@LKQBKQP

HOW COULD G-D DESTROY THE HOLY

 TEMPLE? (CONT.)
D’var Malchus | Likkutei Sichos Vol. 29, pg. 9-17

A DAILY DOSE OF MOSHIACH

 Moshiach & Geula

A LUBAVITCH DRESS CODE: IS THERE

 SUCH A THING?
Insight

MY REB MENDEL (CONT.)

 Chassid | Rabbi Hillel Zaltzman

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 A¤S>O J>I@ERP

[Continued from last week]

3. The above will be understood in

HOW light of an analysis of what is stated in

[the compilation of Midrashim
known as] Yalkut [Shimoni] in the
beginning of the section on
Yirmiyahu18: “‘Aryei (a lion) arose

COULD G-D in the astrological sign Aryei

(Lion/Leo) and destroyed Ariel (the
Lion of G-d)...’ [The latter statement
is elucidated as follows.] ‘Aryei arose’
refers to Nevuchadnetzar, as it is

DESTROY written, ‘A lion has arisen from its

thicket.’19 ‘In the astrological sign
Aryei’ [is referred to in the verse],
‘until the exile of Yerushalayim in the
fifth month [i.e., Av, which

THE HOLY corresponds to the astrological sign

Aryei].’20 ‘And destroyed Ariel’
[referred to in the verse], ‘Woe, Ariel
– Ariel, the city wherein David
encamped!’21 [The statement

TEMPLE?
Likkutei Sichos Vol. 29, pg. 9-17
continues] ‘…in order that Aryei
should come in the astrological sign
Aryei and build Ariel.’ ‘Aryei should
come,’ refers to the Holy One Blessed
Be He, as is written of Him, ‘A lion
Translated by Boruch Merkur has roared. Who will not fear?’22 ‘In
the astrological sign Aryei’ [is
referred to in the verse], ‘I will turn
their mourning into joy.’23 “And build Ariel’ [referred to
in the verse], ‘G-d is the builder of Yerushalayim [i.e., the
Holy Temple in Yerushalayim]; He will gather the outcasts
of the Jewish people.’”24
All Torah matters are precise; certainly the Torah does
not contain anything that is frivolous, G-d forbid. Thus,
we must understand: What is being underscored by the
use of the term “aryei” (lion), both with regard to the
destruction of the Holy Temple (“Aryei arose in the
astrological sign Aryei and destroyed Ariel”) and to its
[re]construction (“in order that Aryei should come in the
astrological sign Aryei and build Ariel”)? The passage
could have simply read: “Nevuchadnetzar came in the
fifth month, etc., in order that the Holy One Blessed Be
He should come, etc., and build the Holy Temple.”
4. The explanation is that in this manner the Midrash
negates a general misunderstanding with regard to the
destruction of the Holy Temple, as follows.
It has been ruled as Torah law25 that “All those who
break vessels and tear clothing and demolish buildings,
etc., in a destructive manner transgress the prohibition
‘Do not destroy’ 26 [i.e., wastefully destroying property].”
Moreover, in addition to the prohibition “Do not

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destroy,” with regard to the Holy Temple, there is the 21 Yeshayahu 29:1.
prohibition of “(You shall tear down their altars, etc.) Do 22 Amos 3:8.
not do so (to G-d, your L-rd)” – we may not damage
23 Yirmiyahu 31:12.
[even] a part of the Holy Temple: “One27 who smashes
[even] a single stone from the alter, or from any [part] of 24 T’hillim 147:2.
the Temple proper, or from the area between the façade of 25 Rambam Laws of Kings 6:10; the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan
the Temple and the alter, in a destructive manner, is Aruch Choshen Mishpat Laws of Care for the Body and One’s
punishable by lashes, as it is said,28 ‘You shall tear down Life and the Prohibition of Wasteful Destruction of Property
their altars, etc. Do not do so to G-d, your L-rd.’” How s’if 14.
much more so does the latter prohibition apply with 26 Rambam ibid continues, “but he is punished with lashes
regard to the destruction of the entire structure of the only…according to Rabbinical Law.” See the commentary
Holy Temple, as the Rambam lists the prohibition “not to Mishneh L’Melech on Law 8…that according to the opinion of
destroy the Holy Temple or synagogues or centers for Rambam, every instance except with regard to [the wasteful
destruction of] trees is only according to Rabbinical Law.
Torah study”29 in the Enumeration of the
However, the wording of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch
Commandments. ibid is, “transgresses a [Biblical] prohibition, as it is said, ‘do
The question is raised30: Since “He tells His words to not destroy, etc.’” See the legal dispute paraphrased in
Yaakov, His decrees and His judgments to Yisroel”31 – Encyclopedia Talmudis entry “Not to Destroy,” beg.
that is, G-d fulfills the Commandments, as it were, which 27 Rambam Laws of the Chosen Temple 1:17, etc. – see
He tells to the Jewish people32 – how could33 G-d have Footnote 26 in the original.
been “allowed” to destroy the Holy Temple?! Indeed, the
28 R’ei 12:3-4.
demolition was done as a mission from G-d, may He be
blessed, as stated in prophecy, “Behold, I send and I will 29 Seifer HaYad, beg., Prohibition 65; similarly, in Seifer
take all the families of the north, says G-d, and to HaMitzvos Prohibition 65, etc. – see Footnote 28 in the
Nevuchadretzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and I original.
will bring them upon this land and upon its inhabitants 30 The reference for the following is the book Nefesh Chaim
and upon all these nations around, and I will destroy them Vol. 1 (of Rabbi Chaim Palagi), 2nd Edition, Section 14,
and make them for a desolation and for a hissing and for where it is discussed.
perpetual ruins.”34 31 T’hillim 147:19.
If the Holy Temple was destroyed because the Jewish 32 Shmos Rabba 30:9; similarly, Yerushalmi Rosh HaShana
people were not worthy to have it, G-d could have simply 1:3. See Brachos 6a (regarding t’fillin), among others.
concealed it, as we find with regard to the Sanctuary 33 See B’Reishis Rabba 11:5.
(Miskan) that “The Tent of Meeting was stored away,
etc.”35 Moreover, regarding the Temple itself it is stated 34 Yirmiyahu 25:9 ff. See ibid 7:14 (“I will do to the house
upon which My name is called…as I did to Shiloh), 32:3
that “Its gates were sunken into the earth.”36 Likewise,
(“Behold I deliver this city into the hand[s] of the king of
several of the Temple’s vessels were stored away.37 Babylon, and he shall capture it”), among others.
[To be continued be”H] 35 Sota 9a, end.
NOTES:
36 Eicha 2:9; Eicha Rabba ibid (2:13); BaMidbar Rabba
18 Remez 259, etc. – see Footnote 17 in the original. 15:13; Zohar I 3a. See Sota ibid and the commentary of Rashi
19 Yirmiyahu 4:7. there.

20 Ibid 1:3. 37 Yoma 52b, where it is discussed.

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 JLPEF>@E  DBRI>

27 TAMMUZ: THE PERFECTION OF THE

BEIS HA’MIKDASH WILL BE INSTILLED

A DAILY WITHIN THE WHOLE WORLD

At the dedication of the Third
Beis HaMikdash, “the Sanctuary
which Your hands, Hashem, have
established,” the concept of “I will

DOSE OF come to you and bless you in every

place where I mention My Name”
(as is written at the conclusion of
the reading of the
Commandments) will be revealed in
Ten

MOSHIACH the whole world (literally “in every

place”).
In other words, the perfection of
the Beis HaMikdash, “where the
Kohanim were given permission to

& GEULA: mention G-d’s Ineffable Name at

the Priestly Blessing,” will be
revealed and instilled within the
entire world, as is written, “on that
day G-d shall be One and His Name
27 TAMMUZ - 4 AV One,” “as I am written, so am I
called,” since the whole world will
Selected daily pearls of wisdom from the be a dwelling place for Him (as in
the example of the Mishkan and the
Rebbe MH”M on Moshiach and Geula. Beis HaMikdash).
(Shabbos Parshas Naso 5751)
Collected and arranged by Rabbi Pinchas Maman
Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry 28 TAMMUZ: THE THIRD BEIS
HA’MIKDASH WILL EXIST ETERNALLY
It is stated in Zohar (Vol. III, 221a) that the First
and Second Beis HaMikdash are “structures of man”
(which have no permanence), whereas the Third Beis
HaMikdash, since it is “the building of G-d,” will exist
forever.
The First Beis HaMikdash corresponds to Avrohom,
the Second Beis HaMikdash corresponds to Yitzchok,
and the Third Beis HaMikdash corresponds to Yaakov.
And since the attribute of Yaakov is truth, and truth
means that it has neither interruption nor change,
therefore, the Third Beis HaMikdash will have an
eternal existence.
(Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 9, p. 26)

29 TAMMUZ: THE DEDICATION OF THE THIRD BEIS

HA’MIKDASH – THE GREAT FARBRENGEN THAT WILL BE IN
THE PRESENCE OF THE ENTIRE JEWISH PEOPLE
In simple terms, the request of Yaakov to dwell in
tranquility is immediately fulfilled mamash in actual
deed and in a revealed state (in the name and on behalf
of all Jews, as it were), and there will be fulfilled [the

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concept of] “Indeed, the righteous shall praise Your all Jews will be on the level of Aharon as Kohen Gadol
Name, the upright shall dwell in Your presence,” in the (“And you will be to Me a kingdom of priests,”
Third Beis HaMikdash. “Kohanim G’dolim”), it is understood quite simply that
There will be a great farbrengen for the dedication the place of every single Jew is in the Kodesh
of the Third Beis HaMikdash before all the Jewish HaKadashim, and when a Jew can enter the Kodesh
People – “all its inhabitants upon it.” HaKadashim – how can he possibly be anywhere else?!
(Shabbos Parshas VaYishlach 5752) (Shabbos Parshas Shoftim 5748; 15 B’Av 5746)

ROSH CHODESH MENACHEM AV: THE PRIESTLY BLESSING 3 MENACHEM AV: WHEN WE MUST ENTER THE HOLY OF
IN THE TIME OF THE REDEMPTION HOLIES IMMEDIATELY [B]
Birkas Kohanim (The Priestly Blessing) is a bracha Another answer to the question on how all Jews can
recited by the Kohanim as they stood on the platform in enter Kodesh HaKadashim (the Holy of Holies):
the Beis HaMikdash. Even today, the Kohanim There is an opinion that Jews will need to enter the
continue to bless the Jewish People with it, but with one Kodesh HaKadashim immediately, in order to bring the
difference. Holy Ark (with the Tablets, etc.) from the place where
Then, in the time of the Beis HaMikdash, the bracha it is hidden to its place in the Kodesh HaKadashim. For
was recited with G-d’s Ineffable Name, i.e., the this purpose, every single Jew can enter Kodesh
Kohanim pronounced G-d’s Name as it appears in the HaKadashim, and surely one can enter for the sake of
bracha in its complete form, “as I am written, so am I “repairing the House” when there is no alternative, even
called.” Today, however, the “Name of G-d” is in a situation of the opposite of purity, and not only “in
crates,” but even “through the
[usual] entrances.”
The gates of the Beis HaMikdash were (Shabbos Parshas Shoftim 5748; 15 B’Av

sunken and hidden in their place, and 5746)

when the Third Beis HaMikdash will 4 MENACHEM AV: THE GATES OF THE
BEIS HA’MIKDASH THAT WERE
descend from Heaven, these gates will SUNKEN IN THE GROUND
Our Sages, of blessed memory,
be revealed and Melech HaMoshiach said on the pasuk (Eicha 2:9), “Her

will erect them in their place. gates are sunk into the ground,”
that the gates of the Beis
HaMikdash were sunken and
hidden in their place, and when the Third Beis
pronounced in the manner we have become accustomed HaMikdash will descend from Heaven, these gates will
to using. be revealed and Melech HaMoshiach will erect them in
In the time of the Redemption, the Kohanim will their place.
once again bless with G-d’s Ineffable Name, as is At first glance, what is the need to use the gates of
written (BaMidbar 6:22), “And they shall set My Name” the Beis HaMikdash that “sunk in the ground”? Just as
– they shall bless them with G-d’s Ineffable Name. the Beis HaMikdash will descend from Heaven, its
(Shabbos Parshas Naso 5751) gates can come down as well?
However, since G-d is the ultimate good (“and it is
2 MENACHEM AV: ALL JEWS IN THE HOLY OF HOLIES [A] the nature of the good to do good”), and since “An
There are those who ask how is it possible that at the individual prefers a portion of his own over nine
coming of Moshiach, all Jews will enter Kodesh belonging to his friend” (Bava Metzia 38a), therefore,
HaKadashim (the Holy of Holies), when the pasuk even in the Third Beis HaMikdash (which will descend
states explicitly, “With this shall Aharon enter the Holy, ready from Heaven), there will be the elevation of the
etc.” – specifically Aharon (and the Kohen Gadol in works of man (“a portion of his own”) through the
general), specifically on Yom Kippur, and specifically erection of the gates that sunk in the ground, by which
with the offering of special sacrifices? there will come the elevation of “a portion of his own”
Answer: According to several opinions, Aharon within the entire Beis HaMikdash, as the one who
HaKohen could enter the Kodesh HaKadashim anytime places the doors is considered as if he built it all.
he wished. Furthermore, since in the Future to Come, (Shabbos Parshas Truma 5744)

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 FKPFDEQ

A LUBAVITCH
DRESS CODE:
IS THERE SUCH A THING?
It says in holy s’farim that in the Unlike other topics, tznius is
not so clearly defined and there is
generation before Moshiach, tznius will more room for judgment and
personal opinion. How can we deal
be a great challenge. As we stand on the with this and how can we come up
with clear-cut rules?
threshold of the true and complete Rabbi Diskin: Remember, tznius
problems are the plague of our
Redemption, we see how tznius is a generation and all groups have to
contend with it. With us, every
major test in our times. * Chabad school has standards for tznius too,
and the standards generally cover
Chassidim, who spread the wellsprings most things. As soon as the school
establishes a standard, mothers and
and deal with all sorts of people, need to daughters have to sign to it and the
administration of the school has to
be extra careful in this area. We are role enforce it.
If we don’t stand behind our own
models for the entire world. * As the rules, we lose everything. It’s hard,
and we cannot explain all the rules to
summer begins, a time when the Rebbe the girls, but the moment a school
obligates the parents and sticks to
urged protecting and strengthening their guns, they will be successful.
Occasionally, new problems crop up
tznius, we present a noteworthy panel and we have to update the rules. We
also need to be aware about what
discussion with several Chabad people can take on and what will fail.
Regarding what is permissible
rabbanim, for the purpose of bringing and forbidden in women’s clothes,
there is a booklet put out by Rabbi
this urgent topic to the attention of Wosner which details precisely what
type of clothing is permissible and
parents and educators. what is not, along with illustrations.

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 is to stand out. If you use this as a
PARTICIPANTS: guideline and you check everything
against it – does it impart dignity or
Rabbi Chaim Ashkenazi does it stand out – you can readily
Rav of the Chabad community in Tel Aviv and mashpia in Yeshivas see where the bounds of tznius are
being breached.
Tomchei T’mimim Ohr Yehuda At a woman’s funeral, may
Heaven protect us, it is customary
Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Diskin not to place the deceased there for
Rav of the Chabad community and shliach in Kiryat Ata, a mechanech the recitation of Kaddish and
T’hillim because of tznius, even
and rav of a Chabad high school in Kiryat Shmuel
though she is covered, so as not to
emphasize that there is a woman
Rabbi Dovid Meir Drukman present. Today people think that a
Rav of Kiryat Mochkin and the Chabad community of Kiryot covered woman is a modest woman
and the truth is, you can be covered
Rabbi Moshe Weiner but in a way that is the complete
opposite of tznius, by wearing
Author of K’vuda Bas Melech on the laws of tznius, New York
clothing that is ostentatious and
provocative.
Rabbi Weiner: Regarding all
It has the kashrus seal of the Badatz what is accepted in the “world.”
those things explained in Shulchan
HaEida HaChareidis. We should There are many nuances and
Aruch about covered or uncovered
have a similar thing that will clarify subtleties (or rather lack of subtlety)
areas of the body, customs of a place
what Chabad’s position is. and there are groups who have
or the prevalent styles make no
Rabbi Drukman: Generally already done the work for us. All we
difference, since the Torah is eternal.
speaking, there are instructions from need to do is adopt what they’ve
However, there are details in the laws
the Rebbe that we should do what is already decided (in chareidi
of tznius that depend on the customs
accepted by other chareidi mosdos, mosdos).
of the place, though the custom of
Beis Yaakov and the like. (By the Rabbi Ashkenazi: “Tznius” is
the place can only be more stringent
way, the Rebbe said this also from the root “tzanua,” i.e., not to
than what it says explicitly in
regarding the curriculum.) In order stand out. The function of modest
halacha, not less so.
to set clear guidelines, it’s not clothes or a modest hairstyle is to
In other words, even if most
enough to know the halachos; you express a person’s dignity, unlike
women in a community or a
also need to be aware of styles and immodest clothing, where the intent
bungalow colony, etc., are not
particular about the length of sleeves,
Not every group of dresses, and stockings, as explained
in halacha, it is forbidden for women
people can take on to follow the prevalent custom there!
It is regarding such a “minhag,” that
all stringencies, it says that the letters of “minhag”
are the letters of “Gehinom.”
but when it comes One of the reasons our
ancestors left Egypt is because they
to those things did not change their way of dress.
that are obligatory How does this pertain to us, the
generation of Geula?
according to the Rabbi Ashkenazi: This is very
pertinent to us. Unfortunately, today
laws of tznius, we buy clothing according to what is
in style, which is determined by the
there can be no goyim, and it changes every so often.
Truly modest women wear the same
Rabbi Chaim Ashkenazi compromises.
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styles for years. impossible to discern that this is a other rabbanim what the custom is in
Tznius needs to start with the Lubavitcher girl, then even if what Eretz Yisroel, and said it also
mothers and teachers, because when she is wearing is technically modest, depends on the climate of the
they wear short or tight clothing, it it shouldn’t be worn. region). From what the Rebbe said, I
has a direct influence on the girls. Rabbi Weiner: In the Siddur understood that, generally speaking,
Remember that lack of tznius is Yaavetz (Amudei Shamayim) it talks from the age of three there must be
worse than eating pork! Since a lack about tznius before the coming of tznius, which would mean long
of tznius can impact dozens, even Moshiach, and it says there, “It is sleeves, no pants, etc.
hundreds of people a day, those who proper for Yisroel to be outstanding However, regarding the details
are exposed to forbidden sights, this in their clothing and their customs (socks, etc., and the precise length of
is in the category of “causing many and in all their ways, so that the the dress) apparently this depends on
to sin,” and a person cannot do legion of the King will be known the custom as well as the child’s
t’shuva for this! Someone who among the nations as His seed, His physical development. In any case, at
appears immodestly has no way of glory and splendor when the loyal one point an announcement was
knowing how many people were shepherd comes and recognizes his posted in 770, and they said it was
ensnared because of her, and if she flock. And who can calculate the day from the Rebbe’s secretariat, that the
wants to do t’shuva she will never of his coming, the master whom we girls who come to shul should be
know who she harmed. seek [i.e., Moshiach Tzidkeinu].” dressed modestly from the age of 3.
Rabbi Drukman: This is all the In other words, the modest Rabbi Diskin: In the Alter
more important in this period of the clothing of the Jewish people will be Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch it does not
eve of the Geula, especially in light of the way Moshiach recognizes them. say anything about the age of 3. I
what it says in holy s’farim that the Rabbi Pinchos of Koretz is quoted in remember a time when in Beis
generation of Moshiach will have the his Midrash Pinchas as saying, “The Yaakov schools they were particular
greatest test in the area of tznius. In exile hangs on a hair,” and some about tznius only from grade 3 (age
the Torah it says, “It should not be explain this as the hair in a man’s 9). However, due to the decline in
seen any immoral thing amongst you beard and others explain it as a the generations, we cannot start
and He will turn away from you.” single strand of a woman’s hair that being particular about tznius from
From here Chazal learn that is not covered. the age of 6 or 9, because immodesty
immodesty causes the Sh’china to The Rebbe says that according is so prevalent. Therefore, the Rebbe
depart. to Shulchan Aruch, a girl from the instructed us to be particular starting
The Rebbe once said that if a age of 3 has to conduct herself with from the age of 3.
Jewish woman or girl thought about tznius (Likkutei Sichos vol. 18, p. I have been teaching in Chabad
what immodest conduct could cause 448). Yet we see many who do not girls schools for 25 years. Tznius
(the departure of the Sh’china!), the do so. Is there a halachic basis for problems that in the past, came up in
conclusion would be obvious. not doing so? tenth grade and up, are now
We find that the prophet Rabbi Weiner: In the sicha of commonplace in grades 5 and 6. And
attributes the destruction of the first Parshas Truma 5741, the Rebbe says I’m talking about things that go
Beis HaMikdash, among other explicitly, “the inyan of tznius, against what it says in Shulchan
things, to the immodesty of Jewish according to most poskim, begins at Aruch. Therefore, just as the Rebbe
girls. Of course, today, as we three years and a day,” and he cites spoke about starting to light Shabbos
anticipate the complete Redemption the work K’vuda Bas Melech, where I candles even before age 3, and he
and the rectification of the churban brought the views of various poskim explained that because of the
with the building of the Beis who discuss this. I wrote that the intensifying darkness we need to
HaMikdash, our behavior has to be halacha is to dress little girls, when illuminate the house from an earlier
appropriate. they reach the age of 3, according to age, so too with tznius.
Rabbi Diskin: We Chabad all the laws of tznius detailed in I once asked Rabbi Wosner about
Chassidim need to be different halacha. The fact that some do not this and he said that even though in
(“v’niflinu”). Our girls should not do so is irrelevant, as we said earlier the past they began at age 6,
look Modern Orthodox. It should be regarding a custom which is the nowadays we begin at age 3.
clear to all that they are Chabad. opposite of halacha. Rabbi Ashkenazi: As soon as the
There should be a difference in how Rabbi Drukman: The Rebbe Rebbe writes that, we Chabad
we look even in those things that are once told me in yechidus that the Chassidim have no heter to act
permissible according to Shulchan details in this depend on the custom otherwise. However, apparently this
Aruch. As soon as it becomes of the place (and he told me to ask horaa is primarily about the tznius of

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clothing. So for example, we find need to carry out the Rebbe’s horaa, Rabbi Ashkenazi: One of the
regarding a 3-year-old in the men’s though Beis Yaakov does things that principles of a Chassidishe chinuch is
section of shul, that the Rebbe said go beyond the requirements of the not to accept the world’s
this is permissible until she reaches halacha and are additional assumptions. When you wear
the age of chinuch and stringencies. Not every group of something trendy, it’s a gateway
understanding (and maybe this is people can take on all stringencies, through which you can be dragged
why she needs to dress modestly, but when it comes to those things after things that are immodest. It
because she is in the men’s section, that are obligatory according to the could be that the garment itself is
for the men cannot say the Shma or laws of tznius, there can be no modest, but since it was designed by
take out a Seifer Torah if she is not compromises. a goy whose intention was not to
dressed properly). Can a woman or girl be stylish preserve modesty, wearing it can
How do we implement the while being tznius? sooner or later lead to outright
Rebbe’s guideline to do as they do Rabbi Drukman: Wanting to be prohibitions.
in Beis Yaakov? fashionable comes from feelings of It seems that the big enemy of
Rabbi Drukman: The Rebbe inferiority that some of us have. It’s tznius in our generation is the
once sent the educational director of no secret that there are plenty of electronic media. Cell phones and
Beis Rivka in Kfar Chabad, Rabbi people who regularly try to be trendy internet have claimed many victims
Mordechai Levin a”h, to the menahel and modern. We have this in and in another few years they
of Beis Yaakov (Seminar Wolf) in Lubavitch too, unfortunately, expect every child to be connected.
B’nei Brak, Rabbi Avrohom Wolf a”h because of the interactions with all How do you think we should be
(who was known as a big zealot). kinds of people while doing handling this in our homes and
The latter told R’ Levin that the first mivtzaim. If a person is aware that schools?
thing to do is to have the teachers be they are acting on behalf of the Rabbi Diskin: This is a general
role models! Rebbe, they raise the mushpa to problem that requires a general
Rabbi Diskin: Beis Yaakov them rather than descend to him or Chabad response. Since this is such
schools also have problems, but there her. an urgent matter, I would like to take
is one difference. In Beis Yaakov They tell that the Chassid R’ Itche this opportunity to call upon
tznius is constantly spoken about. In der Masmid (may Hashem avenge rabbanei Chabad to organize a
Lubavitch, it was never the main his blood) once met with students of gathering of the Beis Din Rabbanei
topic, since we speak a lot about Litvishe yeshivos (who shaved their Chabad [in Eretz Yisroel], together
hiskashrus and shlichus. We need to beards and grew their hair long) and with menahalim and rabbanim of
encourage the girls in their tznius as he mocked them, saying, “You look Chabad schools, for the purpose of
much as possible, even if they don’t like [university] students.” He presenting a united position on
always accept what we say. intended on mocking them but they tznius for all Chabad schools. It
Rabbi Ashkenazi: Obviously, we took it as a compliment! should be clear and signed by the
Beis Din and be binding on all school
It’s not that principals.
Then we need to ensure that the
important to our standards are enforced by carefully
surveying the schools and seeing
bachurim, but a how many girls were dismissed
because they did not conform to the
Litvishe bachur standards.
Today the situation is such that
recently told me principals are afraid to fight with
that in his yeshiva, parents and they do not suspend girls
because of tznius infractions. As
if you buy a shirt soon as they have the support of the
rabbanim, it will obligate them to
for less than 200 take action. Likewise, parents would
be able to complain to the beis din
shekels, people about lack of tznius at a particular
school, and if necessary, the principal
Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Diskin look down on you.
#'1 + - 1 & '  ! & 'PPRB 
can be called down to discuss it. reasons of tznius.” Remember, we Rabbi Ashkenazi: A sheitel needs
The same goes for internet and are not all on the level of great to cover the hair, like an item of
cell phones (with internet Chassidim who did not notice their clothing which covers the body. The
connections) – we need to issue a surroundings as they walked down rule that clothing should not draw
p’sak din of all rabbanim that if the street, being preoccupied with a the attention of people on the street
someone does not need it for maamer Chassidus. If at home there applies to a wig as well.
purposes of work (and even then, it is an atmosphere of openness and Rabbi Diskin: This gets back to
needs to have other websites the lack of awareness of basic rules my call for rabbanei Chabad to issue
blocked), they cannot be in one’s of modest conduct (guarding one’s a clear p’sak din on tznius and to see
home. Schools can be told not to eyes, harchakos, etc.), how do they that it is implemented. Rabbanim
accept students who have internet at expect their children not to sin? need to pasken what length is
home. I don’t say that it’s necessary to permissible, bearing in mind that it
How come even public schools constantly talk about this in an should be a “decree that people can
can establish rules about the aggressive manner; that’s not abide by.” The phenomenon of many
students’ homes but in our mosdos desirable either. But every so often it Lubavitcher women wearing a
we do not obligate parents to get rid should be brought up and I kerchief or other non-sheitel head
of the internet? remember that the mashpia, R’ coverings outside, something that the
Rabbi Ashkenazi: Regarding Shlomo Chaim Kesselman a”h would Rebbe fought against, also needs to
television, the Rebbe said that having occasionally discuss these matters be decried.
one brings a priest and a church into associated with preserving k’dusha What about “men’s fashion”?
the home. Internet and the phones with the T’mimim. Does the fact that it is infiltrating
and other little devices that are now How should the phenomenon of our camp pose a tznius problem or
available on the market, go even immodest wigs be dealt with and is it just something that is not
further than television! When they what is the halachic view on this? Chassidish?
are brought into the home, they Rabbi Drukman: The answer lies Rabbi Ashkenazi: We know that
cause people to transgress serious in your question itself. The phrase every action that is done in this
sins, especially the three cardinal sins “immodest wigs” sums it up. If a world with a holy intent, or at least
that we are obligated to give up our woman feels good with the fact that without the opposite of a holy intent,
lives for rather than transgress: idol her appearance reminds people of a can have a positive influence.
worship, immorality, and bloodshed. Hollywood star, then this is a Something done with an intent that
When parents or educators problem, and I’m not talking about is the opposite of holiness has
realize what these devices can do and the element of chilul sheim negative energy, and one who does
how they can easily lead a person to Lubavitch. (I will mention that some this is nourished by the three impure
transgress these three cardinal sins, I simchas that take place in Lubavitch klipos.
am sure they will treat them and the way the women dress for The same is true with tznius in
accordingly and keep them away these events, give no honor to men’s clothing. It says in the Zohar
from children. Lubavitch.) that a man who styles his hair is
Rabbi Drukman: It starts with Rabbi Weiner: If the sheitel does nourished by the impure klipos. The
the atmosphere that the parents not cover all the hair (even if only a entire purpose of fashion is to
instill in the home. For example, in small amount is uncovered), she is emphasize matter over form, which
my role as rav of the city – and this transgressing the halacha. A sheitel has its source in Greek culture. The
is not a chareidi city – I need to that covers all the hair, even if it is as Chashmonaim and our ancestors
appear at various events. I’ve made it nice as her own hair, even nicer, is fought this with mesirus nefesh,
a point not to take my children with fine. In Likkutei Sichos vol. 13, p. which is why we celebrate Chanuka.
me, either because the event is 189, the Rebbe says: A sheitel is In general, the importance of
mixed, men and women, or because preferred even if it is nicer than her modesty in dress is that immodest
of the atmosphere. own hair. When I asked the Rebbe clothing is intended to draw the
At home they should know that why it is preferred if it is nicer than attention of the opposite gender.
we need to keep the rule, “always her hair the Rebbe said: “This is Rabbi Drukman: Everything I
keep your distance from the sordid immodesty with her own body, and said earlier about feelings of
and the like.” Parents can tell this [the sheitel] is a foreign item inferiority and submission before the
children, “We are not buying shoes (the covering of the head is like the customs and trends of the world
in Tel Aviv but in B’nei Brak for covering of the foot, etc.).” regarding women and girls applies to

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men as well. Not to be fanatical, but of yeshiva, Hashem did not retire. and give it over to someone else to
I remember once asking the mashpia A generation ago, Rabbi Yaakov handle.
R’ Mendel Futerfas a”h why he Landau a”h started Tiferes Bachurim If there is a yichud problem, then
doesn’t wear a watch. He said, “It’s in Moscow for working boys, and it there is no heter to transgress this for
modern and it’s hard for me to get was very successful. Even a bachur purposes of mivtzaim. As a rule, if
used to it.” who, for whatever reasons, is not it’s a conversation, it is preferable
I don’t mean to say that people learning in a yeshiva, has to find a that it take place in the presence of
should stop wearing watches. The way to have set times for Torah study someone else.
point is the spirit of what he said. and continue to see himself as being Rabbi Diskin: The Rebbe
The appearance of men must also be connected to the ways of Chassidus, emphasized a number of times that
uniform and Chassidish (and I’m not and just as important – those around men should work with men and
talking about obvious things like a him should view him that way too. women with women. If a woman
beard and a short haircut). It was Rabbi Diskin: Baruch Hashem, asks a bachur on mivtzaim a
always the way you could identify a this is less problematic with us [in question, he can give her material
Chassidic young man. (Clearly one Eretz Yisroel] than in other places. and refer her to the nearest Chabad
does not need to look like a shlump, It’s not that important to the house or give her a phone number of
which, for some reason, some boys bachurim. A Litvishe bachur recently a Chabad house, but no more. There
and men are “mehader” in; nor is the told me that in his yeshiva, if you buy have been cases in which a
other extreme desirable.) a shirt for less than 200 shekels, conversation began on matters of
In chareidi areas I notice working people look down on you. faith and led to extremely negative
men, drivers, vegetable store owners, How should a bachur who goes things.
etc., who despite their line of work, on mivtzaim or to a place of Rabbi Drukman: Of course you
are dressed in Chassidic clothes shlichus conduct himself when need to be polite and respond.
(each according to the group he women ask them questions (and However, when it’s an ongoing
belongs to). For some reason, in what should a woman do in the activity, it is not proper for
Lubavitch (and without making reverse situation)? unmarried bachurim to be involved
generalizations), some people think Rabbi Ashkenazi: The best thing on a regular basis. Even in the case
that because they left yeshiva, they is for a woman to speak to a woman of young married men, a rav and
need to wear a leather yarmulke and a man to a man. If this isn’t mashpia need to be consulted to
(because an ordinary black yarmulke possible, the interaction should be know how to go about it. Rabbi
is too frummy), and they are not done in a very careful way, i.e., Chadakov would see to it that
particular about wearing a hat and keeping a distance both physically bachurim going on Merkos Shlichus
jacket outside the times of davening. and emotionally. The moment a would not go to places known for
We’ve got to get it into our heads person sees that it’s going beyond their lack of tznius.
that even when not within the walls that, they need to escape immediately When shluchim work with a

R’ Itche der Masmid once

met with students of Litvishe
yeshivos (who shaved their
beards and grew their hair
long) and he mocked them,
saying, “You look like
[university] students.” He
intended on mocking them
but they took it as a
Rabbi Dovid Meir Drukman compliment!
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mixed crowd, how particular else’s event and what takes place in and women) speak lofty words and
should they be about tznius in other countries. And there’s a are aloof of the fact that the audience
dress and separate seating (even if difference between married men on is already drowning in the 49th level
it will alienate people)? shlichus, and T’mimim or girls on of impurity and that lofty talk goes
Rabbi Drukman: In my shlichus. over their heads.
experience, I don’t accept that it While on the topic of outreach, These lectures should also be
alienates people (and I work in a do you have ideas on how to teach given by baalei t’shuva, who can
place that is absolutely chiloni, as mekuravim about tznius when the teach others the lessons they’ve
people put it). If it’s presented world associates beauty with the learned. It is not necessary to
properly, nobody is alienated. In lack of tznius? videotape every such lecture, and you
general, there are explicit instructions Rabbi Diskin: When I speak have to know who your audience is,
from the Rebbe to keep men and about this, I explain the point (which because some topics can only be
women separate and I remember is explained in the Rebbe’s sichos addressed in private.
going to many lectures at kibbutzim and letters) that when a person What are the bounds of tznius
of HaShomer HaTzair (virulently wants to express or reveal himself, he within the extended family?
anti-religious kibbutzim) and they does so by means of the emotions or Rabbi Drukman: According to
were definitely separate. the intellect. When he tries to express halacha, aside from a father and his
Yes, there are places (like in himself through his body, it shows daughter, a mother and her son, a
Russia, etc.) where it is hard to do that he does not take pride in other grandfather and his granddaughter,
this (and there are instructions from things. and a grandmother and her grandson
the Rebbe about this). However, we You can point out the – other family members should not
need to know that this is in the deterioration of tznius in the world display signs of affection.
category of a forced situation and in that twenty years ago, certain All the laws in Shulchan Aruch
second-best. It shouldn’t be things were out of the question, and that deal with keeping a distance
publicized to the world; it should be today you see it. This shows how between men and women, apply to
kept quiet. Nobody should think that necessary it is to preserve the bounds relatives too (and in a certain way, it
it’s a first-choice scenario and a of tznius. is more serious with relatives). At the
general license to do the same Rabbi Ashkenazi: A Jew must Shabbos table, there should be
elsewhere. know to display his real self, his separate places for men and for
Rabbi Ashkenazi: The Rebbe’s intellect and emotions. One who women (although there is no need
instructions are that obviously, where dresses immodestly is proclaiming: for a mechitza). Only men should
possible, all guidelines of tznius I’m just a meat market. I have no sing z’miros.
should be observed. However, we substance. Look at my flesh. Rabbi Ashkenazi: You need to be
need to differentiate between Rabbi Drukman: Before we exceedingly careful about getting too
situations in which we are asked to attempt to convince mekuravim, we close, not to mention touching. A
be the guests to convey a message need to convince those close to us, brother-in-law and sister-in-law are
and situations in which we are and in a big way. When we see the like other unrelated men and women.
making the event. deterioration of the family unit and The same is true for uncles and
If the first case, we need to insist society, as a result of permissiveness, aunts and cousins – they need to be
on the more essential matters, such we need to draw our conclusions and interacted with in the same way as to
as the area where the speaker is change direction. men who are strangers, and there is
should not be one that is immodest. It’s hard to cover the subject no heter for getting too close.
In the latter case, we need to ensure exhaustively in the course of an In the family setting, relatives
that all the details are as they should interview, and to do it right you need meet and there is a need to talk
be. That is part of the job – getting to invite speakers (men and women) about all sorts of family topics and to
people to realize that this is the way whose specialty is not only in hand things to one another. Even
we do things. “heavenly” matters but also in what then, you need to keep in mind that
A Chassidishe, G-d-fearing rav is going on down here, on earth. they are really outsiders and it’s only
should be consulted. A Chassid – for They can give examples “from the because they are part of the family
he knows we need to be mekarev field,” and from the shocking circle that there is a connection. You
others. G-d-fearing – so he knows consequences of the licentious need to constantly remember, like a
what is forbidden. One should not behavior of today. red light, that this person is a
draw conclusions from someone Sometimes, our speakers (men stranger as far as getting close.

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 Rabbi Diskin: You need to be Rebbe writes to women, he begins what is okay.
careful to avoid any familiarity which with “Bracha v’shalom” and not Rabbi Weiner: I’d like to mention
goes beyond ordinary friendliness, “Shalom u’v’racha,” because the the book, Yeitzei Adam L’faalo which
not to laugh or be frivolous together. halacha says, “asur lidrosh b’shlom deals with this question. I
If we are not careful about this, we isha” (it is forbidden to inquire recommend it. [In English Nine to
need to know there are tragedies and [directly] regarding a woman’s Five: A Guide to Modest Conduct for
problems among us as a result. welfare). Today’s Workplace by Rabbi Shmuel
What precautions should be I once saw a brochure that was Neiman and The Journey to Virtue -
taken at work regarding tznius? published by a mosad in Eretz the laws of interpersonal relationships
Rabbi Diskin: First, you need to Yisroel which praised the patron of in business, home, and society by
be knowledgeable in the laws of that mosad while noting that she was Rabbi Avrohom Ehrman are
yichud. I don’t think this is studied also a singer. Although it did not say recommended.]
enough in school, which is why that men listen to this female To sum up – action is the main
people are unaware of the basics. vocalist, the Rebbe’s handwritten thing:
Practically speaking, a Chabad house note said to see in Shulchan Aruch *It’s best to shop in modest
should have a male secretary, even if where the halacha says “the voice of places.
the Chabad house director is careful a woman is erva.” *There should be lectures on the
about halacha. The same is true for If Chazal declared l’halacha that topic of tznius that are down-to-
other jobs, where you need to be “ein apotropos l’arayos” (there is no earth and specific.
careful beyond the bounds of safeguard for immorality), it’s not an *People should be knowledgeable
halacha. exaggeration. It’s a halacha and a in the laws of yichud and these laws
Rabbi Drukman: This is a statement of fact. should be taught in school.
question that every person has to ask Rabbi Ashkenazi: If you are *Schools must have standards of
his rav personally. In general, of referring to the person in charge at a tznius.
course you need to be careful to place of work or office, he must see *Rabbanei Chabad are asked to
avoid yichud situations, and when it to it that there is no yichud situation provide tznius standards for all
is necessary to speak to women in and no serving of drinks and schools, to enforce them, and to
work-related matters, there is no refreshments to men and women, compile a book which enumerates
heter to talk at length and to joke and that the female employees be what is permissible.
around and be otherwise social. dressed modestly. If you are referring *See above regarding sheitels and
Many have fallen because of this. In to employees, they need to describe internet.
short, “and your camp should be the situation to a Chassidishe, G-d- From the publication Chinuch B’Derech
holy” – k’dusha is a vessel for fearing rav who will guide him or her HaMelech, published by the Chinuch Committee of
Agudas Chassidei Chabad.
blessing. as to what is in the category of “be
I want to point out that when the killed and do not transgress” and

The modest clothing of the Jewish

people will be the way Moshiach
recognizes them. Rabbi Pinchos of
Koretz is quoted in his Midrash
Pinchas as saying, “The exile
hangs on a hair,” and some explain
this as the hair in a man’s beard
and others explain it as a single
strand of a woman’s hair that is
Rabbi Moshe Weiner not covered.
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 @E>PPFA

MY REB MENDEL
I asked: Are you R’ Mendel? He said he There was silence for a few
seconds and then she asked again,
was and he asked: Are you the son of “Who is there?”
I repeated my answer, “One of
Avremel Zaltzman? I said that I was, us.”
I heard whispering and after a
and we both greeted one another. I few moments the door was opened.

couldn’t hold back my tears and I I entered but did not see anyone.
Then the woman asked me once
noticed that R’ Mendel’s eyes were also again for my name. “Zaltzman,” I
answered loudly, since I assumed
moist with tears. * Rabbi Hillel that the people in the house were in
a nearby room and could hear me. I
Zaltzman remembers the mashpia R’ loudly asked, “Is R’ Mendel Futerfas
here?”
Mendel Futerfas. * Part 2 A moment later, R’ Mendel came
out. Since the last time I saw him
[Continued from last week] lived, which wasn’t far from R’ was when I was very little, I did not
Mendel, and I went over there. After recognize him. I asked, “Are you R’
MEETING IN ascertaining that nobody was Mendel?” He said he was and he
CHERNOVITZ staking out the house, I knocked. asked, “Are you the son of Avremel
When I left Samarkand, I heard footsteps and then a Zaltzman?” I answered that I was,
although I had several things to take woman’s voice asking who was and then we greeted one another. I
care of, my thoughts were on my there. I answered in Yiddish, “One could not hold back my tears and I
future meeting with R’ Mendel. I of us.” noticed that R’ Mendel’s eyes also
arrived in Chernovitz on 16 Tamuz.
Taking the necessary precautions, I
searched for the street where R’ WHY WAS REB MENDEL IMPRESSED?
Mendel lived. I feared that the home During the time that R’ Mendel lived in Chernovitz, the Ribnitzer
of a former prisoner would be Rebbe lived there. Many people turned to this tzaddik for his brachos
under surveillance, so I passed it by but the Chabad Chassidim knew that although he was a great tzaddik,
a number of times until I was we have our own Rebbe.
certain there were no suspicious His mekuravim related in amazement to the Lubavitchers that the
people in the area. Ribnitzer fasted every day, immersed himself daily, and davened for
I knocked on the door but there hours. The Lubavitchers would listen but not be amazed.
was no response. One of the When R’ Mendel came to the city and they told him that the
neighbors heard me knock, came Ribnitzer Rebbe fasted every day, immersed daily, and davened for
out and asked me who I was hours, he was very impressed and said he wanted to meet him.
looking for. I answered: Comrade At first, R’ Mottel Kozliner did not understand why R’ Mendel was
Futerfas. He told me that Futerfas so impressed and only afterwards did he say: the reason none of us
was not at home and was probably were impressed was because none of us had tried to fast or to daven all
at the home of his friend, Moshe day, so we did not appreciate the greatness in this. R’ Mendel on the
Veshedsky since he spent a lot of other hand, knew what this was about and when he heard that there
time there. was a Jew who served Hashem in this way, he just had to meet him!
He described where R’ Moshe

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reddened and were moist with tears.
R’ Moshe Veshedsky, who
overheard the moving encounter,
also came out of the other room. I
gave him shalom while glancing at
his tormented eyes, in which the
hardships of the exile he was in was
apparent. R’ Moshe realized I had
come to meet with R’ Mendel and
he left us to sit together and left for
the other room.
I sat facing R’ Mendel and was
speechless. I was a young man of 20
and I felt uncomfortable talking to
an older Chassid who had many
years of activism and mesirus nefesh
behind him. R’ Mendel understood
how I felt and began our discussion
with his clever smile and a loving
demeanor.
I felt that he was wary of me and
was telling me way less than he was
revealing. I certainly understood
him. After all, he barely knew me
and even if I was Hilke Zaltzman,
the son of his good friend Avremel,
so what? There were plenty of cases
in which the father was a Chassid
and the son was…
But as we continued talking, we
warmed up and R’ Mendel realized
that I really was “one of us,” and he
asked me about Anash in
Samarkand and Tashkent. I told
him at length about our lives there
and about the underground
activities.
I told him about the ongoing
argument between R’ Berke and R’
Moshe during farbrengens, about
which ought to take precedence –
working on oneself or influencing
others and asked his opinion. I
sensed that he did not understand
the question and it was only after I
had explained myself that he said:
If Eliyahu HaNavi himself comes
and tells you that you do not have
to work with others, tell him: You
are truly Eliyahu HaNavi, but we
won’t listen to you; we will continue
working with others.
As we spoke, R’ Moshe walked

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by. Since I did not know him and
did not know whether he could be HOW CAN I SLEEP IN PEACE?
relied upon, I refrained from R’ Mendel was a real Ish Chesed. During the war, when he was in
speaking about certain topics. In Samarkand, he often joined R’ Dovid Deitsch and R’ Mordechai
general, the rule in Russia was that Rivkin in business ventures. Each time he had to invest money, he
you didn’t say everything, even to would take a loan from his partners since the money he earned in the
those you relied upon. You just said previous business venture had already been given to the needy.
what the person needed to know in One time the partners decided that the profits from their next
order to carry out his tasks in the venture would be used to buy gold bars and they would hide it under
Chassidic underground. the floor since owning bars of gold at that time was considered a
(People would joke about the crime. When they needed money for their next deal, they would sell
secretiveness in Samarkand and the gold.
would say that if someone from That’s what they did but when it came time to do the next deal and
Samarkand told you something, he they asked R’ Mendel for the gold, he said: I heard that one of the men
could speak for a long time without cannot support his family even with minimal bread and I thought to
saying anything. The conversation myself, how can I sleep in peace with gold bars under the floor, when
would go something like this: I went one of our young men needs this money for food for his children? I
to a certain place and met with had no choice but to sell the gold and give him the money.
someone. I argued with him about
something and after a vigorous
debate he agreed with me and all is Lubavitch?
well…)
R’ Mendel noticed my
R’ Mendel just said to leave me
alone. (Afterwards, I found out that R’ Berke Chein had
apprehension and said: If you are
being careful about him, don’t tell
in Lubavitch they did not say
Slichos on fast days. Though, the
left, and we were
me anything either, because I’ll tell custom was reinstated later on.) left without a
him everything. In the meantime, R’ Mendel
I expressed my surprise at this began to daven. I couldn’t help but mashpia. There
and R’ Mendel said, “we are one be amazed by R’ Mendel’s davening.
body and one soul,” and he went on He davened at length, like a son was no one with
to tell me at length about their deep
friendship since their youth.
pleading before his father, using the
niggun of R’ Michel of Zlotchov. whom to farbreng,
There are no words to describe the
sweetness that I heard in his prayer.
from whom to get
WHERE DID WE SEE
SUCH THINGS IN
During my stay in the city, I Chassidishe
noticed that R’ Mendel tried to
LUBAVITCH? avoid going to his house. He warmth and
The next day, the fast of the realized that I wanted to spend as
17th of Tamuz, I went to R’ Moshe much time as possible with him, chayus, etc. After
again. Since R’ Mendel’s family was
in England, he had nothing to do in
and he did not want me to visit him
at home since the neighbors would discussing it from
his house and he spent his days with
R’ Moshe.
see me and word could get back to
the authorities. Why was a former
all angles, we came
That day, R’ Moshe Chaim prisoner who was still considered a to the conclusion
Dubrawsky a”h was visiting too. counterrevolutionary, spending time
This was a group of friends who with a young man like me? that better that a
visited together occasionally. I stood Other Chassidim lived in
up to daven and when I got up to Chernovitz at this time, like R’ Jew like R’ Mendel
Slichos, R’ Moshe Chaim passed
near me. He looked at me, then at
Chaim Zalman Kozliner a”h
(known by the acronym Chazak), R’ should come,
R’ Mendel, and pointed out that I
was saying Slichos. He said: Where
Avrohom Shmuel Lebenhartz, and
others. R’ Mottel Kozliner the son
despite the danger
did we see such things in of Chazak, had gotten married and this entailed.

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 In the meantime, R’ Moshe
Veshedsky received permission to
emigrate and he left Russia. R’
Chaim Zalman Kozliner moved to
Samarkand and R’ Mendel
remained in Chernovitz, alone and
with no possibility for leaving the
country.
Chazak lived in our
neighborhood and I took the
opportunity to learn Gemara with
him. He was an excellent teacher
and I acquired much knowledge in
the study of Gemara from him.
One day, when I came for our
shiur, Chazak told me that R’
Mendel wrote him that he had asked
the Rebbe that since the emigration
officials in Chernovitz refused to let
Reb Mendel him out, whereas in Central Asia
some Chassidim had been allowed
moved to Tashkent, and R’ Moshe’s importance to what R’ Mendel had to leave (like R’ Boruch Duchman
son, R’ Michel Veshedsky, also to say. and R’ Berke Chein, who left
moved to Tashkent and lived with Samarkand), should he move to
his sister Dina, who was married to Samarkand or Tashkent. R’ Mendel
THE REBBE’S ANSWER: also mentioned that he was alone in
R’ Mordechai Gorodetzky. Young
people generally did not remain in
CONSULT WITH THE Chernovitz while in Samarkand and
Chernovitz and most moved to AVREICHIM OF Tashkent there was a Chabad
Tashkent, where there was a young SAMARKAND community.
Chabad community. The Rebbe’s answer, which was
Throughout those years, R’
I left Chernovitz with mixed transmitted somehow or other, said:
Mendel tried repeatedly to get out
feelings. I was happy for having consult with the avreichim of
of Russia in order to see the Rebbe,
finally met a true Chassid and Samarkand, how they will receive
and to reunite with his family who
drawing from him an abundance of you.
lived in London. He submitted a
Chassidishe chayus for working on Therefore, Chazak said to me,
request to leave time after time and
behalf of others. On the other hand, go discuss it with the group and tell
was always refused.
I missed him. I wondered when I me what they say.
R’ Mendel once related that one
would meet him again. Chazak was not involved with
of the times that the clerk told him
On the way to Samarkand, the underground in Samarkand
the answer was No, he began to
which took two weeks with all the since we tried to refrain from
yell: What do you want from me?
stops, I kept on thinking about my talking to anyone unless it was
How much can you punish
encounters with R’ Mendel and pertinent. But Chazak, with his
someone? I’ve been a prisoner for
about the other Chassid I had Chassidic sixth sense, knew that we
17 years already, first in Siberia and
gotten to know, R’ Moshe had a group and that I was part of
now within the four walls of my
Veshedsky. it, so he told me to check it out with
home!
When I arrived in Samarkand, them.
Their wicked answer was: Don’t
people were impatient to hear about I immediately went and told my
even dream about getting out. We
my travels and especially, what R’ brother-in-law, R’ Chaim Eliyahu
will never allow you to leave Russia
Mendel had to say about the debate Mishulovin. He was considered the
and reunite with your family.
between R’ Berke and R’ Moshe. R’ brain of Samarkand and many
R’ Mendel did not lose his faith
Mendel’s view causes a great people consulted with him. When he
and he responded: We will see…
hisorerus in the underground work. heard the Rebbe’s answer, he began
What G-d wants is what will
R’ Berke also attributed great to analyze it. On the one hand, this
ultimately prevail!

#'1 + - 1 & '  ! & 'PPRB 

 was a z’chus for the avreichim of
Samarkand and it was also a clear
hint that the Rebbe wanted R’
Mendel to move to Samarkand. On
the other hand, one could
understand from the Rebbe’s
answer that there was reason to fear
danger and it might be better for
him not to move.
What danger was there in
moving to Samarkand? Very simple.
At that time there were some groups
of bachurim who learned
underground. If R’ Mendel, a
released prisoner who was under
constant surveillance by the KGB,
would live among us, it could lead
to great tragedy.
The KGB would know where he R’ Mendel (center) receiving the four minim in the Rebbe’s room
lived, with whom he met, and if we
farbrenged with him or met with Samarkand. We found out that After discussing it from all
him, they would know about it. This tourists who had yechidus with the angles, we came to the conclusion
would put all the underground Rebbe and said that they planned on that better that a Jew like R’ Mendel
activities in danger. visiting cities in Russia including should come, despite the danger this
Go consult with R’ Moshe, said Tashkent and Samarkand, were entailed. R’ Moshe said: we are
my brother-in-law, and I headed asked by the Rebbe not to visit three people – Eliyahu, you, and
straight there. I told him about the Samarkand. Rabbi Binyamin Katz me. Let us pasken together like a
letter that Chazak got from R’ was also warned by the Rebbe not beis din that Hashem will help, that
Mendel and about the Rebbe’s to go to Samarkand. all will be well!
answer, and he exclaimed: Oy, oy, Yet, after living in Samarkand I immediately sent a message to
oy, R’ Mendel wants to come to for nearly ten years, R’ Berke Chein Chazak that the avreichim of
Samarkand… He was well aware of had left, and we were left without a Samarkand agreed wholeheartedly
the danger we would be in if R’ mashpia. There was no one with that R’ Mendel should come. We
Mendel came to Samarkand. whom to farbreng, from whom to excitedly awaited R’ Mendel’s
We saw that the Rebbe was get Chassidishe warmth and chayus, response and two weeks later we
particularly careful when it came to etc. heard that he was on his way.

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 JFO>@IB PQLOV

TO BE HEALTHY...
AND TO KNOW IT
By Rochel Shavi

“I’m sorry, it’s not the tooth. words, complete bitachon in incorrect and there is no basis
The reason it hurts is because Hashem. for your fears, and certainly it is
there is an inflammation under the “It’s nothing,” said the dentist nothing but the counsel of the
root of the tooth. See? You don’t in his most soothing manner. “You Inclination.
have to be a radiologist to see it. won’t feel a thing.” What inclination, Rebbe? I saw
It’s the black area above the white But the Chassidic woman the X-ray!
root.” sitting there just a moment ago With blessing for proper
“Aha, I see it. So what now?” had disappeared. There remained health and that you should know
“I’m going to refer you to an only trembling and dread. it (letter #1123).
oral surgeon. He needs to open it “Here’s the referral.” Heaven forbid. I did not mean
up and clean it out.” “Thank you, Dr. Lieberman.” to give rebuke but I am bothered
“Surgery?” Hashem, why me? I’ve already about your pain and anguish for
And there he was, my old told you, I can’t go through with reasons that have no basis and
acquaintance, gripping my heart this! surely also have no reality, and
with icy hands. Hello there Mr. *** as is known according to what is
Fear. I haven’t exactly missed When I wrote to the Rebbe, explained in Chassidus, the
you… Why Hashem? these are the answers I opened to: difference between the concept of
Yet, the core of all tests is: not I’ve already written you my tests and birurim (experiences
to be at all afraid. In other opinion, that your thinking is one can work through and refine).

#'1 + - 1 & '  ! & 'PPRB 

(ibid #929) Two days later, with the He called his colleague Dr.
Rebbe, it explains there that incriminating X-ray on the light Lieberman.
with birur – there is something box and butterflies in my stomach, “Hello, Dr. Lieberman. This is
that needs to be extracted, and I was at the oral surgeon. “You Dr. Tamir. Regarding the woman
with a test – there isn’t anything know doctor,” I tentatively began, you sent me. Yes, I’m holding the
there, and never was… But I saw drawing on my heaviest artillery, X-ray you took from two days ago
it on the X-ray! The dentist did “I once had something and the and another one I just took now
too. Rebbe miraculously removed it. and the difference between them is
Another two days until the Are you sure we have to go like night and day. No, there
surgery. True, it’s minor surgery through with this?” simply is nothing there, no
and I won’t feel anything – but in “Well, if you don’t want to lose problem at all. What? The tooth is
my mouth!? And what can it be? the tooth…” he said, as he loose? (He looked into my mouth
And why didn’t my cleaning instructed his assistant to prepare with the phone in one hand while
routine work? Maybe, G-d forbid, the materials he needed. trying to shake my tooth with his
there’s something awful there? The materials were prepared other hand.) No, it’s not moving
That is why my old acquaintance and he donned gloves. They took at all. A pocket? (And again, with
hangs around my neck, hardly out the knives from the metal trays the phone in one hand and one of
allowing me to breathe. Two days and I was in turmoil. I even cried his tools in the other hand, he
can be a long time. a little, in fear. They shined the tried to locate the space (i.e.,
How embarrassing. The mind light in my eyes and gave me a pocket) between the tooth and the
should be ruling the heart! I’ll try local anesthetic. Yikes! gum. “No, there’s no pocket…”
again. The HaYom Yom says that the Until the anesthetic took effect, “There’s nothing wrong here,
Baal Shem Tov says that everything
we see and hear is a G-dly directive
for what we need to correct within Someone once asked the Rebbe what
ourselves. What can it be? Above
the upper root of the upper tooth, doctors will do when Moshiach comes.
hmmm. Up on top, above. In my
body, in my home, above, above the
The Rebbe said, “They will convince
top floor…
Oh my! That door! The door
people that they are healthy.”
that for some reason the carpenter
installed when he raised the roof the doctor said it paid to take nothing at all!”
because rain was dripping in, a another X-ray from another angle. “Doctor Lieberman, she’s fine,
door whose threshold is way up A few minutes later and the nurse goodbye.”
there and there is no ladder or brought the little celluloid slide. He looked at me and bent over
steps to reach it, and it doesn’t He peered at it suspiciously and a bit. “Now they’re tears of joy,
lead anywhere except into that said, “I don’t see anything. Dry it right?”
space under the roof, but it’s a some more.” Of course.
door nonetheless! She went off to dry it some All I had left to do was
Danny! Remember that door up more and then came back. “I can’t apologize to the Rebbe and make
there? The one that leads from the believe what I’m seeing!” he said an accounting with the despicable
awning on the porch on top, to quietly to himself. one [i.e., the Evil Inclination],
the roof over Shneur’s room? The “Mrs. …, all the miracles who had vanished as though he
one that the carpenter put there happen to you!” had never been present, with all
when he was fixing the roof a year For the second time within 48 the names that Chazal call him
ago? It doesn’t have a mezuza, hours, I examined my upper jaw and a few more that I thought up
right? and once again, you didn’t need to myself.
Mendy! Quick, go bring a be a radiologist to see, or better And you should know that that
ladder. I don’t care from where. put – not to see, that which wasn’t tooth shook like a door and there
That same day a mezuza was there… was definitely a pocket there, until
put up. “How can that be?” muttered suddenly…
*** the doctor. ***

 2>JJRW #'1 + - 1 & '  ! &

 Someone once asked the Rebbe
what doctors will do when
Moshiach comes. The Rebbe said,
“They will convince people that
they are healthy.”
I never understood that, for if
someone is healthy, they’re
healthy, aren’t they?
Well, apparently not, as long as
he doesn’t know that he is.
This needs to be publicized! To
convince… And this is seemingly a
serious job because the
“opponent” in the heart is truly a
fool (at least my inner opponent),
and really stubborn too. It’s not so
easy to convince him, even when
the miracles are taking place and
even when we are told, time and
again, that the Avodas HaBirurim
is over, and there’s nothing here.
If there are no more birurim, what
is there? Tests.
The final test, the only
remaining avoda, is to prepare the
world, i.e., to tell everybody and
convince them that this is true!
The nightmare is over even if we
don’t quite see that this is so.
Perhaps only another little bit of
effort is needed and that’s all.
To convince them that it’s
possible to relax. To stop being
afraid. To start breathing (the air
of Moshiach). That we need to be
happy and confident now! For
those who cannot accept this
directly from the Rebbe, from the
sichos of 5751-2, Hashem will use
other ways to get the message
across… Doctors who don’t even
wear kippos yet, for example.
Whether we want it or not, we
are the generation in which it will
happen (“you won’t feel a thing”).
“Mrs. …, all the miracles happen
to you.” “A difference between
night and day,” “now they are
tears of joy.” It’s not hard to find
the source in the prophetic words:
with blessing for proper health.
And what is no less important:
That you should know it!

#'1 + - 1 & '  ! & 'PPRB 

 MOLCFIB

early in the morning.

We hope that we can add more
shiurim, thus expanding the shul

TEL AVIV and strengthening it.

Can something be done to
bring in the people and restore
the shul to what it once was?
This is one of the reasons why I
agreed to take the position, in the

REVIVAL
By Menachem Ziegelboim
hopes that I can, with Hashem’s
help, help draw more people in,
and I’d like to do this as soon as
possible. It can be done through
shiurim at the shul; to see to it that
the farbrengens are interesting and
attract people; and through
mivtzaim that will create a
As a child, he watched the Chassidim connection between the people in
the shul and those living in the
in the Chabad shul in Tel Aviv, and area. Remember, the shul is in the
center of Tel Aviv, with everything
observed their davening, their avoda, that entails.
These activities, as well as the
and their farbrengens suffused with work being done in Tel Aviv by the
shluchim, will – with Hashem’s
old-time Chassidishkait. His help – be successful and the shul
grandfather was a rav, his father was a will bustle with life again.
The shul has a lot to offer.
rav, and he saw all this as he got up to Today too, there are special
Chassidic figures, like Rav Butman,
speak when he himself became rav a a Chassid who conveys a great deal
of Chassidic flavor, Rav Menachem
few months ago. * An interview with Lipsker, who remembers the
Chassidic glory of days gone by,
Rabbi Chaim Ashkenazi, rav of the Rabbi Avrohom Shmuel Levin, who
Chabad community in Tel Aviv and a is chockfull of Chassidic stories
from the time he was the Rebbe’s
frequent contributor to Beis Moshiach. representative in Agudas
HaRabbanim in the US, Rav
* Part 2 of 2 Eliezer Reichman, a remnant of the
generation of genuine ovdim, and
Rav Boaz Segal and his wife, who
[Continued from last week] regular minyan for Mincha-Maariv
are full of Chassidic energy.
What’s happening these days every day. For a while now, we
The Rebbe’s way is not to wait
with the community? have had a shiur in D’var Malchus
for people to come to you, but to
First of all, we are trying to on Thursday night and this is
go out in the street with a lantern.
preserve what we have, but the goal followed by a shiur in Gemara. For
We plan on doing a series of
is to bring things back the way about three hours, people sit and
programs, like having Shabbos
used to be, to the glory days. learn with chayus. On Friday night
meals Friday nights for the
It’s the last two to three years there is a shiur in Likkutei Torah.
residents of the area, together with
that the shul has started bustling Lately, we’ve revived the shiur
Chabad Chassidim, to give them a
again, even on weekdays. R’ in Chassidus Shabbos morning, a
taste of the Chabad-Shabbos
Mendel Tzurkenik put in great shiur that weakened in recent years
atmosphere.
effort and was able to reestablish a because people find it hard to come

 2>JJRW #'1 + - 1 & '  ! &

 There’s definitely a demand for someone you can talk to there. In mekuravim, but Anash too,
this and we hope to follow through my opinion, a rav today is someone Chassidim who go way back.
on this soon. It will attract people with whom you consult and talk I’m not coming to give advice to
to the shul. There’s so much to do things over, someone who can old-time rabbanim, and especially
in Tel Aviv, a city with plenty of help. not to rabbanim who hold and
people who are seeking meaning in In other respects, it depends on promote strong views. Who am I to
life. If you put in the work, you can many factors. A rav who grew with tell them what to do? But it seems
reach them. his congregation is different than a to me that this is something we all
What would you say is the role rav who joined an existing k’hilla. need to think about.
of a rav of a k’hilla? So I think that the Alef-Beis of a In the past, a person knew that
I think that nowadays, a rav is a rav is that he be a listening ear, in order to eat meat, it needed a
sort of psychologist of the k’hilla. especially when there are so many hechsher. He had to know who the
The role of rabbanim today is not mekuravim who need a listening shochet was, whether he was G-d-
only to answer halachic questions. ear. They don’t necessarily have fearing. etc. The rav was
Every self-respecting group has questions but they experience many responsible for the local shochet,
someone with whom they discuss difficulties and a lack of clarity and he would check the knives, etc.
things. Even banks pride about how to look at different They didn’t need more than that.
themselves by saying there is things. I’m not talking only about In our generation, in contrast,

There’s so much to
do in Tel Aviv, a
city with plenty of
people who are
seeking meaning
in life. If you put
in the work, you
can reach them.

#'1 + - 1 & '  ! & 'PPRB

we need a hechsher on everything, treif! People don’t understand that the Evil Inclination, you didn’t
on pants, on socks, on sheitels. this is a generation with new means meet him. You could live 120 years
There is nothing that doesn’t need at its disposal. People are stringent and not meet the Evil Inclination,
a hechsher. I’m not talking about a about using meat that is Sh’chita relatively speaking, of course. As
potential problem with shatnez or Lubavitch or Eida HaChareidis, but long as you remained in a village,
idol worship, etc. Today, there is a they forget that there are things you needed candles to seek out the
blurring between k’dusha and the they use every day that are in the Evil Inclination.
opposite of k’dusha. This category of completely forbidden. Today, you need to seek the
confusion is tremendous and it The role of rabbanim is to talk Good Inclination with candles.
affects all aspects of life. about this night and day and to There’s the well-known Mishna
People don’t think we need a make sure that each item gets its with the Arizal’s explanation, “the
hechsher on everything, but we do! hechsher. A rav has to get the night of the 14th, you check for
Take a cell phone for example. message across that we need to pay chametz by the light of a candle,”
Who would have imagined that a attention to every detail in our that when you reach age 14, you
cell phone needed a hechsher? Do lives. The challenges today are very need to begin searching out the
you eat it? But a cell phone has serious. Once upon a time, the Evil Inclination by the light of a
something that other things don’t tests were of the sort that “if you candle, which is the neshama.
have. If a person did all sorts of do this, you’re a Jew, and if you Today it’s the opposite. You
prohibitions, he wouldn’t attain don’t do this – you are not a Jew.” have to seek what is permissible.
what a cell phone can cause. It’s a Today you can be considered a Today, the world is in the category
of the forbidden. Therefore, if we
are moving away from the principle
You used to need a rav to be able to ask that a rav has to wait for people to
come and ask questions about what
him a question about the kashrus of a permissible and what isn’t, then he
has to drill it into the heads of
chicken, because other things were those who listen to him that there
clear-cut. If you didn’t go to the big city are problems of what is prohibited
and the world needs a hechsher.
to seek out the Evil Inclination, you The pritzus, meaning the breaking
of boundaries, is in all areas of life.
didn’t meet him. So the relationship between a man
and his rav is in everything.
A rav needs to know that it
small device, but it is very Chassidishe Yid even with all the depends on him. If he conveys the
powerful, and people don’t prohibitions in the world. message that all problems center on
acknowledge this. What do you think should be the hechsher of meat, then their
To a certain extent we can say the relationship between a young relationship will be about a
that today, it is far less likely for married man and a balabus, with hechsher on meat. If he insists that
someone to be tripped up with treif the rav of the k’hilla? people come to more shiurim, then
meat than to be tripped up by As I said, if a rav is successful the relationship will focus on that.
hearing or seeing things that are in in instilling the awareness that Rabbanim used to rebuke
the category of idol worship, everything needs a hechsher, then people for not coming enough to
immorality, and bloodshed. Most of naturally, the relationship between shiurim and farbrengens, but today
the meat sold in stores [in Israel] is the rav and his congregation will be we have to convey that all 24 hours
kosher, to some extent or another, one that encompasses all aspects of of the day need the halachic
and this is true for other food life. He directs his k’hilla in shalom guidance of a rav.
items, but most of the clothing that bayis, chinuch, parnasa, etc. To the credit of mekuravim I’ll
is sold is far from being mehadrin! You used to need a rav to be say that we see this more with
Most of the written media is not able to ask him a question about them. Someone who was born into
mehadrin! Most things that are the kashrus of a chicken, because a frum home thinks he knows what
heard are not mehadrin, and not other things were clear-cut. If you is permissible and what is
only fall short of mehadrin, but didn’t go to the big city to seek out forbidden, but those who became

 2>JJRW #'1 + - 1 & '  ! &

frum later in life, don’t know a lot. the k’hilla for the sake of the rav? as an inheritance from my father or
You see that their connection with Is the shliach there to serve the city father-in-law. They built up the
the heads of the community, or is the city there for the shliach, k’hilla and I am succeeding them.
whether rav or mashpia, is on etc. In other words, how do I see If the starting point is that I am
nearly every subject. the k’hilla, how I want it to be or for the congregation, the rav feels
Is there a difference between how the Rebbe wants it to be? that “it’s not authority that I give
the conduct of a rav and the The question boils down to to you, but servitude.”
conduct of a Chassidishe rav? whether first there was a k’hilla
The difference is not only and you were chosen to run it, or
among rabbanim but in everything. whether the k’hilla is there to serve
There’s a melamed, and a you, to give you proper respect.
Chassidishe melamed. There’s a This sums up the difference
rosh yeshiva, and a Chassidishe between a Chassidishe rav and a
rosh yeshiva. There’s a shochet, non-Chassidishe rav. Someone
and a Chassidishe shochet. Even who is not a Chassid is not
shluchim – there are organizations ashamed to say openly
that send people out to distant that the k’hilla is
places, yet there is a difference for me. I am a
between a shliach and a rav the son of
Chassidishe shliach, a shliach of a rav,
the Rebbe. generations
The common denominator in all of
of them is expressed in the rabbanim. I
question: who is for whom? Is the received
rav for the sake of the k’hilla, or is this k’hilla

Rabbi Yosef Shmuel Gerlitzky,

shliach in Tel Aviv, blessing
Rav Chaim Ashkenazi on the
occasion of his appointment as rav
 I remember, when my father
came to the yeshiva in Rishon In other words, how do I see the k’hilla,
L’Tziyon in order to invite Rabbi
Shaul Brook to my bar mitzva, R’ how I want it to be or how the Rebbe
Shaul told him a story. In the
courtyard of Rav Boruch wants it to be?
Mordechai of Bobruisk there was a
mud hole. One time, at a interpreted as though I am seeking something that only the
Chassidishe farbrengen, they honor. I am definitely not in a role communities want, but the Vaad
insisted on an explanation as to where I can come and represent a Rabbanei Chabad themselves have
why there was a perpetual mud large congregation, but because of to want it. Otherwise, it looks like
hole in his yard. this, it’s possible that what I have a private business for a group of
He answered that when Adam to say will be taken more sincerely, people, and then it’s hard to
HaRishon saw all the future without ulterior motives. demand that the Chassidim respect
generations and their leaders, he Since the time the Rebbe it as a place where their voice is
asked who would be the rav of appointed the Vaad Rabbanei heard. The impression that exists
Bobruisk. Hashem told him, Rav Chabad and till this day, many today is a painful one. In recent
Boruch Mordechai. Adam spat and changes have taken place on the years they made no changes in its
said, “Some rav he is,” and out of Chabad map in Eretz Yisroel. composition, no permanent or even
his spit this mud hole was formed. K’hillos have grown and others temporary additions.
That’s a Chassidishe rav. have moved on. Thought must be The goal is to give all Chabad
*** given as to how to build the Vaad Chassidim the feeling that they are
One of the issues of the day is Rabbanei Chabad in accordance represented by this Vaad, thus
the representation of rabbanim of with the present-day needs of strengthening the rabbinic
Chabad congregations in the Vaad Chabad. leadership in all Lubavitcher
Rabbanei Chabad in Eretz Yisroel. I don’t mean, G-d forbid, that communities wherever they are,
How do you think they should change any of the and then their views will be more
communities should be principles that the Rebbe widely accepted. There’s no
represented? established, but it definitely has to question that this would give great
I don’t want this to be be built according to present-day nachas to the Rebbe MH”M.
needs. It doesn’t have to be

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 JLPEF>@E  DBRI>

B’HESECH HA’DAAS
By Rabbi Shlomo Halpern
Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry

Despite the fact that it says that one: For some reason, the
instructions that he and Rabbi
Moshiach will come “b’hesech Wolpo received in connection with
the printing of the seifer Yechi
ha’daas,” at a moment of diversion, we HaMelech were simply ignored. I
have no cause to doubt the veracity
must be careful not to be diverted from of what he wrote, and thus it is not

the general approach of the Rebbe my intention to refute him, although

there were some inaccuracies in his
MH”M to personal instructions, from presentation. If my suggestion had
been accepted to gather together all
his conduct during the years of 5753- the Rebbe’s answers on the subject
of Moshiach and the Redemption,
5754 to the limited responses from this whole discussion could have
been spared in advance. In any
earlier years. event, he deserves some
appreciation, as in his merit, we are
learning about additional answers
THE CONFUSING STAMP the letter, and he didn’t want to deal
from the Rebbe. Here, the child
During the time of the Beilis with them. He decided instead to
asks: What are you waiting for?
Affair, a Torah scholar living in a tend to the stamp on the envelope
Maybe you’ll finally consent to give
small town in Russia came up with with the Czar’s picture upside-down,
us the privilege of seeing all the
an idea on how to refute the blood coming with the excuse that this is
answers in your possession? Did
libel. He sent a comprehensive letter rebelling against the king!
you receive instructions to release
to the prosecutor himself, detailing them with an eye dropper?
all the Torah evidence from Talmud THEY CLAIMED WHEAT, So why does this remind me of
and Shulchan Aruch for the AND HE ADMITTED TO the story of the stamp? Very simple.
prohibition against consuming BARLEY… Here too, there is no response to the
blood, and – so he thought – their main claims made in the previous
claims would be nullified… Over the past several days, I have
received numerous phone calls from article. I never suggested that the
The letter arrived at its answer to Rabbi Wolpo was meant
destination, and the prosecutor read friends and acquaintances: “Nu,
have you seen it already? Have you to apply to everyone. Rather, the
its contents. When his secretary publishing of the seifer is a matter
asked him for his opinion on the responded?” In order not to go
against my friends’ advice, I read the that has relevance to everyone.
letter, he responded angrily, “What In his current article, the author
do you mean? Didn’t you notice article written in response to my
article last week, and I immediately was careful not to show disrespect,
what the Jew did on the letter? He etc. If only he would take that
placed the stamp bearing the picture remembered the aforementioned
story, which the Rebbe MH”M told approach in all the articles
of Czar Nicholas on the envelope – throughout the periodical to which
with the Czar’s picture upside-down! at a farbrengen on Yud-Tes Kislev
5730. he contributes. However, just a few
That’s rebellion against the king!” weeks beforehand, we were
The prosecutor was not the In his response, Rabbi M.M.
Brod chose to deal with only one privileged to endure some
slightest bit interested in the unprecedented attacks, based upon
refutations and claims contained in point, and it wasn’t really the main
“the well-known series of notes from

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the end of 5744” and the sicha from would have noted that “in certain AREN’T WE MISSING
5745, with the purpose of creating a instances, the Rebbe rejected the THE MAIN THING?
“delegitimization” of Rabbi Wolpo. publicity, but there were also a
Let’s get back to the upside-
It’s amazing to note that even number of cases where the Rebbe
down stamp. First and foremost, the
according to the author of this related positively to the idea,” this
spokesman chose in his article to
recent article, the writer of the would have saved you from having
ignore the Rebbe’s constant
seifer had received permission from to read the recent articles. (But then
expressions of encouragement for
the Rebbe MH”M to publicize how would we have merited the full
more than a year to the singing of
matters on Moshiach and the disclosure of the Rebbe’s
“Yechi.” Doesn’t the encouragement
Redemption! Thus, anyone who instructions in relation to the seifer
of the proclamation of “Yechi,” not
makes a call to establish an opinion Yechi HaMelech?)
just in the Rebbe’s Daled amos, but
based upon the days of 5744-5745 In any event, the fact that there
before millions of people throughout
is mistaken and being deceptive! were positive answers in connection
the world, constitute a publicizing of
with the publicity undoubtedly
the identity of Moshiach? During
THE FULL STORY constitutes a “change in approach”
that year, were there not more
or a new development on the matter.
In pursuance of this point, I responses from the Rebbe on the
Even the seifer’s author understands
clarified matters with Rabbi Wolpo, subject? Why was this matter not
this, and the proof is his renewed
and discovered that in connection mentioned in his article, and when
appeal to the Rebbe MH”M
with his seifer Yechi HaMelech, he will we finally be privileged to hear a
regarding actually publishing the
wrote to the Rebbe in 5744 that he reply that has some bearing on this
seifer.
didn’t state that the Rebbe is Melech point?
In addition, regarding the
HaMoshiach. The Rebbe’s reply: “In We must ask a further question:
publishing of the kuntres in Adar
the sheets he enclosed, there is no If this really isn’t a “change in
Rishon 5752, Rabbi Wolpo requests
need to look for allusions, as all of approach,” as he would like to
that the writer of the article refresh
them are filled with the suggest, how did the Kfar Chabad
his memory. The intention was to
aforementioned proofs.” These are Magazine have the guts and how did
publish it as official material of
the sheets that were spoken about on the “chozer” get the courage to
“N’shei U’Bnos Chabad” in the form
Shabbos Parshas B’Reishis 5745, publicize articles about the identity
of Torah study on Moshiach and the
and which the Rebbe gave his of the Rebbe MH”M, articles
Redemption, as instructed by the
approval to print in 5752! The approved by the magazine’s editorial
Rebbe. They raised concerns, and
editing made by Rabbis Goldberg, board, and which far less frequently
were answered accordingly. We are
Wechter, and Brod, in accordance elicited responses from the Rebbe,
naturally not ignoring this answer,
with the Rebbe MH”M’s such as: “If they print something
however, we must relate to it just as
instructions, omitted only a few even vaguely resembling that, they
any other answer – based on the
expressions, but this didn’t alter the should head towards shutting
question and the situation. In
fact that “all of them are filled with down the paper.” In light of the
practical terms, the Rebbe MH”M
the aforementioned proofs”! Rebbe’s sichos and instructions from
gave his approval to publicity on
In any event, it is clear that on 5751-5752, isn’t it clear that we’ve
more than one occasion – including
the one hand, there were answers taken a step forward somewhere,
regarding the identity of Moshiach.
that limited and negated different i.e., what was undesirable up until
Yet, after all this, another much
forms of publicity. On the other then has been transformed into
clearer and explicit seifer was
hand, the writer of said article something both permissible and
published, Yechi HaMelech
admits that there were answers appropriate? The child then asks the
HaMoshiach, containing statements
where the Rebbe responded question: After you have publicized
of approval from all of the leading
positively to the publicity, and such articles, only now do you
Chabad rabbanim in Eretz
therefore, I see no need to argue remember the aforementioned
HaKodesh! (see insert) – including
with him. instruction? If such is the case, then
those that Rabbi Brod calls upon in
However, the one who is why didn’t you shut down the paper,
deference to their authority. Weren’t
claiming that “the Rebbe doesn’t as the Rebbe instructed?
they aware of the aforementioned
want that they should be involved in The answer to all these
answers? Weren’t they concerned
this” is Rabbi Brod, who didn’t expressions of bewilderment is clear:
about driving Jews away?
bother to mention that this was a Anyone who heard and learned the
personal instruction to him. If he sichos understood that they have one

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meaning: The Rebbe said about specifically for publicity in the of Lubavitch? He should simply say,
himself – pardon me, not about papers! If there was still room for “I am not authorized to make
himself, but about someone from the any uncertainty, there came the comments on the subject,” thus
seed of Dovid – “his name is encouragement to the singing of carrying out the instructions the
Menachem,” whose leadership is a “Yechi” on dozens of occasions, thus Rebbe gave him, and earning him no
continuation of the leadership of casting aside any doubts. less respect and appreciation than
“my teacher and father-in-law, the With regard to Rabbi Brod what he receives today, including
Rebbe,” who is found in 770, and himself, the author tells that he from the media. How did the author
who also has the initials “MaMaSH” received personal instructions of said article respond to this claim?
– that he is Moshiach. In these forbidding him from dealing with He simply chose to ignore it for
edited sichos, the Rebbe gives a such matters – he didn’t receive some reason!
“green light” for the publicity of instructions to work against the
his identity as a prophet and as publicity. If such is the case, then OBSERVE AND DO
Moshiach, when all the editing of why does he accept interviews on
Another subject I wrote about
the sichos in those years was these subjects and speak in the name
that elicited a response was the

Letter of approval from the Chabad Rabbinical Court and dozens of additional Chabad rabbanim on
the seifer Yechi HaMelech HaMoshiach, which explains that the Rebbe is Melech HaMoshiach

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publicity about the omission of the question, and the matter at hand. these matters will be remembered
term “weekly magazine for Chabad Yet, while we don’t have anyone who and done, and each one of us will
chassidim,” with regard to K’far possesses “supernal knowledge,” the increase in spreading the
Chabad Magazine, from the Rebbe’s direction is still quite clear. Of announcement of the Redemption
edited letter. There are those who course, all this comes after years and preparing the world to greet
argued: How is it possible to learn when the Rebbe MH”M also gave Moshiach Tzidkeinu.
something from what the Rebbe negative reactions to certain Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu
omits? The intention is to learn from activities that had been done. v’Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach
what is written! But the main thing is that all l’olam va’ed!
On its surface, this claim sounds
justified, and it would be appropriate
for everyone to remember it when
they make claims about the removal
FROM EXILE TO REDEMPTION
of “Who is Moshiach?” from the In 5746, Sichos in English prepared a collection entitled From Exile
sicha of Shabbos Parshas Chayei to Redemption a selection of sichos from the Rebbe on the subject of
Sara 5752. Nevertheless, it is Moshiach and the Redemption arranged by Rabbi Alter Eliyahu
impossible to argue against the facts. HaKohen Friedman. While this work did not even allude to the
The Rebbe instructed the removal of concept of the Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach, nevertheless, it merited
those words from the title, yet to elicit the following response on the second day of Rosh Chodesh
afterwards, in direct contradiction Adar Sheini 5746:
to the Rebbe’s opinion, the It is clear that:
magazine decided to use this phrase. a seifer such as the aforementioned will provoke war on the faith
Does this fact not demand an in the imminent arrival of Moshiach, or make it greater – in those
explanation? K’far Chabad is not circles where they are already waging war. And the results are
“the weekly magazine for Chabad understood.
chassidim,” and therefore, it should Anash and those close to them – have no need for the
not present itself as such. aforementioned, as they have greater interest in the hanachos than
In conclusion, let’s get back to in the seifer.
the matter of instructions received the seifer will add nothing whatsoever to the spreading of Torah
from the Rebbe MH”M, which are and mitzvos and the like. It will cause damage to the success of
in fact a lamp unto our feet and for mivtzaim and the like.
our activities: Naturally, after such an answer, the seifer was put into hiding for
After it has been agreed upon many years. However, in Iyar 5751, the publishers received an
that there have been answers from instruction to publicize the material, and in response to a letter with the
all directions, how are we supposed first booklet, in which all sichos from 5746 until 5751 were added, the
to conduct ourselves? It appears to Rebbe replied that “it brought much pleasure,” and in a later reply:
me – and not only me, but also Received with much appreciation and the time is essential.
many mashpiim and askanim who Afterwards, leading up to the publishing of the entire seifer, they were
were then involved in the receipt of privileged to have the Rebbe edit the preface and add the date at the
such answers – that the line of end.
action was sufficiently clear: It should be noted that the date written by the Rebbe shlita on the
Whenever chassidim did activities seifer’s preface is Tuesday, Parshas Shoftim, the 3rd of Elul 5751, and
and then submitted a report to the on that Shabbos, immediately after the seifer was printed, we were
Rebbe MH”M, there was a positive privileged to hear the marvelous sicha of Shabbos Parshas Shoftim,
reaction, encouragement, brachos, where the Rebbe speaks about the announcement of the Redemption as
and even instructions on what we a prophecy, how the Rebbeim are prophets, and other wondrous
can learn from these actions. expressions.
However, when they started to ask In any event, we see clearly from these responses that during the
constant questions, and particularly years of the Mem’s, the Rebbe forbade the publishing of s’farim that
when they raised concerns before dealt solely with the subject of Moshiach and the Redemption, even
the activity or the publicity began, when they didn’t deal with Moshiach’s identity. However, in 5751-
then the answers varied according to 5752, the Rebbe gave his permission and even encouraged the printing
the person asking, the nature of the of such s’farim.

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 CB>QROB

THE DEFINING
MOMENT
TH
OF THE
20 CENTURY
By Rabbi Simon Jacobson

Maybe now, 80 years later, the time has Six-Day War in 1967, the Rebbe,
delivered a historical talk that was as
come to appreciate the events of 1967 sweeping as it was fascinating,
identifying just such an event that
and 1927 which have so dramatically generated an historical shift; one that
would dramatically affect the future
shaped the world in which we live in course of the world in which we live.
I was a mere 9 year old at the
today. time, but reading his words today
sends a resonating shudder up your
80 summers ago, in 1927, a to know, eyes to see and ears to spine, striking you with a sudden
miraculous event occurred that was hear.” clarity – like a flashbulb going off in
mostly obscure at the time, its The Talmud derives from this a dark room – which illuminates the
implications invisible, but it set in verse that “until forty years a student events of the entire 20th century and
motion major breakthroughs that cannot fully understand the mind – beyond.
would transform the world. the essential intention – of his The defining event the Rebbe
40 years ago, in June 1967, master.” identified in 1967 was the liberation
another miraculous event transpired, Maybe now, 80 (40 x 2) years of his father-in-law, the Rebbe Yosef
one that had much more exposure, later, the time has come to Yitzchak from death and
but still has not been appreciated or appreciate the events of 1967 and imprisonment by the Soviet
lived up to its true potential. 1927 which have so dramatically authorities forty years earlier today,
40 years is a key milestone in shaped the world in which we live in in 1927. The day is known as Yud
human development; it marks a new today. Beis-Yud Gimmel (12-13) Tammuz,
level of understanding that is *** which ever since is celebrated as a
achieved. As the Bible tells us “festival of liberation.”
Rarely can we recognize a major
(Deuteronomy 29:1-3) that until the At first glance this liberation may
historical event at the moment it
fortieth year from the Egyptian not seem like a major event. One
takes place. The simple reason is
Exodus the people were unable to man saved amongst millions who
because while in midst of an
truly appreciate “all that G-d did in perished is hardly a great miracle.
experience we cannot see the forest
Egypt before your very eyes, to True, he was a leader, but when it
from the trees.
Pharaoh, to all his servants, and to comes to life and death every soul is
But with time and perspective we
all his land.” Though “your own eyes equally precious. The Rebbe’s
can begin to detect, in retrospect, the
saw the great miracles, signs and freedom seemingly pales in
forces that an event unleashes to
wonders, but until this day [40 years comparison to the events that would
shape the present and the future.
later], G-d did not give you a heart come – both the tragedy of six-
40 years ago today, following the

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million Jews killed in the Holocaust world – the 20th century’s extremes reshaped literally every corner of the
and the miracle of millions more marked their lowest and highest globe.
who were saved, the return to Israel point: From the brink of unparalleled Less discussed, if at all, are the
and the general renaissance of destruction to the threshold of roots of the positive events of this
Jewish life. Indeed, the events after unprecedented prosperity – the Jews century. In many ways these roots
1927 were so earth shattering that it underwent the greatest are far more mysterious, especially
would seem to overshadow the transformation ever recorded, all in considering the contrast that amidst
Rebbe’s liberation. just a period of several years. From such enormous devastation should
Yet, upon a deeper look into the almost total decimation by Stalin also emerge amazing achievements.
reason for Rebbe’s arrest – and and Hitler, they achieved miraculous How is it possible that the same
especially taking into account events rebirth and renaissance. world that produced such evil should
that would take place over the next Nowhere was the miracle more also bring so much good?
40 and 80 years – the significance of apparent than in Israel. Attacked by The only way to understand the
the event takes on a new light. five surrounding Arab armies, the 20th century, and for that matter
To appreciate its significance, small country of Israel won the 1948 any historical period, is in
which is only possible today with 80 war. Till this day no one can perspective: to look at a longer series
year of perspective, let us briefly understand how a small country of of events that have contributed to
review the extreme nature of the several million can survive and thrive shape the present and the future.
single most paradoxical century in surrounded by countries numbering Events, especially global ones, are
history. hundreds of millions sworn to never what they seem. Every major
The 20th century – like no other Israel’s destruction. event is part of a series of previous
century – brought to the fore both The epitome of Israel’s miracle events that together, accumulate to
the worst and best in the human came in the 1967 Six-Day War. create a bigger picture.
condition. No century was bloodier Fledgling Israel was surrounded Forty years ago the Rebbe
and no century was more from all three sides and in a mere six identified the defining positive
productive. Never had more people days Israel triumphed and tripled in moment of the 20th century as the
been killed. Hundreds of millions of size. The unprecedented victory of a 1927 liberation of his father-in-law.
lives annihilated. Hundreds of tiny country over the overwhelming Though at the time it may not have
millions more shattered and Arab countries stunned the world. been noticed, but today we can see
uprooted, with unimaginable The miracle became the source of that it was an event that would pave
suffering and loss. unparalleled Jewish euphoria and the way and chart the course of the
Yet in the same short century we pride. Religious and secular alike, subsequent enormous miracles and
also witnessed unprecedented believers and cynics, could not developments that would follow
growth, prosperity and freedom. contain their tears when touching decades later.
Miracles of the highest order. Life the stones of the newly reclaimed The 1927 arrest and liberation of
expectancy rose by 30 years. Major Western Wall. the Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak was not a
advances in medicine and technology Thus, the Jewish story of the private or personal matter. It
have revolutionized every aspect of 20th century mirrors the global represented a colossal confrontation
life. story: One hundred years of untold between good and evil, between
The 20th century captured the misery, as well as unprecedented spirit and matter.
stark battle between good and evil. growth and prosperity. [Historically, Why did the Communists arrest
Some men stooped to depths both evil and good have always first the Rebbe? Why did they see him as
inferior to beasts. Other rose to affected Jews, signaling what would a threat? They gave many excuses –
heights superior to angels. come next to the world. Hatred and he was a counter-revolutionary,
Usually in history ups and downs genocide first attacks the Jews, then religious commitment undermined
of such magnitude spread over the rest of the world]. devotion to the Party, religion is the
centuries. Here, in the span of How did one century yield such opiate of the masses. But the true,
several decades, all of history’s roller diametrically opposed extremes? underlying reason was their war
coasters came together, encapsulated Volumes have been written against spiritual freedom. As the
in one century. tracing the roots of the collapse of psalmist writes: “Why do nations
For the Jewish people in the world order in the 20th century gather in rage and scheme…[they]
particular – whose history has – the two World Wars and the rise up… against G-d and His
always mirrored the history of the ensuing massive upheavals that have anointed” (Psalms 2:1-2).

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 The Rebbe was arrested for his personal freedom and expression, At the time, the Rebbe’s
spiritual activities to emancipate and which the Rebbe stood up for. And stubbornness seemed for naught.
build the spiritual lives of Jews his liberation – by the same Yet, today in retrospect we see that
throughout the Soviet Union. authorities that arrested him – his efforts have lived on, while
Broadly – this was a battle for manifests the dominance of Stalin, and the entire Soviet Union
spiritual freedom for people all over spirituality, to the point that it have collapsed.
the world. transformed (for the moment) the He had the wisdom and
When the Bolsheviks and enemy into an ally. determination, and above all, the
Communists came to power they Thus the arrest and battle with vision – that rare power that few
abolished everything religious, with the Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak was not his people are blessed with – a vision
particular focus on persecuting the personal affair; it was not an isolated that overrode the immediate dark
Jews and their infrastructures. They event. It represented the formidable events of his time, and gave him the
methodically closed down forces of one of the most powerful strength to stand up to the great
synagogues, schools and all aspects countries in the world rising up Soviet Union.
of institutional Judaism. But the against the freedom of the human The significance of the Rebbe’s
Rebbe defied their actions, and did spirit. No small matter. The stakes stand can be appreciated 40 year
everything in his power to keep the were never higher. The later, during the Six-Day war, where
flame alive – through a wide network consequences never greater. the same thing took place: The same
Soviet Union that waged war against
the Jewish soul in 1927 and on, now
Why did the Communists arrest the armed Egypt to wage war against the
Jews in Israel. And just as the entire
Rebbe? They gave many excuses – he situation was miraculously reversed
in 1927, so too in 1967 the Soviet
was a counter-revolutionary, religious weapons that were directed at Israel
and Jerusalem were conquered, and
commitment undermined devotion to those same weapons were “turned
the Party, religion is the opiate of the around” and became part of Israel’s
arsenal in its war against its enemies.
masses. But the true, underlying reason The uncanny similarity between
these two events – 40 years apart –
was their war against spiritual demonstrates the true and far
reaching implications of the Rebbe’s
freedom. stand against the Soviet Union: He
was not just defying them in 1927;
he was declaring for the ages, for
of underground activities. Whoever would win this battle, generations to come, that the spirit
In 1927 thing finally came to a would determine the future course of of the Jewish people will not be
head. The Rebbe was arrested by the history. broken. His staunch commitment
Communists, namely agents of the At the time the Rebbe’s efforts broke open the door and brought on
GPU and the Yevsektzia (“Jewish could have been seen as futile; one the reversal of fortunes, both in his
Section” of the Communist Party) man standing up to the formidable time (in 1927) and 40 years later (in
for his activities to preserve Judaism Soviet Union, a nation of over 180 1967).
throughout the Soviet empire and million people, led by the all- Indeed, forty years allows us to
sentenced to death. Miraculously, powerful, psychopath Stalin. But as appreciate the deeper meaning of
the Soviets, who did not hesitate to he boldly told his captors: “we will events that transpired back in 1927.
shoot millions without due process, see who will prevail, you or I…” We now understand that the
commuted his sentence to exile and, When they pointed a gun to his head Rebbe, back then, recognized that at
subsequently, released him threatening him with his life, he the heart of his battle with the Soviet
completely – 80 years ago today. calmly, unflinchingly said: “this toy leaders lay the essence of all battles:
The Soviet opposition to the can frighten someone who has one The battle between matter and spirit,
Rebbe and his activities represented world and many gods; not one who between higher purpose and brute
the battle of all fascist forces against has on G-d and many worlds.” power. His victory then opened up

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the door that would help overcome two dimensions – times of revelation the example, the example itself
all the challenges of the 20th and blessing, when things are going becomes an extension that supports
century: well. And times of deprivation and the idea.
All the battles between good and darkness. History too – as so vividly At the time this “breakthrough”
evil in the 20th century are experienced in the 20th century – was not yet visible. The Rebbe was
essentially a war against spirit – the has times of light and times of great freed and ultimately left the Soviet
human soul and the Divine plan; an darkness. Union and ended up coming to the
assault on the inalienable spiritual Even the darkness is another United States. But the darkness of
rights of every human being. form of Divine truth, but it is the times would only intensify. Stalin
Being a battle against spirit, the concealed. What is the purpose of began his reign of terror, killing
Rebbe understood how high the dark and difficult times? That we millions. The Nazis would annihilate
stakes were. This was not just a not succumb by the challenges of millions more.
short term battle, but whoever would darkness, but we stand strong and But the seed of redemption was
be victorious would define forever recognize that this is simply a “test” born in 1927. It would take close to
the dominance of spirit over matter, to see if we can recognize the two decades before the dawn would
of faith over self-interest. concealed “hand inside the glove.” break, and life could begin to be
He understood that every This strength of spirit ultimately has rebuilt. And the dawn did indeed
redemption is rooted in an event that the power to overcome the challenge break. Slowly broken people, who
breaks through boundaries. At the and reveal how the “enemy” actually miraculously survived, began to
time it may not appear very turns around and becomes a force miraculously rebuild their lives.
remarkable. But in time, as new for good. After the darkness of World War
doors open and new opportunities This was the miracle of 1927. II and the Holocaust few believed
emerge, we can then appreciate in The Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak was not that life could ever be rejuvenated.
retrospect the early events that led intimidated by the formidable The worst in man had unleashed its
us, that pioneered that introduced enemy. He knew and understood fury on other men. How could the
the revolution. Once the fruits that, as difficult as it may be, now world survive that? How could
bloom, we can then appreciate the the time has come to take a stand. young children, left alone with no
seeds planted years earlier. To demonstrate that we are not family, home or country, ever expect
All great achievements begin as a afraid, we are not backing down. to rebuild their lives?
planted seed. Without drama, the At the time it may have seemed Yet, rebuild they did. And how.
seed lays silently in the ground, as an act in futility. What could he Within a few years, communities
slowly being nourished, until the expect to gain and win? Why not began to spring up over Europe,
sapling breaks through the ground, pick himself and all the Jews and Australia, South America, the United
and one day grows into a mighty move away from the accursed Soviet States and Canada. And of course, a
tree. Union? major influx began rebuilding their
How amazing it is to trace the But as a true leader, the Rebbe lives in Israel. And finally, in 1967,
great trees in our lives to their early knew that, as much as we detest the the miraculous victory in the Six-
roots and seeds. challenge, there come times when Day war, transforming Soviet
The Exodus from Egypt is a good the “darkness” of the Divine weapons to assets, consummated the
example: Though many far greater concealment shows its ugly head and 1927 miracle.
events followed the Exodus (the does all it can to eradicate hope, Within a few more years, rebirth
revelation at Sinai, building the faith and strength to forge ahead. turned into renaissance.
Temple, the miracles in the And in such time, it is critical to The key is to always recognize
wilderness), yet we always remember stand strong and not retreat. the Divine Hand behind these
the Exodus, and even the Ten By doing so, you actually break events, to perceive that the Soviet
Commandments open up with “I am the back of the “concealment” and authorities in 1927 and the Soviet
you G-d who took you out of not only does it cease to resist, but it tanks in 1967 are just a “tool,” an
Egypt.” Because the Egyptian actually becomes an asset, an ally example, to express the Divine
Exodus (Yetzias Mitzrayim) broke that help appreciate the revelation. power to transform the liability into
open all the boundaries, paving the Like an example that a teacher gives an asset, the evil into good. By
way for all the events that would his student, which initially may recognizing the hand of G-d in all
follow. conceal the concept, but once the events of the world, we actually
In mystical terms: Life consists of student understand the concept via access the Divine power that lies

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even in the negative experiences, and invisible hand – behind it lays the by the Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak eight
reveal them, so that the enemy is unwavering power of the spirit, decades ago we now each have the
actually reversed into an asset. which rises above matter. power of our successes and
Where did all this strength come 80 years ago the Rebbe Yosef prosperity.
from? When did this process begin? Yitzchak demonstrated how the No period in time stands in a
Retracing the steps of the 20th power of the soul can overcome and vacuum. Every event in our lives and
century, from the miraculous reverse the strongest forces of the in the world at large is a result of
renaissance back into the darkness material. Something we can now preceding events, and should not be
of the 30’s and 40’s, suddenly the appreciate – 40 and 80 years later. taken for granted.
miracle that happened in 1927 In every battle, a stand must be By appreciating the stand taken
looms large: It is the first spiritual taken. Every victory in battle begins by the Rebbe in 1927. and following
victory of the century. And not just with the first stand that is taken in his footsteps – which we can do
the first – it took place in the belly of against the enemy. And this first today without oppression – we can
the beast. It thus was the “door stand goes down as the benchmark, better understand the world in which
opener” of events to follow. Like a the milestone that turns the tide. we live today, both our
small ray of light in the pitch- The liberation event that unprecedented prosperity and
darkness that would descend on happened 80 years ago today technological advances, as well as
humanity in all its horrible forms. marked the first stand against the the unique challenges that we face.
In 1927 – in the infancy of the atrocities of the 20th century – both Moreover, this can help us
20th century tyrannies, before the in the Soviet Union and in Europe. understand and prepare for the
worst would come – the seed was And this first stand opened future.
planted, and redemption born. And the door and paved the The challenge and
just like the Egyptians chased the way making it easier question today is this:
Hebrews out of their land, the for all of us to In our times of
Soviets did the same with the Rebbe, achieve spiritual freedom and
with his family and belongings. conquest, the prosperity can we
But the miracle of 1927 can only victory of quality and do we
be appreciated 40 years later, in the over quantity, of appreciate the
victory of the Six-Day War in 1967 the few over the power of our
over Egypt and the other Arab many, of eternal souls, and how it
countries. Just as the miracle of the faith over carries the secret
Egyptian exodus could only be temporary power, to of our future
appreciated 40 years later as they of spirit over successes?
were ready to enter the Promised matter. Reprinted with
Land. And even more appreciated Yes, because permission from
www.meaningfullife.com
now – with another 40 years of of the stand taken
experience, as we stand in midst of
unprecedented prosperity and
freedom in 2007.
The Rebbe’s determination, his
spiritual fortitude, pioneered the way
– it opened up a new channel – that
would give us all the power to
overcome the darkness that was yet
to come.
He took a stand against all odds,
and his effort will forever ring in the
annals of history.
Recognizing the roots of the
renaissance following the World
Wars is not a mere academic
exercise. It teaches us that behind all
our growth and progress lies an

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 PEIF@ERP

THE RABBI OF
BROOKLYN
By Ben-Zion Sasson

In Rabbi Yaakov Gerenstat’s shul in SCOUTING TRIP

When R’ Yaakov Gerenstat
Brooklyn, no bachurim come from 770 decided to open his own Chabad
House, after many years of Shlichus
for Tahalucha on Simchas Torah. The in S. Paolo, he considered the area
around the famous Avenida Paulista,
reason is simple – it is a ten-hour flight the main street of S. Paolo and the
greatest business center on the entire
to S. Paolo, and then you have to get to South American continent. He had
done many outreach activities in the
the southernmost part of the city, and area, and had developed contacts
with some of the Jewish residents
then you reach the neighborhood called and business people.
However, at that time, his
Brooklyn (spelled Brooklin in savings ran out and his fourth child
was on the way, and he was still
Portuguese). * At the door of the shul, unable to buy a house in the area.
He wrote to the Rebbe, and the
there is a basket of yarmulkes with answer that he opened to said to
“consult with the Chabad Rabbis in
Yechi written in Portuguese, which of your city,” so he turned to Rabbi
Shalom Ber Gourarie, the rav of the
course “distances” many Jews. It local Mishkan Menachem Shul. He
had heard a rumor that a certain
distances the young men from their wealthy individual had donated the
entire construction costs of R’
shiksas and the older folks from their Gourarie’s shul, and asked him to let
him know of other communities in
secular outlook and the temptations of the city who wanted to build a shul.
R’ Yaakov laid out his plans to
Brazilian life, and brings them close to build a Jewish center on Avenida
Paulista to R’ Gourarie, who listened
the light of faith in Hashem and Moshe, to what he had to say and said that
he felt it would be superfluous
His servant. * The seventh installment because the Jews of that area were
connected to the outlying
in the series on Shlichus in Brazil. Part communities, including his own
shul. However, he concluded,
1 of 2. “Clearly, I will not try to stop you

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from opening up, but I feel there are wonder whether Jews live there. nearest hotel and try his luck. The
other areas where there is no He got off the train immediately mezuza on the doorpost was the first
Chabad House or any Jewish and began walking towards the sign that fortune was smiling upon
activities, and you are more needed buildings. At the entrance of the him.
there.” fancy neighborhood, he saw a bright Exhausted from his trek around
In response to his query as to sign in big letters: Brooklin, and the neighborhood, he approached
where, the answer was, “Ibica underneath in smaller letters, “Ibica the reception desk on his last legs.
Paulista.” Armed with a map of the Paulista.” Aha, he realized, this is the Without any preamble, he asked,
city, R’ Yaakov set out for the train place that R’ Gourarie was referring “Who is the owner here?” The
station and started out on a trip to a to. answer was, “Sonny Israel
borough of the city he was Wertzman.” He recognized the name
unfamiliar with. OPENING A SHUL from the community where he lived.
The ride was quite long, and the The reception clerks were surprised
R’ Yaakov immediately set out in
area didn’t look too appealing. For a to see him turn and walk off without
search of a suitable hall or hotel to
second, he had the thought that any further ado. One phone call
hold the first event of the Chabad
perhaps somebody was trying to later, and Mr. Wertzman donated
House of Brooklin, for the
send him as far away as possible, the main hall of the hotel for the
upcoming holiday of Purim. Queries
and he decided to head back. On the Purim party of Beis Chabad
at a number of halls indicated that
trip back, things started to look a bit Brooklin.
this was indeed a luxury area and
different. Only minutes after pulling The next step was to contact the
the prices were shockingly
out of the station, he noticed that on Jewish Federation of S. Paolo, in
exorbitant. When he began to
both sides of the street were tall order to get a list of all Jewish
despair, he decided to go into the
luxurious buildings. He began to residents in the area. He received a

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list with 400 names, which he and the rest from his own Two days after the birth of his
trimmed down to 200, as the old list neighborhood of Higienopolis. R’ fourth child, he found a suitable
included many who had moved away Yaakov realized that he needed to do structure for the Chabad House. His
as well as those who had moved on some serious groundwork, and he wife went straight from the hospital
to a better world. began visiting the homes of all the to the site, in order to offer her
After an intensive publicity local Jews to set the stage for opinion. R’ Yaakov then sat down to
campaign, 26 people showed up for opening a Chabad House and write a letter to the Rebbe, and he
the event, ten from Brooklin itself, ultimately moving his family there. received an amazing answer in the

A JEWISH SOUL IN A GENTILE BODY

A young man named David who began drawing Judaism. Try to imagine a scene where there are ten
close to Yiddishkait became a frequent visitor in the Jews in shul, but the shliach won’t say Kaddish.
Brooklin Chabad House. One time, the shlucha David turns to him and asks, “What is the problem,
mentioned to her husband that she thinks this David there is a minyan here?” The shliach answers, “No,
is the adopted cousin of one of the women who had we only have nine, because one of the people here is
become a Lubavitcher Baalas T’shuva through the a gentile.” When David expressed surprise as to why
Chabad House, and had once told them about her he was never called up to the Torah, the shliach
cousin who was adopted. answered, “One day, you will understand.”
The shliach didn’t want to take any chances, so he The situation got worse, as David began to realize
picked up the telephone and called the boy’s aunt to that there was some problem with him that he didn’t
find out if this was the case. The aunt, who answered quite understand. One day, he showed up with his
the phone, said that this was mother and demanded that the
nonsense and that his mother is shliach tell him what was going
his biological parent. Shortly She explained that on. “Now that my mother is here,
after, he received a call from the I want you to tell me what the
mother herself. She was quite as far as she was problem is, because she also
upset and screamed at R’ Yaakov
that he had no right to say such a concerned, he was needs to know what’s happening
with me.”
thing as she didn’t want the boy
to know that she wasn’t his real
Jewish, and told R’ Yaakov was completely
stymied, as he had no idea what
mother. She explained that as far
as she was concerned, he was
him that if you to do, especially as right across
from him, standing behind David,
Jewish, and told him that if you don’t accept his his adopted mother was signaling
don’t accept his conversion as frantically with her hands that he
valid, you are destroying years of conversion as not say anything.
labor. She insisted that he
promise not to tell the boy valid, you are Finally, he said, “David, you
have a Jewish soul in a gentile
anything.
R’ Yaakov, who was thrown off
destroying years of body. This is a kabbalistic concept
that you need to study and then
a bit by the tone of the
conversation, tried to calm the
labor... perhaps you will understand.” It
is important to note that at this
mother and reassure her that he point, David looked like a full-
would not act against her wishes, but he informed fledged Lubavitcher with a hat, dark suit and beard,
her that if the young man did not undergo a proper and he was fully observant.
halachic conversion, they could not regard him as a At some point, in a private conversation with the
Jew. shliach, he was sent to confront his mother, who had
Realizing that this was a problematic situation, he no choice but to reveal the truth. David was
tried to sidestep the problem by distancing young determined and committed. He began the process to
David. However, this tactic accomplished the undergo a proper conversion, at the end of which he
opposite result. The more he tried to push the boy went to learn in the yeshiva in Morristown, where he
off, the more David felt a closeness and desire for began to build a full Jewish life for himself.

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Igros Kodesh. He opened to a letter hear that he had plans to move to
addressed to a woman who was Eretz Yisrael.
hesitant about wearing a wig due to His mother was totally stunned.
the high cost involved. The Rebbe To move to Eretz Yisrael when you
wrote that due to the importance of are in middle of your second year of
the matter, she should not worry university as an honor student? How
about cost, because she would be could you consider that when you
given a loan from a special fund already received training in high
designated for such matters. All that school in computers, which paves
she needed to do was write the the way for a respected position in a
name to whom the check should be large computer firm? And don’t
made out, and then she could pay forget, Yaakov, you are a member of
back in easy installments. the city lacrosse team of Rio! You
R’ Gerenstat did not think twice. want to give all that up to study in
He took a piece of paper, wrote some unknown school like the
down his bank account information Technion in Haifa?
and put the paper in the volume of In desperation, his mother turned
Igros Kodesh. A while later, a donor for help to none other than the
donated the first twelve months rent R’ Yaakov Gerenstat Lubavitcher Rebbe! She knew about
on the new building. writing to the Rebbe from her older
Besides for the high-rise wealthy and very successful person, son who was learning in the Chabad
buildings, there was no other perhaps you can even help us out?” yeshiva in Petropolis, under the
identifying sign of Jewish life in The president was momentarily leadership of Rabbi Chaim
Brooklin. Relatively speaking, it had thrown off by the request and he Binyamini. The shaken mother
a small number of Jews, and no mumbled, “It depends how things appealed to her son Yaakov to write
organized Jewish community. The play out.” That was the end of the to the Rebbe. The response that
closest synagogue was a half hour conversation. arrived via fax a while later said,
walk away, and when the people of Shabbos Mevarchim Elul “Check tefillin and mezuzos, I will
that community heard that R’ 5760/1999 was the first week of the mention it at the Tziyun. In
Gerenstat planned on opening a shul new minyan in Brooklin. connection with your question,
in Brooklin, they opposed the idea consult with a rabbi who rules on
because it would rob them of some BACKGROUND OF A halachic issues and knows you.”
congregants. SHLIACH Yaakov went in search for a
One day, he was called to a practicing rabbi, who could also be
meeting with the president of that R’ Yaakov Gerenstat’s life story is described as knowing him. First, he
shul, who warned him that if he fairly typical for Chabad in Brazil. turned to R’ Binyamini, who
opened a shul, he would call him to He was born in Rio de Janeiro to a explained that he could not be of
a Din Torah (a case judged in a family distant from any Jewish assistance, as he did not rule on
rabbinical court). R’ Yaakov was not practice. For his ceremonial entrance halachic issues. Finally, he turned to
put off by the threat, and he to manhood – you probably know of Rabbi Avrohom Berkis, shliach and
explained calmly that he intended to it as a Bar Mitzva – he was prepared rav of the shul in Rio de Janeiro.
open a shul regardless, but he had by a woman psychologist. In his He presented his problem to R’
no interest in fighting. His only youth, he was considered a gifted Berkis, but an answer wasn’t readily
concern was to enable more Jews child with a promising future. forthcoming. After two weeks of
from Brooklin to attend services. The change in his life began in waiting, it seemed the rabbi still had
Turning the tables on the man, 1989, when as an 18-year-old he no answer for him. Impatiently, he
he asked, “Would you agree to sign traveled with his family to Eretz approached the rav again,
that you take full responsibility for Yisrael, to celebrate the Bar Mitzva demanding an immediate and clear
those Jews who reside in Brooklin of his younger brother. During that ruling. The answer was, “This is a
who don’t attend your shul due to trip, they went one day to visit their big step and there is no need to rush
the distance?” Understandably, the relatives in Kfar Chabad, the Peles into it.”
president did not agree. In response, family. That visit ignited a spark Yaakov followed this ruling and
R’ Yaakov said, “Actually, you are a within him. When they returned to pushed off his plans to move to
Brazil, his family was surprised to

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Eretz Yisroel. Three weeks later, he
dropped his entire material life in his
hometown, and joined the yeshiva in
Petropolis. He learned there for
close to a year, growing in leaps and
bounds in Torah and mitzva
observance. From there, he went to
the Chabad yeshiva in Tzfas, and
then on to 770, until his marriage
with Rochel Litzman from Kfar
Chabad.
After a year of learning in kollel,
he received two shlichus offers. One
was in Russia, and the other was in
the Higienopolis neighborhood in S.
Paolo, Brazil, under the shliach R’
Yitzchak Michaan. R’ Yaakov was
inclined to accept the second offer,
and he got his answer from the
Rebbe through the Igros Kodesh,
“Success in shlichus in South
America.” With youngsters in the Chabad House

On Erev Rosh HaShana 5759, he ignored the previous answer. ‘Why

SHLICHUS JOURNEYS
sat down to write a letter to the haven’t you opened a mosad…this is
Towards the end of 5755, the Rebbe. He was surprised to find that very important…there is no Judaism
couple arrived in Brazil with their the answer in Igros Kodesh dealt in the place…each day that you
three-month-old son. For Yaakov the entirely with opening a new shul. don’t open is an irretrievable loss.’”
adjustment was smooth, but for his The emotional difficulty in dropping At this point, he had no doubts.
Israeli-born wife things were everything and starting from scratch, He had to open a shul, no matter
different. The beginning was difficult as well as the financial hardship in what. Two days later, the shliach he
for her, but time and determination taking such a step, led him to think worked for called him into his office
led to her slowly acclimating to the that perhaps he had not understood and informed him that he could no
local language and mentality. the answer properly. longer afford to keep him on at full
As mentioned, R’ Gerenstat After Tishrei, during which he salary, but perhaps for half a day’s
began his shlichus work in the shul visited Eretz Yisrael with a study work. The shliach expected R’
of R’ Michaan, giving Torah classes, group of 16 girls, he sat down again Yaakov to try to convince him to
organizing Shabbatons and other to write the Rebbe. This time, the reconsider, but to his surprise, R’
activities. From there, he moved to answer was not only surprising, it Yaakov agreed to leave without any
work under the shliach, R’ Yaakov was somewhat shocking. In his argument.
Begun, the rav of the shul Tiferes words, “I felt that the Rebbe was However, he knew that he was
Lubavitch, where he worked with the really getting down on me. The about to start on a new stage in his
youth. The next stop was the shul on entire letter was written in such shlichus work.
Augusta street, administered by the terms that I didn’t know how I had [To be continued be”H]
shliach, R’ Shimon Brand.

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 L?FQR>OFBP

R’ SHOLOM DOVBER
VESHEDSKY A”H
The world of Lubavitch was saddened to hear about where he continued to study Torah. After Purim 1952 he
the passing of R’ Sholom Dovber Veshedsky of Crown arrived in New York and entered Tomchei T’mimim –
Heights on Rosh Chodesh Tamuz after a long illness, at 770.
the age of 72. When Oholei Torah was founded, R’ Sholom Dovber
R’ Sholom Dovber was born on was one of the first teachers. He
4 Cheshvan 5695/1935 in Gorky. wasn’t only a melamed but a
His father was R’ Moshe Veshedsky. mechanech, and he took a personal
In his youth he learned Torah at interest in his students.
home with mesirus nefesh and he In 5722 he married the daughter
never attended public school. At ten, of R’ Abba Pliskin.
he was sent to Tashkent, where he In 5726 R’ Sholom Dovber was
learned for a year in the school appointed mashpia in Yeshivas
founded by Anash in the middle of Hadar HaTorah for baalei t’shuva in
the war. Crown Heights. He devoted himself
When Anash began leaving to his students and guided them and
Russia in 1946, his parents could treated them as family members. In
not leave with everybody else, but addition to his work with them, his
they wanted to save their son from students ate at his home.
having to live in Russia so he could R’ Veshedsky was also the rav of
openly live a Chassidic life. They the Reinis Shul. He was devoted to
gave Sholom Dovber, who was all the Rebbe’s inyanim and at many
eleven, to the family of his brother- farbrengens with Anash and
in-law, R’ Meir Zarchi, who was leaving Russia. They T’mimim he would demand that they strengthen their
did so even though it meant he might never see his ways of Chassidus and their hiskashrus to the Rebbe.
parents again. This was a sacrifice on the part of the R’ Veshedsky is survived by his wife, children, and
parents and their son. grandchildren.
Sholom Dovber went with his relatives to various
refugee camps and for some years he was in Poking,

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MENACHEM MENDEL
MOSHIACH A”H
What a shock it was to hear of the passing of the Moshiach family. Merely 24 hours after the terrible
bachur, 14-year-old Menachem Mendel Moshiach of news and a few hours before his funeral, the family
Crown Heights, on Friday, 13 Tamuz. Although on asked some writers for the Chabad media to come to
Shabbos there is no mourning, the sad news quickly their house because there was a message they wished
made its way around the neighborhood. to convey.
Two weeks ago, Menachem Mendel was At the beginning of the emotional talk, Mrs. Ayala
hospitalized after having a heart attack. His condition Moshiach said, “During the last two weeks, we
deteriorated until he passed away. experienced great miracles. He wasn’t expected to live
Menachem Mendel grew up in a home that is a back on 3 Tamuz. That he lived was a veritable
model of Ahavas Yisroel, hospitality and giving to resurrection of the dead.”
others. When the Hachnasas Orchim organization During these two weeks, while Menachem Mendel
called them in Tishrei to ask them was in a coma, groups of bachurim
to host guests, his parents happily from his class, and other people
agreed to do so. The Moshiach from Crown Heights, stayed near
family doesn’t screen guests; any his room.
guest of the Rebbe is welcome as “There was great interest in
their guest. how he was doing. People from all
Menachem Mendel excelled in over the world called the hospital
mivtzaim, following the example of to find out how he was. The
his father. R’ Avner spends hours doctors who worked in the
on mivtzaim, going out every week department who saw the bachurim
like a Tamim to reach out to the praying for his recovery, were very
Persian community. It seems there impressed. They told us that in
isn’t a Persian Jew in New York their opinion, the stabilizing of his
who hasn’t heard of Moshiach, condition was miraculous. It was a
who is mekarev Persian Jews to the great kiddush Hashem.
Rebbe MH”M. “When our son arrived at the
One of Menachem Mendel’s hospital, his heart had stopped
close friends found it hard to beating. They worked on him and
speak of him in the past tense and choked up when his heart began to beat again. It was an open miracle.
asked to describe him. “I attended davening together “When Menachem Mendel passed away, I asked
with Menachem Mendel Moshiach for a few years in one thing, that Moshiach come.”
the children’s minyan in the basement of 770 until During the last week, Menachem Mendel’s parents
Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh Tamuz. That Motzaei opened a volume of the Igros Kodesh, where the letter
Shabbos, he was rushed to the hospital. I saw a real spoke about Achdus. “This is a topic that the Rebbe
Tamim who davened with a chayus and helped the spoke about time and again. Despite our differences,
organizers of the minyan as well as his younger let us all preserve our Achdus and Ahavas Yisroel, for
brothers, with amazing devotion, without standing out this is what will bring the hisgalus of Moshiach and
and with utter simplicity. What a loss…” T’chiyas HaMeisim.”
The midda of Ahavas Yisroel characterizes the

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