1 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~December 19 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת וישב | כב' כסלו , תשס”ט | בס”ד weekly vOL. Ii | NO 8 DECEMBER 19, 2008 | KISLEV 22, 5769

Horav Hachossid Reb Yosef Menachem Mendel Tenenbaum A FREILACHEN CHANUKAH REBBE'S MESSAGE Page 17 CUSTOMS Page 11 EVENTS Page 11 NIGHTLIGHT Page 14 A STORY Page 16 Latkes Page 6 kIDS cORNER Page 17

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The Vaad Hakohol

REBBE'S STORY “When one tells a story about his Rebbe he connects to the deeds of the Rebbe” (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) A Yechidus: Rabbi Shabsi and Mrs. Katz Reprinted from www.inspiringagenera- tion, you have intermarriage, you to play football but he has to go to that in the army, the general must tion.com have drugs,” he said. “You have so cheder. That is a sacrifice for being be there to lead, and only if the many problems that weaken your Jewish.” That we must remain in soldiers were led were they an effec- Pretoria, South Africa community and its Yiddishkeit.” Pretoria was quite clear. That my tive force. “The first time we came to visit the husband must continue the work The Rebbe continued by saying that Toward the conclusion of the Yechi- Rebbe was in the winter of 1972. The he had done over the years was the if you lived in a town and a fire was dus the Rebbe asked my husband if whole scene was new to me, so it was Rebbe’s answer to the question of burning that threatened to destroy he was going to listen to what he had with some degree of uncertainty that moving to Israel. all the houses, it would be your obli- said. My husband replied, “Rebbe, I sat outside the Rebbe’s office with gation to put out the fire in your own The Rebbe told us, “My experience my experience in the military is my husband waiting for our Yechidus house first before going to the aid of in the military is the Navy. I learned in the army. In the army there are (private audience). When at last it others to save their property. that the last one to abandon ship is generals and there are privates. A was our turn, we were told, “Only the captain. private must listen to his general. five minutes.” But it was 40 minutes He looked at my husband and said, Rebbe, you are my general. I will do later, well after 2:30 a.m., when we “There is a fire in your community! “If you moved to Israel, you would be as you say.” were ushered in As we entered, the You have intermarriage, you have saving yourselves, but abandoning Rebbe rose slightly, and asked us to drug abuse, you have a lack of Jewish those you leave behind. If you stay Immediately, the Rebbe replied, be seated. We said that we had been education. You have so many things in Pretoria and take care of G-d’s “Oh no! You mustn’t do it because told not to sit during the Yechidus. that you as the Rabbi have to attend children, G-d will take care of your I said so! You must do it out of to. Therefore, I say to you, put out children.” conviction!” The Rebbe replied, “I won’t tell if you the fire in your own house.” don’t tell.” The Rebbe waited for me The Rebbe mentioned my husband’s Visit the site: portraitofaleader.blog- to be seated before sitting back down We had been living in Pretoria for work as a chaplain at the army’s spot.com himself. I suddenly felt completely nearly 20 years. Our children were headquarters in Pretoria. He said at ease. My husband had written growing up, and we had often con- down the two questions that were templated the necessity causing him concern, and he handed of a more Jewish envi- the paper to the Rebbe. The Rebbe ronment. My husband’s looked at it for a brief moment, made second question to the a couple of marks with the pencil he Rebbe was whether we was holding, and started to speak. should consider emigrat- ing to Israel. At that time the apartheid Laws were very much in place in South In reply, the Rebbe spoke Africa, and although we were all to my husband about his against these laws, it was really work with the lay com- only the activists who spoke out munity in Pretoria, the against them, often courting trouble capital city. The Rebbe for themselves by doing so. My knew of the government husband’s dilemma was whether contacts he had built he should openly oppose apartheid, up over the years, and and thus his first question was, he pointed out how my “Should I, as an Orthodox Rabbi in husband was able to use the Republic of South Africa, speak these contacts to the out against apartheid?” advantage of fellow Jews. The fact that he knew The Rebbe began by saying that whom to contact when while he could find absolutely no Jews, within his commu- justification for apartheid, he wanted nity or outside, needed to point out that my husband’s work assistance, was very in Pretoria was with the Jewish com- important for the whole munity, and he was well aware of the Jewish community. problems there. “You have assimila- The Rebbe spoke to us warmly, as if he had Newspaper firsthand experience of Community what was going on in Pretoria, as he pointed 392 Kingston Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225 out that one has to make [email protected] sacrifices to be Jewish. He looked at me and said Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights. he wanted to say some- thing important to me Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman as a Jewish woman and Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary mother. “You know,” he Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) said, “what it is to make All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It a sacrifice to be Jewish. is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced You know what it means without the consent of the publisher. when your children are Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not invited to a birthday be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond party and they can’t eat the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. there. That is a sacrifice All advertisement designed and prepared by the CH for being Jewish. You Community Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the know what it means consent of the publisher when your son wants December 19, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 3

The Rebbe's Sicha Parshas Vayeshev

Up The Mountain an additional light on the fourth REFERENCES: Based on excerpts night of Chanuka (for example), of the Rebbe’s talk dated Vayeshev He states, “. . you ascend to it from A Thought of the week he has not merely failed to ascend 5732 one direction and descend to it from By Rabbi YM Kagan OBM higher on that day — he has slipped the other.” It is now clear that the Genesis 38:13 down from the previous day’s level. In Sidra Vayeishev we read how expression of ascent is pertinent in Yesterday he lit three candles, an Genesis 22:2 Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, the story of Tamar. For since Timna increase from the day before; he was informed that he was about to was on the mountain- slopes, Tamar, Sefer Hama’amarim Kuntreisim, fulfilled the Mitzva with the extra come to the town of Timna to shear who was planning to go and meet Vol. II pp. 636-638 devotion (Hidur) required; he was his sheep. In the words of the Torah: Judah, could not have known from on the upswing, in ascendancy. Not Psalms 24:3 & see Mikdash Me ‘at “And it was related to Tamar saying, which direction her father-in-law so today. His level has fallen. To ibid. `behold, your father-in-law is coming was approaching the town if her observe the Mitzva today with the up to Timna to shear his flocks’.”(‘) informer had failed to say “. . . com- Opinion of Hillel in Shabbos 21b. same devotion as yesterday, he must The Torah does not detail the nature ing up to Timna . . .” increase his commitment! of a person’s going and coming if not Man’s service of G-d is like ascending absolutely germane to the content of a mountain.”) A mountain climber the narrative. For example, though The Crown Heights JCC will begin accepting applications cannot stop mid-way on the steep Abraham was taking his son Isaac starting Tuesday, December 16, 2008 for the Neighbor- slope, for in that position it is almost up a mountain (in the story of the hood Fuel Fund (also known as) Heart Share that impossible to prevent himself from Akeda) the verse simply says “And is available for anyone who has a gas heating bill. This is losing his footing and falling; he he went to the place etc.” and again must climb steadily upwards without separate from the HEAP program and you may apply for “And he came to the place.”(2) Why pause. Similarly, in ascending the both programs. Our office will be accepting HeartShare then, does the verse specify the “mountain of G-d”(4) a constant applications on Tuesdays all day and Thursdays from 10:00 ascent, “ . . .is coming up to Timna . upwards movement is vital, not only AM to 2:00 PM. For more info about HeartShare call . ..” in the story of Tamar? for the purpose of going higher, but 718-778-8808 X 21 Rashi, in an innovative interpreta­ also to ensure that one does not fall The following documents are needed to apply tion of the above verse, explains that lower. One should not be satisfied Timna was one of those relatively with his present spiritual level, for • Proof of address, lease or letter from landlord, mortgage few towns located on the slopes such complacency is the beginning bill of a mountain. (A city built on of descent. • Birth certificates or social security cards for all the the slopes has drawbacks both in The Mitzva of the Chanuka lights members of the household. building and development and in lends particular emphasis to this strategic defense — and has yet an • Copy of Gas bill teaching. Every night of Chanuka additional disadvantage in that the a new light must be added, for • Proof of income, pay stubs, etc. All support letters and various parts of the city are one on spiritual affairs must always be in letters of income from renters must be Notarized. top of the other in terrace fashion.) ascendancy.(5) If one failed to add

Adapted from Shmais.com Mazal Tov! Johannesburg, South Africa Engagements Nochum & Nurit Sary- lywood, CA) to Tova Seb- Shmulie Zirkind (Montreal, chev - Crown Heights Yossi Assayag (Tzfas, Israel) to bag (Montreal, Canada) Canada ) to Chanie Altein Miriam Giter (S. Paul, MN) Chaim Yisroel & Mussie (Montreal, Canada ) Dovid Bush (Crown Heights) to Wilhelm - Crown Heights Yehoshua Bedrick (Wyndham, NH) Devorah Smoller (S. Diego, CA) to Chaya Welner (Scottsdale, AZ) Births – Boys Tzion & Adina Yakubov Yaacov Chaiton (Johannes- Chalom & Mairav Boud- - Crown Heights Avi Daggan (Crown Heights) to Ody burg, South Africa) to Mushky jnah – S. Diego, CA Meer (Morristown, NJ) Gourarie (Sydney, Australia) Births – Girls Mendel & Rochel Druk Nati Graf (Jerusalem) to Chaya Eytan & Chana Feige Abra- Shimon Emlen (Seattle, WA) to - Cancun, Mexico Chezkia (Milan, Italy) hams - Crown Heights Meira Kaner (Baltimore, MD) Levi & Miriam Goldstein Mendy & Dinie Edelkopf Yechiel Litvack (Buenos Aires, Sholom Goldstein (Toronto, - Windsor Heights, IA - New Haven, CT Argentina) to Rochie Mizrachi Ontario) to Chaya Mushka Menashe & Menucha (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Yisroel & Sarah Hahn Rosenfeld (Melbourne, Australia ) Levy - Long Beach, CA - Spokane, WA Yisroel Mogilevsky Shneur Goodman (Kfar (Toronto,Ontario) to Chanie Silman Sruli & Adina Lazer- Births – Twins Chabad) to Rochel Lie- (Crown Heights) son - Crown Heights Sholly & Nechama Weiser – blich (Crown Heights) TWIN BOYS!! – Crown Heights Yudi Shmotkin (Milwaukee, WI) Baruch & Soshie Meer Reuven Kasten (Atlanta, GA) to to Chanie Ceitlin (Montreal, - Crown Heights Tzipporah Hoffman (S. Cruz, CA) Upsherinish Canada) Yoni & Chana Ester Miz- Mendel Pinson – Crown Heights Mendy Mann (Oak Park, MI) to rachi - Crown Heights Weddings Chaya Hus (Montreal, Canada) Eliyahu Bryski (North Hol- Chaim & Dina Schneider -

READ THE CROWN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER @ CROWNHEIGHTS.INFO 4 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~December 19 2008 Our Heroes

Horav Hachossid Reb Yosef Menachem Mendel Tenenbaum -- PART I

1917-3rd of Teves, 5754/1993 At the head of yeshiva stood the Reb Mendel conducted himself in the yeshiva in Otwock only to see Rosh Yeshiva Hagaon Hachossid a very discrete and modest manner. Mendel Tennenbaum’s davening.” By Rabbi Michoel Seligson He did not discuss this Yechidus Horav Hachossid Reb Yosef Men- or later yechidusen with anyone. Daily Schedule achem Mendel Tenenbaum was However, he would occasionally The mekubal and mashpia Reb Zev born in 1917 to Hachossid Reb review the first Maamor that he had Greenglaz recalled in a letter to the Yitzchok and Mrs. Sima Masha heard from the Previous Rebbe on Tennenbaum family. in Kotzk, Poland. Reb Mendel’s Shabbos Lech Lcho 5695/1934. He “When I came to Yeshiva Tomchei maternal grandfather, Reb Alter had memorized the Maamor so it Tmimim in Otwock, Reb Mendel Yaakov Yehuda, was a Kotzker was always with him. and I shared a room. I noticed for chossid. Chassidim recalled that Reb Mendel adjusted very quickly to weeks that his bed was not used. the Kotzker Rebbe would not begin the studies in the new yeshiva. He Around midnight he would be at davening until Reb Alter had come was successful in the study of Nigleh, the table studying the Alter Rebbe’s into shul. in following the teachings of Chas- Shulchan Aruch. He would drowse When Mendel was still a young sidus, and eventually excelled to the off and lean on his hands as they boy, his family moved to Otwock point of becoming one of the elite rested on the Shulchan Aruch. This where his father managed a busi- students who studied consistently is how he slept. When he woke up ness. A businessman by profession, and had a smooth mind. from his brief nap, he would recite nonetheless, Reb Yitzchok was a the shema and quietly sing a nigun. chossid, a great scholar and very Well Versed in Tanya The volume of the nigun was like the well versed and sharp, boki vchorif, Over the course of time, he became playing of a violin. in the knowledge of Torah. His place a maskil, an intellectual in chassidus. In the morning he studied chassidus of business was near the Bais Hame- He was especially well versed in the for a few hours, sometimes with his drash and anyone that had a question Tanya, which he knew by heart. His Reb Yehuda Eber who would per- friend Hatomim Avrohom Kwasho, in his studies would run over to Reb acquaintances recalled that when sonally evaluate each student that may Hashem avenge his blood. Then Yitzchok for an answer. Reb Mendel was asked a question applied to the yeshiva. he would prepare for davening. On in Tanya he would respond as if he Mendel absorbed his chinuch in his half-hour walk to the mikva had just studied that particular piece. Torah and yiras shomayim from Accepted in Yeshiva Tomchei he would chazer chassidus. After When Rabbi Yosef Wineberg began both his grandfather and father. In Tmimim in Otwock he put on his Tefillin, he would to broadcast the weekly Tanya shiu- addition, his uncle taught him skills The following story was told regard- stand for about two to three hours rim on the radio in 1960, he would such as blowing shofar, and over the ing the young Mendel. Mendel was meditating chassidus, and due to his consult with Reb Mendel regarding course of the years he became the tested together with another student intense concentration his face would the shiur. The shiurim would then be baal tokea at the Rebbe’s minyan. and Rabbi Eber posed a difficult become pale. In general, his daven- handed into the Rebbe who would question. After much thought, Men- ing would extend until two o’clock “This signifies that you were given edit them. When the shiurim were del said that it was a good question in the afternoon, and on Shabbos the the kochos” released by the Rebbe, Reb Mendel and he did not have an answer. The davening would stretch longer.” would again review them with Rabbi The Tennenbaum family shared a other student began answering the Wineberg. These shiurim were later This was similar to the account of yard with Horav Hagaon Hachossid question. Mendel was accepted into compiled and published in Yiddish, Horav Reb Berel Levi, who came to Reb Dovid Teitelbaum, also known the yeshiva and the other student English and Hebrew as Shiurim study in Otwock in 1939 and also as Reb Dovid Riker. Reb Dovid was received a confirmation of accep- B’Tanya. shared a room with Reb Mendel. “At a magid shiur, a teacher in Yeshiva tance after a few days. the end of the evening before retiring Tomchei Tmimim in Otwock. Chas- When the famous chossid Reb Sometime later, Rabbi Eber told for the night and prior to his Krias sidim recalled that he once told the Yisroel Jacobson came to Poland Reb Dovid, “The bochur that you Shema, Reb Mendel would check Previous Rebbe that the Kotzker in 1937 from the United States, it is sent me, immedi- chassidim wanted him to conduct ately understood himself as a Rebbe, and he asked the question. I what to do. The Previous Rebbe saw that he had answered, “Since they came to you, a good mind and this signifies that you were given the therefore I agreed kochos but they are concealed.” The to accept him. Rebbe instructed him how to bring He could not be out these kochos. responsible for As Mendel grew up, Reb Dovid not having the realized that this boy was blessed answer. The other with talents and was a vessel which student on the contained blessing. He advised other hand was Mendel’s parents to send him to just blabbing.” Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim. At the time that It needs to be pointed out that in Reb Mendel began those days thousands of Jews in his studies in Poland studied Torah outside the Yeshiva Tomchei structure of a yeshiva. Children Tmimim, he mer- studied with their father or grand- ited to enter into father in shuls or botei medrashim. his first Yechidus The few yeshivas found in Poland with the Previ- (from right to left) Rabbis: Mentlik, Tennenbaum, SD Raichik and MP Katz were generally designated for the ous Rebbe. Rabbi elite and for the talented students. Yitzchok Hendel, later Reb Mendel’s told that the Previous Rebbe said to to see if I was asleep. Many times I One of those yeshivos was Yeshiva brother-in-law, recalled that already them, “It was worthwhile to travel pretended to be asleep in order to Tomchei Tmimim. It had gained in that first Yechidus the Previous by boat from the United States to see the special Krias Shema of Reb a good name and young students Rebbe showed an unusual affection Poland to see Mendel Tennenbaum’s Mendel.” flocked to the yeshiva. Many were toward Reb Mendel. davening.” In another version of His talents and exertion in chas- turned away because they didn’t this comment the Previous Rebbe sidus molded him into one of the meet its standards. A Discrete and Modest Person said, “It was worthwhile to establish chozrim who would orally review December 19, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 5

the Previous Rebbe’s Maamorim. exhausted from the constant run- Previous Rebbe in the United States issuing visas and then putting visa The setup was that immediately ning, and were pained and worried and receive a response. stamps on empty paper for the neces- after the recital of the Maamor by about the fate of their families who sary information to be added later. the Previous Rebbe, Reb Mendel remained in Poland. All this did What to do? He did so throughout the entire last and his friend, Hagaon Hachossid not stop them from maintaining Hashem sent a solution. One of the night of his stay in Vilna. From the Rabbi Mordechai Mentlik would the seder hayeshiva as they had in members of the Japanese consulate window of his train compartment, review the Maamor with the Previ- Otwock. The yeshiva in Vilna con- in Latvia was Chiune Sugihara. Mr. prior to his departure, he continued ous Rebbe’s secretary, the mashpia tinued until the winter of 1941. Sugihara was one of the righteous to issue stamped papers to the des- Reb Yechezkel Faigin may Hashem gentiles among the nations. Against perate crowd of Jews on the platform. avenge his blood. After they had To go this way or that way?! orders from his superiors in Japan, Many thousands of Jews were saved completed the chazora, they would The Russians controlled Vilna and he issued thousands of transit visas with these visas. enter into the Previous Rebbe’s announced that they were going to for people to travel to the island of A group of Tmimim in Vilna, Reb room and repeat the Maamor for Mendel among them, received visas the Previous Rebbe. from Sugihara and were able to leave In 1939, Rabbi Mentlik was able to Vilna. Although they were on the successfully leave Poland for the run, they still maintained the seder United States, since his wife had hayeshiva, getting up in the morning American citizenship. After that, to study chassidus and continuing Reb Mendel would go into the their studies throughout the day. Previous Rebbe’s room by himself The government of Curacao did and repeat the Maamor for him. not allow the refugees entry into “A Torah student needs to use his the country. Having no choice the thick finger for learning” refugees remained in Japan and from there they were transported By nature, Reb Mendel was shy and to Shanghai, China. refined. One was very easily able to picture the manner in which he stood Most of the Tmimim remained in before the Previous Rebbe, quietly Shanghai until afterWW II. In 1941, reviewing the Maamor with fear, Canada issued visas, nine of which eima v’yiroh. After a few moments were given to the Tmimim and the the Previous Rebbe told him, “When rest to other yeshiva students. Reb a businessman uses his thick finger Mendel was among the nine who for business, it is not appropriate, received a visa. The other eight but a Torah student needs to use his Tmimim were Rabbis Yosef Hako- thick finger for learning.” The Previ- hen Rodel, Yitzchok Hendel, Hersh ous Rebbe demonstrated for Reb Kotlarsky, Arye Leib Kramer, and Mendel the way to chazer a Maamor. may they live and be well, Rabbis Zev The Rebbe began saying the words of Greenglaz, Yosef Wineberg, Moshe the Maamor, continuing where Reb Eliyohu Gerlitzky and Shmuel Stein. Mendel had left off, in a loud voice They traveled by ship from Shanghai with a strong tune. to San Francisco, California. In Elul 1939 WWII broke out, Saying good bye in Vilna: From left to right: Rabbis Portowitz, Rodal, In California they were greeted and the yeshiva closed. Bochurim Wineberg, Gerlitsky, Ushpal, ?, Greenglas, Tennenbaum with a special reception by the Joint escaped with their lives. Many Distribution Committee. During open the border. Those with Polish Curacao in the North American returned to their parents’ homes their two week trip they ate only passports could either return to Hemisphere. With this visa, they to be together with their families fruit and sardines. They were served Poland or escape into Russia. It was were able travel to Vladivostok, in those dangerous and difficult meat meals but did not eat anything, actually a complicated choice. It was, Russia by train, a two week trip, and days. Others attempted any way suspecting that it might not be reli- “Woe unto me if I do this and woe from there take a ship to Japan, and they could, to escape the country. ably kosher. unto me if I choose the opposite.” then on to Curacao. After the Nazis overran Poland, the Poland was under Nazi occupation, On Thursday, the 2nd of Chesh- Tmimim, the students of Yeshiva The Japanese government, after and the option of going to Russia van 5702/1941, they arrived in Tomchei Tmimim, heard that the learning what their consul was was also potentially dangerous. Canada. Previous Rebbe had advised to leave doing, instructed him to return Jews remembered that Russia had the country at once. Some of the home to Japan. Witnesses testified previously offered to open its borders (To be continued) Tmimim headed for Vilna. that he remained in his hotel room, and convinced many Jews to accept Reb Mendel was among those who their offer of returning to Russia. But tried to escape to Vilna. When he it was a trick and the Jews that came and his friends Rabbi Greenglaz back to Russia were sent to Siberia. and Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Raichik CROWN HEIGHTS WOMEN ONEG SHABBOS For the Tmimim there was another attempted to cross the border, they reason to reject the option of escap- Torah Study Group Cordially invites you to attend our were caught by the Germans. They ing to Russia. They knew the relation- were interrogated on the train and Oneg Shabbos "Hakhel" gathering ship of Stalin to Jews and Chassidim. forced to get off at the city of Shedlitz. The events surrounding the Previous The entire night they were guarded When: 22nd of Kislev 5769, Parshas Vayeishev Rebbe’s arrest and liberation in 1927 by armed German soldiers who were still fresh for them. They knew Friday evening – November 19th, 2008 forced them to clean the platform of what might be waiting for them in the train station. In the morning, by 8:30 p.m. Russia if they were caught like those a miracle, they were able to continue who had established underground Where: Mrs. Shoshana Rabkin -- 503 Crown Street on their way and successfully cross yeshivos. the border into Latvia and reach (Between Kingston & Albany Avenues) Vilna. The situation was a dangerous one. Speaker: Rabbi Yonassan Johnson A life decision needed to be made Vilna in 1940-1941 immediately and they were unable Torah Scholar & Lecturer from Sidney Australia The Tmimim in Vilna were refu- to consult the Previous Rebbe. There gees who had nothing. They were was no time to send a message to the 6 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~December 19 2008

Chanukah

latkes. Peel and cut half of the potatoes into inches high. Fry these patties in 1/4 Recipe one-inch chunks. Boil in salted water (3) Use about 1 medium onion for to 1/2 inches of corn oil (do NOT The Best Latkes ever! until tender (about 20 minutes). every three potatoes or one large use olive oil) . The patties will need Drain and pass through a food mill A new twist on the usual latke recipe: onion for four potatoes. If you like to cook for about 5 minutes on the (or process smooth in a food proces- Mash half the potatoes grate the more oniony latkes, you can increase first side, so if they do more than sor). Sprinkle matzoh meal on top other half. You get a higher, lighter the onions by as much as half, as long go slightly brown after a minute or of this. In a large bowl, shred one latke. Try it, you'll like it! as you double the amount of matzoh two, your oil is too hot. Flip after five large onion. Then shred both peeled meal (or flour) you use. minutes with a spatula and fork and Just a few hints before you begin: potatoes into the onion, mixing cook on the other side for about 2 (1) Be sure to use at least 1/4-1/2″ (4) Eat the latkes immediately after together the potato shreds with the minutes, or until dark golden brown. of oil and heat this oil to somewhere you make them, if you can. This is onion to keep the potato threads Drain thoroughly on paper towels. between 250°F and 320°F. You’re not when they are best. from discoloring. Squeeze as much Serve with applesauce, salt, and really deep frying the latkes; you’re liquid as possible from onion-potato sour cream. Makes approximately shallow frying them. If the oil is too Mind-blowing Homemade Latkes mixture by placing the shredded 10 latkes. hot, the latkes won’t cook properly in 2 3/4 lbs. (1.25 kg.) white potatoes vegetables into a piece of cheesecloth the middle. The rule of thumb is that (about 4 medium potatoes) and twisting until no more liquid can if the latkes are very slightly browned 1 large onion be extracted. Return to large, dry after 2 minutes, the oil is probably 2 eggs, well beaten bowl and add egg, pepper, and salt. at the right temperature. You don’t 1.5 Tablespoons matzoh meal (or Add the puréed/milled potatoes to need a frying thermometer. flour) the shredded potatoes and combine 1/2 teaspoon salt thoroughly. Form into palm-sized (2) Don’t skimp on the squeezing! 1/4 teaspoon black pepper patties that are about 1/2 to 3/4 Wet shredded potatoes make slimy

us all here by throwing the economy life and that ends the discussion.) There’s No Time To Waste! into shambles.) Right now somewhere, people are By Lieba Rudolph My perspective changed after Mum- I am finding that even small encoun- planning ways to kill and maim. bai, an event so riddled with irony ters can even be utilized for good. Some mother is looking into her My best friend from childhood that it must be a battle cry from I asked the cashier at Trader Joe’s newborn baby’s eyes, hoping that told me about a class she was tak- Hashem. It is not enough to do a if he wanted me to help him bag he will give his life to kill even one ing called “A Year to Live.” It was little more to bring Moshiach. I must my groceries. No, he said, just tell infidel. G-d willing, the political and supposed to be both meaningful go to war to bring Moshiach. My me a funny story. I told him I had military experts are figuring out how and cathartic, a way to clarify dear friend Molly Resnick insisted an inspirational one instead. He to stop this deranged movement, values and use time wisely. I share this campaign with others stopped bagging and looked up but I don’t want to wait for that. I The notion of “A Year to Bring but not before she asked me how I at me, no doubt wary of people want to learn from their singularity claiming to be inspired. I told him of purpose, sick and twisted as it that the parents of the rabbi’s wife may be, that my sole focus has to be in Mumbai were planning to move goodness. I want to be in the Rebbe’s back there with the baby, planning “Army of Hashem, “ as they say, a to build a bigger, more beautiful real trooper. Chabad House. Won’t that be a Unfortunately, I can learn a lot beautiful victory of goodness over from our enemy.They eat, drink evil? I asked rhetorically. (I think I and sleep their mission--so must was talking loudly, I know my heart I. They are careful in their moves, was racing.) Like most people, he joyful in their pursuit, inspired by was stunned, then clearly moved. their leaders, and will do anything, He told me I made his day. anything, to achieve their goal, so I want to tell everyone I can that much so that that their very lives are this was the response of the people valueless. Such an enemy will not who could have taken on the role of be brought down easily--what else victims, yet chose to transform their would we expect from the final battle unspeakable pain into a positive before the final Redemption? But the action beyond all logic. Hashem enemy will not go away; it must be chose the Holtzbergs as catalysts, transformed as only Moshiach can but each and every one of us is do. To use the analogy of a birth, I being asked to heed the call to fight submit that we have gone into labor. for good. It isn’t always easy to There is no turning back. Painful as say yes, but I am trying. (I refer to the process is, we know it is worth the impulse to say no as an “ego the reward. Let us use every ounce moment,” and if the impulse persists, of strength we have to hasten it. Not I simply think of Rivka Holtzberg’s this year, right now!

Moshiach” seemed like a logical spent my day differently as a result and purposeful utilization of that of this effort. concept in my life. I shared it with I told her how I pushed myself to family and friends and as I did, the visit a woman in a nursing home idea took root in my soul. I could when I otherwise might have been live a more Moshiachdik life for trawling online. (I had decided a year. earlier that I have enough clothes In theory it is simple. Do more for my year to bring Moshiach and good, do less bad--and keep an eye now idle shopping feels like a sport on the in between stuff. I can not afford--Hashem has helped December 19, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 7 A Rabbi’s Northern Adventure

From the Heights of Alaska to the Golan Heights las, I made an unexpected stop in Washington D.C. My last visit to Reprinted with special permission discovered a most flattering letter in all of North America,” Rabbi Lev America’s capital had been several by the author and Merkos L'Inyonei of thanks and praise from the Akiva asserted. years before, December 12, 1971, the Chinuch Academy president. The graduation Why was he looking at me, I won- date Miriam and I were engaged. ceremony was held in the elegant By Rabbi Yisrael Haber dered? Alaska? Oh no, I thought. It Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, and I Before that, as a child, I had visited couldn’t be. Yes, I was ready to travel, handed out the diplomas with feel- my uncle and aunt in Baltimore, and Chapter 6 but not to some other planet. It was ings of great emotion and pride. In they gave me a tour of the Smith- simply out of the question. THE MIXER a strange way, these students whom sonian and the Congress. Rather Come Pesach, we invited the whole I had only known for a year seemed “Rabbi Lev,” I said quickly. “I’m sure than wait in the long line outside the family to join us—my parents, like my children. the countryside must be very beauti- White House, we stood by the fence grandparents and siblings, as well ful, but if this has anything to do along Pennsylvania Avenue and As the weeks passed and I failed to as Miriam’s mother and cousins. with assignments, since I am in the gazed at the President’s home from receive my final clearance from the For our first Pesach celebration after middle of my doctorate, I requested across the broad lawn. “It is good to Air Force, I telephoned Randolph our marriage, it was really a family Texas so that I can continue at Bay- be an American, ”my uncle said. “But Base to learn about my status. I affair. In the middle of the week- ler. If not, I could finish my studies never forget you’re a Jew.” was told that several weeks of back- long holiday, I received a rabbinical in Southern California.” ground investigation was conducted Later, when my father was assigned endorsement from the Commis- on every officer candidate, and that I didn’t tell him that I had done to the Pentagon, he took me on a sion of Jewish Chaplaincy of the I would just have to be patient. some investigating on my own and more in-depth tour of the city, and I National Jewish Welfare Board. This “Listen, guys, I’m clean,” I felt like discovered that there were only myself led a group of students from important recommendation was also telling them. “What does a nice twelve Jewish chaplains in the Air Spring Valley on a study trip there, forwarded to the Chief of Chap- Jewish boy have to hide? The only Force worldwide. Since the jobs in so I knew the town pretty well. lains, Field Extension at Randolph thing in my closet is a pair of rubber the Northeast were already filled, Air Force Base near San Antonio, “Bolling Air Force Base,” I told boots and an umbrella to keep me I asked to be assigned to a base Texas. Within a week, I received a the taxi driver at the Washington dry in the rain.” which had had a Jewish chaplain in letter from the command chaplain National Airport. the past. at Randolph, informing me that Since I had already started my California was one of them. A short drive later, I was standing in he had received my endorsement. doctorate studies in Texas, I asked front of the building which housed He requested that I fill out several the Jewish Welfare Board to assist “Nothing has been decided, Yisrael,” the Office of the Chief Chaplain of forms, which I sent back the very me in being stationed in the state, he answered. “I just wanted to the Air Force. Inside, several workers same day. preferably at Lackland Air Force know.” greeted me, “Hello, rabbi,” without Base in San Antonio, so that I could My new career in the military was His assurance didn’t put me at ease. knowing who I was. After all, dealing finish my degree at Baylor. I guess on the way to becoming a real- Why would he ask about Alaska if with rabbis was a part of their job. you could say I was innocent of what ity, but I still had my hands full he didn’t have a reason? “Alaska?” I A chaplain colonel working in the a career in the military entailed. with programs and ceremonies at kept thinking. Doesn’t he know I’m personnel office escorted me into I could request the sun and the the school, including Israel’s 25th from Brooklyn? I wanted to spread his room. Telling him that I just moon, but it was some officer in the Anniversary. Yiddishkeit, not freeze to death. happened to be passing through the Pentagon who would decide where neighborhood, I asked if he knew There were special dinners, sport- my wife and I would spend the next “Don’t take it so hard, Yisrael,” one where I was being assigned. ing events, speaking engagements, few years of our lives. of the other candidates joked as and a Salute to Israel Parade. The we were taking a break in the hall. He said that the matter hadn’t been In the middle of June, without hav- holiday of Lag B’Omer came and “Alaska isn’t so bad, if you don’t mind decided, but that I had nothing to ing heard from the Air Force, I flew we put on a school play in honor having icicles stuck to your tzitzit.” worry about. to Manhattan for the orientation of Rabbi Akiva, the great teacher meeting, where I met four other I laughed along with the others. No A story is told about a sick man who of Torah during the time of the candidates who were hoping to sense panicking. Like Rabbi Lev went to a doctor. Mishna. Rather than give in to the become Jewish chaplains. Three said, nothing had been decided. It After the doctor finished his exami- harsh decrees of the Romans who were headed for the Army and one could be that he was just making nation and told the sick man about banned the learning of Torah, he for the Air Force like me. Of course, small talk when he spoke about the all the ailments he had, the doctor had continued teaching his students we all had a lot of questions about the scenery. No doubt it was a beauti- said, “But don’t take it to heart. If it until he was imprisoned and led to a role of a military chaplain, about our ful place. But maybe I should have were me, I wouldn’t worry.” martyr’s death. Watching the play, I responsibilities, about the chain of told him that mountains make me “To be truthful, I wouldn’t worry couldn’t help but wonder how Rabbi command, and what kind of living dizzy, or that my hands bleed with either,” the man responded, “if it Akiva ould have reacted if asked by conditions we could expect for our the first sign of frost. The Catskills were you who were sick and not a Jewish Board of Directors to com- families. In addition to answers, Mountains, all right. Mount Zion me.” promise on upholding the principles we received a lot of valuable tips on in Jerusalem, okay. But Mount of his faith. In the midst of all of this I felt the same way. From his seat in how to get by in the military. The McKinley? The tallest mountain in activity, I received a letter from the the personnel office inW ashington, main question on everyone’s mind, America? Who needs it? Jewish Welfare Board, inviting me it was easy for him to keep calm. I however, was where we were being to attend an orientation conference After some time, I convinced myself was the one who might be going to stationed. No one in New York could for new chaplains in mid-June. that I had nothing to worry about. Alaska—not him. give us the answer. There was a pay phone in the build- The realization that I was joining Then, to reassure me before sending One day, one of the rabbis at the ing, so I thought to call Miriam to the Air Force was still only a fantasy me off, he continued: “Regarding conference, Rabbi Aryeh Lev, who let her know what I wasn’t worried since so much was transpiring at the Alaskan mountains, they really was Director of the Commission about. But since she was alone in the school. Teacher reports and are magnificent. It’s true that we are on Jewish Chaplaincy, asked if any Dallas, I figured it was silly to upset student grades were being written, scheduled to send someone up there, of us had seen the beautiful scenery her with something so uncertain. It and the graduation ceremony had but the die hasn’t been cast. In any of the Pacific Northwest. A few of was probably my imagination getting to be planned. Who had time to event, my guess is that if anyone is the candidates said yes, they had the best of me. Soon I was laughing think about the yachts and exotic sent to Alaska this year, it will be traveled through the region. Indeed, at the very thought of being Rabbi locales? Nonetheless, it seemed a Reform rabbi. Since the nearest they agreed, it was magnificent Yisrael Haber from Anchorage, that a giant hand had come out of kosher butcher is 2000 miles away, country. Alaska. I chuckled, saying it out loud. the sky and flipped the sand-clock it might be going beyond the call of “What about you, Yisrael?” The It was absolutely ridiculous, ha, ha. of my life upside down. As summer duty to assign an Orthodox fellow rabbi asked. But I kept worrying all the same. approached, the sand began pour- like you to the region.” “No, I haven’t,” I answered with ing out in a frantic pace. On May When the conference wrapped up, some surprise at being singled out. The chaplain called a base taxi to 29, which happened to be my 25th a nervous feeling remained in my “I understand that Alaska’s moun- drive me back to the airport. birthday, I opened my mailbox and heart. So on my way back to Dal- tain ranges are the most beautiful 8 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~December 19 2008 Parshas Hashavua Vedibarta Bam ~ Vayishlach The brothers did not hear this Holy When Reuven came home, his father the brothers really hated Yosef, to Rabbi M. Bogomilsky Spirit, but Reuven did. Thus, he probably asked him if he had met the extent that they would not even .immediately decided that he was Yosef and how he was. Reuven told mention his name "ויחלם עוד חלום obligated to save Yosef and bring him him that they had met and that all אחר ויספר אתו Not wanting to accuse them openly, .was well with him (פנינים יקרים) .back to Yaakov לאחיו" he said “a wild animal,” alluding Originally, the brothers did not that his children, who are likened to "ויאמר יהודה אל אחיו מה בצע כי And he dreamt“ want to lie to their father by telling different animals, must have killed נהרג את אחינו" another dream [about the sun, him that Yosef had been killed him. He supported his theory by the “And Yehudah said to his brothers: moon and stars by a beast. Should Yaakov have fact that " " — “they tore טרף טרף יוסף [What [money — Targum Onkelos‘ bowing to him] asked them about Yosef, they would up Yosef’s [name]” — and did not will we gain if we slay our brother?’ and he told it to have merely said, “We are not our mention Yosef’s name when talking ” (37:26) (כלי יקר - מעינה של תורה) .his brothers.” (37:9) brother’s keeper; we did not see about him QUESTION: The Gemara (Sanhe- him and we have no knowl¬edge "גם פה לא עשיתי מאומה כי שמו אתי QUESTION: Yosef’s brothers hated drin 6b) draws a parallel between of his whereabouts; possibly he was בבור" him after he told them the first the word " " (betza) in this pasuk, devoured by a beast.” בצע dream. Why did he continue to and the word " " (botzei’a) in the “Here, also, I have done nothing However, when Reuven returned בצע antagonize them by relat¬ing his pasuk: “Ubotzei’a beireich ni’eitz for them to have put me in the pit.” other dream? and saw Yosef missing from the Hashem” — “The brazen robber (40:15) pit, he exclaimed, “If the lad is not ANSWER: The Gemara (Berachot says a blessing; he has mocked G here, how will I QUESTION: The words " כי שמו אתי 55b) states that we dream at night d” (Psalms 10:3) and be able to face " — “for them to have put me in בבור what we think about during the thus concludes that he my father? I have the pit” — seem superfluous.W ould day. who blesses Yehudah is already told him it not be suf¬ficient for him to say, committing blasphemy. In relating the first dream, Yosef that I have seen “I have done nothing”? Why should Yehudah told his brothers about the material him and that all not be praised for spar- ANSWER: It is quite common for success and wealth he anticipated. was well with ing the life of Yosef? an inmate to constantly claim that Though they all worked together in him. Father will he is innocent. However, his words the field, he would become richer, ANSWER: Of course, definitely suspect are unconvincing because most and they would bow to him. When were it not for Yehu- that we killed prisoners are actually guilty. the brothers heard this, they hated dah’s interven-tion, the him and hold me him because they figured that the brothers could have, G responsible!” Yosef wanted to impress the butler dream depicted what he thought d forbid, killed Yosef. that he was unique among the others To help Reuven about during the day. For this noble act, he in the dungeon and that he truly had out of his dilemma, the brothers then deserves credit. However, our Sages commit¬ted no crime. He related his Yosef was eager to prove to his fabri¬cated an alibi that after they do not approve the rationale he used ordeal with his brothers and their brothers that the first dream was an had seen Yosef, he had vanished, and to convince his brothers. Saying desire to kill him. They threw him act of Heaven and not related to his that ap¬parently he had been killed “What money will we gain if we slay into a pit ( ) filled with snakes and בור ,daytime thinking. Therefore, he told by a wild beast. They said further our brother?” is tantamount to the scorpi¬ons. Normally anyone would them of the second dream, which “The shirt we found substantiates popular adage “Crime does not pay.” have been bitten to death, but the all- was about an impossibility (how this.” The Torah does not accept this phi- merciful G d in heaven intervened )בית יעקב - שתי ידות( could his mother who died bow to losophy, and considers it erroneous. and miracu¬lously saved him. (See him?). He hoped they would believe Rashi 37:24) Even¬tually, he was "הכר נא הכתנת בנך היא אם לא ויכירה ,Crimes should never be committed that just as he did not think about taken from the pit and brought to ויאמר כתנת בני חיה רעה אכלתהו טרף .even if there are financial benefits this during the day, he also did not .Egypt טרף יוסף" think about the contents of the first Thus, the Torah is pleased withY ehu- dream during the day. dah’s actions, but displeased with “ ‘Recognize please if this is your Thus, he told the butler, “The episode those who praise his reasoning. son’s shirt.’ He recognized it and of the pit, which oc-curred some The brothers realized that his dreams said, ‘It is the shirt of my son; a savage time ago, should prove now that I "וישב אל אחיו ויאמר הילד איננו were valid and that they were a signal beast devoured him! Yosef has surely am a totally inno¬cent person and ואני אנה אני בא.. ויקחו את כתנת -from Heaven. Therefore, upon hear been torn to bits!’ ” (37:32-33) not one to violate any laws of Torah יוסף וישחטו שעיר עזים ויטבלו את ing the sec¬ond dream, they became or society.” הכתנת בדם" (אור החיים) )ר' אהרן האלבערשטאם זצ"ל מצאנז( jealous of him. QUESTION: How did Yaakov know an animal killed Yosef and And he returned to his brothers and“ "וישמע ראובן ויצלהו מידם" "ולא זכר שר המשקים את יוסף ?not a person said, ‘The child is not here and where וישכחהו" Reuven heard and he saved him“ shall I go?’ And they took Yosef’s ANSWER: Pharaoh wanted to from their hands.” (37:21) shirt and slaughtered a goatling destroy the Jewish people, so he “The butler did not rememberY osef, QUESTION: What did Reuven hear and dipped the shirt in the blood.” ordered the midwives to kill all the and he forgot him.” (40:23) that made him decide to save Yosef (37:30-31) newborn male children. When he QUESTION: If he did not remem- from the hands of his brothers? reprimanded them for not follow- QUESTION: Why did they wait ber him, obviously he forgot ing his orders, they replied that ANSWER: The preceding pasuk for Reuven’s return before dipping him! Why the two expressions the Jewish women are unique, ". of forgetting: “velo zachar” and כי relates that the brothers said, “Let us Yosef’s shirt in blood, instead of " The Gemara (Sotah 11b) ?”vayishkacheihu“ חיות הנה kill him and throw him into one of doing it immediately when they took explains their answer to mean that the pits, and we will say an evil beast off his shirt? the Jewish people are likened to ANSWER: Yosef originally asked ate him up, and -ANSWER: Every day one of the “chayot” — animals — Yosef to an the butler to mention him to Pha ונראה מה יהיו חלמתיו — We will see what will become of brothers would be home to assist ox, Yehudah to a lion, Yissachar to raoh. The ungrateful butler, whose his dreams.” Rashi says, that Rabbi Yaakov with his needs. On the day donkey, etc., and, in general, the life was saved through Yosef’s inter- Yitzchak interpreted these words Yosef met his brothers in the field, it Jewish people as a whole are referred pretation, did not return the favor not as a saying of the brothers, but was Reuven’s turn to be with Yaakov to as a lioness. Just as an animal does to Yosef. that Ruach Hakodesh — the Holy (Rashi, 28:37). As soon as the broth- not need help in giving birth, so the Spirit — is saying this. Hashem In addition, the Torah tells us that ers saw Yosef, they conspired to slay Jewish mothers. was saying “You are planning to Yosef immediately regret¬ted ask- him. Being the oldest, Reuven real- kill him; we shall see what will be When the brothers asked Yaakov, ing the butler to do him a favor. He ized his responsibility to save him. with his dreams. Will your plan be “Is this your son’s shirt?” it puzzled forgot about the butler entirely and Thus, he in¬structed his brothers realized and he will be dead, or will him very much that they did not refer put all his faith in Hashem. Thus, to throw him into the pit and not to My words be fulfilled and his dreams to him by his name, “Yosef.” This each one forgot about the other. place a hand upon him. )בינה לעתים דרוש י"ח( will come true?” brought him to the conclusion that December 19, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 9 Kislev Yahrzeiten

This week we continue with the Yahrzeiten of people who lived in our last day. He was born on the first of 5764/2003. shechuna. We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mention- Tamuz 1889 in Bosbroisk and was 25th of Kislev ing them we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn from their lives, nifter in 5737/1976. lessons that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes the Mrs. Henya Chasha Mockin Yahrzeiten from the 23rd through 29th of Kislev. The respective resting Horav Hachossid The daughter of Hachossid Reb places of the individuals noted in this column are near the holy Ohel, Hatomim Reb Nachman, during the hunger years unless otherwise specified. Yehoshua Korf she graciously hosted many needy 27th of Kislev The son of Hacho- Men Anash and Tmimim who stayed ssid Reb Gedalia, 23rd of Kislev in her home. She was nifter in Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb he was among Meir Rabkin 5738/1977. 27th of Kislev Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb the three mashpi’im roshi’im Yaakov Zalman Chaim Samuels The son of Hachossid Reb Eliyohu, of Crown Heights. He was born Mrs. Soro Roness he was mekushar with his Nshama to on the 23rd of Adar I 1905 in The son of Reb Avrohom Mordechai The daughter of Reb Shimon the Previous Rebbe and to the Rebbe. Nikolayev and was nifter in Levi Yitzchok, he was among the and the wife of, may he live He was born in 1933 in Bobroisk and 5768/2007. first students of Yeshivas Tomchei and be well Reb Meir, she was nifter in 5759/1998. Tmimim in the United States and Women sacrificed herself to be was devoted to the Rebbe’im. He 29th of Kislev 23rd of Kislev mekushar to the Rebbe was nifter 5746/1985. and involved herself in Horav Hachossid Mrs. Rochel Cunin the Mivtzoim Campaign, Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Hatomim Reb Mesibos Shabbos and The daughter of Elye Chaim Roitblat Eliyohu Simpson Melave Malka functions Hachossid Reb Mor- The son of Horav Hachossid Reb The son of Horav for women. Her home was dechai, she sacrificed Shmaryohu, he was a melamed Hachossid Reb always open to all and she herself in raising her for forty years and later became Shimon Aharon, gave encouragement to many children, and merited to mashpia in Oholei Torah. He was he was among the primary chozrim people. She was nifter in the midst see her children and grand- born in 1908 in Nevel and was who would orally review and record of her life in 5756/1995. children following the ways of Torah nifter 5758/1997 (see last week’s in writing the Rebbe RaShaB’s and Chassidus, and serving as the Dear Readers: Our Heroes). Maamorim. He was the Rav in the Rebbe’s Shluchim. She was nifter Ahavas Achim Tzemach Tzedek Anyone who would like to have their 25th of Kislev in 5732/1971. Shul in Boro Park for fifty years relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit Hachossid Reb Dovid Cunin and his entire life he dedicated to 24th of Kislev column should email the name, the sharing of Torah and chassidus father’s name, date of the ptira and The son of Hachossid Horav Men- with a special affection. He merited Mrs. Pesya Frimerman some details to chp5768@gmail. achem Mendel, he merited to raise to serve as a mazkir by the Previous The daughter of Reb ShmuelY osef, com. A picture may be included. children and grandchildren who are Rebbe for ten years, fulfilled his she assisted many Yidden during involved in communal affairs and task in a discrete manner, and was WWII and was a member of the serve as the Rebbe’s Shluchim. He mekushar to the Rebbe’im until his Chevra Kadisha. She was nifter in was nifter in 5748/1987. Jewish History Personality cations of his native land. Of an birth to a boy on Sukkot (the Feast irascible temperament, he seemed of Tabernacles) he broke through the strengthen Jewish identity by insist- to lack some of the tireless patience roof of the chamber in which she lay Shammai ing on stringent separation between Shammai (50 BCE–30 CE, Hebrew: which is said to have distinguished in order to make a sukkah of it, so Jews and gentiles, an approach that ) was a Jewish scholar of the 1st Hillel[citation needed]. Once, when that his new-born grandchild might -was regarded as divisive and misan שמאי century, and an important figure a gentile came to him and asked to fulfil the religious obligation of the thropic by Shammai’s opponents. in Judaism’s core work of rabbinic be converted to Judaism (or Noahite festival (Sukkah, 28a). literature, the Mishnah. Hillel’s grandson Gamaliel suc- monotheism as H. Falk argues) upon In the Midrash Sifre, Dvorim 203 ceeded to the position of president conditions which Shammai held to Shammai was the most eminent it is said that Shammai commented after Shammai in the year 30, but the be impossible, he drove the applicant contemporary and the halachic exegetically upon three passages Sanhedrin would remain dominated away; whereas Hillel succeeded in opponent of Hillel, and is almost of Scripture. These three examples by the house of Shammai until converting him (Shabbat, 31a). invariably mentioned along with of his exegesis are: (1) the inter- around 70 (see Council of Jamnia). him. Nevertheless Shammai was in no way pretation of Deuteronomy, xx. 20 A “voice from heaven” is said to have a misanthrope. He himself appears (Tosefefta, Eruvin, iii. 7); (2) that Shammai’s school of thought became to have realized the dis- of II Sam. xii. 9 (Kiddushin, 43a); known as the House of Shammai advantages of his temper; and (3) either the interpretation (Hebrew: Beit Shammai),‎ as Hillel’s hence he recommended a of Leviticus, xi. 34, which is given was known as the House of Hillel friendly attitude toward anonymously in Sifra on the passage, (Beit Hillel). After Menahem the all. His motto was: “Make but which is the basis for Shammai’s Essene had resigned the office of Av the study of the Torah halakha transmitted in ‘Orlah ii. 5, Beit Din (or vice-president) of the your chief occupation; or else the interpretation of Exodus, Sanhedrin, Shammai was elected to speak little, but accom- xx. 8 (“Remember the Sabbath”), it, Hillel being at the time president. plish much; and receive which is given in the Mekilta, Yitro, After Hillel died, circa 20 CE, Sham- every man with a friendly 7 (ed. Weiss, p. 76b) in the name of mai took his place as president but no countenance” (Avoth, i. Eleazar ben Hananiah, but which vice-president from the minority was 15). He was modest even must have originated with Shammai, elected so that the school of Sham- toward his pupils. with whose custom of preparing for mai attained complete ascendancy, the Sabbath it accords. during which Shammai passed “18 In his religious views ordinances” in conformity with his The tomb of Shammai in the Meron Shammai was known to Shammai founded a school of his ideas. The Talmud states that when river in Israel be strict. He wished to own, known as the House of Sham- he passed one of the ordinances, con- make his son, while still a mai, which differed fundamentally nullified the legality of the rulings of trary to the opinion of Hillel, the day child, conform to the law regarding from that of Hillel; and many of the house of Shammai (Yerushalmi “was as grievous to Israel as the day fasting on Yom Kippur (the Day Shammai’s sayings are probably Berakhot, 1:7), which is why Rab- when the [golden] calf was made” of Atonement); he was dissuaded embodied in those handed down in binical Judaism follows Hillel. (Shabbat, 17a). The exact content from his purpose only through the the name of his school. of the ordinances is not known, but Shammai took an active part in insistence of his friends (Yoma, 77b). Next week: Hillel they seem to have been designed to the political and religious compli- Once, when his daughter-in-law gave 10 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~December 19 2008

Tznius: "America Is Nisht Andersh”

Chassidus and Psychology and together with accepting the “I was able to cope with the loss only events through Emunah P’shuta’ by recognizing Hashem’s total con- By Mrs. M. Resnick going the way of professionals even and without finding comforting trol of the world and the fact that I explanations for the tragedy one “Chassidus is the most profound and in times like these, believing that don’t see the big picture…the Hash- must believe that from now on it most perfect ‘psychology’ (Toras- ‘real’ life problems require ‘real’ gocho Protis in Menachem Mendel’s will only be good. “tracht gut vet HaNefesh) capable of providing solutions. That when ‘serious’ push short life…a pure Neshoma whose zeint gut”. We have to get used to answers and solutions to all the comes to ‘serious’ shove, then you Shlichus…had been accomplished think from the Rebbe’s perspective problems that one encounters in turn to a ‘serious’ professional. How quickly.” and by doing so fears, dreads and daily life, Whether they be fears, on earth could Chassidus have a real One of the most dis- anxieties will disappear.” Rabbi Arad:“ dreads and anxieties, unrealized answer to a real fear? After all the torted approaches in life is that person is crying inconsolably, the hopes and aspirations, and even the I remember listening to Rabbi Y.Y. people tend to project the occurrence child is wetting his bed, depression ability to develop stable relations Jacobson’s talk on the Rebbe’s take of tragedies into forecasts for a black has set in. These are serious problems with one’s surroundings and envi- on Parshas Vayeshev. How Yosef future. When a person hears that and serious problems surely require ronment. [Chassidus has answers turned to the butler and the baker something bad happened to a friend ‘professional’ help. for them all] in the dungeon and asked them why or an acquaintance he immediately Unfortunately we have had our trag- they look sad- “ Lomo Pneichem extrapolates from the event to him- The above translated quote from last edies right here in Crown Heights, Roiim Hayom?” He, Yosef was in self and fears that something similar week’s Kfar Chabad Magazine cover we lost youth due to accidents, to the worst predicament anyone could will happen to him. Namely, if this story are the words of Rav Itzchak violence and the question is where imagine and yet he cared about is what happened before surely it Arad, Rosh of “Yeshivat Daat” in do we turn to in such turbulent the mood of two fellow convicted will happen again, so to speak. This Rechovot. He specializes and has times? Egyptians? How could that be? is a mistaken approach and has to remarkable success in explaining be totally uprooted.” and dealing with mental and psychic problems through the light of Chas- When I asked Mr. Yechiel Kadishai, sidus. (http://daat.org.il/) Prime Minister Menachem Begin’s right hand man, (whom I first met at “It’s not a new direction” he empha- Camp David) during a very trying sizes, “it is the ancient and central time in Eretz Yisroel’s-Arab conflict: direction of Chassidus but if we “What will be” the warm traditional were to claim any novelty it would Jew replied with a twinkle in his be in the manner of explanation eye, and I’m quoting : “In times like which enables us to share the vast these,” he said “ you have to be a wealth of Chassidus with the widest realist. You must recite T’hillim.” possible public.”(That includes many non-observant people and mental T’hillim, davening, Torah, learning health professionals). Tanya b’al pe, have all been our life- line and support system throughout What a wonderful feeling when the endless years of exile. And we Hashgocho Protis appears so really believed that it worked. When clearly! a friend of mine, a famous Rabbi had How I have been praying for Hashem sudden fear of public-speaking the to send some validation to His Rebbe suggested that every time system of mental health and B”H he opened his mouth he should it has ended up on our very own imagine the Rebbe speaking through Chassidishe magazine and at such his mouth. He did not send him to an opportune moment. a professional. (I know the Rebbe did refer people to professionals All my life as a ‘successful’ NBC in certain cases but not as a general producer I was encountering one hoiro’o) new ‘truth’ after another. Dr. Spock, Dr. Skinner, Dr. Thomas, Dr Brazel- If you look at nine of the Rebbe’s ton, Dr. PHD. How could it be that letters on the subject of how to avoid today this philosophy of life was in anger, nervousness and tension, what and the next year it was out? First, stands out is the emphasis on the psychoanalysis is the panacea to What is the direction we give our That is, the Rebbe explains, because following principles: healthy living and then a few years children? To whom should our Yosef had a clear understanding Concentration on Hashgocho Protis, later behavioral therapy is the only Moisdos be turning? Do we call that Hashem is running the play of Ahavas Yisroel, strengthening the answer. “Could there be that there in a professional or do we call in a life and he knows that the play has Bitochon , recitation of Mishnayos & exists a world with one unchanging Chassidishe Mashpia? What should a good ending and he trusts that Tanya during times of anger, Learn- eternal truth?” I used to wonder. be our first ‘knee jerk’ reaction? Hashem knows what he is doing ing about the detrimental nature of and that he is doing it all for the B”H I found Yiddishkeit and then We saw the Rebbes’ approach in anger, not to express anger, begging good, even though at the moment it Chassidus and I finally found peace. past unthinkable tragedies like the Mechila, checking Tfillin and Mezu- looks so utterly hopeless and bleak. But lo and behold, it seems that the Kfar Chabad massacre in …. and zos, Increase in Torah learning, And that is the task and the Avoda very same Chassidim that I came the Lapine tragedy in….. Chitas and Tzedaka giving. of every Jew. And living life in this to for pure waters seem to be going It was always Vehachai Itten el Libo, manner is what makes the difference (These letters were compiled in out shmorgesboarding for water in Babniya Tinachamu,(Through between us Yidden and the rest of an article in the Kfar Chabad’s foreign wells. rebuilding you will be consoled) etc the world. Believing that we are ‘Aspaklaria’) Ever since Mumbai I have been pray- and yet we always seem to look for each here for a purpose and that Many top Mechanchim and Chas- ing that we should never have to face more ‘practical’ solutions without everything is ultimately for the good sidim that I shared this article with such tragedies again but that if we trusting totally in our Moirosho that is what allows us, nay compels us, to noted how the Rebbe, in contradic- were to find ourselves chas vesholom for thousands of years has been the be optimistic about the future. tion to popular wisdom, denounced in such ‘darkness’ I prayed that true source and guide to our practi- I am reminded of an account I read the idea of venting and expressing we should only look for solutions, cal solutions. in the recent N’shei Newsletter of anger. consolation, and understanding Rabbi Arad:“The Rebbe teaches a courageous Chassidic response through Torah, Chassidus and the But there is so much resistance to us that together with the belief to a personal tragedy. After losing words of the Rebbe. relying on Emuna P’shuta perhaps that the tragedy that happened her firstborn, a day after the Pidyon Too often I have seen our own people stemmed from the will of Hashem Haben, Mrs. Batsheva Browd writes: Continued on page 16 December 19, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 11 Chanukah

Sefer HaMinhagim Chabad-Lubavitch Customs • A mourner may lead the services on Chanukah, except for the read- Published and copyright © by Sichos nor was an effort made to kindle in for about half an hour (except for ing of Hallel. On Rosh Chodesh, in English the presence of the largest possible erev Shabbos). however, and likewise on any number of people. day on which Mussaf is said, he • Boys begin lighting the Chanu- • There are those who replace the does not lead the services, even kah lights some time before their • The first berachah ends with the wicks every day while others hold at Minchah or Maariv. bar-mitzvah. words, lehadlik neir Chanukah. that this is not necessary, since used wicks are in fact easier to • The Torah is read daily according • Girls do not light separately. • One begins to light after having kindle. to the order set out in the Sid- A married woman fulfills her recited all the blessings. dur of R. Avraham David Lavut obligation through her husband’s To date I have not been able to • On the first night we kindle the [and reprinted in Siddur Tehillat kindling. determine the preferred custom of wick at the extreme right. On the HaShem, p. 368ff.]. On Shabbos, the [Previous] Rebbe. • Olive oil is used for the actual second night and thereafter one and likewise on Rosh Chodesh lights, and beeswax for the lights additional wicks to its left, • A light that went out before its [Teves], the additional reading shamash. kindling from left to right. required time should be relit. for Chanukah consists of only one of the paragraphs describing the • The menorah is placed against the • The shamash is placed higher than • After the menorah has been alight princely offerings (in Bamidbar, doorpost of the entrance to the the Chanukah lights proper. for the required time, it may be ch. 7, known as “the nesi’im”). room. We do not make a point moved even if the lights are still • The menorah once had to be of placing it in either a north- aflame. • The [Previous] Rebbe would moved a tefach or two closer to south or east-west direction. It is distribute coins for “Chanukah the [Previous] Rebbe so that he • After this period of time one placed on a chair, not necessarily gelt” (gifts of pocket money) would be able to light it, and it may perform all manner of work, higher than seven tefachim [seven on the fourth or fifth night of was then replaced in its position. though not in full view of the handsbreadths, viz., 56cm.] nor Chanukah. Nevertheless the Rebbe recited burning lights. This applies even necessarily approximating a the blessing and lit the lights. to the first and last nights of • One should not omit ve’al hanis- height of three tefachim [viz., Chanukah. sim (Siddur, p. 59) in order to 24cm.]. • HaNeiros Hallalu (Siddur, p. 339) complete the Shemoneh Esreh in is said [or sung] only after all the • On erev Shabbos the order of • A gartel is worn for the light- time to join in the congregational lights have been kindled. events is as follows: Minchah ing, but otherwise one wears responses of Kedushah (p. 52) (Siddur, p. 96), Chanukah lights one’s usual [weekday] hat and The text for HaNeiros Hallalu and Al and Modim (p. 58) during its (p. 339), Shabbos lights (p. 127). clothes. HaNissim (ibid., p. 59) is as printed repetition. At the conclusion of Shabbos in the Alter Rebbe’s Siddur. • The lights are kindled between the order is: Havdalah (p. 234), • The eighth day of Chanukah is Minchah and Maariv. • One makes a point of having Chanukah lights (p. 339), VeYiten called Zos Chanukah. the lights burn for at least fifty Lecha (p. 235). In the synagogue There was no minyan present at • Some people are accustomed minutes. the order is: Chanukah lights, the kindling of the lights in the to give more charity than usual followed by Havdalah. household of the [Previous] Rebbe, • One remains close to the lights during Chanukah. Chanukah Events

Reprinted from Chabad.org Sculpting of Menorah: 4:00pm - am - 12:30 pm Menorah @ Union Square Park 6:00pm In front of 509 Fifth Avenue 5:00 pm • Sunday, December 21, 2008 Chabad of Prospect Heights West Ice Menorah Lighting: 6:00pm 24 Kislev, 5769 Invites you to a Chanukah Party- Check out our Menorah stationed Followed by Party Celebration Chanukah crafts Donut decorating at Union Square Park throughout Chanukah in Downtown Brook- •Live Music •Chanukah Refresh- Face painting Latka making Dreidel the week of Chanukah! 5:00 pm lyn ments • Traditional Potato Latkes & playing and lots of fun! Located at 14th St & Union Square Brooklyn's Official Menorah, with Doughnuts • Chocolate Chanukah E, South-East corner of Park live music, delicious treats, prizes Gelt for the Children! for the kids. In front of the Supreme Chabad Lubavitch of Midtown Court & Borough Hall (corner of Manhattan Mantague & Court Streets).

Public Menorah Lighting @ Grand • Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Army Plaza 6:00 pm 26 Kislev, 5769 Chanukah on Ice NYC in Central • Monday, December 22, 2008 Park 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 25 Kislev, 5769 Join us at Wollman Rink in Central Special Official Lighting Cer- Park for CHANUKAH ON ICE emony 5:00 pm The entire rink will be rented for this great family event that will Special official lighting ceremony take place in the heart fo the city! with Mr. Marty Markowitz, Presi- Complimentary refreshments, skate dent of the Borough of Brooklyn. rental, and crafts for the kids are all With live children's choir, followed included. The snack concession will by a children's party inside Borough be selling only kosher food, and a Hall with Chanukah prizes and a heated tent on-site will have videos comedy magic show. and crafts. Ice Menorah & Chanukah Party Find out more and register online at 4:00 pm www.ChanukahOnIceNYC.com. Featuring the Sculpting & Light- ing of Midtown Manhattan’s ICE • Sunday, December 28, 2008 MENORAH Followed by a Cha- 1 Tevet, 5769 nukah Party & Celebration Chanukah Extravaganza! 11:00 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~December 19 2008

Financial Interest

Budget Denial fees, and any of the other million to lose years of gains between July fees that banks charge these days. If and November. By Mary Dalrymple you know you’re a little careless with Don’t forget your annual computer Those who decided the Fed had your spending, it might be worth Does this sound familiar? You’ve costs, like software upgrades. Other mastered the business cycle have your time to budget for these fees. finally gotten fed up with searching annual memberships, like those for learned that indeed, it wasn't differ- The idea of budgeting for these bank the car floor and digging through AAA, Costco, or your bacon-of-the- ent this time. charges and tracking your spending the couch cushions for subway month club, probably weren’t figured in this area might even prompt you Our must-do here: Be aware of fare or lunch money at the end of into your budget calculations. This to do more to avoid them. cyclical businesses and take profits the month, afraid that another $20 list might also include professional during high times. Although it may withdrawal from the automatic teller dues or association memberships. We pay for more and more Cash. seem otherwise during long bull will mean an overdraft. Or maybe of our daily needs with credit and Let’s ignore the holidays for markets, cyclical businesses simply you’re just tired of that nagging and Gifts. debit cards, yet it’s cash that seems to the moment. If you’re exceeding your aren't recession-proof. slightly guilty feeling that you could slip through our fingertips without budget in November and December, be saving a lot more money. notice. How many times have you Volatility is here to stay. you probably know why. But, even if Lesson 2: looked in your wallet on a Friday So, calculator in hand, you sit down you’ve gotten into serious budgeting The market emerged from an unchar- and wondered what happened to the to write a budget. After subtracting mode and remembered to account acteristically quiet period during $60 you had there on Monday? Keep all your major living expenses, you for your holiday spending, you might 2008. Investors got accustomed to receipts for all your cash spending for resolve to make your own lunch have forgotten other gifts. Expand market stability during the last bull a couple weeks and see if that solves and visit the library more often. But this budget category if you’re a year- market, as stocks rose substantially the mystery. If not, keep a daily somehow, even when sticking to the round gift giver. with only a few corrections along record of your cash expenses for a budget, money seems to go missing the way. There’s no shortage of opportunities while to find the missing money. every month. It’s almost enough to to lavish your friends and family at Now, though, we've gotten used to make a person give up on the whole Keeping these tips in mind will help all times of the year, from birthdays big bumps in the road. In October idea of budgeting and dive back you budget better.Y ou may still have to housewarming parties. This can and November, the Dow closed under the couch cushions. But it’s some hiccups in your budget here be a particularly big budget category with a gain or loss of more than probably more productive, instead, and there, but, hey, you can always for people in large families, with 100 points in all but six sessions. to find the leaks. budget for those, too. their endless parade of weddings, Swings of 400-500 points within Something always seems to slip baby showers, and graduation cer- a single day have been quite com- through even the best budgeting emonies. Then, there are the few 5 Must-Dos for mon. Yet while all those ups and net. Either we forget small expenses dollars here or there collected at the Surviving 2009 downs might send you running for or we forget major categories. Here office for someone’s retirement or cover, smart investors have tapped By Dan Caplinger are some places your money may departure party. Add greeting cards it to their advantage, capitalizing on be going when it disappears like the to this category if you’re a devoted 2008's almost over, and shell- unique opportunities to grab shares socks in the dryer. card mailer. shocked investors can hardly wait at bargain prices. Just ask investors to put it behind them. Yet while who picked up shares of Berkshire It’s easy to budget Like holiday gifts, anyone Transportation. Travel. you might think things can't get any Hathaway (NYSE: BRK-A) (NYSE: for the monthly costs of owning a working at a budget might have worse in 2009, you still need to keep BRK-B) at levels not seen in the past car, like fuel and loan payments. the foresight to include vacation your guard up. five years. It’s the occasional expenses that expenses. It’s the less exciting travel throw the budget for a loop. When or local trips that tend to be forgot- The past year Must-do: it comes to vehicles, this category ten. This might include weekend taught us a lot of Embrace volatil- can be huge. It might include regular trips to the beach or camping excur- painful yet valu- ity. Although mar- maintenance like oil changes and sions. Obligatory trips to see family able lessons. In ket prices change tire rotations. More expensively, it in far-off states might be omitted order to make every minute, might include unplanned repairs when you’re daydreaming about sure we don't the fundamental or new tires. how to spend your vacation savings. repeat some of the value of the busi- If you tend to be the type to wander investing mistakes ness does not. Then there are costs like driver’s away from home often, add money that caused such Have faith in your licenses, registration, and inspec- to your vacation fund for this kind huge losses this assessments, and tions, not to mention tolls and park- of travel. year, let's take a when the market ing meters. No one item may cost a moment and review what we learned gives you a bargain, don't doubt lot of money, but together they add Let’s start this list Personal Care. the hard way in 2008. yourself -- grab shares while they up. Throw in the occasional parking with dry cleaning, a budget category last. ticket, and this budget category that can seem small when you only Lesson 1: The stock market is still could be completely busted every drop a few things off at a time, but cyclical. Lesson 3: Don't run out of month. This is one place to go back to that can grow very big over time. Try ammunition. After five years of positive returns your records and add up your annual to track your spending over three for the markets, investors got com- Lots of investors took advantage of expenses to get a more accurate view months to get a more realistic view placent and thought the good times losses during the first part of 2008 of your spending. Alternatively, you of your average dry cleaning costs. could last even longer. Yet repeatedly, by adding to their stock investments. might choose to add extra money Add alteration costs if, like me, the market sent shares in sectors that But if you ran out of cash early in the to this category to give yourself a you’ve rarely encountered a pair of climbed too high crashing down to year, you missed out on some even little cushion for those unplanned pants that wouldn’t need at least two earth. better bargains that became available expenses. inches cut from the bottom. in October and November. Financial stocks make the most obvi- Anything you pay The personal care category also Subscriptions. ous example of this phenomenon, The must-do here: Make sure you only once a year has a tendency seems to suffer from budgetary self- having plummeted after the end of a keep a reserve of cash to parcel out to get lost in the budget shuffle. deception. It’s fine to tell yourself multiyear run of strong performance. in chunks throughout an extended Accumulate enough of those annual you’ll forgo the eyebrow wax and But it's not just financials that have market downturn. You won't always items, and you’ve probably got a manicure this month, but it will acted this way. Natural resources pick the exact bottom, but you'll large budget leak that could be easily not keep your spending down if companies like Vale (NYSE: RIO) make sure you don't come up empty identified. you don’t keep the promise. A new and Rio Tinto (NYSE: RTP) climbed at the best time to buy. lipstick here and a few fancy soaps Although it may not cost much to to record highs at midyear, only to there, and this budget category can Prepare for reversals. have copies of Cigar Aficionado or lose well over half their value in the Lesson 4: get bigger than you think. Martha Stewart Living delivered ensuing months. Oil and gas stocks 2008 was almost universally bad to your house, the overall cost of Fees. This can add up to a sizable like ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) from a news perspective. But in subscriptions can add up if you read budget hole if you’re incurring late and XTO Energy (NYSE: XTO) 2009, you can expect to see a more several magazines and newspapers. charges, overdraft charges, ATM rode the wave toward $150 oil only Continued on page 16 December 19, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 13

Nightlife Welcomes You Back! materially and spiritually... And lecturers and more. ‘If you will but toil, you will surely Nightlife’s future success will By a Nightlife Fan of all types and ages have walked depend largely on the generosity down Nightlife’s staircase, and all After much anticipation, Nightlife and time of the girls themselves, have felt welcome. is back! as well as members of the Crown Following a highly successful year Heights community. If you would Since its inception in the summer and an equally successful summer, like to get involved in this vital and of 2007, Nightlife has been an oasis countless girls asked the same ques- rewarding project, please contact of learning, growth and friendship tion: When will Nightlife begin the Nightlife staff at CrownHeight- again? Though busy with jobs and [email protected] for volun- other activities, girls missed Night- teer opportunities. life. “Even when I’m busy, I make it Another amazing Nightlife year is a point to come,” said one Nightlifer just beginning… and in the spirit of eager for the program to resume. find.’” There is no doubt that the Hakhel, may these gatherings bring earnestness, sincerity and determi- At long last, an email announcing more light to each girl in her personal nation with which these girls set out Nightlife’s return was received. On life, more light to this community, to daven on that ill-weathered night Thursday night,Y ud Daled Kislev-- and more light to the world. will not go unnoticed. the Rebbe’s and Rebbitzen’s wedding Nightlife was founded by Moshe anniversary--70 girls braved the Though some aspects of Nightlife Rubashkin and is a joint project mabul-like weather to daven at the will be changing this year, the spirit of the CHJCC, BYIT and Taharas Ohel for shidduchim. and unifying atmosphere that really Hamishpocha Int’l. Nightlife is enriched the lives of girls here on all The evening began with an inspi- sponsored in part by the CHJCC. levels will continue with the same rational and practical talk given by for post-seminary girls. It is often drive and enthusiasm. Programming Rabbi Zalman Leib Markowitz. He a struggle to stay above the murky in the past has included lectures and stressed that we single girls should “single” waters, and when a Chas- classes given by sought-after speak- utilize our time to accomplish great sidishe Yom Tov comes around, a ers such as Rabbi Yossi Jacobson, things—as many girls already have. great lecture is in order or the mood Rabbi Asher Crispe, Sara Esther He explained that comparing oneself just hits, Nightlife is the place to Crispe, Shimona Tzukernik, Rabbi to others is a significant contributor be. Dov Yonah Korn, Devorah Hal- berstam, Chaya Teldon and Malka Nightlife regular, Touger, to name just a few. What Nechama Dina, related can Nightlifers look forward to this that Nightlife keeps her year? Girls can count on Nightlife for focused and helps her programming on special calendar “live with the times, dates, Friday night meals, weekly [especially] in the years after school, when you don’t have the struc- ture anymore… With HEAP Nightlife, you stay connected.” The HEAP Program Outreach Workers In addition to the is once again processing Heap applica- hands-on demonstra- tions at our office this year. tions, fascinating talks, to becoming downhearted about music, art and comedy evenings, The scheduled appointments are on being single. Distancing oneself Nightlife is all about bringing girls from that type of thinking will help TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23 -- 9:15 AM--3:30 PM. together. Michal, a Nightlifer, feels one have a happier outlook in this that “Nightlife is a great place to at the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, stage, as well as all other stages in make connections with other girls.” 387 Kingston Avenue (corner Crown St.). life. Connections like these are what Please come early -- First come, first served make Nightlife such a success. One Mrs. Esther Berkowitz spoke next, girl admitted that Nightlife was sharing her personal shidduch expe- GREAT NEWS. The outreach workers will accept BOTH regular the reason she made the decision rience. Everyone was captivated, and and emergency applications. (To apply for emergency heap you to come to Crown Heights for the gathered close to catch every word must have a shut-off notice.) year! (which was getting more and more difficult as the rain pounded harder Those families on Food Stamps with a child under 8 need not The feeling of warmth and family on the tent roof.) Mrs. Berkow- apply unless you pay your own heating bill. You will receive it itz’s story reminded us to dig automatically. All other families must apply. Persons 60 and over deep and realize what’s really can apply with DFTA 212-442-1000. Households on Section 8 important in the long run. are only eligible if they pay their own heating bill. The panim were then written Please bring in the following documentation: and the girls headed out into 1) Proof of income, Soc. Sec., or support letter for the past two the hammering rain to the months Ohel itself. A pan klali was read aloud, as were the names 2) Rent, mortgage or tax papers of hundreds of singles which 3) Birth certificates and social security cards for family took over fifteen minutes to members read. As drenched girl after drenched girl reboarded the 4) Fuel or utility bills bus, one could not help but 5) Proof of Citizenship (Citizenship paper). recall the words of our Rebbe, was always tangible in the Nightlife cited from a letter printed in Eternal 6) Letter for child 18 and over that he/she is in School. lounge graciously provided by the Joy, advising one seeking a shidduch Rubashkin family and is sure to be Thank you to “seek with due effort and energy replicated iy”h in the future. Girls a zivug that will benefit you both 14 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~December 19 2008 Chanukah

Chanuka Nightlight between revealed good and concealed private and public areas of our lives, good, challenging us to cultivate the the boundary between the home and Based on the teachings of the Rebbe fighters and drove the Greeks from day and sublimate the night. the street. the land. After liberating the Holy On the most fundamental level, [In terms of their placement in time, Courtesy of MeaningfulLife.com Temple and rededicating it to the our task is to harness the light of the Temple’s menorah was kindled in The mitzvah of kindling the Chanu- service of G-d, they searched for ritu- day so that it extends to illuminate early afternoon, the Shabbat candles kah lights begins at sunset.... They ally pure oil with which to light the the night. We strive to preserve and are lit eighteen minutes before are to be placed in the outer doorway menorah. They found a single cruse develop all that is good and G-dly sunset, and the Chanukah lights are of one’s home; if one lives on the of oil that had survived defilement by in our world, and to direct these kindled at or after nightfall. This also second floor, one should place them the Greeks. Miraculously, the one- positive forces to overcome and corresponds to the sequence of their in a window which looks out to the day supply burned for eight days, until transform the evil and negativity of appearance on the macro-historical street. Talmud, Shabbat 21b new pure oil could be prepared. the dark side of creation. This pro- level. The Temple menorah came Evening comes early in winter, filling Every winter of the more than 2,100 cess was exemplified by the menorah first, in the luminous years when the streets with darkness and cold. winters since, we remember and in the Holy Temple: kindled in the G-d still communicated openly with One by one the lights come on. Amid reenact the triumph of light over light of day, its rays reached deep man; commanded by G-d at Sinai, the electrical glare, a warmer, purer darkness with the eight flames of into the night; kindled in an inner the mitzvah to kindle the Temple glow asserts itself. It is the last week the Chanukah menorah. sanctum brimming with divine light, menorah was written into the Torah of Kislev, and from the doorways and it radiated its glow to the mundane (Exodus 27:20-21). The Shabbat windows of Jewish homes, Chanu- A Different Menorah world without. lights came in later, spiritually kah lights illuminate the night. There are, however, several marked darker times, a rabbinical institu- But there are times when this standard differences between the Chanukah tion designed to foster harmony in “For a mitzvah is a lamp, and Torah, operating procedure is no longer opera- menorah and the menorah in the the home on the holy day (Jewish light” (Proverbs 6:23). The essence tive. Times when darkness invades the Holy Temple: women, beginning with Sarah and of our mission in life is to shed light: divine lighthouse, extinguishing the Rebecca, kindled the Shabbat lights every time we fulfill a mitzvah we a) The Temple menorah was lit menorah and defiling its oil. Times from the very beginning of Jewish are lighting a lamp, illuminating a during the day (no when we can no longer history--see Midrash Rabbah on world darkened by ignorance and later than 1-1/4 draw from the day to illu- Genesis 24:67; Likkutei Sichot, vol. strife with the wisdom and harmony hours before sun- minate the night. XV pp. 168-173; but as a halachic of the Creator. set) and burned At such times, we must obligation they date from the time through the night. Every mitzvah is a lamp, but there are turn to the night itself they were instituted as a rabbinical The Chanukah two mitzvot whose actual form mir- as a source of light. We decree). Most recent in linear time lights are kindled rors their quintessential function. must search for the hid- are the Chanukah lights, instituted at night. (Immedi- These are the two mitzvot whose den single cruse of pure 21 centuries ago in commemoration ately after sunset fulfillment involves the generation oil, for the undefiled of the miracle of Chanukah. according to the of physical light: the lamps of the and undefilable essence custom of some [So goes the journey of light: a menorah, which the Torah instructs of creation. We must communities, or journey through time and space to be lit each afternoon in the Holy delve below the surface after three stars come out, according to ever duskier vistas, to increas- Temple in Jerusalem; and the Cha- realities of day and night to unearth to the custom of other.) ingly alien environments; a journey nukah lights, kindled at nightfall the primordial singularity of light from midday in Jerusalem to the each evening of the eight-day festival b) The original menorah stood well and darkness. darkest reaches of a world awaiting of Chanukah. indoors, in the inner sanctum of the Therein lies the significance of redemption.] Holy Temple (called the Heichal). Indeed, the Chanukah lamps are the Chanukah, when the menorah The Chanukah menorah is placed offspring of those of the menorah. moves from within the Holy Temple Cycle and Circumference at the perimeter of the home, on the The mitzvah of lighting the Chanu- out into the street, and from the This is also the significance of the outer doorway of ones home or, if kah lights was instituted by our sages daytime to the evening. Chanukah difference between the number of one lives on the second floor... in a to commemorate the miraculous transforms the menorah from a tool lamps in the Temple and Chanukah window overlooking the street. rebirth of light in the Holy Temple that disseminates the light of day menorahs. after its suppression, in the 2nd c) Seven flames burned in the Temple into a tool that extracts the luminous Seven is the number of creation. century bce, by the Hellenist rulers menorah. The Chanukah menorah essence of darkness itself. G-d created the world in seven days, of the Holy Land. holds eight lamps, all of which are [More specifically, the lighting of the employing the seven divine attri- kindled on the eighth and culminat- The Temple’s menorah was a five-foot Temple and Chanukah menorahs, butes (sefirot) which He emanated ing night of the festival. high, seven branched-candelabra together with the third light-generating from Himself to serve as the seven made of solid gold and topped with Why these dissimilarities? In Torah mitzvah, the lighting of the Shabbat spiritual building blocks of the cre- seven oil-burning lamps. Its seven law, there is a rule-of-thumb that All lights, chart a three-phased progres- ated reality. Seven is thus the domi- flames, fueled by premium olive oil rabbinical institutions are modeled sion of light through space and time. nant number in all natural cycles prepared under special conditions after their biblical prototypes. So and processes. Hence, the standard [The Temple menorah stood in the of spiritual purity, were the physi- why, in instituting the practice of operating procedure to bring light holiest place on earth, in the edifice cal expression of the spiritual light kindling the Chanukah lights, did to the darker corners of creation is that was the seat of G-d’s manifest which emanated from the Holy our sages so differentiate between associated with the seven-branched presence in the physical world. The Temple. For the Holy Temple in them and the lights they come to menorah of the Holy Temple. Shabbat lights find a source of light Jerusalem was the epicenter of G-d’s commemorate? in a less sacred environment--in the If seven is the cycle of nature, the manifest presence in the life of man, dure home, a place that embraces both our number eight represents the cir- the point, says the Talmud, from Standard Operating Proce holy endeavors (Torah study, prayer, cumference (shomer hahekef) that which light went out to the entire G-d saw the light that it is good, and acts of charity, etc.) as well as our defines and contains it, the pre- world. In their endeavor to supplant He separated between the light and more mundane activities. Yet the creation reality that both transcends the spirituality of Israel with the the darkness. And G-d called the home is our private sanctum; here and pervades the created reality. If paganism of Hellene, the Greeks light day and the darkness He called we are in control, making the task the seven lamps of the Temple meno- invaded the Temple, defiled it with night; and it was evening and it was of achieving harmony between the rah embody the normative process their decadent images and rites, and morning, one day. Genesis 1:4-5 spiritual and material components of overriding darkness with light, contaminated the oil designated for In the beginning, darkness and light of home life, if not always easy, the eight lamps of the Chanukah the kindling of the menorah. were one--a single, seamless expres- then within reasonable reach. The menorah represent the endeavor to But one family refused to yield to the sion of the goodness and perfection of Chanukah lights, however, test the access a higher reality--a reality in darkness. Matityahu the Hasmonean their Creator. But G-d wanted contrast very limits of our light-generating which darkness is but another ray and his sons (the Maccabees) rallied and challenge in His world. So He capacities. Placed in the doorway of divine truth. a small but determined group of separated between light and darkness, or in a window, they straddle the December 19, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 15 Shleimus Haaretz

Prophetic Words of the Rebbe to the (then) Transportation Minister of Israel Mr. Moshe Katzav,on January 15, 1992 Published and copyright © by Sichos are individual Jews in the Land to such an arrangement. Likewise, negotiations on autonomy. In English of Israel who do not keep Torah it is preferable that the [Shamir] I always fought for a Shamir govern- and mitzvos relates specifically to government should fall and there During distribution of Dollars for ment, and I did everything within desecrating their personal lives. But should not be a Jewish government, Charity, 10 Shevat, 5752: my power to establish a government here we are discussing a situation in since the only reason they are even with Shamir as its head. However, (When the Transportation Minister, which the government of Israel will discussing these plans is because of if they continue in this direction of Moshe Katzav, was introduced to the publicly declare war against G-d and pressure from the nations (as they negotiations, then I — Menachem Rebbe, the Rebbe shook his hand — His Torah. themselves admit). If so, it would be Mendel — will be the first to fight continuing to hold it for the entire preferable that they establish — G-d As to the explanation [of the Likud] with all of my forcefulness and might duration of the conversation — and forbid — a non-Jewish government that the only matter under discus- against Shamir, so that his govern- blessed him as follows): in the Land of Israel, which will sion is limited self-rule, under which ment will fall. decide what to do with the Land of Within the realm of your position, the Arabs will be in charge of their Israel. At least then there will not be Until today, only Mr. Shimon Peres you should merit to solidify the own education and agriculture etc. Jews signing such agreements! has stood against Shamir’s govern- bond between the Nation of Israel, but not foreign affairs and security, ment. But if Shamir continues in the Torah of Israel, and G-d, so and that this is only a trial period ... You certainly know Mr. Menachem this direction negotiating about that these three should never be these are all matters of diplomacy. I Begin, who at the outset did not autonomy, then I too will stand separated. shall not argue with you on this, as agree with the Camp David ideas, against the government of Shamir. it seems that you understand more and was strongly opposed to them. I recently heard a strange and fright- about diplomacy than I. But here But eventually he began to make If Shamir is unable to withstand ening rumor regarding talks and we are not discussing diplomacy, compromises, and from what we the pressure of the goyim, let him impending decisions by the Israeli but the surrender of parts of the hear today, he has great remorse publicly declare that he cannot government, concerning surrender- Land of Israel. The very fact that over having given up a part of the withstand the pressure, and is there- ing parts of the Land of Israel. They negotiation on this is taking place is Land of Israel. fore unable to continue as Prime are currently discussing a five year a desecration of G-d’s Name, and in Minister. plan [Madrid talks] which they Had people who do not believe in opposition to G-d and His Torah. It describe as “autonomy”; In truth, G-d been responsible for this, we As I have said many times in the past, then makes absolutely no difference however, the semantics are meaning- could understand this. But that the a shamir (in the Bible) is a worm what kind of diplomatic icing the less, and it makes no difference what signature for abandoning parts of which cuts through hard stone — so Jews put on top of it. they call the issue. The plain truth is the Land of Israel should be from let Shamir release a shamir into the that these talks and affairs fall under from Jews who decision to speak about these mat- the explicitly stated Torah prohibi- believe in G-d ters of giving up parts of the Land tion of “not ingratiating yourselves — this is a des- of Israel. Then this decision, and to the nations,” which includes the ecration of His all thought of such matters, will be prohibition of ceding any part of the Name. cut of and totally nullified, ceasing Land of Israel to the nations of the to exist. Shamir believes world. These talks will eventually in G-d and in (Minister Katzav then said: “The lead to the actual surrender of parts the holiness Rebbe Shlita is the one who estab- of the Land of Israel. Thus, the very of the Land of lished the present government, and act of holding such talks constitutes Israel — so it we would like the continued blessing a rejection of G-d and His Torah, of is completely of the Rebbe for this government, as the Land of Israel and the holiness mind-boggling it will add holiness to the govern- of the Land of Israel. that he should ment.” The Rebbe replied): Discussions of autonomy plans be the one to When Shamir will add holiness to are just a prelude to surrendering agree to nego- the Land of Israel, then he will gain parts of the Land of Israel — and The reason given for these talks is tiate on a plan whose eventual the strength to stand against all the not just small territories — but that there is a mass immigration outcome is the surrendering of parts pressures. rather large expansive parts such from Russia, and Israel therefore of the Land of Israel. as Judea, Samaria, Gaza, Hebron, needs America’s loan guarantees etc., (Minister Moshe Katzav: “Shamir Security of the Land of Israel comes and Jerusalem etc. This involves and we must take into account what will surely be strong.” The Rebbe from G-d alone. If they acted accord- life-and-death issues! As has been the American government will say. replied): ingly and stood firmly as the hour stated, it is irrelevant what the Jews This consideration is the first step to dictates, there would not be any Until now he has been strong, and think or say, and how they interpret giving away land. The proof of this reason to worry about the safety of we must therefore see to it that they it. What matters is how the gentiles is, that the Likud themselves state, the Land of Israel. immediately cease all talk about understand it. They interpret the that the reason they are doing all this autonomy. plan as one eventually leading to is the pressure from the nations. So, Meanwhile they only speak of a five the surrender of parts of the Land afterwards, when there is even more year interim period, because they You will surely relate all this to Mr. of Israel and the establishment of a pressure, they will capitulate further, are afraid to openly state that they Shamir, and not be angry with me Palestinian state. ad infinitum. We have seen this in want to give up parts of the Land of for placing such an unpleasant task the past: buckling under pressure Israel. But their true intentions are upon you. But relay this with all You understand Arabic — so go and brings more pressure.” clear. According to my estimation, of the forcefulness with which I ask the Arabs who live there what Shamir himself knows this — and have said it to you. I apologize for their intention is in discussing a five (Minister Katzav remarked that in better than I. speaking such harsh words. In truth, year autonomy plan. You will see that the previous year President Bush had this matter needs to be discussed at they will tell you that their intention sent a letter opposing a Palestinian Shamir has many merits in con- greater length, but there is no time is that they will actually be given state, but a year later Bush simply nection with the Land of Israel, now to go into it further (thousands parts of the Land of Israel for the wrote that he was not in favor of going back to the time of the Irgun, of Jews and non-Jews were waiting purpose of establishing a Palestinian a Palestinian state, so we see here when the gentiles had control over in line in the cold for a precious state. It automatically follows that a change in his stance. The Rebbe the Land of Israel. Shamir fought moment with the Rebbe). it is totally irrelevant how the Jews responded): against this, but now it is he who interpret it, because what matters is speaks of giving away parts of the May there be only good news to And we see in which direction the how the gentiles view the issue. Land of Israel! relate, and may they only discuss the change is heading. It is unfathomable holiness of the Land of Israel and Am The very act of discussing autonomy that a Jew who believes in G-d and In my opinion, what practically Yisrael. May there be good news. plans is a desecration of G-d’s Name His Torah could be a party to such must be done now is for Shamir to and of holiness. The fact that there actions, or could add his signature immediately halt the decision and 16 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~December 19 2008

Tznius and real problems is one of the for dealing with reality. There were Continued from page 10 foundations of Chassidus.” times when we sat together with because around every corner lurks psychologists who raised a certain The New York Times, today Dec a frum professional ready to assist problem and together we analyzed 18, 2008, reported that the latest Sunday, us with new methodology and the solution in the light of Chassidus Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 24 Kislev understanding permissiveness. The and they literally left amazed and of Mental Disorders, published by December 21, 2008 temptation to take the professional then they came back and reported American Psychiatric Association in route seems so much easier. The way how much the Chassidik solution 2000, describes 283 disorders — of the Rebbe requires ‘Avoda’ that actually helped.” about triple the number in the first beautiful word that every Chossid edition, published in 1952. (Kein Monday, was proud to take upon himself Yirbu) The NY Times concluded that “the 25 Kislev together with Kabbolas Ol Malchus psychiatric association knows it December 22, 2008 Shomayim and always b’Simcha, and For the upcoming new edition they has a corner on the market and a that is often not so easy. are debating whether to consider blockbuster series. The last two ‘binge eating’ and ‘shopping’ a Rabbi Arad:“One of the main points editions sold more than 830,000 disorder, or an addiction, but the that Chassidus teaches is to lead a copies each.” I just pray that none Tuesday, quandary is that ‘binge eating’ is calm and peaceful life that stems of us Chassidim contribute to those 26 Kislev also a normal behavior, so “one runs from Simcha and Bitochon in numbers, and that we trust in our December 23, 2008 the risk of labeling up to 30 percent Hashem. The Alter Rebbe dedicated G-d given wisdom to carry us, of people with a disorder they don’t eight chapters to the subject of as it has done in the past, right really have.” Simcha in his book the Tanya. The through to the Geula. May it happen necessity to lead a ‘Simchedike’ life Rabbi Arad: “Even non-observant immediately! Wednesday,

is the Alephb-Beis of Chassidus. professionals have discovered that 27 Kislev Also the need to lead a calm and Chassidus provides totally new Comments: [email protected] December 24, 2008 serene life even in the face of difficult paradigms, blueprints ‘Tavniot’

Spark On A Park Bench Often elderly, these feisty Jews had sur- designed for candles much slimmer By Chaim Drizin vived decades of communist rule with than mine, lit them, and turned to the Thursday,

their Jewish identity intact; yet, they old man and said: "Here is the menorah. 28 Kislev Reprinted from Chabad.org knew very little about the particulars If you want, it is yours – if you don't December 25, 2008 The car was magnificent. As we stood of the Torah and mitzvot, and we were want it, then it is not." back to admire our handiwork amidst hoping to kindle a spark or two. The man said nothing and I walked the gently swirling snowflakes, I had away. I saw him sitting there. An elderly man to admit that it was the finest Menorah We continued our rounds of the mas- Friday, of about seventy or seventy-five years Car that I had ever seen. sive complex, and thank G‑d, we were 29 Kislev of age, seated on one of those park-like The '78 Bonneville, with the huge extremely successful that night. December 26, 2008 benches that New Yorkers know so wooden Menorah on its roof would It was getting late and it was time to well. The base was concrete and the definitely make people sit up and take go home. seat was wood, painted green, facing a notice – and that was our goal. My mind kept on going back to the concrete chess-table. He just sat there Motzei Shabbos, 30 Kislev We planned to visit shopping malls old Russian Jew sitting outside on that and watched the cars go by on that December 27, 2008 and old age homes – anywhere that we lonely park bench. frigid night. Light After 5:21PM could spread the joy and message of the "Let's drive past the place where we "Ah freilichen Chanukah! Would you festival of Chanukah. saw the old man." I was curious. What like to light the menorah?" I asked him, Seven or eight of us were crammed had he done with the menorah? Did he hoping that he would help me accom- into the smallish vehicle; the trunk was throw it away, or perhaps had he just left plish my personal goal of ten people that Sunday filled with tin menorahs and colored it, a lonely menorah in a forlorn spot? I had hoped to inspire that night. 1 Tevet candles which we hoped to distribute. There are images that stick with you. December 28, 2008 "Please go away." he replied in Yiddish. As the more technologically advanced Events that transpire that leave an "I am not interested," he said, perhaps kids discussed the intricacies of the indelible imprint on the psyche, that On the first night of Chanukah, Sunday, a bit more softly. December 21, 2008, recite all three electronic apparatus that powered the even thirty years later one can see them I tried to change his mind. I cajoled, blessings. On all subsequent nights, flickering lights of our menorah (was it clearly. recite blessings number 1 and 2. I explained the powerful story of an alternator?), I tuned out and stared This is one of them. Chanukah, perhaps I even pleaded a 1. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King out at the blackness of the winter-night bit, yet he was pretty firm in his deci- I see an old man sitting on a bench. His of the universe, who has sanctified us outside. with His commandments, and com- sion. "No thank you. Now please have eyes filling up with tears, as one large We presently arrived at our targeted manded us to kindle the Chanukah a good night." tear courses down his left cheek. light. destination for the evening, a huge resi- Sensing an opportunity slipping away, The candles are burning low and he dential complex in Brooklyn, situated in 1. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu yet not quite ready to throw in the towel is staring at them. Staring and crying. close proximity to our yeshivah. Me-lech Ha-olam A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu completely, I took the little tin menorah, Flame meets flame and a soul ignites. Be-mitz-vo-tav Ve-tzi-va-nu Le-had-lik In the 1970's the Russian floodgates placed it on the concrete chess-table, Ner Cha-nu-kah. had opened, and Trump Village was I don't know where he is now, or even his inserted four colorful candles in the the destination of choice for thousands name. However, I know that I was privy 2. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King little slots that always seem as they were of the universe, who performed miracles of newly-arrived immigrants. to something powerful that night. for our forefathers in those days, at this time. Financial open to contrary data but realizing Your must-do: Don't give up on 2. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Continued from page 16 that conflicting information will picking stocks, but don't expect to Me-lech Ha-olam She-a-sa Ni-sim La- bipolar attitude in the markets: make predictions difficult for a long be right 100% of the time. Take avo-te-nu Ba-ya-mim Ha-hem Bi-z'man Fears of deflation versus inflationary while. measures to cut your losses while Ha-zeh. concerns, as well as fits and starts extending your winners as far as 3. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King Stock picking isn't easy. of growth amid the malaise of an Lesson 5: they'll go. You'll get greater profits of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach economic recession, will all keep In navigating the bear market, even in the end. this occasion. policy-makers and investors on their veteran managers found that the 2008 is a year you probably want to toes trying to separate false alarms rules had changed this time around. 3. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu forget. But don't forget everything. Me-lech Ha-olam She-heche-ya-nu from the real thing. The best of the best weren't immune By remembering the lessons you've Ve-ki-yi-ma-nu Ve-higi-a-nu Liz-man from value traps like Fannie Mae The must-do for investors is to learned, you'll be a better investor Ha-zeh. (NYSE: FNM) and AIG -- and even come up with your own view of for the rest of your life. After kindling the lights, the Hanerot stocks with strong fundamentals economic conditions, remaining Halalu prayer is recited. didn't escape without losses. December 19, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 17

A Little Band of Hasmoneans KIDS CORNER. Fill in spaces with one dot with YELLOW and spaces with 2 dots in The Rebbe’s Message for And wonder of wonder! The huge BLUE Chanuka Syrian armies are beaten, the vast Syrian Empire is defeated, our vic- Published by Merkos L’inyonei Chi- tory is complete. nuch Reprinted from Chabad.Org This chapter of our history has The Chanukah Lights which are repeated itself frequently. We, as kindled in the darkness of night Jews, have always been outnum- recall to our minds memories of the bered; many tyrants attempted to past: the war that the Hasmoneans destroy us because of our faith. waged against huge Syrian armies, Sometimes they aimed their poi- their victory, the dedication of the soned arrows at our bodies, some- Temple, the rekindling of the Meno- times at our souls, and, sad to say, rah, the small quantity of oil that many of our brethren have for one lasted for many days, and so on. reason or another turned away from Let’s picture ourselves members G-d and His Torah and tried to make of the little band of Hasmoneans life easier by accepting the rule of in those days. We are under the the conqueror. domination of a powerful Syrian In such times of distress we must king; many of our brethren have left always be like that faithful band of us and accepted the idolatry and way Hasmoneans, and remember that of life of the enemy. But our leaders, there is always a drop of ‘pure olive the Hasmoneans, do not commence oil’ hidden deep in the heart of every action by comparing numbers and Jew, which, if kindled, bursts into a weapons, and weighing our chances big flame. This drop of ‘pure olive of victory. The Holy Temple has been oil’ is the ‘Perpetual Light’ that must invaded by a cruel enemy. The Torah and will pierce the darkness of our and our faith are in grave danger. The present night, until everyone of us enemy has trampled upon every- will behold the fulfillment of the thing holy to us and is trying to force prophet’s promise for our ultimate us to accept his way of life which is redemption and triumph. And as that of idol worship, injustice, and in the days of the Hasmoneans ‘the similar traits altogether foreign to wicked will once again be conquered us. There is but one thing for us to by the righteous, and the arrogant do-to adhere all the more closely to by those who follow G-d’s laws, and our religion and its precepts, and to our people Israel will have a great fight against the enemy even if we salvation.’ have to die in this fight. Swimming is great low impact exercise! Come to the Rec-Center! December 2008-

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