בס“ד Menachem Av 5780/2020 SPECIAL DAYS IN MENACHEM AV Volume 31, Issue 5 Menachem Av 1/July 22/Wednesday Rosh Chodesh "When Av comes in, we minimize happiness" (Taanis 26B)

"In the nine days from Rosh Chodesh Av on we should try to make Siyumim." (Likutei Sichos Vol. XIV: p. 147)

Mountains emerged above the receding Flood waters (BeReishis 8:5, Rashi)

Plague of frogs in Mitzrayim. (Seder HaDoros)

Yartzeit of Aharon HaKohen, 2489 [1312 BCE], the only Yartzeit recorded in the Torah, (BaMidbar 33:38) (in Parshas Masaei, read every year on the Shabbos of the week of his Yartzeit)

Ezra and his followers arrived in Yerushalayim, 3413 [457 BCE]. (Ezra 7:9) Menachem Av 2/July 23/Thursday Titus commenced battering operations In Av 5331 [430 BCE] there was a debate against the courtyard of the Beis between Chananya ben Azur and Yirmi- HaMikdash, 3829 [70]. yahu. Chananya prophesized that Nevu- chadnetzer and his armies would soon The Previous Lubavitcher arrived in leave Eretz Yisroel, and all the stolen vessels Eretz Yisrael, on his historic visit, 5689 from the Beis Hamikdash would be re- [1929]. turned from Bavel along with all those who were exiled. Yirmiyahu explained, that he Menachem Av 4/July 25/Shabbos Chazon too wished that this would happen, but the Reb Hillel of Paritch would say in the prophesy is false. Only if the Jews do

TZCHOK OF HANCOCK PARK name of R. Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev: Teshuvah can the decree be changed. "Chazon" means vision; on Shabbos Cha- Yirmiyahu also said that in that year zon, HaShem shows every Jew a vision of Chananya will die, since he spoke falsely in the Third Beis Hamikdash". the name of Hashem. And so it happened. (This occurred around seven years before "...Appropriate with the end of the Hafta- the destruction of the first Beis Hamikdash) rah of Shabbos Chazon, "Tzion in justice (Yirmiyahu 28). will be redeemed and its returning with righteousness" (Yishayahu 1:27): Justice, In the eleventh year of the reign of Tzid- 'Mishpat', is Torah (Likutei Torah, Deva- kiyahu, on Rosh Chodesh Av, the year of the rim) and righteousness, 'Tzedakah', is all destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, of the Mitzvos, which includes the Mitz- Yechezkal said a prophesy, that the king- vah of Tzedakah, we should, in these days dom of Tzur will be destroyed by Nevu- add in the study of Torah and doing Mitz- chadnetzar King of Babylon, because they vos, especially the Mitzvah of Tzed- celebrated ’s destruction. akah." (Sicha, Shabbos Chazon, Av 9,

(Yechezkal 26) 5751a) Chabad Chodesh Menachem Av 5780 Av Menachem Chodesh Chabad CONGREGATION LEVI YI

The Rebbe would hold a far- dash and many other tragedies Yidden). Hashem has done great brengen on this Shabbos and ad- that happened on this day. things for us: we were joyful.” vised that spreading When the Geulah will come the simcha with Ahavas Yisroel be On this day is revealed only the nations of the world will ask held on this Shabbos positive aspect of the day, that “Why does Hashem do such great which Moshiach was b orn on it. things for the Jewish people?” Nechemiah began building a wall (Eichah Rabah 1:51).” [Sichah, The Yidden will respond, around Yerushalayim, 3413 [444 Shabbos chazon, Av 9, 5748] “Hashem was so great with us - BCE] (Nechemiah 6:15). because we were always joyful.” The Exodus generation It is well known how much the Yartzeit of R. Menachem Azariah condemned to die in the desert, Chozeh did to try to bring of Fano, the RaMa MiPano, author 2449. [1312 BCE] (Devarim 1:35; Moshiach in his times. of Asarah Maamaros and Alfasi Taanis 26b) Zuta, Halachist and Kabbalist, Menachem Av 10/July 31/Friday cited extensively in Chasidus, Nevuzaradan set fire to the Beis 5385 [1625]. HaMikdash 3175 [586 BCE]. Birth of Yisachar son of Yaakov Avinu, 2196, and his Yartzeit, in Menachem Av 5/July 26/Sunday The Romans destroyed the Second 2318 (Midrash Tadshe). Yartzeit of R. Yitzchak Luria, the Beis HaMikdash, 3829 [69]. Beis HaMikdash destroyed by a Ari Zal, 5332 [1572]. He passed fire started the preceding away at thirty-six, in Tzfas. The Romans plowed the site of the afternoon, (Taanis 29a). " . . . All accepted Beis HaMikdash to convert it into him as the final Posek in all a Roman colony, Aelia Capatolina, M. Av 11/August 1/Shabbos matters of the hidden parts of the 71 [3831] (Taanis 26b). Shabbos Nachamu Torah and its secrets, there is no room for argument and the Betar, last independent outpost Yartzeit of R. Hillel of Paritch, Halachah is as the words of the under Bar Kochba fell to the Chasid of the Mitteler Rebbe and Ari Zal" (Kovetz Lubavitch, Vol. II: Romans, 3895 [135]. (Taanis the Tzemach Tzedek, author of p. 61) 26b) Pelach HaRimon, Shabbos Yartzeit of R. Gedalyah Hayun, Edward I of England ordered the Nachamu 5624 [1864]. head of the Yerushalayim expulsion of all Jews, 5050 He never saw the Alter Rebbe but Kabbalists, founder and head of [1290]. he did hear a D’var Torah from the Kabbalists Yeshivah, Beis E-il, Ferdinand of Spain expelled the him. Reb Hillel tried to meet the 5510 [1750]. The Baal Shem Tov's Jews, 5066 [1492]. Alter Rebbe, as he had a question brother-in-law, R. Avraham 3,000 Jews perished in the for him on the Tractate Erchin Gershon Kitover studied in this Chmielnicki massacres, 5408 (discussing the evaluation of . [1648]. things for the Bais Hamikdosh). Deportation of Jews from the Every time he came to meet the Yartzeit of R. Chaim of Krasna, Warsaw ghetto started, 5702 Alter Rebbe the Alter Rebbe wasn’t student of the Baal Shem Tov, [1942]. there. 5553 [1793]. Yartzeit of R. Dovid Furkas, Reb Hillel decided to find out student of the Baal Shem Tov, where the Alter Rebbe planned to Menachem Av 6/July 27/Monday 5532 [ 1772 ]. be one time. He went early and Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Yitzchak, the hid in the room so that when the Nevuchadnetzar occupied the "Chozeh" of Lublin, author of Alter Rebbe would come in he First Beis HaMikdash, 3338 [423 Divrei Emes, 5575 [1815]. would be able to speak to him. BCE]. There is a vort of the Chozeh’s When the Alter Rebbe entered the student that my father, room he said, “If a young man has Menachem Av 9/July 29-30/ Menachem Shmuel Dovid a question on Tractate Erchin, he Wednesday-Thursday Raichik, OB”M, often repeated has to evaluate himself.” Hearing Fast of Tisha B’Av which he heard from the Rebbe, this, Reb Hillel fainted. When he Sukkos 5716/1955. In Tehillim came to, the Alter Rebbe had Commemorates the destruction of we say (Psalm 126), “Hashem has already left. the first and second Beis Hamik- done great things for these (the

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 5 Page 2 It is known that Reb Hillel Av and Yom HaKipurim" [Taanis, Paritcher was exceedingly 26B] M. Av 17/August 7/Friday scrupulous in his performance of "In connection with Tu B'Av, we Arab riots in Chevron; sixty seven mitzvohs throughout his life. As should make Farbrengens Jews were murdered, among them the Rebbe explained - because of everywhere with great joy, to almost the entire Slonim family, what Reb Hillel heard from the gather, speak Divrei Torah, make who were descendents of the Mit- Alter Rebbe he constantly Siyumim, and make good teler Rebbe’s daughter Menuchah evaluated and reevaluated himself decisions to add in Torah, Mitzvos Rochel, and the Jewish regarding his observance of the and Tzedakah and all good things. community (including the central mitzvos. (Likutei Sichos Vol 22, (Sichah, Shabbos Chazon, 5751) Chabad Community of Eretz pp. 171-172) The last of the Exodus generation Yisrael) was forced to move to stopped dying in the desert; Yerushalayim, 5689 [1929]. The Alter Rebbe left Peterburg for HaShem resumed speaking to The Friediker Rebbe was on the , after his second Moshe Rabeinu. (Ta’anis 30b). ship coming to the United States, imprisonment, 5561 [1801]. Intertribal marriage permitted to he was informed of the riots and post-exodus generations (Taanis destruction in Chevron, where he M. Av 12/August 2/Sunday 30b). had visited just the previous week. Disputation between the Ramban Permission was given to the tribe The Rebbe fell seriously ill from and the apostate Pablo Christiani, of Binyamin to marry into other this news, on the ship there was a 5023 [1263]. tribes, saving them from Doctor Wallach, a German Jew, Wedding of the Alter Rebbe and extinction (Shoftim 21:21; Ta’anis founder of Shaeri Tzedek Hospital the Rebbitzen Sterna, 5520 30b). who assisted and cured the Rebbe. [1760]. King Hoshea restored pilgrimage Our Rebbe at a related The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe to Yerushalayim, removing road- a story that after the Friediker and blocks put by King Yeravam. Rebbe got well, Dr. Wallach went purchased , (Ta’anis 30b) into Yechidus, and asked for a World Lubavitch Headquarters, "Wood Bringing Day", observed as Tikkun. The Friediker Rebbe 5700 [1940]. a holiday by Jews who brought asked him why he needs this Tik- wood contributions to the Beis kun and he replied that since he M. Av 13/August 3/Monday HaMikdash, the last day of cutting was on the ship he feels responsi- wood for the Mizbeach, "The Day ble for the Rebbe falling ill. Ha- Yartzeit of R. Nasan Shapiro of of Breaking the Axes" (Taanis shem wouldn’t have made the Cracow, Kabbalist, author of 30b). Rebbe sick without a sure cure in Megaleh Amukos, 5393 [1633]. The Romans permitted the burial sight, since the Rebbe is a Nasi Yartzeit of Sir Moses Montefiore, of Jews killed at Betar in the Bar Yisrael, a leader of Klal Yisroel, outstanding philanthropist, 5645 Kochba rebellion, 3898 [138] and Klal Yisroel needs him, so he [1885]. In 1839, Sir Moses visited (Ta’anis 30b); At that time the would not be able to be sick with the Chabad community in Chachamim added the Brachah, no cure. So, he feels responsible Chevron (then the Chabad center "HaTov Ve-Ha-Meitiv" to the and is asking a Tikkun from the in Eretz Yisrael) at the Birkas HaMazon. Friediker Rebbe. community's invitation. He and Wedding of Rebbitzen Chayah The Rebbe explained the lesson of Lady Judith were given lifetime Sarah, daughter of the Mitteler this story. Many times we feel seats in the Chabad Shul. Rebbe, with R . A h ar o n great that Hashem gave us the Alexanderov of Shklov, 5586 Zechus to help someone in need, M. Av 14/August 4/Tuesday [1826]. They were the parents of but what we must feel is that pos- Erev Tu B'Av - Rebbitzen Rivkah, the Rebbe sibly the reason for this person No Tachanun at Mincha MaHa-RaSh's wife. R. Aharon needing help is only to give us the The Alter Rebbe settled in Liadi, printed the first Torah Or, in opportunity to do Chesed, as the 5561 [1801]. Shklov. Medrash quotes “If everyone were rich, with who would you be able M. Av 15/August 5/Wednesday M. Av 16/August 6/Thursday to do Chessed?” So, sometimes our Tu B'Av– No Tachanun The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe thoughts must be, if not for us " . . . There were no days left Eretz Yisrael for the United maybe this person would not need more joyous than the Fifteenth of States, 5629 [1929].

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 5 Page 3 help. (Likutei Sichos, vol. 30, pg. [1944]. He had been exiled by the R. Mordechai b. Hillel, famed 67) Russian government for his Talmudist, author of the activities in spreading Yiddishkeit. Mordechai, perished in M. Av 18/August 8/Shabbos Nuremberg with his wife and five T h e Ner Maaravi w a s Of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s last children in the Rindfliesch extinguished in the Beis hours we have this eye-witness massacres, 5058 [1298]. HaMikdash (Megilas Taanis, account: A friend and I were priv- concluding chapter). ileged to serve him, passing all of M. Av 22/August 12/Wednesday Tuesday night at his bedside. We Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Culi, author heard his lips murmur ceaselessly Yartzeit of R. Meir of Premyshlan, of MeAm Loez, 5492 [1732]. He through his voice made no sound. Chasidic leader, 5537 [1777]. also edited and assembled the Suddenly, he stirred, opened his (See Likutei Diburim Vol. 2, 25 Sefarim, Mishneh LaMelech on eyes and asked for water to be Shevat 5696,1936 part 3, chapter the Rambam's Mishneh Torah brought for him to wash his 3. In the English Version Vol. 2, [with his own explanatory hands. This was done, and taking pgs. 205-207) The Rebbe states comments in brackets] and the water, he said: “It is time to that known story of R’ Meir Perashas Derachim, of his teacher ready to cross to the other Premyshlan and his comment “If a R. Yehudah Rosanes after the side.” These were the last words man is bound up on high, he does latter's passing. he uttered. not fall below, Meir is bound up on high and that’s why he can go M. Av 19/August 9/Sunday The next day, Wednesday, 20 up and down a slippery hill.” Menachem Av, he continued to Yartzeit of Shimon Sholom Kalish, decline and his sufferings reached M. Av 24/August 14/Friday Rabbi Shimon of Amshinov in a new intensity, but his lips never 5715 (1954). My father, Rabbi ceased their murmuring. One of Yartzeit of R. Moshe Meisles, Raichik, OB”M, was sent to those present bent down near to Chasid of the Alter Rebbe, head of Otvosk by the Amshinover Rebbe him hoping to make something of the Kahal of Vilna, 5609 [1840]. with his recommendation, the broken phrases and the sighs. In 1816, he moved to Eretz without which he would not have Thus much he heard: “ ‘And Thy Yisrael, and in 1823, became one been accepted in the Lubavitch footsteps were not known…’ Ay! of the heads of the Chabad Yeshiva. the footsteps of Mashiach...the community and Kollel Chabad, in During WWII R. Shimon footsteps of Mashiach…” (Days in Chevron. He died at ninety and is of Amshinov traveled to Vilna and Chabad p. 246). buried in Chevron. then Shanghai. He encouraged the use of Japanese Visas. The M. Av 21/August 11/Tuesday M. Av 25/August 15/Shabbos Rebbe Rayatz said that if Shabbos Mivorchim Elul communication is cut off to the Yartzeit of R. Aharon Rokeach of Rebbe due to the war the , Chasidic leader, 5717 The Alter Rebbe leaves Liadi on bochurim should seek the [1957]. See letters of the Previous Erev Shabbos Mevarchim Elul, Amshinover Rebbe’s advice and Rebbe, (Vol. 5, pgs. 326-327, because of the advancing French follow what he says. He passed footnotes 329, Vol. 6, pg. 26, and Army under the lead of Napolean, away in New York and was buried Vol. 14, pg. 371), about the and the Alter Rebbe did not want in Teveri, next to the talmidim of Friediker Rebbe’s involvement to be under Napolean’s rule. the Maggid. The Rebbe went to trying to save R’ Aharon during menachem ovel his son (comfort WWII. (Vol. 8, pgs. 187-189) The Yartzeit of R. Yisochor Dov of the mourner) at his home in Rebbe inquires from Chassidim, Zlotchov, student of the Brooklyn. how R’ Aharon is feeling, and how Mezeritcher Magid, author of Bas he settled in Eretz Yisroel. (Vol. Eini, 5555 [1795]. M. Av 20/August 10/Monday 14, pgs. 392-393) Rosh Hashanah M. Av 26/August 16/Sunday letter bentching R’ Aharon that Yartzeit of R. Levi Yitzchak the Rebbe sent to him, and The Tzemach Tzedek left Schneerson, father of the Rebbe, requesting a Brochah from R’ Petersburg after the conference, in Rav of Yeketrinislav, who passed Aharon in return. 5603/1843, that the Russian gov- away in exile in Alma Ata, 5704 ernment convened to restructure

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VOLUME 31, ISSUE 5 Page 5 The Nine Days & Tishah B’Av

From Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av until after remove our leather shoes and put on non-leather Tishah B’Av we don’t buy or make new clothes or shoes. shoes, even to wear after Tishah B’Av.

We don’t do house construction or improvements, The Fast of Tishah B’Av except to remedy a danger; we don’t do house We take the Paroches off the Aron Kodesh. We dim painting. the lights and read Megillas Eichah after Shemoneh We don’t eat meat (or chicken) or drink wine (or Esrei. grape juice), from Rosh Chodesh onward. On Shab- bos and at a Seudas Mitzvah (Bris, Pidyon Haben) it The Restrictions is permitted. Five principal restrictions apply to the night and day After Rosh Chodesh, it’s forbidden to wash the of Tishah B’Av: eating and drinking, washing, anoint- whole body, even in cold water. ing, wearing leather shoes and marital relations. A

Swimming is forbidden. If there’s a reason for a couple should conduct themselves as they would during the Nidah period. bath or shower, (I.e. a woman going to the , a worker who got dirty, or one who needs to for Pregnant or nursing women fast; a person feeling ill medical reasons) it’s permitted. should consult a Rav.

We don’t wear freshly laundered clothes during the We can’t wash, even with cold water. In the morning Nine Days. It’s a good idea to prepare clothes to and after using the bathroom, wash your fingers wear before Rosh Chodesh by wearing them briefly. until the knuckles. (We may wash dirt off our It is customary not to wash clothes or linens, even hands.) We can’t rinse our mouth. Oil, soap or cos- to be worn after Tishah B’Av. metics on the skin are forbidden, except for medical

We may wash diapers and soiled baby clothes. purposes.

We can’t wear leather or partly leather shoes; rubber On Erev Shabbos Chazon, we prepare as any other or canvas shoes are permitted. Shabbos. We may wash our face, hands, feet and head in hot water in honor of Shabbos. Those whose It’s customary to sit on a chair lower than three custom is to go to the Mikvah on Erev Shabbos may Tefachim, (about nine inches) until after midday. do so. We wear Shabbos clothes and observe no We don’t say “Good Morning” or “Hello.” (If a customs of mourning on Shabbos. person who doesn’t know the law greets you, answer

softly, so you don’t hurt his feelings.) Erev Tisha B’Av We don’t say the Brochah, “She’asah Li Kol Tzarki” From midday of Erev Tisha B’Av, Wednesday, July (the Brochah for shoes). We don’t wear Tallis or 29, we may study only those parts of Torah that Tefillin at Shachris, but at Minchah. deal with the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash or At Shachris we say Kinos after we put away the Sefer the laws of mourning: Megilas Eichah and its com- Torah. After Kinos we say Ashrei and U’va Letzion mentaries, the laws of Tisha B’Av and mourning in leaving out the posuk V’zois Brisi, followed by Kadish Shulchan Aruch, the tragic parts of Yirmiyahu and Shaleim without Tiskabel. Then Aleinu, skipping shir the third chapter of Moed Katan, etc. shel Yom and Ein Kelokeinu. No Tehillim is said.

After Davening, we read Eichah on our own. It is customary to eat before Mincha, on Erev Tisha

B’Av. After Mincha, we eat Seudah HaMafsekes, the We don’t do any work until midday. We don’t take final meal before the fast, sitting on a low bench. pleasure walks or smoke. The custom is to eat only bread and a hard boiled egg dipped in ashes. We bentch without a may be learned after mid-day., Rambam after Mezuman. the fast.

We don’t say Tachanun on Mincha. At sunset we

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 5 Page 6

Mincha is davened while wearing Tallis and Rashi Te- morning in honor of Shabbos. We must wait until fillin. We say Shema and finish what was omitted in after 1:00 Pm to eat meat or drink wine. Shacharis (Shir Shel Yom, Ein Kelokeinu and Tehillim) then begin Mincha. Then Krias HaTorah and Haftorah. This is a very brief summary of the laws of Tishah We add Nacheim and Aneinu in Shemoneh Esrei. B’Av. Consult a Rav for special circumstances. After Mincha we put on Rabbenu Tam Tefillin.

After The Fast May it be the will of Hashem that these days After the fast, wash your hands three times, as you change to days of happiness and joy. would in the morning, without a Brochah.

We say Kiddush Levanah (preferably after changing The Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory, into leather shoes, washing our face and eating some- requested that we increase in the study of the thing, ONLY IF we can do this and still say it with a Rambam’s Hilchos Beis HaBechirah during the Minyan.) Nine Days. Try to learn a chapter a day beginning Rosh Chodesh. (There’s an excellent translation Usually all the laws of the Nine Days extend until mid- by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger.) day of the day after Tishah B’Av, because the burning Try to participate in a Siyum each of the Nine of the Beis HaMikdash continued into the tenth day. days, including Tishah B’Av as well as up until the Because this year is Friday, we are permitted to wash Fifteenth of Av. ourselves, take haircuts and do laundry Friday

CHOF AV -Yartzeit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok - the Father of the Rebbe

Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, father of the Lubav- selves enthusiastically about his scholarship and oth- itcher Rebbe was born on Nisan 18, 1878, in the small er great qualities. town of Padabrianka, near Homel, White Russia. His In 1900, he married Rebbitzen Chanah, daughter of father, Reb Boruch Shneur, a Chasid of the Rebbe Ma- R. Meir Shlomo Yanovsky. At his father-in-law’s HaRaSH, named his son after his own father who had home in Nikolayev, R. Levi Yitzchok spent ten years been Rav of that town and had passed away at the ear- in intensive Torah study eighteen hours a day. ly age of forty four. He would study each night until 5:00 am, when he Reb Boruch Shneur’s grandfather, R. Boruch Sholom, would read the Shema in Tefillin and lie down for a was eldest son of the Tzemach Tzedek, third Rebbe of short rest. By 9:00 am he would already have fin- Chabad. ished his prayers with the regular Minyan. “From his earliest years,” writes the previous Lubav- In Nikolayev his eldest son, the Lubavitcher Rebbe itcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok (his cousin and was born. Mechutan), “Rabbi Levi Yitzchok showed extraordi- nary brilliant intellectual talents.” In his early twenties, he was drawn by the Rebbe RaShaB into communal work. From 1902 on, he par- His published works—unfortunately only a tiny por- ticipated in all meetings of communal leaders, and tion of his literary output– attest to the breadth of his campaigned to provide Matzos for Jewish soldiers in erudition in all branches of Torah and to his profundi- the Far East during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904- ty in original Torah thought. 5. He received Semichah from twelve of the greatest To- The Rebbe RaShaB considered him one of his three rah authorities of his time, including the famous Rabbi greatest Chassidim about whom he would say, “with Chaim Soloveitchik, Rav of Brisk, and Rabbi Eliyahu these three I can be proud in this world and the Chaim Meislish, Rav of Lodz, who expressed them- next”. (The other two were Rabbi Mendel Chein,

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 5 Page 7 Rav of Niezhin, who died a martyr’s death at the hand beloved by the entire city, Jews and non-Jews. of Denikin’s anti-Semitic “White” troops in 1919, and In most large Russian cities before the 1917 Revo- Rabbi Shneur Zalman Schneerson, son of Rabbi Leib, lution, there were two , one for the Chasi- Rav of Velizh). dim and another for the non-Chasidim. When the A sign of the high regard the Rebbe RaShaB had for him non-Chasidic Rav of the city passed away, the en- was that he sent him, when he was eighteen, several tire Jewish community decided to accept R. Levi years before his marriage, to check the Mikvaos in - Yitzchok as their Rav. many. The prominent Rabbis of Germany were im- pressed with the young Rav’s intellect and erudition He continued his activism in national Jewish af- and presented him with a gold watch and chain as a fairs. As one “amazingly expert in the words of token of their esteem. Kabalah”, as the previous Rebbe writes, he was en- It was a critical time for Russian Jews, including those trusted by the Rebbe RaShaB in preparing for the of Yekatrinoslav. Government-backed pogroms had defense of Mendel Beilis in the blood libel trial of killed hundreds of Jewish victims and destroyed Jewish 1911. The priest responsible for the accusation stores and homes, ruining their economic mainstay. claimed to find support in Kabalah for his libel, This was a direct cause of the mass emigration of the and the Rebbe RaShaB referred all queries to R. Le- vi Yitzchok. Polish and Russian Jews to Western Europe and Ameri- ca. He was active in organizing relief for the Jewish It also contributed to the spread and secular ideologies refugees from Poland and Lithuania who were among young Jews in search for a solution to the Jewish blamed by the commander-in-chief of the Russian plight. forces, the Czar’s uncle, Prince Nikolai Nikolevitch, for his defeat by the German army. When Jews needed strong leadership and encourage- ment, the choice of the Yekatrinoslav Chasidic commu- These innocent Jews were turned out of their nity leaders fell on R. Levi Yitzchok. homes near the fields of battle to evacuate into the Russian interior. Many came to the Ukraine where The Rebbe RaShAB strongly encouraged him to accept R. Levi Yitzchok made it his personal concern that the position and he became Rav at thirty one in 1909. they be adequately supplied with food and shelter. It was his first and only rabbinical post and he occupied His own home was made available to the refugees. the position for over thirty years –as last Rav of Yekatri- noslav, under the communist regime. [Today, Yekatri- The Bolshevik Revolution at the end of 1917 noslav (Dnepropetrovsk), has a Rav, R. Shmuel Kami- opened a new and bloody era for the Jews of Rus- sia. netsky, sent in 1990 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.] He immediately threw himself into the problems of the The 1917 Revolution brought chaos and civil war. community. Discovering that the Mikveh for women As the situation began to stabilize during the was no longer usable, he called a meeting to discuss 1920’s, the new Soviet regime proceeded to imple- ment its anti religious policies. plans for a new one. The community leaders com- plained that they were unable to afford such a costly The Jewish masses, though loyal in the most part to project. , found it increasingly difficult to keep The young new Rav rose, took off the expensive new Mitzvos. Jobs where one could keep Shabbos and frock coat he had donned for the first time in honor of Yom Tov were almost impossible to find; religious his new position and declared: “Take this expensive articles and books were prohibited. Also banned coat as a beginning for the building fund of the Mik- was Jewish Education and few were courageous veh”. The leaders immediately decide to find the finan- enough to risk sending their children to the under- cial means for a superlative Mikveh. ground cheder-schools established by the previous Rebbe and his Chasidim. R. Levi Yitzchok conducted communal affairs proudly and fearlessly, allowing nothing to interfere with his They tried to inculcate into their children the fun- duties. damental of Yiddishkeit, but it seemed infinitesimal in comparison with the systematic indoctrination “An exceptionally good-natured person”, as the previ- they received at school and in their entire environ- ous Rebbe describes him, he was blessed with a rare ment. talent for clear analysis of any situation. These qualities When Jews were weighed down with economic made his adjudication of disputes according to the To- hardship, it fell to “Reb Levik” to raise their spirits rah-law (Din Torah) famous. He was respected and and provide encouragement.

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This was made difficult by the penalties the govern- the international press –with a caricature of a se- ment imposed on Rabbis and the harassment of the cret police agent pointing his pistol at a bearded Yevsektsia (Jewish section of the Communist Party). Rabbi forcing him to sign the paper before him. Seeing how little they could accomplish many rabbis simply resigned their positions. One of the few to On a questionnaire for a government census, each remain till the end was Reb Levik. He continued to person had to declare whether or not he believed in fulfill in secret all his previous rabbinical functions. G-d. Many feared writing the truth. Reb Leivik stormed publicly that to do so was forbidden by the Many, even party members, would still secretly ap- Torah. One man was so affected by Reb Leivik’s proach the Rav to have their children circumcised or words, that, on learning that his wife had filled out to perform marriages. Once, when a young couple the form in his absence, answering for him that he came in the dead of night to request a Chupah, he was not a believer, he immediately went to the Cen- insisted on finding ten Jews. After managing to sus Office and demanded that they return the form, scrape together nine, he finally requested the tenth, as it had been incorrectly filled out. the government supervisor of his building, whose job it was to spy on his religious activities! The Jew When Reb Levik was later arrested, his public call agreed and thankfully no more was heard about it. not to sign for denial of G-d was included among the charges. He answered that he had simply called When the Bolshevik war on religion reached its peak for Soviet citizens to answer questions honestly… and details began seeping through to the outside world, the Vatican called for a crusade against the There was difficulty in obtaining Kosher Matzos. Soviet Government. The regime didn’t find it in their He inquired until he found highly-placed contacts best interest to have world opinion so solidly against through whom he succeeded in reaching the Presi- them, and sought means for weakening the damage. dent of the USSR, himself. The government agreed to supply all Jews with Matzos according to R. Levi One ruse was calling a meeting at Minsk of thirty Yitzchok’s requirements. two rabbis of White Russia, at which they were co- erced into signing a paper declaring that there exist- At 3:00 am on Nisan 9, of 1939, loud knocks were ed no religious persecution in Soviet Union. heard at Reb Leivik’s door. NKVD agents searched the house, sifting through his valuable library and Intoxicated with their success, the government called his own manuscripts, packing them all into cases. a similar meeting at Kharkov of all Ukrainian rabbis. By 6:00 am they were through. “Rabbi, put on They realized R. Levi Yitzchok would be the hardest your coat and follow us”. Realizing it was unlikely nut to crack. The local NKVD chief called him to a he would be home for Pesach, he requested and personal interview to explain the significance of such was granted permission to take with him two kilos a declaration and how it could contribute to the na- of Matzah. tional cause. He offered R. Levi Yizchok a first class train ticket– compliments of the NKVD. So began the ten long months, three hundred and three days, the sixty one year old Rav was impris- R. Levi Yitzchok was not flattered. Thanking him for oned. After six and a half months he was informed his kindness, he politely refused, coolly informing that he had been sentenced to five years exile in him that he could pay for his own trip. The NKVD chilli, a primitive Tartar village in remotest Kha- chief had not expected such a slap in the face from a zakhstan, Central Asia, a few hundred miles from rabbi but he had not choice to accept it in silence. the Tibetan border. In Kharkov, a stranger, a government agent, moved So broken physically was Reb Leivik that when Reb- among the rabbis. They were afraid to utter a word. bitzen Chanah was finally able to see him briefly Not Reb Leivik. He expressed his firm opinion that it before his departure for Alma Ata, capital of Kha- would be wrong to sign a false declaration. zakistan, she could barely recognize him. He hun- The Ukrainian Minister of Education called in R. Levi gered there for lack of kosher food and had gone Yitzchok to reprimand him. He warned him that without medical attention. His first wish was to tell these actions could be viewed as treasonous and him how many days Cheshvan had that year, so he counterrevolutionary. Reb Leivik refused to budge would know when to light candles for Chanukah. and convinced his colleagues to resist and pressure. The journey to Alma Ata took a month. Reb Leivik The meeting ended in failure. was upset by the lack of water for Negel Vasser. Meanwhile, Reb Leivik discovered a person about to For eleven days only limited quantities of water leave the country. He sent a messenger imploring were given each prisoner. Reb Leivik used it for him to inform the world press of this coercion. The Negel Vasser, exchanging even the bulk of his ra- sensation was smeared all over the front pages to tions for a little extra water.

What hurt Reb Leivik most was his lack of Torah books their flight, separated from families, friends, Torah for study, and paper to record his stream of original mentors, they found here a Torah giant to whom Torah insights. Besides the rare scraps of paper that they could look for direction, advice and comfort. came his way he utilized the page edges of the But it was all too brief a period of time. and Zohar that the Rebbitzen had managed to bring Despite his increasingly critical sickness and past him for writing commentaries. The impossibility of ob- suffering for his work for Yiddishkeit, Reb Leivik taining ink was remedied by Rebbitzen Chanah manu- bravely resumed his exhortations in public, to facturing her own from local herbs and crushed pencil strengthen observing Mitzvos despite all who seek leads. to prevent it. His fiery words on Shavous were Upon publication of the five volumes of “Likutei Levi heard in astonishment and fright by those in shul; Yitzchok” in 1971-3, the Torah world was amazed at they hadn’t heard such words in years, especially the originality of Reb Leivik’s new approach to Torah from one who held a prominent rabbinical position explanation, based on the intimate relationship be- and suffered so terribly. tween every single detail of Torah phraseology, even The NKVD spies were in shul. Reb Leivik’s home the most seemingly irrelevant, with the underlying was visited frequently during the next weeks by Kabbalistic significance. NKVD agents, who found him confined to his sick They were further amazed at his unbelievable erudition bed. As the end approached, many Jews found ex- that knew no bounds, quoting verbatim from every sid- cuses to absent themselves from work to spend ra of the Torah, every book of Tanach, every tractate of time with the dying Rav. Gemara and numerous other Halachic and especially They could not tear themselves away from his cap- Kabbalistic works, all of which he is known definitely tivating personality, wisdom and counsel, his en- not to have had with him in his exile. couragement to remain strong to Yiddishkeit even Sadly, most of his voluminous writings from before his in such times. And he, too, sensing how much they imprisonment were apparently destroyed during the craved his words, fought with his last strength to Nazi occupation of Yekaterinoslav, when his second fulfill their spiritual needs. son, Berel was also tragically murdered, HY”D. The final hours came. He barely spoke, his lips As the five lonely years of exile drew to a close in 1944, were murmuring continuously. The evening be- he was shocked to learn that the government planned fore his passing away, he suddenly opened his eyes to extend all expired terms of imprisonment and exile and requested that his hands be washed. “It’s time fro even longer. Before an official order would be re- to get over to the other side…” were his last spo- ceived by the local NKVD office it was necessary to ken words. forestall it with a release document. But how? The next morning, Menachem Av 20, his situation Since the Nazi invasion of Russia in 1941, thousands of worsened considerably. His pains were unbearable Jews fled to inner Russia. Many found their way to and he indicated several times they should turn Tashkent and Samarkand, others to Alma Ata, among him over. His lips continued moving ceaselessly them Lubavitcher Chasidim and friends of Reb Leivik. and Reb Hishel Rabinovitz, who put himself out for They gathered a large sum of money and endangered Reb Leivik more than anyone else, put his ear close their own lives, bribing government officials to issue an to hear. order for his release. On Pesach of 1944 he was free to They were words from Tehillim 77: “Ve’ikvosecha leave. Lo Nodau” ( Your footsteps are not know) “Oy, He arrive in Alma Ata totally broken in body from his Ikvos Meshicha...Ikvos Meshicha (The footsteps of harsh imprisonment and subsequent exile. He was dy- Moshiach, the period of suffering, physical and ing of a critical sickness and barely four months left to spiritual, right before the coming of Moshiach). his life. His devoted friends went out of their way to So passed away the last Rav of Yekatrinoslav of take care of all his needs, and to make the last months that time period, the great leader of Russian Jewry, of his life comfortable. a man of invincible courage to rise above the storm Meanwhile, his spirits took an,upward turn. Here were and inspire all with his bravery and fortitude. hundreds of refugees, Chabad Chasidim, Polish Chassi- dim, Misnagdim - he had Jews with whom to Farbreng. His joy know no bounds. The Jews of Alma Ata re- sponded in kind. After experiencing hell on earth in

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On Matters of Moshiach

Waiting Every Day Jewish Style There are One day, when the Tzemach Tzedek was still a .אחכה בכל יום שיבוא ,The Rambam writes those who understand this to mean, not that one young man, he was sitting with a group of Chassidim should await his coming every day, but that every who were discussing the question, “Who knows day one should await his coming, while his actual when Moshiach is going to come?” coming will take place in due course, “whenever He commented: “This kind of talk recalls the style of Moshiach should so desire.” (the gentile prophet) Bila’am, who said (concerning However, if this were the intention of the words, the ultimate Redemption of Israel), ‘I see it, but not now; I perceive it, but not in the near future’ - as if בכל יום אחכה :they should have been rearranged thus ,the Redemption were far away. A Jew, though .לו שיבוא should hope and anticipate every day that Moshiach The true meaning of the phrase can also be under- will come on that very day.” stood from the wording of one of the blessings in the Shemoneh Esreh: Transmitted by Oral Tradition) Speedily cause the scion A Poor Businessman“ - את צמח דוד עבדך מהרה תצמיח of David Your servant to flourish.” Here, “speedily” One of the Chassidim of the Tzemach Tzedek operat- is obviously intended to be taken literally, in keeping ed an inn and a store for which he prepaid an annu- with the continuation of the same passage, “...for we al rent to the local squire. As he was growing old, he hope for Your salvation every day.” sent his son one day to sign the annual contract on If anyone should argue that perhaps the phrase real- his behalf. The son, however, asked the poritz to ly means that one should hope every day, while an- agree to a three year contract, which he did, and the ticipating that the actual salvation will come when- son paid for the three years in advance. ever G-d so pleases, - ask him: “When you pray for Hearing this, his father was irate: “Look here! We some ailing member of your family, do you ask that believe with perfect fait that Moshiach is coming. In G-d should send a complete recovery whenever he fact, he is coming this year for sure. And you’ve gone so pleases, or immediately?” and wasted two years’ payment for nothing?! Moreover, since “Any generation during which (the (Transmitted by Oral Tradition) Beis HaMikdash) is not rebuilt, is reckoned as if it had destroyed it,” G-d forbid that we should passive- ly say that “Moshiach will come whenever he so de- sires.” (From a talk of the Rebbe, Shabbos Parshas Eikev, 5744 (1984)

“Did You Yearn for the Redemption?” A man’s spiritual labors should be imbued with a constant yearning for the Redemption, in the spirit of the phrase, “I await his coming every day.” Our Sag- es taught, “What is the light that the House of Israel is awaiting? - It is the light of Moshiach,” thus, too, they taught, “When a man is led into the Heavenly Court he is asked, ‘...Did you yearn for the Redemp- tion?” So since one is obliged to serve G-d constantly, all day long, it is clear that this hopeful anticipation should likewise be constant all day long. (Likutei Sichos, Vol. XXIII, p. 77)

Page 11 CHABAD CHODESH MENAC HEM AV 5780

MODESTY VS. HEAT By Rabbi M. Laufer

The Rebbe directed us to be more diligent in matters From three plus of at home and outside the home, especially in the summer months. In one of the Sichos that the According to the Shulchan Aruch, a girl of three Rebbe touched on this topic, he asked us to stress the years and one day must dress modestly. How much topic that negated the habit of easing up in matters more so a girl of ten and more! But one should not of modesty during the summer months and when make the matter overly burdensome. It is possible to people are outside of the city. mention the matter in a pleasant way. ( Vol. 18, p. 448) “...A goy in France will not dictate to B’nos Yisroel how to dress…” Dress length

At camps and bungalow colonies For Sukkos 5732, a group of students from Bais Rivka Seminary in France came to 770. In Cheshvan the Rebbe sent a long letter to the principal of the Let no one say: “As regards major elements of tznius seminary, mentioning the visit of the students, (modesty), I will be careful, but it is not necessary to “whose conduct, fitting for Jewish women, caused be strict about the most minor elements.” great satisfaction.” One should be aware that even a minor detail is The Rebbe then added: “Following what we said vitally important, and has the potential to transform above regarding the conduct of Jewish women, something from one extreme to the other. particularly in our orphaned generation, and also in But the yetzer hara could still argue: “When does the connection with the question which a number of above apply? As regards one’s regular conduct. people have asked regarding the length of dresses — However, if talking about a temporary situation, it is my view is known in this regard. Concerning all not necessary to be so uncompromising.” Jewish women, in every place, the minimum length is that which covers the knees when sitting. Even in a temporary structure such as a tent, This is the very minimum. However, there are prudence and modesty are important. For then one’s communities where the above is regarded as insuffi- conduct is in the manner of the “Hoe impressive are cient, for in matters of modesty and the like, in your tents, Yaakov, your dwellings, Israel.” addition to the universal standard of modesty, which (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 13, p. 84) may not be changed, there are details which may be modified according to the customs of a particular This is the appropriate point at which to emphasize a place — requiring greater strictness, but not matter which is relevant at this time: There are some allowing greater lenience, of course. In this regard, it who are lax when it comes to matters of tznius is incumbent upon the Rabbi and halachic authority during the summer, particularly when they are in of that place to clarify and determine what standards temporary lodgings outside the city. Some of them must be applied. say: “I will sin while I’m away, and do teshuvah This requirement to apply stricter standards where when I come back.” the local conditions require it does not necessarily mean that this is austerity for its own sake — it is The conduct of men, and particularly of women, possible that because of the standards in that place, each of whom is referred to as an akeres habayis, the the matter is forbidden by Torah. foundation of the house, is of special importance in (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 18, p. 447) this regard. There is much more to be said, but this is not the As regards modesty of women, the general rule is place to discuss the matter at length. that the longer the garment, the better. (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 13, p. 84 fn. 34) Just because some goy from France decides what the latest fashion should be, Jewish women do not have to obey. It is understood from the Gemara that male

community leaders and scholars should also wear The Rebbe even sent money to women so they could long garments. It is clear that the reason for this is buy a sheitel. One of the chassidim recorded the modesty. How much more so does this apply to following incident in his diary in 5718: women! This week, P. the mother-in-law of Sh.L. and M.D., In practice, I do not wish, and it is unnecessary to reported the following: One of the householders who rule exactly what length clothing should be; the local davens in the shul were Sh.L. is the shamash has a rabbis should decide. One will require an inch daughter of 11. Her hair started falling out, and she longer, another an inch shorter. was so embarrassed that she would not go outside. Nevertheless, my opinion is clear; the litmus test is She was taken to many doctors, and also to several that the length when one is standing should be so tzadikim, but to no avail. Sh.L. advised the family to that when sitting, the knees are covered. ask the Rebbe for his advice. The Rebbe told them Those of a liberal cut will try to find a way around that if the girl would take upon herself to wear a this — by making garments long enough, but so sheitel when she married, G-d would help her and tight that they emphasize the body’s contours, and so her hair would grow again. She promised. Some time arouses the yetzer hara even more. Obviously, this later, her hair started growing again, and now she must also be negated. has healthy, beautiful hair. As regards your wife, this is something close to her heart, and therefore it would be beneficial to have Nice clothes her speak to other women about these matters, for “words which hare said from the heart touch the When the “Chernobyl Children” project was heart of others, and have their effect.” launched in Kfar Chabad by Tzach ( a program into (From a Yechidus with an Anash from Israel) which the Rebbe had a special input), a problem arose as to whether or not to accept 100 Russian As in every matter of holiness, in tznius too, enhanc- girls who had no idea of tznius inot the regular Cha- ing and increasing is always relevant— tznius be- bad educational system. One of the heads of the pro- yond tznius. ject, Rabbi Shmuel Chefer, wrote to the Rebbe to ask (Hisva’aduyos 5741 Vol. 1, p. 142) his advice. This is the answer her received: For over 30 years, the school has been functioning Guarding against in this way (the girls wear a modest uniform and conduct themselves modestly). This may not be al- Women and girls traveling in taxis or cars with a tered in any way merely because so and so have rela- male driver should be reminded that there is a prob- tives who were educated in the opposite way. lem of yichud (when a male and female are alone in As for the argument that this is for them and their a way forbidden by halacha), as discussed in several families, the answer is simply that a large number of works. In such cases, one should clarify the halachah them do not have even the knowledge of yiddishkeit with a competent Rabbi. of the most extreme Left in Israel. In our times (and particularly in a large city such as In general, all this should be done in a natural way, New York), it should be possible to find or arrange a and according to common sense, so that things are taxi with a women driver. presented from the outset as follows: 1) It is neces- (Hisva’aduyos 5741 Vol. 1, p. 244, fn. 14) sary to be as lenient as possible with them during the period of acclimation. 2) It is not possible to change Women driving the customs of Kfar Chabad, nor is this required. Moreover, it is not possible to make distinctions “The custom of the circles in which he moves is that between one and another. women absolutely do not drive, even though others (Accordingly,) beautiful, but modest clothes should have different views. Accordingly, you should act be bought for them so that they will accept the mod- according to the custom of the group to which he esty along with the clothes. belongs.” This is all obvious. In addition — and this is also self- (See Hiskashrus Vol. 25, p. 11) evident — only a strong stand in the matter will pre- vent the possibility of discord. In view of the situa- A Sheitel or a tichel? tion, only this will be able to endure, and only in this way, should they involve themselves at all. The Rebbe’s opinion that a sheitel () is preferable (reprinted from Kfar Chabad Magazine) to a tichel (headscarf) has been recorded at length (see Sha’arei Halachah u”Minhag vol. 4, p. 143-5).

Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av Eikev Av 1/July 22/Wednesday Shabbos “Nine Days” Begin Av 18/August 8 Light Candles Friday August 7 7:30 Devarim Last Time To Read Shema: 9:32 Shabbos Chazon Shachris Menachem Av 4/ July 25 Pirkei Avos Chapter 4 Light Candles Friday July 24: 7:42 Shabbos Ends: 8:27 Last Time To Read Shema: 9:28 Pirkei Avos Chapter 2 Re’eh Shabbos Ends: 8:41 Shabbos Mevarchim Elul Av 25August 15 Av 8/July 29/Wednesday Light Candles Friday August 14: 7:23 Mid-day 12:59 Last Time To Read Shema 9:34

Fast Begins: 7:56 Tehillim 10:00 Ma’ariv: 8:30 Pirkei Avos Chapter 5 Shabbos Ends: 8:19 FAST of AV—Thursday : Av 9/July 30 Rosh Chodesh Elul Day One Mid-day 12:59 Av 30/August 20/Thursday Minchah (First Minyan): 1:35 Start saying L’Dovid Hashem Ori Talis and Tefillin

Minchah (Second Minyan): 7:00 Rosh Chodesh Day Two Talis and Tefillin Elul 1/August 21/Friday Fast Ends: 8:23 We start blowing shofar after Sha- Kiddush Levana charis

V’Eschanan Molad of Elul Shabbos Chazak Wednesday/Av 29/August 19 Menachem Av 11/August 1

1:54 (16 chalakim) AM CALENDAR TIMES ARE FOR LOS ANGELES TIMES FOR ARE CALENDAR

Light Candles Friday July 31: 7:37 Last time to Read Shema: 9:30 Pirkei Avos Chapter 3 Shabbos Ends: 8:35

The Tzemach Tzedek, who used to refer to the Rebbe (R’ Yisroel) of Ruzhin as “the holy Ruzhiner,” once related: The holy Ruzhiner would not brook any melancholy nor even bitterness - with the result that his Chassidim became playful. One Tisha B’Av they occupied themselves for a while tossing burs at each other. Then they decided to climb onto the roof of the Beis Midrash and to lower a noose over the entrance. Whoever walked in the door could then be lassoed and promptly hoisted onto the roof. The prank succeeded until, sure enough, who should walk in but their Rebbe, the Ruzhiner. From up there it was hard to tell one hat from another, and only when the tzaddik was halfway up did they identify him. When they had lowered him to the ground he exclaimed: “Master of the Universe! If your children do not observe your Yom Tov, then take it away from them!” (Sefer Haminhagim)

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There will be a Siyum, IY”H every night after Maariv from Tuesday night, Rosh Chodesh- July 21, thru Tu B’Av, July 30th.

רהקער רוה רקיעה - Directives of the Rebbe for Menachem Av

1. Learn the halachas pertaining to the Nine Days. day properly. 2. We should add in learning Torah and giving 8. Make a farbrengen on the Fifteenth of Av, and Tzedakah. publicize what the Gemorah says that from the 3. We should learn about the building of the Beis Fifteenth of Av the night becomes longer and we Hamikdash from Sefer Yechezkel (from Chapter must add in our learning of Torah. (Since the 40 on), from the Mishnayos of Midos, and from nights were created for learning) The Rambam - Laws of Beis Hamikdash, also how it’s farbrengens should be made for men, for wom- explained in Chassidus. en, and for children. 4. We should try to make a Siyum each of the Nine 9. We should add in our learning of Moshiach and Days, as well as Tishah B’Av and up until Av 15. Geulah, as they are in the Rambam laws of Melachim and in the Gemorah in Sanhedrin, and 5. We should make the Siyum as public as possible, as explained in Chassidus. We should make this even get small children involved.( I.e. Shuls, learning as public as possible. Camps etc..) 10. We must add in Ahavas Yisroel - Ahavas 6. We should connect the Siyum with giving Chinom. Tzedokah. May it be the will of Hashem that these days change 7. On the Fifth of Av, the Yartzeit of the Arizal, we to days of happiness and joy. should add in Torah and Tzedokah, utilizing the