Holidays   Shabbat   Chabad-houses   Chassidism   Subscribe   Calendar   Links

                                  B"H
                                 -----
                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 739
*********************************************************************
                           Copyright (c) 2002
                 Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
                              Brooklyn, NY
                             --------------
                  Electronic version provided free at:
                          www.LchaimWeekly.org
                          --------------------
                    To receive the L'CHAIM by e-mail
                  write to: listserv@LchaimWeekly.org
                              Subscribe W1
*********************************************************************
             THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON
   Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson N.E.
*********************************************************************
        October 11, 2002         Noach          5 Cheshvan, 5763
*********************************************************************

                               Soft Rain

The kid's room is a mess. The bed - unmade, of course - looks like the
aftermath of a flea market garage sale. The sleeve of a clean shirt has
knotted inextricably around the leg of dirty pajamas. Socks - one blue,
one black and one that probably should be white - poke out of the sleeve
a t-shirt. Underwear half hides under a blanket, which in turn struggles
to keep from collapsing on the floor.

And the floor! It would serve well as a hazardous training ground for
the marines. Matchbox cars dot the landscape, small mines for even
leather-clad feet. Pieces from a half-dozen board games litter the floor
like some bread-crumb trail that leads the lost traveler in circles. The
board games themselves hang from shelves, desktops, headboards - any
place, it seems, a piece of cardboard can be wedged. Of course, balls of
all sizes keep popping up and rolling around whenever anything else gets
moved. Move a hanger and a soccer ball attacks from behind the suit.
Straighten the books and a tennis ball bounces off a shoe and into a
knee. Yank on the drawer and the baseball that jammed it pops up.

Off in a corner sits the source, oblivious to his disorder and
disobedience. Immersed in a video game, he doesn't see his father come
in. The father, though, sees the disarray. And he sees an irresponsible
child. Fancy clothes, expensive toys, precious books and heirlooms - all
discarded. The rules of the house - disregarded.

If the child does not appreciate what he has, if the child intends to
spoil every gift, ignore every rule, then the clothes, the toys, the
books all must be taken away. For, instead of helping the child be
productive, they're a distraction and a detriment. So the father fetches
a large garbage can. One by one he starts picking things off the floor
and dropping them - noisily - in the garbage can; one by one he removes
the child's poss-essions from the desktop, the shelves, the bed. He
waits for the child to react.


                                Scene 1:


The child continues to play his video game, ignoring his father, testing
his father, defying his father. At first the father puts things in the
garbage one at a time. Then he takes a handful. The child still doesn't
react. The father puts an armful in the trash. The child watches him out
of the corner of his eye, but doesn't move. He won't lift a finger from
the video game. Finally the father sweeps everything into the garbage
can. He empties the drawers and shelves. He takes the sheets off the
bed. Then the father grabs the video game, smashes it into the trash and
leaves. The room is empty. The room is clean.

"And the flood was forty days upon the earth" (Genesis 7:17).


                                Scene 2:


As the father puts the first matchbox car into the garbage, the child
looks up. As the father puts the first baseball card into the trash, the
child turns off the video game. As the father picks up the first board
game, the child gets up and takes it from his hand. As the father
watches, the child folds his clothes, makes his bed. The child
straightens his shelves, arranges the games, orders his toys. Finally,
the child removes the matchbox car and the baseball card, putting them
away. Then, with a smile and a tear, he drops the video game into the
garbage. The father and son embrace. The room is clean. But the room is
not empty.

"The rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights" (Genesis
7:12).

"He brought them down with mercy so that if the people should repents,
these would be rains of blessing; but when the people did not repent the
waters became a flood." Rashi.

*********************************************************************
           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
*********************************************************************
In this week's Torah portion, Noach, we read, "In the six hundredth year
of Noah's life... all the fountains of the great deep were split and the
windows of Heaven were opened." The Zohar, the basic book of Jewish
mysticism, explains that this verse refers to the beginning of the sixth
century of the sixth millennium of Creation (the year 5500, 263 years
ago). At that time, the Divine fountains of knowledge would open up,
both in the celestial spheres and in the physical realm, and the world
would thus be prepared to enter the seventh millennium, the Messianic
Age.

The Zohar describes the two types of knowledge that would be revealed
during this time frame. The first is the opening of the "gates of
knowledge above," referring to Torah and G-dly wisdom, and the second is
the "fountains of wisdom below," referring to science and our
understanding of the physical world.

Indeed, we find that the world began to undergo great changes in the
1700s, just as the Zohar prophesied. This was the time when Chasidic
philosophy began to be revealed and scientific discoveries and
developments began a frenetic pace that continues until today.

This period of revelation of knowledge, both G-dly and secular, came
about as a preparation for the seventh millennium and the days of
Moshiach. It is easy to understand how increased revelation of Torah
serves as preparation, for the Messianic Era is a time when "knowledge
of G-d will cover the earth like the water of the sea." But what has
this to do with scientific advances and the Industrial Revolution?

A fundamental innovation of Moshiach will be that our perception of
reality will change. Chasidic philosophy explains that after Moshiach
reveals himself, "all flesh will see" - our physical flesh will be
cognizant of the G-dliness that permeates and sustains the entire world.

Advances in scientific knowledge and understanding of the natural world
are a preparation for this time. Medical, astronomic and nuclear
discoveries have been revealed to man so that he can use this knowledge
to serve G-d. As with everything else, we are given the free will with
which to utilize these discoveries, as increased knowledge carries with
it increased responsibility. When a Jew employs modern technology to
serve G-d, perform mitzvot (commandments) and further goodness in the
world, he is utilizing these revelations properly.

Our understanding of the dynamics of the physical world has increased so
that we can elevate it more readily. Furthermore, the greater our
understanding of science, the greater our understanding of the ultimate
unity of G-d and Creation.

We see in the progress of history the positive development of knowledge
and how it leads to an understanding of G-d. "Breakthroughs" in modern
science continue to prove the unity of all creation and, ultimately of
G-d.

                   Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

*********************************************************************
                             SLICE OF LIFE
*********************************************************************

            Expanding My Horizons: From Tasmania to Brooklyn
                          by Esther Malka King

I used to think, "Why would someone want to be religious?" What would
make them want to choose a life of restrictions, throwing away
opportunities to be care-free and have fun?

Throughout my childhood I had connections with Chabad. When I was
seven-years-old I used to attend programs at Rabbi Yossi Gordan's Chabad
House in Tasmania, Australia. This was where my family began learning
about being religious. We became more involved with our heritage and I
attended a Jewish school until my family moved away. For the next 10
years we lived in a very non-Jewish neighborhood. It was my mother, the
foundation and pillar of the house, who kept us in touch with our Jewish
roots. This was done by observing the holidays, honoring Shabbat and
learning Torah from the Jewish books we had at home. We even had a
picture of the Rebbe in our house. Though we were isolated, we still
remained Jews and I will always thank my mother for this.

When I graduated high school I was accepted into Monash University, the
leading university of Victoria, to study Psychology. I lived at home,
had a car, computer, TV and was free to do what I wanted. I even had my
own photography business. But I realized that something was missing. It
was all so ephemeral.  I decided to get back in touch with Rabbi Gordan
and his family. Rabbi Gordan told me that a dose of Torah study at
Machon Chana Women's Institute in Crown Heights, New York, would get me
on track.

On my 20-hour plane flight I imagined what Crown Heights would be like.
It wasn't like anything I had envisioned. On Shabbat and holidays every
one walks in the same direction - to 770 (Eastern Parkway, World
Lubavitch Headquarters).  I find Crown Heights to be  beautiful, the
people are "normal" and I know that I can live a life of Torah study and
mitzvot observance and still be cool!!

In Crown Heights we aren't locked away from the outside world. In fact,
at one of the Rebbe's visits to the Machon Chana dormitory the Rebbe
said that the young women must have mirrors and radios. Being religious
doesn't exclude us from the "world" and what we wear and how we look, as
well as knowing what is happening in the world, is important.

My fears on arrival of losing my personality, living in a strange
country, making friends and being accepted were unfounded. I was amazed
to see that there are many young women like myself interested in Torah
and that practically every country in the world is represented here.
Everyone is able to hold onto her culture and personality and build onto
it. I am still the same person, no, I think I have become a better
person, thanks to Torah.

I live in the Machon Chana dormitory and I have to say that living with
people who have similar goals is helping my character grow and develop.

I feel at home here. We have a feeling of unity - we complement each
other even though we are all different.  To have dozens of different
lives placed together in one house to grow - and have success - there
has to be something special.

I have never been surrounded by women who have more passion for Torah
observance than I do.  Instead of being surrounded by don't do this and
you must do that most questions I have lead to a larger conversations.
And we learn about what's applicable to us. We walk away the wiser.

Living in this world doesn't mean excluding your old world. I am able to
bring everything with me on my journey. My photography business that I
had before I came to America is still running. I now photograph my
friends' celebrations and chronicle life in the dorm. My computer skills
are put to use in the office and with the help of the other young women
we design and publish the school newsletter and year book.

Being Torah observant doesn't inhibit a person from doing anything. It
only expands one's horizons. One's choices may seem like they are
limited, but I have found that the stuff I can't do isn't worth it.

Studying Torah and observing mitzvot has definitely changed me for the
best. I'm more relaxed, focused and willing to move forward.  I try not
to dwell on the past and know that I am here to work on me - Esther
Malkah - this is only for the good.  I know that I'll carry all the
learning and experiences wherever I go. That I am accepting my
birthright and living a life of Torah and mitzvot not only helps me but
will, G-d willing, someday help my children. The next generation relies
on us to keep paving the path.  By our generation continuing to the
gather and elevate the sparks we will only bring Moshiach and the
complete Redemption closer. Moshiach Now!!

*********************************************************************
                               WHAT'S NEW
*********************************************************************
                     The Crisis of Not Having Faith

Especially in times of challenges, difficulties and tragedy, we need
faith more than ever. Join Rabbi Manis Friedman and Mrs. Chana Rachel
Schusterman for a Chabad Shabbaton Weekend discussing how to deal with
crisis  and how our crises can ultimately strengthen us. The weekend
takes place October 25-27. It is sponsored by the Lubavitch Youth
Organization and hosted by the Chabad-Lubavitch community in Crown
Heights, Brooklyn. Call (718) 953-1000 or visit www.shabbaton.org for
more information.



                24 New Emissaries to Former Soviet Union

Twenty-four families arrived recently in the Former Soviet Union as
emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Ten of the families will be
bolstering outreach work in Moscow and the rest  have taken positions in
the following cities: S. Petersburg, Donetzk, Vinitza, Odessa,
Mariyopol, Vitebsk, Bobroisk, Novgorod, Kostroma, Vladivostock, and
Birobidzhan. A huge welcome celebration was held in Jewish Community
Center of Moscow. Last month, 75 day schools under the auspices of Ohr
Avner Chabad with more then 12,000 students opened across the FSU.

*********************************************************************
                            THE REBBE WRITES
*********************************************************************
                       18th of Sivan, 5719 [1959]

Greeting and Blessing:

After the long interval, I received your letter of June 15th, and I was
pleased to read in it that all is well with you, and that you are
maintaining the study period of which we spoke when you were here.

Needless to say, I am sorry to note that nothing has materialized as yet
in the matter of a Shidduch [marriage match]. I hope, however, that you
will be able to concentrate on it from now on, and in a way that accords
with the teachings of our Torah, Toras Chaim [the Torah of Life].

With regard to the question of a vacation trip to the Holy Land, it
would be advisable if you have friends and acquaintances there who would
be helpful in the matter of a Shidduch, if by then, nothing materializes
here. As for the question of vaccination, etc., which you would require
if you make the trip in November, there is no basis for any anxiety in
that respect. However, as indicated, if a suitable Shidduch should
present itself here before that time, the trip would not be advisable at
this time for many reasons.

You ask when is the proper time to say the daily quota of Tehillim
[Psalms]. Generally speaking, the best time to say it is immediately
after the morning prayers. However, if for some reason you are pressed
for time, it could be said throughout the day, from sunlight to
sunset....

With blessing,

                                *  *  *


                       20th of Sivan, 5721 [1961]

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your recent letter, as well as the previous two.

With regard to your study program, I believe I have already suggested to
you that you should discuss this matter both with . . . as well as with
your friends who know you and can also evaluate the efforts that may be
entailed, etc. It has been said that a good solution comes as a result
of many consultations.

You write that you wonder why G-d does not help you, etc. This surprises
me, for surely you have had many occasions to recognize G-d's kindnesses
to you. Every one of us receives G-d's blessings daily and that is why
we recite in the morning prayer twenty blessings to thank G-d for His
daily kindnesses. On the other hand, the fact that you feel some
dissatisfaction could be applied to good use, in making growing efforts
to improve your spiritual position as well as to increase the benefits
bestowed on others.

With regard to your question about a Jewish girl who wants to learn in
Gateshead or in Beis Yaakov in London, I do not understand why you
should be opposed to this. For, at her age, it is just as im portant,
and perhaps even more important, to learn in an environment which is
permeated with the utmost degree of Yiras Shomayim [awe of Heaven] , and
where she would have good friends of her own age, etc. For all these
reasons Gateshead would be the ideal place for her.

On the question of translation and the changes which you find necessary
to introduce this is also something which would be well to discuss with
other people locally. Above all, a translation must always be a free
translation, which is also the case of all translations that are made
here, for the important thing is to convey them in a fluent and readable
language.

There was no general message for Shovuos, but there was a special
message for the delegates of the Convention of N'shei Chabad, a copy of
which is enclosed, and which it is hoped you will make ample use of.

*********************************************************************
                            RAMBAM THIS WEEK
*********************************************************************
5 Cheshvan, 5763 - October 11, 2002

Prohibition 241: It is forbidden to take a security from a widow

This commandment is based on the verse (Deut. 24:17) "Nor shall you take
a widow's garment as security" The Torah forbids us to demand any
security from a widow for a loan she has taken. Rather, we should be
kind and trust that G-d will help her repay the loan. This prohibition
applies regardless of whether a widow is poor or wealthy.

*********************************************************************
                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
*********************************************************************
This coming Sunday is the seventh day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan.
In the times of the Holy Temple, the Jewish people traveled to Jerusalem
for the festivals of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, the seventh of
Cheshvan marked the end of the pilgrimage season surrounding the
festival of Sukkot, according to our Sages. During Sukkot, the entire
Jewish people were in Jerusalem. For the Jews living on the Euphrates
River, the furthest reaches of the Holy Land, their journey home took
fifteen days and thus, was concluded on the seventh of Cheshvan. It was
beginning on the seventh of Cheshvan that the prayer for rain commenced,
once all of the pilgrims were comfortably home again.

This fact, of the delay of the prayers for rain until the last pilgrims
reached their homes, is relevant to the concept of Jewish unity.

During the pilgrimage festivals, the essential unity of the Jewish
people is expressed. However, that unity applies to the essential
oneness that binds our people together, while transcending our
individuality. The unity expressed by the seventh of Cheshvan relates to
Jews as individuals. Jewish unity remains even after each Jew returns to
his own home and his individual lifestyle.

The seventh of Cheshvan is the final stage of Jewish unity that was
begun during the month of Elul (the days of preparation for Rosh
Hashana) and enhanced throughout all of the days of month of Tishrei.
May we continue to work on and enhance Jewish unity in every way
possible until the ultimate revelation of total Jewish unity and the
unity of G-d and the entire world with the coming of Moshiach, NOW!

*********************************************************************
                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
*********************************************************************
These are the generations of Noach: Noach was a just man in his
generation (Gen. 6:9)

Rashi comments: This verse teaches us that the most important legacy of
a righteous person is his good deeds. A righteous person is not defined
by his lineage or by his noble ancestry, but by his own actions and
behavior.

                                                   (Divrei Yisrael)

                                *  *  *


A window shall you make for the ark (Gen. 6:16)

The Hebrew word for "ark" is "tayva," which also has the meaning of
"word." A Jew's job is to make a "window," as it were, for the words he
utters in prayer or in the study of Torah, and to let them illuminate,
as the sun shines at midday.

                                                    (Baal Shem Tov)

                                *  *  *


I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh
(6:17)

Why did G-d choose a flood with which to punish mankind? Could he not
have chosen another method to destroy the wicked? The purpose of the
flood, however, was to purify the world which had become unclean and
defiled by its inhabitants. This is alluded to in the duration of the
flood, forty days, and the requirement that a purifying mikva
(ritualarium) contain at least forty sa'a (a specific measure) of water.

                                              (Rabbi Shneur Zalman)

                                *  *  *


And Noach went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives into
the ark (7:7)

A person should not content himself with his own entrance into the
"ark"-the holy letters of prayer and of the Torah, but should always
seek to bring others with him as well, not only members of his family
but every fellow Jew. Just as G-d helped Noach by closing the door of
the ark after all were safely inside, so, too, is every Jew assisted by
G-d when he comes to the aid of his fellow man.

                                                (Lubavitcher Rebbe)

                                *  *  *


And only Noach was left (7:23)

Despite the fact that Noach was a righteous person, he was still
required to tend to all the animals in the ark and take care of their
needs. This was a physically demanding and sometimes dangerous job.
Similarly, no matter how high a spiritual level one reaches, he is still
obligated to take care of those around him who may need his guidance.

                                                   (Likutei Sichot)

*********************************************************************
                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
*********************************************************************
One year, the Land of Israel was afflicted with a terrible drought.
There lived at that time a great man named Choni, and it was to him that
the Jews flocked. They pleaded with him to add his holy prayers for rain
to those of the congregation. Choni promised that he would pray, and
with this assurance, the people returned to their homes to await the
rain.

Choni prepared himself for the awesome task of praying on behalf of the
water-parched holy land and its holy inhabitants. He prayed fervently,
but to no avail.

Choni grabbed a stick and planted himself firmly in one spot in a field.
With the end of the stick he drew a circle around himself on the earth.
Then he cried out, "Master of the Universe, Your children need rain
desperately. They have asked me to pray to You, and I swear that I will
not step out of this circle until You have answered Your children."

The hint of a cloud appeared in the sky. The air became heavy. Slowly,
tiny droplets began to fall. The excited people ran outside, but when
they saw the meager rainfall they asked, "Will a rain like this suffice
to help us? It seems to be just enough to release the righteous one from
his vow to not leave the circle."

A delegation returned to Choni and begged him to pray again, but this
time for a strong rain to satisfy the parched fields. Choni prayed once
more and in minutes clouds overtook the sky. A heavy rain burst forth,
flooding the earth and sending people running for shelter from the
sheets of rain. This was a rain never before seen. Each drop held the
volume of four cups!

The terrified people ran to Choni. He wrapped himself in his prayer
shawl and prayed once more, crying out, "This is not the kind of rain I
requested. Please send your children good rain." Slowly a blessed rain
descended, filling wells, drenching the cracked earth, falling and
falling without end.

The people left their homes and gathered high on the Temple Mount to
escape the flood. Alas, again they came to Choni, pleading for him to
pray that the rain stop. But this time he refused, saying: "My teachers
taught me that it is not permitted to pray to take away a blessing."

The people were baffled by their dilemma. How could they show proper
gratitude to G-d but still ask him to stop the downpour? Finally they
came up with an answer. They brought Choni a cow to be used as a
thanksgiving sacrfice. Laying his hands on the cow's head, Choni said
the following prayer: "Master of the Universe, Your children are unable
to stand too much bad or too much good. Please, G-d, stop this rain and
bring peace to the world."

Choni's prayers were accepted. The people returned to their homes and
fields, overjoyed that G-d had answered their prayers. The recently
barren fields were full of ripe mushrooms and other edible plants that
they picked and ate. Then, the people were able to understand that the
rains had been a true blessing, and they offered thanks to G-d.

The head of the Jewish Court sent Choni a letter saying: G-d grants your
requests in the same way as a father answers his favorite son. The son
asks for a warm bath, then wants a cold one; then he asks for fruits and
nuts, which the loving father hurries to provide. So does G-d hurry to
fulfill your wishes. Fortunate are the parents who bore you. Our
generation was filled with darkness and sorrow, but your prayers have
led us to light and joy."

From that time on, Choni became known as "Choni HaMa'agal - Choni the
circle-maker" because of the circle he drew around himself and refused
to leave until his prayers were answered.

*********************************************************************
                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
*********************************************************************
A businessman who wants to double his capital first has to invest it in
merchandise, and then, emptyhanded, await his profit. In the same way,
only by being dispersed empty-handed among the nations of the world can
the Jewish people ultimately arrive at their great profit-the exalted
revelation of divine light that will take place in the times of
Moshiach.

                                           (Maamarei Admur HaZaken)

*********************************************************************
                 END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 739 - Noach 5763
*********************************************************************