בס''ד Torah and Chessed Institutions Chut Shel Chessed Yeshiva Weekly English Newsletter from Rav Shalom Arush's Yeshiva Shmuel Hanavi 13, Visit us on the web at www.Breslev.co.il

Parashat Beha’alotecha, 5772

Words from Our Rosh Yeshiva We live in a time where one can be “connected” to world around us, and still be “disconnected” from Hashem, Simplify Your Life reality, ourselves and those around us. These gadgets can become a serious distraction in our service to Hashem There‟s an important concept which each one of us must and their addictive powers are no different than any other internalize: The only true success in life is coming closer type of addiction or substance, G-d forbid. In fact, they to Hashem. Meaning, any “success” that doesn‟t bring a may be even worse, because they could easily involve person closer to Hashem is superficial. There are times various addictions in a single one. Without realizing it, one when a person‟s “success” ends up being his downfall. can easily be absorbed for hours each day into useless For example, one could land a “successful” job working time wasting and for what? What has a person attained overseas for months at a time, resulting in a major decline with all these unnecessary items other than a higher in his religious devotion and/or shalom bayit. Can we say phone bill which he now has to waste more time working that this is true success? Is the sole reason for which a to pay for? Has he gotten any closer to Hashem while person is brought to this earth to make a living? Hashem wasting time with these things? This is what we mean sent us into this world for the purpose of coming closer to when we say, “a person‟s „success‟ ends up being his Him, this is the true purpose and success in our lives. downfall”, because the very things we own can easily When does Hashem succeed? When His children come come to “own us” if we don‟t balance them properly. closer to Him. Therefore, since we truly love Hashem and desire to fulfill His will, we make the very best effort we A person's search for pastimes (literally, to pass time) is can to come closer to Him and bring others close as well. an indication of boredom and a life of emptiness, devoid One way to bring others close is by praying from them, of direction and purpose. The more someone has direction speaking to them words of Torah and emuna, spreading and purpose in life, the less he has available time. Indeed, out books and CD‟s which speak about Torah and emuna, those fortunate people who know what they're doing in life etc. In this way, we can bring ourselves and others to the are always evaluating their use of time. They have a set of true purpose and success in this world, which is to come priorities, giving no time to things that aren't connected to close to Him in sincerity and truth. their mission in life, while devoting extensive time and effort to that which helps them attain their objectives. Now that we know what our purpose in this world is, we Such people don't submit to boredom or fall into depression. can conclude that anything that is not a conduit towards Every moment of their life counts. us reaching this goal is an obstacle which we must over- come. These “distractions” are only to waste a person‟s Rather than waste time with things that don‟t lead us on time and prevent him from seeing the truth. One of the the path towards our true purpose, we should use it to areas where a person must exert himself much is in the come closer to Hashem by investing in those things that area of shalom bayit (marital peace). As I‟ve said many do bring us, and those around us, closer to Him. It‟s no times before, this is a couple‟s main way to coming close wonder how some people claim to not have time for an to Hashem. Therefore, anything that becomes a distraction hour session of (personal prayer), yet seem to towards achieving this goal should be rethought and dealt waste their days in fruitless chat rooms and cyber-surfing. with accordingly. Rebbe Nachman warns us to wake up and make a daily accounting of our lives to ensure that we‟re on the right A young couple once came to me seeking marital advice path towards our true goal. Spending time with our wives and the wife was complaining that her husband doesn‟t and children, teaching them good character traits, Torah dedicate any time with her. He‟s always “busy” with his and emuna, as well as the importance of personal prayer phone. When he eats and even drives he‟s constantly on are a few examples of how to invest our time in this world. his cell phone. So I told this young man that he needs to These are things that bring us closer to each other and rethink his priorities and at least speak to her a few words. Hashem, while reaping huge benefits in the long run. What did he do? He sent her a text message! This may Through this, we‟ll be truly successful in our mission in life sound funny, but it‟s really a sad situation. So I told him and bring pleasure to our Heavenly Father. Amen. man that he needs to learn to put his phone down and leave it alone if he wants to save his marriage. Rav Shalom Arush

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Emuna Therapy • " I had a “bad” two-week period...This was embarrassing to say the least." Keeping My Cool Why not incorporate these complaints into a constructive Dr. Zev, prayer for your children. Here's a very short example:

Practically every other night I'm having a problem putting Hashem, I'm feeling angry, helpless and embarrassed by my kids to sleep. They don’t want to go to sleep at their my children. I honestly don't know how you want me to 8pm time. Naturally, when they don’t get enough sleep handle the situation. Thank you for helping me to not they wake up cranky the next morning and it can be a show any open annoyance or resentment towards my kids nightmare to get them up and ready for school. If they though You surely know how angry, fed-up and discou- miss their bus, my entire morning is ruined being that I raged I'm feeling about this whole ordeal. I openly admit have to take them myself on a public bus. By the time I these shortcomings to you. get home, I've lost up to two hours. A few weeks ago, the Hashem you love my children so much. I know that you mashgiach spoke with me about having the kids in school only have their best interests at heart. Please strengthen on time, especially the oldest (7), because they miss da- my emuna, Hashem. I really need to believe with perfect vening. I had a “bad” two-week period where they were certainty that You, in Your Loving Kindness will correct late four times. This was embarrassing to say the least. this situation. I am sure that you see my good intentions. What should I do when they don’t want to go to sleep on You see my love for my children too, but you want me to time or cooperate in the mornings? I really don’t want love them more than I feel able to do. Help me to accept them to miss the bus, because it’ll become a nightmare. that the time you wish me to spend with them is more Sometimes I feel like crying out of frustration because I important than my work. Help me to trust You that my know that if I yell at them or get physical with them (as I work will get done. I'm being honest with You, Hashem so used to do in the past) they’ll respond. I don’t want to do help me. I know I should thank you for this problem, but this anymore, and thank G-d I haven’t in a few months the truth is that I don't feel grateful for it. Please forgive now. But it’s so frustrating to feel helpless when they defy me for this - I know I'm not there yet. Hashem look into my you and you can’t react. What can I do? heart and You'll see that I really want to do better and really want to follow Arush's advice. Thanks, Chezky This is the tact I would take for now, I am sure that your Dear Chezky, prayers will make a big difference. Wishing you huge hatzlocho – Dr. Zev Ballen Congratulations on keeping your cool. It certainly is not easy - but let's remember that your children are not defy- If you would like more advice about a situation in your life, ing you - Hashem is. One of the most difficult aspects of feel free to email Dr. Ballen at: [email protected] or emuna-parenting is recognizing that we make hidden visit his webpage: www.zevballen.com. We are proud to claims against Hashem about how our children 'should' announce that now you can personally speak with Dr. Zev behave. We inwardly insist that the child obey and get to on our: “Ask Dr. Zev”, weekly Emuna-Parenting confe- sleep on time when Hashem may have other ideas. rence call by Breslev and the Chut Shel Chesed Yeshiva. To request access to the call please contact: Remember that Hashem is sending you a message [email protected]. through your children's behavior. For example, if our child- ren are not respecting us it might be because we have not given proper respect to our own parents or to our spous- Chochmah & Binah es. If so, the situation with your children will improve once Take Her Advice you have rectified this situation. We must be careful to not appear as though we are complaining about Hashem's We find in Rebbe Nachman‟s Tale of “The Wise One and Divine Providence or about our children as in the follow- the Simpleton” that when times got tough for the simpleton, ing: “His wife suggested that he send for the Miracle Worker”. A woman with simple emuna knows the best advice for her • "...they wake up cranky the next morning and it can husband: “Run to the tzaddik!” A woman is less prone to be a nightmare to get them up..." spiritual disorientation than a man. Once she recognizes the true tzaddik and believes in him, she won't budge from • "...my entire morning is practically ruined..." him. Women remained loyal to Moses and weren‟t part • "...the mashgiach [had to] speak with me about the of the Golden Calf fiasco or Korach's rebellion. Unlike the importance of having the kids in school on time..." men, they stayed loyal to the true tzaddik. 3

When it comes to simple, unwavering emuna, the women And so it was. The following evening the Jew again heard of Israel have frequently outdistanced the wise men, as in a knocking at the door as he completed the Midnight the case of Hannah and Eli the High Priest (Samuel, 1:1). Lament. It was, of course, Eliyahu HaNavi. The Jew was overjoyed when he heard that Eliyahu would be his per- Rebbe Nachman stresses that we must learn emuna from sonal tutor unconditionally. From that night on, they would women's good example. As such, a husband is wise to seek learn Torah together, until the simple Jew was trans- his wife‟s advice, especially during a spiritual challenge in formed into a Torah scholar. Until the day of his passing, life. no one knew of his true greatness or his unusual midnight guest. After he passed away, the Heavenly Court ruled We should all pay special attention here: The stronger our that he should be rewarded for his piety and good deeds. emuna and our belief in the tzaddik, the easier we weather It was decided that his soul be sent down to this world all of life's difficulties. We can now readily understand once more. This time, however, his righteousness would Rebbe Nachman's words (Sichot HaRan, 67), that someone become revealed to all and he would become a leader of who fails to heed the words of the true wise men is liable to the Jewish People. He was charged with instructing the become deranged. If the eccentric people that do strange Jews in a new way of serving G-d, a way which would prepare the world for the final redemption. things would listen to our wise men and true tzaddikim, they would not act in an insane manner. The above story was related to the Baal Shem Tov by his teacher Reb Adam Baal Shem. “You merited that your “The Garden of Wisdom” (pp.307-309) soul,” reveal Reb Adam Baal Shem to his successor, “is in fact the soul of this good Jew from Safed.” A Story for the Shabbos Table Gems of Rebbe Nachman No One but G-d Needs to Know The purification process that takes place within the body Just over 400 years ago, in the cobblestoned town of mirrors that of the soul. Rebbe Nachman teaches that Safed lived a simple Jew who served his Creator with everything in existence, even one‟s wealth, requires this integrity and simplicity. One particular night, as he recited purification process. “The same stage required to process the Midnight Lament he heard a knock at the door. “Who‟s food must be employed to refine money. These states are there” he asked. “Eliyahu HaNavi”, a voice responded. acceptance, retention, digestion, distribution and expulsion. Without hesitation, the Jew opened the door. As Eliyahu In eating, one makes use of the powers of acceptance entered the room it was filled with light. With a happy and retention, for the body retains the food for a while. heart, the simple Jew escorted his honored guest to the Digestion then causes the food to be absorbed in the most comfortable chair in his house. body, and the digestive system dispenses the required nutrients throughout the body. The heart and brain receive “I‟ve been sent here to study with you, and to reveal to the choicest nourishment, for they provide the most vital you the exact year of Mashiach‟s coming”, said Eliyahu to functions. The body then excretes the waste matter. his host. The Jew‟s face beamed with joy as he heard this wonderful news. Eliyahu himself will be my personal tutor, The same refinement process is required with money. he thought. This was better than anything he had ever When you receive money you must be retentive and not imagined! “I would be happy to learn with you”, he replied spend it right away – not like those who spend their lives enthusiastically. “However, there‟s one condition”, Eliyahu pursuing wealth and then, when they acquire it, squander noted. “you must reveal to me what single you it immediately. You must “digest” this money, holding on performed on the day of your bar mitzvah. The Heaven to it until it is needed, and only then distributing it. The Court decided that as a reward for this particular mitzvah choicest portion must go to charity and the remainder for you would merit that I reveal myself to you and teach you your necessities. There is also waste in your expenses. the hidden secrets of the Torah.” Gems of Rebbe Nachman The Jew‟s face became downcast, “If that‟s the case,” he replied, “then I‟m willing to forgo the honor of studying with Memory you. The mitzvot I performed were for Hashem‟s glory alone. I was taught to act modestly and not be boastful of 1) What is memory? It means keeping the world to come the mitzvot I have done. No one but Hashem needs to constantly in the forefront of your mind, never forgetting know of my deeds.” Eliyahu vanished. your ultimate purpose. The simple Jew sat down to contemplate his situation. 2) Most people see forgetting as a problem, but I see it as Meanwhile, his refusal had caused a great commotion in a great benefit. Heaven. The Heavenly Court was astonished that anyone would be willing to forgo studying with Eliyahu HaNavi just 3) By a person forgetting the Torah he‟s studied, this to ensure that their deeds were entirely for the sake of allows him to learn it again as new. Heaven! After an animated discussion, it was decided that Eliyahu would again reveal himself to this Jew and teach 4) Be very careful to cultivate a good memory and not fall him the mystical concepts of the Torah. However, this into forgetfulness. time without any stipulations. 4

The Rebbe’s Promise A Daily Stroll through the Garden

“When my days are over and I leave this world, I will still The Garden of Wisdom, pages 41-60 intercede for anyone who comes to my grave, gives a coin Join us as we pace ourselves through Rav Shalom to charity and says these Ten Psalms. No matter how Arush’s books, which have inspired many people great his sins, I will do everything in my power, spanning throughout the world. We are currently reading Rav the length and breadth of the creation to cleanse him and Arush’s newest English book, “The Garden of Wisdom” protect him. I will pull him out by his peyot from Gehinom. with a pace of about 3 pages per day which should only I am very sure of everything I say, but I am most sure in take a few minutes a day. regard to the great benefit of these Ten Psalms.” The Ten Psalms, also known as the Tikkun Klali (The General Re- (You can find “The Garden of Wisdom” at your local Jew- medy) are as follows: 16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, ish bookstore or it can be ordered on line at and 150. They are also very beneficial to say at any time. www.breslev.co.il).

Announcements and Schedule of Classes

Chut Shel Chessed Yeshiva is pleased to announce: English classes offered at the Chut Shel Chessed Yeshiva located at Shmuel Hanavi 13, Jerusalem) Rosh Hashana 5773 in Uman with R' Lazer Brody! Daily: Rav Ruven Levy Breslev Israel is back for our third year at the Inn Uman! 9:00 – 10:00 Daf Yomi Shiur Enjoy all of the wonderful benefits of staying with us, such 9:00 – 10:00 Gemara Taanit as daily shiurim and spiritual guidance by Rabbi Brody in a private, intimate atmosphere. We are Uman's premier Rav Dror Moshe Cassouto location, with a brand new building equipped with 24-hour 10:15 – 11:45 Gemara Chagiga security and comfortable, American-style beds and an en- 12:00 – 1:00 Likutei Moharan suite kitchen. 12:00 – 1:00 Sifrei Rav Arush Rav Nasan Maimon (www.BreslovTorah.com) Enjoy our beautiful, state-of-the-art mikvah, which is only 10:30 - 11:45 Likutei Halachot available to guests of Inn Uman. We are also pleased to offer to our guests the finest glatt-kosher chef-cooked 1:15 Mincha meals in Uman, as well as 24-hour unlimited tea, coffee, Rav Yishai Tokayer and cake service. 1:30 – 3:00 Kitzur Shulchan Aruch We are also working on securing a private appearance 1:30 – 3:00 Likutei Halachot and lecture by Rav Shalom Arush Shlit''a, which will be Rav Ashi Dick translated by Rabbi Brody! Those of us that attended last 3:00 – 4:00 Chumash with Mefarshim year tremendously enjoyed this unexpected gift! 4:00 – 5:00 Gemarra Skills Breslev Israel is doing our best to ensure another com- Rav Micha Golchevsky fortable and spiritually enlightening Rosh Hashana for all 5:30 - 8:00 Halacha and Chassidut of our guests. Wed Afternoons (open to men and women): Register now, being that last year was completely sold 4:30 - 5:00 Rav Elgrod Halacha out! For more details, visit www.innuman.com or you can 5:00 - 6:00 Rav Dr. Zev Ballen call: (www.ZevBallen.com) 7:15 - 8:15 Rav Lazer Brody Israel : 054-543-2774 (www.LazerBrody.net) USA : 1-718-619-8600 View the Wed. classes live at: www.breslev.co.il