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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1432
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                           Copyright (c) 2016
                 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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        July 29, 2016           Pinchas           23 Tamuz, 5776
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                              Build A Home

"You didn't buy a house!" That's the home-grown wisdom one Yiddishe Mama
dispenses to her adult children when they purchase an item that they
later decide is not to their liking. It wasn't such a big investment of
time and money that you have to lose sleep over it, she is counseling
her offspring.

But once you've purchased that house, or even if you're not yet up to
buying a house but simply want to make your rented quarters homey, what
furnishings should it contain?

Jewish teachings suggest that we furnish our homes, first and foremost,
with people.

Rabbi Yosay ben Yoezer from Tzrayda taught that our homes should be a
meeting place for Jewish scholars. His colleague, Rabbi Yosay ben
Yochanan of Jerusalem said that our homes should be wide open for guests
and that the poor should be treated as members of one's household.

Taking this advice from our Sages gives a special ambiance to our homes
even before we've decided on the decor.

But what of the furniture, fixtures, appliances, gadgets, rugs and art?
When purchased with the right attitude, these can all be within the
spirit of Judaism.

Such an attitude is aptly represented by a story of Reb Pinchas Reizes,
a famous chasid of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, the first Chabad Rebbe.

Reb Pinchas was fabulously wealthy. And yet, when he mentioned to Rabbi
Shneur Zalman his plans to build himself a beautiful, brick mansion, the
Rebbe asked him, "Pinchas, why do you need such a mansion?"

As most of the other houses in his city were made of wood, his home
would stand out and could be construed as an ostentatious sign of wealth
and pretentiousness.

"Rebbe, believe me," explained Reb Pinchas, "when I think about building
my house, I shed more tears than there will be bricks. I keep reminding
myself, 'Do I need a brick mansion?'

"But, because I will have a mansion, important community meetings will
take place in 'Pinchas' mansion.' Since the meeting is taking place in
'Pinchas' mansion,' Pinchas has a say. Once Pinchas has a say...!

"Now, if Pinchas doesn't have a mansion, the meeting won't be taking
place by Pinchas. Then Pinchas won't have a say...."

Rabbi Shneur Zalman responded, "You are right, it is a proper thing for
you." (Early Chassidic Personalities by Rabbi S. B. Avtzon)

Some people chose to tailor their home's furnishings to the guests that
will fill their homes. This might preclude white sofas or carpeting,
expensive antiques or collectables within reach of small children, or
other items one must ponder before purchasing if one's home will be
filled with guests of all shapes, sizes and age.

To make a dwelling into a "home," a home in which one's family and
friends can truly feel "at home," the advice of Jewish teachings is the
best decorator around.

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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In this week's parsha, Pinchas, we read about the regular sacrifices
brought on the Temple altar. There were daily, Shabbat, new month and
festival offerings.

Every day two yearling lambs were brought as "constant burnt offerings.
The first you should do in the morning, and the second you should do in
the afternoon".

What is the significance of bringing one in the "morning" and one in the
"afternoon"? What lessons could we take from this constant burnt
offering, for our relationship with Hashem, and for our personal
relationships?

The Hebrew word for sacrifice is "korban" which comes from the word
karov, close. The idea here it to bring yourself closer, strengthen your
connection with Hashem.

This must be "constant". Hashem wants us to work on developing our
relationship with Him every day.

How do you get closer to Hashem? By being a "burnt offering". Burnt
offerings were unique, whereas other sacrifices, only parts were burnt
on the altar, the burnt offering was entirely consumed. Hashem wants us
to give our total self to him. To be open and vulnerable and to allow
our entire self to be consumed, becoming one with Hashem.

"Morning" is symbolic of the good times, when the light of Hashem shines
bright. At these times things are easy, there are no obstacles to
overcome. "Afternoon" is the hard times, when the sun is going down,
obstacles make Hashem seem distant. Even in these dark times of exile we
need to come closer. The darker it is, the greater the effort we need to
give to connect. The bond we forge in these dark times, is beyond
anything we could have created in times of light.

Ultimately the light will return but because of the closeness we have
developed, the light will be greater than anything we could have
imagined.

Same is true for personal relationships. To get closer you must be
"constant", you must work on your relationship every day. Give your
entire self to your other, allowing yourself to be open and vulnerable.
This is easy when things are fine. However, it is the persistence and
effort in times of difficulty that will take your relationship to a
whole new level. Deeper, stronger and more wonderful than anything you
could have imagined.

           Adapted by Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz from the teachings of the
            Rebbe, yitzihurwitz.blogspot.com. Rabbi Hurwitz, who is
       battling ALS, and his wife Dina, are emissaries of the Rebbe
                                                   in Temecula, Ca.

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                          Zaidy Pinchas' Torah
                           by Chana Wiesberg

This is the story of a very special Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll),
purchased shortly after the Second World War by my maternal zaidy
(grandfather), Rabbi Pinchas Sudak, when he and his family were on their
dangerous trek escaping Communist Russia.

Unlike most Jews living under the Communist Soviet regime, Zaidy Pinchas
did not really lack for anything. He had an underground knitting factory
and was a relatively wealthy man. He also managed to sustain a Jewish,
Torah-observant life for himself and his family. When he escaped from
Russia in the summer of 1946, at the age of thirty-eight, it was not
because of any material or even spiritual need. On the contrary, Zaidy
Pinchas risked being shot at the border for trying to escape. Nor did he
do it for the spiritual future of his children. He did it for his
grandchildren.

My mother, Batsheva - the oldest of Zaidy Pinchas' three children - grew
up in a home where commitment to Judaism was a way of life. As a young
girl she would ride alone on a donkey for several miles through the
desert to bring home the necessary wheat to be later ground and prepared
under exacting supervision for the Passover matza. That was her task
because, as a child, she was not as subject to questioning by the
authorities.

Nor was it an unusual sight in my mother's home for music books to be
swiftly spread over the piano as soon as a stranger entered their home,
hiding the religious books nesting beneath. In this way, my mother was
able to pursue her Jewish studies with her "piano teacher."

Zaidy Pinchas recognized that his children, raised to fight for the
preservation of their faith, would gain inordinate strength and faith to
persevere in following the path of their tradition -- no matter what the
circumstances. "I am not leaving Russia for my own children," he said.
"They will always know that they are Jews and will remain loyal to their
faith. But what will become of my children's children? That I do not
know. It is for them that I must leave the clutches of this regime."

Fortunate to have crossed the Russian border alive, the Sudak family
found themselves in Cracow with a group of forty-six other Lubavitcher
Chassidim escaping the Stalinist dictatorship, with their final
destination unknown. Included in this group was the Lubavitcher Rebbe's
mother, Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson.

There, in Cracow, Zaidy Pinchas met a Polish Jew who was offering a
Torah scroll for sale, and resolved immediately to purchase the Torah.
He then had a heavy wooden box fashioned to carry and protect it.

"Wherever this journey may lead us," said Zaidy Pinchas, "how can so
large a group of Jews travel without a Sefer Torah in their midst?"

It was time for the group to move onwards, walking through Steczen, to
cross the Czechoslovakian border on their way to Prague. They left late
at night. Each could carry only their most basic necessities; all other
worldly possessions were abandoned. Zaidy Pinchas had diamonds sewn into
the soles of his family's shoes.

In the blackness of the night, Zaidy Pinchas and Batya Sudak and their
three children, each grasping a coarse rope to keep them together,
trekked silently through a dense forest. Zaidy Pinchas clutched his
beloved Sefer Torah as he marched behind Bubby Batya, who carried their
youngest child, Bracha. As time progressed, Bubby Batya grew weary and
motioned to her husband that she could no longer carry Bracha.

With tears in his eyes, Zaidy Pinchas took his Sefer Torah out of its
wooden case, and silently mouthed an apology. "My priceless Torah, you
know that it is for you that I have left Russia. I would not have left
to an unknown future for myself. Nor for my children. I am fleeing to
ensure that my children's children will know you and live with you.
Forgive me, dear Torah, for betraying you now. It is either you or my
child. I part with you now, so that my children and children's children
should live a life where you are a real and meaningful part."

Zaidy embraced the Torah for the last time and gently laid it, in its
case, under a tree. He lifted his young child in his arms and journeyed
forward.

Eventually, Zaidy Pinchas and his family reached the free shores of
Israel. His children, Batsheva, Nachman and Bracha, each grew up to
become Rabbis or Rebbetzins serving their respective communities and
promulgating faith in Torah.

                                *  *  *


A few years ago, my mother, Rebbetzin Batsheva Schochet, was visiting in
California where she was invited to the home of Mrs. Faigy Estulin, a
friend of my sister's. Faigy was describing her own father's exodus from
Russia - several weeks after my grandparents' escape - and attributed
his longevity and robust health to an incident that happened over more
than 50 years ago.

He and his wife were escaping Russia on a dark night. Along the way,
their five year old daughter wandered away from them and was momentarily
lost. Frantically, the parents searched for her, crawling on their hands
and knees through the forest.

Suddenly Rabbi Gurevitch felt a hard surface. Upon further
investigation, he opened a wooden box to discover a Sefer Torah. Next to
the wooden box sat his young child. Kissing both passionately, he took
the Torah from its box, unraveled it and wrapped it around his body,
tying it with his gartel (prayer belt). Eventually, that Torah scroll
made its way to its current home, in a shul in New York City.

Mrs. Estulin ended by crediting her grandfather's long and healthy life
to the merit of this significant act.

Concluding her story, she looked up at my mother and couldn't fathom why
my mother's face had gone completely ashen and tears were streaming from
her eyes.

The legacy of Zaidy's precious Sefer Torah had come full circle.

          Originally published on chabad.org. Chana Weisberg is the
        editor of theJewishWoman.org and an inspirational lecturer.

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                             New Emissaries

Rabbi Eliahu Nochum and Chaya Mushke Eilfort will be arriving in
Encinitas, California before the start of the new school year and High
Holidays to establish Chabad of Encinitas. Until now, the Encinitas
Jewish community was served by nearby Chabad of Carlsbad. Rabbi Shmulik
and Yael Moscowitz have moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where they will be
establishing a Chabad Center to serve the community and tourists heading
to the Grand Canyon.

                              New Facility


Chabad of Great Neck, New York, recently celebrated the opening of its
23,500 square-foot building. The new facility was built on the 8.7-acre
waterfront property that Chabad of Great Neck purchased 22 years ago.
The new Center includes classrooms, a library, a commercial kitchen and
large open spaces for Shabbatons, holidays and Jewish life cycle
celebrations. The original two-story house where Chabad activiites took
place until now will continue to be used for smaller programs so that
Chabad can continue to offer the home away from home feeling people
enjoy.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                      19th of Tammuz, 5720 [1960]

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter of the 8th of Tammuz, with the enclosures for
which you will find receipt herewith.

As requested, I will remember you and your wife in prayer when visiting
the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory, in
accordance with the contents of your letter.

Needless to say, one must have absolute faith in G-d, while at the same
time providing the channels and vessels in the natural way to receive
G-d's blessings, and the greater the faith in G-d, the sooner and in a
larger measure one sees the fulfillment of G-d's blessings.

With regard to the matter of the observance of the laws of Taharas
Hamishpocho [family purity], and that there are some doctors who suggest
that the period of abstention required by these laws might interfere
with the period of ovulation, I need hardly say that the ruling of the
Rov [Rabbinic authority] is, nevertheless, quite binding. Moreover,
inasmuch as these laws are part of our Torah, which is called Toras
Chaim, being the guide in life, it is impossible that the observance of
the Torah, especially such a basic law as Taharas Hamishpocho, should
interfere with another law, especially such a basic mitzvah
[commandment] as procreation, which is the first mitzvah in the Torah.

As a matter of fact, I would like to call your attention to the fact,
which I am sure also your doctor will substantiate, that there are many
medical authorities who do not accept the whole theory regarding the
period of ovulation with absolute certainty.

Furthermore, the number of medical authorities subscribing to this
latter view is increasing. But even those who do attach importance to
this theory, do not claim that the period of ovulation could be so
carefully narrowed down as to make a day or two significant. Finally,
there are various methods and treatments which help to postpone the
period of ovulation and which have been applied to good advantage.

May G-d, whose benevolent Providence extends to everyone individually,
fulfill your heart's desire to be blessed with healthy offspring.

Hoping to hear good news from you,

With Blessing,

It would be advisable to ascertain if, at the time of your marriage,
either you or your wife might have been involved in hurting the feelings
of a man or woman through a previous broken engagement or promise, and
the like, in which case a Mechila [asking forgiveness] might be
necessary.

    Ed.'s note: Eleven months after the Rebbe wrote this letter of
    advice and blessing to the childless couple he wrote another letter
    wishing them mazel tov on the birth of their first child

                                *  *  *

                      16th of Adar I, 5725 [1965]


I was pleased to receive your letter of the 15th of Shevat, in which you
write about the successful initial meeting on Taharas Hamishpocho, and
the fruitful beginnings.

It is, of course, unnecessary to emphasize to you the paramount
importance of this cause. Nor do I think that it would require a great
deal of persuasion to convince the other participants in the meeting of
the vital importance of Taharas Hamishpocho.

Suffice it to say that even where a person may not be so meticulous
insofar as he or she is concerned, yet there is no limit to the love and
devotion of parents to their children, their readiness to spare no
sacrifice for their benefit.

Even if the observance of the laws and regulations of Taharas
Hamishpocho entailed a certain effort or even sacrifice on the part of
the parents, surely it would be done eagerly, knowing that in addition
to the essential thing of the need of observing G-d's commands for their
own sake, these observances have a direct influence on children, and
through them on grandchildren and so on. Of what account, therefore, is
a temporary inconvenience or effort by comparison to the everlasting
benefit in terms of good health, physical and spiritual, and true
Nachas, etc. All the more so since the inconvenience or effort are
smaller than imagined.

May G-d grant that this vital activity of Taharas Hamishpocho in your
community should grow and expand, bringing even more and more members
and participants, and may the observance of this essential law and
regulation stimulate also the general observance of the Torah and
Mitzvos, where there is always room for improvement.

With blessing,

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                              ALL TOGETHER
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Hakhel causes the Jewish people to, in the Torah's words, "Fear the
Lrd... as long as you live on the earth." This is a unique phenomenon.
Chassidus explains that each festival had a continuing influence which
lasted until the next festival, or more particularly till the original
festival is celebrated again in the year to come. Hakhel is different.
After seven years another Hakhel assembly will be held, however, the
affects of the first assembly continued "all the days which you will
live on the earth."

                                        (The Rebbe, 3 Tishrei 1980)

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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We are now in the Three Weeks which commenced with the 17th of Tammuz -
the day on which the wall surrounding the Temple was destroyed. It is
the time when we begin a special period of intensified mourning for the
the Holy Temple.

It is, however, not only a time to mourn the Holy Temple, but also to
reflect even more deeply on its rebuilding. It is for this reason that
at this time of year the Rebbe emphasized the importance of studying
the special laws which relate to the Beit HaBechira - G-d's Chosen
House.

Concerning the destruction of Jerusalem it says, "Everyone who mourns
for the destruction of Jerusalem will be privileged to see its
rebuilding." We are not discussing here the obligation of the community
at large, but rather the obligation of each and every individual. Each
one of us has to mourn Jerusalem. And, although we have been promised
that the Holy Temple will be rebuilt, we are obligated to help rebuild
it.

The completion of this task requires not only the participation of the
community in general, but the participation of each individual in
particular.

The Rebbe said that in order to aid in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and
bring Moshiach closer, every individual must increase in Torah study,
prayer and charity. An increase in charity is especially appropriate at
this time since we are told that charity brings the final redemption
closer, and "Zion will be redeemed through... tzedaka - charity."

May each and every one of us draw on that inner strength bestowed upon
every Jew which will enable us to increase in all of the above-mentioned
matters, bringing about the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the complete and
Final Redemption through Moshiach NOW!

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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Pinchas ...was the one who zealously took up My cause (literally "was
jealous with My jealousy") (Num. 25:11)

The motivation behind Pinchas' deed was completely pure and for the sake
of heaven, without any personal desire for vengeance. This is similar to
G-d's "jealousy," for He has mercy on all His creations and chastises
those whom He loves. Pinchas was therefore "jealous with My jealousy,"
i.e., without personal motivation or consideration.

                                          (Rabbi Yehoshua of Kutna)

                                *  *  *


My offering, My bread (Num. 28:2)

Why are the sacrifices likened to bread? Just as bread enlivens the
physical body with sustenance, so do the sacrifices bring a G-dly
vitality and abundance into the physical world.

                                                    (Likutei Torah)

                                *  *  *


A continual burnt-offering (Num. 28:3)

The "tamid" (perpetual) offering, symbolic of all the sacrifices, was
totally consumed on the holy altar, affording neither the person who
brought it nor the priests who served in the Holy Temple any benefit
from its flesh. We learn from this that a person who sincerely desires
to draw near to G-d must serve Him without regard for any benefit it may
bring him.

                                                  (Sichat Hashavua)

                                *  *  *


And on the beginnings of your months (Num. 28:11)

Eleven sacrifices were offered in the Holy Temple on Rosh Chodesh, (the
new moon): two cows, seven sheep, one ram and one goat, thus balancing
the solar calendar with the Jewish lunar system (the solar year is 11
days longer than the lunar).

                                                  (Rabbenu Bachaye)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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    From all over Europe, thousands of Jews used to come to visit Reb
    Yisroel, the holy Rabbi of Ruzhin. For little Pesach, the orphan who
    had been taken in by the Rebbe's family, it was an amazing sight
    which he never became accustomed to -- so many people with so many
    kinds of troubles -- each with his own hopes for a better future.
"The Rebbe is a holy man," he was told. "All these people come to him
for a blessing. When he gives it, he can see what will happen to them
many years from now."

One day the Rebbe called Pesach aside and told him, "A time will come
when you will have to go away. You will study medicine and become a
doctor. Then you shall go to the Holy Land. There is your place. And
there you will save many lives." Pesach burst into tears. "Must I leave,
Rebbe?" he cried.

"Don't be upset," the Rebbe said. "My thoughts will always be with you."

And so it was that Pesach grew up and became a doctor -- taking the
family name of his beloved Rebbe, Friedman -- and settling in Israel in
the town of Tzefat in the Galilee.

One day a regal carriage stopped in front of his house, and an important
looking man stepped out. "I am looking for Dr. Friedman," he announced.

When Dr. Friedman came to the door he was told, "The Princess of Prussia
is visiting Tzefat and she is extremely ill. One minute she is burning
with fever, the next moment she is shivering with cold. You must come at
once. Her father, the Kaiser, is anxious that you come at once."

Dr. Friedman hurried to the princess's bedside. He examined her and
diagnosed malaria. "Take this medicine for three days. If we are
fortunate, the disease has been caught in time for a cure."

Three days later the princess's fever broke and it could be seen that
she was on her way to recovery. After three weeks Dr. Friedman was
summoned again. "The Princess will be resuming her trip, however she
still feels weak and has begged that you come with her."

Dr. Friedman explained, "Your Highness, it is difficult for me to
fulfill your request. As a Jew I must pray three times a day with ten
men, and I may eat only kosher food. The trip to Jerusalem is a long
one."

The Kaiser replied, "Spare no expense. Bring along ten men and whatever
food you require. Only come."

Dr. Friedman joined the traveling party for the long, arduous journey.
When he finally returned home, his wife asked, "Did they reward you for
saving the life of the princess?"

"Not really, but they said the Kaiser would be in my debt. True, it was
very difficult, but for me it is enough that I saved her life."

Many months passed and no more was heard from the princess or her
father. The land of Israel was beset by problems and the interesting
episode of the princess was forgotten as everyone was consumed with a
different worry -- the safety of their children. The government of
Turkey, which then ruled the Holy Land, was demanding that young Jewish
men serve in its army. Not only was it impossible to observe the Torah
in the army, it was also highly dangerous. The only alternative was
prison. Then, out of the blue, came a telegram for Dr. Friedman from the
Kaiser of Prussia.

The brief cable stated that by the grace of His Royal Highness, the King
of Prussia, Dr. Pesach Friedman had been appointed Consular Agent in
Tzefat for the government of Prussia, with full authority to issue
passports, visas, and any other such papers to citizens of Prussia.

Dr. Friedman was silent for a long while, as he read and reread the
telegram. Then, he remembered the words of his Rebbe, as if they had
just been spoken, "There you will save many lives."

Hastily, he called a meeting of the communal leaders.

"Gentlemen," he announced, holding up the telegram, "here is the answer
to our troubles. By this document I have been given the right to issue
passports to citizens of Prussia. Do you realize what this means? No
longer will the Turks have power over us. If any young men are
threatened, let them come to me. I'll issue them a Prussian passport
that will save them! With these papers they'll become citizens of
Prussia, and won't have to serve in the Turkish army!"

And so, the words of Reb Yisroel of Ruzhin came true over and over
again!

     Adapted with permission from The Story Hour, Ed. Dr. D.S. Pape


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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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In this week's Torah portion we read, "My sacrifice...you shall keep to
offer to Me in its season" (Num. 28:2) Keeping something, as in "you
shall keep," implies waiting for or anticipating something. Thus, are we
able to keep the commandments of the sacrifices even in exile, after the
Holy Temple has been destroyed. We "keep" the laws associated with the
Holy Temple by anticipating its rebuilding. Through our great longing
for the Temple, we have a part in the sacrifices that were brought in
those times.

                                                        (Sfat Emet)

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               END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1432 - Pinchas 5776
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