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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 749
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                           Copyright (c) 2002
                 Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
                              Brooklyn, NY
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             THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON
   Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson N.E.
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        December 20, 2002       Vayechi           15 Tevet, 5763
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                            The Morning Lion

A cold winter morning, when darkness masks the hour and night seems
still entrenched. Snow on the ground, the wind whistling now and then,
branches outlined in shadow sway, sometimes slapping the roof.

You lay in bed, having fought the alarm to a stalemate: it no longer
assaults your consciousness, but your mind remains awake. And so the
debate to get up begins. It's a silent battle, really, a jumble -  a
wrestling and grappling and tumbling of words in the head. Suddenly,
without warning, your feet touch the floor - the cold a signal, a
triumphant recognition that you have moved.

                          Modeh Ani L'fanecha
                          I give thanks to You

You sit at your desk, all the utensils laid out before you, like
physician's instruments before surgery. The book is open, the note cards
arranged, the highlighter within easy reach, the pen open on top of the
notes. The computer is on, the word processing program open and you've
even written the title. The browser has already found a dozen web pages
to be surfed for support, information and research.

But the radio commentator has an interesting piece. And the "you've got
mail" icon is flashing. It might be important, so suddenly you find
your-self reading - even re-reading - email - jokes, trivia, petitions,
etc. Just to get in the mood, to clear the head. A new email comes in -
a piece of "spam."

Surprisingly, you delete it without looking, close the mail program and
start typing away. The report flows. Sure it will need revision, but you
look forward even to that - the work having rejuvenated you.

                          Melech Chai v'Kayam
                        Living and Eternal King

A week's worth of laundry waits to be washed. The dishes from last
night's gathering - and a few left over from Shabbat - need to be
washed. The floors need mopping. The books need dusting. There's a musty
smell in the bathroom - time for some disinfectant cleaner - not to
mention the bits of toothpaste little ones left around the sink.

But it's Sunday morning, the coffee's brewed, and the paper's before you
- the comics and the crossword puzzle. You sit down with the coffee, a
piece of cake and a pencil. Just fifteen minutes to get the day started.

More than half an hour later, you're still stuck on 15 Down. The quarter
cup of coffee is less than room temperature and that fourth piece of
cake is tempting. You sit there, mind drifting from 15 Down to the sink
to the telephone.

And then you're at the dishwasher, arranging the silverware in its tray.

                  Sh'he'chezarta Bi Nishmasi B'chemla
           for You have faithfully restored my soul within me

You need to make that appointment. You need to call your aunt. You need
to make that call. You need to get the groceries, go to that meeting,
cut the grass. So many little things, so many needs that, ignored,
postpone the minutes of life.

                            Raba Emunasecha
                      Your faithfulness is great.

Charity, tefilin, Shabbat candles, Kosher food, mezuza, mikva, Jewish
books, Torah Study. visiting the sick, welcoming guests, honoring one's
parents.

Laziness insults the soul.

Yehuda ben Tema said: "...Everyone must, in the morning, overcome his
inclination, like a lion, to arise from his sleep before the morning
light to serve his Creator."

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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With this week's Torah portion, Vayechi, we conclude the Book of
Genesis. "So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old...and he
was put into a coffin in Egypt" is its final verse.

This conclusion to the entire Book is somewhat surprising, in light of
the principle that "one should always end on a positive note." Why
couldn't Genesis have concluded a few verses back, when we learn that
Joseph lived a long life and merited to see grandchildren and
great-grandchildren?

Why couldn't the description of Joseph's death have waited until the
Book of Exodus?

We must therefore conclude that Joseph's passing is somehow related to
the theme of Genesis itself.

The primary difference between Genesis and the other four Books of Moses
is that Genesis relates the early history of our Forefathers and the
twelve tribes - the preparation for our existence as a distinct nation -
whereas the other four books contain a narrative of our history as a
people.

The Book of Genesis begins with an account of the creation of the world.

The Sage, Rabbi Yitzchak, explained that although the Torah should have
begun with a practical commandment, G-d chose to commence with the
Creation to refute the arguments of the Gentiles, who would one day
claim that the Jews had stolen the land of Israel from the nations who
lived there prior to its conquest.

To counter their assertion, the Jews will say, "The entire world belongs
to G-d; He created it and divided it as He saw fit. It was His will to
give it to them, and it was His will to take it from them and give it to
us."

Surely G-d did not change the entire order of His Torah just to supply
an answer to the arguments of the Gentiles. The comments of Rabbi
Yitzchak must therefore contain a more fundamental teaching for the
Jewish people as a whole.

The nations of the world are cognizant of the Jew's special mission.
Their claim, however, is that precisely because Jews are different, they
should limit themselves to the spiritual service of G-d and not tie
themselves down to a physical land.

Because Jews are a nation like no other, they have no right to claim
ownership of a homeland. To the non-Jew, the spiritual and physical
realms are incongruous and incompatible.

"The entire world belongs to G-d," the Jew explains - the mundane as
well as the spiritual. Both require sanctification through the light of
holiness - the sacred mission of the Jew.

With this concept the Book of Genesis begins, and on this note it
concludes. Joseph's coffin remained in Egypt to strengthen and inspire
the Children of Israel during their exile there. Joseph is symbolic of
the ability of the Jewish people to overcome even the most difficult of
obstacles, imbuing even the lowliest physical matter with holiness and
bringing the long-awaited Redemption.

                  Adapted from Likutei Sichot of the Rebbe, Vol. 30

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                          May it be Your Will
                            by Yehudis Cohen

It's Friday afternoon. The snow is coming down thick and fast and a
sense of nostalgia overtakes me. We don't usually see snow like this in
New York.

I look at my watch. It's an hour until it will be time to light Shabbat
candles. I get into the car and drive home. Actually, I am driving back
to my parents' home in University Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio.
But, like the saying goes, "Home is where mom is." And, though married
nearly 22 years, in a certain sense my parents' house will always be
"home."

I hurry Dov Ber and Chaya, two of my children who were given the treat
of visiting Bubby and Zaidy, into the house. They bathe and change into
their Shabbat clothes. I taste the steaming chicken soup and add a
little more salt. I check the cholent (stew eaten for Shabbat lunch) and
decide that maybe I'll give in and buy a crockpot, eventually.

Electric timers for lights: set. Make-up: on. Money: dropped in the
charity box. Candles: ready to be lit.

Chaya lights one candle. The Lubavitcher Rebbe initiated the Shabbat
Candle Lighting Campaign in 1972. At that time, the Rebbe urged the
re-establishment of the Jewish custom of girls lighting candles from the
age of three, or as soon as they can recite the blessing. The custom had
been neglected during the war years when it was difficult enough for the
mother to procure the minimum two candles let alone get hold of candles
for her unmarried daughters.

My mother lights two candles. I watch as she covers her eyes and then I
begin the process of lighting 12 candles, one that I have been lighting
since I was a young girl, one that I added when I got married, and ten
that I have added over the past 20 odd years as each of my children were
born. One candle for each child. One physical light symbolizing the
spiritual light that each child brings into the world. Because "the lamp
of G-d is the soul of a person."

I say the prescribed prayers and many fervent personal prayers, for the
moment of candle lighting is a very auspicious time for women's prayer.

I open my eyes and see my mother reading from an orange card. I wonder
what special prayer formula is on that card.

Later, after the kiddush on wine and the hamotzee on challa bread, after
the gefilte fish and salad and soup. After the chicken and kugel and
sautéed vegetables. And after the Grace after Meals, I retire to a
luxurious read on the recliner. And then I remember the card. I go over
to the buffet, pick up the card and return with it to the recliner.

"Our G-d and G-d of our fathers, great, mighty and revered. G-d, we
beseech You, in Your abundant mercy restore the world unto its true
basis, under the guidance of kings and rulers who shall reign with
justice and righteousness, without discrimination between nation and
nation, race and race.

"We beseech You, O merciful and gracious G-d, guide our illustrious
President whom You have chosen leader of these United States. Strengthen
and encourage him and his honorable ministers and counselors of state
and the honorable representatives of the citizens in both houses of
Congress. Bless their efforts to save this land and the neighboring
lands from war and destruction, and wherever they turn in the cause of
humanity and in behalf of this land and for the benefit of Your people
Israel, send the angels of blessing and success to welcome them, and
cause war and its calamities to be ended and an era of peace and justice
with its blessings to begin even in their and our days. Amen"

"Prayer for the Welfare of the Nation by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak
Schneersohn (the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe)" the card says. "Written in
approximately 1940 and is very relevant today," it notes. I nod to
myself in agreement.

I look on the other side of the card. A paragraph entitled "Prayer for
Peace" is printed there.

"May it be Your will, Hashem, my G-d and the G-d of my forefathers that
you establish everlasting peace in Israel with goodness, blessing,
graciousness, kindness, and compassion upon us and upon all of Your
people Israel. Please hear my supplication at this time in the merit of
Sarah, Rebecca, Leah and Rachel as we connect with all women in the
lighting of Shabbat candles - mothers, grandmothers, daughters and
sisters - across time and across space - and cause our light to
illuminate forever and never let it be extinguished. In memory of all
the innocent victims who were needlessly murdered - answer us Hashem for
we are in great distress - do not ignore our prayers for You, Hashem,
are the One who responds in times of distress. He who makes peace in His
heights, may He make peace upon us, and upon all Israel - and let us say
Amen. Blessed are you Hashem, who responds in times of distress."

The prayer is preceded by a note: "Traditionally women have utilized the
lighting of Shabbat candles as a unique moment for the recitation of
personal prayers and requests. Now, more than ever, we must take this
opportunity to include a prayer for peace in Israel - a prayer to stop
the killings and the violence - a prayer to bring everlasting peace to
the Land of Israel and to the people of Israel, wherever they reside."

The card was created and distributed by Chabad House Women of Cleveland.

I am sitting in my office in Brooklyn, typing in the prayers to share
with readers of L'Chaim. The snow is coming down thick and fast and a
sense of nostalgia overtakes me. We don't usually see snow like this in
New York.

As the snow swirls outside the window the words from both prayers weave
themselves together in my mind:  "May it be  Your  will,  Hashem,  my
G-d... that you establish everlasting peace in Israel with goodness,
blessing, graciousness, kindness, and compassion upon us and upon all of
Your people Israel ...cause war and its calamities to be ended and an
era of peace and justice with its blessings to begin even in their and
our days. Amen"

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                               Correction

The author of the Slice of Life article in L'Chaim 747 entitled "The
Promise" is Aliza Seigel

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                      15th of Tammuz, 5723 [1963]

Blessing and Greeting:

I was pleased to receive your letter with the enclosure. I am gratified
to note that you found the children well and happy, and that all is well
also in the educational work.

I was, of course, also pleased to note that after our conversation, you
felt much encouraged in regard to your work for spreading Yiddishkeit
[Judaism]. In regard to your writing that you had the feeling that you
could conquer the world, may I add that this is not only a manner of
speaking, but has a basis in fact, as indicated in the Gemara (Kiddushin
40b), and also the Rambam [Maimonides] states something to that effect,
as a matter of halachah [Jewish law], when he says that a person should
always consider his positive and negative deeds as equi-balanced, and so
the whole world. If one does an additional mitzvah [commandment], he
places himself, as well as the whole world in the scale of zechus
[merit], outweighing the negative side.

The above is true, of course, also in the matter of spreading
Yiddishkeit, and not only for the purpose of out-balancing. For the
activities in chinuch [Jewish education], starting in a sincere and
hearty way, create a chain reaction, and eventually the students
themselves become sources of influence, whether as teachers of in other
active capacities, with the same enthusiasm and inspiration....

                                *  *  *


                     25th of Cheshvan, 5742 [1982]

Greeting and Blessing:

Your letter of Oct. 4th reached me with considerable delay, and many
thanks for the good news it contained.

With regard to your question about your acquaintance with a lady who has
a health problem related to M.S., and whether you should pursue the
acquaintance with the intention of matrimony - this, first of all, is a
matter of personal feelings on the part of both parties. At the same
time, it is necessary to be careful not to encourage false hope or
wishful thinking.

However, since you are a physician, there is no need to point out to you
that intensive research is being conducted in all branches of medical
science, particularly in the area of M.S., especially in its early
stages. But, as mentioned, the final decision depends on mutual
feelings.

If you will let me know your full Hebrew name, together with your
mother's Hebrew name, as is customary, and the same in regard to the
lady, I will remember you both in prayer that G-d should lead you both
in the way that is truly good for each of you.

I trust it is not necessary to emphasize to you at length that the
everyday life conduct in accordance with the Will of G-d, Who is also
"The healer of all flesh Who works wondrously," in addition to it being
a "must" for its own sake, is the way to receive G-d's blessings in all
needs, including also the making of the right decision in all problems,
particularly such a serious one as marriage. Therefore, every additional
effort in matters of goodness and holiness, Torah and Mitzvoth, widens
these channels.

With blessing,

P.S. Recently it came to my attention that a new approach to the
treatment of M.S. has been made by means of the drug "Interferon."
Although at present it is believed ot be helpful in controlling the
disorder, it is expected that in similar situation it will prove helpful
also as a cure.

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                            RAMBAM THIS WEEK
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15 Kislev, 5763 - November 20, 2002

Positive Mitzvah 214: A Newly Married Couple

This commandment is based on the verse (Deut. 24:5) "He shall be free at
home one year and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken" The Torah
commands that the husband remain at home during the first year. He
should be free to concentrate upon setting up his home and creating a
pleasant atmosphere for his new wife.

Prohibition 311: It is forbidden to assign military service or any other
duties to a bridegroom in his first year of marriage

This mitzva is based on the verse (Deut. 24:5) "Neither shall he be
charged with any business" We are cautioned not to assign any military
service or any other duties to him during this first year of his
marriage.

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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In this week's Torah portion, our ancestor Jacob tells all of his
children to gather together so that he can tell them "what will happen
to you at the end of days."

The Talmud relates that Jacob wished to reveal the end of the exile but
it was concealed from him. The literal meaning, however, is that Jacob
wished to "reveal, i.e., bring about, the end."

Jewish teachings explain that the actions of the ancestors are a guiding
light for the Jewish people throughout all the generations. Herein lies
an important lesson for each one of us. We are to follow in the
footsteps of Jacob, and hope and pray for the manifestation of the
ultimate end - the final Redemption. Contemplating this will of itself
assist our service of G-d, inspiring us to attain our ultimate goal of
the revelation of Moshiach.

Hoping and yearning for Moshaich actually hastens Moshiach's coming.
This is clearly seen in the translator/commentator Onkelos' rendering of
the verse in Isaiah (64:3) "G-d will act for him who waits for Him." As
Onkelos paraphrases, "for those who hope and wait for Your Redemption."

How does our yearning hasten the Redemption?

If we hope and pray for the Redemption, sincerely and earnestly, we live
more ethical, moral, G-dly lives. By virture of each individual's good
actions and deeds, the Jewish people as a whole are found to be
increasingly worthy, and the long-awaited Redemtpion is hastened.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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Gather yourselves together that I may tell you what will befall you in
the end of days (Gen. 49:1)

Rashi explains that Jacob wished to tell his children when Moshiach
would come. However, "the Divine Presence departed" and he was thus
unable to do so. But why was it necessary for the Divine Presence to
depart? Why didn't G-d simply forbid Jacob from revealing this
information? What happened, however, was that Jacob foresaw all the
suffering his children would be forced to endure throughout the exile,
and became sad. As "the Divine Presence only rests on a joyful person,"
it departed as a result of his mood.

                                     (Rabbi Chanoch Tzvi of Bendin)

                                *  *  *


Let them grow into a multitude (yidgu) in the midst of the earth (Gen.
48:16)

This blessing alludes to the fact that the existence of the Jewish
people is not dependent on the forces of nature, but is supernatural.
The word "yidgu" is derived from the Hebrew word for fish - "dag," the
intent being that there should be as many Jews as there are fish. Fish,
however, cannot live "in the midst of the earth"; Jacob's blessing
therefore intimates that his children will survive even under conditions
that would annihilate another nation.

                                                     (Chatam Sofer)

                                *  *  *


And Joseph went up to bury his father (Gen. 50:7)

A person is judged with the same yardstick he uses to judge others.
Joseph, the most respected of the brothers, involved himself personally
in the burial of his father. He thereby merited that none other than
Moses himself would later carry his bones back to the land of Israel.

                                                       (Sotah, 9:4)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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Reb Nota was hired by a simple villager to teach his two sons.
Everything about Reb Nota seemed rather ordinary. He taught, he prayed,
he studied, he ate, he rested. On Shabbat he would join the family at
their Sabbath meal and then retire to his room, to enjoy a little
Shabbat rest.

One Friday, the lady of the house woke up at midnight and heard noise.
She quietly followed the sound. After a moment of confusion, she
realized that it was the melodious voice of the tutor and he was singing
the Shabbat evening prayers! She resolved to observe the tutor more
closely the next day.

At the daytime Shabbat meal, the woman noticed that Reb Nota was only
pretending to eat. Every so often he would place a few morsels of food
onto a handkerchief on his lap. How had she never noticed this before?
After the meal she listened again by Reb Nota's door. This time, too,
she heard the same beautiful voice singing the Shabbat morning prayers
with great devotion. Through the keyhole she saw that after Reb Nota
completed his prayers, he made kiddush on wine, washed his hands for
bread and said the hamotzee blessing. He then partook of the modest meal
he had set aside in his handkerchief.

The woman realized that Reb Nota was no simple tutor and revealed to her
husband everything she had seen and heard. Together they approached Reb
Nota with the following offer: "We know that you are a holy man. We ask
that you remain with us and we will provide your every need. You can
pray and study to your heart's delight. Our sons are simple like us and
we know that they will never be great Torah scholars. We only ask that
in return you spend time with them each day, imparting the weekly Torah
portion, simple laws and ethical teachings so they can live upright
lives filled with love of G-d and love for their fellow Jews."

Reb Nota agreed to the couple's generous offer. Time passed and the
villagers began to take note of Reb Nota's modest yet holy ways. They
turned to him for advice and Torah teachings. The villager and his wife
graciously welcomed into their home the scholars who began coming from
afar to hear Reb Nota's Torah teachings. G-d blessed the couple and
their business prospered.

Eventually the elders of Vladova asked Reb Nota to move to their town
and Reb Nota agreed. A few years later the community of Chelm in Poland
invited Reb Nota to be their rabbi. Reb Nota acceded to their request
and it was there that he became renown as the rebbe, Reb Nota of Chelm.

Years passed and the villager's business began to flounder. Eventually
he had to resort to selling his possessions until he had nothing left to
sell. At this point, his wife said to him, "Perhaps you should travel to
Reb Nota of Chelm and ask for his blessing. Surely Reb Nota will
remember us and he will bless us."

The villager traveled to Chelm. Imagine the good man's surprise when he
arrived at Reb Nota's court and, after waiting in line to be received by
Reb Nota, was greeted in the same identical way as all of the other
visitors!

The villager reminded himself that it was the eve of the Sabbath and
that Reb Nota was busy. Surely it would be different later. Throughout
Shabbat the villager was accorded the same kindness and recognition as
every other person who had come to spend the Sabbath with Reb Nota, but
nothing more.

The villager was so disappointed he could hardly contain himself. When
it was time to take leave of Reb Nota, he presented his note as did all
of the other visitors. Reb Nota read the note and blessed him, as he did
all of the other visitors.

The villager could contain himself no longer. He mustered his courage
and said, "Rebbe, I have a question that is bothering me."

"Ask," said Reb Nota gently.

"Every day, during each of the three daily prayers, we mention the
merits of the Patriarchs. In the days preceding Rosh Hashana, we also
ask that G-d 'Remember the covenant You made with Abraham and the
binding of Isaac.'  From Rosh Hashana until Yom Kippur, we ask G-d to
help us because of the merits of the Patriarchs. Finally it is Yom
Kippur and throughout that day we remind G-d of the merit of the
Patriarchs. In the last prayer on Yom Kippur, Neila,  we remind G-d of,
'Our father (Abraham) who knew You from his childhood.' Haven't we
mentioned Abraham, Isaac and Jacob enough? What is added here?"

Reb Nota smiled, "Surely you have an answer. Please share it with me."

"Well," began the villager, "at the climax of Yom Kippur, we are
concerned that a prosecuting angel will say, 'What of the merit of the
Patriarchs? Had they never existed everyone would still know the
greatness of G-d, Who created heaven and earth and sustains them.' And
this is why we say, 'Our father who knew You from his childhood.'
Abraham recognized G-d's greatness when no one else recognized Him. It
was Abraham who first made G-d's name known.

"It is the same with me," the villager continued bashfully. "Without me,
the Rebbe would have still been a holy man. But who knew of the Rebbe
and who had ever heard of the Rebbe years ago. Was it not I who made the
Rebbe's name renown? Why then, Rebbe, do you not take care of me when I
am in such need?"

Reb Nota smiled his kind smile once more. "Go in peace and G-d will
surely make your business prosper henceforth."

And so it was. From that time forward the villager's business prospered
until he once again attained his former wealth.

Reb Nota would recount this incident to his Chasidim, praising the
simple villager and his speech. The Chasidim, for their part, added that
it was not for naught that Reb Nota withheld a warm welcome from the
villager. For it was through this that he merited to have such a
powerful insight.

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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On the verse "The scepter shall not depart from Judah... until Shiloh
comes" (Gen. 49:10) the Zohar points out that "Shiloh" is the numerical
equivalent of "Moses" (345); "until Shiloh comes" is the equivalent of
"Moshiach" (358).

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                END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 749 - Vayechi 5763
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