LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach
Parshat Beha'alotecha 5766
20 Sivan, 5766
June 16, 2006
SPECIAL FEATURE:
A Summer Message From The Rebbe
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Dedicated to educating the public regarding the
current situation in Israel, based on Torah
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 480th
issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
In this week's issue we feature a summer message from the Rebbe.
*
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
18 Sivan, 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 Beha'alotecha
This week's Torah portion, Beha'alotecha, opens with the words "When
you light the lamps."
Aaron the kohen (priest) was commanded to kindle the menorah
in the Sanctuary every day. The menorah was required to burn at all
times, as the Torah states, "To cause a light to burn perpetually."
Just as Aaron lit the menorah in the Sanctuary, so is every Jew required
to illuminate his home and surroundings with the Torah's holy light.
Aaron was a kohen, but so too is every member of the Jewish people,
as it is written, "You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests." The giving of
the Torah at Mount Sinai transformed every Jew, bringing him to the spiritual
level of a "kohen."
The menorah stood in the Sanctuary (and later in the Holy Temple in
Jerusalem). Similarly, every Jewish home is a "Sanctuary" to G-d. The verse
"I shall dwell in their midst" means that G-d dwells within each and every
Jew; hence, every Jewish home is an abode for the Divine Presence.
The light that Aaron kindled was "perpetual"; so too must the light in every
Jewish home be always shining. The Torah's light of holiness must burn night
and day, and pervade all corners of a Jewish residence.
All Jews, and especially Jewish children, have the power to imbue their homes
with holiness. How is this accomplished? By expressing an awareness of G-d
every moment of the day.
As soon as a Jew opens his eyes in the morning he says the prayer of "Modeh
Ani..." -- "I give thanks to You..."; whenever he eats, he recites the
proper blessings both before and after. Throughout the day, he conducts himself
according to the Torah's laws, and at night he says the prayer of "Shema
Yisroel" -- "Hear O Israel..." before going to sleep.
The Torah and its mitzvot are likened to light: "A mitzvah
is a candle, and the Torah is light." Indeed, the Torah and its commandments
are the medium through which the Jew is able to illuminate the "Sanctuary"
in his home.
Lighting the menorah is also associated with the Final Redemption
with Moshiach:
The menorah that stood in the Sanctuary and the Holy Temple was composed
of seven lights, as it states, "The seven lamps shall give light."
When Moshiach comes, all the Jews who are dispersed around the world will
return to the holy land of Israel in seven paths, as is written in the Book
of Isaiah, "And [G-d] shall wave His hand upon the river...and smite it into
seven streams."
Thus, disseminating the light of Torah and mitzvot in our own homes
serves to hasten Moshiach's coming with the Final Redemption.
May it happen at once!
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
The korban Pesach (Pascal sacrifice) was offered only once during
the Jews' 40 years of wandering in the desert, one year after the Exodus,
at the express command of G-d, as it states in this week's Torah portion,
Beha'alotcha: "In the second year of their going out from the land
of Egypt, in the first month...and the Children of Israel made the Passover
offering in the proper season."
For the next 39 years there was no korban Pesach, as G-d stipulated
that it could only be offered after the Jews entered Israel. In fact, the
bringing of the Pesach sacrifice resumed only after the Jews had taken
possession of the land, whereupon it was sacrificed every year.
Rashi, the foremost Torah commentator, interprets the Jews' failure
to bring the korban Pesach in the desert in a negative light, despite
the fact that G-d had told them to wait. "This was to the disgrace of Israel,
that all 40 years they were in the desert they offered only one Pascal
sacrifice."
But how can Rashi fault them for following G-d's command? What could
possibly be shameful about not offering a sacrifice when they were not required
to do so?
The "disgrace," however, was in the Jews' meek acceptance of the prohibition.
Had they begged and pleaded with G-d, surely He would have allowed them to
offer it, even in the desert.
Rashi thus finds it shameful that 39 years elapsed during which the
Jews were silent. Praiseworthy behavior, by contrast, would have been to
repeatedly beseech G-d until He acquiesced to their demand.
In truth, had the Jewish people requested permission to offer the korban
Pesach before reaching Israel, G-d would have allowed it, just as He
gave the Jews who were ritually impure on Pesach a second chance to
bring an offering on Pesach Sheini. For G-d listens to our requests.
Had the Jewish people but asked, they would have merited to bring the korban
Pesach even in the desert.
From this we learn just how important G-d considers a Jew's requests. Asking
something of G-d is praiseworthy; not asking Him is "disgraceful."
This also teaches how important it is to repeatedly entreat G-d to bring
the Final Redemption "speedily," as we say in our prayers, "Speedily cause
the scion of David Your servant to flourish," and "May it be Your will...that
the Holy Temple be speedily rebuilt in our days."
The initiative must come from us. We must continually beg G-d to bring Moshiach.
For when Jews ask, G-d listens!
To Jewish Students and School Children Everywhere
G-d Bless You All!
Greeting and Blessing:
Vacation time is approaching, to release youths and children, boys and girls,
from Yeshivahs, Talmud Torahs, Day Schools, etc., for a long
summer recess.
The importance of a restful vacation is obvious. However, certain aspects
of vacation time should be examined carefully. Is vacation time a stoppage
of study, or is it a transition from one form of activity to another?
In all living forms, there is no such thing as a stoppage of life, followed
by a completely new start, for a stoppage of life is death, and cannot serve
as a temporary rest period. There can be a transition from one form of activity
to another, but not a cessation or stoppage.
For example: The two most vital organs in our body are the heart and the
brain. The heart is the principal seat of "physical" life; the brain is the
principal seat of "intellectual" life. Because the heart and the brain have
supreme control of the body, they are called "the Sovereigns of the body."
Now, these organs not only do not cease to operate in a living body, but
they do not even undergo a radical change in their form of activity. And
inasmuch as the actions of the other organs are being led by the activity
of the heart and brain, it follows that the other organs of the body, though
they may seem to be in a state of inactivity, as in the case of sleep, do
not in reality stop working.
This is even more obvious in the case of breathing. We find that during sleep,
breathing is slowed down considerably, but it never stops, for the "breath
of life" must always be there.
Similarly in the case of students, boys and girls, studying our Torah,
"Torat Chaim" -- The Torah of Life, restful vacation does not mean
interruption and stoppage of Torah and Mitzvot, G-d forbid. It means
only just another way of furthering their course of study, a period during
which they renew their mental abilities and increase their capacities for
a more intensive study later on.
Therefore, my friends, bring light and holiness into your vacation time,
by remembering always that it is the time of preparation in order to improve
the quality and quantity of your studies during study-time to follow. But
let it not remain so only in your thoughts and intentions; be always united
with our holy Torah in your everyday actions and conduct. Let not a single
day pass without the "breath of life" provided by the "Torah of Life." Let
every one have appointed times for the study of Chumash,
Mishnah, Talmud, and so on, each one according to his or her
standard of Torah education.
At this time, I wish everyone who is resolved to use his or her vacation
in this productive "living" way -- much success, as well as on returning
to normal study later on.
With blessing,
Graduation ceremonies are taking place all over. From kindergarten students
to those receiving their doctorates, commencement ceremonies are usually
a high-point of the school year.
These ceremonies are called "commencement" because, truly, the person is
now beginning a new stage in his or her life.
And, as the word commencement or even graduation implies, the person
is hopefully going to proceed on to a newer and higher level.
The above certainly applies to Jewish students in particular and all Jews
in general. Each year we should be striving to graduate to a new and higher
level of Jewish observance. Whatever level we have currently reached is adequate
for today, but for tomorrow it is not enough. For, as we all must certainly
know, if we stay in one place we stagnate; if we are not going up, inevitably
we are going down.
For those who have not had the opportunity to graduate even from the
"kindergarten" of Judaism, one must never think that it is too late to start.
As we learn from one of our greatest sages and teachers, Rabbi Akiva (who
did not even learn the Hebrew alphabet until the age of 40), it is never
too late to start. Though long overdue, it is incumbent upon each of us to
start the educational process that will undoubtedly keep us growing and reaching
up, for all our days.
Summer is a great time for kids. Without the pressures of school, children
have the opportunity to spend their summer vacation in enjoyable and educational
pursuits. The summer schedule is particularly suitable for children to grow
spiritually, by attending a day or overnight camp with a vibrant, exciting
and Torah-true Jewish atmosphere.
Each year, without exception, as the summer approached, the Rebbe emphasized
the importance of Jewish children attending Jewish camps. The amount that
a child can learn in the summer, unencumbered by the pursuit of reading,
writing and arithmetic, goes far beyond what he can accomplish at any other
time of year. And, as this knowledge is being imparted in an atmosphere of
fun and excitement, in an environment totally saturated with Jewish pride,
it remains with a child long after the summer months are over.
It's still not too late to enroll your child in a Jewish camp. And it's certainly
not too late to facilitate other children attending a Jewish camp if you
do not have camp-age kids. By calling your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center,
you can find out about a summer camp experience for someone you know whose
benefit will last a lifetime.
By the way, adults, too, should take advantage of the more relaxed atmosphere
of summer to revitalize and nourish themselves Jewishly.
Try a Jewish retreat or even just a weekly Torah class to enhance your Jewish
pride and knowledge.
And may this summer be our last one in exile and our first in the Era of
the Redemption.
Have you made your summer plans yet? If you're intending to go away, you
might already have started packing or thinking about what you'll take along
with you.
Usually, before we go anywhere -- even if it's just a day trip to the country
-- we need to know what the weather is going to be like, what kind of activities
we're going to be involved in and how long we'll be staying. This information
makes our packing easier and the trip more pleasant.
Imagine the ordeal of packing for a surprise, mystery trip. You'd have to
take your whole wardrobe along -- not knowing whether you're going to a hot
or cold climate, to casual or elegant affairs, or taking walking tours or
sightseeing buses.
Each and every mitzvah we do is a journey -- an excursion to
self-betterment, an adventure to a heightened relationship with G-d, our
fellowman, and ourselves.
Mitzvot are not many people's typical idea of a vacation, though,
certainly not the kind of lazy, laid back, relaxing vacation many of us envision
when we're at the height of a frenzied, hectic day.
They are a different kind of vacation, however, a kind of vacation you can
go on every day of your life, every minute of your day. Because who doesn't
want to take a vacation where you can visit new sights, reconnect to your
past, carve out for yourself a place in history, experience something eternal.
One of the greatest things about vacation via Torah and mitzvot is
that because of the diversity of each mitzvah, you can experience
the whole spectrum of vacations each and every day that you do different
mitzvot.
Relax by communicating with G-d (praying in the vernacular), putting on
tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles. Bathe in the vast sea of
Torah that is available through attending classes, reading books, or listening
to pre-taped lessons in the privacy of your home. Be dazzled by the bright
lights of the Infinite Light (Ohr Ein Sof) when you contemplate G-d's
greatness and the purposefulness of the world and its every creation. Wine
and dine at sumptuous banquets on Shabbat and holidays. Exercise your
conscience and workout on your self-control by fulfilling the mitzvot
between one person and another: not being jealous; loving your fellowman;
judging everyone favorably; honoring your parents. The list goes on.
But, what kind of packing should you do for a vacation of mitzvot?
The rule of thumb that the better you've packed the more you'll enjoy your
vacation applies to mitzvot as well. Ask questions! Find out why,
when, and how to do each mitzvah. Learn the significance and the inner
meaning behind the customs. Pack in all of the knowledge you can as you go
along.
But, don't hesitate to do a mitzvah just because you think you might
not be properly prepared. After all, would you pass up a surprise, mystery
trip just because preparing is a hassle or you didn't have a chance to pack?
Enjoy your vacation!
By Rabbi Arye Preger
It was right before Purim, 5753/1993, when we received a phone call asking
if we could accommodate a couple from Borough Park -- Gerrer chasidim --
for Shabbat in Crown Heights. The couple with their young child arrived
Friday afternoon, but it wasn't until during the Friday night meal that we
had a chance to chat. Mr. B. told me in a whisper, "My wife does not know
that the Lubavitcher Rebbe was our shadchan [matchmaker]."
My guest continued, "A few years ago, my brother-in-law came to the Rebbe
during 'Sunday dollars.'(1) He asked the Rebbe for a blessing
for his sister, who had been married for quite a few years without being
blessed with children. The Rebbe gave him three dollars and a blessing. Exactly
nine months later triplets were born.
"About two years ago, my wife and I were having problems in our marriage.
Conditions worsened to the point that we divorced. I remained in New York
and my ex-wife moved to Israel.
"I went to the Rebbe one Sunday and asked for a blessing to find the right
match. The Rebbe gave me a blessing as well as a dollar.
"A little over a week later, soon after the Rebbe had his first stroke, the
Rebbe appeared to me in a dream and told me, 'Do not search for another wife;
return to your first one. If you have any doubts about the matter, wait until
Purim and you will have a yeshua [salvation].'
"I was a bit confused by this dream, so I discussed it with several Lubavitcher
chasidim, who advised me to wait until Purim to see what happens before I
decide.
"On Purim a rabbi from Bnei Brak in Israel contacted me and informed me that
my wife was interested in getting back together. We worked out our differences
and our family was reunited once again. Since tonight is the first anniversary
of our remarriage, I thought we should celebrate it here in Crown Heights
and be together with the Rebbe."
Not long after this occurrence I attended a wedding in Borough Park, and
I recounted the story to a group of chasidim, most of whom were Satmar. One
of the men who happened to be sitting next to me told me that when his wife
was hospitalized in Rochester, Minnesota, the only ones who came to visit
her and raise her morale were Lubavitcher chasidim. "A Rebbe who has such
emissaries as dedicated as these in such far-flung places, even without
performing miracles, is definitely worthy of redeeming the Jewish people
from this dark exile and bringing us to the Redemption," he said.
_______________
1. In the years 1986-1992, the Rebbe, every Sunday, personally distributed
to each of the thousands of visitors who came to receive his blessings a
dollar to give to charity.
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.
Study Ethics of the Fathers
We read one chapter of Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers -- each
Shabbat following the afternoon prayer. Pirkei Avot contain
ethics and moral exhortations.
Many have the custom to continue reading these chapters throughout the summer
months until Rosh HaShanah; summer is a time when people are prone
to become more lax in their Jewish observances.
The Rebbe emphasized the importance of not only reciting the chapters, but
also actually studying them.
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, June 16, Erev Shabbat Parshat
Beha'alotecha:
-
Light Shabbat Candles,(2) by 8:11 p.m.
Saturday, June 17, Shabbat Parshat Beha'alotecha:
-
On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 2 of
Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers.
-
Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 9:20 p.m.
_______________
2. 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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