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contents

NO NEED FOR SEVERITY TO BRING 4 MOSHIACH D’var Malchus MECHITZAH DOESN’T DEGRADE THE 7 DIGNITY OF JEWISH WOMEN The ’s Letter THE FIRST YEAR OF SHLICHUS 10 Shlichus | Sholom Ber Crombie

MY LINEAGE IS GREATER! 18 Stories for | Y. Ben Baruch

PLAYING THE ODDS. Moshiach & Science | Aryeh Gotfryd, PhD 22 USA 744 Eastern Parkway , NY 11213-3409 Tel: (718) 778-8000 LIKE SARA, LIKE STERNA Fax: (718) 778-0800 24 Feature | Malka Schwartz [email protected] www.beismoshiach.org

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: GUT YOM TOV! M.M. Hendel 26 Shlichus | Shmuelevitz ENGLISH EDITOR: Boruch Merkur [email protected] HEBREW EDITOR: THE REBBE ON MOSHIACH AND Rabbi Sholom Yaakov Chazan 29 Moshiach & Geula [email protected]

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d’var malchus NO NEED FOR SEVERITY TO BRING MOSHIACH

Translated by Boruch Merkur

DOVID HA’MELECH CAN DO WITHOUT his judgement, upholds the land.” Alter Rebbe, who was redeemed YEARS FROM YITZCHOK [That is, Dovid HaMelech was not from prison on this day: Regarding the commentary of my lacking the quality of judgement, In his first letter regarding the revered father on the , on this insofar as he represents Malchus, a redemption of Yud-Tes Kislev, the week’s portion, a connection manifestation of law and Alter Rebbe emphasizes two general with the future redemption can be judgement.] points: a) “Pada v’shalom nafshi traced: An incredible lesson is derived (My soul was redeemed in peace)” – There is a lengthy commentary from the above: “When i saw in the Book of T’hillim among my father’s notes regarding When we are speaking about the verse, ‘Pada v’shalom nafshi,’ I the years the patriarchs granted [of Dovid Malka Meshicha, in order to left [the prison] in peace.” b) The their own lives] to Dovid HaMelech, precipitate and speed up the advent effect of the redemption on the Dovid Malka Meshicha, as cited in of our righteous Moshiach, there is nations of the world: “G-d has been the words of the Zohar: “From no need for judgements and severity exalted and glorified to act upon the Adam HaRishon there were 70 years G-d forbid, for according to all earth…in the eyes of all the that Dovid HaMelech lived in this opinions we have already met the ministers and all the peoples in all world. The patriarchs added to this, prerequisite for all matters of the king’s countries – that even in granting him of their own lives, each judgement and severity – “enough their eyes, the event is seen as a of them individually. Avrohom gave and more than enough” ... wonder, an enigmatic miracle, etc.” him [years of his life], as did Yaakov Therefore, the Jewish people cry out It is well known the great and Yosef, etc.” “ad masai?! (Until when?!).” “L-rd, precision of the Alter Rebbe’s choice The reason why Avrohom and do not be silent, hold not thy peace, of words, even in speech and Yaakov (as well as Yosef) gave of and be not still, O G-d.” ... And especially in writing – how much their years to Dovid but not since this is so, it is imperative that more so with regard to a letter Yitzchok” is because his aspect is Dovid Malka Meshicha comes addressed, first and foremost, to the that of judgement (din) – as it is immediately. preeminent Jewish religious figures written, ‘and the fear of Yitzchok (Hisvaduyos 5746 Vol. 1, of the generation. It is, therefore, Parshas VaYishlach, pg. 699) was upon me’ – and there was no certain that the length and seeming need for Dovid [who represents redundancy of expression pertaining THE PROMISE OF A PEACEFUL to the effect of the redemption on Malchus (kingship, majesty)] to REDEMPTION receive an illumination and influence the Gentile nations is not for the from the aspect of judgement, for 1. The lesson and instruction sake of eloquence alone, G-d forbid. irrespective of this, ‘dina d’malchusa derived from the redemption of Yud- Rather, it is absolutely precise, [not dina (the law of the kingdom is Tes Kislev, first and foremost is needlessly verbose or redundant but law),’ as it is written, ‘a king, with apparent in the holy letter of the for the purpose of] introducing

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additional ideas, etc. too shall see that “there is a master According to all The point of the matter with to this capital city,” one who makes regard to practical application is as miracles and wonders in our lowliest opinions we have follows. Indeed, “action is the main of worlds, “b’kerev ha’aretz (in the thing.” midst of the land).” already met the The words “pada v’shalom (a THE 7 MITZVOS OF B’NEI NOACH: prerequisite for peaceful redemption)” suggest THE HOLY MISSION OF EVERY opposite meanings. On the one hand, it refers to a state where there As stated, this matter contains a all matters of is the need for redemption, general instruction in the service of judgement and redemption from a state of exile. On each and every Jew: the other hand, this redemption Among the commandments of severity – occurs peacefully. the Torah that were given to each The lesson from this is that the and every Jew eternally – [for] “The “enough and general service in matters of Torah is eternal” – there is the – Torah and Mitzvos, including the commandment to influence the more than inner dimension of the Torah – must Gentile nations, as Rambam rules, not be restricted to a state of “a man “So did Moshe Rabbeinu command, enough.” beneath his vine and beneath his fig in the name of the Alm-ghty, to tree,” [i.e., in peaceful, prosperous compel all humankind to accept the Of course, it is appropriate to times, when the Jewish people have Mitzvos that were commanded to emphasize that the Gentile “should subdued or vanquished their the descendants of Noach.” do them because G-d commanded enemies] under the rule of the That is to say that in addition to them in the Torah and he made them Davidic dynasty [for example], in the general service “to serve my known to us through Moshe the First Temple Era, or at least in master” by means of fulfilling the Rabbeinu, etc..” That is to say that the time of the Second Temple. 613 Mitzvos of the Torah, the holy this conduct – “He formed it to be Rather, this service must also be mission that is incumbent upon inhabited/settled” – expresses the during a state of exile, a condition every single Jew is to have an impact mastery of G-d in the world – that needs redemption. on “all the ministers and all the “There is a master to this capital At the same time, there is a peoples in all the king’s countries,” city” – in accordance with and promise that certainly there will be a to ensure that their conduct reflects exemplifying the effect of the redemption from this state, and a [the general Divine intent of] “He redemption of Yud-Tes Kislev “in the “peaceful” redemption at that. formed it to be inhabited/settled,” by eyes of all the ministers and all the Moreover, the effect of the their fulfilling the Seven Mitzvos of peoples in all the king’s countries.” peaceful redemption even pervades the Descendants of Noach (together If with regard to all matters of “all the ministers and all the peoples with all the offshoots of these the world, “(G-d) did not create a in all the king’s countries” that they general commandments). single thing in vain,” how much more does this apply to the commandments of G-d in His Torah. And regarding this matter itself, it applies not just to Kohanim and Leviim, the elite, but every single Jew. Certainly this directive was not commanded in vain, G-d forbid. On the contrary, it is clear that when “All of you, stand ready” to fulfill this commandment there will be help from On High to succeed in this action far more than estimated prior to taking on this manner of Divine service. (Hisvaduyos 5746 Vol. 2, 19 Kislev, pg. 42-43)

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the rebbe’s letter ~ MECHITZAH DOESN’T DEGRADE H THE DIGNITY OF JEWISH WOMEN

sense of unity, as in “And Adam To think that there could be anything knew Eve”. The union of two degrading in the Mechitzah is to betray things can be complete only when there is not a third element complete ignorance not only of the involved, be it even a matter of holiness and the like. significance of the Mechitzah but of the From the above it follows that there certainly must be nothing to whole attitude and way of the Torah. distract the attention and . . . attunement of the heart and mind towards the attainment of the BS”D Shul, and moreover, even not r g highest degree of unity with G-d. By the Grace of G-d during the time of prayer. Not to From the above it also follows 10th of Nissan, 5721 mention the Din of the Torah to that the separation of the sexes by Brooklyn, N.Y. esteem and honor every human a Mechitzah has nothing to do Greeting and Blessings: being created in the “image” of G-d. with any particular condition or This is in reply to your letter To think that there could be state in the women, as has been and questions: anything degrading in the suggested to you. (1) Regarding the Mechitzah in Mechitzah is to betray complete It further follows also that the the . ignorance not only of the purpose of the Mechitzah is not You mention several significance of the Mechitzah but just to set up a visible boundary explanations which have been of the whole attitude and way of for which a Mechitzah of several suggested to you, according to the Torah. inches might do, but it must be which the necessity for a One of the inner and essential one that completely hides the Mechitzah would be qualified and reasons for the Mechitzah – since view, otherwise a Mechitzah does limited to certain conditions only. you insist on an explanation – is not accomplish all its purposes. Let me preface my answer with that the synagogue, and the time I have indicated above, though a general observation about a of prayer in general (even when quite briefly, some of the basic misconception in this matter. It is recited at home), are not merely facts about a Mechitzah and the a mistake to think that the the place and time when a formal essential explanation behind it in Mechitzah is degrading to the petition is offered to Him who is order to answer your questions honor or dignity of the Jewish able to fulfill the petition; it is and satisfy your curiosity. I must woman. The best proof of this is much more profound than that. It say, however, quite emphatically that although the love of parents is the time and place when the that the approach of testing and for their children is not only a very person offering the prayer unites measuring the Torah and Mitzvoth natural one, but has even been himself with Him to whom the by the yardstick of the limited and hallowed by the Torah, as we pray prayer is offered, by means of the often fallacious human reason is to G-d to show us the same prayer. And as our Sages declare: totally wrong. The human intellect fatherly feeling (“As a father has Know before whom you stand: is a very unreliable gauge, and mercy on his children”), yet there before the Supreme Kind of Kings, quite changeable from one is a Din in the the Holy One, blessed be He. extreme to the other. Even in the (Orach Chaim 93:1) that it is “Know” (da), as the term daas is so-called exact sciences, the forbidden to kiss one’s children in explained in the Tanya, in the

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Thus, the individual you call “apikores” its essential character. It can only be soiled and stained by sin, G-d is also animated by the “word” of G-d, forbid. But inasmuch as every which is surely eternal, for that individual Jew is a “whole world”, as our Sages said, and moreover, individual is also a part of Creation and the whole universe was created for his sake, and as the Sages is animated and sustained in the same commented on the word way. “Breishis” – for the sake of Yisroel called “Reishis”, the Jew who sinned must undergo various unreliability of human reason and the very basis of our faith and way transformations and stages of deduction has been amply of life. This means not only that purgatory to be cleansed of those demonstrated, and what was one there is only One G-d and none impurities which had attached day considered as an “absolute” other beside Him, but “nothing themselves to his soul, which is his truth is the next day abrogated else beside Him” (ein od milvado). essence, and which has a portion with equal certainty and The whole Creation and all the in the world to come because of absoluteness. Hence to presume to worlds have no reality of their its eternal quality. make conditions in regard to the own, for there is only one Reality This is also what our Sages eternal and G-d given Torah and – G-d, inasmuch as a spark of meant when they succinctly said – Mitzvoth is completely out of G-dliness animates and keeps as they often compress a far- place. everything in existence, as it is reaching idea into a few concise Therefore, inasmuch as we written, “By the word of G-d the words – by way of explanation have been instructed to have a heavens were created” etc. This immediately following the Mechitzah in the house of prayer, “word” of G-d is the essence and statement in the said of it would violate even the common reality of everything. Kol Yisroel: “For it is written ‘And sense to present a petition to the Thus, the individual you call thy people are all righteous . . . a Almighty in a manner which “apikores” is also animated by the branch of My planting, the work displeases Him, and to add insult “word” of G-d, which is surely of My hand to be glorified’ “. to injury, to declare that “the eternal, for that individual is also a Because every Jew contains in him reason I do not accept this part of Creation and is animated something which is like a branch regulation is because my human and sustained in the same way. of the Divine Tree and the work of intelligence suggests to act Except that it was the will of the G-d’s own hands, it is eternal, and otherwise than is the will of the Creator that this individual (as all that is why “Every Jew has a En Sof, yet, please fulfill my ) created by the word of G-d, portion in the world to come”. request anyway”! should have complete freedom to I trust that in harmony with Much more should be said on choose good or bad, life or death, your search for knowledge which this subject, but it is difficult to do as it is written, “Behold, I place you display in your letter, you so in a letter. before you this day life and good, have regular daily periods of study (2) You ask, How can one and death and evil”. The of the Torah and the Torah view, accept the Mishnah “All Israel individual who misuses this gift of and that it is the kind of study have a portion in the world to freedom and chooses evil, loses which leads to action and practice come” and how, by the wildest and forfeits that part of his G-d in the daily life, as our Sages stretch of the imagination, can one given energy which went into the emphasized that the essential thing believe that the worst “apikores” commission of the sin or omission is the deed. will have a share in the world to of the , which, had he The enclosed message will come? chosen otherwise, would have surely be of interest to you. The answer to your question been imbued with an external Wishing you and your fellow may be found in various sources quality. However, the very essence students a kosher, happy and and is especially illuminated in the of his reality, that is, that which inspiring Pesach. sources of Chasidus at length. has been created and came into The belief of our Jewish people being by the word of G-d, cannot With blessing, in true Monotheism is, of course, be destroyed, so long as it retains

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shlichus THE FIRST YEAR OF SHLICHUS

Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry

The first year of shlichus is by far one of House in Israel. The idea was devised while I the most exciting. A year of building was on shlichus in India, where I saw tens of thousands of and growing strength, a year of backpackers – students or young people after military service – for disappointment and difficulties whom Judaism and chassidus were foreign elements back in Eretz alongside hopes and dreams, a year of Yisroel. On the inside, however, unexpected problems and small they are searching for something to quench their spiritual thirst, successes. Exactly one year ago, Rabbi wandering after an unknown voice calling to them from the depths of Sholom Ber Crombie and his wife their soul. They fly off on spiritual journeys to India and South opened “Shmaya”, a Chabad activities America, far removed from all the divisions and polarization, where center in the heart of Yerushalayim’s they feel a sense of release as they neighborhood, which works to succeed in reconnecting to the aspect of love that naturally exists provide a warm home for young people within them: the love of the soul for its Creator. looking to get a taste of Yiddishkait, Divine Providence paved the way for me to find this potential in chassidus, and even a cup of coffee… Yerushalayim, the holy city that joins together all contradictions. Rabbi Crombie sums up his first year of On the one hand, there’s the ultra- activities from a unique vantage point. Orthodox Yerushalayim – Geula, Mea Sh’arim, the Western Wall, DREAMS… the style of those in India and the the holiness. On the other hand, Far East. That type of free and there’s the center of secular A little more than a year ago, it culture – Hebrew University, the was just a dream: To establish a easy atmosphere is quite at odds with the style of your average Bezalel Academy of Arts and in Eretz Yisroel in Design, the Israel Museum, and

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the Ben-Yehuda pedestrian mall. bohemian side to Israeli society. which people choose the Thus, it was in Yerushalayim, of Among the antiquated homes neighborhood where they want to all places, where opposites attract, and aging populace of the live, checking whether it has a that my wife and I decided to founding generation, which are positive environment. The sign that establish this future Chabad gradually disappearing from the the Rebbe gave was to check House. landscape, hundreds of young whether the neighborhood was a Where? How? We found the people and students have found drawing place for young people… answers to our questions in the tranquility. They live in old studio For us, the answer was clear. Nachlaot neighborhood, located in apartments, where families of The initial task before us was to the city’s center. In the past, the twelve (or more) once crowded, find an appropriate location that neighborhood was comprised of and enjoy the pleasant and would meet the needs of a Chabad numerous immigrants from the nostalgic lifestyle of Yerushalayim. House. Divine Providence brought East and North African countries With the passage of time, the us, on the first day of our search, who established their place of neighborhood has become a site to a Chabad real estate agent who residence in the new part of the where young people look for lived in the Nachlaot city. It started in Nachlat Shiva, greater awareness, and are drawn neighborhood. She arranged a located just outside the . to New Age and various alternative meeting for us with a building Those that followed also received circles within the spiritual world. contractor who was in the midst of the name nachalot, hence the We decided to establish our renovating a ground-floor neighborhood was called Nachlaot. Chabad House there for this apartment. When we saw the One of the neighborhood’s confused population in search of a place, we immediately noticed that more obvious features is the better way. it had all the potential components Machane Yehuda market, a classic for an excellent activities venue. Yerushalmi marketplace whose “THIS SITE IS UNDER While the house was still in the unique sights and smells remain as CONSTRUCTION!’ middle of renovations, it already a nostalgic reminder of life that showed that it had a “character” once was. Another focal point in Before we made the decision to that would draw in the crowd: a the neighborhood is the Bezalel go out on shlichus, we submitted a warm and pleasant house with old Academy of Arts and Design, a written request to the Rebbe, stone peeking through gathering place for those who want Melech HaMoshiach. We placed the layers of concrete covering the to be among the future generation the letter in one of the volumes of walls. of artists in Eretz Yisroel, and Igros Kodesh, and the answer we After discussing the matter with which has evolved over the years received left no room for doubts. the property owner, a rental into a prominent symbol of the The Rebbe spoke about the way in contract was signed for the new

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checking t’fillin and mezuzos or People in a neighborhood such as arranging yahrtzait Nachlaot are looking for more commemorations for a deceased grandfather… “interesting” centers. In their After much thought and discussion with several mashpiim, estimation, a “Chabad House” is it was decided to consult a professional branding expert. It nothing more than a place for putting was he who proposed the name “Shmaya”, for the purpose of on t’fillin, checking mezuzos or marketing the activities as a arranging a yahrtzait commemorations mystical-spiritual center with a strong emphasis on the Jewish for a deceased grandfather… dimension – in a manner that will not put people off. Chabad House. To our good donations for the institution’s The next objective was fortune, we discovered that the opening, renovations, furniture, choosing a theme to serve as the owner was a traditional Jew who s’farim, kitchen equipment, and basis for operations. A standard remained close to his Jewish roots. other accessories. Now began the Chabad House usually doesn’t It was with some anxiety that we real avoda: turning the location have such a problem. It is quite told him that the place would soon into a place of activities, focused with a clear approach for be used for outreach activities, organizing an array of Torah the nature of its activities. In our concerned about his response to classes, arranging publicity and case, the institution clearly could the fact that dozens of strange establishing our reputation as a not function according to the more people would visit the place each neighborhood study center – but standard mode of operations; we night. He responded with much above all, we must get people to needed a framework that would happiness and enthusiasm. He was love the place so that they would enable people to feel, above all, particularly excited at the prospect simply want to come. that the place was a home for of this building, once occupied by The Nachlaot neighborhood is them. The question was: What his stringently observant not India. Here, people have no would bring a person specifically grandparents, turning into a lack of places to go for the to this location, to sit on a couch bastion of Torah and t’filla. He was evening. But while learning, yoga, and read a book on chassidic simply overjoyed. and meditation centers are quite philosophy? What could draw Now we had to complete the plentiful in Yerushalayim, there still people there besides the official work and modify the location for is not much in the way of outreach Torah classes? the needs of a Chabad House. centers for the study of chassidus. It was decided to operate the First, there was the need to tear We took on the mission of facility along the model of a library down the wall that divided the becoming familiar with our and coffee house, with a set price apartment in two. The Jerusalem surroundings, understanding the for a cup of coffee and pastry. stone walls, built more than a people around us, as well as what This way, no one would feel century ago, underwent renewal speaks to them. uncomfortable about coming in and design. An old-style chandelier One of the more difficult and sitting down, otherwise, they was hung from the ceiling. Library decisions we confronted was in would simply head to the nearest shelves were attached to the walls. connection with the choice of a coffee shop, where they wouldn’t The place took on a form that gave name for the center. On the one need to worry that maybe someone it a look comparable to a coffee hand, we were the Rebbe’s was doing them a favor when they house – with small cafe tables and shluchim, proudly bearing the flag had a cup of coffee without two chairs alongside each one, of Lubavitch, but on the other paying… couches and lounge furniture, hand, people in a neighborhood accompanied by numerous s’farim such as Nachlaot are looking for GREAT JOY! and a picture of the Rebbe. more “interesting” centers. In their ON THE THRESHOLD The first stage ended with the estimation, a “Chabad House” is OF A NEW BEGINNING facility’s establishment: acquiring nothing more than a place for Just before the opening, we put

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up a large picture of the Rebbe at the front entrance to make it quite clear who is the baal ha’bayis and what is the purpose of this facility. A student passing by the location told us that he didn’t know whether or not this was a Chabad House. He saw the large picture of the Rebbe, but the sign said “Shmaya”, not “Chabad House”. He eventually called the Rebbe’s shliach in his hometown, who told him that if there’s a picture of the Rebbe that size at the entrance, then it must be a Chabad House. By Divine Providence, during the week that we opened Shmaya, a Chabad woman from Nachlaot, who had just returned from spending Tishrei with the Rebbe, decided to start a local Tanya class. Little did she know that this was destined to be the first one held in Shmaya. That very same week, a young woman from the Machon Alte Institute of Tzfas, who had returned from a tour in India, decided that she too wanted to start a Tanya class in Nachlaot for her friends with whom she had traveled together in India… It was if G-d had directed for them to be brought together, for the purpose -depth discussions well into the night of opening our Shmaya facility In with a regular Torah class, chassidim and shluchim from all the activities themselves. established with literal Divine over Yerushalayim. We affixed the Fortunately, we are not the first Providence. mezuzos, everyone wished us to experience such occurrences, At this point, two of “the success – and our mission had and we knew that successful righteous women of the begun. activities, well-attended shiurim generation” entered the picture. and the making of baalei t’shuva Mrs. Tzofit Grossman and Mrs. THE FIRST SMALL STEPS don’t happen overnight. There’s Rut Davidowitz offered their the well-known story of the shliach We encountered our first services, and they have been who organized a Chabad evening, difficulties when the activities invaluable partners in the activities and only one person showed up. entered a regular routine, or more here ever since It is mainly to their He complained about this to Rabbi specifically, when we tried to bring credit that a regular Tanya class Chadakov, who replied that them into a regular routine. While for women is held every Sunday, sometimes you prepare a whole everyone hears about the which has already given hundreds evening event with hundreds of challenges shluchim face with the privilege of being exposed to participants, only for one attending being far from a community, with the light of chassidic teachings. Jew whose soul is kindled. So what educating their children, or with On Yud-Tes Kislev, 5770, we do you care that only this Jew the economic situation, but not as celebrated the official opening with comes?... a together with Chabad much is said about difficulties with

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discover that the current trend of Shlichus often includes many small touching their soul and steps, and sometimes we must remember recognizing their inner world already existed hundreds of years and remind ourselves that the Rebbe ago among the great scholars of kabbala and chassidus, who spoke considers every Jew as gold and every about the most profound levels of the Jewish soul. Jew as an entire world. Our motto is “Jewish experience with a spirit of youth”. A similar story happened to us that the Rebbe considers every Jew In these times, many young people a few weeks ago, when we as gold and every Jew as an entire are searching for answers to life’s organized a Torah class with Rabbi world. Alongside the packed Torah questions in various strange Zalman Notik. We publicized the classes and the numerous places. They roam around Tibetan shiur to our regular participants, participants coming closer to the monasteries, totally unaware that but only four people actually came. light of chassidus, this other type the clearest possible answers to the A few days later, one of them told of activity is equally a part of the confusion in the world are found me that during the class, he asked shlichus. so close to home. Rabbi Notik how he can reach a As with any other institution, To our great regret, despite the level of true simcha. Rabbi Notik we also experience “labor pains” great spiritual treasure hidden in replied that to attain this, he must on a daily basis, and during the chassidic texts, people who deal go out of his boundaries. “Where first year, there’s no lack of that… with matters of spirituality tend to are you tomorrow morning?” retreat when exposed to anything Rabbi Notik asked him, and the AN EMPHASIS ON A related to Judaism. When we talk with them about Torah, faith in the man replied that he will be JEWISH EXPERIENCE traveling by train. “Excellent,” he Creator of the World, and the way said. “If you do T’fillin Campaign The special characteristic of of life according to the Law given activities on the train, that’s called Shmaya also brings forth unique to us on Mt. Sinai, they recoil. ‘going out of your boundaries’, activities that you don’t always find Many of them simply aren’t ready and it will thereby be possible for in other Chabad Houses, e.g., to examine what the holy Torah you to attain true joy.” evenings taking place has to offer them. For such people, At first, he deemed the every Thursday. They are held with there is a major lack of spiritual suggestion to be totally illogical. numerous young participants who centers and books that present the He’s completely unaffiliated with live in Nachlaot and play various inner teachings of Torah to the the ways of Chabad, so how could musical instruments. We also masses in a language and he possibly go up to people and conduct packaging they can connect to suggest that they put on t’fillin? evenings, accompanied by arousing without feeling threatened. Yet, he was eventually convinced, Chabad niggunim that manage to At Shmaya, we place an and it worked… reach many bewildered and lost emphasis upon the Jewish Sometimes we see that the souls. In the merit of these experience and present the content whole shiur or event was directed niggunim and the special in a young and contemporary towards one participant, but meditation technique, many of spirit, using modern and attractive sometimes we don’t even see that them attained a high level of tools. Accordingly, we invest in one individual who makes it all spiritual experience and felt for the publicity with a mystical style, worth it. first time what it meant to be truly reaching out to the community in We are accustomed to showing connected to one’s soul. its own language. the great successes achieved by Another example of activities at I recently saw a letter from the those on shlichus, when hundreds Shmaya is the selection of Rebbe to a young woman who had and thousands of people attend workshops in Jewish coaching and written about mystical cults that one event or another. However, the study of Tanya and chassidus, were operating in the area where shlichus often includes many small alongside the classes in meditation she lived. In her letter to the steps, and sometimes we must and the inner teachings of Torah Rebbe, she had made two remember and remind ourselves that draw sizable crowds. During suggestions: a) bring the Jewish these workshops, the participants experience to the general public; b)

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write about the distortions caused by these cults. The Rebbe replied to her that the first suggestion seems appropriate, since the best thing is to help Jews feel the beauty and great value in Judaism and the fulfillment of the way of life that G-d bestowed upon us. In connection with the second suggestion, the Rebbe wrote that it seems to him that this would be an investment of wasted energy in the wrong place.

GREETING MOSHIACH Beneath the Rebbe’s picture at Shmaya, there is a small but prominent sign bearing the words, “The only remaining avoda is greeting Moshiach Tzidkeinu”. It appears there not only to bring the announcement of the Redemption to all those visit the premises, but After a build-up like that he realizes also to remind us of the main task how Moshiach is not just some guy who of our shlichus, as stated by the Rebbe at the 5752 International will come and make everything good. Shluchim Conference. We employ the attractive tools we’re talking about something the Rebbe is Moshiach. We at Shmaya to instill the truly celestial, as he saw in the describe to him the whole purpose announcement of the Redemption activities of the shluchim, and he of the world’s Creation, for G-d to and the Redeemer, and to explain realizes that the Rebbe is not just have “a dwelling place in the lower to people about the need to accept another charismatic rabbi, we then worlds”, and how this theme the sovereignty of Melech move on to the next stage and give reverberates throughout world HaMoshiach. Our guiding a deeper explanation of the whole history. Thus are included G-d’s principle in the proclamation of subject of the revelation of Melech revelation to the Patriarchs, Mattan the Redemption is the Rebbe’s HaMoshiach. Torah, the First and Second Beis directive that greeting Moshiach be While there are those for whom HaMikdash and their destruction, done in an inner and contemplative seeing the film of the Rebbe and the objective of the Exile, and the manner. the shluchim is sufficient to convey ultimate Redemption. After a One of the ways in which I the message, there are naturally build-up like that he realizes how respond to those who ask about also more “rational” people, all of Moshiach is not just some guy who faith in the Rebbe today is with a whom require their own form of will come and make everything fifteen-minute video on the explanation. Visitors at Shmaya good. activities of the shluchim in India. also include many from the The real problem among many Before getting into answers and religious Zionist sector, and they is the inability to consider the idea extensive explanations, I put the want to hear explanations of a of a prophet in this generation, a film in a video player and let them Torah nature. leader of the stature of Moshe see for themselves. After watching I start my explanation of the Rabbeinu and the Patriarchs. A the tremendously impressive faith in the Rebbe as Melech normal young person today – even activities, people concede that the HaMoshiach with the Creation of someone who learned in – Rebbe continues to lead us. the world, because a person first can’t grasp the possibility of This is the first stage. After the has to understand what Moshiach prophecy in this day and age, nor person already understands that is before he can understand why the concept that Moshiach can be

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inexplicably received a grant on the When you work in a manner of birth of a baby girl, which saved us “l’chat’chilla aribber”, the Rebbe will again from a serious problem with our standing bank order. lead you in kind. The conclusion that comes from life on shlichus: There are no a tzaddik who has lived in our HaMoshiach is chai v’kayam laws of nature! The Rebbe runs times and with whom everyone is despite the fact that we don’t see things in a totally supernatural familiar. Nor can they wrap their him?” fashion. The second conclusion: minds around the eternal life of When you work in a manner of Moshiach. Yet, we see that after “l’chat’chilla aribber”, the Rebbe MIRACLES ALONG will lead you in kind. they are exposed to the Torah THE WAY sources on the life of tzaddikim, Before this past Tishrei, we and stories such as the one about In the year that has passed wrote to the Rebbe about our Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, who after since Shmaya opened, almost every desire to come to 770 for Simchas everyone witnessed his burial, time when I meet friends and Torah, while my brother Mendy, came and made Kiddush in his acquaintances and tell them about the shliach in Sri Lanka, wanted us home in his physical body, they our activities, I come across the to come and help him in his begin to understand that this is not same question: “How do you activities. The answer we received just some “craziness” of a few survive financially?” Everyone was a letter written to a young Lubavitchers, rather there are knows that even without a Chabad man who had asked the Rebbe some very lofty foundations here House and without outreach about traveling to Beis Chayeinu, upon which this faith is based. activities, it’s not easy to make it and the Rebbe told him that it When a person discovers that through the month. But when you would be better for him to be on this is authentic Judaism, and that also have all the activities on your shlichus, and that he should come in all the relevant Torah sources – head, the situation truly requires some other time! Rambam, Midrashim, Aggados, some creative problem-solving. I We decided to do the shlichus, and its hidden teachings – Melech always give the same answer, but when we went to order the HaMoshiach is perceived in exactly because really, it’s the only one tickets, our credit card company the same way, including the there is: “Personally, I don’t would not authorize the concept of a process of understand it myself. The only transaction. Distressed but concealment before the thing I do know is that we’re determined, I turned to a friend Redemption, then even if he talking about the extraordinary and asked him to buy the tickets doesn’t yet accept the Rebbe’s powers of the Rebbe, the on his credit card, and I would pay sovereignty as Melech m’shaleiach, as there doesn’t seem him when I returned from the HaMoshiach, he relates to the to be any logical explanation for shlichus. How would I get the whole subject in an entirely this phenomenon. Sometimes, I try money? I hadn’t a clue. different fashion and surely to check where the money is Two weeks after our return to without any disrespect. coming from, but I just don’t Eretz Yisroel, I received a Another answer that I present understand…” telephone call from my friend. to people is that the entire process Dealing with the financial “Regarding the debt on the airline of Moshiach’s coming is a situation produces daily episodes tickets,” he told me, as I listened miraculous and unnatural concept. of hashgacha pratis, when you silently with no idea as to where I “If no one has a problem with the clearly see how the Rebbe guides could get the money now to pay idea that people rising from their us every step of the way, even for them, “I’ve decided to consider graves, that the dead from when the situation in the bank it a contribution to Shmaya…” thousands of years ago will come seems totally lost. One story among many that has back to life, and the Beis Once when I went to offer turned into a part of our lives. HaMikdash come down from congratulations at a bris mila, the Heaven and the elimination from happy father decided to give me a SUCCESSES, AND A FEW Israel of those mosques, then they check for an amount sufficient to DISAPPOINTMENTS… won’t have a problem cover the expenses of an upcoming While life on shlichus certainly understanding that Melech event. On another occasion, we has its fair share of

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disappointments, there become part of the have still been many Shmaya family and occasions when we have have come closer to the been privileged to see the light of chassidus. fruits of our labors on We meet many shlichus and benefit from young people at the seeds that have Shmaya activities in sprouted. search of meaning For example, there and substance to their was a young man from lives. Some of them Yerushalayim who was know that they’re invited by a Lubavitcher seeking an answer friend to Shmaya’s for their soul, while inaugural farbrengen. others still need a We met there, and I little explanation. invited him to come to Many are returning our Torah classes. At from trips to the Far the time, he was still in East and South the early stages of his America, and their interest in Yiddishkait. He had encounters with Chabad in these Original approach to publicity examined several paths and found locations prompt them to seek out for classes in chassidus it difficult to connect with Chabad. a Chabad House in Yerushalayim. In the shiurim at Shmaya, he We try to provide answers for all found the light of the teachings of in Tzfas’ Machon Alte Institute, of them. chassidus, the Rebbe, and the where they had first discovered the As we sum up the first year of special Chabad approach. His Tanya. However, since that shlichus, we hope to expand the growing knowledge about Chabad Shabbos, they had been unable to circle of activities, despite or and the Rebbe had a great find an appropriate place to perhaps due to all the material and influence upon him, and he continue their study of Tanya. On spiritual difficulties. Now, we are decided to enter a Chabad yeshiva. the previous Friday, one of them about to enter the month of Kislev, But he didn’t enter alone. He was had visited the Machane Yehuda and we have decided to commence joined by another friend whom he market, where one of the Chabad the “month of chassidus” with had encouraged to come to the girls distributing Shabbos candles special programs and guest Torah classes at Shmaya. Today, also gave her a Shmaya brochure lecturers, and with G-d’s help, we they are T’mimim in every respect. with information on the Torah will be privileged to give much On another occasion, three study schedule. When she saw that nachas to the Rebbe with these young women came to the Tanya there was a Tanya shiur for women activities, as we kindle the flames class. They told us that a year there, she was very excited. Since until they become the great torch earlier, they had spent a Shabbos then, she and her friends have of the light of the Redemption. Make a “Mivtzah Kashrus” in your own computer! Introducing JNET-The world wide web without the world wide worryTM While The Internet can be a helpful tool for business, experts that will solve your problems fast. education and personal use it can also be a potentially Most important, you can now get the JNET Advantage for dangerous one. only a bit more than non-filtered on line providers. That's why J Net was created. If you're ready for the world wide web without the world wide Using exclusive multi-tiered intelligent filtration, the J Net worry, you're ready for JNet. portal is probably the most effective consumer resource for DIAL UP DSL Unlimited Access 24 Tech Support eliminating material not conducive to our needs. 4 Profiles per Account Web Mail More than virtually foolproof, J .NET is also easy - both to Call us toll free at 1-866-866-JNET (5638) install and use. Plus its available in both dialup and high (mention code “770” for special ANASH Rate) speed DSL and backed by highly trained customer service

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stories for 19 kislev

WHAT IS A REBBE? INFINITY WITHIN FINITUDE MY LINEAGE Ramash (later to be the Rebbe MH”M) and R’ Shmuel Levitin were once sitting at the Rebbe Rayatz’s table and Ramash asked R’ Levitin whether he heard in IS GREATER! Lubavitch anything about Tanya because he planned on printing a compilation of explanations on Tanya. Prepared by Y. Ben Baruch R’ Levitin said: The father of the rabbinic For Yud-Tes Kislev, Chag HaChagim, we family Klatzkin of learned together with his friend (his present a compilation of stories about brother) in Chasam Sofer in Pressburg. One day, the two of the Alter Rebbe and about the Tanya them ran away from the yeshiva in Pressburg and went to Lubavitch, which we begin learning anew on this to the Tzemach Tzedek. They day. From the notes of R’ Avrohom wanted to hear a maamer from the Rebbe but the Tzemach Tzedek Weingarten a”h, l’ilui nishmas his son wasn’t saying at that time. Aryeh Leib H’yd One day there was a simcha in Lubavitch and the Tzemach PROSTRATION OVER IN KUNTRES ACHARON Tzedek said a maamer, but these brothers weren’t informed about it EVERY WORD THERE IS NO EXTRA WORD! and they missed the maamer. They R’ Shmuel Levitin related that R’ Shmaryahu, the brother of R’ were very upset about this and he heard from R’ Shmuel Gronem Shmuel Levitin was a big scholar they expressed their about the tremendous precision in and even the Misnagdim disappointment to the Tzemach the Tanya, that over each thing acknowledged his greatness. R’ Tzedek. (every word) the Alter Rebbe Shmuel Yaffe (a brother-in-law of The Rebbe said to them that would prostrate himself in prayer. R’ Chaim of Brisk who lived in they should learn Tanya with R’ Eretz Yisroel) would send R’ Hillel of Paritch. They protested: WITHOUT Shmaryahu money because he had “R’ Hillel is a ‘kli sheini and a kli EXPLANATIONS great esteem for him and for his sheini does not cook’ (lit. a way of learning. primary vessel for food/liquid in a R’ Shmuel Levitin related: When R’ Shmaryahu learned secondary vessel is not hot enough When the Chassid R’ Chanoch Hilchos Nidda in the Alter Rebbe’s to cook anything, i.e. they wanted Hendel would say a shiur in Tanya Shulchan Aruch, he learned it with to hear directly from the Rebbe).” (in yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim), he the Kuntres Acharon which is The Rebbe responded: “R’ Hillel is would only translate the words and known to be difficult even on the a ‘kli sheini sh’ha’yad soledes bo’ did not explain anything. most basic level. (lit. a secondary vessel which For example, in chapter nine When he had yechidus with the contains scalding food/liquid, i.e. the Alter Rebbe says: “All lusts and Rebbe Rashab, the Rebbe spoke to can transfer “heat”)!” arrogance and anger and the like him about the Alter Rebbe’s They sat down to learn Tanya are in the heart.” R’ Chanoch Kuntres Acharon and said: Just as with R’ Hillel and when they Hendel would say: “lusts” – in Tanya there is no extra letter, so learned the first chapter about chesed; “arrogance” – tiferes; too in Kuntres Acharon there is no tzaddikim, beinonim, and resha’im, “anger” – g’vura. extra word. he explained to them what a Rebbe

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is and said: “A beinoni is finitude. A tzaddik is infinity. What is a Rebbe? A Rebbe is infinity within finitude!” When R’ Levitin related this, the Rebbe Rayatz shrugged.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE APPROBATIONS TO TANYA R’ Levitin said there is a difference between the approbation to Tanya of R’ Yehuda Leib HaKohen and the approbation of R’ Zushe of Anipoli. R’ Yehuda Leib HaKohen wrote about the Alter Rebbe: “when he sat at the seat of wisdom with our lord, master and teacher, the world gaon” – referring to the Maggid of Mezritch. Then he goes on to say, “and he drew water from the well subsequent editions (from the year in a farming community) who of living waters” which refers to R’ 1801 and on) this part was owned a tavern and had two non- Avrohom the Malach. Then, “Now omitted because of the dispute Jewish children with a gentile Israel will rejoice” – a reference to between R’ Avrohom of Kalisk and woman. He was brought (or he the Tov. In other the Alter Rebbe. came on his own) to the Alter words, R’ Yehuda Leib HaKohen In 1900, when yeshivas Rebbe and when he entered the (mainly) describes the greatness of Tomchei T’mimim printed the new room, the Alter Rebbe placed his the Alter Rebbe‘s teachers. But R’ and corrected edition of Tanya, head on his two holy hands in Zushe of Anipoli writes about the they included this omission in the great d’veikus (spiritual “cleaving” Alter Rebbe himself. introduction. on high), as was his way. When he When the Admur R’ Shlomo lifted his head he said the words of OMISSION IN TANYA Zalman of saw this he was the Gemara (in tractate Avoda extremely upset. Zara daf 17a), “They said about R’ In his introduction to Tanya the Elozor ben Durdaya that he did Alter Rebbe writes, “These not neglect a single prostitute in pamphlets entitled Likkutei THE BOOK OF the world etc. One time, he heard Amarim have been compiled from TZADDIKIM about a certain prostitute on an books and scribes, heavenly saints, R’ Levitin related: the Alter island somewhere etc. She said: who are well known to us. Some Rebbe also began writing a “Book Elozor ben Durdaya’s repentance of these teachings, the wise (for of Tzaddikim” and then burned it. will not be accepted. He went and whom “a hint is sufficient”) will I heard from the Rebbe Rayatz: sat between two mountains and find alluded to in the sacred if the Alter Rebbe had not gone to hills and said: ‘Mountains and letters of our teachers in the Holy the Maggid of Mezritch, he would hills, ask for mercy for me, Land. Some of them I heard from have written the “Book of heavens and earth, ask for mercy their saintly mouths when they Tzaddikim,” but in order to write for me, sun, moon, stars and were here with us.” the “Book of Beinonim” he had to constellations, ask for mercy for R’ Levitin said that “our travel to the Maggid. me,’ etc. [until finally] he said, ‘it teachers in the Holy Land” is a only depends on me’ and he placed reference to R’ Menachem Mendel his head between his knees and of Vitebsk and R’ Avrohom of GREAT IS THE sobbed until his soul left him. A Kalisk. That is what was printed in POWER OF T’SHUVA heavenly voice called out: ‘Rabbi the first edition of Tanya, but in There was a yishuvnik (villager

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Elozor ben Durdaya is destined to Tanya, “For then, even if he “Torah is not in the heavens” and life in the World to Come.’” repents mightily he cannot elevate it says in the Gemara that “we Hearing this, the man left the the chayus to holiness since it don’t pay attention to a heavenly Alter Rebbe and went to the forest already came down to this world voice,” because the Torah was and sat on the ground with his and is in a flesh and blood body”) given down below within human head between his knees like R’ and yet, through t’shuva from the intellect and we need to toil in it Elozor ben Durdaya and cried and depths of one’s heart, even this sin with our own intellect. cried. can be rectified as related in this Consequently, the law will be His family thought he had gone story. decided down below according to to visit his gentile girlfriend as the way it is up Above, but we are usual. Some hours later, one of the “CHASSIDIM” not to look up Above to see what gentile children of that woman AND “BAALEI T’SHUVA” the law is! went to the yishuvnik’s tavern to The Alter Rebbe wanted buy some mashke. The yishuvnik’s WHO IS GREATER? family thought the mashke was for Chassidim to be called “baalei When the Rebbe Rayatz was in him, but the gentile child told them t’shuva” because it is through Petersburg he told the following at that one of the children of this t’shuva that one reaches deeper in a and 19 Kislev non-Jewish woman (that she had Atzmuso Yisborach. This is the farbrengen: had with the yishuvnik) had great innovation of the Baal Shem The world says that once suddenly died and so he was Tov. He revealed to the Jewish (during the shidduch of the taking mashke for that (as was the people the closeness to G-d, and Tzemach Tzedek with the daughter gentile custom). A while later that is what the title “baal t’shuva” of the Mitteler Rebbe) the Alter another gentile child came to buy is about, returning and getting Rebbe and his son the Mitteler mashke and he said that her closer to Atzmus. Rebbe sparred in jest over who is second child (that she had with the Therefore, the Alter Rebbe greater than whom. The Mitteler yishuvnik) had suddenly died. wanted to call Chassidim “baalei Rebbe said to his father: “I have a They understood that the t’shuva,” but he couldn’t call them greater lineage than you because yishuvnik wasn’t with the gentile that since that would be an you did not have as great a father girlfriend and they began to search opening to call those who are not as I do!” The Alter Rebbe replied: for him. They finally found him in Chassidim “sinners,” G-d forbid. “My lineage is greater because you the forest sitting with his head don’t have as great a son as I between his knees, faint, on the “TORAH IS NOT have!” verge of death. When they aroused IN THE HEAVENS!” The Rebbe Rayatz explained him they told him that his two A rav once paskened a certain that it’s not as it seems. This was gentile children had died, and he halachic question in the laws of not simple lighthearted banter returned home and was a righteous forbidden and permitted foods between father and son; their man. They realized that it was according to the view of one of the words held much deeper because of the power of his t’shuva commentators in Shulchan Aruch significance. For it is known that that the two non-Jewish children Yoreh Deia (in another version, the avoda of the Mitteler Rebbe had died. (Another version is that according to the Mirkeves was the aspect of mochin he cried until he died). HaMishna), who was not held of (intellect), while the avoda of the When R’ Levitin finished telling in Chassidic circles. Alter Rebbe was the aspect of this story he concluded: This story When this question came to the middos and hispaalus (emotions). is brought in brief in the writings HaChayim HaKadosh, he This is what they were discussing, of the Mitteler Rebbe in Shaarei decided the halacha differently and which avoda is loftier. The Mitteler T’shuva. From here we see the he said about himself that he was Rebbe emphasized the quality of great power of t’shuva, that even paskening this way because this “father” – as mochin are called the this sin about which Chazal say on was the ruling up Above, and since father, because he held that the verse – what is so corrupted up Above this was the law, down mochin are greater, while the Alter that it cannot be rectified? below this is also the law. Rebbe emphasized the quality of Someone who is intimate with When this question came to the “son” – since the middos (z’a) are someone forbidden to him and a Alter Rebbe he commented on called “ben” – because he held that mamzer is born (as the Alter what the Ohr HaChayim said: middos are greater. Rebbe explains in chapter 7 of

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moshiach & science

row clinch it? How about fifty? The prestigious Journal of Theoretical Biology published a PLAYING paper some time back[1] analyzing the minimum number of steps needed to evolve one species into another. Making all the most generous assumptions in favor of THE ODDS the Theory of Evolution, and using standard statistical methods, the probability was so low that speciation could not be expected to By Aryeh Gotfryd, PhD occur even once over billions of years. Did anyone protest, raising a hue and a cry over allowing this piece of research? No. Was it criticized in any journal by even one of the tens of thousands of biologists, evolutionists, mathematicians, geneticists and so on that probably read it? No. This is very unusual – The normal course of events is that whenever someone publishes a controversial piece in a science journal, it stirs up debate, with dozens or even hundreds of other articles quoting it and commenting. Here there was none whatsoever. Why? Because the methods were impeccable and therefore there was nothing to criticize. One might say there was something to bash, at least for a devout Darwinist, but nothing to rationally criticize because the science was sterling. Not long ago, CNN ran a story the likelihood of something like Decades later, the author of about Israel’s National Lottery. this happening by chance at four that original paper, Lee Spetner, This was not some seedy affair trillion to one. No wonder officials took another shot at the evolution about rigged lotteries looking looked into the matter. But after issue in his book, “Not By random, rather it was the opposite finding no irregularities Chance.” There he uses updated – a random lottery that looked whatsoever, they duly paid out knowledge of genetics and rigged. million-dollar prizes to each of biostatistics to conclude that the What happened was that the three winners. chance of one species evolving into very same set of six double-digit This got me thinking… How another, given as much time as 2738 numbers came up for the top prize many times in a row does such a one wishes is 1/10 , which is a twice in the same month. This massively unlikely event have to 1 followed by 2,738 zeros! made news because it was so happen, in order to convince any Feeding that statistical improbable. When dealing with normal person that it would be probability back into lottery rarities like one-in-a-thousand or impossible by chance, that some language, you could picture the even one-in-a-million, most people “mystery factor” is biasing the likelihood of that happening like won’t balk, but statisticians pegged outcome? Would three times in a this. Imagine that every one of the nearly seven billion people on this

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planet bought a lottery ticket and someone, let’s say Shmerel, won. So if science sets the odds of life evolving Mazal Tov. Now let’s imagine that by accident at zero, why is it that dumb- they all say, “That was fun, let’s do it again,” and lo and behold luck-Darwinists and atheists like Shmerel wins again. Hmm. Will they pay it out? Maybe. Richard Dawkins sell millions of books Now let’s do it again… and again… and again… and guess while noble scientists like Spetner and what, every time Shmerel wins. Forget about the odds of him Prigogine sell only a few thousand? winning. Forget about the odds of the lottery commission paying it for this question. Maybe people owned the shares. The plan was out. What do you think are the don’t think critically enough. that the shares would be sold the odds that Shmerel and the lottery Maybe they don’t read widely next morning. There was only one officials aren’t all lined up and enough. Maybe they were drawback. The shares were enough shot or at least convicted of fraud? indoctrinated at such a young age to print the book, but not the Now those odds are really low. that evolutionary theory is beautiful color photo section we But wait. Instead of just absolutely unquestionable, no had prepared for the middle of the running this lottery four times, matter what the facts and stats book. We were $2200 short. Oh let’s run it every day for a year. disclose. well, we thought, maybe for the The probability of Shmerel David Ben Gurion once said second edition. winning every one of those 365 that anyone who does not believe That evening, after a Torah lotteries in a row is roughly equal in miracles is simply not being class at Beis Malkeinu, I was to the scientifically vindicated realistic. Have you ever looked up approached by my friend Ken calculation Spetner makes for the at the stars and wondered about Daniels who asked me to help him probability of one species making the miracle of the night sky? Or write a letter to the Lubavitcher it through the minimum number of watched a bug skating on a pond, Rebbe. Once written, he randomly steps needed to evolve into a or heard the birds singing at placed it within some volume of slightly different one. No one sunrise? Igros Kodesh (18:441) in the hope would call Shmerel’s daily global The Chacham Tzvi writes about of getting a clear answer to jackpot unlikely. The practical the nature of miracles and the whatever his dilemma was. I read word is impossible… or at least, a miracle of nature. He says that him the Rebbe’s answer, which bonafide miracle, if it did occur. nature is just a constant stream of satisfied him, but there was It is in this context Ilya miracles. The fact that nature something more to it. A few lines Prigogine, a two-time Nobel follows a set of laws is itself of the letter seemed to be speaking Chemistry laureate writes, “The miraculous. Breathe in… a miracle. directly to me: statistical probability that organic Open your eyes… another miracle. “Regarding the shares, it is not structures and the most precisely When we start to look at life this now the time to sell at half price. harmonized reactions that typify way, we are more receptive to Better to keep them until you can living organisms would be signs of the divine when they sell them at a profit.” generated by accident, is zero.” occur. A shiver went up my spine. And this is a man who made his In the fall of 1999, I was in the “Ken, do you have any stock mark in science by modeling self- final pre-production stages of my shares you are planning to sell?” organizing systems! book, Living in the Age of “No.” So if science sets the odds of Moshiach. A generous benefactor, “How about other life evolving by accident at zero, Sara Weinkranz, was willing to investments?” why is it that dumb-luck- sponsor the first printing by “No.” Darwinists and atheists like donating stock in Ericsson to a “Maybe assets? Are you Richard Dawkins sell millions of charitable organization where I planning to sell your house?” books while noble scientists like operate accounts. Everything was “Aryeh, what are you getting Spetner and Prigogine sell only a arranged over the phone in a 3- at?” few thousand? way call with the broker, and by To be honest, I have no answer the close of the day, my charity [Continued on page 25]

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feature

Alter Rebbe gave away his entire dowry in order to help others with parnasa.3 LIKE SARA, You see, already before his marriage at the age of 15, Rabbi Schneur Zalman began to take an active interest in the economic position of other Jews. He felt that LIKE STERNA the towns and cities were too overcrowded to offer enough opportunities for Jews to mak e a living, and that more Jews should By Malka Schwartz settle the land and engage in agricultural pursuits.4 With his marriage to Rebbetzin Sterna he Chassidic insights into the life of acquired a true partner and advocate, and together they Rebbetzin Sterna – the wife of the Alter established a special fund for this cause. Rebbetzin Sterna willingly Rebbe – providing a glimpse at how and joyfully consented5 to donate exalted she really was her entire dowry to this fund.6 Regarding their giving away the dowry, the Rebbe pointed out that Like Avraham Avinu and Sarah mitzvah I am yours; with how special praise goes to Rebbetzin Imeinu, the Alter Rebbe and his many are we G-d’s!” With these Sterna. Because the dowry came wife, Rebbetzin Sterna, were one in words he fell onto a doorpost in from her7 family, she would their service of Hashem. The Alter d’veikus.” On “awakening” from naturally be more attached to it. Rebbe influenced his wife and, yes, the d’veikus he said: “Go out and When a woman is nonetheless able Rebbetzin Sterna influenced her see”—- to step out of self and to detach herself from possessing husband. We see this from the perceive the Divine, comes from her dowry and donate it to tz’daka, account below, brought in the (the following words in that verse) she can receive an even higher . To understand the “daughters of Zion,” malchut elevation than her husband. This is 2 extent of the importance of this arousing z’a…” based on the principal of “the account, let us first examine what The Alter Rebbe experienced greater the challenge the greater the Previous Rebbe wrote about d’veikus through Rebbetzin Sterna. the reward.”8 HaYom Yom, which was compiled It is this author’s opinion that if Similarly, this was the pathway and arranged by the Rebbe: this story was recorded in HaYom through which Sarah Imeinu was “… a book which is small in Yom, this was not a onetime able to attain a level of prophecy format… but packed with pearls fleeting occurrence. Instead, even higher than that of Avrohom. and diamonds of choicest quality. Rebbetzin Sterna was, in her own In order to receive prophecy, there It is, thank G-d, truly a Chassidic way, a catalyst for at least some must first be a disrobing from the cultural work…a splendid palace of aspect of the Alter Rebbe’s G-dly physical. Sarah’s role as the Akeres Chassidus, with 383 chambers experience. HaBayis required that she be more from which meaningful speech On another occasion, the Rebbe involved in mundane matters, so streams forth daily, each discussed Rebbetzin Sterna in a she would naturally be more communicating something of context which also led to a attached to the physical. It was 1 import….” discussion of perceiving G-dliness, therefore more difficult for her to It is recorded in the HaYom in this case actual prophecy. The divest herself of this. But when rd Yom of the 23 day of Shevat: point made was regarding the Sarah did accomplish this, she was Once, as the Alter Rebbe superior level of prophecy which rewarded with a level of prophecy stepped out of his room, he Sarah Imeinu possessed in relation that was higher than even overheard his wife remarking to to Avraham Avinu. It was Yud Tes Avrohom’s.9 3 several women, “Mine says…” Kislev, 5720, and the Rebbe was Herein lies Sarah Imeinu’s The Rebbe said: “With one speaking about the fact that the secret: precisely because of – not

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despite – her role as Akeris 2. HaYom Yom Shevat 23 for discord. Accordingly, Rabbi Schneur HaBayis, she was able to reach a 3. As found in Ateres Malchus Zalman did not command his wife to level of prophecy even higher than agree to give the dowry, instead 4. Gallery of The Great, Kehos that of Avraham Avinu. Rebbetzin Sterna agreed to give the Publication, dowry willingly and joyfully. [email protected] 5. Regarding giving away their dowry, 6. Sicha Yud Tes Kislev, 5720, as found Special thanks to Rabbi Michoel Seligson the Rebbe also said on that Yud Tes in Ateres Malchus for reviewing this article. Kislev, 5720: “The Torah’s ways are ways of sweetness” and “the Torah was given 7. Author’s adaptation of Sicha NOTES: only to bring peace to the world.” 8. Ibid 1. Adapted from the introductory pages Chassidus adds that this peace must be 9. Ibid of HaYom Yom internal, so that there is no possibility left

[Continued from page 23] “Okay Aryeh, but what’s this all place in all 30 or so volumes that about?” talks about waiting to sell stocks “Well, This is the only day in I told her the story and she got for a profit. It’s not every day that my life that I have ever owned her broker on the phone, although I’m short on a project and it’s not stocks. It’s also the only day of my it was already quite late. We every project that’s short $2200. life that I ever planned on selling narrowly managed to cancel the It’s not every stock that goes up in stocks. They are scheduled to be instruction to sell. Later that day, a day and it’s not every sold first thing tomorrow morning big news broke. Ericsson was announcement that drives prices and it looks like the Rebbe is signing a big deal with Sony that up so high. And to top it all off it telling me to wait. But it can’t be ultimately led to the formation of was a new book featuring the the Rebbe answering me because I Sony Ericsson. The share price Lubavitcher Rebbe that was never wrote the Rebbe, you did, shot up and we held on until it enhanced by an old book by the and you had no clue about all stabilized. Waiting those few days Rebbe that had been “consulted.” this.” earned us another $2200, exactly I won’t deny that it’s only “Look Aryeh, you’d better get the amount we needed to include natural that wondrous events like used to it. That part of the letter the color photo section in the this happen. They happen had nothing to do with me. I was book. hundreds if not thousands of times writing about my children’s’ Was it a miracle? Was it luck? every day among Chabad education. Why deny the For some people, the sea could adherents the world over who seek connection? Obviously the Rebbe split and it would still be natural. the Rebbe’s guidance. The very was talking to you.” For others a raindrop on a blade of definition of nature is a steady Within minutes I was on the grass is a divine revelation. stream of miraculous events. phone with the donor. On only one of my 16,000 days As for me, I’m playing the odds “Sara, we’ve got to stop the on earth till then had I owned that Moshiach is coming today. sale of the stocks.” stocks. Then it’s not every day that After all, what could be more “But why?” I write the Rebbe. It’s not every natural? “Because the Rebbe said so. volume that gets picked on a day. (contact: 416-858-9868 or Could you get the broker on the It’s not every page that gets read [email protected]) phone right now?” in the book, and there is only one ADD IN ACTS OF GOODNESS & KINDNESS TO BRING MOSHIACH NOW!

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shlichus

with a modest Chabad house, we have big for men and women, and dozens of other GUT YOM TOV! activities in all the yeshivos and schools in the city. Even the senior citizens’ home and preschools are eager to hear about the “Chag By Rabbi Shmuelevitz HaChagim,” Yud-Tes Kislev. If Shliach, Beit Shaan that’s the case for Beit Shaan, it is surely the case wherever shluchim are to be found. We have a holiday for spending a few One could say that these Chassidishe feelings and memories hours farbrenging in honor of the are the results of the Alter Rebbe’s work, for when the Chassidim Geula. During these hours we won’t be wanted to write a Megillas Yud-Tes rushing anywhere; we will be raised up Kislev the Rebbe told them, “This day will be established as an a bit from the material world. We’ll say everlasting holiday in Israel … and thousands of hearts will be l’chaim and relive the miracles of Yud- inspired in Israel to repentance and service of the heart …” Tes Kislev, the joy over the wondrous gift At the same time, we must say that these feelings come as a result we received, Toras HaChassidus, the of the hundreds and even Rebbeim in general and the Rebbe thousands of shluchim, Chassidim and T’mimim, throughout the MH”M in particular. generations, who made mighty efforts to organize meaningful GUT YOM TOV they become more Lubavitch than well-attended farbrengens in every location and every year, inviting as The title is, of course, a quote the Chassidim themselves. many Jews as possible, of all from the HaYom Yom for 18 Kislev Forget everything you know backgrounds, types and ages – in in anticipation of the Chag about Chassidishe farbrengens in honor of the Chag HaChagim, HaGeula and Rosh HaShana yeshiva or in a Chabad community Chag HaGeula, Yud-Tes Kislev. L’Chassidus, Yud-Tes Kislev. – a farbrengen on shlichus is There are among us thousands something else entirely. of people, not necessarily official The principal of the religious YUD-TES KISLEV – Lubavitchers, people in their 40’s, public school where I am the UNFORGETTABLE th school rabbi, asked me before 19 50’s, 60’s who, as the 19 of A veteran askan and scholar, Kislev approaches every year Kislev, “Aren’t you planning something at our school in honor who wears a knitted kippa, told (some of them call it Yat Kislev), me, “Chabad today is not what it recall old memories of special of the Chassidic holiday?” One time, he invited a Chabad tank to once was. Chabad used to be more farbrengens in some shtibel in real, without photographers and Meia Sh’arim or in Russia or in a his school and he sent out class after class to hear about the ceremonies. A farbrengen was Chabad center in Argentina, or at a something straight from the heart.” gathering for religious high school holiday. Another time, he held an assembly for the student body in This does not imply that students etc. At this time of year, Chabad today is lacking, rather it these people look out for a which I was asked to tell everybody the story of the arrest and highlights the deep memories of Lubavitcher so they can share their experiences that penetrated the feelings and find out where, in liberation. Usually, the request to celebrate heart of a young boy 45 years ago, their neighborhood, they can find a thanks to attending a farbrengen farbrengen to attend in honor of Yud-Tes Kislev comes from the public. In Beit Shaan, a small city or two in Chabad. this great day. At this time of year About thirty years ago,

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someone in lot) for hours. It was invited a non-Chassidic hard to understand what rav from Rechovot to a he was so happy about Yud-Tes Kislev but in the morning, when farbrengen that took he got up, he was a new place in Beis Menachem. man. When he returned The rav from Rechovot, to Eilat he became a part who was originally from of the Chabad Russia, attended the community, attended the farbrengen and shiurim in Chassidus, commented, “It’s a really davened at the Chabad nice farbrengen, but it house etc., as is fitting doesn’t come close to the for a Tamim from ones I remember from Tomchei T’mimim. Russia. Over there, there Chanuka 5751. Avrohom Asulin R’ Glitzenstein asked was electricity in the air.” receiving a dollar from the Rebbe him afterwards what impressed The Chassid said, “So come him so much at the farbrengen that with me to a farbrengen in the HaChassidus, the Rebbeim in caused him to sing Ashreinu for yeshiva where the , R’ general and the Rebbe MH”M in hours. He thought for a moment Mendel Futerfas is farbrenging.” particular. We and the other and then said that when he walked The rav went to that farbrengen participants at the farbrengen can into the farbrengen he felt drawn and afterwards he said, “That’s experience that unforgettable back thirty years to the yeshivos he something like it …” atmosphere that prevailed at the learned in as a young bachur. He farbrengens of years gone by. was suddenly reminded how good WANTING GEULA! it was there as compared to what he was experiencing in life at that Many rabbanim in Eretz Yisroel BRINGING BACK time. “You should know,” he said, and the world their first Yud-Tes MEMORIES “that throughout the years that I Kislev at some farbrengen or R’ Yisroel Glitzenstein, who was disconnected from Chassidus, another. How did Chassidim worked as a shliach in Eilat for I did not have a moment of accomplish this, that a farbrengen many years, relates: happiness. I always felt pangs of should make such a deep impact? We once met a resident of Eilat conscience and the sense that I I think the answer is in the who, many years ago, learned in was missing out and lacking name of the holiday, Chag the Chabad yeshiva in Lud. He meaning in life. As soon as I HaGeula. It’s a day of Geula, of then went off the derech and as walked into the farbrengen I going out of exile and rising above much as we tried – and I was not realized that I will only find true limitations. That’s the atmosphere the only one – to talk to him and happiness here.” that should prevail at every Yud- get him back to his roots, to invite Ashreinu, ma tov chelkeinu … Tes Kislev farbrengen and that is him to shiurim in Chassidus, he something that everybody yearns remained estranged. for, Geula. When Yud-Tes Kislev was THE FRENCH If only we merit it this year, to approaching, he agreed to come REVOLUTION BEGAN forget our worries for a few hours. with me to Yerushalayim to attend AT A YUD-TES KISLEV If not throughout the days of the the farbrengen in yeshivas Toras FARBRENGEN Chag HaGeula, at least for the few Emes. We walked in and R’ Yitzchok Chaviv, director of hours of the farbrengen we engross apparently he felt like a fish back the Chabad center for French- ourselves in the celebration of the in water. He listened intently to speaking Jews in Yerushalayim, has geula. During these hours we the sichos, sang the niggunim, and some special stories about young won’t be rushing anywhere; we will said l’chaim time and again. Frenchmen whose souls were lit up be raised up a bit from the Over the course of the evening at a single Yud-Tes Kislev material world. We’ll say l’chaim he drank a lot and sang Chabad farbrengen. They made a complete and relive the miracles of Yud-Tes niggunim to himself, such as about-face from the secular world Kislev, the joy over the wondrous “Ashreinu ma tov chelkeinu” to the world of Chassidus. Some gift we received, Toras (fortunate are we, how good is our

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continuing the chain of shlichus “It’s a really nice farbrengen, but it that brought him there in the first doesn’t come close to the ones I place. remember from Russia. Over there, THE FRENCH there was electricity in the air.” REVOLUTION CONTINUES Dovid Zion also made his way from that school to Chassidus via of them serve today as shluchim of (separately) to receive a dollar for farbrengens. R’ Chaviv relates: the Rebbe and spread the Rebbe’s tz’daka from the Rebbe. One Shabbos he came to a teachings in French. Here are Avi was struggling with a big farbrengen. The atmosphere was some examples: problem. Because of his dual terrific (as usual), and each R’ Avrohom Asulin is a shliach citizenship, he had to serve in the participant in turn was asked to at the Har Choma Chabad house army twice, both in France and in tell what he felt at a farbrengen. in Yerushalayim. He is gabbai of a Israel. The IDF told him that after When it was Dovid’s turn to speak shul where 70% of the people he served in France he would have he burst into tears. When he speak French. R’ Asulin organizes to return and serve for 3 years in calmed down he said that when he shiurim and farbrengens for them Israel, though if he was exempted was four or five in Paris, his and everything a person needs to from service in France he would be mother won a raffle for a trip to get involved with Torah and exempt from service in Israel too. the Rebbe and he went with her. Chassidus. R’ Asulin declares As he stood on line, he wondered He remembered that she took him proudly, “I am a Lubavitcher how to say this in the briefest way for Dollars and when they stood thanks to one Yud-Tes Kislev to the Rebbe. When his turn finally before the Rebbe, the Rebbe farbrengen!” arrived, he was so overcome by reached out and held his little hand What happened was as follows: emotion that he could barely get throughout the conversation and That Chabad center for French out the words. The Rebbe smiled the brachos he showered on his speakers is located opposite the lovingly and made a dismissive mother and the family. secular school “Chavat HaNoar motion with his hand. He blessed “Now, at this farbrengen,” he HaTziyoni,” where hundreds of Avi that all his problems should be said as he allowed the tears to run French boys are among the dismissed. down his cheeks, “I suddenly feel thousands of that have learned The next day Avi called his the Rebbe’s hand holding mine. there. Many of them were drawn parents in France and told them The Rebbe is leading me forward to the Chassidic center for a about the bracha he had received and giving me the strength to farbrengen or some other activity from the Rebbe. His father was overcome all difficulties. I feel that and their lives changed completely. very moved because just that day my way is clear now and I will Avi Asulin was among those he had received a letter from the follow it till the end.” inspired souls. Even after he was French army that said that Avi was Dovid continued on the path of involved in Jewish learning and exempt from serving and, as Chassidus. He also had big attended Machon Meir, he mentioned earlier, this exemption miracles and clear brachos in the continued to attend farbrengens at released him from serving in Israel Igros Kodesh that were fulfilled in the Center. as well. a most amazing way and showed Then came the big Yud-Tes When Avi returned to Israel, his him the Rebbe’s ruach ha’kodesh. Kislev farbrengen of 5751. Avi friends at the Center rejoiced with R’ Chaviv continues: celebrated in the men’s hall on the him and proposed that now he Thanks to all the farbrengens, first floor and his future kalla should give back to the Rebbe at miracles and wonders, my brother listened to the farbrengen for least one year. So he went to learn Avrohom, who wasn’t a women on the second floor. in a Chabad yeshiva. Under the Lubavitcher at all, got involved in Towards the end of the farbrengen direction of R’ Yitzchok Chaviv Chassidus and today is a full they held a raffle for a ticket to the and R’ Chai Bar Katz, he got very participant in our work. Rebbe, and Avi’s future kalla won. into his learning and Chassidic Gut Yom Tov! May you be Within a week they both flew to ways. What better way to close the written and sealed for a good year the Rebbe. On one of the days of circle that began at that Yud-Tes in the learning of Chassidus and Chanuka they stood on line Kislev farbrengen than by the ways of Chassidus!

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moshiach & geula

unwarranted hatred which is divisiveness, and these two conditions are fulfilled by being involved with Mishna. THE REBBE (vol. 1 p. 242-243)

IMBUED WITH THE FEAR OF G-D ON MOSHIACH May Hashem give us the privilege of seeing, speedily in our days, the ingathering of our exiles through Moshiach Tzidkeinu, as it says regarding him, and the ruach AND GEULA (spirit) of Hashem will rest upon him…ruach…v’heiricho b’yiras Hashem (and he will be imbued with the fear of G-d) etc., “that he In recent years, many books and will judge with his sense of smell” (Sanhedrin 93b). booklets have been published on the (vol. 1 p. 244) topic of Moshiach and Geula. THE END OF BIRURIM Surprisingly, the Rebbe’s letters on this This final exile is necessary for correcting the specific matter that subject have not been compiled. The brought it about, regarding which following is a (very small) sampling of our Sages say (Yuma 9b), why was the Mikdash destroyed, because the Rebbe’s letters concerning there was unwarranted hatred. Through the avoda (divine service) Moshiach and Geula. during exile now, there will be an end to the birurim. THE END TIME IS in-law, on Simchas Torah (vol. 1 p. 253) APPROACHING 5690/1929. (Igros Kodesh vol. 1, p. 255) AWAITING The great matter of disseminating Chassidus through THE BEGINNING printed works and the like does not IN THE MERIT The simple explanation is that need a lengthy explanation for you OF MISHNAYOS the meaning of the “Ani Maamin” and those like yourself. The value In the generations of Ikvisa (liturgical pronouncement of belief, of this matter is far greater in our d’Meshicha, when the end of our which includes the statement that times, Ikvisa d’Meshicha when the exile is nigh, there is particular “I will await his coming every end time is approaching us, and value and added significance to day“) is the belief in Geula such according to the response that Mishna as our Sages (VaYikra that one awaits the beginning of Moshiach gave the Raba 7:3) say, all these exiles will the process every day. We also (in the famous ascent of his soul), not be gathered except in the merit await the coming of Eliyahu who the coming of Moshiach is of Mishnayos … and therefore, in announces that tomorrow or in two dependent on spreading the order for Israel to merit the days Moshiach will appear, and this wellsprings of the teachings of the gathering of the exiles there needs is also called the coming of Baal Shem Tov outward. And as to be: 1) blessing of the Torah, i.e. Moshiach and therefore you can the precision of the word it should be important to them, and say the nusach every day… “outward” has been explained in 2) unity of those who are (vol. 2 p. 234) the sicha of the Rebbe, my father- separated, the opposite of

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GEVALD, R’ MOSHE if it pertained to a person’s service I HAVE ALREADY SAID Gevald, R’ Moshe, what will be of his Maker, surely there would be I have already said that since we in the end? Moshiach told the Baal people who dealt in telling the are in the Ikvisa d’ikvisa Shem Tov that he is waiting for the future in order to make it easier on d’Meshicha each of us ought to try dissemination of the wellsprings a person’s avoda, and if there is no with proper avoda to bring outward in order to come, and they person telling the future, then that Moshiach … itself proves that avoda is gave this to us to do, and what is (vol. 7 p. 92) being done? Instead we do galus a demanded of us even without our knowing the future. favor and tire ourselves in exile - A HIGHER LEVEL while the Rebbe [Rayatz] shlita in a (vol. 3 p. 457) maamer quotes the words “future IN GEULA Geula,” and then immediately says G-D FORBID TO SAY We leave the mode of conduct it will come speedily in our days, SUCH THINGS in exile for the conduct of Yemos amen. HaMoshiach. That there is a higher I will also point out in particular (vol. 2 p. 330) level in Geula as is obvious, in that you conclude by saying we addition to the essential difference have merited to see the is’chalta between the Geula of the individual THE GEULA SHOULD d’Geula (the beginning of the and Geula of all which is for a long JUST COME Geula) [as per religious Zionist time or forever. … ideology]. G-d forbid to say such Hashem reveals His deepest (vol. 10 p. 399) mysteries through the Baal Shem things, and especially to print them, that the situation presently in Tov, his disciples, and his disciples’ SUCH A PRECIOUS TIME disciples, and also in these our holy land in matters of Judaism generations, only so that the Geula are indications of the beginning of The Rebbe, my father-in-law is should come, freedom from the the Geula. The heart is pained to known to have said, when he lived Evil Inclination and servitude of go on at length on this topic, in this world, that in a little while the governments and that all this especially as it is well known to the the time will come (referring to the be, as mentioned [in the section of public. May we soon, in our days, time after the coming of Moshiach the Zohar called] raaya mehemna, merit to leave the double and Tzidkeinu) when they will grasp with mercy, and all who are redoubled darkness, where the fringes of their heads [i.e. tear influential need to cry out with an darkness is made into light and their hair out in regret over the inner voice: Our brethren the light into darkness, and Moshiach fact] that there was such a precious Jewish people, have compassion Tzidkeinu will redeem us amongst time and it wasn’t utilized properly. upon yourselves and on the Jewish the Jewish people, both outside and (vol. 14 p. 264) people and disseminate Toras inside Eretz Yisroel, may it be v’divrei Elokim chayim rebuilt, from the bitter exile, with EVERY MOMENT IS (Chassidus). the true and complete Geula. (vol. 5 p. 4) EXTREMELY PRECIOUS (vol. 3 p. 159) Especially in our time when MOSHIACH THROUGH every moment is extremely POLITICS IN precious, the saying of the Rebbe, CONNECTION WITH UNIFICATIONS my father-in-law, is apt that behold MOSHIACH’S COMING To note about what you wrote this [King Moshiach] stands regarding the ability to bring behind our wall, but we need to As for your writing that you are Moshiach Tzidkeinu already complete the birur of the small surprised about world politics and through yichudim (unifications) - vessels. their relevance to the coming of from what the Mitteler Rebbe (vol. 13 p. 96) Moshiach, you did not specify what writes in Shaarei Orah, in the surprises you. Surely you discourse beginning with yavi’u remember what we spoke about AVOID HIDDEN levush malchus ch. 94 in the here, that Hashem did not create explanation of the difference of MATTERS anything for naught in the world, b’ita (in its time) and achishena (I Regarding your inquiry as to the and so too regarding world events will hasten it). delay in our Geula, it is surprising and knowing their significance. So (vol. 6 p. 177) that you seek out hidden matters

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and unsatisfactory answers at a I also heard you yourself express, down the revelation of Moshiach time when our Sages said openly even though the darkness of exile below ten hands-breadths in this (Sanhedrin 97b) that all endpoints still covers the land. physical world. And even when were reached and the matter (vol. 22 p. 186) briefly contemplating these matters, depends solely on repentance and one ought to be seized with fear good deeds, as in the words of the IT DOESN’T MUCH and trembling that all the awesome great teacher, the Rambam (Laws MATTER TO MOSHIACH things related by the Sages of T’shuva, 7:5) the Torah regarding Moshiach and the promised that in end the Jewish I was particularly happy to read revelations of that time, especially people will do t’shuva at the end of at the end of your letter about as explained in Chassidus, it all their exile and will be immediately welcoming Moshiach Tzidkeinu depends on our avoda. redeemed, instead of trying to soon, and this gives me strong hope that we are standing ready come up with practical solutions… HOW LONG WILL THIS (vol. 12 p. 335) and working in the proper way towards Moshiach Tzidkeinu for, BE A STUMBLING obviously, it does not much matter BLOCK? SPEEDING UP THE to Moshiach how many dollars are It is obvious how damaging is COMING OF MOSHIACH in the pocket and how many the distancing of hearts among These days, which we are houses will be left in exile … Anash in general, among the promised will be transformed to joy (vol. 22 p. 145) Tmimim in particular and within and gladness with the coming of Aguch and Tzeirei Aguch in very Moshiach and (in the known BY DOING THIS, THE KEITZ particular. How long will this be a wording), even though he tarries, I IS POSTPONED, G-D FORBID stumbling block and obstruction to await his coming every day, and as In it I saw a chapter that speaks receiving the blessings from it says, if he [Moshiach] delays, about recent events, especially Hashem and His success that He wait for him - may this all be very regarding Eretz Yisroel and they provides from Above in the general quickly in our days. Based on what call this the beginning of the Geula. matters concerning Chabad and it says in several places one could I take this opportunity to urge the consequently the specific matters of say that by waiting for him, this author to stop saying this since, it all those who put in effort and itself makes him come sooner. is my view that by doing so, this work in this? How great is the (vol. 23 p. 427) pushes off the end of exile, G-d darkness of Ikvisa d’Meshicha that forbid. In addition, talking about all this is not seen and no attention WE SEE THAT the beginning of Geula at this time is paid to that which they are MOSHIACH IS NEAR leads to treating Torah and mitzvos destroying every single day - through the lack of closeness and At this time we are close to the lightly. (vol. 10 p. 142) all the more so, divisiveness. mountain peak. We truly see that (from a letter of 13 Shevat 5716) Moshiach is already near. He is behind the wall and he who has a WILLINGLY OR good sense of hearing and sense of UNWILLINGLY SPEEDILY IN OUR DAY sight, hears his voice and sees … Willingly or unwillingly we are Speedily in our day may we (vol. 23 p. 379) the successors of the Chabad merit the fulfillment of the promise Chassidim of the preceding that a king will arise from the BEGINNING TO FEEL THE generation and generations back to house of Dovid, immersed in Torah and involved in mitzvos etc. and FOOTSTEPS OF GEULA the Generation of Knowledge of the Chassidim of the Alter Rebbe, will compel all Israel to follow in it … only - we are approaching founder of Toras Chabad. and to strengthen its breaches and the end of galus and the coming of Generation after generation paved fight the wars of G-d, this is Moshiach the righteous redeemer the way for us and what remains Moshiach Tzidkeinu and he will when the promise that the earth for us to do is to complete the build the Mikdash and gather the will be full of knowledge of “small vessels.” Conversely, we and outcasts of Israel as in the p’sak Hashem will be fulfilled, and our generation have the obligation din of the Rambam (Laws of therefore we are already beginning to complete the birurim of Ikvisa Kings, end chapter 11). to feel the footsteps of Moshiach as d’ikvisa d’Meshicha and to draw (vol. 22 p. 287)

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there was also one from the Rebbe which said: Obviously I am very pleased with the Tanya broadcast. Also TANYA obvious is the matter of making an effort as relates to a segment for the youth etc. From that point on, the organizers knew that this was ON THE AIR something important and dear to the Rebbe and that this broadcast gave him much pleasure. By Shneur Zalman Berger THE BEGINNING “About the radio broadcast … it is vital OF THE IDEA The first idea for a Tanya shiur and the merit of public aids him” – this on the radio occurred to the Chassid R’ Yona Edelkopf. Others ue 302, p. is one of the Rebbe’s answers to the dismissed the suggestion, seeing the radio as a disgusting tool that ^^^^ Chassid, Rabbi Yona Edelkopf who, broadcast things that were the ^^^^ opposite of holiness. But R’ Yona ^^^^ after much effort, was able to give had a broader view than them. He ^^^^ shiurim in Tanya on the radio. Even knew that Tanya classes on the ^^^^ radio would reach tens and Jews behind the Iron Curtain were able hundreds of thousands of people and many people would thereby be to listen to these broadcasts. * For Yud- exposed to Chassidus. He spoke to Tzach, which was Tes Kislev, the day that represents the headed by R’ Yisroel Leibov, and after some discussion and some spreading of the wellsprings outward, responses from the Rebbe, they we present the full story about the agreed to help bring his idea to fruition. The breakthrough Tanya radio broadcasts in Eretz Yisroel. occurred after R’ Yona received an answer from the Rebbe on 11 Wednesday, 10 MarCheshvan, Tanya, explained, and gave Nissan, 5719/1959. In the margin 5720/1959: 8:00 pm background information to what of the letter the Rebbe added a Numerous Chassidim and was being learned. handwritten note which said: mekuravim who were given notice This was the beginning of Obviously, a radio broadcast ahead of time, turned on their shiurim in Tanya on the radio in of Tanya is proper and good. radios. At 8:00 they heard the deep Eretz Yisroel. It was also the first R’ Yona, who had connections voice of the Chassid, Rabbi attempt to spread p’nimius in high places in government Nachum Goldschmid a”h. “We ha’Torah, the light of Chassidus, to offices, spoke directly to the have learned (Nidda, end of ch. 3): Jews all over the country on such a members of the commission “An oath is administered to him: large scale. overseeing the broadcasting Be righteous and be not wicked; Following the initial shiurim, network and asked them to and even if the whole world the listeners were urged to send approve a Tanya shiur. As (judging you by your actions) tells their positive feedback to the radio expected, they avoided giving him you that you are righteous, regard station, Kol Yisroel, and to the an answer. When some Chassidim yourself as wicked.’” office of Mercaz Tzach Chabad on heard about this, they tried to R’ Goldschmid’s voice was calm Rav Kook Street 16 in Tel Aviv. dissuade R’ Yona from his idea by and confident. He read from the Among the encouraging letters claiming that the radio

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management would never approve. R’ Yona did not give up. He kept up the pressure and requests to the broadcasting network and other influential entities. He was so confident his efforts would bear fruit that he simultaneously looked for educational material on Tanya so that the shiurim on the radio would be top-notch. The Rebbe wrote to him about this in a letter dated 6 Elul, 1959: You wrote about a radio broadcast and material etc. surely you are discussing this with Tzach time after time, and as also I wrote to them my view, and R’ Nachum Goldschmid a”h reviewing a maamer Chassidus this is a vital matter and the merit of many aids him. trips were dangerous – the main R’ Yona’s optimism was borne thing was that he shouldn’t lose out. After much effort and pulling out on any opportunity to learn of strings, the radio management and teach Chassidus. On Shabbos agreed to a Tanya shiur every two he would give five shiurim in weeks for 10 minutes. It wasn’t Chassidus in five different places. much but it was a start. He saw the learning and R’ Yona knew that for this The Rebbe’s response encouraging spreading of Chassidus as the unique Tanya class, the one giving the Tanya broadcast means to bring Jews back to true the shiur had to know how to faith, and all his sacrifices were speak so that a wide array of was sent to teach Chassidus in toward this end. He believed with people on different levels would shuls in the city. all his heart that only through understand it. After some research At a certain point R’ understanding Chassidus could a he picked R’ Nachum Goldschmid. Goldschmid received permission Jew arrive at the correct outlook, Why him? When I asked this from the Rebbe Rayatz to adjust and being a generous person and question of one of the elder and to clarify maamarei Chassidus one who loved Jews, he longed all Chassidim he responded with a to the level of his audience without his life to share his knowledge of question of his own, “Was there a having to say every single word. Chassidus with others. He took Chassid who could explain things Every day he would spend many pains to always speak in a way that better than R’ Nachum?” hours learning Chassidus. would be clearly understood. R’ Nachum was born on 8 Likewise, he reviewed hundreds of The Rebbe Rayatz, in a letter Nissan, 5665/1905, in maamarim by heart and his main that he sent to the founding Yekaterinislav. At the end of chayus was in learning Chassidus committee of Aguch in Eretz 5683/1923, when he was 18, he and disseminating it. Yisroel, wrote that R’ Nachum went to Rostov to learn in yeshivas In 5695/1935, he was able to Goldschmid should give shiurim in Tomchei T’mimim. In Elul he make aliya, which was an open Chassidus in Petach Tikva and heard his first maamer from the miracle. In Eretz Yisroel he Rishon L’Tziyon. Indeed, R’ Rebbe Rayatz (who lived in Rostov continued his work in spreading Goldschmid gave shiurim in at the time), “Ki Imcha HaSlicha.” Chassidus. Despite working at a Chassidus in many shuls all over The day he heard this maamer he strenuous job, he would travel the country. Many people went to considered his birthday. From the throughout the country in order to hear him and were impressed by beginning of his studies in yeshiva, spread the wellsprings of his wonderful way of explaining all saw his tremendous abilities, Chassidus. He continued doing so Chassidus, which included unique particularly his wonderful ability to even during hard times for the conversational and descriptive explain things. Although he was country and even when certain skills as well as a refined and keen one of the younger talmidim, he

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sense of humor. tension. His voice transmitted a good thing increases the opposing Not surprisingly, then, the pleasant atmosphere to the forces do too. People on the Left difficult task of giving classes on listeners. He spoke like a veteran who hated anything that smelled of Tanya to the broadest possible radio announcer. I remember that Judaism, began exerting pressure audience, fell on his shoulders. Kol Yisroel announcers said that to have the new decision canceled. they did not understand how a Pressure increased until, when it ENTHUSIASTIC person who never studied radio came time to arrange the winter FEEDBACK announcing and who had no programming for 5721, the weekly background in radio, was able to program was moved from the Right after the radio speak on the air as easily as one popular Reshet Beit to Reshet Alef management approved the speaks to a friend. and back to a bi-weekly schedule. broadcast, R’ Yona spoke to R’ “His shiurim were very popular Pressure on the broadcasting Nachum. R’ Nachum was willing and many listeners recorded them network and Kol Yisroel was to do it, knowing that hundreds privately and played them for those exerted by both sides. Tzach urged had heard him until then and now who missed it. Eventually, Tzach that the program be expanded, hundreds of thousands would hear printed his shiurim and they were while anti-religious individuals him. disseminated to the public in worked unceasingly to stop it R’ Nachum understood the booklets.” altogether. This tug-of-war momentousness of the assignment “Enthusiastic feedback was resulted in all kinds of channel and and took the preparations very received in the offices of Tzach schedule switches every few seriously. Before every shiur he and Kol Yisroel,” says R’ months. prepared for hours, even though Goldberg. “The offices of Tzach Unfortunately, the pressures these were chapters and topics that were flooded by thousands of were effective and the Tanya he had taught innumerable times letters from listeners of all shiurim were stopped completely. before. backgrounds, including prominent After a year of no shiurim, the R’ Mordechai Goldberg of B’nei public figures, who praised the broadcasts resumed, this time on Brak relates: shiurim and asked that the time the Kol Tziyon L’Gola network – a “In those days I was a national slot be extended and that the radio network broadcast from coordinator for Tzach. Tzach shiurim be broadcast more often. Israel to the Soviet Union in helped R’ Yona and R’ Nachum in Many people asked whether they Russian and in order to this important project. I helped R’ could get tapes or transcripts of boost the morale of the Jews living Nachum prepare the shiurim – the shiurim. So Tzach decided to there. naturally, not in the learning and print booklets of his shiurim. As These shiurim were given bi- explanations in which he was the person responsible for printing weekly but the content was better than me, but in technical these booklets I can tell you that different. Instead of just a Tanya matters. I would type up the script they were grabbed up like shiur, it was incorporated into a from which he would read the hotcakes. The more we printed, Chassidic program. R’ Zalman Tanya classes for the radio, give it the greater the demand, which Klein, who lived at the time in to him to look over, and retype it encouraged us to work even more. Tashkent, relates: until it was perfect. We were There were answers from the “The shiur began with a conscious of the fact that Rebbe to Tzach and to R’ Nachum Chassidic niggun and then there thousands of people were listening in which he encouraged then to were talks and Chassidic stories who had never learned Chassidus, continue in greater measure.” and of course, the Tanya shiur. and R’ Nachum in his great During those difficult years the wisdom took the ideas and, with government forbade listening to analogies and explanations, made SAGA OF A RADIO PROGRAM foreign broadcasts and whoever it clear. He would take the deepest was caught listening could expect a intellectual ideas and enable The Tanya broadcast had a severe punishment, i.e. many years anyone to understand it.” broad impact on the public, and in Soviet prison. R’ Leibel Zalmanov tells us Kol Yisroel knew this. After about “The communists didn’t suffice about the shiurim themselves: half a year of broadcasts, the with that. They also jammed radio “R’ Nachum would give the program went from biweekly to waves coming from broadcasts like classes in a calm and pleasant weekly. Voice of America and the BBC and manner, with no emotionalism or However, as usual, when a especially Kol Tziyon L’Gola.

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Nevertheless, on the designated day, at the designated time, we would turn the radio on low so no prying ears would hear. Although sometimes there was interference and noise, we always got at least some of the shiur and this revived us. These shiurim were very moving for us and by listening we learned new Chassidic niggunim and heard wonderful explanations A note sent from the Rebbe’s secretaries to R’ Yona Edelkopf on Tanya. After listening to this shiur the yearning to leave the Soviet Union only intensified as we knew that outside of the Soviet Union we would be able to learn Torah freely.”

THOUSANDS OF REQUESTS TO CONTINUE THE BROADCASTS R’ Tuvia Blau tells about the mighty protest following the cessation of the broadcasts: “After a few years in which R’ Nachum Goldschmid broadcast shiurim, they were stopped A letter from the Rebbe about the Tanya broadcast entirely. Despite this, we did not not happen in his lifetime. R’ second part contains talks of R’ give up and together with some of Goldschmid passed away on 13 Goldschmid on topics in Anash we contacted the regular Shevat 5736/1976. Shortly after Chassidus. listeners of the program from all his passing his son-in-law, Rabbi Since R’ Nachum explained over the country, including Sholom Dovber Lifschitz had things so well and spiced his prominent personalities, and they yechidus and the Rebbe told him lessons with many analogies and sent letters to Kol Yisroel in which that it be worthwhile if R’ examples, the demand for this they wrote how much they enjoyed Nachum’s only son, R’ Mordechai, book was enormous. As soon as it the Tanya shiurim and wanted edit his father’s writings and was published, numerous copies them to continue. publish them. R’ Mordechai were sold. Thousands of regular “A short while after starting this worked on a compilation of the listeners of the shiurim wanted the campaign, people at Kol Yisroel material and editing of a book book. The first edition was soon told us that their mailbox was based on notes that his father had sold out and the family quickly clogged by thousands of requests. left and based on the booklets that prepared a second edition. The We continued making these Tzach had published as well as second edition was quickly requests and after a period of time recordings of his shiurim. grabbed up and since then there the broadcasting network decided A book was published that year have been a number of editions in that Rabbi Adin Even-Yisroel which was called Biurei HaRav tens of thousands of copies. (Steinsaltz) would give a Tanya Nachum Goldschmid on the Tanya. class. He did so for two years until *** It’s a simple title that expresses that stopped too.” May we soon receive the Torah what the book is about. The first In Tishrei 5728, R’ Nachum Chadasha from Moshiach at which and main part of the book are Goldschmid had yechidus and the time only shiurim in Torah and explanations of the first fifteen Rebbe told him to print the Chassidus will be heard over the chapters of Likkutei Amarim that shiurim that he broadcast on the radio, at all hours of the day and R’ Nachum managed to give before radio. For various reasons this did on all stations. the program was cancelled. The

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yud-tes kislev ‘I WILL TAKE HIM OUT OF GEHINOM’

The Alter Rebbe’s statement deeds. (Sicha 19 Kislev, 5734) regarding Yud-Tes Kislev and all who THEY CAME AS rejoice in his joy. * Stories and SOULS IN BODIES! aphorisms on the great and holy day The story is known that while the Alter Rebbe was in jail, his of Yud-Tes Kislev. master the Maggid, and his master’s master the Baal Shem SHARED CELEBRATION CHASSIDIM FIND A Tov, came from the World of Truth, at one time. They came in Before the passing of the NOTE bodies [not as a vision]. The Maggid of Mezritch, on the 19th After the Alter Rebbe was Rebbe, my father-in-law once of Kislev, 5533/1763, he took the imprisoned, the Chassidim found visited this place (when he was in Alter Rebbe’s hand and said: a note in his handwriting which Petersburg in the summer of “Yud-Tes Kislev is our Hilula.” had the verse, “Ministers pursued 5671/1911), and when he The explanation is: the me for naught, and my heart returned from there his father teachings of the “Fathers of feared Your word.” They asked him if a space that size Chassidus” – the Baal Shem Tov understood this to be referring to could contain three people! and the Maggid – were like the the arrest. This question proves that they wellspring itself, while the This verse has two meanings: came in bodies. It is known that teachings of the Alter Rebbe 1) that fear of ministers is for the revelation of the neshama in a accomplished spreading forth of naught and the only thing to be body is a loftier revelation than the wellspring through truly feared is the word of the revelation of a soul without a explanations of Chassidic ideas in Hashem, for the Alter Rebbe body. a way that the mind could thought, in his humility, that (Sicha 19 Kislev, 5711) understand. In order to bring perhaps he had been arrested about the unification of the because he had not completed wellspring itself with those some aspect of avoda. 2) The THE STYLE OF THE wellsprings that are on the reason that even though DRASHOS THAT I SAY “outside” (“your wellsprings “ministers pursue me” I consider The Alter Rebbe wrote the spread outward”), an outstanding it as “naught,” is because “my following in response to the effort had to be made. heart feared Your word.” question of his interrogators as to This was accomplished on 19 The Alter Rebbe transmitted where did he get the knowledge Kislev, and this is what the this teaching to his disciples and that he transmitted in his drashos Maggid was alluding to when he to Chassidim in the generation to (lectures): said: “This is our Hilula, our come – there is nothing to fear It is a known fact that even unification.” from the gentile. If something like though all wisdom is written in (See vol. 25, p. 221) an arrest should happen, you books, nevertheless a person need to search and examine your needs, at the start of his

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studying, to study with a teacher and then he can learn on his own from books and that is how it was with me, when I was about 20, during the time that I was in Vitebsk. I went from there to Mezritch and began learning Kabbala there with the Rabbi and teacher Ber OBM, who passed away over 25 years ago. Since then I learn on my own in many respected books from early and later kabbalists according to my intellect and understanding, but the style of sermons that I give to the public are mostly according to the simple and revealed meaning so that all listeners will understand well. And only occasionally, by happenstance, do I say something simple from the wisdom of the Kabbala, which can be understood and explained to someone who learned a little in kabbalistic works that are owned by all, insofar as it brings benefit in attaining love of Hashem and fear of Him and to observe His commandments and to pray with concentration from the depths of one’s heart. (Igros Kodesh vol. 2 p. 137) has he accomplished). DISMISSED THE SAVED FROM EXPIRY The Rebbe Rashab related this QUESTION WITH OF THE SOUL story at a Yud-Tes Kislev A SMILE When they brought the Alter farbrengen in 5648/1887, and Rebbe to Petersburg, the said: Saying this prevented the Among the questions that they interrogator was the czar’s Alter Rebbe from expiry of the asked the Alter Rebbe during his minister. He was expert in soul, for when he was brought to imprisonment – and he answered Tanach by heart and he the Petropavlovskaya Fortress and them all – was one question questioned the Rebbe as to the was locked into a room, he about the topic at the end of meaning of the question Hashem thought about how he had chapter one of Tanya about the asked Adam, “ayeka?” (Where merited to sacrifice his life for the nature of non-Jews, that their are you) after the Sin of the Tree teachings of the Baal Shem Tov kindness is self-serving. He did of Knowledge, when Hashem and the Maggid and as a result of not respond; he merely smiled. obviously knew where he was. this thought he nearly expired. The explanation is that by The Rebbe gave the Saying this prevented it from responding without offering a explanation of Rashi but the happening. He remembered that reason but rather dismissing the minister said he was familiar with he still had what to accomplish in question without explanation, and what Rashi says. So the Rebbe the world. laughing at it too, the other said the famous line (that (Seifer HaSichos 5698, p. 249-250) person understands that the Hashem is asking every person question was out of place. where he is in the world, what (Sicha 19 Kislev 5729, 5739)

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TEA IN THE this that this came from G-d and Alter Rebbe a cup of water and MISNAGED’S HOUSE it is wondrous in our eyes. And bread and that is what he ate. On this was established as a wonder, Shabbos they would bring him When the Alter Rebbe left for G-d is with us and there is no beer or mead. Every country has prison he was mistakenly brought other … dishes that its people are to the home of a Misnaged (one “However, it is necessary to particularly fond of and in opposed to Chassidim) who inform you that this day that Lithuania it is this cereal. This bothered him with questions etc. Hashem did for us is a day in man, when he heard what was (afterwards, the Alter Rebbe said which ‘ki tov’ is doubled, the said on the subject of that those three hours in the 19th of Kislev, the great Yom appreciation of mitzvos, ate the Misnaged’s house were more Hilula [celebrating] the passing cereal with extra delight. difficult than his entire of our holy master, may his When the Rebbe noticed this, imprisonment). memory be a blessing. When I that the taanug had been applied When the Chassidim realized read in T’hillim the verse ‘He to eating food which was not the the error, they came to get the redeemed my soul in peace,’ way a Chassid should eat, he said Alter Rebbe from there, but he before I began the next verse, I to this man: “You forgot that you wanted to stay and drink tea went out in peace.” are eating cereal,” and he since the man had prepared it for (Igros Kodesh 1 p. 97-8) explained: him. The mind of that person was In this way he expressed the delighting in the explanation on idea of “tov la’briyos” (good to “AT THIS TIME the topic of proper appreciation creatures). Briyos are those who – 19 KISLEV” of mitzvos. This caused the have no good quality aside from Yud-Tes Kislev in the year “natural soul” to take pleasure in the fact that they are creations of 5560/1800 was the first time the eating cereal, but the eater did Hashem. That Misnaged caused Alter Rebbe publicly celebrated not sense this since he was grief to the Alter Rebbe and his release. In Liozna a large involved with what he heard. So wanted him to feel suffering as he group of Anash gathered and the the Rebbe reminded him that he did before the Geula, which is Alter Rebbe said a maamer ought to bear in mind that he is completely irrational. Chassidus which began with the eating cereal. Furthermore, the Misnaged even words, “Blessed [is He] who did (Seifer HaSichos 5798, p. 250-251) thought he was doing something miracles for our ancestors the good. Nevertheless, the Alter Baal Shem Tov and our master Rebbe treated him in a way of HaRav HaMaggid, in those days CELEBRATION “tov la’briyos.” Purim and Chanuka, and this IN LUBAVITCH (Sicha 19 Kislev, 5738) time, 19 Kislev.” This is how they celebrated (Likkutei Dibburim 1 p. 14) Yud-Tes Kislev in Lubavitch in the “HE REDEEMED MY year 5663/1902: SOUL IN PEACE” WHAT WE EAT They put up a special arch in honor of the Rebbe Rashab and After his release, the Alter ON YUD-TES KISLEV lit 613 candles, which were Rebbe wrote a letter to Rabbi Among the people gathered for placed in all the windows. When Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev in the Yud-Tes Kislev farbrengen in the Rebbe left his house for the which he informed him of his 5653/1893 with the Rebbe beis , the “large hall,” for wondrous release: Rashab was a Chassid who was the farbrengen, they pulled on a “For Hashem did wonders and reveling in enjoyment of one of special string and immediately all great things on the earth, and He the statements made by the Rebbe the candles were lit. made wondrous and exalted His on the topic of love for mitzvos. The Chassid R’ Nota of Pahar great and holy name, which was On 19 Kislev it is customary sat above the arch. In the middle made great and holy publicly to eat black kasha (buckwheat), of the courtyard stood R’ Shaul especially before the ministers and they explained that it is eaten Dov Zislin as the conductor and and all the nations in all the to recall the food the Alter Rebbe on the other side Shmuel king’s lands so that also in their had while in prison. The Rebbe Katzman stood and led the choir. eyes it was wondrous, a wonder Rayatz related in the name of Then R’ Nota sang his special of wonders, and they said about Chassidim that they brought the niggun.

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outstanding Chassidim of the When he was brought to the Alter Rebbe who fulfilled his bequest and warnings not to Petropavlovskaya Fortress and was speak good or bad with or about locked into a room, he thought about the Misnagdim. On Yud-Tes Kislev he would how he had merited to sacrifice his sponsor large meals in all the shuls in the town and thanks to life for the teachings of the Baal this good practice, some families of Misnagdim who lived in Shem Tov and the Maggid and as a Zhlobin became Chassidim and accepted the Alter Rebbe’s result of this thought he nearly nusach. And even in the “new expired. Chassidim” shul they had a big meal in honor of Yud-Tes Kislev.

(Seifer HaSichos 5705 p. 42-43) The Chassid R’ Aharon IN YEKETRINISLAV Shlomo was known for his CELEBRATIONS righteousness in general and his R’ Nachum Goldschmid described the Yud-Tes Kislev IN ZHLOBIN honest conduct in particular, and they would call him R’ Aharon farbrengen of Rabbi Levi In one of his writings, the Shlomo der lieber (beloved) Yitzchok in Rebbe Rayatz writes about the because he was good to all and Yekatrinislav: Chassid R’ Aharon Shlomo, a stayed away from any leadership At this farbrengen, R’ Levik Chassid of the Alter Rebbe, who positions. He learned Chassidus would talk at length throughout lived in Zhlobin in the Mohilev and davened at length. They said the night. A large crowd would district: about him that he was one of the come to hear him and he would

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come to New York was a man by “By us, Chabad Chassidim, there is a the name of R’ Shmuel Eliezer custom, a custom from the Chassidim of Katznelson (he later shortened the name to Nelson), who was a the Alter Rebbe, that on 19 Kislev they grandson of the famous gaon R’ Boruch Mordechai of Bobruisk, say ‘gut Yom Tov’ before and after a great Chassid of the Alter Rebbe. Maariv, and throughout the days He was very wealthy and every year he was the main activist for surrounding Yud-Tes-Chaf Kislev when the Yud-Tes Kislev celebration in Chassidim meet in shul or on the arranging a meal in a restaurant – as is done in America – with street.” meat, fish etc. because he heard in the name of his great- grandfather R’ Boruch Mordechai speak for hours without a break, REJOICE IN MY that the Alter Rebbe said: deep concepts combined with REJOICING Whoever takes part in my simcha, Kabbala, Nigleh and Chassidus. In 5658/1897, the Rebbe will merit to see nachas from his He would drink a lot of mashke Rashab said that there are three children. and explain, for example, why versions of the Alter Rebbe’s (Zichron Livnei Yisroel p. 119) according to Kabbala the Alter statement regarding Yud-Tes Kislev Rebbe was released on this and all who rejoice in his joy: particular day. GUT YOM TOV Version 1: I will take him out The children of Yekatrinislav At the Yud-Tes Kislev from the straits to the expanse, would also have a meal in honor farbrengen of 5702, the Rebbe Version 2: I will take him out of Yud-Tes Kislev, but this took Rayatz said: “By us, Chabad from the material to the spiritual, place on a different night so as Chassidim, there is a custom, a Version 3: I will take him out of not to interfere with the rav’s custom from the Chassidim of the Gehinom. farbrengen. A few days before Alter Rebbe, that on 19 Kislev The Rebbe Rashab said that all Yud-Tes Kislev they would collect they say ‘gut Yom Tov’ before and the versions are true. The first money for their farbrengen. The after Maariv, and throughout the refers to from Bria to Atzilus; the Rebbe was in charge of accounts. days surrounding Yud-Tes-Chaf second from Yetzira to Bria; the He was the leader of all the Kislev when Chassidim meet in third from the world of Asiya. children since he was the oldest. shul or on the street.” The Tzemach Tzedek explains They would cook kasha and make In 5703, the HaYom Yom was that with the words, “will rejoice a meal and there was great printed for the first time and at in my joy,” the Alter Rebbe was rejoicing. the end, the entry for 18 Kislev referring to someone who “holds This was the only day of the says: the Rebbe’s doorknob,” i.e. in year in which the Rebbe was “Gut Yom Tov, may you be Torah and avoda. involved in things other than inscribed for a good year in the . learning of Chassidus and the (Yemei Melech p. 125) NACHAS FROM ways of Chassidus.” THE DESCENDANTS Among the first of Anash to Only 1 minute from 770 ^ High Style Hotel in a small format ^ Fancy Studio Apartments @ Kitchen with all the latest technology appliances: Fridge, Microwave, Toaster 9 9 1 1 7 7 - - 6 6 9 9 1 1 - - 5 5 2 2 1 1 2 2 @ Breakfast, drinks in fridge all day @ Broadband Internet 7 7 1 1 8 8 - - 4 4 7 7 3 3 - - 5 5 9 9 3 3 7 7 @ FREE calls & video Linen & Towels changed Fancy Bath & Shower with plenty KKIINNGGSSTTOONN HHOOTTEELL of Shampoo & Soap

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