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הברכה את ה’ צוה כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה

CROWN HEIGHTS CROWN 1 ~January 4, 2008 2008 4, ~January 2 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 4, 2008 The Vaad Hakohol

By begging and pleading. When I saw that Beryl Sugar was able to bring in so many Rabbi Segal on using the Last week I people in 15 minutes, and it was such a attended an wide representation of the community, secular calendar important meet- we have to see that the issue in the front By Rabbi Segal ing at the 71st pre- of people’s minds is crime and security. secular date if it is done for people who cinct, a follow-up The people there were not involved in Member of the Bais Din of Crown Heights are more familiar with secular dates than from the end-of- the politics of the CHJCC etc. They were Hebrew dates. Question: In many documents, many the-year precinct regular community people with one issue people have the The in his lettersI ( gros vol. 11 pg. meeting where so on their minds—security. We must make custom of writing 420) writes likewise: many community a meeting with them to discuss how to the the English members stormed out in outrage. Among address the situation. The concern was “Regarding what he wrote about the date. Should one those present were Rabbi Binyamin brought up of what will happen if they secular dates…this custom is in all our refrain from doing Klein, Chanina Sperlin, Batia Brandel, are disrespectful or walk out again. I countries where there is a justification this and rather Rabbi , Rabbi Shalom Ber explained that the meeting should not or legitimate reason. use the Hebrew Baumgarten from , be at the end of the week when people date only? But this is only when there is a justifica- Isaac Zellermaier, Yudi Eber, Yankel are tired from a long week of work, but tion or legitimate reason but without a Wice, Binyamin Lipschitz from Crown rather it should be held on a Motzei Answer: There reason, the Rebbe wrote in a letter [vol. Heights.info, 71st Precinct Inspector Shabbos or on a Sunday afternoon. Rabbi are great poskim 17 pg. 160]: “In response to his letter Vega, Sgt. Dave Wadler a representa- Shalom Ber Baumgarten suggested that () who are very strict with this from 5/22, it is a great wonder about a tive from Police Commissioner Kelly’s a person like Yossi Jacobson should run matter and advise not to mention the yungerman in from an Anash Office, Adam Barash, a representative the meeting with questions and answers English date. They write that this is a family of Tmimim that he refers in his from Chief Zieglers Community Affairs to the police. My suggestion went over transgression of an isur in the . letter to a secular date in the same day Office, Councilwoman Letisha James, well, and they are working to put together In the Torah it says: “The name of other that he said in his prayer “Today is the and Sgts. John Cantwell, Bobby Troise, a meeting. idols you should not mention.” Since fifth day of the week” which is based and officer Vinny Martinos from the the non-Jews calculate their calendar on the commandment ‘Remember the 71st precinct. My father in-law said over an interesting not from the creation of the world as Shabbos to sanctify it’. sicha at the Shabbos table. Sefer Bereshis the Jewish nation does, but according to Inspector Vega explained why the ends describing the Bnei Yaacov as one the birth of oso ho’ish, therefore writing Therefore when there is no justification precinct meeting went on for such a long family. In the beginning of Parshas the secular date would be a mention of or legitimate reason, as letters that are time. It was the last meeting of the year, Shemos, we see how the Bnei Yaacov idolatry, G-d forbid. written amongst Anash, including also so he was summarizing various statistics turn into the Bnei Yisroel, one nation. letters from the mosdos (institutions), The Maharam Shik Y( oreh Deah chapt. and accomplishments for the year. He When Moshe went out to the fields and it is worthy to be cautious not to men- 171) was asked a question about a plaque conceded that it might have been a saw Dasan and Aviran arguing and their tion secular dates but only the Hebrew that the names of the months and good idea to mention in the mailing threat to turn Moshe over to Pharoh, he date, which is based on “Remember the the years of the secular calendar were that encouraged people to come that it thought to himself, “Now I see that they Shabbos to sanctify it”. The Ramban engraved on it, and the Maharam Shik was going to be an extra long meeting. are not worthy of Redemption because explains this in his commentary (Shmos advised to remove the plaque or to cover Our meeting really focused on how to they speak Loshon Hara.” It is known 12:2) that when we mention the days of the dates with cement. unite the community with the Police in that the Yidden in Mitzrayim served the week, it is a reminder for leaving the the aftermath of the 200 to 300 people idols, so why would Moshe focus on the We also find in the Drashas Chasam Egyptian exile. walking out of the Precinct meeting. sin of Loshon Hara as a reason why the Sofer (vol. II pg. 315): “And not like those The Chasam Sofer writes (in his com- Many people spoke their thoughts on Yidden didn’t deserve to be redeemed. new people who mention the date of the mentary Shemos 12:2): “This is a lesson the matter. Rabbi Hecht suggested that The answer is that to have the Redemp- Christian Messiah . . woe to them, they that when writing letters, we need to that the police department should stay tion, we must be one nation. Loshon have done evil to their souls..” make mention the day of the week to connected to the community through Hara causes division and fragmentation, On the other hand, we find that the Ramo testify about the creation of heaven our paper, informing us of important the opposite of unity and the opposite of in his Tshuvos [responses] (chapt. 51) and earth that were created in six days, information and using the paper to being a nation. When there isn’t unity, mentions secular dates, and likewise mentioning Nissan as the first Hebrew create a dialogue with the community. the nation is not a nation and can not be we find this also in the [responses] of month, to testify our leaving the Egyp- He jokingly suggested that they inform redeemed. Maharam from Padua (chapt. 38. 76). tian exile and not G-d forbid as the other us of the corners and times they will be nations do.” stationed at during the week giving the Hearing this sicha from my father in-law Therefore, the poskim from our times cell phone tickets. When it was my turn and seeing how the Rebbe all the time write that it is not forbidden to write a to speak, I explained to the inspector stresses the need to mosif ohr to bring and his colleagues that if I would ask unity reinforced to me the idea of this members of the community to come out paper. This is our ninth edition, and I LAST WEEK AT NIGHTLIFE: to a meeting, it would take me more than am hearing from all walks of life in the Comedy Night -January 2, 2008 a week, and I would be lucky if I could community, all different perspectives. Esther Russel promised to make us laugh. Well, laugh we did! From the au- get 30 people to show up after a lot of Their statements are really the same--we dience interactive comedy to her staged belly laugh, she left us in stitches. By love the paper because it is only positive the end of the night we were exhausted and spent… Newspaper and only ohr. We take it to the Shabbos from watching…and Laughing! As the evening pro- Community table--the heroes, the d’var torah. We gressed, it only got better. We were treated to a tasty 290 Kingston Avenue, received a heartfelt thank you from Mrs. Melava Malka buffet and the décor was innovative Brooklyn, NY 11225 Rose Shrage who called from Florida to and charming. The games, the music, the dancing 718 771 9000 express her gratitude that we are keeping and farbrenging lasted well into the morning. Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights. her husband’s memory alive. We live in Inspired Designs - December 27, 2007 the greatest community in the world. Didn’t think you had it in you? With a drop of patience every- Moshe Rubashkin, Chairman Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Vice Chairman Let us be a living example to the world one’s creativity can surface. Check out our innovative shades. Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary with one voice, one unity, one family, and Get Rid of the Static Leyout: SimplyUnique together we will ultimately see the Rebbe Harmony between the Mind, Body and All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the b’hisgalus as Melech HaMoshiach! exculive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise Soul with Rabbi Yossi Jacobson attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. What’s a Mime? 12/25 Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be On Motzei Shabbos, liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond the cost Yechi Hamelech! Stella Filler entertained us of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes all with her silent acts. responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All adver- getting ready for She took us through the tisement designed and prepared by the CHCommunity shiduchim, and Jewish Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot life of a Jewish woman, be reproduced without the consent of the publisher holidays. January 4, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 3 CHJCC

Letters to GED CLASS Call The the Editor CHJCC I am writing in response to your pub- Free GED lication of Rebetzin New’s address 718~778~8808 on spousal abuse that appeared in the preparation CHILD/FAMILY HEALTH December 14th issue of our community For young men, 17 and INSURANCE paper. On behalf of myself and too many older other women, I would like to thank you for the bold/brave and much-needed that such a program could be organized Monday and Wednesday decision to print this. locally. After all, many professionals are nights, 7—9:30 PM ENTITLEMENT SERVICES required to continue to keep up with new The speaker points out that this is a topic A strong focus is given to Math Rivka Shur...... ext. 24 information in their fields so that they shrouded in secrecy and shame until very preparation. can continue to offer the best to their Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 recently in the orthodox/frum world. patients, clients, and students. I would Please call (718) 771-9000 She shares her own initial disbelief that VOCATIONAL COUNSELING & hope that our Rabbonim would want ext 17 to register or get more such hypocrisy could exist in our own to do anything and everything to help information. SERVICES homes and uses the very compelling a Jewish family in pain. example of Rabbi (and Dr.) Avraham Rivka Shur...... ext 24 Twersky’s own struggle to first accept, Every day, in the morning brochos, we Bela Vilenkin...... ext. 23 and then expose, this awful reality. praise one who “brings peace between husband and wife.” It is surely time that FOOD STAMPS She also points out an amazing statistic, those who may have the power to heal which is backed up by many scientific ESL Class Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 families, or, G-d forbid, destroy genera- studies. As difficult as it may be to tions, must stop averting their eyes and FAMILY SERVICES believe, the traumatic damage caused The CHJCC is forming ESL, learn the tragic, but classic, realities of by verbal and emotional abuse is equal Phyllis Mintz ...... ext. 28 abuse. It could be happening right next Adult Literacy classes for to that of physical battering. The awful AP ARTMENT LISTINGS door… community members irony of abusers across the board is that Penina Metal...... ext. 21 they almost always have a dual personal- Name withheld upon request interested in developing ity - the “soft-spoken” man you doven ••••• CRIME VICTIMS next to, the always helpful neighbor, the their basic English skills. generous g’vir may have a wife and chil- Dear Klal Yisroel. Batia Brandel ...... ext. 22 dren at home who are literally tortured There will be separate Shalom Aleichem to you. We, TheN ’Shei [email protected] by his selfishness and cruelty. Miztoyim Committee, work as classes held for men and (c) 917~618~0279 Does this mean that one should suspect hard as we can to help to complete the women. everyone? G-d forbid!! But this speech, Redemption. Galina Pindrick...... ext. 31 after all, was to a convocation of rab- Practically everyone has a job, family, Classes are free, and 718~771~9000 bonim - the guardians of Torah in our or whatever commitments and frankly, communities. I feel that it is crucial, as there are no income or FEMA I cannot think of anyone who isn’t a start, that every rabbi and mashpia struggling—But we sincerely must citizenship requirements Fruma Junik ext. 10 MUST read Rabbi Twersky’s book “The continue our responsibility to bring the Shame Born in Silence - Spousal Abuse in for eligibility. 718~774~3999 complete Redemption. the Jewish Community”. Clearly, when YAM~ Youth Action Movement To register, participants a woman FINALLY comes forward, Dear fellow community members, if I call Yosef Kanofsky seeking help and guidance for herself you and you can help, Baruch Hashem, only need to provide their and her terribly confused children after or if you cannot, be so kind and say so. [email protected] months, even YEARS of “cover-ups”, Since I must utilize the Delay Telephone name and date of birth. she certainly deserves to be heard and System for the Deaf, it sometimes takes 3 718~774~9213 treated with respect and dignity by the seconds for my greeting to come through. Class times and days will SHALOM CENTER one she has trusted enough to pour her Please be patient. It is extremely frustrat- heart out to. Unfortunately, she is often ing when you hang up. be tailored to meet par- Shimon Herz met with disbelief or hostility, and the Thanks so much for your kindness. ticipants’ needs. Please despair deepens. Classified Sincerely yours, call Rivka Shur at (718) I also feel strongly that all Rabbonim Help Wanted and Mashpiim should be mandated Serel Chana Maness 778-8808 x 24 to register Inquire about jobs:Bella Vilenkin at to attend a seminar on spousal abuse. (718)778-8808 ext. 23. Hashem should bless you and help you or get more information. There are many frum compassionate with all of your endeavors. experts in this field now, and I am sure EMPLOYERS DO YOU NEED TO LEARN NEW The HEAP Program Outreach Workers will come CALL US TO SKILLS? again to process Heap applications GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN FREE COMPUTERIZED at our office on ADVERTISE OFFICE / BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS! Tuesday, January 8, 2008 YOUR JOBS ✒ MS WORD ✒ EXCEL ✒ QUICKBOOKS ✒ POWERPOINT @ the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, 387 Kings- Eligibility Requirements: ✓You must be a US resident ✓ ✓ ton Avenue (corner Crown St.), You must have a minor as a dependent Meet our liberal income guidelines 9:15 AM - 3:30 PM. FOR FREE EVEN IF YOU DON’T QUALIFY WE MAY HAVE A SLOT AVAILABLE FOR YOU. IN- QUIRE WITHIN OUR OFFICE. 718-778-8808 ext 23 Please come early -- SEPARATE CLASSES FOR MEN AND WOMEN First come first served 4 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 4, 2008

Our Heroes

ties done as of yet. Rabbi The reason is that it is an hour trip away Eliyohu using tramways and auto-buses, and it Moshe Liss cost about two dol- lars which is expen- (1909-1988) sive. But the Rabbi In honor of his 20th Yarhrzeit, did tell me that his the 16th of Teves and the Yah- district is prepared rzeit of his wife, the 29th of and will welcome Teves. the work of the Yeshiva students By Rabbi Michoel Seligson when the Yeshiva arrives there. Hachossid Rabbi Eliyohu Moshe Liss was born in Nissan 1909, The student Moshe in the city of Dlugoshdola near Pinchos Katz sent Vishkov, Poland. Rabbi Liss me $5.00, but I was not able to verify his date of Rabbi Liss sitting second from right, front bought a Talis with birth. On one occasion, he asked it. In Vilna I had the Rebbe what date to com- a torn Talis, and I memorate. The Rebbe advised figured that when him that since Rabonim are I will arrive to the considered kings, and the month Hagaon Hachosid Rabbi Yehuda Eber in Shanghai. Much was already done Rebbe I will buy a of Nissan is considered the New Year for was appointed as the Rosh Hayeshiva for the good of the spiritual situation. new one. It seems that the Divine provi- kings, therefore he should commemorate of the “Zal”. In addition to this, Rabbi Firstly, I acquired permission from the dence desires that I remain in Shanghai his birthday in Nissan. Eber also gave shiurim for the students gabai of the shul Moshe through for some time, and I had the occasion of Bais. Rabbi Ashkenzai to allow me to speak of buying a talis, so I did not make any Prior to the outbreak of WWI, his from the bima. other considerations and immediately family escaped to Russia and by divine The previous Rebbe appointed Rabbi Liss bought it.” providence he arrived in Lubavitch. Reb as a mashgiach (supervisor) for shiur Bais The first opportunity to speak was on Eliyohu Moshe learnt in the and during the time that Rabbi Eber would Shabbos parshas Ki Tovo after the read- Although Rabbi Liss was the oldest merited to see the Rebbe RaShaB. not be delivering a shiur for them. Rabbi ing of the Torah. I spoke about the Mitzva amongst the student group, he was not Liss would also give a shiur in . of Tefillin and the importance of putting given a visa and was told the visas are for [His older brother hachossid Reb Later, Rabbi Liss became a mashgiach on Tefillin. Thank G-d I found favor by students only. Chaim Meir HY”D learnt in the “zal” in the Lubavitch Yeshiva of Lodz. them, and they invited me to speak again in Lubavitch and was very close to the The Previous Rebbe’s letter to at the third Shabbos meal. Rebbe’s family. In 1921, he worked as a In 1936, Rabbi Liss married and settled Rabbi Liss mashgiach (supervisor) in the Yeshiva in Serotzk where his wife’s family resided. The same happened on Shabbos parshas In response to Rabbi Liss’ letter, the in Warsaw. Rabbi Rabbi Liss wanted to benefit from his Nitzovim. I spoke after the reading of Previous Rebbe wrote the following: Chaim Meir is the grandfather of Rabbi own hard work only and not receive the Torah and then again at the third Chaim Meir Lieberman who resides in anything from others. meal where I relayed Chassidus without “In response to his letter, I was pleased Crown Heights with his family]. the usual nigun and style of a Maamor to hear about his health, and Hashem When the Nazis entered the city of (Chassidic discourse). The talk was based should help him to receive good news In 1918, his family moved to Charkov. Serotzk, they separated the men from on the Maamor of the Previous Rebbe from his family. I read the whole letter Rabbi Zalman Shimon Dvorkin (late the women, and Rabbi Liss’ wife and two of Rosh Hashana, 5630 (late 1929). I about his involvement in strengthening of Crown Heights) relates that Reb daughters were left in Serotzk. Rabbi Liss also spoke on Rosh Hashana before the Judaism and the positive awakening of Eliyohu’s mother Miriam Bluma served managed to escape to Vilna. In Vilna, sounding of the shofar. the people as a result of this, and Hashem as the cook in Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Rabbi Liss was appointed to become should assist them and all involved there. It seems that at a later time, his the mashgiach of the Lubavitch Yeshiva. Thank G-d, I won the trust of all the and give them success in physical and family returned to Vishkov which is Due to the war, the yeshiva needed to congregants. I also utilized the speaking spiritual matters. close to Warsaw. leave Vilna and began wandering until occasion to stress family purity and was they reached Kobe, Japan and eventually successful to help two local families to But together with this you also need Reb Eliyohu continued learning in the Shanghai where the Yeshiva resided until enhance their observance of it. I am in to consider a livelihood in the tents of Lubavitch Yeshiva in Warsaw and was the end of WWII. Rabbi Liss wandered the middle of discussing it with a third Torah. Surely, there are those who are also amongst the bochurim chosen to together with the Yeshiva. family, and I hope I will be successful. appropriate to learn and are learning in attend the Rebbe’s wedding in Warsaw. the elementary yeshiva while remaining Amongst all the students of the Yeshiva, This past Shabbos shuva, Rabonim spoke Poland able to receive supervision and guidance he was the oldest and the only one mar- about the essential topics of Judaism, and and in their spare time to be involved in In the Lubavitch Yeshiva in Warsaw, ried. Rabbi Liss tried very hard to bring it made a great positive impact. strengthening Judaism…” in addition to the “Zal” where older his wife and two daughters with him, as Yesterday, I called a meeting of the bochurim studied, there were two he described in a letter to the Previous In accordance with the Rebbe’s directive, Bnei Torah that were able to teach and additional grades for younger bochu- Rebbe and in the many letters from the Rabbi Liss became a dean of the local guide people. At the meeting, twelve rim ranging from ages 14-16. In 1933, Rebbe to him, but sadly, they perished Shanghai . people were present. There were differ- in the war. ent boards selected relating to different In a letter that he sent to the Previous Shanghai matters: setting up learning groups, Rebbe on the 18th of Elul 1945, he chinuch, kashrus, and family purity. I writes: Rabbi Liss’ activities for the benefit of am a participant in the family purity strengthening Judaism and sanctifying “Boruch Hashem, we merited to relay board. Every board will be responsible Hashem’s name in the course of the good news from our location and the to find ways how to activate and solidify five years he spent in Shanghai (end of activities. I was accepted as a dean of the their initiative. 1941-Tamuz 1946), is reflected in two local Shanghai Talmud Torah. letters that Rabbi Liss sent the Previous Regarding Tefillin, much was accom- We had then 80 students from the Aleph- Rebbe. plished. Many people gave in their Bais Level until Gemoro divided into 6 Tefillin to check and re-polish the batim Rabbi Liss Describes his activities groups. We also made evening classes. and straps. Now we have, Thank G-d, 180 children In his first letter he writes: This all was done in the district in which divided into 8 groups. “I am hereby notifying the Rebbe Shlita we live, but in the district of the Rabbi In winter 1943, an elementary Yeshiva that it is almost a month since I am Shlita, there were no substantial activi- January 4, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 5

was founded from five older students an enflamed pure heart, he has brought with a Reb Yechizkiya closer the hearts to their father in heaven from the Yeshiva Bais Yosef Bialystok. and contributed to the strength of many Reb Yechizkia dedicated his physical Jewish activities in his community. and spiritual energy for the students. Especially, we acknowledge to this great Thank G-d, he was successful and some man the great accomplishments that he of these students were transferred to has made in the field of education. As a Mir. dean in the Talmud Torah, he has kept From the 15th of Shvat, I am learning, a watchful eye on the learning and con- after theY eshiva hours, Mishnayos with duct of the students and toiled to plant 20 children.” sweet plants on the hearts of the Jewish children, connecting them with the On the 6th of Nissan 1946, Rabbi Liss Torah way and tradition. Come and see wrote to his friends in Canada: the accomplishments of this person--as a “Last week we received your packages-- result of his self sacrifice a Talmud Torah thank you very much for the tzizis which was created here. It is a beautiful fortress is priceless item to us. Tomorrow I will of religious education that has had such be able to replace the tzizis in my talis a strong impact on the young generation Rabbi Liss first from right and fulfill with that “lmaan Tizkru” of the Jewish wandering refugees. (remembering) my friends in Canada. he should do so and be set up with a good with his wife Haddasa in raising money And now when he is leaving on his way, life physically.” for the Bochurim fund. Today, I received a letter from the Rebbe. I express from the depth of my heart, The letter was written on the 12th Aof dar that he should find favor in the merit of On the 22nd of Adar I 1948, Rabbi Liss Rabbi Liss didn’t work on a time clock; as a response to my reports to the Rebbe. everything he has accomplished for the married Mrs. Chasia Haddasa. he would come early and leave late. The Rebbe wrote the following: children, and Hashem should direct his Mrs. Liss was originally married to Rabbi Liss once pointed out to a teacher footsteps for true success to continue his ‘With pleasure I read your letter regard- Rabbi Shmuel Pesach Bogomilsky. Rabbi that for the benefit of the students he good influence where ever he will go.” ing the management of the Yeshiva and Bogomilsky was an acknowledged Torah should write and release his shiurim. The curriculum of the students. You should United States giant by Rabbi Chaim Ozer the chief teacher explained that he does not have add strength in your holy work to instill Rabbi of Vilna and additional Torah time. Rabbi Liss suggested that after his Rabbi Liss arrived in the United States in in the children fear of G-d, and Hashem giants of that time. Sadly, Rabbi Shmuel work hours in Yeshiva, he is willing to July 1946. Upon his arrival, he received should help them with their learning and Pesach’s life was cut short, and he passed volunteer to supervise on the class of this a welcome letter from the Rebbe: fear of G-d and strengthen their health. away at a young age. His wife remained teacher in order to enable the teacher to In their merit, their parents should be “In response to his writing, blessed be a young widow with two children, her have time to write his shiurim. helped with good health and a good his arrival with peace, and Hashem two sons, Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky and After Rabbi Liss’s marriage, he lived in livelihood.’ should strengthen his health and help Rabbi Shmuel Pesach Bogomilsky. Williamsburg. There was a shul near his him settle in good way, physically and Understandably, it is a great joy for me, Blessings for his wedding house where Rabbi Liss began a shiur in spiritually.” because when I have agony from inside Mishnayos. On the occasion of the wedding, the and outside, this is my comfort. Two weeks later, Rabbi Liss received Previous Rebbe relayed his blessings: Over the course of the time, Rabbi Liss a letter from the Rebbe, in which he Hashem should help us fulfill the Rebbe’s also established Chassidus shiurim on wrote: “I hereby bless them that their wedding desires with joy.” Friday nights in the Agudas Yisroel shul should take place ‘l’mazal tov’ and suc- “I am requesting from him to visit dif- on Bedford Avenue. During his vacation Rabbi Ashkenazi describes Rabbi cess for long and good days and years, ferent places where Anash dwell to see time, he would give shiurim. Liss physically and spiritually. They should and know their conditions and their be granted a good livelihood, and they A true Chossid Before leaving Shanghai, Rabbi Liss families’ condition, to awaken in them should bring up their children, Mar received a thank you letter from and strengthen them to follow the paths Rabbi Liss was connected to our Rebbe’im Moshe and Mar Shmuel Pesach, to Rabbi Ashkenazi, the Chief Rabbi of of Chassidim and Chassidus, which was with all the threads of his heart. Torah, Chupa and Maasim Tovim in Shanghai: bequeathed to us by our ancestors, the abundance, physically and spiritually.” In his many different wanderings, he would holy Rebbe’im, and Hashem should help I will introduce this special person, break ice to immerse in the mikva. physically and spiritually.” At a later time period, Rabbi Liss became Hagaon, of excellence, Rabbi Elye Moshe the mashpia and mashgiach (supervisor) As mentioned earlier, when he reached Liss Shlita, a person from Chabad, The next winter, on the 6th of Teves 1947, in the Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Brooklyn. Shanghai and received five dollars, he educated in Ohel Torah of Lubavitch. He the Rebbe wrote to Rabbi Liss: TheY eshiva was located at Bedford and immediately purchased a talis because has awakened to serve as one of the first “My son-in-law, the Rashag Shlita, Dean Avenues. his talis from Vilna was torn. spiritual pioneers, and with an awaken- discussed with me setting up aY eshiva in ing of sanctity blew a wind of fear and The Rebbe blessed Rabbi Liss for his Rabbi Liss was among the chevra Kadisha Rochester, New York, under the control love of Hashem in his environment when new position: after the Histalkus of the Previous of my friend Rabbi Shusterman who he would speak for the audiences. With Rebbe. resides there. I found it noteworthy, and “Hashem should give them success with a good and sweet life physically and In his last years, it was difficult for him spiritually, and Hashem should help to walk, and he wanted to retire from him see much goodness physically and his work in yeshiva, but the Rebbe did spiritually in our children and his family not allow him and with great difficulty and in all our students and their families he would travel to the Yeshiva and give physically and spiritually.” a Chassidus shiur. Rabbi Liss’s work as a mashpia was At that time, he would exert all his with great dedication to every one of energy to participate in the Rebbe’s students permeated with a special love . and feeling. On the 16th of Teves in 5748, (1988) Rabbi Liss was an educator in his essence. Rabbi Liss was nifter at the age of 79 with Our sages tell us that students are a life full of accomplishments. referred to as the children, and the Yehi Zichro Boruch! We should merit to teacher is referred to as the father, see the time when, “The ones who dwell In addition to his being concerned in the dust will awaken and rejoice,” about the spirituality of the students, he and Rabbi Eliyohu Moshe Liss will be involved himself with the physical mat- among them. Rabbi Liss sitting ters of the students and worked together 6 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 4, 2008 Parshas Vaeira

,come from the earth. Upon seeing this מטך ונטה ידך על מימי מצרים...ויהיו the magicians were forced to concede דם” Vedibarta Bam ~ Vaeira that “This is the finger of G‑d, and if “G‑d told Moshe ‘Tell Aharon to take His finger is so powerful, He is indeed your staff and stretch out your hand over omnipo­tent.” By: Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky the waters — there shall be blood.’ ” (שער בת רבים-ראשית בכורים) (7:19) “וארא אל אברהם אל יצחק ואל “ומלאו בתי מצרים את הערב וגם QUESTION: Rashi explains that since יעקב” האדמה אשר הם עליה” the river offered protection to Moshe “I appeared to Avraham, to Yitzchak and when he was cast into it, it was not smit- to Yaakov” (6:3) “The houses of theE gyptians shall be full ten through him. For the same reason, of the mixture of animals and also the QUESTION: Rashi comments, the plague of frogs, which had to do ground upon which they are.” (8:17) “el ha’avot” — “[I appeared] to the with water, was performed through forefathers.” Aharon. The third plague of lice was QUESTION: The words “and also the also performed through Aharon: when ground upon which they are” seem It is already known that Avraham, Moshe killed the Egyptian he buried superfluous? Yitzchak and Yaakov are our avot. What “וידבר אלקים אל משה ויאמר אליו him in the sand. Therefore, he did not does Rashi want to teach us with this ANSWER: Among the animals of the אני ה’” strike the dust of the earth to bring lice comment? world there is an extremely rare one “G‑d spoke to Moshe and said to him, ‘I over Egypt. found in the wild jungles of Africa and am G‑d.’ ” (6:2) ANSWER: The word “avot” stems from Why would these reasons preclude known as the “adnei hasadeh.” It has the the word “ava” which means “want,” QUESTION: This is the second pasuk Moshe from delivering the plagues so face of a person, long hands that reach to as in “velo avah” — “he did not want” of the sixth chapter, and it is a continu- many years later? its knees, and a very unusual relationship (10:27). Rashi is telling us that Hashem ation of Hashem’s response to Moshe to its habitat. said to Moshe, “I appeared to Avraham, ANSWER: From this we can learn a very for his sharp criticism. Why does the Yitzchak and Yaakov because they important lesson: Often, when someone It is always connected to the ground first pasuk of the chapter start with the wanted to have contact with me.” Every does a favor, we forget it and fail to show through a string that comes out of its words “vayomer Hashem” — “Hashem Jew can have Hashem appear to him if gratitude. Hashem, in His instructions to navel. Although it is very dangerous and said [to Moshe]” — while this pasuk he wants. Moshe, was conveying a lesson that one kills anyone who comes within its reach, starts “vayedabeir Elokim”? should remain thankful for a lifetime. there is one way to capture it: Shooting )חתם סופר( ANSWER: Moshe’s com- Though the favor Moshe received from arrows at the string which connects it plaint to Hashem was twofold: the waters had happened approximately to the ground. As soon as it becomes years earlier and Moshe had benefited detached, it screams bitterly and dies 80 “כי ידבר אליכם פרעה לאמר תנו לכם -Why have you done evil to this peo“ (1 .from the earth approximately 70 years immediately מופת” ple; why have you sent me?” (5:22). Since I came things only got worse for them. earlier, Moshe was told to be appreciative Hashem brought upon the Egyptians 2) “You created a chilul Hashem — a “When Pharaoh will speak to you, say- and not hurt them in any way. a mixture of all the animals from the desecration of Your Holy Name; since I ing: ‘Provide a wonder for yourselves...’ ” If this is true in regard to water and earth, entire world, including the strange and came to Pharaoh ‘ledabeir bishmecha,’ (7:9) which are inanimate, how much more so vicious “adnei hasadeh.” In order that to speak in Your Name, he did evil to QUESTION: Pharaoh was speaking to must this apply to a human being who they not die before arriving in Egypt, this people. Hence, the world will not Moshe and Aharon. Should he not have does a favor. they were brought together with the respect Your Eminence because they said: “tenu li mofeit” — provide me a earth to which they were connected. know that I spoke in Your Name and wondrous sign? Therefore, Moshe told Pharaoh, “The Pharaoh disregarded it and nothing homes of the Egyptians shall be filled “ויאמרו החרטמים אל פרעה אצבע occurred to him.” ANSWER: Egypt was the headquar- with the mixture of wild animals and אלקים הוא” ters for magicians and magic. When a The word “amar” — “said” — implies also ‘adnei hasadeh’ will come, together magician performs a trick, he knows “And the magicians said unto Pharaoh, a mild form of speech, and the word with the ground (earth) upon which they himself, of course, that the trick is only ‘This is the finger of G‑d.’ ” (8:15) “dabeir” — “spoke” — connotes a are [attached]. a deception. stronger form of speech. Hashem’s holy QUESTION: Why was it that after )פנים יפות, ועי’ כלאים פ”ח מ”ה ברע”ב ותפארת four letter name indicates mercy while Pharaoh told Moshe and Aharon, “Magic the plague of lice the magicians finally ישראל( the name Elokim denotes Hashem in tricks are commonplace in Egypt. If you conceded: “This is the finger of G‑d?” His attribute of justice. want to impress me, do a thing that will ANSWER: After the wicked Titus burned be considered wondrous even to you.” ”ושמתי פדת בין עמי ובין עמך“ Consequently, the different terms used the Beit Hamikdash, he blasphemed against Hashem. While returning to his )נועם אלימלך( in the pesukim indicate the tone of “I will make a distinction between My Hashem’s response to both of Moshe’s city, his boat was threatened by strong people and your people.” (8:19) complaints. waves, and he audaciously declared, The power of the Jewish G‑d is only QUESTION: Concerning the plague“ “וישלך אהרן את מטהו לפני פרעה ולפני 1) Regarding Moshe’s concern that a within the limits of water. Throughout of arov (harmful creatures), why did עבדיו ויהי לתנין” chilul Hashem had taken place, “Vayo- history He has used water as a means of Hashem specify that there would be a mer Hashem el Moshe” — “G‑d said “Aharon threw his staff in front of Pha- punishment. If He is really all-powerful, distinction between the Jews and the to Moshe” — in a soft and gentle tone, raoh and his servants, and it became a let Him meet me on dry land, and we Egyptians? “I appreciate your concern. However, snake.” (7:10) shall see who will be victorious.” A voice you need not worry, because very soon ANSWER: The plague consisted of a QUESTION: What message did Moshe emanating from Heaven said, “Wicked ‘you will see what I shall do to Pharaoh, mixture of all the wild animals. Species and Aharon want to give Pharaoh? one, son of the wicked, I have a small for through a strong hand will he send of completely different natures roamed creature in my world called a ‘yatush’ (a them out,’ (6:1) and there will then be a ANSWER: Pharaoh claimed that the together throughout Egypt. One might gnat) — come on dry land, and we will tremendous kiddush Hashem — sanc- Jews had sinned and that they did not have concluded therefore, that since see who is stronger!” Titus arrogantly tification of My Name.’” deserve to be taken out of Egypt. Moshe Hashem removed all natural boundaries came on dry land, and a yatush entered and Aharon responded that a person’s and distinctions, it was also proper for a 2) Regarding Moshe’s other complaint, his nose and bore through his brain till environment plays a very important role Jew to intermarry with a Gentile. “Why have you done evil to this people; he died (Gittin 56b). in his development. Even a holy staff can sending me to Pharaoh only made it Therefore, Hashem insisted, even in a turn into a vicious snake in the company The first two plagues that struck Egypt worse for them,” “Vayedabeir Elokim” — time when mixture and confusion is of Pharaoh. On the other hand, a “snake” were blood and frogs, which originated He spoke like a judge — and admonished prevalent in the world, it is forbidden for in the company of Moshe and Aharon from the water. The magicians con­ Moshe in a harsh tone for doubting His Jews to assimilate, and it is imperative can transform itself into a holy staff. soled Pharaoh, “Don’t worry, it appears infinite love for the Jewish people and to intensify all efforts to maintain the that their G‑d is not omnipotent: His .distinction between Jew and Gentile )הרב מאיר ז”ל שאפירא מלובלין( .trustworthiness to redeem them strength is limited to water.” Therefore, (כ”ק אדמו”ר) Hashem responded with the plague of )שמעתי מהרב יחיאל מ. ז”ל וויינגארטען, מישיבה דקראון הייטס( lice, extremely minute creatures which “ויאמר ה’ אל משה אמר אל אהרן קח January 4, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 7 Musings

By Penina Metal SoonDaddy’s jaunty steps are heard Wait, what is that sound? Unbroken! Crossing the threshold The Brocha Announcing his return home from Shul The shrilling telephone???? Good Shabbos to one and all! Good Shabbos! Good Shabbos! It interrupts my reverie L’iulei nishmas R’Avraham Munishv’Moras Shabbas is coming! And returns me to the present… Raizel Mirel Tunis. obms He launches into a jolly Shalom Aleichem Shabbas is coming! And then… It is erev Shabbas © Penina Metal 29 Kislev 5768 Mommie’s fatigue evaporates The kitchen is permeated with the aroma The clock is ticking She sits up a bit straighter Of Shabbas food cooking Comments always welcome My heart is racing As Daddy sings her praises Email: [email protected] I am a Bubby now… Just a few more minutes to go! Then, time stands still As Daddy draws me close to him I run to answer the phone… Mommie lights the candles He places his hands on my head She stands immobile as she prays He bentsches me… Hi Ma? For family Is Tatty home yet? For friends Oh the decliciousness of that moment! For co-workers It’s almost Shabbos! HAS I wonder… I feel a million feet tall! Ta to bentsch me! Will she finish her tefilla… So special, so beloved… Before Havdala? So the chain of tradition continues…

our campers attend, is a real excitement Arizona Girls’ for them. Winter Camp These girls have time to bond with counselors and staff who become role Once a year the children of international models in both large and minor details, Shluchim have giving them the strength to continue and the opportunity add in their important mission. In the to join together words of one camper; “Camp changed t o a c q u i r e my life in a lot of ways, I learned how to strength and be a better Shlucha” vitality to take back home and One would think that the counselors continue their come to camp to give, but in reality unbelievable they take an unbelievable amount of work in spread- inspiration from these kids. It is price- ing Judaism world wide. The vibes of less to watch a room filled with almost energy passing through Oracle, Arizona one hundred kids shouting ‘We want are impossible to describe. Moshiach now’ who really, really mean it! Gan Yisroel Arizona is a place where Here, each camper represents a whole each individual, staff, counselors, and world on her own, a world of giving to campers walk away a changed person. others what they might not be able to

obtain themselves. The children have The camp is run by Rabbi Moshe Pinson one unanimous goal: to spread out the of . light of Hashem and uplift others with the Rebbe’s directives. These ten days spent together are awaited by the children all year long. In camp they are given a sense of belonging and pride in their unique role of being a Shlucha. During this time these children have a chance to form friendships with girls who are just like them. Meeting their classmates from the online school, which fifty percent of 8 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 4, 2008 24th of Teves

also succeed in removing the social bar- members of his family and some chas- in desperate need of housing, food and 24th of Teves: riers between all people, and in the case sidim removed every last thing from employment. of the Jews, between Jews and gentiles. the Alter Rebbe’s house, and they all To alleviate their plight, the Alter Rebbe Hilulo of the The ghetto walls that once kept Yidden fled the town. sent his son Rav DovBer to Krementchuk, isolated from the secular world would After they had traveled approximately where there was a sizeable Jewish com- Alter Rebbe no longer exist. Since Yidden would be two miles out of , the Alter Rebbe munity, to see how housing could be By: Rabbi Michoel Seligson able to live and conduct business freely asked the government official who had arranged for the numerous families with goyim, Napoleon anticipated that Adapted from the Rebbe’s Sichos & the book “The been assigned to accompany them if he whose homes had been destroyed. many Jews would assimilate. Alter Rebbe” authored by Rabbi S.B. Avtzon, could borrow a carriage and fast horses. His chossid, Reb Pinchas Reizes, who published by Sichos in English TheA lter Rebbe also stated,and it actu- He explained that he had to return to his was extremely wealthy, was given the ally came to be, that if the Yidden helped house to search for any items that might In 1812, Napoleon had already started task of finding ways and opportunities the Czar win, he would alleviate many have been left behind. his conquest of all of Europe and con- for people to make a livelihood. of these harsh decrees out of thanks and quered many countries. In every country Chassidim explain that the Alter Rebbe appreciation. This was in addition to his petition to the that he conquered he made significant thought Napoleon practiced witchcraft, government to give large areas of land changes in its laws. One of his decrees, In the Alter Rebbe’s eyes, Napoleon was and if he had obtained anything that to the Jews so that they could resettle for example, was that a nobleman could the epitome of tumaah. TheA lter Rebbe belonged to the Alter Rebbe, he would there. The following year the petition no longer rule over a serf (i.e., a servant was so afraid that Napoleon’s rule would have used it to help him conquer Russia, was granted. or slave laborer). destroy the spiritual life of the Yidden, or at least nullify the Alter Rebbe’s tefillos he instructed his faithful chossid Reb against him. To the Alter Rebbe, it did not matter if the The local inhabitants of the lands he Moshe Meisels to offer his services to needy individual was a chossid or not. To invaded welcomed his new laws. Napo- Knowing this, the Alter Rebbe returned the French High Command. him, all Yidden, even his opponents, were leon was promising them a better life, to his house to make sure Napoleon equally worthy of the same assistance. and many downtrodden people assisted Reb Moshe did not find it difficult to gain wouldn’t be able to get hold of any of his him wholeheartedly to defeat their own their trust. Being from Vilna (which was belongings. The Alter Rebbe took the His Histalkus country. originally a part of Poland), a city where only things that had been overlooked Sadly though, the Alter Rebbe’s efforts all the Jews supported Napoleon, and — an old pair of slippers, a sieve, and Countless tzaddikim supported Napo- to help his fellow Jews were cut short. aided by his ability to speak Russian, a rolling pin in the attic — and then leon. They correctly reasoned that these Just ten days after arriving in Piena, he Polish and French, he would act as if he set the house on fire so that Napoleon changes would remove many of the became extremely ill and was nistalek a were helping the French but would really wouldn’t get even a piece of wood from harsh and unjust laws decreed against week later. be spying on Napoleon’s army for Russia. the house. the Yidden. The information he gleaned from the During the final week before his histalkus, As the Alter Rebbe left from one side As a result, Napoleon had the support of French about their battle plans helped the Alter Rebbe said, “Whoever holds on of the city, the French entered from the majority of the Polish Yidden during the Russian government immensely. to my klamkah (door handle), I will do the other. Napoleon commanded his his conquest of Poland. He naturally him a favor [in return] in this world and One day, when Reb Moshe appeared soldiers to head straight for the Alter assumed that the Russian Jews who in the next one.” to be standing quietly off to the side Rebbe’s house and bring him whatever had suffered greatly under their govern- waiting for the French generals to ask they found there. The Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek ment’s new restrictions would help him him a question (about the terrain or the explained that one of the things the Alter conquer Russia as well. When they arrived, they saw that the Russian roads, etc.), Napoleon burst into Rebbe meant by this is that we should house was being consumed by a blazing TheA lter Rebbe told his chassidim that the room to berate his generals for not not only learn Chassidus, we should have fire. They desperately tried to extinguish although Napoleon would improve having their battle plans ready. mesirus nefesh to have ahavas Yisroel it and salvage something of the house, the financial and political situation for for our fellow Jews. The Alter Rebbe When Napoleon saw someone he didn’t even a single piece of wood, but it burnt the Yidden, their spiritual lives would himself was moser nefesh all his life to recognize among them, he shouted, to the ground, leaving nothing but suffer. infuse his chassidim with Chassidus and “You! You’re a spy!” Immediately he ran ashes. ahavas Yisroel. He explained that the reason Napoleon over to Reb Moshe and placed his hand Napoleon told his soldiers to offer all the changed the political and social laws in on Reb Moshe’s chest. Indeed we see that in his final days, even townspeople a huge sum of money if they the countries he conquered — abolish- as the Alter Rebbe felt the imminence of Napoleon assumed that if he were a spy, would relinquish any item that had once ing, for example, the system of a master his histalkus, his thoughts were focused he would be frightened and that would belonged to the Alter Rebbe. ruling over servants and slaves — was on helping Yidden and explaining cause his heart to beat very rapidly. that he didn’t want people to follow a He also decreed that there would be a the importance of helping Yidden to Despite the truth of the accusation, Supreme Authority. dire punishment for anyone withholding others. however, Reb Moshe’s heartbeat did not such an object. The townspeople, how- By abolishing the system of master/ speed up at all, and Napoleon was thus In fact, the final thing he wrote empha- ever, were faithful to the Alter Rebbe’s servant, people would eventually stop fooled into believing that Reb Moshe sized that in the generations before wishes and did not cooperate. being subservient to human authority, was on his side. Moshiach, the main emphasis should and that would “train” them not to be For the next four months, the Alter be the importance of doing mitzvos, Later, Reb Moshe related that what subservient to the ultimate Authority — Rebbe and his family were constantly on especially the of tzedakah and saved his life was applying one of the G-d. By accomplishing this, Napoleon the run, sometimes barely escaping the helping out another Yid. most basic concepts in Chassidus to would then proceed to wipe out the speedy advance of the French army. In the situation. As the Alter Rebbe writes On Motzoei Shabbos, Parshas Shemos, practice of religion for both Jews and the beginning of Teves, the Alter Rebbe in Tanya, G-d made a person in such the 24th of Teves, 5573 (1813), at the gentiles. arrived in the village of Piena. a way that his mind has the power to age of sixty-eight, the Alter Rebbe was With these new laws, Napoleon would control his heart. By using his mind, Reb The bitterness of that winter took its toll nistalek. Moshe was able to have on the French army and caused them to At the time of the Alter Rebbe’s histalkus, complete control over suffer tremendous losses. Now, at last, the last remnants of Napoleon’s army his heartbeat, thereby the Russian army was on the offensive, retreated from Russia. It is believed removing Napoleon’s and Napoleon’s demoralized army was that the Alter Rebbe’s passing was his suspicions about him. fleeing in defeat. The Alter Rebbe and final act of mesirus nefesh — sacrificing his family could finally settle somewhere Because Napoleon was himself in order to defeat Napoleon and temporarily until the war was completely the embodiment of evil, save Russian Jewry from the spiritual over. the Alter Rebbe didn’t destruction a Napoleonic victory would want to live under his Safe from the enemy, the Alter Rebbe have caused. rule even for a moment. chose to stay for a while in the village Chassidim say that the Alter Rebbe him- When the retreating of Piena and immediately set out to self hinted at this by saying, “At certain Russian army informed help the Yidden there. Amidst the great times, tzaddikim have to give up their the Alter Rebbe that devastation that had befallen Russia from life in order to defeat tumaah, and in this the French army was the war, there were tens of thousands of generation, the kelipah is Napoleon.” rapidly approaching, Jews who had been displaced and were January 4, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 9

In truth, mesirus nefesh for another Even on the lowest levels of existence, the It is passed through tradition that this warm up from the bitter cold, one of the Yid was apparent throughout the Alter most mundane activities, a person needs caused the passing of the Alter Rebbe three always remained outside in the Rebbe’s entire life and especially during to fulfill the command, “In all your ways before his time. carriage so that the Alter Rebbe’s body the forty-one years of his Nesius. As know him”. Therefore, when one sees was never left alone. The son of Rebbe Maharash, Reb Sender, a true Ro’eh Yisroel (shepherd of the there is something that is contradicting was a unique child, and the Tzemach Jewish people), he always placed the well- To the bewilderment and shock of the to G-dliness, he can not allow it.” (Purim Tzedek would enjoy playing with him. being of the Yidden before himself. one guarding the Alter Rebbe, he sud- 5718-1958) The child passed away when he was eight denly felt the carriage begin to shake and Not only did the Alter Rebbe have mesi- 1. Napoleon’s March Song years old. Before his histalkus he said then rise up in the air. Rushing out from rus nefesh for klal Yisroel, as evidenced that the Alter Rebbe will be with him--he the inn, the other two realized why it had On another occasion, the Rebbe told the by his imprisonments and personal had the neshama of the Alter Rebbe and happened. They saw that a non-kosher story that when the Napolean’s march suffering, he also had mesirus nefesh lived the years that were missing in the animal had taken cover under the wagon, song was sung for the Alter Rebbe, the even when it came to a single Yid. Alter Rebbe’s life in this world. (20th Av and as soon as they shooed it away, the Alter Rebbe accepted it. The nigun 5712-1952) It happened one year during the Yom wagon descended to the ground. Appar- (song) has been refined and transformed Kippur davening that the Alter Rebbe ently, to keep the Alter Rebbe’s holy body to holiness. 1. on the 24th of Teves suddenly removed his tallis and left the from becoming impure, the wagon had Why was this story told to us and of what To make a Farbrengen on the 24th shul. Everyone waited respectfully for miraculously risen into the air! significance is it for us? Teves, the Hilulo of the Alter Rebbe, is him to return, not knowing why he left Arriving in Haditch, the Jewish com- considered as if one is handing a pidyon and for how long he would be gone. The explanation is as follows: Chassidus munity immediately gave them a large to the Alter Rebbe. explains the word “Posach Eliyohu” Meanwhile, the Alter Rebbe had gone area to use as a burial site. Shortly after or Posach Reb Shimon” [that Eliyohu On different occasions when returning home to get an axe. He then made his burying the Alter Rebbe, a large building “opened” or Reb Shimon “opened”] from visiting the Ohel (gravesite of way to the forest where he chopped some to imply that they the Previous Rebbe), the Rebbe would wood, bundled it up and walked quickly “opened” and have publicize that he would be giving a to a small hut on the edge of town. stepped through the Farbrengen in honor of the day. He knocked on the door and entered path. This means In 5723 (late 1962), the 150-year anni- to find a bed-ridden woman, frail and that these Tzadikim versary of the passing of the Alter Rebbe, famished, holding her newborn infant. have enabled regu- the Rebbe commemorated it in a very The hut was freezing, and in their rush lar individuals who special way. The 24th of Teves fell on to get to shul, her family somehow forgot follow their teach- a Sunday, and the Rebbe came out to that there was no prepared food for her ings to travel on the Farbreng on Motzoei Shabbos at 10:25 to eat, leaving the mother and baby in same “path” that PM, the approximate time of the actual danger. Starting a fire himself, theA lter they have, making a histalkus of the Alter Rebbe. The Far- Rebbe then took some of the food that seemingly difficult brengen was a solemn one. The Rebbe he found in the house and prepared a avoda reserved for spoke a maamor and many Sichos. nourishing meal for the poor woman. Tzadikim much more Only when mother and child were taken easily accomplished The next evening there was a dinner for care of and no longer in danger did the by others. (Breishis the Yeshiva. The Rebbe waited until the Rebbe make his way back to shul to 5734-late 1973). end of the dinner and then came out to was built around his holy resting place. continue his davening. Farbreng. In the course of these two 1. The Alter Rebbe’s writings before his To this day, thousands of Yidden come farbrengens, the Rebbe spoke Maamorim This is the type of ahavasY isroel the Alter histalkus: Uniqueness of this physical there to daven, knowing that in the and delivered Sichos. The Rebbe also Rebbe implanted in his chassidim. world zechus of the tzaddik, their prayers will explained the end of the Alter ’ His Burial be accepted. In the last two weeks before his passing, Shulchan Aruch and requested that the the Alter Rebbe wrote different essays in crowd sing the Alter Rebbe’s nigunim. Since Piena was not a Jewish settlement, With this came an end to the forty-one Chassidus. One is the famous long letter On that year, the Rebbe also said the last the Alter Rebbe was not buried there but years of the Alter Rebbe’s Nesius; years in Tanya vol. IV, chapter 20. When we kaddish of the davening. was taken instead to Haditch. in which the Alter Rebbe devoted himself look at the end of this chapter, we realize with heart and soul for the sake of all 1. Rebbe’s directives for the 24th of Because of the many travel restrictions that it wass not completed. The Tzemach Yidden. Notwithstanding the tremen- Teves due to the war, traveling at that time Tzedek writes that the Alter Rebbe wrote dous opposition that faced him and the was extremely difficult (not to mention this essay a week before his illness and The Rebbe gave us several directives to suffering he endured, he drew hundreds that it was the middle of a bitterly cold did not have a chance to complete it. commemorate the Hilulo of the Alter of thousands of Yidden to Chassidus winter). Rebbe. during these years. Another manuscript that the Alter Rebbe Out of fear of spreading disease, the wrote then was about performing acts of Among them are: May we all merit to be connected to him government was extremely strict about generosity in the world. and follow in his ways. 1. Learning a chapter mishnayos which making sure people were buried where The Rebbe explains that in both essays begins with the letters of the Alter they passed away and not where their The Rebbe’s insights and lessons from the Alter Rebbe stresses the unique qual- Rebbes’ name; families wanted them to be. So by taking the story ity of this physical world and the great the Alter Rebbe to Haditch, his family 2. Learning a paragraph in the Alter The Rebbe in the course of the years potential of accomplishing Mitzvos in was taking quite a risk. Rebbes’ Shulchan Aruch; explained many unique insights into this world. Doing Mitzvos is the purpose Not wanting to attract too much atten- the Alter Rebbe’s last voyage that we can of the descent of the soul into this world. 3. Studying a chapter of Tanya; tion, only three people were chosen to instill in our daily life: (Likutei Sichos vol. 1, pp. 33 and on) 4. Studying a part of a Maamor of accompany his holy body. They were 1. Returning for slippers 1. The Alter Rebbes’’histalkus and the Torah Ohr, parshas Vaeira; and two of his grandsons, the (Rebbe) the Rebbe Maharash’s son Tzemach Tzedek and Reb Nochum (the In the story, it is mentioned that the Alter 5. Giving extra Tzedoko. oldest son of the Mitteler Rebbe), and Rebbe returned to his house to take the The Rebbe relates in a talk the story of (Likutei Sichos Vol. 21 pg. 296) one of the local inhabitants who knew only things that had been overlooked — the Alter Rebbe when he was on the On one occasion, the Rebbe added that the way. an old pair of slippers, etc. road running from Napolean. When the if one did not have a chance to carry out Alter Rebbes’ family needed to make a Afterwards, when (the Rebbe) the Tzem- The Rebbe elaborates: these directives on the Yahrzeit, he can turn at a fork in the road, they would ach Tzedek and Reb Nochum returned still make them up until the Shabbos “This anecdote teaches us that for a consult the Alter Rebbe. On one occa- to Piena, they related to the rest of the after the Hilulo. Jew who is a Tzadik, even minor things sion, his grandson decided that instead family the many miracles that happened (“Pachim ktanim”, small vessels) are part of disturbing his grandfather, the Alter This will hasten even more so that his to them along the way. The following of his service to his creator. This also Rebbe, he will decide which path to take zechus will protect us and all the Jews story is perhaps the most well-known applies to shoes, which are worn not on on his own. The Alter Rebbe realized wherever they may be found. of them: the heart or the hands of the person, but after they had driven quite a distance Whenever they stopped at an inn to on the lowest part of the body, the feet. and was not pleased with his decision. 10 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 4, 2008 Eretz Yisroel Explosive Aid Remember the gush By Rabbi Shea Hecht Israel’s approval.” By Tamar Adelstein Therapeutic Pack; and, the first 2 gifts The fact that the Palestinian Authority To preach the violence of destroying a of $500 receive a Homeopathic Flower that Mahmoud Abbas controls is still country is one thing, to raise money to On Chai Teves, December 27th, The Remedy Consultation and Treatment. teaching that “Palestine” will exist fund that violence is another - neither Shleimus HaAretz Talk Show hosted a instead of Israel, not as Israel’s peaceful of which is acceptable - but to abuse special fundraising event for Gush Katif Mrs. Miriam Friedfertig acted as MC neighbor, is really not news. It’s an old and exploit the goodness and kindness kids to enable them to enjoy at least one along with hosts Mrs. Tamar Adelstein story. Yes, even on November 28, the day of the countries that are trying to help horseback ride at INTRA, The Israel and Mrs. Yaffa Gottlieb. Guests on the after the Annapolis conference, official you in whatever small way possible is National Therapeutic Riding Association show included well-known Gush Katif PA television broadcast a map of all of an outrage. in Eretz Yisroel. spokeswoman Mrs. Anita Tucker who Israel, including the West Bank and described the unbelievable difficulties If it were up to me, I would ban all foreign Gaza, covered with a Palestinian flag. former GK residents continue to encoun- assistance to the Palestinian Authority Our minimum goal is to provide 25 ter with housing, finding employment, Abbas may not control Gaza, or even - even humanitarian aid - because their children and teens with at least one ride and adjusting to their displacement and much of Fatah, but he does control his violent, aggressive and deceptive actions at INTRA. The cost per ride per person losses. own official media. It’s absurd to throw tell us they are the not a partner in peace. is 90 NIS or $20. Donations of $20 more money at him if he does not take In fact, they can be considered nothing receive a program memento; the first 3 minimal steps to show that these funds less than enemy combatants. gifts of $100 receive a Bucky Hot/Cold Another guest from Gush Katif was Miss will not be put toward a state dedicated Einat Yefet who described her experi- to Israel’s destruction. And if he doesn’t ences as an 18 year-old teenager during take those minimal steps why are the US the Disengagement. Forced from her and the nations of the world still sending home, she and her friends were literally him aid? dumped on the streets of Yerushalayim Erev Shabbos with no where to go. Ein- Nonetheless, world donors pledged $7.4 at’s family was in three different places billion for the Palestinian Authority at the first year until they finally received a recent conference, a massive sum that a tiny “temporary” caravan to occupy in

surpassed even the Palestinian Author- Photo Credit: Israel Bardugo Ein Tzurim. Actually, she can only visit ity own expectations. This is not really there on Shabbos because the caravan shocking information either. is simply too small to accommodate But the most disturbing news is how the entire family on a daily basis. It was the PA abuses the world’s kindness truly heartbreaking to hear her talk by using it to further their murderous about some of the problems her friends aims. In a recent article not covered by went through in trying to cope with the mainstream media entitled “Israel the trauma the Disengagement created Discovers Explosives in Aid Truck”, I for them. read all I have to know about the futile Anita Shkedi, director of INTRA, is effort the world is making by trying to world renown in the field of therapeutic provide humanitarian aid and money horseback riding and, in fact, introduced to the PA. it to Eretz Yisroel more than twenty years It seems that the IDF intercepted 6.5 tons ago. She beautifully described the heal- of Potassium Nitrate, a main ingredient ing power such riding brings to victims in explosives manufacturing, that was of war, terrorism, and loss, mentioning stored in sugar bags marked as humani- a recent case of a woman who not only

tarian aid from the European Union. Photo Credit: Israel Bardugo lost her mother in a terror attack r”l but Potassium Nitrate is a banned substance also was badly injured herself. After in Gaza, Judea and Samaria region due to physically healing from her wounds, its use by terrorists for the manufacturing this woman remained emotionally of explosives and Kassam rockets. scarred barely able to lead a normal life or even speak. Yet, after only two riding The EU is the largest provider of humani- sessions she began chatting and smiling tarian assistance to Gaza, which has been once again. under a cordon set by the Israelis who have been bombarded by rockets from Unfortunately, the first 15 minutes of the Photo Credit: Israel Bardugo Hamas territory. show which included a learning segment with Rabbi Michoel Seligson was erased It is assumed that the Potassium Nitrate due to technical difficulties; however, the was not dispatched by the European rest can be reviewed via phone by dialing Union. The bags were labeled as aid by 641-715-3486, Access Code 505946# or terrorist groups in order to take advan- via Internet at www.sanesite.org, click tage of Israel’s efforts to limit scrutiny classes, click Shleimus HaAretz. of foreign aid shipments to Gaza. Israel was pressured to limit the inspections by All donations are tax-deductible and humanitarians who are worried about should be made out to Ziv Tzedaka Fund the people in Gaza. Obviously, Israel and earmarked INTRA-Gush Katif Kids cares more about those residents than Photo Credit: Israel Bardugo Ride. the Palestinian leadership does. Mail them to Tamar Adelstein, 1714 “The terror organizations disguised the President St, Bklyn, NY 11213. Potassium Nitrate in sugar bags that were For questions or comments, call 718-774- marked as being part of the humanitarian 0914 or email [email protected]. aid provided by the European Union,” an IDF source said. “This is another example of how the terror organizations exploit the humanitarian aid that is delivered to the Palestinian population in Gaza with January 4, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 11 Shiduchim

❝It was not their past Rebbes sitting together around the table. Vedibarta Bam ~ Marriage family history that They were not so great in their own rights but they were all children and impressed Hashem, rather, einiklach — grandchildren — of some of the greatest Chassidic masters and were By: Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky Avraham, but because he himself was it was their very proud of their lineage. The greatest a towering figure.E ach was an av — a original contributions of all of them had no yichus to pride with. Rashi’s comment on the second verse father — (Patriarch) i.e. a founder that He loved His father was a simple Jew who derived of our sidrah has perplexed other com- and builder of Am Yisrael in his own his livelihood as a bread baker. mentaries of the Chumash. right. Each ones own righteousness, them for.❞ qualities of character and devotion to Each one of them related a Torah thought G‑d speaks to Moshe saying, “And I of his past but his present. That is, he too lofty tenets of integrity, kindness and emphasizing that he is saying it in the appeared unto Avraham, unto Yitzchak was an av — he had his own credit and service earned him his recognition. name of his holy father or grandfather. and unto Yaakov” (Shemot 6:3). Rashi yichus. He was the innovator and ardent When it came the turn of the greatest comments, “Va’eira el ha’avot” — “And The Sages refer to Avraham as the developer of the Pillar of Avodah — serv- of them to say something he prefaced it I appeared to the fathers.” What does “amud hachessed,” “the foundation of ing Hashem in prayer. with the following. “My father, the simple Rashi mean? Anyone who reads the verse kindness,” to Yitzchak as the “amud Now his son Yaakov had even greater baker, taught me that fresh bread is better and sees the names Avraham, Yitzchak ha-avodah,” as the “foundation of yichus to be proud of. Not only did he and healthier than stale bread.” and Yaakov, knows that the reference is to service and sacrifice,” and toY aakov as have an illustrious father, Yitzchak, but the avot — Patriarchs of our people? the “amud ha-Torah,” as the “founda- My dear Chatan and Kallah, as you he was also an einikel — a grandchild — tion of Torah.” Without these three are aware I have known your families The explanation offered by the great of the first and greatest Jew of the world. foundations, they say, the world cannot for many years. I can attest without Chassidic master, Rabbi Meir Prem- Hashem, however, was not moved by exist (Avot 1:2). any reservations to the glorious and ishlaner, has an important message his impressive past. He merited Divine envious yichus you may be proud of. for all. He believes that Rashi wanted Rashi is thus telling us that Hashem revelation because he was an av — a But knowing the both of you as well, I to stress the important role of each of was conveying to Moshe a message of father and founder of the Pillar of Torah. am confident that you will not just live the Patriarchs in the founding of our cardinal importance concerning what It is he who can be credited with passing off the dividends of your parents glory, people. Yitzchak was an av — father He anticipates from His children the on to his progeny the unparalleled values but will strive to be avot — make great — (Patriarch) not merely because he B’nei Yisrael. Yitzchak indeed had an of studying in the citadels of Torah learn- contributions to the Jewish community was the son of Avraham, but because he illustrious yichus — pedigree — he ing. It was not their past family history of your own which will surely earn you himself was a spiritual and intellectual was the son of the great Avraham. His that impressed Hashem, rather, it was the acclamation, praise and blessing of giant. Yaakov was an av — father — father, Avraham, was the founder of the their original contributions that He went Hashem and the entire Jewish people. (Patriarch) not simply because he was Jewish people. Nevertheless, Hashem for, and loved them for it. the son of Yitzchak and the grandson of revealed Himself to him not because A story is told of a group of Chassidic

Finding A Needle in a Haystack

By: Sarah Junik There is a story about a group of bochrim other, both husband and wife will achieve Believes he sees a cup half-full or half- Continued from last week who went to get a Brocha for shidduchim the maturity and standing they originally empty etc. You get the picture. Decide (not in Lubavitch). When they left the wished for. on a few basic requirements. Rejecting Shidduchim secretary was told that 12 of those boys had rejected their zivug and of those 12, In order to be able to make a list of quali- Certain qualities are on everyone’s wish I mentioned last week about the unfor- 5 had lost it completely because their ties which you and your S/D believe are list. They are self-understood, but by all tunate habit of rejecting a shidduch out zivug was married with children. necessary, your S/D must first come to means, review them. of hand, with very few solid reasons. know him/herself. Let your child define It is a fact that you may miss your chance. who he/she is at this moment. The Rebbe specifies in theI gros Kodesh, He/she is not for me, or she/he is not If this makes you hesitate a fraction of a Vol XVI, p 101, that one should seek good enough, are not concrete reasons. second before saying no next time, it is It is important to realize that what we the characteristics of Yiras Shomayim, If your child says no because a friend worth it. look for in a partner depends on “where” Tznius, and comparable qualities. went out with this person and it did not we are ourselves. What one person work out is not a good reason. I will return to this topic in another looks for just out of Seminary or while We all want our child to marry a mentch, column. “waiting for a shidduch and learning in a balabusta, someone with a head on their In fact, discussing shidduchim among 770”, is somewhat different if one is now shoulders, and so on. friends, is a major problem not only in What Are You Looking For? Part 2 working (even part time) or involved our community but everywhere and not Make a list in shlichus away from home. Priorities Realize that all these very worthy quali- just with girls but with boys too. Teach change, expand and contract. ties are extremely subjective. What I your children not to discuss their dates Ask your S/D to make a list with all the consider a balabusta is not what you with their friends, ever! There are issues qualities that their future Chosson/ This list we are making is fluid as men- might consider one. I may be more or of Loshon Hora, into which I will go into Kallah must have. tioned before. Consider this your blue- less particular than someone else. in a future column. But aside from that print for your future--adjust the list all important fact, this kind of gossip can It is common for our S/D to look for according to your circumstances at this At a workshop I had asked a group of destroy a true zivug. someone who is like their parents, an time. What the circumstances were last girls to write down up to seven “must uncle, or an aunt. In short, a person they year are not relevant enough now. And haves “ in a shidduch. Some replies were I prefer not to discuss this at length now, admire. What they need to realize is that what they will be a year from now, we surprising. Some were too obvious.❖ because the present topic, what and how when their parents or their uncle mar- do not know. parents and child should get ready to A Needle in a Haystack is a book of advice for ried, they were not who they are today. look for in a shidduch, is very important. parents starting to look at shidduchim written We have to explain to them that they can- So what do we want now? But please all of you out there who are on the occasion of one of Mrs Junik’s daughters not expect to marry a finished product. presently involved in shidduchim, think wedding.. Both husband and wife grew together He may be a bocher in Yeshiva, a bud- carefully before saying no. Do not think and enhanced each other’s talents and ding businessman, a future lawyer, or Any constructive comment is welcomed that shidduchim come with a written gifts in order to achieve the status they a teacher. He is outgoing, introverted, by the editor. Write to CHP5768 @ guarantee of getting your zivug no matter have today. What our S/D should look for sociable, or reserved. He makes friends gmail.com or directly to the author at what. You have bechira in this too. If one is those qualities they deem important easily, loves to learn, is patient, and loves [email protected]. rejects a zivug, one may get a second in an embryonic stage. to read. He is on “spilkes” for everything, chance but not davka (necessarily). a laid back kind of guy, or a worrier. If the quality is there, by helping each 12 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 4, 2008

The Path to Inner Peace & Happiness ~ Part V

By: Miriam Yerushalmi depressed over the way her husband love ourselves then we are able to lovingly still a battle between our desires and would find faults in everything that and happily solve the problems at hand Hashem’s will. Ultimately, we listen to Vaeira she did. She called a Rabbi to get some and thus help the other instead of throw- our Creator and achieve a higher order So how do we move toward our Divine help. She complained that she was very ing back at them our own negativity – a of human existence but it comes with a Intellect and away from our base, physi- depressed as a result of her husband’s negativity that comes directly from the struggle. In Tanya we learn that Hashem cal and distructive emotions? First, we constant criticism and she wanted a animal soul full of emotions, self-doubt, has bestowed upon us a natural love of must come to truly appreciate the Divine divorce. The Rabbi responded by asking and self-consumption. Instead of pour- Hashem, so all we have to do is tap into Gift of Chochmah, Bina and Daat, the her if she was an overweight woman. ing gasoline on the fire, we use our the natural love of Hashem. One can three levels of the Holy Intellect. We Every time the woman would continue intellect – our ChaBaD faculties like accomplish this through meditation and must understand that HaMochin Sholat her saga, the Rabbi would once again water to put out the fire and guide us in Tefila and through attaching ourselves to al Halev, (Ha Midos) – the mind controls ask her whether she were an overweight the right direction to solve the problem. him through learning Hashem’s Torah the emotions, and not the other way woman. The Rabbi knew the woman We have to ingrain these concepts in our and doing His Mitzvos. As our Love around – at least not in a healthy situ- personally and knew quite well she was minds so that we can act through our for Hashem grows through emotional ation. We learn in Tanya that Hashem not overweight, and in fact she was quit minds and not react with our negative and intellectual toil, our ego has but no created us with the ability to have our beautiful. The woman, finally tiring unhealthy emotions. Think of this. choice to leave us alone. Then one can mind control over our heart. We might of these insinuations of obesity, asked You see a little puppy stuck under a car. reach a yet higher level of connecting to have the desires in the heart, but that if the Rabbi why he kept asking her that You immediately help the puppy get Hashem, which is called Bittul B’metzius. we train ourselves the mind is totally question, because it seemed irrelevant. unstuck. You feed it and bring it back This is complete abnegation of one’s equipped and is able to control over our The Rabbi then said he was making a to its mother. In many ways we have to being to Hashem. There is no longer desires. In fact, if we spend time devel- point and asked her if she was depressed see everyone as that needy puppy and a contented ego. Instead of serving oping our intellect by learning Torah, when he mistook her for an overweight that our mission is to help them reach Hashem through an effort of will power, especially Tanya, then our intellect will woman. She exclaimed, “Of course not. their highest potential. And when we one serves through understanding, give birth to healthy emotions. We need I am far from being fat. Why should I be do help, then we get back to shifting our an understanding so complete that it to sharpen those “brain” muscles where upset because you have mistaken me for focus from “me” to the “other”. breaks through the curtain of freedom, our G-dly soul resides. someone else?” The Rabbi then pointed meaning freedom from concealment, Another very important issue that gets out to her the obvious, “If you truly know freedom from the ego that holds man Second, we must protect our holy G-dly in our way of achieving true Simcha is who you are and what you are capable of, in chains. The more we learn Torah, the soul like a beautiful masterpiece, so that our ego. There is a story of a Chassid why would you let someone else’s errone- more we understand and shape those we can use it well just like one who cre- who was in Yechidus with the Tzemach ous views of you steal your happiness brain muscles where the Nefesh Elokis ated a beautiful painting and wants to Tzedek and complained that in the and self-contentment.” The message is resides and the more power we have to share it with the world. The person will Beis Midrash he attended he felt that that you need to learn to love yourself, move away from our hearts, where the encase the painting in a frame and place everybody walked all over him, treated so that others can’t take that love away Nefesh HaBahamis resides. In the end, it in a glass container so no deleterious him improperly and took no notice of from you. Thus, when you appreciate the we come to understand that both levels external elements will harm its beauty. what he said. The Rebbe then explained good in you and love yourself, then you of bittul can and do exist contemporane- The same holds true with ourN eshama to him that the problem was that his ego can be free to love others in a healthy ously within every Chassid. Bittul in Elokis, our Divine Soul. was so spread out over the entire shul that way. The whole message of the Mitzvah human affairs is not a static state but wherever anybody stepped, it invariably So the question now becomes how do we of VeAhavta LeRe’echa KaMocha, “you rather a fluid, dynamic one that requires landed on him. We see once again the protect and draw upon our Divine Soul should love your fellow as yourself”, constant effort. message, that no one can make you feel so that it will lead us to Simcha and not is that in order to love your fellow Jew bad unless you let them! our physical unhealthy emotions, which you must first love yourself and then stem from our animal soul? you can love a fellow Jew. This woman Removal of this ego allows us to truly took the Rabbi’s message and then did achieve a high level of Simcha. “A person If you read an article We can learn a lesson by this simple a turn around and began to work on not with yesh (ego) focuses on himself. and it sparks a great yet true story of a lady who was hav- letting her husband’s attitude depress His thoughts revolve around himself ing difficulties with her husband. The idea for an article of her and with her new attitude, used and how everything he encounters will young lady was getting more and more your own: her energies to help affect him. Bittul (the opposite of yesh), her husband see is the nullifying self. In practice, this the beauty of their means dedicating oneself to a higher Write it down! relationship. In the purpose than one’s own physical and end the relationship emotional apparent self-interest and Remember that essay blossomed. constantly striving to achieve a higher you wrote ? Divine purpose. What causes sadness When we empower Pretty good, even if and depression is yeshus. Those that ourselves in this have too strong of a yeshus are unable you say so yourself! way, we can pro- to experience true joy, since true joy tect our Neshama. comes from totally accepting G-d’s plan We can then be Send it in! and becoming an active partner with Mashpi’im and not Hashem. We have to keep in mind that Mekablim of others Maybe you want to there are cases of severe depression that negativity, meaning are biochemical and in these instances voice your opinion we can influence the Rebbe would direct those suffering to on a very important others positively get medical help and would recommend and not accept matter? using medicinal therapies. Many times other people’s gar- what is needed is the initial chemical to bage. That is, we put the person chemically back in track, Let us print it! influence others for which will help the person to eliminate good and are not the depression, which then gives them [email protected] influenced by oth- the wherewithal and freedom to work on er’s negativity and themselves. So how do we free ourselves Send in your articles, other’s failures or from the ego? limitations. Once send in ideas for articles we have properly The first step is to try to arrive at the level you would like to see valued our Divine of Bittul HaYesh – the ego still exists published. Soul and begin to but it is silenced. At this level there is January 4, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 13 Announcements

Getting Regular Walking Beware Of Results Protects the Aging Brain Dangerous dementia, and An important message regarding non- In people age 65 and older, simply those who were in Extension emergency 911 calls: walking regularly or engaging in other the top one-third moderate exercise can reduce dementia When you have to make a non-emergency for total physical Cords risk, a new Italian study finds. A spike in electrical fires in the Rockland 911 call, such as your car window was activity had a 24 County region has fire and government broken; you were the victim of a crime, Vascular dementia is the second percent reduced officials alarmed and prompted one but you are now home and away from most common form of dementia after risk compared to legislator to call for an investigation the crime scene; your house was broken Alzheimer’s disease. those in the bot- into the sale of hazardous “knock-off” into, but there is no immediate danger tom third. This four-year study included 749 extension cords as the thief has left--please take the fol- women and men over age 65 who had “O u r fi nd i ngs lowing steps: There are many reasons for this, experts no memory problems at the start of show moderate say. One reason, for example, is that Call 311. the study. Researchers monitored the physical activity, such as walking, and people may be using alternative heat participants’ weekly physical activity all physical activities combined lowered Report the incident so a 311 operator sources such as space heaters and electric levels such as walking and climbing the risk of vascular dementia in the can transfer your call to 911. blankets. These types of devices can stairs, and moderate activities such as elderly independent of several sociode- strain a home’s electrical system and Receive a report # from 311. house and yard work, gardening and mographic, genetic and medical factors,” spark a fire. light carpentry. study author Dr. Giovanni Ravaglia, There are more checks on the 311 system of the University Hospital S. Orsola A recent blaze at Building C of the Rock- to insure that your problem is being By the end of the study, 54 of the par- Malpighi in Bologna, said in a prepared land County Health Complex started addressed. You will have a record of the ticipants had developed Alzheimer’s statement. inside a wall, possibly from an outlet box call and a system that can verify that you disease and 27 had developed vascular that may have come loose after repeated indeed reported the situation. Simply dementia. “It’s important to note that an easy-to- use for a vacuum cleaner. calling 911 is much less effective, and if perform moderate activity like walking The findings are published in the Dec. 19 “You know how people just yank out the you problem is ignored, there is no fast provided the same cognitive benefits issue of the journal Neurology. cords,” one expert said. “After a while, the way to verify that you called earlier. as other, more demanding activities,” constant yanking can loosen the boxes The top one-third of people who exerted Ravaglia noted. and wires.” the most energy walking were 27 percent More research is needed to determine less likely to develop vascular dementia One disturbing development is the how physical activity may help protect than those in the bottom third, the study emergence of counterfeit extension cords against vascular dementia, the study found. People who exerted the most with fake UL safety labels. suggested. energy in moderate activities were 29 The knock-offs, made in China, are percent less likely to develop vascular (Source: NHIC) cheaper than Underwriters Laboratories- approved cords and use thin copper W a r n i n g wiring that cannot bear levels of elec- Please be aware that although double parking is tolerated when tricity needed for things such as space Going North alternate side of the street parking is in effect, heaters. IT IS NEVER ALLOWED ON A BLOCK WITH A SCHOOL! Legitimate UL labels feature a silver to Montreal hologram with codes and a white cau- tion label. The JOCC of Montreal has spear- Purchasing one of these knock-off cords headed a substantial awareness cam- is “like plugging in a ticking time bomb in paign for the chareidi public. There has your home,” Rockland County Legislator been a large increase in the number of Ed Day told the Journal News. “Folks roadway accidents between NY and need to know that these alleged bargain Montreal, with at least four fatalities items are a clear and present danger to and numerous serious injuries in the their homes and families.” past two years alone! 95% of accidents (Source: Journal News) occur at night, when the roads are ex- tremely dangerous with poor visibility, Every extension cord cord should have black ice, tired drivers and bad weather writing on it along its whole length. conditions, etc. Somewhere it will say AWG and a JOCC aims to spread important infor- number. Do not use any cord less than mation to prevent further calamities. AWG 16. AWG 16 may be used for lights. Many accidents could be prevented if For heaters, YOU SHOULD NOT USE tired drivers pulled over to rest instead ANY EXTENSION CORD. For other of continuing on the road. The Adiron- heavy duty appliance or A/C, use only dacks do not have reliable cell phone a AWG 14 or AWG 12 (The smaller the coverage as of yet, and emergency con- gauge the thicker the wire). A cord should ditions can, chalilah, worsen while try- never be warm or hot. If it is you’re using ing to reach help. Travel Insurance is a too thin, or too long of an extension cord. life-saving necessity, yet many people The one exception is a heater cord which overlook it. There were incidents were may get a little warm, but never hot.I f the doctors refused to administer critical cord is hot, unplug it and replace it with treatment since their previous accident a heavier gauge cord. Do not be fooled patients had no coverage. by thick extension cords that have thin Montreal Hatzalah has been sum- wire and a thick plastic jacket. Plastic is moned dozens of times in the past sev- cheaper than copper. It’s the wire gauge eral months for serious accidents that that counts. could have been prevented. Better to Having a smoke detector and a fire waste a minute of your life than loose extinguisher is also a good idea. Make your life in a minute: Drive Safely. sure to get the fire extinguisher that can handle electric fires. 14 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 4, 2008 From Shedlitz to Safety

A Young Jew’s Story of Survival got here. It is my privilege to be able to write a few words of introduction as a Foreword to this important volume. In doing so, By Rabbi Shimon Goldman only relate how the Rebbeim and their we knew that he was the only one left of 1 decided to share with the reader the devoted followers changed and elevated his whole family, we never really heard Exerpted from the book with content of two speeches made at two my life, and try to describe the incredible much about his family or his childhood. the author’s permission Bar Mitzvah celebrations a generation sincerity and fervor of the Chassidim I We knew he was orphaned and left all apart. Both, I believe, are relevant, and knew. alone in the world as the sole survivor Introduction entirely appropriate to set the tone for of a large loving family who hailed from the pages that follow. Naturally, Chabad Chassidism did not legendary Chassidic masters. But it was Writing my biography has not been an begin on the streets of New York. There sort of pushed backward into the recesses easy task. It has forced me to relive the My Bar Mitzvah is much more that can be told about of memory, somewhere between denial trauma and horrors of war, the poverty the beautiful and inspirational lives of and distraction. Only as a student, when at home, my constant wanderings, the It was 1963, in the reception hall of the Chabad Rebbeim and their Chassidim, I began reading Holocaust literature did I destruction of my family and many then Young Israel of Eastern Parkway. and transmitting this heritage is part of myself begin to realize what he and all of friends. Yet, I feel compelled to put my The Guest Speaker was Rabbi Yosef our responsibility toward the younger us had lost. Only as I myself began raising memories to paper, and not for purposes Wineberg (of Tanya on the radio fame). generation of today. As such, though this a family did it begin dawning on me what of fame or financial profit.I n essence, this He told the story of the great Maggid book is merely a tip of the iceberg, it is an absolutely traumatic adolescence he book serves as a message to my children, of Mezeritch; how as a young boy, his both an obligation and an honor for me must have experienced. grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and parents’ home was engulfed in flames and to include mini-portraits of many Chas- the entire younger generation, to teach his mother stood outside weeping as she sidim I was for- them about their sacred ancestry and saw her home go up in smoke. The little tunate to meet the conditions in which their parents boy tried comforting his mother, “it’s during my first were raised. only material things, Momma.” “No, my years in Amer- son, I’m not crying for the house or the ica — includ- Living in comfortable, democratic furniture. I’m devastated because inside ing the very America, my children and grandchil- the house was my Yichus Briv, a docu- first Tmimim dren have been fortunate to experience ment tracing my family tree all the way w ho a r r ived religious freedom. However, precisely back to Dovid HaMelech (King David). on A merican this sheltered and untroubled existence And now it’s gone and lost forever.” soil. Similarly, poses the greatest threat of forgetting I have included the hardships and travails that were “Don’t cry, Momma, said little Dov Ber. personal recol- part of daily life for European Jewry in “I will begin a new family tree for you.” lections of the pre-war days. Rebbe Rayatz’s And so it was. Young Dov Ber grew life in America Having never lacked for food, my grand- into the great Maggid, successor to the in the 1940’s and children might not realize that there was Baal Shem Tov and teacher of the Alter the tremendous sometimes no food at home when zayde Rebbe. inroads he made was a child. Having enjoyed a whole- towards educat- some education, my children might not Said Rabbi Wineberg: Reb Shimon ing American comprehend that their father could not Goldman’s family tree went up in the youth in the path afford to learn in a private cheder. Having smokestacks of Treblinka and/or Maij- of Torah. continuous access to the latest technol- danek. His whole mishpocha was wiped ogy and full wardrobes of clothing, my out. But today we witness the unfolding … descendants might not understand that of a new yichus, a new chapter in the I did not even own one complete change Goldman family tree. The Bar Mitzvah At this point, of clothing. of his Bechor, his first born son.A nd just I express my as the Maggid’s mother was comforted thanks to Yet, despite the lack of physical comforts, by her little boy’s prophetic promise, we Hashem for His our spiritual lives were very full indeed. too are comforted. And let Reb Shimon abundant kind- Torah and good deeds filled our days. My himself be comforted as he sees his eldest ness to me dur- father’s life revolved around the shtibl; son taking his place in the line of Jewish ing the war and my mother’s pious deeds illuminated tradition and continuity. its aftermath, our poverty-stricken home. Aside from and for granting wreaking horrific physical destruction, My Son’s Bar Mitzvah me the merit of raising a large family In 1990, when my parents were in the Nazis obliterated a life of intense dedicated to the principles of Torah and Johannesburg on a family visit, I induced spiritual beauty that is impossible to It was 1987. My eldest son, Yochonon’s mitzvos. I am fortunate to share this my father to allow me to interview him replicate. Bar Mitzvah celebration. We came to responsibility with my eishes chayil, for a radio program. I was then host- Johannesburg, South Africa in 1976 Esther, (daughter of the eminent Chassid ing The Jewish Sound, South Africa’s My descriptions in these memoirs will, I as emissaries of the Rebbe. My initial Reb Yochanan Gordon). May Hashem only weekly radio show. For the first hope, share some of this spiritual beauty shlichus was to establish the first Chabad bless us both with many more years of time I heard stories of my martyred with others. House in Johannesburg. Having done contentment, and may we all merit the grandparents, uncles and aunts and my that for ten years, my shlichus changed ultimate Redemption speedily in our father’s fascinating historical narrative ••••• course and with the Rebbe’s advice time. of the long journey from Poland through and my colleagues’ encouragement, Lithuania, Russia, Japan and Shanghai, A learning stint in Yeshivas Tomchei I accepted a call from the Sydenham Shimon Goldman China before his arrival in the United Tmimim, and other subsequent wan- Highlands North Shul to serve as their States after the war. derings, brought me into the brilliantly Senior Rabbi in 1986. Foreword illuminated world of Chabad Chassidim I am therefore eternally grateful for the and their Rebbeim — Rabbi Yosef Yitz- Yochonon’s Bar Mitzvah was being A Tale of Two Bar fact that my children, grandchildren, chok (“the Rebbe Rayatz”) and his son- celebrated in the Sydenham Shul just nephews and nieces will not have to wait in-law and successor, Rabbi Menachem after Pesach. My parents were there, My father, the author of this volume, for special opportunities but will simply Mendel (“the Rebbe”). This book can in of course. My father was asked to say never spoke much about his experi- be able to pick up “Zayde’s Book” and no way do justice to the rich heritage of a few words at the Kiddush, (or, as it is ences during the war years. We know read for themselves what transpired to Chassidus Chabad, nor does it present known in South Africa, the Brocha). A that many survivors had difficulty in their grandfather and to get an inkling a comprehensive overview or history of respected lawyer would later tell me that reliving those darkest days. So while of where they come from and how they the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. I can it was the most powerful speech he’d ever January 4, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 15

heard in his whole life. My father told little success.I gnoring the strong signals ancestry was similarly intertwined with attention and warmth. Similarly, she how he remembered walking with his of hunger that come after a day of barely that of other luminaries — the Rebbe was always ready to help those in need. father in his hometown of Shedlitz just eating, my father continued learning of Kaliv, the Rebbe of Lelov, the Rebbe Our Sages say that “Jewish daughters as World War 2 was starting. Suddenly in the shtibl until the wee hours of the of Partzov, and many others. Naturally, are beautiful, but poverty makes them the Nazi Stuka divebombers came from morning. After all, there was barely as a direct descendant of the Gerrer unbecoming.” I can truly say that, despite nowhere and began strafing the streets. enough bread at home to feed the chil- Rebbe, my father considered himself a the miserable conditions in our home, my His father threw him face down into dren, never mind provide “supper” for Gerrer Chassid and normally prayed in mother remained beautiful and refined a cabbage patch and they said Shema himself. When he finished learning, my the Gerrer shtibl throughout. Yisroel together, fully expecting these to father would return home refreshed and be their last living moments. The planes recharged, ready to face another day and My father never discussed our unique We lived at 57 Pienkna Street, right across were so low, he said, that you could hear its invariable disappointments. lineage. People with respected ancestry the city clock — a large watchtower that the derisive laughter of the German pilots never tire of impressing others about this rose high above a wide government as they cut down every living thing in The shtibl was bright and comfortable, fact, but my father was just the opposite. building. Only the rich owned pocket- their sights. a welcome oasis in an unfriendly world. In fact, I discovered our family history watches; everyone else consulted the city Every able person — married men, purely by accident. When printing wed- clock for the time of day. Our “house” And today, said my father, I stand before bochurim, laborers and peddlers — came ding invitations, many Polish Jews would consisted of a solitary room, which you, here in Johannesburg, South Africa, to spend at least a few hours of learning list their saintly ancestors and, when my served as our kitchen, dining room, alive and well at the Bar Mitzvah of my in the shtibl. Some people studied until father married off the first of his children, play area, and bedroom. We learned eldest grandchild. Is this not a miracle? two in the morning, others stayed even he did likewise. to squeeze together and use this single Is this not a gift from G d? Who has later. Others came before dawn, to learn room to its fullest potential. At times, outlived whom? or recite Psalms while they waited for the When the invitations arrived in our my aunt — my father’s sister — would prayers to commence. home, I was shocked to see such famous come to visit us and, miraculously, we So the work you are about to read is the names as the Gerrer Rebbe and the Yid found room for her as well. story of one Jew who outlived the Nazi The sounds of Torah and prayer filled Hakodosh listed near my father’s name. murderers; of a young boy, scion of a the shtibl at any given hour of day or “What is this?” I approached my father. We had very little food. All my father’s distinguished Chassidic family tree, night. Hence, it was no surprise that my “Are we really descendants of such great exertions at work hardly provided us almost all of which was mercilessly father enjoyed every moment he spent in tzaddikim?” My father then explained with enough money to buy bread, so uprooted. But because the Almighty the shtibl, sometimes even forgetting to that, indeed, our family tree could be that when my mother did come home granted him the precious gift of life, he come home and rest from the exertions of traced directly back to these saintly with a loaf of bread, she rationed off was able to replant a new tree, with new his day. His life revolved around Torah, luminaries. portions for every family member. First, branches and many fruits. and he tried to instill this trait in us as she separated a small piece for my father. well. Like all children, I enjoyed playing Poverty ruled our home. Exceedingly Otherwise, nothing would be left for him Unlike most memoirs of this genre, tag, hide-and-seek, and other games. pious and G d fearing, my father never when he came home from the shtibl. We this book shares hardly any emotional “Shimon, come to the shtibl,” my father complained about his difficult situation. sat around the table, watching greedily grieving. My father was at least spared often said. “You like playing with your He tried his hand at various jobs, some- as she cut off a small slice and put it away from seeing his family go to their friends, don’t you? Play as much as you how scraping together barely enough for him. Then we each got a small piece, deaths. Nonetheless, one cannot but want in the shtibl, just don’t leave. The money to pay for bread and other staples. just enough to fend off some hunger. be impressed by the courage of a young holiness of Torah will undoubtedly affect Before Pesach, my father and another Jew teenager becoming an independent you.” My father often quoted the well- went to supervise the wheat harvest in When my father came home from the adult overnight, and one cannot but be known saying of our Sages: “Whoever the fields, to ensure that the wheat did not shtibl, he found a plate of kasha waiting humbled by his commitment to go on walks into a perfume store, even if he come in contact with any water. Later, for him. The “kasha” was often more living despite losing his entire family does not buy or sell anything, walks out they supervised the grinding in the mills. water than grain, but at least it was food. and having his life turned upside down with a pleasant smell. However, he who Once the flour was ready, father sold This bowl of kasha was his entire meal. in an instant. walks into a tannery, even if he does not whatever he could to the Jewish people More often than not, my father did not trade or purchase anything, leaves the in our town, providing those interested even come home to eat supper, preferring Above all, it is the story of a faith never store with an offensive odor.” in shemura matza with enough flour for instead to spend the night learning Torah lost and an undying determination their holiday needs. Each person then in the shtibl. to perpetuate the Jewish Way of Life “This is why you should play in the took the flour to the baker, who kneaded they were taught as children. Thus, it shtibl,” father would explain. “Even if the dough and baked it into shemura “Shimon, Shimon,” my father would say represents nothing less than the con- you are not actually learning, the shtibl’s matza. My father gained a meager profit to me. “When Hashem helps a person tinuing miracle of Jewish survival and holy atmosphere will imbue you with from this “business.” earn a few coins, it’s very easy to go out regeneration. the fragrance of Torah, fear of G d, and afterwards and buy a hat or a shirt. The Chassidus.” Similarly, every year before Succos, purchase takes no time at all and the May it inspire us all to regenerate our my father tried selling esrogim. This transaction demands very little effort. own faith and families and to see that This was my father — a sincere and G-d particular venture was not very lucrative, However, when it comes to learning faith vindicated with the ultimate miracle fearing Jew who treasured every moment despite the reasonable prices my father Torah, there is no such thing as buying of Moshiach’s Redemption speedily in he spent learning Torah. quoted his customers. In those days, not Torah in five minutes. Torah can only our days. every person allowed himself the luxury be acquired through sweat and effort.” Earliest Recollections Rabbi Yossy Goldman of purchasing an esrog, and the buying Father spoke to me about this often, market remained pitifully small. Father encouraging me to use every spare I was born on the fifth of Teves, 5684 gained little from this “business.” moment in Torah study. Poland (January 1st, 1925) to Reb Shmuel The Shtibl Zanvil and his wife, Menucha Kreindel. Aside from these seasonal businesses, my My mother’s brother, uncle Yitzchak Four children preceded me. Yakov and Warm and inviting light filled the shtibl, father spent the year peddling linen. He Meir, also lived in Shedlitz. Tall and Yosef were my two older brothers; Chana sending a sliver of brilliance across the often went to the city market, offering handsome, Yitzchak Meir was a shochet and Leah were my older sisters. When I darkened neighborhood. Dozens of men linen to customers interested in making a who slaughtered fowl and cattle.Y itzchak grew older, my mother revealed that she crammed the wooden benches, swaying jacket or pair of pants. At times, he tried Meir was widely popular in the commu- had lost two children during the First as they studied the holy books. I can still his hand at matchmaking. Together, nity. People called him “the Sfas Emes World War, when a deadly outbreak of see my father, Shmuel Zanvil, sitting these different jobs brought in barely Yid,” because he had merited to travel typhus swept through our town. My over a sefer in the shtibl, learning aloud enough money to feed the children and and see Reb Aryeh Leib of Ger (known as mother bore two children after me — with the many other laborers around buy the most basic necessities. the Sfas Emes). Every Tuesday, Yitzchak Hershel and Chaim. his table. Meir worked in the slaughterhouse My father came from distinguished My mother, Menucha Kreindel, was across the street from the cheder where Here, in the world of Torah, a workday lineage. His father was a direct grandson known for her refined manner and I learned, and I visited him whenever laden with worry and anguish seemed to of the Yid Hakodosh, and his mother sterling character. Tall and beautiful, she I had the chance. This special uncle of fall away. My father would momentarily was a granddaughter of the first Rebbe brought charm and joy to every occasion. mine was always ready with a tasty treat forget all those hours of arduous work of Ger, Reb Yitzchak Meir Alter (known My mother always had a smile on her for me. To be continued trying to support our family, often with as the Chidushei haRim). Our respected face and constantly showered us with 16 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 4, 2008 Human Interest

ees’ generosity will be shown at next friends who recently lost three of the qua- The Art of Giving year’s party. That will be the final icing druplets they were expecting; towards a on the cake in the lesson of giving and new home for a child care center, which Rabbi Hecht, is chairman of the board of the National Committee for the absolute joy it brings. State Bank & serves low-income families and children the Furtherance of (NCFJE), continuing the tradi- Trust is a real example for the rest of with behavior disorders. tion of social services management and outreach that began with his the corporate world as well as for every State Bank & Trust employees have father, the Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht A’H. He is a Rabbi and activist in the individual who will be inspired by their been quoted as saying that the bank has Jewish community, focusing on family crisis intervention, guiding and story and pass on some good deed. a culture of giving. What the bank has advising troubled youth and their families, marriage counseling, and Mr. Solberg, President of State Bank done is to take the art of giving and bring drugs and cults counseling and consultations. He can be reached at & Trust said, “We’re going to really see it to a totally new level. Giving charity is [email protected]. • Rabbi Shea Hecht some huge impact on our community.” one level; giving others the opportunity to give is another. Giving to others is a real art. Sometimes, keep it. Bank employees were given I must tell you that I think that the I think it’s actually a lost art, which makes orders to use the money for people in impact will be more far reaching than Mr. As the Mishnah tells us: He who gives State Bank & Trust’s recent giving even need. They were told to give it to an Solberg can imagine. The joy of giving is charity and inspires others to give is more special. Their actions are a breath individual cause, a larger project, or one that is incomparable, immeasurable saintly. State Bank & Trust is truly an of fresh air. collaborate with donors outside the bank and can’t be duplicated. Each person that inspiration for all of us. to maximize the donation. gives will be encouraged to give more, The bank created a $502,000 “Pay it and as often as it happens, those who Forward” initiative, in which they gave Bank employees were asked to doc- receive will be encouraged to pass the the employees of the company’s 14 ument the good deed with a video giving “bug” on. banks in North Dakota and Minnesota camera the bank gave them to keep a very special bonus this year. Full time - another act of giving by the bank. Even reading about what the employees employees received $1,000 and part-time Workers also got their usual year-end of the bank are deciding to do with the employees received $500 as a year-end bonuses of about 4.5% of their annual money is a lesson in giving and caring. bonus. The bonus came with a catch salaries - money that they can keep. Their choices are most impressive. though: The employee gets it but can’t A compilation of videos of bank employ- Among them are: cancer research;

NIGHTLIFE! On behalf of the Vaad HaKohol and the CH JCC, Upcoming Events we would wish a hearty Mazal Tov To Thursday, Jan.3rd, 8pm Benji and Mussia Stock The Big Decision: How Do You Know If He’s The One on the birth of their newborn son. Guest Speaker: Rabbi Yossi Jacobson Motzei Shabbos, Jan.5th, 8pm May you raise him to Torah, Chuppa, and Maasim Tovim OPEN MIKE Starring YOU! and May you continue all the beautiful work Followed by CONCERT with Esther Chana Neistein you are doing on behalf of the community! Monday, Jan.7th, 8pm JLI class Instructed by Shimona Tzukernik Thursday, Jan.10th, 8pm Mit Mazel: What Role Does Mazel Play (Or Not Play) in Our Lives Guest Speaker: Rabbi Mendel Samuels Motzei Shabbos, Jan.12th, 8pm Flower Drying & Decor workshop with Mrs. Kraindel Trappler All programs are held at The NIGHTLFE Lounge: Rubashkin Residence 1349 President Street

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