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Heroes Articles and and Articles Willy Rapfogel Willy

Shidduchim Our The Kinus The Our Mosdos Our Met Council Met

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Yisroel to Fellow Shluchim and their Lay Leaders (more on page 5). page on (more Leaders Lay their and Shluchim Fellow to Yisroel

Heights for Opening its Doors with Hospitality and True Ahavas Ahavas True and Hospitality with Doors its Opening for Heights

National Kinus HaShluchim, Rabbi , Thanks Crown Crown Thanks Kotlarsky, Moshe Rabbi HaShluchim, Kinus National

At Pier 94 in Manhattan at the Gala Banquet, Director of the Inter the of Director Banquet, Gala the at Manhattan in 94 Pier At - ARMY

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5768 , 6 2007 , 16 2 EV kISL | November O N | i L. O v LY EEK w

ויצא פרשת | תשס”ח כסלו, ו‘ | בס“ד בס“ד | ו‘ כסלו, תשס”ח | פרשת ויצא

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CROWN HEIGHTS CROWN   CROWN HEIGHTS The Vaad Hakohol

The mission of this paper is to Mosif A Special Initiative Ohr, to add in light. Netzigim We want to bring the Mosdos and the community together as one By: sion that it’s because we no longer have voice. Where there is Shalom, there N’tzigim elect new Executive that ‘cushion’ that interfaces and pro- is Brocha. Committee Mrs. Schwartz (name changed to tects us from the world, even if it’s only protect real identity) is a psychological. It’s a unique We have gotten phenomenal feedback On Motzoay Shabbos Toldos, the frequent visitor to the office. feeling of vulnerability, from our first issue. People have been N’tzigim gathered in CHJCC offices Fifteen years ago her hus- even for women who are coming up to me in the street and in the to elect a new N’tzigim Executive band began having health accustomed to working office, thanking me, congratulating me, Committee. The meeting started with a problems. First he lost his outside the home.” and offering help in various ways. D’var from Rabbi Motel Gurary job, and then he really began of Chevrei Shas (see page 7). Bentzy to deteriorate. He passed Last week, Mrs. Phyllis We have fantastic articles and are Raskin, former vice-Chairman of the away and she found herself Mintz led a group of 13 proud to be spotlighting different N’tzigim, ran the meeting. Of the 22 alone, unable to cope finan- women on an outing to individuals and organizations that Shuls represented, 20 voted for the new cially or emotionally with Moshe Rubashkin Café Venezia, a fine Ital- are doing so much for the community committee while 2 Shuls abstained. her loss. Since then our staff ian restaurant in Flatbush. and beyond. has been a constant source of help, The atmosphere was warm and open The newly elected officers are: assisting her with health insurance, as the women talked, ate, and had We invite any Mossad to submit rent assistance and other entitlements a wonderful time. No one wanted articles about their initiatives and Yanky Sufrin, Chairman that she deserved and needed. Nev- to leave. Mrs. Mintz reports, “The accomplishments. We also invite ertheless, we as a Vaad felt there was women felt refreshed and excited after individuals to submit articles, D’var Alexander Weisz, Vice Chairman much more that we could and should the evening. Many had such a special , pictures, or art that are of do. We created monthly dinners so that time that they came in to the office to community interest and concern. It is Yerachmiel Schneider, Secretary women in the same situation could thank me again.” our sincere desire that this paper will get out for a night of fun, relaxation generate so much good and positive After being elected, the new commit- and recharging. We gave substantial We are thrilled about an amazing energy, that all negative things will tee immediately scheduled the next assistance around holiday times to ease ten-day trip we are sponsoring to Eretz simply fall by the wayside. N’tzigim meeting to occur in about the burden and bring more happiness. Yisroel this winter. The first Shabbos two weeks when a Nominations Com- And we continue to look for ways to will be spent in the Old City near the mittee will be selected and the process extend ourselves to these heroines Kosel, followed by a special Melave of elections for Vaad Hakohol and who are bearing so much weight on Malka and concert. During the week, Gabboyim will officially begin. their shoulders. participants will travel around the country and will be treated to the fin- The loss of a spouse is something that est accommodations at the Sheraton no one should ever have to go through. Plaza, King David, and Kinar Hotels. Unfortunately, the reality is that Special trips will be made to Kever there are many women who lose their Rochel, Hevron, and many holy grave husbands before their time. We as a sites of our tzadikim. The women will community cannot forget their broken also get an inside look at some of the hearts. Baruch Hashem, we have had important mosdos in Israel. the zechus to bring light to many of The second Shabbos will be spent in them through our programs. We care the holy city of Tzefas. Mrs. Mintz about them and stand with them in comments, “Such a trip is unheard of. their pain. If we had more resources, No one can stop talking about it.” we would offer even more. The Vaad Hakohol would like to As one woman put it, “I’ve given a lot thank all of those who have donated of thought to why being a widow is generously to this cause. Your efforts considered a special category. There should be repaid manifold, and you are many Jews in other special circum- should merit to give in greater and stances who are deserving of kindness greater measure. Please stay tuned for and support. I’ve come to the conclu- more reports about this initiative and many others. • picture of the week CommunityNewspaper

290 Kingston Avenue, , NY 11225 718 771 9000 Published weekly by the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights.

Vaad Hakolol Members: Moshe Rubashkin Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang Rabbi Plotkin

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64b). Take all my valuables and it Nemanov z”l would say about this Vedibarta will be considered as though you A Lesson verse “A chossid is one who is generous killed me.” to his creator” – that a true Chossid Bam For Us always thinks how to be generous to When Lavan heard about Yaakov’s his creator. “If the generosity could be arrival, he ran and kissed him, and accomplished through me is good, and ”יוקח מאבני המקום By Rabbi Mordechai Gurary was very disappointed when he found if it’s destined to be accomplished by וישם מראשתיו“ Rav of the Chevra Shas Shul Yaakov empty-handed. He asked Yaa- my friend in more enhanced way, let it kov why Eliezer had carried so many be done that way through my friend.” “He took from the stones of In our Parsha Vayetze we find that valuables while he, Yaakov, had noth- The main objective is “being generous the place and he placed them when Yaakov leftB ’er Sheva on his way .”to his creator את כל הדברים “ ,around (under) his head.” ing? Yaakov told him to Charan. “He stopped and prayed the all these things” — which“ — ”האלה (28:11) evening prayer there because the sun set In the Medrash Yalkut Hoshea (remez אל תתמה כי לא“ is an acronym for earlier than usual. And he took from the -on the verse “I wanted generos (527 הבאתי דבר, ברכוש רב יצאתי מביתי, QUESTION: Rashi says that he Do not “A chossid is one who is ity and not sacrifice”, “Hashem says“ — ”השודד אליפז לקח הכל wanted to protect himself from wild animals. Why did he protect only his wonder why I did not bring anything. generosity is very beloved to me. head and not the rest of his body? I left my house with great wealth. The generous to his creator” Your generosity to each other is more bandit Elifaz took it all away.”• cherished than 1000 sacrifices that ANSWER: A very important lesson stones of the place and placed them under King Solomon offered, as the verse says his head”. Further on, in verse 18 we “a thousand offerings King Solomon (בעל הטורים) .can be learned from Yaakov’s actions read:”he took the stone”. Rashi asks how brought”. “Yaakov knew that in the is it possible that the mul- In the Jeru- “ויקרא לו לבן יגר שהדותא world at large there are tiple stones salem Tal- ויעקב קרא לו גלעד:…” many forces that are alien became mud, in the to Torah and mitzvot and one stone? tractate of “And Lavan called it ‘Yegar- He answers Sanhedrin hostile to the religious sahaduta,’ but Yaakov called t h a t a l l [chapt.1] it ‘Gal’eid.’ And Lavan said, Jew.” the stones i t s a y s : ‘This heap of stones is a began argu- “Hashem Yaakov spent all his years studying witness between me and you i n g w i t h said to the Torah in the home of Yitzchak and this day.’ Therefore he called each other. Jewish in the Beit Midrash of Shem and it ‘Gal’eid.’ ” (31:47-48) Each one nation, my Eiver. Now he had to give up some of QUESTION: Originally, Lavan called was demanding, “The Tzaddik should children, when you see that the merits his time and engage in place his head (to rest) on me”. Hashem of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs begin worldly matters. “Unfortunately, there are then combined all the stones and they to weaken, proceed and be generous became one stone. one to another, as it says, “The moun- Yaakov knew that in the world at large Jews who think that they tains will disappear and the hills will there are many forces that are alien to The question arises: Although they are tremble. Although the merits of our Torah and mitzvot and hostile to the must compromise in order one stone, there still could be an argu- Patriarchs and Matriarchs will end, the religious Jew. These forces influence to find favor in the eyes of generosity that each one does with his the mind of the Jew and try to per­ “A true Chossid needs to fellow Jew, will never disappear says suade him to leave the path of Torah. society”. G-d, who is full of mercy for you”. Therefore, Yaakov made a great effort constantly think and exert to protect his “head,” to prevent it “Yegar-sahaduta”; why did he change himself that his conduct In Koheles (Ecclesiastes) [chapt. 7] his mind and call it “Gal’eid”? King Solomon says: “Hashem created negative influences from interfer­ and his deeds should bring the person straight and they (people) i n g w i t h h i s ANSWER: While Lavan was eager to pride to the Tzadik, and searched for different calculations”. yiddishkeit.• reach a peace treaty with Yaakov, he wanted it to be done in his language. not the opposite. Therefore, we all should leave our (לקוטי שיחות ח”א) Yaakov refused and told Lavan, “If personal calculations and egoism and you want a treaty with me, it must ment over which corner of the stone unite to fulfill the will of the Rebbe be in my language and on my terms.” the Tzaddik should place his head? Seeing Yaakov’s persistence, Lavan את כל הדברים yielded and agreed that everything But the explanation is self- understood: “A true chossid needs to ” וי ס פ ר ל ל ב ן be done in accordance with Yaakov’s When there is unity, one stone is one forget his self image and האלה“ conditions. entity; the main thing is that Tzadik “And he told should place his head upon it. egoism and think only “how Lavan all these An important lesson can be learned and with what could I bring things.” (29:13) A true Chossid needs to constantly “If you want a treaty with think and exert himself that his con- nachas ruach to Hashem QUESTION: What duct and his deeds should bring nachas d id Ya a k o v t e l l me, it must be in my lan- and simultaneously, to the ruach (pride) to the Tzadik, and not Lavan? guage and on my terms.” the opposite. One fact is definite: When there’s an argument between which is the will of our father in ANSWER: Eisav was from this: Unfortunately, there are two parties, the Tzadik will not “place heaven. And when will all will unite very angry at Yaakov. Jews who think that they must compro- his head”, i.e., have nachas and peace as one then our father in Heaven will When he heard of mise in order to find favor in the eyes of mind. “Who is a chossid? One that bless us. We pray that the promise from Yaakov’s leaving, he of society. Torah teaches us never to is generous to his Creator.” Hashem to Yaakov “I am with you and sent his son Elifaz to be ashamed of our customs and ideals. I will protect you where ever you will go” catch up with Yaakov Seeing our sincerity and devotion to A true chossid needs to forget his self should be fulfilled. The one (Hashem) and kill him. When Torah, the world will yield and respect image and egoism and think only “how who has made miracles for our Rebbe’s Elifaz met Yaakov, he the Jew for his beliefs. and with what could I bring nachas in the month of , should redeem told him his father’s ruach to Hashem and simultaneously, us, and all the promises and blessings orders. Yaakov told to the Rebbe?” from our Rebbe should fulfilled with • (מיוסד על ספורנו) Elifaz, “A poor person the revelation of our king Moshiach is equivalent to a dead My , the chossid and Oved immediately. • person (Nedarim Elokim, the famous Rabbi Nissan  CROWN HEIGHTS The Kinnus

Chabad-Lubavitch Philanthropists Pledge to Sponsor 150 New Shluchim

Courtesy of Lubavitch.com children enrolling in their out- Mr. Lev Leviev, the interna- Turkish Republic of Northern and a dedicated supporter of By B. Olidort standing pre-schools, Hebrew tional diamond and real-estate Cyprus; Jackson Hole, Wyo- his local Chabad Center. He schools and day schools magnate was guest speaker. he cavernous space at Pier around the world. The subject of a recent New 94, last night draped in York Times magazine feature, blackT velvet with hundreds of Back then, the Jewish world Leviev is the financial backer tables elegantly decked out to serve 4,300 dinner guests, and more than a d o z e n 30-ft f lat screens that allowed the guests to follow events on the podium, Picture Credit: Dianne Bondareff/Chabad.org offered an ming; the Dominican Repub- came from Basel with Rabbi illustration lic; Belgrade, Serbia; Iasi, Wishedsky, Basel’s Chabad in brilliant Romania; and Seoul, South Shliach, for the conference. contrast. Korea. He also announced a pledge by the Rohr Family--a “We need the input of Chabad I t w a s three-year commitment to to make Jewish life more pros- nearby at sponsor an additional 50 new perous in Switzerland,” he P i e r 9 7 Willy Rapfogel and Colonel Goldstein enjoying the children program Photo Credit: Eli Kahn of the network of Chabad Shluchim. told Lubavitch.com. Such some 68 years ago, when was still reeling from the Chabad Ohr Avner schools sentiments were repeated all the Chabad leader responsible Holocaust, and financial sup- in the CIS and beyond. Earlier in the day, Shluchim day, by lay leaders who had for transferring the head- port was hard to come by. Last mingled with lay leaders at a come with their Shluchim in quarters of the war-ravaged night’s guests included an Back then, you could count lunch at the MarriottM arquis admiration and support of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement eclectic who’s who in Jewish the number of Shluchim on in Times Square where Rabbi work of Chabad-Lubavitch. from Europe to the U.S., dis- embarked the Drottingham Speaking in Hebrew, Leviev at the New York Harbor, to talked of his debt to Chabad- a small, waiting entourage of Lubavitch, its and its Chabad Chasidim. Shluchim. “100 years ago,” he told his audience, “the Rebbe The name Chabad was then Rashab [Rabbi Sholom Dov barely known to anyone out- Ber 1860-1920) sent a Shliach side of the observant Jewish to Samarkand, to strengthen community. Upon his arrival Jewish life there.” But the local in the U.S. Rabbi Joseph. I. community would not coop- Schneerson sent a few of his erate, and turned the young Chasidim—there were only a Chabad Chasid away. few at the time—to begin the arduous task of seeking out “He knew he couldn’t return Jewish children, and as was to his Rebbe empty handed,” often the case, pleading with said Leviev. “So he began their parents to allow them to to collect Jewish children, devote a few hours a week to and formed a cheder, with 10 Jewish education. youngsters.” Few of the Chabad Shluchim Eventually, most of the Jews at last night’s conference find of Samarkand were lost one hand; achievements were , Chairman through assimilation during measured in the tiniest baby of the Lubavitch educational “New Chabad Centers to open in Anatolia, the regimes of Lenin and steps. Today, there are roughly and social services division, Stalin. But those 10 children Turkey; the Turkish Republic of North- 4,500 Shluchim worldwide. and Chairman of the Confer- remained firmly rooted in Growth happens in leaps and ence, spoke of the Lubavitcher ern Cyprus; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; the their yiddishkeit. bounds: During his speech, Rebbe’s guidance to Shluchim Dominican Republic; Belgrade, Serbia; and Mr. Leviev pledged to add during the 50 years he served “My grandfather was one of another 100 Shluchim in the as his secretary. Rabbi Krin- Iasi, Romania. A pledge by the Rohr Family those 10,” said Leviev. following year, bringing the sky also reflected on the will go to the opening of an additional 50 new number of Shluchim in Russia Rebbe’s legacy of love for “If not for the Chabad Shl- to 400. the individual, which today Chabad centers over the next year.” iach at the time, I would not continues to animate all of the be standing here with you Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice outreach activities by Chabad- themselves pleading with philanthropy among them today.” Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Lubavitch Shluchim. parents today. Instead, they Michael Steinhardt, Gennady Chinuch and Director of the are constantly expanding and Bogolubov, Eduardo Elzstain, The banquet dinner formally conference, announced the Mr. Daniel Rothschild is building to accommodate ever Kenneth Abramowitz and closed the annual four-day opening of new Chabad Cen- the President of the Jewish growing numbers of Jewish many more. conference. ters in Anatolia, Turkey; the Federation of Switzerland crOWN heights 

The Name Kislev – Its Lessons

By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky many different aspects, from We have blessed today the matters of Chesed to halachic new month of Kislev. The R a v o f t h e C r o w n name Kislev is spelled in the Heights Shul “Hashem should give Talmud Shabbos with a yud Member of Vaad Rabbonim after the chof. We find this Hakloli and give again. “ spelling also in our Siddur on the page of blessing the new Editors note: month. This signifies that the questions, or advice in many word Kislev with this spelling Rabbi Bogomilsky Shlita served up to forty years as part Hamikdosh to see, he also of the Lubavitcher Yeshiva himself with the Rebbe in all came to be seen. Shluchim faculty. Rabbi Bogomilsky his activities and personal life. come to see and receive, and was also Therefore he has a responsi- you also come to be “seen” by a Maggid bility to conduct himself in the Rebbe, the M’shaleach, shiur in the accordance with Halacha in to evaluate what you have mesivta every detail. accomplished in the duration for many of the year. years and Today, Shabbos Parsha Toldos, many dis- we read about the blessings Moshe Rabeinu was then told tinguished shluchim are his that Yitzchok gave Yaakov, by Hashem that he needs to be ויתן talmidim. Rabbi Bogmilsky beginning with the words cautious, because the ground .HaShem should grant you ,לך is the author of many sforim that he is standing on is holy on the Parsha Series (known Rashi explains that it means Rabbi Bogomilky ground. Hashem ,ויתן ויחזור ויתן is also a significant lesson for issues, it could truly be said “ us as Chassidei Chabad. should give and give again. The kinus Ha- about Rabbi Bogomilsky that A shliach and his environment The question is why won’t is holy ground, since he finds ונהנין מ מנו עצה ותושיה Sluchim has a dou- Hashem give everything at ble-fold purpose. In one time? Why is there a need the same sense that a to give repeatedly? person would come to One of the explanations for this serves also a lesson for the Bais Hamikdosh the Shluchim: to see, he also came to the Rebbe is giving – ויתן לך ” be seen. Brochos and Kochos (energy) to every shliach. Once the under the title “Vdibarto Shliach receives these Bro- Bam”) and also on other top- chos and Kochos, he needs to ics. These sforim are being ויחזור ויתן, accomplish that utilized by shluchim and Rab- there should be a “giving” from bonim the world over. This the Shliach to all the Yidden newspaper feels honored to that he will be approaching. feature a column from his לך -ויתן ויחזור ויתן That’s Sforim on a weekly basis. After a shliach receives ויתן from the Rebbe, he then in Shluchim from all over the turn, continues to give and world contact Rabbi Bogom- illuminate the lives of all the ilsky in all hours of the day people he meets in a spiritual or the night, and physical sense. for shaalos in “the Rebbe is giving We wish Rabbi “A shliach and his environment is holy ground, halacha and Bogmilsky and advice for dif- Brochos and Kochos his family all since he finds himself with the Rebbe in all ficult situations. (energy) to every the Brochos, his activities and personal life. Therefore he He is dedicating to derive much Photo credit: Pictures of the kinus . his life and his shliach “ nachas from his has a responsibility to conduct himself in in these 2 pages unless otherwise .accordance with Halacha in every detail.” attributed: Israel Bardugo/Chabad טובות ובריאות home to every individual that children and אריכות ימים ושנים .turns to him It’s mentioned in s’forim that The following is an excerpt the spelling of Kislev with a וירא from Rabbi Bogomilsky’s yud, spells out the verse HaShem – ה’ כי סר לראות -speech at the Kinus Hash luchim Melave Malka at Ohlei saw that he (Moshe) turned Torah: to see. This occurred when Hashem revealed himself We welcome all the shluchim in the “sneh”, the burning and want to reiterate that we bush. are here at all times to serve you in every way possible The kinus HaShluchim has כשם“ .and to respond to the ques- a double-fold purpose To date, Rabbi Bogmilsky שבא לראות כך בא ליראות” tions you have relating to plays a major role in the Vaad your shlichus and personal --In the same sense that a Rabonnim. In addition to life matters. person would come to the Bais serving our community in  CROWN HEIGHTS Announcements

bedside. She made it home by 4 p.m., Call The Nov. 13, 2007 when one of Dov’s grandmothers usu- New Your Times The Neediest ally took her place at the hospital. Mrs. CHJCC Grun tries to spend evenings with her Editorial Cases other children.

718~778~8808 Some Help in a New Life November 13, 2007 “As much as I would like to stay at the hospital all the time, I have to divide CHILD/FA MILY HEA LTH In the former , Mikhail The New York Times myself and make our life as normal as INSURANCE Fayner was a physicist and his wife, possible,” Mrs. Grun said. Mrs Kurtz...... ext. 32 Aleksandra, an engineer. They are Born With a Hole in His Heart, a Child intelligent people, warm and playful. Best Known as Magic The financial strain has left the family ENTITLEMENT SERVICES They are also Jewish, and in the Soviet in limbo. Mr. Grun left his job as a res- Rivka Shur...... ext. 24 Union, carrying that stamp on your By LORI MOORE taurant manager. Mrs. Grun rejected passport meant a lifetime of trouble. an offer for part-time work. Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 By the time the Soviet Union fell, they Chananya Grun, 5, inadvertently VOCATIONAL COUNSEL- had long since had enough and were named his baby brother Magic. When Already in debt after a failed business ING & SERVICES finally free to start a life somewhere his mother, Anat Grun, brought home venture, the Gruns have been finan- new. The United States granted them toys for Chananya, his two sisters and cially destroyed. But the community Rivka Shur...... ext 24 refugee status, and in 1997 they moved another brother, she told them they has rallied around them. Bela Vilenkin...... ext. 23 to New York City. were from the newest addition to the family, who was still in the hospital. High school students come by to help FOOD STAMPS Aleksandra’s brother helped them find the older children with their home- Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 an apartment in Washington Heights. “Babies don’t bring presents,” Chananya work. Neighbors have organized to Together, the couple, both around 60 objected. But afterM rs. Grun insisted provide cooked dinners for the family. FAMILY SERVICES at the time, worked odd jobs cleaning that this one had, Chananya came up Dov is constantly on the prayer list at Phyllis Mintz ...... ext. 28 houses and taking care of elderly with an explanation: “He’s a magic the Grun’s synagogue, and the couple CRIME VICTIMS people. But they struggled to cobble baby.” believe that their faith has carried their Batia Brandel ...... ext. 22 together $550 each month for rent. family this far. That baby, born in August 2006, and [email protected] After years of grappling with that now named Dov, has spent much of his Through word of mouth, theM etropol- (c) 917~618~0279 rent, they found a subsidized housing life in Schneider Children’s Hospital in itan Council on Jewish Poverty found program run by the Metropolitan New Hyde Park, N.Y., with a hole in his the Gruns. The council, a beneficiary Galina Pindrick...... ext. 31 Council on Jewish Poverty, an affiliate heart that led to complications, includ- of UJA-Federation of New York, one of UJA-Federation of New York, which ing being weak and underdeveloped of seven agencies supported by The 718~771~9000 is a beneficiary of The New York Times and having problems eating. New York Times Neediest Cases Fund, FEMA Neediest Cases Fund. The Fayners obtained $3,528.52 for utilities and were invited to live in a housing com- Jewish tradition decrees that a boy rent to keep them afloat while their Fruma Junik ext. 10 plex in Brooklyn where rent is fixed should not receive a name until his bris. income languished. 718~774~3999 at 30 percent of household income. But because of his health problems, After seven years in this apartment, the Dov could not undergo circumcision Now, Mr. Grun is working on leads YAM~ Youth Action Movement Fayners, now both American citizens, until he was 8 months old. Until then, for a more permanent career and has Yosef Kanofsky were able to save enough money to go Magic was how he was known. returned to his restaurant job in the back to Ukraine for the first time to meantime with the caveat of a more [email protected] visit their grandson, whom they hadn’t It is a name well earned. “We’ve seen flexible schedule, allowing him time 718~774~9213 seen since he was a baby. a lot of miracles with him,” said his with his family. Mrs. Grun hopes to SHALOM CENTER father, Yitzchok Grun, who said the resume teaching preschool when Dov Today, the Fayners are thriving. But severity of the child’s case and the is well enough for outside care. Shimon Hertz at 70 and 69 respectively, Mikhail complications have made Dov a chal- and Aleksandra still need a little extra lenge to his doctors. “He’s constantly Mrs. Grun also gives back to her S’chach Pick- help once in a while. The furniture in throwing them surprises and really community. As often as possible, she their apartment was used when they giving them a run for their money.” volunteers at a food bank, as she has Up got it seven years ago, and some of it been doing for the past five years, she has grown quite shabby. The Neediest Because of respiratory problems, said. And the family has a new appre- Cases Fund is helping them replace Dov had to undergo corrective heart ciation of both giving and receiving, e have noticed and have also some particularly rickety pieces. surgery at three weeks rather than six Mr. Grun said. been told that there is still months, when he would have been anW abundant amount of s’chach still Every penny you donate to The Times’s stronger, as is more typical for children “When we had a normal life, so to remaining in the schechuna. The Neediest Cases Fund goes to seven with his condition. speak, whenever I used to give to s’chach is mostly in the alleyways. local charities: the Children’s Aid charity, you know, I always felt good The city will not pick up the s’chach Society; the Brooklyn Bureau of Com- In and out of hospitals, he finally had about it, but I never really understood from the alleyways. In order to have munity Service; Catholic Charities of two and a half months at home between and appreciated the meaning of it and your s’chach picked up, kindly note the Archdiocese of New York; Catholic July and September. Then a routine the effect it had of being on the other the following procedures: Charities, Diocese of Brooklyn and operation to insert a gastrointestinal side,” he said. “It is tremendous — it Queens; the Community Service tube led to sepsis and a six-week stay in really is.” 1) Call 311 to arrange an appoint- Society of New York; the Federation of the intensive care unit, where yesterday ment day for pick-up. Protestant Welfare Agencies; and the morning he was readmitted. UJA-Federation of New York. Corrections: In last week’s edition, the Shluchim 2) The night before the pick- Mrs. Grun had to return to the hospital Photo from 5767 was taken by Israel up, put the s’chach in front of your To help out, please send a check to: routine, getting the four older children Bardugo. house. The New York Times Neediest Cases — Ayala, 10, Esther, 7, Sholom, 2, Fund, 4 Chase Metrotech Center, 7th and Chananya — to school and day In the “Shiur ” story, the father No pick-ups are made from the Floor East, Lockbox 5193, Brooklyn, care, then, when he was at Schneider of the Chassid in Russia went to the alley-ways. N.Y. 11245. You may also call (800) Children’s Hospital, driving more Rebbe Rashab who told him to travel 381-0075 and use a credit card, or you than 30 miles from her home on to Haditch to say Tehillim. Thank you for your co-operation •. may donate online at www.nycharities. Staten Island to spend the day at Dov’s org/neediest. crOWN heights  Met Council

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty:

The Voice of the Jewish Poor for 35 Years A Tribute to Willy Rapfogel ne in five Jews in New York City maintain the rights of the poor and By Moshe Rubashkin n behalf of the Crown Heights live at or just above the poverty oppressed.’ Here in New York City, Community, I want to thank line.O The Metropolitan Council on there are Jewish immigrants from the O you for all that you have Jewish Poverty has been advocating former Soviet Union and other parts done and all that you are for Jewish families in need for the of the world, working families, and doing for the people of past 35 years. When elderly Jews who this community and for working poor and are unable to care the people of New York immigrant families for themselves. City. You have always struggle to make Through the work been there for Crown ends meet, they turn of Met Council Heights and for this we to us for help. These and the Jewish extend our heartfelt families are work- community, we gratitude. You are a ing to provide for are able to defend true friend beyond what their children. They the causes of the words can describe. must often balance weak, the father- sending children less, the poor, and You have a special touch to Hebrew school, the oppressed.” not just for helping yeshiva, or summer Met Council is people but also for the camp, caring for the voice of the feelings and sensibilities elderly parents or sick 1 in 5 Jews that of others. You go about children, and feed- are in need in our your work with grace ing their families. City, but we can- and dignity. We admire Whether through not do this alone. you and strive to emu- a food package for How can you help late your example. Passover, covering make this voice one month’s rent to prevent eviction stronger? Donating $5 to cover a food Hashem should bless for a family in crisis, or visiting an iso- package meal for a family in need, you to continue your lated senior, Met Council constantly donating clothing or furniture through Mr. William E. Rapfogel, Executive Director & efforts forK ’lal Yisroel. responds to the needs of our You should go from strength to community, one person at a time. strength in all your endeavors. You As one of New York City’s major Biography should have Health, Wealth, and affordable housing providers, Nachas from your children, your the largest kosher food distribu- family, and your extended family--the WILLIAM E. RAPFOGEL tor in the United States, and a people you represent. model service provider in crisis illiam E. Rapfogel, a lifetime intervention and employment It is our privilege to publicize Willie’s New Yorker, has been Executive training programs, Met Council Biography in recognition of his amaz- DirectorW and Chief Executive Officer is at the forefront in serving our ing accomplishments. • of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish community’s neediest. Through Poverty since 1992. One of New York our network of 25 Jewish Com- City’s largest and most efficient non- munity Councils throughout profits, Met Council provides nearly the 5 boroughs, we serve at the 100,000 needy people with home care, grassroots level, responding to housing, employment, crisis interven- and advocating for the evolving tion and other social and community needs of the poor. Met Council’s services. Met Council also coordinates Executive Director, William a network of 25 local Jewish Commu- Rapfogel, has advocated for years in the Administration of Mayor nity Councils and thirty other national the Jewish poor and near-poor Edward I. Koch. and local organizations committed to since 1992 and is strongly com- helping the needy. mitted to building awareness of A graduate of Brooklyn College and these challenges: “As a Jewish the Columbia University Graduate President George W. Bush paid tribute community, we remember the Institute for Non-ProfitM anagement, to Mr. Rapfogel’s leadership at a White words of David when he said ‘Defend Met Council’s Machson Program, he serves on the board of the Primary House “Compassion in Action” Con- the cause of the weak and fatherless; volunteering an hour of your time your Care Development Corp., the Brook- ference in June, 2004. In 2002, Mr. contribution will help families survive lyn Navy Yard Development Corp., Rapfogel was a panelist at the Faith these crises. Visit www.metcouncil. and is vice-chair of Senior Health and Community-Based Initiative org for information on how you can Partners, as well as several community Conference in Philadelphia, after a help.• and professional institutions. Presidential Executive Order was signed. Mr. Rapfogel resides on the Lower East Side of Manhattan with his wife, Prior to joining the Met Council, Mr. Judy and their son Marc. Their son Rapfogel served as Executive Director Michael is married to the former Ora of the Institute for Public Affairs of the Spiler, they have a daughter, Emma; Union of Orthodox Jewish Congrega- and son Jonathan is married to the tions of America. He also served as former P’nina Gluck and they have a Executive Director of the American daughter, Chaya Sarah and two sons, Jewish Congress Metropolitan Region. Yecheskel and Akiva •. Mr. Rapfogel spent several years as Assistant New York City Comptroller under Harrison J. Goldin and three  CROWN HEIGHTS Our Teens

Rabbi Hecht, is chairman of the board of the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE), continuing the tradition of social services Kiddush Levana management and outreach that began with his father, the Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht A’H. He is a Rabbi and activ- By Rabbi Dovid S. Pape Forty years later and thousands of ist in the Jewish community, focusing on family crisis miles away, Rabbi Mendel Alpero- intervention, guiding and advising troubled youth and ne cloudy night during the first vitz and his wife, Fradi, shluchim in their families, marriage counseling, and drugs and cults years of the Rebbe’s nesius, a Bournemouth, England, decided to counseling and consultations. He can be reached at groupO of chassidim stood outside do something to encourage people to [email protected]. • Rabbi : 770 gazing at the sky, hoping to see the moon. “No one dared answer the Rebbe’s question. “ It was the fourteenth day of the month, It’s not a competition do Kiddush Levana. They announced the last day when it would be possible a grand event, a night-time boat cruise to say ‘Kiddush Levana.’ The whole authority, I will not go to my parents in the English Channel, highlighted by have recently read an article that week it had been cloudy. On this night just like I would not go to a friend. Just a Kiddush Levana ceremony. pointed out the fallacy of parents too, there was no moon. as I will be afraid that one friend might whoI follow the trend of being “friends” tell another, I might not trust my par- Their announcements met with little with their children. As they stood gazing at the clouds, the ent who feels they are my friend. interest. Only a few people signed up. Rebbe began telling a story: No one really wanted to go. Rabbi According to a recently released survey, I have seen mothers that compete Alperovitz was ready to cancel. Then 60 percent of parents admit that they with their daughters in looks. The Rabbi Meir of Premishlan some 200 out of the blue, a message arrived from have a hard time discussing important years earlier had faced a similar prob- the Rebbe, conveying his encourage- topics with lem. It was the last night you could ment and blessing. their teens. “All things being equal, if make Kiddush Levana, but the sky was covered with clouds. Rabbi Meir One reason is everyone is on the same Clearly, the Rebbe wanted the event to turned to his followers and asked a that parents take place. The Alperovitz’s increased level, teens feel more com- question. “How did the Jews recite are trying to their efforts to pull Kiddush Levana be buddies fortable speaking to their it off. They made when they were in with their phone calls. They peers – not their parents.” the desert? Wasn’t teens a nd talked it up. the camp covered a re a f ra id with the Ananei of sounding Then the weather Kavod, the Clouds mean. competition is subtle, but the tension b e c a m e v e r y of Glory?” is not. Many times mothers dress nasty. For days Setting up a exactly like their daughters blurring it ra i ned a nd parent-child relationship as a friend- No one dared the lines of difference between them. rained. The fore- ship doesn’t allow parents to fulfill answer the Rebbe’s I have seen fathers compete with their casts predicted their real job which is to be a guide, question. sons in learning or business. Again, it heavy clouds and teacher, role model and mentor for is nothing overt, but the competition Zalman Kleinman thunderstorms. their children. Parents that befriend Rabbi Meir continued, “Moshe Rab- Art Gallery is there. their children claim that this will help beinu took a handkerchief, waved it Miraculously 40 them have a better relationship with To d a y, I at the spot where the moon was sup- people displayed their loyalty and their children when they reach their sometimes posed to be. The clouds would part, came to the harbor for the cruise. teens. Though this argument may seem see children and everyone would make Kiddush The rains held off, and the ship set compelling, a parent- child relation- following a Levana.” Then Reb Meir waved his out. The program went smoothly. ship that mimics a friendship hinders very nega- own handkerchief at the clouds, as if A gentle breeze blew, but nothing parents from discussing things that are tive trend of to show what he meant, and suddenly horrendous. important with their teenagers. calling their the clouds moved apart, and there was parents by the moon. Some of the discomfort is on the part of But the sky remained overcast. their first the parent. If they treat their teenager There was no moon. Everyone was name. The Rebbe looked around. “Maybe it like they are on the same level as a full disappointed. Those who could happen again. Can anyone here do this mistakenly think that this do the same thing?” As the boat was about to head back “Parents need to shows openness and love. I hate to to the pier, Rabbi Alperovitz told the break it to them that this shows noth- The chassidim were silent. No one be parents. “ story about the handkerchief. Everyone ing other than a lack of respect. said a word. Finally, one elder Chassid looked expectantly at the sky. Would boldly suggested, “Perhaps the Rebbe grown adult, where do they now come the clouds part for him too? could do it.” to claim that they are more knowledge- “It is best when parents act able or educated than their child? Who Someone must have waved a TheR ebbe did not reply. He shrugged, are they to speak about serious issues as parents and leave the handkerchief. turned, and walked back inside. The like peer pressure, bullying, harass- role of friend to their child’s Chassidim remained on the sidewalk ment, drugs and alcohol or moral and The clouds began to thin out. Then watching as the clouds raced on the religious values when they are on the friend.“ they saw the glimmer of the moon. And wind. same level as their child? then the moon appeared, beautiful and Parents need to be parents. They need clear and full in the night sky. Teenagers also have a problem respect- A few minutes later, a break seemed to to set boundaries. They need to say ing a parent who always implied that appear. It grew larger. Then the clouds no. Even if at first it upsets the child, Filled with awe and wonder, Rabbi the two of them are on the same level. parted altogether, revealing a gorgeous in the long run this is what children Alperovitz led his people in reciting All things being equal, if everyone bright moon in the sky. want and will appreciate. Acting like Kiddush Levana, sanctifying the new is on the same level, teens feel more a parent will bring a certain respect moon, with the fervent prayer: comfortable speaking to their peers They ran in to tell the Rebbe. When and help a parent talk to their children – not their parents. he came out to recite the prayer with about all sorts of difficult topics that “As the moon has been renewed, so them, the Chassidim whispered to There is also the issue of trust. If my must be discussed even when it isn’t too, Hashem, may the Jewish people each other. Surely the Rebbe had parents are my friends and I am look- comfortable. It is best when parents act also be renewed with the coming of waved his handkerchief in the privacy ing for a trusted adult or someone of as parents and leave the role of friend Moshiach, Dovid Melech Yisroel, Chai of his room, when no one would see. to their child’s friend. • crOWN heights  Shidduchim

Vedibarta Bam ~ Vayeitzei - Finding A Needle In A Marriage Haystack he tried to grind it in a grindstone but Luz and the House it remained the same. Then he threw Marriages are made in Heaven - Part II it into a fire, but it was not consumed. of G‑d By: Sarah Junik Then he soaked it in water but nothing we all have to acknowledge that we By Moshe Bogomilsky rubbed off or disintegrated. Then he have no control whatsoever over the hy is it that when it comes placed in on an anvil and pounded it situation. We know that all we can to the Parsha of Shidduchim n this week’s parshah we read that with a hammer. The anvil split and the do is our Hishtadlus. We must daven, everyoneW is so fearful. It is not just our father Yaakov named the place hammer broke, but the bone remained we must do all we can to bring about the children, but also the parents and whereI he had the famous dream of the intact. a favorable outcome, but ultimately, it the Shadchonim who agree this is a ladder which was set earthward with its is not in our control. It is entirely up difficult period. Why is it perceived top reaching heavenward, “Beit Keil” From this we can understand the lesson to the Eibishter. In this one respect to be so hard by everyone? — the “House of G‑d.” Torah says, that Torah is conveying to us. In order we all recognize, maybe even if only “However, Luz was the city’s name for the Jewish people to be able to face subconsciously, that we are not in True, it is a decision that will affect originally.” up to the trials and tribulations in life, control. Boy! Is that scary! No wonder our children’s whole life and we do maintain a House of G‑d, and live up everyone takes looking for a shidduch not want to make mistakes. On the Everything in Torah is a guide for us to the standards that Torah has given particularly seriously. other hand, there are other decisions in our daily lives. What could possibly us, we must first be as strong as the we make as we raise our children, that be the necessity for Torah to tell us bone called “luz.” No We should realize that it is not up to will also affect their whole lives, and we the previous name of the city? What matter how much our us to choose the shliach that will make do not universally agonize over those difference does it make to us in this enemies may try to the right match for our S/D (Son/ decisions as much as on this one. day and age? It seems that all we need break and destroy us, Daughter). If we were not successful to be concerned with is that the city a Jew must be head- with our visits to the shadchonim, if Decisions such as finding the right was named “Beit Keil” by our father strong and steadfast, Yeshiva or Seminary should also be never weakening or, deliberated carefully and at length. The “We think that we have G‑d forbid, succumbing. “Everything in Torah is a right Seminary or Yeshiva can give the control over our parnosso, right hashkafa, the right impetus to guide for us in our daily Therefore, the Torah tells us, if you our children for the rest of their lives. over where we live, over all want to have a Beit Keil — if you want lives.” Should we just decide on the basis of to build a home in Israel which will be kind of decisions we make what their friends or ours are doing? a House of G‑d, you must first prepare Jacob. Other than that, we couldn’t Should this not also be a well-thought- daily. ” and condition yourself to be strong care less. out decision and therefore fraught with they could not, or they would not help in your will-power and determined anxiety? us, we should not blame them. If we However, my dear Chatan, Kallah expend our time and energy complain- and assembled relatives and guests, It is my opinion that we erroneously ing that the shadchonim did not do it seems to me that a very serious “In order for the Jewish believe that we have control over the their jobs, were not efficient, or caring message comes forth from this pas- people to be able to face up decision we make in life. We think we enough, we will not have the time and sage. Torah wants to tell us that the have control over our parnosso, over energy to look elsewhere. Maybe the forerunner to the House of G‑d — Beit to the trials and tribula- where we live, over all kind of deci- shadchonim we went to were not the Keil — was Luz. tions in life, maintain a sions we make daily. We think that we right shluchim for us. make a good living because we work House of G‑d, and live up hard, or we are talented, or other such Arranging shidduchim is one of to the standards that Torah reasons, but in reality, it all comes from Hashem’s main preoccupations since Hakadosh Baruch Hu. How much we the creation of the world. Let us all has given us, we must first will make in a year is decided on Yom have bitachon that Hashem’s guidance be as strong as the bone Kippur, how healthy we will be, how through Hashgacha Pratis will lead us successful etc., etc., all of it comes in the right direction. He has done so called “luz.” directly from Hashem. We do not live with every other aspect of our lives! in the Midbar anymore, but we should Even though it might be taking a bit in your convictions to maintain and really feel like the Yidden did then. longer than we expected, if we do our uphold Torah and mitzvot without Sustenance comes to us day by day part, it will happen at the right time, What is the significance of Luz? The weakening one iota. If you will be a directly from Hashem. So do all the Im Yirza Hashem. answer to this we find in theM idrash “luz,” then you will be able to build a others pieces that make up our lives. (Bereishit Rabbah 28:3). We are Beit Keil. Somehow, although we know this, it is It is propitious for the prospective told that Adrianus (Hadrian) said to relegated to the back of our minds; it is Chosson or Kallah to daven for them- Rabbi Yehoshua the son of Chanina, This is, indeed, a lesson to every Jew, not something we acknowledge daily, selves and for their friends to have “Tell me, when Al‑mighty G‑d will and especially to Chatan and Kallah or at any time things go our way. Siyata D’Shemaya in the Parsha of resurrect the dead, from where will who are starting out in life anew. When shidduchim. HKB”H wants us to He begin in man?” He wanted to a young couple begins to build a home In the parsha of Beshalach, Moshe tells daven, and sometimes things may not know if the resurrection will begin in Israel they must understand that in B’nei Yisroel to take just one portion of happen until we put our hearts into from some specific part of the body. order to have a Beit Keil, there must be Monn per house member. Some take our Tefilos. • Rabbi Yehoshua answered him: “After “luz” before it. There must be determi- more, some take less, but when they a person goes to his eternal rest and his A Needle in a Haystack is a book of advice nation by both parties to be as strong as come home and measure, each one physical remains return to dust, every for parents starting to look at shidduchim. the “luz” — to stand up against the ill only has one portion per household part of his body will decompose except It was written on the occasion of Mrs winds that blow both from without and member. It is not necessary to work the little bone on the spine which is Junik’s daughter’s wedding. within and not give alien influences oneself to the bone, never take vaca- called ‘luz.’ No power in the world an opportunity to break through or tions, never be home for your kids. The Any constructive comment is welcomed can destroy this bone, and from it the to, G‑d forbid, have an impact. Then portion allotted to you is still going by the editor. resurrection will begin.” they are assured that the home they to be the same. A person must do his Write to CHP5768 @gmail. are building will be a true Beit Keil or her job conscientiously, but to be a Adrianus was rather doubtful of this, com or directly to the author at — House of G‑d — and their future workaholic plays no purpose. so he asked that they bring him this [email protected]. will be bright, beautiful, and successful. bone. They did and he tested it. First ,When it comes to Shidduchim, though • (הרב יעקב יהודה ל”ז העכט) 10 CROWN HEIGHTS

Our Heroes

Force Behind Growth of Moroccan Jewry Passed Away at 91

Courtesy of chabad.org/news Photo Credit: Chabad.org/Lubavitch Archives out of the Soviet Union using ates, which was designed to By Joshua Runyan and Dovid a forged visa, making his way buttress the ethnic customs Zaklikowski to . A year later he of the Sephardic Jews living traveled with fellow yeshiva in Morocco. “They worked abbi Shlomo Matusof, students to to learn. hand in hand with the who was one of the lead- there.” ersR of the Chabad-Lubavitch “It was the first time that I was educational activities in able to sit and learn as a free When he received the Rebbe’s Morocco for close to 50 years, Jew and with no obstacles,” letter, Matusof was engaged died Saturday night in New he writes. to be married, and lived in York. He was 91. France after a life of hardship In a Muslim Land under Communism in Russia. The news came as a shock to But instead of settling down, the thousands of Lubavitch A new chapter of his life began the assignment to Morocco emissaries who had gathered in the winter of 1950, with the saw the rabbi once again dis- in New York for their annual Rebbe’s assignment. play an inordinate amount of international conference. self-sacrifice. After getting married a short Soviets saw Matusof behind dents’ arrests forced Matusof while later, the new couple A Life of Self-Sacrifice bars. A group of Jews had to run once more. After pack- arrived in Morroco presented the young man the in the spring of 1951. Matusof was born on Yom opportunity to escape the What they encoun- Kippur in 1917 in Vitebsk, Soviet Union through the tered was a proud Belarus. As a small child he Turkish border. Matusof, who Jewish community learned in the Lubavitch net- had two brothers already liv- in a predominantly work of underground schools. ing in what was then Palestine, Muslim country deal- The locations would change arranged for a visa there and ing with fallback from daily, sometimes moving paid to be smuggled out of the the establishment of from city to city, according country. the state of Israel three Matusof, a Russian native to autobiographical chapters years prior. and veteran Lubavitch emis- at the end of Matusof’s book, The men who were supposed sary who endured imprison- Rishmei Biurim, a collection to aid Matusof, however, “He got the locals to do ment at the hands of Soviet of scholarly explanations of turned out to be informants. activities themselves,” authorities before being sent key Talmudic passages. After his imprisonment,M atu- said Eliyahu Matusof. to Morocco in 1950 by the sof, homeless, wandered for When he started, “the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi When he was a teenager, the months from house to house, ing up his personal belongings education was very poor in Menachem Mendel Schneer- yeshiva moved permanently subsisting on morsels of food. and exiting from the factories Morocco. The Jews were very son, of righteous memory, gates, he was tapped on the poor.” worked tirelessly to shepherd shoulder by a gentleman who the Jewish community in ordered Matusof to follow But the Matusofs devoted North Africa. Through the him. The destination was themselves to the cause, even- years, the Lubavitch network the secret police, where he tually developing a very good of counted some 70 was interrogated about the relationship with Morocco’s separate institutions, produc- existence of the yeshiva. royal family. ing thousands of graduates, including current Chief Rabbi After answering a litany of To this day, the Jewish com- of Israel Shlomo Amar. questions mainly dealing with munity remaining in Morocco his connection with the fam- continues to be protected by In his letter appointingM atu- ily of the Sixth Lubavitcher the state. sof as an assistant to Rabbi Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Michoel Lipsker, the Rebbe , of righteous Matusof leaves behind his highlighted the public nature memory, and the identity of wife Pessia Matusof and sons of a Lubavitch emissary. his classmates, Matusof was Rabbi Matusof Photo Credit: Chabad.org/Lubavitch Archives Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Matusof, thrown into jail and later from his home town and from Finally, he found out about a a Lubavitch emissary in Tou- Instead of private individuals, transferred to a facility for that time on, he did not see his school opening near Moscow louse, France; Rabbi Yehuda emissaries are “candles that political prisoners. parents much. in the city of Malakhovka. Leib Matusof, a Lubavitch illuminate all their surround- emissary in Cannes, France; ings and … people who live Throughout his time in jail, Later, he traveled for five days But in 1935, the adminis- Rabbi Eliyahu Matusof; Rabbi and grant vitality to another he prayed three times a day, to Kutaissi, Georgia, where tration of the underground Yona Matusof, a Lubavitch person, another two people, a practice he continued when the local government was school feared that they were emissary to the University another three, etc.,” the Rebbe a few months later he was somewhat less severe in its under surveillance by the of Wisconsin in Madison; wrote in Hebrew in a letter exiled to Kazakhstan. After a approach to the Jewish com- secret police. Consequently Rabbi Reuven Matusof, a dated Aug. 9, 1950. “The fruits few years there, he started to munity. Matusof writes that Matusof, joined by his class- Lubavitch emissary in , [of these efforts] will produce build up his life again until he his life was relatively easy in mates, once again moved, this France; Rabbi Shmariyahu fruit and further generations was thrown into jail anew after his year in Georgia: “We at time to Marina Roshtza in Matusof; Rabbi Menachem of fruit for eternity.” being caught learning a book least had fruits and vegetables Moscow. Matusof writes that Mendel Matusof, a Lubavitch of Chasidic thought. to eat and a place to sleep. … he found in the city a good emissary to Alberta, Canada; “The shluchim came there We accepted everything with place to sleep, “on a shelf in and daughters Baila Paltinski to build a Jewish education He was released in 1940. joy.” a small room in a factory of of New Jersey and Aidaleh system,” said Rabbi Eliyahu someone I knew.” Nemenov of New York. • Matusof in describing the In 1946, he joined the great But an undercover operation work of his father and associ- migration of Polish citizens undertaken at the behest of the One day, news of some stu- crOWN heights 11

s”xc

nctr nurbu vcga”y unxchr gumo dusk pguk, pguk, dusk gumo unxchr vcga”y nurbu nctr YAM JAM hj gk rcho rjnho vngurrho vjcrho rgho’ tvc, Project ak shi dzr eurgho sjeu cag, dhko uci jcro ”acgho abv unvpfho/// kcrfv/// kjhho trufho” kjhho kcrfv/// unvpfho/// abv ”acgho From the teachings of the Ba’al Shem Tov: “One cannot estimate the amazing power of to life Ahavas Yisroel. Friends who together arouse Bring your instrument, your Heavenly mercy for another friend in distress have the power to tear up a 70-year decree…” band, your talent, your Force Behind Growth of Moroccan Jewry Passed Away at 91 131( s; tw jke nuvrhh”. v,uksu, )xpr a caLL to aLL creativity, your friends, ktrah ,ubcu hab and your excitement to YoU haVe the famous Open Mic the PoWer! in Crown Heights. Let us unite for 18 days of action to bring heaLing, good heaLth and vkutd. show that you care during the auspicious days of vtupr and vkutd from j”xa, ukxf y“h-ukxf asuj atr Motzei Shabbos Choose one or more areas in which to add chayos and make a difference. PartiCiPate on whatever level you can by taking upon yourself one or more items in vru,, Vayeitzei 8 PM vkhp,, vesm, in the comfort of your own home and/or by attending the many upcoming events. Join in the many inspirational events and taking place during these days. Inspire others to have a igdbhhrcrtp, say ohhjk, and make good ,uykjv. Aliya Institute 527 E. vru, vkp, vesm New York Avenue (between  adding in learning daily  saying kapital chof of ohkv,  giving extra vesm daily vumn rushv daily  giving vesm to organizations that  extra care in performing a vumn  having ,uaec in mind while support vtupr Brooklyn and Kingston) performing the 3 ,uumn of a woman  Volunteering time to visit and  Join or form a ohkv, group help ohkuj and their families extra care not to speak while  going out on ohgmcn and sharing We are sure that in the davening in shul this message with others ,ufz of our united effort and actions will send a complete and v”cev vtupr www.impactingimage.com Males Only shnu ;fh, vnhka vkutd! participating organizations: Ahavas Chesed  Bais Chaya Mushka  Bais Chaya Mushka  Bais Rivkah  Bais Rivkah Alumni Association  Bais Rivkah Alumni 5762  Beis Midrash L’noshim Ubanos  BMC Seminary – S. Agatha, Montreal  Bnos Chomesh  Bnos Menachem  Byit – Bais Yehudi Institute of Training  Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim  Crown Heights Mikvah  Crown Heights Women’s Division of RCCS  Crown Heights Women’s Oneg Shabbos Torah Study Group (Friday night)   Hatzolah of Crown Heights  Hashiur L’dovrei Ivrit  Friendship Circle/  Jr. N’shei  Keren Simchas Chosson V’Kallah   Mivtzah Harfrashas Challah  Mivtzah Kashrus  Mivtzah Neshek  N’shei Chabad Mivtzoim Committee  N’shei Chabad Newsletter  N’shei Ubonos Chabad Block Committee  N’shei U’bnos Chabad  N’shei Chabad 770 Women’s Shul Committee  Ohr Chana  Russian Jr. N’shei  Taharas Hamishpocha International  Ten Yad kzfu, rputv akhnv kfk tb”a ahjhu amrhfho rputv c,ul fkk hartk fkk c,ul rputv amrhfho ahjhu tb”a kfk akhnv rputv kzfu,

! AN AUTHORITATIVE RESOURCE FINALLY THAT HAS ALL THE ANSWERS! JOBS!! JOBS!! SEFER Brooklyn, Manhattan, HADRAS PONIM ZOKON TELL YOUR - Regarding the Beard in Jewish Law - Queens, New Jersey, CHILDREN/STUDENTS:

Long Island � Why is the beard referred to throughout Torah literature as the Tzelem Elokim (image of YOU NAME IT, WE’LL FIND IT! HaShem in man) and the Hadras Panim (beauty of the face)?

� Why do Chazal consider the • SKILLED OR NO SKILLS beard the means through which • EXPERIENCED OR NO EXPERIENCE Divine blessings (for parnasa, shidduchim, gezunt, success in • DEGREE OR NO DEGREE Torah studies, etc.) are channeled to us?

DO YOU NEED TRAINING OR DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT � Why have Jews throughout the centuries been moser nefesh to preserve their beards? DO YOU NEED HELP CREATING OR UPGRADING YOUR RESUME? � Why did the Chofetz Chaim write an entire work on the WE’LL REFER YOU FOR TRAINING: importance of maintaining a full, untrimmed beard?

• CATERING / BAKING � Why is the beard considered • SECRETARIAL so sacred that rather that taking an oath while holding a Torah • WOODWORKING scroll, people would hold their beard instead (as attested to by • MEDICAL CODING the Chofetz Chaim)? • IT UPGRADE � Why did the Steipler Gaon Enc ylopedic • BASIC ACCOUNTING (and Jews throughout history) t in scope his is a m , treat beard hairs that fell out with co assive mpilatio • CDL LICENSE same reverence as shaimos? in n that is valuable o for not nly Rabb • ESL ‡ÂÏÈ ÂÓÂÚÈÏÆ Ë· „·¯ ·ÎÍ Ú¢‰ ‰Â‡ ¢ÏÚ¢„ R onim an Ú¢È Ê‰ È˙·¯¯Â ÂÈ˙Ï· ‰„·¯Ę̀ ÂȉÈß ·ÎÍ ÂȉÈß ‰„·¯Ę̀ ÂÈ˙Ï· È˙·¯¯Â ʉ Ú¢È oshei Ye d ‰ˆÏ‰ ÓÚÂÔ ÁÓ¯¢ ÓÚÂÔ ‰ˆÏ‰ shiva b • GED also pa ut ©ÓÎ˙· ‰‚‡ÂÔ ¯·È ˘ÏÓ‰ ÊÏÓÔ ‡ÂÈÚ¯·‡Í ʈ¢Ï ÏÓÁ·¯ ÒÙ¯ ¢‰„¯˙ ÒÙ¯ ÏÓÁ·¯ ʈ¢Ï ‡ÂÈÚ¯·‡Í ÊÏÓÔ ˘ÏÓ‰ ¯·È ‰‚‡ÂÔ ©ÓÎ˙· rents an ÙÈÌ Ê˜Ô¢ „ÙÒ ·ÒÙ¯ „ÙÒ Ê˜Ô¢ ÙÈÌ teachers d ¢‰ÏÈÎÂ˙ ˘ÏÓ‰¢ ‰Ïß ˙Ùω ÚÓß È¢‡® ÚÓß ˙Ùω ‰Ïß ˘ÏÓ‰¢ ¢‰ÏÈÎÂ˙ who wi • PATTERN MAKING /SEWING master sh to the sub an ject By d know BUY IT TODAY... the answ RABBI MOSHE ers STOP IN AND TALK TO OUR EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT: Learn the key WIENER Bella Vilenkin to Hatzlocha & Parnassa! 1,024 Pages 61/2” X 91/2” (718)778-8808 ext.23 Published with the haskamos of the leading AVAILABLE AT ALL SEFORIM STORES Full-color Laminated binding $16 Rabbinic Authorities of our times. Elegant Leather-look binding $21 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Spotlight On Our Mosdos

Midos Tovos Recipe for Success “At Bnos Chomesh, skills-based subjects are Flying High studied in levels, so that By Dena Gorkin through a chapter in Kitzur Shulchan at the United Aruch or a particular section of daven- each student is learning f you walked into a building and ing. A special Chumash B’iyun class at her level of challenge Lubavitcher saw girls working on artistic pastel allows students to delve into deeper creations,I playing guitar, and doing levels of learning “al pi Chassidus”. A and nobody feels either Yeshiva of aerobic exercise where would you Regents’ program for general studies pressured or bored. “ be? ensures that Bnos Chomesh students Ocean “It’s a great environment….very homey Parkway and loving.”

“We’re one big happy family!” n November 5th 2007, the United Lubavitcher Yeshiva on Ocean “The assignments are challenging, but ParkwayO kicked off a year-long midos also very practical.” Tovos passport campaign, named in honor and memory of Reb Shmuel “Chavrusa learning is really helping Schrage O.B.M. me improve my skills.”

“I enjoy all the extras, like art, music and nutrition class.”

“It’s a great environment…there’s no other school around like it!”

When I talk to people about Bnos Chomesh, the universal reaction is: No, it’s not a local recreation center. It graduate high school with a Regents “What a great thing! I bet you can’t is Bnos Chomesh Girls’ High School diploma if they choose to. wait till the school grows really big?” in Valley Stream Long Island. And in And my answer is always the same: addition to all of the above, you would On Sunday mornings Bnos Chomesh “…he touched so many lives Our aim is not to grow bigger…only also hear the sounds of learning and students volunteer their time with through his selfless acts of laughter as students work to meet local shluchim. Giving back to the academic challenges and enjoy the community is the practical application kindness.” friendship of their peers. of all of the learning that takes place at school. Mrs. Shrage, his wife, spoke capti- Bnos Chomesh is a new girls’ school vatingly and told many stories to aimed at meeting the individual needs Our students and teachers enjoy the wide-eyed students from grades of all types of students. Each student’s a camaraderie that is unique to a 1-8. She shared with them parts of personal growth is considered as small, warm school setting. It is not her husband’s life, relating the ways uncommon to find students spending their recess or lunch time chatting with a staff member. Teachers listen better. to students and are open to making changes that will better accommodate This year Bnos Chomesh consists of a student’s learning needs. One student grades nine and ten. With Hashem’s needed some extra help in a subject help we will expand to include and and a peer tutor was arranged. Another eleventh grade in the fall of 2008 student wanted to learn Tanya more and round out with a senior class by in depth so an additional Tanya class 2009. But our goal is to maintain one was created. Our philosophy: Keep of the key ingredients in our success: we design academic and extra-cur- in which he touched so many lives students motivated and they will strive small class sizes, up to 15 students per ricular programs that are stimulating, through his selfless acts of kindness. to reach higher goals, both in learning class. Of course with a much smaller thought-provoking and enjoyable. and in their personal lives. teacher-student ratio, the cost of run- In his memory, we at U.L.Y.O.P. have ning school is significantly increased. With class sizes limited to 15, this is a put together this program to give the If you ask the students at Bnos Cho- But we believe that it is well worth the reachable goal. Weekly teachers’ meet- kinderlach the opportunity to evalu- mesh what they like best about school, expense when a child feels that school ings ensure that any issue relating to a ate their own midos and then make this is what you will hear: is her home away from home…that particular student will be addressed in improvements as they are needed. This she is cared for and encouraged to a timely fashion. Students know that program will I”YH be followed up with learn and to grow as a Bas their opinions are taken into Chabad. account and that their teach- ers are really listening. Anyone looking to be involved in Bnos Cho- At Bnos Chomesh, skills- mesh in any capacity, based subjects are studied please feel free to contact in levels, so that each student us at (718) 687-3183 or e- is learning at her level of mail us at bnoschomesh@ challenge and nobody feels gmail.com. Sponsors and either pressured or bored. volunteers are crucial A Chavrusa program helps in making our school students to hone their inde- many assemblies recognizing those succeed B’Gashmiyus pendent learning skills as good midos and helping the boys live so that we can succeed students make their way as true Tomimim in Lubavitch. B’Ruchniyus!•