****************************************************************** L'CHAIM ISSUE # 280 PART 1 OF 8 ****************************************************************** THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, N.E. ****************************************************************** August 13, 1993 Parshas - Re'ei 26 Av 5753 ****************************************************************** WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? "Ask the Mayor." "Ask the Governor." Many major cities have weekly, biweekly or monthly radio call-in shows when you can tell your government official what's on your mind and possibly expedite matters if you're having a problem with some bureaucratic red-tape. Even the President, as a goodwill gesture (and most often right before or during an election year,) visits cities and towns across the country to hear what's on people's minds. This special time when our leaders are more accessible can be likened to the analogy Chasidic thought presents concerning the Hebrew month of Elul, which begins this week. Chasidut explains that in Elul, the "King is in the field," so to speak. The King, of course, is G-d, and "in the field" means that G-d is more accessible to us during this month--the weeks and days which precede Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur--days of reflection, introspection and Divine Judgement. G-d is in the field, ready and willing to listen to our requests and accept our apologies. He didn't go into the city, where it might be necessary to greet Him with pomp and circumstance, splendor and glory. He's out in the field, with the workers, so to speak, right there in the nitty gritty of it all. G-d makes Himself available to us. And He does it out of His great love for us, a love that can be likened to that of a groom for his bride. The analogy of a groom and bride is especially appropriate during these days, since Jewish teaching explains that Elul is an acronym for the Hebrew words, "Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li--I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine." There is give and take in every kind of relationship. This is certainly true of the relationship between the Jewish people and G-d. G-d gives of Himself by coming out "into the field" at this special time of year. We take advantage of the opportunity, show our appreciation and give of ourselves by greeting G-d in the field and also by doing things that will give pleasure to our Beloved. G-d responds to our overtures by becoming our Beloved in a more revealed sense. So, don't worry if you're in a suit, overalls, wearing shirts with white collars or blue collars. Go out into the field and greet the King. Tell Him what's on your mind. He's waiting for you! ****************************************************************** L'CHAIM ISSUE # 280 PART 2 OF 8 ****************************************************************** LIVING WITH THE TIMES THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION ****************************************************************** This week's Torah portion, Re'ei, speaks about a master's obligation to bestow gifts upon his servant when the latter's years of servitude are complete. "You shall furnish him liberally from your flocks, and of your threshing-floor, and of your wine press," the Torah states. Maimonides classifies this obligation as falling under the category of charity--the gifts are in addition to the regular wages the master was required to pay. Every facet of the Torah, in addition to its literal meaning, contains stores of wisdom for us to apply in our lives. The chapter concerning a master and slave are symbolic of the relationship between any two parties who are on an unequal footing: The one on the higher level is always obligated to share his wealth and blessings with those who are less fortunate. The terms "master" and "servant" may also be applied, in the spiritual sense, to the relationship between teacher and pupil. We see that this is not merely symbolic, as a student is required to serve his teacher in the same way a servant must attend his master. A teacher's task is to instruct the pupil and impart knowledge until the student grasps the concept on his own. But what about concepts which are far beyond the ability of the student to comprehend, wisdom beyond the pupil's understanding? The commandment to bestow gifts above and beyond what is required applies here as well. A good teacher must ensure that his student graduates with an appreciation of his own deeper and more esoteric knowledge, in addition to the basic requirements of the syllabus. Whatever knowledge the teacher possesses he is obligated to share with the student, who possesses less. This principle also applies to the relationship between Jews who are more knowledgeable about Torah and mitzvot and those who are just beginning to learn about their heritage. It is not sufficient to impart only those Jewish concepts and precepts which are viewed as fundamental--the awesome depth and scope of Judaism must be shared as well. A basic principle in Judaism is that G-d behaves towards man according to man's actions, measure for measure. When we share our wealth and bestow extra charity, both physical and spiritual, upon our fellow man, G-d responds in kind, granting us an abundance of His blessings. For we are all G-d's servants, and He is the ultimate Master. The six thousand years of creation parallel the six years of servitude a servant must work; the seventh year parallels the freedom and redemption which follow--the Messianic Era and the Final Redemption. By increasing our love for our fellow Jew and demonstrating that love with concrete actions, G-d will surely bestow an even greater measure of His eternal and infinite goodness upon us than ever before, with the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days. Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. ****************************************************************** L'CHAIM ISSUE # 280 PART 3 OF 8 ****************************************************************** SLICE OF LIFE ****************************************************************** JUST A LETTER by Devorah Leah Dechter Peering over my grandmother's shoulder, I asked, "Bubbie, who are you writing to?" I was watching my grandmother write and rewrite ever so carefully and very neatly, with great thought and concentration. "A letter to your great uncle in Russia, Feter (uncle) Hershel--who is my brother." She turned to me and quietly asked, "Would you like to write a few words to him? He would love to read it!" "Me?" I wondered aloud, what could I, a 17-year-old American schoolgirl, write that could possibly interest my great uncle, well in his 60s, behind the Iron Curtain? But looking at my grandmother's face, I could not possibly refuse her simple request. My grandmother lived at our house with our family. Her thoughtfulness, kindness and quietness, and her truly peace-loving nature, flashed through my mind. I simply couldn't refuse! So, out of my mouth, slipped, "Yes, I'll try." I would give it my best shot. "But Bubbie, what should I write?" I asked. Eagerly she said, "Anything! He will be so happy to read a few words from you, it doesn't matter what!" He had no children, nor family there, and he was very lonely. I wrote. And this started a correspondence that was to continue over the years. I wrote my name, my age, my hobbies and about school. I wrote about teachers, siblings, family, etc. When I couldn't think of what to write, I would draw pictures instead! Of course, my grandmother would proofread everything--for it was after all, going to Russia, behind the Iron Curtain. Very often I would find my grandmother eagerly waiting for me to fill up her airmail letter when I came home from school. My uncle was thrilled! He wrote back messages thanking me, sending regards especially to me, and asking me to please write again. He loved my letters! I felt a warm connection miles and miles away and I felt a special feeling inside of me. My letter writing continued even after I got married and I started sending photos of my family. But never did I think that I would get to see Feter Hershel. But, just a few months ago, with the Rebbe's blessings, my great uncle, Feter Hershel, come to America--to live. It's hard to imagine the excitement, happiness and nervous feelings he must have had. Leaving the only place he'd ever known, going on an airplane for the first time ever, and to a complete change of everything! All at the age of 90 plus--till 120! My grandmother (his sister) was naturally nervous and excited throughout all the months and weeks that the arranging and planning took place. Her happiness and overwhelming feelings were spreading to all of us! She hadn't seen him in 45 years! How impossible and unreal it seems to me. What it must feel like for a brother and sister not to see each other for so many years! The night he arrived, I was nervous and excited. I had arranged for a baby-sitter to stay with the kids, so I could greet my uncle. Ring! I picked up the phone, and for a moment I thought I was talking to my grandmother. Then I realized it was a man's voice, my uncle's. He had asked my aunt to phone me, almost as soon as he arrived! "Devorah Leah," he said, "I hope to see you soon." My letters, he said, had given him something to look forward to, and they had given him great pleasure! I was deeply touched and moved. I felt tears in my eyes. I had enjoyed writing those letters, never quite realizing how much they had really meant to him to read them! Later that evening, upon meeting my great uncle, it was easy to notice his special qualities! He has a gentle manner; he is quiet but his eyes twinkle, and you can see his trust in G-d. His faith in all of G-d's goodness is apparent to all. In spite of all the difficulties in observing Judaism--he had done it! Maneuvering his way around things and people, he had always managed to take his allotted vacations during Tishrei --so that he could travel to a place where it was possible to pray on Rosh Hashana, fast on Yom Kippur and truly connect with G-d! I remember that whenever we had asked about him from people who had seen him on their visits to Russia, they always mentioned that he sent his regards from shul, for that was where he was always found! He found time and place, to pray three times a day, every single day! In 1917, when he was a young man, the Communists took over Russia. In Nevel where he lived, there was total chaos! Workers were being fired from their jobs. Feter Heshel was an excellent bookkeeper. The high-officer of the bank where he worked really wanted him to stay on. My uncle knew his work, and was extremely honest, whereas the new workers didn't know the work at all. When asked to stay, he agreed on the condition that he wouldn't work on Shabbos! It was an unheard-of request; nevertheless, the authorities agreed! G-d was watching over him, and he gained strength from that knowledge to continue to do what he could in the cold and barren land where Judaism was suppressed. Reprinted from the *N'Shei Chabad Newsletter* ****************************************************************** L'CHAIM ISSUE # 280 PART 4 OF 8 ****************************************************************** WHAT'S NEWS ****************************************************************** SPECIAL MOSHIACH GATHERING Close to two hundred Chabad-Lubavitch rabbis and emissaries gathered in New York to spend a day reviewing the Rebbe's talks and discourses on Moshiach, the imminence of the Redemption, and the Messianic Era. Though the gathering was primarily for emissaries in the New York/New Jersey area, participants hailed from as far away as England and Israel. The gathering, which took place last month, was held on the anniversary of the liberation of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe from a death sentence in a Soviet prison. KOSHER IN MOSCOW Thanks to the united efforts of the international kashrut organization, O.K. Laboratories, the yeshiva students in the Chabad Marina Rozsha, the chief rabbi of Moscow and Ezras Achim/Lubavitch shaliach Rabbi Berel Lazar and the Shamir organization, tourists and locals can now purchase 100% kosher falafel right in Moscow at the Komsomol Square. In the near future, according to Shamir representative Rabbi Betzalel Shiff they hope to open a second, meat restaurant. Preyadnova Apitita! LEARN MORE ABOUT MOSHIACH Call weekly 1-800-4-MOSHIACH in the U.S. (718-2-MOSHIACH in NY), 1-800-2-MASHIACH in Canada. Or for more extensive options, call (718) 953-6168. ***************************************************************** L'CHAIM ISSUE # 280 PART 5 OF 8 ***************************************************************** INSIGHTS ***************************************************************** APPROACHING THE KING From a letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Days of Elul, 5737 (1977) To All Jewish Detainees, Everywhere, G-d Bless You All! This is by way of a personal reply to every one of you who has written to me for a blessing in connection with our forthcoming New Year--may it bring all good to all our people; with a timely message to each and everyone of you, man and woman, in general. I will remember you in prayer for the fulfillment of your hearts' desires for good--the kind of good that is revealed and evident. The month of Elul (the last month of our Hebrew calendar year) is the Month of Divine Mercy and also the Month of Teshuva (return to G-d through repentance). Teshuva is essentially a matter of inner-felt resolve--sincere regret of the past and firm commitment for the future. And although the rule that "Nothing stands in the way of teshuva" applies all year round, nevertheless the days of this month are particularly auspicious for it, as explained in the teachings of the Alter Rebbe (author of *The Tanya* and *Shulchan Aruch*, the founder of the Chabad-Chasidic Movement). The gist of it is that during this month G-d assumes, as it were, the role of a "King in the Field," that is to say, when a king is not secluded from his people in his royal palace, but is in the midst of his people. To quote: "It is a time when everyone who so desires is permitted to approach the King personally, and He receives everyone graciously and with a smiling face to all." Needless to say, the "field" in this context includes the houses and dwellings of all men (and women) wherever they may be, including also houses of detention, correctional facilities, etc., since "the whole earth is filled with G-d's glory." Hence, all the details and aspects of the said parable, namely, that everyone who so desires may approach the King and He receives everyone graciously, etc., pertains also to those who find themselves in custody at this time. It is also self-evident that when the King shows a "smiling face to all," it is a good time to present to Him a petition. And G-d, "who looks into the heart," seeing the good resolutions that accompany such petitions, grants the requests, and does so graciously. In other words, the good resolutions that a person makes deep in his heart, are known and revealed to the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He, who has given assurance that "nothing stands in the way of teshuva," and grants the requests accordingly. Thus, the special Divine benevolence at this time of the year includes also the bringing about a change for the good in your present situation, by rousing compassion and amnesty in the hearts of those in authority who determine your status, to speed up your freedom (in the plain sense), so that you can conduct your daily life at peace and inner freedom with yourselves and with society, based on the teachings of our Torah and its mitzvot whereby Jews live--a wholesome and productive life, in joy and gladness of heart, as ordained by G-d. ***************************************************************** L'CHAIM ISSUE # 280 PART 6 OF 8 ***************************************************************** WHO'S WHO? ***************************************************************** RABBI MOSHE BEN NACHMAN (1194-1270), also known as Nachman-ides and Ramban, was one of the greatest rabbis of his time. He was recognized as the spiritual leader of all Spanish Jewry and his influence reached far beyond. Accomplished in the fields of medi-cine, mathematics and astronomy, he is one of the classic commenta-tors on Chumash, Talmud and Jewish philosophy. His Biblical com-mentary includes the esoteric explanations of the text, and it is through his works that Kabbala was disseminated throughout Spain and on to Western Europe. ***************************************************************** A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR ***************************************************************** In our own lives, we have learned to live with, accept and adjust to both the good and the bad. We have a good idea what to expect, and realize that at times, the unexpected will crop up. Basically, we are comfortable because we are living with the known. The Rambam and other sages often quote the verse in Isaiah which says that "The world will continue according to its ways" to describe the Messianic Era. The Redemption does not represent any fundamental change in the world itself nor a complete break from our lives until now. The opposite is the case. The Redemption will bring with it an order and system to the world which has, until now, existed and functioned in a seemingly chaotic fashion. Thus, it is evident, that the Redemption will come within the world as it exists today. The Rebbe emphasized this point on numerous occasions, especially in response to those who were afraid that the Redemption would take away everything they had spent their lives building up, such as businesses, friendships, material possessions, etc. The Rebbe explained that there is no reason to be afraid of this. The Redemption will only bring fulfillment and completeness to every single thing. We see a hint of this when we look at the Hebrew word for Redemption, "geula." The word "geula" contains the same Hebrew letters as the word "gola"--exile, with one addition. "Geula" contains the additional Hebrew letter, "alef." The Rebbe explained that the Redemption is enclothed within the exile itself, but that within the world of exile there will be added the "alef" signifying the "Alufo shel Olam"--the Master of the world--G-d. When G-d is finally revealed within the world, in every aspect of creation, then the exile itself turns into Redemption. Shmuel Butman ****************************************************************** L'CHAIM ISSUE # 280 PART 7 OF 8 ****************************************************************** IT HAPPENED ONCE ****************************************************************** Many years ago there lived a gentile landowner, a poretz, who employed many Jews on his huge estates. The gentile employees of the poretz resented the Jews. After all, didn't they have cousins, uncles, and brothers who needed work? After some thoughtful scheming, they decided that they would convince the poretz that doing business with the Jews wasn't in his best interests. Every couple of days one or another of them came to the poretz with some invented story that put the Jews in a bad light, and after a month or so, their work bore an evil fruit: The poretz cancelled all his deals with the Jews. Needless to say, the local Jews were devastated by this decision. In those days the greatest landlords owned whole towns and even large districts. This wealthy poretz was the only employer for many, many miles around, for the entire district was his. For these Jews the outlook was very bleak. They decided to send a delegation to Lizhensk to the holy *tzadik*, Reb Elimelech. The tzadik heard them out and replied, "You have nothing to worry about. Your businesses are safe." Soon after the delegation returned home, the poretz was taken ill. His doctor advised him to travel to Italy to bathe in the warm ocean waters. The poretz lost no time. He loaded his carriage with provisions, and embarked on the long trip. After several weeks, he arrived at his destination and arranged his accommodations. The poretz located a suitable bathing spot and ordered his driver to take him to the beach where he would spend the day bathing and relaxing. While the carriage and its driver rested nearby, the poretz immersed himself in the warm, frothy surf. No sooner had he disappeared into the water when an angel who resembled him in every respect, came out of the sea, dressed in the poretz's clothes, entered his carriage, and ordered the driver to take him home, back to his estate. The poretz spent a long time enjoying the soothing waters. When he finally left the water to dress and return to his carriage, he was very disoriented. He couldn't find his clothes. And where was his driver and his carriage? Thinking he must have come up to the beach a bit further down, he walked along the shore looking for his clothing. It was growing chilly and the sun was quickly sinking towards the horizon. "I must have lost my wits," the poretz thought. "How could everything have simply vanished?" Exhausted, he fell asleep on the beach and awoke the next morning to find a local peasant staring down at him. Seeing the poretz's predicament, the peasant offered him clothing and food in exchange for a day's work. The poretz tried to explain that he was, in reality, a wealthy man, but the peasant just nodded indulgently; the poor man must be mad. Seeing he had no choice, the poretz followed the peasant home and put in an exhausting day's work. The following day he left to begin his long trek home. The poretz no longer told the story of his true identity. He just travelled on in the direction of his estate, stopping to work when he needed food and lodging. It was a long, hard year later when the exhausted poretz arrived at the furthest edge of his huge estate. He stopped at an inn operated by a Jew. "I am the poretz," he announced, but the Jew just laughed at him. "You must be crazy!" said the innkeeper. "Why, I just saw the poretz a few days ago, and a month before that, and besides, everyone knows that the poretz is living in his manor house." But the poretz persisted in trying to convince the Jew of his true identity. He described his family, his estate, his trip to Italy and the past terrible year of tribulations. Little by little it dawned on the Jew that as strange as it seemed, this man was telling the truth. He realized that these troubles beset the poretz at the same time that he had deprived the Jews of their livelihoods. "You'll have to go to see the holy rabbi of Lizhensk, Reb Elimelech," he told the poretz. "Only he will be able to help you." The poretz was eager to follow the Jew's advice and begged him to take him to see the tzadik. When the poretz entered the room of Reb Elimelech, the tzadik faced him and said, "You are an evil man. You wanted to rob the Jews of their livelihood and drive them from their homes. Instead, you were driven from your home." The poretz was seized with desperation. He hung onto the rebbe's every word. Reb Elimelech continued, "If you promise to never again harm the Jews on your estates, and to allow them to earn their bread, I will help you." The poretz nodded his head. The tzadik continued his advice: "Next Sunday you will see as angel, looking exactly like you, sitting in your carriage on his way to church. Take careful notice of the clothes he is wearing, and have the exact same clothes made for you. The following Sunday when the angel goes into the church, you get into the carriage instead of him and return to your home as though nothing happened. Tell no one of your experiences. The poretz followed Reb Elimelech's instructions to the last detail. The angel disappeared, never to be seen again, and the poretz resumed his life with no one the wiser. The only difference that could be perceived in the poretz was his new respectful attitude towards the Jews. ****************************************************************** L'CHAIM ISSUE # 280 PART 8 OF 8 ****************************************************************** THOUGHTS THAT COUNT ****************************************************************** "The Torah is acquired by forty-eight things...and one who quotes a matter in the name of the one who said it" (Ethics 6:6). A Jew must strive to perceive "the One who said it" in whatever he sees around him. In such a way does he uncover the G-dliness in creation and bring redemption to the world. (Lubavitcher Rebbe, Shlita) *** "Great is Torah, for it gives life to those who fulfill it" (Ethics 6:7). Just as the branches of a tree draw their nourishment and sustenance from the trunk, so do Jews draw their life-force and derive their vitality from G-d. "And you who cleave to the L-rd your G-d, are all of you alive." There is no better way to cleave to G-d than through learning His Torah. (Maharal of Prague) *** "Whatever the Holy One, Blessed be He, created in His world, He created only for His glory" (Ethics 6:11). All of creation, including the highest celestial spheres, were created solely for the sake of the Jewish people, and are thus dependant upon our behavior and actions. Recognizing this will impel us to strive even harder to perfect our service of G-d. (Biurim L'Pirkei Avot) ****************************************************************** MOSHIACH MATTERS ****************************************************************** Each wedding is a reflection of the ultimate wedding relationship between G-d and the Jewish people. That relationship exists, not only with the people as a whole, but also with each individual Jew. With Moshiach's coming, the ultimate marriage relationship between G-d and the Jews will be realized. ****************************************************************** Published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213, (718) 953-1000, 778-6000. Rabbi Dovid Raskin - Chairman. Rabbi Shmuel Butman - Director. Rabbi Kasriel Kastel - Program Director. Rabbi Shlomo Friedman - Administrator. Yehudis Cohen - Editor. Mordechai Staiman - Copy Editor. Esther Altmann, Basha Majerczyk - Contributing Editors. Rabbi Nissen Mangel - Chairman Editorial Committee. Rabbi Zalman I. Posner - Consultant. All contents (c) 1993 by L.Y.O. ISSN 1050-0480. ****************************************************************** Permission is granted for BBS distribution, provided no changes are made and that it be complete with all credits to L.Y.O. and L'Chaim BBS. The name of this publication is an acronym for "L'zecher Chaya Mushka." ******************************************************************* This BBS version of the L'Chaim publication, was prepared for BBS distribution by Reuven Blau, Sysop of L'Chaim BBS, KESHERnet N.Y. 718-756-7201. Please address all questions or comments via the Chassidus echo via the KESHERnet G L O B A L Jewish BBS network or netmail directly to the Sysop of L'Chaim BBS (FidoNet. 278/610).