1 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת יתרו | יח שבט, תשס”ח | בס”ד January 25, 2008 | Shevat 18, 5768 weekly vOL. i | NO 12

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Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, , NY Candle Lighting Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 Jan.25 Lighting Motzei Shabbos Y. Heller is available daily at 788 Eastern Parkway #210 ❖ 10:30am ~ 11:30am ☎ 718~604~8827 Brooklyn 4:46 Brooklyn 5:49 2:30pm - and after 8:00pm ☎ 718-756-4632 Yerushalayim Yerushalayim 4:26 5:45 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 הפ' ישעי' ו - Rabbi A.. Osdoba: ☎ 718~771~8737 9:30pm to 11:oopm Rabbi y. Zirkind: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 Rabbi s. Segal: ☎ 718~360~7110 2 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008 The Vaad Hakohol Rabbi Segal on 15th of Sh'vat By Rabbi Shlomo Segal from year to year… and enjoys seeing it, he then makes the Shehechiyonu Member of Crown Heights Bais Din blessing. The custom of the people is For the 15th of Shvat , the Rosh to make the blessing when one eats Hashana for the fruit in order not to differentiate Trees, we will between when one enjoys seeing it discuss many or when one does not have a special questions relat- pleasure seeing it.” ing to the relating It also states that when one does make to the blessing of the blessing when eating the fruit, one Shehechiyonu. should also have the intention that his 1. Q uest ion: blessing is for having seen the fruit in Which blessing the new season. do we make first, 2. Question: the Shehechiyonu blessing or the Could one who ate the fruit and did not blessing on the fruit? make Shehecheyonu blessing recite the Answer: blessing in middle of eating or after he The BaerH etav (Orach Chaim chapt. has eaten the fruit? 225:6) writes that the blessing on the Answer: fruit is made before the Shehechiyonu Regarding the Shehechiyonu blessing blessing. In Hilchos Ktanos (Part after the eating, the Magen Avrohom I chapt. 236), he explains that it is writes (Chapt. 225:9) in the name of similar to the Mitzvos of Lulav and the the Radvaz that after he has eaten the Chanuka Menorah where we first make fruit, one does not recite the Shehechi- the blessing on the Mitzva and then The Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights joins the community in yonu blessing anymore, although it was the Shehecheyonu blessing because mourning the loss of Reb Yisreol Rosenfeld. He was an ‘Osek not fully digested. the Mitzva blessing is made more often Betzorchei Tzibur’, a great Baal Chesed and never turned a per- made and therefore has priority. The If he does eat the same fruit again (on son away who asked for help. He was the director of the Crown same applies to new fruits-- we make which he did not recite Shehechiyonu Heights Jewish Community Council for many years and con- the blessing on the fruit first and then blessing), the Alter writes in his tributed countless and devoted hours to the community. the Shehechiyonu blessing. This is Seder Birchas Hanenin (11:13) that also cited in Derech Hachaim and he would need to recite the Blessing The Rosenfeld Family will be sitting shiva after the passing of Kaf Hachaim [chapt. 225], Machazik without mentioning Hashem’s name their father Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld OBM, at 698 Empire Blvd, .[between Albany and Troy Ave] .(בלי שם ומלכות) .(Brocho (chapt. 22:3 But the Alter Rebbe in his Seder In the sefer K’zos Hashulchan, Reb Shacharis: 7:00am, 7:45am, 8:30am and 9:15am - Mincha: Birchas Hanenin (11:12) writes, “He Chaim Noeh (63:12) derives (from 4:30pm should first make the Shehechiyonu the Alter Rebbe’s words: “If he did not Ma'ariv: B'zmanoi blessing and then the blessing of Boreh recite Shehecheyonu blessing when he Condolences can be emailed to [email protected] or Pri Hoetz or Boreh Pri Haodama.” has first eaten the fruit, then he would call (718) 778-1947 need to recite the Blessing without בלי שם) The reason could possibly be as the mentioning Hashem’s name this implies that as long as“ :(”ומלכות Pri Megadim writes (Orach Chaim chapt. 225:7 in Eishel Avrohom) that he is still involved in eating the fruit in reality one would have to make the for the first time, which means that he NIGHTLIFE! Shehechiyonu blessing, as soon as he did not interrupt with something that Upcoming Events sees the fruit. It is not similar to bless- would obligate him to make another ings over the Mitzvos which are to be blessing, it is then considered as he is Thursday January 24 8:00 pm recited not when ones sees them, but eating the fruit for the first time, and Dating - Meeting Face to Face when one does the Mitzva. therefore he will be able to recite the Guest Speaker: Mrs. Chana Rochel Shusterman Shehechiyonu blessing. Motzei Shabbos January 26 This can also be derived from theA lter 3. Question. For fruits that are dif- Chof Beis Shvat Event and Melava Malka 8:00 pm Rebbe words when he writes, “When ferent from each other in taste or If not Now then When? - one sees a fruit that is being renewed appearance, does one need to make From Reactive to Proactive in an Instant separate Shehechiyonu blessings on Guest Speaker: Mrs. Rivky Kaplan - Tzfat, Israel Newspaper each fruit? Community Monday January 28 8:00 pm Answer: Chof Beis Shvat 392 Kingston Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225 If all the fruits are not in front of him, Mosiach BAS Dovid - 718 771 9000 then he can make Shehecheyonu They say women will make it happen, How? Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol blessing for each fruit separately. It is Guest Speaker: Rabbi Asher Crispe of Crown Heights. cited in the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Thursday January 31 8:00 pm Moshe Rubashkin, Chairman Aruch (chapt. 225:14) that even when The Best Kept Secret - Finding and Keeping your soul mate Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Vice Chairman the fruit are different in appearance, Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary Guest Speaker: Mrs. Piekarski - Israel he recites the Shehecheyonu blessing Leyout: SimplyUnique for each one separately. The K’zos Motzei Shabbos February 2 8:00 pm All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the exculive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise Hashulchan adds that this also applies Learn your Rhythm - Dance and Nutrition Workshop attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the when one eats black grapes and white All programs are held at The NIGHTLIFE Lounge: consent of the publisher. grapes. A person would need to recite Rubashkin Residence Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not Shehecheyonu blessing on each of 1349 President Street be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond them respectively. the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser email: [email protected] assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All Regarding dried fruits, the poskim advertisement designed and prepared by the CHCom- check out our Blog: www.CHnightlife.wordpress.com munity Newspaper are the property of the newspaper advise not to recite Shehecheyonu and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the blessing, since there is no difference NightLife programs are a project of THI coordinated by BYIT and sponsored by the CHJCC publisher between new and old. January 25, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 3 From Shedlitz to Safety

sefer was completed and joyously A Young Jew’s Story of Survival carried through the streets of Levertov, accompanied by musical instruments and the traditional chuppah. Saddened act that could have brought instant encased by glass windows that kept by the rav’s childlessness, the Jewish By Rabbi Shimon Goldman death. These articles helped the Jews the wind out. The lanterns cast a soft community came out in force to Exerpted from the book with the author’s protect themselves until the storm glow on our surroundings, and we rejoice with the rav and participate in permission passed. After Yom Kippur, the Jews walked with these children, carefully the parade. Continued from last week were suddenly informed that they were making our way across large drifts of Before I left home, my father took free to return home. It was an absolute snow left by the winter storms.A small Meanwhile, groups of German soldiers an important step toward easing my miracle, an unexpected kindness that mound stood near the Torah, surrounded the crowded courtyard. stay in Levertov. He went to the rav I cannot explain even today. providing us with ample skiing during They seemed to be awaiting further of Shedlitz and asked him to write our walk home in the winter. After instructions from their superiors, who I still remember our joy when, on the a letter addressed to the Rebbe of school, many children took along their also appeared at a loss of how to pro- day before Succos, my father returned Levertov (whom people referred to as crudely crafted toboggans and skis, ceed. I stood in a corner, trembling in home from the prison camp. Although “the Partzover Rebbe”), requesting his shrieking with enjoyment as they slid fright and wondering what the future he just experienced a traumatic and help. The rav was more than willing to across the hardened snow, and up and would bring. Suddenly a German frightening week, he had immediately write such a letter: He described how down our “mountain.” officer approached me. “You look like began thinking about how to build a I was a young boy from Shedlitz, all a young boy,” he said. “You can leave succah for the upcoming holiday. This On freezing winter days, I had the alone and far from home, and learn- and go home.” was typical of my father. It was simply responsibility of lighting the stove at ing now in Levertov. The letter went inconceivable for him to spend the home. I soon became an expert at this on to ask the Rebbe for his assistance “I’m too scared,” I replied shakily. festival without a kosher succah. After chore. In order to start a lasting fire, in ensuring that I remained happy in “There are hundreds of soldiers considerable thought, my father came I first placed many smaller pieces of the yeshiva. between here and my home. When up with a novel idea. Every house in our wood and thin twigs among the logs, they see me walking alone, they’ll The letter made a favorable impression village had a small storage hut in the so that the fire would catch and later think I escaped, and they’ll punish me on the Rebbe and brought back warm back, normally for hoarding coal and spread to the larger logs and coals. terribly.” The officer seemed stunned memories of his youth. The Rebbe’s other necessities. by my answer. Turning to the soldiers My parents soon father had lived in Shedlitz for a while My father decided guarding the main gate, he roared off began thinking of and was even buried there. (In fact, to remove the roof a string of instructions in German, sending me away to we were distantly related, both being of our hut and use warning them not to impede my yeshiva. Our one- descendants of the Yid Hakodosh.) it as a succah. departure. I was thus able to leave the room abode did not The Rebbe lived on the outskirts of group and return home. That night my father adequately house Levertov, some distance from the spent hours working a large family and, yeshiva, but he invited me to come visit Back in the jail yard, the Germans in the dark hut. He as the eldest of the him every Shabbos. Hence, throughout ordered the Jews to start marching removed the roof, three children still my stay in Levertov, I walked to the toward Sokolov. It was a heartrending cleaned out the hut, living at home, I Rebbe’s home every single Shabbos. sight: German beasts astride motor- and turned it into was old enough to cycles rode alongside the marchers, a succah. Appar- start learning out As customary in all yeshivas, the screaming and cursing the weakened ently, my father had of town. Moreover, out-of-town students ate at different Jews as they tried desperately to keep shared his idea with this would free homes, rotating according to the day of up with the pace of the soldiers. When the Biala Rebbe, up some much- the week. This arrangement was called they arrived in Sokolov, the group who lived near our needed space. essen teg (literally, “Days of Eating”). was ordered to continue marching home, and he came Soon we decided One of our favorite pastimes was to until Wengoravo. In better times, this over on the first on Levertov, a small compare notes when we returned to village was famous for local expertise night of Yom Tov. town situated near yeshiva at night, comparing various in producing battim, the black leather My father and the Shedlitz and Lub- menus and trying to ascertain who boxes that house the parchment scrolls Rebbe ate their meal in the succah lin. I had an aunt living in Levertov, had enjoyed the tastiest meal. The rosh of the tefillin, but now the city looked while I stood watch outside, ready to and this was additional reason for my yeshiva and our teacher, Reb Elazar, ominous and desolate. warn them in case German soldiers parents to choose this particular loca- both made a favorable impression on approached. tion. “Your aunt will take care of you,” me, but I did not stay there too long. TheN azis had cordoned off a large field they comforted me. “Besides, Levertov The BialaR ebbe survived the horrors on the outskirts of the village, turning is very close by; you can come home (I did not see Reb Elazar again for a of the Holocaust, spending the rest of it into a huge jail for their captives. The quickly and easily.” long time — not during the war, nor his lengthy years in Israel. During my Jews walked around dejectedly in their during the many years that followed. trips to the Holy Land, I often visited new ghetto, still unsure about their I packed my meager belongings and A few years ago, when I was attending the Rebbe in his home. Regrettably, future, wondering among themselves traveled to Levertov. True to my a wedding in the Canarsie section of though, I never met with his son Reb what the Germans intended to do parents’ prediction, my aunt — my Brooklyn, I suddenly noticed a famil- Hirshel, one of my best childhood with them. Adding to their misery, mother’s sister — welcomed me iar face. It was my old teacher from friends in Shedlitz and my study the heavens suddenly opened and a warmly into her home and cared for Levertov! Shaking with astonishment, partner as well. I did manage to meet drenching deluge began falling on me throughout my stay. A warm and I approached him and tapped him Reb Dovid, the Rebbe’s second son, the poor Jews. The prisoners had no kind-hearted person, my aunt made on the shoulder. “Excuse me,” I said, when he was in America. After the means of protection against the rain. It me feel like part of her family, and “Aren’t you Elazar Kametz?” passing of the Biala Rebbe, all his sons seemed they would all become soaked did everything she could to ease my became Chassidic leaders of their own, Now it was his turn to look astonished. to the bone, heightening their odds of transition. During the time I spent in thus perpetuating the legacy of their “Who are you?” he demanded. “And becoming seriously ill. Levertov, I truly felt like a welcome saintly father. how do you know my name?” guest in my aunt’s home. Just then an amazing thing happened: Yeshiva Studies “But don’t you remember me?” I the young teenagers amongst the I learned in the only yeshiva in Levertov replied. “I am Shimon Goldman from prisoners — not necessarily religious Due to the poverty prevalent at home, — the Nvardoker yeshiva. Though the Shedlitz. You were my teacher when I Jews — threw themselves on top of my father did not have enough money rav of Levertov was a Chassid of Gur learned at the Nvardoker yeshiva in the elderly people of the group, trying to pay for a private cheder, and I was and the local dayan was an Amshinover Levertov.” to shield them from the soaking rain. sent to learn in the local Talmud Torah Chassid, the only yeshiva operating In addition, the Jewish women of instead. Street-lamps did not exist in in Levertov was that of Nvardok. The Reb Elazar was delighted to meet Wengoravo used the cover of night to Shedlitz, and during the winter, when rav, who did not have any children, me again. He told me that here, in approach the fence and throw bundles school ended after dark, it was pitch decided to have a sefer torah written America, he continued to work in areas of blankets, coats and pillows over to black on our way home. The richer in his name, in order to perpetuate his associated with Yiddishkeit, and now the hapless prisoners — a courageous children carried kerosene lanterns, memory. I still remember when the worked for a Kashrus organization. 4 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008

Our Heroes

A story is told about Rabbi Shmuel the wedding day of one of his children. Dovid It was almost time to go to the wedding, Raichik OBM and Reb Shmuel Dovid was still not Part Two home. A while later, Reb Shmuel Dovid Head Shliach of California arrived home and In honor of his tenth yahrzeit on the began preparing eighth of Shvat (1918-1998) himself for the wedding. When By Rabbi Michoel Seligson asked where he had [Continued from last week] been, he responded that there was a In regards to Reb Shmuel Dovid and person with whom his trips on behalf of the Rebbe, Reb he usually put on Shmuel Levitin recalled: “After the Tefillin, and he had histalkus of the Previous Rebbe, there remembered that was a feeling that the funds contributed Family Raichik on this day the per- to Maamad, for the use of the Rebbe’s son hadn’t put on household, would decrease. It was from the Previous Rebbe, who person- the Rabbi the Genius. And indeed, Tefillin yet… therefore decided that different pairs ally handed him a plate of food. At that he received special reverence from Reb Shmuel Dovid never worried of Chassidim should travel to central time, the Previous Rebbe appointed all types of people in Jewish circles, about his livelihood. When he arrived locations of Anash and encourage him as his personal emissary and said and many benefited from his Torah with his family in LA, the city did the contribution of Maamod. Reb to him the following, “As my emissary, and advice. not yet have people who were Torah Shmuel Dovid traveled with another when you go anywhere, it is as if I have In Los Angeles, he built up the yoke and Mitzvah observant. His fam- Chossid to a small city. To say the arrived there. If I would come, they of Torah and Chassidus, and reflected ily members recount that for many least, the inn where they stayed was would place me in the mizrach (front) rays of light from his Torah and Chas- months, when Reb Shmuel Dovid not the most beautiful, comfortable side of the shul. The same is valid for sidus upon thousands of Jews that he would travel to New York, he would place. Reb Shmuel Dovid was used you, where ever you go, you should brought closer to Torah and holiness. return home with some small package to such accommodations, but his sit in the mizrach.” The last words he In 1951, the Rebbe had already had of food which was mehudar, had a good companion complained to him, “How heard from the Previous Rebbe were, the intention of sending a group of kosher supervision. This was sufficient can anyone sleep on such a bed?!” Reb “Constantly be b’simcha (joyous).” yungeleit (young men) to coordinate for him. Although Reb Shmuel Dovid Shmuel Dovid responded, “What is When the Rebbe ascended to the Anash and mkurovim in California. himself was satisfied with very little, his the commotion? It is only a few nights’ leadership in 1951, Reb Shmuel Dovid At that time, it did not take place in home was open at all times, and every sleep.” connected to the Rebbe with all the a practical sense. However, over the person who arrived in LA knew that Reb Shmuel Dovid’s daily davening threads of his soul. From then on, course of many years, based on the if he wished, he could stay with Reb would take several hours. On Shabbos, his whole life was totally committed work of Reb Shmuel Dovid, tens of Shmuel Dovid. he davened a whole day. Krias Shema to hiskashrus and devotion to the Chassidic centers and hundreds of Reb Shmuel Dovid fasted quite often al Hamita, his reciting the Shema Rebbe. Chabad Houses were established in and lived with restrictions. Over a before retiring for the night, was a the state of California. Hundreds of Reb Shmuel Dovid was amongst those certain period of time, the Rebbe sacred avoda that also continued for and community leaders, the Chassidim who immediately after the commented many times to him to take many hours. Rebbe’s shluchim, brought a spiritual Previous ’ histalkus connected care of his health and also advised him revolution to this state. Reb Shimon Goldman relates a per- to the Rebbe. He made no decisions to eat before davening. sonal experience: “On one of the trips, about his life without consulting the Reb Shmuel Dovid personally was In a letter dated the 4th of Teves Reb Shmuel Dovid arrived in Buffalo, Rebbe. On the 24th of Av 5710, in the mkarev many Yidden to Torah and 5712 (published in the Rebbe’s Igros New York. At that time, I stayed with summer of 1950, the Rebbe appointed Mitzvos who eventually became vol. 21), the Rebbe wrote: “Surely HaChassid Reb Sholom Eidelman in him and informed him of his primary authentic Baalei Tshuva. His spiritual you are taking care of your health the same hotel as Reb Shmuel Dovid. function. The Rebbe wrote to him, image as a role model contributed a lot appropriately, and based on what we I remember, at a late hour of the night, “Regarding your question from the to his success. have discussed, please inform me after we had farbrengened together and past about founding the shul Nusach In a letter from 1952, theR ebbe wrote about this and not in partial.” On gone to sleep, we heard Reb Shmuel HoAri in your community, although to one who was niskarev, or brought another occasion, the Rebbe told one Dovid’s voice begin reciting the Shema it is appropriate, your function and closer, by Reb Shmuel Dovid, “You of the Chassidim who traveled with for a long time before retiring. The hour work is not to be involved with only wrote that until now you didn’t have Reb Shmuel Dovid that he should he began was 3:00 A.M; but when he one shul, because your net needs to an opportunity to receive hashpoa, see to it that Reb Shmuel Dovid eats ended and went to sleep, if at all--this be spread out over the whole city and or guidance, to enable you to study appropriately--not according to Reb I don’t know.” its surroundings.” Chassidus and develop good personal Shmuel Dovid’s standards but accord- In 1946, Reb Shmuel Dovid was sent Reb Shmuel Dovid was the one who character traits. Now by seeing the ing to this Chossid’s standards. as an emissary to the West Coast of the established the foundation of the great Rabbi and the Chassid who is involved All of Reb Shmuel Dovid acquain- U.S., and from then on, continued his Chabad presence and activities that in public affairs etc., Reb Shmuel tances noted his Ahavas Yisroel, missions there for the benefit of these exist today throughout the length Dovid Halevi Raichik, when you study which was true and genuine for every institutions: Merkos L’inyonei Chi- and breadth of California, directed his conduct, you develop a yearning person. Reb Shmuel Dovid never nuch, Machne Israel and Kehot. One by the head Shliach Reb Shlomo to connect to the living tree which is spoke negatively about others and can find in theR ebbe’s correspondence Cunin sheyichye. Reb Shmuel Dovid Chassidus, and you are requesting a when one would try to share gossip to Reb Shmuel Dovid many details accomplished this with his shining blessing for this.” with him, Reb Shmuel Dovid would referring to these missions. spiritual personality which captured All the Rebbe’s sacred Mivtzoim, or not want to hear it. In essence, one of Jewish hearts. When he came in In 1949, advised by the Previous Mitzva campaigns, were considered his functions was to make peace where contact with Bnai Torah, Reb Shmuel Rebbe, Reb Shmuel Dovid settled in by Reb Shmuel Dovid as Kodesh ever it was needed. Reb Shmuel Dovid Dovid utilized his Torah knowledge in Los Angeles, California. For Simchas Hakodoshim, Holy of Holies. He would also travel to cities where young the revealed part of the Torah (Nigleh) Torah 5709, late 1948, Reb Shmuel constantly involved himself personally shluchim lived in order to strengthen in order to bring them closer to Chas- Dovid traveled to the Previous Rebbe in the mivtzoim activities and would and support them. sidus. It is interesting to note that the and was invited for the Yom Tov seuda encourage others to carry out the Rebbe refers to Reb Shmuel Dovid in The Chossid Reb Berel Weiss of LA to the Previous Rebbe’s table. Reb Mitzva campaigns, participating in a letter with the title “Horav Hagaon”, relates his personal experience with Shmuel Dovid merited a special kiruv the activities themselves. January 25, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 5

Reb Shmuel Dovid: . During the last period of his life, when he was already very weak, frail “I arrived in California in 1948 and and could not walk without support, Boruch Hashem, got married and he traveled to 770 and the Ohel. built a home. A year later, Rabbi Raichik arrived on a mission for the On the eighth day of Shvat in 1998, Previous Rebbe. In a short time we Reb Shmuel Dovid was nifter. became connected to him. It was then Jews in the thousands from LA, Reb- known to us that Reb Shmuel Levitin bes, Rabbis and Roshei yeshivos, had suggested Rabbi Raichik as the participated in his levaya which took most appropriate person to travel as place on a Thursday. They gave special an emissary to California. But Rabbi honor to a great man amongst giants, Raichik did much more than he was prominent and admired, a remnant required to. As soon as Rabbi Raichik from a knowledgeable generation, a arrived, he began strengthening all representative and entrusted Shliach of matters of Judaism. For example, in the Rebbe, who succeeded in convert- the terms of kashrus, there was nothing ing this big city to a spiritual center in California before he arrived. Rabbi of Torah and Chinuch. Reb Shmuel Raichik began with Cholov Yisroel, Reb Berel Weiss on the left and Rabbi Raichik on the right Dovid was flown toN ew York where a supervising the production of milk. “I said to Reb Shmuel Dovid, “You are Chassidus from Reb Shmuel Dovid. crowd of thousands of Chassidim and He would also make egg Challos, so soon traveling to the Rebbe, please Reb Shmuel Dovid would also be students attended his levaya in Crown as not to use non-kosher eggs, and so come into my house. I want to write a amongst the distinguished speakers Heights, and he was interred in the on with other matters. . Please inscribe me in the Books at the Kinus Hashluchim. His words near the holy “When we looked at Reb Shmuel of the Righteous. This was the phrase were listened to attentively.A t the last Tziyunim of our Rebbe’im. Dovid, we remembered the old home, used when writing a kvitel to a , Kinus, about two months before his He left a generation of children involved the life before WWII. His whole and the Tzadik would look at the kvitel passing, Reb Shmuel Dovid exerted in Torah, Chinuch, and spreading Yid- behavior was full of Torah and Chassi- before the sounding of the Shofar.” himself in order to participate. dishkeit, who serve as shluchim and dus, and what especially excited us was Rabbi Raichik entered. This was Elul His hiskashrus to the Rebbe knew no Rabbonim in the United States and his long Chabad davening. I recall that 5717 (late 1957). I wrote the kvitel and bounds. He would travel very often Israel for long and healthy years. we did not understand why he did not gave eighteen dollars. In those years, it to the Rebbe and did not miss a Yom daven with a on Shabbos. He With the passing of this great Chassid, was considered a significant amount. Tov or Chassidic commemoration. would daven a long time (with “avoda”) the Chabad movement lost a pillar, When Rabbi Raichik returned during For many years, he merited to eat at until four o’clock. We looked at him a legend of inner service of Hashem the Chanuka season, he brought me the Rebbe’s Yom Tov meals. After the as a holy Jew. Rabbi Raichik would and total hiskashrus to the Rebbe. lekach from the Rebbe which over seuda, Reb Shmuel Dovid would relay not want to be described as a miracle The Jewish nation lost a distinguished the course of the months had dried up what the Rebbe had said at the table. person. However, I will tell you a story image of Chassidus and modesty, and I think, also an orange. We said that took place on Simchas Torah 5711 Even after GimelT amuz, Reb Shmuel from which very few are found in this L’chaim, ate, and drank with special (late 1950). It was after the histalkus of Dovid would travel to 770 and visit the generation. enthusiasm.” the previous Rebbe, when the Rebbe had not yet accepted the leadership Reb Shmuel Dovid was one of the lead- Would you like to receive this newspaper by email formally, and the community did ers of Agudas Chassidei Chabad and every Thursday? not allow Rabbi Raichik to travel to accomplished much for the benefit of Send an Email to [email protected] with the word subscribe New York for Simchas Torah, so he the Chabad yeshivos and institutions in the subject line. remained in LA. One of the commu- in Israel. In the last years, when Reb nity members, Reb Heshel, of Jewish Shmuel Dovid heard about the difficult Hungarian and Chasidic descent, who financial situation of the Central until then only had girls, insisted that yeshiva 770, he traveled together with Upwardly Global 401 Broadway, Suite 800 he would not allow Rabbi Raichik to Reb , may he live and be New York, NY 10013 212.219.8828 go to Hakofos until he promised him well, to raise funds in Brazil. www.upwardlyglobal.org a boy. This is the impression Rabbi Reb Shmuel Dovid merited many kiru- Raichik made on the public…” vim from the Rebbe. Beginning from How to Use Your Foreign Degree in the US: “Rabbi Raichik with an embarrassed 1975, after the passing ofR eb Shmuel Career Information for University-Educated smile and with Chassidic modesty Levitin, the Rebbe sent Shlach Monos Immigrants promised – saying, “What do you to Reb Shmuel Dovid as the Levite. want from me?” That person had a In 1950, the Rebbe appointed new This seminar is free of charge.

boy. Rabbi Raichik was then working members for the central organizations, Are you a foreign-born and professional seeking to on the building of Mikvos, and they Agudas Chassidei Chabad, Merkos rebuild your career in the US? delayed the Bris until Rabbi Raichik L’inyonei Chinuch, and Machne Israel. returned, in order that for him to be Reb Shmuel Dovid was chosen to be a Did you earn a university degree in your home Sandek.” member in all three organizations. country?

“On one summer day, towards eve- Reb Shmuel Dovid was a great Baal Come to our free info-session to learn skills and strategies to use ning, I stood outside with my son, a Chesed (very generous), in a very your degree and your experience to continue your career in the young child at the time. Los Angeles outstanding way. Until the last days US. is a beautiful city with grass in front of his life, he worked with his limited This session is open to any recently-arrived immigrants, refugees, of the houses. We were watering the energy to help fund brides and other or asylees who came to the US with at least a Bachelor’s degree, some professional experience and who are currently working outside lawn when Rabbi Raichik walked by. charitable funds. Every year before their trained career field. I knew that it was Reb Shmuel Dovid’s Pesach, he would walk to distant places custom to travel to the Rebbe on to supply Jewish prisoners with Matzos Date: Wednesday, 30 January 2008 Rosh Chodesh Elul and remain until for Pesach. Time: 06.30 p.m. – 07.30 p.m. Chanuka.” Location: HIAS Through the course of the years, Reb The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society “When Rabbi Raichik walked by, Shmuel Dovid was the chairman of 333 Seventh Avenue, 16th Floor he would greet every person with a the second part of the Universal Tzach New York, NY 10001-5004 special affection.I f a woman would be gathering which took place annually on standing in the street and felt that she Chal Hamoed Sukos. Students from UPWARDLY GLOBAL is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to underemployed and unemployed foreign-born, educated professionals, was not modestly dressed, she would different Yeshivos would attend this especially immigrant women, refugees, or asylees. run away.” gathering to hear words of Torah and 6 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008

RCCS

Rofeh Cholim Chayim Society "It's not about surviving; it's about thriving!"

A message from Bela Rubashkin read at did the of . It was an incred- Thank G-d יום טוב שמחה .the RCCS Melave Malka ible that comes from the unity Recuperating from brain surgery, Or walking up a staircase שמחה of souls; from . Then came the ,without holding on אחדות ,It was , September 2, 2002 singing, from the depths of their hearts Retrained me to ערב ראש השנה when I was , diagnosed to the depth of ours. Yes, Simcha Poretz Now I think again נישט הײנט געדאכט with a meningioma, a benign brain Think again Geder, joy breaks all boundaries. This tumor. , I had a successful and I thank again. .indeed was the most joyous Sukkot and thank again ברוך השם with a very caring ׳ surgery on celebration we ever had. This was the I used to think that ה תשרי of , Dr. Kalman Post. Even before I could move, ,first step in my recovery. whipping an egg was normal ערב יום רפואה שליח ,I returned home to be with my immediately following the surgery ,כיפור family. Or just lifting the coffee pot Now Sukkot had passed, and I was I opened my eyes and expressed to make a cup of coffee, faced with the long recovery from Modeh Ani … שהחזרת בי נשמתי I now had a long road to recovery brain surgery. I knew that I would But now, ahead of me. was around the Thank you G-d for have to train myself to focus only on סוכות corner, and so were my many guests. returning my soul. I think again and I thank again. the positive, I would have to view the And now the challenge “Should we be cup only as half full. I used to think that sitting up in bed Every morning when I say , מודה אני busy recuperating on or should ,without getting dizzy was normal, I think again and I thank again יום טוב .by sharing But I needed a tool יום טוב we expand the joy of it with guests?” My children’s response Or getting up from a chair without ברוך השם .”I started a “journal of recovery was unanimous. We will host all of our holding on for support was normal, I composed a little poem of sorts, What better way to show gratitude . ״ invited guests -reflecting my new heightened sense of Or turning sideways with אי ה than to encourage others that are being appreciation, by adding on little signs out losing my balance, arrived, and all the women lined challenged, and to strengthen them in .of improvement as I experience them סוכות up in the to . Now I think again the believe that is והסירותי מחלה מקרבך These were abilitiesI used to consider בענטש ליכט סוכה ״ real. It will happen אי ה בפועל ממש .small and minor, but in reality are and I thank again “ ” , we all said monumental. I learned to think again שהחײנו וקימנו והיגיענו לזמן הזה בביאת משיח צדקנו for granting I used to think that lifting my ׳in unison. “Thank you and thank again, and so I names this ה us life and enabling us to reach this pots off the stove was normal, And that we are here to help them poem: Think Again & Thank Again, occasion.” until then. Or even getting dressed We take life for granted, from head to toe, so Bella Rubashkin ,סוכה As the guests walked into the

RCCS Gets a Standing Ovation in Crown Heights Over 1200 people from all spectrums on effort and reward upon receiving the of the Crown Heights and Greater New Ahavas Yisroel Humanitarian Award, York Jewish communities attended a and the affable Avremel Lokshin, first-ever annual fundraising dinner collecting the Anshei Chesed Award Melaveh Malkah organized by RCCS on behalf of his wife and himself, at the RAZAG ballroom on Mostei delighted the crowd with a mere Shabbos Shirah. Every seat in the “Thank you!”A wards were presented ballroom was taken and hundreds to Rabbi Moshe Klein and Yossi and stood on the sides to participate in the Bella Rubashkin for their outstanding uplifting program. work on behalf of RCCS. Dr. James Speyer received the Chesed award for The evening had a twofold purpose: his dedication to the community. to capitalize on the unique power of song and joy to generate positive Rabbi YY Jacobson, the master of energy for health and well-being and ceremonies, highlighted the potential to raise money for the Crown Heights of Simchah to overcome challenges. He chapter of RCCS described the cherished place Heichal H aNeginah, “the palace of song,” had Principal patron Rebbetzin Tema in the hearts of the Lubavitch Reb- Gurary and family dedicated the gala beim, illustrating this theme through event in memory of Rabbi Noson stories. Gurary, their late husband and father, who left a legacy of quiet charity upon The classical orchestra, directed by his passing in summer of 2005. Avremi G. played several Chabad As Rabbi Moshe Klein explained, Nigunim. The vocalists,L evy Kaplan “RCCS helps over 30 patients in and Benny Friedman, were able to give Crown Heights who suffer from the expression to the full range of emotions disease whose name the Rebbe would the melodies evoked. Also featured was not mention by paying their health Gershon Wachtel, a Toronto-based insurance. Over 7 million dollars has virtuoso pianist, who presented a been paid in the last 7 years for Crown unique assemblage of Chabad melodies Heights patients and over 20 million and a Chasidic A-Cappella group dollars were paid out by insurance Hamizamrim.. companies.” Uriel Abromof, a patient helped by Several members of the Gurary clan RCCS through illness and recovery, took the podium to speak lovingly of related the personal miracle he expe- their late patriarch. Honoree Dr. Yashar rienced, sharing a message of Ahavas Hirshaut quoted Chazal impressively Yisroel and Achdus. January 25, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 7

Open letter to volunteers, staff and supporters

I would like to share my recent experi- a joyous birth, we were thrown into for help was completely unthinkable. Soon after birth, a team of doctors ences with you, and to convey my per- a confusing medical maze of uncer- operated on her to remove the tumor sonal feelings of gratitude to RCCS. tainty. We dutifully followed every lead One day, when I was feeling especially and surrounding tissue. The surgery and all medical recommendations. Yet, low, and my husband was not home, I was, B”H, a complete success. The I vividly remember that fateful day last our best efforts were stifled by the lack decided to call Rofeh Cholim Cancer method they used eliminated the need May. I had just returned from some of proper health insurance. We were Society (RCCS). I thought it would for further oncological treatment. We pre-Yom Tov shopping and checked unable to explore the best that modern be the most difficult phone call I ever were overjoyed and overwhelmed with my answering machine. A woman with medicine had to offer. We then heard had to make. How wrong I was. I gratitude to our Creator. a sweet and gentle voice asked that I of a team of doctors in an out-of-state immediately felt the understanding return her call as soon as possible to hospital whose success rate with this and compassion travel through the Although I know that the human discuss something very important. sort of tumor was remarkable. phone lines. Besides offering to pay language is too limited and inadequate for the proper insurance policy, they to express my heartfelt gratitude and Without giving it much thought, I I called the doctor’s office and discussed encouraged me and gave me reason to complete indebtedness to such a noble dialed her number. She answered the problem with the receptionist. She look forward to the birth of our baby. organization, I nevertheless thank and with a kind but direct voice told seemed so nice and caring…until I told Not for a moment did I feel uncomfort- RCCS from the depths of my heart me of a problem. It was about a child her that the only insurance I had was able or intimidated. for putting the simcha (joy) into our who had just been diagnosed with a Medicaid-based HMO. She curtly simcha. cancer. Although the exact diagnosis informed me that they would not From that moment on, I was able to see was not certain, the prognosis was accept that type of payment and that the bright side of things. RCCS was Our baby has since been doing very certainly not good and required if I wanted to meet with the doctors the perfect messenger that HaShem well and her prognosis is B”H excellent. immediate attention. She provided for a consultation, they would require sent us to help us, to hold our hands Our appreciation to RCCS knows no me with several phone numbers and a down payment of $10,000 in cash, throughout this difficult chapter in our bounds. wished me good luck. just for the initial visit! With that, she unborn baby’s life. Your grateful friend, hung up the phone. I hung up the phone and let the infor- As a result, with their encouragement, Mrs. Esther T. Goldbaum* mation sink in. I was busy raising my So with little choice left, we decided to blessings, and of course financial *name changed to protect privacy lovely family and was anticipating the seek treatment with a local surgeon. It assistance, we went to the Center for upcoming birth of my seventh child. I was then that we received the second Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment in could not possibly comprehend such bombshell: the doctor explained that Philadelphia. After many tests and devastating news: Could it really be shortly after our baby will be born, examinations, a course of treatment that a child so young and so innocent he will perform a delicate but critical was decided upon. should be facing such difficult trials? surgery, and then the baby will be transferred to an oncologist who will With tremendous help from Above, we But who was this child? A child I probably care for the baby for many decided to follow their recommenda- never met, never knew, and whose more months. We felt terribly lost and tions and to stay in Philadelphia for name I never heard of. Yet this child overwhelmed, but we had no choice. the duration of the pregnancy and the was already so close to my heart and impending birth of our baby. constantly on my mind. My husband is a hard working and devoted father, but he could not possi- It was a very special day when our You see, it was the child I was carrying bly undertake to pay for the exorbitant little baby girl made her appearance. inside of me! fees of proper health insurance. And She was so beautiful, and in our eyes, Now, instead of looking forward to the thought of reaching out to strangers so perfect, too. RCCS IS GRATEFUL With deep gratitude we would like to thank our sponsors who made the Melave Malkah a successful and inspiring evening: Motty and Leah Gurary and Family The Printhouse We also would like to thank: And all the dedicated volunteers Yossi Laine and Family for their time and efforts Rabbi YY Jacobson Rabbi Yosef C. Golding Shalom Laine and family Avremi G. Executive Director Shlome Klein-Shaya Gordon @ Mr. Gershon Wachtel Mendy Coen Greens Director of Development Heshy Jacobowitz & the Scoop Moshe Schmukler and the staff at company the Razag Crown Heights Chapter Moshe Rubashkin & Yosef Kanofsky Zev Feldman Moshe Klein, Chairman from CH Community Newspaper Levy Kaplan Committee Yehuda L. Ceitlin Benny Friedman Ruthe Backer Levy Liberow @ photo by levi Mendy Wilhelm Chitrik Zev Markowitz from the Chasidic Art L&M Batya Goldberger Gallery Seema Goldstein Naomi Pinson “One of a Kind” florist Tiki Dean Bella Rubashkin Mimulo Flower Shop 8 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008 CHOF BEIS SH'VAT

The Rebbetzin

[Adapted from the book “Rebbetzin from the government bank and all of thousands of Jews flocked to the The War Years Chaya Mushka Schneerson” its branches and offices, and from other railway station in to welcome banks, government or communal, or her father and his family. During Following their wedding, the young by Shmuel Marcus] from other organizations or private the course of the day, a multitude of couple lived in until 1933. When Birth persons or by telegraph. Chasidim, hailing from all of , the Nazi regime took power in the Lithuania, and Russia, arrived in the spring of 1933, they fled to . The Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka (Moussia) Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka was 23 years capital. Rebbetzin was known to have taken Schneerson was born in Babinovitch, old at the time. university courses while also assisting near the Russian city of Lubavitch, on At eight o’clock that evening, in the the Rebbe with his. , the 25th of Adar, in 1901. She The persecution was relentless, and presence of the students of the Yeshiva was the second of three daughters of in 1927 the notorious communist Tomchei T’mimim, her father cel- In 1939, triggered World the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi police came to arrest her father in their ebrated the meal of the “chosson mohl.” W ar II by launching a blitzkrieg (light- Yosef Yitzchak and his wife, Rebbetzin Leningrad home. Maintaining her In the middle of the meal her father ning attack) against Poland. Chaya Nechama Dina . composure, she brilliantly managed to delivered a ma’amar [chasidic dis- Mushka’s father, aided by interna- alert the Rebbe (her husband- to-be) course]. Midnight came and went, and tional intervention spearheaded by When she was born, her grandfather, who was in the street, calling out: the meal was still in the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shalom DovBer, was travelling abroad and he telegraphed her father, “...Mazal tov on the birth of your daughter ...if she has not yet been named, she should be called Chaya Mushka (the name of the wife of the Tzemach Tzedek [the third Lubavitcher Rebbe]).”

From her earliest years, the Rebbetzin absorbed the purity and holiness that surrounded her, both in the house of her grandfather and that of her fatherEarly Years

In the autumn of 1915, during , Chaya Mushka and her family fled Lubavitch and settled in Ros- tov. While in Rostov, Rabbi Shalom DovBer became ill, and nineteen-year- old Chaya Mushka affectionately cared for her grandfather, spending nights at his side. Before his passing in 1920, Rabbi Shalom DovBer blessed Chaya Mushka and left several Chasidic Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’s Shabbat candlesticks classics to her in his last will. “Schneerson, guests have come to visit progress. Her father “The State Department has received a telegraphic report from the Consular Her early twenties saw the intensifica- us!” Understanding her message, the expressed his desire Officer in Marseilles... that visas were issued to Rabbi Schneerson and his tion of the Communist war against Rebbe was quickly able to notify others to rejoice with the wife on April 17” the Jewish soul and the beginning of to take the necessary precaution and Yeshiva students, her father’s heroic struggle. During begin the international campaign for and they at once formed a circle, in Americans, managed to leave early those dark Soviet nights, Rabbi Yosef his release. the center of which he danced a good in 1940 while Germany was still offi- Yitzchak had his daughter Chaya while. cially at peace with the United States. Mushka at his side. Following his arrest and imprisonment Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak and some family in Leningrad, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak The next day, the 14th of , at members miraculously arrived in the Cognizant of her wisdom and strength, was exiled to Kostroma. Upon his five in the evening, the “kabbalat United States on the last boat to cross her father involved her in much of his request, she was allowed to join him for panim” began. Ushers were placed the Atlantic ocean before the U-boat work. Young Chaya Mushka was asked the journey. On the 12th of Tammuz, at the entrance of the Yeshiva, and blockade began. Once in New York to secretly transport food and supplies she was the bearer of good news when only guests with official invitations City, her father set in motion efforts to to Rostov’s underground Yeshiva, in she notified her family inL eningrad of were allowed to enter. Thousands of rescue his family from the impending the knowledge that she could be relied her father’s release. people surrounded the building and cataclysm in Europe. upon for her discerning judgment. there simply wasn’t enough room for In the autumn of 1927, on the day them all. In May 1940, was invaded by Life became increasingly dangerous for after SimchatT orah, the Schneersohn German forces and surrendered within the Jews of Rostov, and in the spring of family left the SovietU nion and moved Hundreds of miles away, in Russia, four weeks. A French puppet regime 1924 her family moved to Leningrad, to , . in Dnepropetrovsk, (Yekatrinoslav), led by Marshal Philippe Petain and where Chaya Mushka’s involvement another wedding celebration was tak- Pierre Laval was established in Vichy, continued. Her Marriage ing place. The Rebbe’s parents, Rabbi and the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin, like Levi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin Chana, most Jews, fled to Nice in southern In a recently discovered document Before leaving Russia, Chaya Mushka unable to attend in person, organized France, choosing to live under Petain’s dated December 4, 1924, her father was engaged to marry the Rebbe, a festive meal and in their government rather than direct Nazi wrote: Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. own house, to which hundreds of local occupation in Paris and the surround- Jews flocked. ing areas. I hereby empower citizen Chaya Mous- The actual marriage was delayed sia Yosepuvna (daughter of Yosef) until 1928, when, on the 14th day of On the 14th of Kislev, 5714, twenty In the course of their flight, there was a Schneersohn, residing at Machovaya Kislev, their marriage was celebrated five years later, the Rebbe said to his devastating bombardment. As people Street 12/22, apartment 10, to receive in Warsaw, Poland. Chasidim: “It was this day that bound ran in every direction, she noticed an monies on my behalf or documents me to you, and you to me…” explosive shell heading towards a man that are addressed to me, in all forms, On the day preceding the wedding, next to her. Quickly pushing him to January 25, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 9

in her dormitory, she always referred and everything he had, including the Before the end of Shiva, “Keren Hacho- to herself simply as: “Mrs. Schneerson books, belong to the Chasidim. mesh” was established (an acronym of from President Street.” the first letters of the names Harab- Her words, spoken with such sincerity bonis Chaya Mushka Schneerson) at Gentle and courteous to everyone, the and conviction, with all the bearing it Lubavitch World Headquarters, which Rebbetzin saw her role as one wholly had on her own life, made a profound continually serves a variety of needy devoted to the work of her husband. impression upon the judge and helped causes, primarily women’s social and Even when she relayed advice to to sway the judgment in favor of educational purposes. those seeking his guidance through . her, she would repeat his wording During the following years, the Rebbe with precision, making sure that it Her Passing - The Funeral distributed significant sums from this was understood exactly as the Rebbe fund to both institutions for women intended. TheR ebbetzin passed away on Wednes- as well as individual women in need the ground, the Rebbetzin saved the day, the 22nd of Shevat, 1988, after a of help all over the world. man’s life. Recounting this story the Her Name brief illness. Her burial took place a Rebbetzin characteristically said, few hours afterwards at the Chabad Sunday, the 24th of Adar, 1988, was “True, I saved his life, but for pushing Chaya means life; Mushka, an aro- cemetery in Queens, New York. marked by the laying of the cornerstone a Jew one must do teshuvah.” matic spice. for “Campus Chomesh,” in memory of Shortly before her passing, Rebbetzin the Rebbetzin. Near the conclusion America On the significance of naming a child Chaya Mushka requested a glass of of the momentous event, the Rebbe after the Rebbetzin, the Rebbe once water. After reciting the blessing, “... himself suddenly arrived. Escaping TheN azi onslaught, in 1941, said: “...We can demonstrate that ‘her by Whose word all things come into the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin boarded children are alive,’ by our taking a les- being,” she returned her soul to her From the car window the Rebbe the Serpa Pinto and set sail (from Mar- son from her conduct, and conducting Maker. handed Rabbi Avraham Shemtov seilles, France, via Lisbon, Portugal) ourselves in her spirit, in a manner of 470 dollars (numerically equivalent for the United States of America. self-sacrifice. In a farewell to a true queen, the to “Chaya Mushka”) saying, “I am on funeral procession was fifteen thou- the way to the Ohel, and I shall visit On the 28th of Sivan, they arrived “This is even more so when naming a sand strong, led by an official police her (resting place) as well. Tonight safely on the shores of America, and child after her, and training the child motorcade. is her birthday, and this (sum) is my took up residence in New York, where to follow her example. After all, this is participation and her participation in her father had settled in 1940. the most basic aspect of ‘her children She was interred next to her grand- this new edifice.” are alive, so too is she alive.’...” mother, Rebbetzin Shterna , True, Chaya Mushka herself had and near her father, Rabbi Yosef escaped the Nazi claws, but she would TheR ebbetzin had no children of her Yitzchak. not escape the nightmare of Europe. own, yet when a child visiting her at Her younger sister, Sheina, and her home asked her, “where are your chil- The Rebbe pointed out that Rabbi husband, Rabbi Menachem Men- dren?” she answered that the Chasidim Yosef Yitzchak passed away in Shevat, del Horenstein, were still trapped were her children. Thousands of little as did his grandmother, Rebbetzin in Poland when the United States girls around the world proudly bear Rivka, his mother, Rebbetzin Shterna declared war on Japan in December, her name. Sarah, and his daughter, Rebbetzin 1941. All contact with them was lost. Chaya Mushka. It was not until after the war that she Her True Greatness and her family learned for certain that Her Legacy the Horensteins had all perished in the The extraordinary respect that the gas chambers of Treblinka. Rebbe accorded to the Rebbetzin The afternoon following the funeral, gives us a glimpse of her true stat- the Rebbe called in his secretary, Rabbi The Rebbetzin ure. For although the Rebbetzin , and among other declined all public recognition, the things instructed him to establish, as It is well known that in 1950, upon Rebbe frequently referred to her with quickly as possible, a tzedakah-fund the passing of her father, Rabbi Yosef reverence. to be named for the Rebbetzin, of The Rebbetzin’s tombstone. At the bottom there Yitzchak Schneersohn, leadership is a memorial for her sister Sheina who was righteous memory. murdered by the Nazis of the worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Once, the Lubavitch Women’s movement passed to Chaya Mushka’s Organization sent her a bouquet husband, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of flowers, together with a list of Schneerson, of righteous memory. individuals for whom blessings were requested. Setting aside the Less well known is the fact that despite flowers for the Rebbetzin, the the Rebbe’s initial adamant refusal secretary passed on the letter to to accept the mantle, it was his wife, the Rebbe who, observing that it the Rebbetzin, who, notwithstand- was addressed to his wife, asked ing the great personal sacrifice this his secretary to give it to her, say- would entail, finally prevailed upon ing, “She too is capable of giving him to accept the position with all its blessings.” public and private hardships. She was steadfast: It is simply unthinkable The Rebbe once commented to a that father’s thirty years of total self- friend of the Rebbetzin, “You have sacrifice and accomplishment should, a good lawyer on your side…” G-d forbid, come to naught… This was evident during a crucial An erudite and wise woman, Rebbetzin time in recent Lubavitch history, Chaya Mushka carried the mantle during the legal proceedings to of her revered and exalted position establish the ownership of the in a most humble and unpretentious books in the Lubavitch library. fashion. All her life she fulfilled the ideal of the psalmist, “The entire When the defendant’s attorney honor of a king’s daughter is within.” asked her: “To whom did the books When calling the Rebbe’s office at belong?” the Rebbetzin famously “770,” or calling a high school girl ill answered: “My father himself, 10 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008

Musings

Rabbi Hecht, is chairman of the board of the National Committee years. The parents, feeling the school be trusted, for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE), continuing the and the district didn’t do enough to tradition of social services management and outreach that began with protect their child, took their fight to can’t be reasoned with or talked to, and his father, the Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht A’H. He is a Rabbi and activist in court. The parents now say that their now they are shocked and angry that the Jewish community, focusing on family crisis intervention, guiding child is emotionally damaged and the child learned the lesson well? and advising troubled youth and their families, marriage counseling, doesn’t trust older people because of and drugs and cults counseling and consultations. He can be reached at the lack of action on the school’s part. If parents respect their children, they Rabbi [email protected]. • Perhaps the accusation is correct, but will teach them to respect those in the guilty party is not necessarily only authority. This will allow their children the school. to learn from their teachers without Facilitating Your Children’s complication. However, if parents Yes, maybe the school should have show their children that those whom Educational Growth been on top of it; maybe they should they learn from are not worthy of their have done something more! However, respect, they are showing a lack of The old school of thought was that even their children and their needs. Chil- what lesson did the parents teach their respect for their needs as children, as when children had complaints about dren need to use life as a learning child? Did the parent who saw their well as cheating them out of an invalu- school, the teacher was always right. experience. If a parent depreciates child was being bullied go down to the able education. Nobody is perfect, but That philosophy may be considered their child’s main instructor, how can school and try to solve the problem by we all need to learn to work together, extreme, but today most parents oper- that child learn properly? Imagine if speaking to the administration? No! within the system, for our children’s ate at the other extreme. the tables were turned and teachers They went and sued the school. They sake. told their students about their par- told their child in so many words, Parents must be in tune with what ent’s foibles? Every parent would be through their actions, that adults can’t happens to their children in school. outraged at a teacher showing such a They should listen to their children’s lack of respectfulness. complaints and problems, empathize and sympathize with their children Preschool Teachers with 90+ credits Why then is it considered fine when a for the difficulties they face.H owever, parent mocks and destroys their child’s needed & SEIT Providers needed when children confide their school teacher? What mixed messages a child issues to their parents, parents must must get; what mixed feelings a child understand that if they speak disparag- must have when the central figures 1) Teaching positions available in February & April, ingly of their children’s teachers, in in their lives are diminished by their addition to showing a lack of respect 9:00-11:30. parents, whose opinions matter so and proper backing for their children’s 2) Teaching positions available in March & May, much! How can a child learn from a school, they are also on some level teacher they don’t respect, and how 9:00 -3:00. showing a lack of respect to their can a child respect a teacher that their children. The above positions are for 6-8 weeks, to cover for current parents belittle? teachers going on maternity leave. In today’s day and age when disrespect On the other hand, a parent that for authority is so rampant, the best respects their child will allow their 3) Immediate F/T or P/T teaching position thing a parent can do for their children child to learn comfortably, without is to support their teachers. When a available for a 3 year old class. cynicism, from those that teach them. child’s teacher says something that 4) SEIT positions with full case load under one If problems arise, a child’s complaint doesn’t seem to make sense to a par- should be legitimized and then the roof. ent and the parent comments on how problem should be solved in a manner dumb the teacher is, are the parents that does not belittle the teacher or then expecting their child to learn the child. As parents, we are required from that ‘dumb’ teacher? Children to think twice before we do or say For more info, please call 735-0770 x 1200 or will have no respect for the authority anything that might show our child a email resume to [email protected] that their parents disparage. lack of respect for their authority. Unfortunately, this is part of a greater Recently, a school was sued by the fam- problem. Parents don’t seem to respect ily of a child who was bullied for several

and Hashem laughs.” My daughter to the Ohel I would go, but I felt transverse, and the team was preparing NISSEI NISSIM went into early labor at the end of her like a washout in the Motherhood for a possible surgical delivery. By Penina Metal eighth month. Even if I changed my department. I told my husband that the babies ticket, there was no way that I could The call, when it came, was shocking. I davenned by the Rebbe, but I needed would be born in the normal way attend the birth. My daughter, Rivkie, who is living in to see him to get some inspiration, so because the Rebbe told me so! England, informed me that she was Rivkie asked me to go to the Ohel afterwards, I went to watch a video. And indeed, our “Nissei Nissim,” expecting twins. Naturally, discussion for her. Chaya Mushka and Miriam, were of her condition was kept private, and A woman named Nancy was featured The Ohel bus was not running. I was born Baruch Hashem, without a lot of Tehillim was said. in the video during Sunday Dollars. in a quandary. I could not tell anyone intervention. She asked the Rebbe to give her a why I had to go to the Ohel. Rivkie was Knowing that twins tend to arrive Jewish name. The Rebbe replied that I kept to my original travel plans, counting on me to go to the Rebbe. I early, I got four medical opinions as Nancy has two “n’s”, so the Rebbe and by Hashgocha Protis, the day didn’t know what I was going to do. to when would be the most propitious decided that her name should be that I arrived, the hospital released time for me to go to England because “Penina,” which has two “nun’s.” my daughter and her precious little Baruch Hashem, I got a car ride but I my daughter wanted me to be with her ones with their newly-minted Bubby, went with a very heavy heart. I berated when she gave birth. TheR ebbe concluded with the bracha proudly at their side. myself (unnecessarily), questioning that she should have “Nissei Nissim” what sort of mother I was if I was not Miracle of Miracles, indeed! My departure date, coincidentally, was in her life. by my child’s side, especially at a time the exact date on which I was informed Good Shabbos! like this! that I was expecting Rivkaleh, my I rushed to the phone to call my hus- With love to my “Delicious” and bechora, after 5 years of marriage. So My parents, who lived one state over, band. I asked him how our daughter “Yummy” birthday girls, who turned I took this as a good omen. would drop everything when I needed was doing, and how the labor was 10, B’Ezrat Hashem, on Ches Shvat. them. What good was I? But okay, progressing. One of the babies was Well, as the saying goes:”Man plans January 25, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 11 Parshas Hashavua

not murder’ — Do you have a yeitzer home. Hashem told Moshe to speak to Vedibarta Bam ~ Yisro hara?” The angels conceded, but why the women and tell them that, “vetageid did they think the Torah was for them livnei Yisrael” — every woman should to begin with? tell her sons to study Torah. In addi- tion, every woman should tell her the Jewish people a serious threat to ANSWER: Once a great Torah scholar husband that the spiritual aspects of him and the land of Egypt, he called assumed the position of Rabbi in a life are more important to her than the his advisors and consulted with them. large city. After a short while, he real- material and thus encourage him to set At the conference, Bilam suggested the ized that the position would not leave aside time for Torah study. idea of drowning all newborn Jewish )מהרש”א( him sufficient time for his ownT orah boys. Job was silent. Not wanting to be study. He therefore decided to resign present when plans were being made his position and look for a small city. against the Jewish people, Yitro ran “אתם ראיתם אשר עשיתי למצרים ,He approached a nearby small city and away. In the end, Bilam was killed, Job ואשא אתכם על כנפי נשרים ואביא as soon as the residents were convinced endured his famous sufferings, and אתכם אלי” .that he was serious, he was hired “וישמע יתרו כהן מדין חתן משה” Yitro was rewarded to have Moshe Concerned that his townspeople might “Yitro the High Priest of Midian, as his son-in-law and his descendants “You have seen what I did to Egypt and object to his leaving, he returned home the father-in-law of Moshe, heard.” as members of the Sanhedrin (Sotah that I carried you on eagles’ wings and to seek their permission. Realizing (18:1) 11a). brought you to me.” (19:4) that he was adamant about dedicating When Yitro heard of the rescue more of his time to Torah study, they QUESTION: Why does the Torah now QUESTION: Why did Hashem single through the drowning of Egyptians, reluctantly agreed to let him go. cite Yitro’s already-mentioned relation- out the eagle as an example of his con- he was happy for the good Hashem did ship to Moshe and his position? nection with the Jewish people? for the Jewish people. In addition, he When the small community received was happy and grateful that Hashem word that their new Rabbi was ready ANSWER: In the times of King David ANSWER: In Hebrew an eagle is had given him the idea to run away to come, they sent an entourage of the and King Shlomo the Jews did not known as “nesher,” because the word from Pharaoh. Thanks to this, he was most prominent people to bring him accept converts because the Jewish “nesher” means “falling off.” The eagle’s prevented from suffering or perishing to the city. Upon arrival in the large people were then at the height of their feathers are constantly falling off and with the Egyptians. city, the townspeople met them with glory, and it was suspected that the being replaced (Psalms 103:5 Rashi). sticks and stones and assaulted them )באר מים חיים( motivation of the would-be convert Therefore, the choice of the eagle to for having the audacity to take away was not Torah and mitzvot, but rather symbolize Hashem’s relationship their Rabbi. In amazement, the Rabbi to share in the prosperity and glory of with the Jewish people alludes to the asked, “Why are you hitting them? Did “עתה ידעתי כי גדול ה’ מכל the Jewish people. fact that even if a Jew should, G‑d I not discuss my leaving with you and האלהים” forbid, “lose his feathers” — fail in his receive your consent?!” If so, why did King Shlomo accept the “Now I know that G‑d is the greatest observance of Torah and mitzvot — his daughter of Pharaoh as a convert and of all deities.” (18:11) case is not hopeless. He always has the The townspeople told their Rabbi, then marry her? The answer is that she opportunity to do teshuvah and grow “If we did not show our opposition was an exception to the rule. As the QUESTION: To say that Hashem is “new feathers.” to your leaving, they might think us )ר’ לוי יצחק זצ”ל מברדיטשוב( daughter of a King, she did not lack the greatest of all the gods is heresy dissatisfied with you and happy to see glory, and therefore her only interest in because it implies that other gods have you leave. Consequently, they would converting was her love for Torah and some kind of greatness too. Why would not hold you in the high regard you “ויענו כל העם יחדו ויאמרו כל אשר ?mitzvot (Yevamot 24b, see Tosafot). Yitro say such a thing דבר ה’ נעשה” deserve. When however, they notice that we are fighting over you and not When the Jews left Egypt and the sea ANSWER: This statement is not one wanting to let you go, they will regard “And all the people answered together split, the entire world witnessed the of relative comparison, but of total you in high esteem. and said, ‘All that G‑d has spoken we greatness of the Jewish people. From rejection. Yitro was the High Priest of will do.’ ” (19:8) all over people wanted to convert and Midian and a prominent theologian. The angels really knew thatT orah was become part of the Jewish nation. He was familiar with all the gods the appropriate for human beings and not QUESTION: Each individual Jew They were motivated by the glory pagan world worshipped. After learn- for them. However, to ensure that man should have responded “e’eseh” — “I of the Jewish people rather than by ing of the miracles Hashem performed, keep Torah in the highest regard and will do.” Why did they all answer in sincere love for Yiddishkeit, and so he was convinced of the worthlessness dignity, they fought over it so that the plural, “na’aseh”? were rejected. of all the other deities and that Hashem when a man acquires Torah, he will is the one and only G‑d of the world. cherish it dearly. ANSWER: When the Jews heard However, when Yitro decided to about the Torah and realized its beauty )מצאתי בכתבי אבי הרב שמואל פסח ז”ל convert, he was accepted because, as Hence, he proudly proclaimed, “Now I and importance, each individual took באגאמילסקי( the famous High Priest of Midian, he know that G‑d is great! I have reached ,upon himself not only to observe it )שער בת רבים( could not be suspected as a seeker of this conclusion, ‘mikol ha’elohim’ — but also to be responsible for all other glory. In addition, it was not likely that through realizing the falsehood of all Jews doing so. Each one responded in he was converting out of fear of the the gods of the pagan world. I know the plural “na’aseh,” meaning “I will “כה תאמר לבית יעקב ותגיד לבני Jewish people, because nobody would that they are indeed nothing and that do, and also see to it that other Jews ישראל” harm the father-in-law of Moshe. Hashem is omnipotent.” will do.” Thus say to theH ouse of Jacob and tell“ )אלשיך( )ילקוט האורים( to the Children of Israel.” (19:3) This may be an additional source for the Talmudic dictum “kol Yisrael QUESTION: It would be sufficient to “ומשה עלה אל האלקים” “ויחד יתרו על כל הטובה אשר עשה ה’ areivin zeh lazeh” — “Each Jew is a say only “Beit Yaakov” or only “B’nei לישראל אשר הצילו מיד מצרים” “And Moshe went up to G‑d.” (19:3) guarantor for his fellow” (Shavuot Yisrael.” Why is the redundancy “Yitro was happy for all the good 39a). necessary? that G‑d did for the Jews for saving QUESTION: According to the )חידושי הרי”ם( him from the hand of the Egyptians.” Gemara (Shabbat 86b), when Moshe ANSWER: Women are usually in the (18:9) came up to heaven to take the Torah, home. They see to it that their children the angels objected: “Tenah hodecha go to yeshivah and encourage their QUESTION: Why did Yitro use the al hashamayim” — “Set your glory husbands to study Torah, so they singular expression “hitzilo” — saving (Torah) above the heavens.” Hashem receive merit from the study of their him — and not the plural “hitzilam” told Moshe to inform them why Torah husbands and children (Sotah 21a). — “saving them”? was not for them. Moshe said, “The Torah says, ‘I am G‑d, your G‑d, who “Beit Yaakov” refers to women who are ANSWER: Pharaoh had three advi- brought you out of Egypt’ — were akeret habayit — the foundation of the sors, Job, Yitro and Bilam. Considering you ever in Egypt? It says, ‘You shall 12 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008

The Rebbe’s Sicha: Yisro 5740

was in the eating of the fruit the wrong placed his fingers of his hand under his time. Had he waited three hours he Lesson on how to study Torah feet and ground them down until his could have made wine from the fruit of fingers spurted blood. Similarly,T orah [Published by Sichos in English] the tree of knowledge, and used it for directly before the giving of the Torah, must affect us to the point where we are Kiddush. That is, the eating of the fruit, when the Jewish people were on the totally involved with our studies. The Alter Rebbe explained that we at the right time, would have been a level of Tzaddikim. This occurred must live by the lessons of the weekly From the above, we can learn an impor- positive act. The same principle applies before the sin of the golden calf. portion. This week’s portion Yisro, tant lesson. We must become involved to the “noise” that must accompany the describes the giving of the Torah. Parshas Vaeschanan, on the other with spreading Torah, particularly the spreading of Torah. We are now at a The Haftorah adds further emphasis, hand, describes the service of Ba’alei wellsprings of Chassidus, and we must time when such an approach is neces- in describing Isaiah’s vision of the Teshuvah, following the sin of the do so with “noise,” with excitement sary. We must learn Torah and spread “Divine Chariot”; when the Torah was golden calf. Therefore it is a description and tumult. One might argue that “the Torah, particularly the wellsprings of given, G-d descended upon Mt. Sinai of the giving of the second tablets. words of the wise are heard with quiet,” Chassidus, with “noise,” with excite- and revealed Himself and His chariot that we must consider carefully, and ment. If an objector argues that the The first tablets were given with “thun- (Shemos Rabbah 29:2). begin working slowly, step-by-step, source of noise is in Yisro, i.e., that only der and lightening,” with noise. Our when we are involved in spreading Tzaddikim, but not Baalei Teshuvah sages proclaimed that “just as there Three times each year we read the Torah. However, such an approach should be involved with “noise,” then (at Mt. Sinai), there was awe and fear, description of the giving of the Torah: runs contrary to that of the Previ- we must point out the declaration of trembling and sweating, so now (in our in Parshas Yisro, on Shavuos, and in ous Rebbe, who stressed immediate Isaiah the prophet: “Your nation are all Torah study) there must also be awe Parshas Vaeschanan. Though they are action. He pointed out that we have Tzaddikim.” Further, one who objects and fear, trembling and sweating.” The similar in context, we derive differ- only a “few moments” left before the to the spreading of Torah in such Alter Rebbe explains that, although ent lessons from each of these three coming of Mashiach and that now is a manner should visit the Previous there were open miracles at Mt. Sinai, readings. the time to “grab and eat, grab and Rebbe’s grave, or should consult a Rav. which are not present during our Torah drink.” We must utilize every moment He will surely be told that “Your nation On Shavuos, which is a Yom Tov study, still that fear must remain with possible, creating a great commotion are all Tzaddikim,” and that the Torah (festival), special prayers and customs us, since the Torah that we receive is and tumult for Torah. Furthermore, must be spread with “noise” to the apply to us, and work is forbidden. The G-d’s Torah. Our approach to Torah this commotion and tumult is not only point where it effects, not only those words Yom Tov mean “a good day”; that must parallel that of the Jews at Mt. applicable on holidays, but even during whom one knows, but even those with is, it is a day singled out for rejoicing. Sinai, and also be accompanied by weekdays. To emphasize this point, whom one has no connection. Therefore, when reading the descrip- “noise.” Parshas Yisro, which speaks about the tion of Matan Torah on Shavuos, it is A similar point is brought out by the giving of the Torah, is read not only on We must be careful, however, not to with a festive air. which declares that Torah must the holiday of Shavuos, but also during derive false pride and egotism from “rest within all 248 limbs of the body.” the present week. our activities; and when others are Not so the other two readings. Parshas On the surface, Torah is an intellectual accomplishing something valuable, Vaeschanan is read directly after the The tells us that the “noise” study. It must be approached with we must not react negatively. Rather, three weeks of mourning, when the of Mt. Sinai brought an undesirable “peace of mind and peace of body.” An the: task must be approached with service of the Jewish people is char- effect, “the influence of the evil eye.”I n effort to integrate it within the entire true unity. In short, we must work to acterized by Teshuvah. On the other view of that influence, how can we then body would disturb one’s concentra- spread Torah with enthusiasm and hand Parshas Yisro is read when the demand noise in regard to spreading tion. Yet, Torah teaches that “my entire excitement, through joint effort and Jewish people are immersed in their Torah? The answer lies in the concept being shall declare it.” Torah must with common goals. These efforts daily service of G-d; that is, a service of the sin of the tree of knowledge, the permeate the totality of our existence. will hasten the revelation of the third related to that of Tzaddikim (rather source of all undesirable influences A story in the Talmud (Shabbos 88a) Temple, the Temple that was built by than Ba’alei Teshuvah). in the world. The Midrash (Bereishis relates that Rava, while once studying, G-d, with the coming of Mashiach Rabbah 21:7) relates that Adam’s sin Parshas Yisro describes the events was so involved in his learning that he speedily in our days. Phases In The Israel-Arab Conflict Israeli Approaches & Suggested Alternatives Published by Sichos In English as the negotiations continued, Israel the Egyptians had flagrantly violated position to be weakened. Just as she acceded to every one of the Egyptian the agreement before its ink had dried. expected the Arabs to make demands, After the Six-DayW ar, the Arab hostili- demands. But Israel’s army was silent, and even she expected Israel to reject them, ties against Israel continued. Across her diplomats did not voice constant because they were harmful to her the entire stretch of the Suez Canal, What was the agreement’s saving and outspoken protests. security. How was she to know that bloody artillery battles were fought grace for the Israelis? There was to be a Israel would capitulate to every single What was the rationale motivating the between Israeli and Egyptian troops. cease fire: although theI sraelis would Arab demand? Israelis? First of all, the hope that the pull back, the Egyptians solemnly agreement would be a first step toward At that time, the Nixon administration promised not to move any heavy guns What happened as a result of the Israeli peace, and second, the perception expended considerable effort to broker across the Suez. redeployment mandated by the treaty? that signing this treaty would win a cease-fire between the two sides. The Egyptians were able to cross the American favor and enable Israel to During the lengthy negotiations the What actually happened? The day after Suez without difficulty in the Yom receive American arms. Rebbe warned Israel against entering the treaty was signed the Egyptians Kippur War of 1973, and their anti- into any agreement, explaining that violated it, moving their artillery and aircraft batteries in the Sinai inflicted Neither of these perceptions had any Egypt wanted a cease-fire only to begin anti-aircraft batteries across the Suez losses on Israeli planes. Although the basis in reality. To imagine that Nasser preparing for the next war. “Before the and entrenching them in the Sinai treaty did give the Israelis a temporary could have been at all prepared for ink is dry on the agreement,” the Rebbe Peninsula. The transfer of equipment respite from battle, in the long run it peace with Israel, one would have warned, “the Egyptians will violate it. was photographed and publicized by cost many more lives. had to be an incorrigible dreamer. Yet And who knows how many lives will news media throughout the world. when the parents of the soldiers who be lost in the next war because of these And most importantly, had Egypt not had been killed in the three previous violations.” What did the Israelis do? They lodged been given these strategic positions, it years asked the government why the a few feeble hearted protests and is very possible that the Yom Kippur TheI sraelis had the upper hand. Their concessions to the Arabs were being then carried on as if nothing had War would never have been waged. armies were at the banks of the Suez made, this is the answer that was given happened. They could have launched It was only because Egypt had been Canal and by preventing its use put a them. an artillery attack that would have granted a foothold in the Sinai that she stranglehold on the Egyptian economy. destroyed the Egyptian guns before had the position and the confidence to Nevertheless, in the negotiations, the Nor was it necessary to make these they could be positioned. No one in launch an attack. Egyptians made demands with bra- concessions to receive American the world could have protested, for vado. At first theI sraelis hesitated, but arms. America did not desire Israel’s To Be Continued. January 25, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 13 The Rebbetzin Chana OBM

(1880-1964) and Rebbetzin Chana to their oldest son, In honor of her birthday on the 28th of Rabbi Menachem Mendel, in 1943. The Teves postcard was sent from Chi’ili, Kazakh- stan, to Brooklyn, New York. Though [Adapted from the book “Rebbetzin Chana marked ‘express,’ the postcard took more Schneerson” than three months to arrive. By Shmuel Marcus and Avraham D Vaisfiche] One day, a couple visiting with Rabbi Levi Yitzchak observed him struggling Departure and Return at the stove trying to cook a pot of kasha Five months after joining her husband in (buckwheat). The woman realized that her exile, Rebbetzin Chana decided, in des- help was needed, and stayed for several peration, to return home to Yekatrinoslav. days. As she nursed the Rebbetzin back This would allow her the opportunity to to health, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak prayed send him food regularly and eliminate the for his wife's recovery. Soon she regained need to obtain another portion of food her health. in Chi’ili. Furthermore, living at home Alma Ata - Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s would ensure that the government would Passing not appropriate her apartment and give it to someone else. In 1944, as Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s sentence was nearing its end, his physical condition In the month of Elul, after arranging for began to deteriorate. Though unaware another Jewish exile to move in with her of this, a serious illness was spreading husband, Rebbetzin Chana departed with through his body, severely weakening a heavy heart. On her way to Yekatrinoslav him. she traveled to Moscow, where she filed Rabbi Levi Yitzcvhak's headstone in Alma Ata. petitions to commute his sentence of exile. Meanwhile, friends in nearby Alma Ata Her relentless efforts on behalf of her resolved to secure the Rabbi’s release. husband’s release were met by deception They contributed thousands of rubles, and cruel indifference by the authorities. giving of most of their wealth, in order The situation remained unchanged. to acquire the proper permits for the relocation. After six weeks fraught with During the winter of 1941, after spending setbacks and obstacles they were finally five months back home inY ekatrinoslav, able to obtain the release documents. Rebbetzin Chana corageously decided to rejoin her husband in exile. She once Immediately after Passover, his sentence again journeyed to Chi’ili, arriving two completed, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and Reb- weeks before Passover. There, she found betzin Chana left Chi’ili, and arrived in her husband in a desperate situation. The Alma Ata. In this large city, their living government had cut off his daily allot- conditions improved somewhat, and they ment of bread, leaving him famished and worked more vigorously to help others debilitated. Always resourceful, Rebbetzin in need. Yet, through the summer, the Chana struggled to improve the critical Rabbi’s illness grew worse. A young friend situation. Through Rebbetzin Chana’s made a special trip from Leningrad to remarkable ingenuity, they somehow Alma Ata, together with a well-known managed to survive. doctor. The doctor did not have a good prognosis for the Rabbi. He had no cure Refugees for his ailment. With World War II ravaging Europe, many refugees and displaced people ended up in Rebbetzin Chana endured those heart- the Kazakhstan region where Rebbetzin breaking days with exceptional strength Chana and her husband lived. and fortitude. Despite the dire conditions, she continued to welcome into her home Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin any depressed or broken person, attending Chana soon became well-known among A page of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak's notes on , written with ink secretly prepared by Reb- to his or her specific needs, and providing all the Jewish refugees. Large groups of betzin Chana. On the original one can see the various colors of the homemade ink. food when necessary. She retained her men and women, especially those women dignified manner and grace throughout— whose husbands were taken away for the even wearing gloves and an elegant hat war effort, would visit the esteemedR abbi when receiving guests—and would and his wife, seeking counsel on various converse with the doctors on a variety matters. of topics, whether worldly or spiritual in nature. Rebbetzin Chana would take With meager resources at their disposal, particular interest when the discussion and facing a constant threat to their very turned to her husband's scholarship and lives, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin piety. Chana heroically reached out to their bretheren in need, helping in every which On the 20th of Av, her husband’s condi- way—materially and spiritually. tion turned critical. Although he was no longer able to speak, he still continued to Brush with Death murmur words of Torah or Psalms. That The winter of 1942-1943 was extraordi- evening, Rebbetzin Chana took a short narily frigid. Rebbetzin Chana fell ill with rest so that she would have the strength to a high fever. Fearing that her illness might continue caring for him; when she awoke, be contagious, Rebbetzin Chana asked no she found the house filled with people. one for help. Her condition deteriorated Her husband had returned his pure soul from day to day. to its Maker.

Postcard sent by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak 14 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008 Shiduchim

careful analysis it is evident that the comes to doing mitzvot which are Vedibarta Bam ~ Marriage five on the first Tablet, starting with between man and G d. “I am G d your G d,” till “Honor your father and your mother” are items On the other hand, there are those Many of the things done at a Chuppah presented a fire of law to them” (Deva- which are in the category of bein who are meticulously religious when it ceremony are derived from the way rim 33:2), the Gemara (Avodah Zarah adam laMakom — between G d and comes to praying and studying Torah Hashem gave the Torah to the Jewish 2b) says that Hashem went around man. Even to honor parents is in the but selfishly unattentive when asked people since that event was also termed offering theT orah to the nations of the category of bein adom laMakom, as is to extend acts of kindness to another as the marriage between Hashem — world. They all asked “What is written evident from the statement in Gemara person. the Chatan — and the Jewish people in it?” He gave it to them to review and (Kiddushin 30b), “There are three — the Kallah (see Tashbatz Katan after careful scrutiny they rejected it partners in the creation of a person: Likewise, there are Jews who are #464,5). For instance, the suspended since it was not compatible with their Hashem, his father and his mother. careful about kashrut, tefillin and mountain which was lifted over the lifestyles. Then He offered it to the When a person honors his father and davening etc., but very unethical in Jewish people resembled the Chuppah Jewish people. his mother, Hashem business. However, there are Jews who and it was under the open sky similar The Jews being says, ‘I consider it as do not observe Torah and mitzvot, to your Chuppah tonight. parsimonious if I had lived among yet they are extremely honest when asked “What them and they had dealing in money matters with their In lieu of a ring, Hashem gave the Jew- does it cost?” honored Me.’ ” fellow man. ish people the Luchot — Two Tablets, a n d w h e n and just as you, Chatan, declared the Hashem told Hence, Hashem wrote the Command- The other five com- Kallah as sanctified unto you,H ashem t h e m “ I t ’s ments on Two Tablets because they mandments, start- declared us His chosen people. free,” they fall into two different categories.N ev- ing with “You shall responded, ertheless, by pairing the Two Tablets not kill” until “You I would like to share with you a reason “If so, give us together, Hashem sent a message to the shall not covet” are why Hashem gave the Ten Command- two.” Jewish people that a person must excel in the category of ments on Two Tablets instead of on in his relationship with G d and with bein adam lachaveiro one. This, of course man and that both are inseparable. — interpersonal is only a joke. relations. There is a popular joke about this that Permit me to Dear Chatan and Kallah, I pray that goes as follows: share with you There are many you will be a model couple throughout what may be the real reason why people who separate between the two. your long marriage. A couple who will Based on the pasuk “Hashem came Hashem wrote the Ten Command- They are very involved in charitable be, as we say in , “tzu G-ut un from Sinai and He shone forth to them ments on Two Tablets. endeavors that help their fellow-man. tzu leiten,” one that will excel in inter- from Seir, He appeared from Mount They will altruistically help people in personal relations and also between Paran and He came with myriads of Each of the Two Tablets contains five need or experiencing a difficult period man and G d. And both G d and people the holy — from His right hand He of the Ten Commandments. After in life, but are unobservant when it will praise and bless you.

Finding A Needle in a Haystack By: Sarah Junik Similarly, we do not want to go aim- their requirements, not of ours. The well before embarking on a shidduch Continued from last week lessly looking for a “good” boy or girl. character traits have to match our search. They should think: “I have this We want to be specific, and we want For the past few weeks I have been children characters and goals, not ours. quality which will be employed in the the search to be as quickly and as easily writing about making a list. It might If the list we have arrived at reflects most positive way if my spouse has this accomplished as Hashgocha protis lets sound obsessive, but I cannot stress more our wishes than theirs, we have other quality.” us do it. enough how important it is to start wasted our time and theirs. Keep in mind and tell your child that a shidduch search after having nar- Therefore, yes, it is a painstaking job, I personally know of a case where the end result is not a shopping list. rowed down and isolated the non- and it will take quite some time. It the parents on both sides liked each We cannot always find every single negotionable character traits that our may be acrimonious at times until other so well that they did not even item that we want. And even if we do, children cannot live without. we all agree on the goals we are all look at how compatible their children marriage takes work from both sides. working for, but it is absolutely and First of all with the list, our children were. The important thing was to be Only if both partners put effort in the unequivocally necessary to do this at have provided us with clear black and mechutonim. I do not have to tell you marriage will it be successful. Marriage the beginning. white directions on what is necessary how that marriage turned out. is work, but we can make it as pleasant for them to build a Beis Neeman Furthermore, when our child will go as possible if both sides are willing to As we go about our search for a shid- B’Isroel. As explained earlier at length, out on their first date, they will have GIVE. duch for our children, we should be we as parents were fully involved in the a frame of reference to see how close aware of how much society at large has Here are some adjectives that might list-making, so we’re now on the same the date came to what they really infiltrated our thinking. Yiddishkeit ring a bell for you: page as our kids. are looking for. How many of those believes in giving: Klal Yisroel are indispensable character traits were Emotionally stable, hard-working, This list will help us tell the shad- responsible one for the other. We give matched? What additional pleasing charitable, even-tempered, born leader, chonim, our family members, our tzedokah. We look our for each other. traits did they find? Which trait can generous, flexible, agreeable, ‘aidel’, friends, and our entire network pre- We try not to talk Loshon Hora and be compromised on? strong-willed, outgoing, patient, cisely what we are looking for. hurt others. We do Hachnasos Orchim reserved, playful, humorous, kind, The list becomes a signpost to our des- and so on. It may be compared to going to a trade meticulous, low-key, ambitious, per- tination, and anyone who has driven in show where there are hundreds of ven- The world lives by a diametrically ceptive, open-minded. a strange city where the streets are not dors. Some vendors we must see; some opposite mantra: “What’s in it for well marked, knows exactly how help- we will pass by if we have time, and me?” ful clear directions are. others we can skip altogether. We only A Needle in a Haystack is a book of advice for By making the list, we walk a fine line have 6 hours at the show, so our time A caveat to us parents at this point. parents starting to look at shidduchim written between what we give and what we is precious. We look at the catalogue We wish the best for our children, on the occasion of one of Mrs Junik’s daughters take. Our children must be ready to of the show and plot our way, listing and often they will pleasantly surprise wedding.. give of themselves selflessly to build a all the vendors we must visit in their us with what they can accomplish marriage, but they have to know what Any constructive comment is welcomed by the order of importance. Subsequently, or with what direction they want to qualities they need to take in order editor. Write to CHP5768 @gmail.com or we list the ones we would like to see if take. The shidduch is theirs; the life to be able to give. That is why they directly to the author at [email protected]. we have time. Now with our plan, we is theirs, and the Bais they will build must make a cheshbon nefesh and will accomplish the most we can in the is theirs. I mentioned it before, but it come to understand themselves very time we have. bears repeating, the list has to be of January 25, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 15 Our Heroes Rabbi Avrohom Baruch Pevsner hy"d

By Penina Metal and Batsheva Avrohom Boruch. sian Civil war, my parents had to hom Boruch to stand in front of him Browd postpone the marriage until 1921, during the recitation. This continued The Rebbe Rashab wrote to his son when he was 31 years old. for many ma’amarim. Mrs Junik Based on a several hour interview of the Rebbe Rayaz in 1914: remembers she was told that once Fruma Junik conducted by Penina Rabbi Avrohom Boruch was very close after the recitation, the Rebbe told Metal. "After Shabbos Kodesh I will, please to the Rebbe Rashab and merited to Reb Avrohom Boruch, that during G-d, send you the general letter thatI serve him in the last days until the the recitation, a mundane thought had Penina relates "The first timeI met her wrote regarding the learning of Chas- Rebbe passed away, as well as serving entered into his mind, so he should she breezed into the shaitel macher like sidus. It is necessary to have copies of the Rebbe Rayatz during the first not stand in front of the Rebbe any a whirlwind. She brought along her the Mamar Kuntres Eitz Chaim until period of the Rebbe’s leadership. Rabbi longer. Rabbi Shemtov ob"m told us two lemons for fixing. Lemons? Why Chapter 22 for those who travel to Avrohom Boruch's notes regarding what this stray thought was: Rabbi would she be so cheerful about fixing distribute the Ma'amar to the cities. the final days under the guidance Avrohom Boruch realized that, the defective merchandise? Little did I Who should you choose to travel? of the Rebbe Rashab are recorded Ma'amar the Rebbe was expounding know that "Lemon" was the name of Generally, it is preferable for the and gathered in the sefer Shmuesn was based on a particular Ma'amar the shaitel. I couldn't help smiling. That young married men V'Sippurim, that the Rebbe Rashab had once said. is the effect that Mrs. Fruma Junik, whose mouth and This was considered a stray thought! wife of the esteemed Rabbi Berl Junik, tongue is with them Rabbi Chitrik After this no one else stood opposite zt'l, has on those with whom she comes (i.e., those who was a boy of the Rebbe during the recitation of a into contact. She is poetry in motion. express themselves thirteen years ma'amar. She doesn't stop for a moment." articulately) and when he went to who have the ability the Lubavitcher My father went to great lengths to be Mrs Junik was kind enough to spend to arouse people Yeshiva in 1911. by the Rebbe as described by Rabbi time with me discussing her memories concerning this... He knew Avro- Yehuda Chitrik. In the year 1921, of the war years as well as some fam- You can also choose hom Boruch 5682, when the Rebbe Rayatz was ily history. Mrs. Junik's father Rabbi the good bachurim Pevsner, who in Rostov, there were no visitors for Avrohom Boruch ob"m, was born in such as Yerucham, w a s t h e n the month of Tishrei as traveling was 1890 in Potzip, Ukraine. It is known Elya, and Avrohom around twenty virtually impossible. (Rostov is 100 that he was 10 years older than his wife, Boruch, they should years old, per- miles from Minsk, over 160 miles Alte Sora Tzertel ob"m, and that is how live and be well." sona l ly. He from Lubavitch, and 371 miles from we know what year he was born. recounted that Charkov) One needed a special permit Aside from being Rabbi Pevsner to travel. Even with a permit, travel Mrs Junik recounts: known as a would some- was very dangerous, as Russia was "Chozer", Rav Avro- t i mes sleep then in the midst of a tumultuous civil "My Zeide was the Chabad Chassid hom Boruch Pevs- in the Rebbe war, during which, outlaw bands and Rabbi Hillel Pevsner ob"m, and Bubby ner was also known Rashab's house thieves had free reign. If one was a Jew was Fruma Sarah. I am named after as an "Oved", one so that he could and his clothes and manners showed it, this grandmother. who's divine service is done at length be available when the Rebbe would the hoodlums would throw the person with the proper Kavonos and dedica- need him. During the period of World off a moving train. Rabbi Avrohom Boruch, my father, tion. Rabbi Avrohom Boruch had an War I, Avrohom Baruch would read was a brilliant child and a very strong established corner in which he would the Russian newspapers aloud to the The sole Balei Batim that made it to minded person. He learned to read daven at length and meditate for many Rebbe Rashab so that he could be the city of Rostov despite the dangers and write Russian. His grandmother, hours daily. Due to his great intel- informed of the war news. were my father and Rabbi Leib Shainin Yehudis heard that Lubavitcher Yeshiva lectual capacities, sharpness of mind, from Zhebin. They carried legal work- Tomchei Temimim of the Rebbe and the tremendous time and effort When the Rebbe Rashab moved ing papers that claimed that they were Rashab could offer a wonderfulY eshiva he applied to his learning, Avrohom from Lubavitch and settled in the city traveling on business for their factory education, and although the family was Boruch excelled equally in Nigleh and of Rostov, Rabbi Avrohom Boruch in Rostov. In addition to these men, on not Lubavitch, he went. Chassidus. joined the Rebbe there at his first that Rosh Hashana of 5682, 1921, four opportunity. bachurim, including Rabbi Chitrik, On his first Shabbos there, his out- It was no great surprise therefore, when managed to travel to Rostov. standing abilities were revealed. The Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hilewitz I remember Rabbi Chitrik relating custom was that after Ma'ariv the elite ob"m came to the Yeshiva to choose that Rav Avrohom Baruch was once After their wedding, the Rebbe sent Temimim would gather and review the a suitable shidduch for his daughter traveling with Rebbe Rayatz in Rostov, my parents on shlichus to Minsk. The Ma'amar that the Rebbe Rashab had Alte Sora Tzertel ob"m, he chose Rav. and as they passed the prison where the Chassidim in Minsk did not wish to expounded. On Shabbos morning, Avrohom Boruch Pevsner. Rebbe had been imprisoned, the Rebbe accept Rabbi Avrohom Boruch as a the bochurim would go to the Rebbe's pointed out which window belonged , probably due to his young room where they would orally review My maternal grandfather, Rabbi to his cell and where he was brought to age. Despite strong opposition, Rabbi the Ma'amar in front of the Rebbe. The Menachem Mendel Hilewitz ob"m be interrogated, etc. Then, the Rebbe Avrohom Boruch persevered and Rebbe would then correct and explain was the Rabbi of Zhebin (after his and Rav Avrohom Baruch discussed succeeded in his shlichus. His lucent the Ma'amar to them. father in law, the esteemed Rabbi and the Halachic implications of reciting method of expression and pleasant Chassid Rav Avremke Zhebiner). the blessing 'Blessed are you G-d our demeanor turned the Lubavitch shul The first Shabbos that Reb Avrohom He himself also came from a line of Lord, the King of the world that saved into a house of learning and a place of Boruch came to the Yeshiva he joined esteemed Chassidim and Rabbeim. me from a bad circumstance' upon Chassidic gatherings, even for those the bochurim reviewing the Ma'amar Because of his standing, he was able being released from prison. who were not Lubavitch. and soon became known as the top to choose from among the finest "Chozer" (reviewer.) While he in bochurim and Avrohom Boruch was Rabbi Benzion Shemtov ob"m related In Minsk, my parents lived in an apart- Yeshiva, Rabbi Avrohom Boruch was the chosen one. that the Rebbe Rashab had a specific ment which was actually a partially called "Avrohom Boruch Potziper", a routine when he would say Chassidus: submerged cellar. From the high reference to his place of birth. Previously he had come to Tomchei the Rebbe Rayatz would stand in front narrow windows it was possible to see Temimim to choose a husband for of him, and for the duration of the only the feet of the people coming and Some of the Ma'amarim included as an his older daughter, Guta Bela, and Ma’amar, they would look into each going in the streets. In the winter, the addendum in the "Sefer Ma'amarim" had also handpicked the best bochur other's eyes. apartment would fill with slush and of 1920 are not found among the of the time, the renowned mashpia damp mud. They did everything with Ksav Yad of the Rebbe Rashab. They Rav Shilem Kuratin. Unfortunately, After theR ebbe Rashab passed away, mesiras nefesh.. are published from the notes of Rabbi because of World War I and the Rus- the Rebbe Rayatz asked Rabbi Avro- To be continued. 16 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008 Ladies Corner

SIMCHA BREAKS THE BARRIERS Redemption, the "true" or spiritual laughter will be the cosmic response A Holy Garden By Esther Rachel Russell including the barriers of exile and has to real change. We somehow sense that By Chaya M. Klein the unique potential to bring about the this is not as things are supposed to be Can you remember the last time you Redemption. This joy will surely lead and the deepest response to that will had a thoroughly hearty belly laugh? A family is a magnificent garden to the ultimate joy, the rejoicing of the be laughter. You know, the kind that has you laugh- It must be cultivated with great care, Redemption, when our mouths will be ing so hard you feel as if your sides These ideas ofR edemption, or geulah It is the most valuable, holy place filled with laughter (Psalms 126:2)." could split? Maybe glimpses of these apply to our own personal lives. We A couple may be blessed to share. The question is: how do we generate moments are stored in the archives of need to break all of our personal more joy in our lives and break through your memory bank and that's where barriers that keep us stuck in old limit- The home is the garden's soil barriers? they stay. Perhaps your life has become ing patterns. As an improvisational Water it with Torah and great love, so serious that you've actually forgotten Lets take a closer look at the nature comedy actress I recognized that at the Feed it with peace and happiness how to laugh or sadly, you look at the of laughter. For infants and chil- heart of comedy improv lie skills for Cherished gifts from the OneA bove. world around us and just don't find dren, laughter is an organic, universal more joyful, elevated living: the art of much to laugh at. In fact, you may even response to the sheer joy of being alive. taking risks, allowing for possibilities Into this fertile and wonderful believe that laughter is frivolous and for Just watch an infant cooing and gig- to open up in your life, the belief in garden those of lightweight character. gling spontaneously in the crib. What transcendent assistance and getting out Nestle each new life's tiny seeds, is a birthright for youngsters requires a of your own way. Comedy requires a Carefully nurture and tend every If this sounds like you, then think far more sophisticated trigger mecha- spirit of fun that insists a person come one again, because there is nothing shallow nism in adults. An examination of out of themselves, breaking barriers Be attentive for the wicked weeds. about laughter. Laughter may be the laughter shows that what causes us to and inviting more joy and possibility single most important ingredient to laugh is an improbable juxtaposition into life. Where there is less of you, Each seedling will yield a flower a healthy life, on many levels. Just ask of opposites. When a process moves in then there's more room for Hashem! Unique in color and in scent; Dr. Norman Cousins who discusses in one direction and then suddenly and Reclaim your G-dly state of sheer joy, Treasure the varieties among them his book, The Anatomy of an Illness unexpectedly changes to its opposite, sidesplitting laughter and plain ole' Each exclusive and heaven sent. how he laughed his way back to health laughter is generated. It's this SUR- fun! after being diagnosed with a terminal PRISE element that comedians use all As the garden grows so vividly illness. Numerous medical studies Esther Rachel Russell, MA, is an actress/ the time as one of many techniques to Across the flow of passing years, indicate that laughter and joy boost comedienne, screenwriter, producer and generate audience laughter. Hold it dear and protect it well the immune system and are essential laughter therapist and creator of Comedy Pray it yields much joy, not tears. to emotional and mental well being. On an even deeper level, the juxtaposi- Improvisation Workshops - To Break tion of extremes is the root of spiritual through Barriers. She is available to facilitate In a sicha from Shabbos parshas Ki It is a task that once has started laughter and is the meaning of Az women's workshops of diverse backgrounds, Seitzei 5748, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Will never truly be complete, ye'malei s'chok pinu "then our mouths as well as mixed groups, teenagers, students Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, tells As each flower reaches maturity will be filled with laughter". When the and children. us, "Simcha breaks through all barriers, New buds blossom - so very sweet. world is turned upside-down at the Some day, some time in the future over his hedonistic brother. role in creation is to banish the earthly Gaze upon this garden, see how it's LADIES FIRST darkness and bring down light from grown, So why did G-d give the Torah first to By Yanky Tauber the heavens. Woman is a nurturer, Thank Hashem for its fragrant the women? The Midrash offers several relating to what is rather than what splendor Even in this day and age, most women explanations. For one thing, women must be done, finding G-dliness within Reap what has been so graciously accept the traditional “ladies are more religious than men (turns out the world rather than importing it from attentively sown. first” rule, whether it’s getting off a that certain things haven’t changed in without. sinking ship or going through a ball- all those centuries); get them to agree This labor of love will bear splendid room doorway. Commonly perceived to accept the Torah, and the men will Both are integral to the Creator’s fruit as a concession to the weaker sex by the fall in line, too (another thing that plan: our mission in life is to bring The result of much painstaking care, stronger, the rule is actually founded hasn’t changed). According to Rabbi G-d into the world (the male role) An abundant nachas to fill the soul upon a very different rationale, at least Tachlifa of Caesarea, it’s the other way and to make the world a home for G-d This garden most precious and rare. in the Jewish tradition. around--the women are the rebellious (the woman’s specialty); to vanquish ones, so they have to be won over first: darkness (male), and to uncover the When G-d instructed to prepare The dazzling color and perfume “G-d said to Himself: When I created light implicit within the darkness the people of Israel to receive the Torah Grant glory to our Father Above, the world, I commanded Adam first, (female). at Mount Sinai some 3,313 years ago, He prizes this great nachas as well and only then Eve was commanded, He said: “Speak to the house of Jacob, For the first twenty-four centuries From the people He has with the result that she transgressed and tell the sons of Israel” (Exodus of history, humanity had its hands chosen to love. and upset the world. If I do not now 19:3). The “house of Jacob,” our sages full battling darkness. So the male call upon the women first, they will The content of this page is produced by mikvah. explain, are the women; “the sons of component dominated. But then nullify the Torah.” org and is copyrighted by the author, publisher Israel,” the men. In other words, speak came the day when G-d, yearning for and/or mikvah.org. first with the ladies. Chassidic teaching delves deeper and the home He desired when He made finds the explanation in the essence of the world, prepared to reveal Himself Up until that point, the rule was “men manliness and womanliness on a mountaintop in the Sinai Desert first.” Adam, as we all know, was cre- and transmit to His chosen people ated before Eve Chassidic teaching delves deeper and a Torah outlining the plans for His finds the explanation in the essence Up until that point, the rule was “men home’s construction. Man will still of manliness and womanliness. Man first”. Adam, as we all know, was cre- have to do battle, but all his battles derives from the “line of light” (kav) ated before Eve. Noah and his sons will henceforth be founded upon the that penetrates the vacuum (makom entered the ark first, followed by their principle that, underneath it all, the panui) formed by G-d in which to cre- wives -- at least that’s the order they’re world is a G-dly place. ate the world. But it turns out the that listed in Genesis 7:13 (a “sinking ship” the makom panui is not an absolute Time to have a word with the ladies, situation in the reverse, if you will). “vacuum” -- a residue of divine light said G-d to Moses. When Jacob traveled with his family, remained behind, forming an invisible the males rode up front and the wom- ether of G-dliness that pervades and enfolk behind them (Genesis 31:17) underlies our existence. It is from this This article is Based on the teachings of while Esau placed the women before “residue” that the female component Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the the men (ibid. 36:6); the sages make of creation derives. Lubavitcher Rebbe.and reprinted with note of this difference and see it as an permission from Chabad.org. indication of Jacob’s moral superiority So man is an actor, a conqueror; his January 25, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 17

referring to P’nimiyus HaTorah, the Imamother.com TheR ebbe’s Talk on the aspect of the Torah associated with the number eleven. In the course of a busy day, or maybe 22nd of Shvat 5752: For your in the evenings after the children are The yahrzeit-Hilulo of the Rebbetzin After the giving of theT orah, approach- finally in bed and the"I am thirsty", "I [Published by Sichos in English] ing this level required “an eleven day safety have to make", "I am hungry" parade journey.” At present, however, it is The convention organizers is finally over, I get to sit at the com- Tonight marks the conclusion of the possible to fuse the levels of ten and puter and find out what is new in 22nd day of the eleventh month. As eleven together immediately, without have arranged for a Shomrim cyberspace. mentioned on a previous occasion, the any passage of time. Even after the giv- command post to be on number eleven is associated with the ing of the Torah, there was a potential Just like all of you, I have heard what phrase, “an eleven day journey from for this level to be reached quicker Kingston between Crown a dangerous place it is, so I have taken Choreb.” This implies that after the than usual. Thus in his commentary to & Carroll. all possible measures, with kosher net experience of Choreb, the giving of the the above verse, Rashi relates that the and parental programs to limit sites Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, Jews traveled this eleven day journey Shomrim will be at your and times of access, anti-virus, anti-spy there is the need to proceed to a higher in three days. ware, anti-pop ups, pop under, pop rung, “an eleven day journey.” disposal to escort you home This hastened pace was made possible sideways, what have you. This teaches that one should not by the fact that the Ark traveled before Friday night and during the content himself with the service of the the Jewish people. In this context, it is The web is a fascinating world, and rest of the convention. ten conscious powers of the soul, but worthy to note that at times the two like any world it has two sides; so we should also involve our encompass- verses beginning “And it came to pass try as best as possible to block one In case of emergency ing powers, including the power of when the Ark set out” are considered as side while enjoying the benefits of the yechidah whose transcendent nature a separate Book of the Torah, and thus call Shomrim 24/7 at other side. is symbolized by the number eleven. the Book of Bamidbar is composed of 718-774-3333 Furthermore, both these dimensions three Books, bringing the total of all It is amazing how I can now find out of service should be fused together. the Books of the Torah to seven. the meaning of a word in a second tive commandments reflect positive instead of looking for my dog-eared Generally, the WrittenT orah is associ- The fusion of ten and eleven relates forces as embodied in the 365 sinews. and much abused dictionary, which ated with the number five, the five to our present time, the time when all All these qualities will be reflected in was usually very absent any time I books of the Chumash, and the Oral of our energies are directed towards the actual physical bodies of the Jewish needed it. Or if I forget what an over- Torah with the number six, the six “bringing the Era of the Moshiach.” people whose 613 components reflect the-counter medication tube was for, orders of the . The division This will be the tenth redemption. the 613 mitzvos of the Torah. all I need to do is a quick check in the into seven, however, alludes to the Simultaneously, there is a connection medical sites. Of course, if it still does seven general divisions of the Jew- When the seven Rabbinical mitzvos to eleven for the “the new [dimensions not shake my memory loose, I have to ish people as reflected in the seven are added to the number 613, the sum of the] Torah that will emerge from call the doctor hoping he wrote down branches of the menorah. 620 is reached. 620 is numerically Me” represents an increase beyond the why I bought it. equivalent to the Hebrew word kesser, Ten Commandments and thus relates Although the menorah had seven “crown.” Herein, there is a point of to the number eleven. branches, it -- including its leg -- was I love putting on music whileI cook or connection to the House of David to made of a single piece of metal, reflect- listening to mp3-taped lectures at Cha- The 22nd day of the eleventh month whom the monarchy has been granted ing the unity of the Jewish people. The bad.org or many other sites that give us is associated with the verse, “Through as an eternal heritage. leg (yerech in Hebrew) of the menorah food for Kosher thought and shiurim you (the numerical equivalent of 22), descended downward, indicating that Through giving tzedakah, we will on any subject under the sun. Israel will be blessed.” This is associ- this division relates to the Jews as they hasten the coming of the Redemp- ated with the blessings which each So here I want to share a recent discov- are involved in the observance of the tion and the revelation of “the new Jew gives every one of his fellow Jews. ery. On Shmais a few days ago, there mitzvos, the realm of Torah that is [dimensions of the] Torah that will These blessings, in turn have their was an intriguing ad that caught my involved in worldly matters. emerge from Me.” In that era, all the source in the 22 letters of the Torah. eye: "Before you buy a sheitel come to Jews will be gathered to Eretz Yisrael. The concept that the leg reflects an Imamother.com." The transmission of these blessings Herein, there is a connection to the involvement in worldly matters is also begins on the 21st day of the month, present year, “a year of wonders in all Well I am not in the market for a sheitel, reflected in the fact that whenY aakov a day associated with the verse, “Only things,” ‘niflaos bakol’. For ‘bako’l is but I figured that with such a name I was wrestling with Esav’s archangel, (the numerical equivalent of 21) good associated with the threefold expres- certainly would find some interesting the angel wounded him in the leg for Israel.” May this verse be realized in sion of blessing associated with our topics on this site. (yerech). And indeed, the effect of that the most literal manner in the immedi- Patriarchs, ‘bakol mikol kol’ which wound was such that as a result, the Let me quote you from the site itself: ate future with the revelation of open is numerically equivalent to the word Jews were prohibited against eating and apparent good, the ultimate good ‘kabetz’, meaning “gather in.” "Imamother.com is a place where the ‘gid hanasheh’, the nerve within of the Era of the Redemption. At that you can come to relax, chat, debate, the thigh. And in the immediate future, we will time, “the spirit of impurity will be share tips, and ask questions. We are be gathered into Eretz Yisrael. This removed -- i.e., totally and utterly nul- [In this context, the question arises: a growing community of frum Jewish will be hastened by taking on good lified -- from the earth.” (The number Will the prohibition against eating married women. We offer members the resolutions in regard to the study of 21 also shares a connection with the the ‘gid hanasheh’ apply in the Era of opportunity to post questions anony- P’nimiyus HaTorah which is associated Previous Rebbe, for his yahrzeit is on the Redemption? On one hand, the mously. We enable you to find answers, with our encompassing powers that the tenth day of the eleventh month. performance of the mitzvos will not be support, and advice for the mundane relate to the sense of smell. (Herein Ten and eleven equal 21.) nullified in theE ra of the Redemption to the most thought-provoking ques- there is a connection to the name (and definitely not in the first period tions. We feel frum women all across Mushka which is associated with the The fusion of ten and eleven men- of that Era). On the other hand, since the world deserve a place to connect, sense of smell.) And also by taking on tioned above relates to the two Torah all negative factors will be nullified at socialize, share advice about raising resolutions for the study of Torah law portions connected with the present that time, it is hard to conceive that kids and interacting with our hus- and the performance of the mitzvos week, Parshas Yisro and Parshas this mitzvah which is the reflection bands, and talk about issues that are [which are connected with the name Mishpatim. As mentioned above, the of a negative influence will still be in important to us." Chaya, for the Torah and its mitzvos Ten Commandments of Parshas Yisro effect.] are “our lives (chayenu) and the length It is indeed a very interesting site full express the quality of ten within the The positive dimension associated with of our days”]. Through these activities, of advice on a myriad of topics such Torah. The transcendent quality of the ‘gid hanasheh’ will be revealed in we will merit the fulfillment of the as: emotional health, pregnancy and eleven is alluded to by the opening the Era of the Redemption, for then mitzvah, “And you shall make Me a childbirth, household management, verse of Parshas Mishpatim, “These the “body of the Holy King,” the 248 Sanctuary and I will dwell within,” parenting, recipes, etc. are the laws which you shall place positive commandments and the 365 with the construction of the Third (tasim in Hebrew) before them.” Tasim Give it a try. You might find priceless negative commandments, will reach Beis HaMikdash. May this take place shares a connection with the Hebrew advice. its ultimate state of completion. And it in the immediate future. word simah, which means “treasure,” will be revealed how even the 365 nega- 18 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008 CHJCC Are We Going to Hide Our Heads in the Sand? By Sheiny New perpetuated by men) she asks herself, issue? And why has it taken this long upon our people. We are taught to “What is wrong with me? What did I for us to finally start talking about it? respect our people, teachers, rabbis, The Orthodox assume it happens do to create this nightmare? Obviously and elders. But what are we to do when amongst the Reform. The Reform it is my fault.” As a community now We hear so little about it for many one of them is molesting us? If we assume it happens amongst the Ortho- we tell her, “It is not your fault. You reasons but primarily because we don’t start to tell, who will listen? Without dox. The Conservative look in both haven’t done ANYTHING wrong.” It WANT to believe it. That is what vic- compassionate listeners to believe us directions. The young blame the old is never OK for a spouse to raise a hand tims come to understand very quickly and help us, the gap between us and saying, “This is the way they were against the person they have sworn to and what perpetrators are counting other widens. For a Jewish child to raised. They don’t know any better.” love and protect, nor is he permitted to on. The 1995 Child Maltreatment be molested adds to any feeling of The old shake their heads at the young. insult, denigrate or intimidate her. We Report states that “over 80 percent of being alone. Our loneliness is often Those who live in the city say it hap- can reassure her that she is not alone. abuse where physical contact is made is profound.” pens in the suburbs where people lead It happens in our community, and with perpetrated by either family members What about the young boy or girl lives of desperation, and those living appropriate assistance, things can and or people in the community who are looking for added spiritual meaning in the suburbs say it happens in the have changed for the better. trusted by the family.” Our lives revolve in his or her life? What happens when ugly city. Middle and upper income around familial celebrations and life- But there is a subject that is so ugly she enrolls for shiurim with the char- people say it happens amongst the cycle events, whether we gather for a and so insidious that it is unthinkable. ismatic Rabbi and youth director who poor. No one says it happens amongst shalom zachor Friday night, is adored by all students on campus, the wealthy, but it does. Who better to circumcisions, bar and bat and he makes inappropriate advances have the power and privacy to abuse? mitzvahs, weddings, for apples towards her? Or worse. Can she take The truth is that all of us who are dipped in honey on Rosh him on? It becomes her word against pointing fingers at other groups are Hashana, latkes on Chanukah, his. In the past, the whitewashing right- it does happen there. But, so are matzoh on Pesach--you get my defense of prominent Rabbis have those pointing at us. point. Zaida sits at the head sounded something like this: of the table beaming with --Sherry Dimarsky, domestic violence naches. This is his dream. expert and attorney, Oct. 1994 “Isn’t she that troubled kid who was This is what sustained him always attention seeking? It was prob- through the horrors of the The Jewish Taskforce against Family ably her fault! It is our responsibility to Holocaust. Hitler destroyed Violence was established 10 years ago ensure that the institution’s good name his first family. Is his grand- in Melbourne, Australia. This group of is not sullied. And for heaven sake, daughter going to destroy his dedicated and committed volunteers what happens if the newspapers catch second one by claiming that worked long hours to put Domestic wind of this! What a scandal! What a his son, her uncle indecently Violence on the communal agenda. Chilul Hashem, What a transgression touched her? Or worse, that When we first started, skepticism was of God’s name. It is best for everyone her father assaulted her? Or always the initial reaction of anyone we if we hush it up quickly.” even that her Zaida did? What encountered, “Surely family violence about Bubby? How will she does not exist within the Jewish com- Tragically, very often nothing is done, survive the shame of these munity!” There was disbelief that abuse and the offender is free to continue accusations? Studies show and violence could be taking place to commit these crimes against chil- To acknowledge its existence makes that victims of molestation who have behind the picture perfect image of dren and teenagers. Sometimes he is us question all that we hold precious. the courage to come forward are either the often envied icon “the nice Jewish spirited out of the community into It shakes our identity as “a light unto disbelieved and accused of lying to family. After all, every one knows that another unsuspecting kehilla with nations” to the core. It makes us doubt stir up trouble or hushed up not to Jewish men make the best husbands! no warning of what he is capable of the love of a parent to its child, the bring shame on the family’s good But it does happen. Just ask Hatzol- and is once again free to continue adoring gaze of a youngster into the name. After all, what good would it do lah, the Jewish Medical Emergency taking advantage of children. It has eyes of its Bubba and Zaida. It subtly anyway? Victims are afraid to speak up Response Team. They’ll tell you about actually been said that, “We can’t ruin changes how we perceive aunts, uncles because they know that they may be being called back time and time again his reputation. Who will provide for and cousins coming for Seder night, ostracized rather than the perpetrator. to the home of the woman who burns his family? Besides, if we disclose our not to mention the orchim we welcome In the frum world the match making herself with a hot iron – on her back. suspicions, aren’t we guilty of speaking into our homes and hearts and know system is a very real part of day to day Or the mother who cannot explain Lashon Hora?” And so a misguided nothing about. Suddenly, the extended life. “Is it a nice family?” comes before how she keeps falling down the same conspiracy of silence descends with network of family and friends takes specific inquiries about the young man flight of stairs. But over the years those who have chosen to remain on a whole new dimension. Then, of or young lady in question. Violence, we have chipped away at the doubt silent, now complicit in the crime. course, there is our teacher, mentor abuse, and indecent assault do not a by organizing forums on domestic and spiritual guide, our Rabbi. Our nice family make. violence for the wider community, Parents, as Chassidim we encourage family, close friends and spiritual by taking creative programs into our our sons to go to Mikvah daily, but leaders; these are the people we love “To be molested as a child makes you primary and high schools and reinforc- did you stop to think that perhaps not and even more significantly, these are different. Suddenly, you are ‘outside’ ing with our teenagers that a healthy every other mikvah-goer is there for the people we trust. They make up yourself and those around you. Noth- relationship is one of mutual respect Chassidishe reasons? In all fairness, our universe and give us our sense of ing is the same. You are not the person especially when spouses are having your response might be a horrified self worth. They give our lives flavor, you were the second before it began. a disagreement. We have worked “No!”, but it is so important and so texture, and color. But what happens To be compelled to keep this secret with Rabbis, Jewish Care (The Jewish simple to protect your child by gently when the flavor is acid, the texture feels widens the gap between you and services provider here in Melbourne), warning him that no one is allowed like shards of broken glass, and the everyone and everything else.” These the schools, doctors, and psychologists to invade his privacy in any way. We color is black? Unthinkable. are the words of author, survivor and and slowly, very slowly, this group of want to believe that everyone lives therapist Rachel Lev. dedicated volunteers has been able to, by the same moral code that we do During her recent visit to Melbourne, if not end the denial, certainly reduce and therefore we have denied for too Debbie Gross, the founder and direc- She continues, “To be a Jewish child the stigma of family violence so that a long that sometimes even Jews can do tor of the Crises Centre for Women makes you different. A lready ‘outside’ woman or man who finds themselves terrible things to each other. in stated that domestic the dominant culture we are taught the in an abusive relationship should not violence is a very serious issue but importance of not drawing attention to be too filled with shame to seek help. We deny this ongoing offense against child molestation is an epidemic. Is our ‘differences’ not to bring shame or Because if the perception is that it is not our children because as Jews we are all she for real? danger to our families or community. possible that Jewish men hit their wives too historically aware of the precari- Whether molested or not, the message ( I refer to the man doing the hitting ous position we maintain in any host If child molestation is an epidemic, is clear: It is not safe to be noticed because although it does happen in country. Anti Semitism wafts along why do we hear so little about it? W hy too much. We learn, often indirectly, the reverse MOST crimes of abuse are behind us, rearing its nasty head just is there so little public awareness of the a responsibility to reflect positively January 25, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 19

of the abuser. But believe it or not, often enough for us never to be able to victims the offender would have con- even a child molester carries a spark fully ignore its presence. Therefore, tinued to have had access to – each one Call The of Godliness within him. Although we want to be able to say, don’t look at of those boys could have potentially we may recoil from him in horror, us; we are different; we don’t have any gone on to molest other children. CHJCC we cannot discount him as the devil of that kind of ugliness. But, as Lev Seventy boys. You do the math. because every person, no matter what so poignantly asks, “What could be 718~778~8808 the crime they commit, is given the Where and how can healing begin? more anti-Semitic then letting Jewish opportunity to do Teshuvah. We do CHILD/FAMILY HEALTH children be destroyed by their families What is our responsibility as a com- not write the offender off.W hat he has or communities?” We deny because it munity? How can we make sure it INSURANCE done is evil, and often it is because evil protects us from having to figure out doesn’t happen? has been done to him. We tell moth- ENTITLEMENT SERVICES how to fix it. We can’t solve what we ers who find themselves in abusive To be a community, to be a parent, don’t know exists. Rivka Shur...... ext. 24 relationships that although they think to be a mentch means that it is our Lev says, as a survivor she understands they are doing the right thing for their responsibility to make sure our chil- Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 why the community denies. It is a children by staying in the marriage, dren are safe. We must think about VOCATIONAL COUNSELING & defense against pain. She says, “Vic- “After all the children need a father”, the unthinkable, talk about it, and tims deny. Survivors deny. Witnesses they are almost guaranteeing that their know about it so that we can prevent SERVICES of abuse deny. Family members deny. sons will become abusive husbands, it. Silence and denial are not going to Rivka Shur...... ext 24 Perpetrators deny. Helpers deny. that their daughters will look for protect our children. Friends deny. And anybody I missed abusive partners. Many abusers lash Bela Vilenkin...... ext. 23 denies.” out because they themselves have been As members of The Melbourne Jewish FOOD STAMPS wounded and carry terrifying scars. Taskforce, we know that the only way Looking away is the greatest gift we Abuse is very much a cycle that will to break the silence, end the denial, and Eliezer Yarmush...... ext. 30 can offer child molesters. Therapist continue unless deliberately inter- work towards prevention is community Bob Gluck states, “In the 10 years of FAMILY SERVICES rupted by a process of healing. There education and awareness. Although counseling abusive men, I learned must be a process of healing, first for a the issue of child physical assault might Phyllis Mintz ...... ext. 28 that the single most powerful factor victim and then for an abuser. seem overwhelming, an excellent and contributing to family violence is the AP ARTMENT LISTINGS vital beginning could be: ability to get away with it.” (Lev, R., Debbie Gross told us about a program Penina Metal...... ext. 21 p31) she coordinated in Israel just a short A. training programs for com- time ago. She had been approached by munal leaders, Rabbonim, principals, CRIME VICTIMS After being so betrayed twice, first by a few women of a community who felt teachers and medical health care the trauma of the assault itself followed Batia Brandel ...... ext. 22 it would be wise to inform themselves providers about the realities of child by reactions ranging from disbelief about domestic violence and child indecent assault and how to provide [email protected] to minimizing the experience when indecent assault. They were hoping a proper and sensitive response. If a reaching out for help, a molested child’s (c) 917~618~0279 it would be “Refua lifnay hamaka” victim does not get the support that self esteem is so decimated, their roughly translated as “providing the they so desperately need from one of Galina Pindrick...... ext. 31 shame so great, they start to believe cure before the disease strikes.” Five their own, chances are they will look they are not worthy. Not worthy of 718~771~9000 women were trained by Debbie herself outside the Jewish community and assistance, not worthy of a normal and she admitted to us that she couldn’t may never recover from their feelings FEMA life enriched with the love of a spouse, help wondering why they were putting of rejection. sometimes not worthy of life. Fruma Junik ext. 10 so much energy into this community B. age appropriate sessions for But they are, and it is our responsibility which had never really shown any 718~774~3999 children in schools incorporating good to remind them. Each and every one indication of either problem. Within touch/bad touch, respect, healthy YAM~ Youth Action of us contains chalek Eloka mimal weeks, a Mom was having a chat to relationships and good secrets/bad mamesh. We are all created with the one of the five women and relayed Movement secrets. Children can be made to spark of Hashem, and we carry Godli- something her son had mentioned to understand that no long term secret Yosef Kanofsky ness within us. If a crime is inflicted on her during bath time which sounded from a parent is a “good” secret, and our body, it in no way diminishes our a bit worrisome. As you have already [email protected] who to contact for help if necessary. worth; it only diminishes the humanity figured out with just a little bit of gentle 718~774~9213 but professional We have a difficult decision to make. questioning, it Are we going to protect our children SHALOM CENTER came to light that from this insidious crime against their Shimon Herz 70 little boys had bodies and souls? As parents, are we been molested going to do everything in our power to by a very popu- shield our children from these sinister lar ‘kinder’ aid offenders? Or are we going to hide our The HEAP Program over a number of heads in the sand because the whole years. Counsel- issue is simply too ugly and painful Outreach Workers will ors were brought to confront and deal with? Just be come again to process Heap in, and these warned. If you don’t do it for your young boys are children, nobody else will. applications at our office on going to get the help they need Sheiny New graduated Bais Rivkah High Tuesday, January to develop into School, Crown Heights in 1983. With the 29, 2008 healthy young Rebbe’s brocha, Sheiny and a friend became men capable of the first two student shluchos to Sydney, @ the Crown Heights Jew- healthy relation- Australia. Sheiny has a degree in Media and ish Community Council, ships. If this Politics with a special interest in women’s awareness pro- issues. She speaks to a wide range of audi- 387 K ingston Avenue gram hadn’t been ences about the role of women in Judaism. (corner Crown St.), initiated by these Sheiny has been an active member of The mothers and the Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence 9:15 AM - 3:30 children wouldn’t for the past 12 years lecturing about the have received issues of family violence. Sheiny and PM. appropriate Chaim New live in Melbourne, Australia assistance- not and they have KY”H 7 children. Please come early -- even to mention First come, first served any additional 20 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 25, 2008 A night out

Orthodox Hollywood Movie for Women Only Comes to Crown Heights

By Sara Trappler-Spielman at the theater with a reputation for Garbose was drawn to Chabad 36 have the potential of being a Messianic The tops of moon-illuminated palm the best sound in Hollywood, the years ago by Isaac Bashevis Singer’s vehicle if it’s in the right hands.” trees hovered above hundreds of movie began playing for an audience mystical stories. Searching for a world Robin sees her film as cutting edge with Orthodox girls and women that that doesn’t usually attend movies. like Singer described, Levi arrived its use of modesty in a world obsessed drove through the enormous gates of The audience attended substantially in Crown Heights as “a wannabe with exposure. “TheR ebbe recognized Paramount Studio’s lot to The Sherry because of the film’s approval byR abbi filmmaker” and years later moved to that beauty of the Jewish woman had Lansing Theater on a recent Saturday Yoel Bursztyn of the girls LA, where he met his wife eight years to emerge in its proper protection of night in Los Angeles. high school in Los Angeles and Reb- ago. modesty,” Robin said. betzin Baila Stern of the Bais Yaakov Actresses from the premiere of “A Light Like her husband, Robin Garbose said girls high school in Passaic, N.J. Robin believes the film presents “a for Greytowers” - Robin Garbose’s that she drew inspiration from Chabad more authentic image of the Jewish groundbreaking feature movie musical Based on the Jewish novel of the same teachings and the lifelong dedica- woman.” for women only - sauntered across the title by Eva Vogiel and Steinberg, tion to Jewish education exhibited bright red carpet leading to the theater. the story is set at the fictional Greytow- by the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya “There’s never been a young heroine In long, modest dresses, they greeted ers orphanage in 19th-century Victo- Mushka. [on film] like Miriam fighting for camera crew, photographers and rian England and follows the journey Shabbat and kosher. It’s a voice that She became observant 17 years ago media. Most had never seen the film of a young girl Miriam Aronowitch. hasn’t been heard before.” after co-writing a Jewish themed that was shot four years ago during 23 Miriam and her mother, Anya, seek screenplay that was developed at the She’s passionate about offering young, summer days at Chabad’s Rohr Jewish refuge in England from Czarist Russia Sundance Institute. As a professional religious girls a movie that contains Student Center at USC, an authentic and its Cossack pogroms. But after her director for 24 years she feels empow- images of themselves that resonate Victorian home protected under the mother falls critically ill, Miriam lands ered to bring both the religious and with their perspectives of life. At the California Preservation Act. at the orphanage at the mercy of its professional worlds together. same time, she is creating a venue for cruel matron, Miss Agatha Grimshaw, According to Garbose – an Ortho- girls with a “burning desire to perform” who forbids the observance of Shab- She saw the Rebbe in 1992 as a newly dox director whose credits include who had limited opportunities. bat or kosher. It’s only by clutching observant woman, which “moved her off-Broadway plays, performances on to her faith that Miriam is able to deeply.” She said she went from 770 Bracha Leeds, co-director of the Cha- at The Juilliard School and televi- unite the girls and bring light to the to meet John Kennedy Jr. for dinner bad Jewish Center at the University of sion shows - the location was perfect surrounding darkness. at Levana’s restaurant in Manhattan. California at Berkeley, was hired as architecturally and offered a kosher Friends as drama students at Brown choreographer for the film and ended kitchen, synagogue and shofar blowing Outside the theater, songwriter and University, Garbose directed a play up filling an opening in the cast. Before during the month of Elul by Rabbi Dov musician Levi Yitzhaq Garbose called “Winners” in 1985 at the Irish becoming observant as a student at Wagner, Chabad Director at USC. manned the tables and greeted guests. Arts Center that received critical Berkeley, she grew up as a professional Although he wrote the song lyrics Nearly all the young actresses are acclaim thanks to Kennedy, who singer, dancer and actress. After the and music and co- produced the film alumni of Kol Neshama Performing starred in his first professional acting premiere, she shared how special it with his wife, he was unable to enter Arts Conservatory, which Garbose role. was to be back at Paramount Studios, the theater; but he waited in what he created eight years ago in Los Angeles where she came every day as a child to described as “the perfect night” for a More recently, Robin directed “Roots,” to provide professional artistic train- rehearse for live stage shows. show. a musical play based on the Memoirs ing and performance opportunities of the Frierdiker Rebbe. “I never thought there would be a for Jewish girls in a Torah-observant “Just as the light of the Tov place for this in my life when I became setting. should permeate the world,” Garbose In the spirit of Chassidic teachings, religious,” Leeds said. She heard said, “the film’s plot of goodness Robin says she wants “to light up the After four years of post-production the Rebbe speak about using one’s and kindness should permeate the world through the medium of light work, this is the first full-length theatri- talents for holiness and after seeing world.” and darkness, which is images. Movies cal release for Kol Neshama, which one of Robin’s plays she realized her also produced eight original plays, a performance talents “didn’t have to series of three musical DVDs and two go to waste.” CDs - all intended for women only. Leeds plans to help Robin bring the “Greytowers” will have its Crown film to Berkeley. “The film is exactly Heights premiere at the Jewish Chil- what I envisioned,” she said. dren’s Museum on Saturday night, Esther Perel Marks, a Chabad actress February 2nd at 8 and 10 pm followed in “Greytowers” who grew up in LA, by a discussion with the director. The said after watching the film, “The movie was directed under rabbinic Rebbe always wanted the media to supervision, especially scenes with the bring out a positive message. Hol- only three male actors in the film who lywood is usually not associated with deliberately don’t appear in the same holy things and through this film we frame as women. It will only be shown are making it holywood.” to female audiences and to women’s groups through Chabad on Campus Miss Grimshaw confiscates Miriam's precious Shabbos candlesticks “A Light for Greytowers” will screen Motzei because there are observant women Shabbos, February 2nd at 8 and 10 pm singing and dancing in the film. at The Jewish Children’s Museum at 792 At the Dec. 29 premiere, lines gathered Eastern Parkway.Tickets: $36 Reserved at kosher carts offering hot peanuts, Seat, $18 Adult, $12 Student/Children popcorn and pretzels. The premiere For purchase/information mostly drew members of the Los (310) 659-2342 Angeles Orthodox community, but www.kolneshama.org included some Hollywood industry women “who have a positive associa- Would you like to receive tion with Judaism,” Garbose said. this newspaper by email As women entered the theater, finding every Thursday? a seat proved to be a challenge. All 280 Send an Email to chp5768@ seats were quickly filled, leaving a few people standing. chjcc.org with the word sub- scribe in the subject line. On an expansive screen in HD format Anya (Rivka Siegel) and baby Miriam fleeing Czarist Russia.