Holidays   Shabbat   Chabad-houses   Chassidism   Subscribe   Calendar   Links

                                  B"H
                                 -----
                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 730
*********************************************************************
                           Copyright (c) 2002
                 Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
                              Brooklyn, NY
                             --------------
                  Electronic version provided free at:
                          www.LchaimWeekly.org
                          --------------------
                    To receive the L'CHAIM by e-mail
                  write to: listserv@LchaimWeekly.org
                              Subscribe W1
*********************************************************************
             THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON
   Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson N.E.
*********************************************************************
        August 2, 2002           Re'eh               24 Av, 5762
*********************************************************************

                             Filling Space

How many college students can fit into a tiny car or phone booth? How
many absolute essentials can a woman place in her evening bag? How many
items can a man stuff into his suit pocket and still have the jacket lay
properly? How many grapes can a youngster pack into his mouth before
they come tumbling out?

Sand patted down by a child in a pail, and patted down yet again to make
room for more; a suitcase so full that you have to sit on it to close
it; just one more bite, we promise ourselves as we dig once again into
the double chocolate fudge brownies, though we're already stuffed to the
gills.

People seem to be obsessed with cramming as many things as possible into
a minimal amount of space. From closet organizers to PDAs, we want to
make full use of space, both tangible and cyber.

There are times in the Jewish calendar when we are given a specific
amount of "spiritual space" and encouraged to fill it up.

The month of Elul that we are blessing this Shabbat is just such a time.
Elul is the round-up time for the previous year. It is the "inventory"
season, "year-end accounting" time and the moment when each person
writes and reads to himself his own "State of the Union" address.

In addition to Elul being a once-over concerning the past, it is a
chance to focus on the future, an opportunity to plan ahead armed with
the wisdom gained from experience. Elul gives us the chance to
concentrate on how we will do things differently in the upcoming year.

But there is a third aspect to Elul, as well. While we're remembering
the past and considering the future, we are still living in the present.
And in this present, Jewish teachings invite us to use the entire month
of Elul to fill up our spiritual space with as many mitzvot
(commandments) as we can. We are encouraged to add more mitzvot to our
repertoire of mitzvot and to enhance the manner in which we already
perform various mitzvot.

In Elul, we are urged specifically to give extra charity; to spend more
time connecting with G-d through prayer; to have our mezuzot and tefilin
checked by an expert scribe (and to put mezuzot on those doorways which
might yet need them); to observe the laws of kashrut more carefully;  to
bless our friends, neighbors and relatives with a good, sweet year.

Using the spiritual space we're given during Elul to its fullest
capacity can only be to our benefit for the coming year.

*********************************************************************
           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
*********************************************************************
This week's Torah portion, Re'ei, is always read at a time associated
with the month of Elul, either on the Shabbat on which the month of Elul
as in the present year, or on Rosh Chodesh Elul.

Re'ei begins with the verse, "Behold, I am giving before you today the
blessing..." This verse refers to the fact that the blessing, and the
revelation of G-dliness that accompanies it, is coming from Above.
Indeed, each of the words of this verse emphasizes that approach:

Behold: Seeing implies the establishment of a deep and powerful
connection. Thus our Sages state, "hearing does not resemble seeing,"
and they forbid an eyewitness from acting as a judge. Once someone has
seen a misdeed committed, he will never be able to conceive of a
redeeming virtue for a defendant. In contrast, when a person is told
about an event, he is allowed to serve as a judge and indeed, all trials
depend on listening to such testimony.

What is the reason for such a difference? When hearing, one approaches a
concept step by step, gathering all the particulars. This resembles an
ascent upward. In contrast, when seeing, one is brought into direct
contact with an event as a totality all at once. Only afterwards, does
one focus attention on the particulars. This reflects the approach of
revelation from Above.

I-"Anochi": This refers to G-d's essence in a most uplifted and
magnified manner. In our verse, the Hebrew word "anochi" is used rather
than the more common "ani." "Anochi" communicates a greater sense of
pride and magnitude than "ani."

Am giving: The fact that G-d is giving clearly implies a gift from
Above.

Before you: "lifneichem" in Hebrew relates to the word "p'nimiyut"-inner
dimension. This emphasizes the approach of revelation from Above. For we
begin by focusing on our own personal inner dimension, our inner being,
and then proceed to the external dimensions. In contrast, proceeding
from the externals to the internal is more a process of elevating what
is here below to Above.

Today: This reflects the concepts of light and revelation, for the day
is the time of light. It also is associated with a dimension of
eternality, as our Sages state, "Whenever the word 'today' is used, [the
influence] is eternal." And this is possible because it involves a
revelation from Above which does not take into consideration the nature
of the recipient.

Blessing: Blessing obviously refers to an influence from Above.

The occupation of the month of Elul, however, is a totally different
type of work. For in Elul, our spiritual workout focuses on elevating
ourselves through our own initiative and not through a "gift from
Above."

Where, then, is the connection between our Torah portion and the fact
that we read it at a time connected to the month of Elul?

The truth is that since in Elul we take stock of the entire year that
has passed, we must correct any deficiencies in either of these two
areas. We must put tremendous effort into elevating ourselves and our
surroundings through our own initiative as well as making ourselves a
worthy receptacle for G-d's inspiration and blessings from Above.

                      Adapted from a talk of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

*********************************************************************
                             SLICE OF LIFE
*********************************************************************

                            Saved by a Song
                            By Yehudis Cohen

"It's a wild story," begins Rabbi Pinny Young, when recounting an
incident that took place in 1994. "My friend and fellow rabbinical
student, Mendel Lipsker and I, had been sent as emissaries of the Rebbe
to Ukraine. We based ourselves in the city of Krivoyrog and from there
we reached out to Jews throughout Ukraine."

A few months after Rabbis Young and Lipsker arrived in Krivoyrog, the
Israeli government sent a group of young people to Ukraine to encourage
people to make aliya (move to Israel). By that time, the student rabbis
were already well known in the Jewish community. And so, it was natural
that they would help the Israelis who wanted to organize a two-week
winter retreat for 250 Jewish college students from throughout Ukraine.
In addition to helping organize the retreat, the young rabbincal
students were looked upon as the "spiritual advisors" of the retreat.

"Everyone took trains from all over Ukraine," reminisces Pinny. "We met
in one town and then together traveled to a hotel on a ski slope in the
Carpathian Mountains. We decided to go into town to check out the
'Jewish sites' to incorporate into our schedule. Of course there was a
Jewish cemetery, but there was also a synagogue! The synagogue, however,
wasn't really in use, but we did take them there on Shabbat.

"Throughout the entire two weeks of the retreat, we engaged many of the
participants and Israeli staff members in philosophical discussions
about Judaism, Torah, and mitzvot (commandments)," he adds.

The Former Soviet Union in 1994, and particularly Ukraine, was not what
it is today, says Pinny. "One time when I ordered a taxi, I wound up
with a horse and cart. And the cart itself was just a battered piece of
wood," he says, rolling his eyes.

"Another time we ordered a taxi, this time a real one, and asked the
driver if he could show us any points of Jewish interest in the area.
My Russian (language) was pretty good by then. So I was shocked when he
said to me, 'Talk to me in Ukrainian.' I smiled and told him that I
didn't know Ukrainian. What happened next was totally bizarre.

"The muscular Ukrainian taxi driver took out a long, sharp knife and
threatened me with it. 'Speak Ukrainian,' he said evilly. My mind raced.
Did I know any words in Ukrainian?

"The taxi driver slid the knife on his own arm, cutting himself and
drawing blood. 'Speak Ukrainian or I will do this to your throat," he
said even more malevolently.

"He was serious," says Pinny, his eyes showing the fear years later that
he had on that day. "I had been in Ukraine long enough to know that
things like this happen and this guy was dead serious. I quickly thought
of my options. If I tried fighting him, I would lose for sure. If I
tried running, I was certain he would overtake me.

"And then it popped into my head. I did know some Ukrainian. I knew a
song! The Rebbe had taught a song in Ukrainian at a farbrengen (Chasidic
gathering) and I knew the words!" Pinny gestures with his hand like an
opera singer and starts singing in his melodious voice "Stav yapitu...."
(The song is a Ukrainian drinking song about working hard all week long
and drowning oneself and one's sorrows in drink. It is a parable for the
soul, that is involved throughout the week in the mundane world but on
Shabbat becomes intoxicated on Torah, mitzvot and holiness.)

"This guy, this big burly guy thinks it's hysterical. He starts
laughing. He thinks it's so funny. I sang the song for him again and we
were like the best of buddies. He told us everything we wanted to know
and then insisted, now that we were the best of friends, on having a
drink with us. He poured us a large glass of vodka that we pretended to
drink but actually spilled out."

When they returned to the group, they were still more than a little
shaky. Of course, Pinny told everyone what had happened. "We discussed
the idea of hashgacha pratit, Divine providence, and how providential it
was that the Rebbe had taught a song in Ukrainian and that I knew the
words." It was a good story to regale their friends with for years to
come, Pinny notes.

"I got married to my wife Sonya, and we moved to Buffalo, New York. One
day, about a year ago, I was visiting my in-laws who also live in
Buffalo. There was a guest from Israel, Dr. Shimon Reif, a pediatric
gastroenterologist. He started telling us a story about a Lubavitcher
couple he had met who live in Karnei Shomrom in Israel. He told us that
the wife was not originally observant. But, as a young woman she had
been sent by the Israeli government to run youth programs in Ukraine.

"Two Lubavitcher rabbinical students helped organize a winter retreat
with her group and in the course of the retreat they had had many
interesting discussions about Judaism. They had also had some rather
scary incidents, including a run-in with a dangerous taxi driver.

"Upon returning to Israel, Dr. Reif continued relating, the girl thought
back to those discussions. She had been impressed with the rabbinical
students' enthusiasm, how they conducted themselves, their joy in
observing mitzvot, their openness, and she decided to start becoming
more observant herself.

" 'Do you know her name?' I asked Dr. Reif. 'Yes, her name is Bete
Shayovitch,' he told me. 'Do you know the rabbinical students' names?' I
asked him. 'No,' he told me.

" 'Well,' I told him, 'one of them was me!' We were all so amazed at the
hashgacha protit! Dr. Reif took my address and assured me that he would
give it to Bete when he got back to Israel. A short while later we
received an envelope from Bete, containing a letter and a photograph of
herself, her husband, and their two children."

*********************************************************************
                               WHAT'S NEW
*********************************************************************
                             Women to Women

Women to Women, an affiliate of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois, is
dedicated to helping all Jewish women learn, connect and grow together
through classes and special programs. The organization recently began
producing audio tapes  from many of its lecture series. "Kabala and Our
Lives: Practical Applications of Infinity"; "From Poland to Postville:
How Chasidus Survived the Migration"; "Crown Jewels: Going Forward in
Darkness" are three of the tapes currently being offered by Women to
Women. The goal of the project is to allow women who cannot come to a
Torah class to benefit from one. To order call (773) 262-5683 or email
baruchaya@aol.com.

*********************************************************************
                            THE REBBE WRITES
*********************************************************************
                       14th of Sivan, 5724 [1964]

Blessing and Greeting:

I am in receipt of your letter of May 21st, in which you write about
your background and some highlights of your life.

In reply, I will address myself at once to the essential point in your
letter, namely your attitude towards religious observance, as you
describe in your letter, and especially to the particular Mitzvah
[commandment] which is most essential for a happy married life, namely
Taharas Hamishpocho [the Laws of Family Purity]. You write that you do
not understand the importance of this Mitzvah, etc. This is not
surprising, as is clear from the analogy of a small child being unable
to understand a professor who is advanced in knowledge. Bear in mind
that the condition between the small child and the advanced professor is
only a difference in degree and not in kind, inasmuch as the child may,
in due course, not only attain the same level of the professor, but even
surpass him.

It is quite otherwise in the difference between a created being, be he
the wisest person on earth, and the Creator Himself. How can we, humans,
expect to understand the infinite wisdom of the Creator? It is only
because of G-d's great kindness that He has revealed certain reasons
with regard to certain Mitzvoth, that we can get some sort of a glimpse
or insight into them. It is quite clear that G-d has given us the
various commandments for our own sake and not in order to benefit Him.
It is therefore clear what the sensible attitude towards the Mitzvoth
should be. If this is so with regard to any Mitzvah, how much more so
with regard to the said Mitzvah of Taharas Hamishpocho, which has a
direct bearing not only on the mutual happiness of the husband and wife,
but also on the well-being and happiness of their offspring, their
children and children's children.

It is equally clear that parents are always anxious to do everything
possible for their children, even if there is only a very small chance
that their efforts would materialize, and even if these efforts entail
considerable difficulties. How much more so in this case where the
benefit to be derived is very great and lasting, while the sacrifice is
negligible by comparison. Even where the difficulties are not entirely
imaginary, it is certain that they become less and less with actual
observance of the Mitzvah, so that they eventually disappear altogether.

Needless to say I am aware of the "argument" that there are many
non-observant married couples, yet seemingly happy, etc. The answer is
simple. First of all, it is well known that G-d is very merciful and
patient, and waits for the erring sinner to return to Him in sincere
repentance. Secondly, appearances are deceptive, and one can never know
what the true facts are about somebody else's life, especially as
certain things relating to children and other personal matters are, for
obvious reasons, kept in strict confidence.

As a matter of fact, in regard to the observance of Taharas Hamishpocho,
even the plain statistics of reports and tables by specialists, doctors
and sociologists etc., who cannot be considered partial towards the
religious Jew, clearly show the benefits which accrued to those Jewish
circles which observed Taharas Hamishpocho. These statistics have also
been published in various publications, but it is not my intention to
dwell on this at length in this letter.

My intention in writing all the above is, of course, not to admonish or
preach, but in the hope that upon receipt of my letter you will consider
the matter more deeply, and will at once begin to observe the Mitzvah of
Taharas Hamishpocho, within the framework of the general Jewish way of
life which our Creator has clearly given to us in His Torah, which is
called Toras Chaim, the Law of Life.

Even if it seems to you that you have some difficulties to overcome, you
may be certain that you will overcome them and that the difficulties are
only in the initial stages.

I understand that in your community there are young couples who are
observant and you could discuss this matter with them, and find out all
the laws and regulations of Taharas Hamishpocho. If, however, you find
it inconvenient to seek the knowledge from friends, there are booklets
which have been published, which contain the desired information, also a
list of places where a Mikvah is available.

Next I will refer to the various undesirable events which occurred in
your family, which left you confused, as you write. In view of what has
been said above, it is not entirely unexpected. For, inasmuch as the
essence of a Jew is to live in accordance with G-d's command, it is
clear that if one disturbs the normal flow of this kind of life by
disobeying G-d's command, it is not surprising that one should feel
confused, lacking the true faith in G-d, which is the only terra firma
for a Jew. Moreover, inasmuch as the Mitzvoth are also the channels
through which to receive G-d's blessings, it is not surprising that a
lack of observance prevents the fulfillment of G-d's blessings.

I repeat, it is not my intention to admonish with regard to the past,
but if you want to follow my advice, I urge you to begin from now on to
live the Jewish way of life with a firm resolution and determination,
and this will surely bring you the fulfillment of your heart's desires
for good....

With blessing,

*********************************************************************
                            RAMBAM THIS WEEK
*********************************************************************
25 Av 5762

Positive mitzva 108: Law of the water of sprinkling

By this injunction (Num. 19:9-21) we are commanded to observe the
regulations relating to the water of sprinkling [containing ashes of the
red heifer], which under certain conditions causes an unclean person to
become clean, and under other conditions causes a clean person to become
unclean. (Our Sages consider this mitzva a prime example of the group of
laws known as chukim, statutes, the reason for which is unknown or
incomprehensible to us.)

*********************************************************************
                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
*********************************************************************
This Shabbat we bless the month of Elul, which begins on Friday, August
9. In Elul we prepare for the upcoming High Holidays by blowing the
shofar each morning, having our mezuzot and tefilin checked to make sure
they are still fit, being more careful about keeping kosher and saying
special selichot (penitential prayers) toward the end of the month.

Why do we do all of this in the month of Elul? Can't it wait until we're
closer to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? Most of us "work" better under
pressure anyway!

These questions can be explained by a beautiful parable:

Once each year, a very mighty king leaves his palace, his guards, his
finery, and goes out into the field to meet with his subjects.

In the field, the people can ask of the king anything they wish. They do
not need to wait in long lines, go through security checks, be announced
ceremoniously. They can speak with him without hesitation.

However, once the king returns to his palace, his subjects will once
again have to go through all kinds of protocol to meet with him. So, of
course, his subjects make the most of the opportunity.

During the month of Elul, G-d is "in the field." We don't need to go
through all kinds of red tape to reach Him. We need only come out to
meet Him, as it were, with a humble heart, and He will listen to us. He
will accept our repentance and consider our requests most carefully.

The King will soon be in the field. Make sure not to miss this
opportunity.

*********************************************************************
                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
*********************************************************************
Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse (Deut. 11:26)

There are two different kinds of "today" - the "today" of blessing and
the "today" of curse. Consideration of the present moment as an impetus
for action can be either positive or negative: "If not now, when?" spurs
a Jew on to do good, whereas "Eat and drink for tomorrow we die" leads
him down the path of evil.

                                (Rabbi Chanoch Henich of Alexander)

                                *  *  *


You are children of G-d, your G-d" (Deut. 14:1)

The Baal Shem Tov deeply loved simple folk. He would frequently remark
that love of the Children of Israel is love of G-d; when one loves the
father one loves the children.

                                *  *  *


You shall not shut your hand from your needy brother (Deut. 15:7)

In Hebrew, the first letters of this verse spell out the word "Tehillim"
- Psalms. Reciting Psalms on behalf of a poor person is not enough; one
must open his hand and give him material sustenance as well.

                                          (Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin)

                                *  *  *


From when the sickle begins to cut the upright corn (Deut. 16:9)

Once a group of Chasidim complained to their Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel of
Lubavitch, that their spiritual advisor was being unduly harsh. The
Rebbe told the spiritual advisor privately later, "It is sure that one
must eradicate ego and pride without mercy, as it says, 'From the time
the sickle is first put to the standing corn'-one must put the 'sickle'
to the 'standing corn' of egotism. However, this is only in regard to
oneself. Concerning others, the Torah clearly states, 'do not swing the
sickle on your neighbor's grain.'"

*********************************************************************
                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
*********************************************************************
The young man stood in the middle of the teeming thoroughfare
contemplating the scene. His life in the city was exciting-how could he
ever have lived in the town of Berdichev? Ha! Why now, he was a man of
the world-nothing was barred to him. He turned right and continued down
the tree-lined street, heading for his favorite cafe. Here, he could be
with people of his own intelligence and wit. How good it was not to be
living in  that little village steeped as it was in ancient Jewish
rituals.

As so, his days and nights passed in political discussions and drinking.
In the morning he would frequent the usual cafe and peruse the morning
newspaper, looking for some articles of interest with which he could
regale his companions. By afternoon he would stroll the ever-fascinating
streets, and by evening, he would again head for the cafe where he and
his friends would meet and compare lofty, intellectual concepts.

The mitzvot (commandments) so carefully taught him by his parents never
surfaced in his mind, so enthralled was he with the sights and sounds of
the big city. Many, if not most of his new acquaintances were also
Jewish, and had also managed to "escape" the narrow confines of towns
and villages like Berdichev. They had also forsaken the teachings of
their parents, grandparents and countless generations of ancestors who
had clung against all odds to the same Torah.

One morning, as he lay in bed planning his day's activities, he was
startled by his landlady's knock at the door. What could she want? he
thought, as he clambered out of bed and into a dressing gown. She looked
uneasy as she stood there holding a telegram in her outstretched hand.

"From home," she said. As he took it, the young man felt queasy. His
parents would never send a telegram if there was no desperate need. The
words confirmed his worst fears. Through the blur of his tears he read
again and again the words, "Father has passed away. Come home. Mamma."

He sunk down in his chair. Father is gone. Oh, no.

Within the hour he was on his way home to Berdichev.

The funeral passed and the seven days of shiva were over, yet he
lingered on with his widowed mother, enveloped in his own gray
bereavement. The month of Elul had arrived and the holiday feeling was
almost palpable. He wasn't sure why, but for some reason, he derived
comfort from the familiar sights and sounds of his old home town.

The young man walked aimlessly through Berdichev, lost in thought, when
suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was the Rebbe, Levi
Yitzchak, who was known for the great love he had for his fellow Jews.

"You know, young man, I am really very envious of you," remarked the
Rebbe, smiling.

The young man was unsure of what was coming next. He waited for the
punch line. Reb Levi Yitzchak continued, "During these days of
repentance, every Jew has the opportunity, by truly returning to G-d, to
turn his sins into merits."

The young man laughed. "Well, if that's the case, you'll be even more
jealous next year. For then I'll have a whole new pile of sins to work
on!"

"Let me tell you a story," said the Rebbe. "Once a landlord was
travelling through his property and a terrible rainstorm came up. He
stopped at an inn which he rented out, hoping to find respite from the
elements. But, when he brought his horses into the stables the rain
cascaded in torrents through the holes in the roof. "Well," he thought,
"at least in the inn I'll be able to dry out." But when he entered the
inn, the situation was not much better. Puddles like small lakes dotted
the floor and a raw dampness pervaded the room.

"The angry landlord approached the innkeeper and said, 'When I rented
this inn to you it was in excellent condition. How have you allowed it
to deteriorate this way!?'"

"'Your Excellency,' stammered the embarrassed innkeeper, 'I knew you
would stop in some time, but I didn't think it would be so soon.'"

With that, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak turned and walked away, but his little
story had planted a seed in the young man's mind.

A few days after Rosh Hashana had passed, the young man fell ill. The
illness worsened and many specialists were called in, but no cure could
be found. Within weeks, it seemed apparent to the young man that his end
was quickly approaching. He recalled the rabbi's story and was consumed
by regret at how he had wasted his precious life which was ebbing away.

He sent a messenger to Reb Levi Yitzchak begging him to come to his
bedside and guide him back to the right path, for his Jewish soul pulled
at him and gave him no rest. Reb Levi Yitzchak came at once. He sat at
the young man's bedside day after day instructing and encouraging him
until he achieved a true and complete repentance.

*********************************************************************
                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
*********************************************************************
Do not be ashamed nor confounded; why are you downcast and why are you
agitated? The afflicted of my people will find refuge in you; the city
will be rebuilt on its former site. Come, my Beloved, to meet the Bride;
let us welcome the Shabbat.

       (From L'Cha Dodi, a prayer recited in the service to welcome
                                                       the Sabbath)

*********************************************************************
                 END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 730 - Re'eh 5762
*********************************************************************