LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Ki Tavo B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT KI TAVO 5777 17 Elul, 5777 Sept. 8, 2017 SPECIAL FEATURE: Chai Elul, the 18th of Elul ********************************************* * This week's issue of Living With Moshiach * * is dedicated in loving memory of * * Mrs. Aita Leah bas Reb Meir Michel * * Stayer * * Passed away on 29 Nissan, 5774 * * * * * May her Soul Merit Eternal Life * ********************************************* ************************************************* * This week's issue is sponsored in part by: * * Holy Sparks - "http://www.holysparks.com" * * * * * Your premiere site for Jewish spirituality. * * * * * 5,777 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 * * * 5777 **************************************************** * 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 * **************************************************** * 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. * Customs Corner. * The Weekly Torah Portion. * The Rebbe's Prophecy. * Illuminating Daily Life. * Chai Elul. * It Happened Once. * Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. * 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 1047-1048th issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach. * In this week’s issue we focus on Chai Elul, the 18th of Elul, Shabbat Parshat Ki Tavo, Saturday, September 9. * We take this opportunity to wish you and yours a K'Siva Vachasima Tova, a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.[*] * 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 15 Elul, 5777 Los Angeles, California P.S.: As we are eagerly awaiting the immediate arrival of Moshiach, at any moment, we have included the five blessings that (according to many opinions) will be applicable when Moshiach comes. _______________ *. This year, Rosh HaShanah is celebrated on Thurs., Sept. 21, 2017 and Friday, September 22, 2017. ************************************************* * 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 * ************************************************* ****************** * CUSTOMS CORNER * ****************** Are there special blessings that we will recite when Moshiach comes? According to many opinions there are five blessings that will be applicable when Moshiach comes. [*] #1 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM GA'AL YISRAEL. Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Who redeems Israel. #2 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM SHE-HECHE-YO-NU VE-KI-YE-MO-NU VE-HIGI-O-NU LIZ-MAN HA-ZEH. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion. #3 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM SHE-CHA-LAK M'CHACH-MA-TO L'REI'AV. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Who has given wisdom to those who fear Him. #4 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM SHE-CHA-LAK M'KI-VODO L'REI'AV. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Who has given honor to those who fear Him. #5 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM CHA-CHAM HA-RA-ZIM. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, the Wise One of secrets. _______________ *. Adapted from "L'Chaim weekly" publication, Issue #1003, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, Brooklyn, NY. "www.lchaimweekly.org". ********************************************* * 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 * ********************************************* *************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** PARSHAT KI TAVO The Torah portion of Ki Tavo is always read close to Chai (the Eighteenth) of Elul, the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov -- founder of Chasidus in general and Rabbi Shneur Zalman -- founder of Chabad Chasidus in particular. In fact, Ki Tavo and Chai Elul share the common theme of ahavat Yisrael, loving our fellow Jew. Ahavat Yisrael is a fundamental precept of Chasidus, as revealed by the Baal Shem Tov. It is also the "heart" of Chabad Chasidus, as we see from Rabbi Shneur Zalman's treatment of the subject in chapter 32 in Tanya (32, lamed-beis in Hebrew letter equivalent, spells lev -- heart.) Ahavat Yisrael is also stressed in the beginning of this week's Torah portion: "And it shall come to pass when you come into the land...and take possession of it and dwell therein...you shall take the first of all the fruit of the soil [bikurim]...and you shall come to the Kohen [Temple Priest]...and rejoice in every good thing which the L-rd your G-d has given you." Comments Rashi: "This teaches that the Jews were not required to bring the bikurim until they conquered and divided the land." Until all of the Land of Israel was possessed by the entire Jewish people, those who had already received their portion of land were not required to bring the bikurim offering. A question is asked: If the apportionment of land was gradual, and those who received their portion were permitted to immediately cultivate it, why did they have to wait until everyone had received his portion? Why couldn't they offer their first fruits as soon as they were able? The answer is that the mitzvah of first fruits must be observed with joy and gratitude, rejoicing in the land of Israel and its produce, as it states, "And rejoice in every good thing which the L-rd your G-d has given you." As long as even one Jew remained who had not yet received his portion of land, the happiness of all Jews was incomplete. For how can any Jew take pleasure in G-d's generosity, knowing that his fellow Jew cannot participate? In truth, a Jew is truly joyous only when all his brethren are equally blessed. Consequently, until their happiness was complete, the Jews could not offer their first fruits, as bringing them is an expression of perfect joyousness. All Jews are interconnected with one another; they thus had to wait until every single member of the Jewish nation had received his allotment to be able to rejoice fully. This is the epitome of true ahavat Yisrael. The love Jews have for each other is so all-encompassing that the happiness of one Jew is dependent on the happiness of another. If even one Jew is lacking, it impacts the entire Jewish people. May our efforts to love every single Jew without distinction bring the Final Redemption, and with it, the opportunity to again observe bikurim in the literal sense. ************************ * 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. 1046: http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5777/1046.txt ******************************************************* * 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 * ******************************************************* ************************************** * ILLUMINATING DAILY LIFE * * Adapted from a Letter of the Rebbe * ************************************** 13th of Elul, 5731/1971 To the Administration of Chabad House Buffalo, N. Y. I was gratified to be informed about the forthcoming dedication of a Sefer Torah [Torah Scroll] in the Chabad House, which will take place on the auspicious day of the 18th of Elul, the birthday of the founder of general Chasidus, the Baal Shem Tov, and the birthday also of the founder of Chabad Chasidus, the Alter Rebbe [Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi], author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch. Needless to say, the observance of this double birthday has the central purpose that their way of life, work and teachings should continue to illuminate the daily life of each and every one of us. Both the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe, who expanded the Chasidic teachings in a systematic way, brought the Chasidic experience to Jews of all backgrounds, made the embodiment of the three loves, love of G-d, love of the Torah and love of Israel, the cornerstone of their system, with emphasis on the fact that the said three loves are completely interlocked and integrated. This system and way of life quickly began to spread and gain many followers, in an ever-growing measure in quantity and quality, from generation to generation to the present day, which has clearly demonstrated how viable and vital it has been for the Jewish people, for the individual as well as for Klal Yisroel [the entire Jewish people]. I have used the expression "illuminated" advisedly, since this does not necessarily mean the creation of new things, but to illuminate existing things which have not been fully appreciated, or which have been altogether overlooked. Thus, the primary contribution of Chasidus is that it illuminates the Torah and Mitzvos, and their inner aspects, Pnimius HaTorah, and shows each and every one of us the way to bring them within our personal daily experience. The above is particularly important in relation to the young generation, who are still at the threshold of independent life and have untapped resources of energy and dedication to face any challenge, to accept the truth and nothing but the whole truth, rejecting all compromise -- in their search for the genuine article. As for the teacher and mentor, while he must do his best to help those whom he teaches and guides to make the utmost progress, he also reckons with the capacity of the students. However, since it is the task of each and every Jew to follow the Torah way of life, with dedication and inspiration, as illuminated by the teachings of Chasidus, it is clear that this task, which has been given to every Jew as a duty and privilege by G-d, the Creator and Master of the world, is within the capacity of each and everyone, since G-d does not expect the impossible. May G-d grant that the dedication of the Sefer Torah in the Chabad House should symbolize the dedication of the Sefer Torah in each and every Jewish home in the community, and strengthen adherence of the Torah and Mitzvos in the daily life, not only on special occasions or special days, but in accordance with the well-known commandment in the Shema -- "And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and speak them, when you sit in the house or when you walk in the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up." I send my prayerful wishes to each and every one who is associated with the work of the Chabad House, for Hatzlocho [success] in all above, and in a growing measure and, with the approach of the New Year, to be blessed with a Kesivo Vachasimo Tova [to be inscribed and sealed for good], for a good and pleasant year materially and spiritually. ************* * CHAI ELUL * ************* Chai (the 18th day of) Elul (Shabbat Parshat Ki Tavo, Saturday, Sept. 9), is the "birthday" of the greater Chasidic movement and of Chabad Chasidus in particular. On Chai Elul (5458/1698), Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the greater Chasidic movement, was born. On that date 26 years later, Achiya Hashiloni began to teach him Torah "as it is studied in Gan Eden." On Chai Elul (5505/1745), the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, spiritual grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, [1] the founder of Chabad Chasidic philosophy and of the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, was born. * An individual's birthday has a very special meaning for that person. The birthday of a tzaddik has deep significance for everyone who attempts to live according to the tzaddik's teachings. A tzaddik's birthday is, in some ways like the spiritual birthday of his followers. The Baal Shem Tov and Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi dedicated their lives to teaching the value of every single Jew. Ahavas Yisrael -- unconditional love of each Jew -- was at the forefront of their philosophy. Today, two centuries later, we still benefit from their guidance and revelations. The date of their birth, then, is not only their birthday -- it is also our birthday. On our birthday we take time out to reflect on our achievements of the past year and our goals for the future. It is fitting that on the birthday of these tzaddikim, we reflect on how well we have followed and benefited from them, and we make our resolutions for the New Year. We will, in their merit, be blessed with a K'Siva Vachasima Tova, a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. * One of the main teachings of the Baal Shem Tov was to always remember G-d and to thank Him frequently. The obligation to remember G-d constantly and thank Him begins as soon as a Jew wakes up in the morning. Before he does anything else, he says "Modeh Ani -- I offer thanks to You, Living and Eternal King, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me; Your faithfulness is great." The lesson of Modeh Ani, that everything we have comes from G-d and we must constantly thank Him, is connected to another important teaching of the Baal Shem Tov: G-d did not just create the world once [5768 years ago]. He constantly recreates everything anew at every moment, and gives it new life. The purpose of this "continual creation" is to allow us to appreciate G-d's kindness. At this very moment, G-d has "taken the trouble," so to speak, to re-create each of us. When we realize that G-d is giving us life and everything we have at every moment, we will want to constantly thank Him. The above teachings have a special connection not only to the Baal Shem Tov, but also to his birthday on the 18th of Elul. The Hebrew word "chai" -- living -- equals 18, and the 18th of Elul is called "Chai Elul," for it helps us add liveliness and enthusiasm to our appreciation of and feelings of thanks for our Creator. May we merit, this very Chai Elul, to experience true and eternal life, as G-d intended it to be, with the complete revelation of Moshiach and the start of the Redemption. * The Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn explained, that Chai Elul introduces an element of chayut, vitality, to our Divine service during Elul, the month in which we correct and make amends for past misdeeds. In the merit of our repentance, G-d grants us a good and sweet year. By infusing our service with vitality, Chai Elul helps us do teshuvah with enthusiasm, not just by rote or out of habit. Superficially, vitality and teshuvah may seem contradictory. Vitality is associated with joy, whereas repentance is associated with bitterness, regretting past actions and resolving to do better. These seem to be opposite emotions; in Elul we feel both, and at the same time! Every mitzvah we do should be performed with joy, for by observing that mitzvah, we fulfill the will of G-d. As teshuvah is a mitzvah like any other, we experience joy for having been given the privilege. However, Chasidus gives us another reason to be happy while doing teshuvah, by explaining how bitterness and joy can exist simultaneously. Rabbi Shneur Zalman describes this in the Tanya as "weeping on one side of the heart, and joy on the other side." When we do teshuvah, we rage against our Evil Inclination and of our failure to withstand temptation. Yet at the same time we are happy, for we know that we are becoming closer to G-d. Chai Elul (and by extension, Chasidus) thus transforms the entire month of Elul into a labor of love and joy. _______________ 1. The Alter Rebbe, was one of the foremost disciples of the Baal Shem Tov's successor, Rabbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezritch. ******************** * IT HAPPENED ONCE * ******************** Once, when the Baal Shem Tov was about 20, he traveled with some members of his inner circle of secret tzaddikim, and they arrived at the city of Brod. As was his custom, he went directly to the market place and began to talk to the simple, common Jews. Soon he was surrounded by an enthralled circle of people, listening eagerly to his tales of great rabbis and their ways and customs. As he was speaking, he noticed a certain Jew, a porter by trade, passing through the market place with a heavy load on his shoulders. His appearance was quite miserable. His clothes were torn, he was wearing wooden shoes, his face was wrinkled and covered with sweat. But the Baal Shem Tov saw something that others could not see, that above the man's head shone a pillar of pure, bright light! "Hershel, carry your burden in good health," some of the assembled people called to him. Some added in a mocking tone, "Go in good health, Hershel Goat." Hershel the porter answered all with a kind expression on his face, "May you be blessed," and continued on his way. The Baal Shem Tov thought that this Hershel surely must be a great tzaddik who did not want to reveal himself. However, none of the Baal Shem Tov's circle of secret tzaddikim had ever heard of him. The Baal Shem Tov found out that Hershel was a widower, whose wife had passed away ten years before. He had two sons, who studied at a local yeshiva. He made a good living, but spent most of his income to feed his four goats. Everyone assumed that he must really love goat's milk. That is how he received the nickname "Hershel Goat." Over the next few days, the Baal Shem Tov watched Hershel's activities, but could find nothing extraordinary. He earnestly longed to discover the man's secret. The Baal Shem Tov decided to fast for three consecutive days and nights, during which he prayed, begged G-d to help him uncover Hershel's secret. On the afternoon of the third day, as he was leaving the synagogue after prayers, he met Hershel. "Reb Hershel," he appealed to him, "I would very much love a glass of warm goat's milk. I have heard that one may buy some from you." "Come with me," he replied with a radiant face. "I will pour you a cup of fresh milk. However, I will accept no money from you, for I too would like to fulfill the mitzvah of hospitality." They walked to the outskirts of the city. The houses there were very old, their roofs sagging almost to the ground. In one such hovel lived Hershel. When he opened the door, he was greeted by the happy bleating of his goats, who rushed over and began to lick his hands. He took a pan and milked the goats, strained the milk, poured a cup of the warm fresh milk and handed it to his guest, the Baal Shem Tov. Hershel then told him his life story. He spoke about his wife, of blessed memory, a woman of great kindness who dedicated herself especially to the mitzvah of ministering to the sick. "There was no sick person whom she did not assist; for each one she would get all possible help. She also helped poor women who had given birth. "After she passed away, ten years ago, she appeared to me in my dream," he continued. "She told me how wonderful it was in the World of Truth, and how great is the merit of doing a kind deed for a Jew. When her soul ascended on High to the Heavenly Court, she was happy to recognize many people whom she knew. These were all the people whom she had helped and supported during their illnesses. They had all come to bear witness to her goodness and to plead her cause. "After she told me how much every favor that is done for a fellow Jew is appreciated in Heaven, she suggested that I do charitable work. 'You are a simple Jew,' she said. 'You don't know how to learn Torah. Busy yourself with charity and good deeds, and especially help the sick, the poor, and women who have given birth. But you must do all this in a way that no one will know.' "I decided to do what my wife had said: I saved every penny and bought four goats. I feed them fine food so that they will produce rich and nutritious milk. This milk I distribute to the sick and poor, to children and mothers, and G-d, Who heals all flesh, helps that the milk cures those who are sick. "I have been doing this for many years," Hershel finished his story. "For myself, I get by with very little, and I dedicate most of my money to the maintenance of the goats and for doing good deeds." Hershel told his guest that last night his wife had appeared to him in a dream and revealed to him that the next day he would meet a poor Jew who would request a glass of milk. "Invite him to your home and tell him about your deeds," said his wife. "Through him you will receive many blessings." Now the Baal Shem Tov realized that because of the pure, sincere deeds of Hershel, and his goodness of heart, devotion and love of fellow Jews, he was privileged to receive the "crown of light" that accompanied him wherever he went. He joined the circle of secret tzaddikim who taught him Torah step by step. But even when he became very learned in Torah and accomplished in his studies, he didn't stop taking care of the sick and poor. He eventually passed away unrecognized, solitary and lonely, aged about one hundred years old. But in Heaven he received a glorious welcome. The soul of the Baal Shem Tov, accompanied by the souls of the secret tzaddikim, and the souls of all the people whom he had helped, all came to greet the soul of the holy man once known in Brod as "Hershel Goat." ******************************** * RABBI SHNEUR ZALMAN OF LIADI * ******************************** The year before the birth of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad Chasidic movement, the Baal Shem Tov knew that a new and unblemished soul that had never yet been on earth was soon to descend to this world. But he did not know who would be privileged to be its parents. Rabbi Shneur Zalman's father, the saintly Reb Baruch, was one of the Baal Shem Tov's circle of secret tzaddikim. But no one knew of Reb Baruch's saintliness except his wife, Rebbetzin Rivka. A year after their marriage, when they had not yet been blessed with a child, Reb Baruch and Rebbetzin Rivka set out during the month of Elul to Mezibuzh to visit the Baal Shem Tov in order to ask for his blessing. Every year it was the Baal Shem Tov's custom to celebrate his birthday, which was on the 18th of Elul. At the festive meal on that auspicious day, the tzaddik blessed them and promised that, exactly a year later, they would become the parents of a healthy son. After receiving the Baal Shem Tov's blessing, the young couple remained in Mezibuzh for the High Holidays. The fact that this child would have the new soul destined to descend that year was hidden even from the Baal Shem Tov. On Rosh HaShanah of that year, the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov observed a marked difference from his accustomed mode of Divine service. The conclusion of Yom Kippur that year found the Baal Shem Tov in a special state of holy elation, which remained with him until after Simchat Torah. His disciples understood that something wonderful must have transpired that holiday month, something that had brought him such joy that he had changed from his usual mode of Divine service during the Days of Awe, for now joy was its dominant theme. But eager as they were to discover the reason for this joy, they were left disappointed. Before Reb Baruch and Rebbetzin Rivka left Mezibuzh, they were privileged to have an audience with the Baal Shem Tov once again, to receive his farewell blessings. When the Baal Shem Tov repeated his blessing, Rebbetzin Rivka, bestirred by spiritual emotion, fervently promised the tzaddik that when the Al-mighty fulfilled his blessing and granted her a healthy son, she would consecrate her son to the dissemination of Torah and the Chasidic way of life as taught by the Baal Shem Tov. Seeing their state of spiritual arousal, the Baal Shem Tov gave them his blessing, and they left town with glad hearts. Rebbetzin Rivka was quite a learned women and decided to intensify her Torah studies. She asked Devora Leah, her learned sister-in-law, for guidance concerning prayer and study during her anticipated pregnancy. Six months later, Reb Baruch went to Mezibuzh again to inform the Baal Shem Tov that his wife was pregnant. The Baal Shem Tov wished him "Mazel Tov" and gave him certain instructions to convey to his wife. Reb Baruch left for home in a happy mood. Wednesday morning, on the 18th of Elul 5505/1745, found the Baal Shem Tov in a special state of holy elation. His disciples were mystified, but none of them ventured to breathe a question, realizing that this must be a uniquely festive day. He invited them to share his visible joy at a festive meal, at which he said: "Today ... a new soul descended to earth, a soul that will illuminate the world with the revealed and esoteric teachings of the Torah through Chasidus. It will endure self-sacrifice for the sake of the spiritual path of Chasidus and will succeed in its mission, preparing the way for the arrival of Moshiach." On the 25th of Elul, the Baal Shem Tov arranged a feast. Three days later, on Shabbat, he once again was in an extremely elated frame of mind. All of this was a mystery to his disciples. What the Baal Shem Tov's disciples witnessed in those days was nothing less than their Rebbe celebrating the birth of Reb Baruch and Rebbetzin Rivka's first child, Shneur Zalman, his Bris (circumcision), and the critical third day after the circumcision. Moreover, the various discourses that the Baal Shem Tov delivered on those occasions were connected with the newborn's destiny. For Yom Kippur, 5506/1745, Reb Baruch came to the Baal Shem Tov. When he was privileged to have an audience with him, the tzaddik warned him to tell no one that he had had a son, nor tell anyone the child's name. Later, when Reb Baruch was about to leave for home, he was once again privileged to have an audience with the Baal Shem Tov, who gave him detailed instructions concerning the child, including that a careful watch be kept over him at all times. The tzaddik also warned him solemnly that the child should be kept out of public view, especially out of view of the local gossips. Three times a day, the Baal Shem Tov mentioned the newborn child in his prayers. The following year, Reb Baruch came, as usual, to the Baal Shem Tov for the High Holidays. The Baal Shem Tov inquired about the little boy in great detail, and repeated his admonition to take special care of the child. After Sukkot, when Reb Baruch was ready to leave for home, the Baal Shem Tov again counseled him to shelter the boy, and not to boast about his cleverness nor even to repeat any ingenious comments Shneur Zalman might make. Another year passed. Once again Reb Baruch made his annual pilgrimage to Mezibuzh. Reb Baruch reported to the Baal Shem Tov that, upon returning home from Mezibuzh after Sukkot the previous year, his wife told him that there was a noticeable change in Shneur Zalman. His speech and vocabulary, which were already extraordinary, had considerably improved. They discovered that the young child had an amazing memory, and whatever he heard once, he never forgot. The Baal Shem Tov gave Reb Baruch further instructions concerning the child. Reb Baruch requested permission to bring Shneur Zalman to the Baal Shem Tov on his third birthday for the traditional first haircut [2] and the Baal Shem Tov agreed. He told Reb Baruch that Shneur Zalman should be brought by his mother and his aunt Devora Leah, on the 18th of Elul, after the morning prayers. Arriving home, Reb Baruch found that his son had made further strides during his absence from home. Little Shneur Zalman could now recite many Psalms by heart, and his memory and mental grasp were astonishing. As arranged, Rebbetzin Rivka and her sister-in-law Devora Leah brought Shneur Zalman to the Baal Shem Tov in Mezibuzh, for the child's third birthday, when it is customary to give him his first haircut. As soon as the Baal Shem Tov had given the child his first training in leaving his peyot (sideburns) uncut and had given him his blessing, he urged them to leave immediately and not to discuss between themselves where they had been. Finally, he wished them a good year and a safe journey home. All the way home, little Shneur Zalman kept asking his mother: who was the elderly Jew who had cut his hair to leave his peyot, and had given him his blessing. "That was Zaide (grandfather)," was her reply. Little did he then know that some day he would come to regard the Baal Shem Tov as his "grandfather" in a spiritual sense, for he was the Rebbe of his Rebbe, the Maggid of Mezeritch. The Baal Shem Tov, however, for reasons best known to himself, kept himself from direct contact with Shneur Zalman. He did not permit Reb Baruch to bring his son with him on subsequent visits to Mezibuzh and he warned Shneur Zalman's teacher not to tell him anything about the Baal Shem Tov until he reached a latter age. "Shneur Zalman is not destined to be my disciple," the Baal Shem Tov said. "He belongs to my successor." _______________ 2. It is a widespread custom that a Jewish boy receives his first haircut on or soon after his third birthday. Leaving his sideburns (peyot) teaches the child the mitzvah of "You shall not round the corners of your head." After his first haircut, (opshernish in Yiddish), he formally begins his Jewish education. ************************************** * 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. Preparations for the High Holidays: "Our Sages state that thirty days before a holiday, we should learn the laws pertaining to it. It is already less then thirty days before the holidays of Tishrei begin and in this context, it is necessary to mention the importance of providing Jews with their holiday needs so that they will be able to celebrate Rosh HaShanah [4] and the holidays that follow in the manner stated in the Bible, 'Eat sumptuous foods and drink sweet beverages and send portions to those who do not have them prepared.'" The Rebbe, Elul, 5750/1990 _______________ 4. This year, Rosh HaShanah is celebrated on Thurs., Sept. 21, 2017 and Friday, September 22, 2017. *************************************** * 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, SEPT. 8, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT KI TAVO: * Light Shabbat Candles, [3] by 6:58 p.m. SATURDAY, SEPT. 9, SHABBAT PARSHAT KI TAVO: * Chai Elul - see above. * On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapters 3 and 4 of Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers. * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 7:56 p.m. _______________ 3. 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. ********************************************* * 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 Ki Tavo, 5777 = ============================================================