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                                  B"H
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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1035
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                           Copyright (c) 2008
                 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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        August 29, 2008          Re'eh               28 Av, 5768
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                           Satisfy the Hunger

Whether we're on a diet or not, we've all had the feeling of being
hungry - not just when we need to eat, but all the time. We'll have
something healthy, like an apple - still hungry. We'll have a meal,
tasty and nutritious - still hungry. We'll have some junk food - chips,
cookies - still hungry.

In other words, we have an appetite, and though the food is feeding us,
we don't feel satisfied. We feel like we're not getting what we need or
what we crave. That feeling of always being hungry, of having an empty
spot in pit of the stomach, comes from some psychological
dissatisfaction.

Nutritionists and health experts have lots of suggestions how to control
that always-hungry sensation, and in some cases eliminate it all
together. Here are a few:

 1. Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation raises the appetite hormone.
    Sometimes we think we're hungry when we're really just tired.

 2. Don't starve yourself. It's like putting your body on a huge,
    out-of-control roller-coaster, one that very well may crash.

 3. Eat slowly. It takes time for the body to catch up on and
    decipher all the signals it's getting. Give the stomach time to
    communicate with the brain.

 4. Favor foods that fill you up. Choose foods that are high in water
    and low in fat.

 5. Exercise.

There's an analogy in our Jewish life, as well. Sometimes we start
increasing our involvement in things Jewish - we start attending some
classes, do some Torah learning on our own, take on observance of a
mitzva (commandment) - and we still feel hungry. We're dissatisfied. We
don't feel more inspired, more religious, more spiritual. Yeah, the new
mitzva was a challenge at first, but now, do we really get anything out
of it?

But of course we know that a Jewish soul needs Jewish things - Jewish
learning, observance of mitzvot, prayer. So, if we've got a healthy diet
of Judaism, if we're nourishing ourselves spiritually with Torah study
and mitzvot, why should we feel dissatisfied, "spiritually hungry," so
to speak?

Probably, as in the case with physical nutrition, we're not in sync. But
we can use the same methods to recognize that a Jewish lifestyle does
provide us with spiritual nourishment and satisfies our spiritual
appetite.

 1. Get enough sleep. No, don't fall asleep during the rabbi's talk.
    This means to give yourself a break, not from Torah learning, but
    from all the questions and objections that might arise. Give your
    mind a chance to absorb the lesson, your subconscious time to
    assimilate it.

 2. Don't starve yourself. Sometimes we go on spiritual binges -
    reduced or no Jewish activity followed by bursts of energy, and back
    again. It's best to be consistent, get into a routine, and gently
    increase the Jewish activity, so that the increase remains.

 3. Eat slowly. As with #1 - enjoy the mitzva of the moment. True,
    there are 612 other mitzvot to worry about, but right now, slowly,
    focus on the one at hand.

 4. Favor foods that fill you up. While we should study and do
    everything, take particular pleasure in the ones that attract you
    the most. That will generate enthusiasm for the rest.

 5. Exercise. Put into practice what you learn. Don't let Judaism be
    simply theoretical.

Of course, from a different angle, we should always be hungry for Torah
and mitzvot. That's one appetite we don't want to suppress!

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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This week's Torah portion, Re'ei, speaks about a master's obligation to
bestow gifts upon his servant when the latter's years of servitude are
complete. "You shall furnish him liberally from your flocks, and of your
threshing-floor, and of your wine press," the Torah states.

Maimonides classifies this obligation as falling under the category of
charity - the gifts are in addition to the regular wages the master is
required to pay.

Every facet of the Torah contains stores of wisdom for us to apply to
our lives. The above verses are symbolic of the relationship between any
two parties not on equal footing: The one on the higher level is always
obligated to share his wealth and blessings with those who are less
fortunate.

The terms "master" and "servant" may also be applied, in the spiritual
sense, to the relationship between teacher and pupil. We see that this
is not merely symbolic, as a student is required to serve his teacher in
the same way a servant must attend his master. And a teacher's task is
to instruct the pupil until the student grasps the concept on his own.

But what about concepts which are far beyond the ability of the student
to comprehend, wisdom beyond the pupil's understanding? The commandment
to bestow gifts above and beyond what is required applies here as well.
A good teacher must ensure that his student acquires an appreciation of
the deeper and more esoteric knowledge, in addition to the basic
requirements of the syllabus. The teacher is obligated to share whatever
knowledge he possesses with the student, who possesses less.

This principle also applies to the relationship between Jews who are
more knowledgeable about Torah and mitzvot and those who are just
beginning to learn about their heritage. It is not sufficient to impart
only those Jewish concepts which are viewed as fundamental - the awesome
depth and scope of Judaism must be shared as well.

A basic principle in Judaism is that G-d behaves towards man according
to man's actions, measure for measure. When we share our wealth and
bestow extra charity - both physical and spiritual - upon our fellow
man, G-d responds in kind, granting us an abundance of His blessings.

For we are all G-d's servants, and He is the ultimate Master. The six
thousand years of creation parallel the six years of servitude a servant
must work; the seventh year parallels the freedom and redemption which
follow - the Messianic Era and the Final Redemption.

By increasing our love for our fellow Jew and demonstrating that love
with concrete actions, G-d will surely bestow an even greater measure of
His infinite goodness upon us than ever before, with the coming of
Moshiach, speedily in our days.

                   Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                             Very Voronezh
                            by Chana Groner

Some of us make our life decisions based on public opinion, the trends
of the time, or on what we think will be attainable, easy or
comfortable. Some form their life goals around that which will raise
them higher on the social ladder, or that which has a high probability
of financial or professional success.

Not many of us concern ourselves primarily with communal responsibility,
generosity and compassion. It takes a higher level of reality to live
our lives based on those.

And still, there are people who do live altruistic lives and devote
their days to helping other people. They do it every day and they do it
with vigor, integrity and joy.

My sister, Brynie and her husband, Levi Stiefel, are one such couple. At
age 23, my sister moved with her husband and their ten-week-old baby,
Yisroel, to "the end of the earth" - Voronezh, Russia. She wasn't
digging for gold, nor searching for cheaper prices in real estate. What
drew her there was her concern for the Jewish community's 95%
intermarriage rate, and the notorious lack of living Judaism. She wanted
to change this state of affairs. Thus, she left family, friends, and
community behind and moved to Voronezh to be an anchor of Jewish life,
an open home for any seeking Jew in that city.

Although I fully support a lifestyle of giving, I never considered
moving to Russia myself. I couldn't imagine retreating to the
backwardness of a post-communist society. However, I didn't fully
comprehend the lifestyle changes my sister had to undergo until I
visited her in Voronezh last year. I came face to face with the daily
hardships such as a language barrier, no hot water for weeks; making
bread from scratch, no family around; Friends a time zone away.

It's not easy to keep a kosher home in the nether reaches of the former
Soviet Union. Chickens are flown in from Rostov, cheese from Moscow,
mayonnaise is made from scratch and the imported tuna is used sparingly.
It's not easy to move to a city which is still riddled with
anti-Semitism and holdover mindsets form the years of Stalin. It's not
easy to come to a city to answer the questions which communism failed to
address. It's not easy to defy the culture of suspicion and caution and
proudly promote the practice of Jewish tradition.

While the hard parts seemed overwhelming, I couldn't help but notice the
dozens of people who walked through their doors during the two weeks I
was there. I was amazed at the number of people with whom they had
formed relationships in such a short time. I saw how people grasped a
warm, home-baked challah they were given late Friday afternoon - the
first symbol of their faith they had encountered in years. I saw a man,
although so far form his faith, sit at the table on Friday night and
make Kiddush over wine. I saw one man's surprise when he saw a bearded
man, dressed in Chassidic garb, on a hot day in the city, and I saw the
happiness on his face with is cry of "shalom."

I was moved by my brother-in-law's dreams and his courage to follow
them. I am certain Voronezh will be a city teeming with Jewish life in
no time. Although I won't deny that there may be tough times ahead, I am
comforted by the fact that my sister and brother-in-law represent truth
ad compassion, for truth always prevails.

Brynie and Levi, I am humbled by the choices you have made in your life.
I am envious of your clarity of vision. I pray that you should see only
success and easy times ahead and that you should visit home often.

       Reprinted with permission from the N'Shei Chabad Newsletter.

    The Stiefels are amongst the more than 1,000 emissaries of the
    Lubavitcher Rebbe who have opened Chabad-Lubavitch Centers in the
    former Soviet Union. For more information about the work of
    Chabad-Lubavitch in the former Soviet Union visit www.fjc.ru

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                             New Emissaries

Rabbi Mendel and Rachey Simons have just moved to West Hollywood,
California, where they will be establishing a new Chabad House serving
the needs of the Jewish community in and around the Sunset Plaza in
Hollywood Hills. Rabbi Adam and Elanit Reiss are joining the Chabad LOFT
- Chabad On Washington Square in New York City where they will be
focusing on adult education. Rabbi Eli and Shevy Kaminetzky recently
arrived in New Mexico where they have established a new Chabad House in
Taos for Jews in the area.

                               New Center

A new 400,000 sqaure foot Jewish Community Center and Holocaust Museum,
straddling two city blocks, is under construction in Dnepropetrovsk,
Ukraine. The center will encompass the existing historic Golden Rose
synagogue.

                               New Mikva

The Jewish community of Dneprodzerzhinsk, Ukraine, recently celebrated
the opening of their own mikva (ritual bath). The plans for the mikva
were prepared by a member of the community board of directors, Mr. Timur
Mindach, who funded this project together with Rohr Family Foundation.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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        Erev Shabbos Kodesh Mevorchim Chodesh Elul, 5740 (1980)

I was pleased to be informed about the forthcoming Annual Dinner,
celebrating the first decade of Bais Chana. May G-d grant that the event
should be crowned with much hatzlocho [success] in every respect.

There is a special relevance in the fact that this event is taking place
in the month of Elul, the last month of the outgoing year, which serves
as a preparation for the New - and better - Year.

The significance of the month of Elul is alluded to in its very name,
which as our Sages point out, is an acrostic of Elul, Ani L'dodi v'dodi
Li - "I turn to my Beloved, and my Beloved turns to me: (Song of Songs
6:3). It is the time of the year when Jews turn to G-d ("my Beloved")
with a resurgence of love, and take the initiative to strengthen the
bond with our Heavenly Father, through special efforts in Torah, prayer,
and acts of loving kindness - the Three Pillars on which the world at
large, and the small world of the individual, rest.

It is also the time when "my Beloved turns to me" and promptly
reciprocates and requites this love, and graciously bestows His
blessings on all of us, as we are about to enter the New Year on a new
dimension of mutual attachment. And since G-d's love knows no bounds,
His blessings are boundless in all our needs; both spiritual and
material.

In light of the above, I am confident that all friends of Bais Chana
will - in the spirit of Elul - make a special effort on behalf of this
most worthy educational institution, where Jewish daughters are educated
and inspired to be worthy of our Jewish Mothers - Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel
and Leah, the Founders of the House of Israel, and will proudly fulfill
their preeminent role of Akeres HaBayis - the Foundation of the Jewish
home: a home permeated with love of G-d and filled to overflowing with
Torah, prayer, and mitzvoth [commandments], to illuminate also its
environs.

May G-d grant that the spirit of Elul will truly be reflected in your
own generosity as well as in active personal involvement, to enlarge the
circle of friends and supporters of Bais Chana as it enters the next
decade of dedicated service to the community and to our people as a
whole.

With prayerful wishes for hatzlocho in all above, and wishing each and
every one of you, and yours, a kesiva vacha-simo tova [may you be
written and sealed for good] for a good and sweet year,

                                *  *  *

                          12 Elul, 5724 (1964)
                   To the Campers of Camp Gan Israel
                           G-d bless you all-


I have, of course, followed with particular interest, the reports of
your camp life and camp activities. I am pleased to know that you are
doing well, and are benefiting physically and spiritually.

As the time approaches when you will soon take leave of your beloved
camp and return to your homes and educational institutions, I want to
express my hope that the benefit and inspiration which you have received
from your camp will be a source of lasting strength to you in the coming
year, and that you will share these benefits with others who were not as
fortunate as you to spend weeks and months in Camp Gan Israel.

We are now in the significant month of Elul, the month of preparation
for the new year. This is the month of opportunity, the month of special
Divine grace and mercy. Of this month the Alter Rebbe [Rabbi Shneur
Zalman - founder of Chabad Chasidic philosophy] said that this is the
time when, as it were, the King is in the Field. Instead of having to
seek an audience with the King in His Palace, the King comes out to meet
His subjects in the field. At such a time everyone can easily approach
the King and present to Him a petition, and the King receives everyone
with a gracious smile and fulfills the petition.

I firmly trust that every one of you will take the fullest advantage of
this propitious time, to rededicate yourselves to the study of the Torah
and the fulfillment of the mitzvoth with a growing measure of devotion
and diligence.

May you always strive to be a living example to others of what it is to
be a son of Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov, a son of our people Israel
and a member of the tribe of Gan Israel.

May G-d bless you with hatzlocho to carry out your good resolutions, in
good health and with gladness of heart, and may He bless you and all
your near and dear ones with a kesiva vachasimo tova.

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                                CUSTOMS
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                           What is a ketuba?

The ketuba - marriage contract, contains the mutual obligations between
husband and wife prerequisite to marriage. It is written in
Hebrew-Aramaic. After it is read at the wedding ceremony under the chupa
(wedding canopy) it is given to the bride and she must keep it amongst
her possessions.

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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This Shabbat is actually the last day of the month of Menachem Av while
Sunday is the first day of Elul.

In addition to being the name of a Jewish month, the word Elul is an
acronym for five verses from the Bible which are connected to the five
different types of service, each identified with our new month. The
Rebbe enumerated these five verses:

Prayer - "I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine." For it is through
prayer, the "duty of the heart" that our relationship with G-d is
enhanced and intensified.

Torah study - "It chanced to happen and I set aside for you a place."
This verse describes the Cities of Refuge to which a person who killed
unintentionally can flee. But is also refers to Torah study for "the
words of Torah provide refuge."

Deeds of Kindness - "A person [gives presents] to his friend and gifts
to the poor." In this verse the concept of deeds of kindness is clearly
expressed.

Teshuva - "And G-d your L-rd will circumcise your heart and the hearts
of your descendants." For the service of teshuva--returning to G-d
wholeheartedly, is primarily the service of changing one's inner self,
the feelings of one's heart.

Redemption - "And they said, 'We will sing to G-d' "  This phrase is
taken from the Song of Redemption sung at the Red Sea.

The first three services are identified with the three pillars of man's
service. These services must be permeated by the service of teshuva and
by the service of redemption and thus, they will be endowed with a
boundless quality that surpasses the limits of a person and the world at
large.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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See! This day I place before you a blessing (Deut. 11:26)

The blessing in this verse does not refer to anything specific; rather,
it is a comprehensive statement which includes all the blessings G-d
confers on every Jew. First and foremost, therefore, it refers to the
ultimate blessing of all - the complete Redemption through Moshiach. By
using the emphatic "See!" the Torah stresses that the Messianic
Redemption is not something theoretical or academic, but rather
something that will be evident with our eyes of flesh - and this very
day!

               (The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Shabbat Parshat Re'eh, 5751)

                                *  *  *


For the sake of this thing [charity] He will bless you. (Deut. 15:10)

"I am aware of the hardships of these times, that the means for
livelihood have declined... nonetheless, it is not right to close the
hand which openly gave with benevolence toward all, essential
necessities for the needs of the innocent destitute whose eyes are
lifted to us. When the poor need bread for the mouths of babes, and wood
and clothes against the cold, and the like, then all these take
precedence over any fine clothes and family-feasts, meat and fish, and
all the delicacies of man and any members of his household. The rule
'your life takes precedence' does not apply in such a case, because all
these are not really essential to life, as are the needs of the poor."

                   (Rabbi Shneur Zalman in Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh)

                                *  *  *


Observe the month of spring, and keep the Passover to the L-rd your G-d
(Deut. 16:1)

The Egyptians believed in the supremacy of natural law and worshiped
man's ability to influence the world through science. G-d therefore took
the Jewish people out of Egypt in the springtime, when the workings of
nature are most evident, to demonstrate that nature is only a tool in
His hands and has no intrinsic power of its own.

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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The wealthy chasid had stopped at the home of the mother of Reb Yisrael,
the Ruzhiner Rebbe, before continuing his journey to visit Reb Yisrael
in prison. "I would like to give his regards from his family, and
especially from you, his mother," said the man.

The woman was visibly touched, and answered, "If you ask my son to give
you a sign that he received my regards, I would be very happy."

The chasid arrived at the prison and was permitted a visit with Reb
Yisrael, during which they discussed many hidden secrets of the Torah.

The conversation was so congenial that the chasid chanced a delicate
question. "I would like to ask you something, but only if you won't be
insulted or hurt by the question." Reb Yisrael agreed.

"The story is told of the Baal Shem Tov's visit to the city of Be'er
where he was slighted by the rabbi who refused to greet him. The rabbi
resisted all entreaties by the chasidim, saying that he did not consider
the Baal Shem Tov knowledgeable in Torah despite the many miracles he
performed. The chasidim laughed at this accusation. 'Why, our rebbe is a
genius of the revealed Torah.' The rabbi thought for a moment, and said,
'Very well, then. I will test him on a part of the Talmud, and if I feel
he knows it well, even I may ask him for advice.'

"The Baal Shem Tov agreed to be tested. The rabbi gave him a page to
study in the Talmud, but then was called away on an urgent matter. When
he returned, he tested the Baal Shem Tov, who replied satisfactorily,
but the rabbi was suspicious. He thought that in his absence the Baal
shem tov might have reviewed the text with someone more scholarly. He
demanded another test.

"Again the Baal Shem Tov submitted to the test, and this time the rabbi
was satisfied. The advice he sought was in regard to his salary; he
needed more money. The Baal Shem Tov at once requested the raise on the
rabbi's behalf and it was given."

The wealthy chasid stopped in his narrative for a  minute. "From this
story we see the greatness of the Baal Shem Tov. He was not insulted by
the rabbi's tests, on the contrary, he was eager to do him some favor.
But, in your case, it struck me as very different. I have heard that
when your visited Lemberg, the rabbi's son insulted you. He died soon
after, and you are in prison. Could you perhaps explain the difference
to me?"

The Ruzhiner Rebbe replied: "When I travelled to Lemberg I passed
through many villages and towns, and through all my travels I was
accorded the greatest respect. By the time I reached Lemberg a great
crowd of people awaited me.

"When the son of the rabbi of Lemberg saw that I was given such a great
honor, he was angered, since he felt it belittled his father. He told
the owners of the hotel where I was staying to prohibit me from forming
a minyan to pray. So that even though it was Shavuot, and I had brought
my own Torah scroll, I was unable to pray with a minyan. Nevertheless, I
refused to take offense.

"Before my departure, my chasidim implored me to go t visit the rabbi. I
lit my pipe and went to his home, but as I approached, the rabbi's son
stopped me, saying, 'How dare you come to my father while smoking!' My
chasidim tried to defend me, but the son was furious. He must have
brought the tragedy on himself.

"As for my imprisonment, I will explain it to you, and this will be  a
sign to my mother.

"Before my wife became pregnant with my youngest son, I learned that a
unique soul was to descend to earth. I had waited over eight hundred
years to come down and would have  a special mission. However, Heaven
had decreed that the tzadik who would father this soul would have to
spend some time in jail. I went to my mother to ask her advice. She
answered me directly, 'What does a father not do for his children?' And
that is why I am here."

The chasid returned to Reb Yisrael's mother and recounted the
conversation.

Shortly after Reb Meir of Premishlan helped Reb Yisrael escape. He hired
a smuggler to bring Reb Yisrael over the Russian-Austrian border,
promising him, "When you get to the river, you must take our rabbi on
your shoulders. I you succeed, I guarantee you a place in the
world-to-come."

Reb Yisrael eventually settled in the town of Sadigura.

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk was so strong in his faith in Moshiach
that he literally awaited him every day and night. Every evening, before
he went to bed, he set one of his disciples near him. In that way, if
the disciple heard the sound of the shofar heralding Moshiach, Rabbi
Menachem Mendel could be immediately awakened from sleep.

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                END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1035 - Re'eh 5768
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