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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1421
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                           Copyright (c) 2016
                 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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        May 13, 2016            Kedoshim           5 Iyyar, 5776
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                       An Interactive Possession

Israel. We gobble up all the news about it. Barely a day passes without
the land being in the headlines. And day after day we all look in the
small print to seek out what's happening.

There is certainly a lot happening. Unfortunately, however, not all of
it is positive. Much of our concern for Israel is motivated by
apprehension over the fate of our fellow Jews there. For the last 68
years, and even before, there has been a climate of worry and fear
caused by the threats and attacks from its Arab neighbors.

However, while concern for our fellow Jews explains much of our
interest, there is more.

Many people love their homes and their countries, but once they
relocate, they form new allegiances. They cannot trace the ancestral
homeland that their families claimed two millennia ago, nor do they
continue to long for those places. Yet no matter where they have lived,
Jews have continued to dream about the land of Israel.

Our Sages teach that every Jew possesses a portion of Eretz Yisrael, the
Land of Israel. The converse is also true. The land possesses a portion
of every Jew. Every Jew was allocated a portion of the land. This is "a
land which G-d... seeks out; the eyes of G-d are always upon it, from
the beginning of the year until the end of the year." And just as G-d
seeks out the land, so do we.

And Israel has a unique quality. It is a land that has pulsed with
energy and mystery since the dawn of time; a land that has captured the
imagination throughout history; a land that breathes with the glory of
our past and the dreams of our future.

It is the land from where Creation began; the land upon which our
forefathers trod; the land where Abraham offered Isaac; the land that
for which our ancestors left Egypt; the land Joshua conquered through
miracles; and the land where our holy temples stood; and the land from
which were exiled but that we never forgot; the land to which we will
return in the times of Redemption.

Yet Israel retains its hold upon our spirit. There is a deep connection
that continues to tug at us, a magnetic pull that has not waned even
though many have found safe haven elsewhere. Whether Israel makes us
feel pride or disappointment, hope or concern, we care about its fate
and its future. Whatever our political or religious bent, we know that
Israel matters.

The so-called pragmatists urge us to adopt the formula of "land for
peace", to see the "two-state solution" as the only way to escape the
"cycle of violence" that has preoccupied this small country since its
inception. In talk after talk over four decades, the Rebbe campaigned
forcefully for another approach - of peace through strength. Concession
and perceived weakness invite aggression, he argued, while a steadfast
conviction about the righteousness of our claim to the land, coupled
with a refusal to compromise on the security of even one of its
citizens, actually force the other side to come to terms with reality
and learn to live together without loss of life or liberty on either
side.

May we merit to see the Jewish people live peacefully in the land and
the rebuilding of the temple with the coming of Moshiach.

                                       Adapted in part from SIE.org

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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This week we read the Torah portion of Kedoshim. The portion of Kedoshim
begins with the words: "You shall be holy, for I, the Lrd your G-d, am
holy." This statement is followed by dozens of mitzvot (commandments)
about how a Jew is expected to lead his or her life. Included among them
is the famous dictum, "Love your neighbor as [you would love] yourself"
(Leviticus 19:18).

To the average person, this commandment seems utterly detached from
reality. How can one possibly be expected to love another person as much
as he loves himself?

Chasidic teachings suggest that one view all Jews as if they were a
complete person. Some Jews correspond to the head, others the body, and
still others, the feet.

If you've ever had a headache, you'll readily admit that the pain
affects not just your head, but your entire body. And an ingrown toenail
can cause an inability to think or concentrate. The body, with all its
organs and limbs, is a totally integrated system.

The Jewish people are an integrated body. Every Jew has a part of
himself within his fellow Jew. In loving another Jew, he is actually
showing love for himself.

A Chasid, Rabbi Shlomo Bayever, once related a story that the Baal Shem
Tov told:

"I call as my witness heaven and earth, that when the Heavenly Court was
judging a case involving a man having against him a serious charge, a
man who was so simple that he only knew how to pray and recite Psalms,
yet was exceptional in his love of his fellow Jew with all the faculties
of his soul: in thought-always thinking thoughts of love of fellow Jews;
in speech-speaking of love of fellow Jew; in deed-benefitting everyone
to the best of his ability; sharing the sorrow of every Jew, man or
woman, and rejoicing in their joy, that the verdict handed down by the
Heavenly Court was that he is to have a place among the righteous
scholars whom our Sages said were lovers of Israel."

The sigh of a Jew over the suffering of another Jew breaks all barriers,
and the joy and blessings which one rejoices in another's happiness, is
as acceptable by G-d as the prayer of the High Priest in the Holy of
Holies.

A beautiful custom and practical way to foster love of a fellow Jew is
to say each morning: I take upon myself the positive commandment of
"Love your fellow like yourself." What a way to start the day.

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                          Yearning for Israel
                          by Michael Allouche

I was born in La Flèche, a little town in France, to a family of Jewish
immigrants from North Africa. We were the only Jewish family in town,
but - even though I was educated as a proud Jew among non-Jews - we were
not fully Torah observant. Over the years, I progressively became more
religious especially after I joined a Zionist religious youth movement
called Tikvateinu and visited Israel for the first time. As a result, I
developed a strong aspiration to live there.

At the age of 20, I went to Toulouse where I was accepted to study in
the famous University of Aerospace Engineering. And it was there that I
met the local Chabad emissaries - Rabbi Yosef Matusof and his wife
Esther.

After I graduated and got married in 1978, I travelled with my wife and
baby daughter to New York, where we had our first private audience with
the Rebbe. It was a very emotional and awe-inspiring moment for me, and
it initiated a connection which increasingly deepened over the years.

When I started to work as an engineer for Airbus Industries in Toulouse,
my work brought me frequently to the United States, and during each
visit, I always spent Shabbat with the Rebbe.

In 1982, I wrote a letter to the Rebbe asking if the time was right for
my family and me to make aliya - to immigrate to Israel. The Rebbe's
answer came: "If your job today allows you to be Torah observant, then
it is preferable that you stay where you are for the time being." I must
confess that I was a bit disappointed but I followed the Rebbe's advice
and stayed in Toulouse. My family certainly played a role in the Jewish
community in the city, since very few Torah observant families lived
there, and we served as an example to others.

Then, in 1985, I was offered a job in Israel. At this time, the State of
Israel decided to become more technologically independent and it
launched its own fighter aircraft project, called the Lavi. I was
invited to work on this project. Excited at the prospect of moving ,to
Israel, I asked the Rebbe's advice again. Surprisingly the Rebbe
replied: "How can you make this decision when the situation is so
volatile in Eretz Israel? You should decide about half a year before
your aliya."

I didn't really understand what the Rebbe meant by "volatile." The
prototype of the Lavi was already flying and the project was moving
forward successfully; indeed the Lavi was so successful that it was said
to be better than the American F-16 fighter jet. But I decided to "wait
and see."

One year later, my family and I visited the Rebbe. During the audience
the Rebbe held with guests who were visiting for the occasion the Rebbe
said: "Every Jew has a mission in this world. He is meant to bear
witness to the oneness of G-d by keeping Torah wherever he finds
himself... And this is why G-d finds reasons to send Jews to distant
places so that they can best fulfill their mission." Till this day, each
time I travel for my business, I remember these words, looking for the
inner dimension to my professional mission.

A few months later, in 1987, I suddenly got an attractive proposal to
work as an aerospace engineering consultant in a "distant place": South
Africa. Again, I went to the Rebbe. His reply was almost immediate
"Accept the proposal."

It was only then - two years later - that I understood the Rebbe's
reference to the situation in Israel as "volatile." Exactly at the time
when we moved to South Africa, the Lavi project was cancelled due to US
government pressure. Almost all the engineers working on the project
lost their jobs.

The move to South Africa was the best preparation for my family's aliya,
both spiritually and materially. Thanks to the wonderful Chabad
community there, we strengthened our knowledge of chasidic teachings.
Since that time, I began translating the works of Rabbi Adin Even-Israel
Steinsaltz into French. Rabbi Steinsaltz once summarized the Rebbe's
advice and recommendations to me as follows: "The Rebbe has chosen for
you the 'long shorter way' to the Holy Land."

We lived in South Africa for five years. In 1991, when my employment
there ended, I had to decide my next move. My preference was moving to
Israel, and making my life-long dream of living there come true.

I sent a letter to the Rebbe, through the late Rabbi Yosef Wineberg. The
Rebbe answered that I should ask advice from friends and that I should
check my mezuzos and tefillin.

Before I had a chance to respond, the Rebbe asked Rabbi Wineberg: "When
will you let me know what happened when he checked his mezuzos and
tefillin."

I was astonished! The Rebbe received thousands of letters, yet he cared
so much about every Jew that he remembered the smallest details. But his
concern was as deep as that of a father who cares about every detail in
his child's life. I was very moved by this.

I immediately reported back to the Rebbe and also relayed the
encouragement of my friends to make aliya. The Rebbe's reply was
unambiguous: "Blessing and success!" And, indeed, I subsequently
accepted a job in the field of Aerospace Engineering.

Before making aliya, I decided to visit the Rebbe once more. I wanted
simply to thank him. This was my thirteenth trip the Rebbe in fourteen
years. I arrived in February 1992 just one week before the Rebbe
suffered a stroke. I told the Rebbe, "Thank you for all you brought to
us during the past fourteen years," and the Rebbe responded beautifully:
"You should have "immense success in all your enterprises!"

Amazingly, we arrived in Israel "about half a year" (the exact words of
the Rebbe) after we initiated the decision process about our aliya.

And to this day, thank G-d, the Rebbe's words and blessings accompany me
in all my enterprises.

Mr. Michael (Michel) Allouche lives with his wife and family in Israel,
where for the past 24 years he has worked as an internationally
recognized expert in the field of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

The above story is from the weekly "Here's My Story," a project of
Jewish Educational Media's My Encounter with the Rebbe project. My
Encounter with the Rebbe is an oral history project geared at
documenting the life story of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. To learn more,
please go to www.myencounterblog.com

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                             New Emissaries

Rabbi Yossi and Rivkie Chesney recently moved to New Orleans, Louisiana
where they will sbe directing the Chabad Torah Academy in New Orleans,
Louisiana.

                             Mega Tefillin


Going with the idea of the "mega Challah" bakes that have been taking
place all over the world,  Chabad of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, organized a
"Mega Tefillin" event. Over 100 men and boys over Bar Mitzva gathered on
a Sunday morning to put on tefillin, say the morning prayers, pray for
the sick of their community and pray for their country that is currently
going through a political and economic crisis. The event took place at
the recently built new headquarters of Chabad of Belo Horizonte.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                     Continued from previous issue

The above provides an insight also into the meaning of the Golus (the
exile and dispersion [of the Jews] among the nations of the world) which
is at the root of most, if not all, the difficulties and obstacles
confronting the Jew in his desire to live his G-d-given Torah-way of
life.

To be sure, we recognize the Golus as a punishment and rectification for
failure to live up to our obligations in the past as, indeed, we
acknowledge in our prayers: "For our sins we were banished from our
land." But punishment, according to our Torah, called "Toras Chesed" (a
Torah of loving kindness), must also essentially be Chesed. Since G-d
has ordained a certain group, or people, namely the Jewish people, to
carry the difficult and challenging task of spreading - in all parts and
remotest corners of the world - the Unity of G-d (true Monotheism)
through living and spreading the light of Torah and Mitzvos
[commandments], a task which no other group was willing or capable of
carrying out, the greatest reward is the fulfillment of this destiny,
or, as our Sages put it, "The reward of a Mitzvah is the Mitzvah
itself." Thus, the ultimate purpose of the Golus is linked with our
destiny to help bring humanity to a state of universal recognition of
G-d.

Our Divine Prophets and Sages explained at length the state of the ideal
world which will eventually be attained, when all evil will be
eradicated and "the wolf shall dwell with the lamb," etc., "they shall
not hurt nor destroy," etc. Here again, at first glance, one may ask:
"Why was it necessary to create vicious beasts in the first place, if
they were ultimately - when the world will be filled with the knowledge
of G-d - destined to be turned into docile and peace-loving creatures,
so that 'a small child shall lead them' "? But the answer is the same as
above.

Paving the road to the gradual achievement of the said destiny has
always been the persevering and indomitable work of determined
individuals and groups conscious of their responsibility. They dedicated
themselves to the vital need of strengthening and spreading the Torah
and Mitzvos among the widest sections of our people.

In recent generations, more than ever before, the main emphasis has been
on the need to bring the knowledge and practice of the Torah and Mitzvos
to the widest possible segments of our people, in the greatest number of
locations, without waiting for them to seek it - in the hope that they
will sooner or later realize the need of it themselves. The most
effective way to accomplish this is, of course, is through organized
Torah-true education of the young, the young in years and "young" in
knowledge. The pattern has been set by the founders of Chasidus and of
Chasidus Chabad, who exemplified this approach with dedication and
selflessness.

The Baal Shem Tov, before revealing himself and his way of life, was a
Melamed - a teacher of small Jewish children. Similarly, the Alter
Rebbe, founder of Chabad, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov's disciple and
successor, began his work by founding his well known three "Chadorim."
This road has been followed also by his successors, the heads of Chabad,
each in his generation.

They personified an indomitable spirit and a disdain for any and all
difficulties and obstacles in their work for the dissemination of the
Torah and Mitzvos. They also made it plain for all to see that whatever
the difficulties, these are nothing but a challenge, to be expected and
overcome. And by facing up to, and eventually overcoming, all obstacles,
they had verified the truth of the basic tenets of our faith, namely
that G-d's Providence extends to each and everyone individually, and
that "He who is determined to purify himself and others, receives aid
from On High."

It is a matter of common experience that when there is a firm will and
unshakable determination, it soon becomes apparent that the difficulties
are often largely imaginary, and even when real - not insurmountable.
The forces of good are cumulative and self-generating, as our Sages
indicated in their well known dictum, "One Mitzvah brings another in its
train." If evil can be contagious, good is certainly much more so, and
many who stand at the sidelines are inspired and willing to join in
constructive and positive action, provided the lead is given and the way
is shown.

The challenge of our time is to spread the knowledge of the Torah and
Mitzvos, particularly through the education of our young, until each and
every Jew will attain the level of "Know the G-d of your father and
serve Him with a perfect heart," and the fulfillment of the prophecy:
"They all shall know Me, small and great, and the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of G-d, as the waters cover the sea."

With blessing,

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                              ALL TOGETHER
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What is demanded of us this year is Hakhel - gathering Jews together.
You may ask, "Jews always gather together! So what is the difference
between a Hakhel year and any other year?" The headline is what's
different!  Do whatever you did until now, but with new enthusaism. The
headline today is Hakhel. Routine activities get a new headline and
therefore a new energy; Hakhel. This fresh new headline needs to be
apparent to the point where when someone sees you they will say, "There
goes a Hakhel Jew!"

                                       (Rabbi Eliezer Tzeitlin a"h)

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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As a preparation for the unity we will experience in the Messianic Era,
every person should work on refining him/herself into a united,
coordinated personality.

To illustrate this concept, the Rebbe told the following story:

Reb Zalman Aharon, the elder son of the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe, the
Rebbe Maharash, once asked his uncle if he recited his prayers
"b'tzibbur" - with the community, i.e., with a minyan (a quorum). The
uncle answered in the affirmative.

The next day, Reb Zalman Aharon noticed that his uncle was praying at
great length, taking much more time than any member of the community.

Reb Zalman Aharon approached his uncle later and asked, "Didn't you tell
me you prayed b'tzibbur?"

"I do," his uncle replied. "B'tzibbur means 'with the collective.' After
I unify the seven emotional and three intellectual aspects of my soul, I
pray!"

But how can we accomplish this internal unity? How can one bring the
divergent aspects of his/her personality into harmony?

By using our talents and gifts for the purpose of bringing G-dliness
into the world and uniting with G-d.

Far from being an impossible task, this job of marshalling our talents
to the service of G-d is intrinsic to every Jew, for each soul - as
explained at length in Chasidic philosophy - is an actual part of G-d.

Thus, uniting the diverse aspects of one's personality through devotion
to G-d is intrinsic and the essential part of the existence of every
Jew.

When we begin working on personal unity and harmony, we find that it is
much easier to foster unity and harmony amongst the Jewish people as a
whole.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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You shall be holy (Lev. 19:2)

As Rashi notes, this commandment was given at a "Hakhel" gathering, when
the entire Jewish people was present. This teaches that when the Torah
requires us to be holy, it doesn't mean that we should become hermits
and seclude ourselves from the world. Rather, a Jew is obligated to
conduct himself with sanctity in the context of a full communal life.

                                                      (Torat Moshe)

                                *  *  *


You shall be holy... and My Sabbaths you shall keep (Lev. 19:2,3)

And My Sabbaths you shall keep: The strength to do this is derived from
Shabbat itself, for it reminds us that G-d's relationship with the
Jewish people is super-rational and above the constraints of nature.
This knowledge in itself grants us the ability to become involved in
worldly matters in a manner of holiness and purity.

                                                        (The Rebbe)

                                *  *  *


You shall rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin on his account (Lev.
19:17)

The mitzva to rebuke one's fellow is preceded by the warning "You shall
not hate your brother in your heart," for it is only when this condition
is fulfilled that a person's words will be effective. In fact, if the
rebuke was ineffectual, it means that the words were insincere and not
coming from the heart.

                                                        (Hayom Yom)

                                *  *  *


And you shall love your neighbor as yourself (Lev.19:18)

The Holy One, Blessed be He, loves every single Jew with the same
intensity as elderly parents love an only child born to them in their
old age.

                                                (The Baal Shem Tov)

                                *  *  *


You shall rise in the presence of (mipnei) an old person (Lev. 19:32)

The Hebrew word "mipnei" is related to "lifnei," meaning "before." Don't
wait until you're old to take care of your spiritual needs, the Torah
counsels us. Rather, rise up and do something positive for your soul
before your advanced years.

                                               (Maayana Shel Torah)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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In the ancient city of Aleppo, Syria there lived a Jew named Shimshon.
He was well known as a bully and half-drunk most of the time.

In the marketplace he walked from stall to stall, placing groceries in
his basket, and leaving without paying.  If anyone dared ask for payment
he glared at them or made menacing comments. If he really got angry, he
would overturn the produce or grocery cart and even give the stall
keeper a big wallop.

Word eventually got to the rabbi of the town, who called Shimshon in and
severely rebuked him.  Shimshon, feigning innocence, asked, "Did anyone
complain to you about me?"

The rabbi had to admit that no specific complaint had yet been brought.
But, of course, the people were too frightened to accuse him and start
up with Shimshon.

One day an older woman brought beautiful fruits and vegetables to the
market.  Shimshon came up to her stall, choose several items and walked
away.

"Stop, come back.  You haven't paid me," yelled the woman.

Shimshon turned around, looked at her threateningly and shouted, "You'll
keep quiet if you know what's good for you."  Then he continued on his
way.

The stall keepers nearby encouraged her to go to the rabbi, who was
relieved that there was finally a charge against Shimshon. The rabbi
immediately sent for the culprit.

"Did you take produce from this woman without paying?" the rabbi asked
Shimshon.

"Who says I'm not going to pay her?" was Shimshon's insolent reply.

"Pay her immediately or return her goods," was the rabbi's stern
response.  "If this ever happens again you will also have to pay a heavy
fine," the rabbi added.

Shimshon took out his money and silently paid the woman.  But as he was
leaving, the rabbi's attendant, Levi,  overheard him muttering, "I'll
get even with the rabbi!"

A few days later the rabbi was invited to a circumcision in a nearby
village.  Along the way, Levi kept a sharp look out.  When he noticed a
man hiding behind some shrubs in the distance he was certain it was
Shimshon.  He now told the rabbi of Shimshon's threat and urged him to
turn back.  Instead, the rabbi noted the time and told Levi to stop the
carriage so they could say the afternoon prayers.  He prayed intensely
and longer than usual, then climbed back into the carriage and told Levi
to drive full speed ahead.

In a matter of moments, Shimshon appeared in the middle of the road and
stopped the carriage.  Rushing over to the rabbi, Shimshon grabbed his
hands, and with tears in his eyes begged forgiveness. The rabbi forgave
him on the condition that he change his ways. Shimshon promised he would
and they parted like best of friends.

Levi was amazed and puzzled.  The rabbi explained what had just happened
with a commentary from the Torah.  "When Esau threatened Jacob's life,
Rivkah, their mother, instructed Jacob, "When your heart is free from
any anger that you harbor against your brother for the trouble he has
caused you, then you will be sure that his anger has turned away from
you."

"You see," the rabbi concluded, "I was very angry with Shimshon, but I
prayed to G-d to help me free my heart from any anger against him, and
to help him free his heart from anger and evil.  When I felt I no longer
had ill feelings toward him, but rather compassion and a strong desire
to help him mend his ways, I was certain that his heart, too, was pure.
That is what actually happened.  Thus, our sages teach us:  As water
reflects a face, so does one heart respond to another!

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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You will return to your G-d, with all your heart and with all your soul,
and you will listen to His voice according to all that I am commanding
you this day you and your children. Then, your G-d, will bring back your
exiles, and He will have mercy upon you. He will once again gather you
from all the nations, where the L-rd, your G-d, had dispersed you. Even
if your exiles are at the end of the heavens, your G-d, will gather you
from there, and He will take you from there. G-d will bring you to the
land which your forefathers possessed, and you will take possession of
it, and He will do good to you, and He will make you more numerous than
your forefathers.

                                                      (Deut.30:1-5)

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               END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1421 - Kedoshim 5776
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