contents

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featured articles WeeKlY cOluMNs

NOW YOu caN dO it tOO!

Menachem Mendel Arad

12 GO fOrtH aNd dO tHe reBBes sHlicHus

Yaakov Shmuelevitz

4 16 31 32 36

Dvar Malchus Parsha Thought Moshiach & Geula Memoirs Shleimus HaAretz

20 tHe PesacH cleaNiNG tHat BrOuGHt GOOd

NeWs
Menachem Mendel Arad
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cHassidic 22 tHeluBliN aNd GaON Of YerusHalaYiM

Dov Levanon

28 WHY are YOu asKiNG QuestiONs?

Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Ginsberg

38 tHe OrPHaN frOM aGadir

31
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DvaR Malchus

HIS SOUL IS WITHIN ME

source materials compiled by Rabbi shloma Majeski. translations appear in bold; underlining is the emphasis of the compiler.
Translated and presented by Boruch Merkur

In a revealing, personal talk the Rebbe MHM gave on Purim 5711, just over a month after his official acceptance of the leadership of Chabad, the Rebbe said the following in tears: Who am I and what am I? Ich veis nit farvos matert men mir What do they want from me? I dont know why you are connected to me and I to you In the course of expressing these doubts and reservations, the Rebbe turned to one of the elders of the Chassidim and said to him: With regard to the inauguration of the Bayis Sheini, the Second Temple, we find that the elders who had seen the Bayis HaRishon, the First Templewept. You, who were with the Rebbe [Rashab], nishmaso Eden, and with my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe [Rayatz] it is indeed a show of discipline on your behalf that you do not cry With [the passing of] the Rebbe Rashab, there was his only son to take his place, but now?! ([Reacting to this outpouring of emotion] several of the elders of the Chassidim approached the Rebbe shlita and said that the Chassidim dont want to hear this kind of talk. One of them called

out, You are the Rebbe a link on an unbroken chain of leadership starting from the Alter Rebbe, and he asked for the Rebbe shlita to pour for him a cup of mashke, saying that he wants to receive mashke from the Alter Rebbe! The Rebbe shlita smiled and gave him mashke.) Among the things said in this exchange, the Rebbe made several statements expressing having hiskashrus to him, such as: It would appear that you have no other option. In fact, I too have no other recourse; Im not trying to shirk my responsibility; I am only a channel [for the Rebbe Rayatz]; We must be bound to the Rebbe. I take his place in only a single respect. At some point in this talk, the Rebbe said: After the histalkus of the Rebbe [Rashab], nishmaso Eden, my revered father-inlaw, the Rebbe, once said that he does not say of his father nishmaso Eden his soul resides in the Garden of Eden, for what purpose is there in saying nishmaso Eden when it is easier and better to say nishmaso bi his soul resides within me?

(The Rebbe concluded) So too with regard to the Rebbe: I dont say nishmaso Eden but nishmaso bi [the soul of the Rebbe Rayatz resides within me]! *** After singing the Alter Rebbes Niggun of Daled Bavos followed by Nyeh Zshuritzi Chluptzi, the Rebbe MHM addressed the Chassidim again: I would like to bless you, as well as myself-I once heard from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, with regard to giving pidyonos, that it is appropriate to give oneself a pidyon, in particular upon the tziyon hakadosh, the holy resting place of the Rebbe I would like to give the bracha that we should see the fulfillment, on this Purim, of the bracha my father-in-law, the Rebbe, gave in one of the final years of his life in this world that this should be the last Purim in galus, the last Purim in exile. And the Rebbe MHM concluded: And the Rebbe shlita will lead us to Moshiach.
(Purim, Toras Menachem 5711, pg. 326-327)

Moshiach & Geula

CLASSES ON MOSHIACH & GEULA AS IT RELATES TO THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION:

NOW YOU CAN

DO IT TOO!
A Chassid who wants to speed up the hisgalus of the Rebbe MHM knows that the direct way of doing this is through learning Inyanei Moshiach and Geula. A Chassid who gives shiurim knows that his most popular shiur is on the weekly sidra. If he can combine the parsha shiur with Inyanei Moshiach and Geula, that would be perfect. But how can you find a connection between the parsha and an interesting Geula idea every single week? * Moshiach BParsha is a new project which got underway at the Kinus HaShluchim. It is the solution for any shliach and Chassid!
By Menachem Mendel Arad

unday night the shliach sits in his office, massaging his aching head. In another hour, about twenty mekuravim are going

to show up at the Chabad house for a shiur on the parsha. They are highly intelligent and have prestigious jobs, and the shiur always turns into a lively Torah

discussion. If he did it right, he would sit for three hours and prepare a shiur that combines a sicha on the parsha with the Dvar Malchus, a Chassidishe story and a

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Geula concept which he concludes with a practical message. But the day had gone by in a blur of running around between offices and banks, donors and friends. He

doesnt have time to open sfarim and prepare a solid shiur. The shliach thinks to himself, If only my mind could suddenly

fill with material for a shiur, like a miracle of money suddenly being deposited into my account. He tries to call a friend in order to find out whether, perchance, he
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Moshiach & Geula

for suggestions or constructive criticism in order to continue to upgrade. If you run a Chabad house or are a lecturer or simply someone who wants to give a great shiur, you can receive a ready-made shiur each week for free! It all began about a month and a half before the Kinus HaShluchim of this year. At the Vaad Kinus HaShluchim sat the staff of the Kinus organizing committee. The idea of helping shluchim and making shiurim on Moshiach and Geula accessible for them and their audiences came up long ago. The upcoming Kinus HaShluchim provided the impetus to finally get the project off the ground and ready for the Kinus. The project is run by R Chanoch Chaskind and he was happy to tell us about it as well as their goals and their plans for the future. Why is the shiur on the parsha and not on Geularelated topics? Our working assumption was that a parsha shiur is given in the vast majority of Chabad houses in the world. Even a shliach who doesnt give a shiur probably talks about the parsha on Shabbos. Since we know that the Rebbe said that learning Inyanei Moshiach and Geula is the direct way to speed up the hisgalus, he probably tries to connect the sicha to Moshiach. Often, the Rebbe makes the connection in the sicha. If he doesnt, the shliach does it himself. However and this is the big however aside from the segula aspect of learning Inyanei Moshiach and Geula to hasten Moshiachs coming, the Rebbe noted the connection between learning Inyanei Moshiach and Geula and the person

A GIFT FOR THE REBBE

Those who are using Moshiach BParsha can enter a raffle for $1800 that will take place on 11 Nissan. This raffle is connected with another project that was announced at the Kinus HaShluchim a Gift for the Rebbe. This latter mivtza is based on the statement of Chazal that the kings of the world will bring gifts to Melech HaMoshiach. If the kings of the world will bring gifts, then surely we Chassidim of the Rebbe and his shluchim should bring him gifts. The Rebbe often said that he is not interested in gifts of silver and gold. The one thing that makes him happy is hearing that Jews increased in learning Torah and teaching it, that they opened Chabad houses, and do mivtzaim. In accordance with what the Rebbe said at the Kinus HaShluchim 5752 that the avoda of shluchim today needs to be permeated with Geula and Moshiach and how this will lead to kabbalas pnei Moshiach, the best gift is when we can tell the Rebbe that we fulfilled his horaa and increased in things having to do with Inyanei Moshiach. Our gift will be given on the day of the hisgalus. If, G-d forbid, that is delayed, everyone will publicize the gift that he prepared for the Rebbe on a website set up for this purpose: Matana4Rebbe.com The publicity is meant to encourage others to join in and prepare more and more gifts for the day of the hisgalus.

If only my mind could suddenly fill with material for a shiur, like a miracle of money suddenly being deposited into my account.
has a ready-made shiur for that weeks parsha. To his surprise, the answer is yes. Open your email and Ill send you a terrific ready-made class. A minute later, the shliach is focused on the papers that his printer has spewed forth onto his desk. After an hour or so he gets up and goes to the lecture room. His headache is gone and he sits down, relaxed and happy. He hands out source sheets and starts the shiur. *** Every week, the Vaad Kinus HaShluchim in New York sends out a fully prepared well structured shiur called Moshiach BParsha to about 1000 shluchim and others around the world. At this point, the project is in its infancy and the organizers are clearly looking

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experiencing and living in a state of Geula. In the sicha of Shabbos Parshas Balak 5751, the Rebbe explained that when a person learns Inyanei Moshiach and Geula, and he really understands what is going to happen, the emuna and anticipation become palpable and he starts living with Moshiach. On the one hand, learning topics in Geula and Moshiach is the most important thing to do. On the other hand, a shliach cannot always be confident that people will show up for a weekly shiur on Geula and Moshiach and then also attend a shiur on the parsha. Many mekuravim feel they cannot come to the Shabbos table without having learned about the parsha, but they dont have that sense of urgency about learning the topic of Geula, so that they wont allow a week to go by without learning about it. Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness so that people will want to attend an interesting shiur on the topic of Geula, but the question was: what is the first step toward achieving this goal. Then the idea was proposed that there be a shiur on the parsha in which participants will learn new ideas about Moshiach and Geula that are connected to the parsha. After receiving suggestions from lecturers and shluchim on how to structure such a shiur, it was decided to give the collecting, editing and writing work to R Menachem Mendel Feldman, the mashpia and maggid shiur in Chassidus in Ohr Yehuda. We discussed with R Feldman how he would go about his work so that the finished product would be clear and not too long, while being well-structured, comprehensible and engaging. Tell us about the editing and preparing of the shiur. Where do

you take material from and how do you decide on the topics? The shiurim are taken from the Rebbes sichos, of course. We try not to take abstract concepts but those topics which are downto-earth so that the participant will readily relate to them. When the Rebbe himself connects the sicha to Geula, we develop the Geula topic based on the sources. Even if in the sicha itself the Rebbe doesnt make an explicit connection, but there is a mention of the Geula even in a footnote, we expand on the Geula topic. Sometimes there is a

reference to another sicha where the Rebbe explains a parallel topic which he connects to the Geula. Often, the Rebbe innovates something in Inyanei Moshiach and Geula, which is more readily understood after learning another sicha on the same topic, even if there is no direct connection to Moshiach and Geula. For example, in the shiur on Parshas Mishpatim, after the first part of the shiur which is based on sichos that do not deal with Geula and Moshiach, what the Rebbe says in the Dvar Malchus 5752

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agree with the idea, they dont necessarily understand it, and most importantly, they dont live with it. For example and I will mention simple concepts things like Moshiach will come and we will bring korbanos in the Beis HaMikdash, living with Moshiach, or going out of galus are inyanim that remain disconnected from their reality. When constructing these shiurim, our goals are that the shiur be interesting, varied and edifying. This is so that by the end of the shiur, which should be easy to transmit both for the shliach and the listener, the listener will learn a new Geula concept that will be added to the concepts he learned in previous weeks and it will be fully understood.

SOME FEEDBACK
This is what R Dudu Lieder, who runs a Chabad house for Israelis in Melbourne, had to say: First, a big yashar koach for the terrific shiurim which are a big help to me, especially during busy times, so that I come to the shiur prepared and ready with handouts and sources. I give the shiur every Wednesday at eight in the evening to Israeli tourists who come to Melbourne. The last two shiurim were attended by 25 and 30 people respectively, and have shown a clear increase in the number of participants in the shiurim. Another email, this one from R Eldad Ilan of Gedera, said: First, a big yashar koach! The work put into the shiurim is very apparent. I used the shiur last week, for Parshas VaYigash. The ideas explained, the integration of Chassidus and the Zohar, Midrashim, etc. is simply excellent and generates a lot of interest. Another shliach began with praise and ended with a helpful suggestion which was implemented the following week: Its a great project and immensely important. We were really missing something like this and the idea is spot-on since there are many shluchim who want to teach Inyanei Moshiach and Geula as the Rebbe wants, especially when this is the derech hayeshara, but there isnt always time to construct a shiur. As you know, most of the time we look for a short sicha and this project really fills a need. And this reaction from a female resident of Kfar Chabad who gives shiurim all over the country: What a pleasure! I have been teaching Chassidus for nearly thirty years. Finally, someone has prepared superlative material for a shiur.

SO THAT PEOPLE SPEAK ABOUT MOSHIACH AS A HAPPENING EVENT

Many of the subscribers to the shiur are in touch with the publishers. They thank them for the shiur and offer suggestions to improve it. R Chaskind emphasizes that the shiur is being offered as part of a trial run, i.e. he wants comments in order to improve the product and make it suitable for all types of audiences. A shliach who gives shiurim to varied audiences says that he is getting enthusiastic feedback: Boruch Hashem, we are fortunate that people know what the parsha is about. Today, even those who are close to religious observance can quote a vort on the parsha. As for those who are close with Chabad, they know concepts from the Rebbes sichos on the parsha. However, their focus is not on Moshiach. These wonderful shiurim, which are well organized and

Since there are many Lubavitchers giving shiurim on the parsha who would like to receive this format, we decided to allow any Chassid who gives a shiur on the parsha to use them. Our goal is to help Chassidim do what the Rebbe wants, which is to make learning Inyanei Moshiach and Geula understandable to all.
becomes far more significant and understandable. Then we spoke with another talented person who is on the editing team: What are your goals in writing Moshiach BParsha? That Moshiach not be abstract or even something that relates to the distant future but something real and current. Thats not easy. How can you achieve that goal in a parsha shiur? People attend a shiur given by a shliach, even one who really lives Moshiach, and they hear concepts from the Dvar Malchus that they dont quite understand. Even if they

10 4 Nissan 5773

come consistently, provide a hidden benefit in that even before people understand the concepts, they are made aware of the significance of the times we are living in. I believe and hope that the participants in the shiurim will begin to feel that they understand and live with Moshiach just as they are familiar with the parsha. Today, just two months since it began, the subscriber list to Moshiach BParsha numbers over 1000. R Chaskind is not satisfied and hopes to double that number shortly. How does the shiur work? The lecturer receives a shiur via email at the beginning of the week. The shiur is constructed in such a way that the basic content of the shiur is in the body of the text. On the bottom of the page are extensive footnotes, short stories, etc. The lecturer decides, based on his audience, whether to expand on the shiur or go through it quickly. Also, each participant is provided with a source sheet that the shiur is based on. When the lecturer cites a source, with the

question, proof or answer, the participant sees the text in front of him. The concept is based on the efficacy of lectures that are given along with a PowerPoint presentation, in which the person learning sees the structure of the lesson and the lecturer explains, expands, and develops the topic. In order to make the shiur readily accessible to every shliach, we decided to implement this concept of visual aids in a simpler and easier way. Instead of making the shiur dependent on having a laptop and portable screen, which not every shliach has, the shliach receives a sheet which he prints out in advance for the people attending his shiur. The shiur then becomes professional without the shliach having to do extra work. Who can receive these shiurim? At this point, it is sent for free via email. Since there are many Lubavitchers giving shiurim on the parsha who would like to receive this format, we decided to allow any Chassid who gives a shiur on the parsha to use them.

Our goal is to help Chassidim do what the Rebbe wants, which is to make learning Inyanei Moshiach and Geula understandable to all. What are your goals? That every shiur on the parsha given at Chabad houses or by those who give shiurim on army bases, shuls, etc. will be given along with an Inyan of Moshiach and Geula. Even if not every shliach sticks with the format of the shiur, but takes at least the Geula concept and exposes his audience to it, Dayeinu. What other plans do you have? In recent weeks we have added a translation of sources into English so that English speakers can benefit from the shiur. Also, as we announced at the Kinus HaShluchim, we are working on preparing a yearlong course for learning Inyanei Moshiach and Geula. At first, the course will be in English and then in Hebrew. To receive the shiur each week via email, send a request to: chanoch@kinus.info

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GO FORTH AND DO THE REBBES SHLICHUS

Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz Shliach, Beit Shaan

FOOT SOLDIERS
Rabbi Shimshon Tal, shliach in Hod HaSharon, is on the go all day; not only on Shabbos, but nearly every day, walking from mivtza to mivtza. R Tal firmly maintains that when you are on foot, you meet more people and each encounter develops into an important conversation, whether its a question in halacha or about day camp or a shiur, a donation or a mitzva, a wedding or a bar mitzva. R Tal does not have a car. And so early each morning, he walks to the mikva and then continues to the Chabad House. He then returns, crossing the length and breadth of the city in order to reach the Chabad preschools, to visit a school, do mivtza tfillin, preside at a memorial gathering, give a shiur, lead a Chanukas HaBayis, and lead Mincha and Maariv. His brother R Menachem Tal, shliach in Ein Ayala and the yishuvim on the Carmel coast,

often walks too. In the early years of his shlichus, it wasnt easy for him to arrange minyanim for Shabbos at the shul that he reestablished. Before every tfilla on Shabbos, he would go from door to door to every house on the moshav and personally invite people to join the minyan. Later on, he was able to convince the residents that just as they take turns to guard the moshav, they should also take turns attending the minyan. Each one signed up for an hour and a half twice a month, and since then there have been minyanim without his having to walk all over the moshav every Shabbos.

FOR THE ECO-TOURISTS

R Tal divides his time among dozens of mekuravim in all the surrounding yishuvim. Just recently, two of his mekuravim told him that they themselves were trying to open a Chabad House near their home. The two

are Had Shmueli and Dovid Ada who live in Kfar HaAmanim in Ein Hod. After they learned from personal experience what an impact a Chabad House has, they decided to do something similar to attract additional people. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) planned a series of hiking tours throughout the country, which they called Shvil Yisroel. Surprisingly, the path goes right through Kfar HaAmanim, in R Tals territory. One of his oldtime students is Had Shmueli who lives there, and the path goes right by his house. Had quickly realized the potential of his strategically placed home and he set up a big tent in his yard for the hikers. Every hiker who passes by is invited to enter the guest tent. There is room to spread out a sleeping bag and there are chairs and tables. The hikers call Had the Angel of Shvil Yisroel. His phone number is posted on the Internet and hikers are always

12 4 Nissan 5773

calling to say they are coming. Sometimes, they go into his house, start talking, join Kiddush or a shiur. Its just like Avrohom Avinus tent! When Had was observing yahrtzait for his father, a few people were sitting in his living room at ten at night. They were learning Torah and waiting for a minyan so they could say Kaddish. The phone rang and seven hikers said they were on their way. The minyan problem was solved. The next day, Had found the group of eco-tourists standing in the tent, wearing talleisim and tfillin, and davening Shacharis. Hads friend Dovid is also a mekurav of R Tal. He wanted to upgrade the tent, and so before Sukkos he built a spacious sukka for eating and sleeping next to the tent. To Had and Dovids delight, many hikers showed up throughout Chol HaMoed and every night they held a joyous Simchas Beis HaShoeiva. One

evening, R Menachem Tal participated. He had come to see nachas from his students students, and he farbrenged with them till late at night.

AN ANGEL IN WHITE AND AN ANGEL IN BLACK

One shliach who goes long distances every Shabbos for shlichus purposes is R Naftali Mintzberg of Kfar Neter. R Mintzberg lives in Netanya, and every Shabbos he walks, usually with his children, about an hour each way to the shul in Kfar Neter. He does this Friday night and Shabbos morning and afternoon. In Kfar Neter live some people who dont exactly love R Mintzbergs religious activity. This is why R Mintzberg suffers verbal abuse as he walks along, which actually shows how much these people are aware of his presence and activities. Two of the regular offenders are an older couple who ride their bikes every Shabbos morning

near the yishuv. When the rabbi and his children show up, they meet this couple who ridicules them. Youre not sick of coming here? Its not hot for you with the tallis and those black clothing? One Yom Kippur, something interesting happened. R Mintzberg went to Kfar Neter and davened as the chazan for most of the tfillos of the day. The shul was packed. Among the people was also the older couple. During the break between tfillos, the woman went over to the head of the yishuvs governing committee and gaily said, Congratulations on finally getting rid of those Chabadnikim. We can arrange a fine tfilla without them. The head of the committee reacted in surprise and said he was sorry to mar her joy, but the chazan and the one who had organized all the tfillos was R Naftali the Chabadnik. Now it was the womans turn to be surprised. She realized that although she was used to seeing him every Shabbos in a black
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Mintzberg took a look, he saw that it was very old and could not be fixed. He somehow managed to borrow a Torah to use for the next two years. When two years had passed, the owner of the Torah called him and asked for it back. Mrs. Mintzberg had just given birth, which made it difficult for her husband to leave the house for long periods of time, and he was wondering whether he should continue those long walks. Furthermore, he did not see how he would obtain another Torah. Shabbos morning he set out, perhaps for the last time. Upon entering the yishuv, he noticed someone walking in the same direction. As they walked, they got to talking. The person said, Are you the rabbi who walks here every Shabbos from Netanya? R Mintzberg, not knowing why he did so, told the man that this might be his last time because he had to return the Torah scroll they had been using. Two days went by and the man he had met called R Mintzberg and said, Although I am not religious, maybe I can help you with the Torah. I recently made a new friend from Kfar Sitriya near Rechovos (they became acquainted over the Internet when in search of a family to adopt the family dog). I told him about Kfar Neter and he told me about Kfar Sitriya. At some point, I found myself telling him about the rabbi who wont be coming anymore because there is no Torah. The man told me that they have five Sifrei Torah in their shul and they dont use them all, and maybe they could lend one. R Mintzberg immediately called the shliach in Sitriya, R Yosef Yitzchok Kaplan, and after

SIMCHAS TORAH IN SHATTA PRISON

Theres the method of going from bottom to top, elevation, and there is going from top to bottom, descending and influencing the world, even the lowest places (see the maamer Lech Lecha 5745). As we do every year, four of us left Beit Shaan on Motzaei Simchas Torah in order to do hakafos shniyos at Shatta prison. As one can find everywhere else, among the inmates too there are better people and not quite so wonderful people. What we did went as follows: we Chassidim went from wing to wing, with R Dovid Teichtel leading the group (for many years he served as a prison chaplain, and now too he volunteers at prisons on Yomim Tovim, for lectures and mivtzaim). We walked in, began singing Simchas Torah songs, the inmates left their cells, gathered around us and then we went to the shul or took a Torah out to the yard and danced together. In one of the wings there was a prisoner from Beit Shaan. The moment we walked in, he recognized one of the Chassidim, a friend from Beit Shaan. He ran to him and hugged and kissed him and then dashed to his room where he prepared coffee with milk and brought it to his friend. The Chassid, for understandable reasons, did not want to drink the coffee and excused himself by saying he was fleishig. The inmate wanted to run off and make a black coffee but the Chassid told him that it wasnt time for coffee but for hakafos (play on words intended). The inmate suddenly remembered that he had yahrtzait that very day for his father and he still hadnt said Kaddish. He ran to his room and brought two precious items a package of wafers and a bag of Bamba. Then he went to the shul where about thirty inmates were already dancing with the Torah. He filled a plate with wafers and a plate with Bamba and asked everyone to say brachos for the elevation of his fathers soul. Each inmate recited a loud bracha, R Teichtel said some Divrei Torah, a religious prisoner said R Chananya ben Akashya Omer and Kaddish Yasom was said. On Shabbos BReishis I reviewed a sicha of the Rebbe in the Chabad House about the first thing Hashem made light and the message that each of us needs to illuminate the world. I told them that even in Shatta prison there are people who increase light, like the inmate who is sentenced to many years but came up with a way of increasing the light. He ran to make two types of coffee and donated his few treats so that they would say brachos and Kaddish for his father. sirtuk, this time, for Yom Kippur, he was wearing a white kittel. She had to admit that the rabbi provided a wonderful atmosphere for the entire yishuv. solved through the long Shabbos walk from Netanya to the Kfar. When R Mintzberg first started his shlichus, he asked the older worshipers in the Kfar to show him the shuls Torah scroll. They told him proudly that they had already found some mistakes in it which they had fixed themselves with the help of a marker and pen. When R

WALKING FOR TORAH

One of the early stories from shlichus in Kfar Neter is about a problem that arose and was

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a brief explanation, R Kaplan lent him a Torah for 18 years. Thanks to a long walk.

AN HOUR AND A QUARTERS WALK FROM TZFAS TO AMUKA

Another shliach who walks a lot is R Meir Wilschansky. He lives in Tzfas but has adopted moshav Amuka, near the gravesite of Rabbi Yonasan ben Uziel, an hour and a half walk from the Chabad neighborhood in Tzfas. Whenever he plans on going to Amuka for Shabbos or Yom Tov, he prepares a loaf of bread for an eiruv techumin since the distance is further than the tchum Shabbos. The first time the residents

of Amuka saw the rabbi appear to go up to the Torah? How Shabbos morning in their does one arrange the Shabbos shul, they rubbed their eyes in proceedings? astonishment. With time, his When discussing this with appearance became routine, and a neighbor, they heard that the word got around that whoever Lubavitcher rabbi who comes wanted to arrange a bar mitzva, from Tzfas for house calls knows an oifruf or the like, could ask how to arrange a bar mitzva and the rabbi who would happily lead even did so for some boys in the the davening, the Kiddush, and yishuv. The father of the family the seuda. found it a bit hard to believe One family in Amuka wasnt that a rabbi from Tzfas walked enamored of the rabbi and his to Amuka, but after hearing religious activities. Even when he this from some eyewitnesses, he made a house call to them, they called R Wilschansky and asked Express service Express service responded coolly. This went on for his help. Fully Computerized Fully Computerized for several years. One day, the Of course, R Wilschansky family was getting ready for the guided them throughout, from Ave. 331 Kingston Ave. 331 Kingston bar mitzva of one of the boys and buying tfillin to (2nd(2nd Flr) Brooklyn NY 11213 Flr) Brooklyn NY 11213 even the the parents didnt knew whom to Divrei Torah that would be said speak to. Where to buy tfillin? at the Kiddush on Shabbos in Get your tickets within minutes! Get tickets Who would teach the boy howyour shul.within minutes!

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Issue 873

15

PaRsha thouGht

HAVE YOU BROUGHT A KORBAN LATELY?

By Rabbi Heschel Greenberg

ANATOMY OF GEMATRIA
Gematria is the term used in rabbinic literature that translates roughly as numerology. In Torah interpretation, Gematria is a legitimate and serious method of establishing connections between words and concepts and is even employed by the Talmud in matters of Jewish law. Thus, when we see the numerical equivalency of two apparently unrelated words, it is an indication that on some level there is a thematic connection between them. The field of Gematria is not a free-forall, where anyone can find the numerical equivalency between two words and draw unwarranted conclusions. However, when we already know the connections between words and concepts, the method of Gematria helps to buttress and flavor that knowledge. In this weeks parsha, VaYikra, the Torah discusses the various offerings one would bring to the Beis HaMikdash, the Holy Temple. In the opening

paragraph the Torah states: When a person among you brings an offering to G-d, you should bring your offering from animalsfrom cattle, or from flocks. The Chassidic work Zera Baruch discovers that the two key Hebrew words of this verse korban lashsem-an offering to G-dhave the numerical value of 408. That is also the numerical value of the three Hebrew words tzom (a fast), kol (voice) and mammon (money). These three terms can be found in our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur liturgy above the corresponding words: tshuva (repentance or return), tfilla (prayer) and tzdaka (charity). For ones repentance and return to the right path to be complete one is required to fast on Yom Kippur. Raising our voices in prayer, petitioning G-d to forgive us, is indispensable to getting close to Him. Sharing our money with the needygiving charity is crucial in getting G-d to be charitable towards us and erases any negative decrees against us

that may have resulted from our errant behavior and that may have caused us to become distant from him.

THE ART OF GETTING CLOSE

On the surface, the connection between these three elements, Tshuva, Tfilla and Tzdaka, and the idea of bringing an offering to G-d is quite clear. To come close to G-dwhich is the true meaning of the word for sacrifice or offering in Hebrew (korban)one must do tshuva, pray, and give tzdaka. These three are crucial components of the process of getting close to G-d. Tshuva involves selftransformation. If ones current disposition is antithetical to G-d, Tshuva (which involves remorse for the past and resolve for the future) allows us to shed that negative past. However, Tshuva alone will not suffice. A person has to make a conscious effort to get close to G-d and cannot rely on the fact that he or she has an altered personality. So if Tshuva removes an impediment

16 4 Nissan 5773

to getting close to G-d, Tfilla constitutes the actual process of getting close. On a deeper level, Tshuva too is an important part of the process of getting close to G-d, just as the word Tshuva return implies. Tshuva is not merely removal of an impediment; it is also a movement in the right direction. Tfilla goes beyond that. The word tfilla is related to the Hebrew word for attachment. Whereas Tshuva leads us on the right path and brings us closer to G-d, Tfilla is the end result of becoming attached to and bonding with Him.

THE KEYS TO REDEMPTION

We can now understand why our Talmudic Sages stated, Israel will only be redeemed with Tzdaka. The simple understanding of this statement is that G-d rewards us measure for measure. If we give Tzdaka to those who are in need, G-d reciprocates and performs the ultimate act of Tzdaka by taking us out of exile, with all of its impoverishing features. In light of our previous analysis, there is an even more profound way of understanding the link between Tzdaka and Redemption. Exile is not just a geographic term. It is a description of how distant we have become from G-d. Exile is the antithesis of

TZDAKA, THE CLINCHER

What then, we may ask, is the role of Tzdaka in the process of getting close to G-d? If we have removed the impediments and are now in a state of attachment to G-d, what role does Tzdaka play? The question is not why it is important to give Tzdaka. Rather, why is the giving of Tzdaka the third, and presumably the ultimate, step in bringing our korban? One answer is that Tzdaka represents the most tangible expression of moving away from ourselves and our self-interest. Tzdaka involves taking our hard earned money and giving it to someone else. Our spiritual emotions notwithstanding, without Tzdaka there is no guarantee that our return and attachment to G-d is real. Even if it is genuine, there is no guarantee that the attachment will be sustained. Since we are essentially physical beings and creatures of habit, the way to ensure that our korban is genuine and sustainable we must engage in acts of Tzdaka.

hand and a korban on the other, we can explore the connection in even greater detail. In this verse, the Torah speaks of the korban coming from: animalsfrom cattle, or from flocks. It may be suggested that the three elements of Tshuva, Tfilla and Tzdaka parallel the three items, animal, cattle and flocks. The animal to which this verse refers is not just the physical animal that was sacrificed. Chassidic literature understands the animal as a reference to the animal soul within us. It is this animal nature that stands in the way of our being able to get close to G-d. The antidote to the negative influence of the animal soul is fasting. Fasting should not be understood to mean exclusively

Tzdaka represents the most tangible expression of moving away from ourselves and our self-interest.

korban. Redemption is when we enjoy a complete return to G-d. It is no wonder then that the word korbanohis offering that appears several times in the beginning of this weeks parsha has the same gematria value as Moshiach. We bring about this collective korban by way of these three elements of Tshuva, Tfilla and Tzdaka.

desisting from eating. It includes all forms of suppressing our animal drives; but most significantly, it requires us to alter the animalistic way of thinking. This is what Tshuva entails. Tshuva involves a complete paradigm shift. Instead of thinking like an animal we must think like humans created in G-ds own image.

WE ARE ONLY HUMAN

We often dismiss our inadequacies by saying we are only human. On the contrary, if we had acted the way our distinct human character dictates, we would not have fallen short of the mark. If we wanted to be more precise, we would say that it is the animal in us that causes us to
Issue 873

PARALLEL BETWEEN ANIMAL, CATTLE AND FLOCKS AND TSHUVA TFILLA AND TZDAKA
Now that weve established the connection between Tshuva, Tfilla and Tzdaka on the one

17

PaRsha thouGht

Fasting should not be understood to mean THE THREE POWERS OF ROYALTY exclusively desisting from eating. It includes The title accorded to all forms of suppressing our animal drives, but most Moshiach is Melech King. The significantly, it requires us to alter the animalistic way word Melech is said to be an acronym for moach (brain), lev of thinking.
act contrary to our humanity. At any rate, to bring our korban we must change our animal way of viewing things. An animal will step on a rock, a one hundred dollar bill or a baby without making a distinction between them. An animal does not see beneath the surface. Our first challenge in bringing our own personal korban, and the collective korban of the Redemption, is to see things through our open human eyes. passion to G-d. Tfilla, we are told, is a time of battle. The G-dly soul combats the aggression and passion of the animal soul. Tfilla focuses on the greatness of G-d and is designed to excite the soul. So, while the Tshuva component of the korban creates a paradigm shift, changing the way we think, Tfilla works to massage the heart. The third ingredient for getting us closer to G-d and our Redemption is the final item in this verse, which is flocks. This term refers specifically to flocks of sheep, a timid and meek animal, and suggests the tamed, but hedonistic, animal soul. There is no aggression or passion here, just calm indulgence in the material world. Tzdaka is the counterforce to the aspect of the animal soul that stands in the way of our return to G-d. Tzdaka involves taking our hard earned money, with which we could indulge the physical and material pleasures of the world even more, and giving it away.

MESSAGING THE HEART

The second reference in the verse is to cattle. The term cattle, generally, is used to represent the aggressive individual. He or she is filled with rage and, like the proverbial bull in a china shop, steps and stomps his way through life. This is the person whose animalistic energy and passion can be channeled into holiness. That is the function of the voice of prayer. Prayer is the medium through which we vent our emotions and stir our

(heart) and kaved (liver). These three parts of the human anatomy parallel the three areas that we must tackle to bring about our total return to G-d, which after all is the function of Moshiach. First, Moshiach masters the mind. He possesses the most spiritually sophisticated approach to life. He sees things with open eyes. Second, Moshiach has the greatest passion for G-d and for His people and suffers every moment that G-d and the Jewish people are in exile. Third, Moshiach is one who has conquered his material desires (represented by the liver which is filled with blood, symbolizing physical pleasure). He has transformed his desire for the physical and for pleasure into the joy and bliss in spiritual delight. To bring our personal and collective korban we must each incorporate into ourselves these three elements: Tshuva (paradigm shift), Tfilla (stirring our passion) and Tzdaka (transforming our selfish and hedonistic desires into selfless acts of kindness).

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18 4 Nissan 5773

MiRacle stoRY

THE PESACH CLEANING THAT BROUGHT GOOD NEWS

Now that the Purim holiday is under our belt, Jewish homes are beginning the process of cleaning in preparation for the holiday of Pesach. One of the shluchim in Europe gives us a firsthand account of a thrilling story in connection with these preparations, resulting in a miraculous personal salvation.
By Menachem Mendel Arad Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry

he Beis Moshiach Magazine received the following exciting story via e-mail. It was retold in first person by the one who actually experienced it, save for a few minor changes to maintain the authors anonymity. This is not only a miracle story; it is also a special cause for reflection, perhaps even a night-long farbrengen... *** The story I am about to tell

here for the first time is absolutely true, without any alterations or embellishments. I drew my own conclusions, and everyone else can learn what they want from this story. Here are the facts: Before actually beginning to tell this story, I have to provide a little background. Two years ago, I came to a city in central Europe as an unmarried bachur to serve as a teacher at the local Talmud Torah. During that year, I met

my future wife, who had come to the city on a visit. Her sister is the mother of one of my yeshiva classmates. One of the local baalei battim thought it would be a good idea to arrange a meeting between us, two young Israelis in a strange land. We met a few times, and not long afterwards, we decided to establish our Jewish home together. Naturally, we agreed to continue our shlichus right where we were.

20 4 Nissan 5773

In Menachem Av 5771, we got married in a good and auspicious hour. Then, less than three weeks later, I resumed my shlichus as a teacher in the local cheider while my wife began work as a Hebrew instructor. By Divine Providence, just as we were preparing to begin our shlichus, a local Torah observant family returned to Eretz Yisroel, after finishing their own assignment on behalf of the Israel Ministry of Education. Naturally, the apartment where they had lived became available, and we continued their rental contract at a good price with better conditions than what we could have expected from a new contract. This was a nice furnished apartment, located very close to our workplaces and the central synagogue. Since the landlady lived overseas, our contact for rental payments and all matters pertaining to the apartment was her close friend, the neighbor across the hall. When we moved into the apartment, the previous tenants told us that there were two closet shelves containing personal property of the landlady, and they were not available for our use. We agreed to accept this condition and moved into the furnished apartment, happy that we had found a comfortable and convenient place to live. That concludes the introduction to my story. As mentioned earlier, we got married in Menachem Av 5771, and we naturally were looking forward to having children at the earliest opportunity. However, the months passed, and each month brought a renewed sense of frustration... After several months of disappointment, we made some good resolutions and accepted greater stringencies in

our mitzvah observance, but the situation remained unchanged. Then, the turning point came. My wife had finally had enough of those unavailable shelves. We were slowly beginning to fill our new home with clothes and various appliances, but this spot was left unused. We turned to the neighbor in charge of the apartment, and she told us that the owner would be arriving in the city in another few days, shortly before Purim. She said that she would ask her to come to our house and tell us what to do with all the things stored on these closet shelves. When I told all this to my wife, I added that even if we dont spend Pesach at home this year,

with throwing everything into the trash. The busy landlady left the house, leaving us with the neighbor and the mess we had removed from the packed shelves. We soon got to work putting the things into garbage bags. Then, we came upon a discovery that sends chills up my spine to this very day. Buried deep within the closet behind all the antiques was an old box. When we opened it, we found to our horror that this innocentlooking chest was filled with a collection of Christian symbols, pictures, and other idolatrous images. Of course, the box with its repulsive contents was immediately thrown into the

Buried deep within the closet behind all the antiques was an old box. When we opened it, we found to our horror that this innocent-looking chest was filled with a collection of
trash, and our house was finally cleaned of this spiritual filth. The end of the story came nine months later! On the evening of the 16th of Kislev, we were blessed with the birth of our first child, a baby girl... *** In the second chapter of Tanya, the Alter Rebbe details at great length about the value and quality of the pure Jewish soul clothed in a body, explaining the importance of preparing a holy garment for this soul. I dont think that you can make a holier garment for the soul descending into this world than cleaning the house from all signs of avoda zara, and when the house is not clean, the soul probably refuses to descend...

at least well feel the pre-holiday preparations by cleaning out these closets. At that moment, I had no idea what kind of chametz we would be cleaning out... Two days before Purim, the owner came to the house, and we started to clear out the closets. There was a wide variety of junk old irons, broken telephones, board games with missing pieces, tattered dolls, torn posters, and other stuff of absolutely no use whatsoever. Some of these items did seem quite appropriate: We were about to hold a Purim Fair in the cheider, and a few of these old appliances fit the holiday program like a glove. The landlady took a glance at all the clutter coming out of the closet, and after thinking for a moment, she said that she had no problem

Issue 873

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PRofile

THE CHASSIDIC GAON

OF LUBLIN AND YERUSHALAYIM
Reb Shneur Zalman Fradkin, the author of Toras Chesed, was one of the greatest Chabad rabbis of all generations. He served for twenty years as the rav of Lublin, and spent the last ten years of his illustrious life as the leading rabbinic authority of the Chabad community in Yerushalayim. He was a world renowned genius who merited receiving a bracha from the Tzemach Tzedek that he not have to search through sfarim to find any sources that he needed. The Rebbe Maharash testified about him that the concept of forgetting didnt exist for him. The Rebbe Rashab said about him, Even in earlier generations, he would be considered a gaon.
By Dov Levanon

abbi Shneur Zalman Fradkin was born in Adar 5590/1830 in Liadi to Shlomo and Aidel Fradkin. His birth came about through a bracha from the Alter Rebbe to his maternal grandfather, R Dovber, after a son of R Dovber died: I will console you [by telling you] that a son will be born to your household who will illuminate the eyes of Israel. On another occasion, when R Dovbers entire family passed by the Alter Rebbe, his daughter Aidel was not present and the Alter Rebbe asked, Where is she? A great light will go forth from her. Elsewhere it is related: The father of the Toras Chesed, R Shlomo Fradkin, was a builder, and he had occasion to build a home for the Tzemach Tzedek. As he built it, the Tzemach Tzedek came out of his room

and R Shlomo recoiled in fright. When the Tzemach Tzedek saw this he asked, Am I a bear? and he blessed him that he have scholarly sons. The problem was that R Shneur was born mute. His parents went to doctors but found no cure. Then, when he was three, he suddenly began to say Divrei Torah. It turned out that for the first three years he was only listening to Torah but could not speak, and it was only at age three that he could speak it too. The first thing he said was an explanation to Targum Unkelus on the verse UL Nefesh Chaya which the Targum translates as ruach memalela a speaking creature. People came from all over to see the wonder child who at the age of three knew Chumash and Rashi and Unkelus. By the age of five he knew

entire tractates, and when the Tzemach Tzedek visited Liadi, he tested the boy for two hours and then gave him a quarter of a ruble. The boy took the money and said, In the book of Shmuel, Shaul gave the man of G-d-Shmuel a silver quarter and now the man of G-d is giving me a silver quarter. The Tzemach Tzedek liked this line and blessed him to become great in Torah. By the age of eleven the Tzemach Tzedek presented him with questions about agunos in order to hear his opinion. When R Shneur Zalmans tzitzis tore, the Tzemach Tzedek gave them to Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka for her to fix them and said, Shneur Zalman is a wonder child. After his engagement, he went

22 4 Nissan 5773

The grave of the Toras Chesed on Har HaZeisim in Yerushalayim

to learn by R Eliyahu Yosef of Dribin where he became a Gadol BaTorah. After his marriage he decided not to support himself through the rabbinate, but after losing his dowry money the Tzemach Tzedek told him to be appointed rav of Polotzk. In 5615/1855 he was appointed the rav of Polotzk. The Tzemach Tzedek had Chassidim who were geniuses such as R Isaac of Homil and R Hillel of Paritch, and yet R Shneur Zalman was given a special place of honor in the Rebbes court, as per the Tzemach Tzedeks explicit instructions. The Tzemach Tzedek called him a gaon and had him sit with him on Dinei Torah. When someone expressed surprise about this, the Rebbe commented, He knows how

Despite his extraordinary memory, R Shneur Zalman spent three hours a day learning the teachings of the Tzemach Tzedek. He said that hiskashrus to a tzaddik is not possible without learning his teachings every day.
many vavs there are in all of Shas. Elder Chassidim said that the Tzemach Tzedek tied a gartel on him and said the bracha, Ozer Yisroel BGvura, [He who girds the Jewish people with strength]. The Tzemach Tzedek esteemed him so highly that he asked R Shneur Zalman to give his approbation to the second printing of Likkutei Torah along with R Peretz Chein and R Yosef Tumarkin, and they are described there as Chachmei zmaneinu [the wise men of our times]. When R Eliyahu Yosef Rivlin moved to Eretz Yisroel, he planned on going through Polotzk. The Tzemach Tzedek told him not to go that way so as not to distract R Shneur Zalman from his learning. Despite his extraordinary memory, R Shneur Zalman spent three hours a day learning the teachings of the Tzemach Tzedek. He said that hiskashrus to a tzaddik is not possible without learning his teachings every day. When he left his final yechidus with the Tzemach Tzedek he cried and said that
Issue 873

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PRofile
that he would be considered a gaon in earlier generations too. After thirteen years in Polotzk he was appointed rav and av beis din in Lublin. This was a great honor since few were appointed as rabbanim there. His leaving Polotzk was surprising. Some said that the reason had to do with the fact that most of the Chabad Chassidim in Polotzk were mekushar to Chassidus Kapost and R Shneur Zalman continued to be mekushar to Lubavitch. R Shneur Zalman was rav in Lublin for twenty years. Questions were sent to him from all over the world including New York and Melbourne. He was such a genius that even the Rogatchover gaon, R Yosef Rosen, went to learn by him in Lublin. While living in Lublin he became very close with the famous Rabbi Tzaddok HaKohen of Lublin (1823-1900) and they learned Chassidus together for hours. In 5652/1892, R Shneur Zalman first expressed his desire to move to Yerushalayim, but his flock stopped him from going. However, he was determined to go, and he left ostensibly to visit health springs but from there escaped to Yerushalayim illegally. It was only upon his arrival in Yerushalayim that he sent his resignation to Lublin. Everybody in Yerushalayim, led by Rabbi Shmuel Salant and Rabbi Yaakov Shaul Elishar, went out to welcome him. R Shneur Zalman created a revolution in Yerushalayim. He set up a Chassidishe beis din and slaughterhouse according to the customs of Lubavitch, and he ran Kollel Chabad and led the Tzemach Tzedek shul. He soon became the rav of Chabad Chassidim in Eretz Yisroel. When his first wife died, he married a woman named Yocheved. The wedding was attended by the likes of R Shmuel Salant and R Yehoshua Leib Diskin. R Diskin later wrote to his son that it was worth moving to Yerushalayim in order to bask in the Torah of the Toras Chesed, as R Shneur Zalman was known for the work he authored. In Yerushalayim they said the verse, Toras chesed al lishono about him. Back in Polotzk, R Shneur Zalman was a big posek. No greater testimony is needed than that which was written by the Tzemach Tzedek, I am busy and unable to respond ... pose the question to Rabbi Zalman of Polotzk. You can rely on him. R Shneur Zalman collected the thousands of his responsa into his monumental work, Toras Chesed. Only part of it was published. Another seven responsa along with other teachings in his name were printed afterward in the book HaGaon MLublin. He passed away on 5 Nissan 5662/1902.

The gaon became disconcerted and lost his train of thought. He said in annoyance: He should not disturb me. As he said this, the muezzins voice fell silent as his throat became hoarse.
from the wording of the bracha he felt it was the last bracha. He was also very mekushar to the Rebbe Maharash and was one of the three gaonim who crowned the Rebbe Maharash as Rebbe. He also gave smicha to the Rebbe Maharash in Hilchos Issur vHeter along with R Isaac of Homil, R Hillel of Paritch and Yitzchok Isaac of Vitebsk. One time, when he was in a jovial frame of mind, he repeated verbatim from memory a page of Gemara, a page of Maharsha and a page of Kinos for the Rebbe Maharash. The Rebbe Rashab held him in high esteem and said

THE GAON AND HIS REBBE

When the Toras Chesed went to Lubavitch, he would enter the Rebbes room and say a chiddush or present a halachic question that he was struggling with. When he went in 5614, he prepared a long pilpul which he reviewed in his mind before entering for yechidus. I was very happy with this pilpul, he said afterward, because I wanted to give the Rebbe nachas and by doing so, to be mekushar to him. We know that one who is mekushar to the Rebbe in this world will be mekushar to him in the upper world. He said a chiddush and when

24 4 Nissan 5773

he finished, the Rebbe said it was in contradiction to an explicit Mishna. The gaon was taken aback and he asked the Rebbe in which order of the Mishna it was. The Rebbe told him it was in Kodshim. The gaon asked him in which tractate it was and the Rebbe told him Bchoros. The gaon began reviewing the entire tractate Bchoros in his head and did not find the Mishna. The Rebbe then showed him how, from the explanation of a certain Mishna, one could conclude the opposite of what the gaon had said. When the gaon repeated this to the Rebbe Rashab he added, That is when I saw and felt what is meant by learning Torah lishma. *** He was once sent a complicated shaila in Polotzk which two gdolei hador had been asked about already and had not resolved. The gaon was in Lubavitch at the time and his family sent the question to him there. Since it was a very complicated matter, he decided to ask the Tzemach Tzedek. When he went in that evening, the Rebbe asked him to return the following morning. The next day, the Rebbe opened a Yerushalmi and showed him that the question could be resolved from an explicit Yerushalmi. The Toras Chesed was astounded and fainted. The Rebbe roused him and said, Even a gaon can forget a Yerushalmi, but in order to appease him, he promised him that from then on he would not have to search through sfarim but would find what he sought immediately. That is how he had the astonishing ability to find everything instantly. The gaon, R Avrohom Eiger, author of Shevet Yehuda,

would explain this phenomenon by saying that in Heaven they treated him midda kneged midda (tit for tat). Since he learned lishma, they prevented him from wasting time. In the latter part of his life, in Yerushalayim, he once heard them refer to someone as a gaon. The Toras Chesed said, The Rebbe [i.e. the Tzemach Tzedek] was a gaon.

WITH THE REBBE MAHARASH

The gaon once went to Lubavitch on Chanuka and went to the home of the Rebbe Maharash. When the Rebbes son, Raza, saw that the gaon did not have a menorah, he gave him his own. In exchange, the gaon took him along for yechidus. When they entered, the Rebbe offered him fruit, and a question in Halacha arose as a result of which a lively debate ensued. The gaon proved his point from a Yerushalmi and the Rebbe rejoined by saying that the Yerushalmi proved the opposite point. It turned out that in the Yerushalmi the Tzemach Tzedek used, a certain word had a Vav, while in the edition that the Toras Chesed had, the word did not have a Vav. The Rebbe Maharash once said about him, What I learned fifteen years ago seems to me as though I learned yesterday, boruch Hashem. But for R Zalman, there is no such thing as forgetting.

Since the question was not resolved, it was decided that the Toras Chesed, who was also there at the time, would be asked about it. How surprised they were when, a short while later, the emissary returned with a lengthy booklet full of quotes from the Rishonim and Acharonim. When they returned to their respective towns, they were amazed to discover that each quote was wondrously accurate. R Yehoshua of Belz, who was in Carlsbad at the time, would stand next to the window of the gaon of Lublin, in order to hear the sound of Torah study lishma.

EXPERT IN THE ACHARONIM

R Shneur Zalman Fradkin once traveled from Polotzk to another town and a Torah scholar who was also on the train saw that his lips were moving. When he went over to him, he realized he was reviewing Torah. The gaon told him that every month he reviewed a work of the Acharonim by heart and now he was reviewing Chavos Yair.
Issue 873

THE REBBE LISTENED AT THE WINDOW

Once, a number of Torah greats met at the spa in Carlsbad. They discussed a certain question that was the talk of the day among the gdolim of the time.

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PRofile
The Sdei Chemed once visited him and said: Surely you do not look into my book since it is from the last of the Acharonim. The gaon of Lublin responded: I look at it and heres the proof and he began reciting it by heart. climbed a ladder and brought down an old book covered with dust and showed him that exact question written in it. The same thing happened when he was consulted by members of his beis din in Yerushalayim to ask his opinion about a complicated matter. He asked for a certain book and showed them that the question had been asked already to a certain Sephardic gaon. The Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Yitzchok Shaul Elishar, author of Yisa Bracha, once visited him. The gaon asked him which topic he was currently learning, and when R Elishar said he was looking into a name that is not mentioned in the books that deal with the proper spelling of names in gittin [Jewish divorce documents], the gaon took out a book on the subject and showed him that name to the great surprise of the chief rabbi. R Elishar was so excited by this that he kissed him and exclaimed, It is a Sephardic name! Once, his son R Chaim Elishar, author of Chaim Shoal, came to clarify some matter. The gaon showed him that this question was discussed in a book authored by R Elishas grandfather. R Meir Dov Tenenbaum, a distinguished Torah scholar in Yerushalayim, went to talk with the gaon and began with a contradiction of two statements of R Eliezer in the Gemara. The gaon stopped him and said: Look in Noda BShearim siman beis and the hagahos of Reb Yosef Shaul Nathanson on the Yerushalmi and you will find the explanation. looked at the face of the person, then that was a good sign. If he put the note on the desk, it was not a good sign. If he was asked regarding a sick person and he would say, He will be well, that was a good sign. If he said, He should be well, that was a bad sign. While still in Lublin, a woman came to him whose daughter was sick with typhus. The lady knew that he did not receive women unless it was a halachic question, so she told the assistant that she had a womans halachic question. When she entered his room she burst into tears and told him why she had come. The gaon blessed her and when she went home she saw that the girl had begun to sweat. Within a short time she had completely recovered. Many legends concerning him circulated in Yerushalayim. There was a story with R Moshe Shapiro, a Ruzhiner Chassid, who went to him concerning his sister who was dangerously ill. The gaon said to him: I am learning a Tosfos now. May the merit of this learning be a source of healing for your sister. And so it was. Another incident concerned a critically ill person whose name was mentioned to him. To the astonishment of all, he asked that his personal lectern in the beis midrash be moved. The sick person recovered. After Musaf on Yom Kippur, the chazan in his beis midrash felt extremely weak. The gaon said he should daven Nila. When he was told that the chazan was weak, he repeated his instruction and within a few minutes the chazan felt like a new man. R Chaim Hamburger, who was a ben-bayis by him, said that when he was drafted, he asked the gaon for a bracha. The gaon

DIFFICULT CUSTOMER
The famous Chassid R Shmuel Betzalel, known as Rashbatz, made a living from selling sfarim. He refused to show sfarim to R Shneur Zalman, because he knew that by looking at it once he would not need to buy it. However, he agreed to rent him the sfarim at five kopeks per book. A bookseller once offered a precious book to him. R Fradkin looked at it and said: The book is not worth such a high price because it doesnt have more than two chiddushim. To prove his point, he told him the entire contents of the book. When he lived in Lublin, he took a book home for a night and then returned it to the bookseller. I will pay you for the book now being in my brain, but I wont take it since I dont like it. They once brought him an old edition of the Rambam. He flipped through it for a few seconds and declared: One chapter of Hilchos Pesulei HaMukdashin is missing. On the other hand, his love for sfarim was so great that when he heard that a Torah scholar would be arriving in Yaffo with a first edition of Rambam, he traveled to Yaffo to look at it. The trip took nearly a full day.

LIKE AN OPEN BOOK

R Avrohom Eiger once asked him a question that his father R Yehuda Leib, author of Toras Emes, had sent him. The gaon

WONDER WORKER
The rav from Lublin would accept kvitlech. It was known that if, after reading it, he immediately

26 4 Nissan 5773

smiled and said that when he returned, he should bring a bottle of old wine with him. Of course, he was given an exemption and he brought a bottle of wine. When his ten-year-old daughter became sick with pneumonia and the doctors despaired, he went to the gaon who promised him: Shabbos afternoon there will be a change in her condition. And so it was.

DO NOT DISTURB
The gaon would learn eighteen chapters of Mishnayos every day. The gabbai would hold the Mishnayos and the gaon would review them. This did not take longer than eighteen minutes, except on occasion when he would spend a while on one Mishna. One time, as the gaon sat on the roof of his house, deep in thought, the thunderous sound of the muezzin could be heard from the nearby mosque. The gaon became disconcerted and lost his train of thought, and he said in annoyance: He should not disturb me. As he said this, the muezzins voice fell silent as his throat became hoarse.

NO GUESTS FOR PESACH

Although, like all Jews, he began the Hagada by saying all who are hungry, come and eat, he did not allow any guests for the Seder. He once explained this to his wife by saying that every tzaddik is visited by Eliyahu HaNavi on Pesach night. He also told his wife that every Yom Kippur night the Tzemach Tzedek came to him while he was awake and they learned together.

A GREAT MAN PASSES ON

The daughter of the gaon R Moshe Nachum Wallenstein once

went to the gaon of Lublin to ask him to pray for her son who was extremely sick. The gaon counseled her to add the name Chaim, and blessed her that the child would recover. The woman wasnt satisfied and asked him to promise her that she would bring wine and cake from her sons bar mitzva. The gaon thought for a moment and then promised her, sighing deeply. Although he was sick in his final years, what he said in Adar 5662 surprised those close to him, when he began expressing opinions about his doctors as to who was an expert and who wasnt. He concluded with, I can no longer tolerate this world of lies! At this time, he explained the Tzemach Tzedeks instruction to him to learn eighteen chapters of Mishnayos, because if one passes away on Shabbos and is forced to lie around in this world awaiting burial for an entire Shabbos, there would be what to think about. On Erev Shabbos, Parshas Shmini, he wrote a long tshuva to R Avrohom of Sochotchov. The next day, he had an aliya in the beis midrash in his home and after davening he came down with a fever. The doctor said it would pass, but on Monday there were indications that he had pneumonia. The doctor was frightened and he ran to consult with other doctors. The news spread. Tfillos were said on his behalf day and night in all the shuls of Yerushalayim. In some of them, they even blew shofars. On Friday night, 5 Nissan, 5662/1912, on the day that the mother brought refreshments from her son, Chaim Yehudas bar mitzva, R Shneur Zalman Fradkin passed away. At that moment, a fearful thunder and

lightening storm began. When R Shmuel Salant heard the thunder he stood up in fright and said, We can discern from this that the soul of Rebbi has gone to its rest. Just as it was given at Sinai with thunder and lightening, so too it was taken with thunder and lightening. As is known, after the War of Independence, Har HaZeisim remained in the hands of the Jordanians who wreaked havoc in the ancient cemetery. Many graves were destroyed or disappeared. For twenty years, no Jews visited the grave of the Toras Chesed. Right after the Six Day War, R Moshe Tzvi Naeh got involved and asked the Chevra Kadisha to help him locate his ancestors graves. Together with the Chevra Kadisha, he was able to locate the grave of the Toras Chesed and next to it were the graves of his own father R Mendel Naeh (who learned bchavrusa with the gaon even though he was younger than he was by forty years), his wife, his grandson Zalman, and other graves of great Chabad Chassidim.
Sources: HaGaon MLublin, Chassidim HaRishonim, Bitaon Chabad, Noda BShearim

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WHY ARE YOU ASKING QUESTIONS?

By Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Ginsberg

MAKING PROMISES
I heard the following story many years ago from my father ah: One of the first shluchim that the Rebbe sent to Australia did his work faithfully as shluchim do. He had connections with many Jews, some of who became religiously observant and even Chassidim. Others were in earlier stages of religious commitment, some more and some less. There were also those whom he kept in touch with, who had made no apparent changes in their lifestyle. Among these latter ones was a pleasant fellow who respected the shliach but refused to do a single mitzva. The shliach tried talking to him again and again, attempting to convince him to put on tfillin, at least once, or have his wife light Shabbos candles, eat matza on Pesach, Sukka, Dalet Minim, etc. but he wasnt interested. It was like talking to the wall. The man refused firmly, with a faint smile. There was nothing to discuss I respect you, but dont mix into my life. This went on for years. One day, when the shliach met

him once again, the man said: Can you give me some time? Id like to discuss something thats on my mind. The shliach was happy to oblige and they sat down to talk. The man said: I have a problem for some years now and Ive come to the conclusion that only you can help me. We are married for many years and have no children. We have been to the best doctors and have tried many things, but nothing has worked. In the meantime, the years have gone by and we are getting older. We are soon going to reach an age when we wont be able to have children. My wife and I are ready to do anything, anything at all, even if you say we must change our entire way of life, if only we have a child. The man gulped and it looked as though he was finding it hard to say what came next, but he continued: I know you for many years as a man of integrity. I would rely on what you tell me. If you promise us a child, we will start living a religiously observant lifestyle, according to your guidelines. But this is a non-negotiable condition. And you know that within months we

will be able to see whether your promise is fulfilled or not. The man finished his speech and waited for the shliachs response as though his life depended on his answer. The shliach tried to explain to him that this matter did not depend on him (the shliach). He suggested that the man write to the Rebbe and he was sure that when the vessel for the bracha was a willingness to take on so much, going well beyond what would be expected, that Hashem would respond in kind. But the man wasnt interested in this. He insisted: If you promise me a child, I will rely on your say-so and do everything you tell me; if not, theres nothing to discuss. The shliach didnt know what to do. On the one hand, how could he take this responsibility and make this kind of promise? On the other hand, was he allowed to forgo this opportunity to enable this couple to lead a religious life, which would lead to a Kiddush Hashem and a Kiddush Sheim Lubavitch? Although, on further thought, if they did not have a child, wouldnt that be a Chilul Hashem?

28 4 Nissan 5773

He wondered what the Rebbe would want him to do. Surely the Rebbe would want this couple to be religious, and here was the opportunity! But how could he make this promise? He finally decided that although he could not make such a promise, nor could he forgo the opportunity. Let Jews keep Torah and mitzvos for several months and what would be would be. He hoped with all his heart that when they made such an enormous commitment, that Hashem would bless them. He did not want to think about what would happen if things did not work out. With trembling heart, the shliach gave his promise that he would have a child. The man took him at his word and began transforming his house into one that follows Torah and mitzvos. The shliach was afraid to write to the Rebbe about his promise and procrastinated about doing so, but when several months had gone by and the man reminded him of his promise, he had no choice but to write the entire story to the Rebbe. A few days later he received a response which was: When you dont have the wherewithal to carry through, it is forbidden to promise. Still, since he already made the promise, may Hashem fulfill the promise and may they have a child. Needless to say, after such a response, the end of the story is that the couple had a child.

With trembling heart, the shliach gave his promise that he would have a child. The man took him at his word and began transforming his house into one that follows Torah and mitzvos.
reason to take a Megilla along with him. But this doesnt seem to have any connection with the timing of the end of the war. They say that when the Rebbe went to the Ohel during this period of time, the secretary showed him the advertisements stating that the Rebbe said that the war would be over by Purim. The Rebbe was taken aback by this and said: When did I say that? Then the Rebbe made a dismissive motion with his hands and said: Since it was publicized, may it be so. And indeed, the Gulf War ended on Purim.

LET IT BE SO
During the Gulf War 5751, Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein passed by the Rebbe for dollars. He was supposed to fly to Saudi Arabia as a chaplain for the Jewish soldiers in the American army there. He told the Rebbe

that he would be taking along a Megillas Esther since Purim was approaching. The Rebbe smiled and said, Surely there will be a Megilla in the desert but you wont have to read it. From this response many understood that the Rebbe was saying that the war would end by Purim and this was publicized in the media. On Kol Yisroel and Galei Tzahal, Ronnie Daniel announced that reporter Michael Tochfeld had spoken with the Rebbes secretary who said that the Rebbe already foresaw the end of the war. This is a transcript of the broadcast: I just spoke with the Rebbes secretary. He told me that with the opening of hostilities, the Rebbe quoted the Torah that says the eyes of Hashem are constantly upon Eretz Yisroel from the beginning of the year till the end of the year, and this is true now too. These are days of wonders which mark the end of the Galus and the start of the Geula, so says the Lubavitcher Rebbe. It is interesting to note that the Rebbe also foresees the end of the conflict. One of his Chassidim, Yaakov Goldstein, who is an officer in the American army, asked the Rebbe for a bracha before leaving for the Gulf. He said that he was taking a Megillas Esther for Purim. The Rebbe smiled and said that he would be home by Purim. Just to remind you, Purim is less than a month and a half away. In the end, R Goldstein was not sent to the Persian Gulf but to Eretz Yisroel, so he had no

WHY ARE QUESTIONS BEING ASKED?

There are many things, of course, that do not depend on us. When the Rebbe takes responsibility and promises us as a prophecy regarding the time of your redemption has arrived, and immediately Moshiach is coming, as well as Eretz Yisroel is the safest place, these matters are completely assured and must occur. It makes no difference how we relate to it all. Nevertheless, there is room for gradations as to what extent matters penetrate the world and come to pass more immediately. The more we accept things as they are and publicize them, the more quickly they occur. Obviously, we are not allowed to recklessly make promises and count on the Rebbe coming to the rescue, but when it entails
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something the Rebbe asked be publicized, then the more readily we accept it we will create a greater vessel for the speedy fulfillment of the promise already made. As R Leibel Groner related: The Rebbe once spoke at a farbrengen about a certain thing that needed to be done. The next day, the Rebbe asked me what had happened in that regard. I said that those in charge were uncertain about how to do it. The Rebbe said: Ach, why do they ask questions? Why dont they do as I said? If they did as I said, it would be successful. The Rebbe went on to say: What do you think, that when the Jewish people approached the Yam Suf that Moshe Rabbeinu couldnt take them over the water as one walks on dry land? Then they wouldnt have needed the stretch out your hand, or the staff or Hashem making the wind blow all night to split the sea. All of that would have been unnecessary if the Jewish people had believed in Moshe Rabbeinu. When Moshe Rabbeinu says to go, we dont need a Nachshon and we dont need a stretch out your hand. If they did not ask questions, they would have walked on the sea just as we walk on dry land. Why are they asking questions? In the time of Moshe Rabbeinu they started asking questions and the Jewish people cried out. Who needs the crying out? When you start with the crying out, then you first need to start looking for other solutions. The message is clear. It is our job to accept and proclaim it with the utmost simplicity and sincerity without question. This will surely hasten the complete fulfillment of the Rebbes prophecy, when the entire world will join in proclaiming, Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu VRabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach Lolam Vaed!

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30 4 Nissan 5773

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Moshiach & Geula

CARS IN THE TIME OF MOSHIACH

By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon

Dear Reader shyichyeh, This Shabbos we are going to read Parshas HaChodesh from the Torah. In this special portion, which relates G-ds words to Moses in Egypt two weeks before the Exodus, we read about the instruction to set the Jewish calendar by the monthly new moon, and to regard Nissan as the head of months. G-d also instructs the Jewish people to bring the Pesach offering, to eat it with Matza and Maror, and to abstain from Chametz for seven days. The responsibility to individually bring, or be part of a group that is bringing, a Korban Pesach applies to all Jewish people. Yet, as is with many rules, there are two exceptions: If one is impure or is far away (BaMidbar 9:10), one may not be able to offer it in a timely manner. What is implied by the term far away? The Gemara (Psachim 93b) explains: Any place from where a man is unable to enter [Jerusalem] at the time of slaughtering. The obvious question is as follows: In modern times, we all have access to cars and trains and other modes of modern transportation. Anyone living in Eretz Yisroel can come to Yerushalayim in only a matter of a few hours. If so, would this exclusion of living too

far not apply in the times of Moshiach when all these modern conveniences will be available to us? Interesting enough, many of the commentaries (Tiferes Yisroel, Pesach HaDvir) say no! They base their ruling on an interesting ruling of the Gemara. The Gemara (Ibid 94a) says: Our Rabbis taught: If a person was standing beyond Modiim and is able to enter by horses and mules, you might think that he is culpable (for not offering the Korban Pesach). Therefore it is stated: and is not in a journey, whereas this man was in a journey. If he was standing on the either side of Modiim, but could not enter on account of the camels and wagons which held him up, you might think that he is not culpable. Therefore it is stated, and is not in a journey, for in this case he was not in a journey.

From the above is clear that even with transportation available, one is still exempt if they live far away. See the Seifer Yemos HaMoshiach BHalacha (By Rabbi Avraham Gerlitzky) Vol. 2 pg. 457 for an in-depth discussion on the above. Let us finish with the Bracha: Blessed are You, G-d, our G-d, King of the universe, who has redeemed us and redeemed our fathers from Egypt, and enabled us to reach this night to eat matza and maror. So too, G-d, our G-d and G-d of our fathers, enable us to reach other holidays and festivals that will come to us in peace with happiness in the rebuilding of Your city, and with rejoicing in Your service [in the Bet HaMikdash]. Then we shall eat of the sacrifices and of the Passover-offerings whose blood shall be sprinkled on the wall of Your altar for acceptance; and we shall thank You with a new song for our redemption and for the deliverance of our souls. Blessed are You, G-d, who redeemed Israel. Amen! Rabbi Avtzon is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati and a well sought after speaker and lecturer. Recordings of his in-depth shiurim on Inyanei Geula uMoshiach can be accessed at http://www. ylcrecording.com.
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YOU ARE AGENTS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE TO AUSTRALIA

From the life of R Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Serebryanski ah Prepared for publication by Avrohom Rainitz

n the earlier installments there were the two letters that the Rebbe sent to R Zalman from 28 Iyar and 2 Sivan. However, since the mail in those days took a long time to arrive, the letters arrived very late. On 10 Sivan R Zalman had still not received the letter from 28 Iyar and the last letter he had received was from the end of Adar Sheini. Since, according to the plan, they were going to open the new building in less than a month, at the beginning of Tammuz, and they still had not received the Rebbes instructions, R Zalman sent an additional letter to the Rebbe on 10 Sivan. He began the letter by apologizing and asking for a response and guidance: Throughout these weeks, I sent letters to the Rebbe for which I did not receive a response, aside from the letter of the end of Adar Sheini, and since there are some details that need clarification and additional matters that have come up, I will try to enumerate them as best as I can and perhaps Hashem will help, and I will receive the Rebbes guidance in all these matters. ***

In the rest of the letter, R Zalman briefly wrote about the state of Judaism in Australia in general, and about chinuch in particular. He concluded that since the number of religious Jews was very small, and they did not fully understand the importance of a Jewish chinuch, the only way of attracting them towards a Jewish chinuch was if the school would be on a high academic level, in a beautiful building, with a topnotch principal, and teachers who were fluent in English. Since the Chabad mosad did not have all these features, the old time residents did not even consider sending their children there and most of the students were from the Hungarian refugee community. The latter learned in Chabad by default, since their rabbi had left Australia. They said openly that after they brought a new rav, they would open their own school and take their children out of the Chabad school. R Zalman was criticized from all sides. The ultra-Orthodox families said the melamdim were not lamdanim enough, and the local families said the melamdim

were not proficient in the English language. As a Chassid trained to cherish criticism for it will place you on the true heights, R Zalman accepted the criticism with love. Despite everything, he continued working on opening the school in order to fulfill the Rebbes horaos and in the hopes of a miraculous success. He was encouraged by how they had miraculously acquired the building. After this overview, R Zalman asked the Rebbe for answers to the following questions:

AFTERNOON TALMUD TORAH, OR A FULL DAY PROGRAM?

While living in Australia, R Zalman got to know the nature of the Jewish locals. He knew that it was very important to them that their children successfully complete elementary school, high school, and university. The hanachos haolam (givens of the world) were deeply entrenched and their perspective was that one could not be a mentch without earning a degree. They had no desire to send their children to a yeshiva. On the contrary, it stood in direct contradiction to their plans.

32 4 Nissan 5773

R Zalman had two choices under these circumstances. He could either focus on limudei kodesh after the regular school day, as an afternoon Talmud Torah, or he could open an elementary school with limudei kodesh in the morning and limudei chol in the afternoon, which would enable those students who wanted to, to continue on to university. R Zalman hoped that after years of learning in a Chabad school, the children and their parents would be persuaded to have the children continue on in yeshiva (which is what happened with some of them). Naturally, opening a full day school would require a lot of preparatory groundwork. He would have to find a qualified principal and accredited teachers. But even if he were only to open a Talmud Torah for the afternoon hours, he still would have to get qualified melamdim for limudei kodesh, of which there were very few. In one of his earlier letters to the Rebbe, R Zalman asked whether he could recruit his son R Aharon and his friend R Shmuel Gurewitz. Both of them were learning in yeshiva and R Zalman didnt want to take them away from learning, but he had no other options. Since the Rebbe did not respond yet, R Zalman asked for a response once again.

There is no rosh yeshiva and no library as there is in Telz. The bachurs parents consulted with R Zalman, and he firmly said that for the bachurs spiritual welfare it would be better if he remained in the Chabad yeshiva in Melbourne. If your son wants to learn, he can learn in Melbourne too, and if he doesnt want to learn, then if he is far from his parents and family he could lose his Yiddishkait. The bachurs parents, knowing their sons nature, agreed with R Zalman and left him in the Chabad yeshiva. R Zalman had originally thought that these bachurim, who had learned in an advanced

welcome them. Otherwise, he did not want to argue with them, and Hashem would help the Chabad yeshiva thrive without them too. They maintained that they truly wanted to help the yeshiva, and R Zalman sat with them at a meeting together with the members of the yeshivas vaad: R Isser Kluvgant and R Shmuel Betzalel Altheus. During this meeting, they repeated their position that a rosh yeshiva who was a big lamdan had to be found, and that the yeshiva library needed to be filled with Rishonim and Acharonim. They also said that in order for the yeshiva to be a success, they had to arrange a dormitory and

He concluded that since the number of religious Jews was very small, and they did not fully understand the importance of a Jewish chinuch, the only way of attracting them towards a Jewish chinuch was if the school would be on a high academic level, in a beautiful building, with a topnotch principal, and teachers who were fluent in English.

ARGUMENT WITH THE BACHURIM FROM TELZ

Two bachurim, whose parents had sent them from Australia to learn in Telz yeshiva in Cleveland, returned home. These bachurim tried to convince another, younger bachur who learned in the yeshiva to leave for the United States and Telz. This isnt a serious yeshiva, they said.

yeshiva for a number of years, would appreciate the fact that a yeshiva had opened in the spiritual wasteland of Australia and would help and teach in the Chabad yeshiva. He was very disappointed by their attitude, for not only did they not help, but they even tried to do harm. Nevertheless, he decided to meet with them; perhaps he could convince them. At their meeting, they repeated their criticism of the yeshiva and R Zalman maintained that the level of the learning of the bachurim in the Chabad yeshiva was no less than in Telz. Therefore, if they wanted to help, he would be happy to

only then would it be a serious yeshiva. R Zalman said that the few bachurim who learned in the yeshiva could sleep and eat at home, and it was decided that the money that had been spent to provide room and board for the yeshiva in Burwood would be used for the Talmud Torah or for a full day elementary school. The two bachurim began yelling that since they were Australian and had also learned in yeshiva, their opinion had to be considered. They thought that efforts should be invested only in the yeshiva and not in

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little children, and an elementary school should definitely not be opened. From the way they said this, it was felt that they knew that the moment Lubavitchers opened a full day school it would be very successful and would attract a large student body. Apparently, they wanted to prevent this from happening, which is why they tried to convince R Zalman to abandon his plans for a full day school and concentrate only on a yeshiva. R Zalman, like the other members of the vaad, explained to them that considering their experience of the past years, and their knowledge of the Jews in Melbourne, the only way to succeed was by establishing a full day school. This school would feed into a yeshiva. In his letter to the Rebbe, R Zalman reported about the meeting with the two bachurim and in his great humility he wrote that maybe, despite everything, the bachurims opinion was correct. He requested a response from the Rebbe so he would know what to do. He also asked for a bracha so that these bachurim would not become opponents of the Chabad mosdos. Melbourne, and most of the participants in the minyan did not daven Nusach Chabad, could they daven for the amud in their nusach? If they wanted a separate minyan with their own nusach, should he let them? 3-The Hungarian khilla had a small Talmud Torah and they asked the yeshivas vaad if they could rent part of the new building for their Talmud Torah or combine their Talmud Torah with the Chabad Talmud Torah. R Zalmans history with the Hungarian community was not positive. In the past, they had sent their children to his yeshiva, but when their rav came and opened a yeshiva, they immediately removed their children from the Chabad yeshiva. Then, when their rav left, they sent their children to Chabad. This instability had a negative effect on the yeshiva, so R Zalman hesitated to respond positively to their request. At this point, the Hungarians did not have a rav, but R Zalman knew that they had arranged with a certain rav from Eretz Yisroel to come to Australia. Mr. Newman, who was a supporter of the yeshiva, told R Zalman that he planned on going to Eretz Yisroel and he offered to meet with the new rav and see whether it would be possible for the two khillos to work together. R Zalman asked the Rebbe to tell him what to do. R Zalman ended his long letter with a request: I hereby pour forth my supplication and the supplications of Anash who are downtrodden, (as we see in the most tangible way that if we had here even one suitable person to run a mosad), who worked hard and toiled on behalf of the yeshiva, we see that it is necessary here as I mentioned earlier, to have a rosh yeshiva, a lamdan and a principal, who is an expert on educating children of this country. Then it would be possible to raise up the honor of Judaism throughout the country, with Hashems help, and it would be a great Kiddush Hashem. We are greatly pained by this that we see it is possible to be very successful and what is lacking is the person. Therefore, what is needed is one of these two either someone or some people who are suitable, or that Hashem grant us supernatural success.

THE REBBES RESPONSE

The Rebbe responded to his letter on 29 Sivan acknowledging his letter of 10 Sivan. The Rebbe said he was sure that by that time R Zalman had received his letter which responded to some of his questions. Then the Rebbe said (free translation): Most of the letters are about how hard it is and how it is nearly impossible to set up a yeshiva in your area as you wrote in your previous letter. This is despite your seeing open miracles, how in all matters where it did not depend on the bechira of Jews, you saw outstanding success. If there were difficulties, it was only in those areas where Jews in general were involved, and in particular Anash, who have free choice, since they are likened to up above (and only there is there true choice), that there are obstacles. If only you do not miss the opportunity, for there is reason to fear that others will start a Talmud Torah and yeshiva if you dont expend the necessary effort, at least as much as is possible, to establish and expand Yeshivas Oholei Yosef Yitzchok (I am convinced that ultimately it will also be a

COULD THEY HAVE A NONCHABAD MINYAN IN THE YESHIVA?

Other timely questions that R Zalman wrote in his long letter were: 1-The Bnei Akiva youth group had a minyan in the Mizrachi shul and R Zalman wanted to know what he should say if they asked him whether they could have the minyan in the yeshivas new building. 2-Since there were few Lubavitcher Chassidim in

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source of material parnasa, and it is a woeful state of affairs that without adding this point I am doubtful if the necessary effort would be expended on this matter). As to your question about whether to make a Talmud Torah (after-school program) or suffice with a (full-time) day school, you should make a Talmud Torah too, especially when it is doubtful whether there will be enough students for the day school, if you are not first mekarev the boys in a Talmud Torah and chadarim. It is also obvious that you should appoint as melamdim those who are most suited for this, and if Aharon Serebryanski and Shmuel Gurewitch are the most capable, then do it. It is surely for their benefit too, as per the ruling of the Alter Rebbe regarding the power of tzdaka to raise a person above his natural abilities. As for collaborating with people from another yeshiva or with people from another group that until now came and went: Even though we are supposed to welcome everyone graciously, and we need to use everyones abilities within Kerem Chabad as much as possible, even those who are not Chabad, when it comes to making a full

partnership which would mean that those who join will have a say and sometimes a decisive say, you need to be exceedingly wary of this; especially in a new country and where a Kiddush Lubavitch depends on it. Obviously, all this has nothing to do with accepting students from those groups. This is only about those who will have an opinion. Obviously, within the building of the yeshiva there should not be carried out any activities that are associated with any political party. Although, on the other hand, you dont need to check those who come to you to daven or learn to see whether they belong to the party, but the building and everything associated with it must remain above party affiliations, as is obvious. The same is true regarding nusach. Obviously, in a yeshiva building named for the Rebbe, my father-in-law, the nusach hatfilla ought to be his nusach. This is meant in no way to offend the honor of anyone, because everyone understands that since the building and yeshiva are in his name, it needs to be suited to him. However, you dont need to check each person to see what nusach he davens. If someone goes before

the amud occasionally and davens in a different nusach, there is no need for war over this. I repeat, you should accept students to the yeshiva even if you suspect they will only remain temporarily, because in addition to the fact that if you have the proper influence on them they will remain permanently, most of them at least, even a temporary influence of pure Yiras Shamayim is worthwhile. As for the ending of your letter, that Anash are distressed when they see that success is possible and the problem is the lack of suitable people. Since Divine Providence brought them to Australia, and not other people, and showed them open miracles regarding the building and receiving a permit, the dedication of a number of balabatim and the Pupa rav leaving, etc., it is clear that Anash of Australia have the ability to do what is necessary. May it be Hashems will that you go from the potential to the actual and that it be soon and easy. With blessings for success. He who awaits good news and sends greetings to all those who sent regards, M Schneersohn

ADD IN ACTS OF GOODNESS & KINDNESS TO BRING MOSHIACH NOW!

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shleiMus haaRetz

ISRAELS SECRET NEGOTIATIONS TO RAISE THE JORDANIAN FLAG OVER THE TEMPLE MOUNT
Translated by Rabbi Binyomin Schlanger

A FRIGHTFUL STEP
We are now in a situation of Nations gather and regimes talk [against the Jewish People, but their efforts will end] in vain (Psalms 2:1). Not that this gathering is G-d forbid a threat to Jewish lives. The gathering is nevertheless against G-d and His anointed Nation. The Arabs demand that they be given the sacred spot of the Holy of Holies, rights over the Temple Mount and the permit to raise the flag of Jordan there. The Government of Israel [in their willingness to concede] wanted to keep this [agreement] secret. But in reality it is already days and weeks that this has been known to Washington, the Arab Nations, and also to those who are pained by their lack of Jewish pride. They attempt to justify this step by saying this will prevent danger to life, with all their excuses. Yet in the meantime their negotiations continue together with the shocking fact that Jews are prepared to

relinquish into their hands this most sacred spot to the extent of giving the permit to raise the flag of Jordan! Continuously we have stormed to prevent them from internationalizing the Old City of Jerusalem to become a city of three ruling governments. But they have reached a far lower state. It may be asked: what difference does it make which flag flies there? It is irrelevant, does not bother anyone, and has no halachic problem. But the public is not grasping how frightful such a step is. Some

years ago it was absolutely untenable that Jerusalem be ruled by several governments. It was further ruled out that Jerusalem be given the status of exterritorial. Now a gentile has the audacity to state that he has total rights over Hebron, Shchem, and the Old City of Jerusalem. And more: he demands that the Holy of Holies be handed over to him, the Foundation Rock (of the Creation), and that he be given the rights to raise there the Jordanian flag! They (the government of Israel) explain that this will

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prevent bloodshed, and one Jew is an entire world. The truth must be told there is no link between the two. The Talmud lays down the ruling that the Jewish people are the fiercest amongst the nations. G-d gives strength to His People; G-d blesses His People with peace (Psalms 29:11). The Midrash states (Song of Songs 2): There is no strength other than Torah. When the Jewish People hold on to the Torah, they will survive. G-d will simply grant His People fortitude, and G-d will bless His People with peace. The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Torah 267) relates that not only do Jewish people know of this fact, but the entire world community has heard that G-d gives His strength to His People and G-d will grant His People peace. (From a farbrengen first day Rosh Chodesh Iyar 1976)

THE SIXTH KNESSIA HAGDOLA

The Rebbe spoke a sicha (which was published in our last column) several days after the Sixth World Conference of Rabbis (Moetzes Gdolei HaTorah) during the course of which nothing was spoken of the threat to Jewish safety in Israel. The Rebbe had sent the following letter, but due to pressure from some internal factions it was never read out. Last days of Chanukah 1980... regarding a matter of immediate urgency, all necessary publicity should be given to the decision of the Council of Torah Leaders of the Knessia HaGedola of Elul 5697: The Holy Land for which G-d has set out her borders in the Holy Torah is given to the Nation of Israel, the Eternal Nation, and

that any surrender of the Holy Land given to us by G-d has no substance whatsoever. Here arises the question: If the [dangerous] results [of Rabbis instructing that portions of the Land of Israel maybe relinquished] are so clear, how in fact do they permit this in writing? The sole point in their favor can be explained as follows. There is an explanation why Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (founder of the Chassidic movement) was named Israel. Chassidic writings explain that when a man is in a faint and medical treatment no longer helps, there remains the advice that one should whisper into his ear his [Hebrew] name. This name is connected to the very essence of his soul, to the point which is beyond the revealed powers of the soul, and this is able to awaken him. Up until the generation of the Baal Shem Tov the spiritual standing of the Jewish people had not yet reached this point of unconsciousness. That is why they still had a sense of feeling and could bear the pain of the spiritual descent. The Talmud [Shabbos 112B] states that earlier generations were like angels followed by later generations like men. Now we have reached the final generation [since the times of the Baal Shem Tov] when the Jewish people have fallen into unconsciousness. That is why the Baal Shem Tov, whose name is Israel, was sent down from above. This revelation was of a sort of calling out of the name of the Jewish people to awaken them from their spiritual faint. Herein lies the point of favor one can offer them some merit. They are the last remaining Jews who are still in the state

of spiritual unconsciousness. G-d foresaw that if they were to experience the great pain they would not be able to bear it. Therefore did He put them into this state and are thereby able to put into writing such shocking conclusions! This is specially and specifically so, because ever since that time the situation has increased in severity to the very foundations, and any surrender is a matter of actual threat to Jewish Life. This is halachically defined (Shulchan Aruch Or HaChayim, laws of Shabbos 329), [G-d have mercy upon us], that the land will be easily conquered. May G-d, who protects His Jewish Nation, protect every single one, both in Israel and abroad. Very speedily in our days may He put an end to the darkness and redoubled darkness of the generation of the footsteps of Moshiach, who will redeem us from our bitter exile. For he will fight the wars of G-d and vanquish our oppressors, build the Temple in its place, gather in the dispersed ones of Israel, and the entire world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d. Dear reader, Please take a few moments to copy, paste, and email this sicha to 10 friends, asking your friends in turn to email the same to 10 further friends, ad infinitum. Thereby you will be taking a strong and active part in the Rebbes battle to protect the lives of millions of Jewish people whose lives are so endangered. This is, as the Rambam writes, Milchemes Hashem, and we will see it through to the final Nitzachon! Please go to http:// beismoshiachmagazine.org/truepeace/ where you will find the current sicha.

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chabaD histoRY

THE ORPHAN FROM AGADIR

53 years ago this month, eighty-eight students in the Chabad yeshiva in Agadir, Morocco perished in a powerful and devastating earthquake that rocked the city. It was one of the worst disasters to befall the Chabad world in a generation. Several years later, Yitzchak Nimtzovitz of Galei Tzahal, Israels Army Radio, brought the story of Avraham Dabra, a student in the Chabad yeshiva in Morocco, who lost his entire family in the tragedy. He emigrated to Eretz Yisroel soon afterwards, learning in the Kfar Chabad vocational school. In this deeply moving interview, he spoke with great emotion about his family and classmates.
Compiled By Shneur Zalman Berger Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry

Agadir, Morocco. 3rd of Adar, 5720. A powerful earthquake (nearly 8.0 on the Richter scale) hit the city, moving the ground like the sea against the shore. Houses quickly collapsed one after another. The entire city was stunned. The loss and destruction was everywhere. Tens of thousands of people were buried under the rubble. The aid and rescue forces stood helpless in the face of this horrific tragedy.

After about ten days of searching, estimates were that as many as ten thousand people had been killed, including two thousand Jews. Among the Jewish casualties were eightyeight students from the ChabadLubavitch yeshiva (although the exact numbers have not been determined to this day). The destruction was so extensive that the authorities decided not to renovate the city on its original location, choosing instead to rebuild it nearby.

During those years, the Chabad empire in Morocco included magnificent educational institutions and thousands of students. The Rebbes shluchim fulfilled their mission to spread Judaism throughout the country, while placing a special emphasis upon the larger cities and their sizable Jewish populations. In Agadir, the shliach and rosh yeshiva had been the gaon Rabbi Azriel Chaikin shlita, but the authorities drove him out, accusing him of organizing

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The city totally destroyed

Zionist activities. This was two years before the earthquake. In his place, Rabbi Chaim Elbaz was appointed as the new Chabad rosh yeshiva. Rabbi Chaikins expulsion was a source of great anguish, but it later proved to be a miracle of lifesaving proportions, as Rabbi Elbaz and dozens of yeshiva students were lost in the catastrophe. While the Beis Moshiach Magazine reviewed this story at length many years ago (see Issue #243), we now bring a more personal and touching perspective on this event.

THE GROUND SUDDENLY BEGINS TO SHAKE

Avraham Dabra, then a student in the local Chabad yeshiva, was one of the survivors. He eventually emigrated to Eretz Yisroel and learned in the Kfar Chabad vocational school. Several years later, Yitzchak Nimtzovitz of Galei Tzahal, Israels Army Radio, heard his gripping personal account. Here is his report:

It was six oclock, on the morning of the 2nd of Adar, 5720 (February 29, 1960). Sulika Dabra woke up her twelve-year old son Avraham to go to his classes at the Chabad yeshiva in Agadir, a commercial and tourist city situated along Moroccos Atlantic coast. The young boy stayed in bed a little while longer, together with his two younger brothers, eight-year old Eliyahu and two-year old Masud. His mother came back again to wake him up. Not long afterwards, his father, Machluf, also woke up, and after davening Shacharis they all sat down for breakfast. Come home as soon as school is over, his mother instructed him. Avraham kissed his mother and father, took a quick glance at his little brothers still sleeping, placed his small hand on the mezuzah, kissed it, and ran to the Chabad yeshiva with a smile of delight on his brownish face. It wasnt long before Avrohoms twittering voice mixed with those of more than a hundred yeshiva boys, as they sat hunched over their table learning Gemara. At half past ten that evening,

The yeshiva in Agadir. Kovetz Lubavitch

Avraham closed his Gemara and left the yeshiva together with his friends. It was a walk of about fifteen minutes from the Chabad yeshiva to his house, but Avraham urged his friends to come with him to the city for a while. It was 11:40 p.m., when suddenly the ground began to convulse underneath them. A frightful sound like tidal waves and roaring water erupted from a distance of about eight hundred yards inside the city. Within fifteen seconds, the city was turned into desolation. Ninety

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FROM CASABLANCA TO KFAR CHABAD

The Jewish Aid Committee transferred Avraham to the Chabad yeshiva in Casablanca, where he remained for one year. He tried to find consolation in learning sfarim, but he couldnt sleep at night. His mother and father would appear to him in his dreams, and when he would wake up, he would feel the bitter reality all around him and his suffering intensified. At the end of his year in Casablanca, Avraham immigrated in Eretz Yisroel. He stayed for two weeks in a Youth Aliya emergency camp in Ramat Hadassah, and from there he was sent to the Kfar Chabad vocational school. I met him there near the printing press, together with dozens of Kfar Chabad youngsters. He is learning to be a professional printer. He spends half a day at work, and half a day studying. We sat together on the grass.

Lubavitcher yeshiva building collapsed --Davar

percent of the citys buildings had been totally destroyed. Among the nine thousand people who perished in this terrible earthquake was virtually the whole Jewish population of Agadir close to two thousand men, women, and children, including Avrohoms entire immediate and extended family throughout the city. The ruin and destruction failed to miss the Chabad yeshiva: Seventy of its one hundred yeshiva students were killed (interviews with survivors in later years fixed the death toll at eighty-eight); ten were seriously injured. Only about twenty survived, and they were transferred to the Chabad yeshiva in Casablanca. The [acting] Chabad rosh yeshiva in Agadir, Rabbi Chaim Elbaz, who was due to get married that fateful week, met his death together with his students. Avraham and his friends, who were on their way home when the tragedy struck, began running up the hill towards the city. He searched for his parents, but he couldnt find the house. The city looked like it had gone through an avalanche. He went around the devastated city with his friends the whole night.

Finally, in the early hours of the morning, he stood near the remains of his parents house. Over a period of three days, he helped the evacuation teams clear the rubble. From their sevenstory apartment building, home to hundreds of residents, only five seriously injured people had been rescued. With each passing hour, the bodies of more missing neighbors were discovered in the ruins. Avraham prayed and hoped that his family would be saved. However, it was not to be; his prayers had not been answered. The sight now before him after three days of searching was one he would never forget. The four of them were lying there motionless before his very eyes: his father, his mother, and his two small brothers. When they finally revived him from the shock, he found himself in the arms of a Jewish woman who had pity on him and tried to encourage him to continue on. That same day, little Avraham accompanied his beloved family to the Jewish cemetery, as he said Kaddish after them. Totally alone in the world, he went to stay with this woman for the next several days. Avraham was simply inconsolable.

MY FATHER WANTED ME TO BE A RAV

My father was the owner of a hotel in Agadir, and he wanted me to be a rav, Avraham recalled. We all thought about immigrating to Eretz Yisroel. My two brothers were so special. Eliyahu was already going to school. He knew how to sing so beautifully, and on Friday nights he would chant the Shabbos zmiros with all of us. Avraham then lowered his head and told me, I say five chapters of Thillim every day in their memory, and on the anniversary of the tragedy I fast the whole day, sit in synagogue, learn Torah, and cry because I miss them. I dont even have a

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picture left, not of my mother, not of my father, not of my brothers. Its a pity that Im not an artist; I would like to make a drawing of them from memory, as I do remember them very well. Then I would be able to look at them always. I cant even go to their burial place, since theyre still in the Agadir cemetery. Avraham wants very much to have the remains of his parents and brothers interred in the holy ground of Eretz Yisroel. Its good that he has such a strong belief in G-d, as he pours the bitterness of his heart out before Him. He wrote two letters to the Lubavitcher Rebbe residing in New York, explaining his situation and asking for advice on how to conduct his life. Avraham lives in Kfar Chabad, in a dormitory room with two friends his age: Yehoshua Avitan, with whom he learned in the Chabad yeshiva in Casablanca after the tragedy, and a boy named Boaz. His two friends encourage him during the difficult moments and help him to overcome his feelings of great anguish and longing. I want to be a rav in Israel, as that is what my late father wanted, Avraham tells me. However, I also want to learn a trade, so I wont become a burden to others and I can make a living through my own hard work. I enjoy Kfar Chabad. I lack nothing here. Everyone is good to me, but I miss my father, my mother, and my brothers. And again tears began to stream from his darkened eyes.

The destruction in Agadir

70 Lubavitcher yeshiva students among the dead --Maariv

THE LONGING AND YEARNING

Avraham Tzarfati, his counselor in the print shop, speaks most highly of Avraham. He is a talented boy, very quick and sharp-minded. He

is very focused on his work, and he will make an excellent tradesman, he says. However, his educational counselor, Rabbi Dov Teichman, is not oblivious to Avrohoms agonizing problems. Two weeks ago before davening, in the middle of the Chassidus shiur, Avraham burst into bitter tears. Rabbi Dov immediately understood what was happening within his heart. Avraham went to his room, where he sobbed uncontrollably for a whole hour. His spiritual guidance counselor followed him, and sat with him for a long while, as he tried to calm him down and give him some encouragement. While all of my friends traveled to their relatives or

parents for the Pesach holiday, Avraham told me, I had nowhere to go. I like Kfar Chabad, but I have no family members not in Eretz Yisroel or anywhere else in the world. What evil have I done to deserve all this? Kfar Chabad was bustling with unusual energy that day. The work at the local shmura matza bakery was progressing with full force. The central synagogue was filled with hundreds of students from both religious and secular schools, who had come to Kfar Chabad from all over the country to hear the Chabad rabbanim speak about the holiday of Pesach, and to watch the matza baking and a film about the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The students
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joyfully boarded the buses, as they gratefully parted from their gracious hosts, each holding the traditional pre-Pesach gift from Kfar Chabad: a shmura matza, a small bottle of wine, and a Pesach Hagada. The hundreds of students broke out in song, some of them singing the Chabad songs they had just learned in the synagogue. I also said goodbye to Avraham, and as we were shaking hands, it seemed as if he didnt want to let it go. It was as if he was saying, Maybe you can adopt me as a member of your family You know, Avraham told me as I parted from him, my mothers and fathers kisses from that fateful day seem to remain on my cheeks. More than once when I have washed my face, I have outwardly been careful not to wipe away my parents kisses. He lowered his head and returned to his room, as he placed his hands over his face and cried bitterly. area to increase in prayer on Thursday, the upcoming fast, in connection with what was mentioned, together with setting aside tzdaka (Igros Kodesh, Vol. 19, included in postscript to Letter #7217). Several days later, he wrote to Rabbi Shaul Danan, the rav of Rabat, Morocco: Together with all our brethren shlita in Morocco, we mourn for the conflagration burned by G-d, Maker of the work of Creation, in the holy community of Agadir, and we should pray collectively that G-d will close up the breaches of His People everywhere, i.e. He will raise up its ruins very soon, and out of a sense of tranquility and benevolence, they will build communities and institutions of Torah and mitzvos, in the ordained fulfillment of build it up as in the days of yore with the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu, granting peace to our afflicted brethren. Respectfully and with blessing (Igros Kodesh, Vol. 19, Letter #7217). During the Purim farbrengen, after the Rebbe had asked people to drink Ad Dlo Yada, he spoke with great pain about the terrible tragedy that had taken place in the city of Agadir: Everyone has probably heard about the event and all that has befallen in Agadir. We must strengthen ourselves in hope and trust that they will find many more alive, even from those whom they have yet to bring to other locations. In any event, there are those who know about them [who have perished in the tragedy], that even one Jewish soul represents a whole world (according to the psak din of the Mishna). Thus, there can be only one advice: [Regarding] the saying of our Sages, of blessed memory, brought by the Alter Rebbe in Igeres HaTshuva: If a person customarily learned one page, he should learn two pages; [if he] studied one chapter, he should study two chapters, etc. Not only two chapters, but several chapters . . . Similarly, in relation to correcting the matter regarding us and our activities instead of one institution, they should establish several institutions; instead of one student; they should raise many students... After the Rebbe spoke at length about an activity that would be appropriate as a merit for the victims souls, he made clear that this is also what the Rebbe Rayatz did when he arrived in the United States from the Holocaust in Europe. He immediately decided to transform America into a place of Torah, not just for the United States in general, but also an activity for Jews in danger. We can learn how much the Rebbe dealt with this matter from an apology in a letter he wrote on Shushan Purim 5720 to the Teachers Union General Secretary Shalom Levin: One of the reasons for the delay in my answer was also the tragedy in Agadir, even though the recent news from there has announced the rescue of a certain number of the students, thank G-d, as even one Jewish soul is an entire world, and especially many more of them. May it be G-ds Will that there should be no anguish for our Jewish brethren anywhere, and they should save all their strength and the means for matters of increasing good and light (Igros Kodesh, Vol. 19, Letter #7226).

THE CONFLAGRATION THAT G-D HAS BURNED

At this point, the correspondent, Yitzchak Nimtzovitz, chose to conclude this report on the Agadir disaster, which shocked and stunned the entire Chabad community of Morocco, but there was still more... The Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, who had courageously run the Chabad empire established in Morocco during those years, reacted with great pain to the tragedy, as expressed in his letters and a special sicha. Immediately upon receiving word of the catastrophe, the following telegram was sent: Lubavitch. I have requested from Anash in the surrounding

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