1 CROWN HEIGHTS NewsPAPer ~July 11, 2008

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JULY 11, 2008 | TAMMUZ 8 ,

5768

WEEKLY VOL. I | NO 34

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Yud Beis Tammuz

Sicha Yud Beis Tammuz Page 2 The Liberation of the Frierdike Rebbe Page 12 Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn Page 13

Dr. Nissan Mindel

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2 CROWN HEIGHTS NewsPAPer ~July 11, 2008

Sicha Yud-Beis Tammuz 5738

Communicating Freedom to the World - A Lesson for an Introvert and Extrovert
Published and copyright by Sichos In Protis is much more evident.) The PreviEnglish ous Rebbe was freed in a manner in which at first only he and a small number of his The liberation of the Previous Rebbe is immediate associates were informed. celebrated on Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel Then, a day later the world at large Tammuz. Each of these dates is conincluding-the non-Jews received notice nected with certain unique facets of that of his liberation. liberation. The night between the two (the time of this Farbrengen) is related The above-mentioned events commuto both days and serves as a bridge of nicate a three-fold lesson. One lesson connection, combining the separate emanates from the events of Yud-Beis elements into one unified entity. Tammuz, a second from those of YudGimmel Tammuz, and a third from the On Yud-Beis Tammuz the Previous night in between, which connects and Rebbe came to register as a prisoner unifies the two days. Furthermore, these at the Russian government offices in lessons are relevant to the totality of the Kostrama, his city of exile. At that time, Jewish people, as the Previous Rebbe he was notified that the order had been himself wrote in the well-known letter received from the higher authorities explaining the significance of Yud-Beis to grant him total freedom. However, Tammuz. since there was a considerable amount of paperwork and bureaucracy involved The lesson of Yud-Beis Tammuz centers in obtaining an official statement of his around an individuals need for freedom. release (also, a number of the government The lesson derived from Yud-Gimmel offices were closed that day), it was not Tammuz is that even after an individual until the next day, Yud-Gimmel Tammuz, has been liberated from all disturbing that a public document proclaiming his influences (as happened on Yud-Beis freedom could be granted. Tammuz), rather than isolate himself from the world, he must realize that his The difference between Yud-Beis and personal liberation was only a beginning. Yud-Gimmel Tammuz was that Yud-Beis He is not truly liberated until the secular Tammuz marked the Rebbes liberation world and the non-Jewish powers that as an individual. Although a small group control it, also become aware that they of closely-knit associates shared in a cannot limit or restrain a Jews freedom. celebration of the Rebbes release, the The events of Yud-Gimmel Tammuz celebration was basically of an individual teach the necessity of communicating nature. On the other hand, Yud-Gimmel freedom to the World. The case of the Tammuz signified the worlds (even the Previous Rebbe serves as an example. non-Jewish worlds) recognition and He was able to influence the Russian acknowledgement in a public manner authorities to the point where they also of that freedom. aided and assisted his cause of spreading These two events are connected. Given Yiddishkeit. the principle (stated by Rashi in the The night between Yud-Beis and Yudvery beginning of his commentary on Gimmel Tammuz which joins the two the Torah) that the world is created together reveals the following concept: for the sake of the Jewish people, and It is possible for an individual to be active the Talmuds statement, The world in his personal service to G-d (the point is contained within the heart of each of Yud-Beis Tammuz) and likewise individual, it follows logically that an devote his energies to influencing others event concerning the life of a Jew is also (the lesson of Yud-Gimmel Tammuz). reflected in the world at large. However, though he performs both This principle is revealed openly in the services, one service might command events of Yud-Beis Yud-Gimmel Tam- his interest and attention, and the other muz. (Since those events concerned a be performed without genuine feeling, Tzaddik and a Nasi, the Hashgachah and only out of the necessity of fulfilling his obligation. of the word Zahir (which can be translated as shining as well as careful), the Baal Shem Tov interprets the quote, Through which mitzvah did the light of your fathers soul shine forth. Though a person fulfills all the Mitzvos, there is one Mitzvah which is more personally tied to him, which reveals more openly the light of his soul. In many cases, people of this category are willing to journey across the ocean (even at a danger to their person) in order to increase their profits and thereby help fulfill their mission of Tzedakah in the world. Their activities in the world of Torah and Tzedakah remove their merchandise from the category of business and material concerns and transform them into objects of mitzvos, necessities for the mitzvos of Tzedakah and Gemilus Chassadim. Though both of these categories of service are valuable, the sign of a Jews total fulfillment is his accomplishment of both with equal effectiveness and equal enthusiasm. He is fulfilled when not only does he have the qualities of Issachar (Torah study, self-perfection), but he is equally accomplished in the sphere of Zebulun (relating G-dliness to the world around him by working towards refinement and elevation of his environment). The above represents the lesson of the night between Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel Tammuz. That night teaches that both services must be coupled together and carried out with equal intensity. However, that requirement is, at least superficially, difficult if not impossible to be carried out. How can we demand from an individual an activity which is beyond his nature? If he is self-concerned, how can he be required to be equally motivated towards working with others: If he is an extrovert, how can he be asked to focus so seriously on himself? Furthermore, how can he be asked to perform these two seemingly contradictory services simultaneously? This question can be answered using the explanation of a passage in the Sifri. The Sifri explains that even though generally the emotions of love and fear are contradictory, the fear and the love of G-d, since they are both mitzvos, do not negate, but rather complement each other. Furthermore, the intent of the Sifri is not to explain that at different times a Jew may experience both love and fear of G-d, but rather to explain that during every moment of his existence, he is obligated to love and to fear, and that he has the potential to fulfill that obligation. That potential exists because the Jew has made a commitment to the service of G-d which transcends his personal self. As long as his frame of reference is his personal self, then love and fear are contradictory and cannot exist simultaneously. However, once he transcends the entire realm of self-concern, when he acts out of feelings of total commitment to G-dliness, then love and fear have importance only because they are G-ds Mitzvos, and since they are G-ds mitzvos, he fulfills them both simultaneously. Similarly, the service of personal development and likewise the service of spreading Torah and mitzvos are both G-ds commandments. When an individual is ready to commit himself to G-ds service beyond the limits of his self concern, he realizes within himself the potential for both types of service. Both of these categories of services are required by the Torah. Therefore, it follows that they apply to every Jew. Every Jew (even those who are Jews by name alone) has the obligation (and possesses the potential to fulfill that obligation) to serve G-d with an equal drive and motivation in the area of personal refinement and likewise in the realm of reaching out to communicate Yiddishkeit to another Jew.

On the Derech Harnessing the Power of Expression

By Yonason Gordon In a letter the Rebbe very thoroughly explains the difference between suppressing sin (iskafia) and transforming sin to merit (ishapcha). The Rebbe explains, the latter is especially relevant to Baalei Teshuvah (I Will Write It In Their Hearts, Vol. 4, P. 46). While attending Yeshiva University, prior to becoming Lubavitch, I often frequented the TV room late at night. Two, Three, Four in the morning, I would watch pretty much whatever was on (mostly science fiction related). Sharing this experience where two other fellows, both people who I later found out came from Lubavitch homes. Out of a 1,000 students at YU, what are the odds that three of them would have already, or soon benefit, from the teachings of the Rebbe? Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh several years back answered a person who was tested with the same material I had previously been. Aside from studying the Agadot of Chazal (Ein Yaakov, Midrash, Tanchuma, etc) the advice was to dream of the coming of Mashiach; to picture it clearly in ones mind. In a recent lecture, Rabbi Ginsburgh developed this further. As I interpreted lessons from his class (please email me to receive a copy of the original when available), the two most important lessons to convey to a child is that 1) We are living in a time where we need to simply open our eyes to experience the wonder, and, 2) To recognize that the Rebbe, Rosh Bnei Yisroel, leads and Continued on page 3

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These two approaches are reflected in Torah and Mitzvos: there are those whose main occupation is in the spreading of Torah and Mitzvos. They also study Torah and perform Mitzvos themselves; however, their most intense involvement focuses on communicating the value of Yiddishkeit to others. Likewise, there are those whose energies focus more on their personal growth and self-fulfillment. The awareness of the importance of Ahavas Yisrael motivates them to teach others as well. Nevertheless, their attention and their drive are basically self-oriented. The Talmud records the question, Bmai hava avoch zahir tefai?--literally translated as, In the performance of which Mitzvah was your father most careful? However, playing on the double meaning

 July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights NewsPAPer 3

The Rebbe's Sicha Parshas Balak 5738

Bilaams Prophecies about the Redemption--A Lesson for Us because, as he states in his treatise on
Published and copyright by Sichos In which might prevent the Messianic redemption. Likewise, the service English of a Jew must center on breaking 1. Parshas Balak and the 12th of down all the barriers to his complete performance of Torah and Mitzvos. Tamuz Those barriers include any obstacles The Alter Rebbe commented, You which prevent him as an individual have to live with the times adapt the from increasing his involvement in events of the present to the teachings Torah and Mitzvos, as well as those of the Torah portion of the week. This influences in the world which hold him weeks portion, Parshas Balak, is high- back from spreading Torah and Mitzvos lighted by the prophecies of Bilaam, to others. including his prophecy concerning the Messianic redemption. This prophecy The lesson is particularly relevant after is particularly applicable to our times, Yud-Beis Tammuz. We should follow when according to all the signs given in the example set by the Previous Rebbe, the Tractate of Sotah, we are approach- that all our actions should be with a ing the Messianic redemption. renewed vigor, notwithstanding any barriers or obstacles that there might Bilaams prophecies abound in bless- be. ings. However, in order that those blessings be internalized and received When the Jews service is carried out in in the proper fashion, the receiver of such a manner (and particularly when those blessings, the Jewish people, ones dedication is accompanied by must respond with service to G-d. sincere joy in fulfilling that service), Furthermore, that service must be in then G-ds promise to turn the curse a manner which would emulate G-ds into a blessing will be fulfilled. Bilaam sought to curse the Jewish people, blessings. yet G-d reversed his intention and G-ds blessing includes the nullification summoned forth powerful blessings. of all obstacles, barriers and blocks Similarly, if nowadays we serve G-d in such a fashion, with joy, ignoring all obstacles, G-d will surely respond by hastening the redemption, speedily in our days. 2. The Prophecy of Bilaam concerning Mashiach The prophecy of Bilaam concerning Mashiach mentioned above is quoted at great detail in the Yad HaChazakah. The Rambam cites Bilaams prophecy as an explicit reference of the Torah to Moshiach. He cites another reference, the verse then the L-rd, your G-d, will return your captivity, but brings the prophecy of Bilaam as an added reinforcement. Indeed, the prophecy of Bilaam is a more useful proof, conveying not only the mere fact of Mashiachs coming, but also details of the different stages involved (as elaborated on in detail in the farbrengen of Yud-Beis Tammuz). In the Yad HaChazakah the Rambam emphasizes that the reference to Mashiach was a prophecy of Bilaams. He stresses the concept of prophecy two other Lubavitchers mentioned, a person inclined to Chassidus, and especially the teachings of the Rebbe, is looking for more out of life. When this creative drive is suppressed, then other aspects of the world around us may seem more interesting. Movies, Video Games, Internet, etc are their way of calling out for help. To try and get them to stop these activities, to suppress this urge, is one level. Midas Chassidus seems to teach that we should rather harness the great strength of the ox for good. Unite and Conquer In our generation, we have the ability to confront our experiences head on, and unite the mundane with an experience of G-dliness and wonder. Personally speaking, when I see something unfold in the news, I try and write an essay connecting this topic to Chassidus. I then send it off to selected media outlets, and sometimes, the person or organization responsible for the story genuinely likes the essay. Most recently, it was from a person who was being interviewed by major media outlets worldwide. This is the power of Chassidus. What child wouldnt be excited by having their essay, artwork, music, or other form of creative expression, recognized as something of great importance? prophecy, a prophecy for good must be fulfilled. A promise from G-d, e.g., G-ds promise to Jacob, is subject to a persons behavior. If the behavior is not virtuous, the fulfillment on the promise may be withheld, but a prophecy for good must be fulfilled. Also, when explaining Bilaams prophecy, the Rambam explains that the first half of each phrase refers to David, the first Mashiach (anointed, redeemer) of the Jewish people, and the second half to Mashiach (the final anointed redeemer). The mention of the activities of King David serve a valuable purpose. As explained in the text, Mashiachs activities will parallel Davids in many ways. Demonstrating that in Davids time there existed a parallel to the activities that Mashiach will perform facilitates the acceptance and belief in the concept of Mashiach on the part of a Jew. The knowledge that similar events occurred in the past makes it easier for him to believe they can (and will) occur in the future. By mentioning David in the first half of the prophecy, the Rambam generates a strengthening and intensification of the Jews faith in Mashiach. Rabbi Ginsburgh calls this approach being an open individual. Not open in the sense that we dont recognize the influences that are out there. Rather, that nothing threatens us, and to the contrary, we have the potential to transform any experience. Ulitimately, doing good (asei tov) is much more powerful than turning away from evil (sur meirah). Material that is censored or banned can receive even more attention that what it did previously. Much more potent, however, is to simply replace that material with something better. To transform rather than suppress. For other source material to this approach, as it relates to the purifying of the Parah Adumah (mentioned in Parshas Chukas), please visit: www. sichosinenglish.org/books/likkuteisichot-9/39.htm (adapted from Sichos Shabbos Parshas Chukas, 5710, Shabbos Parshas Chukas-Balak, 5712). Although I am no expert, if someone would like to contact me, I to help advice on actualizing the above wherever I can. My email is ysgordon@ gmail.com (for boys and men). Emails from women and girls will be forwarded on to my wife, Hila. Yonason Gordon has been involved in the Jewish writing and publishing fields for over seven years. For those interested in helping promote the teachings of Rabbi Ginsburgh in the NY area (through time and funding), please email Yonason at ysgordon@ gmail.com.

On the Derech
Continued From Page 2 directs us to this goal. The first point is described as the experience of the letter Alef entering exile (golus) to transform it to redemption (geulah). This Alef, aside from representing the one G-d (Alufo Shel Olam), also represents the experience of wonder (Keter). The second is recognition that we are part of Tzivos Hashem. The Rebbe is the head of the generation, and dutifully, we are following his directives. Transforming Darkness into Light Given the great potential that we have in this generation, why is it that children lack Jewish excitement, and even, chos vsholom, involve themselves in secular activities?

Today if I see something unpleasant (immodest, immoral, etc), my natural inclination (as with many), is to sharply push it off. In time, I realized these experiences never completely left me. Yes, they were suppressed and shoved into some unconscious realm. But at times, especially in dreams, they would manifest.

As the Rebbe explained at length in the aforementioned letter, Chassidus favors the opinion that we can transform our experiences into good. To suppress and push away untoward influences is one level. But midas haChassidus, Eventually, I learned to confront these especially relevant for Baalei Teshuva, imageries and fancies head on. With a is to completely transform. little bit of effort, and a lot of emunah, we can all learn to see the good. Throughout my spiritual journey, I had all sorts of disturbing thoughts occur Creative Expression to me. When I would write, and later call Rabbi Ginsburgh, I would always Children sense inhibition. Life is not, receive a very simple answer. Confu- as western culture believes, a fight sion, it seemed, came from a lack of between good and evil. There is only clarity. If we had vision and purpose good. And if we need more good, then (points 1) and 2) mentioned above), we just need to shine the light a little Open Personality then all else would fade away. more intensely. Like myself and those

4 CROWN HEIGHTS NewsPAPer ~July 11, 2008

Our Heroes
Horav Hachossid, Dr. Nissan Mindel
2nd of Nissan 1912- 12th of Tamuz Necha Nemtzov and went into business could not take the position without his 1999 with his father-in-law in England. wifes consent and she was against his accepting this offer, since Poland was Adapted from an interview with Dr. considered a death trap. Dr. Mindel Rebbes Secretary Mindel himself did not have a keen interest Dr. Mindel was highly recommended to in the position. He decided to make By: Rabbi Michoel Seligson the Previous Rebbe by Rabbi Hodokov. extreme demands and cause Rabbi The Rebbe made inquiries regarding Hodokov to lose interest in employing Horav Hachossid, Dr. Nissan Mindel Reb Nissans background and his him. was born in 1912 on the 2nd of Niseducation. Reb Nissan came to Riga san, in Riga, Latvia, to Horav Yaakov when the war broke out and Rabbi Rabbi Hodokov called a third time Yitzchok and Mrs. Bunya Mindel. At Hodokov suggested that Reb Nissan offering Dr. Mindel the position. the age of fifteen, he was studying in should teach the senior grade at Yeshiva It would be on a trial basis, for one the Yeshiva Torah Im Derech Eretz or two months, at a good which combined Torah studies and rate of pay. Mrs. Mindel secular subjects, and was under the suggested that since the direction of Horav Chaim Mordechai Rebbe was insistent and her Hodokov. The curriculum was based husband had never visited on the teachings of Horav Shimshon Poland, perhaps Dr. Mindel Rafael Hirsch and encouraged the older could stay in Poland for a students to continue their studies in short while, which would the university and at the same time to help with parnossa and stay connected to Torah, Mitzvos and she would await him in Yiras Shomayim. England. Contact with Chabad After the Previous Rebbes release from prison in 1927 on the 13th Tamuz, the Rebbe left Russia for Riga. Reb Nissan began attending the Rebbes Farbrengens. The first time he came to a Farbrengen, there was a big crowd and Reb Nissan hung on to a door to see the Rebbe. The Rebbes face and image remained with Reb Nissan and deeply impressed him. That same year, Reb Nissans brother needed to travel from Riga to Argentina and his uncle, Hachossid Reb Avrohom Nemtzov, later Reb Nissans fatherin-law, instructed him to enter into Yechidus with the Previous Rebbe, Reb Nissan accompanied his brother into the Yechidus. In later years, Reb Nissan recalled, This Yechidus was the primary reason that I became closer to the Rebbe. Reb Avrohom Sender Nemtzov, a luminous personality, was accepted by the Rebbe Rashab as a student in Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in Lubavitch and later became one of the elite students that the Rebbetzin Shterna Soro would turn to with shaalos in halacha. His last Yechidus with the Previous Rebbe was in Paris. He traveled from Manchester, England for the Yechidus and arrived late. The Rebbe had already left his room and spent the long Yechidus with Reb Sender outside the room, and at the conclusion said, Reb Sender, you searched for the truth, you have found the truth, and you lived the truth. Torah Im Derech Eretz, which he did for a number of months. Reb Hodokov told Dr. Mindel that the Rebbe wanted chassidishe stories to be translated into English. The Rebbe chose Dr. Mindel for this task because though many professionals were able to translate from Yiddish or Hebrew into Russian, few were able to translate into English. Reb Hodokov immediately began giving material to Dr. Mindel and the first story he translated was about the famous Chossid of the Alter Rebbe, Reb Gavriel Nose Chen. Dr. Mindel agreed and traveled to Otwock prior to Rosh Hashana. This visit was extended until Pesach, when he planned to leave for England. On Purim, he was invited by the Rebbes family for the Purim meal, although the Rebbe himself was in a sanitarium. After Pesach, the Rashag, the Previous Rebbes sonin-law, requested that Dr. Mindel extend his stay for an additional six months. Dr. Mindel relayed this message to his wife, who agreed to continue to wait in England for him to return. Dr. Mindel remained in Otwock until Rosh Chodesh Elul 1939. would receive a U. S. visa and from there travel to England. Seeing the destruction in Warsaw, Dr. Mindel contacted his cousin and instructed him to leave Otwock immediately. Upon his arrival at the U.S. consulate, Dr. Mindel was told that American visas were no longer being issued and to contact the English Consulate. World War II In 1940 during Chanuka, Dr. Mindel met Rabbi Hodokov who briefed him about the Rebbe and the events during the beginning of WWII. He shared confidential information, that the Rebbe had come to Riga and stayed in a sanitarium, and asked that Dr. Mindel should assist in obtaining the necessary documents from Washington and the consulate in Riga, to enable the Rebbe to leave Riga for the U.S. Dr. Mindel recalled. When WWII broke out, the Rebbe was passing through Warsaw and bombs fell all around him. The Nazis were looking for the Rebbe. He was in hiding and every evening had to change locations. At one point, Nazi government officials came with documents that authorized the Rebbe to be relocated, but the Rebbes family members refused to believe that they were authenctic. When it became evident that these documents were really issued by the U.S. government, the family let the Nazis escort them safely to the train. How is it that the Nazis wanted to help the Jews? At that point, the Nazis did not wish the United States to enter the war, and therefore fulfilled their requests regarding the Previous Rebbe. The great efforts to obtain visas to the U.S. for the Previous Rebbe proved successful. The Rashag told Dr. Mindel that the consulate staffers were so impressed with him that they had asked if he was available to work for them. When Dr. Mindel shared this anecdote with his family, he said, The Rashag was careful not to share this comment with me until after a certain amount of time had elapsed, in order that I not quit my job and work for the consulate.

Dr. Mindel was visiting with his parents in Latvia when he received a phone call from Rabbi Hodokov. During the call there was a lapse of a few moments in the conversation and it was clear that Rabbi Hodokov was speaking with the Rebbe on his side of the call. As a result of this conversation, Rabbi Hodokov and Dr. Mindel met. The Previous Rebbe was looking for a secretary and Rabbi Hodokov asked Dr. Mindel if he was available. Dr. Mindel asked where the Rebbe resided, and was told that Pursuing his education the Rebbe was back in Otwock. Dr. In 1930, Reb Nissan traveled to Eng- Mindel responded, I am sorry, but I land, where he completed and received am not interested. Bachelor and Masters Degrees from the University of Manchester. He A short time passed and another call later received his Doctorate in Semitic came from Rabbi Hodokov, requesting languages from Columbia University another meeting. At this meeting, Dr. in New York. In 1937, he married Miss Mindel told Rabbi Hodokov that he

At that time, Dr. Mindel was interested in studying Tanya, but did not realize its unique significance. He studied with the mazkir of the Rebbe, Hachossid Reb Yechzekel [Chatsha] Feigin, may Hashem avenge his blood. He also studied and lived in Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim, and most of his work related to the yeshiva. He was responsible for yeshiva matters and published the yeshiva news, which included the publication Yeshiva Shel Mato. The The only way to get to England from yeshiva had a great effect on him and Riga was to join a group traveling to the after WWII he felt deep agony at its U.S.. Dr. Mindels plan was to eventuloss. ally return to England to join his wife. Therefore, he made papers for himself At the end of 1939, the Hecht brothers, and obtained a visitors visa to the U.S.. Rabbi Shlomo Zalman and, may he live He was also working to obtain a visa for and be well Rabbi Avrohom Hecht, who Rabbi Hodokov. were studying in Otwock, received notice from the United States ConsulIn addition, he worked to obtain visas ate to pack their bags and leave for the for Horav Mordechai Dubin and Horav U.S. Dr. Mindel told them that he too Shimon Yitzchok Vitenberg, well needed to leave for England since his known personalities and members of visa would expire in two weeks time. the Latvian Parliament. The end of He went into Yechidus with the Rebbe the story was a sad one. Rabbi Dubin and asked for the Rebbes permission did not want to leave because of his to leave immediately. The Rebbe gave sense of responsibility to the Yidden in his consent and blessing and Dr. Mindel Riga. Every morning they would line traveled from Otwock to Riga where he

 July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights NewsPAPer 5

up, waiting to receive assistance with their requests. Eventually he was exiled to Siberia by the Bolsheviks and was nifter there. The same thing happened with the chossid Reb Shimon Yitzchok Vitenberg. He refused to leave the city, since he was involved in helping Yidden with their requests. He was killed during WWII, may Hashem avenge his blood. Of his entire family, only two of Dr. Mindels brothers and a sister survived the war. Flight from Riga to Sweden There were a total of eleven people in the Previous Rebbes group leaving Riga for the United States via Sweden: The Rebbe and his Rebbetzin; the Rebbes mother, Rebbetzin Shterna Soro; the Rebbes attendant, Mrs. Mania Rosan; the Rashag, his wife and son; Rabbi Hodokov and his wife; the secretary Reb Chaim Lieberman and Dr. Mindel. The trip to Sweden was by air, as there were no ships sailing from Riga to Sweden. The small plane held only eighteen seats. The passengers had almost no luggage except for hand luggage and the manuscripts which the Rebbe himself carried. There were seats available, and the Rebbe instructed that they be given to another seven Yidden, and thereby save their lives. Upon their arrival in Stockholm, they traveled to the Gottesberg port where they boarded the Drottingholm for the U.S. In Sweden, the Rashag organized the papers on everyones behalf. Dr. Mindel was classified as the transport helper for the Rebbes family and he was given a six month visitors visa. When he arrived in the U.S., he assumed that after six months he would return to England. Ultimately, he remained in the U.S. and renewed his visa every six months. Arrival in the U.S. On the 9th of Adar II in 1940, Dr. Mindel arrived with the Previous Rebbe and his entourage in New York. The next day he was called in by the Rebbe and asked if he was comfortable, since Dr. Mindels room in the Greystone Hotel where the Rebbe and his family was staying, functioned as an office during the daytime and at night became his bedroom. The Rebbe also inquired about his meals. He told the Rebbe that he had not managed to set up everything for himself. The Rebbe continued, A young man needs to eat at least one warm meal every day. The Rebbe also asked after Dr. Mindels brother. The Previous Rebbe instructed Dr. Mindel to translate the Tanya into English. The Previous Rebbes, son-inlaw, the Ramash, arrived in the United States in 1941, on the 28th of Sivan. He too urged Dr. Mindel to work on an

First copy of the printed English Tanya People, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, The and the Sputnik Philosophy of Chabad, Lubavitcher In 1942, the Previous Rebbe requested Rebbes Memoirs, My Prayer, The that Dr. Mindel should try to locate the In 1958 when I brought the first copy of Storyteller and numerous others. manuscripts and belongings that he had the printed English Tanya and handed left behind in Poland. At the time of it to the Rebbe, the Rebbe was visibly On Yud Shvat 1951, the Rebbe assumed his departure from Poland, a Latvian moved. After a moments composure, the leadership of Chabad, becoming delegate offered to hide the Rebbes the Rebbe said to the effect (in con- the seventh Rebbe of Chabad. After belongings in a special place and the densed version): The world is going Dr. Mindels ptira, an article in the Rebbe agreed. Regrettably, the silver agog today because of the successful Kfar Chabad partially described Dr. and other possessions were destroyed in Russian launching of the Sputnik. What Mindels responsibilities as the Rebbes the bombings, though the manuscripts the world should truly be excited about secretary, as he continued his work for were rescued and saved. The Previous today is the publication of this sefer the Lubavitcher Rebbeim. Rebbe gave the manuscripts to Dr. which had been a closed book to the Mindel for one entire evening in order Western world. Now it has been opened The Rebbes Secretary to have them converted to microfilm. for the whole world along with hafatzat hamaayanot Chutzah. The title The Rebbes secretary does Dr. Mindel recalled his emotions on not at all describe Dr. Mindels task. that evening. When I received the The translation of Tanya brought me yet This was not a technical administrative manuscripts and saw the precious closer to the inside world of Chassidus position, as one would first think. Dr. treasure I could not sleep the entire and although I did not consider myself Mindel would enter the Rebbes room night. Among the manuscripts, were a Chossid Chabad at the time, it made on a steady basis. He merited receiving writings of the RaMaSh, containing a deep impression on me. This was Torah and guidance from the great maftechos or indices, of many Chas- reflected in my other works such as the leader. His official position was to write booklet The Ten Com- the Rebbes responses to the thousands mandments. The Rebbe of people who sent letters and anxiously would review the mate- waited for the Rebbes guidance and rial that was prepared for personal response. The replies that the publishing and would Rebbe dictated to Dr. Mindel consisted note his comments. of letters in great depth on topics of Torah and Avodas Hashem. Two times From 194 0 through a week, Dr. Mindel would enter the 1944, I worked in two Rebbes room to receive dictation for different sets of mosdos. an average of approximately fifty letters, One was the Yeshiva which were rich in content, quality and To m c h e i Tm i m i m quantity. under the direction of the R ashag, and the At one point when Dr. Mindel discussed second were the mos- the Rebbes correspondence, he said, dos Merkos Linyonei Every letter is a book in its own right. Chinuch, Machne Israel People from all corners of the world and Agudas Chassidei turned to the Rebbe for all manner of Chabad. After a short requests. This included giants in Torah, period of time, I left the science and ordinary Yidden who wrote to the Rebbe in their respective lanyeshiva position. guages. The responses would be written either in Hebrew, Yiddish, English or Talks and Tales Russian. Every letter and punctuation Off the Boat (with Life Vest) In 1942 during Chanuka, mark was edited by the Rebbe and every the Yiddish Talks and word was a full world. sidus sforim, which were published Tales referred to as The Shmuessen in the following years. The maftechos was published. I was appointed to Letters and Spirit opened up a new world for me. They write and edit this publication. When helped me study different topics in I asked Rabbi Hodokov Where will I In the late 1980s the Rebbe instructed Chassidus. After I had transferred the find the time for this? Rabbi Hodokov Dr. Mindel to categorize all of the manuscripts to microfilm, I sat up every answered, You will only be the editor. English letters. Dr. Mindel organized night and studied the maftechos and I ended up doing all the work. thousands of letters and prepared them this contributed to my understanding for print. In 1998, the first volume of Among the different articles, the one Letters And Spirit, consisting of 560 of chassidus Chabad. I found of special interest was The pages of letters, was published. This Nature of the Wonderland since book includes the Rebbes letters on Preparing to translate the Tanya this expressed the Emuna and Divine the topics of the Perplexed, the Holy Dr. Mindel continued to speak about providence in a unique manner. Over Land, the Family, and the Lubavitcher his work. At that time I received a the course of time, the English Talks Derech. The Rebbes letters shed light powerful lesson regarding the value and Tales began to be published. The and offer guidance on their respective of time. I worked eighteen hours a day Rebbe would review each of these topics, as if leading a person by the hand until I had headaches from the intense booklets and would add comments out of darkness and confusion. concentration and lack of sleep. After and corrections. Rabbi Hodokov would I had studied the maftechos for a sig- proofread the Yiddish issue of the In his introduction to the book, Dr. nificant amount of time, I felt that I was Shmuessen. Mindel wrote an in-depth analysis of the ready to begin translating the Tanya. I Rebbes accomplishments, described asked the Previous Rebbes son-in-law, Classic Chabad Works in English the Rebbes impact on Yidden and the RaMaSh, if he was willing to help non-Jews, in particular, and the world, me with this project and he agreed. A prolific author, Dr. Mindel wrote The in general, and shared his experiences However, I did not want to bother him Complete Story of Tishrei, The Com- with the Rebbe and his work on the too much. The translation of the Tanya plete Festival Series, The Command- Rebbes correspondence. was completed in 1960-1961. ments, The Tanya (translation), Our Continued on Page 11

English translation of the Tanya.

6 CROWN HEIGHTS NewsPAPer ~July 11, 2008

Shiduchim
A Needle in a Haystack
By Sarah Junik In previous issues we have been exploring our first and second steps in a shidduch search: How to start Deciding on a list of priorities with your Chosson bocher or Kallah meidel Sor ting through the names and deciding on who to research Doing the research Alternative methods of finding matches. Here is a diagram that may help you visualize your project.. If you have been following the articles it is self explanatory. Let me start the following topic with a short anecdote: A shadchan once suggested a shidduch to a family. He told them the boys name and which yeshiva he learned at. The family called the Rosh Yeshiva, asked about this name and made additional research calls. The parents were satisfied with the reports so dates were arranged and the shidduch went forward. The couple got engaged and the shadchan who suggested the name was invited to the simcha. Imagine his surprise when he came to the LChaim and saw the Chosson was not the boy he had suggested but another boy with the same name learning at the same Yeshiva! So you see, there are no mistakes in shidduchim, only Hashgacha Protis! is spoken about those marriages that do not have problems, as this state of affairs - [i.e.,] lack of problems, etc. - is considered the norm. That marriage is important (and indeed, necessary) is explicitly stated in the Torah (Bereishis 2:18) and is observed in actuality as well. We observe this from the fact that those who do not marry - an old bachelor or an elderly maiden - are generally viewed with derision. There is absolutely no need for you to apologize for failing to take upon yourself these resolutions, for this is something that affects you far more than any other person in the world. Merely, it is regretful and painful when one sees that you have the ability to effect a change in your future in a good and positive direction, and you do not grab this opportunity with both hands. I also understand that it is hard to rationally understand how your resolution would have this effect on both above-mentioned points. However, upon due reflection, we clearly see how we understand but little of this world with our intellect; concerning most of the things that we do, we must rely on G-d. (Igros Kodesh, Vol. VII, p. 188)

found out that one of the references (a neighbor) was consistently giving bad references. They changed the reference and the very next suggestion became a Mazal Tov. In another case the so called friend went on vacation and then the shidduch went through. So keep that in mind when you give your references.

Before going to the topic of dating let me tell you of a few other imporWe agonize and debate and daven and tant points that were brought up at pull our hair out in the parsha of shidMachon Chanas Gimmel Tammuz duchim. Let us remember and keep Conference. at the forefront of our minds that just as when we had our children we were If your child considers herself not ready, one of three partners (Hashem, our (and you believe that she is mature and husband and ourselves) similarly now responsible enough) do not leave it we still have our Partner the Aibishter alone and wait until she decides she is who is directing everything. Do all you ready. Do not get into an acrimonious can to succeed in finding a shidduch for discussion, but do encourage her to your children but do not go overboard. think on it and try to convince her logiDo not go crazy with the research want- cally to see herself as mature and ready ing to know what color ink the family as you do. Let some time pass and then writes with :). But do your due diligence bring up the subject again. and cover all important points as we Because nowadays our youth is aware of have previously discussed. a lot more than they were just a couple I attended a lecture at Machon Chana of decades ago, they might be afraid of on Shidduchim this Sunday and Mrs. getting married because of stories they Labkovsky gave a very good suggestion, have heard from friends or family cases when you give out peoples names for they have read about. The Rebbe tells us references, make sure those people in Eternal Joy (Vol. 1): You write that will actually give you good references. you have heard from many people who It may seem obvious, but even in this say that after marriage many problems one should never assume. Have a and difficulties arise. friend call your references and ask for The fact of the matter is that these information. This way you will be sure problems and difficulties do not apply the information is positive. There are to a large percentage of marriages; a number of stories around about bad on the contrary, they only occur in references. In one case a family could an extremely small percentage (and not understand why all the shidduchim even according to R. Meir, one is not that had been offered fell through apprehensive about a minority of a one after the other. Until they finally minority). It is only that nothing at all

When you will contemplate your past, you will surely see how you were saved from many travails in an almost supernatural manner. To the contrary [of your opinion]: this manner of reflection - if it be When you discuss with your kids the but truthful - will strengthen topic of shidduchim, make sure that your bitachon, your sense of they know what is involved in marriage. trust [in G-d]. For girls for example, they are not just In contradistinction to what getting a husband they have to take you write - up until now you care of, but eventually they will have have not tried hard w ith babies that will demand their time and regard to shidduchim. You attention. The example was brought have merely endeavored to of a girl who was fine in her marriage demonstrate ([not only to until she became pregnant and then others but] to yourself as well) she panicked. We have to prepare our that you possess the ability to kids for what is entailed in a marriage. No matter how perfect the match is, make a good impression. there will be disagreements. There will However, whenever it came close to be adjustments on both sides, not only a decision and finalization of a shidmaking sure the cap is on the toothpaste duch, you disengaged yourself (in kind of adjustment. You will have to let order to remain unencumbered, so your partner know if you disappear for that you would not have to shoulder the whole day. You will have to keep responsibility). (Igros Kodesh, Vol. your spouse in mind when you make XXII, p. 330) plans. Both girls and boys should know Another letter that may help us when something of finances. How to juggle talking to our kids is: a paycheck and make it last. Prioritize expenses etc. Understanding that credit I acknowledge the receipt of your letter cards eventually need to be paid and dated July 27, in which you describe should not be used as personal banks. your standing with regard to Judaism. Boys might find it surprising that they You also add that you hesitate to take have to help in the house, that they upon yourself a firm resolution, since might have to go shopping for food you dont know what the future holds or household items. Mostly our kids in store. are used to what they see at home, I would like to emphasize here, as I have but if their father only occasionally already done in my letter of the third of takes out the garbage, or rarely helps Tammuz, that it is well known that to a around the house, they should know certain extent a persons future lies in that their wife might have grown up his own hands. This is especially true with a different perception, her father helped Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov with regard to you. for example and she will expect that As I have previously written to you, if from her husband. In fact young men you emphatically and truly resolve to in Kollel are told that they should help conduct a Jewish home, observe family their wives around the house. Naturally purity, [maintain] a kosher kitchen, this is not a carte blanche to have your observe Shabbos, and [emphatically husband miss davening with a minyan and truly resolve] that it simply cannot or miss learning time. Another thing be otherwise, then this itself will hasten we might want to tell our boys is to your finding your destined mate. help shlep things. I have seen plenty This will also obtain the result that of times how the wife is holding the your future mate will be one who will baby and three bags and her husband is also keep all the above, or at least you walking along with a sefer in his hand will be able to convince him to do so. talking on his phone. It is also helpful Your vacillation regarding this matter, to tell our young man that they should however, serves to weaken the above suggest to their wives to buy something points, both [with regard to] the shid- new for Yom Tov. duch itself, as well as that the shidduch To be continued come to pass with an individual who will meet these criteria.

 July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights NewsPAPer 7

From Shedlitz to Safety

A Young Jews Story of Survival
By Rabbi Shimon Goldman Exerpted from the book with the authors permission Continued from previous issue The yeshiva building stood on the corner of Bedford and Dean. It was a grand building, with a large spire that rose above its four floors. Years earlier, far off in Shanghai, we had already heard about the new and beautiful building Tomchei Tmimim owned in New York. The building had served as headquarters for the Democratic Party, which later sold the building to Tomchei Tmimim. The yeshiva renovated the building, remodeled its rooms for yeshiva use, and opened their doors wide to serve American Jewry. Someone even sent us a newspaper article that described the opening of the new yeshiva building. The yeshiva hosted a series of gatherings for the occasion. Respected rabbinical figures came to address the crowd; famous chazonim and Jewish singers gave mini-concerts. Now, with our arrival in New York, we were finally able to see the grandeur of this graceful building. We received a royal welcome, and I can truly say that seeing these friends again was one of the most moving moments of my life. The bochurim had already arranged rooms for us in the dormitory. Officially for out-of-town students, the dormitory now accommodated a new class of students homeless refugees. We also ate our meals with the bochurim. I slept in the same room as Leibel and Zalman Posner, two brothers who lived in Pittsburgh and learned in Tomchei Tmimim. My new friends went out of their way to welcome me and oblige my every need. They and all the other American bochurim truly made us feel part of the student family. It must have been difficult for them to help European foreigners adapt to American standards, but they did everything with a smile and a pleasant attitude. With their help, I slowly became accustomed to the American way of life and the learning schedule at Tomchei Tmimim. second floor, together with several administrative offices. The Rashag had his office there. Other offices belonged to Nissan Gordon, Reb Moshe Pinchas Katz, Shmuel Eizik Popack, and our old friends Yosef Wineberg and Tzvi Kotlarsky. The yeshivas accountant, Mr. Kriger, also had an office on the second floor. Some dormitory rooms including my bedroom were also on the same floor. The third floor of the building served as a large playing area for the yeshivas younger students. the Simpson brothers, Yisrael Gordon, Sholom Chaskind, and many others. (Some students, like Eliyahu Chaim Carlebach, slept in the dormitory and learned in 770 anyway.) Nosson Gurary and Uri Ben-Shachar of Eretz Yisrael also learned in 770, along with many others. of Chumash like one of the Jews leaving ancient Egypt. Who is that? I whispered to a friend sitting nearby. Thats Reb Michoel Dworkin, he answered reverentially. Michoel Dworkin! I immediately recognized his name from the printed talks of the Rebbe Rayatz. After spending some time incarcerated in Soviet prison, the Rebbe Rayatz was sentenced to years of exile in Kostrama. (This, too, was quickly reversed.) In his talks, the Rebbe describes how he sent Reb Michoel Dworkin ahead of him to Kostrama, charging him with the mission of preparing the village for the Rebbes spiritual needs. Later, when the Rebbes sentence was commuted, Reb Michoel danced joyously through the streets, loudly singing Nyet nyet nikavo (There is none besides G d). Now that I knew the identity of this distinguished figure, I paid careful attention to Reb Michoel, quickly realizing that this was a Chassid of extraordinary stature. Though Reb Michoel was neither a rav nor a mashpia, Chassidus permeated every fiber of his being and he personified the essence of a Chassid. I often spent time with him. W hen people inquired after his health, Reb Michoel invariably responded: What can a mortal man feel anyway? Back in Russia, Reb Michoel ran a successful business. Now, after living in Israel for a few years, Reb Michoel decided to move to New York and live near the Rebbe. Reb Michoel did not have family ties to keep him in Israel so he packed his belongings and arrived, unannounced, in New York. He became a steady guest at the home of Reb Yochanan Gordon (my future fatherin-law). Reb Yochanans wife went out of her way to accommodate this special guest, preparing for him the foods he regularly ate in Russia black bread, borsht, and other dishes. Reb Michoel greatly appreciated her efforts. Aside from the Gordons, Reb Berel Chaskind also hosted Reb Michoel in his home. Both these Chassidim Yochanan Gordon and Berel Chaskind lived on Eastern Parkway. Reb Berel lived in an apartment building directly across 770, while Reb Yochanan lived at 682 Eastern Parkway, a block away from 770. One Shabbos morning, Monia, the Rebbe Rayatzs nurse, arrived at 770 and went directly to the Rebbes room. Monia helped the Rebbe with the medicines and injections he needed on a daily basis, and she made sure to be in the Rebbes home early every morning.

The yeshivas huge basement housed the kitchen and dining room. Every Shabbos, when the students ate together, it was heart-warming to see how the American bochurim all tried to squeeze together and sit close to us. Eager to hear about our past, the bochurim pressed us for details regarding our

Though all the students made a special effort to help us, two bochurim were particularly involved in our adjustment to Jewish life in New York. These two were Moshe Groner and Yechiel Ziskind. The pair took us to see Williamsburg and Borough Park. These neighborhoods look totally different today, but, even at that time, many Jews were moving into these areas. The Rebbe of Klausenberg had just relocated to Williamsburg and Yechiel Ziskind took us one day to see the Klausenberger beis medrash. We arrived just as the Rebbe began his morning prayers. The Rebbe prayed aloud, gesturing with fervor and enthusiasm, clapping his hands and waving his fists in the air. The scene was an eyeopener for me. I had never seen such open exuberance in the courts of Gur, and certainly not in Lubavitch. Rather, I was familiar with a quiet davening, one that focused on inner introspection and meditation. (Seeing the Klausenberger Rebbe pray this way brought to mind a Chassidic anecdote I read once. An elderly Chassid once noticed a young man screaming and carrying on as he prayed. Young man, said the Chassid, have you tried speaking nicely?) A tzaddik of stature such as the Klausenberger Rebbe certainly understood his actions, and his prayers were undoubtedly permeated with real devotion. However, we were unaccustomed to this mode of prayer. One year, the Klausenberger Rebbe visited the Rebbe Rayatz in Crown Heights. As they parted ways, the Klausenberger expressed his hope for a brighter future. The Jewish nation should be blessed with many salvations, he said with feeling. Replied the Rebbe Rayatz: We need but a single salvation but a true, eternal one. Reb Michoel Dworkin One day, as I sat studying in 770, a Biblical apparition walked into the study hall. He had a long beard, with a knapsack on his back and light colored sandals on his feet. He looked as though he had just stepped out of the pages

Reb Michoel Dworkin

experiences. We told them stories about life back home in Poland; about the outbreak of war; about our escape to Vilna; and about our years in Japan and Shanghai. Besides for their interest in our past, the American bochurim yearned to hear the many Chabad melodies we knew. Most of these were still unfamiliar to them, and we spent The yeshiva was well organized. Older hours teaching niggunim we had heard bochurim learned in the zal, a large over the years. hall on the first floor. Three classrooms adjoined the zal, where the students The yeshivas building on Bedford and heard classes from leading Torah Dean did not house the entire yeshiva. scholars. (To the best of my recollecMany older students learned on the tion, Rabbis Ushpal, Garfinkel and ground floor of the Rebbes home at 770 Kastel taught in these classrooms. In Eastern Parkway (universally known those days, Tomchei Tmimim did not as 770.) Every morning, one could have an official rosh yeshiva who see a large group of yeshiva bochurim lectured for the entire student body. walking from Bedford and Dean to Rabbi Mentlick, our rosh yeshiva, Eastern Parkway. We joined this group taught a single class. Years later, after of bochurim, returning to the yeshiva 1947, Rabbi Mentlick began following building only to eat and sleep. the widespread custom among other roshei yeshiva, and he, too, began giving Among the bochurim learning in 770 a weekly shiur for the entire yeshiva.) were local boys who did not need to A few more classrooms stood on the sleep in the dormitory. These included

8 CROWN HEIGHTS NewsPAPer ~July 11, 2008

Parshas Hashavua
always looks upon other people with an evil eye. Consequently, your blessings are By: Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky of absolutely no value because when you harlotry among the Jews. bless you do not mean it. When you bless "" The word Bilaam ( )is an acronym someone and the blessing later seems to And Balak saw. be fulfilled, it is definitely not thanks to for , , ,. (22:2) ) ( " you, but because mevorach the person QUESTION: The happens to be already blessed. " names of the three Knowing your viciousness and animosparshiot, Korach, " ity towards people, I am confident that Chukat and Balak your curses are sincere and come from each contain the Perhaps I will be able to strike them and the bottom of your heart. Therefore, I will letter " ". Of what drive them away from the land, for I know not waste my time asking you to bless significance is the fact that in Korah the that whomever you bless is blessed and me, but curse the Jews since those who is at the beginning (), in Chukat whomever you curse is cursed. (22:6) you curse, undoubtedly, yuar will it is in the middle (), and in Balak QUESTION: 1) Since Balak hated and be cursed. it is at the end (?) feared the Jewish people, why did he ( " ANSWER: The letter " "is the first letter only ask for the ability to chase them ) of the word kedushah holiness. The away, not to annihilate them? " ' kufs at the beginning, middle and end 2) Balak wanted Bilaam to curse the ". represent past, present and future. Jewish people; why did he mention his I cannot transgress the word of G d, Korachs attachment to holiness was power of blessing? my G d, to do anything small or great. a thing of the past. His geneology is (22:18) 3) Grammatically it should read yevutraced to Yaakov. When one is defiled rach ( )will be blessed in QUESTION: If he could not do a small he is detached from holiness. Through future tense, the same as yuar ( )thing, obviously he could not do a great being sprinkled with the ashes of the one. He should have said the reverse, I will be cursed? red heifer he now becomes cleansed cannot do a great or even a small thing of his defilement and thus regains his ANSWER: According to the Gemara against G d? sanctity. Balaks attachment to holiness (Sanhedrin 105a) Bilaam was originally was a matter of the future. Among his Lavan, the brother of Rivkah. Before she A NSWER: The various names of future would be his granddaughter left home to marry Yitzchak, he blessed Hashem represent attributes that He Ruth, who was the ancestor to King her, Our sister, may you come to be reveals to the Jewish people. The fourDavid and Mashiach. thousands of myriads, and may your lettered Tetragramatton expresses His ( ) ' " offspring inherit the gate of its foes mercy, and the name Elokim () (Bereishit 24:60). indicates severity and judgment (see " Bereishit 1:1, Rashi). The name Keil ... Consequently, Bilaam said to Balak, See(- )is a sign of kindness, as it is stated " ing the great na-tion that has emerged Chessed Keil kol hayom The kindAnd Balak saw all that Israel had done from your sister, I know you are a great ness of G d is all day long (Psalms 52:3). to the Amorite...And Balak was king of prophet, and whoever you bless is defiThe two letters, - of the four-lettered nitely mevorach blessed. Thus, there Moav at that time. (22:2,4) name, as a separate name, are a sign is no question that I will not be able QUESTION: Why isnt he referred to of gevurah severity (see Shemot to wipe them out because you have as king in the first pasuk? 17:16). already blessed them to de-stroy their ANSWER: Balak was not actually the foes. Hence, all I am asking of you is to Thus, in order to curse the Jewish people, king of Moav, but rather an exceptional place a curse upon them so that I may at Bilaam endeavored to evoke the wrath Jew-hater who only saw what the least drive them from the land. ( of Hashem by pronouncing the name Jews did to the Amorites. He refused ) Elokim and the name Kah, the first two letters of Hashems four-lettered to understand that the Jews only acted ..." in self-defense against the Amorites, name. who, for no reason, declared war against " The Gemara (Sanhedrin 105b) explains the Jews. So now, I beseech you, come and curse the pasuk, G d put davar a thing in Balak began to agitate among the people this people for me... for I know whomever Bilaams mouth (23:5) to mean either of Moav and make them afraid of the you bless is blessed and whomever you that He stationed an angel who controlled Jewish peril. Because of his intense curse is cursed. (22:6) his mouth, or that He fastened a hook, as it were, to Bilaams jaw, so that he was anti-Semitism, the people of Moav then QUESTION: 1) Since Balak knew prevented from cursing the Jews. Thus, decided to make him king. Bilaams blessing power, why didnt )(' " when Bilaam attempted to pronounce the he simply ask that he bless him to be name Elokim, the hook permitted him " victorious over the Jews? 2) Why regardonly to say the first two letters, Keil. " ing cursing did he say yuar in the Further, when he wanted to say only the He sent messengers to Bilaam son of future tense will be cursed while first two letters (- )of the four lettered regarding blessing he said mevorach Beor to Pethor. (22:5) name, his mouth was forced to complete is [already] blessed and not yevurach QUESTION: What is the significance the Tetragrammaton. will be blessed? of the name Bilaam? When Balaks messengers invited Bilaam ANSWER: For a blessing to be meaningANSWER: According to Targum to come to curse the Jewish people, he ful, it must be given with good intentions Yonatan ben Uziel (31:8) Bilaam was told them that he was not in control of and a kind heart. To give a blessing one notorious for four attempts to destroy his powers and it would be impossible must be devoid of jealousy and ill will. the Jewish people. 1) He was Lavan for him to do anything small i.e. to Therefore, the Kohanim were selected say only two letters of the four-lettered the Aramean, who wanted to destroy to bless the Jewish people since they are our forefather Yaakov. 2) He advised name or to do anything great i.e. the descendants of Aharon, who was the Pharaoh to torture the Jews in Egypt. to pronounce the name Elokim in its quintessential lover of his fellow man. entirety. 3) He incited the wicked Amalek to declare war against the Jews. 4) Upon Balak said to Bilaam, I have known you ( ' " )" Balaks invitation, he came to curse the for quite some time as a vicious person Jews, and he advised Balak to encourage without one iota of kindness, one who
"

Vedibarta Bam ~ Balak

How

goodly are your tents, O Yaakov, your dwelling places, O Israel. (24:5) QUESTION: Rashi comments that Bilaam was amazed when he saw that the openings [of their tents] were not lined up one with the other. Why did he focus on their openings? A NSWER: The Midrash Rabbah (Song of Songs 5:2) says that Hashem urges the Jewish people to do teshuvah, saying: Pitchu li petach kechuda shel machat veAni poteiach lachem petachim shetiheyu agalot nichnasot bo Make a small opening like that of the head of a needle and I will open for you an opening through which caravans can enter. In other words, the Jew merely has to begin the teshuvah process and Hashem will help him to attain the most lofty goals. Thus, the openings that Jews have to make and Hashems reciprocal opening are not comparable. Therefore, in praise and envy Bilaam said, You Jews are so lucky; your opening and Hashems opening are not lined up identical to each other. You only have to put in a little effort and Hashem opens for you the vast gates of teshuvah. If your G d loves you so much, how can my cursing possibly have an effect?
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"

" "

How goodly are your tents, O Yaakov, your dwelling places, O Israel. (24:5) QUESTION: Why do we open our daily prayers with words of the vile Bilaam, uttered in an attempt to annihilate the Jewish people? (In fact, some omit it and start from Vaani berov chasdecha see Responsa Maharshal 64). A NSWER: Inherent humility and insecurity usually inhibits a person from thinking highly of or praising his own endeavors and accomplishments. Very often he needs the assurance of an outsider to be convinced that his decision or action was correct.
A popular adage states: A stranger for a while sees for a mile. Particularly one who is familiar with both sides of the fence is in the best position to honestly appraise ones virtues. Bilaam the non-Jewish prophet had a profound insight of the secular world. When he took a close look at the Jewish people, he was stunned and flabbergasted at their beauty. Knowing keenly the shortcomings and faults of the gentile world, he involuntarily proclaimed, How goodly are your tents, O Yaakov. In order to dispel any doubts that we may have about our convictions of G dliness and Judaism, we proclaim these words at the very beginning of prayers. We thus recall that even the great gentile prophet, Bilaam, attested to the beauty and superiority of our religion.

 July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights NewsPAPer 9

Vedibarta Bam ~ Pirkei Avos

, . , ," " ,

What is mine is yours, and what is )( yours is yours, is a Chassid. What is ," mine is mine, and what is yours is mine " is a rasha. (5:10) Hard to anger and easy to pacify is a QUESTION: What does the Chassid Chassid; easily angered and hard to mean with shelach, shelach yours pacify wicked. (5:11) is yours and what does the rasha QUESTION: Instead of leiratzot mean with shelach sheli yours to pacify which is the active is mine? form of the verb, it should have said ANSWER: A person of refined charac- leheiratzot, which means to be ter always shows thanks and apprecia- pacified? tion and never holds a grudge. A gross ANSWER: Leheiratzot, means to person is unappreciative and does not be pacified by others. When people reciprocate a favor. The philosophy of speak to him and calm him, he is easily a Chassid is What is mine is yours, pacified. and he gives and helps indiscriminately even to those of whom he could say, The Mishnah is listing as the quality of What is yours is yours they refuse the Chassid that even when with much to part with their money to help anyone, difficulty he becomes angry, he does including him the present day giver not wait leheiratzot to be pacified when he was once in need. by others; rather he is noach leiratzot he pacifies himself and promptly On the other hand, the one who lives takes the initiative to make overtures with the attitude that What is mine for reconciliation. is mine and refused to help anyone, even a person of whom he can say The wicked person, on the other hand, What is yours is mine, i.e. at one time easily becomes angry, and even when I benefited from your benevolence is he comes to his senses and realizes a rasha wicked. () that he was wrong and overreacted, he is not pacified and takes no action : " to make amends. Only much later does "... he half-heartedly show some signs of There are four types of temperaments: pacification. Easily angered and easily pacified.... (5:11) The mili dchasiduta of our Mishnah QUESTION: In each of the four is that proneness to anger is not an cases, the persons nature is to be easily inborn or incorrigible character trait. angered or hard to anger. Why doesnt Otherwise, the Mishnah would not it also list another category the one judge, calling one pious and another who never becomes angry? wicked. ANSWER: The Mishnah is enumeratOften when a youngster bursts forth ing different temperaments in people. with a ferocious display of temper, a To never become angry is not human; relative will comment, He has his only an angel can have such a quality. fathers (or uncles, or grandfathers) Even Moshe, about whom the Torah temper, meaning that the readiness to testifies that he was more humble than anger is inborn, and it must remain part any person on the face of the earth of him. Our Mishnah differs. A child (Bamidbar 12:3), once became angry. may be influenced to display outbursts When he saw that the women of Midian of temper because he lives with an adult were spared, the Torah says, Moshe who reacts with rage, until it seems was angry with the commanders of something biologically inherited. Such the army (for allowing their troops to a temperament is likely to persist, but spare the women who were known to with the discipline of wisdom he can have participated in adulterous activigradually free himself from it until his ties with the Jews) (Bamidbar 31:14). heart changes into something new. Moreover, there are instances when ' ",Ethics of Sinai '( ) being a zealot and expressing anger is a virtue and when reacting with "..." complacency is a fault, particularly There are four types of students.... when one observes a chillul Hashem (5:12) desecration of Hashems Name. As the Torah relates, when Pinchas QUESTION: What is the point of this saw rampant immorality in the Jewish teaching? Seemingly, it is an obvious community, he laudably showed anger observation which any teacher could and acted zealously. make. Moreover, what connection does it share with Pirkei Avot, which teaches Often, in dealing with children, it is pious conduct? wise to make at least a pretense of being angry. The expression of impatience, ANSWER: Generally, we think of a annoyance or rage has its place. The teacher as a person who imparts knowlimportant thing is that, like a Chassid, edge. The Mishnah informs us that the

we should use anger infrequently, and only if it is clearly called for.

approach of mili dechassiduta words lifestyle. Others have the opposite of piety obligates teachers to accept temperament, and they are very slow a more encompassing task. at becoming inspired and even when they finally decide to alter their ways, They should see themselves as being their resolution is short-lived and fades responsible for their students concepquickly. () tual development. This necessitates a careful appreciation of their capacities ..." and conscientious efforts to offset . , their weaknesses and accentuate their " , There are four types amongst those strengths. who give charity ... he gives and others When a teacher sees that a student is should give, is a Chassid. That he should quick to grasp, he must keep observnot give and that others should not give, ing to determine the students powis a rasha. (5:13) ers of retention. If the student is by nature quick to forget, the teacher must QUESTION: 1) A Chassid is one emphasize the importance of repeatedly who goes beyond the call of duty (see reviewing the subject matter. Niddah17a, Tosafot). Why does one who merely gives while encouraging If he sees that a student is by nature slow others to give earn this title? 2) Why to grasp the material being taught, the is the person who neither gives nor teacher should not give up and direct allows others to give counted among his attention to other students. It is the four givers? possible that the student is also slow to forget, and then his loss is overridden ANSWER: Often, when tzedakah is being collected for an important cause, by his gain. a person may give above his means in When a teacher has a student who is order to encourage others to give generquick to grasp and slow to forget and ously. Since he is only required to give therefore succeeds in his studies, the according to his means, but gives more, teacher should not become overly proud he is called a Chassid because he is and seek credit for himself. doing lifnim mishurat hadin beyond Instead, he should realize that the the strict requirements of the law. student has been given cheilek tov Unfortunately, at times the reverse is a good portion and he should be the case. A wealthy man gives much thankful to Hashem for meriting to be less than he can, and as a result others able to nurture this potential. give less than they are able to, some Even if the student is slow to grasp and even giving nothing at all. Thus, the rich quick to forget, the teacher should not man who is giving but not according despair. Although such a student has to his means is called a rasha due to the been given a bad portion, this merely results of his conduct. reflects his natural tendencies. Everyone has the potential to apply himself and through much effort overcome natural Alternatively, according to halachah disabilities and succeed in his studies. one who possesses two hundred zuz )( ( Talmudic currency equivalent to dollars) may not take any charity. But should he lack one dinar (Talmudic Alternatively, this Mishnah can also be currency equivalent to a twenty-five explained as referring to call to wake up cent piece) of the two hundred zuz, he and do Teshuvah. may accept a single gift of charity even There are those who are apt to hear in the amount of thousands of dollars. the wake-up call to do Teshuvah. They The Gemara (Sotah 21b) says that one quickly become aroused, but the excite- who gives a poor man a dinar to bring ment wears off just as quickly and they his possessions to the total of two are back to their own ways. hundred zuz so that he will be prevented Some people do not get inspired very from taking any more charity is called a quickly, and it takes a long time to rasha arum cunning rogue. convince them. However, once they The Mishnah is talking of such a person make a decision to change, they are very who gives but gives a small amount so firm about it, and it is very difficult for that lo yitein he will no longer have any one to convince them to go back to to give charity to this poor person their old patterns. velo yitnu acheirim nor will others The most worthy group are those who be required to give to him, and therefore quickly become aroused to do Teshuvah .he is both a giver of charity and a rasha and stick steadfastly to their new Torah )( " "

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10 CROWN HEIGHTS NewsPAPer ~July 11, 2008

Matters of Interest
Life Insurance and the Impact of
By Mordy Schachter, Agent New York Life Insurance Company tion and Cash Value Accumulation In its simplest form, whole life insurance is a tool that protects the people who count on you for financial support no matter what happens to you tomorrow. Aside from providing money to your beneficiaries to replace your income, whole life insurance also offers guaranteed cash value accumulation. If available, cash value can be borrowed against to fund a childs education, supplement your retirement income, or meet an emergency cash need. Loans reduce the policys death benefit and cash value, and accrue interest until repaid. Whether its starting a diet next month or postponing a much overdue trip to the dentist, at some point in our lives we all practice the art of procrastination. In most instances, the side effects of our actions are minimal and we are able to live with the consequences. Unfortunately, when the subject turns to the need for life insurance, the ability to make an informed and timely decision can be critical. Waiting Can Affect Your Policys Cash Value Unlike that diet, delaying the purchase of life insurance to a perceived better Whole life insurance accumulates cash time can be a costly mistake for you value on a tax-deferred basis as long as and the people closest to you. Waiting the policy remains in force. A portion just a few years can have a negative of the premiums you pay for insurance impact on several key areas of a life coverage builds cash value each year, insurance policy. which can be accessed via loans. Over the long term, cash value accumulation Whole Life Insurance: Financial Proteccan be considerable, especially since taxes on the growth are deferred. Generally speaking, the sooner you start paying policy premiums, the faster your cash value may accumulate. Waiting Can Affect Your Policys Dividends A whole life policy is also eligible to receive dividends, if and when they are declared by the insurance company issuing your policy. Unlike cash values, dividends are not guaranteed and are subject to change by the insurer. In addition, past dividends are not indicative of future dividends. What you do with your dividends is up to you. One option lets you receive the dividends in cash. A second option lets you use dividends to add to your insurance coverage through the purchase of paidup additional life insurance. Paid-up insurance is just that no additional premiums are due and it too has cash value and is eligible for dividends. So, waiting can mean missing the opportunity to increase the benefit paid to your beneficiaries. Lets say you wait five years to purchase whole life insurance. Today, you are healthy and your insurability is not a problem. Five years from now this situation may change and an unexpected health condition may place your insurability in jeopardy. In the worst case scenario, if you were to die in the next five years, the cost would be the death benefit your beneficiaries would not receive. Evaluate Your Cost of Waiting Purchasing life insurance is a major decision and its important that you take the time to gather all the necessary information and choose a type of coverage that best suits your needs. Can you afford not to purchase life insurance? The decision is up to you but keep in mind that postponing your decision can prove costly.

Mordy Schachter is an Agent at New York Life Insurance Company who has recently qualified for Council status in his company. He has dedicated himself to servicing the Crown Heights community. W a i t i n g C a n A ff e c t Y o u r For any related questions, please contact Insurability Mordy at (718) 915-3438.
tions, families and private individuals in implementing the RAMBAM Lifestyle. By improving your lifestyle you Will: have more energy everyday, get rid of bad cholesterol, constipation, normalize blood pressure, boost your immune system and metabolism, prevent heart disease, stroke, and diabetes chas vsholom, etc Yaakov can be reached at yaakov.bam@gmail.com or by phone, (347)564-2874. To find out more details about the RAMBAM Lifestyle, please see preceding and upcoming articles of the Health Interest series. To register for a free Health Lifestyle seminar, please contact Yaakov Bam.

The RAMBAM Lifestyle

By Yaakov Bam, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant

Feel well. Look well. Stay well.

The Rambam: I can guarantee that anyone who accustoms himself to these ways which we have discussed will not become sick throughout his whole life, and will never need to take any medicines. His body will be perfect and healthy for his entire life.... Feel well. Look well. Stay well. How a Change Lifestyle Can Help Protect and improve Your Health and quality of Your Life?

exercise while minimizing the risks. And even a few minutes a day of stress management can make a profound ence. By doing this we will be able to difference in your well-being. fulfill the Mitzvah of Ushmartem as Rambam lifestyle empowers the person Nafshosehem properly and prevent/ and is based on Behirah Chofshit reverse any sickness. (freedom of choice) and personal Today medical science discovered that accountability (Heshbon Hanefesh). By simple choices about lifestyle (diet improving Your Lifestyle you Will feel included) can have a very powerful better, lose weight, and gain health. affect on health and well-being of To be continued people. It has been proven throw the medicine research that changes in life- Yaakov Bam, MS, is a member of American style (diet included) can often reverse Association of Nutritional Consultants. He the severe diseases: heart disease, focuses on guiding and advising institudiabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, eder mahalah, etc Every one who is looking to improve health and prevent illness, has vsholom, should design, with a help of professional, a customized lifestyle program including a personalized nutritionally balanced meals plan, stress management techniques, moderate exercise, and social support.

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Many people think of an invention in medicine as only being a new drug, a new surgical method, etc There is peoples saying that everything new is There is a range changes you can make, based on your personal situation. well forgotten old thing. You have to remember: It takes more We have been given a Mitzvah: Ushmareffort to reverse disease than to do tem as Nafshesham. Sages of Talmud prevention. and Rambam in his Mishneh Torah explained how to fulfill this Mitzvah You have to decide how much change properly. All thou nature changed we you want to make and how much still have to obey to Rambams advise change you need to make. Mitzvah as emphasized in Sichah of the Rebbe gereres mitzvah (one step at the time) on 15 Shevat 5748. Rambam says one -- the healthy your lifestyle is, the more must follow Torahs instructions such wellness youll experience. as the laws about health in his Mishneh You have a variety of choices in how Torah Hilhos Deos and he promises much improvement in your meals whoever observes will be healthy plan you can do, how much physical throughout his entire life. and stress management to do, how to We have to take Rambams advise build and improve your social support. thou the prizm of [and apply it to] Even 30 minutes of walking everyday todays nutritional and medical sci- provides benefits of more demanding

 July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights NewsPAPer 11

Chaya Mirel
By Penina Metal

She was the first-born and by all accounts quite brilliant. Hashem had other plans, however. An insurrection occurred. Travel to In the early 1900s, her father, Choni Palestine was impossible. (Papa), had preceded his family to the shores of America to find a better Ita would never fulfill her dream of life for the family he left behind in making Aliya. Europe. As with so many landsmen, She ended up in America after all. he would send for his family when he found a livelihood to properly support The day after the family arrived, Papa them and a decent place in which to set out to find a suitable home for the house them. family, but Chaya Mirel refused to go with him. Yet his wife, Ita (Mama), had other ideas. Dos is nisht mine sheine Tatte (This is not my handsome father!). Papa was A secretary to Theodore Herzl, and dressed in his work clothes. She insisted therefore, a fervent Zionist, she had that her father change into proper attire every intention of settling the land, before setting out.

in Palestine and was on her way there with her mother, Roza, her oldest daughter, Chaya Mirel and the baby, Sora Rifkah.

He was a tall, imposing figure with an iron will. Yet his first-born daughter melted his resistance, and he did indeed change his clothing to suit her wishes. Identical twin boys were born in America and then to the heartbreak of the parents, Chaya Mirel passed away, rl, at the tender age of 7 due to a cerebral hemorrhage.

envelope in his hand. He asked for me by name and handed it to me. I couldnt imagine what sort of document/letter it contained. It was a yartzeit notice (for the 9th of Tammuz) for little Chaya Mirel from Tzach.

I felt a pang for this little girl that my mother never knew, yet for whom;she lovingly insured that Chay Merele One can only imagine the impact that (as she referred to her) would never be forgotten. With my father, obm, long this tragedy had on the parents. gone, Kaddish would now be recited A few years later another little girl was for her annually through the Tzach born, and she was named, Raizel Mirel, Organization. in memory of her grandmother, Roza Now it is up to me to remember that and the sister, Chaya Mirel. there once lived a little girl named This little one was my mother, obm. Chaya Mirel. A few week s ago, a young man May the Geula come immediately! approached the front desk with an a legendary Chossid committed to the Previous Rebbe and to the Rebbe, an aristocratic individual who was blessed with talents, who was the first to write in English numerous books on Chabad Chassidus, commandments, holidays, philosophy, history, Jewish historical fiction and childrens literature, enabling thousands of Yidden to understand Torah and Chassidus in an intellectual manner, and who was the author of the Talks and Tales that allowed young Jewish children worldwide, to receive what was sometimes their only spiritual nourishment, and who merited to relay the Rebbes messages in many languages; serve as the inspiration to use ones talents and be sincerely devoted to sharing and spreading Torah and Chassidus to Yidden who are unaware of its light and contribution, and thus enhance their lives and those of their families for generations. We should speedily witness The ones who dwell in the dust will awaken and rejoice with Horav Hachosid Dr. Mindel among them.

HERO

Continued From Page 5

Rubber stamp Consequently, I made so bold as to suggest that, in the case of certain outgoing mail there might be a way to save the Rebbe some time. I referred, by way of example, to so-called standard letters such as Rosh Hashana greetings, responses to requests for the Rebbes blessing on happy family events, such as Bar Mitzva, marriage, birthdays, and others, all of which together, though not part of my job, could number several thousand in the course of a year. Now, if the Rebbe would permit to have such letters signed by a rubber stamp, a universally accepted practice, it would certainly save the Rebbe considerable precious time. With due acknowledgment of his secretarys thoughtfulness, the Rebbe politely rejected the idea out of hand, adding an explanation which, presumably, should have occurred to me in the first place. I should have known that anything that smacked of subterfuge would be repugnant to the Rebbe. That goes without saying. The explanation the Rebbe gave me was simple: How can I send prayerful wishes to a person in such an artificial manner, and how would anyone feel receiving from his Rebbe good wishes in a letter that is signed with a rubber stamp? So that was the end of that. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch for NonJews

consisted of Dr. Mindel, Rabbi Shlomo Cunin, head shliach of California, and Rabbi Sholom Ber Levine, head librarian of the Rebbes library. Dr. Mindel, fluent in Russian, was chosen for this mission in order to communicate with the Russian authorities. Prior to their departure, the Rebbe gave Dr. Mindel a sum of money on behalf of the entire group to distribute for Tzedoko in Russia. When the Rebbe handed the money to Dr. Mindel, he said, Since you are the oldest, at least in years, so it will be given to you. They left on the 20th of Teves and returned to the United States on the 5th of Shvat. In a very interesting manner, Dr. Mindel concludes the interview about his life and his accomplishments. Divine Providence Now, after fifty years - when I look back at the beginning of the era when my first connection or relationship began with Chabad I realize that over the course of years prior to WWII and in the years of wandering during the war, the Divine providence led me by the hand and continued so, until I worked in the service of our holy Rebbeim for fifty years. Rabos machshovos blev ish vatzas Hashem hi tokum, Many are the thoughts in the heart of the man, but it is the counsel of Hashem that endures. Dr. Mindel was born on the 2nd of Nissan, the hilulo of the Rebbe Rashab, and was nifter on the 12 day of Tamuz, the birthday and liberation day of the Previous Rebbe, to whom he was totally committed and was a devoted secretary, and who entrusted him with multi-functional tasks relating to his various mosdos.

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In 1986, Dr. Mindel was working on a book relating to the Seven Noachide laws, entitled Kitzur Shulchan Aruch for non-Jews. This publication was intended for non-Jews to study for themselves, and to publicize among Reb Nissan left his daughter, Mrs. their friends. Freida Schapiro of Crown Heights, the wife of HoRav Hachossid HaTomim Mission to Russia Reb Sholom Ber Schapiro, and grandIn 1988, the Rebbe Rashabs library children serving as shluchim and was discovered intact in Moscow. A mechanchim following the teachings delegation of chassidim was sent by of Torah and Chassidus. the Rebbe to Russia in order to gain Yehi Zichro Boruch! May Dr. Mindel, the release of this library. The group

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12 CROWN HEIGHTS NewsPAPer ~July 11, 2008

Yud Beis Tammuz

The Liberation of the Frierdiker Rebbe
Part I (From the Book A day to Recall, A day To Remember by Rabbi SB Avtzon) This day is not only a personal redemption. It is a redemption for everyone who is a Jew. (Letter of the Frierdiker Rebbe 12-13 Tammuz, 1928) The Arrest Tuesday night, Tes-Vav (the fifteenth of) Sivan began as any other Tuesday night in the home of the Rebbe. Jews from all walks of life streamed into his apartment, seeking his help in both spiritual and material matters. Yechidus ended that night at eleven-thirty. The Rebbe then davened Maariv. After midnight, at twelve-fifteen, the Rebbe finally sat down to eat dinner. It was a half hour later, before the Rebbe had finished his meal, that the family heard the doorbell ring, loudly and insistently in the quiet house. Before anyone could answer, the door was flung open, and two men1 walked in purposefully and deliberately, followed by a group of policemen. We are emissaries of the G.P.U.: Who is Schneerson, and where is he?, one of them snapped. I do not know which Schneerson you are looking for, the Rebbe replied calmly. But I imagine if you barge into someones apartment, accompanied by the superintendent of the building, you are aware of who lives there. So why shout and make a commotion? The Rebbe continued, much to the amazement of the G.P.U. agents, Now, if you are trying to intimidate me, I will inform you now that I never feared you, nor will I ever be afraid of you. You may search my apartment if you wish, but the super will show you around as I would like to finish my meal. Evidently, there is some mistake with your being here, and I advise you to leave us alone, until the matter has been clarified, especially since a Schneerson is not one to run away, the Rebbe added. The Rebbe had spoken calmly, in measured tones, clearly unafraid of the intruders. For a moment, it appeared as if his words had struck a chord inside the ruthless officers, and they were silent, not knowing how to reply or respond to the Rebbes words. It was Comrade Nachmanson, the descendent of a Chassid of the Rebbe Maharash, who was the first to speak. Do as you wish, he said scornfully, But we will proceed with our search of your home, as we were ordered to by the G.P.U.. We, for one, are not afraid of anyone even those with connections to foreign governments. Nachmanson turned and marched out of the room, the soldiers at his heels. After a thorough search of the Rebbes entire residence, which took an hour and half, Nachmanson returned to the dining
1Their names were Lulav and Nachmanson; both of them Jewish and from religious and chassidishe backgrounds.

room, where the Rebbe had remained he saw that there was another arrested the entire time. occupant, his face contorted with fear and apprehension. You are under arrest, Nachmanson informed him grimly. We will now ask A few minutes later, after driving through you a few questions... the quiet streets of the cities, the van The Rebbe replied: You will not arrest stopped. The doors were flung open, and me under false pretenses. Everyone the passengers ordered to alight. They knows who I am, and what I do. I am not had arrived at the infamous Spalerno. hiding. I live in one of the largest cities in The agents approached the sentry at the the country. I have an active synagogue, door of the massive jail. To their shock, and I give Chassidic discourses every he refused to allow them entry! Shabbos and Yom Tov. The Rebbe continued, Being barbarians, After a heated discussion, the prison you pay no heed to my familys entreaties. guard allowed them in. Once inside the I therefore demand the right to request, gloomy halls of the jail, Nachmansons in front of my family, that I be given the civilized demeanor disappeared. He right to pray with Tefillin. I also want swaggered over to the desk where the my family to be able to bring me Kosher admissions clerk stood. Now you will food while I am incarcerated. understand where you are, he said cruNachmanson, assured the Rebbe, with elly to the Rebbe, as he handed over the a surprisingly polite smile: You will Rebbes papers to the officer in charge. be allowed to pray, as we are only going The Rebbe was told to go directly to the to ask a few questions and then let you interrogation room, located at the other go. side of the huge complex. Through a dark While they were waiting for the van hall, the Rebbe walked alone, his way that would transport the Rebbe to the illuminated by the faint light of small dreaded Spalerka Prison, the Rebbes candles ensconced on the black walls. mother, Rebbetzin Shterna Sara, sud- Every ten feet, a soldier stood expressiondenly entered the room. less, with a cocked gun in his right hand and an unsheathed sword in his left. Seeing the unexpected and most unwelcome visitors, her eyes widened in fear This entire experience was designed to and she cried, Whats happening? Why instill fear into every prisoners heart and are they here? Are they trying to ensnare cause him to lose his composure. By the even innocent people, who only work time the person arrived in the interrogafor the betterment of others?! No, my tion room, he would be so shaken that he precious son you cannot leave! I will would talk and before realizing it, give go in your stead... them the information they wanted. Turning to Nachmanson, the elderly Inadvertently, the Rebbe passed the Rebbetzin pleaded, Please! Take me room in which he was to enter to begin and dont disturb my son, my only child his questioning and instead turned into whose whole life is dedicated to helping a brightly lit, deserted hallway. Realizing others. Are you sentencing even blamehow his wrong turn could only have been less people?! directed by Hashems hand, the Rebbe The Rebbetzin continued to cry, this time seized the opportunity to regroup his addressing her departed husband and his thoughts. He sat down and resolved not predecessors: My dear husband! Your to lose his composure, or allow himself only child they are taking away, your to be intimidated by the officers. son who sel good. With Mesirus Nefesh, he follows Getting up from his seat, the Rebbe your instructions. Bandits, murderers, proceeded confidently into the assigned entered our home. Holy ancestors! They room. are trying to extinguish your candle He was ready to be questioned. which you have lit so painstakingly, over Directed to a table, a clerk began asking the years. I will not allow them to take the Rebbe questions. The questionnaire my son... was extensive, asking him to provide his Nachmanson was overcome. Turning identity, residence, profession, ideology to the Rebbe, he said, Please take her and associates. aside and calm her down! I did not want to agitate her we were deliberately The Rebbe refused to answer most of the quiet, so as not to awaken her. Now, will questions. Those who escorted me here you comfort her? know who I am, and there is no need for me to identify myself. But if they wont The Frierdiker Rebbe took his grieving share that intelligence with you, I will mother, his wife and children into an give you the basic informat ion about enjoining room. He seized the opportu myself. nity to give them instructions as to whom The Rebbe then proceeded to answer just they should contact in their attempts to his name and his address. He ended, I procure his freedom. study Torah, and I keep the Mitzvos, and The van had arrived in the meantime, and I have no political affiliations. the Rebbe was escorted to the waiting After putting a line through the blank vehicle, accompanied by his family and lines of the unanswered questions, ensurthe guards. He then gave to one of the ing that no false answer be placed there, guards a big bag containing his Tallis the Rebbe signed his name and was given and Tefillin with additional religious and a number: He was now Prisoner 26818. personal belongings. Entering the van

The clerk then led him to the officer in charge of placing the prisoners in their cells and left the room. The Frierdiker Rebbe fiercely demanded that his Tefillin be returned to him. Taken aback by the Rebbes obvious dedication to his religion and his spirited tone, the officer begrudgingly agreed and had his bag brought in to him. Through a maze of long halls the Rebbe went, this time escorted by a guard. Realizing that the guard will not allow him to put on his Tefillin, the Rebbe quietly took them out and began winding them around his arm as he followed the guard up the metal stairway. The guard walked briskly and purposefully. Sensing that the Rebbe was lagging behind, he turned around and saw the Rebbe attempting to place his Tefillin Shel Rosh over his forehead. Incensed, the prison guard roughly pushed the Rebbe, causing the Rebbe to fall down the entire flight of steps. Slowly, painfully, the Rebbe got to his feet. Thank Gd, no bones appeared to be broken, but the metal on his belt had cut into the skin on his stomach, and he was bleeding. With difficulty, the Rebbe followed the guard into a small office. While the warden looked through his belongings, the Rebbe continued to place his Tefillin Shel Rosh on his head and recited the Shema. He was halfway through the Shemone Esrei, when the warden looked up and saw the Rebbe swaying in prayer. Grabbing hold of the Tefillin, the warden yanked hard. Feari ng that the Tefillin straps would tear, the Rebbe allowed him to remove the Tefillin from his head. The Rebbe pointed out that according to the law, he was allowed to petition officials regarding a specific request. He then proceeded to send letters to the chief prosecutor, the head warden of the prison, and the arresting agent, Nach manson, demanding that his Tefillin be returned. At six in the morning, the Rebbe was taken to his cell. Five hours and fifteen minutes had passed since they first entered his home, five hours of threats, tension and pain. The cell he was assigned to was on the sixth floor, room 160. Although originally meant to house only one prisoner, the Rebbe was now the fourth occupant of the room. They received the Rebbe with great respect and huddled together more closely giving the Rebbe more space. Turning to the guard who had accompanied him to his cell and to the supervising officer, the Rebbe demanded his Tefillin be brought to him. He also requested that a doctor look at his wound. One officer replied: You will wait until next week Monday to see a doctor, and as for your Tefillin, you can forget about it you will not get them back! The Rebbe answered, If thats the case,
Continued on Page 13

 July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights NewsPAPer 13

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn

(1880-1950) 6th Rebbe of Chabad- Yitzchaks responsibilities included Lubavitch administrating the many civic and communal activities in which the (Reprinted with permission from Chabad. Rebbe was involved. The young Rabbi org) Yosef Yitzchak, in full-length chassidic garb, was a familiar figure in the receivRabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, ing rooms of the government officials, the sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, ministers, and nobles of Moscow and was one of the most remarkable Jewish Petersburg. In 5655 (1895) the young personalities of the twentieth century. rabbi participated in the great conferIn his seventy years, he encountered ence of religious and lay leaders in every conceivable challenge to Jewish Kovno and again in the following year life: the persecutions and pogroms of in Vilna. At times soft-spoken and with Czarist Russia, Communisms war on words coming from the heart, at times Judaism, and melting-pot Americas audacious and threatening, but always apathy and scorn toward the Torah fearless and determined, he demanded and its precepts. The Rebbe was unique the repeal of anti-Jewish decrees, the in that he not only experienced these stopping of pogroms and the cessation chapters in Jewish history -- as did of the governments program of forced many of his generation -- but that, as a enlightenment of traditional Jewish leader of his people, he actually faced life. them down, often single-handedly, and prevailed. On Elul 13, 5657 (1897) at the age of seventeen, Yosef Yitzchak married Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak was the only Nechamah Dina, daughter of Rabbi son of Rabbi Sholom DovBer, the fifth Abraham Schneersohn and grandRebbe of Chabad, whose devotion daughter of the Tzemach Tzedek, the to the childs education is lovingly third Chabad Rebbe. During the weeks chronicled in Rabbi Yosef Yitzchaks celebrations that followed the wedding voluminous writings. While still in his ceremony, Rabbi Sholom Dovber teens, the young Yosef Yitzchak served announced the founding of Tomchei as the right hand of his father. As the Tmimim, the Lubavitch Yeshivah, personal secretary of the Rebbe, Yosef and the following year appointed his

to function and thrive, preserving and even spreading the teachings of Torah and Chassidism to this very day. When the all-powerful communist regime began to crumble in the closing years of the 80s, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchaks network of childrens schools, outreach centers, and supply lines of kosher food and religious services simply moved out of cellars and attics into emptied Upon his fathers passing in 1920, Communist Party buildings. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak assumed the leadership of Russian Jewry just as Upon arriving in New York after his Communisms all-out war on Jewish life rescue from Nazi-occupied Warsaw in was moving into high gear. His fight to 1940, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak took on a preserve Judaism was characterized by no less formidable challenge: the frigid his all-consuming mesirat nefesh - an spiritual atmosphere of the Western unequivocally selfless devotion to the world. There was no telling Rabbi physical and spiritual needs of a fel- Yosef Yitzchak that his was a losing low Jew and unshakable faith in what battle; from his wheelchair, he rallied he stood for. He dispatched teachers the Jewish young of America under the and rabbis to the farthest reaches of cry that America is no different, that the Soviet Empire, establishing a vast also in this bastion of materialism the underground network of schools, timeless truths of Torah can take root mikvaos, and lifelines of material and and flourish. He established yeshivas spiritual support. Stalins henchmen and day schools, a publishing house for did everything in their power to stop Jewish books, a social service organizahim. In 1927 he was arrested, beaten, tion and community support networks sentenced to death and exiled, but he throughout the country. By the time stood his ground, and by force of inter- of his passing in 1950 he had laid the national pressure, he was finally allowed foundation for the global renaissance to leave the country. But in leaving the of Torah-true and chassidic-flavored boundaries of the Soviet Union he left Jewish life, heralded by his son-in-law his emissaries and their infrastructure and successor, Rabbi Menachem M. of Jewish life behind; these continued Schneerson.

son to be its executive director. It was there in the hamlet of Lubavitch in pre-soviet White Russia that Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok trained the army of the faithful torchbearers who, under the impossible conditions of the decades to come, would literally give their lives to keep the flame of Jewish life ablaze throughout the Soviet Union.

The Liberation
Continued From Page 12

well, let these prisoners be my witness: I am declaring a hunger strike! Until I receive my Tefillin, I will not eat or drink anything. The Rebbe then arose to pray in a loud voice, chanting a soulful Chabad prayer melody. He stood without Tallis and Tefillin in the dark cell in Spalerno with an old Chabad melody on his lips.

The other prisoners listened silently and attentively to the Rebbes prayer and melody. The Rebbe then delivered to them a Torah discourse. There eyes Nachmanson, the second arresting which were darkened by the fear of death officer, now walked into the room to join were suddenly alight with the radiance the interrogation team. After many hours of Torah. of questioning, as the interrogation was The Interrogation winding down, Lulav stammering barked in anger: B-B-But You will be shot to It was 48 hours later at 10:00 Thursday death in the next 24 hours! night after two days of not eating or The Rebbe replied, Hashem will help. drinking that a guard entered the The next day, Friday in the afternoon, an cell. He was to bring the Rebbe to be officer brought the Rebbe his precious interrogated. Tefillin and Seforim. As soon as he entered the interrogation office, the Rebbe stated calmly, This is The first battle in the prison had been the first time I walked into a room, and fought, and the Rebbe emerged the no one stood up for me. victor. Irritated, one of the officer shouted, Dont you realize where you are? The Rebbe replied, Surely; this is a place where no Mezuzah is required, just like a bathroom or stable... The chief interrogator didnt know how to respond to that statement. Instead he began to list the Rebbes long his tory of criminal activity: Opening Chedarim, collecting money from other Now that his hunger strike was over, the Rebbe requested that food, prepared by his family, be brought to him. A little while later, the guard brought the basket of food to the Rebbe. The Challah was intact; no one had broken them open to see if there was anything inside. Taking this as a sign that the wardens attitude towards the Rebbe had improved, the guard began to treat the Rebbe with more respect.

countries and corresponding with traitors and others the government deemed undesirables. In reply, the Rebbe countered: Legally, one is allowed to teach ones children as was explicitly declared by Karlinko the chief prosecutor of the Soviet Union. So who am I to listen to, him or you?! Bringing money into the country can only be beneficial to the State; and thirdly, there was nothing illegal about my correspondence with others. With that, the Rebbe reiterated his request that he be given his Tefillin back.

GREAT SUCCESS!

14 CROWN HEIGHTS NewsPAPer ~July 11, 2008

Shleimus Haaretz
Strongly, Publicly, and Everywhere
Published and copyright by Sichos In English There Should Not Remain a Single Individual Anywhe Who is Unaware of the Ruling The Task of the Rabbis Since They Are Ordained Rabbis Certainly the Issue Affects Them to the Core of their Souls After a Rabbi rules unequivocally on this matter, he must not wait until he is asked about it; rather, he himself should widely publicize the ruling. This is what the first Lubavitcher Rebbe writes in his Code of Jewish Law, that someone who asks [whether he should transgress the Shabbos in order to save a life] is a shedder of blood, since he could be saving a life during the time it takes to ask the question; and the one who waits to be asked is contemptible, inasmuch as he should have taken the initiative, and publicized that it is permitted. On Shabbos Vayakhel-Pekudei 5740 (1980), the Rebbe pointed out that there are certain issues concerning which Rabbis find no difficulty in publicizing study the weekly Torah portion every their rulings: Shabbos, including those portions that discuss the boundaries of the land of If we ask even an unworldly Rabbi Israel. And there are those amongst whether, according to Jewish Law, them who read the newspapers and are the government should fund yeshivas, aware of the situation in the world. he will answer, Of course! And if we would further ask him if we may How is it possible that during the three publicize this in his name, he would days they were together, they discussed answer that it is unnecessary, since he the most important things, things that are undeniably important, even himself is going to do just that. making good resolutions; yet, about The same applies and all the more a situation that concerns the veritable so with regard to the Rabbinical life and death of scores of Jews, G-d ruling concerning the unassailable right forbid, nothing is said, and no one even of the Jewish people to the Holy Land. complains?! And then they publish the We should publicize this ruling such minutes of the meeting including all the that there should not even be one single good resolutions they made (and they person who will not know about it! really are good resolutions), without In the same address, the Rebbe told the even mentioning a single, solitary word Rabbis that only when they conduct about the unassailable right of the Jewthemselves in this fashion are they ish people to the Land of Israel. doing their jobs properly. The Rebbe further said at the same When the Rebbe heard about a certain address that just as the conduct of conference involving observant Jews, Mordechai in the time of Achashverosh in which the agenda did not include a and Joseph in the time of Pharaoh (both Rabbinical ruling regarding the unas- of whom held positions of power under sailable right of the Jewish people to non-Jewish regimes), so must be the the Holy Land, he asked: conduct now of the Rabbis, whom our sages call rulers, meaning that they Dozens of Jews gather together, every must not be afraid of anything.... one of whom is observant, and they If the Rebbe makes incumbent upon all Rabbis the obligation to protest in this regard, then this obligation is twice as great for those who have already expressed their opinion on this or similar issues. As the Rebbe said: Any Rabbi who has expressed his opinion on this or similar issues in which case he cannot excuse himself from issuing a ruling in this matter should certainly consider all that we have said and issue a definitive Halachic ruling concerning whether or not it is permitted to abandon parts of Judea and Samaria. For here, we are dealing not only with the prohibition of allowing non-Jews to settle the land, but also with immediate danger of loss of lives. The Rebbe continues: It is obvious that all the above is not meant to demean the Rabbis honor. In fact, they dont need my urging in this matter, inasmuch as they are ordained Rabbis, and certainly are familiar with this law and shall conduct themselves accordingly. Particularly since this is a matter of life and death for numerous Jews, it must profoundly concern each and every Rabbi. Therefore, they dont need anyone to prompt them about it

UPDATE FROM THE GIMMEL TAMMUZ SHLEIMUS HA*ARETZ TALK SHOW

4 Tammuz /July 7, 2008 By Tamar Adelstein, host If you havent already listened to the show via phone retrieval 641-715-3486, Access Code 505946# (the website is still down), we really hope youll do so after reading this review. Rabbi Yaakov Lazaros, guest lecturer for our learning segment, made a poignant connection between Moshe Rabbeinus lengthy request to the king of Edom to pass through his territory on the way to Eretz Yisroel and todays current situation in our homeland. Moshe says and the Egyptians dealt ill with us and with our fathers, the Avos. Rashis explains that the Avos are aggrieved in their graves when evil befalls Israel. Just as they were grieving throughout Golus Mitzrayim, so too do they grieve at the trials and tribulations our fellow Yidden face from terror attacks like the one that happened last week in Yerushalayim, rl. Perhaps even more so do our Forefathers grieve at the travesty of Jewish politicians, leaders, and so-called rabbis who determine their obligation whether or not to respond or how to do so when these things happen, rl, on the whim or will of Gentiles and the media. Adhering to the Rebbes plea that Rabbonim uphold their holy obligation to effectively and broadly publicize the ruling that we may not stand idly by our brothers blood; that remain Can anyone disagree with Rabbi Lazaros that the next day should not be back to being silent even when it is Jews who are harming not only themselves but THE ENTIR E JEWISH PEOPLE (and, thereby, forcing the Divine Presence- which follows the Jews wherever they are into Golus) is a violation of Shluchan Orech, Rabbi Lazaros called on all of us to do everything in our power to bring down the Olmert government. mother who lost her entire family when Kuntar murdered them on a terrorist mission masterminded by Abu Abbas on April 22, 1979 posted a letter to the Washington Post in 2003 after Abbas capture. It is vitally important that everyone read it to understand why we must all mount a protest against Kuntars release. It can be read on IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis Website: www.imra.org.il. who were not able to join the groups going on the American or European trips. A one-week trip to the Golan is planned for this week but funds need to be raised so everyone can come. It costs $550 per girl. Hey, everybody, these kids need it and deserve ittheir mesiras nefesh in staying put in Sderot is keeping one more border in Eretz Yisroel intact and protecting the rest of us! If you cant give $550, then how about each block in Crown Hts. or a group of friends getting together where everyone chips in $10 or more to raise the sum. You can call Mrs. Marinovsky at 972.52.604.1836 to contribute. We still need volunteers to help us plan the Kinus Torah for Shleimus HaAretz. The best submissions of Chiddushei Torah will receive a monetary prize and many entries will be featured in a special on-line and booklet edition. To volunteer, please call me at 718-774-0914 or email me at Cadelstein@aol.com.

Can anyone disagree with Rabbi Lazaros that the next day should In addition, police officer, Eliyahu not be back business as ususal Shachar, was also killed by Kuntar during the attack and his family has We also spoke with Dror Vanunu who is filed an injunction to stop his release. the head of the Gush Katif Committee To lodge your protest with the Israeli which is devoted to advocating for the government, call the Israeli Embassy in rights of the former Gush Katif resiWashington at 202-364-5500. dents, obtaining housing and services for them, and, finally, working to ensure I received a call this week from Mrs. Gush Katif wont be forgotten. Chanie Marinovsky from Kfar Chabad who heads the Achoteinu program for The latest crisis expellees face is the high school Israeli girls. upcoming eviction of several communities from their temporary homes A special request has come in from as the governments contract with the the Pizem family who are shluchim in kibbutzim who leased the land for their Sderot to raise funds for a group of girls caravillas will expire on, of all dates, the third anniversary of the Disengagement! In addition to listening to our interview with Dror, you can learn more by reading his website: www. Katifund.org. Finally, we reviewed the imminent prisoner exchange voted on by the Israeli Cabinet and approved by the Knesset to release child killer/terrorist Samir Kuntar in return for the bodies of IDF solidiers Goldwasser and Regev and for information on MIA Ron Arad. Smadar Haran Kaiser, the widow and

 July 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights NewsPAPer 15

Tammuz Yahrzeit
This week we continue with the Yahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mentioning them we come to vHachai yiten el Libo. We learn lessons from their lives that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes the Yahrzeiten from the 9th of Tamuz through the 15th of Tamuz. The respective resting places of the individuals noted in this column near the holy Ohel, (unless otherwise specified). children. She was a Baalas Tzedoko whose home was open to guests, was the unifying factor on her block, and made everyone feel as if they were her best friend. She made sheva brochos and parties for kallahs, and took care of young women in Crown Heights without family. She was devoted to the Rebbe, to whom she brought many people, and her resting place is near those on whom she was mashpia. She left children and grandchildren who follow in her footsteps and are Shluchim and Mechanchim. She was nifter in the midst of her life in 1993. Mrs. Rivka Wolberg The daughter of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Sholom Ber Laine, she was involved in chinuch with a special devotion and brought Yidden closer to Yiddishkeit and to the Rebbe. Many people were hosted in her home, and were received cordially, in particular, out-of-town guests who came to the Rebbe. She was nifter in the midst of her life in 1995. We should speedily witness, The ones who dwell in the dust will awaken and rejoice, with all the above-mentioned individuals amongst them. Dear Readers: Anyone who would like to have their relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit column should email the name, fathers name, date of the ptira and some details to chp5768@ gmail.com. A picture may be included.

Men 10th of Tamuz

Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Yisroel Drizin

The son of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Avrohom, he was mekushar 13 Tamuz with his heart and soul to the Rebbe. He was among the first activists in Mrs. Chaya Ita Blesofsky Uforatzto, spreading Torah and ChasThe daughter of Horav Hachossid sidus permeated with Emuna. He was Reb Moshe, she was the wife of Horav a great Baal Tzedoko. He was born on Hachossid Hatomim Reb Schneur Erev Pesach 1938 in Mintovka, Russia 15th Tamuz Zalman. She was nifter in 1991. and was nifter in 2004. Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb 15th Tamuz 12 Tamuz Michoel Davidson Horav Hachossid Dr. The son of Horav Hachossid Reb AvroMindel hom, he was mekushar to the Rebbe and involved himself in the mitvzoim Th e s o n o f H o r a v campaigns with an enormous energy. Hachossid Reb Yaakov He was nifter in 2005. Yitzchok, he dedicated his life and his unique Women talents to sacred matters 9th of Tamuz over the course of sixty years. He merited to serve as the mazkir, the secretary, Mrs. Freida Laine of the Previous Rebbe who included The daughter of Horav him in his entourage in 1940 trip to Hachossid Reb Alter Eliezer the United States, and then served as Rokeach, a descendent of the personal mazkir of the Rebbe. the Belzer Rebbe Sar He accomplished a great deal Sholom and of Horav much in the spreading of ChasHakodosh Reb Naftoli sidus, was a member of Kehot of Rupshitz, she was Publications editors board, the wife of Horav compiled, wrote numerous Hachossid Hatomim books over the course of Reb Sholom Ber. fifty years and merited After the sufferings to receive the Rebbes of World War II, she guidance and comments. left Europe for Israel He was chief secretary of and was among the first Merkos LInyonei Chinuch families sent by the Previand was a member of the ous Rebbe to found Kfar boards of Machne Israel and Chabad. She established a Vaad Agudas Chassidei Chabad. chassidishe home, and her children and He was born in 1912 on Bais Nissan grand-children follow the teachings of in Latvia and was nifter in 1999. (See chassidus. She was nifter in 2000, and our Heroes) her resting place is on Har Hazeisim.

The son of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Avrohom Yaakov Halevi, he loved peace, loved others and was beloved by all. He was mekushar to the Rebbe, and glorified the name of Chabad and influenced others by serving as a role model to many people. He devoted himself to the education of students in different parts of the world. He was born in 1949 on the 16th of Shvat in Paris and was nifter in the midst of life in 2005.

YAM

The YAM summer program is in full swing, completing its second week. This Shabbos, the boys are going to Cherry Hill, NJ for Shabbos. Next week's highlight will be a three day trip through Boston to Maine for whitewater rafting. Stay tuned for more updates and pictures.

13th Tamuz

Mrs. Baila Raksin Horav Hachossid HatoThe daughter of Horav Hachossid mim Reb Moshe Hatomim Reb Yitzchok Scheinfeld, Binyomin Kaplan her treasure was fear of Hashem. She The son of Horav Hacho- conducted her life with emuna, bitossid Hatomim Reb Arye chon and hiskashrus to the Rebbe. She Leib, he was educated was a loving mother who was dedicated and studied Torah amid persecution, to the chinuch of her Children and a poverty, and with self-sacrifice in the devoted teacher in Oholei Torah. She most difficult times in Soviet Russia. was nifter in an accident in the midst He worked in Rabbonus and communal of her life in 2003. affairs and worked to support himself 10th of Tamuz as well. He spread Torah and all his life he was mekushar to the Previous Rebbe Mrs. Miriam Lakein and the Rebbe. He was born in 1918 on The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb the 3rd day of Sivan in Karilov, White Reuben, she was the wife of, may he Russia, and was nifter in 2005. live and be well Horav Hachossid Reb 14th Tamuz Shlomo and was a woman of great yiras shomayim who was the stronghold Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb of her family and was devoted to her Leima Halevi Levitin

16 CROWN HEIGHTS NewsPAPer ~July 11, 2008

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The Rebbes brows knitted, and his deep blue eyes grayed into sadness. Softly, he When one tells a story about his Rebbe he said, Yesh knireh anoshim hazekukim connects to the deeds of the Rebbe lkobayim -- There are evidently people who need crutches. (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) A long and pregnant pause followed. [Adapted from www.inspiringageneraPerhaps his secret threads of perception tion.com] and communication were tracking Mr. Yehuda Avner, a veteran Israeli my thoughts, for what he said next diplomat, served as an aid and adviser answered my unspoken question. to four Israeli Prime ministers (Golda Raising his palm in a gesture of reasMeir, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem surance, and with an encouraging smile Begin, and Shimon Peres) and as the he said, Let me tell you what I try to ambassador to Ireland and to Australia. do. Imagine youre looking at a candle. Here is a clip of an article he wrote in the What you are really seeing is a mere Jerusalem Post in 2005, describing the lump of wax with a thread down its visits he made to the Rebbe with Rabin middle. So when do the thread and wax and Menachem Begin in 1977, just become a candle? Or, in other words, after he visited with Former President when do they fulfill the purpose for Jimmy Carter: which they were created? When you put And now relaxing, he made a tent of a flame to the thread, then the candle his slender fingers, fixed me with his becomes a candle. eyes, and said with a surprisingly sweet As he was speaking, a rhythmic cadence smile, How come you visit us so often crept into his voice in the manner of a and appear to be so close to us, yet you Talmudist poring over his text, so that never became a Lubavitcher? Why? what he said next came out as a chant: I sat back stunned at the directness of The wax is the body, and the wick the the question. It was true. This probably soul. Ignite the soul with the fire of was my third or fourth meeting with the Torah, and a person will then fulfill Rebbe. Over the years I had become the purpose for which he or she was a sort of unofficial liaison between created. And that is what I try to do to various Israeli prime ministers and the ignite the soul of our people with the Lubavitch court. fire of Torah. Swallowing thickly, I muttered, Maybe it is because I have met so many people who ascribe to the Rebbe powers which the Rebbe does not ascribe to himself. A buzzer had been sounding periodically, indicating that others were awaiting their audience. So I rose and took my leave, pausing at the door to ask, My candle has the Rebbe lit it?

Rebbe Story

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Even as I spoke, I realized I had pre- No, he said, clasping my hand. I have sumed too much. I could hear my voice given you the match. Only you can light trailing away. your candle.