בס“ד 5773/2013 SPECIAL DAYS IN SIVAN Volume 23, Issue 3

Sivan 1/May 10/Friday

Rosh Chodesh Sivan We don't say Tachnun the first twelve days of Sivan, because the first is , followed by Yom HaMeyuchas, Sheloshes Yimei Hagbalah, Erev Shavuos, Isru Chag, and Sheva Yimei Tashlumin, the seven days allowed for bringing the Shavuos Korbanos.

(Alter Rebbe's Sidur, Alter Rebbe's 494:20)

" . . . Obviously the main preparation for Matan Torah is through studying Torah. Particularly, the laws of the holiday, including and especially, those parts of Torah that explain the greatness of Matan Torah, through which is added the desire to receive the Torah. Whether in Nigleh, for instance, the Sugya of Matan Torah in Maseches Shabbos (86a) and Shnas Homosayim Shnas Maamarim about Matan Torah in Chasidus.

– More specifically, from Rosh Chodesh on, to make sure everyone has the spiritual needs for learn the Maamar 'BaChodesh HaShelishi' in the holiday, especially the appropriate Torah Or, ParshasYisro. This Maamar is preparation for the holiday." (Sichah, Shabbos accessible to everyone, men, women, and Mevarchim Sivan, 5748) children, at their level. The Jewish People camped at Har Sinai as one As far as others, just as we need to make sure person, with one heart, 2448 [1313 BCE]. everyone has the physical needs of the holiday, (Shemos 19:1, Rashi) food and drink on a broad scale, so we must

Shavuos Laws and Customs TZCHOK CHABAD OF HANCOCK PARKTuesday Night ~ Thursday / May 14-16

We don’t say Tachnun from the first of Sivan night, so that the forty-nine days of the through the twelfth: The first day is Rosh Omer will be complete. Ma’ariv begins with Chodesh, followed by Yom HaMeyuchas, Shir HaMa’alos. Shloshes Y’mei Hagbalah, Erev Shavuos, Sha- vuos, Isru Chag, and the seven days for On the first night of Shavuos it is customary bringing the Shavuos Korbanos. to stay up all night and say Tikun Leil Shavu- os, learn Torah and go to the Mikveh before On Erev Shavuos (this year Tuesday) we take dawn. If you’re up all night, wash Netilas haircuts (and trim our nails) in honor of Yadayim and say Birchos HaShachar. [Igros Yom Tov. Men go to the Mikveh. Kodesh of the Rebbe, 3:409]

At candle lighting we say the Brachos It isn’t our custom to read Akdamus Kriyas “L’hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov” and HaTorah in the Siddur.

“Shehechiyanu.”

Chabad Chodesh Sivan 5773 5773 Sivan Chodesh Chabad CONGREGATION LEVI YI

We daven Ma’ariv later than usual the first (Continued on page 5) Massacre of the of Worms, The Tzemach Tzedek became the Moshe Rabeinu was saved, drawn 4856 [1096], commemorated in the third Lubavitcher Rebbe [publicly], from the water, three months after his Kinah "Mi Yitein Roshi Mayim" by 5589 [1829]. birth, 2368 [1393 BCE]. (Sotah 12b) R. Kalonymus b. Yehudah, we say " . . . It was announced that on Tisha B’. the "Tzemach Tzedek", accepted the Yartzeit of our holy Master and leadership . . . and that in a few Teacher, Rabbi Yisroel b. Eliezer, Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Devorah minutes the Rebbe would come into the Baal Shem Tov, 5520 [1760]. Leah, daughter of the Mitteler Shul and say Chasidus . . . The He was sixty-one. Rebbe, wife of R. Yaakov Yisroel of Rebbe appeared dressed in white Czerkass, grandmother of R. clothes, that he had inherited from Yartzeit of R. Avrohom Mordechai Mordechai DovBer of Hornestiepel, the Alter Rebbe. He sat down at the Alter of Ger, author of Imrei Emes, 5636, [1876]. Bimah and began to say the Maamar, 5708 [1948]. "Al Shloshah Devarim HaOlam Sivan 2/May 11/Shabbos Omed" (Sichos, 5698, p.285) Sivan 7/May 16/Thursday Yom HaMeyuchas Second Day of Shavuos “...When people took haircuts on the Moshe Rabeinu ascended Har Sinai three days before Shavuos, my father Moshe Rabeinu went up to Har (Shemos 19:3). HaShem told the (the Rebbe Rashab) wasn’t pleased.” Sinai to receive the Luchos. (Shemos Jewish people, "You will be to me a [Hayom Yom, Sivan 3] 32:1, Rashi) treasure . . . a kingdom of Kohanim and a holy nation", (Shemos 19:5-6), Sivan 4/May 13/Monday Yartzeit of Dovid HaMelech, 2924 2448 [1313 BCE]. HaShem told the Jewish people to [837 BCE]. (Shabbos 30a, sanctify themselves for Matan Torah. Yerushalmi, Chagiga 2:3) (Likutei Yartzeit of R. Chaim Elazar Moshe Rabeinu wrote the Torah, Sichos Vol. 8, Shavuos, note 8) Shapira of Muncacz, Chasidic from Bereishis until the Aseres Rebbe and Halachic authority, author HaDibros. (Shemos 24:4, Rashi) Yartzeit of the Navi Hoshea ben of Minchas Elazar, 5697 [1937]. Beeri. "The Gaon, R. Chaim Elazar Sivan 5/May 14/Tuesday Shapira of Muncacz, author of Erev Shavuos The Mezeritcher Magid accepted Minchas Elazar, was extremely close The Jewish people made the the position of leader of the with the previous Lubavitcher commitment: "Naaseh V’Nishma", Chasidim, a year after the Baal Shem Rebbe . . . and met with him for "We will do, and we will listen". Tov's passing, 5521 [1761]. extended discussions, and they would (Shemos 24:7-8, Rashi) go for walks together . . . " (N’siei Sivan 8/May 17/Friday Chabad UBnei Doram) Moshe Rabeinu built a Mizbeach Isru Chag and twelve monuments for the twelve Sivan 3/May 12/Sunday tribes, at the foot of Har Sinai. " . . . On the day after Shavuos, it's First day of the Sh’loshes Yimei (Shemos 24:4, Rashi) forbidden to fast by law, [and not Hagbalah. HaShem told Moshe merely by custom], since in the time Rabeinu to have three days of Sivan 6/May 15/Wednesday of the Beis HaMikdash, it was the preparation for Matan Torah. First Day of Shavuos "Day of the Sacrificing," . . . they (Shemos 19:11, Rashi). would bring the Olos Reiyah HaShem gave the Torah, 2448 [Pilgrimage Korbanos], which they Moshe Rabeinu returned to Har Sinai [1313 BCE]. couldn't bring on Yom Tov itself: to report the public declaration of the " ... Shavuos is an opportune time to since they have no use for eating on Jewish people to accept the Torah achieve everything in improving Yom Tov we don't desecrate Yom (Shemos 19:8, Rashi). Torah study, and Avodah marked by Tov for them, since we can bring fear of HaShem, and to strive in them after Yom Tov, because Massacre of the Jews of Mayence, Teshuvah about Torah study, without Shavuos has seven days to make up 4856 [1096], commemorated in the interference from the accusing Satan, the Korbanos. Kinah "Mi Yitein Roshi Mayim" by just like the time of Shofar-blowing, R. Kalonymus b. Yehudah, we say and Yom Kipur " (HaYom Yom, Even now after the Beis HaMikdash on Tisha B’Av. Sivan 4) was destroyed, fasting and eulogizing

VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3 Page 2 are not permitted..." (Alter Rebbe's on the Tosefta, and Maskil LiDavid, Yartzeit of Rebbitzen Fraide, Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Hilchos on Rashi, 5552 [1792]. daughter of the Alter Rebbe, 5573 Pesach, 494:19) [1813]. She was renowned for her Yartzeit of R. Menachem Mendel of broad knowledge of Chasidus, and Wedding of Rebbetzin Devorah Bar, student of the Baal Shem Tov, the Alter Rebbe would say Leah, daughter of the Rebbe 5525, [1765]. Maamarim for her. When the MaHaRaSh, with R. Moshe Aryeh Mitteler Rebbe wanted to clarify Leib Ginzburg, 5632 [1872]. Sivan 13/May 22/Wednesday something in Chasidus, he would ask Wedding of R. Levi Yitzchok and the Rebbitzen to ask the Alter Rebbe. Sivan 9/May 18/Shabbos Rebbitzen Chanah, parents of the She is buried next to the Alter Rebbe. Yartzeit of R. Moshe Rivkes, author Lubavitcher Rebbe, 5660 [1900]. (Beis Rebbe) of Be'er HaGolah on Shulchan Aruch, 5432 [1672]. Sivan 14/May 23/Thursday Sivan 17/May 26/Sunday Wedding of R. Menachem Mendel, Noach's Teivah came to rest on Mt. Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Chaim Sofer, son of the Rebbe MaHaRaSh, 5642 Ararat, 1656 [2105 BCE]. (Bereishis author of Kaf HaChayim, Sefardic [1882]. 8:4, Rashi) Halachic authority, 5699 [1939]. Sivan 15/May 24/Friday The Chashmonaim captured Migdal Sivan 10/May 19/Sunday Birth, in 2195, and Yartzeit, in 2314 Tzur; once a Yom Tov. (Megilas The Tzemach Tzedek made a (or 2324) of Yehudah, son of Taanis, 3) Shidduch between his grandchildren, Yaakov Avinu. (Midrash Tadshe) the Rebbe Rashab and the Rebbitzin Yartzeit of R. Aharon of Karlin, Shterna Sara, the daughter of his son, The Chashmonaim captured Beit Chasidic leader, author of Beis R’ Yosef Yitzchok of Orsht. When Shean and Emek Yizrael, and Aharon, 5632 [1872]. R’ Yosef Yitzchok asked his father, removed anti-Jewish forces; once a if possibly the chosin won’t be fit for Yom Tov. (Megilas Taanis, 3) Sivan 20/May 29/Wednesday his daughter when he grows up, the Declared a fast day by Rabeinu Tam, Tzemach Tzedek answered, “He’ll be Yartzeit of R. Shmuel Betzalel to commemorate the Blois martyrs even greater than you.” (At this time (RaSh-BaTz) Sheftel, a great chasid of 4931 [1171]; in 5410 [1650] the Rebbe Rashab was 4 1/2 years of the Tzemach Tzedek, Rebbe declared a fast day in the Polish old.) This took place in the year 5625 MaHaRaSh, and RaShaB, 5665 communities to commemorate the (1865). [1905]. The RaShaB chose him to 5408-09 [1648-49] Chmeilnitzki teach his son, the previous massacres. [Magen Avraham: 580] Wedding of Rebbitzen Sheina, Lubavitcher Rebbe. The previous The Rebbe said a Sicha: The youngest daughter of the previous Rebbe wrote: "I must very much Magen Avraham writes that the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with R. thank my teacher the RaShBaTz for Polish Communities fast on the 20th Menachem Mendel Hornstein, giving me a foundation in Chasidus; of Sivan. Nevertheless, the Chabad grandson of the Rebbe MaHaRaSh, he prepared me to receive my father's Rabbeim did not fast. Even during 5692 [1932], in Landvarov, Poland. direction in the ways and study of the time that the Friediker Rebbe Chasidus". In 1900 the Rebbe lived in Poland he did not fast… In Sivan 11/May 20/Monday RaShaB appointed him Mashpiah of addition concerning the Country of Wedding of the Rashag - R’ Yeshivah Tomchei Tmimim in Poland it’s known that when the first Shmaryahu Gurary, to Rebbetzin Lubavitch. Jews came to live there, they were Chana - eldest daughter of the told that Poland comes from two He- Friediker Rebbe. 5681 (1921) Ros- Beginning of imprisonment of the brew words - Poi Lin - Here you are tov. previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, in going to rest overnight. That is the Leningrad, 5687 [1927]. He was reason it’s called Poland. Lina Sivan 12/May 21/Tuesday released on Tamuz 12. (resting) is at night, the darkness of Last day of the Sheva Yimei The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe Golus is compared to night. That Tashlumim, seven days allowed to moved from Warsaw to Otwock, means that we live in this place only bring the Shavuos Korbanos. 5695 [1935]. to rest during Golus but we need to Yartzeit of R. David Pardo of Sivan 16/May 25/Shabbos leave from this place - to the true Sarajevo, author of Chasdei David, place that every Jew is supposed to

VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3 Page 3 be - in Eretz Yisroel with the complete Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Pollak of Second expulsion from France, Redemption. But, on the other hand Lublin, outstanding Talmudist of 5082 [1332]. when we are resting during Golus, Ha- his age, 5285 [1525]. shem needs to make sure that it’s a Sivan 28/June 6/Thursday peaceful and calm rest. This is our les- Sivan 25/June 3/Monday The Lubavitcher Rebbe and the son in Avodas Hashem. That every- Geviha b. Pesisa won the case Rebbitzen reached America, thing a Jew sees or hears has to guide brought before Alexander the Great escaping the European him in serving Hashem. The first thing by the Yishmoeilim and Samaritans. Occupation, 5701 [1941]. we must remember is that Golus is He proved Eretz Yisroel belonged At 10:30 AM, several of darkness and night - we are only rest- exclusively to the Jews. Egypt the elder Chasidim met the SS ing over. This is not the true place a complained that the Jews robbed Surpa Pinta at New York Harbor. Jew needs to be. We need to utilize the them at Yetzias Mitzrayim; Geviha The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe place that we are resting in for good- proved the Jews took only a fraction told them, "I appoint you as my ness and Kedusha. We need to use the of the wages due them. (Megilas representatives to greet my son-in- calm and peace of our rest to learn To- Taanis 3) law. Let me tell you who he is: He rah, do Mitzvos and serve Hashem… says Tikun Chatzos every night. (Shabbos Parshas Behaloscha - 19th of Yartzeit of R. Shimon b. Gamliel, He is expert in and knows by heart Sivan, 5751/1991) R. Yishmael b. Elishah, and R. the Bavli, as well as being Chananiah Segan HaKohanim, of proficient in the RaN, RoSh, and Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim was the Ten Martyrs killed by the RiF. He is expert in the Talmud closed by the Russian authorities. Romans, commemorated in the Yerushalmi, in the Rambam, in Police removed the students, and Kinah "Eileh Ezkera" we say on Likutei Torah with all the locked and sealed the building. The Yom Kipur, and "Arzei HaLevanon" Tzemach Tzedek's references. Go previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, then the we say on Tisha B’Av. (Megilas and greet him." Menahel, instructed that a window be Taanis) Once a fast day, (Shulchan " . . . On this day began a removed and a stairway be made Aruch, Orach Chaim 580:2) new initiative in strengthening through the window into the building, and spreading Torah and studies resumed. 5662 [1902]. Yartzeit of R. David Mireles, Yiddishkeit and Chasidus, by my author of HaEidah on revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, Sivan 22/May 31/Friday Talmud Yeru-shalmi, 5522 [1762]. in founding the central institutions, End of the month of food given to Machne Yisroel, Kehot, and those who complained about the Mon Sivan 26/June 4/Tuesday Merkos L'inyonei Chinuch". in the desert, 2449 [1312 BCE] Yartzeit of R. Yonasan ben Uziel, [Sichah, Sivan 28, 5749] (Bamidbar 11:20). student of Hillel, author of Targum to Kesuvim. Sivan 29/June 7/Friday Miriam was afflicted with Tzora’as, Miriam went out of confinement; and confined for seven days, 2449 R. Akiva imprisoned by the the Jewish people waited seven [1312 BCE]. (Bamidbar 12:15) (Taanis Romans, 3892 [132]. (Sefer days in her honor, 2449 [1312 29a) HaMinhagim of MaHaRaM of BCE], (Taanis 29a). Rotenburg) Sivan 23/June 1/Shabbos Moshe Rabeinu sent the twelve Shabbos Mevarchim Yartzeit of R. Chananiah b. spies to scout Eretz Yisrael, 2449 Tradyon of the Ten Martyrs killed [1312 BCE]. (Seder Olam, 8) Yeravam ben Navat stopped the Jews by the Romans, (Avodah Zarah from bringing Bikurim to 17b), commemorated in the Kinah Sivan 30/June 8/Shabbos Yerushalayim; once a fast day. "Eileh Ezkera" we say on Yom Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Day (Megilas Taanis 3) Kipur, and "Arzei HaLevanon" we One say on Tisha B’Av. (Megilas This Shabbos, is the Shabbos be- Mordechai issued a royal decree for Taanis). Once a fast day. (Shulchan fore Gimmel Tammuz. As it is Jews to defend themselves from attack, Aruch, Orach Chaim 580:2) customary everyone should be 3404 [357 BCE]. (Esther 8:11) called up for an Aliya. “...On the Shabbos before the Yartzeit (of the previous Lub-

VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3 Page 4 avitcher Rebbe) everyone should be called to the Torah Yartzeit of R. Nachman of Horodonk, student of the for an Aliya..” (Letter of the Rebbe 5711) Baal Shem Tov, 5566 [1766].

Yartzeit of R. Moshe Najra, student of the Ari Zal, Yartzeit of R. Shlomo Kluger, Talmudist and Halachic author of Lekach Tov, commentary on Rashi, 5341 authority, 5529 [1869]. [1580]. Tammuz 1/June 9/Sunday Rosh Chodesh Tamuz Day Two

Laws & Customs of Shavuos (continued from page 1)

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Yom Tov is over Thursday Night, May 20th. Regular Havdallah is said without be- somim or a candle.

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VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3 Page 6 The “day beyond Shabbos” should be counted. *** Through it you count fifty days to be enlightened to This story was told by the Tzemach Tzedek and see the fiftieth gate (of wisdom). We count only for- given over from one Rebbe to another. At the time ty-nine days, but one who counts properly can be it happened (in 5656) the Tzemach Tzedek was enlightened by the fiftieth gate.” six. The Alter Rebbe called the Seudah of Shavuos “the Zayde’s Seudah” (Shavuos is the Baal Shem He said, “I don’t see the fiftieth gate.” Tov’s Yartzeit). During the meal he would call out “Boruch Haba” -and Chassidim knew the Baal The Maharash said, “Reb Chaim Avraham was sev- Shem Tov was present. enty seven, totally removed from worldly matters, and cried that by him there was no revelation of the Once the Alter Rebbe didn’t say “Baruch Haba.” fiftieth gate. This touched me.” There were three elder Chassidim who knew the Baal Shem Tov and one began to tell a story about (Sichos 5704, p. 125) him. The Alter Rebbe said the Baal Shem Tov was busy in the higher Gan Eden, in Mesivta D’Kedusha *** Brich Hu.

In Liozna, before he became Rebbe, the Mittler Reb- Later, the Alter Rebbe said, “Boruch Haba.” be taught the younger Chasidim. He would Far- breng with them on the first night of Shavuos. He (Sefer Hasichos 5705, p. 107-108) repeated Torah from the Alter Rebbe and explained it; how Moshe Rabeinu prepared Bnei Yisroel for the *** revelation of the Torah from Rosh Chodesh Sivan. The custom of the Rebbeim was to say Torah at the After all the preparations Hashem was at Har Sinai meal on Shavuos, and to tell a story about the Baal first, before the Jews arrived. Shem Tov. (Sefer HaSichos 5702, p. 140)

A Chassid, Reb Zusel, heard this. He had a great *** power of visualization and was very emotional. He The Tzemach Tzedek asked the Alter Rebbe, “Why fainted and remained in that state for seven or eight do we celebrate Shavuos for seven days?” (We hours. Upon waking he was very weak, but begged don’t say Tachnun until Sivan 12) his friends to take him to Shul to hear the Alter Reb- be read the Torah. When the Alter Rebbe began the The Alter Rebbe said, “Business people go to fairs Aseres Hadibros, Reb Zusel became animated and for two days and buy a lot of merchandise. Before said it injected him with new life. they travel home it is important to pack it very well, and it takes a long time to pack for the road. (Sefer Hasichos 5704) On Shavuos everyone receives something good *** from the revelation. The Seudah of Shavuos, in addition to being for the Simcha of Yom Tov, is also the Seudah of a Mitzvah. It takes time to pack it well so it will not get lost It is similar to the celebration for a child beginning when we become distracted with daily life. to learn Kometz-Alef. The Seudah of Shavuos is for (Shavuos 5698, p. 286) Kabolas HaTorah and Mitzvos. *** Hashem brought 600,000 Jewish males of military With the approach of Shavuos, 5700 (1940), my service age, as well as the women, children and the revered father-in-law, the Rebbe (Rayatz), wrote a elderly (about 2.5 million people), into His letter addressed to the yeshivah students, which “Cheder.” included the following passage:

They heard the Aseres Hadibros directly from Him Shavuos is a time of Divine favor. G-d confuses the “Anochi,” the first word of the Aseres Hadibros, be- Prosecuting Angel who accuses the Jewish people, gins Kometz Alef; thus Shavuos is a Simcha and a just as he confuses him at the time of the Sounding Seudas Mitzvah. (Sefer Hasichos 5703, pp. 143- of the Shofar on and on the Holy 144) Day, the Fast of .

VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3 Page 7 This means that Shavuos is an auspicious time to As the Gemarah writes, “The numerical value of the concentrate one’s endeavors in Torah study and name HaSatan is 364. For 364 days (Satan) is per- avodah as inspired by the awe of heaven, and to en- mitted to accuse; on Yom Kippur he has no permis- gage in teshuvah as it related to Torah (study) - sion to accuse.” without being distracted by Satan, the Prosecuting Angel, just as the time of the Sounding of the Shofar Accordingly, since the Rebbe Rayatz likens Shavuos on Rosh HaShanah, and on the Holy Day, the Fast of to Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, it would appear Yom Kippur. that on Shavuos G-d confuses the Prosecuting Angel to such a point that at that time he does not exist. In addition, there is a difference here between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. On Rosh HaShanah, G- The above-quoted letter needs to be studied and to be d merely confuses and distracts Satan, the Prosecut- publicized among those who do not know of it. ing Angel, whereas on Yom Kippur, he simply does (Sicha, Shavuos 5710 [1950]) not exist. The Power of Tehillim Shavuos is the Yartzeit of Dovid Hamelech and the Ba’al Shem Tov. In honor of them we present stories about Tehillim with the Rebbeim, and stories of the Ba’al Shem Tov.

At certain times, the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek said and once he even asked her to say tehillim on his be- tehillim extensively. For instance, the Tzemach Tzedek half. said tehillim at length during the early morning hours, especially on "market days." Afterwards the Tzemach Tzedek told Yehudah Leib to ask forgiveness from the Rebbetzen. The Rebbe explained this custom to his son, the Rebbe Maharash, saying that he wanted to "participate" with -- Toras Shalom, p. 81 those who go to the market early, with the shoemakers, *** the tailors, the butchers: all those who say tehillim early One summer Shabbos, between 1753 and 1755 -- in the morning. when the circle of disciples included brilliant and re- nowned men like the Mezeritcher Magid and the Rav Later, the Rebbe Maharash explained to the Rebbe of Polnoe—an incident occurred that thoroughly per- Rashab that the inner yearning, that desire to feel and plexed the disciples. take part, was a characteristic that only a Rebbe could feel. And a Rebbe is one who walks in the higher realms Many guests came for that Shabbos, farmers, artisans, as if he is walking in his house. cobblers, tailors, vintners, gardeners, stockmen and small merchants. At the Friday evening meal the Baal --Igros Kodesh of the Previous Rebbe, vol. 8, p. 491 Shem Tov showed extraordinary affection for them. He *** poured from his Kiddush into the cup of one, to anoth- Rebbetzen Chaya Mushka, the wife of the Tzemach er he gave his own Kiddush cup to say Kiddush; he Tzedek, said copious amounts of tehillim. However, for gave from the loaves of his HaMotzei to several, to oth- some reason, she made many errors in her recitation, ers he gave of the meat and fish of his portion. He saying the words wrong. showed other gestures of friendship and regard for them leaving his disciples puzzled. Once, she asked Yehudah Leib, her son, "After all of these years, why can't I say tehillim by heart?" The guests knew that they couldn’t attend the Second Meal, reserved for the inner group of disciples. They Yehudah Leib replied that every time she said tehillim, assembled in the Baal Shem Tov’s Shul, and said Tehi- she made new mistakes. lim.

The Rebbetzen related this discussion to her husband, When the Baal Shem Tov sat at the Second Meal, he the Tzemach Tzedek, and arranged the disciples in order, in the meticulous sys- asked if she should cease saying tehillim because of this. tem governing everything he did. He started to “say Torah,” and all of the disciples felt a tremendous G-dly The Rebbe told the Rebbetzen that she should continue. delight. They would sing at the table and when they It was, he said, very important for her to say tehillim, saw the happy mood of the Baal Shem Tov, they were

VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3 Page 8 even more pleased, filled with a sense of gratitude and and Tehilim. He told them to open their eyes and to happiness for G-d’s favor to them, granting them the sing other songs. privilege of being among the disciples of the saintly Baal Shem Tov… “When I heard the song of Tehilim,” the Mezeritcher Magid later told the Alter Rebbe, “my soul spilled It occurred to some of them that it was so delightful, forth. I felt such Ahavah BiTaanugim that I had never without the crowd of simple people who had no idea felt. My boots were soaked with perspiration and tears what the Master was saying. Why, they thought, does of Teshuvah from the inwardness and depths of the he show such affection for them, pouring from his cup heart.” into theirs, even giving his cup to one of them? The Baal Shem Tov stopped singing; a hush fell over The Baal Shem Tov’s expression changed. He became the group. He sat in deep Dveikus for a prolonged serious, immersed in thought and began. “Peace, peace, time, then looked up and said, “ The songs you heard to the far and the near.” Our sages say, “Where the were the songs of the simple Jews saying Tehilim with penitent stand, perfect saints cannot.” Stressing perfect sincerity, from the recesses of the heart and with sim- saints. He explained that there are two paths in G-d’s ple faith. service, the Tzadik’s and the Baal Teshuvah’s. The ser- vice of simple people is similar to the penitent’s the sim- “Now, think carefully on this. We are only the ‘edge of ple person’s humility is like the penitent remorse and truth, ‘ for the body is not truth, only the soul is truth resolve. and it is only part of the essence and so is called the ‘edge of truth.’ Still, we recognize truth and feel truth When the Baal Shem Tov finished, they resumed sing- and are affected deeply by truth. Consider then, how G ing. Those who had questioned the Master’s affection -d Who is perfect Truth, regards the Tehilim of these for simple people realized he was aware of their simple people.” thoughts. He equating the qualities of the simple, with the superiority of the penitent over the Tzadik was obvi- (This story is found in the back of Tehillim Ohel Yosef ously addressed to them. Yitzchok)

He was still in deep Dveikus. When they finished sing- In a farbrengen in 5579 (1819), the Tzemach Tzedek ing, he opened his eyes, intently examining each disci- related the following about how the Baal Shem Tov ple. He told them to place their hands on the shoulders once lit candles made from ice. By way of introduc- of their neighbors, so the disciples sitting around the tion, it should be noted that the gematria of light table would be joined. The Baal Shem Tov sat at the ("ohr") is 207, the same as that of secrets ("roz") and head. that one who knows "inner secrets" has the power to "illuminate." He told them to sing, and after the songs he told them to shut their eyes. He placed his right hind on the shoul- Chassidim know how fond the Besht was of light. The ders of the disciples to his right and his left. The circle Tzemach Tzedek related that the Baal Shem Tov once was closed. visited one of his students.

Suddenly they heard songs, melodies, with moving When the Besht came in, he said, "By Yidden there pleas, touching the very soul. One voice saying, “Ribono must be light. My job is to illuminate Yidden." Howev- Shel Olam.” And said a verse of Tehilim, “The sayings of er, only one candle was to be found in the house. G-d are pure sayings….” Another sang “Ai, Ribono Shel Olam.” And another the verse, “Test me G-d, prove me, The Besht then instructed his student to do the follow- purify my heart.” A third with a spontaneous cry in ing: "Take icicles from the roof and light them." Yiddish – “Tatte Hartziger, Be gracious to me; I trust in You and I shelter in the shadow of Your wings.” A The student complied and the icicles actually began fourth voice: “Ay Gevald, Zisser Foter in Himel” “Tairer burning! Tatte, A bird has a home, a swallow a nest.” The Besht then sang niggunim with great joy and in- tensity, the same kind of intensity that could light up The disciples, hearing these songs of Tehilim, trembled. icicles. Their eyes were shut but tears came down their cheeks. The songs shattered their hearts. Each wished for G-d to The Rebbe Rashab said that "Today there is darkness help him to serve Him in this manner. and cold.” Grandfather revealed the burning fire with- in each Jew. Wherever Yidden are found, they will be The Baal Shem Tov removed his hands from the shoul- illuminated by the light of Torah. ders of the disciples and they no longer heard the songs -- Sefer HaSichos 5700 (1940), p.176

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רהקערה רוה רקיעה - Directives of the Rebbe for

 As a preparation for Shavuos beginning  Our resolution for Shavuos must be that we Shabbos Mevarchim Sivan we must add in designate time and add time in our learning learning Torah, both Nigleh and Chasidus, by ourselves and also with others. especially those parts which are connected  We must also strengthen our learning of to Ma’atan Torah. This applies to men, CHITAS and Rambam. (Shavuos was a time women and children, each person on his or the Rebbe stressed the importance of learn- her level. ing Torah, and the daily portions of Chitas  Everyone should add in the giving of Tzed- and Rambam.) akah  Gatherings should be made to prepare our- These directives should continue through the selves for Shavuos. Yimei Tashlumim of Shavuos  We must make sure that everyone has what they need for Yom Tov. Reminder:  On Erev Shavuos we should give extra Tzedokah for the two days of Shavuos. As we receive the Torah, please be certain  Tikun Leil Shavuos should be said, and we your children are signed up in Tzivos Ha- must make sure that others do the same. shem, and that each member of your family  Men, women and children (even babies) has a letter in the Sefer Torah. should be in Shul for Aseres Hadibros. Rosh Chodesh Sivan Beha’alotcha Sivan 1/May 10/Friday Sivan 16/May 25 Light Candles Friday May 24: 7:36 Bamidbar Shabbos Ends: 8:39 Sivan 2/May 11 Last Time To Read Shema: 9:18 Light Candles Friday May 10: 7:26 Pirkei Avos Chapter 2 Shabbos Ends: 8:29 Last Time to Read Shema: 9:21 Shelach Pirkei Avos Chapter 6 Shabbos Mevarchim Tammuz Sivan 23/June 1 Erev Shavuos Light Candles Friday May 31: 7:40 Sivan 5/May 14/Tuesday Tehillim: 8:15 Light Candles: 7:29 Shachris: 10:15 (Shel Yom Tov and Shehechiyanu) Last Time To Read Shema: 9:16 Shabbos Ends: 8:43 First Day Shavuos Pirkei Avos Chapter 3 Sivan 6/May 15/Wednesday Alos HaShachar: 4:25 Molad of Tammuz Last Time to Read Shema: 9:20 Sivan 30/June 8 Shachris: 10:15 8:33 pm and 17 Chalakim Aseres Hadibros: 11:45 Light Candles 8:33 Korach from a pre-existing flame after: Rosh Chodesh Day One (Shel Yom Tov and Shehechiyanu) Sivan 30/June 8 Light Candles Friday June 7: 7:45 Second Day Shavuos Shabbos Ends: 8:48 Sivan 7/May 16/Thursday Last Time To Read Shema: 9:16 Shacharis: 10:00 Pirkei Avos Chapter 4 Yizkor: 12:00 This Shabbos, the Shabbos before /Farbrengen: 6:45 Gimmel Tammuz, it is customary for Yom Tov Ends: 8:35 all men to get an Aliya.

Nasso Rosh Chodesh Day Two Sivan 9/May 18 Tammuz 1/June 9/Sunday Light Candles May 17: 7:31 Shabbos Ends: 8:34 Last Time To Read Shema: 9:19 Pirkei Avos Chapter 1

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