The World of Lubavitch A publication of Chabad-Lubavitch, Toronto APRIL 2019 Vol. 45 No. 1 (151) NISSAN 5779

Going the Extra Mile There is an old Yiddish proverb that notes, “Every humor- ous anecdote has some truth to it.” This adage was reflected in a “What’s App” image I recently received depicting a Chabad House on the moon. In fact, the only reason why there is no Chabad emissary dispatched to the closest lunar satellite is be- cause there are no Jews spending time on its surface. Rest as- sured that in tandem with commercial space flights and exotic travel excursions bringing thrill seekers to explore the moon craters, Chabad will be there to offer them Tefillin and Shabbat candles. Currently playing in Toronto is a theater production called, “Come From Away.” The documentary is about the eastbound oversea’s flight diversions that happened in the wake ofthe devastating 9/11 attacks. Many international flights were redi- rected to Gander, Newfoundland a remote town on the eastern shoreline of Canada. Sixteen years ago, this small municipal- ity with a population of 10,000 became host to nearly 6,700, people almost doubling its population when 38 planes touched town for an unexpected grounding. One of the scenes featured in the play, is a rabbi min- istering to bewildered strangers he meets amongst the 7,000 refugees. In real life it is Levi Sudak, the Chabad Shliach to Edgware, a suburb of London, England. On that fateful day the rabbi had taken a flight from London to New York to visit the “Ohel,” -resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe,- Rabbi Men- achem Mendel Schneerson, obm, just ahead of Rosh HaSha- nah, which would be observed the following week. Instead of returning to London that night as planned, Rabbi Sudak found himself in Gander for the better part of a week. As a Chabad’nik Rabbi Sudak knew that being stranded in a strange and foreign environment meant that beneath all the heartache, pain and confusion there was a mission to ac- complish. Sure enough, wandering the street of the town, he encountered a local Holocaust survivor who never told anyone, not even his wife, that he is Jewish. With a broken heart he divulged his origin that as a boy he had been tortured by the Na- zis and later adopted by a British family. After a lengthy heart wrenching discussion and donning tefillin, Rabbi Sudak gave him a yarmulka, a siddur and tallit. Naturally they kept in touch and years later, after his passing, the survivor’s son related that his father asked to buried wrapped in the tallis and wearing the yarmulka the visiting rabbi had gifted him. This anecdote sheds some light on the mission of Chabad Lubavitch to establish a presence wherever there are Jews to be found, even if they are far and few. Hence, there is a Chabad presence in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Reykjavik, Iceland. On occasion the Rebbe, of blessed memory, addressed this quandary, “Why spend the time and effort to reach out even to New, Free Standing, Building the most remote locations,” he asked rhetorically. Furthermore, “with limited resources, and much work still to be accom- plished in the larger cities, should we not concentrate and con- Proposed for Chabad Headquarters solidate the scope of our reach,” he intoned. The Rebbe went on The Chabad Lubavitch Or- to explain that in order to prepare the world for the Messianic Just 35 years ago the north welcome the presence of Shuls, era, we have to do our utmost to reach even the most remote side of Steeles Avenue was pri- Yeshivas, Mikvaot, and purvey- ganization was amongst the trail marily farmland. Traffic lights ors of kosher food. Continued on page 3 places and bring holiness to its surrounding. Our objective is to were positioned at the two ki- uncover the hidden sparks of holiness lying dormant within our lometer crossroads throughout brethren that may have strayed, be it in space or spirit. the sparsely populated munici- The Midrash relates, when G-d said to Abraham, “Your pality of Thornhill. When the descendants will be strangers in a foreign land,” a reference to rural township acquiesced to their eventual enslavement in Egypt, He concludes, “afterwards urban expansion a few of the they will leave with great wealth.” Upon hearing this Abraham leading land developers such responded, “Just grant them freedom, and they will gladly forgo as the late Joseph Tanenbaum, the spoils.” Factually, as promised, they left Egypt with great Herb Green, and Ernest Man- wealth, both materially and spiritually. They departed with val- son, encouraged Jewish agen- ued treasures while they also succeeded to lift the embedded cies to consider the unfolding sparks of holiness from within its boundaries.’ So too, now as opportunity for growth. Indeed, we await the arrival of Mashiach, the Shluchim of Chabad can with the community bulging and be found wherever Jews may be. So if you find yourself sta- bottlenecked at the city’s north- tioned in an army base in the Philippines or vacationing in St. ern border it was quite obvi- Barts, don’t be surprised to encounter a Chabad’nik eager to be ous that the Jewish community of help… the Jewish way. would continue to migrate fur- Best wishes for a Kosher and Joyous Pesach. ther up along the famed Bathurst Rabbi Zalman A. Grossbaum corridor. Naturally, the influx of home buyers would need and Page 2 • World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 The Freedom to Passover By Yanki Tauber neh Torah’s commentaries have On the night of the fifteenth puzzled over the significance of of Nissan, it is a positive com- this comparison and have offered mandment (mitzvat assei) to various halachic explanations for relate the miracles and won- it. ders that were performed for A Study of Legal constructs aside, Mai- our forefathers in Egypt, as it is monides is alluding to a con- written, “Remember this day, on ceptual correlation between the which you went out of Egypt”— the Term “Freedom” defining characteristic of Shab- just as it is written, “Remember bat and that of Passover. On the day of Shabbat.” Passover, as on Shabbat, we are Mishneh Torah, Laws of empowered to experience a state Leaven and Matzo, 7:1 that, on the surface, seems to have no intrinsic content of its What is freedom? When own, being only the negation of pressed to define this most basic something else. But just as Shab- human need and aspiration, we bat rest is more than the absence usually find ourselves explaining of toil, so, too, the freedom of what freedom is not. Freedom is Passover is a dynamic freedom, not slavery, it is not confinement, not merely the absence of bond- it is not inhibition. But is that all which we endeavor to seek our terance.” The dynamic inward laws (twenty-eight out of the age. there is to freedom—the absence own spiritual center, to better at- focus of Shabbat (“Remember”), thirty chapters in Maimonides’ Freedom is commonly per- of subjugation? Or is there a pos- tune ourselves to the self that is and the avoidance of materially own section on Shabbat) ad- ceived as the removal of all ex- itive/dynamic aspect to the state one with the divine essence of creative deeds (“Keep”), are the dress what is not to be done on ternal constraints on a person’s of freedom? all. True, the laws of Shabbat active and passive dimensions of the seventh day, the imperative to development and self-expres- The same could be asked are replete with forbidden activi- a single endeavor: the endeavor rest on Shabbat is firstly and fore- sion. Freedom is the natural state about another much desired ties—in order to rest, one must of rest. mostly a positive commandment. of man, this line of reasoning and little understood state: rest. cease to outwardly project; but Thus Maimonides begins his “The positive commandment of implies; free him of all outside Rest is not movement, not toil, the prohibition against work is codification of the laws of Shab- Shabbat is to rest, not merely to forces that limit and inhibit him, not creating; but what is it? Is it only one aspect of the phenom- bat with the statement: “Resting cease working.” and you have a free human being. merely the negation of activity, enon of rest. In the Torah, there from work on the seventh day is A Dynamic Equation Passover embodies a far or is rest itself an active pursuit? are two versions of the Sixth a positive commandment, as it is This explains the enigmatic more ambitious freedom. The ex- The Torah implies that it is. Commandment: in Exodus 20 written, ‘On the seventh day you passage in Maimonides’ Mish- odus from Egypt, which marked In the second chapter of Genesis it reads, “Remember the day of shall rest.’ Whoever works on neh Torah, quoted at the begin- the end of Israel’s subjugation we read that “G-d concluded, on to their Egyptian enslavers, was Shabbat, to sanctify it,” while in this day, negates [this] positive ning of this essay, in which he but the first step of a seven-week the seventh day, the work that He the fifth chapter of Deuteronomy commandment, and also trans- compares the commandment to journey, a forty-nine step climb had done; and He rested on the it reads, “Keep the day of Shab- gresses a negative command- “Remember this day, on which in the conquest and transcen- seventh day from all the work bat.” The Talmud explains that, ment—‘Do not do any work’” you went out of Egypt” to the im- dence of self that culminated in that He had done.” But if G-d “ ‘Remember and ‘Keep’ were Maimonides is emphasizing that perative to “Remember the day rested on the seventh day, why expressed by G-d in a single ut- although the bulk of Shabbat’s of Shabbat.” Many of the Mish- Continued on page 9 does the verse say that He con- cluded His work on the seventh day? Our sages explain: on the seventh day G-d created the final and culminating element of His creation—the element of rest. “What was the world lacking? Rest. With the onset of Shabbat came rest.” Rest is a existent phe- nomenon, a creation, not merely the absence of work. “Work” is the movement from self outward, the projection of one’s creative powers to effect changes on one’s environment; “rest” is the endeavor to focus his purpose and source: a “land” inward, to withdraw to the quint- self that is oblivious to the fact essential core of one’s being. For The Amphibian Soul that his soul is a “spark of G-d six days G-d projected outward, Our sages have said that obvious. The sea animal cannot above,” that he is granted life creating a universe that is “out- By Yanki Tauber “man is a miniature universe,” a anew, each and every moment of side” and distinct of Himself. separate itself from its sustain- And the children of Israel microcosm of the entire created ing environment; its life and its time, by his Creator, that his ex- On the seventh day of creation walked on dry land within the existence. The human being thus istence has meaning only in the He rested—He shifted His focus life-source are inexorably bound sea. includes both these worlds— together. The land creature, on context of its role in the divine inward, drawing creation back Exodus 14:29 man has both a terrestrial and an purpose. A “land” self that de- into His omnipresent being. Thus the other hand, can receive its Everything that exists on aquatic aspect to his life. nourishment from the earth and fines its existence in the narrow Shabbat is a “holy” day, a day of land has its counterpart in the sea. The Secret of the Deep terms of personal ego and its in- heightened spiritual sensitivity; a then forget about it, even deny it. Talmud, Chullin 127a Creatures of the land are to Conceivably, a land creature can dividual desires and aspirations. day on which the created reality Land and sea mirror each be found upon the land. Some But man also possesses a more deeply identifies with its live an entire lifetime without other, yet they are vastly different species burrow under for a cer- acknowledging, or in any way “sea” persona—a spiritual self supernal source. worlds. Both are life-supporting tain part of the day or year, and which transcends ego and indi- The same applies, on the hu- demonstrating, from where its environments, providing suste- there are even species which sustenance is derived. viduality to attune its every deed man level, to our weekly imple- nance and protection to a myriad rarely, if ever, show themselves and thought to the higher goals mentation of the divine cycle of This is the significance of of creatures. Both are complex above ground; but on the whole, the “land” and “sea” personali- for which he was created. When creation in our own lives. Six ecosystems, complete with the land creatures live their lives on this self is manifest, nothing days a week we project outward, ties within man. There is a part great variety of minerals, veg- the surface of the earth. In fact, of man that is disconnected from Continued on page 14 developing and perfecting G-d’s etation and animals which form there is nothing to prevent them world. On Shabbat, we actual- a “food chain” and multi-runged from severing all direct contact Chabad Lubavitch of Ontario ize our “partnership with G-d in The World of Lubavitch ladder of life. But despite their with the land for extended peri- A Publication of HaRav Dovid Schochet Rabbi Yossi Hecht creation” by resting: by delving similarities, land and sea are dif- ods of time (20th-century man Chabad-Lubavitch Spiritual Leader Chabad of Aurora into the inner essence of our own ferent in many ways, particularly 770 Chabad Gate Rabbi Z. Aaron Grossbaum Rabbi Chanoch Rosenfeld has all but done so). Executive Vice-President Chabad of Hamilton souls and of the soul of creation. in the manner in which the crea- Not so the creatures of the Thornhill, Ontario So Shabbat is not a day of L4J 3V9 Rabbi Vidal Bekerman Rabbi Mendel Kaplan tures who populate them relate to sea: they live submerged within Chabad at York Chabad @ Flamingo inactivity, but a day devoted (905) 731-7000 their environment. their environment. And for most www.chabad.ca Rabbi Mendel Bernstein Rabbi Yisroel Landa to the activity of rest. A day in Chabad of Richmond Hill Israeli Community Services sea-dwelling animals, this sub- Editor: Rabbi Tzali Borenstein Rabbi Sholom Lezel mersion is a matter of life and Rabbi Moshe Spalter Chabad of Durham Chabad of the Beaches death—a fish out of water is not Associate Editor: Rabbi Mendel Chaikin Rabbi Mendel Nakkar ON OUR COVER Prayer Chabad of Downtown Rabbi Z.A. Grossbaum Chabad of Barrie By famed Chassidic artist only a creature out of its element, Rabbi Nechemia Deitsch Rabbi Avrohom E. Plotkin Hendel Leiberman. but a creature who cannot sur- Advertising: Chabad of Midtown Chabad of Markham The artist depicts a scene Rabbi Moshe Spalter Rabbi Yechezkel Deren Rabbi Mordechai Silberberg vive more than a short while. Chabad of Maple Chabad of London Typesetting: of a Chassid deep in prayer, Of course, the creatures of Rabbi Yoseph S. Gansburg Rabbi Yisroel Simon Tamar Shuchat pouring out his heart to his the land are no less dependent Education Chabad of Kingston creator. upon the land than their sister Circulation: 5500 Rabbi Levy Gansburg Rabbi Yitzchok Slavin Subscriptions: $10 yearly Chabad Bayview York Mills Chabad of Mississauga It is common in Chabad creatures of the sea are depen- Rabbi Menachem Gansburg Rabbi Moshe S. Spalter $5 per copy circles that moving melodies dent upon the sea—without the Chabad on the Avenue Administrator & Media SPRING 2019 Rabbi Moshe Goldman Rabbi Moshe E. Steiner accompany prayer, as ex- land and its resources a land Chabad of Waterloo Chabad of Uptown pressed, by the artist, by the animal could not live. The differ- We cannot take Rabbi Yitzchak Grossbaum Rabbi Rafi Steiner snapping of the fingers. ence lies in how this truth is re- responsibility for the Camp Gan Israel Chabad of Guelph Kashruth of the items Rabbi Mendel Grossbaum Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman See back page of The flected in their day-to-day, hour- advertised in this Chabad of Newmarket Russian Community Services publication. World of Lubavitch for more to-hour, and minute-to-minute Rabbi Shmuel Grossbaum Rabbi Zalman Zaltzman on Chassidic song. existence. With the sea creature, Chabad of the East Side Chabad of Niagara this dependence is constant and World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 • Page 3

Camp Gan Israel Friendship Circle Hosts to Build Additional Bunk Houses Purim Celebration and Plans for another new that continues to grow year after the luxury to interact with like Masquerade double bunk house at Gan Israel year. Due to space limitations minded friends and for them the Youngsters with Overnight Camp, have recently numerous requests cannot be ac- camaraderie offered at Gan Israel special needs enjoyed been submitted to the Haliburton commodated and are deferred to is of utmost importance. The new a pre Purim party and Township for approval. While a wait list. double bunk house will enable us masquerade together Still, seeing firsthand the to add two additional groups and we hope to begin construction in with their 1/1 bud- positive impact that an intense, accommodate another 30 young- dies (shadows). The the spring, regrettably the added fun filled, four week, 24/7 ex- sters. space will not be completed for exotic and humorous perience has on the campers, the But that’s not all. As a result costumes did wonders the upcoming summer. This ex- camp administration is commit- of a special fund that has been to create a joyous and pansion has been necessitated ted to build more bunk houses established by Sidney and Naomi festive atmosphere. by the ever growing list of ap- and accommodate the “wait list.” Spiegel, all initiatives that im- With unbridled enthu- prove the facility are given due siasm each participant consideration. In fact, even be- related to the entire fore arriving at the 207 acre site assembly what they the returning campers and coun- were dressed up to sellors will be amazed to notice portray. the widening and reconstruction Through a se- of the 3 kilometer trail into camp. lected variety of in- This will enable coach buses and teractive activities large trucks to drive right into the special children camp and save time and spare were introduced to undue hardship. So too, a large the famed narrative area was cleared, levelled, and of the Book of Esther seeded for an additional sports and traditional Holi- field, graciously facilitated by day customs. This was Allen and Jerry Werger. especially meaningful The summer of 2018 was for some of the children who are prepared boxes of Mishloach our seventh year of operation. not able to attend a Jewish day Manot by the youngsters for their These formative years, reflect the school and thus not afforded the parents. Some moms and dads ordinary order of civilization and opportunity to become familiar were handed empty packages, correspond to the seven days of with the intricacies of Holiday the week. This year we are about with a specially designed Purim celebrations and practices. greeting card, since for some of Indeed, many applicants hail to launch our eighth season, and While the younger par- plications we receive from across from a Chassidic perspective, the the youngsters the Purim treats from small, isolated communities ticipants were enthralled with a and delicacies proved to be too North America and beyond. Ever and collage towns, where their number “eight” signifies going dramatic reading of the Purim since we launched this magnifi- over and above the norm. Indeed, story by their group leader, the tempting and could not control parents serve as Chabad emissar- themselves from eating the good- cent endeavour eight years ago, ies. These youngsters, while re- our Rebbe of blessed memory, teen groups reenacted and per- Camp Gan Israel, in picturesque ceiving a comprehensive Jewish who launched the camp Gan Is- formed its narrative. After dis- ies they were to present to their Haliburton, enjoys an enrollment education “on line,” don’t have rael initiative some 60 years ago, tributing musical instruments parents. Still, having spent the often stressed the virtue of taking our beloved music therapist, whole morning enjoying and fa- a giant leap forward “over and Racheli Hershkop led a Purim miliarizing themselves with the above” with regards to enhanc- ”sing along”, with a mix of old Purim experience, helped them Electronic Bulletin ing Jewish life, especially when favourites and new ones. Next celebrate Purim day in a more the initiative involves the youth. on the agenda was to creatively meaningful way. Board Gets a Facelift Chabad’s electronic bulletin Megilah Read at Toronto City Hall board has recently The sound of Graggers undergone an upgrade drowning out the name of Ha- to full colour and man, emanating from Com- greater matrix mittee Room 3 in Toronto resolution. The newly City Hall, had heads turning installed state of the art as curious passersby peeked technology has enabled us to feature attractive in to see what the commotion motion graphics as was. well. Embedded in an Once again, this year, attractive flagstone Rabbi Moshe Spalter, admini- wall the message starator of Chabad Lubavitch board which has of Southern Ontario, led a graced the landscape lunchtime Megillah reading for the past fifteen for those who work down- years has become a town and are unable to hear landmark at the corner the Megilla read in Shul. of Bathurst and Chabad Gate. Whether the With the help of Council- information offered lor James Pasternak and his is candle lighting staff a room was secured in time, the Omer count, City Hall for Purim day, to fa- holiday bulletins, it has been continuously 24/6 vital cilitate the Purim celebration. well received by pedestrians and information is imparted non Mishloach Manot packeg- commuters alike. stop to Thornhill residents and es were distributed to all par- At its inception, fifteen visitors. (Shabbat and Holidays, the sign displays a constant ticipants enabling them to ful- years back, the bright, red-on- fill the mitzvah of sharing food black display was the height Shabbat Shalom or Chag Sameach) gifts with a friend on Purim. of technology and has served Rabbi Moshe Spalter with Councillor James Pasternak at Toronto City Hall faithfully for many years. Recently, though, much more advanced formats have become the norm so it was time to make New, Free Standing, Building the investment in a full colour sign. In order for the messages to be clearly seen, even in bright Proposed for Chabad Headquarters sunlight, a high intensity sign from around the globe. To ac- more space. auxiliary utility rooms on the Continued from page 1 was installed. Various designers, commodate the influx of partici- After much consideration upper floors will have a separate some in house talent while others blazers that eagerly embraced pants, twelve years ago, an ad- and deliberation it was decided to entrance from the north side. are contracted to do the designs, the challenge and opportunity. ditional 5,000 sq ft, was added to construct an auxiliary free stand- The proposed eight spacious are busy churning out creative the shul, auditorium, and library. ing structure with a foot print of graphics and animations to Soon after acquiring a 3 acre multipurpose rooms above will site, a 26,000 sq. ft. multipur- Still, for some of our most five thousand square feet. The inform and entertain the many popular youth programs such as ground level will house a new provide much needed room for tens of thousands riding up pose facility was built, which the Friendship Circle, Lubavitch housed a Shul, Mikvah, lending the Friendship Circle, and the and enlarged woman’s Mikvah. Bathurst on a daily basis. Lubavitch Day Camp, our exist- One of the seven aesthetically Day Camp, and numerous youth If traffic signal has you library, and classrooms. Indeed, ing space is far too inadequate. designed preparation room will stopped at Chabad Gate you will with a comprehensive network programs. Currently, we are en- likely get to see the full rotation Many worthy initiatives are cur- incorporate all the amenities gaged in the planning, design, of amenities and glowing pop- tailed while others are held off needed to accommodate physi- of messages for the day. If you ularity around the world, the and approval stage. All being are passing by you’ll catch one site or cancelled. It has become cally challenged patrons as well. ‘city above Toronto’ attracted evident that in order to prop- Dedicated parking and stately well and on schedule, we hope, or two messages. with G-d’s help, to be shovel Programmed to operate Jews from all walks of life and erly service the community we and discreet entry will be from became a haven for emigrants would need to once again create the Lony Court cul de sac. The ready in the fall of 2019. Page 4 • World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 LDC...THE PLACE TO BE! As parents, there are many decisions to make from the moment a child is born. Which brand of diapers are the best? Is the Britax the safest car seat? Hire a nanny look into daycare or quit work? These decisions may or may not impact your child’s future, but you want to make certain that you did all in your power to ensure that your child has the advantage, confidence and ability to achieve everything they want. We are here to take out the guess work of one of the yearly decisions, one that lasts eight weeks long, when the weather is beautiful and everyone should be HAPPY! Send your child to Lubavitch Day Camp, it’s that simple! Not convinced? Here are the top ten reasons this is the best decision you’ll make. 1. Because what’s a summer without tons 8. Because every child is equal! of fun? 4. Because, let’s admit it, you also need a break . . .

LDC offers door-to-door bussing, hot meals and all snacks, and an all-inclusive pgrogram. It’s as simple as waving goodbye to them in the morning and hug- ging them at the end of the day as they are brought to your doorstep. Now it’s time to start your own “top ten things to do when the kids are at LDC” list! 5. Because they will come home happy! In LDC there is never a dull moment! Special ac- tivities, singing (lots!) dance, sports, friends new and old, all day, every day. The sparkle in their eyes will tell you how much they enjoyed their time. 2. Because the camp counselors are amazing

In LDC every child gets the same treatment. EV- ERYONE enjoys hot lunches, EVERYONE can par- take in all camp specialties, and EVERYONE gets in- structional sports, dance, art, drumming and tennis. In other camps it’s only offered to the children who have parents that can afford the extra fees. We do not want any child to feel left out, or non deserving, so if one child gets it they all do!

In Judaism, happiness is a great thing, a state we 9. Because our Olympic size outdoor pool strive to be in at all times. Jewish camps do everything is HEATED! in their power to make your child happy. 6. Because we go on lots of TRIPS!

Our counselors are hand-picked form around the globe, brought it so your child will have the best sum- mer ever. They are kind, courteous, attentive, and en- ergetic, and will quickly become a role-model for your child. As Torontonians we need to take advantage of ev- ery single summer day. The campers go swimming ev- 3. Because the food is kosher ery day, aside from full-day trip days. If it’s a bit chilly, our pool gets more heated! 10. Because a proud Jew is a happy, healthy Jew.

Every week, even twice a week, we go on a field trip. No place is too far or too expensive. We experi- ence it all. African Lion Safari, Chicopee Tube Park, Woodbine Center, bowling, even Canada’s Wonder- land! There are too many to list, I guess you would have to sign up to see them all! 7. Because we love every child!

And you want your children to have the greatest spiritual health. When children attend LDC, they are At LDC all our food is cooked in house. Camp- able to stretch their Jewish “muscles,” grow, and ex- ers have many healthy options throughout the day to plore their place among our people. With weekly Jew- keep them well-nourished. Hot lunches daily. Snack That is a fact! In LDC every kid is loved, accepted ish themes, and song they will experience how great it bar is open all day and food is plentiful. From ge- and cherished for who they are. Quirky? Energetic? is to be a Jew. filte fish to chicken soup, and everything in between, Lonely? We will embrace them all and make them a So send your child to Lubavitch Day Camp—you will we’ll take care of the kids like a real Jewish Bubby star in the bunk! be happy you did, and your child will love you for it! World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 • Page 5 The Backstory of the Chasidim Who Got Criminal Justice Reform Done in the US Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, a group saw prison reform through from proposal to law By Dovid Margolin Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. a parent in prison and “two-thirds The U.S. Senate’s over- Schneerson, of righteous memo- of these children’s parents were their way back into society as would reduce prison time while whelming 87-12 approval last ry—that Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, incarcerated for nonviolent of- opposed to wasting away behind also reducing recidivism—was year of the First Step Act, the founded the Aleph Institute in fenses.” The Sentencing Project bars? “long overdue, and Moshe was most sweeping package of crimi- 1981. The Rebbe was a strong found that approximately 10 mil- In 2009, a prisoner Mar- committed to seeing it through, nal justice reforms in a genera- and early pioneer of criminal lion children in the United States gareten had been visiting told with G d’s help, recognizing the tion, was lauded by those on the justice reform, seeing a funda- have experienced parental incar- him that if he was serious about incredible impact this would right and the left as a much-need- mental flaw in incarceration dis- ceration in their lives. wading into the murky waters of have on thousands of families.” ed step in the right direction for connected from re-education and As a grown adult, Margare- criminal justice reform, he need- Washington is a tricky place the U.S. criminal justice system. rehabilitation. ten began volunteering to visit ed to get in touch with Rabbi Zvi to do business, especially when The bill will expand early trans- “If a person is being held in people in prison. On one such Boyarsky, the Los Angeles-based trying to push an idea people fer to home confinement via par- prison, the goal should not be trip to the Otisville Correction- director of constitutional advo- have strongly held beliefs about. ticipation in job training and re- punishment but rather to give al Facility in New York in the cacy for the Aleph Institute. Still, it was impossible to know entry programming designed to him the chance to reflect on the late 2000s, he was in the wait- A quiet, behind-the-scenes at the time that it would be al- reduce recidivism; modify some undesirable actions for which ing room when he witnessed a type of guy, Boyarsky is some- most 2019 when reform would mandatory sentencing laws; and he was incarcerated,” the Rebbe mother with her children show- thing of a legend within the actually be passed. ensure that the incarcerated stay said in Yiddish in a 1976 talk. ing their incarcerated father criminal justice community. “This shows the impact even more closely connected to their “He should be given the opportu- their Passover projects. One by When, for example, Brooklyn one person can have,” stresses families by placing them within nity to earn, improve himself and one, the children recited “Mah businessman Jacob Ostreicher Boyarsky. “Change can happen 500 miles of their homes, among prepare for his release when he Nishtanah”—the Four Questions was caught up in a Bolivian ex- if you try.” other steps. will commence an honest, peace- traditionally said at the family tortion scheme connected with A Moral Imperative The bill went back to the ful, new life, having used his seder—but in this case, instead a rice-farming business he ran, Rabbi Sholom Lipskar was House of Representatives, where days in in prison toward this end. they recited the Hebrew text in and was arrested and imprisoned at the Rebbe’s farbrengen gath- the sterile environs of a federal without charge, Boyarsky sprang ering in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1981 prison. Unable to contain herself, into action. Through Hollywood when he heard the Rebbe com- the mother burst out in tears. connections he enlisted the help ment that while so much effort “It was a horrible scene,” of actor Sean Penn, who eventu- was being made to connect Jews Margareten says on a short docu- ally flew to Bolivia to investigate from all walks of life to their Ju- mentary telling the story of the the case for himself. Penn has daism, there were hundreds of First Step Act. “ ... At that time relationships with a number of Jews in prison, ready and wait- I figured, I’m going to go home, South American leaders, includ- ing to study Torah, and yet no I will be sitting ... at a beauti- ing Bolivia’s Evo Morales, and one was reaching them. The very ful seder. Those kids, look what managed to have him freed. next day, the Aleph Institute was they’re going through. I felt, no Among other things, Boyar- born. more. I’m going to jump in; we sky also played a key role in the Those early years were spent have to do something.” formation of Aleph’s 2016 Al- working on basics: making sure Margareten is careful to note ternative Sentencing Summit at Jewish prisoners could have ac- that there is obviously a job for Georgetown University, which cess to kosher food and other the criminal justice system to do, brought together 200 judges, essentials, sending rabbis and and those who commit crimes prosecutors and lawyers, includ- visitors to arrange Jewish holi- must pay their debt to society. ing politicians who later led the day programming and the like The question was how to re- successful effort to pass the First (Aleph has a second duty, geared duce the grave impact it has on Step Act, and was televised on C- to assist Jews in the U.S. military the families of inmates, in some SPAN. and their families, and today is Moshe Margareten and the Aleph Institute’s Rabbi Zvi Boyarsky not long after they cases the greatest human victims So, back in 2009, Margareten one of only two organizations initially met in 2009. (especially in many white-collar got in touch with Boyarsky, tell- that certify Jewish chaplains). crimes), and also to be more ef- ing him that he was determined Almost immediately, Aleph be- it passed by a massive 358-36 “In order for this to be a re- fective about how the system to effect change in the criminal came known as a pioneer. It was majority, and the next day was ality a prisoner must be allowed goes about it. With the immense- justice system. among the first organizations to signed into law by President to maintain a sense that he is cre- ly high rate of recidivism for re- “Moshe was incredibly pas- begin family support groups and Donald Trump—who had been ated in the image of God; he is a leased prisoners, was it working sionate, and his dedication was was instrumental in the introduc- vocal in his support for the legis- human being who can be a reflec- as efficiently as it could? Were beyond inspiring,” Boyarsky tion of electronic monitoring into lation—in the Oval Office. tion of Godliness in this world. the heavy sentences handed shares in the documentary. The the prison system, allowing indi- The legislation’s path to frui- But when a prisoner is denied down according to sentencing concept Margareten was working viduals to spend more time with tion, however, was not as simple this sense and feels subjugated guidelines a fair way to deal with on—educational and faith-based their families even under such it might appear. “For the bill’s and controlled; never allowed to offenders? Could inmates earn programs, participation in which Continued on page 6 supporters, Tuesday’s vote was raise up his head, then the prison the culmination of a five-year system not only fails at its pur- campaign on Capitol Hill that pose, it creates in him a greater only months ago appeared to be criminal than before. One of the out of reach ... ,” reported The goals of the prison system is to New York Times. “Much of the help Jewish inmates and non- same coalition that pushed the Jewish inmates ... to raise up their First Step Act had rallied around spirits and to encourage them, similar legislation, the Sentenc- providing the sense, to the de- ing Reform and Corrections gree possible, that they are just as Act of 2015 ... .” That bill was human as those that are free; just shelved in the run-up to the 2016 as human as the prison guards. In elections when it wasn’t allowed this way they can be empowered on the Senate floor for a vote, to improve themselves ... ” dealing a blow to its longtime Driven by the Rebbe’s vi- backers. sion, Margareten and the biparti- But who are these “bill’s sup- san Washington D.C.-based team porters” the Times references— he assembled proved tenacious members of the “same coalition” enough to see the criminal jus- that has been working at this for tice reform bill over hurdle after years? hurdle, ultimately to its historic The little-known answer is passage and signing into law. that the First Step Act was initi- ‘The Family Collapsed’ ated, drafted and spearheaded As a child growing up in by a small group of passionate New York, Margareten recalls Jewish community activists led seeing a neighbor getting ar- by Moshe Margareten, a mem- rested. The imprisoned man had ber of the Skverer Chassidic children Margareten’s age with group. This activism was aided whom he played, and as time by the expertise and institutional passed he saw the deepening knowledge of the AlephInstitute, impact the father’s incarceration the leading organization caring had on the family. for the Jewish incarcerated and “I watched as the family col- their families. The bill, which lapsed,” says Margareten. “From garnered national attention, will then on, I developed a strong have a transformative impact on feeling for the impacted family the American criminal justice members. It became a passion.” Federal Judge Jack B. Weinstein, then-chief and today senior judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New system, affecting tens of thou- Such circumstances are in- York, receives a dollar and a blessing from the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—on Dec. 17, 1989, sands of inmates, both Jewish creasingly prevalent. According as Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, founder of the Aleph Institute, looks on. Weinstein was on his way to testify before the Federal Sentencing and non-Jewish. to a report by Pew Charitable Commission and told the Rebbe he would be presenting the Rebbe’s ideas before them. “You will support my views also, not just report It was at the urging of the Trusts, 2.7 million children have them?“ the Rebbe asks, to which Weinstein responded he would. (Photo: Jewish Educational Media/The Living Archive) Page 6 • World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019

extreme circumstance. the Jewish tradition. Every per- termed “mass incarceration.” As it grew and built a name son has a mission and calling Therefore, in March of 2011, for itself on the federal, state and in this world—one they would Margareten hired a lobbying local levels, Aleph and its phi- be unable to fulfill if they were group with experience in crimi- losophy continued to be guided warehoused away; therefore, the nal justice reform, the Mitchell by the Rebbe, who stressed the Torah provides other methods Firm, to begin working to con- need to treat each and every in- of punishments, after which the vince legislators—with a focus carcerated individual with the convicted can go back to their on Republicans—of the pressing dignity and respect they deserve lives and missions as human be- need for reform. as human beings, and assist them ings. However it evolved, West- “For me, I saw it would be in fulfilling their G d-given mis- ern countries had adopted prison better for society if we were able sions on earth. as a model punishment, but, the to come up with a way that [in- “Similarly in regard to each Rebbe said, education and reha- mates] could earn their way out individual, those who find them- bilitation must remain at its core Continued on page 15 selves in a state of personal [ex- or else it would not respect the ile]— there is no cause for dis- prisoner as an individual created couragement and despondency, by G d, thus not allowing him or G d forbid,” the Rebbe wrote in a her to return to their path. Teen Wins Table Tennis Gold While letter to Jewish prisoners in 1977. It would also not be effec- “On the contrary, one must find tive. This philosophy is borne out increasing strength in complete by the numbers. For example, a Observing Jewish Fast Day trust in the Creator and Master of 2005-10 study by the Bureau of By Faygie Levy Holt the Universe that their personal Justice Statistics found that with- thought ping-pong would lead Chabad of Orlando with his deliverance from distress and in five years of release, a stagger- That a Shabbat-observant to such a thing? wife, Chani. “One of the mem- confinement is on its speedy way. ing 76.6 percent of released pris- teen on her way to the 2020 “We are part of the Jewish bers, David Segel, spoke about All the more so when this trust is oners are rearrested. Correctional Olympics took home the gold nation,” says Estee. “People his own table-tennis experience expressed in a growing commit- facilities have been keeping the for the Under-20 Girls’ Doubles sometimes forget how big a and how he played in his youth ment to the fulfillment of G d’s convicted off the streets, but with her partner, Linda Shu, zechus [‘reward’] it is to be a against some very famous Will in the daily life and conduct were not being nearly effective from Texas is an impressive in accordance with His Torah and enough in helping inmates turn feat. But what made the vic- Mitzvos.” their lives around. tory truly extraordinary is that One of the early backers of The prison system was far she was competing in the high- energy, high-stress match on Asarah B’Tevet (10th of Tevet), a Jewish fast day. Estee Ackerman, 17, ex- plains that she had a strategy to make it through the day of competition at the U.S. Open in table tennis. She focused on hoarding calories before the fast. She ramped up her train- ing on Monday night, when she could still eat, and didn’t have any practice sessions on Tues- day morning before the meet began. Estee Ackerman, 17, had a strategy to make it through a day of compe- “Nothing was going to stop tition at the U.S. Open in table tennis while observing the Jewish fast me from a gold medal. I realized day of Asarah B’Tevet. I put much work and dedication into this and, baruch Hashem bas Yisrael [the ‘daughter of Is- players, including the Seemi- [thank G d], I’m 17 and in good rael’], bas Melech [the ‘daugh- ller brothers [table-tennis world shape,” Estee notes, adding that ter of the King’], and that was champions Ricky and Danny she was careful not to overdo it really my motivation to keep Seemiller, the latter who is when she wasn’t playing. Philanthropist Shlomo Rechnitz presents actor Sean Penn with going. also in the sport’s U.S. Hall of “I truly felt Hashem was “There are ups and downs, Fame]. He then noted how im- an award in appreciation of his work getting Brooklyn business- with me for every point,” she man Jacob Ostreicher out of his unjust imprisonment in Bolivia. and definitely challenges” in pressed he was to hear from a says. pursuing her dream sport, she shomer Shabbat teenager, who The doubles’ victory wasn’t Aleph’s work was Judge Jack B. smaller back when Aleph started; acknowledges, adding that spoke so proudly of her Juda- Estee’s only impressive feat at Weinstein, a former chief judge, according to the Bureau of Pris- those challenges bring her clos- ism and her merit to sanctify G and today, at age 97, an extreme- ons, there were 26,313 people the U.S. Open. On Dec. 19, she er to G d. ly active senior judge, on the in the federal system in 1982. beat out No. 1 speed and vet- During her week in Orlan- d’s name while doing the sport U.S. District Court of the Eastern Today, there are 180,843 prison- eran table-tennis champ Lily do, Estee spent Shabbat with she’s so passionate about.” District of New York. ers, down from a high of 219,298 Yip to win the Women’s Hard- Chabad of Orlando, where she As 2019 dawns, Estee has Lipskar and the team at the in 2013. According to the latest bat Singles’ event competition addressed synagogue members her eyes on some more regional Aleph Institute, wrote Weinstein, Bureau of Justice Statistics re- in Orlando, Fla. “For me, be- following Saturday-morning table-tennis competitions in her “understand and force us to face port, a total of 2,172,800 people ing able to not only compete services. path to the Olympics. For now, the fact that each person deserves are incarcerated in America, not though, she’s focused on fin- to be treated with respect as an including people on probation or against her, and win and claim “The community members individual personality and not as parole. myself as best female hardbat and guests who were present ishing her senior year in high ... a faceless number ... .” “The Rebbe was very much player in America, is something were so inspired by her success, school (where she plays on the Lipskar recalls the time ahead of the curve,” says Lipskar, I will never forget. I treated it as but even more so, by her com- school basketball team), going in 1985 when he got permis- noting that the United States by one of my greatest wins in my mitment to Yiddishkeit and her to Israel in the fall to continue sion from the Bureau of Prisons now has 22 percent of the world’s ping-pong career.” decision to place Shabbat be- her Jewish education and en- to take a group of 20 screened prisoners, but only 4.4 percent of “Hardbat” refers to the type fore anything else,” said Rabbi couraging other people to fol- prisoners from 12 federal facili- the total world population. “He of racquet used in play, Estee Yosef Konikov, co-director of low their passion. ties to take part in a mentorship saw what was happening, and he explains, noting that her win program run outside of prison by pressed that prisoners be treated Aleph. They all traveled to New with dignity, and that they be was far from secure. York, and on Shabbat, Lipskar given educational opportunities “[Yip] got the first game, arranged for the men to join the so that they could use their time and if you asked me or my fa- Rebbe’s farbrengen at his syna- in the facilities for the better. Our ther, we had a bit of a letdown gogue at 770 Eastern Parkway focus on education in prison has because I’d lost,” says Estee. in Brooklyn. It being a packed been central because of this.” “But if you know me well, sec- crowd, Lipskar pulled strings to It took years for others to get ond place isn’t in my vocabu- have a table saved for his group on board. lary, and I go into tournaments so that they could be guaranteed Mr. Margareten Goes to with the mindset of one goal: a seats together. Washington gold medal.” At 1:30, just before the far- Aggressive legislation to ‘Inspired by Her Success brengen was set to start, the combat urban crime, the drug Rebbe sent a message to Lipskar war and to crack down on white- and Her Commitment’ via a secretary: The group should collar financial crimes came into Estee says her motivation not sit together. People would see effect in the 1980s, causing the to succeed in table tennis come the prisoners come in together, U.S. prison population to bal- in part from the public reaction recognize they did not look like loon. While many of these ef- to an event that happened back Chassidim and ask them where forts were pushed in good faith, in 2012. That year, when she they came from. This might there have been many unintend- was just 11, the youngster de- cause the prisoners embarrass- ed consequences. Mandatory cided to forfeit a match rather ment; instead, the Rebbe said, minimum-sentencing rules set than play on Shabbat. they should be spread about the in place at the time meant that it “I was amazed and hum- room. was often not a judge who would On more than one occa- be making the decision of how bled that year when I got letters sion, including that day when steep a sentence a convict would and calls from people I didn’t the prisoners were in attendance, receive, but a math calculation. know—people who were Re- the Rebbe pointed out that im- In an attempt to crackdown on form, Conservative, religious— prisonment is not a punishment crime, people stopped being con- telling me that they were in- 905-731-7000 ext. 231 prescribed by the Torah, and is sidered as individuals. This has spired to be more involved,” for the most part not found in resulted in what’s by now been she recalls. “Who would have World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 • Page 7

Art and Design Meet in Chabad of Korea’s New Mikvah By Frayda Kaplan Chabad of Korea is putting the finishing touches on a beautifully designed women’s mikvah—the first for Tackling the Text in the Asian country. Since 2008, Rabbi Osher and Mussy Litzman have been serving South Korea’s Jewish Braille, JLI Teaches community of 500-1,000 Jews living in Seoul. “Until now, women who wished to Torah to the Blind visit a mikvah were forced to By Mussi Sharfstein ally-impaired individuals with take the two-hour flight to the One year ago, retired pul- books, magazines, and special closest one in Tokyo, Japan monologist Dr. Jeff Aronson, publications of Jewish and or use the waters of the sea in was introduced to Rabbi Eli general interest in audio, large Incheon, a two-hour drive from Rivkin of Chabad of North- print, and Braille formats—all ridge, California, at a nearby free of charge. The JBI was Seoul,” shares Mussy. “It’s a class he was giving on Judaism. glad to take on this project. big challenge, financially and Chabad builds first mikvah in Korea Aronson and Rivkin developed “I said, it’s not just a sim- logistically, and, in many cases, women who may not be able four in mainland China, four a rapport, and the doctor began ple class. It’s the largest Jew- must be done once a month.” to return home immediately in Thailand, two in Japan and participating in other Chabad ish adult education network in The mikvah sits on a after using the mikvah, such one each in Vietnam, Hong programs. But when he started the world,” Bluming said. JLI secluded property that was as on Friday nights when they Kong, Cambodia, Singapore attending the rabbi’s six-week courses are given at Chabad purchased by Chabad in cannot drive back home, or to and India. “Wrestling with Faith” course, centers in over 900 communi- November 2017. A fifteen serve the needs of women who Though she no longer he ran into an obstacle. ties across the globe. “And the minute walk from the travel there from a distance. lives in Seoul, Miriam Aronson has been blind mission of the JBI Library is to Chabad center, the mikvah The facility will not charge Tobias welcomes the news of since age sixty, and the course help people who are visually is easily accessible by public user fees, but will depend on the mikvah’s imminent opening is mostly based around student challenged be included in the transportation. The second donations. in the spring of 2019. Currently textbooks. Jewish experience. It just made floor will house a luxurious It will be the sixteenth based in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Not one to shy away from a sense.” That’s when the Jewish couple’s suite to be used by Chabad mikvah in Asia with the mother of three lived in challenge, Rabbi Rivkin called Braille Institute began working South Korea for four and a half up the Rohr Jewish Learning with the Rohr Jewish Learning years while her husband Eli, Institute (JLI), the course cre- Institute to produce the text- a cybersecurity expert for the ators, known for their cutting- books in Braille. US Army, was stationed there. edge content and inclusive en- Anita, who passed away Miriam is familiar with the vironment, and asked if they two years ago, was a staunch challenges of arranging last had any textbooks in Braille. participant of her JLI class, minute flights to Tokyo or They did. Already ten years proudly reading aloud from her finding a safe, secluded spot earlier, Rabbi Mendel Bluming Braille book, following along along the shores of the sea in of Chabad of Potomac, Mary- with the lesson. Once each Incheon. “I am glad that it will land, had helped arrange a part- course was completed, Blum- soon be easier for other Jewish nership between JLI and the ing would bring her book to JLI women in Korea to keep the Jewish Braille Institute (JBI) to headquarters in Brooklyn so translate the standard JLI text- they could reuse them. age-old mitzvah,” she said. books into Braille. Designed by the Litzmans, Thanks to the partnership It was Anita Cohen, a regu- between the JBI and JLI, Dr. the mikvah is uniquely Korean. lar attendee at Chabad of Po- Its roof is reminiscent of the Aronson has just completed his tomac’s programs and adult ed- first full course and is looking curved, tiled designs that ucation seminars, who initiated feature prominently in royal forward to the next one. He’s the partnership. She attended now working on learning the Korean architecture, and the Bluming’s JLI course, but her waved aluminium Hebrew alphabet in Braille, an vision-impairment hindered her entirely new language. panels on the left side ability to fully participate. Rel- of the building are a “Chabad’s mission is to evant portions of the text are disseminate the teachings of nod to the modern, read by the students and many high-tech vibe Judaism and Chasidism to the worksheets are filled out indi- outside,” says Bluming quoting currently sweeping vidually. Anita was frustrated the country. The and felt left out. She would wait the famous Chasidic teaching mikvah pool features silently while her classmates that the “wellsprings” of Torah intricate mosaic tiles worked. are meant to be spread to the placed along the walls “I felt that it was unac- far corners of the world. “This that were artfully ceptable that she wasn’t fully program is truly bringing rich formed in the shape included in the studies, and I Torah education to every per- of a single droplet of asked her to help me find a way son, regardless of their personal water, encouraging to enable her to participate,” limitations and we are so proud one to contemplate says Bluming to be a part of facilitating that.” the sanctity and Anita suggested contact- For more information on rebirth associated ing the Jewish Braille Institute, the Rohr Jewish Learning Insti- with the waters of the whose library provides visu- tute, visit www.MyJLI.com. mikvah. For the past ten years, the Litzmans have budgeted donations to Chabad carefully, reserving all additional resources for the building of the mikvah. They are short one-third of the necessary funds and are working to raise it in time for the scheduled opening in April 2019. “We set out to build a mikvah that women would be excited to use,” shares Mussy Litzman, “the mikvah has not even opened yet, and the feedback has been amazing.” Dr. Jeff Aronson enjoying a JLI course at Chabad of Northridge, CA Page 8 • World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 Rare Kindness: Kidney-Donor Rabbi Now Donates His Liver By Menachem Posner live a productive life despite the with me throughout both of my Adam Levitz, a 44-year-old condition, which has no known donations. It is easier to be in married father of three, was in cure. However, when the dis- pain than to have to sit there and liver failure. Things were getting ease affected his liver, things watch someone you love suffer, worse and he knew it. On Dec. got much worse. Levitz had so she is the one who deserves 20, he received a new liver and been working in finance until his to be recognized. Then there are a new lease on life. His donor, health prevented him from con- my children who have stepped Chabad Rabbi Ephraim Simon, tinuing. “Around nine years ago, up to take care of things in our is one of only a handful of indi- the Crohn’s caused PSC, short for absence. My 22-year-old son and viduals to have ever donated both ‘primary sclerosing cholangitis,’ 19-year-old daughter have taken a kidney and a liver, a procedure and I was hospitalized numerous over the household, and knowing Rabbi’s ‘Be Kind’ most hospitals won’t even allow. times in the past three years.” that things are running smoothly The two men had never met Levitz was placed on a donor at home has allowed us to focus until just days before the lifesav- registry in several places and had on the surgery and recovery. And ing surgery, but Simon says that’s even rushed twice to Philadelphia then there is the community— Message Inspires Oth- exactly what he was looking for. in the hopes of receiving livers both our Chabad congregation “As a rabbi, I do a lot of talk- from deceased donors, but both and the broader Teaneck commu- ing about love, doing things for times, his hopes were dashed. In nity—which has rallied around ers to Break the ‘Spiral others and altruism,” says the one case, the liver wasn’t in good us and supported us with prayers, 50-year-old father of nine who enough condition, and the other well wishes and more. And much co-directs Chabad of Bergen was too large. of my day-to-day work has been of Negativity’ County in Teaneck, N.J., with his In retrospect, Levitz reflects, taken over by my fellow shliach, wife, Nechamy. “A rabbi’s great- it was all G d’s hand since his youth and teen director Rabbi By Kevin Ritchie it, a negative energy is created. est sermon and a parent’s greatest doctors had advised him that he Michoel Goldin.” Six months ago, David On the other hand, if one does lecture is the way they live their really needed a liver from a liv- Before entering into surgery Masinter announced his inten- good, speaks good, a positive lives,” said the rabbi following ing donor. (the two men were operated in tion to launch a series of public energy is created.” the surgery. “The Rebbe imbued In the meantime, Simon had adjoining rooms), Simon and artworks to get the people in The campaign, stark in its his Chassidim with Ahavas Yis- his share of false starts as well, Levitz met for the first time, in Johannesburg to start treating simplicity, merely injunctions rael [love for a fellow Jew]. It’s prospective liver recipients who an experience both described as something we all speak about, turned out not to be suitable for “emotional.” but how often do we have the op- him. “For years, Rabbi Simon ‘He Was a New Person’ portunity to really set ourselves kept on hoping that there was However, Simon says the aside for another? This was someone out there who could use more moving meeting took place my opportunity to do that, and his liver, and he was so grateful two days after the procedure I didn’t want to let it go. Adam every time we thought we found when he was able to see the ef- allowed me to actually give the someone,” says Lipschutz, who fect of his gift. “His skin color, gift of life, perhaps the greatest has been making donor-recipient the light in his eyes, his move- chessed, kindness, I can imag- matches since 2005. “He just so ment, everything was new and ine.” wanted to help others.” different,” says the rabbi. “You The rabbi’s route to dona- Through Lipschutz’s net- could tell that he was a new per- tion was not an easy one.It was working, the shidduch was made, son. He was living again, and G d a circuitous chain of kindness but things were far from simple. had allowed me to be a part of it.” that involved many, most notably As a previous donor, Simon During the procedure, when Chaya Lipschutz, a woman from was considered by most hospi- the doctors opened Levitz and Brooklyn, N.Y., who donated a tals to be high-risk, and so they removed his liver, they saw that kidney to a stranger and devoted refused to consider him as a can- it was even worse than they had her life to matching kidney do- didate. In addition, donors who previously estimated. Shrunken nors and recipients. do not know their recipients are and hard, it was failing fast, and Since she had matched him viewed with suspicion and often if they would have waited even up with the recipient of the kid- categorically rejected on those another few days, it was not clear ney he donated in 2009, he ap- grounds alone. if the surgery would have still proached her again and asked if Cleveland Clinic’s Unique been viable. she was aware of anyone who Philosophy “I am so thankful to G d and could make use of his liver. The only place in the coun- to Rabbi Simon, whom I call my “Rabbi Simon approached try they were able to find that guardian angel. He represents Johannesburg - At the corner of Rivonia Road and Sandton Drive in Johannes- me in 2012 and told me that he would do the surgery for them everything that I have grown to burg, just outside Sandton City, there are two words, one on top of the other. wanted to donate a portion of was Ohio’s acclaimed Cleve- love and respect about Chabad. Be Kind, they say. They’re the first in what David Masinter hopes will ultimately be a his liver altruistically,” says Lip- land Clinic, which has a unique He never once asked me how series of 18 art installations around Johannesburg. schutz. “That is unique. It is ex- philosophy about working with religious I am or anything else. I tremely rare for someone to do- people to save lives at all costs. was a fellow human being, a fel- each other better. to drivers and passers-by: “Tell nate a kidney and then a liver, but The date for the surgery was low Jew, and he was happy to be It was simple. “Be Kind,” someone They Look Great” he was so very motivated to give set for Dec. 20, but the rabbi able to help me.” was the mantra. What he never read one; “Just Be Kind” in- this gift to someone.” had a lot to do before he would Having grown up affiliated bargained for was the over- structed another; “Complain While Lipschutz is aware be able to check himself into the with an Orthodox congregation whelming response from read- Less , Smile More”, “Make of two individuals who donated hospital for several weeks. but not strictly observant, Levitz ers and the community at large Someone A Coffee” and even, kidneys and then went on to do- “Giving a liver makes donat- says many of his family members - or the fact that his idea would “Call Your Mom”. nate their livers to children (who ing a kidney look like a walk in have recently become involved be copied. The current project builds require just a small portion of an the park. With liver donation, the with Chabad in their hometowns. The Johannesburg rabbi on the Chabad House rabbi’s adult liver), at the time Simon surgery is very invasive and the His youngest son currently at- had begun the process with a earlier campaign: Acts of Ran- was the only kidney donor she recovery can take several weeks. tends Hebrew School at Town soft launch of advertising poster dom Kindness, the little yellow encountered who wanted to give It’s a very big deal.” Since he of Oyster Bay Chabad near his boards between September and plastic boxes that have been his liver to an adult. would be out of commission for home in Woodbury, N.Y. November last year. In January, distributed to Johannesburgers Through the introduction of the last few weeks of 2018, when Despite his exposure to through a local newspaper, he’d for the past five years for them Chanie Wilhelm of Chabad of he traditionally raises the funds Chabad rabbis and their open asked for suggestions about to fill up with unwanted change Milford, Conn., Lipschutz had needed to cover the year’s op- approach, Levitz says he is still where to place these 18 art in- and given randomly to those in been aware of Levitz, a resident erating expenses for his Chabad trying to “wrap [his] head around stallations and invited people need. the rabbi’s thought process. Ev- of Long Island whose parents House, he hustled to get things ery time we meet, he tells me who wanted to know more to So far 700,000 boxess have were leading members of Wil- set up several weeks earlier. contact him. been distributed since 2014, how grateful he is for allowing helm’s congregation. “I could never have done him to save my life. With G d’s In the process, two separate with Masinter’s goal being a Diagnosed with Crohn’s this without key partners,” says help, I’m going to be able to billboards put up by local busi- million within the next few disease at age 15, Levitz was the rabbi with characteristic hu- watch my kids grow up because nesses; one carrying the exhor- years. About 140,000 under- no stranger to pain and medical mility. “First and foremost is my of the mitzvah he did. He saved tation “Be Kind” and the other, privileged children have ben- complications and managed to wife Nechamy, who has been me, and here he is thanking me.” wholly unrelated in terms of lo- efited from the parallel Chabad cality or ownership, enjoining: House literacy programme that “Be Kinder.” establishes township libraries Masinter isn’t upset at all and trains teachers. at someone taking his idea, in The art project and the bill- fact, he’s rather pleased. board campaign build on this. “This is the whole point “We’re not selling any- of the campaign. The fact that thing, we’re only advertising companies are using the tag line kindness,” he says. “These for their own gain is irrelevant. outdoor signage companies They’re helping to promote are welcome to take part. They kindness in their own way - and don’t need to create their own that’s what we are trying to do, artwork, we’ll even supply it in any case.” to them for free - if they really Masinter wants the cam- want to make a difference. paign to break the spiral of “All we are hoping to ac- negativity that always seems to complish is to foster an in- have Johannesburg in its thrall. crease in acts of goodness and “There’s a teaching,” he kindness in our city and beyond says, “that if someone does - and, by doing that, change the bad, speaks it or even thinks world for good.” Rabbi Ephraim Simon and Adam Levitz after the partial liver transplant that saved Levitz’s life. World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 • Page 9

By Ahava Spillman Facebook, and a few times a year with a mailing. But the AS. What prompted the most effective way of marketing decision to establish a Chabad is speaking with people directly. House at Mt. Pleasant and Eg- linton AS. Do you give classes SG. After we got married and on what topics? Mushkie and I wanted to dedi- SG. We don’t yet have of- cate our lives to be part of the ficial classes, but I learn with Rebbe’s Shluchim (messengers) some one on one. and help bring Yidishkiet to the unaffiliated. The opportunity AS. Do you find it ex- of the Mt. Pleasant / Davisville traordinary that adults who neighbourhood came up. We work all day want to come looked into it and saw that it has to you and learn in the little a fair number of Jewish homes spare time they have left? which will only increase as a SG. It inspires me how im- result of its close proximity portant it is to them, after a busy to downtown, but there aren’t day to come learn or join ser- many Jewish organizations In this issue we interview Rabbi Shmuel Grossbaum who, with his wife Mushki, runs the new vices. nearby. In midtown, where ev- Chabad on the Eastside erything you need is around the AS. How do you generate corner, we felt that it’s impor- dox community here?” I smiled exact Jewish population. I esti- devoted to the Rebbe’s goal of income? tant to bring Yiddishkeit around as I thought ‘not yet’ mate between 5-10 % Jewish. helping each Jew grow with one SG. Manly by raising funds. the corner as well. As I said we started off by Mitzvah at a time. This is some- Since we are still new, I tutor on AS. What were your ini- meeting people at their homes. thing everyone can relate to. the side and my wife teaches in a AS. How long have you tial expectations? Have they As time passes the word is get- changed? ting out more and more, and AS. Are you planning a nearby Chabad Hebrew school. been there and tell us about your family? SG. Honestly we didn’t re- people contact us. pre-school program or tiny ally have expectations. We ex- tots camp program? AS. It’s commendable SG. We’ve been here for that you have decided to de- about a year and half now. pected it to be challenging to AS. Do you have Shabbat SG. As of now my wife start building a community, as services? Mushki runs a Mommy and Me vote your time and energy to I was raised in Thornhill and spreading Yiddishkeit to Mt. am the youngest of 11 children. any beginnings come with chal- SG. After Rosh Hashana, program throughout the year for My parents direct the Chabad lenges, but the good news is we we started once a month Friday mothers with babies, a special Pleasant and Eglinton. Kol Lubavitch of Ontario. Mushkie are already seeing exciting re- night Kabalat Shabbat services place for mother and baby’s to Ha’kavod!. If any of our was raised in Buffalo Grove, sults. followed by a Kiddush. spend quality time together in a readers would like to send you IL where her parents direct the Our goal is to bring the Jew- warm Jewish environment. a well-deserved donation, to Chabad center. We have one ish community together and to AS. Tell us about the your where should they send it? child, Mendel, help each individual grow on most successful programs to AS. How are you market- SG. Donations can be giv- his or her level in Yiddishkiet. date ing your services? en through our website www. AS. What surprised you In just a year we see that growth SG. Being that we are rela- SG. Through Email and ChabadOnTheEastSide.com most about life in midtown in a major way. tively new, with each program Toronto? we see growth. The latest was SG. Born and raised in AS I understand there was Chanukah where aside from the The Freedom to Passover Thornhill where it’s much qui- a Menorah lighting last Cha- Menorah lighting at the Davis- eter, I can’t say it was a surprise, nukah. Tell us about this. ville station which had a nice Continued from page 2 imposed on us, and our own in- SG. What was special crowd, we hosted a family Cha- born negative inclinations. Then, but city life is always differ- our receiving the Torah at Mount ent and exciting. What we like about the Davisville Menorah nukah party at our home Sunday at Sinai, we were empowered to is that the vice chair of the Mid- afternoon on the first night of Sinai on the festival of Sha- strive for yet a deeper dimension about our neighbourhood is vuot. Nor does Shavuot represent that on the one hand you have town Yonge BIA, Mr. Jayson Chanukah. It was a really nice of freedom—a freedom that is Schwarz, reached out to Chabad way to start off the holiday. the final realization of freedom: not the negation of adversarial the main Roads with city busy- at Sinai, we were granted the po- ness and excitement, but on the to put up a Menorah, the sum- What was nice about the private forces and influences, but the mer before we came, so it was party was the warmth of enter- tential and challenge to attain yet surmounting of our own, positive other hand you have residential a deeper dimension of liberty and side streets with beautiful parks, really nice to start off before taining our guests in our person- psychic and behavioral patterns. even knowing anyone, with a al space. At the end of the day self-transcendence. There is nothing negative about corner stores and backyard bar- Thus Shavuot is the only fes- becues. foot in. This year we held our our main goal is to build person- our human potential; but we are second Menorah lighting at the al relationships, and help each tival that has no calendar date— capable of more, of raising our Davisville station. We are for- individual grow in Yiddishkeit. the Torah designates it not as a achievements to a level in rela- AS. How did you first in- certain day of a certain month troduce yourself to the neigh- tunate to have community sup- tion to which yesterday’s “liber- port from the Midtown Yonge Also, we held a Megillah (as it does all other festivals) but ated” self is limited and subjec- bourhood? as the day that follows a seven- SG. We simply knocked on Business Improvement Area reading in our home on Purim tive. and the TTC. This past Chanu- evening, with some L’chaims week count from the festival of Thus our sages have said: doors and introduced ourselves. Passover. This is to emphasize Everyone was so welcoming. kah we had a large crowd, some and refreshments. It was a nice “In every generation a person them we knew before and many small crowd. One individual, that Shavuot is an outgrowth of must see himself as if he has him- “finally Chabad is here”, or Passover—that the significance “there is not much close by ca- new faces, both locals and some who we met not long after we self come out from Mitzrayim passers-by. We had live Chanu- came, told me how inspired of the Exodus came to light only (Egypt).” tering to the Jewish community” on the day we stood at Sinai. As or “I have been waiting so long kah music and hot soup, which he felt. He followed along the The Hebrew word for the participants really enjoyed. whole reading, and the last time G-d tells Moses at the onset of “Egypt,” mitzrayim, means for this knock on the door” were his mission to liberate the Jew- some of the responses we got. he did so was before his Bar “boundaries,” and the en- AS. Mt. Pleasant and Eg- Mitzvah. ish people, “This is your sign deavor to free ourselves from that I have sent you: when you AS. Describe an unexpect- linton is known as an upward- Purim afternoon we held a yesterday’s boundaries is a per- ly mobile community filled Purim glow-in-the-dark party take this nation out of Egypt, petual one. For freedom is more ed reaction you have received you shall serve G-d at this moun- as a “newcomer”? with professionals and young at the Roehampton Hotel. Ev- than the drive to escape foreign families, also pets. How many eryone really enjoyed it, and we tain.” Standing before Pharaoh, and negative inhibitors: no mat- SG. I was taking a walk Moses did not merely demand, in down the road and someone Jews do live there and how do were delighted with the many ter how free of them we are, we you find them? new faces. the name of G-d, that he “Let My remain defined by the boundar- stopped me and commented “I people go,” but “Let My people didn’t know there was an ortho- SG. It’s hard to know the ies of self and self-definition. AS What is planned for go, that they may serve Me.” Freedom is the incessant drive to Pesach? What is the significance “pass over” these boundaries, to SG. We will be distributing of this liberating “service”? It draw on our divine, infinite po- handmade Shmurah Matzah, means that man, no matter how tential to constantly overreach as the Rebbe stressed the im- free of external constraints, is a what we are. portance for every Jew to have finite creature, ever subject to the Shmurah Matzah at the Seder. limits of his own nature and char- We also plan on bringing acter. That to attain true freedom children to the model Matzah he must therefore transcend his bakery at Chabad Lubavitch in humanity–his emotional, intel- Thornhill. lectual, even spiritual self–and access the “spark of G-dliness” AS. How can you describe that is his infinite, supra-human The recital of Kaddish is the bond which the power of the Rebbe to a self. The Torah, G-d’s blueprint unites the generations from the immemorial Jew who has never had the ex- for life on earth, outlines the ob- unto eternity. It is the way we show our time- perience of seeing the Rebbe servances and practices that en- less devotion to our parents and loved ones. In personally? able us realize our divine essence the event you cannot personally observe this SG. I too don’t remember in our daily lives. hallowed expression of love for the duration seeing the Rebbe, being that I The day we left the borders of eleven months, alternate arrangements can was very young at the Rebbe’s of Egypt we were “free” in the be made through the Chabad Lubavitch Orga- passing, nevertheless I was conventional sense—no longer nization. You may also consider placing bronze brought up in a home devoted could an alien taskmaster dictate name plates of your departed ones on our Me- to the Rebbe and his mission. It what we must or may not do. is my personal connection that We then proceeded to also free morial Board which will insure The Observance I try to express. Today one can ourselves of the alien influences of Yahrtzeit in perpetuity. look around and see the constant that constrained us from within: For further information call 905.731.7000 influence of the Rebbe, with the pagan habits and mind-set Shluchim and Chabad houses that centuries of subjection to the worldwide constantly growing, depraved culture of Egypt had Page 10 • World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019

By Rabbi Aron Moss

tance to the small things. They star sign, Taurus, the bull who couldn’t affect a louse. had beaten Aries. And so they The Roosters We left Egypt and its ugly be- made an idol honouring Taurus, liefs behind, to embrace a value known as the Golden Calf. It’s not get along. But the issue is in out, it will not go beyond this and the Frogs system that was its polar oppo- very tempting to fall back on the relationship, not the religion. room, it will be forgotten forever. site. Money is not a god, merely idolatrous beliefs, because they If you and your brother value Just eat and take the prize.” a means to do good. Our children relieve us of responsibility. But your connection and are willing What would the rabbi do? When it comes to the are not trophies, but rather souls they also rob us of our freedom. to work together, you can live, Would he too sell his principles Pesach Seder, I always get entrusted to us by G-d to care for Pesach is a celebration not and love, with your differences. for ten million dollars? After all, stuck in the ten plagues that and pass on our values. And the only of freedom of the Israelites Peace in the family is itself it’s just a one-off, and no one will were visited on the Egyptians. little things do matter. Most of from Egyptian slavery, but also a religious value. We should all ever know. The Nile River turns to blood, our life is made up not of dramat- freedom from being bound by be willing to compromise on our Let’s be honest. Rabbis are the land is covered in frogs, ic choices and big events, but of destiny. Our lives are not subject own convenience to keep the humans too, and some rabbis the people riddled with lice. small details and subtle choices, to the impersonal forces of the family together. You can be strict may find the temptation too hard It all sounds a bit weird. Why and they all make a difference. zodiac. We are free to rise above about kosher and strict about to resist. But I would say that the would the Almighty G-d afflict So on Pesach we go through the limitations of fate and con- brotherly love too. The Torah overwhelming majority of rab- a people with these particular the ten plagues, and reflect on quer our birth sign. Your fortunes teaches us to separate milk and bis would refuse this offer and plagues? He could have just the values that made Egypt into may predict one course for your meat, not brother and brother. walk away. And not just rabbis, zapped them, and yet He sends oppressors, the values we left life. You are free to create anoth- but many observant Jews, includ- them....frogs?! behind, and the values that have er. This idea was brought home ing those who could desperately kept us coming to Seder for three on the night of the full moon of Would You Eat use the money, would be able to Answer: thousand years. Aries. Bacon for withstand the test and not eat the I too have been baffled by the bacon. plagues, especially the frogs. It is Keeping Kosher $10 Million? I am not suggesting that reli- a bit incongruous, like calling a Why is Seder gious people do no wrong. I am football team “The Roosters.” It Night Always in a Non-Kosher I was watching a debate saying that a religious person just doesn’t sound so menacing. between the famous atheist has reason to stand for their prin- You can only understand the a Full Moon? Home? Richard Dawkins and some ciples even when they can get plagues if you listen to how G-d rabbi about religion and G-d. away with it, and reason to regret Himself described them. He told I am very connected to My very religious brother Dawkins said that religions are it when they fail. It makes no dif- Moses, “I will smite the Egyp- the zodiac and was wondering is coming to visit from Israel just money machines, and its ference that no one will find out tians and bring justice to their if there is a link between the for a couple of weeks. As you leaders fleece their gullible fol- or no one is looking. G-d is al- gods.” G-d was not only pun- stars and the timing of Pesach. know, my family is proudly lowers of their cash and come ways looking. An atheist doesn’t ishing the Egyptian people for I have also noticed that the Jewish but we do not keep ko- out rich. What do you have to have that restriction. I don’t be- enslaving the Israelites, He was Seder always coincides with the sher. I invited him to stay with say about that? lieve that even one single atheist also smashing the Egyptian value full moon. What is the signifi- us, but then suddenly thought in their right mind would refuse system, their false gods. cance of all this? that it might be a disaster. Can Answer: to abrogate their atheism when People rarely do evil think- Answer: someone keep kosher in a non- So Dawkins is saying that for there is something to gain and no ing that it is evil. Most villains There is deep astrological kosher home? Are we going believers, money trumps moral- one will find out. believe they are doing good, significance to the date of Pesach. to have to turn our life upside ity. I assume he holds that athe- Money is indeed a power- because their value system is so We celebrate the festival of free- down to accomodate him? Or ists are different. Let’s test that ful corrupter. But in a choice twisted as to view darkness as dom on the night of the 15th of is it better he stays at a kosher hypothesis. What happens when between money and G-d, at light, justify evil as good, and Nissan in the Hebrew calendar, friend and we keep the peace? people need to choose between least G-d has a chance. Between explain wickedness as righteous- the night the Israelites were freed money and principles? Let’s try money and atheism, there is no ness. from Egypt. This is the full moon Answer: the following theoretical experi- contest. So G-d wanted to not only of the month of Aries, the ram. This question has little to do ment. afflict the Egyptians, but to strike The Egyptians worshipped with religiosity, and all to do with Are Jews the source of their immorality. the ram as a god. Aries is the personality. Imagine you put Richard Each plague was an attack on the leader of the star signs, the first There are relatively simple Dawkins in a sealed room all a Race core beliefs of Egypt, the beliefs and most powerful, and the solutions for keeping kosher in alone, with no one watching, no that led them to drown Israelite Egyptians saw themselves as the a non-kosher home. You can cre- recording devices or CCTV’s, or a Religion? babies and become the most im- leaders of the world, receiving ate for your brother a little ko- and you offer him a deal: “I will moral society of the day. Let’s their strength and fortitude from sher corner in your kitchen. All give you ten million dollars if Are Jews a race or a reli- look at the three examples you their god, the ram. you need to do is get some new you will make the following gion? Or both? Or neither? mentioned, the river turning to So the strongest time for the pots and pans, a stash of dispos- statement right here and now: blood, the frogs and the lice. Egyptians would have been the able cutlery and crockery, and al- G-d most certainly does exist, He Answer: The Egyptians worshipped month of Aries, when their god is low him to rampage through the created the universe, and atheism We are all of the above. A the Nile as a god, for the Nile ascendant. And the strongest day kitchen with a blowtorch. It’s no is a delusion. I will never tell any- race. A religion. Both. And nei- was their source of irrigation, on that month would be its full big deal. one that you said it. There will be ther. We’re a bit complicated. livelihood and wealth. Thus the moon. Egyptian power would The real question is: are the no record of this one off event. And really quite simple. Let’s use Nile represents materialism to reach its zenith on the 15th of two of you willing to bend a little Just make the statement, get the some talmudic-style deduction to the extreme, making a god out Nissan. for each other? It would be so cash, and it will all be forgotten.” get to the bottom of it. of money. That’s why it was af- And that is exactly when the much easier for both of you if he Does anyone have any doubt Jews are members of a reli- flicted first. Where money is god, Israelites left Egypt. Aries was stayed somewhere else. For your that Richard Dawkins would go gion called Judaism. We descend blood will flow. rendered impotent at its very mo- brother, it might be awkward to for it and take the money? Can from spiritual trailblazers, Abra- The frog was another Egyp- ment of strength. eat in a home where others are you think of any reason in the ham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Re- tian deity. It was the god of fer- But there’s more. The Isra- eating non-kosher. For you, it world for him to refuse that of- becca, Rachel and Leah, found- tility. Having children is a noble elites ate a festive meal on the might be inconvenient to give up fer? Would he even hesitate to ers of a belief system around one goal, but for the Egyptians, chil- night before the exodus, and the some of your kitchen for a blow- accept it? I think clearly not. G-d and moral living. Our na- dren were no more than a power main course was a lamb roasted torch wielding fundamentalist. Now imagine you put the tionhood did not start in a coun- base, and being fruitful like a on a spit. They were eating the But that’s what you do for family. rabbi he debated in that same try, but in an idea. Our identity frog meant expanding your clan Egyptian deity, the ram, under Religious differences can sealed room, all alone, and made comes from the Torah. So being and extending your influence. the full moon of the month of the tear a family apart, or bring a this offer: “Rabbi, you will re- a Jew is clearly a religious thing. When children are seen as frogs, ram, in the eyes of all Egypt, and family closer. It really depends ceive ten million dollars cash, tax But if Jewishness is a reli- then humans have lost their hu- they got away with it. on the people. If we are stubborn, free, no strings attached, but on gious identity, then a Jew who is manity. The message is unmistak- insecure and intolerant then reli- one condition - you eat this piece not religious, doesn’t believe in But it was the third plague, able. The world is not run by gion serves as a great excuse to of bacon. No one will ever find G-d or follow the Torah would the plague of lice, which forced capricious forces and amoral star the Egyptians to recognize that signs. There is a G-d who rules the finger of G-d was at play. heaven and earth, who cares for The Egyptian sorcerers were able the innocent and exacts justice to replicate the first two plagues from the corrupt. To the stars, our through black magic, and so they actions make no difference. To weren’t convinced that they were G-d, our actions do matter. The being divinely punished. But zodiac demands nothing from when lice swarmed over every us. G-d demands we live a life of Egyptian, they lifted their hands goodness. up in defeat. This is because as The Jews themselves didn’t powerful as Egyptian sorcery always get this message. After was, it could not impact some- the exodus, some in the Israel- thing as small as a louse. Egyp- ite camp suggested that while tian spirituality dealt with big the ram of Egypt (Aries) had things, major issues, not minute indeed been trumped, it was not details. They didn’t give impor- G-d’s doing, but rather the next World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 • Page 11

By Rabbi Aron Moss no longer be Jewish. And that er religion or no religion at all. share inspiring stories and the it not the case at all. A Jew is a But you are still Jewish. Because kids show off what they learnt Jew no matter what they do. This your soul is. The colour of your at school. We eat more. We sing is not so with other religions. A skin or the flavour of your gefilte more. The kids fall asleep on the is getting whatever treatment that doesn’t always come natu- Catholic who never steps foot in fish can’t change the fact. You couch. We say grace after meals. he needs. But as a friend, what rally. church is no longer called Catho- have a Jewish soul. And every Show’s over. words of encouragement or The genes we pass on to our lic. A Muslim who repudiates Jewish soul wants to be Jewish That’s the show you should wisdom could I possibly offer children are not enough. We must Islam is called an apostate. But and live Jewishly. never miss. When you tune in to that might make a difference? pass on to them a moral code a Jew who never goes to shul is On the surface a Jew may your own family, when you listen too. If they are raised to think of called business as usual. seem disconnected from Juda- to the people around you, you’ll Answer: themselves as mere intelligent You can’t be a part of a reli- ism. But beneath the surface the find real life dramas and sit- Firstly may I commend you animals, then they will follow gion if you don’t practice it. Yet a fire of their soul is always burn- coms, soap operas and breaking for reaching out to him. Any their instincts, which program non-practicing Jew is still a Jew, ing. Jewishness sometimes gets news flashes. This show is unre- message of support, just saying them to care for themselves and often proudly so. Which implies buried under layers of resistance, hearsed, unscripted and messy. you care and you are there, has their young, not their parents. that we are not a religion but a caused by pain from bad experi- But it’s real, and it’s yours. And immense power. Anything but But if we teach our children race. Being Jewish is something ences, fear of persecution, or just there are no ads. silence is already a positive step. that they are moral beings that you are born with and it remains ignorance. But when a little crack This is what Shabbos is for, But maybe there is another can go beyond their genetic pro- who you are regardless of your appears in those layers, the light to connect to family and friends, way to make a difference. Rather gramming, then we raise them actions or beliefs. You can’t re- of the soul shines through, and to commune with people and than help him, you can turn it to know that life is about doing scind your ethnicity. So obvious- the Jew returns to Judaism. G-d. Rather than following the around. Ask him for help. what is right rather than what ly being Jewish is not a religious Every Jewish soul eventually lives of strangers on a screen, When you contact him, put feels right, what is good rather thing but rather a racial thing. comes back home. It may take we give full attention to the real aside the illness as if it didn’t ex- than what feels good. We are not But if that is true, how is it years. It may take generations. people who actually matter to us. ist for a moment, and ask him for just apes with intelligence, but that Jews are so ethnically di- But we can’t stay away from our Rather than wasting our time on some advice. Think of his area of ethical beings with a belly but- verse? We have pale Jews from Jewishness. It’s not just a race we the passing fads of pop culture, expertise and talent and tell him ton. Poland and dark Jews from belong to, it’s not just a religion we immerse in the eternal truths you need his assistance. Dehli, Jews who have their ge- we believe in, it’s our soul, it’s and soulful wisdom of our own He is an actor and you are filte fish sweet, Jews who have who we are. culture. working on a drama piece. Ask their gefilte fish salty, and Jews The laws of Shabbos set the him how he would approach a Why Do Mourners who never have gefilte fish at all. tone for this immersion. We are difficult scene or how to pres- Tear their Clothes? What ethnic ties could possibly Can I Preset my TV allowed to preset a timer to turn ent a particular character. This bind such polar opposites? on the lights, because that will will be more than just telling him And furthermore, if being for Shabbos? enhance our Shabbos. But we “you matter and you are needed”, What is the reason for the Jewish is an ethnic thing, how is can’t set a timer to turn on the it will be actually making him custom of mourners ripping it possible to convert to Judaism? TV, because that will destroy our needed. their clothing on the death of a There is no such thing as chang- I am almost 100% commit- Shabbos. Watching television on Now obviously we are deal- loved one? ing ethnicity. You can choose to ted to keep Shabbos this week. Shabbos is choosing someone ing here with some serious health become a citizen of Greece, but There’s just one issue. My fa- else’s reality over your own. The issues. They will not go away Answer: you can’t choose to become an vourite TV show screens Fri- show must go on. But the show with one little conversation. It ethnic Greek. Yet anyone can days 7:30 pm. So I was think- must be yours. The experience of loss arous- might not work at all. He may not es several emotions. On the one choose to become a Jew by con- ing, if it’s permissible to set a Reality TV is an oxymoron, even be receptive to being asked, verting according to Jewish law. timer before Shabbos to turn and fake news is a redundancy. If hand, death is a tragedy. A loved or incapable of responding. But if one is lost to their family and The possibility of choosing the lights on and off, then why you want to get real, you need to you have even a slight chance of Jewishness makes it seem like a isn’t it permissible to set a tim- get Shabbos. friends, who are left feeling a getting through to him, it is worth profound sense of separation and religious identity. The impossi- er before Shabbos to turn my a try. It might give him a moment bility of losing Jewishness makes television on and off? I can’t distance that seems beyond re- of not being absorbed in his own pair. For this reason, we observe it seem like an ethnic identity. So see what the difference is. issues. If he can focus on some- what is it? Are You Up for the a seven day intense mourning one else for even a short time, period, during which the family It is both. And neither. Being Answer: Challenge? that may serve as a little gasp of Jewish is deeper than religion, My favorite show is also on sits at home and feels the pain air, and he may be lifted, if even and loss, followed by a year of and deeper than race. Fridays at 7:30pm. And I never momentarily, above his darkness. Jewishness is in your soul. It miss it. It’s a hilarious reality I’ve just seen a disturbing mourning. This helps them slow- Sometimes the trap of de- ly accept the new reality, that is a soul identity. show, and my kids star in it. We post of a young man I know. pression is the self-absorption You get a Jewish soul by call it “The Shabbos Table.” We once acted in a play togeth- it brings. The best antidote for their loved on is gone. being born to a Jewish mother, The formula is pretty stan- er but we’ve kept in minimal that is serving others. Give him But often, the mourners feel or converting according to Jew- dard every week. We eat. We touch since. He’s just posted a chance to do that. If nothing that it isn’t really true, it didn’t ish law. Whether by birth or by sing. We try to start a meaning- a very distressing message: else, you will have expressed to really happen, they haven’t really choice, once you have the Jew- ful discussion. One of the kids “I’m sorry everyone. I am giv- him that whatever he is going gone. This is not just denial. In a ish soul, it is the deepest layer of makes a cheeky comment. Ev- ing up. Thanks for trying.” It through, he can still contribute way they are right. Death is not your identity. And it never goes eryone laughs. We change the appears he has been suffering to the world, and you value him the end. Our souls existed before away. subject. A guest starts talking from depression, and is now enough to ask. That may be just we were born, and they continue You can deny that you’re politics. A heated argument en- institutionalized. They are what he needs to hear. to exist after we die. The souls Jewish, ignore it, practice anoth- sues. We change the subject. We monitoring him closely and he that have passed on are still with us. We can’t see them, but we sense they are there. We can’t Why don’t My Kids hear them, but we know that they Respect Me? hear us. On the surface, we are apart. On a deeper level, nothing can separate us. Can you explain my chil- So we tear our garments. dren to me? I have dedicated This has a dual symbolism. We my life to looking after their are recognising the loss, accept- Steeles every need. But if I ask one of ing the reality, our hearts are torn, them to get me a glass of water and there is a hole in our lives Dignity they moan and groan. Why is that can never be healed. But that Memorial it that one parent can care for is only true on the bodily level. thre children but three chil- The loss is a physical one. But dren can’t seem to care for one the soul lives on. Comfort parent? The body is no more than Chapel Answer: a garment that the soul wears. We are all descendants of Death is when we strip one uni- Adam and Eve, the first human form and take on another. The beings. We have inherited from garment may be torn, but the es- Compassion them the basic ingredients of sence of the person, the soul, is human nature. They didn’t have still intact. parents. They were created, not From our worldly perspec- 350 Steeles Avenue West born. They had no umbilical tive death is indeed a tragedy, cords. They probably didn’t even and the sorrow experienced by Thornhill Ont. L4J 1A1 - (905) 881-6003 have belly buttons. So any nor- the mourners is real. But as they Established 1927 mal human being has an innate tear their garments we hope that desire to look after their children. within their pain they can sense C.P. Saucier, Managing Funeral Director But looking after our parents a glimmer of a deeper truth: that (and our belly buttons) is a skill souls never die. World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 • Page 12

movement is the movement be- tive movement that made the same ing humanity into detached, self- cause every movement is essential. error. Rather than gluing the move- defined individuals, but by each But there’s only one node that has ment to Biblical roots, its leaders community taking pride in its volition, and that’s you. decided to forcefully divorce those distinct contribution to the patch- Of course, that could seem an roots and attempt to grow some- work of nations, while recognizing irresolvable paradox. How could thing new out of the air. And the and respecting the differences of each one of us stand at the center movement has suffered consider- unique contributions of others. of the world? And I deal with that ably as a result. So, yes, the Jewish people BOOK REVIEW in the book. But it helps us under- Spiritual solutions have been have a distinct role in Tikun Olam. stand a statement of Maimonides offered as well, but very rarely We have a Torah, mitzvot, Jewish that the Rebbe often cited: that with a practical agenda. customs and a distinct heritage. A every person must see himself On the other hand, here we Jew refrains from work on Shab- and the entire world as sitting on a have a kind of wisdom that is at bat, from sunset on Friday to night- finely balanced scale. Any deliber- once both spiritual and down-to- fall on Saturday, sitting with fam- ate action on your part could tip the earth, ancient and relevant, myste- ily and guests for a special meal Q&A With Author Tzvi Free- can detect the soul of the master entire scale to one side or the other. rious and practical. to celebrate the creation of heaven man on His Latest Book: ‘Wisdom gardener. When you recognize and The point is that whatever G d What aches me is that the and earth. to Heal the Earth’ A new articula- appreciate that, you naturally tread has dropped in your lap, that’s the Rebbe’s teachings remain so in- A Jew has a special diet, which tion of the Rebbe’s teachings on carefully and responsibly. You do most important thing in the world. accessible except to a small few. also plays a role in his or her Tikun humanity’s collective mission all you can to not only preserve And right now is the most impor- That’s what drives me to get these Olam. Fixing and perfecting the By Yaakov Ort October 31, the garden but to understand it bet- tant moment to do it. It may look nuggets of wisdom and counsel out world, after all, begins with your- 2018 10:17 AM ter—so that you can further nurture small and insignificant to you, but there in a format that all can digest. self, your family and your commu- Is the created world as we and even enhance its beauty. if you take care of it with integrity, YO: Much of the book focus- nity. But those rules are particular know it essentially broken and So a healed world, first and putting yourself aside for the mo- es on providing a broader and for Jews. Other peoples and cul- bad from start to finish, or is it foremost, is one whose every in- ment, then it could be the tipping deeper understanding of the core tures have their distinct ways of fundamentally beautiful and good habitant sees this world for what point needed to transform the en- Kabbalistic concept of Tikun bringing the One Creator of heaven from beginning to end? Should we it truly is: A divine garden. And tire world. Olam. Can you briefly summa- and earth into their lives. aspire to make the planet a better so, of course, we treat it that way. rize what it is and why it Nevertheless, all of us have place, solving one big problem at And we live in harmony with that is meant to be a key driv- this in common: All of us are re- a time, or should we focus on help- divine beauty. er of all human effort? sponsible to leave behind a world ing G d create a radically different YO: Your first book, Bring- TF: From Genesis to in a better state than we found it. world? Either way, is it not only ing Heaven Down to Earth, has the Midrash and the later We have to be aware that life is a audacious but absurd to believe become somewhat of a Jewish Kabbalists, we find the hu- divine gift—every life—and that that an individual can be respon- classic. You’ve written a few man being in a pivotal role planet Earth is our responsibility. sible for the whole world, and all more since then. Is this book within Creation. When you Really, every individual has his or the more so, for the perfection of G similar or distinct from your pre- look objectively at the orig- her particular role and responsibil- d’s creation? vious books? inal sources, you see that ity in this grand mission. We have In Wisdom to Heal the Earth, TF: It’s both similar and very the general understanding to know that whatever our Creator the latest book by acclaimed author different, in both format and con- was that with the creation has dropped in our lap—no mat- Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, we return to tent. of the human being, the ter how small and insignificant it the roots of humankind’s collective On the one hand, I found the divine act of creation did may seem—it’s our mission, and mission to heal the world, physical- format of bite-size “meditations” not end, but was extended. it may just be the mission that tips ly and spiritually, reconnecting that very effective. I want people to not The world was created in- the bucket. mission to its Biblical, Midrashic just read, but ponder the thoughts. complete in order for us to YO: What are the three most and Kabbalistic sources—all as ar- This format makes the thoughts participate in bringing it to important changes in perspec- ticulated and made sublimely prac- memorable and easier to digest. its ultimate perfection. tive or behavior that you hope tical in the teachings of the Rebbe, On the other hand, there are Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, your readers will be left with af- Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, key concepts that require a longer the 16th-century Kabbal- ter completing Wisdom to Heal of righteous memory. form of prose. So now there are ist known as “the Arizal,” the Earth? The book, produced by short essays that serve as introduc- took that much further. He TF: Individual responsibility, Chabad.org and published by Ezra tions, providing greater scope and described our world occur- a higher awareness and a sense of Press, an imprint of Kehot Publi- depth to each chapter of medita- ring as the artifact of a de- urgency. My generation, the boom- cation Society, expresses the Reb- tions. liberate shattering, or im- ers, generally gets a bad rap for be’s teachings in a new light—as Also, with the help of several YO: You’ve devoted your life plosion/explosion. Everything we chucking individual responsibil- deeply grounded counsel for every scholars, we’ve managed to docu- to disseminating the Lubavitch- encounter is sustained by a spark ity and resting upon the hard work individual striving to find mean- ment the sources for the bulk of the er Rebbe’s teachings in words that fell from that initial divine of others. Personally, I don’t think ing, spirituality and purpose in his material for those wishing to fur- and images that people can un- cataclysm, and our job is to reas- that’s entirely fair, but whatever or her engagement with a rapidly ther explore the Rebbe’s teachings. derstand and be motivated by, semble and reconnect the pieces, the case, it’s up to us to get the evolving and increasingly high- YO: Every parent I know and this is now your fifth book. imbue them with a new divine message out: Nothing good hap- tech world. To the Rebbe, every wants to leave a better world to What’s so different and special consciousness, and thereby create pens as long as you’re relying on daily act and every earthly struggle his or her children, but many about the Rebbe’s concerns and a form that will hold permanently. someone else to get it done. is set aflame with meaning. Each people today wonder if that’s approach that have so engaged The Arizal called that process As soon as you reach the age detail of every life burns with pur- possible. Most educated people your imagination? birurim and that ultimate world that you begin to think for your- pose—vital purpose, in the final believe that if, in fact, the world TF: When the roots run deep, tikun. It is the Creator’s way of self, you need to think of how your uphill battle of humankind to at- can be made better, the agents of the tree grows strong, tall and granting us a partnership in His act presence affects the world around tain its ultimate goal. Chabad.org change are going to come from wide. The Rebbe’s teachings have of creation: He creates from the top you. Are you here just to grab and senior editor Yaakov Ort sat down the realms of science, economics deep and ancient roots, and he had down, and we, His creations, refine to get, or to give and make real with Tzvi Freeman to discuss his and politics—not from religion. the education, the wisdom and the and recreate from bottom up. change for the good? Even before new book. What then do you mean by Wis- vision needed to apply that wisdom The Chassidic masters took that, children have to be given a YO: I’d like to start by fo- dom, and what is Wisdom’s place to the modern era. He was emi- that much further. Particularly in sense that their actions matter, that cusing on the book’s title: Wis- and role in healing the earth, in nently qualified—a great scholar Chassidut Chabad, the major focus they, too, are valuable contributors dom to Heal the Earth. What are confronting the challenges of the in Talmudic studies, Jewish phi- of all spiritual and material en- to society—in some ways even the most important ways that the 21st century? losophy and mysticism, while at deavor is not getting to heaven, but more than adults. world needs to be healed, and TF: The Talmud has some- the same time a graduate of the the tikun of this very earthly world. You get out into the world, and what does a healed world look thing amazing to say on this. It University of Berlin and the Sor- “World” in Hebrew is olam, which let’s say you’re a businessperson like to you? tells us that every person is an bonne—and a leader and advisor is related to the word for “conceal- or an entrepreneur. You have to TF: Healing isn’t accom- entire world. That each one of us to every kind of person, including ment,” helem. stop and ask yourself, “Am I re- plished with a Band-Aid, by mask- must think of ourselves as Adam, men and women of great power So Tikun Olam means to re- ally contributing fair value? Am I ing the problems or just treating the first human being—a single in- and influence. pair or refine the concealment of being a responsible, contributing the symptoms. Real healing means dividual responsible for the entire Perhaps most importantly, he this world. It means to remove the member of my community and to ensure that the illness cannot world. was a man who demonstrated the dust, harmonize the noise, allow the global community?” If you’re return. So a truly healed person is That’s not just a metaphor. The kind of love for his fellow human the pores to breathe and open the a parent, your life is wrapped up one who is living at a whole new Rebbe, in the tradition of the 16th- beings I’ve never seen elsewhere. windows so that the sunlight can with responsibility to your kids. If level of health, beyond the state century Jewish philosopher Rabbi He possessed a kind of humble shine through, the music can be you’re a teacher, well, hey, you’ve that allowed illness to begin with. Yehuda Loewe of Prague, took that dignity, integrity and transcen- heard, and the world can be recog- got more responsibility towards So, too, with the world. If we very literally. He understood it as dence that made you understand nized for what it truly is—a divine society than all the presidents and focus all our energies on putting a radical redefinition of the term what Moses must have been like. symphony heard and appreciated prime ministers in the world. out the fires—containing conflicts, “world.” Look, we all face personal is- by every living being. Since that As for higher awareness, that’s providing foreign aid, reducing This world is actually many, sues today that seem unprecedent- is the entire purpose of humanity’s key. Materialism is a philosophy— the carbon footprint—yes, those many worlds. It is one world for ed. And the global issues appear creation, there cannot be anything a religion, actually—that is both things are important and vital, the cow in the field, another world frighteningly beyond human solu- we do that is outside of that pur- absurd and destructive. We are but we haven’t really healed any- for the tree in the forest, another tion. It’s liberating to know that pose. Every human activity either conscious, living beings in a world thing. To heal life on Planet Earth, world for a tribeswoman in Africa, none of this is entirely new. delays that tikun or furthers it. created out of consciousness. If we we need to get to the core of the and another world for Joe Cohen The problems may be of great- The Rebbe was adamant that can’t sense that in our daily lives, problem and find a solution at its in New York. Each individual con- er magnitude and complexity, but this tikun is fundamentally com- then there’s no firm basis to what- source—so that none of these sciousness is the center of his, her the human condition hasn’t essen- plete. The basics are already in ever progress we make. problems could possibly return. or its world, which comprises ev- tially changed. It’s just that it takes place. At this point, it could be any What’s the point of saving the The core of the problem is our erything that revolves about and an almost superhuman insight to one action that could be the tipping ecology of the planet if it all ap- attitude, our state of conscious- affects that center. see how solutions of the past can point. That’s why there was such peared by some material accident? ness. We look at our world and we Then there’s another step. resolve problems of the present. urgency in his voice and such em- What’s the value of human life, or say, “This is a wild jungle with nei- There’s an ancient Jewish belief, Which is what the Rebbe provides. phasis on the value of every deed its meaning or purpose if there is ther master nor meaning. How can ensconced in the Mishnah, that YO: How does the Rebbe’s of every individual. nothing there more than a carbon- I get all I can out of it before some absolutely nothing is superfluous advice differ from that of others? YO: To what degree is Ti- consuming mechanism? But at the other beast does? How do I avoid in G d’s world. No person, no liv- TF: Take a look at the solu- kun Olam an exclusively Jewish same time, that higher awareness being eaten by some beast bigger ing being, no object or event enters tions concocted by human reason pursuit, and to what extent it is can’t be stuck on spirituality alone. than me?” As though all of life is a your life without purpose—divine implemented in the 20th century, meant to be universally applica- The point of enlightenment, aware- zero-sum game. purpose. Every detail is essential in such as fascism, Marxism, rac- ble in motive and action? ness, higher consciousness—what- One of the Rebbe’s strongest reaching the ultimate goal to which ism and Nazism. These were radi- TF: Jonathan Sacks has point- ever you want to call it—is to bring points was that the world is not a this world is heading. cal solutions in the original sense ed out that one of the vital contri- that down to earth. To store it as meaningless jungle. It’s a master- So you can think of your world of the word; they tore themselves butions the Jewish people are able fuel to heal the Earth, and make fully exquisite garden. And we as a massive, organic web of indi- out from the roots of the past and to make to the world is what he this truly the best of all possible are both students and partners of viduated consciousness, in which built towers without foundations. called “the dignity of difference.” worlds. its Creator. In this garden there is the movement of any node rever- So naturally, they fell—and with a That’s because a global shtetl is not Wisdom to Heal the Earth can an underlying harmony, an inher- berates and shifts the state and loud bang. made sustainable by homogenizing be purchased at Jewish bookstores ent peace. In its every detail, you modality of the entire web. Each Environmentalism is a posi- all ethnicity, or by finely granulat- everywhere. World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 • Page 13 Shiurim & ClaSSeS at 770 Chabad Gate

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mon - fRi 10am-12Pm koLLeL TifeRes zekeinim Levi yiTzChok TaLmud, mishnah, haLaCha & Chumash - Rabbi Chaikin Page 14 • World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 “Don’t Conduct!” Continued from page 16 way.” dressed woman walked in. What have respect even if one doesn’t to realize that, although the Ha- “What do you mean, ‘sit would we do? We would simply fully understand their lifestyle. sidim were ostensibly singing vodka). down’?” I retorted. “I spent six close our prayer books and leave He was thoroughly con- these songs for me, their con- When he started pass- months of my life rehearsing this the synagogue. The same thing vinced, however, when I of- ductor, they were really direct- ing filled shot glasses to all the group to get them ready for this is true here. You have thought of fered the remains of a bottle of ing their songs to God on high. singers I could no longer con- recording, and now you tell me us all along as a group of sing- 192-proof vodka. While I went to As they strove to lift the melody tain myself. “What is going on not to conduct? Please, tell me— ers. The truth of the matter is get the bottle, the manager found heavenward, the pitch kept ris- here?” “We’re going to have a what is the problem?” “I see that we are not singers; we are a different studio for the dancers. ing. farbrengen,” one of the Hasidim that you are a difficult man, so Hasidim, here to do the bidding There is an expression in Yid- The recording of these three responded. “Here? Now? Why?” I will tell you the truth. You can of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. For us dish: men lakht mit yashrishkes songs could not be salvaged. I asked in chagrin. The Hasidim conduct, but nobody will watch this recording is similar to a wor- (loosely translated as, “you laugh Consequently, the Hasidim were tried to calm me down. I was in- you.” “Why will they not watch ship service. So in a situation like on the outside but with heartache brought back to the studio sever- formed again that they were not me?” “Because if they watch this, we must do exactly what we on the inside”). Although, when al weeks later, to record the three professional singers. They could you, it will get in the way of their would do in a synagogue.” looking back, I find the incident dveikus niggunim a cappella (un- not simply approach a micro- kavvonoh (concentration),” he I felt the blood rush to my quite comical, it did not seem accompanied). After they left, phone and sing. Because they replied. head. I said to them in disbelief: funny when it happened. To the the sound engineer overdubbed were doing the bidding of the There it was, out in the open. “The age of miracles is not past. credit of the Lubavitch Hasidim, an accordion accompaniment Lubavitcher Rebbe, it was nec- I moved toward the chorus and I, who had my eyes open, did not they were right and I was wrong. to the vocals. When the pitch of essary for them to “warm up” gave the downbeat. The instru- see the scantily dressed girl en- They were handpicked Hasidim, the singers rose, the engineer ad- both physically and spiritually. mentalists picked up the intro- ter the room; but you, who had instructed to present to the justed the recording speed of the This could only be accomplished duction while sixteen pairs of your eyes closed, were able to world the first recorded music of accordion to match the new pitch through a farbrengen. eyes closed on me. I could have see her?” “All right, Rabbi, no Lubavitch, at the bidding of the of the Lubavitch Hasidim. “How long will this farbren- been in another state as far as my jokes.” Rebbe. As such, they treated the Thankfully, the songs were gen last?” I asked rather timidly. singers were concerned. They project with much more religious saved and included on the re- “This farbrengen will last as sang with joy and fervor and the conviction and feeling than I had. cording. When it was released, long as it lasts, not one minute intensity of their singing perme- But singers come in many a critical review in the London longer,” came the reply. A Ha- ated the entire studio. I realized varieties. Among these are sing- Jewish Chronicle proclaimed this sid took out a photograph of the that at the very least I had pre- ers who sing flat (pull down from to be one of the finest recordings Rebbe and attached it to the wall pared them well enough to be the tone) and those who sing of authentic Jewish music ever with a thumb tack. able to sing their own melody sharp (overshoot the tone). Giv- made. The cake and the spirits were and keep time with the instru- en the choice of either of these Several months later, the pro- passed around, with soda for mentalists. types, a vocal coach would prob- ducers received a call from Leon- the women and children. Each Thus began our recording ably choose the one that sings ard Bernstein’s office in New singer toasted the Rebbe in ab- session. We moved along briskly sharp. He might conclude that York City. They were told sentia, and wished the others until approximately 10 o’clock, this singer, in an attempt to reach that the world-famous conductor good luck in the duty they were when something unexpected oc- the correct tone, moves above it, had come across the Lubavitcher about to perform. As the con- curred. Like most recording stu- whereas the singer who sings flat recording and wanted to use one ductor, I was asked to join in the dios, ours had a light outside its is not aiming at all. of the selections for a program of l’-hayyim (toast) and was given door. Since any movement or During the Lubavitch re- religious folk music. Truly flat- a small glass filled with vodka. noise can be picked up by the so- cording session described above, tered, and at the same time awed Never having drunk alcohol of phisticated recording equipment, a major problem could not be by the knowledge that this great this strength, I imagined that the the sound engineer would turn “Okay, it’s over. Let’s get resolved. When the Hasidim musician would even listen to effect was similar to drinking on the light when actual record- back to the recording,” I re- sang three dveikus (meditative) Hasidic music, they gave per- Drano, the special liquid touted ing–rather than rehearsing–took sponded. I was told that unless melodies attributed to the first mission. Fifty years later, their in commercials as unclogging place. It is the rule in all record- the dancers were moved to an- Rebbe of Lubavitch, the pitch ensuing embarrassment can be everything on its way down. ing establishments that when this other studio, my singers would began to rise a quarter-tone, a revealed. Yes, the selection was The producers and sound light is on one does not move not return. “How am I to change half-tone, and finally a full tone played–on Christmas Eve–which engineers looked on from the around, enter or exit the studio. their studio?” I asked. “You are a in each song. In music, this is in that year happened to fall on a control room in amazement. “I We began rehearsing the well- bright man. We’re sure that you quite a distance. Because they Friday night. don’t believe this. We should get known UForatsto (“Israel shall will find a way.” I took the eleva- were untrained singers I assumed Velvel Pasternak, a noted a reporter and a camera man from expand in all directions”). tor up to the office and looked for they were not hearing the instru- ethnomusicologist, has worked the entertainment newspaper Va- In his celestial abode, G-d the manager. “We must change mentalists positioned in front of over four decades to capture and riety, because no one will believe often creates truly interesting the studio of the ballet danc- them. The solution, I thought, transmit the musical traditions that this scene happened unless it shiddukhim (matches) on earth ers,” I said. “Impossible!” said would be to take the musicians of world Jewish communities. is documented.” below. Our main recording studio the manager. “Do you know who playing portable instruments and His ten recordings and twelve My singers and the other Ha- was attached to a secondary stu- my people are?” I asked. No, and place them next to the Hasidim. books of Hasidic music are ac- sidim took their time–fifty min- dio, which had access to the hall- frankly I don’t care,” replied the I positioned the violinist, clari- knowledged as definitive studies utes in all. When the farbrengen way and restrooms only through manager. net, trumpeter and flautist each in their field. Since 1971 he has ended, the soda, the vodka and ours. The smaller studio had been “They are a group of Amish between two Lubavitch Hasidim, served as editor for Tara Pub- the cake were whisked away. All rented for the evening to a troupe from Lancaster, Pennsylvania so that the instruments were only lications. A gifted lecturer, he those not performing were shunt- of ballet dancers who rehearsed and they are here with their spiri- several inches from the singers’ brings the joy of Hasidic music ed to the sidelines of the studio clad in skintight leotards. One of tual leader to record their mu- ears. to audiences throughout North and my sixteen singers and three the young female dancers, need- sic,” I explained. “And if they For a few moments the sing- America and Israel. This article “ringers” stepped up to the wait- ing to use the outside facilities can’t finish tonight, it will be a ing was steady, but soon it again is reprinted, with permission, ing microphones. One Hasid pro- and noting that the light was not financial and spiritual disaster for began to rise. No matter how from Beyond Hava Nagila, the claimed, “Now we are ready to on, quietly entered the main stu- them.” The manager hesitated. many times we tried, the results 1999 retelling of his music proj- do the bidding of the Lubavitcher dio and made her way to the hall. After all, for Amish one should were the same. I finally came ects with Hasidim. Rebbe.” Because I was busy conduct- I finally felt that I had control ing the instrumentalists I did not of the situation. However, just notice her, nor did I see what The Amphibian Soul before I gave the downbeat to the transpired behind me in the stu- orchestra, Rabbi Zalmanoff ap- Continued from page 2 vehicle; his teachings, the “Di- land.” dio. Suddenly, I was brought up about the person is distinct from vine presence speaking from his Therein lies the deeper proached me. “Before we begin short by a cry of “cut” from the I need a small favor from you.” his connection to his source; like throat.” significance of the splitting of control room. a fish in water, his every living Land Fish the Red Sea seven days after “Certainly,” I replied, what is it?” I looked back and discovered “It’s a small favor,” he repeated. moment is an attestation to his This is not to say that our our Exodus from Egypt. In that my singers had disappeared. utter dependence upon, and de- “terrestrial” self—our sense of recounting the miracle, the “Please don’t conduct.” “Please Where are they?” I shouted. No what?” I asked in astonishment. votion to, his source of nourish- identity and individuality—is to Torah describes the children of one seemed to know. I ran into ment and life. be uprooted or suppressed. Self- Israel as “walking on dry land “What do you mean, ‘don’t con- the hallway and found it empty. duct?’” For some reason, he The Kabbalistic masters hood is not, in and of itself, a within the sea.” Following our I quickly took the elevator down tell us that there are tzaddi- negative trait; it is only that, left redemption—in both the physical must have thought I was having to the street level. Outside, on trouble with his English. “Don’t kim (righteous individuals) who to its own devices, it is prone to and spiritual sense—from Egypt Eighth Avenue, I found my live their entire lives as “fishes develop some very negative attri- and its pagan culture, we were make with the hands,” he said. Lubavitch chorus. “Sit down, you’ll get paid any- of the sea,” wholly submerged butes. If a person fails to develop empowered to “walk on dry land” “What are you doing out within a perpetual awareness of an “aquatic” consciousness and as distinct and unique beings, and here?” I asked trying to restrain and subjugation to the divine behavior—if he loses sight of the at the same time walk “within the myself. “You did not see what reality. Such an individual was source and goal of life—his self sea”—immerse ourselves within happened up there in the studio?” Moses, whose name expresses is sure to turn selfish, identity the sea of the all-embracing, “What happened?” I asked. “A the “aquatic” nature of his soul translating into self-centeredness all-pervading, universal truth of girl in almost no clothing came (“And she called his name Moses and individuality becoming dis- truths. into the room as we were singing and said: Because I drew him connectedness and rootlessness. Our sages tell us that the UForatsto,”they replied. from the water”). Thus the Torah Only when we have sub- splitting of the Red Sea was but “So?” I asked in bewilder- attests that “Moses was the most merged ourselves within the sea the first step of a process that ment. “So we left,” said a Ha- humble man on the face of the of the divine reality can we ex- spans the whole of our history; sid.” “So you left?” I demanded, earth.” Moses was certainly ploit our ego as the positive force that the song which Moses and trying to control myself. “Yes,” aware of his own greatness; cer- it inherently is. Only then can Israel sang upon traversing the the Hasid replied. You see, Rabbi tainly he knew that he was the we properly harness our unique sea is but the first stanza of a Pasternak” (Hasidim sometimes single human being chosen by song that culminates in the era worth as an individual to opti- of Moshiach, the end-goal of grant honorary ordination to G-d to serve as the conveyor of mally realize our mission in life. people who work for them, and creation. The splitting of the sea His wisdom and will to man. Yet This is the ideal expressed in was the precedent that enables although I did not have a degree Moses did not view his qualities Jacob’s blessing to his grandchil- and directs our centuries-long in rabbinics, I was nevertheless as his “own” attainments, for dren, Manasseh and Ephraim— quest for that perfect synthesis of awarded the title), “you do not he had utterly nullified and sub- “They shall swarm as fish in land and sea which will be fully understand who we are. merged his self within the sea of the midst of the land.” realized in the messianic age, Suppose for a minute that the divine reality. His own life The ultimate challenge for when “The land shall be filled we were in the middle of prayers was merely the divine plan be- man is not only to be a “fish,” but with the knowledge of G-d as the in the synagogue and a scantily- ing realized through an egoless to be a fish “in the midst of the waters cover the sea.” World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019 • Page 15

lems. But even a strong person The formula is simple: can be broken. If you criticize When you treat your wife as a and shame your husband with queen, she will treat you as a harsh words, it’s possible he king. will become weak. Treat him ===== with respect and acknowledge Abe Kass, M.A., R.S.W., his strength and when you seek R.M.F.T., a is a registered So- his protection, you increase the cial Worker, registered Mar- likelihood he will be there. riage and Family Therapist, What a Married Woman In total, when you consis- tently experience the feeling certified Hypnotherapist and generated from the above be- award winning educator. He haviors, you will feel “trea- has a clinical practice working Needs to be Happy sured” by your husband. This is with individuals, couples, and the feeling you need to be fully families in Toronto, Canada. By Family Therapist Abe Chooses you. Your hus- with you. Always remember, happy and content. I know this For more information or to ar- Kass MA, RSW, RMFT, CCHT band will choose to be with you marriage is a voluntary arrange- because many women, in my range an appointment he can be If you are a typical woman, when he feels good around you. ment. Marriage is a choice. Re- work as a family therapist, have reached at, (905) 771-1087 or you need the following feelings Be interested in him. Ask him ward the choice by being posi- told me. visit his web at, www.AbeKass. that come from your relation- questions. Don’t give advice tive and pleasant to be around. Here is what to do if you com. ship with your husband to feel unless he asks. Let him know Understands you. When are a man: emotional fulfilled. As the body you value his opinions and de- you talk with your husband, Treat your wife in such a needs particular nutrients, so check to see if he understands way that she feels she is your too, your emotional side needs what you are saying. You priceless “treasure.” Learn particular feelings to feel fully may discover you need to talk from the words above and or happy and content. You get slower, express simpler ideas, from your wife’s guidance and these feelings when you feel or choose a better time to talk. enthusiastically embrace these your husband: Cares about you, Guide by telling him you just relationship ideals. When you chooses you, and protects you. want him to understand, not do, your payoff will be that she Here’s how to increase the react, comment or advise. As will devote herself to your well- likelihood you will receive well, your husband will be being. You will feel “respected” these emotional gifts from your more willing to listen to you and “valued”—emotional nu- husband: when you take the time to also trients that, as a man, you need. Cares for you. Encour- understand him. As well, acknowledge all age your husband to show he Protects you. You are com- your wife’s good efforts and “cares” about you by express- petent and you can take care thoughts on your behalf. Ex- ing your appreciation for the of yourself. Still, you want press your appreciation with help and attention he does give your husband to “protect you.” a gift, kind words, and a help- you. Tell him what you like, not cisions. Don’t push him away You want a man that is strong. ing hand. When your wife feels what you don’t like. Let him with anger expressions, criti- This means he can deal with “treasured” by you, she will know you need his help and cism, irritation or meanness. emotional problems, provide give you her admiration and involvement in your wellbeing Make yourself pleasant and materially for the family and love and together you will cre- to feel good about yourself and attractive and you will make take responsibility to fix both ate peace and harmony in your your relationship with him. it easy for him to choose to be material and emotional prob- home. The Backstory of the Chasidim Who Got Criminal Justice Reform Done in the US Continued from page 6 Margareten saw that Tolman was panded criminal justice reform form—as his attorney general. says. “Families are doing every- scheduled to testify in front of the bill should look like. Margareten But it wasn’t over yet. thing they can to see their loved of that prison bed early and get Senate Judiciary Committee. Yet recalls those days as dark ones. Last Hurdle, First Step ones come home, but when they back home,” says Greg Mitchell the focus on outreach to Republi- He had been raising large sums The key, this time, was the finally do come home, they’re of the Mitchell Firm on the docu- cans saw some Democrats begin of money to support his effort, president’s son-in-law and senior so often different people. They mentary. After an initial failure slipping away from supporting but after such a failure, it began advisor, Jared Kushner. Kush- don’t get up to find a job, they’re due to lack of time—a reform the bill that was forming, and so to dry out. Still, he persisted, and ner’s father had been incarcer- not involved with their fam- bill passed the Senate Judiciary Margareten hired the Democrat- together with the Mitchell Firm, ated for 14 months in a federal ily, they’re moodless. They close Committee strictly along party leaning Podesta Group. The first they chose to begin the process prison, and like almost anyone down.” lines and therefore could not result of their efforts was the again. with such firsthand experience, Offering them an educa- conceivably advance—Mitchell Federal Prison Reform Bill of This time the result was the he felt strongly for the cause. tion—whether higher or a GED, brought Brett Tolman on board. 2013, which was ultimately not greatly expanded Sentencing Meanwhile, Mitchell was job training and skills they can Tolman, a former U.S. Attor- allowed onto the Senate floor Reform and Corrections Act of able to find new House sponsors use on the outside or religious ney for Utah and a former chief by then-Senate Majority leader 2015. The lobbying succeeded for the newly drafted First Step learning, or the ability to deal counsel to the Senate Judiciary Harry Reid. The bill was focused in getting bipartisan support for Act in the form of Collins and Committee when it was chaired with substance abuse, while at on prison reform and did not the sweeping bill, which flew Jeffries. In the Senate, Cornyn the same time giving them the by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), include any sentencing reform, through the committee 15-5, and was back on board, joined by began working on drafting lan- ability to shave off prison time— and so Democrats didn’t want was announced by Grassley as Lee, a former federal prosecutor has been proven to keep former guage for a new bill that could be to support it. It was back to the he stood flanked on one side by who had also recognized deep introduced anew to legislators. inmates outside of prison. The drawing board. The problem was Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and problems with the system, partic- bill included other aspects high- Nothing happened for almost too little consensus on Capitol the other by Sen. Patrick Leahy ularly the mandatory minimum- a year, until Aug. 1, 2012, when Hill on what such a greatly ex- (D-Vt.). sentencing. lighting the humanity of the in- In the Lee has on a number of oc- dividual, such as banning the end, however, casions told the story of how as shackling of jailed pregnant and with the 2016 a prosecutor in Salt Lake City, he postpartum women. It further presidential had seen a father of two young makes it easier for inmates to elections fast children caught selling three submit compassionate-release approaching, dime bags of marijuana to a law- requests in extenuating cases and Senate Ma- enforcement informant in a 72- allows the Bureau of Prisons to jority Leader hour period. The young man—a transfer elderly or terminally ill Mitch McCo- first-time offender—had been inmates to home confinement, nnell decided carrying a weapon, thus the judge where they can be surrounded by against allow- was forced, due to the mandatory their families and receive better ing the bill to a minimum-sentencing equation, care than a prison can offer. floor vote. to give him a 55-year sentence. “The bill fits with Jewish When Pres- “The average federal sen- values of the sanctity of human ident Trump tence for assault is just two years. life, redemption, repentance and was elected in The average murderer only gets compassion,” notes Boyarsky. November, it 15 years,” wrote Lee in a Fox “But these are fundamentally looked like the News article making his case American values as well. The years of work for the First Step Act. “While First Step Act is a way for these Margareten and acknowledging the obvious ex- values to be reflected in the law.” other had put in cessiveness of the sentence, the Margareten and his allies would have to judge explained that the applica- worked with Kushner and his end, or at least ble federal statutes gave him no team at the White House, and be put on hold. authority to impose a less-severe Trump ran as a prison term, noting that ‘only Collins and Jeffries in Congress, law-and-order Congress can fix this problem.’ ” and the House version of the bill candidate, and Still, at the heart of this bill successfully passed in May. The chose Alabama is education, higher, vocational Senate bill passed in December, Republican Jeff and faith-based, which has been went back to the House, and then Sessions—who proven in test cases such as the was signed by Trump on Decem- in the Sen- Texas model to greatly reduce re- ber 21, who said in a statement ate had been a cidivism. that “the First Step Act will make strong and vo- “When prisoners don’t have communities safer and save tre- cal opponent anything to do in prison, they sit, mendous taxpayers dollars,” and of prison and watch television, play cards—in it “brings much needed hope to sentencing re- short, do nothing,” Margareten many families ... .” Page 16 • World of Lubavitch • APRIL 2019

Tuesday before dark. This was in Hasidim was like looking for a Was I wrong! After the eleva- keeping with the belief among needle in a haystack. tor disgorged its fifth load, there traditional Jews that Tuesday, the At 7:25 I repeated the action were more than sixty people in third day of the week, is a day of and leaned far out of the window the studio. Only twenty-four of mazel (good luck). In the Book in order to get a better view of them belonged to my chorus and of Genesis it is written that God the street. This time I saw what orchestra; the others were older looked out each day and “saw looked like my Hasidim a block Hasidim, women and children. that it was good.” Only on the away. As they approached I no- Before I had a chance to vent third day are the words “saw that ticed that there were far too many my anger, two men began remov- it was good” repeated a second of them. I could only assume that ing bottles of soda from a crate, time. Tuesday therefore became my Hasidim had encountered and several women unpacked a “doubly good” day. another group of Hasidim in the baked goods that included honey Whenever possible, Jews subway and they were walking cake and sponge cake. Finally, “Don’t Conduct!” choose Tuesday to announce together up Eighth Avenue. I for the pièce de résistance, a an engagement, move to a new believed that at the entrance to Hasid opened two brown paper By Velvel Pasternak that took place several times a house or apartment, hold a wed- the studio the group would split, bags and revealed four bottles of Published in the Journal of year at Lubavitch headquarters. ding ceremony, open a new busi- and my Hasidim would enter the “zeks un ninetsiger” (192-proof Synagogue Music, Vol. 34, Fall The format of a Lubavitch ness, etc., all in the belief that this building while the others would Continued on page 14 2009, pp. 118-125 farbrengen was constant. Hun- day holds good luck for those en- continue to their destination. © 2009 by the Cantors As- dreds of hasidim gathered at deavors. In keeping with this idea sembly 770 Eastern Parkway, and for the Lubavitch Hasidim requested In 1962 I was approached by several hours listened raptly that their first recording session 1940... be held on a Tuesday, the day of Rabbi Joseph Isaac Schneerson, o.b.m., came to good luck. America, to bring the light of Torah and warmth of According to the Jewish cal- Mitzvas to a spiritual wasteland. endar, a new day begins with the preceding evening—Monday af- Then $54.00 was considered ter dark is already considered to a worthy donation. be Tuesday. The producers prom- His son-in-law Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson ised that they would schedule a recording studio and an engineer became the seventh leader of Chabad and for “Tuesday.” When a studio 1950.. encouraged his disciples to serve as Torah was obtained and a final record- ambassadors throughout the world. During ing date (actually, a Monday night ..1994 those 44 years, more than 1500 Lubavitch in early spring) was announced, Centres were established throughout the Rabbi Zalmanoff instructed us world, serviced by some five thousand that on the Saturday night before Shluchim (Emissaries) who have dedicated the recording we were to gather their lives to help enhance the quality for a “mini farbrengen.” When I of Jewish life. asked the reason I was told that, as Hasidim performing a task for Then too $54.00 was considered Lubavitch, they needed an eve- a worthy donation. ning of good fellowship in which to wish each other luck with the Today, the Shluchim, Chassidim and recording. supporters of Chabad Lubavitch are Dutifully, the producers and 2019... indebted to the Rebbe for his uncon- I arrived at the home of one of ditional love towards every Jew, his the singers an hour after Shab- monumental endeavours on behalf bos was over. Upon entering we Indeed of Klal Yisroel and for having had found tables filled with refresh- the opportunity to share in the ments, drink and spirits. For the 3 Times fulfillment of his vision. We first time since the rehearsals pledge to rededicate ourselves began, I was afforded the op- Chai Can to his teachings and continue portunity of listening to each of his sacred work with renewed my Hasidim sing solo. Some of enthusiasm and vitality. May them, on the merit of their vocal Make a we soon witness the rewards abilities, would never have been permitted to sing in any chorus. of these efforts with the im- Benedict Stambler, a collector of to a discourse by Rabbi Men- Difference! minent arrival of Mashiach. Jewish music and a pioneer in achem Mendl Schneerson, the At the end of the evening, how- Please make your cheque the field of Hasidic recordings in Lubavitcher Rebbe, punctuated ever, we left full of good cheer payable to: Today too $54.00 the United States, to arrange and at various times with the singing and spurred on to the forthcom- CHABAD LUBAVITCH is considered a conduct a chorus of Lubavitch of niggunim by the entire gather- ing Lubavitch recording. and send to: Hasidim for the first in a series of ing. The producers had been able 770 Chabad Gate worthy donation. HaBaD recordings. A designated Hasid who took to rent a studio on Eighth Avenue Thornhill, Ont. L4J 3V9 Rabbi Shmuel Zalmanoff, his cue when the Rebbe motioned near 57th Street in Manhattan. You may wish to call 905-731-7000 editor of both volumes of Sefer with his hand, began a niggun A well-known sound engineer, and contribute via your Visa card HaNiggunim (anthology of tran- that was taken up by all assem- David Hancock, was engaged. Hancock had been one of the scribed Lubavitch melodies) was bled. The singing ended when the Should you wish to sell appointed music consultant for Rebbe motioned once again. Ev- first sound engineers to transfer your Chometz for the Round, Hand Baked this recording. He selected the ery eye focused on the Rebbe as old seventy-eight r.p.m. record- duration of Pesach, songs and chose the Lubavitch he continued his discourse. For a ings of the great cantors of the please complete the form Matzoh Shmurah Hasidim who were to sing in the young conductor to inform these 20th century to magnetic tape below & mail it at once to: chorus. Neither Stambler nor I singers that they needed to start for the Collectors Guild Record CHABAD LUBAVITCH Available at $30.00 per lb. had anything to do with the selec- together and end together served Company. In the process, much 770 Chabad Gate, at Chabad Lubavitch tion process. This was the “hand- only to insult them. It took great of the static and other extraneous Thornhill, Ontario L4J 3V9 picked chorus” that I would train effort to convince them that a noises were eliminated. Through so that it reaches us no later Community Centre and record. taped recording of a farbrengen this rather time consuming and than Thursday, April 18, 2019. At our first meeting, a copy of would prove beyond doubt that tedious work, Hancock, who was Sefer HaNiggunim was given to the beginnings and endings of not Jewish, became very famil- Certificate Authorizing the Sale of Chometz me and I was asked to play while the niggunim were ragged and iar with—and developed great the group sang through the pro- far below the musical standards fondness for—Hebrew liturgical Delegation of Power of Attorney gram of melodies to be recorded. needed for a professional record- music. He looked forward to a This is to certify that I, the undersigned, fully empower and permit any of Because these Hasidim sang so ing. When they finally agreed, I live recording session of Hasidic the Rabbi’s under the administration of Chabad Lubavitch of Ontario, to act many of the songs differently had won my first pyrrhic victory. music. His admonition to me was in my place and stead and on my behalf to sell all Chometz possessed by from the printed musical tran- After several months of to get the “Lubos” (his endear- me (knowingly or unknowingly) as defined by the Torah and Rabbinic Law, ing term for the Hasidim) into including chometz, doubt of chometz and all forms of chometz mixture. In scriptions, I found it necessary weekly rehearsals during which addition, chometz that tends to harden and adhere to the inside surface of to rewrite most of the niggunim. they learned to watch my hands, the studio no later than 7:30 p.m. pans, pots or any usable cooking utensil are to be considered as above. I Correct transcriptions were nec- sing legato and produce some At the then going rate of $45.00 hereby delegate authorization to lease all places wherein the chometz may essary for the backup singers elementary shadings of tone, I perhour, the studio was quite ex- be found by me, especially in the premises located at: and instrumental ensemble that found that, try as I might to teach pensive. I made sure that each of would accompany the Hasidim. them, none of the Hasidim were my singers and “ringers” knew ______and elsewhere. After the printed niggunim were able to sing the harmonies that the cost and importance of being The said Rabbi has the full right to sell and lease by transaction, as he deems fit and proper and for such time which he believes necessary in corrected, I set about arranging I had written. This was not due on time. accordance with all detailed terms and detailed forms as explained in the them with simple harmonies. to the arrangements’ level of dif- I was at the studio by 6:30 general authorization contract which the said Rabbi will use to detail the Our first rehearsal took place ficulty; the Hasidim were simply p.m., discussed microphone set- sale of Chometz. in a basement in Crown Heights, unable to concentrate on any- up with our engineer, arranged This General authorization is made a part of this agreement. Also do I Brooklyn, and I was forced to thing but the melody. With per- placement of the chorus and in- hereby give the said Rabbi full power and authority to appoint a substitute quickly address an interesting mission from Lubavitch I hired strumentalists, and set the order in his stead with full power to sell and to lease as provided herein. The in which the selections would be above given power is in conformity with all Torah, Rabbinical regulations problem. My rather forthright three “ringers” (professionals) to and laws and also in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario instruction that the chorus must sing the harmonies. The rehears- recorded. At 7:20 p.m. Hancock and the Confederation of Canada. begin and end together was met als then went well. After several asked, “Where are they?” Look- And to this I hereby affix my signature on this ______day with very quizzical looks. “Ha- more months, when I felt I had ing for my singers, I opened the of______in the year 2019. sidim always begin and end to- taken the group musically as far window onto Eighth Avenue. gether,” they objected. It took as it could go, I asked that a re- The location of this studio hap- me a little time to realize that the cording date be scheduled. pened to be a center of rock ‘n Name______Signature ______members of my chorus did most I was told that the recording roll music, and the area was full Address______of their singing during farbren- session must take place either on of hippies, many of whom wore gen (special Hasidic gatherings) Monday evening after dark or on beards. To locate my bearded BEST WISHES FOR A KOSHER & ENJOYABLE PESACH