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contents

A DWELLING AMONG MORTALS 4 D’var Malchus

TO LOVE, TO HATE, TO LIVE 7 Thought | Rabbi Zvi Homnick

PLANNING FOR JOY 10 Chinuch | Dina Reichman

A GAON IN AHAVAS YISROEL 14 Obituary | Avrohom Rainitz

WHEN THE REBBE SAYS JUMP... 24 Farbrengen | Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Groner a”h USA 744 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 Tel: (718) 778-8000 Fax: (718) 778-0800 AND YOU SHALL BUILD AN ARK [email protected] 30 Profile | Shneur Zalman Berger www.beismoshiach.org EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: M.M. Hendel ENGLISH EDITOR: MOSHIACH: WHAT WE BELIEVE Boruch Merkur Moshiach & Geula | Rabbi Gershon Avtzon HEBREW EDITOR: 34 Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan [email protected]

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was not merely a manifestation of infinity. In the Beis HaMikdash, precise measurement was a fundamental A DWELLING necessity. Even a slight deviation from the required measure would render an article or a building invalid. The fact that the place of the ark transcended the limits of space thus AMONG represents a fusion of finiteness and infinity. This communicates the nature of G- d’s Being. He transcends both finiteness and infinity, and yet manifests Himself in both MORTALS of these dimensions. [8] This is the Torah’s intent when speaking of G-d “choos[ing] a place for His name to dwell”: that the physical Sichos In English limits of our world will not be negated and yet the spiritual will be revealed. And A CONTRADICTION with laws and principles as binding as this fusion of opposites will enable us to IN TERMS those governing nature in our world. become conscious of His essence which He brought into being an entire transcends - and encompasses - both the When dedicating the Beis framework of spiritual worlds whose physical and the spiritual. HaMikdash, King Shlomo exclaimed in purpose is to convey Divine energy from wonderment: “Will G-d indeed dwell on level to level as it undergoes the process this earth? The heavens and the celestial of contraction necessary for it to be WHAT MAN’S INPUT heights cannot contain You, how much enclothed in material form. CONTRIBUTES less this house!” [1] The open revelation of G-dliness runs G-d did not want this revelation to be For the Beis HaMikdash was not contrary to this entire pattern, defying the dependent on His influence alone. merely a centralized location for man’s limits which He Himself established. As reflected in the verse, [9] “And you worship of G-d, it was a place where G- Nevertheless, although G-d limited shall make Me a Sanctuary and I will d’s Presence was - and is [2] - manifest. the extent of His revelation when dwell within,” He chose to make the [3] structuring the constitution of our world, revelation of His Presence dependent on Although “the entire earth is full of He did not limit Himself. man’s activity. His glory,” [4] G-d’s Presence is not He created a world with set bounds, Since the revelation of G-d’s Presence tangibly felt. but He Himself is not confined by them, transcends the limits of our existence, the He permeates all existence, but in a and can alter them at will. He can invest initiative must come from Him. hidden way. [5] His Presence in our material realm, and Nevertheless, “G-d did not have His The Beis HaMikdash, by contrast, did so in the Sanctuary and in the Beis Presence rest upon Israel until they was “the place where He chose to cause HaMikdash. performed labor,” [10] building the His name dwell.” [6] Sanctuary where His Presence would There was no concealment; His dwell. Presence was openly manifest. IN G-D’S INNER Why was man’s activity necessary? Seemingly, this is an impossibility; CHAMBER Because G-d’s intent is that the there is no apparent way that spirituality The Divine Presence was revealed in revelation of His Presence be internalized can be openly manifest in our material the Holy of Holies. within the world, becoming part of the world. There was manifest an ongoing fabric of its existence. For material existence to come into miracle which reflects the nature of the Were the revelation to come from being, G-d condensed and contracted His revelation in the Beis HaMikdash. above alone, it would nullify worldliness. light and life-energy so that it could The width of the Holy of Holies was To cite a parallel: when G-d revealed become enclothed in material entities. twenty cubits, the ark, positioned Himself on Mount Sinai, the world This is absolutely necessary. lengthwise in the chamber, was two and ground to a standstill. “No bird Were G-dly light to be revealed one half cubits long, and there were ten chirped..., nor did an ox bellow, nor the without restraints, it would nullify all cubits from either edge of the ark to the sea roar.” [11] Although G-dliness was possibility for material existence. wall on both sides. revealed within the world, the elements of To allow for our world to continue in The place of the ark was not included worldly existence did not play a a stable manner, G-d structured this in the measure of the chamber’s span! [7] contributory role in that revelation. process of self-containment into a pattern What is most significant is that this

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When, by contrast, the dwelling for These two phases relate to the two 7. Yoma 21a. G-d is built by man, himself part of the services mentioned in the verse, “turn 8. See the essay entitled, A Dwelling Place for material environment of our world, he away from evil and do good.” [23] G-d in Our World in Seek Out the Welfare of elevates the nature of the worldly entities When a person prepares a dwelling Jerusalem, which elaborates on this concept. which he uses to create G-d’s dwelling. for a king, he must first clean it. 9. Exodus 25:8. This enables G-d’s Presence to be Afterwards, he brings in attractive 10. Avos d’Rabbi Nosson, ch. 11. revealed within these entities as they exist articles. [24] 11. Shmos Rabba 29:9. within their own context. Similarly, to make our world a 12. Exodus 19:12. This motif leads to another difference. dwelling for G-d, “separation” is 13. Ibid.:13. When the revelation of G-dliness necessary to purge the self-orientation 14. Leviticus 26:31. comes from above, it is dependent on His that is encouraged by worldly existence. 15. Megilla 28a. influence, and is therefore temporary. For And then it is “elevated,” becoming a 16. In this instance, the choice of the word example, when G-d descended on Mount medium to draw down G-d’s light. Truma as the name of the Torah reading is Sinai, the mountain became holy and significant, because it is further removed from therefore, “all that ascend the mountain the beginning of the reading than most of the must die.” [12] NOT AN ISLAND other names which have been chosen. When, however, G-d’s Presence was The Beis HaMikdash was not 17. Zohar, Vol. II, p. 147a. withdrawn from the mountain, the Jews intended to be an isolated corner of 18. Rashi, Targum Unkelus, and others were allowed to ascend it, [13] for the holiness. commenting on the opening verse of the Torah fundamental nature of the mountain did Instead, its windows were structured reading. not change; it remained an ordinary to spread light outward, rather than to 19. Exodus 25:3-7. mountain. allow light to enter. [25] 20. This follows the interpretation of Rashi With regard to the Sanctuary - and to For the holiness of the Beis (Exodus 25:2). Rabbeinu Bachaye and others reckon fifteen items donated for the Sanctuary. a greater extent the Beis HaMikdash - HaMikdash was intended to be dispersed since the holiness was internalized within throughout the world at large. 21. These concepts indicates a sequence to the readings of Yisro, Mishpatim, and Truma. the material elements of these structures, The most complete expression of this it became a permanent part of their being. concept will be in the Era of the Yisro focuses on the Giving of the Torah, when the division between the physical and the And thus on the verse: [14] “I will lay Redemption. [26] From “the mountain of spiritual realms was nullified. Mishpatim reflects waste to your Sanctuaries,” our Sages G-d’s house” [27] will spread forth light the extension of the bond between the spiritual commented: [15] “Even though they have and holiness motivating the people to and the physical into human reason. been devastated, their sanctity remains.” learn to seek G-d’s ways and “walk in His Moreover, it provides us with guidelines for And therefore, it is forbidden to ascend to paths.” [28] investing spiritual content into our material lives. the site of the Beis HaMikdash in the These revelations are dependent on With the command for the construction of the our efforts to encourage the Sanctuary, Truma represents the consummation present age. [2] of the process, the transformation of material manifestation of the Divine Presence. existence into a dwelling for G-d. Making our homes and our TWO PHASES 22. This concept has halachic ramifications. surroundings “sanctuaries in microcosm” Once an object is consecrated, it can no longer The above concepts are highlighted [29] will cause G-d to reveal His be used for mundane purposes. by the name of the Torah reading Truma. Presence in the world openly, and not The concept of elevation that results from the [16] merely in microcosm. transfer of an article to the Sanctuary is reflected Truma, meaning “lifting up” [17] or Adapted from Likkutei Sichos, Vol. III, p. 902; Vol. in Genesis which states: “And Efron’s field in “separation,” [18] puts the focus on XVI, p. 286ff; Vol. XXI, p. 146ff. Machpelah ascended to Avraham.” Rashi explains that the word “ascended” use to signify man’s efforts in establishing a dwelling Notes: a change in title, because through the transfer for G-d. 1. I Kings 8:27. the field became elevated, departing from the The Torah proceeds to state [19] that ownership of an ordinary person and entering 2. For even in the present age when the Beis Avrohom’s possession. this truma must include thirteen [20] HaMikdash is destroyed, G-d’s Presence rests different entities: gold, silver, brass,...” upon its site. See Rambam, Mishneh Torah, 23. Psalms 34:15. indicating that man’s task is to Hilchos Beis HaBechira 6:16. 24. Likkutei Torah, Balak 70c. incorporate the various different 3. See the essay entitled, G-d’s Chosen House in 25. Menachos 86b, VaYikra Rabba 31:7. See the dimensions of worldly existence in G-d’s Seek Out the Welfare of Jerusalem, where these essay entitled “Menorah essay” in Seek Out the dwelling. [21] concepts are explained. Welfare of Jerusalem, where this concept is More particularly, the two 4. Isaiah 6:3. explained. interpretations of the name Truma reflect 5. In human terms, concealment means that an 26. See the maamer entitled Gadol Yiheyeh two thrusts necessary in creating a object is obscured by another entity which covers Kavod HaBayis HaZeh in Anticipating the Redemption. dwelling for G-d within the world. it. With regard to G-d, there is nothing which can conceal Him. Instead, His concealment is a 27. Isaiah 2:2. First, a person must designate his gift. willful act on His part, withholding the revelation 28. Ibid.:3. This separates it from his other worldly of His light. See the maamer Adam Ki Yakriv in property. And through its consecration, the series of discourses entitled, Yom Tov Shel 29. Yechezkel 11:6; see the essay of this title in Sound the Great Shofar (Kehot, N.Y., 1992). its nature becomes elevated, lifted up Rosh HaShana, 5666. above the ordinary material plane. [22] 6. Deuteronomy 12:11.

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more mystifying to me. Yes, I could be harsh and extreme when dogmatically inveighing against TO LOVE, those whom I perceived to be on the wrong side of the theological or ideological divide, but I could never seem to rise to the occasion when dogma ostensibly sounded the call TO HATE, for animus towards actual persons of Jewish ancestry. Amalek, on the other hand, represented only a theoretical target for unmitigated hatred without any TO LIVE actual ramifications. Sure, there was the pantheon of Nazi beasts, whose names were branded in the consciousness of those of my By Rabbi Zvi Homnick generation who grew up on Holocaust literature, but that was a more rational hatred based on actual As Chassidim of the Rebbe, we must crimes against my people. The same held true for the Arab leaders calling remember that the focus on the positive for, and trying to effectuate, the destruction of the Jewish population and love for our fellow Jews is not about of Eretz Yisroel. And yet, on some compromise with evil, G-d forbid. In fact, level, I could relate to Reb Zalman seeking out a spiritual mentor who absolute hatred of evil in the time of could guide him in achieving absolute hatred for evil itself. exile is a prerequisite for the eradication Ironically, that story was for me a clear indication that modern day of evil in the times of Moshiach. Lubavitch was the not the place to find what Reb Zalman went TO LEARN TO HATE approached him and inquired as to searching for, since it had turned As I try to think back, I don’t where he had acquired such into a feel good movement that no recollect exactly at what age I first animosity for Amalek, and Reb longer stood up against evil. One encountered the story of Reb Binyamin directed him to the Alter world famous Rosh Yeshiva that had Zalman Zezmer and Reb Binyamin Rebbe in Liozna. Reb Zalman did been considered close to Lubavitch Kletzker, but I do know it was in my indeed go to Liozna and became the was reputed to have said that when early teens and that the story made a legendary Chassid, known, besides the Rebbe and the Chassidim did not profound impression on me. Reb for his own personal qualities, for participate in the public protests Binyamin Kletzker was traveling and having brought Reb Hillel of Paritch against compulsory national service ended up in the town of Reb Zalman to Chabad Chassidus. for girls in the State of Israel, “they Zezmer for Parshas Zachor (the If you would have asked me to cut themselves off from Klal Yisroel Torah reading on the Shabbos before articulate why I found that story to (the collective of the Jewish Purim recalling the Torah be so powerful at the time, I would people).” commandment to destroy Amalek). have been hard pressed to formulate After a long and celebrated That Shabbos, during the reading of any sort of coherent rationale, nor tradition of waging ideological war Zachor, Reb Zalman noticed the did I have the spiritual vocabulary to against the Enlightenment, stranger in town and was taken by express myself in terms of a government sponsored religious the intense abiding hatred for neshama/soul reaction. Even as a oppression, Zionism and Amalek that his countenance self-styled Misnaged, I was never Communism, the new evinced. Afterward, Reb Zalman very good at hating, which made my administration in Chabad had strong inspired response ever the

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decided to paint a smiley face on about his role in taking us out of away. The Sages point out that his traditional Judaism so as to make it slavery in Egypt and bringing us to mistake was that he didn’t know that more palatable for public Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, it was also the month of his birth, on consumption. To us, it smacked of and ultimately to the border of the the 7th of Adar, and the positive granting legitimacy to Modern Promised Land. Yet, somehow, impact of his birth outweighed the Orthodoxy. When Rabbi J. B. inexplicably, I felt an almost negative effect of his passing. Soloveitchik made his very well personal connection as he faced Living in Eretz Yisroel in publicized appearance at the Rebbe’s each challenge along the way. I 1988/89, during the height of the Yud Shvat farbrengen in 5740/1980 remember being very distraught, as a elections controversy centered on and was accorded great honors, it young boy, when I discovered that the debate over the legitimacy of only served to bolster the prevailing the Jewish people mourned Aharon Chabad as a religious movement, I impression. Throughout the more than they did Moshe, because found myself driven to developing a Seventies, as the Zionist leadership Moshe had to enforce the law even better understanding of the issues so began to make more regular when it entailed causing pain, I could at least claim some degree of appearances in the Rebbe’s court, whereas Aharon was able to devote objectivity. During that period, a we could only shake our heads in himself to resolving disputes and new scandal erupted in the frum disbelief and marvel at how the Vilna conflicts in a more gentle manner. world in response to an article that Gaon must have foreseen these Didn’t they realize how much Moshe appeared in one of the secular Israeli tragic developments. loved them and sacrificed himself for papers. In that article, a Lubavitch them? Israeli Baal T’shuva was interviewed TO LEARN TO LOVE As I got older and tried to puzzle and he spoke authoritatively about out these feelings, I realized how the difference between Chabad and Although I grew up without any little we actually know about the other ultra-religious groups, in that clear definition of what Ahavas figures that populate our scripture Chabad supported the State of Israel Yisroel entails and how it is and recorded oral teachings. Who and even encouraged serving in the acquired, beyond the Biblical was Moshe Rabbeinu anyway? What IDF. commandments to love and do acts do we know about him? How is he This created a huge firestorm, of kindness for a fellow Jew, I my teacher over three thousand and I was really curious to know always felt a strong affinity for my years after his passing? When I what the Chassidim in general had coreligionists. Despite having been would throw these questions out to to say about his comments. I spoke exposed to certain religious friends and fellow students, I either to a certain Chassid who assured me philosophies that encouraged got the exasperated eye roll or else that this fellow’s assertions were antipathy towards those that were some well-meaning babble suitable absolutely false, and that the Rebbe “outside the fold,” my natural for a three year old (as well as, on was the fiercest opponent of any inclination was towards feelings of rare occasions, some quasi-mystical belief system that deviated one iota kinship and brotherhood even blather). When I encountered the from Torah-true Judaism. However, towards those that I might keep a Chabad claim that the Rebbe is the since the Rebbe is the leader of the distance from on religious and incarnation of Moshe Rabbeinu in entire Jewish people and has to bring ideological grounds. Many friends this generation, I was offended them all closer to G-d and His over the years would tease me about beyond belief, although in later years Torah, it was tactically necessary to the fact that I had “a Chassidic soul” I found myself becoming intrigued focus on drawing people closer with (there were other grounds for this by that very same idea. love rather than denouncing evil and accusation as well). Although I often One of the parallels that I found falsehood. Hence, it was no surprise protested that designation, the particularly noisome (and later that a recent Baal T’shuva, despite implicit underlying premise that love fascinating) was the idea of the sporting a massive beard, might not for a fellow Jew based on ancestry Rebbe being born a leader just as have quite grasped the subtlety of rather than a merit based system was Moshe Rabbeinu was born a leader. hating evil while reaching out to the a Chassidic trait, planted the seeds Clearly, our Sages indicate that this uneducated followers of that evil for my later identity shift. was the case, as they taught that his with unconditional love. For further Another personal quirk that I birth was prophesied before he was elaboration on this point, he referred learned to keep to myself as I was born and the house filled with light me to an article written in a Chabad growing up, was a strong sense of upon his arrival. An even more publication in response to this issue. identification with Biblical powerful expression of this idea is In that article, the author characters. One of the main players the fact that Haman rejoiced over explained the roles of both Moshe in our history and national identity the lots falling out in the month of and Aharon in mystical (spiritual is, of course, Moshe Rabbeinu. Like Adar, the month that Moshe passed groomsman and bridesmaid between every other Jewish child, I learned 731_B_Beis Moshiach 15/02/2010 9:14 AM Page 9

G-d and the Jews) and practical himself to assisting his father and throughout the year we are focused (judge and peacemaker) terms. The mother since he loves them more primarily on spreading light and we author then went on to posit that in than his own body and soul...and he are not as conscious of the war later generations these two roles gives over his body to death for against evil, which is why we remind were fused into one, and as such the them to save them...” ourselves individually each morning Rebbe is the one who must lead the Moshe Rabbeinu, as the all- in the “six remembrances” and fight against evil and inspire the inclusive soul of all Jews of all the collectively once a year on Parshas Jewish people with love for G-d and generations, is the one who brings Zachor. for each other. According to his all of those souls to stand united and As Chassidim of the Rebbe, we thesis, the modern day approach of receive the Torah from G-d, face to must remember that the focus on the Lubavitch did exactly that; there is face. Before doing that, he positive and love for our fellow Jews no more effective way of triumphing empowers the Jewish people to go is not about compromise with evil, over evil than by getting its own out and do battle with Amalek, the G-d forbid. In fact, as the Rebbe adherents to reject that evil. worldly manifestation of absolute explains in the Maamer “Bila As a case in point, he cited an evil. However, before the giving of HaMavess...” edited for the article written years earlier in an the Torah, this battle cannot be fully Shloshim of Rebbetzin Chaya Israeli intellectual periodical, in won, as the war against Amalek is Mushka (21 Adar 5748), absolute which a certain highly regarded the “war of G-d with Amalek from hatred of evil in the time of exile is a member of the Israeli intellectual generation to generation,” as the prerequisite for the eradication of elite bemoaned the fact that the Targum Yonasan writes, “until the evil in the times of Moshiach. The political leadership of the country generation of Moshiach.” Rebbe explains there how it is were all running to visit the Rebbe, The Talmud tells us, “there is no possible for all Jews to achieve this if as if he were a friend. This highbrow generation whence there isn’t they are far from being an absolute secularist pointed out that the Rebbe someone like Moshe,” and the Tzaddik. “Since each and every Jew posed a bigger threat than the most Zohar writes, “the extension of has certain times – during prayer, or virulent anti-government Moshe is in each generation.” Thus, the time engaged in Torah study, or demonstrators, “since they only the Chabad Rebbes, the Moshe of when doing the mitzva that he is make noise and embarrass each of their successive generations exceedingly particular about, or even themselves, whereas he is stealing were the address to turn to whether when engaged in permitted matters away our children, and ‘if there are one was inspired to search out love for the sake of Heaven, and even no kids there will be no goats.’” of G-d or hatred of Amalek/evil, the more so if in a manner of ‘in all your I wasn’t quite convinced but it two being different sides of the same ways, know Him’ – which at that provided a glimpse of the world coin. And that is why they led the time, he gives over his entire being from a whole new perspective. way in fighting false ideologies and to G-dliness. And through this, he those who would do harm to the has no connection to ‘soiled TO LEARN TO LIVE Jews. In our generation, the garments,’ like the absolute Tzaddik. generation of preparing the world Since this unification up Above is In Tanya chapter 10, the Alter for Moshiach, the Moshe Rabbeinu eternal, therefore, through this is Rebbe explains that the determinant of our time is finishing the job of drawn the revelation that does not factor in defining someone as an bringing the Jews to Torah and allow for the nourishment of the “absolute Tzaddik” is the fact that Torah to the Jews, as well as fighting outside forces, ‘and death will be he has completely expunged or the last remnants of evil by giving it consumed forever.’” transformed his Evil Inclination to no credence and substance and The Rebbe, in his role as Moshe the point that he is totally repulsed overwhelming it with good. Rabbeinu of the generation of by the pleasures of this world and Through connecting with the Moshiach, empowers us to unite has an absolute hatred for evil or Rebbe, one can actually translate with all Jews, devote ourselves anything associated with evil. This is these ideas and concepts into entirely to G-dliness, and a direct outgrowth of his great love experiential reality. What used to be consequently reject evil entirely for G-d and His Holiness and is a mystical and spiritual concept, (even if only at certain times) so that therefore the only true measure if his becomes an obvious fact, namely we may do our part in assuring the love for G-d is absolute to the that the birth of Moshe Rabbeinu on destruction of Amalek/evil and exclusion of all else. Furthermore, the 7th of Adar, his very existence, is gather to receive the “new Torah,” his Divine service in the sense of the precursor of the downfall of “the Torah of Moshiach,” and “we doing good is motivated exclusively Amalek-Haman and the renewed shall live before Him” in eternal life, by the desire to serve G-d, as the acceptance of the Torah as a result immediately, NOW! Zohar says regarding Moshe of the miracle of Purim. Yes, Rabbeinu, “like a son who devotes 731_B_Beis Moshiach 15/02/2010 9:14 AM Page 10

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the vildkait of the talmidim rightfully called simcha? What is genuine simcha and when is it not simcha PLANNING but unruliness? THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIMCHA FOR JOY AND HOLELUS R’ Mendel Futerfas would say that there are three pairs with which people can err. These things can By Dina Reichman look similar but are actually vastly different. They are bitachon (reliance on Hashem) and Warning for educators: This article recklessness; bitterness and sadness; and simcha and holelus (wildness). may negate apathy, cause spontaneous Why do simcha and holelus appear so similar? This is because dancing, and induce planning behavior both of them manifest as – to create joy. expansiveness and contain an element of freedom and getting out of the usual framework. Although ADAR – for tomorrow? How should he the external expression may appear WHAT’S IT ABOUT? respond? similar, at their core, they are vastly He toyed with the thought of He opens the HaYom Yom and different. Simcha comes from trying to minimize, as much as looks at the date. 29 Shvat. The k’dusha, with a person rejoicing possible, the influence and mood of next day is Rosh Chodesh Adar. about closeness to Hashem. He Adar and to prevent it from What does that mean to him? believes that everything Hashem disturbing his classroom routine, but And who is he? Is he a yeshiva does is good and when he senses then he opened the weekly D’var bachur waiting for a change in the this closeness then nothing bothers Malchus. He reads the Rebbe’s routine? Perhaps he is imagining the him and he is happy. The source of words: action that will begin tomorrow. He genuine simcha is contemplation and “To increase in those things has already prepared a mask and unification with Hashem, and when which bring simcha” “and called his friends to organize you are bound up Above then according to the principle… dancing during the break. everything is good. Simcha is whoever acts earlier is Maybe he runs a Chabad house connected with bittul, as the navi praiseworthy, and whoever adds is and he’s beginning the countdown: Yeshaya says, “The meek will praiseworthy…for that is how it arranging Mivtza Purim, mishloach increase their joy in Hashem.” should be regarding matters of manos, the reading of the Megilla. This is where the liberating simcha, that in and of themselves Maybe it’s a teacher and the aspect of “simcha poretz geder” are in a way of poretz geder (break calendar shows him that the winter comes in. When a person has bittul, out of limitations) and all the more semester is ending. He sadly plans he connects to soul powers that are so ‘marbin b’simcha’ (increasing in his leave-taking of the wonderful beyond his limits and discovers new joy) in the month of Adar…in a educational achievements of the kochos within himself. If, on a daily way that every day more simcha is previous month and wonders basis, a person has limitations, then added as compared to the days whether he will be able to teach when he is b’simcha he can go before.” properly in the coming one. He can beyond them. Thus we can see a Now he is convinced that he picture his students, see the sparkle shy person addressing a crowd or cannot ignore the reality of Adar, in the eyes of some of the someone who, out of great simcha, but what precisely is required of mischievous ones, and remember the gives to tz’daka way more than he him? On the one hand, can he miss pranks they did the previous Adar. usually gives. all the wonderful opportunities of Who knows what they are planning When the lady of the house the month? On the other hand, is operates with simcha, she realizes

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that she is more productive and her ability to deal with the usual R’ Mendel Futerfas would say that there difficulties in raising children are three pairs with which people can expands. She is more loving and stronger at the same time. A happy err. These things can look similar but person radiates strength, life. He or she feels strong; they accomplish are actually vastly different. They are more and are more successful. Holelus-wildness is from the bitachon (reliance on Hashem) and side of klipa. The element of wind, which is how holelus is represented, recklessness; bitterness and sadness; doesn’t really have anything to it. and simcha and holelus (wildness). It’s just “as if.” Acting as if happy for no reason. The expansiveness feels more generous, he wants to in other areas of chinuch, we need that comes from holelus magnifies a participate, and he includes others in to know that our job is to be there person’s ego but is empty of content. his joy. Inviting people to for them in order to direct and The person seems to expand, filling participate in his simcha is not just a guide. That is the idea of the his ego much like a balloon filled formality but an expression of his protective presence of the parent or with air that has no substance. feeling of oneness with others. teacher. The adult makes Under this hollow klipa there is no Holelus, on the other hand, is themselves available to direct the joy or meaning. Holelus is a associated with separation. When a child in the proper expression of loosening of the reins and a removal person is wild he seeks to make simcha. The presence of the of the yoke. himself stand out, to make jokes and mechanech prevents red lines from In contrast, the expansiveness of have fun at the expense of others. being crossed and from situations simcha is regulated. Since it is deteriorating into “anything goes” associated with closeness to mode. Hashem, it includes the awareness EDUCATING 2- This enables taking the that there is a power above me that WITH SIMCHA initiative and anticipation as guides and directs. This awareness Understanding the difference opposed to taking action after the leads a person to regulate himself between simcha and holelus will fact. The teacher described at the and not to impinge on his guide us when we want to make beginning of this article, looking at surroundings. He won’t just ourselves, our children, or our the calendar and seeing that Adar is develop himself but will allow room students happy. With this as the approaching, doesn’t sit passively for others. basis, we can derive the following and wait to see what the kids have Simcha is associated with principles and add in those things up their sleeves. He prepares and achdus. When a person is happy, that bring simcha, thereby increasing plans and fills his sense of oneness genuine joy and adding his expands. He chayus to ourselves and those around us: 1- First, just as

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When a person has bittul, he connects to THINK ABOUT IT You can see how the same soul powers that are beyond his limits activity looks different if these principles are implemented. Take and discovers new kochos within for example, teachers who decide to devote a lesson to simcha and himself. If, on a daily basis, a person dancing. If the teachers translate has limitations, then when he is this into, “great, a free period; the students will do as they please and b’simcha he can go beyond them. we can relax in the teachers’ room and drink coffee,” then they are schedule with happy activities. It is when together with others.” That is going to miss an opportunity. If this likely that the students will still make how Mordechai said the holiday of is used as a teaching moment, the their plans, but when the teacher is Purim should be celebrated – by teachers will participate, take an prepared to have a good time with making others rejoice and giving active part in the dancing or at least his students, he does not feel gifts to the poor, because “there is supervise and rejoice along with the threatened by or anxious because of no greater or beautiful simcha than students (there’s no question that their ideas. He is willing to hear rejoicing the hearts of the poor and the teachers’ participation in the them out, accept the good ideas, and orphans, widows and converts.” dancing provides a personal example even appreciate the good intentions (Rambam Hilchos Megilla) and is a means to create a bond with behind the not-so-good ideas. 5-Simcha is associated with the the students, in addition to enabling He directs this need (for action sense of actualizing the gifts that them to influence the type of and a change) in the right direction Hashem gave us. Activities that will dancing that is done and the positive and utilizes the children’s energy for give expression to talents will atmosphere). constructive ends. He takes provide feelings of satisfaction and The same is true if a Purim responsibility for what goes on. simcha. carnival is organized. An event like Maybe he will choose to organize Similar to any other topic in this offers many opportunities for things himself or maybe, as an chinuch, it’s not enough that the organization and expression of educational goal, he will get the teacher think how to direct the talents. The teacher is needed in students involved in the planning. simcha and prevent holelus. The order to infuse meaning and decide In any case, he is the one in charge teacher needs to work on himself to how to handle the activity (example: and he supervises to ensure that they be happy and then he can affect his will the “buying” be done with are choosing the right activities. talmidim. He becomes the role money, which is likely to cause 3-In addition, as the very nature model for them. The same is true discomfort for some students or, in of simcha dictates, there is the need for giving, which is an inseparable order to preserve the good feelings to introduce content and meaning part of simcha. In the sicha of for all, will they use play money that and to direct them towards Truma 5752, the Rebbe notes that as will be distributed ahead of time meaningful goals. This is the part of the increase in simcha, equally, with special rewards or essential difference between simcha, “parents ought to add in making prizes for good deeds). which is connected with k’dusha, their children happy with those A lot of thought should go into and “wind” and the “devil may care” things that (naturally) make them the social structure, paying attitude which is holelus. The excess happy.” It’s very important that the attention that not only should the energy and the desire to be free are teacher or parent think about what event but nice, but that each of the directed towards positive ends and will make others happy. Not just children will be able to enjoy it. It’s are not left open, without purpose. to educate, to convey and teach, but important to think about to what 4-A genuine simcha activity will simply to benefit his students. extent each child has the ability to lead to achdus, cooperation, and There’s no doubt that a mechanech participate? How will they take turns giving. The job of the mechanech is who is happy and seeks to make so that children who are more to convey the need to think of others happy will be more successful passive or less confident won’t spend others, to make others happy, to in having a significant impact on his the day in futile attempts to push give. The Rebbe, in his sicha of students in every way, not just in the their way in without really Truma, 5752, emphasizes “the inyan of simcha. participating? It pays to check shleimus of simcha is specifically whether there is a sufficient variety

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of booths so that each child will have an opportunity to do well with at It’s very important that the teacher or least one thing. Plan the prize parent think about what will make system so that each child can win, even if it’s something small, even if others happy. Not just to educate, to he’s not that talented (If all the booths are variations on aiming at a convey and teach, but simply to benefit target, a child who isn’t good at that will go home sad and disappointed. his students. There’s no doubt that a Her answer to “how was the carnival” will be “boring and mechanech who is happy and seeks to disappointing.”) make others happy will be more IDEAS FOR SIMCHA successful in having a significant ACTIVITIES impact on his students in every way, not What kind of simcha activities can we promote, whether at home or just in the inyan of simcha. in school? The following ideas are written for students but most of An activity like that is “dwarf and perspective. Many children will them can be done at home or in giant,” where each child draws a treasure these papers and rereading other group situations: ticket with the name of a friend who them will bolster their spirits for a First, the simplest form of will be his giant. The dwarf has to long time to come. expression when happy is song and come up with ways to make the Mishloach manos among dance. You can sing a niggun before giant happy, ex. hide a surprise in classmates can also be done together davening or perhaps start lessons by his briefcase, make a nice card for with a compliment by including singing together. Dancing expresses him, etc. something symbolic that represents a simcha and encompasses all of a Other activities serve to good quality of the person on the person - i.e., all his limbs express encourage them to say something receiving end (with an explanatory simcha, from head to toe. In nice to others and to strengthen note): a candy in the shape of a addition, dancing in a circle their friendship. Each child can be rooster for a child who is early to expresses achdus. The distance told to prepare a “business card” (a rise, a chocolate coin for a generous from all the dancers to the center is positive one, of course) for his child or for a child who saves up his equal, there is no first or last, and friend, with pictures and newspaper money (in the positive sense, like a this underscores partnership and clippings. For example, if the child who saves money for a ticket unity. magazine has an article about a to the Rebbe). This teaches the Another activity which gives the farbrengen with a mashpia, the child children to encourage others and to students the change of pace they’re cuts out the word “Chassidish” for a make them happy, and enables looking for is ‘v’na’hapoch hu” – Chassidishe friend, and “mashpia” everyone to feel good and loved. allowing the students to prepare a for a generous child or someone Simcha should also be expressed lesson and be “teacher for a day,” who is a good role model. by giving to the larger community: with the teacher playing the role of a Another possibility that includes bringing joy to a senior center, student. The right choice of more children and gets them to preparing mishloach manos for the children will enable them to express move around: Each child puts a needy( like hospitalized children), their talents and gain experience in paper on his back. The children and volunteering to help the Chabad meaningful learning and the other move around the room to the beat of house by packing mishloach manos children will practice respect and the music and every so often they or with mivtzaim. encouragement for each other. This stop to write something nice on each May we merit to rejoice and will happen only if the teacher is other’s papers. In the end, each bring joy to others and to be “poretz present during the lesson. child gets a full page of nice things geder” and “go out [of our tzaros] It’s important to combine about himself. It’s a good idea for by being happy.” May we be poretz activities that direct the action the teacher to add his own the gedarim of galus and go out to towards thinking of others, and to comments with his more mature Geula with singing and dancing. look for ways to make them happy.

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obituary A GAON IN AHAVAS YISROEL

By Avrohom Rainitz Crown Heights recently lost a dearly cherished Chassid, R’ Yosef Tevel a”h, on the 4th of Shvat, the evening after he celebrated his 55th birthday. The numerous stories told about him at Shiva depicted a man who had a tremendous amount of Ahavas Yisroel. He extended himself to help all kinds of people, and he brought a smile with him wherever he went.

When I arrived at the Tevel’s confusion, yet they themselves were Yossel’s personal life was filled home to console the family over the the ones strengthened and consoled with trials and tribulations, yet he sudden passing of their father, the by the spirit and courage of the never let his hardships bring him house was bustling with an amazing family. Yossel’s children inherited down. He had a tremendous heart variety of people. Yossel had his ability to uplift and encourage in which he contained not only his touched so many as he went about others even when it seems difficult own tzaros but in addition, the his day juggling between chesed and to be happy themselves. They used tzaros of the people he encountered. work. There were Lubavitchers the opportunity to talk to the His genuine smile filled with a alongside Chasidim and Jews from visitors about the coming of caring love to all, brought all that all factions, distinguished Moshiach and to fortify them with saw him to a level of true professors, prison chaplains, the belief in Moshiach’s imminent Chassidishe happiness. dignitaries and relatives. arrival, when Yossel will return with As one of the visitors who came They all came to console the “Techias Hamaisim” (the to support the family mentioned, family in this dire time of resurrection of the deceased). “He was one of the few

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R’ Yossel Tewel a”h

extraordinary people on this earth, of the loss. “He dedicated his life to moment.” and it was our great honor to have helping others and did all he could Sentiments like this were shared known him.” to make people smile…“I can’t by many doctors who came to the Rabbi Leibel Groner, the understand how he did it all by Shiva house. These are the kind of Rebbe’s secretary, who came to himself. I mean no one was paying doctors for whom you have to wait console the family, said that not a him to do it…” three months for an appointment, week went by without a call from On the other side of the room and who are paid hundreds of Yossel with a request for assistance. sat a doctor who was regularly in dollars an hour. But for Yossel, But he was never asking for touch with Yossel. “He was the only there was no such thing as waiting himself, it was always about helping one in the world who could drag on line. “When he came to us with others. me out at a moment’s notice to all his energy, we just couldn’t say Sitting next to us, a well- provide medical consultation or no.” they said. respected lawyer Mr. Leo Kimmel treatment to whomever he found it hard to digest the enormity happened to be helping at that

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‘aren’t you ashamed? I spent an entire day in prison and you just remembered to get me out now?’ “I was stunned by his lack of appreciation, but my brother without blinking an eye turned to him and said ‘you are absolutely right. I am very sorry that I didn’t come sooner.’”

THE REBBE AS SHADCHAN More people walked into the Shiva house and nearly all of them had a story to tell about Yossel’s chesed. His brother Pinnye told the R’ Yossel Tewel a”h receiving a dollar from the Rebbe for tz’daka wonderful story about how the family came to Lubavitch: HE DIDN’T WAIT FOR A The bochur, who didn’t have “It started in the 1950’s, when THANK YOU any more information, tried to my father was of marriageable age. shrug him off, but my brother The lawyer Mr. Kimmel said My grandmother, who came to a would not let him. ‘What you mean s that on a few occasions he was New York after the Holocaust and you don’t know? You started to say witness to how Yossel put in great had a beautiful family, requested a something, where did you hear that efforts in order to free a person Yechidus with the Rebbe, in which information?’ from jail, and upon succeeding he she asked for help with a shidduch The bachur called over a friend p would not wait for any Thank You’s for her son. The Rebbe answered it who knew more details and and continue to the next matter at would be a good idea to look into together they managed to give him hand. When he asked him why, the daughter of R’ Shmuel Itche the entire story. ‘A Lubavitcher had Yossel said simply, “It is enough for Reitzes. been arrested and he could be me that Hashem says thank you.” When the shidduch was m released with $1000 bail but he R’ Yossel did chesed for the sake of suggested to R’ Reitzes’ daughter, didn’t have the money.’ chesed. Sometimes, not only wasn’t she refused. The bachur wasn’t a “Yossel was shaken by this a he thanked, he even got yelled at Lubavitcher and he hadn’t grown a information. A thousand dollars and for his help, but he never regretted beard yet. She entered Yechidus by nobody has released him yet!? helping and continued doing his the Rebbe and explained, “how “In the meantime the rest of the mitzvos. could the daughter of a Tamim who bochurim left and it was my brother As his brother Pinnye relates: was a Shochet and Bodek, marry a and I who were left. My brother “In the 70’s I went with my bochur without a beard?” didn’t waste any time and within a brother to visit the prisons. After a The Rebbe smiled and said, short period he gathered $1000 and full day of work we returned to 770 “And perhaps the shidduch has long drove quickly to the courthouse, and my brother began to park the ago been predestined in heaven? which would be closing in ten car. The Bochurim who saw us The month of Kislev is a happy minutes, in order to post the bail exclaimed, “Here are the guys from month and I want to receive a and get a release ticket for the jail. the jail.” One of them called, ‘Hey positive answer regarding Tevel!” From there we rushed to the Yossel, we needed you today! They After such a clear answer, there detention center. I stayed in the car arrested someone and now he’s was no doubt that this was a because there was no parking and sitting in jail,’ and the bochur shidduch from heaven, and they he went inside to get the started to walk away. ‘Hey, come where set to be married. They Lubavitcher released. A few minutes here!’ my brother yelled after him. asked the Rebbe to be the mesader later they both came out, my ‘Who got arrested? When did they kiddushin at their wedding. The brothers face was beaming with joy. arrest him? How can we get him Rebbe replied, “You deserve that I When they got into the car, the out?’ should be mesader kiddushin, but man turned to him angrily and said since there is another wedding that

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same week where I cannot be mesader kiddushin, you can’t build your simcha on the jealousy of others.” So it happened on the 3rd of Shvat 5716 (1956), they where blessed with a firstborn son. They called him Yosef.

SHALOM ZACHOR IN A SNOWSTORM In 5724 when Yossel was nine, R’ Fulye Kahn came for a few months to visit 770. While he was in town he taught Yossel in Oholei Torah, where he went to school. Yossel would always recall with R’ Yossel Tewel receiving kos shel bracha nostalgia those few months he spent with R’ Fulye. He would tell Rebbe asked him, “Do you know of the Chassidishe hergesh that he how to read the Shema?” had instilled in them through stories The Yossel who was accustomed of the old time Chassidim. to saying Shema before going to At that time R’ Fulye had said an sleep said “Yes, when I wash my interesting vort. The word hands and go to sleep, we read the “va’yigash” can be read as an Shema.” acronym forward and backwards: The Rebbe asked him to read vav yihiyeh gimmel shvat- sheleg the Shema. But Yossel didn’t gadol yihiyeh v’kor, i.e. if the third understand why he should read it in of Shvat is on a Friday, there will the middle of the day and he be a snowstorm and bitter cold. repeated “The Shema you say Indeed, Yossel was born on Friday, before going to sleep.” 3rd of Shvat and it was freezing The Rebbe took out two silver and there was a snowstorm. dollars and gave it to him and said, Friday night his father prepared “Vest du kein mul nit fargesen the table for the Shalom Zachor, Shema Yisroel?(You will never R’ Yossel Tewel but the terrible weather kept people forget Shema Yisroel?” ensconced in their warm homes and Excited, Yossel replied “Nein, The bracha was fulfilled and by Ich vel kein mul nit fargesen Shema nobody showed up. Finally, two the next year R’ Simcha and his hours later, there was a knock at Yisroel” ( I will never forget Shema wife were holding their very own Yisroel.) the door and a man by the name of baby boy. R’ Simcha Rubin came in. Yossel’s This story epitomizes R’ Yossel’s father was very happy to see him life. Even when people were not ASKANUS FROM and they sat down together to have paying attention, he would find the A YOUNG AGE a l’chaim. Then he remembered that people who needed help and give R’ Pinnye related that Yossel’s Simcha had been married for a them strength, courage and help in communal involvement began when number of years and did not have anyway he could. he was about eight years old. any children. He lifted his cup of In those days, the family lived l’chaim and said from the depths of on S. John’s Place and on the way his heart, “Just as you brought me THE REBBE ASKED: to 770 they would pass a little store simcha by coming to the Shalom SAY SHEMA YISROEL that belonged to an older Polish Zachor, I bless you that next year I When R’ Yossel was two years Jew, who was a Holocaust survivor. should be able to attend the Shalom old, he joined his family for a One day, the storeowner asked Zachor that you make!” Yechidus with the Rebbe. The

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DEDICATION TO SHALOM BAYIS make aliya and be a Zionist. According to the After he got married, R’ Yossel was on shlichus chinuch he had been given to hate Zionism, he felt for several years in Berkeley, California. A man from that by doing this he would be leaving Judaism. Williamsburg got involved in gambling and he sold He walked into the Israeli consulate and told his whatever he owned in order to finance his habit. At a story. Unfortunately for him, some of the “minor” certain point, his wife and family found out about details of his story, like the gambling addiction and this and his shocked wife asked for a divorce. She did how he had left his wife without a divorce and her not want to be married to a compulsive gambler. family were after him, made the man at the consulate The husband decided to run away, as far as refuse to help him make aliya. The clerk told him that possible. He was afraid to fly because he figured that the consulate could not do anything for him but at after all the sins he did, G-d would surely crash the the Chabad house they surely could. plane, so he got on a bus and went all the way to S. At first, he didn’t believe that Chabad would help Francisco. him but the clerk encouraged him, “Chabad never He felt utterly lost and decided to leave religious threw anyone out. You can go to them with observance completely. The first thing he set out to confidence.” do was to get his beard and peios removed so he He had no other option and so he showed up at wouldn’t look Jewish. He walked into a barber shop the Chabad house in Berkeley on Friday afternoon. R’ and asked the barber to shave it all off. When the Yossel welcomed him warmly and offered him a guest barber approached him with the razor, he suddenly room. saw an image of his grandfathers who were killed in Friday night, the man went downstairs for Auschwitz looking pleadingly at him. He began to Kabbalas Shabbos and when they began singing tremble. The barber said he couldn’t shave him in Lecha Dodi, his heart broke and he began sobbing. that state and he had to calm down. He tried to relax At some point, he couldn’t stand there any longer but could not. He realized that he could not remove and he went up to his room. R’ Yossel, who noticed his beard. this, followed him upstairs after the davening and He wandered the streets of S. Francisco and asked what the problem was and how he could help. decided that if he couldn’t look like a goy, he would At first he refused to tell him and insisted that R’ Yossel couldn’t help him. But R’ Yossel promised he >>

Yossel “Young man, can you please The old man was very touched by includes everything in it, even go to the store across the street and the little boy’s explanation and future technological developments. purchase some milk for me, since I asked him to buy him the kosher It’s all referred to somewhere cannot leave my store unattended”. milk. From then on, Yossel bought within the Torah, he informed the Yossel replied, “I’d be happy to, but him kosher milk every day. It surprised old man. instead of buying the milk across became his very own personal When Yossel was ten years old, the street where the milk is not mivtza kashrus. he would daven with the seven kosher, I will buy it in the store Yossel would use his encounters o’clock minyan in 770. He once opposite 770 where they sell kosher with the storeowner to talk to him went over to one of the men and milk.” about Judaism. Once while visiting, asked him to teach him how to put The old man wasn’t particular he told him to stop watching on Tefillin. The man wondered why about buying kosher milk and he television and said that according to he wanted to learn now, when his said it didn’t make a difference to the Torah, it was forbidden to even bar mitzvah was three years off! him, but Yossel insisted that the turn on the television. The old man Yossel explained that he wanted to milk across the street was not asked with sincerity “I don’t put Tefillin on with Mr. Maury kosher and therefore he shouldn’t understand how a smart child like Cohen, the branch manager at the use it. you can say that the Torah forbids a bank opposite 770. The old man then asked, “What television, when in the time of The branch manager Mr. could be non-kosher about milk Moshe Rabbeinu television didn’t Maury Cohen was a well-respected already?” Little Yossel began to exist yet!” individual, but when Yossel would explain that there is Chalav Yisroel Yossel wasn’t fazed by the walk in with confidence and a and there is non-Jewish milk, and a comment and he explained that the broad smile on his face, Mr. Jew needs to drink Chalav Yisroel. Torah that we received from Moshe Cohen would melt. In those days,

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>> would do all he could for him and the man the woman’s family might attack him because they finally told him his story. R’ Yossel assured him were furious with the husband. that after Shabbos, he would see what he could do As soon as they arrived, they disconnected the for him. phone in the house so the woman could not call her During Shabbos, R’ Yossel spoke to him and relatives. Then they knocked on the door and when found out that the person was a good neshama who the woman opened it, he introduced himself as a had lost himself in gambling. Even in his confused shliach. He told her that her phone was not working state, his desire was to do teshuva and return to his so she should not consider calling her family and she family. should hear him out. R’ Yossel went out to a public phone, so the man’s At first, she didn’t want to hear about reuniting family wouldn’t be able to find out his whereabouts, with her husband but R’ Yosef spoke to her for hours, and spoke with the wife. He told her that her telling her his impressions of her husband and husband was in good hands and that he would call assuring her that he wasn’t a bad person, but the back with additional information. gambling had simply gotten out of control and now Then he called back from another public phone so he wanted to do t’shuva and return to his family. He they couldn’t trace him and identified himself as a told her about how moved her husband had been shliach of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. He told her that when they sang Lecha Dodi and how much he missed her husband is in a safe place, and said, “I want to his family. After eight hours of this, she agreed to come and see you and talk to you because your give her husband another chance to rebuild their husband wants to return to his family.” lives. At first, his wife refused to hear of it. All she R’ Yossel quickly called home and told the man, wanted was a divorce. After a long talk with R’ “Take the first plane you can get to New York and Yossel, she finally conceded that he could come and return to your family!” talk to her. The man returned and was received by his family. R’ Yossel went home and told his wife that he was Within a short time he rehabilitated himself and going to New York for a few days. When R’ Yossel today he has a beautiful family of twelve children. arrived in New York, he first went to 770, where he When he married off his children, he invited R’ Yossel asked a friend to accompany him. He was afraid that and told them: This is your grandfather!

even simple clerks at the bank MESIRUS NEFESH 770, her arms laden with heavy were respectable people, but when FOR OTHERS bags. Yossel went over to the Yossel entered the bank, Mr. Rebbetzin and said, “Rebbetzin, let “From a young age my brother Cohen would stop what he was me help you.” But before she could was Moser Nefesh for others,” said doing and go to the side with respond, he had taken the bags his brother Pinnye. Yossel to put on Tefillin. One day from her with a smile. I, being the One time, as he walked on the elder Chassidim were in the younger brother, followed slowly Kingston, he saw a big goy pounce bank waiting to have a meeting behind him. When they got to the on another Lubavitcher to rob him. with the bank manager. Just then second floor, the Rebbetzin noticed Without thinking twice, Yossel fell Yossel walked into the bank and for the first time the cast on upon the goy in order to save his Mr. Cohen says, “Hey, my little Yossel’s arm and was horrified. fellow Jew. The goy was much rabbi is here …” he then walked Yossel calmed her and said it was bigger than him and as he turned together with Yossel into his office nothing and the cast was coming around, the two fell to the ground. on the second floor and put on off in a few days anyway. As a result, Yossel broke his arm Tefillin. When we exited the elevator, the and had to wear a cast for a long The Elder Chassidim who saw Rebbetzin asked us to wait. She time. this went over to Yossel’s returned immediately with a big bar A short time after that grandfather, R’ Shmuel Itche of chocolate, saying, “This is for occurrence, Yossel and I where Reitzes, and described with envy, you two.” Yossel refused to take it, passing by 770 and saw Rebbetzin the Chassidishe exploits of his and said in Yiddish “Rebbetzin, you Chaya Mushka a”h emerge from grandson Yossel. know that I come from a her car and head for her mother’s Chassidishe family, where I was apartment on the second floor of taught, when you help another Jew

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FATHER, FORGIVE ME straps like a veteran. He said Shma Yisroel and Among the dozens of jails in the state of New suddenly began to cry uncontrollably. Twenty York where R’ Yossel worked, there was one that he minutes went by before he finished saying Shma. could not get into. Unfortunately, the obstacles came When he took off the t’fillin, he looked upwards and from the so-called rabbi of the prison by the name of cried: “Tatte, zayt mir moichel (Father, forgive me).” Metzger. He belonged to the Reform movement and He asked R’ Yossel to sit down and told him his fought Chabad’s work tooth and nail. He told R’ story: Yossel directly, “I won’t let you into my prison.” His grandfather, the dearest thing to him in life, R’ Yossel did not despair but asked him time and had been a big rabbi in Germany. When the Nazis again. After extensive efforts, the rabbi softened up a came to power, he watched as they degraded his bit and before Pesach he agreed to give matzos out to grandfather in the most humiliating and brutal the inmates on condition that R’ Yossel not come to fashion. The cursed Nazis laughed as the rabbi with the prison but send the matzos with UPS. Instead, R’ the long white beard was mocked in the streets. Yossel himself knocked on the rabbi’s door. When the At that time, he swore vengeance against G-d. rabbi asked who was at the door, he answered, After the war he immigrated to the US, where he “UPS.” joined the Reform movement, became a rabbi, and The rabbi opened the door and was shocked to did all he could for spite. He married Jews and see R’ Yossel standing there. At first he was angry but gentiles, arranged parties on Yom Kippur, etc. all to R’ Yossel said with a smile, “I wanted to show you take revenge on G-d. that the boogeyman isn’t so scary after all.” They got “When I suddenly heard that Chabad Chassidim into a conversation and the rabbi’s hostility wanted to visit the prison, I began to tremble with an dissipated. inner fear. I knew that where Chabad is going to A few weeks later, R’ Yossel called Rabbi Metzger come, anything opposing G-dliness will simply melt. to ask whether he could come and cheer up the Therefore, I had no choice but to fight you. But your prisoners on Lag B’Omer. To his surprise, the rabbi charm and persistence managed to win me over,” he agreed, for the first time, to have Lubavitchers visit concluded. “I decided to return to G-d and I beg of the prison, as long as not too many of them would Him to forgive me.” come. R’ Yossel was in seventh heaven that he was Two weeks later, R’ Yossel got a phone call. finally able to break the barrier. “Rabbi Tewel, this is Rabbi Metzger’s son. I am sorry On Lag B’Omer, R’ Yossel went with a group of to inform you that my father died. I’d like to tell you bachurim to the prison. With a big tape recorder and that during his final two weeks he spoke about lots of simcha, they got the inmates involved in the nothing but you and the t’fillin you put on him. We dancing. Rabbi Metzger stood off to the side and realize that you were very important to him and we watched. would like you to attend his funeral and to say a few R’ Yossel went over to him and said, “I would like words.” to suggest that you put on t’fillin.” R’ Yossel went to the funeral with some bachurim “Your chutzpa has no limit!” the stunned rabbi from 770 and in front of all the Reform friends of the retorted. rabbi, he told how Rabbi Metzger’s pintele yid had R’ Yossel noticed that this was said with a hint of been awoken after so many years of fighting Judaism. a smile and decided the time was ripe. He pushed up *** the rabbi’s sleeve and began putting the t’fillin on A few years ago, Rabbi Chaim Fogelman called R’ him. Yossel and asked whether he had a story for him to The rabbi was taken aback and said: “You want to tell on Yom Kippur. R’ Yossel told him the story of teach me how to put on t’fillin but I know better than Rabbi Metzger. After Yom Kippur, R’ Fogelman you!” He took the t’fillin from him and wound the called him and said that when he told the story in shul, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

you don’t except any rewards.” The taught, when someone offers - you oranges and showed us how you Rebbetzin looked at him with a take… especially when it’s good can juggle them. “In recent days,” smile and said, “If I remember chocolate!” Pinnye adds, “as I have been correctly, I also come from a Then, in order to makes us thinking about my brother’s life, Chassidishe family, and me they happy, the Rebbetzin took some which was so full of chesed, I have

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thought about that encounter with the Rebbetzin and how it is a metaphor for how he ran his life. He juggled from various acts of chesed, work on behalf of inmates, helping the sick, and involvement with at risk teenagers. Yet, everything he did was done with the sweetness of chocolate.”

A WHOLE FAMILY IN CROWN HIEGHTS After the Rebbe urged people to reach out to Jews incarcerated in jail, Yossel took this on as his personal project. Rabbi Kasriel Kastel, who is responsible for the R’ Yossel Tewel with a group of bachurim and men from Crown Heights work with prisoners under Tzeirei near Rikers Island prison Agudas Chabad, shared with the mourners at the Shiva house that in HE DIDN’T hundreds of requests from Jewish his first meetings with Yossel about FORSAKE ANY JEW inmates around the US. “I was once in his room and saw three reaching out to prisoners, he In the early 80’s, Yossel would piles of mail. I didn’t understand considered him a person that works send bochurim to perform outreach when he had the time to read and outside of the laws of nature. in the jails for the Jewish inmates. deal with all the requests. So, I took When Yossel heard that a Jew Before every Yom Tov he would one letter out of a pile in order to had gone to jail, his first focus was arrange thirty to forty groups and understand what kind of request he on how to get him out on bail until send them to all the prisons in the was dealing with. the trial. In the offices of Tzeirei state of New York and even a few I read a letter from an inmate Agudas Chabad, they weren’t outside of NY. He made who described how his shoes are thinking along those lines at all – professional connections, which torn and asked if my brother could their efforts were concentrated on enabled him to get special prices for arrange a pair of sneakers for him. providing for the religious needs of dozens of car rentals. He arranged The next letter was also from the inmates. plenty of food for the bochurim and same inmate, thanking my brother Yossel didn’t limit himself to the the inmates and even prepared for sending him the best sneakers limitations of Tzeirei Agudas maps so the bochurim could find on the market, and for sending Chabad. When they couldn’t help their way to their specific prisons. them express! ‘I thought a few him, he managed on his own. R’ In one of the Sichos of those weeks would go by until you would Kastel said that after decades of years, the Rebbe gave advice on respond to my request, and I was working together, he was still how to deal with the administrators surprised to see that within a few amazed by the incredible results of the prisons who refused to allow days your fulfilled my request.’ Yossel had achieved. them to do outreach. The Rebbe In addition, Pinnye says another He mentioned that there is a said “Tell the administrator: How story “One year, it was late by the family in Crown Heights with can it be that such-and-such a time we completed a round of grandchildren who all have prison allows this work and you Chanuka parties at two prisons, Lubavitcher names like Menachem don’t allow it!?” dancing and putting on Tefillin with Mendel and Chaya Mushka, thanks Whenever Yossel dealt with an the inmates, and all the bochurim to Yossel who worked to get the administrator who gave the wanted to go back to 770. But father out of jail when he was a bochurim problems, he used the Yossel said to me, ‘We’re not going young man. He kept in touch with Rebbe’s words exactly and all the yet.’ him and brought him closer to doors opened to them. “He asked the bochurim to relax Judaism and Chassidus and today His brother Pinnye related that on the couches in the lobby and the results are a beautiful family in while still a bochur, Yossel received Crown Heights. asked me to go with him. He told

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forty minutes and revived his A JEW’S REST IS MORE IMPORTANT spirits. When we had walked in, he THAN ANYTHING was the living dead and when we left, he was a completely different This is what someone wrote about R’ Yossel Tewel’s Ahavas person. This is just one story out of Yisroel: hundreds of thousands. Yossel The Friday night meal at R’ Yossel’s house began late at night so would not forsake any Jew.” the many bachurim who, for various reasons, did not get to make kiddush at the usual time, would be able to join him. One Shabbos, I was one of the bachurim who joined him at that RASING THE SPIRITS OF late hour. However, after a few minutes I felt drowsy and before THOSE WHO ARE DOWN drifting off I asked my friends to wake me up for bentching. His son Zalman related that on When I woke up, I looked around and didn’t know where I was. one occasion when he went with his The sun was shining into the room and it took some time for me to father to visit a prison, the realize what had happened. I felt bad about missing bentching and administrator told him, “When your about the daily Tanya I hadn’t said. I couldn’t help but feel annoyed at father comes, we can’t resist the my friends for leaving me there. enormous energy he radiates. His It was six in the morning and I got up and left the house for 770. I happiness, his warmth, just sweeps anticipated meeting my friends and telling them off for abandoning us all away.” me. After a while I met one of them and angrily asked him why he After successfully getting people hadn’t woken me up. caught up in the simcha “R’ Yossel did not let,” he apologized. “As much as we tried to tell atmosphere, Yossel would take note him how important it was, he refused to allow it.” of which inmates were sitting off to I decided to ask R’ Yossel himself. When I met him a few days the side and not taking part. He later, I gently asked him why he did not allow me to be woken up. The would then sit near them and talk answer he gave me reverberates in my mind ten years later and they to their hearts until he was able to are a legacy I won’t forget. He said, “The rest of a Jew is more raise even their spirits. He put all important than anything.” The sincerity and firmness with which he his energy into “Making lively the said it did away with any ideas I had of arguing with him, and I had to souls of the depressed, and the make peace with what he said. hearts of the crushed.” After a few days I learned a sicha in Volume 5 of Likkutei Sichos His brother Pinny related: “A about Yaakov marrying two sisters. The Rebbe’s conclusion is that few years ago, we went to visit a when a person wants to be stringent about something, it’s proper only prison together and while all the for himself but not to impose on others. R’ Yossel’s words came to inmates were dancing and rejoicing, mind, “The rest of a Jew is more important than anything.” I saw a religious Jew with a beard sitting on the side looking downtrodden. I tried all I could to me he had noticed that one of the got to the solitary section, the cheer him, but to no avail. “I knew Jewish inmates, who had been a warden opened a door and we that my brother’s special touch was regular participant, had not showed could see the inmate in a cell as needed in this case. He was up this time. He had asked the dark as Egypt by the plagues. involved in a conversation with the other prisoners whether he had “When he saw us standing chaplains and other senior officials, been released or did not feel well there, he was flabbergasted. Yossel but when he heard what I was and was informed that he had been went over to him, hugged him and dealing with, he left them all put into solitary confinement for a said, ‘It’s Chanuka Today!’ “The standing there and turned his few days. prisoner broke out in tears and attention to this Jew. ‘Whatever the outcome will be, Yossel said encouragingly, ‘I know “He sat down next to him and we can’t leave before meeting with this is the darkest point in your life, asked, ‘Tell me, how can I help this inmate, Yossel decided. “He but from here-on-in, your mazal you?” The man replied “I need a spoke with the administrator and will shine. We brought you a pair of Tefillin.” “No problem, it’s managed to get permission to make menorah and when you kindle it, done.” Yossel assured him. a special visit. One of the wardens the light will shine up your life.’ Tomorrow I will send you a pair of led us through dark halls “We lit the menorah with him, Tefillin by express mail. What else underground and at some point I brought him latkes, and he cried the do you need? Do you need a good lost my sense of direction. When we entire time. We sat with him for

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lawyer?’ The prisoner thanked him and JEWS - HAVE MERCY said he had a lawyer and would be This is a free translation of a letter that R’ Yossel Tewel wrote, it released soon, but was seems in 5748, with an eerie relevance to the tragedies that have taken tremendously bothered by the fact place recently: that he had been unable to obtain a We plead from the depths pair of Tefillin. My brother of our hearts for the sake of reassured him and promised that truth and peace. Please have he’d quickly send the Tefillin. mercy on yourselves and us “When we left, my brother and on the Rebbe shlita who asked me to buy Tefillin at his is more dear to us than expense the very next day and to anything. send them by the quickest possible Immediately cease all method. Within two days, the man machlokes and divisiveness had Tefillin.” in our community. Lately we have all been witness to the AHAVAS YISROEL most shocking incidents in IN EVERY AREA our community and by Anash in particular, body In recent years, Yossel was and soul, may Hashem have involved in helping people with mercy on us. medical needs. He quickly became Yidden, have rachmanus! acquainted with top doctors in New Stop fighting and York and helped many Jews who immediately stop all sorts of needed help from specialists. He anonymous nasty letters and was a founder of Ahavas Chesed machlokes. The call of the and developed ties with all the hour is: Achdus, Ahavas Chinam, Hakhel. hospitals and doctors in the area. All the embittered people who don’t have where to express The directors of Kupat themselves should cry out “ad masai!” and ask for the Geula now, Bochurim, an organization which mamash, instead of wasting their energy on trivial things. takes care of the needs of the May Hashem have mercy on us and redeem us from this bitter students in 770, described Yossel’s galus with the true and complete Geula now, mamash, with our king in willingness to help. “He assisted the lead. dozens of bochurim who needed – A Group of Anash Who Care medical attention and obtained many medications at low prices or as donations for them.” and take two pies. Someone else The tragic and sudden passing Another area in which he said that when he was in difficult of R’ Yosef Tevel, left anash around invested his time and efforts was financial straits, Yossel told him to the world in an enormous shock, working with at risk teenagers from come to the store and take whatever especially at the thought of the religious homes who swayed from he wanted. “Take even more than tough financial situation this the normal school system. He you need and store it in the mourning family finds themselves bought a building in upstate New freezer,” he said. in. We all knew of the broadness of York in the mountains and a *** Yossel’s giving heart emotionally, yeshiva operated there for many The number of pages for this spiritually and financially. years. The Yeshiva reached out to article are limited and the stories of Therefore, friends of the family who dozens of teens to keep them in a Yossel keep pouring in. Stories of feel a deep obligation to them, are Yeshiva environment. true Chesed from all facets tell of a calling upon the community to Yossel even used the place he truly extraordinary man. please help R’ Yosef’s family like he worked, a pizza shop in Boro Park, His sudden passing, caused by a helped us so many times before. for acts of chesed. One person who stroke, left behind his wife and six You can donate online at came to console the family said that children to deal with the new reality tevelfamily.com or you can send a when Yossel found out that he was with Emuna and Bitachon as Yossel check or money order to M. Tewel in financial difficulty, he told him to had taught them. 644 Lefferts Ave. Brooklyn, NY, come to the pizza shop every week 11203.

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farbrengen

A FARBRENGEN NEEDS TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING INSIDE WHEN THE Bachurim! I will start by saying that attending this farbrengen is not compulsory. The sidrei ha’yeshiva ended and you don’t have to sit here, though it pays to stay because REBBE SAYS you might hear something [worthwhile]. In a generation in which what are called “ziknei ha’Chassidim” are so few so that even Yitzchok Groner JUMP... is considered one of them, it is worthwhile taking the opportunity to listen. Especially when I myself had the privilege of listening to some who were real ziknei ha’Chassidim, those who were bachurim in Lubavitch. I remember Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Raitchik, who would daven for four or five hours every day and work on himself with iskafia. He is an example of an “eltere Chassid.” In Lubavitch there was a Chassidishe bachur called Shimshon Vitebsker. All the mashpiim know the name Shimshon Vitebsker. He is mentioned in a sicha of the Rebbe Rayatz where he describes the water drawing for Pesach in the presence of the Rebbe Rashab. The Rebbe Rayatz relates there that his father told him that on Shimshon Vitebsker’s face, you could see the revelation of the yechida of the nefesh. We don’t know what the revelation of the yechida is about, but we do know that it’s a high level. Every Friday night, the Rebbe Rashab would say a maamer at the time for Kabbalas Shabbos. Since Shimshon Vitebsker had a weak constitution, the doctor told him to make Kiddush before he went to hear the maamer, so he would always show up a bit late. Once, by the time he arrived, all the doors were locked. He yearned to hear the maamer so he stood outside near the window and tried to listen

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to the best of his ability. It was winter, a Russian winter, We have a job to do, to be mekabel p’nei and Shimshon Vitebsker became Moshiach Tzidkeinu. We have a very sick as a result. The local doctor in Lubavitch said that in message from the Rebbe to convey – their little town, they could not treat him, so Shimshon had to return to “The time for your redemption has Vitebsk. He died soon after and a telegram was sent immediately to arrived” and “ot ot, kumt Moshiach.” the Rebbe Rashab. R’ Yochanan Gordon was there when the One thing is clear – when the Rebbe telegram arrived and he related that says to do something, we do it! * A when the Rebbe Rashab saw it, he cried a lot and said, “Apparently Up farbrengen with Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid There they also want the good T ones.” Groner a”h, shliach to Australia, in p I heard from R’ Yochanan that Shvat, 5758, in Lubavitcher Yeshiva. when the mashpia in Lubavitch, R’ t Shilem Kuratin (Have you heard the name R’ Shilem? Kinderlach! You Chassidishe farbrengen needs to be should go each morning, before or s need to know the names of the internalized. after the morning brachos to a ziknei ha’Chassidim. Just a little corner where he should picture the b example so you understand what PICTURING THE REBBE Rebbe’s face.” kind of Chassid he was: the Rebbe When you go over to the wall b I will tell you about a yechidus Rashab passed near him while he and picture the Rebbe, the world that I had with the Rebbe. s was davening and he didn’t budge. looks altogether different that day. He was so immersed in his davening Yechidus. You know what yechidus f that he didn’t even notice the is? Yechidus requires preparation on HOW DID THE REBBE Rebbe. In any case, R’ Shilem) the part of the mashpia and on the t would constantly tell the bachurim part of the mekabel. In Likkutei LOOK? WHAT DID THE that a bachur needs to learn and Dibburim you can read what a REBBE SAY? R daven. One time, one of the yechidus is. There was a Chassid by the bachurim dared to ask him, “What R’ Pinchas Reizes tried to name of R’ Mendel Futerfas. R’ a do you want from us? Do you want influence R’ Aharon Strasheler Mendel’s name was Menachem us to die young like Shimshon regarding his differences with the Mendel ben Menachem Mendel Vitebsker?” Mitteler Rebbe. He was because he was named for his father R’ Shilem replied, “Better to die unsuccessful until he said, “I will who died before he was born. His as a Chassid than to live like a goy.” tell you what yechidus is; yechidus grandmother, Bracha Leah, was a We didn’t come here to talk is the time when two yechidos of the special lady. She wore tzitzis. about the dead; we came to talk soul meet, the yechida of the Rebbe R’ Mendel told me on one of his about life. We say we are attached and the yechida of the Chassid.” visits to Australia that his to the “tree of life,” mekusharim to The Rebbe says that davening grandmother brought him to the Rebbe. At a Chassidishe mincha with him is a yechidus. Did Lubavitch when he was six or seven. farbrengen it’s not enough to listen you know that? And to be at the She was a close friend of Rebbetzin to interesting stories; we need to farbrengen is also a yechidus, and to Shterna Sarah, the wife of the take them to heart. get a dollar even more so… Rebbe Rashab. After the Rebbe On 12 Tammuz, 1948, the Before I was sent to Australia, I Rashab finished yechidus, she took Rebbe Rayatz spoke at the was in Buffalo. That year, 1953, him by the hand and entered the farbrengen about the difference three years after the passing of the Rebbe’s room. R’ Mendel told me between heren (hearing) and Rebbe Rayatz, I had yechidus and that he remembered the Rebbe’s derheren (internalizing). Heren the Rebbe told me to do something appearance – sitting with a means it goes in one ear and out the that was very hard. The Rebbe told yarmulke, without a hat. When they other. Derheren stays in and me, “Every person who saw the entered, the Rebbetzin said, “This is accomplishes something. A Rebbe, the shver [Rebbe Rayatz],

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stronger than ever. Any success that Lubavitch has, when Avrohom Avinu, a G-d fearing people go on shlichus – and sometimes Jew, heard from Hashem, “please take your son, your only one, the the people who go are simple, nothing one you love.” Avrohom made no calculations but immediately took special – is because they have devoted Yitzchok to the Akeida. This is how a Jew behaves. themselves to the Rebbe’s inyanim and Years later a similar test. The Jewish people had the sea in front of to things that are completely shtus them and Egyptians behind them. d’k’dusha. Everybody knows the sicha about the four groups. Hashem said to Moshe, “Why are you crying out to Bracha Leah’s grandson. He is I waited with my father upstairs, me? Tell the Jewish people to named for his father and she wants on the second floor of 770, for travel!” (There are many Poilishe you to bless him.” The Rebbe yechidus with the Rebbe, as R’ vertlach on this verse, “why are you blessed him. Yisroel Jacobson came out. He ran crying out to me?” which state that Later on, his grandmother asked straight to my father and said, “The you don’t bring the Geula with cries him, “Nu, how did the Rebbe Rebbe said that the entire yeshiva but with action, but by us we know look?” The child answered. (which consisted of thirty-forty that we should cry out for the Geula “What was the bracha?” she bachurim) should go and welcome and this does not contradict taking asked. He answered. A half hour my son-in-law. (Now take note of action). The Rebbe explains that later she asked him again, “How did the following, because this story has Hashem was saying to Moshe that the Rebbe look? What did the been repeated in many versions:) since the Jewish people had a Rebbe say?” For a month, every half My son-in-law is proficient in Shas, mission, to receive the Torah on Har an hour his grandmother reviewed Tosafos, Rosh and RaN, and all the Sinai, a sea could not stop them the incident with him, “Mendel, printed works of Chassidus.” I from realizing their goal. They how did the Rebbe look? What did heard it myself from R’ Jacobson simply had to press forward. he say?” before I had yechidus. The next day What happened at the sea? There is a famous story about we all went to the harbor. Nachshon ben Aminadav jumped in. the Rebbe Rashab that he would ask You know that we saw the Rebbe And to commemorate that, it says in his son, later to be the Rebbe Rayatz only on rare occasions. We the sichos of the Rebbe Rayatz – Rayatz, “What do you remember?” didn’t see the Rebbe much either. Shvii shel Pesach 5703 – that the But this was an ordinary Jewish The Rebbe Rayatz said about him, Tzemach Tzedek said that the lady! R’ Mendel said that dozens of “He is such a hatzneia leches seventh day of Pesach is the Rosh years later he still remembered how (modest person) that he is even HaShana of mesirus nefesh. But the Rebbe Rashab looked. hatzneia leches with me.” I don’t what did Nachson do already? He Whoever saw the Rebbe, want to get into that today. That’s jumped into the water for Hashem? whoever attended a farbrengen with not today’s topic. The topic today He wasn’t the first – Avrohom the Rebbe, must picture the Rebbe’s is that we need to know what our Avinu did that already, so what’s so face. mission is, what is the call of the great about Nachshon? I was at the harbor when the hour. Nachshon’s greatness is that he Rebbe Rayatz’s ship came in. I was obeyed the Rebbe, i.e. Moshe! He also at the dock on 28 Sivan, 1941, THE CALL OF THE HOUR didn’t hear it from Hashem (like when the Rebbe arrived. The Rebbe The call of the hour today is to Avrohom); he heard it from the arrived on a Monday and his first be strong. This is a hard task, and Rebbe. Shabbos in America was 3 Tammuz. very bitter, but we need to know The same is true for us. We The night before 28 Sivan, I was that when the Rebbe gave us jobs to have a mission, to be mekabel p’nei supposed to be in yeshiva, in do he didn’t abandon us. He is Moshiach Tzidkeinu. We have the Tomchei Tmimim. Before that, I with us as we do them and there message from the Rebbe and had learned in yeshivas R’ Chaim cannot be any weakness. “tzaddikim are likened to their Berlin, a Litvishe yeshiva, but then I Hiskashrus to the Rebbe needs to be Creator” that “the time for your switched to Tomchei Tmimim. redemption has arrived.” What

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exactly does that mean? I don’t know. But one thing is clear; tell the Jewish people to move on. The Rebbe says it? We do it! Oh, but there’s a sea in the way … So? Jump in! That is the avoda of the shluchim and this is the secret of the success of Lubavitch. We have to be completely devoted to the Rebbe. When we were children in America, what was on our minds? Baseball. We knew every player in every league. We knew better than the coaches. We sat next to the radio and yelled, “Put him in, take him out,” and of course they listened to us. Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Groner a”h Then the incredible happened. This generation of American What did Nachson do? He jumped into chocolate eaters (the only taava we had available to us as kids that the water for Hashem? He wasn’t the wasn’t common in other countries) grew up and went on shlichus. first – Avrohom Avinu did that How did R’ Moshe Hecht put it? “Just tell us where.” Not “whether” already, so what’s so great about but “where.” Going on shlichus Nachshon? Nachshon’s greatness is ought to be a given for everyone. There was a time when those that he obeyed the Rebbe, i.e. Moshe! same American boys would hear the Rebbe say to go and chazer He didn’t hear it from Hashem (like Chassidus and they went. Then came Yud Shvat and the Rebbe Avrohom); he heard it from the Rebbe. Rayatz gave us the maamer, Basi L’Gani. So every year the Rebbe The same is true for us. reviewed it and explained another section because it’s the foundation they have devoted themselves to the reason, working on the Rebbe’s for the generations to come. Rebbe’s inyanim and to things that inyanim in a way of shtus d’k’dusha. are completely shtus d’k’dusha. FOLLY OF HOLINESS People laughed at us, but after “AND PROVIDE THE years of work, we see the “pillar of SAME AMOUNT OF One of the points in the maamer light” between Lubavitch and those is the inyan of shtus d’k’dusha (folly who aren’t Lubavitch. Even now, BRICKS” of holiness). You can laugh at us after Gimmel Tamuz, Lubavitch is What is your job, as bachurim? and we don’t care. What is shtus growing. It’s growing in Eretz Pay attention. d’k’dusha? I’ll tell you something, Yisroel and Australia and all over. When the Rebbe came to 770 on kinderlach. I had missions to carry The yeshivos are growing, new ones 21 Elul, 5700/1940, I was there out from the Rebbe nearly all over are opening, and there are more when the Rebbe said the maamer, the world, in South Africa, middle Chabad houses than ever before. “on three things the world stands.” America, Japan, Singapore, India How is this happening? With the At that time, all the buildings on etc. Any success that Lubavitch has, ko’ach of the Rebbe. And it’s the Eastern Parkway in the section of when people go on shlichus – and z’chus of the shluchim, who are Crown Heights, from Ralph Avenue sometimes the people who go are going and doing what needs to be until the park, were full of Jews. simple, nothing special – is because done in a way that goes beyond On Sundays, the benches on

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Eastern Parkway were full of Jews. This may surprise you, but it is discovered that this Chassid was a Not to mention Brownsville, where I the fact. You have do mivtzaim but baki in Bavli, Yerushalmi, Mechilta, grew up, where most Lubavitcher if you ask what’s the definition of a Tosefta, Safra, Sifri etc. Ridbaz, Chassidim lived at that time. bachur in Tomchei Tmimim whose who now had to retreat from his What was Yom Tov like for us? inyan is neros l’ha’ir? What is a earlier assertion, concluded their My father, together with R’ Berel bachur who is devoted to the conversation with, “May there be Baumgarten and other Chassidim Rebbe? The answer is a bachur who more like you in Israel, but not from Brownsville, would gather their keeps the s’darim! among the Chassidim.” children and walk all the way to R’ Peretz Mochkin told a similar 770, in order to daven with the THE REBBE WANTS story. There was a Chassidishe Rebbe Rayatz. After the davening LAMDANIM! town where there were also non- we rushed home to make Kiddush, Chassidim. The shochet died and a and then rushed back to see the On Sukkos, 5703/1942, we debate ensued. The Misnagdim Rebbe at the Yom Tov meal. Then came to 770. The Rebbe Rayatz’s wanted a shochet from their group we would go home and the next sukka was upstairs and the Rebbe and the Chassidim wanted one of day, we would do it all again. came down from there on his way their own. They decided to hold a (One year, when we went to the home to President and New York. debate. They would select a Rebbe for Pesach, the Rebbe said to We stood there, about a dozen Chassid talmid chacham and a my father, “On Pesach one doesn’t bachurim in the small zal. The Misnaged talmid chacham and they offer [food], you take on your Rebbe told us, “The Rebbe der would talk in learning and the own.”) When we walked on these shver wants that you, and you, and winner would pick the shochet he Yomim Tovim, the streets were full you should be lamdanim.” As he wanted. with thousands of Jews. said this, he pointed at each one of Yankel melamed was a simple The Rebbe demanded, through us. The Rebbe wants lamdanim, Jew who lived in the town. So you Rabbi Chadakov, that we make scholars in Nigleh. can understand how surprised they house calls to bring people to Torah Just as I need to make sure that were when he showed up to and mitzvos. During lunch, we the school runs properly and the represent the Chassidim. In fact, it would grab a bite in the dining teachers are getting paid on time, turned out that he was a room (which was located in the the talmidim need to know that tremendous scholar, proficient in all basement, where the library is their job is to keep to the yeshiva sections of Torah. After the today) and go visit homes and find schedule and to learn diligently and standoff, the Chassidim asked him, out where the children went to through this, to be mekadesh sheim “Yankel, if you wanted to hide school. Did they go to public Shamayim. yourself, why did you suddenly school? (When we would knock on The point is that Chassidim show off now?” doors, the lady of the house would know how to learn. There was a He said, “One time, when I had often give us a dime or a quarter, Chassid by the name of R’ Note’le yechidus with the Tzemach Tzedek, sure we had come to shnorr). Manastrichner, a Chassid of the the Rebbe said to me, in order for Because of this holy work, we Tzemach Tzedek. He was a genius there to be a Chassidishe shochet in would come somewhat late to and had tremendous bittul. At that town, you have to have mesirus yeshiva and Rabbi Mentlick and the time in the Litvishe world there was nefesh.” hanhala were unhappy with us. At a scholar known as Ridbaz of Slutzk For him, mesirus nefesh meant the division of Mishnayos B’al Peh (he was later in Chicago and Tzfas). to show everyone what he knew. (which you know about if you read He was a genius. I knew his son- Kinderlach, you will go on the sichos of that time), the Rebbe in-law. shlichus one day, who knows where. spoke to us, to the bachurim, and I heard from R’ Betzalel Aside from the fact that you will said, “You have to do all the Wilschansky that these two men need to know the din and have to inyanim ‘and provide the same once met on a train. Ridbaz did not know how to use folly of holiness so amount of bricks,’” i.e. follow the know the man and he asked that some people will call you a fool, yeshiva schedule in addition. whether he was a Chassid. When you still need to know how to learn. In other words, the sidrei he said he was, Ridbaz said that The Misnagdim should see that in ha’yeshiva, Chassidus and Nigleh, Chassidim don’t know how to learn. Lubavitch they know how to learn. which are your shlichus, are more R’ Nota responded that indeed, he In Lubavitch there was a maggid important than the mivtzaim which did know how to learn. They began shiur by the name of Shmuel KKIINNGGSSTTOONN HHOOTTEELL you are doing now. to talk in learning and Ridbaz Barisover. When the yeshiva moved

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to Kremenchug, he was the rosh yeshiva. At that time in We stood there, about a dozen bachurim Kremenchug there were some in the small zal. The Rebbe told us, Litvishe yeshivos and the bachurim there decided they would go “show “The Rebbe der shver wants that you, up” the Chassidic rosh yeshiva. Some of the bachurim knew him, and you, and you should be lamdanim.” though, and they warned the others not to try it because they would be As he said this, he pointed at each one sorry. of us. The Rebbe wants lamdanim, THE SPIRIT THAT scholars in Nigleh. BROUGHT US TO LUBAVITCH “In my room.” water. It’s like Hashem says to it: I We can’t forget our mission. Let We crowded into R’ Shmuel’s brought you to the water, but you us not be like the “lost souls,” as the little room, ten bachurim in addition have to do the drinking on your Rebbe Rayatz refers to them when to R’ Shmuel and R’ Avrohom own. What wind brought you to he tells the story of the wagon Eliyahu. R’ Avrohom Eliyahu Lubavitch? driver and the wealthy man. Each related that Rashbatz once Your mission is learning and of us has a mission; I have mine, farbrenged and asked the bachurim, davening and mivtzaim and Ahavas your mashpia has his, and you have “What spirit brought you to Yisroel and hiskashrus to the Rebbe yours. Lubavitch? What spirit gave you and mainly bitachon. Chas There was a Chassid in the privilege of learning in the v’shalom that there be any Baltimore, R’ Avrohom Eliyahu Rebbe’s yeshiva?” weakness. Akselrod, who learned in Lubavitch He said that there is an animal The inyan of our time is “speak for many years. He once came to which is exceedingly lazy. It doesn’t to the Jewish people and they 770 when we were bachurim. R’ even want to make the effort to should travel.” Move forward with Shmuel Levitin called me over and move in order to eat and drink. But our mission that the Rebbe has said, “R’ Avrohom Eliyahu is here; Hashem’s mercy is on all His charged us, and bring Moshiach make sure he farbrengs.” creatures and he brings a wind now! “Where should he farbreng?” which pushes the animal into the air and causes it to fly and tosses it into Raskin's Consistently “if it grows we have it” Superior Fruit and Produce Emporium WHOLESALE & RETAIL Michal & Aaron Raskin We Deliver 335 Kingston Ave. Brooklyn NY 11213 * Tel: (718) 756-3888 756-2221 * Fax: 756-2440

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profile AND YOU SHALL BUILD AN ARK

By Shneur Zalman Berger Mr. Pinchas Lechiani crafts aronei kodesh and other furnishings for shuls, a career path paved for him by the Rebbe at a special yechidus while he was a student of carpentry at the Vocational School in Kfar Chabad. In the weeks when we read about the building of the Mishkan, we present the story of a man who is shares a part in the building of many a Mikdash M’at.

About three years ago, the phone himself to build holy arks for shuls. Margolin and Rabbi Moshe Garelik, rang in Pinchas Lechiani’s office. Lechiani invited the shluchim to to plan and construct the furnishings He is the owner and manager of visit his factory and they were for the new beis midrash that was “Finish – Artistic Furnishings for impressed by what they saw. built near the Merkaz. That Shuls.” On the line were leaders of Several months later he was on a invitation demonstrated to me yet the Chabad community in France, plane to Potocombo, to see the shul again how powerful and important including Rabbi Yosef Amar, who in the initial stages of construction. that bracha was that I got from the were building a new shul in “This was an especially exciting Rebbe.” Potocombo, near Paris. They had job for me, since it was Chabad come to Eretz Yisroel to pick a Chassidim who had taught me professional who would design and carpentry and the Rebbe had given AN UNFORGETTABLE build the furnishings of the new me his blessing to practice it. A few MAAMER CHASSIDUS shul. None of these Chassidim months later, I was invited by the From his childhood, Pinchas knew that this contractor had Merkaz Rabbanei Europe in Lechiani, originally of Kiryat Gat received a bracha from the Rebbe Brussels, led by Rabbi Menachem

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D a m w t b a t d l

and now of Rechovot, loved carving there, including the principal, Rabbi staff provided us with various other and designing things out of wood. Shlomo Giladi and his teacher of skills such as interior design. His father, Avrohom, who observed carpentry, Rabbi Moshe Edery, are “Even when on vacation I his son’s talent, sent him at the age remembered by him as one of the constantly worked with wood. The of fourteen to study carpentry at the most important periods in his life. first serious job I did, before I went vocational high school in Kfar What did you study in the professional, was when I made the Chabad. school of carpentry? lintel for the main entranceway and “It was important to my father “We learned everything about the library for my father’s shul in that I study in a place that combined carpentry, including how a tree Kiryat Gat. Both of them are still Torah study and the study of a grows, how you get planks of wood there.” profession, so this school was and how you work with it and create Lechiani excelled in his studies, perfect for me.” with it. We learned how to draw up and in twelfth grade he was chosen Staying in the dormitory and his plans, to design and produce the to be a madrich for younger boys. closeness with the rabbis who taught maximum out of the wood. The He was even sent in 5738 to stay for

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a month in Crown Heights as part of history and they had to charter an one of the few rabbanim who was a delegation led by the principal, old plane from another airline in allowed to enter IDF bases and talk Rabbi Giladi. During their stay, order to fly us home. Though it was to the soldiers. It sometimes Lechiani and his fellow delegates two o’clock when we boarded the happened that at the end of a shiur, met the Rebbe, an encounter that he plane, it turned out that one of the soldiers in a military vehicle would calls “very significant in my personal engines was no good and we had to come to take him to a talk or lecture and professional life.” wait seven hours on the runway and at some army base. We boys were “When I went over to receive a several more when we stopped in very curious about what he did bracha from the Rebbe, R’ Giladi Munich to refuel so the mechanics there. When he returned, he would told him that I studied carpentry. could fix all the problems. tell us about the soldiers and The Rebbe looked at me and blessed “That is when I realized two officers’ interest in religion, Torah me that I merit to build holy arks for important things. One, the Rebbe and the Chabad way of life. He shuls. Today, thirty years later, I knew ahead of time that something often hosted soldiers for Shabbos, know that this bracha has been with would happen with our flight and enabling them to enjoy a proper me all along and thanks to it I two, while the other passengers on Shabbos for the first time. support my family and those of the the plane were very nervous lest “I remember that every year, thirty people who work in my something else happen to the plane, before Pesach, groups of students of factory.” we were able to reassure them with all affiliations from all over the What else do you remember of confidence. We told them that this country would come to Kfar Chabad your visit to the Rebbe? flight was the safest in the world to watch the matza baking. The “I can tell you that I was present because we were shluchei mitzvah. Kfar would be decorated and festive at an event which has been spoken a We said that if we were guaranteed and the street signs would have lot about since then. During our to return home safely, then obviously p’sukim and phrases associated with visit in 5738, the Rebbe said a the rest of the passengers would too. Pesach on them. The students maamer Chassidus. This was “Dozens of ambulances and would gather in the school’s shortly after the Rebbe’s heart attack mobile units were waiting for us at assembly hall, where they were told and he was attached to an EKG the airport. Though they anticipated about Pesach and matzos. which monitored his heart, letting that the plane would disintegrate “The most memorable person the doctors know how he was doing. upon landing, in the end, we landed from that program was R’ Zushe, The madrichim had prepared us, safely.” whom everybody knew as the telling us that during the maamer ‘Partisan.’ He would get up on the the Rebbe connects to the higher MEMORIES stage and dance and sing so spheres. I remember that during the enthusiastically that not one student What special events do you maamer we sensed an unusual could refrain from joining in the remember from your years as a unrest among the Chassidim, which singing and clapping.” student in Kfar Chabad? we couldn’t understand. Later on, When Lechiani traveled to New “Every Erev Rosh Chodesh we they explained that although the York last year to build an aron would send, as a group, a pidyon machine showed an arrhythmia kodesh in a new shul, he made sure nefesh to the Rebbe and we would while the Rebbe said a sicha, during to schedule the trip so that he could ask for brachos for ourselves and the maamer it was 100% normal. return to Eretz Yisroel in time for our families. We first went to the “Another experience happened the annual reunion at the Vocational mikva. Then we returned to the the day we returned to Israel. School in Kfar Chabad. assembly hall of the school to write Shortly before the flight we stood “R’ Moshe Edery, who devotedly our panim. At those moments, I before the Rebbe to receive his maintains the school, personally truly felt a special hiskashrus to the bracha and a dollar that would make asked me to attend, and that is how Rebbe. us shluchei mitzvah. The Rebbe I planned my trip.” “My teacher was R’ Tzvi asked R’ Giladi several times when Greenwald, a very special man who we were flying and each time R’ always gave us the feeling that we THE CHASSIDIM LIKE Giladi said two o’clock. We saw were like his children. His Gemara CARVINGS ON DARK WOOD that the Rebbe was dissatisfied with classes were unforgettable. He the answer for some reason. A few years after he made the would analyze each topic deeply but “It was only when we got to the lintel and the library for his father’s in a way that every student could airport that we found out that El-Al shul, Lechiani prepared to build a understand. In those years, he was was having the biggest strike in its new aron kodesh for that same shul

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in Kiryat Gat, with the Rebbe’s bracha reverberating in his mind. “At that point I knew that this is what I wanted to do in life, design and build furnishings for shuls, battei midrash, etc.” Did someone show you how to build an aron kodesh? “No. I had to learn it all on my own. But as a child who grew up in a religious home and spent every Shabbos and holiday in shul, I knew what they looked like, though building one on my own was another thing entirely. I had to learn what decorations are used on an aron kodesh, look for professional books on the subject, and visit shuls. At the Chanukas HaBayis of the shul near Merkaz Rabbanei Europe. From right to left: Rabbi Moshe Garelik, Rabbi Gershon Mendel Garelik, Rabbi Yona I also had to study the little details, Metzger, Mr. Pinchas Lechiani like which image represented each of the twelve tribes.” In 5742, shortly after finishing “The most memorable person from that his army duty, Lechiani opened his business. Since then, the small program was R’ Zushe, whom everybody carpentry shop grew into the biggest and most advanced factory of its knew as the ‘Partisan.’ He would get kind in Eretz Yisroel. It is 1000 square meters and is located in the up on the stage and dance and sing so industrial area of Rechovot. They enthusiastically that not one student make handcrafted interiors for shuls, bimos, lecterns for chazanim, could refrain from joining in the libraries, chairs for Eliyahu HaNavi and cases for Sifrei Torah, as well as singing and clapping.” Judaica items and wall ornaments made especially for shuls out of construction of an aron kodesh? yeshivish and the religious- brass and copper. Lechiani’s “First, I approach it with awe and nationalists prefer straight lines employees are top-notch wood and with lots of soul, emotion and heart. while Chassidim like more carvings metal craftsmen. In recent years, Working on something so holy is and darker wood, and the Sefardim Lechiani expanded the business to elevating and it goes way beyond prefer a lot of handcrafted carvings. encompass interior designs of new working to make a living. Then you Ultimately, though, these are shuls and renovations. have to know the differences individual orders which can differ How do you approach the between the various groups. The widely.”

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BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 731 33 731_B_Beis Moshiach 15/02/2010 9:15 AM Page 34

moshiach & geula MOSHIACH: WHAT WE BELIEVE

Rabbi Gershon Avtzon, Rosh Yeshiva in Cincinnati

PART 15 OF 20 this not sound like Xianity? The like Rabbeinu HaKadosh. If he is As the saying goes, “75% of “second coming”? from the dead, he will be like known facts are either not known or Let us set the facts straight: Daniel.” (see Rashi there) not facts.” This is especially true 1) Just because something 2) The Abarbanel writes regarding belief in Moshiach and sounds like Xianity, does not mean (Yeshuos Meshicho 2:1): “It should Geula, where there are many that it is not a Jewish concept. not be hard for you to think that the preconceived notions and questions Xianity was started by Jewish Moshiach can be from the dead. that remain unasked – and people, to recruit Jewish people, so This idea has already been discussed unanswered. it only makes sense that many ideas in Gemara Sanhedrin, and clarified. In our previous article, we sound similar. See S’dei Chemed Ois Ayin.” discussed the concept of an 2) The reason that we do not 3) The Lubavitcher Rebbe writes individual that has Chezkas believe in “The Xian Messiah”, is (Likkutei Sichos 2, page 518): “I Moshiach and disappears for a not because he died – it is because have been asked to explain my while. We were left with a question: he attacked and abused Torah and statements that I mentioned that my Mitzvos. In the words of the Father-in-law can still be Moshiach. IF AN INDIVIDUAL DIES A NATURAL Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 11:4) Does it not say the resurrection of DEATH, DOES THAT DISQUALIFY HIM AS “The Chachamim have prophesied the dead, will be after the coming of MOSHIACH? that Moshiach will strengthen Torah Moshiach? The answer in short is: No. and Mitzvos and bring all Jewish The answer is: The general S I want to clarify: I am not saying people back to Eretz Yisroel. He - resurrection will be after the arrival that Moshiach needs to pass away “The Xian Messiah “ - has caused of Moshiach. There can be - and has before the Geula. I am just the destruction of Torah and the been (see Avoda Zara 10:2) - the T explaining, that if you see an dispersion of Klal Yisroel”. It has resurrection of individuals individual that has the Chezkas nothing to do with the fact that he throughout the ages.” G did or did not die. 4) The Rambam disqualifies only Moshiach, and is successful in his C activities (see previous article) and Where do we see this idea in an individual who has been killed Torah sources? (see previous article), not an B then he passes away, it is not against F Judaism to believe that this I will give you a few: individual who has been successful individual can still be the eventual 1) The Talmud in Sanhedrin but passes away before building the Moshiach. (98b) states that Moshiach can Beis HaMikdash and Kibbutz either be from the living or the dead. Galiyos. C I know that many people reading D The Gemara says “If Moshiach is We are still left with a question: this may be getting alarmed. Does from the living, it is an individual N

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PART 16 OF 20 every generation there must be believes that Moshiach can come any someone worthy of being Moshiach. day. If he can come today, there IS IDENTIFYING MOSHIACH A JEWISH This is why the students of the must be someone who can fill that CONCEPT? Arizal said in his time that he is role, and our eager anticipation The question is really two-fold: worthy of being Moshiach. This is a prompts us to look for that person. 1) Are we, as individuals, supposed basic concept!” By identifying him, we become more to be looking for a Moshiach? 2) If This is also understood from the committed to bringing Moshiach. we find him - or think we do - Rambam. As we explained in our [To put things into perspective: should we make it public? previous articles, the Rambam Many people are asked to invest The S’dei Chemed (Peias divides the characteristics of money in different stocks and HaSadeh, Maareches Aleph, Klal Moshiach into two categories: 1) companies. Would you invest money Ayin) writes: “In every generation it Chezkas Moshiach 2) Moshiach in a corporation that refuses to was clearly assessed by the Jewish Vadai. disclose the identity of its CEO? people of that time who is fitting to Why is the Rambam telling us of Obviously not. Only after seeing a be Moshiach. The Midrash (Eicha these categories? Obviously, the “face” can you decide if you want to 1:57) writes that immediately after Rambam expects us to be looking invest.] the destruction of the Beis for a candidate for Moshiach. As This explains the necessity to HaMikdash, the Jewish people such, he gives us the signs of what personally identify Moshiach. What already found a worthy candidate. we are supposed to be looking for. about publicizing Moshiach’s In later generations, the Jewish Why? Why is it so important to identity? people identified Rabbeinu try to identify the Moshiach of the This we explain IY”H in our next HaKadosh as being worthy. After generation? article. that, they found Rav Yehoshua Ben The answer is quite simple: It Rabbi Avtzon’s audio shiurim are Levi and after that Rav Nachman. In strengthens the belief and available at www.ylcrecording.com commitment to Moshiach. Every Jew EEsstthheerr’’ss PPaarrttyy GGrriillll 463 Albany Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-735-4343 CATERING ON OR OFF THE PREMISES CORPORATE ACCOUNTS WELCOME. SHLUCHIM; SPECIAL RATES FOR SAVE MONEY SHABBATONS & PARTIES COME SEE TODAY!! OUR BRAND NEW SUSHI BAR Get a FREE analysis on your credit Card Processing! OPEN FOR IN HOUSE DINING Call Today 888-468-3256 x 2770 TAKE OUT & CATERING Better rates guaranteed – If we can’t save you money we will pay you $100 For a limited time – get your CC Terminal or software set up absolutely FREE UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE It’s a matter of ONE minute and ONE fax. BEIS DIN CROWN HEIGHTS

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BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 731 35 731_B_Beis Moshiach 15/02/2010 9:15 AM Page 36

moshiach & science ZEROS AND ONES

By Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd

Since ratzon - will - is a superior just two letters - zero and one... long, how am I going to get faculty that “issues decrees,” rules Yes, I know zeros and ones are through? I thought, okay, if over all the other faculties, and numbers, not letters, but you know listening is the problem, let’s see if I compels them to act according to what I mean. Now, regular math can simply assign them to read the its orders - it follows that the works on a Base Ten system, but text and do the exercises. Still essential avoda is to arouse one’s the computer works on what’s nothing. will to exercise its effect - both called Base Two... No, no, not “Alright guys. Who likes pizza?” upon the person himself and upon second base - Base Two.” Hands shoot up. “Okay, I’m not others. “Regular math uses 10 digits - that generous, but Bissli and Coke I --The Rebbe, HaYom Yom, for 2 Elul. 0, 1, 2, etc. up to 9. Then you could find.” move over to the tens column and “What do we have to do?” one 3:00 pm, Wednesday afternoon. you go all over again until you get enterprising young man called out. Instead of getting ready to flee to the hundreds, thousands and so school like the vast majority of “You see those 25 exercises on on - Zalman - stop yawning. page 273?” other Grade 7 classes, this Mendel, put that ball away. As I “No! Impossible! We can’t! Are particular group of 12-year-olds was saying...” was just gearing up for their daily you kidding? We don’t even know “Dr. G, could you say that dose of reading, writing, and what’s flying!?” over?” ‘rithmetic. “Take it easy. How about if I “Yeah, I have no clue what This was a “cheider,” an old- give you just one question to solve? you’re talking about.” fashioned Jewish day school where If each and every one of you can kids from Chassidic families spend “Can I get a drink of water?” get that one answer right and show pretty much all day on Torah I ramped up my energy level, exactly how you got it, I’ll bring in studies of various kinds, and only hoping to magnetize them to the the snacks tomorrow - deal?” then, at the end of a very long day, material a little, and tried again. “Deal!” The chorus was are expected to eagerly soak up in “Okay, let’s look up at the resounding. less than two hours what takes board. You see we’ve got ones, tens, “Fine. Berel, you go to the board public school students, more than hundreds, thousands...? So in Base and write down any big, long six. Two you’ve got ones, two’s, fours, number.” Now if that sounds overly eights, and so on. Zero is the same, “What number?” one is the same, but there is no challenging for the children, “I don’t know. Yisroel, you tell such numeral as “2” so what you imagine how daunting it is for the him what to write.” teachers! I, for one, have no do is, put a 0 in the ones column “3 8 7 2 4 0 9 5 6 3 3 2 1...” problem imagining what it’s like and a 1 in the two’s column, you because teaching this kind of class see? ‘1 0’ is ten in base ten, but it’s “Good enough. Now that’s a is something I have done a lot of. two in Base Two. Get it?” normal number in Base Ten - three trillion and change. What I want That particular Wednesday at But they didn’t get it. I took you to do is to write it in Base Two. 3:00 pm, I was teaching math. another run at it but no dice. Show your work and be ready to “Alright class, today we are going to Moishie’s now napping on his desk explain it.” learn a little about computer and the other eyes I do see are language. You know how Hebrew wavering between glazed and “Explain what?” has 22 basic letters and English, confused. “I don’t get it” l’havdil, has 26? Well, computer These kids are smart but they “Huh?” language is called binary and it has have so much listening to do all day

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“Uhh” “Take it easy. How about if I give you “You’ve got to be kidding.” “You can do it. Divide up into just one question to solve? If each and groups. You can use calculators. Work it out together. Use the book every one of you can get that one answer for reference. It’s not rocket science.” right and show exactly how you got it, “I wish it was!” I’ll bring in the snacks tomorrow - “Don’t worry. Rocket science is next.” The rest of the class was a deal?” * “Deal!” The chorus was sight to behold. It’s amazing what the promise of salty crispies and resounding. sweet bubblies can do for the motivational state of a bored decimal converter to check their the statement, “With ten sayings preteen. Calculators were clacking answer. But before I even got to was the world created.” as they figured out the column that, I focused on that button and The ‘on-off’ button’s icon values - 1, 2, 4, 8, 16... 4196, its icon. symbolizes this diversity too, for 8392, 16784... Wow. when the ‘1’ and ‘0’ are separated “Wait, how do I do this? Hmm. I suddenly had a kabbalistic they form the number ‘10.’ Oh I see. Oy vei! Could this answer ‘aha’ moment. On/off duality is Still there is something greater be 42 digits long? Are you sure this represented by a binary symbol - a than chochma, greater than the ten is how computers work?” ‘1’ and a ‘0’ combined. That binary sayings by which the world was “Kind of,” I replied. “Actually switch, when turned on, releases a created and even greater than the they work with logic gates. If the cascade of further binary operations duality of being and nothingness - electrons flow through, that’s a ‘1’ - that result in an amazing diversity and that is ratzon - will. Without if they don’t, it’s a ‘0’. It’s kind of of processing and display such as will, nothing goes. It’s the impetus like an ‘on-off’ switch.” any computer can muster. that transcends everything and “Yeah, like the class. We were For the student of the inner motivates it. ‘off’ until you mentioned the Bissli dimensions of Torah, there is Will is the force that initiates, and Coke”, said Zalman. “You another level of meaning here. The whether we speak of the will of the know, I wasn’t kidding about the ‘on-off’ button of creation, as it student to learn, or the will of the 42 digits. Can you check my were, is the s’fira of chochma, a computer operator to push the ‘on- work?” simple point represented by the off’ button, starting the whole I love these kids. They really smallest of letters, yud. The button- cascade of events, which in my case think I know how to instantly yud of chochma is the beginning of led to an online decimal / binary translate some random multi- creation, a concentrated point conversion calculator, that proved trillion number into binary. “I’ll (tzimtzum) from which a line in a jiffy that yes, I really did owe check it soon. First, let’s see if the extends (kav), and the entire those kids their snacks numbers each group gets match. If spiritual and material creation because 3,872,409,563,321 really not, you’ve got to figure out who unzips. Hence the verse in Psalm does equal made the mistake and where.” 104, “You have made all of them in 1110000101100111011001100010 Our Sages say, “ein davar omed Wisdom (chochma).” 11000010111001. bifnei ha’ratzon”, i.e., If there’s a Yud-Chochma is emblematic of Will can be aroused in a variety will, there’s a way. Within a half duality because it is the point that of ways - a Bissli, a Coke, or even a hour every kid there not only had mediates between yesh and ayin, or good thought, such as Yes! I am in the same answer and knew how to being and nothingness, or more this world for a purpose, and all it get it, they knew the subject well precisely no-thing-ness. But for all takes is to push that button, to enough to teach it. You just have to its inherent duality, the numerical activate a little more goodness and know how to push their buttons. equivalent of yud is not two but kindness, and all the processing and When I got home I had another rather ten, symbolic of the world in display will show the ultimate result button to push - the ‘on-off’ button all its fullness. Our sages allude to - Moshiach Now! on my laptop. I needed a binary / this in Ethics of the Fathers with

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 731 37 731_B_Beis Moshiach 15/02/2010 9:15 AM Page 38

miracle story AFTER DECADES OF WAITING, A MIRACLE OR TWO!

By Nosson Avrohom Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry

many years ago, to receive the holy The Bleichs and Maimons both blessings of the Rebbe, Melech received clear brachos from the Rebbe HaMoshiach, and despite the hard and difficult trials, they continued to for “zara chaya v’kayama,” and had believe and wait, and refused to despair. Throughout all these years, been waiting for the realization of their friends davened for them at every opportunity, and mentioned that bracha with hope, anticipation their names at every chassidic farbrengen. The Rebbe MH”M’s and firm belief... for nearly twenty- brachos via Igros Kodesh continued five years. Last month, on the to accompany them every step of the way, before every treatment and auspicious day of Yud Shvat, to the diagnosis. Now, at last, they have joined the countless thousands who great joy of these two couples and have seen miraculous fulfillment of the Rebbe’s brachos, and two new their friends in the Chabad children joined the Chabad community. community of Tzfas, they were both After many long years living in finally blessed with a child children. the Chabad community of Tzfas, R’ Aharon Maimon and his wife, Rina, recently went out on the Rebbe’s The Chabad community of Tzfas well over two decades of shlichus to Minnesota. “There’s is in a state of sheer elation, and anticipation, prayer, and hope, and going to be a big farbrengen this emotional cries of “Mazel Tov” are their tremendous simcha is shared Shabbos,” R’ Aharon told me with heard from every corner in an aura by all. The excitement was much excitement. “Rabbi Moshe of true chassidic brotherhood and compounded by the fact that the Ehrenstein, the mashpia of the Tzfas friendship. Two families, children were both born on the holy yeshiva, is already airborne. G-d longstanding members of the and auspicious day of Yud Shvat, willing, he’ll arrive on Sunday to be community – the Bleichs and the commemorating sixty years of the the sandek at the bris. The entire Maimons – who were each blessed Rebbe’s leadership. community here and many other with the birth of their first child after The two families were privileged, guests are scheduled to participate.”

38 5 Adar 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 731_B_Beis Moshiach 15/02/2010 9:18 AM Page 39 T m m As far as R’ Aharon is concerned, “I was startled when the Rebbe turned the great miracle that he and his wife a experienced with the birth of their around to where I was standing, looked first-born son – after twenty-three t years of marriage – actually began at me with his penetrating eyes and even before his wedding, back in a Tishrei 5748. “During that year, I said, ‘Yasher Ko’ach for your replacing was among several bachurim, including Meir Chamo and Shalom me at Hachnasas Orchim, since I was Goldenberg, who were asked to help unable to greet the guests personally. A Rabbi Moshe Yeruslavski, of blessed A memory, with the extensive groiser Yasher Ko’ach!’” Hachnasas Orchim hospitality c services that he organized for guests personally. The Rebbe wanted to “Before people suggested a t coming from all over the world to bless me with something. Yet, as match between me and my wife spend the High Holiday season in much as I racked my brains, I simply Rina, I wrote a letter to the Rebbe. I the Rebbe’s court. We had come didn’t know what the Rebbe had The Rebbe responded to fewer from the yeshiva in Tzfas, and we meant. Perhaps my shlichus in life correspondences that year, limiting t worked each day from five in the was through the mitzvah of answers primarily to urgent matters, morning until midnight, sometimes Hachnasas Orchim? Would this be such as shidduchim. I brought the m longer. Rabbi Yeruslavski’s devotion the source of the blessing for me? letter to the secretary, Rabbi infected us as well, encouraging us How was I to know? Binyomin Klein, and he placed it on f to perform at maximum output. “The month of Tishrei came to a huge pile of letters. It was only R “Towards the end of the month an end, and I stayed on to learn in after leaving the office that I of Tishrei, Rabbi Yeruslavski Beis Chayeinu. In the meantime, remembered that I hadn’t written a gathered all those who had helped there were many fine Jews who were specifically that I was asking for a him and brought us before the looking for a shidduch for me. This bracha for a shidduch. I felt deep i Rebbe to receive dollars. The was the difficult year when the regret in my heart, as I resigned excitement I felt at that moment was Rebbe was mourning the histalkus of myself to a lengthy wait for a W beyond measure. My legs were his Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, of response. actually shaking. Who was I to stand blessed memory. Nevertheless, all “Yet, just a few hours later, Rabbi w so close to the nasi and leader of the the bachurim, myself included, Klein called to tell me to say that I u generation? The Rebbe’s holy continued to strengthen themselves had received a positive answer from countenance filled me with great from the illumination of the Rebbe, the Rebbe. e awe and fear. When our turn came, his instructions, and his brachos. My “The first time that my wife and I and we were all standing in the love for the Rebbe was endless, and met was on Rosh Chodesh Adar. b presence of the Rebbe, I looked for I was prepared to do anything to She was staying as a guest of Rabbi and found a corner where the Rebbe bring a smile to his lips. Heller, one of the head rabbanim of g would not look at me. My teeth were In general, I have always felt that Crown Heights. Leading up to the literally chattering and my flesh felt I have a special connection with the wedding, I received another answer s like pins and needles. Rebbe. At one particular farbrengen, from the Rebbe, also in a relatively m “I was startled when the Rebbe the Rebbe coughed a great deal, and short amount of time. I felt that this turned around to where I was this anguished me very much. I shidduch had come with the Rebbe’s f standing, looked at me with his promised then and there that I ‘stamp of approval’. Therefore, it penetrating eyes and said, ‘Yasher would devote half of all my strength was quite difficult when months and w Ko’ach for representing me at to the Rebbe. A few minutes later, I years passed without our meriting Hachnasas Orchim, since I was heard the Rebbe say, ‘When a Jew ‘zara chaya v’kayama’. What didn’t d unable to greet the guests personally. gives another Jew a gift, he must we do? There was no segula that we A groiser Yasher Ko’ach!’ The Rebbe inform him.’ I felt that this was didn’t utilize! We visited the most p gave me a dollar for a blessing and connected to the decision that I had expert doctors in the field, but none t success, and somehow I got outside. made in my heart. The following of them had any good news for us. When I regained my composure, I Sunday, I wrote the Rebbe a letter They all said that there was no c realized that it wasn’t by accident about this resolution. medical reason preventing us from that the Rebbe chose to address me B c BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 731 39 731_B_Beis Moshiach 15/02/2010 9:15 AM Page 40

Rebbe’s bracha. It’s simply The Rebbe smiled broadly and said, inconceivable that the Rebbe would ‘Ben zachar? B’nei z’charim!’ (A son? bless us in such clear terms, and the bracha would remain unfulfilled!’ Sons!) After such a clear bracha from Once during a vacation from my work, we were sitting down together the Rebbe, we didn’t understand how so and I told my wife about what I had experienced during Tishrei 5748, many more years passed without including the bracha the Rebbe gave me as I stood on the side out of fear children… and shame. “Listen, go now to the grocery having children, but... My wife unambiguous terms that she wanted store to buy eggs and cheese. Get constantly pressured me to go and to be blessed with a son. The Rebbe rolls from the bakery and the ask for a bracha from the Rebbe, but smiled broadly and said, ‘Ben freshest vegetables from the produce I was embarrassed. I would pass by zachar? B’nei z’charim!’ (A son? store. From now on, we’re going to the Rebbe at dollars distribution, Sons!) After such a clear bracha be involved in the mitzvah of promising myself that this time I from the Rebbe, we didn’t hachnasas orchim. The Rebbe didn’t would get up the courage to ask for understand how so many more years just bless you then regarding a bracha. But every time when my passed without children… hachnasas orchim for nothing. This turn came, I wasn’t able to say a “Once I was honored to be is the ‘vessel’ through which the thing. sandek at a bris mila, and one of bracha will come…’ “One Sunday, I tried without those asking me to bless him after “Who else could find such a success to mumble something to the the bris was a soldier in the Golani ‘woman of valor’? I returned from Rebbe, but soon found myself being Brigade, who told me that he was the stores, and she prepared fifteen led on my way out, frustrated and going out on a mission over the nourishing sandwiches. We then anguished by the fact that I failed Israeli border. Though he was a went out to the shopping centers in once again to ask for the bracha we courageous and fearless combatant, search of young Israelis looking for so desperately needed. But the this time he feared that he wouldn’t some good kosher food. I also used Rebbe knows and sees whatever is be coming back. I understood what the opportunity to put on t’fillin with going on with a chassid, and he felt he felt in his heart, and I told him, them. We soon began to invite them my pain. I suddenly heard Rabbi ‘Look, I have in my bag a dollar to our home for Shabbos meals fit Groner calling me back. The Rebbe received from the holy hand of the for a king – meat, fish, and a variety gave me another dollar, and then Rebbe. This dollar is very important of delicacies. said, ‘Livnei mazal’ (literally, for to me, but I’ll give it to you on the “If the Rebbe would host them, children of fortune). I was elated, condition that you promise that what would he give them? The very and I made the connection with my you’ll return it.’ He promised to give best that there is! This is exactly desire to ask for a bracha for it back, and I handed him the dollar what we did. Without even planning children. I redeemed the dollar with which the Rebbe blessed me, to do so, we opened a Chabad outside by giving a different one to ‘Livnei mazal.’ In the end, the House in every respect. They would charity, and I wrote the Rebbe’s soldier returned from his mission, come to us seeking advice for all bracha on the one he actually gave safe and sound, but he became their problems, and we would write me, including the time and date, attached to that dollar, and has to the Rebbe on any question, while keeping it for a segula. refused to give it back up until giving them full and nourishing “The followed days passed in an today. meals. Every time that we wrote a aura of hope and faith, visiting “Eight years ago, we moved to report to the Rebbe, we added a fertility experts, trying additional the United States. I shared with my request for a bracha for children. segulos, but nothing was happening. wife my concern that perhaps we no “Then, one fine day, in the midst After some time, my wife again longer had the Rebbe’s bracha, since of all this activity, I received the became deeply distressed, and it was I didn’t have the dollar. My wife good news. Words simply cannot hard for her to endure the anguish. continuously urged me, ‘Aharon, describe the feeling of sheer joy that “Then one Sunday during the there must be something that we enveloped me and my wife at that early Nun’im, she passed by the have to do in order to become moment. My legs literally lifted me Rebbe and asked in very proper ‘vessels’ for receiving the off the ground, and I could jump

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three steps in a single bound. People would speak to me but my mind wasn’t there; I felt as if I was flying. I went that day to the shoe store to buy a larger sized pair, because my feet had literally become bigger, as our Sages, of blessed memory, have said on the pasuk: ‘Good news fattens the bone’. I saw it physically! “I never lost faith,” said R’ Aharon. “There were difficulties, there were obstacles, and there were concerns, but the Rebbe’s bracha never goes for naught – even after twenty-three years. When our son was born on Yud Shvat, our home shone with a special light.” R’ Aharon Bleich joyfully holding his new daughter, Rivka * * * As we mentioned earlier, the Maimons lived for many years in Listen, go now to the grocery store to Tzfas, and they only recently moved to Minnesota. “I always davened for buy eggs and cheese. Get rolls from the R’ Aharon Bleich,” he told us in a voice filled with emotion. “It’s no bakery and the freshest vegetables from coincidence that we both merited to the produce store. From now on, we’re have children at the same time. We’re both called ‘Aharon’, and I am going to be involved in the mitzvah of very fond of him. He is a pleasant and easy-going Jew, and every time hachnasas orchim. The Rebbe didn’t people gave me a bracha, I asked them to add his name for a blessing just bless you then regarding hachnasas as well. I was concerned for him even more than I was concerned for orchim for nothing. This is the ‘vessel’ myself…” through which the bracha will come… We grabbed R’ Aharon Bleich, age forty-eight, for a conversation as questions. He told me about the as the months and years passed, we he was returning home from visiting Rebbe and his miraculous abilities, realized that we had not merited to his wife at the hospital. and at the first opportunity, I have things go smoothly on this His thrilled and excited parents traveled to 770. In 5748, I met my matter. We spent much time going immediately made the trip to Tzfas wife, Chaya Ora, and we were around to all the doctors and we upon learning of the birth of their married soon afterwards. went through numerous treatments. new granddaughter, in order to see “We established our residence in We didn’t give up, although we were her and to offer their assistance to Tzfas, and I started learning in often disappointed. Every failed their son and daughter-in-law. kollel. In Tishrei 5749 and 5750, we treatment brought with it a deep “I was born in Paris, and grew passed by the Rebbe for dollars sense of frustration. up completely free of Torah distribution and asked for a bracha, “One year during the Nun’im, we observance,” he began his story. “A and were privileged to receive the took advantage of our presence in visit with one of my relatives, Rabbi standard blessing given to those who the Rebbe’s Daled Amos to ask the Eliyahu Turgeman (who today lives come before him. We still weren’t Rebbe for his bracha that we should in Netanya), changed my life stressed over the fact that we hadn’t have children. It wasn’t easy for my completely. I learned Tanya and become parents yet. We were certain wife to get up her nerve to ask, but chassidus with him, and I felt that I that everything would work out fine she did, and the Rebbe blessed her. had found the answers to all my with the passage of time. However, The Rebbe’s words were a source of

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tremendous encouragement and preferring it to naturalistic healing when it came, our joy and happiness strength for us during the years that approaches. knew no bounds. This is the year of followed. Later, we even sent a letter “The chassidic outlook on faith Redemption. We experienced our to the Rebbe asking for a bracha on despite everything, the own personal redemption, and with a variety of issues, including a understanding that G-d runs the G-d’s help, it will be a year of overall blessing for children, and the Rebbe world regardless of the hiding and redemption for the Jewish People.” replied, ‘Bracha v’hatzlacha. I’ll concealment, is what brought me to * mention it at the Tzion.’ These clear the teachings of chassidus, As a result of their private brachos were what gave us hope. strengthening me and getting me miracle, the two families have asked “What also helped us a great deal back on my feet time after time. to convey via the Beis Moshiach were the farbrengens in Kiryat Before this year began, we knew that Magazine their message of faith. Chabad, Tzfas. Anyone who is this was a special year – the Year of “We learn from our story that it is familiar with our marvelous 770, Beis Moshiach, U’faratzta. This forbidden to despair,” said R’ community of chassidim knows how was a year that required no Aharon Bleich with an adamant tone much Ahavas Yisroel flows through acronyms, as the number itself was of resolve. “Never give up hope! The their veins. At every farbrengen, sufficient to establish it for a bracha. salvation of G-d can come in the people would give us their heartfelt We were filled with hope that this blink of an eye, and when the blessings that we should merit to would be the year when we would salvation comes, it wipes out all the have children. I felt that my friends merit the long-awaited miracle, and distress that existed before.” and neighbors in the Chabad community were partners in my efforts, and they helped me to remain buoyant in my faith. In all the years that passed, we were privileged to receive much spiritual strength and clear brachos from the Rebbe via Igros Kodesh. The Rebbe also gave us encouragement and instilled us with hope. It is interesting to note that in many of these letters, the Rebbe expressed his support for conventional medicine, LIVE SHIURIM 0NLINE Anywhere, Anytime ! CHITAS INYONEI GEULA j,ww, & MOSHIACH unahj dtukv gbhbh RAMBAM rncwwo SHIURIM IN LIKUTEI ckeuyh ahgurho SICHOS KODESH eusa ahju,

hjh tsubhbu nurbu urcbu nkl vnahj kguko ugs kguko vnahj nkl urcbu nurbu tsubhbu hjh

42 5 Adar 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH