Professional Documents
Culture Documents
USA
SUCCESS IN FIGHTING THE WARS OF 744 Eastern Parkway
G-D
Brooklyn, NY 11213-3409
Tel: (718) 778-8000
Moshiach & Geula | Rabbi Sholom Dovber HaLevi Wolpo Fax: (718) 778-0800
admin@beismoshiach.org
www.beismoshiach.org
LONGEVITY & ETERNAL LIFE
Feature | Rabbi Yosef Karasik EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
M.M. Hendel
ENGLISH EDITOR:
Boruch Merkur
CHOSEN FOR SHLICHUS *NEW ADDRESS* ed@beismoshiach.org
DIVIDING THE HOLY CITY Beis Moshiach is not responsible for the
FROM EXILE
Likkutei Sichos Vol. 9, pg. 175-183
Creation, as it is attributed to G-d’s
name Elokim, is described as being
[active], “Elokim created,” whereas
Creation as it is associated with the
aspect of G-d signified by the word
Translated by Boruch Merkur “He,” [with its connotation of
being] hidden and concealed, is
described as: “He commanded and
they were created” [in the passive tense].
The aspect of Divinity that is connected with
redeeming every Jew individually, “every single
person from his place [in exile],” comes about
through “His hands, etc.” [insofar as He “hold[s] the
hand of every single person”], and thus it is self-
evident that it is G-d Who “holds the hand, etc.”
Whereas, when speaking of how “(He has inscribed
redemption for) Himself,” signifying the very Essence
of G-d, which will occur “when they will be
redeemed,” the complete redemption of the entire
Jewish body50 – at that level, “they will be redeemed”
in a manner that is virtually automatic.
11. Another concept is alluded to in the
commentary of Rashi we are discussing:
Notwithstanding the fact that the concept of “He
has inscribed redemption for Himself when they will
be redeemed” will take place after the completion of
7 MARCHESHVAN: SANCTIFICATION
OF THE MOON – SIGN FOR THE
JEWISH PEOPLE THAT THEY WILL
HOW DO YOU
MEASURE SUCCESS?
By Rabbi Shabtai Slavaticki, Shliach in Antwerp, Belgium
STRETCH ANOTHER
LITTLE BIT
One Simchas Torah, I led the
prayer service at the amud. The
Chabad custom is that when the
chazan davens on Simchas Torah, he
makes a somersault at the end of the
davening. The idea of a somersault
is to express the greatness of
kabbalas ol (acceptance of the yoke,
submission) with the head down
below and the feet up.
When the davening was over I
made a somersault and broke my
leg. After a few weeks in a cast, the
fracture knitted together and the
cast was removed. However, since
the ankle muscles hadn’t been used
in a long time, I had to do
physiotherapy to get my leg back
into shape and normal functioning.
On one visit to the
physiotherapist, he asked me to
stretch my leg as much as I could. I
did so and he asked for more. I tried
harder and stretched it some more
and once again he asked me to
stretch it a bit more. I bit my lips
and stretched a bit more. Then he
explained, “What you do naturally is
not enough. If you want to restore
your leg and awaken the strength
hidden within it, you have to stretch
the muscle more than usual. It’s only
when you make the effort and reach
for your utmost that you release its
dormant powers.”
This sums up our avoda here in
In the winter of 5740, journalist Shlomo approved the initiative. At the Yud-
Tes Kislev farbrengen he said that
Shamir criticized the Igud although the approach of Chassidus
is to negate fasting, nevertheless,
HaRabbanim’s part-day fast and was, since the rabbis decided that the
grave situation justified a
in turn, sharply criticized by the Rebbe proclamation of a part-day fast, he
would join them. The Rebbe called
at a farbrengen. Shamir, who greatly on all Chabad Chassidim around the
admired the Rebbe, asked the Rebbe to world to join in this fast.
The Rebbe said that the residents
forgive him. The Rebbe responded with of Crown Heights were obligated in
this fast since the rav of Crown
guidance on how he should write. * I Heights had signed the
announcement. Since the Rebbe
spoke with Mr. Shamir and heard a himself was also included among the
residents of Crown Heights, all
fascinating account of his lengthy those who were associated with him,
yechiduyos with the Rebbe and about would certainly also participate in
this fast.
their relationship. The rabbis’ announcement, and
the Rebbe publicly joining in the
part-day fast, caused a spiritual
THE REBBE: THE In the middle of Kislev there was arousal amongst Jewish communities
SITUATION IS TERRIBLE an ad in major Jewish newspapers, worldwide. Shluchim around the
signed by the Igud HaRabbanim of world joined the part-day fast and
Winter 5740/1979. At the
the US that called for a “day of tried to include the members of their
farbrengens, the Rebbe warned
prayer and partial fasting” on communities. Hundreds of
about the dangerous situation in the
Thursday 23 Kislev. The reason thousands of Jews fasted and said
world and repeatedly declared “the
given was, “the Jewish people in T’hillim, as the rabbis said to do, in
situation is terrible and frightening.”
Eretz Yisroel and in the Diaspora order to annul the decrees hovering
The Rebbe said the situation was so
are in a frightening and terrible over the Jewish people.
dangerous that it would be proper to
situation with a great danger
declare a part-day fast. “It’s just that
hovering over them, both physically
the approach of Chassidus does not
and spiritually.” The rabbis of Igud
SHLOMO SHAMIR:
endorse fasting,” said the Rebbe. “I
HaRabbanim signed, as did other WHY FAST?
don’t want to call for a part-day fast, At this time, an article appeared
rabbis from the US, Canada, and
but if there will be rabbis who in the Algemeiner Journal by
Mexico.
understand the gravity of the journalist Shlomo Shamir, called,
After the ad was printed in the
situation who establish a part-day “Why a fast all of a sudden?”
newspapers, the Rebbe publicly
fast, I will participate.”
SUCCESS IN FIGHTING
THE WARS OF G-D
By Rabbi Sholom Dovber HaLevi Wolpo
Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry
LONGEVITY &
ETERNAL LIFE
By Rabbi Yosef Karasik, district rav Bat Chefer – Emek Chefer
Why did people live for hundreds of When all goes well, and the
created being does its task, when
years after the world was created while it is finished it departs from this
world.
our lives are so much shorter? When did (Adam HaRishon was created
to live forever, because he had the
the change to a shorter life begin? Why job of fixing the entire world and
LONGEVITY IN
THE MERIT OF TORAH
AND MITZVOS
The connection between health
and long life and a person’s
spiritual state is not rationally
understood, for what does
physical strength have to do with
mitzvos? People’s long or short
lives are understood as the way of
the world, and not as something
dependent on mitzvos!
On the contrary, says
Rabbeinu Bachayei. One would
expect a tzaddik who spends most
of his time on Torah and mitzvos
to be weaker than a wicked
person who has no fear of G-d
and who takes care of his health
(“delicacies expand a man’s heart
and lengthen his days”). So the
CHOSEN FOR
SHLICHUS
By Dafna Chaim
shliach is a tremendous obligation close. When there’s a simcha in sorts of things that need to get
and every moment of our lives has the family of shluchim, it’s like done. A woman giving birth needs
to look the way the Rebbe wants the simcha of a close family to be accompanied to the
it to look. I remember once going member. hospital; a graduate needs
to buy a sheitel with Nechama Since we left on shlichus we chinuch advice; someone needs
Greisman a”h, also a shlucha, and have been here, in Tzfas. I am an help with shalom bayis; a couple
she said to me that we have to be eim bayis (house mother) at is having a hard time with
very careful about what kind of Machon Alte, which means being parnasa, and on and on.
sheitel we buy, since we represent a mother, sister, friend and The Rebbe said that shlichus
the Rebbe. mashpia to the girls. I help them benefits not only the place where
Mrs. Popack: No doubt, it’s a along as they become baalos the shliach is sent but the
great privilege and not a day goes t’shuva and this naturally creates shluchim themselves. Looking
by that I don’t thank Hashem for a very close relationship with back over your years on
the great privilege we have in them, which continues even after shlichus, what has shlichus
being part of the amazing family they start homes of their own. It’s given you?
of shluchim that were chosen by a 24-hours-a-day shlichus with Mrs. Schildkraut: The
the Rebbe himself. The fact that never a dull moment. greatest privilege is to be partners
we went as a group was a big Usually shlichus entails going in the Rebbe’s enormous work in
advantage. It was easier to deal out, in the attempt to influence the world, work that prepares the
with the early difficulties as a one’s surroundings. In my case, it world for its destiny, Geula. The
group than as individuals. all comes to me and each day has Rebbe, in choosing us, gave us
In general, a close bond was its share of surprises and tremendous abilities and this is a
created among the shluchim as in challenges. The phone begins to big thing. When I look at the
a family, and until this day we are ring early in the morning with all array of mosdos that we have
A shliach is someone who is parents) until he found his bashert. many problems that were referred to
involved with a myriad of jobs. He’s The Chabad house is usually me regarding shalom bayis. At first I
a shliach, rav, activist, askan, happy to make a Sheva Brachos was taken aback by the disclosures
shtadlan, fundraiser, psychologist, meal for the bride and groom. This and shaken by the stories, although
etc. Sometimes a shliach is a way, all the mekuravim get to join outwardly I remained calm. I didn’t
shadchan, marital advisor, shushbin the farbrengen and there’s lots of know there were such serious cases
(the one who accompanies the Chassidishe simcha, niggunim, and of differences of opinion, but slowly
groom to the chuppa), and mesader divrei Torah. I learned, with Hashem’s help and
kiddushin (the rabbi who officiates The work does not end when the with the strength of the Rebbe who
at a wedding). The shlucha might bride or groom are escorted to the sent me here, how to smooth things
later accompany the “bride” to the chuppa. On the contrary, in a over and give advice.
delivery room. certain way it begins anew. After the Today, when I look in hindsight,
Over the years on shlichus, I wedding the couple needs guidance I have some moments of nachas
have been involved in many of these and support because life does not when I see those families continuing
roles and have experienced end at the chuppa; it begins. their lives together and raising their
situations both happy and sad. What is unique about getting children to Torah and mitzvos.
One of the most moving involved in shalom bayis issues is
moments in the life of a shliach, one the knowledge that the lives of a
family are in the balance.
FROM AN IDF BASE
of incomparable nachas, is when
one of his mekuravim gets married Sometimes, a visit begins at nine in TILL THE WEDDING
with the “Arba Bavos” playing in the the evening and six hours go by and Sometimes the stories are happy
background. Sometimes a tear is the problem is not solved. You ones but sometimes, when things
shed when I recall the long road we arrange to meet again in a few more veer far from the straight path, and
traveled together from the first time days. every shliach has encountered such
the groom visited the Chabad house Since I arrived in Beit Shaan situations, there are serious and
with piercings in every possible twenty-one years ago, I remember complicated problems that are not
place. I recall when the bachur
decided to grow a beard and went
to yeshiva, and the inquiries we
made together during his search for
a shidduch.
One time, in the middle of the
winter, my wife and I went to New
York to participate in the wedding
of a bachur who went through the
whole, long process with us. It
wasn’t an easy trip but it was worth
it. Another time, I went to Paris in
order to attend the vort of a bachur
whom we adopted from the moment
he came from Russia (without his
“ACHEI T’MIMIM” of the bakeries in Tel Aviv pledged Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim in
IN TEL AVIV to donate a loaf of bread every day Brooklyn. In addition to a proper
for the talmidim of the yeshiva. As learning environment, in the spirit
Rabbi Uri Ben Shachar,
for meat, through the efforts of R’ of Lubavitch, the Rebbe Rayatz is
distinguished resident of Kfar
Mendel Slonim a”h, they came to there and surely this has special
Chabad, passed away on Erev 18
an arrangement with some butcher significance for all the students in
Elul. He was born in 1927 in
stores that set aside a certain the yeshiva, especially someone like
Rishon L’Tziyon to Chassidic
amount of meat for the yeshiva. R’ me who is in the process of
parents. He was drawn to Chabad
Zev Zalmanov volunteered to pick acquiring Torah and Chabad
Chassidus by the mashpia, Rabbi
up the donations of bread and meat Chassidus and an approach to the
Chaim Shaul Brook, who persuaded
from the bakeries and butcher way and customs of Chassidim.
him to attend Yeshivas Achei
stores every day.” “I wrote a summary of these
T’mimim in Tel Aviv.
thoughts to the Rebbe Rayatz, and
As he told me two years ago, “I
“IT IS PROPER AND asked for his consent that I learn in
grew up in a Chassidic family in
Tomchei T’mimim in Brooklyn. At
Rishon L’Tziyon and the mashpia, GOOD TO COME HERE” the beginning of the summer I
Rabbi Chaim Shaul Brook, who was After a few years in which R’ Uri received a letter from the Rebbe
a good friend of my father, Ben Shachar learned in Achei Rayatz (dated 11 Nissan 5707):
introduced us to Chabad Chassidus. T’mimim in Tel Aviv, he yearned to In response to your letter of 22
He eventually got me to learn in travel to the Rebbe Rayatz and be in Adar about your desire to come
Yeshivas Achei T’mimim in Tel Aviv, his presence while learning in and learn in Yeshivas Tomchei
where I was greatly influenced by Tomchei T’mimim in New York. T’mimim in Brooklyn for a period
his unique personality. He described his feelings at that of time and then to return: Every
“The talmidim of the yeshiva, time, in 1947: undertaking and avoda needs to be
including myself, learned from “I feel as though the walls of the done in an orderly and grounded
Chassidim, who were great Torah yeshiva in Tel Aviv are confining way, and therefore you should
scholars. The learning was on a me. A number of talmidim left the present this to my good friend, R’
high level, but the physical yeshiva upon their marriage and I Shaul Dov Zislin, and to my good
conditions were not so great. have been hesitating about what I friend R’ Moshe Gurary, and they
However, the dean of the yeshiva, should do next. I am not ready to should write their opinion to me
Rabbi Eliezer Karasik, and other leave yeshiva and get married, regarding where you are at in the
good Chassidim, did what they especially when I lack the proper study of Nigleh and Chassidus and
could to improve the living Chassidic solidity, which is the basic how necessary such a trip is and
conditions in yeshiva. The foundation to be able to go out and then I will reply, G-d willing…
economic situation throughout the get on in life. Yet, I haven’t made “Of course I hurried to bring my
country was bad and the yeshiva did peace with the fact that some of my question to them. At the time, they
not get many donations. friends have left yeshiva and only were members of the yeshiva’s
“In those difficult days, the young talmidim remain. administration. I asked them to
yeshiva had to obtain basic food “I concluded that my only choice write to the Rebbe about me, as he
items via donations that were is to try and be accepted by had requested. These two
collected daily. The owners of each
“P’ilim,” which is known today as part time job but the school quickly describes R’ Uri’s work in starting
“Yad L’Achim.” drew me into fulltime work. It was the school in Yaffo:
At the end of 5711, the newly a difficult time for the Reshet. They “I had no degree or diplomas. I
installed Rebbe told R’ Zushe opened four schools simultaneously took the test from the Ministry of
Wilmovsky, the “partisan,” to in Kfar Saba, Yaffo, Malacha (in Education later on. There was no
establish a network of schools called Yerushalayim), and Zarnoga (in classroom and nothing that would
Oholei Yosef Yitzchok. Some Rechovot).” indicate that it was a school. I
askanim, including R’ Uri, got Since there was no school gathered the children and we sat
involved in establishing this school building, R’ Uri opened the school under a tree and I began to teach.
system in Eretz Yisroel. R’ Uri took year with sixty students on a R’ Zushe Partisan was the one who
part in the initial meetings and in number of benches that were put in registered the children. He went to
the first activities that preceded the the shade. The parents weren’t transit camps to do so and that’s
establishment of the schools. When pleased, but when they saw the how the school began.”
they spoke about starting the first young teachers and principal who Within a few days, R’ Uri
four schools, he was offered the were ready to put their hearts and received permission from the gabbai
position of principal. He was souls into their students, they had of a nearby shul to use the shul for
unsure about this as he later related: faith in them and allowed their the school. In the meantime, until
“I hesitated about whether to children to remain, despite the the municipality of Tel Aviv decided
leave P’ilim. The financial situation unacceptable conditions. how to treat the new school started
wasn’t great but I finally accepted One of the first teachers was by Chabad, some young
the job of running the Chabad Mrs. Tzippora Heber who even Lubavitchers did something daring.
school in Yaffo. At first it was a today gets excited when she One night in Cheshvan they set
HOLY CITY
By Shai Gefen
broad and powerful public outcry
can stop this insane process led by
Olmert and Rimon.
Not surprisingly, on the day the
possible concessions were
publicized, Katyushas landed in
16 years later. The picture has become Netivot. There was also news of a
quiet intifada beginning on the Wadi
clear. Shamir’s followers speak openly Ara road, within tiny Israel, and
about Hamas’ absolute control over
about dividing Yerushalayim and the Philadelphi Corridor, through
which they are smuggling huge
allowing the Jordanian flag to wave amounts of armaments.
over the Holy of Holies. We all see what is going on
within every area that Jews
abandoned and handed over to our
THE REBBE KNEW, WHEN Rebbe was committed to fighting enemies. There’s no arguing with
him and bringing down his the facts; they are hell-bent on
NOBODY ELSE DID suicide.
government.
16 years ago, Israel had what
16 years later. The picture has
was probably the most hawkish
government one could imagine,
become clear. Shamir’s followers “AGAINST HASHEM AND
speak openly about dividing HIS ANOINTED ONE”
Shamir’s government.
Yerushalayim and allowing the
Nevertheless, Shamir decided to go It was announced that an
Jordanian flag to wave over the Holy
to the Madrid Conference and to agreement was reached between
of Holies. Those demagogues on
give the Arabs autonomy in Yehuda Abu Mazen and Olmert, granting
the Right, who like to talk big, have
and Shomron. The Rebbe, in an Jordanian sovereignty to the holy
been revealed to be far worse
unusually scathing sicha, warned sites in eastern Jerusalem and the
traitors than the extreme Left. The
that this was the first step towards Old City. Minister Rimon, in a
Rebbe mentioned Chevron and
giving away Chevron and government session, hinted that in
Yerushalayim and incredibly, it was
Yerushalayim. Annapolis they would discuss
Netanyahu who gave away Chevron
Everybody was surprised. “We matters such as dividing Jerusalem.
and Avigdor (Evette) Lieberman,
would like to assure the Rebbe that Immediately after the Six Day
who says he is in favor of giving
this is not our intention,” they War, the Rebbe warned that talks
sections of Yerushalayim to
explained. “The Rebbe does not about giving away land would lead
terrorists.
understand the facts on the to giving away all the land,
Those who labored under the
ground.” “What connection is there including Yerushalayim. As he told
false pretense, as though there is a
between autonomy and a Palestinian then Knesset member, Geula
broad consensus not to give away
state and dividing Yerushalayim?” Cohen, “They will have to fight for
Yerushalayim, are mistaken. If we
“There is a consensus on Yerushalayim and conquer it once
concede Yehuda and Shomron, why
Jerusalem.” again.”
shouldn’t we concede
There were the clichés uttered by 32 years ago, the Rebbe spoke
Yerushalayim? The Arab’s main
the politicians, and among ourselves sadly about how they were about to
claim is on Yerushalayim.
there were also the pundits, who give away the holy sites to Jordan
With the approach of the
admired Shamir and his strength. and the Rebbe even wrote a letter to
conference to be held in Annapolis,
They did not understand why the the journalist from HaTzofeh (the
A message from the Holy Land to all man who interrupted his praise of the tell him that these people are bothering
Chabad Houses around the world: Holy One should have his life you with their idle chatter and that he
When we wrote the Rebbe asking interrupted. He should not see the glory should stop them. If you think that it is
for a bracha to stop the talking in the of G-d.’ embarrassing to reprove them, let them
time of prayer and reading of the Torah The repercussions of speaking in the be embarrassed! If they are not
and that no one should talk on a synagogue are deadly. Since G-d embarrassed from speaking in front of
telephone in the synagogue, the answer desires that we all fear and honor Him, G-d, let them be embarrassed to speak
came back: “I am delighted to hear a person, who at the very time the in front of the congregation! It is really
what you are doing and I give you a congregation is assembled to give for their own benefit.
bracha.” praises to G-d, separates himself from If you are the leader of the
The synagogue has been a meeting the prayer service and while in the congregation, the responsibility is yours.
place for Jews throughout the midst of the congregation begins to If you do not protect the honor of G-d
generations. Far more than merely a have a conversation about mundane then you have sinned against G-d and
place to pray, it has been a fortress and matters is causing himself grave your sin is even graver than that of a
help center. For centuries, Jews have consequences. layperson.
come to the synagogue to meet old The Talmud (Brachos 6a) teaches us Remember, upon your death you
friends and make new ones. Before the that “a synagogue is the house of G-d.” must face the Heavenly court and there
invention of the newspaper, it was the (Brachos 23a). In addition, “a you must give an accounting for all of
chief place to find out what was synagogue is the house of G-d and the your actions. With this in mind you will
happening in the world. It has been, Divine Presence is always there.” refrain from sinning, especially
and still is, a place that a Jew who was If you speak in the synagogue in the regarding talking or speaking on a
having trouble could come and find middle of prayers you are denying that phone in the middle of prayers and
others that could give him assistance He is your G-d and you have desecrated during the reading the Torah. If you
and advice. Throughout our long exile, his holy name. You can expect the would speak in front of a mortal king,
it has been the prime institution for a following problems (Deut. 27-28): he could put you to death! How much
Jew to maintain his ‘Jewishness.’ 1. It will have a negative effect on your more before the supreme King of Kings.
With all the good that the synagogue job, your business, your investments The sanctity of the synagogue and
does for the Jew, there is one serious and any other expenses you have. the House of Study is very great, and
evil that the Jew can do to himself there 2. It will bring sickness upon your we are enjoined to fear the One who
– and that is speaking during services. family, your wife, children, dwells in them, blessed be His name, as
The Holy Zohar (Truma 131a) grandchildren. it is written Leviticus 19:30): “And My
speaks out about speaking in the 3. It can cause a breakdown in relations sanctuary shall ye reverence.” Therefore
synagogue: with your wife and general peace in the it is forbidden to engage there in gossip
“One who speaks mundane words house (shalom bayis). or to make there any calculations except
(not connected to prayer or study) in 4. It can cause death of family members those pertaining to religious matters,
the synagogue – woe to him – since he at an early age. such as the counting of charity money,
shows that he believes that there is 5. It may cause older children to leave or the like… (Code of Jewish Law
separation in the upper worlds. Woe to home, abandoning the Jewish tradition. Chapter 13 verse 1)
him that he reduces faith, woe to him 6. It leads to intermarriage Every one present must be silent and
since he does not have a part with the Talking in the synagogue is a very listen with attention and devotion to the
G-d of Israel. He acts as if he has no serious matter; please take it to heart. Chazzan’s repetition of the Shmoneh
G-d (since every one else is praying and See some of the disasters that have Esrei, and respond Baruch Hu U’varuch
he is not) and that G-d is not there in befallen others Remember: there is no Shmo and say Amen to every bracha.
the synagogue and he does not fear such thing as accidents; every thing that Even studying holy subjects is forbidden
from Him. He acts lighthearted in happens comes about from G-d. during the repetition, and needless to
regards to the power of prayer. The Torah tells us that you shall fear say there must be no idle conversation.
He should be with the congregation no man only G-d, which means that if (Code of Jewish Law Chapter 20 verse
who are praying and should put his someone insists on talking, you must 1)
mind and heart into speaking to G-d tell him or her in a nice way to stop. If In accordance with the above, we
and not to talk to his friend at all. If he they do not stop talking, tell them that ask you please, to refrain from carrying
does not stop conversing with his friend, you will complain to the rabbi. If they on a conversation during Davening and
the angels above will announce: ‘This do not stop talking, go to the rabbi and the reading of the Torah.