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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1209
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             THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON
   Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson N.E.
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        February 17, 2012      Mishpatim         24 Shevat, 5772
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                               Retiring?

Today, articles abound about retiring early so you can finally do what
you want. Among the points often made in these articles is the
importance of investing money properly so that you can retire at age 60,
50, or even 40.

What if your plans are to work as long as your company allows?

In recent decades, a tendency has developed to view age as a serious
handicap. Anyone over 60 is liable to be considered over the hill;
family and friends begin to suggest that a person start taking things
easier. The "mature" person soon begins to pick up subtle hints that
he'd better consider retiring honorably now, before it becomes necessary
for others to retire him.

When retirement age finally arrives, the person has come to accept
second-class status as a fact of life. The popular view of old people as
useless has influenced him to the extent that he himself feels
superfluous and a burden to those around him. This has a negative effect
psychologically: he gets depressed and resentful, with the resultant
harmful effect on his physical health.

Most unfortunate is the fact that society thereby turns its back on the
tremendous stock of hard-learned experience older people possess. Such a
priceless store of knowledge is acquired only over the course of many
years. Here is a person well-qualified to train and advise younger
colleagues, who has often dealt with similar problems to those they are
now encountering, and who learned how to utilize the situation to its
best advantage. By heeding his advice they could avoid costly mistakes.

There is a strong possibility that those who are now young will be
called old by the next generation at least ten years earlier than the
age at which they now consider their own predecessors old! In fact, this
is alluded to in the Fifth Commandment: "Honor your father and mother so
that your days may be lengthened upon the earth that the L-rd your G-d
gives you." If you want your own days lengthened, in respect and useful
contribution to society, then honor and respect your own elders now.

In the Torah, longevity and old age are considered one of the greatest
possible blessings.

"Many years bring wisdom," Job says in the Bible. "The older elderly
scholars become, the more settled their minds become," states the
Talmud. Members of the Sanhedrin (Jewish Supreme Court) typically would
have to be at least 70 years old! Furthermore, the Code of Jewish Law
enjoins us to rise before people aged 70 or older out of respect for
"the trials and tribulations they have undergone."

The concept of retirement does not exist with regard to Torah. From
birth till a person's last moment, the Jew is perpetually involved in
serving his Maker and cannot resign his post or voluntarily retire.

On the contrary, the years of our lives that are free of the pressure to
provide for a growing family and free from the hustle and bustle of the
business world are an excellent opportunity for observance of mitzvot
(commandments) and Torah study. One can finally make up for lost time!

Instead of burdening one's mind with supervising employees or pleasing
higher-ups, instead of racking one's brains for ways to make more money
or keep the business afloat, a person can truly be his own boss and
devote several hours a day to Torah study and/or a more developed
involvement in Jewish communal life and observances.

We should all foster a new approach toward retirement.

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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This week's Torah portion, Mishpatim, begins with the verse, "And these
are the judgments which you shall set before them (lifneihem)." Our
Sages learn a number of lessons from the word lifneihem:

"Before them" - before Jews. If ever there is a disagreement among Jews
they must go to a Jewish court to resolve it, rather than bring their
case before a gentile judge. A Jewish judge will render judgment
according to the laws of the Torah.

Rabbi Shneur Zalman, the first Chabad Rebbe, explains the word
"lifneihem" as "lifnimiyutam - before their inner essence - penimiyut."
G-d's wisdom must penetrate even the most hidden levels of the soul.

                                *  *  *


The mitzvot (commandments) are divided into three categories: statutes,
testimonies, and judgments (mishpatim).

Statutes are commandments that are beyond our comprehension. We obey
them simply because G-d has commanded us to do so, with acceptance of
the yoke of heaven.

Testimonies are mitzvot which, although we would not have discerned them
on our own, have a rationale we can nonetheless comprehend.

Judgments are commandments which all people can readily understand.
These mitzvot are laws which are compelled by human logic, and which all
mankind deems necessary for the good of society.

A question is asked: Why is it precisely the rational commandments we
would have observed anyway, about which the Torah states "you shall set
before them"?

A person would never consider bringing "statutes" and "testimonies"
before a non-Jewish court. Statutes and testimonies are particular and
unique to Torah, commandments that are derived from G-d's will rather
than human understanding; thus it is obvious that they pertain solely to
Jews. However, a person might think that because non-Jews understand and
obey rational laws it is permissible to be judged by them in certain
instances. For this reason our Sages insisted: "Before them - and not
before idolators."

All of the Torah's commandments were given by G-d. We observe them
solely because He wants us to, not because they make sense to us. Just
as statutes and testimonies are performed with faith in G-d, so too must
our observance of judgments have the same motivation.

Furthermore, it is precisely concerning judgments that the word
"penimiyut" most relates, for the Jew must awaken the innermost recesses
of his soul to obey them properly. Merely understanding the Torah's
rational laws is not sufficient.

In this way we will come to obey all of the Torah's commandments with
all of our individual strengths.

                 Adapted for Maayan Chai from Likutei Sichot vol. 3

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                        The Battlefield of Life
                        by Rabbi Yitzchak Shlomo

At the young age of 18, I was drafted into the IDF. It was quite the
transformation; from spoiled and naïve high school kid to highly trained
and disciplined soldier - in a matter of months. I was attached to a
mortar firing division of the Golani brigade, and we deployed onto the
battlefield after six months of training, only a few short weeks before
the break-out of the Six-Day-War.

I didn't come from a religious family, but my father had given me a card
containing a "Prayer for the Soldier." As we were readying to take up
our positions that first night on the battlefield, there was an eerie
silence. We were all fighting for the first time, and we knew that we
were staring into the face of death.

In a moment, my hand instinctively made its way to the card in my
pocket. Although I had never really thought about whether I believed in
G-d, I found myself fervently asking Him to save and protect me. As I
finished the short prayer, I looked up. My fellow soldiers wanted to
know what I was doing. I couldn't believe what happened next. My
comrades, representing every background, all lined up for a turn to
recite the prayer. After everyone finished, we deployed.

Our contingent was an integral part of operations. The enemy was
strategically in a far better position; they were able to fire directly
at us in the valley below, whilst taking cover behind the natural
shelter provided by the rocky heights. For the same reason, we could not
fire directly at them; any artillery shells would be blocked by the
intervening natural rock-face. This is where mortar fire comes in; the
cannons propel the ammunition in a high arc over any obstructions, and
come crashing down on the enemy positions.

Our job was arduous and hazardous. We were ready for hand-to-hand combat
in case we were ambushed. We were highly trained in operating the
mortars, as well as in accurately calculating the exact angle at which
to fire them. This was no easy matter, as the mortars are not aimed
directly at the target. On top of that, we had to lug around the heavy
ammunition and control the track vehicles upon which the canons were
mounted.

There was no point in conducting operations during the day, for the
enemy would clearly see our positions. We fought under cover of the
night,  though the flares released by the firing canons were noticeable
in the dark, and the Syrians would immediately pinpoint our exact
location. We therefore had no choice but to fire a quick round of fire,
and immediately relocate ourselves and our heavy equipment to a new area
in less than half an hour, before the enemy would have a chance to pound
the area that we had just occupied.

Why half an hour? The Syrians were using newly acquired Russian
weaponry, and they were not trained to use it. So, every move by the
Syrians required detailed commands from the Russians and an accurate
translation into Arabic, before the commands could be executed.

Bravest of all was our reconnaissance officer. He piloted a small piper
plane, and passed back and forth above the Golan Heights to properly
stake out the enemy positions. We could hear the constant sound of enemy
artillery directed against his plane, and we knew that if the engine or
fuel tanks were hit, it would spell doom for the plane and its pilot.
Yet, the pilot's voice was calm as he radioed our instructions. I will
never forget the feeling of relief when he landed safely. We later saw
the plane; bullet holes pierced it like a sieve.

The Syrians were desperate (albeit confused) fighters, and when we
eventually conquered the Heights, we found out why. The Syrian
commanders had abandoned the battlefield, after chaining their soldiers
to their posts.

For me, these experiences were a turning point in my life. I confronted
age old ideas, such as the value of human life, the sustained existence
of the Jewish nation, and their unique relationship with G-d. I also
encountered the activities of Chabad, whose people had the tremendous
self-sacrifice to visit and inspire us in such dangerous conditions.
These experiences ultimately led me on my quest to discover Torah.

Fast-forward several years. It was the early 70s, and I was studying in
Berkeley, California. I would frequent the Chabad House, and one
Shabbat, we were privileged to host the famous chasid Reb Mendel
Futerfas. Reb Mendel was not expecting to meet an Israeli at Berkeley,
and on  Shabbat afternoon he wanted to hear about me.

When I told him about my army experiences, Reb Mendel had a question:
"That first night on the battlefield, you and your comrades were seized
with fear! How were you able to function? How were you able to execute
your commands with the requisite precision?"

I explained to Reb Mendel that this was the point of our training
exercises; to drill battle technique so deeply into the fiber of our
natures that we would be able to fight even in our sleep. Only due to
our training were we able to function in the confusing atmosphere of the
battlefield, even when we were deprived of food and sleep, fearful,
disoriented, emotionally confused, or grieving the fallen. We were
trained to fight, even when not there mentally and emotionally.

Reb Mendel responded, "You taught me a valuable lesson. Much of Judaism
seems to be about going through the motions. We pray three times a day
reciting exactly the same words. We celebrate Shabbat each week, in
exactly the same way. Every holiday is celebrated exactly as it was last
year and as it will be next year. Why?

"You have just answered that for me! We go through the motions, again
and again, to prepare us for those turbulent times when we are not
'there'; when we are torn emotionally, going through difficult patches,
or having doubts. Without these drills, we might fizzle during the
crucial moments of spiritual battle, maybe never to return. But our
constant training and drilling protects us. It allows us to remain loyal
to practice even when we doubt its purpose. Through it, we survive to
see better times spiritually."

    Yitzchak Shlomo, a successful businessman, lives in Pittsburgh,
    Pennsylvania. Reprinted from www.rabbinicalcollege.edu.au

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                             New Emissaries

Rabbi Levi Yitzchok and Shoshanah Sarfati will be moving soon to New
Zealand. They will be directing the North Island's Chabad House for
Israeli backpackers in Auckland City, New Zealand. Rabbi Yale and
Rickelle New have just arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, where they will be
establishing the Friendship Circle of Atlanta. Rabbi Sruli and Mushka
Deitsch have established Chabad of Bronxville, New York. They will be
serving the needs of the Jewish community in the towns of Bronxville and
Mount Vernon, as well as students at Sarah Lawrence College. Rabbi
Yisrael and Menucha Lieberman will be arriving soon in Kunming, Yunnan,
China, where they will establish a new Chabad Center.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                        7th of Adar, 5731 [1971]

I am in receipt of your letter of Rosh Chodesh Adar, containing the good
news that things are progressing satisfactorily. I trust you received my
acknowledgment of your previous correspondence. May G-d grant the
fulfillment of your heart's desires for good, especially that you should
go from strength to strength, as you write.

In reply to the two points which you raise in your letter:

Regarding Chasidus [Chasidic teachings], it is not correct to say that
it is a "supplementary aid" to the proper fulfillment of the Mitzvoth
[commandments], for it is that element which permeates the fulfillment
of all the Mitzvoth. For example, it is possible to fulfill a Mitzvo
without any Kavono [intention] whatever; it is possible to fulfill a
Mitzvo with the general Kavono of fulfilling G-d's command; and it is
possible to fulfill a Mitzvo with inspiration, enthusiasm and joy, as a
deep-felt experience pervading one's entire being, although the Mitzvo
is only a part of one's being.

By way of illustration: When taking chalo [a portion of dough separated
and set aside from the rest], one can be permeated with a great joy and
feeling of dedicating the first part of the dough, even before partaking
from it, to Kedusho [holiness] although in our time it cannot be given
to a Kohen [of the family of Aaron], and must therefore be burned.

At the same time, as explained in Chasidus (in Shaar Hayichud
V'Haemunah), on the subject of the continuous renewal of Creation, one
can realize that G-dliness is the actual reality of all things, except
that it was G-d's Will that the spiritual should be hidden in a material
frame. But the Jew, by the capacity of his intellect, Kavono, and
knowledge, can reveal the spiritual through the predominance of form
over matter, the spiritual over the material, the soul over the body,
until he can see with the eyes of his intellect how the material is
being constantly brought into existence as in the Six Days of Creation.
Permeated with this knowledge, he realizes that the first of everything
should be dedicated to G-d, and only then can he partake of all the
things which G-d has given him.

In the light of the above, one can appreciate that Chasidus is not
something supplementary, but the very soul of the Mitzvo, or, as you
also mention it, creates a new dimension in the fulfillment of every
Mitzvo.

In the above there is also a reply to those who claim that Chasidus
looks askance on, or rejects, other Jews chas v'shalom [G-d forbid].
This is not so, for basically the Jew who fulfills a Mitzvo even without
any Kavono, and even without knowing the original source of the
commandment in the Torah, is nevertheless fulfilling the Mitzvo, and has
to make a Brocho [blessing] and so forth. Similarly, the woman who does
not know the Posuk [verse] in the Torah which speaks of Chalo, and knows
nothing of the deeper significance of the Mitzvo, etc., is also
fulfilling the Mitzvo. On the other hand, it is indeed a very great pity
if one does not try to learn and understand the deeper aspects of the
Mitzvoth. For very often even a minor detail in a Mitzvo has profound
significance and implication, and even in a small piece of dough taken
as Chalo, there can be hidden a profound world outlook.

With regard to your other question, whether when talking to a person who
knows nothing about Torah and Mitzvoth, one should bring in Chasidus
too, or only discuss the immediate matters - it is self-understood that
if the person is capable of grasping the matter in the Chasidic way,
there is the Mitzvo of "V'Ohavto L'Reacho Komocho," ("Love your fellow
as yourself") to share a good thing with another person to the fullest
extent.

On the other hand, if that person is not yet capable of grasping the
inner aspects of the Mitzvoth as explained in Chasidus, one can only
talk to that person in basic terms and according to that person's level
of understanding.

This is what is meant by the verse, "instruct the lad according to his
way," as explained at length by the Moreh Nevuchim [the "Guide for the
Perplexed"], the true "guide" of all generations, namely the Rambam
[Maimonides], in his Introduction to his Commentary on Mishnayos [the
Mishna]. For, just as it is necessary to teach a child gradually, in
accordance with his grasp and capacity, so it is necessary to teach
adults who are "children" insofar as knowledge and understanding is
concerned.

P.S. I trust that you have seen my talk to Jewish women on the subject
of Chalo. No doubt it is available in the library of the Seminary.

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                               WHO'S WHO
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                           Elijah the Prophet

The great prophet Eliyahu (Elijah) lived approximately in the Jewish
year 3,000 (760 b.c.e.) and lived at a time when the Jews were greatly
tempted by idol worship. He pitted himself against 450 priests of the
Baal cult on Mount Carmel when he successfully demonstrated the veracity
of G-d. When the prophet Jonah died as a young boy, Eliyahu was able to
bring him back to life. Taken by a fiery chariot, he was one of the
seven saints who went into the next world alive. Tradition names Eliyahu
as the one who will announce the advent of Moshiach.

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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This Shabbat, an additional section of the Torah is read after the
"regular" Torah portion. Traditionally read on the last Shabbat before
the month of Adar, "Parshat Shekalim" contains the mitzva of the
"half-shekel" the Jews were commanded to give as atonement for the sin
of the Golden Calf.

In the days of the Holy Temple, these half-shekels were used for the
communal offerings. Every Jew had to give the same amount, regardless of
whether he was rich or poor. In fact, it was forbidden to give more. The
Jewish people and G-d are one entity; giving half a coin emphasized the
concept that without G-d we are incomplete.

Alternately, the "other half" is interpreted as another Jew; we are all
part of the same whole. Every Jew's existence is essentially bound up
with the totality of the Jewish people. In order to be a complete
entity, one must join together with his fellow Jew.

Although the commandment of the half-shekel is no longer binding, it is
representative of giving tzedaka (charity). (The commandment will,
however, be reinstated in the Messianic era, when we will again purchase
communal offerings from these funds; in the meantime, prayer substitutes
for the offerings in the Holy Temple.) When we recognize the fundamental
connection and unity we share with others, it spurs us on to give even
more. As explained in Tanya, the mitzva of tzedaka is equal to all the
commandments and brings the Final Redemption closer. The theme of
Shabbat Shekalim is thus relevant throughout the year.

According to Maimonides, the half shekel had to be given "not in many
installments, today a little and tomorrow a little, but all of it as
one, at one time." By engaging in the service of the half-shekel in the
spiritual "Holy Temple" of the Jewish soul, we bring nearer the day when
we will be able to perform the mitzva in the physical sense, in the
Third Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

May it happen "all of it as one, at one time" - immediately and at once.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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And these are the judgments (mishpatim) you shall set before them: If
you buy a Hebrew servant (Ex. 21:1,2)

Why does the Torah begin its enumeration of the various ordinances with
the laws of the Hebrew servant (whom the Jewish court sold into
servitude after having been convicted of theft)? The Hebrew servant was,
in fact, an extremely rare occurrence; why doesn't the Torah begin with
something more practical? Rather, Chasidut explains that the word for
judgments, mishpatim, also implies going in a certain way or manner. For
the Jew, the first step along the path of truth is the recognition that
he is a "Hebrew servant" - a servant of G-d, the King of kings.

                                          (Likutei Sichot, Vol. 26)

                                *  *  *


If you lend (talveh) money to My people, to the poor with you (Ex.
22:24)

The Hebrew word for lending is the same as the word meaning to accompany
or escort. Thus the above verse can also be interpreted to mean that the
only money that "accompanies" a person after death is the charity he
gave to the poor during his lifetime. This is alluded to by our Sages in
chapter 6 of Ethics of the Fathers: "At the time of a man's passing from
this world, neither silver nor gold nor precious stones accompany him,
but only Torah [learning] and good deeds."

                                                (The Kotzker Rebbe)

                                *  *  *


Keep far away from a false matter (Ex. 23:7)

Although the Torah contains 365 negative commandments, lying is the only
sin the Torah warns us not only to avoid, but from which to "keep far
away." This teaches that it isn't enough for a person not to lie; he
must actively distance himself from falsehood and flee from it.

                                           (Rabbi Zushe of Anipoli)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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In a small village in Poland there lived an unassuming and pious Jew
named Meir. While he was by no means well-to-do, his family never wanted
for their daily bread. Each day on his way home from the synagogue Meir
passed through the farmers' market, buying produce and poultry which his
wife sold from a small store attached to their house. The prices were
always fair, and they earned a reputation for honesty.

Meir stood out from the other buyers at the market, for he would never
haggle over prices. Meir had his one fair price, and that was that - he
would never budge. Eventually the farmers came to respect him and would
even seek him out when they had some special goods for sale, and he
became known to everyone as "Honest Meir."

Meir had only one regret in life - his business took time away from his
beloved Torah study. One day he decided that he would work only half as
much, and spend the time saved learning Torah.  His wife was worried by
his decision, but he calmed her saying, "Don't you think that G-d can
send us enough in those three days?" She wanted to reply that of course
He could, but would He? But she stopped herself and decided to wait and
see what would happen. As it turned out, their income was the same and
her husband thrived on his Torah learning.

One day his wife came to Meir to discuss the marriage of their daughter,
Mirele. "G-d has been good to us, and we must certainly be grateful, but
our daughter isn't getting any younger, and the time has come for us to
start saving for her dowry."

Meir looked at his wife and replied, "G-d has taken care of us so far.
Trust in Him and stop worrying."

But his wife couldn't rest. "Meir, we aren't supposed to rely on
miracles. Maybe you should go out and work like you used to."

Meir replied, "What you're saying may seem true, but don't forget my
'silent partner' - G-d. Haven't you seen with your own eyes that since
I've spent extra time with my 'partner' we have lost nothing. I can not
stop my Torah studies, especially now when we need Him even more." There
was nothing more his wife could say except a heartfelt "Amen."

A short time later a peasant showed up at the marketplace with a large
honeycomb encased in a block of wood. Several prospective buyers
approached him, but he refused them, saying, "I will sell only to Honest
Meir." And there he sat and waited until finally, late in the afternoon
someone told him that Meir wouldn't be coming to market that day.

The peasant made his way to Meir's house where he was greeted by his
wife. "My husband isn't at home now," she told him, but she asked him to
wait while she ran to fetch her husband. Meir measured the honeycomb and
lifted it; then he made his offer, "Judging by its size and weight, and
even allowing for the wood, there should be a lot of honey in it." The
two men agreed on a figure which seemed fair to both. The only problem
was that Meir didn't have such a large sum. Meir's wife interrupted,
saying: "I will try to borrow the money from some of our neighbors."

Meir served the peasant a cup of tea, and then he questioned the man:
"Tell me, how did you come to have such a strange honeycomb?"

The peasant replied, "I was walking through the woods collecting
fire-wood. When my cart was full, I got inside and fell asleep, but it
seems that my mare wandered a bit, for when I awoke, I found myself in a
different part of the woods, in front of a tree stump. Looking up, I
noticed bees buzzing, and being something of a beekeeper myself, I
hopped out of my cart and with a long thin twig I removed the queen bee
from the hive. I tried to take out the honeycomb, but it was impossible
to do  so without breaking it. That's when I got the idea of sawing off
the stump."

By the time the peasant had finished his tale, Meir's wife had returned
with the money. Meir gave it to the happy peasant who went off feeling
very pleased. Meir's wife began to extract the honey. She pulled out two
and then three heavily laden honeycombs and reached in with a deep ladle
for more, when she found there was nothing there but a deep, empty hole.
The poor woman was horrified. They were now in debt, and for nothing but
a bit of honey and a piece of wood!

She called for her husband, who was equally shocked at the find. "What
will we do now?" his wife wailed. Meir was also at a loss, but not
willing to give up he said, "Go fetch your longest cooking spoon and
maybe we can salvage something from the bottom."

Meir dipped the spoon into the wooden cavity, and lo and behold, the
spoon was filled with a pile of golden coins and jewels! His wife almost
fainted from the shock.

Her husband turned to her, smiling, "Probably someone hid this treasure
years ago and had to abandon it for some reason. Then the bee colony
settled in the trees stump and built their hive on top of the treasure.
Now, it seems that G-d must have decided there was no longer any reason
to leave it hidden since we need the money to marry off our children and
do other good things. So, you see, the peasant was rewarded for his
labor, and we were even more richly rewarded for our faith and trust in
G-d."

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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When G-d commanded Moses about giving the half-shekel coin, He showed
him a coin made of fire and said, "This you shall give." G-d will also
use fire to rebuild the Holy Temple and to protect Jerusalem, as it is
written (Zechariah 2:9), "I will surround (Jerusalem) as a wall of fire,
says G-d."

                                   (Based on Rashi in Exodus 30:13)

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              END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1209 - Mishpatim 5772
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