DVAR MALCHUS

EXPEDITING
OUR
DELIVERANCE
There are absolutely no limits to the feeling of
zrizus, excitement and enthusiasm that gives shofar as early as possible in the
rise to a constant spiritual state of alacrity. * morning on Rosh HaShana, with the
spiritual intent of bringing about the
The above should inspire us to action. First off, victory of the Czars forces [against
to publicize that we are presently in the end Napoleon]. The Alter Rebbe sided
with the Czar because he saw the
of days, eis keitz, during which time, Many spiritual condition under his rule as
shall refine themselves and make themselves preferable [to the influence of French
white, and be purified... culture anticipated in the wake
of a French victory over Russia].
Thus, in a move that transcends the
constraints of the regular order, the
Translated by Boruch Merkur Alter Rebbe blew the shofar prior to
davening.
The saying of our Sages, If
TO FILL THE LACK then. There are things that simply you have seen kingdoms clashing
cannot be done before daybreak. with one another, anticipate the
IN ALACRITY footsteps of Moshiach, brings out
However, there are absolutely
The very fact that Moshiach no limits to the feeling of zrizus, this storys connection to the coming
Tzidkeinu still has not come proves excitement and enthusiasm that gives of Moshiach (apropos to what was
that there is still a need to increase in rise to a constant spiritual state of said above about having zrizus with
all aspects of serving G-d, including alacrity. This inspiration transcends regard to the redemption).
increasing in zrizus, alacrity all measures and boundaries, The Messianic sign of kingdoms
going from strength to strength to resulting in a person should always clashing with one another applies
the point that they have no rest. give precedence to Mitzva-related to our generation as well, though
Here I dont mean zrizus solely activities (Nazir 23b), a person it will not be manifested with the
in terms of action, but also an should always run for the sake of a same devastation as in the time of
emotional, heartfelt inspiration or Mitzva. the Alter Rebbe, G-d forbid. After
enthusiasm. all the horrors that befell the Jewish
There are several limitations WAKING THE DAWN WITH THE people since that time, especially in
inherent to zrizus in terms of the last generation, etc., certainly we
expediting action, and the like. For
SOUND OF THE SHOFAR have fulfilled our obligation to suffer
example, the verse says, Avrohom A sort of illustration of how more than we can bear! From now
rose in the morning [in preparation zrizus defies measure or limitation on, everything must be with kindness
for the binding of Yitzchok]. That is the well-known story about the and with mercy, amidst tranquility,
is, he woke up immediately at the Alter Rebbe, who once rushed to joy and gladness of heart. []
start of the new day, but not before perform the Mitzva of blowing the

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 Dvar Malchus

HOW TO PREPARE
IN THE END OF DAYS
The above should inspire us
to action. First off, to publicize
that we are presently in the
end of days, eis keitz, during
which time, Many shall refine
themselves and make themselves
white, and be purified (Daniel
12:9-10). The call to action is
for every single Jew to add in
the refinement, cleansing, and
purification of everything related
to him, by means of adding one
positive activity after another
one action, one spoken word,
even a single thought. For by
doing so, he inclines himself
and the entire world to the side
of favor, bringing to himself
and to the others salvation and
deliverance.
That is to say that since
Moshiach Tzidkeinu has still
not come after all our deeds and
service that have been done until
now, there should be a further
increase in refinement, cleansing,
and purifying, etc. a totally
thorough refinement.
(From the address of Shabbos Parshas
Tzav, Shabbos HaGadol, 12 Nissan 5747,
bilti muga)

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SHIURIM IN LIKUTEI asue ,ujha
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4 11 Nisan 5777

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 PARSHA THOUGHT
MESSIANIC
MATURITY AND
CHILDLIKE
INNOCENCE
By Rabbi Heschel Greenberg
TWO VERSIONS OF
THE SEVEN DAYS OF
INITIATION
At the end of this weeks
parsha, after discussing the
seven-day period of initiation
of Aharon and his sons into the
priesthood, the Torah concludes.
You should not leave
the entrance of the Tent of
Meeting for seven days until
the concluding day of your
days of inauguration You
should stay at the entrance
to the Tent of Meeting day
and night for seven days, and
must guard your appointed
duty to G-d
Commentators ask why the
Torah repeated the command not
to leave the Tent of Meeting for
seven days.
Another question: Why does
it mention day and night the
second time this command is
given, but not the first time?
A third question is posed,
if the Tent of Meeting was
disassembled every night and
there was no entrance, where
1064_bm_eng.indd 5
were they to stay?
The Rebbe answers that the
two verses actually discuss two
different obligations. The first
verse was directed to those inside
the Tent of Meeting performing
the required services during the
first seven days. Their obligation
did not extend into the nights
because the Tent of Meeting
was taken down and no services
were performed until the next
morning.
However, the second
verse was addressed to those
who remained outside the
Tent of Meeting; they had an
independent obligation to stand
guard at the site of the Tent of
Meeting even when the Tent was
disassembled for the night.
We must try to understand
the spiritual dimension of these
two obligations.
THE CONNECTION
WITH PASSOVER AND
SHABBOS HAGADOL
Since this Torah reading
occurs on the Shabbos before
the Holiday of Passover in most
years, we must also look for
the connection between these
obligations and Passover.
In addition, the Shabbos
before Passover is called Shabbos
HaGadol, the Great Shabbos.
There are literally dozens if not
hundreds of explanations why
it is so called. Whatever the
reason for the name, the question
presented here asks about the
connection between the Torah
reading concerning the seven
days of initiation and the theme
of the Great Shabbos.
At first glance, the connection
to Passover is the seven-day
initiation period Aharon and his
sons had to serve in the Tent
of Meeting and its parallel in
the seven days of the Passover
Holiday.
But that is where the analogy
appears to end. The seven
days in the parsha were for the
inauguration and initiation of
the Priests, whereas Passover
celebrates the Exodus from
Egypt. What is the connection
between these two events?
PASSOVER AS INITIATION
Upon deeper reflection,
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 PARSHA THOUGHT
it is apparent that Passover
too is a time of initiation and
inauguration. The Passover
Seders dominant theme is
education of our youth. It is the
child who asks the four questions.
We do things differently during
the seder so that the children
will ask additional questions. We
are required to start the seder
promptly at nightfall so that the
children do not tire out and fall
asleep too soon. And, indeed,
a good portion of the Seder
is devoted to answering the
questions of the Four Sons.
In truth, Passover is not just
for children. It is also meant
to inspire we adults, who are
children relative to the spiritual
level we are capable of reaching
but have not yet achieved. When
we respond to the questions of
the child we are also responding
to the child in us.
CULTIVATING THE ADULT
IN THE CHILD
According to many opinions,
when we train a child to do a
Mitzvah we must train him or her
to do it in the precise manner it
is done by an adult. It does not
suffice to get the child to perform
a Mitzvah in some symbolic, half-
baked, compromised fashion,
absent its details and intricate
requirements. If the contrary
were the case, it would be
misleading the child. He or she
would be ill-prepared to perform
the mitzvah properly.
We are led by this thought to
an arguably novel way of viewing
the role of an educator. While the
educator must recognize that he
or she is dealing with a child, he
or she must also view the child
as a potential adult. Indeed, a
child possesses far more adult
characteristics than we usually
give him or her credit for. Just as
6 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 6
an adult retains a latent spark of
childhood innocence and purity,
so too, a child possesses a spark
of maturity and adulthood. It is
the educators role to ignite that
spark.
We can now understand the
connection between the seven-
day period of inauguration and
the Holiday of Passover: they
are both designed to prepare
the uninitiated for their ultimate
roles.
Although the PriestsAharon
and his sonswere grown
men, they were regarded as
children relative to their future
position in the Tent of Meeting.
Consequently, they were charged
with activating their more
advanced adult level.
The lesson at this point is
obvious. Every day of our life
is a day of preparation for the
future. Each and every day we
are both an adult as compared to
the preceding day and a child as
compared to the next day.
SHABBOS HAGADOL: SETS
THE TONE FOR PASSOVER
This also explains the
connection with Shabbos
HaGadol, which can be
translated as the Shabbos of
maturity. The focus of Passover
is the introduction of the Gadol-
great-mature-adult dimension of
spirituality to the child.
To be sure, Passover is a
childrens holiday in which we
cultivate the childlike purity and
innocence within our children
and within ourselves. However, it
is also a time for us to cultivate
the adult dimension of our lives.
To set the tone for the second
objective, the Shabbos before
Passover is designated as the
Shabbos of adulthood and
maturity.
PREPARING FOR THE AGE
OF MATURITY
The above discussion also
sheds a light on our own status
as we prepare to enter the
Messianic Age. In exile we are
like children preparing for the
Messianic age of maturity. As
we stand close, so very close to
the Final Redemption we must
conduct ourselves as adults, not
as immature children.
And here is the ultimate
paradox. On the one hand,
the Messianic Age is the age
of ultimate maturity. The
entire world will be filled with
the knowledge of G-d. As
Maimonides puts it, we will
know G-d To the extent of
human potential, which means
that we will reach the apex
of intellectual and spiritual
development and act accordingly.
In these last moments of exile,
we must cultivate that maturity
by learning the teachings of
Chassidus which introduce us
to a more sophisticated level of
understanding of G-d.
On the other hand, Moshiach
is also associated with childlike
innocence. The Talmud,
commenting on the verse
Do not touch My anointed
[Meshichoi] ones, states that it
refers to the children who study
Torah with purity and innocence.
The Moshiach spark in us is the
inner child that we all possess.
Our individual responsibility is to
cultivate that spark of innocence
and bring it to the fore.
So, which is the real
Messianic dynamic: childlike
innocence or mature knowledge?
THE NEXUS
The answer is a synthesis of
the two. We have to strive for the
highest level of knowledge and
maturity even as we preserve the
2017-04-03 10:14:11 AM

purity and innocence that flows
from the essence of our soul. A
child is born that way and does
not have to do anything to be a
child. To acquire our Messianic
childhood, by contrast, we must
invest great effort so that it is not
overshadowed by a Messianic
sophistication. The ultimate goal
is the fusing of the inner child
and adulthood.
This synthesis is highlighted
by observing Passover (the
Holiday that cultivates childlike
innocence) after Shabbos
HaGadol-the Shabbos of
Maturity.
The connection between
Shabbos HaGadol and Passover
suggests that our educational
goal must be to inspire the
child to strive to become an
adult. Moreover, the true goal
is to create a fusion of spiritual
adulthood with childlike
innocence and purity.
So, when we educate our
children and ourselves we must
focus on the two intertwined
goals: achieving maturity and
preserving innocence. Both
goals are liberating. Achieving
maturity allows us to break out of
our immature, unsophisticated,
infantile and foolish ways of
approaching everything in life,
as well as breaking through
the crust of intellectualism and
sophistication to reveal the pure
and holy essence of our soul.
PARALLEL WITH TWIN
SEVEN DAY INITIATION
PROCESS
But we still must understand
the connection between the two
seven-day initiation processes;
the first for seven days in the
Tent of Meeting and the second
seven days and nights outside the
Tent of Meeting.
The Tent of Meeting
1064_bm_eng.indd 7
We are led by this thought to an arguably novel way
of viewing the role of an educator. While the educator
must recognize that he or she is dealing with a child, he or she
must also view the child as a potential adult. Indeed, a child
possesses far more adult characteristics than we usually give
him or her credit for. Just as an adult retains a latent spark of
childhood innocence and purity, so too, a child possesses a
spark of maturity and adulthood. It is the educators role to
ignite that spark.
represents our Messianic that can become obscured by a
aspiration to meet with G-d. In persons sophistication.
our preparation for this meeting, That is why the people had to
there are two dynamics. stand outside the disassembled
First, we have to anticipate Tent of Meeting and guard it,
all that we will be doing in i.e., preserve the integrity of
the future. This seven-day the holiness of the place, the
period corresponds to our holiness of a disassembled (read:
seven emotional attributes. unsophisticated, childlike) Tent
The objective is that all of our of Meeting. That too must be
faculties should be harnessed to preserved.
the highest level of our meeting As we wait and anticipate
with G-d. In this mode we are Moshiachs revelation, we must
engaged in cultivating our adult work to attain a level of maturity
version of Judaism. Indeed, on in our knowledge of Torah;
the next day, Nadav and Avihu, particularly, the part of Torah
Aharons eldest sons, reached that introduces us to the highest
the climax of their spiritual spiritual levels. We then have to
advancement to the extent that fuse that with the simple faith
their souls left their bodies. in the Rebbes words to us that
This seven-day adult The time of your Redemption
program is limited to the has come.
daytime, when the Tent of
Meeting is fully assembled
in operational mode, just
like true education of a
child requires that the child
perform the Mitzvah in an
adult fashion. The command
not to leave the Tent of
Meeting indicated that this
was part of a permanent,
mature program.
However, these seven
days of initiation served
another function. They were
intended to preserve the
inner purity and holiness
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 FEATURE

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 THE ONE MAN
MOSHIACH
SEUDA MACHINE
Throughout the year, Rabbi Eliezer Krugliak is
a teacher in Oholei Torah in Kfar Chabad. But
when Pesach approaches, he becomes a dynamic
shliach, campaigner, publicist and producer,
with one goal: to bring the Moshiach seuda to
every Jewish home. * In an interview with Beis
Moshiach, R Krugliak tells how it all began,
about the first Moshiach seuda, about a simple
way to get people to fulfill this custom, about
the Rebbes approach to strengthening this
mivtza, and why specifically a Moshiach seuda.
* Also, about a moving Moshiach seuda in the
heart of the inferno in Jenin.

By Zalman Tzorfati

Why a Moshiach seuda? I HaMoed that it is a segula to
asked R Krugliak. make a Moshiach seuda. Then
Its not just a seuda; its the child asks, what is Moshiach?
Moshiach, he said. Through When will he come? Who is it?
the seuda you bring Moshiach Why do we need him?
into every Jewish home. Picture Without needing
a family sitting around the table explanations, lectures and
and the father explaining to his shiurim, in thousands and
children that now we are eating hundreds of thousands of homes
a seuda in honor of Moshiach, and shuls, they will talk about
because he heard in shul or Moshiach, ask, answer, discuss,
read on a paper he saw on Chol explain, and even tell a good joke
about it. Is there a greater Mivtza
Moshiach than this?
When I wanted to interview
R Eliezer Krugliak for the Pesach
issue, he was thrilled. Of course,
wonderful, thank you very
much, he said. I look for every
opportunity to urge Anash and
the shluchim to talk about this
and spread the word. If I reach
many more people through an
article which they will read Erev

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 Feature

does publicity through text

AN UNFORGETTABLE MOSHIACH SEUDA messaging, and all for the
R Rami Meir of Kfar Chabad has a story for us about a Moshiach purpose of spreading the idea of
seuda. It was in the middle of Operation Defensive Shield in 2002, and on the Moshiach seuda to more and
Shvii shel Pesach, Rami was in the center of Jenin. The war cost us many more Jews.
casualties and spirits were low. In the few days of fighting, they had lost
their commander. THE REBBE DRAGGED
Rami suddenly remembered about making a Moshiach seuda. He ME INTO THIS
decided it had to be done despite the dire circumstances. He had a small I got into this by divine
piece of matza left and the remains of a bottle of wine. He gathered his providence. I feel like the Rebbe
colleagues and told them about the special light, the light of Moshiach, pulled me into this, answers
which shines in the world at this time, and about the segula in making a R Krugliak with characteristic
Moshiach seuda. He gave out some crumbs of matza to each soldier and humility, when I ask him, What
some drops of wine. They ate, blessed one another, and were fortified. makes a person suddenly wake
Their mood improved and they continued fighting until they completed up one morning and decide to be
their mission. a Seudas Moshiach shliach?
After the war, they gathered in Ramis house and held a memorial for Apparently, the Rebbe
the commander who had been killed and another soldier who was killed wanted someone to be meshuga
after that when a Palestinian sniper shot at him as he wore tfillin. about Seudas Moshiach, he
The soldiers recalled the special Moshiach seuda and it was a very answers simply.
moving event. The soldiers all agreed to commit to putting on tfillin lilui It all began in 5751, when
nishmas their fellow soldier who had been slain. before Pesach I returned from
I told this part of the story to Menachem Cohen who edits the Chaim half a year on shlichus in Russia.
Yehudiyim column in Sichat HaShavua and he published it. During that period, the Rebbe
But the story did not end here. The father of that slain soldier, an older began to speak very strongly
Yemenite man, went to shul as he did every day, but the week of his sons about Moshiach, and every
memorial was unbearable for him. His emotional state affected his physical Shabbos there was another sicha
state and he began to feel sick in the middle of davening. He decided to go with yet another novel insight
out of the shul and sit on a bench outside and breathe some fresh air. about Moshiach. The Rebbe
As he sat there, he noticed the latest issue of Sichat HaShavua which put us all into a very powerful
was near him. He was familiar with the publication but said he never read atmosphere of Moshiach.
it since he read none of the Shabbos pamphlets. But now, as he sat outside, When Pesach arrived, the
he leafed through it and suddenly came across the story about his son. He whole idea of As in the days
was moved to tears and took it as a heavenly sign of encouragement. And of your exodus from Egypt, I
that is how, by divine providence, he received the strength to go on, thanks will show you wonders took
to a Moshiach seuda. on a special significance. So
when the seventh day of Pesach
Yom Tov or on Yom Tov and they a doubt, R Eliezer Krugliak came along, whose high point
will convey the message, thats of Kfar Chabad. He took the is Seudas Moshiach (outside of
great! Rebbes instruction and made Eretz Yisroel it is on the eighth
it into a real campaign with day), I was so inspired that I
Everything, even the most simply began going from shul to
holy, in order to be successful a main hub, volunteers, and
all sorts of publicity. He lives shul. I was living in Yerushalayim
in permeating the public at the time, and I recall spending
consciousness, requires that it with this all year, mobilizing
the funds and coming up with the entire seventh day going
have someone that is meshuga from place to place. At night I
about it, one of the mashpiim ideas. During the days before
Pesach, while everyone else is went to all sorts of shuls where
once said. Someone who is people were up learning, and
passionate about it, who will busy with cleaning and preparing
for the seder night, he is already in the morning at Shacharis
have mesirus nefesh for it and time I went to a few more. And
will excite everybody else. The up to the Moshiach seuda. He
makes flyers, puts ads in the before Mincha and after Mincha
meshuga for the Moshiach I managed to visit some more
seuda in Eretz Yisroel is, without papers and on radio broadcasts,

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shuls. I tried to squeeze in as
many shuls as possible, and
in each of them I spoke to the
congregation and told them that
there is a segula on Shvii shel
Pesach to eat a seuda in honor of
Moshiach with matzo and wine.
I was shocked to see the
willingness and happiness with
which my words were accepted,
without any deep conversations
or explanations. People were
informed that there is such a
segula and they all wanted to
partake in the Seudas Moshiach.
There were shul caretakers who
began opening up tables, rabbis
who stepped aside and let me
speak, simple women who went
to prepare and eat the meal
in their homes, and all with
simplicity and sincerity.
I suddenly grasped that
Seudas Moshiach is one of the
Rebbes campaigns that is very
simple to publicize and carry
out. When you speak to someone
about tfillin, mezuza, Shabbos
observance, or any other matter,
it usually involves some physical
exertion or an exertion of faith.
Here we are talking about a
simple project, eating matza and
drinking wine. You dont need to
spend a lot of money, you dont
need to understand deep matters,
you dont need to drag yourself
to a special location, and there
are no complicated instructions
to carry out. It is simple and easy.
You can eat it at home and youve
done it.
MOSHIACH SEUDA IN
AN IDF TRAINING BASE
That was the first time that R
Krugliak reached out and since
then many years of tireless efforts
have come and gone. Prior to
Pesach 5754, despite being a
newlywed, he was drafted literally
on Erev Pesach. I was in the
army the entire Chol HaMoed
1064_bm_eng.indd 11
The pointed answer became even more
incredible when I checked the exchange rate that
day and the amount of $112.50 was exactly 500 shekels.
and couldnt eat anything. I
brought shmura matza with me
and thats all I ate. On Erev
Shvii shel Pesach, he was granted
a leave along with the thousands
of other soldiers who were part
of the March draft, who had
been together with him at the
absorption and assignment base
in Tel HaShomer.
Before their release, the
thousands of recruits filled the
main square of the base and
received orders from their young
commanders. R Krugliak went
over to the commanders and said
he wanted to bless the soldiers for
the Yom Tov. The atmosphere
was uplifting and they allowed
me to speak. I spoke briefly
about Pesach and mainly about
the Moshiach seuda that would
begin in a little more than a day.
I asked the soldiers to eat some
matza then, and drink some wine
or grape juice and make whatever
requests they wanted, mainly for
the Geula.
When I returned after
Pesach, many soldiers came over
to me and told me that they did
what I said and ate the Moshiach
seuda. Even those who seemed
unlikely candidates, i.e., those
who dont necessarily check for a
Kosher for Pesach on the label
of food, informed me that they
partook of a seudas Moshiach.
BREAKOUT AS
A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN
Every year, R Krugliak did
what he could to spread the idea
of Moshiachs seuda. But at some
point, about fifteen years ago,
came the big breakthrough.
I was on mivtzaim in Assaf
HaRofeh hospital on Erev
Shabbos HaGadol. We went
through the departments with
tfillin and matza and wherever
I went, I spoke about the first
kzayis on the first night of
Pesach and about the Moshiachs
seuda on the last day.
I really got into it and spoke
with everyone, from my heart. I
was sorry it wasnt possible to go
up on some high place and shout
so everyone could hear. Then I
got the idea of advertising in the
paper.
I called Maariv, which was
then at its height, and the cost
was nearly 10,000 shekels for
a small advertisement. It was a
fortune but I was so worked up
about it, that I wanted to do it.
I called a friend who gave me
part of the money and called
another friend who also gave
something. I had no fax so we
faxed the advertisement from R
Avi Piamentas house. We wrote
the ad and sent it off and it was
Issue 1064 11
2017-04-03 10:14:14 AM
 Feature
featured in the papers holiday
issue.
At the bottom of the ad I put
my phone number for those who
wanted additional information.
I got lots of feedback. People
called to ask how to do it and
after the holiday some called to
tell me they did it. Shluchim also
told me that people came to their
Chabad House because of the ad
in the paper.
***
This was the first time that his
personal efforts had a national
impact. Since then, over the
years, the work evolved and
progressed, and R Krugliak
became more knowledgeable
about the many ways to reach
people and the campaign for a
Moshiach seuda has grown from
year to year.
Today we advertise in
many venues. We have an ad in
the papers which is publicized
every year by Rabbi Shimon
Yehuda Pizem of Hisachdus
Hachassidim LKabbalas Pnei
Moshiach. Aside from that, we
do a lot of advertising on the
radio, on stations that target
religious Jews. We send hundreds
of thousands of texts, and print
tens of thousands of flyers that
are distributed before Pesach and
during Chol HaMoed by Anash
and shluchim.
I am in touch with many
reporters and journalists of
various stations, through whom
we raise the subject of the
Moshiach seuda on programs
which reach a variety of
audiences.
MIRACLES ABOUND
AND ENCOURAGEMENT
FROM THE REBBE
It sounds like an organized
and well run campaign. Where
does the funding come from?
12 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 12
I dont know; its all
miraculous. I make commitments
and it is just unbelievable how
every year things work out
amazingly. There are some
wonderful people to whom this
is important and they donate a
significant part of the costs. Id
like to mention the Stambler
family who own the matza bakery
in Kfar Chabad, who donate
every year in memory of their
father, R Yaakov, who passed
away on 11 Nissan.
Aside from that, we simply
see miracles wherever we turn.
A few years ago we somehow
got the information that the last
page in the most popular holiday
supplement in the country was
suddenly available due to a
canceled advertisement. They
were willing to sell it to us for an
especially low price. Although it
was five figures, it was a quarter
of the full price.
I didnt know what to do. It
was after I had already spent all
the money on the usual campaign
expenses and what I had left were
two donations from two friends,
500 shekels from each. I wrote
to the Rebbe through the Igros
Kodesh and the answer was: The
two donations totaling $112.50
were received and now we can go
to print the letters of the Rebbe,
my father-in-law, for Pesach.
Whats amazing is that the
letter is dated the month of Av!
That means, it was a donation
that the Rebbe received in the
summer, so it seems, and he
allocated the donations toward
printing the Rebbe Rayatzs
letters for Pesach. The precise
answer became even more
incredible when I checked the
exchange rate that day and the
amount of $112.50 was exactly
500 shekels.
At that moment, I took what
I had and contacted R Pizem to
get him to partner with me. He
had already finished his project
to publish the letter, but when
he saw the answer I got from
the Rebbe he got into it and
also obtained a donation for the
entire sum in the speediest, most
amazing way.
A number of times when I
wrote to the Rebbe about the
campaign, I opened to where the
Rebbe speaks about advertising
in the papers and on radio. We
have answers from the Rebbe
and miracles at every step.
R Krugliak went on to tell me
extraordinary stories of divine
providence connected to the
campaign:
But that is not the main
thing, he suddenly interjected.
The main thing is to convince
the shluchim and Anash to take
an active part and spread the
message about the Moshiach
seuda.
EASIEST AND
MOST NATURAL
What do you tell people
about the Moshiach seuda
how do you convince them?
As I mentioned, whats
unique about the Moshiach
seuda campaign is the simplicity
of it. Deep explanations arent
necessary. Eating is easy and
natural, and something that
people do all the time. So we are
just asking that he or she eat a
certain food at a certain time, and
even better if they have in mind
that it is in honor of Moshiach.
When I have occasion to
elaborate, I explain that during
the final hours of every holiday is
when the highest lights shine, like
at the end of Shabbos and Nila
on Yom Kippur. All the holiness
of the holiday is accrued during
the final hours. It is an auspicious
2017-04-03 10:14:14 AM
time, a time when, on Pesach, the
light of Moshiach shines on the
world and the gates of heaven
are open. Its a time to ask for
whatever you want, for health,
parnasa, nachas from children,
shidduchim, good spouses for
your children, for grandchildren,
and of course to ask for the
Geula of the Jewish people
through Moshiach.
MIVTZA (SEUDAS)
MOSHIACH
When a father or grandfather
comes home and he gathers his
wife, children and grandchildren
and gives out matza and wine
or grape juice and tells them
about Moshiach, it is the greatest
publicizing of Moshiach there can
be. The Rebbe says that kabbalas
pnei Moshiach is the gateway
through which all aspects of
shlichus pass. Everything is
connected with Moshiach; mivtza
mezuza and tfillin, Neshek,
family purity, Torah study, it all
has to be connected to Moshiach.
The Moshiach seuda publicizes
about Moshiach in Jewish homes
and as they eat, so that it also
becomes absorbed inwardly, as
Chassidus explains.
I call upon all of Anash and
the shluchim to join in this year
for mivtza Seudas Moshiach.
Every day of Chol HaMoed we
A number of times when I wrote to the Rebbe
about the campaign, I opened to where the
Rebbe speaks about advertising in the papers and on
radio. We have answers from the Rebbe and miracles at
every step.
go on trips with the family to
the park. While the family is
enjoying themselves, I take my
older children for a walking tour
of the park for a few hours and
give out flyers. Chol HaMoed
is an excellent time. People are
relaxing in the park; its not like
the hectic shopping mall on Erev
Yom Tov. You can talk to them
and explain things and its always
amazing to see the interest they
have in it.
EVERYONE IS INVITED TO
JOIN
I go from family to family and
there is hardly anyone who does
not respond. Boruch Hashem, in
recent years we also have the kol
koreh that we published from
rabbanim and Admurim through
the efforts of Rabbi Naftali Roth
in which gdolei Yisroel call upon
everyone to fulfill this custom
and say they do so themselves.
Its very helpful to match the
outreach to the background of
the recipient, whether its Baba
Sali, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu
or Rabbi Yoram Abergel ztl who
were particularly interested in
this, or the Chassidishe Admurim
who follow this enactment of the
Baal Shem Tov.
Its important to explain that
this is for women too. Often
people make do with the fact that
in shul there is a Moshiach seuda
which the father attends. You
need to explain that women and
girls can and should do it too.
They can do it on their own at
home, or gather together. Either
way, its important they have a
Moshiach seuda too.
So how about joining the
campaign? There is material on
the Seudas Moshiach that you
can take with you to parks and
zoos, wherever people congregate
on Chol HaMoed. Who knows?
Maybe the family you convince
to have a Moshiach seuda will be
the act that tips the scale to bring
Moshiach!

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Issue 1064 13

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 DIARY

THE REBBES
VISIT TO THE
PESACH SEDER

A personal diary recorded by R Saadia Maatuf, describing his

year on kvutza, from Nissan 5733-Iyar 5734. In his emotionally
charged diary, he provides a unique perspective of a child of
Yemenite immigrants to Eretz Yisroel coming to the Rebbe for
the first time. * Part 1 the first encounter with the Rebbe, the
Rebbes visit on Seder night to the Seder held by the bachurim,
kos shel bracha in the place of matzos for the residents of
Bareket, the drama surrounding the yechidus for the shluchim
to Australia and other observations from Nissan 5733 with the
Rebbe.

By Rav Saadia Maatuf

Prepared for publication: Shneur Zalman Berger

14 11 Nisan 5777

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 Issue 1064 15

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 Diary
BROKEN EYE CONTACT
1 Nissan 5733:
In his diary, R Saadia
describes the flight from Lud to
New York via London, during
which the Tmimim traveling to
kvutza engaged in mivtza tfillin,
held prayer services and danced
and sang Chassidic melodies.
We want to reach the place
where we have yearned to be
for years, and about which we
dreamed such rosy dreams.
Boruch Hashem, the dream
is coming to fruition Every
moment seems like a year to
us, but we are trying to arm
ourselves with patience. If we
waited for years, we can wait a
few more hours.
The few hours passed, and
the jet landed peacefully. After
making their way through the
bureaucratic procedures of
customs and immigration, the
Tmimim exited the terminal and
met their friends who came to
greet them:
We exited the arrivals
terminal, where our friends were
already waiting for us. They
helped us board a rented bus and
we set off for 770. We arrived at
the exact time that the Rebbe was
outside to draw mayim shlanu
(water that sat out overnight - for
baking matza). This was the first
time that I was seeing the Rebbe.
I could not see the Rebbes face,
but I made the SheHechiyanu
blessing. After the mayim
shlanu, the Rebbe entered his
room and we went to the small
zal where we waited for Maariv.
In the meantime, we met friends
and acquaintances, and suddenly
shh...shh. Everyone was pushing
and squeezing, and the Rebbe
entered with a very serious face.
We stood opposite the door, and
the Rebbe practically did not look
at us at all.
I will tell the truth and not
16 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 16
deny that when I saw the Rebbe
for the first time I did not see
anything extraordinary. The
Rebbe davened like everybody
else and I spent the entire service
looking at the Rebbe. During
the final Kaddish, the Rebbe
gave a half glance around and
automatically I broke eye contact
and could not look at the Rebbe.
Only when the Rebbe stopped
looking in my direction was I
able to look at him.
We finished davening
Maariv. Everyone was pushing to
see the Rebbe while he was going
to his room. Rabbi Chadakov
immediately closed the door
to Gan Eden HaTachton (the
hallway outside the Rebbes
room) behind the Rebbe.
On Thursday, 3 Nissan,
we all made the HaGomel
blessing. The Rebbe looked at
each one of us. The feeling was
very emotional. Each one of us
knew that he is standing before a
great man, a Rebbe, and that the
Rebbe, through a glance, can read
your thoughts and you are before
him like an open book. I was
very emotionally overwrought;
I looked for the blessing in the
siddur and began to stammer.
With difficulty, I found the
blessing and said it very quickly
and quietly. I was terrified that
I would just collapse on the
spot, and the feeling continued
with me throughout the day.
When I recall that moment I
am once again filled with fright.
Apparently, that is the power of a
glance from the Rebbe.
STANDING PACKED AT
THE YUD-ALEPH NISSAN
FARBRENGEN
Thursday evening, 11 Nissan:
The farbrengen with the
Rebbe began at 9:30 PM. The
truth of the matter is that I did
not plan on standing in a fixed
spot. I said to myself that I would
see how things go, and I actually
stood in the place of someone
else who stood not far from me
and told me that it was his regular
place, but since he meanwhile
had a better place he would
yield to me for now. However,
those that stood on the same row
pushed me slowly but surely until
they pushed me out completely.
The entire time I held on to the
table in front of me, but as soon
as I let go of the table due to the
pushing, I knew that I had lost
my place. Still, in the end, I could
see the Rebbe between peoples
heads. Although it was not a
comfortable spot, I managed
to stand and try to listen to the
Rebbe.
When the Rebbe entered, a
path immediately opened in the
sea of people. They squeezed
me and I was afraid of getting
crushed, but boruch Hashem
I came out of it healthy and
whole. The Rebbe immediately
went to his seat and sat down.
Meanwhile, the crowd had
begun to sing Yifrach BYamav
Tzaddik. Suddenly, shh...
silence. The Rebbe began to
speak. I will not deny that I did
not understand the Rebbe all that
well, but I cant say that I did not
understand anything, because
I did understand a bit. The
Rebbe made a siyum on Tractate
Ksubos and connected it to his
chapter of Thillim, Psalm 72.
The Rebbe spoke about who
is a Jew and the role of the
Rabbanut, and about drafting
yeshiva students etc. He also said
a maamer Ki Yishalcha Bincha.
Between each talk the Rebbe
said lchaim to whoever raised a
cup.
At the end of one of the sichos,
before the maamer, someone
not from Anash approached the
2017-04-03 10:14:17 AM
 Rebbe and shook his hand, and
spoke with the Rebbe for a long
time.
Meanwhile, the crowd sang a
number of songs until the Rebbe
finished talking to him. Suddenly
it was silent as the Rebbe began
another sicha, and when he
ended, he seemed to want to start
the niggun [normally sung before
a maamer] but R Yoel [who
usually began the niggunim]
did not begin and everybody
was silent. The Rebbe took out
a handkerchief and with closed
eyes said the maamer as everyone
stood, as is the custom at a
maamer [except for the Rebbe].
When the Rebbe finished
delivering the maamer, he said
another two sichos. At the end The author with the Rebbe
he made an after blessing and
began to sing Ufaratzta as the he would return late as usual, but During the tfilla, the Rebbe
entire crowd danced in place. that is not what happened; the stood the entire time. I stood
The Rebbe made a motion with Rebbe actually returned early and opposite the Rebbe during the
his hand and everybody began to there were barely twenty people reading of the Haftora and I
jump even more and it was very around. The Rebbe davened heard every word. The Rebbe
joyous. Immediately, the Rebbe Mincha and after the davening returned to his place, and I
exited by way of the path that he called for the shluchim visiting noticed that when the shliach
had entered, and went back to his from Los Angeles. Each one was tzibbur reached the priestly
room. called separately by the Rebbe, blessings, the Rebbe would turn
and he gave each one a medium to look at the shliach tzibbur
Later, we all waited outside
sized package of matzos. and Rashag stepped back so
of Gan Eden HaTachton and we
The bachurim who were as not to impede the Rebbes
began to sing Ufaratzta. The
there stood opposite Gan Eden line of sight. During Kdusha of
Rebbe left his room and made
HaTachton and sang Ufaratzta Musaf, the Rebbe gave a bang
an encouraging motion with his
and Yifrach BYamav Tzaddik, of encouragement on his lectern
hand, and exited [the building
but when the Rebbe exited he with his hand and they all began
of 770] and went into the car.
passed by without reacting and to sing Hu Elokeinu. That is
Outside, everybody was singing
went home. not what happened the previous
as the Rebbe conducted with his
Shabbos when the Rebbe did
hand. The Rebbe drove away
not bang on the lectern and they
with a police escort leading the THE EVENTS OF actually did not sing.
way. The farbrengen ended at SHABBOS HAGADOL
1:50 AM, and the entire street At the conclusion of the
Shabbos Parshas Metzora: davening, they made an
outside of 770 was packed with
people. Today I davened where there announcement about Mivtza
was a lot of pushing, unlike last Tfillin and Melaveh Malka, and
Shabbos when I stood on the the Rebbe left immediately. This
SENDING MATZOS platform. This time I davened was the sign that there would be
TO LOS ANGELES below and I got pushed around a farbrengen that day [because
Friday, 11 Nissan: with everybody else. The Rebbe they did not announce the time
entered by way of a path that for Mincha].
The Rebbe traveled to the
Ohel and everyone thought that was formed and approached his The farbrengen began at 1:30
place. PM, and the Rebbe spoke about

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 Diary
the idea of Shabbos HaGadol. He
also asked a number of questions
on Rashi on the verse Vechipeir
al habayis, and answered them.
Following that, the Rebbe called
up people traveling to other
countries, such as Eretz Yisroel
and Italy, and gave each one
a bottle of mashke. Then he
continued the sicha and spoke
about Mihu Yehudi, the honor
of the Rabbanut, R Goren etc. At
the end, he said that they should
farbreng on the yahrtzait of the
Tzemach Tzedek [13 Nissan]
(and actually R Dovid Raskin
farbrenged that night until 3 in
the morning).
After the farbrengen, we
davened Mincha and the Rebbe
received the third aliya. After
I was emotionally overwrought; I looked for the
blessing in the siddur and began to stammer. With
difficulty, I found the blessing and said it very quickly
and quietly. I was terrified that I would collapse on the
spot, and the feeling continued with me throughout the
day. When I recall that moment I am once again filled
with fright.
Mincha, he went to his room and
everybody ran outside and lined
up in two facing rows, and began
to sing Yifrach Byamav Tzaddik.
The Rebbe walked between the
two rows, and we all followed
along to accompany the Rebbe to
his house. Obviously, we kept our
distance so that the Rebbe would
not sense our presence, but
when the Rebbe turned to cross
the street he saw us and did not
say anything. We accompanied
him until we got to President
Street where the Rebbe lives and
everybody stopped and watched
the Rebbe until he entered his
house.
It was 5:30 in the afternoon
18 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 18
when we went to eat our Shabbos
meal, and on Motzaei Shabbos
there was a review [of the
farbrengen] with R Yoel Kahn.
THE BIG NIGHT
Monday, 14 Nissan, Erev
Pesach:
[Morning]: We waited for the
Rebbe to come out and burn the
chametz. The Rebbe came out at
about 10:45, and obviously there
was a lot of pushing as the Rebbe
entered the elevator and went
down to the boiler [that heats
the building where he burned
the chametz. After he finished,
he came up and] together with
him were the secretaries, R
Binyomin Klein and R Leibel
Groner. When he walked back to
his room from the elevator, there
was a lot of pushing again, but I
was close enough that I heard the
Rebbe say to R Binyomin Klein,
Yasher koach. The Rebbe went
into his room and then went in
[to the small zal] for the reading
of the Torah, and received the
third aliya. After that he returned
to his room.
After the davening, I went to
purchase stamps in order to send
to my parents the matza that I
would receive from the Rebbe
for them. I hope to also receive
matza for Anash of Bareket.
[After receiving the matzos]:
I just returned from 770
after I received the matzos for
myself and the family, but for
the Talmud Torah and Anash of
Bareket, I could not get up the
nerve to ask. That is because
I had such a feeling as I stood
before the Rebbe that cannot be
recorded in words. The line was
very long and wound out to the
street and then the length of the
street.
Even before I reached the
Rebbe, as soon as I entered
Gan Eden HaTachton, I got a
very strange feeling. And then
I was standing opposite the
Rebbe, and the Rebbe looked at
me and said to me in Yiddish,
obviously, A kosher and happy
Pesach. Even before he gave
me, I said to the Rebbe that I was
also requesting on behalf of the
family. The Rebbe first gave me
my matzos, and then I mentioned
the family again, and the Rebbe
gave me two pieces of matzo. As
mentioned, I did not work up the
nerve to ask for Anash of Bareket.
I immediately wrapped up my
matzos first and put them in my
pocket, and the matzos that I
received for my family I wrapped
in a paper that I had prepared in
advance and I sent them home
via express mail. I then took my
matzos and put them into my
package of matzos, which I had
already stored in the Farband
hall on Kingston [which served
as the dining hall of the Tmimim
for Pesach], where we will be
carrying out the Seder.
When the Rebbe finished
distributing the matzos, at
around 6:30, he went home.
When he returned, they davened
the holiday Maariv and finished
at about 7:30. After the davening,
he continued to distribute
matzos to those who had not yet
received, and we [the Tmimim]
went to set up the Seder plate
in the Farband on Kingston,
because the Rebbe is scheduled to
2017-04-03 10:14:17 AM
 come and see how the bachurim
prepare for the Seder.
The Rebbe came at about
9:15, with the secretaries and
a few members of Anash. The
Rebbe entered and all of the
bachurim stood, each next to his
own Seder plate. As soon as he
entered, he looked at the Seder
plates and then went into Mrs.
Moussia [the cook]. I didnt hear
what he said to her, because as I
mentioned each one stood at his
place and did not have the nerve
to budge. Afterward, he stood
and blessed the bachurim that
may it be [G-ds] Will that it be
fulfilled the promise of And His
honor shall fill the entire earth,
amen vamen [from Psalm 72,
the Rebbes chapter that year]
and next year in Yerushalayim.
After the Rebbe left, we
continued to conduct our Seder
as usual, and each one had his
own Seder plate.
TAHALUCHA MARCH
Eve of the 7th day of Pesach:
I bought grape juice for the
four cups of Seudas Moshiach,
and I also purchased a small
bottle in order to put into it the
kos shel bracha that I will receive
for the family in order to send
it to them. Afterward, I thought
about why should I not get
wine also for the Talmud Torah
in Bareket?! At least wine of
blessing if not matzos, because
simply put, matzos you have to
ask directly of the Rebbe [and
that is a concern due to the
tremendous awe], but kos shel
bracha, you just have to extend
to the Rebbe the amount of cups
that you want and the Rebbe
pours.
7th day of Pesach:
We davened the holiday
Maariv, and after the prayers we
went to eat the holiday meal. We
1064_bm_eng.indd 19
The author in front of 770
returned to 770 as is the custom
to study Torah on the night of the
7th day of Pesach. At 1:30 AM,
the farbrengen with R Dovid
Raskin began and continued
until 4:30 in the morning, when
we rushed off to get some sleep,
because at ten we had to be at
davening with the Rebbe.
After Shacharis, they
announced the Tahalucha that
would take place at 5:30. We
went to eat and then rested a bit
in order to have some strength to
walk, because it is a distance of
an hours walk to Williamsburg.
The day was a bit nice, the
morning was clear, but at about
five oclock the skies became
cloudy and it began to rain.
Meanwhile, we went to daven
Mincha and at the conclusion of
the prayers we ran in the pouring
rain to get our coats.
The Tahalucha march set out
with an escort of police cars and
motorcycles. During the walk,
the rain continued to pour down
but we paid it no mind and we
sang Chassidic songs. At times
there were breaks in the singing.
When we reached Williamsburg,
we danced in the street and the
police closed it off. The Satmar
Chassidim stood off to the side
and looked at us as if the whole
thing had nothing to do with
them. From there we dispersed
and divided into groups that
went to different shuls. I went
to one of the shuls where we
danced after Maariv, and from
there we went to the shul of the
Belzer Chassidim where we made
kiddush and danced again. One
of Anash who came with us read
the letter of the Rebbe written in
honor of Yud-Aleph Nissan.
On the way back, it was
raining at first but then it
stopped. We were soaked to the
bone and many hats were beyond
salvage.
In general, there were no
problems on the Tahalucha
except for the fact that some
Satmar Chassidim threw
some papers with derogatory
statements against Chabad.
IT IS LITERALLY A JOY TO
SEE THE REBBE SMILE
Farbrengen of Acharon shel
Pesach:
The Rebbe began the
Issue 1064 19
2017-04-03 10:14:17 AM
 Diary
farbrengen at 6:30. Among the
topics he spoke about was the
shchuna [lit. neighborhood, four in the morning.
i.e., Crown Heights], and he
said that whoever went on
Tahalucha should say lchaim.
The farbrengen was very joyous.
I stood on the edge of a crate
and with difficulty heard what
little I heard. The farbrengen
concluded at 1:20 after midnight.
There was a Jewish police officer
who came in to the farbrengen
and the Rebbe motioned to him
that he should say lchaim. The
Rebbe even saluted him and
smiled a captivating smile. It is
literally a joy to see the Rebbe
smile, because usually the Rebbe
is very serious and only on rare
occasions does he smile.
When the Rebbe passed near me, I was literally
trembling. I held strongly onto the handle
because I was afraid that the door would close due to
my great excitement, before the Rebbe could pass.
After the farbrengen we
davened Maariv. I have no sense
of how I managed to daven,
because the pushing was terrible.
The Rebbe made Havdala
and began to distribute kos shel
bracha. Anash stood in several
rows, and meanwhile they began
to sing and the Rebbe made
motions with his hands, and the
joy was up to the heavens. There
were those to whom the Rebbe
gave a bottle to distribute in their
shuls or places that they were
traveling to, and among them
was Motti Lipsker who received
a bottle for the city of Lud. At a
quarter to three in the morning,
I received kos shel bracha for
the family and also for Anash of
Bareket, which as mentioned was
in place of the matzos.
20 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 20
The distribution of kos shel
bracha by the Rebbe ended at
the sichos that the Rebbe said the
Wednesday, 23 Nissan:
The Rebbe received people
for yechidus the entire night, and
we [the Tmimim] waited until
the end of yechidus. At 4:11 in
the morning, we davened Maariv
with the Rebbe.
Thursday, 24 Nissan:
The Rebbe received people for
yechidus until 8 in the morning.
THE SHLUCHIM
TO AUSTRALIA
Shabbos, 26 Nissan, Parshas
Acharei:
The farbrengen began at 1:30
PM. I stood in a place that was
comfortable to stand in, however
I could not see the Rebbe except
between the heads of people
and because of that I did not
understand much of what was
said. The Rebbe gave wine to
a few of Anash to distribute in
their places, including R Dovid
Raskin who got for Lubavitch
Youth Organization. The Rebbe
said a maamer in the tune of a
sicha. The farbrengen ended at
5:10.
Sunday, 27 Nissan:
This evening there was a
farewell gathering for the
Tmimim shluchim to Australia,
who are going there for two
years. R Dovid Raskin chaired
the event. R Mentlick and R
Chadakov spoke about the
importance of the matter,
and each of the fathers of the
shluchim and the shluchim
themselves also spoke. Parts of
previous Shabbos were reviewed.
The event concluded with
dancing.
Monday, 28 Nissan:
After Mincha, at about 3:30
PM, the shluchim traveling to
Australia along with those that
returned from Australia, went in
for yechidus with the Rebbe. After
they entered, R Groner suddenly
came out and announced that all
of the groups that had previously
been to Australia should be called
immediately. Those who were
in 770 at the time, immediately
put on gartels and entered, and
others had to be called and they
came post haste. A number of
them are already married, as
there have been four groups to
date, each one for two years.
After they came, the Rebbe began
(some entered in the middle of
the yechidus), and some were so
frantic that they entered without
putting on gartels.
The yechidus lasted between
twenty minutes and half an hour.
When they exited, they said that
the Rebbe said a brief maamer
for them, Al yipater adam
meichavero elah mitoch dvar
halacha. Then the Rebbe said
some words of blessing and gave
each one a pocket-sized Tanya
and ten dollars. For the actual
shluchim, he gave additional
money for tzdaka. The Rebbe
instructed them to spend about
a week in Eretz Yisroel, and
gave them more money to give
to tzdaka to the institutions in
Eretz Yisroel and Australia.
We went back to our learning,
and at about 6 PM we returned
to 770 (in those days the kvutza
learned in Chovevei Torah), and
we waited for the Rebbe to come
out to send off the shluchim. The
Rebbe came out and stood in the
2017-04-03 10:14:18 AM
 doorway of 770. He looked at
the bus and was only murmuring
with his mouth. When the bus
with the shluchim began to
move, the Rebbe looked after it
until it could no longer be seen
and then he went to his home.
HOLDING THE DOOR
FOR THE REBBE
[There were some bachurim
who traveled with the shluchim
to the airport, however] I
remained in 770. Meanwhile, I
spoke with Yisroel Glitzenstein,
and he told me that the Rebbe
would be arriving at any moment
and that I should wait near the
door [of the main entrance to
770]. When the Rebbe would
arrive from his house, I would
open the door for him and hide
behind the door until the Rebbe
passed. [The two of them went
to the main door] and suddenly
the Rebbe came and I opened
the door and hid behind the
door. When I saw through the
crack of the door that the Rebbe
had passed, I closed it. That is
how I merited to open the door
for the Rebbe. When the Rebbe
passed near me, I was literally
trembling. I held strongly onto
the handle because I was afraid
that the door would close due
to my great excitement, before
the Rebbe could pass. Boruch
Hashem everything went fine.
29 Nissan, Erev Rosh
Chodesh Iyar:
The Rebbe went to the Ohel
and we davened Mincha very
late. The Rebbe entered for
Maariv holding a small pocket
siddur besides for his siddur.
The entire time, even during
Shmoneh Esrei, the Rebbe held
the siddur in his hand. After the
davening the Rebbe went towards
his room, but before he entered
Gan Eden HaTachton a woman
approached who was apparently
1064_bm_eng.indd 21
THE DIARY WRITTEN FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A YOUNG BACHUR
1 NISSAN, 5733 5 IYAR 5734
Rabbi Saadia Maatuf ah, was born to a family of Yemenite immigrants.
He learned in Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Pardes-Lud and went to 770 for
a year of kvutza.
This diary is unlike other diaries that report on the Rebbes conduct. It
has a unique style which combines documenting the Rebbes activities with
the understanding and feeling of a bachur, the child of Yemenite immigrants,
being at the Rebbe for the first time and yearning to connect to the climate of
Chassidishkait in 770.
While acclimating to Beis Chayeinu, he documents everything in his diary
in an open, honest way, and shares everything that he was feeling and thinking.
He describes ups and downs, lofty moments and routine occurrences.
In a page attached to the diary many years later, he notes that he wrote
about his year on kvutza starting from 1 Nissan 5733 until 5 Iyar 5734.
Unfortunately, we do not have the entire diary since most of it was written
in a thick notebook containing 300 pages, but the notebook was filled up in
the middle of 7 Nissan 5734 and the continuation was apparently written in
another notebook which we do not have.
A diary of a Tamim which documents an entire year with the Rebbe is,
of course, a precious Chassidic treasure. R Maatuf had the diary in his
possession all the years but despite our being neighbors for two years, and
although he helped me prepare articles for Beis Moshiach for several years,
he never mentioned the diary. It was only after his passing that his son, my
friend Yossi, offered me the diary which I was thrilled to get for our readers.
At the beginning of the diary, R Saadia wrote the following introduction.
It was written many years later and it tells us why he did not publicize the
diary, although there is indication that he expected it to be read someday:
This diary was written for a private individual from the perspective of a
young bachur on kvutza from 1 Nissan 5733 until 5 Iyar 5734, consistently,
every day, persistently. Every night I wrote how the day went and every
Shabbos I tried to remember and write on Motzaei Shabbos, and the same for
Yom Tov. On Chol HaMoed Pesach and Sukkos (when writing is forbidden) I
wrote brief notes, and after Yom Tov I would sit and fill them in. In the diary
are things that are private, albeit not secrets, as I was and remained a bachur
Tamim throughout.
It should be noted that the talmidim in our kvutza sat and learned with all
seriousness, and every week we would submit a report to the Rebbe. In order
to give the Rebbe nachas, we kept to the sdarim persistently and consistently.
Today, I read excerpts from the diary and recall things that are hard to
believe I wrote. Most likely, [readers] will understand that it was all written
for myself and without any thought that someone else would read it. Whoever
was [there at the Rebbe] at that time surely will find it of interest in awakening
pleasant memories and will be filled with yearning, and perhaps just for this it
is worthwhile reading. Happy reading!
not from Chabad, and spoke secretary, R Groner, closed the
with the Rebbe for about five door but left it open a drop, and
minutes. The Rebbe stood in Gan we saw the Rebbe give her the
Eden HaTachton the whole time siddur and she left with her face
and did not enter his room. The aglow.
Issue 1064 21
2017-04-03 10:14:18 AM
 THOUGHT
THE MORNING
BLESSINGS
ON 11 NISSAN
By Rabbi Sholem Dickstein
L
ast year, on the morning
of the Rebbe, Melech
HaMoshiachs birthday,
when I began saying
the morning blessings, thoughts
came to me in the spirit of the
day. I thought it would be nice to
share them with you, my fellow
Chassidim.
How much we need to
give thanks and praise that we
merited the light of the Rebbe,
the memutza hamechaber
(connecting intermediary), who
helps us and guides us in our
lives in all the aspects stated in
the morning blessings.
Along the lines of tzaddikim
22 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 22
are likened to their Creator, as
I said the blessings, I thought of
guidance for life, insights and
approaches, which the Rebbe
instilled in us, that are expressed
in these very blessings.
***
HaNosein lasechvi vina straightens those who are bent
Who gives understanding to the
rooster: In such confusing times
in which many call darkness
light, and call day night, the
Rebbe gives us understanding to
distinguish between them.
Pokeiach ivrim Who opens
[the eyes of] the blind: The
Chassidic outlook, which the
Rebbe provides every mekushar,
on every topic.
Matir assurim Who unties
those who are bound: The going
out of straits, leaving real and
imaginary limitations with the
Rebbes koach.
Zokeif kfufim Who
over: Gaon Yaakov, Gaon
Lubavitch! Its enough if we recall
the story of an elder Chassid who
saw the Rebbe (before he became
Rebbe) eating mezonos in the
sukka before davening and made
a comment about it. The Rebbe
said out loud, There is nothing
to be ashamed about Chassidic
practices.
2017-04-03 10:14:19 AM
Malbish arumim Who
clothes the naked: The Rebbes
concern for the spirituality (and
material circumstances) of every
Jew as is - so that he does not
remain without a garment, both
literally and spiritually.
HaNosein layaeif koach
Who gives strength to the weary:
Rebbi lo shana, Chiya minayin
(homiletic allusion to the Rebbe
as the source of life throughout
the year), the place from which
light goes forth to the world,
where every weary person can
find the strength to perfect the
world through the Almightys
sovereignty.
Roka haaretz al hamoyim
Who spreads the earth out over
the water: Water is where man
cannot live, and the blessing is
that specifically over this, there
is earth, a place where things
can grow. The Rebbe took
technology with all its dangers
and showed us how to use it in
a way that not only isnt harmful,
but also increases the spreading
of the wellsprings.
Hameichin mitzadei gover
Who prepares mans steps:
Shluchei Adoneinu! The Rebbe
gave us a completely new
understanding of the verse,
from Hashem are the steps of
man prepared. As the HaYom
Yom says, not only does Hashem
direct our steps but there is a
particular mission to accomplish
wherever we go.
Shasa li kol tzorki Who
made me all my needs: The
Rebbe is the one to go to with any
Along the lines of tzaddikim are likened to
their Creator, as I said the blessings, I thought
of guidance for life, insights and approaches, which the
Rebbe instilled in us, that are expressed in these very
blessings.
problem, for any need, material
and spiritual.
Ozer Yisroel bgevura Who
girds Israel with strength: The
Rebbe changed post-Holocaust
Judaism from a defensive war to
an offensive war.
Oteir Yisroel bsifara Who
crowns Israel with glory: The
respect which the nations of the
world have for the Rebbe, like the
letters and invitations from the
American presidents, establishing
Education Day in his honor, etc.
Shelo asani goy For not
making me a gentile: This
blessing cannot be said with the
fullest appreciation without the
Rebbes explanations about a
goy who has no free will, without
internalizing the message that the
entire world (including a billion
Chinese) was created for the Jew.
Shelo asani oved For not
making me a slave to the
assumptions of the world. The
deepest internalization that I
am a servant of G-d, and again,
the HaYom Yom which says that
Shma Yisroel a Jew hears,
understands that, Hashem
Elokeinu, that our strength and
life force is above nature.
Shelo asani isha For not
making me a woman: One, the
Rebbe explains the significance
of this blessing and the womans
position in Judaism in the face of
the confusion of modern man,
and two, on a deeper level, the
Rebbe turned every Jew into a
shliach, a mashpia, rather than a
mekabel.
Hamaavir sheina meieinoy
Who removes sleep from my eyes
one, the understanding and
internalization of the fact that
G-dliness is the default reality
and existence is the novelty, and
two, waking up from the dream
of exile, the yearning for Geula.
***
Above all this, Were our
mouth as full of song as the
sea, and our tongue as full of
joyous song as its multitude
of waves, and our lips as full
of praise as the breadth of the
heavens and our feet as swift
as hinds, we still could not thank
sufficiently for this great gift, this
great light that rose 115 years
ago and whose light continues
to shine and increase until the
complete revelation of Moshiach
- Menachem is his name, and the
kingdom befits him, speedily in
our days, teikef umiyad mamash!

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1064 t"ab,wv
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& 1710 AM in parts of Brooklyn 24/6
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1064_bm_eng.indd 23 2017-04-03 10:14:20 AM
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Member of the Rabbinical
Court of Crown Heights
 THOUGHT

THE ROAD TO
HISKASHRUS
Hiskashrus to the Rebbe begins with our thinking
about another Jew. Thinking about how to
connect another Jew to the Rebbe and also
connect him to the tremendous chain of the Nasi
Hador. To put the Rebbes wishes before us at all
times and to push aside our egos which diminish
others in our eyes.* Presented for 11 Nissan

By Rabbi Zalman Landau

T
here is a sicha (Leil
Hoshana Rabba 5752)
in which the Rebbe says
that in our generation
each of us needs to be a Rebbe.
What can this possibly mean?
What connection is there to being
a Rebbe on the part of a Chassid
who is battel to the Rebbe?
Whoever learns this sicha of
the Rebbe understands that the
Rebbe did not mean acting like
an Admur, as we might imagine
superficially, or acting above any
other group. He means acting in
a way of true bittul on the level of
yechida, which is the level of the
Rebbe.
There is a story about a
Chassid of the Alter Rebbe who
was very rich and passed away
at a very young age. After his
passing, the Alter Rebbe told the
mans sons that they should not
be sad over their fathers death
for he sees that their father is
currently on extremely high levels
and a great light is shining forth
from him.
After some time, it came to
light that in that town lived a big
Misnaged who was very jealous
of the rich Chassid and how all
the townspeople honored him.
The Misnaged tried to do all he
could to denigrate the Chassid
and even tried to compete with
the Chassids livelihood.
The Chassid would import
a great quantity of tea every
year which he would sell across
Russia. In the Misnageds great
envy and after seeing that all
his attempts to humiliate the
Chassid were unsuccessful, he
decided to inform on him to
the government. He said that
the one who sold the tea to the
Chassid did not pay the requisite
tax. In this way, he thought, he
wouldnt directly inform on the
Chassid but would cause him a
heavy monetary loss, since the
government would confiscate the
goods after the Chassid had paid
good money for it.
Miraculously, rather than
take away the merchandise of the
Chassid, the government took the
Misnageds merchandise. The
Misnaged was left with nothing
and had many debts. Due to his
great debts, he became deathly ill.
The Chassid went to visit
him and after leaving the house
of the Misnaged, the members
of the household discovered that
he had left a large sum of money
to support the Misnaged and
another large sum to marry off
his daughters.
When the family heard this
story, they realized what the
Alter Rebbe meant when he said
a great light emanated from him.
From this story we learn
about how a Chassid behaves
and how this kind of behavior is
demanded of every one of us. A
genuine Chassid is someone who
puts himself in a position of utter
bittul, to the point that he raises
himself totally above his desires

24 11 Nisan 5777

1064_bm_eng.indd 24 2017-04-03 10:14:20 AM

 and inclinations.
One of the signs of a
Misnaged is that he protects his
honor and always looks for ways
to raise himself up over others; to
see himself as important relative
to the other, and to put down the
other persons qualities.
Contrariwise, the quality of
a Chassid is expressed in his
lowered ego. A Chassid looks at
another person and sees, first
and foremost, the good points of
the other, and he does not give
any weight and significance to
the weaknesses of another.
When speaking of a
Misnaged, we need to remember
that there is the Misnaged

within you. In each of us exists
a Misnaged, who burrows into Without living with genuine Chassidic love, and without
the heart and causes us to think rising above our material desires and calculations, it is
negatively about others and
diminish their worth. not possible to fully accept the Rebbes malchus.
True love for another is when
he shames you, and you respond
We need to start living in a with genuine Chassidic love, and
with love and shower good upon
Moshiach-state of mind, a state without rising above our material
him.
in which each of us rises above desires and calculations, it is
This is the avoda of every all limitations of this world and not possible to fully accept the
Chassid, to rise above himself, above all exile considerations. Rebbes malchus.
without considering his honor
At this time, we need to place This is the point which we
and dignity. As one of our
ourselves in a position in which need to take with us from this
Rebbeim once said to one of the
we see the essential goodness special day of 11 Nissan. The
Chassidim, that before he says
that is hidden within every Jew, point that unifies all areas of
a maamer Chassidus, he puts
to see the goodness in every hiskashrus to the Rebbe is to have
himself into such a state of bittul
Jew without looking at how he utter bittul to the Rebbe, and to
that he imagines himself walking
regards us. truly love every Jew because of
down the street and a group of
The avoda assigned to us to his G-dly soul. That is how we
children are chasing him with
live with Moshiach is an avoda can ask for the Rebbes malchus.
stones to throw at him (as they
would the town lunatic). that pertains to each one of us. This doesnt include any
What we need to do is to start sadness whatsoever; it entails
To be a Chassid is to reach a
living in the Moshiach state in rising above our personal
true level in which we can look
which there is no jealousy and concerns and being utterly
at every Jew from the aspect of
competition. battul to the Rebbe, the bittul of
his G-dly soul. Although there
Each of us can welcome yechida.
may be times when it is legitimate
to get angry at someone and Moshiach by getting out of our When we all rise above our
be annoyed with him, why he inner exile and starting to live ego, we will all be battul to the
doesnt give us enough respect with simcha and with real Ahavas Rebbe and merit his complete
and doesnt value what we do Yisroel for every Jew. and immediate hisgalus.
enough, but in the times that This point is essential when Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu
we live in we have no time it comes to hiskashrus to the VRabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach
for considerations like these. Rebbe MHM, for without living Lolam Vaed!

Issue 1064 25

1064_bm_eng.indd 25 2017-04-03 10:14:20 AM

 CHINUCH

QUESTIONS
NOT JUST
FOR PESACH
There is a common saying, that when a person
asks too many questions, he is told, ask your
questions at the seder. Therefore, this week,
we are devoting the chinuch column to the
importance of asking questions. * Why are adults
so afraid of questions? What can give us the
confidence to listen and respond? What is the
educational advantage to not answering right
away? How should we treat those children who
by nature are quiet and dont ask questions?
* Rabbi Avrohom Bitkin, a social worker and
therapist, who specializes in fears and trauma in
children and youth, and who moderates parents
groups on educational issues, responds to these
and other questions.

By Nosson Avrohom

T
here is a story about a
nomad and his son who
are walking slowly in the
blistering desert. Father,
why does the sun rise in the east
and set in the west?
The father gazes upward and
says, I have no idea.
The two keep walking and
the child has another question.
Father, why is the sky blue like
the sea?
The father thinks and thinks,
scratches his head, and says,
once again, that he does not
know the answer.
Father, why do camels have
a hump unlike other animals?
And why does water cover most
of the earth?
The child asks and asks and
the father says he does not know.
After a while, the boy stops his
questions about the world around
him and says, Father, you dont
get angry when I ask all these
questions, right?

26 11 Nisan 5777

1064_bm_eng.indd 26 2017-04-03 10:14:21 AM


His father smiles and says,
Not at all. If you dont ask, how
will you know?
Pesach in general, and the
seder night in particular, is
different than other Jewish
holidays. One of the outstanding
lessons of the Hagada is to allow
questions from our children and
1064_bm_eng.indd 27
students, and definitely not to
ignore or be frightened by them.
We need to listen to questions,
including the challenging ones,
and find answers to them. Even
the child who does not know
how to ask needs to be drawn
out to ask, and then his questions
are answered.
The numerical value of the
word adam in Hebrew is 45,
which is the same numerical
value of the word ma (what).
A person, who is likened to his
Creator, must ask and search,
thereby deepening his bond with
the One who gave us the Torah.
NO LONGER ALONE ON
THE FRONT LINES
Please tell us what you do
and why you entered this field.
After a year on kvutza and
a stint on shlichus, I studied for
smicha in the kollel in Rechovot.
At the same time, I became
aware of a group of Chabad
kids who werent fitting into the
communitys educational system.
I cared very much about them
and spent a lot of time with them,
talking with them sometimes into
the wee hours of the morning.
During those conversations, I
saw that my shlichus is in the
informal field of chinuch.
How did you turn your
hobby into a profession?
Awareness is far greater
today than it used to be. Things
used to be different, and as a
volunteer I found myself alone on
the front lines. People preferred
ignoring these fringe kids
because they didnt know what
to do with them. It was hard for
people to listen to their personal
stories - stories of struggles
with hopelessness, to take in the
complexities of their lives and to
confront seemingly unresolvable
conflicts. I would occasionally
consult with Lubavitcher
psychologist Mrs. Ilana Yisroel,
who helped me a lot in terms of
practical advice about how to be
a mashpia-figure to the kids.
One day, she said to me
offhandedly, I see that you like
to provide therapy. Why dont
you do it professionally? So I
Issue 1064 27
2017-04-03 10:14:22 AM
 Chinuch
went to study social work. While
working on my masters degree
in clinical social work, I focused
my studies on children and young
people, and that is my specialty.
Boruch Hashem, I now work at
training therapists in the field
of Psychodynamic Therapy for
Children and Youth at Bar Ilan
University.
WHAT LIES BEHIND THE
QUESTION
Being able to ask questions
is an important foundation
in a persons education and
intellectual development. What
do you think is important about
being able to question? Why
do you consider this question-
answer dynamic important in a
childs education?
Our Sages say, a bashful
person does not learn. From
there we learn that questioning
is important for proper
development, both intellectually
and in personality development.
Just as feeling hunger leads to
eating, and eating is critical for
growth, so too a question leads
to an answer that enriches a
persons knowledge which is
needed for his development.
In Chassidus, the question-
answer dynamic between father
and son and teacher and student
represents the entire structure of
existence - the mashpia-mekabel
or the cause-effect. Parents who
allow questions to be asked and
give room for open conversations,
have healthy communication. A
child trusts his parents more and
the home feels secure and calm.
Stifling questions is like stifling
eating and the results will be
apparent in the childs perception
of himself and the world.
When you speak about the
great importance of asking
questions, what about someone
28 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 28
like the fourth child in the
Hagada, who doesnt know how
to ask? What should be done
with a child who doesnt ask,
who doesnt take an interest?
Should this be cause for
concern? How can we teach a
little child to be curious and to
ask questions?
Children are curious by
nature, from when they are born.
Thanks to the natural desire to
explore their environment, a
baby makes the effort to move,
to crawl, to empty closets, to
spill the paint and to eat with
their hands. There are children
who explore more and those
who explore less, it depends
on their personalities, but in
general, a child does not need to
be encouraged to ask and take an
interest.
Parents and teachers
sometimes put a halt to childrens
questioning, mostly due to lack of
patience which comes from lack
of time or interest, and then the
child feels that his questions are
not legitimate and are a burden
and he needs to restrain himself.
A child like this will learn to be
quiet to please his parents. This
can be pleasant for the parents
when he is young, but it means
they are raising a child who, even
when he is older, will hesitate to
take the initiative, to stand up
for himself and to ask for what is
coming to him.
When a child refrains
from raising questions and
doesnt initiate contact with his
environment, it is definitely a
form of behavior that should raise
concerns about his emotional
state. A child who chooses not
to check out his environment is
a child who is in a state of fear,
and I can tell you that he is in
crisis. He sees that curiosity
exacts a price and he would
therefore rather hold back and
be quiet. These children generally
come from a background of
emotional or physical neglect or
experienced extended emotional
trauma.
Arent you taking it too far?
Arent there quiet children who
by nature prefer not to call
attention to themselves?
A quieter nature can explain
a child with fewer questions but
thats not great news. I met with
a quiet child who was brought
to therapy because of extreme
hypochondria. He had zero
motivation to be involved in his
treatment process. Furthermore,
I got the impression that this
child wanted nothing for himself,
did not know how to enjoy
himself, and had no sense of his
place in the social order.
His father told me that since
he was born he remembers him
as a fun child with a very
easygoing temperament, the
kind who causes his parents no
bother, who doesnt ask or take
an interest in his surroundings.
This told me that the childs
fears began many years earlier,
the moment the child realized
that he needed to behave this
way, i.e., not disturbing and
not questioning. They never
encouraged him to look around
and ask for anything or to take
any initiative.
A child who does not know
how to ask behaves that way
because he is not sure whether
its okay to ask; he doesnt
know whether his question is
legitimate or foolish. A child like
this doesnt know how this new
knowledge that he will get by
asking can be useful to him. The
role of the parent and teacher is,
at psach lo - open for him the
possibility to ask, give him some
examples of questions that are
age appropriate so that he will
identify with them, and most
2017-04-03 10:14:22 AM
 importantly, show him how his
questions are important to you.
AVOIDING EXTREMES
There are children who ask
so many questions that the
adults cant take it anymore.
Where does that come from and
how should it be dealt with?
Any extreme situation along
the spectrum ranging from too
little to too much is sourced
in some internal feeling of
insecurity. We are not talking
here about a talkative child,
the kind who is called a crowd
pleaser, who finds it important to
run his social circle. I am talking
about a child who asks again
and again and about the smallest
details because he is not sure of
himself. He uses questions to get
attention.
A child like this can be
considered a nudge, which will
serve to further distance him
from the people around him,
which will increase his fears,
which will in turn cause him to
seek ever more attention.
When we discover the reason
for his behavior, we can formulate
an appropriate message, which
can convey confidence in himself
and his environment. We will
convey a message that he is
visible and present enough
to his environment, and it is
unnecessary to test to what extent
people around him are listening
in a never-ending cycle.
There are those who teach
children not to ask questions,
because questions, according
to their view, undermine pure
faith. There can be an absurd
situation in which a child goes
off the derech and is called
chozer bsheila, as though to
say that in Judaism there is no
room for questioning. Where do
you think their mistake lies and
1064_bm_eng.indd 29
what is the proper response to
questions?
You remind me of a meeting
I had with a father from a certain
religious group who came to a
parent training session. After a
series of meetings, together with
his 14-year-old son, I found that
the son, a smart yeshiva bachur,
was dealing with many doubts
in emuna. He had somehow
found propaganda material that
contradicted belief in a Creator.
On the face of it, it looked
as though he could be helped by
learning ideas from Chassidus,
but I needed time to prepare his
parents for that. At one meeting,
I told the father, with the sons
Chinuch is not about the what and the
quantity but about the how and the quality.
There is no need to wait for calmer days in order to have
a conversation, especially when your child needs you in
the here and now.
consent, about the doubts in
emuna that his son had. The
father was very surprised but
immediately recovered and said,
I always taught my children that
we have chachomim - the eyes of
the congregation. Why does he
suddenly have doubts in emuna?
Rabbanim have already checked opportunities to see how firm
things out for us and found
no place for questions about a
Creator, so why does he need to
vacillate at all?
The fathers answer shocked
me. I knew there are groups
within the frum world where
repressing questions is a way
of life. Some explain that this
is the approach of a previous
generation, a more innocent
generation that had emuna, but
I dont believe it. Sincere faith
back then did not flourish out
of repression and suppression;
it came from a place of honesty,
warm Jewish feelings that felt the
presence of the Creator in every
aspect of life. Those who studied
Torah never refrained from
asking questions on the material
they learned, nor on philosophical
matters. Since our Torah is so
stable, it surely doesnt need
man-made fortresses to protect
it.
The reality is that a boy who
sees that his father or teacher is
avoiding answering due to fear,
has his confidence in their chosen
path shaken.
So what should be done?
First, we need to accept that
a Jew does not run away from
questions. A Jew knows how to
survive confounding complexities
without being dependent on
finding an immediate solution.
What greater proof do we need
than the sufferings of exile, which
have provided us with plenty of
footed a Jew is even when there
arent always answers. Just as we
see the Rebbes attitude about
the Holocaust, that despite the
questions, our emuna remains
rock-solid.
Must we respond to every
question a child asks, or are
there questions for which
the answer is that there is no
answer?
Sometimes, its not the
what but the how, meaning
that not always does the child
understand the depth of the
Issue 1064 29
2017-04-03 10:14:22 AM
 Chinuch
answer, but its important to him
how it is said. If, for example,
a parent or teacher allowed a
question to be asked, that means
that the question is important
and the child is important. When
the father doesnt get thrown
by the question and he answers
calmly, or if he did not have an
answer and he went and asked
someone else and came back with
an answer, then even if the child
did not get a satisfactory answer,
it wont affect his confidence to
ask again in the future.
As to your question, there
definitely are questions which
dont have answers or only a
Stifling questions is like stifling eating and the
results will be apparent in the childs perception
of himself and the world.
partial, not fully satisfactory
answer, because its not possible
to respond at that time. For
example, if a child asks a question
about matters that should be
treated with modesty, or even if
the answer is it is a decree before
Me and you have no permission
to doubt it, the child will not get
a complete, detailed answer, at
least not then. But even in such a
situation, what is very important
is not the depth of the answer but
how the question is treated.
QUESTIONS THAT
FRIGHTEN PARENTS
Why are we, parents or
teachers, afraid of questions?
What can get us not to be
afraid?
To one degree or another
we all have the fear of losing
our authority. Chinuch requires
kabbalas ol. The mechanech
needs to lead the child from one
point to another and sometimes,
30 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 30
a childs questions make him
feel powerless. Does the child
know more than me? Or, Does
the child want to challenge what
I said? Or sometimes there
can be a situation in which a
question disturbs the lesson or
the message the parent wants to
convey at home. The mechanech
expects the child to march in
lockstep with everyone else,
and by nature of his position he
ascribes less importance to the
childs individuality. Especially
when the mechanech thinks the
childs questions will harm or
hinder those that are marching in
line.
WHEN PARENTS ASK
QUESTIONS
Can you give us, parents
and teachers, some tips about
These days, there are many
more children who are not willing
to march in line and they do
this by asking questions or even
challenging. People nowadays
value their individuality and the
idea of a natural sense of security
is vanishing. People are protective
of their personal boundaries
ten times more than they used
to be, and young people are no
exception to this phenomenon.
The mechanech or parent needs
to know that the child wants
boundaries. He sometimes wants
to test the strength of these
boundaries so he can feel secure
with them, not necessarily in
order to break them. They make
him feel secure and the child likes
that.
If, with his question, the
child caught you not knowing
something, accept it lovingly.
About this it says, and from
my students most of all. The
question is good for you; it will
increase your desire to deepen
or expand your knowledge.
And it is your job to model for
the child how to deal with a
difficulty without falling apart.
Dont be afraid that questions
that stump you will adversely
affect your authority. On the
contrary, honestly saying that
you dont know, and showing a
willingness to learn even at your
advanced age by saying, Thats
an excellent question, I will check
it out for you, is an impressive
lesson in itself. This is a sign of
true greatness on the part of the
educator or parent and the child
will admire you for it.
how we can ask our children
good questions when we want
to hear how their day in school
was or in general, how they are
doing? How should we word
the question to get a satisfying
answer?
There is no formula. If you
have good communication with
the child and he feels confident
about talking, he will be happy to
share his life with you, especially
if he needs help. However, when
for any reason he is convinced
that the conversation will be
harmful to him, for example,
a child who is suffering from
bullying who knows that if he tells
his father, his father will show up
at school the next day and make a
scene, which will likely bring on
more bullying, it is unlikely that
hell share what is going on.
Still, since you ask how to
word it, you can start with an
open question like, How was
school today? If the child just
says, I dont know, or fine or
not great, that would indicate
that his emotional vocabulary
is meager. We can offer some
2017-04-03 10:14:22 AM
 responses and the child can
choose the ones that suit him.
Older children will cooperate
more with concrete questions
of the yes-no variety and that is
perfectly fine. Of course, this
is under normal circumstances
when we know that nothing
dramatic is going on in their
lives.
In all these situations, we
should maintain eye contact
with the child throughout the
conversation. This conveys the
message that we are not busy
with anything else when we are
talking to them, because they
Continued from page 33
Purim and I read the Megilla for
him.
Some months passed and
he was still alive, despite the
doctors dire predictions. The
doctors wanted to do a medical
experiment to try and see what
might be effective against the
disease but he said he didnt want
it because he didnt know what it
might do to him.
One day, he invited me to his
home and asked for my advice.
The doctors really wanted to
go ahead with their medical
experiments and they had even
threatened him to agree. They felt
that their professional prestige
was at stake.
Despite my opinion on the
matter, I explained to him the
idea of writing to the Rebbe
through the Igros Kodesh and
that now too, we can receive
answers from the Rebbe.
I will admit that back then I
was still confused myself about
writing to the Rebbe in this way,
so I told him not to put the full
1064_bm_eng.indd 31
and what they are saying are
important to us.
A final question - parents
are very busy getting ready for
Pesach. How can we still ask
and listen when we are under so
much pressure and have so little
free time?
These days challenge our
patience for childrens questions
and their need for attention.
Despite that, we all have free
moments throughout the day. As
I mentioned previously, chinuch
is often not about the what
and the quantity but about the
how and the quality. There is
When he finished he said, Rabbi, you need to
start believing more in your Rebbe "
weight of his decision on a letter
that wasnt even addressed to
him. I suggested that he read the
answer as advice and guidance
to be taken into consideration
together with the other advice he
was given.
He agreed to write to the
Rebbe and the truth is, I was
afraid. I knew that this entailed
a life and death matter and I did
not feel confident...
The volume was opened
to a letter the Rebbe wrote to
someone who told him that his
wife was sick with a neurological
disease, and the doctors were
advising a new treatment that
was unconventional and not
yet accepted. The Rebbe wrote
not to do it unless the doctor
would explain his reason for
doing it to two other doctors
and they agreed with him. In the
meantime, suggested the Rebbe,
he should take medication to
treat the disease.
no need to wait for calmer days
in order to have a conversation,
especially when your child needs
you in the here and now.
When we listen attentively for
even one minute, and throughout
those sixty seconds we are
entirely present with the child
with complete exclusivity, we
look him in the eye and convey to
him that he is more important to
us than anything else, that is true
quality which leaves the child
with a positive and constructive
experience that will stay with him
for years.
I saw that he was excited by
this answer that was so on target.
I said goodbye and didnt hear
anything from him for a while.
From mutual acquaintances, I
heard that he remained adamant
and did not agree to the
experiments.
Six weeks went by and I
got a phone call from him. He
sounded jubilant. He told me
that he had just returned from
the hospital where the doctors
found problems with his blood. It
turned out that if he had listened
to the doctors and had done the
experiment, he would no longer
be alive. When he finished he
said, Rabbi, you need to start
believing more in your Rebbe
You told me to take the Rebbes
view as just one factor in my
decision, but I took it as the only
factor and thanks to that, my life
was saved!
Issue 1064 31
2017-04-03 10:14:23 AM
 STORY
MIRACULOUS
HEALER OF THE SICK
Two miracle stories, told by Rabbi Pinchas
Baumgarten and Rabbi Eliezer Gurkow.
OPEN MIRACLE IN
THE REBBES ROOM
R Pinchas Baumgarten of
Buenos Aires, Argentina, told the
following story:
When I was in 770 as a
bachur, in Av 5733/1973, I was
called to the secretaries office
by the secretary, Rabbi Binyamin
Klein ah. I had no idea why, but
of course I rushed over. There
I found three people waiting. I
later learned that the three men
were brothers. They begged the
secretary to allow them to enter
the Rebbes room since one
of them was very sick and the
doctors had given him a short
time to live.
Since they were wealthy, and
they were sure that money would
get them what they wanted, they
did not understand why they
were being refused.
There actually wasnt much of
a conversation between them and
the secretary, since the brothers
spoke Spanish and the secretary
did not know that language. I
knew Spanish because of our
years on shlichus in Argentina,
32 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 32
By Menachem Ziegelboim
Rabbi Pinchas Baumgarten
with my father, R Berel, serving
as the main shliach there.
R Klein asked me to be the
translator and told me to say
that the Rebbe was not meeting
with anybody at this time, during
the Nine Days between Rosh
Chodesh Av and Tisha BAv.
After I explained this to them,
I asked how they were doing and
where they were staying. They
had taken rooms in an expensive
hotel and they had brought along
the doctor from Argentina.
After I explained the protocol
to them, they understood that
they had to wait a few days until
after Tisha BAv. The secretary
understood the urgency of
the matter and gave them an
appointment on one of the days
following Tisha BAv.
In the interim, I met with
them and we even farbrenged
together. Before their yechidus, I
suggested they make some good
commitment as a means to better
receive the Rebbes blessing.
They immediately agreed and
that same day we bought three
pairs of tfillin. Every morning, I
went to put tfillin on with them.
On the day of their
appointment with the Rebbe,
I wrote to the Rebbe all the
details that I knew about them.
The sick man, his wife and two
brothers arrived at 770 and I also
joined the yechidus as per the
secretaries request, so I could
translate what the Rebbe said for
them. I entered the Rebbes room
with awe and stood on the left
side of the Rebbe.
The Rebbe asked them to
sit. After reading the letter that
2017-04-03 10:14:23 AM
 I wrote, the Rebbe said to them
that if they wanted their brother
to recover, they had to commit to
kashrus.
I tried to translate what the
Rebbe said, but apparently I did
not translate it properly. The
Rebbe corrected me and said,
That is not what I meant. I
tried again and the Rebbe nodded
his satisfaction.
Then the Rebbe addressed the
sick man and asked him to show
him where the disease was. The
man had skin cancer and he got
up to show the Rebbe. The Rebbe
put on his glasses and looked
where the man pointed and
said, Pinye, tell him that I see
nothing. Then the Rebbe began
blessing them with numerous
blessings.
When he finished, he asked to
see the exact spot again. He put
on his glasses again and stared at
it and then said again, Tell him
that I see nothing.
They got up to leave but I
couldnt move. Even after they
left the room, I remained stuck in
my place so that R Leibel Groner
1064_bm_eng.indd 33
had to literally pull me out. me sadly, See what happens
The next day, the couple when you dont listen to what the
went to the hospital, where to Rebbe says ...
the amazement of the doctors,
the growth had disappeared. The FAITH THAT SAVED
family was ecstatic and of course
This story, told by R Pinye
they began keeping kashrus
Baumgarten, spread quickly
punctiliously. From New York
among the shluchim. One shliach
they went to Miami and they kept
in Canada, R Eliezer Gurkow,
kashrus there too.
upon hearing it, decided to
A few months later, in Kislev share his own story with fellow
5734, I got married. Since my shluchim. It happened after 3
father was very close to them, Tammuz 5754. This is his story:
they were invited to my wedding,
There was a person in our
but they didnt come. I asked my
community who called me and
father why they didnt come, but
said he wanted to say goodbye.
he didnt answer me. I asked him
When I asked him why, he said
again the next day and he told
his doctors had diagnosed him
me that the couple had gone on
with a critical and rare disease.
vacation to Punta del Este where
In the medical literature there
they were less careful about
are only fifteen cases in the world
kashrus. Within a short time the
and most of them died within
cancer returned and a week later,
six weeks of diagnoses. I was
the man died.
shocked.
When I heard this, I went
That same day I went to his
to console the family, as it was
home to boost his spirits. After
still during the Shiva. At the
that, I visited him frequently. I
entrance to the house I met one
visited him many times including
of the brothers whom I had met
previously in New York. Before
I could say a word, he said to Continued on page 31
Issue 1064 33
2017-04-03 10:14:23 AM
 FEATURE

MOTHER OF
20 CHILDREN
Uzit Schneersohn of Kfar Chabad speaks about
the two minyanim of children she brought into
the world. She describes the hardships, how she
handled things, as well as the joy and health that
are granted to the mother of a large brood. *
Presented for the holiday in which children are
the centerpiece, When your child will ask ...

By Rochel Haramati

I
ts probably happened to
you that you go shopping,
to the dentist, or are waiting
on line for something and
like the typical Lubavitcher, you
start talking with the person next
to you. The baby you hold helps
break the ice and one, two, three,
a nice conversation develops and
you have a wonderful opportunity
for kiruv.
The question is soon asked,
Is that your first?
When you answer, No, the
tenth, the conversation comes
to a screeching halt. She looks
at you with surprise mixed with
confusion, or astonishment
mixed with admiration, or
wonder mixed with concern, and
once again, you need to break the
ice.
Then you go and visit a
Lubavitcher friend and when the
two of you are sitting over a cup
of coffee and catching up with
one another, she says she would
like a break and its too hard and
expensive, and its accepted now.
And then you ask yourself, whats
going on here? I dont get it!
The Rebbes approach is
clear and well-known. The
Rebbe spoke so much about
encouraging large families and
about the enormous benefit of
bringing another Jewish child
into the world at large and
particularly into the family, and
the hastening of the Geula. He
negated any thought of family
planning!
You would have expected
thatunlike the person you
meet somewhere or in your
place of shlichus, who is not yet
a Chassida, which is why she
expressed her lack of faith and
her shock over the size of your
familyat least your friend the
Lubavitcher should know what
the Rebbe said. At least she
should be wanting a large family
and view it as the most natural
and normal thing.
Well, there are all kinds.
There are many wonderful
women whose way of life is in
accordance with the absolute
truth of Torah and Chassidus,
whose desire is to bring more
and more children into the world,
who see each additional child as a
fantastic gift from Hashem, who
dont stop thanking and praising
Hashem for this.
One of these women is
rather famous. She is Mrs.
Uzit Schneersohn, mother of
20 children, boruch Hashem,
and grandmother and great-
grandmother to numerous
grandchildren and great-
grandchildren, kein yirbu.
When you were a girl, did
you already picture having such
a large family?
Not at all. I didnt think about

34 11 Nisan 5777

1064_bm_eng.indd 34 2017-04-03 10:14:24 AM

 it and did not imagine it would be
this way. But as they say, With
the food comes the appetite. I
had my first and looked at her
and wanted more. And if you
can manage with two, then why
not more? I did not want to
interfere with G-d; I preferred
putting the time I had into raising
my children rather than baking
another cake or cleaning the
house some more.
During hard times, did you
consider taking a break?
After my second birth, I was
in the hospital for a month and a
half because of a pelvic fracture,
a rare medical condition,
one in several thousand. The
doctor said that I couldnt have
more children! Aside from the
tremendous pain I would suffer,
it would be downright dangerous.
I did what the doctor said but
became pregnant anyway. I went
back to him and he said I should
immediately abort rl. I said,
1064_bm_eng.indd 35
Excuse me, I cannot do that.
I could not destroy. It was clear
to me that every child is a huge
gift from G-d. So how could I be
an ingrate and give him back the
gift?
I said to my husband, There
is a doctor and there is a Healer
of all flesh who does wonders.
I felt a strong connection to G-d
at that time. I prayed a lot and
boruch Hashem, our Yossi was
born.
Over the years that followed
I felt healthy. I was able to get
around and to function and I was
grateful for every additional child.
There are women who wait for a
child for 20 years and I merited
to have 20 without waiting, so I
do not stop saying thank you to
Hashem.
After my eighth birth, I
suffered tremendously from
thrombosis in my legs. I went to a
top doctor who told my husband,
If she continues to give birth, it
is dangerous and you can start
looking for another wife.
I thought that life is more
important, and I had children
waiting for me at home, so I
started a medical treatment that
the doctor recommended which
made me feel horrible! I felt that
I would kill someone, G-d forbid.
I stopped it and begged Hashem,
If you give me another one, it
should be a healthy pregnancy.
Boruch Hashem, our Shmulik
was born and everything was
fine. Of course I did not neglect
myself; I had my legs treated
and I took natural remedies that
helped me recover. I carried on.
Now I look at them all and
say: Hashem, who could I
give up? Each one is an entire
world with ambitions and
amazing accomplishments and
a wonderful legacy. It is literally
the revelation of the Ein Sof
within the nature of creation.
Issue 1064 35
2017-04-03 10:14:24 AM
 Feature
I thank G-d for my health, that at my age I still
get around and am active. Most of my friends are
already in wheelchairs with lots of medication. Giving
birth is healthy for a woman, healthy for the world,
healthy for everyone.
How does one manage
financially?
We had to adjust ourselves to
the childrens needs. Parnasa is
from heaven. One can be without
parnasa, G-d forbid, with one
child and another has 20 children,
and each one has what they need.
They may not have had all the
luxuries of the latest styles and
lots of toys, because I simply did
not find them necessary. I wanted
them to live properly, and that
they should get along socially.
A child can sometimes find a
paper and crayons, or a pot and
ladle that are given with a smile,
more enjoyable than a battery
operated fancy car that runs on
its own all day and makes their
natural creativity wither. You
can take simple things that dont
cost anything and make children
happy with them.
The main thing is to remember
to say a good word and to listen
to them, and then you will see
how they can be happy with just
about anything. Aside from that,
we know (as it says in the HaYom
Yom) that Jewish wealth is not
found in houses and money but
in children who are educated in
the way of Torah and mitzvos. So
it is obvious to us that we are rich
and we feel happy!
They are close in age. Did
they miss out on personal
attention?
I dont think I could give more
attention to children than what
I gave. The nursing period was
great. Those hours were restful
and the children knew that Ima is
36 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 36
in her room feeding the baby and
not to disturb. When I saw that a
baby was a little hungry, I added
almond milk which is the closest
to mothers milk. I would soak
the almonds, peel them, grind
them in the blender with water,
and strain it through a cloth
diaper. The pieces of almonds
that remained on top I ate, and I
gave the almond milk to the baby.
How did you do everything
the laundry, cooking, childcare,
housekeeping, and in such
quantities? Did you get help?
There was no money for help,
so Hashem helped us understand
what is important and what is
trivial, because perfection is
impossible. We are not angels and
we cannot manage everything!
From the time my family grew
significantly, this thought about
important and trivial was my
guiding light. Although by nature
I am neat and clean (to the point
of ironing sheets), I had to forgo
things for the sake of that which
was more important.
Every morning I ask myself,
what is the most important thing
to do today? What is the order
of priorities? And I do that first.
Even if I managed to do only
three out of ten things, I am
satisfied, grateful and happy,
with the three. I see the cup as
half full. I didnt manage this, but
I managed that. Joy and gratitude
create a wonderful atmosphere in
the home, even if the home is far
from being organized, but I am
good with it. My children never
ate off dirty plates and today its
easy with disposables; its a great
solution.
Its really not easy, even
though its the best thing. Those
to whom order and cleanliness
are important, should take help;
its important. Its part of the
expenses of having children. We
rely on G-d who does the best for
us.
When was it the easiest time
for you?
When Yedida and Nediva (the
oldest girls) began helping me.
What age was that?
When Yedida was 3. The first
help I remember well was when
I asked her to help me hang the
laundry. She would hand me
item after item. Do you know
how helpful that was, instead of
me bending down? As they got
older, they helped more. I didnt
burden them, but all help was
appreciated. After the tenth child
things got appreciably easier,
because the older ones helped
raise the younger ones. After
the 20th child, youll laugh, but
I really wanted another child.
Could it be I was done?
In addition to having your
own children, you have done
a lot and are still active in
convincing women not to abort.
What do you say?
There was a long period
of time when I went to every
department at Assaf HaRofeh
hospital. I went with Penina
Yisroel and with other women
and we really made an impact.
Then we would go to the bris and
they would say, This is Uzits
baby boy.
First I spoke about myself.
Then I exposed them to other
insights, such as that G-d does
not ask of us that which we
cannot do. What do you choose
to clean windows or raise a
Jewish child? To develop a career
2017-04-03 10:14:25 AM
 or hasten the Geula through
drawing down another soul from
the treasury of souls?
I always say and its tried
and true, From this child that
you are thinking of aborting,
you will have much nachas!
What a terrible pity to lose good,
wonderful children. And if G-d
forbid you abort, it will be on
your conscience for the rest of
your life. It depends on what you
want, on what you are looking
for in life. Life is limited in this
world. Maybe by aborting you
managed to keep your looks
and get to doll yourself up every
morning. Is that what you are
going to take with you to the
heavenly court, or are you going
with mitzvos and good deeds?
Or, as we put it nowadays,
with what will we go to greet
Moshiach? With lipstick or a
baby?
When the husband finds a
larger family difficult, what can
be done?
My husband was an educator
and a very special person. He
always knew how to introduce
creative ideas and enthusiasm
into everything and raised them
with lots of fun. When Moshe
would come home from work
I would complain that it was
hard for me and I need help. I
meant he should help me out in
the house. What he understood
of what I said is that its hard,
and after ten children, having
more would be too hard. The
neighbors also pitied me and let
me know that ten is enough.
When I realized that, I made
a switch in my head and stopped
complaining entirely. I did what
I could quietly. I learned to
forgo things and to know that
its possible. Despite my orderly
nature I forwent order in favor of
giving attention to the children.
Moshe would come in and
1064_bm_eng.indd 37
R Moshe Schneersohn ah
say, Oh my, what a balagan
(chaos).
I would say, Whats the
problem, the door is open! and
he would laugh.
My mother ah would come
and say, Leave the children and
make some order. I spent more
time with the kids, listening,
giving attention, watching over
them, but I have no doubt that
it is far better to raise children
in an orderly home. The
chaos bothered them and still
bothers them, but they have to
understand that they have one
mother and she isnt an angel
and whoever wants order, should
make order.
What should women do if
they yearn for children but were
not blessed with them?
They should help those with
children! I grew up in a home
with seven children. We had a
childless neighbor. My mother
would let her come down every
morning and help us; apparently,
she liked doing this. A woman
who helps with a large family
is a partner with them, and
women with children should not
be ashamed to ask for help. If a
woman does it happily and feels
good about helping, its a mitzva
for her and for us its so helpful.
Your career as a
grandmother started very
young, while you were still
bearing children of your own.
Did your grandchildren feel the
love of a grandmother or was
that impossible?
The grandchildren dont miss
out on having a grandmother.
They feel there is another person
who loves them, they have a
grandmother who is interested
and who smiles at them; they
dont need more than that. It
doesnt matter that I gave birth
along with my daughters and
daughters-in-law that goes
together excellently. There
are those who think that there
needs to be a space between
raising little ones and having
grandchildren. People plan
We dont need to plan anything.
The planning we can leave to our
Boss. There is a baal habayis in
the world, blessed is He, and He
is the best planner there is for us!
Closing remarks?
I thank G-d for my health,
that at my age I still get around
and am active. Most of my
friends are already in wheelchairs
with lots of medication. Giving
birth is healthy for a woman,
healthy for the world, healthy for
everyone. There is nothing more
important. Whoever can, should
grab this amazing gift with both
hands.
We need to constantly give
thanks. Thats how we start our
day and how the rest of the day
ought to go. Laughing is healthy!
Its good! I discovered that,
long before the era of laughter
therapy and workshops. Come
and visit me and youll see
chaos. I help my children with
the grandchildren and its really
nonstop, but boruch Hashem,
there is a lot of joy.
Issue 1064 37
2017-04-03 10:14:25 AM
 HALACHA 2 GO
MEASUREMENTS,
MEN & MIRRORS
Selected Halachos from the
One Minute Halacha project
Mara Dasra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights
CAN GLASS
BE KASHERED?
There are three differing
opinions among poskim on
the subject of koshering glass,
namely:
Glass doesnt absorb, and
therefore there is no need to
kasher a glass utensil. It only has
to be washed and wiped clean.
The opinion on the opposite
end of the spectrum is that
glass does absorb, and that this
absorption is irreversible and
cannot be kashered.
The middle-ground opinion
is that glass, like most other
materials, needs to be kashered if
it becomes treif, and can in fact
be kashered.
The Sephardic custom is to
be lenient and follow the first
view. Ashkenazim, although
they concur with the third
view in principle, are stringent
in practice and do not kasher
glass. Some argue that this
stringency only applies to Pesach
glasswarethat is to say, we
never rely on koshering glass to
remove chametzbut others are
stringent all year round.
38 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 38
By HaRav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, Shlita,
WHAT WORK IS
FORBIDDEN ON EREV
PESACH AFTER CHATZOS?
During the era of the Beis
HaMikdash, Chazal instituted a
prohibition against any Jewish
person performing work from
midday on Erev Pesachthe
hours in which the korban Pesach
was offered. This Rabbinical
prohibition was not removed
even after the destruction of
the Beis HaMikdash and the
discontinuation of the korban
Pesach.
All activities that may
be performed during chol
hamoedsuch as a matter that
will be lost if left unattended, or
something that is necessary for
the days of chol hamoed and is
done non-professionally, not as a
worker trained in that fieldmay
certainly be performed on Erev
Pesach afternoon.
It is only true work that
may not be performed, such as
crafting a new utensil or sewing
new garments. By contrast, one
may repair something that has
been slightly damaged and is
needed at present. Similarly, one
may sew and repair clothing that
has been slightly torn or damaged
and is needed for yom tov. Work
of this kind may be performed
in a professional manner for
oneself, or for someone else but
without payment.
Professional writing is
considered a true form of work
and is not permitted even for a
mitzvah.
HOW MUCH IS A KZAYIS?
The term kzayis is frequently
found in Torah sources. A kzayis
is the volume of an average-
sized olive. However, there is a
difference of opinion amongst
early authorities as to the volume
of an average-sized olive. Many
Rishonim maintain that a kzayis
is approximately the equivalent
of half an average-sized egg
(without its shell). Another
opinion is that a kzayis is slightly
less than a third of an egg (with
its shell).
Regarding a Torah rule, such
as eating a kzayis of matza on
the first night of Pesach, we must
be stringent and go by the larger
shiur; regarding the amount
of maror to be eaten, which is
a Rabbinic ruling, we can be
lenient, if necessary. At times
the larger shiur is a leniency: For
example, regarding the halacha
2017-04-03 10:14:25 AM
 of destroying any chametz over
a kzayis found in our possession
on Pesach which is a Biblical
law, we must be stringent and
deem the smaller shiur kzayis
as the kzayis. (According to
Rabbinic law, we must destroy
even chametz which is under a
kzayis.)
Before making a bracha
acharonah, an after-blessing
which is required only after
eating a kzayisone should be
sure to eat at least the equivalent
in volume of half an average egg
in order to avoid the possibility
of saying a bracha in vain. One
should avoid the equivocal zone:
either eat less than the smaller
shiur kzayis and not make a
bracha acharonah, or eat more
than the larger shiur kzayis so
that a bracha acharonah can be
saidin compliance with all
opinions.
OF MIRRORS AND MEN
The lav (Torah prohibition),
Lo yilbash gever simlas isha
(a man may not dress in a
womans garment) prohibits
many types of adornments and
beauty enhancements normally
practiced by women; in this vein
the Talmud Yerushalmi states
that men gazing in the mirror is
also a violation of lo yilbash.
However, the Yerushalmi
continues, there are exceptions
to this precept, such as those who
are krovim lmalchus (involved
with the government)they may
look in the mirror to maintain the
impeccable standards of dress
befitting their position. Poskim
maintain that there are also a
range of non-glamour related
activities where mirror use by
men is sanctioned: to examine
the body for health purposes,
to avoid nicking the scalp while
taking a haircut, to properly
position tfillin shel rosh (head
1064_bm_eng.indd 39
tfillin), and for checking for food
stains or dandruff on the person
or clothing to present a well-
groomed appearance. Halachic
authorities add that even absent
some sullying substance, a man
may glance in the mirror to
simply straighten his clothing to
look presentable.
Later authorities qualify that
since in the current age mirrors
are no longer considered gender-
specific, the above restrictions
are relaxed and mirrors may be
used for a range of purposes by
men as well. Other authorities
nevertheless maintain that
chaverim (colleagues; i.e.,
Torah scholars) refrain from
gazing in mirrors indiscriminately
and maintain the standards of
previous generations. There are
also kabbalistic motives for men
curbing their mirror use, as it
states in the Zohar concerning
ruchos raos (evil spirits)
unleashed by males who use
mirrors, including a memunah
(appointed [angel]) called Mareh
(mirror) whose negative Hashem. A person who does not
energies are thus fortified.
Obviously, this warning does
not apply to utilizing the mirror
when sanctioned by halacha
those activities outlined by the
Yerushalmi and earlier poskim.
The established practice is
that mirror-use by men is only
restricted when it is lihisgaos
(for vanity)but in other
circumstances and when in the
range of acceptable halachic
practice, or otherwise lsheim
Shamayim (for the sake of
Heaven), it is acceptable. Some
latter-day poskim mention
that in current times, when a
Torah lifestyle has become more
marginalized, it is even more
important than in previous
generations for talmidei
chachamim to be well-groomed
and neatly dressed in order to
make a positive impression;
using a mirror for this purpose
is proper since it enhances
respect for Torah in the larger
community.
ANTICIPATING THE
COMING OF MOSHIACH
One of the principles of our
faith is to believe in Moshiach
and not only to believe in
Moshiach, but to anticipate his
coming every single day. It is a
fundamental tenet of Yiddishkait,
and there are numerous
references to Moshiachs coming
in the Torah. Indeed, we pray
many times a day for his coming.
One of the first questions
asked of each departed soul by
the beis din shel malah (Heavenly
tribunal) is: Tzipisa lyeshuah?
(Have you yearned for the
Redemption?) Some poskim
say that believing that Hashem
will redeem us through the
coming of Moshiach is actually
part of the principle of Anochi
Hashem Elokecha, believing in
do so is denying a basic tenet of
Yiddishkait; therefore, it is crucial
to make everyone aware of this
basic principle of our faith.
Part of believing in and
awaiting Moshiach is not to
make any pre-conditions for his
coming: for example, we may
not say that because Eliyahu
HaNavi has not come, therefore
Moshiach cannot come yet. Nor
may we set a keitz (a specific
time) by when Moshiach should
come, but rather we should
constantly be anticipating his
arrival. It is a halacha to yearn
and pray for Moshiach every time
we think or talk about him.
One Minute Halacha is a succinct
daily presentation on practical Halacha
in video, audio, and text formats, and can
be accessed by phone at 718.989.9599,
by email, halacha2go@gmail.com, or by
WhatsApp 347.456.5665.
Issue 1064 39
2017-04-03 10:14:26 AM
 FEATURE

WHAT IS LUBAVITCHS SE
40 11 Nisan 5777

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 The events of Pesach 5733: Lubavitcher Chassidim on Tahalucha
meet Satmar Chassidim, Rabbi Elbergs comments on the royal
characteristics of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbes response
to the question of the secret of successfully influencing so many
people, and the difference between a Jew and a goy. * Sparkling
gems discovered in the letters of a diary written to friends and
family by Rabbi Yekusiel Menachem Rapp ah, mashgiach in
Tomchei Tmimim 770, director of Chabad at Kennedy Airport,
and director of the Matteh LHatzolas HaAm VHaAretz.

By Chaim Bruk

Rabbi Yekusiel Rapp

(bottom right)

I
met him for the first time at the
Central Bus Station, said R
Refael Cheruti, of Nachalat Har
Chabad in Kiryat Malachi. It was
when I was a young man starting to take an
interest in Judaism and Chassidus. I went for
my first Shabbos to the yeshiva in Kfar Chabad,
and at the Central Bus Station a Lubavitcher
bachur noticed me. He came over and asked,
Did you put on tfillin today?
I told him that I was on my way to the
yeshiva in Kfar Chabad, but he was focused
on his goal and he said, First put on tfillin.
He then called over another bachur who was

S SECRET TO SUCCESS?
Issue 1064 41

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 Feature
manning the stand with him.
Zimroni, come put them on with
him.
That is how I met R Kuti
Rapp ah, and, yibadel bein
chayim lchayim, R Zimroni
Tzik, shliach in Bat Yam. We
kept up over the years and when
R Rapp went to the Rebbe, he
sent me letters with a diary of
events he experienced in the
Rebbes presence. Apparently,
these were photocopies of some
of the letters he sent to his family.
Unfortunately, I cant find all the
letters, but I have two of them.
When I went to console the
family during Shiva, I presented
them with a copy of the letters.
R Cheruti allowed the letters
to be published in Beis Moshiach
and we thank him for that on
behalf of our readers.
A DESCRIPTION OF A VISIT
TO THE REBBE
BH
Pesach 5733
Our Pesach was experienced
with elevation of spirit and
supernal joy in the fullest sense. I
will write a little about the events
(and experiences) of Yom Tov
with the Rebbe:
The sdarim and the Yom Tov
meals took place in the farband
hall that was prepared especially
for Pesach (not in the kitchen of
the yeshiva dormitory where they
eat all year). After Maariv on the
first night, and after the Rebbe
finished giving out matzos mitzva
to those who had not made it to
the Rebbe on the long line that
continued for several hours on
Erev Pesach, we merited that the
Rebbe came up (on the red carpet
that was prepared on the steps
in his honor) to the hall where
we held the seder and scanned
the bachurim and the kearos
to see that they were arranged
42 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 42
according to custom.
He went to the kitchen and
blessed Mussia the cook and
returned to the hall and blessed
us, Chag HaPesach kosher Williamsburg neighborhood (and
vsameiach, ulshana habaah other neighborhoods), about an
bYerushalayim, ulkiyum hayiud hours walk from Crown Heights,
Elokei Yisroel oseh niflaos
levado amen vamen. Then the shuls, the joy of Yom Tov, and
Rebbe walked toward the door
as the hundreds of bachurim
sang the new niggun in honor of
the Rebbes 72nd year, Yifrach
BYamav Tzaddik.
Then the Rebbe visited
Yeshivas Hadar HaTorah (the
yeshiva for baalei teshuva),
where the bachurim made the
seder, and blessed them. Then
the Rebbe went upstairs and
looked over the entire building,
their zal, the classrooms and
bedrooms, and he also wanted
to go up to the roof. He asked
whether there was a sukka there
for Sukkos. The Rebbe said, Its
one thing for the bachurim to use
paper plates for Pesach, but here
[Hadar HaTorah] better quality
dishes should be used. When the
Rebbe left the building, he made
a hand motion of amazement.
On Thursday, the first day
of Chol HaMoed (outside Eretz
Yisroel), there was a Kinus
Torah in the farband hall for
the yeshiva students in Crown
Heights. A few bachurim who
live here and learn in other
yeshivos also attended. Bachurim
from the yeshiva here and from
other yeshivos in America and
other countries said pilpulim
of chiddushei Torah for
several hours. The gathering
was organized by R Zalman
Wilschansky. In addition, there
was the established Kinus
HaTorah that took place in 770
that Rabbi Mentlick organizes,
where roshei yeshiva and others
speak.
On Shvii shel Pesach,
toward evening (as every year),
a large crowd, thousands of
people, walked on Tahalucha
accompanied by singing to the
in order to bring joy to Jews in
to convey to them sichos of the
Rebbe and the General Letter
(addressed to all sons and
daughters of the Jewish people in
every place they may be) which
the Rebbe wrote for Pesach.
It poured during Tahalucha,
but that did not stop the Rebbes
soldiers from carrying out the
order and going, happily! I
heard that they announced that
day in Satmar in the name of
their Rebbe not to fight and to
welcome Lubavitch graciously.
Indeed, we were welcomed in
Williamsburg graciously and with
wonder over the obedience of
Lubavitcher Chassidim.
After everyone finished their
assignments in the shuls, they
gathered in one central spot
and one of the Chassidim read
the Rebbes letter before a large
crowd that gathered there and
the dancing lasted a long time.
We returned to Crown Heights
late at night.
At the big farbrengen of
Acharon shel Pesach, the
Rebbe spoke about rains of
blessing that accompanied us
on Tahalucha and danced with
us (absorbed in the clothing)
while we brought Jews the joy of
Yom Tov. The farbrengen began
before sunset and lasted seven
hours (from 6:30-1:30).
At the end of the farbrengen,
the Rebbe gave leftovers of his
matza to Rabbi Mentlick so he
could distribute it at the Kinus
Torah the next day (which was
attended by Rabbi Simcha Elberg
who, after saying a pilpul, spoke
2017-04-03 10:14:29 AM
 about the royal characteristics
of the Lubavitcher Rebbe). The
Rebbe also said that the series
of talks on the conclusion of
Meseches Ksubos on the topic
of Yemos HaMoshiach that he
started on 11 Nissan, was his
participation in the Kinus Torah
(R Yoel reviewed this at the
Kinus). On the Shabbos after
Pesach the Rebbe continued on
this topic at length discussing the
Rambams codification.
After Birkas HaMazon (which
the Rebbe himself said over a
kos), Maariv and Havdala, the Rabbi Rapp with the Rebbes packages of matzos that were sent to Eretz Yisroel
Rebbe gave out kos shel bracha
from his cup to the thousands of
ziknei Anash and shluchim went grow your thing). You simply
participants who passed by him
to the Rebbes room to bless him need to have his welfare in mind
until after 3:15. Many also asked
and R Moshe Pinchas Katz (a and then what you say will have
for kos shel bracha on behalf
Kohen) said the priestly blessing an influence on him.
of their relatives and friends
(as he does every year on this They asked about the
which they would send to other
day). The Rebbe responded, And difference between a Jew and a
countries. The Rebbe personally
I will bless those who bless you, goy and the Rebbe answered,
conducted the singing and the
with the blessing of HaKadosh A goy is also a creation that
rejoicing during the distribution
Baruch Hu with an increase that G-d invested in, but a G-dly
of kos shel bracha. Toward
is greater than the original and spark that is a Jew. From a
morning, the Rebbe left the room
this is a preparation for a kosher spark you can make a flame
after he himself began singing the
and joyous Pesach. which illuminates and warms. To
niggun Ki BSimcha Seitzeiu.
A few weeks ago, the illuminate and warm the world is
Fortunate is the eye which
leadership of the UJA had something only a Jew can do.
saw (and the ear that heard the
yechidus with the Rebbe, six They asked about Chabads
sichos and joy and) all this. I
men and their wives (these are attitude toward Eretz Yisroel
will, G-d willing, write about the
the ones who decide and are in and the Rebbe answered, Eretz
sichos at the farbrengen another
control of the charitys money, Yisroel is a holy land and even
time, but for now I will make do
more than the 17 who entered the non-Jews admit to this and
with this brief description.
previously, which I already wrote call it the holy land. However,
I will end with a blessing for to you about). The Rebbe spoke fulfilling mitzvos is easier outside
a pleasant and healthy summer to them in detail about how to of Eretz Yisroel (I cannot take
(Rambam in Hilchos Deios says allocate the funds (which is why responsibility for the exact
it is from the ways of Hashem they came) and that they should quote on this [KR]). Because in
to have a healthy, whole body). give most of the money for Jewish Eretz Yisroel (with Hashems
Kol tuv, your son and brother, education. eyes upon it) there is more
Yekusiel They asked the Rebbe, What particularity about mans deeds.
is the secret of Chabads success? They had the yechidus
PEARLS FROM YECHIDUS How do they influence so many together with the Rebbes
Pesach 5733 people? secretaries and were there for
And now, some of the The Rebbe said, When an hour and a half. I heard these
latest news: influencing a Jew, one does not points from Avrohom Shemtov
need to look at him from the top who had a part in bringing them
On 11 Nissan in the
down, nor because you desire to and who also went in with them.
afternoon, before the Rebbe went
bring him to your approach and Before and after the yechidus
home before Shabbos, a group of
movement (Ufaratzta, i.e., to

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 Feature
A few weeks ago, the leadership of the UJA
had yechidus with the Rebbe, six men and their
wives. The Rebbe spoke to them in detail about how to
allocate the funds and that they should give most of the
money for Jewish education.
the members of the secretariat
farbrenged with them in the
Rebbes library near 770.
Preparations for the Lag
BOmer parade are in full swing.
They are preparing this year for
at least 20,000 children and
students. On the flyers they
wrote there will be 50,000. They
hung a banner about the parade
and the Shnas HaShivim on
the Tzach building 788, and
over Kingston Avenue, corner of
Eastern Parkway (the banner is
attached to houses on both sides
and the cars drive under it) and it
is quite impressive.
The Rebbe gave one hundred
single dollars for the parade.
There was a big gathering of
Anash and they sold each of
the dollars for $118, and the
bachurim also participated in
this by pooling into groups. And
since all the dollars were sold, the
Rebbe added $80 (of which 50
were sold) and said that if they
need it, he would add more.
Apparently, there will be a
broadcast from the parade to all
countries and on the radio here
too. And from now on, it seems
that at every weekday farbrengen
there will be a radio broadcast,
like on Purim. On 11 Nissan the
farbrengen was not broadcast
on the radio, because they only
found out that it would take
place on the day itself, and so
last Motzaei Shabbos there was
a tape that was broadcast on the
radio for about an hour.
When will we have a radio
broadcast in Eretz Yisroel too?
44 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 44
Your son and brother,
Yekusiel
IN THE MARGINS
OF THE LETTERS
In one of R Rapps letters,
the Rebbe is quoted as saying
in yechidus, Even the goy is a
creation that Hashem invested in,
but a G-dly spark - that is a Jew.
From a spark you can make a
flame that illuminates and warms.
Illuminating and warming the
world is only for a Jew ...
When I read this I was
reminded of what R Rapp told
me when I interviewed him
for Beis Moshiach, about an
interesting thing that happened
when he was involved in sending
matzos from the Rebbe to Eretz
Yisroel.
The second part of the story
was left out of the article written
then, due to lack of space, but
perhaps it would be fitting to
include it here as an addendum
to what the Rebbe said in that
yechidus quoted above, from
which, by the way, you can see
to what extent R Rapp lived
wholeheartedly with what the
Rebbe said in his sichos and with
the instruction to do all that you
can to bring Moshiach.
THE REBBE RECEIVED THE
INTERNATIONAL TANYA
This is what R Rapp told me
at that time:
In 5744, when they began
printing the Tanya around the
world, I arranged a printing of
the Tanya at Kennedy Airport. At
the time, those in charge of the
project did not give permission
to print the Tanya everywhere;
just in cities and yishuvim, but
R Chadakov gave me permission
to print it at the airport. He said
that its an international area.
The Tanya printed at the airport
was one of the first 1000, number
625.
The binding of the sfarim
took place around the time
that the Rebbes matzos were
being shipped to Eretz Yisroel, a
shipment that I was responsible
for overseeing. I brought two
Tanyas with me (since we printed
two kinds of dedications) in order
to give them to the Rebbe, while
they were packing the matzos.
When I handed the Rebbe
the Tanyas, he asked me,
Did you already receive my
participation? (Whoever printed
a Tanya received $20 from
the secretaries as the Rebbes
participation in the printing). I
said, Not yet. The Rebbe said I
should go to the secretaries later
and get it. He then added, Since
you gave two sfarim, get two
bills (of $20 each).
When I called the secretaries
to report to R Leibel Groner
about the shipment of matzos
and to give him the number of the
container, as the Rebbe said to
do, so it would be easier to locate
it in Eretz Yisroel, he asked me,
Where will you be tomorrow by
the Torah reading?
I said, By the Rebbe in the
beis midrash (in the zal upstairs
where they davened and read
from the Torah in those years).
He said, The Rebbe wants to
give you the money himself for
the printing of the Tanya and to
hear for himself how it went with
the matza shipment. Tomorrow
morning, stand near the door of
2017-04-03 10:14:29 AM
 the Rebbes room after the Torah
reading.
The next day, at the appointed
time, I stood in Gan Eden
HaTachton (the hallway outside
the Rebbes room). The Rebbe
appeared after the Torah reading,
took out two bills from his pocket
and gave them to me. He asked
how it went with the shipment
and then spoke to me about a few
other things.
AN ALLUSION TO MIVTZAIM
IN MAGEN AVROHOM
I figured that one of the
reasons for this kiruv from
the Rebbe was that along with
the Tanyas, I gave the Rebbe
a letter with a report about
activities in recent months at the
airport. I described what we did
on Chanuka with thousands of
passengers who lit the menorah.
A while before writing the
report, a Chassidishe young man
wanted to encourage me, and he
showed me that in the Magen
Avrohom commentary on the
Laws of Chanuka there is a remez
(allusion) to Mivtza Chanuka at
the airport. The Magen Avrohom
writes, In Erfurt (in English it
sounds like airport) they would
light four and five lights. Thats
the remez, he said jokingly, for
lighting the menorah for 400
and 500 people (or thousands)
during Mivtza Chanuka at the
airport.
The halacha there is actually
about whether you can light
several wicks in one bowl. The
Magen Avrohom writes that
in Erfurt (which refers to a
European city by the name of
Erfurt), they light four and five
lights together. But the Magen
Avrohom writes, I forbade it
to them, since he rules that by
doing so, it becomes like a torch.
I said to the young man that if
so, it is not a remez to encourage
mivtzaim since the Magen
Avrohom forbids lighting the way
they lit in Erfurt.
I wrote this all to the Rebbe in
my report and added that perhaps
one can explain this in a light
vein based on what the Rebbe
said in the sicha in which he
spoke passionately about Mivtza
Neshek and Mivtza Chanuka.
The Rebbe said that all the small
lights would join together to be a
large flame that would burn the
remnants of galus and bring the
light of the Geula.
I thought that based on
this one can say that this is the
remez in the Magen Avrohom. I
forbade it, is from the Hebrew
root to (assur) bind all together,
as the Rebbe said, so that by
mivtzaim and lighting the many
candles, four and five hundred
become a great torch that burns
the remnants of galus and brings
the light of the Geula.
I wrote all this in my report.
Who knows? Maybe the Rebbe
enjoyed it and that is why he gave
me the money himself.
***
This is what came to mind
when seeing the words of the
Rebbe in yechidus quoted in R
Kutis letters, about the G-dly
spark of the Jew and how that
can grow into a flame, and how
it is only the Jew who can light up
and warm up the world with his
inner flame.

G-d miraculously this is the G-d to whom we hope; we shall rejoice and be
Continued from page 47
saved the glad in His salvation.
children that With the blessing of a kosher and happy Pesach
might later receive the Torah, so will He also save our M. Schneerson
generation that the Torah may not be forgotten. He will
After Pesach, on April 18 1952 [23 Nissan 5712] Mr.
save the remnants of our children also from those who
Beckelman responded:
rise up to destroy them, G-d forbid, through a distorted
education which calls evil - good, and good - evil, Dear Rabbi Schneerson:
and considers darkness - light, and light - darkness. Thank you very much for your kind Passover
Despising the Torah of G-d. G-d will save us and them greetings. I, too, hope that it will be possible for us to
from their hands, that this generation be the generation continue to cooperate with the work of your organization
of the Redemption, not by might and not by power, but in the interests of our common cause.
by the spirit of G-d, and every one, boy and girl, man With all best wishes,
and woman, will recognize G-d, pointing a finger and I am,
saying, Behold our G-d, to whom we hoped to save us;
Sincerely yours,

Issue 1064 45

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 CHABAD HISTORY

PASSOVER
GREETINGS
FROM THE REBBE
Pirsum Rishon: In honor of the upcoming holiday of Pesach we
present letters of the Rebbe to the American Joint Distribution
Committee (JDC) in honor of the holiday of Pesach, and the
response of the JDC to the Rebbe * The Rebbes Letters

PESACH 5710
The Rebbes Letter to Dr. Joseph J. Schwartz,
Chairman of the JDC:
Nissan 10, 5710
March 28, 1950
Dr. Joseph J. Schwartz
Chairman, European Executive Council,
American Joint Distribution Committee,
Dear Dr. Schwartz:
With the approach of Pesach, the festival of our
Liberation, I send you my best wishes for a kosher
and joyous Pesach.
In our generation, Galuth and Exodus have
both been a bitter reality. No one is more familiar
than you with the appalling circumstances of the
present day Galuth and Exodus of our Jewish
brethren.
It has been your Providential privilege to help
alleviate the pain and suffering of hundreds of
thousands of our brethren. I know with what
high esteem my late father-in-law, the revered
Lubavitcher Rabbi of sainted memory, regarded
your work in this field, for he considered you a real
friend with foresight and understanding for both
the material and spiritual needs of our brethren. I
am sure that his prayerful wishes and blessings to
you, in your public work as well as in your personal
life, will continue to stand you in good stead.
With kindest personal regards and best wishes,
Very sincerely yours,
Rabbi Mendel Schneerson
On April 10, 1950 [23 Nissan 5710] Dr. Joseph
J. Schwartz responded to the Rebbe:
My dear Rabbi Schneerson:
I want to thank you very much for your kind
letter of March 28th in which you express best
wishes for the Passover Holidays.
I had the great privilege of knowing your late
father-in-law, the sainted Lubavitcher Rabbi, and
had the deepest respect and regard not only for
his personality but for the wonderful and inspiring
work which he performed. His Interest in things
affecting the Jewish people was universal and
was not confined to any single country or to any
single group. The community of Israel scattered

46 11 Nisan 5777

1064_bm_eng.indd 46 2017-04-03 10:14:30 AM

 throughout the world was his sphere of interest
and to this community he gave his great heart and
mind and his unbounded energy. It was a privilege
for me to have been associated with him even at
this distance. It is my hope that the same pleasant
associations that prevailed between the Lubavitcher
group and ourselves during the life of your father-
in-law will continue in the future.
With kindest regards and best wishes,
PESACH 5712
The Rebbes letter to Mr. Moses Beckleman,
Director-General of the JDC:
By the Grace of G-d
Nissan 13th, 5712
Brooklyn 13, N.Y.
My dear Mr. Beckelman:
The forthcoming festival of Pesach gives me the
pleasant opportunity to send you my greetings and
best wishes for a kosher and happy Pesach.
Rabbi Benjamin Gorodetzky, who recently
came back for a brief visit, reported to me fully on
the matters of our mutual interest. On his return
he will convey to you my personal regards. In the
meantime, however, I want to take this opportunity
to assure you of my sincere appreciation of your
cooperation, which I trust will go from strength to
strength.
I trust the enclosed Pesach Message will be of
interest to you.
With personal regards and best wishes to you
and yours,
Cordially,
M. Schneerson
Attached to this letter was the English Michtav
Kloli from the Rebbe in honor of Pesach 5712, dated
Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5712 (the Hebrew was printed
in Igros Kodesh Vol. 5 page 277ff):
To My Brethren Everywhere
G-d bless you all,
Sholom uBrocho:
The festival of Passover is approaching.
Everything in this world, on reflection, can serve
us as useful instruction in our daily behavior, either
in our relationship to G-d, or to fellow man, or
both.
The Torah, Torath Chayim, as the name
implies (Instruction In Life), and its Mitzvoth,
are particularly a source of instruction in good
1064_bm_eng.indd 47
living. Still more so are our festivals, since their
purpose is not only to inspire us during the period
of celebration, but their influence is to be felt in our
daily life all year round. First and foremost among
them is the festival of Passover.
The remembrance of the Departure from Egypt
is one of the main pillars of our Torah and faith.
The event of the Exodus has been singled out for
remembrance every day of the year, and on the
night of Passover it is, of course, the very center of
our attention.
Of the numerous lessons which this event has
for us, I want to mention here but one point, a point
which is significantly related to both the beginning
and the end of the festival.
The first festive ceremony, after dark, is the
Seder. It begins with one of its basic features -
the fulfillment of the precept, Thou shalt relate it
to thy son. The Seder ceremony contains changes
and deviations from our customs and practices,
with a view to rousing the interest of the children
and make them participate in the service. Moreover,
our duty to the children is not confined to the wise
ones, but for the wise, the wicked, the simple and
the one who knows not what to ask. All of them
must be gathered to the Seder, and each one must
be instructed according to his intelligence and
understanding.
The concluding event of the story of Passover is
the miraculous Crossing of the Red Sea, when so
great was G-ds revelation, that every one of the
people of Israel could point a finger and exclaim,
This is my G-d and I will glorify Him. The sons
and daughters who were born at the height of
the enslavement and oppression were those who
recognized G-d first.
The end of the festival is rooted in its
beginning.
We must make every possible effort to find the
ways and means (even at the sacrifice of personal
habits and customs) to rouse the young generation
and bring all Jewish boys and girls without exception
the wise, wicked, simple and the one who knows
not what to ask to Torah and Mitzvoth. Then we
can confidently look to the Redemption and be sure
that With our youths and our aged shall we go,
(together) with our sons and daughters.
Like that generation in Egypt, this generation,
too, was born and bred in the most tragic period
of our history. And as in those days of old, when
Continued on page 45
Issue 1064 47
2017-04-03 10:14:30 AM
 FARBRENGEN
CELEBRATING
THE HERE
AND NOW
By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon
T
hey tell a story of
three people who were
schmoozing about what
type of eulogy they would
like to be said at their funeral. The
first one said, I would like the
Rabbi giving the eulogy to stand
up, look at the coffin and say that
the person lying there was known
to be a very smart and learned
man. The second person said:
I wish that the Rabbi would get
up, look at the coffin and say that
the person lying here lived with
Mesiras Nefesh for Yiddishkait
and the education of his family.
The third one said: I think it
would be great if at my funeral,
the Rabbi would get up, look at
the coffin and say Hes moving!
Hes alive!
There are many special dates
throughout the year on which
Chassidei Chabad farbreng
together, clearly.
?Some dates, for example
19 Kislev, seem superficially to
be a celebration of the history and
greatness of Chassidus. Other
times, such as 12 Tammuz, inspire
us when we recall the Mesiras
Nefesh of Chassidei Chabad
throughout the generations.
However tonight is different
from all other nights. Tonight the
message is different: !! financial struggles were crushing.
Tonight we celebrate the 115th
48 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 48
birthday of our father and our I did not know what to do or who
Melech, the Rebbe. The number to turn to. Finally, I decided to
115 is the Gematria of the word pour out my heart to the Rebbe.
. The opening pasuk of the I wrote a letter describing all the
test of the Akeida, when Hashem hardship and all the agmas nefesh
requested of Avraham to act I was experiencing. In the letter, I
with the highest level of Mesiras wrote to the Rebbe that people are
Nefesh, reads as follows: telling me that one of the reasons
that I am not finding supporters
. Rashi comments on is because of our proud and open
the word , saying: stand about our emuna in the
, this is indicative of the Rebbe.
humility of Chassidim.
I opened the Igros Kodesh
We all know that we are going (Vol. 3 pg. 282) and read: It was
through a tremendous test now, my assessment that you might
right before the complete Hisgalus possibly think that the challenge
of Moshiach. The Torah teaches us would be too great, because
the way Chassidim should answer who knows what you would lose
!We are all here and together by fulfilling my suggestion and
we will definitely overcome the request. Therefore when I was at
final test. the gravesite of my revered father-
It is not easy, in-law, the Rebbe, , I recalled
. The following personal your [name] with a request that
story will illustrate this point you find the power within your
soul or that you be granted
It was the night of Rosh the powers to withstand what
Chodesh Tammuz just a few years appears to you as a challenge
ago, which was the last night of the and that very soon you will see
zman. My family was in NY for a that there was nothing to it, as
simcha and I was home alone. I explained in Chassidus with regard
could not sleep that night; I was so to the concept of challenges.
worried. The very next morning, I read the letter, and I
I would have to pay all the money understood the message, but I
owed for the past as well as for still could not imagine how the
the upcoming summer, and the situation would resolve.
Well, there is a Yid in
2017-04-03 10:14:31 AM
 Cincinnati (please daven for Shalom
ben Rachel for a refua shleima!) who
is a Holocaust survivor. He came
after the war to America with just 7
dollars and BH was able to build
up a very successful business. He
values Jewish education and his name
can be seen displayed on almost all
Jewish institutions in the city. Ever
since I moved to Cincinnati, I had
tried meeting him, but I could never
get through to him. And now this was
about to change.
The next day, I woke up a little
late, and by the time I came to
Yeshiva, Shacharis had already begun.
I walked in and saw two bachurim
laughing. They said that a few minutes
ago an older man walked in and asked
to speak to the Rabbi. Because I had
not been there I was busy being
sad they assumed he was just an
ordinary visitor and took him around
the Yeshiva; they danced with him
and then he went on his way. Before
he left, he gave them a paper with his
name and personal number. When I
saw the paper, I almost fainted. It was
this big Gvir who had come looking
for me!
I quickly called him and
apologized for missing his visit. On
the phone, he told me that he was
not sure what happened that day. For
years he had known that I was trying
to connect with him, but he was not
interested in meeting me. Yet this
morning, he woke up with the feeling
that he needed to visit me
Baruch Hashem, he has been
supporting me ever since. certainty that
. not just Adoneinu whose directives
Dear Chassidim, especially all
those gathered here that answered
Hineini, we know for sure that if we
have full Emuna, then his Torah. He is !
. at any moment the sea of Helem
Yet the world conceals the truth
like the ocean conceals the treasures
beneath the water. We all desire the
splitting of our ocean of children from the time they are infants
before our eyes and that the truth that
we know should be revealed to the
1064_bm_eng.indd 49
entire world. way, then .
We are about to celebrate Pesach, While most of the older
the time of Yetzias Mitzrayim and generation bemoans the advancement
Krias Yam suf. There is only one way of technology and the seemingly
that we will see that , endless , we ought to take
and that is if . a moment and look at what is in front
The Rebbe revolutionized the of our eyes: Thousands of young boys
entire world. There is no place is the and girls who have grown up in this
world where the light of the Rebbe great nisayon and are the strongest
has not reached and permeated. The and most dedicated chassidim,
sea of Helem Vehester does not exist hundreds of people who have been
for the Rebbe. Of course, the Rebbe niskarev to the Rebbe and have given
is a Nasi, Navi, Melech and Tzaddik up everything for their commitment
and therefore nothing is concealed to the Rebbe. What is their secret?
before him. Yet the Rebbe, with his What is the source of their strength?
tremendous love for us, shared a I am sure, if we asked these children,
special secret that we can learn from, we would all hear these three words:
and the secret is very simple. What !
was on the Rebbes mind since the It is so important that as we
day he was born? celebrate another year of the Rebbes
In a famous letter written on presence in our lives, our commitment
11 Nissan 5716 to Mr. Shazar, the ought to get stronger.
Rebbe makes it very clear: From I want to share with you another
the time that I was a child attending personal story. Ten years ago I spoke
cheider, and even earlier than that, with a friend about becoming a
there began to take form in my mind partner in the Chinuch of the Yeshiva.
a vision of the future redemption He agreed and starting sending me
the redemption of Israel from its a check every month for the amount
last exile, redemption such as would of 1050. After Pesach, I noticed
explain the suffering, the decrees and that the amount went up to 1060.
the massacres of exile. Part of that The next time I spoke with him, I
special future will be a special person, thanked him for the increase. He said,
Nasi Zeh Melech, a king for whom The increase is because the Rebbe
the only one above him is Hashem. increases. I assumed he meant that
Bhashgacha Pratis, this letter his business was doing better with
is the letter . the brachos of the Rebbe. But then
We are all familiar with the Pasuk in he continued, Until 11 Nissan, the
Mishlei . This letter Rebbe was 105 so I sent 1050, now
is the key to Hatzlacha in everything that the Rebbe is older, and became
in Chinuch. We all must know with 106, the Tzdaka needs to increase as
. The Rebbe is well.
Let us all take on Hachlatos to
we follow; the Rebbe is not just strengthen ourselves, our families and
Moreinu that we ask him advice, our communities to get involved in
and not just Rabbeinu that we learn the . Let
And us all stand up, say Lchaim and show
the world that we have full faith that
Vehester will split and the Rebbe will ... !
be revealed to the whole world. When
, when we educate our Rabbi Avtzon is the Rosh Yeshiva of
Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati and a well
that they are connected to the Rebbe sought after speaker and lecturer. Recordings
Melech HaMoshiach and we live this of his in-depth shiurim on Inyanei Geula
uMoshiach can be accessed at http://www.
Issue 1064 49
2017-04-03 10:14:31 AM
 TZIVOS HASHEM
THE BAAL SHEM
TOVS GENTILE
HELPERS
PART I
A small house made of
old wood stood on the side
of a mountain, among the
mountains between Kitov
and Kosov, as though hiding
in its shade. As far as the eye
could see were the Carpathian
Mountains in their full glory.
G-ds creation is magnificent
indeed.
A young couple lived in this
house, a couple which chose to
flee the tumult of the city and
the hordes of humanity. They
had married just a few months
earlier and had built their lives
in peace and quiet.
The mans name was Yisroel.
In his childhood he had been
called Yisroelik and later, when
he became the great leader
of the Jewish people, he was
known as Rabbi Yisroel Baal
Shem Tov. Despite his youth
there was always a seriousness
about him, and he looked like
someone older who was steeped
in wisdom and possessed of
great intellect. His eyes always
radiated joy and his face was
50 11 Nisan 5777
1064_bm_eng.indd 50
By Menachem Ziegelboim
serene. By his side was his young
wife Chana.
The two of them lived in this
shack, alone in the mountains.
It wasnt easy for Chana, who
was dislocated from her birth
city of Brody where she had
lived with her family. Her older
brother was Rabbi Avrohom
Gershon of Kitov. He was one
of the members of the kloiz
(informal group of great Torah
scholars immersed in full-time
Torah study) in Brody, and
was considered a mekubal and
great in Torah. However, this
was the condition that her
future husband made when
their shidduch was suggested,
that after the wedding they
would leave the bustling city
and live in isolation where the
young groom could continue
to chart his spiritual course in
climbing the heights of holiness
and purity, a course exclusive to
him and based on the guidance
of his illustrious teacher.
The young lady soon
figured out her groom s secret.
She realized he wasnt just a
teachers assistant for young
children but a bachur with
a lofty soul. She agreed to his
stipulation despite the sacrifice
it required of her.
Chana was happy, even
though she did not see her
husband much at home.
Throug hout the week he would
wande r throug h thick forests
of which there were plenty in
the Carpathians. He would leave
home on Sunday morning and
return on Friday afternoon,
before Shabbos. And yet, Chana
was happy. She knew that her
husband was an outstanding
tzaddik, a scholar, and a holy
man. Not many knew this.
Actually, only she knew. He
hid his ways from others, even
from her brother who was
angry at his sisters decision to
marry this apparent simpleton.
R Gershon had not thought
his sister would do such a
shidduch. He hoped with all
his heart that he could marry
her off to an outstanding
Torah scholar, someone G-d
fearing, and not some nobody
who appeared one day at his
home and showed him an
2017-04-03 10:14:31 AM

engagement document that
R Gershons late father had
signed.
After the couple met briefly,
they agreed to marry. Having
no choice, R Gershon had to
go along with the plan. But in
order not to suffer shame from
this ignominious match, he sent
the young couple far away.
He was happy they so readily
agreed to comply and did not
realize that this was exactly
what his new brother-in-law
wanted.
And thus, far from the
public eye, Yisroel would
wander through the mountains,
during the long summer days in
the heat and during the snowy
winters, going from path to
path, skipping from one rock
to another, crossing brooks and
praying and singing to Hashem,
as he reached ever greater
spiritual heights. He held a
ridged thick staff in his hand
and carried a small pack on his
1064_bm_eng.indd 5
shoulder. The pack contained his
tallis and tfillin, a seifer or two,
and some bread.
To suppor t their household,
Chana did various jobs while her
husband continued his growth
in isolation and his holiness
reached great heights. There
was nobody happier than her.
PART II
The snows began to melt, and
the first signs of spring began
to show here and there. The
holiday of Pesach was beginning
to approach, but Yisroelik did
not yet have matzos or meat
for the upcoming holiday of
freedom. Making do on little or
continuing his many customary
fasts were not options, since
eating matza is a biblical
commandment.
So Yisroelik hitched his horse
to a wagon and set out for one
of the nearby villages. There, he
slaughtered an animal in proper
fashion and with the little bit of
money that he had, he bought
some wheat and ground it well
and set off for home with a
medium size sack of flour and a
supply of meat for Pesach.
When he arrived home, he
said to his wife, It would be
a good idea to bring the meat
and flour into the house and
to unhitch the horse. He then
hurried off to the hut where he
would often sit in solitude, so
as to return immediately to his
spiritual pursuits. Only he truly
appreciated the inestimable
value of every moment.
A few minutes passed,
and before his pious wife had
managed to bring the sack of
flour into the house, a sudden
storm bore down and it began
to pour heavily, the torrents
of water flowing down the
mountain sides and washing
away the last remaining vestiges
of snow that still remained.
There was no end to the
Issue 1064 51
2017-04-03 10:14:08 AM
 anguish of his wife over the another surprise rainstorm appeared to be a sturdy fellow
sack of flour that had been which would turn this flour too with broad shoulders, and large
solid legs in heavy shepherds
rendered chametz due to the into chametz.
exposure to water. She realized For many hours, he dragged boots.
that there was nothing that the wagon up the steep The name of the strange
wandered
could be done except to use the mountain until he had no young man who
the mount ains was
flour for regular bread baking. strength to continue. Standing among
known among the
Hurriedly, she informed her next to the wagon, he began already
gentile s, so Yisroel ik was
husband of what had occurred to cry bitterly. He understood local
the man
so that he be aware of the that this was a heavenly test not surprised when
sed him like an old
situation and once again go off placed in his path of fulfilling addres
Srulch e, tie your wagon
in search of flour for shmura the mitzva, but he no longer friend,
to my wagon and Ill take you
matza. had any strength.
home. The powerf ul man
Yisroelik was not upset in the
decree loaded the horse carcass onto
least, and accepting the PART III
the wagon, the two wagons
of Heaven, he set out once again
As he stood crying, he could were hitched to each other,
to one of the villages, in order
see through his tears the image and the young Yisroelik began
to acquire wheat to be ground
of a tall and impressive figure to walk alongside his unlikely
into flour for matzos. When he
approaching. The man appeared companion as they made their
completed the task, he loaded
to be an honorable and dignified way up the mountain.
the sack of flour onto the
Jew making his way easily A short while later, the two
wagon, and set out once again
struggl ed through the winding mountain reached the hut of the young
for home as the horse
paths. Yisroelik understood that couple. When they reached the
to climb the long hill upon
this was no ordinary Jew that house of the Baal Shem Tov,
which his hut was situated.
just happened to be passing. the gentile turned to him and
It was a long and steep It must be Eliyahu HaNavi
said, What will you give me
road, and the haggard horse himself who had come special
if I skin the horse for you?
toiled mightily to drag the for him. Eliyahu HaNavi looked
This was considered a valuable
heavy wagon with the sack of at him and with a warm
commodity in those parts, and
flour. Although having traversed smile informed him, You
the Baal Shem Tov gave him
this road many times in the should know that your tears
a gold coin worth thirteen
past, it seemed as if this time are pleasing and your prayers
rubles as he skinned the animal
the horses strength was not up have been accepted. I will
expertly and speedily.
to the job. The young Yisroelik immediately send a gentile to
tried to help the horse and take the wagon and the flour to Not long after, another local
push the wagon from behind, your house. gentile came to the Baal Shem
but the pitiful animal could not Tov and he bought the horse
Meanw hile, Yisroelik started hide from him for four gold
withstand the effort and in
awake and realized that this coins, and said to him, Try
middle of the climb it collapsed
had been a dream and that he to use the money to buy nice
and after a few moments
had dozed while crying. He had clothes for your Jewish holiday,
breathed its last.
merited seeing the fulfillment for you and your wife. The
Yisroelik was well aware that of fortunate is one who sees
Baal Shem Tov realized that
this area was almost completely his face (Eliyahu HaNavi) in a
these gentiles were messengers
devoid of human traffic and dream. Knowing that this was
sent to him from Above, to help
there was no point in waiting not a simple dream and that
him with his needs for the Yom
for help. Having no choice, he his salvation was near, Yisroelik
Tov.
was compelled to drag the waited patiently. Presently,
wagon himself, since he was (Based on Shivchei
he spied coming up the path HaBaal Shem Tov)
afraid to leave the flour withou t
a powerful gentile with a
proper protection in case of
horse and wagon. The gentile

B"H. 11 Nisan 5777

7 April 2017 Number 1064
Price: $7.00 Part 2 of 5

1064_bm_eng.indd 2 2017-04-03 10:14:07 AM