LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach
Parshat Tzav, Shabbat HaGadol 5766
9 Nissan, 5766
April 7, 2006
SPECIAL FEATURE:
"Happy 104th Birthday, Rebbe"
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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
In honor of his 104th birthday,
11 Nissan, 5766
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 469th
issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
In this week's issue, we focus on The Rebbe's 104th birthday.
*
We would like to express our thanks to Mrs. Malka Touger for allowing us
to reprint -- starting with this issue, for the benefit of the visually impaired
and the blind -- her new book, Excuse me, are you Jewish? -- Stories of
Chabad-Lubavitch Outreach Around the World.
*
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
27 Adar, 5766
Los Angeles, California
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR IN-LAWS
Reb Dovid Asniel ben Reb Eliyahu
Ekman
Passed away on 5 Sivan - Erev Shavuot, 5765
Mrs. Devora Rivka bas Reb Yosef Eliezer
Marenburg
Passed away on the second day
of Rosh Chodesh Adar, 5766
Dedicated by their son-in-law and daughter
Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Yitzchok and Gittel Rochel
Shagalov
Parshat Tzav
In this week's Torah portion, Tzav, we read the verse: "A perpetual
fire shall always be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out." The
Kohanim (priests) in the Holy Temple were required to light a fire
upon the altar in preparation for the G-dly fire which descended from Above
to consume the sacrifices. Without this preparation, the G-dly fire would
not come down from heaven.
The fire that descended from Above came from G-d. Thus, unlike a fire that
is kindled by human beings, it was unlimited in nature. Human beings, by
contrast, are finite creatures; their abilities are likewise limited.
Nonetheless, the priests had to first invest their own efforts in order for
the G-dly, infinite fire to descend from on high. Thus we see that the service
of limited, finite creations is a necessary condition to attain a level that
transcends limitation.
When a person does all he is capable of doing, G-d grants him additional
powers from Above. He becomes a "perpetual fire that burns always," enabling
him to transcend his natural limitations.
Every Jew possesses an inner, spiritual "Holy Temple" in which G-d's Presence
dwells, as it states, "I will dwell in their midst." When a Jew invests the
maximum amount of effort in kindling his spiritual flame, he merits a G-dly
fire to descend from Above -- the bestowal of additional powers and an infinite
abundance of blessing.
What is the spiritual fire that burns in the inner Sanctuary of every Jew?
None other than the warmth and enthusiasm he feels in his service of G-d.
In the spiritual sense, observing the Torah and its commandments with enthusiasm
is the equivalent of lighting a fire in one's inner Sanctuary.
This vitality must extend to all three dimensions of Torah and
mitzvot: the study of Torah, the service of prayer, and the performance
of good deeds.
Torah: Learning Torah at fixed times is not enough if there is no
enduring connection to the Torah throughout the day. Torah study must be
so intense and vital to the Jew that it permeates his being and surrounds
him constantly.
Prayer: A person mustn't pray by rote or simply out of habit. Indeed,
the service of prayer is "the supplication for mercy and entreaty before
G-d."
Good deeds: G-d's commandments are not to be performed merely to discharge
our obligation. Rather, we must always endeavor to observe them in the most
beautiful manner and to the best of our ability.
When a Jew does the above with enthusiasm, the fire he kindles upon his inner
altar is whole. Such a person will merit that G-d's fire -- an unlimited
fire -- will descend from Above, and he will see G-d's blessing in everything.
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
SHABBAT HAGADOL
Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe
On the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Nissan the Jews in Egypt were
commanded to take a lamb into their homes and to guard it until the fourteenth
of the month, when it was to be slaughtered as the Passover offering. When
their Egyptian neighbors became curious, the Jews explained that the sacrifice
was preparatory to the tenth and final plague G-d would visit on the Egyptians
-- the slaying of the firstborn.
Hearing this, the firstborn sons panicked. They stormed Pharaoh's palace,
demanding that he free the Jews. When he refused, civil war broke out in
Egypt. Sons fought against fathers and many died, as it states in Psalms,
"To Him Who struck Egypt through its first-born" -- the Egyptian firstborn
sons themselves were the instrument of Egypt's destruction.
This miracle is commemorated each year on Shabbat
HaGadol(1), the Shabbat immediately preceding
Passover, as the miracle itself took place on Shabbat that year. Yet
ever since then, Shabbat HaGadol does not necessarily fall on the
10th of Nissan; the deciding factor in commemorating the miracle is
that it be on Shabbat.(2)
This commemoration differs from all other celebrations on the Jewish calendar,
which are generally determined according to the day of the month. What is
so special about Shabbat HaGadol that it follows a different pattern?
An essential difference exists between the days of the week and of the month.
The seven days of the week are determined by the sun, according to the natural
order G-d put into motion during the seven days of Creation. The days of
the (Jewish) month, however, are determined by the phases of the moon, whose
movements are not subject to nature in the same way.
These two ways of determining the passage of time, solar and lunar, reflect
the two ways G-d oversees the world -- within and outside of nature -- the
seemingly natural occurrence and the miracle. In fact, the Hebrew word for
"month" -- chodesh -- expresses this concept, for it is related to
the word chadash ("new"), signifying that the lunar phases are subject
to change. For this reason, Jewish holidays are celebrated according to the
day of the month, as they commemorate G-d's supernatural intervention with
the laws of nature.
The miracle of Shabbat HaGadol, however, was not supernatural, but
of an entirely different sort, one in which evil itself fought to eradicate
its own existence. Fearing for their own lives, Egyptian fought against Egyptian,
waging war in order to free the Jewish slaves.
A miracle such as this, occurring within nature, is therefore connected to
the day of the week and not the day of the month. This concept will be better
understood when Moshiach comes, speedily in our days, for the G-dliness that
exists within nature will then be openly revealed and not seen as a separate
entity.
_______________
1. See below footnote #5. Ed.
2. This year, Shabbat HaGadol is on the 10th of Nissan.
Ed.
Yud-Alef Nissan (Sunday, April 9), is the Rebbe's birthday.
A birthday is more than a day for songs and celebrations. Instead, a birthday
is a day when mazalo gover, the spiritual source of a person's soul
shines with power. When we say "the spiritual source of a person's soul,"
we mean something more than our conscious thought powers. We have our thoughts
and our feelings. And then we possess an inner spiritual core from which
those thoughts and feelings spring forth. This spiritual core is the
mazal that shines powerfully on a person's birthday.
Since a person's mazal shines powerfully on that day, he should use
its influence to focus on his individual mission and align all the particular
elements of his life with it. As the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok
Schneersohn taught, on a birthday a person should spend time in solitude,
thinking over the purpose of his life, correcting those matters that need
to be amended, and making resolutions with regard to his conduct in the future.
The Rebbe's birthday is not merely a personal event, affecting him alone.
On the contrary, the very name Rebbe is an acronym for the Hebrew words Rosh
Bnei Yisrael, "head of the Jewish people." The head contains the nerve
center for the entire body, allowing all its diverse organs and limbs to
function together as a single whole. Similarly, a Rebbe is a comprehensive
soul whose life is lived in consciousness of others and whose efforts are
devoted to tightening the connection between them. As such, the Rebbe's birthday
is a day which impacts us all.
What is the Rebbe's mazal and where is it directed? In one of his
letters, the Rebbe writes: "From the days I began going to cheder
(school) and perhaps even before then, I had a vision of the ultimate
Redemption." From his earliest childhood, and in every successive phase of
life, the Rebbe devoted his efforts to creating a spiritual climate that
will make Moshiach's coming a reality.
On a day when "the spiritual source of the Rebbe's soul shines powerfully,"
each one of us should think of the way he can help shoulder and advance this
mission. The breakthroughs in sciences and communication of our era have
created the backdrop for the Redemption. It is our responsibility to create
the conceptual foreground and make the values and principles that will
characterize the Redemption factors that influence our lives at present.
Anticipating the Redemption in this manner will precipitate its unfolding
as actual reality.
(From Keeping In Touch by Rabbi Eliyahu
Touger, published by Sichos in English)
It is a Jewish custom to say daily the chapter of Psalms associated with
the number of one's years. Many also have the custom to recite daily the
Rebbe's chapter. The 11th of Nissan (Sunday, April 9) marks the Rebbe's
104th birthday, and so, we begin reciting chapter 105.
Psalm 105 was composed by King David on the day that he brought back the
holy Ark from Philistine captivity. From that day forth, this Psalm was sung
each morning as part of the daily service until King Solomon built the Holy
Temple and the Ark had a permanent home.
The Psalm begins, "Offer praise to the L-rd, proclaim His Name; make His
deeds known among the nations." This verse describes the Divine mission of
Abraham which he carried out to the utmost degree. Abraham taught about the
One G-d and encouraged everyone to praise and thank G-d. As his descendants,
we too are enjoined to praise G-d and to speak of G-d's wonders.
In the next verse we are further enjoined to "speak of all His wonders."
Our Sages explain that those who believe in G-d speak with one another about
the wonders and miracles that G-d has done and continues to do. We are encouraged
to do this, especially in these days when the wonders we are experiencing
are a foretaste of the miracles and wonders of the future redemption.
In verses three and four we read: "May the heart of those who seek the L-rd
rejoice...Search for the L-rd and His might; continually seek His countenance."
Finding G-d brings the ultimate joy and happiness. Yet, even while a person
is seeking G-d, he rejoices. The search for G-d is never-ending; but simply
being involved in the search is enough to cause one to rejoice.
Verse 7 reads: "...His judgments extend over the entire earth." G-d is busy
with the entire world, yet He is also involved and concerned with even the
minute details of our lives.
This Psalm ends: "And He gave them the land of nations, and the labor of
the peoples they inherited; so that they might preserve His Statutes and
treasure His Laws..." Reward is usually granted after the deed. But G-d gives
the reward even before the good deed so that we will be able to fulfill His
desire in peace.
May we truly fulfill His desire in peace with the revelation of Moshiach,
NOW!
As far back as in the times of the Talmud our Sages taught that "all
the appointed times have passed." How much more so must this be today, after
all the divine service of our people throughout this long and bitter exile,
for over a thousand and nine hundred years. Moshiach must most certainly
come immediately.
(From a talk of the Rebbe,
Parshat Vayechi, 5751/1990)
EXCUSE ME, ARE YOU JEWISH?
Stories of Chabad-Lubavitch
Outreach Around the World*
= 1 =
Ms. Linda Lingle first encountered Chabad when she was mayor of Maui, Hawaii.
Rabbi Yitzchak and Pearl Krasnjansky, shluchim in Honolulu, had sent
two yeshivah students, Naftali Rotenstreich and Zalman Shmotkin, to
the neighboring islands to reach out to Jews. The young men discovered that
Mayor Lingle was Jewish and contacted her during their visit. About a decade
later, former mayor Lingle moved to Honolulu and became active in the leadership
of the local Republican Party. In time, she made a bid for the governorship,
but narrowly lost the election. Her efforts to explore her own heritage,
in contrast, met with resounding success. Through frequenting Chabad activities
and befriending the Krasnjanskys, she was able to advance her knowledge and
Jewish experience.
It was the first night of Pesach, one year, when Ms. Lingle appeared
at Chabad House shortly after the Seder had begun. Rabbi Krasnjansky
publicly acknowledged her arrival.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced ceremoniously, "it is my pleasure to
introduce to you the future governor of Hawaii! Next year in Jerusalem, but
if G-d forbid we are still here, next year's Seder will be held in
the governor's mansion!"
"I felt so awkward," Pearl recalls with a smile. "Ms. Lingle had not yet
announced her candidacy. Although it was fairly common knowledge that she
was planning to run again, it seemed a little audacious to be so outspoken.
It must have been the four cups of wine that prompted my husband to make
such a statement."
Six months later, Ms. Lingle indeed won the gubernatorial election, becoming
the first Jewish governor of Hawaii. As a sign of her Jewish identity, she
took her oath of office on a Tanach -- A Bible. Shortly after
assuming office, she called Rabbi Krasnjansky.
"So when are we going to begin planning the Seder at Washington Place
(the governor's residence)?" Governor Lingle inquired.
The Chabad public Seder has now been conducted in the governor's mansion
for the past three years. Many share in the joyous celebration. Governor
Lingle and her gracious staff are not daunted a bit by the extensive preparations
and the total transformation that the gubernatorial kitchen must undergo.
"My only regret," says Governor Lingle, "is that considerations of time must
constrain the rabbi in sharing all the inspiring explanations and stories
that make the Seder so special."
= 2 =
"Are there any Israelis here?" Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg of Bombay called out
in the hallway of the primitive guesthouse frequented by backpackers on
shoestring budgets.
This search for additional guests to the Chabad House festive table was part
of his routine every Friday afternoon and an hour before any Jewish holiday.
His wife, Rivki, had insisted that he make his rounds this afternoon, despite
the assistance she needed at home in preparation for the Pesach
Seder.
"Yes," came the answer. A moment later, a young man emerged from the communal
shower room at the end of the corridor. He looked at the rabbi in utter
disbelief.
"Where in the world did you come from?" he blurted out. "Who sent you here?"
"G-d sent me," the shliach answered with a smile. "I'd like to invite
you to our home for the Seder."
That young man, Ohr Michaeli, became the Holtzberg's guest, and told them
the following story.
"I was on my way from a southern village in India to the north, where I had
planned to meet a group of backpackers. I was shocked to discover that I
had been pickpocketed on the way. I ended up here in Bombay, roaming the
streets not knowing what to do, when I came upon some European-looking people
I could communicate with. When I told them my plight, they suggested that
money could be wired from Israel to a bank in India. I immediately contacted
my family and relayed the instructions those kind people had given me.
"The foreigners also directed me to this dingy guest house, which would be
a cheap place to stay until the money arrived. Disappointed by my bad luck
and exhausted from the ordeal, what I wanted most was to take a shower and
go to sleep. But all of a sudden it dawned on me that tonight will mark the
beginning of Passover. I'm not an observant Jew, but I've always enjoyed
the Seder and had been planning to go to one together with the group
I was to meet up north. I was feeling totally dejected, and then suddenly
you walked in."
_______________
*. Reprinted with permission of the author, Mrs. Malka Touger. Published
by Emet Publications, Jerusalem, 5766/2006.
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.
Thirty Days:
"Purim is thirty days before Passover.(3) As Rabbi Shneur
Zalman of Liadi writes in his Code of Jewish Law, thirty days before Passover,
we should begin studying the laws of the holiday.
"Similarly, since the celebration of the Passover holiday involves many expenses,
it is proper that efforts be made to provide everyone who lacks with their
Passover needs.
"Although there are organizations involved with these activities throughout
the entire year, there must be an increase in these efforts in connection
with the Passover holidays, providing them with both food and clothing so
that they can celebrate the holiday in an ample manner, as befits 'free people.'"
(The Rebbe, 16 Adar, 5751/1991)
_______________
3. This year, Passover begins on Wednesday night, April 12.
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, April 7, Erev Shabbat Parshat Tzav:
-
Light Shabbat Candles,(4) by 7:09 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, Shabbat Parshat Tzav:
_______________
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.
5. A portion of the Haggadah, beginning from Avodim
Hoyinu ("We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt") until l'chaper al kol
avonoseinu ("to atone for all our sins") is recited on this
Shabbat after Mincha, the Shabbat afternoon service.
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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