LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach
Parshat Teruma, 5766
3 Adar, 5766
March 3, 2006
SPECIAL FEATURES:
1. Zayin Adar
2. Tes Adar
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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 465th
issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
In this week's issue, we focus on the Seventh and Ninth of Adar.
*
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
22 Shevat, 5766
Los Angeles, California
Parshat Teruma
This week's Torah portion, Teruma, communicates the command to build
a Sanctuary. G-d told the Jewish people: "Make Me a Sanctuary and I will
dwell within...." The Sanctuary, and later the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was
"the place which G-d... chose... to place His name there." This was His home
on earth, as it were. Just like a person can relax and express himself without
inhibitions in his own home, so too, the Temple was -- and will be -- the
place where G-dliness was revealed without restrictions.
In every person's individual world, his soul rests in his mind, and that
makes his entire body human. Similarly, in the world at large, G-d's presence
rested in the Temple, and that made it possible for us to appreciate G-dliness
in every element of existence. The existence of the Temple makes the entire
world His home.
Our Rabbis teach us that the Hebrew word for "within" b'tocham, literally
means "within them," not "within it." Building a Sanctuary for G-d did not
mean merely erecting a structure where His presence would be manifest. Instead,
the intent was that every single person would become "a sanctuary in microcosm,"
for G-d would dwell "within them," within each and every individual.
All the details about which the Torah portion speaks have parallels in our
relationship to
G-d. They are not just particulars that existed in the Sanctuary long ago,
but are instead ongoing motifs relevant to our bond with G-d. The ark in
the Holy of Holies where the Divine Presence rested refers to the inner reaches
that exist within our heart. For in each of us, there is a resting place
for the Divine.
Similarly, the Sanctuary and the Temple contained:
-- the Menorah, the golden candelabra; this points to the potential
we all possess to shine forth G-dly light and illuminate our surroundings;
-- the table, on which the showbread was placed; this points to our potential
to earn a livelihood; this is also a holy endeavor deserving of a place in
the Sanctuary; and
-- the altar, where sacrifices were brought. Korban, Hebrew for sacrifice,
relates to the word karov, meaning "close"; through the sacrifices,
we draw close to G-d.
Although we no longer have the Sanctuary built by Moses, nor the Temple in
Jerusalem, the sanctuary in every Jewish heart remains. The home for G-d
within us is an inseparable element of our existence.
* * *
Thursday, the ninth of Adar (March 9), is the 66th anniversary of
the Previous Rebbe's arrival in the United States.
In honor of this occasion, we present an explanation of the Previous Rebbe,
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, on a point from this week's Torah portion.
In this week's portion, we read the verse, "Make Me a sanctuary and I will
dwell within them." Why does G-d say He will dwell in "them" and not in "it"?
Within them, as explained by Chasidic literature, means within every Jew.
For, within the soul of every Jew is a place devoted and dedicated to G-dliness.
The Previous Rebbe explained: The site of the sanctuary remains sacred, even
in times of exile and desolation. The Midrash says that the Divine
Presence never departs from the Western Wall. The destruction of the Temple
is limited to its building alone. This is true, too, of the personal sanctuary
within every Jew. For, the foundation of every Jew is whole. Every form of
spiritual desolation found in the Jewish people is only in those aspects
of a person analogous to the part of the building above the foundation. The
foundation of the individual sanctuary, however, remains in its holy state.
Expanding on this idea, the Rebbe spoke on numerous occasions about the need
to turn our homes into mini-sanctuaries. This is accomplished by turning
our homes into sanctuaries for Torah study, charity, and prayer. In addition,
we would do well to fill the house with true Jewish furnishings -- Jewish
books and a charity box attached to a wall so that it becomes part of the
actual structure.
Each family member, including children of all ages, can also participate
by making their own rooms into mini-sanctuaries. Torah study, prayer, and
charity can all be practiced in the mini-sanctuary, as well as other
mitzvot.
Within every Jew, within each Jewish home, is that spark of G-dliness that
remains totally indestructible. It is the sanctuary that G-d commanded us
to make in this week's Torah portion. May we all merit to beautify and enhance
our own personal sanctuary.
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
Zayin Adar, the Seventh day of the Hebrew month of Adar (Tuesday,
Mar. 7), is the birthday and yahrtzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu (Moshe
our teacher).
The Rebbe has spoken numerous times about the significance of this date in
our G-dly service. In one of the Rebbe's last public addresses, on 7
Adar I, 5752/1992, the Rebbe delved further into the significance
of this date.
On a person's birthday, "his mazal (source of influence) shines
powerfully." If this concept applies to the birthday of any Jew, surely it
applies with regard to the birthday of a nasi (leader) of the Jewish
people. Nor is this relevant merely as an event in the past. Instead, each
year, the positive influence associated with the Seventh of Adar is
increased, reaching a level immeasurably higher than in previous years.
The birthday of a nasi affects every member of the Jewish people,
for the nasi is the source of influence through whom G-d's blessings
are drawn down for the entire people.
Seven is symbolic of a complete cycle. Thus, the Seventh of Adar should
inspire every Jew to carry out his service in a complete manner. The positive
influence of the month of Adar will facilitate the performance of
this service.
Similarly, these positive influences will hasten the coming of the Redemption.
It is of utmost importance that the Redemption come sooner, even a moment
sooner, for the Divine Presence and the Jewish people are in exile. Therefore,
it is important to hasten the coming of the Redemption; every single moment
its coming can be speeded is significant. The potential for this certainly
exists: the very next moment can be the last moment of the exile, and the
moment that follows, the first moment of Redemption.
* * *
Jewish teachings (Shemos Rabba) state that "Moshe is the first redeemer
and he is also the final redeemer." This does not mean that Moshe himself
will be the "final redeemer." For, Moshe belongs to the tribe of Levi, while
Moshiach is from the tribe of Judah.
However, many traditional sources view the redemption from Egypt as the prototype
of the Final Redemption, based on the verse in our Prophets: "As in the days
of your exodus from the land of Egypt, I will show you wonders."
In this way, Moshe -- who was the leader of the Jewish people in his generation
-- is the prototype of every Jewish leader and ultimately, of Moshiach.
Thus, for example, in Egypt, first G-d appointed the redeemer -- Moshe. He
spoke to the Children of Israel, telling them that G-d had remembered them
and that the time had come for them to leave Egypt. Only afterward did Moshe
redeem the Children of Israel and take them out of Egypt. Similarly, first
Moshiach informs us that the time of the Redemption has arrived, and only
afterward does the actual Redemption take place (Sfas Emes).
In one of his kabbalistic works, Rabbi Chaim Vital describes Moshiach as
a tzaddik, a human being born of human parents, and writes that he
will receive the soul of Moshiach that has been stored in the Garden of Eden.
Rabbi Chaim Vital then explains how this may be compared to Moshe and his
progression to self-perfection.
The Chatam Sofer, as well, describes Moshe, the first redeemer, and
then compares him to the final redeemer, "And when the time comes, G-d will
reveal Himself to him, and the spirit of Moshiach, which has been hidden
in the higher worlds until his coming, will light upon him."
Next week contains within it a special date for the American Chabad-Lubavitch
community, yet possibly even more so for the American Jewish community at
large.
The date is the Ninth of Adar, (next Thursday, March 9). On this day,
66 years ago, (in 5700, March 19, 1940), the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef
Yitzchok Schneersohn, arrived in the United States.
For all purposes, this day marks the beginning of the "dissemination of the
wellsprings (of Chasidus) to the outside" in the Northern Hemisphere.
Though weakened in body -- as he was confined to a wheelchair -- he was not
weakened in spirit.
After his arrival in the United States, the previous Rebbe successfully devoted
himself to establishing a strong educational system here. Within two years,
yeshivot in New York, Montreal, Newark, Worcester and Pittsburgh were
founded. This flurry of activity, however, did not at all affect the manner
in which he continued to work toward the establishment of educational
organizations in other parts of the world. For, within ten years, programs
were started in Paris, Safaria (Israel) and N. Africa.
Before his arrival in the United States, the previous Rebbe was told that
"America is different." The customs and ways from the "old country" just
wouldn't do here. The Rebbe replied in his usual indomitable manner, "America
is not different!" and proceeded, throughout the rest of his life, to prove
that he was right.
The Jewish community here is greatly indebted to this prophetic and visionary
giant.
* * *
The Previous Rebbe announced, upon his arrival, that he was going to open
the first Chabad-Lubavitch yeshivah in America. He said, "America
iz nisht andersh -- America is not different [from Europe]." Just as
yeshivot had dotted the European landscape for centuries, so too would
they flourish here in America.
Upon hearing this, many people came to the Previous Rebbe and tried to dissuade
him, citing examples of prominent rabbis who had also tried to establish
yeshivot in America and had failed.
The Rebbe replied, "I did not come to America to relax, but rather, Divine
Providence brought me to America to start rebuilding Judaism." He refused
to go to sleep that night until he was assured that the yeshivah would
open as he wished. The following day, Tomchei T'mimim Lubavitch
Yeshivah in Brooklyn opened with ten students.
* * *
The Previous Rebbe wrote and spoke at great length about the process of education
and the momentous task that is bestowed upon teachers.
In "The Principles of Guidance and Education," the Previous Rebbe describes
the process of introspection and refinement that an educator must undergo
in order to properly guide his/her students. He also explains how a teacher
must carefully examine each individual pupil's character and tailor his/her
teaching style to best educate the student with both love and firmness.
Contrary to the old saying that "those who can, do, and those who can't,
teach," the Rebbe shows us that only a person with a truly fine, exceptional
character can properly carry out the task of teaching the next generation.
The Rebbe explains that the arrival of the Previous Rebbe on our shores marked
the beginning of the primary efforts to spread Chasidus and Judaism
to the outer reaches of the world at large.
We should intensify our efforts to carry out the service begun on the 9th
of Adar II, 5700/1940, namely, to spread the light of Torah to the
entire world, until the Redemption comes and this world is revealed as G-d's
dwelling.
When people comment that Lubavitchers may be going a little overboard, as
it seems that every other word is about Moshiach or Redemption or the Messianic
era, our only response is that we are emulating the Rebbe.
An example (and this is not an exception, but the rule) may be found in a
talk of the Rebbe's 16 years ago (in 5750/1990) at just about this time of
year. At that time the Rebbe spoke of the 50th anniversary of the previous
Rebbe's arrival in America.
In the course of just 5 minutes the Rebbe said:
"May the completion of these 50 years of service bring about the complete
and ultimate redemption -- the eternal Redemption led by Moshiach.
"The Messianic Redemption is also connected to the present month, the month
of Adar. Adar is a month of celebration as our Sages commented,
'When Adar commences, happiness should be increased.' This happiness,
in contrast to the happiness of the other months of the year, is unlimited
in nature. Thus, we find that though the festivals of Passover,
Shavuot, and Sukkot are described as 'festivals of rejoicing,'
the court would send emissaries to ensure that the celebrations were kept
within certain limits. In contrast, the celebrations of Purim are unlimited
in nature. This relates to the Messianic Redemption, for the ultimate expression
of happiness will come in the Messianic age.
"This unbounded happiness is not restricted to Purim alone. The Megillah
describes Adar as 'the month that was transformed,' implying that
the month as a whole is one of celebration. In particular, this is true now
that eight days of the month have passed. The number "eight" shares a connection
to the Messianic Redemption.
"The present day, Tuesday, is also connected to the Messianic Redemption,
for Tuesday is associated with the repetition of the phrase, 'And G-d saw
that it was good,' interpreted by our Sages as a reference to a twofold good:
'good to the heavens' and 'good to the creatures.' This twofold service relates
to Moshiach's coming, since, as our Sages explain, all terms that are repeated
in Torah are allusions to the concept of redemption.
"A connection to the Messianic Redemption can also be found in this week's
Torah portion..."
So you see, if the Rebbe's chasidim and admirers are known to be
Moshiach-minded, it is the greatest compliment possible!
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 teaches 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.
Celebrate Purim:*
The Rebbe has called on every Jew to observe the mitzvot of Purim:
hearing the Megillah read, giving charity, eating a festive meal,
sending gifts of food to friends and reciting the V'Al HaNissim prayer.
In addition, the Rebbe asked that everyone take part in spreading the awareness
of the mitzvot of Purim. "There should not be a single Jew in a far-off
corner of the world who does not have the opportunity to fulfill all the
mitzvot of Purim."
_______________
*. This year, Purim begins on Mon. night, Mar. 13. Ed.
Jewish Women and Girls Light Shabbat
Candles
For local candle lighting times:
consult your local Rabbi, Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
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, March 3, Erev Shabbat Parshat Teruma:
-
Light Shabbat Candles,(1) by 5:31 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, Shabbat Parshat Teruma:
-
Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 6:31 p.m.
_______________
1. 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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