LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Acharei-Kedoshim B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM, 5780 7 Iyar, 5780 May 1, 2020 SPECIAL FEATURES: 1. "Happy 118th Birthday, Rebbe" 2. Your S'firat Ha'omer Guide, 5780 3. Yud Gimel Iyar 4. Pesach Sheni ******************************************** * Bring Moshiach now * * by adding in acts of goodness & kindness * ******************************************** ********************************************* * 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. * * * * * 5,780 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 * * * 5780 **************************************************** * 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. * Leadership in the Hillel Model. * Psalms 119. * Matzah from the Rebbe. * The Story of the Omer. * S'firat Ha'omer. * Laws of S'firat Ha'omer. * S'firat Ha'omer Blessing. * The S'firat Ha'omer Calendar. * Love Yourself! * Yud Gimel Iyar. * A Pesach Sheni Message from the Rebbe. * Pesach Sheni. * Moshiach Matters. * 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 1181st issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach. * In this week's issue, we focus on: 1) The Rebbe's 118th birthday. 2) The laws of S'firat Ha'omer, the counting of the Omer. Therefore, we present here "Your S'firat Ha'omer Guide" and other related material about counting the Omer. 3) Yud Gimel Iyar, the 13th of Iyar, Thursday, May 7. 4) Pesach Sheni, the 14th of Iyar, Friday, May 8. * 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 2 Iyar, 5780 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. ************************************************* * 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 ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM This week we read two Torah portions, Acharei and Kedoshim. The second Torah portion, Kedoshim, contains the commandment: "Sanctify yourselves and be holy." Man is commanded to sanctify himself even within the parameters of Torah law. Not only must he heed both positive and negative mitzvot, but he must also sanctify himself in those areas that the Torah has deemed permissible. One might think that because these areas are not specifically spelled out in the Torah, this commandment is less important than others that are explained in great detail. But it is precisely this personal sanctification that has the power to bring the Final Redemption closer to reality. Although learning Torah and performing mitzvot require the individual to subjugate, to a certain extent, his own personal desires to G-d's will, this in no way ensures that his inner nature will be purified and refined. But when a person, of his own accord and of his own volition, consistently behaves in the same dignified and respectful manner, no matter what the endeavor, it demonstrates that the Torah's holiness has penetrated his inner being and that he is totally committed to G-d. At the same time, this imbues one's entire life with G-dliness, not only those areas directly involved with religious observance. A person who strives to sanctify himself at all times, however mundane his activity, reveals the G-dliness within all of creation and proves that no aspect of life is too insignificant to be used in the service of G-d. This commandment has particular meaning for us now, as we stand on the threshold of the Final Redemption: we are the last generation of Golus (Exile) and the first generation of the Geulah (Redemption). For one of the main changes that will occur when Moshiach comes is the revelation of G-dliness that will suddenly become apparent. When Moshiach comes we will realize that G-d is indeed everywhere and that truly "there is nothing besides Him." At the present time, holiness is manifested in a limited way. Now, it is the physical objects we use to perform mitzvot that become imbued with holiness and sanctity. During the Messianic Era, however, we will easily recognize the G-dliness inherent in every detail of creation. When Moshiach comes, G-d will be perceived as He exists -- without any limitations whatsoever. G-d's desire to establish a dwelling place for Himself "down on earth" will be totally fulfilled and the purpose of creation realized. Sanctifying even the most mundane aspects of our lives, therefore, not only prepares us for the imminent Redemption, but, serves to bring Moshiach even closer. ************************ * 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. * * * What makes the Rebbe's declaration -- that Moshiach's arrival is imminent and the time for the Redemption has arrived -- different from those of great leaders of previous generations? The Jewish people have believed in and awaited Moshiach's coming since the beginning of our nation. In numerous instances throughout Jewish history, tzaddikim (righteous people) of various generations pointed to hints in the Torah that the promised Redemption was near at hand. Sensing the special opportunity for Moshiach's coming, they motivated the Jewish people to study more Torah, do more mitzvot and repent in the hope that these actions would be what was needed to make the Redemption happen. In the times of the Previous Rebbe, the anticipation for the Redemption was truly tangible. The Previous Rebbe issued an urgent call to world Jewry: "Immediate repentance brings immediate Redemption." Even when the Rebbe accepted the leadership in 1950, though he said unequivocally that our generation is the last generation to live in exile and the first generation of the Redemption, he did not say that we had yet reached the moment of Redemption. Only forty years later, after sending thousands of emissaries around the world, initiating the Mitzvah Campaigns to reinvigorate Jewish observance, and inspiring millions, did the Rebbe proclaim, "The time of our Redemption has arrived." This is a totally different message that has never before been enunciated in the history of the Jewish people. The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni) tells us that in a time when we will witness an event like the Gulf War, Moshiach will tell the Jewish people that the time of the Redemption has arrived. THIS IS NOT A HOPE, A WISH, OR A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY, BUT A CALL TO PREPARE TO GREET MOSHIACH! The Rebbe has said that the time is now. The question each of us must ask ourselves is not, "When is Moshiach coming?" but rather, "Am I ready for Moshiach's coming today!" ______________ See "Living With Moshiach" Vol. 1148: http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5779/1148.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 * ******************************************************* ********************************** * LEADERSHIP IN THE HILLEL MODEL * ********************************** One [1] of the rituals of the Passover seder is to eat the unique "Hillel" sandwich comprised of two pieces of matzah, the Passover lamb, with maror (bitter herbs) inside. Why did Hillel insist the Passover lamb, matzah and maror be eaten all in one bite, while the rest of the Sages felt it sufficient for the three foods to be eaten at the same meal? Jewish mysticism teaches that the Passover lamb, the matzah, and the maror, symbolize three Jewish profiles: the inspired Jew, the "regular" Jew and the bitter Jew. The delicious taste and aroma of the lamb symbolize the passionate Jew, whose heart burns with a G-dly fire. The bland taste of matzah represents the average Jew who is neither turned off nor very turned on. The maror is the Jew who is bitter toward tradition and religion, perhaps toward life, too. On a more subtle level, the three foods represent the wholesome Jew, the struggling individual and the weak one: The Passover lamb was sacrificed in the Holy Temple. This symbolizes the tzadik, whose entire life is saturated with holiness, spiritual delight and inspiration. The matzah represents the intermediate Jew, who lives a moral life, yet confronts many bland moments. He struggles at times with apathy. The maror reflects the weak Jew, who fails to live up to his true human and spiritual identity. During life's pressures, and in the presence of powerful challenges, he falls prey to temptation or addiction. A bitter taste pervades this Jew's days and nights. Each of these three profiles is included in the Passover experience. Each one must aspire to liberation; on Passover each one is given the opportunity to free himself and his environment from the shackles that keep him from reaching his potential and bringing the world closer to redemption. According to the Sages, each of the three types of Jews has his place on the seder table. Yet, the three categories remain distinct. They are worlds apart; each viewing reality and interpreting the meaning of life in very different ways. Yet Hillel insisted that if the lamb, matzah and maror weren't sandwiched together, the seder was invalid. If these three types of Jews did not learn to experience Passover as a holistic entity, none of them could internalize the freedom of Passover. To truly experience liberation, we must unite lamb, matzah, and maror into a single wrap. But how can the impossible occur? How can the lamb-Jew truly unite with the maror-Jew without compromising his ideals? How can the inspired and the bitter Jew get along? How can Jews from such diverse backgrounds and ideologies come together? One of Hillel's most famous sayings is: "Be among the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people and drawing them close to Torah." This line captures Hillel's philosophy. If you wish to draw people close to Torah, you must first love them, relate to them and identify with their individual journey. Hillel also taught: "What you dislike, do not do to your fellow." His life was a commentary on this instruction. It was therefore Hillel who wrapped up the Passover lamb, matzah and maror and ate them together. Hillel believed that the three profiles symbolized by these three foods can and must be brought together. He once said, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I care only for myself, what am I?" The lamb-Jew must always remember that his or her freedom can only be achieved if he or she can join with the matzah-Jew and the maror-Jew to embark on the path toward liberation. * Four days before Passover, the 11th of Nissan, marks the birthday of the Rebbe, a modern-day Hillel. The Rebbe has taught a myriad how to make the Hillel wrap, how to bring together Jews from very distinct backgrounds and walks of life. He has taught how to truly respect and embrace people who are very different. Most importantly, the Rebbe never stopped teaching that the lamb-Jew can never enjoy full liberation as long as his matzah counterpart was left behind, and he showed how even the maror-Jew is innately connected to G-d and to Torah. May each of us merit to continue the work of the Rebbe, and never cease to "wrap" Jews together, the world over. ______________ 1. Based on an article by Rabbi Yosef Y. Jacobson on www.algemeiner.com. Visit Rabbi Jacobson's website www.theyeshiva.net. ************* * PSALM 119 * ************* It is an ancient Jewish custom to say daily the chapter of Psalms associated with the number of one's years. Chasidim and followers of the Rebbe also recite daily the Rebbe's chapter. The 11th of Nissan, Sunday, April 5, marks the Rebbe's 118th birthday, and so, we begin reciting chapter 119. King David composed this Psalm in alphabetical order with eight verses for each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alef-bet. While seven symbolizes the natural order of the world, eight symbolizes above-nature. The Psalm, a total of 176 verses, begins, "Ashrei -- Happy are those whose ways are simple, who walk in the path of the Torah of the L-rd." The word "ashrei" is also the first word of the entire book of Psalms. It begins with the letter "alef." Alef symbolizes the head, the human intellect. King David is teachings that the way to come close to G-d is through our mind, through study of the Torah, G-d's wisdom. Verse 18 reads, "Unveil my eyes, that I may perceive [the hidden] wonders of Your Torah" Chasidic teachings explain that this refers to the esoteric parts of the Torah, which is generally concealed, but will be revealed completely at the future time of redemption. In verse 45 we read, "I will walk in broad pathways." While we are enjoined to be humble, and the beginning of wisdom and observance of Torah and mitzvot must always be with humility, we must also take pride in what we are doing. "Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me," reads verse 98. Chasidus explains that each person has a unique task to fulfill. How is one to know what particular task applies to him? In answer to this, the verse says "make me wiser than my enemies," meaning that a person should examine himself and see what he finds most difficult to achieve spiritually, i.e. his spiritual enemies, and he should work to overcome them. "I have longed for Your salvation G-d" reads one of the last verses. May our personal and communal longing for the redemption be turned into an active welcoming of Moshiach, Now! ************************* * MATZAH FROM THE REBBE * ************************* By Shai Gefen [2] Rabbi Yossi Freiman is an emissary of the Rebbe in Zichron Yaakov, Israel. In 2001 he was asked by the Ashuach Family to come to the bris (the Jewish ceremony of circumcision) of their baby. When Rabbi Freiman arrived at the bris he found the crowd waiting expectantly. The baby's father, Menachem Ashuach, a former Air Force pilot, greeted him excitedly. "You are here! We are honoring you to be sandak (holding the baby at the bris) for our dear son." Rabbi Freiman hadn't dreamed of receiving this honor. Rabbi Freiman soon learned that the bris was the final event in a series of blessings from the Rebbe that had come to fruition and that brought the Ashuach family closer to their Jewish roots. In explaining how this came to be, Rabbi Freiman went back to the 90s: The Ashuach family had lived on one of the very secular northern kibbutzim (agricultural settlements) until they moved to Zichron Yaakov. They are a very educated and intelligent family who became more involved in Jewish life with a great awareness of every step they were taking. When they moved to Zichron Yaakov, they began attending the classes at the Chabad House. Both the husband and wife were regular participants. It was shortly before Passover 1999 and Rabbi Freiman was busy giving out Shmurah Matzah -- special round hand-baked matzah that the Rebbe encouraged all Jews to eat at least at the Passover Seder. Rabbi Freiman prepared dozens of packages of Shmurah Matzah for people in the Zichron Yaakov community. One evening in the days before Passover, Rabbi Freiman made the rounds, distributing the Shmurah Matzah. Until now, the Ashuach family only knew of the square, machine-made matzahs. Rabbi Freiman gave them three matzahs along with an explanation about the importance of eating Shmurah Matzah in particular. (When Shmurah Matzah is made, each person who is involved in any part of the process has in mind that a mitzvah will be fulfilled with the matzah. Only a person can have these conscious thoughts whereas a machine cannot, which is one of the reasons that Shmurah Matzah is superior to machine-matzah.) Rabbi Freiman reminded the Ashuachs to sell their chametz, said a warm goodbye, and went on his way. The phone rang early the next morning in the Freiman home. It was an emotional Mrs. Ashuach who asked, nay pleaded, for more Shmurah Matzah so that each family member could have a piece. "I could not understand what had prompted this urgent call," recalls Rabbi Freiman. "I asked her, 'I was at your home yesterday and you were satisfied with what I gave you. What changed overnight, and why the urgency?' "The woman said, 'The Rebbe appeared to me in a dream last night and said that Rabbi Freiman had come to give us matzahs not only because he knew us, but because he is an emissary of the Rebbe. Another thing that happened in the dream is that the Rebbe gave me a pen and said: Today you will find the apartment you want to buy in Jerusalem.' "I understood the reference to an apartment as I knew that they had been looking for a long time to move to Jerusalem but hadn't found anything suitable. Earlier that year, at a gathering at our Chabad House in January, Mr. Ashuach had written a letter to the Rebbe asking for a blessing to find an apartment in Jerusalem. We had put the letter in a volume of the Rebbe's letters (Igros Kodesh) and had opened it at random to a page with three short letters about the special quality of matzah. The Rebbe explained that matzah is referred to as the 'food of faith.' (It is also referred to as the 'food of healing.') At that time, I couldn't explain what the Rebbe's answer had to do with Mr. Ashuach's request for a blessing to find an apartment. But now, Mrs. Ashuach had made the connection on her own. " 'So that is why I immediately called you to ask for Shmurah Matzah for everyone,' concluded Mrs. Ashuach excitedly. "I said I would be happy to provide them with more Shmurah Matzah. I suggested she stop at the Chabad House that evening. She showed up that night and was even more excited than she was in the morning, for her dream had come true that very day! " 'This afternoon,' said Mrs. Ashuach, 'a real estate agent called my husband to suggest an apartment in Jerusalem. After inquiring about the details and the price, it sounded like this was the apartment we had been looking for all these months. My husband called to discuss it and I told him this is definitely our apartment after the Rebbe said so in my dream.' The contract was signed the same day. "They bought the apartment in Jerusalem. The Rebbe's answer together with the dream was a significant factor in the family's getting more involved in Judaism and Chabad. On the eve of Passover in 2000, I heard a knock at the door. To my surprise, it was the Ashuach couple who said, 'We came to get Shmurah Matzah again this year.' I couldn't help but ask them, 'Last year you lived in Zichron Yaakov, but this year you live in Jerusalem! Is there no Shmurah Matzah in Jerusalem?!' "They said, 'The Rebbe told us in the dream last year that you are his emissary, and so we came to get matzah from you. Although we don't live in Zichron Yaakov anymore, you are still the Rebbe's emissary.' " At the end of December, 2000, the Ashuachs called Rabbi Freiman to tell him about the recent birth of their son and the bris that was to take place in a few days. Their baby was born nine months after Passover, when they had eaten the Shmurah Matzah that they had traveled to Zichron Yaakov to receive from the Rebbe's emissary, Rabbi Freiman. At the bris, Mr. Ashuach told his guests: "For many years we wanted more children. Before Passover of last year we decided to get Shmurah Matzah -- the "food of faith" -- from Rabbi Freiman, because we believed that in the merit of the matzah that the Rebbe's emissary gives, we would have a son. And nine months have passed since Passover and now we are celebrating the bris." _____________ 2. Adapted from Beis Moshiach Magazine. ************************* * THE STORY OF THE OMER * ************************* During [3] the days of the Omer, we eagerly count the days from Pesach until Shavuot, looking forward to receiving the Torah anew. The Torah says, "And you shall count seven full weeks, from the day after your festival, when you bring the Omer as a wave offering...." (Leviticus 23:15). What is the Omer? Why is it connected with counting these days? Here is the answer. * In the Holy Land, barley ripens in the spring, in the month of Nissan. In the time of the Beis HaMikdosh (the Holy Temple, in Jerusalem), the new crop could not be used until an amount of barley, called an "Omer," was offered on the Great Altar in the Sanctuary. This is how it took place: Right after the first day of Pesach, on the night of the 16th of Nissan, prominent Torah scholars and members of the Supreme Court (Bet-Din) would go out into a field of barley near Jerusalem that had been prepared before Yom Tov. All the neighboring villagers would gather to watch the ceremony. Three men using three sickles would cut three measures of barley, which they would put in three boxes. Once it was dark, the head of the reapers would say, "Has the sun set?" "Yes," everyone would reply. "Has the sun set?" he would ask again. "Yes." "Has the sun set?" A third time they would answer, "Yes." Then he would point to the sickle and ask three times, "Is this the sickle?" "Yes." "Is this the sickle?" -- "Yes." "Is this the sickle?" -- "Yes." In the same way, he would ask three times, "Is this the box?" -- "Yes." "Is this the box?" -- "Yes." "Is this the box?" -- "Yes." If it was Shabbat, he would also ask three times, "Is it Shabbat today?" This showed everybody that the mitzvah of cutting the Omer pushes off the Shabbat. Finally he would ask, "Shall I reap?" "Yes," they would answer. "Shall I reap?" -- "Yes." "Shall I reap?" -- "Yes." This whole ceremony was very awesome. What was it all for? Unfortunately, there were people at that time who rebelled against the Sages. They were called Beitusim. They tried to get people not to listen to the teachings of the Sages. One of their arguments was that the Omer should only be cut on a Saturday night, after Shabbat. In fact, in the Torah it says that the time for cutting the Omer is "the day after Shabbat." The Beitusim said this meant the day after Shabbat itself. But the Sages had the tradition from Mt. Sinai, that Yom Tov is also called Shabbat, and the Omer should be cut the day after Yom Tov! They made a big ceremony out of it, so that it would be clear to everyone that the Beitusim were not correct. The Omer had to be cut the day after Yom Tov, even on Shabbat! After the barley had been cut, it was placed in the three boxes and brought to the Beis HaMikdosh. Since it was still green and soft, it was dried and roasted in such a way that the fire touched every grain. Then it was spread out in the courtyard for the wind to blow through it. Finally it was ground up with millstones into flour. Of the three measures (se'ah) of barley that had been reaped in the field, only one tenth was taken for the offering. This quantity is called an Omer. This Omer was then sieved thirteen times, over and over again, until it was fine and pure. The next day, the Omer was burned as an offering on the Mizbayach, the Great Altar. Before burning it, the kohen would wave it in every direction in honor of the One to Whom the whole world belongs. It was as if he were saying, "Thank You, G-d, for the harvest. Thank You for the very bread we eat." * * * In the Midrash it says that the Omer shows us how kind G-d is to His people. When the Jews were in the wilderness, G-d gave every single one of them an Omer of manna every day. Now that the Jewish people had come into the Holy Land, all G-d asked in return was a single Omer from the whole Jewish people. Nor did they need to bring it every day. Once a year was enough. And barley, a poor man's grain, was all G-d required. Our Sages also taught that Pesach is the time when the crops are ripening. At this time, G-d judges the world in regard to food, particularly grain. At such a moment G-d says to us, "Bring Me an Omer of barley on Pesach, and I will bless the grain in your fields for the whole year." By counting these days, we remember that the world is being judged. Will there be hunger or plenty? At this time we should return to G-d with a complete heart, and beg Him to have mercy on us and on all His creatures, and on the land, so that the harvest may grow as required. Nowadays, we do not have the Beis HaMikdosh, and we cannot bring the Omer offering, but we pray that by doing G-d's mitzvah of Counting the Omer with joy in our hearts, we may merit His ultimate blessing, that He should speedily restore the Beis HaMikdosh, and reestablish His Kingship throughout the world, with the revelation of Moshiach, Now. _______________ 3. Adapted from "The Moshiach Times," published by "Tzivos Hashem." ******************* * S'FIRAT HA'OMER * ******************* On the second night of Pesach, we begin S'firat Ha'omer, counting forty-nine days between Pesach and Shavuot, the day when the Torah was given to the Children of Israel. This is done every night following the evening prayer leading up to the night before Shavuot. We use this time to prepare ourselves to receive the Torah, just as our ancestors did at Mt. Sinai. *************************** * LAWS OF S'FIRAT HA'OMER * *************************** Edited by Rabbi Y. K. Marlow O. B. M. (Head of Bet-Din of Crown Heights) * We begin counting the Omer on the second night of Pesach, Thursday, April 9. * It is most proper to count the Omer at the beginning of the night, immediately following the evening prayer. However, it is permissible to count the Omer throughout the night. * If you forget to count at nightfall, but have reminded yourself before dawn, you may count then, with the blessing. * If you forget to count at night; you can count throughout the next day (WITHOUT SAYING THE BLESSING). The following evening you can count again WITH the blessing. * If you forget to count for a whole day, you should still keep on counting the days until Shavuot, BUT YOU DO NOT SAY THE BLESSING ANY MORE. * If you are in doubt whether you counted the previous night, even though you definitely did not count during the day, you may recite the blessing when counting on the subsequent nights. **************************** * S'FIRAT HA'OMER BLESSING * **************************** * Every night, after nightfall, after having recited the evening prayer, say the following blessing, and then count the proper day: 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 AL SE-FI-RAS HO-OMER. Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the counting of the Omer. * Then we count the day, saying: "Today is one day (or two days, or three days, etc.) of the Omer." ******************************** * THE S'FIRAT HA'OMER CALENDAR * ******************************** Nissan 15 - Sivan 5, 5780 April 9 - May 28, 2020 Thurs. eve., April 9 - count Omer 1. Fri. eve., April 10 - count Omer 2. Sat. eve., April 11 - count Omer 3. Sun. eve., April 12 - count Omer 4. Mon. eve., April 13 - count Omer 5. Tues. eve., April 14 - count Omer 6. Wed. eve., April 15 - count Omer 7. Thurs. eve., April 16 - count Omer 8. Fri. eve., April 17 - count Omer 9. Sat. eve., April 18 - count Omer 10. Sun. eve., April 19 - count Omer 11. Mon. eve., April 20 - count Omer 12. Tues. eve., April 21 - count Omer 13. Wed. eve., April 22 - count Omer 14. Thurs. eve., April 23 - count Omer 15. Fri. eve., April 24 - count Omer 16. Sat. eve., April 25 - count Omer 17. Sun. eve., April 26 - count Omer 18. Mon. eve., April 27 - count Omer 19. Tues. eve., April 28 - count Omer 20. Wed. eve., April 29 - count Omer 21. Thurs. eve., April 30 - count Omer 22. Fri. eve., May 1 - count Omer 23. Sat. eve., May 2 - count Omer 24. Sun. eve., May 3 - count Omer 25. Mon. eve., May 4 - count Omer 26. Tues. eve., May 5 - count Omer 27. Wed. eve., May 6 - count Omer 28. Thurs. eve., May 7 - count Omer 29. Fri. eve., May 8 - count Omer 30. Sat. eve., May 9 - count Omer 31. Sun. eve., May 10 - count Omer 32. Mon. eve., May 11 - count Omer 33. Tues. eve., May 12 - count Omer 34. Wed. eve., May 13 - count Omer 35. Thurs. eve., May 14 - count Omer 36. Fri. eve., May 15 - count Omer 37. Sat. eve., May 16 - count Omer 38. Sun. eve., May 17 - count Omer 39. Mon. eve., May 18 - count Omer 40. Tues. eve., May 19 - count Omer 41. Wed. eve., May 20 - count Omer 42. Thurs. eve., May 21 - count Omer 43. Fri. eve., May 22 - count Omer 44. Sat. eve., May 23 - count Omer 45. Sun. eve., May 24 - count Omer 46. Mon. eve., May 25 - count Omer 47. Tues. eve., May 26 - count Omer 48. Wed. eve., May 27 - count Omer 49. ****************** * LOVE YOURSELF! * ****************** "People think," the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, explained, "that the mitzvah of Ahavat Yisrael -- loving one's fellow Jew, means that you love the other person as much as you love yourself. They have it all wrong. It means loving yourself as much as you love the other person!" Long before modern psychology focused on self-esteem, Judaism taught the importance of loving and accepting ourselves. For it is only when we love ourselves that we can properly love our family, friends, co-workers, and even the cashier with the attitude. (Loving ourselves does not mean being egotists, nor does accepting ourselves mean allowing bad character traits to remain unchecked or unchanged. But that's another article!) How can we foster self-love? We can start by studying and internalizing the first words that a Jewish child is taught. "Torah Tzivah... -- the Torah that Moses commanded to us is an eternal inheritance to the Jewish people." We have been given a precious gift from G-d -- the Torah. The moral, ethical and spiritual teachings flowing from the Torah are ours to dip into and relish. We have the ability to grow and change by bringing these teachings into our lives. They were tailor made for us by G-d, who loves every Jew as a parent loves an only child born to him in his old age. The Torah is eternal and its teachings are eternal; G-d's love for every single Jew is also eternal. G-d loves us! Surely we can love ourselves! From "Torah Tzivah" we go on to "Shema Yisrael... -- Listen Jews, the L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd is One." These words are not merely a declaration of monotheism. They acknowledge that G-d is everywhere and affirm a basic Jewish teaching that G-d is good. There is nothing disconnected from G-d and everything G-d does is ultimately good. (We can hope, though, that the "good" is something that we recognize and appreciate.) Every Jewish teaching is a lesson in how to foster self-love. In Chapter Three of Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers, Rabbi Yishmael instructs us to "Greet everyone with joy." Extrapolating from the Previous Rebbe's words above, this means that we should greet ourselves with joy! When awakening we should say "Good morning" to ourselves with gusto. If we "lose" it, once we're back to normal, we should offer ourselves a hearty "Welcome back." Loving ourselves has nothing to do with what we do, who we are, how much money we make or how we look. It is loving what we are at our very core. And essentially, we are all sparks of G-dliness, sparks of the same One G-d. So when we love ourselves, we truly love everyone else. ****************** * YUD GIMEL IYAR * ****************** Thursday, Iyar 13 (May 7), is the 68th yahrtzeit of the Rebbe's youngest brother, Rabbi Yisroel Aryeh Leib. The following is a brief biography, written by Rabbi Shimon Silman. * Rabbi Yisroel Aryeh Leib (known affectionately as "Reb Leibel") was a Torah scholar of the highest caliber. He was a fascinating personality, totally devoted to the study of Chasidus, which he learned with legendary diligence. As a young man, Reb Leibel was a member of the household of the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, in Petersburg for several years. He was very popular among the chasidim, who approached him with difficult questions in Talmud and Chasidus. At that time he began studying mathematics in the academies of Petersburg where he organized groups of Jewish youth to learn Torah and observe mitzvot. In the 1940s, Reb Leibel moved to Israel and married. He continued his research of mathematics and spent long nights studying Chasidus. In 1948 he accepted a position in the Department of Theoretical Physics of the University of Liverpool in England. In this position he continued his research in mathematics and theoretical physics until he passed away on 13 Iyar, 5712/1952. He is buried in Safed, Israel. ***************************************** * A PESACH SHENI MESSAGE FROM THE REBBE * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * ***************************************** Pesach Sheni, means the "Second Passover," and is observed one month after the first Passover. Until the destruction of the Holy Temple, any Jew unable to bring the Passover sacrifice on the 14th of Nissan -- either because he was ritually impure, in a distant place, was prevented by unavoidable circumstances, or even if he intentionally did not bring it -- could bring it on the 14th of Iyar. Pesach Sheni was instituted the year after the Jews left Egypt while they were still in the desert. Before Passover of that year, G-d again commanded our ancestors to bring the special Pascal sacrifice. However, some of the Jews had become ritually impure in their desert travels and thus were not permitted to bring the offering. They protested and posed a question to Moses and Aaron, crying: "Why are we kept back, that we may not offer the offering of the L-rd in its appointed season among the children of Israel?" And G-d told Moses that all those who were unable to bring the offering on Passover could bring it one month later. This date became known as the Second Passover. They could have left well enough alone. After all, our Sages have taught, "If a person intended to perform a mitzvah and circumstances prevented him from it, it is regarded as if he had performed it!" Since they were forcibly kept from performing the mitzvah, they were still rightfully entitled to its reward. But that wasn't enough for them. And due to their protest and great desire to fulfill this mitzvah to its fullest potential, they and all future generations were rewarded with "Pesach Sheni." The complaint of the Jews to Moses and Aaron, "Why are we kept back..." teaches us an important lesson in how we are to approach those mitzvot that we currently can not perform because we are still in exile. Why, G-d, are we kept back from offering the sacrifices in their right time? Why are we kept back from seeing Your glory revealed? Why are we kept back from performing each mitzvah to its optimum, as each mitzvah is incomplete while we are in exile? Let us also not be content with the words of our Sages, that if we desire to perform these mitzvot it is enough. Like the Jews in the desert, let us rally together and cry out to G-d, "Why are we kept back...bring the true and ultimate Redemption that You promised us!" And may G-d immediately heed our heartfelt cries as He did those of our ancestors! **************** * PESACH SHENI * **************** Friday, Iyar 14 (May 8), is Pesach Sheni, the "Second Passover." It is customary on Pesach Sheni to eat matzah (together with bread), in commemoration of the day. * The Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, wrote: "The theme of Pesach Sheni is that IT IS NEVER TOO LATE! It is always possible to put things right. Even if one was ritually impure, or far away, and even in a case when this impurity or distance was deliberate -- nonetheless it can be corrected." IT'S NEVER TOO LATE! We can always make up for a past misdeed, omission or failing through sincere desire and making amends. IT'S NEVER TOO LATE! What an inspiring and optimistic thought! There's always a chance to improve, to become better, to learn and do. This is truly a motto worth memorizing (and hanging on the refrigerator). Rather than muttering about yourself or another person, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," realize that it's never too late. You didn't put on tefillin yesterday? Today's a new day and it's never too late. You didn't light candles for Shabbat last Friday night? Do it this week; it's never too late. You never went to Hebrew school, so you can't read Hebrew? Enroll in an adult education course; it's never too late. You never knew that Judaism had so much to offer? Now that you know, do something about it, because it's never too late! ******************** * MOSHIACH MATTERS * ******************** From Pesach Sheini we learn that a Jew must never despair. No matter how spiritually estranged from Judaism a Jew may be it is never too late; G-d will always give him a "second chance." It is always possible to correct past mistakes. This also teaches how important it is to repeatedly implore G-d to bring about the Final Redemption. The initiative must come from us. Again and again we must beg Him until He relents and sends us Moshiach. For when Jews ask, G-d heeds their request, and Moshiach will indeed arrive speedily, in our time, and at once. ************************************** * 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, 6084000, 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. Study Ethics of the Fathers We read one chapter of Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot) each Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, because these are the days leading up to the Giving of the Torah and Pirkei Avot contain ethics and moral exhortations to help us improve ourselves so that we are worthy of the Torah. The Rebbe emphasized the importance of not only reciting the chapters, but also actually studying them. *************************************** * 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.chabad.org * ******************************************************* >>>> Times Shown Are for Metro NY - NJ <<<< FRIDAY, MAY 1, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM: * Light Shabbat Candles, [4] by 7:35 p.m. * After nightfall, after reciting the Shabbat evening prayer, count Omer 23. SATURDAY, MAY 2, SHABBAT PARSHAT ACHAREI-KEDOSHIM: * On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 3 of Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers. * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 8:38 p.m. * After nightfall, after reciting the evening prayer, count Omer 24. _______________ 4. The Shabbat candles must be lit 18 minutes *BEFORE* sunset. IT IS PROHIBITED AND IS A DESECRATION OF THE SHABBAT TO LIGHT THE CANDLES *AFTER* SUNSET. ********************************************* * 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 Acharei-Kedoshim, 5780 =================================================================