the daughter of Reb Shmuel water in their basement. Reb Chaim to pick up the rest of the papers the name of the father”, referring to of Odessa and a grandchild of Reb enlarged the opening to enable the and bring them to the station. The the Previous Rebbe. Boruch Zaslovsky, the dayan in building of a mikva. investigator agreed. He did not Yekternislav prior to the appoint- WWII broke out. Reb Chaim know that Reb Chaim was planning On the ground floor people would ment of the Rebbe’s father, Horav thought about the situation and to escape immediately. When Reb sit and learn. When the KGB came Levi Yitzchok. Mrs. Hurwitz was an realized that someone with his skills Chaim came home he immediately the Jews would go down to the base- expert physician who worked at the would likely be sent to the military took all of his belongings and drove ment, placing a cabinet in front of Samarkand Hospital and saved many front to evaluate the ground and away in a wagon with his wife and the door to obscure it. people. It was said that she would whether it was suitable for construct- daughter. sacrifice herself to save others, even ing bridges and building army bases. Once, the KGB came looking for an infant or an elderly person whom He found out where the chassidim students to draft into the army. Reb Chaim “Tashkenter” the physicians had given up on. She were planning to find refuge.U pon Everybody disappeared into the In total, Reb Chaim lived in Tashkent did her part and fought for their learning that the Jews hoped to avoid basement and Reb Chaim and his for less than a year. Many of Anash lives until they were either cured or the war by running to Samarkand, wife were the only ones left in the remembered him from Tashkent succumbed to their illness. he traveled there, one of the first house. The KGB agents asked him and thereafter he was referred to as to do so. As soon as he arrived in why he needed such a large house “Reb Chaim Tashkenter”. When Reb Chaim married Miss Chava Samarkand, he went into hiding. and he responded that his house Reb Chaim recalled his experience in Elul 1944 and the wedding was After a month, when he felt secure served as a hotel. They began going in Tashkent, he said, “Tashkent attended by all of Anash in Samar- enough, he began working again as through all the rooms. When they was an important period in my life. kand. The unterfirer, leading the a surveyor. asked Reb Chaim about the mikva, I merited to assist in saving many chosson to the chupa was Hachossid he told them that this was where the lives.” Reb Mendel Futerfas and the In Samarkand, Reb Chaim met Reb drinking water was stored. Seeing who was mesader kiddushin, officiat- Rafael Chudaitov who helped him Reb Chaim returned to Samarkand. the dirty water, the KGB agents ing at the wedding, was Hachossid find a place to live and a parnossa To be careful and to avoid capture, said, “If this water is designated for Reb Eliyohu Plotkin. Reb Osher making mashke, vodka. On Rosh he changed his name from Dawgop- drinking, let us see you drink it”. Reb Sussonkin was honored with the Hashana and Reb olsky to Hurwitz. He stayed in Chaim without any hesitation filled reading of the kesuba. Chaim served as the baal tfila, Hachossid Reb Abba Pliskin’s home a cup and drank from it, saying, “It’s chazan, baal koreh, and baal tokea; and after a while, he bought a house After the wedding, Mrs. Hurwitz wonderful”. TheK GB did not know davening, reading from the Torah, of his own. Although his house was committed herself to save many what to tell him and went on their and blowing . After Yom near a bar where many KGB came to of the refugees who were ill. Many way. This is how the students were January 23, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 5

Anash families owe their lives to [Previous Rebbe]. air he would look for Jewish passen- A Chassidishe Image & Role her. gers in order to put on with. When Reb Chaim told the Rebbe Model of Hiskashrus He never met a who refused to When she would purchase food, on that his father looked like a prince, Reb Chaim had a chassidishe image put on Tefillin. the way home from the store people the Rebbe commented, “Why not and was role model of hiskashrus would call out to her begging for like a king?” A third of the funds he raised he to the Rebbe with liveliness and something to eat. She would have would send to the Rebbe. The rest excitement. While living in France TheR ebbe wished to hear additional pity on them and give away the food he would distribute to the mosdos, and then in Crown Heights, he was details about his father. Reb Chaim she had just bought. All her life she leaving a certain a legend and a symbol of a genuine was not overly concerned for herself amount for his per- and complete bitul to the Rebbe. He but for others plight. sonal use. When always had a smiling face, glowing he received a very with true chassidishe joy. A Mohel in France large amount of Reb Chaim was a Yid of regesh. In 1947, Reb Chaim and many money, he would When he first moved to Crown Anash left Russia and after a short give it all to the Heights, he would often cry from stay in Poking, Germany came to Rebbe. Wherever emotion, so excited that he merited France. Reb Chaim became a Mohel he went he was to live near the Rebbe. Tears would and would perform brisim for many graciously invited flow whenever he wrote a pidyon. of the Jews of Sefardi ancestry who by the Jews to stay came to France from North Africa. in their homes. On He named all of his children after Mrs. Hurwitz assisted the Sefardic one occasion he the Rebbe’im, beginning with the women and was mekarev them to came to a city, and . Torah and Mitzvos, in addition to everyone assumed Reb Chaim was nifter on the 26th of hosting the many guests. that he was set up in Teves 1999 in his 97th year. a house. He ended When Reb Chaim lived in Paris, the up sleeping in the Reb Chaim left behind, his wife Previous Rebbe instructed him to shul. On Shabbos Mrs. Chava Hurwitz; and may they study shechita (of cattle) with the at mincha they live and be well, his daughter, Mrs. goal of traveling to Dublin, Ireland learned that he had Masha Lieba, the wife of Horav to work as a shochet. He received not been placed in Sholom Ber Budnow, of Melbourne, kabala, certifying him to practice as a any home. Australia; his daughter, Mrs. Brocho shochet, from the Chossid and Gaon Hurwitz, the wife of Hachossid Horav Mendel Dubrawsky. Reb In 1978, Reb Reb Shmuel Hurwitz, of Crown Chaim stayed in France and began Chaim and his Heights; his son, Horav Hachossid to shecht chickens supplying kosher family relocated Reb Shmuel Halevi, author of hala- food for the local community. to Crown Heights described to the Rebbe how Reb chic sforim, of Crown Heights; his where he involved himself with The Rebbe assumed the nesius in Levik poured his heart out, speaking son, Reb Moshe Avrohom Halevi, Mivtza Tefillin and all the mitvzoim Shvat 1951. Reb Chaim yearned of his great difficulty in fulfilling of Israel; His son, Horav Hatomim which the Rebbe had initiated. to travel to the Rebbe in Brooklyn Torah and Mitzvos. “Here there are Reb Sholom Ber Halevi, of Flatbush; and exerted great efforts to make it no tzizis, no Tefillin, no SeferT orah.” Even after he was elderly and weak his son, Horav Hatomim Reb Yosef happen but in the early 1950’s was Reb Levik spoke with Reb Chaim he was particular in attending a Yitzchok Halevi, of Crown Heights; unable to obtain a visa. In 1958 for 15 minutes, during which he Torah on a daily basis. He his daughter, Mrs. Shterna Soro, he was finally able to travel to the told Reb Chaim that every activity would fulfill Mitzvos with a hidur, wife of Horav Hatomim Rev Aharon United States. Chassidim at that of his was achieved with “greena an enhanced manner. For example Blesofsky, of Crown Heights; his time did not customarily travel to the verim”, great difficulty. He had he would not eat Seudas Shabbos daughter, Mrs. Chana, wife of Horav Rebbe every year besides not having many obstacles in obtaining flour until he had completely reviewed Hatomim Sholom Ber Goldstein, the funds to do so. Reb Chaim felt for matzo, tzizis and taleisim, and the the parsha, the twice and of Crown Heights; his son, Horav that there were chassidim who had KGB constantly followed him. Even the targum once. He would immerse Hatomim Reb Menachem Men- merited to see the Rebbe RaShaB as they were conversing, Reb Levik himself daily in the Mikva during all del Halevi, active in the Rebbe’s and the Previous Rebbe but he had said that he was being watched. seasons, winter and summer. Once Mivtzoim Campaign, of Baltimore, not. Therefore, he really needed to in Paris during a very cold day Reb Maryland; his sons, Horav Hato- When Reb Chaim said the words see the Rebbe. His trip to the Rebbe Chaim requested that the mikva mim Reb Yisroel Halevi and Horav “greena verim”, the Rebbe became brought him a special pleasure and attendant should break the ice in Hatomim Reb Schneur Zalman, of emotional and tears gathered in his pride. the mikva so that he could immerse Crown Heights; and grandchildren eyes. himself. Reb Chaim offered to pay serving as the Rebbe’s Shluchim Reb Chaim’s Meeting with Horav Reb Chaim also told the Rebbe that him. Years later this person recalled worldwide. Levi Yitzchok Schneerson Reb Levik requested that when he with excitement, telling Reb Chaim’s We should speedily witness “The When Reb Chaim came for Tishrei met chassidim he should tell them son, Hachossid Reb Shmuel, “Not ones who dwell in the dust will 5718/1958, the chossid Reb Zalman that he would welcome their assis- only was your father particular in awaken and rejoice” with Horav Duchman urged him to describe to tance in obtaining religious articles. immersing himself in an ice mikva, Hachossid Hatomim Reb Chaim the Rebbe in Yechidus his meeting Reb Chaim later learned that Reb he was even ready to pay for breaking Hurwitz Halevi among them. with the Rebbe’s father, Horav Levik had come to the station to find the ice.” Hagaon Reb Levi Yitzchok, in Chili, a Lubavitcher chossid with whom he Russia. When Reb Chaim entered could discuss his ordeal and send a the Rebbe’s room the Rebbe asked, message to chassidim. “You are Reb Chaim Tashkenter?” At the conclusion of the Yechidus, Reb Chaim related to the Rebbe the Rebbe blessed him with many that in 1940 he was standing in the brochos, including a for train station. A person with a heav- long life. enly image and a royal appearance approached him and asked, “Are An Emissary for Yeshiva Tomchei you a Lubavitcher?” to which Reb Tmimim & Bais Rivka Chaim answered yes. Reb Levik In his sixties, Reb Chaim became continued, “Do you know who I a shadar, an emissary, for Yeshiva am?” When Reb Chaim answered Tomchei Tmimim and Bais Rivka that he did not. Reb Levik said, in France. He continued doing this “I am the mechutan of the Rebbe until 1989. When he would travel by 6 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 23 2009

A Rabbi’s Northern Adventure

From the Heights of Alaska to the Golan Heights city, I returned to the motel room to daven. In the afternoon, after the Reprinted with special permission but this was too preposterous to our trip. It came to remind us that morning’s Kiddush and a satisfying by the author and Merkos L'Inyonei believe. the Almighty’s Providence wasn’t meal, we took advantage of Chinuch “You are going to build me a limited to Brooklyn, but extended the sunny weather to stroll through mikvah?” all over the world, even to Montana, By Rabbi Yisrael Haber the peaceful, tree-lined campus. “That’s right,” he repeated. Idaho, and Washington State. Suddenly, the pastoral calm was “You are going to Alaska and the “I know you’re a rabbi, but what do We reached the city limits of Seattle interrupted by a boisterous throng of Rebbe doesn’t know?” They both you do for a living?” I asked him. ninety minutes before Shabbat. humanity.More than fifty-thousand looked amazed. “I build mikvahs,” he said. Friday’s heavy rush-hour traffic people were heading for the campus Their interrogation was making me All over America I was searching for had started, and it took us forty-five stadium and the first football game feel uncomfortable, so I asked if my someone to build me a mikvah, and minutes before we approached the of the season against the University wife and I could something to I walk into a Chabad House for sup- downtown area. Not having time to of Hawaii. Miriam and I looked at eat. It was probably the first time in per in St. Paul, Minnesota, and one try to locate some Jewish families each other as hordes of high-spirited the history of a Chabad House that of the people I meet tells me he will and ask for directions to the closest rowdies headed our way. a Jew had to ask for food. build me the mikvah! And—“Wow,” synagogue, we exited the highway “Maybe we should head back to the I thought, “they’re really amazing. at 42nd Street. Why 42nd Street? “How is the Rebbe going to know?” motel,” Miriam suggested in her They don’t even put on a stamp and In my mind, 42nd Street was the Rabbi Feller asked. low-key manner. It was an under- mail the letter to theR ebbe. All you heart of the city. That’s how it was in “I don’t know,” I said. statement to say the least. The armies do is write to the Rebbe—as I did— Manhattan, so of course, that’s how “You should write to the Rebbe and of Ghengis Khan couldn’t have that we’re looking all over and need it must be in the rest of the world. tell him.” looked more frightening on such a someone to build us a mikvah and “Write to the Rebbe? Me?” “Yisrael, this isn’t Manhattan,” sunny Shabbat day. So we made an then—presto—I find him.” “Of course.” Miriam reminded me. about-face and headed back to the And sure enough, a mikvah he would “New York is on the other side of the more Shabbat-like atmosphere of They looked at me in wonder. I mean soon build. continent.Where are you going?” the motel. what kind of Jew would travel to the “I don’t know,” I said. “But we have end of the world without writing the On Sunday evening, we left the Chapter 9 to find a motel before Shabbat.” Rebbe? ON THE ROAD motel and traveled south to Fort Fortunately, we chanced upon a Lewis in Tacoma, where we were “Now?” I asked. “You want me to Looking forward to seeing Rabbi nice-looking motel, adjacent to the met by Chaplain Sanford Dresin, the write him now? Before dinner or Grossbaum in Alaska, we bade a fond University of Washington campus. post’s Jewish chaplain. After enjoy- after?” farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Goldberg, We were given the keys to the last ing a snack with Sandy and his wife, “Now, of course.” thanking them for their hospitality vacant suite. “Baruch Hashem,” we he showed us to our very temporary I said, “Okay, give me a piece of paper and kindness, and for introducing both said, racing to the room to set quarters. We were scheduled to take quick.” I was very hungry. us to the two young Chabad rabbis. up the candles before the quickly an Air Force flight to Alaska that Little did my wife and I realize how The way these two young, sincere approaching Shabbat. The suite was very night at four in the morning this seemingly chance meeting rabbis were staring at me, it looked spacious with a kitchenette, dining from the nearby McChord Air Force would influence the rest of our like my life depended on this act. So room and parlor. Base. lives. I sat down and wrote to the Rebbe. Moving in fast-motion, Miriam set Rabbi Dresin kindly drove us to the In the last sentence I said, “We have It was fortunate that we had stocked the Shabbat table with her portable terminal long before sunrise. To our one problem—we have the money up on kosher food in Chicago, candlesticks, tablecloth, Israeli wine, chagrin, we were informed that the to build the mikvah, but we have because, for all practical purposes, and two challot which we had pur- flight had been canceled and that no one to build it for us.” I signed once we left St. Paul, the next Jew- chased in a Chicago bakery. We everyone traveling to Alaska would my name and put the letter in the ish oasis we found wasn’t until used the few remaining minutes be rescheduled on a late-afternoon envelope they handed me. Seattle. Driving through North to freshen up and change into our flight leaving the Seattle Airport. Dakota, we were treated to the “How can we help you?” Rabbi holiday finery in order to welcome Sleepily, we lugged our luggage beauty of the Theodore Roosevelt Grossbaum asked. the Shabbat Queen. and the twelve cartons of frozen National Park and its badlands. We kosher meat which we had purchased Having seen their modest set-up in stayed in a motel in the western I finished unpacking the food and in Seattle back into the car, and St. Paul, it didn’t seem to me that part of the state and journeyed into opening the boxes and bags we later, back into the Ft. Lewis chapel these nice gentlemen could help in Montana the following morning. would need for the day just in time freezer. the least. After all, they were just Towards late afternoon we were to watch my beloved wife light the getting started in Minnesota, and experiencing the scenic beauty of holy Shabbat candles. She recited Finally, that afternoon, after leaving they had their own community to the Rocky Mountains. All our lives, the blessing, and then in a whisper, our car at the military dock for ship- worry about. we had heard about them, and here her lips hardly moving, she said a ping, we were driven to the Seattle they were towering over our heads, personal prayer. I didn’t have to hear Airport where we boarded a flight to “Baruch Hashem, we have every- declaring the awesomeness of G-d’s it to know that she was asking the Anchorage, Alaska— the final leg of thing we need.We just have one Creation. Almighty for children. our journey! particular problem. There isn’t a mikvah in Alaska. The government Exhausted from driving, we pitched While a television blared from an Flight time for the eighteen-hundred- is giving us the money for one, but camp at a motel in a picture-book adjoining room and cars whisked mile trip was three-and-one-quarter we have no one who knows how to town near the Idaho border. How by on the street, we enjoyed the hours. The navigator informed us build it.” many Orthodox Jews from Brooklyn tranquility and spiritual peace that we were headed northwest, “You need someone to build a kosher ever get to Montana and Idaho? I which Shabbat has granted to the and we were surprised to learn that mikvah for you in Alaska?” Rabbi was beginning to feel like a Jewish Jewish people throughout all of Anchorage was as far west as Hawaii! Grossbaum asked. Columbus. Only now, when people their generations and wanderings. Talk about out of the way! “That’s right.” asked us where we were headed, Early Shabbat morning, I set off to An hour-and-a-half into the trip, “Then you don’t have a problem,” when we answered Alaska, they find the new Seattle Chabad House we gazed out the window of the he said. didn’t bat an eye. about which Rabbis Feller and aircraft and feasted our eyes on “That’s not a problem?” Grossbaum had told me. I located Apparently, the place really existed the splendor of Alaska’s towering “That’s right. I will build the mikvah the building along Fraternity Row, and we weren’t so far away. Our next mountain ranges. All of the pas- for you.” but the construction had not yet stop, Seattle, was almost 400 miles sengers pressed their noses to the been finished. Here I am in St. Paul, Minnesota, away, and we had to get there before portholes to “ohh” and “ahh” at the Only after the High Holy Days looking at a twentyfive year old guy Shabbat. As I recounted at the begin- spectacle of nature’s beauty. There is would services begin. who is telling me that he is going to ning of the book, our run-in with a blessing one says over seeing the build a mikvah for me in Alaska! I’m the Jewish highway patrolman was After learning that the nearest syna- wonders of G-d’s Creation, and we a Jew, and a Jew believes in miracles, the highpoint during this stretch of gogue was on the opposite end of the took the opportunity to say it. January 23, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 7 Parshas Hashavua

Vedibarta Bam ~ Vaeira will be your interpreter.” only live in water? )חתם סופר( By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilky “These are the names of the children ANSWER: The plague of blood "וישלך אהרן את מטהו לפני פרעה of Levi: Gershon, and Kehat and might have occurred in one of two "וידבר אלקים אל ולפני עבדיו ויהי לתנין" :Merari.” (6:16) ways משה ויאמר אליו QUESTION: Why is the word “Aharon threw his staff in front of 1) All the waters might have now אני ה'" “shemot” — “names” — mentioned Pharaoh and his servants, and it been blood, and turned back into “G d spoke to only for Levi’s children while for became a snake.” (7:10) water only when a Jew filled a Moshe and said all the others it simply says “the glass. to him, ‘I am G d.’ QUESTION: What message did children of... are...”? ” (6:2) Moshe and Aharon want to give 2) There could have been no change ANSWER: With the exception of Pharaoh? in the water except that when an QUESTION: This is the second the tribe of Levi, the children of all Egyptian filled a glass, it became pasuk of the sixth chapter, and it is a ANSWER: Pharaoh claimed that the tribes were enslaved in Egypt. blood. continuation of Hashem’s response the Jews had sinned and that they did Levi felt that although his children to Moshe for his sharp criticism. not deserve to be taken out of Egypt. In reality it was the latter that were not personally enslaved, they Why does the first pasuk of the Moshe and Aharon responded that occurred. Consequently, the Egyp- should participate in some way and chapter start with the words “vayo- a person’s environment plays a very tians received a double punishment: remember the troubles which con- mer Hashem” — “Hashem said [to important role in his development. The fresh water turned into blood fronted their brethren. Therefore, he Moshe]” — while this pasuk starts Even a holy staff can turn into a when used by the Egyptians, and the named his children in a way which “vayedabeir Elokim”? vicious snake in the company of fish in the river (of fresh water) died, would remind them of the exile. Pharaoh. On the other hand, a making the water stink terribly. ANSWER: Moshe’s complaint to The name “Gershon” ( ) means “snake” in the company of Moshe It is necessary to explain it in this way גרשון :Hashem was twofold that the Jews were and Aharon can transform itself into -because we are told that the Egyp גרים בארץ לא להם 1) “Why have you done evil to this — strangers in a land that was not a holy staff. tians were compelled to purchase )הרב מאיר ז"ל שאפירא מלובלין( ( ) ”people; why have you sent me?” theirs. The name “Kehat water from the Jews, who prospered קהת (5:22). Since I came things only got means that — their teeth thereby ( Rabbah 9:9). If "ויאמר ה' אל משה אמר אל אהרן שיניהם קהות worse for them. became dull from the difficulties all the water had been transformed קח מטך ונטה ידך על מימי מצרים... they endured. The name “Merari” to blood, the Jews would have been ויהיו דם" You created a chilul Hashem — a“ (2 ( ) means — [The unable to charge the Egyptians for וימררו את חייהם מררי ;desecration of Your Holy Name Egyptians] embittered their lives. “G d told Moshe ‘Tell Aharon to since I came to Pharaoh ‘ledabeir water, because it is forbidden to take your staff and stretch out your )של"ה( bishmecha,’ to speak in Your Name, derive benefit from a miracle. (See hand over the waters — there shall (פרדס יוסף) (.Ta’anit 24a "ויאמר משה אל ה' הן אני ערל ,he did evil to this people. Hence (be blood.’ ” (7:19 שפתים...ראה נתתיך אלקים לפרעה "וירא פרעה כי היתה הרוחה והכבד the world will not respect Your ואהרן אחיך יהיה נביאך" את לבו ולא שמע אלהם" Eminence because they know that QUESTION: explains that I spoke in Your Name and Pharaoh since the river offered protection “Moshe said to G d, ‘Behold I am of disregarded it and nothing occurred to Moshe when he was cast into “But when Pharaoh saw that there uncircumcised (closed) lips’...‘See, I to him.” it, it was not smitten through him. was relief, he hardened his heart and have made you master over Pharaoh; For the same reason, the plague of did not listen to them.” (8:11) The word “amar” — “said” — implies and Aharon your brother shall be frogs, which had to do with water, a mild form of speech, and the word your spokesman.’ ” (6:30-7:1) QUESTION: When Pharaoh begged was performed through Aharon. “dabeir” — “spoke” — connotes a Moshe to take away the frogs he said, QUESTION: How did the fact The third plague of lice was also stronger form of speech. Hashem’s “va’ashalchah et ha’am” — “And I that Hashem had made Moshe performed through Aharon: when holy four letter name indicates mercy will send the people away” (8:4): a master over Pharaoh and had Moshe killed the Egyptian he buried while the name Elokim denotes Why didn’t he keep his word? appointed Aharon his spokesman him in the sand. Therefore, he did Hashem in His attribute of justice. refute Moshe’s argument that his not strike the dust of the earth to ANSWER: Pharaoh was uncer- Consequently, the different terms speech difficulty made him an bring lice over Egypt. tain whether Moshe was really used in the pesukim indicate the unsuitable messenger? Hashem’s emissary to redeem the Why would these reasons preclude tone of Hashem’s response to both Jews or merely a magician with ANSWER: Every nation has its own Moshe from delivering the plagues of Moshe’s complaints. unusual spiritual powers. Pharaoh language. Usually, when heads of so many years later? was totally evil and had no intention 1) Regarding Moshe’s concern that governments meet, each speaks his ANSWER: From this we can learn of liberating the Jewish people. He a chilul Hashem had taken place, native tongue with an interpreter a very important lesson: Often, thus decided to put Moshe through “Vayomer Hashem el Moshe” — between them. An exception to this when someone does a favor, we a test and determine the source of “G d said to Moshe” — in a soft rule is a meeting between the head forget it and fail to show gratitude. Moshe’s power. and gentle tone, “I appreciate your of a small country and the head of a Hashem, in His instructions to concern. However, you need not major power. Then it is customary Pharaoh called Moshe and lied, “If Moshe, was conveying a lesson that worry, because very soon ‘you will to speak the language of the larger you remove the frogs, I will send one should remain thankful for a see what I shall do to Pharaoh, for country. away the people.” Pharaoh thought, lifetime. Though the favor Moshe through a strong hand will he send “If Moshe is really Hashem’s messen- When Hashem told Moshe to deliver received from the waters had hap- them out,’ (6:1) and there will then ger, he will know that I am lying and a message to Pharaoh, he assumed pened approximately 80 years earlier be a tremendous kiddush Hashem will not remove the frogs. If he does that he was to speak in the Egyptian and Moshe had benefited from the — sanctification of My Name.’” remove the frogs, then I will know language. He therefore told Hashem earth approximately 70 years earlier, that he is merely a great magician.” 2) Regarding Moshe’s other com- that since he had left Egypt at a Moshe was told to be appreciative Pharaoh concluded that Moshe had plaint, “Why have you done evil young age and was now 80 years old, and not hurt them in any way. failed the test and became even more to this people; sending me to Pha- he lacked fluency in the Egyptian If this is true in regard to water and adamant in refusing to free the Jew- raoh only made it worse for them,” language and would have to stut- (ערבי נחל) .earth, which are inanimate, how ish people “Vayedabeir Elokim” — He spoke ter to find the proper words. (See much more so must this apply to a like a judge — and admonished Rashbam 4:10.) human being who does a favor. Moshe in a harsh tone for doubt- Hashem told him, “I have appointed "ויהפכו כל המים אשר ביאר לדם והדגה אשר -ing His infinite love for the Jew you a master over Pharaoh. Thus, he ביאר מתה" ish people and trustworthiness to is your inferior, and you are the head redeem them. of a major empire. Consequently, in “All the water in the river turned to )שמעתי מהרב יחיאל מ. ז"ל וויינגארטען, ”.accordance with proper protocol, blood, and the fish in the river died מישיבה דקראון הייטס( you will address him in Lashon (7:20-21) Hakodesh — Hebrew. Do not be "ואלה שמות בני לוי לתלדתם גרשון QUESTION: Is it not obvious that concerned about his inability to וקהת ומררי" the fish would die, because they can understand Hebrew because Aharon 8 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 23 2009

Tznius: "America Is Nisht Andersh”

A Time For Answers devote ourselves to our children, we I would still much rather put my will definitely reap the rewards. trust in following the dictates of our Mesora and ask myself how I Post script confessional Mrs Resnick, can be a better father/husband/ I truly hope that a mother with a daughter suffering from an eating Sometimes I think there's some- chossid rather than look for some disorder, or a parent with child suffering from PTSD, or anyone else thing cosmic going on, after all other panacea. with something that needs and deserves medical attention does NOT "even in the best homes...." take your article to heart. Take a good look at what is going on in The Effect of the Buttons continues: Crown Heights today. I personally know way too many people who are suffering from mental disorders at the moment. If you know how to Last week we described and included small bargaining chip in this Tznius understand chassidus to solve these problems, then good for you. But a picture of the Rebbe’s Butttons battle.) workshop organized by Mrs. please please don't further stigmatize something that desperately needs “You are 100 percent right,” replied Esther Piekarski in her seminary to be accepted in our community. There is a reason why theR ebbe told her mentchliche dentist, “I will take in Eretz Yisroel. At that time she people to go to these doctors. And these were not just exceptions to a care of it.” rule. I have seen countless letters where the Rebbe advised people to also recounted an incident which, see psychologists. in my opinion, is not only worthy of Result: All the staff is now wearing sharing but is a mark of true courage white coats just like their boss, the I think it would be very worthwhile to insert something in your next that bears emulating. dentist. 'email' that apologizes to that affect. In addition to only strengthening a stigma in our community that is very harmful, you have no doubt shamed Here is her story in her own words: Kudos to Mrs. Piekarski. I person- and invalidated the people who do (and rightly so) see psychologists. ally am in awe “You look like of her coura- Name Withheld you are on the geous, non- war path” said defensive my wonderful attitude. dentist (with Mrs. M. Resnick responds: It was virtually unheard of 50 years whom our Just last week First let me stress that I never said ago before people starting worshipping family has had I was reading that no one should ever send to these "skinny". Again, when things are so far a professional about how the professionals- if that's what people gone and the girl is dangerously skinny, relationship for Rebbe said are hearing then I do apologize for then she needs people with experience many years), we shou ld not being clear enough. There are to help extricate her from danger. But when I walked not have to certainly some people who are in what about our responsibility as a into his office. be defensive such profound emotional distress society to get rid of the horrible ideals w h e n w e “Yes, I have that they need acute care such as and aspirations that have invaded explain that come to fight medication or hospitalization. our chassidishe community and cause Hashem for my honor ontold insiduous damage? promised us Second I asked our dear family and dignity” Eretz Yisroel friend, esteemed Chossid, and psy- Then there is a discussion regarding (Ken, baati lehi- at the Bris chologis Dr. L Steiner to respond: emotional problems. We cannot ignore ” lachem al kvodi) Bein Habso- the fact that Chassidus is there to I replied. I never rim; that it There is, at times, a slippery slope mold and refine our emotions. And, expected this was an eternal between bad middos and what's com- as in the well known Chassidic saying innocent visit Bris from an monly called psychiatric illness. if you have learned the teachings and to the dentist to eternal G-d to an eternal people and are not yet Chassidic, then you haven't evolve into a battle, but a battle it A simple example: the young individual that we do not even need ‘diplomacy’ learned enough. had become. who begins taking alcohol when feeling (and I am quoting) even when we stressed. He then begins his day with a Now, therapists also wish to intervene “When I send my boys for a clean- approach the goyim on this subject. drink and starts feeling compelled to and help with our emotions. Let's ing,” I continued, “I don’t expect We should do it with pride and in a have a few each day. Before long, he take a practical example-PTSD. them to encounter secretarial or matter of fact way. has an addiction disorder and has to be Let's bring it closer to home and talk support staff attired in a manner that Let us take strength from this mar- seen by professionals. Or the child who about the fact that we are all a little one would find on the beach. has next to no discipline in the home traumatized by the growing anti- velous incident and arm ourselves and has his parents wrapped around Semitism we feel around us. Some “Until you can assure me that my with koma zkufa (an upright pos- his finger. He goes to school and the people start developing symptoms- boys will not be subjected to such ture) to fight the battle of Hashem teachers can't handle him so they refer they don't sleep well, they're more a sight I am afraid I will have to in defending our feminine dignity him to special ed or remedial. He has irritable, the kids are losing control ask you to cancel the rest of their and honor and become true Bnos never learned respect for authority so over their bladders in the night. Our appointments.” (My note: Luckily Chayil the way the Rebbe so often why would he behave. problem is that it is too easy to label for our side Mrs. Piekarski B”H has directed us. this as illness and run to anyone that several more boys at home, not a Even if there is an addiction gene or hangs a shingle. a pre-disposition to anger, we can intervene as parents and give our kids I know that the Rebbe sent to pro- “Another tip for collar bone protection” a fighting chance to prevail over their fessionals at times. But how many yetzers. Instead we absolve ourselves thousands of letters are there that from responsibility by looking at are giving chizuk to people who behavior as an expression of brain are feeling weak or overwhelmed or Mrs. Resnick, chemistry. despondent about life. How many Another good tip for proper collar bone covering I learned from a thousands of letters, sichos, and The fact is no-one knows exactly what chassidishe (Williamsburg/ Boro Park style) lady trying something mamamorim offer precisely that percent is in-born or environmental, on in century 21. Safety pin your shirt in the back, until proper hope, encouragement, and an expla- but we do need to ask ourselves if we coverage is reached. This only works well if something is worn on nation of how to turn adversity into are part of the problem or the solution. top of the shirt, jacket sweater etc., or else you see fabric gathering triumph. So even if it is entirely inborn and bio- awkwardly in your upper back. chemical, we have to do what we can to If we are facing so many kids that are I find wearing a shirt backwards always looks funny, either you construct the best environment so they having so many more problems today see the tag bumping through, or it is a very flat line across the can overcome these predispositions. than ever before perhaps that simply neck that looks off, and is not very comfortable. No offense to means that we have to create more We can argue from today to doomsday your friend, this has only been my experience. Chassidishe households and get more about the causes of an eating disorder serious with ourselves. If we fortify Gut Yom Tov but no one can honestly argue there is ourselves with a more Chassidishe Esther H. certainly a strong societal influence. outlook, knowledge, and passion and January 23, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 9

The Secret of our Continued Existence speak in the manner expected of a Jewish woman or daughter. most developed country, neverthe- ness as a people would prevent and From Beautiful Within Published by Herein lies an even more profound less did not adopt the mores and prohibit them from altering their Sichos In English lesson: One may demand of Jewish customs of their Egyptian neighbors. Jewish dress code, notwithstanding Our Sages relate[2] that at the time of women and daughters that tznius Rather, knowing as they did that that they were dispersed among the the Exodus certain nations insisted be applied not only to something they were sons of Abraham, Isaac Egyptians. To have done so would that it was literally impossible for so fundamental as dress, but also and Jacob and daughters of Sarah, have meant lowering and demeaning the Jewish people to have retained with regard to conversation. There Rivkah, Rachel and Leah, they themselves by chasing afterE gyptian their sanctity, holiness and purity, as well, G-d blesses and enables us realized that "I shall descend with fashion, that because Egyptians are after 210 years of exile. Especially - if we but so desire - that even our you to Egypt,"[3] that G-d was with wearing such garments we must - so, since the Egyptian exile was one conversations with one another be them in Egypt every step of the way. Heaven forfend - imitate and copy of the most difficult exiles, where conducted in a manner of tznius. Consequently, they recognized that them. the Jewish people were enslaved they must surely and steadfastly As mentioned on numerous occa- and held captive by the despotic Indeed, modesty of dress is one of cling to G-d and conduct themselves sions, Torah is not - G-d forbid - a Pharaohs - in the words of the Hag- the most fundamental principles of according to His dictates. Only then history book that recounts events gadah: "We were slaves to Pharaoh tznius - the central theme of your would they be able to leave Egypt that transpired many years ago, with in Egypt." convention - for the aspect of tznius whole, unsullied and unblemished. the sole purpose of relating to us that which is most readily discernible is In response to this, G-d testifies at which took place with our forebears. Thus theT orah relates that the Jew- with regard to clothing. the conclusion of the second census Rather, Torah is a "Torah of Life," a ish people departed Egypt whole recounted at the conclusion of the Here, too, Torah teaches us that "living Torah," in a manner whereby and complete, "with our youth and book of Bamidbar, that each and we are not to change our mode of "the deeds of our ancestors are signs elders, with our sons and daugh- every Jewish family remained pure Jewish dress. Moreover, retaining to their progeny" - when the Torah ters,"[4] i.e., children, parents and and holy; the Jewish people left our Jewish dress code will not cause relates that which happened with grandparents were entirely united Egypt with exactly the same degree us to lose favor and respect among our ancestors, it is a sign to us how in their outlooks, perspectives and of purity and sanctity that they our non-Jewish neighbors. Quite the we are to conduct ourselves. attitudes without any generational enjoyed when Jacob and his family contrary, the nations among whom gaps - a unified nation, a whole and This, in itself, demonstrates that now descended from the Holy Land into we find ourselves will realize that intact nation, and a healthy nation, as well, this year and this very day Egypt. In fact, the Jewish people we are a people who sticks to our both physically and spiritually. and wherever one finds oneself, all were taken out of exile precisely principles. And even if doing so may Jewish women and daughters are because of their undefiled and holy It was with this spirit of unity that sometimes prove difficult, we are not capable of conducting themselves state, not having succumbed to the they all leftE gypt in order to receive frightened by this, for we realize that in a manner of tznius with regard to customs and mores of the land in the Torah on Sinai in the month by observing our Jewish dress code, all matters: conduct, dress, and even which they found themselves, the of Sivan, with the Torah as their - observing tznius, we preserve our speech. Moreover, they are capable land of Egypt. and our - eternal guidepost in life, identity, guaranteeing our strength of doing so with joy and gladness. thereby ensuring that the spirit of and existence as a nation and as At that particular point in history unity between generations endures individuals. This is the path that Egypt was a highly advanced civili- Excerpt from a Sicha of the Rebbe, Lik- for all time. leads us out of exile. zation. This was so both with regard kutei Sichos, Vol. VIII, pp. 222-225 to their culture, as well as with Our Rabbis tell us[5] that one of the There is yet another aspect to this: FOOTNOTES regard to their general knowledge, things in whose merit the Jewish When G-d said that He bears witness 2. (Back to text) Shir HaShirim wisdom and philosophy. In these people were freed from Egyptian that the Jewish families remained Rabbah (4:12), quoted in Rashi, areas, Egypt outshined by far all bondage was that "they did not holy and pure, something that Bamidbar 26:5 other nations that were then extant. change their mode of dress." Jew- depends on the conduct of Jewish 3. (Back to text) Bereishis 46:4. So much so, that their knowledge ish men, and especially Jewish women[6] [then and now, and all 4. (Back to text) Shmos 10:9. in certain areas - such as the art of women and daughters retained their generations in between], there was 5. (Back to text) Midrash Lekach forming particular vessels, dyes, distinctly modest Jewish mode of but one single exception among all Tov, Shmos 6:6, 26:5. See etc. - stymie and confound us to dress, and were not at all influenced the millions of Jews. also commentators on the Haggadah this day. by the Egyptian style of dress and This solitary deviation occurred on the verse metzuyanim sham. conduct. The Jewish people, enslaved as they because there was a lack of tznius 6. (Back to text) As stated in Rashi, were to the mightiest, largest and It was a given that their unique- in speech - this individual did not quoting from the Midrash.

Kn"h traipsing though to learn old/ and drove into Chicago. Mrs. Tzirel was time to find her daughter a shid- Shidduchim new ways and means to bring about Frankel came all the way from sunny duch until the breaking of the glass By Sarah Junik more shidduchim. California to grace us with her under the Chuppa. How interesting expertise and maybe add some more to hear that what for some almost The Chicago Shidduch Group is by After all once at a farbrengen (5711) leads to her already bulging book. commonplace is actually a confusing far Lubavitch's most active shidduch 1951 the Rebbe poured mashke for maze for others. group around. some Tmimim and blessed them Michigan, New Jersey, Ottawa, that they should find proper shid- and of course, New York were All present had the chance to read out Not only are they busy learning and duchim. Then the Rebbe said: We represented. profiles of young men and women.A networking and shaking the heavens speak all the time about making profile is a short description of the with their peulos and halchlotos but Mrs. Elana Bergovoy of the Chicago preparations for Moshiach. A proper person, age, height, personality and they are determined to carry the group welcomed the guests and gave shidduch and establishing a Jewish what it is they are looking for. No rest of the Lubavitcher world with a short wort on the parsha. home is connected to one’s prepara- names are mentioned or other obvi- them. tions for the coming of Moshiach, I was honored to be able to address ously identifiable characteristics. If every city would have such dedi- as the Sages say, “Ben Dovid will the audience with our Rebbe's words Mrs Chaya Rochel Zimmerman cated ladies working on shidduchim not come until all the souls in Guf about shidduchim. I took the podium ably moderated and kept the ball there would not be such a thing [the supernal storehouse of souls] again in the afternoon to give some rolling. as the much bandied "Shidduch are finished.” practical advice on the subject and Rabbi Levi Bukiet, Rabbi Moshe Crisis". answer questions. We all want Moshiach to come Now Raitman, Mrs. Tzirel Frankel, Mrs. This Sunday Chicago hosted the first and therefore we wish to accomplish Mrs Devorah Shulman from Ann Chaya Sara Gurevitch and myself Lubavitch Shidduch Conference. this endeavor with as much speed Arbor, MI gave us a unique perspec- aired our annoyances with the shid- Mrs Fay Miller was the gracious as possible. tive on how her daughter shidduch duch process. Things like unrealistic hostess, who lent her house to this evolved. From the first bewildering expectations, pictures, lack of hon- A group of ladies from Detroit endeavor and had over 50 ladies injunction from the shliach that it esty in shidduch research responses braved the bad weather and snow Continued on page 10 10 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 23 2009

Teves/Shvat Yahrzeiten

This week we continue with the Yahrzeiten of people who lived in our 5th of Shvat in raising and teaching her children shechuna. We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mention- Torah, mitzvos and maasim tovim. ing them we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn from their lives, Horav hachossid She was nifter in 1991. Reb Aharon Yosef lessons that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes the 2nd of Shvat Yahrzeiten from the 28th of Teves through 5th of Shvat. The respective Bilinitsky resting places of the individuals noted in this column are near the holy The son of the illus- Mrs. Etel Shagalov Ohel, unless otherwise specified. trious chossid Horav The daughter of Horav Hachossid Yisroel of Reb Yeshaya Lipsh, she com- 2nd of Shvat Brunoy, France, he Men mitted herself entirely to was mekushar to the Rebbe’im and 28th of Teves her children and imbued Horav Hachossid was totally committed to work for the them with the founda- Reb Yitzchok benefit of another Jew. He sacrificed Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb tions of Torah and the Churgin himself during the difficult times Mordechai Duber Lokshin love of chassidus. She The son of HoravR eb in Samarkand, Russia to bring The son of Horav Hachossid Reb was nifter at a young Avrohom Yaakov, food to the students of Tomchei Nachman, he was among the stu- age in 1991. he was among the Tmimim and served as a mag- dents of Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim students of Yeshiva gid shiur and mashgiach in 5th of Shvat in Russia. He was a great yireh Tomchei Tmimim in Lubavitch and Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim shomayim whose home was open served as a shochet in Israel for many in France. He was born on Mrs. Eidela to everyone. He later became a years. He merited participating in the 12th of Adar 1905 in Zirkind shochet in Dublin, Ireland and the seudos at the Rebbe’s table in the Disna, Russia and was The daughter of in his later years he traveled as an Previous Rebbe’s apartment in 770. nifter in 2002. Horav Hachossid emissary to raise funds for Yeshiva He left his entire inheritance to the Reb Yaakov, she Tomchei Tmimim, and maintained Rebbe’s mosad Machne Israel and Women was nifter in 1985. a shiur until the end of his life. He was nifter in 1975. 29th of Teves sacrificed himself in raising his Dear Readers: children according to Torah and Mrs. Chasia Haddasa Anyone who would like to Mitzvos and the ways of Chassidus Liss and was mekushar to the Rebbe with have their relatives mentioned The daughter of HoravR eb Tzvi, and his heart and soul. He was nifter in in the yahrzeit column should email the the mother of they may they live and 1978. name, father’s name, date of the ptira On Monday morning, before leav- be well Horabbonim Hachassidim, and some details to chp5768@gmail. ing, the shidduch group invited Mrs Reb Moshe and Reb Shmuel Pesach com. A picture may be included. Shidduchim Frankel and myself for breakfast at Bogomilsky. She sacrificed herself Continued from page 9 Mrs. Bergovoy's for a review of the and other such concerns. ב״ה .conference The evening ended with one more B"H the general consensus was session in Mrs. Leah Miller's house that it had been a great success Series of Shiurim on the topic of Shadchonim. Mrs and hopefully many shidduchim Tzirel Frankel led the conversation will emerge from this event. The on how can shadchonim be more Yoreh Deah Cheilek Beis, Hilchos Habayis ladies put together a list of potential effective and what are the real chal- ideas to facilitate the making of Rabbi Shmuel Bluming lenges of a shadchan. It has been shidduchim. mentioned that unfortunately basic hakoras hatov is severely lacking I will publish these ideas in a future A unique and convenient opportunity for an annual review of these on the part of the parents in this column, at the moment I would like crucial halachos that concern the very essence of the Jewish home. field especially as there is a lack of to discuss one idea which might be understanding about the amount of implemented shortly if Yagdil Torah time involved for a good shadchan can raise the funds: in giving a suggestion (and not just It was suggested that it is difficult blurting a list of names). for parents especially when they are The Halchlatos adopted by the out of town to properly prepare their Chicago Group were printed up for boys for the shidduch date. There are all participants to take home and matters of Halacha and hashgofo that remember. These are: they should know, such as yichud or opening doors, or what subjects are • Give 18 cents a day to a appropriate on first or second dates. Hachnossas Kallah Pushka. (one Also social matters such as how to was included in the entrance apologize for tardiness and how to package.) dress for a shidduch date etc. • Learn what the Rebbe said about Hopefully such monitoring will be Shidduchim (Eternal Joy) made available to boys who are in The shiurim will go on for four weeks: • Daven for others needing shid- the parsha of shidduchim so they duchim in your city. should have the guidance necessary EVERY TUESDAY • PARSHAS BO - • 2, 9, 16, 23 OF SHVAT to succeed. 27th of January, 3rd, 10th, 17th of February • Do your Hishtadlus: Maariv: 9:00 • Shiur: 9:10 I hope other cities will be inspired ✶✶ Make a phone call regualrly Agudas Yisroel, 476 Crown Street, between Brooklyn and Kingston by what Chicago has accomplished for your child. Shiurim are in English – for men and will arrange their own groups ✶✶ Help someone else with their and conferences. child's shidduch Changes may occur, to be notified of In conjunction with And now before I run out of space changes please contact Yagdil Torah Irgun Shiurei Torah ✶✶ Help someone else prepare let me thank the Chicago Group for for a simcha. a superb job, for inviting me to share Phone: 347-223-5943 Web: www.YagdilTorah.org in their work and a special thank Mrs. Frankel mentioned she sug- you to my hostess Sarah Miller for Yagdil Torah - Mivtza Torah is brought to the Crown Heights Community in partnership with gested the following kapitlach in Oren Popper of Brooklyn Financial Group – Securing Your Financial Success. Phone: 917-720-6565 outstanding hachnassat orchim. tehilim, specifically for shidduchim: 32, 38, 70, 71, 121, 123. January 23, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 11

Who is like your Nation Israel!!!

Shema Yisroel . . . Atem k'raivim hayom . . . Lamilchama Al Oyvaychem . . . Hear O' Israel . . . you draw near today . . . To battle against your enemies . . .

Al Yerach L'vavchem . . . Al Tiru . . . V'al Tach'pizu . . . Let your heart not be faint . . . Do not be afraid . . . Do not panic . . .

V'al T'artzu Mipnaihem! Ki Hashem Elokaichem . . . . Ki Hashem Elokaichem . . . Do not be broken before them! For Hashem your God . . . Who goes with you . . .

L'hilachem Lachem . . . Shomer . . . Yisroel . . . To do battle for you . . . O' Guradian . . . Of Israel . . . .

Sh'mor Sh'aris Yisroel . . . Ha'omerim Sh'ma Yisroel! Protect the remnant of Israel . . . Who proclaim "Hear O' Israel! 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 23 2009

Shaalos Utshuvos in Modern Times Excerpts from "Ask The Rabbi" at Chabad.org How does this square with the any of the other parts of the prayer How Many Ways Are There Must I pray in Hebrew? above-mentioned rule that the angels while distracted, you do not have to Interpret the Torah? By Menachem Posner do not understand other languages? to go back and repeat them. With By Elisha Greenbaum The Talmud7 qualifies this, saying these parts, however, you do have Question: that the angels' assistance is only to return and say them over again. Every playwright, novelist and All of the prayers in my synagogue necessary for one who prays alone. 14 Hence it may make sense to learn aspiring wordsmith is encouraged to are in Hebrew, and I don't understand However, the prayer of a congrega- the meaning of those parts of the "write what you know": use themes a word of what we're saying. Why do tion is so potent that does not need prayer first, and start other areas and scenes from your life to infuse we pray in Hebrew in the first place? the assistance of the angels to be with Hebrew before you fully know your artistry with authenticity. One Should I better read the Hebrew heard by G‑d. what they mean. who has never traveled abroad can which I don't understand, or the hardly be expected to accurately So how about one does not under- When working the Hebrew into your English which I do understand? convey the sounds and colors of stand Hebrew and is praying alone? prayers, you may want to start with foreign locales, while one who has Why is he or she allowed to pray in those paragraphs that the congrega- The Simple Answer: never suffered would find it difficult the vernacular? tion sings together. Singing along is Hebrew is the language of choice for to conjure up pathos on the page. usually easier than grappling with prayers. But prayer requires under- The Code of JewishL aw8 brings two the words alone! Thus, all creativity is self-referential; standing. So if you understand the further qualifications: to read a work of fiction is to become meaning of the words you are saying, Please let me know how it goes. 1. The Talmud may have only acquainted with the psyche of the pray in Hebrew. If you don’t, pray in referred to a situation where one is Yours truly, author, no matter how disguised the language you understand--until asking G‑d to fill his specific needs. Rabbi Menachem Posner it may be by imagination. Even you learn Hebrew. When praying the standard prayers scholarly tomes and historical essays FOOTNOTES The Longer Answer: that all Jews pray, all languages are convey clues to the character of the acceptable. 1. Sotah 33a. writer, sometimes as much by the Yes, the Shema, the , and 2. Exodus 30:13. omissions as by what they choose virtually all of the prayers are recited 2. The Talmud specifically men- 3. writes (Moreh Nevuchim to include. in Hebrew—even in tions Aramaic. However, all other 3:8) that this appellation reflects where most of the congregants are languages may be acceptable. the fact that Hebrew contains no The Torah speaks to all of us for all much more fluent in other languages. words for certain bodily functions, time, and all knowledge is contained In short, it's preferable to learn Why is this? preferring instead to refer to them withinThe , by definition, Hebrew and pray in that language. euphemistically. must be the exception: an infinite 1. When the Talmud1 discusses But if you don't understand what you 4. Talmud, Brachot 13a. Torah authored by an infinite G‑d. praying in Aramaic rather than are saying, say it in the language you 5. Code of Jewish Law, Orech Chaim All possibilities are implicit in the Hebrew, it asserts that the angels do do understand. 62:2. text. G‑d is the source of all wisdom not understand Aramaic. Since we So now we know that you are allowed 6. Talmud, Sotah 32a. and incorporates all eventualities. need the angels to carry our prayers to read the prayers in your own lan- 7. Talmud, Sotah 33a. The Torah speaks to all of us for all on high, we should pray in a language guage, if you do not understand the 8. Orech Chaim, 101:4. time, and all knowledge is contained that they understand. (Why we need Hebrew. But can you pray in Hebrew 9. Hilchot Nesiyat Kapayim 4:15. within. As such, interpretations of angels to carry our prayers in the if you don't understand? 10. Sifri 5. every shade and hue are inherently first place deserves an entire letter 11. Code of Jewish Law, Orech Chaim legitimate. for itself!) Understanding what you are saying is essential for the act of prayer. Mai- 60:5. And thus the study of Torah, rather 2. Hebrew is called the "Holy 12. Code of Jewish Law, Orech Chaim monides9 writes that prayer without than being a clue to the identity of Tongue." According to Nach- 101:1. concentration is not considered the author, is in reality a Rorschach- manides2 its specialness is expressed 13. 145. prayer. Prayer, after all, is not a mat- like analysis of the student. The in the fact that it is G‑d's language 14. With regard to the Amidah, Rabbi ter of simply uttering words. Prayer interpretation that speaks to your of choice for revealing Himself to Moshe Isserles (gloss to Orech Chaim is called "service of the heart.10" You soul and appeals to your inherent the prophets.3 101:1) points out that this is not done can say all the words in Hebrew, but understanding is a demonstration 3. The prayers were written in you haven't performed the today since most of us are not so good of your present state of conscious- Hebrew. As the saying goes, "there of prayer—because how can your at concentrating, and there is no ness. As you mature your taste may is no such thing as an accurate heart express itself with words you guarantee that we will concentrate develop; as you study with new translation." Even the best transla- don't understand? any better when repeating the prayer. teachers your horizons may widen, tion cannot convey the entire intent We do, however, repeat the Shema and but each new stage in your journey The best solution, obviously, is to the verse in Ashrei since it is easy to of the original. When one prays references a new phase in your start learning Hebrew. If you never concentrate for the one requisite verse in Hebrew, he is assured that he is personal relationship with G‑d. start reading Hebrew, you will never ( Harav ad loc). praying exactly as our prophets and learn. So I suggest that you work your As one studies the text and traditions sages intended it. way into it. Begin with just a few lines of our faith, one begins to isolate So praying in Hebrew has many which you have learned to patterns of thought particular to advantages over praying in English. understand, and slowly individual commentators. Some But what if you don't know Hebrew? expand your repertoire. explain each verse from a literal- Are you allowed to pray in other Add on one blessing at a ist perspective; others look for languages? time. Before you know it, allusions and allegories. There are you will have mastered biblical scholars who attempt to Concerning the Shema, there is a the entire Amidah and isolate the law and lore implicit in dispute in the Talmud.4 Rabbi Yehu- much more besides. the text while others approach each dah opines that one must recite it in character as a moral reference from the original Hebrew as it is written in Let me also point out that which to draw ethical instruction. the Torah. The majority of the sages, while one must under- however, rule that one may read it in stand and pay attention to These multiples of understanding whichever language he understands. the entire prayer, mental happily coexist. No single explana- The Halachah follows the majority, focus is most vital dur- tion precludes another. The Torah and one may recite Shema in his ing the first line of the is the wit and wisdom of the Divine own language—provided that he Shema,11 the opening and countenances all alternatives. enunciates the words clearly and blessing of the Amidah,12 As long as one's perspective is articulately.5 and the line in Ashrei13 grounded in tradition and one sin- where we say, "You open cerely wishes to access G‑dliness, All agree, however, that the Amidah Your hand and satisfy the desire then all approaches are acceptable may be recited in any language.6 of every living thing." If you said to The Author. January 23, 2009 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 13

Jewish History Personality

Rabbi Meshulam Zusha of Anipoli through many towns and villages, others converged around Reb Zusha and as he passed through one tiny screaming and yelling, “Thief! Steal- Born: Galicia, Southeast Rebbi Zusha of Anapoli. Jewish village he was startled by the ing a widow’s money! For shame!” Poland, 1718 - Nistalek: Hanipol, They went to the house of study and sound of bitter weeping coming from R’ Zusha, however, refused to budge. 2nd of Shvat, 1800 found Reb Zusha. His clothes were a small hut. The other villagers were He clung to the twenty rubles as if One of the most cherished of the torn and faded, yet his face shone going about their business, and he to dear life. “This money is mine as chasidic masters, Rabbi Meshulam with splendor. They asked Reb stopped one and asked, “Who is that a reward, and for my troubles!” Zusha was the younger brother Zusha their question. Rebbi Zusha crying?” “That is a poor widow who Relatives, friends and other towns- of the famous Rabbi Elimelech of was amazed that his Rebbe the was about to marry off her daughter. people berated R’ Zusha, and soon Lizhensk, the Noam Elimelech. The Maggid had sent them to find out the But on the way to the chupa she lost it seemed that they would tear two brothers joined the circle of answer to their question from him. the entire dowry. Now, the wedding him limb from limb to retrieve the disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch. Reb Zusha answered the two broth- is off because the groom and his fam- money. Finally someone piped up: R’ Zisha soon excelled in his studies ers that they should find a person ily refuse to go on with it without the “Let’s go to the rabbi. He will be and gained the admiration of his who really was suffering to be able to dowry. And how will she ever amass able to settle this once and for all!” fellow students for his deep piety. attain the answer to their question. 300 rubles again?” Everyone agreed to follow the rabbi’s Rabbi Shnuer Zalman of Liadi, Reb Zusha told them that he hadn’t Reb Zusha’s tender soul was pained ruling and they all trailed along to said about him: “His prayers were experienced any bad experiences in for the poor woman. Then he sud- the rabbi’s house. The rabbi listened uttered with an intensity and awe his entire life, so how would he know denly realized that 300 rubles was to each side and then ruled: “Reb that is beyond compare.” He com- how to answer them. exactly what he had with him. He Zusha must give the widow the bined a self-effacing devotion and Then the two brothers realized that walked up to the door of the hut and twenty rubles.” Still, Reb Zusha attachment to God with an ardent their question had been answered. knocked. “My good woman, I think refused to give up the money. One love for the Jewish people, sharing For they saw by R’ Zusha’s answer I may have found your money!” Her young man put his hand into Zusha their joys, bearing their burdens. to their question that it was possible eyes widened in disbelief. “Can pocket and extracted the bill, Then The people reciprocated, flocking Zusha was escorted to the edge of to him in large masses. They saw the village and unceremoniously in him a tzaddik and a guide, but kicked out.. above all a champion and a defender. He was the rebbe who recognized Many months later the village rabbi only goodness. In his final years he happened to encounter Rabbi Dov suffered from a protracted illness, Ber and related to him the incident but he never complained. “Whatever with his disciple, Reb Zusha. The comes from God is good,” he would Maggid turned to the rabbi, “You say. The final resting place of this must go to Reb Zusha and beg beloved chasidic rebbe is beside the forgiveness. That money didn’t grave of his mentor, the Maggid of belong to the widow. I myself gave Mezritch. it to Reb Zusha to marry off his own child! He demanded twenty rubles Rabbi Zusha did not write any books. because he wanted to avoid honor His reflections and commentaries, at any cost. He wanted this great which are scattered among the works mitzva to be completely pure.” of his students, were compiled under the title Menorat Zahav. He was The rabbi was shocked and ashamed succeeded by his son Rabbi Tzvi when he heard this. He went to Menachem Mendel. Anipoli to beg Reb Zusha’s forgive- for a person to see only good and be you tell me if this money had any ness. But Reb Zusha replied to him, Repentance happy even in bad circumstances. distinguishing marks?” asked R’ “You don’t need my forgiveness The Chozeh (Seer) ofL ublin learned Reb Zusha was oppressed all his life Zusha. “Why yes,” she replied. “The because I never was angry. I do from R’ Elimelech, who sent him to from extreme poverty, yet due to money was in a packet of two fifties, not hold my honor high, but I will Reb Zusha. Reb Zusha asked him, his strong attachment to God, the and ten twenties, and it was tied with forget about the incident completely “How would you make a person source of joy, R’ Zusha didn’t feel a red string.” “Yes, that’s exactly what if you promise never to reveal the repent?” The Lubliner answered, the afflictions of his extreme poverty I found!” replied R’ Zusha. “I will go truth to the widow. I never want her “I’d show you in the Shulhan Aruch and only experienced joy. to the inn and get the money and to suspect that the money wasn’t where he did wrong.” Reb Zusha bring it right back.” hers by right.” The rabbi, of course, answered, “I don’t think that would It Happened Once... agreed and the incident was never Reb Zusha ran to the inn and changed work.” Do you think that would Reb Zusha had gone to visit his mentioned again. his money for the denominations the make the person feel good?” On the teacher. Reb Dov Ber, the Maggid widow had described. Then he tied R’ Zusia and his brother R’ Elimelech contrary, it would make them feel of Mezritch. After a fulfilling stay, the bills together with a red string had an ongoing dispute on what bad. And if they feel bad, they would drinking in his teacher’s wisdom, and ran back to the widow’s hut. should one base his service of God. run away from you. People do wrong R’ Zusha prepared to take his leave. By the time he returned the little R’ Zusha maintained that one should because they don’t have the strength When he went into his rebbe’s study village was buzzing with the good first reflect upon his own lowliness to do right.” TheL ubliner asked Reb for a parting word, he mentioned to news. The girl had changed into her which would in turn cause him Zusha, “How do you do it?” To which R’ Dov Ber that he needed to marry bridal dress, and the neighbors were to appreciate God’s eminence. R’ Reb Zusha replied, “I shine the light off his daughter.N ow, R’ Zusha was bustling about preparing the wed- Elimelech held that by contemplat- into them, into their hearts, a great as poor as could be, and to marry ding feast. As Reb Zusha presented ing God’s eminence, he would come light of the love from God.” off a child required a considerable the widow with the money, he said, to realize his own insignificance. sum. Reb Dov Ber immediately took The Maggid of Mezritch was asked “I am keeping one twenty ruble note Since neither brother could sway a sum of 300 rubles and pressed it a question, by a few of his followers for my trouble.” the other, they went to the Maggid into his disciple’s hand, wishing him : “How was it humanly possible for of Mezeritch for a judgment as to mazal tov, and sending him happily She looked at him as if he was speak- anyone to reach the level of what the whom was correct. “You are both on his way. Reb Zusha was greatly ing a foreign language. The others Talmud in Brachot says, ‘A person is correct, explained the Maggid, both relieved. Now, his wife and daughter who had overheard the remark stood required to bless [God] for the bad paths are valuable. But the one who would be at ease. Although he had with their mouths open. “What!” [occurrences] just as he would bless begins with himself is safer . . . one taken money, which was not his habit screamed the widow, finding her [God] for the good (occurrences]’ can’t fall from the ground”. or desire, it was a necessary thing, he tongue. “How can you rob a poor “. The Maggid told them that they thought to himself. widow of twenty rubles! And after could discover the answer if they you have just performed a most went to see his student the holy The trip home took Reb Zusha Continued on page 16 wonderful and holy mitzva!” The 14 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 23 2009

Financial Interest

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Our office will be accepting HeartShare If you don't already have the details Debt discussion board. Here's applications on Tuesdays all day and Thursdays from 10:00 of your debt, use the "Get to Know the discussion board's FAQ. AM to 2:00 PM. For more info about HeartShare call Your Debt" worksheet (.pdf file) to 718-778-8808 X 21 track how much you owe, to whom, If it doesn't work... at what interest rate, and when it will The following documents are needed to apply Keep trying. If you don't get what be paid off. you want the first time, try to get • Proof of address, lease or letter from landlord, mortgage Next, you want to see what your another customer service rep or bill bank's competitors are offering. supervisor on the line. Still won't • Birth certificates or social security cards for all the LowCards.com and IndexCredit- budge? Mark your calendar and call members of the household. Cards.com are two places to do your back in a few months. research. 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The : Our Inviolable Heritage this leads to a critically dangerous situation. An Adaptation of State- the foundation for the establishment to depend on the decisions of gentile ments made by the Rebbe of a Palestinian state within Eretz powers, the Jews knew that G‑d was Shamir: A Test of Faith and on Shabbos Parshas Bereishis and Yisroel, forcing the withdrawal of a the source of their deliverance. Fortitude the Night Following Yud Shvat, Jewish presence from large portions Prime Minister Shamir has faith in This approach does not imply that 5752 of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, and G‑d and understands the attachment we should rely on faith alone. On eventually ceding even the holy of the Jewish People to the Land In view of the recent developments the contrary, the Torah obligates us cities of Hebron and to of Israel. His unflinching conduct with regard to the future of Eretz to employ all the natural means at the Arabs. This is a matter of urgent in the past has earned him great Yisroel, we felt it appropriate to our disposal and not to rely on mir- concern: lives are at stake. merit. It is hard to conceive that he publish an adaptation of two of acles. Neverthe- truly desires to surrender portions the public statements which the The individu- less, the natural of Israel. Lubavitcher Rebbe made on the als responsi- means which we subject in 5752 before suffering the ble for these employ cannot I helped establish the government stroke from which he is presently decisions will alone promise headed by Prime Minister Shamir. recovering. surely offer success, for suc- If, however, Mr. Shamir contin- explanations cess depends on ues the negotiations concerning The objections of the Rebbe to and excuses G‑d. Needless to autonomy, I will work to bring down territorial concessions are widely — that what say, an approach his government. known. These objections are based is involved is which reflects on considerations of security, since Our Sages associate the name shamir “limited self- a lack of faith they entail the risk of mortal danger, with the strength to cut through determina- in G‑d will not and on the fact that succumbing to stone. Until recently, Prime Minister tion,” merely have positive pressure invites further pressure. Shamir has demonstrated such control over consequences. Moreover, the Creator gave the strength. Similarly, he must now education, Land of Israel to the Jewish people The Shulchan show the fortitude to withstand the agriculture, as an eternal heritage. No man thus Aruch the Code pressures that confront him and and matters has the moral right to decide to give of Jewish Law, withdraw the offer of autonomy.A nd of that like; away any portion of it. rules that if ene- if he lacks this strength, he should that this mies approach a admit this publicly and relinquish One of the these statements was is “only an city of strategic his position. made at a meeting with the then experiment” importance and Minister of Transport, Mr. Moshe and “the final demand items Three Sanctities: the People, the Katzav. At that time, the Rebbe decision will that are seem- Land, and the Torah outlined his stance on the autonomy not be made until five years have ingly insignificant, and it appears When the holiness of the Jewish issue and clearly spelled out the passed”; and so on. that their intention is to attack or people and the holiness of Eretz danger implicit in the course the Unfortunately, their explanations plunder, one is obligated to take up Yisroel are associated with the holi- Israeli government was taking. are of little significance. The nations arms and resist their demands, even ness of our Torah, they establish a The same concepts apply, and even of the world understand this plan when doing so entails a violation firm connection with G‑d, as it is more emphatically so, with regard as allowing for the creation of a of the Sabbath laws. The rationale: written, “The threefold cord will to the most recent developments Palestinian state. Ask any Arab. He Concession will expose the entire not easily be severed.” This in turn in Eretz Yisroel. We have, for this will tell you that self-determination land to danger and threaten the will endow the Jewish people with reason, left the personal references means that the Palestinians will be safety of its inhabitants. the strength to stand firm in the the Rebbe made to the then Prime given authority over these portions face of all challenges. When Prime There is no question that the sur- Minister, Mr. Shamir, for they are of Eretz Yisroel so that they can Minister Shamir brings holiness into render of the lands in question to — in part — revelant to the present create an independent state. the Land of Israel, he will be granted the Arabs involves a threat to Jewish Prime Minister Mr. Rabin. the strength to withstand all the Many argue that it is necessary to lives. This would unquestionably pressure confronting him. the year continue negotiating on the issue jeopardize the life and limb of all“ תשנ”ב ,As a new year dawns of striking miracles,” we wish every- of autonomy in order to receive loan the inhabitants of the Holy Land. He will have the power to commu- one a chasimah u’gmar chasimah guarantees from the United States. For this reason, the opposition to nicate to the nations of the world tovah, that they and all the Jewish This is a dangerous and mistaken the above-mentioned plan is not that G‑d has given us Eretz Yis- people be granted a good and sweet approach. The Jews in Israel must restricted to the religiously obser- roel and that He alone determines year, a year of lasting peace. be the ones who make the decisions vant. The safety of Jewish life and the security and well-being of our that determine their own security. the holiness of the Land of Israel lie people. And when this message The Reality behind the Language They cannot rely on anyone other at the core of every Jew’s soul. When is communicated to the nations of Diplomacy than — with G‑d’s help — them- a person — and how much more so, straightforwardly, without apology, When Abraham first entered the selves. Succumbing to pressure from a Jewish government — acts irre- they will listen. Land of Canaan, G‑d promised other nations will establish a pattern sponsibly regarding these matters, him, “I will give this land to your which will gain momentum. For descendants.” At that time the Land each time one succumbs to pressure, of Israel became the eternal heritage one invites further pressure in the of the Jewish people, their land for future. Experience has proved that all time. Even during the years of our appeasement breeds terrorism. In people’s exile, Eretz Yisroel remains fact, even the suggestion of such our land, as reflected in the prayer we talks has consistently encouraged recite three times each day: “Gather acts of terrorism against Jewish men, us together from the four corners of women and children throughout the the earth to our land.” entire land. In this light, I find both strange and Concessions Jeopardize threatening the report that the pres- Security ent government of Israel is prepared The willingness to discuss giv- to surrender portions of the land ing away portions of Eretz Yisroel to other nations. Although they reflects a lack of faith in G‑d. Even call this autonomy, the diplomatic in previous generations, in times of terminology used is of no conse- persecution and oppression, when quence. In practice, they are laying outwardly our people’s fate appeared 16 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~January 23 2009

Reb Zusha Continued from Page 13 rainy one in Anipoli, and the streets R’ Zusha!” Now it was the turn of bring him his cake this morning”, of the town had already turned to the guest to cry out “Oy VaVoy”. R’ he huffed to himself. Suddenly the Living by Faith rivers of mud. In order to get from Zusha was known to all as a holy door to the Shul opened and a man, It was the custom of R’ Zusha to one side of the street to another, one man and a Tzaddik. Trembling, the holding a large plate of cakes and a recite his morning prayers at length. had to cross on narrow planks that guest cried out, “Oy Vey, Oy Vey! bottle of schnapps came in and made After he concluded, he would retire were laid across the flowing mud.A s What am I going to do now? What his way to the room of R’ Zusha. to his room next to the Shul. Once R’ Zusha was crossing in the direc- am I going to do now?!” He went straight in, put the cakes there, he would open the window tion of the , a man whom he on the table, then fell to the floor in “Don’t worry”, exclaimed the inn- and lifting his eyes to the heavens didn’t recognize, a guest in town, was grief, begging the Tzaddik for his keeper regaining his composure, call out, “Master of the World, Zusha coming towards R’ Zusha from the forgiveness (which he was certainly “Listen to me, I know what you (he always referred to himself in the other side. When he saw R’ Zusha, granted). Let it be known, that the should do. R’ Zusha spends many third person) is very hungry and gaunt, almost emaciated, dressed in attendant came to understand that hours every morning in prayer. desires to eat something!” Every rags without a tooth in his mouth, it really was the Master of the World When he is finished he goes into his morning, his attendant would wait the stranger yelled out, “Itinerant!”, who brought R’ Zusia his breakfast private room next to the Shul. There until he heard R’ Zusha’s appeal, and with a hearty laugh jumped up every morning. he opens the window, and anybody then he would bring in R’ Zusha’s and down on the plank causing R’ can see how he leans out and lifting Reb Zusha was laying on his death- morning meal of cake with a little Zusha to tumble into the mud. his eyes to heaven calls out, ‘Master bed surrounded by his disciples. He schnapps. One morning the atten- R’ Zusha didn’t say a word. He calmly of the World, Zusha is very hun- was crying and no one could comfort dant thought to himself, “Why picked himself out of the mud and gry and desires to eat something!’ him. One student asked his Rebbe, doesn’t R’ Zusha ask me directly continued on his way to the Mikveh, I’ll prepare some cakes and some “Why do you cry? You were almost for his meal. In fact, who does he while the stranger sauntered off into schnapps for you to take to him. as wise as Moses and as kind as Abra- think he is fooling by calling out to the distance, chuckling merrily the When you hear him call out to the ham.” Reb Zusha answered, “When God like that. He knows full well whole way as he re-enacted his great Creator, you go in immediately with I pass from this world and appear that I bring him his food everyday.” prank over and over in his mind. this gift, and offer it to him and beg before the Heavenly Tribunal, they So on the spot he decided that the When he arrived back at the inn his forgiveness. I’m certain that he won’t ask me, ‘Zusha, why weren’t next morning he would not bring R’ where he was staying, he couldn’t will forgive you whole-heartedly.” you as wise as Moses or as kind as Zusha’s meal when he called out. He help but brag to the innkeeper about Abraham,’ rather, they will ask me, would just wait to see what would That morning, like every morning, his good prank. The innkeeper didn’t ‘Zusha, why weren’t you Zusha?’ happen and where R’ Zusha’s would after the prayers, R’ Zusha went laugh so quickly. He asked the guest Why didn’t I fulfill my potential, why look for his meal. into his room, opened the window to describe the “itinerant” whom didn’t I follow the path that could and called o, “Master of the World, The next morning, R’ Zusha awoke he had catapulted into the mud. have been mine.” Zusha is very hungry and desires to as usual, well before the light of day. He suddenly clapped his hands to eat something!” The attendant, upon As he did every morning, he first his head and cried out in anguish, hearing R’ Zusha, held his ground went to the town Mikveh to immerse “Oy VaVoy, Oy Oy, do you know and clasped his folded arms together himself in preparation for the day’s what you did!? That was not just even tighter, waiting to see what holy work. The night had been a some itinerant, that was the Rebbe the outcome would be. “Let God

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