The World of Lubavitch A publication of Chabad-Lubavitch, Toronto SEPTEMBER 2020 Vol. 46 No. 2 (154) TISHREI 5781

Thank you Hashem By Rabbi Zalman A. Grossbaum For the better part of this year we have been spending much time discussing and debating the ramifications of Covid 19 and how it has impacted our lives and life style. Yet, little has been said, or written about the virus, from a historical Judaic per- spective. The Midrash relates that during the rein of King David there was a mysterious plague. Each day some 100 people passed away. Recognizing that something out of the ordinary was amiss, the mon- arch invoked his divine perception and prophetical- ly foretold that the antidote for the pestilence was to praise G-d 100 times throughout the day. Indeed, after he instituted the said quota the plague ceased. This innovation carries through to this very day. Our three daily prayers as presented in the Siddur provide the requisite quota needed to comply with the edict of the Psalmist. All true, but factually the structured prayers found in the Siddur and recited throughout the day was compiled by Ezra the Scribe who led the Jews back to the Land of Israel after 70 years of exile in Babylon. This epic return occurred some five hundred years after the sovereign leader- ship of King David. Hence, this leads me to assume that back then a prayer of thankgiving was an informal spontaneous declaration of gratitude. It did not take on the form and structure of a prescribed written text. Rather it was a heartfelt expression of appreciation in ac- knowledgement of good health or fortune. The story is told about the Baal Shem Tov, who once approached a scholar deeply engrossed in his study and inquired about his wellbeing. Not wanting to engage in small talk, the academic did not respond. Again the Baal Shem Tov inquired about his health only to be ignored a second time. Not getting any feedback, the Baal Shem Tov rhe- torically asked him, “why are you taking away sus- tenance from G-d.” Now this piqued the interest of the venerable sage who now lifted his head. The Baal Shem Tov then explained, “the presence of G-d is not readily felt in the corporeal world. How- Chabad Launches ever when we utter words of praise, i.e. ”Thank G-d,” “Blessed be the Creator,” “G-d will help,” “Shofar on the Corner” etc. we draw down G-d’s presence to permeate our surrounding. Indeed, the root meaning of the He- The most important ob- brew word Baruch means to graft and merge. servance of Rosh HaShana is The Covid 19 pandemic has impacted every listening to the sound blasts aspect of society. The fear of infection and illness of the Shofar. Due to the pan- has us all isolated and sequestered in our person- demic and the numerous re- strictions and regulations im- al space. Thank G-d, by, and large, we in Ontario posed, many people will not have avoided the brunt of the raging virus. When so be attending Shul this year. many people have been infected by merely being in While prayers under prevail- the wrong place at the wrong time, it behoves us to ing conditions maybe recited express our gratitude. It doesn’t take much faith to in solitude, not everyone has recognize G-d’s benevolence towards us for being access to a Shofar nor are they spared. While it may not be an overt miracle vis- familiar with its intricate laws and customs. ible to the naked eye, our good fortune are amongst As always, in response to the hidden and concealed wonders of G-d, as the a need and concern, Chabad Psalmist notes: “His wonders are to Himself, for Lubavitch will be hosting His kindness is forevever.” Thank You, HaShem! OUTDOOR gatherings for May we all be inscribed for a blessed new year the sounding of the Shofar of good health, happiness, and the imminent arrival Continued on page 3 SOME THINGS SIMPLY CAN NOT BE ZOOMED of Mashiach. Page 2 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020 The Man in Man By Yanky Tauber This day is the beginning of clare: G-d, the G-d of Israel, is Your works, a remembrance of King, and His kingship has do- the first day. minion over all. From the Musaf prayer for Thus the “Head of the Year” Rosh Hashanah coincides not with the first Actually, Rosh Hashanah The Primacy of Man day of creation, on which G-d marks not the beginning of G- brought time, space and mat- d’s creation of the universe, but ter into being; or with its third His creation of man. The anni- Within Creation day, on which He created life; versary of the first day of cre- or with its fourth day, on which ation is the 25th of the Hebrew He created creatures of instinct month of Elul; Tishrei 1, the and feeling; but with the day on date observed as Rosh Hasha- which G-d made man “in His nah, is the sixth day of creation, form, after His likeness,” im- the day on which the first man parting to him the divine capac- and woman, Adam and Eve, ity to will, choose and create. were created. For this is the day on which the Nevertheless, we say of purpose of every component of Rosh Hashanah, “Zeh hayom His creation—mineral, vegeta- techilat ma’asecha”--“This ble, animal and human—began day is the beginning of Your partner with G-d in creation.” to inclusion in a creative, tran- and bow down, let us kneel be- its actualization in the deeds of works.” This day, because The other, non-human ele- scendent, human act, thereby fore G-d our maker.’” the first man and woman. though man is the last of the ments of creation achieve ful- realizing the purpose of their Every Rosh Hashanah, we This and Thus creations in terms of chrono- fillment through man, when creation. repeat Adam’s call. We inten- The difference between logical order, he is first among man involves them in the per- This is why Rosh Hasha- sify our awareness of our Cre- these two “first days”--the be- them in terms of function and formance of a mitzvah—an act nah is the “beginning of Your ator, reiterate our acceptance of ginning of the physical creation purpose. For man alone pos- that fulfills a divine command. works.” On this day, the first His kingship, and rally all our on Elul 25 and the beginning sesses the single quality that For example, the person who human being opened his eyes, resources for the task of mak- of man’s implementation of gives meaning and purpose to writes a check to charity has beheld himself and his world, ing Him a tangible presence in its quintessential function on G-d’s creation. many participants in his deed: and chose to devote them both our lives. As we proclaim in a Rosh Hashanah — is expressed Free Agent the paper and ink of his check; to the service of his Creator. central passage of the Rosh Ha- in the difference between two Without man, the universe the natural resources and forc- His first act was to involve all shanah prayers: Hebrew words associated with is a mere machine. Every min- es he has enlisted to earn the of creation in his submission to Our G-d and G-d of our these dates: zeh (“this”) and ko eral, plant and animal behaves money he is giving; even the G-d. In the words of the Zohar, fathers: Reign over the entire (“thus”). in accordance with an ironclad mountain out of which the mar- When Adam stood up on world in Your glory.... May ev- Zeh implies a clear and di- set of laws dictated by its in- ble in the facade of the bank his feet, he saw that all crea- ery object know that You made rect association with its object. born nature, and has neither the which processes his check was tures feared him and followed it, may every creature under- When the Torah tells us that our inclination nor the ability to be- quarried. These and innumer- him as servants do their master. stand that You created it, and able other morally “neutral” He then said to them: “You and may every thing that has the have otherwise. Only man re- Continued on page 11 flects his Creator in that he pos- elements have been elevated I both, ‘come, let us worship breath of life in its nostrils de- sesses free choice: only man can will and act contrary to his nature; only man can make of himself something other than what he is, transcending the very parameters of the self into which he was born. So only man’s deeds have true significance. The indus- try of the ant or the faithful- ness of the dove are no more “moral” than the cruelty of the cat or the deviousness of the snake. The majesty of a snow-capped Alp is no more virtuous than the stench of a By Yanki Tauber each passing minute. putrefying swamp. For their The story is told of a sim- Obviously, that’s what his “positive” or “negative” traits ple, unlettered Jew who kept a The Cholent fellow worshippers are think- and characteristics are solely tavern on a distant crossroads ing, as well. They, too, have the result of the manner in many weeks’ journey from the sumptuous holiday meal await- cholent: the longer it cooks, the a cholent simmering on their which they have been formed nearest Jewish community, who ing him at his lodgings made more sumptuous your cholent. stovetop. No wonder they’ve and programmed by their one year decided to make the his eyes water in pain. What He’d looked under the lid on stopped crying. Let the service Creator. But when man acts trip to the Jewish town for Rosh go on, he consoled himself, the virtuously, rising above his was taking so long? Haven’t we his way to shul this morning, instinctive selfishness to serve Hashanah. prayed enough? Still the ser- when the cholent had already longer the better. his Creator; or when he acts When he entered the shul on vice stretched on. been going for some eighteen And on the service went. unvirtuously, corrupting his Rosh Hashanah morning, it was Suddenly, as the cantor hours; good, he’d sniffed ap- His stomach felt like raw leath- nature in a manner that no an- already packed with worship- reached a particularly stirring provingly, but give it another er, his knees grew weak with imal or object ever would or pers and the service was well passage, the entire congrega- few hours, and ahhhh . . . A few hunger, his head throbbed in could, and then repents of his underway. Scarcely knowing tion burst into tears. Why is ev- hours of aching feet and a hol- pain, his throat burned with evil and even converts it into a which way to hold the prayer- eryone weeping? wondered the low stomach are a small price suppressed tears. But whenever force for good—something of book, he draped his tallit over tavernkeeper. Then it dawned to pay considering what was true significance has occurred. his head and took an incon- on him. Of course! They, too, developing under that lid with Continued on page 11 Man has broken free of the spicuous place against the back are hungry. They, too, are think- “programmed” universe G-d wall. ing of the elusive meal and created, and has expanded it Hours passed. Hunger was endless service. With a new The World of Lubavitch Chabad Lubavitch of Ontario in ways that its implicit poten- beginning to gnaw at his insides, surge of self-pity he gave vent A Publication of HaRav Dovid Schochet Rabbi Yossi Hecht Chabad-Lubavitch Spiritual Leader Chabad of Aurora tial could not have generated but the impassioned sounds of to his anguish; a new wail Rabbi Z. Aaron Grossbaum Rabbi Mendel Kaplan 770 Chabad Gate Executive Vice-President or anticipated. Man has, in the prayer around him showed no joined the others as he, too, Thornhill, Ontario Chabad @ Flamingo words of our sages, become “a Rabbi Sholom Ber Bakshi Rabbi Yisroel Landa signs of abating. Visions of the bawled his heart out. L4J 3V9 Chabad of Woodbridge Israeli Community Services But after a while the weep- (905) 731-7000 Rabbi Vidal Bekerman Rabbi Sholom Lezel www.chabad.ca Chabad at York Dancing with the Torah ing let up, finally quieting to a Chabad of the Beaches Editor: Rabbi Mendel Bernstein Rabbi Mendel Nakkar ON OUR COVER Chabad of Richmond Hill at the Venice Synagogue sprinkling of exceptionally pi- Rabbi Moshe Spalter Chabad of Barrie by artist Alex Levin ous worshippers. Our hungry Rabbi Tzali Borenstein Rabbi Avrohom E. Plotkin Associate Editor: Chabad of Durham Chabad of Markham Rabbi Z.A. Grossbaum The vivid painting expresses tavernkeeper’s hopes soared, Rabbi Mendel Chaikin Rabbi Chanoch Rosenfeld Chabad of Downtown the joy experienced by the con- but the prayers went on. And Advertising: Chabad of Hamilton gregation, young and old alike, on. Why have they stopped Rabbi Moshe Spalter Rabbi Nechemia Deitsch Rabbi Mordechai Silberberg Chabad of Midtown Chabad of London at the Hakafot – dancing with crying? he wondered. Are Typesetting: the Torahs on Simchat Torah. Rabbi Yechezkel Deren Rabbi Yisroel Simon they no longer hungry? Tamar Shuchat Chabad of Maple Chabad of Kingston The celebration marks the day Rabbi Yoseph S. Gansburg Rabbi Yitzchok Slavin Then he remembered the Circulation: 5500 Education Chabad of Mississauga when we complete the reading of Subscriptions: $10 yearly cholent. What a cholent he had Rabbi Levy Gansburg Rabbi Moshe S. Spalter the entire Torah – the five books Chabad Bayview York Mills waiting for him! Everything $5 per copy Administrator & Media of Moses – and begin the cycle Rabbi Menachem Gansburg FALL 2020 Rabbi Moshe E. Steiner from the beginning again. else his wife had prepared Chabad on the Avenue Chabad of Uptown This year much thought will for the holiday meal paled in Rabbi Moshe Goldman Rabbi Rafi Steiner We cannot take Chabad of Waterloo Chabad of Guelph have to go into the Hakafot cel- comparison to that cholent. responsibility for the Rabbi Yitzchak Grossbaum Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman ebration to be able to keep this He distinctly remembered the Kashruth of the items Camp Gan Israel Russian Community Services tradition while staying safe at the advertised in this juicy chunk of meat she had publication. Rabbi Mendel Grossbaum Rabbi Zalman Zaltzman same time. put into the cholent when she Chabad of Newmarket Chabad of Niagara To see more of Alex Levin’s Rabbi Shmuel Grossbaum magnificent art please visit set it on the fire the previous Chabad of the East Side www.artlevin.com afternoon. And our tavern- We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada keeper knew one thing about through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020 • Page 3

Annual Campaign Coined “Pure Stimulus 2020”

With Covid 19 regula- is no longer a meaningless to maintain all programs and compromised ingredients. istration. When launching tions restricting large indoor expression, for the time be- projects under our adminis- It has become synonymous the campaign Rabbi Zalman social gatherings, Chabad ing the passage is for real tration, albeit, under strict with clean, pure, and whole- Grossbaum noted, “We are Lubavitch has suspended the and has hit home. Hopefully, guidelines and the necessary someness. And that’s the exceptionally grateful for the annual dinner which marks adjustments. For almost five message we hope to portray. leadership role our stalwarts the culmination of the yearly decades, Chabad Lubavitch All monies raised will go di- have taken in the past and we fund raising campaign. In- has helped introduce our rich rectly to fund programs and look forward to their contin- deed, after some 40 years, tradition to countless people projects under our admin- ued support.” L’Chaim! this recurring event became and families. This has been a staple amongst the year- accomplished by a plethora end community celebrations. of Torah classes, publica- In addition to paying tribute tions, Holiday guides, etc. Chabad Launches to an outstanding commu- which all promote practical nity leader, the gala offered a glimpse of the ongoing participation in Jewish life. programs and highlighted So too, we have embraced a “Shofar on the Corner” multitude of electronic plat- new initiatives assumed by Continued from page 1 the Chabad Lubavitch Or- forms, to teach and inform. ronto and has been opened ganization. The dinner held From the flagship centre in to users all around the world. Thornhill, Chabad Lubavitch on Sunday, September 20, This service will be ad- on the heels of a successful throughout the GTA. Since fund raising campaign, was continues to service the en- vertised on 680 News dur- tire Jewish community and this year the first day of ing the week before Rosh good reason to gather and Rosh HaShana is on Shab- celebrate. The “can do” at- strives to improve the land- Hashana in order to reach scape of Jewish life through- bat the Shofar observance is as many people as possible. mosphere was exhilarating suspended on the first day. and elevating. out the GTA and beyond. The ad campaign is gra- As a result of prevailing The designated spots ciously sponsored by Steeles Unfortunately, for now are in close proximity to all social gathering of this nature circumstances our campaign Memorial Chapel. is of a “no frill” nature and major intersections along are “on hold’” until further very soon, with the discovery Bathurst and numerous oth- notice. Indeed, every aspect of a potent vaccine life will coined accordingly, “Pure er locations as well. Please of our lifestyle has changed return to the “old normal.” Stimulus.” This is clearly visit www. Shofar2020.ca in ways we never imagined. We, at Chabad Lubavitch, illustrated on the campaign for the location and time It has impacted the way we remain dedicated to our man- literature which features the closest to your home. Shofar2020.ca work, shop, study, and travel. date while we adhere and re- iconic bottle of the Absolut The website is the Today, the well-worn atten- spect the impositions enacted vodka brand. The symbol is brainchild of Rabbi Shmue- tion grabbing metaphor; “We for our safety and wellbeing. commonly used to portray li Nachalas of Jewish Youth are living in historic times,” Every effort has been made undiluted contents and un- Network right here in To- Vaughan City Council Approves New Mikvah Building

Almost 40 years ago, 5,000 sq. ft. was added to the Access to the upper levels will a ground spring below. The rain work best known as Taharat Chabad Lubavitch made the existing structure that enlarged be from a separate and indepen- water cistern is adjacent and Hamishpacha. These laws of bold move to the rural commu- the Shul, Beit Midrash, audi- dent entrance on the opposite connected to the immersion Family Purity are amongst the nity of Vaughan. Save for the torium, and library. Still, the side. The eight large activity pool by a connecting channel. Divine ordinances which tran- village square and some scat- space available for the smorgas- rooms above will provide much During the Temple era the scend our limited intellect, cat- tered housing, the town was bord of services and programs needed space for the citywide Kohain as well as any Jew who egorized as Chukim Supra-ra- dotted with farms and mead- provided by Chabad Lubavitch Lubavitch Day Camp and the wished entry into the Holy tional Mitzvot. They personify Friendship Circle. Temple had to first immerse in a Mitzvah at its best; a pure and After some two years of a Mikvah. On Yom Kippur, the pristine link To G-d. planning, designing, and con- high priest, during the course A Mikvah is also used by sultation, the site plan applica- of his sacred service would men on various occasions. With tion was approved by the City immerse himself at five desig- the exception of conversion, of Vaughan. During the next nated intervals. So too, con- they are all based on tradition few months the “working draw- version to Judaism culminates and custom. The most widely ings,” specs, and interior design with Mikvah immersion. It is practiced, are immersion by a will hopefully be completed. also the process in which new groom on his wedding day and All being well the site should pots, dishes and utensils transi- by men before the onset of Yom be “shovel ready” early next tion and become fit for use. And Kippur. Many men also use year for construction. finally, at the conclusion of our the Mikvah in preparation for The new standalone Wom- sojourn on this corporeal world, Shabbat and Holidays. Chassi- en’s Mikvah will enable us re- before a person is laid to rest, dim and the pious, immerse in a design of the current women’s the purification rite includes Mikvah every day before morn- Mikvah, for use by the men, to Mikvah immersion. ing prayers. The daily immer- be used on the eve of Shabbat For the menstruant woman, sion adds an element of holi- and before daily prayers. With immersion in a Mikvah is part ness to enable one to engage in the ever growing increase of of a larger regimented frame- prayer with a sense of renewal, patrons, the area will be reno- rejuvenation, and purity. vated to accommodate a spa- cious change room and include an ample bank of showers. The Centrality of Mikvah in Jewish Life Youth Centre (north side entry) Most Jews are familiar with religious observances such as ows. With little regard for the was not enough, “We were Shabbat, Kashruth, Yom Kip- skeptics, a 3 acre site was pur- bursting at the seams,” said pur and Pesach. Conversely, chased on which a 25,000 sq. Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, “It Mikvah and Family Purity, ft. multipurpose community was quite evident that there was being of a personal nature are centre was built. Almost imme- a need to explore and entertain vaguely known and remain diately it became obvious that further expansion.” shrouded in mystery and myth. “the town above Toronto” held The primary objective was Yet in reality, the observance of much promise and opportunity. to build a “state of the art” free Family Purity is a biblical Mitz- In tandem with sprouting hous- standing Women’s Mikvah with vah on-par with fasting on Yom ing developments, land was al- spacious and ample prep suites Kippur and eating Matzah on located for Shuls, Yeshivot, and for the growing number of us- Pesach. Day Schools. Jewish life began ers. Still, in order to maximize Immersion in the Mikvah is to blossom! the designated “foot print,” the the culmination of purification To facilitate the influx of building, with frontage on the – Taharah. The ritually suitable growth and participants, some Lonny Court cul-de-sac, will rain water flow unobstructed to 30 years ago, an additional include two additional floors. a holding tank or come up from Thornhill, Community Mikvah (south side entry) Page 4 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020 Friendship Circle Zoom Lubavitch Day Camp Helps Youngsters “Out Of The Box” Present Hidden Talent

No, it was not simple, as tance of a birthday celebration Lubavitch Day Camp attending camp at home, we were given the “green life grew more complicated for from a Torah perspective, as a has always been on the fore- logged into their bunk every light” from the health depart- people the world over. Need- mini personal Rosh Hashanah, front of the constantly evolv- morning. Their counselor ment that we may open the less to say, individuals with the day G-d saw fit for one’s ing world of camping. Up un- greeted each of them person- pool! This allowed our pod special needs perhaps felt the Soul to descend to this world. til this year it was sufficient ally, and stayed online with camps to go swimming in our isolation and routine change The children who could not to hire spirited counsellors, them, on Zoom the whole beautiful outdoor pool. On a more intensely and difficult to celebrate their special day with instructors of the newest day to give guidance and typical year our pool sees 500 adjust. As Zoom became the their peers due to the pandemic trends, and order the latest help them enjoy the activities swimmers daily, this year it way of societal communication, were surprised to find a birthday toy fads, to keep LDC fun prepared in their box. The was much less due to the re- Friendship Circle took advan- present gifted and delivered by and with it. daily schedule also included strictions, however each min- tage of this now popular trend. Friendship Circle volunteers. Then came COVID. instructional tae-kwon-do, ute was enjoyed that much “While we could not gather face “This made my daughter’s day,” more by each camper! to face, we made the best of the said Amy’s mom, “we will never regretful situation,” said Goldy forget this. Grossbaum, coordinator of the As difficult as it is for the Friendship Circle that caters to children, the family and espe- children with special needs. cially the mothers, feels the The children were intro- duced to a novel form of vi- pinch. The children and young sual and audio communication adults with special needs have as they learned how to master to be constantly engaged in ac- Zoom conferencing. They were tivities. Occupying them is a dif- able to have the opportunity to ficult and sometimes frustrating converse with their assigned task. Once again, Zoom came in volunteers and peers. They en- handy. Numerous times, Friend- joyed music, crafts, exercise, ship Circle offered their celebrat- games and shmoozing. Show ed “Mom’s Night Out” featuring and Share became an integral Leah Kalvari, MSW, RSW. As part of this endeavour. Partici- a clinical social worker, Leah pants showed their rooms, fa- spoke to the moms needs. Natu- vourite toys, animals etc. Some rally, a give and take pursued of the children who had previ- and the discussion went on for a ously been somewhat inhibited while. Mothers who registered before, began to tell stories, received a refreshment package impart experiences and express and a gift for their child. their feelings. “It was amaz- Mrs. Brown sent an amusing ing to witness individuals who email to the Friendship Circle were on the shy side sharing and coordinators stating, “thank you voicing their opinions,” said Es- so much for your gesture and ther Grossbaum, coordinator. thinking of me. When I arrived This past September, home today I found a decorative Friendship Circle initiated a box on my counter along with Birthday Club where every cel- a few candy wrappers, empty ebrant felt special, loved, and pastry wrap, and a can of wine feted. Each month the Friend- While most camps were magic trick workshops and When asked how the my daughter claimed was hers forced to close, or chose to weekly shows including ven- ship Circle celebrated the cor- to drink on Shabbat, but your ef- camp managed to function, responding Hebrew birthdays close, Lubavitch Day Camp triloquists, illusionists and Mrs. Esty Steinmetz camp forts do not go by unnoticed.” rose to the challenge in spite magic shows. with a communal party. While During the most recent director responded, “Was this most individuals are invited of the daily uncertainty that For the children in the year different than a regular Zoom gathering, a video of the was our new reality. The first backyard pod camps, they to birthday parties and social Lubavitcher Rebbe was pre- year? Definitely! Was camp events throughout the year, the step was ordering face masks enjoyed all the activities from a tremendous success like in special needs community re- sented. The video displayed the Rebbe’s foresight in the 1960’s in child sizes, naturally with their box, with their counsel- previous years? I think that mains limited in hosting or at- Lubavitch Day Camp logo. or, in the host backyard. Tents all campers and counsel- tending group affairs. In order prior to society’s knowledge and research regarding children with Just like face masks are not that were setup provided am- lors will agree that in certain to create excitement, the cele- a one size fits all, we under- ple shade, daily temperature ways it was even better!” brations were hosted at a differ- special needs. The Rebbe en- couraged parents who requested stood that there are different checks for each campers and ent venue each month. Whether realities for different families separate supplies ensured the gathering took place at an his advice to make sure their indoor activity centre or at the child remains familiar with their and our summer plans had to everyone’s safety. The inno- Chabad Centre in Thornhill, all Jewish identity. He also lov- reflect that on a daily basis. vative schedule provided the Shofar2020.ca the participants enjoyed the re- ingly instructed the parents not In response to the siua- campers with a fun summer, freshments, cupcakes and pizza. to limit the child’s activities, as tion, two options were of- the way it’s meant to be! Volunteers, peers and family one never knows how far an in- fered, based on each family’s Thankfully a few days gathered to make the experience dividual can progress. Naturally, neighborhood or level of before camp was to begin unforgettable. the mothers online were touched comfort. Those families that Indeed, the Lubavitcher and encouraged by the Rebbe’s were still maintaining a small Rebbe obm, stressed the impor- remarks. bubble were able to sign up to our online option, while those that were expanding their bubble joined one of the back- yard pods. Re- gardless of the option they chose, each camper received a box full of their weekly activi- ties. This includ- ed art supplies, baking supplies and of course a colorful detailed daily schedule for them to fol- low. Those chil- dren who were World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020 • Page 5

3rd Annual Global Adopted at Age 91, ShabbaTTogether A Holocaust Survivor Set for February 12, 2021 Finds Love and Hope in Barrie When people hear “inclu- had new avenues of conversa- by Ashira Weiss was shocked that this is how our The bathroom renovation sion,” it sounds like a big proj- tion, as people discovered they Patty Picarelli wasn’t very generation respects our elders. and a ramp to the front door were ect, a monumental life changer. shared common struggles they hopeful as she dialed the number They persevered through war to completed mid-February. Patty ShabbaTTogether seeks to shat- had previously never opened up for the Chabad Jewish Center of build our country and now, when was overwhelmed by the gener- ter that notion. about. Barrie, Ontario, fifty miles north they need it most, people act as osity suddenly shown to her. “I An initiative of the Ruder- For ShabbaTTogether of Toronto. The single mom of if they are disposable,” Patty can’t even put into words what man Chabad Inclusion Initia- 2021, RCII will be creating more three had already reached out says. it means that someone reached tive (RCII), a project of Machne materials focused on Mental to thirty-four welfare organiza- It was Chanukah time when, out. Thank you isn’t enough to Israel, the third annual Shab- Health and Wellness. As we all tions, governmental and private, with trepidation, Patty dialed the describe the gratitude Madeline baTTogether is set for the sec- know, Covid-19 has hit every Jewish and non-Jewish, both number for the Chabad Jewish and my family feel. The Na- ond weekend in February, the community hard and for those in Barrie and Toronto. None Center. Chabad representative kkars and their community re- designated Jewish Disability who have a disability or history of them had been able to help. Muci Nakkar listened to Patty’s ally stepped up to the plate when Awareness and Inclusion Month. of a mental health condition, the When the last call to a Jewish tale and immediately offered absolutely nobody else would,” ShabbaTTogether’s mission is to struggle can be even more diffi- agency in Toronto again resulted to help. She invited Patty to she says. highlight mental health and dis- cult. We plan to work with edu- in a no, Patty began to cry; she meet with the city’s mayor and On February 26, Madeline ability inclusion. Last year over cators and psychologists to make wasn’t Jewish and was giving up a member of parliament who suffered a heart attack and was so much for her Holocaust survi- would be attending the pub- sent to the hospital. Patty and vor friend, was there no one who lic menorah lighting ceremony her children visited every day would help her out? The tears that she and her husband, Rabbi until March 17 when the hospital seemed to affect the lady on the Mendel, were hosting. The poli- closed its doors to visitors due to other end of the phone line, be- ticians were polite and assured the COVID-19 pandemic. They cause she took a few more min- their assistance, but didn’t come continued to communicate virtu- utes to refer Patty to the Chabad Jewish Center. In November 2019, Patty and her children had ‘adopted’ a 91-year-old woman named Madeline Jug. A child survivor of the Holocaust, Madeline was left with a life-long injury to her leg. The wound was inflicted by a Nazi who threw a knife at her when he saw her give a little bit of her water to a friend stricken with typhoid in Krakow, Poland. That injury saved her life as she and her friend were taken to the hospital where a German-British doctor arranged for them to be smuggled to a safehouse in the Austrian countryside. Patty met Madeline, a friend Global Weekend of Mental Wellness and Disability Inclusion of her father’s, in 2005 and the two stayed in touch even after 600 Chabad communities on sure ShabbaTTogether 2021 has his passing. In November, Patty six continents participated. This updated and relevant educational heard that Madeline, no longer year, we are hoping to hit 1,000! materials and resources for all able to live on her own, had Mr. Jay Ruderman, president focusing on mental health. This moved into a home where she of the Ruderman Family Foun- material will target preschool, was being mistreated, even being dation, explains why he part- school age, college students and called “dirty Jew.” The younger ners with Chabad. “One fifth of adults. Rabbi Mendel Nakkar affixes a Mezuzah for Madeline the Jewish community live with “This is the purpose of Shab- woman was horrified. The dis- disabilities and, historically, we baTTogether: To bring aware- ease and malnutrition that Mad- through. “They looked at me, ally until Madeline was released have not been great at welcom- ness, acceptance, and support to eline experienced as a child left shook my hand and said, ‘we’re back into Patty’s care a few days her unable to have children. Her not going to let you down,’ but ing them. To Chabad reaching our community members across ago. With much in short sup- out and welcoming people is the globe living with disabilities husband passed away years ago once the cameras had gone, they leaving Madeline alone in her didn’t respond to any of my ply these days, Patty had a hard natural.” and mental health conditions. To time finding the medical sup- Rabbi Shmully Litvin of educate our community leaders old-age. “Our elderly gave up so calls,” Patty says. much for the next generation. It The Nakkars heard that plies needed. She improvises, Chabad of Kentucky participated and members on how to truly using a potato to clean a surface in ShabbaTTogether. “It was so support their friends, family and is our duty to make sure they are Madeline’s plight was brought surrounded by love and support up at a Temple where she had wound at the time of this inter- simple. I used the media posts community members to let peo- view in lieu of antibiotic cream. and templates to advertise, and ple know they are seen, heard, in their later years,” Patty told once been a member. They de- Lubavitch.com. cided it was out of their purview “It’s been a challenge because printed the dvar Torah,” he says. and welcome at Chabad,” says we have to be extra careful and But the response to the material RCII director, Dr. Sarah Kranz- So she rented a U-Haul and as Madeline was no longer a was beyond what he had expect- Ciment PT, DPT. she and her children moved member. “At her age she won’t the kids have to remain socially ed. “The discussions it brought To learn more about Shab- Madeline and her belongings be able to enjoy the renovations distant and are no longer able to up about inclusion continued for baTTogether, call 701-404-RCII to their modest home. No lon- for much longer so it’s not worth help me with her care,” she says. weeks afterward.” He noticed (7244), or go to ShabbaTTogeth- ger able to climb stairs with her our investment,” this same orga- Like Patty, Madeline has a that even regular guests suddenly er.com to get involved. injured leg, the family emptied nization had told Patty. fighting spirit. She keeps prom- their living room and dining “We realized that we were ising her caregiver that she will room, and put up a door to pro- the only ones willing to help, but be feeling healthy for Patty’s vide Madeline with some per- we didn’t have the resources to birthday in September so she can sonal space. “The bathroom was pay for the renovations on our make her a special dinner. Patty an issue,” Patty said. There is own,” Muci says. So they posted is hoping to raise some more only a powder room on the main a request on the Chabad center’s money by then so she can have floor so Patty rigged a hose to Facebook page and asked their the kitchen made accessible to the sink so she could help Mad- friends to pitch in. “The commu- Madeline and add a ramp to the eline wash. But she wanted to nity responded quickly and gen- backyard so that Madeline can make her more comfortable so erously,” says Rabbi Mendel. enjoy the outdoors. She is also she began to brainstorm ways to Within twenty-four hours they seeking government assistance raise the funds for a renovation. had raised $2,500. to hire a nurse to assist in the After selling her TV and Sultana Mechali, a member older woman’s care. “Madeline anything she could get a little of the Chabad Jewish Center, is funny, she has a heart of gold money for, Patty started a Go- went to the local Home Depot. and is so accepting of everyone, FundMe fundraiser. To date, the She explained her cause to the but the most incredible thing is page shows a total of $590 Ca- store’s assistant manager. “He her positive outlook on life, even nadian, raised from nine donors. said, ‘choose what you need,’” with all she’s been through,” Patty reached out to celebrities Sultana says. “He gave us about Patty says. “I think she’ll live and friends asking that they three quarters of the supplies beyond 100 and I’ll do all I can share her page to no avail. Thus needed, free of charge.” The to make these years comfortable began the thirty-four-phone- owner of MRK Contractors and and full of love and joy.” call-marathon. “I wasn’t asking Renovations, another Chabad To support Patty and Made- for a lot and I wasn’t asking for community member, pitched in line visit www.JewishBarrie.ca/ myself,” Patty says, but she was too, offering to do the $8,000 donate and write ‘Madeline Jug’ appalled by the indifference. “I renovation for just $2,500. in the notes. Page 6 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020 A Jewish School Beyond Borders By Ashira Weiss As principal Mushka Pal- In Sacramento, the Perez As classrooms have turned tiel said, “Our charter is to of- girls, who attend the Day School to Zoom, schools all over the fer Jewish education to Jewish track, start class at 1:30 p.m., but world are struggling to adapt. children no matter their location, for their teacher, Aviana Dahan But for one Jewish school, dis- affiliation, background, or socio- in Montreal, it’s 4:30. tance learning is a way of life. economic situation.” After Morah Aviana’s Level Sixth-grader Hadasa Perez One School, Many Tracks 8 class, concluded their “Jewish has never met her teacher. Or her Nigri operates on five tracks: Women in Tanach ” course, each classmates. Hebrew School, Day School, student chose a medium and Emirate Prince and Yet, while parents, teachers, Cheder, Bar Mitzvah, and Tutor- compiled a presentation on the and children around the world ing. The curricula for each were women they have studied. The are flailing like fish out of wa- designed with help from educa- women included the matriarchs, Russia’s Chief Rabbi ter, struggling to maintain some tion professionals and leaders Spanish heroine Donna Gracia, kind of normal schedule in the in comparable brick-and-mortar and their mothers. Hadasa Perez midst of a pandemic, Hadasa institutions. There are multiple has chosen to present her hero- Bring a Yemenite and her class have serenely con- levels in each track, and classes ines in short, hand-illustrated tinued with life as usual. For the are scheduled in the morning and movie clips. three hundred students of the evening hours. The plethora of “In some ways, Nigri stu- Couple to Safety Nigri International Jewish On- options allows for a parent body dents get a more authentic ex- line School, remote learning is that spans the spectrum of Jew- perience than if they were in a An elderly couple that heads Jews and their families, we are nothing new. ish observance. “At the Online one of the oldest Yemenite Jew- privileged to thank His Royal regular classroom,” said Mush- Opened in 2010, Nigri is a School every family has their kie Lipskier, head of curriculum ish families has arrived safely Honor for the humanitarian younger sister to the Shluchim own story, which makes for a di- in Abu Dhabi, where they were gesture and the assistance that and teacher engagement. “When Online School, a full-time edu- verse and inspiring community,” they learn the laws of cooking reunited with their relatives. The the Prince provided in granting cational program for eight hun- says Leah Shemtov, administra- rescue came about as a result of entry visas to the families of the on Shabbat, the teacher is stand- dred children of Chabad repre- tor and outreach coordinator. ing in her kitchen and showing the joint efforts of the Crown sentatives. Both schools are a Self-described “traditional Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh project of the Shluchim Office Jew” Jaime Connor wanted her them how things work. When Mohammed bin Zayed Al Na- and directed by Rabbi Gedalya daughter Bethany, 7, to have a they learn about mezuzah, they hyan, and Rabbi Berel Lazar, the and Bassie Shemtov. “The Reb- Jewish education. But in Yulee, can show their friends the mezu- Chief Rabbi of Russia. be gave us a mission to reach Florida, a small town that shares zah on their very own door.” While there have been every Jew wherever they are, a border with Georgia, there “There is no precedent for and this is our privilege,” Bassie wasn’t a Hebrew School in sight. online learning of this type,” many efforts over the Mushkie added. “Our teach- decades,including Operation Es- says. A fifth-grade social studies Last summer, when the Per- teacher for the Georgia Cyber ers are trained to make lessons ther, to rescue oppressed Jews in as experiential as possible to Yemen, there are still a handful ez family moved to Sacramento Academy, Jaime was familiar from Red Bluff, California, Ye- with online learning. She turned keep the kids engaged and make of families who have refused to learning come alive.” leave the ancient Jewish commu- hudit and Chaim were thrilled to Google and was pleasantly that their six children would surprised to find Nigri. “The Together, Apart nity, which according to some As parents and children accounts dates back 3,000 years finally have access to Jew- teachers pack so much into the ish education. (Since convert- two hours of Hebrew School. It’s have discovered during these to the time of the First Temple. Rabbi Berel Lazar, past months, school is more the Chief Rabbi of Russia ing to Judaism four years ago, hyper-focused and very interac- But the situation became the couple has homeschooled.) tive,” she said. Jaime also loves than a lesson plan and assign- more unbearable than ever in However, as the academic year the flexibility online school of- ments. Nigri staff know this, recent months after extremist Yemenite Jews, so that they can approached, they heard that the fers. “Bethany has attended He- and constantly look for ways to groups fighting in the nation’s be rescued from Yemen to Abu Sacramento Jewish Academy brew School from a hotel room, mimic the social environment longstanding civil war took over Dhabi, thus saving their lives did not have enough enrollment or while staying at friends’. She of a school. Teachers encourage many areas of the country, and from danger. to warrant a sixth-grade class. has only missed one class in two students to collaborate on proj- an international campaign was “The United Arab Emirates They found their solution at the years and the teacher recorded it ects in class and on homework, launched to bring the remain- is one of the most unique coun- Jewish Online School, and when for her so she caught up another and both Perez girls have made ing families to safety. Among tries on earth” continued the Sacramento schools closed due time.” friends with their classmates. the things needed for exit visas chief rabbi. “A country with val- to the pandemic, Hadasa’s sister, Challenges, Triumphs The school is also inten- during the civil war was a coun- ues, a country with tolerance, a Shulamit, 11, joined her. “Our “The complex technological tional about fostering a sense of try allied with Yemen to sponsor country with generosity, a coun- family found a treasure,” Yehu- set-up required to run a school community. For Purim, families emigrants and grant entry visas. try that is very giving. There- dit said. online was mastered long ago— are encouraged to participate in Lazar was enlisted into the fore, it receives G-d’s blessings Most families join Nigri be- the school’s current platform a mishloach manot exchange, campaign, and he reached out to such an extent. This noble act cause, like for Hadasa, it is their functions as an interactive smart where they send kosher treats only option for Jewish educa- board, where teachers control of saving lives, will, with the to a classmate. When Bethany help of G-d, further raise the tion. They are military fami- permissions for the mic, web- lies, traveling business people, cam, and chat functions,” said was assigned a classmate in United Arab Emirates, bless the New Mexico, Jaime and the country, bless its leaders, bless or those who find themselves Director of Technical Develop- in places with no Jewish infra- ment Yossi Goodman. “There kid’s mom connected and have its inhabitants, and they will remained friends. “It’s very cool see G-d’s blessings in all their structure. Others can’t attend are also security features, and brick-and-mortar schools due teachers can view students’ and special that the school has deeds, every step of the way.” brought us together,” Jaime said. Lazar also referred to the to illness or use it as a Jew- screens, ensuring students aren’t ish supplement to their public busy with something else during Back in Sacramento, Ha- peace agreement reached last dasa leaves school for the day, week between the UAE and school education. Students hail class.” from thirty-two states and sev- The more daunting problem energized and happy, her mother Israel: “These days the entire enteen countries, and classes are is coordinating schedules across said. “The Jewish Online School world sees the hand of the UAE delivered in four languages by multiple time zones—one teach- has given my girls a positive extended in peace, desiring teachers in Panama, Venezuela, er starts the school day at 6 a.m. platform and a community that, to bring about unity between Australia, South Africa, Israel, in New York to accommodate though it is scattered, is connect- peoples. The move made by the Canada, and the USA. her students in Dubai. ed in its own unique way.” Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh UAE is a big step towards peace Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and unity. Others may follow suit, but she will forever remain to Prince al Nahyan to assist in the first” said the chief rabbi. the humanitarian operation, and Meanwhile, some of the authorities in Abu Dhabi granted handful of Yemenite Jews who citizenship to the elderly couple, still remain, are also seeking and even took part in the res- to emigrate to the United Arab cue itself. Additionally, in an Emirates. unusual move, citizenship was “There is no doubt that this also granted to the other fam- noble deed of rescuing lives ily members currently living in will, please G-d, bring even London, so that they could come more blessing to the Arab Emir- to Abu Dhabi and reunite with ates and its leaders,” concluded their parents whom they haven’t Lazar. seen for the past fifteen years. Rabbi Levi Duchman, who The reunion was exciting serves as the only rabbi in the and emotional as family mem- UAE and has been visiting the bers thanked G-d for saving their family regularly since their ar- parents. They also expressed rival in the country, said “our their appreciation to the Crown community is grateful to our Prince and the Chief Rabbi, and leader Mohammed bin Zayed to all those who worked to make Al Nahyan and we are glad that this operation successful. the family is now reunited. Our A Special Letter of Thanks community is seeing to it that Lazar sent the prince a spe- the family receives kosher food cial letter of thanks, which noted and their other needs during that “On behalf of the Yemenite their stay in the UAE are met.” World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020 • Page 7

AS. What prompted the decision to establish pandemic. a Chabad House in New- Before Corona, we had market, far from a thriv- regular classes, the most ing Jewish community? popular was Sunday morn- The city of Newmarket is ing tefillin club and parsha poised to become the next class. When we switched Jewish enclave as a result to Zoom, I was pleased and of its proximity to Toronto surprized to see more par- ticipants and some faces I and the high cost of home didn’t know started to join ownership throughout the us regularly. Also, I visit GTA. There are quite a Jewish professionals who few subdivisions under work in Newmarket but live development that offer a in Thornhill or Toronto. I great opportunity to be- realized that they too were come a homeowner. Natu- In this issue we interview Rabbi Mendel Grossbaum By: Ahava Spilman joining the Zoom classes rally, with the presence of of the newly established Chabad of Newmarket while being isolated at Chabad we hope to make a home. This is certainly one warm, vibrant community wasn’t that easy, and we for young, growing, hard- their town and of course the of the hidden blessings of accessible to every Jewish struggled but thank G-d working Jewish families. level of education was iden- the pandemic. resident. the past years we haven’t tical. Chabad network has had a problem obtain- AS. What are schools all over the world. AS. Describe an AS. You’ve been raised ing a Minyan for Rosh your expectations achievement that made in a family dedicated to Hashana and Yom Kippur. about Newmarket? AS. What accommo- you smile? the shaluchis of the Reb- Mostly we want to make dations have been made A short while ago, an be. Did you ever consider AS. Tell us about the Rebbe proud. It’s our concerning COVID? older gentleman called ask- a different profession? some of the differ- job to reach every Yid and Actually speaking of CO- ing if I could translate his My wife Libby who hails ences between Thorn- connect him or her to To- VID and Hebrew school, parents’ tombstone. He from Weston, Florida and I hill and Newmarket? rah and Mitzvos each on in the beginning we were had tried for many years were brought up in homes Well, Thornhill is very spe- their level. Whenever I worried about what would to decipher the words but where the common table cial, lots of Kosher food can, I learn a bit of To- be, but students transi- so far had been unsuccess- talk was about Shlichus. and other Jewish establish- rah with each individual tioned really well and we ful. The words were all in ments; nevertheless, be- I meet. Learning creates had a great virtual gradua- Hebrew. They were Iraqi We were both brought up in tion. In fact, a parent speak- an environment where the lieve it or not, today you a real connection face to Jews who were buried in ing at the graduation said India where this man was needs of others were ‘centre can find Chalav Yisrael face, neshama to neshama. she loved that she could stage’ and sometimes took milk at our Metro located born. At three years old, he eavesdrop on her daughter›s emigrated to Canada with precedence to ours. Being at Yonge & Mulock in the AS. What surprised Hebrew school class and devoted and committed to heart of Newmarket. For you most about open- learn so many interesting his father and never realized the Rebbe’s vision and ob- us that’s just the beginning. ing a Chabad house? things. Also, because of the that he was born Jewish. jectives, our parents forged There were so many people demand, we now offer pri- He had a large binder with ahead with passion and AS. Tell us about willing to help especial- vate Hebrew classes where many formal documents enthusiasm. Naturally your family? ly at the beginning. Some two families make up a bub- in it and it was clear that this made an indelible im- As I’m sure you’re well brought us kosher snacks, ble and we teach both to- both parents were Jewish. pression on us and conse- aware family plays an in- others helped us unload the gether in the backyard now He put on tefillin with me quently, we feel blessed tegral part of Shlichus life. truck and another brought and later we will continue for the first time, joined us and humbled that we Even though my kids are over their children to keep inside respecting social dis- for Shabbat dinner and the have been granted the still young I try to bring ours occupied. Newmar- tancing. next Shabbat he returned opportunity to repre- them along whenever I can ket families want to get again to show pictures and sent Chabad Lubavitch when visiting people in the involved with good causes. AS. Tell us about your tell his story to the congre- and serve as the Rebbe’s community. I have a feel- Even the local newspapers high holiday plans? gation. I believe his new- Shluchim in a new frontier. ing that when my children help out. One Chanukah We will hold services found Neshama will stay make kiddush for them Fri- I emailed the newspa- with the necessary guide- connected to Yiddishkeit. AS. How long have you day night, it leaves a big- per to place an ad for our lines and restrictions. In been in Newmarket and ger impression than any public Menorah lighting. addition, we will be do- AS. It is so commend- when did you move there? speech I can give about the They said if they had ex- ing a Tashlich and Sho- able that you have decided We joined the rank of importance of tradition. tra space, they would also far blowing service at a to devote your time and Chabad rabbis and estab- put the ad in the Thornhill park so all families will energy to spreading Yid- lished the Chabad presence AS. Are you the only edition. I met a new fam- be comfortable attending. dishkeit. Kol Hakavod! If shomer shabbat Rabbi ily at the Menorah lighting Please check our website any of our readers would here three years ago. Since like to send you a well- we’ve started, we met living in Newmarket? and asked how they heard chabadNewmarket.com when details are finalized. deserved donation, where with many Jewish fami- So far I am the only Rab- about us. They said parents should they send it? bi here but we are not the in Thornhill saw an ad for lies, our programs bring AS. Tell us about your Thanks, chabadNew- together a nice amount of only observant family. I the Menorah lighting in adult classes during the market.com/donate participants and we’re off suppose I look a little dif- Newmarket. Nothing is by to a great start. We moved ferent from most of the chance Hashgacha Protis. around Rosh Hashana time neighbourhood because the and our first objective was other day a fellow shopper AS. Tell us about your to put together a Minyan questioned me about my Hebrew school? How for the high holidays. It attire and the strings hang- many are enrolled? ing over my pants. He We started the Chabad was fascinated by my an- Hebrew school last school swer of remembering G-d year, it worked out be- is in control at all times. yond our expectations. We had 13 children enrolled, AS. Have you discov- returning students are great The recital of Kaddish is the bond which ered any young Jew- but when their siblings join unites the generations from the immemorial ish families moving them that’s even better unto eternity. It is the way we show our time- north to find affordable proof that the school is less devotion to our parents and loved ones. In housing and search- succeeding. Last year a the event you cannot personally observe this hallowed expression of love for the duration ing for a community? student joined us who had of eleven months, alternate arrangements can Absolutely. Most of our just moved from another be made through the Chabad Lubavitch Orga- participants are families Ontario city. We were nization. You may also consider placing bronze that have moved here be- discussing which level name plates of your departed ones on our Me- cause there is more “bang their daughter should en- morial Board which will insure The Observance Have a Sweet New for your buck” north of ter when the parents re- of Yahrtzeit in perpetuity. Year! Aurora. The GTA has be- alised, she had been at a For further information call 905.731.7000 come simply prohibitive Chabad Hebrew school in Page 8 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020

By Rabbi Aron Moss

silly to be throwing accusa- learned to enjoy praying at property, they do not belong tions once they both knew home. I actually concentrate to us. They belong to G-d, Are You In This that they are in this for keeps. more on the prayers and What If You Found and we have been honoured Relationship Or Not? Their hearts were recon- have more focus than I ever Out They’re Not Your with the heavy responsibil- nected. They were plugged in did in shul. So what should ity of caring for them in their again. Now the forgiveness I really be doing: staying Children? young years and guiding can start. home and praying better or them for their future. If we’d Here is something I al- I have a dark secret. I ways wondered: Why is Rosh Hashana is about coming back to shul? be embarrassed to return our saying “I’m in.” During the have an anger problem. And neighbours children having Rosh Hashana before Yom I never knew it until I be- Kippur? If Rosh Hashana year our relationship with G-d Answer: hurt them, then how much may have its ups and downs. My suggestion: don’t go came a parent. Because the more should we recoil from is the day of judgement, and only people I take my anger Yom Kippur is the day of We sometimes stray from our back to shul. Ever. That’s just the thought of hurting G-d’s Jewishness, and we don’t al- not what Jews do. out on are my own kids. I children. forgiveness, then it would never had a temper before, make more sense to do it the ways do what we are in this I’ll prove it to you from an Parents need to discipline world to do. By the same to- unlikely source. but sometimes when my their kids, that is an essential other way around: First give children misbehave and I us a chance to fix our mis- ken, we may have issues and I’m sure you know that Is- part of our role. But that must complaints and accusations rael’s national airline is called am at my limit I just explode come from a place of love, not takes, then judge us for the and lose control. I don’t like year to come. No? against G-d too. That’s all a El Al. Do you know what the anger. It must be deliberate part of life. name El Al actually means? myself at those moments and thought out, not impul- But the question is, are It means Onwards and Up- and know it is wrong. And sive and reactive. Answer: yet I haven’t been able to I was once asked to coun- you in or not? Whatever hap- wards. Cute name for an air- This is all easy to say pened in the past year, is G-d line, isn’t it? control it. Any pointers on when we are calm and well sel a couple having marriage how to not lose it with my issues. They sat in front of me, still your G-d? Are you in this But just stop and think rested. But what do you do relationship or not? Are you about it for a minute. The kids? when after a few weeks of and within five seconds each one let loose with a barrage of into being Jewish or are you names of every other airline sleepless nights, and you giving up? When we blow the are pretty matter of fact - Brit- Answer: haven’t had three minutes to accusations against the other. Your dark secret is the “He never listens to a Shofar, we are calling out with ish Airways, American Air- yourself since your five year a resounding YES! You are dark secret of every parent. old was born, and there’s pres- thing I say.” lines, Egypt Air. But not the We all have our weak mo- “Well if she wouldn’t my G-d. I am yours. I am Jew- Jewish one. In typical Jewish sure at work and your sister- ish. I am in. ments, when a combination of in-law has been driving you scream at me maybe I would.” style, our airline doesn’t just lack of sleep, pressures of life “Well if you would listen So the judgment of Rosh have a simple name stating crazy about her silly issues, Hashana is not just G-d judg- and our imperfect hearts con- everyone is hungry and din- the first time maybe I wouldn’t what it is, it has a name that spire to make us lose it. And need to scream!” ing us, but also about us pro- requires philosophical analy- ner is late, and just then your nouncing a verdict on our re- who are the poor victims of little boy kicks his soccer ball “What if you would stop sis. our fury? Those we love the criticising everything I do?” lationship with Him. Because Onwards and Upwards (which he knows he isn’t al- most, our children. lowed to do indoors) and it “If you would think about if we’re not in, there’s nothing could be the motto of Jewish to talk about. But if we are in, If it is happening frequent- knocks the platter of chicken anyone apart from yourself I faith. We never go back, and ly or if you are really harming could.” now we can start dealing with onto the floor that was just our stuff and cleaning out the we never go down. Every life your kids, you need urgent mopped by the over-priced “That’s the thanks you experience is a step forward, professional help. But if you give me?” dirty laundry to open a fresh cleaning lady who told you start. After reaffirming our every hurdle in our path is are overall loving and good to she’s not coming back as she After a few rallies of this an invitation to jump higher. your kids, just now and then marital tennis match, I had to Jewishness on Rosh Hashana, got a permanent job, and as it it will be easy to forgive and There are no detours, it’s all a you snap, then you are human. smashes into a thousand piec- interrupt. “Can I just ask you That doesn’t excuse your be- both, what did you come here be forgiven on Yom Kippur. part of the ride. There are no es your daughter says, “Good, That couple is doing great set-backs, only set-forwards. haviour, it just means you I don’t like chicken,” and your for? What are you expecting need to work on yourself like to gain from this meeting?” now. They don’t play marital We don’t live in the past, try- other son says “Can we go out tennis any more. They still ing to regain some glorious everybody does. for dinner now?” What do you The woman said, “We Here are some wise words want to know if this marriage have their tense moments like moment that was. We march do then? all couples, but they know on into the future, trying to the Rebbe offered to a father You say to yourself two is beyond repair.” who held the same dark secret. “I can’t know that. Only that the relationship is deep make a better moment that words: G-d’s kids. enough to handle it. They had will be. Onwards and Up- The Rebbe asked, “If your you can. But you’ll need to neighbour dropped off their look inside yourself and an- their Rosh Hashana to recon- wards. swer one simple question: Am nect, and then they did Yom After the experiences kids to your house to look after Why don’t we Ex- I in? Kippur to clean out the nega- of the last few months, we while they went out, and dur- “If you are in, it means tive past. We can all do the have been forced to rethink ing that time the neighbour’s change Rings? you believe in ‘us’, you be- same. our view of the world and kids misbehaved, would you lieve that the connection be- So, are you in? ourselves. We have adopted lose your temper with them?” tween you runs deeper than all Good Shabbos and Good novel means to connect with The father had to admit I am getting married in the issues getting in the way. Yomtov, may you be writ- that no, when it is someone two months from now, and family, friends and even G-d. else’s kids misbehaving, we If you are in, it means that ten and sealed for a good and We should never go back. We last night we had a meeting even if you can’t see how to sweet year! don’t allow ourselves to lose with the rabbi who will be should go forward, and apply control, because they are not get there, you deeply want to these new skills to a non-crisis conducting the ceremony. reach a place of forgiveness, our kids. How could we face Something came up which reality. our neighbour when they re- and you will do whatever it You’ve learnt to work I am quite uncomfortable takes to make it happen. Don’t Go Back to turn to pick up their kids, only with: the issue of only the more efficiently. So don’t go to find them crying and hurt? groom giving the bride a “If you are both in, then Shul Ever back to work as it was, only we can start taking steps to fix We don’t feel free to lose our- ring, and not vice versa. better. Your family has learnt selves when the kids aren’t This essentially represents things. If you’re not, there’s to appreciate each other more, nothing to talk about. ours. to me that I am being pur- I need to be honest. I am you should never go back to “Well,” continued the chased. The idea that there “So are you in?” the family you used to be, you They looked at each other not excited about going back Rebbe, “your children are is a problem with the bride for a long time. Their angry to life after this coronavirus are closer now. And you’ve not yours either. They are G- also giving the groom a ring faces started to soften. Finally thing. I’ve enjoyed working learnt to pray better. So please, d’s children. He has entrusted seems absurd to me. Surely he said “I’m in.” And with a at home at a slower pace, don’t just go back to shul. Go them with you for a while to I have as much say in the shy smile, she said, “I’m in my family is getting on bet- to shul like you never went take care of. And you are an- agreement to be married as too.” ter than ever, I don’t mind before. Take your newfound swerable to G-d for how you my husband-to-be? “Ok great” I said, “Now shopping online. And I hope connections and bring them treat them.” I know I am allowed to you can go back to screaming you don’t get offended by forward, never backward. This simple but profound give the ring after the cer- at each other.” this, but I’m not sure I want El Al, onwards and up- insight redefines the parents’ emony. However, I want to But they didn’t. It seemed to come back to shul. I have wards. Welcome aboard. role. Children are not our exchange rings during the World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020 • Page 9

ceremony. Gender equality to unworthy recipients. This two hands on their knees, sigh a house of mourning, because is a very important issue to way, unworthy as they may and say “ok”, that’s your cue we don’t want to be alarmed me. I am a highly educated I was scammed. be, they too will be looked af- to get up and leave. Or listen by seeing those demonic visi- woman, and I also value Now What? ter by G-d. to what they are saying. If tors. my Jewish identity, but I Who knows? Maybe being you hear, “You must be busy, As strange as it sounds, am quite upset about this. scammed just before Rosh Ha- thanks so much for coming,” we should not be too quick I would like to hear your shana means you’ll be blessed that’s a nice way of saying the to dismiss the above idea as I feel like an absolute mythical nonsense. Perhaps opinion... beyond what you deserve. visit has ended. idiot. I wanted to give some Next time be careful who you You arrive uninvited, it can be understood in terms charity, as I have been a bad that are very practical and very Answer: give to. But let misplaced gen- to show that you care. You boy recently. And I fell for a erosity be your biggest sin. So leave as soon as you get the real. The evil spirits could be I fully understand your scam. This guy was suppos- interpreted on a psychological concern. Many couples have you were scammed. May that hint,which also shows that edly helping orphans who be your proverbial toothache. you care. You showed up at level as inner demons that par- asked me the same question. live on the street and I felt ticularly plague one who suf- Coming from a modern per- the door, and that is the great- fered a loss. so bad for them. But turns est comfort you can give. spective, it does seem a little out this fellow is living it up The ghosts that visit a lopsided for the man to give off other people’s stupidity. Did You Get mourner are regret, guilt and anger. When a grieving per- the ring exclusively. But I People like me. So it seems Why Do We believe when you know the even when I try to do a good The Hint? son takes a hard look at them- meaning you may feel differ- deed it turns out bad. What Cover Mirrors? selves in the mirror, they may ently. does that say about me? feel that they didn’t do enough A friend lost his mother for the departed, or they didn’t The chuppah is an exact and is sitting shiva. I’m not Can you shed some light say all they wanted to say, or spiritual operation to join Answer: the closest to him so wasn’t they left some loose ends un- your souls together. It is not This is the best news you sure if I should go visit or on the custom to cover the mirrors in a house of mourn- settled. Even if this is not re- just a ceremony representing could possibly hear right now. just wait a bit and give him ally the case, even if they were your existing relationship, it You see, it is important to ing? I was told that after the a call. What is the etiquette funeral of an immediate rela- an exemplary son or daughter, is a life-changing event that make sure that your charity around visiting a mourner? parent or spouse or sibling, hu- goes to worthy recipients. But tive we cover all mirrors in creates a new relationship. the home for the seven days man nature plays a game with Before the chuppah you are if by mistake it didn’t, then Answer: our mind, making us agonize you are the recipient of Jere- of mourning. One explana- two souls, after you are one. The two most important tion offered is that we are not over what could have been. Still two individuals, with miah’s curse. Which is a great things you need to know about These thoughts, though usu- blessing. supposed to adorn ourselves two minds and two hearts, visiting a mourner are: when while mourning. But I am ally unwarranted, are the evil but a united soul. Let me explain. to come and when to leave. looking for any deeper expla- spirits in the background that The prophet Jeremiah was Jewish tradition gives us very nation you may have... haunt us and give us no rest. We can understand how persecuted by the people of two souls can become one clear instructions on both. So we cover the mirrors. his home town, Anatot. So he It is customary for mourn- Answer: We don’t want to look at those by observing how two bod- cursed them, but in a rather dark figures lurking behind ies can become one. The act ers to leave the door of their There is a more spooky strange way: “When you give home unlocked during the reason for covering mirrors in the man in the mirror. A time of reproduction is the physi- charity, it should be to unwor- of such raw emotion, when cal union of man and wom- week of mourning. Visitors a house of mourning. This may thy recipients!” just walk in unannounced. sound a bit way out, but on re- the loss is fresh and the heart an. In this bodily union, the Seems an unusual choice flection it actually makes a lot is volatile, is not the time for man gives and the woman What would be considered harsh self-judgment. If indeed of curse. I could think of some rude in other circumstances is of sense. receives. Only this way can worse evils to wish upon your The Kabbalists write that there are real unresolved is- new life be created, a child, quite acceptable in this case. sues, there will be time to deal enemies. There are some great And there is good reason. all types of evil spirits and de- in which man and woman old Yiddish curses, like: “You mons come to visit a family in with them later. But in the Many of us have a natural week immediately following have become one flesh. should lose all your teeth ex- aversion to visiting someone mourning. When a soul leaves The physical world is a cept one. And then you should this world, they leave a void, the loss, we focus on the loss in pain. We don’t know what an emptiness that is prone to be itself, and don’t allow those mirror image of the spiritual get a toothache.” That’s what to say, and we aren’t sure if world, and the workings of I call a curse. What’s the big filled by darker forces. Wherev- malevolent forces to take over. they really want us there. But er there is a vacuum, negativity The grieving process takes the soul are reflected by the deal if they give charity to at the core of it, we are just us on a bumpy journey of workings of the body. Just as people who don’t deserve it? can creep in. And so the house scared. Scared to face intense of mourning, where the loss is many mixed emotions. Each physical intimacy is the union But Jeremiah was a holy emotion, uncomfortable at the one needs to have its time. In man. With this cryptic curse felt the most, is a magnet for of bodies, the wedding cere- thought of seeing someone evil spirits. the early stages of that bumpy mony is an act of spiritual in- he was in fact offering his en- grieve. This fear is misplaced, These demons cannot be ride, we are not in a position to timacy, uniting souls. And so emies a blessing. and we need to overcome it. seen by the naked eye. But judge ourselves fairly. Usually in this act of spiritual union There is a spiritual law of So the door is left un- when looking in a mirror, you it’s a good thing to take a long the man, expressing the male reciprocity. G-d mirrors our locked. It is up to the friends may catch a glimpse of their hard look at yourself in the power of being a bestower, actions. When we give charity and family of the mourner reflection in the background. mirror. But without the ghosts gives the ring to the woman, to the needy, G-d reciprocates to take the initiative and just And so we cover the mirrors in of regret in the background. the feminine receiver. and gives us our needs. Fill show up. Don’t wait for an An exchange of rings the lack in the lives of others, invitation to visit someone in doesn’t create unity, just as and G-d will fill your lack. pain. Don’t ask if they want If we are careful to only you to be there. Just go. an exchange of seed for egg give to those who truly de- would not produce a child. Once you’re inside, take serve, G-d does the same and your cues from the mourner. Only when the groom gives only gives us according to our the ring and the bride re- Let them lead the conversa- worthiness. However, when tion. If they want to talk about ceives it, then this singular we carelessly give to an un- act of his giving and her re- their loss, listen and em- worthy recipient, G-d is a little pathise. If they want to change ceiving produces oneness. careless too, and He gives us the subject and talk about the Any attempt to alter that pro- even if we are not deserving. weather, follow their lead. cess would be, quite literally, Jeremiah understood this. But most importantly, counterproductive. He looked at these men who take the hint when they want We can’t play around with had treated him so badly, and you to leave. Whether you’ve the facts of life. The spiritual knew they were not deserving been there for an hour or you life has facts too. May you of any goodness from above. only just walked in, when the and your partner be blessed But being a true leader, Jer- mourner indicates it’s time with true oneness, and from emiah loved his people, even to go, it’s time to go. Watch that oneness may many little those that hurt him. So he their body language. If they ones come. prayed that they give charity do something like hitting their Page 10 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020

tension this attitude creates by Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, usher in this era, leading them sharing an anecdote about a and his successor, the Rebbe, through this experience as he Chabadnik who befriended a promoted women’s overt par- had led their spiritual growth young Jewish spiritual seeker, ticipation in Torah study and for more than forty years. inviting him to immerse in their activism within the Jew- There was little consider- the local mikvah. A Vizhnitz ish community. Strikingly, ation of how Chabad might Chasid, who was a member this included the study of continue without the physical BOOK REVIEW of the Stamford Hill commu- Chassidic texts—and even the presence of the Rebbe. The nity, expressed discomfort at Talmud, both long considered thought was simply unthink- the thought that his son might exclusively male bastions. In able. encounter someone with a po- other words, Chabad women Yet the unthinkable hap- nytail and tattoos in the mik- were educated to be, not only pened, creating a conflict vah, particularly since this supportive wives and devoted that touched the essence of young man might frame the mothers who would uphold Hippy In the Mikvah Here, the Rebbe affirmed Chasidism itself: the rela- the value of his honest aca- experience in terms of similar the traditional home, but full tionship between Rebbe and demic exploration—a criti- practices he had experimented participants, actively engag- Chasid. The relationship By Dr. Chana Silberstein with in India. Was not a mik- ing and encouraging their July 22, 2020 cal analysis with no foregone might continue spiritually, conclusions—while also as- vah meant to be a sequestered family in every aspect of Cha- but on a physical, practical Hasidism Beyond Mo- bastion for Jews seeking a sidic life, bolstered by their dernity: Essays in Habad serting that it was possible level, Chabad Chasidim were for him to remain faithful to higher measure of holiness personal relationship with the forced to become their own Thought and History and spirituality? Yet, to the Rebbe and their own knowl- Naftali Loewenthal his principles and loyal to leaders. Loewenthal talks his beliefs and his commu- Chabadnik, the hippy-in-the- edge of Torah. movingly and honestly about London: The Littman Li- mikvah was the ultimate Indeed, Rabbi Yosef brary of Jewish Civilization, nity. Similarly, Loewenthal’s how Chabad has managed to wife, Kate, was encouraged expression of Judaism’s ac- Yitzchak stated in the name continue, even grow, since 2020 cessibility—every Jew could of his grandfather (who lived A Dynamic Tension to continue with her academic the Rebbe’s passing, despite career as a lecturer in psychol- immerse themselves in the ex- 1833-1882), that in the study the fact that no successor has If everyone has a story, perience of spiritual purifica- of authentic Chabad Chasi- an academic is someone who ogy while raising a Chasidic been appointed, noting that family. tion. Over time, this thinking dism, “there is no difference the majority of the emissaries can spend a lifetime refining between a son and a daugh- and retelling the same story, ter.” Loewenthal provides a today embarked on their mis- honing its details, sharpening fascinating account of a young sion after the Rebbe’s pass- its message. In this ground- women’s study group founded ing. He ends his discussion breaking book, Professor Naf- in 1937, in Riga, called “Ahot with this anecdote: tali Loewenthal, a lecturer in Hatemimim.” In many ways, “In 1994, a few weeks af- Jewish studies at University its curriculum paralleled that ter the passing of Rabbi Men- College London, asks us to of Tomchei Temimim, the achem Mendel, the chairman consider Chabad through the Chabad yeshiva, founded by of Agudas Chassidei Chabad, lens of postmodernism, there- Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak’s fa- Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, by gaining a fresh perspective ther. The rigor of the demands visited London. While there on its development as a move- upon the young women—both he gave an inspiring talk ment. in terms of intellectual sophis- about the future of Chabad At this point, it would be tication as well as communal and its view of the Jewish fair to ask what Loewenthal leadership and responsibil- people, the world, and the means by postmodernism. If ity—were astounding for its messiah to a school assembly classical thinking consists of time: in the Lubavitch Senior Girls constructing meaningful, dis- “The members of the Riga School. After the talk, two tinct categories as a means of Ahot Hatemimim group were 15-year-old girls were talk- describing life and modern expected not only to study but ing. One said; ‘I understand: thinking consists of decon- to spread Hasidic ideals and Moshe Rabenu [Moses our structing those categories as other observance of practical Teacher] died, and the Jews false and inadequate, post- commandments. They were still went into the Land of modern thinking rejects the given the task of organizing Israel.’ The other responded, either-or forced choice of tra- the translation of discourses ‘Yes, but they had Yehoshua ditional vs. modern, replacing into Yiddish and their dis- [Joshua]. We need a Yehosh- it with an “and-also” frame. semination, as well as of cam- ua.’ The first girl answered: Loewenthal describes this as a paigning for the observance of ‘Don’t you understand? We feminine mode of thinking, an the laws of family purity. Thus are Yehoshua’” (p. 382). ability to synthesize and rec- spiritual study was combined Make no mistake, this oncile opposites rather than with practical activism” (p. book is not an easy read. As being forced to choose be- 290). The Rebbe, on at least noted in the beginning, this is tween them. one occasion, listened to the In the book’s introduction, the synthesis of a lifelong ac- students recite a discourse by ademic program of research Loewenthal describes his own heart and instructed a young journey with postmodern- with “all the footnotes.” member of the group on a Loewenthal has dug deep into ism. His maternal grandpar- method of spiritual meditation ents were of Polish Chasidic the heart of Chabad’s philos- Loewenthal’s ability to has come to pervade the Or- (p. 291). ophy (and some discussions background, while his father’s thodox world, with outreach Unfortunately, most of family was from Frankfurt; as navigate contradiction per- were too complex to be refer- he puts it—the tug between haps makes him uniquely slowly becoming accepted as these students died in the enced in this review). Yet, his the Yiddish and German Jew- suited to see how seemingly a community norm. war, and the ambitious Ahot work is destined to be more ish cultures. Over time, while conflicting values within Jew- Finding the Feminine Hatemimim study regimen than another dusty tome read exploring the varied and rich ish and Chasidic life can co- Voice never took root in the same only by a select cohort of col- perspectives of Jewish think- exist in dynamic tension and Another theme that way in America. Still, we see leagues in his field. Through- ing, he came to embrace tra- even flourish as a result. Loewenthal traces is the de- that women’s familiarity with out the book, he maintains his ditional Jewish observance. Hippy in the Mikvah velopment of the role of Chassidic texts continued to humanity, a personal voice But that presented a conflict Loewenthal begins build- women within Chabad. Tradi- grow over time, and their role that compromises neither his for him: as an academic, he ing the case for considering tionally, formal education for in shlichut—Chabad’s out- objectivity nor his convic- was free to think critically Chabad as a postmodern, rath- women was frowned upon in reach work—evolved, so that tions. The observations of the about Jewish studies, while er than a traditional, commu- both the Chasidic and larger they were not simply serving scholar are considered side- as an observant and believing nity by looking at Chabad’s Orthodox worlds, though in a role that supported the by-side with the insights of Jew, he might feel constrained embrace of the non-observant. there were always exceptional work of their husbands, but, school girls. There is no more as to what he could write in On the one hand, as in all Cha- women who were knowledge- with the encouragement of the moving testament to the chal- good conscience. He consid- sidic groups, there is a great able. Jewish schools for wom- Rebbe, came to view them- lenge and the resilience of a ered leaving the field entirely. emphasis on traditional adher- en emerged only in the early selves as activists in their own postmodern movement; the In a private audience with ence to Jewish practice. At the twentieth century, in large part right. prior categories exploded, the the Rebbe, he presented his same time, in stark contrast to as a response to the Haska- The Postmodern Faces lah (Jewish Enlightenment), the Future either/or thinking rejected, quandary: should he continue other communities, Chabad while the nucleus—present working on a degree in Jewish Chasidim did not try to main- which threatened to destroy Perhaps most boldly, the fabric of Orthodox society. Loewenthal addresses the is- since the inception—is re- studies or pursue another ca- tain their authenticity by cut- tained. reer pathway? ting themselves off from those Sara Schenirer’s Beis sue of Chabad messianism “The Rebbe encouraged who do not think of them- Ya’akov movement in Po- head-on: its evolution, the me to continue with the doc- selves as “orthodox.” On the land, founded in 1917, was ensuing confusion, and a torate. I blurted out, ‘But what contrary, Chabad leaders em- the first widespread system of suggested resolution. The about the heresy?’ The Rebbe phasize that every Jew is holy formal Jewish education for last years of the Rebbe’s life answered: ‘You should write and that even one mitzvah, on women. Yet, simultaneously, were marked with an ever Shofar2020.ca all the footnotes you need the part of any Jew, could tip a parallel movement was oc- more overt effort to prepare to write. And then’—with a the balance of the world to- curring within Chabad, which the world for the ultimate broad smile—’you should do ward redemption. was perhaps even more radi- redemption. Many came to teshuvah’” (p. 15). Loewenthal highlights the cal. The sixth Rebbe, Rabbi believe that the Rebbe would World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020 • Page 11

The Man in Man The Cholent Continued from page 2 His truth, his heart to love and discriminating intelligence, Continued from page 2 forefathers, upon their miracu- fear Him, and his life to imple- we transcend the self-defined he felt that he simply could not press in Boston should print a lous crossing of the Red Sea, ment His will, man made his world of instinct and feeling to soul and world a “dwelling for view ourselves from the out- hold out a moment longer, he work of Torah learning on pa- proclaimed “Zeh Keili,” “This thought of his cholent, envi- per manufactured by a Penn- is my G-d...”, our sages inter- G-d.” side, and change ourselves ac- So Rosh Hashanah, the cordingly. Thus the intellectual sioning what was happening to sylvania mill from a tree which pret this to imply that it was that piece of meat at that very grew in Oregon. So that a for- “like one who points with his birthday of man and the day self is truly “alive”--constantly of his annual affirmation of his reassessing and redefining its moment: the steady crisping on est clearing in Poland should finger and says ‘This!’” the outside, the softening on the serve as the site for a traveling In contrast, the word ko, role, is the day of which we perceptions and sensitivities. say, zeh, “this,” is the day that Even more transcendent inside, the blending of flavors Jew’s prayers, and that a scien- which means “thus” or “like with the potatoes, beans, kishke tific theory developed in a Brit- this,” implies a more ambigu- marks “the beginning of Your than the intellect is our spiritual works.” self, the “spark of G-dliness” and spices in the pot. Every ish university should aid a Jew ous reference. The Midrash minute longer, he kept telling points out that since, as a rule, Life as a Mineral within us that makes us the in his appreciation of the divine Man, say our sages, is a apex of G-d’s creation. The himself, is another minute on wisdom inherent in the natural a prophet receives his commu- the fire for my cholent. nication from the Almighty by universe in miniature. So just intellect is “free” and “objec- world. as creation as a whole is com- tive,” but only in relation to the An hour later, the cantor And the holier the spark, way of allusion and metaphor, launched into another excep- “all prophets prophesied with prised of ko and zeh factors— subjective emotions; ultimately the deeper it lies buried. The of the pre-human world created the intellect is defined and con- tionally moving piece. As his Kabbalistic masters employ the ko,” beginning their prophe- tremulous voice painted the cies with the proclamation, on Elul 25 and the human ele- fined by the nature and laws of analogy of a collapsed wall— ment introduced on Tishrei 1— reason. The divine in ourselves, awesome scene of divine judg- the highest stones are the ones “Ko amar Hashem,” “Thus said ment unfolding in the heavens, G-d...” (Only Moses, to whom so it is within the human being. however, knows no bounds, which fall the farthest. By the And just as all elements of the surmounting all constraints and the entire shul broke down G-d spoke “mouth to mouth, weeping once again. At this same token, when G-d invested manifestly, and not in riddles,” macro-universe fulfill their pur- limitations that might inhibit His will in His creation, He pose in creation via the deeds our relationship with our Cre- point, the dam burst in this sim- was able to say “Zeh hadavar ple Jew’s heart, for he well un- caused its loftiest elements to asher tzivah Hashem,” “This is of man, so do all strata of the ator. human “universe” attain fulfill- It is when we engage our in- derstood what was on his fellow descend to the most distant the thing which G d has com- and spiritually desolate corners manded.”) ment and realization through tellectual and spiritual faculties worshippers’ minds. “Enough its distinctly human element, that we are truly our human self. is enough!” he sobbed. “Nev- of the earth. Hence our Ga- “Ko” is also the date of the lut—our exile from the Holy beginning of creation. In the through the man in man. It is in these moments—when er mind the cholent! It’s been Our sages categorize the we employ our mind to literally cooking long enough! I’m hun- Land, our subjugation to alien Holy Tongue, the letters of the governments and cultures, the alef-bet also serve as numbers; entirety of creation as consist- recreate ourselves through self- gry! I want to go home . . . !” ing of four “worlds” or “king- critique and the refinement of Jewish history is a cholent. cessation of G-d’s open and di- as a result, every word has a rect involvement in our lives, numerical value, and many doms”: the “inanimate” or min- our character and behavior, and The Talmud states that numbers also form a word. The eral kingdom; the vegetable when we transcend all inhibi- “the people of Israel were ex- and our seeming abandonment number 25 (kaf-hei) spells the kingdom; the animal kingdom; tions of ego, feeling and even iled amongst the nations only to chance and fate. All this is word ko. and “the speaker” kingdom— intellect to serve G-d without so that converts may be added a “descent for the sake of as- The world created on the the human being. restraint or equivocation—that to them.” On the most ba- cent,” a mission to the most 25th of Elul is a manifestation Man, too, incorporates we rise to our role as G-d’s sic level, this is a reference to forsaken points of earth—spiri- of G-dliness. As the psalmist these four “kingdoms” within partner in creation, as the only those non-Jews who, in the tually as well as geographical- proclaims, “When I see Your himself. There are occasions one of His creations who pos- centuries of our dispersion, ly—to extract the exceptionally heavens, the work of Your fin- and pursuits in our life in which sesses the freedom to originate have come in contact with the lofty sparks they contain. gers, the moon and the stars we resemble the inert mineral. and create. Jewish people and decided to Thus, the more painful the which You have ordained...” We might be asleep, on vaca- The Primacy of Man convert to Judaism. But chas- galut, the more challenging its G-d chose to express Himself in tion, at play, or engaged in any Therein lies the double les- sidic teaching explains that the trials, the lowlier the elements His creation, much as the mind of the other forms of repose and son of Rosh Hashanah, the day Talmud is also referring to the recreation to which we devote a it confronts us with—the great- and character of an artist can be that emphasizes the centrality many other “souls” which we er its rewards. Every additional discerned in his work. But if the significant portion of our time. of man in creation. have transformed and elevated Obviously, we are physically minute of galut represents more pre-Adam world bespeaks its On the macrocosmic level, in the course of our exile—the sparks of holiness redeemed, Creator, it does so via a screen alive at these times; we might Rosh Hashanah teaches us that “sparks of holiness” contained even be greatly exerting our- and its every further descent of evocation and insinuation. It “Every man is obligated to say: within the physical creation. brings a deeper dimension of is a “ko” expression of the di- selves and employing our keen- ‘The entire world was created The great Kabbalist Rabbi est faculties. But spiritually, we to serve me, and I was created the divine purpose to fruition. vine, an intimation which ob- Isaac Luria (the “Ari”) taught But there comes a point scures even as it reveals. are an inanimate stone. “Life,” to serve my Creator.’” That our that every created entity has a in its ultimate sense, is the en- “privilege” to exploit nature’s at which every Jew must cry Only in the consciousness spark of G-dliness within it, a out from the very depths of and achievements of man can deavor to transcend one’s pres- resources to serve our own pinpoint of divinity that con- there be a zeh revelation of G- ent state—to grow and achieve needs is also a duty and a re- his being: “Enough already! beyond what one is—while the stitutes its soul—i.e., its spiri- dliness. Only in a mind enabled sponsibility, since it is through tual function and design. And The cholent has been cooking to look beyond the veil of na- function of our “mineral” pur- their contribution to our lives long enough! We want to come suits is to sustain rather than when we utilize something to ture and self, only in a will not that all elements of creation can serve the Creator, we penetrate home!” incorrigibly shackled to instinct produce, to conserve rather rise from the limitations of their than create. its shell of mundanity, reveal- and ego, can the divine reality “robotic” existence to share in ing and realizing its divine es- unequivocally reside. Only in There are also times when the spiritually and transcen- a we are in our “vegetable” sence. our choices and actions can G-d dence of a human deed. When It is to this end that we be made real in our world. mode—when our focus is on we prove equal to this task, we self-growth and self-develop- have been scattered across Shofar2020.ca With the creation of man not only rise above our created the six continents—so that we on the first of Tishrei, the world ment. With these activities, we state but also raise the entire exhibit signs of spiritual life, may come in contact with the became more than a ko entity, universe with us; when we fail sparks of holiness which await more than an allusion to its as opposed to the inertia of our to do so, G-d forbid, we not “mineral” hours. Nevertheless, redemption in every corner of Creator. By choosing to subor- only debase our own human- the globe. So that a printing dinate himself to the Almighty, because they are confined to ity but also drag down with us by devoting his mind to seek the betterment of self, these everything that is partner to our represent a limited, “botani- existence. cal” vitality: we are growing The same applies to the mi- upwards, blossoming and bear- crocosmic universe—the four- ing fruit; but we remain rooted tiered life of man. Our “min- to the “spot” where nature has eral,” “vegetable” and “animal” planted us. endeavors are important—in- A more dynamic vitality is exhibited by the “animal” in deed, indispensable—compo- us—the instincts, passions and nents of our lives; but we must sensitivities by which we relate remember that also in this inner to others. With our faculties for world, everything was created love, awe and other emotions, “for my sake”--to serve the hu- we roam the terrain beyond the man in me. narrow spectrum of self, tran- When the goal of our rec- scending the merely vertical reational, growth-oriented and growth of our vegetable ele- experiential activities is to en- ment. able our intellectual and spiri- But we are more than the tual lives, they, too become sum of our mineral, vegetable partners to our transcendental and animal lives; more than re- endeavor to remake ourselves, pose, growth and feeling. The and the world we inhabit, in the man in man, our quintessen- divine image imprinted within us; they, too, become human Have a Sweet New tially human qualities, are our intellect and our spirituality. endeavors, participants in the Year! realization of the divine poten- With our unique capacity 905-731-7000 ext. 231 for independent thought and tial invested in man. Page 12 • World of Lubavitch • SEPTEMBER 2020

he would say he wasn’t Jew- ish. But, his Jewish first name tripped him up. He was de- tained and strip-searched. Although he was eventually released, he missed his flight. The experience of being in Israel and having to define his Jewish identity was a rev- elation. During a conversation with a fellow Jewish singer, he mused, “If I married a non- Wine, Torah, Jew, would that make me non- Jewish?” “His response still echoes with me,” said Babinet. “He and Song said, ‘Jewishness is dwin- dling. You’re Jewish, you’re By Tzipora Reitman College Conservatory of Mu- responsible.’ Those words The sign on his dressing sic (CCM) at the University of stabbed me. They fueled my room door at the Los Angeles Cincinnati, where he earned a journey to find a Jewish wom- Opera read, “David Babinet, master’s degree in vocal per- an to carry on the tradition.” Principal Artist.” Babinet’s formance in 2000. Back in California, after personal dresser brought him For the next five years, the a synagogue hopping spree, his costume and dressed him up-and-coming baritone per- Babinet opened the Yellow from head to toe. formed at noteworthy venues Pages and saw an unfamiliar An imposing presence at throughout the United States name. He called Chabad of Rivka Alta and Menachem students of his own. He got six feet, four inches tall, with and Europe. He won numer- Glendale and asked the rab- Mendel. involved in Chazanut and deep-set eyes beneath bushy ous competitions, including bi, “What are you? Reform? He “Heard it Through served as a cantor for High eyebrows, Babinet stepped those run by the Metropolitan Conservative?” the Grapevine” Holiday services around the onto the stage in the role of Opera, Palm Springs Opera, “We’re FRIENDLY! Now a family man, Babi- country. Prince Yusupov in Nicholas Nunzio Crisci Opera, and the Come for cholent!” bellowed net decided to turn his exper- Babinet also began to and Alexandra and killed off Dante Alighieri Society. the voice on the other end of tise in wine into a livelihood. share his journey, music, and the villain, Rasputin, played It was a heady life but also the line. It was the right an- As the child of a Frenchman, wine with Chabad House au- by the legendary tenor Placi- one of extreme discipline, swer at the right time. “Rabbi his appreciation for wine be- diences. His crowd-pleasing Simcha Backman was irresist- gan early. He had spent years presentations are billed, “An ible,” said Babinet. at the family estate in Nor- Evening of Opera, Broadway, “New York, New York” mandy and Tuscany devel- Great Jewish Classics…and Babinet bonded with oping his knowledge of fine Wine.” Rabbi Backman and his fam- wine and he made his own “I tell the audience that I ily and spent every Shabbat at wine and beer during his days returned in two ways—to Ju- one Chabad House or another. in Los Angeles. daism, and also to music,” he Still performing opera, but Learning that making said. “I reclaimed who I am, committed to keeping Shab- one’s own wine for Pesach what my passion is, and how bat, he often walked from the was meritorious prompted I can best contribute to the Chabad House to rehearsals Babinet to become a wine- world. And that involves sing- or gigs, sometimes as far as maker and sommelier, sell- ing the music I love to sing.” seven miles. ing his product and conduct- He looks forward to perform- In 2005, when Babinet had ing wine tastings. Eventually, ing again in larger venues. occasion to go to New York he went to work for Royal His recent presentation for for auditions, Rabbi Backman Wine, where he and his staff a California Chabad House in- encouraged him to spend Pu- of sommeliers serve wine and cluded “El Toreador,” “O Sole rim in Crown Heights. educate consumers at special Mio,” “La Vie en Rose,” “Ma- “I wasn’t looking for events and liquor stores. male,” “Rumania, Rumania,” something easy,” said Babi- He also tends bar and sells and selections from Fiddler David Sings the Role of Valentin at Pacific Repertory Opera net. “I wanted something to homemade cocktails. On a on the Roof, interspersed with change me for the better.” recent afternoon, during the anecdotes about his journey. do Domingo. grueling hours, and constant This led him to Yeshiva Tife- coronavirus pandemic, Babi- Fittingly, Babinet ended Performing alongside Do- separation from friends and res Menachem in Seagate, net’s kitchen was bubbling his performance with “My mingo and other stars was the family. “Opera was my entire over with enticing concoc- Way,” the iconic song written fulfillment of a lifelong dream world, my religion, my source where he spent the next three for Babinet, who had spent of spirituality. It felt like a years immersed in Torah tions. It was Cocktail Tutorial for Frank Sinatra. As the lyr- years in intensive training higher purpose,” said Babinet. study. “The militaristic disci- time on WhatsApp! Strawber- ics say: before taking his place in the “If You’re Jewish, Why pline I followed as an opera ries and limes simmered in a “Yes, there were times, prestigious and competitive Don’t You Know Hebrew?” singer translated well into life pot while he stirred up a brew I’m sure you knew world of opera. David grew up in Boul- as an observant Jew,” he said. of honey and lemon. When I bit off more than I He began by majoring in der, Colorado, with a Jew- He pressed the pause but- Not “The Same Old could chew music at the University of Col- ish mother and a French fa- ton on opera. Song” But through it all, when orado, which meant four years ther who ran a holistic health Babinet emerged from the Babinet’s life was good, there was doubt of total immersion, leaving no clinic. The prevailing culture, yeshiva ready to start a Jew- but ten years without seri- I ate it up and spit it out time for socializing or other including at home, was “New ish family. He married Yaa- ous singing had passed, and I faced it all and I stood pursuits. “I was determined to Age spirituality.” Aside from kova Crafton and they settled he wanted to reconnect with tall get to the major leagues,” he the occasional Seder or Cha- in Crown Heights where they music. He contacted his voice And did it my way.” said. “My entire life was dedi- nukah menorah, there was now live with their children, teacher and took on voice BRAVO! cated to this goal.” little Judaism in the Babinet Next, Babinet entered one home. (David only later dis- of the country’s most pres- covered that his grandmother tigious opera programs, the had sung in the Yiddish the- ater in Newark, New Jersey.) It was an overzealous Is- raeli border police officer who first made Babinet think seri- ously about what it means to be Jewish. Steeles In 2002, a trip to Israel to perform Falstaff in Tel Aviv Dignity with the International Vocal Memorial Arts Institute became a turn- ing point for Babinet. At 26, it was his first exposure to a Comfort Jewish environment, and he was intrigued. Chapel During the trip, Babinet crossed the border into Egypt Compassion to scuba dive in the Red Sea. When he told the border po- 350 Steeles Avenue West lice that he was Jewish they gave him a hard time. Why Thornhill Ont. L4J 1A1 - (905) 881-6003 didn’t he know any Hebrew, Established 1927 they asked him. So, Babinet figured that on the way back, C.P. Saucier, Managing Funeral Director