the rebbe`s own united nations
Transcription
the rebbe`s own united nations
1 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 26, 2008 Newspaper Community כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה October 10, 2008 | Tishrei 11, 5768 תשס”ח | בס”ד, פרשת האזינו | יא' תשרי weekly vOL. i | NO 46 Hachossid Reb Eliyohu Arye Leib Gross ”Rabbi Gross helped my mother and spared me energy and time. In his merit I had more time to help additional people.” Pages 4-5 Horav Hachossid Reb Boruch Shifrin The KGB entered the house and found receipts for Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim, clear evidence that Reb Boruch was involved in yeshiva activities. Page 7 THE REBBE'S OWN UNITED NATIONS Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY PAGE 11 Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 Rabbi A. Osdoba: ❖ Monday to Thursday 10:30AM - 11:30AM at 390A Kingston Ave. ☎Tel. 718-604-8000 ext.37 or 718-604-0770 Sunday-Thursday 9:30 PM-11:00PM ~Friday 2:30PM-4:30 PM ☎Tel. (718) - 771-8737 Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily 10:30 to 11:30am ~ 2:00pm to 3:00pm at 788 Eastern Parkway # 210 718~604~8827 ❖ & after 8:00pm 718~756~4632 Rabbi Y. Schwei, 4:00pm to 9:00pm ❖ 718~604~8000 ext 36 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 Rabbi Y. Zirkind: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzoei Shabbos Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110 Rabbi Bluming is available Sunday - Thursday, 3 -4:00pm at 472 Malebone St. ☎ 718 - 778-1679 6:05 6:52 Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:0am -11:30am ~ Fri 10:am - 1:00 pm or ☎ 718 -604-0770 Gut Shabbos Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm 2 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 26, 2008 The Vaad Hakohol Holiday Date Activity • Prepare a candle or flame that will be able to burn safely for more than 24 hours. (For exOctober 13 ample: a Yahrzeit candle. This will be used to light the Yom Tov Candles on Tuesday night). • Light Yom Tov Candles -- (6:00pm). • After lighting the candles, recite: Blessing for Yom Tov and Shehecheyonu Sukkot Eve Monday • Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom Tov. • Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-heche-yo-nu Ve-ki-yi-mo-nu Vehigi-o-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh. • Shake the four kinds; We recite the blessings: • Light Yom Tov Candles after nightfall, from a of Sukkos October 14 pre-existing flame (6:59pm). • After lighting the candles, recite: Blessing for Yom Tov and Shehecheyonu Second day Wednesday • Shake the four kinds. October 15 • Yom Tov ends after nightfall (6:57). Chol HaMoed - Intermediate Days Thursday - Monday, October 16 - October 20 1st day Thursday • We do not put on Tefilin today. Chol October 16 • Shake the four kinds. Hamoed • Special additional prayer is said in the morning - Hallel, Hoshaanos, Musaf for Sukkot. 2nd day Friday • We do not put on Tefilin today. Chol October 17 • Shake the four kinds. Hamoed • Special additional prayer is said in the morning - Hallel, Hoshaanos, Musaf for Sukkot. • Light Shabbos Candles 18 minutes before Sunset (5:54pm). • After lighting the candles, recite: • Blessing for Shabbos First day Tuesday 3rd day Saturday October 18 Sunday October 19 Chol Hamoed 4th day Chol Hamoed From: Lubavitch Youth Organization L'CHaimWeekly.com Get professional help in choosing a career A new and innovative program specifi- Jewish community is making it possible cally designed for the Crown Heights for residents to get professional help in choosing a career, get the necessary training for the career they select and access help in paying the tuition, all Community towards helping people secure a job. Newspaper 392 Kingston Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225 chp5768@gmail.com Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights. Moshe Rubashkin, Rosh Hakohol Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary Layout: SimplyUnique (basmelech@gmail.com) All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All advertisement designed and prepared by the CH Community Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher • Special additional prayer is said in the morning - Hallel, Musaf for Sukkot. • We do not put on Tefilin today. • Shake the four kinds. • Special additional prayer is said in the morning - Hallel, Hoshaanos, Musaf for Sukkot. • After midnight we recite the entire Psalms (Tehilim). Afterwards we eat an apple dipped in honey. Even before this program got its official start, community members who had heard about it via the Crown Heights JCC applied for the financial and training assistance and were helped. Two are receiving computer training; others were helped with finding job openings. Yet another young woman was helped to explore training necessary to pursue the vocation that she “loved since I was a little kid”, and to write a resume and cover letter. Administered by F.E.G.S Health and Human Services System, which has nearly 75 years of experience in providing career assessment, career guidance, training, and placement services, the new program is called the Crown to find out more about this program. Heights Career Assessment Program, Not only will it help you select the best training for you, but will help you pay or CH-CAP. for it, it will help you prepare for the Every detail of the CH-CAP program issues that face Orthodox Jews in the has been specifically designed for suitworkplace, improve your interviewing ability to the community it is meant skills, and help you jump-start your to serve. It shows sensitivity to the career. special needs of Anash in such areas as scheduling and help in selecting The benefits of this program are open suitable career tracks. The program to all the Anash residents of Crown also offers help with paying the tuition Heights, although the primary targets for Certificate Training Programs, of the program are recent graduates of granting up to 2/3 of the tuition bill the Kolels, Yeshivas, and Seminaries for each course of study. This can be who are seeking a career path other several thousand dollars per applicant, than shlichus. so in the large families common among The CH-CAP program is being operChassidim, this is a very great incentive ated from F.E.G.S Health and Human for parents to encourage their children Services System headquarters located at to gain this help. 80 Van Dam Street in lower Manhattan. Whether you are looking for help in The program can be reached via e-mail deciding on a career path or in getting at crownheightscap@fegs.org or by training for a career that you are already telephone at 212.524.1728. F.E.G.S is a familiar with, it is well worth your time beneficiary of UJA-Federation of NY. September 26, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 3 The Rebbe's Sicha Parshas Haazinu HEAVEN AND EARTH Reprinted from The Thought Of The Week By Rabbi YM .Kagan OBM Give ear oh ye heavens (Ha’azinu) and I will speak, and let the earth hear the sayings of my mouth.’ With these words Sidra Ha’azinu begins. The Midrash comments that since Moses was “close to the heavens” he said to them Ha’azinu, “Give ear,” an expression indicating that the listener is close; to the earth, however, he said “hear,” a word denoting that the listener is at a distance — for Moses was “far from the earth.” Torah provides directive and guid ance for every individual; the word Torah itself comes from the expression Adapted from Shmais Engagements Hora’ah, “teaching.”’ From the above verse it would seem that Torah instructs every person to be “close to heaven and far from earth.” Yet, surprisingly, we find that Yeshayahu (Isaiah) exclaimed Hear oh ye heavens and give ear ye earth in exact reverse of the above verse, and the Midrash explains that Yeshayahu was “far from heaven and close to the earth.” If Isaiah, the greatest of the prophets, was unable to reach a “closeness” to heaven and “distance” from earth and remained “far from heaven and close to the earth,” then how is the average person expected by the Torah to attain such a level? And if we should succeed in showing how it is possible for every individual to reach such a level then the question will be, why was Yeshayahu (Isaiah) not able to achieve this level? Mendy Blau (Crown Heights) to Shneur Goodman (Kfar Chabad) to Sara'le Kravitsky (Crown Heights) Yanky Bruk (Crown Heights) to L e v i I t k i n (S c r a n t o n , PA ) t o Rivky Cohen (Monsey, NY) Mushki Morozow (Crown Heights) Yishai & Efrat Kwin - Kfar Chabad Nati & Sara Abicasis - Crown Heights Moishy Kozlovsky (Crown Heights/Israel) to Chani Rotter (Kfar Chabad) Levi & Yudit Drutz - Moscow, Russia Moshe Lazoros (Framingham, MA) to Chaim & Leora Budd – Scottsdale, AZ Libby Weinberger (Antwerp, Belgium) Yosef & Chani Brikman - C. H C h a i m R o s e n f e l d ( T z f a s) t o Eli & Rochel Deitsch - C H Mussia Shur (Jerusalem) Yitzy & Draiza Engel - Denver, CO Shlomo Simons (NY, NY) to Chana Rivka Meyers (Crown Heights) Menachem Mendel & Nechama Dina Feller - West S. Paul, MN Aharon Somerville (Baltimore, MD) to Marva Perets (Crown Heights) Yehuda & Liba Goldman - Teaneck, NJ CORRECTON The Vov Tishrei article (of previous issue) was reprinted from A Day To Recall A Day To Remember by Rabbi SB Avtzon Mordechai & Chaya Klein - Moscow, Russia Osher & Mussy Litzman – Seoul, South Korea Shmully & Nechoma Dina Raskin – C. H Yeruchem & Chanie Levilev - C H Dovid & Mirel Weinbaum C. H Yossi & Luba Lipsker - Moscow, Russia Mendy & Frumie Weitman - C. H. Shaul & Sarah Mirviss - Morristown, NJ Sruli & Ellana Bard-Wigdor - C H Aaron & Julia Singer - Chicago, IL Moshe Menachem Mendel Births – Boys Eliyahu & Dassi Kramer Makeevka, Ukraine Yehoshua & Menucha Lavner – Toronto, Ontario Boruch & Chaya Sussman - Louisville, KY Mechaly (Montreal, Canada) Fishel & Basya Goldberg - C H Yisroel & Chanie Kahn - London, UK Berry & Chenchie Schmukler - C H Moshe Katzburg (Queens, NY / CH) to Hirschhorn (NY, NY) to Zohara Perla Ochayoun (Paris, France / Israel) Chaim Kohan (Buenos Aires) to Malky Orbach (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Mendy & Sarale Goldstein - New Zealand Bentzy Geisinsky (Crown Heights) Chaim Dovid Jenkelowitz (CH / Postville) to Mussia Arnov (Paris, France) to Rivky Wachtel (Toronto, Ontario) purifying the surrounding world; his main enjoyment and enthusiasm should be in learning Torah. He must, of course, observe the Mitzvos — and with warmth and vitality —but only as much as required by Torah-law; he is to be “far from the earth.” Then, later, after having acquired this sense of direction, he must come to recognize that “Not the study, but the implementation, is the main thing.”’ The ultimate purpose of his creation upon this physical earth is to make of the world a “habitation” for G-d. Isaiah, having used the Torah-guidance of Moses as an infusion of strength to reach the level of “close to heaven In the first stages of one’s service of and far from earth,” was then able to G-d, one must be “close to heaven and advance to an even higher level of “close far from earth.” The main thrust of his to earth and far from heaven efforts should not at first be towards Mazal Tov! Chezky A ltein (Crown Heights) to Levi Teitelbaum (Miami Beach, FL) to Chanah'le Sossonko (Miami, FL) Sara Sapir (Atlanta, GA) S h i m o n E m l e n (N Y, N Y ) t o Levi Wolvovsky (Crown Heights) to Meira Kaner (Baltimore, MD) Sonia Hazan (Milan, Italy) Eli Feiglin (Melbourne, Australia) to Shmulie Zirkind (Montreal, Canada) to Batsheva Masinter (Johannesburg, S A) Chanie Altein (Montreal, Canada) Nochi Goldshmid (Crown Heights) to Weddings Miriam Friedman (Montreal, Canada) Rochel Lieblich (Crown Heights) Heaven symbolizes the “heavenly,” spiritual study of Torah. Earth represents the down-to-earth practical precepts — the Mitzvos6 —which concern and involve the material; when a person gives charity (Tzedaka), for example, he dedicates his ‘earthly’ material gain to a nobler, more spiritual purpose. Each of these two — Torahstudy and Mitzvos-observance--has its own unique, great quality. Attachment and communion of the soul with G-d comes chiefly through Torah-study.’ Refining and spiritualizing the physical world to render it a fit “habitation” for the Al-mighty is achieved mainly through observing the Mitzvos. Mordechai & Dana Sogomonian - C H Zevy & Miriam Tenenbaum - C H Yair & Chanie Yelin - S. Diego, CA Haguy & Chanah Rivkah Yakovov - Crown Heights Dovid & Chana Raizel Zaklikowski – Crown Heights Births – Twins Shua & Elkie Piekarski – TWIN BOYS!! - Crown Heights Births – Girls Avi & Mina Richler – TWIN GIRLS!! - Gloucester County, NJ Sholem & Chanie Bacher – Randburg, South Africa Shimon & Margula Roumani - a boy! & a girl! - Crown Heights Levy & Maryasha Djian Crown Heights UPSHERNISH Levy & Beila Edelman - Paris, France Michoel Baruch Sheyrif – Chicago, IL Nachy & Naomi Eisenerg – Monsey, NY Moshe & Adena Feiglin Melbourne, AU Levi Tenenbaum - Gurnee, IL Pinchus Meir Niyazov - C H Dovid & Sari Gornstein - S. Paulo, Brazil Schneur Zalman Muller - Ilford, UK 4 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 26, 2008 Our Heroes Hachossid Reb Eliyohu Arye Leib Gross 1930-Shmini Atzeres 1994 was not feeling well. When Reb Elye returned to 770 to say Tehilim, he saw Reb Yochanon Gordon come down the steps with tears in his eyes. He said, “M’ken shoin zogen yenem tehilim’, we can now say the real Tehillim. By Rabbi Michoel Seligson Hachossid Reb Elye Arye Leib Gross was born on the 29th of Cheshvan 5691/1930 to Reb Yosef and Tzipora Rochel Chaya in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Film Footage of Yud Shvat The boys were successful in their studies and eventually the entire family moved to Lincoln Place in Crown Heights to be near their children. In 1942, when the Previous Rebbe visited Chicago for a few weeks, Reb Elye was among the bochurim that accompanied the Previous Rebbe on his trip. In 1945 Reb Elye and ten other bochurim went to study in the yeshiva in Chicago. The Rosh Yeshiva was Rabbi Avrohom Herschberg OBM, the former chief rabbi of Mexico, and the mashpia was Rabbi Yosef Weinberg Shlita. Mivtza Lulov During Tishrei 5714/ 1953, the Rebbe initiated a campaign for chassidim to make their rounds with lulav and esrog and offer other Jews the opportunity to make the blessing over them. This was one of the Rebbe’s first campaigns and was later referred to as “Mivtza Lulov”. Reb Elye would come to 770, and before and after Seudas Yom Tov, he and Reb Berel Junik would stand for hours directing chassidim to nursing Reb Elye arranged for the movie to be homes, hospitals, parks, and old age brought to the Rebbe. The Rebbe asked homes. Reb Elye continued this custom to view the movie after the Yechidusen the rest of his life. of a designated evening had concluded. Reb Elye and Reb Moshe Groner His last year, Reb Elye was hospitalized obtained a movie projector and entered in Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx the Rebbe’s room. The Rebbe closed the during Sukkos. He asked the bochurim ceiling light and opened the small light who were sent to blow shofar for him, behind his desk. The Rebbe viewed the to also make sure to blow shofar for all levaya with extreme emotion, crying, the other Jewish patients. he stood with his eyes glued to the The electricity in the hospital failed screen. and the hospital tapped into backup After the film ended, the Rebbe said to power sources. This was at the exact Reb Moshe, “If you don’t mind, there time that Reb Elye would normally is an additional film at the bottom of have been working on Mivtza Lulav. the book case.” The second film was of Reb Elye saw this as a sign that he did the Previous Rebbe’s first visit to the not belong in the hospital. Instead, he United States in late 1929. At a certain should have been in front of 770, doing point, the Rebbe added, “Now we will what he did throughout all the years see Reb Itche Masmid [Rabbi Yitzchok sending bochurim and yungeleit on Gorowitz] chazering a Maamor and Mivzta Lulov. then start dancing.” Reb Elye is Married Merkos Shlichus Reb Elye married Miss Sara Fayge Reb Elye, American born and well Rosenbloom in 1954. Their wedding versed in the English language, involved was the first wedding in the city of Monhimself in spreading Chassidus. His treal Canada to have a mechitza, genbackground and command of the erating much nachas to the Rebbe. The English language placed him at the Rosenbloom family was known for their forefront of chassidim involved at that uncompromising commitment to Torah time in spiritual public affairs, spread- and Mitzvos. Miss Rosenbloom’s father, Reb Nota Zev, arrived in Montreal in ing Torah and Chassidus. 1918. He genuinely fulfilled Torah and Merkos shlichus was a project that Mitzvos, at a time when doing so was the Previous Rebbe initiated in 1948. considered self-sacrifice, because of the Bochurim from 770 would dedicate a very secular environment and lack of few weeks of their summer vacation observant Jews. visiting cities and towns to strengthen Reb Nota would send Maamod to the Previous Rebbe in Europe, funds for the Rebbe’s personal use. When the Previous Rebbe sent nine bochurim to Montreal to start the Lubavitch Yeshiva, Reb Nota helped them to get established. He also sent his daughters to Bais Rivka when it was established by the Previous Rebbe in Montreal, they were among the first students. A few months after Yud Shvat, one of the bochurim showed the Rebbe, photographs of the of the Previous Rebbe’s levaya. After the Rebbe viewed the pictures, he asked if there were any photos that had been taken at the cemetery and if there was any film footage. After two years, it became known that Reb Elye filmed the levaya. There were not many centers of religious Jews in those years and few yeshivos outside of New York. Reb Elye’s mother, a descendent of the prominent Jerusalem Eisenbach family, insisted that her son should receive a Jewish education in an authentic Jewish atmosphere. Mrs. Gross did not know where to send her son. By divine providence Rabbi Meir Greenberg OBM, the Rav of Peterson, New Jersey, came to Scranton and met Mrs. Gross. He suggested that she send her son Elye and his brother Dov Ber to Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in Brooklyn. Mrs. Gross accepted this suggestion and the children were sent to the Lubavitch Yeshiva. Yiddishkeit, as well as the Jews living in remote locations. Reb Elye went on Merkos Shlichus for several summers. He established contacts which he maintained over the years. with her son, the Rebbe. After several days, the Rebbetzin relayed the Rebbe’s response, which was that Chabad chassidim have different customs from Polishe Chassidim and that they don’t consider such collections significant. Instead, the Rebbetzin gave Reb Elye the first print of the Tanya published in the United States. Reb Elye and his family may they live and be well cherished this wonderful gift. Reb Elye was encouraged by his mashpia, Reb Yisroel Jacobson, to maintain a diary of events that took place with the Previous Rebbe and later the Rebbe. This diary, which Reb Elye started in 1949 was the basis of information on the early years of the Rebbe’s nesius. It was so comprehensive and detailed that it has been a primary source for authors and researchers. Reb Elye also In 1947, the Gross family merited to transcribed the Rebbe’s Sichos from the an honorable neighbor. The Rebbetzin early years of the Rebbe’s nesius and Chana, the Rebbe’s mother, arrived published many years later. on the 28th of Sivan from France and moved into an apartment on the second One of Reb Elye’s jobs at that time was floor of their building. to teach and prepare children for their Bar Mitzva. Reb Elye was on Eastern Over the course of the next few years Parkway at 7:50 A.M. on Yud Shvat until 1951, Reb Elye Gross merited to 1950, Shabbos parshas Bo, on his way assist the Rebbetzin with everything, to a meeting in shul with the Bar Mitzva from shopping, to managing her checkboys. He saw Reb Yochanon Gordon book, and paying her bills. During his who instructed him to immediately call visits to the Rebbetzin, quite often he a doctor, because the Previous Rebbe would meet the Rebbe. At those times, Reb Elye would try to leave the house in order that the Rebbe should have private time with his mother. On one occasion the Rebbetzin told Reb Elye, “I would like to thank you for all your help and reimburse you for your work”. Reb Elye responded that he did not want any payment, and on the contrary this was a great merit for him. The Rebbetzin insisted that she wanted to pay him and added that if he refused payment, “I will not be able to use your help any longer”. When Reb Elye heard this, he decided to reach a compromise with the Rebbetzin. He told the Rebbetzin that she could reward him with clothing of the Rebbe’s that was no longer being worn. The Rebbetzin Shlichus in Ohio in 1951 replied that she would need to check from R to L Rabbis D. Raskin, Mendelowitz, Gross, Wilansky The Rebbe Would Wait to Begin Hakofos After his wedding, Reb Elye served as the Rav in the Yeshiva Torah M’Tzion Shul in Brownsville. Over the years, on the evening of Simchas Torah, chassidim would go on tahalucha visiting different shuls throughout the city to instill joy in the congregants dur- September 26, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 5 ing Hakofos. The Rebbe would wait until they returned from Reb Elye’s shul to begin his hakofos. One year the Rebbe a s k e d , “ W he r e are the bochurim who went to Rabbi G r o s s’s S h u l? ” Th e b o c h u r i m answered that they had already ret ur ned f rom hakofos. The Rebbe asked, “W here is Rabbi Gross?” They answered that he was on his way to Crown Heights. The bochurim then went out to Eastern Parkway to wait for him. W hen they saw him in the distance they informed him that the Rebbe was waiting for him. Reb Leibel Bistrizky and Reb Mendel Greenbaum quickly carried him up to the Rebbe’s bimah and then the Rebbe started the hakofos. On one occasion in 1953, the Rebbe was reciting the blessing over the new moon, Kidush Levana. The Rebbe asked Reb Elye where his coat was. Reb Elye left to get his coat. He walked calmly, assuming that he had no reason to rush and that by the time that he returned, he would have already missed the chance to recite the blessing with the Rebbe. When he returned, he was shocked to find that the Rebbe was waiting for him. Over the course of decades of spreading Yiddishkeit, Reb Elye would encounter people from many different communities. He had a radio program geared towards young students whom he would regularly bring to the Rebbe. In the first years of the Rebbe’s nesius, when Reb Elye brought students the Rebbe, the Rebbe requested that Reb Elye should translate. The Rebbe would speak for a few moments and then wait for Reb Elye to translate his words into English. The Rebbe then continued speaking for twenty minutes without a break. Reb Elye attempted to translate the Rebbe’s words, but was unable to keep up with the Rebbe’s pace. The Rebbe gave him a broad smile and repeated his words in English. This was the first time that the Rebbe spoke English in public. Over the years, the Rebbe acknowledged his appreciation for Reb Elye’s assistance to the Rebbetzin Chana. The Rebbe told Reb Elye’s family that his door would always be open to them in times of need. “He spared me energy and time” One Sunday during the distribution of dollars, Reb Elye introduced Dr. Stuart Ditchek, a physician whom he knew from the hospital where he was residing in Crown Heights, eliminating the necessity of going to the hospital to enroll in WIC. In 1979, the Shah was exiled from Iran, and a change in government took place. Thousands of children were sent out of Iran to the United States, and settled in Crown Heights. Reb Elye devoted himself to the rescue of these children and raised most of the funding for the organization taking care of them. All of these activities contributed greatly to the blossoming of the shechuna of which the Rebbe spoke and in which he invested so much, and to the growth of its mosdos. The Rebbe once said of Reb Elye, “An emeser feiner yungerman”, a true fine young man. In summing up his connection with the Rebbe, the family related two interesting observations. Reb Elye came to Lubavitch on Hoshana Raba and was Receiving an Honor at a breakfast for the Brooklyn Jewish Hospital with Rabbi nifter the next day on Shmini Atzeres, ZS Dworkin many years later; thereby completing a Chaplin. Dr. Ditchek excused him- would you stop knocking because he his life cycle of accomplishments. self to the Rebbe for skipping the line did not open the door after the first In addition, the kiruvim that Reb Elye of people waiting for dollars. The Rebbe knock?” merited to receive from the Rebbe told Dr. Ditchek,”Rabbi Gross helped Crown Heights Mosdos numerous times over the course of the my mother and spared me energy and years, were mainly during the Yom Tov time. In his merit I had more time to Reb Elye dedicated his life for the of Shmini Atzeres. help additional people”. benefit of the public. This expressed itself in many functions and various In the last years of his life, although he In 1960, Reb Elye’s home was robbed mosdos. had not completed a full life span, Reb and all the coins and dollars that he had Elye became ill, suffering greatly. On received from the Previous Rebbe and In the 1940’s, the Released Time proShmini Atzeres, while in California the Rebbe were stolen. Reb Elye was gram was founded under the auspices visiting his family, he was nifter. heartbroken. He entered the Rebbe’s of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and room in Yechidus and told him about NCFJE. This program taught public He left his wife, Mrs. Sara Fayge Gross the robbery. The Rebbe gave him a school children about Judaism for one of Crown Heights; his daughter, Mrs. coin and said, “This coin will serve as hour a week. Reb Elye, as an American Rivka Ellinson, the wife of Reb Alex of a replacement for all the coins given boy, helped with the establishment of Crown Heights/England; his son, Reb until now.” this mosad and involved himself in Avrohom Nochum Gross of Crown running the program. Heights; his daughter, Mrs. Raizel T. Lubavitch Yeshiva & Bais Rivka Edelman, the wife of Hatomim Reb In 1969, during the Farbrengen on the For many years Reb Elye was involved Yosef Yitzchok of Crown Heights; his last day of Pesach, the Rebbe spoke in chinuch. He contributed much in son, Reb Nota Zev of LA, California; about strengthening the shechuna of this field at a time when there were not his son, Reb Itzchok Sholom Dovber of Crown Heights. The next year, the many Jewish schools in existence in the Crown Heights; and grandchildren and Crown Heights Jewish Community United States. Reb Elye established a great-grandchildren; descendents who Council was established. Reb Elye follow in his ways, involved in public talmud torah and also raised funds for served as the Community Council the Lubavitch Yeshiva. He was involved affairs, and in the study of Torah and executive director from 1974 through in founding Bais Rivka and served as the fulfillment of Mitzvos. 1982 and contributed much to the its principal for a short time when it community. Yehi Zichro Boruch! May Hachossid was located on Stone Avenue, and ran Reb Elye, a people’s person who comits day camp. Later, for many years he Among his accomplishments was the mitted himself to public service, who establishment of a government funded raised funds for Bais Rivka. was among the first chassidim to spread office for Small Business Loans. The Rebbe once told him, after he chassidus among young American shared how difficult it was to raise Art Jewry, who dedicated himself to raise money, that he should constantly keep funds for the Rebbe’s mosdos and estabReb Elye founded the Chassidic Art in mind that the Previous Rebbe always lished numerous unique projects for the Gallery on Kingston Avenue in the went along with him. benefit of the Shechuna residents, and 1970’s, which contributes until this very who placed a great stress on supplying Reb Elye once had a problem. He wrote day to Chabad culture. People from single women with parnossa; inspire several times to the Rebbe but did not many different backgrounds visited the us to dedicate ourselves to satisfy the receive a response. When he went into exhibitions over the years. physical and spiritual needs of our Yechidus with the Rebbe, he asked the Medical Aid needy Jewish brethren. Rebbe if he should continue writing about this problem, since the Rebbe Reb Elye established a medical clinic We should speedily witness “The ones had not responded. on Albany Avenue, affiliated with who dwell in the dust will awaken and Brooklyn Jewish Hospital, that was rejoice” with Hachossid Reb Elye Gross The Rebbe replied, “If you are standing used by Crown Heights residents among them. at the threshold of an entrance and for many years. He also established are knocking on the door and you are a WIC center in Crown Heights, to [definitely] sure that there is a person assist families and children. This present on the other side of the door, was of great benefit for young women 6 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 26, 2008 Shiduchim Needle in a Haystack By Sarah Junik Love at first sight Part II What is the bond we look for in marriage? Are we looking for a partnership bond? Two distinct individuals that go about their lives independently and only do things together when it concerns their partnership? Of course not! Do we look to join with another the same way we would join a group traveling to the same destination as ours or engaged in the same goals as ours? Neither of these situations seem to represent what the Torah tells us in Bereishis (2:24) “Al kein ya’azav ish es aviv ve es imo vedavak beishto vahayu levasar echad.” “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife and be one.” The Rebbe writes: ... Marriage is not only the beginning of a partnership but the beginning of a union, where both parties truly become one, united for life. (From a letter of the Rebbe, dated 8 Tishrei, 5722) The essential quality and substance of a proper marriage is "cleaving to one's wife and becoming one flesh," which is to say, that one is in a constant state of acquisition and cleaving - rebuffing anything and everything that leads to and causes the cessation of this cleaving and unity. (Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XXXIV, p. 138) (Eternal Joy Vol 2) Chazal tell us how this unity is to be: it is just like the heart and the brain of a person; they are not two individuals reaching and working together for different goals. They are two components of the same body. When I drop something with my right hand, my left hand will not get upset at my right hand! and caring, and respecting each other. It be forged. They are still two separate is building a life together, a unit of family people who are deciding if this is a fit companion for the journey ahead. How and home. can we even consider that at this point The love that you feel as a young bride is there should be love? only the beginning of real love. It is through the small, everyday acts of living together So what is it that we can reasonably that love flourishes and grows. And so, expect at this point? the love you feel after five or ten years is a One word of caution to the ladies: gradual strengthening of bonds. As women we are generally prone to As two lives unite to form one, with time, underestimate ourselves, our capaone reaches a point where each partner bilities, our achievements. (I wrote can no longer visualize life without his generally because some of us may not mate by his side. find this true, but a vast majority will (From a private Yechidus) agree with it) Chazal bring a moshol, which I feel is appropriate although not usua l ly u se d i n t h i s context: When a neshama in sha may i m i s show n how hard it was to overcome a certain yetzer hara (temptation) which he failed at, he will be shown that it was as easy as stepping across a thin stream. W hen he will be shown how hard it was to overcome a yetzer hara that he did conquer, he will be shown a mountain. Sometimes we feel that to compromise our “principles” for the sake of shalom bayis is like climbing a mountain, but after it is done, it feels like it was actually a very simple thing. Although we do not do things for the reward we will get, There is a beautiful story which illus- that mountain we first imagine is the trates this point: reward we get at the end. Although it was not hard to do, it will be considered Reb Arye Levine known as "the Tzadas if we scaled Everest. dik of Jerusalem” once took his wife to the doctor. When he got to the clinic, From Eternal Joy vol 2 he explained the problem: “Her foot is The Creator, in His infinite kindness, has hurting us.” revealed and given to us certain directives The joys and the hurts are felt by both and precepts concerning the establishas one person. That is the kind of love ment of a close relationship between two that we strive for in a marriage, and it is persons, especially between spouses, which incomparable to the so called “love” the clearly is one of the most important aspects nations of the world bandy about with of human life - especially in the view of such ease. Our kind of love does not our Torah. happen at first sight, in an instant, not The purpose of these directives and even through a thunderbolt or an arrow; precepts is, on the one hand, to ensure the it comes through constant renewal of conditions under which the couple will be commitment and through giving of blessed with an abundance of blessings, ourselves, through compromises of our and on the other, to guide them and wishes for a loftier goal. protect them from undesirable acts and It is not a mirage and only attainable by consequences. a few. It is a goal that is within reach of (From a letter of the Rebbe, dated all as long as we want it and as long as 5732) we are willing to work for it. All this cannot be experienced while shidduch dating! At that time the The Rebbe says: couple is still two individuals who Love is an emotion that increases in are looking to see if a partnership can strength throughout one's life. It is sharing found in your partner, try to discover why are you attracted to him/her. What is causing this attraction? Is it because you absolutely do not know yourself and anyone who helped you draw up the list does not know you either? Or maybe the reason you are attracted to this person is not for the right reason? (S/he comes from a wealthy family, is über popular and you wish to be part of the spotlight, is physically appealing and all you see is the physical beauty… etc.) It is important to discuss this with your parents or shadchan or mashpia, to take advice from others who are not as “nogea b’dovor” as you are. Are those When going out, items on your list suddenly expendable? we get the undiFind out why and what has taken their vided attention place. of another person. Especially if If you find that you like your partner and we like that per- enjoy his/her company, think through son after going what is it that makes you like him/her. out a few times, What are the qualities you admire and the appreciation what are the habits or even qualities you for ou r ideas are not so enthusiastic about. and ourselves is Make sure you are not blind to the other very heady. It is person. Stay focused and aware of what a positive side is it that attracts you to this person. If to the shidduch you cannot think of a single thing that date, just do not bothers you about the other person, get carried away go out some more. Do not go in this by this feeling expecting this person to be perfect, no of approval and one is. It is a rude awakening when you name it someare married to see a chisaron in your thing else. partner which you cannot tolerate. DO I f y o u a r e not expect to be able to change him or attracted to your her. Whatever little or big annoyances partner in the there are, notice them and make peace shidduch date, with them as everyone has idiosyncrago back and think about that list you sies that can drive others crazy. Just originally made. Now think about your make sure you know what those are partner. Does s/he have any of the items while you are still dating. you thought so essential then? Do not Any constructive comment is welcomed expect to find every item on your list by the editor. Write to CHP5768 @ in your prospective spouse, but some, gmail.com or directly to the author at even if only 2 or 3, should be there. If Basmelech@gmail.com none of the things you termed musts are If there is a topic I have not discussed on the subject of shidduchim or if you have a question, feel free to write me at Basmelech@gmail.com, and I will address the topic in a future issue. 2700 Phone Calls On Monday Zain Tishrei, 2700 households in Crown Heights got the following phone call: A Gmar Chasima Tova from the Mosdos of the Shchuna, the Shul Committee & N’Shei Ubnos Chabad. Taf Shin Samach Tes is a Shnas Hakhel. Just as in the year of Hakhel - all Yiden, gathered in the Bais Hamikdosh to hear the Melech read the Torah and inspire Yiras Shamayim - We gather in 770. - We respectfully ask women and girls to dress halachically and appropriately. May our efforts in being meticulous in the Mitzva of Tznius, especially in the Rebbe’s shul, bring the immediate Hisgalus. Again, a Gut Yor and a Gmar Chasima Tova. September 26, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 7 Horav Hachossid Reb Boruch Shifrin 1905-20th of Tishrei 1986 By: Aharon Abrahamson Horav Hachossid Reb Boruch Shifrin was born in 1905 on the 26th of Sivan in Paritsch, W hite Russia to Horav Tzvi Hirsch and Mrs. Fayge Shifrin. Reb Boruch was fifteen years old when his father was beaten by a gang of antiSemites. For the last five years of his life he was bedridden with pain as a result of the beating. In those years, Reb Boruch underwent great difficulties in order to study in the underground yeshivas in Kremenshug and later, far from his home, in Kharkov. Reb Boruch merited special kiruvim from the Previous Rebbe. In his twenties, he visited the Previous Rebbe in Rostov and later in Leningrad. During one Yechidus, he received an American dollar from the Previous Rebbe which the family cherished throughout the years. Another expression of kiruv took place when the Previous Rebbe was about to make Havdala and he searched for Reb Boruch and asked him to hold the candle. For a period of time, Reb Boruch served as the Previous Rebbe’s personal secretary. While in yeshiva in Kremenshug, he once merited going on a shlichus of the Previous Rebbe to the resting places of the Alter Rebbe and the Mitteler Rebbe in Haditsch and Nevel respectively, read the pidyon. On the 14th of Kislev in late 1928, Reb Boruch married Miss Sonia Paar and they lived in Vitebsk for a while. After his wedding, Reb Boruch joined his father-in-law in raising money for the underground Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim. In Adar 1931, the KGB discovered the yeshiva in Vitebsk and his father-in-law Reb Eliyohu Paar was arrested and Reb Boruch and his wife escaped. Arrested before Pesach Early in the morning at 5:00 A.M., at the beginning of Nissan, there was a banging on the door. The KGB entered the house and found receipts for Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim, clear evidence that Reb Boruch was involved in yeshiva activities. Reb Boruch bid a tearful farewell to his wife, and was taken away by the KGB. In prison, he underwent torture as he was interrogated. Reb Boruch’s cell and that of his father-in-law was separated by a thin wall. Hunger Strike Pesach arrived and Reb Boruch insisted that he would not eat any chometz. He demanded matzos from the prison officer and the officer responded harshly. Reb Boruch decided to fast. When he was served bread, he refused it saying that he didn’t eat bread on Pesach. The same thing happened in his father-in-law’s cell. Reb Boruch successfully refrained from eating chometz during the eight days of Pesach. At the end of Nissan, Reb Boruch was about to be released but needed to sign an agreement not to disclose any details about his incarceration. Reb Boruch exile on the 20th of Av 1944. refused to sign since it was Shabbos, but WWII ended and in Iyar 1945, the world eventually he was freed. learned about the atrocities against the Settled in Leningrad Jews that had taken place during the war. Russia opened her borders, and After a while, the authorities again began Russia and Poland agreed to allow Polish searching for Reb Boruch. For months he citizens who had escaped into Russia to slept in the shul to evade the authorities return to Poland. Many Jews, including looking for him. Two months later, Reb Lubavitch chassidim, took advantage of Boruch received a draft notice from this offer and left Russia. the Russian army. When he asked the Previous Rebbe how to respond, the Pre- The Shifrin family first traveled to vious Rebbe advised him to leave town. Moscow, and then to L’vuv, where they He r a n aw ay received the approprito L en i ng rad ate documents to leave where there was Russia. In Poland, they a large commustayed in a refugee camp nity of Chabad in K rakow for three Chassidim. The weeks. From there the Previous Rebbe Zionist organization Brealso advised him cha, transported them to to obtain a passCzechoslovakia. After port for three much wandering they years residency arrived in Saltsberg, Ausin Leningrad. tria where they remained This was for a for a year. long period of Event ua l ly t he Sh itime and was frin family settled in unusua l for Paris. Reb Boruch was those days. The appointed gabai of the With Granddaughter Rebbe’s vision the Pletzel shul, where the was fulfilled, Reb Rebbe’im had davened during their visits Boruch successfully received the passto Paris. Reb Boruch served as a mohel port, as well as a nice apartment. and shochet. Many refugees came with In 1937, tragedy stroke Reb Boruch when uncircumcised children and Reb Boruch his youngest daughter Masha succumbed performed many brisim. to an illness and was nifter. Ireland was the next stop. Numerous In the summer of 1941, Reb Boruch chassidim arriving in France, went to received a new notice to report to the Ireland to work as shochtim for a brief army. The Russian army was fighting while. Reb Boruch received the Previous the Germans and was in dire need of Rebbe’s blessing and traveled to Ireland manpower. Reb Boruch’s wife informed where he worked for two years and army officials that he was ill. By a miracle, then returned to France. In France, he the officer at the army office handed Mrs. continued raising funds for the Yeshivos Shifrin the appropriate papers and told Tomchei Tmimim in Brunoy, France her that her husband needed to travel to and in Israel. a different location to report. This was Gracious Hosts an obvious miracle since it enabled Reb Boruch and his wife to escape before the Reb Boruch and his wife were gracious Nazis entered their city. hosts who constantly brought needy people into their home. There were Burying the hunger fatalities children of a Lubavitch family who were Reb Boruch was a person who always always outside looking for something to tried to make things better, whether it eat. When Reb Boruch saw the children was a fundraising project for Yeshiva he would invite them into his home. Tomchei Tmimim, or maintaining a In later years, these now grown children Mikva in Vitebsk. During WWII, when related to Reb Boruch’s daughter, “At one Leningrad and other cities had no food, point we were starving to death and there many people succumbed to the hunger was nothing in the house to eat. Your and died. Reb Boruch brought many parents saved us from hunger”. Jews to Kvuras Yisroel, a Jewish burial. Reb Boruch also lost his daughter Rochel Reb Boruch was also gracious with Leah to diphtheria illness at this time. money. A non-Lubavitch bochur recalled that he needed a loan for a business To escape from Leningrad, Reb Boruch investment. Reb Boruch did not ask and his family travelled over a frozen lake many questions but immediately gave to get to the train station. After a twenty him the required amount. This made a day train trip, they arrived in Alma-Ata deep impression on the bochur and he in Kazakhstan, where the Rebbe’s father, always recalled this favor. Horav Hagaon Hamkubel Reb Levi Yitzchok, was living in exile during the Travel to the Rebbe in New York was last years of his life. Reb Boruch and his expensive. On many occasions, Reb son Hirshel would visit Reb Levik on Nissan Nemanov, mashpia of Yeshivas a steady basis, davening with him and Tomchei Tmimim in Brunoy would participating in his Farbrengens. Reb approach Reb Boruch on behalf of a parBoruch merited serving Reb Levik until ticular bochur and request his assistance his very last day, when he was nifter in in purchasing a ticket. Reb Boruch would immediately give the money. To Be Joyous During Kislev of 1960, Reb Boruch went into Yechidus with the Rebbe and the Rebbe told him to be joyous. When he asked the Rebbe why he should be joyous, the Rebbe replied that there is what to be joyous about. When Reb Boruch left Yechidus, he began dancing for hours. In 1963 his wife Sunia was nifter and Reb Boruch remarried. Reb Boruch wished to settle in Israel and when he consulted the Rebbe, the Rebbe responded that his physical and spiritual livelihood was in Paris and not in Israel. On one occasion, when Reb Boruch was in Yechidus and discussed the matter once more with the Rebbe, the Rebbe told him that at the present he did not see a reason to leave Paris. “What will you do there? Say Tehillim?” To which Reb Boruch replied that he would also continue his activities in communal affairs in Israel. After a few months, the Rebbe consented to Reb Boruch’s move to Shichun Chabad in Jersualem, where he continued his activities. Daily Schedule His daily schedule would begin at 3:00 A.M. when he would begin reciting Tehillim on his porch. After Tehillim he would study a Maamor Chassidus of the Alter Rebbe in Torah Ohr or Likutei Torah for an hour, and at 8:00, he would go to shul for shacharis. Reb Boruch would slowly daven shacharis aloud, word by word. On Shabbos, he would daven many more hours. He davened and learned with his entire being. Every day he would walk to the Kosel to daven and some days he would remain there for the entire day. As long as the feet are functioning, why do I need a car?! On his way to the Kosel he would review Tanya by heart. On one occasion when his grandson Reb Yehuda Eidelkop met him and offered him a ride, he said, “As long as the feet are functioning, why do I need a car?!” Prior to Sukkos 5746/1985, although Reb Boruch was eighty years old, he insisted on building the Sukka himself and adamantly refused any assistance from family members. On Chal Hamoed Sukkos he was hospitalized and on the 20th of Tishrei returned his soul to her creator. He left his daughter, Mrs. Tamar Eidelkop of France; his daughter, Mrs. Rivka Junik of Belgium; his son, Reb Hirshel Shifrin of Crown heights; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren serving as the Rebbe’s Shluchim worldwide. We should speedily witness “The ones who dwell in the dust will awaken and rejoice” with Hachossid Horav Reb Boruch Shifrin among them. 8 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 26, 2008 Parshas Hashavua Vedibarta Bam ~ Haazinu Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky The problem is that “vatishkach Keil mecholelecha” — you are using this "צור ילדתך power of forgetfulness to also forget ל-תשי ותשכח א Hashem, Who brought you forth and "מחללך Who does so much for you.” “You forgot the rock (המגיד מדובנא ור' מנחם מענדל זצ"ל Who gave birth to )מקאצק you and forgot G d Who brought you " ל ו ח כ מ ו י ש כ י ל ו ז א ת י ב י נ ו forth.” (32:18) "לאחריתם “Were they wise they would compreQUESTION: Why hend this, they would understand what does Moshe mention the Jews’ forgettheir end would be.” (32:29) ting of Hashem twice? QUESTION: The word “zot” — “this” ANSWER: There was once a person — is superfluous? who owed money to many creditors. Unable to bear the pressure and ANSWER: In the prayers on Rosh demands for payments which came Hashanah and Yom Kippur we profrom all sides, he consulted a friend claim, “U’teshuvah u’tefillah u’tzedakah who, incidentally, was also one of his ma’avirin et ro’ah hagezeirah” — creditors. The friend advised him, “Repentance, prayer, and charity avert “From now on when anyone comes the severity of the decree.” In all machasking for payment, act insane so that zorim above these words are printed in the creditor will think you have lost small letters, “kol, tzom, mamon” (,קול your mind and stop bothering you.” ממון,“ — )צוםVoice (of prayer), fasting, Once, when the friend himself came money (for charity).” The merit of the to demand payment, the debtor began Jewish people is determined by how to act demented, hoping to put him they excel in these three things, and off. Angrily the creditor said to him, the total numerical value of the three “Don’t act crazy in front of me — it is four hundred and eight, which is was my idea!” also the numerical value of the word “zot” ()זאת. Among the many gifts Hashem has endowed man with is the power of This pasuk, which is read usually “shikchah” — forgetfulness. Thus, during the High Holiday season, is when one is, G d forbid, confronted hinting that “Were they wise they with trials and tribulations he is able to would comprehend ‘zot’ — the achieveremove his mind from them, and go on ments that are derived through — ‘kol, with his life. Moshe said to the Jewish tzom, and mamon’ — ‘voice, fast, and people, “tzur yeldecha — the rock Who money’ ” — and “yavinu” — they would gave birth to you — [has instilled in you understand that it plays an important a gift, the power of] teshi — to forget. role — “le’acharitam” — for their future, i.e., through it they will merit to a medical attendant in the tiny hamlet of be inscribed in the Book of Life with all Anipoli. Dumbfounded, he returned to his Rebbe and told him that in Anipoli the best, materially and spiritually. there were no medical experts. Hashem challenges the Jewish people, “Ubechanuni na bezot” — “Test Me, if “Then tell me,” asked the Rebbe, “What you will, with ‘zot’ — ‘this’ ” (Malachi do the people of Anipoli do when some3:10), i.e. perform the three things one, G d forbid, is sick?” which add up to “zot” — four hundred “What do they do?” said the chassid, “I and eight — and “[See] if I do not open suppose they have no other option but for you the windows of Heaven and to trust in Hashem and ask Him to send pour out upon you blessings without the healing from Heaven.” end.” “He is the One,” exclaimed the Rebbe. Unfortunately, there are people who do “That is the professor of Anipoli that I not realize or refuse to recognize what referred you to. Put your faith in Hashem can be accomplished through these and He who helps the people of Anipoli three things. King David says of such will surely help you too.” people, “Ukesil lo yavin et zot” — “A fool cannot understand ‘zot’ — ‘this’ Hashem is saying, “Machatzti” — “I ” (Psalms 92:7), i.e. the importance wounded” — “ve’ani erpeh” — “and I of ‘kol, tzom and mamon’ which have heal,” [when the person realizes that] the same numerical value (408) as the “ve’ein miyadi matzil” — “there is no word ‘zot.’ rescuer from My hand” — i.e. he hon (בית יעקב ר' יעקב הכהן ז"ל טראב – מסלתוןestly believes that it is not the doctors ) ראב"ד ביירותwho bring healing, but Hashem. ( ועי' סיפורי חסידים,דגן שמים על מםכת ראש השנה ""מחצתי ואני ארפא ואין מידי מציל 168 ')ע “I wounded and I heal, and there is no rescuer from My hand.” (32:39) In this pasuk the word “Ani” is mentioned QUESTION: It should have said the four times, which is an allusion to what reverse, “There is no rescuer from My the Gemara (Megillah 29a) says that Hashem is always with the Jewish people, hand; I wound and I heal”? and that even when they go into galut ANSWER: An ill chassid who many — exile — the Shechinah — Divine doctors were unable to help, desperately Presence — is there together with them. visited his Rebbe for a blessing and advice. Since the exiles of the Jewish people are He was told, “Consult the professor in the associated with four monarchies: Edom, town of Anipoli. He will cure you.” The i.e. Rome, Media/Persia, Babylon, and ailing chassid spared no effort or money Greece, “Ani,” which is a reference to and made the arduous trip. Upon arrival the Shechinah, is written four times. he was disappointed to learn that there ()נחל קדומים was no professor, no doctor, and not even Hidden And Revealed By Yanki Tauber teshuvah, connection, singularity, joy, unity, wisdom, commitment Reprinted with permission from Chabad. -- that will drive our lives for the Org rest of the year. “Sound the shofar on the new moon, in The first of Tishrei is Rosh Hashaconcealment to the day of our festival” nah, which opens the “Days of (Psalms 81:4). In this cryptic verse lies Awe” that characterize the first the deeper significance of Sukkot and part of the month, culminating in its sister-festival, Shemini Atzeret/ Yom Kippur on Tishrei 10th. Then Simchat Torah. the mood and texture of Tishrei In the Jewish calendar, the month fol- shifts dramatically to the “Season lows the phases of the moon. The “new of Our Rejoicing” that begins with moon” -- the point at which the moon the festival of Sukkot on the 15th emerges from its monthly concealment and continues through Shemini -- marks the beginning of a new month. Atzeret and Simchat Torah. The The apex of the month is the 15th -- the half of Tishrei is marked by solemnight of the full moon, when the moon nity, the second by elation; but the true king, but merely in a “ruler”). But attains the high point of its potential to Chassidic masters explain that these there is also a third element without reflect the sun’s light and illuminate are simply the “hidden” and “revealed” which the coronation could not happen the earth. dimensions of the same elements. -- awe. And the nature of awe is that The month of Tishrei is the most The essence of Rosh Hashanah is our it eclipses and mutes the joy. Sukkot, spirituality-rich month in the Jewish crowning of G-d as our “king”. A coro- then, is simply the revelation of Rosh year. The festivals and special days-- nation, explain the Chassidic masters, Hashanah. The joy and unity that are Rosh Hashanah, the Ten Days of is effected by two things -- unity and the essence of our commitment to G-d, Repentance, Shabbat Shuvah, Yom Kip- joy: a people joyously unite to select, and which were “concealed” by the pur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret/Simchat accept and submit to an exalted figure awe that characterizes the first days of Torah, Shabbat Bereishit -- follow in who embodies their collective identity Tishrei, erupt on the 15th of the month succession, with hardly any “ordinary and innermost strivings (if the corona- in the form of the festival of Sukkot. days” in between. It’s a time to fuel tion lacks either joy or unity, chassidic In the words of the Psalmist, “Sound up on the spiritual resources -- awe, teaching explains, it results not in a the shofar on the new moon, in conceal- ment to the day of our festival.” Our crowning G-d king with the sounding of the shofar on the 1st of Tishrei (“the new moon”) remains in concealment until “the day of our festival”, the full moon of Sukkot, when it manifests itself in a seven-day feast of joy. And what Sukkot is to Rosh Hashanah, Simchat Torah is to Yom Kippur. The essence of Yom Kippur is that it is the day we received the Second Tablets, completing the Giving of the Torah (which began on Shavuot) and bringing into our lives the Torah’s ultimate essence -- teshuvah. There is nothing more liberating and exilarating than teshuvah -- the power to “return” to the quintessential core of one’s being, transcending time, space, habit and “character”, transcending all that circumscribes the soul’s truest self and truest strivings. But again, the essence of Yom Kippur is submerged and concealed within the solemnity that accompanies the business of teshuvah doing -- fasting, regretting and confessing our wrongdoings, resolving not to repeat them, praying for forgiveness. It is only on Simchat Torah that the joyous essence of teshuvah is manifestly celebrated. September 26, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 9 Vedibarta Bam ~ Sukos ”“לולב מצוה לאגדו “It is a mitzvah to bundle the lulav with the hadassim and aravot.” (Sukkah 33a) QUESTION: How many rings should be placed on the lulav? ANSWER: The Shulchan Aruch Harav (651:11) writes “It is customary to make three bundlings (ties) on the lulav, corresponding to the three Patriarchs. I.e., in addition to the ring which bundles the three species together, (because the Torah (Shemot 15:2) states ‘This is my G‑d and I shall beautify him,’ ibid. 2) two ties (rings) are made to bundle the lulav leaves to the spine.” But don’t we make three rings just for bundling the species together? The three rings for bundling the species are all made within a tefach handbreadth. Thus, we apply the rule of lavud — attached — so the three rings are considered as one. But why do we make what appears as five rings but which halachically is counted as three? It says in Pirkei Avot (3:6) “From where do we learn that the Divine Presence rests among five that occupy themselves with Torah? For it is said ‘va’agudato al eretz yesadah — He has founded His band upon the earth’ ” (Amos 5:6). According to another version, this pasuk is proof that the Divine Presence is with three who are occupied in Torah. Because three is considered agudah — banding together (see Bartenura). In deference to the opinions whether an agudah — bundling — is three or five, we make five rings which are considered as three, corresponding to the Patriarchs. ( חיים וברכה,שו”ע סי’ תרנ”א סעי’ א’ ט”ז )לבעמ”ח ספר משמרת שלום על פמ”ג סי’ רפ”ח “בליל ראשון של סוכות אומרים תחילה ”לישב בסוכה ואח”כ שהחיינו “On the first night of Sukkot, we say first leishev basukkah and afterwards shehechiyanu.” QUESTION: When we make Kiddush the first night of Sukkot, why is the berachah of leishev basukkah made first and then shehechiyanu, while on the second night the order is reversed? ANSWER: Biblically, the Yom Tov of Sukkot is to be celebrated one day — the fifteenth of Tishrei. The new month would be established by Beit Din on the testimony of witness who saw the new moon, and then messengers were dispatched to inform the public. The communities of Israel and the Diaspora that would not be reached by mid month, celebrated Yom Tov for two days out of doubt as to which day was the 15th. Though we now have a pre-calculated calendar, we continue the “custom of our parents” and observe Yom Tov two days. and thus a shehechiyanu must be recited. Since there is a doubt which A shehechiyanu is recited at a time of day is actually Yom Tov (the 15th joy, e.g. a Yom Tov or over a mitzvah of Tishrei), it is recited both nights which is applicable only at a certain together with Kiddush. time during the year, e.g. shofar, reading Halachically, however, the shehechimegillah, etc. Since there was a time yanu over the lulav may be made even when a real doubt existed concerning before Yom Tov when one prepares which day was actually Yom Tov (the (binds together the lulav with the spe15th of Tishrei) the berachah of shecies], but it has become traditional to hechiyanu must be recited each night make the berachah when the lulav is together with the Kiddush which ushers taken to fulfill the mitzvah (see Sukin the Yom Tov. A person cannot rely on kah 46a, Shulchan Aruch 644, Magen the fact that he said it on the first night Avraham). Thus, there is no need to of Yom Tov since it is possible that it may make this berachah twice, since either not have been the fifteenth of Tishrei if way [even if the first day is a weekday the new month were established on the and not Yom Tov] one fulfilled the testimony of witness. obligation of reciting the shehechiyanu However, the Gemara (Sukkah 46a) for the lulav. says, “One who makes a sukkah for ( מגן אברהם,)שו”ע סי’ תרס”ב himself, says shehechiyanu. When “אומרים תהלים בליל הושענא רבה he enters the sukkah during the Yom ”אחר חצות Tov to sit in it, he says the blessing of leishev basukkah.” Nowadays, we “On Hoshana Rabbah after midnight, do not recite the shehechiyanu upon Tehillim is recited.” building the sukkah, rather it is done QUESTION: Why necessarily after over the Kiddush cup. midnight? word “kapot” ( ) ַּכפ ֹתcan also be read as “kafut” ( )ּכָפּותwhich means “tied up.” The Gemara (Sukkah 32a) derives that the leaves of the lulav must be fresh (soft) so that they can be tied to the lulav spine. Thus, to firmly tie the leaves to the spine it is customary to place to rings on the lulav itself (see Rav Shulchan Aruch 651:11). ANSWER: According to the Zoha r (Vay i k ra 103b) we welcome Ushpizin — guests — to our sukkah. These guests are Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaa kov, Moshe, Aaron, Yosef and David. Each day of Sukkot another of these guests leads t he ot hers i nto the sukkah. Thus, Hence, on the first night the shehechi- Hoshana Rabbah, the seventh day, is yanu is both for the Yom Tov and the the day of King David. sukkah, and therefore it is recited after The Gemara (Berachot 3b) says that we make the berachah of leishev basukDavid did not sleep at night. Until kah. On the second night there is no midnight he would be involved in words longer a need to make a shehechiyanu of Torah; henceforth, he strengthened over the sukkah, since even if the first himself like a lion and occupied himself night were not Yom Tov one is yotzi with singing and praises to Hashem. — has fulfilled the obligation — even (When he would sleep, he would be if the shehechiyanu were made before careful to only doze off for less than 60 Yom Tov upon completion of the erechuman respirations, see Sukkah 26b). tion of the sukkah. Therefore, since the shehechiyanu on the second night Since on Hoshana Rabbah David is the is only for the Yom Tov (in the event primary guest, and he compiled the that the first night was not 15 Tishrei) Tehillim which contains the songs and and not for the mitzvah of sukkah, the praises he would say to Hashem after shehechiyanu is recited immediately midnight, we too recite the Tehillim on after the Kiddush. Hoshana Rabbah after midnight. ANSWER: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 15:7) the forbidden fruit that Chavah ate and also gave to Adam was an etrog. As a punishment, from then on, she and all womanhood would have to suffer pain in childbirth. Now, in the Torah, the word “kapot” is written without a vav () ַּכפ ֹת. Since the letter vav has the numerical value of six, we take the lacking vav as an indication that the requirement of kafut — tied up — is an imperative only during the six days of Sukkot and not the seventh — Hoshana Rabbah. ’ ועי’ לקו”ש ח”ד ע,’(לבוש סי’ תרס”ד סעי’ א )1368 “יש נשים מעוברת שנוהגת ליטול ”הפיטום של האתרוג בהו”ר “Some pregnant women have a custom to bite off the pitom of the etrog on Hoshana Rabbah [after davening].” QUESTION: What is the significance of this? The etrog is an edible tasty fruit and has a good aroma. The pitom, however, is a hard inedible piece of wood with no aroma. By biting off the pitom the woman is declaring that she disagrees with Chavah and wants absolutely no pleasure from the etrog. The Gemara (Sotah 12a) says that righteous women of all generations were not affected by Chavah’s verdict that womankind should suffer pain in childbirth. Therefore, by disassociating herself from Chavah’s iniquity, she prays to Hashem that He grant her a childbirth without pain and complications. (אוצר כל מנהגי ישרון בשם ספר זכירה ועי’ בנטעי )גבריאל פרק פ’ ס”ז ”“שמחת תורה “Simchat Torah” QUESTION: Simchat Torah literally means the Simchah of the Torah — is it our simchah or her simchah? ANSWER: In Hebrew a son is called “ben” from the root of boneh — builder )אדמוה”ז מהדו”ק סי’ ד’ סעי’ ט”ז “ביום ראשון מברך על נטילת לולב — because he continues to build that וביום שני אינו מברך זמן,ושהחיינו “בהושענא רבה קודם הלל – מסיריםwhich his father started. )(שו”ע סי’ תרמ”א וסי’ תרס”א ”.אא”כ חל יום ראשון בשבת (טעמי המנהגים בשם מחזה אברהם ועי’ שו”ע ”שתי הכריכות אשר על הלולב “On the first day we recite the berachot “O n Hosh a n a R abba h , before al netilat lulav and shehechiyanu, on the H a l l e l , t h e t w o (t o p) r i n g s second day shehechiyanu is not recited a re re mov e d f rom t he lu l av.” unless the first day was Shabbat.” (Sefer Haminhagim-Chabad) QUESTION: Why is shehechiyanu QUESTION: Why necessarily these recited both nights in Kiddush and only two rings? the first day of Yom Tov for taking the ANSWER: In the Torah (Vayikra lulav and etrog? 23:40) the lulav is called “kapot temaANSWER: Yom Tov is a joyous occarim” — “branches of date palms.” The sion which comes from time to time, A very sad day in a person’s life is when he must sell a large thriving business to a stranger because his only son has no interest in continuing the business. Through our dancing and rejoicing we demonstrate our love for Torah and that it is very dear to us. Thus, Simchat Torah — Torah is immensely happy when she sees the cherish and love her children, the Jewish people, have for her. 10 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 26, 2008 Matters of Interest Do You Consume Enough Minerals?! • Vital for the formation and mainte• Important to balance blood sugar nance of healthy bones, teeth gums. By Yaakov Bam, levels MS, Nutrition • Important in the maintenance of • Important to prevent headaches and Wellness the heart, and in the transmission of Consultant • Important to prevent elevated blood nerve signals. pressure The Rambam: • Lowers cholesterol levels and helps Magnesium is sometimes regarded prevent cardiovascular disease. “I can guaranas a “smoothie” mineral, since it has tee that anyone • Important for blood clotting the ability to relax our muscles. Our who accustoms • Helps lower blood pressure, prevent nerves also depend upon magnesium himself to these yene machlah. to avoid becoming overexcited, and ways which we have discussed will this aspect of magnesium links this not become sick throughout his whole • Helps to keep the skin healthy. mineral to maintenance of healthy life, and will never need to take any The body has a complex system to con- blood pressure. medicines. His body will be perfect and trol the amount of calcium in the blood healthy for his entire life....” Good sources of magnesium include so that calcium is available for body swiss chard, spinach, mustard greens, Minerals originate in the Earth and can- functions. As a result, when intake of summer squash, broccoli, turnip greens, not be made by living organisms. Plants calcium is too low to maintain normal pumpkin seeds, cucumber, green beans, get minerals from the soil, and most of blood levels of calcium, the body will celery, kale, variety of seeds, including the minerals in our diets come directly draw on calcium from the bones to sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and from plants or from animals. Minerals maintain normal blood concentrations, flax seeds. which, after many years, can lead to may also be present in the water. Unfortunately, most people do not get osteoporosis, chas v'sholom. Every living being needs minerals for enough minerals in their daily diets, proper function. Minerals are needed Good sources of calcium include spinmainly because they eat large quantities for the proper make up of blood and ach, turnip greens, mustard greens and of processed foods, which provide insufbone, the maintenance of healthy nerve collard greens, yogurt, kale, mozzarella ficient amounts of important minerals. system, cardiovascular system, etc… cheese, cow’s milk, and goat’s milk, The effects of stress, the use of some dill seed, cinnamon, romaine lettuce, There are two groups of minerals: medications can also cause minerals celery, broccoli, sesame seeds, cabbage, bulk minerals (macro-minerals) and deficiency. summer squash, green beans, garlic, trace minerals (micro-minerals). Bulk tofu, brussel sprouts, oranges, parsley. When any one starts consuming more minerals include calcium, magnesium, fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grain potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. Magnesium: products nutrition balance will improve These are needed in larger amounts • Important to relax your nerves and drastically. than trace minerals. Trace minerals muscles And please remember: include boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron, molybdenum, • Important to build and strengthen Mitzvah goreres Mitzvah. V'ase Tov manganese, selenium, silicon, sulfur, bones Sur Merah. vanadium, and zinc. • I m p or t a nt t o pr e v e nt he a r t One SMALL step at a time. Calcium: arrhythmia The Brutal Truth B y R a b b i S h e a oldest: can i have soda? it’s just a Hecht sprite? please? can i? no, no and no. the next one...don’t even get me started. We all put great value seriously on t he tr ut h a nd demand honesty from The ad describes everything the mother others. Many times expected from a nanny - in completely our biggest criticism honest terms - everything the woman to others - especially feels she can give to a nanny and everypeople in the political arena - is that thing in between the twin six year olds: people are not being honest. one wanted dessert before her dinner was over, one kept wanting to know In our relationships - marriage, work, why I wouldn’t let nine year olds swing children - we always say we want openher around by her limbs. (the fear of a ness, honesty and truth. What is it about dislocated shoulder did nothing.) truth though, that often as soon as we Please help me hear it we get offended? Many times we’ll “excuse the truth” by saying it The “brutally honest” ad got lots of was said because of a bias, hatred or attention because of one tiny little jealousy. fact - it was honest The Talmud tells us that one of the pil- I can be a tad difficult to work for. I’m lars that the world exists on is truth - yet loud, pushy and while I used to think we so often fight it. we paid well, i am no longer sure. i work from home, so you get the pleasure of The other day I came across a fascinatbeing hounded by me all day long. and, ing ad that was a parody of our dishonyou get to pretend to like me, because i est quest for honesty. am deeply sensative. (but well dressed The Craig’s List nanny ad was called and a know it all, a winning combinabrutally honest or unusually honest tion I assure you.) by many The prospective nannies who read the My kids are a pain... Just in the past ad recognized the honesty in it and hour, i have had to tell each one other women looking for nannies saw to do something more than once. the obvious too If you cannot multi task, or communicate without being passive aggressive, don’t even bother replying. If you are the type who doesn’t notice crumbs on the table, skip to the next post, because crumbs are a deal breaker. they put me over the edge I wish everyone a Gmar Chasimah Tovah. Recipe corner. Tzu Gezunt Salad. The salad can be made a day in advance. Serve it lightly-chilled or at room temperature. Ingredients: 1 bag of spinach. 2 medium size boiled potatoes 1 cup celery, finely chopped 1 hard-boiled egg ½ cup salad olives, chopped 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 cups fresh dill finely chopped 2 cups onions, finely chopped ½ lemon 1 tbs. cold-press olive oil bit of salt for taste Preparation: 1. Boil potatoes in their jackets. Let cool, then peel and chop into large chunks. 2. Toss all ingredients in a large bowl with the olive oil until just combined. Squeeze ½ lemon and season with bit of salt and serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use or up to 1 day. If refrigerating, add the spinach just before serving. To be continued. ing when the library books are due, and whether i have rsvped to that birthday party yet Rebecca Soodak, the 40-year-old Mother whose husband owns a wine store, eventually hired a 25-year-old University of Virginia graduate, to take What’s most amazing about the honesty care of her children. I guess the honesty of this 1,000 word ad is that people drew her to the job. were amazed by the honesty! They were Help me dear G-d keep track of our refreshed by the truthfulness of ad. skim milk supply and also, also, also, am not looking for Super nanny, or what should I make for dinner tomoranyone who wants this job because row night? they will love my kids as if they are In the end, Soodak ’s honesty was their own. you won’t. really. they are almost a joke - on her! As Soodak told infinitely lovable, but trust me, they’re the Times: “I hope she likes it here. I mine and you will move on when your sent the ad to one of my old sitters and journey with us is over, and save for she said she felt it was pretty accurate, some funny stories and a delightful which sort of stung a little bit.” email every now and again, you won’t grieve. Nor will we. (okay, we did all Rabbi Hecht, is chairman of the board grieve a few of our past sitters, oddly of the National Committee for the Furthey were all named Sarah or Kate, or therance of Jewish Education (NCFJE), Nikki. And Leah. Leah was delightful, continuing the tradition of social services even if she did drop my twin babies off management and outreach. He is a Rabbi our couch during a family gathering. and activist in the Jewish community, Good times focusing on family crisis intervention, guiding and advising troubled youth Have we become a nation of liars? Are and their families, marriage counseling, we so jaded by the lies that people tell and drugs and cults counseling and and write that honesty has become consultations. He can be reached at brutal? Unusual? Refreshing? 718-735-0200 or at rabbishea@aol.com I need a team player. I need someone to Rabbi Shea HechtChairman NCFJE back me up when it comes to remember- rabbishea@aol.com September 26, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 11 Rebbe's Story “When one tells a story about his Rebbe he connects to the deeds of the Rebbe” (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) An Eventful Tishrei at the Rebbe 5731/1970 From a diary written by Rabbi Michoel knew what the Rebbe was referring to. Seligson During the following nine FarbrenTranslated into English and adapted by gens, the Rebbe constantly mentioned Rabbi Menachem Kirschenbaum this verse from Yeshayohu. The Farbrengen of Simchas Torah The Rebbe Farbrenged on Shabbos 5731/1970 is known by chassidim as a Shuva and again on the 6th of Tishrei, special one with many giluyim, revelain honor of his mother’s Yahrzeit. At tions. To this day chassidim speak of it both Farbrengens, as the Rebbe was with wonder. concluding the Maamor, he repeated The Rebbe established his own United the same verse “For you have made (the Nations at this Farbrengen and appointed oppressor’s) city into a heap, fortified different chassidim to be in charge of town into a ruin.” different countries. After Yom Kippur, there was a big quesIn order to understand the chain of events tion on everyone’s mind. Would the that led up to this historical event, we Rebbe Farbreng in the Sukka? refer back to the beginning of Tishrei The previous year, a tableful of people (1970). fell on Rabbi Marlow OBM, amidst the The first Farbrengen of the month on pushing in the Sukka. The Rebbe said Rosh Hashana, made it clear that the that he would not want to Farbreng in Rebbe wanted to accomplish something the Sukka because it was dangerous to unique. do so. The highlight of the Rebbe’s Farbrengens Many of the older Chassidim made difis always the Maamor, the chassidic ferent suggestions to the Rebbe so that discourse. a Farbrengen in the Sukka would still be possible. The Rebbe did not accept The Rebbe would customarily begin them. The closer it came to Yom Tov, the reciting the Maamor at the Rosh more it appeared that there would be no Hashana Farbrengen after chassidim Farbrengen on Sukkos. sang all of the Rebbeim’s nigunim. In the Maamor the Rebbe would include On the second day of Sukkos, members explanations on Rosh Hashana from all of the Rebbe’s secretariat announced that of the Rebbe’im. there would be a Farbrengen in 770. The Rebbe said that it would be a Farbrengen The exceptional event during the Maamor “oif truken”, on dry, without any food or of this Rosh Hashana, was that in the L’chaims being made. middle of the Maamor, the Rebbe spoke at length on the verse from Yeshayohu The Rebbe came into shul and sat down (25:1)” For you have made (the oppres- at his place. Immediately the Rebbe sor’s) city into a heap, fortified town into instructed that everyone should sing a ruin.” the Bal Shem Tov’s nigun, followed by the Alter Rebbe’s nigun. He then went The Rebbe concluded that through directly into the Maamor opening with destroying and wiping out the kingship the words, “All of the gentiles and nations of klipat noga. More energy is added in of the world praise you and admire you kedusha. This is the idea of “Through G-d.” destroying the city of Tzur that will bring the rebuilding of Jerusalem.” At this point Immediately there was an awareness in during the Farbrengen, everyone present 770 of something unusual. The Rebbe understood that the Rebbe was not just usually began Farbrengens with Sichos explaining a concept in chassidus. The before saying the Maamor. Rebbe was concentrating on destroying In the Maamor, the Rebbe again spoke, and wiping out ‘klipos’ from the world. as he had in the earlier Farbrengens. The sense that the Rebbe was accom- He explained how non-Jews receive plishing changes in the higher worlds their energy from Kedusha, and how seemed even clearer at the conclusion it is possible that klipa can be elevated of the Maamor. The Rebbe said, “From to kedusha, and add to the energy ones this level we draw down through all of receives from kedusha. The Rebbe added the worlds of the chain of creation, to that since on Sukkos we sacrifice the 70 the extent that we created a new entity in sacrifices, parallel to the 70 nations of the this physical world, ‘For you have made world, it is through our sacrifices that the (the oppressor’s) city into a heap pile, a 70 nations are elevated. fortified town, into a ruin.’” The Rebbe concluded the Maamor with Rabbi Yisroel Jacobson noted that as far the same verse from Yeshayou, ““For you as he recalled, fifty-seven years earlier, have made (the oppressor’s) city into a 5674/1913, the Rebbe Rashab elaborated heap, fortified town into a ruin.” on this verse and what it signified in the During the Farbrengen, the Rebbe light of Chassidus. In the summer of that delivered two long Sichos referring to year, WWI broke out. non-Jews. The conclusion was that Jews After Rabbi Jacobson spoke, chassidim have the power to elevate and affect the understood that the Rebbe was trying to rise of the nations. accomplish something, however no one Then the Rebbe began to hint to the issue he had been referring to in the Maamorim since the beginning of the month. and even in places where there is just one Yid. This should be all done parallel to the gathering in the U.N., and should be done in a positive way.” “The U.N. gathered its representatives The Rebbe Establishes his own UN from countries all over the world to mark (United Nations) the 25th year anniversary of its founding. The Rebbe’s chozrim, those who put to memory the Rebbe’s discourses in order to transcribe them after Shabbos or Yom Tov; wrote the Maamor down right after the first days of Yom Tov. The Rebbe asked for the written Maamor and edited it, though it was his custom not to write on Chal Hamoed. Chassidim were very excited and everyone began learning the Maamor. Chassidim going on Mivzah Lulav to Manhattan discussed the Maamor with their friends. This was the talk of days. The evening of Simchas Torah, directly before the fourth hakofo, the Rebbe told the gabai, Rabbi Moshe Pinchas Katz to announce the following: “The 70 nations are parallel to the 70 souls of the children of Yaakov. According to Torah, the Rabbonim are the 'bale batim', owners of the counties all over the world. Therefore, for this hakafa the Rabbonim, who are the representatives of the countries, should “The whole theme of the Yom Tov of come up.” Sukkos, and we read it today during the Chosen to represent their respective Haftora, ‘I will gather together all of countries were: the goyim.’ Also, on Sukkos there is the concept of the offering of the 70 sacrifices Rabbi Shmuel Levitin-America, Rabbi which is symbolic of the 70 nations. Yosef Goldberg- France, Rabbi Benzion Shemtov- England, Rabbi Y. BarteshvillyThe Rebbe then added: Russia, Rabbi Hodakov- Finland, Rabbi “The 70 nations have 70 angels who Segal- Israel, Rabbi Yitzchok Hendelrepresent them in the upper worlds. Canada, Rabbi Binyomin GordetskyThe Yidden bring the offering of the 70 Europe, Rabbi A. Pliskin-Australia, porim parallel to the 70 nations. Then Rabbi Hirshel Chitrik- Brazil, Rabbi the 70 sorim above receive all of their Yadgar- Iraq, Rabbi Avrohom Yitzchok energy from these sacrifices. They can Glick- Germany, Rabbi Yosef Weinbergsee in an open and a revealed way, how South Africa, Rabbi Towil- Argentina, all of their energy is totally dependent Rabbi Leibel Raskin- Morocco, Rabbi on the Jew. As an outcome, when you Avrohom Osdoba- Denmark, Rabbi accept something from someone you Alevsky-Germany, and Rabbi Moshe become nullified to that person. In this Pinchos Katz- Poland. situation, this influences the nations to The Rebbe then turned to the RaShag, become totality nullified towards the his brother-in-law, and said, “Since you Jews, because they can see that all of their traveled with the Previous Rebbe to energy comes from them.” Egypt, you should be the representative The Rebbe concluded: of Egypt.” They chose to do so around the time of Sukkos. Every single thing in the world is by Divine Providence. Sometimes we cannot see it and sometimes we see it in a revealed way. In this specific situation we see it in a revealed way!” “Because we are now in a situation that all the nations see in a revealed way that their energy comes from the Jews, we should utilize this opportunity to make our own gathering. Therefore, I request that there should be gatherings in New York, as well as at the Western Wall, in particular, since that is a place that Jews from all over the world come together. They should daven and learn, and through this affect positive change in the U.N. There should also be gatherings even here in the Diaspora, After they called up all of the representatives of the countries, the Rebbe said, “With the power of Torah they are the 'bale batim' over all the countries and they should all go to the hakofo and dance!” The Rebbe began to sing “Utzu eitza v'sufar”, and to clap his hands with all his strength. No one who was in 770 then would ever forget the scene. To be continued 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 26, 2008 Sicha Succot The Four Species: Unity of the Jewish Nation Adapted from Likutei Sichos vol. 4 Published and copyright © by Sichos In English Four Species, Four Types of People [A pleasant taste is used as an analogy for Torah study. Since Torah study involves intellectual comprehension, the satisfaction it produces is substantial, comparable to the satisfaction derived from food. A pleasant fragrance is used as an analogy for good deeds, because observance of the mitzvos must stem from kabbalas ol, the acceptance of G-d’s yoke, a commitment which, like a fragrance, produces less tangible satisfaction.] Chassidus interprets the phrase bakeseh liyom chageinu, “on the day [the moon] is hidden, for our festival,” as meaning that all matters that are concealed on Rosh HaShanah -- “the day [the moon] is hidden” -- are revealed on “our festival,” “A closed palm branch” -- This refers to on Sukkos. the Jewish people. Just as the [fruit of This also applies with regard to Yom the] date palm has a [pleasant] taste, but Kippur. The hidden aspects of its Divine not a [pleasant] fragrance, so too, among service are also revealed on Sukkos. For the Jewish people, there are those who Yom Kippur is also referred to as Rosh possess [the virtues of] Torah study, but HaShanah, and expresses the inner not of good deeds. dimensions of that holy day. “Myrtle branches” -- This refers to the One of the fundamental aspects of Rosh Jewish people. Just as the myrtle has a HaShanah and Yom Kippur is the unity [pleasant] fragrance but not a [pleasant] of the Jewish people. For our Divine taste, so too, among the Jewish people, service on these holy days expresses there are those who possess [the virtues the inner dimension of our souls. This of] good deeds, but not of Torah study. dimension is the same for all Jews, from “your heads and your tribes...” to “your “Willows of the brook” -- This refers to hewers of wood” and “drawers of water.” the Jewish people. Just as the willow has On Sukkos, this unity -- like all the other neither a [pleasant] taste nor a [pleasant] dimensions of Rosh HaShanah and Yom fragrance, so too, among the Jewish Kippur -- becomes manifest. people, there are those who possess neither [the virtues of] Torah study, nor This concept is expressed by the Midrash, of good deeds. which states that the four species used for the mitzvah of lulav and esrog refer The Holy One, blessed be He, says: “Tie to four categories of Jews: them all together in one bond, so that each will atone for the other.” “The fruit of a beautiful tree” [the Torah’s term for the esrog] -- This refers to the Moreover, the oneness expressed on Jewish people. Just as the esrog has both Sukkos is greater than that experienced a [pleasant] taste and a [pleasant] fra- on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. grance, so too, among the Jewish people, On Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, there are those who possess [the virtues the unity does not relate to the different of] both Torah study and good deeds. natures within the Jewish people. Yes, Sicha Simchas Torah Simchas Torah: Dancing with closed Sifrei Torah As explained above, the essence of the Torah transcends intellectual understanding. For this reason, even Adapted from Likutei Sichos Vol. 4 unlearned people share a connection to Published and copyright © by Sichos in its holiness, and celebrate on Simchas Torah. English It is a custom -- and our Rabbis taught that Jewish custom is considered as the Torah itself -- to celebrate with the Torah on Simchas Torah. We take a Torah scroll wrapped in its mantle, and dance with it around the reading platform. Since the Torah is associated with intellectual understanding, the celebrations of Simchas Torah should seemingly be associated with progress, quantitatively and qualitatively, in Torah study. And this study will lead to happiness. Why is the intellectual dimension of the Torah necessary? So that the Torah will permeate a person’s inner dimensions, and not remain merely an encompassing light. Comprehension internalizes the transcendent bond between the essence of the Torah and the essence of the soul, and makes it an active part of our consciousness. a lower level, for the lulav possesses only a pleasant flavor (the virtue of Torah everyone joins together in the sounding study), while the esrog possesses both of the shofar and the teshuvah of Yom flavor and fragrance (both Torah study Kippur. But this oneness is merely a and the observance of mitzvos). general feeling, expressing the essential G-dliness that lies at the core of every This question can be resolved by comparJew’s soul. It does not, however, relate ing the study of Torah to the observance to the differences between one Jew of mitzvos. Mitzvos are referred to as and another. On the contrary, on Rosh “limbs of the King,” while it is said: “The HaShanah, these differences are “hid- Torah, and the Holy One, blessed be He, den,” covered up by the revelation of are all one.” higher lights. To explain: The limbs of the body are On Sukkos, however, these individual not totally at one with the soul. They differences receive expression. Each of are given over to the soul, and as soon the four species -- the lulav, the esrog, the as the soul desires, they respond.464 myrtle and the willow -- stands for a dif- Nevertheless, they are material entities, ferent kind of personality. Nevertheless, and remain distinct from the soul, which they are all united in a single bond. is spiritual. The Lulav’s Distinction From the comments of the Midrash cited above, it would appear that the esrog is the most distinguished of the four species, for it possesses both the advantages of taste and smell. In the analog, this refers to Jews who possess both the virtues of Torah study and observance of the mitzvos. The question then arises: Why in the blessing is the mitzvah referred to as “the mitzvah of lulav”? Similar concepts apply with regard to the observance of the mitzvos. They express the nullification of a Jew before G-d, that he carries out G-d’s will. And yet the very statement that a Jew carries out G-d’s will implies that he remains an independent entity. The study of Torah, by contrast, involves a different type of relationship. When a Jew contemplates the Torah, he is grasping G-d’s wisdom, as it were, and his mind becomes one with G-d’s wisdom, The answer is given460 that the lulav is of which it is said: “He and His wisdom taller than the other species. This answer, are one.” however, is itself problematic. The existence of every entity in the material Moreover, this oneness with G-d is an realm, and in particular those objects that active dynamic. The more a Jew gives are associated with mitzvos, reflect their himself over to the comprehension of spiritual source. Thus the fact that the the Torah, the more encompassing his lulav is taller than the other four species oneness with G-d becomes. This highindicates that spiritually also, it possesses lights the advantage of the lulav -- those a quality which surpasses them. individuals who are totally given over to Torah study, even to the exclusion of What advantage does the lulav possess good deeds. over the esrog? Seemingly, it represents Divine service in the new year. The month of Elul -- and in a different way, the unique days of Rosh HaShanah, the Ten Days of Teshuvah, Yom Kippur, Sukkos, and Shemini Atzeres -- are days of preparation, characterized by teshuvah. When does the Divine service of the new year begin? Simchas Torah. of the Torah scroll? That the dancing on Simchas Torah expresses a Jew’s commitment to accepting G-d’s yoke to the extent that he is no longer an independent entity. The feet are given over to the head. As soon as the head desires something, the feet respond. Indeed, when the feet behave like independent entities, and hesitate before carrying out the will of the head, it is a At that time, the Jewish people are like sign of sickness. a young child that must be educated. And that education begins in the spirit By becoming the “feet of the Torah of the verse “The Torah which Moshe scroll,” a Jew subsumes his identity to commanded us...,” emphasizing the the Torah. He resolves to carry out its importance of kabbalas ol. This lesson directives spontaneously, as a natural has an ongoing effect throughout the expression of who he is. And this resolve year. Even when we focus on the intel- extends over the entire year to come. lectual dimension of Torah study, our There is another element to the analogy. efforts will be permeated by faith and The feet complement the head, taking kabbalas ol. it to places which it could not reach on its own. So too, in the Jew’s relationship Becoming the Torah’s Feet to the Torah, by accepting its yoke with The above concepts also help us underjoy, we bring it to a higher level. stand a statement made by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe. He would say This is why the plural is used in the that on Simchas Torah, the Torah also expression “the season of our rejoicing.” desires to dance around the reading For just as the Jews celebrate with the platform. The Torah, however, has no Torah, the Torah celebrates with the feet, so the Jewish people become its Jews. For it is the Jews’ celebration with feet, carrying it around the reading the Torah that lifts the Torah to a higher platform. level, and enables it to celebrate. This is why on Simchas Torah we dance with the Torah wrapped in its mantle. We thus emphasize that the Torah transcends our understanding, and Why is the very opposite done? Why this becomes a source of happiness. is the celebration characterized by Our happiness does not stem from the dancing with the Torah wrapped shut, Torah’s intellectual dimension, but rather from the fact that reading and so that it is impossible to study it? studying it binds us to G-d’s essence. It is true that one must also fulfill one’s fixed quota of Torah study even on We dance with our feet. The feet are Simchas Torah. But that is because one identified with faith, which expresses is obligated to study Torah every day. It the essence of the soul. is not customary to make an increase in Our celebration and dancing with the Torah study on Simchas Torah; this is Torah while it is wrapped initiates our What is meant by becoming the feet not the way the holiday is celebrated. September 26, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 13 Shleimus Haaretz The Obligation to Settle the Entire Land of Israel With Jews Published and copyright © by Sichos territories were liberated, but it is still to settle the entire Land of Israel, When they act swiftly and quietly, all explaining: the pressure will be forestalled, because possible to settle them today. in English the nations will see a fait accompli, an Regarding the second claim, the Rebbe It is true that “the Guardian of Israel The Rebbe Answers All Criticism irreverable act of the Jewish court that said: neither sleeps nor slumbers,” but G-d The Rebbe’s emphatic words regarding the Land of Israel is an everlasting wants people to also act within the settlement of the entire Holy Land As to their claim that they promised inheritance of the immortal nation. framework of nature, at least with the elicited many reactions and denun- someone etc. — this claim lacks all minimal effort required to move one’s The Rebbe adds that not only will the ciations. Here are some of the answers foundation, since one cannot promise little finger. This is what He teaches us nations cease their pressure, but will which the Rebbe gave in replying to something which does not belong to in the Torah: When the Jews hear that ultimately even assist us, as the Rebbe the detractors. him; the Land is something which gentiles want to come to a city “to take says on Motzoei Shabbos Chaye Sarah, belongs to the Holy One, and He gave There were those who agreed that the straw and chaff,” if it is a city from which 5738: it to every Jew, and to all of the Jews optimal situation would indeed have it “would be easy for them to conquer as an everlasting inheritance; thus, Settlement of all parts of the Land of been to immediately settle all the the land,” the Jews are to “go out and it belongs to the Jews forever. In any Israel will even affect the nations, to the territories which had been liberated. face them with weapons and even descase, the gentile to whom they made extent that they will even assist us. They However, they claimed, since they were ecrate the Shabbos.” In such a case we this promise, does not believe that will also “feel” (since their mazal will not settled then, it is an impossible goal have a promise that the pressure placed the Jews will truly honor it.[71] Of see) that the existence of Esau is only today. Similarly, there were those who upon the Jewish people to concede, will course, this stems from the fact that for the purpose of helping Jacob. This said that since promises had already be nullified — as we have seen many the nations themselves reneged on the will be a preparation for the ingathering been made not to settle those places, it times when we stood fast. conditions they established, and broke of all Sons and Daughters of Israel — is impossible to do so now. their word on several occasions. This The Rebbe spoke in a similar vein in his shleimus haAm — to the whole the The Rebbe answered these assertions leaves a wide opening for the Jews to address of Motzoei Shabbos Mishpatim Land of Israel, in the coming of (and in his address of Motzoei Shabbos do as G-d wishes. mentioned above: through) Moshiach, after which “G-d Mishpatim, 5738 (1978). The Rebbe will extend your boundaries” — and the Settlement Forestalls Pressure All of the anguish and suffering which calls the first claim a deception. Yes, Land of Israel will be expanded, with the Jews experience as a result of the it would have been preferable to settle In his address of Pesach Sheini, 5738 the addition of the lands of the Keini, negotiations is totally unnecessary. the entire land immediately when the (1978), the Rebbe spoke of the need Knizi, and Kadmoni. The Shleimus HaAretz Talk Show Update By Tamar Adelstein On Monday, October 6th, The Shleimus HaAretz Talk Show ran a very special program on the 35th (secular) anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. Our first guest was Rabbi Sholem Ber Kalmanson, who, as usual, spoke brilliantly and very movingly on the subject of Shleimus HaAretz. Rabbi Kalmanson pointed out a number of fascinating details about the Rebbe’s tremendous knowledge of and strategic insight into Israel’s security needs and defense plans he advised Israeli leaders and generals on. with court marshal should he do so. Sharon shrugged and chose instead to listen to the Rebbe and went on to successfully turn the tide, sending the Egyptian national security advisor Hafez Ismail begging to Henry Kissinger for intervention to save his soldiers from being completely destroyed by the Israelis. Rabbi Kalmanson encouraged all of us to make an honest accounting of our efforts in these days and join together to individually and collectively do everything in our power to stop the impending “convergence plan” or forced evacuation of the 100,000 plus Jews For example, the Rebbe strongly living in Yehuda, the Shomron, and objected to and fought the implemen- Yerushalayim, G-d Forbid! tation of the Bar Lev sandbag line of Our next guest was Mrs. Rachel Lipsky defense Israel had set up along the who shared her memories when she Suez Canal during the War of Attrition was an 18yr old soldier/musician in preceding the Yom Kippur War. The the Israeli Army Band during the Yom Rebbe explained both to Ariel Sharon Kippur War. and Bar Lev, himself, that the Bar Lev line was nothing more than a replica of Rachel also addressed the reasons why the French Maginot Line that had been Jews have fell so easily into accepting easily hosed away by water cannons in The Camp David Accords and all of the war and would not serve as secure line other negotiations that followed despite of defense for Israel. Tragically, the the fact these agreements have clearly Rebbe’s warning was not heeded and not worked to our benefit. resulted in the loss of much Jewish life, Our next guest was Yisroel Danziger r”l, when the Egyptian Army began from Efrat who did a short but revealing its assault exactly as the Rebbe had review of The Camp David Accords described. stressing that the misguided belief both During the Yom Kippur War, Ariel Begin and Sharon held that in giving Sharon quietly contacted Rabbi Shlomo away some territory they would be able Madanchik from K’far Chabad and to gain the sympathy and support from requested that he call the Rebbe for World Powers as well as the Arabs for advice on how to proceed and succeed Israel’s right to retain major centers in in overturning the enemies’ upper YESHA and Yerushalayim continues hand. The Rebbe advised encircling the to plague the security and welfare of Egyptian Third Army. When Sharon Jews everywhere. asked Moshe Dayan for permission to Earlier in the day Yisroel and several do so, he was rebuffed and threatened of his colleagues were arrested on charges that they had used a tractor last June to attack Arabs living near Hevron. Yisroel, whom we interviewed last spring about the security training courses he runs in YESHA, also offers development programs including farming projects. The police confiscated their tractor as evidence. The tractor and other farm equipment are, obviously, essential to begin planting the various fields that are still open to Jews in Yehuda and the Shomron—fields that the Israeli government has yet to decide if they belong to the Arabs according to the Oslo Agreement! As Yisroel explained, this is part of the Israeli government’s recent crackdown on independent citizens and their communities in Yehuda and the Shomron being done to weaken and dissolve any opposition to its plan to force out the 100,000 plus Jews living there before President Bush leaves office in January, G-d Forbid!! Following Yisroel was Mrs. Daniella Weiss who is the former mayor of the City of Kedumin in the Shomron and current major planner of its newest suburb Sh’vut Ami which was partly dismantled by the Israeli Army late last week. Daniella, who has a long and productive career building up new communities in Eretz Yisroel, was brutally arrested last Thursday morning, Tzom G’dalya, and placed under house arrest until her next hearing on October 12th. in the mountains and valleys of Eretz Yisroel where HaShem’s Shechina always rests. Recently Governor Sara Palin, the VicePresidential candidate running with John McCain, participated in a debate with her counterpart Senator Joe Biden. When asked about Israel, she surprising gave the current standard pat answer: two-state solution. I say “surprisingly” because she seems to be fairly bright and level-headed on every other topic in the campaign. It sounds like, just as Rabbi Kalmanson suggested and the Rebbe said, that today it’s not the Americans who are pressuring Israel to make foolish concessions but rather the Israelis who are asking the Americans to give the appearance of doing so in order for the few but powerful and highly corrupt political elite in Israel to hide their true intentions and walk off with ill-gotten gains at the expense of the rest of us. Just as we must take those Powers-That-Be to task and, as the Rebbe said, expose them through unceasing protest, so too should those who are in the position to do so seek to communicate to the presidential candidates the Rebbe’s views on Shleimus HaAretz. To review today’s Shleimus HaAretz Talk Show, dial 641-715-3486, Access Code 505946#. Our next show will, G-d Willing, be on October 28th from Noon to 1:30pm. W hen asked how we can help she G’mar Chasima Tova! recommended that if we cannot immigrate to Eretz Yisroel, then we should definitely visit often and help out in the various projects going on to build up the heartland. She beautifully reminded us that everything that is Jewish originates 14 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 26, 2008 Tznius: "America Is Nisht Andersh” The Domino Effect By Mrs. M. Resnick Who can imagine that ten Tishrei-busy women would drop everything Motzoei Rosh Hashono and gather at Machon Chana for an emergency meeting? And a meeting about Tznius no less! Monday, Erev Rosh Hashonoh, I got a phone call from Mrs. Sarah Labkowsky. “We’ve got to do something about the Tznius situation at least in 770. It’s the Rebbe’s Sh’chuna,” she said. “It’s the Asseres Yemei Tshuva! How can we watch so many women and girls walk into 770 inappropriately dressed?” I, of course, agreed with her since we were both on the same page on this issue. So she suggested that we hold a meeting. “Should we meet Motzei Yom Tov?” I asked. “Motzei Yom Tov ?” she replied somewhat incredulously “Well, yes,” I answered, “if there’s a fire burning it can’t wait.” Mrs. Labkowsky and I put together a list of members of the organization involved in women’s issues including our newly formed Bnos Melech B’Yachad (BMBY), the Shul Committee, and the Israeli Guest Committee, and then we s plit the list among us. Two hours before Yom Tov we started making phone calls. (Me, in my car on the way to Crown Heights.) Honestly, we had no idea how many women we would reach or who would be able to make it, but on Motzei Yom Tov, these ten very busy women showed up: Mrs. C. Gorowitz, Mrs. S. Spritzer , Mrs. R. Hendel, Mrs. C. Popak, Mrs. C. Lang, Mrs. D. Chazanov, Mrs. T. Katzman, Mrs. S. Junik, Mrs. S. Labkowsky, and myself. We all commended those who erected the barriers and dividers around the women’s section over Rosh Hashanah. But for Yom Kippur and the rest of Tishrei we wanted to take it one step up. We wanted to raise our womens’ consciousness and ensure that Halacha plays a major part in our in dressing for Yom Tov. feeling the same concern and agreeing of our meeting with her teachers. that action is of the essence. All I can say is that one woman pained To begin with, each one of us individu- by a certain state of affairs brought ally pledged to raise her own level of about to a wonderful avalanche of Tznius. concern, goodness and positive action that will, G-d willing, benefit everyone We decided to post flyers and send a in our community. (Domino Effect.) phone message to thousands of homes, This is a sign for a good beginning for a urging everyone to please dress approNew Year especially a Shnas Hakhel. priately this month. The possibility of distributing scarves and other coverings We need this to become contagious! like during ‘Dollars’ with the Rebbe, We need initiative, effort, involvement, was also seriously entertained. funds, volunteering, elbow grease, This entire year in fact is a Shnas Hakhel anything and everything to recapture when all Jews would travel to the Beis our Beis Hamikdash. Hamikdash to hear the Kohen Gadol read from the Torah. 770 is like the Beis Hamikdash for us. One of the areas always raised in any meeting on Tznius is: One of the women asked why now? What’s the urgency as the situation How does one approach, in a non-threathas been deteriorating for a number ening, non-embarrassing way, a person of years? Various valid reasons were who is not dressed appropriately? brought up but only later did it occur Taking a lesson from the Hayom Yom to me that the Rebbe sent us a mesof Ellul 22nd , “Chassidic doctrine sage in his own inimitable way when demands that before reproving another, we suddenly found those ‘Buttons’ one must pare his own ‘fingernails,’ in 30-some years later after their ‘creation’, order not to gash the other.” And, of in Mrs. R. Chitrik’s basement.( See our course, anyone reproaching a woman article in issue #37 - August 1st, 29th dressed in an untzniusdik manner must of Tammuz) be sure to have love in their heart. That’s why we have to do it now! (And Let me share a wonderful example of we have still to decide what we are going such love: to do with the ‘Buttons’.) Mrs M. Zirkind. went to 770 on Labor For the Vov Tishrei gathering that day, for davening. “Please let me not N’shei Chabad organized in honor of have to see the ‘shmutz’ of the street,” Rebbetzen Chana, BMBY undertook she asked Hashem before she left her to distribute a letter of the Rebbe house. Sure enough, Hashem cleared and diagramed-guidelines for proper the path for her. When she walked attire. into 770, however, she saw a woman Knowing that some among us find with sleeves that clearly exposed her these halachic diagrams ‘off-putting’, I elbows. “How is it,” she thought, “that called Mrs. S. Tiechtel, the MC of the I encounter an untznius woman in 770 evening to ask her to introduce them after not encountering any inappropriin an appealing manner. Mrs. Tiechtel ateness outside in the street?” herself wondered why, indeed, we find But she kept silent as the woman was such hardship in this particular area in midst of a hartzige davening. After when we, as Lubavitch women, easily both she and the woman had finished, undertake so many more difficult Mrs. Z. walked over to her and told tasks. Th i s i s t h e c h a l l e n g e o f o u r generation! She then graciously accepted to introduce the diagrams in an appealing manner in the z’chus of her mother, Rebbetzen Sima Itkin. Mrs. Tiechtel also told me that Tznius was so precious to her mother that even in her last moments on this earth she was so concerned with the proper positioning of her tiechel. Mrs. Labkowsy’s passion was palpable. “We have an Achrayus! It’s the Rebbe’s Shul! We have to do something to help women and girls look right when coming to the Rebbe and we have to stop being afraid to call it what it is… Mrs. L. Abraham, the keynote of the evening agreed to raise the ‘heartfelt it’s Halacha!” plea’ to discard TV and other inapShe even came up with a motto “The propriate visual images from our homes. TIME is Now” with TIME standing (Shura Rishona of Kollel Wives and for Junior N’Shei had originally planned T= Tznius, I=Internet, M=Music, and to have a Vov Tishrei gathering on this E=Entertainment embodying the issue – [article in the issue of Chai Elul, notion of Tznius incorporating the September 26 ] before we found out entire spectrum of life. about the N’shei Chabad Ferbrengen scheduled on the same day) The discussion was exciting and heartwarming with everyone in the room Mrs. Gorowitz agreed to share the spirit her a story: A bachur once came by the Rebbe twice in one night for kos shel bracha. The Rebbe asked him why. He replied that his first one had a “loch in kop”, a “hole in the cup.”(With a play on the word ‘kop’ meaning also a hole in his head.) Now, he told the Rebbe, he is holding a new cup without a hole. The Rebbe smiled and gave him kos shel bracha for the second time that night. After Mrs. Z. finished relating this story, she said to the woman, “I saw you davening so devoutly, and it would be such a shame to lose the brachos from your davening because of a ‘hole, to have your brochos fall out of your sleeves. I’m sure you didn’t notice but the slit on your sleeves clearly exposes your elbows.” The woman looked at her elbows, her face displaying surprise when she realized the truth of Mrs. Z.’s statement. A few minutes later when Mrs. Z. left shul, the woman turned to her and said “Thank you.” An inspired suggestion Mrs. C. Teldon known for her wry humor came up with the following suggestion: What if we found out ‘the number’ of the mitzvah of Tznius in the list of 613 mitzvos. We can be mfarsem it and then one would merely have to say, “#”. It would be a buzz word. Imagine meeting a woman at the store and she was not dressed properly. Just smile at her and say, “59” (Rambam) or “75”(Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch) With a campaign of awareness, she would immediately know what you are talking about. Which ever way works! As long as there’s love in our hearts and those nails are really neatly trimmed the Rebbe is sure to bless our efforts with success. Comments and suggestions to: Tznius1@Verizon.net September 26, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 15 Story An Esrog from the Garden of Eden By Nissan Mindel Reprinted with permission from Chabad. Org It was the first day of Sukkot, and all the congregants in the shul (synagogue) of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizensk were in a festive mood. One could feel the “Yom-Tov” spirit in the atmosphere. As Rabbi Elimelech stood at the lectern and began reciting Hallel, all eyes turned upon him. There was something unusual in his manner this Sukkot. Why did he stop so suddenly in the middle of his swaying as he held the etrog and lulav in his hands to sniff the air? And why did he not go through the Service in his usual leisurely manner? It was evident that something was on his mind, something rather exciting by the look on his radiant countenance. The minute the davening (praying) was over, Rabbi Elimelech hurried to where his brother Rabbi Zusha (who had come to spend the festival with him) was standing, and said to him eagerly: “Come and help me find the etrog which is permeating the whole shul with the fragrance of the Garden of Eden!” And so together they went from person to person until they reached the far corner of the shul where a quiet looking individual was standing, obviously engrossed in his own thoughts. “This is the one,” called out Rabbi Elimelech delightedly. “Please, dear friend, tell me who are you and where you obtained this wonderful etrog?” The man, looking somewhat startled and bewildered at this unexpected question, replied rather slowly, carefully choosing his words: “With all due respect to you, Rabbi, it is quite a story. Do you wish to sit down and listen to it all?” hurriedly finished my davening so that I finished his story, “Yours is indeed an could find out what was the trouble, and exceptional etrog. Now I realize why your “Most certainly I do,” answered Rabbi if I could help in any way. etrog has the fragrance of the Garden of Elimelech emphatically, “I am sure it will Eden in its perfume! Let me tell you the “As I turned towards the man who was in be a story worth hearing!” sequel to your story.” obvious distress, I beheld a most unusual “My name,” began the quiet-looking man, and rough looking person, dressed in “When the wagon driver whom you saved “is Uri, and I come from Strelisk. I have peasant garb with a whip in his hands, thought about his unexpected good foralways regarded taking the “four kinds” pouring out his troubles to the inn-keeper tune, he decided that you must have been on Sukkot as one of my favorite mitzvot, at the bar. none other than the Prophet Elijah whom “From the somewhat confused story, the Almighty had sent down to earth in between his sobs, I managed to gather the form of a man, in order to help him that the man with the whip was a in his desperation. Having come to this poor Jew who earned his living as a conclusion the happy wagon driver looked baal agallah (owner of a horse and for a way of expressing his gratitude to the cart for carting purposes). He had Almighty, but the poor man knew not a a wife and several children and he Hebrew word, nor could he say any prayers. barely managed to earn enough to He racked his simple brain for the best way make ends meet. And now, a terrible of thanksgiving. calamity had be fallen him. His horse, “Suddenly his face lit up. He took his without which he could do nothing, whip and lashed it into the air with all his had suddenly collapsed in the forest might, crying out with all his being: ‘Dear not far from the inn, and just lay there Father in Heaven, I love you very much! and so, although I am a poor man and unable to get up. What can I do to convince you of my love could normally not afford to buy an etrog “I could not bear to see the man’s despair for you? Let me crack my whip for you as according to my desire, my young wife, who and tried to encourage him, by telling him a sign that I love you!’ Saying which, the agrees with me as to its importance, helps that he must not forget that there is a G-d wagon driver cracked his whip into the air me by hiring herself out as cook. Thus she above us who could help him in his trouble, three times. is independent of any financial help from however serious it seemed to him. me, and I can use my own earnings for spiri- “ ‘I’ll sell you another horse for fifty gulden, “On the eve of Yom Kippur, the Almighty tual matters. I am employed as melamed although I assure you he is worth at least up above was seated on His ‘Seat of judg(teacher) in the village of Yanev, which is eighty, but just to help you out in your ment,’ listening to the first prayers of the not far from my native town. One half of difficulty!’ “ The inn-keeper was saying to Day of Atonement. my earnings I use for our needs and with the wagon driver. “Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, who the other half I buy an etrog in Lemberg. “ ‘I haven’t even fifty cents, and he tells me was acting as the Counsel for Defense on But in order not to spend any money on I can buy a horse for fifty gulden!’ the man behalf of his fellow Jews, was pushing a the journey I usually go on foot. said bitterly. wagon full of Jewish mitzvot to the Gates “I felt I could not keep the money I had of Heaven, when Satan appeared and “This year, during the Ten Days of Repenwith me for an etrog when here was a obstructed his path with piles of Jewish tance, I was making my way on foot as man in such desperate plight that his sins, so that Rabbi Levi Yitzchak just got usual, with fifty gulden in my purse with very life and that of his family depended stuck there. My brother Rabbi Zusha and which to buy an etrog, when on the road upon his getting a horse. So I said to the I added our strength to help him move his to Lemberg I passed through a forest and wagon forward, but all in vain; even our inn-keeper: stopped at a wayside inn to have a rest. “’Tell me what is the lowest price you would combined efforts proved fruitless. It was time for ‘minchah’ so I stood in a take for your horse?’ corner and davened minchah. “Suddenly there came the sound of the “The inn-keeper turned to me in surprise. If cracking of a whip which rent the air, “I was in the middle of my prayers when you pay me on the spot, I will take forty-five causing a blinding ray of light to appear, I heard a terrible sound of moaning and gulden, but absolutely not a cent less. I am lighting up the whole universe, right up groaning, as of one in great anguish. I selling my horse at a loss as it is!’ to the very heavens! There we saw the “I immediately took out my purse and angels and all the righteous seated in a banded him forty-five gulden, the wagon circle, singing G-d’s praise. On hearing driver looking on, his eyes nearly bulging the wagon driver’s words as he cracked his out of their sockets in astonishment. He women and girls. whip in ecstasy, they responded: ‘Happy was just speechless with relief, and his joy is the King who is thus praised!’ My mother had a very strong confidence was absolutely indescribable. in our youth, she would always encour- “’Now you see that the Almighty can help “All at once, the Angel Michael appeared, age me to give a student another chance, you, even when the situation appears to you leading a horse, followed by the wagon look at the situation again, because she to be entirely hopeless!’ I said to him as he driver with whip in hand. believed our youth could do it. hurried off with the innkeeper to harness “The Angel Michael harnessed this horse the newly-bought horse to his forsaken cart We can put all our Kochos and enthuto the wagon of mitzvot, and the wagon tied to the stricken horse in the forest. siasm and take our community back. driver cracked his whip. Suddenly the “As soon as they went off, I hurriedly got If this is Kahn Zivah Hashem es wagon gave a lurch forward, flattening the my few things together and disappeared, HaBrocho, then it is up to us to make piles of sins that had been obstructing the as I did not want to be embarrassed by the way, and drove it smoothly and easily right it a beacon of light and recapture our thanks of the grateful wagon driver. up to the Throne of Honor. There the King neighborhood. “I eventually reached Lemberg with the of Kings received it most graciously and, remaining five gulden in my pocket, We can do it and we shall do it! rising from the Seat of judgment, went over and naturally had to content myself Ladies there are copies of the Rebbe's and seated Himself on the Seat of Mercy. with buying a very ordinary looking but letter and a diagram of the Tznius A happy New Year was assured.” kosher etrog. Usually my etrog is the best guidelines on your chairs, do not leave in Yanev, and everyone used to come and “And now dear Rabbi Uri” concluded Rabbi them here, take them with you! make a blessing over it , but this year I Elimelech, “you see that all this came about Mrs. S. Tachtel's summarized her plea was ashamed to return home with such a through your noble action. Go home, and for Tznius in our Sh'chuna for the CH poor-looking specimen, so my wife agreed be a leader in Israel! For you have proved Newspaper after her speech at Vov TIshrei that I could come here to Lizensk, where your worthiness, and you shall carry with Neshei U'bnos Chabad Gathering in nobody knew me.” you the approval of the Heavenly Court. honor of her mother Rebbetzin Sima But before you go, permit me to hold this “But my dear Rabbi Uri,” cried out Rabbi Chasia bas Reb Yitzchak. wonderful etrog of yours, and praise G-d Elimelech, now that the former had with it.” Mrs Tachtel's Plea for Tznius From our earliest childhood when my mother would take us to see the Rebbetzin Chana she would point out to us how she was our Royalty, our Malka. When I was 9 my mother took us to the convention in Manhattan so we should see Rebbetzin Chana. She is part of our community and we have her spiritual DNA in all of us, we are all the Rebbe's kinder. If we truly believe that we are connected to Rebbetzin Chana we can make a change in our neighborhood, we can increase our Tznius observance. Every person sitting in this room can read the Rebbe's letter where the Rebbe writes "Mahir" urgent. The Rebbe was involved in many and varied important matters and he was very careful with the words he used. If the Rebbe used the word Mahir in this context it tells us the urgency and importance of the inyan of our Tznius, as princesses as Jewish 16 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~September 26, 2008 Year of Hakhel… Welcoming the World to Crown Heights – Kaan Tziva Ha-shem es HaBrocha… Visitors from 39 countries in The kindness and hospitality was a the last six months! wonderful breath of fresh air in NYC. The bakery and the mikvah were amazBy Ben Yehuda ing. I highly recommend people of all For 25 years, a local Chabad organiza- faiths visit for a mystic understanding tion has been quietly and consistently of their Jewish roots in action.” bringing thousands of guests from all We thoroughly enjoyed the time we walks of life to visit the Rebbe’s comspent with Rabbi Epstein who shared munity. Through a three to four hour so much of his wisdom and experience daily guided tour of Crown Heights, the with us to enrich our Jewish education Chassidic Discovery Welcome Center and spiritual path. We felt more connected to our Jewish souls after this wonderful, one of a kind experience. Many thanks to the Rabbi.” “Jewish U.S. Navy cadets in 770, one of hundreds of Jewish groups that visit, as well as public and private schools, colleges and universities, etc.” provides a meaningful and inspiring introduction to Chassidic and Jewish life. This mosad, one of the best kept secrets within Crown Heights, has received international acclaim for its innovative programming and educational expertise, and has been featured in various national and international media, including ABC Niteline, CNN News – TV Asahi Japan, the NY Times, National Public Radio, etc. As we begin the Hakhel Year, Anash are invited to share this educational experience with others so that they too can experience the warmth and brotherhood of Chassidic Life. Some recent written feedback… “This was the highlight of my trip to NYC! I felt like a visiting dignitary. This week we continue with the Yahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mentioning them we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn lessons from their lives, that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes the Yahrzeiten from the 10th of Tishrei through the 16th of Tishrei. The respective resting places of the individuals noted in this column are near the holy Ohel, unless otherwise specified. Rebbe and the entire shul. 16th of Tishrei Hachossid Reb Shmaryohu Gurary The son of Hachossid Reb Noson, he was born in Kremenshug and later moved to Israel. Every year, Reb Shmaryohu would visit the Rebbe during Tishrei and for a large sum of money would purchase the Mitzva of opening the Aron Kodesh at Kol Nidrei and handing the Sefer Torah to the Rebbe. He was nifter in 5745/1984, moments before he reached the Aron Kodesh, in the presence of the the spirituality and charm of Crown Heights to an ever increasing worldwide audience. Thousands of dollars are spent annually to promote the tours on the internet and distribute brochures in hotels and attractions throughout the city, and to provide this tour experience “Extremely Interesting. A fascinating (by Anash) in English, Yiddish, Hebrew, peek into a Brooklyn the average tourRussian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, ist doesn’t see. Our tour guides were Italian, German and Japanese. warm, gracious and, of course, very There is so much more that can be accomplished. Please share this amazing experience with your friends, mekuravim, business associates, simcha guests, etc. “Great experience and very informative! I would highly recommend this tour. From the moment I got off the subway, I felt I was in a different world. It was very interesting being part of a somewhat “closed society”. All questions were “Thousands of Jewish teens put on tephillin for the first time in their lives” answered honestly… Our tour guide knowledgeable regarding the subject was kind, informative, and helpful. I matter. No question asked by the tour gained a whole new respect for a group group seemed to faze them.” of people who are extremely devoted to their beliefs. Our tour guide took “A really interesting and eye-opening all the time needed at all our stops so tour… It’s like visiting a living museum. I could really take in all the sights and The tour guides give you great insight information. It was great that we could into the community. The kosher lunch, also take pictures of everything.” which was included in the price, was also really great. I highly recommend “Interesting and informative. The it.” leaders of the group were excellent. They provided a lot of information, and These are just a few of the personal were willing to answer any question, no impressions that reflect the deep impact matter how simplistic. My husband and that has become an almost daily occurI, even though we are Jewish, learned rence on these tours. This unique combination of sights, sounds and much from the interchanges.” experiences provide visitors with a total “Great experience. Joining the tour, emersion in Jewish Chassidic Life. I learned a lot about the community. It is always nice to know about other The nominal fee for the tour and taxpeople not just through reading books deductible contributions of those who or searching internet but through talk- support its work enable the Chassidic ing face to face… I think it was a really Discovery Welcome Center to share Tishrei Yahrzeiten Men 10th of Tishrei precious experience for me. Our guides were so sincere and at the same time friendly, which I was deeply impressed. I appreciate their efforts to introduce their way of life and philosophy to outsiders. Thank you so much.” How? Send them a brochure, or a link to www.jewishtours.com to watch an introductory video. Brochures are available in local stores, or at the Chassidic Discovery Welcome Center’s office by the Tzach / Levi Yitzchak library. You can also send your email address to subscribe@ jewishtours.com and receive a photo and quote of the week which you can forward to others as well. The Board and Officers of the Chassidic Discovery Center would like to thank Rabbi Beryl Epstein and our dedicated staff and guides, our contributors, and the institutions that make themselves available for the tour on a daily basis: Lubavitch Youth Organization – Levi Yitzchok Library (Rabbi Shlomo Friedman and Rabbi Kasriel Kastel), Library of Agudas Chasidei Chabad (Rabbi Beryl Levine), Crown Heights Mikvah (Mrs. Rozzi Malamud and Mrs. Cyrel Deitsch), Crown Heights Matzo Bakery (Rabbi Yitzchak Tenenbaum), HaSofer (Rabbi Moshe Klein), Oraita (Rabbi Gad Sebag), Chassidic Art Institute (Zev Markowitz), and Muchnick Arts (Michoel Muchnik). and especially during the Simchas should email the name, father’s name, date Bais Hashoeva dancing. He merited of the ptira and some details to chp5768@ that the Rebbe referred to him as “My gmail.com. A picture may be included. Partisan”. On the 2nd night of Yom Tov of 5747/1986, he left the Simchas Bais HaShoeva dancing on Kingston Avenue and went to 770, where he was nifter a short time later in the Suka. Women Chana Kolodny The daughter of, may he live and be well, Hachossid Reb Hachossid Reb Yosef, she was a true Bas Chaim Zusia Chabad who and was active in Achos Wilmovsky Tmimim and the Friendship Circle, and The son of Reb Yosef was beloved by children. She was nifter Yitzchok, Reb Zushe at the age of 17 (Toiv) in Yerusholayim served as a partisan in 5767/2006 and her resting place is in Russia during on Har Hamnuchos. WWII fighting the Nazis. He later We should speedily witness “The ones who settled in Israel where he was involved dwell in the dust will awaken and rejoice” in various missions and activities for the with all the above mentioned individuals Rebbe, some of which were concealed, amongst them. spreading Chassidus and reporting to the Rebbe on the numerous Chabad Dear Readers: mosdos in Israel. He would arrive for Anyone who would like to have their Tishrei during and would energize the relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit column community with the joy of Yom Tov