CONTENTS
4 | ELEVATING EISAV D’var Malchus / Sichos in English 10 | IN THE Z’CHUS OF SPREADING YIDDISHKAIT Letters of the Rebbe MH”M U.S.A 12 | BRINGING THE MESSAGE HOME 744 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 19 Kislev / Rabbi Chaim Ashkenazi Tel: (718) 778-8000 Fax: (718) 778-0800 [email protected] 18 | SHLUCHIM IN ACADEMIA www.beismoshiach.org Shlichus / Shai Gefen ERETZ HA’KODESH 72915 s cj rpf 102 /s/, 26 | ‘NO MORE WILL LIONS ROAR’ (03) 9607-290 :iupky Insight / Shai Gefen (03) 9607-289 :xep
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© Copyright 2004 by Beis Moshiach, Inc D’VAR MALCHUS ELEVATING EISAV
SICHOS IN ENGLISH
SHABBOS PARSHAS Yisroel and the events which and are necessary to appreciate by VAYISHLACH; 14TH DAY OF transpired afterwards with what way of contrast the chronicles of KISLEV, 5751 appears to be a totally tangential Yaakov. Furthermore, their having matter, the chronicles of Eisav. What been recorded in the Torah conveys 1. This week’s Torah portion is the reason for this? upon them an eternal begins by relating how Yaakov importance[248] and indeed implies Rashi addresses himself to this completed his service in Charan, that they convey an independent difficulty in the beginning of his establishing his family, and then sent lesson and are not mentioned merely commentary to Parshas VaYeishev, messengers to Eisav, his brother, to to serve as a contrast to the relating: the land of Seir. This act is slightly chronicles of Yaakov. problematic: Yaakov was commanded After [the Torah] relates the... There is another problematic by G-d to return to Eretz Yisroel and chronicles of Eisav in brief because aspect to the chronicles of Eisav G-d promised him, “I will be with they are not important... It relates mentioned in this Torah reading. At you.” Accordingly, it does not seem the... chronicles of Yaakov in detail the conclusion of the parsha, Rashi appropriate for him to tarry and send for they are important and worthy of interprets the “lord of Magdiel” as messengers. On the contrary, elaboration... To cite an analogy, a referring to Rome. We must seemingly, he should have proceeded pearl fell into sand. A person began... understand: a) On what does Rashi directly to Eretz Yisroel without any sifting through the sand to try to find base this interpretation? b) What is hesitation. This difficulty leads us to the pearl. He would discard the his intent in conveying this the conclusion that, as will be pebbles and take the pearl. explained, in order for Yaakov to information to us? The analog is that at the outset, return to Eretz Yisroel in a full and These difficulties can be resolved the pearl, Yaakov and his complete manner, he had to send in the context of an analysis of this descendants, were mixed together messengers to Eisav. week’s Haftora, “The vision of with sand, Eisav and his Ovadia.” The connection to the There is another somewhat descendants. Relating the story of Torah reading lies in that Ovadia’s problematic point concerning Eisav Eisav in brief reflects the sifting away vision relates what, “The L-rd, G-d, in this week’s Torah portion. After of the sand so that the full attention says concerning Edom,” describing in the portion relates the events which could be paid to Yaakov and his detail the retribution Edom will transpired until Yaakov returned to descendants. the home of Yitzchok, his father, it ultimately receive: Nevertheless, the very fact that chronicles Eisav’s family and the The house of Yaakov will be a fire the Torah does relate – albeit in brief nation, Edom, which descended from and the house of Yosef a flame and – the chronicles of Eisav implies that him. Thus, the Torah interrupts the the house of Eisav will be stubble. they possess a certain importance narrative of Yaakov’s return to Eretz They will set them ablaze and
4 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 consume them [until] there will be another.” Rashi explains, “They will the refinement of the realm of no remnant of the house of Eisav... not share greatness. When one Tikkun (the realm which is Saviors will ascend Mount Zion to ascends, the other will fall.” This intrinsically related to him) and he judge the Mount of Eisav, and the implies that in addition to his had to begin the refinement of Tohu, sovereignty will be the L-rd’s. individual service, Yaakov’s sphere of Eisav’s realm, where Divine energies activity must involve the refinement that transcend the level of Tikkun are On the latter verse, Rashi of Eisav, the father of Edom (symbol revealed. To facilitate this objective, comments, “[G-d’s] sovereignty will of all gentile nations). In a larger he sent messengers to notify Eisav not be complete until He exacts sense, this refers to our service in that this process was about to begin. retribution from the descendants of refining the world at large, elevating Eisav.” The messengers informed him, the Divine sparks that have become however, that Eisav was not ready for The choice of this reading for the enclothed in the material substance such refinement. On the contrary, he Haftora raises several questions. The of the world. According to Kabbala, was marching against Yaakov with Haftora is intended to parallel the these sparks fell from the realm of four hundred men of war. When content of the Torah reading. In this Yaakov realized this, he saw that his instance, although the Torah reading objective could not be accomplished mentions Eisav and Edom immediately. Therefore, he decided, extensively, there is seemingly no The gentiles possess “I will proceed slowly, at the pace of allusion to the retribution Eisav will the work that is before me... until I receive. On the contrary, the Torah an advantage in the come to my lord in Seir.” When will reading relates how Yaakov he come? Rashi explains, After the subjugated himself to Eisav, while realm of eichus as coming of Moshiach, when “saviors the Haftora prophesies how Yaakov’s well, for the will ascend Mount Zion to judge the descendants will obliterate the house Mount of Eisav and the sovereignty of Eisav. refinement of the will be the L-rd’s.” Then, G-d’s In this context, there are two gentiles – who on an sovereignty will be revealed over all other questions of general the inhabitants of the earth for significance: a) Why is “the house of apparent level are eternity. Eisav” so significant that it opposes Based on the above, we can G-d’s sovereignty, as it were? b) The lower – elevates a understand why Rashi interprets Hebrew for retribution perayon also Magdiel as referring to Rome. After has the connotation of repaying a higher level of Divine Rashi explains that the confrontation debt. What debt is there to be between Yaakov and Eisav will repaid? sparks, the sparks continue until the future redemption, These difficulties can be resolved which fell from the a question arises: What connection as follows: The Haftora represents does the present exile have with the conclusion of the matters world of Tohu. Eisav? Rashi clarifies by explaining discussed in the Torah portion. Thus, that one of Eisav’s lords, Magdiel, is it brings out the inner meaning of identified with Rome,[249] the the Torah portion. The encounter Tohu. Thus, they contain particularly power which destroyed the Beis between Yaakov and Eisav should not high spiritual potentials and their HaMikdash and under whose be perceived as merely an isolated elevation can be compared to the authority the Jews will remain until event. Rather, it reflects a pattern of repayment of a debt. Moshiach comes.[250] service for Yaakov that is also It is still necessary to understand: relevant in subsequent generations To accomplish this purpose, Why is the refinement of the gentiles until the final confrontation of these Yaakov sent emissaries to Eisav his so important that it represents the two powers during the future brother in Edom. After he had fulfillment of Yaakov’s service? The redemption. completed establishing his own household in Charan, he realized resolution to this question relates to Yaakov and Eisav represent the that to complete his purpose within the Jew’s position as “the smallest kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom the world, it was necessary for him among the nations” and is connected of Edom. The Torah relates, “The to begin the refinement of Eisav. In with the interrelation between eichus upper hand will go from one to Kabbalistic terms, he had completed (“quality” or “inner content”) and
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 5 kamus (“quantity”). Generally, it is Nevertheless, in an ultimate which is, “The vision of Ovadia.” explained that the Jews possess the sense, there is an advantage to Our Sages explain that Ovadia was dimension of eichus and the gentiles, t’shuva which has no connection to an Edomite convert. Therefore, G-d’s kamus. This, however, is an under- sin, for through this form of t’shuva, revelation of the vision concerning developed approach. we connect our souls to their source, the retribution to be given to Edom the essence of G-d.[254] Indeed, it is reflects a pattern of “From [the It is wrong to say that the gentiles this essential connection which forest] itself, comes [the handle of possess only the dimension of kamus generates the potential for repentance the axe] which fells it,” transforming and do not possess any eichus for sin and endows the t’shuva the negative aspects of Edom, the whatsoever. On the contrary, eichus connected with repentance to lead to lowest aspects of existence, and thus, and kamus are interrelated. the reestablishment of the Jew’s preparing the world for the Particularly, when we are speaking ultimate essential bond with G-d. revelation of G-d’s sovereignty and about beings created by G-d from the advent of the Era when “I will absolute nothingness, their very A similar concept applies in make the peoples pure of speech that existence – and surely their quantity regard to the contrast between the they will all call on the name of G-d – is directly connected with their Jews and the gentiles mentioned and serve Him with a single eichus, the Divine life-force which above. The gentiles possess an purpose.”[256] brings them into being.[251] Thus, advantage in the realm of eichus as the fact that the kamus of the gentile well, for the refinement of the Based on the above, we can nations is more than that of the Jews gentiles – who on an apparent level appreciate the sequence of the three forces us to say that they also are lower – elevates a higher level of Torah portions, VaYeitzei, VaYishlach, possess, at least from one Divine sparks, the sparks which fell and VaYeishev and the phases in perspective, an advantage over the from the world of Tohu. Yaakov’s service that they reflect. Jews. Nevertheless, ultimately, the intent is Parshas VaYeitzei describes for the service of the Jews, for their The advantage possessed by the Yaakov’s service in establishing his source transcends the levels of Tohu gentiles parallels the advantage own household and acquiring his and Tikkun. Furthermore, it is the possessed by the t’shuva for sins over personal property, i.e., elevating his service of the Jews which makes the essential service of t’shuva which portion in the world at large. It possible the refinement of the is t’shuva that is not to compensate concludes with his arrival at gentiles[255] as reflected in the for sin, but rather – as implied by Machanayim, a name which he Rambam’s statement that the Jews are the simple meaning of the term – the gave[257] in recognition of the two “commanded by Moshe our teacher return of the soul to its Divine camps of angels, the angels of Eretz from the Almighty to compel all the source. Yisroel and the angels of the inhabitants of the world to accept Diaspora, which he saw there. As To explain: Most people’s [the seven] mitzvos which were explained,[258] these camps of conception of t’shuva is to repent for commanded to Noach’s descendants.” angels refer to service in the realm of sin. Although this is a mistaken These concepts can be related to holiness and service in the realm of perspective – and, indeed, the the Torah’s mention of Eisav and his permitted things respectively. essence of t’shuva is for the soul to descendants. This serves not only as return and cling to its G-dly source – This, however, is insufficient. The a mere preparation for the the fact that this perspective complete fulfillment of Yaakov’s description of the chronicles of exists[252] indicates that even in potential also involves his refinement Yaakov and his descendants. Rather, truth, from a certain standpoint, of the lowest aspects of existence, it emphasizes that there is an t’shuva for sins does possess a those which are not permitted. For advantage to the service of the superior dimension. that reason, Yaakov sent messengers refinement of the gentile and that to Eisav. This service came as a result The advantage of that form of this advantage can be achieved of his previous activity, i.e., Yaakov’s t’shuva is that it has an effect on – through the service of the Jews. efforts to establish his home and and transforms into holiness – a Indeed, the most complete level of a refine his surrounding environment lower level of existence, a form of Jew’s service must include these generated the power necessary for conduct which is against G-d’s will. activities as well. him to elevate Eisav,[259] the lowest The highest sparks of G-dliness are Based on the above, we can also aspects of existence. enclothed in this form of appreciate the connection between conduct[253] and through t’shuva, After completing the refinement the Torah portion and the Haftora they are elevated to their source. of Eisav to the extent of his capacity,
6 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 Yaakov was able, as related in performed great [miracles] within the outward, [the power of Edom has Parshas VaYeishev, “to dwell in the world... sanctifying His name in been broken, and we have reached land where his father lived,” to the public, in particular, before the the phase of Iram]. Eisav’s power will extent that he “desired to live in officers... of the king.[260] They be used to collect the treasures of the prosperity.” Surely, this does not refer were also amazed by the world and present them to the Jews to material prosperity alone, but circumstances... and recognized that as they are collected in a chest. rather, spiritual prosperity which “This is from G-d, it is wondrous in Furthermore, the Jews are also given reflects, in microcosm, the prosperity our eyes.” the key to the chest. of the Era of Redemption. Nevertheless, despite the All that is necessary is for, to Since, however, Yaakov had not widespread effects of the redemption quote the Rambam, a Jew to perform completed the refinement of Eisav – of Yud-Tes Kislev, the Russian one good deed, and thus, “tilt the as of yet, he had not come to “my government remained in power and, balance of the entire world to good lord in Seir” – he was not able to continued to oppose Yiddishkeit and and bring deliverance and salvation.” appreciate the full dimension of Chassidus. Thus, the Mitteler Rebbe This is particularly true in light of prosperity in this world. To enable was also imprisoned. Although he the Previous Rebbe’s statement – him to do so, he became beset with was redeemed on Yud Kislev, and which was made years ago – that all the difficulties resulting from Yosef’s this caused an even further that is necessary is to polish the sale, which ultimately led him to refinement of the power of Edom, button and to “stand ready and descend to Egypt. Yaakov’s continued prepared” to greet Moshiach. progress in those years and the The above has special relevance refinement of Egypt – which is this year, a year when, “I will show connected with the transformation of Nevertheless, you wonders.” Greater importance is the lowest aspects of existence – placed on the wonders that occurred which he accomplished, allowed him ultimately, the intent in connection with the Alter Rebbe’s to enjoy true prosperity there. is for the service of redemption and the appreciation of The refinement of Eisav which these wonders by the nations Yaakov did not complete was left for the Jews, for their throughout the world. us, his descendants. Through our This should arouse great service in the present exile, the exile source transcends the happiness on the part of the Jewish of Edom (Rome), we bring about levels of Tohu and people and inspire them to increase (through the power endowed us by their study of Torah and, in Yaakov our ancestor), the refinement Tikkun. particular, P’nimius HaTorah as of the gentile nations and thus, revealed in the teachings of Chabad prepare the world for the revelation Chassidus. In this form, it can be of G-d’s sovereignty. Then, we will this also did not change the studied together with Nigleh, the appreciate true prosperity even in fundamental stance of the Russian revealed aspects of Torah law, and this material world. government vis-à-vis the Jews and they can be appreciated as two 2. Parshas VaYishlach which thus, in subsequent generations, each dimensions of “the perfect Torah.” describes the refinement of Eisav is Rebbe in his generation had to This study should lead to deed, connected with Yud-Tes Kislev, confront and fight against the decrees an increase in the performance of which marks the beginning of the of that government. mitzvos b’hiddur and an increase in service of “spreading the wellsprings This pattern continued after the one’s efforts to motivate others to of Chassidus outward,” refining even Revolution and ultimately, led to the similar activities, spreading the lowest elements of existence by arrest of the Previous Rebbe. Yiddishkeit and Chassidus making them a source for spread of Although his redemption brought throughout the world. The above is the deepest dimensions of Torah. about a powerful refinement of particularly relevant in the month of This concept is reflected in the Edom, he was still forced to leave Kislev which shares a special letter sent by the Alter Rebbe to that country and move the center of connection to the revelation of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev in Chabad activities to the United P’nimius HaTorah as evidenced by its which he describes how: States. Nevertheless, after our service inclusion of the festivals of redemption, Yud and Yud-Tes Kislev, G-d wrought wonders and in the present generation, spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus Tes Kislev (the Mitteler Rebbe’s
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 7 birthday and yahrtzait), Rosh when, “I will show you wonders,” farbrengen), and to hold farbrengens Chodesh Kislev (the beginning of the these should be “wondrous on Friday night and Shabbos day. month) and Yud-Daled and Tes-Vav farbrengens.” The potential for this is To make sure that these Kislev (which are connected with the enhanced by the fact that Yud-Tes farbrengens are successful and shining of the full moon, which Kislev falls on Thursday. Thus the “wondrous,” one should consult with reflects the idea of a wedding). three days from Yud-Tes Kislev to others and begin the preparations Surely, these unique days should be Shabbos should be used for a three immediately. utilized in a complete manner to day continuum of chassidic spread Chassidus and Yiddishkeit. farbrengens, the first to be held on May these activities lead to the Wednesday night, the beginning of coming of Moshiach even before In this context, it is worthy to Yud-Tes Kislev, the major farbrengen Yud-Tes Kislev and the revelation – stress the importance of organizing to be held on Thursday night (the in a full and complete manner – of farbrengens for Yud-Tes Kislev in night between Yud-Tes and Chaf G-d’s sovereignty throughout the each and every place as is customary. Kislev when it is customary to hold world. As is appropriate for 5751, a year the major Yud-Tes Kislev
NOTES: are blessed from Shabbos,” i.e., it is the spiritual service of Shabbos which generates the potential for the service of refinement during 248. Note the explanation of the Rogatchover Gaon in regard to the week. the oath which Moshe gave Yisro. Although that oath was nullified, since it is alluded to in the Torah, it continues to have an effect 256. Based on the above, we can understand why the Book of forever. Ovadia, in contrast to all the other books of the Bible, consists of only one chapter. The transformation of Edom reflected in this 249. The connection between Rome and Magdiel can be explained book represents a complete expression of G-d’s Oneness. as follows: The word Rome in Hebrew means “majesty.” Similarly, Magdiel can be interpreted to mean, “Who has been made great by 257. Yaakov’s ability to name the place indicates how he became G-d;” i.e., Rome is a power whom G-d granted greatness to. master of it and influenced it in a complete manner. Alternatively, Magdiel can be interpreted to mean, “who became greater than all gods;” i.e., referring to the spread of the Roman 258. See the sichos of Parshas VaYeitzei, 5751. empire and its emergence as supreme over all other pagan deities. 259. To state the above in Midrashic terminology: It is related that 250. In particular, Magdiel is not the final “lord” of Eisav Yaakov sent the angels he saw in Machanayim as emissaries to mentioned in the Torah, Iram is. Iram can be interpreted as Eisav. Furthermore, when describing this vision of the angels, the referring to a second stage in the rule of Rome. First, Rome will Torah uses the term va’yifgu. P’gia, the root of that word, connotes become “greater than all gods.” Then, the Roman authority will be “prayer,” i.e., the angels prayed that Yaakov would use them for used for a second purpose, “to collect (which relates to the root of this purpose. the name Iram) treasuries for Moshiach.” 260. Ultimately, in fact, the Russian government assisted in the 251. This is particularly true according to the Baal Shem Tov’s Alter Rebbe’s redemption. This transformation of our enemies explanation that creation is an ongoing process and at every relates to our Sages’ interpretation of the verse, “He redeemed my moment, all entities are being brought into existence anew. soul in peace because the many were with me.” Our Sages explain, “Even Avshalom’s soldiers prayed for David’s success.” 252. The fact a supposition to this effect exists within Torah indicates that this perspective has eternal significance. As a corollary to the idea cited in Note 1, every concept mentioned by the Torah, in the Oral as well as the Written Law – even a supposition which is later refuted – is eternal. D.J. Meni 253. This parallels the fall and the elevation of the sparks of Tohu mentioned previously. In contrast, t’shuva which is not Specializing in Chassidic and Mizrachi Music. connected with sin relates to the realm of Tikkun which is, on a revealed level, below the realm of Tohu. We do Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Engagements, Sheva Brachos, Birthdays and all other special occasions. 254. G-d’s essence being a level which transcends both Tohu and Tikkun. For more information 255. A parallel to this exists in the relationship between Shabbos and the days of the week. The weekdays correspond to the please call: 718-578-0770 service of the gentiles and Shabbos corresponds to that of the Jewish people. The Zohar teaches that “all the days of the week
8 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 B”H
You are cordially invited to participate, together with all Anash and the Shluchim
IN A CHABAD CHASSIDIC GATHERING THE 5TH EUROPEAN MOSHIACH CONGRESS
“To actually bring about the coming of Moshiach immediately”
Which IY”H will take commence on Wednesday evening, the 1st of December 2004, Ohr L’Yud-Tes Kislev, through Sunday, the 5th of December
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IN THE Z’CHUS OF SPREADING YIDDISHKAIT
10 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 Readers and collectors of the Rebbe’s letters: We urge you to send in the Rebbe’s English correspondence which was not yet published in the 7 English existing volumes and which pertain to issues of general relevance. Please send them in so that the letters can be published for everybody’s benefit and thereby preserved forever. You can send or deliver the correspondence to: “English Letters” c/o Beis Moshiach 744 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Or, e-mail high resolution scans to: [email protected] Again, any correspondence you may have please send in, and please encourage your friends neighbors and family to do so as well. Please inquire also your non-Lubavitch acquaintances, as many who received these letters were not necessarily Lubavitcher Chassidim. B’ezras Hashem, there are plans under way to, bli neider, reward those who send in letters. So please include a return address and other contact information.
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Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 11 19 KISLEV BRINGING THE MESSAGE HOME
BY RABBI CHAIM ASHKENAZI, MASHPIA, YESHIVAS TOMCHEI T’MIMIM, LOD TRANSLATED BY MICHOEL LEIB DOBRY
After being released from his second WE WON’T FORGET The Rebbe shlita once told a story imprisonment, the Alter Rebbe traveled to visit about someone who was extremely forgetful, to the point that every time three leading figures in the misnagdic he awoke from his sleep he was at a loss as to where he had placed his clothes. One day, he had an idea. He community. One of them asked, “What is the would write on a piece of paper that his hat is near his head, his shirt is innovation of chassidus?” The Rebbe’s reply: near his body, etc. – and it worked. The Rebbe then said that there seemed Fixing times for Torah. The answer perplexed to be a question here: How is it that he didn’t forget where his head and body this great Torah scholar. “The Jewish People were?! The answer is that it is possible to forget about things that are external have fixed times for Torah for as long as can to your existence, but you simply can’t forget about yourself... be remembered,” he queried. The Alter Rebbe For example, when a person eats, he doesn’t do so because the clock on explained to him that chassidus provides for a the wall says that it’s time to eat, but because his biological clock tells him so. It is possible to forget about eating fixing in the soul, and not just at a certain for a period of time if we’re overly preoccupied with other matters. time. What does “fixing in the soul” mean, and However, it’s much harder not to drink, although even this is possible to how is this achieved through chassidus? What forget if we’re extremely busy, albeit for a much shorter time. Similarly, it’s type of cheshbon ha’nefesh must we make difficult to go without sleeping (in fact, the Gemara states that someone who leading up to “The Rosh HaShana of vows not to sleep for three days is punished with flogging, and then may chassidus”? go to sleep immediately), and it is
12 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 virtually impossible to go even a short “Yaaleh V’Yavo,” and this reminded him their entire lives they were on the level duration without breathing. that it was Rosh Chodesh that day? Of of a “chariot” to G-dliness. course not. But so worked the The common denominator to all G-dliness was the essential core of “memory” of this Torah scholar who these examples is that a person does the Avos, and therefore, they passed wanted to make fun of the Baal Shem not do them because the time has this on to their descendants Tov. Therefore, the moment he lifted come, but because he feels the need throughout all the generations, his eyes from the siddur, he forgot that and the obligation. According to the without change or interruption. it was Rosh Chodesh. On the other need, it is determined that “you simply Similarly, this has been the true nature hand, the Baal Shem Tov felt Rosh can’t go without.” of true Torah giants for generations. Chodesh; he breathed the air of Rosh Everything they said or did was not No one would ever ask, “What Chodesh. Thus, since Rosh Chodesh due to external compulsions – e.g., difference does it make if he eats and radiated greater holiness than on a the clock determines that now is the drinks because the clock tells him that regular day, and holiness for the Baal time – rather, because they breathed it’s time or because he feels he must?” Shem Tov was his very life, the very air G-dliness. Thus, it is forbidden for us as everyone realizes that there is a that he breathed – how could he to dispute their words, and needless to tremendous difference. In fact, it is possibly forget? say, we must not ch”v disgrace them. most unsettling when someone doesn’t This is the meaning of the saying of (Even when there were disagreements eat and drink unless the clock our Sages, as explained in Tanya, “The among them, and we render a decision indicates the time to do so, thus Avos are the chariot,” i.e., throughout only according to one opinion, this is indicating a lack of feeling hungry or satiated, a most unhealthy state indeed. In such a case, he requires advice for something as basic and simple as eating... In connection with our discussion, when a person establishes his Torah learning simply in terms of time, it is possible to forget. Furthermore, the Torah study remains external to his existence and being, and therefore, it can neither purify nor delight him. A TRUE GIANT IN ISRAEL There is a story about the Baal Shem Tov, who once, on Rosh Chodesh, participated in a meeting among the leading Torah scholars of his generation. One of these scholars wanted to ridicule the Baal Shem Tov, as he believed him to be an ignoramus. He asked him what the halacha is if you forget to say “Yaaleh V’Yavo” during the Mincha prayers of Rosh Chodesh. “There’s no practical difference for either one of us in this question,” the Baal Shem Tov replied. “I won’t forget from the very outset, and you’ll forget even the second time...” How do we interpret this story? Did the Baal Shem Tov not forget because he davened from a siddur and saw that it was written that on Rosh Chodesh you are supposed to say
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 13 because with regard to rendering a lengthy trip, spending a certain period the Rebbe Rashab that his son had halachic decision other rules apply. of time at the fair, and then finally, the learned the entire Tanya by heart. “And There was none greater than Rabbi long trip home. what did the Tanya teach your son?” Shimon bar Yochai – of whom Rabbi the Rebbe Rashab asked the chassid. “Why is all that necessary?” the Akiva said, “It is enough for you that I Maggid asked. “Can’t you just stay in The well-known saying goes, “a and your Creator know your strength” your home and picture to yourself the mule bearing s’farim,” i.e., even if the – nevertheless, the halacha in nigleh whole journey and the business mule carries the entire Talmud and all usually did not go according to his dealings at the fair?” the commentaries on its back, it opinion.) remains a mule. (There is some “Don’t be such a loafer!” the friend The Rebbe Rayatz brings in his refining process involved, as the mule retorted. “I need money, and that’s why sichos that the Rebbe Maharash said serves as a vessel for holiness. I have to be there personally.” that German Jews cannot be chassidim, Nevertheless, it still remains a mule.) because when he was in Germany, he “You should listen to what you just As the Rebbe Rayatz says in connection saw that it was written on the said,” the Maggid said to him. “I need with what is written about the cows synagogue bulletin board that weekday to be at all the spiritual levels where that bore the Aron, “and the cows sang” morning prayers last fifteen minutes, – even though the Aron had a on Mondays and Thursdays – eighteen purification effect upon the cows and minutes, and on Shabbos – twenty-five One of these scholars they began to sing, they remained minutes. A chassid standing and cows. They underwent no essential davening doesn’t know when he will wanted to ridicule the change. finish, for if his davening arouses a feeling of G-dliness, then how could he Baal Shem Tov, as he BY WHAT DO WE LIVE? stop? Furthermore, if he hasn’t aroused We periodically need to make a this feeling, it means that he hasn’t believed him to be an personal accounting: I have already put even started davening. ignoramus. He asked on t’fillin hundreds and thousands of (Similarly, it has been told that times, I have mentioned G-d’s name when people asked R. Reuven Dunin, him what the halacha tens of thousands of times in brachos of blessed memory, whether he had and davening, etc., and I have learned davened, he would reply, “If you mean, is if you forget to say many pages of Gemara, halachos in ‘Did I flip the pages?’ – yes, I did.”) Shulchan Aruch, chapters of Tanya, “Yaaleh V’Yavo” maamarim, and sichos. However, if AS IN LEIPZIG that is the case, then why does there during the Mincha appear to be such a wide gap? We say The Rebbe shlita often told the every evening “for they are our life and famous story about the Mezritcher prayers of Rosh the length of our days” in reference to Maggid, who had a friend from the “Torah and mitzvos, laws and statutes, days before he became a follower of Chodesh... You have taught us,” yet one has to the Baal Shem Tov. Both of them were look deeply to determine exactly how mekubalim, and they used to daven much of an effect they have had upon according to the kavanos of the Arizal. we derive the proper intentions at me and to what extent I actually feel After becoming the Baal Shem Tov’s every portion of davening – not to that they are “our life,” whereas, things disciple, the Maggid started davening remain in one place and imagine that like eating and drinking are fixed at much greater length. One day, his I’m ascending from one world to the within my soul?! friend told him, “I also daven next. All this takes time.” according to the kavanos of the Arizal, If a doctor comes and tells but this doesn’t cause me to extend the This is what happens when we someone who is ill that if he eats duration of my prayers so long.” study Torah and fulfill mitzvos certain foods or does certain activities, according to the clock. The time is an it will seriously affect his health, ch”v, “What do you do for a living?” the indication that now we have to put on his words are accepted immediately Maggid asked him. The friend replied t’fillin, now we have to sit and learn without hesitation, even if the doctor that he is a merchant and he travels Torah. The result is a situation where doesn’t appear to be a great every once in a while to the fair in our only connection to Torah and embodiment of honesty and integrity. Leipzig. This venture takes several mitzvos is determined by the clock. (Proof of this is when the doctor will weeks of preparation, followed by a Once, one of the chassidim boasted to come to ask for a small loan, we won’t
14 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 give to him without supportive distinguished, one from the other, the life of the body will become more documentation.) However, when the through the determination of what a distant within the limits of hearing. Torah says, as stated in Rambam, person’s true “heim” is – holiness, klipas (I recall once hearing how a leading Shulchan Aruch, Tanya, or chassidus, noga, or ch”v the three completely rabbinical figure was offered something that if you do a certain thing it will be impure levels of klipa. to eat, and he replied that the doctor very good, but if you don’t ch”v, it will It is impossible to make holiness forbid it. They asked him which be very bad, it doesn’t speak to him!... into your “heim” by learning musar. doctor, and he said that the Rambam The Rambam, the Beis Yosef, the This will just frighten a person into in Hilchos Deios says not to eat such Alter Rebbe, and the other Rebbeim thinking that all other forms of “heim” things. If some other doctor would say are surely more trustworthy to him are bad, and it will not succeed in that, he continued, he wouldn’t accept than the doctor. And if they would ask getting him to feel that the true life is it as a prohibition, but as advice. for a large loan, he would give it to found only in G-dliness. This can only However, if the Rambam says so, it’s a them without any request for be achieved with the study of Torah prohibition, and therefore, it is collateral. Of course, the problem here chassidus; specifically through the forbidden.) is not ch”v “a lack of confidence” in teachings of our Rebbeim can a person them and greater confidence in the attain the intellectual understanding to THIS IS MOSHIACH! doctor. The doctor speaks to him comprehend how material life of itself Why does this feeling come about matters that pertain to the very specifically from chassidus? Because essence of his life, whereas, the chassidus is a taste of the Future to Rambam, the Beis Yosef, etc., speak “There’s no practical Come, and then it will shine in a about things that he feels are beyond revealed manner in every world, truly his worldly existence. These are not difference for either demonstrating that “our life” is G- things that he lives and breathes. Yes, dliness, Torah, and mitzvos. It is said he’s heard about them, believes in one of us in this that in the Future to Come, if them, and does not even have the question,” the Baal someone will want to pick figs on slightest doubt that they are all true. Shabbos, the fig will cry out, “It’s But in spite of all this, it has no Shem Tov replied. “I Shabbos today!” (This doesn’t perceptible effect upon him. necessarily mean that the fig will have Thus, chassidus teaches us that won’t forget from the the power to speak in an audible voice, worldly matters are on the level of though “Is anything hidden from G-d?” seeing, while the needs of the soul are very outset, and However, in simple terms, this can be on the level of hearing. We’re not you’ll forget even the compared to a person not putting his talking ch”v about some non-believer. finger into a fire, because the fire He believes all of it, and the fact is that second time...” “screams” that it’s dangerous, as the he sets times for Torah study, mitzva danger is so concrete. Similarly, the observance, and other things that we resulting spiritual danger from picking has no true purpose. Thus, when are obligated to do according to Torah a fig on Shabbos will be so clear, it will chassidus brings him to a much higher – but it’s not on the level of “our life.” be as if the fig actually cries out, level, worldly matters are transformed “Shabbos!”) Afterwards, at a much The mashpia, R. Chaim Shaul to things that we just hear about, while higher level, when the mitzvos will be Brook, of blessed memory, used to say spiritual matters become more real and nullified in the Future to Come, the that are three types of “heim” (“they” in tangible. Rebbe shlita explains that things will Hebrew or “home” in Yiddish): As Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of be so obvious that there will no longer 1. “heim chayeinu” (they are our Berditchev said to G-d in his defense of be a need for a command. life) – this is holiness; the Jewish People, “If all worldly It is thus understood why this is 2. “heim v’nasheihem u’b’neihem” desires would be placed in s’farim, and achieved specifically through (they and their wives and children) – if Gan Eden and Gehinom were to chassidus. Furthermore, when we say this is klipas noga; appear before our very eyes – who “chassidus,” this doesn’t refer just to would possibly commit a sin?” This is “the study of chassidic philosophy,” 3. “heim lo yadu d’rachai” (they have precisely the innovation and objective but also to “the path of chassidic not known My ways) – this is the three of chassidus: to place the life of the teachings,” i.e., chassidishe conduct. completely impure levels of klipa. spirit and all that pertains to it As R. Hillel Paritcher would say, Subsequently, people are squarely before us, and subsequently, chassidim customarily keep all these
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 15 many hiddurim in order that “es zahl will get out of there as fast as he can. zich ahpleigen besser a vort chassidus” It has been told that Similarly, we find regarding other (the chassidic teaching should be physical needs – e.g., food, clothing, absorbed better). But first and when people asked R. shelter – he won’t settle for anything foremost, chassidus provides and less than the very best. This is how a reveals the foundation of our Reuven Dunin, of person must pursue his spiritual needs, hiskashrus to the Rebbe. while he can easily get by with the blessed memory, basics regarding his more worldly and Once at a meeting of prominent physical needs. rabbinical figures, the Chafetz Chaim whether he had asked the Rebbe Rashab how he Thus, we can understand why succeeded in getting his students to davened, he would especially Lubavitcher chassidim learn have such a refined look to them. The chassidus and their whole desire is to Rebbe Rashab responded that this reply, “If you mean, feel the “for they are our life” of Torah comes from the study of chassidus. “If ‘Did I flip the pages?’ and mitzvos. They want to see the so,” the Chafetz Chaim replied, “I’ll revelation of our King, our Moshiach, establish a shiur in chassidus for my – yes, I did.” whose life is pure G-dliness in the students.” The Rebbe Rashab smiled. most actual sense. As the Rebbe shlita Afterwards, the Rebbe Rayatz asked writes about our Rebbeim, they are such mitzvos as esrog, matza, tzitzis, him what was the meaning of the from the souls of “those for whom the t’fillin, kashrus, etc. For anyone whose smile. “It’s not enough to study partition has been broken,” and the connection is based solely upon time, chassidus,” the Rebbe Rashab answered radiance shines here below in a it is enough to fulfill the minimum him. “You also need a Rebbe.” physical body just as it does above. obligatory requirements. However, if Therefore, only he can be the Therefore, one of the more this is fixed in his soul, he won’t just Moshiach, who will reveal himself at distinguishable characteristics among settle for that. A person who is in a any moment and bring us all to the chassidim is hiddur mitzva, as we see in place with a minimal supply of oxygen true life. the stringency of the fulfillment of
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16 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765
SHLICHUS SHLUCHIM IN ACADEMIA
BY SHAI GEFEN
Shlichus on campus is common in the United them, and they met with me in the kollel and told me there was a bomb States but not in Eretz Yisroel. Whether in the shelter on campus that belonged to the Einstein Campus, and I could U.S. or Eretz Yisroel, campus shlichus is work from there. I was 33 at the particularly difficult. * Shai Gefen spoke with time. So you accepted the shlichus? two shluchim to universities: Rabbi Fishel At that time, it was a new thing for Chabad in Eretz Yisroel to work Jacobs, shliach at the University of Tel Aviv, on campus. In principle, I agreed and Rabbi Gil Blizovski, shliach at the Ben with their suggestion, but of course, I had to ask the Rebbe. I was Gurion University of Be’er Sheva. * The surprised when, within a short period of time, I received an answer challenges and triumphs of campus shlichus. that okayed the idea. Do you have a university One of the most difficult the campus and to prepare the background? fortresses to penetrate, from an entire world to greet Moshiach. I felt I was closing a circle. My outreach perspective, is the When did you start your work coming to Chabad began when university. The shluchim in Eretz on campus? Lubavitch was mekarev me when I Yisroel, who began working in this was 21, and a student at the area, encountered a solid wall of R’ Blizovski: I have been at Ben University of Vermont. I’ll never indifference at best and animosity at Gurion University for twenty years, worst. Even today, after years of first as a physics and engineering campus outreach, it’s still not easy. student. I first started working there Those in the Israeli intellectual as a rav ten years ago, when Rabbi strongholds hate seeing religious Yechezkel Sofer, who served as rav activity. Nevertheless, these at the university, left. shluchim have managed to get in R’ Jacobs: I began working on and have achieved some impressive campus exactly fifteen years ago. I results. was learning in kollel in Kfar Outreach on campus is Chabad, quite a few years after I got completely different than the work married. At that time, some of the done at Chabad houses. The people fellows from Kfar Chabad began you deal with, the mentality, their doing mivtzaim at the University of feelings about religion, all are Tel Aviv, and they wanted to get different. Still and all, Chabad has their work firmly established. found a way to bring G-dliness to They decided that I could help Rabbi Jacobs
18 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 View of the University of Tel Aviv
forget this. One day, a Lubavitcher up!” Within a few minutes, thirty started working on campus? Neither came to the university, seeking the Jewish students got together. I said the University of Tel Aviv nor in Jewish students. He found me first to my fellow students, “There’s a Be’er Sheva are exactly pro- and asked me to bring him all the rabbi here and what he wants, we’ll religion... Jewish students, and I did just that! give him.” I was a well-known R’ Jacobs: I’ll tell you a story so karate expert and they all respected I yelled, “Attention all Jews, you can understand the situation. me. there’s a rabbi here who is looking The dean of the university in those for Jews and everybody has to show That shliach was Rabbi Shmuel days was Mr. Gideon Fishelson a”h, Hecht a”h, and from then on, during a friend of the Meidanchek family. my four years at the university, I was He had a warm Jewish heart. He invited to his house every Friday helped me obtain a permit from the night. Thanks to him, I became a university’s legal advisor for the Chassid and afterwards, I went to t’fillos, Kabbalas Shabbos, and other learn in 770 for half a year, and mivtzaim. from there I went to Kfar Chabad. I We set up a shul that had a seifer learned in the yeshiva and kollel Torah, a Torah library, etc. When I there for 14 years. So the suggestion spoke to him about his speaking that I work as a shliach at a with the administration about our university was exciting to me. getting a more spacious place, he R’ Blizovski: And as I said, I was laughed. He lovingly said, “Listen a student at the University in Be’er my friend, they’ll kill me if they Sheva, so for me too, it was coming hear that I allowed a shul and full circle. religious activity here.” Rabbi Blizovski What was it like when you first That’s when I began to
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 19 understand the constraints under thanks to our work, mostly thanks whomever is interested. In the which I would have to operate, to the Shabbos meals. evening, we have the Night Kollel, though at the same time, I could see which takes place four nights a Speaking of the shul, a few the enormous possibilities. week. months ago, the shul underwent R’ Blizovski: The work we do is extensive renovations in memory of In addition to the ongoing done officially, with the permission my father a”h. Since then, our work classes, there are other programs, of the university. The Rebbe insisted focuses primarily on shiurim during like a big Rosh Chodesh party every that we do it this way, and we were the week, but what really makes month, and other events during the able to do so thanks to Professor things happen are the Shabbos month that are connected to special Branover, who was a lecturer here meals that we’ve been running for days in the calendar. These are for many years. The Rebbe guided 15 years now. Many neshamos were aimed primarily at those who are us as to how to get this religious touched at these meals. less connected to Judaism, who do institution into the university. I not participate in the learning. R’ Blizovski: Our work is divided think that this is unique that the Every day we have five minyanim over a number of areas. We have a for davening. We also have two clubs, a ANONYMOUS KIRUV Kabbala club, which teaches the Within the Internet site of the University in Be’er Sheva, there’s a basics of Chassidus, and a Jewish section for Chabad. It’s a very interesting site where you can get Psychology club. My wife gives the information on all the work of the shluchim, the times, the classes, female students classes on Jewish divrei Torah, archives, inyanei Moshiach and Geula, laws pertaining to Personalities. This is how we reach weddings, funerals etc. students who would never enter the Midrasha. You can see male students “Through this website people are able to ask me questions with ponytails and earrings at these anonymously,” says Rabbi Blizovski. “Many use this to get in touch with clubs. Baruch Hashem, we are very me. Each day, I get between five and ten questions, from questions successful. concerning problems with friends to halachic queries, to questions R’ Jacobs: about emuna, etc. You see how important it is for students and others Our most successful to be in touch with a rabbi. Many people, who are ashamed or afraid to and familiar program is Kabbalas approach a rabbi, contact a rabbi through modern technology. Shabbos followed by the Shabbos meal. Between 50-80 students join “One of the students, whose father had died, came over to me to ask us every week. Since we began me some questions. In the course of our conversation she said, ‘We’ve doing the Shabbos program, three been corresponding for a while now...’ That’s when I realized who she times a month, I spend Shabbos at was. Previously, she had asked me many questions, and chose that the university. It’s hard to describe encounter to reveal her identity. Most of the time I don’t know who the the amazing atmosphere at the people are and I never find out.” davening and meals. It’s fair to say that the real Beis Midrash Govoha, which is revolution comes from there, far rabbi of a university, appointed by actually a sort of kollel for men only. more than from the shiurim. Every the administration, is a Lubavitcher. We have classes in Gemara and Friday night meal turns into a As for your question, despite the Chassidus every day of the week. farbrengen that ends late at night. backing of the administration, there There is also a Midrasha for women, We learn Tanya and it’s just so are mighty battles that take place which operates four times a week. special, I can’t begin to describe it. here regarding Reform, etc. Despite In addition, there’s a shliach who These are full-course meals with the difficulties, we see the Rebbe in is responsible for the English fish, meat, etc., which we order everything we do. We are growing speaking students, and another every week from a catering place in and getting stronger. shliach who deals with the students Kfar Chabad. The d’veikus and R’ Jacobs: Baruch Hashem, from from the C.I.S. Chassidic song pulls everyone in. when we began until today, I see an The hearts, of even those who are In the morning, we have enormous revolution. There are the furthest away, melt. chavrusa learning. We bring many dozens of baalei t’shuva Lubavitchers to learn with What topics come up at these
20 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 farbrengens? happy to have him come for I realized he had something on his What’s the question?! We talk People want to see mind. He told me that he felt he had about the Rebbe, Moshiach, inyanei real Judaism. They to make a serious change in his life. Geula and Chassidus. We learn Tanya. We live in the atmosphere of wait for a real smile, I called Rabbi Tuvia Bolton, who 770. came right over and spoke with him. Do you have any stories for us, for a good word, for That bachur is a full-fledged Tamim from those Friday night meals? today. R’ Bolton told me that his something deeper. In greatest nachas is from that bachur. During the 15 years of work at In 770, you can meet guys who the university, thousands of students general, today people were students who spent time with have passed through, dozens of are searching for us. There are also those I discover whom have become baalei t’shuva years later, and it turns out that the with sirtukim, etc. p’nimius. They want changes in them began with us. You A large part of our work is also can never anticipate what the results focused on those students who come to see a p’nimi with a will be. from abroad. During the last two For example? years, we’ve had a boy come to us smile. In Crown Heights there’s a whose mother is a Reform “rabbi.” lawyer whom I met to take care of He learns Tanya with us every week, touch with many students, even something. He said, “You don’t and if we need him, he joins the after they leave the university. We recognize me?” Then he told me that minyan. recently made a wedding for a he was one of the regulars at our couple from the Ukraine. At first, We have plenty of stories of Shabbos meals on campus. And he’s they came to shul and I noticed that students who felt totally alienated not the only one. Over the years I’ve they made a good match and I from Judaism, and it was those met Jews I didn’t recognize, about introduced them to each other. Shabbos meals that changed them whom I had no idea what had Baruch Hashem, now they’re from one extreme to another. happened to them, and then I married and building a home on a suddenly discovered that they had Do you keep in touch with foundation of Torah and mitzvos. them? changed their lives around thanks to One day I got a phone call from those Shabbos meals. Definitely. I marry them off too, someone who wanted to visit me at R’ Blizovski: Speaking about sometimes. Then they invite me to my home in Kfar Chabad. I was the bris of their baby. We are in results, often you don’t see immediate results, or at all, and sometimes you see them years later. But in hindsight, we see that through our work on campus, many Jews were mekurav. There are the old timers like Chanoch Maidovnik and his wife who are themselves involved in outreach through terrific lectures, Dr. Tal Nir of Nachalat Har Chabad, Yaakov Ben-Ari, each one of them being a “candle that illuminates” his environment. They were part of the core group that began the revolution here. Aside from the many who became more involved in Yiddishkait, there are so many more who are exposed to authentic Judaism. Even if they don’t turn A Chassidus class at the university
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 21 their lives upside-down, they definitely got what they needed to IN THE BEGINNING get, and discovered the light. Outreach at the University of Be’er Sheva began with the How does your work differ from appointment of Rabbi Yechezkel Sofer as campus rabbi. The that of a typical Chabad house? administration gave him a place to operate from in the bomb shelter of R’ Jacobs: The university has tens the university. There was a shul there and place for activities. Many of thousands of people, students and students went there to learn about Judaism. staff, and every three to four years, This shul also served the few Lubavitchers there. “I would walk an most of them leave, so you don’t hour each way in order to get to shul,” recalls Rabbi Moshe Dickstein, know what happened to the people one of the old time Anash in Be’er Sheva. We all had a long walk to get you worked with. This is vastly there but it was the one place where we could feel at home. It was the different than the ongoing activities center of Chassidic life.” of the typical Chabad house. Here you sow with tears and don’t Since it was hard for the Lubavitchers to walk home, some of them necessarily reap with joy... stayed to farbreng until Mincha, during the winter Shabbasos. “Those R’ Blizovski: The university here were farbrengens!” reminisces R’ Dickstein. “One of us, or one of the is a complete city. 17,000 students students, would occasionally share what was weighing on his heart. study here and there are 10,000 staff Until this day, I meet people who lived nearby and who davened with members. We reach out to both us, and they say, ‘It’s too bad that the shul isn’t open on Shabbos.’” students and staff. On the one hand, Quite a few students became frum because of this, like Yaakov we’re a regular Chabad house. We (Kobi) Ben-Ari, Chanoch Maidovnik, Tal Nir, and many others. reach out to the staff, make weddings, and l’havdil are involved Tal Nir: “I remember the shul at the university, down there in the on sad occasions too. We help staff bomb shelter.” members prepare their sons for bar Today, Tal Nir is a distinguished member of Anash in Nachalat Har mitzva. Chabad, a sought-after lecturer on Judaism and Chassidus. Back then, On the other hand, our work he studied medicine at the university. goes beyond what a Chabad house “I saw a Chassidic farbrengen there for the first time in my life. It does. We serve here as a Ministry of Rabbanus, and even as a Ministry of was the bris mila of the son of Tanchum Boroshansky, one of the old Shidduchim. We have a shidduch time Lubavitchers in the city. I didn’t know what a farbrengen was, and office within the university. I I saw that Rabbi Sofer and other Lubavitchers that I respected were prepare chassanim and my wife drinking a lot and this seemed strange to me. At the end of the prepares the kallos for their farbrengen, when I saw Rabbi Sofer under the table, I was speechless. It weddings, and we are with them was a traumatic experience for me...” throughout. Many of them have The outreach at the university continues till this very day, but it’s their Sheva Brachos on campus too. very different than it used to be. The Chabad community in Be’er Sheva Thanks to outreach that is done grew and the people aren’t the same people, but the work continues. b’darkei noam, many of them have incorporated Jewish customs into The outreach at the university is benefiting the Chabad community their homes. in Be’er Sheva. Many of the mekuravim remain in the city and join the Chabad community. Chanoch Maidovnik and his wife are good What special programs do you examples. run? Chanoch came fifteen years ago from Chaifa in order to study R’ Blizovski: We have to have medicine. Today he runs a department at a psychiatric hospital. His unique programming in order to attract the students. We have wife Einat came from Gedera and studied psychology. She lectures in barbeques every so often, and use that field at the university. She just completed her doctorate. the opportunity to teach Chassidus Both became frum through Rabbi Sofer. They had heard about him and Judaism. We also visit the and attended his lectures. Today they themselves give lectures on Jewish dormitories. On Shabbos, we have thought throughout the city and are mekarev other Jews to Yiddishkait. mesibos Shabbos for students.
22 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 I also write for the university paper, published weekly, 17,000 copies. I began writing a weekly column on various Jewish topics. I use the weekly sidra and bring stories of the Rebbe, and answers to questions that I was asked. I get lots of feedback on this column. How does the general anti- religious sentiment in Eretz Yisroel, especially at the universities, affect your work? It’s interesting that when they come to you, the atmosphere is very good. Even those who seem distant get involved and enjoy it. The general atmosphere out there is cold and sometimes hostile, primarily because of stigmas and a biased media, but when we get closer, we see that each one has a spark burning within. People want to see real Judaism. They wait for a real smile, for a good word, for something deeper. In general, today people are searching for p’nimius. They want to see a p’nimi with a smile. Gil Blizovski and friends at a barbeque How do you break the ice? R’ Blizovski: It’s a tough crowd to student who is about to graduate approaching him, and slowly, the break into. I’ll give you an example. came over to me and said that he image of me changed, and he We do Mivtza T’fillin every day for had a dream about me. (smiling) suddenly saw the Rebbe in front of an hour and a half. On average, we Nu, it’s no big deal to dream about him. put t’fillin on five people a day. We me... Then he went on to say that in This dream moved me. I felt really work at a snail’s pace. Most of the dream he saw me smiling and even more strongly how the Rebbe the people don’t even want to reveal has nachas from the work we do. that they have any connection with us. R’ Jacobs: I’ll tell you an interesting hashgacha pratis story. Despite this, with all the Everybody is welcome to our difficulties, we see how a little light Shabbos meals; nobody is excluded. dispels a great deal of darkness, and There was a black-skinned student, there’s a lot of satisfaction when you who regularly joined our meals. We see results. Quite a few have become welcomed her as graciously as we Lubavitchers thanks to our did anybody else. outreach; some of them are members of the Anash community One day, I was sitting in the in Be’er Sheva. office of one of the administrators at the university, a woman who is very I’ll tell you a story of something anti-religious and is in favor of that happened recently which shows Reform, etc. She said to me, “You us how the work here is special and Rabbi Jacobs lighting a menora are all extremists.” I tried to explain gives the Rebbe great nachas. A with a student that we welcome everyone, but her
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 23 ears were closed even before I began talking. Just at that moment, who should walk by but that girl, and when she saw me she said, “Rabbi Jacobs, will you be here this Shabbos too?” With that one line, she managed to destroy the administrator’s image of us and since then, the attitude of that administrator has completely changed. It was incredible hashgacha pratis. How do the students relate to you, the rabbis at the university? R’ Blizovski: The students feel that I am part of them. I have an Gil Blizovski at a Rosh Chodesh party with students academic background, having studied physics and engineering at this same university. It definitely makes a great impact when you teach them Judaism and Chassidus. Suddenly they see that the rabbi with the hat and jacket didn’t fall from the moon. He also has a degree. R’ Jacobs: Every year on Purim, we have a big party when I tell the crowd about my karate expertise and I do a karate presentation. I had no interest in doing this but I know that this makes a tremendous The president of the University of Be’er Gil Blizvoski dancing impression on the students, and if Sheva lighting the menora at Chabad’s because of my karate presentation public menora lighting Rebbe told Rabbi Mordechai one Jew will put on t’fillin, it’s worth Eliyahu, that everybody should feel it. So you have special absolutely free. programming on the holidays? They see that it’s possible to be a religious Jew, even a rabbi, and not R’ Jacobs: On Chanuka, we have be closed off and extreme, which is a huge public menora lighting. The what the media constantly tells bachurim come and give out them. In order to show them the menoros and doughnuts to the beauty and inner truth of Judaism, I students. We have parties with am willing to use gimmicks. prizes and quizzes. On Sukkos, we put up a large sukka and have large I remember how one year, at the meals and farbreng. On Rosh Purim party, I broke nine blocks HaShana, I am there, every year, and with one blow. I was drunk and we organize the davening and t’kias didn’t know whether I would be shofar so everybody can hear it. able to do this, but apparently in order to be mekarev Jews, I was R’ Blizovski: Every year on successful. I feel that with that Pesach, we make a seider on campus karate blow, I also broke lots of hard which every student can attend Gil Blizovski with a student “klipos.” without a reservation, just as the at the Purim seuda
24 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 It works, and many people join Every year on Purim, universities in Eretz Yisroel? us. There are Chanuka parties and R’ Jacobs: In Eretz Yisroel there activities around the clock. On Lag we have a big party are limitations that you don’t have B’Omer, we organize a trip to abroad, but there are also many Miron. and I do a karate more opportunities for success here. Every Chanuka we have a central presentation. I had no There are shluchim in the U.S. who menora lighting and we invite the put in hundreds of thousands of staff and all the distinguished interest in doing this dollars but only see results a long members of the university. The time later. If a shliach over there president of the university himself but I know that this manages to get a minyan of students lights the menora, and even brings together, it’s nice. Here, you can see his children and family. makes a tremendous greater results. Are you in touch with the impression on the What are your plans for the parents of the students? future? R’ Jacobs: You would be students, and if Our committee recently met in surprised to know that many parents because of my karate order to prepare a plan to double call me and ask me to watch over and even triple our activities. We their child, or to be in touch with presentation one Jew want to develop and deepen our their child. work. There’s so much more to do, Would you say that Chabad has will put on t’fillin, it’s and we’re always aiming to grow in succeeded in breaking in to the order to ensure that yet another Jew worth it. is ready to greet Moshiach. LIVE SHIURIM 0NLINE cwwv Anywhere, Anytime ! CHITAS j,ww, INYONEI GEULA unahj dtukv gbhbh & MOSHIACH rncwwo RAMBAM ckeuyh ahgurho SHIURIM IN LIKUTEI eusa ahju, SICHOS KODESH
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Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 25 INSIGHT ‘NO MORE WILL LIONS ROAR’
BY SHAI GEFEN
future. So we should try to use Twenty-one years ago, the Rebbe said we drawings of only kosher animals should try to show babies only images of kosher wherever possible.” The Rebbe’s directive/request animals. This chinuch approach has been brought about an instant revolution, as Chassidim and others who adopted by many outside of Lubavitch as well. respected the Rebbe’s directives, began to use illustrations of only kosher * Beis Moshiach tells us how this directive has animals. The garbage cans in Chabad been implemented. * Yet another way to neighborhoods filled up with games, toys, books, and pictures of non- prepare for Yemos HaMoshiach when “I will kosher animals. Naturally, the demand for toys and children’s clothing (most remove the spirit of impurity from the land.” of which have non-kosher animals on them) without animals on them, or at least with only kosher animals, grew. At the Chaf Cheshvan 5740 (1980) From the informal research we farbrengen, the Rebbe MH”M said, “It have done (in Eretz Yisroel), it seems would be proper to try and see to it that there are hardly any stores in that Jewish children of the age of chareidi neighborhoods that carry a chinuch only come in contact with selection of children’s items with non- toys with kosher animals on them. So kosher animals on them. In fact, there too, regarding the publishing of books are lots of games, clothes, books, and and the like with pictures of animals: pictures with kosher animals. The try to use kosher animals.” manufacturers and importers are well These lines, cited in the brief aware of the demand for kosher biographical data printed in the animal products. beginning of HaYom Yom, encapsulate the Rebbe’s surprising directive of that BEING EXTRA CAREFUL special farbrengen, regarding the The Rebbe first mentioned the special purity Jewish children need to topic of seeing kosher animals back in have when greeting Moshiach. 5733, but the clear directive was first The Rebbe himself, in that sicha, stated in 5740. After the sicha was emphasized that the reason for said, there were many questions on bringing this up now is because we the part of the people who wrote up are in the Ikvisa d’Meshicha, and we the sicha, and the Rebbe answered all need to prepare for the time when, “I the questions, defining what is will remove the spirit of impurity acceptable and what is not. Some of from the earth,” and therefore “we those notes are still extant, from need to ‘taste’ of those things of the which we can see how the Rebbe
26 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 related to every detail. child a water drawer with two buckets WARNING When the Rebbe introduced this in the shape of an Alef (the stick in topic, he explained that seeing things “As was said a number of between and the two buckets on either side), and a river is added to affects the soul of a child for better times, about the need to be and for worse. Since young children the picture, with fish, and on the bank absorb everything, what they see has careful with toys and pictures of of the river is a cat... The Rebbe an effect on them for the rest of their impure animals, so that children described this in detail, and with a lives. For this reason, said the Rebbe, will see only pure things, even smile he added that they should try to as soon as a child is born, he is remove the cat from the picture and holy things. One should be surrounded by holy objects, such as replace it with a kosher animal. “Shir HaMaalos,” etc. careful from the beginning, right The Rebbe told those who wrote On Erev Lag B’Omer 5750, the after the child is born and up the sicha that the point was not to Rebbe added that even before a child emerges into the air of the world, censor pictures of not-kosher animals is born, mothers should be careful not that appear in Tanach, from which we to put and hang [only] pure and to look at non-kosher things. This is can learn what is forbidden and what based on the saying of our Sages that holy objects around him. is permitted. And when illustrating a non-kosher animals have negative Furthermore, one should be story from Chazal, there is no need to characteristics which can influence a careful even before the child is omit things, since “this is a teaching person. This fact is even established in and explanation of Torah, obviously.” born, during pregnancy. Jewish halacha. Another question that came up One of the directives was that women have the custom that was about visiting zoos, and the when you teach a child the Alef-Beis, while pregnant, they are very Rebbe wrote explicitly that this is and you associate a letter with a careful not to look at things that included in meditating upon the picture to make it easier for the child, wonders of Hashem’s creations, are impure, rather [they look] at these pictures should only be of though there is no need to gaze upon kosher animals. The Rebbe even gave only pure and holy things.” the animals intently, but casually an example, saying, that when you looking at the animals in the zoo is (Sicha Parshas Emor draw the letter Alef and show the fine. Erev Lag B’Omer 5750)
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 27 The Rebbe was asked about shuls that have eagles and lions on the aron A MOTHER’S PERSPECTIVE kodesh and paroches. The Rebbe BY FAIGY KAMINKER answered that it serves as a reminder As a mother of a six-month-old baby girl who had many toys, I to be “strong as a lion, fast as a deer, remember feeling surprised as well as a feeling of having missed out, and light as an eagle” in serving when we heard the Rebbe MH”M’s directive about chinuch and kosher Hashem. Additionally, the faces of a toys. lion and an eagle appear on the Why the surprise? Why the feeling of having missed out? Because of Supernal Chariot. another “decree” imposed upon us? A similar question was raised No! It’s because I thought to myself. Such pure Chassidic thinking. regarding the flags of the tribes, some How come, as young parents who think of ourselves as people with a of which depict non-kosher animals. “Chassidic head,” we didn’t think of this ourselves? Why do we need an The Rebbe referred to the Midrash “arousal from above” in order to get us moving in the right direction? that each image is associated with the Implementing it wasn’t that difficult. When we checked things out, we characteristic of that tribe, “and this saw that, baruch Hashem, there wasn’t much to get rid of. One toy tribe needed a particular animal (a mouse, some of the objects on the Fisher Price mobile that revolved snake, etc.).” The Rebbe wrote, “A around the pure head of our daughter, and a beat-up Teddy bear. number of individuals had the picture It was the Teddy bear we had some trouble with. Our mekuraves, an of a lion in their personal seal.” (It older lady, was so happy when I gave birth to my daughter. She brought should be noted that in the Tanya in as a gift, something very personal, the Teddy bear of her ben z’kunim the edition printed for the Israel (child born in her old age, and here I ought to apologize to the child who Museum in Tel Aviv, which Rechavam is today, a shliach). Whenever they came to visit, she checked to see Ze’evi (may Hashem avenge his blood) whether my daughter enjoyed the Teddy bear. printed, is the museum’s symbol of a lion, and this was approved by the So what could we do? Just throw it out? What about ahavas Yisroel? Rebbe.) Give it back to her? Her son also has to listen to the Rebbe. He is also a The Rebbe once spoke, sadly, Jewish boy. So what could we do? It was simple. After a minute of about how not-kosher animals had pondering this, we put the Teddy bear in the plastic bag that already made their way into Jewish booklets contained the blanket and a bath-toy, the Fisher Price toys, and the and magazines: mouse. Even though, according to the The Rebbe made us into detectives who closely examined the outfit custom of the country, there are with the chick, lamb, etc., who taught the shopkeepers that yes, even a certain things that are associated with butterfly isn’t kosher. Every game, item of clothing, pacifier, bottle, a...mouse, and another matter which undergoes thorough inspection, two and three times. Maybe there’s a is associated with another animal sticker with a non-kosher animal on it. The children are used to this, and which is not-kosher, etc., and it has sometimes they discover something we missed. We have to remember to become customary to use these keep a supply of kosher prizes in the event that their teacher wasn’t drawings – and unfortunately, [these careful. images appear] even in booklets and Our quality of life has risen, no doubt about that. Our awareness has magazines that are, in other respects, gotten keener, and we have learned to value our role as parents and al taharas ha’kodesh – there is no educators, those who are shaping the generation of “my anointed ones.” need for mesirus nefesh to get rid of I learned the “v’niflinu” (we are distinguished) in one short lesson. In this custom; it can be done easily. In my naiveté, I had thought that if the Rebbe announced such a logical and our generation, the generation of Jewish request, then all our religious brethren would jump on the Ikvisa d’Meshicha, which is the time bandwagon, but this is not the case. What a pity. to prepare for the revelations of When we left our apartment for some time and a couple, Polish Geula, it is very important to be Chassidim, sublet our apartment, they decorated the children’s bedroom careful about this. For about the with all sorts of things. How shocked we were when we moved back in, future it says, “and I will remove the to find, firmly stuck on the wall, a poster of the epitome of impure spirit of impurity from the earth.” animals. Therefore, it is worthwhile conducting “V’niflinu!” oneself now the way it will be in the future. “Fortunate are we, how good is our lot.”
28 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 The way to make positive changes, said the Rebbe, and this is obvious, is not to do it in a way of debate and triumph, but to show that this is written in holy s’farim which everybody can read for themselves. CHANGING SYMBOLS That year, Tzivos Hashem sent in an illustrated story to the Rebbe for the new issue of The Moshiach Times. The Rebbe commented as follows: The publication is primarily for young children, and therefore, experienced educators of young children need to decide about this. In general, there is no need for pictures of non-kosher animals. The Rebbe wrote to the Hatzala One of the Rebbe’s answers concerning serving Hashem organization, which had a snake in its in a way as “strong as a lion” symbol, in Adar 5740: Eliminate the snake from the symbol... “In recent years there has more of an interest in kosher animals, There was a big change that year, definitely been a change in the dati and so we don’t print or embroider for the Lag B’Omer parade. When the sector, primarily among chareidim. any non-kosher animals on our floats were constructed, the new Today there is no demand for things clothes.” directive was taken into account and with non-kosher animals,” says Are there differences among your the pictures of non-kosher animals Yaakov, one of the owners of the chain clientele? that were used in previous years were of stores. “We are seeing more and “Lubavitchers don’t even allow a replaced. butterfly. Other groups...it depends... Thus, little by little, the Rebbe’s Some are more particular, others less directive not to use non-kosher I thought to myself. so. But if you do your research you animals began to change the way will see that as time goes by, people many things looked. are becoming more and more Such pure Chassidic particular about this. I won’t tell you STORE-OWNERS RELATE thinking. How come, there was never an interest in this, but Naturally, the first ones to in recent years people are more implement this directive were Chabad as young parents who particular. Chassidim. Books with non-kosher “Many store owners are saying animals were no longer used in think of ourselves as they only want to carry clothing schools. without non-kosher animals on them. If at first, this all seemed strange, people with a I know that there are importers who and difficult too, since it was hard to “Chassidic head,” we don’t want to deal with the religious find acceptable toys, thanks to the sector solely because of the problems newfound demand for products didn’t think of this this causes them.” illustrated only with images of kosher In another conversation with the animal, many more such products ourselves? Why do we owner of a store in B’nei Brak, the have since been manufactured. owner was quite familiar with The children’s clothing store called need an “arousal Lubavitchers’ aversion to buying Osher, in Yaffo, which has been from above” in order anything with non-kosher animals on importing clothing for the religious it, “Although,” he emphasized, “in sector for thirty years, is well aware of to get us moving in recent years, other groups have also the changes since the Rebbe’s sicha. been requesting kosher animals. With We called the store and asked them the right direction? Chabad though, it’s all forbidden, about this. This was their response: whereas with others, each one has
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 29 their level of sensitivity to it.” Are the manufacturers more aware of this these days? “Definitely. You can find a substitute for everything. It used to be a problem, but today, the manufacturers have learned that there’s a market for items with only kosher animals on them.” We spoke with the owner of a store in B’nei Brak that has been around for fifty years, who said, “We feel it very strongly the past six or One of the Rebbe’s answers regarding the image of a lion seven years. More and more groups are requesting kosher animals only. At kosher animals, or other drawings. who is now seventeen, was very first, it was only the Lubavitchers, and We’re used to it by now and we make fearful of sleeping alone at night when one or two a day would insist on this. sure there is always a substitute. There he was three and four years old. My Today, we are used to it. It’s was a time when they only imported husband told me that he and the interesting that even among the things with non-kosher animals on child’s mother tried everything. They Litvish, we are finding that they are them, but today there are either kosher consulted with doctors, psychologists, more particular about this, as well as animals or no animals altogether.” and homoeopaths, and nothing with certain groups of Chassidim. For And the manufacturers have helped. The child was afraid of Lubavitch, well of course for them, it’s gotten used to it too? sleeping alone. verboten!” “The demands from the consumers “One day, he went to be Do you remember how it began? have educated the manufacturers. menachem avel and he met a “I remember how at first it sounded When it comes to our clothing Lubavitcher. He told the Lubavitcher bizarre. Suddenly people were collection, we are very particular about his concerns for his son and the demanding only kosher animals, and about what we take in. Sometimes Lubavitcher looked at him and we didn’t have them. Then they there are little animals and we ignore without thinking much about it said, wanted cars for children with only those, or some items can be fixed ‘Go home and remove all the non- with an appliqué. kosher animals from his room.’ EVEN NON-JEWISH “I once had to return a collection “The Lubavitcher explained that of clothing that had not-kosher according to kabbala, non-kosher DOCTORS AGREE animals on them, and they took it animals (kosher animals are those The Rebbe spoke about not back. The importers understood the animals that a Jew may eat, like looking at non-kosher animals problem. I can tell you that there are sheep, chickens, fish, geese), many times. At a general parents who were not particular about contaminate the soul and give the yechidus that took place on 16 this, but whose children are, and they child fears. Adar 5747, the Rebbe called this alert their parents. You can definitely “My husband went home, told the directive, “a custom that was say that this has penetrated deeply child’s mother, and they both decided observed in Jewish homes.” The into the religious sector, mostly they had nothing to lose. They Rebbe added that today, even among the chareidim.” removed all the dolls, toys, pictures, non-Jewish doctors agree that “LOOKING FOR THE etc. My husband, thirteen years later, what a baby sees or hears is still looking for the Lubavitcher in influences him when he’s older. LUBAVITCHER” order to thank him, because from that There have been many stories over The Rebbe said that a child’s night and on, his son slept alone the years about a change in a child room should have holy books and without being scared. after removing non-kosher animals. added, “It was customary in “My husband and his previous On an Israeli website called, HaGil Jewish homes to be careful not to wife were nowhere close to being HaRach, for professionals who work have pictures of non-kosher religious. When I heard the story, I with children, there’s an interesting animals on children’s toys; just checked into what Kabbala says and story posted as follows: kosher animals and birds.” it’s unbelievable. Good luck. “Hello. My husband’s oldest son,
30 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 STORY THE REBBE’S DIRECT INVOLVEMENT
BY NOSSON AVROHOM
This made such a strong Mashpiim and shluchim participated in the impression on him that he said to Chaf Av farbrengen that took place in Beis himself and all those around him, that the Rebbe MH”M indeed is Chayeinu. Among the many stories that were actively affecting the world. He had seen this himself, right before his told that night, the following story stood out. eyes. Rabbi Shemaryahu Matusof, mashpia in As a result, the man strengthened his commitment to Torah and Tomchei T’mimim in Brunoy, related the mitzvos, and influenced his entire story, which he had heard from Rabbi Shmuel family to do the same. A DREAM Frankel, ra”m in the yeshiva. As the man progressed in his observance, a problem arose. In his “I’M TESTING YOU” litmus test, the man decided, would business, most of the bets are placed on the weekend. Since his betting The story took place with a be whether his father would agree to put on t’fillin. That would be the parlor was part of a chain, he was mekurav of Rabbi Onlesburg, who afraid that he would not be lives in Paris and owns a kosher sign that the Rebbe is here, affecting the world. Since the man’s father had permitted to close his business on restaurant. Rabbi Onlesburg’s Shabbos. mekurav manages a betting parlor, absolutely nothing to do with which is part of a chain of betting tradition and religion, putting t’fillin But the man knew who to turn parlors all over Europe. on would be proof enough for him. to. He wrote a letter to the Rebbe The man put his letter into a volume and put it in a volume of Igros When this mekurav began taking of Igros Kodesh and awaited the Kodesh. Then he went to the office of his first steps towards observing outcome. the director in order to request mitzvos, he learned about how the A few days later was his father’s permission to stop working on Rebbe has direct influence on every Shabbos. Jew – even after Gimmel Tammuz – birthday. Friends and relatives came and is accessible especially through to celebrate with him, and brought Little did he dream that things the Igros Kodesh. Ironically, despite presents. The son was shocked to would go so smoothly. The director his skepticism, the man decided to see that one of the gifts that a close readily agreed to his closing the write a letter to the Rebbe to ask friend brought was a pair of t’fillin! store, on condition that this didn’t him about this – in effect, testing it The father, amazingly, was moved get out to the other managers of out for himself. by the gift. He immediately rolled up betting parlors! In fact, he went so far as to his sleeve and put on the t’fillin, So he continued running the demand proof, a sign that the Rebbe praying with them with great betting parlor without it interfering is here and affects the world. The emotion. His son stood there in with his progress in religious shock. observance.
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 31 Regardless of these signs, the the roof caves in!” man still wasn’t fully aware to what When he finally He realized there was nothing to extent the Rebbe had entered his life talk about, and he believed with all and how this would influence his managed to open his his heart that just as until now, the family. eyes, they said, Rebbe had helped him, the Rebbe One morning, his two little would help him now too. daughters woke him up from a deep “Abba, register us in A few days went by and they sleep. When he finally managed to received a notice from the pry his eyes open, they said, “Abba, the Jewish school...” municipality saying that since their register us in the Jewish school.” house had been built in a certain “Why are you suddenly asking tzaddik they had seen in their year and it had a number of me that?” he said, his voice still dream. He shivered and then smiled problems, they had to make groggy. as they both pointed at a picture of renovations. The city would help pay for the renovations. A municipal “A tzaddik came to us in a dream the Rebbe. engineer even told them to break and asked us to go to a Jewish Needless to say, the girls were down some of the walls of the school!” came the reply. registered at a Jewish school. house, as well as the ceiling! That sure woke the man up. WHEN THE CEILING FALLS All the husband had to do was Hastily, the man got dressed and read the letter to his wife, and she dashed off in the car with his girls. The chain of hashgacha pratis immediately understood what this He was heading for a Judaica store didn’t end there. One day, he felt meant and agreed to observe the he knew about in the city. The store ready to begin observing the laws of laws of family purity. had many pictures of tzaddikim, family purity. When he introduced such as the Baba Sali, Rav Kaduri, the topic to his wife, he was met There is a Rebbe in the world! and others. When they arrived, he with adamant refusal. She said, asked his daughters to point out the “Yeah, I’ll keep those laws – when
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32 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 FEATURE THE GAON & TZADDIK: RABBI ELIYAHU ELIEZER DESSLER ZATZAL
BY REB SHALOM BER WOLPO TRANSLATED BY ALEXANDER ZUSHE KOHN
PART I contact with them — an occurrence the Musser movement. In particular, he Rav Eliyahu Dessler was born in that caused him much anguish. He later was distinguished in his brilliance in 5652 (1891-92) in the city of Libo, in received the news that they had made it both the revealed and esoteric Kurland (near Lithuania). His father, to Australia and the United States, but dimensions of Torah, and in the way he Reb Reuven Dov, of blessed memory, he did not see them again until after the prayed. As such, when the Ponovitz was outstanding in his Torah diligence war. yeshiva was founded in B’nei Brak, the gaon Rabbi Yosef Kahanaman zatzal, and Divine Service, and was a close In 5701 (1940-41), Rabbi Dessler invited Rabbi Dessler to come to Israel, disciple of Reb Simcha Zissel, zatzal, the was among the establishers and roshei 1 and assume the position of spiritual Saba of Kelm. Rav Eliyahu’s mother was yeshiva v’kollel of the Gateshead yeshiva, dean of the yeshiva, an offer he the granddaughter of the Musser giant, which was established for Torah Reb Yisroel Salanter, zatzal (and the accepted. When his wife passed away in sister of the wife of Reb Chaim Ozer 5712 (1951-52), Rav Dessler applied Grudinsky of Vilna). himself with even more vigor to Throughout the educating his disciples in Israel. At the At the age of twelve, Rav Dessler same time, however, he did not forsake traveled to the yeshiva of Kelm, where duration of Reb the institutions he founded in England, he studied under the geonim, Rabbis but made sure to visit them almost Tzvi Hersh Broda, and Nachum Zev, the Itche’s stay, the two every year, and assess their Saba’s son, who later became his father- development. in-law. Later, Rav Dessler moved to of them toured all of Homil, where his parents were living at Even after falling ill, Rabbi Dessler the time, and studied there at a yeshiva Pardes. continued to deliver his Torah for outstanding bachurim originating in addresses. Indeed, he began to deliver Litvisher yeshivas, where his father was more of these, and to increase his the dean. writing of novel Torah insights and students who were refugees of the war. essays. On the twenty-fourth of Teives, After the Russian Revolution in Many of the yeshiva’s alumni became 5714, the Ponovitzer rosh yeshiva, the 5678 (1917-18), Rav Dessler returned rabbanim throughout England. At Rabbi gaon Reb Dovid Pubarski zatzal, and to Kelm. In 5687 (1926-27), he moved Dessler’s initiative, various educational some of Rabbi Dessler’s family to London, where he served as a rav. A institutions were established near the members, were sitting by the latter’s short time before the outbreak of World kollel, and their influence revolutionized bedside, when he suffered a sudden War II, his wife and daughter traveled Jewish education in England. massive heart attack. A few minutes to Lithuania to visit their family, and later, he looked at those surrounding By this time, Rabbi Dessler was while they were there, the war broke him, a hint of a pleasant smile on his already renowned as one of the giants of out, causing Rabbi Dessler to lose all face, and returned his soul to his Maker.
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 33 His Musser discussions are collected in immigrated to the U.S. and was an passed away after she gave birth to my the five volumes of Michtav M’Eliyahu. important member of Agudas father-in-law. He then married the HaRabbanim) was living right near my daughter of the great rabbi, Reb Rabbi Dessler left behind his son, apartment. I visited him a number of Yaakov Rabinovitz of Telz. She was Reb Nachum Zev, dean of the times, and he joined me for the also the sister of the wife of the gaon educational institute in Cleveland Shabbos meals when his wife was sick. and chassid, Rav Yaakov Landau (under the auspices of the Telzer He told me all about that time period zatzal, chief rabbinical judge of B’nei yeshiva), and his daughter, who in which he learnt with my father-in- Brak. This [second wife of Reb Reuven married Rabbi Eliyohu Yehoshua law when he was a child in Homil. He Ber] was the woman who raised my Geldtzeller, author of Kodshei Yehoshua also told me an interesting thing: Reb father-in-law. [My father-in-law] thus on Kodshim, who was one of the Reuven Ber, my father-in-law’s father always called Rav Landau “uncle.” important students of Monsey’s Beis made him agree in writing that he Midrash HaElyon, and, today, serves as 4. He had a wide range of would pray at the beis ha’midrash of the rosh yeshiva of Ohr Yisroel in knowledge of Chassidic texts Queens. — not only Chabad Chassidus, but also the works of Reb ONLY IN Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin, A LUBAVITCH SHUL and Likkutei Moharan. In a letter dated 22 Iyar, 5. When he was a young 5755, Reb Eliyahu Yehoshua man of about twenty-five, he Geldtzeller shlita, Rabbi traveled to the Rebbe Rashab, Dessler’s son-in-law, describes who had already moved to to me how his father-in-law was Rostov. This is documented in drawn to the spirit of Chabad Marbitzei Torah U’Muser, Chassidus at a very young age: volume 3, page 55: “He once 1. When he was learning in traveled to see the Admur Reb Homil, which, as known, was a Shalom Ber Schneerson at his chassidic city, he became court in Rostov, and they spoke exposed to Lubavitcher about profound matters.” chassidim and Chabad 6. In 5708 (1947-480, Rav Chassidus, and prayed Dessler visited the U.S. and he regularly at the Chabad shul went into the Rebbe Rayatz for with his father, Reb Reuven a private audience. On Erev Ber. Rosh HaShana, 5710 (1949- 2. I heard from my father- 50), he wrote the Rebbe Rayatz in-law, of blessed memory, that a letter of blessing, concluding when he was twelve years old with: “I count myself among — that is, in the year 5664 the masses who esteem his (1903-04) — his father asked splendid holiness.” Reb Itche der Masmid Reb Chaim Ozer, his father’s 7. In 5748 (1947-48), I brother-in-law, to send him an the Lubavitcher Chassidim, because went to the Rebbe in outstanding bachur to learn with his the Bundisten had already infiltrated fulfillment of the mitzvah of son. Reb Chaim Ozer sent him a all the other shuls, and he didn’t want comforting a mourner. I told the nineteen-year-old bachur by the name his son to be influenced by them in Rebbe that my father-in-law, Rav of Reb Bentzion Natlavitch. (Reb any way, G-d forbid. The only shul Dessler zatzal, saw both the Rebbe Chaim Ozer wrote to him that this that the Bundistin had not infiltrated Rashab and the Rebbe Rayatz, and that bachur is such a Torah scholar, he is was the Chabad beis midrash. One can he was influential in disseminating proficient in the entire Mishna thus appreciate the attitude toward Chassidus — especially the Tanya — L’Melech). Chabad Chassidus that my father-in- in the yeshiva world. Long after I heard this story, I was law, Rav Dessler zatzal, picked up at TOURING PARDES TOGETHER already living in Forest Hills, when I home. found out that this Reb Bentzion Rav Dessler began his learning of 3. Reb Reuven Ber’s first wife Natlavitch (who had already Chabad Chassidus at a young age. “The
34 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 leading Lubavitcher Chassidim of profound footnote in Chapter 2 of Homil opened before him the gates of He would later say Tanya, regarding Chabad of Atzilus and wisdom, understanding and that which is higher than Atzilus.” knowledge.” that the days he spent In a letter to Rav Dessler dated 4 Many years later, during his tenure Nissan, 5697, the Rebbe Rayatz in London, the gaon continued to exposed to the addresses him with the following titles: discuss Chassidus with elderly Chabad profoundest secrets, “The honorable, very noble, and scholars, such as the gaon and chassid, celebrated rav and gaon, lover of Reb Yerachmiel Binyominson, o.b.m, clarifying the hidden uprightness, man of fine character and and the gaon and chassid, Reb Yitzchok fear of G-d, our teacher, the rav, Rabbi of Homil, o.b.m. (“Itche Der Masmid”). matters with Reb E.E. Dessler shlita, [of] London.” The The following appear in Marbitzei Torah Rebbe proceeds to thank him for “the U’Muser, ibid, pages 65-66: Itche, were the best great affection you honor is showing him [the gaon and chassid, Reb Itche Der “One of the great Chabad mashpiim, days of his life. Masmid], and the good efforts you are Rebbi Yitzchak Horowitz, nicknamed making to assist him with his matters.” Itche Der Masmid, once stayed at the The Rebbe blesses him “that G-d should home [of Rav Dessler] in London for a hidden matters with Reb Itche, were the assist you and all who help you, in all considerable amount of time. best days of his life. In the ensuing spiritual and material matters.” Throughout the duration of Reb Itche’s years, this time period was to leave its mark on his spiritual development. stay, the two of them toured all of NOTES: Pardes.2 There was not a single matter When he became the rosh kollel of that Rav Eliyahu Eliezer [Dessler] did Gateshead, he established a Tanya class. 1 I.e., sage. not clarify with [Reb Itche], to the He once visited Monsey, and was 2 Literally, orchard, Pardes is also an extent that he would later say that the invited to give a Musser talk in Beis acronym for Pshat (Basic), Remez days he spent exposed to the Midrash HaElyon. For an hour and a (Allegorical), Drush (Expositional) and Sod (Esoteric), the four dimensions of Torah. profoundest secrets, clarifying the half he clarified the Alter Rebbe’s
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Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 35 PROFILE HIS FIRST PRAYER – SAVE ME FROM THESE ANGRY MONKEYS!
BY NOSSON AVROHOM
never had any connection with them, He encountered Chabad wherever he turned – and I wasn’t interested in going to the Chabad house. The fellows urged in Thailand, Australia, India, and in the me to go, saying, ‘The rabbis there United States. * The story of a young are great and you can get free food, so why not?’ They convinced me. Lubavitcher baal t’shuva. “I knew so little about Judaism that when the Lubavitcher bachurim Even his best friends would have brother served. After a brief stint he spoke about Jewish topics during the a hard time identifying Dan Ben- had to stop combat training because meal, and told stories of the Rebbe, I Chur; his appearance has changed to of back trouble. He took a course for had no idea what they were talking that of a Chassid. His prayers and medics and became a combat medic. about. This feeling of ignorance desire for all things holy have earned intensified at the end of the meal, Since his childhood, he had him the respect of all those around when they politely asked me to say always strongly felt that there is good him. He has a reddish beard and a the Birkas HaMazon. I wondered, in the world, Absolute Good. Chassidic cap, and is a true Tamim. ‘What do they want from me? I just However, when he debated this with came to eat, and not to recite things!’ Dan is a fascinating and his friends he couldn’t define I didn’t even know what bentching charismatic guy. He has recently precisely what he believed. At that was. discovered that he is a scion to time of his life he was completely illustrious rabbinic families, ignorant of Judaism. “Friends that I met suggested that including Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik I continue on to Kompangan, a Like many of his friends, when he of Brisk. stunning place on an island to the finished his army service, he flew to south of Thailand. I didn’t lose a the Far East, where he believed he MEETING UP WITH CHABAD minute; I left that same day. could find inner peace. WHEREVER HE GOES “I would spend hours alone, “When I landed in Bangkok, I When Dan was a young child his playing guitar. Along with some went with my fellow backpackers to family moved from New York, his other Israelis I met, I spent my time a place called Kova-San, a tourist birthplace, to Eretz Yisroel. They playing cards on the beach. One day center where there are settled in Chaifa, where he attended we rented scooters and traveled representatives of many religions school until he was of draft age. around the island for a week. I spent who offer their religious wares to two weeks on the island, and then When he was drafted he tried his passersby. There, I met many Israelis one day, I packed my stuff and luck at qualifying for an elite unit, who suggested I visit the Chabad returned to Bangkok and flew to but dropped out at the last minute house. and was incorporated into the Australia. “I knew what Chabad was but I armored division, where his older “A day after I arrived in Australia
36 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 I met Yoni, a childhood friend. He rest of the week, despite my efforts brought me to an apartment where a and the fact that it’s very easy to sell few Israelis were living. I began “Suddenly, at the end pictures. When I saw that I was selling pictures to make a living, a wasting my time, and that I was popular Israeli livelihood in Australia of the bridge, I saw a bringing the pictures back home and in many other countries. It’s with me every day, I switched to hard work but you make lots of Mitzva Tank, and picking grapes in the vineyards of money, which we tourists needed to near it were Mildora, but there too I didn’t do pay for our ongoing trip. I got more well. involved in selling pictures and was Lubavitcher bachurim “While visiting Australia I very successful. encountered Chabad the second “This work entails lying, because giving out drinks to time. That’s when I began to in order to sell as many pictures as passersby. For a few understand who these Chabad possible, we had to make up stories Chassidim are and why they are so about the importance of the picture long seconds I stood highly regarded. One Friday, a and the prestige of the artist who Lubavitcher bachur came to our drew it. I made a good return. My and watched. At that apartment to see how we were doing. friends were amazed by how well I He invited us for the Shabbos meals did. moment, I felt proud and t’fillos at the Chabad house. “One night I had a dream that to belong to the “The following Shabbos I went to made me extremely uncomfortable. I shul. I enjoyed the meals and the suddenly felt the severity of the Jewish people!” shiurim on the Rebbe’s sichos, but I offense I was committing and I couldn’t follow everything that was thought of all the people I had going on. I thanked my hosts and cheated. I got up in a fright. When they tried to convince me to went home. Shortly thereafter, the everybody else was getting ready to continue working. I finally decided same bachur met me on the street, leave for work, I told them I wasn’t that I would go and sell pictures but recalled my name, and asked how I going and explained why. I wouldn’t lie. Guess what? I didn’t was doing. I was amazed. After all, I had met him only once, yet he “They were surprised by my sell a single picture! remembered my name and seemed sudden pangs of conscience, and “The same thing happened the interested in my welfare.” FROM A CLIFF TO THE ABYSS The hard work in the vineyards and the meager pay broke Dan, and after a week, he decided on the spur of the moment to fly to the United States. In hindsight, says Dan, this was a very difficult period for him. He had no idea what he wanted from himself, and a feeling of emptiness gave him no rest. Within a few days, he had packed up his belongings and had gone to the airport for his flight to New York. “I lived with my brother’s friends in Coney Island, and wonder of wonders, I encountered Chabad yet again! Isn’t it amazing how wherever I went I met Chabad? They didn’t let Dan in the days of searching for meaning in life us forget that we’re Jewish. Every
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 37 Friday, two bachurim came to our springs that came from way up high, that left me alone, facing it, with the apartment and put t’fillin on with us. and in the early hours of the evening abyss on my right and the mountain and morning, you could contemplate on my left. There was nowhere to “After a month I moved to a magnificent view of the blossoming run. I tried getting out of its way, but Williamsburg and I worked in a valley. there was nowhere to go! I fell into housewares store in Manhattan. the abyss. You’ll remember that at the end of “We walked on winding trails. At 5763 there was a blackout, and since times it was extremely dangerous, “My fall was broken by thick the trains weren’t running I had to because long sections of the ascent shrubs, which I managed to grab walk for hours. It was very hot and were only a narrow path in the side of hold of, and with the help of some humid and I walked over the the mountain, with the wall on one friends, I managed to get up. I was Brooklyn Bridge, sweating and side and the abyss on the other side. just one step away from death. wishing for a cold drink. “From there I continued “Suddenly, at the end of my journey to the village of the bridge, I saw a Mitzva Vashisht in the Manli area. It Tank, and near it were was Yom Kippur and I Lubavitcher bachurim giving decided to fast. It wasn’t out drinks to passersby. For that I planned on becoming a few long seconds I stood a baal t’shuva or intended on and watched. At that joining the t’fillos in shul; I moment, I felt proud to simply saw it as a challenge belong to the Jewish people! and a show of Jewish pride. My friends weren’t thrilled “When I had put away a with my decision and didn’t nice sum of money, I join me. I didn’t care; I decided to realize my dream stuck to my guns and and to go to India. I had a completed the fast. strong desire to still the empty feeling within me “My faith in G-d at that with meditation. I hoped time was expressed every that by getting involved in night, before I went to sleep, things like that, I would be when I placed my hands on able to rid myself of the my eyes and asked for strange feeling of emptiness success. I didn’t know who I that became more pressing was praying to, but I every day. believed with all my heart that there was a force of “When I arrived in India, good in the world. I met Israeli acquaintances. We lived in a small “During my stay in a farmhouse in the village of primitive village called Ksol, Tosh in the Pravati Valley Dan Ben-Chur standing near the Aron Kodesh in 770 I had to go to a friend one area. We would sit together night, who lived in Jelal, a for hours and play musical half an hour away. I had to instruments. We would also go on “While we were climbing, a cow traverse a thick forest and cross a trips that entailed hair-raising came towards us that didn’t seem river, and all this, in utter darkness. adventures, and sometimes this was particularly threatening. As you “I took a lantern and decided to really dangerous. We called it know, cows in India roam freely go for it. All along the way, I kept “thrills.” because they are considered sacred. repeating my belief in the power of “We once took an Indian guide “After the cow passed my friends good that would help me. There and climbed Mt. Kriganga, a who were ahead of me, I noticed a were many scary moments. I was beautiful place 2000 meters above sudden change, and the cow turned startled by the roar of wild animals the Himalayas. The place had a and menaced my friend. He managed and the shrieking wind that made all number of attractions, including hot to shove the cow away from him and the trees shake and bang into each
38 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 an open miracle which strengthened my resolve. It was when I went down with some friends to the valley. I suddenly remembered that it was time to daven Shacharis and I wanted to go back to the Chabad house. I left the group and headed for the Chabad house. That’s when I noticed a group of children throwing stones. I remembered that my friends had warned me in the past that a dangerous species of monkey lived there and that if you started up with them they could hurt you or even kill you. “I asked the children to stop throwing rocks, but of course they just laughed and continued what they were doing. I walked a little Dan talking to the mashpia, Rabbi Yitzchok Springer further when I was suddenly face to face with a large band of monkeys. other, making a tremendous noise. were davening. I walked in with my They looked angry and were Nevertheless, I walked on big backpack on my shoulders, approaching. I didn’t know what to determinedly and with faith, until I wearing rags, and with long hair. do. I just stood there and prayed for arrived at my destination.” They all davened while I sat quietly. Hashem to save me. The words of the davening were MIRACLE WITH THE “Incredibly, the band of monkeys foreign to me and I didn’t passed me by.” MONKEYS understand them. I didn’t know how “This period in my life was the to open a siddur and what you do THE CHANGE worst.” when you daven. I sat there and That Friday night, Dan decided began to think about my situation. to finally make a change in his life. Dan was more confused than The present and the past mixed in ever, and his soul knew no peace. He went to the Chabad house and my mind and I realized that I was at spoke at length with Rav Shaul, The search for meaning in life a crossroads. constantly plagued him. telling him what he had experienced “I saw they were all serious about and felt. It was at this Chabad house “One day I walked into the their davening, whereas I, who was that Dan learned his first concepts in Chabad house as though it was a I? What was I? My Jewish spark Judaism. natural thing to do. The shliach, ignited and an inner voice shouted to For three months he continued to Rabbi Dror Moshe Shaul, welcomed me: ‘Dan, where are you at? Look at me. He suggested that I put on travel around India, but at the same yourself. Look at how different you time he learned more and more t’fillin, and I agreed. I put on t’fillin are from the other people here.’ If at and then left. about Judaism. He visited the first I hoped the davening would Chabad houses in Poona and Delhi, “The next day was Friday, 28 end, the sooner the better, at this where he broadened his knowledge Tishrei, Erev Shabbos B’Reishis, and point I began to cry. I yearned to of Judaism even further, and became I went back to the Chabad house. connect to Hashem. well acquainted with Chabad Rav Shaul welcomed me once more “That evening I resolved to make Chassidus. and asked me to come back that a real change in my life. I suddenly night for the Shabbos davening. He went to 770 and after a short understood that the long search for period there he returned to Eretz “I went back to the Chabad house myself was for the purpose of finding Yisroel and began learning in the in the evening and it was buzzing my Judaism. That night I couldn’t Chabad yeshiva in Tzfas, where he is with dozens of Israeli tourists. Jews sleep. making great progress. were dressed in Shabbos clothes and “The next morning I experienced
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 39 SHLEIMUS HA’ARETZ WE STILL HAVE OUR WORK CUT OUT FOR US
BY SHAI GEFEN
“AND FOR THE JEWS THERE policemen. Who gave him parts of inheritance, is because of the terrible WAS LIGHT AND JOY!” Eretz Yisroel as a gift for the horrors he darkness of Galus that conceals it. In inflicted on us. Who promised him order to be saved from this terrible It’s been a long time since we could Yerushalayim. Sad to say, it wasn’t the state of affairs we need the complete begin this column with good news European Union, not the Third World Redemption with the revelation of about the situation in Eretz Yisroel. countries, and not even his friends Moshiach Tzidkeinu. The death of Arafat (may his name be who rule Arab countries. To our NEGOTIATING = erased), enemy of the Jews, is everlasting shame, all this was definitely good news. Every normal accomplished thanks to the CAPITULATION Jew who loves his people and land, government of the “Mixed Multitude,” It’s hard to comprehend the moral couldn’t help but mark the day of his the government that daily decrees and ideological deterioration of all death as one of great joy. It was a day open war against Hashem and His those who in the past championed an to give praise to Hashem for Torah. Eretz Yisroel shleima. eliminating a man whose hands dripped with the blood of thousands It’s a government that has no self- The death of the arch-terrorist of Jews, men, women, and children; respect. Sometimes it’s a Labor definitely marks a new era. tens of thousands of wounded; one government, and sometimes it’s a Immediately, members of both the who wreaked havoc and destruction in Likud, Ichud Leumi, and Mafdal Right and Left got up and demanded our land. government. The differences aren’t an end to the Disengagement Plan. great. This is legitimate and desirable, when Arafat, like Haman in his day, had you consider the insanity, or more one goal: to destroy all the Jewish Somebody commented that this is a accurately, the “dibbuk” which has people, young and old. The Rebbe mark of shame for the Israeli possessed the prime minister, and MH”M called the P.L.O. “the offspring government that this evil pervert died refuses to be exorcised. Suddenly, of Haman.” There’s no question that a natural death in a hospital and wasn’t those on the Right are demanding that the death of this evil man is good for rubbed out like his friends Yassin and the prime minister negotiate with the the Jewish people, and is a big step Rantisi. How humiliating to see that Palestinians in an orderly fashion. forward to the true and complete even the government’s decision to Redemption. In the merit of the expel him wasn’t carried out. What I wonder is, have they lost simcha and thanks to Hashem, may we It was even sadder to see how the their minds? Who do they think we be redeemed immediately, with chesed Israeli media mourned for Arafat. To should negotiate with? This is the and mercy. see to what extent Israel debases itself. solution to torpedo the Disengagement Plan? We have been through this However, even at this time, we The Israeli government didn’t even before! What this negotiation really mustn’t forget to offer thanks to the dare to make an official announcement means is endless giving until even one who transformed this arch- about Arafat’s death and to tell the Yerushalayim is included. The request terrorist from a two-bit, has-been, truth. It’s painful to see how much the for negotiation is like the attempt at terrorist, to the man who was awarded “gaon Yaakov” (pride of Yaakov) is in extinguishing a fire with gasoline. the Nobel Peace Prize. Thanks to the Galus. one who enabled Arafat to murder In one of his letters, the Rebbe Here is where we can see the thousands of Jews? Who gave Arafat writes about some people that the difference between the Rebbe’s and his terrorist cohorts billions of reason why they lack the “gaon approach and that of the fools on the dollars. Who gave weapons to his Yaakov,” even though it’s our Right, who are actually twins of their
40 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 brothers on the Left. The Rebbe said Here’s a report that appeared last that negotiating with Arabs about week in the media: giving up land is tantamount to “If until now, it seemed as though shedding blood, as the Rebbe said the katyusha which was shot two quite clearly to Rabbi Elimelech weeks ago [from Lebanon!] was an Naiman on Pesach 5750. Yet they, isolated incident, Defense Minister including those on the Right, suggest Mofaz, at a Knesset session, said that negotiating in order to prevent the this was the fourth incident of Disengagement, when the very act of shooting of katyushas at Israel from negotiating is in the category of Lebanon during the past year. It wasn’t the murder! “Last week, Channel Two revealed European Union, not There is no difference today the shooting of a katyusha at a field in between the Right and the Left. The a northern yishuv, two weeks before. the Third World Right is simply following Beilin and Now it seems that this was not a one- Ami Eilon. time event. They reported that the countries, and not Only one who follows the Rebbe’s defense establishment asked that the approach can protect Eretz Yisroel. All information about the landing of a even his friends who those people who did their own thing katyusha in a banana grove on the rule Arab countries. fell. northern border be withheld. It’s difficult to talk this way, but “In yesterday’s Knesset session, To our everlasting apparently, in this period of darkness, Defense Minister Mofaz related that when the truth comes out, we have to during the past eleven months, the shame, all this was see how all those parties, from the terrorists have sent no fewer than four Right and the Left, are all the same. katyushas at Israel. This information accomplished thanks The ones who demand negotiations are was also apparently suppressed.” to the government of actually demanding that we divide * * * Yerushalayim, even if they don’t say so This important information was the “Mixed openly. This is how we must relate to hidden from us for a year! The this suggestion. reporters who consider “the public’s Multitude,” the It’s time we realized that the right to know” to be the supreme government that daily Rebbe’s words were precise, and only value, don’t tell us about the thousands by closely adhering to his guidance can of rockets in Lebanon that are aimed at decrees open war we truly achieve shleimus ha’Aretz, Israeli cities. Even when they actually shleimus ha’Torah, and shleimus fire katyushas, they hide this against Hashem and ha’Am. It is now, when nobody else is information from the public. doing it, that we must publicize the His Torah. 19 years ago, on Zos Chanuka Rebbe’s approach, and make sure that 5746, the Rebbe cried out about their Jews get up and raise the flag of number of incidents in which Jews hiding the truth from the public. The halacha, as the Rebbe has taught us. were killed in Yehuda and Shomron, Rebbe addressed every single detail, they give orders to conceal these HIDING THE TRUTH FROM even the most marginal, when it came incidents, and not to report them in to shleimus ha’Aretz, and exposed THE PUBLIC! the media, in order not to rouse public every evil, and even their most minor The Rebbe’s sichos on shleimus opinion! Is this about arousing public attempts, to propagandize for peace. ha’Aretz are amazingly pertinent. The opinion?! The Rebbe announced that this real news is in the series of s’farim approach of hiding the facts would not “This is about pikuach nefesh of called, Karati V’Ein Oneh. Rechavam succeed. Jews in the future, for those terrorists Ze’evi (may Hashem avenge his blood) who carried out these actions in the “...Another ‘eitza’ they have is not would say that when he learned the past are not finished with their work to publicize incidents like this in the Rebbe’s sichos on shleimus ha’Aretz it and going for a walk or to sleep; their media! When they hear about a Jew seemed to him as though he was hand is still outstretched, Heaven being stabbed in the Old City of reading tomorrow’s paper! We saw an forbid, and when they see they have Yerushalayim, and similarly, about a example of this just last week. succeeded in killing a Jew, and
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 41 continue to roam free, it spurs them line, and the income went down to a fact that they gave them land and gave on to continue their deeds with greater third of what it was in 2000. “Without them non-stop concessions was in zeal, Heaven forbid! hope for economic improvement order to help the Palestinian leadership “This is not a guess but incidents among the Palestinian population, the gain legitimacy on the street. This that actually happened! inclination towards violence will baloney they fed the Israeli public for increase, and then the Israelis security ten years only led to blood and tears, “And so, what is the benefit in achievements are likely to be death and non-stop bereavement. hiding the facts about these many undermined. They warn that if as part incidents? Now they’re continuing with the of the Disengagement, the Gaza Strip same old line. This is what was “In the end, a certain incident is will be closed to traffic of people and publicized in the media: disclosed and then another incident, business, and as a result, the economic “A senior military figure in the and then there’s no choice and they situation will get worse, then Israel is Central Command confirms that the have to admit that the incident did liable to “lose the good will of the I.D.F. has ceased, in the last two days, indeed take place, but they international community that arresting wanted terrorists, and have immediately publicize that it wasn’t a supported Disengagement.” terrorist act but an ‘incident.’ limited their patrols in cities of Yehuda Apparently, even this economic and Shomron. This is as per “But this ‘eitza’ doesn’t help either, motive is not enough to dissuade instructions from the government to for even when they hide many Sharon from his delusional plans. We “reduce tensions.” The senior military incidents and don’t allow them to be figure said this was also true for Jenin publicized in the media in Eretz and Sh’chem, which have been Yisroel, ultimately it is publicized in “When they see they encircled due to Intelligence the media abroad, especially when the information regarding impending terrorists themselves publicize to the have succeeded in terrorist attacks. entire world that their organization did such-and-such. Then it turns out that killing a Jew, and If that wasn’t enough, at the there were dozens of these ‘incidents,’ beginning of this week, the defense and it wasn’t just an isolated incident continue to roam minister announced that permission but the intensification of the terrorists’ free, it spurs them on has been renewed for Palestinian activities in the most serious way that policemen to be armed with weapons. never before existed in the world!” to continue their For your information: Until now, THE WORLD BANK the Palestinian policemen we aware deeds with greater that they had no permit to go around DECLARES: DISENGAGEMENT with weapons, even those given to WILL LEAD TO BLOODSHED zeal, Heaven forbid!” them “officially” by the P.A. When Another important bit of news that Israeli soldiers encountered a they tried to marginalize, and so we recently quoted the report that was policeman carrying weapons, they barely heard about it, concerns an prepared by the legal advisors of the regarded him as they would any armed announcement from the World Bank. Foreign, Legal, and Commerce terrorist. Now, the situation has It’s unbelievable how they try to hide Ministries – that even after changed. this information from the public! A Disengagement, Israel will remain What can we say in light of this few days ago, the newspaper HaAretz responsible for what goes on in Gaza. ever-worsening madness? Our had an article which contained some Israel will end up sitting on the government is simply not interested in excerpts from a report of the World defendant’s bench, and even then, we our security. They dress up their Bank, “which leveled veiled criticism,” won’t be able to justify ourselves crimes with pretty words, like as the reporter put it, about the because Israel was the one who “reducing tensions,” and that’s how Disengagement Plan. The Bank said initiated this plan. they pacify the nation. This “reducing that the plan would not help the tensions,” has cost us plenty – in reconstruction of the Palestinian THERE ARE NO WORDS blood. We’ve also paid quite a high economy, which is in a state of crisis, When they brought Arafat to Israel price for lovely words such as “one of the most serious in modern they told us that the purpose was to “partition,” “partition fence,” history.” reduce the tensions. They also told us “disengagement,” “to part in peace.” According to statistics from the that the fact that they gave him tens of Why do they continue doing this? Ad World Bank, nearly half the residents thousands of weapons was in order for masai? of the P.A. are living below the poverty them to deal with terror properly. The
42 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765 STORY A STORY UNEARTHED
BY CHANA KATZ
It was a stunningly quiet, private California, dug up some earth and moment... A simple but moving Were it not for a buried the tallit. He lingered at the site expression of love and honor for a to say some prayers and then walked mother’s soul, of blessing... A struggle local tour guide back up the hill a few hundred feet or so of a Jew returning to Torah searching to the site of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, for some kind of light in the thick of whom Hashgacha where he immersed in a mikveh – Galus... A reminder of the Rebbe’s Pratis brought to a “rinsing myself, getting clean.” words to his children, the Were it not for a local tour guide “lamplighters”: Continue to plant Shabbos table in whom Hashgacha Pratis brought to a seeds and don’t be disheartened if the Shabbos table in Tzfas, the story may fruits aren’t always visible because ... Tzfas, the story may have remained buried along with the somewhere, someday, those seeds can other secrets privy only to the sprout and blossom... have remained buried awesome hills and valleys and the * * * along with the other prophets, Torah sages and tzaddikim Last week, Shmuel Daffner, a 36- who traversed them over the year-old Jew who lives in California secrets privy only to millennia... with his wife and two young “My mom, Aliza bas Shmuel, was daughters, came all the way to Tzfas the awesome hills and very spiritual, generous and kind, “ with his eldest daughter, Zoya Bracha, recalled R. Shmuel. “She would light 8. It was their first trip to Eretz Yisroel valleys and the Shabbos candles, she gave my brother and they came to search for a spot to and I a bar mitzva and taught us to light bury a special tallit that once prophets, Torah sages Chanuka candles.” enwrapped the body of their and tzaddikim who When he was young, his parents mother/grandmother, a Jewish became divorced and his mother neshama who became lost among the traversed them over moved to California with her three “kidnapped children” of Galus... children. As the oldest, R. Shmuel Here, in the serene, beautiful hills the millennia... always had the job of keeping peace between his siblings. His mother and valleys always stressed that Shalom Bayis surrounding the between them was so important. holy city of In 1991, when he was a student at Tzfas, R. Shmuel the University of California, he met found just the the shliach at Chabad of Berkeley, and spot he felt his was introduced to a deeper Torah life. mother would During those fertile years, a seed had have liked. He been planted... crawled into a Over the years, R. Shmuel, a cave not more technical trainer with the Pixar than three-and- Animated Film Company, “got more a-half-feet high, into it,” while his mother, in the last took the little ten years of her life, began to search hand shovel he for meaning among a foreign religion, had brought r”l, whose practice is to be cremated specially from The site where Shmuel buried the tallit after death.
Issue Number 485 - BEIS MOSHIACH 43 * * * north to the In her last years, his mother was holy city of afflicted with a disease that Tzfas. increasingly waned her strength. “I knew in R. Shmuel recalled the last Tzfas we would Shabbos they spent together. find something The family had gathered for a appropriate...a program at the shul close to his home. way of connecting The mother, her two sons and three to our spiritual granddaughters, including Zoya and ancestors.” her three-year-old sister Chaya Tova, The Chabad spent the “Tot Shabbat” together, shliach at lighting Shabbos candles, listening to Berkeley the beautiful Shabbos melodies and connected R. happily sharing the Shabbos seuda. Shmuel to The following Tuesday his mother another mekarev was hospitalized and R. Shmuel’s of his, a tour I went back to Zoya and Yehudit (the family went to say T’hillim with her. guide mekushar to the Rebbe, who tour guide) and immersed myself in a The next day a call came from the spent the entire day taking R. Shmuel mikveh (at R. Shimon bar Yochai). And hospital. and Zoya Brocha to at least a dozen that was kind of like the last phase of the It was January first. We weren’t special burial sites around Tzfat. whole thing, rinsing myself, getting expecting a phone call at 6 a.m. that day, “My daughter (a student in kita clean... and so when we got it we unfortunately Gimmel at a Hebrew day school in They toured more k’varim after knew what it was. Oakland) was such an integral part of that with Zoya saying her T’hillim “We went to the hospital and I took the trip. She was so focused on saying especially beautifully at each site my big tallit and wrapped my mother in T’hillim everywhere we went. She was before they settled in for the Shabbat it.” also very close to my mom and this in Tzfat. was her mission as much as mine.” The following hours were “...The last day (of my mother’s life) extremely difficult as the three siblings “When we got to the burial site of R. she said T’hillim, psalm 23. She was the discussed their mother’s wish to be Shimon Bar Yochai it was around 1 p.m. ‘kidnapped child,’ like a lot of people. The cremated. R. Shmuel was totally A minyan formed and I davened Mincha beautiful thing is that things come full against it but his brother and sister, with the group and started to walk down circle and Hashem has a way of bringing who were in the majority, insisting on the valley. It was kind of muddy (due to closure to a situation which may be off fulfilling their mother’s request. R. the heavy rain the day before) and in a track. That’s really the whole beauty of Shmuel remembered his mother’s state of disrepair, so my daughter and our this; even the last Shabbos of her life she second request – that the siblings tour guide waited... lit Chanuka candles and Shabbos candles never lose their shalom bayis. “I took the tallis and went by the and the whole family shared a meal Until the decision was made, R. kever of Rabbi Hillel. Then I went together Friday night... “So everything Shmuel kept his tallit wrapped around another couple hundred yards and there didn’t work out by the books, but there his mother. Once it was decided, was another cave by the side of the hill. I was still so much there and this (trip to against his urgings, he removed the had to crawl in. It looked like an Eretz Yisroel) was the last little piece.” tallit and brought it to his home. He improvised g’niza. There were about a This past Shabbos, Parshas was very meticulous about saying dozen s’farim stacked in there. I had the VaYeitzei, R. Shmuel said Kaddish Kaddish every day and he already had tallis and a hand shovel I brought from with a Tzfat minyan. It marked the it in mind then to make his first visit America in a backpack... I thought it was last day of his eleventh month as an to Eretz Yisroel to say some of the something my mom would like. It had a avel. Kaddish prayers in a place “as spiritual beautiful view, a cactus plant in front, a “G-d willing, no one should have to go and powerful as possible.” picturesque natural setting. And these through what I went through... The main were all things important to her in her Last week, as the eleven-month thing for me is that I love my mom and life... I was bent over and dug a hole... I mourning period came toward an end, wanted to acknowledge her in all the buried the tallis and then I sat and R. Shmuel and Zoya Bracha arrived at ways that I could... I hope she should prayed for awhile... the Kotel. Soon after, they headed have an aliya through this process...” * * *
44 BEIS MOSHIACH - 13 Kislev 5765