"LIVING WITH MOSHIACH,"
Parshat Vayishlach, 5764
Kislev 17, 5764
Dec. 12, 2003
SPECIAL FEATURE:
"Yud Tes Kislev"
- The 'Rosh HaShanah' of Chasidus
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Dedicated to educating the public regarding the
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sources, with special emphasis on the opinion
and teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
NOTE:
The Table of Contents contains links to the text. Click on an entry
in the Table of Contents and you will move to the information selected.
"I BELIEVE WITH COMPLETE FAITH IN THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOSHIACH.
"AND THOUGH HE MAY TARRY, I SHALL WAIT EACH DAY, ANTICIPATING HIS
ARRIVAL."
Maimonides, Principles of the Faith, No. 12
THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED
TO THE REBBE,
RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON
OF LUBAVITCH
Click here, to see pictures of the Rebbe
The Daily Sicha (in Real Audio)
- Listen to selected excerpts of the Rebbe's Sichos
[talks] which are relevant to the particular day.
We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, the 365-366th
issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
This week's issue of Living With Moshiach is dedicated in honor of
the fifth yahrtzeit of my dear cousin, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Kazen,
founder and Director of Activities, of Chabad-Lubavitch in Cyberspace, who
passed away, at the age of 44, on Tuesday, 12 Kislev, 5759 (Dec. 1,
1998).
*
In this week's issue, we focus on:
1) The auspicious date of Tes Kislev, the 9th of Kislev, the
birthday and yahrtzeit of Rabbi Dov Ber, the second Rebbe of
Chabad-Lubavitch.
Therefore, we present an article about his -- and all the other Chabad
Rebbes' -- special relationship with the Holy Land of Israel.
2) The auspicious date of Yud Daled Kislev, the 14th day of
Kislev. This year's Yud Daled Kislev marks the 75th wedding
anniversary of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka.
3) The auspicious date of Yud Tes Kislev, the 19th day of
Kislev. This year's Yud Tes Kislev marks the 205th anniversary
of the Alter Rebbe's (Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi), release from
incarceration in czarist Russia.
*
Our sincere appreciation to L'Chaim weekly
publication, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, for allowing
us to use their material.
Also, many thanks to our copy editor,
Reb Mordechai Staiman of blessed
memory, for his tireless efforts.
*
It is our fervent hope that our learning about Moshiach and the Redemption
will hasten the coming of Moshiach, NOW!
Rabbi Yosef Y. Shagalov,
Administrator,
Committee for the Blind
9-10 Kislev, 5764
Brooklyn, New York
Parshat Vayishlach
This week's Torah portion is Vayishlach. The 19th of the month of
Kislev, which occurs Next Sunday, Dec. 14, is the date on which Rabbi
Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, and the founder
of Chabad Chasidus, was liberated from prison. Known among
Chasidim as the Festival of Liberation, it always falls out in close
proximity to the week when Vayishlach is read. As nothing happens
by chance, we must conclude that the Festival of Liberation is alluded to
in Vayishlach.
The main idea of the 19th of Kislev is spreading the wellsprings of
Chasidus outward. These wellsprings, the innermost part of Torah,
must not remain at their source, but must flow outward and inundate even
the lowest parts of the earth. Furthermore, not only must the waters of
Chasidus be carried everywhere, but the wellsprings themselves must
be conveyed to every single Jew, no matter where he is.
The 19th of Kislev teaches us the necessity of bringing the life-giving
waters of Torah, and particularly the inner part of Torah as expounded in
Chasidus, to every Jew.
The name of this week's portion, Vayishlach, means "And he sent."
A shliach, an emissary (from the same root as vayishlach),
is a person who is dispatched in the sender's stead; moreover, "a person's
emissary is just like him." In other words, when an emissary is sent to a
certain place to carry out his mission, it is the same as if the sender himself
has made the journey.
This concept of "spreading the wellsprings outward" is expressed in the word
"vayishlach," the name of our Torah portion. The wellsprings must
not stay at their source, but must be sent ever outward to reach as many
people as possible.
The concept of Vayishlach exists in every age and in every generation.
G-d "sends" the soul down from the celestial spheres to be enclothed within
a corporeal body, to enable the person to serve G-d within the context of
the physical world. This shlichus (mission) began with Adam and Chava
(Eve), and is continued by their descendants.
The phenomenon of sending emissaries has existed throughout the generations.
We find that many Torah giants sent shluchim to carry out various
holy missions.
The concept of shlichus was further emphasized by the Baal Shem Tov,
founder of Chasidus and his spiritual "descendants," especially Rabbi
Shneur Zalman and his successors; they, in turn, entrusted every Jew with
the holy mission of "spreading the wellsprings outward."
In fact, the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, declared that
shlichus is the unique mitzvah of our generation. Every Jew
must be a shliach to spread the wellsprings of Torah and Judaism wherever
he or she goes. This is the unique role of our generation.
The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of Lubavitch, issued a call that
"The time of our Redemption has arrived!" and "Moshiach is on his
way!"
The Rebbe stressed that he is saying this as
a prophecy, and asks us all to prepare ourselves for the Redemption,
through increasing acts of goodness and kindness.
Let us all heed the Rebbe's call.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND AND COPY EDITOR
Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shaul
Staiman
Passed away on 22 Tamuz, 5763
Last Thursday, the ninth of Kislev (Dec. 4), was the birthday and
yahrtzeit of Rabbi Dov Ber (5534/1773-5588/1827), the second Rebbe
of Chabad-Lubavitch, known as the Mitteler (or "intermediate") Rebbe.
The following day, the 10th of Kislev, is the day on which the
Mitteler Rebbe was redeemed from imprisonment (in 5587/1826).
In 5576/1816, Rabbi Dov Ber established a settlement of Chabad chasidim
in Israel, in the holy city of Hebron. He encouraged the chasidim
already living in other parts of Israel to resettle in Hebron. In addition,
his own daughter and son-in-law moved with their family from Russia to Hebron.
But the history of Chabad-Lubavitch's support of people, institutions
and settlements in the Holy Land predates even 5576/1816. For the first
Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, vigorously
encouraged his followers to support the Jews in the Holy Land.
Each and every Rebbe of Chabad, up to and including the present Rebbe,
has unequivocally supported the Holy Land and spoken out boldly concerning
anything that might have the slightest impact on the security of the Jews
there.
Our brethren in Israel know firsthand about the Rebbe's concern for them
and their lives. During the Gulf War, the Rebbe's emphatic message, that
"Israel is the safest place in the world, for G-d is constantly watching
it," was continuously played on the radio. The hundreds of Chabad
Centers that dot the Israeli landscape were deluged with callers during the
Gulf War, asking, "What is the Rebbe saying now?"
Without a doubt, and everyone can be sure of this, the Rebbe's policy has
not changed one iota in the past 53 years nor has it changed from that of
his predecessors. Based on clear guidance from the Torah and Jewish law,
the Rebbe reiterates:(1) No action can be taken that might
negatively affect the safety of the Jews of the Holy Land!
In the merit of Rabbi Dov Ber, who established the first Chabad settlement
in the Holy Land, may we be privileged to go together with Moshiach to the
Holy Land, NOW.
* * *
There is a famous story about the Mitteler Rebbe told by the Previous
Rebbe and often related by the Rebbe:
The Mitteler Rebbe was known for his unusual power of concentration.
When he was engaged in study or prayer, he did not hear or see a thing around
him.
Once, when Rabbi Dov Ber was studying, his baby sleeping in a nearby cot
fell out of its cradle and began to cry. Rabbi Dov Ber did not hear the baby's
cries and continued learning. But the infant's grandfather, Rabbi Shneur
Zalman of Liadi (the founder of Chabad Chasidism), who was in his room on
an upper floor and was also learning at that time, did hear the baby's cries.
He interrupted his studies, went downstairs, picked up the infant, soothed
it and put it back in its cradle. Still, the infant's father did not hear
or see what went on around him. Later on, Rabbi Shneur Zalman told his son:
"No matter how important the thing is in which a Jew is engaged, one must
always hear the cry of a child."
This story is applicable to parents, teachers and even children. We must
always hear the cry of a child, whether that child is a child in years or
knowledge or commitment to Judaism. Even when we are involved in important
things, we must not neglect or ignore the cry of the child.
This applies, as well, to the child within each one of us. This spark of
good and G-dliness, the wide-eyed and innocent trust and belief that the
world can become a perfect place, that evil can be eradicated, that goodness
can prevail, and that "I" can be a part of it or perhaps even be the catalyst
for realizing the world's potential, must be listened to and heeded.
* * *
About the Mitteler Rebbe it was said that he was so immersed in
Chasidus that "if his finger would have been cut, it would have bled
Chasidus instead of blood!"
When the Mitteler Rebbe was arrested by the Czarist government (in
5587/1826) on trumped-up charges of anti-government activities (he was later
released on the 10th of Kislev of that year), even the governmental
doctor, who was a prominent specialist, acknowledged that Chasidus
was the Mitteler Rebbe's very essence and life. The doctor told the
Russian authorities that they must allow the Mitteler Rebbe to give
talks on Chasidus to his chasidim, explaining, "Just as you
provide food for prisoners to ensure their existence, so, too, must you allow
him to teach Chasidus. His very life depends on it."
The authorities saw that this was true when, while imprisoned, the
Mitteler Rebbe's health waned. They agreed to let fifty
chasidim enter his prison room twice weekly to listen to a chasidic
discourse.
But the Mitteler Rebbe was not only concerned about the spiritual
life of his fellow Jews, he also worked to better their situation materially
as well. He encouraged thousands of Jews, both his chasidim and others,
to settle on the land as farmers so that they would not have to be at the
mercy of the anti-Semitic landowners or peasants. In 5575/1815 he established
twenty-two Jewish farm settlements on land near the town of Cherson, which
he had convinced the government to give for this purpose. Many of his
chasidim, however, were reluctant to move so far away from their Rebbe.
Thus, the Mitteler Rebbe promised to go to the trouble of travelling
to them so he could teach Chasidus to them there.
The Rebbe spoke numerous times of the importance of celebrating the 9th and
10th of Kislev in a fitting manner, with gatherings that will foster
brotherhood and lead to good resolutions.
May such gatherings this year be in Jerusalem, with the Rebbe and all of
his predecessors presiding.
_______________
1. See "EYES UPON THE LAND" - The Territorial Integrity of
Israel: A Life Threatening Concern. Based on the Public Statements and Writings
of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, Adapted by Rabbi
Eliyahu Touger (1997: Sichos in English).
http://www.truepeace.org/book.html
See also: REBBE'S VIEWS
http://www.truepeace.org/rebbeview.html
Tuesday, the 14th of Kislev, (Dec. 9), is the 75th wedding anniversary
of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the daughter of the Previous
Rebbe. Thousands of people from all over Europe attended the wedding in Warsaw,
Poland.(2)
The entire world, however, is now anticipating a "wedding" of another sort
-- the "marriage" between the Jewish people and G-d, which will take place
with the coming of Moshiach. Metaphorically speaking, the "engagement" took
place when the Jews were redeemed from Egypt and received the Torah at Mount
Sinai. When the Jews were exiled and G-d's manifest presence in the world
departed, the "bride" was abandoned, as it were; ever since, she has pined
away for her beloved. In the Messianic era, the "wedding" between the Holy
One, Blessed Be He and His bride will be held, and the Jewish people will
no longer be alone.
There is a verse in the Torah portion of Vayeitzei, that reads "And
Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said,
Surely the L-rd has looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will
love me." During the exile, the Jewish people are in a reduced spiritual
state. Without the Holy Temple, G-d's love for His bride is not openly manifest.
Yet when G-d sees that the Jewish people remain strong in their faith, and
continue to observe Torah and mitzvot even in their "affliction,"
it arouses His overwhelming and tremendous love for us. In the Messianic
era, this love between husband and wife will reach its ultimate expression,
and G-d's union with the Jewish people will be permanent and everlasting.
May we very soon merit to wish each other "Mazel Tov," at the most
definitive wedding celebration in history.
__________
2. See
Living
With Moshiach, Vol. 192
Legal holidays, bank holidays, American holidays. For most Americans, Presidents'
Day and July Fourth, Memorial Day and Columbus Day conjure up images of long
weekends, no mail, 24-hour banking machines and sales.
In Jewish tradition, a holiday, special event, or the birthday or
yahrtzeit of a great person, has a different type of significance.
Chasidic philosophy reveals that every special day in the Jewish calendar
can have its own special impact on a person's life and the entire year.
From Passover, for instance, one receives the strength to break out of one's
own Egypt, one's own limitations. From the upcoming holiday of Chanukah,
we derive the ability to rededicate ourselves to G-dly service just as the
Hasmonian Maccabees rededicated the Holy Temple after its defilement.
In the spiritual realm, the same forces in effect at the time of the original
event reassert themselves at the time of the anniversary of the event. This
makes an anniversary an opportune time to benefit from those forces.
Next Sunday, Dec. 14, is Yud Tes Kislev, the 19th day of the Hebrew
month of Kislev, a day of import to chasidim the world-over.
But, in keeping with the above comments, it has great significance for every
Jew. It is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezritch,
successor to the Baal Shem Tov. It is also the day of liberation for Rabbi
Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Maggid's disciple and the first Rebbe
of Chabad-Lubavitch.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman's arrest by the Russian government was instigated by
opposers to the chasidic movement and its teachings. His liberation, then,
meant freedom for the Chasidism.
"Every Jew is a brother, every individual Jew is important... A Jew is, by
his very nature, inseparable from G-d, regardless of how much circumstances
have temporarily overshadowed this connection." These were some of the basic
teachings of the Baal Shem Tov expounded upon and disseminated by his chief
disciple, the Maggid, and Rabbi Shneur Zalman.
The spiritual energy inherent in the 19th of Kislev gives each one
of us the strength necessary to explore the Baal Shem Tov's teachings. From
understanding and implementing the intrinsic unity of the Jewish people to
the more esoteric and mysterious aspects of the Torah as explained in chasidic
philosophy, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Next Sunday, Dec. 14, is Yud Tes Kislev, the 19th day of the Hebrew
month of Kislev. This date marks a special day in the Chabad-Lubavitch
calendar in particular, and the Jewish calendar in general. It is the
yahrtzeit of Rabbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezritch, disciple
and successor to the Baal Shem Tov.
The 19th of Kislev is also the day on which Rabbi Shneur Zalman of
Liadi, the first Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, and disciple of the Maggid,
was released from his incarceration in czarist Russia. He was imprisoned
on false charges of spreading anti-government sentiments.
On the simplest level, the event leading up to the Nineteenth of
Kislev was the arrest of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of Chabad Chasidism.
His arrest was instigated by those who opposed the chasidic movement and
fabricated lies against Rabbi Shneur Zalman. His arrest threatened his life
and the survival of Chasidism.
The spiritual reality of the 19th of Kislev, however, was a charge,
in the Heavenly court, against Rabbi Shneur Zalman, for expounding Chasidism
and disclosing the mysteries of Torah.
Traditionally, the secrets of the Torah were studied only by a select few
whose piety matched their scholarship. The Baal Shem Tov, founder of the
chasidic movement, began disseminating the hidden aspects of Torah to even
the simplest, unlettered Jews. His successor, the Maggid of Mezritch,
continued in this vein. Both of these great leaders were faced with strong
opposition to their "innovation."
Rabbi Shneur Zalman, a disciple of the Maggid, revealed the mysteries
to an even greater extent than his predecessors, in order to reach every
Jew. In Heaven, this brought about a tremendous accusation, which was reflected
in the physical arrest and trial of Rabbi Shneur Zalman.
The liberation of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, then, indicates the spiritual approval
of all the Rebbe's actions, on the physical and spiritual level.
We celebrate the Nineteenth of Kislev because it was the physical
liberation of the Rebbe; his life was no longer endangered. But, more
importantly, it is a day of celebration, for it shows Divine approval of
Chasidism.
*
Why celebrate an event that took place 205 years ago to an individual in
far-away Russia?
According to Jewish teachings, the same spiritual forces functioning at the
time of the original event -- whether a birth, wedding, yahrtzeit,
or victorious incident -- reassert themselves at the time of the anniversary.
Therefore, it is an opportune time to benefit from those powers.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman was one of the chief proponents of the teachings of the
Baal Shem Tov. His vindication, therefore, was the vindication of the entire
fledgling movement. Through his release from prison, the teachings of chasidic
philosophy -- the inner and mystical aspect of Torah -- could be freely taught.
The spiritual forces operative on the original 19th of Kislev, and
the 19th of Kislev in each subsequent year, are intimately tied up
with the dissemination and study of Chasidus.
May we all use this special time, and the unique spiritual forces it brings
with it, for the advancement of the study of chasidic teachings, especially
as elucidated by Rabbi Shneur Zalman and his successors.
Happy New Year!
Wait a minute. It's a little late for Rosh HaShanah.
Actually, on the 19th of Kislev (Next Sunday, Dec. 14), we do celebrate
a "New Year," of sorts, the little-known Rosh HaShanah of Chasidus.
On that day, 205 years ago, the first Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, who had been
imprisoned on trumped-up charges, was released. To this day, chasidim
greet each other with a "Happy New Year" and other appropriate salutations,
on the 19th of Kislev.
But what, in fact, was so important about the first Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman
-- and his release -- that we make such a big hubbub about it?
Rabbi Shneur Zalman was imprisoned because he was teaching and making available
to all Jews Chasidus -- the inner mysteries of the Torah.
Today, what with modern technology, "sharing" and honesty in relationships,
movies about ghosts and extraterrestrial beings, there don't seem to be many
mysteries left to unravel. But, when it comes to Torah, and in particular
to Jewish education, one big mystery still remains. It's the mystery of how
Jewish children in free countries continue to grow up with little or no Jewish
education.
It would seem that, in the spirit of Rabbi Shneur Zalman's life work, this
"New Year" is the perfect time to be making resolutions about Jewish education.
So, break out the bubbly, put on a hat, toot a few horns, and let's figure
out how we can help that Jewish kid down the block learn something about
being Jewish.
The question of decades ago, "It's ten p.m. Do you know where your children
are?" might bring more looks of exasperation today than in the past. Yet,
if someone directed a similar question to you -- "Do you know where
you are?" we would think that the questioner is a bit daft.
Aside from visits to malls, zoos or amusement parks, when we often have to
refer to the map at the information center to find out "you are here," we
always seem to know where we are.
But do we really know where we are?
The first Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman, was imprisoned on
trumped up charges of anti-government activities. During his imprisonment,
one of the czar's officers -- having heard of Rabbi Shneur Zalman's keen
intellect and outstanding genius in all areas of life -- engaged him in a
conversation.
The officer had an unsolved question. "It says that Adam 'hid' after he sinned
by eating fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. When G-d wanted to speak with
Adam, He asked him, 'Where are you?' Didn't G-d know where Adam was?" asked
the officer.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman replied, "The Bible is eternal and its message is for
all times. G-d was inquiring of Adam, and of all his descendants for all
time, 'Where are you? Where do you stand in the fulfillment of your life's
mission? How much have you accomplished today and what do you intend to
accomplish tomorrow that will help you fulfill the special task with which
you have been entrusted?'"
The question "Where are you?" is asked every day of each one of us. Like
the question, "Who are you?" the answer has to come from a place that goes
beyond names and titles and positions and affiliations and job descriptions.
To be able to properly respond, our answer has to come from our very essence.
For G-d does not direct the question to Adam or Eve, to Michael or Jennifer.
He directs it to you: "Where are you?"
An important start in being able to answer the question is to understand
who "you" are. The chasidic teachings of Rabbi Shneur Zalman -- the dissemination
of which was the true cause for his imprisonment -- explain that "you" are
comprised of a G-dly soul and a body chosen by G-d at Mount Sinai. Torah,
primarily as elucidated by chasidic teachings, can help us fully understand
these two components of ourselves. Together with that understanding comes
the ability to begin to answer the age-old and ageless question, "Where are
you."
The New Year of Chasidus commences on the 19th of Kislev. Make
a New Year's resolution that "you" will never regret. Join a Torah class
that includes chasidic teachings. Find out where you really are.
*
Chasidus classes are available for people of all ages and backgrounds.
For information, call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
For a listing of the Centers in your area:
http://www.candlelightingtimes.org/general/shluchim.html.
In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848).
THE WELLSPRINGS
Adapted from Letters of the Rebbe
The Baal Shem Tov writes in a letter to his brother-in-law that on Rosh
HaShanah of the year 5507/1746, his soul ascended to the heavenly realms
where he was granted the privilege of entering the palace of the soul of
Moshiach. He asked Moshiach, "Master, when are you coming?" Moshiach responded,
"When your wellsprings [teachings] will be disseminated outward."
(3)
To this end, the Rebbe has always stressed the importance of studying
chasidic philosophy and teaching it to others to hasten Moshiach's coming
and to prepare ourselves for the messianic era.
What follows are excerpts of letters from the Rebbe about the importance
of disseminating Chasidus.
*
The destiny of the teachings and the message of the Baal Shem Tov -- that
they should be disseminated to the furthest reaches of the world -- must
be fulfilled. Accordingly, no corner of the globe inhabited by Jews should
remain untouched by this message.
And since we are now in the era in which we hear the approaching footsteps
of Moshiach, who "is standing behind our wall," waiting only for the finishing
touches to our refinement of this physical world, it is thus imperative that
Chasidus be studied in Australia, too. This applies not only to the
Russian-born chasidim who were sent there as emissaries; it should
likewise permeate the local Jewish population. And since this is something
that must happen, all the necessary resources will no doubt be forthcoming.
* * *
I was pleased to read of your decision to engage in the diffusion of the
light of Chasidus, and so on. It is a pity, though, that you are deferring
this for some time, when "behold, [Moshiach] is standing behind our wall,"
and is being delayed only because the wellsprings are not yet sufficiently
widespread. Can anyone measure [the Jewish people's] anguish with every
additional moment of exile, or [their] bliss in every additional moment of
the Era of the Redemption?
* * *
It is my obligation (and my privilege) to make you aware of the great necessity
of studying the inner dimensions of the Torah, which in these latter generations
have been revealed within the teachings of Chasidus. And if this study
is a necessity for every Jew, how much more is this true of a person who
is in a position to influence others, and who is thus (in the words of the
Mishnah) "himself meritorious and causes many others to attain merit."
Moreover, from this affirmative statement one can infer [that the reverse
is true when one does not take steps to be meritorious].
Especially in this period of the approaching footsteps of Moshiach, when
"behold, he is standing behind our wall" and everyone should be prepared
every day for his coming, every single individual must do his duty. For,
as the King Moshiach himself stated, he will come "when the wellsprings will
be widespread." Heaven forfend that the exile be prolonged, even for the
shortest time, by reason of any inactivity in this task of dissemination,
or even by incomplete activity. For this is an exile both of G-d and of the
House of Israel, since "when they were exiled to Edom the Divine Presence
accompanied them."
* * *
From the perspective of this world, today's world needs a more intense light
and a greater diffusion of light, because of its lower standards (as the
Sages write, "If the early generation were like angels, we are like mortals;
if they were like mortals, we are like donkeys"), and because of the seriously
depleted numbers of our Jewish brethren (as a result of the events of recent
years).
From the heavenly perspective, year by year, in every era, a new and lofty
spiritual light that has never yet radiated is drawn down to this world each
year from a higher realm. This obliges us to provide additional "vessels"
for this light. In this era in particular, we are coming ever closer to the
time of which we have been promised, "In its time I will expedite it." This
verse refers to the time of the coming and revelation of Moshiach. The "vessel"
for this revelation is the light of Chasidus; the condition for this
revelation is the dissemination of the wellsprings of Chasidus. It
follows that this light must radiate even to places that until now were "outside"
and that everywhere, vessels to contain the light of Moshiach should be expanded.
*
Chasidus classes are available for people of all ages and backgrounds.
For information, call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
_______________
3. See
CHASSIDUS IN
BRAILLE: Lighting Up the Path to the Redemption
In order to understand the concept of "spreading the wellsprings [of Torah]
outward," we need to examine the physical properties of a well.
A well's water gushes spontaneously from its source without waiting for the
thirsty person to come and drink. Likewise, its waters flow far and wide,
saturating everything with which they come in contact.
In a similar vein, when the objective is bringing the waters of Torah to
other Jews, we cannot wait until they come and ask to drink its knowledge.
The Torah, the sustenance of life itself, must be brought to wherever Jews
are found.
This approach originated with Aaron the High Priest, who "loved peace and
pursued peace, loved his fellow creatures and brought them nearer to Torah."
Aaron did not wait until others took the first step, but went "outside" to
draw them closer to Judaism.
Significantly, Aaron "brought them nearer to Torah," and not the other
way around. The Torah's principles were never altered or compromised to fit
a given situation. Rather, each individual Jew was brought to the Torah,
the same true and eternal Torah that has stood immutable for thousands of
years.
This characteristic service of Aaron is alluded to in the Torah portion of
Beha'alotcha -- literally, "When you light the lamps." As High Priest,
Aaron's job entailed kindling the menorah in the Sanctuary.
A candle is symbolic of the Jewish soul, as it states, "the candle of G-d
is the soul of man." Aaron's function was to light the candle, i.e., ignite
the soul of every Jew, for every Jew possesses a G-dly soul, no matter how
concealed it may be. By lighting this "candle," Aaron revealed the flame
that burns inside each and every one of us.
Furthermore, Aaron made sure that the candle would continue to burn without
his assistance. It is not enough to uncover the G-dly soul that exists in
the recesses of every Jewish heart; the soul must be so aroused that it continues
to burn with love of G-d and perpetually seeks to reunite with its Source
Above.
Thus, "spreading the wellsprings outward" requires that we go "outside,"
beyond our own "space" to awaken the hidden spark of G-d that is the birthright
of every Jew. For no matter how hidden it may seem to be, all that is necessary
is that we find it and fan its flame until, like a candle after the match
which lit it has been removed, it continues to burn by itself.
A chasid once approached the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem
M. Schneerson, known as the Tzemach Tzedek, with a question. "What
is the point of studying Chasidus, which deals with abstractions that
no mortal mind can fully grasp? After all, when Moshiach comes even those
who didn't study Chasidus will know G-d, as it says in Isaiah, 'For
they will all know Me.'"
The Tzemach Tzedek replied: "A person listening to a conversation
on the other side of a wall doesn't grasp everything. He only understands
the general drift. But later, when the conversation is repeated in full,
he understands everything he had heard previously. Every few moments he thinks,
'Ah! Now I understand all those connections and details!'
"Here, too," continued the Tzemach Tzedek, "it is true that someone
who studies Chasidus grasps only part of the subject. But when Moshiach
will teach it in the time to come, that person will be able to look back
and say, 'Ah...!'
"And not only that, but someone hearing those teachings for the second time
will understand them much more deeply than someone who will then hear them
for the first time. As the above-quoted verse says, 'For they will all know
Me, from their smallest to their greatest' -- and it is obvious that the
understanding of a young child cannot be compared to that of an adult."
Does this sound like Greek to you? If so, consider the following. Imagine
you decide to become a printer. Even before you set foot in a printing shop
you start finding out all kinds of fascinating facts about printing and presses.
You become an expert in paper and ink. You avidly read a book that describes
in detail how a four-color press works, complete with diagrams.
The big day comes when you're going to actually see a printing press. You
invite a friend to come. The friend doesn't know even a fraction of what
you do about printing, but he's a good friend so he comes.
You get into the printing plant and walk over to the biggest four-color press
in the building. After only a moment of surveying it, you point to something.
"Ah," you say excitedly, "this is where the ink goes!" An instant later you
notice a row of buttons. "Ah," you say with animation, "this is the button
you push to start the press." You walk around the machine pointing to levers,
buttons, and thing-a-ma-jigs that you recognize from your
"four-color-press-manual." And each time, you exclaim, "Ah" -- as if to say,
"I learned about it when it was all theoretical, but now I really understand."
What about your friend, though? He's probably bored since he doesn't really
know heads from tails in the printing business.
According to Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of Chabad Chasidus,
the G-dly Light we will experience in the messianic era is a result of the
quality of our performance of mitzvot and study of Torah before Moshiach's
revelation.
So, a similar type of scene to the one described above in the printing shop
will repeat itself when Moshiach comes. During this long exile, we study
our manual -- the revealed and hidden aspects of Torah. We learn that every
time we do a mitzvah it strengthens our connection with G-d, but we
don't quite understand why. We read that G-d created this world -- and other
worlds -- but don't really understand how. We hear about the Holy Temple
and wonder how it will look.
When Moshiach comes, and everything is revealed for our physical eyes to
behold, we'll say, "Ah, now I see how my connection to G-d was strengthened
through performing mitzvot. Ah, now I see how G-d created the world,
and I even see the spiritual worlds that exist on non-physical planes that
Kabbalah talks about. Ah, I recognize all these different furnishings
of the Holy Temple that I learned so much about." The "Ah" will be directly
proportional to the amount of effort and study we do now, in these last few
moments before Moshiach!
The most important principle in the Torah is the protection of Jewish life.
It's more important than Shabbat, more important than holidays, even
fasting on Yom Kippur.
Right now, in Israel, and everywhere, Jews must stand together in unity and
do whatever possible to protect Jewish life.
The Rebbe taught that there are ten important
Mitzvot we can do to protect life. See what you can do:
1) Ahavat Yisroel: Behave with love towards another Jew.
2) Learn Torah: Join a Torah class.
3) Make sure that Jewish children get a Torah true education.
4) Affix kosher Mezuzot on all doorways of the house.
5) For men and boys over 13: Put on Tefillin every weekday.
6) Give Charity.
7) Buy Jewish holy books and learn them.
8) Light Shabbat & Yom Tov candles. A Mitzvah
for women and girls.
9) Eat and drink only Kosher Food.
10) Observe the laws of Jewish Family Purity.
In addition, the Rebbe also urged every man, woman and child to Purchase
a Letter in a Sefer Torah. There are several Torah scrolls
being written to unite Jewish people and protect Jewish life.
Letters for children can be purchased for only $1. Send your Hebrew name
and your mother's Hebrew name plus $1 to:
"Children's Sefer Torah,"
P. O. Box 8,
Kfar Chabad, 72915, Israel
or via the Internet, at:
http://www.kidstorah.org
The Rebbe's slogan is: "The main thing is the deed." We therefore present
from the Rebbe's talks suggestions what we can do to complete his work of
bringing the Redemption.
Make Yud Tes Kislev Gatherings:
"Gatherings should be held in every Jewish community, in honor of 19
Kislev -- the "New Year of Chasidus" and anniversary of the
liberation of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe.
"Participate in as many gatherings as you can. They needn't be huge assemblies;
begin with yourself (i.e., a gathering of one's own strengths and powers
for good).
"At these gatherings an emphasis should be placed on inspiring each other
to increase in Torah, prayer and deeds of kindness."
(The Rebbe, 16 Kislev, 5752/1991)
*
For a Yud Tes Kislev gathering in your area, contact your local
Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
Jewish Women and Girls Light Shabbat
Candles
For local candle lighting times:
consult your local Rabbi, Chabad-Lubavitch Center, or call: (718) 774-3000.
or:
http://www.candlelightingtimes.org/shabbos
For a free candle lighting kit:
contact your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
For a listing of the Centers in your area:
http://www.candlelightingtimes.org/general/shluchim.html.
In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848).
Times shown are for Metro NY - NJ
Friday, Dec. 12, Erev Shabbat Parshat Vayishlach:
-
Light Shabbat Candles,(4) by 4:11 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13, Shabbat Parshat Vayishlach:
-
Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 5:16 p.m.
_______________
4. The Shabbat candles must be lit 18 minutes before
sunset. It is prohibited and is a desecration of the Shabbat
to light the candles after sunset.
Laws of Shabbat Candle Lighting for the Blind
Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing
"Let There Be Light" - The Jewish Women's Guide
to Lighting Shabbat Candles.
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