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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1452
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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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        December 23, 2016       Vayeshev         23 Kislev, 5777
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                            Reliving Chanuka

Once upon a time, taking along a video recorder on vacation almost meant
bringing a luggage carrier just to shlepp the equipment with you. Over
the years, they got smaller and smaller, until today almost every phone
has an excellent video camera built in. Now it's easier than ever to
preserve those memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will be
saved in your mind, your heart and your come back to haunt you in social
media. Months or years later, you can watch the clips and remember the
good times.

While we have ways to keep memories alive, is it actually possible to
relive an experience?

Haven't we all wished, at one time or another, that we could capture a
moment and actually relive it at a future date?

"These days are remembered and experienced." A basic Jewish teaching is
that not only is a holiday or holy day a commemoration of an event that
took place many years ago, but the actual event is re-experienced yearly
on the anniversary of its happening.

The upcoming festival of Chanuka is no exception. The same "spiritual
energy" that was present at that time is in the world once again. This
means that we can tap into those forces and make them "work" for us in
our lives today. We can actually relive the miracles and lessons of
Chanuka.

What Chanuka energy are we able to remember and experience?

One of the Chanuka miracles was that a small band of Jews who were
devoted heart, body and soul to G-d and to the Torah were able to
vanquish the strongest army of the day. On Chanuka we experience this
same devotion and enthusiasm about Jewish life and living. We can devote
ourselves heart, body and soul to a special mitzva we have long wanted
to do, and we will successfully integrate that mitzva into our lives.

The second miracle of Chanuka was when a small amount of oil kept the
rededicated Temple menora lit for a wondrous eight days until more oil
could be produced. There was, in fact, other oil readily available.
However, it had been tampered with by the Greeks and though permissible
to use, the Jewish victors would not accept compromises for the
rededication of the Temple. They wanted no traces of corruption or
decay.

We relive this Chanuka miracle when we refuse to compromise our Judaism,
even under extenuating circumstances. The Maccabees' resolve to use only
pure oil gives us the strength to enhance our Jewish living by being
uncompromising in our performance of mitzvot, whether it's putting a few
coins in a charity box daily, befriending a lonely person, affixing
mezuzot to our doorposts, speaking only kindly of others, or setting
aside time for Jewish learning.

As one of the Chanuka blessings states, G-d performed miracles for us
"in those days at this time." On Chanuka we can expect that G-d will
perform miracles for us in our days at this time, culminating in the
ultimate miracle-the peace, plentitude, health and Divine wisdom for the
entire world that will be experienced in the Messianic Era.

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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In this week's Torah portion, Vayeishev,  we read about Jacob and his 12
sons. Joseph receives preferential treatment from his father, causing
his brothers to be jealous of him.

Two of the brothers plot to kill Joseph, but he gets thrown into a pit
and eventually sold into slavery instead.

Joseph is taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, one of Pharoah's
officers. G-d blesses everything Joseph does but he eventually winds up
in jail on false charges. Even in jail Joseph's abilities are
recognized, and he is appoint to a position of authority in the prison.

Despised by his brothers, sold into slavery, and thrown into jail on
false charges. Orphaned of his mother, alone in a foreign land. Yet you
don't get the feeling that Joseph was depressed or down. He seems able
to rise above and succeed in every situation.

How is Joseph able to stay positive? How can we be like Joseph and stay
positive?

There are several approaches one can take when confronted with
challenges. One can become a life long victim, the "woe is me"
mentality. This type of existence is a miserable one. Than there is the
guy who can get up after being knocked down. Although this sounds
admirable, it can be exhausting, and it is very difficult.

A third option is the "Joseph" approach. Joseph's paradigm was the key
to his positive outlook. Joseph saw himself as part of G-d's plan, he
saw every situation as part of the plan. When you perceive the world
from this perspective, every so-called "challenge" is nothing more than
part of the plan and thus positive. You are never pounded to begin with.

Our perspective is the key to our happiness. When we only see ourselves,
we are stuck with the difficulty of being beaten, the pain, the hurt,
the anguish, the suffering, etc.

However, when you see everything as part of G-d's plan, every situation
is seen as an opportunity. The crazier/stranger the situation, the more
meaning to find in it. Instead of being clobbered, you are uplifted.

It is not easy to get past ourselves, but by doing so, we can see things
from Joseph's perspective. By seeing it all as part of G-d's plan, we
can overcome life's challenges.

I have so much faith in our ability to be like Joseph, to always
recognize that our challenges are purposeful. In this way, we can lead
with wisdom and grace.

However, this life approach does not absolve G-d. We have too many
challenges and we have seen too much pain. It is time for G-d to let us
all know how well we have done, and bring Moshiach now.

           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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                           Still Strong at 91
                          by Rabbi Yosef Rodal

The town of Jindabyne, a small village nestled in the foothills of Mt.
Kosciuszko in New South Wales, Australia. The party of seven chatted
comfortably. Tina, the hostess, glanced at her guests with pleasure.

Dr. Phillip Klein, who had recently retired in nearby Thredbo, had come
with his wife Marina. Her friend Dianna sat nearby. At the far end of
the table I sat with my wife Malki and our son Yitzchok. We had come to
spend this Chanuka evening with the few Jewish locals.

Malki and I direct Chabad of RARA. We organize visits throughout Rural
and Regional Australia, connecting with Jewish people and arranging
holiday events, online education, and more.

Tina had been asking for a visit for a while and Chanuka was the perfect
opportunity. During a previous phone conversation, 91-year-old Tina had
shared that she was born Jewish, but had been a practicing Christian her
entire life.

"About two years ago, I suddenly felt stirrings deep within me, prodding
me to reconnect to my Jewish faith. I fought these feelings strongly.
Eventually, I gave in and called you but I am not sure what I want from
you."

I asked Tina to share more about her life. Tina kept everyone spellbound
with her courageous story.

Tina's mother had passed away when she was eight years old, and her
grandmother had adopted her. Grandma Marie converted to Christianity and
was shunned by her Jewish family. So she packed up, took Tina with her,
and settled in the mountainous region on the border of Austria and
Yugoslavia

Tina has happy childhood memories of frolicking in the forest. But
abruptly her peaceful life was shattered. The war had reached her
doorstep, and as a young girl of 15, her life would never be the same.

Grandma Marie passed away around that time, and Tina moved in with a
friend.

The leader of the Austrian underground (against the Nazis) contacted
Tina. A teenage girl, living as a Christian, coupled with her intimate
knowledge of the terrain, made her the ideal candidate to smuggle people
over the border to safety

Tina threw herself into the underground work. Over the next few years,
she smuggled more than 70 people over the border, most of them Jews. She
married a Jewish man, Michael, and had a daughter. Throughout the
pregnancy and even after the birth, she continued her lifesaving work of
guiding refugees to freedom.

On one of her rescues, she was taking a Jewish couple to freedom. She
led them into her hideout, a small cave dug out in the mountainside. The
husband asked to light the menora that he had taken along with his
meager possessions. She refused, as the light might attract unwanted
attention.

The couple pleaded with her. Finally she acquiesced. With heartfelt
longing, the couple lit the menora and sang Maoz Tzur. This was one of
Tina's only Jewish experiences.

Many times she was almost caught and she exhibited tremendous courage
under pressure. After the war was over she eagerly awaited news of her
husband who had been sent to fight against Germany. His commanding
officer came bearing terrible news. Michael had perished on the
battlefield. All that was left was his coat, which his comrade had
salvaged.

Heartbroken, Tina started rebuilding her life. She married a man who
happened to be Jewish, and became pregnant a short while later.

Not long afterwards, her first husband returned from the dead. Michael
had lent his coat to a freezing soldier, who had died on the
battlefield!

Tina had to make a gut-wrenching decision. She decided to stay with her
second husband and divorced Michael. But her second husband demanded
that Tina give up her daughter to Michael. She refused, and the marriage
ended in divorce.

Now, with two young children, Tina finally met her destined one. Arthur,
who also was Jewish, respected her Christianity. Together they had
another three children, raising them as Christians. In search of a
better life, they immigrated to Sydney, where they lived for 40 years.

After Arthur passed on, Tina relocated to rural Jindabyne, where housing
was more affordable and the climate reminded her of the Austrian
mountains.

"So," she concluded, "I still consider myself Christian and have raised
my children as such.  As I said, I am not sure what a rabbi can do for
me."

You are a heroine of the highest order," I told her. "The Talmud states
that one who saves a life it is as if they saved the entire world. How
much more so you who have saved dozens, maybe hundreds, of lives."

Regarding her claim that she was a Christian, I explained that no action
of ours in this world can sever our bond with G-d. Yet our connection
ebbs and flows, like a flame, and this would account for Tina's sudden
stirrings.

Tina was quite interested in the theological discussion and soon the
entire table was engrossed in heated yet respectful debate. Everyone
sensed that it was a poignant moment.

On Malki's suggestion, a menora was set up. "Would you light for me?"
asked Tina. "I would like to participate, but I do not feel able to
perform it myself. Can you please have me in mind?"

The atmosphere was electric as I sang the blessings followed by Maoz
Tzur. Tina's eyes clouded with tears. She remarked how this moment had
transported her back to the cave on that night when she had experienced
Chanuka for the first and only time. She insisted that we stay the
night.

In the morning, Tina bustled around the kitchen, asking many questions
about Judaism. When Tina stepped out for a moment to answer the
telephone, her voice could be heard in the other room.

"Regina, you missed it!" we heard her say. "Last night was the best
night of my life! I now know that my 'Jewishism' is who I am. I am sure
that Grandma Marie is looking down and smiling at my choice."

We were dumbfounded. After just one night, Tina was rejecting the
beliefs of her entire life. She was embracing what had been lying
dormant all those years. Her essence, her Jewish soul, had won out.

Tina has officially reclaimed her "Jewishism," as she calls it. Many of
her friends have cut off ties with her as a result, but this does not
deter her. A Jewish soul can never be extinguished. It may be hidden,
dormant, even for nine decades, but it always flickers in the heart of a
Jew, waiting to be ignited.

          Condensed and reprinted from the N'Shei Chabad Newsletter

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                         World's Largest Menora

Be part of the Chanuka celebrations at the World's Largest Chanuka
Menora at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street in New York City. Saturday night,
Dec. 24 and Saturday night, December 31 - 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25
through Thursday, Dec. 29, the menora will be lit at 5:30 p.m. Friday,
Dec. 30, the menora will be lit at 3:40 p.m. On Sunday there will be
live music, free hot latkes and chocolate Chanuka gelt. For more info
call the Lubavitch Youth Organization at (718) 778-6000. For public
menora lightings in your area visit chanukah.org

                            All Fifty States


With the opening of a new Chabad Center in South Dakota, history was
made! There are now Chabad Centers, manned by permanent shluchim
(emissaries of the Rebbe) in all 50 of the United States. Much success
to Rabbi Mendel and Mussie Alperowitz in their work in South Dakota.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                         Chanukah, 5737 [1976]

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to receive your book, which you were good enough to send
me at the suggestion of our mutual friend, Prof.

Needless to say, your book evoked memories of my birthplace, the
Ukraine, which is no doubt also your native land. And though I left it
years after the Revolution, I vividly recall those turbulent rears. For
this reason I took time out of my busy schedule to look through your
book though the subject is not my field. May I commend you on the effort
which you put into the said work.

I trust you will not mind my making several observations in passing.

Re Bibliography - almost all the titles are given in Ukrainian, though
many of the cited reference texts were surely written in other languages
as evidenced also from the first section of the book. It would have made
it easier for readers and students to see the titles in their original
languages.

A further point. I should have hoped that a prominent Ukrainian Jewish
socialist had written on the attitude of the Ukrainian socialists to
Jews, or, at any rate, to Jewish socialists. However, from his brief
biography it would seem that he had nothing to say on this question. As
I recall it was a painful let down and disappointment when quite a
number of Ukrainian socialists appeared as active participants in the
dreadful pogroms.

This matter is not merely of academic interest but quite relevant to the
present. For, unfortunately, there are still some prominent Jewish
socialists who place their trust in socialist countries and leaders, in
the hope that belonging to the same party and "brotherhood" would
discourage anti-Semitism.  Having, apparently, learnt nothing from
history, contemporary Jewish socialist leaders still base crucial policy
decisions on this misplaced trust.

Be it as it may, if there is among his writings or manuscripts any
material that has a bearing on this subject, I hope you will publish it
by way of a supplement to your book, or as a separate study, to assess
the position of the Ukrainian socialists vis-a-vis the Jewish question,
and, for that matter, of those other countries, including Germany.

I need hardly explain that the subject is of timely and practical
importance since it affects the policy making process  of socialist
leaders in Eretz Yisrael who still nurture hopes in their colleagues in
Austria, Scandinavia and elsewhere, and in their Jewish counterparts -
despite past disappointments.

I cannot bypass the opportunity without mentioning that Jewish
experience in our own times has again, and all too sadly, confirmed the
truth of the statement: "This (Jewish people) is a people that will
dwell alone, and will not be recognized among the nations" (Num. 23:9).
The sooner Jewish leaders, and Jews generally, realize that we cannot
rely on the "kindness of nations," the better will be our chances to
dwell in security. It is vitally necessary that Jews everywhere should
turn their hearts and minds inwardly, and strengthen their
identification with our great historic spiritual heritage, which has
been the real unifying force of our Jewish people and has preserved our
people through the ages - a tiny minority in a hostile world.

This is also the eternal lesson of Chanukah, which we are now
celebrating, the history and significance of which you surely know.

Wishing you a bright and inspiring Festival of Lights,

With blessing,

P. S. One item in the Bibliography particularly attracted my attention,
namely No. 105, which appears to refer to the religious life in the Holy
Land. It brought to my mind, as I recall it, the time when the Duma of
all the Ukraine was convened in Kiev, followed by s convention of Jewish
leaders, among them communal leaders and Rabbis, also in Kiev.
Surprisingly, these events are also not dealt with in your book,
although being of the Poalei Zion you probably had closer contacts with
Jewish circles.

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                              ALL TOGETHER
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                 Why the custom of giving Chanuka gelt?

"Chanuka" means "dedication." On 25 Kislev the Holy Temple was
rededicated. It also means "education." Concerning the second meaning,
it is customary to test children on their Torah knowledge during Chanuka
and give them gelt ("money") as a reward. In addition, the Talmud states
that if one doesn't have enough money for Chanuka lights and for Kiddush
wine, the Chanuka lights take precedence. "Chanuka gelt" enables all to
have enough money for both mitzvot (commandments).

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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In this week's Torah portion, we read how Tamar, Judah's
daughter-in-law, was informed that he was about to come to the town of
Timna to shear his sheep. And it was related to Tamar, saying, 'Behold,
your father-in-law is coming up to Timna to shear his flocks'."

The great commentator, Rashi, explains that Timna was a town located on
the slopes of a mountain. He states: "You ascend to it from one
direction and descend to it from the other."

The expression of ascent, therefore, is pertinent in the story of Tamar.
Since Timna was on the mountain-slope, and Tamar was planning to go and
meet Judah, she would not know from which direction he was coming unless
the direction was mentioned.

A person's spiritual service is like ascending a mountain. A mountain
climber cannot stop mid-way on the steep slope, for in that position it
is almost impossible to prevent himself from losing his footing and
falling. He must climb steadily upward without pause. Similarly, in
ascending the "mountain of G-d" (Psalms 24:3) a constant upwards
movement is vital, not only for the purpose of going higher, but also to
ensure that one does not fall lower. One should not be satisfied with
his present spiritual level, for such complacency is the beginning of
descent.

The upcoming mitzva of the Chanuka lights lends particular emphasis to
this teaching. Every night of Chanuka a new light must be added, for
spiritual affairs must always be in ascendancy. If one failed to add an
additional light on the second night of Chanuka (for example), he has
not merely failed to ascend higher on that day - he has slipped down
from the previous day's level. Yesterday he lit one candle, an increase
from the day before; he fulfilled the mitzva with the extra devotion
required; he was on the upswing, in ascendancy. Not so today. His level
has fallen. To observe the mitzva today with the same devotion as
yesterday, he must increase his commitment!

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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G-d was with Joseph and he was a successful man (Gen. 39:2)

Joseph was close to G-d when things were good for him, even when he was
a "successful man."

                                               (Rabbi Simcha Bunim)

                                *  *  *


There are some versions of the blessing made for the new month in which
we ask, for "lives in which we will have the fear of Heaven and the fear
of sin...lives in which we will have the love of Torah and the fear of
Heaven." Why do we ask for fear of Heaven twice? Perhaps it is because
in between the first and second request for the fear of Heaven we have
requested "lives of wealth and honor." When riches and prestige enter
the picture, sometimes the original fear of Heaven disappears and we
must again ask Him for the fear of Heaven.

                                                (The Chafetz Chaim)

                                *  *  *


His master saw that the L-rd was with him, and all that he did G-d made
prosperous in his hand (Gen. 39:3)

G-d's blessings are dependent on the study of Torah and observance of
commandments, as it says: "If you will walk in My ways...I will give you
rain in its season." However, we do not always see the connection
between the abundance that we receive from G-d and our actions because
we are in exile. But, concerning Josef, everyone saw that his
righteousness and good deeds brought down bountiful blessing and success
from Above.

                                                (Sefer Hama'amorim)

                                *  *  *


Joseph went into the house to do his business (Gen. 39:11)

According to the Targum (translation into Aramaic) of Onkelos, Joseph
went in to "examine the accounts" (for which he was responsible) of
Potiphar's household. Indeed, this was the greatness of Joseph: the
ability to maintain the highest level of attachment to G-d even while
actively involved in worldly pursuits.

                                               (Derech Mitzvotecha)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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November 1945. The streets of Lvov (Lemberg) were swarming with refugees
from all over Russia. Many of them, including several thousand Jews, had
arrived hungry and penniless. Everyone, without exception, was looking
for a way to cross over the border.

As the Second World War drew to a close, thousands of Polish citizens
who had fled to Russia in the last days of the war were now trying to
return home. Because the special Russian-Polish commission in charge of
issuing exit visas was centered in Lvov, the city soon became terribly
overcrowded.

Some Russian citizens, including Jews, had managed to obtain forged
Polish passports, and succeeded in escaping the Communist oppression.
This, of course, was not an easy thing to do, and it was also very
dangerous. The forged documents were extremely expensive. Moreover, the
Russian secret police, the N.K.V.D. (forerunner of the K.G.B.) was
constantly on the lookout for counterfeit passports. Anyone caught with
forged documents was severely punished. It was also against the law to
remain in Lvov more than one day without official permission. Those who
had been lucky enough to survive thus far could only hope and pray that
the commission would grant them a visa.

Eliezer R. was a young Jew who had made his way to Lvov from Bukhara.
When, in the course of his wanderings, he had met a group of Jewish
youths who had banded together for support, he had quickly joined them.
In Lvov they rented a tiny apartment, where they all lived together
while awaiting their visas.

Unfortunately, before they even arrived in the city it was learned that
the special Russian-Polish commission was no longer accepting
applications. To the thousands of refugees with nowhere else to turn it
was a terrible blow.

But Eliezer and his friends would not give up hope. After discussing the
matter at great length they concluded that there was only one solution,
even though it seemed to be a long shot...

For some time a rumor had been circulating among the refugees that the
N.K.V.D. officer in charge of visa applications, Boris Sapokvini, was
Jewish. It was also said that he was a very warmhearted individual, who
went out of his way to help his Jewish brethren...

Boris Sapokvini worked in the N.K.V.D. headquarters at 3 Lenina Street.
Whoever wanted an exit visa went to him first; if the application was
approved, it was then forwarded to the commission at 10 Dombrovsky
Street.

Everyone was well aware that the rumor was only speculation. But without
any viable alternative, Eliezer and his friends decided to forge ahead
with their plan.

The next night, Eliezer and another young man went to the N.K.V.D.
headquarters. In exchange for a bribe, the watchman gave them several
applications (though the date for their submission had passed), and the
home address of Boris Sapokvini. They hurried back to their apartment
and filled out the forms.

The following morning Eliezer and his friend were waiting on the
sidewalk when Sapokvini left for work. As always, the officer's uniform
was impeccable, his hair carefully coiffed. Despite the cold the two
young men were drenched in sweat, terrified by the risk they were about
to take. After taking a deep breath they blurted out, "We represent ten
young Jews who wish to leave Russia. Please help us, for otherwise we
will all commit suicide."

Boris Sapokvini gave no sign that he had heard them and continued
walking. But a few yards later he stopped and spun around. "No! It's
already too late. And who told you about me, anyway? How did you get my
address?" The N.K.V.D. officer was clearly furious.

A full minute passed as Sapokvini scrutinized the two young men. Then,
in a whisper he asked them, "Do you have the exit forms?" With a
trembling hand Eliezer held them out. The officer stuffed them into his
pocket and said quietly, "Eleven o'clock tonight. In my office," and
walked on.

That evening, which happened to be the first night of Chanuka, Eliezer
went to Sapokvini's office by himself. The officer quickly locked the
door after Eliezer was inside. The two men sat on opposite sides of the
desk and looked at each other. Suddenly, two tears rolled down the
Russian's cheeks.

As if wishing to unburden himself, Sapokvini began to tell Eliezer the
story of his life, which quickly verified the rumor that he was Jewish.
He also revealed that he had successfully enabled thousands of Jews to
leave the Soviet Union.

In the slight pause that followed, Eliezer reminded the officer that it
was the first night of Chanuka. Startled by the news, Sapokvini checked
the windows to make sure the blinds were drawn and walked over to the
glass bottle in the corner that contained an emergency candle in case of
electrical failure. Striking a match, he lit the wick and began to sing
the Chanuka blessings.

Two days later, Eliezer and his friends crossed over the border and
arrived safely in Poland. Eventually Eliezer made his way to Israel,
where he lives today. Sapokvini's activities were eventually uncovered
and he was put to death before a firing squad, but not before he had
saved the lives of thousands of his brethren.

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
*********************************************************************
In the merit of the Chanukah lights and the application of their lesson,
we shall speedily experience the messianic redemption, of which it is
said (Job 28:3), "He has set an end to the darkness" and "Arise! Shine!
For your light has come, and the glory of G-d is shining forth over
you!" (Isaiah 60:1)

                 (Living with Moshiach, Rabbi J. Immanuel Schochet)

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               END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1452 - Vayeshev 5777
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