1 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת כי תצא | יב' אלול , תשס”ח | בס”ד weekly vOL. i | NO 43 September 12, 2008 | Elul 12, 5768

Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, was born on this date, in 1698. It is also the day, 36 years later, on which the Baal Shem Tov began to publicly disseminate his teachings. It is also the birthday -- in 1745 -- of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, who often referred to himself as the Baal Shem Tov's "spiritual grandson" Pages: 10-11 CHAI ELUL

R av Tzvi Meir Steinmetz With the Rebbe’s encour- agement, Rav Steinmetz published three volumes of poetry. under the pen name “Tzvi Yair.”.

YAM SUMMER HARAV MEIR ITKIN In a private audience with an indi- PROGRAM vidual, the Rebbe advised him to go and speak to Reb Meir, “Er vais vi tzu PAGE 18 ton a Yid a toiva”, he knows how to do a Yid a favor.

Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 Rabbi A. Osdoba: ❖ Monday to Thursday 10:30AM - 11:30AM at 390A Kingston Ave. ☎Tel. 718-604-8000 ext.37 or 718-604-0770 Sunday-Thursday 9:30 PM-11:00PM ~Friday 2:30PM-4:30 PM ☎Tel. (718) - 771-8737 Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily 10:30 to 11:30am ~ 2:00pm to 3:00pm at 788 Eastern Parkway # 210 718~604~8827 ❖ & after 8:00pm 718~756~4632 Rabbi Y. Schwei, 4:00pm to 9:00pm ❖ 718~604~8000 ext 36 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ☎ Rabbi Y. Zirkind: 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzoei Shabbos Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110 Rabbi Bluming is available Sunday - Thursday, 3 -4:00pm at 472 Malebone St. ☎ 718 - 778-1679 Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:0am -11:30am ~ Fri 10:am - 1:00 pm or 6:51 7:48 ☎ 718 -604-0770 Gut Shabbos Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm 2 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008

The Vaad Hakohol Letters

To the Editor: A Nightlifer's response: As a regular Nightlife-goer, I was a bit taken aback by one of last week's Clothing, letters to the editor. I understand the author only wishes the best for the Nightlife program, but I feel that perhaps she may be trying too hard to fix When it came to the clothing, Reb Hillel was extremely something that just isn't broken. Nightlife has succeeded in so many ways careful, almost fanatical, not to change even in the and is a program of which the Crown Heights community should be very minutest way the style of his clothes. Many asked for his proud. reasoning, pointing out great tzaddikim that adopted In her letter, Mrs. Morozow suggests that the focus of Nightlife be shifted some of the newer clothing styles. toward "spreading lichtikeit (light) and varemkeit (warmth) to others." “I have a handwritten manuscript of the tzaddik Reb Obviously, as chassidim, this is always our goal. I feel that the tone of the Pinchos of Koritz,” Reb Hillel would explain, “in which letter erroneously suggests that we are not already involved in such things he writes that our Sage tell us that our ancestors were at Nightlife. On the contrary, an example of this that is already in place is able to leave Mitzrayim in the merit of three things-- not that Nightlifers are encouraged to take and distribute beautiful FridayLight changing their clothing was one of them. Changing their neshek packages at no charge. In fact, many neshek mivtzoyim groups have clothes would have, chas v’ sholom, pulled them down spawned from this. into the fiftieth level of tumah (impurity). At that level, I am irked that some look somewhat negatively at Nightlife as merely a Hashem would not have been able to find a reason to program that "pampers and entertains." In my opinion, the "pampering" redeem them. of Nightlife shows that the community actually cares about it's single girl In the time immediately prior to the days of Moshiach”, population—a demographic that was all but overlooked in recent years. For Reb Pinchos continues, “there is going to be a tremendous a change, it's nice not to be lumped into the generic "post-seminary" group. urge to follow the latest styles. Sad to say, this desire It's meaningful that someone took the time to notice us 24, 25, 26 year olds would accomplish its goal and contaminate Bnei Yisroel and create a program that makes us feel part of the community—not just to this ultimate level of impurity”. onlookers waiting for our turn to join. It's us single girls who teach in our schools, run our Hebrew Schools, volunteer to help out at our local events, “How would Bnei Yisroel be redeemed then?” Reb run around to lchaims and weddings, sometimes fill in as babysitters AND Pinchos asks. “He answers that there will be individuals date. A couple nights a week of optional breathing time in the welcoming who will have mesiras nefesh not to change the style atmosphere of Nightlife is exactly what we need. The truth to this statement of their clothing. All Yidden will be redeemed in their can be found in the ever-increasing number of girls who walk through zechus (merit).” Nightlife's doors. Being single is tough. Nightlife helps us clear our heads Concluded Reb Hillel, “If any one of you would possess and nourish our minds, bodies and souls to do that which needs to be done this letter of Reb Pinchos Koritzer, definitely, without and to continue to grow. any doubt, each of you would have mesiras nefesh not As Nightlife resumes this Cheshvan, beginning its second year, there is no to change anything about the style of your clothing. doubt that there is room for growth. As Mrs. Morozow so rightly pointed out, You would realize that Moshiach’s coming depends on with a group of such talented girls, great things can happen! My request is you. The only thing is that it is I who possess this letter that the ideas of increasing in spreading outward not come at the expense of and not anyone else. Obviously, it is I who is going to be the vital role Nightlife plays for the hundreds of single girls who are already much more meticulous in this matter.” benefitting tremendously from the program. With permission from Rav Sholom DovBer Avtzon from One last point—I was startled to read the claim that Nightlife, in its current his book Reb Hillel Paritcher. form, might not best prepare single girls for marriage. This is hard to believe since at least once a week Nightlife features a class or lecture specfically related to that topic: preparing ourselves for marriage. And I can assure you, as wonderful as Nightlife is, we would all rather be married! To the Editor: C. Zeidman Nightlife-goer Reb Shmuel Levitin

I read your article about Reb Shmuel Levitin and realized our privilege that we live in the shechuna in which these great chassidim lived and accomplished great projects for the Rebbe CommunityNewspaper and Chassidim. Watch Out! I wanted to clarify some small details: 392 Kingston Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225 [email protected] Everyone has received in 1) Reb Shmuel’s wife’s name was Shaina (not Tema). His mother’s name was Tema. Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol the mail various new Cal- of Crown Heights. endars for the New Year. 2) When the Previous Rebbe advised Reb Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman Make sure that the one Shmuel not to return to Europe in 1939, the Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary Previous Rebbe said it within this context, “If Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) you hang up and use for a war does break out, I will also be coming to All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It the U.S., therefore there is no reason for you to is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless Lichtzinden time is one with otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced travel to Europe.” without the consent of the publisher. the times for Brooklyn. Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not Anywhere else might be Best wishes for a steady hatzlacha and a Kesiva be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond vachasima tova the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. a few minutes off! All advertisement designed and prepared by the A family member CHCommunity Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher September 12, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 3

The Rebbe's Sicha Parshas Ki Teitzei 5751

Sichas of the 13th of Elul, week’s Torah reading which begins “If “the first of his strength.T o him, belong A Jew is constantly involved in the effort you go out to war.” By beginning with the rights of the firstborn.” Through the to transform exile into redemption. For Published and copyright © by Sichos in the word “if,” which implies merely a descent into the frame of limitation, G-d also hates the exile, since He knows English possibility, but not an inevitable event, ultimately, a Jew will rise above all that in the exile the Jews are lacking “A Jew has no connection to war, he the Torah points out that war is alien limits and confines. -- and indeed, He understands their should be granted G-dly blessings in a to a Jew’s nature. In essence, a Jew has lack better than the Jews themselves. The above will be enhanced by connect- manner of peace and happiness” no connection to war, for he should be Even though a Jew has been informed ing it with the distribution of money for granted G-dly blessings in a manner of the ultimate state that will occur Editor’s note: tzedakah, for tzedakah -- like the fusion of peace and happiness, and indeed, after the exile, since he lives within of finiteness and infinity -- involves a The Rebbe spoke this Sicha at the unbounded happiness, from G-d’s “full, the confines of a physical body and combination of opposites. Tzedekah time of the summer 1991 riots. This is open, holy, and generous hand.” is limited within the confines of this must be given by a person who has evident from the topic that the Rebbe world, he cannot understand these Although the phrase describes G-d’s means, a mashpia, to a person who discussed in the Sicha. concepts fully. Nevertheless, since a hand with four adjectives, since the lacks means, a mekabel. Indeed even if Jew knows that G-d hates the exile, he 1. It is always customary to begin with a subject is G-d’s hand, the influence a person possesses a minimal financial also hates the exile. matter related to the present time. This granted is unlimited. Why are these base (two hundred zuz), he should not is particularly appropriate when doing four adjectives necessary? Because our receive tzedakah and instead should May we transcend all limitations and so also fulfills the directive, “Begin with world is limited in nature and G-d’s give to others. proceed to the Redemption immedi- blessing.” influence must therefore be drawn ately. And this will be enhanced by our The relationship between a mashpia and down within the limitations of our presence in a house where good deeds Even the Priestly Blessing which has an a mekabel also relates to the concept of a world which is structured according to are performed, prayers are recited, unlimited dimension, for it is connected bride and groom mentioned above. The a set of four spiritual potentials. and Torah is studied. And from this with G-d’s promise, “And I will bless bride is a recipient. Therefore, she is not house, we will proceed to the ultimate them,” is still limited for it is dependent Similarly, mankind is structured “to eat from property which belongs to house the Beis HaMikdash, where we on the service of the Priests which is according to this set of four potentials, her,” i.e., her needs are to be provided will stand on the roof and announce limited in nature. for each person is a microcosm of the by the groom. -- “Humble ones, the time for your world at large. This is reflected in a Jew’s In contrast, the blessings associated with This is also mirrored in the wedding Redemption has come.” wearing tzitzis which shows how he a wedding celebration -- and tonight is relationship between G-d and the includes all four corners of the world To emphasize the connection to the the anniversary of the wedding of the Jewish people. For every Jew is “the within him. Previous Rebbe’s wedding, it is proper Previous Rebbe -- are above all concept bride of G-d,” as it were. The giving of that the marriages which are being of limitation. Even though we see that A Jew is essentially above all limits, even the Torah represented the betrothal held at the present time should be held in actual fact, there are limits even to the limits of four, for in essence, his and the consummation of this wedding with increased celebrations. And these such a celebration, they are in essence existence is one with G-d’s. Therefore, bond, will be in the Era of Redemption. celebrations should be coupled with unlimited. For we associate these wed- entering these limits involves a depar- Then oneness will be established among charity, by making a special “feast for dings with the era when “Speedily, there ture (“If you go out...”) and also in a all entities. the poor,” as is customary. And this day, will be heard in the cities of Judah and figurative sense, an aspect of war. May this be realized in the immediate the thirteenth of Elul, should serve to the outskirts of Jerusalem... the voice of And when making such a departure, a future. Although a Jew is found in exile, inspire greater wedding celebrations. a groom and the voice of a bride,” the Jew must -- as the Torah reading con- he hates the exile, and indeed, hates it celebration of the Redemption and the May all of the above concepts be actual- tinues -- “take captives,” i.e., transform with a deep-seated hatred. What is the rejoicing of that era will surely be above ized in deed. And may they lead to the aspects of the worldly environment source of this hatred? Because in exile all limitations. ultimate deed, the coming of the Future which he enters. And this will reveal (golah in Hebrew), the manifestation Redemption. May it take place in the 2. There is also a connection to this how he is -- as the reading continues, of G-d (the Alef) is lacking. immediate future. 4 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008 Our Heroes

Hachossid Hatomim Horav Meir Itkin cities would dorm in the shul and the sounds of their learning could be heard 1912-17th of Elul 2007 homes. Reb Meir’s memories of Nevel of New York City could never rival the blocks away. Nevel was the center of really began after the move to his taste of the bread and the warmth of By: Rabbi Michoel Seligson the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva network grandparent’s home. the sun in Nevel. He often spoke of how before it started to branch out further. Hachossid Reb Meir Itkin was born in the city of Nevel had various streets, Reb Velvel raised his grandchildren Reb Meir recalled that in Nevel there 1911 on the 20th of Tamuz in the city some more affluent than others. Reb as if they were his own children. In was also a class of twenty year old of Nevel, Ukraine to Hachossid Reb M eir recalled that there were two main boys that learned in the Bais Medrash Chaim Schneur Zalman streets in Nevel, America and Amur. L’Rabbonim, the Rabbinical College. and Mrs. Shaina Itkin. There was a joke that one did not have Their teacher was the famous Rabbi Reb Chaim Schneur to dream about America in the city of Shmuel Levitin. Zalman and Shaina were Nevel, one could just go there. cousins. Reb Meir attended yeshiva in his Alter Rebbe’s Stop for Shabbos own hometown before he moved on Reb Chaim Schneur The AlterR ebbe’s arrest was known to elsewhere. As a youngster, Reb Meir Zalman’s father and have occurred right outside the city of was very enthusiastic and bright. He Reb Meir’s grandfather, Nevel. Reb Meir related the following. always joked that he was not the most Hachossid Reb Pin- When the Alter Rebbe was arrested, diligent of students, though he had a chos Zev Wolf known he was transported from the city of sharp head. His educators would try as Velvel, was a distin- Lubavitch to St. Petersburg in a black to pair him with someone who had guished person and one carriage. With Shabbos approaching, more patience than he did. Reb Meir’s of the most prominent the Alter Rebbe asked the coach-driver childhood friends were Rabbis: Hertzel melamdim in Nevel. to discontinue their journey. The Minkowitz, Moishke Laine, Nochum He served as the gabbai coachman refused the request to stop. Volosov, and Michoel Taitelbaum who of Collel Chabad, an The second time, strange things began was a friend and neighbor. All of them organization that to this to happen to the coach. First an axle were elite chassidim who sacrificed day raises money for the broke. Then the horse died. After both everything for Yiddishkeit. Jews in Israel. He also of these incidents, they continued the collected maamad, from As an older bochur Reb Meir journey. Finally, as the sun was setting, the chassidim of Nevel learned in Leningrad under Horav the carriage became stuck in the mud, to support the Rebbe’s Chonye Morozov and Horav Itche so deeply that it would take hours to be household. der Masmid (Gorowitz). Reb Meir extracted. The Alter Rebbe spent that became very close with them both Reb Meir’s mother, Shabbos under a particular tree in the and benefited from the influence Shaina, grew up in a surrounding forest. The forest, a mile addition to the fact that he owned a of these great mashipi’im. He had small town on the outskirts of Nevel. outside of Nevel, eventually shrunk large property in Nevel, Reb Velvel, a photographic memory and would Her parents Reb Moshe and Mrs. and ceased to exist, while the tree that the melamed of Nevel, was an expert constantly repeat stories of these Chana Tzerna Rachman were chas- the Alter Rebbe sat under flourished. educator. Resultantly, Reb Meir and his people with all the details. sidim known to have a home open Reb Meir related that the awe with siblings had a happy childhood despite to guests. Reb Moshe worked as an which that tree was esteemed by the Reb Meir Saved the Students being orphaned. independent contractor and the family’s chassidim of Nevel was equivalent to Many of the Communist police officials income fluctuated. Sometimes he would The following story, traditionally the awe a chossid experiences when in Nevel were Jews and thus knew receive a more profitable government told in the Itkin family, illustrates the his Rebbe says a maamor. Today, a all of the residents. In fact, several of contract. unique qualities of the Nevel chinuch. lone tree stands one mile from the city them had originally been students of The Rebbe RaShaB wanted to send of Nevel. It is believed to be the same Initially, Reb Chaim Schneur Zalman Reb Velvel since he was the primary his son, the future Rebbe, to Nevel tree under which the Alter Rebbe spent was in the contracting business with elementary teacher in Nevel. Once, a to learn with the melamed there. The Shabbos. his father, Reb Velvel. They had a police officer caught Rabbi Avrohom Rebbetzin Shterna Soro knew that she question relating to their partnership Chassidim of Nevel Drizin (Mayorer) learning with the would miss her son greatly and tried and consulted the Rebbe RaShaB. The boys in the yeshiva. The officer detained to convince her husband, the Rebbe Two great Chassidim lived in pre-World Rebbe Rashab instructed Reb Velvel all of the boys and threatened to send RaShaB, not to send their son to Nevel. War II Nevel, Reb Meir Simcha Chein to become a teacher and Reb Chaim the teachers to prison and the students She succeeded when she told the Rebbe and Reb Zalman Moshe Yitzchaki. Schneur Zalman to become a merchant. to an orphanage. In order to carry out Rashab that he would visit their son in These chassidim had a profound effect They both did so and moved on to be a proper arrest it was necessary to have Nevel so often, that his chassidim would on Reb Meir’s life and it was their successful in their respective fields. a registered citizen witness the arrest. be called Neveler Chassidim instead influence in part that was responsible The policeman went out into the street Reb Chaim Schneur Zalman was nifter of Lubavitcher Chassidim. TheR ebbe for Reb Meir’s incredible adherence to and waved his hat in order to attract a on Rosh Chodesh Nissan in 1920, at the Rashab agreed not to send their son to his teachings despite the hardships he citizen to act as a witness to the arrest. untimely age of thirty-six. The night learn in Nevel. endured. Another illustrious chossid No Jew would stop and Reb Meir, one after her husband’s ptira, Mrs. Itkin in Nevel was Reb Zalman Moshe. Reb Nevel of the detained students, recalled how had a dream in which her late husband Meir remembered that he used to say pointless the entire episode was. Reb appeared to her. He asked that she bring Nevel was a small town in Belorussia with intense feeling, “A good head is a Meir volunteered to find a registered him his kapote. She asked him why he that was not far from the border of the gift from above, but one needs to exert citizen. The officer agreed and Reb needed it and he responded that he was Pale of Settlement, an area ofI mperial himself.” Reb Meir would repeat this Meir immediately ran and warned all going to greet the Rebbe Rashab in the Russia to which Jews were restricted, vort many times and it became his own the students to disperse. Aside from higher heavens. Reb Meir Itkin and his and the cities of Poltzk and Vitebsk. motto; “Az men Darf Horeven”, one saving the other students in the Yeshiva, elder brother Reb Berke remembered The Jewish population of Nevel was needs to toil. Rabbi Michoel Bliner, Reb Meir managed to save himself. The that during the shiva chassidim tried sizable and nearly exceeded those of the mashpia in Tomchei Tmimim in students who had been with him were to figure out what their mother’s dream the gentiles. Nevel was an exclusively Lubavitch and Rabbi Itche Gorowitz, arrested and imprisoned. meant. After a period of time, chassidim Lubavitch city in that all of the Jewish Reb Itche the Masmid, two of the heard the news that the Rebbe RaShaB residents were staunch Chabad chas- greatest Lubavitch chassidim were also Poltzk had been nistalek on the 2nd of Nissan, sidim and the shuls were all Lubavitch. residents of Nevel. AfterR eb Meir outgrew the yeshivos in within 24 hours of Reb Chaim Schneur One could not find a shtibel of a differ- Tomchei Tmimim Underground Nevel, he was sent to the city of Poltzk Zalman’s ptira. ent chassidus. Each of the Rebbe’im has where the next level of Yeshiva Tomchei made comments describing Nevel as a In the 1920’s, all of the Tomchei Reb Meir was eight years old when his Tmimim was located. In Poltzk there special city of Chassidim. Tmimim yeshivos went underground. father was nifter. The children and their were bochurim from all over Russia. The first classes were sent to the city of mother Shaina moved into the home Reb Meir lived with the spirit of Nevel. Reb Meir related that the Nevel boys Nevel, a flourishing Jewish community, of their grandparents, who supported Everything about Nevel was glorified thought that the Minsk boys considered to reestablish themselves. Reb Meir them until they established their own in his eyes. For him the bread and sun themselves superior. It appeared to the recalled that boys from many different September 12, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 5

students that the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Despite all precautions, the commu- the yeshiva meal. Come and eat with their marriage, World War II broke out Chatche Himmelstein, was partial to nists found out about the yeshiva and us.” During the Yom Tov meal, Reb and the Itkins, like thousands of other the students of Minsk who he knew arrested all of the instructors. The older Lubavitchers, moved to Samarkand and from before. Reb Meir recalled the tears boys, Reb Meir included, were sent back stayed there for the duration of the war he shed because the Rosh Yeshiva would to Nevel to continue learning on their until 1946. attack him every time he opened his own. At home, Reb Meir received a Reb Meir ran a successful business. mouth to speak. Reb Meir approached draft notice.W hen he appeared before During the hunger in Samarkand in the Reb Chatche and told him that he was the draft board, he was rejected as a son early 1940’s, there was a law that one planning to leave the yeshiva because of the middle-class. However, he was could receive bread only with a card of the illogical harshness. The Rosh trained in the communications division proving employment. At great risk to Yeshiva was profoundly dismayed. He as a telegrapher and was required to himself, Reb Meir made up cards for all had not realized how harsh he was being report to duty in case of emergency. the bochurim of the yeshiva testifying and he was heartbroken that he had Yekatrinoslav that they were employed by him. Thus, caused the boys so much anguish. he saved many of the Tmimim and After several years at home, Reb Meir From that point on he was careful to bochurim of the yeshiva from starva- was sent to the city of Yekatrinoslav bring the Nevel boys closer to him. Reb tion. Over the next few years, Reb Meir where the Rebbe’s father was the Rav. Meir recalled that he was so dedicated sustained the yeshiva. Reb Meir and his friend Reb Michoel that he would sit at the bedside of the Teitelbaum traveled together from Reb Meir was arrested numerous times. sick boys, administer medicine, and Levi Yitzchak Farbrenged with the Nevel, though they didn’t have enough During one arrest, as the police vehicle make them comfortable. In essence, the bochurim. He said “Now is Simchas money to pay their train fare. In Yeka- was driven away, his nephew, Rabbi Rosh Yeshiva loved the boys tremen- Torah and we shouldn’t fear.” He trinoslav it was also very difficult, and Zalman Morozov, saw a note fly out of dously and was tough on them because spoke at length about the significance the boys had to spread themselves out the car. All the other family members he wanted to build their characters. of being a teenager and what it meant. in six different shuls. As the teachers were hiding and he was the only one However, the Minsk boys were accus- Reb Meir recalled another time when were arrested and exiled or killed, who witnessed it. The police didn’t see tomed to Rabbi Himmelstein’s manner he was seated at a meal and a com- the oldest students would take their as he, a little boy of 7, picked up the while the boys from Nevel were deeply munity member was boasting how he place and teach what they knew to the piece of paper. The note stated, “Though grieved by his conduct. stemmed from great tzaddikim. Reb younger ones. a sword is on the neck, you should hope Levi Yitzchak rebuked him but then Essen Teg, was a system whereby the and not give up on rachamim. Hashem The Rebbe’s Father, Reb Levi turned to the person sitting next to him bochurim of the yeshiva would eat will have rachamim and protect me, Yitzchak and made a gematria that connected the at different homes on different days. since after all we are Yidden.” two and proved that the community Reb Meir was too embarrassed to take Although he lived in the same city as the member came from tzaddikim. Saving a Life advantage of this system and literally Rebbe’s father, Reb Meir had very little starved. Finally, he met a cousin, also contact with him. On Sukkos, together Years later, Reb Meir met the Rebbe There is a story told of a bochur in the an orphan, who lived in Poltzk and who with all the other Jews, Reb Meir went when he came to France to greet his city of Samarkand who had a contagious welcomed Reb Meir into his home to to borrow Rabbi Schneerson’s lulav and mother and escort her to the U.S. He disease. He had no family, and no one live. Reb Meir lived in this man’s home esrog as he was the only person in the told the Rebbe how he remembered would risk taking care of him, fearing and was clothed and fed and treated like city who had a set. AfterR eb Meir made that his father Reb Levik always had a that they would contract the disease. his own son. a brocho on his lulav and esrog, Rabbi gematria for everyone. Without missing Reb Meir took this boy home to his Schneerson asked him if he would stay a beat, the Rebbe immediately went house, and he and his wife sheltered and Studying in Vitebsk in secret around the table and made a gematria, cared for the boy until he recovered. The coming up with numerical equivalents boy, Notka BarKahan was so touched of people’s names, that connected all by Reb Meir’s ahavas yisroel that he the participants to each other. decided to follow the ways of Chassidus. In time, he became the Shliach of the Stalin’s Tyranny Rebbe to Riga, Latvia. Reb Meir was a victim of Stalin’s tyranny. For approximately eight A Reward for Chesed Shel Emes years, from fourteen to twenty Reb Meir once had the opportunity to one years of age, Reb Meir suf- fulfill a chesed shel emes for the great fered terribly in the yeshivos. The chossid Reb Chaim Kevish OBM. instructors were great men and The grateful widow, descended from the learning was extra-ordinary, a long line of Rebbe’im, gave him but the starvation took its toll on some items as a token of appraciation. the students. Additionally, the He acquired a piece of the parochos Reb Meir then moved to Vitebsk. There, a little longer and help him carry all of emotional and psychological dis- from the Alter Rebbe, Reb Michoel Reb Avrohom Drizin [Mayorer] would his things to the shul. tress of being fugitives and having Zlotchiver’s becher, and the Baal Shem teach the boys from two until six in On the way to shul, Reb Levi Yitzchak one’s teachers and beloved friends Tov’s spoon. In 1947, Reb Meir heard the morning. The shiurim were held immediately started asking Reb Meir arrested was difficult for a young that the Rebbe was coming to France in the women’s section of the shul. The about the bochurim, who was there, person to bear. At any time in his to greet his mother. He immediately existence of the yeshiva was a secret and how they were faring. Although the yeshiva years, Reb Meir had the traveled to France to give the Rebbe and they would have to finish learning entire time he had wanted to know, he option to leave and return home. the keilim, to bring to the Previous before the morning minyan. The boys restrained himself for the safety of the Reb Meir and his generation chose Rebbe. When he met the Rebbe, the would sleep on the benches in the bochurim. Similarly, one of Reb Meir’s to remain in yeshiva, and learn Rebbe took him into a side room and shul and at night they would freeze friends once visited Reb Levi Yitzchak Torah and chassidus. Throughout asked him to open the packages. During because there was no heat. There were late at night. Reb Levi Yitzchak asked the brutalities of Russia, Reb Meir the entire exchange, the Rebbe did not several bed bug infested mattresses that him many questions about the bochu- also never touched his beard, and touch the keilim. The Rebbe asked if the boys would anxiously wait their rim. As they were conversing, a com- did not cut or shave it. This was a the becher had been used. When the turn to sleep on. In general, the boys munity member walked in. Reb Levi great mesiras nefesh, and the cause Rebbe returned to the United States, maintained a very low profile so that Yitzchak turned to the bochur and of many beatings. he mailed Reb Meir a thank-you letter, no one would know that there was a said “Go tell your mother the chicken and a gift of recently published booklets yeshiva. Most of the locals had no idea Samarkand is kosher.” On Simchas Torah the of Kehot. TheR ebbe asked Reb Meir to that there was a functioning yeshiva bochurim joined the community in After completing his yeshiva years in send him a history and background of in their synagogue. Had they known the main shul for hakafos. After the Yekatrinoslav, it was time for Reb Meir these keilim. it would have endangered the yeshiva hakafos were completed, Rebbetzin to marry. He went into business and to the point that they would have had Reb Meir and his family eventually Chana turned to Reb Meir and some of in 1941, at the age of twenty nine, he to re;ocate again. escaped Russia through the border his friends and said “Surely you missed met Miss Sima Raskin. Shortly after Continued on page 13 6 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008 Shiduchim Needle in a Haystack By Sarah Junik of shlichus they will try for. Would they you reach at this time as binding if the dinners once a week or once a month prefer to find an established city or shidduch goes through, although they that the whole family must attend, or After a two week hiatus,I am continu- strike on their own. Close to home or far may need refining. other such traditions. Couples talk ing to discuss shidduch dating. away etc. Naturally especially nowadays about what kind of parents their parents For a girl the question of wearing a There was a bocher I knew who when we cannot pick and choose and many are and what they wish to emulate tichel in the street may also need to be he Shidduch dated, he carried a writ- times what is suggested is far from the and what they think they would do discussed. TheR ebbe wrote numerous ten list of topics to speak about on ideal circumstances one had in mind, different. What kind of relationship letters about the importance of wearing the shidduch date, and not only the but that is also important to discuss. there is among siblings and extended a shaitel in any public place even if one topics but he actually thought out the How far from that mythical perfect family circles. Talk about your nieces is only going to the grocery. If wearing whole conversation: “if she says this in shlichus are you willing to go? and nephews if you have them, how old a tichel is something the girl says she response to this question then I will say they are, your relationship with them. Is the wife going to work in shlichus must, she has to discuss it with the boy. this; if she answers this way instead, I Do you wish to live close to the family too, or only the husband. Teaching in He might want to ask his mashpia about will reply with that. “ or the opposite. Are your grandparents a yeshiva, organizing activities or doing it, or his Rov. Or he might not care. But alive (till 120) what kind of things do He is now a well known Dayan in a major administrative work, or a jack of all it is important to bring these things you admire about them. What kind of city so perhaps being so meticulously trades. What kind of shlichus are you up whiles the emotions are not yet so life they led. Your great-grandparents? ready for any question is something really looking for. Don’t go into great involved and they can be discussed Where did they live? Qualities one good for a Dayan but for us regular depth and detail in this conversation calmly and compromises reached on admires in other people, friends, teach- mortals it is not necessary. because after all it is all “castles in both sides. ers, mashpiim, Rabbeim etc. the air”, but it is useful to feel out the A little preparation does not hurt Similarly, mode of dress is sometimes other person for their wishes in this, Talk about the camps you attended as a though. Now that we are past the first talked about: some boys do not mind and to see how truly committed you child, the ones you were a councilor at. tentative shidduch dates, we have if the girls wear Jean skirts as long as both are. Experiences and funny stories. certainly arrived at the point where they are tzniusdike in length and style. we have certain questions we wish For some couples a question to discuss Some do not like any jeans. Some girls Mivtzoim experiences, if you like to answered. could be movies and television. Some do not mind if the boys wear Jeans and be actively involved or if you prefer a couples will not even mention the other casual wear, some feel casual is ok supportive role. Everyone’s questions will be different, subject, as it is so far from “shiach” but but not jeans. The problem is though, depending on the level one is at the If you have questions but are not sure for others it is good to set parameters. that one has to be careful when talking time. So I will give some examples of if the topic should be discussed at this In a couple where one side wants to about clothing to do so in a tzniusdicke topics to discuss but naturally each time or in fact at all, maybe the parents have a TV and the other absolutely and eidele manner. In fact it is probably couple will have their own subjects and should look into the answer, then do not, this has to be talked out. Once a better to avoid the subject unless one important points to bring out. not hesitate to discuss this with your compromise or a decision is reached, has a particular question parents and with the shadchen, or with Serious topics are for example, if a do not think in the back of your mind, Less controversial and lighter topics your mashpia. couple that wishes to go on shlichus “Well, I’ll change his/her mind once are for example family,: particular they should discuss seriously what kind we are married.” Think of the decisions To be continued customs a family has, such as family Financial Matters: Your Credit : to open their credit card. They usually cards: offer signup bonuses like 10% off your From: www.dealreviews.net your score. They are usually way easier to get, so it’s purchases that day and extra discounts a great way for someone with no credit Reapplying for an Amex card: After whenever you use the card in that store history to start building credit. Amex Financial Review closing your accounts, wait a few in the future. Some stores offer way less Amex will sometimes perform a finan- months before trying to reapply. Some then that. Here is what Walmart was Bottom line: cial review on cardholders they feel are people have been successful in reapply- offering as a sign-up bonus... (A bottle Think twice before being convinced to risky, where they freeze all your Amex ing for cards without having to send in of soda!) open that store credit card. cards and ask you to provide proof of any documents. (Some people claim Sounds great? Not necessarily. income, usually bank statements and that they were able to reopen the same If it’s a store that you shop at often, Some negative points about store tax returns. If you don't comply, then card after a few weeks, I doubt that and there are nice discounts for card credit cards: they will shut would be possible) holders, then it might be worth it for down all your 1. With a store credit card, you will have you. I would recommend making a basic The following things may trigger an Amex cards. a harder time disputing charges then calculation: if the credit card won't save Amex financial review: you would if you were using an Amex you at least $100 during the first year, This might be A credit line of $25,000 or more on a (or even Visa and MasterCard). don't get it. If it will, then consider it. a problem for single card some people 2. Store Credit cards usually come with Question: For someone with too many Your credit score suddenly dropping if: a high APR. (APR is the interest rate cards, is it better to close-down/cancel drastically if you don’t pay in full every month) some of those credit cards, or would it You wrote a Large balance transfers Shouldn’t really be a problem though, be better to not use them? high income level on your credit card Big business line of credit and transfer- because hopefully you pay your bills in application, and can't back it up. ring hefty sums of money Answer: Generally speaking it is best full every month! Spending more then your stated annual not to cancel credit cards, as doing so You don’t feel comfortable sharing your income 3. It’s not worth it to open up a credit will lower your total available credit. tax documents with Amex. Asking for credit line increases too card just to save $25! Also, if you're talking about old cards, If you do get a financial review and often If you want the cash, you can open then canceling them will shorten the it doesn’t seem like you will pass the Overusing an Amex Business Card other cards which will give you $50+ average age of your cards. (It won't review, or you don’t want to send them for personal purchases (Probably only cash, as a signup bonus. E.g. Chase affect your score for another 7 years your tax information, (you can try call- a problem if you don't use a personal Freedom Card though, until the card falls off your ing Amex and see if you could get away card as well) report.) without sending in the documents), 4. If you open lots of credit cards to If you have a few Amex cards and spend then you should preemptively cancel earn miles (churning), then opening a The only time I would recommend not more than a few thousand dollars a your Amex cards. store credit card isn’t necessarily a great canceling a no annual fee card is if month on the cards (but definitely less idea. Opening a credit card affects your your total available credit on all your Don’t wait for Amex to close them. If than 50% of available credit) and you credit score in the short term. I try and cards is extremely high and your don't they do, it will show up on your credit are not racking up too much debt, you make sure I get around $200 worth of write a high income on your credit card report that Amex closed the accounts. shouldn’t get an Amex review. miles/points/cash for each card I open. applications. Or if you have more then This will lower your credit score even (I consider each mile to be worth at 20 cards, then canceling some might more than if it would be 'closed by Store Credit Cards least one penny.) be a good idea. consumer'. Either way you will lose Store Credit Cards the available credit, which will lower One great thing about store credit Many stores try to convince customers September 12, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 7 From Shedlitz to Safety A Young Jew’s Story of Survival By Rabbi Shimon Goldman The assembled scholars burst into loud see dozens of Chassidim disregard the of the Chabad dynasty. The Ramash laughter and even the rav could not restraints of time and energy as they himself privately showed certain char- Exerpted from the book with the author’s contain a smile. “This is his greatness?” participated in yet a third seder. acteristics exhibited by Rebbeim, and permission he wondered. “There’s nothing special even began taking pidyonos from certain This was hardly the only opportunity to Continued from previous issue about that. We can also do it!” Chassidim. These and other small hear the Ramsash speak. In compliance indications encouraged our belief that, in The rav called for a plate of soup and set with a specific directive of his father-in- Pesach, the festival of freedom, had the end, he would lead us as the seventh it down on the table with a smile. Yet, law, the Ramash farbrenged on Shabbos special significance for us. The Rebbe Rebbe. despite his care, every time he lifted the Mevorchim, the Shabbos that precedes Rayatz conducted his seder in the din- spoon, his head bent slightly toward the every new month. On other occasions I will just relate two incidents that illus- ing room of his home, and it was fairly food. After a few tries, the rav put his — if a groom was called to the Torah, trate the private and quiet acceptance easy to gain entry and participate in this spoon down in frustration and asked the or a kiddush in honor of a newborn — of the leadership by the Ramash well unique experience. Most bochurim fairly other scholars to try. Notwithstanding Chassidim would ask the Ramash to before his public consent. In 1950, my flew through their private seder at home, their efforts, not one person could eat a farbreng for them and he generally did mother-in-law suddenly became very rushing back to 770 for a good vantage spoonful of soup without bending their so. The Ramash often explained the ill with a life-threatening disease. Our point to see how the Rebbe conducts head at all. significance of the occasion, the Torah family practitioner was Dr. Schwartz, a his seder. During those few hours, we reading of that week, Jewish doctor who had been close with felt transported to a spiritually higher and the names of the my parents-in-law when they lived in world, where every aspect of the seder celebrants — tying East New York. After most Jews left shone with different light, one suffused it all in with the that area for other neighborhoods, Dr. with devotion and holiness. deeper teachings of Schwartz moved his practice to Crown One year, I entered just in time to see Chassidus. Heights, renting a room in the dentist’s the Rebbe Rayatz eat his matza. The office right next door to 770 (where the The Succession Rebbe held the matza with both hands, library stands today). with such tenderness and affection that Chassidim sensed Dr. Schwartz immediately examined you could literally see his intense love that the Ramash my mother-in-law and voiced his inten- for the mitzva. When it was time to was far from an tion to admit her into hospital. My eat moror, the bitter herbs, the Rebbe ordinary person. father-in-law was beside himself with specifically took the head of horserad- Though he carried worry: in the past, he never took such a ish — the sharpest, most biting part himself humbly and crucial step without asking the Rebbe, of the vegetable. The Rebbe’s pain and shunned fanfare, but now — after the histalkus — who discomfort were clearly evident as he we realized that the “This is the greatness of our Rebbe,” could he turn to? ate the hard, ungrated moror, gasping Ramash had attained lofty spiritual said the Chassidim. “Man is inherently for air in an effort to lessen some of the levels far removed from our own, and As he went out onto Eastern Parkway, attached to food; his nature demands moror’s bitterness. many eyes turned to him after the my father-in-law decided to confer with it. It is physically impossible to remain passing of the Rebbe Rayatz on the the Ramash, who was working then in (In later years, we merited to be present perfectly still while eating, because the tenth of Shevat, 1950. When news of his office in 770. As he entered the room, when the Ramash — later the Rebbe — physical body is simply drawn toward the histalkus spread, Chassidim felt a the Ramash turned to him and asked ate the actual seder meal, I remembered the food. Our Rebbe, however, being gaping vacuum and a crushing feeling regarding the welfare of my mother-in- a story I once heard about the saintly a saintly individual, has successfully of despair. It was as though the world law. “She is very sick,” responded my Ruzhiner tzaddik. Due to the malicious controlled his physical impulses, and had come to an end. father-in-law grimly, “and I have no one slander of an informant, the Ruzhiner can remain still while eating.” The to ask advice from. When Dr. Schwartz was forced to flee Ruzhin for a short rav bowed his head in deference and Thousands of people filled Eastern demanded she be sent to hospital, I had time and he escaped to Vienna. Some respectfully wrote out the necessary Parkway to participate in the funeral and no choice but to agree.” time later, when the Ruzhiner heard that testimonial letter. pay their respects to the Rebbe Rayatz. the authorities in Ruzhin were replaced After returning from the cemetery, Responded the Ramash: “Even so, the Here too, as I watched our saintly Rebbe with friendlier officers, he decided to Chassidim walked about in a state of Rebbe [Rayatz] finds ways to answer eat his soup, I saw his head remain leave Vienna and return home. shock, trying to imagine how life could those who ask him, and sends the answer perfectly still and upright. He moved go on. Thirteen days later my wife and through an intermediary.” Despite his intentions, his followers the food toward his mouth, never his I were blessed with a son. Many people feared the possible consequences and mouth toward the food. My father-in-law understood the hint. — myself included — assumed I would suspected the authorities would imprison We began paying careful attention to the After the meal, theR ebbe retired to his name the baby after my late father, but, the tzaddik immediately upon his return. Ramash and the way he did things. Soon, room. It is customary to leave doors coming so close after the histalkus, I TheR uzhiner therefore turned to the rav a host of miraculous stories began circu- unlocked and open on the first night of chose to name him “Yosef Yitzchak,” of Lemburg — a misnagid who main- lating by word of mouth, attesting to the Pesach and I distinctly remember the after the Rebbe Rayatz. tained excellent contact with the authori- extraordinary perception of the Ramash Rebbe’s door remaining open after the ties in Ruzhin. A distinguished envoy of Our feelings of despair grew when the and his G dly vision. Nonetheless, the seder. (One year, as I passed the door, I Chassidim traveled to Lemburg, asking Ramash initially refused to accept the Ramash continued conducting himself saw the Rebbe put on his eyeglasses and the rav for a letter of recommendation mantle of leadership. However, in the in a humble and unpretentious manner, look in a sefer.) ) to prove that the Ruzhiner was a saintly weeks and months that followed, we publicly negating the possibility of his individual who deserved no harm. Back to the seder of the Rebbe Rayatz, understood that the Ramash would accepting the mantle of leadership. I remember that despite the extremely eventually continue the golden chain The Chassidim met the rav closeted in late hour and our physical exhaustion, his room with a group of elite scholars. we all ran downstairs to participate in a They presented their request, but the rav “mini-seder” of sorts, led by the Ramash, looked at them in astonishment. “I don’t the Rebbe’s second son-in-law. even know your Rebbe!” he protested. “How can I testify about his piety if Having all partaken of the afikomen, we I have never met him? Please, tell me could not eat anything or say lechaim. something about your Rebbe that proves Instead, the Ramash sat at the head of his greatness.” an empty table and began discussing various parts of the seder service, illu- “Simple,” answered the Chassidim. “Our minating every aspect with the inner, Rebbe never bends his head while eat- esoteric light. A relatively large crowd ing. He brings the spoon to his mouth, stayed on into the wee hours of the without bending his head in the slightest morning to hear his explanations on towards his plate.” the Haggadah. It was heartwarming to 8 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008 Parshas Hashavua Vedibarta Bam ~ Shoftim Bt Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky ing (denied any prominence)” (I Kings can convert, but not marry Jewish marriage in which there is a “mingling ,Rashi). women, Moabite and Amonite women of grapes” and which produces wine ,1:21 "והיה ביום הנחילו may convert to Judaism and marry Jew- i.e. children accomplishing even more את בניו את אשר Man was originally created immortal. than their parents— is “davar na’ah (ילקוט האורים) .ish men יהיה לו" But when the serpent persuaded Cha- umitkabeil” — something beautiful “Then it shall be vah to eat the fruit of the forbidden Eitz "כי יקח איש אשה" .and acceptable that on the day Hada’at — Tree of Knowledge — she King David said, “Sarim redafuni "כי יקח איש אשה" that he causes his brought death to the world; man would chinam umidevarecha pachad libi. Sas sons to inherit die for his sins. The Gemara B( ava Batra anochi al imratecha kemotzei shalal “If a man marries a woman.” (24:1) that which he pos- 17a), however, says that there were four rav” — “Princes pursued me without sesses.” (21:16) tzaddikim who never committed any QUESTION: What is the meaning cause, but my heart feared Your utter- sins, and who only died because of of the first blessing recited under the QUESTION: 1) The word “vehayah” ance. I rejoiced over Your word, like one “itiyo shel nachash” —the advice of the chuppah, “Mekadeish amo Yisrael al indicates a simchah — joy (Vayikra who finds abundant spoils” P( salms serpent to Chavah, which is the source yedei chuppah vekiddushin” — “He Rabbah 11:7); what joy is the Torah 119:161 — 162). This may be explained of death for humans. sanctified His people Israel through alluding to? 2) The words “et asher as a reference to the difficulties David chuppah and kiddushin”? yiheyeh lo” — “that which he pos- The Arizal explained the pasuk to mean, encountered from Doeg, the head of the sesses”— seem extra; obviously his “If there will be ‘ish’ — a prominent Sanhedrin in the days of King Shaul, ANSWER: On the pasuk, “Torah tzivah children can inherit only that which person who is ‘cheit mishpat mavet’ and others who sought to discredit lanu Moshe morashah kehilat Yaakov” he has? — ‘lacking any reason to deserve the him by disparaging his ancestress Ruth — “TheT orah that Moshe commanded judgment of death’ — i.e. totally inno- the Moabite, based on the pasuk, “An us is the heritage of the Congregation of ANSWER: There are many parents cent of any sins, and yet ‘vehumat’ — he Amonite or Moabite shall not enter Jacob” — our sages (Pesachim 49b) say, who pride themselves for having given was put to death by the Angel of Death, into the congregation of Hashem” (see “Read not ‘morashah’ — ‘inheritance’ their children much more than they ‘vetalita oto al eitz’ — you should hang Yevamot 76b). — but ‘me’orasah’ — ‘betrothed.’ ” had. They reminisce about their arrival i.e. attribute his passing on the ‘eitz’ — Through the Torah, the Jewish people in America, when they struggled to Rabbeinu Bachya (Shemot 13a) writes the serpent’s advice to Chavah to eat became betrothed in marriage to make a living, and they congratulate in the name of the Kabbalists that the fruit of the forbidden tree.” Hashem. themselves for providing their children the term “davar” — “word” — refers )נחל קדומים, ועי' לקוטי שיחות חכ"ד( with a comfortable lifestyle and the to the Written Torah, and “amar” — Our sages (Shabbat 88a) explain the ”say” — refers to the Oral Torah. Thus, pasuk “They stood under the mountain“ "לא יבא עמוני ומואבי בקהל ה'...על .higher education that they lacked David was saying, “Princes pursued me (Shemot 19:17) to mean that at the time דבר אשר לא קדמו אתכם בלחם ובמים While it is good to give our children without cause” — charging that I was of the giving of the Torah, Hashem בדרך בצאתכם ממצרים" things we did not have, it is crucial not unfit to enter into Klal Yisrael. “But lifted the mountain over the Jewish to forget to give our children what we “An Ammonite or Moabite shall not my heart feared devarecha — Your people. According to the Targum Yona- did have. Just as our parents inculcated enter the congregation of G d...Because utterance” — theW rittenT orah which tan ben Uziel, the suspended mountain in us a love for Torah and mitzvot, of the fact that they did not greet you appeared to disqualify me. However, was clear as glass. Thus, the mountain and inspired us to be shomrei Torah with bread and water on the road when “sas anochi al imratecha” — “I rejoiced served as a beautifully ornamented u’mitzvot, it is incumbent upon us to you were leaving Egypt.” (23:4-5) over Your word” — i.e. the Oral Torah chuppah. instill in our children the same dedica- QUESTION: Hashem’s punishments which explains the Written Torah tion and devotion. Even when a parent Just as under the chuppah the chatan are midah keneged midah — measure included an extra yud (Moavi — ) gives the kallah a ring by means of מואבי ,helps his child to become a professional for measure. Why is the punishment for to teach that only Moabite men are he should impress upon him to be a which he acquires her and makes her his not offering bread and water perpetual precluded, but Moabite woman may Torah-observing professional. “arusah” — “betrothed” — similarly, exclusion from the Jewish people? join Klal Yisrael in marriage, “like one Hashem acquired the Jewish people TheT orah therefore says “vehayah” — who finds abundant spoils.” ANSWER: Hashem forbade harming through the Luchot — Tablets — )לקוטי בתר לקוטי בשם ברוך טעם( it is worthy to rejoice if one leaves as the Amonites and the Moabites because which He gave them. an inheritance to his children not only "כי יקח איש אשה" of two women who would ultimately that which he never had in his youth, The act of acquiring the woman is called come from them, Ruth the Moabite but also “eit asher yihyeh lo” — “that “If a man marries a woman.” (24:1) “kiddushin” — “sanctification” — and who is the ancestor of Mashiach, and which he possesses” — i.e. the Torah therefore the chatan says to the kallah, Na’amah the Amonite who would QUESTION: Regarding the appropri- upbringing which he received and the “Harei at mekudeshet li” — “You are become the wife of King Shlomo (see ate marriage our sages (Pesachim 49a) Torah lifestyle which he practices. sanctified to me.” The reason is; just Bava Kamma 38b). comment, “Invei hagefen be’invei as when one sanctifies something to — ”hagefen davar na’ah umitkabeil "וכי יהיה באיש חטא משפט מות TheR abbis forbade eating bread baked Hashem he separates it from everything The mingling of the grapes of the vine“ והומת ותלית אתו על עץ" by gentiles out of concern that sharing else and designates it specifically to with the grapes of the vine is beautiful “If a man shall have committed a sin food can bring about a closeness which Hashem, similarly, the woman is now and acceptable.” whose judgment is death, and he be put may lead to intermarriage (see Shabbat separated from the entire world and to death, and you shall hang him on a 17b). Similarly, the people of Amon Why the analogy to grapes and not belongs only to her husband (see Kid- gallows.” (21:22) and Moab did not offer bread so that another fruit? dushin 2b). their people would not marry Jews. QUESTION: The words “cheit” — ANSWER: Before eating a fruit that Thus, in the blessing we state that we Moreover, they hoped that by training “sin” — and “vehumat” — “and he be grows on a tree, one must recite the are emulating Hashem who, at the giv- their people to distance themselves put to death” — are superfluous. It berachah, “Borei peri ha’eitz.” On ing of the Torah, sanctified the Jewish from the Jews they would prevent Ruth could have said, “If a man shall have a the juice of the fruit one recites the people — separated them from the and Na’amah from becoming part of judgment of death, and you shall hang berachah, “Shehakol niheyah bide- rest of the world and designated them the Jewish people. him on a gallows”? varo,” which is lower in the ranking of for Himself as His people — through Since their intent was to prevent inter- berachot. The only exception to this chuppah — the suspended mountain ANSWER: When the great Kabbalist marriage between their people and the rule is in the case of grapes. While the over them — and kiddushin — the Rabbi Moshe Cordevero passed away, Jewish people, their punishment was fruit itself has the berachah, “Borei peri giving of the Tablets. the Arizal delivered a eulogy based on )כסא דוד להחיד"א( permanent exclusion from joining the ha’eitz,” the juice is kovei’a berachah this pasuk. He explained that the word Jewish people in marriage. le’atzmo — acquires a berachah for “cheit” does not only mean “sin” but itself — “Borei peri hagafen” — which also means “lack, miss” as in the pasuk, The Gemara Y( evamot 76b) declares is considered higher in the hierarchy of It is possible that the suspended trans- “Men, all of whom could sling a stone that the prohibition applies only to the berachot than “Borei peri ha’eitz.” parent mountain is a source for the at a hair ‘velo yachti’ — and not miss” males and not to the females because it custom of having a chuppah under the (Judges 20:16). Another example is was the role of the men not the women The originators of a family are the open sky. Hashem’s enabling the Jews Batsheva’s statement to King David, to go out on the dangerous paths of the parents, who are compared to the vine, to see the stars was a blessing that they “Vehayiti ani ubeni Shlomo chata’im” wilderness to bring food and drink to and the offspring are compared to the multiply as the stars in the heavens. — “I and my son Shlomo will be lack- their Jewish cousins. Thus, while men grapes. Our sages are telling us that a September 12, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 9

you a great nation” is a reference to poor man. Now that his situation is Vedibarta Bam ~ Pirkei Avos that which they say in the Shemonah alleviated, his complaining will cease Esreih, “Elokei Avraham” — “G d that the previous generation appears and he will be at peace with Hashem. Chapters 1 of Avraham.” “I will bless you” is a )מדרש שמואל( antiquated and primitive. Surpassing reference to that which they say” in "שמעון הצדיק" prior accomplishments, humanity Shemoneh Esreih, “Elokei Yitzchak” “Shimon the Righteous” (1:2) continues to progress and increase in — “G d of Yitzchok.” I will make your sophistication. With all this progress Alternatively, in our prayers we beseech, QUESTION: Why was he called name great” is a reference to that which and advancement, some claim that “He who makes peace in His heights, Shimon the Righteous? they say in Shemoneh Esreih, “Elokei Torah and the Torah lifestyle should may He make peace for us.” What is Yaakov” — “G d of Yaakov.” “But,” ANSWER: Shimon earned the title be modified to the contemporary the analogy? Hashem told Avraham, “And you “HaTzaddik” — “the righteous” — modern age. will be a blessing” to imply that “the Hashem called the heavens “shamayim” for his great piety, which was evident Shimon HaTzaddik’s message is that berachah will be concluded with your because they consist of two com- throughout the forty years he served as regardless of contemporary progress, name only — Magen Avraham — and ponents: eish — fire — and mayim Kohen Gadol — High Priest — in the there are three things in which the not with them.” — water. These are two rivals, since second Beit Hamikdash. The Gemara world must be “omeid” — “stationary” water extinguishes fire and fire can (Yoma 39a) relates that during the entire Wouldn’t Avraham be happier if Yitzchak — i.e. remain the same as in previous evaporate water, and Hashem made period that he served as Kohen Gadol, and Yaakov were also mentioned in the times without being altered, modern- peace between them (Chagigah 12a). the crimson colored strap which was conclusion of the berachah? ized, or modified in the minutest way. tied between the horns of the bullock on The physical body consists of four They areT orah, service of Hashem, and According to Rashi, the pasuk is pro- Yom Kippur would become white. This elements: fire, water, air, and earth. acts of kindness. In regard to these the jecting the history of K’lal Yisrael. signified that Hashem had forgiven the A healthy person’s body must have a Jews in all generations must maintain There will be a time when the major sins of K’lal Yisrael. Also, during all the specific amount of heat, and the water their observance in accordance with the relationship between the Jews and years he served in the Beit Hamikdash, cools the body. If the body temperature old established authentic ways of our Hashem will be through the study of the neir ma’aravi — westernmost light is too high, one can expire due to rabbis of previous generations. Torah (Elokei Yaakov). At other times on the menorah — candelabra – was hyperthermia, and if it is too low, one it will be through tefillah — prayer )כנסת ישראל – ליקוט ע"י ר' ישראל ז"ל never extinguished, although in it was can expire due to hypothermia. Our Elokei Yitzchak), and there will be a) גאלדמאנן, סעאיני –רומיניא–, תרפ"ד( put as much oil as in the others and it prayer to Hashem is that just as He period when it will be through chessed makes peace in the heights — between "על התורה ועל העבודה ועל גמילות was the first to be kindled. This miracle — tzedakah (Elokei Avraham). fire and water so that the heavens חסדים" was taken as a sign that the Shechinah — Divine Presence — dwells in Israel However, the “concluding phase” of can exist, likewise — may He make “On [the study of] Torah, the service [of .)(see Rashi galut and the coming of Ma-shiach will peace for us so that there will be an G d], and deeds of kindness.” (1:2) not be dependent on all three pillars, equilibrium between the fire and water The Gemara (ibid. 69a) relates that QUESTION: The three patriarchs but will occur in the zechut of deeds in our body. when Alexander the Ma-cedonian were each the prototype of one of of kindness alone, which is personified came to destroy the Beit Hamikdash King Shlomo says, “Tzedakah tatzil the above spiritual qualities. Yaakov by Avraham. (upon the request of the Cutheans), mimavet” — “Charity saves from )שמעתי מזקני הרב צבי Shimon HaTzaddik robed himself in death” (Proverbs 10:12). Thus, through הכהן ז"ל קפלן( the Priest¬ly garments and went out tzedakah the peace between the fire and to meet him. When he saw Shimon Chapter 2 the water in the body is maintained. )זרע יצחק מר' יצחק ז"ל חיות( "מרבה צדקה מרבה -HaTzaddik, he descended from his car "קנה לו דברי תורה קנה לו חיי עולם שלום" riage and bowed down before him. The הבא" Cutheans said to him, “How can a great king like your¬self bow down before “ Increasing charity this Jew?” He answered, “An image in increases peace.” “One who has acquired for himself the likeness of this man gains victory (2:7) Torah knowledge has acquired for him- before me on all my battlefields.” self life in the world to come.” (2:7) QUESTION: What In the year he died, he foretold that he peace is made by giv- QUESTION: The first “lo” — for would die. Upon being asked how he ing charity? himself — seems extra? knew he replied, “Every Yom Kippur ANSWER: On the ANSWER: A story is told of a great an old man dressed in white would join pasuk, “Do not glo- scholar who was unfortunately lacking me entering the Kodesh Hakadashim rify a destitute per- much in his inter-personal relation- — Holy of Holies — and leaving it son in his grievance” ships. Once, someone praised him to a with me. Today I was met by an old (Shemot 23:3), the Chassidic Rebbe, saying, “He learned man dressed in black, who entered but Or Hachaim asks, the entire shas” (Talmud). The Rebbe did not exit with me.” Seven days after represented Torah. He is described as, “What is the grievance of the poor retorted, “He may have learned the Sukkot, he passed away (ibid. 39b). “A wholesome man, abiding in tents man?” He answers, often the poor man entire shas, but what did shas teach According to the Jerusalem Talmud [the Yeshivot of Shem and Eiver]” is grieved about his economic situation him?” There are people who learn (5:2), the “old man” was the Shechinah. (Bereishit 25:27, Rashi). Yitzchak rep- and may express his frustration and very much, but unfortunately their (See Tosafot, Menachot 109b). resents avodah — sacrifice. He allowed anger against Hashem: “Why does learning does not have an effect on himself be brought up as an offer¬ing to He take care of everyone and forsake their character. With the word “lo” the "שמעון הצדיק...אומר, 'על שלשה Hashem. Also, if avodah is interpreted me?” Sage is emphasizing, “If one has learned דברים העולם עומד: על התורה, ועל as tefillah — prayer — it says of him, Torah and truly internalized it and this העבודה, ועל גמילות חסדים' " When one extends tzedakah to the “And Yitzchak went out to supplicate in has made him into a better person, then “Shimon the Righteous...used to say, needy, he refutes the contention of the the field” (ibid. 24:63). Avraham who he has acquired for himself the world ‘The world stands on three things: On was renown for his acts of kindness, to come.” [the study of] Torah’ the service [of G corresponds to gemilut chassadim d], and deeds of kindness.’ ” (1:2) (Megaleh Amukot, Bereishit). The longest running English Shiur in QUESTION: Instead of saying, “The If so, why is gemilut chassadim listed PIRKEI AVOS SHIUR Crown Heights--26 years and still going world stands on three things” and then strong! last, when Avraham was the first of the For Women and Girls enumerating them, he should have just patriarchs? said “Study Torah, serve Hashem, and 5:30-6 PM Halachos and Insights of Tefilla with Rabbi Michoel Seligson do acts of kindness”? ANSWER: Hashem told Avraham to leave his native land and promised him 6-7 PM Pirkei Avos with Different Speaker each week. ANSWER: There is no question that that “I will make you a great nation: I over the years the world has progressed Congregation ANASH 770 Montgomery St. will bless you, I will make your name immensely. Modern technology has great, and you will be a blessing” (ibid. Use women's entrance on the side of the building. changed our lifestyle so drastically 12:2). Rashi explains that “I will make 10 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008

Rabbi Schneur Zalman: Alter Rebbe

Chai Elul 1745-1812 Before his marriage, Rabbi Schneur Zal- of Miezricz, Rabbi Dov Ber, the disciple barely twenty-five years old, Rabbi man began to take an active interest in and successor of the Baal-Sheni-Tov. It Dov Ber chose him, the youngest of Reprinted from Chabad.org the economic position of his brethren. was said: “In Wilno you learn how to his disciples, to re-edit the Shulchan I. Early Years He had always felt that the towns and master the Torah; in Miezricz you learn Aruch. It was 200 years since Rabbi cities were too overcrowded to offer how to let the Torah master you.” Rabbi Joseph Caro Rabbi Schneur Zalman was born on many opportunities to the Jews for Schneur Zalman made the momentous the 18th day of Elul (which is also the had written his famous work. During mak­ing a living, and that more Jews decision to go to Miezricz. This was the birthday of the Baal-Shem-Tov), in the this time much material had been should settle on the land and engage turning point in his life. year 5505 (1745), in the town of Liozna, added to the Halachah literature, and province of Mohilev, in White Russia, Rabbi Schneur Zal- it was Rabbi Schneur Zalman’s task to which was part of Poland at that time. man’s father-in-law examine and sift all the newR abbinical His parents, Baruch and Rivkah, had was vehemently material, make decisions where neces- three sons, all of whom were outstand- opposed to his sary in the light of the earlier codifiers ing Talmud scholars and Rabbis. going to Miezricz. and Talmudic authorities, and finally Like many other embody the re­sults into the new edition Rabbi Schneur Zalman’s father was a Jews at that time, of the Shulchan Aruch, thus bringing man of some means. He came from a who knew very it up-to-date. Rabbi Schneur Zalman family that originally lived in Bohemia little of Chassidus superbly accomplished this task, which and directly traced its ancestry to the and what it stood gave him an honored place among famed Rabbi Yehuda Lowe (Maharal) for, Yehuda Leib the great codifiers of Jewish Law. The of Prague. R’ Baruch was a secret Segal was a bitter work became known as the “Rav’s follower of the Baal-Shem-Tov, and opponent of the Shulchan Aruch,” in distinction from when Schneur Zalman reached the age new move­ment. its forerunner. of three years, his father took him to He threatened to the Baal-Shem-Tov for the traditional Several years later he began to work out deprive his son-in- haircutting ceremony. That was the his Chabad system of Chassidus, which law and daughter only time that Rabbi Schneur Zalman he eventually published in his famous of any further saw the Baal-Shem-Tov in his life, work Likkutei Amarim, or Tanya.’ though he was fifteen years old when financial assistance On the 19th of Kislev, in the year 5532 the Baal-Shem-Tov passed away. It was if Rabbi Schneur (1772) , Rabbi Dov Ber passed away. the Baal-Shem-Tov’s wish that Rabbi Zalman did not His disciples resolved to continue Schneur Zalman should find his own in agri­cultural pursuits. In his younger change his mind. But Sterna stood by spreading the teachings of Chassidus way of Chassidus. days he stood up on a wagon in the her husband and agreed to his leaving in their respective territories. Rabbi market place in Liozna, where many home for eighteen months. She sold Until the age of twelve Schneur Zal­man Schneur Zalman’s task was to capture Jews had gathered for the local Fair, and some of her precious possessions to buy studied under a scholar of noble char- the very stronghold of the opposition, delivered a talk on the need of settling a horse and cart for her husband to make acter, Rabbi Issachar Ber, in Luba­vitch. the province of Lithuania, with Wilno, on the land. Now that he was married the long trip. Rabbi Schneur Zalman Then his teacher sent him back home, the seat of the famed Gaon Rabbi Elijah. and in possession of a substantial set out for Miezricz together with his informing his father that the boy could During the next three years Rabbi dowry, he created a special fund, with brother Rabbi Yehuda Leib. Having continue his studies without the aid of Schneur Zalman visited many impor- the consent of his wife, to help Jewish made their way to Orsha, a distance of a teacher. tant communities, where he preached families settle on the land. fifty miles, the horse collapsed. Rabbi publicly and won many followers. But During these early years, Schneur Schneur Zalman then learned that his Rabbi Schneur Zalman’s father-in-law the spread of the Chassidic movement Zalman was introduced also to math- brother had left home without his wife’s had dealings with the nobles and high only sharpened the opposition. Rabbi ematics, geometry and astronomy by consent. He urged him to return home, officials in and around Vitebsk. Two Schneur Zalman, accompanied by his two learned brothers, refugees from while he himself continued his journey occasions presented themselves to him senior colleague Rabbi Menachem Bohemia, who had settled in the vicin- to Miezricz on foot. to introduce his brilliant son-in-law Mendel of Horodok, went to Wilno in ity of Liozna. One of them was also a to these circles. One occasion was His first impressions were not the hope of convincing the Gaon that scholar of the Kabbalah. when the sun-dial in the garden of the en­couraging, but Rabbi Schneur Zal- his opposition was based on misinfor- When Schneur Zalman reached the governor of Vitebsk suddenly stopped man decided to stay, and before long mation. But Rabbi Elijah refused to age of Bar Mitzvah and, in accordance func­tioning perfectly. Severa1 scientists he rea­lized how saintly and learned see them. Rabbi Menachem Mendel with custom, delivered his first public whom the governor had called in, failed Rabbi Dov Ber was, and becar4o his and some other Chassidic leaders and discourse on the Talmud, he was to solve the mystery. Finally, the young devoted disciple. followers left for the HolyL and. Rabbi acclaimed as an outstanding Talmud Rabbi Schneur Zalman was invited to Schneur Zalman undertook to raise Returning to Vitebsk after eighteen take a look at it and he discovered the funds for their support. When Rabbi scholar. He was thereupon elected as an months, as he had promised his wife, cause of the malfunction in an obstruc­ Menachem Mendel died (in 178 8) , honorary member of the local Chevra Rabbi Schneur Zalman met with a tion created by trees that had grown Rabbi Schneur Zalman was recognized Kaddisha and entered into the pinkas great deal of animosity on the part of tall on a hill at a certain distance away. as the chief leader of the Chassidim. (Register) of the community with his wife’s family and other members The other occasion was when he solved titles and honors given only to mature of the community. But he also gained III. The Rebbe and Leader a mathematical problem with which the scholars of exceptional merit. a number of followers who were eager local academy of science had been wres­ Rabbi Schneur Zalman established to learn about the Chassidic teachings The fame of the young iluy (prodigy of tling for a long time.’ Rabbi .Schneur a school of selected disciples in his and way of life. Soon Rabbi Schneur learning) reached Vitebsk, where one of Zalman’s reputation and acquaintance home­town Liozna. Under his wise Zalman went to Miezricz again, and its most prominent Jews, Yehuda Leib with the local nobility later stood him leadership and guidance, many well- continued to visit his master from time Segal, a man of considerable wealth in good stead. organized Chas­sidic communities to time, following him also to Rovno and scholarship, and a leader in the were established. He was a lover of II. Turning Point and Anipoli, where Rabbi Dov Ber com­munity, desired to have him as peace, and he urged his followers to moved towards the end of his life. his son-in­law. Rabbi Schneur Zalman Being a very ardent student, and gifted refrain from debates and quarrels with was fifteen years old when he married with a brilliant mind, Rabbi Schneur For several years Rabbi Schneur Zal­ their opponents. He intro­duced many Sterna, Yehuda Leib’s daughter. She Zalman had become proficient in the man and his wife suffered many hard­ important ordinances to improve proved to be a worthy mate, who stood en­tire Talmudic literature ,with all its ships. Finally, in the year 5527 (1767), the standards of prayer and re­ligious by him through­out his lifetime. As was com­mentaries and early and late pos- he was offered the position of Maggid observances. He insisted that the the custom in the better families of kim (codifiers), before he was eighteen (preacher) in his home town Liozna. prayers in the Chassidic congrega- those days, the young couple was fully years old. Soon afterwards he decided He accepted this post, which he held tions should be recited unhurriedly supported by the wife’s father for several to leave home in search of a teacher and for the next thirty years, until he moved and with devotion. He established years, so that the young scholar could guide to help him attain a higher degree to Liadi after his second arrest and the proper text of the prayers, Nusach dedicate all of his time to the learning of Divine service. From wandering liberation (in 180b). Ari, publishing a Nusach Ari Siddur of Torah. scholars that passed through Vitebsk (in two volumes). The nusach is often When Rabbi Schneur Zalman was he had heard about the saintly teacher Continued on the next page September 12, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 11

The Baal Shem Tov (5458-5520)

Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov was born on “Those days were the happiest in my One day a prominent Jew, Ephraim had to come out into the open and carry the 18th day of Elul in the year 5458 in a life,” he once said many years later, “and of Kutty, came to him with a disputed out his mission to the fullest extent. little town called Okup in theU kraine. nothing is so acceptable to G-d as the case, and he was so impressed with R’ Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov settled in The name ‘Baal Shem Tov’ meaning prayers and blessings coming from the Israel, that he offered to give his daugh- Miedzyboz. He began to preach his ‘the master of the Name’, was given him lips of those pure kiddies!” ter Leah Rachel to him in marriage. The teachings and doctrines in public, and at later, when he became known as a great agreement was thereupon recorded, and At the age of 14, the Baal Shem Tov once began to attract unusual attention and pious leader, with divine powers to R’ Ephraim returned home. When the joined the legion of ‘Tzadikim nistarim’ and numerous followers. Many young perform miracles. time of the wedding drew near, R’ Israel ) (pious and learned Jews who disguised men, as well as venerable scholars, came went to Brody, to the bride’s brother (for At the age of 5 he lost his father, Eliezer, themselves as poor and simple folk, so to Miedzyboz to learn the new way her father had died in the meantime) who was a very pious and modest man, that they could mix with the poor and of worshipping G-d and to attain the to claim his bride. He was disguised greatly respected in his community. unlearned Jews and do their good work highest moral heights. They became in the garb of a poor peasant, and was Before his death, Eliezer called his little among them). The spiritual leader of ardent disciples of the Baal Shev Tov, too modest to show any scholarship. son to his bedside and told him: ‘My last these ‘secret service men’ was the great and were called ‘Hassidim’-meaning His would-be brother-in-law, who was message to you, dear son, is: Fear no one and saintly Baal Shem Rabbi Adam of pious Jews. Among his many thousands a respected and well known scholar, and nothing, but G-d alone! Love every Ropshitz, the successor of Rabbi Joel of followers was an outstanding Tal- was shocked at the prospect of having Jew with all your heart and soul!’ Baal Shem of Zamushtz, who in turn mudist, named Rabbi Bear of Meseritz such an ignorant relative, but the bride, was the successor of Rabbi Elijah Baal who later became his successor, and the The little orphan was placed in the care looking into the soul of her suitor rather Shem of Worms-all the three of them teacher of the celebrated Rabbi Schneur of a teacher in ‘cheder’. Whenever the than his appearance. accepted him as were renowned for their piety and Zalman of Liady, the founder of ‘Habad little boy had an opportunity, he ran her husband. scholarship and divine powers. Hassidism.’ to the nearby woods, spending hours R’ Israel and his wife retired to the absorbed in thought, watching the great In the year 5476, when the Baal Shem The teachings of Hassidism stressed Carpathian mountains, where they miracles of nature, and seeing the divine Tov was eighteen years of age, he the importance of prayer, and the lived in great poverty, but Israel had all hand in every little flower and blade introduced a new kind of service for observance of all the precepts and com- the solitude he desired and could devote of grass. This nature study in his early the ‘Nistarim’ to perform. They were to mandments of the Torah with a spirit his time to the study of the Torah and youth left a profound impression upon devote themselves to the education of of cheerfulness, and with all the heart. Kabbalah. him, and later on, in one of his lectures the Jewish children. There were many Simple faith is something that every Jew to his disciples, he said: “When you see a Jewish settlements and tiny communi- The Baal Shem Tov became the spiri- possesses, and through devout prayer leaf blown from a tree and whirled along ties where there were no Jewish teachers tual leader of the legion of `Tzadikim and the reciting of the Psalms, even the the pathway, don’t think it’s an accident, and no Torah-schools (chedarim), and Nistarim’ and he directed all their unlearned Jew can attain a high spiritual for it’s moved by the will of G-d!” the ‘Nistarim’ had to provide teachers activities. When countless chedarim plane. Selfless affection for fellow Jews from their own ranks. and Yeshivoth had been established and selfless devotion to’ the Torah At an early age he was appointed assis- in various Jewish communities, the was to be steadily cultivated, together tant to the teacher of the cheder. His Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov himself set Baal Shem Tov gave them a new task. with a feeling of humility and absolute duties were to recite the Shema and the up a cheder of his own in a little town They were now to devote their services modesty. By countless thousands of blessings and prayers with the youngest in Galicia, called Tlosty. primarily. to the grown ups who also Jews, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov is children, as well as to conduct them to In his private life, Israel was a plain and needed a good education and training; regarded as a divinely sent prophet who cheder and back home. He loved the modest young man, but his wisdom and they had to raise the plain folk from the instilled new life and new hope into the little children with all his heart, and it honesty attracted the attention of his swamp of ignorance to a place among scattered and shattered flocks Iof srael was his greatest joy to teach the pure fellow Jews, and many brought their the learned. This they had to achieve in all lands, and fortified them with little children the prayers and blessings. disputes to him for arbitration. through creating widespread interest faith and courage to meet the dreadful in the Torah, and through showing a days that were to come on the eve of The Alter Rebbe The burden of leadership began to Continued from page 10 good example of devotion to the Torah the coming of the righteous Messiah, weigh very heavily on him. He had called Nusach Cha­bad. He insisted that and precepts. speedily in our time. some 100,000 personal followers Chassidic shochtim should use steel (Chas­sidim) at this time, and their At the age of thirty-six it was divinely Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov died in knives for Shechitah (in­stead of the numbers were increasing steadily. Many revealed to him that he had a special Miedzyboz on the first day of Shovuos older wrought iron knives), to ensure people besieged him with their personal mission to perform-to spread new light in the year 5520, at the age of 62, but the better observance of Kashrus. He problems, material and spiritual. He and instill new life into Israel through his teachings are still studied and introduced the warm Mikvah. The two appealed to them to address their mate- the teachings of `Hassidism.’ He could followed by the numerous Hassidim last mentioned improvements, which rial problems to their Father in Heaven, no longer remain disguised, and could in all lands. בס”ד at first raised a storm of protest on the and come to him only with spiritual no longer carry on his work in secret. He part of some opponents, have eventually problems. He published the Tanya as been accepted by all orthodox Jews. a “guide” to spiritual problems. But Great news!!! ChabadWeekly.com Great news!!! During the years 1781-1788 Rabbi Sch- those were diffi­cult times for the Jews neur Zalman was very busy organ­izing of Russia, and he could not free himself ‘Chabad Weekly’ is an online listing of - Full page ads, Events, and defending the position of the Chas- of the burdens of leadership. Advertisements, Jobs, Sales, Housing and much more. sidic communities. But the next seven In 5558 (1798) a group of extremists years (1788-1795) were relatively quiet, among the opposition denounced The concept of ‘Chabad Weekly’ was taken from Craigslist, where which gave Rabbi Schneur Zalman the Rabbi Schneur Zalman and some of you post your information free, and re-enter your information longed-for opportunity ,to devote more his leading Chassidim to the Russian every seven days. time to spread Chassidus. authorities in Petersburg as traitors to With the partition of Poland in 1793 the Czar. The false accusation was well Advantages: and again in 1795, when Russia took timed. The territory had only recently 1) Text and images are free. over large Polish territories densely been annexed from Poland, and Czar 2) Your information will stay on site for seven days. popu­lated by Jews, there arose many Paul was highly sensitive to any activi- 3) Post it yourself – with no middleman. economic problems, which were wors- ties by Polish nationalists. Besides, 4) Your information is neatly posted (header in center, and ened by re­strictions placed on Jews Russia and Turkey had been at war details/images to the right). by the Russian government. Rabbi for years. The fact that Rabbi Schneur 5) Site could be sorted in many ways, to make your search Schneur Zalman proved himself to be Zalman collected funds to support the easier and faster. a wise leader not only of the Chassidim, needy in the Holy Land (which was 6) ‘Full page’ section, where you can upload your image or but of Jews in general. Thus he created part of the Turkish empire) was used document to be displayed on a full page (useful for posting a pattern of dedicated leadership-both by these slanderers as “evidence” that yers, brochures etc). Full page section is not free. as a Chassidic leader (“Rebbe”) and Rabbi Schneur Zalman was an “enemy” as a Jewish leader in general-a pattern of Russia. Sponsored by: UnionApartment.com. which was followed by his successors, (To be continued) Where you will nd our accommodations the heads of Chabad to this day. comfortable and pleasant. 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008

Rav Tzvi Meir Steinmetz- The Rebbe’s Poet By R. Yaffe and E. Tauber streams of Yiddishkeit--the traditional grandchildren during family celebra- demonstrations of feeling. Yet from the Chassidic way and the path of the tions, he liked to quote the words of moment I saw him, I knew that before TheR ebbe called Rav Tzvi Meir Stein- religious German Jewish thinkers--was Yaakov Ovinu, “I am unworthy of all me was an Ish Elokim.” metz “the Hungarian ambassador.” interrupted suddenly and tragically the kindness that You have granted Indeed, from the moment he became Before assuming his duties as principal with the advent of World War II. Tzvi me. For with my staff (alone)I crossed a chossid of the Rebbe, Rav Steinmetz of Bais Rivka, Rav Steinmetz had a Meir wrote a haunting and prophetic the Yarden .” strove to be the Rebbe’s shliach in every yechidus with the Rebbe. They dis- poem entitled “Asifas Nemerov (the area of his life -in his books of poems, When the war ended, Rav Steinmetz cussed the challenges in education, and Gathering of Nemerov)” alluding to in his work in chinuch, in his shiurim and his family were reunited. He dis- Rav Steinmetz was deeply impressed by the suffering of the Jews of Poland and lectures, and even in his job as a covered to his joy that his parents and the Rebbe’s approach. at the hands of the Nazis. The poem real estate broker. six of his sisters had survived. Grateful caused a stir in the literary circles in Later, he attended Farbrengens. Rav villagers, who remembered the family’s He saw his life as a spiritual quest which Budapest. When it was read in the Steinmetz recalled, “I was accustomed kindness and generosity had culminated in the discovery of Chabad to hearing Rebbes speak divrei Torah hidden them in bunkers in the Chassidus. for a quarter or half an hour. But here mountains, bringing them food the Rebbe was holding forth for hours, At that time, Rav Steinmetz was the until the liberation. “How could moving effortlessly from Talmudic father of family, an immigrant strug- we allow Berko (Tzvi Meir’s reasoning, to philosophy, to chassidus. gling to make a living in America . father) to perish of hunger,” He opened new vistas before me, gave But he attached himself to the Rebbe they asked, “after he provided new directions to my thoughts. I was with the fervor and excitement of a us with our livelihood for so enchanted.” young boy. many years?” Rav Steinmetz experienced a special Tzvi Meir’s journey began in the village In 1948, as the iron curtain came joy in his attachment to the Rebbe. of Brister in Carpathian Ruthenia on down over Eastern Europe, the He no longer felt lonely in his spiritual the border of Galicia. His father, Rabbi Steinmetz family moved to quest. The questions and issues he Shlomo Dov, was one of the few pros- Vienna, Austria. had struggled with on his own were perous merchants in the small village. Rav Steinmetz served as editor, answered by the Rebbe. “The Rebbe Shlomo Dov and his wife Leah Gittel and when necessary sole writer gave me the keys to understanding and had an open house, dispensing tzedaka of “Di Stimme Israel,” a journal Avoda.” and hospitality to everyone in need. published by Benyomin Screiber, Rav Tzvi Meir recalled the many guests Eventually, Rav Steinmetz gathered the president of the Agudat Israel that surrounded the Shabbos table, and courage to tell the Rebbe that he wrote of Austria. In Vienna, he also the straw mattresses that were spread poetry, and that not all the poems were published a volume of Hebrew across the floor for travelers. about Chassidic topics. The Rebbe main synagogue, people cried bitterly, poetry, dedicated to the kedoshim of smiled and said, “You can show them Tzvi Meir was an only son among seven dreading what lay ahead of them. the shoah. to me. They won’t do me any harm.” daughters, and his father took great When the Nazis conquered Hungary Early in 1952, Tzvi Meir and his family The Rebbe had a great understanding pains to give him the best chinuch (1944), Rav Steinmetz and his family came to the United States with their of literature and encouraged him in his possible. He hired a brilliant and were forced to go into hiding. He three daughters. Both he and his literary ventures. When Rav Steinmetz accomplished Rabbi, a refugee from managed to find a safe haven for his wife Devora were eager to escape the worried that writing poetry was taking Poland, to teach his son Chumash, wife and daughters, and also for several continent of death and suffering. They time away from learning Torah, the Tanach, Dikduk,, and even astronomy. orphaned nieces and nephews. One were also determined to live in a place Rebbe assured him, “There will be At the tender age of eight, Tzvi Meir nephew, Andre Garfein yichye, recalls where his daughters would receive a people who will learn Torah because already demonstrated a love of learning his uncle walking with him to a place of chinch “al taharas hakodesh“. they were inspired by your poetry. The and writing. He wrote his own original refuge through the streets of Budapest, merit of their learning will be credited composition about the month of Nissan Arriving in the United States, the while reciting the entire Megilla by to you.” At another time, the Rebbe in which he was born, enumerating the Steinmetzes had to find a means of live- heart, for it was Purim. said, “Many sichos are incorporated in unique characteristics of that month. lihood. HaRav Hachossid Rabbi Yisroel these poems.” Rav Steinmetz did not often dwell on Jacobson offeredT zvi Meir a teaching Later, his father sent him to learn in the these dark days. But one harrowing and administrative position in Bais With the Rebbe’s encouragement, Rav Yeshiva of Galanta, where he succeeded escape became part of family history. Rivka. It was his first encounter with Steinmetz published three volumes of in the study of Shas and Poskim. As Rav Steinmetz was hiding in a deserted Chabad Chassidus. He watched the poetry. under the pen name “Tzvi Yair.”. a young man, he was also interested warehouse with some other people who Rebbe davening , and he was instantly The first was dedicated to the Rebbe, in Jewish thought and philosophy. were for one reason or another, fugitives captivated. “I had seen the holy Rebbes as follows: He was drawn to the approach of in Nazi Hungary. Suddenly, a group in Europe,” he explained, “praying with Rabbi Shamshon Raphael Hirsch, Tzvi L’zadik - of German soldiers burst into their a fervor that was apparent to all. The which combined Torah with secular hiding place,and demanded to see their Rebbe prayed quietly, without outward To the one who in the shadow of the knowledge. However, he felt a deep identification papers. After inspecting wings of his love, loyalty to chassidus, inherited from these, the soldiers ordered the fugitives both of his parents. He was proud of the love of father and brother, to come to Nazi headquarters, a certain his family’s distinguished yichus, and death sentence for a Jew. Miraculously, have found refuge and peace, that his family were Chassidim of Sanz, three Hungarian officers materialized Viznitz, Dolin and Riditzov. all the lost and forsaken, in full uniform. Ordering the Gernan In his twenties, Tzvi Meir was the soldiers to leave, they declared that to kvod kdushas the Rebbe of beloved student of the Slotvene Rebbe this was their country and they would Lubavitch,” in Siget. In spite of the dangerous times, take care of the matter. Swiftly look- Tzvi Yair’s poems were acclaimed the Slotvene Rebbe traveled by train to ing through the papers, they approved by critics and teachers in Israel, who officiate at Tzvi Meir’s wedding. Rav them all, “even a cleaner’s ticket,” Rav marveled how a writer who had never Steinmetz married Devora Eisenberg, Steinmetz used to say. He saw in this lived in Israel could write such a beauti- from a distinguished chassidishe family. story an example of the many miracles ful, classical Hebrew. He visited Israel She was to be his true “ezer k’negdo” every survivor experienced. several times, speaking to the general for the next 65 years. They moved to Rav Steinmetz expressed his gratitude public, and at Bais Yaakovs schools, Hungary, where the young scholar tried, for his deliverance in his poetry, as which had incorporated his poems into not very successfully, to take part in his well as his sorrow for those who were their curriculum. in-laws wholesale grocery business. not spared. In later years, surrounded Year after year, Tzvi Meir presented the The conflict he felt between the two by children, grandchildren and great Rebbe with a unique birthday gift, a poem September 12, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 13

Horav Meir Itkin Meir with a long life. joy in the many family celebrations. and was hospitalized. On the 17th of Elul, nine months after the ptira of his Continued on page 5 Reb Meir owned and worked in a Reb Meir was a chossid of the old school, oldest son, Reb Meir returned his soul city of Lemberg. They spent several sweater factory well into his 80’s. Never- a remnant of another time and place. He to its creator. years in displaced person camps before theless, he continued to work on himself conducted himself with the integrity moving to France. Reb Meir worked as and would often fast on specific days. and fear of heaven that one reads about Reb Meir left his wife,M rs. Sima Itkin a shochet in Marseilles as the Previous After he retired, he was always seen in the books about chassidim. Reb Meir OBM of Crown Heights; and may they Rebbe advised. In 1953, Reb Meir and with a sefer. He was always learning and did not like to be photographed and live and be well, Mrs. Feigel Rappaport, his family emigrated to the United attending shiurim. He learned three did not pose willingly. The only photos the wife of Horav Dovid Rappaport, States. chapters of Rambam daily, and was available of him are those that were Shluchim in Mequon, Wisconsin; constantly making siyumim on them. taken when he was davening, learning, his daughter, Mrs. Shaindel Tiechtel, Arrival in the U.S. or perform- the Hebrew Department principal TheR ebbe took an interest in Reb Meir’s ing a Mitzva, of the Bais Rivka High School, the personal life. Reb Meir first moved to unaware of wife of Horav Shlomo Tiechtel of Philadelphia and was supported by the photog- Crown Heights; his son, Horav Yosef American cousins. His cousins advised rapher. Yitzchok, Shliach in Pittsburgh, the him, “Study English and become a little mashpia in Yeshiva Achei Tmimim “He Knows Americanized.” Reb Meir immediately and the Pittsburgh community, and H o w T o went to the Rebbe who told him, “You a Director in the Vaad Hakashrus of Do a Yid a don’t need it.” Reb Meir never learned Pittsburgh; his son, HoravM enachem Favor” English. A short while later, Reb Meir Mendel of Melbourne Australia; his received an offer in Philadelphia to Reb Meir was son Horav Leibel, Shliach in Scranton, work as a shochet. The Rebbe advised a genius in PA and a shochet; his daughter, Mrs. him, “If you work there and try to make learning. He Chana Geisinsky, the wife of Horav the employers happy, you will have to was also very Yosef Yitzchok Geisinsky, Shluchim compromise on shechita and if you people smart in Great Neck, New York; and many try to uphold shechita to the highest and in a short grandchildren who serve as the Rebbe’s standard, they will fire you.” After time could shluchim worldwide. this, Reb Meir and his family moved ascertain a Yehi Zichro Boruch! May Hacho- to N.Y. Reb Meir began looking for an person’s true ssid Hatomim Reb Meir, a legendary apartment to rent. TheR ebbe told Reb character. chossid who lived with the values Meir to check if there was a dog at one Reb Meir of his background and upbringing, location that he was considering. He used this gift and at a young age sacrificed himself did so and found that the super had a Despite his advanced age, Reb Meir as a way to determine how to better help for Torah and Mitzvos, who was dog that was hostile to children. Reb made sure to perform mitzvos bhidur. that person. committed to love a fellow Jew in Meir went to the Rebbe and said “I It was hard for him to get around, yet Reb Meir’s ahavas yisroel, hospitality, an exceptional manner to the point want a house near 770, because I want he went to 770 every day. On Motzoei and good heart were legendary. In a of self-sacrifice, and who derived my children to play in 770.” TheR ebbe Yom Kippur at the age of 95, he needed private audience with an individual, pleasure in assisting another Yid gave Reb Meir a brocho to find a house a candle to make Havdala. Although the Rebbe advised him to go and speak in many different ways; serve as nearby. there were grandchildren in the house, to Reb Meir, “Er vais vi tzu ton a Yid the inspiration to take pride in our he insisted on going to 770 to get the Prior to the purchase of their house a toiva”, he knows how to do a Yid a heritage, to pass the traditions to candle for havdala. He refused to give in 1966, the Rebbe advised Reb Meir favor. the younger generations, and to be up one detail of a mitzva. to buy a house in close proximity to sincerely devoted and committed In 2007, on the 17th of Kislev, his son, 770. Reb Meir considered 766 Eastern Reb Meir’s years in New York were good to the well being of a fellow Jew, Hachossid Reb Chaim Schneur Zal- Parkway. Visiting the house, he opened ones in that he merited, due to the close especially those among us. man, who served as the Rebbe’s shliach the light and looked across the yard. He proximity of his home to Lubavitch in Hamilton, Canada and was known We should speedily witness “The saw the Rebbetzin Nechama Dina, who headquarters, to enjoy the glow of the for his warmth and great success in ones who dwell in the dust will was closing the light in her apartment. Rebbe on an hourly basis. His seven bringing Yidden closer to Yiddishkeit, awaken and rejoice” with Horav Reb Meir felt that this would be invad- children and tens of grandchildren was suddenly nifter at an untimely Hachossid Reb Meir among them. ing the privacy of the Rebbetzin and brought true chassidishe nachas to him age. This took a toll on Reb Meir. In instead purchased the next house. On and his wife, and they sustained much Elul that year, Reb Meir became ill this occasion, the Rebbe blessed Reb The Rebbe’s Poet the Rebbe’s directive in preserving the to lonely or troubled people. In the on whom he left an indelible impression. Continued from page 12 shechuna when many families were tradition of his family, he gave tzedaka But he always found time to write. fleeing Crown Heights. But he never with an open hand, often secretly. At dedicated to the Rebbe and his leadership. After Gimmel Tamuz, the poet’s pen stopped teaching. He interpreted and the shiva, his family heard for the first The Rebbe would respond with a warm lay idle. But a while later, Tzvi Yair explained the Rebbe’s sichos to those time that Rav Steinmetz had paid the “Yishar Koach far dem shir.” wrote his final poem, a tribute entitled who did not yet know Yiddish. To do tuition of several students in Yeshiva “Lament and Consolation.” He assured On occasion, the Rebbe would critique so, he had to leave early, in the middle Ohel Moshe, where he taught, to the Chassidim, “A faithful shepherd a poem. In one poem, the author of the farbrengen. Upset that he was prevent these children from leaving does not abandon his flock.” complained that the Jewish people were missing part of the farbrengen, he once theYeshiva. And this was at a time seeking Hashem only to fulfill their argued with the Rebbe, “Doesn’t it say when he was a struggling teacher, barely At the age of seventy, the Rebbe gave needs, crying,”give, give.” The Rebbe ‘Your life comes first?’” The Rebbe able to pay his own children’s tuition! Rav Steinmetz a bracha for long years, gently rebuked the author, explaining replied, “This is your life!” He gave Once, in those early years, he wrote a to “gevura” (eighty) and “Lasuach” that asking for our needs from Hashem lectures and shiurim to groups small check for a large amount for the Rebbe. (ninety) explaining the word “lasuach,” is a legitimate and halachik obligation. and large. Once he was invited to speak The Rebbe looked at it, and asked, “Is to speak words of Torah. Rav Steinmetz He told him not to discard the poem. to a meditation group in Long Island. it covered?” Rav Steinmetz assured passed away on Friday, Erev Shabbos, “I am sure you can rescue the poem. He transformed the meditation sessions him that it was. Later, he became an Parshas Ki Setze, the twelfth of Elul. Write it differently.” into Torah classes, delving into the active supporter of Chadrei Torah Ohr, He was ninety years old. inner meaning of the Torah according an organization providing chinch to Even though poetry was such an impor- He is survived by his three daughters: to chassidus. “A number of these people children in Israel who attended public tant part of his life, Rav Steinmetz wrote Yehudis Lazar, a shlucha in Milan, Italy, are now chassidim, frum Jews raising schools., and visited Israel to inspect mostly at night. For many years he was and Rochel Yaffe and Esther Tauber of their own Jewish families,” he would the institution. a teacher, bringing the graduates of Crown Heights. His grandchildren and say with pleasure. his Ohel Moshe Yeshiva class to the He and his wife Devora were deeply great -grandchildren are engaged in Rebbe. Later, he owned a real estate Rav Steinmetz was generous with his involved with their grandchildren, some learning, teaching, writing and dissemi- company, where he was involved at time, counseling, advising and listening who literally grew up in their home., and nating the teachings of the Rebbe. 14 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008

Shleimus Haaretz

Make their Disgrace Widely Known - Section Two: “The Main Thing is Action” Published and copyright © by Sichos In David), they will immediately change in spite of the censor). When everyone responsibility in rescuing the general English their minds and have remorse over the becomes aware that he is the one who public from danger ... and especially approach they have taken for so long. delayed this Operation, no one will community leaders in the Holy Land, In his address of 10 Kislev 5743 Concerning fear of Heaven, there is vote for him (nor his proteges and “The land upon which G-d’s eyes (1982), the Rebbe said: nothing to discuss with them — they his party) in the next elections to the continually rest from the beginning of There is still some hope left; if people are not afraid of G-d, they have no Knesset. Consequently, he will not be the year until the end of the year.” Such will cry out time after time, not from reverence for the Code of Jewish Law. allowed to speak in the name of the leaders have superior capabilities which behind a curtain but publicly, it will That is why they are waging war against Jews of the Land of Israel. (He can must be taken advantage of in full. become apparent that we are not altering the law of “Who is a Jew,” speak in the name of the Arabs, whom In particular, this includes their duty embarrassed to scream out. Possibly, against Sabbath observance, etc. They he benefited by delaying the conclu- to influence the government not to if everyone continued to cry out until have even lost any semblance of shame sion of the war; but not in the name of compromise, G-d forbid, on even one the elections, it might eventually help. in front of other human beings. There the Jewish people!) Apparently this is inch of our Holy Land. This is because As a result, those in charge will set their is only one choice left for us in order to the only action which will affect the the Holy One gave it to the Children of priorities correctly: first and foremost, alter their behavior: politicians. Israel, so that they may dwell there as they would look after the security of We must widely publicize — in such A Directive to Public Servants: free men, even prior to the redemption. those living in the Land of Israel, and a way that everyone will be aware of Staunchly Influence them Not to “There is no true free man, other than only afterwards busy themselves with it — that a certain person delayed Compromise on a Single Inch one who is involved in learning Torah,” other concerns. the prompt and military conclusion in true contentment and security. In In his address of Shabbos Parshas Similarly, on the eve of 3 Tammuz of “Operation Peace for the Gallilee,” this context, we will merit to immedi- Matos-Masei, 5749 (1989), the Rebbe 5742 (1982), the Rebbe said: despite the emphatic opinion of the ately enter and inherit the land, with said: military. The military had stated that it the full and complete redemption by I will not delude myself by thinking was necessary to execute the operation There are special demands placed upon our righteous Moshiach that when we remind the politicians completely (an opinion which was made those who work for the community, of all their past mistakes (e.g. Camp known even in the Israeli newspapers, since they have an added share of Inspiration for the Beginning of the School Year Mashpia ~ Provide for Yourself: a Teacher On Shabbos Chazon, Parshas Devorim, wisdom” (B. Basra 22a). aspects of Divine service really apply also have one Rav. Being biased to one’s 5746, the Lubavitcher Rebbe Shlita (with different emphasis) to both own shortcomings one cannot rely Hopefully, the first set of tests will be referred to the verse in the Haftorah: groups. Thus the yeshivah students on him/herself, so we need someone administered even before Tishah B’Av, must also increase their tzedakah and who is objective, wise and sensitive to Tziyon shall be redeemed with judg- when the emphasis is that “Tziyon their good deeds during this period, help us evaluate our accomplishments. ment and those that return to her, with shall be redeemed with judgment,” which also includes disseminating This must be someone whom we look righteousness. Yeshayahu 1:27) and completed no later than the 15th Torah and the wellsprings of Chassidus up to and whose words and advice we of Av, which has a unique association He elaborated: to the outside. will follow. with Torah. “Judgment” and “righteousness” will On the other hand, the worldly people, “Teacher, Test Me!” As the Gemara relates: bring redemption to the Jewish people. “masters of good deeds,” who must Let everyone, man, woman and child Strong emphasis must be placed on From this day onward [the nights grow mainly increase tzedakah and good therefore fulfill the words of theM ish- Torah study — especially Halachah; longer, and] he who increases [his deeds, should also increase their Torah nah: “Provide yourself with a teacher,” and mitzvos — especially charity. knowledge through increased Torah study during this time. They too, even if it involves bother and tedious Yeshivah students should increase study] will have his life prolonged. should study the laws of the Bais work to find him/her. We speak of a their Torah study and people involved Hamikdosh. Rav-teacher, counselor or mashpia, and in worldly matters should increase Additional Study women and girls must also appoint for their tzedakah. Everyone should for the “Doers” themselves “mashpios.” In this way, have a teacher who will help evaluate from time to time you will visit your his/her achievements in Torah and I therefore address rabbi/mashpia and be examined and Yiddishkeit. this soulful request evaluated. How are you progressing in also to the “masters Masters of Torah: Master Torah! Torah study, what about tzedakah, and of good deeds,” the your general Divine service? Are you Although this directive applies to business people, careful that all your actions should be everyone, since we are dealing with professionals and for the sake of Heaven? This evaluation Torah study and charity, it would working people, will lead to helpful and wise advice. appear that the emphasis should be that they should divided between the two groups of gather for regular Knowing that you must report and Jews, Yissachar and Zevulun, “mas- additional study be “examined” from time to time will ters of Torah” and “masters of good sessions to study sharpen your desire to advance even deeds.” Halachah, from more. now through the Test Your Mettle! This system is very important all year 15th of Av, and round and my suggestion and soulful Another suggestion. It would be proper onwards. request is to publicize this widely, so that the students take examinations To add an aspect that all Jews, men, women and children from time to time to test their level of (Ta’anis 31a; Rashi, loc. cit.) of urgency to this request it would be will fulfill the directive of theM ishnah, knowledge. Knowing that there will Having explained that the role of proper also to connect this directive “Provide yourself with a teacher,” and be periodic testing will increase their “redeeming” Tziyon through Torah is with the concept of “testing.” from time to time will be “tested” in enthusiasm and vigor in their studies. mainly the job of the scholars, “masters their level of Divine service. This will TheM ishnah teaches, “Provide yourself It would also be advisable to transmit of Torah,” while the “return” through certainly magnify and increase all with a teacher” (Avos 1:6). Every Jew the result of the testing in writing. This tzedakah applies mainly to the “masters areas of holiness and goodness in an should seek out and designate for will make the students even more zeal- of good deeds,” people who are involved ever-increasing way. himself/herself a teacher, a Rav whose ous to attain even better grades, for, “the in the more temporal aspects of life, it words he will rely on. One must learn jealousy of scribes (scholars) increases is, nevertheless, self-evident that both from all people, but every Jew should September 12, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 15 Tznius: "America Is Nisht Andersh”

Why a new name for this column? What And we cannot, Chas Vechalila, risk was wrong with just “Tznius”? Because any backsliding. Tznius is not simply a matter of covering I enjoyed the give-and-take with Mrs. Molly Resnick in the recent issue Just a few weeks ago, a woman from a collar bones, elbows and knees. of our wonderful Crown Heights newspaper, which I read cover to cover Lubavicher bungalow colony wanted each week that I receive it (unfortunately, I do not always receive it). Micha HaNavi used the word “Hatzneia to take her children to the neighboring (from the same shoresh as Tznius) non-Lubavitch colony to play on their I especially enjoyed the letter from someone who wrote that in her house, Leches Im Hashem Elokeicha” to instruct large, state of the art, play ground. the word “nightlife” is a kosher word implying only an evening of good times us: “walk humbly with your G-d.” with family. Mrs. Resnick disagreed, indicating that, in her opinion, Of course she asked permission and Tznius includes a whole life approach. once a word is used anywhere in the world for something non-kosher, it is was welcomed. However there was It dictates how we should talk and how contaminated and cannot be used in a kosher way ever again. a caveat: “Please, we don’t want girls we should walk. It should form our coming in riding bikes and we require This morning my husband and I had to catch an international flight. We thoughts and affect our mannerisms. all girls, even young ones, to wear tights had to leave the house at 5 a.m. Unfortunately American culture has so that they expose nothing, especially He set his alarm for 4:00 because he had a lot to do before leaving. assaulted some of these values which when they dangle from the monkey for generations parents and teachers bars.” I set my alarm for 4:45 because I had very little to do before leaving. passed on to children by way of their That woman gladly complied and Both make the exact same sound. example. Perhaps never before has dressed her young daughters appropri- the Lubavitch community been so The strange thing is, when the alarm rang at 4, I did not wake up, whereas ately. The next day a neighbor’s child exposed to the surrounding culture and when the very same alarm rang at 5, I jumped up. I did not wake up from – seven years old – asked if she could certainly the surrounding culture has his alarm (I am assuming) because subconsciously, even though I was join them on their ‘new playground never been so decadent, so corrupting, sleeping, I knew that alarm was not for me. So I did not even hear it. outing’ but upon hearing the ‘tights’ so un-Tznius. requirements she balked at the sug- The goyish, vulgar meaning of the word “Nightlife” which Mrs. Resnick For this reason, when we combat prob- gestion and said “So why don’t we go alludes to also is not meant for us. So we don’t “hear” it, at least not the lems of Tznius, we must remember the to..…a Lubavitcher colony where they way that Mrs. R. hears it. Friederke Rebbe’s dictum that ‘America don’t require tights.” Name Withheld Upon Request Is Nisht Andersh’ – “America is not How sad! A non-Lubavitch colony different.” was being ‘Nisht Andersh’ and one When the Rebbe uttered these words, of our young ones was not given her a great number of otherwise religious rightful Morasha of adhering to ‘Nisht Mrs. M. Resnick Replies: I would hesitate to make the same Jews felt that in the great American Andersh’. assumption for everyone else who Thank you for your letter andI couldn’t melting pot allowances should be made comes upon the word. And certainly The Rebbe – our Rebbe – is the one agree with you more. The Crown for working on Shabbos, cutting beards, we have to be doubly careful with our who insisted that all girls above three Heights Community Newsletter is and adopting other American society children who are so much more exposed wear tights. a great asset to our community and dictums. Against this background, to the world than we ever were. kudos go to Rabbi M. Rubashkin for the the Rebbe said “America is Nisht Translation of a notice that used to hang inspiration and to Mrs. S. Junik and Mr. So, how about going for the age-old Aderish.” Jews should keep the Torah’s in the Beis Hamedresh of the Rebbe in Y. Kanovsky who put it together. May proven adage of ‘Asseh Lecha Rav’ - or commandments no less in America Brooklyn NY: Hashem bless them with an abundance turning to one’s Mashpiah as the Rebbe than they did in Europe. Jews should “Based on the Rebbe Shlita’s words to be careful of funds so that we can have it printed directed and asking them whether not let American culture lower their about matters of Tznius and according to the Din and delivered each week. certain expressions of word or music Yiddishe standards. as explained in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim ‘Passt’ for the “Rebbe’s kinder” or “Passt Regarding your analogy to the And resisting American culture is siman Ayin Hei (review halacha therein) that one Nisht”. (Chabad House activities are in alarm clock, alas, that is exactly the what threatens our Tznius standards is forbidden to utter words of holiness in front of a a different category). problem. today. That is why we will henceforth Tefach of the exposed [body] of a girl three years Perhaps we need to call on our Rab- affix the Freiderker Rebbe’s famous old and up, we are asking all of Anash not to bring Once it was sufficient for a parent or a banim to pasken. Perhaps we have dictum above this column. their daughters, even if they are ‘ketanos’ into the teacher to caution “Es Passt Nisht Far to send them a clear message that we Beis Medreash withour appropriate covering”. Dir” and there was little if any resistance “Soon after the Rebbe, my father-in-law, arrived want them to pasken, that we are ready but today the ‘Kabalas Ol’ of our youth in America in the year 5700, he revealed that his Signed : The Hanhala of Beis Medrash to be guided and we will follow their is so weakened and the influence of the Divine mission in this land was to transform it into Lubavitch rulings. goyishe world is so powerful and that a place of Torah and fear of G-d. There were those And from a letter of the Rebbe: we have to fortify the next generation The original article “Glitzy Titles or who then asked him: “This is, after all, America; to withstand its tsunami proportions. It an Am Kadosh” is available on line on: it is not like the ‘old home.’” “According to the Shulchan Aruch when a girl can’t be a personal choice and a question http://www.crownheights.info/media/ reaches the age of three years and a day she The Rebbe replied:”America is no different; of who hears what. NewsFinalRee.pdf should already conduct herself in a manner of with regard to Torah and Mitzvos America is no Tznius. Surely this applies to a girl 10 years and A Rav once told me the following: A exception!” older.... But not to be oppressive about this ... and frum man asked a Shaila if he could sell Dear Mrs Resnik, This saying has special significance for Jewish to speak in a pleasant manner. his wares on the beach for his parnasah. Thanks for your weekly inspira- women - to a certain extent even more than for Excerpt from a letter of the Rebbe, Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XVIII, The response was that there is no leeway tional articles. men. Women, in general, have a tendency to p. 448 for business to be conducted in a place follow the latest “styles.” Quite often the latest of indecency. The frum man persisted We often read the CH Com- So how did we arrive at a situation fashion and style may have a deleterious influ- “Rabbi, I am an Ish Metzunan (cold munity Newspaper at the table on where a non-Lubavitch bungalow ence on tznius. Jewish women must know that tempered man) and am not affected Shabbos and my husband made a colony insists that its young girls wear the very same Torah and Mitzvos, and the very by what I see, for me this is purely comment on the last issue. tights, while a young Lubavitcher girl same principle of “The entire glory of the king’s business”. The Rav replied I am more not only does not wear tights, but would Reading Mrs, Morosov's letter, daughter is within” that applied in the “old home,” worried about your second query than actually rather not join her friend in play he said: "Oh Nightlight! What a apply in America as well. your first. How on earth did you get to than have to wear tights? good name for that program!" Excerpt from a letter of the Rebbe, Likkutei Sichos, Vol. VI, be so inured to what you see that you I was not sure I agreed with you p. 364 With the month of Elul in our midst are unaffected by what you might see on the name complaint but after and Tishrei just ahead let us commit on a beach? We have much to thank the Freideker hearing my husband comment I to reconnect to “America Is Nisht Rebbe for. Starting with his arrival My dear ‘Name withheld upon request’ thought about it some more and I Andersh” and usher in what we are and continuing of course with our I am willing to be Dan Lechaf Zchus have to agree that you may have a all yearning for – the Geula Shleima Rebbe, our community has undergone and presume that you are as innocent point. Teichef Umiyad Mamosh. an amazing transformation and huge as the holy Reb Zusha. That for you TG expansion. Baruch Hashem we have “Nightlife” is a combination of two Crown Heigthts come a long way. words joined innocently into one but 16 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008

Rebbe's Story An unusual event on Erev Yom Kippur “When one tells a story about his Rebbe he connects to the deeds of the Rebbe” (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) Rivkah Devorah Kleim OBM up. My mother noticed him and with Kippur in the rain, he put his hands out. We quietly, sadly drove to the bags under her sad empty red eyes she on our heads and said ‘Yevorechicho. . cemetery with tears in our eyes, the Miss Rivka Devorah Kleim was born on pushed me and my little sister R[ ivka . veyishmirecha, Yoer etc. and the two black caddy in the rear view mirror the Yud Shvat in 1980. This past 5thM en- Devorah] and motioned us to go to poor little children received the holiest whole time. We pulled up to the place achem Av, the hilulo of the Arizal, she most meaningful brocho that we would have the last opportunity was nifter at the untimely age of 28. The they have ever gotten. to say goodbye to our baby sister and oldest sister in the family experienced ask mechila, ironically on Erev Yom a loss of two sisters, 19 years apart. Her Through my uncontrol- Kipur, before 6 feet of dirt was piled youngest sister was nifter in Tishrei lable sobs I told mY REBBE on top of her and we would never be in 5750, or 1989. thank you for his Brocha the same room as her again. The black and then headed back to Following are excerpts from a blog that caddy stopped and from his seat, with my mother with my little the oldest surviving sister wrote about sadness on his face, my Rebbe waved sister clutching her nickel her youngest sister’s levaya, which took at us and we waved back to him before in one hand and her other place on Erev Yom Kippur in 5750 (late we drove back to Crown Heights with hand gripping mine. THE 1989). the black caddy behind us. REBBE then got into the “I stood in front of 770 with tears black caddy that was parked When I put my tattered machzor down pouring down my face and my broken behind the car that was that Yom Kippur and headed toward heart breaking into even smaller pieces giving my baby sister her the door I was grabbed, stopped and as me and my family, waited for the final ride. questioned about MY REBBE’S appear- car with my sister’s innocent lifeless ance at my poor unfortunate sister’s I went back to where my body to come by so she could give her levaya, I didn’t respond, and walked tired mother was standing goodbye and we could get in the car out the door.” and waiting for us, and she behind her and follow her to her final told us it was time to go. Editor’s note: resting place. Me and my sister instantly The Rebbe went to the ohel on Erev A few real sincere people did show up, in sync started balling Yom Kippur only in 5712 (late 1951) I didn’t pay them any attention because our sad little eyes out. We and one other additional time, Erev that’s not what “the event” was about. my Rebbe. The holy tzaddik began didn’t want to get in that fancy car, we Yom Kippur 5750 (189), the day this While I stood in front of 770 on that walking down the steps towards me didn’t want to go to the cemetery… blog posting refers to grey rainy Erev Yom Kippur crying my and my sister, as we wiped our eyes We didn’t want to say goodbye to our heart out, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, my and sobbed uncontrollably. TheR ebbe baby sister. We should speedily witness “The ones Rebbe, walked out of 770 and stood reached into his pocket and pulled out who dwell in the dust will awaken and The black caddy E( ditor’s note: Rabbi still in the doorway of his palace while some nickels and gave them to us. While rejoice” and Rivka Devorah and her Klein’s car driving the Rebbe) pulled the car with my sister’s body pulled standing in front of 770 on Erev Yom younger sister, amongst them.

REaD US ON CROWNHEIGHTS.INFO EVERY WEEk! Mazal Tov! Adapted from Shmais Hershel & Mimi Weiszner Levi Feigelstock (Vancouver, Births – Boys - Crown Heights Canada) Engagements to Ryvka Goldberg (Yerres, France) Shmuly & Yael Brummel - Crown Heights Births – Girls Shmully Goldberg (Seattle, WA) to Levi Illulian (Beverly Hills, CA) Sarah Finkelstein (Los Angeles, CA) Yisroel Shimon & Tenny Yossi & Hadassah Chen – Jerusalem to Devorah Leah Traxler Chudaitov - Crown Heights (Houston, TX) Yochanan Gordon (Melbourne, Dov & Miriam Leah Australia) Levi & Shaina Cohen Davidson - Oak Park, MI Reuven Kasten (Atlanta, GA) to to Rochel Beenstok - Crown Heights Tzipporah Hoffman (S. Cruz, CA) Menachem & Chani (Manchester, UK) Yonason & Chaya Feldman - Greenwich, CT Mordechai Lokshin (Crown Heights) Shimon Hellinger (North Miami Kahanovitch - Crown Heights to Devorah Leah Lazaroff Sholom & Sarale Lesches Beach, FL) (Houston, TX) Shmuel & Didi - Montreal, Canada to Devorah Leah Schtroks Konikov - Crown Heights Berel Matusof (Crown Heights) (Crown Heights) Reuven & Devora Paley to Chava Tzivia Teitelbaum Nochum & Malki – S. Diego, CA Zalman Raskin (Melbourne, (Crown Heights) Labkowski - Crown Heights Australia) Levi Raskin (Montreal, Canada) to Esty Newman (Crown Heights) Sholom & Chana Bar Mitzva to Itta Gurary (Crown Heights) Pevzner - Crown Heights Moishe Blumberger – Pittsburgh, PA Boruch Sholom Wolf (Chicago, IL) Births – Twins Aviel & Dina Rochel to Mushkie Geisinsky Salazar - Coral Springs, FL Berel & Ziporah Cohen – (Great Neck, NY) TWIN GIRLS!! – Cincinnati, OH Levi & Chanie Schechter - Crown Heights Weddings Yecheskel & Chaya Stein - TWIN GIRLS!! - Oak Park, MI Shlomo & Rina Shoshana Hershel Caytak (Ottawa, Canada) to Vile - Chicago, IL Aliza Edelstein (Montreal, Canada) September 12, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 17 Elul Yahrzeiten

This week we continue with the Yahrzeiten of people who lived in our shec- 15th of Elul The daughter of Horav HachossidR eb huna. We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mentioning them Yehoshua Zelig, and the wife of Horav we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn from their lives, lessons that we Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Hachossid Hatomim Reb Dovid Abba can incorporate into our own. This column includes the Yahrzeiten from the Yosef Yitzchok Gordon may Hashem avenge his blood, she 13h of through the 19th of Elul. The respective resting places of the individu- The son of Horav Hachossid Hatomim sacrificed herself and with a life of pain als noted in this column are near the holy Ohel, unless otherwise specified. Reb Yisroel, with self-sacrifice he served and agony, raised her children to Torah Men bochurim and Rabbi MM Zalmanov. as a shochet for almost fifty years, and and Chassidus. She merited to see her 13th of Elul Thousands of matzos are packed and was a baal midos tovos. He was nifter descendents involved in spreading handed out by these young students, as in 1957. Chassidus and was nifter in 1995. Horav Hachossid well as chometz sale forms and Mivtza 17th of Elul 15th of Elul Hatom im R eb Tefillin. In the past few years, N'shei Dovid Shlomo Chabad had joined Yossi's Tank, and Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Mrs. Tzipora Rochel Feller Deitsch Yossi's Tank has been able to put matza Kalman Katlowitz HY”D The daughter of Reb Shlomo Zalman, on all the tanks for distribution. He was The son of Horav The son of Horav Shlomo Hirsh, he was she sacrificed to help the needy and born in 1979 and was nifter from a swift Hachossid Reb among the first Tmimim in Yeshivas worked devotedly for Yeshiva Tomchei but virulent illness in 1991. Menachem Mendel, Tomchei Tmimim in the United States. Tmimim. She was nifter in 1981. he was mekushar to 14th of Elul He was killed in 1976. 17th of Elul the Rebbe, was the pillar who main- Horav Hachossid 19th of Elul tained Yeshiva Oholei Torah, occupied Mrs. Brocho Lipsh Schuchat Hatom im R eb himself in giving charity and doing Horav Hachossid Reb Yitzchok Shlomo The daughter of Reb Menachem chassodim for the community and Avrohom Karp Pewzner Gedalia, she was nifter in 1989. the individual merited to save lives in The son of HoravY aakov Russia, loved everyone and was beloved The son of Horav Boruch, he was an elite We should speedily witness “The ones who by all, , and. He was born on the 3rd of Hachossid Hato- educator and spread dwell in the dust will awaken and rejoice” Tishrei in 1916 in Dokshitz and was mim Reb Avrohom with all the above mentioned individuals Torah for more than nifter in 2001. Boruch, he was a amongst them. fifty years. He mer- great Torah scholar. He was born Hatomim Yosef ited to teach the Dear Readers: in 1929 on the 17th of Adar and Yitzchok Halevi entire Talmud Anyone who would like to have their was nifter in 1985. His resting Sherr many time in the relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit column place is on Har Hazeisim. should email the name, father’s name, date Lubavitch Shul in The son of, may of the ptira and some details to chp5768@ Horav Hachossid Hato- Montreal. He was he live and be well gmail.com. A picture may be included. mim Reb Chaim Yosef born in 1920 on Horav Hatomim Nemotin the 15th of Teves Reb Shimon Yoel in Prempel, Poland Halevi. In his merit, The son of Horav Hachossid and was nifter in [email protected] Rabbi Tzvi H. Morosow has on the 11th Reb Shmuel, he merited to 1995. of Nissan, for the past 17 years, rented a serve the Rebbe’s father and the school bus known as Yossi's Tank which Rebbetzin Chana and merited to Women SUBSCRIBE! takes the 5th grade students of Oholei special kiruvim from the Rebbe. He 14th of Elul Torah to Brighton Beach, for mivtzoim. saved lives and with self-sacrifice built WRITE US! The children, who gain experience a mikva in his home in Alma-Ata. He Mrs. Esther Haddasa Levin in Mivtzoim, are joined by the older was nifter in 1991.

Would You Mess with Your Hiskashrus? A new year is approaching, and in to surrender our sanctions, disputes increase in Hakhel and Hiskashrus I believe that organizing a shiur in the the undercurrent of every Chossid’s and partisan cliques, and gather all l’iluy nishmasa. Post your hachlatos Mamer Hcholtzu in the year 5659 “Elul-wind” is a special urgency: branches together in pursuit of the at www.rochiesfriendshipnetwork. would be an appropriate hachlota. the year of Hakhel is upon us. The ultimate hakhel. blogspot.com. Interesting to note that the coming Rebbe transformed Hakhel from Hakhel year would be 110 years from a rare event involving the King’s when the mamer was said 5659, and recitation of the Torah to a wide- 20 years from when the Rebbe gave spread campaign obligating every it out in 5789 to men age 12 and one of us to inspire our sphere of over and woman 11 and over in. influence. If you are Interested in participating in an English or Yiddish shiur, please Hakhel is considered so vital that contact rochiesnetwork@gmail. on Sukkos, Shnas Hakhel 5748, the com to get this going. Rebbe veered from the way he had observed the Friediker Rebbe A chossid said... unite the arbah minim during the recitation of Hallel. “Despite If you will take this to heart and are personal hardship and raising the going to an event or shul for the notion, chas veshalom, of a lack of sake of Ahvas Yisroel and Hakhel, hiskashrus to my Rebbe,” the Rebbe where you would not typically go later stated, “I held the lulav and because they are opposed to your esrog together so extensively to philosophy of hiskashrus, remember affect the great unity of Hakhel!” that the Rebbe’s Nsius is in a way of chessed and rachamim. I suggest Fellow Chassidim, mekusharim of to follow the Rebbe’s example by the Rebbe, as Hakehel approaches, the lulov and esrog to verbalize let us internalize the Rebbe’s act of In honor of the upcoming shloshim Comments (from the blog): and explain what you are doing. mesiras nefesh. It is time to reex- of Chaya Rochel Bas Yissachar Dov (see sicha of the 5th eve of Succos amine our loyalty to our “party”, YIBLCH”T Paley on 12 Elul, 5768, A family friend said: 5748 - Hisvaduyos P. 245) and exclusion of others. It is time her friends and family ask you to 18 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008

YAM Summer Program

TheY AM Summer Program has com- Thursday the 13th of Av./Friday the leg of the grand trip, we go down to drivers, and I am back to the Heights pleted another successful year, and after 14th of Av planning and shopping for the week to get the bread. We were only a little the grand trip, we would like to present of camping, activities, and action, bit past the Holland Tunnel so it could you with a brief diary of part of the After sending the first group of six teens YAM-style. We are talking about food have been worse. exciting week of the grand trip. with one counselor on their own special for a week for 20 people without any

refrigeration. It was a little scary, but Got to the tubing place and even got a we got it all together, or so we thought. few runs. Guys look like they are having Renting another van and another a blast. Benny lost a piece of his tooth car—4 Vehicles!!! in a nasty wipeout. We got both of the boat drivers to put on Tefilllin, ate a Motzei Shabbos quick cheese lunch and headed up to Lake George, a good 4 hour drive. Labeling all the boxes, making a check- list for the morning departure, assigning When we got to Lake George, it was tasks—So much for the early bedtime dark. We check in to the campsite, where to be rested for the drive. the owner informs us, “Remember, this is a family campsite. I just bought this Sunday the 16th of Av business, and I rely on my service to repeat customers that come for a week Everything couldn’t have gone or more. Please don’t jeopardize this by smoother; only there were three guys making a lot of noise.” stuck upstate, trying to make a made dash back to Crown Heights. “I hope “We can’t like play any music or horse you make it on time because we will around or anything?” leave without out you.” Believe it or not, they made it back, and we actually “For sure not. You need to set up camp, left on time. This must be a first for a have a bite, and go to sleep.” YAM trip. “We can barbeque, right.” Driving to go “tubing”, I get a call from Levi Hertzel, “Yose. The guy “Quietly. Listen, if you can’t keep it from Albany just sent me a text. He down, I will kick you out.” wants to know when we are picking up the bread.” THE BREAD!!! I knew Oh man. Th is is going to be our organization was too good to be interesting. true. I forgot the 33 loaves of mezonos bread. The 80 hot dog buns and the 80 To be continued. hamburger rolls. Not to mention the 20 doughnuts I was going to surprise the guys with. Shuffling the cars, trading September 12, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 19

Who Wants to be President? A president's relationship with the a polarized community. For seven years, Shea citizenry will be entirely different Hecht was a Commissioner of Human Rights When I saw a cartoon pointing out have a desire to make a difference. The depending on his view of himself. for the city of New York. the difficulties the next president of desire to make a difference plays itself the USA would have to face, I was left out many times all over the world, Just like when we look for a president Shea serves as chairman of the Board at the with a question. Knowing how much of the USA we should be aware of National Committee for the Furtherance of a president these days has to deal who their friends and supporters Jewish Education where he has continued the with, why would anyone want to be are, when looking for a president tradition of social services management and president? we should try to see what the outreach that began with his father, the late person's ultimate goal is and what Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht. Aside from a messy global situation, the they hope to accomplish. Iran situation, the Russian situation and Shea is Dean of Hadar Hatorah School for the impossible politics in the Middle I would think that we have to see College Youth and a lecturer at the Ivy League East, there are problems within the which future president's goal is to Torah Study Program. He is a co-founder of country such as education, health care, really make a difference and who is the Ari Program, an innovative school for inflationary prices, bad economy, rising in it for the glory and the power. at-risk kids. food costs, etc. Who is Rabbi Shea Hecht? As a life strategist, Shea's expertise centers No doubt the president should be a on family crisis intervention- guiding and Shea Hecht is a Rabbi and activist in the good person, but I think there are two advising troubled youths and their families, Jewish community. More than a decade glaring reasons why someone would marriage counseling, and as a drugs and ago, he rose to national prominence as want to be president. cults consultant. As an activist, he serves a community leader during the Crown as a liaison between the government/law One is the power. We all like to feel every day when people give charity to Heights riots in New York. As a result, he enforcement, fostering racial harmony and powerful on some level - for some it's a worthy cause, when they volunteer received numerous awards by both govern- diversity in his community. leading those in their own sphere of to help others, or even in care-giving ment and private organizations for his work in influence and for others it's being the type jobs. fostering racial harmony. Shea was a member Shea's articles and commentaries on vari- leader of the greatest and most powerful of Mayor Giuliani's task force on police/com- ous topics are printed in many prominent A president can be the president 'of the country in the world. munity relations. He received the Community newspapers and periodicals worldwide. people, by the people' or he can feel that Relations Award from the American Jewish Another reason someone would want he is above the people. How a president He can be reached at 718-735-0200 or at Committee for his leadership of the Crown to become president is because they deals with the country's problems. [email protected] Heights Coalition, seen as a model for healing Homelessness in Lubavitch – The Town of Brotherly Love By Avigail Halevy feel it with the heart’s imperative. It is is already the healing and the solution. Another woman is an orphan whose simple logic. You are not alone and abandoned in father died in W.W.II and whose mother Passing by Medgar Evans College your problem. We are all in this stinky, died of T.B. She survived her childhood yesterday there was a sign that read: Did you ever go to daven in 770 and sticky boat called life together. We will in non-Jewish orphanages where she “Feeling is Healing.” Nobody wants you had to step over someone’s sleeping reach the Promised Land. Our work is was beaten viciously for being a Jew. words anymore, let alone speeches. body to reach your “makom kavua”? the we, the our, the together no matter She became a visionary in her profes- We need someone to talk to, someone Despite the factions of people (some of what the stench. sion. Now, in her sixties, an age in to empathize. We will probably have them ruling factions) who imagine that which most people have menucha and to reinvent language to find expression getting rid of the problem by herding The High Holidays are approaching, nachas, she has been diagnosed with the for the emotional range of these rugged them away to institutions – “ out of and there are some Jews in our commu- unspeakable disease in her liver. Having times. Let’s face it, what are all of never married or had a the tehillim, tefillahs, mitzvahs, child, she faces her ill- mivtzoim, if the basic thing – the ness alone. She needs heart – is missing? Without true- immediate financial heartedness, our beautiful hand- support to pay doc- crafted edifice has turned artificial tor’s bills along with and sour. High level functioning has her rent and living given way to neurosis and rheuma- expenses. Who will tism. Everyone has their shtick and come forward with we all have to play by the rules. The thirty of their friends adults are imploding, the youth are and pledge $100/ exploding and nobody registers. monthly from their “Shira vzimra”, the Rebbe chooses maaser? his words. Start singing and rejoic- Who will come for- ing because the answers are not ward? We need forty going to come through reason. people to pledge $100/ Unreasonable togetherness, unrea- monthly to prevent sonable faith, baseless joy – these are homelessness to our the things that will keep you on the own local outcries. straight and narrow. In the Hayom sight out of mind,” – or intimidating nity who are facing terrible situations. Who will help? If it is you, please Yom of the 15th of Menachem Av the them with fists, the problem remains They are alone in the world, bereft of send 12 head checks made out to the MittlerR ebbe quotes the Alter Rebbe: like a stain on one’s garment. There is a family. One woman has faced the loss Lubavitch Youth Organization headed “Ahavat Yisrael must possess one to the thing called Jewish homelessness, and it of two husbands, and her only child, by Rabbi Kastel to: very core of life itself.” The footnote is not necessarily a function of mental lo alenu. She has been emotionally clarifies: “Ad mitsui hanefesh…with The Crown Heights Homelessness illness. Jewish homelessness has its and physically derailed so many times all of your soul, etc…, i.e. up to and Foundation cosmic root in the destruction of the that it makes one’s head spin. She has including, readiness to give up one’s Beis Hamikdash, the home of every Jew no family and no home. She needs an c/o Avigail Halevy life.” We read this Hayom Yom every and the cosmic heart of the world. apartment with utilities and food. We day but do we take it to heart? Do we 346 New York Ave. Apt.#3B need fifteen people to come up with practice it? Heart means deed. What So, let’s be honest. There are homeless $100/ monthly from their maaser to Brooklyn, N.Y. 11213 have I DONE to bring Moshiach? To Jews in our community, and we have no support her. Who will come forward what depths of feeling have I reached organized system of assistance for them. Thank you for your support. Kativa with ten of their friends? How difficult to make me DO what is needed? We do There is no such thing as, “it’s your Vchatima Tova!!!!! is it really? And how blessed!!!! not know what to do because we do not problem” in Judaism. “Our problem” 20 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 12, 2008

F.E.G.S Is Part of the Caring Jewish Community

Crown Heights B”H Career Assistance Program CAREER TRAINING FOR ANASH

Helping You Develop a Successful Career and a Prosperous Future

What is the Crown Heights Career Assistance Program? The Crown Heights Career Assistance Program (CH-CAP) can help you with career counseling, information, referrals to career training programs, and help pay your tuition. At CH-CAP you can gain the skills you need to be successful in today’s job market.

This program is designed to assist graduates of Crown Heights Chabad kollels, yeshivas or teacher’s seminaries.

If you are a member of the Crown Heights Anash community, you may be eligible for enrollment into the program. How We Can Help CH-CAP offers: • Referral to Career Training • Financial Assistance for tuition • Job Readiness, Resume Preparation and Interview Skills Assistance • Job placement Services HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM • Post-Placement Counseling & Career Development Planning For more than 70 years, F.E.G.S has provided career assessment, career For More Information guidance, training, and placement assistance to the Jewish Community. To learn more about the Crown Heights Career Assistance Program:

A beneficiary of CALL: 212-524-1728

or E-MAIL: [email protected]

Swimming is great low impact exercise! Come to the Rec-Center! NEW SCHEDULE - September 2008-

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY MEN: MEN: WOMEN: MEN: WOMEN: 9:00AM - 12:00PM 5:00PM - 6:45PM 5:00PM - 7:00PM 5:00PM - 7:00PM 5:00PM - 7:00PM CLOSED: Men/ laps Shift I Shift I Shift I Shift I 6:45PM - 7:00PM 7:00PM - 9:00PM 7:00PM - 9:00PM 7:00PM - 9:00PM Shift II Shift II Shift I Shift I 7:00PM - 8:20PM 9:00PM - 11:00PM 9:00PM - 11:00PM 9:00PM - 11:00PM Adults/Laps ADMISSION Adults/Laps Shift III Adults/Laps WOMEN: 8:30PM - 9:15PM $2.00 5:00PM - 6:45PM Aqua Aerobic Adult Shift I Aqua Aerobics EVERYONE 9:15PM - 10:45PM 6:45PM - 8:20PM Adults/Laps CAPS AVAILABLE additional Shift II MUST HAVE A BATHING CAP FOR PURCHASE $5.00 8:30PM - 9:15PM FOR $3.00 Aqua Aerobics Adults TO ENTER 9:15PM - 10:45PM THE POOL! Adults/Laps

Aqua Aerobics must be reserved in advance - Call Devora Leah at 973 216 1188 For more information call 718-778-8610