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THE LAND IS VERY, VERY GOOD 5 D’var Malchus

A COMPLETE CHANGE AT 30,000 FEET 8 Story | Mendel Tzfasman

MOSHIACH IN CASTELLO SFORZESCO 12 Shlichus | Nosson Avrohom

THE HARSH TRUTH ABOUT THE 22 CONVERSION UPROAR Feature | Interview by Nosson Avrohom

USA THE RIGHTEOUS PENITENT 744 Eastern Parkway Moshiach & Geula | Boruch Merkur Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 28 Tel: (718) 778-8000 Fax: (718) 778-0800 [email protected] www.beismoshiach.org THE ESCAPE FROM RUSSIA [CONT.] Feature | Avrohom Reinitz EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: 30 M.M. Hendel ENGLISH EDITOR: Boruch Merkur N’SHEI CHABAD CONVENTION IN NY [email protected] HEBREW EDITOR: 36 FEATURES THE WORLD’S BEST Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan News | Aliza Karp [email protected]

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Translated and adapted by Dovid Yisroel Ber Kaufmann

immediate entrance to and conquest Ten spies said the Jewish people could of the land. However, ten of the spies came back with a discouraging not conquer the land of Israel. Joshua report, claiming the land of Israel was unconquerable. Only Joshua and and Caleb said that “If G-d desires us, Caleb insisted that if G-d told them to go, they would surely succeed. But He will bring us into the land.” Since we the Jewish people were persuaded by derive the law of a minyan from the ten the account of the ten spies. They became afraid of the coming battles spies, obviously there is a positive and did not want to enter the land. They complained about Moses and element in their claim. They wished to threatened to rebel, to return to Egypt. As a result, G-d decreed that remain in the desert, without the the generation that left Egypt would wander the wilderness for forty years distractions of sowing and planting, to and die there. Their children would study and pursue a deeper relationship conquer the land. From this negative incident we with G-d isolated from the mundane derive an important principle in Jewish law. The ten spies who spoke world. Joshua and Caleb argued that disparagingly about the land and its conquest were called a “wicked the deepest relationship comes from congregation.” From this identification we derive the concept performing mitzvos with kabbalas ol – of a minyan – a quorum of ten men through submission to G-d’s Will rather that constitutes a congregation. At first glance, this doesn’t make sense. than reason. This transforms the world Our sages tell us that every matter of holiness requires a minyan. Why do into a dwelling place for G-dliness. we learn this principle – matters of holiness require a minyan – from the This week’s Torah reading begins with the story of the ten spies, who actually rebelled spies. After the Jewish people received the Torah, they against G-d and are called a “wicked congregation”? proceeded towards the land of Israel. Before entering, To understand the apparent contradiction requires the Moses sent twelve spies – one from each tribe – to insight of Chassidus, the inner teachings of the Torah. For determine the terrain and the type of people that lived the sin of the ten spies actually teaches us how to there. This was done to prepare for the coming war, for at approach Redemption and the days of Moshiach. that time Moses and the Jewish people anticipated an From one perspective, it’s clear why they did not want

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 5 to enter the land of Israel. In the wilderness, they did not Torah and performing mitzvos there. When the Jewish have to worry about their material needs. They had food people do enter the land, they fulfill G-d’s innermost from heaven – the manna; they had water whenever they Will. This automatically reveals the truth that G-d wanted, from the well of Miriam; the Clouds of Glory desires the Jewish people; it also reveals that the Jewish protected them, killing the snakes and scorpions and people’s attachment to G-d is at the deepest, most ironing their clothes. Freed from the worries of everyday essential level possible. life, they could concentrate on learning Torah. In their Attachment to G-d in the wilderness depended on a minds, this was the true way to learn Torah and be lack of distractions. Unburdened by the concerns of daily attached to G-d. life, the Jewish people focused on gaining wisdom. Their mistake was not realizing that there is a higher Attachment to G-d in the land of Israel depends on level of service, namely, fulfilling the mitzvos of the land involvement with the mitzvos. It requires a submission to of Israel. One’s Torah study and attachment to G-d is and fulfillment of G-d’s Will. The difference between then much greater. They mistook the secondary path – these two types of attachment is highlighted by the appeal life in the wilderness – for the essential one – living in the of Joshua and Caleb that “the land is very, very good.” land of Israel. Their only mistake was thinking the forty The doubling of the word “very” indicates that the highest years in the wilderness was their final goal, when in fact it level of attachment, higher than exercising reason, higher was only a preparation for the final stage, fulfilling the than the bonds of wisdom, is a nullification of the self, a mitzvos and studying Torah in the land of Israel. connection to the Will of G-d. Accordingly, since their concern was to remain in a Obviously, there is an eternal lesson in the argument state of holiness and attachment to G-d, we derive from of the spies, and in the counter-argument of Joshua and them the law of a minyan – ten men constitute a Caleb. According to the spies, we are not able to enter the congregation for matters of holiness. land of Israel; we need more preparation, more education. What was the difference between the reasoning of the We need forty years in the wilderness. Our generation ten spies and that of Joshua and Caleb, who were must isolate itself, perfect itself, study Torah undisturbed. convinced that the generation of the Exodus could enter This generation must prepare the way, and perhaps the and conquer the land? The ten spies felt unprepared to next generation will be able to enter the land. But first we enter the land. Having to sow, plow, reap and harvest – must reach the highest extent of wisdom. having to spend most of their time earning a living – This, of course, is the argument of those who say would detract from their ability to fully and properly study this generation is not ready, or this generation is not Torah. They desired to be isolated from life’s struggles worthy, to be the generation of Redemption, the one to and hardships; they did not want to interact with the other greet Moshiach. The argument is, we need more time, nations. This would interfere with their spiritual progress. we need more preparation, we need to isolate ourselves Out of their great love for G-d, they wished to focus solely and concentrate on Torah study, on becoming attached on increasing in wisdom, going ever higher in their to G-d through wisdom, reason or understanding. understanding of and attachment to G-dliness. The counter-argument is that of Joshua and Caleb. As a result of the mistaken reasoning of the spies, it Every Jew, regardless of his or her level of understanding would be the next generation, the one that followed them, or accomplishments, is capable of entering the land of that entered the land. Although the generation of the Israel immediately – right now. Entrance into the land – wilderness had reached the pinnacle of wisdom, had been that is, bringing Moshiach – depends on conducting thoroughly immersed in learning Torah, the next ourselves according to the prayer of Joshua and Caleb – generation was the one that actually entered the land of “the land is very, very good.” It requires us to act in a Israel and fulfilled the practical mitzvos. manner of kabbalas ol – accepting the yoke of heaven. On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb argued that the Our mitzvos, even our Torah study, must be in a manner people should enter the land immediately. They said that demonstrates that “G-d desires us.” True, the coming that the land would not interfere with their attachment of Moshiach depends on each and every one of us. But it to G-d. Just the opposite. Living in the land of Israel, does not depend on our wisdom, our level of preparation, fulfilling the mitzvos and studying the Torah there, the our progress through “forty years in the wilderness.” people would reach the highest possible level. Their Rather, every Jew is capable of performing the mitzvos connection to, and the revelation of, G-dliness, would with kabbalas ol – to fulfill G-d’s Will simply because it be unimaginable. On what did they base this argument? is G-d’s Will, because “He desires us.” Acting in this “If G-d desires us, He will bring us into the land.” That manner, automatically and immediately we can enter the is, the entry to and conquest of the land of Israel is land that is “very, very good,” with the coming of connected with G-d’s desire and G-d’s Will. G-d wants Moshiach. the Jewish people to be in the land of Israel, learning (Based on Likkutei Sichos 33, pp. 85-94)

6 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH story

nothing about it. The following story is about such an experience on a flight, and the powerful impression it left A COMPLETE upon the “person in the next seat.” “It was about two years ago,” relates Mrs. Limor Shani, resident of the northern Israeli settlement of Tamrat, located near Nehalel CHANGE AT Junction, as she begins her story. “I had just completed a visit to my son, Moran, who lives in New York, and I boarded a plane for my return flight back to Israel. I got to 30,000 FEET the business section and settled into my seat, when I suddenly By Mendel Tzfasman noticed who was taking the place Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry next to mine. I didn’t have much time to think as a chareidi Jew with a white beard, dressed in chassidic While traveling on the same flight from garb, sat down in the adjacent seat. “‘Oy,’ I thought to myself, ‘now New York to Eretz Yisroel, Limor Shani, he’s going to start rattling me to move forward or backward, to the resident of Moshav Tamrat, discovered left or to the right.’ However, to my great surprise, he removed his the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, the hat and coat, placed them in the teachings of Chassidus, and the light of overhead compartment, and calmly sat down. Yiddishkait that had been flickering “The man turned to me in English and asked me what within her, wanting to be revealed, in language I spoke. I replied, ‘Yiddish’… Apparently, he didn’t the merit of the traveler seated near understand that I was joking, and he began to speak to me in her, Rabbi Yehuda Leib Groner, the Yiddish. When I pointed out ‘my Rebbe’s secretary. mistake’ to him, he then proceeded to converse with me in Hebrew. “When he learned that I lived In the eyes of a Lubavitcher the person next to him in flight, on Moshav Tamrat, he asked me to chassid, an airline journey home, thus opening a path to plant the send his warmest regards to Dovid for a visit, a vacation, or business seeds of faith and reach the depths and Dalia Tal, the local emissaries matters – and especially a flight to of his heart. In many instances, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. While the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach – however, we have no way of my acquaintance with Dalia at the is immediately connected with knowing how the story turns out. time was limited at best, I still “mivtzaim” – putting on t’fillin, Quite often, the chassid and his found it appropriate to say some telling a miracle story from the “traveling partner” warmly part warm words of praise about Mrs. Rebbe to the person sitting next to company, as the latter returns to Tal to this gentleman with whom I you, arousing a sense of his day-to-day life that washes had yet to become acquainted. excitement over the activities of the away, blurs, and dims the “When I asked him, ‘From Rebbe’s shluchim throughout the brightness of the exciting whom are the regards?’ he replied world, and more. You can encounter. Even if something quite simply, ‘Tell them – From frequently hear a chassid giving comes out of this chance meeting, Leibel.’ over a deep and scholarly sicha to in most cases, the chassid knows

8 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH “As the flight continued, he told colleague of my husband, who is “Why should I be willing to do me that he was the secretary of the also a pilot with El Al, and other such a thing for someone who, Lubavitcher Rebbe for forty years. members of the crew approached with all due respect, I don’t even ‘Nu, the secretary of the Rebbe,’ I me on more than one occasion and know?” I asked. thought to myself, ‘his job asked, ‘Need anything, Limor?’ But Rabbi Groner gave me a obviously was to answer phones I didn’t need a thing – I had it all… powerful answer. “You have to be and send letters…’ particularly stringent about the “Rabbi Groner asked me if I A GOOD RESOLUTION time you light the Shabbos candles, would be interested in reading a IN THE SKIES as the time changes according to diary he had written on the Rebbe. the season and the location. When I replied in the affirmative, I “When the plane began to level However, when you light at the soon become engrossed in reading off, my travel companion turned to proper time, the gates of blessing the diary and with Rabbi Groner’s me and asked if he could make a are opened, and you can ask for accompanying responses to my request. ‘That’s all I need,’ I whatever you wish and for questions, I got a clear picture of thought to myself. ‘Now he’s surely whomever you wish. When you are the Rebbe and his tremendous going to ask me not to travel on lighting, think about all the women work. While I had heard much Shabbos or something like that.’ I who are lighting all over the world about the Rebbe, I had never gone left my thoughts to myself, and I at that same moment – together to the trouble to find out additional asked him what he would like me with you.” and detailed information about to do. “I was in total shock. Rabbi him. The diary aroused my “Light candles each Erev Groner didn’t answer me with a curiosity, and I posed dozens of Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov,” came quote from the Tanach, the questions before Rabbi Groner, the reply. Talmud, or the Tanya; he cleverly beginning with what is happening I was in no rush to make a broadcast on the right frequency, in the Rebbe’s court today when commitment. penetrating my heart. The truth is, the chassidim are unable to see him? Who leads them? I asked questions about the Rebbe’s illness, how his chassidim reacted during that time period – I even asked questions about the meaning of life and why we came into this world. “Suddenly, I realized that this wasn’t just some ‘ordinary secretary who answers the phone.’ This was a man of great prominence and stature. Yet, his very appearance was paradoxical – a simple man with a winning and personable cordiality. I must point out that in my work, I have met a wide range of learned, scholarly, and talented people, but never in my life had I met such a unique personality. “Slowly and without even noticing, layers of hatred and alienation peeled away, along with my problems and doubts about G-d and observant Jews. I was so absorbed by what he had told and explained to me that nothing else interested me. The captain, a

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 9 though, that I wasn’t convinced so “My mother shrieked with holiness, to its magic moments quickly, and I proceeded to ask excitement, and then said that she more precious than gold, I thank how so many good women who lit had to get off the line and she G-d that He sent me His wondrous candles with tremendous self- would call me back in a few messenger. sacrifice in Maidank and minutes. Later, she told me that “I started attending classes on Buchenwald, and who surely she hung up to call the rabbi of a Tanya and on chassidus, taught by davened and pleaded, nevertheless Chabad House in Toronto, with Rabbi Dubroskin from Migdal did not remain alive? Instead of an whom she had been acquainted for HaEmek, together with my friends answer, I got a wave of the hand: some time, in order to get a few at the Migdal HaEmek chapter of ‘That is a lengthy and complicated more details on Rabbi Groner. N’shei Chabad, including the matter and there is no need to get “When she finally did call back, shlucha in Kfar Baruch, Mrs. Leah into this now,’ he said. she gave me a shock, “Did you Weg, and gradually I began “It was simply amazing to know that we are related to Rabbi fulfilling more and more mitzvos, discover that after all the various Chadakov, the head secretary of as often as possible – and all this is answers that I had received on the the Lubavitcher Rebbe?” thanks to that flight, which proved subject, this ‘answer’ seemed to “You never told me that,” I to be one of the loftiest, if not the satisfy me and I made the replied. My mother proceeded to greatest experience of my life…” resolution. Two years have passed tell me that my great-great since then, and I light candles each grandmother’s family name was A BAR-MITZVA IN 770 Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov! Chadakovskia, and the family lived During the time that passed, the “When we landed in Eretz in Riga, Latvia. Rabbi Chadakov, connection to Rabbi Groner Yisroel, we found a state of total her nephew, came together with strengthened and grew. The next disorder at the luggage collection the Rebbe Rayatz to the United time she traveled to the States to area due to a nationwide general States, where he served as one of visit her son, Moran, together with strike that was taking place that his aides. her younger son, Yinon, she came day. My travel companion showed “My next telephone call was to to 770 to see for herself the World himself to be a person with a Mrs. Dalia Tal. When I told her Lubavitch Headquarters, and to unique level of Ahavas Yisroel. As (no longer without emotion), ‘You meet with Rabbi Groner. soon as he found out where our have warm regards from Rabbi When I mentioned to Limor flight’s luggage was located, he Leibel Groner, the Rebbe’s that the name “Yinon” is one of noticed that I was standing in the secretary,’ she broke out into the names of Melech HaMoshiach, wrong place, and he went over to emotional sobs. When she she replied by relating a most explain to me where our suitcases managed to compose herself, she traumatic episode: were. asked me to tell her about the “Yinon was born after the flight, blessed me for my passing of his father, of blessed courageous decision, and explained RELATIVES OF THE memory, an air force pilot. In the the details in fulfilling the mitzva REBBE’S SECRETARY midst of a military operation, his of Shabbos and Yom Tov candle plane collided with another “When I reached my car, I lighting. From that day forward, aircraft. This was just before Rosh immediately placed a call to my my connection with the Tal family, HaShana 5744. My husband was mother. Before even mentioning and with her friend, Mrs. Assur, killed instantly, while the two other about the family visit, which was another Tamrat resident who had pilots who were involved in the the whole purpose of my trip to become a Lubavitcher, accident survived and are alive to New York, I began by saying with strengthened and we become close this day (may they live long). I was great enthusiasm, ‘Ima, you’ll friends. pregnant at the time, and when the never guess who I was sitting with “My first Shabbos candle child was born, I named him on this flight!’ My mother expected lighting was an experience that I Yinon, the name that I had chosen to hear the name of an actor, a will never forget. In the days of my together with his father prior to his vocalist, or some other celebrity. childhood and youth living on a passing. Afterwards, when they ‘With Rabbi Groner, the secretary Shomer HaTzair kibbutz, we had told me that Yinon is one of the of the Lubavitcher Rebbe,’ I said, ‘Kabbalas Shabbos,’ but now that I names of Moshiach, I felt that the knowing that my mother had a have been introduced to the inner name Yinon was given by Divine connection with Chabad and content of Shabbos and its Lubavitch far more than I did… illumination in order to provide

10 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH supreme strengths for this appearance of hundreds of Rebbe! Rabbi Groner didn’t settle extremely difficult period of galus chassidim coming and going, in for just a ‘bar-mitzva,’ and he that we were going through after and out, the energetic vitality proclaimed that he was giving a the tragedy.” flowing from the rows of buildings ‘bar-mitzva gift’ – a mehudar pair If it appeared that Rabbi engaged in constant activity of t’fillin, which was presented Groner had some influence on the captivated us. later to my sons by a special Shani family before, the next get- “Some nice people politely messenger! together came and proved the approached us and offered their “Towards the end of the validity of the chassidic saying, assistance. When we said that we meeting, Rabbi Groner told me “When two Jews meet, this is two had a meeting with Rabbi Groner, that he had heard that I was active G-dly souls against one animal they directed us to his office, in N’shei Chabad, and he turned to soul.” located behind a staircase in a my sons and declared, ‘Just know “This took place last winter, space between two buildings that that your mother is a Chabadnikit.’ when I made another trip to visit the chassidim call ‘770.’ “I am not really religious yet, my son, Moran, coming this time “We were in his office for two but his definition truly flattered with his brother, Yinon. We arrived and a half hours, during which me. I really try to help Chabad, Rabbi Groner excused himself to and while I was once very far from go outside for the funeral of the myself and my Judaism, since my Lubavitcher Rebbe’s head emissary meeting with Rabbi Groner, my “When you light in Morocco. One of the things that sense of Jewish pride has returned. Shabbos candles moved us the most was Rabbi I hope to prove worthy of the title Groner’s answer to the question, ‘chassid of the Rebbe’… at the proper time, ‘Why are you hidden in a small “When we left the office, I room when you can move into a suggested to Moran and Yinon that the gates of larger and more spacious office?’ we travel to Manhattan. However, The reply was quite simple: ‘This they were still under the effect of blessing are office served the Rebbe as a sukka, the bar-mitzva, and they said that and I wouldn’t trade this place for they preferred to walk through the opened, and you a larger and roomier office streets of Crown Heights. Moran, can ask for anywhere in the world!’ who lived primarily among “During the meeting, Rabbi Gentiles, really enjoyed spending whatever you wish Groner asked my sons if they had time in the chassidic environment put on t’fillin today. I didn’t know and couldn’t contain the joy that and for whomever where to hide myself. ‘Now he’ll he felt. We went into the stores, ate find out that you didn’t have a bar- ‘glatt kosher’ food, and looked you wish.” mitzva,’ I whispered to my sons. with great pleasure upon the happy Moran said that he didn’t put on and smiling faces of the people t’fillin, nor was he interested in around us. Such a feeling is in New York on Friday, and the doing so. literally reminiscent of how I felt at first thing I did was to let Rabbi “Rabbi Groner smiled and home – “like on the kibbutz”… Groner know that I was in New began to tell an amazing story. Out “Later, I understood that over York. He invited us to come to 770 of all the thrill and excitement, I the years, the ‘chassid’ within me on Sunday. don’t remember all the details, was crying out and yearning for a “I had never been to 770 before apart from the fact that it left such little of the living waters. I thank and like all the other structures in an impression that Moran gave in G-d that He sent me Rabbi Crown Heights, the building and rolled up his sleeve, and Yinon Groner, who woke me up from my looked like something known to followed shortly thereafter… galus hibernation, and I hope that I me only in storybooks. We started “Thus, the visit to Rabbi can play a part in bringing the out on our way early on Sunday Groner’s office turned into a Redemption and then be able to morning for our meeting with special and emotional bar-mitzva see the Rebbe, who I feel is with Rabbi Groner. When we arrived in for my two dear sons in the holiest us, giving us encouragement and Crown Heights, we looked around and most exalted place in the world greater strength…” us in bewilderment. The amazing – the court of the Lubavitcher

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 11 shlichus MOSHIACH IN CASTELLO SFORZESCO

By Nosson Avrohom Rabbi Sholom Elmaleh’s Chabad house is opposite the huge Castello Sforzesco fortress, which is visited by millions of tourists a year. From there, he disseminates the light of Torah and the B’suras HaGeula to the Jews who live in the area as well as those who visit. He does his work in a way of l’chat’chilla aribber and he shares some of his amazing stories with us.

Millions of tourists visit Milan himself had a part in designing it. On Chanuka and Sukkos, many every year, including many Israelis The museums include the Museum tourists are surprised to see a and Jews from all over. They want to of Ancient and Antique Art with an spacious, decorated sukka or a large see the sights and one of the impressive collection of statues and menora in the main square at one of outstanding ones is located in the frescoes as well as a fantastic the entrances to the castle. This is northwestern part of the city and is collection of Renaissance art and art overseen by the Chabad house “Naar called Castello Sforzesco. This huge of other periods hanging in the Yisroel,” which is located opposite structure contains a number of the world renowned art gallery, the the castle and many tourists stop by most important museums of Italy Pinacoteca Milano. The castle is also to connect with something Jewish. (some say, of all Europe) and it also known for its Museum of Musical Rabbi Sholom Elmaleh realized has magnificent gardens. Instruments. In the center is a ten years ago, when he opened the The 500-year-old castle-fortress spacious park with ponds and place, that it would turn into a faithfully served those who ruled the flowers, a veritable gem in the midst popular attraction. “It brought the city and each generation left its of an industrial city with a million work of Chabad to a much higher mark on it. Leonardo Da Vinci and a half citizens. level since we no longer need to

12 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH contain ourselves within the Jewish Jewish identity and to try and fight candles, along with a brochure that areas. We are ‘out there,’ as ‘outside’ the assimilation prevalent in Europe explains the significance of the as you can be, because we are and in Italy in particular. Their focus holiday from a Chassidic located in the most exclusive tourist today is not only on young people perspective. area of the city.” It is called “Naar but also on their parents who were The Elmalehs have seen a lot of Yisroel” because it is a continuation themselves involved when they were success from their efforts. Many of the work with youth that the young. Jews, who were completely ignorant Elmaleh family began back in their In addition to shiurim and the of their religion have begun taking early days in Milan. programs at the Chabad house, R’ more of an interest, even people with Back then, they worked out of Elmaleh gives his attention to Italian non-Jewish spouses buy t’fillin and their home, work which enjoyed the Jews who have assimilated. He visits are interested in keeping Shabbos. brachos and encouragement of the them at home throughout the year. Many Jewish women have begun Rebbe. Young people would come Before Pesach, for example, 1500 of lighting Shabbos candles. on Shabbos and Yom Tov and other them receive shmura matza. Before In order to reach 1500 people times in order to strengthen their Chanuka they receive a menora and you have to be organized and you

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 13 and the learning for smicha take very young age. The shliach, Rabbi “I left that place. Shlomo Matusof started a Talmud We concluded the tour with an Torah and R’ Sholom and another yechidus interview about the past, present, four boys joined it. and future with the founder of the “As a boy I was interested in astounded and Chabad house, R’ Sholom Elmaleh, continuing to learn in Chassidishe and his son, R’ Michoel Elmaleh. mosdos. When I reached high school touched to the “I was born in Marrakesh, age, I attended the Chabad yeshiva core of my Morocco, when Jewish life was in Meknes, which was run by the bustling. We didn’t know that it was shliach, Rabbi Michoel Lipsker. I neshama. The an option for Jews to live a secular learned there for a year. I went to life ch”v. Even during the French the Chabad yeshiva in Casablanca Rebbe, Nasi occupation, which brought a for my second year, which was run licentious culture to Morocco, by R’ Matusof. From the Rebbe’s HaDor, occupied somehow the winds of modernity shluchim, who each had his own did not penetrate our Jewish style and were role models of with the most community. I remember that the rav devotion to Judaism and hafatzas important matters, and mekubal, Rabbi Machlouf ha’maayanos, I learned the concepts Abuchatzsera, who was a revered of ‘Rebbe’ and ‘Chassidus.’ It was dedicated his time figure even by the gentiles, the obvious choice to my friends and vigorously fought any signs of me to go to Brunoy in France for to little me in slacking in religiosity in the our third year. community. “The yeshiva in Brunoy shaped order to find out “A strong childhood memory that our Chassidic world. There were I have is how he would fearlessly many other talmidim there from how I felt and how chase away the Arab ice merchants Morocco, so we did not experience I was handling who would try to enter Jewish difficulties in acclimating. We neighborhoods every few months on quickly got into the swing of things being far from my Shabbos in order to peddle their and studied Yiddish so we could wares.” understand the Rebbe’s sichos. The parents, etc.” R’ Sholom was drawn towards one who made the biggest learning p’nimius ha’Torah from a impression on me was the mashpia have to have manpower. Before Chanuka and Pesach ten bachurim come from Eretz Yisroel to help out and they join the six talmidim in the smicha program who learn locally and also go on mivtzaim and make house calls year round.

PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE When we visited Naar Yisroel we did a tour of the Chabad house. First we went to the office located in the entrance to the lot, which was full of packages of matza and brochures. On the table were maps that the T’mimim use as they ride their bikes on their way to the families they visit. Then we looked at the shul and beis midrash, where the davening The public sukka near the Castle

14 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH that year. These two private meetings, he says, accompany him till this day in all his work, even though he had other yechiduyos after he got married. “My first yechidus was on a summer night at two in the morning. R’ Labkowski, who waited for me, took note that my yechidus was 22 minutes long, ‘The king and I, alone.’ In that yechidus, the Rebbe took an unusual fatherly interest in me. He asked me personal questions, like how I managed in the various places I had been in, getting into the details, even those that seemed trivial. He asked about my family who had made aliya, and he also asked whether anyone was looking for a shidduch for me. It was like a father-son relationship. “I left that yechidus astounded and touched to the core of my neshama. The Rebbe, Nasi HaDor, occupied with the most important matters, dedicated his time to little me in order to find out how I felt and how I was handling being far from my parents, etc. The way I understood the Rebbe’s attention to me was that I was young and very introverted. I loved learning on my Rabbi Sholom Elmaleh own and if a bachur in my class did not initiate a conversation with me, I Rabbi Nissan Nemenov, from whom Milan for the first time in order to wouldn’t do so on my own. So I learned Chassidus. help the shliach there, Rabbi Moshe nobody had inquired about me and “It was enough to watch him Lazar, with a day camp he asked whether I needed anything. daven, at length and with devotion, organized. The camp ended before My relationship with my parents was to be inspired to t’shuva. He said Pesach and from there he flew to not that open either. The Rebbe, every word slowly and with a soulful 770 in order to spend a year with who knew me, took an interest in tune. I would listen, transfixed, to the Rebbe. me. his davening. “The second time I had yechidus “The one who was especially THE FIRST YECHIDUS was before I left 770. In answer to mekarev me among the talmidim of In those days, the K’vutza year my question, the Rebbe said I should the yeshiva was Shneur Zalman was from Nissan to Nissan. begin looking into shidduchim with Labkowski, who today is the rosh “The first time I saw the Rebbe I vigor and added, ‘if you toil and yeshiva in 770. He was considered was tremendously excited and find, believe it.’ one of the Chassidishe bachurim in fearful. All at once, everything I had “From America I went via France the yeshiva, with outstanding heard and learned about the Rebbe to Eretz Yisroel. In France there Chassidishe middos. His t’mimus and his being the Nasi HaDor, back were some shidduch ideas but and d’veikus in learning won me in Morocco and in yeshiva in nothing came of them and the same over and I considered him my role Brunoy, became tangible, real.” happened in Eretz Yisroel. A year model.” R’ Elmaleh had yechidus twice went by before I became engaged. It In 1968, R’ Sholom went to

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 15 REACHING OUT TO kosher cheese did not understand “It made waves, YOUNG PEOPLE what he wanted. They looked at him like he was crazy. It took a The wedding of the Elmalehs especially within long time until he managed to took place in B’nei Brak. They convince one of the companies. planned on returning to Milan on the Litvishe The next step was to convince shlichus, which he had begun in stores to sell the kosher cheese. community, but 1968. He felt connected to the “With Hashem’s help, more place and saw his future there. A stores agreed to sell kosher cheese. people came to me year later, they moved to Milan. Later on we began giving a His first shlichus was in and said, ‘Rabbi hechsher to a wider variety of hard chinuch. In those days, Rabbi Levi cheeses, something which was out Chizkiya was the rav of the Persian Elmaleh, we have of the question entirely for Europe community and he opened a 35 years ago. Even today, there are Talmud Torah. R’ Elmaleh was the no complaints many Jews, including observant teacher. Since he also knew ones, who are ignorant about the about you. You sh’chita, he served as shochet for kashrus requirements when it small Jewish communities in Italy, comes to gentile milk products.” believe in this and such as one small town where there R’ Elmaleh continues to give a was a Jewish community, mostly are moser nefesh hechsher on cheese and today there Jews of Greek origin. are many types of kosher cheese “I would go to the towns and I for it. We may not available. would be the only Orthodox Jew R’ Elmaleh saw the shocking they would see from time to time. I agree with you, rate of assimilation around him. didn’t just shecht and leave but Even Jewish youth who came from but we respect you. stayed to talk to them about traditional homes assimilated at a Judaism, put t’fillin on with them, shocking rate. He felt he had to do The complaints we and get them involved in other something about it. mitzvos.” have are against “My wife and I decided to start He had great satisfaction from working with Jewish boys and girls his work in the Talmud Torah, Lubavitchers who in order to strengthen their Jewish educating the children to Torah and identity, so they would experience mitzvos with the goal of believe that the what a genuine Jewish experience strengthening their Judaism and is like. We wanted them to meet Lubavitcher Rebbe preventing assimilation. one another so they wouldn’t look Nevertheless, he felt that he could at non-Jews for marriage. Nearly is actually chai do more. every Shabbos we hosted dozens of “I looked for something where I v’kayam but they young people. The meals took could contribute more.” hours. On Yom Tov and special These days, you can find kosher hide their belief.’” days we had Yom Tov meals or stores and restaurants in Milan large gatherings. with plenty of products, some with was amazing to see how precise the “We were happiest when we local hechsherim and some Rebbe’s words had been. I had left were invited to the wedding of a imported from Israel or Europe. Crown Heights with a friend who Jewish boy and girl who met at Back in 1970 though, there were was also in yechidus. In response to these events. It was outreach to hardly any kosher products to buy. his question, the same as mine about literally save souls, especially in the R’ Elmaleh decided to do shidduchim, the Rebbe said he Jewish-Italian community where something about this. should look into it and ‘bracha and the intermarriage rate was sky “The first thing I did was I success.’ Indeed, a few weeks after high. Just recently, a new rav was decided to make kosher cheese. I he landed in Milan, he became appointed in Milan whose wife was wrote to the Rebbe about it and engaged. To me, the Rebbe had said, a regular guest on Shabbos and received an encouraging answer.” ‘toil and find,’ and I had to do much Yom Tov in our home.” It wasn’t easy. The dairies and more work than my friend.” companies that manufactured non-

16 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH Rabbi Michoel Elmaleh in the sukka Tourists and shluchim davening Maariv in the sukka

AN UNEXPECTED “I had the opportunity for of emotion. The Rebbe knew what BRACHA yechidus with the Rebbe before was bothering me and had given me returning to Milan and I decided not a bracha! This bracha gave me an Ten years later, at the beginning to write to the Rebbe about these enormous shot in the arm to of the 80’s, R’ Elmaleh again had the feelings. On the note that I continue my work. When I returned feeling that he could do more and submitted before I went in to the to Milan I decided to take the that whatever he was doing wasn’t Rebbe’s room, I asked about various l’chat’chilla aribber approach and do enough. things, personal and general. The things on a grand scale, not just “For many months I went around Rebbe answered me in detail and small things here and there.” with this feeling which I had for before I left, he blessed me, to my It wasn’t easy. One of the big several reasons. I didn’t always see surprise, that I should be successful problems R’ Elmaleh and his wife the results of the work that I did, in spreading the wellsprings. faced was a building. For nearly and people did not always give me “I left the yechidus in a turmoil fifteen years, they looked for a feedback. building that could contain all their programs. They looked for a place that would enable them to expand T’FILLIN THAT OPENED HIS HEART their work beyond the community. As mentioned in the article, Rabbi Sholom Elmaleh traveled to cities But whenever they said what they and towns in order to shecht. Wherever he went, he took along a pair wanted the building for, the owners of t’fillin which he used on thousands of people. refused to rent to them. So and he “I saw how when a Jew puts on t’fillin, he changes and becomes and his wife continued their work more open and ready to hear about Torah and mitzvos. I stopped with young men and women. counting how many karkaftos (those who never put t’fillin on before) I It turned out that after being got. refused by landlords of upscale “Whenever I went to a certain town for sh’chita, I would put t’fillin buildings, they ended up renting the on with the local Jews. They were all willing except for the president of most exclusive building in the city. the community who pushed me off time after time. Nevertheless, I R’ Elmaleh never dreamed that this didn’t give up asking him. One time, he agreed to put on t’fillin and would be his base. that is when he told me that it was the first time in his life that he was “One day we went to a building doing so. Since then, he puts t’fillin on regularly and he is open to opposite the Castello, the beautiful hearing about Torah and mitzvos.” castle in the center of town that attracts millions of tourists a year.

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 17 We didn’t think they would be after he married, he and his wife found out that his grandmother’s willing to rent us the place after they went to help his father at the Chabad name was Goldstein. heard our plan to turn it into a shul house. “I bought him t’fillin, which he and Chabad house, but the “Intermarriage among local puts on regularly. On Purim I visited unbelievable did happen. The Italian Jews did not begin recently; it him at his house. He had a friend landlord was happy to rent to us. He is a plague that has been ongoing for over, a gentile who is an architect by didn’t care what we did with it. two hundred years. Only recently, I profession, who asked him, in my “In 5756 we held a big event and met someone with a Jewish name presence, where his mezuzos are. we announced the opening of who claimed he was Jewish. He told On the spot, he ordered mezuzos. another place in Milan, with the me that his mother, who was over Even his gentile friends are Rebbe’s blessing, that would eighty, was also Jewish. When we encouraging him and it’s all because disseminate Judaism and prepare the visited her, we discovered that she of a greeting in a parking lot. world to greet Moshiach.” was not Jewish, since her “Emanuel is making great strides The opening of the Chabad grandfather had married a non-Jew. in his Jewish observance. While I am house opposite the Castello thrilled “There are numerous stories like thrilled about his return to his the Jewish community. this one. You can find warnings people, I am also sad about the “The first year we wanted to against mixed marriages in the thousands of other Jews who are erect a sukka in the courtyard of the responsa of Italian rabbanim of four lost.” castle. People told me that I was hundred years ago. Sometimes you What is the most significant being unrealistic but our motto in find people who are actually Jewish, program that the Chabad house life is l’chat’chilla aribber and we go and every Jew like this that you can has? with the Rebbe’s kochos. As return to his roots is a treasure. “If you mean outreach to the expected, our request was turned “When our son Levi Yitzchok public, then it definitely has to be the down by all the official people until was born, I went back and forth to work we do before Pesach and one day, we met with the Deputy the hospital several times. One time, before Rosh HaShana, when we Prime Minister of the region, who as I parked my car in the parking reach 1500 Jewish families. We send loved the idea of a sukka and lot, a person passed by and said them three shmura matzos with an worked to get us the permit to do ‘shalom’ to me. I responded with a explanation about Pesach or an so. He later told us that he has a warm ‘shalom,’ and went on my apple and honey with an explanation feeling for things Jewish because his way, for many gentiles also know the about the Yomim Noraim. father was a Jew. Of course, we word. Then I thought, but maybe he “However, the thing that makes explained to him that he is not is Jewish, and I went back to him real changes is the Tanya class that Jewish. and asked him. we have every week at the Chabad “Members of the Jewish “He smiled and said, ‘No, I’m house. Sometimes we bring guest community as well as the many Catholic, but my grandmother on lecturers from Eretz Yisroel or from tourists who saw the sukka, were my mother’s side was Jewish.’ It the US. One of the mekuravim came taken aback at seeing it in such a took time to explain to him that he is public place. The deputy prime 100% Jewish according to halacha. minister even donated a large “I knew this was an opportunity RUACH HA’KODESH menora to us later on and got us a to save a Jewish soul. It was a few Rabbi Sholom Elmaleh permit so we could put it up in one weeks before Yom Kippur and I told relates: of the biggest plazas near the castle. him that the most important day in I once wrote to the Rebbe This strengthened our belief that the Jewish calendar was coming up. about personal matters. How when you go with the Rebbe’s I gave him a quick explanation about surprised I was to see, in kochos, nature is no obstacle.” the significance of this holy day. He addition to the answer to my just stood there in shock. questions, a line about checking A FORTUITOUS “I was very moved to see him at t’fillin to make sure they are ENCOUNTER IN A the Chabad house on Yom Kippur. kosher. I had recently checked At first, he said he only wanted to my t’fillin but I gave them in PARKING LOT see what Jews are about, but he soon again and a problem was found Rabbi Michoel Elmaleh, got drawn into the Jewish with the parshiyos. This Sholom’s son, had finished his atmosphere. At a certain point I demonstrates the Rebbe’s ruach learning in 770 the year before, and checked into his Jewish past and ha’kodesh.

18 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH about Moshiach is not just another aspect of this shlichus but its focus. On the Chabad house business cards, in addition to the name of R’ Elmaleh and the address, it says the Rebbe’s prophecy about Geula. In all the seasonal brochures they publish, the main point is the B’suras HaGeula and the identity of Moshiach. I saw how a shliach can proudly present this idea. “We speak openly about our belief that the Rebbe is Moshiach and chai v’kayam. It’s not that people don’t have questions. Naturally, the first time someone hears this they are skeptical and have questions, but just as I don’t hesitate to answer other questions about the Rebbe’s leadership or Chassidishe ways, so too I do not hesitate about over to me and said, ‘I went around the next time we met he had this. There is no question without an the supermarket with my wife and I questions for me and displayed a answer in the Rebbe’s sichos, couldn’t buy anything. I’m afraid to growing interest in it. especially in the sichos of 5751-2. buy non-kosher products!’ Someone “Shortly after, he started “Just as we knew to keep our else who began coming to the class observing some mitzvos, and now he heads high and publicize earlier wanted to leave after a few shiurim. puts t’fillin on every day and is prophecies of the Rebbe, whether When I asked him why, he said, ‘I shomer Shabbos. I saw how learning about the Six Day War, the fall of feel that it is changing me deep Tanya changed him completely. Communism, or the Gulf War, I see inside.’” “In general, I feel that we will go no difference with this prophecy. R’ Elmaleh has numerous stories and greet Moshiach with Tanya. It’s When you prove that the Rebbe is a about the success of the shiurim. amazing to see how people change true prophet and all his prophecies “We have a student who hangs their lives after learning it, showing came true one by one, not only do around the Chabad house, Dovid an openness and strong desire to get they not mock, they accept what you Liebowitz from America. I met him more involved in Judaism. say. for the first time nine years ago “We had a student here who “When you say things when I had recently arrived to help became a Lubavitcher thanks to confidently and are straightforward my father. He was and still is a learning Tanya. She got married on about it, we know that words that translator from English to Italian Lag B’Omer. Last year, she worked come from the heart enter the heart. and he does big projects in this field. on translating Igeres HaT’shuva into People understand that this is He comes from a Reform home and Italian. She recently asked me to serious. We recently published a we first got to know him well on write to the Rebbe about the brochure with the prophecy of Geula Pesach. I saw that he was a serious translation she did. The amazing and we distributed it in all the Jewish fellow and I began nudging him to answer was to someone who asked communities of Milan. It made come to shiurim. The problem was the Rebbe about a program of study waves, especially within the Litvishe that he worked outside the city and of Tanya. The Rebbe told him to community, but people came to me it was difficult for him to leave work begin with Igeres HaT’shuva and and said, ‘Rabbi Elmaleh, we have and travel so far. then to learn Shaar HaYichud no complaints about you. You “One time, when we met, I V’HaEmuna.” believe in this and are moser nefesh decided that if he doesn’t join the for it. We may not agree with you, shiurim, at least he should read what PEOPLE ARE WAITING TO but we respect you. The complaints we are learning in the shiurim. I HEAR ABOUT MOSHIACH we have are against Lubavitchers bought him Lessons in Tanya and who believe that the Lubavitcher gave it to him. He learned it all and We could see that publicizing

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 19 Rebbe is actually chai v’kayam but they hide their belief.’ “This is the shlichus that we got and the one we have to do, otherwise – how are we shluchim of the Rebbe? That we spread Judaism and take care of Jews spiritually and materially is nice, but there are other Jewish and religious organizations that do that. What makes us different is that we are shluchim of the Rebbe, of the Nasi HaDor, who defines our mission. “People are waiting for us to tell them, to explain it to them. People are thirsty to know. Unfortunately, we often prefer to avoid talking about it. “A few years ago, I davened in another shul here and I met a student who was looking into a The children on shlichus involved in outreach. siddur but wasn’t saying anything. I went over to him and gently showed than just smile at him. The same is redeem us from the suffering of him what to do and from then on, true for Moshiach and Geula, when galus. Until then, we plan on he began attending Tanya classes you explain the topic clearly, you get working on preventing assimilation. and ended up a full-fledged baal through.” My heart breaks every time I find t’shuva. Today he is a Chassid and * * * out about another lost soul. We are he married and lives in Crown When I asked R’ Elmaleh about losing so many to assimilation. Heights, where he is involved in his plans, he said: “We put out a brochure on the hafatza. “Our plans and those of the topic but we have to do much more “He had been lacking someone entire Jewish people, so I believe, is in order to stop this growing, tragic to show him the ropes, to explain to see the Rebbe MH”M who will phenomenon.” things, to tell him what to do, rather 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

20 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH feature

For months now the official rabbinic circles in Eretz Yisroel and the world over have been in an uproar about a group of dayanim THE HARSH who are encouraging gentiles to convert and making it as easy as possible to do so. The one responsible for this is the former Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, who TRUTH established the Machon HaGiyur (Conversion Institute) for this purpose. Since Sharon wanted to further his personal agenda, “to provide a ABOUT THE response to the demographic problem of Jews in the Jewish nation,” as he put it, he made sure to have the Machon HaGiyur near the Prime Minister’s office and he CONVERSION supervised it directly. This was for the purpose of circumventing the battei din that were too strict, for his liking, regarding those who sought to convert. The dayanim in the UPROAR Machon HaGiyur received orders that reflected Sharon’s wishes. Interview by Nosson Avrohom Lately, rabbanim and dayanim have sought to halt the scandal of fraudulent conversions that have In recent weeks there has been a great become the norm for some rabbis, more or less well-known, who head uproar following the invalidation of the Machon HaGiyur. The latter have been converting gentiles conversions from the government’s wholesale without checking whether the converts did in fact sincerely Machon HaGiyur. Beis Moshiach spoke accept the observance of Torah and with Rabbi Gedalia Akselrod, formerly mitzvos. The most recent scandal Av Beis Din in Chaifa, who has dealt exploded two months ago because of the revocation of the conversion of a extensively with the topic of conversions woman who converted at the Machon Giyur, founded by Rabbi and who has fought against these Chaim Meir Drukman, the head of the Hesder Yeshiva Ohr Etzyon fraudulent conversions. His opposition located in Merkaz Shapira. The beis nearly lost him his job. He was din, realizing that the woman who wanted a divorce had not kept Torah questioned twice by the police for the and mitzvos since her conversion, and was therefore, not a Jew, ruled crime of opposing these conversions and that she did not need a get in order to be divorced from her husband. merited blessings from the Rebbe over This p’sak was issued by Rabbi the years. * Part 1 of 2. Ettia of Yerushalayim, who heard the

22 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH case together with the Beis Din in Rabbinical Court) in Yerushalayim. laws, and therefore the conversion Ashdod. The dayanim asked the The Beis Din HaGadol, comprised was not valid. Second, Rabbi Rosen, woman if she kept Shabbos or the of three rabbanim headed by Rabbi who headed Rabbi Drukman’s laws of family purity. When she Sherman, heard what she had to say Conversion Directorate, accused him responded that she did not, they and dealt with it seriously. of not being present at the determined that she was not a Jew. After a thorough investigation, conversions of numerous converts Not only did she not need a get, but they acknowledged what Rabbi Ettia and the staff members were using she and her three children could not had realized, and they paskened that his seal of approval without his being legally marry Jews under Israeli law. he was right and she was not a Jew. present. The Beis Din HaGadol The woman created a lobby of In the fifty page p’sak din (verdict), ruled all the conversions both Rabbi supporters who championed Rabbi Rabbi Sherman wrote that he based Drukman and Rabbi Chaim Avior Drukman’s conversions and sought the p’sak din on two main reasons. presided over since 1999 must be to appeal Rabbi Ettia’s p’sak din at First, she admitted that she did not declared null and void. the Beis Din HaGadol (Supreme keep Shabbos and other basic Jewish The chareidi newspapers as well as the general media made a huge commotion, each on a different side, of course. Journalists and troublemakers attacked the chareidi dayanim for daring to scoff at Rabbi Drukman’s conversions, thus casting doubt on thousands of people who converted with him. The chareidi papers attacked the unacceptable leniencies that have become standard in the wholesale conversion business, characteristic of the conversions done under Rabbi Chaim Drukman, as well as at other conversion institutes all over the country. In the meantime, Rabbi Drukman’s tenure came to an end and his contract was not extended. (Whether there is a connection to the tumult depends on whom you ask.) However, those involved know that the approach is not going to change and their goal is to convert as many gentiles as possible, as quickly as possible, G-d forbid. We Chabad Chassidim remember the Rebbe’s war, with tears, regarding the necessity to amend the Law of Return and annulling the scandalous conversions taking place in Vienna. Today, everybody can see what the Rebbe was fighting for as tens of thousands of gentiles all over Israel and the world, think they are Jews. Now, everyone – including those chareidi groups who strongly opposed the Rebbe on this – has to admit that the Rebbe was right.

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 23 In a discussion on this topic that nobody bothers to amend the implemented made it possible for took place two weeks ago at a full corrupt law. On the contrary, things those goyim living on kibbutzim to assembly of the Knesset, Knesset are only deteriorating. present a request to convert. I didn’t member Shmuel Halpert said, “I Because of the recent uproar, dream that the topic of his talk want to take this opportunity to Beis Moshiach spoke with Rabbi would be conversions, and when he mention the difficult battle waged by Gedalia Akselrod, former Av Beis began to speak I was very surprised. the Lubavitcher Rebbe. He saw the Din in Chaifa, who dealt extensively I couldn’t listen and remain quiet great danger in the aliya of hundreds with the issue of conversions during and so I got up and challenged him. of thousands of gentiles and the his tenure, a battle which nearly cost I asked him what convinced him attempt to join them to the Jewish him his job. He was questioned that the conversions he did met the nation through fictitious, fraudulent twice by the police for the crime of requisite halachic standards. How conversions.” opposing these phony conversions did he know that these people would Many dealt with this issue over and merited many brachos from the keep mitzvos? The conversion the years, establishing committees, Rebbe over the years. department under his authority had holding demonstrations, signing converted 400 people in one year. petitions, but it did not help. Till this THE CONVERSION Today – using the same approach in day we have this cursed breach in DIRECTORATE – various conversion centers – they the law of Mihu Yehudi that has convert about 4000 people a year! brought tens of thousands of gentiles CONVERSION WITHOUT He explained that the people to Eretz Yisroel and is a cause of REAL SUPERVISION assure him that they will keep assimilation. Despite the situation, When did you begin getting mitzvos and so he believes them. involved in opposing these Those involved in this issue know conversions? that many of these so-called converts Today, everybody I was elected to serve as dayan not only do not keep Torah and on the beis din of Chaifa on 16 Iyar mitzvos, they don’t even bother can see what the 1981. I still merited to sit alongside trying to pretend. dayanim of the previous generation, When the session ended, Rabbi Rebbe was fighting men of stature and great knowledge. Goren came over to me and said In Elul, a few months later, there angrily: What did you do to me? for as tens of was a meeting of dayanim in Teveria Just a short while ago, I elected you that was organized by the as dayan and that’s what you do – thousands of administration of the battei din. I embarrass me?! gentiles all over was a new dayan and the kinus Following that lecture, I was interested me. The guest of honor really upset. I realized that there was Israel and the was the chief rabbi of Israel at the a serious problem here and all these time, Rabbi Shlomo Goren (d. conversions were fraudulent. That world, think they 1994), who delivered the main was the first time that I decided to address and focused on the topic of do something, to take the initiative. are Jews. Now, conversions. When I returned home to Chaifa, Rabbi Goren was the first to take I thought that I had to write what everyone – the issue of conversions out of the took place at the kinus and send it including those battei din and started a special to the Rebbe. That’s when I got into conversion department that dealt the thick of things and for many chareidi groups with it. Until then, if someone lived years a few of us rabbanim fought to on an irreligious kibbutz and wanted amend this sorry situation. who strongly to convert, he could not open a opposed the Rebbe conversion file with the battei din of A DIRECT APPEAL TO the Israeli Rabbinate for the simple THE RELIGIOUS reason that he would be unable to on this – has to keep Torah and mitzvos, an MARRIAGE REGISTRARS admit that the incontrovertible condition in the What have you done to fight it? conversion process. In the winter of 5744 we sent a Rebbe was right. The new policy that Rabbi Goren booklet to five hundred rabbanim in

24 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH Chabad Chassidim demonstrating on behalf of amending the Law of Return and establishing that a Jew is someone born of a Jewish mother or converted according to halacha

Eretz Yisroel that we printed under In order to forestall those who three of us – the members of the the name, “Halachic Standards of would say there are people who are committee who had printed the the Conversion Certificate.” We had lenient today, I brought quotes from booklet: Rabbi Chaim Pardes of Tel a copying machine at home and I Rav Kook and Rav Herzog, who Aviv, Rabbi Avrohom Atlas, a worked on typing it up and were opposed to leniencies in member of the beis din in Chaifa, arranging it all manually. I rolled conversions. The booklets were sent and myself – were asked who gave together all the pages in order to to rabbanim, dayanim and marriage us permission to print the booklet bind them as a booklet. The goal registrars at county offices, etc. We and send it to rabbanim. was to bring to the attention of these thought that this would halt One of us said: I remember that dayanim and rabbanim that a gentile meaningless conversions. the year before you were appointed who converts and does not keep You appealed directly to those to serve as chief rabbi, you stood at Torah and mitzvos, has not been who record marriages? the lectern at the rabbinic converted. Yes, definitely. We saw that all conference at the Plaza Hotel and After preparing the booklet, I our efforts to speak to rabbanim had cried out in a choked voice against collected signatures from various fallen on deaf ears. They may have these conversions. What suddenly rabbanim who represented a wide had the desire to fix things, but the happened to change your mind? array of views and Jewish pressure on them was great. So we He didn’t have a good answer communities, so they would give decided to work on those authorized and he asked: Do you want Reform their approval to the booklet. to grant marriage licenses in the conversions in Israel? I told him that The booklet compiled sources hopes that they would stop that would be better than Reform from the Gemara, Rambam, registering as married those who had conversions masquerading as Shulchan Aruch, the Rishonim, and been converted in those Machonei Orthodox, since then everybody Acharonim, with the common Giyur. We knew that this would would know the truth. denominator being that there is no create an uproar and stop the I said it made a joke of legitimate view that holds that there conversion machine. conversions when conversions had can be a conversion without the A few days went by and we were been something that the Jewish convert keeping Torah and mitzvos. called by one of the chief rabbis. The people had been extremely careful

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 25 many conversions he had done thus In 5746 we formed another He didn’t have a far. The rabbi estimated about three committee of which I was a member. hundred conversions. Rabbi Elberg There were another two members, good answer and asked him how many of them were Rabbi Yakobovitz, the rav of he asked: Do you observant of Torah and mitzvos and Hertzliya and Rabbi Dovid Katz, the rabbi said: Maybe three. Rosh Yeshivas Mishkan Yaakov in want Reform What other activities did you do Chaifa and now the rav of the following that? Carmel neighborhood in Chaifa. The conversions in When I saw that the booklet had three of us worked on getting made a commotion in the media but signatures from rabbanim of cities, Israel? I told him the Conversion Institutes were and we got a nice response. continuing to operate, we decided Our request was that the chief that that would be that we had to issue a p’sak din rabbinate should appoint a better than which would be signed by many committee that would check and see rabbanim. The p’sak stated that whether converts were keeping Reform those conversions which were done mitzvos after they received their without anyone keeping tabs on the conversion certificate. We got fifty conversions converts were not halachic signatures (out of eighty), including conversions! avos beis din and many important masquerading as dayanim. This request of ours Orthodox, since 600 SOLDIERS aroused a commotion in the world “CONVERTING” A YEAR of dayanim as well as in the media. then everybody Awareness of the issue forced the Why would a gentile want to rabbanut to do something and they would know the convert if he or she is not formed a committee, whose interested in keeping mitzvos? Who conclusions were known: 80% do truth. is making them convert? not light Shabbos candles and only That’s a good question. Why 20% kept a few mitzvos. As a result about throughout the exile. All would a gentile want the yoke of of these findings, the chief rabbinate Jewish communities in the world mitzvos? After all, when Hashem decided to make the conversion look at how the rabbinate in Eretz asked the nations whether they want process tougher, but this decision Yisroel operates and this crosses a the Torah, they didn’t want it! has not been implemented. On the red line that can have the Jewish Every dayan knows that most of contrary, today there are twenty communities in the US and Europe the conversions are done to make a dayanim who receive a salary from following in their wake. marriage “kosher,” because Jewish the Prime Minister’s office and their In 5746, I was in 770 and I met parents don’t want their children goal is to convert people. In the Rabbi Simcha Elberg, who told me marrying non-Jews. So the non-Jews army, about 650 soldiers are that he had met a distinguished rav go through a conversion process converted a year. That is an who deals with conversions in even though they have no intentions impossibly high number. America and he asked him how of keeping mitzvos. [To be continued be”H] Y.S. MOVING Professional Yossi Reasonable Tel: 718-467-0171 24 hour service Boxes available upon request. Cellular: 917-805-7757

26 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH moshiach & geula ~ The Final Era ~ THE RIGHTEOUS PENITENT

By Boruch Merkur

LOVE OF A FELLOW JEW TO NULLIFY THE EXILE the month of Adar (‘the month that was transformed’), The first mention the Rebbe makes regarding the however, was in a manner whereby the decree (the decree of especial quality of the final era, said on the day of the Haman) from the onset was not actually fulfilled.” Rather, passing of his wife, the Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka,6 is that once the Jews got wind of the evil decree, they reaffirmed “Love of a Fellow Jew is especially required…in order to their connection to G-d and returned to Him nullify the concept of Exile, which was a result of baseless wholeheartedly, to the point of self-sacrifice. The decree was 7 subsequently reversed, ‘and the city of Shushan reveled and hatred. This includes nullifying the concept of death, 12 which is connected with baseless hatred and Exile and so rejoiced.’” on. The latter is understood from the fact that at the time Sometimes joy can only be achieved through grief. The of the Redemption there will be, ‘He has concealed death month of Adar, however, teaches that it doesn’t have to be forever, and G-d, the L-rd, shall wipe the tears off every that way. The advantage of “joy that comes about from face, etc.’”8 The commandment to Love a Fellow Jew is grief” can be gained without suffering actual grief; it is the key to nullifying the Exile. Indeed, the Exile came enough that the very threat of grief can result in this about as a result of baseless hatred, a (severe) lack in the profound, transformative joy, without any actual fulfillment of this mitzva. experience of grief or suffering. The natural outcome of nullifying the Exile is that The same concept finds expression in terms of the death will be eliminated. So, in response to the passing of service of G-d. In general, there are two types of Divine the Rebbetzin, the Rebbe reinforces the campaign of Love service – the service of the righteous and that of the of a Fellow Jew, which has the power to bring about the penitent – each having an advantage over the other. Redemption and eradicate death itself. The penitent, although having succumbed to actual That is the consolation that the Rebbe awaits, a sin, overpowers the negativity through his repentance, consolation delivered by G-d Himself. However, it is and succeeds in not only eradicating the evil associated within the power of a Jew to bring about this Divine with sin, but actually transforming it to good. Indeed, consolation, as the Rebbe says: “One of the manners even “the sins that he did on purpose are considered for (whereby the cause of Exile and death is eradicated) is him as meritorious actions.”13 Specifically through his through Consoling Mourners,” an expression of Love of experience of sin, succumbing to such lowliness and a Fellow Jew. darkness, the penitent reaches the greatest heights, transforming the darkness itself into light: “Since all that TRANSFORMING THE THREAT OF EVIL is higher descends lower,14 therefore, at the moment That Shabbos,9 following the Rebbetzin’s passing, the when the lowest levels (mourning and grief) are Shabbos that blesses the month of Adar, the Rebbe transformed, the highest levels are reached.” Thus, the spoke10 about the transformative quality of the month of service of the penitent surpasses even that of the wholly Adar, “the month that was transformed for them from righteous, being that he serves G-d “with more fortitude grief to joy and from mourning to a festive day,”11 and vigor.”15 specifying that there are two ways for this transformation On the other hand, there is an advantage to the to take place: righteous person, one who never sinned. The righteous “There can be an order of events whereby first there is person never compromises his connection and devotion something undesirable that precipitates mourning and grief, to the Alm-ghty; he always remains steadfast to the will of following which it is transformed (and possessing the virtue G-d, keeping His Commandments with unwavering of joy that comes about from grief). The transformation of discipline, whereas the penitent experienced – at the time of committing the sin, prior to his repentance – that

28 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH ~ The Final Era ~ which is contrary to the will of G-d. The penitent, to enough to serve as a catalyst to bring out the unique attain his heights, first had to descend, “with all the advantage of light that comes from darkness. Thus, one suffering and the like connected therewith.” can remain wholly righteous and at the same time possess But these two paradigms are not mutually exclusive. the sublime virtues of a penitent. The month of Adar gives a Jew the capacity to attain both This whole process can even take place when the virtues simultaneously, the power that “Even as he stands person has no knowledge of the threat, the temptations at the level of the wholly righteous (who never succumbed that he actually faces, being steeped in the pursuit of to any sin), he should have the virtue of the holiness, transformation of a penitent.” The Rebbe clarifies how “nevertheless, since his service of Torah study and the this paradoxical state is achieved, as follows. performance of G-d’s Commandments is with greater The ultimate purpose of Creation is for a pure and fortitude (in light of the knowledge, in general, that the holy soul to descend from its heavenly abode to invest material world is a place that is predominantly evil,20 itself within a physical body, in a world (“olam,” meaning 16 although he is ignorant of the details of the matter, as “helem v’hester,” obscured and concealed, insofar as mentioned above), all matters of the world (including the the world serves to conceal the Creator) that is filled with particular veils and concealments) are thereby transformed evil and temptation, the potential for “mourning and to holiness, in accordance with the ruling of the Rambam21 grief,” and from there it must overcome this darkness, – that through a single Mitzva, performed by a single Jew, he transforming the darkness to light: tilts his own scale and that of the entire world to the side of “‘…in order that the light of G-d, the Infinite, may He be favor, bringing to himself and to them redemption and blessed, should illuminate in the place of the darkness and salvation.” evil of the entire world with greater strength and greater Thus, one can maintain purity and holiness – remaining fortitude, achieving the added benefit of light that comes completely aloof, ignorant of any details of the evil that from darkness, etc.,’ as it will be openly revealed in a 17 prevails in the world, having only the general knowledge permanent manner in the Future Era.” that evil does exist – and still transform the existence of Immersed within a material world which conceals the evil in the world, accomplishing the same G-dliness, the Jew must confront the threat of “mourning transformative effect as the penitent yet remaining wholly and grief” and overcome the temptation of evil. In so righteous. And in so doing he tips the scales of Divine doing, he contributes towards the dazzling effect of judgment to the side of favor and brings Moshiach now! bringing G-dly light into the depths of darkness, a revelation that will be revealed and fully appreciated in the NOTES: Messianic Era. 6 22 Shvat 5748; Seifer HaSichos 5748 Vol. 1, pg. 254-255. But to achieve this lofty goal, fulfilling the very 7 Yoma 9b. purpose of Creation, one need not be harmed and sullied by the evil, by the “mourning and grief.” Rather, in order 8 Yeshayahu 25:8. to attain the advantage of light that comes from darkness, 9 Shabbos Parshas Mishpatim, Parshas Sh’kalim. it is enough to confront the threat of evil without actually 10 Seifer HaSichos 5748 Vol. 1, pg. 256-267. succumbing to its grasp: 11 Ester 9:22. “The power that the month of Adar provides is that the darkness which is required in order to attain the virtue of 12 Ibid 8:15. ‘transforming darkness to light’ should be no more than a 13 Yoma 86b. threat. That is, the fact that one is present in such a world 14 See Footnote 16 of the Rebbe’s address. where it is possible to do something contrary [to G-d’s will] – this itself expresses the ‘greater strength’18 of repentance 15 Rambam Laws of Repentance 7:4. Seifer HaMaamarim (notwithstanding the fact that he never sinned). And he 5569 pg. 214. stands with such fortitude that not only does the darkness of 16 See Likkutei Torah Shlach 37d; Biurei HaZohar of the the world not detract from his service of Torah study and the Tzemach Tzedek, pg. 355. performance of G-d’s Commandments, on the contrary, he 17 transforms the darkness of the world to holiness in such a Tanya Ch. 36 manner whereby from the onset19 he posses the virtue of the 18 Zohar I 129b. See Igeres HaT’shuva Ch. 8. added benefit of light that comes from darkness.” 19 See Footnote 27 in the original. Here we see how it is possible for one to reap the benefits 20 See Tanya Ch. 6, end. of repentance without actually having succumbed to sin. 21 Namely, the threat of sin itself, the potential for sin, is Laws of Repentance 3:4.

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 29 feature

got permission to leave. Those who did not get permission were sure that the KGB had something against them. THE ESCAPE We went to OVIR and dared to ask for exit visas. “How come in other places they are giving dozens of exit visas and you are refusing us?” we asked. We didn’t dare say, FROM RUSSIA “How come you gave so-and-so but you didn’t give me?” Rather, we Prepared for publication by Avrohom Reinitz asked in a general way. The officials in Samarkand said they did not know of any changes in the R’ Hillel Zaltzman tells of his personal emigration laws. In 1970 there was going to be an “Exodus” from Soviet Russia. * Part 2 international convention in Moscow of communist parties. This [Continued from last issue] were often arrested, but unlike in the convention took place every five In the middle of the 60’s, the thirties and fifties, when arrests years and was attended by Soviets began issuing exit visas. ended with sentences of twenty-five communist leaders from all over the Some members of Anash in years in Siberia, the arrests of the world. We figured that since the Moscow, Tashkent, and Samarkand sixties lasted only days. Then the Russians did not want guests to see received them. It seemed that a new people were released with a warning. demonstrations of Jews in Moscow, era had begun. But then the Six Day Only a few were held for months or they would approve requests for exit War broke out. Diplomatic relations even years. visas made at this time. Some people between Israel and the Soviet Union We listened to the “Voice of Zion planned on demonstrating during were broken off and the Russians to the Exile” on the radio, which was the convention in hope that the stopped issuing exit visas. broadcast from Israel and we heard government would give them exit In the meantime, because of the reports about families who had visas to get rid of them. war, there was a great spiritual received visas and who left for Israel. R’ Moshe Katzenellenbogen, who arousal among Russian Jewry. Many At first it was one from this city and lived in Moscow, called my brother Jews, who for many years had been one from that city, but then we Berel and said that he should come members of the communist party began to hear reports about dozens to Moscow, and although he and whose Judaism had been in an who left in one week, then about couldn’t guarantee it, there was a unconscious state, woke up with dozens in a day. There were times good chance that he would get an longing for Eretz Yisroel. that an entire planeload of emigrants exit visa. My brother, together with Two years went by and there was from Russia landed in Eretz Yisroel. his neighbor, R’ Aharon Makovitzky, another crack in the iron curtain. In 1968-9, people in Samarkand decided to go to Moscow. The day The OVIR offices once again began and Tashkent once again began after they arrived there, my brother issuing visas. At the same time, the receiving exit visas. For example, my called and said that spirits were high Jewish Agency started a campaign to father and brother-in-law, Eli in Moscow and I should come there send visas to Jews in Russia. They Mishulovin left in Shvat 5729. The too. would locate families in Israel with Mishulovin family left in Shvat. The In the evening, I walked with R’ the same family name as a family in family of R’ Dovid Gurewitz, the Moshe Nisselevitz and told him what Russia and would send the Russian Levkivkers, and others left Tashkent. my brother had said and suggested family an invitation so the families We didn’t understand how OVIR that we travel together to Moscow. could unite. made its decisions. There were R’ Moshe stood still and thought Many Jews asked permission to people, seemingly simply people, and then said: Oy, how can we leave emigrate. Here and there were who were not under suspicion, who all our communal work? demonstrations in which Jews called were turned down for years. Then In the meantime, his wife heard on the authorities to allow them to there were people who, as soon as our conversation and she, upon leave for Israel. The demonstrators they submitted their first request, whom lay the burden of educating

30 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH R’ Moshiach Chudaitov and Hillel Zaltzman in Samarkand their children (since the wife was home most of the day and if someone came to inquire about the children she would have to deal with the questions), was unwilling to forgo this opportunity to leave Russia. She urged R’ Moshe to go along with me to Moscow. R’ Moshe listened to his wife and asked me when I planned on going. I said there was a plane to Moscow that night. He immediately packed his suitcase and we left for the airport. When we arrived at the airport, we found out that due to the poor weather conditions, no planes had left Samarkand in the last 24 hours and hordes of people were waiting for a flight. We also saw a large group of thirty pilots who had to get to Moscow but were stuck in Samarkand and waiting for an improvement in the weather. At one of the counters I saw a gentile woman by the name of Tamara, whom I knew from school. I went over to her and asked whether she could use her connections and get us on a flight that night. She said that that wasn’t possible but they said that the next morning the weather would improve and then she could help me. We decided that R’ Moshe would not return home and he slept at my house. We woke up early and rushed to the airport. We wanted to get on sitting at the next counter and said, He examined my passport, wrote the first flight so we could daven in “Go over to him. Maybe he can help something in his ledger and after a Moscow because it was two hours you.” few minutes of effort on his part, I earlier in Moscow than in I went over to him and told him received a boarding pass. I didn’t Samarkand. If we left at eight in the that I had to get to Moscow. He told suffice with that, of course, and I morning, after a three and a half me to wait and he would try and asked for another pass for R’ Moshe, hour flight it would be nine-thirty in help me. I was happy about this and who was sitting at a distance waiting Moscow. immediately gave him a ten ruble to see if I’d be successful. He didn’t I went straight to Tamara but she bribe. In those days, when a monthly want to come over to me since his said there was no room on the first salary was between 80 and 100 long beard made him rather flight because the thirty pilots had to rubles, this was a decent bribe. To conspicuous. be in Moscow that day and the first my surprise, he refused to accept the I pointed at R’ Moshe and said I flight would take them, but there money. I tried to convince him but needed another pass. The clerk might be another flight that day. I nothing helped. I finally said that looked at him and asked for his told her we had to get to Moscow when I returned, I would bring him passport. Then I saw him go over to urgently. She pointed at someone a nice gift from Moscow. an old woman and convince her to

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 31 give up her ticket and baruch a KGB agent. We told them he was Hashem he succeeded, and he wrote definitely an agent and related what I was certain that R’ Moshe’ name on her ticket. I ran had happened with us. We found it over to R’ Moshe and told him that all amazing. the KGB agent Hashem had sent us an angel… knew that Jews I was so overjoyed that I offered A RIDICULOUS the clerk a bribe again, this time, CONVERSATION IN THE twenty rubles. He continued to were going to refuse. I asked Tamara what the EMPLOYMENT OFFICE man’s name was. At first she didn’t Berel told us about how things Moscow in order to want to respond, but when I asked were in Moscow and suggested that again she said that his name was we go to the main OVIR office that demonstrate Vassily Vachidovitz. I asked what his was located in the main KGB job was and what he was doing at headquarters on Lubyanka Street. during the the last counter and she evaded me This was a place that, for years, again. She finally winked and hinted people were afraid to go near. He communist in a way that only someone living in himself, said Berel, had been there Soviet Union would understand. He the day before and there were two convention. When was a KGB agent who worked at the high officials there, one from the airport. Interior Ministry, General Shubov, I told R’ Moshe, he Oy gevald! I was certain that the and one from the KGB office, KGB agent knew that Jews were General Verein. turned pale... going to Moscow in order to My brother said that he had told demonstrate during the communist them that he wanted to go to Israel Union for the despised Zionist state. convention. because he was religious. They A few years earlier, this would be When I told R’ Moshe, he turned asked him whether he had tzitzis considered a crime of treason. To a pale. In the meantime, we saw a and he showed it to them. They certain extent, it seemed like the group of tourists from abroad who asked him whether he had a “End of Days” to us… had come to the airport and the man yarmulke and he took off his cap This was shortly after the at the last counter immediately and showed them his yarmulke. completion of the Torah scroll for joined them. It was clear that he was They said that since he lived in Moshiach in 770 and we received a a plainclothes agent whose job it was Samarkand, they were not letter from R’ Naftali Estulin that the to keep an eye on foreigners at the authorized to issue an exit visa to Rebbe had said in a farbrengen, airport. him and he had to present his “When the ox falls, sharpen the We boarded the plane and request over there. When he tried to knife,” meaning that the fortune of breathed a bit easier since we hadn’t insist, they frightened him, saying: Russia was on the decline. These been arrested. We didn’t know what Over here nobody insists. It’s only thoughts gave us courage to enter awaited us in Moscow. Would they because you are a father of young the lions’ den. arrest us? We strengthened our children that we don’t arrest you R’ Moshe asked me to go in first bitachon in Hashem and hoped for now. and tell him what happened. As I the best. We decided to try our luck. We mentioned earlier, his beard drew Three and a half hours later we did not have to make an much attention. As I entered the landed in Moscow and to our great appointment. There were set hours room, I immediately recognized the surprise, nobody came over to us. and you stood in line. When we got generals sitting there by the precise We traveled to Malachovka and were to Lubyanka Street and saw the description my brother had given hosted by R’ Yehuda Kulasher KGB building, we recalled the me. They sat there in uniform with (Butrashvili). thousands who had been shot in the their epaulets and instilled fear in all When we met my brother Berel, cellars of that building and the those present. he asked us if we had seen the man terrible fear that people felt ten years In the secular world, it is in the airport in Samarkand who ago when they passed this building. considered a sign of respect to had checked the passports of my Now here we were, willingly going remove one’s hat, but I did not take brother and his friend, Aharon in there and asking for permission to off my hat on purpose, to show that Makovitzky. They suspected he was leave the Paradise of the Soviet I am religious and that it’s hard for me to live in the Soviet Union.

32 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH invitation to a meeting at the Soviet national employment ministry. This was a central department which oversaw all the factories and workshops. The head of the department, a Moslem Uzbeki, welcomed me with great honor. He asked me to sit down and said: I heard that you want to emigrate to Israel. Why? I explained that my aunt lived there and gave some other silly reasons (I knew that the KGB had given him the job to talk to me). He said: Imagine what happens if they will draft you into the Israeli army and they will send me to Egypt as a volunteer, will you shoot at me and kill me? What could I say in response to this stupid question? I said: Heaven Hillel Zaltzman with his nephew Yosef Yitzchok Mishulovin forbid. I know you and I wouldn’t shoot you. When they asked why I didn’t doff mercy on his children. As for your That is how our ridiculous my hat as is customary, I said that request, the decision has to be made conversation ended and I left. When for us, it is not respectful to be where you live. Go to Samarkand I told my friends about it they were bareheaded. and we hope they will give you excited and we realized that One of them asked: What do you permission to leave. something was afoot. mean by “us”? I said that I was Then R’ Moshe came in. When referring to religious Jews. He they saw his long beard they were GOOD NEWS asked: Are you religious? I said that taken aback and they asked: How I was. long did it take to grow it? Then EREV PESACH One of them asked: Did you they said: We don’t understand why Erev Pesach 5731/1971 a study Torah? I said that I had. all of you want to go to Israel when government official appeared in the Who taught you and what does it it’s a blazing inferno there. Benishmael quarter, in the courtyard say there? I said that my uncle R’ Moshe said that we trust in where many Lubavitcher families Boruch, who had died in Israel, had Hashem that everything will be okay lived, such as the family of R’ Refael taught me when I was little. It says and there will be peace. They told R’ Chudaitov, R’ Yaakov Boroshansky, there that G-d created the heavens Moshe the same thing, that he had R’ Moshe Nisselevitz, R’ Binyamin and earth. to go to OVIR in Samarkand and Malachovsky, and others. Did you also study Talmud? I they would decide. The official went to R’ Moshe, said that I had and I added: I didn’t When we returned to who had already submitted come here to be tested on my Torah Samarkand, we went to OVIR and documents to OVIR with the request knowledge. In a little while, the time said that we had been in the main to leave. He met Mrs. Sonia allotted to us will be over and I will office in Moscow and they promised Boroshansky and asked: Where does have to leave. Please deal with my us that in Samarkand they would R’ Moshe Friedman live? (That was request. give us exit visas. The officials said the name R’ Moshe Nisselevitz used They asked to see my passport there was nothing to discuss. They after his failed attempt to leave and when they saw the name had not received orders from Russian in 1946.) I have good news “Zaltzman,” they asked: Was the Moscow about this and the for him. He was given an exit visa Zaltzman who was here yesterday emigration laws hadn’t changed, so from Russia. your brother? I said that he was and it wasn’t likely that we would receive Mrs. Boroshansky blurted out: they said: He was impudent and we exist visas. We also want to leave! wanted to arrest him but we had After a short time, I received an Other people who were there and

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 33 had heard the official’s question This is why R’ Binyamin joined FINALLY LEAVING! gathered around him and they all the trip to Moscow in order to bring During the next two years, said they wanted to emigrate to the s’farim back to Samarkand. hundreds more families received exit Israel. The official stood there in the However, when they arrived at the visas and most of Anash left the middle and apologized: Soon, all of airport in Samarkand, they saw, to Soviet Union between the years you will be able to go. Believe me, their horror, the head of the Jewish 1970-1972. In Av 5730/1970 I also you will all get your visas, but it department of the KGB in got my long-awaited exit visa. Like can’t be all at once. It has to be Samarkand, a Tatar gentile by the everyone else, I didn’t tarry in orderly, one by one. name of Aktchurin, may his name be Samarkand but hurried to Moscow. The news spread quickly among erased. We had to spend a few days in all of Anash in Samarkand and He looked angrily at R’ Moshe Moscow in order to arrange the final Tashkent, and gave renewed hope to and his family and gnashed his teeth. papers before the trip. all. Within a short time, R’ Moshe He had always tried to catch R’ In the meantime, I heard that the was called to the OVIR office and he Moshe in his activities and now he government was allowing every adult received his exit visa. had to adjust to the political changes who left Russia to take a Torah scroll His brother-in-law, R’ Binyamin and let them leave Russia unharmed. with him. Since we had heard that in Malachovsky wanted to accompany When they got to the ticket the big shul in Moscow they had them until the Russian border so counter, Aktchurin came over and thousands of Torah scrolls from all that if they would not approve began examining them, one by one. the shuls throughout Russia that had certain items that they were taking When R’ Binyamin presented his been closed by the government, we from Russia, he could take them ticket, he asked: Who are you? Why tried to rescue them and take them back to Samarkand. are you leaving all of a sudden? to Eretz Yisroel. It was pidyon He also had another reason for R’ Binyamin said that he was the shvuyim in the full sense of the going along. Every passenger to brother of Mrs. Friedman words. Israel had to go to the Israeli (Nisselevitz) and he wanted to help I went to the main shul and embassy in Moscow to take care of them in Moscow. Aktchurin ground spoke with the gabbai. He was afraid paperwork. It was known that when his teeth and said in a fury, “They of me and I of him, but since we you entered the embassy, you were will manage on their own. You don’t were both interested in the deal, we immediately given a paper which need to go!” He forced him to had a common language. He took said, “The walls have ears.” Then remain in Samarkand. me up to the second floor to a room they pointed at the bookshelves and motioned that they could take whatever s’farim they wanted. These were Jewish books that Russian Jews needed and there were also Chabad s’farim, like a Tanya, Siddurim, and sichos of the Rebbe. The person going to Israel would take some s’farim and when he left the embassy nobody checked him because he was considered as someone on his way out. The s’farim were left, of course, with those who remained in Russia. At that time, the Israeli embassy did not operate in Moscow since Russia had cut off diplomatic ties with the outbreak of the Six Day War. However, the Dutch Embassy, which represented Israel and took care of all the required paperwork, also knew about the s’farim and had the same system. R’ Elozor Garelik, R’ Yosef Volovik, and R’ Hillel Zaltzman in a picture taken many years after they left Russia, in Crown Heights

34 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH that was about 15 meters by 30 meters. All over the floor, to a height of a meter and a half, were Torah parchments without wooden handles. There were thousands of Sifrei Torah and I didn’t know what to take, how to check them, or how to even reach them. The gabbai urged me: Nu, hurry, take off your shoes, go up and pick what you want. On the spot I learned how to tell the quality of sifrei Torah. I quickly rolled it and handled every parchment section to see if the letters were there. Due to time and moisture, letters separated from the parchment and many Sifrei Torah were pasul. I took four Sifrei Torah with me and paid the gabbai a sizable sum. Since they allowed every adult one scroll, we sewed two scrolls together and rolled it up as though it was one scroll. When we crossed the border, they asked me to unroll it so they Yitzchok Mishulovin and his brother Michoel before leaving Russia could be sure I hadn’t hidden anything in it, but they did not catch that time, the Kozliner, take my information? He finally told on that it was two Sifrei Torah. After Boroshansky, and Volovik families, me: I am here because this is what all, they were gentiles and unfamiliar and others. your Rebbe wants. with the normal thickness of a One of the officials asked us At first I didn’t know what he Torah. where we wanted to go and we said, meant and why he didn’t want to I cannot describe how thrilled I Kiryat Malachi. He asked whether I write me down. Afterwards, he was when we finally left Russia. The knew where Kiryat Malachi is and I explained that he was from the tremendous burden that was a said that I didn’t know but the Ministry of Religions. He had been constant presence in our hearts Lubavitcher Rebbe told us to go sent in response to the Rebbe’s made way for great joy. I yearned to there. He responded with a sharp demands regarding Shleimus HaAm meet Jews and I was sure that when Yiddish aphorism and expressed his and the problem of Mihu Yehudi. I met Jews in the West, they would surprise that we would follow the The Agency representatives welcome us with love. I was Rebbe’s order with our eyes closed. I provided basic monetary support of disappointed when, in the airport, realized he was a Leftist and that he $70 per person and they offered it to the Agency official greeted us coldly hated religion, so I didn’t argue with me too, but I refused to take it. I and unceremoniously told us to him. said that I had money because when board the bus that would take us to While I was in the camp, I saw I had left Moscow I had changed my the Shinau absorption camp. that someone with a knitted kippa rubles for dollars. Since they allowed At first I thought they were asked everybody to come to him and us to take out $100 per person, I guarding us for security reasons, but tell him his name, his father’s name, was able to take out $300. They said then we found out that the Agency his mother’s name, grandparents, this was the first time that someone officials made sure that nobody etc. He wrote it all down. I went refused to take money from them. spoke to us so as not to convince us over to him too and asked him what (Regarding other incidents that to go to the United States or he was writing and offered to give took place in the absorption camp, another country. him my information. and the trip to Eretz Yisroel, I wrote In Shinau, we met some other He said: You don’t need this. I at length in the chapters about Lubavitcher families who had left at asked him again: Why don’t you Chamah.)

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 35 news N’SHEI CHABAD CONVENTION IN NY FEATURES THE WORLD’S BEST

By Aliza Karp

The 53rd International room at one time when it is, lets I attended the two most heavily Convention of N’shei U’Bnos say, semi-squished. But I do know attended events at the convention, Chabad was held on Parshas that to keep the line of five the Shabbos afternoon session in BaMidbar, Shabbos Mevarchim hundred women moving smoothly Oholei Menachem and the event in Iyar, the last weekend in May so everyone gets a fair turn is not downstairs 770. I am sure the 2008, in Crown Heights. The an easy task. After running around smaller events were equally as theme was a Pasuk that is repeated since early Thursday, and no interesting. in the Rebbe’s Kapital, T’hillim doubt for weeks before, Mrs. Shabbos afternoon N’shei 107:8, 15, 21, 31. The Pasuk says Popack stood by the door easing Chabad is privileged to hear the “Let them give thanks to Hashem new women into the room while two best speakers in the world. for his kindness, and his wonders gracefully convincing others to They really are the best – Miryam to the children of man.” When finish promptly and leave. Swerdlov and Rabbi Jacobson. The Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Jacobson Everything Mrs. Popack does is program began with the Rebbe’s spoke on Shabbos afternoon he with dignity. Kapital and T’hillim for those in suggested that the Pasuk can mean Like I said, I was there at the need of a Refua Shleima. Sharing both, the wonders that Hashem end. I noticed a few women who her pain, Edith Block got up to performs for people, B’nei Adam, were wearing scarves around their say a special Kapital for her and it can also mean the wonder pants to make a wrap around daughter who is sick. She asked that Hashem performs through skirt. Obviously, these were not that every day people should say people, through individuals who women who had been initiated Kapital Mem and Kapital Chaf for are themselves wonders. into Chabad, but they are Jewish Devorah Nechama bas Yehudis. The program for the women and we welcome them. As Throughout the convention Convention began Thursday they were leaving I saw one speak prayers were being said for Chana evening and continued through to to Mrs. Popack privately. I cannot bas Rasha Zelda who is in need of Sunday night at 9 p.m. when the even imagine how tired Mrs. a Refua Shleima. We thank last of the women left the Rebbe’s Popack was at that time, and yet Hashem for wonders and we beg room. In fact, I was one of the last she totally focused on the woman. him for more. May Hashem to leave the Rebbe’s room. And I She encouraged the woman that answer our prayers with revealed saw something very touching. her prayers would be answered good. Mrs. Chana Popack, Mrs. and told her it was important to (One more point. I knew about Shterna Spritzer and Mrs. Cherna take on a Mitzvah at this time, a Chana but did not have her Light are the producers and Hachlata. The woman thought for mother’s name or the age. Instead directors of N’shei Chabad events a few moments and then confided of making calls, leaving messages, in Crown Heights all year. This in Mrs. Popack the Mitzvah she you know how it goes, I decided convention is their biggest would take upon herself. to mention her without using the accomplishment. Kol HaKavod to I think Mrs. Popack’s kind act details. A few paragraphs later the them – and thanks. All three of is the revelation of the wonders of phone rang. A woman was calling you are wonders! B’nos Adam. After all the hard me to speak to me about Chana, Mrs. Popack takes on the work of the convention, one more she gave me the name and the age. difficult task of monitoring the Jewish woman was elevated It might not have been the creator women coming and going in the because of the convention as a Himself who called me, but I Rebbe’s room. I do not know how whole and because of the personal consider the call to be Min many people fit into the Rebbe’s attention she received. HaShamayim. I urge everyone to

36 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH say a Kapital Chaf Daled for concepts – and they worked! into play. She followed Chana bas Rasha Zelda.) Aliza Geiger, from Brazil, instructions and the music began Included in the program were a spoke about her struggles with her and so did the dance performance. delightful singing performance choice of whether to continue her All went well until midway through and two additional speakers: a life plan or change direction and the performance, the music representative of the Russian go learn in Yeshiva. Intertwined in stopped. Miryam was not prepared community and a girl from her story were three different for that eventuality. But to her Machon Chana, both telling their times she wrote to the Rebbe and amazement, the dancing did not personal stories of their journey three different times she got the stop. The girls kept on going, not into Chabad. I thought it would be same answer. “Go to Yeshiva!” missing a beat, not missing a step. hard for them to share the stage She is now in Machon Chana. Miryam spoke to the girls after the with such magnificent speakers Miryam Swerdlov hosted the performance. What they showed and Miryam and Rabbi Jacobson, afternoon skillfully, even without a that day was how it is an but both of these young women microphone. She shared her accomplishment to dance when won the audience over with their experiences, her lessons on life the music is playing; and it is a stories, their sincerity and their and of course, told us plenty of much higher level of performance charm. stories. One stands out in my when you continue to dance – The Russian woman, Sima mind. In her typical style, Miryam even after the music has stopped. Vernick, spoke about her move began by making fun of herself – Shortly after the Mill Basin from Tashkent to Eretz Yisroel and only this time since she lost so dance program Miryam was how her parents became more much weight she could not make invited to a class reunion. Back in observant when she was in her fun of food – so she described her ancient times, when Miryam was teens. She spoke about the love lack of technological know how. in school, there was no Beis Rivka and patience her parents showed She was going to her in New York. In her school her and her brother who would daughter’s Chabad House in Mill Miryam was known as Di finish the Shabbos meal and head Basin, Brooklyn with a group of Lubavitcher. She was different. At off to popular clubs. The patience girls who would perform a dance. the reunion they asked her to paid off, as their daughter has Miriam was given a disc to put speak. She told the above story. now embraced Yiddishkait. Love into the machine. This is where “Where do you get your Ko’ach and patience – interesting her technological training came from?” asked one friend. The answer came not from Miryam herself, but from a few of the classmates at once. They said, “She is Di Lubavitcher – that’s where she gets her Ko’ach!” Again Miryam used her sense of humor when she introduced Rabbi Jacobson. She was saying how she hoped one day to be as good a speaker as he is, even if it takes her twenty more years. Rabbi Jacobson thanked her for the kind words and said that someone had just told him that he could be as good a speaker as she, if he keeps at it another twenty years. It was a very cute comeback born of mutual respect. As mentioned above, Rabbi Jacobson interpreted the Pasuk from the Rebbe’s Kapital as referring to the wonder inside of us all. He told a story of a Chassid Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Jacobson

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 37 a story about an encounter with Waronker. I had seen video clips the Rebbe. The Nekuda of the of Waronker on the internet when The Chassid told story was what the Rebbe he rose to fame because of his answered a Chassid when the achievements in a public school in the Rebbe, “The Chassid told him, “The Rebbe the Bronx. Even after seeing his should be revealed.” The Rebbe composure in front of the Rebbe should be answered, “There is much inside television cameras I was still taken revealed.” you that needs to be revealed.” aback with his fine communication On one hand I want to share skills and his engaging character. I The Rebbe with readers what Rabbi Jacobson arrived a few minutes before he said, but on the other hand, was asked to speak. He was sitting answered, summing up his stories strips on the front bench not far from them of their beauty. You really me waiting for his turn. He was “There is much have to be there to absorb their saying T’hillim the entire time. depth. Everyone who can, should Waronker said he follows the inside you that really go to that Shabbos session Rebbe’s example of sensitivity to needs to be of the convention, there is no people as he learned first hand recording, no second chance. To from Rabbi Bomzer. One winter revealed.” follow is a list of topics Rabbi night Bomzer drove a friend of his Jacobson spoke about. to Yechidus with the Rebbe. The He told an amazing multi-level friend was a high ranking official story about an email and a dream in the IDF. Bomzer decided to who pleaded with the Baal Shem and a man who visited the Rebbe wait outside while his friend met Tov to see Eliyahu HaNavi. The in 1959 who just now put on with the Rebbe. But the friend Baal Shem instructed him to load T’fillin for the first time. came out right away and told him his wagon with food, Matza and He said that in his preparation the Rebbe asked for him to join wine and go on Erev Pesach to the to speak at convention he always them. The Rebbe had asked his edge of a small town and spend listens to the Rebbe’s address to visitor how he got to 770, and Yom Tov with a poor family there. convention when the days then said, its winter, we have to The Chassid followed his Rebbe’s correspond. This time he listened invite your driver inside. It was instructions and knocked on the to the Sicha of 1968 – the flower one in the morning, the Rebbe was door of the shack Erev Pesach power era. The Rebbe’s message busy, the visitor was important saying he was stranded, could he was related to social freedom and the Rebbe was concerned please stay, he brought enough breaking down boundaries and the about the driver! “This is what it provisions for himself and for his effects on Tznius and means to be a leader,” said hosts. The parents of nine hungry relationships. Waronker, who cares about each children were thrilled to have such Rabbi Jacobson related a story of his students and takes abundance at their Yom Tov table. when Reb Chaim Soloveitchik zt”l responsibility for them. After Yom Tov the Chassid went said that the Lubavitcher Rebbe Waronker spoke about our back to the Baal Shem and represents the Har HaMoria of the mission in this world – to build a complained that he did not see generation. Dira B’Tachtonim – to bring Eliyahu HaNavi. So the Baal Shem Rabbi Jacobson spoke about Moshiach. He stressed the power sent him back. Only this time he Ahavas Yisroel and he told a very of speech. Hashem continues to did not go inside, he listened from cute story about a hole in a Kop. create the world through speech under the window as the husband And more. Thanks Rabbi and we have the power to change and wife were speaking. The Jacobson! You’re the best – even the world through speech. Jewish husband was telling his wife how without the extra 20 years! men are identified by their they must thank Hashem for the The Sunday session downstairs clothing whereas the appearance visitor. The wife said she was sure in 770 was scheduled to start at 4 of Jewish women blends in more the visitor was Eliyahu HaNavi. p.m. I did not get there until much with the general population. The Chassid understood. To see later and I had to leave early. I Jewish women can be identified by him – we have to bring out the was fortunate to hear the their speech. We learn from the Eliyahu HaNavi in ourselves. presentation by R. Shimon Rebbe’s example to be sensitive to This story was backed up with

38 17 Sivan 5768 BEIS MOSHIACH accepted. The woman who called above, I got there in time to go to give him the good news, called into the Rebbe’s room a few on Pesach Sheini. He explained to moments before the room was her what Pesach Sheini was about closed to visitors. and how her phone call was giving On my way home I walked him a second chance. “I am so down Kingston with exhausted happy to be part of a cosmic and satisfied Chana Popack and plan!” answered the woman… I Shterna Spritzer. They have think Waronker is a good reason to feel satisfied and I know ambassador to the world. they do not feel complacent. Until I had to leave early so I only we hear from the Rebbe that our heard the beginning of the job is done, Lubavitchers know presentation by B’nos Chabad they have not fully accomplished representative Miss Fruma their tasks. Wilshansky. But I did hear that Shterna mentioned that so she accompanied the Beis Rivkah many people came to the session High School – Achos HaT’mimim at 770 that they ran out of the trip to Eretz Yisroel. And I was specially designed tote bags they happy to hear the highlight of the had handed out. She was happy so trip was in Kiryat Arba at the many people came but would have Shimon Waronker home of Sara and Boruch liked to have had a bag to show Nachshon. To me the 770 of Eretz her husband. I got there too late others as illustrated in the story Yisroel is M’aras HaMachpela, to get a bag, so I was no help. about Rabbi Bomzer. The way to and it is Boruch and Sara’s The next morning I went to express this sensitivity is through Mesirus Nefesh that opened the Daven in 770. Went to my usual speech. way for us to be able to visit place. And there was a convention Waronker urged his audience M’aras HaMachpella today. bag – on my seat. I looked around to love one another, to show Avraham Avinu bought the Maara to see if they were strewn all over sensitivity, to speak with respect. with 400 silver shekels. The the place. Nope. Only one. On my If you treat others with respect, Nachshons liberated it with seat. On my way home I dropped they will treat you with respect. Mesirus Nefesh (from those who it off at Shterna’s house. But then He applied this sensitivity to Jews wanted it to remain under Arab I realized that on that same walk and non-Jews. Waronker reasoned domain even after 1967.) home Mrs. Popack had mentioned that since the Rebbe instructed us Being that I had to leave early I the increased expenditures for the to reach out and teach the Sheva was disappointed I was giving up convention. It was nice to find the Mitzvos, that he considered non- a chance to go to the Rebbe’s bag for Shterna at my place… Jews worthy of our time and room. It was painful. But then, maybe tomorrow I will find the sensitivity. later in the evening, my meeting many thousands of dollars N’shei Waronker told of his being for 9 p.m. was re-scheduled and I Chabad needs to balance their rejected to a leadership program. ran back to 770. As mentioned convention budget. The second time he applied he was

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 39 SHLEIMUS HA’ARETZ TODAY: INFORMING THE UN-INFORMED

By Aliza Karp

disputed territories. Moshiach can come this moment! We My dear readers, this attitude is not an isolated attitude. Ignorance know it for a fact. We live according to and lack of logic plagues American nature and continue to face our Jewish views on Shleimus HaAretz. Superstitions are more logical and challenges even when we know easier to dislodge than the American Jewish loyalty to the idea of giving Moshiach’s arrival is imminent. Not for up our Biblical homeland so the so- called Palestinians can have a state. a moment are we going to forget that we Ashreinu Ma Tov Chelkeinu – we are so lucky that was brings out our are ready for – and yearn for – enthusiasm is loyalty to Moshiach. Moshiach Now! What a contrast to our misled brethren. I mention the reaction against Recently there was a meeting in Moshiach Now! the settlements to inform you that Crown Heights to discuss security It was a beautiful moment, a despite the apparent calm on the issues. The main speaker was a moment of Achdus – the highlight of Shleimus HaAretz front – the war religious Jew from another part of a successful evening. against the settlers continues. The Brooklyn. The meeting was very I apologize, but I am now going object of the war is to rid Yehuda orderly and productive. There was to take you from the height of a and Shomron of Jews – to make it only one time when everyone spoke Moshiachdik moment to a much like Gush Katif - Judenrein. The out of turn. lower level. My friend Helen Rebbe said that settling the land is The speaker said, “Look, Freedman of AFSI (Americans For a the only way to keep it. The enemies Moshiach is not coming tomorrow.” Safe Israel) has been a Shleimus of the settlers are now saying the With that, everyone in the room – HaAretz activist for more than thirty same thing. In order for them to actually it was about a hundred years. She lives in Manhattan. give the land to our enemies they people in the dining room, living Occasionally she attends events that have to rid the land of the settlers – room and hallway – responded all at teach the opposite of what she the obstacles to peace. And in order once. The collective response was believes. She thinks it is important not to upset the Jewish population friendly not hostile. Since all to know what the others are up to that the settlers are being cruelly hundred voices were being heard and sometimes she manages to uprooted – the public first has to be simultaneously, the actual words spread a little wisdom in a place brain washed to hate the settlers. were not clear, but the message was where there is none. Many American Jews, observant clear: Moshiach can come this She told me recently she went to and not observant, have fallen moment! We know it for a fact. We such an event. It sounded like the subject to the propaganda war live according to nature and event was bland, but she said, there against the settlers. They have never continue to face our challenges even was one thing that made the been exposed to the views of the when we know Moshiach’s arrival is audience break into a spontaneous Rebbe on Shleimus HaAretz. imminent. That’s why we are here at loud applause. That was when the One of the first myths that this meeting. But not for a moment speaker said that the greatest uninformed Jews believe is that are we going to forget that we are mistake of all was to allow the Jewish soldiers are risking their lives ready for – and yearn for – establishment of settlements in the

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 652 41 so settlers can live where they want. the soldiers alert and gives them years ago. This is totally false and now it is more conviction. In many places the The war on the settlers is part of easy to prove. The Jewish army has settlers pamper their soldiers with the suicidal policies of the had to go back into Gaza numerous Shabbos gifts. I know in Chevron government in Eretz Yisroel. The times since the Disengagement. the Shliach sends a guitar playing war on the settlers depends on Some have lost their lives. There are singer to entertain the soldiers at ignorance of the Jewish population no settlers in Gaza! The reason they night. It helps keep them alert and both in Eretz Yisroel and abroad. go into Gaza is because of the happy. By day, in Chevron, Times are tough. Shleimus terrorists – not because of settlers. Bachurim bring the soldiers ices… HaAretz has taken the turn that the And the reason they are in Yehuda and T’fillin. Rebbe feared it would. Against all and Shomron is because of terrorists These two concepts that the odds the Rebbe fought against it and – not because of settlers! soldiers are there because of we have to follow his lead. And we In fact, the settlers help the terrorists and that settlers help the have a secret weapon… we know soldiers. As proven at Kever Yosef, soldiers are very foreign to most that Moshiach is with us, even now defending a site without people Jews… but they are very basic. in this double Galus, and his light living around it is very difficult. The Another misconception is that the can begin to shine in the same soldiers have to be in places because settlers are living illegally on the amount of time it takes to turn on a of terrorists who breed there and land. Along with this is the light switch. We Want Moshiach terrorize the rest of the country. The misconception that the land belongs Now! settlers make the job of the soldiers to the Arabs. The land does not If you would like more information about the much easier. It is easier to defend belong to the Arabs! There were issues and how to answer them, I would be people than places. It has more almost no Arabs around before the happy to mail you a copy, or copies, of my meaning. And the interaction with Jews started migrating back to Eretz booklet called “The Complex Relationship of the people is stimulating. It keeps Yisroel, a hundred and some odd American Jews to the Land of Israel.” Contact me at [email protected].

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