Volume 31, Issue 12

CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK OF HANCOCK PARK 5781/2021 Adar

Chabad Chodesh Adar 5781

read the Megilah in all different places. Purim Mivtzah accelerated the year (1974). 5734 Purim was one first The (5781/2021) follows three thekevios same asthose years. on Rebbe the by being remember I S onist party), had promised that they would not join the coalition. Zi- religious (the party Mavdal The coalition. ruling a together put not could they but seats, most the won party labor The Israel. in elections were there months preceding the During By: Shimon Raichik Purimthe with Rebbe

Adar Adar 1/February13/ShabbosRosh Chodesh DayChodesh First Rosh Adar 12/Friday Shevat 30/February 29a][Taanis joy.” in increase we in, comes Adar “When tator onChumash, tator 4924 (1164). of Yahrtzeit oftheBeginning plague of darkness. reading the forShekalim. third the in and Chodesh, Rosh Parshah for reading regular the the read we one second the read in (Mishpatim) we one first the In . Simchas to Similar Torah. Sifrei three out take we where Shabbos and unique rare very a is This Chodesh. Rosh bos Shab- & Shekalim Shabbos is Shabbos This ShekalimParshas PECIAL

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“…The Alter Rebbe said all the authors of Sefarim until Adar 6/February 18/Thursday the “Taz” and the “Shach”, and them included, wrote Moshe Rabeinu completed his review of the Torah, their works with Ruach HaKodesh…” [, 2488 (1273 BCE). [Seder Olam Rabah] Shevat 6]. “And similarly it says in Shearis Yisroel (of R. Yisroel Dov of Vilednik), Drush LiSukos, in the name of Birthday of R. Menachem Mendel, son of the Rebbe the Tov.” [Likutei Sichos, Vol. 12, p. 70, Note 5] MaHaRaSh, 5627 (1867). He was born within the year of the Tzemach Tzedek’s passing, and named for him. Damascus blood libel, 5600 (1840). Yahrtzeit of R. Shmaryahu Gurary, oldest son-in-law Adar 2/February 14/Sunday of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, brother-in-law of Yartzeit of Reb Yisroel Alter of , known as the Beis the Lubavitcher Rebbe and Executive Director of Ye- Yisroel, 5737, 1977. See Parshas Tetzaveh, shiva , 5749 (1989). Shushan Purim 5737, where the Rebbe spoke about the connection between Lubavitch and Ger. Adar 7/February 19/Friday Birthday of Moshe Rabeinu, in 2368 (1393 BCE) Adar 3/February 15/Monday ([Sotah 12b] and his Yartzeit in 2488 (1273 BCE). Second Beis HaMikdash completed, in 3412 (349 BCE) [Kidushin 38a] [Ezra 6:16]. The Eastern wall had on it the image of On the day of his passing, he said “Shiras Shushan, the capital of the Persian Empire, which ruled Haazinu” to Bnei Yisrael, [Ibn Ezra, Devarim 32:48], Eretz Yisrael in the first years of the Second Beis gave them his final blessing, and wrote thirteen Sifrei HaMikdash. [Midos 2:4] Torah, one for each Shevet and one for the Mishkan.

Purim of Amzslav, 5604 (1844). The Mon stopped falling that day. [Kidushin 38a]

Many communities celebrated their own private Pu- " . . . When Haman drew lots to determine the date to rims (with reading their own Megilahs) when saved destroy the Jews he was happy when he drew Adar, by HaShem from evil decrees. Many of them were in month of Moshe's death, not realizing it was also the Adar. month of his birth." [Megilah 13b]

Yahrtzeit of R. Mordechai Yaffe, author of Sefer Hale- In many communities, today is the annual holiday and vushim, 5372 (1612). dinner of the Chevrah Kadisha Burial Societies (sometimes preceded by a fast and Selichos) because Adar 4/February 16/Tuesday Hashem Himself buried Moshe Rabenu, freeing the R. Meir (MaHaRaM) of Rotenburg’s body was released Chevrah Kadisha that day. (The Chabad custom is for burial in 5067 (1307) fourteen years after his death Kislev 15, based on the of Lithuania.) in the fortress of Ensisheim. He was buried in the old Jewish cemetery of Worms. Next to him was buried R. The custom of the Chabad Rebbeim is not to say Alexander Susskind Wimpfen, who gave away his en- Tachnun on Adar 7. [Sefer Haminhagim] tire fortune to ransom the body. Both graves miracu- lously escaped Nazi ravaging of the cemetery. All copies of the in France were seized on Shabbos, 5000 (1240).

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 2 Yahrtzeit of R. Shlomoh Efraim, of Luntshits, author 5566 (1806). A Halachist and Kabbalist, historian and of Kli Yakar, 5379 (1619). bibliographer, he was close with the students of the and the Mezeritcher Magid who came First auto-de-fe of the Spanish Inquisition, Seville, to Eretz Yisrael, and cites their teachings and prac- Spain, 5241 (1481). (The last auto-de-fe was on Adar tices in his many Sefarim. 24, 5559 [1799].) Yahrtzeit of R. Avraham Bornstein of Sochaczov, au- Adar 8/February 20/Shabbos - Parshas Zachor thor of Avnei Nezer, 5670 (1910).

Adar 9/February 21/Sunday Yahrtzeit of R. Yosef Rozin, the Gaon of Ragatchov, First controversy of Beis Hilel and Beis Shamai, author of Tzofnas Paneach, 5696 (1936). He gave [Megilas Taanis]. Semichah to the Lubavitcher Rebbe. [Introduction to HaYom Yom] The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe arrived in America, escaping the invasion of , 5700 (1940). That Adar 12/February 24/Wednesday day he founded Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in the Dedication of Beis HaMikdash built by Herod, 3750 United States. (11 BCE). On that day he said the well known verse “America is nisht andersh,” America is not different. Adar 13/February 25/Thursday The Friediker Rebbe started this mission right away, Ta’anis Esther - Fast day by establishing a Yeshiva that day! Yom Nikanor: Yehudah HaMacabi defeated the Syr- Adar 10/February 22/Monday ian general Nicanor, (161 BCE). [Megilas Taanis] Purim of Povidl (Bohemia), 5491 (1731). Yahrtzeit of R. Yehudah Hachassid, author of Sefer First day of Learning at Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in Chassidim, 4977 (1217). America at Congregation Oneg Shabbos, Brooklyn, “…It’s known of the Rokeach, and R. Yehudah 5700 (1940). Hachassid and their circle, that they were men of very great miracles.” [Sefer Hachakirah, Eidus Adar 11/February 23/Tuesday HaShem, of the Tzemach Tzedek] The Megilah can be read from the eleventh through “...Of him it was said that if he were in the the sixteenth. [Mishnah, Megilah 1:1] time of the Amoraim, he’d be a great Amora, and if in the days of the Tanaim, a great Tana, and if in the Yahrtzeit of R. Mordechai Posner, brother of the Alter days of the Neviim, he’d be a great Navi...”[Sichah, Rebbe, 5583 (1823). He was the Rav of Ursha and a Tamuz 14, 5716] great Gaon; he helped the Alter Rebbe establish the Chadorim, the study groups of the Alter Rebbe’s disci- Adar 14/February 26/Friday ples in Liozna, and helped prepare the Alter Rebbe’s Happy Purim! Shulchan Aruch for publication. The Jews of Achashverosh’s empire miraculously sur- Yahrtzeit of R. Chayim Yosef David Azulai, (“ChiDA”), vived the threat of annihilation. (Esther 9:21)

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 3 This year, since Purim is on Friday, and the fifteenth is Adar 15/February 27/Shabbos on Shabbos, walled cities (such as Yerushalayim) have Shushan Purim Purim Meshuleshes, “Three-day Purim.” Because we may not read the Megillah on Shabbos, this is how it’s Agrippa I began construction of a gate for the wall of done: Yerushalayim, 3802 (42), once a holiday. [Megilas Taanis] In Yerushalayim (and other walled cities), they read the Megillah and give Matanos L’Evyonim on FRIDAY. On Adar 16/February 28/Sunday SHABBOS, they say Al HaNisim, and eat something ex- The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe received American tra in honor of Shushan Purim, and discuss and teach citizenship at 770, by special legislation of Congress, Derashos, publicly, about the Megillah. On SUNDAY, 5709 (1949). He said a Sichah and signed the docu- they have Simchas Purim, Mishloach Manos, and Seu- ments. das Purim. (They keep the rule of giving to whoever puts out his hand on SUNDAY and FRIDAY). Yartzeit of Reb Menachem Alter of Ger, known as the Pinei Menachem in 5756, 1996. He was in (If they didn’t give Matanos L’Evyonim on Friday, or Yechidus with the Rebbe many times, and partici- met a needy person on Sunday, they can still do that pated in the Siyumei HaRambam. .) (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim, 688:6) Adar 18/March 2/Tuesday Today, thirty days before Pesach we start to study Hil- Yahrtzeit of R. Alexander Zyskind of Horodna, au- chos Pesach. (Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch, Hilchos thor of Yesod Vishoresh Ha-avodah, 5554 (1794). Pesach, 429:1) “…The Tzemach Tzedek told his sons that the Alter Rebbe met one time with the Rav Hatzadik, If you leave on a trip today you must do Bedikas Cho- author of Yesod Veshoresh Ha-avodah.” [Beis metz without a Brochah. (Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Rebbe] Aruch, Hilchos Pesach, 436:1) “…He wanted to come to the Mezritcher Magid, but he told him that he didn’t need this, as We stop eating (Kosher for Pesach) Matzah thirty days he’d already attained the way of Chassidus. If he before Pesach. (Igros Kodesh Vol VIII of the Rebbe p. joined the Chassidim, those opposed to them would- 319) n’t accept his influence… He visited the Magid on the Shabbos before the Magid’s passing.” [Introduction Bris of Moshe Rabeinu. to 1971 edition of Yesod Veshoresh Ha-avodah]

Yahrtzeit of R. Zeev Volf of Zhitomer, student of the Yahrtzeit of R. Avrohom Dovid Lavut, great- Mezritcher Magid, author of Or Hameir, 5560 (1800). grandfather of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, author of Kav “…The Tzemach Tzedek cites him in Or HaTorah, Naki, Beis Aharon, and Shaar Hakollel, a great Chas- and explains and comments on his words.” [Sichah, sid of the Tzemach Tzedek and the Rebbe Ma- Shabbos Chazon, 5734] HaRaSh, Rav of Nikolayev, 5650 (1890). “We have heard that he once visited the Alter “…The [previous] Rebbe, my father-in-law, of Rebbe.” [Beis Rebbe] blessed memory mentioned to the administration of Kehoth the necessity to reprint the Sefer Kav Naki…”

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 4

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Established 1947 Adar 20/March 4/Thursday Diamonds, Rubies & Sapphires Choni Hamagel's prayer for rain answered (Megilas Taanis): “Once most of Adar went by and it didn’t rain. They sent for Choni Hamagel. He prayed but the rains didn’t come. He drew a circle and stood in it, and said, “Master of The World, Your sons have turned to me; I swear 706 S. Hill Street # 320 in Your great name that I won‘t move from here until You have pity on Los Angeles, CA 90014 Your sons”. The rains came down.” [Taanis 23a] Tel: 213 910-1700 [email protected] Purim of Frankfurt (Fettmilch), 5376 (1616). *** Shomer Insurance Agency Yahrtzeit of R. Yoel Sirkes, (the "BaCh"), author of Bayis Chadash on Insurance Specialists the Tur, 5400 (1640). Joseph Schneerson “…The BaCh was a known Kabbalist, as we see how he writes Principal & Broker about Birchos HaTorah, about Torah Lishmah, and uses expressions that are found only in Chassidus.” [Sichah, Adar 16, 5724] 4221 Wilshire Blvd. #222 The Baal Shem Tov once said concerning the issur of Chodosh 323 934-8160 (to be careful with yoshon) in our times, outside of the Land of Israel, License #0717982 that we can rely on the BaCh who permits it, and is lenient regarding *** this issue. Why? The greatness of the BaCh is such that, gehinom was Frank Revere - Lawyer cooled off for 40 days (according to the Baal Shem Tov) in his honor. Revere & Wallace There is a story told about the Tzemach Tzedek regarding this 355 S Grand Ave #2450 LA, CA 90071 issue. Someone asked him about Chodosh, and he said there are cer- [email protected] tain people who are lenient and they rely on the BaCh and he is some- Phone: 213-943-1333 Fax: 213-403- one we can rely on because gehinom was cooled off for 60 days 4847 (according to the Tzemach Tzedek) before he passed through. Cell: 213-422-5408 Why did the BaCh have to pass through? One of the reasons a *** Tzaddik may have to pass through is to pull out Neshomos that are YOSEF Y. SHAGALOV Traveling No- there. Otzar Minhagei Chabad, p. 260 See also, Sicha, Acharon Shel Pesach 5740 (1980) tary Public & Home Signing Agent Adar 21/March 5/Friday Member: National Notary Associa- Purim of Narbonne, 4496 (1236). Oldest recorded private Purim. tion Cell: (323) 934-7095 Yahrtzeit of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk, author of Noam Elimelech, col- Fax: (323) 934-7092 league of the Alter Rebbe, 5546 (1786). E-mail: [email protected] …Once the Alter Rebbe met a Rav, who said he had a Sefer “For All Your Notary Needs called Noam Elimelech, which he kept under a bench, and wanted to - At Your Location” know about its author. The Alter Rebbe said, “The author is such that if you put him under the bench, too, he wouldn’t say anything either.” [Beis Rebbe]

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 5 Adar 22/March 6/Shabbos - Parshas Parah Adar 28/March 12/Friday Once a holiday, commemorating the rescinding of Adar 23/March 7/Sunday the Roman decree against Bris, Torah and Shabbos, The Mishkan was assembled and disassembled for through the efforts of R. Yehudah b. Shamua and his seven days until the Chanukas HaMishkan, 2449 (1312 colleagues. [Megilas Taanis, Rosh Hashanah 19a] BCE). [BaMidbar Raba, 13, Yerushalmi, Yoma 1:1] Purim Mitzrayim. Beginning of Consecration of Aharon and his sons as Kohanim, 2449 (1312 BCE). [VaYikra 8:1, Rashi] Yahrtzeit of R. Moshe HaKohen Hornstein, son-in- law of the Rebbe MaHaRaSh, 5701 (1941). He mar- Dedication of Second Beis HaMikdash (516 BCE). ried the Rebbitzen Chayah Mushka, the Rebbe Ma- HaRaSh’s youngest daughter. Yartzeit of R. Yitzchok Meir Alter of Ger, author of Chidushei HaRiM, 5626 (1866). Adar 29/March 13/Shabbos Parshas Hachodesh Adar 25/March 9/Tuesday Shabbos Chazak First day of Creation, according to R. Yehoshua. [Rosh Shabbos Mevorchim HaShanah 19a] Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan

Yahrtzeit of R. Avraham Gershon Ashkenazi of Kitov, Yahrtzeit of R. Yekusiel Zalman, son-in-law of the brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov, 5521 (1761). Mitteler Rebbe, 5627 (1867) and grandson of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. (His father, Rabbi Yosef Birthday of Rebbitzen Chayah Mushka, of blessed Bunim, was the son-in-law of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak.) memory, wife of the Rebbe, 5661 (1901). R. Yekusiel Zalman married Rebbetzin Beila, daughter of the Mitteler Rebbe. Their marriage was Adar 27/March 11/Thursday celebrated in Zhlobin. Yehoyachin released from Babylonian prison upon the The Chasidim tell many stories about this death of Nevuchadnetzar, after thirty-six years impris- marriage, known as “the great marriage of Zhlobin,” oned. [Seder Olam Raba] for no less a reason than that the grandparents of the newlyweds, the Alter Rebbe and Rabbi Levi Yitz- Yahrtzeit of Tzidkiah, last king of Yehudah, who died in chak, participated in the event. captivity, in Bavel, 3364 (396 BCE). The town of Zhlobin had the privilege of hosting this wedding by virtue of its geographical Yahrtzeit of R. Imanuel Chai Ricci, Kabbalist, author of situation, half-way between , where the Alter Mishnas Chassidim, 5503 (1743). Rebbe lived, and Berditchev, home of Rabbi Levi “…My great-uncle, the Gaon R. Yehudah Leib, Yitzchak. told me in the name of [the Alter Rebbe] that he was extremely meticulous about this because it was Nisan 1/March 14/Sunday brought in the Mishnas Chassidim… [Tzemach Tzedek, Rosh Chodesh Nisan Piskei Dinim, Yoreh Deah, 116]

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 6 PURIM LAWS & CUSTOMS THURSDAY NIGHT - FRIDAY / FEBRUARY 25-26

their wives and children. Once you begin to give for Ta’anis Esther a child, you must give every year. 13 Adar/February 25/Thursday If you didn’t give it on Ta’anis Esther, you may still Ta’anis Esther commemorates the three days Esther do so before the Megillah reading on Purim Day. and the people of Shushan fasted in Nisan. [Esther, 3:12, 4:16] Minchah: We read the Torah and Haftorah for a fast day. We It also commemorates the day the Jews fasted and say Aneinu in Shemoneh Esrei at Shema Koleinu. prayed to Hashem when they defended themselves We don’t say Tachnun and Avinu Malkeinu. of the thirteenth of Adar. [Esther, 9:1-2]

All men and women must fast. Pregnant or nursing PURIM women, or people feeling ill, are exempt. Consult a ADAR 14/FEBRUARY 25-26/ Rav if necessary. THURSDAY NIGHT - FRIDAY

Shachris: All men and women are obligated in the five The Shliach Tzibur says Aneinu in the Repetition of the Sh’moneh Esrei. We say Selichos, the long Avinu major Mitzvos: Malkeinu, and read the Torah. 1. Listen To The Reading Of The Machatzis HaShekel: Megilah Before Mincha we give Machatzis HaShekel (half Men and women are obligated to hear the Megilah shekel) to commemorate the silver half Shekel Jews twice, once at night and once by day. gave in the Beis Hamikdash. They gave it in Adar so that by Nisan they could purchase the Communal It’s preferable to hear the Megilah in Shul. Sacrifices (Korbonos Tzibur) for the year. It’s customary to bring even small children to Shul to It’s customary to give 3 half dollars, since Parshas hear the Megilah reading (if they won’t disturb). Shekalim mentions the Machatzis HaShekel three times. The Ba’al Koreh should be well versed in the laws of Megilah. The obligation begins at age twenty (according to some opinions thirteen). Some give on behalf of

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 7 Before reading the Megilah, the Ba’al Koreh (and listen- If you read for others after you have already ful- ers with Kosher Megilahs) fold the Megilah into thirds. filled the Mitzvah:

The Ba’al Koreh says three Brochos for us. It’s better that one of the listeners make the Bro- chos. If you’re reading for women only, they We stand for the Brochos. should say the Brochah “Leshmoah Megilah” in- stead of “Al Mikrah Megilah.” Say the Brochah Don’t answer “Baruch Hu U’Varuch Shemo”. Do say after the Megilah only if there’s a . Amen after each Brochah. 2. SAY AL HANISIM The Ba’al Koreh says the Brochos with the intention that We add Al HaNisim in Shemoneh Esrei and Birchas he’s saying the Brochos and reading the Megillah for all HaMazon to thank Hashem for the miracle of Pu- listeners. We have in mind, when hearing the Brochah rim. and the reading of the Megillah, that we’re fulfilling the

Mitzvah through him. In Shemoneh Esrei: To fulfill the Mitzvah, you must hear every word of the Say Al HaNisim in the Brochah of Modim. Megilah. You can’t speak from the first Brochah before the Megilah reading until after the Brochah afterward. If you didn’t say Al HaNisim and remember it be- If you have a Kosher Megilah you may read with the fore saying Hashem’s name in the Brochah “HaTov Ba’al Koreh, (quietly so that others can hear the Ba’al Shimchah U’Lichah Na’eh L’Hodos,” say Al Koreh). If you are following a printed text, don’t read HaNisim and continue from “Ve’al Kulam...” aloud. If you already said Hashem’s name, finish the Bro- The congregation says the four Pesukim of Geulah and chah and don’t say Al HaNisim. those of Haman’s ten sons; the Ba’al Koreh reads them only after the congregation finishes. In Birchas HaMazon: Say Al HaNisim in the second Brochah of Birchas The Chabad custom is to make noise at Haman’s name HaMazon after Nodeh. only when he’s mentioned with a title. The Ba’al Koreh should wait for silence before continuing. If you didn’t say Al HaNisim and haven’t said Hashem’s name at the end of the Brochah, you When the Ba’al Koreh reads the words “Igeres HaZos” can say Al HaNisim at that point. [9:26] and “Igeres HaPurim HaZos HaSheinis” [9:29], he (and those with Kosher Megilahs) shake the Megilah. If you’ve gone further, continue to “Harachamon Hu Y’zakeinu Liymos HaMoshiach,” and add: After the Megilah, we say the Brochah “HaRov Es “Harachamon Hu Yaseh Lonu Nisim Kemo Riveinu” if there’s a Minyan. We say “Shoshanas Yaa- She’osoh La’avoseinu Bayomim Haheim Bizeman kov” and roll up the Megilah. HaZeh.” and begin Al HaNisim from “Bi’mei Mor- dechai.”

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 8 3. Send Mishloach Manos L’Evyonim may not be from Ma’aser money.

On Purim Day, send a gift of at least two kinds of food that can be eaten without preparation (cakes, fruits, 5. EAT THE FESTIVE PURIM MEAL drinks, cooked fish or meat, etc.) to at least one During the day of Purim we eat a special meal to re- friend. This demonstrates friendship and brother- joice in the Purim spirit. hood among the Jewish people. This year Purim is on Friday, so we eat the Seudah in A man sends to a man, a woman sends to a woman, the morning. boys send to boys and girls send to girls. Children should be encouraged to send Mishloach Manos. PURIM NIGHT - THURSDAY NIGHT

Add Al HaNisim in Shemoneh Esrei in Maariv. A mourner must send Mishloach Manos, but we don’t send to him. You may send to other members of his After Shemoneh Esrei, we say Kaddish with Tiskabel, family. and read the Megillah.

4. GIVE MATONOS L’EVYONIM After the Megillah, we say Shoshanas Yaakov, V’Atah On Purim Day, give charity of at least a nominal sum Kadosh, Kadish and Aleinu. to two poor people. If you can’t find a poor person, set the money aside until you find one, or put it in a You may read the Megillah all night until dawn. Pushka (charity box). We eat a small Seudah on the night of Purim. It’s cor- You can give to any poor person, man, woman, or a rect to set the table with a tablecloth and candles to child (who understands), or a mourner. There is no emphasize its festive nature. requirement for a man to give only to a man, or a woman to a woman, etc. Giving to the poor, further demonstrates the spirit of unity among the Jewish Purim Day - FRIDAY people. It’s proper to wear Shabbos clothes on Purim.

A woman should not rely on her husband to fulfill the The Mitzvos of Purim Day may be done from sunrise Mitvah for her. She should personally give Matonos to sunset. Make sure to get all your Mitzvos, L’Evyonim, and send Mishloach Manos to her friends. Mivtzoim, and Mishloach Manos done BEFORE SHABBOS. Children should be encouraged to fulfill this Mitzvah. On Purim, whoever stretches out his hand and asks, We don’t say Tachnun. After Shemoneh Esrei we should be given Tzedakah. read the Torah (Vayavo Amalek). If you didn’t hear Parshas Zachor, have in mind the Mitzvah of remem- It’s better to increase in Matonos L’Evyonim than in bering Amalek. Mishloach Manos and Seudas Purim. Machatzis HaShekel and (the minimum amount of) Matanos After the Torah reading, we read the Megilah.

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 9 If you still need to give Machatzis HaShekel, do so be- Purim is an excellent opportunity to do Mivtzoim. fore the Megilah reading. You can provide people in old age homes, neighbors, and business associates with Mishloach Manos and We wear Rashi Tefilin during the reading. Matanos L’Evyonim for them to give out.

When the Ba’al Koreh says the Brochah of Shehechi- Children should fulfill the Mitzvos of listening to the yanu before the Megilah, have in mind the Mitzvos of Megilah, Mishloach Manos, (boy to boy etc), Ma- Purim: Mishloach Manos, Matanos L’Evyonim and tonos L’Evyonim, Seudas Purim, as well as Mivtzoim. Seudas Purim. To give Matonos L’Evyonim on Purim itself, you can deliver it, in the morning, to Rabbi Yonah Landau, 455 N. Detroit Street, or Rabbi Schochet, at the Yeshivah.

The Four Parshios

Parshas Shekalim Parshas Parah Mishpatim Ki Sisa Adar 1/February 13 Adar 22/March 6

We read Parshas Shekalim on the Shabbos before We read Parshas Parah on the Shabbos before we Rosh Chodsh Adar, or as it falls out this year, on read Parshas HaChodesh. It teaches the laws of the Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Adar. It talks about the Mitz- Parah Adumah - Red Heifer, and how it purified. vah of giving Machatzis Hashekel, the silver half- Since all Jews had to purify themselves before Shekel every man had to give to the Beis Hamikdash bringing the Korban Pesach, it is read now. Accord- annually in Adar. The money was used to buy the ing to some Halachic authorities, it is a Torah obli- communal sacrifices for the year. gation.

Parshas Zachor Parshas HaChodesh Terumah Vayakhel Pekudei Adar 8/ February 20 Adar 29/March 13

We read Parshas Zachor on the Shabbos before Pu- We read Parshas HaChodesh on the Shabbos before rim. It teaches the Mitzvah to remember what Rosh Chodesh Nisan, or in some years, on Shabbos Amalek did to us, and to erase their memory. We Rosh Chodesh Nisan. It talks about the first com- read it on the Shabbos before Purim since Haman mandment that HaShem gave us, how to sanctify was a descendant of Amalek. It’s a Torah obligation. the months, and establishing the calendar starting According to many Halachic authorities women are from Nisan, as well as the laws of Pesach. obligated as well as men.

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 10 PURIM WITH THE REBBE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Their Rabbanim paskened that they could not be “You are rebelling again Malchus Shamayim!” a part of any government that does not correct They retort: "Hashamayim? Kisi!" – “Who the law of return to state that a Jew is someone cares about Heaven? It’s my (parliamentary) seat born to a Jewish mother or someone that con- that matters most!” (I think this is what the Rebbe verted according to halacha (known as the con- meant) troversy of “Mihu Yehudi”). And the Mavdal party had promised to listen to their Rabbanim and not “This is against the kiyum of Eretz Yisroel!” join the government. They retort: "V'haaretz? Hadom ragli!" – However, right before Purim they broke their “The Land of Israel? I trample on this land with my promise, struck a deal with the Labor part, and feet!” joined the coalition. These religious ministers claim that they need to That Shabbos was Shushan Purim and the Rebbe join the government to prevent the government farbrenged. One thing that stood out to me from from giving back any of the West Bank, but that is that farbrengen was that the way the Rebbe was all a lie because the government had already de- shouting about “Mihu Yehudi”. cided to give back parts of the West Bank and the Mavdal party is not asked for their opinion on The Rebbe said that their are calling it a these matters. dark day for , because their religious party was backing a government that recognized The Alter Rebbe explains in that everyone non-halachic conversions as valid. However the can do teshuvah except someone who had im- Rebbe said that in fact it was not a dark day but a proper relations and thereby created a child. Since day of light because these people showed openly his actions created a being which is walking around who and what they were. They are showing their in the world the person is prevented from doing true colors as clear as the light of day. teshuvah (one is not granted the opportunity, but if he pressed forcefully and overpowered his evil im- When the ministers are asked, “How can you do pulse and did repent, his teshuvah is accepted. [see something like that?” they mockingly recite a pas- Igeres Hateshuvah Ch. 11]). suk in Yeshaya: “Hashamayim kisi v’haeretz hadom ragli” (Heaven is My throne and the Earth Similarly, since the minister of the interior and his is My footstool): party, the religious party, have already registered non-Jews as Jews and those people are walking

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The same idea refers to our Nesiim, our leaders. Nasi means “to lift up”. It is the job of the Nasi to lift up the Jewish people and the Nasi

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 12 lifts up even our highest faculties. Like the Torah Rebbe, with other Nesiim, leaders, and Gedolei states at the very beginning of parshas Ki Sisa: “ki Yisroel is through Torah. As we find by the Reb- sisa es rosh Benei Yisroel”- “when you lift up the beim, from the Alter Rebbe and the Tzemach head of the Yidden”. This means that the Nasi up- Tzedek and so forth, the Rebbe went through lifts even the head, the highest faculty of a human each generation. Then the Rebbe started focusing being. And the Nasi accomplishes this primarily on the connection of the Nesiim of Chabad with through Torah. Kotsk.

The avoda of a Rebbe, a Nasi, is not only to make (That year, the Gerrer Rebbe - the Bais Yisroel, sure the action and emotions are right but to pick passed away on Beis Adar. That week before Pu- up the person to a higher level, mainly through To- rim, his brother, Reb Simcha Bunim Alter, later on rah. The connection of a Rebbe and his Chassidim known as the Lev Simcha, became the new Gerrer is mainly through their Torah. Moshe Rabbeinu’s Rebbe. The Gerrer dynasty stems from the stu- mission is to light up the Neshomos of Bnei Yisroel dents of Kotsk.) through Torah. Similarly, we connect to the Rab- beim by learning their Torah. Both nigleh (the The Rebbe started speaking about a connection practical revealed laws) and chassidus (the esoteric between this dynasty of leaders and the teachings). As we see, the way to connect to the Lubavitcher Nesiim. Alter Rebbe is through learning the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch and Tanya. The Rebbe then pro- There was a connection between the Tzemach ceeded to enumerate all the Rabbeim and their Tzedek and the Kotzker Rebbe. Both of them had focus on nigleh and chassidus. The way to connect the same name, and they used to send Shluchim, to the Rabbeim is through Torah. By learning their emissaries, from Lubavitch to Kotsk and so forth. Torah thoughts we become connected with them. Exactly what was brought between the two Reb- beim we don't know, but we know there was a That year was special because the Hemshech of connection and exchange. The son in law of the the special series of discourses of the Rebbe Kotzker Rebbe was the Sochochever, who wrote) תרעב Rashab, beginning in the year 5672-1912) was the Iglei Tal. We learn from his writings that he printed then. The Rebbe focused for a while on was very medakdek in the Halochos of the Alter learning the Torah of the Rebbe Rashab and elabo- Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch. He writes a lot about it. rated on his Torah. Someone who was very close to the Iglei Tal said that he used to daven from a Ari , Then the Rebbe went further. He said that just as the Nusach of the Alter Rebbe. the connection of the Nesiim with their Chassidim is through Torah, also the connection of a Nasi, a And then there were the connections of the Ad- murim of Ger with the Lubavitcher Rebbeim.

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 13 There were times when it wasn’t easy to travel ish people. There was war between Germany and from one country to another. But they had their Russia, and the Russians suspected the Jews of own way of communicating and the physical limi- being sympathetic to the Germans. So the Jews tations were no impediment to their communica- were driven away from Warsaw. Many refugees tion. came to the city of Yekatrineslav, where the Rebbe lived in his childhood. The Rebbe was in The Rebbe then continued with two stories. He Cheder and he was focused on learning. He was- introduced the stories by explaining that every- n’t interested in playing like the others. He was thing we see is B’Hashgocha Protis. Sometimes it absorbed in his learning and he didn’t realize that can take quite some time before you see the guid- there was a new guest staying in his house. How- ance from it. As the Baal Shem Tov explains that a ever when it was Shabbos, the Rebbe’s father, R’ neshama can come down for 70, 80 years, just to Levi Yitzchok honored a specific Jew, and put him do a favor for another. Everything we see is at the head of the table. There were many es- B’Hashgocha Protis and has a lesson for us. teemed guests, but it was obvious that R’ Levi Yitzchok was giving this guest special honor. They The first story is from when the Friediker Rebbe were talking words of Torah all Shabbos. His Yid- was in Warsaw. The Gerrer Rebbe, the Imrei Emes dish wasn’t a that the Rebbe could under- (the father of the Bais Yisroel and the Lev Simcha), stand easily, because it was a Polish Yiddish and was sitting shiva. The Friediker Rebbe sent the not like the Russian Yiddish that the Rebbe was Rebbe to be Menachem Ovel. The Rebbe said, used to. The Rebbe saw how his father honored generally it was not his practice to go to any meet- the guest so much and he wanted to know who ings and the like, but since the Friediker Rebbe he is. The Rebbe was afraid to approach his own told him that to go be Menachem Ovel, he had no father, so he asked his mother, Rebbetzin Chana. choice and he went as a shliach of the Friediker She told him that the guest is a brother-in-law to Rebbe to be Menachem Ovel the Gerrer Rebbe. the Gerrer Rebbe [the Sefas Emes]. His name is R’ “After all, if my father-in-law were to instruct me Menachem Mendel Kaminer. He came from Po- to go chop wood that is certainly what I would do; land, now he’s in Yekatrineslov. The Rebbe re- all the more so with nichum aveilim r’l which is a membered this story for many years but didn’t great mitzvah”. The Rebbe went and fulfilled the know what hora’ah to take from it. Frierdiker Rebbe’s direction, however he did not know what horaah to take from this. After relaying these stories, the Rebbe explained that at the time, he didn’t know what the horah The second story was from the era of WWI, before was for him. Why did he need to go be Men- the Rebbe met the Frierdiker Rebbe. At that time achem Ovel the Gerrer Rebbe and why he needed there were decrees from the Czar against the Jew- to interact with the brother-in-law of the Gerrer

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 14 Rebbe? What guidance should he take from with the Rebbe's minyan, I went with some people these events? to an old-age home to read the Megilah and do mivtzoim. Later I came back to 770 and the Rebbe As I understood the sicha, the Rebbe was saying was davening Minchah. that these two stories bring out the Rebbe’s con- nection with the Admurim of Ger. Although pre- I was there with my son Yosef Yitzchok (then 2 viously he didn’t see the purpose for a connec- years old). I was holding my son and after Minchah tion; now he sees the Hashgacha Protis in those the Rebbe went to his room around 3:30pm. We interactions. waited there for the Rebbe to come out of his room and go home. But when the door opened, The Rebbe continued: It’s time to wish the new the Rebbe went left (down the corridor to the up- Gerrer Rebbe, in the presence of hundreds of stairs shul) instead of going to the right (to exit 770 Jews gathered together in a place of kedusha and head home). (770), that his leadership be truly successful, built on the mesorah of his avos as it was until now – We all ran into the small shul upstairs, and Rabbi with strong connection to the Lubavitcher Ne- Groner came running in and said that the Rebbe siim. A connection built on Ahavas HaTorah, instructed for all the windows and doors to the shul Ahavas Yisroel, and Ahavas Hashem. A connec- to be closed. People were outside banging on the tion that reaches perpetually higher and higher windows, and then, since the windows had no levels. And especially in a way of Shalom – latches, the people opened the windows and peace – since Shalom is the proper keli for all climbed in. When the Rebbe walked into the shul, I brachos “Hashem oz l’amo yiten, Hashem was standing by the Rebbe’s table with my son in yevarech es amo B’Shalom”. Hashem gives my arms. The Rebbe had to wait for his chair to be strength to Yidden, Hashem blesses his nation brought up from downstairs as his chair had al- with Peace. He should go securely, and without ready been brought downstairs to be ready for Ka- paying any heed to the naysayers, until Moshiach balas Shabbos. comes. So this was a special farbrengen where the The chair was set up, and the Rebbe sat next to the Rebbe wished the Gerrer Rebbe Hatzlochah in his door to the “cheder sheni” where the Rebbe leadership and connected the Gerrer dynasty to davened Minchah on Fridays and Shabbos. There the Nesiim of Chabad. were maybe 30 people in the shul and they started to push, I looked to the person near me as if to say * * * “Why are you pushing?” but it did not help. The The third Purim I remember was 5741 (1981). pushing got so bad two bochurim had to sit on the That Purim in the morning instead of davening floor near the Rebbe’s table, and place their feet

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 15 there to keep the table from moving. My son Shabbos was the farbrengen for Purim. In the started to cry, so I pulled back and stood more in middle of the farbrengen the Rebbe said he also the middle of the shul by the bimah. had to make a farbrengen for the honor of Yerushalayim, for Shushan Purim, which was that The Rebbe said a ma’amar for 12 minutes starting day. If there was to be another farbrengen it with the possuk from the Megillah “Layehudim would have to be after Minchah, but that would hoisa orah v’simchah.” Afterwards the Rebbe did be a bother to the community. So the Rebbe said, not have his becher so they used either a plastic or “Therefore we will now cover the mezonos and a foam cup and the Rebbe said the brochah and do other things which will make this like a second then said lechaim to everyone around the table. farbrengen.” Then the Rebbe said standing here we should say lechaim without any limitations “bli hagbolos.” In this farbrengen, the Rebbe mentioned a letter Then the Rebbe started singing “Ufaratzta,” and that he had written concerning Purim and then he stood up to see the people in the back and Yerushalayim (see below for the letter) and that say lechaim to them. because of this the simchah of Purim is three days: Friday, Shabbos and Sunday. We should all Then the Rebbe sat down and asked that another try to connect ourselves to Yerushalayim as it cup of wine be poured. The Rebbe said another says (Tehillim 137 5-6): “Im eshkach Yerusha- lechaim and reminded everyone to make a bro- layim…” “If I forget you Yerushalayim, let my right chah acharonah. As the Rebbe left, he turned and hand forget its movement…” saw the doors and windows open and said to Rabbi Groner “I thought we made up that the Jews all over this Sunday should get together and doors and windows were to be closed.” make gatherings, especially for children, for boys and girls to connect through Torah and tefillah I went home, and by the time I got there, everyone and give out tzedokah similar to matonos had already heard what happened. My father le’evyonim and also give out food similar to mish- heard that the Rebbe said a ma’amar but he was loach manos, and we should do it all with ponim not there because he was on mivtzoyim. Someone yafos, with simchah. asked him if he regretted not having been by the EZ Roth Plumbing & Heating Inc. ma’amar. My father answered no, because he was Zalman Roth on the mivtzoim of the Rebbe. “Always Helpful for any Situation”

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VOLUME 31, ISSUE 12 Page 16 PURIM AND YERUSHALAYIM

“...In clear, practical words: to strengthen and broaden the Purim preparations, in such a way that every Jew, will observe Purim, in the fullest degree. And of course, to make it possible for every Jew, under special condi- tions, (in the army, old age homes, orphanages, hospitals, or prisons) to observe Purim.

There’s another idea connected with this Purim: When Purim is on Friday, in Yerushalayim, the holiday extends to the next Sunday, as far as several aspects: seudas Purim, simchas Purim, mishloach manos, etc.

Immediately, at the beginning of exile, all Jews accepted upon themselves not to forget Yerushalayim, to re- member it, to raise it above every joy. Therefore it’s appropriate and fitting for Jews - in all places - to add many aspects of celebration on Sunday: In Divrei Torah, which make the heart happy (Tehillim: 19), to make Jews happy - with Ahavas Yisroel, and if appropriate or necessary, by sending mishloach manos, and matanos l’evyonim.

And especially, by gathering to strengthen Yiddishkeit, in a context of “Yerushalayim,” Yirah Sh’leima - the com- pleteness of fear of Hashem. And especially gatherings of Jewish children, all of whom, even little babies, are members of the Army of Hashem. (Particularly, since Haman wanted to destroy “all the Jews, from young to old, babies and women, on one day.” Esther told Mordechai, “Go, gather all the Jews” refuting Haman’s accusa- tion that the Jews were “scattered and separated.”)

And through all this, to unite with Yerushalayim, which we face towards every day, at every prayer, as it says: “And they will pray in the direction of the city You chose,” [Melachim 1: 8:42] which He chose and gave to every Jew, forever, as an eternal inheritance.” [From a letter of the Rebbe, Adar II, 5741]

רשקמר רוה רקיעה - Directives of the Rebbe for Adar

 The Rebbe encourages us to add in Simcha during the 30 days of Adar.

 In the weeks of Parshas Terumah, Tezaveh, and Ki Sisa, we should add in learning the M’forshim con- cerning the building of the Mishkan and Keilim.

 During the week of Zayin Adar we should add in Torah, Tefillah and Tzedaka. The Rebbe explains to add in learning, to daven with more kavanah, and to give extra Tzedaka.

 The Rebbe encourage us to take the opportunity to do Mivtzoim on Purim. You can provide people in old age homes, neighbors, and business associates with Mishloach Manos and Matanos L’Evyonim for them to give out.

 Children should fulfill the Mitzvos of listening to the Megilah, Mishloach Manos, (boy to boy etc), Matonos L’Evyonim, Seudas Purim, as well.

A Freilichen Purim!!!! Rosh Chodesh Adar Day 1 Purim - Continued Friday/February 12/Shevat 30 Fourth Minyan (in kollel): 9:00 Followed by Megilah Reading Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Adar 5th Minyan (in Shul): 9:30 Adar 1/February 13/Mishpatim Followed by Megilah Reading Parshas Shekalim Remember it’s Friday - Light Candles Friday February 12: 5:17 All Mitzvos need to be completed Shabbos Ends: 6:20 before Licht Bentching Last Time to Read Shema: 9:21 Tetzaveh Terumah Shushan Purim Parshas Zachor Adar 15/February 27 Adar 8/February 20 Light Candles Friday February 26: 5:29 Light Candles Friday February 19: 5:23 Shabbos Ends: 6:32 Shabbos Ends: 6:26 Last Time to Read Shema: 9:12 Last Time to Read Shema: 9:17 Ki Tisa Ta’anit Esther Parshas Parah Thursday/Adar 13/February 25 Adar 22/ March 6 Fast Begins: 5:08 Light Candles Friday March 5: 5:35 Machatzis HaShekel /Minchah: 5:00 Shabbos Ends: 6:38 Fast Ends: 6:12 Last Time to Read Shema: 9:07

Purim Night Vayakheil - Pekudei Thursday Night/Adar 14/Feb 25 Shabbos Chazak Ma’ariv: 6:15 Shabbos Mevarchim Nisan Megilah Reading (in shul): 6:25 Parshas Hachodesh Megilah Reading (kollel): 6:25 Adar 29/March 13 Light Candles Friday March 12: 5:41 Purim Tehillim: 8:15 Friday/Adar 14/February 26 Shachris: 10:00 Sunrise: 6:25 Shabbos Ends: 6:44 First Minyan (in shul): 6:20 Last Time to Read Shema: 9:02 Followed by Megilah Reading Second Minyan (in kollel): 6:45 Molad of Nisan Followed by Megilah Reading Shabbos/March 13 7:03 pm + 5 Third Minyan (Shul): 8:00 Chalakim Followed by Megilah Reading Rosh Chodesh Nisan : Sunday/Nisan 1/ March 14

CALENDAR TIMES ARE FOR LOS ANGELES