724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 3
contents
TRUE LIFE 4 D’var Malchus
OPERATE WITHOUT ANESTHESIA... 6 Chassid | Shneur Zalman Berger
PREPARING THE BODY FOR MOSHIACH 16 Thought | Rabbi Zvi Homnick
‘I’M NOT BUDGING UNTIL THE KEITZ!’ 20 Stories | Menachem Ziegelboim
WELLNESS OR MEDICINE? 24 Moshiach & Science | Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd USA 744 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 Tel: (718) 778-8000 Fax: (718) 778-0800 THE LIGHTER SIDE OF SHLICHUS [email protected] 26 Shlichus | Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz www.beismoshiach.org EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: M.M. Hendel ENGLISH EDITOR: MOSHIACH: WHAT WE BELIEVE [CONT.] Boruch Merkur Moshiach & Geula | Rabbi Gershon Avtzon HEBREW EDITOR: 28 Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan [email protected]
A MIRACLE IN THE OFFICES OF THE 30 Beis Moshiach (USPS 012-542) ISSN 1082- K.G.B. 0272 is published weekly, except Jewish Feature | Nosson Avrohom holidays (only once in April and October) for $160.00 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and in all other places for $180.00 per year (45 SAVING THE COUNTRY FROM ITSELF issues), by Beis Moshiach, 744 Eastern 40 Shleimus HaAretz | Shai Gefen Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY and additional offices. Postmaster: send address changes to Beis Moshiach 744 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Copyright 2010 by Beis Moshiach, Inc. Beis Moshiach is not responsible for the content of the advertisements. 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 4
d’var malchus
the surrounding culture, Yaakov’s descendants joined him in study. For them the descent to Egypt TRUE LIFE represented a radical transition, for the majority of their adult lives had been spent in Eretz Yisroel, in an atmosphere of holiness. Sichos In English Yet motivated by Yaakov’s example and guidance, they were able to YAAKOV’S BEST YEARS temporary and subject to change. [8] extend the atmosphere of Eretz When the Tzemach Tzedek was a Nevertheless, by drawing close to Yisroel into Egypt through devotion to young boy, his cheider teacher taught G-d through Torah study, a person study. him the verse, “And Yaakov lived in can tap a certain dimension of G-d’s Yaakov’s unchanging and the Land of Egypt for seventeen eternality, as it is written, [9] “And uninterrupted commitment to the years,” [1] and explained that these you who cling to G-d your L-rd are all Torah despite the various settings in were the best years of Yaakov’s life. alive today.” which he lived demonstrates the true [2] This was the thrust of Yaakov’s life with which the Torah endowed The Tzemach Tzedek asked his entire life. him. grandfather, the Alter Rebbe: When the Torah sets out to convey His connection with G-d was all- How was it possible that the best the nature of his personality, it encompassing, permeating every years of Yaakov’s life would be spent describes [10] him as “a simple man, aspect of his being and personality. in Egypt, a depraved land? dwelling in tents,” i.e., the tents of Shem and Ever, [11] the leading The Alter Rebbe answered him: YAAKOV STILL LIVES “Even before he arrived, Yaakov houses of study of that age. The above enables us to sent Yehudah to Egypt to establish a In these domains, Yaakov’s understand why the Torah reading is yeshiva. [3] When one studies the character was shaped and molded. named VaYechi - “And he lived” - Torah, one comes close to G-d. This And yet, Yaakov did not remain in although it speaks of Yaakov’s death. closeness allows one to live - with true those houses of study forever. As the events of the Torah reading and genuine life - even in Egypt.” [4] As an expression of the fact that demonstrate, Yaakov’s life was one of Indeed, the depravity of Egypt the connection to G-d he established connection to G-d that transcended enhanced the life experienced by through Torah study was genuine, his his material settings. Yaakov. life encompassed a varied scope of And since he shared this quality For the transformation of darkness circumstances and challenges. with his descendants, it was reflected reveals a higher quality of light. And throughout these different in a posterity that extends beyond his Similarly, Yaakov’s establishment experiences, he maintained his mortal lifetime. of Torah life amid the darkness of connection to the Torah. As our Sages say: [12] “Yaakov, Egyptian society expressed the our ancestor, did not die. Just as his essential quality of life which he LIGHT IN DARKNESS descendants are alive, he is alive.” experienced and endowed to his Yaakov reached the pinnacle of Moreover, this concept does not children. this lifetime journey in Egypt. apply only to Yaakov’s immediate There he was presented with descendants, but to all Jews at all TO LIVE WITH challenges of a different nature than times. THE TORAH he had experienced previously, for he The vitality a Jew experiences in dwelt in the ultimate of prosperity, True life can be ascribed only to his divine service today reflects the life amid a land of decadent people. G-d, as it is written, [5] “And G-d of Yaakov our ancestor. [13] But as mentioned, even before your L-rd is true; He is the living And conversely, the connection to Yaakov entered Egypt, he resolved G-d.” the Torah which Yaakov nurtured is these difficulties by sending Yehudah Just as truth is uninterrupted and the source of life for all of his to establish a yeshiva. unchanging, so too, life is in essence descendants throughout the With this act, he set the tone for an unchanging and eternal quality. generations. his future in Egypt. Thus our Sages describe [6] a True, within Jewish history, there Moreover, not only did Yaakov stream as “living water” only when it have always been, as there are today, study himself, he involved his children continues to flow without drying out some members of the Jewish people, and his grandchildren in this spiritual from time to time. [7] who - at least to outward appearances endeavor. Mortal existence, by contrast, is - do not conduct their daily lives Rather than accept the values of according to the directives of the 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 5
Torah and its mitzvos. But that is achievements. 3. Rashi, Midrash Tanchuma to Genesis merely an expression of their external For the ultimate place for Yaakov 46:28. reality. The inner truth is that they are and for his descendants is not in 4. HaYom Yom, entry for the 18th of Teives. alive, and that their vitality stems from Egypt, but in Eretz Yisroel. 5. Jeremiah 10:10. the Torah and its mitzvos. [14] Therefore, Yaakov called his sons 6. Para 8:9, using the terminology of Numbers 19:17. Our Sages state: [15] “Although a together with the intent of revealing 7. More specifically, to be considered “living Jew sins, he remains a Jew” and the the time of the Redemption to them. water,” a stream may not dry out within a Rambam rules: [16] A person whose [19] seven year period. evil inclination compels him to negate And he assured them that they This limit is chosen, because our world is the performance of a mitzvah or to would be redeemed from Egypt structured in a cycle of seven millennia. Since commit a sin... [still] wishes to be part promising, [20] “G-d will be with our existence as a whole is temporary, the timelessness of “living water” need not be of the Jewish people and desires to you, and He will bring you back to absolute. fulfill all the mitzvos and separate your ancestral land.” For it is in Eretz 8. Note the distinction made by the Rambam himself from sin. It is only his [evil] Yisroel - and more particularly, in the (Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah inclination which forces him [to do Eretz Yisroel of the Redemption - that 2:10) between G-d’s life and mortal existence. G-d’s life is one with Him, while a mortal is, otherwise]. the life of Yaakov and his descendants by nature, separate from his life-force. Regardless of his actual conduct, will flourish. 9. Deuteronomy 4:4. every member of our people remains a 10. Genesis 25:27. Jew and shares a connection to the STRENGTH AND 11. B’Reishis Rabba 63:10, and Rashi on the entire Torah. “The Torah which ENCOURAGEMENT above verse. Moshe commanded us is the heritage The connection of Yaakov with the Torah is of congregation of Yaakov.” [17] This Shabbos is called Shabbos also emphasized by the verse (Psalms 78:5): This is the spiritual legacy Yaakov Chazak, because of the custom [21] “He established statutes in Yaakov and placed the Torah in Yisroel.” bequeathed us, the sign of his of declaring, Chazak, Chazak, 12. Taanis 5b. continued life and our own vitality. V’Nis’chazeik (“Be strong, be strong, and may you be strengthened”) at the 13. This concept of continued life is (The above also points to the mentioned with regard to Yaakov and not with approach to encourage a person to conclusions of the Torah reading, in regard to Avraham and Yitzchak, because, in a express this connection to the Torah. acknowledgment of the completion of complete sense, the concept that “his A potential which exists seeks to the Book of Genesis. descendants are alive” applies only to Yaakov. The awareness nurtured by the “Yaakov’s bed was perfect” (Rashi, Genesis express itself and that tendency is 47:31), i.e., all his sons were righteous and enhanced by the knowledge of its reading of VaYechi generates strength. their offspring became the Jewish people. existence. When a Jew knows that he has In contrast, Yishmoel descended from Spreading the awareness of the been granted a heritage of essential Avraham and Eisav from Yitzchak (P’sachim inner nature of a Jew will spur the life that is expressed through a 56a). (See also Maharsha to Taanis, ibid.) desire to have that nature realized in connection to the Torah, and that 14. A parallel exists with regard to Yaakov himself. the actual observance of the Torah ultimately, there will come a time when this connection will flourish in a In the Talmudic passage which states: and its mitzvos. “Yaakov, our ancestor, did not die,” a question And this is not merely a point of consummate manner, he will possess is raised: Was he not mourned, embalmed, and theory, it is borne out by experience. the inner strength to confront the buried? Our Sages answer, “It only appears Conversely, an approach which different challenges presented to him that he died; in truth, He is alive,” i.e., here by his environment. too, there is an inner spiritual reality which criticizes harshly those Jews who at runs contrary to outward appearances. By heightening the expression of present do not observe the Torah and 15. Sanhedrin 44a. its mitzvos and threatens them within this potential by our people as a 16. Mishna Torah, Hilchos Gerushin 2:20. ominous Divine retribution does not whole, we hasten the time when it will 17. Deuteronomy 33:4. encourage anyone to increased Jewish blossom into complete fruition in the 18. See the essay “Every Jew Has a Silver practice or greater observance of the Era of the Redemption. Lining” (Sichos In English, Vol. 47, p. 11ff) Torah and its mitzvos. Quite the May this take place in the and the sources mentioned there where these concepts are explained at length. contrary, it weakens many people’s immediate future. 19. Rashi, Genesis 49:1. feeling for Judaism and turns them Adapted from Likkutei Sichos, Vol. X, p. 160ff, Vol. XV, p. 422ff; Sichos Shabbos Parshas VaYechi, 20. Genesis 48:21. See also Rashi, Exodus away from t’shuva.) [18] 5751 3:18, which relates that the promise (Genesis 50:24): “G-d will remember and bring you out Notes: of this land,” which served as the code for the EGYPT IS NOT FOREVER 1. Genesis 47:28. redemption was originally conveyed to the Although his ability to create a 2. Baal HaTurim on the above verse. Jews by Yaakov. Torah center for his descendants in This is reflected in the fact that 17 is 21. See Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim in the Egypt is a sign of Yaakov’s life, it is numerically equivalent to the Hebrew word tov conclusion of Chapter 139. See also Likkutei meaning “good” (Or HaTorah, VaYechi p. Sichos, Vol. 25, page 474. not the culmination of his 354a). 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 6
chassid
He was also influenced by his grandfather, the outstanding Chassid, Rabbi Meir Simcha Chein. His Chassidishe upbringing OPERATE made a deep impression on him. One day, his father, R’ Peretz, planned to go to the Rebbe Rayatz. When little Avrohom Aharon heard about the proposed trip, he begged WITHOUT to go along. His father refused and he cried and pleaded all night, “Tatte, take me with ANESTHESIA... you to the Rebbe.” By Shneur Zalman Berger His face was that of a Chassid. You could see the suffering that he went through behind the Iron Curtain, but this did not take away from his Chassidishe appearance. * Portrait of a Chassid, R’ Avrohom Aharon Chein, a”h.
I still remember that exciting wrote in those difficult years. moment when I stood in the dusty I knew R’ Avrohom Aharon well. g’niza (storage for remnants of holy He was my neighbor in Nachalat texts and old Jewish books) of the Har Chabad. This made my find all shul in Tashkent over a decade ago. the more exciting. When I brought The knowledge that many him the volume a few weeks later, Lubavitchers had lived in this city he was thrilled. He began to tell me over fifty years before made me about his life in Russia. believe I might find something of Unfortunately, I didn’t have much interest - and I did. I found Tanyas, opportunity to learn of his history a Siddur Torah Ohr, a Derech before he passed away. This article Mitzvosecha of the Tzemach is about a special Chassid from the Tzedek, and more. previous generation. When I opened the Derech Mitzvosecha (on the binding it said HIS YOUTH “Siddur L’T’filla” so that the owner R’ Avrohom Aharon was born on wouldn’t be accused of belonging to 29 Av 5672/1912 in the the Schneersohn movement) I Chassidishe town of Nevel. His found in a small neat print, “This father was the Chassid, Rabbi seifer belongs to Avrohom Aharon Peretz Chein. In his home he Chein.” Leafing through the pages, absorbed the spirit of Chassidus I found a pidyon nefesh that he which he preserved till his final day.
6 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 7
His father was finally convinced and took him along. When they entered for yechidus, R’ Peretz told the Rebbe, “The child cried all night that he wanted to come here.” The Rebbe responded, “If only he uses those tears to learn Chassidus.” When he got older he left home and went to learn in various branches of Tomchei T’mimim. In those days, the yeshivos wandered from city to city so they wouldn’t be caught by the communists. Despite the fear, persecution, and surveillance, R’ Avrohom Aharon happily joined his fellow T’mimim. He showed great aptitude in both the study of Nigleh and Chassidus.
A WEDDING THE NIGHT OF B’DIKAS CHAMETZ When the authorities began to dog the steps of his family in Nevel, they moved to Moscow. There it was easier to hide among the crowds. R’ Peretz worked at various odd jobs in order to be able refrain from desecrating the Shabbos. For a long time he worked as a baker, a job which was barely sufficient to support his family of seven children. In the winter of 5798, R’ Avrohom Aharon became engaged to Minna Raskin, the daughter of R’ Yitzchok (Hy”d) who was a Avrohom Aharon with his brothers and sisters Standing - right to left: Berke, Leah (Metz), Avrohom Aharon. Sitting - right to shochet and mohel in left: Dovid Leib, Tonya (Minkowitz), Feivish, Chaya Leningrad. The tenaim took place in the kalla’s parents’ house and was attended by dozens of scholar besides, despite the difficult Chassidim in Leningrad, including Chassidim. R’ Yitzchok’s joy was conditions! that of R’ Yitzchok Raskin. They boundless. His daughter was The joy didn’t last long. The took him to an unknown engaged to a Chassidishe bachur night of 11 Adar II, the “Angels of destination. Before he left he with an intact beard who was a Destruction” burst into the homes managed to instruct his daughters yerei Shamayim and a tremendous of nineteen distinguished Chabad to continue on the path of Torah
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 7 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 8
He, his wife, and their seven When little Avrohom Aharon heard year old son arrived in Lvov. about the proposed trip, he begged to go Despite the many years that passed since then, his son Ben-Tziyon still along. His father refused and he cried remembers some details about their stay in Lvov, about the hardships and pleaded all night, “Tatte, take me and the Chassidishe farbrengens: “We lived in R’ Dovid Leib, my with you to the Rebbe.” uncle’s house. Aside from us there were many other Lubavitchers living and Chassidus and not to wait for town of Kirganda in Kazakhstan. there. His small house boasted only his return before they get married. Other Lubavitcher families were two rooms and until this day I don’t What an enormous tragedy. there too, having fled the German understand how everybody had a Rumor had it that all those arrested bombing of Leningrad, including place. Despite the great danger, his had been shot that same night, but his father and his brother, R’ Dovid house was like Avrohom’s tent, nobody could verify the news. The Leib. Since they had a minyan of open to all. The house was always simcha in the Raskin home had Chassidim, they arranged to daven full of Chassidim. In the evening turned to tears and sorrow. The in private homes, secretly, far from they would sit down to farbreng heartbroken family certainly did not the eyes of the authorities. and the tears and mashke flowed feel like making a wedding, but R’ At this time, R’ Avrohom Aharon like water as all wished one another Yitzchok himself had told them to worked at fixing machines that dug that they get out of the country go ahead with their plans and not for coal. Since this work was vital safely. to wait for him. to the country, he was given a “Despite their efforts, my father S’firas HaOmer was “white ticket” which meant a full and his two brothers were unable to approaching, so the date of the exemption from the army. This leave Russia. We remained in Lvov, wedding was set for the night of ticket saved him from being sent to becoming official residents and B’dikas Chametz, the last night they the front where so many were were even assigned an apartment.” could make a wedding until after killed. When R’ Avrohom Aharon Shavuos. Due to the great fear, He earned a paltry sum which realized he would have to live in only a small number of people was not enough to sustain his Lvov for many years to come, he arrived at the kalla’s house for the family, so in his free time he built a small factory for fabric from celebration. It was with a mixture of fashioned iron chains. Chains like which he could earn a living. He joy and sadness that R’ Avrohom these were unobtainable in the invented a special lining for suits Aharon Chein and his kalla went to entire area and for the villagers who that prevented them from wrinkling. the chuppa. lived on kolkhozes it was a very The lining was filled with horse Years later they found out that important commodity. In exchange hair. Word soon got around about R’ Yitzchok Raskin had been shot for the chains he got flour, which in his innovation and as orders began to death seven nights earlier. those days of starvation was worth to pour in from all over the Ukraine, his financial situation took *** more than gold. a tremendous turn for the better. R’ Avrohom Aharon was now When he arrived home exhausted after a long day’s work, He kept the secret of his lining to responsible to provide for his himself so he wouldn’t have family. The government demanded he did not rest but devoted himself to the chinuch of his son. competition. that its citizens go to work and if a The chassid R’ Mordechai person was absent, even for one After the war he returned to Leningrad, which was almost Kozliner heard of his successful day, he was punished. It was innovation. “In those days I lived in extremely hard to find work without completely destroyed by the Germans’ heavy bombing. He lived Chernowitz,” he relates, “and I desecrating the Shabbos. He made heard about R’ Avrohom Aharon’s ends meet by performing menial there for only a short time. When he heard that many Chassidim were invention. I went to him and asked labor which was barely enough to him to teach me the secret of the support them. leaving Russia and smuggling over the border, he traveled to the lining so I could make a similar With the outbreak of World War factory in my city and have a II, R’ Avrohom Aharon fled with his border city in order to try his luck at fleeing the Soviet nightmare. dignified parnasa. Although he was wife and son, Ben-Tziyon, to the so careful to guard his secret, he
8 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 9
generously taught it to me.” “My father always remembered the period of time after his wedding when it was hard to make a living and he wanted to keep Shabbos,” said R’ Ben-Tziyon Chein. “So he made it his practice to help young people support themselves honorably without desecrating Shabbos.”
THE ARREST In the years after the war, Stalin ruled the empire with terror tactics. One of the difficult problems was the law about attending public school. “I remember that I did not want to endanger my parents and I went to school because I had no choice,” says R’ Ben-Tziyon. “My uncle Berke, though, convinced me not to go to school at all on Shabbos. I would skip school and my mother gave gifts to the teachers so they would turn a blind eye from my weekly absences.” R’ Avrohom Aharon on the left with his friend R’ Chaim Tashkenter (Horowitz) Mrs. Sarah Katzenelenbogen (Hy”d) who was known as “di Mumme Sarah,” was R’ Yitzchok The simcha in the Raskin home had Raskin’s sister. Whenever she was in Lvov, she stayed in R’ Avrohom turned to tears and sorrow. The Aharon Chein’s house. She was a key figure in the smuggling of heartbroken family certainly did not Anash out of Lvov and into Poland feel like making a wedding, but R’ and thanks to her work and mesirus nefesh, many families were able to Yitzchok himself had told them to go escape the prison that was Soviet Russia. ahead with their plans and not to wait When the government discovered what she was up to, they for him. began to dog her steps, eager to catch her in their net. For this would be killed. Nevertheless, his with threats and torture. In the end, reason, she had to keep moving family graciously welcomed her into he was unable to withstand the test from place to place and could not their home. and he revealed what he knew. He let people know where she was One day, a Jew who tried to told them about R’ Dovid Leib’s hiding. Her picture was distributed leave Russia was arrested. He had house, which was a base for the to all the police stations throughout been a frequent guest of R’ Dovid Chassidim, about R’ Berke and R’ the country and they searched Leib Chein in Lvov. The police Avrohom Aharon and about many diligently for her. realized that this man knew a lot of Anash who visited the house on Naturally, R’ Avrohom Aharon about the mass escape of Anash and their way to crossing the border was terrified of hosting her because that he knew the key figures with forged papers. if she was caught in his house, he involved and they interrogated him These revelations were a
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 9 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 10
husband and brother and advised When the interrogators saw that I him to leave immediately. R’ Berke wasn’t giving them any information, took his tallis and t’fillin and left and that is how he was saved from they tried to break me another way... I certain arrest.” When a search was made of R’ wasn’t that worried about myself. Avrohom Aharon’s house, the Chassid R’ Aryeh Leib Although I was 19, my papers said I was Demichovsky was there. After the search was conducted he was 16, still a minor, so I knew that I would arrested and taken for be released in a few days. interrogation. He recounted those terrifying hours: “I was a young bachur and I bonanza for the secret police and see smiles of victory on their faces. lived in R’ Dovid Leib’s house. One they worked quickly. First, they One of them stuck the telegram in night, about midnight, I arrived at went to arrest the three Chein his pocket and they left the house. the house. From inside the house I brothers. Their arrest is described “What was in the telegram? R’ could hear screams and terrible in the book, Yahadus HaD’mama: Avrohom Aharon had traveled to crying. I immediately realized the “It was 5710/1950. One night, the health spa in Chechaltova, near worst had happened; the KGB was the Angels of Destruction swooped Kutaisi. He had stayed there for a there. I looked right and left and down on the home of R’ Dovid while and when he planned to when I saw that nobody was Leib. They did not only come to return home he sent a telegram to following me, I ran to R’ Avrohom arrest him but also a number of inform them of his arrival so they Aharon’s house, which was on a other people that they had been told would come and meet him at the parallel street. were visiting, including his brothers train station. The telegram, which “At his house at that time were R’ Dovber (Berke) and R’ Avrohom had just arrived, was still on the his wife and two sons, Ben-Tziyon Aharon. table when the KGB arrived. Of and Yehuda Leib. I told his wife “Fortunately, there was nobody course the KGB went to meet him Minna what was happening at her at home at that time aside from R’ at the door of the train and took brother-in-law’s house. A minute or Dovid Leib and his wife. Although him straight to jail. two later the KGB knocked at the shortly his brother Berke had visited “Seeing that this was a lost door and I was caught and shortly before, he had left in time. cause, she hurried to R’ Berke’s arrested.” They made a lengthy search of the house to see whether she could save R’ Ben-Tziyon relates: house and then took him in the him before the KGB showed up. At “When my father was arrested I ‘black wagon’ to jail. Two of them four in the morning she fearfully was only 11 years old. What I ‘went to work on him’ in the car, walked in the direction of his remember of the arrest is that my with one of them beating him on house, which was some distance mother returned from the train the face and head. away. station without my father. She was “His wife heard that they were “In Russia, every large building schlepping his suitcases. When I looking for the two brothers, so she had a superintendent whose job it asked her where my father was she decided to run to their homes and was to supervise everything that said tearfully, ‘They took him where tell them about her husband’s arrest went on there. As she approached they took my father [R’ Yitzchok and to warn them to escape. She the building, her strength depleted, Raskin].’ first went to her brother-in-law she feared that she would meet this “The next day I sat with my Avrohom Aharon, who lived not far super, who was liable to turn her friend R’ Shulem Stroks and we from her house. When she got over to the police. But then she said T’hillim and cried bitterly all there, she found her sister-in-law noticed a crowd gathering. It day for the release of my father, looking upset. Her sister-in-law seemed a fire had broken out in a uncle and Leibel Demichovsky. A told her that the KGB had come to wing of the building. day or two later, Demichovsky was her house in order to arrest her “She took advantage of the released and we rejoiced with faith husband. As they searched they commotion to slip inside and went that our prayers had helped. We noticed a telegram lying on the to R’ Berke’s apartment. She told continued to say T’hillim with table. They read it and she could him what had happened to her tremendous concentration for the
10 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 11
release of my father and hoped for the best.” R’ Leibel Demichovsky adds: “The KGB in Lvov had two headquarters, one that dealt with criminal offenses and the other with betrayal of the Motherland. When they brought me to the building that deals with traitors I knew the situation was dire. “They immediately began to interrogate me under threat that if I refused to cooperate I would be sent to prison for twenty years. When they saw that I wouldn’t answer, the interrogator took out a rifle and aimed it at me. However, I had been trained to be quiet and not to say an extra word. From right to left: R’ Berke Chein, R’ Avrohom Aharon Chein, R’ Dovid Leib Chein “The truth is that I didn’t know much about the smuggling and the As the KGB officials searched, they main players. During the smuggling operation I was only 15. I didn’t noticed a telegram lying on the table. have a beard yet and looked like a child and so they weren’t afraid that They read it and she could see smiles of I would be arrested. The people in charge relied on me and gave me victory on their faces. One of them stuck false papers. They orally transmitted the information about the telegram in his pocket and they left the families who were supposed to the house. get the papers and how to match up papers with the families. Aharon’s voice. They tortured him approaching he needed matza. His “After I gave the papers to the terribly.” wife traveled to Leningrad to try intended recipients, I made myself Indeed, the interrogations of R’ and get matzos to her husband. She forget the details that I had just Avrohom Aharon and his brother R’ left her two sons, ages four and learned by heart. When my beard Dovid Leib were particularly harsh. eleven, at home with R’ Dovid started to grow, I wore a bandage The interrogators tried to extract Leib’s wife. She tried to ascertain at so it wouldn’t be noticeable. information from them about the the KGB offices where her husband “When the interrogators saw people who visited R’ Dovid Leib’s was imprisoned, but instead of that I wasn’t giving them any house. Who had they helped cross helping him, her efforts only served information, they tried to break me the border? Did they forge to get her arrested as well. another way. They stood me against passports? And they were asked R’ Ben-Tziyon relates: the wall for hours, flanked by two about their ties abroad. When they “A few years later, when my soldiers on either side. I wasn’t saw that they were hard nuts to mother was released, she told me allowed to do anything and I crack, they brought the informer to that interrogators tortured her certainly couldn’t sleep. I wasn’t confront R’ Dovid Leib personally, mercilessly. They demanded that that worried about myself. Although but R’ Dovid Leib denied she tell them where her aunt, I was 19, my papers said I was 16, everything. Mumme Sarah was. She knew still a minor, so I knew that I would Pesach was approaching and R’ where she was but refused to tell be released in a few days. Avrohom Aharon began to worry. them. The interrogators told her, “I was mainly worried about the Until then, he had kept kashrus ‘We usually don’t arrest both Chein brothers. As I thought about with mesirus nefesh and had hardly parents since we don’t want them, I suddenly heard frightening eaten anything, but with Pesach children left alone at home, but in cries. I recognized R’ Avrohom
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 11 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 12
months the sun shines day and DIAGNOSES AND THE MASHKE CURE night. R’ Avrohom Aharon lived for some time in Tashkent among You can well imagine the Chassidim, and when Chassidim are together, of course they farbreng halachic complications for a mitzva and support one another. One of these farbrengens was especially observant prisoner. In addition to memorable for R’ Ben-Tziyon: back-breaking labor, he has to “The farbrengens always lasted a long time. At this particular contend with problems in daily farbrengen, the main speaker was my uncle, Berke Chein. At a certain mitzva observance like times for point, the mashke was almost finished and there was only one more davening, when Shabbos and Yom bottle. R’ Berke had had a number of l’chaims already, and he put on Tov begin and end, etc. a white coat that looked like a doctor’s jacket and asked everybody to R’ Avrohom Aharon was put to stand near the wall. work sawing down massive trees. “One of the bachurim stood next to him like a doctor-in-training Every morning he would go out accompanying a specialist. The bachur held the bottle of mashke and with a group of prisoners to the spoon and R’ Berke went to the first bachur and put his ear to his distant forest. The conditions were chest and then said, ‘Oy, he has the taavitzkes (taavos – desires) frightful and snow fell constantly. illness.’ He told his assistant, who had a concerned look on his face, The ground was covered with a ‘Give him two spoonfuls, he is very sick.’ Then he went to the second heavy layer of snow. The footprints bachur and he listened to his heart. After a moment he raised his of the first people in the group head and said in disbelief, ‘You are afflicted with gaavitzkes (gaava – tramped down snow no less than pride)’ and he told his assistant, ‘Give him one spoon.’ To the third three feet deep. he said his illness was unknown and this was the most dangerous. Under these miserable Thus he went from one to the next…” conditions they were supposed to walk to the forest and it was not uncommon for them to stumble and this case we will do all we can to camps and did not see one another fall into pits covered with snow. find this woman.’ the entire time. There was no prior warning and no “They told her that hundreds of R’ Avrohom Aharon was exiled way to avoid them. KGB agents were searching for her to a camp called “Comi SSSR” There were blizzards and throughout the Soviet Union and where there were two other blustery winds strong enough to they were checking in every chassidim, R’ Simcha Gorodetzky sweep away an unwitting prisoner. possible place. ‘If you help us find and R’ Yosef Nimotin. The family In these instances, the guards put her, you will soon return to your was allowed to send letters to out a rope and the prisoners had to children,’ they assured her. She prisoners twice a year. R’ Dovid hold on so as not to fall or get out burst into tears, as she yearned to Leib’s wife sent them packages with of line. Each prisoner knew that see her two sons who were so far basic staples. She made every effort any deviation from the line would away and without their parents, yet to send them vital items, and even be accompanied by a rain of bullets she did not break. When she antibiotics which were almost from the guards. After all these finished telling what she had gone unobtainable at the time. travails, they would arrive at the through she said, ‘How could I During the years that R’ forest and start their grueling work have turned her in for my Avrohom Aharon was in exile, he of sawing thick trees that were freedom?’” kept kashrus with mesirus nefesh. decades, even hundreds of years He never ate treif even though he old. 10 YEARS OF EXILE did hard labor throughout the day. R’ Avrohom Aharon lived like this for years. Each day that he AND HARD LABOR In that area of the world, way up north, he had a problem with the survived was a miracle. The hard After months of uncertainty, the timing of t’fillos since there was no labor, severe conditions, and poor family heard that the Chein day or night. For ten months there nutrition broke him. His strength brothers had been sentenced to ten is darkness most of the day and for waned until he was paralyzed. He years of exile and hard labor in only two or three hours is there was hospitalized in the primitive Siberia for betraying the some murky light, the way it looks and unsanitary camp hospital. The Motherland. Though the brothers before sunrise. Right after that, the administration despaired of his were sent to the same area, they moon shines. In the remaining two situation, but Hashem sent a group were separated and sent to different of prisoner-doctors, including some
12 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 13
Jewish doctors who were suspected of having ties abroad and in betraying the Motherland. They decided that his only option was an operation that might save his life. Unfortunately, there was no anesthesia in the camp. R’ Avrohom Aharon suggested that they operate anyway, without anesthesia, and he would try to deal with the pain. He later related that during the operation he concentrated with all his might on maamarei Chassidus and he did not feel any pain at all. After the operation he recovered slowly and regained his strength. He was given a boost by the letters he received from his children. He found out that his son R’ Avrohom Aharon and his son Ben-Tziyon (third from left) Ben-Tziyon had gone to live with his grandfather, R’ Peretz Chein, She tried to ascertain at the KGB offices and his younger son, Yehuda, was staying in the home of the Chassid, where her husband was imprisoned, but R’ Yehuda Kulasher in Malchovka, where his uncle, R’ Berke Chein, instead of helping him, her efforts only was hiding. When he moved to Samarkand he took his nephew served to get her arrested as well. The with him so he would be in good hands. interrogators told her, ‘We usually don’t arrest both parents since we don’t want LIFE AFTER PRISON After the death of Stalin in Adar, children left alone at home, but in this case 1953, all files were re-opened and we will do all we can to find this woman.’ many prisoners were sent home. In 1956, R’ Avrohom Aharon and his came up with an idea. They started R’ Ben-Tziyon tells of those days wife were released. R’ Avrohom a factory with the profits divided in Tashkent: Aharon was weak and ill in body equally among them. Some people “We were almost completely cut but spiritually, he was strong as laughed at them and called them off from the outside world. Any ever. communists because their dividing contact with the west was forbidden The authorities forbade them to profits equally was the communist and unfortunately, a connection return to their home in Lvov due to ideal, but the business prospered with the Rebbe was nearly her association with the activities of for several years and supported impossible. Throughout those Mumme Sarah. After much many families. difficult years, we were sustained discussion they moved to When Chassidim are together spiritually by ‘tourists’ who were Samarkand, where several dozen they farbreng and support one actually shluchim of the Rebbe in Lubavitcher families, who were another. Farbrengens that lasted disguise. Each time, they left unable to escape via Lvov, lived. until dawn were routine. packages with kosher food and Once again there was the Years later, R’ Avrohom Aharon Jewish items in the shul or in problem of finding work without moved to Tashkent, where he someone’s home. desecrating the Shabbos. Some bought a home in the old city next “One of these tourists would sit Lubavitchers in Samarkand, to the Stambler, Gorodetzky and in the shul in the Tchorso including R’ Avrohom Aharon, Klein families. neighborhood in the old city and
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 13 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 14
be permitted out. CUSTOMS AND THEIR MEANINGS R’ Avrohom Aharon moved to R’ Avrohom Aharon spent much time learning Chassidus and Eretz Yisroel and lived in Nachalat writing his own explanations on it. In his nice handwriting he wrote Har Chabad. Anash in the over 400 pages with deep explanations on various topics in neighborhood knew him as a Chassidus. These writings were given to the Rebbe along with a modest Chassid. All commented question – should they be printed? about the special sweetness and The Rebbe said, “This issue pertains, as is known, to Aguch on length of his davening. As he location in Eretz Yisroel. I will mention it at the gravesite and the davened he would sing niggunim, time is auspicious.” After consulting, the writings were given to some the tears flowing from his eyes. famous mashpiim in Eretz Yisroel for them to prepare it for publication. The mashpiim were surprised by the depth and asked R’ DEATH WITH A KISS Avrohom Aharon to help them edit it and explain the parts they did About five years before he not understand, but he was already an older man and did not have the passed away, R’ Avrohom Aharon strength for it. bought a plot in the cemetery in He had certain practices that few other people had. He would fast Lud. He asked the gabbai of the a lot and for a significant period of his life he would fast 48 hours, chevra kadisha to sell him three eat a little at night and continue fasting another 48 hours and so on. additional plots so he could He liked to get plenty of fresh air, and to this aim he would walk a lot determine who his neighbors in the and tried to sleep on the open porch, even in the winter. He would cemetery would be. The chevra not speak much. He explained these practices as “health matters.” kadisha told him that legally, a But after his passing, when they looked at his writings, they found person could buy only one plot. So an explanation according to Chassidus for each of these practices. He he bought a plot for himself and wrote, “In order to be a proper vessel for the illumination of the two for his sons. When he bought intellect a person needs, 1) to take in a lot of air, 2) the veins of the them, he went to the cemetery brain to be expansive, 3) to limit his speech … together with the gabbai of the Anash in Nachalat Har Chabad describe him as a spiritual person chevra kadisha in Lud, R’ Moshe who had no interest in gashmius. Some of them did not understand Hillel, where he explained how he why he spent so much time walking. His son Ben-Tziyon says, “When wanted to be buried and what the he came home after a lot of walking, he would say, ‘Now my mind is grave and the stone should look more clear,’ and he would sit down and write inyanim in Chassidus.” like. A week before he passed away, R’ Moshe Hillel returned from a sing Chassidishe niggunim for would bury her in Eretz Yisroel. long stay abroad. When R’ Avrohom hours. The Chassid, R’ Levi When she was buried, he made sure Aharon saw him, he asked in Pressman who was musically gifted, that he would be able to take her concern, “Where were you? I was would sit nearby and listen. Then out, when the time came, in order waiting for you to get back. Now he would run home and record to bring her to Eretz Yisroel. that you are here, I am calm.” them on tape. Later, he would play A year later, in 5739/1979, he A week later, on Friday, 21 Iyar, the niggunim at farbrengens and finally received permission to 5760/2000, he did not feel well. thus we learned Chabad niggunim emigrate. He got all the papers, Friday night towards midnight he that we didn’t know before.” including one that allowed him to asked his son to pour him a cup of R’ Avrohom Aharon tried a take the casket. He arrived at the water and then he went to sleep and number of times to leave the airport with all his bags and with never woke up. He was 88 years country but he was always turned hopes that things would work out old. down. Even in the 60’s, when many well. The border officials refused to After his passing, his family saw Lubavitchers were allowed to leave, allow the casket out, even after he that he had arranged and bound the he was denied permission to go and showed his official papers. They hundreds of pages of his he and his wife remained in just laughed at him. He stood there explanations in Chassidus that had Tashkent. sadly, not knowing what to do, been scattered about the house over His wife Minna passed away in when a high-ranking officer the years. 1978 after much suffering. Before suddenly appeared from a nearby He was an unforgettable she died he promised her that he room and ordered that the casket Chassid.
14 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 16
thought
intellectual one, but played out internally. I felt pulled to polar extremes without any clear guidance as to how to deal with it, except, as I PREPARING was told on those few occasions when I consulted a Mashgiach or Rosh Yeshiva, to “just sit and learn and don’t think about these things.” During my studies in Lakewood THE BODY FOR Yeshiva, I refused to attend the weekly underground Tanya classes or occasional farbrengens until one time I allowed myself to be convinced to make an appearance. MOSHIACH My friend worked on me for some time, raving about this wonderful Mashpia from Eretz Yisroel who learned and davened all day and By Rabbi Zvi Homnick night with hardly any sleep, and so on. That is how I ended up at a BODY OR SOUL drink. In the words of some of the farbrengen in the basement of one of One of the issues that any early anti-Chassidic polemics, “They the Chassidic rebels, with the serious student of Judaism is forced are people who eat, drink, and featured guest being Rabbi Yosef to contend with is the relationship rejoice, and make all their days into Yitzchok Offen. Apparently, some of between body and soul. In my holidays.” the participants thought that my studies, prior to immersing myself in What made things really showing up was a big deal and, after Chabad Chassidus, the conclusion confusing for me — and just about the oohs and aahs, told Rabbi Offen seemed obvious that the soul is anybody I ever discussed the issue that he should work on me since I primary and the body exists only to with — is that many of those same was a “real Misnaged.” house the soul so that it may fulfill ideas that Chassidus promoted have He invited me to sit up next to its purpose and mission in this worked their way into the so-called him, which triggered some hooting world. As such, the base, lowly mainstream of Judaism, creating and hollering, but I decided to be a drives and urges of the body are very mixed messages. On the one good sport and did so. He spoke expressions of its inherent hand, the soul is everything and the very sincerely about how some of the worthlessness, and need to be body is worthless; on the other greatest Chassidim were those who completely subjugated. The heroes hand, what distinguishes Judaism had previously been opponents, the of the spirit that we, as religious from its usurper religions is that the reason being that if someone is youth, were taught to look up to, focus is on elevating the body and all passionate about things, when he were those who had not only physical activities. (When you get ultimately discovers the truth, he will achieved personal greatness in Torah into the details and seemingly be passionate about that also. He but had also conquered their bodies. conflicting statements of the Sages it then returned to his original topic, In fact, a major focus of the early gets a lot more complicated than which was the significance of the opposition movement to Chassidus that, but for the purposes of a brief revelation at Sinai as explained in centered on the issue that Chassidus article it will have to do). Chassidus, namely the fusion seemed to glorify many aspects of As I started delving into general between the highest spiritual realms the physical, attributing lofty Chassidic works, I discovered that and the lowest physical realms. He significance to activities previously there were conflicting messages to expounded on this theme (while understood to be less than desirable be found there, as well. As an plying me with liberal doses of indulgences. One can find diatribes American boychik, who grew up on vodka), suggesting that due to my against Chassidim excoriating them pizza and hot dogs (and much larger than average physical for the custom of imbibing strong more) on the one hand and constant presence, I was more suited to spirits, as well as holding regular messages about the all importance of connecting to the highest spiritual gatherings which included food and Torah study on the other, that levels, which (surprise, surprise!) confusion was not simply an could only be accessed through the
16 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 17
study of Chassidus. I can’t say that I walked (tottered) away convinced, but at least everyone there had a good time.
BODY AND BODY Of course, the obvious denouement to all of the above would be that once I started learning Chabad Chassidus in depth (I hope), all my questions were resolved and we can all live happily ever after. Alas, that was not meant to be. In fact, I discovered that even learned Chassidim, and even more so those of limited background and knowledge, have a great deal of confusion in understanding the relationship between, and the roles of, body and soul according to A major focus of the early opposition Chassidus. This confusion is even more pronounced when it comes to movement to Chassidus centered on the applying these concepts in practice issue that Chassidus seemed to glorify as pertains to the degree and nature of involvement in and with the many aspects of the physical, physical world. It turns out that one can learn a attributing lofty significance to great deal of Chassidus and glean a vast wealth of insights on the activities previously understood to be interplay and even interdependence of the spiritual and physical, far less than desirable indulgences… In the beyond what is available on this words of some of the early anti- topic in any other area of Torah, and still not achieve personal clarity. Chassidic polemics, “They are people Chabad Chassidus turned out not to be a destination, but the beginning who eat, drink, and rejoice, and make of a whole new journey on a whole new level. all their days into holidays.” “‘And Esther was taken to the king, Achashverosh...in the month of we have the great, righteous heroine, physicality of the body!?! Teves...(Esther 2:16),’ the month Queen Esther who was instrumental It was not her wisdom or her that the guf (body) derives pleasure in one of the greatest miracles in righteousness or her illustrious from the guf (another body),” history, a prophetess no less, lineage, but the timing of the (Talmud, Megilla 13a). Rashi deferred to by all the Sages of her physical contact with the depraved explains that this is due to the time including Mordechai Achashverosh that foreshadowed the extreme cold of the month of Teves, HaTzaddik, and whose story is coming events? And how does that and this was planned from distinguished among all the writings fit with the basic premise that the Above to make her more dear to of Scripture under her very own miracle of Purim was a result of the the king over the other candidates. name. And yet, the very first miracle mesirus nefesh, the total self For the Jew who quite rightly is a major event capturing the sacrifice, of all the Jews of that vaunts the spirit over the body, the attention of an entire empire focused time? whole idea is mind boggling. Here on nothing more than the raw Chassidus cites this Talmudic
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 17 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 18
description of the month of Teves out” and fight the spiritual battles of exact in its particulars relative to the and explains it to mean that it is the “the House of Dovid” against those lesson being learned. When those month that the Guf (the Essence of “who mock the footsteps of Your soldiers who wrote conditional G-d) [Note: the word guf here is not anointed one.” As such, they must divorces for their wives returned understood as “body,” but in the “write a divorce” severing from battle, the love between the context of the essence of a thing as themselves from all worldly matters. couple was incomparably greater. in the Talmudic term gufei Torah] This talk was transcribed and The increase in the love was derives pleasure from the physical published for the first time over forty commensurate with the selflessness body of a Jew. In the month with the years later, by the Previous Rebbe in of having released their wives before. longest nights and coldest days, America, for the students of the The same must hold true for those indicating that the impact of the sun fledgling yeshiva recently established who “write a divorce from material — which represents divine revelation in the Western Hemisphere, Tomchei concerns.” — is at its lowest, that is when the T’mimim. “Similarly in the analog, through true essence of the body of a Jew — In the year 5718, 1957/8, the the divorce from matters of the body which is higher than the soul and is then relatively new Rebbe and this world, subsequently, ‘And a direct creation of the Essence of announced that the time for a Esther was taken in the month of G-d and was chosen by G-d at defensive war (as the Rebbe Rashab Teves,’ the body derives pleasure Mount Sinai — is revealed. This defines it in that very talk) is over. It from the body, literally. The Essence revelation will only be fully is now the time to go on the and Being (since Achashverosh completed in the time after the offensive with the slogan of refers to G-d, as the ReM”A explains Resurrection, when the body will not U’faratzta, “and you will spread – for those who require proof from only be higher than the soul, but the forth,” bringing the light of Torah Nigleh, the ReM”A was a posek) soul will derive its “nourishment” of and Mitzvos and the wellsprings of becomes invested into, and chooses, Divinity from the body. Chassidus out to the larger Jewish the physical body, and derives To explain each point in the world. This represented a clear pleasure from that body, as the above paragraph requires many change of direction (see HaYom ultimate intent of Essence is lengthy discussions, but what we Yom 14 Elul – “Avoid, to the accomplished through mitzvos of need to address here is the idea that absolute extreme, [engaging in] an action.” ultimately, the body is higher than offensive war...”) from earlier The Rebbe goes on to explain the soul, and that this comes to the generations, and also entailed a that it is through mesirus nefesh, fore in the deepest, darkest spiritual higher degree of involvement with sacrificing one’s personal thoughts times, when the soul’s ability to the outside world in all its and desires for anything of this assert itself is limited. materialism and depravity. world for the sake of fulfilling the Throughout that year (and Divine Will, that he will ultimately SOUL OVER BODY, countless times since), the Rebbe have all the benefits of this world in BODY OVER SOUL specifically addressed the conflict of larger measure. “And then there is leaving a completely spiritual the promise of the guf derives “Whoever goes out to the battle environment and intentionally pleasure from the guf — in the of the House of Dovid writes a putting oneself “out there” for the Future Time the soul will be divorce to his wife” (Talmud, purpose of reaching out to others on nourished from the body.” Shabbos 56a, K’subos 9b). a large scale, often framing the Although Chassidus is replete Rashi explains that the reason for conflict in context of the issue of with ideas expressing the lowliness this is that if he did not return from what has primacy — the soul or the and corruption of the body and all battle, she would be divorced body. things physical and the need to retroactive to the day he gave the On Purim of that year, the Rebbe subjugate them, along with divorce, thus protecting her from held a very intense farbrengen (ask explanations of how the body and later complications in remarrying. anybody who was there and see how the physical exist to express the very On Simchas Torah of the year they are transported, “ahh, Purim Essence of G-d which is not 5661/1901, the Rebbe Rashab gave Tav Shin Chai!”), some of which is expressed in even the loftiest of an address to the students in published in volume 4 of Likkutei spiritual realms, this does not Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim in Sichos. In the portion that was represent a contradiction. It is Lubavitch, citing this statement as published later as an appendix to through rejecting the calls and lures an analogy for the students of volume 11 (p. 326), the Rebbe of the body and the physical world Tomchei T’mimim who must “go explains that an analogy must be even while operating within their
18 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 19
confines to carry out G-d’s Will that we strip away the external negativity I ended up at a farbrengen in the and reveal the true Essence of the basement of one of the Chassidic rebels, physical body of a Jew. Purim is the holiday celebrating with the featured guest being Rabbi the salvation of the Jewish body through mesirus nefesh. That is why Yosef Yitzchok Offen. Apparently, some it will continue to be celebrated even after Moshiach comes, since that is of the participants thought that my when the true nature and superiority of the body will be revealed as a showing up was a big deal and, after the result of the mesirus nefesh in the oohs and aahs, told Rabbi Offen that he time of exile. And that is exactly why the story begins with the mesirus should work on me since I was a “real nefesh of Esther in allowing herself to be taken to the king and the Misnaged.” impact of the body in that initial meeting to set off the entire chain of ‘dwelling for Him’ and they will but we must actually reveal how the events. The month of Teves, a month triumph in the battle of the House of body itself and the material world of cold days and even longer colder Dovid, until it will be ‘and my are manifestations of G-d’s Essence, nights, is when the capacity for servant Dovid will be king over existing only to carry out His Will mesirus nefesh which transcends the them.’” and not as separate existences. rational is revealed and thus the true In fact, the Rebbe offers this as a essence of the body of a Jew is BODY AT THE READY possible explanation for the revealed. “And Esther was taken...in “shocking delay” of the Geula due to Thirty years later, in the year the month of Teves, the month when the fact that we were lacking in the 5748, the Rebbe started talking in the body derives pleasure from the service of Hashem in such a terms of the work being completed body.” manner, and goes on to say that and the need to start making the The Rebbe continues in that now this “delay” no longer exists necessary adjustments in sicha, “And this is demanded from (see at length, sicha Simchas Torah anticipation of the final revelation. those who go out to the battle of the 5752). This language became more House of Dovid, and especially in We have already won the “battle pronounced and detailed in 5751 the generation of Ikvisa D’Meshicha. of the House of Dovid,” through the and 5752, when the Rebbe explained It is certain they will be victorious, work of “writing a divorce” to the that this new adjustment period had and through them will be fulfilled the materialism of this world, which already begun in 5748 with the promise of ‘and the earth will be leads to the “greater love” of “and passing of the Rebbetzin (see sicha filled...and all will know Me... And Esther was taken to the ‘King’ in the 22 Shevat, 5752). Now, it is no this will be done by the students month of Teves.” May we merit to longer about fighting against the from the original founding until the be “taken to the ‘King’” in this very body and the material world as a end of days, that they will month of Teves, immediately, NOW! accomplish that there will be a means to revealing its true potential,
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
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 19 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 20
stories I M NOT BUDGING UNTIL THE KEITZ!
By Menachem Ziegelboim A compilation of stories and statements about Moshiach and Geula from Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev. Presented to commemorate 200 years since his passing, 5570-5770.
THE DIVINE PRESENCE heart constricted in sorrow, he cried said to him, “You did half a job. Go and IN THE TANNERY bitterly over the pain of the Sh’china in exile until he fell to the ground in finish it. Until now you rebuked Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of a faint. Jews for their sins. It would be Berditchev once journeyed to a small At that moment, the Sh’china proper that you now also rebuke town where he knew no one. The was revealed to him in its glory and their Father in Heaven who enslaves tzaddik arrived towards evening, and he saw the light of 24 different them in exile, brings suffering upon walked through the town hoping to levels. The Sh’china said to him, “Be them and tortures them with severe find a place to stay. A Jewish tanner strong, my son. Great sorrows are and bitter torment.” noticed him and invited him home. destined to befall you, but do not (Chassidim Mesaprim) The house was permeated with fear since I am with you.” the offensive stench of animal hides, (Kehal HaChassidim HaChadash) SHE HAS NO CONSOLER and R’ Levi Yitzchok felt it wasn’t fitting to daven Maariv there. He Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of went to the empty beis midrash and HALF A JOB Berditchev said, poured his heart out to Hashem. R’ Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev When a woman gives birth she While he davened, a thought went to a shul where an itinerant suffers but after the birth she suddenly arose. He visualized the preacher rebuked the people for rejoices. The others in attendance Divine Presence in exile, standing in their sins. When the preacher are happy throughout, for they knew the tannery with head bent. His finished his speech, R’ Levi Yitzchok that shortly they will celebrate the
20 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 21
after the final meal before the fast, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev stood near the window and looked out at the distant horizon with anticipation and longing. Every so often he strained his ears; perhaps he would finally hear the footsteps of Moshiach. The sun set and people began gathering in shul for the recitation of the Kinos. The moments dragged on, but the rav of the city, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok, had not arrived. When a long time had passed, the congregation became impatient and the shamash went to see where the tzaddik was. Finding him standing silently near the window, the surprised shamash exclaimed, “Rebbe, the people are waiting for the reading of Eicha!” The tzaddik said to himself as he moved reluctantly from his place, “Oy, Moshiach still did not come. Once again we have to say Eicha.” (HaTzaddik M’Berditchev)
CAST YOUR BREAD One year, a large crowd came to Rabbi Levi Yitzchok’s sukka and it was extremely crowded. R’ Levi Yitzchok said to his disciples: “We need to suffer with the arrival of a child. R’ Levi Yitzchok were wed, they crowding of even the simple people The same is true for Tziyon. brought the wording of the invitation because in the future, when the Even now, when it has pain over its to him. When he saw where it said tzaddikim will sit with their crowns destruction, it is merely like a the wedding would take place he on their heads in the sukka of the woman in labor. Hashem, though, is tore it up and instructed that it Leviathan, I will also push to sit very happy because He knows that should be rewritten thus: there with all the tzaddikim. When the pain is only temporary; “The wedding will take place, G-d they come to remove me from there, afterwards, the city will be rebuilt in willing, in Yerushalayim the Holy City saying ‘what is a coarse person all its glory. and in the Beis HaMikdash, may it doing in the company of the holy,’ I will tell them that I also tolerated the (K’dushas Levi – Eicha) built and established speedily in our day. If Moshiach Tzidkeinu does not presence of simple, coarse people in my sukka.” INVITATION TO THE come, heaven forbid, by then, the wedding will take place in the town (Toldos K’dushas Levi) BEIS HA’MIKDASH of Zhlobin …” The tzaddik, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok (Be’er HaChassidus) NULLIFYING THE of Berditchev constantly anticipated ACCUSATION AND the coming of Moshiach and prepared for that day. Before the OY, MOSHIACH STILL JEALOUSY grand wedding in Zhlobin where the DID NOT COME Rabbi Boruch of Mezhibuzh, the descendents of the Alter Rebbe and One year on Erev Tisha B’Av, grandson of the Baal Shem Tov,
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 21 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 22
would often speak against Rabbi SAYINGS REGARDING MOSHIACH AND GEULA Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev and FROM RABBI LEVI YITZCHOK OF BERDITCHEV disparage him. Those who heard him were certain that he found some flaw and deficiency in the avoda of the tzaros come upon us? Why are PROPER PREPARATION R’ Levi Yitzchok. Rabbi Moshe of we chased from galus to galus? R’ Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev Zevil, the son of the holy R’ Michel Why are our enemies permitted to asked: of Zlotchov, was a regular at the torment us so much? “The pasuk says, ‘Behold I am Shabbos table of R’ Boruch, finally “But in the Hagada it says sending to you Eliyahu HaNavi clarified the matter. regarding the one who does not before the coming of the great and One Shabbos, R’ Moshe of Zevil know how to ask, ‘You open/begin fearsome day of Hashem?’ Why, heard a Chassid, who had seen R’ for him as it says, ‘and you shall then, did Melech HaMoshiach tell Levi Yitzchok’s avoda, recount to R’ tell your child.’ As for me, Master the Tanna, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Boruch what he saw of his ways, his of the universe, I am Your son; I Levi, that he is coming ‘today, if bizarre movements and bowings am not asking that you reveal to you hearken to His voice?’ And during davening. R’ Boruch reacted me a little of the mysteries of Your why does Eliyahu have to come with laughter as though mocking it. ways, since my understanding is before the Geula?” R’ Moshe was very upset and he scanty. But you begin and tell me When R’ Levi Yitzchok saw resolved to return home immediately – the things taking place now, that nobody present was after Shabbos. what is their intent for me? What responding he answered his own When he went on Sunday to say do they demand of me? And what question: goodbye to his Rebbi, R’ Boruch are You, Master of the universe, “The reason is because people asked him in surprise why he was telling me with this? are immersed in the doings of the leaving so quickly. R’ Moshe could “I don’t want to know why I world and are preoccupied with its not restrain himself and he said he am suffering unless I am suffering vanities. Eliyahu must come before could not stay any longer when he for Your great and fearsome the coming of Moshiach to detach saw how R’ Boruch mocked the holy name.” (Hagada shel Pesach, Shulchan Tahor) all of them from their avoda of the holy R’ Levi Yitzchok. preoccupations and to prepare R’ Boruch said, “I will explain. them to greet Moshiach. HOW THEY For some years now, the angels have “But ‘if you hearken to His WILL READ EICHA been looking enviously at the sacred voice,’ and we shake ourselves off R’ Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev avoda of R’ Levi Yitzchok, and the from the vanities of the time on asked: Satan has been contending that with our own, then Moshiach can come “In the future they will also his lofty intentions and service of “today,” immediately, without read Megillas Eicha on Tisha B’Av, Hashem, R’ Levi Yitzchok precludes Eliyahu having to come and alert but how will they explain it? the need for a Beis HaMikdash and us ahead of time.”(Sifsei Tzaddikim “‘Eicha’- how was it that until the sacrifices of the High Priest and B’Haalos’cha) now the city was alone? And now, the coming of Moshiach. In order to the presence of G-dliness is nullify this accusation and jealousy, I AND YOU SHALL revealed throughout the world, but have to mock and disparage this TELL YOUR CHILD especially in this city. ‘The great of avoda. The truth is that I know and When R’ Levi Yitzchok of population, the leader amongst recognize exactly how great he is. Berditchev got up to the part of countries…has become a source (Toldos K’dushas Levi) the fourth son in the Hagada, the for tariffs’ – now all the nations son who does not know how to pay taxes to Israel. ‘She cries at JUST ONE TEKIA ask, he would enthusiastically say: night and her tears are on her In R’ Levi Yitzchok’s speech “The one who does not know cheek… there is no one to console before the blowing of the shofar, he how to ask is me, Levi Yitzchok. I her’ – and now she no longer would say: don’t know how to ask, Master of needs someone to console her. “Master of the universe! You told the universe, and even if I knew, “That is how they will read the us, ‘A day of blowing this shall be for would I dare? entire Megilla, with great pleasure, you,’ and for this one command “How could I dare to ask You: when the righteous Redeemer hundreds of thousands of Jews blow Why and for what reason have all comes.” (Be’er HaChassidus) 100 sounds each year for thousands
22 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 23
of years. “And we hundreds of thousands The angels have been looking enviously of Jews cry out and pray and plead at the sacred avoda of R’ Levi Yitzchok, and request of You these thousands of years, blow just one tekia on the and the Satan has been contending that great shofar of our redemption. Why haven’t You blown it yet?” with his lofty intentions and service of (Toldos K’dushas Levi) Hashem, R’ Levi Yitzchok precludes the GENTILES HAVE COME need for a Beis HaMikdash and the TO YOUR PORTION sacrifices of the High Priest and the R’ Levi Yitzchok related the following parable: coming of Moshiach. A king’s son dirtied the palace. The king was very angry but he did personally. “Command the Jewish people.” not want to personally destroy his (K’dushas Levi – Eicha) Regarding every matter it says, son’s chamber because he could not “Speak to the Jewish people.” bear his son’s pain. What did the MAY HIS GREAT NAME Merciful Father, how many king do? He went away and nations are there in the world? — immediately the enemies came and BE AGGRANDIZED AND Persians, Babylonians, Edomites. destroyed it. The fact that the king SANCTIFIED What do the Russians say? — did not personally destroy the palace R’ Levi Yitzchok’s prayer: Our czar is the czar! that he built affirms that he still loves Good morning to you, Master of What do the Germans say? — his son. the universe! Their kingdom is their kingdom! This is the meaning of “A song of I, Levi Yitzchok ben Sarah Sasha And I, Levi Yitzchok ben Sara of Asaf, Elokim, gentiles have come to of Berditchev, have come to You Berditchev, say: Your portion.” The gentiles are the with a din Torah on behalf of Your Yisgadal v’yiskadash shmei ones who destroyed the Beis nation Yisroel. rabba! HaMikdash, but regarding the What do You have with Yisroel? I will not budge from my place destruction of the goyim it says, “I Why did You impose Yourself on until the ketz, until the end of galus. alone have trod in the winepress;” Your people Yisroel? Yisgadel v’yiskadsh shmei rabba! Hashem will destroy them Regarding every matter it says, (Sefareinu vol. 4)
Express service texprx ahru, Fully Computerized nnujac vnars
331 Kingston Ave. (2nd Flr) Brooklyn NY 11213
Get your tickets within minutes! (718) 493-1111 ej t, vfryhx akl c,ul nxpr seu,! nxpr c,ul akl vfryhx t, ej Fax: (718) 493-4444
Only 1 minute from 770 ^ High Style Hotel in a small format ^ Fancy Studio Apartments @ Kitchen with all the latest technology appliances: Fridge, Microwave, Toaster 9 9 1 1 7 7 - - 6 6 9 9 1 1 - - 5 5 2 2 1 1 2 2 @ Breakfast, drinks in fridge all day @ Broadband Internet 7 7 1 1 8 8 - - 4 4 7 7 3 3 - - 5 5 9 9 3 3 7 7 @ FREE calls & video Linen & Towels changed Fancy Bath & Shower with plenty KKIINNGGSSTTOONN HHOOTTEELL of Shampoo & Soap
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 23 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 24
moshiach & science
The past half-century has seen an immense paradigm shift from curing sickness to creating and sustaining wellness. We are more focused on WELLNESS OR prevention and health enhancement than ever before. We are turning away from pills and procedures and embracing healthy eating, exercise, nutrients and supplements, anti- MEDICINE? oxidants, anti-ageing, stress reduction, meditation, yoga, in short anything that boosts our quality of life, not just our number of By Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd, PhD diseaseless days on the planet. A perfect example is biofeedback. Suddenly I realized I was stuck. anything. “Do you have any Thousands of scientific and medical All the course work was behind suggestions?” studies have demonstrated me — the botany, zoology, statistics. “Try the yellow pages.” conclusively that people have the My thesis topic was approved, I had Over the next little while I spoke ability to literally will themselves into read all the relevant background to three psychiatrists who all turned better health. Through trial and literature, my hypothesis was stated, me down at the first meeting. The error, patients mysteriously yet methods chosen, data collected over reason: I wasn’t mentally ill. effectively learn to manage a variety four years, results analyzed, and “But what difference does that of biological processes such as brain conclusions made. In the emerging make? You are supposed to activity, pulse, blood pressure and discipline of Applied Ecology, this understand how the mind works. I skin temperature by “trying” doctoral thesis had all the want you to help me figure out why mentally to control computerized ingredients of a significant my thesis is not moving so I can displays that mirror their physical contribution. overcome whatever mental block I’ve condition. And it works! There was only one problem. It got and help me get my life back to In this way tens of thousands wasn’t written. All the information normal.” have already learned to effectively was ready to go, but the words just “I’m sorry sir. We don’t deal with treat conditions such as bronchial wouldn’t come. Not even the first normalcy. We deal with pathology.” asthma, drug addiction, anxiety, words. I’d write a sentence, scratch That was an eye-opener. We only tension and migraine headaches, it out, try again, nix that. I’d go for deal with sickness, not health. Hmm. cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, a walk, get a coffee, try a different Eventually I did overcome my incontinence, irritable bowel workspace, do some other stuff, and mental block and the thesis did get syndrome, ADD and ADHD, try again the next day. And the next written. The solution was actually to epilepsy, menopausal hot flashes, and the next. Weeks turned to become a baal t’shuva but that’s a chronic pain syndromes, and months and then to seasons, but no story for another time. The point anticipatory nausea associated with progress. At all. here is this: What’s the right chemotherapy. I visited the campus services approach to health? Is it remediating The risks are negligible, the gains office and described my plight. The illness or achieving wellness? And is very significant. Medication counselor there put a name to it: there a difference? requirements diminish and often Writers Block. There. That felt Materialistic medical science, so vanish. The patient takes control of better, but what to do about it? it seems to me, implicitly defines his own care, and the body is trained Surely hundreds of people had gone health as the absence of illness. But to heal itself. through the same at the University for most of us that’s just the Biofeedback is but one small of Toronto over the years. Is there a beginning of what we want. We want component of the emerging trend coach? A self-help book? No, came energy, fitness, alertness, a sharp toward mind-based medicine in the reply. You have to go see a mind, a great night’s sleep. We don’t general. And mind-based medicine is psychiatrist. just want to avoid falling apart, what but one component of a much “A psychiatrist! For writers we really want is joy and that’s a broader trend in science as a whole, block?” I was incredulous, but at qualitative value, not a quantitative and that is the replacement of the this point I was ready to try one. old materialistic view of man and
24 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 25
nature with a more holistic see that real progress is being made Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd is a Toronto-based integrative perspective that in this direction. And just as with scientist, author, educator and a popular celebrates consciousness as a biofeedback, if you think good it will speaker on the interplay of science and cornerstone of reality. be good, really, practically and faith. You can call him at 416.858.9868 or visit him at www.arniegotfryd.com. The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains, tangibly, for us and for the world at for example in Likkutei Sichos Vol large. 15, that the ultimate goal of science Moshiach NOW! is to prepare the world for the times of Moshiach. The wellness, sustainability, consciousness and unity that we will attain in that era is already being foreshadowed now, thanks in part to developments in science, technology and medicine. (The other part is Chassidus.) We only have to open up our eyes, especially our mind’s eye, to 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
Make a “Mivtzah Kashrus” in your own computer! Introducing JNET-The world wide web without the world wide worryTM While The Internet can be a helpful tool for business, experts that will solve your problems fast. education and personal use it can also be a potentially Most important, you can now get the JNET Advantage for dangerous one. only a bit more than non-filtered on line providers. That's why J Net was created. If you're ready for the world wide web without the world wide Using exclusive multi-tiered intelligent filtration, the J Net worry, you're ready for JNet. portal is probably the most effective consumer resource for DIAL UP DSL Unlimited Access 24 Tech Support eliminating material not conducive to our needs. 4 Profiles per More than virtually foolproof, J .NET is also easy - both to Account Web Mail install and use. Plus its available in both dialup and high Call us toll free at 1-866-866-JNET (5638) speed DSL and backed by highly trained customer service (mention code “770” for special ANASH Rate)
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 25 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 9:38 AM Page 26
shlichus
always a good idea to verify that all concerned are on the same page and are understanding the facts the same way. And if you THE LIGHTER say “Shabbos night,” make sure people know whether you mean Friday or Saturday night! Though now they laugh about it, at the time the shluchim SIDE OF certainly didn’t find the incident funny. This is true on shlichus and in life in general. When things are happening we get bogged down by the details and SHLICHUS can’t see the broader picture. It’s only afterwards, in hindsight, that we realize that it was a story. By Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz It’s like the Purim story. People who lived in the time of THE NEED TO BE were arranged. Achashverosh didn’t think of CLEAR Friday night, the shliach writing it down. They were returned from shul with the A few days before Yom witnesses to what happened but children and the family sat and Kippur, someone asked a shliach did not connect the dots until it waited for their guests. They how to go about doing Kaparos was all over and they realized waited and waited but they did in the best possible way. The that here was a story that could not show up. It was quite late shliach told him that he could do be appreciated for generations. when they finally gave up and it with money or a fish but the The same is true with the ate the meal alone. They were best way was to use a chicken. story of the Geula. One day rather surprised that they had Two days later the man said soon we will realize that what not shown up, but had no way of to the shliach, “I did Kaparos happened before our very eyes finding out what happened. with a chicken. What do I do was part of the story of Geula. On Motzaei Shabbos the with the chicken now?” Yud and Yud-Alef Shevat, 22 house was in disarray, to say the The shliach answered that it Shevat, 27 Adar, and 3 Tammuz least, as anybody with young is customary to throw away the are all chapters in the Megilla of children experiences, and in the chicken’s innards and to eat the Geula. middle of Havdala there were chicken. knocks at the door. It was the “What innards are you HALACHIC QUESTIONS missing guests! They were talking about?” he wondered. “I dressed in their best and were all IN THE ATLIT PRISON bought a frozen chicken without smiles. To say the shluchim were Rabbi Moshe Akselrod, any innards at the supermarket!” stunned is an understatement. shliach in Atlit, is a chaplain and The guests apparently noticed teacher in the Atlit prison. Many THE NEED TO BE their hosts’ distress, and of the inmates (some of whom I CLEAR: TAKE 2 immediately asked in surprise, met in Beit Shaan) consider R’ A number of years ago, a “You invited us for Shabbos Akselrod their personal rabbi veteran shliach invited a family night! Isn’t it Shabbos night and they ask him all their of mekuravim to the Friday now?” halachic questions. night meal. They had a nice They quickly regained their One day, a prisoner asked sized family so the shluchim composure, opened the table and him, “Rabbi, is it permissible to prepared accordingly. There had a festive Melava Malka meal call the police on Shabbos?” were phone calls back and forth with their guests. They learned He explained why he was until a time and all the details an important lesson — that it is asking.
26 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 27
“I was recently in Kiryat Malachi and on Shabbos morning I broke “A Chassid who was a neighbor noticed into the house of one of the rich that I was there and called the police. Chassidim there. I had checked ahead of time and knew they had They caught me next to the open safe. gone on vacation to Teveria and that I could work undisturbed. I opened So tell me, was the Chassid allowed to the safe and packed the bundles of money into a pillowcase from the call the police on Shabbos when there bedroom. was no danger to life?” “A Chassid who was a neighbor noticed that I was there and called it was like the lights of the Geula …” a get-together for Russian the police. They caught me next to Thanks to the police, this man immigrants for Shavuos. He enlisted the open safe. So tell me, was the ended up in R’ Akselrod’s beis some bachurim in order to get the Chassid allowed to call the police on midrash in the Atlit prison and he word out that there would be a Shabbos when there was no danger has two years to learn Nigleh and gathering with refreshments and the to life?” Chassidus without any disturbances. Aseret HaDibrot. I can’t tell you what the rav The immigrants showed up in answered, but the inmate did praise droves and listened to everything the man whose house he had broken SH’HECHIYANU OVER SAYING T’HILLIM that was said. It was at the end that into. they asked when the movie (the “That Chassid is a real tzaddik. Rabbi Aharon Shiffman, who seret) would be shown, since the He came to the trial just to see who gives shiurim and does programs in bachurim had told them there would had broken into his home. Do you some moshavim near Tzfas, was be a-seret, i.e. Aseret HaDibros. know what he said? He said that on sitting with some people and Shabbos morning he had been told – learning the laws of the Three through a non-Jew – that his house Weeks. When they got up to the THE PICTURE SPOKE had been broken into and he didn’t halacha about not saying the Rabbi Shimshon Tal, shliach in even come back to Kiryat Malachi “SheHechiyanu” bracha during this Hod HaSharon, tells of an amazing from Teveria. He just asked – period of time, one of the attendees miracle that took place in the through the goy – that someone expressed his disappointment. stairwell of the Chabad house in his should keep an eye on the house Ever since R’ Shiffman told them city: until he arrived on Motzaei Shabbos. to say T’hillim according to the days “I was sitting in my office in the A real tzaddik. But why did the of the month, he had been saying Chabad house that is located on the neighbor have to call the police on the SheHechiyanu brachos at the ground floor of the building when I Shabbos?” end of every month when he heard the cook of the soup kitchen Another inmate in the Atlit prison completes the book. What was he to coming down the stairs. When she asked the rabbi, “Are you allowed to do on 29 Tammuz – could he say reached the large picture of the tie people up with towels from the the bracha? Rebbe she stopped and said mikva?” R’ Shiffman told him – in affectionately, ‘Shalom, HaRav.’ This question, too, was of a addition to telling him that we don’t “I figured she was addressing me practical nature. “One day I was at say the SheHechiyanu bracha when and I answered, ‘Shalom u’v’racha, ‘work’ in Shikun Vizhnitz in B’nei we complete the T’hillim – that this kol tuv, tizki l’mitzvot.’ The cook Brak. I did my work early in the question is one that should be asked heard, with her own ears, that she morning. I broke into two nice of the Baal Shem Tov, because only had said hello to the Rebbe in the apartments. But then some righteous and sincere Jews of the picture and he had answered her! Chassidim who had gotten up early caliber that were drawn to the Baal She was overcome with emotion and in order to immerse in the mikva Shem Tov could reach this level of just continued standing there. before davening caught me in the rejoicing and loving T’hillim so “A minute later the second cook act. They tied me up with towels much that they would be moved to came downstairs and the first cook from the mikva and beat me up; they say this bracha when finishing it. said to the second, ‘Praised be His nearly killed me. Miraculously, the Another shliach (who wishes to name! I said hello to the Rebbe and police arrived and saved me. When I remain anonymous) once organized he answered me!’ saw the blue lights of the police cars
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 27 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 28
moshiach & geula MOSHIACH: WHAT WE BELIEVE.
By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon
PART 5 OF 20. not the accepted opinion. Rambam this struggle. Their purpose in the As the saying goes, “75% of (Hilchos Melachim chapter 11) world is not for themselves; rather, known facts are either not known or writes clearly that one must believe they are here to inspire us to change not facts.” This is especially true in “him” — a human Moshiach — ourselves and serve Hashem. regarding belief in Moshiach and and brings verses from Parshas When we see a human who is totally Geula, where there are many Balak that clearly refer to a dedicated to the service of the preconceived notions and questions human Moshiach. See also Chasam Creator, we are inspired to do that remain unasked – and Sofer T’shuvos Yorah Deia 356. likewise. unanswered. The answer must be prefaced by As an analogy, imagine a city In our past articles, we a brief explanation of two where all the inhabitants walked on established that every Jew must fundamental Jewish concepts: (1) their hands instead of their feet, with believe in and anticipate the The role of Tzaddikim and (2) The their heads facing the ground. One redemption. We must now address implications of the term “Geula.” day, a visitor comes to town. He is another fundamental issue: The Alter Rebbe, in Tanya Shaar an enigma in this city, because he HaYichud V’HaEmuna, teaches that walks erect; his head is above his WHY MUST I BELIEVE IN A Tzaddikim were put into the world heart and he can look to the HUMAN MOSHIACH? because Hashem had mercy on the heavens. In the beginning, the To clarify the question: Human human race. people will laugh at him, but beings are fraught with limitations. Man’s purpose is to serve G-d eventually some will realize that Indeed everything about a human despite the struggles and they, too, are capable of “following being is limited. We are limited to a temptations of the world around in his footsteps”, i.e., elevating their specific space and time and we are him. This causes great pleasure to status from animals to humans. limited in — and by — our intellect. Hashem. The struggle that we Would it not make more sense Hashem is just the opposite. He is experience stems from the fact that the era of redemption — in not confined to any limitation at all. that we have a “double-identity.” which miracles will be the nature Would it not make more sense that We have the Nefesh Elokis, a G-dly of the world, and G-dliness will the era of redemption — in which soul that yearns to serve Hashem, be revealed in an unlimited way miracles will be the nature of the but we also have the Nefesh — be ushered in by Hashem world, and G-dliness will be revealed HaBahamis, an animalistic soul Himself? in an unlimited way — be ushered whose all-encompassing desire is to What is Geula? in by Hashem Himself? (Such a enjoy physical pleasures. Geula means freedom. The true possibility is actually discussed in the Perfect Tzaddikim, having no definition of freedom is not the Talmud (Sanhedrin 99a) but this is animalistic nature, do not experience ability to do whatever you want –
28 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 29
such undisciplined behavior is very worthy, Hashem will bestow upon Mitzvos. animal-like. Rather it is the liberty to this individual the “spirit of 4) He will be involved in express who you truly are and to Moshiach” and he will begin the “forcing” all Jews to serve Hashem. fulfill your potential. A case in point activities that Moshiach needs to do The term “force” does not mean that would be a musician, who may feel to redeem the Jewish people. Moshiach will use physical force, but more free in a prison with his (Chasam Sofer, T’shuvos Choshen rather endeavor to influence world instrument, than without his Mishpat 98 and others). Jewry. Rambam is referring to an instrument in an open field. To put this into perspective: individual whose goal and mission is The worlds’ true reality is the Moshe Rabbeinu was born to reach and educate — which is fact that it is “Hashem’s Garden,” a circumcised, and the house filled considered “forcing with words” — place where G-dliness is revealed with light — people knew that he every Jew, whether personally or and expressed. During Galus, the was worthy of being the eventual through his emissaries. Sh’china is concealed. redeemer of Klal Yisroel from 5) He will “fight the wars of When Moshiach comes, the world Mitzrayim. Yet for 80 years he Hashem.” The “wars of Hashem” will be free. minded his own business and was a are things that threaten the Jewish Freedom for the world at large shepherd, serving Hashem as he saw people. Whether it is spiritual T comes from the freedom of the fit. At a certain point — in the assimilation or actual physical wars Neshama (soul) in its small world desert, through the burning-bush — that threaten Jewish lives, Moshiach “ — the human body. When the Hashem “hired” him to redeem the will be at the forefront. One must Jewish People “free” themselves — Jewish people. Only after that did he understand that there are different ex by bringing out and revealing their begin doing the activities of the ways of fighting wars. Moshiach will true identity, i.e. Geula Pratis — this redeemer of Klal Yisroel – not be shooting bullets from a gun; r brings about the Freedom for the strengthening the spirit of the Jewish when Klal Yisroel is in danger, he a entire creation — Geula Klalis. people, 10 plagues, etc. will institute special spiritual This is why we need a There are certain qualifications campaigns — like Mivtza T’fillin by la human Moshiach. Moshiach is the that, if seen in an individual, permit the six-day war — to strengthen true “free man.” When one looks — and require — the people around Klal Yisroel. (See Metzudos m at Moshiach, he sees the Neshama him to assume and act towards him Zecharya 9,10 and Igros Moshe radiating. Just think how many as if he will be the ultimate Orach Chayim, volume 4, responsa th people were aroused to T’shuva — Moshiach. These qualifications are 81) and even converted to Judaism — enumerated by Rambam (Hilchos The above explanation in th by seeing the Rebbe for a few Melachim Perek 11 Halacha 4): “fighting the wars of Hashem” helps go moments. Moshiach inspires us to 1) He must be a “King.” This resolve an age-old question. Chazal free ourselves, which in-turn brings obviously does not mean a literal tell us that the reason why King th freedom for the entire creation. king, as we are talking about Jews in Dovid was not given the privilege of Having established that Moshiach exile. Rambam is telling us that building the holy Beis HaMikdash is a human being, we are left Moshiach must be a true leader — was because his hands were red with wondering: how can I identify not of a specific group, but of the the blood of the wars — of Hashem him? What are the signs? entire Jewish people. — that he fought. How, then, can 2) He must be a descendant of Rambam say that Moshiach will PART 6 OF 20 King Dovid. Hashem promised the fight wars and build the third Beis tribe of Yehuda — and King Dovid HaMikdash? It is understood that Before we discuss the in particular — that kingship will be Moshiach will fight his wars in a way qualifications of Moshiach, we must their everlasting destiny. (see of peace as explained above. first establish a more basic premise. Yaakov’s blessing to Yehuda in These characteristics qualify an We all must understand that there Parshas VaYechi) individual as a strong candidate to actually exists a human being, in 3) He must be totally involved — be Moshiach — in Halachic terms, every generation, who is righteous not as a 9-5 worker, but like a “Chezkas Moshiach.” We still need enough to be Moshiach. This company owner — in learning to address: What must one do to individual can be an unknown Torah and doing Mitzvos. The main prove that He IS the actual Tzaddik who is serving Hashem in a objective of Moshiach is to bring the Moshiach? IY”H we will explain that very private way, not even realizing world to a higher awareness of in our next article. himself that he is the potential Hashem and his entire existence Moshiach. If the generation is must therefore be one of Torah and
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 29 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 30
feature
chassidus, in the face of the fierce RABBI SHLOMO RASKIN RECALLS HIS FAMILY S storms of heresy and atheism surrounding him from every OWN PERSONAL HOLIDAY OF REDEMPTION: direction. Today, Rabbi Shlomo Raskin serves as the director-general of Beis Chana Institutions in Tzfas, A MIRACLE IN among the finest and most magnificent of the Chabad mosdos in Eretz Yisroel. I met a rare kind of chassid, a man who seeks to educate his six hundred students THE OFFICES according to true hiskashrus to the Rebbe, certain that the secret to his success is concealed there. He obtained his education in the home of his parents, counted OF THE K.G.B. among the community of Chabad chassidim for generation after generation, since the times of the Alter Rebbe. He came to know By Nosson Avrohom some of the greatest chassidim Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry during his visit as a young lad to the city of Chernovitz, and later during farbrengens and Torah Rabbi Shlomo Raskin is one of the more classes in the city of Samarkand, where he studied in the recognized Chabad personalities in Tzfas. underground yeshiva together with his older brother, R’ Yehoshua. He He is a member of Agudas Chassidei and his family endured a long and Chabad and the director-general of the treacherous journey filled with difficulties and pitfalls, expressions Beis Chana campus in Tzfas, one of the of spiritual strength and self- sacrifice, until they finally most outstanding Chabad institutions in emigrated to Eretz Yisroel. They received their exit visas due to the northern Eretz Yisroel. In his first miracles of the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach. Rabbi Raskin found interview, he reveals the hardships of his that he adapted well in the yeshiva youth behind the Iron Curtain and his in Kfar Chabad, and he eventually engaged in activities among the family’s personal exodus from exile in the first waves of Jewish immigrants arriving from the Soviet Union. merit of a strange instruction from the During the interview, the first part of which appears in this Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach. * First article, I found myself sitting before a marvelous chassid – installment of this series. stubborn and firm on the one hand, gentle and pleasant on the The interview that comprised a piece of history. This was the other. A chassid, who despite that this article lasted three hours. story of the trials and tribulations the many years that have passed, Three hours of delightful, of a Jewish boy growing up and remains energetic and determined, nostalgic, and thrilling receiving his education in a home as many of his fellow chassidim, conversation. It was far more than based on the values of Judaism and not to become indifferent. He is
30 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 31
instilled with an unusual and youthful motivation in his fulfillment of the Rebbe’s directives. Anyone who is acquainted with him knows that despite his great achievements and his impressive resume in connection with the founding and development of the Beis Chana complex, he conducts himself as a generally reserved and unassuming chassid with every fiber of his body and soul, a unique askan of a vanishing breed.
THE CHILDREN’S SELF-SACRIFICE The Raskin family lived in city of Gorky (now called Nizhny Novgorod). After a very large group of Chabad chassidim left Russia in 5706-5707 through the famous “ashlonim” trains, the family made an attempt to follow suit, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. The father even managed to get his sisters over the border, but when he tried to do so himself, it was already too late, World War, my grandfather, Rabbi Second World War and the and he remained behind to build Shlomo Raskin, lived in the city of accompanying ruin and his family in Russia. “Gorky was a Kovna, where he made a living in destruction wiped out virtually closed city, saturated with the store run by his uncle, Rabbi everything, leaving only a few Communist values, perhaps more Mendel Raskin. With the war’s minyanim of elderly Jews for so than any other city throughout outbreak, the Russians drove all prayer services on Shabbos and the Soviet Union. Much of the the Jews out of the city, as they did Yom Tov.” security and defense industry to all Jews residing close to The synagogues were closed operated there.” Russia’s western border. under lock and key during the The city had a population of “The Yiddish language was 1930’s. Most regrettably, the about one million residents, prevalent among Russia’s Jews, second generation of Russian Jews including close to twenty thousand and this gave the Czarist army was assimilated and absorbed into Jews. Of these, there were only reason to believe the Jews were not the local population, while only a two Orthodox families who loyal enough and perhaps spying very few of the more elderly Jews stubbornly observed a lifestyle of for the Germans. They kept of the fire of their Judaism Torah and mitzvos and educated commanded every Jewish family burning. “Looking back, it was their children accordingly. “The living near the front to move deep literally a miracle how my parents two families were ours and the into Russia. Thus, my grandfather managed to continue giving us family of my uncle, Rabbi Leibel found himself arriving in the city Jewish values and a chassidic Raskin. Naturally, we were of Gorky, at the home of another education. It’s an even greater counted among the community of uncle who lived there at the time, wonder how they succeeded when Chabad chassidim. My father had Rabbi Moshe Raskin (father-in-law we were the only Jews among a sea been born in the city in the year of Rabbi Nissan Nemenov). Back of Gentiles, going to school and 5682. in those days, the city bubbled with playing with them. There can be “Until the start of the First a thriving Jewish community. The no question that it was all in the
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 31 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 32
chassidic battery charge for the SO SPOKE THE DONKEY whole year. One year that was “During my stay in Samarkand, I concocted a story that I was particularly etched in my memory suffering from an illness in order to get out of serving in the Red was when we traveled to my great Army, and as a result, I was confined in the local hospital for a week. uncle, Rabbi Yosef Vigon, who On my first day there, I found a passageway between two shacks, lived on a collective farm located where I went each morning and put on t’fillin. One of these shacks on the side of a frozen island. He served as a makeshift morgue, and when someone died during the was already in his seventies, a Jew night in the hospital, his body was placed there. In any event, the with a long, flowing white beard, a place didn’t scare me, and I would go there to daven. chassid with all his heart and soul, “One day, in the middle of davening, I began to hear ear-splitting who would wake up every morning screeches. My whole body started to shake with fear. I thought that it at the crack of dawn to learn had something to do with one of the dead bodies, but a quick look ‘Torah Ohr’. revealed an angry donkey that had trapped itself in the other shack “We were very inspired by him, and was heehawing loudly…” and I frequently recall his conduct of sheer abstinence. In the courtyard of his home, there was a merit of our forefathers and even the students, and we had to skinny cow that he would milk more, in the merit of my parents remove our shirts. What was I each morning in order to avoid the who managed to instill us with supposed to do? I had a pair of need to drink ch”v non-Jewish proper Jewish faith. tzitzis on underneath, and the last milk. He would take the milk’s “Our father shouldered the thing I needed was for the matter cream, make it into cheese, sell it burden of making a living, working to become exposed publicly. I to the local farmers, and make a at various odd jobs from sunrise remember the feeling of fear that living that way. He had a thrilling until sunset, provided that they gripped me to this very day. life story. He was drafted into the were jobs that would not require “We had already prepared Czar’s army during the days of the him to violate Shabbos. He worked ourselves for such situations. In Rebbe Rashab, and before he was for a lengthy period of time as a this specific instance, I created sent to the front, he went to the bookbinder. Almost every day, our some confusion and asked for Rebbe to ask for a bracha. The mother would tell us stories from permission to leave the classroom Rebbe blessed him that nothing the Tanach, practical Jewish stories in order to go to the bathroom, would happen to him and he would with an educational message, and where I removed the tzitzis until return home healthy and whole. chassidic miracle stories of the last after the examination. Those During the war, a bullet penetrated generation. She would infuse us moments of paralyzing fear come his coat, but he escaped uninjured, with the desire and anticipation to back to me often. Our lives were just as the Rebbe had said.” emigrate to Eretz Yisroel, and the filled with such battles. We grew The Chabad feeling never tremendous faith that the day up faced with the reality that while departed from the Raskin home. R’ would soon come when we would the teachers and educators Shlomo himself had been named leave the darkness of exile and espoused apostasy and atheism, after his grandfather, who had a come into the light of redemption.” hidden in our hearts there burned vast communication of letters with The traditional Jewish a fiery faith in G-d. We knew that the Rebbe Rayatz. They spoke education that the Raskin family they were one thing and we were much at home about the Chabad members received, emphasizing something else. At the time, we Rebbeim, chassidic customs, and stringency in mitzvah observance called it ‘survival’, but in essence, prominent chassidim from whom and insistence on regularly wearing this was pure self-sacrifice.” they should learn. “I often recall tzitzis and a hat, frequently created During the summer months, how Jews would come to our situations that quickened the when every child in the city was house and ask to be reminded heartbeats of these young children. obligated to participate in the about the Jewish dates. Our home “You have to understand that I camps run by the Communist was like a pearl of Yiddishkait and would go to school every day, just Party, the Raskin parents refused. emuna amidst a sea of heresy and like all the other children, and I “We were sent out of the city to atheism. Among these Jews were was even an outstanding student. our uncle, Rabbi Moshe Vishetsky, many family members and One day, the school doctor visited who lived in Chernovitz. Those chassidim who had returned from the classroom in order to examine three months gave us a Jewish lengthy periods of imprisonment in
32 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 33
exile, and on their way to Moscow, they would stop to refresh themselves and draw renewed strengths. “Such scenes of thick-bearded chassidim getting off the train at the depot, dressed in tattered prison clothes, and coming to our home to rest, regain their vigor, and change into more appropriate attire, are burned into our memory. I can picture chassidim such as R’ Shimon and R’ Moshe Katzenellenbogen and my uncle R’ Moshe Vishetzky - Jews with pale faces yet adorned with full beards, an open sign that despite all the Rabbi Shlomo Raskin (left) as a boy with his older brother, R’ Yehoshua suffering and oppression, they changed neither nor their names young Jewish boys being educated expression on his face, he said that nor their attire. Representatives of in the same fashion. Without a he had managed to arrange a place the authorities, both open and in moment’s hesitation, I immediately for me at the home of Rabbi secret, who understood that our accepted their offer to go learn in Eliyahu Mishulovin, who lived in home had been transformed into a Samarkand, as this was my true the same building with Rabbi center for Jewish activities, would desire. While we were living in Avraham Zaltzman and his son, regularly visit the neighborhood for Gorky, my parents were already Rabbi Hillel Zaltzman. For the the purpose of investigating and paying one of the local Jews to coming year, this would be my interrogating the neighbors on come to our house each day and home.” what was happening in our house. learn Shulchan Aruch and the The young lad quickly became “On Shabbos Mevorchim, my weekly Torah portion with us. It acquainted with the yeshiva’s father would bring many Jews into was only years later, after we had clandestine nature and its separate our home to farbreng. For many of left Russia, that I realized that I learning levels. The bachurim were the adults, this was perhaps the had been sent to learn in the divided into three groups: students only opportunity they would have underground yeshiva.” from Samarkand, students from during the month to eat some hot, Tashkent, and those coming from nourishing, and kosher food. Even IN THE UNDERGROUND the rest of the Soviet Union. “This without having to say so explicitly, YESHIVA was not a yeshiva according to we knew that ‘You have chosen us today’s recognized standards. We from all the nations’, and we were In the year 5725, Rabbi Raskin learned in different locations, totally different from all of our made his way to Samarkand. En groups of two or three, and we Gentile friends and neighbors. We route, he stopped at the home of changed places daily. Because I knew that the goal was not that we his cousin in Tashkent, Rabbi had to catch up in my studies, they would remain in Gorky, rather the Mottel Gorodetzky, and it had arranged for Rabbi Yankel Notik to day would come when we would apparently been worked out be my private tutor. Each day emigrate to Eretz Yisroel or settle together with R’ Shlomo’s parents when he would return from work, in a city with an observant Jewish that Mottel would take the he would learn Gemara with me population. responsibility for finding him an for several hours. “Therefore, it came as no appropriate place of lodging. “He “The only times when we would surprise when at the age of was anticipating my arrival, and by meet together with the other sixteen, my parents made me a the very next day, we were making bachurim was for minyanim and tempting offer – to live in a our way to Samarkand, where he farbrengens, when I heard about chassidic environment, receive asked me to wait for him in a the Rebbe with greater clarity for chassidic values, and learn Judaism certain place for a period of time. the first time. The Rebbe’s black in a more orderly manner in a After about an hour and a half, he and white photograph from the place where I could meet other met me again. With a cheerful early years, more black than white,
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 33 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 34
made the rounds among the Torah and mitzvos with the utmost Rabbi Raskin learned on a daily bachurim and elicited great stringency. There were those who basis. “Rabbi Notik was not a man feelings of emotion. Everyone had a mikveh in their home, and of words, and he sat silently during yearned with great anticipation for no one knew anything about it. For the whole farbrengen, not uttering the long awaited day when we example, in the house where I a word. At a certain point, when could see the Rebbe with our very stayed, the home of the Zaltzman each bachur was asked to tell own eyes. The fear that gripped us family, their daughter Chana was about his past, I said that I had was so real that we copied born, and it was only after many learned in government-run ‘Likkutei Dibburim’ out of the weeks and months had passed that schools, where each school had original seifer into a notebook and they thought it would be eleven grades. Rabbi Notik then studied it from that, so that if we appropriate to reveal that she had stopped me, stood up and said, would be seized by the authorities, been named after the Rebbe’s ‘Ten s’firos – that’s k’dusha, eleven they would see that we were simply mother.” – that’s klipa.’ He was a Jew reading notebooks, not texts on Rabbi Raskin still recalls how totally imbued with faith and Judaism.” shocked all the T’mimim were holiness, who looked at all matters The conduct of the T’mimim when he told them what city he and every issue in accordance with was characterized by the came from. “On more than one the teachings of chassidus. tremendous vitality that occasion, the bachurim expressed “I was absorbed into the double surrounded them. “There was a their amazement that my parents life lived by the yeshiva’s great sense of brotherhood, despite had succeeded in maintaining our bachurim, as each one concocted the separation and secrecy. At observance of Judaism in a city his own strange life story. One farbrengens, we could hear from that was so symbolic of irreligious said that he learned in university, two generations. There were those hostility and estrangement. What another said that he worked... The from the older generation, who brought me at once into the daily fear that there was a government spoke longingly of the mashpia, chassidic routine was my first mole among the bachurim made Rabbi Nissan Nemenov, and from farbrengen in the home of Rabbi everyone act with extra caution. the newer generation, who spoke Berel Zaltzman. Many of the When my turn came to tell my with enthusiasm about the students gathered there to learn story, I played along and said that mashpia, Rabbi Mendel Futerfas, ‘Likkutei Dibburim’ together I came to town to register with a whom I remembered from the early around a table with mashke and school to learn for my high-school years of my youth when we refreshments.” diploma. That’s how things went traveled to my uncle, Rabbi Moshe He recalls that farbrengen with throughout the year, while I got Vishetzky in Chernovitz. During a nostalgic smile on his lips. “At into the yeshiva routine. In effect, these visits I was exposed to the ten o’clock, I was getting very this was the year when I acquired great Chabad personalities of those tired. I simply wasn’t used to being my spiritual world.” times, such as Rabbi Chaim awake at that time of night. I was Zalman Kozliner, Sholom a good boy from a good home, and A MIRACULOUS Vilenkin, Moshe Chaim I never imagined that they were DEPARTURE FROM Dubrawsky, and others.” planning on spending the whole Yet with all the unique chassidic night saying inspiring words of THE U.S.S.R. euphoria, they all knew that the Torah. When the hour reached One day, Rabbi Raskin was secret police could come at any midnight, I was really struggling summoned to the post office for a moment and put a halt to with the exhaustion that engulfed phone call from his mother, who everything. “The fear that you me. I couldn’t shake the informed him that they were could be arrested at any moment, drowsiness, and I can’t forget how preparing to submit the papers to whether for studying Torah or my friends were speaking to me the Russian emigration offices to staying in a city without special but I had difficulty responding receive the coveted visa to leave permits, was sometimes paralyzing. because I was so sleepy. Russia. “When I told my friends For this reason, everyone acted Nevertheless, I fought to stay that I was leaving the yeshiva to go with suspicion towards one awake.” home, everyone was very sad. But another. Samarkand was home to Participating in that farbrengen in accordance with the laws of chassidim who became experts in were numerous chassidim and caution that I had learned from secrecy, and many of them made other men of action, among them them, I couldn’t reveal to them the no compromises in observing Rabbi Yankel Notik, with whom real purpose behind my departure.
34 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 35
I merely told them that I was going to register in the university, when I was really going to arrange my military exemption. Rabbi Eliyahu Mishulovin promised me monetary compensation if I would just return to Samarkand, but I politely declined the offer. “Like everyone else, he was unaware of the real reason. He naively thought that I had been broken and I wanted to learn a trade and live my Jewish life as a professional, not a full-fledged chassid. However, I simply couldn’t allow myself to let them know of my true plans, and this really bothered me, particularly in the face of the great sorrow it caused them. During those days, the Soviet authorities were starting to issue the long-awaited emigration visas to Eretz Yisroel, but in small numbers and only to the elderly. There was a stressful relationship between the Soviet Union and Israel, due to the military assistance the Communist regime gave to the Arab nations. Rabbi Shlomo Raskin (standing) in his youth, with his father and his brother The Communists declared that they have no intention of providing he told us that a chassid had is in need of a great salvation.’ The soldiers to the Israeli army, and recently come on the Rebbe’s Rebbe replied that he also needed therefore, young people will be shlichus to visit the various Anash a miracle, because according to the prevented from leaving Russia for congregations. Communist authorities, he too Eretz Yisroel.” “His name was Rabbi Binyomin should have remained in Russia. One of those who managed to HaKohen Katz and he lived in Yet, miracles, whether great or leave the valley of death was Rabbi New Haven, Connecticut. He small, are all the same to G-d. My Raskin’s uncle, Rabbi Moshe taught his listeners the new uncle then asked the Rebbe if we Vishetzky, of blessed memory. It niggunim, such as ‘Hoshia Es should leave Gorky, which was a was on Tes Kislev, 5726. “Their Amecha’, and all the Rebbe’s closed city. son, Michel (today a mashpia in instructions and customs that were The Rebbe replied that there Kfar Chabad) lived in my parents’ not known behind the Iron Curtain was no need to leave the city, since house during the fifties for close to until then. It was a tremendous the Communist regime was in five years, after his father had been boost of encouragement, like cold control everywhere. Suddenly, the arrested and imprisoned by the water for a tired soul, to know that Rebbe said that it would be Russians. In 5725, when he was Lubavitch is alive and well in the appropriate to submit the on his way to his parents’ house in outside world. application papers for emigration Chernovitz to make the necessary “After our uncle managed to get specifically at the emigration arrangements for the exit visas, he out, he traveled to the Rebbe and offices in Gorky. R’ Moshe was stopped in Gorky to say goodbye went in for a ‘yechidus’, during stunned, as this was a city where to us. Back in those dark days, it which he asked for a bracha for his everything was under strict and was impossible to know whether brother-in-law – my father. He rigid supervision with conditions people would see each other again. told the Rebbe, ‘My brother-in-law much harsher than in any other During his brief stay in our home,
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 35 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 36
city. the older brother, Yehoshua, were letter “Ches”. Around the table sat When he told the Raskin family the ones to go in and submit the officers and clerks with stern about the Rebbe’s answer, they applications. With their hearts expressions on their faces. The were in total shock. Gorky is a laden with dread, they asked the tension in the room was so thick very difficult and dangerous city, reception clerks where to go to that you could literally cut it with a and of all places, to submit the submit emigration papers. The knife. application forms there!? Any guards at the door became furious After a few seconds of tense normal person would consider and began to hurl insults and silence, one of the officers rose such a suggestion totally illogical. curses. and said, “Do you want to However, when the Rebbe says, In an instant, they were joined withdraw your request? You have you don’t argue – and the first by another officer and another that right and we will make certain step was to bring the boys home soldier, who began to yell to make as little trouble as possible from the yeshiva in Samarkand. “Traitors!” in the direction of Mrs. as a result of your treason.” The The Raskin family home was Raskin and her son. The fear was mother gathered her courage and located in a joint courtyard with intense. replied, “I appreciate what the several non-Jewish neighbors. Suddenly, in the midst of all the Communist regime has done for When the letter with the special confusion, the door to one of the us, such as my sons’ university emblem arrived in the mailbox, one rooms opened, and a woman education, and who knows if they of these neighbors opened the box, wearing captain’s insignia came will be able to continue their and when he saw the letter, he was out and asked to know what all the studies when we arrive in Israel. certain that it was a harsh commotion was about. When she However, the Germans murdered government decree. He panicked heard about the request, she my entire family. I only have one and quickly threw the letter into brought them into her office. The very sick and weak brother who the snow… Only afterwards, when captain listened attentively to Mrs. lives in Israel, and therefore, I he realized that he could get into Raskin, however, as mentioned want to travel there and care for trouble for interfering with earlier, such a request could not be him. If he was healthy and strong government documents, did he fulfilled in Gorky. She called enough, I would ask him to come retrieve the envelope and slip it Moscow, and the clerk at the here and live with me.” under the door of the Raskin emigration office there instructed Silence reigned for a few family home. It was the invitation her on how to open a special moments in the room. The officer for uniting with families in Eretz emigration file for the Raskin suddenly changed his threatening Yisroel, sent by the mother’s family. One minute Mrs. Raskin tone of voice, took out a signed brother, Rabbi Sholom Ber Laine. thought that she wouldn’t get out letter authorizing the emigration After receiving the letter from of the building alive, the next from among his documents, and Eretz Yisroel, a new problem minute everything changed. The handed it to her. It became clear cropped up: There was no Rebbe had opened an emigration that if she would have been emigration office in Gorky. It was office for the Raskin family in the frightened by his threats and asked simply inconceivable in the eyes of KGB building in Gorky! to withdraw her request for an exit the regime that a resident of this The clerk asked her to fill out visa, the signed letter would have security city would go anywhere. forms and documents, and now all stayed in his briefcase… The parents eventually decided that remained was to come for Thus, the Rebbe took the that if the Rebbe said that the another meeting at the KGB to Raskin family out of Russia legally papers should be submitted hear if their application request and officially – but also specifically in Gorky, then they had been approved. A week later, miraculously! The Rebbe had would have to go to the local the family received an invitation to restructured the laws of nature for offices of the KGB. The KGB come to the KGB building. The them. building is four stories tall above tension was incredible, as when an Their excitement knew no ground, and no one knows how invitation of this type comes so bounds, but their troubles were not many more levels there are quickly, it usually doesn’t mean yet over. Foremost among them underground… People would take good news. was when they discovered that a circuitous route several blocks On the appointed day, Mrs. their exit visas would be valid for out of their way in order to avoid Raskin arrived and was led into only another four days. This was passing by this building. The the building’s conference room, on a Thursday. mother, Mrs. Rivka Raskin, and which was built in the shape of a After quickly selling all of their
36 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 37
possessions, they traveled together THE ATTRACTION IN to Moscow, arriving there on THE KFAR: T’MIMIM Friday, and there they received FROM RUSSIA their visas to Eretz Yisroel. The journey would take place on The Raskin family arrived in Sunday morning, via the train Kfar Chabad on Purim Katan, from Moscow to Austria by way of 5727. Rabbi Raskin was then Poland, and from there to Eretz about eighteen years old, and he Yisroel. “Only when we arrived in went to learn in the yeshiva in Kfar Austria did my father feel that the Chabad together with his brother. Russian nightmare had ended and “We quickly turned into the main he could let out a sigh of relief. attraction of the yeshiva, when The entire process of leaving the everyone learned that we had just U.S.S.R., from the moment when been privileged to leave the Soviet we submitted the application, was valley of death with the Rebbe’s accompanied by incredible Divine bracha. The bachurim carried us Providence. While the visa request on their shoulders and they all of many Anash members was Rabbi Shlomo Raskin as a young man broke into wild and heartfelt rejected during this period, chassidic dancing. I still went things worked in those days under everything for us went smoothly around with my Russian fur hat, the Soviet Communist regime. The without any delays or obstacles, but I adapted to my new KGB officer who gave us the visas defying all nature. We felt that the environment relatively quickly.” to depart from Russia called the Rebbe was taking us on his As Tishrei approached, it local induction center and asked shoulders and leading us to the became known that the Rebbe was that I received my discharge long-awaited departure.” inviting all those who had been papers. When this didn’t work and Rabbi Raskin becomes very privileged to leave Russia that year the officer on the line flatly excited when he speaks about the to come for Yom Tov, and the refused, she took the initiative and Divine Providence. “My parents Rebbe even asked that their travel called a more superior officer, the put all their faith in the Rebbe’s expenses be covered. regional office commander, who bracha, even when we already felt The Rebbe’s secretariat acceded to the request and gave that the secret police were in front announced that only those at least me my discharge…” of our house, watching our every twenty years of age would receive Miracle followed miracle until step day and night. They feared no a ticket. “My brother Yehoshua, at last, the family settled in Kfar one, and this was an important who would celebrate his twentieth Chabad. lesson for us in having faith in birthday during the month of “The night before receiving the tzaddikim. From my vantage point, Tishrei, asked if he would be visa to leave the Soviet Union, my the most glorious event took place considered twenty years old, and father had a fascinating dream in a month and a half later, when we he received a positive response. I which he saw a refined looking Jew received the exit visas. After we also asked for a ticket, claiming carrying a satchel on his back. The returned the apartment to the that since my nineteenth birthday man approached my father and public committee and our jobs to also falls in Tishrei, I would placed the exit visa in his hand. the relevant agency, it dawned on thereby be entering my twentieth The next day, my father realized me that I still needed my military year. Rabbi Efraim Wolf said that that this was no inconsequential discharge. he would have to ask. A few days dream when we were called to the “When I was in Samarkand, I passed, and after he apparently KGB headquarters, where we tried to get an army exemption asked Rabbi Chadakov, I learned received the visa. The most based on health reasons, but this that the Rebbe had given his amazing part was when my father attempt was a total failure. After a approval for half a ticket. With entered the first house in Kfar brief inquiry at the local induction tremendous self-sacrifice, my Chabad and was surprised to see center, I discovered that they were father acquired the funds for the hanging on the wall – a picture of absolutely determined not to other half. In those days, that the Jew he had seen in his dream. release me. What happened then accounted for a lot of money, He understood that this was the was something totally miraculous especially for a new immigrant.” Rebbe…” to anyone to who knows how The visit to the is etched deeply
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 37 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 38
heard that he was a warmhearted “ANYONE WHO COMES FROM THAT COUNTRY…” Jew, I thought that it might be “The first time I saw chassidim who didn’t send their children to possible to get a visa through him. the Communist schools, in violation of Soviet law, was when I came My brother and I made an to Samarkand. Those children lived in perpetual fear. With every appointment for a meeting with knock at the door or ring of the bell, they were certain that the him, during which I pleaded for authorities were coming to take them away. On the other hand, his assistance in allowing us to however, their parents protected them against the evil winds of the travel to the Rebbe. Initially, he Communists. claimed that every young man “When I went in for yechidus the very first time, I wrote to the must first know to handle a Rebbe that regrettably I had learned in Soviet public schools. The weapon, but when I remained Rebbe looked at me and replied: ‘Anyone who came from that adamant in my request, he country is considered as one who was compelled, and the Torah promised that he would write to thereby exempts him.’” the Rebbe and would do whatever the Rebbe told him. Over the next few months, I would come each in Rabbi Raskin’s memory, and it supposed to spend Yom Tov in Friday to the office of Mr. Yechiel intensified the fire of his Eretz Yisroel?’ This time, I had the Kadishai, Mr. Begin’s personal hiskashrus to the Rebbe and Beis nerve to explain to him that a Jew assistant, to hear if there was any Chayeinu. “We were privileged to is also obligated to pay homage to news. Finally, after six months of receive some rare expressions of his rav three times a year, and my waiting, he informed me that an affection. Just before the t’kios on response satisfied him. This answer had arrived. Rosh HaShana, the Rebbe asked represented an excellent lesson for “He told me briefly that the that we stand on the bima close to me how the same questions, Rebbe’s answer was to allow me to him. During davening, the Rebbe complaints, and arguments that come to 770, and Mr. Begin was asked that we stand in the first were used before Gimmel Tammuz already working on the matter. A row. Similarly, we were privileged remain in force no less today.” few weeks later, the assistant told to stand on the platform during A few months after his first visit me that Begin had tried, but was farbrengens. We were very excited to the Rebbe, a group of yeshiva not successful. He promised that and deeply moved by this powerful students was organized to go learn he would give me a copy of the experience. on k’vutza for one year in Beis Rebbe’s answer, but he kept “As we were leaving New York, Chayeinu. Rabbi Raskin naturally forgetting. Then one day, I met we met three Jews from had an intense desire to join them, Rabbi Shloimke Maidanchik, who Yerushalayim, who asked us what and he added his name to the list admonished me for daring to we were doing in New York. When of young men seeking army approach such a high-ranking I told them that we had come to approval. “To my great regret, my government official. He then said spend Yom Tov with the Rebbe, name was removed from the list that the Rebbe had stated the they replied, ‘Isn’t there a mitzvah because I had just been to the importance of bachurim from to be in Eretz Yisroel for the Rebbe for Tishrei. All of my efforts Russia spending time in 770 first, holidays?’ I chose to remain silent, to get the askanim to appeal on my and only afterwards learning to rather than answering back with behalf went to no avail. The law hold a rifle. R’ Shloimke then ‘So what are you doing here?’ For clearly stated that I could only made serious efforts to help me, me, the incredible experience of make a trip in another three years. until one day he approached me spending Tishrei in the Rebbe’s However, that was far more time with the news that his efforts had court and all the tremendous than I could bear, and I tried other borne fruit. His only request was revelations we were privileged to ways to get approval to join the that I leave him a monetary deposit witness were so great that there k’vutza, going as far as speaking to guarantee my return after one was no need to get into a with Mr. Menachem Begin. year. My brother Yehoshua had discussion with them. By the way, “At the time this all took place, already managed to get his name a few years ago, nearly forty years Mr. Begin was serving in the on the list for army approval, but later, as I was waiting at the national unity government headed they apparently didn’t notice that baggage check-in, a young Jewish by Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, as he too had already been there and businessman from Lakewood asked a minister without portfolio in the approved his request. By this time, me the same question, ‘Aren’t you Ministry of Defense. Since I had
38 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 39
he had returned, married, and begun to raise a family. “When he heard about Rabbi Maidanchik’s conditions, he was happy to help me. Throughout all those years, I felt that Rabbi Maidanchik had used his influence to the fullest in assisting me to fulfill the Rebbe’s directive, although he never admitted it. I arrived in 770 for Tishrei, 5732, the Rebbe’s seventieth year, and that was probably the most meaningful year of my life.”
ACTIVITIES WITH NEW IMMIGRANTS
Even before his trip to the The bachurim who left Russia farbrenging in Kfar Chabad. Standing from left to Rebbe, Rabbi Raskin, together right: Rabbi Zalman Stambler, Yitzchak Skolnick a”h, Chaim Meir Chazan, with his brother and other highly Hershel Okanov, Rabbi Shlomo Raskin, ??. Standing above: Chaim Ber motivated young men, started Stambler. Seated from left to right: Meir Okanov, Rabbi Mordechai Chazan, activities with the first waves of Rabbi Yehoshua Raskin, Yaakov Yanush Stambler. immigrants arriving from Russia. “My brother got married at the that the Rebbe wants chassidim to without expecting results and only start of 5731. During that same work with the new immigrants, but then will we see the fruits of our year, Rabbi Yisroel Leibov received he found the task a bit difficult. labors. an instruction from the Rebbe to When he went in for yechidus, he “A proven formula of success is begin working with the new told the Rebbe about these to work with a lot of empathy and immigrants. Rabbi Leibov met my difficulties and was surprised to respect, and not in a haphazard brother and placed him in charge hear the Rebbe state, ‘Shlomo and sporadic manner. But above of organizing activities with Raskin will be arriving here soon all, we must take action and not immigrants in various locations. and you can ask him.’” just rest on our laurels. Today, He took a team of bachurim with Even during the k’vutza year, there is a vast and widespread him every day, and he went out to Rabbi Raskin maintained his work array of activities with Russian the immigrant absorption centers with the Jewish Russian émigrés in immigrants, both in Eretz Yisroel to raise the spirits of the new cooperation with the Friends of and in former anti-Soviet countries arrivals and illuminate their lives Refugees of Eastern Europe in the Western world, such as the with the light of Yiddishkait. (FREE) Organization, and to a United States, Canada, and Naturally, I was privileged to be certain extent, his activities in this Australia. Quite often, I meet counted among the bachurim area continue to this day. In American tourists in Tzfas who are involved in these activities.” addition to his tremendous work originally from the Soviet Union, When Rabbi Raskin arrived in as director-general of the “Beis and it’s rare to find even one of Beis Chayeinu for his k’vutza year Chana” institutions, he also them who is not connected, one at the end of Elul, 5731, he heard provides substantial assistance to a way or another, with Chabad from one of his close friends that Chabad organization named Lapid, activities where he lives. When we the Rebbe knows about his which does considerable work with succeed in kindling the hidden activities and appreciates it. Russian immigrants throughout Jewish spark, it immediately “During one of my first days in the Eretz Yisroel. “These Jews went becomes a great flickering flame.” king’s neighborhood, I met Rabbi through several generations of (The next article IY”H will deal Moshe Bronfman, who was one of separation from the traditions of more with Rabbi Raskin’s activities my roommates in yeshiva. I their forefathers. It’s impossible to and his private audiences with the remember him as a very quiet and expect immediate results. We have Rebbe.) introverted bachur. He told me to operate with greater fortitude
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 39 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 40
shleimus ha’aretz
itself in Yehuda-Shomron. Don’t believe the Yesha politickers. It’s a game to allot more money to the SAVING THE yishuvim and get them included in “national priority zones” to sweeten the pill of the freeze that will never be rescinded. Does anyone believe that after ten months, the freeze will COUNTRY suddenly thaw? In exchange for these allocations Netanyahu gets some quiet from the heads of yishuvim. He sends his ministers Begin and Yaalon, who have long FROM ITSELF proven themselves to be scaredy cats, to calm the public and to fool the settlers. If we don’t cry out now to turn By Shai Gefen public opinion and expose Bibi’s treachery, we’ll be crying a few years from now when it is too late. We forbidden.) THE STATE VERSUS must immediately get the Yesha Now, when the State is once THE TORAH council out of this battle because again trying to dismantle settlements The State of Israel is once again they are not capable of a real fight. in Yehuda-Shomron, they want to flexing its muscles against the The religious-national and chareidi use the Hesder and religious religious Zionist community. The sectors are busy licking their fingers students as cannon fodder to do battle of the heads of the Defense over the party favors gained by being their dirty work for them. The same establishment against the Hesder in the government, and are prepared rabbis who “koshered” the expulsion yeshivos, and the State calling upon to be part of the march towards the with rationalizations about following Hesder rabbis to sign that they destruction of Israel. Their steps the law of the land and maintaining accept the authority of the military may be slow, but their destination is unity in the army, look as though command even if their orders no secret. they are going to do the same thing conflict with Torah, is another Let nobody delude themselves. again. In the meantime, they are attempt to force the religious Victory is still possible. What’s taking the public out to hold Zionists to bow to the laws of the needed is the genuine desire to win demonstrations to show that they’re State. and to stop the destruction. doing something, but we saw where When it came to the Gush Katif It’s up to us. Whoever thinks that their true intentions lie. expulsion, the State won. Most of with the expulsion from Gush Katif At the Yesha council’s recent the Hesder and religious-Zionist we already saw the final act doesn’t demonstration they tried convincing rabbis bowed to the State and did know what they’re talking about. us that they will lead the battle, but not listen to Rabbi Avrohom The game has just begun and it’s not it was obvious to all that regardless, Shapira’s call for soldiers to refuse in our favor. all the government’s terrible plans orders to take part in the plan that will be G-d forbid carried out. evicted Jews from their homes and Naturally, they did not call for the LYING TO OURSELVES! gave away parts of Israel. (This was resignation of Netanyahu but only After the initial shock the public not the first time that Rabbi “to strengthen him from within,” has experienced over Netanyahu’s Shapira’s warnings went unheeded. just as Mafdal did not want to leave fraud, many have said, “Bibi lied to During the days of the Oslo Sharon’s government in order to us,” “Bibi broke his promise to the Accords, he was one of the founders topple a prime minister from the voters,” etc. of an organization which declared Right, and together they destroyed The blame is not entirely on that handing over parts of the land an entire region and endangered the Netanyahu — we ourselves are at of Israel to gentiles, even with a nation. fault. We lie to ourselves time after peace agreement, contradicted Frightening as it seems, it looks time. There is a movement called halacha and was therefore as though history is going to repeat Manhigut Yehudit which convinces
40 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 41
the Right to work for Likud, explaining that this is what will If we don’t cry out now to turn public protect Israel. Thanks to this opinion and expose Bibi’s treachery, movement, seven seats from the religious sector voted for Bibi. The we’ll be crying a few years from now practical outcome was that these Rightists voted in favor of the freeze when it is too late. Whoever thinks that and once again try to fool the public by claiming that they will get their with the expulsion from Gush Katif we way with Netanyahu. Anyone who has been following already saw the final act doesn’t know Netanyahu in recent years knows what they’re talking about. The game that the man cannot withstand pressure. He just can’t. He’s a good has just begun and it’s not in our favor. speaker and he does wonderfully in interviews but he does not withstand international pressure. He caved in miracles, the politicians quickly Aviv, is not sure an Arab won’t with Chevron at the Wye Accords send messengers to announce their come behind him and attack him and he’s continuing the same course readiness and willingness to return and do to him what he did in the today. The voters who imagined that the parts of Eretz Yisroel that past. What changed in the he had changed for the good have Hashem has given the Jewish meantime is the “peace agreement” no excuse not to have known better. people. with Egypt and the announcement Our real problem is that we fool This is what they did right after that they are ready to return ourselves time and again. We the victory in the Six Day War. Yehuda and Shomron in exchange anesthetize ourselves with They sent a delegation to for a “peace agreement.” declarations from the Right that Washington to tell them that they … The only reason for the have no substance and ignore the were ready to return everything deterioration in the security bitter truth — all the leaders on the (except for the Old City of situation is the “peace agreement” Right in the past thirty years, Yerushalayim and a few other with Egypt and the repeated including the religious parties, things like that) at a time when announcements about their betrayed the Jewish people and Eretz nobody even considered such a willingness to return Yehuda and Yisroel in the most shameful way. thing! The miracle is that the Shomron in exchange for a piece of All those who supported the Arabs did not agree to take what paper called a “peace agreement!” chareidi parties and the Likud they wanted to give them! In the The big tzara is that it’s not a should know they are at fault. By period following that, they tried matter of “what was, was,” voting for them they collaborated again: they signed the Camp David because they are explicitly with Netanyahu and Barak. If the Accords in which they promised to announcing that they plan on public would ignore the lying Right return all the territories. continuing this approach, “I ate there would be a chance for After all this, when we see how and I will eat more.” That is how I something to really change. this “peace agreement” led to a behaved in the past and I am not “crying for generations,” they the first, for that is how my continue on the same path with predecessor behaved, and 24 YEARS AGO Jordan, too, by announcing that therefore, I will also continue to The sicha the Rebbe said 24 they are ready to return Yehuda follow the same approach. years ago in which he discusses and Shomron so they will be Have you ever heard such a negotiations over Yehuda-Shomron willing to sign a piece of paper claim before? Since in the past is amazing in its relevance. It is from which has the word “peace” on it. there was someone who failed and Motzaei Chanuka, 5746: Why is it that in the period endangered Klal Yisroel, a crying Unfortunately, the way of preceding Camp David they for generations, therefore he will behaving in the Holy Land is just trembled before an Israeli soldier continue in the same way since the opposite. After every victory while today, the situation is the he’s not the first! that Hashem gave the Israel opposite? A Jew with a weapon And if this “explanation” isn’t Defense Forces, giving them who walks the streets of enough, they put the matter up for territory in Eretz Yisroel with open Yerushalayim, Chevron or even Tel a vote, since this is a democratic
BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 724 41 724_B_Beis Moshiach 28/12/2009 8:07 AM Page 42
country… but all members of the that we have reached a situation Camp David Accords, the Peace in party must vote a certain way. And like this... Galilee and the other things that they are not embarrassed to happened in between. publicly announce that even IN THOSE DAYS Amazingly, in all these though, among members of the – AT THIS TIME instances, these “Misyavnim” were party, there are those whose able to influence all the others conscience obligates them to vote I’ll conclude with a lesson from (even those with high positions in differently, nevertheless, the party Chanuka, the holiday that we just the government) to agree with obligates them to vote according to celebrated: them. the instructions of the party, the The victory of the Jewish people Those Misyavnim can be Jews opposite of his personal during Chanuka is that they who put on t’fillin every day, but in conscience! remained loyal to the Jewish this matter they are like “captive A dictatorship like this, in the nation, to the Torah and its children.” They were educated that guise of a democracy, cannot be mitzvos, and they went with the you have to be impressed by the found anywhere else in the world, strength of “the pride of Yaakov” goy, capitulate to him, and try to not even in Soviet Russia! Woe that without being fazed by the pressure curry favor with him, or as they we have reached a situation like of the Yevanim and the Misyavnim put it, “be a Jew in your home and this in which we have to bring (Hellenizers), Jews who pursued a man when you go out.” proofs from them that even in the the Yevanim, capitulated to them, Even if in this matter they are “most corrupt of the nations” they and tried to curry favor with them like “captive children,” this does don’t behave like that. at any price. not justify the fact that they A dictatorship like this, in the Unfortunately, there are Jews appoint a Jew like this as minister guise of a democracy, cannot be today who follow the approach of and a leader, when they see that his found anywhere else in the world, the Misyavnim, and they are the leadership and approach causes not even in Soviet Russia! Woe ones who caused all the failures failure after failure! (Mikeitz 5744) with the Yom Kippur War, the 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
Contact Mendy Chanin at 888-468-3256 ext: 2770, [email protected] Dalmao, LLC 5th Floor 245 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
New Businesses Welcome | Exclusive Referral Program | Organization Charities Partnership FREE DELIVERY TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE
42 15 Teives 5770 BEIS MOSHIACH