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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1170
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                 Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
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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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        May 13, 2011             Behar             9 Iyyar, 5771
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                            Passover Again?!
                        by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger

Another Seder! Celebrating Passover again? Isn't one Passover enough?

No, this is not a summer re-run, and we don't hold another Seder on
"Pesach Sheini - the Second Passover," but the holiday does provide us
with important lessons.

The Torah tells us that in the second year after the exodus from Egypt,
G-d commanded the Jews to celebrate Passover in the desert. When Moses
communicated this command to the people, he was approached by several
Jews who were ritually impure.

"Why should we be deprived?" they demanded. "Why can't we offer the
Passover sacrifice together with the Jewish people?"

They knew that they were ritually impure, and they knew that a person
who is ritually impure is not allowed to bring a sacrifice. But they did
not want to be left out. They appreciated that offering the sacrifice
involved a deeply moving spiritual experience, and they wanted to be
part of it. With sincere feeling, they approached Moses and asked him to
allow them to participate.

Moses recognized that their request was genuine and brought it before
G-d.

G-d replied, telling Moses to institute a second Passover. One month
after the first Passover sacrifice, anyone who was impure, on a distant
journey, or otherwise prevented from bringing the sacrifice was given a
second chance. On the fourteenth of the Hebrew month of Iyar, such a
person could offer a Passover sacrifice.

The Previous Rebbe explained, the lesson of Pesach Sheini is that it is
never too late to correct the past and return to G-d. It also emphasizes
the power of a Jew's initiative. When a Jew cries out, from the depths
of his soul and with a genuine desire to fulfill G-d's will, G-d listens
to his plea and grants his request.

This teaches us that nothing is ever lost, that there is always an
opportunity to correct our situation. Even a person who feels distant
from G-d, or impure need not despair. G-d is sensitive to his sincere
requests, and will create a special opportunity for him to draw close.

The way in which the holiday was instituted shows us the importance of
making demands of G-d. When a Jew feels a sincere spiritual desire, he
should insist to be given an opportunity for spiritual expression.

In particular, this motif applies with regard to Moshiach's coming. We
should not merely passively wait for the Redemption. Instead, with a
sincere and positive stubbornness, we should persist in our calls for an
end to exile.

               From Keeping in Touch published by Sichos In English

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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In this week's Torah portion, Behar, we learn about the laws governing
the sale of lands, and the prohibitions against fraud and usury. Most of
the portion, however, is dedicated to the laws of the Sabbatical Year.
The Torah states: "Six years you shall sow your field. and harvest your
crops, but the seventh year shall be a Sabbath of strict rest for the
land, you must not sow your field." (Lev. 25:3)

"If you wonder, 'What will we eat in the seventh year?' I shall command
My blessing upon you in the sixth year to yield crops for three years."
(Ibid. 25:20-22)

This passage, which speaks of the mitzva (commandment) of Shemita (the
Sabbatical year for the Land of Israel), may also be interpreted in the
context of the world at large and the redemption.

The six years of working the land are analogous to the first six
millennia of the world's existence, when everything is prepared for the
seventh millennium by means of Torah and mitzvot.

Our present generation is near the end of the sixth millennium. This
raises an obvious question: Why should our generation, which is
qualitatively so much lower than all our predecessors, merit to
experience the Messianic redemption? What makes us more worthy than the
spiritual giants of the past that we shall usher in the "seventh year,"
the "day that is entirely Shabbat and repose for life everlasting"? In
other words, we have a metaphorical paraphrase of the question, "What
will we eat in the seventh year.?"

The Divine response is: "I shall command My blessing upon you in the
sixth year." The stature and deeds of the earlier generations were
indeed much greater than those of now. On the other hand, the present
state of moral corruption throughout the world requires an unprecedented
amount of fortitude and self-sacrifice to carry out even our minimal
obligations. This lends our continued observance of Torah and mitzvot a
quality and blessing superseding that of our predecessors. Thus we are
more than worthy to experience the redemption.

We shall merit the "crops for three years," i.e., of the three stages in
the Messianic era: the initial redemption, the later stage of the
resurrection of the dead, and the ultimate "seventh millennium."

     From Living With Moshiach, adapted from the works of the Rebbe
                                      by Rabbi J. Immanuel Schochet

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                          To Know and To Care
                     by Rabbi Eli and Malka Touger

Yaakov, a taxi owner from Tel Aviv, was accustomed to driving others.
Now, however, it was his creditors who were driving him - to
desperation.

He thought the purchase of his own cab would increase his income,
because it would save him from paying a monthly percentage for a company
taxi. Instead, the purchase plunged him deeper into debt. He exhausted
the resources that friends and family could give him, and the interest
on bank loans was devouring a major source of his income. Furthermore,
he was beginning to discover that it was costly to maintain his own
taxi.

Yaakov needed an urgent $1000 dollar loan, but to whom could he turn?
Finally, he thought of asking the other drivers in his company. It was
embarrassing, but he had no other alternative; he needed money urgently.

He thought of Amnon, a taxi driver who was Shabbat observant. Amnon was
often taunted by the other drivers. "Ridiculous! Most of our income
comes from Shabbat fares when there is limited bus service." They mocked
Amnon's parked taxi. "Lease it to someone else over Shabbat, Amnon. At
least make some commission." Amnon refused.

Yaakov was surprised when Amnon offered to lend him the entire sum. He
hadn't expected him to agree so readily, and he certainly did not think
that he would have had such a sum available. He had hoped for no more
than part of the amount and for advice on whom to approach for the
balance of the money.

But Amnon added, "Before I give you the money, I want you to hear me
out," Amnon said.

Though he was in no mood for conversation, Yaakov had no choice but to
listen. "Listen," began Amnon. "I experienced the same hassle you are
going through when I first started out. I worked day and night, and I
still couldn't get out of debt."

"Yes," Yaakov mumbled. "I remember."

Amnon continued, "You might also remember that my son became critically
ill. My wife and I struggled during the weeks he was in and out of the
hospital, but the doctors could not cure him. We even tried different
kinds of natural remedies and healing charms, but nothing helped. One
day, an observant neighbor with whom I had little contact stopped me in
the hallway.

"Do you mind if I have a word with you?' he asked politely. 'I would
like to give you some advice concerning your sick son.'

"I was inclined to shrug him off, but I was so emotionally spent that I
listened wearily. 'A Rabbi in New York has helped many people in time of
need,' he said. 'Let me give you his address. You have nothing to lose
by requesting his blessing.'

"The name and address he gave me was that of Rabbi M. M. Schneerson at
'770' Eastern Parkway. In reply to my letter, Rabbi Schneerson gave my
son a blessing and directed me to incorporate Shabbat, kosher, and
tefilin into my life. It was a difficult transition, but let me tell
you, my son recovered. And since we started keeping Shabbat, my income
has been steady. We have even managed to save some money."

Amnon took a deep breath. "The money that I will lend you comes from
keeping Shabbat. I'd like you to try to keep Shabbat for a while as part
of our loan agreement."

Yaakov needed the money and agreed to start observing Shabbat. As a
result, many things in his life changed for the better. Within several
months, he repaid the loan.

                                *  *  *


Shortly after the Rebbe assumed leadership, several young American men
from secular backgrounds began studying in the Lubavitcher yeshiva. One
of them, a student from Chicago, received his draft notice a few short
months after he had begun studying.

He was very upset. "While I was not observant," he explained to his
friends, "I had all the time in the world and misused it, and yet I was
not drafted. Now suddenly, when I've started to appreciate the
importance of time, and have begun using it wisely, I am no longer my
own master. How could G-d do this to me?"

With complaints of this nature, and with some practical questions such
as "Should I claim to be a conscientious objector, or should I flee to
Canada and begin studying in the Lubavitcher yeshiva in Montreal?" he
approached the Rebbe.

The Rebbe told him to enter the army and not to worry about the lost
time. "It is a descent," the Rebbe explained, "for the purpose of an
ascent."

The student spent two years in the army, serving in different posts in
Western Europe. He fastidiously observed the mitzvot (commandments),
finding time to pray and study in even the most difficult of
circumstances.

When he completed his tour of duty, he returned to New York and prepared
for a private audience with the Rebbe. He had several serious questions
concerning his future: Should he return to yeshiva, or should he begin
contemplating a career? Should he start considering marriage? And he had
some questions regarding religious observance.

All in all, he had 10 major questions, each with several minor inquiries
associated with it. He wrote down his 10 major questions, but instead of
handing the list to the Rebbe, he held it in his own hand and asked the
questions verbally. To each of his major questions, the Rebbe answered
in great detail, anticipating all the minor questions that were in his
mind.

As the young man asked question after question, he grew more amazed at
the Rebbe's answers. Obviously, he was reading his mind!

After having five questions answered in this fashion, he froze in
amazement, unable to continue. The Rebbe, however, continued for him,
stating both the questions and the answers, until in he had dealt with
all 10 issues that the young man had wished to resolve.

            From To Know and to Care published by Sichos in English

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                             New Emissaries

Rabbi Levi and Shainy Greenberg will be moving to El Paso, Texas, where
they will be serving as Youth and Program Directors at Chabad of El
Paso.

                             New Synagogue


A new synagogue for Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan took place this past
month in Baku. The beautiful synagogue was built at the expense of the
government and took less than six months to complete.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                     Rosh Chodesh Iyar, 5741 [1981]
                       To All Participants In the
                     Annual Dinner of Oholei Torah
                           G-d bless you all!

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to be informed about the forthcoming Annual Dinner on the
13th of Iyar, on the eve of Pesach Sheni. May G-d grant that it should
be with much Hatzlocho [success].

Pesach Sheni came about, as the Torah tells us, when (on the first
anniversary of the Exodus from Egypt) there were several Jews who were
unable to offer the Korban Pesach [Passover offering] and celebrate
Pesach with all the Jewish people, and they voiced their unhappiness
with a heartfelt appeal: "Why should we be deprived of this Mitzvah
[commandment]?" And for the sake of these several Jews, indeed for the
sake of each one of them, an entirely new chapter was incorporated in
the Torah, and a special day was designated in our calendar Pesach
Sheni, with its particular Mitzvos and all this "unto your generations"
- for all posterity.

Thus the Torah, Toras Chaim ("instruction in living"), emphatically
reminds us how precious each and every Jew is, and that no Jew should
ever be deprived of his natural right to fulfill all the Mitzvos, by
reason of circumstances, such as being on a "faraway journey," and the
like.

It has often been emphasized that the best way of coping with
spiritually "deprived" Jews, as in the case of any problem, is -
prevention: to see to it that no Jew should ever find himself in a state
of being on a "faraway journey" from Yiddishkeit [Judaism]. This can be
achieved only through a Torah-true education, permeated with the spirit
of dedication, that is implanted in Jewish children from their earliest
childhood, in keeping with the principle, "Educate the youngster in the
proper path; even when growing old he will not depart from it."

Such is the kind of education that is implanted in the students of
Oholei Torah, with much Hatzlocho [success], as is well known to those
who are familiar with this educational institution.

However, it is up to all of us to see to it that this Torah institution
should not find itself in a position where it must come with a heartfelt
appeal: "Why should we be deprived?" Surely, it must not be kept back by
the lack of financial means, from carrying on its vital educational
work, and, moreover, from expanding its facilities for a growing number
of students. This is the obligation and privilege of the loyal friends
and supporters of Oholei Torah.

With prayerful wishes to the Honored Guests and all who are active
participants in this great endeavor, and with esteem and blessing for
Hatzlocho,

                                *  *  *

                          16 Iyar 5711 [1951]


I was pleased with the opportunity to exchange a few words with you. As
you connected your visit with the day of Pesach Sheni which we observed
on the day before yesterday, I want to make it the subject of this
letter.

One of the significant lessons of Pesach Sheni is never to despair even
when one has not attained the spiritual heights of others. Thus, while
all the people are celebrating the Passover at its proper time, and one
finds himself "far away," or otherwise unfit to enter the Sanctuary, he
is told: Do not despair; begin your way towards the Sanctuary; come
closer and closer; for you have a special chance and opportunity to
celebrate the second Passover, if you try hard enough.

Please convey my regards and best wishes to your circle.

Cordially,

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                            WHAT'S IN A NAME
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YEHUDI comes from the word "odeh" which means "praise." In Jeremiah
(36:14) Yehudi was the name of a man who served King Jehoikim. Yehudi
was used as a generic name to refer to a person from the part of Israel
known as "Yehuda" - Judah. More recently, it has become the modern
Hebrew word for Jew.


YAACOVA is the feminine form of Yaacov (Jacob). In I Chronicles (4:36)
Yaacova was a male member of the tribe of Shimon. Today, however, it is
used exclusively as a feminine name.

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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This Wednesday, May 18, is Pesach Sheini - the Second Passover.

Every year, on the fourteenth of Nissan, the Jews brought the Passover
offering. This commandment was incumbent upon each Jew.

However, the Jews who were spiritually unclean, were forbidden to
participate. They therefore complained, and cried out to Moses, "Why
should we be different?" - How are we to achieve a similar level of
closeness with G-d?

Moses, through Divine direction, informed them that, in fact, they would
have a chance. On the fourteenth of Iyar they could bring the Passover
offering.

This incident offers two lessons to us:

The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn,
explained that Pesach Sheini proves that it is "never too late"; we
always have a chance to make amends, improve.

An additional lesson relates to the way in which Pesach Sheini came
about. According to Midrashic literature, the laws concerning Pesach
Sheini were already "written in the Heavens." A new law wasn't created;
G-d was just waiting for the people to request it.

Why is this so important? It is similar to the Third Holy Temple, which
is all "ready to go" and missing only that we cry out for it. It is
similar, also, to Moshiach, who is "just waiting for the signal" from
us.

But, we must also remember that our request cannot be made
mechanically.It must have the same quality of earnestness that our
ancestors exhibited when they requested Pesach Sheini.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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Akavya ben Mehalel said: "Reflect upon three things and you will not
come near sin: Know from where you came, and to where you are going, and
before whom you are destined to give an accounting..." (Ethics of the
Fathers 3:1)

Reflect upon three things - all three together. However, if you reflect
on only one, or some of them, not only will they be ineffective, but
such a meditation could even cause harm. If you reflect only on the
first, you will come to the conclusion that you are not to blame for
anything. If you reflect only on where you are going you might
mistakenly believe that there is no ultimate judgment and accounting.
Therefore, we are told to also reflect on "before Whom you are destined
to give an accounting." All three aspects of this mediation are
dependent upon each other.

                                                   (Midrash Shmuel)

                                *  *  *


In addition to the obvious reference to the three concepts, this Mishna
teaches a person that he must have three entities in mind and when he
does so, he "will not come to sin." Generally, a person thinks about two
entities, himself and G-d, for "I was created solely to serve my
Creator." We must be aware of a third entity, the world at large which
was created by G-d for a Jew to use in service of Him, i.e., that a Jew
through his service should refine his body and his soul, and spread
refinement in the world at large, transforming it into a dwelling for
G-d.

                             (The Lubavitcher Rebbe, 13 Iyar, 5751)

                                *  *  *


Rabbi Shimon said: "... three who ate at one table and did speak words
of Torah there, it is as if they had eaten from the table of G-d..."
(Ethics of the Fathers 3:3)

Three together can recite "let us bless," the opening phrase before
Grace after Meals, and in this way they form a pool of blessing so that
each person partaking of the meal can draw off water according to his
needs. But this must be preceded by words of Torah which enable them to
form this pool of blessing.

                                       (Tzemach Tzedek, Or HaTorah)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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Once, when Reb Elimelech of Lyzhansk was travelling, he heard a heavenly
voice announce that the rabbi of Nikolsburg, Reb Shmelke was having
terrible problems with those who were bitterly opposed to his spiritual
path. The heavenly voice promised great rewards in the World to Come for
the one who would extricate Reb Shmelke.

Reb Elimelech turned to his companion and asked, "Did you hear
anything?" But his companion replied that he had heard nothing at all.
From that, Reb Elimelech deduced that it was up to him to travel to
Nikolsburg and offer his help. As soon as he arrived he asked Reb
Shmelke's permission to address his congregation with a hearty sermon
that would bring them to resentence. "My friend, I certainly have no
objection. But, any criticism will fall on deaf ears."

When it was announced that a visiting preacher would address the
congregation, the synagogue filled to capacity. Reb Elimelech used his
brilliant scholarship to deliver a speech using the most involved and
seemingly erudite arguments to prove that many of the prohibitions
mentioned in the Torah were actually permissible.

The congregants were very impressed with his great learning and skillful
arguments. So, when they heard that he would speak  the following day,
they flocked to hear him. But this time he proved to them, now with
genuine evidence, that all the precepts which he had so skillfully
disproved the previous day were actually true. In fact, he stressed that
any deviation from them went completely against the teaching of the
Sages.

His words were received in the manner intended, as "words from the heart
enter the heart," and the people were moved to repentance. When they
realized that the words of their own rabbi had been echoed by this guest
preacher, they went as a group to beg Reb Shmelke's forgiveness.

Reb Elimelech left Nikolsburg and continued on his way. Soon after he
left the town, he again heard a heavenly voice, this time proclaiming:
"Reb Elimelech, because you helped Reb Shmelke, whomever you bless
within the next 24 hours will have the blessing realized."

Reb Elimelech's initial happiness over this marvelous gift gave way to
bitter disappointment, when after many hours of walking he met not one
person he could bless. He cried out his complaint to G-d: "Why did you
give me this gift, when you haven't sent me anyone that I can bless?"

Just as he finished his plaint he saw a lone woman walking toward him.
He ran up to her and began to heap blessing on the startled woman.
Seeing her fright, he reassured her that he meant no harm. He questioned
her gently, and she told him about her life situation and the
difficulties she and her husband were having with their livelihood. He
finished blessing her, and they parted ways, each continuing on his own
journey.

From that day on the woman and her husband experienced no more hardships
and prospered in their endeavors. Their business grew more and more
successful, until they had a comfortable life. They generously shared
their blessings with those less fortunate and they were always sure that
the stranger who had blessed them was none other than Elijah the
Prophet.

Years later Reb Elimelech and his brother Reb Zusha were travelling to
collect money for the mitzva (commandment) of redeeming captives. They
heard that in a certain city there was a very generous merchant who
dispensed a great deal of charity. When they arrived at his residence,
they were ushered into his parlor where he was sitting with his wife. No
sooner had they seated themselves, than the wife swooned to the floor.
When she regained consciousness, she said to her husband, "That is
Elijah the Prophet who blessed us, and I'm sure that he has come to
remove the blessing."

Reb Elimelech had heard her comment, and he replied, "I am not Elijah,
but just a simple Jew, and I am not here to take any blessings from you.
Through G-d's will my blessings were brought to fruition."

The merchant turned to Reb Elimelech and asked him how much money he
needed to redeem the imprisoned Jews. Hearing the huge sum of five
hundred gold rubles, he went to his room and brought out the entire sum
and handed it to the Reb Elimelech. But Reb Elimelech was not willing to
accept it; he preferred to give other Jews the opportunity of joining in
that great mitzva. He accepted a large sum of money, bid a warm farewell
to the couple, and continued on his travels.

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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The coming of Moshiach must be prepared for specifically in the time of
exile - a time during which there is "hesech hadaat" (one's reason set
aside) from the Redemption, a time during which an enlightened
appreciation of the imminent Redemption is set aside. When one lights up
the darkest of all places - a situation in which there is hesech hadaat
and the very antithesis of the light of Moshiach - the son of David will
come.

 (The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Shabbat Parshat Mattot-Masei, 5713 [1953])

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                END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1170 - Behar 5771
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