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contents

WE SEE G-D’S HAND IN THE HOLY 4 LAND D’var Malchus MEETING WITH MOSHIACH FACE 6 TO FACE Thought | Rabbi Zvi Homnick AN ARTIST’S JOURNEY 10 Profile | Nosson Avrohom

BECAUSE THE SAID SO 16 Moshiach and Geula | Rabbi Moshe Ashkenazi a”h

A BRACHA,A DOLLAR, AND A BABY GIRL Miracle story | Nosson Avrohom 18 USA 744 , NY 11213-3409 Tel: (718) 778-8000 CROSSROADS: THE “BIBI” WITHIN US ALL Fax: (718) 778-0800 22 Shleimus HaAretz | Sholom Ber Crombie [email protected] www.beismoshiach.org

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EVEN THE WALLS CRIED M.M. Hendel 26 Memoir | Avrohom Rainitz ENGLISH EDITOR: Boruch Merkur [email protected] HEBREW EDITOR: IS THERE MANDELBROT IN THE TORAH? Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan 32 Moshiach & Science | Aryeh Gotfryd, PhD [email protected]

Beis Moshiach (USPS 012-542) ISSN 1082- WHY DIDN’T THE REBBE FARBRENG ON 0272 is published weekly, except Jewish holidays (only once in April and October) for 34 9 AND , 5735? $160.00 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and in Story | Avrohom Rainitz all other places for $180.00 per year (45 issues), by Beis Moshiach, 744 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. LIFE ON SHLICHUS – ABOVE NATURE Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY and 37 additional offices. Postmaster: send address WITHIN NATURE changes to Beis Moshiach 744 Eastern Shlichus | Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Copyright 2010 by Beis Moshiach, Inc. FROM PRAGUE TO BELGIUM Beis Moshiach is not responsible for the 40 Memoirs | Rabbi Schneur Zalman Chanin content of the advertisements. 763_Beis Moshiach 08/11/2010 9:44 AM Page 4

d’var malchus WE SEE G-D’S HAND IN THE HOLY LAND

Translated by Boruch Merkur

women, more than in men. Recently a sicha, reviewed and edited by 2. What is unique about Eretz the Rebbe MH”M, was discovered and Yisroel in comparison with other lands? It is related in Chumash published – a “new” sicha, which that Eretz Yisroel is “the land which the eyes of G-d are upon it provides fresh insight into the from the beginning of the year until the end of the year,” preciousness of the Holy Land. * From meaning that it is uniquely discernible that G-d watches and the address of Thursday, 21 Sivan 5730, oversees the Holy Land. That is Parshas Shlach. the main thrust of the matter. The continuation of the verse teaches that G-d’s interest and oversight 1. As usual, we shall begin with themselves to succumb to their for everything connected with a Torah discussion, in particular persuasion, but they had the Eretz Yisroel is not limited to on the weekly Torah portion. opposite response, they displayed particular periods of time but This week’s portion speaks “love” for the land. extends all the way “from the about the spies, to the extent that The fondness the women had beginning of the year until the end the entire portion is entitled for the land was irrespective of the of the year.” “shlach (send [spies]).” The fact that they had never been there It is this quality, the special meaning of this term, as related in before; they had just heard about attention G-d devotes to the Holy the beginning of the portion, is Eretz Yisroel from Moshe Land, that was so beloved to the that G-d permitted Moshe to send Rabbeinu, who had simply related women of that generation, and it spies to scout out Eretz Yisroel. what G-d had said about it. But provides a lesson for the women As we shall demonstrate, this that alone sufficed for them to of all generations in connection to topic is especially relevant to and avoid being confounded by the the matter. provides lessons [as with all spies’ frightening report. Indeed, 3. It is self-understood that G-d matters of Torah, for “Torah” they desired and loved the land oversees all details with Divine means “teaching”] to women, of despite the challenges this providence, in all times and in all all ages. entailed. places, especially in light of the In a later portion [Parshas As pointed out on many teaching of the Baal Shem Tov, Pinchas], Rashi mentions – in occasions, this description of the which he repeated many times. connection with the conduct of the Jewish women’s love for the land, Namely, the teaching that spies and their adherents, the love for Eretz Yisroel, is also everything that exists in the world described in our portion – that the part of the Torah. Indeed, it is a is dependent upon Divine women of that generation were lesson, illustrating the special providence, by the oversight and distinguished by the fact that not spiritual qualities of the soul, the concern of G-d Himself. In more only did they not follow the advice Jewish soul, certain qualities that recent times, the Rebbe Rayatz of the spies and did not allow are especially pronounced in developed the Baal Shem Tov’s

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~ the “new” sicha ~

teaching in his own style, including the Holy Land there is free choice in public talks that were between life and goodness and transcribed in Yiddish, making their counterparts. them accessible to everyone. Thus, the difference between Being that this is so – that Eretz Yisroel and the Diaspora is there is universal oversight from not limited to matters of Torah G-d – what is unique about the and Mitzvos, where there is a clear Divine providence granted to distinction between the regions. Eretz Yisroel? For there are Mitzvos incumbent This issue is addressed in in Eretz Yisroel which are not published works on the Torah, as obligatory in the Diaspora, follows. Every country has its own Mitzvos associated with the land, sar, a ministering angel that regarding plowing, sowing, and resides with G-d in heaven. Now, germination. But there is also a although it is true that everything difference with regard to the land comes from G-d – as discussed in itself, to that which sprouts forth the teaching of the Baal Shem Tov from the earth. The Holy Land is on the matter – at times this unique in the literal [material] Divine providence manifests itself sense. That is, even the physical in a concealed manner. And this is phenomena of Eretz Yisroel the significance in saying that each demonstrate a difference when country has its own sar, or compared to other lands. ministering angel, insofar as This concept is illuminated by “angel” means an emissary or the story in the Gemara [Gittin messenger. That is, when a 57a], where we learn that even the messenger delivers something, it is physical substance of the Holy not his own property that he Land – the superficial and delivers; he is just an agent for material aspect of the earth in delivering it. However, the one Eretz Yisroel, palpable to the It is this quality, who receives the parcel from the touch – is dependent upon the the special messenger doesn’t see the one number of Jews living there. who sent the item to him but just Namely, when the Jewish attention G-d the agent. Therefore he is prone to population increases, the land be mistaken and delude himself – expands and broadens in order to devotes to the Holy or a third party could be thus contain a further increase of Jews mistaken – that the agent has in the region. Land, that was so some real connection with the And as explicitly noted in the item he delivered, and that the Gemara, this is not meant in a beloved to the agent sent the item of his own spiritual sense. True, it begins as a women of that accord, according to his will and spiritual phenomenon but from his personal resources. thereafter it becomes manifest in generation. And However, regarding Eretz physical reality. When more Jews Yisroel it is apparent that “the come, Jews who want to be in this provides a eyes of G-d are upon it.” There is Eretz Yisroel – “the land which no ministering angel; it is directed the eyes of G-d are upon it from lesson for the by G-d Himself. Thus, there is no the beginning of the year until the room for making this error. That end of the year” – then the women of all is, unless the Evil Inclination physical territory of Eretz Yisroel generations in dominates the person to that actually expands and broadens in extent, or someone comes from order to accommodate them. connection to the outside and distorts one’s view. In [To be continued be”H] those circumstances, one is still matter. liable to be mistaken, for even in

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thought MEETING WITH MOSHIACH FACE TO FACE

By Rabbi Zvi Homnick

disproportionately large contingent The point is not to strike fear in the of Torah scholars and its intense hearts of the Chassidim over a future opposition to the fledgling Chassidic movement. When it was day of reckoning, but to emphasize the first discovered that Reb Pinchos had defected to the Chassidic Rebbe’s concern over each person’s camp, his illustrious father, as was the custom of the time, completely “state and condition” and the degree to disowned his son and observed the customary week of mourning over which that “state and condition” is in his “spiritually deceased” progeny. line with and ready for the imminent Over the years, his ardent antagonism abated somewhat, as divine revelations associated with the he saw that many of the disciples of the Liozna Maggid (as the Alter arrival of Moshiach. Rebbe was known) were G-d fearing Jews and even great Torah SHAMEFACED connection with what I was scholars. In that spirit, he opened a discovering in my studies, I was correspondence with the Alter It was winter towards the end of Rebbe in which he requested that 1991 in Eretz Yisroel, and I had glad to join them. I don’t recall too much as to his son return home for an been learning Chassidus intensively extended visit, after having been for only a few weeks, when the main theme of the , but a number of stories that Rabbi cut off from his mother and father month of Kislev rolled around. In for so many years. The Alter Rebbe honor of 19-20 Kislev, the young Offen recounted, which I was hearing for the very first time, had agreed, albeit with a number of men studying in the afternoon provisions, amongst which were Chassidus Kollel led by Rabbi Y. Y. a profound impact on me. One of those stories was about the great that he guarantee his son’s safety, Offen, which had moved to the that he set aside a portion of his shul where I had been learning, Chassid of the Alter Rebbe, Reb Pinchos Roiza’s, whose father Reb home for Reb Pinchos to be able to held a farbrengen in the home of pursue his brand of divine service one of the young men in the Kollel. Henoch Shick was a leading light of the Misnagdic world of that undisturbed, and that he promise They had graciously invited me to not to engage his son in any participate, and since I was time, serving as the rabbi of the city of Shklov, known for its debate. Reb Henoch agreed to the beginning to feel a strong terms and conditions, and Reb

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Pinchos set off to his hometown of aside some time to study the trait task in the harshest terms. Shklov. of humility as presented in Reishis Later, when father and son had Despite his great scholarship Chochma. As the thirty days drew some alone time, Reb Pinchos and stature at a time when to an end it was a Friday morning, admitted to the obvious fact that Lithuanian scholarship was at its and Reb Pinchos approached his learning and meditating upon the peak, there is almost nothing in father’s personal assistant with a trait of humility as illuminated in writing from Reb Henoch Shick. proposition. He explained to the Reishis Chochma had made a The reason given for this is his simple Jew that his father, due to tremendous impact on his father, phenomenal diligence in Torah his great prestige and the esteem in and he said that he had merely one study, with every minute of his day which he was held, felt that he did question. What he wanted to know accounted for within his set times not have sufficient opportunities to was, what was his father feeling for reviewing the vast range of his do simple kindnesses to his fellow inside even as he kept his external Torah knowledge, which left him Jews, and as such was being denied composure in the face of public no time to devote to writing. As this very great mitzva. Therefore, humiliation. The father responded part of his tentative reconciliation that afternoon when he would that he immediately realized that with his son, he made some time in accompany the great rabbi to the his son had put the man up to it as his busy schedule to meet with him bathhouse as part of his a test, and that is how he was able on occasion. At one of those preparations for Shabbos, and it to rise to the challenge, but meetings, he told his son that since came time during his steam bath to internally he felt that his innards he had agreed to not engage him in beat and scratch his back, he were turning over, and “would that debate he would honor that should say very loudly in public I had a sword in my hand, I would commitment, but he was inquiring that it has been many decades that kill you this instant” (citing the as to whether he would mind if he every week he beats and scratches verse of Bilaam speaking to his asked a question. the Rov, it is about time that the donkey). Reb Pinchos began to Reb Pinchos readily agreed, and Rov beat and scratch him. laugh and said that for a Chassid it his father went on to say that from The assistant, having been would not even rise to the level of a the few times he glanced at the raised in the Lithuanian tradition test, and not only wouldn’t he writings of the discourses of the of great respect and honor for consider it a big deal, he would be Liozna Maggid he could see that Torah scholars, was mortified by glad for the opportunity to help “bittul” was a constantly recurring the suggestion, but Reb Pinchos another Jew. theme. Similarly, the few times that reassured him that not only would The story hit me hard at the he overheard Chassidim talking Reb Henoch not hold it against time and I remember thinking then amongst themselves, this topic him, this is what he wanted. The that either this was the biggest load seemed to come up repeatedly. His poor simple Jew felt that he had no of baloney I had ever heard, or else question was, why is it necessary to choice, and as difficult as it was for Chassidus really was as amazing as study Chassidus in order to him to do so, he carried out Reb advertised. The problem was that sublimate the ego and root out the Pinchos’ instructions to the letter. even if the story and its premise trait of arrogance, why isn’t the In the bathhouse, when he said were true, maybe I would just end study of the section on anava what he was instructed to say, the up being strung along with (humility) in the Reishis Chochma, entire room fell silent as everyone excuses, such as the spiritual which is also based on Kabbalistic waited with bated breath to see decline of the generations, which ideas, sufficient? Reb Pinchos, how the great rabbi would react. would lead to the same result as if instead of answering directly, Reb Henoch quietly took the it were phony. In the end, there is suggested that his father rearrange proffered branch and began to beat no difference to the costumer if the his tightly packed learning and scratch the back of his lowly advertisement is fraudulent or if he schedule, in order to set aside assistant, and the entire city was in comes into the store and they say some time to study that very an uproar. There were some who that they no longer have the sale section in Reishis Chochma, every were amazed at his tremendous item in stock. It didn’t make sense day for the next thirty days, and humility, whereas there were others to commit myself to immersing then he would give him a response. who argued that it was not his more fully into Chassidic study and Reb Henoch agreed to do so, place to overlook the honor of the life, only to find out that the and over the following days during Torah that he represented and he Misnagdim were wrong and there the agreed upon period, he set should have taken the assistant to really was this amazing boat once

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upon a time, but I had missed it processed every detail of the scene, toddler stage of life, I was filled due to being born too late. the smell and dishevelment of my with tremendous joy and feelings of petitioner, the crowds of other Jews love for this Jew who was giving LOSING FACE that were exiting the shul I had just me this amazing opportunity to OR SAVING FACE? walked out of, along with plenty of realize what it means to be a other foot traffic on the busy Chassid. I thought of how the In the end, I did make the avenue, including people I knew – Rebbe himself said when someone commitment, and over the years it felt like my brain was in hyper- apologized for slipping an this story (and another story he drive. I also noted that in order to emergency note under his door, told that night about “Luzha the tie a shoe that is on the floor I was causing the Rebbe to have to bend lame”) became one of my favorites. not in good enough condition to do to the floor, “My inyan is to bend About five years later, I was visiting it from a squatting position but down in order to help other Jews.” with my father one Shabbos, and would have to actually get down on As the crowd passed, most of them somewhat mischievously decided to the filthy sidewalk. As a million or dressed in Polish Chassidic garb share this story, knowing it would more objections rose to my mind (did I mention gawking), I couldn’t not be very appreciated. Although and I began to consider whether to help but feel sorry for them that my father was clearly annoyed by voice them or accede to his they never had the good fortune to the story (in which the Chassid request, the fellow began chiding learn Chassidus. comes out looking better than the me loudly over my dallying while When I got up, I literally felt great Torah scholar), he was a he was stuck and helpless. So, like breaking into song and dance, good sport about it, and instead of realizing that I had no choice but but I restrained myself until I got walking away feeling virtuous and to help a fellow Jew in need, I got into my car, where I burst into vindicated I felt a wee (and only a down on the floor and began to tie excited laughter. I laughed and wee) bit guilty. his shoe. laughed until tears were rolling A little over a week later, I was One of the little known facts down my cheeks, my heart bursting th walking on 16 Avenue in Boro that I discovered from the with gratitude to Hashem for Park, heading towards my car, experience is that tying a shoe on letting me experience in a most when I was stopped by a fellow another person’s foot from an tangible way that despite my who I had seen collecting in and almost prone position, with the countless flaws and imperfections, around the shuls of Boro Park blood rushing to your brain and Chassidus had indeed placed me since I was young child. This man your peripheral vision picking up (as advertised) on an entirely walked with a cane as he had one the wide-eyed stares of openly different plane, at least as far as wooden leg, and I remember from gawking passersby, causes all feeling for another Jew and not when I was a little kid that he manual dexterity to flee and turns being hung up on one’s personal would tell people that he lost it in all of one’s fingers into thumbs, dignity. the Korean War. Additionally, he thus prolonging the delightful Being that the mind likes to play suffered from mental health experience. Even as I began to its little tricks, over time the problems, which manifested also in bend down, and the thought passed excitement began to fade, and I the form of less than optimal through my mind as to how began to question as to whether I hygiene as evidenced by the humiliating and publicly degrading was reading too much into the attendant pungently odoriferous this was going to be, I immediately order of events, and how could I be miasma that wafted from his flashed on telling my father the sure that Divine Providence sent person. When I instinctively began story of Reb Pinchos Roiza’s, and this person in response to my reaching for my pocket for some the less than noble intentions I had telling that exact story. And so, spare change, he explained that he when telling that story with such only a few short weeks later, I was wasn’t asking for money, but rather verve and gusto, and I couldn’t taking a shower in the mikva on a he needed my help. The lace on the help but marvel at the divine Friday afternoon, when a fellow in shoe of his good foot had opened workings in a way of “measure for a neck brace approached me with and this presented a serious danger measure.” his soap and asked me if I would of falling, and since he couldn’t And as I practically lay on the soap and wash his back for him bend down or raise his foot, due to floor fumbling and flailing in my (the only time on my life that ever his wooden leg, he needed me to attempts to execute what should be happened). I hope he didn’t think I tie his shoe for him. a relatively simple exercise for was too weird when I gave him a In one brief instant, my mind anyone in the advanced post- huge smile and said “Sure!”

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‘they will arise and sing, those who When I got up, I literally felt like dwell in the earth’) and gaze upon breaking into song and dance, but I each and every one of the Chassidim and Mekusharim to restrained myself until I got into my car, assess his state and condition...this inspires and causes one to where I burst into excited laughter. I complete and perfect all of our deeds and service.” laughed and laughed until tears were The point is not to strike fear in the hearts of the Chassidim over a rolling down my cheeks... future day of reckoning, but to emphasize the Rebbe’s concern have no clue as to the power of FACE THE MUSIC over each person’s “state and Chassidus on our own, and we One of the lessons that the condition” and the degree to which need the Rebbeim, particularly the Rebbe often repeated that could be that “state and condition” is in line Rebbe of that generation to tell us learned from the Mitteler Rebbe’s with and ready for the imminent what is expected of us and what life, in that he was born and divine revelations associated with transformational energies ascended on high the same day, 9 the arrival of Moshiach. Although Chassidus can provide. It is up to Kislev, is the idea of perfect there is a lot to do in the realm of us to jump in, not as some would harmony and synthesis between action, Chassidus is and always has suggest “blindly,” but with “open body and soul, and between the been ultimately about one’s internal eyes,” utilizing our faculty of teachings of Chassidus and the reality being completely aligned Bina/comprehension to its fullest actualization of those teachings in with one’s external persona (not as exemplified in the Chassidus of everyday life. The way to achieve external humility accompanied by the Mitteler Rebbe, with the desire that harmony and synthesis is internal seething). to be transformed and transplanted through complete immersion in the Similarly, when it comes to to an entirely different spiritual study of Chassidus and in Moshiach and the preparations for dimension of oneness with the spreading those teachings to others Moshiach, it is not enough tzu Torah, and ultimately oneness with less fortunate than yourself. The vayzen ah panim (lit. to present a G-d. This is all alluded to in the life story of the Mitteler Rebbe face) of being involved in Moshiach fact that the Mitteler Rebbe’s day personifies total immersion in the and Geula. It has to become our of redemption from his study of Chassidus and in the internal reality through the imprisonment is celebrated on 10 teaching of Chassidus, and as the immersion in Chassidus and these Kislev, the day immediately Tzemach Tzedek framed it, “If you topics in particular. In this case, following his passing (see Pada were to cut the finger of my father- not only is there no cause for B’Shalom 5746 – in-law, blood would not run out, concern that we missed the boat Meluket vol. 5, p. 83-90). but Chassidus.” relative to previous generations, we In the middle of the talks of Any person who has invested need to know that the boat only 5752, after the Rebbe had spent time and energy in these pursuits just arrived in our time and is weeks emphasizing the need for can readily identify and testify to meant specifically for each and study and spiritual preparation for areas of their spiritual lives in every one of us. The knowledge the coming of Moshiach, including which Chassidus hot zei that we will soon be face to face in the week of VaYeitzei 5752 aveckgeshtelt oif gohr an ander ort with the Rebbe, “and he will gaze talking about the need to immerse (placed them on an entirely upon each and every one,” is the oneself in the lengthy and complex different plane), even as they may awareness that he will be looking to teachings of the Mitteler Rebbe, as feel that there are other areas assess our internal “state and well as total devotion to the where they suffer from “he who is condition.” This in turn inspires us shlichus of preparing for Moshiach greater, his Evil Inclination is “to complete and perfect our deeds and bringing Moshiach, the Rebbe greater.” And yet, for some reason, and service,” in anticipation of that raised the issue of being held to when we hit a certain plateau, we face to face meeting, with the account. “Additionally, the delude ourselves into thinking that coming of Moshiach, immediately, knowledge that immediately, the Chassidus has taken us so far and NOW! it can’t take us any farther. Rebbe, my father-in-law, the leader The fact of the matter is that we of our generation, will enter (since

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profile AN ARTIST’S JOURNEY

By Nosson Avrohom Maoz Toledo is an artist, his living room filled with his Chassidic paintings. He shares his story, the long road he traversed from the world he was born and raised in, to where he is now, living the life of a Chassid.

In a modest little home in B’nei Chassidic scenes that he has seen A WARM HOME Brak lives Maoz Toledo, Chassidic himself. His paintings often artist. Whoever enters his house incorporate additions that express Maoz’s Chassidic appearance feels like he has entered an art Chassidic concepts, a form of belies a very different past. Maoz, gallery full of Chassidic figures, commentary, in addition to the like many young people his age, , and likenesses of the realistic scene. especially those with artistic talents Chabad Rebbeim. “Often, I will express in a flowing in their veins, searched for “I have no room, so I hang painting the thoughts of a Chassid, the truth. He was raised in a home them up on the walls,” Maoz the mood, that which the camera with morals and values, with love explains in the soft voice of those lens or fleeting imagination does and endless giving, but this did not who are used to expressing not capture.” satisfy him. He looked for themselves in art. The interview was a wonderful meaning, depth. He tried to make A corner of his living room has experience. Seeing the paintings up for what he felt was lacking been transformed into his studio. was a delight and it brought me with his art but was unsuccessful. On the table are strewn tubes of back to days gone by, more simple He soon realized that art is one paint in a wide range of colors, times. So much sincerity radiates stop on the road that leads to the paintbrushes with sheaves of fibers, from them, as well as truth and goal. Today, after having gone on canvases and special paper, colored innocence, that there are some the journey and discovered the pencils and other tools that he uses paintings where it is hard to believe truth, he can look back and in his work. On the side of the they are the work of an artist and remember – half nostalgically and room are a number of paintings in not a photograph. half regretfully - those days of varying stages of completion. Maoz “I try to be as precise as confusion. Once trained in the doesn’t wait for someone to order possible. When I draw a Chassid or ways of Chassidus, he took his a painting; his paintings have Chassidic place, they are not talent for art, which had blossomed welled up from his heart. images and places that I have over the years, and harnessed it to He paints most hours of the imagined. They are all meticulous spread the beauty of Chassidus to day, drawing his inspiration from reproductions.” broader audiences. pictures of Chassidim or from He spent most of his childhood

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at a young age. His grandparents live in and the family spent every summer there. “We spoke about the future being in the US, where it is possible to develop in any field, make a good living, and live comfortably. We would go there and work and save the money we earned so we could invest it sensibly when we finished high school and our army service. “Our connection to Judaism back then included a few minutes a day in which we put on t’fillin, but this was only because my father wanted us to do so, without our knowing why we were doing it. Sometimes my father took us to shul on Friday evenings, though after the davening life would go on as though it wasn’t Shabbos. “One summer there was a longer than usual vacation and we stayed with one of our uncles in . This uncle was very and youth in Kiryat Yam. Like most myself in study and I felt I had close with the shliach there, Rabbi Israeli children he attended public moved up a notch.” Noam Cohen.” school near his home. He drew his Although his education in Maoz met the shliach during first portrait at age four. Many school did not include Torah and Kabbalas Shabbos but did not want childhood memories are of him mitzvos, his parents were to stay on after the davening. Many with pen in hand, scribbling people traditional. His father would put others remained for the Shabbos or scenes. t’fillin on every day and would fast meal in the shliach’s home. “My father would sit with me on Yom Kippur. Sometime after he left, he realized and my brothers for hours and “My father is a giving person by that he had forgotten his Siddur in teach us the principles of drawing. nature. He has a good heart. I the shliach’s house. It was precious He himself is a respected artist and remember from my childhood that to him and he wanted to retrieve it. it was important to him that we during a trip we passed beggars “I stood for a while near the know how to draw.” collecting money and my father door but didn’t have the courage to As a young child in school he saw that I had noticed them and he knock and go in. From the outside would bring paintings that he drew said, ‘You should know that the I could see the Shabbos table and it at home in the afternoon and the world stands on them.’ This made captivated me. R’ Cohen sat at the teachers would be amazed by his quite an impression on me. On the head of the table and there were talent. They would show his outside we saw materialism and many guests listening to him. This drawings to the other children so selfishness, but at home we scene is engraved in my mind, and they could copy them. experienced compassion and love.” I will never forget the overpowering “In school, the Toledo brothers feeling, ‘This is what I have been were known for their artistic LOOKING THROUGH looking for all my life. How beautiful this is; how sweet; I can abilities. Teachers would ask us to THE WINDOW draw things that would decorate touch with my hand that which is their classrooms. Under our The dream of every Israeli in the realm of dreams.’ When I father’s influence we drew all the student is to go to the land of returned to my uncle’s house I time. At 16, I began to immerse opportunity – the . realized that the entire trip far This dream was realized for Maoz away and the desire to find and

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understood me and excused me In the morning I went over to the place from working on Saturdays. The where I had left my passport in order to ease with which he agreed to my conditions strengthened my send it to the immigration office and resolve, and my relationship with R’ Cohen continued to develop. couldn’t believe it – the passport wasn’t “Every Shabbos I would go to shul at the with my there! I turned the house upside-down brother and I gradually became the shliach’s right hand man. One looking for it but the passport had weekday, when I arrived at the vanished. Chabad house and the shliach wasn’t there, I turned on the video meet new people was actually a with me and tried to reassure me player and spent a long time search, to find myself. but it wasn’t enough. The ones watching a video of the Rebbe. I “I didn’t dare enter the house. I who helped were a pair of was moved to tears. I felt that this turned around. But this scene Lubavitchers who came to the was the truth, our future, and that changed my life. Ever since I was a hospital to visit patients and visited this was what I had been searching child I sought to draw fascinating me. They listened to my story and for all along and what I belonged places. In every drawing I tried to cheered me up. After meeting with to. It’s hard to explain this add a detail or dimension that them, I was a different person. analytically but that is what I wasn’t in the previous picture. The They warmed my heart and gave thought. I returned to Eretz Yisroel subjects of the drawings constantly me hope. When I was released deeply involved in the t’shuva changed for I was always from the hospital I left with the process. searching. That Shabbos meal led strong feeling that the “In Kiryat Yam I met the me to the awareness that this is Chabadnikim had special powers shliach, Rabbi Moshe Oirechman what I wanted; it is what I was …” and he helped me along. I attended searching for, and where I wanted When Maoz visited 770 two in to be. I wanted to feel that feeling years ago, this time as a Chassid, Migdal HaEmek and every summer in the deepest way.” he decided to go back to the I went back to Maryland, where I hospital on a visit, in order to give would help R’ Cohen. hope to other sick people as those “Last summer something CLOSING A CIRCLE amazing happened. Since I love AT THE HOSPITAL Chassidim had done for him. “I remembered how much the interacting with people and the Around this time, another event smiles and encouragement of the work with R’ Cohen was so took place which strengthened Chassidim had helped me and I enjoyable, I wanted to stay on in Maoz’s connection to Chassidim. decided to adopt the same shlichus. When I asked my “On my way to New York I felt approach and help others. A bachur though, he said my place was in terrible pains in my stomach and I joined me and I went back to the . For some reason, the was hospitalized in Beth room I had been in. To my Chassidic Evil Inclination hospital in Manhattan. The doctors surprise, I found a Jew there who convinced me to remain in who examined me diagnosed was suffering from the identical Maryland anyway and help R’ appendicitis, which is the most problem. We put t’fillin on with Cohen. common cause of abdominal him and he was thrilled.” “I had to present my passport to surgery in the US and is not the American immigration particularly complicated. But I had authorities and ask for an arrived too late. The appendix had WHY DID THE extension. That night I had a ruptured and infection had spread. PASSPORT DISAPPEAR? disturbing dream. I was in 770 I had to remain under observation “I began going to the Chabad among many Chassidim and the in the hospital for two weeks, not house regularly, with my brother. Rebbe sat on a bench in the center fun for a young man. The decision not to work anymore of the crowd. I went over to sit “It was a trying time for me, on Shabbos followed soon after. I down next to the Rebbe and I saw and I was desperately in need of left my job and quickly found that the Rebbetzin was sitting there encouragement. My father was another one where the gentile boss too. I quickly moved away but then

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I remembered that I had left my passport on the table. I was thinking about how to go back to retrieve it when I suddenly noticed the Rebbe putting the passport into his siddur and going up to the platform to say a sicha. “I woke up in utter confusion. I didn’t know how to interpret the dream. In the morning I went over to the place where I had left my passport in order to send it to the immigration office and couldn’t believe it – the passport wasn’t there! I turned the house upside- down looking for it but the passport had vanished. The only choice I had was to ask the Israeli consulate for a temporary visa and to return as soon as possible to Israel. I had gotten the hint and went back to yeshiva.”

NATURE – A WAY TO KNOW THE CREATOR After he married, Maoz looked for a shlichus. He wasn’t convinced that his mission in life involved his talent for painting. At some point, he wrote to the Rebbe. He had some serious offers and he wrote them down and then put his letter into a volume of Igros Kodesh. The answer he opened to bowled him over. He had not expected such a clear and personal answer: If it does not interfere with there is a tree in the painting, it many years in my Chassidic your work in painting … since will look like a tree. Realism in art paintings.” you are gifted by Hashem with always appealed to me.” When I asked for examples he the talent of drawing, you should Maoz finds inspiration for his had plenty: use it also for spreading true work from the farbrengens he “When I would visit the US, Judaism and its matters. attends or people that he admires before I became a baal t’shuva, I Improving one’s skills in art as well as special events. would draw a lot of landscapes – requires a tremendous investment “Whatever speaks to me on a blossoming fields or thick forests of work. Maoz sits for hours and deep level – I rush to paint. When I and a house in the middle brings to life various incidents he see a nice picture of someone I somewhere or a farm. It always took part in. Most of his paintings admire, I rush to draw them. It can grabbed my imagination. I drew are done in oil on canvas, but you also be an event that affected me many paintings like these and it can also find his work adorning the deeply that I hasten to convey on quieted, somewhat, my self- walls of schools and Chabad canvas. I always try to add my exploration. There were moments houses. interpretation to the reality that I that I thought that this was the “My style reflects reality. I only draw so as to make it unique. I use essence of truth which I sought paint real situations and people. If all the techniques I learned over and this is what I ought to do, cut

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“I heard many stories from R’ SIGNS FROM HEAVEN Cohen from the Rebbe Rayatz’s In the days prior to my wedding I decided to give the Rebbe a gift Memoirs. He really lived those and go on mivtza t’fillin in my hometown of Kiryat Yam. Many Jews glory days and instilled this in his put on t’fillin and committed to mitzva observance. It was a terrific mekuravim. Under his influence I feeling. drew a picture of Lubavitch with Then I noticed a neighbor of mine approaching the stand. We children playing and a picture of used to have a special relationship but once I became a baal t’shuva - the mashpia, R’ Itche Springer ed a that was over. He made it clear that he wanted to keep his distance. leaning over a thick volume and And yet, here he was asking to put on t’fillin! learning.” mine When he took them off he told me: “I know that you realize that What does being a Chassid something happened. I’ll tell you what it is.” add to the work of an artist? the He began telling me that any time he asked G-d for a sign, he got Maoz smiled broadly. one. One day, his son fell sick and the doctors said he was in critical Apparently, this question has come ed to condition. He asked G-d for a sign and that day, when he returned up before. home from the hospital, a Lubavitcher knocked on the window of his “After I became involved in ecial car and gave him a picture of the Rebbe. He saw this as a sign that Chassidus, I thought about this but his son would recover. very point. A carpet seller who gets He went on tell me that his wife had been unemployed for a long involved with Chabad can become me a time and was thrilled when she finally found a job. However, she was a Chassidic businessman. The same working in a meat factory that manufactured non-kosher meat and applies to a photographer and that was open on Shabbos. When he heard about this he got her out of every other profession. How can I, there, to her great disappointment. All her explanations about the big as an artist, transform this work made loss of income and their debts did not move him. We do not work on into a shlichus? After I married I Shabbos, period! had a better understanding that t he “What about parnasa?” she asked. He asked for a sign once with art I can reach places and ep his again and within the week she got a job in a kosher meat plant. people that I would otherwise not “Recently,” he said, “I haven’t been feeling well. I asked for a be able to talk to. d yet, sign and I saw you with your smile and simcha and it made me feel “You cannot always find a point good.” in common with others. Art bridges many gaps. There was an older was *** man on mivtzaim who did not want ut on This made me think. Often we have certain ideas about people to hear anything about Judaism. but don’t really know them. Did I know that this person asked When I drew my first picture of the Hashem for signs? And just as this is true for him, it’s true for many Rebbe and showed it to him, he other people. We can never know the extent of their connection with was amazed by the likeness. He Torah and mitzvos, even if outwardly they broadcast the exact held the painting and was as opposite sentiment. excited as a child. After that I was Of course, our relationship was restored to what it used to be and able to go over to him and discuss he was happy to hear about the Rebbe’s leadership and other Jewish Judaism a little at a time. Many topics. times art enables me to reach people’s hearts.” In a world where cameras are off from civilization and watch proportions. I recently drew a ubiquitous and they can capture sunrises or sunsets and draw them. painting that combines these any possible scene, what value is “When I began learning about incredible scenes with that which is there in painting, realistic as it Judaism, especially the path of truly the essence. I drew a beautiful may be? Chassidus, I realized that the scenic picture with a stunning “I have no desire to compete scenery and nature cannot be the colorful sunset and one lone with a photograph. They are two essence but are only the means to cottage, but instead of drawing it separate things. When people ask better recognize the Creator, to like a typical American barn I me to draw their portrait or a become aware of His might and turned it into a Torah with certain building, I tell them that if greatness. I continued to love rays of light coming forth that exactitude is important to them, beauty, but in the right illuminate the world. they should use a photographer. A

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painting can never be as precise as a photograph, but in painting there are effects and layers that you can’t have in a photograph. “I can insert into my paintings people’s line of thought as I understand them. I can add things to a house that will make the painting more interesting. It’s still realistic but within the realism you can see things that are different than the dry reality. For example, in one painting I drew a Chassid spreading Chassidus to the entire world. In the painting, it might seem like a surrealistic combination, but I drew the Chassid and the world realistically.” To what extent has learning Chassidus influenced your work? “To a dramatic extent. Every artist, after learning Chassidus and getting acquainted with the world of Chassidus, draws differently; with more depth, more p’nimius, even in the external aspects of the work. Previously, I was unable to work for fifteen hours in a row. I would start something and would complete it over several months, while today I can sit for an entire day and paint until I am finished. “In Maryland I was asked by the shliach to draw eleven paintings and to make postcards out of them, paintings that express concepts in Migdal HaEmek when I started likenesses of the Rebbe and the Judaism and Chassidus. I was so learning a lot of Chassidus. One Rebbe Rayatz and I asked him surprised when every two days I day, we learned about the mitzva of about what he felt when he drew finished a painting. belief in G-d in Derech these paintings. “That’s on the superficial level, Mitzvosecha where it says that daas “I consider it a great privilege. but even on the internal level I felt is the key to the six middos. I Before I draw I gaze at the picture. I had undergone a tremendous thought about how I could express I keep niggunim playing in the change. When I first started out on that in a drawing and had an idea. background in which I hear the the road to Judaism, I would write I drew a Chassid in a valley Rebbe sing. This has a great effect B”H on the top of every painting learning Likkutei Torah and from on me. Many hours after I finish or I would draw a building amidst the book there extends a road that drawing, the Rebbe’s eyes are still the scenery and write ‘mikva’ on it, leads to a gate and on the gate is a with me. It’s not easy drawing a thus ‘converting’ the painting. keyhole. The text from Derech painting of the Rebbe, but it affects Today, the paintings themselves cry Mitzvosecha is in the painting with me deeply.” out Chassidus, cry out truth, and the relevant passage. The painting When I asked about the cry out Rebbe and Geula.” itself cries out Chassidus.” When did the change begin? [Continued on page 31] Maoz has some amazing “The change began in yeshiva in

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moshiach and geula

fervor. At some point, R’ Pinye asked him: What will you say if the time BECAUSE passes and Moshiach, G-d forbid, does not come? R’ Yona said: I will continue to believe! Take note: This was the THE REBBE pronouncement of the Rebbe Rayatz which was not said as a prophecy. Furthermore, there was an explicit condition – only through immediate t’shuva would there be an immediate SAID SO Geula. And yet, when Chassidim heard this news from the Rebbe, it became the main topic of farbrengens and even of ordinary By Rabbi Moshe Ashkenazi a”h conversation and it was all Former rav of the Chabad community of Tel Aviv interwoven with utter trust that the Rebbe’s pronouncement would come true. Why? Because the Rebbe said “Today it is easier to explain the so; and to a Lubavitcher Chassid, concept of Moshiach generally and that is sufficient. We need to learn from the ‘Yechi Adoneinu’ in particular, since attitude of these genuine Chassidim with a kal v’chomer (an everybody can sense how the Rebbe is extrapolation from a minor premise to a major one): In our time it’s not actually with us.” a conditional pronouncement but an unconditional prophecy! When the The Rebbe made Moshiach and does not get lost in the shuffle. Rebbe prophesied that “behold, Geula the topic of the day. It began When we are busy with this, the Moshiach comes” – he made no with his sichos to the Chassidim and world will be busy with it too. conditions whatsoever. Not only that from there it went to the newspapers I remember that when the Rebbe but the Rebbe said explicitly that it and the world at large. Suddenly, Rayatz made a commotion about was not possible for lack of t’shuva Geula became something tangible “immediate repentance, immediate to hold up the Geula since sufficient and anticipating Moshiach was no Geula,” in the Chabad shul in Tel t’shuva had already been done in longer merely a dream. This is a Aviv, Nachalas Binyamin, which was order to bring the geula and there is reality which is unfolding before our frequented by all the great Chabad no reason for a delay. eyes. Chassidim of the time, the ovdim There is no doubt that as At the Kinus HaShluchim 5752 and maskilim, this was “the” topic Chassidim, with the Rebbe’s ratzon the Rebbe made it clear that the that was spoken about and repeated (desire) before our eyes, we must avoda of shlichus consists of at every farbrengen. focus on this vital subject and not preparing the world to greet There are sights and memories allow anything to push it aside. Moshiach. This avoda is not only the that are engraved in one’s mind and The teachings about Geula are job of the shluchim but the work of cannot be forgotten. An example of immense and the topics connected every Jew! As the Rebbe put it -since this is the amazing farbrengen of R’ with Geula and Moshiach are this is the avoda these days, it Yona Levits, one of the great numerous, and we need to treat obviously pertains to every Jew Chassidim of Tel Aviv in those days, them all with a particular koch without exception. Therefore, the and R’ Pinye Altheus. The (enthusiastic involvement). There obligation lies upon each one of us pronouncement of the Rebbe served are several points that should be to ensure that involvement in inyanei as the centerpiece of the farbrengen emphasized, one of which is the Geula and kabbalas p’nei Moshiach and R’ Yona spoke about it with

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pronouncement of “Yechi.” The very describe the Rebbe’s being with us in fact that the Rebbe encouraged the terms used for other tzaddikim who singing of this proclamation so are no longer of this world are much and so often, after each t’filla, denying the reality. is reason enough for Chassidim to The Rebbe’s answers in the Igros view this proclamation as highly Kodesh are in the category of “I will important in the task of bringing the show them wonders” and numerous Geula. examples that are too many to count It is obvious that the Rebbe saw prove beyond a shadow of a doubt with his ruach ha’kodesh (spiritual that the Rebbe is actually with us. vision) what would take place after 3 This is why it is much easier Tammuz when we don’t see him, today to explain to people on the and what did the Rebbe choose to outside the idea of Moshiach in instill in us before he was hidden general and “Yechi” in particular from us? The importance of since everybody can see the big “Yechi.” Clearly, the Rebbe wants us difference between the Rebbe and to continue with it more strongly other tzaddikim, those who have left than ever since this is the way to this world. hasten the Geula. As far as the claim that Right after , Chabad publicizing Moshiach’s identity rabbanim in Eretz Yisroel convened, pushes people away from Chabad, I including me, at the central shul in meet many people from various . The mood was one of This gave the Chassidim the ability walks of life and I have never heard uncertainty. We were all in a state of to move forward. of a Jew who started learning confusion and we did not know In those days there were some Chassidus and left because Chabad precisely what direction to take. Yet who claimed that this would not be publicizes that the Rebbe is it was clear to us that we could not accepted by outsiders and they chose Moshiach! abandon Anash who were no less a different tack of “just as his There is no such thing and there confused and who looked to us for children is alive” and similar never will be. There were always guidance. We had to arrive at a expressions which refer to the Rebbe people who looked for excuses not consensus about what the Rebbe in past tense without a definite to learn Chassidus; these are people wanted of us now. emphasis on the present. Those who who never really sought to learn After a lengthy discussion about thought that the first approach Chassidus. Someone who starts the Rebbe’s sichos, there was a vote wouldn’t be accepted were proven learning Chassidus or truly seeks to with a majority of fifteen rabbanim wrong. They see how “Yechi” has learn Chassidus cannot possibly be who concluded that we must been accepted in all Chabad distanced because Moshiach’s continue to proclaim “Yechi” and communities and in all shuls and identity is publicized. with the full shturem (commotion). Chabad schools, showing how the We, Lubavitcher Chassidim who The implication was that our present situation is only a test and believe that any minute now we will relationship to the Rebbe cannot be we will immediately meet with the see the Rebbe again, have the and is not one in which the Rebbe is Rebbe again. obligation not to get swept up in someone from the past. We must live Even those who are debates that have no positive results with the awareness that the Rebbe is uncomfortable saying “Yechi” say whatsoever, and only serves to fan in the present tense, and is with us “and he will redeem us.” What does the flames of divisiveness within our as he always was. that mean “and he will redeem us?” own ranks. We saw the results within a short Precisely the same thing as “Yechi,” More power to Beis Moshiach time. We all remember how some namely that the Rebbe is with us which is doing its job as a weekly people predicted that Chabad would now and will immediately come and publication to spread the Besuras fall apart. Today we all know that redeem us! HaGeula in a positive manner and what saved Chabad was the decision This clear knowledge that the with Ahavas and Achdus Yisroel. to move forward with the belief that Rebbe is with us now is both a the Rebbe is with us without any palpable sensation and an change, precisely as he was before. incontrovertible fact. Those who

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miracle story

becomes quite emotional as she recalls the events of this story, despite the fact that she has already A BRACHA, told it many times in the past, as characterized in the words of our Sages, of blessed memory: “They should seem new in your eyes – literally new”. She prefaces her A DOLLAR, descriptive account by saying: “For me, the Rebbe is the greatest thing in the world.” “This story began twenty years ago. Similar to many other Israelis, AND A BABY I decided to take a breather and I went to the United States for a year-long visit – to ‘clear my head’, as they say. During that year, I traveled through several regions of GIRL the United States and . I did a lot of touring, I worked, and I engaged in leisure activities. The time passed very By Nosson Avrohom quickly, and every moment was Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry part of an unforgettable experience. “While I was still in Eretz Yisroel, I became familiar with the I headed straight there. Just as I wonderful activities of the Chabad movement in reaching out to fellow arrived, I saw the Chabad House Jews and helping others, but this knowledge was merely superficial. director, Rabbi Mendy Klein, standing When I arrived in New York at the entrance of the building. I towards the end of my trek in America, many Israelis and other introduced myself and then Jews whom I met told me about the greatness of the Rebbe, and they immediately burst into bitter sobs, asked me if I had already been to see him. ‘If you’re in New York, asking, “What shall I do?” and you haven’t met the Lubavitcher Rebbe, it’s as if you The influence of Chabad privilege of connecting to the Tree weren’t in New York,’ they told me. activities in the southern Israeli city of Life, receiving the Rebbe’s ‘The Rebbe is a great Torah of Eilat is known to all. The seeds bracha, and personally scholar, known for his miracles. planted by the shluchim of the experiencing his miracles, which There’s no one else like him in the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, have encompass a wide range of medical world,’ one of my friends tried to long since been transformed into a and personal issues. explain. Since I had a traditional tree deeply rooted in the teachings The following unique and most background, I was very excited by of Chabad chassidus. This has amazing story created a these descriptions and I decided thereby created a domino effect, as tremendous kiddush sheim that I would eventually make my more and more Jews from a variety Lubavitch when its details became way to the Rebbe’s beis midrash. of backgrounds throughout the known. “During one of my tours, I met local population join the growing * a young Jewish man named David. I was unsure whether or not I circle of Chabad House supporters. The heroine of this marvelous should marry him, and so I decided Many of them have had the story is Mrs. Shuli Sharon. Shuli that when I met the Rebbe, I would

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ask him and do whatever he world. This was a powerful and give another in its place to charity. suggested. While I had already indescribable experience that only Naturally, I did this, and that same been to Brooklyn on several someone who had been there could day, I had my dollar laminated, and occasions, a stop in Crown Heights understand. it has remained with me ever since. never came about. Then, on the “Chills went up my spine and I couldn’t possibly imagine then first day of Chanukah, I had the my flesh felt like pins and needles. how much this dollar would change free time available, and I decided Finally, after several seconds that my life. that this was the day when I would seemed like an eternity, I gathered * meet the Rebbe – no matter what. I my courage, and in a voice “After a year in the U.S., I arrived at as trembling with emotion, I asked the returned to Eretz Yisroel, carrying per my friends’ directions. I’ll Rebbe if I should marry my the dollar at all times. I knew in my never forget that lofty experience. boyfriend. The Rebbe gave me an heart that the meeting with the It’s burned in the memory as if it intense look that I will always Rebbe was the most important happened only yesterday. remember and then replied to my thing that had happened in my life. “I stood for several long hours question in Hebrew. I understood “Things slowly went back to together with thousands of others from his words that this young man their usual and natural routine. I in a line extending around the was not the one I was waiting for, returned to work, and the daily block. Based on the number of and then he gave me a dollar for pressures of life pushed everything people waiting, I realized that we tz’daka and a bracha. into a corner. On various occasions weren’t talking about your average “I left the Rebbe’s presence when the subject of the Lubavitcher everyday rabbi. I became very tense completely astounded and Rebbe entered the discussion, I and quite anxious, and then finally, confused. Before coming to the again relived his greatness. the long awaited moment had Rebbe, I thought about the “In 5760, a little more than ten arrived. After hours of waiting, I importance of the moment. It years ago, when I was already came before the Rebbe. All of my turned out that it was a great deal forty-eight years old, I got married. plans in the minutes beforehand to more than that. All of my Despite my advanced age, I had a ask various questions were for estimations were like a drop in the very strong desire to have children. naught. I was totally speechless. ocean in explaining the intensity “I went through three fertility “What could I possibly say in and excitement that the Rebbe treatments that year, but none of the presence of such an infused within me. I felt that I had them were successful. While I was illuminating face and such piercing a father who truly showed concern very disappointed, I was eyes? I simply couldn’t speak. I for me. nevertheless determined to bring a remember how I was overcome by “They explained to me that I child into the world. a feeling as if I had just found the could keep the dollar that the “During those days, my sister- most sparkling diamond in the Rebbe had given me, and I should

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been discovered, a tinge of This number was familiar to me from optimism crept inside of me. I was somewhere. I pulled out the dollar I had absolutely certain that there was a connection here. received from the Rebbe, and to my “I was still concerned, and as a result, I didn’t tell my husband and great amazement, the first five numbers those around me about this unique hint, and kept it close to my heart. on the front of the dollar (26603) were In the meantime, I remained firm in my resolve to continue the identical to those on the medical report. pregnancy in spite of the doctors’ report. in-law, a resident of Maalot, had volume of ‘Igros Kodesh’. It was an “A few weeks later, when I came become connected to Chabad amazing answer to a woman in a to Yoseftal Hospital in Eilat for a chassidus. With much excitement, situation similar to mine, and the routine examination, the head of she told me about the possibility of Rebbe gave her encouragement and the maternity ward, Dr. Tzuberi, asking questions to the Lubavitcher ruled that she must change the who was with me every step of the Rebbe via ‘Igros Kodesh’ and doctors who are treating her. I way, told me that as things appears receiving answers as in the past. I understood that the Rebbe was from a medical standpoint, the was truly fascinated by this, dissatisfied with the doctors, and I child will be born with Down’s especially after she told me called that same day to move my Syndrome. After hearing such a numerous miracle stories that treatment to a different medical decisive statement from someone people were privileged to center, also informing the previous whom I greatly admired and had experience from writing to the center that I was halting my helped me so much, I was Rebbe in ‘Igros Kodesh’, but for treatments at their facility. positively broken and crushed. some reason, the excitement didn’t “After the first treatment at the “I went around for several days lead to practical action. new location, the new doctors as if I was sleepwalking, not “After the three failed informed me that it had been knowing where to go or how to treatments, I was filled with successful, although tests showed solve this dilemma. My friends who feelings of bitterness and grievance that there was still a problem of knew about my distress suggested towards the doctors, their mode of some sort. that I go to the local Chabad conduct, and the fact that they “For some reason, my eyes House and speak with the shliach. violated Shabbos during the focused on the number that ‘Maybe he can find a solution to treatment process. I was in a state appeared on the back of the your problem.’ When I heard the of serious uncertainty as to what I medical report sent on me – and as words ‘Chabad House’, I didn’t should do now. At this stage, when incredible as it may seem, this give it a second thought, and I I felt myself totally confused, I number was familiar to me from headed straight there. Just as I remembered what my sister-in-law somewhere. I pulled out the dollar arrived, I saw the Chabad House had told me, and I decided that I I had received from the Rebbe, and director, Rabbi Mendy Klein, had to write to the Rebbe and ask to my great amazement, the first standing at the entrance of the him. He would surely give me the five numbers on the front of the building. I introduced myself and best advice and ease my emotional dollar (26603) were identical to then immediately burst into bitter state. I eventually came to my those on the medical report. I was sobs. ‘What will I do?’ I asked sister-in-law’s house in Maalot, thrilled beyond measure. I recalled him. ‘I’ve been waiting years for a where she showed me how to go the Rebbe’s look as he gave me the child, I received amazing brachos about writing a letter to the Rebbe. dollar for a bracha, and now from the Rebbe, but now I feel I did all the necessary preparations, everything fell into place. The myself between a rock and a hard and then I poured my heart onto Rebbe had already foreseen my place – between the Rebbe’s the sheet of paper over all my life’s journey, and he was coming brachos and the pessimistic indecision and my feelings of to my aid now. opinions of the doctors.’ bitterness. “Despite the pessimism “Rabbi Klein calmed me down. “I was filled with great displayed by the medical staff in ‘There’s a Rebbe in Israel’, he excitement when she opened the the face of the problem that had stated with absolute determination, ‘and if he blessed you, you have

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nothing to worry about.’ He piled easily and help the fetus emerge miraculous birth was publicized on word after word of faith and healthy and intact. There were with great detail in Eilat’s local trust, and he proceeded to help me three more digits on the dollar I newspapers. The city’s most widely write a letter to the Rebbe via had received from the Rebbe: 943. distributed magazine, ‘Erev Erev’, ‘Igros Kodesh’. As he read me the I wrote them down on a slip of devoted four pages to the story, letter, my tears were transformed paper and told the doctor, ‘Don’t and the reporter burst into tears from tears of sadness and grief to open this until after the birth.’ He after she heard the complete tears of joy. The letter said, smiled and agreed; he was already account of what had happened. ‘I ‘Continue the days of her used to my craziness. Now all that don’t know what to say,’ she told pregnancy’, and that the doctor is remained was to see how things me. ‘I’m in shock.’ It made an only given permission to heal… I developed. While I felt myself incredible kiddush sheim Lubavitch. was very excited by this reply. under tremendous pressure, I also Many women became connected or ‘With an answer as amazingly clear maintained my great faith in the strengthened their connection to as that,’ he said confidently, ‘I Creator. the Rebbe, as they asked to know promise you that there is no reason “After the birth, the doctor how they too could be privileged to to be concerned.’ quickly checked my newborn receive a blessing to solve their “In order to make a proper daughter. ‘What a beautiful little problems.” vessel to receive this bracha, Rabbi girl, completely healthy and The story even appeared on Klein told me about a Torah class normal, against all expectations!’ various websites, eliciting many for women held every Sunday, he said with undisguised positive responses. taught by Rebbetzin Leah exhilaration. ‘It’s all in the merit of The child was named Rinat Y- Eisenbach. From that day forward, your Lubavitcher Rebbe,’ he added H. When I asked Shuli why she I started participating in this class in the presence of all the doctors specifically chose this name, she and I have tried to take part every and nurses who gathered together smiled and said, “Very simple. week ever since. A strong feeling of to come and bear witness to this Song (rina) to Alm-ghty G-d for faith replaced the emotional pain amazing miracle. the sweet little girl with whom He and anguish that had gripped me “I had told the doctor to open has blessed me through His until then. the note after the birth, and to his messenger, the Lubavitcher “At my next meeting with Dr. absolute astonishment, he saw on Rebbe.” Tzuberi, I told him about the the slip of paper the exact time that When the girl was four years Rebbe’s clear answer. When he saw I had given birth. He stood there old, Shuli came with her to the how confident and certain I was, positively stunned. ‘How did you office of Rabbi Uzi Kaploun, head he stopped pressuring me and know the exact time of the birth?’ of the city’s Chabad kindergarten promised that he would be at my he said in bewilderment. I told him network. “I want to register my disposal to assist me. about the special dollar that I had daughter in a Chabad “On the 10th of Adar, during received from the Rebbe, and he kindergarten,” she said with a the thirty-sixth week of my admitted to me that he had never smile. When R’ Uzi inquired as to pregnancy, I suddenly felt unwell, experienced anything like this the reason for her great and I went to Dr. Tzuberi for a before. enthusiasm, she reminded him check-up. After he examined me, “The story of this miracle about the story that had been he determined that it was time for spread throughout the city. People publicized three years ago. “This is the birth. It must be said in his were simply amazed when I told the Rebbe’s little girl.” merit that he did everything them about the dollar. possible to make the process go “The account of my daughter’s Raskin's Consistently “if it grows we have it” Superior Fruit and Produce Emporium WHOLESALE & RETAIL Michal & We Deliver 335 Kingston Ave. Brooklyn NY 11213 * Tel: (718) 756-3888 756-2221 * Fax: 756-2440

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 763 21 763_Beis Moshiach 08/11/2010 9:44 AM Page 22

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declared for the end of the settlement freeze. “This will be Netanyahu’s decisive hour,” they proclaimed, and Bibi the magician CROSSROADS: calmed them down and told them how the freeze had ended and construction had been renewed. But immediately thereafter, he ran to the ultra-Orthodox parties THE “BIBI” and made a deal with them: He arranged the passage of a law guaranteeing a one thousand shekel income for 11,000 kollel students in return for their support in WITHIN US ALL continuing the construction freeze. He apparently also gave something to the “Jewish Home” Party, a.k.a. the new National Religious Party – By Sholom Ber Crombie otherwise there’s no explanation Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry why its chairman, Professor Daniel Hershkowitz, Minister of Science For the Israeli prime minister to stand and Technology, knitted kippa and all, announced that he would not firm and not be affected by the world, rule out the idea of continuing the freeze. Thus, Bibi continued to we must give him strength. When a proclaim that the freeze would not continue, while arranging a full chassid stands firm against his own coalition support for a renewed freeze. “world opinion”, this helps that even In other words, Bibi said: I also the Israeli prime minister should be don’t want to continue the freeze, but I’m not prepared to stand up to able to stand proudly against the world the Americans for more than two months. opinion he faces and make no * compromises. When you look at Bibi’s conduct, you can practically see A REGULAR MAGICIAN turn the country into a different right through him. On the one place entirely. This is what many in hand, it seems that he really For years now, the Israeli public believes in everything he spoke has believed that Bibi Netanyahu is Israeli society believed, while the more realistic among us laughed. about in the past. But, on the other an all-powerful magician who can hand, he does nothing about it in do the unimaginable. Such a Apparently, however, we were wrong. It seems that the reality has practical terms. He starts off every magician who can say that he time by making declarations about doesn’t talk with the terrorists exceeded all expectations. Bibi the magician has succeeded “self-sacrifice”, and he finishes by while talking with them, who can acting in a totally disgraceful and promise security and proclaim that in continuing the settlement freeze and not continuing it at the same groveling manner, worse than any he has the right stuff while telling of his predecessors in the Israeli the Americans that he’s one of time. Not only that, but he also let out all the air from the balloon of premiership. them, someone who will save the This is perhaps the most economy, education, national the “unwavering” settlers of Yesha. Their gullibility led them to difficult problem among Israeli security and Israel’s relations with leaders. They have no backbone. the world, and thereby instantly fervently prepare for “the day of reckoning”, the official date They aren’t prepared to go the

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distance with the truth. In the Middle East, this trait is “The Rebbe explained to me that there more prominent specifically when is eternal falsehood in this place [the we face our Arab neighbors. The Palestinians, for example, could UN], continual darkness, and such have compromised long ago and would have been handed most of darkness can only be driven out with Yehuda and Shomron. But they’re not prepared to compromise. As light. Every light of truth that you the Rebbe prophesized in a most precise manner, they won’t agree to kindle in this house is what will expel take anything until they can have it the darkness of lies.” This is a summary all, since from their point of view, compromise is not an option. of the Rebbe’s words as freely translated In this fashion, they win out time after time. In the last scene, by Netanyahu. Abu Mazen refused to come for talks with Netanyahu. He gave an announced to the world that found within each and every one of angry look, and instead of Hamas has hated us for us. Each person has a little “Bibi” pressuring him and standing him in generations and that we must stand in his heart. We honesty and truly a corner, America specifically uncompromisingly against Iran’s want to act as the Rebbe wants and pressured the Government of Israel President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. demands from us at all times. to agree to a freeze on construction But the most important part of this However, we don’t always conduct in Yerushalayim, Yehuda, and UN appearance was the message ourselves one hundred percent of Shomron for a period of ten Bibi gave to the reporters after he the time as the Rebbe has taught months. Why, then, should it come came down from the speakers’ us. While we want this very much, as a great surprise that their rostrum. He spoke about his we are also confronted by the demands merely grow and meeting with the Rebbe when he pressures of the world. Perhaps intensify? was Israel’s ambassador to the they’re not the same as in Bibi’s * United Nations: “The Rebbe world, which includes the entire The right-wing (or what’s left of explained to me that there is United States and all of . it), which had depended upon Bibi eternal falsehood in this place, Nevertheless, each person has to to act according to his words, is continual darkness, and such deal with his own world, or the the same right-wing that depends darkness can only be driven out “oilam”, in the language of upon Bibi not to act according to with light. Every light of truth that chassidim. his words on the matter of you kindle in this house is what As chassidim who believe that Yerushalayim and a Palestinian will expel the darkness of lies.” everything that happens in the state. They say that he’s just This is a summary of the Rebbe’s world is influenced by spiritual talking for the foreign press and to words as freely translated by matters, it clear to us that for the placate the Americans when he Netanyahu. prime minister of Israel to be able speaks about “painful concessions” There are many questions for to stand firm and not be affected regarding Yerushalayim and the Netanyahu on his actions: If you by the world, we must give him establishment of a Palestinian state. believe so much in the truth of the strength. When a chassid stands But in his heart, Bibi is still the Rebbe’s words, then why do you firm against his oilam, this is what same strong Bibi who will stand by take action against them on a daily, can cause the Israeli prime minister his principles. if not hourly basis? And from the to be able to stand proudly against All this is happening a year after opposite vantage point, as well: If his oilam and make no Netanyahu’s speech before the you do things that are so removed compromises. United Nations General Assembly, from the path laid out by the his first during his current term as Rebbe, how did there suddenly CONCLUSIONS DRAWN prime minister. As you may recall, illuminate within you this feeling FROM THE RABIN that led you to make such a this was a very patriotic Israeli ASSASSINATION speech filled with Jewish pride. Bibi patriotic speech? The truth is that the answer is In recent weeks, the left-wing in

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state within the Labor Party today. The right-wing simply turned into the However, they completely fail to left’s building contractor, and as they notice the simple fact that almost all of Israel’s political parties are have already said, today all Israeli implementing the path that Rabin began in Oslo. The Labor Party has politicians speak “Beilinish”, the shriveled because it has become irrelevant, as the Likud and language of Yossi Beilin, the trailblazer parties are together advancing concessions to the of Oslo. terrorists and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Israel has again been celebrating Jewish brethren. He was also the The left-wing cries over Rabin’s “Rabinfest”. As usual around this one who gave thousands of rifles “great promise” that has time, they looked for ways to jab to the terrorists, who then evaporated, as if he would have the right-wing, reminding all of us murderously turned them on continued some miraculous journey who’s to blame for the Jewish soldiers and citizens – may to bring peace if he were still here, assassination and who in the G-d avenge their blood. And of and we would have been sitting for general public was being course, we cannot forget the Oslo years now in tranquility and with persecuted just because they Accords, which led to terrorist security. They totally ignore the wanted peace. bombings, the second intifada, and fact that what has occurred since The left-wing has already over one thousand murdered Jews he left the scene is exactly what the adopted its own method of – may G-d avenge their blood. architects of the Oslo process had memorializing Rabin. They have On the other hand, we must planned would happen. Bibi didn’t divided his legacy in two: that remember Rabin in a positive light. put a halt to the Oslo Accords, which we must forget and that When we look at the “right-wing” instead he actively carried out the which it’s forbidden to forget. They prime ministers, Rabin seems like a provisions of Oslo II and continued don’t talk at conferences dedicated Knesset Member from the Moledet further talks with the terrorists on to his actual heritage about those Party in comparison, or at least like the agreement at Wye Plantation. issues currently being discussed in a Likud opposition leader. Rabin Barak continued the tradition and negotiations, such as Yerushalayim. never dreamed of uprooting Gush met with the terrorists at Camp No one mentions that Rabin never Katif, and he was the one who said David in order to offer them agreed to talks on Yerushalayim or that “anyone who would consider Yehuda and Shomron and the the establishment of a Palestinian leaving the Golan Heights is establishment of a terror state state, despite the fact that he went abandoning the security of Israel”. there. Sharon not only continued further than most in discussions He also proclaimed that the talks with them, he with the terrorists. They don’t Yerushalayim is not subject to implemented this path on the mention that it was Rabin who said negotiations and he left Chevron ground. that we have to break the arms and under Israeli control. Thus, the question is asked: legs of Arab rock throwers, and it After him came the “right-wing” Why is the left-wing complaining was he who drove Arabs out of prime ministers, and they put about “the fading and declining Eretz Yisroel, more than the whole everything up for sale. Bibi gave path”, when this path continues right-wing combined over the away Chevron, Sharon uprooted with even greater fortitude? The course of generations. Gush Katif, and Bibi the second right-wing simply turned into the We also find Rabin’s legacy time around is prepared to hold left’s building contractor, and as rather problematic and steeped in talks on Yerushalayim and actually they have already said, today all controversy. On the one hand, he freeze all construction in the capital Israeli politicians speak “Beilinish”, left permanent stains of the deck city of Eretz HaKodesh. the language of Yossi Beilin, the of the Altelena, when dozens of * trailblazer of Oslo. Jews were murdered in cold blood. This is particularly amazing due * Among them were holocaust to left-wing statements in recent As usual, everything in the survivors who had made it through weeks about “the fading of Rabin’s world teaches us a lesson in all the horrors of the camps, only legacy”. They lament the passing of connection with the only avoda that to be killed at the hands of their the path of “peace” and the sad the Rebbe has placed in our hands.

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In stark contrast to the obstacle turned the subject of the of faith in Moshiach just for his course along the path of this Redemption into a central issue of own community or those close to nightmarish “peace”, which has discussion among the religious the teachings of Chabad chassidus. bitten and spread into all aspects of Jewish community. Today, not only He turned the subject of the Israeli national policy, there’s also is it legitimate to deal with the Redemption into a general another side to this coin. subject of Moshiach and to speak inheritance for all Jews, to the Several decades ago, the Rebbe about the fact that the Redemption point that even those who initially started to arouse awareness is happening now, but the fact is raised their eyebrows and throughout the world on the that there is no ultra-Orthodox expressed their opposition when subject of the Redemption and the radio station that doesn’t broadcast the Rebbe first began to discuss the anticipated greeting of our programs on Moshiach and the concept publicly decades ago now righteous Moshiach. Generally Redemption. Similarly, there’s no deal with the subject with great speaking, such talk at the time was rav who doesn’t speak publicly enthusiasm, as if it was quite quite novel and most unusual. No about this matter or conclude his obvious from the start. one thought that everything speech with a bracha including As the Complete Redemption happening in the world was mention of Moshiach. The whole approaches, we can see how the connected to the Geula or spoke world is talking about the activities of Melech HaMoshiach about the Redemption as a literal Redemption and the revelation of are being implemented throughout modern-day concept to be longed Moshiach as something real that the world. Today, everyone speaks for and awaited every day. can take place right now at any the language of Moshiach, and if But the Rebbe did go the full moment. Bibi can do it, so can you. distance. He didn’t relent and he The Rebbe didn’t keep this path

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memoir

through story and song.” So I stayed three months and did a series of concerts. The first concert was in Rabbi Yaakov Hecht’s EVEN THE shul. The Rebbe told R’ Gershon Ber Jacobson a”h to write about me in his newspaper Tog Morgen Journal and to describe me as a world renowned chazan (cantor). WALLS CRIED Following these instructions two articles appeared. R’ Hecht was told by the Rebbe to have a concert and to sing my praises as is done in Prepared for publication by Avrohom Rainitz America. The first concert was packed. R’ Hillel Zaltzman dedicates this Although there were 900 seats, there were actually 1200 people including chapter of his memoirs to his brother, famous chazanim like Moshe Stern. R’ Hecht told me that big chazanim the well-known chazan R’ Berel usually wanted free entry to chazanus concerts but this time they Zaltzman. R’ Berel is a chazan who led were willing to pay like anyone else. the Rebbe’s minyan and sang for the I think this was the Rebbe’s work, for aside from spreading Judaism Rebbe during the distribution of Kos through song, he also wanted to help me earn money so I could settle in shel Bracha for many years. * In Eretz Yisroel. Then I did a concert in yechidus the Rebbe encouraged him to Worcester, MA, and in the Ford Auditorium in Detroit which was be a chazan. The Rebbe told him to attended by 2000 people. R’ Eli produce a recording and promised to Lipsker was there, too with his choir. Then I traveled to do concerts cover the expenses. * This is the moving in and .

story of R’ Berel Zaltzman and the ADVENTURES AT special consideration that he received THE CANADIAN BORDER I bought a one-way ticket for my from the Rebbe over the years. All the trip to since I didn’t know precisely when I wanted to return. kiruvim conveyed the Rebbe’s message When I got to passport control at of using his talent for chazanus to the airport in Montreal I presented my Israeli passport and the clerk spread Judaism. * Part 2 of 2 asked to see my ticket. When he saw that I did not have a return ticket he THE REBBE: STAY HERE was at that yechidus that the Rebbe suspected that I wanted to settle in changed my plans. “You need to stay Canada illegally. He began AND PERFORM IN interrogating me in English and I CONCERTS here and do concerts,” the Rebbe told me. “You need to tell the Jews didn’t understand a word he said. According to the plan, I was in America how you were able to They took me to a side room and supposed to return to Eretz Yisroel remain religious Jews in the Soviet questioned me but I did not know right after Sukkos. Before I left I Union and you should do this what they wanted. I tried speaking had yechidus like everyone else. It in Yiddish and when they heard it,

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they mistook it for German and tried to find someone who spoke German. The situation was escalating and I had no idea what to do. Then in walked the organizer of the concerts, a nice guy named Motti who asked in a fright: “What happened? Why are you delaying him? He is a world famous cantor! Delegations are waiting to greet him in the arrivals terminal, led by a delegation of cantors from Montreal, and you are holding him up?!” The officials felt uncomfortable for delaying someone so important and they justified themselves by saying that since I did not have a return ticket this aroused their suspicion. Motti didn’t lose a moment. He took out money from R’ Berel Zaltzman receiving Kos shel Bracha from the Rebbe his pocket and paid for a return after all the concerts, the secretaries do mivtzaim under the auspices of ticket and took me out. told me that I could have yechidus. Chama, as I had done back in In the arrivals terminal two The Rebbe told me, “I heard that all . When I mentioned this idea delegations waited for me, one of went very well and thank you. Now to the Rebbe, the Rebbe said, “It is chazanim whom I did not know and that you have become famous, you worthwhile looking into it and if it one on behalf of N’shei Chabad. In need to produce a record!” will be necessary, I will give you the latter group I recognized Mrs. I told the Rebbe that the money for the business.” Then the Rivka Aharonov, who had previously Community Council on Kingston Rebbe said, “I will be your partner in lived in Samarkand and was a friend Avenue had already suggested that I the business,” but he immediately of my family. do so. The Rebbe said, “We will give clarified, “I don’t mean to be a All the chazanim in Montreal you the money.” Then the Rebbe partner in your parnasa because I attended my concert. Two of them, repeated, “You need to make a have distractions over my head (and who were younger than me, Moshe record and I will give you the he demonstrated this with his hands, Shorov and Arik Klein, came up to money.” raising them above his head) but I the stage and also sang, to make it I thought to myself: How can I will be a partner in the mitzva.” And easier for me so I wouldn’t have to dare take money from the Rebbe? I he gave me $2000. sing the entire night. I had a cold told the Rebbe that the Community and a cough and before the concert Council was willing to invest in this. the chazanim expressed their fears YOU WERE ABLE TO The Rebbe interrupted my thoughts that I wouldn’t be able to sing well, MANAGE WITH STALIN and said, “But I am telling you that I but the Rebbe’s bracha helped me will give you the money. Do you BUT NOT WITH $2000? and the concert was a great success. want it here, in dollars, or in Eretz I left New York around Chanuka Afterwards, the chazanim took Yisroel in liras through R’ Wolf?” time, about two months after all the me to a restaurant where they had Then the Rebbe concluded, “Tell Tishrei visitors left. When I arrived arranged a lovely reception with them in the office and they will give in Israel I signed an agreement with each chazan singing a cantorial it to you as you like.” a good company that produced piece for me. Then they gave me a While in New York I noticed that records and I put out a high quality gift, an album “Chazanim and there were many dry cleaners. It was record. At the same time, I opened a Chazanus in Montreal.” a business I had not seen in Russia small dry cleaners and began nor in Kiryat Malachi. I had the idea working. I put in many hours but I NOW YOU HAVE TO of opening a dry cleaning business was sorry to see that the business PRODUCE A RECORD in Kiryat Malachi and employing was not successful. I worked hard all When I returned to New York people, which would leave me free to day and had nothing to show for it. I

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thought that I had made a mistake with this idea. I went to the Rebbe for Tishrei, 5733/1972, and brought the records to sell. The boxes of records were confiscated at first by the US customs and it was only thanks to R’ Binyamin Klein that they were released. That year, my father came with me in order to help me sell the records. B”H we sold nearly all of them and I was able to repay the Rebbe for the money he had given me for this project. When I had yechidus before returning home, I told the Rebbe that I had problems with the business. There were hardly any R’ Berel Zaltzman appearing with a choir customers and even with the orders and without hope. I told my wife that occasionally, when my father that came in, I worked very hard but Chaya Esther (Anya) a”h what the visited me, he would check to see did not earn anything, and I had no Rebbe said and it was she who what was in the refrigerator. When parnasa (livelihood). understood what the Rebbe wanted he saw it was empty he went to the The Rebbe did not react to what of us (as we know from stories that store to buy a chicken with his own I said and began talking about my sometimes the women are the ones money and put it in my fridge and producing another record. He said, who understand the Rebbe’s answer left. “Now, after producing a record, you better than the men). But my wife insisted. “You must became more famous and with this “You see,” she said, “every time take a loan. You have to do publicity you should do another you ask about the business the something! I believe that the only record.” Rebbe asks you about a record. This reason the business is not working I said: “I am so entangled in the happens year after year, three years out is because you have not business that I don’t have any money by now!” produced another record as the at all. I simply don’t have the means I told her: “I don’t understand Rebbe asked.” to produce another record.” what you’re getting at. What’s the That Friday afternoon I returned The Rebbe answered sharply: connection between the business and home from work, tired and worried. “You were able to manage with a record?” Despite the late hour I remained Stalin but not with $2000?” She said: “I don’t understand it sitting in the car. Another week had either, but you see that every time gone by and once again nothing had THE GATEWAY TO you asked the Rebbe about the moved. I choked up and had to PARNASA business he asked you about a restrain myself from crying. I A year later I returned and in the record. Apparently that is the couldn’t get out of the car. yechidus I complained again about gateway for our parnasa.” Out of the corner of my eye I parnasa problems, that I simply I protested: “There is no money saw R’ Pesachya Lipsker coming out could not subsist. I told the Rebbe to subsist so how can I produce a of his house to throw out the that I was offered a position as record?” garbage. On his way back, when he chazan in America and I asked It’s hard to judge someone in noticed that I seemed to have no whether I should sell the business. financial straits. Even today, forty intention of getting out of my car, he Once again, the Rebbe ignored years later, it’s hard for me to relive came over and asked me: “Berel, what I said and asked, “What about the memories of the terrible situation why are you sitting there so late in a record?” I remained silent. What I was in. I had a large family and my the day? It’s almost candle-lighting else could I say? The Rebbe went financial situation was such that I time!” on, “Without excuses …” Once could only buy one chicken for What could I tell him? I decided again I said I had no money. Shabbos. As for weekdays, there was to pour out my heart to him. I said: I returned home without money nothing to talk about. I remember “Pesachya, get into my car.”

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He got in and I told him what was on my mind. I told him everything, how I had no parnasa and was in trouble with no idea what to do. I also told him about the record and how my wife maintained that this was happening because I wasn’t listening to the Rebbe. But I didn’t have a cent in my pocket and I simply did not know what to do. R’ Pesachya listened closely and when I was done, he said: “Your wife is 100% right. You see that the Rebbe constantly tells you to produce a record and so this is what you must do.” I said: “What should I do when I don’t have a cent? I’ll tell you a R’ Berel Zaltzman with his progeny secret. I only buy one chicken a on producing a record, I signed this did. After hearing the three of us, week, just for Shabbos,” I admitted. contract and extricated the business the committee conferred and then R’ Pesachya is a good natured from collapse. Within a short time I told the other two chazanim to leave person with a heart of gold. He had repaid all my debts and had a and asked me to stay. lovingly said: “Berel, your wife is good parnasa. After Maariv they sat down to right. Listen to her. Tomorrow night, talk to me. They said: “To tell you on Motzaei Shabbos, call the studio the truth, we like your singing and where you produced the first record SHLICHUS IN we want you to daven for us. How and arrange an appointment for much are you asking for?” I told Sunday. On Sunday I will go with At the end of 5739, the people at them the truth, that I usually you and pay the cost of a record. the slaughterhouse told me that they davened abroad and my friends told After you sell it …” had decided to buy their own me that a chazan of my caliber I was very moved by this washing machines and would no should ask for 40,000 liros. generous offer and I immediately longer be sending the laundry out. I They responded like good said: “I will divide the profits with did not have time to worry, for the businessmen and tried to bargain me you!” next miracle took place: down: “If you’re saying 40,000 then Pesachya said: “Fine … the main For years, before Tishrei, I would you want 30,000 and so if you agree thing is that you have a peaceful get invitations to Jewish to 20,000, we can sign a contract.” Shabbos and a happy Shabbos.” communities abroad to be the I told them that when I said A very short time elapsed before I chazan on Yom Tov, for payment of 40,000 I meant just that and would saw how right my wife was. course. That year, the Yomim Tovim not take less. They tried to convince Producing the record was indeed the were approaching and I still had not me and told me about “the man who gateway for my parnasa. On Motzaei received a single offer. Yet, I had wanted to buy a cow and the seller Shabbos I called the studio and heard that in the big shul in Tel Aviv wanted twenty rubles and he said, arranged an appointment. The very in the Yad Eliyahu quarter, they you probably want fifteen and I’ll next day I was visited by people were looking for a chazan for the give you ten and we’ll close the from the slaughterhouse near Kiryat Yomim Nora’im. I asked around to deal.” I retorted: “I am sure that in Malachi. They asked me to wash the find out how much the salary ought the end, the man did not buy the shochtim’s coats every day because to be and was told: a chazan like you cow.” they would get spattered with blood. should get 40,000 liros. When I saw that they did not There were 150 of them and they I called the gabbai of the shul want to pay more than 30,000, I promised to pay on time; I should and set up an appointment. I went said: “I will tell you the truth. I have just do a good job. I immediately there for Mincha-Maariv to audition. a friend in California who wants me signed a contract with them and saw That night, two other chazanim were to go to him for the holidays. I will this as an open miracle from the also auditioning. They sang before I call him and ask him for the same Rebbe. As soon as I began working

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amount. If he agrees to the full demanded: “Make an agreement ended up in California where he was 40,000, I will fly to the United with us or we will ensure you can’t very successful in business and States.” leave the country.” became a multi-millionaire. After They thought I was joking and I retorted: “That’s how you talk Rosh HaShana he met with R’ they said, “Fine, we’ll talk to me? I wasn’t afraid of Stalin and Cunin and emotionally told him tomorrow.” you think I’ll be intimidated by you? about the Rosh HaShana davening. That night I called R’ Naftali I am not at all afraid of you!” He said: “After the Holocaust my Estulin, shliach in , and They left my house in defeat and tears dried up and it has been told him that they wanted me to I escorted them. We met R’ Levik decades since I’ve cried. This chazan daven in Tel Aviv. He asked: “How Pressman and I said to them: “Here from Russia was the first one to much do you want?” I told him is R’ Levik, a wonderful chazan. Talk move me to tears.” 40,000 liros. He said: “No problem, to him. If he doesn’t have a place to R’ Cunin was thrilled and come to us.” I said that I also daven, he would probably agree to immediately called R’ Estulin, who wanted a ticket from California to daven for you and he will take less was hosting me, and asked that we the Rebbe for Sukkos and he agreed. than me.” They asked him: “Where come over as soon as possible. The next day, when I was at does the rabbi live?” When we arrived he offered me a work, I got a phone call from the R’ Levik pointed out the rabbi’s position: Work all year with R’ gabbaim of the shul in Tel Aviv who house and said to them in surprise: Estulin and on the Yomim Nora’im wanted me to come and see them “Why didn’t you ask Rabbi daven in Beverly Hills. again. I told them: “I have to Zaltzman?” I said the Rebbe told us to live in disappoint you. Last night I called They thought they would try Nachalat Har Chabad and since I California as I told you I would, and their luck with the rav. We all went knew how fond the Rebbe is of this I closed with them.” to Rabbi Yehuda Yaroslavsky’s neighborhood, I did not believe the They tried negotiating with me house, where they presented their Rebbe would allow me to leave it. R’ and I said: “I’m not playing games complaint, namely that they had Cunin said: “After Sukkos we will go with you. Last night I closed with spoken to me first and they had to the Rebbe together. We will write California and that’s that!” brought a briefcase of money for to the Rebbe about the idea and When I arrived home from work me. After hearing them out the rabbi we’ll do as he says.” exhausted and I went to rest a little, asked me: “What do you say?” When I wrote to the Rebbe I the gabbaim came to my house. One I told him what happened and received the following answer: “It’s of them picked up the briefcase they the rav said to them: “What do you not an idea to move [permanently] had brought with them and said: want from him? He was honest and from Eretz Yisroel, especially from “We have 40,000 liros here and it’s upfront with you.” Nachalat Har Chabad of course, but for you.” And that was the end of the consult with your father and wife Now that was very appealing to story. about whether it is worth accepting me. The Yomim Tovim were a the offer in California for a few month away, the business had just TO RENT, NOT TO BUY years.” lost the account with the When I told people about this When I arrived in California, R’ slaughterhouse and parnasa was answer, they said that there were Estulin said that a new shliach had problematic, and here they were shluchim who received similar come to town, R’ Yosef Yitzchok offering me 40,000 liros in cash, in answers, “for a few years” and the Shusterman, and he had opened a advance! Rebbe had them stay there. I Chabad house in Beverly Hills. He On the other hand, I had made remembered that one time, when I had not yet found a chazan suitable an arrangement with R’ Estulin, so I had yechidus and I said that my for this ritzy area and so R’ Estulin told them that I could not change business in Nachalat Har Chabad thought it would be better if I my plans. They said they had been wasn’t working out and wondered if davened by R’ Shusterman. first but I said: “I spoke to you maybe I should sell it and try my Among the congregants was an yesterday and told you that if he luck abroad, the Rebbe did not extremely wealthy man, one of R’ agreed to give me this amount, I answer me directly but said: “If you ’s big supporters. He would go to him. Even if you offer need to travel abroad, rent out the was a Holocaust survivor who, when me more, I can’t go back on my business.” he was liberated from the word.” I returned to Eretz Yisroel and, concentration camp, weighed only One of the gabbaim, who was after consulting with my father and 24 kilograms (52 pounds). He very disappointed with my answer, wife, we decided to go on shlichus

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to California. I began making plans for the move and the first thing I needed to do was pay my debts. I thought, if I sold the business I could easily pay my debts but since the Rebbe said to rent … Out of the blue, someone came to me and said that he wanted to buy the machines and rent the building. I saw this as a triple miracle from the Rebbe: First, the money I got by selling the machines enabled me to cover my debts and pay for the trip. Second, if I had also rented the machines, then after a few years they would be ruined, and third, the building remained mine R’ Berel Zaltzman (front row, third from left) at a conference for California shluchim and till today I get a rental fee. Once again I saw how precise the also a terrific speaker. Over the After years of shlichus in Rebbe is for he told me to rent and years he perfected his delivery and California he moved to , not to sell the building. began giving lectures accompanied where he continues working on the *** by song. He has been able to be Rebbe’s shlichus and serves as rav When he was in California my mekarev hundreds of Russian Jews for a congregation of Russian Jews brother Berel discovered that in and many of them have beautiful in the shul of mosdos Bris Avrohom addition to his singing abilities, he’s Chassidishe families. in Fairlawn, New Jersey.

[Continued from pg. 15] children, and I always tell them various places that I frequented that whoever wants to express before I became a Chassid, and I feedback he receives, Maoz tries to something, should do so in a would tell him, ‘I won’t go in here.’ push me off by saying it’s not picture. When a child expresses his He would object and explain that befitting for him to repeat feelings and ideas in a drawing, everything I saw in the past and compliments, but when I insisted, this causes it to become deeply causes me concern no longer he told me about one of the most ingrained within him more than exists. It’s a new reality now, a moving responses he received: anything else. There is great reality of light. “In Tishrei we stayed with R’ pleasure in viewing things from “I decided to take this approach Yossi Paltiel. I was very impressed “outside” and experiencing the as my guiding light. I think about it by him. Towards the end of our scene that way. Because I want to in many of the pictures that I draw, stay I gave him a painting of the remember the picture in order to putting in the Geula dimension in Rebbe that I drew. He looked at it be able to draw it, I see all the every painting, even if it seems to and immediately said, ‘This is an details.” be talking about other points. I original picture.’ He got a hammer I had to ask Maoz about the have a painting of a big American and a nail and hung it up in his connection between his art and the city with skyscrapers. It’s cold and living room. That touched me.” Rebbe’s prophecy about Moshiach not something that broadcasts and the world being ready for Judaism, certainly not Geula. In the SEEING THE LIGHT Geula: center I chose an apartment in OF GEULA “One of the most powerful which I drew a menorah with things I learned from the shliach in candles illuminating the darkness. As an artist, son of an artist, Maryland is ‘the advantage of light It’s a tangible expression of the Maoz likes to talk about the world that comes from darkness.’ He advantage of light that comes from of painting: takes the approach of seeing only darkness.” “I am a teacher for young Geula. I would go with him to

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moshiach & science

complexities of nature, modeled with mastery the meanderings of the stock market, and perhaps most IS THERE miraculously of all, inspired bored high school students to realize that math is indeed cool. Put most simply, a fractal is an object in which every part resembles MANDELBROT the whole. Nature is full of things that have a fractal structure. The fern frond at left looks quite realistic but it is actually just a graph of a mathematical formula IN THE called a Mandelbrot set. Nonetheless the man-made version is uncannily similar to a real fern, such as the one pictured right. Simulations such as these have TORAH? been beautifully rendered for all kinds of natural objects, ranging from clouds to riverbeds, and from seashells to broccoli buds. Often By Aryeh Gotfryd, PhD the simulations are

All Torah concepts are both souls. general and particular. This does --The Rebbe - Shabbos Parshas indistinguishable from the real not mean that part and whole are Mikeitz, Shabbos Chanukah, 5724. thing. two separate things, but rather Ch.7, p. 328. The uncanny ability of that every concept can be viewed mathematics to model nature at both as a totality and as a Benoit Mandelbrot’s eyes are every scale was so wondrous in the component. closed for now, but he has left us in eyes of Albert Einstein that he To exemplify from mitzvos, each this world with eyes more open. commented that the only thing mitzvah has two aspects: (a) that The Jewish mathematician from unintelligible about nature is that it it is a particular mitzvah, and (b) will always be remembered is intelligible. how it includes all the mitzvos. for his wonderfully elegant yet “Atheistic” Physicist Paul Davies This is why at the time one is majestically powerful gift to wonders if our mathematical engaged in some mitzvah, he is mankind – a mathematical insights into nature are just exempt from any other mitzvah. discovery, a new geometry of products of our imagination or infinity. actually part and parcel of the The same is true with regards to phenomena we study. If math Torah. Any particular idea in Mandelbrot’s notion of “fractals” has launched an entirely describes nature so well, how could Torah is also an inclusive notion nature just happen to line up with that embraces all other concepts new genre of art, provided a tool for unraveling the greatest our mathematical musings? in Torah. And the same applies to He concludes that it cannot be

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that we are imposing our human nature. For example the forever. mathematical thinking on the “Vav” compares to the world of Mandelbrot’s gift opened a world, reading math into nature but Yetzira, the plant kingdom, and the window for us into the Mind of G-d, rather we are reading math out of emotions. The “Vav” even looks like using algebra and geometry to nature. He demonstrates that we a plant, fixed and rooted, like convey infinity in a nutshell, as it are actually detecting the abstract personality traits that are relatively were. His mathematical infinity and concepts embedded in the fixed in people, and like the world the infinite thematic variations in orderliness of the myriad things of Yetzira in which entities are fairly nature both all derive from the around us. well defined and formed, albeit in infinity of Torah which is one with But where did that math come the spiritual realm. the Mind of the Infinite One Above. from? Where were those Fractals have another property Mandelbrot’s story is a fractal mathematical notions before they that is at once attractive and itself. His discovery is but one became embedded in stuff? Could infuriating, and that is the fact that element in the grand story our puny human minds be they are infinite. The unfolding of unfolding of how in our times somehow communing with the self-similar patterns is an unending science is progressively discovering Mind of G-d? process, limited only by the amount more about the synergy of G-d, Our Sages say, “G-d looked into of computer time you can throw at man and the nature of things. That the Torah and created the expanding the pattern, as this video process itself has been mapped out world,”[1] that the Torah is the portrays. and scheduled in the Torah, in the divine blueprint of Creation. Are Mandelbrot asks a deceptively Zohar and in Chassidus Chabad as there fractals in the Torah, self- simple question: How long is the a clear indication of the imminent similar patterns at different scales? coastline of Great Britain? On the redemption.[3][4] We are now The Shabbos concept is a fine surface of things, anyone with a entering the age of infinite example. Thus we have seven days map, a string and a ruler should be revelations from both Torah and of the week, seven weeks in the able to come up with an answer, science, culminating in the Omer period, seven years of the but however detailed the map, the complete revelation of Moshiach Shmita cycle, and seven Shmitos answer is only approximate. As you NOW! followed by a Jubilee year. The zoom in there is always more and There is what to see. We just same sabbatical theme is even more detail so if you want an need to keep our eyes open. expressed on a cosmological scale accurate answer, you must reckon with the seven creation days on one it’s something approaching infinity! NOTES: end the seventh millennium on the Here is what they call a Koch [1] Zohar 1:134a, 2:161a other. Snowflake, a simple geometric [2] , Vol. 6, the second Here is another Torah fractal. In example of an infinitely long edge Yisro. one of his talks,[2] the Lubavitcher to a shape of fixed size. Take a [3] http://www.chabad.org/library Rebbe describes how the letters of triangle and put a smaller triangle /article_cdo/aid/112700/jewish/Moshi the essential Divine name – Yud / on the middle of each edge. Then ach-and-Science.htm Hey / Vav, and Hey – are expressed put smaller triangles on those [4] http://www.chabad.org/library in the four spiritual worlds, the four smaller edges, and keep going. The /article_cdo/aid/113102/jewish/Appen elements of the global ecosystem, result looks like this [see images], dix-1-FaithScience-Convergence- and the four dimensions of the but if you zoom in, it goes on Explained.htm

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story WHY DIDN’T THE REBBE FARBRENG ON 9 AND 10 KISLEV, 5735?

By Avrohom Rainitz

that day’s farbrengen at 1:30. But An amazing story reveals why the Rebbe the Rebbe remained in his place. did not farbreng that Shabbos, nor on The gabbai, still certain that the Rebbe would farbreng that the following day, Chag HaGeula 10 Shabbos, decided to continue making other announcements and Kislev. he urged people to participate in the Rebbe’s mivtzaim (mitzva PART I understood that there would be no campaigns) and mentioned all of Beis Chayeinu. Shabbos farbrengen that Shabbos and he those that the Rebbe had initiated Kodesh, 9 Kislev, 5735. Musaf would announce the time for up until 5735. ended and the gabbai stood up to Mincha. He finished all the make the usual announcements. That year, 5735, the Rebbe announcements he could possibly Unlike previous years in which the farbrenged often (those in the make and the Rebbe was still Rebbe farbrenged with Chassidim know added it up at the end of the standing there. The hint was clear every Shabbos, back then the year and found that the Rebbe had – the Rebbe was not going to Rebbe led farbrengens only on farbrenged no less than 101 times!) farbreng and he was waiting for the Shabbos Mevarchim and those and since that Shabbos was 9 announcement for Mincha. He Shabbasos that coincided with Kislev, which is the birthday and looked at the Rebbe one final time special dates in the calendar. yahrtzait of the Mitteler Rebbe, and and when he saw that the Rebbe The system was that the gabbai the next day would be 10 Kislev, was still standing there, he would look towards the Rebbe the Chag HaGeula of the Mitteler announced, “Mincha will be about while he made the announcements. Rebbe, Chassidim were confident 4:00.” If the Rebbe began walking from that the Rebbe would farbreng that The Chassidim, who expected to his place before he announced the Shabbos. hear an announcement about a time for Mincha, everybody The gabbai was also sure about farbrengen, were disappointed understood that the Chassidim this. He began making his usual when they realized that despite the would have a farbrengen. announcements, about the tanks special date, there would be no Therefore, Mincha would not take that would be going out on Sunday farbrengen. The Rebbe left the shul place at a set time but when the to Manhattan with balabatim and went up to his room, followed farbrengen ended. If the Rebbe (householders) for mivtza t’fillin, by his secretary, R’ Chadakov. remained in his place, waiting for and he expected to see the Rebbe Groups of Chassidim and the announcement as to when walking away from his place which bachurim discussed why they Mincha would be, the gabbai would be his signal to announce hadn’t merited a farbrengen on that

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auspicious day. They knew that sitting on pins and needles and that Rebbe returned from the he they could not know daas elyon this significant event of his life went to daven Mincha in the small (the Rebbe’s intentions) but with would be finished in less than an zal. After davening, if there was a their daas tachton (lower hour. Then someone who lived farbrengen, the Rebbe called R’ knowledge) some people tried to nearby walked in. He had davened Chadakov to his room and come up with a reason. Perhaps the in 770 and reported that the Rebbe informed him about it. Rebbe wanted to announce a new would not be farbrenging that day. The Rebbe returned in the late mivtza or some other important In those years nearly every shul in afternoon and went to Mincha. The announcement and he wanted to Crown Heights had someone who Chassidim were bitterly save it for the farbrengen that let the people know whether the disappointed when the Rebbe would surely take place the next Rebbe would be farbrenging. So, immediately left for his room day, 10 Kislev when the farbrengen minutes after the Chassidim in 770 without calling R’ Chadakov. It was would be broadcast live and knew that there would be no clear that there would be no Chassidim worldwide could hear it. farbrengen that Shabbos, farbrengen that night either. everybody in the neighborhood PART IV PART II knew. R’ Nachman Yosef Twersky was People were disappointed, of a bachur at the time in 770 and he Musaf ended at the same time course, but since there was no knew there had to be a reason that in the Franklin shul on the edge of farbrengen to rush to they wished the Rebbe wasn’t farbrenging on Crown Heights. A Kiddush- l’chaim to the bar mitzva boy and these auspicious days. He decided farbrengen was prepared. At the the Kiddush turned into a to ask someone “in the know” who main table sat an excited bar farbrengen that lasted almost until liked him and would occasionally mitzva boy. Kiddush was made and Mincha. The bar mitzva boy was tell him about some of the some people reminded the others thrilled. wondrous occurrences that took that surely the Rebbe would be place behind the scenes. farbrenging that day for 9 Kislev The story he heard this time and urged them to hurry and finish PART III truly amazed him: before 1:00 so they could walk over Sunday, 10 Kislev, 5735. It began a few months earlier. to 770, a twenty minute walk. The Rebbe went to the Ohel in The mother of a boy in a Chabad Within minutes, people made the morning. The Chassidim, who school in New York sent the Rebbe Kiddush and wished the bar mitzva yearned for a farbrengen with the a letter in which she complained boy mazal tov. The boy was happy Rebbe, looked forward to the that her son, whose appearance with the brachos he received but Rebbe’s return. The way it worked was unusual, suffered from teasing was bothered that they were all in those days was that after the on the part of his classmates.

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R’ Chadakov called the school THE REBBE’S PROFOUND SENSITIVITY and after repeating what the Rebbe I heard this moving story two years ago around 9 Kislev. I shared said, the hanhala immediately took it with some friends and all were amazed by the Rebbe’s sensitivity. action. They were successful in Although we do not understand the Rebbe, we know that the Rebbe’s stopping the bullying. farbrengens brought down spiritual light into the world. It’s amazing That Shabbos, 9 Kislev, after to think that the Rebbe chose to forego this so that a young boy, who the Rebbe went up to his room felt socially disadvantaged, would not be hurt when his Kiddush after Mincha, he called for R’ ended earlier than that of his friends. Chadakov and explained that it was A friend of mine who is a known educator said that every teacher that boy’s bar mitzva that Shabbos ought to learn from this story how to treat his students. The Rebbe and in order that he shouldn’t feel sets a very high standard of sensitivity towards others. He did not cheated that his Kiddush- suffice with getting involved with the boy’s problem at school but farbrengen ended earlier than usual considered how his farbrengen would make the child feel and because of the Rebbe’s farbrengen, preferred not having the farbrengen so the boy would celebrate his the Rebbe decided not to farbreng. bar mitzva with a good feeling. The next day, continued the Would we forego something important to us so that one our Rebbe, would be the boy’s bar students would feel better? mitzva celebration. If there would be a farbrengen, many guests would definitely leave early and the The Rebbe told the worried was still suffering. boy’s simcha would be affected. So mother that she should speak with The Rebbe called for R’ tomorrow there will be no the principal, who would certainly Chadakov and told him to call the farbrengen either. do what he could to stop it. A few school and to ask, on the Rebbe’s (I heard this story from R’ Twersky at a weeks went by and the mother sent behalf, why this painful situation melava malka at the Beis Menachem another letter. She reported that had not been remedied. “What are Mendel shul in Crown Heights. When I she had complained to the hanhala they waiting for, that I myself visit repeated the story at a family gathering, and apparently they had not the school and handle the someone told me that he had also heard handled it properly because her son problem?” the story at the time from somebody in the school that the boy attended.)

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shlichus LIFE ON SHLICHUS: BEYOND NATURE WITHIN NATURE

By Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz Shliach, Beit Shaan

commercial vehicle in great Chassidus teaches that in the merit of a condition which was perfectly Jew’s efforts to imbue his everyday suited for the Chabad house’s needs. The price was reasonable at affairs with holiness, Hashem bestows 42,000 shekels. R’ Yardeni paid 7000 shekels as a deposit and went His blessings in a way of “higher than to the bank for a loan for the remaining 35,000 shekels to nature” within nature. The following complete the deal. A conversation ensued between are shlichus stories that bring this R’ Yardeni and the car salesman. concept to life. The shliach told him that the reason for this successful purchase was the answer he opened to from SUPERNATURAL CAR for an opportunity. the Rebbe in the Igros Kodesh. The NY 11213 The following story happened at A few days went by and one of salesman told the story to some the Chabad house of Azor. The the mekuravim, a car salesman, friends, which led to an astonishing 111 shliach, Rabbi Shimon Yardeni was walked into the Chabad house. “I development. 4 driving in his old jalopy when it let heard you are looking for a car,” A month went by and the bank him know that it had finished its he said, “and I have one that is a delayed in granting the loan. A mission in this world. R’ Yardeni real opportunity for you.” As soon friend approached R’ Yardeni with had a problem. It wasn’t worth as R’ Yardeni heard the word a complaint, “I heard that you buying another old clunker (been “opportunity” he immediately told bought a car and that you went to there, done that) and a better car the man, “Bring me the car. I’ve the bank for a loan. How could you was beyond his means. As for a bought it.” The man was taken do that without telling me? How new car, forget it. What should he aback. “First ask me what kind of much money did you ask for?” do? Write to the Rebbe, of course! car it is, how much it costs, take it R’ Yardeni told him the amount He considered going to the for a test drive, use it for a day or and the man took out his bank and asking for a loan to two. Why are you making a snap checkbook and gave him a check purchase a car but the answer he decision?” But R’ Yardeni insisted, for 35,000 shekels. opened to in the Igros Kodesh said “It’s okay. Bring me the car.” A real “opportunity” – above not to rush but to wait for an Two days later the mekurav nature. opportunity. So R’ Yardeni waited brought him a late model

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IT’S NOT WORTHWHILE was trying to get them to keep programming) by the name Rabbi Binyamin Karniel, shliach Shabbos. His answer was that it Chabad, but people should in Gadera, saw and heard many was due to financial considerations. nonetheless know that Chabad is stories from his mekuravim about “I noticed that on every one of the behind it. parnasa coming in a supernatural last 16 Saturdays something went After all the miracles and G-d’s manner, while if they did not act wrong at the company or with one kindness which he saw in the according to Torah then the losses of its vehicles. The damages buying and renovating of the were also supernatural. sustained canceled out the earnings building, he decided to call it, “One Friday, I drove up to a of that day.” “Niflaos HaTeva HaYehudi,” a gas station about an hour before The chairman showed them a name which is reminiscent of the Shabbos (to prepare for a long trip graph that charted the expenses charming desert scenery in the area that would take place right after and income for the previous 16 while also referring to the miracles Shabbos). When the attendant weeks and the employees saw how that enabled him to buy the came over I asked him when his there were profits for six days and building. shift ended. The young fellow said only losses on Saturdays. “Now do that he finished at midnight. you understand why it pays to THE REBBE REVEALED: “In a friendly manner I said, close on Shabbos?” YOU HAVE AN OLDER ‘Dear brother, it doesn’t pay to BROTHER work on Shabbos.’ WONDERS OF NATURE “I will never forget what he Rabbi Yigal Tzipori, shliach in IN MITZPEH RIMON Kiryat Shemone, relates: answered me. He said, ‘I have Rabbi Tzvi Slonim, shliach in already decided to stop working on Three years ago, two sisters, Mitzpeh Rimon, was extremely ages 20 and 23, called me from Shabbos and today is the last time busy recently since he was able, in that I have to finish my shift. Do Kiryat Ata. They introduced a supernatural manner, to buy a themselves as single religious girls, you know why I decided to stop three story building in the town working on Shabbos? Because I and they asked me whether I could center and he even obtained nice be mekarev someone from Kiryat saw clearly that every time I work donations to renovate it inside and on Shabbos, I lose the money I Shemone by the name of Moshe out. The goal is that the building Davidowitz (a pseudonym). They earn that day. I expect it by now.’ will contain all of the Chabad “As we spoke he suddenly begged me to invite him to shiurim, house programming. The inside t’fillos etc. pointed at a car that had just filled renovations are already done and up and left without paying. ‘You I knew Moshe. He had visited seminars and lectures, t’fillos, clubs the Chabad house a few times and see? I just lost everything I will and shiurim are taking place there. earn by working tonight. I don’t put on t’fillin, but I was curious The outside of the building is why the sisters were asking me to even get excited about it anymore. already looking like Beis Moshiach It is clear to me that it’s because of do this. The story they told me is – 770. The first floor is done and beyond belief. This is what they chilul Shabbos but this is really the now the two upper floors are last time.’” said: awaiting their façade of red bricks. “Since we have been waiting for At first there was no chance for a long time to get married, SHABBOS OBSERVANCE the Chabad house to buy this someone suggested that we ask the ON AN IRRELIGIOUS building. The initial bid R’ Slonim Lubavitcher Rebbe for a bracha KIBBUTZ submitted was turned down. It was through the Igros Kodesh. We went only thanks to some supernatural Another mekurav of the Chabad to the Chabad house in Kiryat Ata events that he received the approval house in Gadera told R’ Karniel and were told how to go about it. of the Amidar Company to buy the many years ago about the chairman The answer we opened to was very building. of a very large business who called surprising. It said, ‘In connection He saw this as a sign from all the employees to a sudden with the request for a bracha for a heaven and a siman bracha and he meeting. He informed them that shidduch, you should try to asked the Rebbe, in the Igros from then on, the business would mekarev your older brother … and Kodesh, what to call the building. be closed on Shabbos. may this be a help to you as well as The answer (in a response to Some of them wondered to him, materially and spiritually.’ shluchim in Morocco) was not to whether he had become religious or “We were in shock. On the one call the building (and the hand it was a direct answer about a

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shidduch but on the other hand, we don’t have an older brother!” They lived in Kiryat Ata with their mother. Their father, who lived in Tel Aviv, had cut off ties with them many years before, and neither the sisters nor their mother knew about an older brother. The sisters found out their father’s phone number in Tel Aviv and called him after years of estrangement and they told him they were going to visit him. After some polite questions they asked him directly whether they had an older brother. “What? Are you crazy?” was his response. They tried to the best of their ability to get more information but he was in the morning he finally “broke” him. insistent that there was no older and confided that before he brother. One sister gave up and *** married their mother he had been went home while the other sister Thanks to R’ Tzipori’s efforts, married to another woman. They begged her father to tell her more. Moshe got more and more involved had a son by the name of Moshe She believed absolutely in the in a life of Torah and mitzvos. A Davidowitz and he lived in Kiryat Rebbe’s answer and she wanted to year went by and Moshe and his Shemone. ascertain the facts. two sisters married and they This is why the girls were After much importuning, at one established fine Jewish homes. asking whether I could be mekarev

[Continued from pg. 42] was in close contact with R’ Yisroel between the Chassidim scattered in Jacobson and the Rebbe. all different countries? Why did R’ In the name of R’ Chaim Despite all the dangers and with Yehuda and R’ Chaim leave Prague? Chaikin and R’ Eliyah Shmuel great self-sacrifice R’ Itche Who will replace them?” During the Kahanov committed himself to remain in postwar days disruptions in the Cracow until the last Chassid left postal service were widespread, a ALONE ON THE FRONT accursed . Rabbi Jacobson’s major obstacle for communication In the espionage network woven sudden departure to the United between Chassidim. Letters and by Rabbi Jacobson, R’ Itche Goldin States on Erev Rosh Hashanah came telegrams either did not reach their was placed on guard in Cracow, as a complete surprise, and destination or they arrived late. R’ Poland. This was the first stop of the apparently R’ Itche did not know Itche complains, “I wrote letters, Chabad Chassidim traveling from that this was by order of the Rebbe. gave over lists of names, sent Lvov across the border. R’ Itche was Also the news that the two telegrams, and I did not receive a the backbone of the network. He Chassidim Chaikin and Chitrik left response.” Postal service between was in close contact with anash in their posts completely confused him. the two sides of the Atlantic was Soviet Russia, and he was the one Why did they suddenly leave irregular and consequently the who searched for, met, and directed Prague? letters and news that Rabbi Jacobson anash once they arrived in Poland. The next two letters were written writes about were not received by R’ He was in contact with anash in by R’ Itche Goldin on the same day. Itche. In short, confusion. Lodz, anash in Prague led by R’ The first letter is to Rabbi Jacobson I wonder how a worldwide Yehuda Chitrik and R’ Chaim and the second is to Mr. Grinke organization would manage to Chaikin, and anash in led by R’ Slavin. R’ Itche complains, “Why operate these days without money, Schneur Zalman Schneerson and R’ did you travel without leaving a proper postal service, telephones, fax Binyomin Gorodetzky. Obviously he replacement? With whom can I now or e-mail? seek counsel? Who will coordinate [To be continued be”H]

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memoirs FROM PRAGUE TO BELGIUM

By Rabbi Schneur Zalman Chanin Translated by Menachem Har Zvi

with the Rebbe Rayatz and anash in Additional material from the archives the refugee camps. of R’ reveals more of THE REBBE’S DIRECTIVE: his all-encompassing activities on his TRAVEL TO BELGIUM mission for the Rebbe Rayatz. In the Just prior to his return to the United States, Rabbi Jacobson gave following chapter are the fascinating R’ Yehuda Chitrik and R’ Chaim Chaikin the directive of the Rebbe letters of R’ Yehuda Chitrik and R’ Rayatz that they leave their posts in Prague and travel together with their Chaim Chaikin relating to the mission families to Belgium. What precisely placed upon them by the Rebbe Rayatz would be their function? What were they to do there? To whom should they turn when they arrived in In the upcoming chapters I will Canada, , and elsewhere. Belgium? Where to go? give an overview of the activities of As in previous chapters I will All this was unknown to them. Rabbi Jacobson beginning Rosh continue to write following the Chassidim are Chassidim; as masters Hashanah 5707, after he suddenly chronological order of the letters of absolute obedience they placed returned to the United States by and telegrams and not according to “we will do” before “we will directive of the Rebbe Rayatz. As the topical order. understand.” Immediately upon evidenced by the letters in his In the previous chapters we left receiving the directive they began to archives, Rabbi Jacobson’s mission R’ Yehuda Chitrik and R’ Chaim explore the means to receive entry did not conclude after the three- Chaikin in Prague. They served as papers into Belgium. However, to and-a-half months that he spent links in the chain created by the their dismay they encountered a traveling between the refugee camps organizers of the escape of anash mountain of obstacles. Apparently as and the border points of Europe. westward. In addition to the task of long as they were in Prague they This was only the beginning of his locating anash and helping them would not be able to receive visas. activities. He continued to direct the reach the American Zone in They learned that if they could reach rescue efforts of our brethren the Germany, they were required to Paris the chances to receive entry T’mimim from Russia until they maintain communications between papers would increase. settled in the free countries of R’ Itche Goldin in Cracow and Despite the hardships in their France, Eretz Yisroel, U.S.A., Rabbi Jacobson, who was in contact

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path, the two Chassidim and their families arrived in Paris. There they directed their footsteps to the address frequented by every Chabad Chassid: Rue Dieu 10, the house of Rabbi Schneur Zalman Schneerson. Rabbi Chitrik and his family settled in the house of Rabbi Schneerson while Rabbi Chaikin and his family moved into the apartment of Rabbi Gorodetzky, the uncle of his wife Chaya Sara. Upon arriving safely in Paris, they attempted to receive entry permits into Belgium. However, here R’ Yehuda Chitrik R’ Chaim Chaikin too they encountered difficulties, primarily due to lack of funds. They will understand.” He asks Rabbi HaTamim, highly esteemed Vasik appealed to the Vaad and Jacobson what his function will be in V’Chassid, G-d-fearing, etc. HaRav to Agudas Yisroel for help and were Belgium, requests recommendation R’ Yisroel Jacobson. refused. Once again we find that the letters and addresses to which he Greetings to you and your Vaad Hatzalah and Agudas Yisroel can turn, and even has the boldness family and all of anash. Greetings acted as strangers toward the to inquiry regarding his livelihood. and eternal good. Lubavitcher Chassidim. All the Since they were not told Immediately upon our arrival I letters, documents and telegrams specifically what their function wrote to you, notifying you of our from this period prove this bitter would be in Belgium, they assumed arrival here. Similarly I notified truth. that perhaps they should open a the Rebbe. Without choice in the matter they yeshiva and that their sons the I began to make visas for turned to a lawyer, who arranged T’mimim Tzvi Hirsch Chitrik and Belgium. We desired to procure eight entry permits for them. Azriel Chaikin would be its these through the Agudah or the However, they could not receive the foundation. Consequently R’ Y. Vaad Hatzalah, since it would not permits until they paid him. Chitrik conveys his heartfelt request be too expensive. However, we to R’ Yisroel that, since he is unable were unable to do so because they TRAVEL TO BELGIUM: to fulfill his soul’s desire to meet take the work lightly. It was FOR WHAT PURPOSE? with the Rebbe, he requests mercy necessary to do this through for his son and for the son of R’ intermediaries. The eight passports The following letter was sent by Chaim Chaikin, “our delightful that we have [for R’ Yehuda R’ Yehuda Chitrik from Paris. In the boys.” Although they plan on Chitrik, his wife, his two sons, two letter he relates current events, traveling together with their families daughters, and another two notifies R’ Yisroel that they arrived to Belgium to be the foundation of unknown individuals] cost me 100 safely in Paris, and requests the yeshiva which will be built, “this dollars, not including small permission to borrow money to pay is not their ultimate good.” expenses. the lawyer. He writes that they will, According to his understanding, it We were unable to see the with the help of G-d, be able to would be “truly good” if they highly esteemed R’ Heshel travel two days after the lawyer traveled to the United States to Raisman, who was at his post at receives payment. study in Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim. the border point of Chechin, The letter was written on For this he requests that Rabbi meaning that the Tamim Chaim th Tuesday the 6 of Tishrei, which Jacobson begin arranging the Asher [Kahanov] did not find him meant that if they received the affidavit and the documents at home. We did not have a penny necessary funds it would be possible necessary. when we arrived here. I am with th to travel either on Thursday, the 8 B”H my family at the home of the of Tishrei, or immediately after Yom 6 Tishrei 5707, Paris Chassid R’ S.Z. Shass Kippur. After R’ Yehuda Chitrik May you be inscribed and [Schneerson] where we receive relates the chapter of “we will do” sealed for a good year. sustenance. Similarly the family of he continues with the chapter of “we His Honor HaRav HaGaon Elya Shmuel [Kahanov, father of

BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 763 41 763_Beis Moshiach 08/11/2010 9:44 AM Page 42

I also request that when we receive a loan here that it be included in the account of our expenses, because this is an absolute necessity. Secondly, regarding our fine boys: our opinion is that they should travel together with us and remain for a while until we organize matters. They will be the foundation upon which the institution will be built. Therefore they are traveling with us. However, this is not their ultimate good. It would be truly good for them to travel to the United States to sit in the “tents of Torah” – Tomchei T’mimim. This is the true desired purpose. It would be appropriate that you immediately extend efforts on their behalf and make papers for “students of Tomchei T’mimim” in order that they be able to travel to the United States within two or three months. Until you go and return, a lot of time will pass and during this time until they receive the lists it will be helpful. However, it would be appropriate to send the affidavits for students quickly in order that they be able to travel sooner. I requested that you write regarding everything as soon as possible. We hope that with the Chaim Asher],and his son-in-law then we will travel to Belgium help of G-d we will soon travel to the Chassid R’ C.C. [Chaim immediately after the holy day Yom Belgium. Therefore, write all the Chaikin] are with the Chassid R’ Kippur. letters to Belgium. We currently do Binyomin [Gorodetzky]. We also I wrote a letter to the Rebbe not have an address there. You receive sustenance from the Joint. with the request that most likely do have an address We are all together, blessed is recommendation letters be sent on there. Also mention us to the Hashem. our behalf to Belgium and that he Rebbe to show us a good sign and We do not have a penny of the instruct us in general and in write the letter that I requested. funds necessary for visas and travel particular regarding the path and May Hashem grant that the expenses. We are looking for ways conduct that we shall follow. upcoming year be written and to receive them. Perhaps with the And now our request to you for sealed for good materially and help of Hashem we can receive a the benefit of this matter: I spiritually in a revealed state of loan here. The lawyer promised imagine that we will receive funds good. that, G-d willing, tomorrow – for our livelihood from the Rebbe. Your friend seeking your peace Wednesday – all the papers will be To which one of the Rebbe’s sons- all days, arranged. If it will be possible to in-law shall we turn for all our Yehuda Chitrik travel on Thursday we will travel. needs both in spiritual life and If there will be a one-day delay material life? [Continued on page 39]

42 5 Kislev 5771 BEIS MOSHIACH