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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1386
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                 Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
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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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        August 28, 2015        Ki Seitzei          13 Elul, 5775
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                         The Birthday Bandwagon

Would you consider turning your yard into a petting zoo complete with a
camel, a draft horse, a bull, ponies, two llamas, a yak, a goat, a
chicken, a turtle and a boa constrictor?

One grandmother in the mid-West did, for the joint first birth day
celebration of her two granddaughters. The $1,200 price tag included
entertainment, gifts and decorations.

Or maybe your child would prefer a party at a ski resort, or having his
or her friends brought to the party in a chauffeured limo for only $150
an hour?

These are just a few examples of recent children's birthday parties
that, as one psychologist notes, "set up lifelong expectations that
might be unrealistic. It is important during birthdays to help a child
avoid valuing materialism over family and friends."

In a drive to reinstate good, old-fashioned values and, at the same
time, keep expenditures down, many parents are opting to get off the
birthday bandwagon while they still can.

A little over seven years ago, the Rebbe started an innovative campaign
to make birthdays meaningful for both children and adults.

The Rebbe encouraged people to celebrate their birthdays in the
traditional Jewish manner.

Jewish teachings explain that a birthday is a time when mazalo gover -
the particular spiritual source of a person's soul shines most
powerfully. The Divine energy that was present at the time of your birth
is once more present and dynamic on the anniversary of your birth each
year.

Therefore, your birthday is a perfect time to enhance the quality of
your life in the year to come. Things you can do on your birthday to get
the most out of your soul-power. These include spending time in
self-evaluation, making a positive resolution for the coming year,
giving charity, studying Torah, and organizing a birthday party with
friends and family. At the gathering make sure to share with friends
some of what you learned on your birthday.

After hearing about the Rebbe's suggestions for birthdays, one public
school teacher was so taken with this meaningful way to celebrate that
she incorporated some of these recommendations into her students'
classroom birthday parties. She asked each child to make a positive
resolution and to share with the other students something meaningful and
valuable they had recently learned.

This coming Wednesday is the 18th of the month of Elul, the birthdays of
Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov - founder of Chasidism in general, and Rabbi
Shneur Zalman of Liadi - founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch Chasidic
philosophy.

On this day, their spiritual sources shine powerfully. We, today, can
key into the extra measure and quality of Divine energy that is present
on the 18th of Elul.

Consider taking advantage of that energy this year by increasing in
Torah study and mitzvot (commandment)performance.

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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This week's Torah portion, Ki Teitzei, seems to contain a grammatical
error. "When you go forth to war against your enemies," it begins, "and
the L-rd your G-d will deliver him into your hands." Why does the Torah
begin the verse with the plural - enemies - and continue in the
singular?

Every word in the Torah is exact, every letter conveying a multitude of
meanings that teach countless lessons. This verse, which seemingly deals
with the subject of conventional warfare, alludes to a different type of
war, a spiritual war that is waged by every individual. A Jew may face
two types of enemies: one that threatens his physical existence, and one
that threatens his special holiness as a member of the Jewish people -
his Jewish soul.

The Torah uses the word "enemies" to refer to both of these threats, for
the body and soul of the Jew work in tandem, united in their service of
G-d. Whatever imperils one's physical well-being threatens one's
spiritual equilibrium, and vice versa.

The Torah tells us how to emerge victorious over both types of enemy:
"When you will go forth." A person must gird himself with the strength
that comes from absolute faith in G-d, even before encountering the
enemy. Next, one's approach must be that of ascendancy - "against
(literally, 'over') your enemies." Know that G-d Himself stands beside
you and assists you in your struggle. Armed in such a manner, victory is
assured, not only against conventional enemies, but against the root of
all evil - the Evil Inclination, equated in the Talmud with "the Satan
(enemy of the soul), and the angel of death (enemy of the physical
body)."

When a Jew goes out to "war" fortified with the knowledge that there is
no force in the world able to stand in the face of goodness and
holiness, not only are external manifestations of evil vanquished, but
its spiritual source is defeated as well. The Torah therefore uses the
singular - enemy - to allude to the Evil Inclination, the origin and
prototype of all misfortune.

The verse concludes with the words, "and you shall take captives of
them." If a Jew is not careful and falls prey to the Evil Inclination,
all of his higher faculties, given to him by G-d to be utilized for
good, also fall into its snare. The Torah teaches that sincere
repentance has the power to redeem these captive prisoners, elevating
them until even "willful transgressions are considered as merits." Such
warfare brings Moshiach and the Final Redemption closer, when the Evil
Inclination will be totally vanquished and the victory over sin will be
permanent.

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                             Happy Campers

The Lubavitch network of day and overnight summer camps was established
in 1956 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Today, the largest camp network in the
world spans 40 countries. In the former Soviet Union alone there are 40
camps attended by nearly 9,000 children. "Friendship Circle" camps, for
special needs children, are often run in tandem with the local
Chabad-Lubavitch camp or are sometimes a special division in the camp.
This year for the first time in the U.S. there was also a week-long camp
especially for Jewish deaf children who hailed from throughout North
America and Israel. Most of the camps are named Camp Gan Israel (CGI) in
tribute to Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chasidism.

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                             Brand New Year

In this bright and fun picture book, a lively family enjoys all the
wonderful Rosh Hashana mitzvot, food and activities that celebrate the
start of a new year. Playful rhymes by Rochel Groner Vorst, bold,
colorful illustrations by Shepsil Scheinberg and laminiated pages.
HaChai Publishing.

                      My Encounter with the Rebbe


A first-hand account of a unique relationship that Zalmon and Roselyn
Jaffe had with the Lubavitcher Rebbe. This is not just "another" book
about the Rebbe. These events were all recorded as they unfolded from
1958 through 1994. To read My Encounter is to a gain a true glimpse into
the experience of being in the Rebbe's presence. The newly released
third volume is culled from diary entries from 1977 - 79. PCL
Publishing.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                     Freely translated and adapted

                     Chai - 18 - Elul, 5712 [1952]
                 To All My Brethren, Wherever You Are,

G-d Bless You All, Sholom u'Brocho:

I send you herewith my prayerful wishes for a happy and pleasant New
Year, may it bring blessings to us all.

At the end of this Shemittah (Sabbatical) Year, and on the threshold of
the New Year, we are reminded of the great commandment, which is "a
strong pillar and a great credit to our religion" (Sefer Hachinuch) -
the commandment of Hakhel, when all the people, men, women, and
children, gathered during the Festival of Succoth at the holy place in
Jerusalem - may it be rebuilt by our righteous Moshiach, speedily in our
time-to hear selected portions of the Torah, portions inspiring to
piety, love and appreciation of the Torah, the observance of the
Mitzvoth [commandments], particularly the Mitzvah of charity.

Although at all times we are commanded to bring up our children in the
way of the Torah and Mitzvoth, the Mitzvah of Hakhel, coinciding with
this season, impresses upon us our duties towards the children with
especial force and timeliness.

Therefore, let every Jewish father and mother, every rabbi and leader,
every communal worker and person of influence, heed the call of the
Mitzvah of Hakhel: to gather the masses of Jewish children and bring
them to... Torah-true educational institutions and ensure their
existence and growth; in order that all Jewish children, boys and girls,
be brought up in the spirit of piety and love for G-d, love for the
Torah and Mitzvoth, love for one another.

In the merit of this, the Alm-ghty will favor us and enable us very soon
to fulfill the Mitzvah of Hakhel in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem,
rebuilt by our Righteous Moshiach, Amen.

With blessings to you and from you for a Happy and Pleasant Year,

Ksivah Vachasimah Toivo [you should be written and sealed for good],

                                *  *  *

                          15 Elul, 5739 (1979)


Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to be informed of the forthcoming Concert on the eve of
the 18th of Elul.

The date is particularly significant and auspicious for the occasion.
For the month of Elul is dedicated to teshuvah - return to the roots and
sources of Torah and mitzvos [commandments] which are bound up with the
real essence of every Jew.

It is well known that very often the heart strings can be touched more
readily and effectively by an inspiring melody than by a word of
admonishment.

The Alter Rebbe [Rabbi Shneur Zalman], founder of Chabad, explains in
Tanya that the essential aspect of teshuvah is in the sincerity of the
heart, since it entails profound feelings of regret for past failures
and the strongest resolve and commitment for the future. And it is well
known that very often the heart strings can be touched more readily and
effectively by an inspiring niggun [Chasidic melody] than by a word of
admonishment.

Moreover, the concert is taking place on Chai [the 18th of] Elul ("Chai"
for "life") - the birthday of the two great luminaries, the Baal Shem
Tov and the Alter Rebbe, who brought new life and inspiration to our
Jewish people.

May the concert event be a great success in every respect, a source of
lasting inspiration to all of you, and stimulating the activities of
Chabad Lubavitch to strengthen Torah-true Yiddishkeit [Judaism] in the
community at large.

Wishing you a kesivo vachasimo tova for a good and sweet New Year,


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                               TEACHINGS
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Hillel used to say: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if
I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?" (Ethics 1:14)

It is up to the individual to better himself and improve through his own
hard work. No one else can do this for him. Yet no matter how high a
level is reached, a person must never become self-satisfied. "What am I"
one should ask, "How may I further improve?" If character flaws are not
corrected in one's youth, it is more difficult to change later when bad
habits have become ingrained. Finally, performing commandments should
never be postponed until a later date. (Mili D'Chasiduta)

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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This Wednesday is Chai (the 18th of) Elul, the "birthday" of the greater
Chasidic movement and of Chabad Chasidut in particular.

The Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the path of Chasidut, was born on Chai
Elul. On that date 26 years later, Achiya Hashiloni began to teach him
Torah "as it is studied in Gan Eden." Rabbi Shneur Zalman, the founder
of Chabad Chasidut, was also born on Chai Elul.

As the Previous Rebbe explained, Chai Elul introduces an element of
chayut, vitality, to our Divine service during Elul, the month in which
we correct and make amends for past misdeeds. In the merit of our
repentance, G-d grants us a good and sweet year. By infusing our service
with vitality, Chai Elul helps us do teshuva with enthusiasm, not just
by rote or out of habit.

Superficially, vitality and teshuva may seem contradictory. Vitality is
associated with joy, whereas repentance is associated with bitterness,
regretting past actions and resolving to do better. Those these seem to
be opposite emotions, in Elul we feel both, and at the same time!

Every mitzva we do should be performed with joy, for by observing that
mitzva, we fulfill the will of G-d. As teshuva is a mitzva like any
other, we experience joy for having been given the privilege.

However, Chasidut gives us another reason to be happy while doing
teshuva, by explaining how bitterness and joy can exist simultaneously.

Rabbi Shneur Zalman describes this in the Tanya as "weeping on one side
of the heart, and joy on the other side." When we do teshuva, we rage
against our Evil Inclination and of failure to withstand temptation. Yet
at the same time we are happy, for we know that we are becoming closer
to G-d.

Chai Elul (and by extension, Chasidut) thus transforms the entire month
of Elul into a labor of love and joy.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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You shall not see your brother's ox or his sheep driven away and hide
yourself from them; surely you shall bring them back to your brother
(Deut. 22:1)

G-d has implanted within us a wonderful character trait: a willingness
and urge to be kind to another Jew that is even stronger than the desire
to be kind to ourselves. We can always find reasons why we deserve our
own suffering, G-d forbid, but when it comes to another's distress, it
is absolutely impossible.

                                                        (Hayom Yom)

                                *  *  *


You shall not see your brother's donkey or his ox fallen down by the way
and hide yourself from them; you shall surely lift them up again (Deut.
22:4)

It is forbidden to make believe one cannot recognize his fellow Jew's
material needs, symbolized by the "donkey" and the "ox." For when you
help another, you too will surely be "lifted up" and elevated
spiritually.

                                                   (Tiferet Shlomo)

                                *  *  *


When a person helps his fellow Jew, he himself is thereby elevated.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman, the Alter Rebbe, wrote that when one does a
spiritual favor for another, "his mind and heart are purified one
thousand-fold"; his grandson, the Tzemach Tzedek, added that this is no
exaggeration!

Remember what Amalek did to you

                                                      (Deut. 25:17)

                                *  *  *


Why does the Torah use the singular form of the word "you" instead of
the plural?

The early chasidim explained: Amalek, or the Evil Inclination, gains a
stronghold only in an individual who is stand-offish and reclusive from
the rest of the Jewish People. He who considers himself part of the
larger whole and stands in unity with his brethren cannot be harmed by
Amalek.

                                              (Maayanei Hachasidut)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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Once, when Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of and first Rebbe
of Chabad, was visiting a small town, a fire broke out. He asked to be
taken to the site of the fire and, upon arriving there, stood leaning on
his cane for a few moments. The fire quickly died down.

When the soldiers who had been trying to put out the fire saw what
happened, they ran to their officer and told him about it.

"Bring the rabbi to me immediately," he commanded them.

When Rabbi Shneur Zalman arrived, the officer asked if he was perhaps
the son or grandson of the Baal Shem Tov.

"I am not the Baal Shem Tov's grandson in a bodily sense," explained
Rabbi Shneur Zalman, "but I am the disciple of his disciple - his
spiritual grandson."

"If that is true," said the officer, "then I am not amazed at what took
place today. Let me tell you a story," continued the officer.

"My father was a general, and once, when he and his troops were encamped
in the town of Mezhibuzh, he was worried sick about his wife. He had not
heard from her for some time. Seeing how upset he was, his friends
advised him to seek out the Baal Shem Tov, known to be a holy man
amongst the Jews.

"My father sent a message to the Baal Shem Tov asking to be received for
an audience, but the Baal Shem Tov refused. Again and again he requested
an audience, and each time the holy rabbi denied his request.

"Nearly out of his mind with worry, my father thought of a plan.  He
sent word to the Baal Shem Tov that if he refused once more, my father
would force all the Jewish habitants of Mezhibuzh to billet his troops
in their homes. Since it was nearly the holiday of Passover, this would
have wreaked havoc in the Jewish homes. The Baal Shem Tov finally agreed
to see my father so as not to cause the Jews any distress.

"My father entered the home of the Baal Shem Tov, and from where he
stood at the entrance, was able to see the holy rabbi in his room
studying. My father walked over to a nearby mirror to make sure he
looked presentable. He was amazed to see in the mirror, not his own
likeness, but a road which lead to the town where he and his wife lived.
He called over his aide to witness this remarkable scene and the aide,
too, saw the same thing in the mirror.

"As they continued to stare into the mirror, they seemed to walk along
the path to my father's house until they finally reached the front door.
The front door opened, and there was my father's wife sitting at the
table, writing a letter. Looking more closely, they saw the letter
itself. In the letter, my father read that his wife had recently given
birth to a baby boy, and for this reason could not write more quickly.
Both she and her son were well.

"My father was overwhelmed and overjoyed by the experience. He thanked
the Baal Shem Tov profusely, and after some time, received the letter
which his wife had written. He recorded in his diary the entire episode.
I am that infant," revealed the officer.

                                *  *  *


The Baal Shem Tov loved all Jews. He would invite the simple folk to eat
with him on the Sabbath and holidays. His brilliant disciples and the
many scholars who also sat at the table could not understand why the
Baal Shem Tov showered so much attention on these people.

Knowing how the scholars felt, the Baal Shem Tov once said: "You are
surprised that I should favor the simple people? It is true that they
have not learned as much as you; some of them even do not know the
meaning of the prayers they recite every day. But their hearts are made
of gold. They love humanity and all of G-d's creatures. They are humble
and honest. How I envy them! I will show you soon that I have not
exaggerated."

During the third meal on the Sabbath, it was the Baal Shem Tov's custom
to teach his disciples the secrets of the Torah. The simple folk who
could not understand the mysteries of the Torah would go into an
adjoining room, where they would recite the Psalms of David as best they
could.

On this occasion, the Baal Shem Tov closed his eyes, becoming deeply
engrossed. Suddenly his face lit up with great joy. When he opened his
eyes, all of his disciples could feel his happiness. The Baal Shem Tov
turned to the student sitting on his right. "Place your right hand on
the shoulder of your neighbor." He ordered the next one to do the same
until they all formed a chain. Then he told them to sing a melody that
they sang only on the most solemn occasions. As they sang, they felt
their hearts rising higher and higher.

When they finished singing, the Baal Shem Tov completed the circle by
placing his hands on the shoulders of the students next to him. "Let us
close our eyes and concentrate," the Baal Shem Tov said.

An intermingling of melodious voices filled the room. Some of these
wondrous voices expressed unshakable faith, others were full of joyous
abandon, still others expressed heart-rending appeal. They could clearly
distinguish the words of the Psalms. The circle of disciples sat
spellbound. Tears flowed from their eyes and their hearts were full of
ecstasy, ready to burst.

Suddenly, the singing stopped, for the Besht had removed his arms and
broken the chain. The Besht then explained to them how much G-d enjoys
listening to the Psalms, especially when they come straight from the
pure hearts of simple, honest, humble people.

"Whose voices did we hear a little while ago?" asked the disciples.

"You were listening for one brief moment to the Psalms recited by the
simple people in the next room, as the angels in heaven hear them!"

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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"When you go out to wage war... G-d will deliver them into your hands
and you will take captives." (Deut. 21:10) The word in this verse for
"captives" is "shivyo." The literal meaning of shivyo is "his captives."
"His" implies that the Jewish people will regain that which the enemy
captured from us. One of the tasks of Moshiach, in the words of
Maimonides, "He will wage the battles of G-d and succeed." At the end of
the battles, the Jewish people will find restored all the precious
spoils that were taken by the nations during the exile, foremost among
them the Holy Temple.

                    (The Rebbe, Shabbat Parshat Teitzei, 5750-1990)

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              END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1386 - Ki Seitzei 5775
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