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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1261
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                           Copyright (c) 2013
                 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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        March 1, 2013           Ki Sisa            19 Adar, 5773
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                            Heartfelt Logic

"Warning: The Surgeon General has found that cigarette smoking
causes..."

We're all used to the warnings and small print about cigarette smoking,
alcohol, artificial sweeteners, etc. Even if you don't partake of any of
the above-mentioned chemicals, you still see the warnings plastered all
over the product, billboards and ads in various types of media.

Rumor has it that more often than not, the very people who are doing the
studies which determine the ill effects of these chemicals on our
systems themselves smoke, drink (at least socially) and/or use
artificial sweeteners.

What's going on here? How can there be cancer specialists who smoke,
dieticians who are overweight, people who work in detox centers who
imbibe a little too much once in a while? Don't they know the
deleterious effects of their behavior from their own studies and work?

In answer to these questions, we might want to define, very briefly, the
acronym for the branch of Chasidic philosophy established by the first
Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman. The word Chabad stands for the three
aspects of the intellect: Chochma - wisdom; Bina - knowledge; Da'at -
understanding. The difference between wisdom and knowledge - the first
two aspects of intellect - and knowledge is that "understanding" is only
acquired when one has internalized the wisdom and knowledge.

With all of the studying, thinking, philosophizing, experimenting, and
memorizing in the world, one does not truly even acquire the wisdom and
knowledge until it goes from the "head" to the "heart" - until one has
internalized it and understands it as it applies to oneself and it
becomes a part of the person. Therefore, the subject matter that remains
in the intellect and does not even begin to become internalized has not
really completed the intellectual process.

This is the explanation of how someone who daily reads the X-rays of
lung cancer patients can smoke, or how a dietician who has book
knowledge of the dangers of obesity can be fat.

The need for intellect to permeate the heart is taught throughout the
stories, laws and lessons of the Torah. But a most unique way of
emphasizing the importance of joining the mind and the heart is by
looking at the last and first letters of the Torah.

The very last letter of the Torah is the lamed in the word "Yisrael"
(Israel, i.e., the Jewish people). The very first letter of the Torah is
the bet in "Breishit." Combining the two letters gives us the numerical
value of 32, and according to Kabala, 32 is the number of different
aspects of the intellect. But the letters lamed and bet also spell the
Hebrew word "lev" meaning "heart." Even when one studies something using
all 32 aspects of the intellect, it is not complete until it has entered
the "heart."

                        Based on a talk by Rabbi Dr. Nissan Mangel.

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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In this week's portion, Ki Tisa, G-d commands Moses to make a washing
basin and place it in front of the Tent of Meeting. This basin was for
the priests to wash before they performed their service, as it states,
"Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and feet from it when they go
into the Tent of Meeting."

The act of washing had two objectives. The first was for cleanliness and
purity, as the kohen (priest) was required to maintain a higher standard
than others. The second was for the purpose of holiness: by washing
himself the priest received an extra measure of sanctity. In fact, the
very act of washing is called the "sanctification of the hands and
feet."

Although the Holy Temple in Jerusalem is no longer standing, the lessons
we derive from the services that were performed there are eternal. Every
Jew is considered a "priest" (the entire Jewish people is called "a
nation of priests and a holy people"), and the concept of washing before
serving the Creator exists on many different levels.

In his Laws of Prayer, Maimonides writes that one must "wash his face,
hands and feet before praying the morning service." Nowadays, when we
cannot bring actual sacrifices, our prayers are offered in their stead.
Washing before we pray follows the example of the priests, who washed
before performing their Temple duties. But why does Maimonides stipulate
that the face must be washed - something the priests were not obligated
to do? The answer is that the concept of "face" has a special
significance during the period of exile, after the destruction of the
Holy Temple.

Hands and feet are symbolic of man's physical ability and prowess; the
face is symbolic of his higher powers (intellect, sight, hearing,
speech, etc.) The more mundane aspects of life are to be carried out by
the hands and feet alone, whereas the higher powers are to be reserved
for man's higher calling - the service of G-d.

When the Holy Temple stood, the overall spiritual level of the Jewish
people was higher. It would never have occurred to the "face" to involve
itself in lower matters; thus, it didn't need an added measure of
protection and holiness. During the exile, however, the Jew is sometimes
so demoralized that he forgets himself and invests his higher powers in
affairs that are truly unworthy of their attention. His "face," as it
were, must therefore be safeguarded.

In practice, many authorities rule that the "Modeh Ani" prayer said upon
awakening, thanking G-d for restoring the soul, is sufficient
preparation for prayer; washing one's face is not strictly necessary.
For the Jew's innermost essence is always pure and connected to G-d, and
thus always ready to worship the Creator.

                  Adapted from Likutei Sichot of the Rebbe, Vol. 31


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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                           And When You Walk
                         by Rabbi Tuvia Bolton

The following story happened to my wife, Rochel. Rochel runs a
successful advertising agency near Tel Aviv. One day she was told that a
certain business might be interested in her services. She followed the
lead, called the owner, introduced herself and asked if he had plans for
advertising.

The owner said that he wasn't interested in advertising at this stage as
his budget didn't allow for it. However, if she was interested in
hearing a personal story connected with the Lubavitcher Rebbe he would
be happy to tell her at his office.

(As my wife is a successful Chasidic businesswoman, she has been written
about in a number of Israeli publications. It seems he had read about
her in a business magazine and he knew she would appreciate the story.)

Rochel visited the man's office several days later and was shown in
immediately. He began by apologizing profusely that he didn't have an
advertising budget,  and then he began his story.

"When my daughter was 15 years old she was a very talented and promising
dancer. Although she had doubts about going professional, she loved to
dance and spent hours each day practicing.

"Then one morning, unexplainably, she couldn't get out of bed. She
screamed and we ran to her room and then frantically called an
ambulance; she was paralyzed and had lost all feeling from the waist
down! What a tragedy!

"A month and tens of experts later the unanimous decision was that there
was no hope. The doctors were supposing that she had contracted a rare
nerve disease because all of the tests concluded that her nerves were
destroyed and there was no cure.

"With no alternative we brought her home and a pall of sadness and
depression replaced the music and joy that had until recently filled out
home.

"Then, one day, a Lubavitcher who I know came to my office to ask for a
donation. Usually I donated generously but that day I was not in the
mood and just told the fellow to leave me alone.

" 'Did something happen?' the young man asked. 'Maybe I can help. Forget
the donation. You look really sad, what happened?' Try as I could I
couldn't get rid of him so finally I told him about what happened to my
daughter.

"The fellow heard the story and as soon as I finished he had a
'solution.'

" 'Listen, the Lubavitcher Rebbe often encourages people to check their
mezuzas whenever an issue comes up! Did you check your mezuzas? You have
mezuzas on the doors of your office and your home, I bought them for
you! You must have them checked. I'll take care of it for you, what do
you care?'

"I gave him permission to do whatever he wanted and then I put the whole
thing out of my mind.

"Late the next day, the Lubavitcher was back with an excited look on his
face.

" 'I went to your house yesterday, took off the mezuzas from the doors
and, have a look! The one on your daughter's door had the letter "lamed"
of the word "U'v'lecht'cha" (and when you walk) partially worn away. I
bought a new one and I'm on my way to your house now to put it up.'

"About a week later my daughter woke up shouting. Her legs were
tingling! We rushed her to the hospital. They ordered tests. The results
came back that there were definitely some changes evident. The next day
she moved her foot and a few weeks later she was already trying to stand
up! The doctors all wanted to know which specialist was treating our
daughter. They refused to believe the mezuza story! In fact, as many
times as I've told it, no one appreciated it. That is why I wanted to
share it with you when you called.

"That was over five years ago. Today she is walking like everyone else.
She is still not dancing yet but thank G-d it was a real miracle!"

    Rabbi Tuvia Bolton is co-director and a senior lecturer at Yeshiva
    Ohr Tmimim in Kfar Chabad, Israel. He is also a musician and author
    of a weekly column on the Torah portion that appears on
    ohrtmimim.org from where this article is reprinted. Together with
    his wife, Rochel, they have four children and many grandchildren.
    Rochel runs a leading advertising agency in Israel, Bolton
    Advertising, Ltd. She was recently listed on The Marker's List as
    one of of Israel's most powerful women.

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                        It's Always the "Season"

Rain, shine or snow, it's  always the "season" in Crown Heights,
Brooklyn, home of World Lubavitch Headquarters. The first weekend in
February, which was the 25th anniversary of the passing of Rebbetzin
Chaya Mushka Schneerson, was the "Kinus HaShluchos" - the Conference of
(Women) Emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe from around the world. Over
3,000 women attended the annual conference. There was a special program
for the daughters of the shluchos, with hundreds of girls in attendance.
As well, a convention for high school girls from throughout North
America was also held that weekend with the participation of over 2,000
teens.  The following weekend, 700 teens from across the United States
and Canada converged on Crown Heights for the fourth annual CTEEN
Shabbaton. CTeen is a club where teens learn about themselves and their
heritage through giving to others and participating in interactive,
hands-on activities. There are currently 85 chapters. The annual
Shabbaton gives teens the opportunity to forge new friendships while
experiencing a meaningful Shabbat and enjoying the thrills of the Big
Apple.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                         22 Adar I, 5719 [1959]

In answer to your letter in which you outline the events of your life
from the time of your marriage until today, the impressions of this and
your desire, etc.

After carefully reading your letter, my opinion is that in spite of all
the undesirable happenings, there is absolutely no basis to disrupt a
Jewish home, which according to the marriage blessings is an eternal
edifice, and especially since these occurrences were experienced at a
time of moving from place to place, not only in the physical sense but
also in the spiritual one.

Since moving into the state of married life and from country to country
are major transitions - and primarily taking into account the greatness
of peace, particularly peace in the home, about which G-d says, "It is
better that My name be erased, so as to achieve peace between man and
wife" - it is imperative that you lay open your grievances before a
rabbi (understandably in the presence of your husband), so that the
Rabbi will hear both sides, a fundamental condition for elucidating the
truth. And certainly you will find the means to rectify and improve the
relationship, understanding that you both wish for this - this wish
being a sacred obligation, as our Sages point out in various places, and
as we say every morning that this is "from those things whose fruit we
eat in this world and whose benefit we derive in the next."

I hope that you will think into these lines, though they are few in
number, with an introspection that befits the seriousness and importance
of this matter, and may G-d grant you success.

With blessings for good tidings in all of the above.

                                *  *  *

                      16th of Adar I, 5738 [1978]


...I trust that it is unnecessary to emphasize to you at length that the
daily life and conduct in accordance with the will of G-d, namely in
accordance with the Jewish way of Torah and Mitzvoth [commandments], in
addition to being a must for its own sake, is also the channel to
receive G-d's blessings in all needs. Therefore, every additional effort
in this direction is bound to bring additional Divine blessings, and
there is always room for advancement in all matters of goodness and
holiness, Torah and Mitzvoth, which are infinite, being derived from,
and connected with, the Infinite.

The above is particularly important since, as I note, you are planning
to spend Pesach [Passover] in Eretz Yisroel [Israel]. As I had occasion
to mention this to others, visiting another country often requires a
visa, and the "visa" insofar as a country which is recognized even by
non-Jews as the "Holy Land," is surely in terms of an extra measure of
holiness.

Our Rabbis speak of Eretz Yisroel as the "Palace of the Supreme King,"
and it is understandable that when a person is about to visit a palace
of a king or a president, one makes appropriate preparations in regard
to dress and particularly conduct befitting the occasion.

Thus, however satisfactory the position may be in regard to goodness and
holiness, Torah and Mitzvoth, in one's personal life an extra measure of
it is called for when visiting the Holy Land, both before and,
certainly, during the visit.

Wishing you and your son a pleasant visit to the Holy Land in the above
spirit and in every respect.

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                               WHO'S WHO
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Choni HaMaagal was a scholar from the first century BCE. His name
"HaMaagal" means "the circle drawer." This name is derived from an
incident that is recorded twice in the Talmud. When Israel suffered from
a terrible drought, the people approached Choni to pray for rain. He
drew a circle around himself and swore to G-d that he would not leave
the circle until G-d provided "rain of blessing." This prayer for rain
that was answered took place on 20 Adar (this Shabbat). His tomb, a
place of prayer for many, is in Chatzor HaGlilit, Galilee.

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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This Shabbat a second Torah scroll is taken out of the ark and Parshat
Para, a special chapter enumerating the laws of the red heifer, is read.
The ashes of the red heifer (of which only nine have ever existed) have
the power to remove the spiritual impurity that is caused by contact
with a dead body. The tenth and final red heifer will be prepared by
Moshiach, who will purify the Jewish people in the Messianic era.

The mitzva (commandment) of the red heifer is a prime example of a
"chok" - an "illogical" commandment that completely transcends human
understanding. While the person upon whom the ashes were sprinkled was
purified, the one who performed the ritual was rendered unclean. The
mitzva of the red heifer has long been derided by the non-Jewish world
for its inconsistencies. The Evil Inclination wants Jews, too, to feel
uncomfortable about it. But like other commandments in this category, it
reminds us that the basis for our observing Torah and mitzvot is not how
much of Judaism we can understand and "agree" with. A Jew's faith in G-d
is higher than the limitations of the human mind.

Of course, as human beings blessed with intellect we are obligated to
study Torah and comprehend it to the best of our ability. Faith and
intellect are two sides of the same coin, each one complementing the
other and making us complete. But the bottom line is that the Torah is
Divine, and we can't expect to understand everything.

The mitzva of the red heifer thus contains an important lesson: G-d
promised us Moshiach; it doesn't matter if it makes "sense," or if there
are skeptics who ridicule our belief. In the same way our forefathers
were redeemed from Egypt in the merit of their faith, so too must we
remain strong until the Final Redemption with Moshiach is a reality.

May it happen at once.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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This shall they give, every one that passes among those who are numbered
(Ex. 30:13)

The commentator Rashi explains: G-d showed Moses a coin of fire and
said, "Like this shall they give," to teach us that when a person gives
charity he should do it with fiery enthusiasm.

                                                   (Sefer HaDarush)

                                *  *  *


G-d showed Moses a "coin of fire" to show the similarity that exists
between money and the phenomenon of fire. Fire is a vital element
without which the world could not survive, but it is also capable of
great destruction. So, too, are the characteristics of wealth. When a
person utilizes his money in the proper way, it brings great benefit to
many, but when it is used improperly terrible damage may be inflicted.

                                *  *  *


And they shall give - venatnu - every man, a ransom for his soul to G-d
(Ex. 30:12)

The Hebrew word "venatnu" (they shall give), spelled vav, nun, tav, nun,
vav, is read the same from left to right or right to left. This teaches
us that when a person gives charity, he should not worry that he will
suffer any lack, for the goodness he sows will be returned to him as in
return.

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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Bruria sat at the table staring at the open scroll of Torah, but she
didn't see the words before her. Her anguished past was usually held at
bay by her intense study of the Law, but on days like today the painful
scenes intruded into her present and irrepressibly dominated her
thoughts.

The horrible scene was as fresh in her mind as the day on which it had
occurred. "Father, Father," she screamed over and over. She had tried in
vain to go to him, whether to help him or to join him in his martyrdom.
It seemed like only hours had passed since his pure soul escaped from
his tormented body, flying heavenward together with the holy letters of
the Torah scroll wrapped around his body which refused to burn. The same
day saw the martyrdom of her holy mother and the enslavement of her
sister.

Her husband, Rabbi Meir, entered the room, interrupting her thoughts,
but she didn't look up. "What are you thinking of, my wife?" he asked
softly.

"So much time has passed since that terrible day. I'm thinking about my
poor sister. Oh, Meir, we must do something again to try to ransom her.
It's been so long since we've tried. Please, I can't bear to think of
her a captive of the wicked Romans. I can't live with myself, imagining
what she's going through."

"You're right, Bruria. I promise to try. Perhaps G-d will have mercy on
her and intercede on her part. Perhaps this time I will succeed."

The following day Rabbi Meir prepared for his mission. He changed from
the clothing which marked him as a scholar and dressed for the road. He
loaded his horse with provisions, and carefully tucked in his belt a bag
of gold coins. With this small fortune he hoped to bribe the prison
guard and free his sister-in-law.

When he reached the Roman fortress, he dismounted and approached the
guard. "Halt! What is your business here?" barked the Roman guard.

"I have come to ransom the Jewish girl who is being held here."

"If that's it, you may as well get back on your horse. There's nothing I
can do about it. I have superiors to answer to. Do you think I can let
prisoners out just like that? What do you think would happen to me?"

"I understand your problem, well," replied Rabbi Meir as he removed the
bag of gold from his belt. He made sure that the guard saw the bag and
heard the clinking of the coins.

"Maybe the contents of this bag will solve your problem," said Rabbi
Meir. "Keep half for your trouble, and use the rest to keep the other
guards quiet. I'm sure that now you can free the girl."

The guard stood wide-eyed, looking down at the bag. Only his fear
stopped him from grabbing it. "If they find me out, I'll be in the kind
of trouble there's no getting out of."

"I will make you a promise: If you need help, just cry out, 'G-d of
Meir, answer me!' and you will be saved."

"How can I trust you?" No sooner had the guard uttered his question when
Rabbi Meir spotted a pack of wild dogs. He picked up a few stones and
threw them at the dogs who leaped at him with bared fangs.

"G-d of Meir, answer me!" cried out Rabbi Meir. Instantly, the dogs ran
away. When the guard saw that, he reached for the bag of gold.
Obviously, this wasn't your average horseman, but a miracle-worker.

In a few moments Bruria's sister was running down the road, free.

When news of the girl's escape reached Rome, a government investigation
was quickly begun. It wasn't long before the guard was implicated,
convicted, and condemned to death by hanging. He was led to the gallows
and the rope placed on his neck. But he hadn't forgotten what Rabbi Meir
had told him, and at the last moment he cried out, "G-d of Meir, answer
me!" At once, the rope snapped. The hangmen brought a new rope, but no
matter how they tried, something always went wrong. Even the
executioners sensed that something out of the ordinary was occurring.

They removed the guard from the scaffolding and asked him, "What's going
on here? It seems that some great power is saving you. Nothing like this
has ever happened before!" The guard told them about the strange
horseman who had come to ransom the girl, and about his promise of help.

The strange story was told and retold until it reached the ears of the
highest officials in Rome. Rabbi Meir's reputation as a holy man who
could work miracles was well known to them, and they surmised that the
daring horseman was none other than Rabbi Meir himself. No effort was
spared to apprehend and punish him. Those Jews would be taught an
indelible lesson.

One day as Rabbi Meir was walking down the street, he was recognized. He
fled down the winding, narrow paths as fast as he could, but soon they
would catch up to him. Just then he saw a non-kosher restaurant. This
was the perfect place to hide. Why, who would imagine that the great
Rabbi Meir would be found inside a treife restaurant? He entered,
ordered some food, and sat with the plate in front of him, sticking one
finger into the food, while licking another.

Just as he had assumed, his pursuers arrived in no time. They looked
into the door and stared hard at Rabbi Meir. No, it couldn't be - they
must be mistaken. True, there was a man who looked just like Rabbi Meir,
but he was sitting and licking his fingers, enjoying the plateful of
non-kosher food. No, it couldn't be Rabbi Meir. They quickly left to
continue the search elsewhere.

Rabbi Meir waited another few minutes and then left. He knew that he
couldn't stay in the Holy Land any longer. That very day Rabbi Meir
would make plans for his escape to Babylonia and safety.

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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Special oil (shemen hamishcha) was used to anoint the High Priests and
Kings of the House of Dovid. Moses prepared only 12 lug (about 2
gallons) of this oil. Miraculously it was enough for all past
generations and all future generations. It was still used in the times
of the Second Holy Temple and it was hidden when the Holy Temple was
destroyed. In the Messianic Era, it will be returned to us.

                                (Rashi Ex. 30:31. Talmud Krisus 5b)

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               END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1261 - Ki Sisa 5773
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