D’VAR MALCHUS OUT OF THE DISTURBING FLOOD WATERS AND INTO A NEW WORLD

Although leaving the exile and entering raven in order to determine whether the earth had dried, and then, a few the redemption can only be according to days later, sending the dove, and so G-d’s directive, nevertheless, when G-d sees on. Jews yearning for the redemption to come In fact, the actions of Noach immediately – “we want Moshiach now!” – this and his efforts – expressing his great yearning and desire to leave itself quickens the commandment to be issued the ark in order to proceed with his forth from G-d to “leave the ark,” to leave the Divine mission – resulted in G-d exile for the true and complete redemption. commanding him to leave the ark earlier than He would have otherwise instructed. Translated by Boruch Merkur 2. The application of the above with regard to man’s service of G-d: 1. It is brought in this week’s permitted to leave the ark until he A flood (mabul) is symbolic of reading: “And it was at the end was commanded to do so by G-d! worldly matters that divert a person’s of 40 days that Noach opened the The explanation is that Noach focus (ha’mevalbelim) away from window of the ark that he had made knew that G-d had appointed him serving G-d. The advice in dealing and he sent out the raven, etc.” with the responsibility of overseeing with this problem, according to the At first glance, Noach’s the preservation of the world. teaching of the , is approach in determining whether Indeed, he was commanded to exert “enter…the ark (teiva),” referring the water had dried up is difficult to himself in the construction of the to the words (teivos) of Torah study understand: ark, bringing within it specimens “of and prayer. A Jew must bring himself Since his entering the ark was all living creatures, of all flesh,” and into the words of Torah and t’filla in on G-d’s command, he should to feed them throughout the entire order to be saved from the disturbing have waited for G-d’s command to time they remained in the ark. All this “flood waters.” labor, designed to preserve life in the leave the ark. In fact, that is what Moreover, a person must bring world after they were to emerge from eventually happened: “And the L-rd with him “of all living creatures, of the ark, had to be done in a natural spoke to Noach, saying, ‘Leave the all flesh,” taking with him, into the manner, as it is said, “And G-d will ark,’” and only then does it say, teiva, the very best of the world; this bless you in all you do.” Thus, when “And Noach left…the ark.” Thus, on too should be illuminated with the there was the suspicion that perhaps what basis did Noach send the raven light of holiness. (and the dove thereafter) in order the land had dried up and they could All the above, however, still does to determine whether the water now leave the ark, Noach did not had dried up? He was anyway not delay; he immediately did all that Continued on page 12 was in his power – sending out the

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Forty years have passed since the first group of shluchim was sent by the to Eretz Yisroel, so we spoke with Shmuel Greisman who was in that group. * He describes that unique shlichus and their influence on the residents of Eretz Yisroel. * He told us about being appointed director of the committee to write a Torah scroll for Jewish children and calls upon every Chassid to join the efforts to complete the sixth such Torah. * He spoke about hiskashrus and warns against the phenomenon of disconnecting the wellspring from its source, i.e., spreading Chassidus without a Rebbe, and urged preparing the world to greet Moshiach whose identity is known – the Rebbe, Nasi Doreinu.

Interview by M. Fried Photos by Shneur Schiff

THE REBBE TOOK FULL shluchim to Eretz Yisroel. How about his plans to send shluchim RESPONSIBILITY were you chosen to be part of to Eretz Yisroel. In the days that this group? followed, names were submitted FOR OUR SHLICHUS At the 5736 of families who volunteered to It is forty years since the , the Rebbe first spoke join the group of shluchim. The Rebbe sent the first group of Rebbe chose eleven shluchim

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1042_bm_eng.indd 4 2016-10-31 9:45:54 PM (Parshas VaYigash) the rest of the shluchim who were chosen were given the news. At the farbrengen on Shabbos, the Rebbe spoke about this and announced that the “Tzeischem L’Shalom” before we left would take place at the farbrengen. In the period before we left, we heard the Rebbe say amazing things about the shlichus, such as what the Rebbe said at the farbrengen on Shabbos Parshas Mikeitz, that he takes full responsibility for this shlichus. At another farbrengen the Rebbe said that this shlichus was a preparation for Moshiach’s coming and the fulfillment of the promise, “and you, the Jewish people, will be gathered one by one.” Testimony about what was going on in 770 at that time can be found in a diary from that period: “A few days before Yud Shvat, we learned that the rosh , Rabbi Mordechai Mentlick, would be traveling too, to help the shluchim who were traveling to Eretz Yisroel, and that he would be there for ten days. During that time he would visit the mosdos Torah there. This was very encouraging, especially for the shluchim. “… A ‘Tzeischem L’Shalom’ was arranged by Tzeirei Agudas Chabad and it was attended by the hanhala of the yeshiva and many guests. Each of the shluchim reviewed a sicha and part of the maamer, “Basi L’Gani 5700” … At the farbrengen of Shabbos, Parshas Bo, the Rebbe gave mashke to R’ Mentlick to distribute during the farbrengen from those names who were late wife’s articles about shlichus, for the shluchim and to say sent to Yerushalayim, and eleven which was written in English, he l’chaim, and at the end of the who were sent to Tzfas, which added the word “voluntary” to farbrengen he gave mezonos to included me. the description of shlichus.) R’ Mentlick to distribute to the (Apropos the concept of I got the good news that I women and children shluchim. shlichus, it bears noting, that was chosen by the Rebbe on Hei “On 11 Shvat, all the new when the Rebbe read one of my Teves. By the end of that week shluchim waited in Gan Eden

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HaTachton (the hallway outside the famous letter in which he and celebrating the Rebbe’s the Rebbe’s room). R’ Mentlick went into detail about the goals birthday on . These was in yechidus for half an hour and jobs of the shluchim in became self-understood concepts and then the Rebbe stood in Tzfas, Yerushalayim, and around for every Chassid. the doorway of his room and Eretz Yisroel. Then came the In his time, the , R’ gave each shliach volume 11 of stage of the individual settling in Mendel Futerfas, said that the and 150 Israeli of the shluchim, each one in his shluchim brought 770 to Eretz liros and ten dollars for expenses position with his work. Yisroel. The shluchim instilled and for tz’daka and to build up At the beginning of that letter a “koch” and new chayus in all the land. The Rebbe gave a siddur the Rebbe writes, “It was said the Rebbe’s inyanim, in carrying and pocket to the women at the beginning of the shlichus out the mivtzaim, hafatzas and children. Then the Rebbe that there are several goals and ha’maayanos, and learning and went out to escort the shluchim. benefits in their trip and their spreading the Rebbe’s teachings “Hundreds of Anash went shlichus, in addition to the throughout the country. In this to the airport and the bachurim main intention – stabilizing the too, the shluchim were pioneers. immediately began singing and situation in Eretz Yisroel, not Along with the shluchim, dancing. This was broadcast live only through ordinary speech the Rebbe sent a special “tank” on television. There were also and action along with material to leverage and ramp up the interviews on television with and spiritual help in general, activities. What can you tell us some of the passengers. The ones but as shluchim, and a person’s about that? who spoke were: R’ Mentlick, R’ emissary is like himself, to be a During the period before Shmuel Greisman (on behalf of role model for others so they see we went on shlichus, five the shluchim to Tzfas), Sholom and act accordingly.” Lubavitchers bought a “Mitzva Duchman (on behalf of the Tank” together for the purpose of shluchim to Yerushalayim), R’ A NEW CHAYUS IN ALL THE sending it to Eretz Yisroel, but it Moshe Pinchas Katz (on behalf REBBE’S MATTERS was held up because there was no of Anash), Consul Tzvi Levin one responsible to operate and (on behalf of the consulate), and In retrospect, what was the cover the expenses of the tank. shluchim’s main impact on the others.” During the 10 Shvat people of Eretz Yisroel and the What goals did the Rebbe set farbrengen, the five donors went Chabad communities? for your shlichus? up and gave the Rebbe the keys In the early years we did not Until the arrival of the to the tank. The Rebbe told them receive detailed instructions shluchim, among Anash and to send the tank along with the from the Rebbe regarding Chabad communities there group of shluchim going to Eretz the shlichus; just the general was not much of an emphasis Yisroel. The Rebbe said the key instruction to travel to and settle placed on hiskashrus to the he was given would remain with in Eretz Yisroel, some of us in Rebbe as something central and him and asked that a different Yerushalayim and some of us significant in daily life. There key be given to the shluchim. were outstanding mekusharim in in Tzfas. It was like Avrohom’s The tank was sent with us Eretz Yisroel, like the Chassidim “Lech lecha – to the land I will and went around in Tzfas and R’ Avrohom Pariz and R’ Zushe show you,” and we did it with Yerushalayim to help in the work the Partisan, but the atmosphere kabbalas ol. of hafatza and mivtzaim. was not one of hiskashrus. We landed at Ben Gurion How would you define the When the shluchim arrived, airport on 12 Shvat and we went essence of a shliach? they created a huge change in directly to Tzfas from there. In the sicha of Shabbos In the years that followed we hiskashrus to the Rebbe, the results of which we see till today. Parshas VaYeitzei, 11 Kislev, learned in the kollel there and we 5743, the Rebbe says: were involved in mivtzaim and With chayus and Chassidishe “By Chassidim, the form and hafatzas ha’maayanos. enthusiasm, they instilled the concepts of living with the Rebbe, image of the Rebbe’s face always It was only three years later, stands and is etched before their after sending another two groups writing and reporting to the Rebbe, traveling to the Rebbe, eyes. This is because Chazal of shluchim, on Rosh Chodesh say that when a person repeats Shvat 5739, that the Rebbe sent learning the new sicha each week that we heard from the Rebbe, something he heard from the

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1042_bm_eng.indd 6 2016-10-31 9:45:55 PM teacher he ought to consider “On 11 Shvat, all the new shluchim waited in Gan it as though the ‘master of the and the Rebbe stood in the teaching’ is standing in front Eden HaTachton of him. It is understood that doorway of his room and gave each shliach volume 11 of when the Rebbe’s teachings  Likkutei Sichos and 150 Israeli liros and ten dollars for are constantly engraved then the Rebbe’s image is constantly expenses and for tz’daka and to build up the land. The before their eyes! Rebbe gave a siddur and pocket Tanya to the women “And since the Rebbe himself stands before them, how can they and children. Then the Rebbe went out to escort the call someone else by a certain shluchim. title (Reb Dovid Hirsch, and similar titles) [referring to the great Chassid, R’ Dovid Tzvi Chein], when the Rebbe himself is standing there?! Therefore, the Rebbe himself is standing when you look at a Chassid you they would refer to him by the here and one shouldn’t be giving see the Rebbe, is more apparent. name Dovid Herschel.” a Chassid titles in the presence of This is the significance of the It would seem that the lesson the Rebbe. concept “great” Chassid, that his is that the Rebbe needs to be However, it’s possible that smallness and bittul toward the engraved in a Chassid’s mind to on a deeper level, the meaning Rebbe make him great. Back to the point that when he calls out of the sicha is that it is out of the your question, when looking at to his friend, he cannot refer to question to use titles for a great a shliach, we need to see in him him with a certain title. It makes Chassid because a great Chassid the Rebbe who sent him to that no difference what the spiritual is more connected to the Rebbe degree, i.e., that what is apparent level of his fellow Chassid is since and more battul. This idea, that is that the Rebbe’s image is

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before him and he is absolutely R’ Klein got a full report from battul to the Rebbe. me every Friday about how many children already bought letters in HOW MANY CHILDREN BOUGHT Eretz Yisroel and abroad. Today A LETTER IN A TORAH? too, I continue reporting weekly to the Rebbe. In 5741, you were given We can see how important the added job of running the this is to the Rebbe from R’ committee for writing a Torah Klein’s story because there were scroll for Jewish children. How several times when he entered did this come about? the Rebbe’s room on Friday, that At the 11 Nissan farbrengen the Rebbe asked him whether 5741, the Rebbe announced the the report about the number of campaign of a letter in a Torah children registered was received. scroll for Jewish children. The Where are we holding today? Rebbe said that on that very day We are in the middle of they should start working on it. In writing the sixth Torah scroll the days that followed, the Rebbe for children. We will surely led special in which merit, as the Rebbe wished at he added details and instructions the conclusion of one of the about this new campaign. Then I sichos about this campaign, was asked by Chabad rabbanim that Moshiach comes before the to run the committee and I was completion of this Torah, and happy to oblige. that he will surely participate in A few days later, on 19 the siyum. And what a joyous Nissan, my home phone rang siyum it will be with Moshiach’s and it was my brother-in-law, participation! normally survive. But Hashem, in R’ Binyamin Klein, one of the His kindness, protects us. Rebbe’s secretaries. He told WHAT WAS DEMANDED However, the Jewish people me that the Rebbe said to him, BEFORE IS are guarded with special “Call your brother-in-law. He is supervision and the seventy involved with the Torah scroll, DEMANDED NOW TOO wolves can’t touch them when and ask him how many children In one of the sichos (the their conduct is as it should be. already bought a letter.” The first sicha for Purim in Likkutei That is, they rely on Hashem Rebbe emphasized, “Not how Sichos vol. 31), the Rebbe speaks to save them and protect many letters the scribe wrote of the Chazal that says that the them. When they oppose this but how many children already Jewish people of that generation protection and behave in a way bought letters.” deserved to be annihilated, that demonstrates that they I said I would check all the heaven forbid, because they think there is something to lists that we had and would enjoyed the feast of that wicked those wolves and their natural provide an exact number of man. This is surprising, for is powers, they forfeit themselves, children who registered. this such a severe sin that they G-d forbid, from a miraculous The next day, a Friday, R’ deserved such a fate? protection and put themselves Klein called again and I gave him The Rebbe explains: Chazal under the laws of nature. the number. Then R’ Klein called say that the Jewish people are Therefore, the fact that me back and said that when he compared to a (single) lamb the Jewish people enjoyed the told the Rebbe, the Rebbe was among seventy wolves, but the feast of that wicked man was a surprised and said, “That’s with a shepherd (Hashem) is great reason for such a severe decree. big commotion made of it?!” The and He saves and protects her. It wasn’t a punishment for a sin Rebbe asked that I be called again That means that our existence but the natural consequence of the following week to get a report among the nations is miraculous, their behavior, because the fact about how many additional supernatural, like a lamb among that the Jewish people enjoyed children were registered. Since seventy wolves which could not being invited by that wicked then and until he passed away,

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1042_bm_eng.indd 8 2016-10-31 9:45:56 PM from our own kochos and do is in carrying out the Rebbe’s not see ourselves as leaders. We instructions as his shluchim. G-d are shluchim who carry out the forbid to think that the Rebbe Rebbe’s wishes. The feeling that left and only affects us from a the Rebbe is with us enables us to distance and that we live with the live like one lamb among seventy “Rebbe’s legacy.” wolves. Perhaps we can connect this Since this is the essence of to what is explained in Likkutei our lives, no change can occur Sichos, volume 16 (VaYakhel and no weakness is possible. 1) about why the letter yud We are connected to the Rebbe is missing from the word today just as before Gimmel “ha’n’siim.” The reason given Tammuz. We preserve the “pride is because they did not attain of Chabad” without any change utter bittul. They felt that they and with no compromises. Times were n’siim and that whatever haven’t changed. This is why the the Jewish people does was approach of being just another thanks to them. This feeling of Chassidus like everybody else is being leaders is what caused out of the question. There is the them to “be lazy” when it came awareness and feeling of being to donating to the Mishkan, and different. the Mishkan was ultimately made What was forbidden before without their contribution. Gimmel Tammuz is forbidden The lesson for shluchim after Gimmel Tammuz. And is: A shliach cannot have the in the positive sense too, what feeling that he, on his own, is was demanded before Gimmel the mashpia and the “nasi.” man demonstrated that he was Tammuz is demanded after He needs to have the utmost important to them, to the extent Gimmel Tammuz too. bittul. Our “metzius” is merely that they considered participating Since this is our life and our secondary and a vessel and a in his feast an honor. Since existence, we need to be wary garment for carrying out the the Jewish people themselves about behavior that signifies shlichus. Thereby, we will merit ascribed importance to the a change and weakness in that the Rebbe will be with us “seventy wolves,” and enjoyed hiskashrus. We cannot allow as the shepherd who saves and the honor they received from that things that were forbidden before protects. wicked man, that itself pushed Gimmel Tammuz, including This brings us to the next away the miraculous protection those things that they didn’t dare important point: of Hashem. They put themselves ask the Rebbe about. We cannot When we make the Rebbe the under the power of the wolves. copy the world and adapt the most important thing and our In light of this, perhaps we messages of Chassidus to the existence secondary, there is no can say the following. Chassidim world. We cannot “enjoy the room for the opposite of Ahavas in general, and shluchim in feast” of this world. Yisroel. We are all disciples of particular, derive their lives from The main point is: To live the same master who love one the Rebbe. He is the source with the clear awareness that the another and treat one another who channels all the divine Rebbe is the Nasi Ha’dor and with respect. As the Rebbe energies that sustain our lives. the Moshiach of our generation. once said that the dinei Torah Our pleasure is our chayus in No change has occurred in this by his father were sometimes fulfilling his directives, working and our conduct and our lives accompanied by shouting but on his projects, involvement in need to be in accordance with they were still dinei Torah and his teachings and carrying out his this awareness. not machlokes. wishes. We are not continuing a The Rebbe lives with us To put it simply – we are not legacy of the past but are living exactly as he did before Gimmel askanim. We are shluchim! We with the Rebbe today. Therefore, Tammuz. His nesius continues do not get involved in building we do not derive any benefit without any change. Our pleasure and development for the sake of

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building and development but idea of the Nasi HaDor’s eternal forbid. for the sake of shlichus. Our life, the war on this point has enjoyment is in carrying out our weakened, as has the war in WHAT DEBATE? THERE IS shlichus, the nachas ruach for the general. This is because he A CLEAR SICHA FROM THE Rebbe. (Satan) and his emissaries think there is no longer anyone to fear REBBE! THE REBBE IS NOT JUST and they can even be friends of Central to the special avoda THE NASI OF CHABAD Chabad. of our time, preparing the world In other words, as far as the to greet Moshiach, is the subject BUT OF THE ENTIRE essential battle, the Satan and of identifying and publicizing GENERATION his emissaries are as strong as Moshiach, around which a What do you think before. It is just that they feel that heated debate has developed about a recent phenomenon they don’t need to fight against in recent years. What is your in which Chassidus is the derech and the movement, perspective? promulgated while leaving because “there is no king in I don’t know of any debate out the topic of hiskashrus to ,” G-d forbid. But when it on the subject. I know only what the Rebbe as Nasi Ha’dor? comes to hiskashrus, we see that the Rebbe says in the sicha of the the war is as strong as ever. Kinus HaShluchim 5752, that Part (maybe the main part) Maybe this is why, in recent the shluchim already finished the of the chiddush of the seventh years, we have people becoming shlichus. What the Rebbe says in generation is that the Chabad interested in Chassidus, i.e., this sicha is what’s most relevant movement is not a provincial the derech and the movement, to us! issue and one of the paths in and not in hiskashrus to the The Rebbe says, “Something Chassidus. Rather, it is the direct Nasi Ha’dor. The way it used to still remains to be done in order path for the Jewish people and we be was that those who became to actually bring the Geula. That need to publicize it to all Jews. interested in Chabad gave their is, based on the fact that ‘in every As part of this, the Chabad nasi all to Chabad because of their generation, someone is born is not only the nasi for Chabad bittul and hiskashrus to the who is descended from Yehuda or the nasi of Chassidus, but the Rebbe. But now, we see some who is fit to be Moshiach for Nasi Ha’dor of every Jew. who try to straddle both worlds. Israel,’ ‘someone who is worthy Naturally, the Satan could Of course, I am not because of his righteousness not remain silent about an minimizing the importance to be the redeemer, and when amazing revelation of light such of becoming interested in the time comes, Hashem will be as this, which is a preparation Chassidus. Obviously, learning revealed to him and send him, for the revelation of the light of Chassidus in general, and Chabad etc.,’ and based on what the Moshiach. The Satan does all he Chassidus in particular, is in and Rebbe, my father-in-law, Nasi can to fight it through all sorts of of itself the loftiest of things. Doreinu, the singular shliach ways and all kinds of places in And ultimately, the light within of our generation, the singular and out of Eretz Yisroel. Chassidus will cause them to Moshiach of our generation, Those who are discerning, repent and draw them in, but for announced, that all the avoda was who see things the way they are, now, it’s a pity that they haven’t already completed – obviously, will surely concede that the war been exposed to the chiddush of the ‘send, please, through the against the Chabad movement the “seventh generation.” one You will send,’ has begun to in our time, was not against Maybe this happens because be fulfilled, the shlichus of the the derech but against the Nasi the “goy (the clever one) within Rebbe, my father-in-law. Ha’dor. Although they gave us” is working hard to raise “And from this, it is all sorts of reasons about the doubts about whether there is understood, that the only thing derech of Chassidus, such as not a “king in Israel,” and whether that now remains in the avoda of sleeping in the sukka, Moshiach, our shlichus is to connect Jews shlichus is: to actually welcome mivtzaim, etc. it was obvious to the Rebbe or to put t’fillin on Moshiach Tzidkeinu so that he what they were really against. them and teach them Chassidus can fulfill his mission and take all In recent years, since the as a goal onto itself, without of Israel out of galus.” Satan does not recognize the hiskashrus to the Rebbe, G-d We see explicitly in this sicha

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1042_bm_eng.indd 10 2016-10-31 9:45:58 PM that as a preface to laying out the new shlichus, the Rebbe devotes a segment to emphasize Moshiach’s identity in which he details, step by step, that every generation has a Moshiach and if the generation merits, he will be sent to redeem Yisroel. And in accordance with the announcement of the Rebbe Rayatz that all the avoda was finished, obviously, Moshiach of the generation, Nasi Doreinu, was already sent to redeem the Jewish people (as Moshe Rabbeinu was sent to take the nation out of Egypt). From this approach, we because that does not help for the BITTUL THAT LEADS TO see clearly that the Rebbe is (brief) present when we are in a “AND THEY JOURNEYED” emphasizing the identity of state of concealment. Likewise, In conclusion? Moshiach. Not just “kabbalas the solution is clearly not to yearn p’nei Moshiach,” and we don’t for what we once had, for that We are all permeated with know who he is, but welcoming does not help us in the present bittul and hiskashrus to the king, that person descended from either. but this bittul does not mean Dovid, Nasi Doreinu, who was We need to focus on our we stand in place, motionless. already sent to redeem the Jewish mission: 1) While in the very On the contrary, bittul leads people. state of concealment, we need to to movement, to welcoming Moshiach. It is due to the bittul After clarifying this point, strengthen the Rebbe’s inyanim. and hiskashrus that we continue we can better understand The concealment itself inspires in the avoda of shlichus. The the significance of the new greater strength in the hiskashrus journeying on has a goal, which is shlichus of preparing the world to the Rebbe and his inyanim to bring the “alef,” the revelation to welcome Moshiach, while (and it provides the strength to of Moshiach. focusing on his identity and “tolerate suffering”). certainly not hiding it. 2) At the same time, we If we don’t move toward the need to do all we can to get rid goal, there is no purpose in the trip; it’s all for nothing. WE CANNOT MAKE PEACE of the concealment by the clear Certainly, we learn Torah, WITH THE SITUATION recognition and the firm stance that this situation of concealment Nigleh and Chassidus, we From where do we get the is not the true reality and cannot do mitzvos b’hiddur, we are strength to hang on after over oppose holiness. It cannot involved in the avoda of t’filla, twenty years when we haven’t cause a change or weakness in spreading the wellsprings and seen or heard the Rebbe? in hiskashrus and the avoda of mivtzaim, but all as part of “and We are in a state of shlichus and the daily life of a they journeyed.” concealment, of darkness, and Chassid. Times haven’t changed! This goal is apparent within we need to remember, “The We cannot make our peace all branches of shlichus and existence and essence of the with this state of concealment avoda thanks to learning inyanei tzimtzum is contrary to the Will.” by finding strength in the hope Moshiach and Geula in a way of The situation is neither right nor for a future revelation. By not chochma, bina, daas, and all with desirable and it is contrary to the giving any credence to the the knowledge and awareness of true intent which is revelation. concealment and bringing out the goal that the inner meaning of We cannot remain satisfied the revelation contained within our work throughout galus is for with our trust that Moshiach it, that itself does away with the every detail to be an inseparable is coming imminently and that “imprisonment” and frees us part of “and they journeyed.” the Rebbe will be revealed soon, from it. Let us also remember that the

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Rebbe said that the avoda to bring Each one of us needs to make a pierce the curtain of concealment in Moshiach is in a way of “Lights of cheshbon ha’nefesh about whether his personal life, we will all together Tohu in Vessels of Tikkun,” in a he is journeying, and if so, whether pierce and rip away the general way that people can relate to. We the journey is the route that the concealment and immediately reach need to make sure that they are Rebbe delineated, and whether he is the end of the journey with the indeed “Lights of Tohu” and not just devoted to continuing until reaching Rebbe leading us, and he will redeem “Vessels of Tikkun.” the destination. When each of us will us.

Continued from page 3 been achieved, which would permit the event of the 10th of Tammuz: them to leave the teiva in order to “And Noach opened the window of not suffice, for the ultimate intent is transform the outside world. the ark, etc.”: (not just to bring oneself and all his 3. This instruction is especially Even while it is still the time of worldly interests and passions into relevant in the final days of exile: exile – a state of flooding, prior to the the teiva, but also) to impact the The general concept of “flood” redemption – when a Jew speculates outside world, the world outside the corresponds to and exemplifies the that perhaps the end of the flood has teiva. time of exile, for “mabul (flood)” is come, and we must leave the ark But this can only be done after related to the word “bilbul (mixed and head out into the world, verily the flood, for the entire purpose of up),” “for it mixed everything a “new world,” redemption that is the flood is to bring purity to the up.” The latter message is likewise not followed by another exile, a Jew world. Only thereafter can there be expressive of the state of things in must do all that is dependent upon effective work done to refine the the time of exile, when everything him in order to clarify the matter. world outside the teiva, to settle the is riddled with confusion. Nothing He must send out messengers – be land. In fact, the world can then be in the world can be seen clearly. It they beast or human being – and brought to a greater height than it is impossible to perceive the creative take other similar actions, everything was at its origin. That is, the world G-dly energy within it, to see how he possibly can to speed up the no longer remains in a state of “the “the entire earth is filled with His redemption. world was created in its entirety” glory,” to see that the true existence A Jew mustn’t sit and wait until (as it was in the beginning of its of the world is a dwelling for G-d in G-d commands him to leave exile creation), but rises higher, attaining the lower realms. In the time of exile, and enter into the redemption (going the state described as a “new world,” none of this truth is revealed. On the from a state of things in the ark to a world that leaves no possibility contrary! – as stated in Scripture, that of a “new world”). When there for another flood (as the verse “(Woe to those who say of the evil is room for conjecture that the time states, “ “I will no longer curse the that it is good and of the good that to leave the exile and enter into the earth because of man… and I will it is evil) those who present darkness redemption, one does all he can in no longer smite all living things as as light and light as darkness, who order to hasten the redemption. I have done”), for the cause of the present bitter as sweet and sweet as Although leaving the exile and flood – “Now the earth was corrupt bitter.” entering the redemption can only “ – has been nullified. (Although However, the ultimate intent of be according to G-d’s directive, even after the flood the concept of the flood, of exile, is to purify the nevertheless, when G-d sees Jews “on account of our sins we have world: “The spirit of impurity I will yearning for the redemption to come been exiled, etc.,” still exists, the vanquish from the land.” And this immediately – “we want Moshiach severity has been greatly diminished purification must be to the extent now!” – this itself quickens the relative to prior to the flood, as is that the sustaining of the world is commandment to be issued forth obvious.) in a totally new manner – “He saw from G-d to “leave the ark,” to leave Even though this Divine service a new world” – meaning to say that the exile for the true and complete of transforming the outside world there remains no possibility for the redemption. is only possible after the flood world to revert to a state of exile (From the address of Shabbos had ended, we learn from Noach (flood); it is a redemption that is not Parshas Chukas, 10 Tammuz 5745, bilti that even prior to that point he followed by another exile. muga) attempted to determine whether the To this end comes the lesson from purity brought on by the flood had

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1042_bm_eng.indd 12 2016-10-31 9:45:59 PM PARSHA THOUGHT NOACH AND MENACHEM: EASING AND COMFORTING

By Rabbi Heschel Greenberg

EVEN THE EARTH it possible to punish the earth? being has the capacity to speak as WAS UNFAITHFUL! The earth is inanimate, incapable well. of possessing an evil inclination. On a deeper level, the three When the Torah describes How can G-d punish something components of a human being the impending flood that will that has no free choice? can be divided in the following destroy the world, it describes the A second question has been manner: problem as follows: raised: Why did G-d remove The physical body is the “G-d said to Noach, ‘The end three handbreadths of earth, not inanimate aspect of our being. of all flesh has come before Me, more and not less? Our emotions are like vegetation for the earth is filled with robbery which grow and mature with the through them; and behold, I am THE MICRO AND MACRO passage of time. Our ability to going to destroy them from the think and reason is the animal To answer these questions earth.’” in us because the animal also it is necessary to reflect on the Rashi supplies an alternate has an intellect that it uses for its definition of a human being. Our translation for the last words of survival. this verse and renders it thus: Sages tell us that a human being is a composite of all other aspects The human aspect of our “I am going to destroy them of creation. This is the meaning being is our ability to rise above with the earth.” of the Midrashic statement our nature and to recognize that Rashi then adds: that “A person is a miniature there is a Divine Being above us “Three handbreadths of earth, universe.” Whatever exists in the to Whom we must pay homage. of the depth of the plow, were larger world exists in some form When a human being dissolved and washed away.” in the human being as well. becomes corrupted, he or she Why did G-d have to destroy Now, although the human degrades the human layer of part of the earth? What did the being is comprised of every his or her personality. It also earth do to deserve such a fate? aspect of creation, in more denigrates one’s entire gestalt; The Midrash, the source of general terms it can be said that the animal, plant and inanimate Rashi’s comment, provides an human beings are a composite of layers of one’s personality. enigmatic answer: Even the earth three major levels of existence: was corrupted and “unfaithful.” earth (inanimate or inorganic THE WORLD When its inhabitants planted matter), vegetation and animals. IS IN OUR HEART wheat it would produce “zunin” The body itself is inanimate. The Moreover, King Solomon [some translate this as darnel, growth of the body is comparable declared in Ecclesiastes (3:11): a grain that is poisonous for to vegetation and the mobility “He also put the world in their humans but fit for some birds.] of the human being signals the hearts.” This has been interpreted Thus, G-d punished the earth for animal within us. However, the to mean that the entire world its unfaithfulness. human being transcends all of depends on what happens in Commentators ask how is these features because the human

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There is something these two men have in animal and human. However, common, but they are at opposite ends of the when the people corrupted and degraded themselves, they caused historical expanse. Noach was the first to refine the world the degradation of their internal  three levels. This corruption then and bring some rest and ease, but he was not successful caused the degeneration of the in removing the curse of Adam entirely. That was the external hierarchy of levels. Thus, reason for the world’s relapse and its failure to benefit even the physical earth, with its own three levels of potential, was over the long term from his plow, both physically and debased and ultimately destroyed. spiritually. Moshiach who lives at the end of our period of The reason the Midrash and Rashi connect this to the earth’s exile will finally bring Noach’s pioneering work to fruition sprouting of the darnel plant and bring total comfort to the entire world. instead of wheat is to illustrate that the inanimate earth was unable to produce suitable vegetation. The earth had no our hearts. We have the power the three elements that the earth room to grow and rise upwards to affect the world outside of us also possesses. along the food chain; it was thus with the world that is inside of us. The earth is the source of destined to be wiped away. When If we corrupt the animal vegetation, which directly and a creation loses its ability to be within us it affects all of the indirectly feeds all animals elevated, it loses it raison d’être. animals in the world. Similarly, and humans. When the world when we defile the vegetation functions in accordance with THE DEPTH OF THE PLOW within us it adversely affects all G-d’s will and the people are vegetation; the same is true for not debased, the earth element However, we must still the inanimate part of the human within humanity is elevated to understand why the three being. the realm of vegetation, and from handbreadths mentioned by the We can now understand how there to the animal kingdom, and Midrash and Rashi are described the earth could be corrupted and finally into the human realm. as “the depth of the plow?” therefore “punished.” It is not a The human being then elevates Perhaps it is a hint to the suggestion that the earth itself himself or herself to the level of words of our Sages in the has the understanding necessary the Divine. At this point not only Midrash, cited by Rashi, that the for it to become corrupt and is the human element elevated; reason Noach was called Noach, deserve to be punished. Rather, his entire structure of inanimate, which is related to the word for it means that the physical earth is vegetable and animal are also “easing,” is that Noach eased the a projection of the internal earth incorporated within the Divine. plight of humanity by inventing within humanity. When humanity It can thus be said that the the plow. Before Noach, people has corrupted every aspect of its earth within man has the potential plowed the earth with their bare being, from the human down to to be elevated and incorporated hands. By inventing the plow, the inanimate, it has corrupted into three higher gradations: the Noach brought relief to the world everything else, from the people, vegetative, animal and human. and ameliorated G-d’s curse of animals, plants and even the When that potential is not Adam, “Accursed shall be the earth. realized and particularly when earth because of you, through it is corrupted in the extreme it suffering shall you eat of it all the THREE HANDBREADTHS; can be said that all three potential days of your life… By the sweat of your brow shall you eat bread…” THREE POTENTIALS aspects of the earth have been destroyed. As Rashi explains, before Noach, We can now begin to What happens within the the earth was cursed to produce understand the significance micro world of the human being thorns and thistles instead of of the three handbreadths of is then reflected in the macro wheat. earth that was wiped away. The world. The earth is elevated This explains why the significance of the number three into the Divine through the Midrash and Rashi refer to in this regard is that it parallels intervening states of vegetation, the earth’s producing darnel

14 � • 3 Cheshvan 5777

1042_bm_eng.indd 14 2016-10-31 9:46:02 PM instead of wheat as a form of as the Talmud (Sanhedrim 98b) of discussion for another essay or unfaithfulness. It was a reversal says, “Menachem is the name of two) we can see the intersection of the gains so recently attained Moshiach. “ between plowing and Moshiach, by Noach. Noach, by inventing Rashi links these two whose name is Menachem-the the plow, was able to remove the individuals to each other. There Comforter. curse of the earth not producing is something these two men A verse in Amos (9:13) suitable vegetation, but by the have in common, but they are at in its prediction of the future corrupt actions of the people, the opposite ends of the historical Messianic Era states: “Behold, earth reverted to its cursed state. expanse. Noach was the first to the days come, said the L-rd, The removal of the curse was refine the world and bring some that the plowman shall overtake directly connected to Noach’s rest and ease, but he was not the reaper…” The Midrash righteousness. To the extent successful in removing the curse comments that the “plowman” that he elevated the earth within of Adam entirely. That was the here refers to the Moshiach, the himself, he also elevated the reason for the world’s relapse scion of David. physical earth, making it more and its failure to benefit over the Moshiach is the one who receptive to the production of long term from his plow, both will plow the earth. In spiritual vegetation. Later when the world physically and spiritually. terms this means he will uplift degenerated, the salutary effects Moshiach who lives at the the entire world, including its of the plow were removed; the end of our period of exile will lowliest levels, on both the macro degeneration undid what Noach finally bring Noach’s pioneering and micro level. His efforts will had accomplished. work to fruition and bring total truly bring complete comfort to comfort to the entire world. the world. Instead of the not- NOACH AND MENACHEM – The relationship Noach has quite-good-enough Noach, with THE ULTIMATE PLOWMAN with Moshiach is actually hinted his risk of relapsing, there will in the word for plow itself, be the permanent version of The Torah connects the machreisha, which contains Menachem—eternal comfort. word Noach to the word the word HaMoshiach, the yenachameinu. This word, Rashi Moshiach. In addition, the states, means “he will bring Midrash relates that as the us ease.” Rashi then cites an Temple was destroyed, a farmer alternate translation as “he will heard his cow moo while he comfort us.” However, Rashi was plowing a field. A certain says that if that was the correct “clairvoyant” Arab passed by and meaning for Noach, he should told him that he could tell from have been called Menachem, the cow’s sound that the Jewish which means “comforter.” Temple had just been destroyed. On a deeper level, Rashi When the cow mooed again, the seems to suggest that what Noach same Arab said the Moshiach of began remained incomplete the Jewish people was born, and and thus he could not be called his name is Menachem. Menachem-Comforter. That However we are to understand name was reserved for Moshiach, that enigmatic passage (a subject

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t was in the very first sicha including he himself – though not spoke about himself, certainly that Shabbos, when the in those words, but it was clear – not in public, and he certainly Rebbe explained the concepts and what he said was prophetic never spoke about his spiritual of Shoftim (judges), yoatzim and needed to be accepted as such, attainments! And here, explicitly, (advisors),I and navi (prophet), especially the prophecy that the the Rebbe was saying that what the differences between them, and Geula is imminent and “hinei hinei he said about the Geula was a how to relate to what they say. Moshiach ba.” prophecy. The Rebbe then went on to prove The Chassidim were in There was great joy at that that our Rebbeim were prophets shock. The Rebbe hardly ever farbrengen and the Rebbe in their respective generations, encouraged the singing with both

16 � • 3 Cheshvan 5777

1042_bm_eng.indd 16 2016-10-31 9:46:04 PM Twenty-five years have passed since the earth-shattering farbrengen in THE REBBE’S which the Rebbe told thousands of Chassidim that his message about the PROPHECIES Geula was being said as a prophecy. The Rebbe said to publicize to all people HAVE of the generation that they should listen to the adviser COME TRUE, and prophet who is also the Nasi Ha’dor. * We spoke with Rabbi Sholom ONE BY ONE Dovber Wolpo who has written books about the prophet of the generation from a Torah and historical perspective.

By Shneur Zalman Levin

of his hands. HaMelech, Yechi HaMelech PROPHECY Twenty-five years after that HaMoshiach, Mevaser Tov NEVER STOPPED unusual farbrengen, we spoke and more. In these s’farim he Since that sicha, Chabad with Rabbi Sholom Dovber discusses and analyzes these Chassidim have publicized Wolpo who, in the days following topics from a Torah legal what the Rebbe said, that he those historic statements, perspective, and responds to was saying as a prophecy that wrote and published s’farim on many who had questions about Moshiach is about to come. the Hilchos Melachim of the Chabad Chassidim thinking Many ask, we know from Rambam, especially on inyanei their Rebbe is Moshiach and the Chazal (Bava Basra 12a) that Moshiach. He wrote Yechi prophet of the generation.

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since the Beis HaMikdash was he is believed to be a prophet, (119b) it says, ‘ says, what is destroyed, prophecy was taken then we listen to whatever he this that is written “Do not touch from the prophets. commands because he knows the My anointed ones and do not The question is valid, and we way of truth and will guide us harm my prophets” – the latter also know that Chazal say (Yuma in it … and this mitzva applies phrase refers to the Torah sages.’ 9b), “When the latter prophets, to men and women as long as In the Zohar it says, ‘The sages Chagai, Zecharia, Malachi, a prophet is among us.” From are more preferable than prophets died, ruach ha’kodesh departed here we see that from a practical because ruach ha’kodesh only from Israel, and nevertheless, halachic perspective there is no sometimes rests on prophets, they would use a bas kol.” The limitation, and all laws about a but ruach ha’kodesh does not Rambam also writes (Hilchos prophet apply nowadays too. budge from the sages for even Yesodei Ha’Torah, 9:10) that The Rambam himself (Hilchos a moment, for they know what Malachi was the last of the Yesodei Ha’Torah chapter 7), is above and what is below.’ prophets. In the holy Zohar when detailing the ways to attain Meaning, there are sages who are (chelek alef, 238a) it explains prophecy, does not say there is on the level of prophets because that “In earlier times, prophecy no prophecy nowadays, he just of their wisdom. would rest on a person and they writes the conditions to receive In Tanna D’Bei Eliyahu (chapter 4) it says amazing The Rebbe infers, that the fact that they things about those sages who merit prophecy. “And likewise, continued to ask him and the other n’siim who every single sage who contains followed him questions about material things and he within him words of true Torah  and sighs over the honor of G-d responded, is a sort of admission on their parts that they and the honor of the Jewish have the level of prophecy. people all his days, and craves and longs and looks forward to the glory of Yerushalayim and the Beis HaMikdash and the would know how to gaze into prophecy and concludes that if salvation which will sprout soon supernal matters. Since prophecy someone meets these conditions, in our days, and the gathering ceased, they would use a bas then “ruach ha’kodesh of the exiles – ruach ha’kodesh kol.” If so, apparently nowadays immediately rests upon him.” immediately rests within him.” there is no actual prophecy, just a We also find in the Gemara During the era of the lower level called bas kol. that there is also prophecy after Rishonim too it says regarding Then how can we explain the churban, like, “At that time the great sages of that time that prophecy nowadays? we learned that Rabbi Gamliel what they said was a sort of We see prophecy even after came to the exact calculation prophecy. For example, about the prophets, as the Rambam with ruach ha’kodesh” (Eruvin Rabbi Klonimus, the father himself writes in his count of the 64b). Or the Yerushalmi (Sota of Rabbi Meshulam, “and he mitzvos, “we are commanded to ch.1:4), “Rabbi Meir saw with emended three things as if from listen to every prophet that will ruach ha’kodesh,” and there are prophecy at the time of his be in every generation.” The numerous other examples about passing” (Tosafos Menachos Mabit writes in his commentary Rabbi Akiva and his student 109b). The Raavad said about Kiryas Seifer on the Rambam, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and himself explicitly, “Ruach “every prophet that will be in others. ha’kodesh appeared in our every single generation.” In study hall” (Hasagos HaRaavad the Seifer HaChinuch (mitzva WISE MEN AND PROPHETS Hilchos Lulav 8:4). 516) it says explicitly, “We R’ Wolpo pours forth sources Even during the period of the are commanded to listen to and explanations. One by one, he Acharonim there were great sages every prophet – because when brings proofs from Chazal about who merited prophecy. R’ Chaim an individual in a generation there being prophecy throughout Vital writes (Shaar HaK’dusha, reaches this level, and he will be the generations. part 3, shaar 7): “We heard and known to us in his matters and saw special individuals who “In the Gemara Shabbos worthiness of his actions that attained the level of ruach

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1042_bm_eng.indd 18 2016-10-31 9:46:06 PM ha’kodesh and who the prophets,” i.e., that told the future.” Rabbi period when there were Elimelech of Lizhensk numerous prophets writes (Parshas who prophesied about VaYeishev), “We see the Jewish people. But that now when we are of course, after that, in this bitter exile, there Hashem continued “to are people who merit [send] prophecy to ruach ha’kodesh more human beings,” albeit easily than in the days not as often as before. of the prophets who It is interesting to needed very special see what the Tzemach divine inspirations Tzedek says (in Seifer and experienced HaChakira, mitzvas many challenges, as eidus) about the Baal is known, in order to Shem Tov, the Maggid attain prophecy and and the Alter Rebbe ruach ha’kodesh.” having prophecy, and And we must he says there, “and also quote what Rav from my grandfather Hai Gaon says (in a”h we heard accurate his commentary on things about the Chagiga 14b) which future.” is most amazing. “You I think that all should know that this there no people who genuinely this is connected to was an accepted fact by all the feared sin among the Rishonim amazing things the Alter Rebbe Rishonim and not one would and Acharonim? So too with wrote in Igeres Ha’kodesh. deny it, for they would say that the Chazal there that says, He asks that they don’t come Hashem does signs and awesome “When Rabbi Meir died, those and consult with him about things through the tzaddikim like who could analogize through material things because this He does through the prophets parables ceased.” Haven’t we is something only “for actual and He shows the tzaddikim seen those who had the gift of prophets that the Jewish people awesome visions the way He coming up with amazing parables used to have like Shmuel the showed them to the prophets.” throughout the generations like Seer.” So that’s that, one would So how can you explain the the Dubno Maggid and others? think. You could no longer ask Chazal that prophecy came to The explanation is that the Alter Rebbe questions about an end, when there is so much although prophecy is not as material things because that evidence that this is not so? readily found as before (as was only for the prophets of You can explain it by saying due to the deterioration of the yesteryear. However, the fact that prophecy is not as available generations it is hard to achieve is that Chassidim continued to as before, but it does not mean it the prerequisites for prophecy the ask him about material things ceased completely. Rambam delineates), it did not in addition to spiritual things For example, Chazal say at cease entirely. and avodas Hashem. The Rebbe the end of Sota, “Once Rebbi himself infers from what he says, died, humility and fear of sin WE ALL SAW THE that the fact that they continued to ask him and the other n’siim ceased.” Meaning, that after FULFILLMENT OF THE Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi was gone, who followed him questions there is no more humility and REBBE’S PROPHECIES about material things and he responded, is a sort of admission fear of sin. Does anyone think How do you explain the on their parts that they have the that throughout the generations Rambam’s writing that Malachi level of prophecy (see sicha 9 there were no tzaddikim who was the last of the prophets? Kislev 5711). feared sin? Were there no humble He meant that Malachi was men among the Amoraim? Were the last prophet of the “era of Why is it in our orphaned generation that we address the

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topic of who is a prophet and to halacha, believe in everything With these prophecies of make this into a big deal? he says, especially things which the Geula, the Rebbe took upon Because in our generation the Rebbe himself says are “the himself a heavy responsibility, prophecy is available more than d’var Hashem through His to publicize to the world via in all the generations after the servants the prophets.” all means of communication, churban and as the Rambam What more do we need than to “prepare for the coming himself writes in his Igeres what the Rebbe himself said in of Moshiach.” Only someone Teiman, “There is no doubt a rare testimony which he gave who has ruach ha’kodesh and that the return of prophecy is when he publicly addressed received a prophecy from G-d a prelude to Moshiach.” In the Chassidim on Shabbos, can give orders about publicizing addition to what we said that Parshas Shoftim 5751, twenty- something as lofty as this. prophecy did not cease in earlier five years ago, that our Rebbeim It is clear to all that the Rebbe generations, in our generation are prophets and through them, would not exaggerate. If he asked actual prophecy has returned prophecy returned to the Jewish that the Geula be publicized, and and this itself is evidence of the people. Then he said, most said Moshiach is coming, he took hisgalus of Moshiach. uncharacteristically, because the full weighty responsibility Even if we were to accept he never spoke about himself, for saying that this is about the that there is a prophet in our that also in this generation he actual hisgalus of Moshiach. generation, who is to say who it himself, the Nasi Ha’dor, says, In light of all this, what do is? “hinei hinei ba’ah ha’Geula,” we need to do? The Rambam gives clear and we are at the threshold of Those who remember that guidelines (in Hilchos Yesodei Geula and immediately we will period of time know that the Ha’Torah) about who is a real have the hisgalus of Moshiach Rebbe’s pronouncement was prophet. The main rule is if you Tzidkeinu. This is in the category warmly received by millions of see that what he says is true, that of “the word of G-d through His our brethren. Not only that but he spoke about the future and it servants, the prophets,” and this even the non-Jews spoke about came true. needs to be believed because we Moshiach’s coming as the Rebbe Therefore, when the Nasi believe they are the word of G-d himself said to the reporter from Ha’dor announces that he is which He said to the prophet, CNN who came to ask what is the saying a prophecy that “the time and that it will definitely come Rebbe’s message for the world. for the redemption has arrived,” true. The Rebbe said, “Moshiach is and “hinei hinei Moshiach ba,” Furthermore, the very same ready to come now,” and that believing in what he says is week that the Rebbe said this, a we have to prepare by adding in binding according to Torah which shocking thing happened which goodness and kindness. says, “it is a mitzva to listen to served to emphasize that the There is no reason to wait. what the prophet says.” This is a Rebbe is the Navi Ha’dor. I’m We need to continue making a tremendous thing that we saw by talking about the attempted coup commotion in the world about the Rebbe throughout the years, in Russia by the communists. the Nasi Ha’dor, who shepherds that for decades, everything The Western world panicked the Jewish people throughout he said was said with ruach as did the shluchim who had the world with endless love, who ha’kodesh and came to pass. started working with Jews in has the signs of Moshiach, who Even things that were surprising the former Soviet Union. They is Melech HaMoshiach, and at the time they were said. With sent a question to the Rebbe whoever wants and yearns for the time, people saw that it was all about whether to leave or stay, Geula should cleave to him and fulfilled. should they cancel the camps for submit to him and listen to his Nearly every one of us, children they had set up or not. prophecies, and do all that he can Chabad Chassidim, can say that The Rebbe told them to carry on so that every Jew obeys him. By he saw the fulfillment of the as usual and not to be frightened. doing this, we hasten his hisgalus Rebbe’s prophecy personally, Although all the Western as the king who restores the aside from the prophecies for the intelligence agencies did not malchus of Dovid and builds the Jewish people as a whole. Since know what would be, the Rebbe Mikdash and gathers the Jewish the Rebbe’s prophecies are not in was the only one in the world people. doubt to us, we must, according who said to carry on as usual. This was prophetic!

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1042_bm_eng.indd 20 2016-10-31 9:46:07 PM SURPRISING SURVEY: WHAT DO PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF THE GEULA? כותרת תרשים

1 2 3 Did you hear that the Lubavitcher Rebbe said a ot long ago, in honor of 20% the twenty fifth anniversary prophecy? of the Rebbe’s sicha about 517 people, or 57%, said no. 58% prophecy, we asked a media 22% 196 people, or 22%, said I heard something but I Npolling group to conduct a survey don’t know details. among religious Jews in Eretz Yisroel. It 177, or 20%, said yes, I heard about the Rebbe’s כותרת תרשים

was a phone survey in which questions 1 2 3 prophecy that Moshiach is coming. were asked about prophecy. An amazing Does knowing that the Lubavitcher Rebbe said 42% had heard about the Rebbe’s 30% as a prophecy that Moshiach is coming, increase prophecy in a general sense, but only 39% your anticipation of Moshiach’s coming? 20% knew that the Rebbe prophesied 267 people, or 30%, said they don’t know. about the coming of Moshiach. 31% 31% 274 people, or 31%, said yes. כותרת תרשים of respondents said this information inspired their anticipation of Moshiach’s 1 2 3 4 347 people, or 39%, said no difference. coming. * Also, how many of those 10% Do you have a connection to Chabad? 392 people, or 44%, said no. asked, who categorized themselves as 21% 44% connected to Chabad and the Rebbe’s 228 people, or 25%, said I heard of Chabad but I shluchim, heard about the prophecy? have no personal connection. When you want to get information 25% 185 people, or 21%, said they occasionally and draw conclusions about a encounter Chabad’s work. כותרת תרשים

certain demographic, there are two 1 2 3 4 89 people, or 10%, said they are close to Chabad.

options. You can try to reach that 3%4% How do you categorize yourself? entire population or survey a sample 39 people, or 4%, said traditional. through polling. Trying to poll an 37% 312 people, or 35%, said religious-Zionist. entire demographic is prohibitively 56% 478 people, or 54%, said chareidi. expensive, and generally a sampling 28 people, or 3%, said not religious. is used. Naturally, when taking a sample, the accuracy is somewhat less, but you get a general idea about From the polling analysis it turns out that only 44% out of the public opinion. 56% who categorize themselves as mekuravim or aware of Chabad’s These sample polls are generally work in Eretz Yisroel, were exposed to the Besuras Ha’Geula. conducted through surveys among The survey provided surprising responses which ought to 500 to 1000 people. Our survey had make every Chassid to whom the Rebbe’s words are dear make 897 men and women responding to a cheshbon nefesh. Let us strengthen and arouse ourselves in the complete survey. spreading the Besuras Ha’Geula that “hinei, hinei Moshiach ba.”

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DINNER WITH ANDRE

On the 26th of Tammuz, Mr. Andre (Mordechai) Hajdu, one of the world’s leading composers, a man who lived and breathed music, passed away at the age of eighty-four. His familiarity with and knowledge of old Chabad melodies began shortly after his emigration to Eretz Yisroel, when he heard the Alter Rebbe’s Niggun “Arba Bavos” for the first time. The life story of a conductor who was privileged to direct some of the greatest performances of Chabad music.

By Nosson Avraham Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry Photos by Tomer Appelbaum

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1042_bm_eng.indd 22 2016-10-31 9:46:10 PM the Chabad niggun project, known FROM GYPSY SONGS by its acronym: “Nicho’ach.” TO (L’HAVDIL) CHABAD “The mashpia, R’ Mendel NIGGUNIM Futerfas, especially loved this niggun and he would sing it at Andre, or by his Jewish every farbrengen,” recalled Rabbi name ‘Mordechai,’ a Holocaust Aharon Halperin from Kfar survivor, was born in 5692 in Chabad. Hungary to a secular Jewish Hajdu’s connection to family and studied music in Chabad began the year before Budapest. In those days, no one the Six Day War, when he arrived dreamed that this little boy who in Eretz Yisroel and developed was raised in a home totally a close bond with the Chassidic detached from Torah and mitzvah musician Rabbi Yosef Marton. observance would eventually Together they worked on the become a musician who Nicho’ach albums. Rabbi Marton passionately revived authentic sang while Hajdu played the Jewish melody. Hajdu started piano. Hajdu ‘caught the bug,’ taking piano lessons when he and even though he created and was twelve, and shortly after he produced various kinds of music, learned how to play, he began his heart was always drawn after writing his own music. By the Chabad melodies. age of fourteen, he was already a well-known musician and had Over a period of several years written an opera that received Hajdu performed at the Chabad high critical acclaim. evenings held on kibbutzim. Later, he even founded the In 5716, he moved with ‘Kulmus Ha’nefesh’ musical his mother to Paris, where he ensemble at a Chabad ‘Heichal continued his studies with two Ha’negina’ performance. His prominent composers – Darius great love and affection for Milhaud and Olivier Messiaen. Chabad melodies could take His father, Moshe, ran a branch expression at any time. At of a large store in Hungary, and his mother, Sara, was a pianist ot many Chabad virtually every performance and media interview he would and the owner of a photography chassidim know studio. “The assimilation was so that one of the most mention the depth of Chabad music. great that I didn’t think that there prominent niggunim in was a ‘Jewish People’,” Hajdu Nthe Nicho’ach (Niggunei Chassidei Andre Hajdu was one of recalled in describing the days the most prominent musicians Chabad) album collection is of his youth in Hungary. “While in Eretz Yisroel over the past called ‘Hajdu.’ The niggun opens I knew that I was a member several decades. He left behind with this word, repeating itself of the religion of Moshe, the numerous musical research over and over again, as a sign of only practical expression of this projects, along with many appreciation for the devoted work fact was the persecution that students who themselves have of Mordechai (Andre) Hajdu, who we suffered from our Gentile become well-known musical passed away on the twenty-sixth neighbors.” of Tammuz. He was privileged performers. He was a prolific During a lengthy spiritual to be an accompanist, a musical composer and his works also journey searching for his heritage arranger, and even a composer of include numerous arrangements and arousing his intellectual dozens of Chassidic melodies in of Jewish music.

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curiosity, Andre slowly developed with a line of thinking similar to interest in Talmud, an interest a stronger relationship with my own, although they already that merely grew and intensified. traditional Judaism, a process had a clear Jewish identity. Until I felt that intellectual correctness that only reached its culmination then, I had never spoken about demanded that I learn Gemara. I after his immigration to Eretz Jewish matters even with my went to a night school in France Yisroel. “I knew nothing about Jewish friends and we had never where they taught Gemara Jewish music at the time,” he formulated anything regarding and Rashi – and I felt that I recalled several years ago in this identity of ours.” was getting closer to my roots. an extensive interview he gave He had already passed the Keeping mitzvos and davening to a reporter with the ‘De’ot’ first stage along his journey only came later.” magazine. back to his roots, however, the After immigrating to “One day, at a village truly significant encounter that Eretz Yisroel, he settled in along the border, I met some brought about a meaningful Yerushalayim. Three years later, wandering gypsies. I recorded change in his life was when he met his wife Rut, and the two some of their melodies and then he became familiar with the married and moved to the Holy brought them to my teacher, theoretical and contemplative City. Later, in his interview with Zoltán Kodály, for him to hear side to traditional Judaism. This the ‘De’ot’ magazine, he said that the main factor behind the “This niggun contains a great deal of the Alter decision to make aliya was his return to Jewish tradition. Rebbe’s ideological devotion, such that the “I knew Chabad chassidim in audience and the performers realize that it’s best not to Eretz Yisroel and I was invited  to . A month after tinker with it.” making aliya, I was making the rounds among the yeshivos and decided to record niggunim and give his opinion. It turned began during an exhilarating first and the sounds of Torah study out that virtually no one had dealt acquaintance with the world of even before my Hebrew was with the subject until then, and Torah study. At the time, he was all that good. My immigrant I became a researcher of gypsy working with a crew on a French absorption came through music music in Hungary. In hindsight, motion picture production as and culture. Together with I now realize that my choice of the composer of the film’s score. my research, I began working gypsies was a very meaningful The film’s Jewish screenwriter on various arrangements of one: Why would a Jewish boy was then in the midst of his own Chassidic niggunim and more who went through the Holocaust kiruv process, and during his original personal projects, such choose to study gypsy music? free time he would read from a as a combination of music and There is something to this: the small booklet. Hajdu inquired Talmud.” need to deal with a scattered as to what this religious Jew was and separate people, matters of reading so intently. ANDRE PARTICIPATING authenticity and assimilation that “I’m learning Mishnayos IN CHABAD MUSICAL were very relevant to gypsies as from Tractate Bava Kamma,” well.” the writer replied as he started PRODUCTIONS After he arrived in France, he reading to him: [There are] four A few months after his continued his research of gypsy categories of damages: the ox, the immigration to Eretz Yisroel, music. However, he had a hard pit, the grazer, and the fire. The Andre Hajdu had already begun time finding his place among cadence of these ancient words a collaboration with the well- the millions of foreigners and captivated Hajdu, representing known Chassidic musician, émigrés, as he was searching “the final blow” leading him to Rabbi Yosef Marton, and a for his essence and some inner search for his inner world along warm friendship soon developed depth in his life. “Underneath the the path of our holy forefathers. between the two. It turns out surface, my Jewish identity was Slowly but surely, he returned that even before Hajdu arrived slowly coming through. I found to his Jewish roots and proudly in the country, Rabbi Marton work in Tunis as a conservatory became observant in Torah and had received a letter from a teacher, where I met some people mitzvos. “I started taking an friend who was then serving

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1042_bm_eng.indd 24 2016-10-31 9:46:12 PM as a representative with the Jewish Agency in France. In this correspondence, the friend told Rabbi Marton about a young gifted Jewish musician who was planning to visit Eretz Yisroel and was also considering the possibility of making aliya. He asked him to welcome and host this young man, helping him to become familiar with the Holy Land. Within a month after his arrival in Eretz Yisroel, Rabbi Marton had invited him to spend Shabbos in Kfar Chabad at the home of the Chassidic Vocalist Rabbi Shneur Zalman Levin, of blessed memory. “I got quite a shock,” Hajdu recalled. “The Kfar and its residents made a powerful impression upon me. This was perhaps due to the fact that just fifteen miles from I had found a village As a result of this visit, Hajdu devotion, such that the audience strikingly similar to those I began to participate in the and the performers realize that remembered from Hungary arrangement and production of it’s best not to tinker with it.” – without normal roads, etc. hundreds of . Hajdu then added: “People who The sight of what appeared to Hajdu himself worked with are not Chabad chassidim get be Jewish peasant farmers was Chabad vocalists such as an impression and an idea of quite astonishing. I participated Nicho’ach founder Rabbi Chabad through this niggun.” in farbrengens, as everyone said Shmuel Zalmanov, R’ Zalman Hajdu felt inspired and L’chaim and sang what I later Bronstein, and R’ Zalman Levin. he immediately decided to learned was ‘The Niggun of As a composer, Hajdu took take part in the production of Arba Bavos.’ The melody was various niggunim, and on their Chabad music to make it more something most unique.” basis, he wrote very impressive appealing to “the masses.” He Hajdu’s connection with musical compositions. His quickly became an integral part Chabad niggunim was deep, album ‘Shirim Min HaG’niza’ is of “Chabad evening” activities. and it began as soon as he based on ‘Tzama Lecha Nafshi’, He accompanied the Chassidim heard a niggun for the first the ‘Poltava Niggun’, and ‘The in their singing when they made time. His sharp professional Shalosh Bavos.’ performances, large and small. sense in all things musical led However, if there was one The crown jewel was running him to the understanding that niggun that Andre feared, the musical side of Vols. 6-10 this was a form of music with using his own words, it was the of the Nicho’ach Chabad foundations in the highest ‘Niggun of Arba Bavos.’ “I was recording series. Volumes 9 and peaks of holiness. “The unique afraid to make an adaption of this 10 were none other than a well mode of Chassidic singing at niggun. Even in the framework done Chabad evening with the farbrengens has remained with of the ‘Kulmus Ha’nefesh’ band chassidim R’ Itchke Gansburg me always. Suddenly, there that I established some years and R’ Amram Blau. Rabbi Yosef was opened before me a new ago, we sing it straight, without Marton conducted the choir and rich world of hundreds of revisions or other techniques that and leading the orchestra was Chassidic melodies, each one I use in other niggunim. This Mordechai Hajdu. Rabbi Marton with a name, an explanation, and niggun contains a great deal of tells often that during the height a documented history.” the Alter Rebbe’s ideological of various d’veikus niggunim,

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something quite amazing would Hajdu would never raise such a profound sense of faith in the happen on the stage: The a question. Hajdu referred spirit of Chabad, getting deep Chassidim would close their eyes extensively to Chabad niggunim into the Chabad world. This is and be swept up into the higher in the lectures and courses he an authentic world where we realms. Meanwhile, the orchestra gave before young students at Tel feel how it maintains a certain wasn’t able to continue. Only Aviv and Bar Ilan Universities. musical style, a way of life, one person managed to restore Through his teaching, he founded and a most original musical order: Andre Hajdu. With his a band with students who were heritage. We could have chosen skilled fingers, he would ‘go also enthralled with Chabad another brand of Chassidism, after’ the chassid, closing his eyes niggunim, and produced dozens something a bit closer to today’s as well, traveling with him into of joint compositions. So was experience. However, when we the spiritual worlds... In another born the “Kulmus Ha’nefesh” started working with Chabad, example among many, in the Ensemble. we immediately felt the depth of niggun ‘Der Duddlele,’ you can With a captivating smile, Chabad music. This authenticity hear the unforgettable chassid he recalls the group’s birth is not a common thing in the R’ Binyomin Levin singing at an and its hundreds of riveting music sold today under the unusual tempo with Andre Hajdu performances before large heading ‘Chassidic music.’ Most accompanying him on the piano. audiences. “One day, I of these albums miss the intensity The chassidic soul simply comes introduced the niggun of Chabad music, concentrating pouring out of the recording even ‘HaNeshama Yoredes L’Toch on the ‘schmaltz’ instead. decades later. Ha’guf,’ and from then on, “On the other hand, there is From the very outset, Rabbi everything began to develop,” he a tremendous innovation in our Marton and Andre Hajdu became said. “We heard more niggunim work on these niggunim. First of close friends with all their heart and the band members connected all, the theatre and narrative that and soul. Once in an interview, to them in a very profound way. we put into the niggunim. We also Rabbi Marton a”h called his Then, the idea arose to put wrote a story that we read during friend Andre “Rabbi Mordechai together a whole performance. the performance, and between Hajdu,” adding that “just as he is Each of the players took the niggunim, the audience hears a man of music, he is also a man responsibility for one niggun, the words of the Alter Rebbe on of Torah and piety.” and afterwards we all went over the Kabbalistic meaning behind the niggun together and the the niggun or the voice of Rabbi ‘THE QUILL OF THE SOUL’ arrangement was completed.” Zalmanov on a recording. We SPREADING CONCEPTS OF The “Kulmus Ha’nefesh” don’t just sing and play music; Ensemble was comprised of we also try to communicate the CHABAD TEACHINGS five musicians, a young master Chabad Chassidic experience.” In recent years, together with of ceremonies, and a white- his students, Hajdu founded bearded conductor wearing a A FARBRENGEN the “Kulmus Ha’nefesh” (Quill large yarmulke. The musicians IN THE RIGHT PLACE of the Soul) Ensemble – a full would stand together on the performance devoted completely stage at the Khan The warmth of Chassidus to Chabad niggunim, essentially Theatre or other musical festivals didn’t just have an effect upon revealing the world of Chabad held throughout Eretz Yisroel Hajdu, it also influenced his music to a brand new audience. enthralling audiences numbering father during the later stages of Together with performing in in the hundreds, most of whom his life. The spark was ignited every possible location, he were not Torah observant, for during a farbrengen on Purim speaks with great yearning and an hour of original Chabad 5731, when Hajdu came with his longing about the group of niggunim from generations past, father (who had come for a visit Chassidim who illuminated his with a never before heard musical to Eretz Yisroel from Hungary) world and introduced him to arrangement. to Kfar Chabad at the invitation the matchlessness of Chabad On the subject of the complex of his friend, Rabbi Yosef Marton, niggunim. work on niggunim with “Kulmus as Rabbi Aharon Halperin How did this musical Ha’nefesh”, Hajdu recalls: recalls. “At first, Rabbi Marton development take form? It turns “On the one hand, ‘Kulmus considered bringing them to a out that anyone who knows Ha’nefesh’ was created out of farbrengen at the home of the

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1042_bm_eng.indd 26 2016-10-31 9:46:13 PM mashpia, Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Kesselman. However, he didn’t know that Rabbi Kesselman had not been feeling well at the time. “When he realized that there would be no farbrengen at the Kesselman home, he asked me what I should do. I suggested that he bring them to a farbrengen taking place at our house. He followed my advice, and they came to us and enjoyed themselves very much. It goes without saying that a Purim farbrengen is something unique – the mashke flowed like water and the atmosphere was very warm. “Hajdu’s father, Moshe, was already in his eighties at the time. He sat with us at the farbrengen saying L’chaim after L’chaim and enjoying the atmosphere immensely. I remember that “The Quill of the Soul” band. Photo by Roger Ichai. he was very impressed by the Rebbe’s picture hanging in our living room. At a certain point I According to his friends and calendar with the members of suggested that he put on t’fillin acquaintances, Hajdu himself the “Kulmus Ha’nefesh” band, and he happily agreed. When he didn’t attach any importance singing together with great fervor asked where he could put them to his musical achievements, and devotion. He always spoke on, I suggested that he go into conducting himself with with much appreciation for the side room, which he did. As great humility. A member of Chabad music, particularly for he rolled up his sleeve and put Yerushalayim’s Givat Mordechai Chassidim and people of action the t’fillin on, his eyes filled with neighborhood recalls: “Professor whom he came to know and tears. Andre Hajdu – a righteous and later gave him valuable guidance upright man, who always did the along the path to greater Torah “When he finished he told me right thing. A sublime teacher, observance. At one recent that he hadn’t put on t’fillin for composer, and musician. He had farbrengen in Kfar Chabad he many years. He didn’t like going an exceptional personality. His performed together with his band into the in Hungary musical activities were abundant and the musicians tremendously due to its cold atmosphere. Now, and greatly respected, heard in enjoyed the direct contact with during a visit to Eretz Yisroel, he every country. Chabad Chassidim. was encountering a different kind of Judaism – something loving “He would be in shuls and Andre Hajdu was eighty- and joyous, as he remembered battei midrash, mornings and four years old at the time of his from his childhood before evenings, for prayer services and passing, leaving behind a wife and the Second World War. The Torah classes. He would often six children. His legacy includes chassidic warmth he discovered go to the of different his musical compositions, his at the farbrengen in our home ethnic groups, especially the musical research projects, had melted his heart. He then Yemenite shul in Yerushalayim’s along with many students who made a resolution that he would Givat Mordechai neighborhood.” themselves have become well- put on t’fillin every weekday, and During the last decade, Hajdu known musical performers. so he did even after he returned would regularly participate There can be no doubt that the to Hungary until his passing a in Chassidic farbrengens on world of Chabad music owes him year later.” auspicious days of the Chabad a great debt of gratitude.

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1042_bm_eng.indd 27 2016-10-31 9:46:13 PM HALACHA 2 GO WIRETAPPING IN JEWISH LAW

Selected Halachos from the “One Minute Halacha” project

By HaRav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, Shlita, Mara D’asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights

BUYING AND SELLING is mitigated since the sale is for process exists for Shabbos and (ALIYOS) ON SHABBOS a mitzvah that will pass by the Yom Tov. time Shabbos is over, and its The time-honored auctions It is a minhag (custom) to sell proceeds are used for tzorchei that take place on Simchas the various kibbudim (honors) rabbim (communal needs). Torah—the day we make a siyum and aliyos (being called up to (There are dispensations which (celebration of conclusion) of the the Torah)—even the right legitimately permit other—but yearly cycle of Torah readings to pay for maintenance and lesser—Shabbos restrictions and dance with the Torah (and on utilities—to the congregants of when associated with a mitzvah Shabbos B’Reishis as well, when a shul. In many shuls this takes or to benefit the community.) we celebrate the beginning of the form of an auction, with However, poskim are not the new cycle)—are sanctioned bidders vying for the privilege satisfied with this approach and by poskim; there is extra of buying these mitzvos. When offer justification only b’dochek dispensation for this minhag executed properly, the bidding (with difficulty): since there is that celebrates preeminent kavod can foster many positive results: no physical transaction with a ha’Torah. it prevents machlokes (disputes) mitzvah auction—the honor * Ostensibly, this stipulation as to who receives the honors, the buyer receives is intangible. can be fulfilled without yerei supports the shul financially, and Indeed, these auctions are the Shamayim overextending also promotes kavod ha’Torah common custom. themselves: they can cap an (respect for the Torah) indicating But many authorities urge amount they wish to donate to that mitzvos are valuable and not a yarei Shamayim (person with the shul and utilize the pledge to dispensed freely. true fear of Heaven) to view join the bidding many times over Since these auctions generally any bids as a pledge to tz’daka until they win! take place on Shabbos and Yom (charity), to be fulfilled even Tov, the question must be asked: if the corresponding kibbud is IS WIRETAP EVIDENCE how is it permissible to disregard won by a higher bidder.* In this the issur d’Rabbanan (Rabbinic way, it is similar to the case of ADMISSIBLE IN BEIS DIN? restriction) of mekach u’mimkar a Mi Sh’Beirach—a blessing for Spying on another person’s (buying and selling)? health or success— where the activities is termed hezek re’iyah Some suggest that perhaps beneficiary pledges money to (damage through watching, see the issur of mekach u’mimkar tz’daka; a dispensation for this Halacha #374) and is considered

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1042_bm_eng.indd 28 2016-10-31 9:46:13 PM a violation of their privacy. There In an age of phone-tapping, room-bugging and is no corresponding aspect of hezek shemiah (damage through other—even innocuous—surveillance systems, a eavesdropping) discussed in person has no way of protecting themselves from being Chazal—and one of the reasons is  that a person could prevent such overheard when sharing confidences. personal invasion by modulating private conversations. However, in an age of phone-tapping, room-bugging and other— be obtained in special cases— identity) and not a siman muvhak even innocuous—surveillance insofar as it is legal. (conclusive indicator of identity); systems, a person has no way May Beis Din utilize recorded since it is not overwhelming of protecting themselves from tapes obtained through such proof, it is inadmissible as being overheard when sharing surveillance systems (or wiretaps, evidence on its own, in most confidences. whether aboveboard or not) as cases. This applies even to a live Although halacha does testimony? However, evidence voice; it is especially so with a not expressly forbid obtaining was obtained, its acceptance by recording, which is susceptible to information by tapping or Beis Din relies on its credibility. tampering: imitation, editing or bugging another’s conversations, So how credible is surveillance splicing. these practices are certainly footage? Even when deemed restricted under the cherem The halachic status of the inadmissible as evidence in itself, d’Rabbeinu Gershom (ban surveillance can provide the th information culled from video enacted by [early 11 century or audio recordings is called Beis Din with the background authority] Rabbi Gershom of umdena d’muchach (obvious information which can be used Mainz) of opening another’s assessment [of facts]) which does to question the parties and correspondence; this ban includes not have the same halachic status witnesses involved in a case. all forms of breaching another’s as eidus (testimony). Another “One Minute Halacha” is a succinct privacy. If hidden surveillance factor relates to the status of a daily presentation on practical Halacha in apparatus is specifically needed person’s voice, called tevias ayin video, audio, and text formats, and can for the purpose of a mitzvah or d’kolah (detection by voice). be accessed by phone at 718.989.9599, for protection from personal However, it is only a siman by email, [email protected], or by loss, a heter (dispensation) can beinoni (mediocre indicator of WhatsApp 347.456.5665.

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1042_bm_eng.indd 29 2016-10-31 9:46:15 PM BIO/OBIT HUMBLE GENIUS, DEDICATED CHASSID

Throughout the years, recordings of the Rebbe’s sichos played in his house. But R’ Shlomo wasn’t satisfied with the recordings that he had and every time there was a broadcast of the Rebbe’s farbrengen, he would go with a hidden tape recorder and he would secretly record the broadcast. In the days that followed, you would see him bent over the tape, listening closely to the Rebbe’s voice.” * The life story of the Chassid, Rabbi Shlomo Galperin a”h, who was a tremendous gaon, was gifted with an exceptional ability to explain things, and was mekushar heart and soul to the Rebbe MH”M. * Presented as an introduction to several chapters of his memoirs.

By Shneur Zalman Berger

he Chassid R’ Shlomo many tragedies. R’ Shlomo’s two thin.” Galperin was born in sisters died after a severe illness. A short while after R’ Vitebsk in White Russia One was a year old and the other Chanoch Hendel was freed, in Av 5693/1933. His was two. In 5738, when Shlomo World War II broke out and parentsT were R’ Chanoch Hendel was only five, his father was the army drafted him. Shlomo (see sidebar about him) and Mrs. arrested after someone informed and his mother never saw him Chaya Perla. As a child he was on him that he was a shochet. again. His whereabouts remain taught the ways of Torah and For many months he suffered unknown; he never returned Chassidus and despite the danger in prison and as R’ Shlomo home. he applied himself to his studies. At himself related later, “When my After the Nazis invaded that early age his gifts were already father was freed, it was hard to Russia, they began bombing apparent. recognize him. He had lost much Leningrad nonstop. Thousands The Galperin family suffered weight and was frighteningly of residents were killed on the

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1042_bm_eng.indd 30 2016-10-31 9:46:15 PM streets. Hundreds of thousands The roshei yeshiva were very fled the city on overcrowded fond of him and tried to help trains. Shlomo and his mother him in light of his pathetic family were among those who escaped. situation. He was orphaned of his They were alone in the big, cruel father and his mother was sickly. world. Where they went was The mashpia, R’ Shlomo Chaim unimportant; the point was to Kesselman continuously gave flee the burning front. him support, like a father. When After an arduous journey R’ Shlomo married Edna Cohen which lasted weeks, the two in 5718, R’ Shlomo Chaim of them arrived in Tashkent in escorted him at the wedding Uzbekistan. They later found out and the mashpia, R’ Avrohom that many other Jews, including (Maiyor) Drizin farbrenged at Chabad Chassidim, had arrived length at his sheva brachos. there too. R’ Shlomo was considered a Despite the starvation that successful teacher since he taught prevailed, and despite the illnesses At his wedding with his own unique approach. and epidemics, the Chassidim Students of his say that what they set up chadarim and yeshivos celebration, in 1946, he reviewed learned with him decades ago still in Tashkent and Samarkand in a maamer Chassidus for three remains engraved in their minds which boys learned Nigleh and hours!” till this day. Chassidus. One of the chadarim At the end of the war, many R’ Moshe Levitin, mashpia in was in Mrs. Chaya Perla’s home of Anash flocked to the border Tomchei T’mimim in Lud and and her son Shlomo was one of city of Lvov from where it was one of his first talmidim, said: the children who learned there. possible to get over the border “R’ Shlomo began to teach at the The teacher was the Chassid, R’ with forged documents. Shlomo age of twenty. At first he taught Yisroel (Neveler) Levin. and his mother succeeded in the young children and then the The government persecution crossing into Poland and from older ones. He was gifted with was ongoing and this forced the there they went with other a fantastic ability to elucidate, talmidim to move around from Chassidim to a refugee camp in explaining the sugiyos vividly one place to the next. For this Poking, Germany. A Chassidishe and in detail. Because of his reason, the melamdim were also yeshiva was started there by unique approach, his students changed now and then. Shlomo Anash. Eventually, they left understood him clearly. Not learned by several melamdim Germany for France and from surprisingly, they remembered including the famous mashpia, there they went to Eretz Yisroel. the Gemaras they learned by him R’ Shlomo Chaim Kesselman, They were among the first settlers even years later.” R’ , and others. in Kfar Chabad. Many talmidim in the Among the talmidim who learned At first, R’ Shlomo did yeshiva asked to be in his class with him were: R’ Isaac Schwei, difficult farm work to support but sometimes he would reject R’ Sholom Feldman of Kfar his mother and himself. After a talmidim. One of these was R’ Chabad, and R’ Gershon Mendel few years he moved to Lud and Saadia Matuf: “I wanted to learn Garelik, shliach in Italy. a new period in his life began. in his class since he was known R’ Saadia Matuf related what The roshei yeshiva in Tomchei for his special gift of explanation, he heard from R’ Shlomo: “At T’mimim in Lud discovered his but unfortunately I was not that time, we sometimes had just talents and appointed him as a accepted. He was a unique one daf of Gemara from which teacher of young students. He personality who amazed everyone we all learned again and again.” devoted himself to this work and with his prodigious memory. I R’ Reuven Galperin tells of R’ began teaching them Gemara remember it happening more Shlomo’s phenomenal abilities: and mefarshim, using his than once that on Shabbos it “From a young age he learned superior powers of explanation. turned out that nobody had of Chassidus by heart. R’ Munia Shneur, a teacher in been asked to review a maamer He was gifted with a prodigious the yeshiva for decades, said, “R’ and he volunteered to do so. I memory and at his bar mitzva Shlomo Galperin was known as a saw him sit and open a volume superlative teacher.” of maamarim and learn the

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to mivtzaim. He put t’fillin on REB HENDEL GALPERIN with soldiers and spoke to them R’ Shlomo’s father was the Chassid, R’ Chanoch Hendel, from the town about Jewish matters. He put Pleshnitz in White Russia. He was a famous oved. He learned in Tomchei all his energy into developing T’mimim in Lubavitch and then wandered with his friends from city to city the military shul; he took care because of government persecution. Despite this intolerable situation he of siddurim and yarmulkes and and his friends continued to learn diligently. he convinced soldiers to go and We learn about his tremendous Ahavas Yisroel from this story of R’ daven in shul. Michoel Yehuda Leib Cohen: His family and friends “When I came to yeshiva, there were no beds. They slept on tables and describe him as mekushar on benches. By the time I arrived, all the tables and benches were already heart and soul to the Rebbe. taken by other talmidim. Being a guest, Hendel Galperin honored me by His daughter, Mrs. Chana giving me his place on the table, and apparently he said the bedtime Shma , said, “Throughout all night instead of sleeping.” the years, recordings of the At some point he ended up in Rostov where the Rebbe Rayatz was. At Rebbe’s sichos played in our the end of the winter 5684, the yeshiva had to leave Rostov but the Rebbe house as well as the niggunim told the group of T’mimim, including R’ Chanoch, to remain in Rostov in the Rebbe sang. But Abba wasn’t order to learn sh’chita from the Chassid, R’ Shammai Vigan, may Hashem satisfied with the recordings avenge his death. R’ Chanoch began studying sh’chita, a vocation for which that he had and every time he was later arrested and suffered greatly. there was a broadcast of the Rebbe’s farbrengen, he would As mentioned, at the beginning of World War II he was drafted into the go with a hidden tape recorder Red Army and was listed as missing in action. and he would secretly record the broadcast. In the days that “From a young age he learned maamarim followed, you would see him bent over the tape, listening intently to of Chassidus by heart. He was gifted with a the Rebbe’s voice.” prodigious memory and at his bar mitzva celebration, in Why did he hide the tape?  “My father was very modest 1946, he reviewed a maamer Chassidus for three hours!” and he did not like to stand out. “My father was active in the Rebbe’s inyanim. He gathered maamer for about an hour, and talmid not understanding him. children from the street and then the review to the talmidim He also dissected things down taught them Torah (in the would also take an entire hour. to the smallest details and left framework of Chadrei Torah From this I concluded that he nothing that was not understood. ). He put up the first central read the maamer one time and When he reviewed sichos of the sukka near the Lud municipality he remembered it instantly. He Rebbe in shul before Anash, it and throughout Chol HaMoed would say maamarim slowly was delightful hearing how he he would stand for hours in the and with great enthusiasm. The dissected every point the Rebbe sukka and would help passersby feeling among the listeners was made. Despite his genius and do the mitzva of dalet minim.” that he wasn’t simply reviewing unusual memory, he was not His son-in-law, R’ Zev the maamer but was actually at all arrogant. He conducted Ritterman, noted that during the learning it out loud.” himself humbly.” Camp David Accords his father- R’ Nachum Kaplan, who *** in-law published a booklet about served as a teacher in the yeshiva After twenty years of the serious prohibition in giving at the time, said, “R’ Shlomo had teaching, he left his position in parts of Eretz Yisroel away to an outstanding ability to explain yeshiva and began working as a our enemies, but in his modesty, things. He knew how to bring civilian in the army in the kashrus he did not put his name on it. complicated sugiyos down to department. He worked in the The booklet was called, “Do not the level of the young talmidim IDF camp in Tzrifin. He did not stand by your fellow’s blood,” so that they could all understand suffice with his regular work and and many copies were distributed it. There was no such thing as a would devote every free moment and sent to senior people in the

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1042_bm_eng.indd 32 2016-10-31 9:46:16 PM political arena. “One morning, my father- in-law gave me a bunch of these booklets and asked me to put them in the kollel in Lud. ‘If they ask you who wrote it, don’t answer,’ he told me. That’s the way he was, modest and humble.” *** You would always see him sitting and learning. At night too he would sit and learn until late. In later years he mainly learned Toras Shmuel, maamarim of the Rebbe Maharash. In his later years he was sick and very weak. His wife took care of him with tremendous devotion. He lived his final two years in Kiryat Malachi where he Adar 5733, with talmidim in Torah Ohr learned with R’ Efraim Halperin. R’ Halperin discovered how knowledgeable he was, “Due to his sickness he could not see and I would read the Chumash and Rambam and sometimes, as we learned, he would continue reciting the halacha in Rambam that I had begun to read.” He suffered greatly, physically and emotionally, since he could not learn as he was used to, but despite this he made mighty efforts to learn more and more. Although he suffered greatly all his life, he was always cheerful. Even during his difficult illness, he did not complain. He passed away on 6 Adar 5761, and was survived by children and grandchildren, all Chassidim and yerei Shamayim: R’ Chanoch Hendel – Chicago, R’ Zalman Yaakov – Montreal, Mivtza Lulav in a sukka which he set up in the center of Lud Chaya Perla Ritterman – Nachalat Har Chabad, Chana Schneersohn – Kfar Chabad. passing he sent a booklet to over the Chassidic glory days He left many manuscripts Beis Moshiach with stories and of a past that will be no more. with chiddushei Torah in Nigleh, memories. These memoirs are He spices his stories with divrei Chassidus and Kabbala which written with a strong sense of Torah and Agada and they are full show what a genius he was. yearning. In his writing it is of Chassidishe chayus and moral A few months before his obvious that he waxed nostalgic lessons.

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1042_bm_eng.indd 33 2016-10-31 9:46:16 PM FROM TAV TILL ALEF By Yechiel Sofer

his way to school. At the The weather matched and got out of bed with a sour crossroads, before Klein’s Simcha’s mood. That morning face. “Cheshvan,” he mumbled grocery, a wet cat toppled a the weather required gloves, a to himself in annoyance. “Why tower of empty boxes. Simcha scarf, boots and a warm coat. did Tishrei have to end? Why?” thought that perhaps the cat’s The clouds were thick and gray Simcha was unable to hear screech was better background and large drops of rain began his own answer since his train “music” for his mood. to fall on the empty street. of thought was interrupted The entrance to the school Simcha turned over once by a happy tune. Yael, his big was already almost empty of again under his blanket and sister, was playing a Geula song students and Simcha, who ran looked at the large clock from the Oro shel Moshiach breathlessly to class, entered eagerly. Maybe, maybe the choir. He tried to ignore the one minute before the teacher. little hand would move back bouncy tune and get back to While the class started singing a little and give him another his gloomy thoughts. After a Yechi before davening, Simcha hour of sleep. But to his few attempts he gave up. The slid into his seat at the side of dismay, the little hand insisted dance tune penetrated his the classroom and mumbled on remaining where it was. thoughts mercilessly. The last the words. Blue on yellow it showed thing he wanted now was to that the time was 7:15. That hear music and certainly not For some reason, maybe meant he had to get up. something so upbeat. because the new semester was starting, the davening Simcha did not even have He plodded heavily in the was more festive than usual. the strength to get dressed, direction of the sound system Gloomy Simcha counted at certainly not for all the other and pulled the plug out of the least six, if not seven, different tasks that needed to be done socket. It was suddenly silent. songs during the davening. He on a typical morning. He had Simcha did not wait for Yael’s felt put upon. He was not at no desire whatsoever to go to reaction. He went back to his all in the mood for this. school. After a vacation full room, took his briefcase, and of holidays and interesting walked out the door without During the first lesson,

experiences, going back to greeting anyone. Behind the Simcha’s mind was elsewhere. school seemed like the most door that closed behind him he He began thinking about the disappointing thing in the heard Yael say something he t’fillos of Yom Kippur in shul. world. couldn’t make out, something He went on to think about Sukkos, Chol HaMoed, Simchas Simcha gave a final sigh, in connection with his normalcy that morning. Torah, and all of Tishrei which got out from under his had been so interesting. blanket, washed negel vasser, The rain got stronger on

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