Holidays   Shabbat   Chabad-houses   Chassidism   Subscribe   Calendar   Links

                                  B"H
                                 -----
                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 846
*********************************************************************
                           Copyright (c) 2004
                 Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
                              Brooklyn, NY
                             --------------
                  Electronic version provided free at:
                          www.LchaimWeekly.org
                          --------------------
                  Palm-Pilot version provided free at:
                www.LchaimWeekly.org/lchaim/5765/846.prc
                          --------------------
                    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.
*********************************************************************
        November 26, 2004      Vayishlach        13 Kislev, 5765
*********************************************************************

                             Hide and Seek

Do you remember playing "Hide-'n-Go-Seek" as a child? Where was your
favorite place to hide? The bathtub? Under the bed in your parents'
room? Behind the coats in the hall closet?

Were you ever "it" and couldn't find anyone and called out in
exasperation, "Come out, come out, where ever you are. Where is
everybody?

"Where are you?"

                                *  *  *


" 'Where are you?' G-d asked Adam and Eve after they sinned. Did G-d not
know their exact whereabouts?" questioned a Russian official, a Biblical
scholar, during the imprisonment and interrogation of Rabbi Shneur
Zalman.

Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of the Chabad movement explained, "The
question of 'where are you?' is G-d's eternal call to each one of us,
everyday. Where are we? Where do we stand? How far have we advanced
toward achieving our soul's mission in life?"

Are we playing hide-n-seek with G-d, with ourselves? Are we the one
hiding or are we "it," in search of our true essence?

Once, while walking in the forest, though deep in thought and
meditation, the holy Baal Shem Tov heard a child crying. Following the
cry, the Baal Shem Tov finally found a little boy, frightened and
shivering in the dark.

"Why are you here in the forest all by yourself?" he asked the child
gently.

Looking into the man's kindly face, the child was calmed. "I was playing
hide-n-seek with my friends. I waited and waited for them to find my
hiding place but none of them discovered it. Now it is dark and they
have all gone home! And I am alone and frightened." With that, the boy
began to sob sorrowfully once more.

"Do not cry, little boy, I will bring you home," comforted the Baal Shem
Tov.

The Baal Shem Tov explained that this incident is truly a metaphor for
G-d and the Jews. Since our beginnings as a people, we have actively
searched for G-d and sought out a meaningful relationship with Him. Even
when we were exiled from our land and G-d was forced to "hide" Himself,
we still sincerely searched for Him.

But now, G-d, like the small lost child cries out to us, "I wait and
wait for you to look for Me, to find the inherent G-dliness and holiness
in everything you do. But it seems you have tired of the search. In the
darkness of today's world, in the confusion of the forest of your
mundane lives and material aspiration, you have all gone home and I am
alone."

Ultimately, when Moshiach comes - may it be very soon - we will be
reunited with G-d. No longer will we play games like hide-n-seek, be
involved in Trivial Pursuits, or put ours and our children's souls in
Jeopardy. But until then, we must remember that a G-d is calling to us,
begging us, beseeching us to look for Him. All we need to do is take the
initial step, for His fervent cry of pain and loneliness will lead us to
Him.

*********************************************************************
           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
*********************************************************************
This week's Torah portion, Vayishlach, relates Jacob's statement that,
"I have sojourned - garti - with Laban." The great commentator Rashi
notes that the word garti has the numerical equivalent of 613. Thus, by
using the word garti, Jacob implied that, "Though I sojourned with the
wicked Laban, I have observed the 613 mitzvot (commandments)."

"Sojourned" implies that Jacob lived as a stranger with his
father-in-law. All aspects of Laban, all the physical objects of oxen,
donkeys, flocks, menservants and handmaids, were to Jacob no more than
garti - something alien, strange, transitory. They were not his true
self.

Where was Jacob not a stranger? Where did he not merely sojourn, but
live? His true home was his soul and its involvement in studying Torah
and performing mitzvot.

Once, Rabbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezritch (whose birthday we celebrate
this coming week on the 19th of Kislev), was asked why his home was
furnished so sparsely; it contained only a table and chairs which
converted into a bed at night.

The Maggid explained, "At home, one needs everything. On a journey,
though, it doesn't matter if the temporary dwelling and furniture are
not so beautiful; and after all, it is just a journey." And for him, his
life was just a transition, a journey to the eternal world of truth.

By keeping his material concerns in a state of "strangeness," Jacob
assured not only that they would not interfere with his spiritual life,
but also that a dimension of spirituality would be infused even into the
material - transforming matter into something spiritual and holy.

The Torah and its instructions are everlasting, relevant to every Jew in
all times and places. The lesson of the above is as follows:

Every Jew must realize that although his environment, the world, may
hardly be perfect, each individual can prepare himself and everything
related to him for the complete redemption.

This preparation is by means of "I have sojourned with Laban": the
realization that all of this world is no more than garti - furnishings
and baggage that one needs on a journey.

No matter what the duration of a person's life, whether seventy, eighty,
or a hundred and twenty years, these years are no more than a stranger's
temporary sojourn. From this perspective, the physical is not in
conflict with the spiritual. In fact, this attitude will result in
having prosperity even in the physical sense.

                   Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

*********************************************************************
                             SLICE OF LIFE
*********************************************************************
                          I Love Being Jewish!
                            by Zalman Velvel

I love being Jewish! But for 45 years, I didn't.

It started when I very very young. There was a party, my family was
there, and I smelled lox and herring for the first time. Then some
strange man with a beard and a yarmulke came up to me. Eight days old
and already it was no fun to be a Jew.

Thirteen years later, I was standing in synagogue, getting bar mitzvahed
in front of 200 people, scared out of my wits, knees knocking, singing
something I memorized from a record. They told me afterwards, "Now, you
are a man."

The truth is, Judaism didn't make sense to me, growing up in America. It
seemed like this big collection of don'ts: Don't eat pork or shrimp.
Don't eat milk with meat. Don't eat anything on Yom Kippur. Don't work
on Shabbat; don't even turn the lights on. Don't talk in synagogue, stop
fidgeting!

To me, the only good thing about being Jewish was eating bagels. I loved
bagels. I stayed that way for over 30 years; I had a 13 year old boy
inside me who didn't like the Jew inside of him. By the time I was 45, I
didn't go to synagogue, I didn't observe any holidays, not Rosh Hashana
or Yom Kippur, and I ate bacon cheeseburgers at McDonalds.

Then one day another strange man with a beard and a yarmulke entered my
life, from an organi-zation called Chabad. He walked into our
real-estate office and asked if we could help him find a good deal on a
building, so he could start a synagogue.

"Of course we can help you, Rabbi." It was commission time! Finally, I
hit the Jewish Jackpot! "How much do you have for a down payment?"

He said, "Whatever we need, we will get."

I thought, this is going to be a BIG commission. "I'm glad you have a
wealthy congregation, Rabbi. How much was pledged so far?"

He whispered, "Nothing ... yet."

"Excuse me?"

He looked up and said, "G-d will provide."

G-d will provide? "But Rabbi, what if G-d is a little short of cash
right now?"

I'll never forget what he said.  "Zalman, there is a G-d in this world,
and this is a good thing. How could G-d not let this good thing happen?"

I never heard a Jew talk like that. I had to see what would happen. You
know what? A short time later G-d did provide, and the rabbi had a
synagogue.

Me, I had no commission. G-d didn't provide that. And my savings account
was drained. Guess where part of the down-payment came from? It turned
out G-d was a little short of cash, too.

Then the rabbi started to sell me something. What was he selling? A
Jewish education. A tough product. A very tough product.

I was a product of the secular education system: you get good grades, so
you can get into a good college, so you can get a good job. And then
(sing) "Make money...be happy...make money...be happy."

But no matter how much money I made, something was still missing, under
the surface. I think the rabbi sensed that. First he suggested I learn
Hebrew. "Why should I learn Hebrew, Rabbi? Oh, the Torah is in Hebrew.
Okay, let's learn Hebrew. Rabbi, what's the Torah? It's the Bible? Then
why don't we call it the Bible? Okay, I'll shut up and read." I wasn't
an easy student.

We studied Torah, and after that, the rabbi suggested we study Kabala.
Jewish mysticism? You mean you Chasidic guys do magic tricks? Can you do
card tricks, too? Oh, Kabala is the study of joy and meaning. Hey, I can
appreciate that. Excuse me? Did you say you'd like to make a 'l'chaim'
and talk about it? Hey, I can really appreciate that!

After studying, the rabbi suggested we make a trip to Crown Heights,
Brooklyn. Okay, I thought, let's see how the Chasids really live.

What I saw shocked me! I saw a society where couples get married only
once, for life. I saw children who study, don't watch tv, don't take
drugs, and actually like their parents. I saw a society that re-spects
its elders, and takes care of its disadvantaged. I saw that being Jewish
isn't just a list of don'ts. Being Jewish is a set of values that pulls
a family close, pulls a community close, and makes life more than
chasing after money-not that Chasidim don't like running into some money
every now and then.

After visiting Crown Heights, I felt encouraged to start practicing
Judaism. At home, I announced that on Friday night we would have a
Shabbat meal.

"Can't you make it Sunday night, Dad, like the rest of the world?"

"Sorry, Shabbat is Friday night."

"But Friday is movie night!"

My family was less than enthusiastic. We muddled our way through Shabbat
for two or three months before something interesting happened - we
learned to enjoy each other's company. After a busy week, it felt good
to relax and catch up with the people we loved most.

Elevated by this small success on the family front, I ventured next into
the Jewish community. I began showing up at synagogue on Saturday.

After muddling my way through services for a few months, I made some new
friends. The highlight of my week became farbrenging with the rabbi
after services. Sometimes, after pouring a little l'chaim, we would pour
out a little of our hearts, and I would feel close to my people, and a
little closer to G-d.

I also learned to enjoy the holidays, the crazy ones like Purim, and the
difficult ones like Yom Kippur. The rabbi talked me into dressing like
Judah Macabee at a Chanuka festival at a local mall, and posing for
pictures holding a plastic sword.

Five years ago, I went to Israel, along with my rabbi. I felt the power
of the Land and a closeness to G-d that exists only there. Three years
ago, I became a citizen of Israel. In the near future, I expect to move
there because, ultimately, a Jew belongs in Israel.

So, now I love being Jewish! For me, the benefits have been a closer
family, a closer community, and feelings of fulfillment. And I thank G-d
for making me a Jew. It's taken me 53 years to be able to say that, but
the journey was worth it.

                Reprinted with permission from www.zalmanvelvel.com

*********************************************************************
                               WHAT'S NEW
*********************************************************************
                           Mission: Possible!

A Shabbaton weekend for teenage girls from across the country is
scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 30 - Jan. 2. The Shabbaton features
"unconventional Jewish learning with Rabbi Manis Friedman," workshops,
activities, and more. Sponsored by Bais Chana, the Shabbaton will take
place in Morristown, NJ. For more info call (800) 473-4801 or (718)
604-0088 or e-mail info@baischana.org

                       Been There, Done That....

Shabbat Discovery Weekends presents Been There, Done That, Now What?!
Dec. 24-26. Singles, couples and families can enjoy a Shabbat with the
Chabad-Lubavitch community in Brooklyn. Featured lecturers are Rabbi
Manis Friedman and Mrs. Chana Rachel Schusterman. For more info call
(718) 953-1000 or visit www.shabbaton.org

*********************************************************************
                            THE REBBE WRITES
*********************************************************************
   Continuation of a letter from the previous issue, written in 1964

The above is true in all areas of scientific inquiry. When it comes to
the theory of evolution, dealing with an effort to reconstruct the
distant past, science lacks even that decree of probability which it has
in regard to future predictions, as explained at some length in my said
letter. Here science can only speculate. If such speculations are
represented in text-books as "facts," then it is a gross and
unscientific misrepresentation.

To cite one illustration: For years the Ptolemaic system was accepted as
true, according to which the sun revolves around the earth. Later
Copernicus evolved the theory that the earth revolves around the son.
This is the theory which is now given in all text-books as an
indisputable fact.

But what are the facts? Aside from the fact that even the Copernican sun
centered system is no more than a theory, subject to a variety of
reservations, as all scientific theories must be apart, also, from the
fact that the Copernican theory did not presume to settle all the
situations relating to astrophysical, observations, but only answered
more questions, and more simply, than the Ptolemaic - modern science has
reached some revolutionary conclusions in the wake of the General
Relativity Theory. Specifically, modern science is now convinced that
when two systems are in motion relative to one another, it could never
be ascertained, from the scientific view point, as to which is in motion
and which a rest, or whether both are in motion. Let it be remembered
that that the General Relativity Theory has bean accepted as fundamental
to all exact sciences without dissent.

Yet - and it is surely no revelation to you - this new orientation in
science is ignored in discussions relating to the Ptolemaic and
Copernican theories on the high school level, but men in specialized
studies of astronomy and physics in colleges and universities. In other
words, science in many domains is still taught in terms of a scientific
orientation which prevailed at the close of the 19th century, when two
cardinal principles of science were yea unknown, namely the relativity
theory, and that all scientific conclusions necessarily belong in the
realm of probability, not certainty.

I once asked a professor of science why he did not tell his students
that from the viewpoint of the relativity theory the Ptolemaic system
could claim just as much validity as the Copernican. He answered
candidly that if he did that, he would lose his standing in the academic
world, since he would be at variance with the prevalent legacy from the
19th century. I countered, "What about the moral issue?" The answer was
silence.

In discussing this question with another scientist, he expressed
surprise that there should be an individual in the 20th century who
could still think that the earth stood still and the sun revolved around
it. When I protested that from the viewpoint of modern science this
could be as valid as the opposite theory, he could not refute it.

Please excuse the length of the above remarks, which have bean prompted
by your statement relating to the acceptance or non-acceptance of the
concepts expressed in my letter on evolution. I invite your further
reactions.

*********************************************************************
                            RAMBAM THIS WEEK
*********************************************************************
16 Kislev, 5765 - November 29, 2004

Positive Mitzva 153: The New Moon - Calculating the Months and Years

This mitzva is based on the verse (Ex. 12:2) "This month shall be to you
the beginning of months" The Torah commands the Rabbinical Court to
calculate the months and declare the necessary leap years. The manner in
which it was done applies only to the time of the Great Sanhedrin in the
Land of Israel. Today, we follow the Jewish calendar which was
established by Rabbi Hillel HaNasi, a descendant of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi.
We rely on his calendar until the arrival of Mashiach, when we will
return to the original method of the eye-witness report.

*********************************************************************
                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
*********************************************************************
On Thursday of this coming week, the nineteenth of Kislev, we will be
celebrating the "Holiday of Liberation," when Rabbi Shneur Zalman of
Liadi, was released from his incarceration in Czarist Russia.

On the simplest level, the event leading up to the nineteenth of Kislev
was the arrest of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of Chabad chasidism. His
arrest was instigated by those who opposed the Chasidic movement when
they fabricated lies against Rabbi Shneur Zalman, causing his arrest and
a threat to his life and the survival of the Chasidism.

The spiritual reality of the nineteenth of Kislev, however, was a charge
against Rabbi Shneur Zalman on High for expounding Chasidism and
disclosing the mysteries of Torah.

Traditionally, the secrets of the Torah were studied only by a select
few whose piety matched their scholarship. The Baal Shem Tov, founder of
the Chasidic movement, began disseminating the hidden aspects of Torah
to even the simplest, unlettered Jews. His successor, the Maggid of
Mezritch, continued in this vein. Both of these great leaders were faced
with strong opposition to their "innovation."

Rabbi Shneur Zalman, a disciple of the Maggid, revealed the mysteries to
an even greater extent than his predecessors, in order to reach every
Jew. In Heaven, this brought about a tremendous accusation, which was
reflected in the physical arrest and trial of Rabbi Shneur Zalman.

The liberation of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, then, indicates the spiritual
approval of all the Rebbe's actions, on the physical and spiritual
level.

We celebrate the nineteenth of Kislev because it was the physical
liberation of the Rebbe, his life was no longer endangered. But, more
importantly, it is a day of celebration for it shows Divine approval of
Chasidism.

*********************************************************************
                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
*********************************************************************
Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem... (Gen. 33:18)

The great sage Rashi explains that "in peace" - shalem - is to be
interpreted as whole. Jacob came to Shechem whole: in body because he
was healed of his limp; in wealth since, though he gave a large gift to
appease Esau, he lacked nothing; and in his Torah [knowledge] because he
did not forget any of his learning during his stay in Laban's house.

                                *  *  *


Rashi explains this to mean that Jacob was sound in body, his wealth was
intact, and his Torah-observance was uncompromised. We learn from Jacob
to always strive for excellence in all areas of our lives. Even a person
whose primary path in the worship of G-d is through practical mitzvot -
charity and good deeds - should also strive to be perfect in study.

                                                   (Likutei Sichot)

                                *  *  *


Now, let my master go ahead before his servant, and I will move at my
own slow pace, according to the pace of the work that is before me and
according to the pace of the children, until I come to my master, to
Seir. (Gen. 33:14)

Jacob promised to visit Esau at his home in Seir. However, he never went
to Seir. Did Jacob lie? No. For he will go in the days of Moshiach, as
it is says (Obadiah 1:21): "And saviors shall ascend Mt. Zion to judge
the mountain of Esau."

                                                            (Rashi)

                                *  *  *


And You said, "I will surely do good with you" (Gen. 32:13)

Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sassov used to say: "Master of the Universe!
Everything You do is most assuredly good, but there is a good which is
immediately apparent, and a good which does not seem to be so at first.
May it be Your will to bestow upon us only that type of good which is
immediately revealed!"

                                *  *  *


I am not worthy of all the mercy...that You have done (Gen. 32:11).

The Hebrew for "I am not worthy" can also be translated, "I have become
small." Jacob our ancestor said: The great mercy which G-d has done for
me has caused me to become more small and humble. The mercy which G-d
shows toward a person brings him closer to G-d, and the closer one is to
G-d, the more humble he becomes.

                                                            (Tanya)

*********************************************************************
                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
*********************************************************************
A very wealthy man, about 50 years-old, lived in St. Petersburg. He had
been born into a family of Chabad Chasidim but was now not only far from
the traditions of his family, but from all aspects of Jewish life.
However, since his family had been prominent and devoted chasidim, when
pictures of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, (known affectionately as the Alter
Rebbe) the first Chabad Rebbe, and his grandson, Rabbi Menachem Mendel,
became available, he commissioned an artist to make copies for him which
he framed and placed in his study.

One day, he had urgent business that involved a Chabad Chasid and
decided to visit the Chasid in his home. As he walked inside, he saw
tables set for a festive meal and the whole house was alive with singing
and rejoicing. When the Chasid saw his business associate arrive, he
immediately welcomed him and ushered him into his office. There they
discussed the business at hand.

When the business was concluded, the guest decided to ask his host the
reason for the celebration. "Is it a family simcha (happy occasion),
perhaps? If so, I would like to wish you mazel tov (congratulations)."

"It is indeed a family simcha," replied the host. "We are speaking,
right now, with our fathers and grandfathers in the Garden of Eden. And
we were so glad to hear regards from there that we decided to
celebrate."

The guest was dumfounded. He, of course, had absolutely no idea what his
host was talking about.

Seeing the guests confusion, the host explained, "Today is the
nineteenth of Kislev. You might remember from your childhood that this
is the anniversary of the liberation of the Alter Rebbe from the Tainy
Soviet where he was imprisoned on false charges of anti-government
activities. In the area of the Garden of Eden where the Alter Rebbe now
resides, there is tremendous rejoicing. All of the righteous have
assembled there to wish him mazel tov on his liberation and on the tens
of thousands of people who have become Chasidim.

"Our fathers and grandfathers, who used to have to travel long distances
to visit their Rebbe, are with the Alter Rebbe for the big celebration,
too. We, their children, are rejoicing together with them."

The Chasid's words penetrated his guest's heart. He remembered his
childhood, when Chasidic gatherings such as this one used to take place
in his own father's home. He felt inspired to join in this gathering, if
only for but a moment. But then he thought to himself, "How can I,
coming from where I was and being where I am now, even consider joining
in this spiritual celebration?"

The host, sensing the guest's feelings, invited him to join them. "While
you're in there, you'll get regards from your father and grandfather,
too!" The Chasid made the man feel right at home.

An hour passed, then two and three. The guest forgot that he had plans
to meet some acquaintances at the theater that evening. He was drawn so
deeply into the joy and excitement of the celebration that he even
imagined himself a young boy, once more, back in his parents' home. He
remembered the celebration that was held each year in his grandfather's
shul. He recalled the festive meal that his grandfather held each time
he came home from a visit with his rebbe in the far-off town of
Lubavitch.

After many hours had passed, the businessman went home. He went into his
study and took a long, hard look at the picture of the Alter Rebbe and
Rabbi Menachem Mendel which hung there. Then he took out a prayer book
and prayed the evening service, sobbing from the deepest recesses of his
heart.

Within a few days, he had bought himself new dishes and had made his
entire kitchen kosher. He was taking the first steps in returning to his
roots.

*********************************************************************
                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
*********************************************************************
Jacob went to meet with his brother Esau even though he knew that his
life might be endangered by the encounter. But he didn't discuss the
matter with anyone, or think twice about it. He just did it. From this
we learn how important it is to DO things, because DOING is what will
bring Moshiach.

                                            (The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

*********************************************************************
              END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 846 - Vayishlach 5765
*********************************************************************