LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI 5769 24 Adar, 5769 March 20, 2009 SPECIAL FEATURE: Celebrate Your Birthday ************************************************* * This week's issue is sponsored in part by: * * Holy Sparks - "http://www.holysparks.org" * * * * * Your premiere site for Jewish spirituality. * * * * * 5,769 Years of the Most Amazing Jewish Wisdom * * recorded in calligraphy, especially for you! * * * * * Explore your potential: * * Jewish Books, Art & Wisdom For Our Time. * * FREE art! * ************************************************* >> A Jewish Response To Terrorism << http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5762/269.htm *************************************************** * Visit TruePeace.org * * "http://www.truepeace.org" * * 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 * *************************************************** Published Weekly By Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences On The Moshiach Campaign, Committee For The Blind * * * 5769 "Year of Hakhel" **************************************************** * VISIT US ON THE WEB, AT: * * http://www.torah4blind.org * **************************************************** * TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: * * E-Mail: info@torah4blind.org * * or: * * http://www.torah4blind.org/subs.htm * **************************************************** * OPERATION REFUAH: * * http://www.operationrefuah.org * **************************************************** * JEWISH CHILDREN: * * Get your own letter in a Sefer Torah! * * http://www.kidstorah.org * **************************************************** * Kids! We Want YOU To Join * * Tzivos Hashem (The Army of G-d) * * http://www.torah4blind.org/tzivos-h.htm * **************************************************** * MOSHIACH - CHILDREN'S PAGE * * http://www.torah4blind.org/children/index.htm * **************************************************** * THE SEVEN UNIVERSAL LAWS OF NOAH: * * http://www.torah4blind.org/noahide.htm * **************************************************** THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED TO THE REBBE, RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON OF LUBAVITCH "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 ********************* * TABLE OF CONTENTS * ********************* * Introduction. * The Weekly Torah Portion. * The Rebbe's Prophecy. * From a Talk of the Rebbe. * Parshat HaChodesh. * Shabbat Mevorchim Nissan. * Time to Start Passover Cleaning. * The ABC's of Getting Ready for Passover. * Birthday Reflections & Celebrations. * Birthday Customs and Practices. * Happy Birthday To You. * Your Birthday - A Day of Good Luck. * A Birthday Wish. * Whose Birthday Is It? * Year of Hakhel. Hakhel Today. * Time for Unity; Time for Strength! * A Call To Action. * The Weekly Shabbat Calendar. * "Let There Be Light" - The Jewish Women's Guide to Lighting Shabbat Candles. * Laws of Shabbat Candle Lighting for the Blind. * Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing. * Moshiach Information Hotlines. * Moshiach In The Air -- Electronic Media. * Subscription Information for this Weekly Magazine: Living With Moshiach. **************** * INTRODUCTION * **************** We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, the 616th issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach. * In this week's issue, we focus on: 1) Shabbat Parshat HaChodesh, the forth of four special Torah readings read in the synagogue on the Sabbaths before the month of Nissan -- Shekolim, Zachor, Parah and HaChodesh. 2) As our Sages have enjoined us to begin preparing for each holiday thirty days before the holiday begins, Therefore, we begin in this week's issue, to focus on the upcoming 8-day festive holiday of Pesach, which begins this year, on Wednesday night, April 8. 3) In honor of the 108th birthday of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the Rebbe's wife, on Shabbat Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei the 25th of Adar (March 21), that marks the 108th year since the birth of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the Rebbe's wife. Therefore, we also focus in this week's issue, on the Rebbe's innovative campaign to celebrate birthdays in the traditional Jewish manner, that the Rebbe initiated on 25 Adar, 5748/1988, in connection with the Rebbetzin's 87th birthday. * 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 new copy editor, Reb Benyomin Hoffman, for his tireless efforts,. and, many thanks to our former copy editor, Reb Mordechai Staiman, of blessed memory ("http://www.torah4blind.org/staiman"), 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 Executive Director Enlightenment For The Blind, Inc. E-Mail:yys@torah4blind.org 24 Adar, 5769 Year of Hakhel Los Angeles, California ************************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF * * Horav Schneur Zalman Halevi * * ben Horav Yitzchok Elchonon Halevi * * Shagalov * * Passed away on 21 Tamuz, 5766 * * * * 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 * * * * Reb Yitzchok Moshe (Ian) ben Reb Dovid Asniel * * Ekman (Santiago, Chile) * * Passed away on 24 Shevat, 5769 * * * * May Their Souls Merit Eternal Life * * * * AND IN HONOR OF * * Mrs. Esther Shaindel bas Fraidel Chedva * * Shagalov * * * * * Dedicated by * * Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Yitzchok and Gittel Rochel * * Shagalov * ************************************************* *************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** PARSHAT VAYAKHEL In the beginning of the first of this week's two Torah portions, Parshat Vayakhel, Moshe relates G-d's command to the Jewish people: "Six days shall work be done, and the seventh day shall be holy, a Sabbath of rest to G-d." In order to observe Shabbat properly, in accordance with G-d's command, the groundwork must first be laid by the six days of the work week: "Six days shall work be done." Significantly, the commandment is not "Six days shall you do work." The verse does not instruct us to toil laboriously. "Six days shall work be done" -- as if the work is being done by itself. You needn't exert undue effort or invest too much of your energy, the Torah tells us. Rather, your work will be accomplished with a minimal amount of exertion. This is a special blessing that G-d has bestowed on the Jewish people. Our Sages state, "When Israel does the work of G-d [when they serve Him properly], their work will be done by others." Not "Six days shall you do work," but "Six days shall work be done." Their work will already be completed. This contains a lesson for every Jew to apply in his daily life. Yes, a Jew is obligated to work for a living, to provide for the members of his family, but only his most external powers and abilities should be invested toward this end. It states in Psalms (128:2): "You shall eat the labor of your hands; happy shall you be, and it shall be good for you." When is it good for man? When only his "hands" are involved in his work; when his head and his heart, his thoughts and emotions, are reserved for higher matters: the study of Torah and the performance of mitzvot. A Jew must never invest himself totally in his business affairs. For it is "the blessing of G-d that makes a man rich." A person's success is not determined by the amount of effort he puts into it. His efforts only create the vessel through which G-d bestows blessings. Thus a Jew must reserve his intellect and energy for spiritual matters, while his business must be viewed as if it is taking care of itself. Approaching work in such a manner ensures that the Shabbat will be observed properly, that the Jew will be able to put aside his material concerns on the day of rest. If a Jew is overly preoccupied with his livelihood during the work week, his Shabbat will be disturbed by worry and anxiety: How can he earn more money? What should he buy and sell? On Shabbat he will find it difficult to disconnect from worldly matters. Thus "Six days shall work be done" is the most appropriate preparation for "the seventh day shall be holy." In this manner all the days of the week will acquire a Shabbat-like quality, and the Shabbat itself will have an increased measure of holiness, as implied by the Torah's repetition, "Shabbat shabbaton -- a Shabbat of rest." PARSHAT PEKUDEI The second of this week's two Torah portions, is Parshat Pekudei, the last Torah portion of the Book of Exodus, which immediately precedes Vayikra, the first Torah portion of the Book of Leviticus. Accordingly, an intrinsic connection exists between the two: At the end of Pekudei we are told that a cloud descended upon the Sanctuary. The purpose of a cloud is to conceal; the cloud prevented Moshe from entering the Sanctuary. The theme of Vayikra, by contrast, is revelation. "G-d called to Moshe" -- to reveal Himself to him. Sequentially, the revelation of Vayikra follows the concealment of Pekudei. And a revelation that comes after a concealment is much more obvious than one that occurs without a prior concealment. In the service of man, the revelation that follows a period of concealment is teshuvah (repentance; literally "return"). Before the person did teshuvah he was estranged from G-d, distanced from His Torah and mitzvot, i.e., in a state of concealment. His act of teshuvah, his return to G-d, constitutes the revelation. Indeed, we find that Jews who repent of past misdeeds (baalei teshuvah) merit a higher revelation of G-dliness than those who were always righteous! For the revelation that follows a concealment is a more exalted one. When a person does teshuvah, his "deliberate sins are considered as merits." "In the place where baalei teshuvah stand, even the completely righteous cannot." The tzadik is successful in completely banishing evil. But a baal teshuvah, someone who returns to G-d with all his heart, transforms the evil he has done into good -- so much so that even his deliberate sins are considered as merits! By doing teshuvah, he turns darkness into light. This is the revelation that follows the concealment. What can we learn from this? That regardless of our present spiritual condition we must never despair! We must never think that our spiritual state is so lowly that no hope exists. On the contrary: It is precisely after a period of concealment that the highest revelation of G-dliness is possible! Past generations of Jews were on a much higher spiritual level than our own, but they were further removed from the final Redemption. Our generation, however, as the Rebbe has stated many times: "is the last generation of Golus (Exile) and the first generation of the Geulah (Redemption)!" Because the greatest revelation of the Redemption follows the lowest descent, we must take heart and strengthen ourselves in advance of the light about to break forth. In this manner we will soon merit the true and complete Redemption -- the revelation that follows the concealment -- when "the night will illuminate as the day." ******************************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND AND COPY EDITOR * * Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shaul * * Staiman * * Passed away on 22 Tamuz, 5763 * * * * May His Soul Merit Eternal Life * ******************************************************* ************************ * THE REBBE'S PROPHECY * ************************ 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. _______________ See "Living With Moshiach" Vol 593: http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5768/593.txt ********************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR GRANDPARENTS,* * * * Reb Shmuel Pesach Ben Reb Yaakov Dovid * * Passed away on 3 Tishrei, 5755 * * * * Mrs. Fraidel Chedvah Bas Reb Zev Wolf * * Passed away on 4 Adar II, 5755 * * Pais * * * * May Their Souls Merit Eternal Life * * * * Dedicated by their grandchildren * * Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Y. and Gittel Rochel * * Shagalov * ********************************************* **************************** * FROM A TALK OF THE REBBE * **************************** 59 years ago, on Shabbat Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, 5710/1950, the Rebbe said the following: "In the last series of Chasidic discourses that the [Previous] Rebbe wrote, he anticipated everything and hinted at everything. [According to the unauthenticated notes of a listener, the Rebbe said: "I search among the subjects explained in these discourses for the answers to all the questions beings asked."]... "The [Previous] Rebbe says this of our present time -- the final era before the Redemption, the era in which the task of separating the sparks of G-dliness in this world and returning them to their source comes to an end. As the Rebbe wrote, now is the era preceding the Redemption, and the mode of spiritual service now required is a mode of victory, with an unquestioning acceptance of the yoke of heaven. "In order that victory be secured in the current battle, 'secret treasures, which have been locked away for generations,' have been squandered -- i.e., all the teachings and episodes which the Rebbe revealed in recent times, and which had been hidden and sealed from generation to generation, until the generation of the Baal Shem Tov and his mentor. "Because no one adequately took all these treasures to heart, their revelation is a veritable squandering, all for the sake of victory." In another of his earliest talks, the Rebbe suggests that we pour over the latter talks of the Previous Rebbe from his final years in order to find guidance and our orders on how to proceed. Jewish teachings explain that when a great Sage makes a statement about another great teacher he is, in reality, saying the same about himself. Thus, we must take the Rebbe's advice and pour over his most recent teachings, those from the years of 5750, 5751 and 5752 (1990-1992). In these most recent talks, the Rebbe's declaration that "The time of our Redemption has arrived," shows clearly that we have entered a new stage in the pre-Redemption era. And the Rebbe's instructions to publicize this and other statements and messages are also contained in these talks. May we very soon no longer have to review the Rebbe's talks, but hear Torah from the Rebbe himself. ********************* * PARSHAT HACHODESH * ********************* This Shabbat is one of the four special Shabbats preceding the Yom Tov of Pesach. It is called Shabbat Parshat HaChodesh. We read a special Torah portion from the book of Exodus which states: "This month shall be the head month for you. It shall be the first month of the year." Shabbat Parshat HaChodesh always falls either on the Sabbath when we bless the month of Nissan or on the first day of Nissan itself. The month of Nissan is special in that it is a month of miracles -- not the everyday miracles of human existence, or hidden miracles such as those that took place on Purim. But, rather, Nissan contains revealed miracles that are higher than nature itself. With the command that the month of Nissan, a month of revealed miracles, be designated as the first and "head" of the months, the Torah emphasizes that in all the months of the year, whether we see open miracles, miracles in the cloak of natural events, unusual success or a seemingly unchangeable cycle of nature, we must realize that G-d is the Creator of the Universe, the sole Master of the world, who directs and cares about even the smallest detail of the world and each individual person. If each and everyone of us would sit down for only a brief few moments and pay close attention to what has happened to us personally, we will detect minor and major miracles that happen in our personal lives. Many times we are just too busy to stop for a moment and take stock of what has happened. But we shouldn't pass it off as another "natural" happening. It is a miracle of G-d, whether it has occurred in the month of miracles, or in an average day. **************************** * SHABBAT MEVORCHIM NISSAN * **************************** This Shabbat is Shabbat Mevorchim, the Shabbat before the new Jewish month. Literally translated, it means a Shabbat in which we bless the upcoming Jewish month. This Shabbat Mevorchim is special because it is the Shabbat before the month of Nissan [1] , which is often referred to as "the month of Redemption." On the surface, calling Nissan the month of Redemption is explained by the fact that Nissan is the month in which we celebrate Passover, [2] the holiday that commemorates the Jews' redemption from Egyptian slavery. But the month of Nissan is also connected to the Final Redemption, as our Sages say, "In Nissan, our people were redeemed, and in Nissan, they will be redeemed in the future." This Shabbat represents the transition from the month of Adar to the month of Nissan. Both months contain within them commemorations of miraculous events. In Adar we celebrate the downfall of Haman and the victory of the Jewish people, and in Nissan we celebrate our freedom from slavery. The difference between the events is that the miracles of Purim occurred within the natural order of the world, while the miracles of Passover transcended the natural order. The story of Purim can be traced through a natural sequence of events. But by cloaking miracles in the natural order of the world, we are actually elevating the natural order. That is our true purpose on this earth, to elevate the physical to the spiritual and have G-dliness revealed on this plane. Another concept that the two months have in common is redemption. Adar celebrates redemption from Haman's wicked decree, and Nissan celebrates the redemption from Egypt. Shabbat is also a kind of redemption, a weekly redemption from mundane cares and worries to a place of light, joy, song and Torah-study. May all of these redemption's be stepping-stones to our complete, final, and ultimate Redemption, the coming of Moshiach. _______________ 1. Rosh Chodesh Nissan is celebrated on Thursday, March 26. 2. This year, Passover begins on Wednesday night, April 8. *********************************** * TIME TO START PASSOVER CLEANING * *********************************** Springtime happens to bring with it one of the most colorful, widely observed, and vividly recalled Jewish holidays -- Passover. In fact, one of the three names by which Passover is mentioned in the Bible is "the Holiday of Spring." Our Sages enjoin us to begin preparing for each holiday thirty days before the holiday begins. When our Sages made this suggestion, they had in mind learning the laws pertaining to the holiday. The holiday of Purim falls thirty days before Passover, which serves as an easy reminder of when to start preparations. Many people use Purim, and the thirty-day guideline as a reminder that it's time to start getting serious about cleaning the house, and getting the chometz (leavened foods) out of the house, for Passover. We've already passed the thirty-day mark. So, certainly, it's not too soon to make plans for where you'll be spending the seders. Also, check out your local supermarket or grocery store and see if they'll be stocking the KOSHER-FOR-PASSOVER food that have a RELIABLE RABBINICAL SUPERVISION that you will need for the eight-day holiday. If they don't have everything, find out who does. In addition, call your local rabbi, or Chabad-Lubavitch Center to order shmurah matzah -- special hand-made matzah just like the Jews used when they came out of Egypt -- at least for the two seders. With the first crocuses starting to peep their heads up, even through the frost, it's really time to start thinking about Passover. This year, bring the "Holiday of Spring" into your thoughts, now. ********************************************* * THE A B C'S OF GETTING READY FOR PASSOVER * ********************************************* When it comes to getting ready for Passover; teamwork is essential to do the job right. If you consider the task of removing all traces of chometz from your possession as an adventure, it makes it more fun and rewarding. And when you're having fun, everyone wants to join in. Start early enough -- traditionally we start preparing for a holiday 30 days before the festival -- and consider cleaning according to the ABC's. ATTACK THE ATTIC. Go through all of those storage spaces that accumulate chometz during the year. BEWARE OF BEDROOMS, BOOKS AND EVEN BRIEFCASES. Even if your policy is no food in bedrooms, crumbs wind up there. Chometz also wedges itself in books if you eat while you read. CLEAR THE CABINETS, CHAIRS, CAR AND CLOSETS OF CHOMETZ. This is a perfect time to have the carpets cleaned, too. DEAL WITH THE DRAWERS AND DESKS. ELIMINATE YOUR EGO. What does ego have to do with Passover and chometz? To make a long chasidic discourse short, chometz contains leaven and rises. Matzah doesn't have any leaven and therefore remains flat. As we rid our physical surroundings of leaven, we should try to eradicate our pompous, haughty and self-righteous aspects, those parts of our personality which grow and rise. FACE THE FREEZER AND ALL FURNITURE. And, if you've contemplated cleaning your upholstery, now is the time. GO FOR THE GARAGE, GARBAGE CANS AND WASTEBASKETS. HIDE THE HIGH CHAIR. Unless you still need to use it. If so, thoroughly scrub it, and cover the trays. IGNORE THE IDEA TO QUIT. You're nearly half-way through! JOYOUSLY DE-CHOMETZ THE JIG-SAW PUZZLES AND ALL OTHER TOYS. It's easy not to be happy when you have 300 pieces of Lego to clean -- all with Cheerios meshed in. But think of all the quiet playtime these toys encourage. And think of all the joy that the children give you when you're playing with them -- the kids, that is, not the Lego. KEEP AT THE KITCHEN AND KITCHEN APPLIANCES. The kitchen is "not within the scope of this article." Ask a rabbi or rebbetzin how to do it! LATHER THE LUGGAGE. Go through your suitcases and carry-on bags. MAKE-OVER THE MEDICINE CABINET. Many non-prescription medicines contain chometz and should be dealt with properly. If you must take medicine during Passover, consult your rabbi (probably a nice guy who would love to hear from you). NURTURE YOUR NEEDS. Take a break. Sit down with a drink and relax for a few minutes. While you're relaxing, peruse one of the many interesting Haggadahs available today and you'll be preparing yourself mentally for the holiday, as well. OVERTAKE YOUR OFFICE. Unless you're taking the whole week off, you have to clean your office for Passover. PERUSE YOUR POCKETS, PURSE AND PORCH FOR CHOMETZ. QUARANTINE YOUR QUARTERBACK. Or, for that matter, anyone who goes running through your ready-for-Passover rooms with chometz. READY THE REFRIGERATOR. Use up all those open jars and then clean it well. SCRUB THE STROLLER. If you don't have one, help someone who does. TACKLE THE TELEPHONE. It's probably sticky if you talk while you're eating. UNCLUTTER THE UTILITY ROOM. VALIDATE THE VACUUM CLEANER by throwing out or emptying the bag after you vacuumed the last chometz. WASH THE WALL where all the cake batter splatters when you bake. XEROX YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES which can be used for Passover since your cookbooks are probably so full of chometz that they are unsalvageable. YIELD CHOMETZ FROM YOUR YACHT. Although, if you have a yacht you're probably not doing most of the cleaning, anyway. ZEE, IT WASN'T ZO BAD AFTER ALL! ******************************************* * BIRTHDAY REFLECTIONS & CELEBRATIONS [*] * ******************************************* Birthdays are for parties! Gather young and old, family and friends to celebrate your birthday. Emphasize Torah and mitzvot and make positive resolutions for the future. All your actions in the coming year will be greatly enhanced. Publisher's Foreword During the months of Adar, Nissan and Iyar of 5748 the Rebbe, devoted many of his sichot -- talks -- to the potential religious importance of birthday celebrations. Citing Halachic and Aggadic sources, as well as traditional Chasidic practices the Rebbe has urged everyone to make appropriate gatherings on birthdays and to encourage and emphasize more Torah study, more Tzedakah -- charity, etc. This essay is based on several discourses, from the 25th of Adar, Shabbat Mevarchim Nissan, the 11th & 13th of Nissan, Acharon Shel Pesach, Shabbat Shemini as well as the letter of Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan [5748/1988]. In this publication we have endeavored to compose a digest of the various concepts and suggestions presented by the Rebbe, in the hope of providing the English-speaking world with a clear idea of this important subject. We have been forced to edit and condense some of the Sichot for the sake of continuity. We have also abstained from including all of the technical, halachic references and the copious footnotes which a more detailed translation should include. Our goal is to present a clear and concise picture of the Rebbe's ideas on the importance of birthday observance. We hope this will encourage more and more people to follow the Rebbe's advice. And in the merit of the increased Torah and mitzvot -- we will create the ultimate dwelling place for the Shechinah [Divine Presence] and the ultimate salvation, through our righteous Moshiach -- Now! As an introduction to the essay we are printing the sicha of the 25th of Adar, 5748/1988, the anniversary of the birth of Rebbetzin Chayah Mushka Schneerson o.b.m., (5661[1901]-5748[1988]), which marked the initiation of the Campaign to celebrate birthdays. Sichos In English Birthday Reflections On the 25th of Adar, the anniversary of the birth of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, o.b.m. (5661-5748), the Rebbe spoke (after Shacharit) about the lesson to be drawn from the special day -- the birthday of the world according to one opinion. He also used the opportunity to suggest that everyone should celebrate his/her birthday in the manner taught by the Previous Rebbe, with introspection, Teshuvah -- Repentance -- and increased Tzedakah -- charity, Torah and prayer. Adults and small children should also be encouraged to invite their friends to their birthday gatherings and use the opportunity to encourage others to increase Torah and mitzvot. A birthday represents the esoteric force of "ascending fortune." Since the living must take to heart the lessons of the past, here, too, we can draw inspiration from this birthday to increase Yiddishkeit -- Judaism, Torah and mitzvot. Every Jew is important and indispensable, and must say: "The world was created for me!" But the 25th of Adar has unique significance. R. Yehoshua holds that the world was created in the month of Nissan; man was created on the first of Nissan and the first stages of creation -- Bereishis -- began on the 25th of Adar. According to this opinion, this day, the 25th of Adar, is the birthday of the world. Chasidus explains the rapprochement of the two opinions (Rabbi Eliezer was of the opinion that the world was created in Elul-Tishrei,) in the following way. The supernal thought to create the world blossomed in the Nissan season, while the reality came in Tishrei. The "creation" of Nissan therefore carries the quality of thought over action. Years later, when the Tabernacle was first erected on the first day of Nissan it also brought greater stability to the world (see Bereishis Rabbah 12:11). This year [5748/1988], the 25th of Adar falls in the Torah portion of Vayikra when G-d spoke to Moshe from the Tabernacle; here we see the function of the Mishkan -- Tabernacle -- and the means by which the world is supported. The Previous Rebbe revealed that on a birthday one should review his life history and seek ways to improve the areas that need improvement through Teshuvah. It is also customary to increase Tzedakah before Shacharit and Minchah, and likewise to study more Torah -- revealed and esoteric -- on one's birthday. It is therefore appropriate on this birthday to publicize all the good customs of birthdays: to increase Tzedakah on this day, to study more Torah and to intensify the Divine service of prayer -- these are the three pillars of the world. Also, good resolutions should be accepted for the rest of the year. It would be appropriate that families should gather (with friends) in a joyous mood, so that the good resolutions will be accepted on this day, with a sense of happiness and gladness. This will increase the observance of these good deeds. Children should be taught the spiritual importance of a birthday and they should celebrate their birthdays with their friends in a way that they will increase Torah and mitzvot and good resolutions. Small children will be even more impressed by this suggestion and will be more enthusiastic in carrying it out. This is not a new custom, rather an extension of the responsibility everyone has to encourage others to increase Torah and mitzvot among friends, in a happy and friendly way. To start off in a positive way I will distribute Shliach Mitzvah dollars to all, so that they may give the money to Tzedakah with their personal addition. This acceptance of good resolutions in connection with this birthday should speed up the "birth" of the Jewish people in the complete redemption. Tzedakah will bring the redemption closer, may it be soon: "Today, if you heed My voice" (Tehillim 95:7). May it be truly "Today," and may "the night [of the galut -- exile] be illuminated like the day" (Ibid. 139:12). The Birthday of the World In discussing the creation of the world the Talmud describes the different opinions as to the time of creation. R. Yehoshua holds that the world was created in the Nissan season; man was created on the first of Nissan and the first stages of creation -- Bereishis -- began on the 25th of Adar. According to this opinion, the 25th of Adar, is the birthday of the world. Rabbi Eliezer was of the opinion that the world was created in Elul-Tishrei. Chasidus explains the rapprochement of the two opinions in the following way. The supernal thought to create the world blossomed in the Nissan season, while the reality came in Tishrei. The "creation" of Nissan therefore possesses the quality of thought over action. Years later, when the Tabernacle was first erected on the first day of Nissan it also brought greater stability to the world for the thought was combined with the action (see Bereishis Rabbah 12:11). The Birthday of a Nation The Holiday of Pesach which commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people from Egypt has often been referred to as the birthday of the Jewish nation. The prophet Yechezkel expressed this analogy quite graphically: "And as for your birth, on the day you were born...." Rashi explains that because the Exodus was seen as the birth of the Jewish people the prophet speaks metaphorically of the Exodus in the terms of a newborn baby (See Yechezkel 16:4ff). Pre-natal Nationhood A fetus in his mother's womb, near birth, is a complete, growing, living being, with a completely formed body. It truth, however, it has no independent existence at all: it is nourished by the food the mother eats, and wherever the mother goes, there the unborn baby is automatically carried. From the moment the baby is born, it begins to freely move its limbs, sound its voice, and generally begins its own development, in an entirely new manner, both physically and spiritually. So it was also with the Jews in Egypt before the redemption: They were a "nation" in many respects, even being "distinguished" and distinct from the Egyptians in terms of language, dress, etc., even with a territory of their own, in the Land of Goshen. At the same time, however, they were enslaved and "swallowed up" by the Egyptians, so that they seemed to be engulfed "within the Egyptian nation" also in essential aspects, very much like the Egyptians themselves. Then came the time when G-d "took unto Himself a nation from within [the entrails of] another nation" -- drawing the Jews to Himself (also) as a nation, from a state of the most abject enslavement to the height of freedom, to become G-d's nation, with the status of "a Kingdom of Kohanim and a Holy Nation" in their everyday life. The Birth of Man For a human being birth is a joyous time. It is a time of fulfillment for the parents who were blessed with a son or daughter, for the Jewish people who gained another member, and for the child himself/herself who came into existence. Therefore, when a person reaches maturity, each year on his/her birthday, it is appropriate to express gratitude to the Holy One, Blessed be He, the Giver of life. Just as the birthday of a people is celebrated each year with rites and a ritual, so too, the birthday of an individual Jew should be appropriately observed. An individual's birthday can be utilized to strengthen and increase all aspects of Yiddishkeit, Torah and mitzvot, starting with the three pillars which uphold the world: Torah, prayer and charity. These good practices should be observed on the birthday and good resolutions for the future should be accepted. Most importantly, gather your family or friends for a festive gathering (to celebrate the mitzvah) on your birthday and the joyous party will encourage others to accept good resolutions -- and the happiness that is generated will imbue your future observance with enthusiasm and zeal. Happy Birthday! What is the celebration all about? Well, fundamentally one should rejoice on a birthday and give thanks and praise to G-d for giving him life. The birth of a child brings happiness to the parents, to the Jewish people and to the individual, and for this should one give praise. Ostensibly, birthdays are quite secular affairs, every person (Jew or gentile) has one once a year, in which his "fortune rises." In fact, in Torah the only birthday singled out for any mention was Pharaoh's birthday! Nevertheless, a Jew has the ability to utilize his birthday -- instead of letting it pass as just another day -- he can make it a holiday with emphasis on more Torah and mitzvot. One's birthday is a time for reflection, when one may "remember and think about those aspects of his life which need improvement and repentance" (HaYom Yom, 11th Nissan). This should be achieved by increasing Torah and prayer on the birthday, as well as charity and other mitzvot. Add to this a happy gathering of family and friends with the goal of accepting good resolutions and the power of the birthday will guarantee the fulfillment of the good promises in the future. Birthday Celebrations The Midrash relates: Most people cherish the day on which they were born and make a party on that day. (Midrash Sechel Tov, Bereishis 40:20) [See also Ginze Yosef ch. 4; Ben Ish Chai Halachos, Year 1, Re'eh par. 17] The Zohar relates that on the day of R. Elazar's (Rashbi's -- Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai -- son's) Bar Mitzvah Rashbi made a great celebration. The Zohar further explains that the day of a Bar Mitzvah is analogous to the joyous day of a wedding (See Zohar Chadosh, Bereishis). The Previous Rebbe revealed that on a birthday one should review his life history and seek ways to improve the areas that need improvement through Teshuvah. [Just as the Exodus was a form of repentance so, too, every birthday must bring repentance.] It is also customary to increase Tzedakah before Shacharit and Minchah, and likewise to study more Torah -- revealed and esoteric -- on one's birthday. Birthday -- Rebirth -- Resolve It is therefore appropriate to publicize all the good customs of birthdays: to increase Tzedakah on this day, to study more Torah and to intensify the Divine service of prayer -- these are the three pillars of the world. Also, good resolutions should be accepted for the rest of the year. It would be appropriate that families should gather (with friends) in a joyous mood, so that the good resolutions will be accepted on this day, with a sense of happiness and gladness. This will increase the observance of these good deeds. Children should be taught the spiritual importance of a birthday and they should celebrate their birthdays with their friends in a way that they will increase Torah and mitzvot and good resolutions. Small children will be even more impressed by this suggestion and will be more enthusiastic in carrying it out. Now on one's birthday one can rejoice in the knowledge that on this day his soul descended to the corporeal existence in order to serve the Creator through Torah and mitzvot. This commemoration crystallizes in the fact that at the celebration itself there will be more Torah and mitzvot and more good resolutions for the future. This joyous jubilee may be observed by young and old -- for as soon as the child is able to understand and appreciate the importance of good acts his or her birthday party will become the focal point for commemoration of the past and solemnization of the future. Anniversary of Physical and Spiritual Birth Such a celebration in also connected to the fact that on his 13th birthday a boy enters the age of maturity and is responsible to observe the 613 mitzvot. The same is true of a girl on her 12th birthday. Since every Jew has the "presumption of righteousness" the assumption is that this young boy or girl will certainly grow up to fulfill the dictates of the Torah. Consequently, there is reason to rejoice at the time he or she accepts the yoke of mitzvot. For this reason men and women above Bar/Bat Mitzvah should see in their birthdays additional significance: It is the anniversary of physical birth, it is the anniversary of maturity, or Spiritual birth. As the Shulchan Aruch -- the Code of Jewish Law -- explains: The consummate indwelling of the holy soul in a person takes place on the 13th birthday [lit: 13 years and a day] for a male and the 12th birthday for a female. For this reason they become responsible by Biblical law to fulfill the mitzvot of the Torah. (Shulchan Aruch Harav end ch. 4) With this in mind, whether you are 13, 30 or 83 you have a reason to celebrate your birthday. And at each age you can find satisfaction and growth when you become one year older. Why Were You Born? To Make a Sanctuary! How do we carry out the command "Make Me a sanctuary" in a way that even the mundane aspects of a Jew's life will be holy? One suggestion is for every Jew, man, woman or child to carry out the good custom of celebrating their birthday in a manner that connects it with Torah and mitzvot. There is a golden opportunity on a birthday to influence a person to increased Torah and mitzvot, for it is a time when one's mazal [spiritual source of influence] is strong. The suggestion is directed to everyone, even small children, and their parents should explain to them that on their birthdays there should be a renewal of all aspects of good and holiness. A happy celebration should be organized for the child when he and his friends will joyously accept good resolutions in Torah and mitzvot. Use the birthday as a time to increase goodness and holiness in Torah and mitzvot. We are at the close of the diaspora and we must finish the remaining steps of purification of the mundane. A birthday is a plain day -- no holiday -- yet it is a day in which one's "fortune ascends." A Jew's inner spirituality has the power to eclipse his mundanity and he becomes completely nullified (attached) to the Holy One, Blessed be He. May this proposal be accepted among the Jewish people -- young and old -- to celebrate individual birthdays by making joyous parties in a manner that will enhance and increase Torah and mitzvot. A Custom of Old -- Renewed This is not a new custom, rather an extension of the responsibility everyone has to encourage others to increase Torah and mitzvot among friends, in a happy and friendly way. If for some reason this was not so common until now, it is needed now, and as we have seen, it in based on the practices of the great Jewish leaders. In the darkness of the pre-Messianic diaspora -- we need more good deeds that will radiate light. And this activity is tried, tested and true; it will increase good deeds, Torah and mitzvot. Since the galut -- exile -- is seen as the time of incubation and the salvation as the time of birth, may our good actions on birthdays speedily bring the ultimate birth of the Jewish people -- the true redemption. _______________ *. Published by Sichos In English, 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213. ********************************** * BIRTHDAY CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES * ********************************** The following are the "Chabad Birthday Customs and Practices:" [3] 1. It is customary to have an aliya -- be called to the Torah, on the Shabbat preceding your birthday. When the birthday occurs on a day that the Torah is read you should also be called to the Torah on that day. 2. On your Birthday increase your contribution to tzeddakah -- charity before the morning and afternoon services. When the birthday is on Shabbat or Yom Tov -- give the extra charity before Shabbat or Yom Tov (preferably -- also after). 3. Put more time and effort into your prayer. Pray with greater concentration, meditate on the greatness of the Creator and put more intensity in your recitation of Tehillim -- Psalms as well. (If possible, read at least one complete book of Psalms.) 4. Study the psalm which corresponds to your new age, and which you will be saying daily through the coming year. (E.g. when one reaches the age of 20 he begins reciting Psalm 21.) 5. In addition to your regular, daily Torah study periods -- on your birthday study an extra lesson in the revealed Torah -- Nigleh, and the esoteric teachings -- Chasidus. This is in addition to the daily quota of Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya and Rambam. 6. Study a Chasidic discourse by heart (or at least a part thereof) and review it in the presence of a group of people on the birthday. This may also be done at another auspicious time in connection with your birthday; especially at the Shalosh Seudah -- third meal -- of the following Shabbat. 7. Reach out to your fellow Jews and teach them Torah and Chasidus, with true ahavas Yisroel. 8. Isolate yourself in seclusion for a while on the day of your birthday and retrospectively review your conduct for the past year -- see what needs repentance and improvement, and make good resolutions for the future years. 9. Accept upon yourself some new act of piety or more zealous observance in some area of action -- all within your grasp. 10. Celebrate a happy party with your family and friends in honor of your birthday -- give praise and thanks to the Holy One, Blessed Be He, -- if possible say the blessing of Shehecheyanu on a new fruit -- with happiness and the joy of a mitzvah. _______________ 3. Adapted from "Sefer Haminhagim" -- The Book of Chabad-Lubavitch Customs, published by Kehot Publication Society, 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213. ************************* * HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU * ************************* Would you consider turning your yard into a petting zoo complete with a camel, a draft horse, a bull, ponies, two llamas, a yak, a goat, a chicken, a turtle and a boa constrictor? One grandmother did, for the joint first birthday celebration of her two granddaughters. The $1,200 price tag included entertainment, gifts and 102 Dalmations decorations. Or maybe your child would prefer a catered birthday party with a clown, pony rides, a horse and a fountain spewing apple juice? These are just two examples of birthday parties that, as one psychologist notes, "set up lifelong expectations that might be unrealistic. It is important on birthdays to help a child avoid valuing materialism over family and friends." In a drive to reinstate good, old-fashioned values and, at the same time, keep expenditures down, many parents are opting to get off the birthday bandwagon while they still can. So far, so good. But you're probably wondering what birthdays have to do with Judaism. The notion that there's nothing Jewish about birthdays is so prevelant that a prominent and knowledgeable Jewish radio show host and writer recently wrote that there is no inherent meaning in birthdays within Judaism. On 25 Adar, 5748/1988, the Rebbe initiated an innovative campaign to make birthdays meaningful for both children and adults. The Rebbe encouraged people to celebrate their birthdays in the traditional Jewish manner. Jewish teachings explain that a birthday is a time when mazalo gover -- the particular spiritual source of a person's soul shines most powerfully. The Divine energy that was present at the time of your birth is once more present and dynamic on the anniversary of your birth each year. Therefore, your birthday is a perfect time to enhance the quality of your life in the year to come. Things you can do on your birthday to get the most out of your soul-power include spending time in self-evaluation, making a positive resolution for the coming year, giving charity, studying Torah, and organizing a birthday party with friends and family. At the gathering make sure to share with friends some of what you learned on your birthday. After hearing about the Rebbe's suggestions for birthdays, one public school teacher was so taken with this meaningful way to celebrate that she incorporated some of these recommendations into her students' classroom birthday parties. She asked each child to make a positive resolution and to share with the other students something meaningful and valuable they had recently learned. ************************************** * YOUR BIRTHDAY - A DAY OF GOOD LUCK * ************************************** All of us look forward eagerly to the times when we have "good luck." You might be surprised to know, however, that in fact we have such a day. Our Sages tell us that on our birthday our luck is dominant. In 5748/1988, the Rebbe called upon all of us to utilize this special day in our lives by making a gathering of family and friends. The Rebbe's call is in accordance with the Midrash that says, "And we rejoice on that day and make a celebration." At this celebration -- gathering, the Rebbe suggests we make good decisions, resolutions and commitments for our New Year. As to those of us who may be afraid to make new commitments, we can only offer the following story that the Rebbe once told: "A man made a commitment to give a sum of money to charity that he simply could not afford. Yet, after he made the pledge, he found that he was given new sources of business that hadn't been available to him before. He was then able to make good on his promise, and, much, much more." The Rebbe explained that "this man was given new sources because he made the commitment." Birthdays are most definitely a proper time to make these new resolutions and commitments. For, certainly if we make new commitments to increase in time given to a particular mitzvah, project, or charity, the Al-mighty will in turn, give us the time, energy, or money needed to fulfill that commitment. And, what's more, the Al-mighty will do so "His way," in His bountiful measure of goodness and kindness. Our birthday will indeed be our luckiest day of the year! ******************* * A BIRTHDAY WISH * ******************* Mr. D. is a highly successful businessman. Like many others, he always thought birthday parties were only for children. When he heard, however, that the Rebbe has been encouraging people to make birthday celebrations, he said to himself, "I'm going to have one. After all, if I tell my friends the Rebbe is requesting it, they will realize I'm not expecting presents." Mr. D. called his friends; they all came, and had a wonderful time. During the height of the reception, he spoke. He thanked his friends for coming and then said, "It is customary to bring gifts to a birthday party. I know that you're all good friends. I know, too, that if I asked you for a birthday gift, you'd give me whatever I wanted. So, I'm going to take this opportunity to ask you all for a present." A heavy silence fell on the room until he began to speak again. "I will ask each of you to do something good in honor of this day. I will not tell you what to do; I depend on your good judgment and friendship. I am sure you will pick something appropriate." As the guests were leaving, one of them came over to him and said, "This was the best birthday party I ever attended. It was such a pleasure." Let us all try to instill the same type of enthusiasm into our birthday celebrations as Mr. D. did, and certainly then our guests will react in a similar manner. ************************* * WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS IT? * ************************* By Rabbi Yossi Tewel It was 5731/1971. My grandmother was in Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn. At the time we had no experience with hospitals and doctors. At our annual yechidut -- private audience -- with the Rebbe, my father (o.b.m.) handed the Rebbe a note asking, amongst other things, what we could do for my grandmother. The Rebbe looked at us with a big smile and asked, "Whose birthday is it today?" No one responded; as far as we knew it wasn't any family member's birthday. The Rebbe glanced at the note and once more he asked with a smile, "Whose birthday is it?" Again, no one responded. The Rebbe then said to my father, "In connection with your mother, there is a precious young man named Yudel Keller. His father has connections at Maimonides Hospital. Call him when you leave my office (it was about 2:45 a.m.) and ask him in my name to do the maximum he can." When we left the yechidut my father did as the Rebbe had said. Then he thought about the Rebbe's question as to whose birthday it was. What with the hardships of life in Poland and the Holocaust, he did not know the date of his Jewish birthday. The next day, at the hospital, my father asked his mother when he was born. She said his birthday was the 18th of Av. It should come as no surprise that that very day was the 18th of Av! My father quickly went back to "770" (World Lubavitch Headquarters). Before the afternoon prayers, when the Rebbe saw my father, he smiled broadly. My father said, "Rebbe! I know whose birthday it is today, mine!" The Rebbe again blessed my father and encouraged him to fulfill the customs of a Jewish birthday, including having an aliya, studying extra Torah, giving extra charity, etc. In 5748/1988 I became involved with various Bikur Cholim organizations (for the welfare of the sick). I became acquainted with a number of doctors, including a Jewish doctor who is an authority on radiation oncology. Whenever we met, Dr. R. always asked me questions about Lubavitch and the Rebbe. A few years passed. When the Rebbe had a stroke on the 27th of Adar I, 5752 (March 2, 1992), Dr. R. asked me what would become of the Rebbe's prophecies. I assured him that whatever the Rebbe said would come true. Near the end of the summer, I came to Dr. R.'s office to show him an MRI. I had planned on leaving the test with the secretary and phoning later for the busy doctor's opinion. I was shocked when the doctor called out, "Tewel, you're here! I need you!" Dr. R. told his secretaries to hold all calls as he ushered me into his office. "Tell me about Rabbi Schneerson," he said. "Is he really as big as they make him out to be?" "Whatever you've heard about the Rebbe," I told Dr. R., "is just the tip of the iceberg. But the Rebbe's greatness doesn't come from the fact that he is a prophet or does miracles. It is much more than that. The word 'Rebbe' stands for 'Rosh B'nei Yisrael' -- the head of the Jewish people...". Dr. R. asked me to tell him a few miracles of the Rebbe that "defy gravity," as the doctor put it. I told him a few stories but I emphasized to Dr. R. that the Rebbe concerns himself with every Jew. Then I told the doctor about my father and his birthday. I explained to Dr. R. that a number of years ago (in 5748/1988), the Rebbe came out with a campaign to celebrate one's Jewish birthday. I told him that a birthday is a personal Rosh HaShanah. He asked me if I could tell him when his Jewish birthday is. "Sure," I said, promptly dialing the number of a computer program for just that purpose. Moments later I turned to Dr. R. and said, "Happy birthday. Today, the 13th of Elul, is your Jewish birthday!" The doctor was flabbergasted. But he was even more surprised when I abruptly told him that I had to run to another appointment but would return later. I called my brother Pinye (Pinchos) and we put together a mini-birthday farbrengen (gathering). Fifteen minutes later we returned to Dr. R.'s office. He was delighted and touched when we told him we were going to celebrate his birthday. The doctor took a yarmulka -- skullcap -- out of his drawer, made a blessing on the birthday cake, and we shared Torah thoughts. Finally, Dr. R. said, "I'll tell you why I asked so many questions about Rabbi Schneerson. I have a non-Jewish colleague. He called me this morning at 4 a.m. 'Rabbi Schneerson came to me in a dream,' he told me excitedly. He related that he had happened upon one of the Rebbe's televised talks. 'I don't understand Yiddish but I was mesmerized by Rabbi Schneerson. I always watched his televised talks. When I heard that he had a stroke,' my colleague said, 'I called the Rabbi's office and offered my services.' "My friend," continued Dr. R., "sent the Rebbe a get-well card and in the card asked the Rebbe ten questions, both personal and work related. He also wrote that he hoped that very soon the Rebbe would recover and would be able to answer the questions. One week passed, two weeks passed, and there was no response, not even an acknowledgement from the Rebbe's office. My colleague became very upset. " 'I was sleeping,' my colleague continued, 'and I dreamt that I saw Rabbi Schneerson! When he saw me he broke into a beautiful smile. 'Thank you for your good wishes,' the Rabbi told me. 'There is no reason to be upset.' Then he started answering my questions one by one. I woke up in a cold sweat. I remembered every word he said and everything made perfect sense. I couldn't fall back asleep,' my colleague concluded, 'so I called you.' "That is why I wanted to speak with you today to find out what you think about this," Dr. R. told us. I told the doctor that if his friend had the privilege of communicating with the Rebbe and of recognizing the Rebbe's greatness, then he had a responsibility to share his experience with others. A month later I ran into Dr. R. at a Sukkot fair during the intermediate days of the holiday. "Yossi, since you told me about the Rebbe I haven't been the same. Before Rosh HaShanah I bought myself a talit -- prayer shawl -- and went to shul on both days. I fasted on Yom Kippur. I bought a lulav and etrog for Sukkot. And now I've brought my grandchildren here so they can see thousands of Jews enjoying the festival." On the 13th of Elul, 5761/2001, my brother and I called Dr. R.'s office to wish him a happy birthday. "Thank you so much for your good wishes, how did you remember?" he asked. "How could I forget?" was my response. In 5731/1971, with a simple question to a simple chosid, the Rebbe started a chain of events that continues bearing fruit to this day. ****************** * YEAR OF HAKHEL * ****************** This year, 5769, is a Hakhel year -- the first year in the land of Israel's seven-year agricultural cycle (the seventh year being the Sabbatical or Shemittah year). Hakhel means literally "assembly." During the Hakhel year in Temple times, the entire Jewish nation, from youngest to oldest, assembled in the Holy Temple to hear the king read from the Torah on the holiday of Sukkot. The occasion was unforgettable. The ceremony itself was announced dramatically by trumpet blasts. The king sat on a specially erected high wooden platform placed in the women's court, where he would be visible and audible to the vast throng below. The king read several passages of the Torah, including the Shema and passages containing the blessings of the Jewish people. The Jewish king was not only meant to be a political and military leader, but his role was also essentially that of G-d's delegate to promote the spiritual dimension of the national life of the people. His reading of the Torah following the observance of the Shemittah year strengthened the people's adherence to G-d through keeping His commandments and studying His Torah. * It is significant that the Torah was read by the King rather than the Sanhedrin, the supreme rabbinical court. For the Hakhel gathering -- and, in fact, the entire Hakhel experience -- was to engender awe and reverence for G-d. This response is more readily aroused by the Jewish monarch than the Sanhedrin. The awakening of awe in the nation fosters Jewish unity. In the area of knowledge and comprehension of the Torah -- that which would be imparted by the Sanhedrin -- there can be many levels among Jews. But, when we speak of awe, all Jews are on the same level. During the Hakhel in the Holy Temple, the goal was not to reach deeper understanding; rather, to find awe and reverence, as was the case when the Torah was given. Thus, in Temple times, Hakhel was an opportunity to re-experience the revelation of the Torah at Sinai. And just as at Sinai, their unity led them to bring together all levels and all types of Jews. Hakhel Today Though we do not yet have the actual mitzvah of Hakhel, as we have not yet merited the rebuilding of the Third Holy Temple, the opportunity beckons for everyone to be involved in the spiritual mitzvah of Hakhel at all times, in all places. We have the opportunity and even the obligation to spread Jewish awareness by gathering Jews in the true spirit of Jewish unity. As the Rebbe suggested repeatedly during previous Hakhel years and reemphasized during the Hakhel year of 5748 (1987-8), "These gatherings are most appropriate this year of Hakhel when the potential for success in this matter is very great and we are given extraordinary powers from Above. For, 'when the days of old are remembered in their season, they also come into being' and we can effect the true Hakhel which will take place with the ingathering of the exiles in the Third Holy Temple." The Rebbe has always emphasized the teaching of our Sages that "Action is the essential thing." This means that we must attempt, on a regular basis, to have gatherings with friends, family, colleagues, whose intent is to enhance Jewish unity and Jewish awareness. Men, women and even little children were charged with this mitzvah. These gatherings, large or small, enable us to focus on the unity of the Jewish people, and the love of each Jew for every other Jew. Incorporate into the gathering the "three pillars upon which the world stands" -- Torah study, prayer and charity. Share a thought from the Rebbe, say a prayer for the Redemption, and give charity, even a few coins, to a worthy cause. May we merit very soon to fulfill the mitzvah of Hakhel to hear the Torah taught by King Moshiach, G-d's Messenger, with joy and gladness, truly now. ************************************** * TIME FOR UNITY; TIME FOR STRENGTH! * ************************************** 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 urges that: Every Jewish man, woman and child should have a letter written for them in a SEFER TORAH.* Every person should study either the Rambam's Yad Hachazakah -- Code of Jewish Law -- or the Sefer HaMitzvos. Concerning Moshiach, the Rebbe stated, "The time for our redemption has arrived!" Everyone should prepare themselves for Moshiach's coming by doing random acts of goodness and kindness, and by studying about what the future redemption will be like. May we merit to see the fulfillment of the Rebbe's prophecy now! _______________ *. 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 ******************** * A CALL TO ACTION * ******************** The Rebbe's slogan is: "The main thing is the deed." We therefore present from the Rebbe's talks, suggestions of what we can do to complete his work of bringing the Redemption. Thirty Days: "Purim is thirty days before Passover. [4] 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) Celebrate Your Birthday On the 25th of Adar, 5748/1988, in connection with Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka's, 87th birthday (about a month after her passing, on 22 Shevat), the Rebbe spoke about the significance of birthdays and the importance of celebrating them by gathering together with friends and relatives. The Rebbe said: "A Jew has the ability to utilize his birthday, instead of letting it pass as just another day, he can make it a holiday with emphasis on more Torah and mitzvot. One's birthday is a time for reflection, when one may remember and think about those aspects of his life, which need improvement and repentance. This should be achieved by increasing Torah and prayer on the birthday, as well as charity and other mitzvot. Add to this a happy gathering of family and friends with the goal of accepting good resolutions, and the power of the birthday will guarantee the fulfillment of the good promises in the future. "A birthday is a day in which one's mazal or fortune is strongest. On one's birthday one can rejoice in the knowledge that on this day his soul descended to this world in order to serve G-d through Torah and mitzvot." * To find out when your birthday falls on the Jewish calendar, call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center. Children can join the "The Jewish Birthday Club." Celebrate your birthday in a traditional Jewish manner, de-emphasizing the materialism and concentrating instead on family, friends and spiritual growth. _______________ 4. This year, Passover begins on Wednesday night, April 8. Ed. ************ * GLOSSARY * ************ Minchah: Afternoon prayer service. Shacharit: Morning prayer service. *************************************** * In loving memory of * * HORAV CHAIM YEHUDA KALMAN * * Ben Horav Avrohom Yehoshua * * Marlow * * head of the Bet-Din (Rabbinical * * Court) of Crown Heights, * * Passed away, on Friday Morning, * * 20 Sivan, 5760 (June 23, 2000) * * * * May His Soul Merit Eternal Life * *************************************** ******************************* * THE WEEKLY SHABBAT CALENDAR * ******************************* ** 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.chabadworld.net * ******************************************************* >>>> Times Shown Are for Metro NY - NJ <<<< FRIDAY, MAR. 20, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI: * Light Shabbat Candles, [5] by 6:50 p.m. SATURDAY, MAR. 21, SHABBAT PARSHAT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI: * Parshat HaChodesh -- see above. * Blessing of the new Hebrew month, Nissan. [6] * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 7:50 p.m. _______________ 5. 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. 6. Rosh Chodesh Nissan is celebrated on Thursday, March 26. Ed. ********************************************* * May the Shabbat candles, of the millions * * of Jewish women and girls around the * * world, illuminate our way, until we very * * soon see the fulfillment of G-d's promise * * (as it is written in the Midrash * * (Yalkut Shimoni, Beha'alotecha)): * * "If you will observe the kindling of the * * Shabbat lights, you will merit to see * * the lights of the redemption of the * * Jewish people," speedily in our days, * * NOW! * ********************************************* *************************************** * "LET THERE BE LIGHT" * * - The Jewish Women's Guide * * to Lighting Shabbat Candles * * http://www.torah4blind.org/ltbl.htm * *************************************** *********************************** * LAWS OF SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING * * FOR THE BLIND * *********************************** Edited by Rabbi Y. K. Marlow O.B.M.* * A blind woman who lives alone should light her Shabbat candle(s) with a blessing. * If she is married to a non-visually impaired person, HER HUSBAND SHOULD LIGHT THE SHABBAT CANDLES WITH THE BLESSING. * If she is eating and lighting in the company of others who are non-visually impaired, and they lit the Shabbat candles, she should light her own Shabbat candle(s), BUT WITHOUT SAYING THE BLESSING. * (If at all possible, she should not be the last one to light the Shabbat candle(s), so that she can be absolved by the latter's blessing.) _______________ *. Head of Bet-Din (Rabbinical Court) of Crown Heights. ************************************ * SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSING * ************************************ * First light the candles. Then spread your hands out around the candles, drawing your hands inward in a circular motion three times to indicate the acceptance of the sanctity of Shabbat. You then cover your eyes and recite the following blessing: BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM A-SHER KI-DE-SHO-NU BE-MITZ-VO-SOV VE-TZI-VO-NU LE-HAD-LIK NER SHEL SHA-BOS KO-DESH. Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat. * Uncover your eyes and behold the Shabbat lights. * The time of lighting is considered especially propitious for praying to G-d for health and happiness. The prayer is readily acceptable because it is offered during the performance of this great mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles. CAUTION: The candles must be lit 18 minutes *BEFORE* sunset. IT IS PROHIBITED AND IS A DESECRATION OF THE SHABBAT TO LIGHT THE CANDLES *AFTER* SUNSET. ******************************************* * MOSHIACH INFORMATION HOTLINES * * http://www.torah4blind.org/hotlines.htm * ******************************************* ****************************************** * MOSHIACH IN THE AIR - ELECTRONIC MEDIA * * http://www.torah4blind.org/e-media.htm * ****************************************** ******************************** * LIVING WITH MOSHIACH * * Weekly Digest About Moshiach * ******************************** Annual subscription (for the 18-point, large type edition) $18.00. For a one-year subscription, make your check payable to: "Enlightenment For The Blind" and mail it to: 602 N. Orange Drive. Los Angeles, CA 90036 USA Name:__________________________________ Address:_______________________________ City:__________________________________ State:___________ Zip:_________________ Telephone: ( )____________________ Due to the generosity of our donors, we offer free subscriptions to all blind and handicapped people, public service libraries and non-profit organizations. **************************************************** * TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: * * E-Mail: info@torah4blind.org * * or: * * http://www.torah4blind.org/subs.htm * **************************************************** ======================================================== = End of Text: = = Living With Moshiach, Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, 5769 = ========================================================