Holidays   Shabbat   Chabad-houses   Chassidism   Subscribe   Calendar   Links

                                  B"H
                                 -----
                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 717
*********************************************************************
                           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.
*********************************************************************
        May 3, 2002         Behar-Bechukosai      21 Iyyar, 5762
*********************************************************************

                         Permanent or Throwaway

In nearly 200 countries around the world, Earth Day was celebrated this
past month.

Media types love to cover Earth Day events and love to hate earth day
participants, finding it irresistible to bemoan the tons (literally) of
garbage left by those who gather to proclaim their concern for our
environment.

Paper plates, non-returnable bottles, disposable diapers, novel items
only a few decades ago, have become a way of life for even many of the
most conscientious environmentalists.

We're living in the age of throwaways. In an attempt to simplify our
ever more hectic lives, we find that it's less complicated to throw it
out and buy another one than to fix, clean or repair what we have.

Are you one of the rare ones who still resoles his shoes? Conversely, do
you buy a new VCR or vacuum cleaner rather than hassle with repairing it
within or without the warranty?

In the age of throwaways, it's important and even comforting in knowing
that there is something permanent: Torah and Jewish tradition.

Week after week, year after year, we're celebrating the same holidays
that we celebrated as long back as we can remember. On Rosh Hashana we
still dip apples in honey... on Chanuka we still spin the dreidle... on
Shabbat we still make the blessing over the braided challa and wine...
We still eat matza on Passover, put a penny in a "pushka" (charity box)
and cover our eyes when we say that fundamental of all Jewish prayers,
the "Shema."

Judaism and Jewish traditions last because they're unbreakable. And
there's no chance of getting bored with Judaism because we can always
spice up a mitzva (commandment) with something new we've learned: a
custom we never knew about before, a novel interpretation that someone
recently shared with us or a commitment to fulfill the mitzva in a more
observant manner than in the past.

The motto for Earth Day 2002 was "Who says you can't change the world?"
Far from thinking that we must do something vast to make an impact on
our environment, Earth Day aficionados were encouraged to not use their
cars for a whole day (thereby participating in a "car free day") or to
plant a tree as part of a "global tree planting" project.

The notion that each one of us can play a part in changing the world is
at the very core of Judaism. Jewish teachings explain that from the
moment of creation each one of us was empowered with the ability to have
a positive influence on the world. So central is this theme to Judaism
that the great Maimonides directed us to view the entire world as if
perfectly in balance and that an individual's one positive action could
tip the scale to the side of good and bring salvation to the person and
the entire world.

How can an individual make an impact on the world and bring about the
era of peace, prosperity and unlimited knowledge that we have looked
forward to for thousands of years? Earth Day offers valuable suggestions
that parallel Jewish teachings as well. "Do good..." and "Take action."

By increasing in acts of goodness and kindness (as recommended by the
Lubavitcher Rebbe when asked by CNN about his message to the world
concerning Moshiach); by taking action rather than simply discussing or
philosophizing about what can or should be done; by "acting" in a manner
befitting life in the Messianic Era (when there will be no jealousy or
envy, only love and good will), we will affect a permanent change in our
environment today and always.

*********************************************************************
           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
*********************************************************************
At the end of his Laws of Kings Maimonides writes: "One should not think
that any aspect of the world will be altered in the Days of Moshiach...
Rather, the world will continue to function in its usual manner." In
other words, in the Messianic Era the world will still operate according
to the laws of nature.

However, in the second of this week's two Torah portions, Bechukotai, we
find two contradictions to this ruling. "And the tree of the field will
give its fruit" - in the Messianic Era all trees, including non-fruiting
bearing varieties, will yield fruit. This is obviously a departure from
the laws of nature. In another verse, G-d promises "And I will remove
evil beasts from the land" - wild animals will no longer be predatory.
This also contradicts the way nature operates at present.

Maimonides himself explains the discrepancy: When the world was first
created, all trees produced fruit. It wasn't until after the sin of the
Tree of Knowledge, when Adam was punished with the decree of "Thorns
also and thistles shall [the earth] bring forth to you," that some
varieties of trees stopped producing fruit, and some animals became
predatory. In the Days of Moshiach, the world will simply revert to its
original character. According to Maimonides, this does not constitute a
change in nature. True, the world will be different from the way it is
now, but nonetheless "continue to function in its usual manner."

There are also several seeming contradictions in the Torah's description
of how Moshiach will be revealed. In one instance the Torah tells us
that Moshiach will arrive "on heavenly clouds" - in a supernatural
manner - yet Moshiach is also depicted as "lowly and riding on a
donkey." The first description relates to a situation in which the
Jewish people will have "merit"; the second describes Moshiach's arrival
"if they will not have merit." Likewise, the manner in which the Holy
Temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt also depends on whether or not the
Jewish people will be worthy. With sufficient merit, the Third Holy
Temple will descend from heaven completely erected. If they are less
deserving, Moshiach will build it.

The fact that Moshiach will arrive is certain, regardless of our
actions. The only variable is how the Final Redemption will take place.
Because the Laws of Kings is a legal work, Maimonides gives us the
"worst case" scenario, describing how Moshiach will come if the Jewish
people will not have sufficient merit. The existence of Moshiach will
not necessarily alter creation, "and the world will continue to function
in its usual manner."

If, however, we will be worthy, Moshiach's arrival will be accompanied
by many more revelations of G-dliness, as well as open miracles.

                           Adapted from Volume 27 of Likutei Sichot

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

                          Daughter and Mother
                         by Nechama Mankovsky,

I can't help but seek the truth.

As a small child, my mother sent me to a Lubavitch day care near home.
That was a pivotal experience for me and I have a video of myself to
prove it. Marching around the family room at the age of three or four,
my mother asks, "Are you part of the army of Hashem (G-d)?"

"Yes," I answer, and keep marching as I sing a Jewish song I had learned
in the day care.

As a child I was instilled with a strong Jewish identity, though my
traditional upbringing left me missing the answers to many questions.

My mother was born in Winnipeg, Canada and has always had a strong
connection to and a high regard for her Jewish heritage. Though she
considers herself a reform Jew, she sent me to a Lubavitch Day Care
because, as she puts it now, "We trusted Chabad, they're Jews."

My father, of blessed memory, was from Ukraine. He got out in 1976
through Italy. During the time he spent in Italy, he lived in the home
of Rabbi Gershon Mendel Garelik, the Rebbe's first emissary to Italy.
Eventually my father left Italy and settled in Toronto, Canada. Although
he never became religious, Chabad always remained close to his heart. My
father passed away when I was twelve years old.

I attended a Jewish day school. The school's main merit from my mother's
perspective was that they taught Yiddish. From my perspective along with
folk dancing, holiday plays and Hebrew, being Jewish meant having Roots
clothes and a Mercedes, neither of which I had. I did, however, graduate
with skills in Hebrew and some in Yiddish and French. Throughout those
formative years, I was continuously asking questions and always felt
there was something deeper than the answers I was getting.

After graduation, I enrolled in an arts-based high school and danced my
way through. Slowly my connection to Judaism faded. I played Rugby,
produced the school's fashion show and toyed with a lot of rebellious
teenager type trouble. I always managed good grades with minimal work
and developed a name for myself as someone with tons of potential but
who could not focus.

Confused, like many of my peers on what path to take in life, I ended up
spending time and money on the beaten one. I attended university, which
had its pros and cons. I didn't stick to it and resorted back to the
working world where I was more comfortable.

Together with a neighbor, I started an organization that helped clean up
the neighborhood and bring unity to the area. When I came to Chabad to
ask them for a reference letter, I met Rabbi Levi Jacobson. In return
for the letter he asked me to help him organize a free trip to Israel
called Birthright.

When Purim rolled around, I celebrated at the Chabad Jewish Russian
Community Center, dressed as the color purple. There was no particular
reason why I had decided to attend the Russian Center. Perhaps it was my
desire to reconnect to my father's past. I returned to attend Shabbat
services and began participating in Shabbat meals in the community.

The trip to Israel I had helped Rabbi Jacobson organize was scheduled
for June and he offered to take me along as a chaperone. I went on the
trip and I fell back in love with G-d.

There is a phenomenon in this generation of people searching for truth.
I am one of them. My search led me to the Lubavitch community in Crown
Heights, Brooklyn. I arrived at the end of the high holidays and slipped
into the scene with ease. I began attending classes at a women's yeshiva
there called Machon Chana. I stayed in Rabbi Jacobson's parents' home
until the renovations on the bedrooms in the Machon Chana dormitory were
complete.

As an added "bonus" I met Rabbi Garelik who was visiting Crown Heights
from Italy. I spoke with him about my father and he told me, "Your
father was like a son to me."

My experience at Machon Chana has finally brought me peace concerning
the early passing of my father and my search for truth.

                                *  *  *


                          by Sheine Mankovsky


Last October my daughter Brenda, Breindl Nechama, informed me that she
had withdrawn from the Ontario College of Art and Design and had made
arrangements to study at Machon Chana in Crown Heights. Although Brenda
had become more observant than the other members of my family I had no
idea that she was considering such a move.

I asked my two younger daughters what they thought of all of this.
Their response was that Brenda had a right to follow her own path in
life. They reminded me that I had raised them to be decent,
self-assured, competent, independent individuals. They reminded me
furthermore that I had sent them to a Jewish day school because I wanted
them to have a sound knowledge of Judaism.  And all three had had a Bat
Mitzva. So how could I have a problem with Brenda's decision? I had to
agree; I couldn't find fault with Brenda's decision to study Torah.
Having raised my daughter to make her own decisions, I had to support
and assist her despite my discomfort.

I recently attended the Machon Chana parents' Shabbaton and it was a
wonderful experience. It was clear that many people had made a great
deal of effort to welcome parents and relatives.  They tried to make
them feel comfortable, to show them that their daughters were safe and
well cared for, and to give them opportunities to get to know Machon
Chana, and the Lubavitch community of Crown Heights.  The Shabbos (not
Shabbat!) that the girls prepared with the assistance of the dorm
mother, Mrs. Gansburg, was more than terrific.  The Jacobson family was
particularly hospitable to me and I remain grateful for their
generosity.

And the young women who attend Machon Chana, they are special people,
each in their own way.  They are searching for a higher meaning for
life, and I respect them for having the courage to set out on that
journey, just as I respect my own daughter. It was a joy  to witness
their growing bonds of friendship and community.

*********************************************************************
                               WHAT'S NEW
*********************************************************************
                       Judaism in a Changed World

Judaism in a Changed World will be the topic at a  special Shabbaton
weekend May 24-26 (Memorial Day Weekend) in  Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Featured speakers Rabbi Manis Friedman and Mrs. Rivkah Slonim will
facilitate the exploration of our personal and communal roles in a world
that is continually changing. Discussions and topics include "Has
religion been good or bad for the world?" "Does Judasim have anything to
say about what is happening in the world today?" and "How does Israel
fit into this cosmic picture?" Join Jewish couples, singles and families
experience an unforgettable Shabbaton accompanied by traditional
cuisine, amidst the warmth of Chassidic family life and song. For more
info or to register call Lubavitch Youth Organization at (718) 953-1000
or visit www.shabbaton.org

*********************************************************************
                            THE REBBE WRITES
*********************************************************************
                       27th of Iyar, 5720 [1960]

Greeting and Blessing:

Thank you for letter of May 19th.

I trust that Mrs. - will not be discouraged by the "tough fight," as you
write in connection with her attempt to influence -. However, I hope
that the effort will be continued in a spirit of friendship and
pleasantness, and that eventually Mr. - and [his wife] will recognize
that you are only trying to help them, and have nothing but their own
good in mind. "Words coming from the heart enter the heart," all the
more so when the subject matter concerns the vital interests of the
parents and children to the end of posterity. Of course, I need not
elaborate this to you and Mrs. -, but our Sages say "Encourage the
energetic ones." I trust that both you and Mrs. - will, therefore,
continue your efforts in this direction.

With regard to the question of your daughter, I am surprised you do not
mention anything about her plans for the forthcoming vacation time. I
trust that she will make use of it in the best way for her own benefit
as well as for the benefit of others.

As for her plans for the new term, and your desire that your son should
continue here, which would entail a postponement of your daughter's
coming here, I note from your letter that she is only sixteen, and
therefore her coming to study here could be postponed for a year or so.
I assume, of course, that in the interim your daughter will have regular
appointed times for the study of Yiddishkeit [Judaism] in the maximum
possible way, both in regard to quantity and quality.

I enclose a copy of my message, which I trust your daughter will find
useful, and that also you and Mrs. - could make use of on your
appropriate level.

Wishing you and your family, in the words of my father-in-law of saintly
memory, a happy Shovuoth [the festival marking the receiving of the
Torah at Mount Sinai], and to receive the Torah with joy and Pnimius
[inwardness].

With blessing,

M. Schneerson

Needless to say, I do not agree at all with the spirit of resignation
which you express in your letter in regard to Parnosso [livelihood],
being prepared to wait for a substantial improvement until winter. For
your benefit as well as for the benefit of the Tzedoko [charity] fund,
which needs for its steadily growing commitments, a correspondingly
growing income, I hope and pray that the improvement will come much
sooner, and I trust that you will also be strong in your faith in this
since the strength of faith and trust in G-d provides the channel and
vessel to receive G-d's blessings.

Rev. M- is due to see me this evening.

Since writing the above, I want to add that Rev. M- visited me together
with his brother and sister, and we had a lengthy discussion on the
communal affairs of Manchester. No doubt he will communicate to you all
that we spoke about. As you know me, you can take it for granted that I
spoke to him about the need to expand his work and all other communal
activities, for the strengthening of Yiddishkeit in Manchester and
environs.

                                *  *  *


                       10th of Iyar, 5719 [1959]

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter of May 10th and I will again remember you in
prayer, for successful business. You, on your part will surely continue
in regard to Tzedoko, as suggested, and I trust that you will have good
news to report.

If you will have occasion to be in Italy, I would suggest that you make
a visit to Milan where one of our young Rabbis, Rabbi Garelik has been
sent, and he has also made the acquaintance of businessmen. It would
therefore perhaps be advisable for you to spend a day or two there, to
make business contacts, if possible, and the connection with us will
stand you in good stead, as well as your setting aside Tzedoko from the
profit. Even if it might appear farfetched, our Sages have already said,
"Do not carp at anything."

With regard to your son A-, I suggest that you should get in touch with
Rabbi Dubov, or other members of the faculty of the Manchester yeshiva,
that they should give him an informal examination, so as to ascertain
his status in learning, and then they should write about it to the
Yeshiva Administration here in order to make sure that there would be a
suitable class for him, etc.

I trust that the condition of your wife has greatly improved, and will
continue to do so.

As for Mr. -, about whom you write that it is not very pleasant to
interfere in another person's family life, however, I trust that you and
your wife will, nevertheless, find a discreet, diplomatic way to
encourage Mr. - and his wife to conduct their home on the foundations of
the Torah and Mitzvoth. It is always easier to make an initial effort to
put a thing right in the first place, than to try later to change it.

With all good wishes, and with blessing,

*********************************************************************
                            RAMBAM THIS WEEK
*********************************************************************
22 Iyar 5762

Positive mitzva 125: bringing first fruits to the Sanctuary

By this injunction we are commanded to set aside the first fruits and
bring them to the Sanctuary. It is contained in the Torah's words (Ex.
23:19): "The choicest first fruits of your land you shall bring into the
house of the L-rd your G-d." The mitzva is binding only during the
existence of the Temple, and applies only to the "seven kinds" grown in
Israel (and Syrian and Transjordan).

*********************************************************************
                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
*********************************************************************
The summer is quickly approaching and those who have not yet made
vacation plans are now busy with them.

Vacation for most means time to relax, a change of pace and scenery,
more time to spend with family and friends. We all know, however, that
one can never take a "vacation from Life."

Life, in the true sense, is not just our day-to-day living. "For they
[the words of Torah] are our life" is often quoted about the importance
of Torah study and observance. Truly, there is no vacation from
"life"-Torah study and observance.

When making our vacation plans this summer, we must make sure to include
time for Torah. It can be a weekly class, a daily five-minute
Torah-on-the-Line phone call, a visit to a Torah website, or any other
numerous opportunities that we might have to arrange to study Torah.

In addition, it is certainly important to mention a few words about the
necessity of ensuring that every Jewish child spend his or her summer in
a Jewish environment. There are numerous summer camps, conducted in a
true-Torah atmosphere, that provide the latest in modern camping. Jewish
day camps and overnight camps can instill in a child a sense of pride in
his heritage and help him acquire Jewish knowledge in a fun, spirited
atmosphere. Make sure children you know are signed up in one of these
day camps.

May we all make sure to include "life" in our summer plans, and then,
certainly G-d, will make sure to add life to our life, in happiness and
fulfillment.

*********************************************************************
                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
*********************************************************************
And G-d spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai...(Numbers 1:1)

G-d purposely chose a desert in which to give the Torah. He spoke to the
Jews in a place where everyone enjoyed free access, to show us that
every Jew has an equal obligation and share in the Torah.

                            (Bamidbar Rabba and Michilta B'Shalach)

                                *  *  *


Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their
families, by their fathers' houses...(1:2)

In order to know the number of people in each tribe, first they were
counted according to their families and then each member of the family
was counted. This shows us the importance of the family. The existence
of the Jewish people is based on and dependant on the actions of each
family.

                                            (The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

                                *  *  *


And these are the generations of Aaron and Moses...(3:1)

Previous to this statement, only the sons of Aaron were mentioned. Why,
then, were they also considered the generations-children-of Moses? Moses
taught Torah to the children of Aaron; whoever teaches Torah to the
children of his fellow-man, Scripture credits him as though they were
his own children.

                                                            (Rashi)

                                *  *  *


Those that pitch [their tents] on the east side are the standard of the
camp of Judah...the tribe of Issachar...and the tribe of
Zevulun...(2:3-7)

According to Rabeynu Bechaye, the tribes of Judah, Issachar and Zevulun
camped near Moses and Aaron. For this reason, they all became great
scholars. This shows us the importance of choosing righteous neighbors.

*********************************************************************
                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
*********************************************************************
To be rich was never Berel's ambition. He was a plain Jew, quite
satisfied with what he had. When he prayed to G-d three times a day, he
prayed for many things: good health; good children; that G-d would put
more sense into his head to understand Torah, and more feeling into his
heart when doing mitzvot (the commandments). But riches? It never even
occurred to him to pray for such a thing. Thank G-d, he had a good wife,
nice children, and he was making a modest living. Could anyone wish for
more?

Berel lived in a little town called Chasnik, not far from Chernobil,
where the great rebbe, the saintly Rabbi Mordechai Chernobiler, lived.
Berel was a chasid of the "Chernobiler Rebbe" as he was known, and he
went there several times a year to get a spiritual boost. On such
occasions he would take with him the money he had put aside for charity
to leave with the Rebbe, who would know where it would do the most good.

One day the town of Chasnik went agog with excitement. Word was received
that the Rebbe was coming on one of his rare visits. Berel was
especially excited, for the Rebbe usually stayed in his house. However,
Berel was soon bitterly disappointed. He learned the Rebbe would not
stay in his house this time. Worse still, the Rebbe let it be known that
Berel was not to appear before him, either in private audience, or with
others. Furthermore, Berel was not to come to the Rebbe's table, nor was
he to be among those to welcome him on arrival, or to see him off on
departure!

The Rebbe had made it very clear that nothing would make him change his
mind except one thing: If Berel would come with 2,000 rubles in his
pocket and place it on the Rebbe's table for charity; then, and only
then, would he again be the favorite chasid he had always been!

Poor Berel was quite bewildered and upset. Surely the Rebbe knew his
financial position. If he would sell his house with all that was in it
he could not raise half the amount the Rebbe expected of him. What had
he done to deserve such punishment?

The thought of being so completely shunned by his beloved and revered
rebbe was too much for Berel to bear. For once in his lifetime he wished
he were a rich man, and for the first time in his life he now prayed
with all his heart that G-d would make him rich, so that he could bring
the Rebbe 2,000 rubles for charity.

The Rebbe had come and gone. All the Chasidim of Chasnik had welcomed
the Rebbe with joy and dancing, had sat spellbound listening to his
inspiring words, had received his blessings, and had seen him off
dancing in the street. Berel sat alone in his house, feeling hurt and
miserable. However, he didn't give up hope that G-d would accept his
prayer and make him rich if for no other reason than that he should be
able to be reunited with his rebbe.

Sometime later, there was excitement in Chasnik, but this time it was
more like a panic. A battalion of invading soldiers was passing through
town, and the town's people were ordered to quarter the soldiers.
Several armed soldiers arrived at Berel's house and announced that they
were going to spend the night there. They carried a heavy chest, which
they placed in a closet. The soldiers were very tired from their long
march, and they were soon fast asleep.

In the middle of the night an alarm was sounded. The half sleepy
soldiers scrambled out of the house in a great hurry, and made off with
all their comrades. A few hours later, a troop of some twenty soldiers
returned and combed the town, looking for the chest which had been
forgotten when they responded to the alarm.

Several times the soldiers passed Berel's house, but never entered to
search it. After hours of fruitless searching, the troop left again.

Days later, Berel noticed the chest in the little-used closet. Months
passed and Berel had almost forgotten about the chest when he noticed it
again. Since nobody came to claim it, he decided to look inside. He was
amazed to find it filled with money, in paper and coins, and realized
that it was evidently the treasury of the invading battalion. The
thought came to Berel's mind that G-d must have, after all, accepted his
prayer and made him rich! Berel immediately counted out 2,000 rubles and
left immediately for Chernobil. With a happy smile on his face, Berel
came to the Rebbe and placed the money on his table. The Rebbe did not
seem very surprised, though he was obviously pleased.

"Where did you get the money, Berel?" the Rebbe asked. Berel told him.

The Rebbe than said to Berel, "It had been revealed to me that you were
in for a big fortune. The only hindrance was that you had never prayed
for riches. In Heaven they wanted to hear a prayer from you, at least
one little prayer, that you wanted to be rich. So I decided to help out.
The rest you know. Now that your prayer was accepted and you have become
a rich man, I suggest that you move to a larger town and become a
wholesale merchant, and G-d will bless you with success. However,
remember, Berel, that riches can be a more severe test than poverty. Be
careful that you should be worthy of G-d's trust in you."

*********************************************************************
                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
*********************************************************************
To believe in the coming of Moshiach and to await it are two separate
concepts. "To believe" is a doctrinal affirmation as for any other part
of the Torah: affirming the principle of Moshiach who will come
eventually, whenever that may be. "To await" means an active and eager
anticipation of the redemption, that it occur speedily: "I await him
every day..." literally.

                   (From Mashiach by Rabbi Jacob Immanuel Schochet)

*********************************************************************
           END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 717 - Behar-Bechukosai 5762
*********************************************************************