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contents
G-D IS GOOD, MOSHIACH IS GOOD 9 Thought | Rabbi Zvi Homnick
‘AND THEY WILL FEAR YOU’ 12 Stories
THE GANSBOURGS AND REB LEVIK, 16 ZT”L 20 Menachem Av | Menachem Ziegelboim
FIVE DOLLARS, THREE CHILDREN, 20 AND ONE BRACHA Miracle Story | Nosson Avrohom
RABBI MORDECHAI ELIYAHU ON 24 USA B’SURAS HA’GEULA 744 Eastern Parkway Feature | Mendel Tzfasman Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409 Tel: (718) 778-8000 Fax: (718) 778-0800 FOUR YEARS IN CAPTIVITY [email protected] 31 Shleimus HaAretz | Sholom Ber Crombie www.beismoshiach.org EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: M.M. Hendel ENGLISH EDITOR: ‘MAISHKE’ Boruch Merkur Memoirs | Shneur Zalman Berger HEBREW EDITOR: 34 Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan [email protected]
TWILIGHT ENCOUNTER 38 Story | Rabbi Bentzion Elisha Beis Moshiach (USPS 012-542) ISSN 1082- 0272 is published weekly, except Jewish holidays (only once in April and October) for $160.00 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and in all other places for $180.00 per year (45 YES I’M SURE... BUT MAYBE NOT. issues), by Beis Moshiach, 744 Eastern 41 Moshiach & Science | Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd, PhD Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY and additional offices. Postmaster: send address changes to Beis Moshiach 744 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409. Copyright 2010 by Beis Moshiach, Inc. Beis Moshiach is not responsible for the content of the advertisements. 751_Beis Moshiach 26/07/2010 8:08 AM Page 4
d’var malchus
and infertility? ANSWER: According to the Midrash Rabba (B’Reishis 60:13), the V DIBARTA BAM: matriarch Rivka was childless (until Yitzchak prayed for her), so that the nations of the world would not be able to claim credit that the Jewish nation grew as a result of Lavan’s EIKEV blessing: “Our sister, may you come to be thousands of myriads” (B’Reishis 24:60). According to the Midrash Rabba Sichos In English (3:6), “Baruch tiheyeh mi’kol ha’amim,” means that “all the nations of the world will bless you.” “It shall come to pass because that Avraham kept the Torah may be Consequently, Hashem is assuring you will listen to these laws.” deduced from the word “eikev,” the Jewish people that, “Although all (7:12) which refers to the one hundred and the nations of the world will bless QUESTION: Instead of the word seventy-two words of the Ten you, it will not prevent you from “eikev” — “because” — it could have Commandments, that contain the six increasing (to deny them credit), for said “keshetishme’un” — “when you hundred and thirteen mitzvos of the I will bless you with future will listen” — or “im tishme’un” — To r a h . generations which will ensure your “if you will listen”? continuity. ANSWER: On Mount Sinai Alternatively, the Gemara (Avoda Hashem gave the Jewish people the Zara 9a) says that the world will exist “He afflicted you and let you Ten Commandments, which included for six thousand years. Two thousand hunger, and He fed you the the six hundred and thirteen mitzvos of these are utterly void of Torah, two manna.” (8:3) of the Torah (see Shmos 24:12, thousand are years of Torah without QUESTION: There is a midrash Rashi). In the version of the Ten Moshiach, and the last two thousand pelia — wondrous Midrash — that Commandments as they are recorded years will start the era of Moshiach. says, “From here we can learn that (ibid. 20:2-14), there is a total of one The first two-thousand-year period candles must be lit in honor of hundred and seventy-two words. The concluded when Avraham reached Shabbat.” What connection is there word “Eikev,” has the numerical the age of fifty-two and was between this pasuk and the obligation value of one hundred and seventy- introduced to Torah. The second to light Shabbat candles? two. Hence, the Torah is saying, “It two-thousand-year period ended one ANSWER: While eating the shall come to pass, ‘eikev tishme’un’ hundred and seventy-two years after manna, the Jew was able to imagine — because you will listen i.e. observe the destruction of the second Beit and enjoy any food. If one wanted a ‘eikev’ — the six hundred and HaMikdash, and then the era of rare delicacy, the manna would thirteen mitzvos which are in the one Moshiach began (see Rashi). assume this taste, and if one wanted a hundred and seventy-two words of With the word “eikev,” which has sumptuous dessert, one would taste the Ten Commandments. Thus, your the numerical value of one hundred that. Why, then, does the verse G-d will safeguard for you the and seventy-two, the Torah is hinting mention the manna in connection covenant and kindness that He swore that “eikev” — one hundred and with affliction? to your forefathers.” seventy-two years after the Although the taste of the manna destruction — “tishme’un” — “you varied according to one’s desire, the Alternatively, the Gemara (Yoma will hear” — the footsteps of Gemara (Yoma 74b) explains that, 28b) says that our father Avraham Moshiach. “You cannot compare one who sees kept the entire Torah, as Scripture what he eats with one who does not states, “eikev asher shama Avrohom “You will be the most blessed of see what he is eating. This is the b’koli” — “because Avraham all the peoples; there will be no reason that blind people glut hearkened to My voice [kept My infertile male or infertile female themselves without becoming charge, My commandments, My among you.” (7:14) satisfied.” Thus, while it is true that a statutes, and My laws] (B’Reishis QUESTION: What is the person would experience any taste 26:5). In light of the above, the proof connection between being blessed imaginable, since he did not actually
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see his food, he did not truly enjoy it. (olives and dates), but the extracts — bring us up from Egypt to bring us to Scripture instructs us, “You shall oil and honey. Why? this evil place — not a place of seed proclaim the Shabbat ‘oneg’ — ‘a ANSWER: The Gemara (Horiat or fig or grape or pomegranate?” delight’ “ (Isaiah 58:13), and our 13b) says that eating olives can cause (BaMidbar 20:5). sages (Shabbat 118b) explain that the one to forget Torah learned over a From the fact that Yaakov brought way to experience delight is by eating period of seventy years. The Gemara honey to Egypt, and that the Jews did delicious foods. Hence, if the home is (P’sachim 88a) relates that Ulah once not complain in the wilderness about not lit, regardless of the quality of the came to Pumpedita and he was lacking olive-oil and honey, it is food, not only will one not enjoy the served a small basket of dates. He apparent that they also did not have food, but, on the contrary, it will be inquired, “How many of these can be these items in Egypt. Therefore, to an affliction. Therefore, one is purchased for one zuz” (Talmudic emphasize the excellence of Eretz obligated to light candles to currency)? They told him, “Three Yisroel, the Torah separates olive-oil illuminate the Shabbat table, so that [small baskets or one large one] for and honey from the other items with everyone sitting at the table will one zuz.” In amazement he said, “A the word “eretz,” to emphasize that, proclaim the Shabbat an “oneg” — basketful of honey can be purchased in this land, the Jews would enjoy “delight.” for one zuz, and yet the Babylonians something which they did not have do not engage in Torah study (with previously. “You should know in your heart the cost of living so low, surely they that just as a father will chastise his have plenty of time to study)?” At “A land whose stones are iron.” son, so G-d, your G-d, chastises night he became ill and said, “A (8:9) you.” (8:5) basketful of poison can be purchased QUESTION: The Gemara QUESTION: In what sense is for one zuz, yet the Babylonians study (Taanis 4a) says, “Read not Hashem’s chastising of the Jewish Torah!” ‘avanehah’ — ‘stones’ — but people similar to a father chastising From these two Gemaras, it is ‘bonehah’ — ‘builders’ “ — referring his son? evident that olives and dates have a to talmidei chachamim — Torah ANSWER: Even when a father is detrimental effect on one’s Torah scholars. Why does the pasuk displeased with his son’s behavior study. On the other hand, the compare talmidei chachamim to iron and hits him, he would be very upset Gemara (ibid.) says olive oil can help and not to stones? if a stranger hits his son. The father one remember the Torah which he ANSWER: King Shlomo says, would become protective then and learned over seventy years, and the “As iron sharpens iron, so a man defend his son. Gemara (Yoma 83b) says that honey, sharpens his fellow” (Proverbs However, when a person hits a “enlightens the eye of man.” 27:17). The Gemara (Taanis 7a) says stranger for committing a Consequently, the Torah did not that Torah scholars are compared to wrongdoing against him, he is praise Eretz Yisroel with fruits (olives iron because one sharpens the other grateful to every outsider who and dates) that interfere with in halacha. intervenes on his behalf. learning, but with foods (oil and When one stone is rubbed against Although Hashem may exile the honey) that benefit man and enhance another, fire is created (see P’sachim Jewish people due to displeasure with the study of Torah. 54a). Fire represents machlokes — their behavior, He is not happy with arguments and disputes — because the countries that mistreat them while “A land of wheat, barley, grape, just as fire destroys a home, so ruling over them. Even before they fig, and pomegranate; a land of oil- machlokes destroys families and became a nation, Hashem promised olives and date-honey.” (8:8) friendships. By comparing Torah Avraham that He would punish the QUESTION: Why does the scholars to iron the pasuk is teaching nations that oppress them (B’Reishis Torah write “eretz” — “land” — a us that talmidei chachamim should 15:14). second time for “zeit shemen sharpen and assist one another, and u’devash” — “olive-oil and honey”? not be like stones, creating potentially “A land of wheat, barley, grape, ANSWER: When the brothers catastrophic sparks of dissension. fig, and pomegranate; a land of oil- went down to Egypt for the second olives and date-honey.” (8:8) time, Yaakov told them, “Take of the “Who leads you through the QUESTION: For the first five land’s glory and bring it down to the awesome wilderness, of snakes, species with which the land is praised man [Yosef] as a tribute...a bit of fiery serpents, and scorpions, and the pasuk mentions the fruits honey” (B’Reishis 43:11). When the thirst where there was no water, themselves while for the last two the Jews complained about the who brings forth water for you from fruits themselves are not mentioned wilderness they said, “Why did you the rock of flint.” (8:15)
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QUESTION: Why is Hashem’s thinking erroneously that what they merely “chips.” leading the Jews through a wilderness give away will reduce their assets. with all sorts of snakes and his The word “otzem” in Hebrew can “And now Israel what does G-d bringing forth water from the rock, also be interpreted as “closing up” your G-d require of you but to fear mentioned in the same pasuk? (see Isaiah 33:15). To dispel the G-d your G-d.” (10:12) ANSWER: The Gemara (Brachos illusion of some wealthy people QUESTION: The Gemara 33a) relates that in a certain city regarding sharing wealth with the less (Brachos 33b) asks, “Is fear, then, people were being harmed by a snake. fortunate, the Torah says, “Do not such a small thing?” The Gemara When they informed Rabbi Chanina think that ‘my strength’ and ‘otzem replies, “Ein legabi Moshe milta ben Dosa about this, he asked to be yadi’ — ‘my closed up hand’ — zutrata hi” — “Yes, in the case of shown the snake’s burrow. He put his made me all this wealth. On the Moshe it is a small thing.” The heel over it, and when the snake came contrary, open your hand, and then answer of the Gemara is out and bit him, it died. According to you will be blessed with even more. incomprehensible, for it is written, the Jerusalem Talmud (Brachos 5:1), “What does G-d require of you?” a spring of water had miraculously “Carve for yourself two stone ANSWER: People who may opened under Rabbi Chanina’s heel Tablets.” (10:1) occasionally violate Torah rule, will and that sealed the fate of the snake, QUESTION: From the word not do so when someone whom they for when a snake bites a person, if the “lecha” — “for yourself” — which highly revere is present. The Gemara person reaches water before the seems superfluous, the Gemara is saying that “legabi Moshe” — if snake, the snake will die, but if the (Nedarim 38a) deduces that Moshe one envisions himself in the presence snake reaches water first the person was permitted to keep the chips of the of Moshe — it will be very easy for will die. Tablets, which made him very him to fear Hashem and not Describing the miracles Hashem wealthy. Why is it important to know transgress. performed for the Jewish people in how he became wealthy? When the prophet said, “Vehayu the wilderness, the Torah states, ANSWER: Many businesses have einecha ro’os et morecha” — “And “Who leads you through a great and major expense accounts and also a your eyes will behold your teacher” awesome wilderness, of snakes, fiery petty cash fund for small (Isaiah 30:20), it does not necessarily serpents, and scorpions, and thirst expenditures. Careful watch over the mean physical seeing, but where there was no water.” These small expenditures is crucial to the imagination. When one “sees” his conditions were extremely dangerous overall success of the business, and teacher in front of him, then he will since they were likely to be bitten by negligence regarding the petty cash conduct himself properly. snakes in places where water was not fund can sometimes run the company available. The Torah therefore states into serious financial difficulties. Before Eliyahu parted with his that Hashem miraculously brought The Tablets contained the Ten student Elisha and went up to forth water from the rock, which Commandments, which in reality heaven, Elisha asked him, “May twice provided water instantly to any represent the six hundred and your prophetic power be mine.” person bitten, killing the snake and thirteen mitzvos of the Torah (see Eliyahu said, “You have made a saving the person. Shmos 24:12, Rashi). Among the difficult request; [however], im tira mitzvos of the Torah there are those oti lukach mei’itach yehi lecha chein “And you may say in your heart, which people consider important, — if you will see me taken from you, ‘My strength and the might of my and others which they consider it shall be so for you — but if you do hand made me all this wealth.’ “ trivial. They compare some of the not, then it will not happen” (II Kings (8:17) mitzvos to precious stones, and 2:9,10). What does Elisha’s seeing QUESTION: Since the pasuk regard others as mere “chips,” which Eliyahu being taken away have to do already says “kochi” — “my are much less valuable. The chips of with his request? strength” — what is the purpose of the Tablets are symbolic of often- Eliyahu was telling Elisha, “I the words “ve’ otzem yadi” — “and neglected mitzvos. consider you to be my most dedicated the might of my hand?” The Gemara is not merely telling disciple, and I know how much ANSWER: When a Jew is blessed us the source of Moshe’s material respect you have for me. However, I with affluence, the Torah expects him affluence, but also describing his am wondering what our relationship to give tz’daka and share his wealth spiritual wealth, which, according to will be when I am no longer with the needy. Sometimes there are our sages, derived from his careful physically with you. Thus, im tira oti wealthy people who are “tight-fisted” observance of every mitzvah, even — if you will continue to see me — and refrain from giving tz’daka, those some people consider to be i.e. envision my presence at all times
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even when ‘lukach mei’itach’ — I am Each letter can also be written out in in Egypt denied them the opportunity physically taken away from you — full, for example, alef, beit, gimmel. of realizing that they are constantly then you will have proven your Thus, there is an external part of the dependent on Hashem. The blessing greatness and you will merit twice my letter and a hidden internal part, of living in Eretz Yisroel and having to prophetic power.” reflected in the full spelling. rely on water from Heaven is that The way to write out in full a mem they always have to look up to Another explanation: the words of or hey is by adding the same letter Heaven (Hashem) and pray to Him the Gemara “legabi Moshe” can be i.e., mem-mem, hei-hei. Thus each of for sustenance. A constant interpreted as “being close to these two letters are tocho k’baro — relationship with Hashem is a Moshe.” It is indeed not easy for the inside is identical to the outside. blessing. every individual to attain the proper Among people there are some fear of Hashem. However, the who are wicked on the inside but After the serpent instigated Chava Gemara is advising us that “being appear to be righteous on the outside. to eat the forbidden fruit, it was close to Moshe” — being connected Moshe was not asking, but telling the cursed, “Upon your belly you shall go to a tzaddik, a Torah leader of the Jews that “mah” — to be like the and dust shall you eat all the days of generation — will help one achieve letters “mah” i.e., true inside and your life” (B’Reishis 3:14). Since he the proper level of yiras Shamayim — outside, is what Hashem Elokecha will always have food available fear of Heaven. sho’eil mei’imach — G-d, your G-d, wherever he will be, what is the asks of you. curse? “Now, O Israel, what does G-d, Hashem provides food for your G-d, ask of you.” (10:12) “For the land to which you everybody, including animals, as QUESTION: The word “mah” come, to possess it, it is not like the King David says, “The young lions — “what” — seems to be land of Egypt... and water it on foot roar after their prey and to seek their superfluous. Instead of asking a like a vegetable garden. But the land food from Hashem” (Psalms question, “What does Hashem ask of to which you cross over... from the 104:21). The greatest punishment a you?” Moshe should have simply rain of heaven shall it drink water.” father can give a child is to hand him said, “Hashem asks of you the (11:10-11) a large sum of money and say, “Take following....” QUESTION: Rain water, unlike this, and I do not want to see your ANSWER: On the pasuk, “G-d, river water, is not always available. If face anymore.” Thus, by making food your G-d, shall you follow” (13:5) so, what advantage would the Jews available to him at all time and at all the Gemara (Sota 14a) asks, “How is experience in Eretz Yisroel in the places and denying him the it possible for a human being to watering of the fields? opportunity to look towards Heaven follow Hashem, of whom it is said, ANSWER: The Gemara (Yoma (Hashem) for food, Hashem was, in ‘For G-d, your G-d, is a consuming 76a) relates that, “Rabbi Shimon bar effect, saying to the serpent “I don’t fire”? (4:24) and answers that the Yochai was asked by his disciples, want to see you.” Torah means that one should emulate ‘Why didn’t the manna come down Hashem’s attributes. Just as He for Israel once annually?’ He replied, “You shall bind them for a sign performs acts of kindness, so shall ‘I shall give a parable. There was a upon your arm and let them be a you; He clothes the naked, visits the king of flesh and blood who had one frontlet between your eyes. You sick, and buries the dead, so shall son; he provided him with his shall teach them to your children” you” (see also 13:5, Rashi). maintenance once a year, and he (11:18-19) In light of the above, it can be would visit his father only once a QUESTION: Why, in this pasuk, explained that Moshe did not begin year. Unsatisfied with seeing his son does it first mention the mitzvah of his remarks with a question, but He so rarely, he provided him t’fillin followed by the mitzvah of was making a statement. He was maintenance daily, so that he would teaching the children, while in the telling the Jewish people that “mah call on him every day. The same first portion of the Shma (6:6), it says Hashem Elokecha” — “What G-d, applies to the Israelites. One who had first, “You shall teach them your G-d, consists of” — i.e. what He four or five children would worry, thoroughly to your children” and the represents and practices — “sho’eil saying: “Perhaps no manna will come mitzvah of t’fillin afterward? mei’imach” — “He asks of you” — down tomorrow, and all of us will die ANSWER: A parent is obligated to emulate him in your daily lives. of hunger.” Thus, they were forced to to teach his child Torah as soon as he constantly turn their attention to their is able to speak (11:19, Rashi). When Alternatively, in the Hebrew alef- Father in Heaven.’ “ the child reaches the age of thirteen, beit, there are twenty-two letters. The constant availability of water he becomes Bar-Mitzvah and is
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required to wear t’fillin. Many approaching, he took his son to the parents take an active interest in their The Gemara (Brachos 6a) says Hebrew book store and asked the child’s education when he is very that Hashem wears t’fillin containing salesman for a Bar-Mitzvah set. The young. However, as he grows older, the pasuk, “And who is like Your salesman opened the box and the boy their participation wanes. people like Israel, one nation on saw in it a pair of t’fillin and a tallis. In the first portion of the Shma, earth” (II Samuel 7:23), which Having no knowledge of these the Torah is teaching us that the first testifies to the uniqueness and strange items, he asked his father obligation of a parent is to teach his greatness of the Jewish people. The with a puzzled expression on his face, child Torah while he is very young, Gemara (Brachos 11a) also says that “What are these?” The father told and, when he reaches the age of t’fillin are called “pe’eir” — him, “My son, this is what every Jew thirteen, the parent must see to it that “magnificence” — as we find that must have when he becomes Bar- he puts on t’fillin. The second when Yechezkel was in mourning, he Mitzvah.” The young boy looked up portion is teaching us that even when was told, “Pe’eirecha chavush alecha” to his father and inquisitively asked, the child is already wearing t’fillin i.e. — “Put on your magnificent “So father, when are you becoming he has become Bar-Mitzvah, the headgear (t’fillin)” (Ezekiel 24:17). Bar-Mitzvah?” parent is not free of his obligation to In the Slichos prayers recited on a educate his children. He must fast day we say, “Asei l’maan “You shall teach them to your continue to teach and always be pe’eirecha” — “Act for the sake of children to discuss them, while you involved in his children’s Torah your magnificence.” This may be sit in your home, while you walk on learning. explained to mean that we are asking the way, when you retire and when Hashem to act on behalf of His you arise.” (11:19) “You shall bind them for a sign “pe’eir” — t’fillin — i.e. the Jewish QUESTION: Why does the upon your arm and let them be an people: “Please forgive the sins of the Torah have to specify all the ornament between your eyes.” Jewish people and make them the conditions under which a parent (11:18) ‘one nation on earth.’ Thus, Your should teach his children, instead of QUESTION: When t’fillin fall to t’fillin, which declare the praise and simply saying “teach them at all the ground they should be picked up uniqueness of the Jewish people, will times”? immediately, and it is customary to be telling the truth. Otherwise, the ANSWER: Often children, out of give them a kiss. What is the kashrus of Your t’fillin will be respect or fear, fulfill the wishes and significance of this custom? questionable.” desires of their parents. However, ANSWER: When Rabbi Levi once that motivation no longer exists, Yitzchak of Berditchev once observed “You shall teach them to your the children do as they wish. For such a scene in his shul, he lifted his children to discuss them.” (11:19) instance, many children observe eyes to Heaven and said, “A-mighty QUESTION: The word “otam” To r a h a n d mitzvos while their parents G-d, when this simple Jew’s t’fillin can also be spelled with a “cholom are alive in order to please them, but fell down, he immediately picked vav” (see VaYikra 23:43, 24:6). Why not after their parents’ demise. True them up and kissed them. The is the vowel here without a vav? education consists of molding a Gemara (Brachos 6a) says that You, ANSWER: The word “otam” person’s way of life and thinking so too, wear t’fillin and in Your t’fillin is without a vav, which is translated to that the principles instilled in him written Your pride in the Jewish mean “them,” can also be read as remain imbedded forever. people. Unfortunately, Your t’fillin “atem” which means “you.” The The Torah is not only instructing — the Jewish people — have fallen, Torah is instructing us that in order us when to teach children, but also and have been lying in disgrace for for a parent to succeed in teaching specifying the kind of education to many years with the nations of the “otam” — “them” — Torah and give them. The goal should be to world stepping on them. Why don’t mitzvos — to his children, it is permeate the children with Torah and You pick up Your t’fillin — the imperative that it also be “atem” — firmly impress on them the Jewish people — and give them the you must be a living example to your importance of its observance. Thus, ‘kiss’ they so well deserve?” children — i.e., the children should they will study and observe not only Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s heartfelt see you learning Torah and observing when the father is home with them, plea to Hashem to “pick up Your mitzvos. but even when he “walks on his way”: t’fillin and give them a kiss,” was that when he does not have any further Hashem should immediately send A non-observant father once sent physical contact with them, they will Moshiach to redeem the Jews and his child to a Hebrew school. As the continue to observe Torah and take them out of exile. child’s Bar-Mitzvah was mitzvos on their own.
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thought G-D IS GOOD, MOSHIACH IS GOOD
By Rabbi Zvi Homnick
Although the story is obviously For someone who has “tasted” indicative of the great spiritual Chassidus, the idea that Moshiach will powers of a great Tzaddik such as the Alter Rebbe, since it can hardly be bad for you is not only factually be expected that an ordinary Chassid would have achieved the same result incorrect but inconceivable ... Every with the same message, the content of the message is clearly a central fiber of my being feels that it is under point of the story. We discussed and analyzed every detail of the story, assault in the face of such a suggestion with a key point of discussion being that is completely contrary to what I the question of whether Misnagdim in general have a more negative view know as absolute reality, because I of G-d, and if they do why is that the case. have “tasted” and “seen” az der We had both grown up being educated in Torah institutions that Oibershter is gut. tended to embrace a more oppositional view of the Chassidic GOOD FOR WHOM? paid a visit to the town of Shklov, a movement as a whole, while In the early years of my bastion of Lithuanian scholarship attempting to incorporate some involvement with Chabad Chassidus, and opposition to Chassidus. There ideas and insights from the great I got into a lengthy discussion with a he entered a house of study, where Chassidic masters, especially those good friend of mine who was a many young scholars were learning ideas that portray Judaism in a more direct descendant of a renowned with great diligence. He went up to positive and inspirational light. As Polish Chassidic dynasty and very the lectern and proclaimed loudly such, we had never really been interested in understanding the with a distinctive tune (well-known exposed to the extreme attitudes distinctions between Chabad and to Chassidim), “Taamu U’Re’u Ki attributed to the early Misnagdim in other Chassidic approaches. Tov Havaya – farzucht, vet ihr zehn, Chassidic writings, in which G-d is (Tragically, he passed away earlier az der Oibershter is gut (taste, and portrayed as a scary all-powerful this past year at a young age, leaving you will see, that G-d is good).” The being just waiting to zap those who behind a young widow and ten Alter Rebbe immediately left and step out of line, conjuring up young children.) In that hurried to get out of town as there inventive means of torturing and conversation, I brought up a story of was a very real threat of physical tormenting the souls of the sinful the Alter Rebbe from the period of danger for Chassidim in those days, (and who is really completely pure of his life when he traveled incognito and the story goes that he was sin?) for all eternity. for the purpose of bringing in new followed by scores of young men And yet, as we thought about it, recruits to the Chassidic movement. who eventually became devout we concluded that the main reason The story took place when he Chassidim. for this was not a true shift in
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perception, but rather a shift in G-d, which do not comport with unspeakable and eternal suffering emphasis. Since we live in times Him as the infinitely loving and for almost all Jews. when young people are surrounded lovable Being that He is. This The question then is why G-d by a beckoning world of seemingly involved another even older friend would demand of us that we wait in endless options and freedoms, the from my early childhood, who is also anticipation, and constantly hope focus became on developing a a direct descendant of one of the and pray for the coming of success orientation rather than a early Chassidic greats, but came Moshiach when it is so patently Yiras Shamayim orientation. The from a more modern home and detrimental to our interests. The idea being that American kids relate made great sacrifices in order to answer he gives is that this is more to concrete measurable steps attend the same yeshivas that I did. another example of a commandment that define success in a given pursuit His connection with his Chassidic that requires great personal sacrifice, or vocation, so the yeshiva model for origins is limited to great admiration namely that we really truly hope and the New World became one that for the late Satmar Rebbe with pray for something inordinately focused on being a success in whom he has a family relation, so horrible since this is what G-d learning, with every other aspect of his opposition to Chabad is both as a wants. observance and ideology seen as Misnaged and as a “Chassid.” Apparently, this theorem was not secondary, tertiary, or even entirely At the time, a local Jewish an original one, because I discovered peripheral, but necessary for success magazine decided to capitalize on that the Rebbe actually addressed in learning. the controversy surrounding the this perverted view a number of However, despite the Moshiach issue, and they published years earlier, bemoaning the tragedy aforementioned shift, if someone is an article from my friend which was of those that perceive G-d as the committed to pursuing and attaining unreservedly critical of Lubavitch. In epitome of heartlessness. In the real feelings of fear and awe of response, they later published an Rebbe’s words, “Dos iz aza Heaven, he has no real tools to do article from a prominent Lubavitcher achzariyus vos der Satan alein volt so except to fire up his imagination as well as a reply article from my nisht gekent oistrachten (that is such to come up with ways of seeing and friend, under the heading of “the a cruelty that Satan himself couldn’t defining G-d in scary terms. So, great Moshiach debate.” In his have thought it up).” And yet, when despite the general avoidance of the original article, he wrote that I spoke to other people from my more “negative” and “scary” aspects Lubavitch was guilty of false past, including close family, they of Judaism, there remains a advertising when it comes to the didn’t think that his views were that perceptual undercurrent of G-d as issue of Moshiach. This is because far off the mark. Now that is scary! the big bad bogeyman, which tends they represent to the uneducated So what is the basis for the to come to the fore only when public the idea that when Moshiach Chassidic approach? How does one decrying or condemning some other comes it will be good. However, this “see” that G-d is good? And what group for their laxity of observance is completely untrue for everybody about all the harrowingly harsh and or questionable ideology, whence but the most righteous people or horrific purgations purportedly they are consigned to eternal those who have repented their sins practiced in purgatory presumably damnation seasoned with in good time. preparatory to paradise (some even unspeakable tortures. Although, this Citing the Chofetz Chaim, he cited in Tanya)? generally is accompanied by outrage explained that after Moshiach comes and righteous indignation, it can there will take place “the Great and GOOD TASTE actually be a fun and even cathartic Awesome Judgment Day,” and at Perhaps we can answer those exercise carried out in good cheer that time, anyone who committed a questions by analyzing the verse with verve and gusto (sometimes sin with any one of his limbs or quoted in the story at the beginning even by the “G’dolim” leadership). organs will be consigned to spend all of the article, “Taste, and you will of eternity without that limb or see, that G-d is good.” The obvious organ, since it will be too late for IS IT REALLY GOOD? question is what does taste have to repentance. Thus, someone who Not long after that conversation, do with seeing, and how does sinned by listening to forbidden talk I got incontrovertible confirmation Chassidus facilitate this tasting and will have no ears, by viewing of the aforementioned thesis, that seeing? To understand this we need forbidden sights will have no eyes, without Chassidus even the most to acknowledge that pretty much and so on and so forth. That being learned people can and do end up every Torah source from all periods the case, he concluded that with some pretty twisted ideas about and disciplines all seem to concur Moshiach’s arrival will herald
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that this world is a place where there enhancing and intensifying the GOOD IS NOT GOOD exists far more negativity, whether it attribute of Chesed. Any ENOUGH be pain and suffering or wickedness concealment or painful situation is There is a note written by Rabbi and injustice, than good. only temporary and fleeting and only Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, the According to Kabbala and as a means to make the world and Rebbe’s father, whose yahrtzait we Chassidus, the reason for this is due the individual Jew a proper vessel to commemorate on the 20th day of Av, to the tremendous concealment and receive His material blessings in this where he writes about the withholding of G-dly light that is world and G-d’s Infinite Light and persecution and suffering that he necessary to create a finite material His infinite goodness in the World to endured beginning with his first world. As such, in this world, the Come. It is only if you “taste” it arrest. There he explains based on Divine attribute of G’vura (strength, separately that it seems to be just many Kabbalistic ideas how his name justice, severity) is more manifest plain bad, and the world and its and various aspects of his life allude than the infinite creative powers of Creator seem to look just as bad. to the Divine attribute of G’vura, and Chesed (loving-kindness, generosity, However, through learning how they manifested in his life. And tolerance). In fact, “G-d saw that Chassidus and developing an yet, the whole tone of the piece is the world would not be able to appreciation for the infinite about how “G-d is good” and that survive so He partnered it with the greatness and goodness of Hashem, the whole purpose for the existence attribute of Rachamim (mercy, and how this is expressed even more of this Divine attribute is so that it be compassion),” which allows for the powerfully within the concealment of “sweetened” with Chesed, and mutual cooperation of both forces. the finite, and how in fact the concludes with the prayer that he So, if we were to extrapolate any concealment only exists in order to witness the actual sweetening and be knowledge of G-d from the world as bring about greater revelation, then released from his exile. Although it is we see it, since what we see is you can actually alter your own all good, when everything comes mostly negative, we would be forced experience of the world as we know together in a sweet way that is when to conclude that even if we were to it. “Taste” and only then will you it is better than good. accept the idea that “G-d is good” “see” that G-d is good. In similar fashion, we currently as a matter of faith, since He told us For someone who has “tasted” find ourselves in a time of so in His Torah, we could hardly say Chassidus, the idea that Moshiach concealment, a time which the Rebbe that we “see that G-d is good.” will be bad for you is not only alluded to in a lengthy footnote in However, the power of taste factually incorrect but inconceivable. the last edited sicha to date with the works differently than the power of This is not only from an intellectual verse, “For a brief moment, I have sight. By properly blending some of and/or ideological standpoint, but deserted you, and with great mercies the foulest tasting ingredients such every fiber of my being feels that it is I will gather you in.” And yet, we are as vinegar and the like, one can under assault in the face of such a called upon to not only “see” that G- tease out more pleasurable flavors suggestion that is completely d is good, but to “open our eyes” than if he were limited to using only contrary to what I know as absolute and see how everything that is good tasting ingredients. Someone reality, because I have “tasted” and happening is not just leading up to who had only tasted vinegar straight “seen” az der Oibershter is gut. (As Geula and the coming of Moshiach, up, the next time he saw a vinegar to the “Great and Awesome but is part of the actual process. This bottle he would “see” it as Judgment Day,” this not the time or requires that we apply the power of something awful because he only place, but let us suffice with the “taste” in order to appreciate even “sees” it in terms of his earlier statement of the Minchas Elozor of those ingredients in the process that negative experience. However, Munkatch who after explaining that seem to be less than palatable, so someone who has tasted many this does not apply to Jews and that we can “see” that “G-d is good” delicacies which include vinegar certainly not in any adverse way and Moshiach is good. This in turn, “sees” it in an entirely different light. [citing the Arizal and others] said should only strengthen our In fact, there are many people who regarding those that use this to commitment to not be satisfied with feel deprived when refraining from convince Jews that Moshiach will be a good that requires “tasting” first, vinegar use during the High Holiday bad for them – afra l’pumayhu [may but to insist on and do everything in season, depending on their custom. their mouths be filled with dust] – in our power to bring about the Similarly, in Kabbala and a positive way of course, i.e. the ultimate revealed good with the True Chassidus it is explained that the “dust” of bittul to G-d and His and Complete Redemption, existence of the Divine attribute of righteous ones). immediately, NOW! G’vura is strictly for the purpose of
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stories AND THEY WILL FEAR YOU
A compilation of stories about the mitzva of t’fillin, from the Rebbe’s sichos. * Presented for Parshas Eikev in which we read about the mitzva of t’fillin.
THE LID OF seriously ill and needed a WHAT IS THE LAW THE SNUFF BOX complicated operation. He wrote to me and asked for a bracha. Nu, ABOUT SOMEONE The Alter Rebbe had a silver when a Jew asks for a bracha how WHO IS HEADLESS? snuff box without a cover since he could I not give him one? I wrote One time a bright child, not yet used the shiny cover to properly him with a bracha for a full recovery bar mitzva, came for a yechidus and place the t’fillin on his head so they and added that he should start I asked him some questions. I asked would be precisely centered. putting on t’fillin every day. him, “What is the din about When someone commented to He committed to doing this and someone who does not have a hand the Tzemach Tzedek that the Alter suddenly recovered. He did not need (G-d forbid) – does he need to put Rebbe broke the cover off the box, an operation and the doctors were t’fillin on his head? the Tzemach Tzedek said that his very amazed. The other patients The child answered: “Of course grandfather’s way was not to break. asked him how he recovered and he he needs to put on t’fillin shel rosh.” He did not break it. The cover was told them that he started putting on I asked him: “Why?” probably attached with a pin and he t’fillin and got better. If so, said the The child answered: “Although it simply removed the pin. patients, we will also start putting on says, ‘as long as they are between … The inyan is: In k’dusha t’fillin and many of them began your eyes there should be two,’ and there is no breaking. Therefore, it doing so every day. here there aren’t ‘two,’ because he was obvious that the Alter Rebbe did … The entire purpose for his cannot put on the t’fillin shel yad, not break off the cover. going to the hospital was only to but nevertheless he must put it on (Likkutei Sichos vol. 17, p. 76) start putting on t’fillin and to because that’s what the halacha influence others to do the same. says.” WHY DID THE SICK When he did his job, he left the I asked: “What would the din be PERSON GO TO THE hospital. in the opposite case, when he HOSPITAL? (Sicha B’Shalach 5714, doesn’t have a head but he has an Sichos Kodesh, p. 185) arm?” A Jew in Eretz Yisroel was
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The story is known about the gentile shoemaker who stole a pair of t’fillin from a Jew and when they [Jews] noticed the t’fillin and claimed that he stole it, he said “Sam sapozhnik,” that he himself was a shoemaker and made the t’fillin himself. He saw that the t’fillin were made out of animal hide and since he was a shoemaker and sewed shoes made from animal hide, he claimed that he had made the t’fillin himself! This story is not only humorous – as we understand from the fact that it is told to Jewish children learning in chadarim, and in fact I think this story is quoted in one of the letters of the Rebbe Rayatz – but has a lesson, and in addition – there is a source for this in Torah: In the Midrash it says that because Avrohom Avinu said, “whether from a thread till a shoelace” – he was alluding to the mitzva of chalitza and the mitzva of t’fillin. In this we see the connection between t’fillin and shoes made by a The child answered: “All the asked him: “Where did you get that shoemaker (as in the story more so must he put on the t’fillin from? What’s the source?” mentioned above). shel yad for if, when he does not He said: “What do you mean? I Along similar lines, we see in have a hand, despite the fact that it have a head. I understand. Yagati sifrei Kabbala and Chassidus that says, ‘as long as they are between u’matzasi.” Matat sews shoes and with every your eyes there should be two’ R’ Zev Wolf said about this: stitch he makes Supernal nevertheless we do the opposite of It happened after a pogrom that Unifications like the yichudim the pasuk and put on the t’fillin shel Jews went to a village of gentiles to accomplished through the mitzva of rosh (only) – when there is no head, buy back from them those items that t’fillin. for which there is no pasuk that had been robbed from them during (Sicha B’Reishis 5742 – Hisvaaduyos p. 304) says, ‘as long as they are between the pogrom. In one house they saw a your hands there should be two’ (in pair of t’fillin. They yelled at the *** fact, we start by putting on the hand man, “That’s stolen! Give it back!” He claims that he has a t’fillin only) – he should certainly, at He said, “What do you mean? “Shulchan Aruch,” and he has also a least, put on the hand t’fillin.” Sam sapozhnik (I myself am a brain in his skull and so he can Then he realized that he was shoemaker)!” himself, boruch Hashem, resolve missing something relevant. I asked The goy didn’t know it but we everything correctly and doesn’t him: “Then why doesn’t such a find in the Gemara that there is a have to ask the Rebbe. halacha appear anywhere?” And he specific connection between the Regarding someone like this the realized that something was amiss … t’fillin straps and shoelaces: “As a Rebbe Rayatz once used the (Sicha of Motzaei Shabbos Ki Sisa 5739 – reward for Avrohom Avinu saying … expression, “sam sapozhnik” (he Sichos Kodesh p. 313) ‘till a shoelace,’ his descendants himself is a shoemaker). merited … the straps of t’fillin.” There is a story about a Jew “SAM SAPOZHNIK” (Sicha of 12 Tamuz 5713 walking into a goy’s house and – Sichos Kodesh p. 330) seeing t’fillin there and deciding to A Chassid once gave his own buy them from him he asks: Where explanation in Chassidus. They ***
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did you get these from? to play in the World Series on Yom wear his weekday hat, then he could The goy – who doesn’t know Kippur and said he would not play come with t’fillin. whether the Jew intends on buying on Rosh HaShana either. A young When the rav realized that he them or is trying to find out where man came to him and said that if had caused another Jew to come on he stole them from – answers, “Ya that’s the case, he had a gift for him, Shabbos with t’fillin, which is the sam sapozhnik” – I myself am a a pair of t’fillin. opposite of the holiness of Shabbos, shoemaker and I sewed them myself. The pitcher said that he still he took it to heart. Obviously, concludes the Rebbe remembered t’fillin but refused to (Sicha Shabbos Chazon 5736 Rayatz, there is no connection put them on. The pitcher went on – Sichos Kodesh p. 569) between a goy and the making of his way and that day he did not win t’fillin! the game. YEARNING FOR THE Likewise, someone who thinks The young man visited him again MITZVA OF T’FILLIN that he, too, can figure out and spoke to him. The end was that There is the story about Rabbi everything himself and he doesn’t the pitcher won in the World Series Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev that have to ask the Rebbe. and the t’fillin are on his table. In after Sukkos and Pesach (some say (Sicha Shlach 5711 – Hisvaaduyos p. 175) the end, “none will be cast away…” even after Shavuos) he would wait and he will merit to put them on and impatiently for daybreak because he so we will have another Jew who T’FILLIN MADE greatly yearned to fulfill the mitzva puts on t’fillin. of t’fillin. And this was the case even OF POTATOES When I read about this (the though the spiritual inyanim of the The story is told about the World Series) in the headlines – I mitzva of t’fillin were accomplished Tzemach Tzedek when he was a did not know this young man would on Yom Tov. little boy and orphaned of his go visit the pitcher. He did it on his Since we were told this story, mother (and the Alter Rebbe took own, and even asked that people obviously it ought to serve as a responsibility for raising him) that shouldn’t know about it and to keep lesson for us in avodas Hashem, as he spent hours in the Alter Rebbe’s it a secret. room, including when he davened. (Sicha of Simchas Torah 5726 – in the famous teaching of the Baal He was not even six years old, but Sichos Kodesh p. 52) Shem Tov that everything a Jew sees already there were clear indications or hears needs to serve as a lesson of his future greatness. When the for him in avodas Hashem. In this T’FILLIN ON case, from this story, we learn about Alter Rebbe donned t’fillin he made SHABBOS CHAZON himself t’fillin out of potatoes and he the great longing to fulfill the mitzva would wear them and shuckle when … Regarding this, there is an of t’fillin after Yom Tov. the Alter Rebbe was busy praying. amazing and shocking story. A rav (Sichas Simchas Torah 5743 – Hisvaaduyos p. 305) Chassidim once had to enter the who was a gadol ba’Torah and a Alter Rebbe’s room to review the posek who had written approbations *** drush (which began with “al shlosha for many s’farim etc. had the custom Question: There is a story about d’varim ha’olam omeid”) and since of wearing his weekday hat rather Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev they had to enter after the Alter than his Shabbos hat on Shabbos zt”l who would wait all night of Rebbe finished with his t’fillin of Chazon. One time he was walking Sukkos in great anticipation for the Rabbeinu Tam, they saw through a with another rav who was wearing moment that he could say a bracha crack in the door how the Tzemach his Shabbos hat and he argued with on the esrog. Why specifically with Tzedek was playing, as related at him about this and brought proof this mitzva? length in a reshima (and when the that you are supposed to do things The Rebbe: It was the same with Alter Rebbe finished with the t’fillin differently than on other Shabbasos. the mitzva of t’fillin. After the nine of Rabbeinu Tam the Chassidim Someone came over to them and days of Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed entered for chazara). asked whether they had heard what when we do not put on t’fillin, he (Sicha of 12 Tamuz 5726 happened that day in shul. He told would wait for the moment that he – Sichos Kodesh p. 535) them that a Jew with t’fillin came to could... shul. When they asked him how he (Sicha leil beis Chol HaMoed 5731 – VICTORY THANKS could come with t’fillin when it was HaMelech B’Mesibo vol. 2 p. 201) Shabbos, he said he looked out the TO T’FILLIN *** window and saw the rav wearing his Furthermore and most importantly, There was a pitcher who refused weekday hat and if the rav could putting on t’fillin brings the true and
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Jewish people with the Torah and he Jews went to a village of gentiles to buy started counting the shoes: These back from them those items that had are from Kaminka, these are from Mezritch, etc. Malach Michoel lords been robbed from them during the it over the angel Matat who ties crowns for his Maker out of the pogrom. In one house they saw a pair of prayers of the Jewish people while he (Malach Michoel) will make a better t’fillin. They yelled at the man, “That’s crown out of shoes torn from the Simchas Torah dancing. stolen! Give it back!” He said: “What There are some points that stand do you mean? Sam sapozhnik (I myself out: 1) There is an inyan of simcha am a shoemaker)!” on the other Jewish holidays so why are shoes in Gan Eden only on complete Geula quicker and in a Spalerka [prison] he entered with Simchas Torah? 2) Why are the deeper, higher, broader way, for t’fillin shel yad and t’fillin shel rosh mitzvos of tzitzis and t’fillin then will be fulfilled “and all the (which represents the initial impact mentioned? If you want to say that nations of the earth will see that the of the mitzva even within his own he wants to refer to mitzvos name of Hashem is called upon you “four cubits”). associated with a physical object and they will fear you” in the most (Sicha 12 Tamuz 5734 (like shoes) it is not understood: 3) perfect way. – Sichos Kodesh p. 265) What is the significance of finding (Sicha leil Hoshana Raba 5752 tzitzis and t’fillin as opposed to – Sichos Kodesh p. 179) “T’FILLIN” finding shoes? If the point is about AND “SHOES” the ruchnius of the mitzva, these mitzvos are not unique and if the PUTTING ON T’FILLIN The Alter Rebbe related that one point is to emphasize the physicality AND YECHIDUS time the Baal Shem Tov spoke to his of the mitzva, that this too finds disciples about Simchas Torah and Many Chassidim considered the favor in Gan Eden, why is finding said: day they arrived in Lubavitch to be shoes more surprising than finding Simchas Torah in general, Jews their “birthday.” tzitzis and t’fillin? go to sleep late. The time for My teacher, R’ Shmuel Betzalel, The explanation: davening on Shabbos and Yom Tov arrived in Lubavitch the first time on In the story it says that Malach is generally later than on weekdays Thursday evening, Parshas Michoel lords it over the angel Matat and particularly on Simchas Torah, Mishpatim, 5608, (1848). Every who ties crowns for his Maker out of people go to sleep late because of year after that, he stayed awake all the prayers of the Jewish people and the hakafos and the Yom Tov meals. that night and took pains to put on this is why two mitzvos associated But angels don’t have this avoda and his T’fillin at the exact time he had with t’filla are mentioned: tzitzis and they get up on Simchas Torah at the entered the Tzemach Tzedek’s t’fillin. He does not mention t’filla same time as they do every day. chamber for Yechidus the first time. itself because he wants to refer to a They wanted to say shira but (HaYom Yom 30 Shvat) physical object like shoes, and t’filla without neshamos they cannot and is a spiritual avoda, “service of the so while they were waiting they went heart.” However, although tzitzis THE ARREST OF to sweep up in Gan Eden. and t’fillin are physical objects they THE REBBE RAYATZ And they found there items that are not like shoes, for tzitzis and In the diary of his arrest it they did not recognize – shoes and t’fillin are used specifically for a describes at length the give and take, sandals. They are very surprised by mitzva while shoes are neutral items. the arguing, hunger strike and the this for they are used to finding Shoes are in the category of unwillingness to answer questions tzitzis or t’fillin in Gan Eden but not hechsher mitzva, preparing for a until they returned his t’fillin. Even footwear. They went to ask Malach mitzva, something that is associated prior to that, when he was walking Michoel. with a mitzva but not the mitzva in the corridor, on the steps, he put Malach Michoel told them that itself. on t’fillin. All this – in addition to these are his wares and he explained (Sicha Shabbos B’Reishis 5731 the fact that when he entered that they are from the dancing of the – Sichos Kodesh p. 119)
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20 menachem av THE GANSBOURGS AND REB LEVIK, ZT L
By Menachem Ziegelboim
for a while Presented for Chaf Av, the hilula of On one of these occasions when Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneersohn. R’ Moshe Dovber stayed in his house, a fire broke out in one of the rooms and R’ Moshe Dovber quickly PART 1 put out the fire. Many years later, when his son, R’ Tzvi Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneersohn zt”l was a holy Hirsch Gansbourg would visit Rebbetzin Chana a”h in man and yet, being rav of a city, he was involved with her home in New York, she would point at him and say people and their material and spiritual needs. Few were to those present, “He is the son of Berel Pazarnik (Berel the people who recognized the greatness of this giant the Fireman). of a man; only those who were filled with Torah R’ Moshe Dovber said that R’ Levi Yitzchok and Chassidus and a knowledge of Kabbala would regularly speak using the wording of could assess the wondrous Torah Kabbala and he often used acronyms. personality of the rav of the city, R’ Levi Once, in the middle of a Purim Yitzchok. farbrengen in R’ Levi Yitzchok’s house, A coterie of people and Chassidim R’ Moshe Dovber danced gathered around this tzaddik. One of enthusiastically while holding a three- this group was the celebrated legged chair in his right hand. R’ Levi Chassid, Rav Simcha Gansbourg, a Yitzchok began explaining the inyan close follower of the Rebbe of the dance and the three-legged Maharash. R’ Simcha lived in chair according to Kabbala. Dnepropetrovsk where R’ Levi Yitzchok served as chief rabbi, and PART II being in the same city he had the Another one of the group who opportunity to see up close the small recognized the greatness of this tzaddik measure of greatness that this great and seems to have been the closest to Tzaddik allowed to show through. him was the Chassid R’ Menachem Even when R’ Simcha was appointed rav Gansbourg. Rebbetzin Chana, in her memoir, of a neighboring city Verchany- describes him as “One of our friends who Dneprovsk he continued to maintain Rabbi Menachem Gansbourg truly deserves mention.” She wrote, “He friendly ties with R’ Levi Yitzchok. He is one of the people who, in that period, would sometimes take his entire family to had his ‘hidden powers’ revealed.” Such praise from the visit R’ Levi Yitzchok in order to show his children what Rebbetzin, whose every word was measured, must have an extraordinary Jewish personality was like. been very well deserved. One of the sons of R’ Simcha was Moshe Dovber. R’ Menachem often brought his children to the rav’s With his father’s encouragement he also developed an house. They were warmly received by the rav and appreciation for the greatness of this gaon and sought to rebbetzin. Whenever they came to visit, the rebbetzin establish a close relationship with him as well. He would would offer them candies that she had put away just for visit R’ Levi Yitzchok periodically and stay with him with
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them since in those days candies were hard to come by. PART III R’ Menachem’s daughter Deena collected stamps and 9 Nissan 1939. Rebbetzin Chana would often give her the stamps from 3:00 am the letters that she received. She would explain that this Brigadne Street 13 letter came from her oldest son who was in Berlin and Dnepropetrovsk that letter came from Eretz Yisroel, and so on. She The streets were dark and empty when banging would also show her pictures of the Rebbe and his was heard at the door of R’ Levi Yitzchok. When brothers on her visits. Rebbetzin Chana opened the door she saw four R’ Menachem Gansbourg was a distinguished members of the NKVD who asked for the rabbi. As Chassid and a great talmid chacham. He was well-versed soon as they entered, while she went to inform her not only in Talmud and its commentaries but also in husband of the uninvited “guests,” they manned posts Chassidus and Kabbala. R’ Levi Yitzchok would praise near every door. One of the men handed R’ Levi him highly and testified about him that “He has a good Yitzchok a search warrant, along with a warrant for head” and “He is one of the few who understands my his arrest. words of Chassidus.” R’ Levi Yitzchok would even The four men examined all the books arranged in occasionally send him his writings and chiddushim so R’ five bookcases. The books included works of kabbala, Menachem could examine them and give him his manuscripts, and letters and telegrams from abroad. opinion. They packed it all and took it with them. The R’ Menachem was a yerei Shamayim and men worked until six in the morning and very particular about every aspect of Torah after examining the entire house, they observance. This was not something he ordered R’ Levi Yitzchok to get dressed broadcast or took pride in. He tried to and come with them. keep his stringencies to himself so that This was the start of the arrest someone who was not discerning was and exile of this holy man; an liable to think that he was merely a account of which has been written Chassid like anyone else. in the biography of his life. From For a period of time his family that point on, nobody dared to visit was sorely lacking in food and R’ the house or keep in touch with the Menachem would go every morning, Rebbetzin to support her and help while it was still dark outside, and her. Any connection with someone stand on line for food for his wife and with the name “Schneersohn” was seven children. Since his children were dangerous. Even the closest people very weak, he tried to obtain the best who would visit the house regularly food for them and occasionally he would stopped going. get white bread instead of black and Nevertheless, even during those difficult sometimes he would even manage to obtain a days R’ Menachem continued going double portion for them. He himself to the house every day, at great Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneersohn did not touch the food even though it personal danger. His closest relatives wasn’t treif. He managed with black did not know of these visits. When bread and pickled tomatoes. Being constantly concerned they once asked the Rebbetzin whether their father about kashrus, he starved more than he ate. visited her, she said she hadn’t seen him in a long time Many Jews did not eat chametz during Pesach but even though he had come just the night before to help they continued receiving their bread coupons and would her. use them after Pesach, when they received a sizable In the days preceding the arrest, R’ Levi Yitzchok amount of flour. One day, R’ Menachem heard from R’ sensed the noose tightening about him, and he asked Levi Yitzchok that these food coupons from Pesach were R’ Menachem to take some of his s’farim and forbidden to be used. Despite the pitiful circumstances belongings to his house to protect them. R’ Levi of the time, he took those coupons out of his booklet Yitzchok’s fears were realized and shortly thereafter he and ripped them up! was arrested and spent a year in jail until he was Doing something like this demanded tremendous exiled to Chili in distant Kazakhstan. inner strength. R’ Menachem was the only one in his In the meantime, World War II broke out. The family who did this. Germans captured large parts of Russia in a short time. Millions of Russians fled to the interior of the
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Yitzchok and his Rebbetzin of the MIND AND HEART TO FEEL FOR ANOTHER tragic news. Rebbetzin Chana This is a copy of the postcard that R’ Levi concludes her memories about him, Yitzchok sent in the summer of 1943 to the “The news had an extremely family of R’ Menachem Gansbourg, in which depressing impact on us.” he conveys his condolences to the mourning At the end of the war, his family. He sent the postcard from Tashkent to daughter Deena returned to her the Gansbourgs but without any street parents’ home. She intended to live address so they had to go to the post office to there and to find the s’farim and get it. Note that at the top of the postcard, to other belongings of R’ Levi the left of the stamps, there is a diagonal Yitzchok. To her consternation she stamp which shows that the postcard passed saw that a gentile family had taken the military censor. over the house and had no interest The following is a translation of some in leaving. She decided to try her excerpts from the postcard: luck and asked them whether they We received your letter from the 24th of the fifth [May]. We did had found any belongings of theirs not know all this time about Menachem a”h. We asked often … but in the house. The woman thought received no answer. Now we know of the great loss, and it is a for a moment and then said the shame for what has been lost. only thing they found was a large There are few like him with a mind as well as a heart to feel for number of books, but they used another - it is very rare. May we all have long years. them for fuel in their oven during I knew him well. May Hashem strengthen you and console you the winter … and may you see much nachas from your children and their father in As for the valuable items buried Gan Eden will derive much nachas from them. They should not in the yard, she did not dare to ask forget their father and should want to go in his way, the straight because in those trying times the path. gentiles stood up to the Jews who …wishing for you, health and nachas from your children and in returned to their homes. A few everything, years later she went back to try Levi Yitzchok again but was saddened to discover that a big factory had been built P.S. Chana sends her regards. She will probably write soon. over the area and the cement floor covered the hiding place. She received a postcard from R’ country. Among the refugees was who had been exiled and his Levi Yitzchok who was in Alma R’ Menachem who fled with his faithful wife who went with him Ata. He sent condolences to the family. Before leaving the house he and at each station he would get family on the death of their father, called his daughter Deena off and write to them and inquire R’ Menachem and added that he (Sharinov) and showed her R’ Levi as to their welfare. hoped they had guarded his Yitzchok’s precious s’farim hidden After weeks of exhausting travel belongings and he would like for in the cellar. He asked her to they arrived in Buchara where he them to send them to him for the return them to R’ Levi Yitzchok or found a G-d fearing shochet who s’farim and belongings would be his family after the war. R’ prepared a meat meal for him. But very useful. Menachem also hid other valuable R’ Menachem was unaccustomed Since the s’farim had gone up possessions of R’ Levi Yitzchok in to such food and his stomach in smoke, she couldn’t accede to a deep pit he dug in their yard. couldn’t digest it. He became sick his request and she did not respond Before hiding the objects he and died shortly afterwards. (years later R’ Menachem’s showed his daughter precisely [Another version is that R’ nephew, R’ Itzke Gansbourg, gave where he was putting them so she Menachem died on the way to the postcard to the Rebbe). would be able to retrieve them and Buchara after he heard that some The factory still stands there return them to R’ Levi Yitzchok. Chassidishe families had settled in and perhaps, under the floor, those R’ Menachem and his family Tashkent. He passed away from items still lie hidden. took to the road. Even during those starvation.] times of upheaval, R’ Menachem His family, who settled in Based on Chayal B’Sheirus HaRebbe kept thinking about the tzaddik Buchara, quickly informed R’ Levi
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miracle story
end of the eighties, the Land of Opportunity – and the great metropolis of New York, in particular – beckoned to the FIVE DOLLARS, Aharons. “We were a young couple in the first year of our marriage,” Mrs. Aharon recalled. “At the time, we didn’t fully comprehend the greatness and leadership of the THREE CHILDREN, Rebbe. As with all average Israelis, we were familiar with the Rebbe’s name, but we didn’t know anything about him. We both came from traditional families, and we tried to AND ONE BRACHA observe what we could with the understanding that this is what we must do. By Nosson Avrohom “We arrived in New York in the Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry month of Av, 5750, and settled in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, where we hoped to make our “He immediately stopped counting and fortune. “Several years earlier, the read the writing on the five-dollar bill. Rebbe’s shliach, Rabbi Yehuda Friedman, had begun his activities Chills went up his spine as he read the in the neighborhood, creating a words: ‘Chaf-Beis Shvat, Natan Ganot. prosperous Israeli community around him. Rabbi Friedman 5752.’ … Just a few hours earlier, he initiated numerous activities and assemblies, Torah classes and had asked for a sign from the Rebbe, farbrengens, and he would always invite different families to his home and here he had received it.” for a pleasant chassidic Shabbos experience. I was working at the time as an au pair in the nearby R’ Boaz Aharon and his wife, of Divine Providence, they received section of Mill Basin, and when the Moria, are familiar figures in the a sign that they had been month of Tishrei arrived, we were Chabad community of Elad. Less successfully freed from this trial. looking for a synagogue. The prayer familiar, however, is the amazing That same year, they merited the services in the local synagogue did story behind the birth of their three birth of a son and a daughter, and not suit us, and we were searching children, the youngest of whom less than a year later, they were for a place where we could feel celebrated his bar-mitzvah this past blessed with the birth of another some Israeli warmth. Teves in Beis Chayeinu, where the son. “I expressed my feelings on the couple had received the Rebbe’s “Nearly fifteen years have passed matter to my employer, and she bracha more than twenty years ago. since this story took place,” Mrs. directed me to Rabbi Friedman’s On the way to this happy Moria Aharon told us last week with Chabad House. During the Sukkos ending, the couple went through great emotion. “However, I holiday, we had our first encounter their share of very complex, even remember the details as if it with Chabad, and left most satisfied. exhausting, struggles that seriously happened only yesterday. The We were invited to partake in the tested their faith, but with much feelings of energy and excitement Yom Tov meals in the shliach’s determination, they held strong. still bubble within me. We must sukka. I’ll never forget my state of Their unwavering bitachon was believe that the Rebbe’s bracha shock when I saw black-clad rewarded one winter morning, when never goes unanswered.” chassidim leaving the Chabad in an amazing and thrilling display Like many young couples at the
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Miracle children: Menachem Hod Aharon during a visit to Beis Chayeinu for his bar-mitzvah. Sitting to his right is his younger brother, Oria.
House en route to the sukka where world. They invited us to come the world that simply mesmerized us. we were being hosted. I exclaimed following day as well, and my The shiurim in Tanya uplifted our to my husband, ‘Look where we’ve husband enthusiastically nodded his hearts. We started hearing a lot landed!’ We had no connection with head in agreement. I, however, about the Rebbe – numerous individuals dressed in black in Eretz remained a bit frightened. ‘We are miracles, episodes and anecdotes Yisroel – on the contrary, we kept not going to become baalei t’shuva,’ that served as an expression of his our distance from them. We were I warned my husband privately leadership, his conduct, and his very quickly surprised to discover afterwards. As I had predicted, one approach. Slowly but surely, we people who were warm and filled seuda led to another, one davening became chassidim and joined the with the spirit of shlichus. led to the next, and we were soon ranks of the king’s legion.” “My husband was impressed and on our way, getting closer to The Aharons joined the excited by the education of the Yiddishkait. burgeoning local Chabad shluchim’s children. They were “As the month of Sivan community, which only served to respectful, participated nicely in the approached, the Chabad House accentuate the fact that, while other holiday meal, gave over divrei initiated a regular minyan, and my young couples who frequently Torah, and recited the Twelve husband became one of its regular visited the Chabad House had been P’sukim. During that meal, the door participants. Within a relatively blessed with children, the Aharons to a wonderful world which we had short period of time, my husband had still not been privileged to previously known nothing about started to grow a beard, and I began become parents. Though disturbed was opened before us. We found it covering my hair. We even began to by the situation, they knew exactly quite easy to be drawn to these participate regularly in chassidus what they were supposed to do. people, and to have a desire to join classes, which brought a depth and “On the first occasions when we them, their way of life, and their meaning into our perception of this went to the Rebbe for dollars
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distribution, we came simply to stubborn and he wanted to hear at last laid to rest. R’ Mordechai experience this noble encounter. On answers that provided a proper Friedman replied that as chassidim, later occasions, we were already response – but who really had the we don’t inquire or protest about coming for the purpose of asking answers during those unbearably the Rebbe, and if the Rebbe wants for the Rebbe’s bracha. We had difficult days? to give a sign, he will do so. heard much about the segulos “I underwent an operation R’ Boaz was satisfied by the associated with the Rebbe’s brachos, during the winter of 5755, and the explanation, and he left the and not just from his chassidim. first time I left the house was to farbrengen quite different than he “I realize today how much we participate in a farbrengen taking was when he came. didn’t understand then about the place in the Chabad House in honor “Back in those days, my husband magnitude of what we had been of the seventh night of Chanukah. was a partner in a business selling privileged to experience. We had Rabbi Mordechai Friedman from troll dolls. He would regularly go only just begun to understand about Crown Heights farbrenged with the around to shopping centers and Chabad and the Rebbe. On assembled crowd, and he eloquently other places of attraction to offer numerous occasions, we asked for a shared the story of his life and his his merchandise to passers-by. On bracha for children, and each time journey from being a jazz musician Sunday morning, the day after that the Rebbe gave us a dollar and in famous bands to his encounter special farbrengen, my husband blessed us with ‘Good news’. The with the Rebbe and the teachings of woke up very early and told me that last time we asked for children, the chassidus. His lecture instilled he’s going to the flea market in New Rebbe gathered up three dollars, within me much faith in the Rebbe, Jersey to sell his dolls. The winter gave them to us, and said: ‘B’karov faith without compromise. weather outside was particularly mamash’ (very soon indeed). “Towards the end of the event, stormy, with intermittent snowfall “This bracha uplifted my soul. I the participants asked him some and cold enough to freeze a person knew that there was someone upon questions about his life, and my down to the bone, and I tried to whom I could rely. For our part, we husband asked about what had been dissuade him from making the trip. made every natural effort and bothering him: How can he really ‘You should stay home on a day like waited for the bracha to be realized. know that he’s a soldier of the this,’ I told him. ‘And besides, who Dealing with this situation was by Rebbe? Among other things, my will come out to buy dolls on such a no means simple. We were a young husband told him about the bracha cold wintry morning? Who would couple living in a strange country, that he had received from the Rebbe dare even go out shopping today?’ unfamiliar with the native language, that had yet to be fulfilled. Rabbi “Nevertheless, he decided to go, far away from our families, and Friedman replied with determination come what may. All of my efforts to every doctor’s visit cost us a that when the Rebbe decides to convince him otherwise were to no considerable amount of money. fulfill the bracha, he will surely give avail. He looked for people to come With the help of Heaven, our period a sign. He then urged my husband along with him on his journey, but of trial wasn’t as extensive as that to take some mashke and get out of no one agreed to join him – and suffered by many other people, but, his ‘mara sh’chora’…” rightly so. we went through some serious and That Motzaei Shabbos, at the “He left by himself at five painful anguish of our own. The farbrengen, after many years of o’clock in the morning. He piled the Rebbe’s bracha served as a literal holding to a vow of temperance, R’ dolls into his van and set out on his anchor to hold onto as we Boaz Aharon decided to have a little way. When he arrived at the mall, maintained our high hopes. mashke, break through his he found a quiet corner, put on Then there came the hiding and boundaries, and start acting with t’fillin, and davened Shacharis. concealment of Gimmel Tammuz, bittul. If the Rebbe gave a bracha, When he finished, he unloaded his 5754. We, and particularly my he’ll surely find the way to carry it merchandise from the van, and laid husband, were suddenly left out, but when he decides to do so, them out on the stand as he did floundering. He had a lot of difficult and not when we determine that he each morning. questions, and when he initially must. “Virtually no one had come to failed to get the desired answers, The question that had been the mall, as the freezing cold had the strong faith that had gnawing away at him during all left everyone safe at home near their characterized his journey along the those last months, the question of heaters. Anyone who didn’t have to path of the teachings of chassidus whether the Rebbe still operates in go outside on such a day simply was severely shaken. He was very this world as he did in the past, was stayed indoors. After half an hour
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They invited us to come the following Rebbe never go for naught. “We gave our twins the names day as well, and my husband Menachem Hod and Hadar. Even on the day of their birth, I knew enthusiastically nodded his head in that we would have another child, as the Rebbe had given us three agreement. I, however, remained a bit dollars… I was resolute in my faith, and this is exactly what happened – frightened. ‘We are not going to become less than a year later, in an easy, baalei t’shuva,’ I warned my husband... normal and natural birth, our second son was born on the 9th of Teves. without customers, a Mexican I replied by saying that since the “Our entire perception of the gentile appeared, inquired about the Rebbe handed us three dollars the Rebbe and the teachings of dolls, and asked if he could buy last time he gave us a bracha for chassidus had since gone through a them all immediately for cash, children, and since the name written significant upgrade. My daughter including all the stock he still had in on this dollar is ‘Natan’, then not sometimes asks why we didn’t give his van. only will we have three children, I her an obviously Chabad name after even know what their genders will “As the customer and his friends she had been born in the merit of be: two boys and a girl! When he piled the dolls into his car, my the Rebbe’s bracha. The truth is opened his eyes in puzzlement, I husband counted the money to that we didn’t understand then what proceeded to explain that in the make certain that he had received we understand today, and while we words ‘ben’ and ‘bas’, there was one the correct amount. He was startled were close supporters who greatly interchanging letter – ‘nun’ with to see some Hebrew lettering revered the Rebbe – we were not yet ‘sav’. The word ‘natan’ has two scribbled on the side of one of the chassidim. bills. ‘nuns’ and a ‘sav’… All this came “That five-dollar bill brought out of my mouth without thinking, “He immediately stopped about several more miracles and like a lightning bolt of emotion. counting and read the writing on blessed several more barren “As mentioned previously, this the five-dollar bill. Chills went up women,” says Mrs. Aharon, as she incident occurred during the winter, his spine as he read the words: concluded her thrilling story in a at the beginning of the month of ‘Chaf-Beis Shvat, Natan Ganot. powerful tone of emotion. “Before Teves. 5752.’ leaving New York for our return to “The emotion quickly turned “Since then, I had a strong Eretz HaKodesh, we thought about into a feeling of great excitement. feeling of faith in my heart that the with whom to entrust the five-dollar Just a few hours earlier, he had Rebbe’s bracha would very soon be bill so that it should serve as a asked for a sign from the Rebbe, realized. The eventual reality segula for them. We decided to and here he had received it. There surpassed anything we could have place it in the custody of the Bossys, couldn’t be a clearer sign than that. imagined. Five months later, during a couple living in Crown Heights “To my great surprise, he was the month of Sivan, we received the who had not merited to have any already back home by eleven in the good news that I was pregnant. Not children for many years. Lo and morning. He told me the whole only that, but I was apparently behold, within a relatively short story, and I quickly caught his carrying twins. period of time, they learned that the th excitement. ‘Chaf-Beis Shvat is a “On the 19 of Teves, 5756, blessing had been realized. Their prominent Chabad date,’ I told my our son and daughter were born. It first son was born on Yud-Tes husband in a joyous state of would be hard to describe the great Kislev, and not long afterwards, confusion. We went over the joy that enveloped us, and our close they were privileged with the birth Chabad House calendar, and friends, family, and acquaintances of another son. discovered that this was the rejoiced together with us. We were “This dollar was returned to us anniversary of the passing of the privileged to experience personally on Yud Shvat of last year, when we Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, of the lofty nature of the Rebbe’s celebrated our eldest son’s bar- blessed memory. bracha. There were times when we mitzvah in 770.” “‘That’s it,” my husband told had to wait for its fulfillment, but me, ‘we’re chassidim of the Rebbe.’ words that come forth from the
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feature RABBI MORDECHAI ELIYAHU ON B SURAS HA GEULA
By Mendel Tzfasman Stories and first person testimonies that illustrate Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu’s strong faith in the Geula and his acceptance of the Rebbe as Moshiach.
Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu z”l left responded immediately by asking the understood that the Rebbe is a legacy of love for Hashem, the Rebbe to join the two of them so Moshiach and he maintained that Torah and Yisroel, permeated with they would be a beis din of three. the Rebbe could not pasken a din tremendous anticipation for the The Rebbe agreed and said, “I have about himself. Geula. His relationship with the been ready for this for a while but I R’ Eliyahu on the other hand, Rebbe and the Rebbe’s fondness for am only one person and another two acted like a Chassid in his attempt to him are well known. The Rebbe are needed.” carry the Rebbe’s wishes, relying on granted him a lengthy yechidus years While R’ Eliyahu expressed his the Rebbe’s view. after private audiences were stopped, willingness to participate, R’ Shapiro He spoke about this in an and asked him to pasken that the – who was known for his depth and interview that he gave to HaGeula time for Geula has come. powers of argument - did not want HaAmitis V’HaShleima (see box), Much has already been told to join the beis din. Chassidim felt “We have a tradition that a about the warm bond between them, that an auspicious moment had been statement like this and a p’sak din about the p’sak din, and about R’ lost. such as this has great value in Eliyahu’s high regard for Chabad So too when they met years later heaven. We know stories about the and the belief of Chassidim that the on 11 Iyar 5749 when R’ Eliyahu holy Ari and his disciples that he Rebbe is Moshiach. In this article, himself brought up the topic of a asked them to go up to Yerushalayim new facts come to light regarding p’sak din. But nothing came of it. with him [from Tzfas] and since the story of the p’sak din and his Why didn’t R’ Shapiro respond they tarried they lost the opinion about the emuna of immediately? Many ask this opportunity. We know a similar Chassidim. question and perhaps we can find thing happened with the Baal Shem the answer in what his son, Rabbi Tov and other g’dolim when they WHY DIDN’T RABBI Yaakov Shapiro, said. suddenly said: Say that Moshiach SHAPIRO TAKE PART IN “I accompanied my father to the needs to come today, and the like. meeting with the Rebbe and when But since they refrained from saying THE PSAK DIN? we left the yechidus my father said it, he told them: You missed your It was 27 Adar II, 5746, when to me, ‘How could we pasken a chance. Therefore, whenever I am the Rebbe met with the chief rabbis p’sak like that? The halacha says asked: Tell us, when will Moshiach of Israel, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu that a dayan cannot pasken finally come? - I say, today! Say a and Rabbi Avrohom Shapiro. During regarding himself and here we were p’sak halacha - and I immediately their meeting the Rebbe asked to be a beis din that would answer: A p’sak halacha that suggested/asked “Perhaps all the pasken that Moshiach should come Moshiach should come today! Who rabbanim will convene and issue a immediately – together with the knows, maybe in heaven they are p’sak din that Moshiach Tzidkeinu Rebbe himself …” waiting for this. Whoever thinks that must come immediately.” R’ Eliyahu This tells us that R’ Shapiro what he says is not reckoned with in
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11 Iyar 5749. Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu and Rabbi Avrohom Shapiro in yechidus with the Rebbe
yechiduyos with the chief rabbis and R’ Shapiro understood that the Rebbe is also when the Erloier Rav visited on Moshiach and he maintained that the 5 Adar II 5749), the Rebbe also asked the rabbanim to pasken that Rebbe could not pasken a din about “all endpoints passed and the time for Geula has come,” and that the himself. R’ Eliyahu on the other hand, limitation of “Yisroel won’t be redeemed except with t’shuva” was acted like a Chassid in his attempt to removed since every Jew certainly had a thought of t’shuva. R’ Eliyahu carry the Rebbe’s wishes, relying on the signed to this p’sak together with Rebbe’s view. many other rabbanim from all over the world back in 5746. However, the Rebbe’s request heaven is mistaken. Seek Dovid My says, “Nasi Doreinu.” When the that when the rabbanim publicize servant, seek and seek until you find Rebbe tells him, at the end of the the p’sak din the Geula will come him!” meeting, “I hope that the Geula will immediately, was not yet fulfilled. It’s amazing to see how in their be very soon, then I will visit your Back at the time that about 100 conversation, the Rebbe spoke an honor in his sanctum in Eretz rabbanim signed the p’sak din, unusual terms, “In Midrashei Chazal Yisroel,” R’ Eliyahu took this literally starting in 5746, including some we find that Moshiach Tzidkeinu and when he returned to Eretz Litvishe rabbanim, they were told (Eliyahu HaNavi) will be revealed Yisroel it said in the newspapers, that the purpose of the p’sak was the first in the Galil and within the Galil “The Rebbe of Lubavitch, spiritual legal ruling and not to publicize it. – in Teveria but nobody will mind leader of the Chabad movement, is But in 5755, a private initiative of a even if Eliyahu HaNavi will come about to visit Israel.” few people was started for the outside of Eretz Yisroel, even in purpose of publicizing the p’sak din Brooklyn, and then the next day THE REBBE’S REQUEST of the rabbanim in order to bring Moshiach will go to Teveria.” STILL NOT FULFILLED about the hisgalus. So too, if you watch the video of This idea followed a second p’sak The Rebbe often spoke about the their meeting in 5752, you can see din which was signed in 5750 saying p’sak din of the rabbanim and its clearly how the Rebbe says the that the Rebbe is “b’chezkas effect on the world. Aside from the shocking words, “k’vod k’dushas Moshiach v’ad Moshiach vadai.” In unusual p’sak din that the Rebbe mori v’chami shlita” (referring to the sicha said on Shabbos Parshas asked them to pasken that Moshiach the Rebbe Rayatz as alive) and then Mishpatim 5752 the Rebbe referred the Rebbe “corrects” himself and must come immediately (in
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GEULA INTERVIEW that during this period of time Am Yisroel saw that it is not “the power and strength of my hand” that At the end of the summer 5751, Rabbi Mordechai brought us salvation. Eliyahu was interviewed for “HaGeula HaImitis Some saw the missiles as a stage in suffering, the V’HaShleima. He responded to numerous questions birth pangs of Moshiach. I don’t see it that way since posed by Rabbi Zimroni Tzik about Moshiach, the we suffered enough already. Our parents suffered, in Geula, the p’sak din to hasten Moshiach’s coming the Holocaust we suffered, we endured boruch and more. Hashem more than enough suffering. Now the time At this time, as we find ourselves on the threshold has come for us to be redeemed by Moshiach of the true and complete Geula, there is a strong Tzidkeinu. desire that people have to hear things from their One of the religious newspapers which did not like rabbis. We turned to Chief Rabbi, Rishon L’Tziyon, what I said sent me a paper and marked what I was to Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu and asked him to meet with read. There they wrote about me – how could Rabbi us for a conversation and special personal interview Mordechai Eliyahu, the Rishon L’Tziyon, not believe for the readers of HaGeula HaImitis V’HaShleima. in the suffering of Moshiach? I took the paper and We enjoyed a very special meeting with this mighty sent it back and wrote in the margin, “I believe in Torah giant who is greatly accomplished in both Moshiach and do not believe in suffering!” Those who Nigleh and Nistar. He already has a reputation as believe in suffering should be concerned lest they someone who chose the path of Rabbeinu HaKadosh suffer! – “a way which is pleasing to those who do it and Can a date be set for the Geula? pleasing to others” – good for Heaven and good for Rabbi Eliyahu: I am not in favor of dates since all people. He is a unique personality, with his pleasant endpoints have already passed. Some say that ways, who with his unique holy path has successfully Moshiach will come in this month or that month and I added a new dimension to the entire rabbinic (firmly) reject that. I say to them, no! Moshiach establishment in Eretz Yisroel. should have come yesterday! Since Am Yisroel is in a special situation today If he did not come yesterday, I am aggravated and with everybody anticipating the Geula, but many so I wait for him today. If someone will tell me that concepts in this regard are unclear, we thought of Moshiach will come tomorrow, it is forbidden to publishing a newspaper on the topic of Geula that believe him. I believe that yesterday and today – if you would convey the message in layman’s terms so listen to His voice; that is my belief. people can relate to it. From what you say it is apparent how great Rabbi Eliyahu: Very good. anticipating Moshiach is. The question is to what We would like to hear from the rav about the extent must we live with this expectation of Geula? Geula and preparing for it. Let us begin with the Rabbi Eliyahu: I will tell you a story of a great miracles that took place during the Gulf War. tzaddik, Rabbi Tzadka Chuseini. He was a pious and Rabbi Eliyahu: I see these miracles as unusual righteous man that was removed from matters of this miracles in that they were public, everybody saw them. world (the uncle of Rabbi Yehuda Tzadka). I would There were terrifying threats to incinerate half of usually visit him on Sunday Chol HaMoed to wish Israel and boruch Hashem, we got out of it with him a Chag Samayach. One time, when I went to visit kindness and mercy. We must thank G-d for the him at his house, they told me that he went to shul. miracles He did for us. We mainly need to give thanks This was on Sukkos and his custom was to sit in the
to the p’sak din of the rabbanim and of the rabbanim about “b’chezkas permission to publicize the p’sak din said that the prophecy of “and they Moshiach v’ad Moshiach vadai” in in a big way. R’ Eliyahu gladly will beat their swords into our generation. agreed and many other rabbanim plowshares,” which took place on Following the Rebbe’s request of also gave their consent. However, the eve of that Shabbos with the the chief rabbis to publicize the due to the opposition of a few meeting of the presidents of the p’sak din (the first one -–that the rabbanim who signed, the p’sak din United States and Russia, was a time for Geula has arrived), Rabbi was not publicized. result of Moshiach’s activities in the Naftali Roth, who was very close R’ Yitzchok Lifsh, menahel of world and a result of the p’sak din with Rabbi Eliyahu, asked R’ Eliyahu Beis Chabad of Tzfas says, “We
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sukka of the shul nearly all day. He was an old man at which his brother sold refers to the Beis HaMikdash the time and he would nod off. which was sold because of our sins. When I arrived and I saw that he was sleeping I “… and the verse is telling us that his redemption did not want to disturb him and I told the shamash: I is through the tzaddik who will be close to Hashem, am going to daven Mincha and I will come back. The the way it says “with those who are close to Me, I will shamash said: No! The rav told me that when you be sanctified.” He will redeem that which his brother come you should go into him and I will bring you in sold (because Hashem calls tzaddikim My brother and now. I said to him: But he is sleeping. He is resting, My friend) and the Geula will take place when the you cannot, you cannot. He said: I won’t listen to hearts of men are aroused and he [the tzaddik] will you. He went and told R’ Tzadka just one word: je’eh say to them, is it good that you sit outside, exiled from which means he came. This was meant to inform him the table of your Father? What sweetness is there in that I had arrived but R’ Tzadka, who woke up to life in the world except for the divine companionship hear the shamash that you experienced say “he came,” when you were jerked awake and regulars at His table exclaimed in Arabic, … and it will make “Where is repugnant in their Moshiach? Where is eyes the imaginary Moshiach?” When pleasures, and will the shamash told infuse them with the him that Chacham staple of the spiritual Mordechai had … until they come he said, “Ah, improve their ways ah” and made a and this is how dismissive motion Hashem will redeem with his hand. I was that which was sold. so shaken by this. And on this all the His thoughts, even masters of the land in sleep were that and the g’dolei Moshiach had come! Yisroel will in the To me this is an example of belief in the coming of future be held to account [for not doing this] and Moshiach. from them Hashem will seek the shame of the shamed What is the extent of the obligation of rabbanim house.” to raise awareness of the subject of the coming of From here we see how much Hashem wants the Moshiach? tzaddik who is close to Him to arouse the nation to Rabbi Eliyahu: There is an amazing explanation by Geula. If we don’t, then Hashem will hold us the holy Ohr HaChayim on the pasuk, “And if your accountable. It’s a frightening idea, a frightening idea. brother who dwells with you becomes poor [and sells What then, is the Rabbanut doing about this to some of his ancestral land], and the nearest relative arouse people to anticipate the coming of comes and redeems that which his brother sold” Moshiach? (VaYikra 25:25). The Ohr HaChayim says that that
partially succeeded in publicizing the alternatively, that it be widely Rebbe’s sichos about spreading the p’sak din. At the Yud-Tes Kislev publicized and not just locally. news about the judge, advisor and farbrengen of 5755, everybody rose R’ Lifsh worked together with R’ prophet of the generation whose and the rav of the city, the son of R’ Shlomo Zalman Levkivker on a third main prophecy is that the time for Eliyahu, read the p’sak din which his p’sak din which is the most well- Geula has arrived and t’shuva was father had signed.” Apparently publicized that was signed by done. Then it says, “Based on the though, the Rebbe’s intention was hundreds of rabbanim the world foregoing, the time has come for the that the full p’sak with the signatures over after 3 Tammuz 5754. This everlasting Geula. According to of the rabbanim be publicized or p’sak din contains quotes from the Torah law the Lubavitcher Rebbe
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Rabbi Eliyahu: My guidelines are very clear. At those who speak against it are also involved in this. every gathering of rabbanim that we have I tell the This itself is a blessing. It accustoms them to talk rabbanim to strengthen the belief in Moshiach’s about Moshiach. It is to the credit of the Lubavitcher coming in their speeches and to conclude every Rebbe. The entire awakening is thanks to him. speech with this topic of Geula and Moshiach. In the past it was publicized that you paskened I will tell you a story about the Chida. This is in a way of a p’sak din that Moshiach must come alluded to in his book Birkei Yosef: now and redeem the Jewish people. What is the He once traveled to Italy and stayed there over significance of this p’sak din? Tisha B’Av. The Sephardic women there had the Rabbi Eliyahu: Our tradition is that a statement custom of buying paint and whitewash and painting such as this and a p’sak din like this are highly and whitewashing their homes on Tisha B’Av. They regarded in heaven. There are stories about the holy did the same thing in Algiers and Morocco. Seeing Ari and his talmidim. He asked them to go with him this, the Chida was taken aback and in shul he asked: to Yerushalayim and since they tarried they missed an How could you do this on Tisha B’Av? What is this opportunity. We know a similar thing happened with simcha about? the Baal Shem Tov and other g’dolim when they One day he was walking in the street and on the suddenly said: Say that Moshiach needs to come way he saw two women talking and pointing at him. today, and the like. But since they refrained from The Chida asked his escort and translator to ask the saying it, he told them: You missed your chance. women what they were talking about Therefore, whenever I am asked: Tell and why they were pointing at him. us, when will Moshiach finally The translator asked them and came come? - I say, today! Say a p’sak back to the Chida and said that one halacha - and I immediately answer: of the women said to her friend that A p’sak halacha that Moshiach Moshiach will not come (heaven should come today! Who knows, forbid) and when her friend asked, maybe in heaven they are waiting for “Says who?” she pointed and said this. Whoever thinks that what he “There, the holy rav from says is not reckoned with in heaven Yerushalayim.” is mistaken. Seek Dovid My servant, The Chida was shaken by this seek and seek until you find him! and he wanted to know why they The Mikdash will speedily be said Moshiach will not come. They built and it’s only natural for told him, weren’t you the one who problems to come up in light of said not to whitewash and paint the technological developments. Is house? We who believe that there anything being done in this Moshiach will come prepare the regard? house in his honor on Tisha B’Av and you said not to Rabbi Eliyahu: Rashi, in his commentary to the whitewash which indicates that Moshiach will not Gemara in Sukka (daf 21) says that the Beis come. HaMikdash will come down built and perfectly The Chida nearly fainted. He immediately asked complete, from Heaven. Why does he say both “built” the gabbai to call all the gabbaim and heads of shuls and “perfectly complete?” In the first and second and all the rabbanim in Italy and he announced to Battei Mikdash they had to resolve physical problems them: Rabbosai! If you whitewashed half a room, then such as warming the floor of the Azara which was whitewash an entire room. If you used to use plain made of stone and which was hard to stand on during paint, then use the best paint, since Moshiach is the cold winter. The solution lay in digging under the coming! floor and lighting a fire there. Do you see that people today are excited about We might think that now too we will have to come Moshiach? up with modern ways of solving these and other Rabbi Eliyahu: Certainly! And what an awakening problems and so Chazal told us that the third Mikdash there is. They used to be afraid to talk about will come down readymade from Heaven “perfectly Moshiach. The most they ever spoke about were the complete,” so we won’t need to ask questions or laws of korbanos etc. Today, boruch Hashem provide solutions. May we merit to see the building of everybody talks about Geula and Moshiach. Even the Beis HaMikdash b’karov mamash.
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Melech HaMoshiach shlita must be revealed immediately to all and come and redeem and lead us upright to our land, miyad mamash, and this is followed by Yechi Adoneinu.
RABBI ELIYAHU’S INITIATIVE TO BRING THE GEULA As mentioned, R’ Eliyahu signed the p’sak din that the Geula must come but not on the p’sak din that openly referred to the Rebbe as Moshiach. However, not only did R’ Eliyahu not oppose this belief of the Chassidim that the Rebbe is Moshiach; he encouraged it from Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu signing the p’sak din that the Geula must come immediately! behind the scenes. Most surprising41 is the following: “Weren’t you the one who said not to Knowing of the special relationship between R’ Eliyahu and whitewash and paint the house? We the Rebbe and his regard for the sichos, Rabbis Levkivker and Lifsh who believe that Moshiach will come approached him to sign the p’sak din, signed by hundreds of prepare the house in his honor on Tisha rabbanim, that the Rebbe is B’Av and you said not to whitewash Moshiach and must be revealed as such. The first time was on Chol which indicates that Moshiach will not HaMoed Pesach 5753 but R’ Eliyahu declined to sign. On another come!” The Chida nearly fainted... He occasion the two rabbis went to his son’s house in order to meet the immediately announced, “Rabosai! If father who was staying there. It was a few minutes before Shabbos, “We you whitewashed half a room, then learned from Hillel that this is the whitewash an entire room. If you used best time,” they said by way of apologizing for coming at that time. to use plain paint, then use the best R’ Eliyahu humbly responded, “You surely don’t refer to Hillel but to the paint, since Moshiach is coming!” person who came to Hillel …” As to their request that he sign, According to his son, R’ Shmuel asked him to give a gold watch to R’ he said, “I see that I cannot avoid Eliyahu, rav of Tzfas, this book Mordechai Eliyahu. He told his son you and so I will tell you the facts as remained on his father’s desk. In a that when the hands reached 12:00 they are. I asked the Rebbe on my picture of the room you can clearly Moshiach would come. own initiative whether I could call see the book Ata Yodati by R’ Chaim “I was careful not to touch the upon Am Yisroel to rally around Sasson, his close student, in the watch,” said R’ Eliyahu, “I don’t the Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach bookcase behind his chair. open it; I am afraid to open it but I but the Rebbe said that this is not have it.” At first, he gave R’ Eliyahu my job …” POWERFUL YEARNING a gold watch but a few months later R’ Lifsh gave R’ Eliyahu the book his father came to him in another Over three years ago, R’ Boruch Z’man HaGeula which is a dream and told him to give a silver Abuchatzeira (Baba Boruch) had a collection of sichos on the topic of watch. It was 3:00 at the time, say dream in which his father, Baba Sali Geula and the identity of Moshiach. those close to him. Now the hands
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are a few minutes before “Go and learn in Yitzhar 12:00. “When the hands for a week, as your father reach … that’s a sign that the says, and another week in Geula begins,” said R’ Chabad and then both of you Eliyahu. “The gold watch is come back to me,” suggested on the bottom with the silver R’ Eliyahu wisely. watch on top because silver is When they came back R’ rachamim and gold is din. I Eliyahu asked the boy what he wanted rachamim to be over thought. “In Yitzhar I enjoyed din and Hashem should help the shiurim and in Chabad I us have a speedy Geula.” enjoyed the avodas Hashem.” R’ Eliyahu even received R’ Eliyahu declared, Baba Sali’s robe with the “Continue learning in instructions to greet Moshiach Tomchei T’mimim.” while wearing it. This Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu in an interview instruction and the hands almost at full of emuna and anticipation, “The TRAVELING TO THE 12:00 (the clock doesn’t work Lubavitcher Rebbe is coming to Israel” REBBE IS PIKUACH steadily, sometimes it moves and sometimes it stops) strengthens the will sit there and Jews will pass by NEFESH emuna of many Jews. him and each will be identified by Another interesting anecdote Someone once asked R’ Eliyahu him. about the connection between about when the Geula will be and R’ Eliyahu called upon the public Chabad and the knitted yarmulke the rav expressed his pain, not about to learn chapters 8-10 of Hilchos world: In the period following 3 the questioner but about Moshiach. Korbanos of the Rambam before Tammuz, R’ Yigal Kirshnzaft, shliach “When I see Moshiach I will ask Pesach where it says how to bring in Gush Katif, still held very him: Why are you so late? Why have the korban Pesach. “What will a religious-nationalist views but as a we been waiting for you? Every year person do Erev Pesach if he did not Chabadnik he sent his older sons to we wait and wait and wait, why?” prepare? He won’t be able to do learn in yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim. The Geula was so real to him. anything.” And the rav expressed his When they told him they wanted to He once said how he pictured the wishes that we merit to bring the fly to the Rebbe, he said leaving Geula with tremendous immediacy. korban Pesach that year in the Beis Eretz Yisroel is permitted only in “We will say to Eliyahu HaNavi – HaMikdash. isolated cases. where were you? We made a kos The question was asked of R’ Eliyahu and made it and made it, DIRECTING TALMIDIM Eliyahu who paskened, “For a where is he? Come and announce TO TOMCHEI TMIMIM Chabad Chassid, traveling to the the Geula, ad masai?! It may be the Rebbe, even today after 3 Tammuz, case that Eliyahu HaNavi will not Rabbi Yoel Chaim Rosen, is pikuach nefashos.” want to answer me. What will I do? menahel of yeshivas Tomchei As for the skeptics who wonder My suggestion is that we take a T’mimim in Rishon L’Tziyon relates: what R’ Eliyahu personally believed small child to ask him.” One of the talmidim in our yeshiva about who Moshiach is after 3 At this point, R’ Eliyahu came from one of the prominent Tammuz, here’s this: suggested that the child will ask yeshivos of the Merkaz HaRav R’ Eliyahu was invited as the Eliyahu HaNavi those questions crowd following a program run by guest of honor to the Siyum from the Gemara about which we ATaH (Igud Talmidei HaYeshivos) in HaRambam which took place in the said teiku (an acronym for Tishbi yeshiva high schools and Hesder Chabad yeshiva in Tzfas which yitaretz kushiyos u’baayos – that yeshivos. His father, a distinguished minces no words when it comes to Eliyahu will answer the difficult rav was strongly opposed to his son the identity of Moshiach. In his questions). “The child will ask and learning in Chabad. In order to speech, R’ Eliyahu hinted broadly at Tishbi will explain ‘teiku,’ ‘Nu nu,’ make a final decision the father and his view. “Soon Melech HaMoshiach the child will say, ‘Tishbi, answer son went to R’ Eliyahu. will come and then, when he gives this teiku for me …’” “If my son wants to learn out dollars on Sunday I will also R’ Eliyahu said that the role of Chassidus he can go to the yeshiva stand on line to get one.” Eliyahu HaNavi will be to resolve in Yitzhar. There is no reason for May R’ Eliyahu’s heartfelt wish questions of Jewish ancestry. Eliyahu him learn in Chabad for Chassidus.” come true ASAP.
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shleimus ha’aretz
Hamas doesn’t even have to pay them. We can certainly understand the Shalit family. Any parent FOUR YEARS wants to see their child healthy and whole. Any parent promises to turn the world over so that his son shouldn’t sit one more day in captivity. But they are playing a IN CAPTIVITY dangerous game. The security experts are telling them, “You are ruining the deal; harming our security.” Anybody with any sense By Sholom Ber Crombie tells them that their media campaign is supporting Hamas Four years ago, Israeli citizens were and causing them not to compromise on the price they taken into captivity by public relations have set for their son. The Prime Minister tells them: You are advisors, celebrities and other special pushing Gilad further away when you shout that you want him back interest groups. The demands include “at any price.” freeing terrorists who will strengthen But they continue to point an accusing finger at the government terrorism so we will, ch”v, further as though there is some personal agenda on someone’s part not to negotiate with terrorists. * The official have Gilad freed, almost as though this is about government reason for all this is Gilad Shalit. corruption. Nobody gets up and screams that this is actually a The mother of a terrorist serving his sentence in miracle that the Prime Minister is Israeli prison conveyed a message to Gilad Shalit’s mother through the media: Exert pressure on the Israeli government so that they surrender and accept Hamas’ demands. That’s the only way your son will be freed. This was publicized in the Israeli media. They told the Jewish nation the clear position of Hamas: You – the Shalit family and your supporters – do the work for us. You exert pressure on your government to accept the deal as is, no matter how dangerous it is for Israel. The main thing here is that Hamas should not have to bend at all. Hamas definitely has the winning card. The best public relations people and high profile celebrities in Israel do the work for them.
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there, on the new border which is Nobody gets up and screams that this is an hour away from Tel Aviv. actually a miracle that the Prime Everybody understood that this is the army’s job, to defend Israeli Minister is not capitulating! By citizens “at any price.” That is the only thing which is “at any resisting, he is saving Israel from a price.” Not defending soldiers at any price, certainly not at an tsunami wave of terror that Hamas insane security cost and abandoning the lives of Israeli wants to inflict on Yehuda and residents to the mercies of senior Shomron. terrorists whom the Shalits want freed in exchange for their son. Ask any soldier who goes to war even if he knows he won’t come not capitulating! By resisting, he hands – are peace and freedom back. He has a goal: to defend is saving Israel from a tsunami activists. Their agenda requires Israel. wave of terror that Hamas wants speaking with the other side, i.e. to inflict on Yehuda and with Arabs, though sadly (to Shomron. them) it is now clear to all that EXERT PRESSURE It’s really a miracle because there is no one to talk to. ON HAMAS! every day that passes the pressure Therefore they have but one Why not pressure Hamas a on Netanyahu grows and we solution and that is to free arch- bit? Why make demonstrations know already whom we are terrorists, senior terrorists like against the Israeli government dealing with. The media Marwan Barghouti who is serving and not against the Hamas campaign that the Shalit family is five life sentences for a series of government? The big waging has as its goal to weaken deadly terror attacks in which demonstration that was recently the Prime Minister; to wear him dozens of Jews were murdered – held against the Israeli down until he says okay. But so “it will be possible to talk.” government should have been Netanyahu is hearing the crazy That is what they say on the made, because we cannot leave price demanded by Hamas and he enlightened Left. public opinion for Hamas to is shocked. He hears the voices Gilad Shalit serves as a means manipulate, but it should have from Gaza that say that if it is to promote the small-minded been made against the world. necessary to kidnap another politics of people who don’t allow Instead of marching to the Prime soldier, they will do so. And he the facts to confuse them. They Minister’s residence in knows that he cannot give in; he have brainwashed the nation with Yerushalayim, the thousands of simply cannot. a message that makes it seem as protesters should have marched though yielding to terrorists is the on the world’s embassies in Tel TO PROTECT CITIZENS only way to see Gilad back home. Aviv. They should have – “AT ANY PRICE” In the second Lebanon War demonstrated there outside the over 100 soldiers were killed. In English and Danish embassies We have no complaints against the military action in which Gilad which are doing nothing to enable the Shalit family. We have was kidnapped soldiers were the Red Cross to meet with Gilad. complaints against all those who killed who had defended the They should have demonstrated are leading them astray. Against residents of Israel with their lives. outside the American embassy all the Leftists and the “morally They paid with their lives for our which is not pressuring Hamas superior” folks who are hitching a reckless abandoning of Gush enough to soften their demands, ride on the campaign to “free Katif and the resultant situation or opposite the Russian embassy. Gilad” in order to further their in which the settlements There is another solution political agenda which includes surrounding Gaza became the which was recently approved by a demanding that terrorists be freed new border. committee of ministers: to forbid “just because.” From their point And yet, nobody thinks that family visits to terrorists in prison of view, the murderers in prison – the State of Israel abandoned until Gilad returns home. They those with Jewish blood on their these soldiers by placing them can also stop supplying
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electricity, funds, water and all taught there are many ways to relations minds who brainwashed the other services that Israel deal with terrorists? the people eliminating any provides Hamas. And they rational thinking on the subject. certainly shouldn’t stop the WE NEED AN We must provide a counterforce blockade on Gaza – even if it OPPOSING CAMPAIGN and start a campaign that will means depriving them of their bring the facts to the public as pasta and spices - until Gilad Instead of the fraudulent and the Rebbe MH”M laid them out Shalit returns home. demeaning campaign of the so many times. The Rebbe But the people running the celebrities promoting “Gilad Is referred to those destructive deals Shalit campaign want the easy Still Alive,” we need a strong and that took place in the past after life. They openly serve the Leftist courageous campaign that will which much unnecessary Jewish ideology and spin tales about how support the family as well as the blood was spilled. The Rebbe also one day all the prisoners will be residents of Israel; a campaign emphasized the views of the released and life will be good. that will preserve the sanity of the security experts and noted the They talk a good talk and make people as well as their security. tremendous motivation the terror people forget the heavy price Unfortunately, we only see a organizations get from these Israel has paid for questionable campaign like this from the other extravagant deals, which are and reckless deals like this. side, from the families of carried out without any They mainly make the nation terrorists in Gaza. They proportionality. forget the fact that there are demonstrated outside the home of In the Rebbe’s sichos we have other options, other alternatives. a senior Hamas official and all the answers to explain why Wasn’t it the State of Israel that demanded that they not bend on this deal is dangerous for us. It’s invented the concept of an the Shalit deal. a matter of life and death. We operation to free hostages? The Israeli public is confused must wise up – and the sooner Wasn’t it the State of Israel that after four years of insane the better. pressure by the best public
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memoirs
begun to treat him with respect, having noted his exemplary conduct and how he treated each of them. There were also some MAISHKE Jews among them who began regarding him as an older friend. They would ask him to be the arbitrator for the petty arguments By Shneur Zalman Berger that erupted among them. When sadness overcame them they would ask him to cheer them up, The little flame gave off the last bit of to sing a stirring niggun like they light and went out. Sitting in the heard him sing in the morning when he would daven. They even darkness they all sighed deeply, but asked him to pray for them. Some gave him their portions Moshe’s voice became even louder, of bread in exchange for the portions of soup and meat which stronger, more joyous. * Part 2 of 2 were not kosher, of course. When he received food parcels from home nobody would take any of it [Continued form last issue] even though he offered to share PESACH NIGHT IN JAIL the contents. He also had some In Kiev, R’ Moshe was put in a loyal “Chassidim” who would give cell with members of the him some food items they underworld. At first they tried to received from home. They knew make his life miserable and to what he would accept and what he humiliate him. As soon as he wouldn’t touch. Despite all this, walked in they looked at him as at Moshe suffered from malnutrition an alien being, a Jew with beard since the portions of bread he ate and peios. were so small. Some of them approached him In the days preceding Pesach and arrogantly touched his beard he was dispirited since he knew while making crude jokes. Moshe that in the jail they gave nothing kept quiet. He just sighed deeply, that wasn’t chametz. His hope not so much because of his that he would receive matzos from physical pain but because of his home dissipated when the holiday deep anguish. A few went over to began and he had none. He later him and began removing his outer them with compassion. found out that his family had clothes. He remained silent and He did not know why he had indeed sent him food for Pesach, looked heavenward through the been taken to GPU headquarters but the people in charge of the jail small barred window. A few in Kiev until the interrogators didn’t give him the package until younger prisoners made a final informed him of the serious a week after Yom Tov. attempt to annoy him with jokes crimes that he was accused of: His fellow inmates saw that he at his expense, calling him the “You are a big criminal. You was downcast and urged him to “spirit man” and the “holy man.” received money from and you tell them what bothered him. One They sufficed with this and no have ties with counter- of them, a young Jew with broad longer bothered him. They even revolutionaries overseas.” He was shoulders and arms like steel bars returned the clothes they had interrogated and tortured about nagged at him so much that he taken. Only a few thieves, who this fictitious accusation for finally extracted the reason from were starving, went over to the weeks, with no end to his sorrows him: Moshe would not eat bread bundle he had brought. Again, he in sight. for the next eight days. did not react but merely looked at The only consolation he had When word got out about this, was that his fellow cell mates had there was a hush in the cell. Then
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the prisoners began whispering “When Moshe was arrested I amongst themselves. Each of them was in my parents’ house. We began to root around in his knew he had been arrested precious belongings and proffered together with his talmidim but we various food items. The young did not know precisely where they man showed them to Moshe and were being held or what had asked whether they were okay for become of them. We were afraid Pesach or not. Out of all their to ask at the GPU office lest they food supplies, all they could put take us too. After weeks of aside for him were sixteen sugar hearing nothing, we found out cubes. through a Jew who had been Pesach night arrived. After the arrested together with them, that warden made his last inspection Moshe was being held in Kiev. and saw that everybody was asleep My father read the entire T’hillim in Moshe’s cell, his loyal friends each morning with great sobs. got to work. They hung a rag over “We were tremendously the window of the cell, blocked worried since in those days being the peephole in the door, and then sent to exile or even being taken took out a candle stub and lit it. out to be killed was Moshe began presiding over a commonplace. Back then there “seder.” He sat in a corner on a were numerous arrests in which wooden plank. His eyes were red dozens of Anash were taken from from weeping. He cried silently as a city in a single night. They he gazed at the flame that called this “the Yazov era” after flickered in the center of the cell the Defense Minister in charge of and at the men standing around, the GPU, who hated Jews and their eyes also fixed on the was responsible for all the crimes flickering candle. Even the Then he began reciting the committed by his men. gentiles gathered round with Hagada, his voice a bit tremulous. “At the beginning of the winter serious demeanors. Nobody lay He recited and those present sat of 1939, Yazov was removed from down to sleep. there absolutely silently until it his position, the wave of arrests The seder was conducted at seemed they were holding their ceased and the severe the request of some of the Jews breath. The little flame gave off punishments diminished. It was who remembered celebrating the last bit of light and went out. not only Yazov who was replaced. Pesach in their childhood. Now, Sitting in the darkness they all My brother related: ‘After Yazov all was different. There was no sighed deeply, but Moshe’s voice was dismissed, the interrogators wine, no matzos, no charoses, became even louder, stronger, who had once questioned me sat nothing! Just some sugar cubes more joyous. in the same jail cell as me…’ and cold tea. Nonetheless, they During Pesach he obtained That’s how far the wheel turned. wanted a seder; they wanted to some more sugar and was able to “The GPU started reexamining hear the traditional tunes. make it through the Yom Tov files in an effort to uncover all of Moshe got up, took the cup, without having to eat chametz. Yazov’s dirty deeds. In the end, closed his eyes and began reciting The Jewish prisoners who came to they decided that my brother had Kiddush. At first he said it quietly his aid became closer to him and been falsely accused of but little by little his voice rose considered him holy. Thanks to transferring money illegally and and became more joyous. Before him, some of them became more having ties abroad. They him were three sugar cubes, one connected to their Judaism. immediately sent him back to on top of the other, like three Berditchev, where he had matzos. When he asked the Four originally been arrested and Questions his tears flowed and COMPENSATION judged for the crime of moistened the sugar until they FROM THE SOVIET organizing a yeshiva and learning became wet and salty. Later on, GOVERNMENT Torah with youth. The judges he fulfilled his obligation of maror His brother Dovber relates: sentenced him with a period of with them … imprisonment that was much
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thoughts! Before him were three sugar cubes, one “R’ Moshe was like a father to on top of the other, like three matzos. his talmidim and we loved him tremendously. He took an interest When he asked the Four Questions his in our material welfare and constantly asked how our parents tears flowed and moistened the sugar were managing with parnasa and a place to live, and he tried to until they became wet and salty. Later help. During the war the economy was terrible and he on, he fulfilled his obligation of maror worried about us as though we with them… were his own children.” In the words of R’ Moshe Kozliner of Nachalat Har briefer than the year and a half he Bava Basra by heart. Chabad, “R’ Moshe was a Tamim had already spent in jail, and R’ Henoch Rappaport in the full sense of the word and released him. They even said that described R’ Moshe: a tremendous lamdan. The the Soviet government owed him “R’ Moshe was an outstanding talmidim loved him and he loved compensation for his having been lamdan in Nigleh and Chassidus, them.” in jail more than was proper.” a big oveid and yerei Shamayim, and a faithful Chassid. They FROM SAMARKAND MODESTY would say that when he went to TO TASHKENT sleep he tied his hands to the After his release, the rav of sides of the bed to keep his hands Nissan, 1945. The war had Berditchev took Moshe as his from being free.” ended. The secret police, which son-in-law for his daughter Bas- His talmid R’ Aryeh Leib during the war did not have time Sheva. The couple lived in Demichovsky, who lives in to chase after Jews, started its Moscow until they fled during Rechovot, adds: persecutions once again and with World War II. The Nazis “I was one of the first greater force. The evil Stalin approached Russia with giant talmidim in Samarkand. We ordered the police and his secret steps and hundreds of thousands learned in his house. He was a agents to pursue religious Jews. of refugees fled deep into the lamdan and a big masmid but it The situation deteriorated and the interior. was all done exceedingly hanhala of the yeshiva in R’ Moshe arrived with his wife modestly. Whenever I went to his Samarkand was afraid that such a in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Many house I saw him learning. He was large number of talmidim in one Lubavitchers had fled there from a teacher cut from a different city posed a danger. They decided Russia and the Ukraine. When R’ mold that one doesn’t find to move the classes to other cities Moshe arrived, he was appointed anymore. He was a scholar but such as Tashkent which was head of the newly founded his uniqueness was in his yiras nearby, and Kutais in Georgia. yeshiva. Shamayim and Chassidishkait, At the beginning of 5706, R’ The yeshiva consisted of which he implanted in his Moshe was sent with his class classes that were dispersed talmidim. He would encourage us and family to Tashkent. There among shuls and private homes. to cleave to the ways of were Lubavitcher families there, R’ Moshe’s class learned in his Chassidus at all times. His too, who helped sustain the house. Once again, he taught the farbrengens were a byword. He yeshiva. bachurim with unparalleled would farbreng with us on special Then the famous exodus from devotion. His talmidim would say days in the calendar and Russia via Lvov began, with that he was both a devoted father occasionally on a weekday. He numerous Jews crossing the and faithful teacher. When his once asked me, ‘What do you border with forged papers, baby daughter would cry he rock think about when you are on your arriving in Europe and going her back to sleep in his arms way home?’ He was particular from there to Eretz Yisroel and while orally giving a shiur in about not only our speech and the United States. Gemara. He knew the tractates of actions but also the purity of our At the beginning of 5707, R’ Bava Kama, Bava Metzia and Moshe, his wife and their two
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daughters left Russia and arrived R’ Moshe, who had suffered illness at the young age of 35. in Paris. Lubavitchers who had greatly under the Soviet regime, His coffin was flown to Israel, left Russia and arrived in Paris did not have much time to enjoy where he is buried in Teveria. started a yeshivas Tomchei the freedom, for on 23 Teves, This article is based on: Ohr Chassidi T’mimim and R’ Moshe was 5709, just two years after he left B’Choshech HaSovieti, Toldos Chabad B’Soviet Russia, Yahadus HaDmama, Talks and Tales, appointed the rosh yeshiva. Russia, he died following an and oral interviews.
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BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 751 37 751_Beis Moshiach 26/07/2010 8:08 AM Page 38
story TWILIGHT ENCOUNTER
By Rabbi Bentzion Elisha Based on a personal story shared by a Bachur in the keynote address at the Summer Merkaz Shlichus Kinus several years ago.
“There are three things Odessa we sought out Jews to inspire. away. We didn’t need to look is famous for,” said the Ukrainian As we were walking around completely like fish out of water. Rabbi. “The best Chazanim trying to find someone interested in He said hello, and asked where (Cantors), the best Rabbanim putting on T’fillin, we met we’re from. (Rabbis) and the best Ganavim someone who recognized me. He “I’m from Odessa originally,” I (thieves)!” had mistaken me for my father! told him. “Please watch yourselves here.” That’s always a compliment. He His face changed to an He warns us. “While you’re knew my father when we lived in expression of disbelief. walking around town, beware not Odessa many years ago and the “My father was born here, and to stay out past twilight because resemblance of our faces opened my family lived here when I was a once the city gets dark, it isn’t safe up conversation. What a small child,” I elaborated. anymore...” world. “What are you looking for?” He My friend Shmuel and I had As usual, we got carried away cut to the chase. finally arrived in Odessa to help the just walking about, and then it I told him we were looking for Shliach for the Pesach S’darim. We occurred to us that it was getting Pochenko Park, which we weren’t, had gotten our visas at the very last dark. Suddenly we noticed that all but I mentioned the first random minute, and all the red tape we the children and women were off name I remembered from the map. were forced to endure while the streets, and here we were lost We just had to lose this guy. attempting to make it into the in the city, alone with just our “I know where Pochenko Park former Soviet Union makes me wrinkled map in our hands to is, it’s very easy,” he said. “Do you wonder how we managed to get guide us. see the alley by the side of the here in the first place; was it a Out of the blue, a tall man street,” he pointed as he explained. miracle? wearing a leather jacket “Well, you go down the dark A beautiful Pesach came and materialized out of nowhere and alleyway and that will lead you to went. Overall it was very nice, and started walking towards us. The the dark sea side. Then you’ll go of course we were kept very busy. man looked like a skinhead and up the road there, which will lead Finally, after all was said and done, reeked of trouble. The Rabbi’s you to the edge of park Pochenko.” we found ourselves with a little earlier warning rang ominously in He looked at us smugly. time on our hands. We ventured my ears. Returning his gaze knowingly, I out into the city, enjoying the I said hello in fluent Russian as replied, “That alley looks awfully ambiance of this old world town as I tried to put our map discreetly dark. I would hate for something
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“Odessa has had so many Jews it living here for so many years that they inevitably left their mark. Everything here seems so Jewish, even the non-Jews have something Jewish about them. Tell me, Senya, what’s Jewish about you?” I ask innocently. “Nothing.“ He hides his face for a second before he says, “Nothing is Jewish about me. My mother is Jewish, but I’m not.”
bad to happen to us there. Looking at this point, and who knows, mean?” at our map shows us that we can perhaps we can make a soul “Senya, if your mother is Jewish take the main road, which is lit up connection. that makes you Jewish, too.” by street lights, all the way down, “My name is Israel. What is Stunned, he immediately denies and that will lead us straight to our your name?” I ask. my statement. destination. The main road is just “My name is Senya” answers “No, I’m not Jewish, I’m four blocks away.” the local stranger. Ukrainian. It even says so in my The man’s smile breaks into “Where are you from, Senya?” passport. Do you want to see?” laughter and he says, “You’re I ask him. He searches for the document smart. You’re very smart.” There is “What do you mean? I’m from to prove to me that I’m wrong. a menacing look in his eyes that Odessa. I’ve always lived here.” he “Senya, I don’t care what it says express words that are not said. answers in a bewildered tone, as if in your Ukrainian passport. ‘You stupid fool,’ I can almost hear to say ‘What do you mean where According to Jewish law, if your the unspoken words. ‘It won’t help am I from?! Of course I’m from mother is Jewish that makes you you knowing the directions. The Odessa, nobody moves to Odessa, Jewish!” only direction you’re heading to is people move out of here!’ Contemplating this new identity to be robbed.’ “Odessa has had so many Jews he has never considered his own, All the conversation so far had living here for so many years that something inside him breaks. I can been conducted in Russian. they inevitably left their mark. see it in his face. He is silent. I Shmuel, standing by my side, Everything here seems so Jewish, take the opportunity to continue. doesn’t speak the language and even the non-Jews have something “Senya, we have so much in can’t follow the conversation. Jewish about them. Tell me, Senya, common! Your father is from Maybe that’s why he’s the one who what’s Jewish about you?” I asked Odessa and my father is from remembered the purpose of our innocently. Odessa, your mother is Jewish and excursion in the first place and “Nothing.“ He hides his face for my mother is Jewish, I’m a Jew and noticed that there was still light a second before he says, “Nothing you’re a Jew. We are practically out. He took advantage of this brief is Jewish about me. My mother is Mishpacha.” moment of silence to push me to Jewish, but I’m not.” Mishpacha is one of those put T’fillin on our new friend who “Senya, do you know what that Jewish words everyone in Odessa he thought was Jewish. means?” I ask him. knows the meaning of. Why not? What’s there to lose “What?” He scoffs. “What does I offer my hand to shake his.
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back to the Yeshiva where we were “Israel, do you know why I stopped you staying. this evening?” he asks. “Since we are That night we were leaving Odessa, heading to different Kivrei practically Mishpacha, I’ll tell you. I Tzaddikim in the Ukraine, but we didn’t forget to leave a $20 bill for wanted to rob you. I saw you two Senya with one of the Bachurim in the Yeshiva. Perhaps Senya will rabbinical students, and thought to somehow join the Yeshiva in Odessa, and who knows, maybe he myself, look at these two penguins, this will become a Shliach himself one will be easy money.” day. Even though our mission is We shake hands. He keeps my dollars,” he begs. “I really need it. never-ending, our mission in hand in his as he stares at me. We are Mishpacha after all, aren‘t Odessa was over. “Yes,” he agrees. ”I suppose we we?” As we were traveling from can say that.” “I don’t have money on me, Tzaddik to Tzaddik I had time to “Israel, do you know why I Senya,” I tell him frankly. think about our twilight encounter stopped you this evening?” he asks. “However, if you want to stop by in Odessa. It is incredible how by “Since we are practically the Yeshiva later on, I’ll make sure being Shlichus minded, thanks to Mishpacha, I’ll tell you. I wanted to to have $20 waiting for you.” the Rebbe’s training, we were able rob you. I saw you two rabbinical “It’s getting late; we have to to turn what could have been a students, and thought to myself, go,” I inform our new friend. fatal situation into a fateful one. look at these two penguins, this “Let me walk you to the main How wondrous it was that by will be easy money.” street,” he offers. “It’s dangerous the mere act of reaching out to Uneasily I say “I’m so glad you here after dark…” another Jew, not only we were changed your mind.” Senya, our newly made friend, saved from robbery but we The look in his eyes gets walks us to the main street. Most somehow managed to also steal the noticeably softer. “Yes, I guess I of the roads in Odessa are heart of a thief. did change my mind.” He says, as shrouded in darkness; only the Rabbi Bentzion Elisha is an award he lets go of my hand. Then he main streets are lit up by street winning photographer (ElishaArt.Com) looks down. Perhaps he is lamps. We walk together into the and writer based in Crown Heights. ashamed. light. We say good bye to the “Can you just give me twenty twilight stranger as we safely walk
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moshiach & science YES I M SURE... BUT MAYBE NOT.
By Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd
A hundred and fifty years ago they thought that their doctrine? Perhaps you can find them in the science and physics spoke the absolute truth. Kant agnostic house of worship on Main Street. There’s a big and Einstein proved that science never did and neon question mark out front and a minister is banging never will be able to give absolute truths. on the pulpit declaring to all, “I’m not sure!” —The Rebbe, Mind Over Matter, p.69 What’s amusing about the agnostic church, of course, is that faith and doubt are mutually exclusive We live in an age of uncertainty. and diametrically opposed. Faith is about clarity, Geopolitics, the economy, the environment. However certainty and unshakeable principles. Doubt is about much we know, things are still increasingly being undecided, unsure and (no hard feelings intended, unpredictable. And then there is science. but) unprincipled. At the heart of atomic theory, for example, is the I have often been told by my secular friends, “I envy “uncertainty principle,” that pillar of quantum wisdom your faith. I wish I could believe like you. I am always that informs us that the most fundamental building plagued with doubts.” For the most part, our blocks of matter and energy are ultimately discussions and debates don’t really lead unknowable. anywhere, but sometimes other approaches The laws of nature, once thought to be do. completely deterministic, are now viewed as A practical deed, a mitzvah, such as probabilities. In other words, more lighting a Shabbos candle, giving tz’daka uncertainty. Another case in point is the (charity), or making a blessing over food can environment, which is modeled by chaos awaken the soul and evaporate doubts in a theory or the butterfly effect, the idea that way that logical arguments never can. As tiny unpredictable changes can quickly King Solomon put it, “For the mitzvah is a reverberate into massive system change. candle and Torah, light.” Science is not the bastion of unshakeable But how does this work? Can deeds truth that we once thought it was. Science is dispel doubts? According to recent now about probabilities and perceptions, not experiments by psychologists, it seems the about things “as they are.” answer is yes.[3] No wonder that many these days ascribe to a In a study published in the prestigious journal, new kind of atheism, which is really more akin to Science, subjects were asked to rate 10 CD’s and were agnosticism, a kind of knowing that you cannot know. If then informed they could choose their fourth or fifth your sole anchor in the sea of knowledge is science, then favorite as a gift for participating in the experiment. all absolutes are denied.[1] Then they were given hand soaps to rate. Half based On the other hand there is more to scientists than these ratings based on the packaging alone and half meets the eye for they, after all, are human too. So what actually washed their hands with the products before characterizes a scientist’s faith? According to polls, rating them. After all this, they went back to the 10 about half of all scientists believe in the Creator and His CD’s and rated them all over again. continued guidance of natural processes. Some take The latter CD ratings varied in one significant way. scripture literally, others literarily, but they typically Those who actually washed their hands ranked the ascribe to some traditional faith system.[2] chosen CD the same as they had earlier, but those who But what about the other half... the new agnostics did not wash in between upped their rating of the whose belief in doubt is firm? How do they celebrate BEIS MOSHIACH Issue 751 41 751_Beis Moshiach 26/07/2010 8:14 AM Page 42
chosen CD the second time. history. In fact between the washing His desk was perfectly clean, as if to Apparently, hand washing helped and the eating you are not even say to the person who walks in, “I subjects put the decision process allowed to talk, except for the have nothing else in the world on my behind them and accept the gift for blessing on eating bread. mind right now but you.” what it was, a mediocre gift. Without the washing, we would Washing your hands, clearing Surprisingly, however, those that did be tumbling headlong from battles to your desk, making a blessing, taking not actually wash rated the gift CD bagels to making deals to breaking a deep breath, all these are ways to significantly higher the second time, bread. Besides getting indigestion draw a line in the present to settle indicating a need to rationalize and from worry, it’s not a way to live. the past and focus on the immediate lingering doubts about their original Conscious living means celebrating future, which is a healthy way to decision. the moment, every moment, for the live. Otherwise our minds can get Hand washing plays an value it has. Eating is holy. It’s life murky and muddled, clouded by important role in Jewish life, and itself. The washing ritual gives you a doubts, and invested in histories we there many occasions where the chance to focus on the immense should have left long behind. washing of hands is mandated by the significance of what might otherwise Of all the Rebbe’s teachings, one sages. Of course one reason is feel like nothing more than stuffing stands out as an overarching theme - sanitation, but there are spiritual and your face because you are hungry. Welcome Moshiach with acts of kabbalistic reasons as well. In light But there is another goodness and kindness. Our of this research perhaps we can add psychological value as well. The psychology lesson lends insight to another dimension - the same behavioral boundary that this as well. psychological. frames feeding time also serves as As we stand on the threshold For example, one occasion for punctuation for your previous between exile and redemption, we washing is the eating of bread. At concern. And setting a limit to your need to draw a line between the one level it’s a hygiene issue. Who past activity behaviorally also limits dubious values of worldly cares and needs dirty germs on food? But that its impact on your psyche, the eternal values we will celebrate in can’t be the whole story because the preventing it from encroaching on the redemption. The best way to ritual washing for bread needs to be other activities and values that also wash away the grime encrusting done after the hands are hygienically deserve undivided attention. millennia of mess-ups and misery is clean. Add to this a cultural Rabbi Chaim Brovender, a also the best way to enter the era of dimension - whenever we eat bread popular and innovative educator in unity and clarity we are all awaiting. we use hand washing to modern orthodox circles and head of And that is to define the moment commemorate the divine service of Yeshivat HaMivtar near Efrat Israel, with a cleansing event - a mitzvah. the priests in the Temple in was once interviewed about his And lest our doubts plague us Jerusalem. experiences with the Lubavitcher still and we agonize over exactly Another layer of meaning is the Rebbe. Besides being astounded by which of those hundreds of possible kabbalistic. Water symbolizes Torah, the Rebbe’s prodigious knowledge, mitzvos we should actually do, the divine intellect which flows from boundless energy and prophetic answer is simple and clear: The next above onto the hands which insight, the thing that impressed him one. symbolize the emotional level within most was his desk. He walked in to Dr. Aryeh (Arnie) Gotfryd, PhD is a man. The hands are raised after a late night appointment after the chassid, environmental scientist, author washing and before drying to Rebbe had already seen dozens of and educator living near Toronto, symbolize the elevation of the people and responded to hundreds Canada. To contact, read more or to emotions that results from being of issues in addition to his own book him for a talk, visit www.arniegotfryd.com or call 416-858- awash with divine intellect. myriad projects and concerns. 9868 But what does washing for bread When you walk into the office of do for you psychologically? For one, someone whose day is that complex NOTES: it separates you from whatever it is and demanding, you would expect to [1] http://www.slate.com you were doing before and focuses see signs of it on the desk and /id/2258484/?from=rss your consciousness on what lies around - piles of papers, open [2] http://www.religioustolerance.org ahead. A moment before you may books, coffee cups, a phone or two, /ev_publi.htm have been cutting a deal, arranging a files, stationery, and electronics. We car pool, fighting with a phone all know what a busy person’s desk [3] http://blogs.discovermagazine.com company or shopping online. But looks like when he’s involved in so /80beats/2010/05/07/hand-washing-after-a- once you’ve washed for bread, it’s many projects. But not the Rebbe. decision-scrubs-away-those-lingering-doubts/
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