CONTENTS

6
FEATURED ARTICLES WEEKLY COLUMNS
3 Dvar Malchus
8 THE LAG BOMER
PARADE THE REBBE DID 5 Parsha Thought
NOT ATTEND
Rav Saadia Maatuf 19 Halacha 2 Go
21 Moshiach & Hayom Yom
14 ATHE
GUEST AT
PARADE 35 Tzivos Hashem
Nosson Avrohom

25 THE BOY WHO WAS

BORN A VERITABLE
17 ORPHAN
Shneur Zalman Berger

30 LIVING THE
CONNECTED LIFE Beis Moshiach (USPS 012-542) ISSN 1082-0272
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26
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 DVAR MALCHUS

HOW THE JEWISH

PEOPLE WILL
LEAVE EXILE
WITH MERCY
The principal association of Rashbi with nine hours (as described in the
writings of the Tzemach Tzedek).
the redemption is, With this work of yours However, regarding cakes and wool
[the Zohar] they shall go out of exile with garments, since there will be no
mercy, for then there shall indeed be the need for them to undergo a period
of development or growth, there will
fulfillment of When you come into the land, be no need to wait nine hours not
etc., and the land shall rest, a Sabbatical even nine seconds. Rather, it will be
to G-d, in the literal sense, in the true and instantaneous.)
In light of the above, regarding
complete redemption. entering the land in the imminent
redemption, since there will be
Translated by Boruch Merkur no need to wait until the holy land

I
is conquered and apportioned,
n addition to what was said described in the verse, six years you therefore, the six years of working
above on the words, When you shall plant your field and six years the field and the vineyard will be
come into the land, etc., and the you shall prune your vineyard, for instantaneous and the land
land shall rest, a Sabbatical to in the future, the Land of Israel shall rest, a Sabbatical to G-d in
G-d, this verse can also be interpreted will [miraculously] give forth cakes the literal sense. It is only after
literally, describing the Jewish people and wool garments (Shabbos 30b). this initial period that the literal
entering the land in the imminent That is, although cakes and wool fulfillment of six years you shall
redemption. garments will emerge from the plant your field will begin, for there
Originally, following the exodus land (and not from the heavens), must be a dwelling place specifically
from Egypt, the Jewish people took nevertheless there will be no need for in the lower realms. This planting
possession of the land through a any labor to be performed in order your field, however, will be done
process of seven years of conquering to cultivate them. Eretz Yisroel will by others, as it says, And strangers
and seven years of apportioning yield them in a miraculous way and shall stand and pasture your
it among the Twelve Tribes. The there will be no need to wait before sheep, and foreigners shall be your
future redemption, however, will not they can be consumed. plowmen and your vinedressers
come about through conquering and (With regard to childbirth it is (Yeshayahu 61:5).
war. Rather, it will unfold amidst said, In the future, a woman will The latter discussion relates
peace and tranquility, calmness and give birth every day. Nevertheless, in particular to Rashbi, whose
comfort, and it will be instantaneous. even in the Future Era, the Era celebration is on Lag BOmer. Our
Moreover, there will be no need to of Redemption, the process of Sages say that Rashbi was well-
work the land, no need for the labor gestation will take time. But instead versed in performing miracles (for
of nine months, it will take only which reason they sent him to Rome

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 Dvar Malchus

in order to persuade the Romans to he did not experience exile (as the be the fulfillment of When you
lift their ban on Jewish observance). Alter Rebbe relates). However, the come into the land, etc., and the
Indeed, he was so spiritually elevated principal association of Rashbi with land shall rest, a Sabbatical to G-d,
that although Rashbi lived in the the redemption is as it is said, With in the literal sense [in the true and
time of the churban (the destruction this work of yours [the Zohar] complete redemption].
of the Beis HaMikdash), for him it they shall go out of exile with (From the address of Shabbos Parshas
was as though it never happened; mercy, for then there shall indeed Emor 5747, bilti muga)

Continued from page 13 sitting in front. however, since the loudspeaker was
After the farbrengen we davened not working one hundred percent,
He walked out of the zal, looked Mincha, and immediately after we couldnt hear so clearly. The
for a garbage pail, and since he Mincha the Rebbe again began, like Rebbe spoke for about 25 minutes,
did not find one, he put it on the the previous Shabbos, to sing Nyet and immediately began to receive
small ledge near the office of the Nyet, and everyone joined in until the women for yechidus. [At
secretariat, where the mail is placed. the Rebbe exited. Afterward, we this point, the womens section
Everyone was surprised that we had waited for the Rebbe to exit from the emptied out, as all the women went
not noticed the pack, since we are door of Gan Eden HaTachton, and downstairs to the big zal to stand in
always looking out that there should when he came out he made motions line. Then the Tmimim including
not be any dirt around the area with both hands. We stood in two the author of the diary went to the
where the Rebbe stands. The student rows on both sides, and when the ladies section and were able to watch
Chazan took the pack away. Rebbe makes encouraging motions from there]. This is not a regular
we all literally go up and down in yechidus, rather the Rebbe sits in his
This event led to the decision to
tandem with the motion. The Rebbe place and all the women pass before
stop smoking altogether in 770. If
also encouraged the little children him, and each one approaches with
only that resolution would last.
that were standing nearby. a note which the Rebbe reads, and
Tonight, the Rebbe took people then answers and sometimes asks
for yechidus, among them a We walked behind the Rebbe
in order to accompany him to his additional questions. There were
candidate for mayor of New York, some women whose yechidus lasted
who stayed with the Rebbe for 25 house, and in middle of the way the
Rebbe crossed the street towards twenty minutes or more, and there
minutes. Yechidus ended at 12 were some women who came with a
midnight. President Street [where the Rebbe
lives]. A car that was traveling quite a few notes.
During the night, I worked with The yechidus concluded at 1 in
distance away honked the horn, and
Chaim Masharki in the office of the the morning.
the Rebbe immediately jumped and
Vaad LHafatzos Sichos. I went to
went up on the curb. We continued When the Rebbe stood up to
sleep very late. We are still sleeping
to follow the Rebbe with our eyes leave, we immediately ran through
in a basement, what can we do,
until he entered his house, and from Gan Eden HaTachton to the small
Hashem should help...
there we went to the yeshiva dining zal, and after a brief wait the Rebbe
room to eat the Shabbos meal. entered for Maariv. The zal was
GENERAL YECHIDUS On Motzaei Shabbos, there was relatively empty due to the late hour.
FOR WOMEN IN 770 a review with the chozer, R Yoel At the conclusion of the davening,
Kahn. the Rebbe rode to his house.
Motzaei Shabbos Kodesh,
Bechukosai Sunday, 25 Iyar Tuesday, 27 Iyar
Today there was a very joyous Today there was a gathering for Today, the Rebbe made a sudden
farbrengen. The Rebbe stood up in women in the study hall of Chovevei appearance in the Kollel without
middle of the farbrengen, when they Torah, and at 8 in the evening it advance warning. He walked in and
were singing Napoleons march, and continued with the Rebbe in the looked at the sfarim. Obviously,
began to clap. It was a great pleasure big zal in 770. The Rebbe entered, nobody stayed there sitting and
to see the Rebbe standing to his followed by R Chadakov and R learning because they all ran to hide.
full height and clapping his hands. Groner. The entire room was The Rebbe went upstairs and then
Immediately when the Rebbe stands packed with women, as well as the came back down, and then returned
up, everyone else stands up, those ladies section. We [the men], stood to 770.
sitting behind the Rebbe and those partially in the small zal upstairs,

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 PARSHA THOUGHT

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF
THE INSIGNIFICANT
OMER
By Rabbi Heschel Greenberg

ANIMAL FOOD way, therefore her offering Once we brought the Omer
should come from a grain fed offering we were commanded
We are now in the midst of to animals. In other words, the
the period known as Sfira. It to count the days, as a way
inferior quality of grain served as of dealing with our individual
is based on the commandment a reminder to the woman and all
in this weeks parsha to count characteristics to bring light and
others that the errant behavior refinement to them. Each day that
50 days from Passover until came from the Animal Soul.
the Holiday of Shavuos, the we count is not just a repetitive
This conveys a dual lesson for exercise to know how many days
anniversary of the giving of the
us: we have until Shavuos, but it is a
Torah at Mount Sinai.
First, we have an Animal Soul refining process. Indeed, the very
This Mitzvah, to count the
and our immoral behavior comes word for counting in Hebrew,
days between Passover and
from our Animal nature. Second, Sfira, also has the connotation of
Shavuos, is referred to as Sfiras
we have the ability to overcome bringing light.
HaOmer, the Counting of the
that animalistic impulse because
Omer. The Omer was a measure
we also possess a Gdly soul. WHY THE FOCUS
of barley offered in the Beis
Indeed, the Gdly soul is our
HaMikdashThe Holy Temple on ON THE OMER?
true inner essence.
the second day of Passover. From
This explains why a woman In light of the above, one may
that day onward, we are to count
wonder why this ritual is known
49 days and then on the 50th day suspected of adultery had to
bring an offering that reminded as the Counting of the Omer?
observe the Festival of Shavuos.
her of her animal instincts. But An Omer is simply a unit of
In Chassidic literature the dry measure, equal to onetenth
why would a Festival offering,
question is raised why this of an ephah. A more appropriate
associated with holy festivals of
offering had to be from barley name for this Mitzvah would have
assembly, Passover and Shavuos,
whereas all the other flour been Counting of the Mincha
also have to come from barley?
offerings in the Temple were flour Offering, or Counting
made out of wheat? Barley was Chassidic thought explains
of the Barley Offering, since
considered to be an inferior grain that when we left Egypt as
barley was an important part
intended mostly for animals. liberated slaves we had been
of the Mitzvah. Why identify
The only other barley flour exposed to the impurity of Egypt
the Mitzvah by a secondary and
offering was the one a suspected for generations. We had to refine
ancillary aspect of it, such as the
adulteress had to bring to the our Animal Souls before being
unit of measure, rather than by
Temple. The Talmud explains the worthy and capable of receiving
the barley or the flour itself?
reason for her barley offering: the Torah. Hence the offering
of barley, animal feed, helped us The Midrash may have
She behaved in an animalistic
refine the Animal Soul within us. anticipated this question when

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 PARSHA THOUGHT

The answer lies precisely in the paltry value of day of Passover, the day before
the Omer was offered.
the Omer measure of barley. Haman realized that
It follows, then, that the future
if Jewish power were only based on wealth and quantity, and final Redemption is also
connected to our internalizing
he could have easily triumphed over them. If the Jews
the lesson of the Omer offering.
were focused on the value of their offering, Haman could To understand the redemptive
always outspend them. After all, he had at his disposal the power of the Omer and discover
an even deeper reason for the
riches of the Persian Empire. When Haman realized that emphasis on the Omer measure
the Jewish people were preoccupied with an offering of barley, we must refer to a story
recounted in the Midrash of how
consisting of but one Omer, he knew that he could not Haman was defeated because of
vanquish them. This power of a Divine quantity was a the Omer:
When Mordechai saw Haman
sign that they possessed an infinitely more powerful approaching him with his horse,
weapon than Hamans 10,000 silver talents. he said, I believe this wicked
person comes only to kill me.
Now, Mordechais disciples
it connected the Counting of the to accumulate more than Gd were sitting and learning before
Omer with Manna, the heaven has ordained for us, it will not him. He said to them, Get up
sent food the Jews lived on change what we receive, just as and flee, lest you be burned by
throughout their 40 year sojourn the Manna was uniformly one my coal.
in the desert. The Manna too Omer for all, no matter how They replied, We are with
consisted of an Omers worth of much each person collected. you and will not leave you
food. No matter how much one This reinforces the idea that whether to be killed or to live.
collected, the daily portion of the barley offering represented What did he do? He wrapped
Manna never had more or less the need to refine the Animal himself in his tallis and stood
than the volume of an Omer. Soul. The argument presented in prayer before the Holy One,
Rabbi Berechyah said: by the Animal Soul that causes blessed is He, while his students
The Holy One, blessed is He us to sin is that we are in charge sat and learned.
said to Moshe: Go and say to the of our lives. The more we think Haman asked them, What
children of Israel, When I used we are independent of Gds are you studying.
to give you the Manna, I gave power and blessing, the more They replied, The Mitzvah
an Omer to each one of you, as emboldened the Animal Soul of the Omer which Israel would
is written An Omer per person. becomes to the point that it offer in the Temple on this day.
(Exodus 16:16). And now that exclaims: Its my life! I can
He said to them, What did
you are giving Me the Omer do whatever I want! Whereas
this Omer consist of? Was it gold
offering, I have prescribed for the Gdly soul always humbly
or silver?
Myself nothing but a single Omer realizes its dependence on Gd,
the Animal Soul is focused solely They replied, Barley.
from all of you. And moreover, it
is not from wheat but of barley. on itself and its needs; anything it He inquired, What was its
does to satisfy those needs is fair value? Was it worth 10 kantars?
Our offering of the Omer is
thus a vivid reminder of the Omer game. They replied, 10 manehs
of Manna that Gd provided in sufficed.
the desert. OMER AND REDEMPTION He said to them, Rise,
We can now understand for your 10 maneh have
The Midrash also states that
why a measure of Omer was so triumphed over the 10,000 silver
the merit by which the Jewish
significant. We brought the Omer kantars [that I gave to King
people entered the Promised
offering to remind ourselves that Achashveirosh]!
Land was the offering of the
Gd takes care of all our needs. Omer. Significantly, the Manna From this Midrash we see
No matter how much we may try ceased descending on the first that the Omer contributed

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 significantly to the salvation of in the paltry value of the Omer THE LESSON FOR TODAY
the Jews in the days of Haman. measure of barley. Haman
The lesson for our day and
But, the question can be realized that if Jewish power
age is that our way to bring
asked, what so impressed Haman were only based on wealth and
Redemption and salvation to
about the Omer that he realized quantity, he could have easily
the world and to defeat all the
his decree was doomed? triumphed over them. If the Jews
modern day Hamans and tyrants
The Rebbe once explained were focused on the value of their
is by living the future now!
that Haman saw how the Jewish offering, Haman could always
outspend them. After all, he had As we stand on the threshold
youth were engrossed in the of the Age of Redemption we
study of the laws of the Omer, at his disposal the riches of the
Persian Empire. can already see the light of its
which could only be brought dawning on the horizon. Rather
in the Beis HaMikdash. At that When Haman realized that the
than turning back to see the
moment he realized that their Jewish people were preoccupied
darkness of night, we should look
hope for and trust in Gds with an offering, consisting of
forward to see and live in the
promise to bring the Redemption but one Omer, which symbolized
light of the future.
was so formidable that nothing Gds ability to provide all of our
needs with a single Omer, he One way of experiencing the
could stand in their way.
knew that he could not vanquish future Geula is to focus now
The fact that they were on the intrinsic quality in every
oblivious to the threats of them. This power of a Divine
quantity was a sign that they detail of Judaism; in every Jew
Galus and were engrossed and indeed in every small detail
in the offering of the Omer possessed an infinitely more
powerful weapon than Hamans of our lives.
demonstrated that they were
10,000 silver talents. Moshiach, who ushers in the
already living in the time of
[According to some final Redemption, is different
Redemption. There is no greater
commentaries, 1 omer is equal to from other great leaders in
power to overcome Galus than to
10 maneh, which in turn equals that he already sees the light of
live in the future!
a halfshekel. We also know that Redemption even in the darkness
A question remains. Granted of the last moments of Galus.
that they were empowered by Hamans 10,000 silver talents
were the equivalent of 30 million Moshiach tells us to do the same
their preoccupation with the and open our eyes to see the
service of the Temple of the shekels (which means they
equaled 60 million omer). The world in this new light.
future, but how is this reflected
ratio of one omer=halfshekel to Our operating motto for
especially in the paltry Omer
10,000 talents is thus 60 million today is live with Moshiach
offering?
to 1! In Jewish law a ratio of 60 and see the inner beauty and
to 1 nullifies the 1.] value of everything. Cherish
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY every Mitzvah and see the inner
The answer lies precisely goodness in everyone!

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 LAG BOMER

THE LAG BOMER

PARADE THE REBBE
DID NOT ATTEND
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 The Rebbe held a surprise farbrengen this Shabbos, and at the end of
the farbrengen announced that the parade could take place without his
being present. For us, this was like a bolt from the blue. There are those
who claim that there might be another change, and we are all hoping
for a surprise tomorrow. * An authentic firsthand account of the Lag
BOmer parade of 5733/1973, which the Rebbe did not attend due to an
occurrence that was the opposite of Ahavas Yisroel. * A description of the
parade, of the Rebbes farbrengen, the yechidus for women, and other
points of the Rebbes conduct during the month of Iyar 5733. * From the
personal diary of R Saadia Maatuf ah Part 2.

By Rav Saadia Maatuf

Prepared for publication: Shneur Zalman Berger

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 lag bomer

LANGUAGE ADJUSTMENT day series of fasts). Since the to get the permit from the army
Rebbe fasted and davened Maariv and all the documentation within
Thursday, 1 Iyar
earlier than usual [to be able to one week, and he was already
As he did yesterday (the first break the fast], we lost out on here.
day of Rosh Chodesh), the Rebbe Maariv with the Rebbe. After Maariv, we waited for
received the third aliya. This
the Rebbe to leave [to his house].
evening, there was a gathering of
THE KADDISH I stood near the mezuza of the
Tzach [every year on 2 Iyar, the
OF THE REBBE small zal and was talking to my
birthday of the Rebbe Maharash,
friends Yosef Meir Cohen and
there would be a members Tuesday, 13 Iyar Yekusiel Rapp. Suddenly, the
farbrengen in honor of the
Today is the yahrtzait of the Rebbes door opened and the
founding of Tzach], and we [the
Rebbes brother, R Yisroel Aryeh Rebbe exited. My blood froze in
participants] received mashke
Leib. The Rebbe said Kaddish my veins. I was electrified. The
and mezonos from the Rebbe.
five times during Shacharis. Rebbe saw me, and I began to
Tonight we had a Chassidus It was very crowded [because back up, but the Rebbe looked
shiur (class) in Yiddish. I dont everyone wanted to hear the at me for a number of seconds
know if we will continue, but for Rebbe] and I pretty much was that felt to me like a long time.
now it is difficult [apparently due not able to see the Rebbe, I only The Rebbe exited from the door
to the language barrier], and we heard his voice. of 770. It was drizzling outside,
hope to adjust. and the Rebbe extended his hand
When we came [for Mincha]
Motzaei Shabbos, Kdoshim, in the afternoon, they told us as though to feel the rain. The
3 Iyar that the Rebbe went to the Ohel, Rebbe entered the car and went
This evening, we finally had and we returned to our regular to his house.
a review in Ivrit of the sichos of place of learning in Chovevei
Shabbos Mevarchim Iyar [the Torah. Mincha was at 8:25. SHOCKING NEWS
previous Shabbos], after it was The Rebbe entered holding his
pushed off a number of times for Motzaei Shabbos Kodesh
gartel in his hand and said a few
various reasons. Behar, eve of Lag BOmer
words [apparently Mishnayos],
Sunday, 4 Iyar which I did not manage to hear The Rebbe held a surprise
because the Rebbe was speaking farbrengen this Shabbos, and
We had a shiur in the
somewhat low, and immediately at the end of the farbrengen
maamarim of the Rebbe Rayatz
said Kaddish. Afterward, we announced that the parade could
from the year 5708 with R
began Mincha. During the take place without his being
Shlomo Zarchi. The shiur was in
review of the shliach tzibbur, the present. [Afterward it became
Yiddish, and I understood a little
Rebbe said the Mishnayos. After known that there had occurred
more than the previous class in
Aleinu, he said Kaddish. The an event in Crown Heights that
Yiddish.
Mishna, Machat shehi nesuna... was the opposite of Ahavas
Monday, 5 Iyar Yisroel, which was why the Rebbe
Rabi Chananya, he said in a
We davened Mincha with the somewhat louder voice, then the decided not to attend in person].
Rebbe, and for Maariv following Rebbe passed his hand over his For us, this was like a bolt from
the conclusion of the Chassidus forehead [and said a few lines of the blue. There are those who
study session at 9:20, we wanted Tanya quietly] and said Kaddish. claim that there might be another
to go daven with the Rebbe as change, and we are all hoping for
Thursday, 15 Iyar
usual, but R Shlomo Zarchi a surprise tomorrow.
informed us that the Rebbe had Today, Zalman Pariz arrived
At the farbrengen, the Rebbe
davened already. We expressed [ah, son of R Boruch Pariz]
also spoke sharply about Mihu
surprise as to why today the exactly at Mincha time, and he
Yehudi. At the conclusion of
prayer service was held earlier was very excited and pale. The
the farbrengen, the Rebbe sang
than usual, and he told us: The entire tefilla, he stared at the
Hinei Mah Tov UMah Naim,
Rebbe fasted today, the fast of Rebbe openmouthed. His arrival
and everyone joined in, and
ThursdayMondayThursday generated a tumult among the
then he stood up right away for
(as is known, after Pesach and Tmimim. In general, his leaving
Mincha. After Mincha, the Rebbe
Sukkos, those who are stringent the Holy Land was above the
touched the edge of the paroches
upon themselves, fast the three natural order, since he managed
as is his custom, and immediately

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 began to sing Nyet.
Tonight, the preparations are
underway to close off Eastern
Parkway and construct the stage.
The parade will begin from
Eastern Parkway until Kingston
and Empire, and turn from there
towards the park.
Sunday, 18 Iyar, Lag BOmer
Today, I got up at 7 in the
morning, went to mikva and
davening, and then I went to
watch the final preparations
for the parade. I circulated
between the truck displays and
the preparations were going full
force.
It is now five minutes to 9 in
the morning. The preparations
for the parade are ongoing. Ten
policemen just arrived and took
up positions alongside Kingston
Avenue. The weather is cloudy
and there is concern about rain.
The stage is not set up in its
usual place, on the grass in front
of 770, but it is in middle of the
road facing Kingston Avenue,
where there is a stage on which
the Rebbe would stand.
Traffic was already closed off
since last night, and they divided
the street into two camps, the
side towards 770 for girls, and
the other half of the street for
boys. On the two sides of the From there they are taking them Sukka truck: Display of a
stage, they brought stairlike to the spots reserved for them Sukka and also showing the
structures for the crowd to stand facing the stage. The boys and order of hand washing for bread.
on. I stood on the end of the girls are gathering, kein yirbu. Mivtza Tfillin truck: Mivtza
bleachers on the side towards the Meanwhile, I am taking a spot tfillin near the Kosel, and people
bank, and it is a good spot. A few tour around the float displays and putting on tfillin in shul.
of Anash are walking around with writing a brief description of each Shmita truck: Cessation
walkietalkies, in order to keep one. of plowing and cessation of
things running smoothly, and in Shabbos truck: Divided planting.
general to know how to conduct into the six days of the week, Rashbi truck: A cave with
the parade. representations of workday Rashbi learning inside, and
It is now twenty minutes to activities, for Friday there is the a group of children around a
10. Buses are beginning to arrive baking of challos in honor of bonfire.
and are dropping off the children Shabbos, and for Shabbos there
Mattan Torah truck: Mount
on Brooklyn Avenue, where they are Jews learning.
Sinai and the Luchos, and the
are giving them signs to carry and Pesach truck: Display of Jews standing at the foot of the
a symbol of the parade for each searching for chametz, baking mountain.
child to wear on their clothing. matzos, and the Seder night.

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 lag bomer

As usual, Mincha is delayed when the Rebbe went the Shabbos truck, and it
continued alternating a truck, a
goes to the Ohel. During Mincha, the Rebbes group of children, a truck and a
face showed great seriousness, and it is hard to describe group of children, and here and
there were the clowns.
how painful it is to see the Rebbe like that.
Marching in the parade were a
number of classes of nonJewish
From Russia to 770 truck: with drums and cymbals. A few children representing the city,
Jews studying Torah in a cellar Tmimim were dressed up as since for maintaining peaceful
by candlelight in Siberia. Exodus clowns to add to the joy, and they relations it is not proper to
from Russia. And Jews studying entertained the children. exclude them and it is necessary
Torah openly in 770. [What follows is a description to accept them. Their costumes
Unclear Message truck: What of reciting psukim at the are colorful and majestic, their
the message is, what it is trying parade, three years before the shoes and belts are white, and
to convey, I have no idea. But it Rebbe went public with the 12 they sang American marching
depicts a village farm of Jews, psukim SZB]: The emcee, songs with drums and horns.
with a vegetable garden and Rabbi Goldstein, instructed the The march ended, and I
home farming. There is also a children to repeat after him word traveled with Chaim Reichman
Billy goat, who is busy eating the for word, Modeh Ani, Torah to the park, where the children
trees while waiting for the parade Tziva, Shema Yisroel, and went from the parade. Meanwhile
to begin, and also a few real Hashem hu HaElokim. It was a some rain began to fall. We got
chickens. special delight to hear thousands to the park and it is a large place
Brachos truck: The blessing of childish voices saying these with a grassy area in the center,
of Borei Pri Haadama and holy sayings. and in the center of the grassy
children eating watermelon etc. They set loose five gasfilled area was a stage and seats all
On a small trailer: On three balloons, and they flew upward around like in a stadium. First,
things the world stands. Image until they disappeared from sight they distributed sandwiches to
of a Seifer Torah, with a siddur [more than forty years ago, that all the children and guests, as we
Thillas Hashem and a sign that was a novelty, even for an older hadnt eaten since the morning.
reads on three things the world bachur SZB], and there was a In the park, they held a raffle,
stands. police helicopter flying overhead. in which each child purchased a
770 mobile: A private car Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda Hecht ticket for a dollar and the prize
of one of the Chassidim with a was called up to speak, and he was a flight to the Holy Land.
model of 770 on the roof. began to lead the parade. The The lucky winner was a boy of
There are photographers actual march began at 11. A few seven, and the clowns lifted him
circulating among the trucks. I of the talmidim from kvutza led up on their shoulders. Afterward,
managed to have a few pictures the parade holding American Rabbi Goldstein held him up for
taken along with one of the flags. At the head: Dovid Malka everyone to see, and everybody
guys from the kvutza who will [ah], after him Gershom, applauded him.
be returning, by the name of Borovski, Scharf, Shabtai and a It is a shame that the Rebbe
Avrohom Kurant. I hope to see few others. I wasnt with them was not there, and also that it
the pictures [for our younger because I wanted to see and write rained so the program ended
readers: back then not everybody everything down. right away. Due to the rain we
had a camera and developing As soon as the march began, only managed to have a few
and printing the photos took a drops started to fall from the sky pictures taken.
few days SZB]. Among the and we were ready to give up, but On that day, the Rebbe was
crowd there are five policemen Boruch Hashem the rain stopped at the Ohel, so in the interim we
riding on horses. I should also quickly. went to rest up a bit and write in
point out that near the stage is Behind the flag bearers, the room until Mincha. As usual,
a smaller stage for the band that went the marching band of Eli Mincha is delayed when the
was playing Chabad niggunim. Lipsker with their drums and Rebbe goes to the Ohel. During
Afterward, the marching band cymbals, and they were followed Mincha, the Rebbes face showed
of Eli Lipsker arrived, kids by a group of children. After them great seriousness, and it is hard

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 to describe how painful it is to
see the Rebbe like that.

THE REBBE PARTS WITH

THE DEPARTING KVUTZA
Monday, 19 Iyar
Today, the members of the
departing kvutza [in those years,
the year of kvutza began and
ended in Nissan] sent in a note
to the Rebbe, with a request for
a general yechidus, because they
would be leaving that night.
The Rebbe answered them in
brief, Tzeischem lshalom (go
in peace), and now is not the
time for yechidus kmefursam
(public knowledge). The Rebbe
underlined the word kmefursam
a few times. Obviously, they were at all since we were on the bus. upon ourselves to learn seven
very disappointed, because all of On the way we sang songs. We chapters of Tanya. We also
the prior kvutza groups to that were very happy, since we would committed to being particular
point had gone in for a general soon be returning to 770, but for about sticking to the learning
yechidus on the eve of their the departing kvutza, who knew schedule. It was decided also that
departure. when they would return again? It after Maariv, from 10 to 10:45,
We davened Maariv at the is no wonder that they were sad. each one should learn whatever
regular time, and after the We parted from them in the subject he wishes.
davening, the entire kvutza airport and returned to 770. For now, there is an
entered Gan Eden HaTachton, experiment to learn the new
and I heard that this was as per EVERYBODY WANTS TO additional session in 770 (and not
the instruction of R Chadakov. in Chovevei Torah). Obviously,
The Rebbe entered Gan Eden GIVE THE REBBE NACHAS the attendance of each bachur is
HaTachton, saw them and told Wednesday, 21 Iyar recorded, as this is being treated
them to be involved in activities Today, there was a gathering like a regular study session of the
in yeshiva, learning with others, that was pushed off from yeshiva.
etc. Afterward, the Rebbe entered yesterday, for the students of the Thursday, 22 Iyar
his room, took out small Tanyas kvutza. Being that the Rebbe is Today, something very
and gave each one a Tanya. One in a very tense state, in order to interesting transpired, from
student was not present, and the cause nachas for the Rebbe, the which much can be learned. At
Rebbe inquired about him, but students of Oholei Torah sent in the conclusion of Mincha, the
for some reason he did not show a note to the Rebbe with a list Rebbe left the siddur at his place
up. The Rebbe again mentioned of good resolutions, and we did (and did not take it with him as
that now is not a suitable time, the same at the suggestion of R he did every day), walked over
and informed them that he would Shlomo Zarchi. Similarly, we to the bima used for the Torah
come out soon to see them off. accepted upon ourselves good reading, while everybody there
We immediately went to grab resolutions in the study of the just watched the Rebbe without
seats on the bus [in order to Rebbes sichos, to learn each knowing what was going on. I
accompany the departing kvutza week the new weekly sicha that stood very close to the bima and I
to the airport], and they began was published, and also to study saw the Rebbe bend down, reach
to sing Ki Bsimcha Seitzeiu by heart the content of seven his hand under the bima, and pull
and the Rebbe came out. We maamarim and to be tested on out an empty cigarette pack.
practically did not see the Rebbe them by R Zarchi. We also took
Continued on page 4

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 FEATURE

A GUEST
AT THE
PARADE
It was breathtaking to see how the Rebbe did
not tire. He stood at the parade and showed a
warm fatherly concern to all as though to his
only child. When we passed by the Rebbe, my
wife got excited and waved both hands at the
Rebbe, as though blessing him with the priestly
blessing. The Rebbe smiled broadly at her,
stopped clapping and waved both his hands
like she had done. * Mr. Aryeh Monson excitedly
shares his impressions of the Lag BOmer
parade 5750.

By Nosson Avrohom

M
r. Aryeh Monson One time, we were sent
experienced much from Har HaTzofim, supplied
in his life. In his with new weapons that we had
younger years, he gotten from Czechoslovakia.
enlisted in the Haganah and fought The order was to search for
in the ranks of the elite Palmach 35 soldiers who had gone to
brigade. As a young commander he reinforce the besieged Gush
fought on various fronts. He was Etziyon bloc residents and had
part of the most famous battles of not returned. We gathered at
that time, with the most famous Har Tor and from there we
one being the opening of the famed went on seven armored vehicles
Burma road for the supply convoys toward the Beit Jimal monastery,
to besieged Yerushalayim. He saw which overlooks Gush Etziyon.
death before his eyes more than When we looked with binoculars
once and was miraculously saved. at the Gush, our hearts sank.

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 The valley was full of hundreds of
Arabs soldiers.
Despite being fewer in
number, we went to fight and
eliminated many terrorists, but
we also lost two men. One of
them, Moussa, stood near me
and at a certain point he asked me
for the scope. A few seconds later
he fell dead. While I tried to drag
him back, a black Sudanese Arab
soldier came charging opposite
me. He aimed his weapon at me
and I was sure my end would
be like that of my friend. One of
our soldiers who was lying near
us managed to preempt him and
shot him at pointblank range.
In later years he fought in all
of Israels wars. Once he retired,
he became a soughtafter speaker
who combined war stories with
messages about Jewish education
and returning to values of mutual
responsibility and compassion for
one another.
For many years he served in
senior positions in the Jerusalem
municipality and in the security
department. In his work, he met
with many highranking officials
and political leaders.
But the most powerful
experience in his life was his trip
to 770 for Lag BOmer 5750,
when he and his wife Ahuva,
along with another couple, joined
a group that was organized by
Rabbi Aharon Eliezer Ceitlin ah,
shliach in Tzfas.

CULTURE SHOCK
IN A POSITIVE WAY
After years of hard work, my
wife and I thought about traveling
abroad to rest up and revitalize
ourselves. Our oldest daughter,
Nechama Chaya Navon who
lives in Tzfas, heard about our
desire to go to New York. She
made a suggestion that we really
struggled with, but there isnt a

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 Feature

We did not yet understand, as we understand become an integral part of the
landscape. We found ourselves
today, that if the Rebbe says something, it has to humming the same songs that
be. Indeed, this is what happened. For hours, the Rebbe the Chassidim sang. The Rebbe
himself showed signs of closeness
motioned encouragingly at the groups that passed by. to the members of the group.
The sky was still dark with clouds but not one drop fell Perhaps the Rebbe valued the
effort invested by the people in
until after the parade was over. Tzfas, Yerushalayim, Teveria,
and other parts of the country,
who left everything to travel
day that we dont thank her for it. stewardesses had to yell at them to see him. I dont know who
She told us about an to return to their seats. arranged it but they placed us,
organized group from Tzfas that As soon as we landed, we the members of the group, in a
was going to the Lubavitcher were welcomed by Chassidim at special spot that overlooked the
Rebbe in New York. She the airport with great warmth. farbrengen table, so we did not
promised two weeks packed with Transportation awaited us and have to push. We could see every
fabulous Jewish experiences. we were taken straight to 770 move the Rebbe made.
We finally decided to do it where we saw the Rebbe for the
and joined the group which was first time. STANDING
comprised of dozens of people. The shul was packed. When
BEFORE THE REBBE
We convinced another couple, the Rebbe entered, the Chassidim
cousins of ours, and a mutual burst into song and cleared a path It was finally Sunday and
friend, to join us. for him. The singing intensified the Rebbe was giving out dollars
Some time before this, we as the Rebbe motioned with his for tzdaka. I stood on line
had been exposed to Chabad hands. For us it was a culture with everyone else and noticed
Chassidus in all its glory when shock, but in a positive sense. We something amazing. The people
our daughter married a Chabad saw Chassidim standing on every waiting on line to receive a dollar
Chassid and the wedding took possible piece of wood, whether a stood emotionally wrought,
place in Kfar Chabad. Many chair or table, just to be able to tense and nervous. But as
residents came to rejoice, and we see or hear the Rebbe, who spoke soon as they got a dollar, they
met special people with a unique in Yiddish. relaxed and looked happy. The
charm, committed to their faith A few hours after arriving glow of the tzaddik seemed to
and pleasant in demeanor. We in Crown Heights, we were sent have transferred to them. I had
figured this trip would give us the to families according to a list prepared many requests before
opportunity to see the source of that had been prepared. The I stood in front of the Rebbe.
the inspiration for the Chassidic hospitality was excellent. We The crowding was intense and
movement which is spoken about stayed with the Antian family many people who had come
so much. who spared no effort to make to spend Lag BOmer with the
our stay a pleasant one. One day, Rebbe joined the usual number
The twoweek trip was
Rami Antian ah, even took us to of people who came on a typical
planned to coincide with Lag
his chemical factory which was in Sunday. It was really crowded.
BOmer. R Ceitlin himself
accompanied us as did Rabbi a town near the Hudson River. We slowly moved forward
Yigal Kaspi, the shliach in In the irreligious world, but at a certain point there was a
Maalot. Mrs. Bashari and Mrs. where we come from, hosting wave that pushed me forward.
Rochel Kupchik led the women. like this for someone you just In a moment, I found myself
The wonderful atmosphere was met, is rare. We were amazed standing in front of the Rebbe.
felt already within minutes of by the caring and by this broad As I looked at the Rebbe, the
takeoff. The excitement level perspective that all the Jewish words stuck in my throat. You
was so high that the Chassidim people are one family and how become different than you were
and friends broke out in dance this is expressed in deeds and not a moment before and this feeling
over the privilege of going to the just words. is with me till today. The Rebbes
Rebbe. At a certain point, the Within two weeks we had eyes, blue like the sea, and his
compassionate, loving gaze,

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 mesmerized me. I stood there in
amazement and awe. Rather than
say everything I had prepared, I
just waited and watched, open
mouthed. I barely managed to get
out, in Yiddish, You should be
healthy. The Rebbe said, bracha
vhatzlacha, gave me a dollar,
and I found myself outside.
Those few moments will
be remembered till the day I
die. The feeling is absolutely
inexplicable. You enter a sort of
aura of holiness, an atmosphere
different than what you knew.
In those moments I promised
myself that at the end of the trip

I would write down everything We excitedly got off the bus and ran to the
I felt, not because I am a
writer; on the contrary, Im far office. We rang the intercom and the secretary
from it, but because there is opened the door. He gave us the Rebbes answer which
nothing I experienced in my
life that compared to this, and we read again and again. The Rebbe said that the couple
it was important to me to give should be particular about kashrus and he blessed them
expression to such intensity.
I felt that the Rebbe was with children. When we arrived in Eretz Yisroel, we
bringing about a change in me. quickly showed the letter to our son. A year later, after
All my life I had met celebrated
leaders whom the entire nation nine years of marriage, their daughter was born, our
bowed to. Deep down I did not sweet granddaughter.
feel, towards any single one
them, any respect, aside from
the formal niceties that I had to
extend them because of their The streets were decorated with he began clapping.
job. With the Rebbe, I saw what flags and balloons. The stages That day, the forecast was
a different sort of leadership is. were decorated with the Twelve for pouring rain in New York.
He did not ask to be admired; his Psukim and the Rebbe stood Black clouds began forming
personality caused people to do on the central platform with the overhead but R Ceitlin told us
so. emcee of the event standing next that the organizers of the parade
to him. asked the Rebbe for a bracha
When I returned home,
I shared the experience with Children from the preschools that the parade not be canceled,
friends and I mention it in on up passed by in the parade and the Rebbe quoted, Rabbi
lectures that I give to those who as they sang and rejoiced in Shimon can be relied upon in
fought in the Haganah and who honor of the holy Tanna, Rabbi an emergency. From this the
were from the founders of this Shimon bar Yochai. It was most Chassidim understood there was
country. impressive to see the mothers nothing to worry about. The
with baby carriages holding girls truth is, we were pessimistic.
named Chaya Mushka for the How would we march in the
BLEAK WEATHER Rebbetzin ah. Behind them was pouring rain?
FORECAST a large group of fathers with their We did not yet understand,
Before we returned home, we three yearolds in the traditional as we understand today, that
attended the special Lag BOmer haircutting ceremony. The if the Rebbe says something, it
parade at the Rebbes court. Rebbe kept on waving and when has to be. Indeed, this is what
our group passed by the Rebbe, happened. For hours, the Rebbe

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 Feature

so warmly and outstandingly also

came to say goodbye. Circles of
Chassidim formed near the buses
and there were hugs and kisses
as though we were their relatives
who came from Eretz Yisroel.
A bachur suddenly came on
the bus and announced that we
and another family were asked
to go to the secretaries office,
because there was an answer
from the Rebbe.
We excitedly got off the bus
and ran to the office. We rang
the intercom and the secretary
opened the door. We went
upstairs and entered his office.
He gave us the Rebbes answer
which we read again and again.
The Rebbe said that the couple
Mr. Aryeh Monson standing on line for dollars from the Rebbe
should be particular about
kashrus and he blessed them with
children.
motioned encouragingly at the CALLED TO THE OFFICE
groups that passed by. Our group When we arrived in Eretz
The cherry on top was on the Yisroel, we quickly showed the
was the last, after all the groups
last day of our visit. Before our letter to our son. A year later,
and floats. The sky was still dark
flight, the organizers urged us to their daughter was born, our
with clouds but not one drop fell
prepare letters with requests for sweet granddaughter.
until after the parade was over.
the Rebbe. Each person wrote all The day after she was born,
It was breathtaking to see the brachos he needed, whether
how the Rebbe did not tire, and our son arranged with the gabbai
for health, parnasa, shalom bayis, of the Chabad shul in Ramat
how he stood at the parade and etc. We asked for a bracha for
showed a warm fatherly concern Gan to have an aliya and to give
one of our children who was his daughter a name. We went
to all as though to his only child. married for eight years and did
All that was needed was a hand to shul with him and set up
not yet have children. They were refreshments for the minyan. At
clap and a smile to satisfy the suffering and so were we.
crowd of Chassidim. When we his aliya to the Torah he named
Now that we were in the his daughter Adi Rivka. There
passed by the Rebbe, my wife got
Rebbes presence and they said was no better place to name her
excited and waved both hands
about him that his brachos are than a Chabad shul, in thanks to
at the Rebbe as though blessing
fulfilled, this was at the top of the Rebbe for the miracle.
him with the priestly blessing.
our list of requests. Furthermore, Since then, every year on Lag
The Rebbe smiled broadly at
someone told us that Lag BOmer BOmer, I remember that visit
her, stopped clapping and waved
is an auspicious day to ask for and the results. I marvel yet again
both his hands like she had done.
brachos of this nature. After we about the Rebbes greatness and
The Chassidim who watched this
wrote the letter, the organizers the wonderful Chassidus that he
exchange increased the intensity
of our group submitted all the leads, a Chassidus that operates
of the clapping.
letters to the Rebbes secretariat. under the banner of Ahavas
Later on, we saw a
The next day, we boarded Yisroel and hastening the Geula.
photograph of this scene and
the bus that waited in front of If only on this Lag BOmer we
realized that one of the many
the beis midrash to take us back will see the Rebbe and celebrate
photographers there had taken a
to the airport. Yeshiva bachurim with him in Eretz Yisroel with the
picture and this is the story of the
stood around, celebrating and true and complete Geula.
photo, so everyone will know.
dancing. Those who hosted us

18 16 Iyar 5777

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 HALACHA 2 GO

MAY WOMEN
DRINK FROM THE
WINE OF HAVDALA?
Selected Halachos from the
One Minute Halacha project
By HaRav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, Shlita,
Mara Dasra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights

STATUS OF A gave the teacherit may have there is room for leniency. The
required teiva first. But this recipient of the nontoiveled gift
PRETOIVELED GIFT
conclusion is not unanimously should toivel it before using it.
I received a beautiful glass accepted by poskim; some In order to avoid these issues
platter piled with gourmet argue that teiva is not effective altogether, it is possible for a
chocolates as a Mishloach Manos if performed before the end giver to pretoivel the gift
gift from a dear student (with a user receives it, even if the gift whether it is presented with or
note that she had toiveled it). Just contained food. Ideally, the without foodunder certain
before Pesach, my family polished recipient should toivel the dish conditions. (This would be
off the last of the treats, and now again without a bracha.* especially appropriate if there
I would like to use the platter The giver may gift the item is doubt whether a recipient
for my Shabbos desserts. Does it without toiveling it first. Taking observes the mitzvah of tvillas
count that it was toiveled before the stricter opinions into account, keilim.) The procedure is as
it was gifted to me, or must I re the food should not rest directly follows: The giver first makes
toivel it? on the disha substantial a kinyan(halachic transfer of
The onus of tvillas keilim separation should be made ownership) by handing the gift
(immersion of new dishes in between the food and the dish, to another person who acts as a
a mikva) is on the owner. If rather than a ubiquitous paper shliach (representative) of the
someone purchases a dish and liner. However, even if the dish recipient and lifts it up on their
toivels (immerses) it with the is not covered in this manner, behalf. Once the kinyan has taken
intention of gifting it to another, it is still acceptable not to have place, it is as if the gift belongs to
there is no requirement for teiva toiveled it before gifting it. This the recipient, and the giver may
at that time, and its questionable is especially so in the above toivel it on their behalf.
whether the teiva is valid in example, since the dish was glass, *An empty metal food utensil
retrospect. for which the obligation of teiva is received as a gift must be toiveled
If the gift is being delivered dRabbanan (of Rabbinic origin); again, but without a bracha.
with food on itas with the since the teiva requirement for a (Many are stringent to retoivel
candy platter that the student foodbearing gift is in dispute, even glass dishes.)

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 Feature

OF WOMEN AND WINE: one person to make a bracha for in all localesmany authorities
KIDDUSH VS. HAVDALA another, there must be at least do not consider it similar to
equal chiyuv. maaser sheini or maaser ani in
It is considered mitzvah min this respect. Additionally, many
hamuvchar (an optimal level of the conditions inherent in
of mitzvah performance) for all MUST I PUBLICIZE THAT
maaser sheini are not relevant
participants to taste the Kiddush FOOD WAS PURCHASED to maaser kesafimincluding
wine. With regard to Havdala, WITH MAASER? constraints of time, place and
however, there is no mitzvah for personal purityso many of
In the days of the Beis
others to partake of the wine. In the reasons given to explain the
HaMikdash, a host was obligated
fact, there are authorities who Mishnas admonition are not
to inform guests if serving them
caution against women drinking applicable.
food that was set aside for
the wine of Havdala. The
maaser sheini (the second tithe The issue of personal benefit
prevailing minhag (custom) is
of produce that is separated would apply if the giver extends
that only the person reciting the
in the first, second, fourth the monies in a prideful way
Havdala drinks, and neither men
and fifth years of the Shmita or with tangible reward, but a
nor women listeners sip the wine.
in Eretz Yisroel to be eaten in general advantage of appreciation
Several reasons have been Yerushalayim) or maaser ani would not be in this category.
offered for the minhag of women (tithe for the poor brought It would therefore seem that
refraining from drinking Havdala in the alternate years of the there is no halachic impediment
wine. One reason stems from Shmita cycle), as stated in the to such a practice. Indeed, it
the halacha that a man may Mishna and the Tosefta. There is prevalent that tzdaka funds
not be yotzei from a womans are various reasons enumerated are used for refreshments at
Havdala, and a man may not for this practice. Among them events held for the publics
recite Havdala for a woman are: Serving guests without benefit, such as seminars and
if he has already fulfilled his acknowledging that the food is community affairsand there
obligation.* Some suggest that maaser appears as if the host is is no need for it to be publicized
the custom that men participants utilizing maaser for their own if money earmarked for maaser
dont drink the wine developed needsan uninformed guest was used. More so, it would be
from the restriction on women, may even seek to compensate inappropriate to advertise the
while others state that any and the host for the meal in some source of the funds as maaser
all participants should abstain for tangible way. Causing another if it were to make wouldbe
completely independent reasons. to consume maaser unknowingly participants uncomfortable and
There is no issue for a woman may constitute gneivas daas hesitant to attend the function.
who makes Havdala for herself (deception); an unknowing guest One Minute Halacha is a succinct
(and other women) to thereafter may defile the holy food by eating daily presentation on practical Halacha
drink the wine. maaser sheini in a state of tuma in video, audio, and text formats, and can
* There is a halachic dispute (ritual impurity). be accessed by phone at 718.989.9599,
whether women have a chiyuv When it comes to maaser by email, [email protected], or by
(halachic obligation) in the kesafim (the charitable tithe from WhatsApp 347.456.5665.
mitzvah of Havdala. In order for ones earnings)practiced today

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 MOSHIACH & HAYOM YOM

WHICH IS GREATER:
PESACH I OR
PESACH II?
By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon

word Sfira meaning shining,

Dear Reader shyichyeh, Tzedek related as follows: At the Frierdike Rebbe (Seifer
We are currently in the special the festive meal on the second HaSichos 5704 page 88) explains
days of Sfiras HaOmer, the day of Shavuot 5555 (1795) my a seemingly perplexing part of the
counting of the Omer and are grandfather (the Alter Rebbe) Hagada shel Pesach. The Hagada
quickly approaching the holy said: At the festive meal on the quotes: It happened that Rabbi
Yom Tov of Lag BOmer. We are second day of Shavuot 5528 Eliezer, Rabbi Yehoshua, Rabbi
not just counting the days that are (1768) my saintly master and Elazar ben Azaryah, Rabbi Akiva
passing; rather we are working teacher (the Maggid of Mezritch) and Rabbi Tarfon were reclining
to make every part of every day said: [at a seder] in Bnei Brak. They
count. This is described in the You shall count for were discussing the Exodus from
words of the HaYom Yom (Rosh yourselves, usfartem lachem. Egypt all that night, until their
Chodesh Iyar): The word usfartem has the root students came and told them:
At a farbrengen during the of sapirut, meaning brilliance and Our Masters! The time has come
days of sfira (at some point brightness. Usfartem lachem, for reciting the morning Shma!
during in the years 5651 your lachem, selves, must be It is seemingly unfitting of the
5653, 18911893) someone bright. students to interrupt and interfere
said to my father, The Alter The Tzemach Tzedek with the service and Seder of
Rebbes chassidim were always continued his narrative: My their teachers! But based on the
keeping count. My father took grandfather (the Alter Rebbe) above, it can be understood.
a great liking to the saying, then leaned his head on his hands The teachers were fulfilling the
and he commented: That idea and sang the Niggun of Four commandment of
characterizes mans avoda. The Stanzas with profound dveikus. . The literal meaning of the
hours must be counted hours, Afterward he raised his head and story is that they were retelling
then the days will be counted said in a questioning tone: And the story of the Exodus. If,
days. When a day passes one with what does one brighten the however, we translate the word
should know what he has lachem? and without a pause he as shining (with the same
accomplished and what remains continued in a tone of response, deeper meaning of the words
yet to be done... In general, With the seven complete weeks ) , it is all understood.
one should always see to it that (more literally, ...seven... The teachers were trying and
tomorrow should be much better Shabbasos), that is, through accomplishing that through
than today. refining ones seven emotion their own service and by being
Chassidus teaches us a deeper traits, each trait in turn to be totally involved in the retelling
perspective of Sfiras HaOmer, as subincorporated with all seven. of the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim
is explained in the HaYom Yom The seven attributes themselves by the Seder, they would bring
(10 Iyar): At the festive meal are to become seven Shabbasos, the light of the Exodus to their
on the second day of Shavuot Shabbos needing no refinement. students. After a whole night of
5621 (1861), the Tzemach With this understanding of the this intense service of Hashem,
the students told them, Our

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 MOSHIACH & HAYOM YOM

Masters! The time has come for Yidden had to run away from (Maamer Mordechai on
reciting the morning Shma! You Mitzrayim for they were still sunk Meseches Psachim, written by
have succeeded in bringing us to in the impurity, on Pesach Sheini, the Tzaddik HaRav Mordechai
the point that we see the light of after a whole month of purifying from Nadvorna), that the words
Shma ( ) as well. ourselves, we can finally cleanse have the same numerical
Realizing that Sfiras ourselves of the impurity. value as the word ( meaning,
HaOmer is not just a mitzva of One of the most special and end of Galus and beginning of
counting, rather a continuous shining days of Sfiras HaOmer Geula).
journey of selfrefinement is Lag BOmer, the 33rd of the The Rebbe explains the
from Pesach through Shavuos, Omer. On that day, the Yahrtzait connection between the literal
we can understand the way of Rashbi, the tremendous lights translation of the Gemara,
Chassidus views the Yom Tov of of refinement are drawn into the that is teaching us that
Pesach Sheini. At first glance, world. It is connected with the we need to eat a meal, and this
this day, when during the time Pasuk homiletical understanding that
of Mishkan/Mikdash, those May my eyes be revealed and implies (see footnote 15
that were impure or far away by see the wonders of the Torah of that sicha), that all agree that
the first Pesach had a chance to of Hashem. It is through the we need the Geula. In the time
bring their Korban Pesach, has revelation of Pnimius HaTorah of Galus there is the incorrect
no real relevance to us today in that we can refine ourselves and perspective that eating
exile, as we are not bringing any prepare ourselves for Mattan representing the physical world
korbanos. Torah. is a contradiction to spirituality.
The Rebbe (HaYom Yom The days of Sfira are the The whole point of the giving
Pesach Sheini) teaches us: The bridge between the Yom Tov of the Torah was to break that
theme of Pesach Sheini is that of Pesach and the Yom Tov of conceived barrier and to reveal
it is never too late. It is always Shavuos. While we connected the truth in the world: that
possible to make things right. the word to the Yom Tov of everything comes from and is
Even if one was tamei (ritually Pesach () , the word here to reveal Gdliness. Thus,
impure), or one was far away, is connected to Shavuos. The we have a special Mitzva of
and even in a case of lachem, Gemara (Psachim 68b) tells us: having a festive meal on Shavuos,
when this (impurity etc.) was Rabbi Elazar said, All when we celebrate the giving
deliberate, nonetheless he can authorities concede that on of the Torah, to show this very
correct it. Atzeres Shavuot we point.
Rabbi Avtzon is the Rosh Yeshiva
In a famous Maamer (Seifer require also an assembly for you
of Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati and a
HaMaamarim Meluket Vol. 3 (everyone should eat). What is well sought after speaker and lecturer.
LHavin Inyan Pesach Sheini) the reason? It is the day on which Recordings of his indepth shiurim
the Rebbe explains the deeper the Torah was given. (Psachim on Inyanei Geula uMoshiach can be
meaning of the Yom Tov of 68b) By feasting on Shavuot one accessed at http://www.ylcrecording.com
Pesach Sheini on a whole new demonstrates that he
level, based on a Maamer of the rejoices upon having
Tzemach Tzedek received the Torah.
The Yom Tov is not only for (Rashi)
sinners; rather, it is a unique On the second
opportunity for a second night of Shavuos 5751,
and higher jump the literal after the Chassidim
translation of Pesach Sheini returned for Tahalucha,
for all those who are serving the Rebbe delivered a
Hashem. short sicha in which he
What is the special Avoda connected the above
and Koach that comes from the mentioned Gemara
Yom Tov of Pesach Sheini? It is with the Geula.
the Avoda of Hishapcha, turning The Rebbe quoted
over our Nefesh Habahamis. a gematria from
While on Pesach Rishon the a Poilishe Seifer

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 MOSHIACH & GEULA

WHO IS MOSHIACH
THE KING?
Rebbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: Tzemach is his name. Rebbi Yudan
son of Rebbi Aibu said: Menachem is his name. Said Chanina son of
Rebbi Abahu: They do not argue, for the numerical value of each is
the same he is Tzemach; he is Menachem. * From Chapter Fifteen
of Rabbi Shloma Majeskis Likkutei Mekoros, Volume 2. (Underlined
text is the compilers emphasis.)

The Rabbis said: Who is Moshiach the King? If he anointed, to Dovid: Dovid is eternally His anointed.
is among the living, his name is Dovid, and if he is Pnei Moshe)
among those already deceased, then he is Dovid.(If
he is among the living: If he is among the living, his Rebbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: Tzemach is his name.
name will be Dovid, and if he is among the deceased, it Rebbi Yudan son of Rebbi Aibu said: Menachem is
will be Dovid himself. Pnei Moshe) his name. Said Chanina son of Rebbi Abahu: They do
not argue, for the numerical value of each is the same
Rebbi Tanchuma said: The reason [why Moshiachs he is Tzemach; he is Menachem. (He is Tzemach;
name must be Dovid is as it is said] And He does he is Menachem: They are both equal according to
kindness to His anointed, to Dovid. (To His Gematria. Pnei Moshe)
(Talmud Yerushalmi, Brachos 17)

Continued from page 29 many acts of kindness, far from 4 Shevat, they put tfillin on him
prying eyes. Only a few weeks and said Shema Yisroel and Vidui
The rabbi was surprised by ago, the dreaded disease was with him, while he was fully alert.
the seemingly bizarre request, discovered and after just two weeks, Then they began to sing all of the
wondering what exactly a kashrus he passed away. Before his passing, niggunim of the Chabad Rebbeim,
supervisor could be doing each his family gathered together to part at the conclusion of which he
morning. The owner then told him from him. They describe a mind returned his soul to his Maker.
that before R Shlomo would start blowing intensely emotional scene. R Shlomo Vishedsky left
his busy day at work, he would put
It was the night before he behind a beautiful Chassidic
on tfillin with about 150 passersby.
passed away, at around 2 a.m., and family, including his wife Rishe
When the rabbi of the city heard
he was in extremely high spirits. He and sons and daughters: Mrs.
that, he decided to leave R Shlomo
said to his children, Say lchaim, Chana Sudakevitz, Tokyo, Japan;
at his post, saying, Nu, am I going
disconnect the machines from me, R Yehoshua Vishedsky, Donietsk
to close down a branch of the
it is a chasuna (wedding) now. Kiev, Ukraine; R Mendel
Chabad House? Ill find a different
And he began to loudly sing, Atem Vishedsky, Brussels, Belgium;
mashgiach for the other place.
shalom uveischem shalom. His R Pini Vishedsky, Nachalat Har
voice could be heard out in the Chabad; R Zalman Vishedsky,
WONDROUS DEPARTURE corridor of the hospital, when only Kfar Chabad; R Shmuel Vishedsky,
R Shlomo seemed to be days before he could barely speak, Kobe, Japan; Mrs. Chashi Offen,
functioning at full strength, working and so he continued to sing until he Kfar Chabad; Moshe Vishedsky.
hard to make a living, keeping his drifted off.
regular shiurim and involved with The next morning, Wednesday

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 OBITUARY

T
here were tears in his eyes and his
voice choked up, but he continued Rabbi Shlomo Vishedsky
speaking nonetheless, though
ah was born with a twin
not before ascertaining that his
grandchildren, whom he had just hugged sister while their father, the
and kissed, were far enough away so they
mashpia R Moshe, was being
wouldnt see their grandfather broken up over
the lost years. interrogated by the KGB for
This was an interview I did a year ago his role in the smuggling of
with R Shlomo Vishedsky ah. He spent
a long time telling me about his family in Chassidim out of Russia. *
Russia under communist rule for a book I R Shlomo was born into a
was writing about his father, the mashpia,
R Moshe Vishedsky ah. life of mesirus nefesh which
The following article about R Shlomo accompanied him all his life.
contains information from that interview
as well as memories from the family which
* R Shlomo was a man of
were related during the Shiva. chesed who did mivtzaim
every day despite the burden
BOND WITH RABBI SCHNEERSON
of making a living. * Memories
R Shlomo Vishedskys life story
begins with a sad drama, when he and his that he related to me, along
twin sister were born on 21 Shevat 5710. with stories that the family
They were born in Chernovitz while their
father, R Moshe, was being interrogated told during the Shiva.
in prison, far from home. A few months
earlier he had been arrested and charged By Shneur Zalman Berger
with being a member of an organization
of Chassidim who operated under orders
from Rabbi Schneersohn. He was also
accused of participating in smuggling
people associated with Schneersohn over
the border.
The birth of twins is no simple matter,
but despite the tremendous emotional
difficulty, their birth went peacefully and
the babies were fine. But their mother
Chasyas health was another matter. After
returning home with her babies, she had
a hard time functioning because of her
difficult situation. The one who took care
of the babies was the twins brother, R
Bentzion (now the menahel of the Yiddish
Cheder in Kfar Chabad):
I gave them bottles and changed their
diapers, even though I was just a little
boy. My mother was in terrible shape. I
remember that neighbors came to the house
and considered taking the twins because
it seemed to them that my mother would
soon not be among the living.
Hundreds of kilometers away, her

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 THE BOY
WHO WAS
BORN A
VERITABLE
ORPHAN

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 Obituary

husband was being tortured. herring, and the bris took place. When we were a bit older,
They also threatened him that R Shlomo related: they told me and my twin sister
if he did not accede to their At that time, as my father that my father had gone on a
demands, they would arrest was being interrogated and we business trip to Moscow. We had
his wife. R Moshe knew they waited for his trial, our home never seen pictures of him and
could carry out their threat. was under constant surveillance, had no idea what he looked like.
He imagined how difficult the so that friends of the family in I grew up knowing that my father
situation at home must be and general and Chabad Chassidim in was far away and someday he
how much worse it would get if particular were afraid to pass our would hopefully return.
she was arrested. His heart was street. R Yona Lebenharz told me After an imprisonment replete
torn, but he decided that it was that although the street served as with suffering and torture, R
better to go with mesirus nefesh a cross way to another street, he Moshe was exiled to a labor
and not inform on anyone. and all his friends avoided it in camp in distant Kazakhstan.
Chasyas condition fear that they would be suspected His wife continued running a
deteriorated until she was of wanting to convey a message Chassidic home in Chernovitz, as
hospitalized with a severe case to the family. Those who helped R Shlomo went on to tell:
of pneumonia while ten year old the family were not Lubavitcher My mother was a true
Bentzion supervised his siblings Chassidim but a few good Jews. eishes chayil (woman of valor),
and was in touch with the For Lubavitchers, it was too great and without my father she ran
doctors. a danger. the house and took care of
The KGB went to their house Despite the enormous us physically and spiritually,
and after finding out that Chasya danger, my mother decided that despite all the hardships. There
was hospitalized, they went to the we must have a bris. Of course it were certain areas in which my
hospital and mercilessly asked was all done secretly and cleverly. brother, Bentzion, served as a
the doctor in charge whether A few Jews came to our house the father. Since I can remember,
she could be arrested and taken night before the bris, while the my brother made Kiddush
to Kiev. The doctor said she had rest arrived in the morning. The on Shabbos and he ran the
high fever and pneumonia and sandak was R Moshe Kolyakov, Pesach seder. With my mothers
she would not survive the long a Boyaner Chassid who lived encouragement, he took me on
trip from Chernovitz to Kiev. in Chernovitz. The mohel was Shabbos to daven at the secret
Mrs. Vishedsky heard about this Velvel the shochet; that is what he minyanim.
only after her condition improved was called. I dont remember his At the end of years of
somewhat, when the doctor last name. suffering and isolation, R Moshe
informed her in secret. You dont I remember that after my returned from exile and finally
need much of an imagination to father was released, we once went could see his twin children who
know what would have happened home from shul accompanied by had been born six year earlier.
if she would have been arrested R Velvel the shochet. When we The excitement was
after childbirth. And yet, after she reached the house, the mohel tremendous, remembered R
was released from the hospital, said, We did the bris for this boy Shlomo. We traveled to the train
the KGB went to her home and here, and as a result, I suffered station to welcome him [at this
interrogated her for a long time. greatly, though he did not offer point, R Shlomo got all choked
specifics. up and couldnt speak for several
THE CHILD DEVELOPS They told me that in the minutes]. From the train alighted
The bris took place two and letters that my father sent from a Jew with a beard and they told
a half months late, both because prison, he did not ask about me this is my father. The truth is,
of the mothers hospitalization a bris, but at a certain point I did not know my father had a
and because of the great danger he asked, How is the boy beard. My father was very weak
that hovered over the family and developing? They knew what he and his face was bronzed after
whoever had contact with them. meant and said I was developing working for hours in the sun.
R Moshe Kolyakov, one of the nicely and they included the Until today, I can remember
Jewish askanim in Chernovitz, names of my sister and me, thus the first time my father taught me
brought a mohel and ten men to hinting that the bris had occurred the alefbeis. It was the day after
the house, bottles of vodka and and all was well. he came home, when he needed a

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 long rest. The excitement in the
house was tremendous. Despite
all he had gone through, the very
next morning, my father sat me
next to him, opened a siddur
which had the alefbeis, and
began teaching me. Until today
I am moved to think how much
spiritual fortitude was needed
after years in which he did not see
the family and barely knew what
was happening to them. After
going through such physical,
psychological and emotional
torture, the mind, heart and body
do not function normally, but his
priority was his childrens Torah
study, so he got right to work. Standing, from right to left: R Yona Lebenharz, R Shlomo Vishedsky, and R Roitblatt

My father continued to teach R Mendel added, We do not as they hurried home. When they
me. There were also times that desecrate Shabbos. walked into the house, his father
a melamed came and taught me and R Mendel Futerfas faces lit
While mother and son were
and other children. My mother up and they showered her with
approaching the school, they
served as the lookout to make many blessings. When they asked
came to a hill filled with puddles
sure the children entered without her where she got such a clever
and mud from the snow that had
being exposed to prying eyes. idea from, she said, When I
started to melt. Shlomo suddenly
felt himself losing his balance was a girl, we heard that the
THE FALL and he fell into the mud. His Rebbe Rayatz planned on leaving
Life under communist mother pulled him out and there Russia. Before leaving, there was
oppression was complicated and he stood, muddied from head going to be a final farbrengen on
very difficult. Observing Shabbos to foot. It was only later that he Simchas Torah in Leningrad. My
posed additional complicated realized it was something his grandfather, R Bentzion, told
challenges. There was a time mother had done on purpose. my father in a telegram that he
when R Shlomo had to attend Mrs. Vishedsky and her son ordered him with the mitzva of
Russian school. Of course, he walked into the school. The honoring a father to attend this
did everything possible so as not assistant principal standing there farbrengen, so my father went.
to go on Shabbos, but one time was taken aback by the sight of Upon returning home,
there was an important national the muddy child. Mrs. Vishedsky my father was very excited,
exam given on Shabbos. Shlomo explained that her son had fallen and although he did not hear
was warned by the school that he into the mud, but she could not the sichos because of the
could not be absent that Shabbos, take him back home to change great crowding, one sight was
no matter what. because there was a national engraved in his mind. He got
Having no choice, that exam. The agitated woman up on the table while holding a
Shabbos he went to school expressed her concern that the Chumash and began dancing
accompanied by his mother. The boy would catch pneumonia with great intensity without a
entire way he wracked his brains and it wasnt at all acceptable break for many hours until he
to come up with a plan to avoid to walk into school like this, but finished and said, That is how
desecrating Shabbos. While on Mrs. Vishedsky played dumb and the Rebbe Rayatz danced on
their way, they met R Moshe began to hurry to catch the Simchas Torah with a Torah,
returning from shul together exam. Then the woman said that and at the end of the dancing he
with R Mendel Futerfas. R she would arrange another day said, One needs to be literally
Moshe said in passing to his wife, for Shlomo to take the test. moser nefesh [not to attend] the
Chasya, see what you can do. Mother and son were thrilled communist schools. From this

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 Obituary

Crown Heights.
R Shlomo was not the type to
tell stories about himself, except
when it was something that he
considered important. Still,
recalls his son R Zalman, My
father would sometimes recount
a moment in yechidus in which
he asked something for himself
or his parents, and whenever he
would do so tears would spill
from his eyes. My father could
not bring himself to ask many
questions in yechidus, and he
would ask for a bracha for his
parents only when they asked
him to do so.
In a yechidus that he was
granted in honor of his upcoming
birthday, he wrote to the Rebbe
about his work as a counselor in
R Shlomo Vishedsky at kos shel bracha yeshiva, and the Rebbe responded
to his questions. Suddenly,
story I derived the strength now, he told R Shlomo, One time, the Rebbe asked him, What
to prevent the desecration of the wealthy Chassid, R Meir is doing in connection with a
Shabbos. Simcha Chein had yechidus shidduch? R Shlomo shrugged
with the Rebbe Rayatz. R Meir his shoulders in confusion, and
AN EVERLASTING EDIFICE Simcha wore a large straw hat that is when the Rebbe instructed
which was considered a modern, him to get involved in finding a
There is not enough paper expensive item. The Rebbe told shidduch.
to fully record the life story of him, Under the straw roof lives A while later, he became
mesirus nefesh of R Shlomo a gentile farmer. What he meant engaged to his cousin, Rishe
Vishedsky, a story that continued was, in Russian villages, the Raskin. Before their wedding, he
until he turned 16, which is when simple peasants lived in small received a most unusual bracha
the family left Russia with the houses with straw roofs. R from the Rebbe. This was when
Rebbes blessing. They arrived in Simcha continued, You are a he went into yechidus a short
Eretz Yisroel on 9 Kislev 5726. Tamim in Tomchei Tmimim, so time before his wedding. The
Learning with mesirus nefesh why do you have cuff links on Rebbe blessed him, That you
in Chernovitz helped R Shlomo your shirt? should have, together with your
acclimate to Yeshivas Tomchei It was actually an old shirt kalla who is your match and the
Tmimim in Kfar Chabad. which was sewn with cuffs to one that was designated for you,
Already then, he was recognized begin with, but R Shlomo was a luminous and warm home, and
as a genuine Chassid who was not the type to look for excuses. it should be luminous and warm
particular in his adherence to the As soon as he got home he asked by you and warm and luminous
ways and practices of Chassidus. his mother to remove the cuffs by others.
Once, when he was a bachur, and to sew buttons on instead. Despite this, R Shlomo
he went to a dentist who rented After that, he was not willing to was pained that he had not
a room in the home of the wear a shirt with cuff links. received the traditional blessing
Chassid R Simcha Gorodetzky, After two years of learning in for chassanim and kallos, i.e.,
a distinguished Chassid. When Kfar Chabad, he traveled to the binyan adei ad (an everlasting
R Simcha saw him, he looked Rebbe to learn in 770. This was edifice). He was broken over
in wonder at the cuff links that in 5729. For the next eighteen this and completely distraught.
adorned his shirtsleeves and years he learned and lived in When it was the Shabbos before

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 At the center, a few weeks before he fell ill On Mivtza T'fillin

the wedding, his brother Sholom two brothers moved to Eretz he had he would lend out, and
Dovber suggested that he say the Yisroel, and thus began a new when he didnt have he would
entire Thillim before Shacharis, chapter in which R Shlomo take out personal loans on his
in supplication to Hashem that worked hard to provide for his own account and then lend that
he receive the traditional bracha. family, in the fields of chinuch money to others. There were
During the farbrengen that and kashrus. even times that the person had
took place after davening, the R Shlomo was the type of not paid back the first loan and
practice then was that chassanim person who avoided making needed an additional loan. R
getting married that week would a commotion. His family and Shlomo would not hesitate to
go up to the Rebbe with a bottle of friends tell of a modest man, provide the additional loan.
mashke. R Shlomo went up with a who whatever he did he kept to His brother R Michel
bottle and the Rebbe poured from himself, without telling the world. recounts: My brother R Shlomo
his becher into the bottle and then However, during the Shiva, the was a very modest person who
back again. And then, unlike the family was kind enough to share didnt wish to talk about his
usual practice, the Rebbe poured some of his amazing acts of actions. Despite that, I can testify
some mashke for R Shlomo from kindness: about him that he was always
his becher. The Rebbe continued Collectors who would come thinking about how to help
to hold the bottle, looked into to Kfar Chabad to collect money others. He always had an inner
his open Chumash and then with knew they could stop off at his smile and that is why people loved
closed eyes said, It should be a home to take a break. They him. He helped many people
binyan adei ad. A heavy weight would eat and drink something and gave away so much without
was lifted from R Shlomos heart and even take a nap and then calling attention to himself.
when he received the hoped for set off to continue their rounds. For a period of time he
bracha. On numerous occasions before worked as a kashrus supervisor
Pesach, R Yaakov Katz, the rosh in the Nes Tziyona area, under
MAN OF KINDNESS yeshiva of Tomchei Tmimim, the auspices of the citys rabbi,
AND GIVING would send a few boys who had R Avraham Tzuriel. Once R
no family in Eretz Yisroel to our Tzuriel wanted to transfer him
The young couple settled in house, and they would be hosted from one restaurant under his
Crown Heights, and in the years for the entire holiday. supervision to another place.
that followed, R Shlomo, along The owner of the restaurant
Aside from that, he would
with his brother R Michel, ran a hurriedly contacted the rabbi and
often lend money to those in
shoe store on Kingston Avenue. requested that before he transfer
need and to those who asked for
Together, they pleasantly and the mashgiach it was worthwhile
his help, and they were many.
generously served the residents to come and see what he does
During the years that he lived
of Crown Heights. each morning.
in Kfar Chabad, he lent out
About thirty years ago, the large sums of money. Whatever
Continued on page 23

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 PROFILE

LIVING THE
CONNECTED

LIFE
A year after Ami and Avital Baram married, Ami
began taking an interest in Judaism. Avital found
herself dealing with a new Boss in the house
Hashem Himself! * Avital shares her journey with
us, until founding the organizations, Hitkashrut
Zugit, and Hitkashrut Chavaya Yehudit, as
per the teachings of the Rebbe, for the broader
public.

By Hadar Mizrachi

PERSONAL CONFLICT home apart. create a connection and build our

We lived like that, as a mixed home, the Hitkashrut Zugit
A year after Ami and Avital (Bonding Couples) workshops
couple, for seven years, in the
Baram married, Ami began the were born.
course of which my husband
teshuva process. For Avital, This
became a Chabadnik. Our We realized that many families
was no simple thing. Suddenly
daughter went to the Chabad needed the knowledge we had
there was the sense that Hashem
preschool and we met other gained, so we began holding
is running things and He, instead
families that were like ours. workshops for the public. The
of me, decides the rules. I found
At some point, we created a workshops developed over the
myself dreading my husbands
workshop with the psychologist years. Today we help hundreds
becoming religious.
Esther Meizlish of Kfar Chabad, of families like these and teach
Did you consider divorce? who gave us the tools to manage that it is not necessary to break
From the beginning, we family life. And from this space up the home. With motivation
wanted to build. I wanted to give we were able to grow. and creativity, it is possible to
it a chance and not break our From our personal desire to preserve the family. You can carry

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 on like this too, with respect and confident to see whether this was The Torah is in favor of shalom
love. We have similar workshops for me. And in fact, I tried it and bayis even if one spouse is not
for parents of children who saw that it was good and began observing Torah and mitzvos like
became baalei teshuva and for my own teshuva journey. the other spouse. It says that for
those whose children have gone the sake of shalom bayis, Hashem
off the derech rl. PURE FOCUS ON MARRIAGE is even willing to have His name
What caused you to become erased. So to us, the main thing
Do you try to make baalei is to preserve the marriage, to
religious?
teshuva with your workshops? give people the tools to run a
As soon as there was a good
Not at all. People in crisis healthy home, to raise a healthy
atmosphere in the home, without
come to us. If couples feel our family. In general, Judaism
coercion and without tension, I
goal is to make them religious, I is about building a home, an
had the ability to examine things
lose their trust. The first thing we everlasting edifice. When the
at my own pace. When the threats
do is remove this threat. Our goal two sides understand that this is
and coercion toned down, I felt
is to restore peace in the home. the main thing, the battles cease

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 PROFILE

One of our main challenges is how to mediate and guidelines from the Rebbe
on the topic of shalom bayis.
for the children the existence of two worlds that There is a letter from the Rebbe
are not in conflict. Children can live with the differences which explains how much a
proper family life impacts all
but they cant live with a fight between parents where other aspects of a persons
they must take a stand. life, including health, and for
generations to come. In general,
the Rebbes approach allows
and together, they start building to kasher the kitchen, so the people to find where they
a path to understanding and husband ate cold food on belong at the place where they
cooperation. disposable plates for five years. are, without being judgmental
As for doing teshuva, I know Obviously, this fight did not serve and with understanding every
from experience that only when the couple nor the children. We individuals needs. Many couples
a person is not in a threatening taught them that it is possible to who come to us feel comfortable,
environment can he choose the become more religious in a much for this reason, sending their
direction that suits him. You more balanced fashion from both children to Chabad schools, and
cannot force someone to do sides. it is definitely a solution that
teshuva. One of the participants How are conflicts resolved at saves children and the whole
at a workshop said to me, If a workshop? house. We teach people the basic
only I could do teshuva. It The workshop is actually a principles of Ahavas Yisroel.
has to happen to a person; the course that lasts four months. There is a story we always
inspiration needs to happen During this time, people go tell in our workshops of a
willingly, not be forced. through a process which enables woman who wanted to move
What sorts of conflicts do them to dismantle things to Yerushalayim, to daven at
people bring to the workshops? and rebuild from a balanced the Kosel and eat kosher. Her
Often, when a person is first place. The workshops have husband was a businessman
becoming a baal teshuva, they professionals running them; a in Thailand and what can I tell
are flying. In such a situation, the psychologist, a communications you The licentiousness and
standing of the spouse becomes consultant, and Rabbi abundance of nonkosher food
weakened and he or she feels Nachmanson who finds common
betrayed. Many baalei teshuva ground between couples from a She went to the Rebbe and
become extreme out of fear or halachic perspective. he told her to go to Thailand
due to ignorance. Sometimes Rabbi Nachmanson has with her husband instead of to
they are particular about saved many marriages with the Kosel. In general, those who
chumros without considering the piskei halacha that enabled come to us and see the picture
environment. Problems also arise couples to preserve the family of the Rebbe realize they have
with the extended family. They unit. By the way, it wasnt easy come to a Chabad House. Some
dont eat with the family or they to find professionals who would are turned off at first, but the
cut off ties. But there really is no understand the complexities of intimidation quickly recedes.
need for that because solutions this kind of situation. Often, At the workshops, we first
can be found. baalei teshuva are in touch work on neutralizing the conflict,
There are instances where with rabbis who, unfortunately, the coercion and intimidation,
a spouse adopts a new practice encourage them to remain and teach how to respect one
without explaining it and as a strong without understanding another and operate effectively.
result, the opposing side has no the consequences on the We help couples develop choices
ability nor desire to understand marriage. We have also heard that fit their home and help
it. Very often, each of the spouses of cases where, due to lack of them move forward. Together
digs in to his and her position understanding, they threatened we examine what can be done
without trying to reach common the woman that if she doesnt to achieve more balance. For
ground. follow her husband, it will lead to example, there was a husband
We had a couple come to a divorce. who became a baal teshuva when
us where the woman refused We use many examples his children were older, and every

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 Friday night after kiddush, the of the two sides.
children and wife would laugh Is it the irreligious spouse
before the HaMotzi blessing. who takes the initiative to attend
They were laughing about the the workshop?
strange practice of remaining Not necessarily. Both spouses
silent before cutting the challah. find it hard. Couples often
The husbands feelings of think that they can handle it on
isolation were raised in the their own so its important to
workshop. The wife got to emphasize that tools are needed
understand where her husband to deal with a situation like this
was at and decided that she successfully. The distress is
wants to stand by him and acute and unfortunately, couples
support him, even though sometimes come to us when
she did not identify with the its too late. The rifts that were
importance of what he did. This created do not allow for healing.
new desire was engendered as a We encounter people who had
result of her thinking about the unpleasant experiences and do
situation, which led her to a new not have the desire to listen and
understanding. Her opposition to work out a path together.
melted and when the children What is your message to
saw their parents unified, the people who find themselves in
atmosphere in the home soon such a situation?
became a healthy one.
It is possible to learn and to
This is how every family change, to go through the entire
chooses solutions that are right process, which is complex and
for them. We dont dictate, but challenging, in a balanced and
teach the family how not to create healthy manner. It is possible
a conflict in which each is trying to tone down the frustration
to achieve victory at the expense level and to learn to accept the
of the other and of course not change. When there is no threat
at the expense of the children. and there is respectful behavior,
One of our main challenges is each half of the couple can grow
how to mediate for the children in an atmosphere of mutual
the existence of two worlds that consideration and shalom bayis.
are not in conflict. Children can Even the opposing side has an
live with the differences but they opportunity to grow and become
cant live with a fight where they stronger. Despite the fact that the
must take a stand. So we are subject is very complex, I think
constantly looking for points of we have succeeded in building
agreement. a workshop that provides a (Thursday through Shabbos),
Boruch Hashem, we have professional and wellgrounded with the best speakers in Chabad.
a high success rate. There approach to these challenges. Our goal is to make it possible
are many graduate families, for people to be exposed to the
people who completed the teachings of Chassidus in an
course who learned from their
CHASSIDIC
experiential and pampered way,
experiences. Over the years, an VALUES SEMINAR
materially and spiritually.
active community has formed Tell us about Hitkashrut It began twelve years ago,
of couples and families who Chavaya Yehudit (Bonding when we did not have a space to
spend Shabbasos and holidays Jewish Experience)? hold our Yom Tov activities, so
together. We have programming Over the years, alongside our we rented rooms in a hotel, and it
throughout the year which helps work with couples, we developed all grew from there...
people feel comfortable in the the Jewish experience seminar.
place where they are at, for each At that time, my husband was
These are weekend seminars directing the outreach activities

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 PROFILE

of Chabad of Givatayim, and he times, people who come are for diversion and escapism, the
began to organize Shabbatons. exposed to Chassidus for the first true way to get out of that type
We started in Mitzpeh Rimon time in their lives. We guide them of selflimiting behavior is only
with R Slonim. About fifty people to where they can continue to through hiskashrus. This is the
would come, getting together for learn, and we have a lot of repeat path that the Rebbe paved for us.
Shabbos. The atmosphere was customers. Each weekend has Personally, I feel that my
good and there were speakers, lectures, farbrengens, musical hiskashrus to the Rebbe is
tfillos, and delicious food. appearances and everything expressed in the sense that there
We noticed that there was no that can help to open hearts and is a broad consciousness, warm
organization in Chabad that was minds. and secure, which is guiding
offering seminars like Arachim, What does the word this exile towards Geula, on an
so we began to hold seminars hiskashrus mean to you? individual level for each person
in hotels. We received a bracha Hiskashrus to me means and on a national level for our
from the Rebbe for success in connectivity. The opposite of nation, and ultimately for the
this shlichus, and thank Gd, separateness. This is the path to whole world.
today the seminars are very Geula. To know that you are not I feel that it is a privilege for
large and high quality. Each one a separate entity and that true me to be able to help build Jewish
attracts hundreds of people, and goodness is found in connections. families and spread the teachings
the crowd is extremely varied. Especially in our generation, of Chassidus in a way that leaves
Some people even come from when there are so many outlets people with a yearning for more.
our marriage workshops. Many

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34 16 Iyar 5777

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 TZIVOS HASHEM

THREE
TIMES LIFE By Nechama Bar
my father asked the Tzanzer in, even before they said
Rabbi Chaim Shapiro, a
Rebbe for a bracha. My advice anything, the Rebbe got up in
Tzanzer Chassid and founder
is that you go to New York to respect and said, Welcome,
and director of the Refaeinu
be treated there, the Admur guests from Eretz Yisroel.
organization, relates:
said. With Hashems help the My parents were very moved
My father, Rav Leib Shapiro, and my father gave the Rebbe
treatment will work and your
is a known rabbinic figure in a note with their names
wife wont need an operation.
Kiryat Tzanz. Although we are and requests, as well as my
Tzanzer Chassidim, we have a Somewhat encouraged,
mothers medical file.
warm place in our heart for my parents flew to New
York. They stayed with a The Rebbe quickly reviewed
the Lubavitcher Rebbe and
Lubavitcher uncle, Rabbi Tzvi the test exams and the doctors
the Chabad movement. My
Hirsch Spritzer. R Spritzer opinion, and then blessed my
very existence is thanks to
warmly welcomed them. mother with a refua shleima.
the Rebbe, for my birth was a
This is wonderful hashga cha But my father was not
miracle.
pratis! In two days I have an satisfied with a bracha. Rebbe,
For a while before I was I already received a bracha
appointment to see the Rebbe.
born, my mother suffered from the Tzanzer Rebbe.
Take my place!
nonstop pain. She went to her
My father was surprised If so, said the Rebbe,
family doctor who first thought
by the offer, knowing how very good.
it was a passing virus and gave
her some prescriptions, but hard it was to arrange an Rebbe, a bracha is not
when none of it helped, and appointment with the Rebbe enough. We want a promise
the pain increased, he sent her and how long a wait it was. that we will have more
for tests at the hospital. But my uncle did not see it children.
The test results were not as giving something up; he The Rebbe smiled broadly
saw it as extraordinary divine and said, Young man, what
good. The doctor, looking
providence, and felt that this is are you worried about?
compassionate, said, Your
why his appointment had been You will yet have sons and
condition is very serious. The
arranged for this time. grandsons.
only way to help you is with
My parents happily My parents left the Rebbes
an operation. We believe that
accepted his genero us offer. room happily, feeling like
surgery will heal you but there
They made the necessa ry a stone had rolled off their
is one problem you wont be
spiritual preparations and said had simple
able to have more children. hearts. They
My mother was very upset. many chapters of Thillim. faith in what the Rebbe said,
When the time came, they that they would have more
Although she had children,
nervously entered the Rebbes children.
she wasnt willing to agree to
office. As soon as they walked
this. As Tzanzer Chassidim,

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 my mother stood on line
Miraculously, my mother out. He instantly recalled
it for dollars and the Rebbe
recovered from her illness that yechidus as though
the day before. Yes, recognized her immediately.
without an operation. I am happened
When she passed by, he asked
the first son born to her after the Rebbe remembered them!
ed her how she was. I was on
her recovery. After me, they With difficulty, he manag
d, Boruc h Hashem , line for dollars too and when
had another son and two to respon
wonde rful. Then he it was my turn, I did not ask
daughters. The Rebbes words she feels
This or say anything. The Rebbe
were fulfilled in their entirety pointed at me and said,
child born thanks handed me a dollar and said,
and grandchildren were also is the first
to the Rebbe. My father did for the third time, Ki chaim
born.
say my name but the heim lmotzeihem, ulchol
Twenty years passed and not besaro marpei.
Rebbe said to me, quoting a
the entire family flew to New
verse from Mishlei, Ki chaim At the time, I did not
York for Lag BOmer 5748
heim lmotzeihem, ulchol know what the Rebbe meant
for a family simcha. That was
besaro marpei (It [the by quoting this verse. I
the year Rebbetzin Chaya
Torah] brings life to all those thought he said it because
Mushka passed away. On
davene d who find it and brings cure to my name is in it. It was only
weekdays, the Rebbe
all of ones flesh). years later that I understood
in his home on President
The Lubavitcher The Rebbe obviously knew that the Rebbe saw the
Street.
go to the my name (having referred, future. I eventually founded
uncles told us to called
daven in the verse, to Chaim). The an organization
Rebbes house and zation
Rebbe gave me a dollar and Refaein u, an organi
there. My father was happy
to receive said again, This is for Ki that helps sick people deal
to do so and hoped
chaim heim lmotzeihem, with illness. We are in touch
a bracha from the Rebbe.
ulchol besaro marpe i. with top doctors and help in
At the end of the
The followi ng Sunday, getting expensive medication
davening, the Rebbe said a at a low price, and more.
sicha which was transmitted Ki chaim heim lmotzeihem,
live to the entire world. After ulchol besaro marpei.
the sicha, the Rebbe gave out
dollars for tzdaka. My father
stood on line to get a dollar
and a bracha together with
his sons. I also stood on line
excitedly. As we waited, my
father said, The Rebbe will
surely not remember me.
After all, twenty years have
passed since I visited here.
I dont look the same and
more importantly, thousands
of people pass by the Rebbe
every week. How can he
remember everyone?
When it was our turn, to
our amazement, the Rebbe
asked my father, How is
she? referring to my mother.
My father nearly fainted.
He could barely get a word

B"H. 16 Iyar 5777

12 May 2017 Number 1067
Price: $6.00 Part 2 of 3

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